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First Class Killing: An edge-of-your-seat thriller that will carry you along for the ride (The\alex Shanahan Thrillers Ser. #3)
by Lynne HeitmanA gripping and fast-paced thriller featuring Alex Shanahan - a tough, resourceful private investigator for the aviation world. Perfect for fans of Jeffery Deaver and James Patterson__________When Majestic Airlines gets suspicious that some of its staff are abusing its databases for a rather alarming reason, Alex Shanahan is called in to find out the hard facts.Going undercover as an air-hostess, navigating the gossip and the politics, she soon discovers that a group of her female colleagues are running an 'escort' service for Majestic's customers. Dismissive at first, the closer Alex gets to the cunning and dangerous woman who is running the operation, the more she realises the violence involved. Soon she finds herself investigating murder as well as fraud . . .__________Book 3 in the Alex Shanahan series
A First Course in Aerial Robots and Drones (Chapman & Hall/CRC Artificial Intelligence and Robotics Series)
by Yasmina Bestaoui SebbaneA First Course in Aerial Robots and Drones provides an accessible and student friendly introduction to aerial robots and drones. Drones figure prominently as opportunities for students to learn various aspects of aerospace engineering and design. Drones offer an enticing entry point for STEM studies. As the use of drones in STEM studies grows, there is an emerging generation of drone pilots who are not just good at flying, but experts in specific niches, such as mapping or thermography. Key Features: Focuses on algorithms that are currently used to solve diverse problems. Enables students to solve problems and improve their science skills. Introduces difficult concepts with simple, accessible examples. Suitable for undergraduate students, this textbook provides students and other readers with methods for solving problems and improving their science skills.
A First Course in Boundary Element Methods (Mathematical Engineering)
by Steven L. Crouch Sofia G. MogilevskayaThis textbook delves into the theory and practical application of boundary integral equation techniques, focusing on their numerical solution for boundary value problems within potential theory and linear elasticity. Drawing parallels between single and double layer potentials in potential theory and their counterparts in elasticity, the book introduces various numerical procedures, namely boundary element methods, where unknown quantities reside on the boundaries of the region of interest. Through the approximation of boundary value problems into systems of algebraic equations, solvable by standard numerical methods, the text elucidates both indirect and direct approaches. While indirect methods involve single or double layer potentials separately, yielding physically ambiguous results, direct methods combine potentials using Green’s or Somigliana’s formulas, providing physically meaningful solutions. Tailored for beginning graduate students, this self-contained textbook offers detailed analytical and numerical derivations for isotropic and anisotropic materials, prioritizing simplicity in presentation while progressively advancing towards more intricate mathematical concepts, particularly focusing on two-dimensional problems within potential theory and linear elasticity.
A First Course in Control System Design
by Kamran IqbalControl systems are pervasive in our lives. Our homes have environmental controls. The appliances we use at home, such as the washing machine, microwave, etc. have embedded controllers. We fly in airplanes and drive automobiles, which make extensive use of control systems. The increasing automation in the past few decades has increased our reliance on control systems.A First Course in Control System Design discusses control systems design from a model-based perspective as applicable to single-input single-output systems. The emphasis in this book is on understanding and applying the techniques that enable the design of effective control systems. The book covers the time-domain and the frequency-domain design methods, as well as the design of continuous-time and discrete-time systems.Technical topics discussed in the book include: Modeling of physical systems Analysis of transfer function and state variable models Control system design via root locus Control system design in the state-space Control design of sampled-data systems Compensator design via frequency response modification
A First Course in Control System Design
by Kamran IqbalControl systems are pervasive in our lives. Our homes have environmental controls. The appliances we use, such as the washing machine, microwave, etc. carry embedded controllers in them. We fly in airplanes and drive automobiles that extensively use control systems. The industrial plants that produce consumer goods run on process control systems. The recent drive toward automation has increased our reliance on control systems technology.This book discusses control systems design from a model-based perspective for dynamic system models of single-input single-output type. The emphasis in this book is on understanding and applying the techniques that enable the design of effective control systems in multiple engineering disciplines. The book covers both time-domain and the frequency-domain design methods, as well as controller design for both continuous-time and discrete-time systems. MATLAB© and its Control Systems Toolbox are extensively used for design.
