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Privileged Hands: A Scientific Life
by Geerat VermeijHis fingers move across the surface of a shell, feeling the ridges and contours, searching for clues, gathering information unnoticed by the untrained eye. For Dr. Geerat Vermeij's fingers are his eyes. One of the most accomplished evolutionary biologists of our time and the world's leading authority on an ancient "arms race" among mollusks, Dr. Vermeij is blind.No ordinary autobiography, Privileged Hands is the story of Dr. Vermeij's challenge and triumph. What makes his story so compelling is how he sees and what his insights reveal about the wonder of life on planet Earth. His exhaustive research of ancient and living mollusks, particularly shells, is extraordinary in its scope and perspective about how species arm themselves, compete, and survive. This is an intriguing irony for someone whose incomparable story is characterized by an unfailing determination to thrive in a sighted world and in the world of science. For Dr. Vermeij's self-portrait is also a portrait of the practice of science--his views on evolution and biodiversity, and the importance of observation are as much the story as are his family relationships, education, and position on arritmative action.Privileged Hands is provocative and intelligent storytelling: it reveals as much about our own lives as it does about this one, remarkable, scientist's life." 'Uplifting' may smack of sentimentality, but Vermeij's life story surely is uplifting—and it contributes importantly to evolutionary science." - Kirkus Reviews
The Prize: The Epic Quest for Oil, Money & Power
by Daniel YerginThe Prize recounts the panoramic history of oil -- and the struggle for wealth power that has always surrounded oil. This struggle has shaken the world economy, dictated the outcome of wars, and transformed the destiny of men and nations. The Prize is as much a history of the twentieth century as of the oil industry itself. The canvas of this history is enormous -- from the drilling of the first well in Pennsylvania through two great world wars to the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait and Operation Desert Storm. The cast extends from wildcatters and rogues to oil tycoons, and from Winston Churchill and Ibn Saud to George Bush and Saddam Hussein. The definitive work on the subject of oil and a major contribution to understanding our century, The Prize is a book of extraordinary breadth, riveting excitement -- and great importance.
Pro-environmental Behaviors
by Kiyo KurisuThis book offers a much-needed practical and conceptual guide for various pro-environmental behaviors. Written by an expert in both the environmental psychology and engineering fields, the book presents an overview of various pro-environmental behaviors (Chapter 1), the psychological background of behaviors (Chapters 2 and 3), how to survey and understand pro-environmental behaviors using questionnaires (Chapter 4) and how to know the actual environmental burdens derived by each behavior using life-cycle assessment (LCA) (Chapter 5), and measures to foster the behaviors and selected case studies for practitioners (Chapter 6). Readers will find Chapters 1, 4, and 5 particularly unique and useful; they provide an overview of many environmental behaviors and also the practical academic tools for analyzing environmental behaviors, such as questionnaire procedures, questions lists ("scales" in psychology), statistical tools, software, LCA methodologies, and databases. The book addresses the needs of academics and practitioners and is well suited as a textbook and reference guide for those studying or working in environmental engineering (systematic research), social psychology (environmental psychology), environmental education, and sustainability science. Policymakers will find the questionnaire list useful, as it can help them to grasp citizens' environmental concerns and actual behaviors. The behavior list and LCA can be used to make manuals or guidelines for citizens to enhance environmental behaviors, and the case studies provide an informative basis for designing programs and workshops for citizens. Although the field of "pro-environmental behaviors" has been intensively dealt with by European researchers, their approaches have largely been limited to psychological viewpoints and program (education) development through small case studies. Further, the target behaviors are often limited to recycling and energy/water savings. In contrast, this book provides the first introduction to pro-environmental behaviors as a whole. As pro-environmental behaviors have become increasingly important not only in developed but also in developing countries, this publication represents a timely resource for the growing number of researchers exploring pro-environment behaviors.
Pro-Poor Strategies in Urban Water Provisioning: What Kenyan Water Utilities Do and Why They Do It (IHE Delft PhD Thesis Series)
by Akosua Sarpong Boakye-AnsahWater utilities are the main instrument for countries to achieve universal service coverage. In pursuing universal service coverage, water utilities have turned to pro-poor water services to extend water services in low-income areas. This thesis discusses the use of pro-poor water services by water utilities in Kenya, with the intention of highlighting the dimensions of the approach that require attention of policy makers and practitioners when engaging with the concept. Based on the analysis of the technologies, financial and organisational arrangements associated with the pro-poor concept, this thesis shows that the use of pro-poor strategies allows water utilities to reduce the risks of servicing low-income areas while still claiming to fulfil their mandate of providing access to all in a commercially viable manner. The analysis also shows that rather than a decision of the water utility, the choice for pro-poor strategies emerges as the result of a consensus or compromise between the different actors that constitute the broader institutional environment in which water utilities operate. The thesis concludes that while pro-poor water services may serve the interests of water utilities and other stakeholders, in the absence of well-directed subsidies and proper monitoring they will not result in low-income households benefiting from more affordable and reliable access to water.
