Proofs and Confirmations

Proofs and Confirmations

Author: David M. Bressoud

Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Published: 1999-08-13

Total Pages: 292

ISBN-13: 1316582752

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

This is an introduction to recent developments in algebraic combinatorics and an illustration of how research in mathematics actually progresses. The author recounts the story of the search for and discovery of a proof of a formula conjectured in the late 1970s: the number of n x n alternating sign matrices, objects that generalize permutation matrices. While apparent that the conjecture must be true, the proof was elusive. Researchers became drawn to this problem, making connections to aspects of invariant theory, to symmetric functions, to hypergeometric and basic hypergeometric series, and, finally, to the six-vertex model of statistical mechanics. All these threads are brought together in Zeilberger's 1996 proof of the original conjecture. The book is accessible to anyone with a knowledge of linear algebra. Students will learn what mathematicians actually do in an interesting and new area of mathematics, and even researchers in combinatorics will find something new here.


Confirmation

Confirmation

Author: Whitley Strieber

Publisher: Macmillan

Published: 1999-02-15

Total Pages: 348

ISBN-13: 9780312967048

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

Warning: After you read this book you will believe in alien life. The possible existence of extraterrestrial life is a phenomenon that has sparked more debate, controversy, fascination, and passion than any in recent history. Outpourings of UFO sightings, alien abductions, and covert government activity point to a truth which-as much as some people would like to-simply won't die. Now, in this provocative new book, bestselling author and UFOlogist Whitley Strieber boldly explores the vast territory of alien encounters, uncovering the most conclusive evidence of all: physical evidence that aliens may really be here. Marvel as Whitley Strieber tells his own compelling story-and those of countless others-while you discover: -Shocking new close encounters, many involving groups of people -Thousands of sightings worldwide, many captured on video -Shocking evidence of five mysterious implants surgically removed from human bodies -And much, much more! The most compelling question in the universe has remained unanswered for centuries. Now, finally, there is...Confirmation. With a gallery of thought-provoking photos!


On Determinism and Freedom

On Determinism and Freedom

Author: Ted Honderich

Publisher: Edinburgh University Press

Published: 2019-07-31

Total Pages: 160

ISBN-13: 1474469299

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

The most recalcitrant problem of philosophy, free will, laid out and taken beyond unsatisfactory standard solutions by Britain's foremost working philosopher.Determinism comes in many forms, some confused, some inconsistent, some incomplete. Some philosophers maintain that determinism is incompatible with true freedom. And others, that determinism is no threat to our freedom. But are these philosophers really assigning an 'unfreedom' to us and merely pretending that we are responsible for our choices and acts of love and violence?Ted Honderich argues that there are strong reasons to think both positions wrong. Developing from where his earlier work left off, he considers there is a new and more difficult problem of determinism. It too can lead to the thought that we are unfree but morally responsible. As he demonstrates, the hardest and deepest question in philosophy needs a really different answer.


Living Proof

Living Proof

Author: Allison K. Henrich

Publisher:

Published: 2019

Total Pages: 136

ISBN-13: 9781470452810

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

Wow! This is a powerful book that addresses a long-standing elephant in the mathematics room. Many people learning math ask ``Why is math so hard for me while everyone else understands it?'' and ``Am I good enough to succeed in math?'' In answering these questions the book shares personal stories from many now-accomplished mathematicians affirming that ``You are not alone; math is hard for everyone'' and ``Yes; you are good enough.'' Along the way the book addresses other issues such as biases and prejudices that mathematicians encounter, and it provides inspiration and emotional support for mathematicians ranging from the experienced professor to the struggling mathematics student. --Michael Dorff, MAA President This book is a remarkable collection of personal reflections on what it means to be, and to become, a mathematician. Each story reveals a unique and refreshing understanding of the barriers erected by our cultural focus on ``math is hard.'' Indeed, mathematics is hard, and so are many other things--as Stephen Kennedy points out in his cogent introduction. This collection of essays offers inspiration to students of mathematics and to mathematicians at every career stage. --Jill Pipher, AMS President This book is published in cooperation with the Mathematical Association of America.


Advances in Cryptology – EUROCRYPT ’96

Advances in Cryptology – EUROCRYPT ’96

Author: Ueli Maurer

Publisher: Springer

Published: 2003-05-15

Total Pages: 429

ISBN-13: 3540683399

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

The EUROCRYPT ’96 conference was sponsored by the International Asso- ation for Cryptologic Research (IACR)l, in cooperation with the University of Saragossa. It took place at the Palacio de Congresos in Saragossa, Spain, during May 12-16, 1996. This was the fifteenth annual EUROCRYPT conference (this name has been used since the third conference held in 1984), each of which has been held in a different city in Europe. For the second time, proceedings were available at the conference. JosC Pastor Franco, the General Chair, was resp- sible for local organization and registration. His contribution to the snccess of the conference is gratefully acknowledged. The Program Committee considered 126 submitted papers and selected 34 for presentation. Each paper was sent to all members of the Program Committee and was assigned to at least three of them for careful evaluation. There were also two invited talks. James L. Massey, this year’s IACR Distinguished Ltcturer, gave a lecture entitled “The difficulty with difficulty”. Massey is the third to receive this honor, the first two being Gustavus Simmons and Adi Shamir. Shafi Goldwasser gave an invited talk entitled “Multi party secure protocols: past and present”. These proceedings contain revised versions of the 34 contributed talks. While the papers were carefully selected, they have not been refereed like submissions to a refereed journal. The authors bear full responsibility for the contents of their papers. Some authors may write final versions of their papers for publication in a refereed journal.