A First Course in Dimensional Analysis: Simplifying Complex Phenomena Using Physical Insight (The\mit Press Ser.)
by Juan G. SantiagoAn introduction to dimensional analysis, a method of scientific analysis used to investigate and simplify complex physical phenomena, demonstrated through a series of engaging examples.This book offers an introduction to dimensional analysis, a powerful method of scientific analysis used to investigate and simplify complex physical phenomena. The method enables bold approximations and the generation of testable hypotheses. The book explains these analyses through a series of entertaining applications; students will learn to analyze, for example, the limits of world-record weight lifters, the distance an electric submarine can travel, how an upside-down pendulum is similar to a running velociraptor, and the number of Olympic rowers required to double boat speed.The book introduces the approach through easy-to-follow, step-by-step methods that show how to identify the essential variables describing a complex problem; explore the dimensions of the problem and recast it to reduce complexity; leverage physical insights and experimental observations to further reduce complexity; form testable scientific hypotheses; combine experiments and analysis to solve a problem; and collapse and present experimental measurements in a compact form. Each chapter ends with a summary and problems for students to solve. Taken together, the analyses and examples demonstrate the value of dimensional analysis and provide guidance on how to combine and enhance dimensional analysis with physical insights. The book can be used by undergraduate students in physics, engineering, chemistry, biology, sports science, and astronomy.
A First Course in Engineering Drawing
by K. RathnamThe primary objective of this book is to provide an easy approach to the basic principles of Engineering Drawing, which is one of the core subjects for undergraduate students in all branches of engineering. Further, it offers comprehensive coverage of topics required for a first course in this subject, based on the author's years of experience in teaching this subject. Emphasis is placed on the precise and logical presentation of the concepts and principles that are essential to understanding the subject. The methods presented help students to grasp the fundamentals more easily. In addition, the book highlights essential problem-solving strategies and features both solved examples and multiple-choice questions to test their comprehension.
A First Course in Fuzzy Logic, Fuzzy Dynamical Systems, and Biomathematics: Theory and Applications (Studies in Fuzziness and Soft Computing #432)
by Rodney Carlos Bassanezi Weldon A. Lodwick Laécio Carvalho de BarrosThis book provides an essential introduction to the field of dynamical models. Starting from classical theories such as set theory and probability, it allows readers to draw near to the fuzzy case. On one hand, the book equips readers with a fundamental understanding of the theoretical underpinnings of fuzzy sets and fuzzy dynamical systems. On the other, it presents some concepts of derivatives, integrals and differential equations applied to the context of fuzzy functions. Each of the major topics is accompanied by examples, worked-out exercises, and exercises to be completed. Moreover, many applications to real problems are presented, mainly in biomathematics where the so-called p-fuzzy systems play an important role. The book has been developed on the basis of the authors’ lectures to university students and is accordingly primarily intended as a textbook for both upper-level undergraduates and graduates in applied mathematics, statistics, and engineering. It also offers a valuable resource for practitioners such as mathematical consultants and modelers, and for researchers alike, as it may provide both groups with new ideas and inspirations for projects in the fields of fuzzy logic and biomathematics. This thoroughly updated second edition includes a new chapter on fuzzy optimization, which also presents an application in carbon markets analysis and modeling
A First Course in Ordinary Differential Equations: Analytical and Numerical Methods
by Martin Hermann Masoud SaraviThis book presents a modern introduction to analytical and numerical techniques for solving ordinary differential equations (ODEs). Contrary to the traditional format--the theorem-and-proof format--the book is focusing on analytical and numerical methods. The book supplies a variety of problems and examples, ranging from the elementary to the advanced level, to introduce and study the mathematics of ODEs. The analytical part of the book deals with solution techniques for scalar first-order and second-order linear ODEs, and systems of linear ODEs--with a special focus on the Laplace transform, operator techniques and power series solutions. In the numerical part, theoretical and practical aspects of Runge-Kutta methods for solving initial-value problems and shooting methods for linear two-point boundary-value problems are considered. The book is intended as a primary text for courses on the theory of ODEs and numerical treatment of ODEs for advanced undergraduate and early graduate students. It is assumed that the reader has a basic grasp of elementary calculus, in particular methods of integration, and of numerical analysis. Physicists, chemists, biologists, computer scientists and engineers whose work involves solving ODEs will also find the book useful as a reference work and tool for independent study. The book has been prepared within the framework of a German-Iranian research project on mathematical methods for ODEs, which was started in early 2012.
