Social sciences and humanities print books and ebooks | Elsevier

Advances in Archaeological Method and Theory

1st Edition
June 30, 2014
Michael B Schiffer
English
eBook
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Advances in Archaeological Method and Theory, Volume 3 presents the progressive explorations in methods and theory in archeology. This book discusses the general cultural significance of cult archeology. Organized into nine chapters, this volume begins with an overview of the spectrum of professional reactions to cult archeology. This text then examines the applicability of evolutionary theory to archeology. Other chapters consider the fundamental principles of adaptation as applied to human behavior and review the state of application of adaptational approaches in archeology. This book discusses as well the convergence of evolutionary and ecological perspectives in anthropology that has given rise to a distinct concept of culture. The final chapter deals with obsidian dating as a chronometric method and explains the problems that limit its effectiveness. This book is a valuable resource for archeologists and anthropologists. Graduate students and archeology students will also find this book extremely useful.

Relativity: The Theory and Its Philosophy

1st Edition
May 20, 2014
Roger B. Angel
Mario Bunge
English
Paperback
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eBook
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Relativity: The Theory and its Philosophy provides a completely self-contained treatment of the philosophical foundations of the theory of relativity. It also surveys the most essential mathematical techniques and concepts that are indispensable to an understanding of the foundations of both the special and general theories of relativity. In short, the book includes a crash course in applied mathematics, ranging from elementary trigonometry to the classical tensor calculus. Comprised of 11 chapters, this book begins with an introduction to fundamental mathematical concepts such as sets, relations, and functions; N-tuples, vectors, and matrices; and vector algebra and calculus. The discussion then turns to the concept of relativity and elementary foundations of Newtonian mechanics, as well as the principle of special relativity and its interpretation by means of empiricism and rationalism. Subsequent chapters focus on the status of the doctrine of conventionalism in the theory of special relativity; the commensurability of classical and relativistic mechanics; mathematical foundations of special relativistic physics; and the classical or Newtonian theory of gravitation. The principle of general covariance and its relation to the principle of general relativity are also examined. The final chapter addresses the fundamental question as to the actual information concerning the structure of spacetime that is conveyed to us through the theory of general relativity. This monograph will be of interest to students, teachers, practitioners, and researchers in physics, mathematics, and philosophy.

Stochastic Optimization Models in Finance

1st Edition
May 12, 2014
W. T. Ziemba + 1 more
English
Paperback
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eBook
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Stochastic Optimization Models in Finance focuses on the applications of stochastic optimization models in finance, with emphasis on results and methods that can and have been utilized in the analysis of real financial problems. The discussions are organized around five themes: mathematical tools; qualitative economic results; static portfolio selection models; dynamic models that are reducible to static models; and dynamic models. This volume consists of five parts and begins with an overview of expected utility theory, followed by an analysis of convexity and the Kuhn-Tucker conditions. The reader is then introduced to dynamic programming; stochastic dominance; and measures of risk aversion. Subsequent chapters deal with separation theorems; existence and diversification of optimal portfolio policies; effects of taxes on risk taking; and two-period consumption models and portfolio revision. The book also describes models of optimal capital accumulation and portfolio selection. This monograph will be of value to mathematicians and economists as well as to those interested in economic theory and mathematical economics.

Mississippian Settlement Patterns

1st Edition
May 10, 2014
Bruce D. Smith
English
Paperback
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eBook
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Studies in Archeology: Mississippian Settlement Patterns explains the cultural organization of many of the prehistoric societies in the Eastern United States during the last 1000 years of their existence. This book emphasizes the difference between the central core of Mississippian societies and those peripheral societies that preceded its development. Readers are advised to begin the examination of this compilation by reading Chapter 16 first, followed by Chapters 8 to 13 and 15, in order to understand the variations of patterning among societies that are commonly regarded as nascent or developed Mississippian. The rest of the chapters analyze cultural groups on the West, North, and Northeast that are not Mississippian societies, including a discussion of late prehistoric societies that are in some ways divergent but are sometimes regarded as Mississippian. This publication is valuable to archeologists, historians, and researchers conducting work on Mississippian societies.

The Export—Import Bank

1st Edition
May 10, 2014
David P. Baron
Karl Shell
English
Paperback
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eBook
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The Export—Import Bank: An Economic Analysis provides a critical analysis of the export financing issue and the Eximbank's performance in fulfilling its congressional mandate. The analysis is based on extensive interviews with Eximbank officials and on numerous internal documents in addition to published materials. This book is composed of 11 chapters that reflect the three perspectives on Eximbank’s performance. First, an analysis of the need for such financing is presented in conjunction with an assessment of the competitiveness of U.S. programs compared with those provided by other nations. Second, Eximbank performance is evaluated in terms of the cost of its programs, their potential welfare impacts, and the likely impact on U.S. exports. Third, an evaluation is provided of the Eximbank's decision making and its methodology for evaluating the impact of its direct credit program. Recommendations are made concerning U.S. export financing objectives, strategies for achieving those objectives, and Eximbank administrative procedures. This work also provides an economic analysis of Eximbank financing and includes a case study of Eximbank decision making in the granting of a $200 million aircraft credit to Ansett Airlines of Australia. This book will prove useful to those who are interested in international trade and finance, as well as those concerned more broadly with government intervention in markets.

