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Combinatorial Optimization
William J. Cook , William H. Cunningham , William R. Pulleyblank , and Alexander Schrijver Manufacturer: Wiley-Interscience ProductGroup: Book Binding: Hardcover Similar Items:
ASIN: 047155894X |
Book Description
A complete, highly accessible introduction to one of today's most exciting areas of applied mathematicsCustomer Reviews:
A Classic in Combinatorial Optimization.......2003-03-19
Elegant one, but not a lot of details........1999-09-30
A superb introduction to Combinatorial Optimisation.......1999-07-17
Especially recommended are the chapters on minimum weight matching and the TSP.
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Applied Combinatorics
Alan Tucker Manufacturer: Wiley ProductGroup: Book Binding: Hardcover Similar Items:
Accessories:
ASIN: 0471735078 |
Book Description
Updated with new material, this Fifth Edition of the most widely used book in combinatorial problems explains how to reason and model combinatorically. It also stresses the systematic analysis of different possibilities, exploration of the logical structure of a problem, and ingenuity. Combinatorical reasoning underlies all analysis of computer systems. It plays a similar role in discrete operations research problems and in finite probability. This book seeks to develop proficiency in basic discrete math problem solving in the way that a calculus text develops proficiency in basic analysis problem solving.Customer Reviews:
Haphazard Applied Combinatorics is more like it..........2007-04-20
Do not be mislead by the positive reviews; this book is mediocre.......2005-11-04
Excellent for applications.......2004-06-28
The material is presented in a clear, friendly manner. The sections are short and specific and the emphasis is on problem-solving. Many examples are provided and constitute the majority of the book's volume. Each section ends with 20-30 exercises with answers (not full solutions) at the end of the book.
The book is excellent for computer science and applied math majors looking for a clear, application-based introduction to combinatorics and graph theory. It is also excellent for self-study.
The book's main flaw is that the proofs are not rigorous and are sometimes more intuitive than mathematical. For pure math students looking to explore graph theory and combinatorics in a more rigorous manner, other books (e.g. Diestel, "Graph Theory") will serve that purpose better.
An almost ideal introduction book to combinatorics.......2002-05-23
This book is easily and clearly written; covers almost every important basic concept and technic in graph theory and enumerative combinatorics, with neatly selected and wonderfully organised exercises.
And I highly suggest the author give the references to those last exercises in every section, since each of them does lead into a theory.
An almost ideal introduction book to combinatorics.......2002-05-23
This book is easily and clearly written; covers almost every important basic concept and technic in graph theory and enumerative combinatorics, with neatly selected and wonderfully organised exercises.
And I highly suggested the author give the references to those last exercises in every section, since each of them does lead into a theory.
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Small Worlds: The Dynamics of Networks between Order and Randomness (Princeton Studies in Complexity)
Duncan J. Watts Manufacturer: Princeton University Press ProductGroup: Book Binding: Paperback Similar Items:
ASIN: 0691117047 |
Book Description
Everyone knows the small-world phenomenon: soon after meeting a stranger, we are surprised to discover that we have a mutual friend, or we are connected through a short chain of acquaintances. In his book, Duncan Watts uses this intriguing phenomenon--colloquially called "six degrees of separation"--as a prelude to a more general exploration: under what conditions can a small world arise in any kind of network?
The networks of this story are everywhere: the brain is a network of neurons; organisations are people networks; the global economy is a network of national economies, which are networks of markets, which are in turn networks of interacting producers and consumers. Food webs, ecosystems, and the Internet can all be represented as networks, as can strategies for solving a problem, topics in a conversation, and even words in a language. Many of these networks, the author claims, will turn out to be small worlds.
How do such networks matter? Simply put, local actions can have global consequences, and the relationship between local and global dynamics depends critically on the network's structure. Watts illustrates the subtleties of this relationship using a variety of simple models---the spread of infectious disease through a structured population; the evolution of cooperation in game theory; the computational capacity of cellular automata; and the sychronisation of coupled phase-oscillators.
Watts's novel approach is relevant to many problems that deal with network connectivity and complex systems' behaviour in general: How do diseases (or rumours) spread through social networks? How does cooperation evolve in large groups? How do cascading failures propagate through large power grids, or financial systems? What is the most efficient architecture for an organisation, or for a communications network? This fascinating exploration will be fruitful in a remarkable variety of fields, including physics and mathematics, as well as sociology, economics, and biology.
