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Markets of Sorrow, Labors of Faith: New Orleans in the Wake of Katrina
by Vincanne AdamsMarkets of Sorrow, Labors of Faith is an ethnographic account of long-term recovery in post-Katrina New Orleans. It is also a sobering exploration of the privatization of vital social services under market-driven governance. In the wake of Hurricane Katrina, public agencies subcontracted disaster relief to private companies that turned the humanitarian work of recovery into lucrative business. These enterprises profited from the very suffering that they failed to ameliorate, producing a second-order disaster that exacerbated inequalities based on race and class and leaving residents to rebuild almost entirely on their own. Filled with the often desperate voices of residents who returned to New Orleans, Markets of Sorrow, Labors of Faith describes the human toll of disaster capitalism and the affect economy it has produced. While for-profit companies delayed delivery of federal resources to returning residents, faith-based and nonprofit groups stepped in to rebuild, compelled by the moral pull of charity and the emotional rewards of volunteer labor. Adams traces the success of charity efforts, even while noting an irony of neoliberalism, which encourages the very same for-profit companies to exploit these charities as another market opportunity. In so doing, the companies profit not once but twice on disaster.
Markov Chains and Decision Processes for Engineers and Managers
by Theodore J. SheskinRecognized as a powerful tool for dealing with uncertainty, Markov modeling can enhance your ability to analyze complex production and service systems. However, most books on Markov chains or decision processes are often either highly theoretical, with few examples, or highly prescriptive, with little justification for the steps of the algorithms u
Markov Chains on Metric Spaces: A Short Course (Universitext)
by Michel Benaïm Tobias HurthThis book gives an introduction to discrete-time Markov chains which evolve on a separable metric space. The focus is on the ergodic properties of such chains, i.e., on their long-term statistical behaviour. Among the main topics are existence and uniqueness of invariant probability measures, irreducibility, recurrence, regularizing properties for Markov kernels, and convergence to equilibrium. These concepts are investigated with tools such as Lyapunov functions, petite and small sets, Doeblin and accessible points, coupling, as well as key notions from classical ergodic theory. The theory is illustrated through several recurring classes of examples, e.g., random contractions, randomly switched vector fields, and stochastic differential equations, the latter providing a bridge to continuous-time Markov processes. The book can serve as the core for a semester- or year-long graduate course in probability theory with an emphasis on Markov chains or random dynamics. Some of the material is also well suited for an ergodic theory course. Readers should have taken an introductory course on probability theory, based on measure theory. While there is a chapter devoted to chains on a countable state space, a certain familiarity with Markov chains on a finite state space is also recommended.
Markov Decision Processes in Artificial Intelligence
by Olivier Buffet Olivier SigaudMarkov Decision Processes (MDPs) are a mathematical framework for modeling sequential decision problems under uncertainty as well as Reinforcement Learning problems. Written by experts in the field, this book provides a global view of current research using MDPs in Artificial Intelligence. It starts with an introductory presentation of the fundamental aspects of MDPs (planning in MDPs, Reinforcement Learning, Partially Observable MDPs, Markov games and the use of non-classical criteria). Then it presents more advanced research trends in the domain and gives some concrete examples using illustrative applications.
Markov Models for Pattern Recognition
by Gernot A. FinkThis thoroughly revised and expanded new edition now includes a more detailed treatment of the EM algorithm, a description of an efficient approximate Viterbi-training procedure, a theoretical derivation of the perplexity measure and coverage of multi-pass decoding based on n-best search. Supporting the discussion of the theoretical foundations of Markov modeling, special emphasis is also placed on practical algorithmic solutions. Features: introduces the formal framework for Markov models; covers the robust handling of probability quantities; presents methods for the configuration of hidden Markov models for specific application areas; describes important methods for efficient processing of Markov models, and the adaptation of the models to different tasks; examines algorithms for searching within the complex solution spaces that result from the joint application of Markov chain and hidden Markov models; reviews key applications of Markov models.
