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Explainable Artificial Intelligence for Intelligent Transportation Systems
by Amina Adadi Afaf BouhouteArtificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) are set to revolutionize all industries, and the Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) field is no exception. While ML, especially deep learning models, achieve great performance in terms of accuracy, the outcomes provided are not amenable to human scrutiny and can hardly be explained. This can be very problematic, especially for systems of a safety-critical nature such as transportation systems. Explainable AI (XAI) methods have been proposed to tackle this issue by producing human interpretable representations of machine learning models while maintaining performance. These methods hold the potential to increase public acceptance and trust in AI-based ITS. FEATURES: Provides the necessary background for newcomers to the field (both academics and interested practitioners) Presents a timely snapshot of explainable and interpretable models in ITS applications Discusses ethical, societal, and legal implications of adopting XAI in the context of ITS Identifies future research directions and open problems
Modern Tunneling Science And T: Volume 1
by Toshishisa AdachiThis book introduces the latest frontier of the tunneling science and technology in Japan. It contains a collection of 175 papers presented at the International Symposium on Modern Tunneling Science and Technology held in Kyoto, 2001.
Modern Tunneling Science And Technology: Volume 1
by T. Adachi K. Tateyama M. KimuraFirst Published in 2017. Routledge is an imprint of Taylor & Francis, an Informa company.
Earth-Abundant Materials for Solar Cells
by Sadao AdachiSystematically describes the physical and materials properties of copper-based quaternary chalcogenide semiconductor materials, enabling their potential for photovoltaic device applications.Intended for scientists and engineers, in particular, in the fields of multinary semiconductor physics and a variety of photovoltaic and optoelectronic devices.
An Assessment of the Science Proposed for the Deep Underground Science and Engineering Laboratory(DUSEL)
by Ad Hoc Committee to Assess the Science Proposed for a Deep Underground Science Engineering LaboratoryAccording to the big bang theory, our Universe began in a state of unimaginably high energy and density, contained in a space of subatomic dimensions. At that time, unlike today, the fundamental forces of nature were presumably unified and the particles present were interacting at energies not attainable by present-day accelerators. Underground laboratories provide the conditions to investigate processes involving rare phenomena in matter and to detect the weak effects of highly elusive particles by replicating similar environments to those once harnessed during the earliest states of the Earth. These laboratories now appear to be the gateway to understanding the physics of the grand unification of the forces of nature. Built to shield extremely sensitive detectors from the noise of their surroundings and the signals associated with cosmic rays, underground facilities have been established during the last 30 years at a number of sites worldwide. To date, the United States' efforts to develop such facilities have been modest and consist primarily of small underground laboratories. However, the U. S. underground community has pushed for larger underground facilities on the scale of major laboratories in other countries. An Assessment of the Deep Underground Science and Engineering Laboratory (DUSEL) addresses this matter by evaluating the major physics questions and experiments that could be explored with the proposed DUSEL. Measuring the potential impact, this assessment also examines the broader effects of the DUSEL in regards to education and public outreach, and evaluates the need associated with developing U. S. programs similar to science programs in other regions of the world.