A First Course in Predictive Control, Second Edition (Control Series)
by J. A. RossiterThe book presents a significant expansion in depth and breadth of the previous edition. It includes substantially more numerical illustrations and copious supporting MATLAB code that the reader can use to replicate illustrations or build his or her own. The code is deliberately written to be as simple as possible and easy to edit. The book is an excellent starting point for any researcher to gain a solid grounding in MPC concepts and algorithms before moving into application or more advanced research topics. Sample problems for readers are embedded throughout the chapters, and in-text questions are designed for readers to demonstrate an understanding of concepts through numerical simulation.
A First Course in Quality Engineering: Integrating Statistical and Management Methods of Quality, Third Edition
by K. S. Krishnamoorthi V. Ram Krishnamoorthi Arunkumar PennathurThe third edition of this textbook improves on the strengths of the earlier editions both in content and presentation. Of the important features of the textbook is the inclusion of examples from real-world to illustrate use of quality methods in problem solving. A thorough revision is made of the text to make all chapters suitable for self-study as well.
A First Course in Statistics for Signal Analysis (Statistics for Industry, Technology, and Engineering)
by Wojbor A. WoyczyńskiThis self-contained and user-friendly textbook is designed for a first, one-semester course in statistical signal analysis for a broad audience of students in engineering and the physical sciences. The emphasis throughout is on fundamental concepts and relationships in the statistical theory of stationary random signals, which are explained in a concise, yet rigorous presentation. With abundant practice exercises and thorough explanations, A First Course in Statistics for Signal Analysis is an excellent tool for both teaching students and training laboratory scientists and engineers. Improvements in the second edition include considerably expanded sections, enhanced precision, and more illustrative figures.
First Differential Measurements of tZq Production and Luminosity Determination Using Z Boson Rates at the LHC (Springer Theses)
by David WalterThis thesis describes two groundbreaking measurements in the precision frontier at the LHC: the first ever differential measurement of the Z-associated single top quark (tZq) production, and the luminosity measurement using Z boson production rate for the first time in CMS. Observed only in 2018, the tZq process is of great importance in probing top quark electroweak couplings. These couplings are natural places for new phenomena to happen in the top quark sector of the standard model. Yet, they are the least explored directly. One has to obtain a firm understanding of the modeling of sensitive distributions to new top-Z interactions. The present analysis marks a major milestone in this long-term effort. All distributions relevant for new phenomena, and/or modeling of tZq, are studied in full depth using advanced Machine Learning techniques.The luminosity and its uncertainty contributes to every physics result of the experiment. The method minutely developed in this thesis provides a complementary measurement that results in a significant overall reduction of uncertainties.
The First Farmers of Europe: An Evolutionary Perspective (Cambridge World Archaeology )
by Stephen ShennanKnowledge of the origin and spread of farming has been revolutionised in recent years by the application of new scientific techniques, especially the analysis of ancient DNA from human genomes. <P><P>In this book, Stephen Shennan presents the latest research on the spread of farming by archaeologists, geneticists and other archaeological scientists. He shows that it resulted from a population expansion from present-day Turkey. Using ideas from the disciplines of human behavioural ecology and cultural evolution, he explains how this process took place. The expansion was not the result of 'population pressure' but of the opportunities for increased fertility by colonising new regions that farming offered. The knowledge and resources for the farming 'niche' were passed on from parents to their children. However, Shennan demonstrates that the demographic patterns associated with the spread of farming resulted in population booms and busts, not continuous expansion.<P> The first book to synthesise new ancient DNA results revolutionising our understanding of the spread of farming.<P> Provides a coherent account of the processes involved in the spread of farming.<P> The account is framed in terms of new ideas from the fields of human behavioural ecology and cultural evolution.
The First Horseman
by John CaseOn the Norwegian sea, an icebreaker forges its way through frozen waters to a remote island in the Arctic, carrying a scientific team that hopes to unearth the bodies of long-dead miners. Washington Post reporter Frank Daly has the story of a lifetime. But his plan to join the scientists on their historic mission is ruined by a ferocious storm. When he meets up with the ship upon its return to port in Norway, it is clear that something has gone terribly wrong. Fear haunts the faces of the crew. No one will talk. And someone wants Daly to stop asking questions. But the more he uncovers, the more dangerous the stakes become. Until at last he comes face-to-face with a shocking secret, a secret that pitches him into a harrowing race to prevent nothing less than . . . apocalypse.
