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Geometric and Topological Inference (Cambridge Texts in Applied Mathematics #57)
by Jean-Daniel Boissonnat Frédéric Chazal Mariette YvinecGeometric and topological inference deals with the retrieval of information about a geometric object using only a finite set of possibly noisy sample points. It has connections to manifold learning and provides the mathematical and algorithmic foundations of the rapidly evolving field of topological data analysis. Building on a rigorous treatment of simplicial complexes and distance functions, this self-contained book covers key aspects of the field, from data representation and combinatorial questions to manifold reconstruction and persistent homology. It can serve as a textbook for graduate students or researchers in mathematics, computer science and engineering interested in a geometric approach to data science.
A Geometric Approach to the Unification of Symbolic Structures and Neural Networks (Studies in Computational Intelligence #910)
by Tiansi DongThe unification of symbolist and connectionist models is a major trend in AI. The key is to keep the symbolic semantics unchanged. Unfortunately, present embedding approaches cannot. The approach in this book makes the unification possible. It is indeed a new and promising approach in AI. -Bo Zhang, Director of AI Institute, TsinghuaIt is indeed wonderful to see the reviving of the important theme Nural Symbolic Model. Given the popularity and prevalence of deep learning, symbolic processing is often neglected or downplayed. This book confronts this old issue head on, with a historical look, incorporating recent advances and new perspectives, thus leading to promising new methods and approaches. -Ron Sun (RPI), on Governing Board of Cognitive Science SocietyBoth for language and humor, approaches like those described in this book are the way to snickerdoodle wombats. -Christian F. Hempelmann (Texas A&M-Commerce) on Executive Board of International Society for Humor Studies
Geometric Computing
by Eduardo Bayro-CorrochanoThis book offers a gentle introduction to Clifford geometric algebra, an advanced mathematical framework, for applications in perception action systems. Part I, is written in an accessible way allowing readers to easily grasp the mathematical system of Clifford algebra. Part II presents related topics. While Part 3 features practical applications for Computer Vision, Robotics, Image Processing and Neural Computing. Topics and Features include: theory and application of the quaternion Fourier and wavelet transforms, thorough discussion on geometric computing under uncertainty, an entire chapter devoted to the useful conformal geometric algebra, presents examples and hints for the use of public domain computer programs for geometric algebra. The modern framework for geometric computing highlighted will be of great use for communities working on image processing, computer vision, artificial intelligence, neural networks, neuroscience, robotics, control engineering, human and robot interfaces, haptics and humanoids.
Geometric Methods in Signal and Image Analysis
by Hamid Krim A. Ben HamzaThis comprehensive guide offers a new approach for developing and implementing robust computational methodologies that uncover the key geometric and topological information from signals and images. With the help of detailed real-world examples and applications, readers will learn how to solve complex signal and image processing problems in fields ranging from remote sensing to medical imaging, bioinformatics, robotics, security, and defence. With an emphasis on intuitive and application-driven arguments, this text covers not only a range of methods in use today, but also introduces promising new developments for the future, bringing the reader up-to-date with the state of the art in signal and image analysis. Covering basic principles as well as advanced concepts and applications, and with examples and homework exercises, this is an invaluable resource for graduate students, researchers, and industry practitioners in a range of fields including signal and image processing, biomedical engineering, and computer graphics.
Geometric Modeling and Mesh Generation from Scanned Images (Chapman & Hall/CRC Mathematical and Computational Imaging Sciences Series #6)
by Yongjie Jessica ZhangCutting-Edge Techniques to Better Analyze and Predict Complex Physical Phenomena Geometric Modeling and Mesh Generation from Scanned Images shows how to integrate image processing, geometric modeling, and mesh generation with the finite element method (FEM) to solve problems in computational biology, medicine, materials science, and engineering. Based on the author’s recent research and course at Carnegie Mellon University, the text explains the fundamentals of medical imaging, image processing, computational geometry, mesh generation, visualization, and finite element analysis. It also explores novel and advanced applications in computational biology, medicine, materials science, and other engineering areas. One of the first to cover this emerging interdisciplinary field, the book addresses biomedical/material imaging, image processing, geometric modeling and visualization, FEM, and biomedical and engineering applications. It introduces image-mesh-simulation pipelines, reviews numerical methods used in various modules of the pipelines, and discusses several scanning techniques, including ones to probe polycrystalline materials. The book next presents the fundamentals of geometric modeling and computer graphics, geometric objects and transformations, and curves and surfaces as well as two isocontouring methods: marching cubes and dual contouring. It then describes various triangular/tetrahedral and quadrilateral/hexahedral mesh generation techniques. The book also discusses volumetric T-spline modeling for isogeometric analysis (IGA) and introduces some new developments of FEM in recent years with applications.
