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Exploring Macroscopic Quantum Mechanics in Optomechanical Devices
by Haixing MiaoRecent state-of-the-art technologies in fabricating low-loss optical and mechanical components have significantly motivated the study of quantum-limited measurements with optomechanical devices. Such research is the main subject of this thesis. In the first part, the author considers various approaches for surpassing the standard quantum limit for force measurements. In the second part, the author proposes different experimental protocols for using optomechanical interactions to explore quantum behaviors of macroscopic mechanical objects. Even though this thesis mostly focuses on large-scale laser interferometer gravitational-wave detectors and related experiments, the general approaches apply equally well for studying small-scale optomechanical devices. The author is the winner of the 2010 Thesis prize awarded by the Gravitational Wave International Committee.
Exploring Mathematics and Science Teachers' Knowledge: Windows into teacher thinking
by Mike Askew Marissa Rollnick John Loughran Hamsa VenkatGlobally, mathematics and science education faces three crucial challenges: an increasing need for mathematics and science graduates; a declining enrolment of school graduates into university studies in these disciplines; and the varying quality of school teaching in these areas. Alongside these challenges, internationally more and more non-specialists are teaching mathematics and science at both primary and secondary levels, and research evidence has revealed how gaps and limitations in teachers’ content understandings can lead to classroom practices that present barriers to students’ learning. This book addresses these issues by investigating how teachers’ content knowledge interacts with their pedagogies across diverse contexts and perspectives. This knowledge-practice nexus is examined across mathematics and science teaching, traversing schooling phases and countries, with an emphasis on contexts of disadvantage. These features push the boundaries of research into teachers’ content knowledge. The book’s combination of mathematics and science enriches each discipline for the reader, and contributes to our understandings of student attainment by examining the nature of specialised content knowledge needed for competent teaching within and across the two domains. Exploring Mathematics and Science Teachers’ Knowledge will be key reading for researchers, doctoral students and postgraduates with a focus on Mathematics, Science and teacher knowledge research.
Exploring Minecraft: Ethnographies of Play and Creativity (Palgrave Games in Context)
by Larissa Hjorth Ingrid Richardson Hugh Davies William BalmfordThis book directs critical attention to one of the most ubiquitous and yet under-analyzed games, Minecraft. Drawing on three years of ethnographic fieldwork into mobile games in Australian homes, the authors seek to take Minecraft seriously as a cultural practice. The book examines how Minecraft players engage in a form of gameplay that is uniquely intergenerational, creative, and playful, and which moves ambivalently throughout everyday life. At the intersection of digital media, quotidian literacy, and ethnography, the book situates interdisciplinary debates around mundane play through the lens of Minecraft. Ultimately, Exploring Minecraft seeks to coalesce the discussion between formal and informal learning, fostering new forms of digital media creativity and ethnographic innovation around the analysis of games in everyday life.
Exploring Modeling with Data and Differential Equations Using R
by John ZobitzExploring Modeling with Data and Differential Equations Using R provides a unique introduction to differential equations with applications to the biological and other natural sciences. Additionally, model parameterization and simulation of stochastic differential equations are explored, providing additional tools for model analysis and evaluation. This unified framework sits "at the intersection" of different mathematical subject areas, data science, statistics, and the natural sciences. The text throughout emphasizes data science workflows using the R statistical software program and the tidyverse constellation of packages. Only knowledge of calculus is needed; the text’s integrated framework is a stepping stone for further advanced study in mathematics or as a comprehensive introduction to modeling for quantitative natural scientists. The text will introduce you to: modeling with systems of differential equations and developing analytical, computational, and visual solution techniques. the R programming language, the tidyverse syntax, and developing data science workflows. qualitative techniques to analyze a system of differential equations. data assimilation techniques (simple linear regression, likelihood or cost functions, and Markov Chain, Monte Carlo Parameter Estimation) to parameterize models from data. simulating and evaluating outputs for stochastic differential equation models. An associated R package provides a framework for computation and visualization of results. It can be found here: https://cran.r-project.org/web/packages/demodelr/index.html.
