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Final Countdown: NASA and the End of the Space Shuttle Program
by Pat DugginsThe Space Shuttle was once the cornerstone of the U.S. space program. However, each new flight brings us one step closer to the retirement of the shuttle in 2010. Final Countdown is the riveting history of NASA's Space Shuttle program, its missions, and its impending demise. It also examines the plans and early development of the space agency’s next major effort: the Orion Crew Exploration Capsule.Journalist Pat Duggins, National Public Radio's resident "space expert," chronicles the planning stages of the shuttle program in the early 1970s, the thrills of the first flight in 1981, construction of the International Space Station in the 1990s, and the decision in the early 2000s to shut it down. As a rookie reporter visiting the Kennedy Space Center hangar to view the Challenger wreckage, Duggins was in a unique position to offer a poignant eyewitness account of NASA's first shuttle disaster. In Final Countdown, he recounts the agency's struggle to rebound after the Challenger and Columbia tragedies, and explores how politics, scientific entrepreneurship, and the human drive for exploration have impacted the program in sometimes unexpected ways. Duggins has covered eighty-six shuttle missions, and his twenty-year working relationship with NASA has given him unprecedented access to personnel. Many spoke openly and frankly with him, including veteran astronaut John Young, who discusses the travails to get the shuttle program off the ground. Young's crewmate, astronaut Bob Crippen, reveals the frustration and loss he felt when his first opportunity to go into space on the first planned space station was taken away.As the shuttle program winds down, more astronauts may face similar disappointments. Final Countdown is a story of lost dreams, new hopes, and the ongoing conquest of space.
Final Fantasy Ultimania Archive Volume 2
by Square EnixExplore the art and adventure of the quintessential entries in the Final Fantasy saga with this gorgeous 300-plus-page hardcover.Collecting concept art, design notes, creator retrospectives, and more from Final Fantasy VII, Final Fantasy VIII, and Final Fantasy IX, Dark Horse's journey through the creation of the groundbreaking role-playing masterpiece continues!Dark Horse and Square Enix are thrilled to present the second of three volumes that officially translate Square Enix's detailed history chronicling the creation of the Final Fantasy franchise's seventh, eighth, and ninth games. Filled with captivating art and creator commentary, Final Fantasy Ultimania Archive Volume 2 remains completely authentic to its Japanese source material with unrivaled access for a Western audience. This prestige compendium is a must-have addition for any Final Fantasy enthusiast's collection.
Final Fantasy Ultimania Archive Volume 3
by Square EnixThe journey through the creation of the groundbreaking video games continues with this breathtaking volume, featuring hundreds of pieces of concept art, design notes, and creator retrospectives from the original team behind the making of Final Fantasy X, Final Fantasy XI, Final Fantasy XII, Final Fantasy XIII, and Final Fantasy XIV.Art, commentary, and lore from a transformative era in the indispensable role-playing franchise, collected in a beautifully printed 300-plus-page hardcover. Foray into one of gaming's most iconic properties, exploring beautiful art and incisive commentary behind five of the most memorable entries in the Final Fantasy saga.Final Fantasy Ultimania Archive Volume 3 authentically translates original Japanese source material to present unparalleled access for a Western audience. This incredible tome is a must-have addition to any Final Fantasy enthusiast's collection.
Final Fantasy VII Remake: Material Ultimania (Final Fantasy VII)
by Square Enix Studio BentStuff Digital HeartsPacked with art and visual reference materials used during development of the game, this deluxe, hardcover volume is a must-have for fans of Final Fantasy VII Remake.Final Fantasy VII Remake: Material Ultimania presents a comprehensive collection of production art and CG art assets, including character models and illustrations, locations and backgrounds, accessories, weapons, enemies, and more, all accompanied by staff commentary. This volume also includes detailed costume references, cutscene storyboards, song liner notes from the sound staff, and Q & A interviews with the Japanese voice actors.At over 300 pages, this full-color, jacketed, hardcover book is a visual tribute to the stunning new rendition of one of the most beloved RPGs of all time.