Geometric Modeling of Fractal Forms for CAD
by Christian Gentil Gilles Gouaty Dmitry SokolovDesigning and controlling complex shapes like porous volumes and rough surfaces is a challenge. Fractal geometry is an interesting approach which considerably simplify the problem. Even though underlying concepts reduce the set possible shapes, they generate a surprising variety of shapes. In this book we present a formalism to design such complex objects for geometric aided geometry design applications. The goal of this formalism is to provide to the end user the possibility to manipulate fractal objects as a standard euclidean object with standard tools of CAD system. This formalism encompass curves, surfaces, volumes, as well as NURBS and subdivision surfaces. All theoretical and practical aspects are developed, from the design up to 3D printing.
Geometric Optics
by Antonio Romano Roberto CavaliereThis book--unique in the literature--provides readers with the mathematical background needed to design many of the optical combinations that are used in astronomical telescopes and cameras. The results presented in the work were obtained by using a different approach to third-order aberration theory as well as the extensive use of the software package Mathematica®. Replete with workout examples and exercises, Geometric Optics is an excellent reference for advanced graduate students, researchers, and practitioners in applied mathematics, engineering, astronomy, and astronomical optics. The work may be used as a supplementary textbook for graduate-level courses in astronomical optics, optical design, optical engineering, programming with Mathematica, or geometric optics.
Geometric Patterns with Creative Coding: Coding for the Arts
by Selçuk ArtutFacilitate coding in generating geometric motives with a special focus on analyzing their geometric formulations. This book aims to teach analytical coding skills by combining arts and mathematics. Geometric patterns are quintessentially important for understanding today’s media arts and their relationship with mathematics. With the main emphasis on this, author Selçuk Artut proposes a certain workflow to mathematically analyze a geometric pattern and use creative coding skills to render it on a computer screen. When done, you'll understand the basics of coding and expand the provided structure to cover issues of creative coding in particular. This book will also present a workflow to geometrically analyze and build patterns with detailed examples.What You Will LearnGain insight into the field of geometric patterns and its cultural valueReview dialectic creativity that takes place between humans and computersUse code as a creative tool to use human-computer interaction to develop one's creative skillsWho This Book Is ForAny person who has an interest in using coding as a creative tool. University students from Arts, Design, Architecture, and Computer Science departments. Artists and designers who are eager to implement creative coding in their artistic production.
Geometric Programming for Computer Aided Design
by Alberto PaoluzziGeometric Programming is currently of interest in CAD (Computer Aided Design) and related areas such as computer graphics, modeling and animation, scientific simulation and robotics. A growing interest towards gemotric programming is forecast in the next few years with respect to market specific CAD applications (e.g. for architecture and mechanical CAD) and web-based collaborative design environments. PLaSM is a general purpose functional language to compute with geometry which the authors use throughout their text. The PLaSM language output produces VRML (Virtual Reality Modelling Language) files which are used to create virtual worlds. PLaSM blends the powerful algebraic approach to programming developed at IBM research, with a dimension-independent approach to geometric data structures and algorithms, This book shows that such geometric code can be surprisingly compact and easy to write. It begins by introducing the basic programming with PLaSM and algebraic and geometric foundations of shape modeling, the foundations of computer graphics, solid modeling and geometric modeling of manifolds follows and finally discusses the application of geometric programming. For each topic, the mathematics is given, together with the PLaSM implementation (usually with a few lines of readable code) and some worked examples. * Combines excellent coverage of the theory with well-developed examples * Numerous applications eg. scientific stimulation, robotics, CAD, Virtual Reality * Worked exercises for each topic * Uses PLaSM language (supplied) throughout to illustrate techniques * Supported with web presence Written for Industrial Practioners developing CAD software, mechanical engineers in Graphics, CAD and CAM, undergraduate and postgraduate courses in Computer Science and Mechanical Engineering,as well as programmers involved with developing visualization software.
