Concise Guide To Numerical Algorithmics

Numerical Algorithmic Science and Engineering (NAS&E), or more compactly, Numerical Algorithmics, is the theoretical and empirical study and the practical implementation and application of algorithms for solving finite-dimensional problems of a numeric nature. The variables of such problems are either discrete-valued, or continuous over the reals, or, and as is often the case, a combination of the two, and they may or may not have an underlying network/graph structure. This re-emerging discipline of numerical algorithmics within computer science is the counterpart of the now well-established discipline of numerical analysis within mathematics, where the latter’s emphasis is on infinite-dimensional, continuous numerical problems and their finite-dimensional, continuous approximates. A discussion of the underlying rationale for numerical algorithmics, its foundational models of computation, its organizational details, and its role, in conjunction with numerical analysis, in support of the modern modus operandi of scientific computing, or computational science & engineering, is the primary focus of this short monograph. It comprises six chapters, each with its own bibliography. Chapters 2, 3 and 6 present the book’s primary content. Chapters 1, 4, and 5 are briefer, and they provide contextual material for the three primary chapters and smooth the transition between them. Mathematical formalism has been kept to a minimum, and, whenever possible, visual and verbal forms of presentation are employed and the discussion enlivened through the use of motivating quotations and illustrative examples. The reader is expected to have a working knowledge of the basics of computer science, an exposure to basic linear algebra and calculus (and perhaps some real analysis), and an understanding of elementary mathematical concepts such as convexity of sets and functions, networks and graphs, and so on. Although this book is not suitable for use as the principal textbook for a course on numerical algorithmics (NAS&E), it will be of value as a supplementary reference for a variety of courses. It can also serve as the primary text for a research seminar. And it can be recommended for self-study of the foundations and organization of NAS&E to graduate and advanced undergraduate students with sufficient mathematical maturity and a background in computing. When departments of computer science were first created within universities worldwide during the middle of the twentieth century, numerical analysis was an important part of the curriculum. Its role within the discipline of computer science has greatly diminished over time, if not vanished altogether, and specialists in that area are now to be found mainly within other fields, in particular, mathematics and the physical sciences. A central concern of this monograph is the regrettable, downward trajectory of numerical analysis within computer science and how it can be arrested and suitably reconstituted. Resorting to a biblical metaphor, numerical algorithmics (NAS&E) as envisioned herein is neither old wine in new bottles, nor new wine in old bottles, but rather this re-emerging discipline is a decantation of an age-old vintage that can hopefully find its proper place within the larger arena of computer science, and at what appears now to be an opportune time.

This textbook is intended for practical, laboratory sessions associated with the course of quantum computing and quantum algorithms, as well as for self-study. It contains basic theoretical concepts and methods for solving basic types of problems and gives an overview of basic qubit operations, entangled states, quantum circuits, implementing functions, quantum Fourier transform, phase estimation, etc. The book serves as a basis for the application of new information technologies in education and corporate technical training: theoretical material and examples of practical problems, as well as exercises with, in most cases, detailed solutions, have relation to information technologies. A large number of detailed examples serve to better develop professional competencies in computer science.

This book will help future scientists to become more intelligent users of computing technology in their practice of science. The content is suitable for introductory courses on the foundations of computing and the specific application of computers in different areas of science. The text presents a set of modules for use in existing science courses in order to integrate individual aspects of computational thinking, as well as a set of modules introducing the computer science concepts needed to understand the computing involved. These modules guide science students in their independent learning. The book covers computing applications in such diverse areas as bioinformatics, chemical kinetics, hydrogeological modeling, and mechanics of materials, geographic information systems, flow analysis, the solving of equations, curve fitting, optimization, and scientific data acquisition. The computing topics covered include simulations, errors, data representation, algorithms, XMS, compression, databases, performance, and complexity.

Modern businesses depend on data for their very survival, creating a need for sophisticated databases and database technologies to help store, organise and transport their valuable data. This updated and expanded, easy-to-read textbook/reference presents a comprehensive introduction to databases, opening with a concise history of databases and of data as an organisational asset. As relational database management systems are no longer the only database solution, the book takes a wider view of database technology, encompassing big data, NoSQL, object and object-relational, and in-memory databases. Presenting both theoretical and practical elements, the new edition also examines the issues of scalability, availability, performance and security encountered when building and running a database in the real world. Topics and features: Presents review and discussion questions at the end of each chapter, in addition to skill-building, hands-on exercises Provides new material on database adaptiveness, integration, and efficiency in relation to data growth Introduces a range of commercial databases and encourages the reader to experiment with these in an associated learning environment Reviews use of a variety of databases in business environments, including numerous examples Discusses areas for further research within this fast-moving domain With its learning-by-doing approach, supported by both theoretical and practical examples, this clearly-structured textbook will be of great value to advanced undergraduate and postgraduate students of computer science, software engineering, and information technology. Practising database professionals and application developers will also find the book an ideal reference that addresses today's business needs.

This book offers a brief but effective introduction to quantum machine learning (QML). QML is not merely a translation of classical machine learning techniques into the language of quantum computing, but rather a new approach to data representation and processing. Accordingly, the content is not divided into a “classical part” that describes standard machine learning schemes and a “quantum part” that addresses their quantum counterparts. Instead, to immerse the reader in the quantum realm from the outset, the book starts from fundamental notions of quantum mechanics and quantum computing. Avoiding unnecessary details, it presents the concepts and mathematical tools that are essential for the required quantum formalism. In turn, it reviews those quantum algorithms most relevant to machine learning. Later chapters highlight the latest advances in this field and discuss the most promising directions for future research. To gain the most from this book, a basic grasp of statistics and linear algebra is sufficient; no previous experience with quantum computing or machine learning is needed. The book is aimed at researchers and students with no background in quantum physics and is also suitable for physicists looking to enter the field of QML.

This textbook provides an accessible and concise introduction to numerical analysis for upper undergraduate and beginning graduate students from various backgrounds. It was developed from the lecture notes of four successful courses on numerical analysis taught within the MPhil of Scientific Computing at the University of Cambridge. The book is easily accessible, even to those with limited knowledge of mathematics. Students will get a concise, but thorough introduction to numerical analysis. In addition the algorithmic principles are emphasized to encourage a deeper understanding of why an algorithm is suitable, and sometimes unsuitable, for a particular problem. A Concise Introduction to Numerical Analysis strikes a balance between being mathematically comprehensive, but not overwhelming with mathematical detail. In some places where further detail was felt to be out of scope of the book, the reader is referred to further reading. The book uses MATLAB® implementations to demonstrate the workings of the method and thus MATLAB's own implementations are avoided, unless they are used as building blocks of an algorithm. In some cases the listings are printed in the book, but all are available online on the book’s page at www.crcpress.com. Most implementations are in the form of functions returning the outcome of the algorithm. Also, examples for the use of the functions are given. Exercises are included in line with the text where appropriate, and each chapter ends with a selection of revision exercises. Solutions to odd-numbered exercises are also provided on the book’s page at www.crcpress.com. This textbook is also an ideal resource for graduate students coming from other subjects who will use numerical techniques extensively in their graduate studies.