Final Fantasy VII Remake: World Preview (Final Fantasy VII)
by Square EnixA full-color, lavishly illustrated introduction to the world of Final Fantasy VII Remake, presenting information on characters, settings, gameplay, and more!With its captivating characters, striking visual design, and intense gameplay, Final Fantasy VII set a new standard for the RPG genre and became one of the top video game releases of all time. Now, with Final Fantasy VII Remake, players return to Midgar in a stunning new rendition of a timeless classic. This World Preview volume offers both new players and longtime fans essential information on characters, settings, gameplay, and more, as well as introductory comments from producer Yoshinori Kitase and director Tetsuya Nomura.
Final Fantasy XIV: Heavensward -- The Art of Ishgard -Stone and Steel- (Final Fantasy XIV #1)
by Square EnixA beautiful new edition of the official art book for Final Fantasy XIV: Heavensward. Featuring hundreds of full-color illustrations and an exclusive bonus item code, this is a must-have for collectors and fans! Book one of a two-book set. (NOTE: E-book edition does not include bonus item code.)The Art of Ishgard -Stone and Steel- presents the concept art and planning images that became the foundation for the aesthetics of Final Fantasy XIV: Heavensward. Each page of this gorgeous, high-quality volume is packed with full-color art and character sketches, as well as lore-related drawings of equipment, environments, and more. Book one of a two-book set with The Art of Ishgard -The Scars of War-.Includes an exclusive bonus item code for an in-game Wind-up Relm minion! The second volume in the line of Final Fantasy XIV official art books.
Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn -- The Art of Eorzea -Another Dawn- (Final Fantasy XIV)
by Square EnixA new edition of the first official art book for Final Fantasy XIV, boasting over 1,000 pieces of full-color artwork, along with comments from the developers and an exclusive bonus item code! (NOTE: E-book edition does not include bonus item code.)Featuring artwork from character designer Akihiko Yoshida and the Final Fantasy XIV art team, A Realm Reborn: The Art of Eorzea –Another Dawn– collects the illustrations created throughout the process of developing the groundbreaking online game. This 300-page, full-color volume showcases beautiful concept designs, environment artwork, sketches and more, accompanied by production notes and comments from the artists. Includes an exclusive bonus item code for an in-game Wind-up Enterprise minion! The first volume in the line of Final Fantasy XIV official art books.
Final Fantasy XIV: Shadowbringers -- The Art of Reflection -Histories Forsaken- (Final Fantasy XIV #1)
by Square EnixA gorgeous, oversized, full-color art book showcasing the artwork from the massively popular online video game Final Fantasy XIV. Volume one of a two-volume set with The Art of Reflection -Histories Unwritten-.(NOTE: E-book edition does not include bonus item code.)Delve into the breathtaking world of Final Fantasy XIV: Shadowbringers in this deluxe volume featuring hundreds of beautiful illustrations of characters, environments, equipment, and more. Offering concept art, reference images, and messages from the artists, this book is a must-have not only for fans of the game but for any who appreciate top-tier game art.Includes an exclusive bonus code redeemable for a Wind-up Dulia-Chai minion! The sixth volume in the line of Final Fantasy XIV official art books.
Final Fantasy XIV: Shadowbringers -- The Art of Reflection -Histories Unwritten- (Final Fantasy XIV #2)
by Square EnixThe second volume of a two-volume set of the official art books for Final Fantasy XIV: Shadowbringers, featuring hundreds of pages of full-color art and an exclusive bonus item code!Covering content through the end of the Shadowbringers expansion, this deluxe, large-format book showcases artwork for YoRHa: Dark Apocalypse, Eden&’s Verse & Eden&’s Promise, Save the Queen, and much more. The Art of Reflection -Histories Unwritten- also includes detailed illustrations of characters, equipment, dungeons and trials, as well as messages from the artists. Volume two of a two-volume set with The Art of Reflection -Histories Forsaken-.Includes an exclusive bonus item code for a Wind-up Runar minion! (NOTE: E-book edition does not include bonus item code.)The seventh volume in the line of Final Fantasy XIV official art books.
