A First Course in Optimization Theory

Book Description

This book introduces students to optimization theory and its use in economics and allied disciplines. The first of its three parts examines the existence of solutions to optimization problems in Rn, and how these solutions may be identified. The second part explores how solutions to optimization problems change with changes in the underlying parameters, and the last part provides an extensive description of the fundamental principles of finite- and infinite-horizon dynamic programming. A preliminary chapter and three appendices are designed to keep the book mathematically self-contained.

Customer Reviews:

Great Review of Optimization for Graduates.......2007-01-03

This book is a great review prior to starting graduate study in economics. Its accessible even if you've never studied optimization before, and covers many of the main optimization concepts used in first semester graduate coursework.

a good book..........2005-10-17

a good book with lots of preliminary math review, but exercises are not that well

Outstanding... a MUST.......2005-04-12

Excellent introduction to optimization techniques with a special emphasis to induce the student to an active and positive attitude towards the rigoruous demonstration of every proposition behind theorems and economic models.
This is not a book for beginners, but an excellent one that helps to develop the abilities required to understand modern textbooks and papers on micro and macroeconomics.
With an excellent presentation, and interesting end-of-chapter exercises, this book cannot be out of every economist's toolbox.

Couldn't ask for much more........2005-02-02

An excellent introduction at this level which is both lucid and rigorous with just enough examples to motivate applications while not leaving the reader swimming in redundancy. The previous review gives details, but I will add that the proofs are concise and clear. The only thing I would add to this book is more and harder problems, but that is easily remedied. If you want a theoretical introduction, buy this book right now -- its one of the best textbooks I have ever seen.

The title says it all.......2004-04-02

A first course in Optimization theory - that is what the book is. The target audience is those who are inetersted in the theory of optimization. Some familiarity with Mathematical Analysis and Matrix Algebra would be helpful; however the first chapter lays the mathematical foundation and a careful reading would enable the reader to tackle the rest of the book.

Previous reviews have made a chapter by chapter analysis of the book and hence I will just highlight some of the things I liked about the approach used by the author. Whenever a theorem is stated different examples are given to emphasize the points. For example when stating the Lagrange Theorem and Kuhn-Tucker theorem the author points out when the theorems fail and gives detailed examples to illustrate the ideas. The author often draws from examples in finance to illustrate the practical importance of the theory. The one I liked most was how a cost minimization problem was solved by reducing the solution space to a compact space and then applying the Weierstrass theorem. The author also shows how some of the "cookbook" procedures really work and warns the readers against potential pitfalls in applying such procedures. If you are planning to study optimization theory and are looking for a good entry point into the subject this book is for you.

Book Description

Changing the workplace to help prevent stress is much more cost-effective in the long term than treating employees for the effects of stress. But to date, there has been little guidance for employers who wish to implement such programs. Preventing Stress, Improving Productivity gathers together examples of best practice in the workplace across a range of countries and organizations and identifies the factors that are crucial for a stress reduction program to work, both in terms of employee well-being and from a financial point of view.

Preventing Stress, Improving Productivity; European Case Studies in the Workplace

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Preventing Stress, Improving Productivity; European Case Studies in the Workplace
CARY COOPER
Manufacturer: NY
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Workplace | Organizational Behavior | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books
ASIN: B000MUH808

Book Description

Revised and expanded throughout, this latest edition of the bestselling Seeds Handbook: Biology, Production, Processing, and Storage includes valuable information on all areas of seed biology, production, and processing. The author, one of the most respected and prolific scientists in the field, identifies current developments in seed testing and certification, storage, transportation, and distribution. Tracking the evolution and advancement of seed industries and technologies, he fully covers the development and supply of high-quality seeds for every key agronomic and horticulture crop. Contains methods to enhance the genetic and physiological characteristics of more than 80 major and minor crops With an abundance of current research and additional figures and illustrations, this edition of the Seeds Handbook offers chapters on modern biotechnological issues such as the production of synthetic seeds, loss-reduction biotechnologies, and new strategies in the seed production industry. It provides in-depth information on burgeoning areas of seed science including tissue culture and cellular totipotency, induction and regeneration protocols, development and maturation, hormone requirements, drying and storage of somatic embryos, protective encapsulation, and crop applications. With an eye to the future, it looks at challenges in the provision and enhancement of seeds for crop plants, practical methods of seed production and micropropagation, genetically modified seeds, and world food security.