Exploring Natural Hazards: A Case Study Approach
by Ramesh Singh Darius BartlettThe Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015–2030 has identified four priority areas for Disaster Risk Reduction: understanding disaster risk; strengthening disaster risk governance to manage disaster risk; investing in disaster risk reduction for resilience and enhancing disaster preparedness for effective response; and to "Build Back Better" in recovery, rehabilitation and reconstruction. Although tremendous progress has been made in recent decades in understanding the workings of the Earth systems and, in particular, its impacts on and responses to human actions, there remains a continuing and pressing need for knowledge that will allow society to simultaneously reduce exposure to global environmental hazards, while also meeting economic development goals. Exploring Natural Hazards: A Case Study Approach, contributes to the knowledge showcasing advanced practices for the monitoring of natural hazards. Through each case study, the book examines mainly hazards arising from processes within the hydrosphere and atmosphere, triggered or exacerbated by inputs to and transfers of energy between environmental components. It discusses the causes of these phenomena, and ways in which improved policy making, sometimes coupled with the application of appropriate modern technologies, can help to reduce people’s exposure to harm. Discussing challenges, lessons learned and recommendations, this book provides a snapshot of issues related to tropical cyclones and typhoons, desertification, floods, lightning as a hazard and the need for alert systems. It is a valuable resource for practitioners and professionals alike, for researchers, students and others who work at the intersection between environmental hazards, sustainable development and social justice.
Exploring New Horizons and Challenges for Social Studies in a New Normal: Proceedings of the International Conference on Social Studies and Educational Issues, (ICOSSEI 2021), Malang City, Indonesia, 7 July 2021
by IdrisThe new standards and changes exist in social science studies. Covid 19, especially in Indonesia, at the end of 2019, has an impact on changes in every sector of life. This change is a form of community adaptation. Therefore, this conference aims to explore theoretical and practical developments of the social sciences, to build academic networks while gathering academics from various research institutes and universities. This book provides the new standard and encourages many thoughts in theoretical and empirical studies in the social field. The scope that can be generated in this standard includes patterns, opportunities, and challenges in social science, learning to new standards, learning innovation, and implementing new learning standards in Indonesia, which was adopted in the form of the Merdeka Belajar program. The study results will fill the gaps in knowledge in the new social life and social science. Therefore, this book aims to mediate the researchers in the same field to discuss and find solutions to current issues in the social field and build cooperation and synergy in creative ideas to work together to create joint research. This book will be interesting to students, scholars, and practitioners who have a deep concern in social science. It is futuristic with a lot of practical insights for the students, faculty, and practitioners. Since the contributors are from across the globe, it is fascinating to see the global benchmarks.
Exploring Operations Research with R (Chapman & Hall/CRC Series in Operations Research)
by Jim DugganExploring Operations Research with R shows how the R programming language can be a valuable tool – and way of thinking – which can be successfully applied to the field of operations research (OR). This approach is centred on the idea of the future OR professional as someone who can combine knowledge of key OR techniques (e.g., simulation, linear programming, data science, and network science) with an understanding of R, including tools for data representation, manipulation, and analysis. The core aim of the book is to provide a self-contained introduction to R (both Base R and the tidyverse) and show how this knowledge can be applied to a range of OR challenges in the domains of public health, infectious disease, and energy generation, and thus provide a platform to develop actionable insights to support decision making.Features Can serve as a primary textbook for a comprehensive course in R, with applications in OR Suitable for post-graduate students in OR and data science, with a focus on the computational perspective of OR The text will also be of interest to professional OR practitioners as part of their continuing professional development Linked to a Github repository including code, solutions, data sets, and other ancillary material
Exploring Opportunities for STEM Teacher Leadership: Summary of a Convocation
by Steve OlsonMany national initiatives in K-12 science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education have emphasized the connections between teachers and improved student learning. Much of the discussion surrounding these initiatives has focused on the preparation, professional development, evaluation, compensation, and career advancement of teachers. Yet one critical set of voices has been largely missing from this discussion - that of classroom teachers themselves. To explore the potential for STEM teacher leaders to improve student learning through involvement in education policy and decision making, the National Research Council held a convocation in June 2014 entitled "One Year After Science's Grand Challenges in Education: Professional Leadership of STEM Teachers through Education Policy and Decision Making. " This event was structured around a special issue of Science magazine that discussed 20 grand challenges in science education. The authors of three major articles in that issue - along with Dr. Bruce Alberts, Science's editor-in-chief at the time - spoke at the convocation, updating their earlier observations and applying them directly to the issue of STEM teacher leadership. The convocation focused on empowering teachers to play greater leadership roles in education policy and decision making in STEM education at the national, state, and local levels. "Exploring Opportunities for STEM Teacher Leadership" is a record of the presentations and discussion of that event. This report will be of interest to STEM teachers, education professionals, and state and local policy makers.
