The fourth and final volume in this comprehensive set presents the maximum principle as a wide ranging solution to nonclassical, variational problems. This one mathematical method can be applied in a variety of situations, including linear equations with variable coefficients, optimal processes with delay, and the jump condition. As with the three preceding volumes, all the material contained with the 42 sections of this volume is made easily accessible by way of numerous examples, both concrete and abstract in nature.

Among the finest achievements in modern mathematics are two of L.S. Pontryagin's most notable contributions: Pontryagin duality and his general theory of characters of a locally compact commutative group. This book, the first in a four-volume set, contains the most important papers of this eminent mathematician, those which have influenced many generations of mathematicians worldwide. They chronicle the development of his work in many areas, from his early efforts in homology groups, duality theorems, and dimension theory to his later achievements in homotopic topology and optimal control...

Offering the insights of L.S. Pontryagin, one of the foremost thinkers in modern mathematics, the second volume in this four-volume set examines the nature and processes that make up topological groups. Already hailed as the leading work in this subject for its abundance of examples and its thorough explanations, the text is arranged so that readers can follow the material either sequentially or schematically. Stand-alone chapters cover such topics as topological division rings, linear representations of compact topological groups, and the concept of a lie group.

Kantorovich, the late Nobel Laureate, was a respected mathematical economist, and one of the founding fathers of linear programming. Part I begins with chapters on the theory of sets and real functions. Topics treated include universal functions, W.H. Young's classification, generalized derivatives of continuous functions and the H. Steinhaus problem. The book also includes papers on the theory of projective sets, general and particular methods of the extension of Hilbert space, and linear semi-ordered spaces. The author deals with a number of approximate calculations and solutions including...

Recognizing the significance of cultural aspects in the practice of medicine, this book places a strong emphasis on the social structure, customs, and history of the indigenous population and its ramifications on health care providers. The book also considers the econo-cultural influences on the way medicine is practiced. By including chapters that focus on health care's sudden advent as commodity and the microeconomic approach to public funding for health care facilities, the Nichters explore a world in which money and patients' expectations play an ever increasing role in the way health...