This book reviews the state-of-the-art advances in skew-elliptical distributions and provides many new developments in a single volume, collecting theoretical results and applications previously scattered throughout the literature. The main goal of this research area is to develop flexible parametric classes of distributions beyond the classical no

Most of us think we know what is meant when we hear the term "normal," but Cryle and Stephens upend taken-for-granted attitudes about the term. They offer a history of the intellectual and cultural issues that have been at stake in the use of the term since it appeared around 1820. What is taken at one time or any one culture to be "aberrant" or "deviant" clearly depends on assumed meanings for norm and normality. The authors of this book explore this history--peppered with a fascinating series of case studies--to make sense of variations on the theme of identity (disability, gender, race, sexuality) in fields organized around identity. They locate the concept in the scientific spheres where it originated in its modern sense and they chart its transformations and developments from the 1820s in France (medicine) to the mid-20th century (Alfred Kinsey). They start with comparative anatomy and other branches of medicine before moving on to consider developments in fields as remote as craniometry, statistics, criminal anthropology, sociology, and eugenics. It is not enough to say, with David Halperin, that "queer" is "whatever is at odds with the normal, the legitimate, the dominant." Cryle and Stephens move beyond a simple binary opposition between "normal" and "abnormality" to give us the whole picture, from the Continent to the U.S., and in all the contexts that distinguish the normal from other available terms (such as typical, average, respectable, conventional, white and heterosexual, and uniform). "Normality" has had a long struggle to secure its cultural dominance and authority, a story which is told here for the first time.

Features basic statistical concepts as a tool for thinking critically, wading through large quantities of information, and answering practical, everyday questions Written in an engaging and inviting manner, Beyond Basic Statistics: Tips, Tricks, and Techniques Every Data Analyst Should Know presents the more subjective side of statistics—the art of data analytics. Each chapter explores a different question using fun, common sense examples that illustrate the concepts, methods, and applications of statistical techniques. Without going into the specifics of theorems, propositions, or formulas, the book effectively demonstrates statistics as a useful problem-solving tool. In addition, the author demonstrates how statistics is a tool for thinking critically, wading through large volumes of information, and answering life’s important questions. Beyond Basic Statistics: Tips, Tricks, and Techniques Every Data Analyst Should Know also features: Plentiful examples throughout aimed to strengthen readers’ understanding of the statistical concepts and methods A step-by-step approach to elementary statistical topics such as sampling, hypothesis tests, outlier detection, normality tests, robust statistics, and multiple regression A case study in each chapter that illustrates the use of the presented techniques Highlights of well-known shortcomings that can lead to false conclusions An introduction to advanced techniques such as validation and bootstrapping Featuring examples that are engaging and non-application specific, the book appeals to a broad audience of students and professionals alike, specifically students of undergraduate statistics, managers, medical professionals, and anyone who has to make decisions based on raw data or compiled results.

Analyzes the ascendancy of the cultural ideal of the "normal" in the aftermath of World War II.

When John C. H. Wu’s spiritual autobiography Beyond East and West was published in 1951, it became an instant Catholic best seller and was compared to Thomas Merton’s The Seven Storey Mountain, which had appeared four years earlier. It was also hailed as the new Confession of St. Augustine for its moving description of Wu’s conversion in 1937 and early years as a Catholic. This new edition, including a foreward written by Wu’s son John Wu, Jr., makes this profoundly beautiful book by one of the most influential Chinese lay Catholic intellectuals of the twentieth century available for a new generation of readers hungry for spiritual sustenance. Beyond East and West recounts the story of Wu’s early life in Ningpo, China, his family and friendships, education and law career, drafting of the constitution of the Republic of China, translation of the Bible into classical Chinese in collaboration with Chinese president Chiang Kai-Shek, and his role as China’s delegate to the Holy See. In passages of arresting beauty, the book reveals the development of his thought and the progress of his growth toward love of God, arriving through experience at the conclusion that the wisdom in all of China’s traditions, especially Confucian thought, Taoism, and Buddhism, point to universal truths that come from, and are fulfilled in, Christ. In Beyond East and West, Wu develops a synthesis between Catholicism and the ancient culture of the Orient. A sublime expression of faith, here is a book for anyone who seeks the peace of the spirit, a memorable book whose ideas will linger long after its pages are closed.

Drawing on insights from other European curricular systems, this provocative book will contribute, in a timely way, to the debate on reformations of the National Curriculum. The text includes points for discussion and lists of further reading.

In the early 1970s, progressive rock bands like King Crimson, Yes, Jethro Tull, and Emerson, Lake, and Palmer produced visionary, adventurous works, often of epic length. Since that time, critics and historians of rock music have marginalized the progressive rock era. However, it is a musical and political mistake to ignore this period of tremendous creativity, a period which continues to influence new rock music. Martin shows that there has always been a progressive trend in rock music, and develops a terminology for understanding how a popular avant-garde arose out of the sonic and social materials of rock. Listening to the Future surveys the progressive bands, from the most celebrated (like Genesis and ELP) to lesser-known but significant groups (such as Henry Cow, Magma, and PFM), and looks at the enduring legacy of progressive rock - covering both the 'neoprogressive' trend and recent works by Yes, Jethro Tull, and King Crimson.