Exploring Plant Cells for the Production of Compounds of Interest
by Sonia MalikNatural compounds obtained from plants represent a tremendous global market due to their use as food additives, cosmetics, in agriculture and in pharmaceuticals. This book provides up-to-date information on various strategies and methods for producing compounds of interest. Leading researchers discuss the latest advances in environmentally friendly natural compound production from plants, making the book a valuable resource for biotechnologists, pharmacists, food technologists and researchers working in the medical and healthcare industries.
Exploring Resilience: A Scientific Journey from Practice to Theory (SpringerBriefs in Applied Sciences and Technology)
by Siri Wiig Babette FahlbruchResilience has become an important topic on the safety research agenda and in organizational practice. Most empirical work on resilience has been descriptive, identifying characteristics of work and organizing activity which allow organizations to cope with unexpected situations. Fewer studies have developed testable models and theories that can be used to support interventions aiming to increase resilience and improve safety. In addition, the absent integration of different system levels from individuals, teams, organizations, regulatory bodies, and policy level in theory and practice imply that mechanisms through which resilience is linked across complex systems are not yet well understood. Scientific efforts have been made to develop constructs and models that present relationships; however, these cannot be characterized as sufficient for theory building. There is a need for taking a broader look at resilience practices as a foundation for developing a theoretical framework that can help improve safety in complex systems. This book does not advocate for one definition or one field of research when talking about resilience; it does not assume that the use of resilience concepts is necessarily positive for safety. We encourage a broad approach, seeking inspiration across different scientific and practical domains for the purpose of further developing resilience at a theoretical and an operational level of relevance for different high-risk industries. The aim of the book is twofold: 1. To explore different approaches for operationalization of resilience across scientific disciplines and system levels. 2. To create a theoretical foundation for a resilience framework across scientific disciplines and system levels. By presenting chapters from leading international authors representing different research disciplines and practical fields we develop suggestions and inspiration for the research community and practitioners in high-risk industries.This book is Open Access under a CC-BY licence.
Exploring Robotics with ROBOTIS Systems
by Chi N. ThaiThis book presents foundational robotics concepts using the ROBOTIS BIOLOID and OpenCM-904 robotic systems, and is suitable as a curriculum for a first course in robotics for undergraduate students or a self-learner. It covers wheel-based robots, as well as walking robots. Although it uses the standard "Sense, Think, Act" approach, communications (bot-to-bot and PC-to-bot) programming concepts are treated in more depth (wired and wireless ZigBee/BlueTooth). Algorithms are developed and described via ROBOTIS' proprietary RoboPlus IDE, as well as the more open Arduino-based Embedded C environments. Additionally, web-based multimedia materials are used for illustrating robotics concepts, code implementations and videos of actual resulting robot behaviors. Advanced sensor interfacing for gyroscope, inertial measuring unit, foot pressure sensor and color camera are also demonstrated.
Exploring Robotics with ROBOTIS Systems
by Chi N. ThaiThis book presents foundational robotics concepts using the ROBOTIS BIOLOID and OpenCM-904 robotic systems, and is suitable as a curriculum for a first course in robotics for undergraduate students or a self-learner. It covers wheel-based robots, as well as walking robots. Although it uses the standard "Sense, Think, Act" approach, communications (bot-to-bot and PC-to-bot) programming concepts are treated in more depth (wired and wireless ZigBee/BlueTooth). Algorithms are developed and described via ROBOTIS' proprietary RoboPlus IDE, as well as the more open Arduino-based Embedded C environments. Additionally, web-based multimedia materials are used for illustrating robotics concepts, code implementations and videos of actual resulting robot behaviors. Advanced sensor interfacing for gyroscope, inertial measuring unit, foot pressure sensor and color camera are also demonstrated.