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Handbook Of Seed Science And Technology

Manufacturer: Food Products Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Science | Subjects | Books

General | Agricultural Sciences | Science | Subjects | Books

Agronomy | Agricultural Sciences | Science | Subjects | Books

Crop Science | Agricultural Sciences | Science | Subjects | Books

General | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

All Titles | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books
ASIN: 1560223154

Book Description

A reference text with the latest information and research for educators, students, and researchers!

World hunger and malnutrition remain an alarming concern that spurs researchers to develop quality technology. The Handbook of Seed Science and Technology is an extensive reference text for educators, students, practitioners, and researchers that focuses on the underlying mechanisms of seed biology and the impact of powerful biotechnological approaches on world hunger, malnutrition, and consumer preferences. This comprehensive guide provides the latest available research from noted experts pointing out the likely directions of future developments as it presents a wealth of seed biology and technological information.

Seed science is the all-important foundation of plant science study. The Handbook of Seed Science and Technology provides an integrative perspective that takes you through the fundamentals to the latest applications of seed science and technology. This resource provides a complete overview, divided into four sections: Seed Developmental Biology and Biotechnology; Seed Dormancy and Germination; Seed Ecology; and Seed Technology.

The Handbook of Seed Science and Technology examines:

the molecular control of ovule development

female gametophyte development

cytokinins and seed development

grain number determination in major grain crops

metabolic engineering of carbohydrate supply in plant reproductive development

enhancing the nutritive value of seeds by genetic engineering

the process of accumulation of seed proteins and using biotechnology to improve crops

synthetic seeds

dormancy and germination

hormonal interactions during dormancy release and germination

photoregulation of seed germination

seed size

seed predation

natural defense mechanisms in seeds

seed protease inhibitors

soil seed banks

the ecophysiological basis of weed seed longevity in the soil

seed quality testing

seed vigor and its assessment

diagnosis of seed-borne pathogens

seed quality in vegetable crops

vegetable hybrid seed production

practical hydration of seeds of tropical crops

seed technology in plant germplasm

Book Description

This handbook covers a whole range of issues relating to local seed supply systems, including participatory plant breeding, and both technical and practical information on seed production and variety maintenance. It suggests new approaches and methods to support on-farm seed production by small-scale farmers in developing countries.This book is of great value and interest to people who work directly with farmers including extension agents, national and international NGOs and farmers’ co-operative workers.

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A Handbook of Rice Seedborne Fungi
T. W. Mew , and P. Gonzales
Manufacturer: Irri Science Publishers
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Research | Education | Science | Subjects | Books

Methodology & Statistics | Experiments, Instruments & Measurement | Science | Subjects | Books

General | Science | Subjects | Books

General | Agricultural Sciences | Science | Subjects | Books

Agronomy | Agricultural Sciences | Science | Subjects | Books

All Titles | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books
ASIN: 1578082552

Book Description

This text is divided into three parts. The first part describes basic toxicological concepts and methodologies used in aquatic toxicity testing, including the philosophies underlying testing strategies now required to meet and support regulatory standards. The second part of the book discusses various factors that affect transport, transformation, ultimate distribution, and accumulation of chemicals in the aquatic environment, along with the use of modelling to predict fate. The final section of the book reviews types of effects or endpoints evaluated in field studies and the use of structure-activity relationships in aquatic toxicology to predict biological activity and physio-chemical properties of a chemical. This section also contains an extensive background of environmental legilsation in the U.S. and within the European Community, and an introduction to hazard/risk assessment with case studies.

Customer Reviews:

An Educational Asset To The Field Of Aquatic Toxicology........1999-11-01

This textbook is literally a constructive piece of scientific genius. Rand is perhaps one of the most knowledgable and most well respected authorities on Aquatic Toxicology and its many subdisciplines.

After persuing through the first few chapters of this wonderfully written scientific text, one becomes very interested and more hungry for knowledge dealing with this subject. Unlike many other novels of this nature, this one is very unique in that it gives the read a clear and very indepth picture of Aquatic Toxicology and its impacts on the environment as a whole.

This text deals with aquatic toxicology from an environmental pollution aspect dealing with manmade and natural chemical toxicants. It also deals with the ecotoxicity affects of man-made pesticides when aquatic organisms are involved in the bioecologicall food-chain.

Book Description

Fundamentals of Aquatic Ecology describes the fundamental features common to all aquatic systems, both marine and freshwater. This unique synthesis allows for the discussion of ecological processes comparatively, across environments. A general introduction is followed by discussion of various 'types' of aquatic ecosystems - open waters, coastal zones, benthos, and the aquatic ecosystem as a whole. This is followed by an important new chapter on aquatic ecosystems and global ecology. Later chapters consider the individuals and communities in aquatic ecosystems and then habitat types which are peculiar to them.