Final Fantasy XIV: Stormblood -- The Art of the Revolution -Eastern Memories- (Final Fantasy XIV #2)
by Square EnixThe second volume of a two-volume set of the official art books for Final Fantasy XIV: Stormblood. This new edition features hundreds of pages of full-color art, a sticker sheet, and an exclusive bonus item code! (NOTE: E-book edition does not include bonus item code.)Return to Eorzea with the Warrior of Light via this exhaustive collection of almost one thousand pieces of concept art and illustrations, including character designs, field areas, dungeons, monsters, equipment, and more. Covering content through the end of the Stormblood expansion, The Art of the Revolution -Eastern Memories- also features messages from the art team, along with a job stone and minion sticker sheet. Book two of a two-book set with The Art of the Revolution -Western Memories-.Includes an exclusive bonus item code for an in-game Dress-Up Tataru minion! The fifth volume in the line of Final Fantasy XIV official art books.
Final Fantasy XIV: Stormblood -- The Art of the Revolution -Western Memories- (Final Fantasy XIV #1)
by Square EnixShowcasing the stunning artwork of Final Fantasy XIV: Stormblood, this new edition of the official art book offers hundreds of full-color illustrations in a collectors' quality volume, along with an exclusive bonus item code. Book one of a two-book set. (NOTE: E-book edition does not include bonus item code.)Experience the rich world of Final Fantasy XIV: Stormblood once more via this exhaustive collection of concept art and illustrations, including character designs, field areas, dungeons, monsters, equipment, and more. The Art of the Revolution -Western Memories- also features commentary from the art team on how costumes are created. Book one of a two-book set with The Art of the Revolution -Eastern Memories- Includes an exclusive bonus item code for an in-game Wind-up Yotsuyu minion! The fourth volume in the line of Final Fantasy XIV official art books.
Final Fantasy XV Official Works
by Square EnixA full-color, oversized, hardcover tome that faithfully adapts the original Japanese material, detailing the creation of the most recent entry in the Final Fantasy saga!Final Fantasy XV's world of Eos is filled with wonderous scenery, larger-than-life creatures, diverse cultures, and treacherous foes. Experience hundreds of pieces of detailed design work composed lovingly for fans of the unique sci-fi fantasy world. This volume collects complex lore, insightful commentary, comprehensive data, and dazzling concept art, all beautifully bound in this richly detailed hardcover!Square Enix and Dark Horse Books present a superbly curated collection of Final Fantasy XV content that any fan will cherish.
Final Jeopardy: The Story of Watson, the Computer That Will Transform Our World
by Stephen BakerThe &“charming and terrifying&” story of IBM&’s breakthrough in artificial intelligence, from the Business Week technology writer and author of The Numerati (Publishers Weekly, starred review). For centuries, people have dreamed of creating a machine that thinks like a human. Scientists have made progress: computers can now beat chess grandmasters and help prevent terrorist attacks. Yet we still await a machine that exhibits the rich complexity of human thought—one that doesn&’t just crunch numbers, or take us to a relevant web page, but understands and communicates with us. With the creation of Watson, IBM&’s Jeopardy!-playing computer, we are one step closer to that goal. In Final Jeopardy, Stephen Baker traces the arc of Watson&’s &“life,&” from its birth in the IBM labs to its big night on the podium. We meet Hollywood moguls and Jeopardy! masters, genius computer programmers and ambitious scientists, including Watson&’s eccentric creator, David Ferrucci. We see how Watson&’s breakthroughs and the future of artificial intelligence could transform medicine, law, marketing, and even science itself, as machines process huge amounts of data at lightning speed, answer our questions, and possibly come up with new hypotheses. As fast and fun as the game itself, Final Jeopardy shows how smart machines will fit into our world—and how they&’ll disrupt it. &“The place to go if you&’re really interested in this version of the quest for creating Artificial Intelligence.&” —The Seattle Times &“Like Tracy Kidder&’s Soul of a New Machine, Baker&’s book finds us at the dawn of a singularity. It&’s an excellent case study, and does good double duty as a Philip K. Dick scenario, too.&” —Kirkus Reviews &“Like a cross between Born Yesterday and 2001: A Space Odyssey, Baker&’s narrative is both . . . an entertaining romp through the field of artificial intelligence—and a sobering glimpse of things to come.&” —Publishers Weekly, starred review
The Final Mission: Preserving NASA's Apollo Sites