The Scientific Basis for Estimating Air Emissions from Animal Feeding Operations
by Ad Hoc Committee on Air Emissions from Animal Feeding OperationsThis is an interim report of the Ad Hoc Committee on Air Emissions from Animal Feeding Operations of the National Research Council's Committee on Animal Nutrition. The report focuses on identifying the scientific criteria needed to ensure that estimates of air emission rates are accurate, examining the basis for these criteria in the scientific literature, and assessing uncertainties associated with them. There is no subject index. Annotation (c)2003 Book News, Inc. , Portland, OR (booknews. com)
Descartes's Secret Notebook: A True Tale of Mathematics, Mysticism , and the Quest to Understand the Universe
by Amir D. AczelRené Descartes (1596–1650) is one of the towering and central figures in Western philosophy and mathematics. His apothegm “Cogito, ergo sum” marked the birth of the mind-body problem, while his creation of so-called Cartesian coordinates have made our physical and intellectual conquest of physical space possible. But Descartes had a mysterious and mystical side, as well. Almost certainly a member of the occult brotherhood of the Rosicrucians, he kept a secret notebook, now lost, most of which was written in code. After Descartes’s death, Gottfried Leibniz, inventor of calculus and one of the greatest mathematicians in history, moved to Paris in search of this notebook—and eventually found it in the possession of Claude Clerselier, a friend of Descartes. Leibniz called on Clerselier and was allowed to copy only a couple of pages—which, though written in code, he amazingly deciphered there on the spot. Leibniz’s hastily scribbled notes are all we have today of Descartes’s notebook, which has disappeared. Why did Descartes keep a secret notebook, and what were its contents? The answers to these questions lead Amir Aczel and the reader on an exciting, swashbuckling journey, and offer a fascinating look at one of the great figures of Western culture.
The Mystery of the Aleph
by Amir D. AczelThe history of infinity emphasizing the people who were interested in the concept. Stresses philosophical and religious importance of mathematical ideas throughout history. Fascinating even if math is not your strong suit.
Pendulum
by Amir D. AczelHe was neither a mathematician nor a trained physicist and yet Léon Foucault always knew that a mysterious force of nature was among us. Like Newton, Galileo, Copernicus, and others before him, Foucault sensed a dramatic relationship between the rotating skies above and the seemingly motionless ground beneath our feet. But it wasn't until 1851 -- in Paris, inside the Panthéon, and in the company of fellow amateur scientist Napoleon III -- that Foucault swung a pendulum and demonstrated an extraordinary truth about the world: that it turns on its axis. Pendulum is a fascinating journey through the mind and findings of one of the most important and lesser-known characters in the history of science. Through careful research and lively anecdotes, world-renowned author Amir D. Aczel reveals the astonishing range and breadth of Foucault's discoveries. For, in addition to offering the first unequivocal proof of Earth's rotation, Foucault gave us the modern electric compass and microscope, was a pioneer in photographic technology, and made remarkable deductions about color theory, heat waves, and the speed of light. At its heart, Pendulum is a story about the illustrious period in France during the Second Empire; the crucial triumph of science over religion; and, most compelling, the life of a struggling, self-made man whose pursuit of knowledge continues to inform our notions about the universe today.
A Strange Wilderness: The Lives of the Great Mathematicians
by Amir D. AczelThe international bestselling author of Fermat&’s Last Theorem explores the eccentric lives of history&’s foremost mathematicians. From Archimedes&’s eureka moment to Alexander Grothendieck&’s seclusion in the Pyrenees, bestselling author Amir Aczel selects the most compelling stories in the history of mathematics, creating a colorful narrative that explores the quirky personalities behind some of the most groundbreaking, influential, and enduring theorems. Alongside revolutionary innovations are incredible tales of duels, battlefield heroism, flamboyant arrogance, pranks, secret societies, imprisonment, feuds, and theft—as well as some costly errors of judgment that prove genius doesn&’t equal street smarts. Aczel&’s colorful and enlightening profiles offer readers a newfound appreciation for the tenacity, complexity, eccentricity, and brilliance of our greatest mathematicians.
The Artist and the Mathematician
by Amir AczelNicolas Bourbaki, whose mathematical publications began to appear in the late 1930s and continued to be published through most of the twentieth century, was a direct product as well as a major force behind an important revolution that took place in the early decades of the twentieth century that completely changed Western culture. Pure mathematics, the area of Bourbaki's work, seems on the surface to be an abstract field of human study with no direct connection with the real world. In reality, however, it is closely intertwined with the general culture that surrounds it. Major developments in mathematics have often followed important trends in popular culture; developments in mathematics have acted as harbingers of change in the surrounding human culture. The seeds of change, the beginnings of the revolution that swept the Western world in the early decades of the twentieth century -- both in mathematics and in other areas -- were sown late in the previous century. This is the story both of Bourbaki and the world that created him in that time. It is the story of an elaborate intellectual joke -- because Bourbaki, one of the foremost mathematicians of his day -- never existed.