Geometric Science of Information: 6th International Conference, GSI 2023, St. Malo, France, August 30 – September 1, 2023, Proceedings, Part I (Lecture Notes in Computer Science #14071)
by Frank Nielsen Frédéric BarbarescoThis book constitutes the proceedings of the 6th International Conference on Geometric Science of Information, GSI 2023, held in St. Malo, France, during August 30-September 1, 2023. The 125 full papers presented in this volume were carefully reviewed and selected from 161 submissions. They cover all the main topics and highlights in the domain of geometric science of information, including information geometry manifolds of structured data/information and their advanced applications. The papers are organized in the following topics: geometry and machine learning; divergences and computational information geometry; statistics, topology and shape spaces; geometry and mechanics; geometry, learning dynamics and thermodynamics; quantum information geometry; geometry and biological structures; geometry and applications.
Geometric Science of Information: 6th International Conference, GSI 2023, St. Malo, France, August 30 – September 1, 2023, Proceedings, Part II (Lecture Notes in Computer Science #14072)
by Frank Nielsen Frédéric BarbarescoThis book constitutes the proceedings of the 6th International Conference on Geometric Science of Information, GSI 2023, held in St. Malo, France, during August 30-September 1, 2023. The 125 full papers presented in this volume were carefully reviewed and selected from 161 submissions. They cover all the main topics and highlights in the domain of geometric science of information, including information geometry manifolds of structured data/information and their advanced applications. The papers are organized in the following topics: geometry and machine learning; divergences and computational information geometry; statistics, topology and shape spaces; geometry and mechanics; geometry, learning dynamics and thermodynamics; quantum information geometry; geometry and biological structures; geometry and applications.
Geometric Science of Information: 4th International Conference, GSI 2019, Toulouse, France, August 27–29, 2019, Proceedings (Lecture Notes in Computer Science #11712)
by Frank Nielsen Frédéric BarbarescoThis book constitutes the proceedings of the 4th International Conference on Geometric Science of Information, GSI 2019, held in Toulouse, France, in August 2019.The 79 full papers presented in this volume were carefully reviewed and selected from 105 submissions. They cover all the main topics and highlights in the domain of geometric science of information, including information geometry manifolds of structured data/information and their advanced applications.
Geometric Structures of Information (Signals and Communication Technology)
by Frank NielsenThis book focuses on information geometry manifolds of structured data/information and their advanced applications featuring new and fruitful interactions between several branches of science: information science, mathematics and physics. It addresses interrelations between different mathematical domains like shape spaces, probability/optimization & algorithms on manifolds, relational and discrete metric spaces, computational and Hessian information geometry, algebraic/infinite dimensional/Banach information manifolds, divergence geometry, tensor-valued morphology, optimal transport theory, manifold & topology learning, and applications like geometries of audio-processing, inverse problems and signal processing. The book collects the most important contributions to the conference GSI’2017 – Geometric Science of Information.
Geometric Tolerancing Standard to Machine Design: A Design-for-Fit Approach
by Faryar EtesamiThis book is for students enrolled in undergraduate mechanical engineering, or similar, programs. The material presented is based on nearly thirty years of class-tested lecture notes for courses on the applications of geometric tolerancing for designers. The book’s emphasis is on fit requirements for machine components, as fit assurance makes up the majority of challenging applications in tolerancing. For design engineers, knowing how to apply geometric tolerances has been a challenge even for engineers who have practiced geometric tolerancing for a long time. The syntax and meaning of geometric tolerancing statements can be learned easily and quickly, but knowing how to use them correctly is much more difficult. In the Design-for-Fit approach, the presentation starts with the geometric requirements for various kinds of fit and then presents the geometric tolerance statements necessary to achieve those fits.
Geometrical Multiresolution Adaptive Transforms
by Agnieszka LisowskaModern image processing techniques are based on multiresolution geometrical methods of image representation. These methods are efficient in sparse approximation of digital images. There is a wide family of functions called simply 'X-lets', and these methods can be divided into two groups: the adaptive and the nonadaptive. This book is devoted to the adaptive methods of image approximation, especially to multismoothlets. Besides multismoothlets, several other new ideas are also covered. Current literature considers the black and white images with smooth horizon function as the model for sparse approximation but here, the class of blurred multihorizon is introduced, which is then used in the approximation of images with multiedges. Additionally, the semi-anisotropic model of multiedge representation, the introduction of the shift invariant multismoothlet transform and sliding multismoothlets are also covered. Geometrical Multiresolution Adaptive Transforms should be accessible to both mathematicians and computer scientists. It is suitable as a professional reference for students, researchers and engineers, containing many open problems and will be an excellent starting point for those who are beginning new research in the area or who want to use geometrical multiresolution adaptive methods in image processing, analysis or compression.