Customer Reviews:
All the details you need to know to understand Watts' and Strogatz' famous article.......2007-03-12
Not enough contents to be a good book.......2005-07-08
Good, but some typos.......2005-06-02
Inspiring.......2001-07-24
The theory is developed in a scientific manner with extensive numerical support. Rich literature reviews and many open questions make this book a good research reference. Complex observations are generally followed by qualitative explanations. However, some of the simpler derivations are not fully clear. I believe that adding a few lines here and there can turn this book into a textbook.
The book spans many different areas of science and a deep understanding of the related results may require some background. However, each chapter ends with a brief summary, allowing the reader to move forward if he/she finds the chapter difficult. In summary, as the author puts it, the book is simply the "end of the beginning" in an exciting new field.
Great scientific synthesis.......2000-07-12
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Handbook of Applied Cryptography (Crc Press Series on Discrete Mathematics and Its Applications)
Alfred J. Menezes , Paul C. van Oorschot , and Scott A. Vanstone Manufacturer: CRC ProductGroup: Book Binding: Hardcover Similar Items:
ASIN: 0849385237 |
Book Description
Cryptography, in particular public-key cryptography, has emerged in the last 20 years as an important discipline that is not only the subject of an enormous amount of research, but provides the foundation for information security in many applications. Standards are emerging to meet the demands for cryptographic protection in most areas of data communications. Public-key cryptographic techniques are now in widespread use, especially in the financial services industry, in the public sector, and by individuals for their personal privacy, such as in electronic mail. This Handbook will serve as a valuable reference for the novice as well as for the expert who needs a wider scope of coverage within the area of cryptography. It is a necessary and timely guide for professionals who practice the art of cryptography. The Handbook of Applied Cryptography provides a treatment that is multifunctional: · It serves as an introduction to the more practical aspects of both conventional and public-key cryptography · It is a valuable source of the latest techniques and algorithms for the serious practitioner · It provides an integrated treatment of the field, while still presenting each major topic as a self-contained unit · It provides a mathematical treatment to accompany practical discussions · It contains enough abstraction to be a valuable reference for theoreticians while containing enough detail to actually allow implementation of the algorithms discussed Now in its third printing, this is the definitive cryptography reference that the novice as well as experienced developers, designers, researchers, engineers, computer scientists, and mathematicians alike will use.
Customer Reviews:
Advanced Crypto for the college mind........2004-04-26
Fantastic traditional reference.......2004-01-03
A very detailed book, but not for everyone........2003-10-13
If you don't have a ton of mathematical background and are scared of having to take a crash course in number theory, or are looking for a higher level view of things, I'd suggest something more along the lines of Bruce Schneier's 'Applied Cryptography' (ASIN 0471117099). If you have some mathematical background, but want to get into things in detail, this is probably for you.
If you're not sure whether you'll like the book, you should definitely take a look at it. While Amazon currently doesn't have sample pages, if you do a Web Search on "Handbook of Applied Cryptography", you can find Sample Chapters hosted online to give you a good feel for the book's style.
Complete and satisfying.......2003-07-06
Very depthful yet readable.......2003-02-22
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Introduction to Coding Theory (Graduate Texts in Mathematics)
J.H. van Lint Manufacturer: Springer ProductGroup: Book Binding: Hardcover Similar Items:
Accessories:
ASIN: 3540641335 |
Book Description
From the reviews: "The 2nd (slightly enlarged) edition of the van Lint's book is a short, concise, mathematically rigorous introduction to the subject. Basic notions and ideas are clearly presented from the mathematician's point of view and illustrated on various special classes of codes...This nice book is a must for every mathematician wishing to introduce himself to the algebraic theory of coding." European Mathematical Society Newsletter, 1993 "Despite the existence of so many other books on coding theory, this present volume will continue to hold its place as one of the standard texts...." The Mathematical Gazette, 1993Customer Reviews:
Excellent book from mathematical standpoint.......2005-02-20
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Applied Combinatorics
Fred Roberts Manufacturer: Prentice Hall ProductGroup: Book Binding: Paperback Similar Items:
ASIN: 0130393134 |
Customer Reviews:
Good Text.......2005-03-08
Hope this is a 1st edition error..........2004-10-21
Superb textbook.......2002-04-23
Excellent Book for a Graph Theory and Combinatorics Course.......2000-04-13
The author has a wide range of problems at the end of each section. Almost all of the problems are well written with clear directions.