Investigating Groundwater (IAH - International Contributions to Hydrogeology #29)
by Ian AcworthInvestigating Groundwater provides an integrated approach to the challenges associated with locating groundwater. Uniquely, the book provides a review of the wide range of techniques that can be deployed to investigate this important resource. Many of the practical examples given are based upon Australian experience but the methods have worldwide applicability. The book is published in colour and includes many original diagrams and photographs. Particular effort has been made to provide consistent terminology and SI units are used throughout the text. <P><P>Investigating Groundwater starts with an introduction to the historical significance of groundwater and gives an account of climate change. A description of the occurrence of groundwater in different rock types is then provided. A detailed account of surface water techniques is then followed by an account of the interconnections between surface water and groundwater. Four chapters describing groundwater hydraulics are then followed by four chapters describing the latest geophysical techniques. Once the best location of a borehole is determined using these techniques; chapters then describe appropriate drilling methods to use; provide a wide ranging review of geophysical logging, hydrochemical and isotopic techniques, before concluding with a detailed description of groundwater flow to a well. <P><P>Written for a worldwide audience of degree level geology/engineering practitioners, academics and students involved in groundwater resource investigation methods; Investigating Groundwater is essential reading for those involved in groundwater research. <P><P>Key Features: <li>Presents the theoretical background and a detailed description of the techniques used in the investigation of groundwater. <li>Describes the general occurrence of groundwater in different rock types; surface water hydrology and interconnected surface and groundwater systems. <li>Provides detailed descriptions of geophysical techniques (seismic, electrical, gravity and heat) and an account of available geophysical logging methods. <li>Reviews hydrochemical and isotope methods, followed by an account of drilling techniques. <li>Gives a detailed account of radial flow to a well, including appropriate modelling and pump-testing techniques and a consideration of non-linear flow. <P><P>Of interest to anyone involved in the development of groundwater resources, either for domestic supply, for agriculture or for mining.
Strain Mechanisms in Lead-Free Ferroelectrics for Actuators
by Matias AcostaThis book addresses and analyzes the mechanisms responsible for functionality of two technologically relevant materials, giving emphasis on the relationship between structural transitions and electromechanical properties. The author investigates the atomic crystal structure and microstructure by means of thermal analysis, as well as diffraction and microscopy techniques. Electric field-, temperature- and frequency-dependent electromechanical properties are also described. Apart from this correlation between structure and properties, characterization was also performed to bridge between basic research and optimization of application-oriented parameters required for technological implementation. The author proposes guidelines to the reader in order to engineer functional properties in other piezoelectric systems, as well as in other similar functional materials with the perovskite structure.
Towards Analytical Techniques for Systems Engineering Applications (Studies in Systems, Decision and Control #286)
by Griselda Acosta Eric Smith Vladik KreinovichThis book is intended for specialists in systems engineering interested in new, general techniques and for students and practitioners interested in using these techniques for solving specific practical problems. For many real-world, complex systems, it is possible to create easy-to-compute explicit analytical models instead of time-consuming computer simulations. Usually, however, analytical models are designed on a case-by-case basis, and there is a scarcity of general techniques for designing such easy-to-compute models. This book fills this gap by providing general recommendations for using analytical techniques in all stages of system design, implementation, testing, and monitoring. It also illustrates these recommendations using applications in various domains, such as more traditional engineering systems, biological systems (e.g., systems for cattle management), and medical and social-related systems (e.g., recommender systems).