First How Things Work Encyclopedia: A First Reference Guide for Inquisitive Minds (DK First Reference)
by DKLooking at the technology all around us-and then explaining how it works, the How Things Work Encyclopedia lifts the hood of a car engine, gets inside a TV set, and discovers the power of invisible microwaves. With close-ups, cutaways, and diagrams bringing the technology to life, and timelines illustrating the development of inventions, challenging curiosity quizzes and fascinating facts, the How Things Work Encyclopedia lets children really see and understand what's going on inside.
First in Flight: How a Photograph Captured the Takeoff of the Wright Brothers' Flyer (Captured History)
by Michael BurganOn-point historical photographs combined with strong narration bring the story of the historic first flight ever to life. Kids will feel as though they are at Kitty Hawk with Wilbur and Orville Wright as the brothers prepare to test their aircraft. They'll also learn about the history of flight and the skepticism that greeted the Wrights when they, at first, refused to release the photograph of their successful flight.
First International Conference on Artificial Intelligence and Cognitive Computing: Aicc 2018 (Advances In Intelligent Systems and Computing #815)
by Raju Surampudi Bapi Koppula Srinivas Rao Munaga V. PrasadThis book presents original research works by researchers, engineers and practitioners in the field of artificial intelligence and cognitive computing. The book is divided into two parts, the first of which focuses on artificial intelligence (AI), knowledge representation, planning, learning, scheduling, perception-reactive AI systems, evolutionary computing and other topics related to intelligent systems and computational intelligence. In turn, the second part focuses on cognitive computing, cognitive science and cognitive informatics. It also discusses applications of cognitive computing in medical informatics, structural health monitoring, computational intelligence, intelligent control systems, bio-informatics, smart manufacturing, smart grids, image/video processing, video analytics, medical image and signal processing, and knowledge engineering, as well as related applications.
First International Conference on Sustainable Technologies for Computational Intelligence: Proceedings of ICTSCI 2019 (Advances in Intelligent Systems and Computing #1045)
by Xiao-Zhi Gao Dharm Singh Ashish Kumar Luhach Janos Arpad Kosa Ramesh Chandra PooniaThis book gathers high-quality papers presented at the First International Conference on Sustainable Technologies for Computational Intelligence (ICTSCI 2019), which was organized by Sri Balaji College of Engineering and Technology, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India, on March 29–30, 2019. It covers emerging topics in computational intelligence and effective strategies for its implementation in engineering applications.
A First Introduction to the Finite Element Analysis Program MSC Marc/Mentat
by Andreas Öchsner Marco ÖchsnerThis book offers a brief introduction to the general-purpose finite element program MSC Marc, focusing on providing simple examples, often single-element problems, which can easily be related to the theory that is discussed in finite element lectures. As such, it is an ideal companion book to classical introductory courses on the finite element method. MSC Marc is a specialized program for non-linear problems (implicit solver), which is distributed by the MSC Software Corporation and commonly used in academia and industry. The documentation of all finite element programs now includes a variety of step-by-step examples of differing complexity, and all software companies offer professional workshops on different topics. Since the first edition of the book, there have been several new releases of Marc/Mentat and numerous changes. This new edition incorporates the latest Marc/Mentat software developments and new examples.
The First Knowledge Economy
by Margaret C. JacobEver since the Industrial Revolution debate has raged about the sources of the new, sustained western prosperity. Margaret Jacob here argues persuasively for the critical importance of knowledge in breaking the Malthusian trap during the period from 1750 to 1850, first in Britain and then in selected parts of northern and western Europe. This is a new history of economic development in which minds, books, lectures and education become central. She shows how, armed with knowledge and know-how and inspired by the desire to get rich, entrepreneurs emerged within an industrial culture wedded to scientific knowledge and technology. She charts how, across a series of industries and nations, innovative engineers and entrepreneurs sought to make sense and a profit out of the world around them. Skilled hands matched minds steeped in the knowledge systems new to the eighteenth century to transform the economic destiny of western Europe.