MarktLab 2.0: Technologische Inventionen erfolgreich vermarkten (Intelligente Technische Systeme – Lösungen aus dem Spitzencluster it’s OWL)
by Klaus Backhaus Philipp BuffDas vorliegende Buch fasst die Projektergebnisse der Nachhaltigkeitsmaßnahme "Marktorientierung" zusammen. Marktorientierung als Maßnahme zur Nachhaltigkeit sichert den Erfolg technologischer Neuentwicklungen, als Grundlage von Innovationen. Innovationen müssen evidente und latente Bedürfnisse befriedigen und einen Mehrwert zu bestehenden und konkurrierenden Lösungen bieten. Daher ist es unabdingbar, die Kundenpräferenzen bereits im Innovationsprozess zu erfassen und in der Produktentwicklung zu berücksichtigen. Ergebnisse der Forschung führen zur Entwicklung einer Methodik, mit der Kundenpräferenzen für neuartige technische Lösungen erhoben werden können, die noch nicht real existieren. Unternehmen erhalten damit praxisorientierte Hilfestellungen, um technologische Vorteile in Nutzenvorteile zu überführen. Mit den Ergebnissen können bereits frühzeitig im Innovationsprozess notwendige Anpassungen vorgenommen werden. Kern des Projektes ist ein Planmodul, das speziell für dieses Ziel konzipiert wurde. Die zweite Version (MarktLab 2.0) ist darauf gerichtet, ggf. auch frühzeitig Informationen zu gewinnen und in einem Marktmodell die Möglichkeit zu haben, alternative Lösungsansätze quasi "im Labor" zu testen. Online können ausgewählte Kunden zu Produktentwicklungen befragt werden, Alternativen der Entwicklung sogar schon mit Abgabepreisen dargestellt werden und eine Präferenzrangfolge erhoben werden. Soweit nötig wird dazu auf virtuelle Realität als Darstellungsform zurückgegriffen.
Marriage, Gender and Sex in a Contemporary Chinese Village (Studies On Contemporary China Ser.)
by Pui-Lam Law Sun-Pong Yuen Yuk-Ying Ho Fong-Ying YuThis book explores changing concepts of marriage and gender relationships and attitudes toward sex in a rural Chinese community over the past five decades. The book is based on a study of an industrialized peasant village in Guangdong Province from 1994 to 1996 and subsequent visits from 2000 to 2002. According to the authors, the rural economic reforms of the 1980s in southern China have challenged and reinforced the deep structure of Chinese familism and this has lead to tensions between tradition and modernity. The first section of the book explores how attitudes toward marriage and courtship have changed over the past fifty years through personal accounts of three different marriages from different generations. In Part II, the transition from a traditional to a modern society is discussed from the perspective of several women from different generations. The third section focuses on sexual relationships and the growing sex trade in the village. Part IV includes updates to the original survey and takes a look at village politics.
Mars Evacuees
by Sophia McdougallFrom bestselling UK author Sophia McDougall comes one fresh and funny, adventure-filled tween debut about a group of kids evacuated to Mars! Perfect for fans of Artemis Fowl, this laugh-out-loud series is packed with nonstop fun. When Earth comes under attack by aliens, hilarious heroine Alice Dare and a select group of kids are sent to Mars. But things get very strange when the adults disappear into thin air, the kids face down an alien named Thsaaa, and Alice and her friends must save the galaxy!For when plucky twelve-year-old Alice Dare learns she's being taken out of the Muckling Abbott School for Girls and sent to another planet, no one knows what to expect. This is one wild ride that will have kids chuckling the whole way through.
Mars Is: Stark Slopes, Silvery Snow, and Startling Surprises
by Suzanne SladeAward-winning author and former rocket engineer Suzanne Slade explores the diverse magnificence of Mars in this photo-packed extravaganza, perfect or readers eagerly following NASA's Mars Exploration Program!For centuries, people have been intrigued by Mars, and over time, scientists have made exciting discoveries, such as the planet's Earth-like weather and seasons. But curious earthlings want to know more about the Red Planet. Does Mars have deserts? Volcanos? Or signs of life? Could people live there someday?Scientists decided to take a closer look. They built a powerful camera called the HiRISE (High Resolution Imaging Science Experiment) and loaded it onto a rocket. The rocket blasted off on August 12, 2005, and seven months later, the camera began orbiting Mars. It sent back surprising, revealing photos showing the world what Mars really is. Now, the world's space community and NASA have renewed their exploration efforts, and interest in the Red Planet is in high gear.With elegant, spare prose, Suzanne Slade leads readers through some of the stunning photos taken by the most advanced camera ever sent to another planet. A visual feast for space enthusiasts and STEAM fans. Features remarkable full-color photography throughout.