Every Computer Science/Mathematics major should have this book in their library. It's great!
One of the best math books written.......1999-07-21
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A Reformulation-Linearization Technique for Solving Discrete and Continuous Nonconvex Problems (Nonconvex Optimization and Its Applications)
Hanif D. Sherali , and W.P. Adams Manufacturer: Springer ProductGroup: Book Binding: Hardcover ASIN: 0792354877 |
Book Description
This book addresses a new method for generating tight linear or convex programming relaxations for discrete and continuous nonconvex programming problems. Problems of this type arise in many economics, location-allocation, scheduling and routing, and process control and engineering design applications. The principal thrust is to commence with a model that affords a useful representation and structure, and then to further strengthen this representation through an automatic reformulation and constraint generation technique. The contents of this book comprise the original work of the authors compiled from several journal publications, and not covered in any other book on this subject. The outstanding feature of this book is that it offers for the first time a unified treatment of discrete and continuous nonconvex programming problems. In essence, the bridge between these two types of nonconvexities is made via a polynomial representation of discrete constraints. The book lays the foundation of an idea that is stimulating and that has served to enhance the solubility of many challenging problems in the field.
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Abstract Regular Polytopes
Peter McMullen , and Egon Schulte Manufacturer: Cambridge University Press ProductGroup: Book Binding: Hardcover ASIN: 0521814960 |
Book Description
Abstract regular polytopes stand at the end of more than two millennia of geometrical research, which began with regular polygons and polyhedra. The rapid development of the subject in the past twenty years has resulted in a rich new theory featuring an attractive interplay of mathematical areas, including geometry, combinatorics, group theory and topology. This is the first comprehensive, up-to-date account of the subject and its ramifications. It meets a critical need for such a text, because no book has been published in this area since Coxeter's "Regular Polytopes" (1948) and "Regular Complex Polytopes" (1974).Download Description
Abstract regular polytopes stand at the end of more than two millennia of geometrical research, which began with regular polygons and polyhedra. They are highly symmetric combinatorial structures with distinctive geometric, algebraic or topological properties; in many ways more fascinating than traditional regular polytopes and tessellations. The rapid development of the subject in the past 20 years has resulted in a rich new theory, featuring an attractive interplay of mathematical areas, including geometry, combinatorics, group theory and topology. Abstract regular polytopes and their groups provide an appealing new approach to understanding geometric and combinatorial symmetry. This is the first comprehensive up-to-date account of the subject and its ramifications, and meets a critical need for such a text, because no book has been published in this area of classical and modern discrete geometry since Coxeter's Regular Polytopes (1948) and Regular Complex Polytopes (1974). The book should be of interest to researchers and graduate students in discrete geometry, combinatorics and group theory.
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Elliptic Curves: Number Theory and Cryptography (Discrete Mathematics and Its Applications)
Lawrence C. Washington Manufacturer: Chapman & Hall/CRC ProductGroup: Book Binding: Hardcover Similar Items:
ASIN: 1584883650 |
Book Description
Elliptic curves have played an increasingly important role in number theory and related fields over the last several decades, most notably in areas such as cryptography, factorization, and the proof of Fermat's Last Theorem. However, most books on the subject assume a rather high level of mathematical sophistication, and few are truly accessible to senior undergraduate or beginning graduate students. Assuming only a modest background in elementary number theory, groups, and fields, Elliptic Curves: Number Theory and Cryptography introduces both the cryptographic and number theoretic sides of elliptic curves, interweaving the theory of elliptic curves with their applications. The author introduces elliptic curves over finite fields early in the treatment, leading readers directly to the intriguing cryptographic applications, but the book is structured so that readers can explore the number theoretic aspects independently if desired. By side-stepping algebraic geometry in favor an approach based on basic formulas, this book clearly demonstrates how elliptic curves are used and opens the doors to higher-level studies. Elliptic Curves offers a solid introduction to the mathematics and applications of elliptic curves that well prepares its readers to tackle more advanced problems in cryptography and number theory.