Geometry and Complexity Theory (Cambridge Studies in Advanced Mathematics #169)
by J. M. LandsbergTwo central problems in computer science are P vs NP and the complexity of matrix multiplication. The first is also a leading candidate for the greatest unsolved problem in mathematics. The second is of enormous practical and theoretical importance. Algebraic geometry and representation theory provide fertile ground for advancing work on these problems and others in complexity. This introduction to algebraic complexity theory for graduate students and researchers in computer science and mathematics features concrete examples that demonstrate the application of geometric techniques to real world problems. Written by a noted expert in the field, it offers numerous open questions to motivate future research. Complexity theory has rejuvenated classical geometric questions and brought different areas of mathematics together in new ways. This book will show the beautiful, interesting, and important questions that have arisen as a result.
Geometry and Vision: First International Symposium, ISGV 2021, Auckland, New Zealand, January 28-29, 2021, Revised Selected Papers (Communications in Computer and Information Science #1386)
by Minh Nguyen Wei Qi Yan Harvey HoThis book constitutes selected papers from the First International Symposium on Geometry and Vision, ISGV 2021, held in Auckland, New Zealand, in January 2021. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic the conference was held in partially virtual format. The 29 papers were thoroughly reviewed and selected from 50 submissions. They cover topics in areas of digital geometry, graphics, image and video technologies, computer vision, and multimedia technologies.
Geometry Dash Guía No Oficial
by I. Fernandez Joshua Abbott¡Con mi guía aprenderás justo lo que necesitas saber para convertirte en un jugador experto y pasar niveles! Es una guía completa con todo lo que necesitas saber sobre el juego Y ADEMÁS podrás descargar una copia del juego de forma gratuita con tu compra. *Resumen e información básica. *Consejos y estrategias de profesionales *Instrucciones detalladas y fáciles de seguir. *Supera niveles. *Trucos. *¡Secretos, consejos y trucos, que utilizan jugadores profesionales! *¡Y MUCHO MÁS! ¡Hazte con la guía ahora y destroza a tus adversarios! ¡Conviértete en un jugador pro hoy mismo! Descargo de responsabilidad Este producto no está asociado, afiliado, promocionado, certificado o patrocinado por RobTop Games. Esta guía ha de ser usada como referencia y como tal no Modifica el juego de ninguna forma. Es una guía escrita y no software.
Geometry Dash Meltdown Guida Non Ufficiale del Gioco
by Stefania Pezzato Hiddenstuff EntertainmentOltre ad comprare questo libro iscriviti per il nostro programma di guide supplementari gratuite. Copiando il link qui sotto avrai accesso agli ultimi aggiornamenti per i più popolari videogiochi e app. Iscriviti gratis qua sotto: http://emailsignupform.subscribemenow.com/ Guida con Suggerimenti & Strategie Avanzati. Questa è la guida più completa e la sola dettagliata che troverai online. Disponibile per il download immediato sul tuo smartphone, eBook reader o in cartaceo. Con il successo delle mie altre centinaia di guide e strategie scritte, ho creato un'altra guida professionale avanzata per i giocatori nuovi e veterani. Questa guida fornisce specifiche strategie e suggerimenti sul come progredire nel gioco, battere i tuoi avversari, ottenere più monete e denaro, e molto altro! Ecco cosa avrai comprando questa guida del gioco professionale avanzata e dettagliata. - Suggerimenti e Strategie Professionali. - Cheat e Hack. - Segreti, Suggerimenti, Cheat, Sbloccabili, e Triucchi Usati dai Giocatori Pro! - Come Avere Tonnellate di Denaro/Monete. - E MOLTO ALTRO! Tutte le versioni di questa guida hanno degli screenshot per aiutarti a capire meglio il gioco. Non c'è altra guida completa e avanzata quanto questa. Se stai cercando guide su altri giochi e app famosi cerca altri titoli di Joshua J Abbott o della HSE Games. Sarai felici di aver comprato questa guida e ne trarrai molti benefici in confronto ad altre guide meno efficaci sul mercato. Comprala ora e batti i tuoi avversari! Diventa un Giocatore Pro Oggi! Per supporto e altre informazioni sui nostri prodotti visitate: http://www.hiddenstuffentertainment.com/ Disclaimer: Questo prodotto non è associato, affiliato, promosso o sponsorizzato dal Proprietario Originale del Copyright. Tutti i marchi che appaiono in questo ebook sono registrati e appartengono ai rispettivi proprietari.