Mars Rover Curiosity
by William L. Simon Rob ManningThe firsthand account of the trials and tribulations of engineering one of the most complex pieces of space technology, the Mars Rover Curiosity, by its chief engineer Rob ManningIn the course of our enduring quest for knowledge about ourselves and our universe, we haven't found answers to one of our most fundamental questions: Does life exist anywhere else in the universe? Ten years and billions of dollars in the making, the Mars Rover Curiosity is poised to answer this all-important question.In Mars Rover Curiosity: An Inside Account from Curiosity's Chief Engineer, Rob Manning, the project's chief engineer, tells of bringing the groundbreaking spacecraft to life. Manning and his team at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, tasked with designing a lander many times larger and more complex than any before, faced technical setbacks, fights over inadequate resources, and the challenges of leading an army of brilliant, passionate, and often frustrated experts.Manning's fascinating personal account--which includes information from his exclusive interviews with leading Curiosity scientists--is packed with tales of revolutionary feats of science, technology, and engineering. Readers experience firsthand the disappointment at encountering persistent technical problems, the agony of near defeat, the sense of victory at finding innovative solutions to these problems, the sheer terror of staking careers and reputations on a lander that couldn't be tested on Earth, and the rush of triumph at its successful touchdown on Mars on August 5, 2012. This is the story of persistence, dedication, and unrelenting curiosity.
Mars Rovers (A True Book (Relaunch))
by Jessica CohnFrom the first time a person looked up at the sky and wondered “What’s out there?” humans have dreamed about exploring the cosmos.This book is part of a series, A True Book: Space Exploration, that includes the titles Human Missions to Outer Space, Mars Rovers, The International Space Station, and UFO's. The series features the latest NASA imagery and lively text to bring the wonder of space exploration directly to readers.For so long, our neighbor in the solar system has been shrouded in mystery. Was there ever life on Mars? How can we enable astronauts to land on that planet—and return safely? Mars rovers, including the latest: Perseverance, may just provide the answers! They might even tell us if humans can live on Mars one day! Share in the joy of exploration and discovery with Mars Rovers.
Mars: Explore the Mysteries of the Red Planet (Space Explorers)
by Giles Sparrow DK Shauna EdsonThis ultimate guide to Mars launches 7–9 year olds on a breathtaking journey through the past, present, and future of the Red Planet with stunning illustrations, photographs, and fascinating information.Has there ever been life on Mars? Will we be living there soon? How? Discover the past, present, and future of the mysterious Red Planet in this beautiful nonfiction book for kids. It explores the evidence for past life on Mars, what's happening there now, and what it might look like to one day live on the Red Planet. Be amazed by the tallest mountain in the solar system, discover how houses on Mars could look, and find out if you've got what it takes to join the teams traveling to Mars in the future.Packed with fun illustrations by artist Mark Ruffle, combined with images from space agencies such as NASA and ESA, information panels, and diagrams, children will adore this essential guide to the Red Planet. This reissue has been created to ensure the facts and information are up to date with the latest science and technology.
Mars: Explore the mysteries of the Red Planet
by DKHas there ever been life on Mars? Will we be living there soon? HOW?! Discover the past, present, and future of the mysterious red planet in this beautiful non-fiction book for kids.The launch of Mars rovers by NASA, Europe, and China in 2020 will be the biggest science news of the year and will reveal more about Mars than ever before. Get ahead with this amazing new book, which explores the evidence for past life on Mars, what's happening there now, and what it might look like to one day live on the red planet. Discover incredible space technology, learn how to spot the planet in the night sky throughout the year, and find out if YOU'VE got what it takes to join the teams traveling to Mars in the coming years.Children will adore this essential guide to the red planet. Incredible images and fun illustrations will ignite their imagination and give them a fascinating insight into what the future might hold...
Marsha Is Magnetic
by Beth FerryIt turns out that the best way to "attract" friends to invite to your birthday is by being yourself in this sweet, STEAM-minded picture book from New York Times best-selling author Beth Ferry. Marsha's birthday is coming up, and she needs to make some friends to invite to her party. She's a little stumped...but a scientist knows how to solve problems: the scientific method! With equal parts creativity, determination, and humor, Marsha sets out to attract as many friends as she can for her birthday bash—what could possibly go wrong? In this hilarious celebration of birthdays, friendship, and ingenuity, Beth Ferry and Lorena Alvarez show readers that the best way to attract friends is to simply be yourself.