by Lisa Westwood Beth O'Leary Milford W. DonaldsonThe world will always remember Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin for their first steps on the moon, yet few today hold in respect the sites that made these and other astronauts' journeys possible. Across the American landscape and on the lunar surface, many facilities and landing sites linked to the Apollo program remain unprotected. Some have already crumbled to ruins--silent and abandoned. The Final Mission explores these key locations, reframes the footprints and items left on the moon as cultural resources, and calls for the urgent preservation of this space heritage. Beginning with the initiation of the space race, the authors trace the history of research, training, and manufacturing centers that contributed to lunar exploration. From the early rocket test stands of Robert H. Goddard, to astronaut instruction at Meteor Crater, to human and primate experiments at Holloman Air Force Base, innumerable places proved critical to developing the equipment for exploring space, surviving the journey, and returning to Earth safely. Despite their significance to the history of human spaceflight, many landmarks face the threat of damage or destruction. Most alarming is that the rapid advancement of technology renders stations obsolete long before they are deemed worthy of preservation. Moreover, the lack of precedence for protecting off-planet artifacts poses a unique challenge for space archaeology. While NASA's 2011 recommendations for spacefarers suggest avoiding close proximity to this cultural landscape, the authors advocate stronger routes of preservation and present models for safeguarding space history--both on Earth's surface and beyond.
Final Report of the National Academies' Human Embryonic Stem Cell Research Advisory Committee and 2010 Amendments to the National Academies' Guidelines for Human Embryonic Stem Cell Research
by National Research Council Institute of Medicine of the National AcademiesIn 2005, the National Academies released the book, Guidelines for Human Embryonic Stem Cell Research, which offered a common set of ethical standards for a field that, due to the absence of comprehensive federal funding, was lacking national standards for research. In order to keep the Guidelines up to date, given the rapid pace of scientific and policy developments in the field of stem cell research, the Human Embryonic Stem Cell Research Advisory Committee was established in 2006 with support from The Ellison Medical Foundation, The Greenwall Foundation, and the Howard Hughes Medical Institute. As it did in 2007 and 2008, the Committee identified issues that warranted revision, and this book addresses those issues in a third and final set of amendments. Specifically, this book sets out an updated version of the National Academies' Guidelines, one that takes into account the new, expanded role of the NIH in overseeing hES cell research. It also identifies those avenues of continuing National Academies' involvement deemed most valuable by the research community and other significant stakeholders.
Finance and Control for Construction
by Chris MarchDrawing on a wealth of practical experience, both in the construction industry and teaching students, Chris March presents this study of construction management and the major aspects of controlling the building process. Covering the stages from the client's initiation, to the final handover of the building, March includes evidence from those currently working in the industry, and covers the key industry requirements: knowing that in today's market place, those entering the field must be aware of how projects are financed and controlled, and to financially run and maintain a building. Finance and Control for Construction examines the various stages, from development, through the design, to procurement and post-contract processes, and culminates in a discourse on facilities management. This book is written with a down-to-earth approach, with evidence supporting theories and principles, and is a book that students of construction management and related subjects need if they wish to succeed in the field.
Finance Policy for Renewable Energy and a Sustainable Environment (ISSN)
by Michael CurleyThis book explains how environmental projects and improvements are achieved through the imposition of regulations, on the one hand, and financial incentives on the other. It discusses how those incentives can be organized to achieve the greatest environmental benefits at the lowest possible cost to the public. It presents the best environmental finance policies for the financing of alternative energy projects so that the ultimate cost of delivered power will decline. It also examines the challenges of the next generation of environmental programs.
Finance Transformation: Leadership on Digital Transformation and Disruptive Innovation
by Aikta Varma Tarnveer SinghFinance Transformation: Leadership on Digital Transformation and Disruptive Innovation is a general and wide-ranging survey of finance transformation and emerging technologies. Finance and IT have long been important areas of any business, but recent technological developments are innovating and disrupting both. This book lays a path towards the benefits and away from potential risks. It covers the widest array of topics, from quantum computing to blockchain technology, from organisational culture and diversity to hybrid working, and from regulation to cybersecurity. Written by two vastly experienced industry professionals, this book includes real-life examples and up-to-date references. It will be of particular interest to business stakeholders, executives, and policymakers.