Volcano-Tectonic Processes (Advances in Volcanology)
by Valerio AcocellaVolcanoes have terrified and, at the same time, fascinated civilizations for thousands of years. Many aspects of volcanoes, most notably the eruptive processes and the compositional variations of magma, have been widely investigated for several decades and today constitute the core of any volcanology textbook. Nevertheless, in the last two decades, boosted by the availability of volcano monitoring data, there has been an increasing interest in the pre-eruptive processes related to the shallow accumulation and to the transfer of magma approaching the surface, as well as in the resulting structure of volcanoes. These are innovative and essential aspects of modern volcanology and, as driving volcanic unrest, their understanding also improves hazard assessment and eruption forecasting. So far, the significant progress made in unravelling these volcano-tectonic processes has not been supported by a comprehensive overview.This monograph aims at filling this gap, describing the pre-eruptive processes related to the structure, deformation and tectonics of volcanoes, at the local and regional scale, in any tectonic setting. The monograph is organized into three sections (“Fundamentals”, “Magma migration towards the surface” and “The regional perspective”), consisting of thirteen chapters that are lavishly illustrated. The reader is accompanied in a journey within the volcano factory, discovering the processes associated with the shallow accumulation of magma and its transfer towards the surface, how these control the structure of volcanoes and their activity and, ultimately, improve our ability to estimate hazard and forecast eruption.The potential readership includes any academic, researcher and upper undergraduate student interested in volcanology, magma intrusions, structural geology, tectonics, geodesy, as well as geology and geophysics in general.
The Growth of Biofuels in the 21st Century
by Robert Ackrill Adrian KayThis book provides a timely and insightful analysis of the expansion of biofuels production and use in recent years. Drawing on interviews with key policy insiders, Ackrill and Kay show how biofuels policies have been motivated by concerns over climate change, energy security and rural development.
Organic Food Systems: Meeting the Needs of Southern Africa
by Albert Ackhurst Jane Battersby Anastasia Caude Stephen Devereux Catherine Eckert Johan Habig Konrad Hauptfleisch Gareth Haysom Jostein Hertwig Johannes Kahl Christina Kifunda Nico Labuschagne Sandra C Lamprecht Andre Leu Simon Lorentz Josua Louw Jama Mashele Mebelo Mataa Robert Munthali Jane Nalunga Nic Olivier Hannelise Piek Matt Purkis Mandla Sibiya Bernd Siebenhüner Charles Ssekyewa Sheila Storey Dr Carola Strassner Marike Swanepoel Wim Troosters Abraham Van Niekerk Maren WesselowOrganic agriculture world-wide allows farmers to produce healthy food with low levels of external inputs, and often shortens the value chains, giving farmers a higher share of the consumer dollar. This book reports on long-term comparative organic farming systems research trials carried out over the last four years in South Africa's Southern Cape, as well as research on the organic sector and the technical tools it requires in South Africa, Zambia, Uganda and Tanzania. The trials show how the yield gap between organic and conventional crops was closed over 3 years. Water use efficiency was also greater in the organic farming system, and pests and diseases were effectively controlled using biological products. Farmer training approaches, soil carbon analysis, participatory guarantee systems, the Zambian organic farming sector (agronomy) and Ugandan organic farmer training support, and a sector plan for southern African organic farming are examined.
Wind Power in Power Systems
by Thomas AckermannThe second edition of the highly acclaimed Wind Power in Power Systems has been thoroughly revised and expanded to reflect the latest challenges associated with increasing wind power penetration levels. Since its first release, practical experiences with high wind power penetration levels have significantly increased. This book presents an overview of the lessons learned in integrating wind power into power systems and provides an outlook of the relevant issues and solutions to allow even higher wind power penetration levels. This includes the development of standard wind turbine simulation models. This extensive update has 23 brand new chapters in cutting-edge areas including offshore wind farms and storage options, performance validation and certification for grid codes, and the provision of reactive power and voltage control from wind power plants. Key features:Offers an international perspective on integrating a high penetration of wind power into the power system, from basic network interconnection to industry deregulation;Outlines the methodology and results of European and North American large-scale grid integration studies;Extensive practical experience from wind power and power system experts and transmission systems operators in Germany, Denmark, Spain, UK, Ireland, USA, China and New Zealand;Presents various wind turbine designs from the electrical perspective and models for their simulation, and discusses industry standards and world-wide grid codes, along with power quality issues;Considers concepts to increase penetration of wind power in power systems, from wind turbine, power plant and power system redesign to smart grid and storage solutions.Carefully edited for a highly coherent structure, this work remains an essential reference for power system engineers, transmission and distribution network operator and planner, wind turbine designers, wind project developers and wind energy consultants dealing with the integration of wind power into the distribution or transmission network. Up-to-date and comprehensive, it is also useful for graduate students, researchers, regulation authorities, and policy makers who work in the area of wind power and need to understand the relevant power system integration issues.