Customer Reviews:
Washington Elliptic Curves.......2007-01-12
Solid intermediate introduction to elliptic curves.......2006-06-12
A clear, concise introduction to elliptic curves.......2006-02-20
It might be a good book for a mathematic student but not a good one for an engineering student........2005-09-06
Excellent.......2003-07-19
The author begins the book with two neat problems that motivate well the subject of elliptic curves: the pyramid of cannonballs and the right triangle problem, i.e. which integers can occur as areas of right triangles with integer sides? He then immediately begins the elementary theory of ECs in chapter 2. The treatment is pretty standard, although he proves Pascal's and Pappus's theorems using the associativity of the group operation on ECs, which is not usually done in books on ECs. Also somewhat non-standard this early in the game is the discussion of reduction of ECs modulo various primes, and the subsequent definitions of additive, split multiplicative, and non-split multiplicative reduction.
The study of torsion points is done in chapter 3 with the Weil pairing on the n-torsion of an EC taking center stage. A fairly short chapter, the author delays the proof of the properties of the Weil pairing until chapter 11, where it is done with divisors.
Chapter 4 deals with elliptic curves over finite fields, and is one of the most important in the book from the standpoint of cryptographic applications of ECs. Hasse's theorem, giving the bounds for the group of points on an EC over a finite field, is proven in detail. The Frobenius endomorphism is introduced, and a proof of Schoof's algorithm for computing the number of points on ECs over a finite field is given a detailed treatment. There are many symbolic computational software packages in both the open and commerical realm which will do the counting straightforwardly, and anyone interested in cryptography will need to be familiar with some of these. Supersingular curves in characteristic p are introduced, and the author gives a good discussion of the reason why they are named as such.
The discrete logarithm problem, a topic also very important for cryptographic applications, is discussed in chapter 5. The chapter beings with the index calculus, and, recognizing that it does not apply to general groups, the Pohlig-Hellman, baby step-giant step method, and Pollards rho and lambda methods are discussed in details. The author then shows that for supersingular and "anomalous" curves, that the discrete logarithm problem can be reduced to an easier discrete logarithm problem. Along the way, two important concepts are introduced: the p-adic valuation, and the Tate-Lichtenbaum pairing, the latter of which is related to the Weil pairing, but applies to situations where the Weil pairing does not.
Elliptic curve cryptography is then discussed in chapter 6, and the treatment is fairly thorough. The author shows to what extent the Decision Diffie-Hellman problem can be solved using the Weil pairing. He also shows how to represent a message on an elliptic curve, satisfying early on any reader's curiosity on just how this is done. The El Gamal and ECDSA are compared in terms of their computational efficiency. An EC generalization of RSA is also discussed in some detail, along with a cryptosystem based on the Weil pairing. Chapter 7 then gives other applications of ECs, such as factoring and primality testing.
Chapter 8 marks the beginning of the "heavy artillery" in the theory of ECs, for here the author begins the discussion of elliptic curves over the rational numbers, which can be viewed as an example of Diophantine geometry. The famous Mordell-Weil theorem is proved, and as a sign that one is definitely in the arena of modern mathematics, the proof is given in terms of Galois cohomology, which is an abstraction of the Fermat method of descent. The reader gets a taste of height functions, and via some good examples, gets insight into why the rank of the EC is so difficult to compute. A neat example is given of a nontrivial Shafarevich-Tate group.
I did not read the chapters 9, 10, or 11 on ECs over the complex numbers, complex multiplication, and divisors, so I will omit their review. Chapter 12 introduces the famous zeta functions, and their use in obtaining arithmetic information about an EC. Zeta functions motivate the definition of an L-function of an EC, these being tremendously important in modern developments in the theory of ECs, such as the Swinnerton-Dyer and Birch conjecture, the latter of which is motivated rather nicely in this chapter.
The last chapter of the book is an excellent introduction to the proof of Fermat's Last Theorem. Considering the level of the book, the author captures very well the essential ideas. Readers will be well prepared, after studying more algebraic number theory and the theory of Galois representations (which the author only skims in the book), to tackle the full proof if so desired.
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Design Theory (Encyclopedia of Mathematics and its Applications)
Thomas Beth , Deiter Jungnickel , and Hanfried Lenz Manufacturer: Cambridge University Press ProductGroup: Book Binding: Hardcover ASIN: 0521444322 |
Book Description
This is the first volume of a two-volume text on design theory. Since the first edition, there has been extensive development of the theory. In particular, the growing importance of discrete mathematics to many parts of engineering and science has made designs a useful tool for applications. The authors acknowledge this trend with an additional chapter on applications. It is suitable for advanced courses and as a reference work, not only for researchers in discrete mathematics or finite algebra, but also for those working in computer and communications engineering. The book features exercises throughout and concludes with an extensive and updated bibliography of over 1800 entries.Books:
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