Exploring Science Through Science Fiction (Science and Fiction)
by Barry B. LuokkalaHow does Einstein’s description of space and time compare with Doctor Who? Can James Bond really escape from an armor-plated railroad car by cutting through the floor with a laser concealed in a wristwatch? What would it take to create a fully intelligent android, such as Star Trek’s Commander Data? Exploring Science Through Science Fiction addresses these and other intriguing questions, using science fiction as a springboard for discussing fundamental science concepts and cutting-edge science research. It includes references to original research papers, landmark scientific publications and technical documents, as well as a broad range of science literature at a more popular level. The revised second edition includes expanded discussions on topics such as gravitational waves and black holes, machine learning and quantum computing, gene editing, and more. In all, the second edition now features over 220 references to specific scenes in more than 160 sci-fi movies and TV episodes, spanning over 100 years of cinematic history. Designed as the primary text for a college-level course, this book will appeal to students across the fine arts, humanities, and hard sciences, as well as any reader with an interest in science and science fiction.Praise for the first edition:"This journey from science fiction to science fact provides an engaging and surprisingly approachable read..." (Jen Jenkins, Journal of Science Fiction, Vol. 2 (1), September 2017)
Exploring Silences in the Field of Computer Assisted Language Learning
by Anwar AhmedThis book is an attempt to pay deliberate attention to some silences on issues of social, cultural, and political importance that have remained unattended in the field of Computer Assisted Language Learning (CALL). Using an analytical framework developed by the French philosopher and cultural theorist Michel de Certeau, the author demonstrates how silences can actively shape the boundaries of a scholarly field. He argues that a “geography of the forgotten” in the field of CALL undermines the transformative and social justice potential of language teaching by using digital technologies. The book will appeal to graduate students, teacher educators, and academic researchers who are looking for fresh perspectives and innovative ideas for integrating technologies into the curriculum and pedagogy of language education.
Exploring Spatial Scale in Geography
by Christopher D. LloydExploring Spatial Scale in Geography provides a conceptual and practical guide to issues of spatial scale in all areas of the physical and social sciences. Scale is at the heart of geography and other spatial sciences. Whether dealing with geomorphological processes, population movements or meteorology, a consideration of spatial scale is vital.Exploring Spatial Scale in Geography takes a practical approach with a core focus on real world problems and potential solutions. Links are made to appropriate software environments with an associated website providing access to guidance material which outlines how particular problems can be approached using popular GIS and spatial data analysis software.This book offers alternative definitions of spatial scale, presents approaches for exploring spatial scale and makes use of a wide variety of case studies in the physical and social sciences to demonstrate key concepts, making it a key resource for anyone who makes use of geographical information.
Exploring Susceptible-Infectious-Recovered (SpringerBriefs in Applied Sciences and Technology)
by Rahul Saxena Vikrant Bhateja Mahipal JadejaThe book focuses on mathematical modelling of COVID-19 pandemic using the Susceptible, Infectious, and Recovered (SIR) model. The predictive modelling of the disease, with the exact facts and figures, provides a ground to reason about growing trends and its future trajectory. The book emphasizes on how the pandemic actually spreads out, lockdown impact analysis, and future course of actions based on mathematical calculations. Moreover, since COVID-19 spread outburst has been twice, the intensity studies and comparative analysis of the two waves of COVID-19 are another interesting feature of the book content. The book is a knowledge base for various researchers and academicians to dive into the detailing of the COVID spread (mathematical) model and understand how it could be explored to draw outcomes. To represent the factual information and analytical results effectively, graphical and diagrammatic representations have been appended at appropriate places. To keep the explanation simple and yet concrete, mathematical concepts have also been introduced; to carry out analysis to generate results for understanding the viral dynamics.