Catalytic Hydroarylation of Carbon-Carbon Multiple Bonds
by Lutz Ackermann T. Brent Gunnoe Laurel Goj HabgoodFilling a gap in the literature, this book comprehensively reviews catalytic C-H addition reactions of (hetero)aromatic hydrocarbons across carbon-carbon multiple bonds. In so doing, it summarizes both the scope as well as the limitations of different catalyst systems and building blocks, while highlighting their application to the synthesis of pharmaceuticals as well as commodity chemicals. Focusing on the latest developments, the team of authors comprising leaders in the field covers such topics as the hydroarylation of olefins, alkyne hydroarylation in the presence of transition metal catalysts, reaction of alkynes with arylboronic acids, and allene hydroarylation, as well as the synthesis of functionalized arenes and heteroaromatics. A must-have for synthetic chemists in academia and industry dealing with catalysis, organometallic chemistry, the synthesis of natural products, fine chemicals, pharmaceuticals, products of the chemical industry and organic materials.
The Woodland Homestead: How to Make Your Land More Productive and Live More Self-Sufficiently in the Woods
by Philip Ackerman-Leist Brett McLeodPut your wooded land to work! This comprehensive manual shows you how to use your woodlands to produce everything from wine and mushrooms to firewood and livestock feed. You’ll learn how to take stock of your woods; use axes, bow saws, chainsaws, and other key tools; create pasture and silvopasture for livestock; prune and coppice trees to make fuel, fodder, and furniture; build living fencing and shelters for animals; grow fruit trees and berries in a woodland orchard; make syrup from birch, walnut, or boxelder trees; and much more. Whether your property is entirely or only partly wooded, this is the guide you need to make the best use of it.
Rebuilding the Foodshed: How to Create Local, Sustainable, and Secure Food Systems
by Philip Ackerman-LeistDroves of people have turned to local food as a way to retreat from our broken industrial food system. From rural outposts to city streets, they are sowing, growing, selling, and eating food produced close to home-and they are crying out for agricultural reform. All this has made "local food" into everything from a movement buzzword to the newest darling of food trendsters. But now it's time to take the conversation to the next level. That's exactly what Philip Ackerman-Leist does in Rebuilding the Foodshed, in which he refocuses the local-food lens on the broad issue of rebuilding regional food systems that can replace the destructive aspects of industrial agriculture, meet food demands affordably and sustainably, and be resilient enough to endure potentially rough times ahead. Changing our foodscapes raises a host of questions. How far away is local? How do you decide the size and geography of a regional foodshed? How do you tackle tough issues that plague food systems large and small-issues like inefficient transportation, high energy demands, and rampant food waste? How do you grow what you need with minimum environmental impact? And how do you create a foodshed that's resilient enough if fuel grows scarce, weather gets more severe, and traditional supply chains are hampered?Showcasing some of the most promising, replicable models for growing, processing, and distributing sustainably grown food, this book points the reader toward the next stages of the food revolution. It also covers the full landscape of the burgeoning local-food movement, from rural to suburban to urban, and from backyard gardens to large-scale food enterprises.