Marshal Vauban: Louis XIV's Engineer Genius
by James Falkner&“[A] vivid and well written account of the life of the man who built some of the most magnificent military structures known to man.&”—Clayton Donnell, &“Fortress Archaeologist&” Sebastien Le Prestre, Marshal Vauban, was one of the greatest military engineers of all time. His complex, highly sophisticated fortress designs, his advanced theories for the defense and attack of fortified places, and his prolific work as a writer and radical thinker on military and social affairs, mark him out as one of the most influential military minds of the late seventeenth and early eighteenth centuries. Yet no recent study of this extraordinary man has been published in English. James Falkner, in this perceptive and lively new account of Vauban&’s life and work, follows his career as a soldier from a dashing and brave young cavalry officer to his emergence as a masterful military engineer. And he shows that Vauban was much more than simply a superlative builder of fortresses, for as a leading military commander serving Louis XIV, he perfected a method for attacking fortifications in the most effective way, which became standard practice until the present day. Falkner&’s new study will add significantly to the understanding of Vauban&’s achievements and the impact his work has had on the history of warfare. &“A very enjoyable read for those looking for a good, basic account of Vauban&’s career and his role in the wars of Louis XIV and of fortification more generally. Its usefulness is enhanced by various maps and reproductions of portraits of key characters and of contemporary plans of fortresses.&”—War in History
Marshal Vauban: Louis XIV's Engineer Genius
by James Falkner&“[A] vivid and well written account of the life of the man who built some of the most magnificent military structures known to man.&”—Clayton Donnell, &“Fortress Archaeologist&” Sebastien Le Prestre, Marshal Vauban, was one of the greatest military engineers of all time. His complex, highly sophisticated fortress designs, his advanced theories for the defense and attack of fortified places, and his prolific work as a writer and radical thinker on military and social affairs, mark him out as one of the most influential military minds of the late seventeenth and early eighteenth centuries. Yet no recent study of this extraordinary man has been published in English. James Falkner, in this perceptive and lively new account of Vauban&’s life and work, follows his career as a soldier from a dashing and brave young cavalry officer to his emergence as a masterful military engineer. And he shows that Vauban was much more than simply a superlative builder of fortresses, for as a leading military commander serving Louis XIV, he perfected a method for attacking fortifications in the most effective way, which became standard practice until the present day. Falkner&’s new study will add significantly to the understanding of Vauban&’s achievements and the impact his work has had on the history of warfare. &“A very enjoyable read for those looking for a good, basic account of Vauban&’s career and his role in the wars of Louis XIV and of fortification more generally. Its usefulness is enhanced by various maps and reproductions of portraits of key characters and of contemporary plans of fortresses.&”—War in History
Marshaling Technology for Development: Proceedings of a Symposium
by Technology Development Steering CommitteeRecent technological advances, particularly in microelectronics and telecommunications, biotechnology, and advanced materials, pose critical challenges and opportunities for developing countries, and for the development banks and other organizations that serve them. Those countries that fail to adapt to the transformations driven by new technologies in industry, agriculture, health, environment, energy, education, and other sectors may find it difficult to avoid falling behind. This book represents a joint effort by the World Bank and the National Research Council to survey the status and effect of technology change in key sectors and to recommend action by the development organizations, government, private sector and the scientific and technological community.
Marshall Space Flight Center (Images of America)
by Cindy Donze MantoMarshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) was carved from the environs of Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville, Alabama, at the height of the Cold War with the former Soviet Union. Originally, the area was a center for cotton production and large mills, but on the eve of World War II, civic leaders sought a US Army initiative that established Redstone and Huntsville Arsenals for the manufacture and stockpile of small solid-fuel rockets and chemical weapons. After World War II, Operation Paperclip brought scientists and engineers from Germany to pursue missile and rocket development at Redstone Arsenal's Army Ballistic Missile Agency (ABMA) and eventually the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). After establishing the civilian NASA on July 29, 1958, Pres. Dwight D. Eisenhower dedicated the George C. Marshall Space Flight Center on September 8, 1960, to the resolute general, statesman, and "builder of peace." The president concluded, "May this great center be ever worthy of its honored name." Following the Mercury and Apollo programs of the 1960s and early 1970s, MSFC's notable achievements continued with Skylab, Apollo-Soyuz Test Project, Space Shuttle, Spacelab, and the space station. Today, Marshall Space Flight Center, NASA's leading center for propulsion systems and launch vehicles, supports the lunar missions of Project Artemis.