Exploring Synergies and Trade-offs between Climate Change and the Sustainable Development Goals
by Ram Prasad Shachi Shah V. VenkatramananThe existential environmental crisis prompted the United Nations to formulate the Millennium Development Goals at the turn of the 21st century in order to embark on an era of sustainable development. The progress and deficiencies in achieving the Millennium Development Goals provided impetus to the intelligentsia and policymakers to map out the pertinent goals for a sustainable growth trajectory for humanity and the planet. The United Nations’ 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, which was adopted in September 2015, took the shape of 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and 169 targets. In effect, the 17 Sustainable Development Goals focus on protecting the earth's life support systems for intra- and inter-generational equity and for development that is rooted in sustainability science. Attaining these goals is an uphill task; nevertheless, scientific knowledge, trans and interdisciplinary inquiries, concerted global action and capacity building would provide an enabling environment for achieving the SDGs. This book explores the synergies and trade-offs between climate change management and other SDGs. It highlights the policy imperatives as well as the interrelations between combating climate change and its impacts (SDG 13) and food and nutritional security (SDG 2), water security (SDG 6), soil security (SDG 15), energy security (SDG 7), poverty eradication (SDG 1), gender equality (SDG 5), resilient infrastructure (SDG 9), and sustainable and resilient cities (SDG 11).
Exploring The Role Of Antiviral Drugs In The Eradication Of Polio: Workshop Report
by National Research Council of the National AcademiesExploring the Role of Antiviral Drugs in the Eradication of Polio: Workshop Report, is a report of a workshop in which experts evaluated whether an antiviral drug against poliovirus would be helpful in the final stages of the global polio eradication campaign. The World Health Organization currently plans to stop using oral polio vaccine three years after the detection of the last case of transmission of wild polio virus. This is because the vaccine contains live, weakened polio viruses that can spread and revert to virulence in populations that have not been immunized. Under this plan, an antiviral drug could be useful to control any polio outbreaks caused by a vaccine-derived virus that might occur after vaccination ends and the number of unimmunized people in the world steadily increases. The report recommends that planning and development of such drugs should be initiated now. It identifies several promising targets for drug development and outlines the steps needed for planning for clinical trials and regulatory approval.
Exploring The World Through Cartography
by Classical MultiMediaExploring the World Through Cartography
Exploring Water with Young Children
by Karen Worth Ingrid ChalufourLooking at science in a new way, Exploring Water with Young Children focuses children's explorations to help deepen their understanding of water and its properties--including concepts related to water's flow, appearance and effect on objects. The third unit in the Young Scientist Series, this field-tested curriculum supports the early development of important science inquiry skills such as questioning, investigating, discussing and formulating ideas and theories.Karen Worth is a graduate-level instructor in the early childhood education department at Wheelock College.Ingrid Chalufour has designed and conducted training programs for a variety of early childhood staff for more than 35 years. Both authors live in Newton, Massachusetts.
Exploring Water with Young Children, Trainer's Guide
by Karen Worth Ingrid ChalufourThe trainer's guide serves as an indispensable handbook for trainers and administrators interested in introducing staff to the Exploring Water with Young Children curriculum--from planning to implementation. From exploring sinking and floating to using books to extend science learning, seven basic and eight advanced workshops develop staff members' understanding of science and inquiry teaching skills. The guide also includes strategies for supporting teachers over time through mentoring and guided discussions, as well as an extensive resource list.
Exploring and Mapping Alaska: The Russian America Era, 1741-1867 (Rasmuson Library Historic Translation)
by Alexey Postnikov Marvin FalkRussia first encountered Alaska in 1741 as part of the most ambitious and expensive expedition of the entire eighteenth century. For centuries since, cartographers have struggled to define and develop the enormous region comprising northeastern Asia, the North Pacific, and Alaska. The forces of nature and the follies of human error conspired to make the area incredibly difficult to map. Exploring and Mapping Alaska focuses on this foundational period in Arctic cartography. Russia spurred a golden era of cartographic exploration, while shrouding their efforts in a veil of secrecy. They drew both on old systems developed by early fur traders and new methodologies created in Europe. With Great Britain, France, and Spain following close behind, their expeditions led to an astounding increase in the world’s knowledge of North America. Through engrossing descriptions of the explorations and expert navigators, aided by informative illustrations, readers can clearly trace the evolution of the maps of the era, watching as a once-mysterious region came into sharper focus. The result of years of cross-continental research, Exploring and Mapping Alaska is a fascinating study of the trials and triumphs of one of the last great eras of historic mapmaking.