The American Frontier

1st Edition
May 19, 2014
Kenneth E. Lewis
English
eBook
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The American Frontier: An Archaeological Study of Settlement Pattern and Process focuses on general rules or laws for the evolution of all agrarian frontiers, emphasizing those that are expanding. A variety of frontiers is also discussed in addition to the agrarian type to pinpoint similarities and differences. Organized into 11 chapters, this book first elucidates the processes of frontier colonization, and then describes the frontier model employed for the interpretation of documentary and material evidence for the examination of the development of South Carolina frontier. Some chapters then focus on the examination of South Carolina's colonial past in terms of the model to determine its degree of conformity with the latter and to set the stage for the archaeological study; the development of archaeological hypotheses; and a consideration of the material record. Other types of frontiers are characterized by separate developmental processes, and several of these are discussed in Chapter 10 as avenues for further research. This book will be valuable to scholars in several fields, including history, geography, and anthropology. Historical archaeologists will find it especially useful in designing research in former colonial areas and in modeling additional kinds of frontier change.

The Future of Man

1st Edition
May 10, 2014
F. J. Ebling + 1 more
English
Paperback
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eBook
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The Future of Man documents the proceedings of a Symposium held at the Royal Geographical Society London, on April 1, 1971. This book deals with choices that man makes or may make, attempting to understand the paradox that the more man knows about himself and the environment the more baffling and controversial his choices become. The major problems of human survival, such as living space, natural resources, relationships with the rest of the living world, and creation, nurture and prolongation of life are also described. Other topics include the past and future distribution of homo sapiens and his activities in Great Britain, artificial synthesis of new life forms in relation to social and industrial evolution, and nature and control of aging. This compilation is recommended for biologists and scientists aiming to understand the effects of technical innovation on people and their environment.

Nasals, Nasalization, and the Velum

1st Edition
Volume 5
May 19, 2014
English
eBook
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Although nasalization has been discussed in the context of more general aspects of linguistics in other books, this text is the first and primary resource focusing solely on nasalization. This volume features articles discussing all aspects of nasalization, including physiology, perception, aerodynamics, acoustics, phonetic and phonological representations, research methodology, and instrumentation. Each chapter examines important research advances achieved within the last ten years and closes with a detailed discussion of the current research.

Legal Reminders for Architects

1st Edition
May 12, 2014
Elizabeth Phillips + 1 more
English
Paperback
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eBook
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Legal Reminders for Architects provides a basic introduction to the range of legislation which encompasses all planning and building work in England and Wales. The book contains a summary of each law that may affect an architect, and where appropriate, suggestions for a suitable procedure to follow. It also explains less well known terms in planning, building, and employment. The text is organized into 19 chapters, which elucidates the legislation on such aspects as town and country planning, site appraisal, building control, and health and safety. The laws governing the conduct of businesses and partnerships, the employment protection law, and building regulations are elaborated as well. This book is intended for use by architects and architectural students.

Handbook to Bristol and the Neighbourhood with Map (in Excursion Pamphlets)

1st Edition
May 12, 2014
Bertram M. H. Rogers
English
Paperback
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eBook
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Handbook to Bristol and the Neighbourhood with Map (In Excursion Pamphlets) is a collection of articles describing the history of the neighborhood of Bristol from geological times, pre-historic age, Roman era, and modern times. The architectural features of Bristol show no presence of early architecture, either Ecclesiastical or Civil. The port of Bristol includes the Old City Docks and those at Avonmouth and Portishead. Bristol is no longer regarded as a great port, a position it once enjoyed. The present dock system within the port comprises a dock of 19 acres at Avonmouth on the Gloucestershire bank of the Avon; one of 12 acres (in deep water area) at Portishead on the Somersetshire bank of the river two miles below Avonmouth; and a floating harbor of 70 acres in the heart of the City of Bristol. The port has an excellent geographical and maritime position, with direct railway and canal communication to all the leading centers of commerce. Several articles describe the local government, taxation, public health, flora and fauna, educational institutions, and public libraries of Bristol. English Historians, students, foreign or local tourists to Southwest England will find the handbook entertaining and informative.

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