Financial Econometrics: Bayesian Analysis, Quantum Uncertainty, and Related Topics (Studies in Systems, Decision and Control #427)
by Nguyen Ngoc Thach Vladik Kreinovich Doan Thanh Ha Nguyen Duc TrungThis book overviews latest ideas and developments in financial econometrics, with an emphasis on how to best use prior knowledge (e.g., Bayesian way) and how to best use successful data processing techniques from other application areas (e.g., from quantum physics). The book also covers applications to economy-related phenomena ranging from traditionally analyzed phenomena such as manufacturing, food industry, and taxes, to newer-to-analyze phenomena such as cryptocurrencies, influencer marketing, COVID-19 pandemic, financial fraud detection, corruption, and shadow economy. This book will inspire practitioners to learn how to apply state-of-the-art Bayesian, quantum, and related techniques to economic and financial problems and inspire researchers to further improve the existing techniques and come up with new techniques for studying economic and financial phenomena. The book will also be of interest to students interested in latest ideas and results.
Financial Engineering With Copulas Explained
by Jan-Frederik Mai Matthias SchererThe modeling of dependence structures (or copulas) is undoubtedly one of the key challenges for modern financial engineering. First applied to credit-risk modeling, copulas are now widely used across a range of derivatives transactions, asset pricing techniques, and risk models, and are a core part of the financial engineer's toolkit. However, by their very nature, copulas are complex and their applications are often misunderstood. Incorrectly applied, copulas can be hugely detrimental to a model or algorithm. Financial Engineering with Copulas Explained is a reader-friendly, yet rigorous introduction to the state-of-the-art regarding the theory of copulas, their simulation and estimation, and their use in financial applications. Starting with an introduction to the basic notions, such as required definitions and dependence measures, the book looks at statistical issues comprising parameter estimation and stochastic simulation. The book will show, from a financial engineering perspective, how copula theory can be applied in the context of portfolio credit-risk modeling, and how it can help to derive model-free bounds for relevant risk measures. The book will cover numerous different market applications of copulas, and enable readers to construct stable, high-dimensional models for asset pricing and risk modeling. Written to appeal to quantitatively minded practitioners across the trading floors and in risk management, academics and students, Financial Engineering with Copulas Explained will be a valuable, accessible and practical guide to this complex topic.
Financial Feasibility Studies for Property Development: Theory and Practice
by Tim HavardEssential for any real estate professional or student performing feasibility studies for property development using Microsoft Excel and two of the most commonly used proprietary software systems, Argus Developer and Estate Master DF.This is the first book to not only review the place of financial feasibility studies in the property development process, but to examine both the theory and mechanics of feasibility studies through the construction of user friendly examples using these software systems. The development process has seen considerable changes in practice in recent years as developers and advisors have adopted modern spread sheets and software models to carry out feasibility studies and appraisals. This has greatly extended their ability to model more complex developments and more sophisticated funding arrangements, saving time and improving accuracy.Tim Havard brings over 25 years of industry and software experience to guide students and practitioners through the theory of development appraisals and feasibility studies before providing internationally applicable worked examples and potential pitfalls using Excel, Argus Developer and Estates Master DF.
Financial Identity Theft
by Nicole S. van der MeulenThe existence of financial identity theft in the United States, and its (gradual) spread to other areas of the world, increases the need to understand how identity theft occurs and how perpetrators of the crime manage to take advantage of developments within contemporary society. This book aims to provide such an understanding through an in-depth comparative analysis which illustrates how states, financial service providers, consumers, and others facilitate the occurrence of financial identity theft in the United States and the Netherlands.