Customer Reviews:

FISH BREATHING.......1999-05-17

HOW THE FISH USE THE GIRLS TO EXTRACT THE P(O2)FROM SEA WATER

Aquatic Ecotoxicology: Fundamental Concepts and Methodologies

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Aquatic Ecotoxicology: Fundamental Concepts and Methodologies
Alain Boudou
Manufacturer: Crc Pr I Llc
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General & Reference | Chemistry | Science | Subjects | Books

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Fundamentals of Aquatic Ecosystems
Barnes
Manufacturer: Blackwell Science Inc
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: 0801604419

Fundamentals of Aquatic Toxicology: Methods and Applications

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Fundamentals of Aquatic Toxicology: Methods and Applications

Manufacturer: Hemisphere Pub. Corp.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Science | Subjects | Books

General | Nature & Ecology | Science | Subjects | Books

Toxicology | Pharmacology | Medicine | Subjects | Books

Hunting the Hard Way
Average customer rating:

This is a must read for anyone involved with traditional archery.

The Best Archery Book I've Ever Read!

Modern Traditional Point of View

GREAT GIFT FOR ANY TRADITIONAL ARCHER

excellent turn of the century bow hunter and builders book

Hunting the Hard Way
Howard Hill
Manufacturer: The Derrydale Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General & Anthologies | Hunting & Fishing | Outdoors & Nature | Subjects | Books
Hunting | Hunting & Fishing | Outdoors & Nature | Subjects | Books
Shooting | Hunting & Fishing | Outdoors & Nature | Subjects | Books
Archery | Individual Sports | Sports | Subjects | Books
General | Sports | Subjects | Books
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Wild Adventure

Hunting with the Bow & Arrow

Become the Arrow (On Target Series)

I Remember Papa Bear: The Untold Story of the Legendary Fred Bear Including His Secrets of Hunting

Instinctive Archery Insights: Revised Edition

ASIN: 1568331460

Book Description

Thrilling stories about hunting wildcat, buffalo, mountain sheep, wild boar, alligator, deer and small game with a bow and arrow.

Customer Reviews:

This is a must read for anyone involved with traditional archery........2006-11-03

If you are involved with archery, this book belongs in your library. Howard Hill posessed skills that are nothing short of incredible when it came to hunting and target archery. This book will inspire you to pick up your bow and go out and shoot. It might even inspire someone to but down his compound and pick up a real bow. This book is a compilation of accounts from Howards career that would be written off as fantasy if so many people hadn't witnessed what Howard was able to accomplish with a longbow. Howard attempts to describe making bows and other archery tackle. I wouldn't buy the book for these reasons. There are other sources such as the bowyer's bible series that do a much better job.

The Best Archery Book I've Ever Read!.......2005-02-21

Hunting the Hard Way is the best book I have ever read. This book is about the adventures of Howard Hill and others that accompanied him on his hunting trips. Howard Hill used a laminated bamboo longbow that he made in his archery shop. He was an excellent shot with the bow also. He took some amazing shots at animals in this book. The most amazing shot in my opinion was at an elk at over 150 yards! He also went hunting with his bow and arrow.

Modern Traditional Point of View.......2001-07-28

The first 2 chapters of this book locked this reader to the pages like an arrow nocked to the string. The thoughts and feelings expressed by Howard Hill as he came to full draw on each of his adventures put me in the saddle or atop the mountain looking through his eyes. Any archer's heart will race at the reaccounting of each hunt, but only archers of traditional caliber will be able to appreciate the flight of the arrow as it's loosed and hits its intended mark. The bond between fellow hunters is well expressed and gives proper account to the knowledge and wisdom passed down at the campfire by older more experienced hunters. But for the fact that Howard Hill has accomplished things with his bow that I wouldn't begin to consider, I found it difficult to associate with some of his underwater adventures.

GREAT GIFT FOR ANY TRADITIONAL ARCHER.......2001-05-01

I received my book on a friday and read it cover to cover in two days. I loved it. Howard Hill was not only the greatest archer in the world, but an excellent story teller. He does everything from shooting a buffalo while riding a horse, to bowfishing under water and shooting a large shark. He even has a technical chapter on bowmaking, and his style of shooting. Any archer will enjoy reading this book.

excellent turn of the century bow hunter and builders book.......1998-11-11

one of the best first person accounts of real bow hunting for any and all game on earth. detailed review of hunts, personal thoughts and technique in an easy to read format.excellent building details of the american long bow and equipment.a wealth of information on archery techniques as well as sportsmanship.