Geometry for Programmers
by Oleksandr KaleniukMaster the math behind CAD, game engines, GIS, and more! This hands-on book teaches you the geometry used to create simulations, 3D prints, and other models of the physical world.In Geometry for Programmers you will learn how to: Speak the language of applied geometry Compose geometric transformations economically Craft custom splines for efficient curves and surface generation Pick and implement the right geometric transformations Confidently use important algorithms that operate on triangle meshes, distance functions, and voxels Geometry for Programmers guides you through the math behind graphics and modeling tools. It&’s full of practical examples and clear explanations that make sense even if you don&’t have a background in advanced math. You&’ll learn how basic geometry can help you avoid code layering and repetition, and even how to drive down cloud hosting costs with more efficient runtimes. Cheerful language, charts, illustrations, equations, and Python code help make geometry instantly relevant to your daily work as a developer. About the Technology Geometry is at the heart of game engines, robotics, computer-aided design, GIS, and image processing. This book draws back what is for some a mathematical curtain, giving them insight and control over this central tool. You&’ll quickly see how a little geometry can help you design realistic simulations, translate the physical world into code, and even reduce your cloud services bill by improving the efficiency of graphics-intensive applications. About the Book Geometry for Programmers is both practical and entertaining. Fun illustrations and engaging examples show you how to apply geometry to real programming problems, like changing a scan into a CAD model or developing 3D printing contours from a parametric function. And don&’t worry if you aren&’t a math expert. There&’s no heavy theory, and you&’ll learn how to offload most equations to the SymPy computer algebra system. What&’s Inside Speak the language of applied geometry Compose geometric transformations economically Craft custom splines for efficient curves and surface generation Confidently use geometry algorithms About the Reader Examples are in Python, and all you need is high school–level math. About the Author Oleksandr Kaleniuk is the creator of Words and Buttons Online, a collection of interactive tutorials on math and programming. Table of Contents 1 Getting started 2 Terminology and jargon 3 The geometry of linear equations 4 Projective geometric transformations 5 The geometry of calculus 6 Polynomial approximation and interpolation 7 Splines 8 Nonlinear transformations and surfaces 9 The geometry of vector algebra 10 Modeling shapes with signed distance functions and surrogates 11 Modeling surfaces with boundary representations and triangle meshes 12 Modeling bodies with images and voxels
Geometry of Deep Learning: A Signal Processing Perspective (Mathematics in Industry #37)
by Jong Chul YeThe focus of this book is on providing students with insights into geometry that can help them understand deep learning from a unified perspective. Rather than describing deep learning as an implementation technique, as is usually the case in many existing deep learning books, here, deep learning is explained as an ultimate form of signal processing techniques that can be imagined. To support this claim, an overview of classical kernel machine learning approaches is presented, and their advantages and limitations are explained. Following a detailed explanation of the basic building blocks of deep neural networks from a biological and algorithmic point of view, the latest tools such as attention, normalization, Transformer, BERT, GPT-3, and others are described. Here, too, the focus is on the fact that in these heuristic approaches, there is an important, beautiful geometric structure behind the intuition that enables a systematic understanding. A unified geometric analysis to understand the working mechanism of deep learning from high-dimensional geometry is offered. Then, different forms of generative models like GAN, VAE, normalizing flows, optimal transport, and so on are described from a unified geometric perspective, showing that they actually come from statistical distance-minimization problems.Because this book contains up-to-date information from both a practical and theoretical point of view, it can be used as an advanced deep learning textbook in universities or as a reference source for researchers interested in acquiring the latest deep learning algorithms and their underlying principles. In addition, the book has been prepared for a codeshare course for both engineering and mathematics students, thus much of the content is interdisciplinary and will appeal to students from both disciplines.