The Lonely Phone Booth
by Peter AckermanA sad, forgotten, New York City phone booth becomes a hero in this story of community and caring for others. The Phone Booth on the corner of West End Avenue and 100th Street was one of the last remaining phone booths in New York City. Everyone used it―from ballerinas and birthday clowns, to cellists and even secret agents. Kept clean and polished, the Phone Booth was proud and happy until, the day a businessman strode by and shouted into a shiny silver object, &“I&’ll be there in ten minutes.&” Soon everyone was talking into these shiny silver things, and the Phone Booth stood alone and empty, unused and dejected. How the Phone Booth saved the day and united the neighborhood to rally around its revival is the heart of this touching story. The Lonely Phone Booth has a lot to say about the enduring power of the faithful things in our lives. For children, it&’s a wonderful way to talk about their own communities.&“A story celebrating the fabric of a neighborhood.&” ―New York Times Book Review&“Evoking the same kind of New York charm as favorites like The Little Red Lighthouse and the Great Gray Bridge and The House on East 88th Street, screenwriter Ackerman celebrates a humble phone booth (still standing at 100th Street and West End Avenue) that saves the Upper West Side—and vice versa . . . . Cultural history of the best sort.&” —Publishers Weekly&“The art not only tells a splendid story in and of itself, but it also celebrates the colorful and diverse people who live in New York City.&” —Through the Looking Glass Children&’s Book Review
The Tetris Effect: The Cold War Battle for the World's Most Addictive Game
by Dan Ackerman21 February 1989. Three men fly into Moscow, representing software giants from Britain, America, and Japan. Each of them is determined to undercut the others in order to secure a technology so powerfully addictive it has brought the government department that created it to a standstill. In a country on the brink of seismic change, where spycraft is about to give way to cut-throat capitalism, Tetris has become the grand prize. Featuring corporate espionage, unmarked government organizations, courtroom drama and international conspiracies, the origin of the world&’s most popular video game is a gripping, fast-paced thriller of the highest order. Not only this, but it is also the tale of a one-in-a-million software start-up – a unique example of an idea, a product, and an era coming together at exactly the right moment. Tetris was perfectly (if accidentally) crafted to hit primal triggers in our minds and in Ackerman&’s hands its story is unputdownable.
Clean Coal/Dirty Air
by Bruce Ackerman William T. HasslerA path-breaking effort in constitutional theory which brings a new clarity to the interpretation of the Fifth Amendment's just compensation clause. Essential reading for lawyers concerned with environmental regulation or the general development of constitutional doctrine.
Consumer Guide to Home Energy Savings
by Katie Ackerly Alex Wilson Jennifer Thorne AmannIncreasing the energy efficiency of your home can save you money, help the environment, and enhance your comfort, but how do you decide which improvements are the most beneficial and cost-effective? Completely revised to incorporate the latest developments in green technology, The Consumer Guide to Home Energy Savings is the definitive resource for consumers who want to better their home's performance while reducing their energy bills. Well-organized and highly readable, The Consumer Guide to Home Energy Savings begins with an overview of the relationships between energy use, economics, and the environment. Updated and expanded chapters focus on specific aspects of any home, such as heating and cooling, ventilation, electronics, lighting, cooking, and laundry, and provide helpful explanations for each, including: Energy use characteristics Comparisons between available technologies Cost-effective repair and replacement options Step-by-step guidance for finding the right equipment This comprehensive resource is packed with tips on improving existing equipment and guidance for when and why to invest in new purchases, as well as a reminder to check local government and utilities for purchase or retrofit grants or incentives. It is a must-read for anyone concerned about reducing both their energy bills and their environmental impact. Jennifer Thorne Amann is the buildings program director at the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE). Alex Wilson is the founder of BuildingGreen, Inc, executive editor of Environmental Building News, and author of Green Building Products and Your Green Home Katie Ackerly is a researcher at the Center for the Built Environment and a graduate student in architecture ate the University of California, Berkeley.