Exploring and Optimizing Agricultural Landscapes (Innovations in Landscape Research)
by Lothar Mueller Frank Eulenstein Viktor G. Sychev Nikolai M. DroninThe book informs about agricultural landscapes, their features, functions and regulatory mechanisms. It characterizes agricultural production systems, trends of their development, and their impacts on the landscape. Agricultural landscapes are multifunctional systems, coupled with all nexus problems of the 21th century. This has led to serious discrepancies between agriculture and environment, and between urban and rural population. The mission, key topics and methods of research in order to understanding, monitoring and controlling processes in rural landscapes is being explained. Studies of international expert teams, many of them from Russia, demonstrate approaches towards both improving agricultural productivity and sustainability, and enhancing ecosystem services of agricultural landscapes. Scientists of different disciplines, decision makers, farmers and further informed people dealing with the evolvement of thriving rural landscapes are the primary audience of this book.
Exploring the DataFlow Supercomputing Paradigm: Example Algorithms for Selected Applications (Computer Communications and Networks)
by Veljko Milutinovic Milos KotlarThis useful text/reference describes the implementation of a varied selection of algorithms in the DataFlow paradigm, highlighting the exciting potential of DataFlow computing for applications in such areas as image understanding, biomedicine, physics simulation, and business.The mapping of additional algorithms onto the DataFlow architecture is also covered in the following Springer titles from the same team: DataFlow Supercomputing Essentials: Research, Development and Education, DataFlow Supercomputing Essentials: Algorithms, Applications and Implementations, and Guide to DataFlow Supercomputing.Topics and Features: introduces a novel method of graph partitioning for large graphs involving the construction of a skeleton graph; describes a cloud-supported web-based integrated development environment that can develop and run programs without DataFlow hardware owned by the user; showcases a new approach for the calculation of the extrema of functions in one dimension, by implementing the Golden Section Search algorithm; reviews algorithms for a DataFlow architecture that uses matrices and vectors as the underlying data structure; presents an algorithm for spherical code design, based on the variable repulsion force method; discusses the implementation of a face recognition application, using the DataFlow paradigm; proposes a method for region of interest-based image segmentation of mammogram images on high-performance reconfigurable DataFlow computers; surveys a diverse range of DataFlow applications in physics simulations, and investigates a DataFlow implementation of a Bitcoin mining algorithm.This unique volume will prove a valuable reference for researchers and programmers of DataFlow computing, and supercomputing in general. Graduate and advanced undergraduate students will also find that the book serves as an ideal supplementary text for courses on Data Mining, Microprocessor Systems, and VLSI Systems.
Exploring the Dynamics of Renewable Energy and Sustainable Development in Africa: A Cross-Country and Interdisciplinary Approach (Advances in African Economic, Social and Political Development)
by Hassan Qudrat-UllahThis book explores the potential of renewable energy sources to promote sustainable development in Africa, with a specific focus on Cameroon, Nigeria, Uganda, South Africa, and Algeria. It delves into the challenges and opportunities presented by various renewable and clean energy technologies, including nuclear power, liquefied petroleum gas, bamboo biomass gasification, and geothermal energy, in addressing the energy needs of African nations. Additionally, the book assesses the socioeconomic and environmental impacts of renewable energy projects and evaluates their alignment with the African Union's Agenda 2063 and the Sustainable Development Goals.Using a combination of theoretical and empirical methods, such as scenario-based modeling, techno-economic feasibility analysis, stakeholder theory, and panel data analysis, the book provides a comprehensive assessment of the renewable energy sector in Africa. Its interdisciplinary and cross-country approach, as well as its incorporation of innovative concepts like social innovation and bamboo-based development, makes it a unique resource.This book is valuable for undergraduate and graduate students, researchers, policymakers, practitioners, university research libraries, research centers, and anyone interested in understanding how renewable energy can contribute to a more resilient and prosperous Africa.