FIRST LEGO League: The Unofficial Guide
by James Floyd Kelly Jonathan Daudelin<P>FIRST LEGO® League (FLL) is an international program for kids ages 9 to 14 that combines a hands-on, interactive robotics program and research presentation with a sports-like atmosphere. Authors James Floyd Kelly and Jonathan Daudelin—both participants in numerous FIRST LEGO League competitions—have teamed up to bring coaches, teachers, parents, and students an all-in-one guide to FLL. <P>Written for both rookie and experienced teams, FIRST LEGO League: The Unofficial Guide includes in-depth coverage of topics like team formation and organization, robot building and programming, and the basics of getting involved with FLL. Before the authors delve into the specifics of robot and team building, they reveal the fascinating history of the FIRST organization and the sometimes puzzling structure of the FLL competition. Using a combination of real-life stories and candid commentary from actual FLL teams, as well as recollections of their own experiences, they offer an abundance of helpful guidance and dependable building and programming examples. <P>FIRST LEGO League: The Unofficial Guide explores the complex workings and structure of the FLL competition, including its four key components: Robot Game, Technical Interview, Project, and Teamwork. You’ll learn how to: <br>–Organize, recruit, and manage a team <br>–Find equipment, mentors, and funding <br>–Design, build, and program winning robots <br>–Tackle each of the four FLL components <br>—from Robot Game to Teamwork–Use strategies and techniques from FLL masters to increase your scores <P>No matter what your role in the FLL competition, FIRST LEGO League: The Unofficial Guide will make you a better competitor, builder, designer, and team member. The only ingredient you need to add is your competitive spirit!
First LEGO League
by James Floyd Kelly Jonathan DaudelinFIRST LEGO League (FLL) is an international program for kids ages 9 to 14 that combines a hands-on, interactive robotics program and research presentation with a sports-like atmosphere. Authors James Floyd Kelly and Jonathan Daudelin-both participants in numerous FIRST LEGO League competitions-have teamed up to bring coaches, teachers, parents, and students an all-in-one guide to FLL. Written for both rookie and experienced teams, FIRST LEGO League: The Unofficial Guide includes in-depth coverage of topics like team formation and organization, robot building and programming, and the basics of getting involved with FLL. Before the authors delve into the specifics of robot and team building, they reveal the fascinating history of the FIRST organization and the sometimes puzzling structure of the FLL competition. Using a combination of real-life stories and candid commentary from actual FLL teams, as well as recollections of their own experiences, they offer an abundance of helpful guidance and dependable building and programming examples. FIRST LEGO League: The Unofficial Guide explores the complex workings and structure of the FLL competition, including its four key components: Robot Game, Technical Interview, Project, and Teamwork. You'll learn how to: Organize, recruit, and manage a team Find equipment, mentors, and funding Design, build, and program winning robots Tackle each of the four FLL components-from Robot Game to Teamwork Use strategies and techniques from FLL masters to increase your scores No matter what your role in the FLL competition, FIRST LEGO League: The Unofficial Guide will make you a better competitor, builder, designer, and team member. The only ingredient you need to add is your competitive spirit!
First Look at a Black Hole: How a Photograph Solved a Space Mystery (Captured History)
by Danielle Smith-LleraOn-point historical photographs combined with strong narration bring the story of the first photograph of a black hole to life. Kids will learn why it was so hard to take a photo of something so dark it does not reflect light, and so far away it could barely be reached. Primary source quotations bring the amazing accomplishment to life.
First Man: The Life of Neil A. Armstrong
by James R. HansenSoon to be a major motion picture, this is the first—and only—definitive authorized account of Neil Armstrong, the man whose “one small step” changed history.When Apollo 11 touched down on the Moon’s surface in 1969, the first man on the Moon became a legend. In First Man, author James R. Hansen explores the life of Neil Armstrong. Based on over fifty hours of interviews with the intensely private Armstrong, who also gave Hansen exclusive access to private documents and family sources, this “magnificent panorama of the second half of the American twentieth century” (Publishers Weekly, starred review) is an unparalleled biography of an American icon. In this “compelling and nuanced portrait” (Chicago Tribune) filled with revelations, Hansen vividly recreates Armstrong’s career in flying, from his seventy-eight combat missions as a naval aviator flying over North Korea to his formative trans-atmospheric flights in the rocket-powered X-15 to his piloting Gemini VIII to the first-ever docking in space. For a pilot who cared more about flying to the Moon than he did about walking on it, Hansen asserts, Armstrong’s storied vocation exacted a dear personal toll, paid in kind by his wife and children. For the near-fifty years since the Moon landing, rumors have swirled around Armstrong concerning his dreams of space travel, his religious beliefs, and his private life. A penetrating exploration of American hero worship, Hansen addresses the complex legacy of the First Man, as an astronaut and as an individual. “First Man burrows deep into Armstrong’s past and present…What emerges is an earnest and brave man” (Houston Chronicle) who will forever be known as history’s most famous space traveler.