Marshall and Worthing's The Construction of Houses
by Derek Worthing Duncan Marshall Roger Heath Nigel DannThe sixth edition of The Construction of Houses builds on the success of the previous five editions. The book provides a comprehensive introduction to the principles and processes of the construction of houses and their services. As such it is aimed at providing a broad understanding of domestic building construction for students as part of their academic studies and as a useful information source for practitioners. The existing chapters have all been updated and most of them expanded to take account of changes to dwelling house construction since the last edition and there are new chapters on ‘Modern Methods of Construction’ and ‘Regulatory controls and building standards’. Additionally, many new and/or updated photographs and diagrams have been added. As with the previous editions, the authors have concentrated on presenting current mainstream approaches to the construction of houses. The detailed, yet accessible, text that is supported by hundreds of coloured photographs and diagrams provides clear explanations of the many complex processes that go into the building of a house. A deeper insight into modern construction is also given by the book’s consideration of historical building techniques from the 18th century onwards in order to illustrate how and why we build houses in the way we do now.
Marvel's Avengers: Black Panther: War for Wakanda Expansion: Art of the Hidden Kingdom
by Matthew PellettThe official art book for the Marvel&’s Avengers expansion Black Panther: War for WakandaBlindsided by a betrayal and the resulting tragedy, King T&’Challa, the Black Panther, devoted protector and current ruler of Wakanda finds it difficult to entrust his duty to anyone else, even his sister Shuri, while also confronting those who wish to do Wakanda harm. When arch-villain Klaw&’s forces threaten Wakanda&’s safety, T&’Challa must take the fight right to them to defend everything and everyone he holds dear. Players experience the game&’s story and additional missions in the ongoing Avengers Initiative in the lush jungles of Wakanda, an entirely new environment and sole location of the world&’s Vibranium. They also get to explore the Royal Palace that overlooks Birnin Zana, known as &“The Golden City,&” in a new Outpost that contains Shuri&’s laboratory, Zawavari&’s chambers, and the Wakandan War Room. Unmask the artistry behind the expansion in this showpiece hardback book containing exclusive concept sketches, character art, storyboards, and fully rendered scenes alongside fascinating insights into the creative process from the talented creators of the expansion.
Marvel's Iron Man Goes Magnetic (National Geographic Readers)
by National Geographic KidsNational Geographic Kids and Marvel combine forces on this leveled reader series featuring magnets and kids&’ all-time favorite super hero, Iron Man.It&’s time to assemble some magnets—Avenger style!Join Iron Man in his lab as he marvels at the mystery of his favorite suit going … magnetic! Discover what makes some metals magnetic and how they work. With engaging photographs, iconic illustrated Marvel Comics character guides, and hilarious commentary by beloved Avengers friends, this book is perfect for newly independent and reluctant readers. Take learning to a new level through fun facts and a step-by-step hands-on experiment to reinforce educational concepts.This level 2 reader provides both accessible and wide-ranging text to encourage the scientists and inventors of tomorrow!
Marvelous Messages
by Rose Ayling-EllisJoin Rose Ayling-Ellis, her cool cat Halo, and their pigeon pal Perky on the ultimate time-traveling, globetrotting adventure to explore the story of communication as never before.Discover ancient language, decipher secret codes and special signs with Rose, Halo, and Perky on a journey through time and discover just how diverse communication can be. Rose and her interpreter Dev will be our tour guides as we explore the beginnings of language, the first hieroglyphic 'emojis' and even communication in the animal kingdom!Interspersed between the exciting episodes of Rose's journey are Messaging Milestones: fascinating timelines of fantastic innovations-including telephones, TV, printing, and the metaverse, and Rose's Superstars: a celebration of inspirational heroes, both past and present, from the deaf world—including entertainers, adventurers, inventors, sports champions and social media superstars.Cross continents, traverse time, and discover the very special gift of communication.
Marvels of Modern Electronics: A Survey
by Barry LuntThis scintillating survey of the major electronic discoveries of the past century -- including static electricity, vacuum tubes, transistors, and television -- focuses on the past forty years of technological innovation. Learn what's "under the hood" of computers, integrated circuits, the Internet, cell phones, GPS, optical fibers, space probes, and other modern wonders. Engaging and mildly technical, this authoritative treatment can be understood by anyone with a high school education and an interest in technology.A brief history of electronics is succeeded by explorations of developments in electrical safety, radar, and deep-space probes. Additional topics include the operation of computers, data storage, and optical fiber communications as well as the electronics behind automobiles and consumer devices. The first four chapters provide background, and the following self-contained chapters may be read in any order. Author Barry M. Lunt, a Professor of Information Technology at Brigham Young University, also provides forecasts for upcoming directions in electronics.
Marvels of Modern Medicine
by Christine GrafIn medicine, machines can be used to take detailed pictures of bones and even to save people’s lives. Read on to learn about the marvelous machines of modern medicine, like the defibrillator, the x-ray machine, and more!