The Geometry Toolbox for Graphics and Modeling
by Gerald Farin Dianne HansfordThe Geometry Toolbox takes a novel and particularly visual approach to teaching the basic concepts of two- and three-dimensional geometry. It explains the geometry essential for today's computer modeling, computer graphics, and animation systems. While the basic theory is completely covered, the emphasis of the book is not on abstract proofs but rather on examples and algorithms. The Geometry Toolbox is the ideal text for professionals who want to get acquainted with the latest geometric tools. The chapters on basic curves and surfaces form an ideal stepping stone into the world of graphics and modeling. It is also a unique textbook for a modern introduction to linear algebra and matrix theory.
Geomorphic Risk Reduction Using Geospatial Methods and Tools (Disaster Risk Reduction)
by Raju Sarkar Sunil Saha Basanta Raj Adhikari Rajib ShawThis book explores the use of advanced geospatial techniques in geomorphic hazards modelling and risk reduction. It also compares the accuracy of traditional statistical methods and advanced machine learning methods and addresses the different ways to reduce the impact of geomorphic hazards.In recent years with the development of human infrastructures, geomorphic hazards are gradually increasing, which include landslides, flood and soil erosion, among others. They cause huge loss of human property and lives. Especially in mountainous, coastal, arid and semi-arid regions, these natural hazards are the main barriers for economic development. Furthermore, human pressure and specific human actions such as deforestation, inappropriate land use and farming have increased the danger of natural disasters and degraded the natural environment, making it more difficult for environmental planners and policymakers to develop appropriate long-term sustainability plans. The most challenging task is to develop a sophisticated approach for continuous inspection and resolution of environmental problems for researchers and scientists. However, in the past several decades, geospatial technology has undergone dramatic advances, opening up new opportunities for handling environmental challenges in a more comprehensive manner.With the help of geographic information system (GIS) tools, high and moderate resolution remote sensing information, such as visible imaging, synthetic aperture radar, global navigation satellite systems, light detection and ranging, Quickbird, Worldview 3, LiDAR, SPOT 5, Google Earth Engine and others deliver state-of-the-art investigations in the identification of multiple natural hazards. For a thorough examination, advanced computer approaches focusing on cutting-edge data processing, machine learning and deep learning may be employed. To detect and manage various geomorphic hazards and their impact, several models with a specific emphasis on natural resources and the environment may be created.
Geoparticipatory Spatial Tools (Local and Urban Governance)
by Jiří PánekThe book explores the key factors affecting the successful implementation of public participation spatial systems in participatory planning as part of the urban governance system. It brings insight from nation-wide research in the Czech Republic and the implications to other countries in the region and beyond. The main aim of the proposed book is to analyse the state-of-the-art of using geoparticipatory tools for citizens’ participation in community decision-making process and to suggest the effective implementation of the geoparticipatory tools available in urban governance. This book explores the situation in the Czech Republic as a representative of for Eastern Bloc country, three decades after the political transition, on its way to public participation in local and urban governance. The active involvement of the citizens into the local and urban decision making process via geoparticipatory spatial tools is becoming a popular research field among human geographers, behavioural geographers, GIS scientists, environmental psychologists, policy scientists and many others scientific areas.
Geopedology: An Integration of Geomorphology and Pedology for Soil and Landscape Studies
by Joseph Alfred Zinck Graciela Metternicht Héctor Francisco del Valle Marcos AngeliniThis updated and revised second edition brings geopedology issues into the current context. This new edition extends the work on popular topics such as digital soil mapping, GIS and landscape mapping, and it also gives valuable insight with up-to-date theoretical discussions and new application with relevant case studies. This textbook offers a proven approach for reliable mapping of soil-landscape relationships to derive information for policy, planning and management at scales ranging from local to regional. Filled with didactic elements such as case studies, visual aids (maps, charts and figures), questions and answers, the book is of interest to geohazard studies, land use conflict analysis, land use planning, land degradation assessment, and land suitability analysis. Soil is a vital resource for society at large and an important determinant of the economic status of nations. The intensification of natural disasters and the increased land use competition for food and energy have raised awareness of the relevant role the pedosphere plays in natural and anthropogenic environments. Recent papers and global initiatives show a renewed interest in soil research and its applications for improved planning and management of this fragile and finite resource.