This book is intended as a text covering the central concepts and techniques of Competitive Markov Decision Processes. It is an attempt to present a rig orous treatment that combines two significant research topics: Stochastic Games and Markov Decision Processes, which have been studied exten sively, and at times quite independently, by mathematicians, operations researchers, engineers, and economists. Since Markov decision processes can be viewed as a special noncompeti tive case of stochastic games, we introduce the new terminology Competi tive Markov Decision Processes that emphasizes the importance of the link between these two topics and of the properties of the underlying Markov processes. The book is designed to be used either in a classroom or for self-study by a mathematically mature reader. In the Introduction (Chapter 1) we outline a number of advanced undergraduate and graduate courses for which this book could usefully serve as a text. A characteristic feature of competitive Markov decision processes - and one that inspired our long-standing interest - is that they can serve as an "orchestra" containing the "instruments" of much of modern applied (and at times even pure) mathematics. They constitute a topic where the instruments of linear algebra, applied probability, mathematical program ming, analysis, and even algebraic geometry can be "played" sometimes solo and sometimes in harmony to produce either beautifully simple or equally beautiful, but baroque, melodies, that is, theorems.
In The Early Dutch Sinologists Koos Kuiper gives a detailed account of the studies and work of the 24 Dutchmen trained as “interpreters” for the Netherlands Indies before 1900. Most began studying at Leiden University, then went to Amoy to study southern Chinese dialects. Their main functions were translating Dutch law into Chinese, advising the courts on Chinese law and checking Chinese accounts books, later also regulating coolie affairs. Actually their services were not always appreciated and there was not enough work for them; later many pursued other careers in the Indies administration or in scholarship. This study also analyses the three dictionaries they compiled. Based on a wealth of primary sources, it gives a fascinating picture of personal cross-cultural contacts.
Algal species and in particular desmids are important indicators of water quality. Because of their preferential occurrence in vulnerable habitats, desmids lend themselves well to figuring in conservation studies. The present flora describes all desmid taxa known from the Netherlands and adjacent lowland areas: over 500 species and more than 150 additional varieties. Because of the predominantly cosmopolitan nature of most species the flora may also be of use outside this geographic region. The enclosed CD-ROM offers general information on desmid biology as well as a selection of species that are discussed in more detail. Ecological data, both on separate species and desmid communities, enable a characterization of the habitat sampled. Volume 1: Desmids of the Lowlands - Mesotaeniaceae and Desmidiaceae of the European Lowlands Volume 2: European Flora of the desmid genera Staurastrum and Staurodesmus
This flora represents the European species of het desmid genera Staurastrum and Staurodesmus and contains reliable identification keys and general information on the morphology, taxonomy, ecology and geographical distribution. An invaluable tool for aquatic ecologists and water quality management. The desmid genera Staurastrum and Staurodesmus are notorious for their confusing taxonomy and problematic species identification. To a large part this is due to a lack of reliable identification manuals. The present flora, dealing with the European species of these genera, aims to meet this need. As well as general information on the morphology and taxonomy of the genera, identification keys to the species are provided. The discussion of each species includes morphological characteristics, ecology and geographical distribution (also beyond Europe). As compared to other desmid genera, a large part of the Staurastrum and Staurodesmus species have a euplanktonic way of life. Reliable identification and knowledge of their ecological demands is most important for the assessment of water quality. Many species have a confined geographical distribution, even within Europe. Shifting distribution patterns of those species might be linked to climate change. Volume 1: Desmids of the Lowlands - Mesotaeniaceae and Desmidiaceae of the European Lowlands Volume 2: European Flora of the desmid genera Staurastrum and Staurodesmus
This book is intended as a text covering the central concepts and techniques of Competitive Markov Decision Processes. It is an attempt to present a rig orous treatment that combines two significant research topics: Stochastic Games and Markov Decision Processes, which have been studied exten sively, and at times quite independently, by mathematicians, operations researchers, engineers, and economists. Since Markov decision processes can be viewed as a special noncompeti tive case of stochastic games, we introduce the new terminology Competi tive Markov Decision Processes that emphasizes the importance of the link between these two topics and of the properties of the underlying Markov processes. The book is designed to be used either in a classroom or for self-study by a mathematically mature reader. In the Introduction (Chapter 1) we outline a number of advanced undergraduate and graduate courses for which this book could usefully serve as a text. A characteristic feature of competitive Markov decision processes - and one that inspired our long-standing interest - is that they can serve as an "orchestra" containing the "instruments" of much of modern applied (and at times even pure) mathematics. They constitute a topic where the instruments of linear algebra, applied probability, mathematical program ming, analysis, and even algebraic geometry can be "played" sometimes solo and sometimes in harmony to produce either beautifully simple or equally beautiful, but baroque, melodies, that is, theorems.
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