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Hunting the Hard Way
Howard Hill
Manufacturer: Wilcox and Follett Company
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding
ASIN: B0000CJHIO

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hunting the hard way
hill howard
Manufacturer: Wilcox and Follett
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000K5SCX2

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Hunting the Hard Way
Howard Hill
Manufacturer: Wilcox and Follett
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Leather Bound
ASIN: B000O1IN2W

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Hunting the hard way
Howard Hill
Manufacturer: Jerry Hill Longbow Co.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000LI17DA

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Hunting the hard way
Howard Hill
Manufacturer: Jerry Hill Longbow Co.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000O2PZF4

Book Description

Intended for use by students who are beginning French, this worktext attempts to stimulate the student's interest in both the language and in the French culture. It includes humorous stories, skits and dialogues, as well as exercises that are imaginative and challenging, words and music of French songs, word puzzles, riddles, French proverbs, menus and recipes, art reproductions and more. Suitable for both the classroom and self instruction.

Customer Reviews:

good for independent study.......2007-04-01

This book helped me a lot when I first started to learn French. I studied by myself over the course of a year by filling in the pages of this workbook whenever I had nothing else to do (which was often). I didn't even notice that there were no answers. I never checked because it's straightforward enough that you can know whether you're right by looking at the textbook/ explanation part that precedes the exercises.

A year later I studied with a French tutor for several months and he used this book. I think he said that the author (Kendris) has written some very good French resources so I am searching for some of his other books. Unfortunately it looks like Level 2 is not available here.

Fast for a beginner, but a fun ride.......2005-07-27

There is a lot of knowledge in this book.
It tends to move fast, throwing a lot at the reader at once. It would be good for a classroom, but for the home schooled French learner, it is gonna be tough.
Take your time with this book.
That is my only complaint of this book, now -
The good points - Grammar is well explained. The glossary is good for being a "glossary" in a book. (may want to have a French dictionary just in case)
The approach of this book is to first teach the more common words and grammar. The author interjects much humor in the scenarios used.
For the price, I don't think you will find a better book. It is one of a few books that are not only "fun" but educational.

Some complain there is no answer key? True, but by the time you study a text, you will have enough examples to complete the exercises given. Many involve "Write 3 sentences explaining (this or that), and for those, there is no way the author could know what a person would use for their own words.

As with ANY course in language, look for real life usage to get the most. A course can only cover so much.

Almost good.......2005-03-09

This would be a very good course if not for the fact that the audio part of the program does not cover dialog part. For beginners being able to herar what the language sonds like is very important. I have used Spanish NOW by Barrons with tapes that include dialogs. What a difference!

A workbook without the answers? Worthless!.......2004-11-20

Barron's should be ashamed of themselves, foisting a language workbook with no answers in it on an unsuspecting public. Because it's impossible to check if your answers are right or wrong, this book is totally useless for self-learners. Should be sold only with a giant sticker on the cover stating: "WARNING! NO ANSWERS PROVIDED". Blurbs about the book on web sites (are you listening, Amazon?) should not fail to state the same. Then at least people would know what they are, and are not, getting. Heartily NOT recommended.

A Useful Workbook -- but No Answers Provided!.......2004-02-25

This workbook is great for drilling basic vocabulary and crucial concepts of grammar into one's head. I love having plenty of space right in the book to fill in the answers.

But unfortunately, there's a big problem: the answers to the exercises are NOT PROVIDED in this book! This can be a real headache -- what if you are drilling and drilling, unaware that you are repeating the wrong usage over and over?

According to the book's Preface, "A separate teacher's manual is available from the publisher." However, no such manual exists, as I found out by checking the publisher's web site. A separate "French Now Answer Key" is listed here on Amazon, but is described as Out of Print and is in fact unavailable anywhere.

Instead of this book, therefore, I recommend "French the Easy Way" by the same author. It's another workbook using the same format; in fact, the identical stories are used, as well as most of the same exercises. But that one DOES supply an Answer Key in the back.

Customer Reviews:

Great resource for learning or teaching French.......2005-03-31

Even though this book is now out of print, I have used portions of it for years with my 1st and 2nd year French students. It would work fine as a stand-alone curriculum, complete in one book. Lots of illustrations, photos, games & activiites are sprinkled throughout the book. I especially like the geography sections and the lesson on French proverbs. Not at all intimidating to a beginner, well-organized, and it follows logical progressions from one subject to the next.

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