Financial Justification of Nondestructive Testing: Cost of Quality in Manufacturing
by Emmanuel P. PapadakisDemonstrating how to apply financial formulas to prove or disprove the utility of 100% Nondesctructive testing (NDT), this book helps readers build the financial case for their NDT projects. It not only explains how 100% inspection by high-tech methods can save money for a manufacturing organization, but also how to justify this cost. Providing examples of successful NDT implementation drawn from factory situations, the author describes high-tech inspection technology in the context of modern ISO Quality Standards, TQM theory, and Statistical Process Control. Placing NDT in the historical context of quality and inspection, the book provides three methods of calculation for proving its validity.
Financial Management and Accounting Fundamentals for Construction
by Bolivar A. Senior Daniel W. HalpinSuccessful financial management in the construction industry begins with this hands-on guideWhile construction professionals are skilled in the technical side of their work, they often find the financial management aspect of the business daunting. Financial Management and Accounting Fundamentals for Construction will help you better understand and navigate the financial decisions that are part of every construction project.This book is a compact summary of the basic financial skills that a construction professional must have to be successful in the management of a construction company and its projects. Its topics address many of the questions that any construction administrator will face, such as:How to organize and use a company's financial reportsWhat amount of cash must be made available to the contractor to complete a projectWhy the early payment of supplier invoices can enhance profitabilityHow to quantify the time value of money in financial decisionsWhat tax amount is owed by a company and how it impacts the bottom lineHow to control project costsWhat financial sources are available to a construction contractor for capital expansionIn this text, you will learn about accounting fundamentals, project-related financial matters, and company level financial issues--three factors that are key to your career success. An ideal reference for students of construction management and engineering, as well as professionals who need a quick refresher when dealing with cost control analysis and other financial issues, this text also offers:Easy-to-understand coverage of financial concepts specific to the construction industry, including business taxation, project control, engineering economy, and financial forecastingNumerous worked examples, plus end-of-chapter review questions and exercisesHelpful appendices that present the structure of a typical chart of accounts, the flow of transactions through a construction accounting system, and tables required for computing interest and the time value of money
Financial Management in Construction Contracting
by Andrew Ross Peter WilliamsThis authoritative text provides a detailed insight into how construction companies manage their finances at both corporate and project level. It will guide students and practitioners through the complexities of the financial reporting of construction projects within the constraints of accepted accounting practice. The book is written for non-accountants and from a contractor’s perspective and is equally relevant to subcontractors and main contractors. The authors examine the relationship between the external annual accounts and the internal cost-value reconciliation process. CVR is covered in depth and the authors consider issues such as interim payments, subcontract accounts, contractual claims, final accounts, cash flow management and the reporting of the physical and financial progress of contracts. A broad perspective of all the financial aspects of contracting is taken along with related legal issues and the authors explain how things operate in the ‘real world’. They describe good practice in financial control while at the same time being honest about some of the more questionable practices that can - and do - happen. The approach taken is unique as the financial management of construction projects is considered from the perspective of the contractor’s quantity surveyor. The book deals with the real issues that surveyors have to address when using their judgment to report turnover, profitability, cash flow, and work in progress on projects and the financial problems faced by subcontractors are frankly and pragmatically explored. The payment and notice requirements of the Construction Act are explained in detail and relevant provisions of JCT2011, NEC3, ICC, DOM/1 and other standard contracts and subcontracts are also covered. Financial Management in Construction Contracting addresses the wide variety of external factors that influence how construction companies operate, including government policy, banking covenants and the financial aspects of supply chain management. Cost reporting systems are described and real-life examples are used to illustrate cost reports, accrual systems and how computerised systems can be employed to provide the QS with information that can be audited. Examples drawn from practice demonstrate how work-in-progress (WIP) is reported in contracting. Cost value reconciliation reports are featured and the book demonstrates how adjustments are made for overmeasure, undermeasure, subcontract liabilities and WIP as well as explaining the processes that contractors use when analysing external valuations. This is the ideal core text for final year degree and post-graduate level modules on Quantity Surveying, Commercial Management, Construction Management and Project Management courses and will provide an invaluable source of reference for quantity surveyors and others who may be engaged in the financial management of construction projects. The book’s companion website at www.wiley.com/go/rossfinancialmanagement offers invaluable resources for students and lecturers as well as for practising construction managers: end-of-chapter exercises + outline answers PowerPoint slides for each chapter ideas for discussion topics links to useful websites