Pro Spark Streaming
by Zubair NabiLearn the right cutting-edge skills and knowledge to leverage Spark Streaming to implement a wide array of real-time, streaming applications. This book walks you through end-to-end real-time application development using real-world applications, data, and code. Taking an application-first approach, each chapter introduces use cases from a specific industry and uses publicly available datasets from that domain to unravel the intricacies of production-grade design and implementation. The domains covered in the book include social media, the sharing economy, finance, online advertising, telecommunication, and IoT. In the last few years, Spark has become synonymous with big data processing. DStreams enhance the underlying Spark processing engine to support streaming analysis with a novel micro-batch processing model. Pro Spark Streaming by Zubair Nabi will enable you to become a specialist of latency sensitive applications by leveraging the key features of DStreams, micro-batch processing, and functional programming. To this end, the book includes ready-to-deploy examples and actual code. Pro Spark Streaming will act as the bible of Spark Streaming. What you'll learn Spark Streaming application development and best practices Low-level details of discretized streams The application and vitality of streaming analytics to a number of industries and domains Optimization of production-grade deployments of Spark Streaming via configuration recipes and instrumentation using Graphite, collectd, and Nagios Ingestion of data from disparate sources including MQTT, Flume, Kafka, Twitter, and a custom HTTP receiver Integration and coupling with HBase, Cassandra, and Redis Design patterns for side-effects and maintaining state across the Spark Streaming micro-batch model Real-time and scalable ETL using data frames, SparkSQL, Hive, and SparkR Streaming machine learning, predictive analytics, and recommendations Meshing batch processing with stream processing via the Lambda architecture Who this book is for The audience includes data scientists, big data experts, BI analysts, and data architects.
Pro Tools 101: For Pro Tools 12 Software
by Frank D. CookCongratulations on beginning work under Avid's official training program. This book represents the first step on a journey toward mastery of your Pro Tools system. The information, exercises, and projects you will find here apply to all Pro Tools 12 systems.
Pro Tools 9: Music Production, Recording, Editing and Mixing
by Mike CollinsPrepare yourself to be a great producer when using Pro Tools in your studio. Pro Tools 9: Music Production, Recording, Editing & Mixing is the definitive guide to the software for new and professional users, providing you with all the vital techniques that you need to know. Covering both Pro Tools HD 9 and Pro Tools 9 software, this book is extensively illustrated in color and packed with time saving hints and tips - making it a great reference to keep on hand. * Become an expert Pro Tools user and fully unlock the potential of your system! * Discover how to achieve complete control over tempo, time and key. . Understand how to get professional results using the MIDI and music scoring features. * Master the technicalities of recording, editing and mixing using Pro Tools. * New features of Pro Tools HD 9 and Pro Tools 9 software described in detail. * Link to Website full of useful extra info including comprehensive details of hardware options * Endorsed by leading International record producers, composers and engineers. Pro Tools 9: Music Production, Recording, Editing & Mixing is a vital reference source both for the working professional and for the serious hobbyist looking for professional results.
Pro Tools for Film and Video
by Dale AngellThis is a step by step guide for editing sound to picture using Pro Tools, starting by explaining the Pro Tools systems the author does a great job covering all key audio topics including the equipment, sound, music, effects, output and mixing tools. The book is for professional sound engineers and film students needing to use sound effects and edit sound to picture in Pro Tools, Pro Tools is used by 80% of the motion picture industry and taught in most film schools. While there are many Pro Tools books on the market most are aimed at the music user and there is a lack of material for the film and video specific application of this software.Clearly set out and thorough in coverage the book takes a practical approach, a live project runs through the chapters illustrating how different functions have been added to a film providing you with the real detail as to how you would apply it to your edit. Extensively illustrated in colour and packed with time saving hints and tips a DVD with tutorials completes the package.
Pro Tools for Music Production: Recording, Editing and Mixing
by Mike CollinsPro Tools for Music Production is a definitive guide to the system for new and professional users. Extensively illustrated in colour and packed with time saving hints and tips, you will want to keep to hand as a constant source of information. The book takes a real-world approach and shows how to build the right system to suit your needs. Detailed chapters on recording, editing and mixing blend essential knowledge with tutorials and practical examples from actual recordings. The second edition features a wealth of new and updated material, including: · Pro Tools HD systems explained· Pro Tools 6.1 software (and up to version 6.2.3)· Mac OSX installation and troubleshooting· A new chapter on MIDI· Additional and expanded tutorials· More on Identify Beat, Beat Detective and tempo maps· Extra coverage of plug-ins and virtual instruments· How to use Propellerheads Reason and Ableton Live with Pro Tools· What you need to know about the new file management capabilities· How to transfer projects between Pro Tools and other MIDI and audio software, and between Pro Tools TDM on the Mac and Pro Tools LE on the PCPro Tools for Music Production is a vital source of reference to keep by your side, whether you are a working professional or a serious hobbyist looking for professional results.
Pro Tools LE and M-Powered: The complete guide
by Mike CollinsPro Tools LE and M-Powered is an authoritative guide to Digidesign's entry-level hardware and software systems. Illustrated throughout with color screen grabs, the book starts by giving you useful overviews and advice about the hardware options available. Subsequent chapters are packed with easy-to-follow instructions, valuable hints and time-saving tips on how to use the software. Includes:* Full coverage of all new features in version 7* Information on tempos, clicks and grooves* Two chapters on MIDI* Useful tutorials on using Reason, Live and SampleTank* Recommendations on backups and transfers* Guidance on the DV Toolkit for post productionFor troubleshooting technical problems, advice on purchasing decisions or inspiration for new ideas, keep this book by your side as a vital reference point.
The PROACT® Root Cause Analysis: Quick Reference Guide (Reliability, Maintenance, and Safety Engineering)
by Kenneth C. Latino Mark A. Latino Robert J. LatinoRoot Cause Analysis, or RCA, "What is it?" Everyone uses the term, but everyone does it differently. How can we have any uniformity in our approach, much less accurately compare our results, if we’re applying different definitions? At a high level, we will explain the difference between RCA and Shallow Cause Analysis, because that is the difference between allowing a failure to recur or dramatically reducing the risk of recurrence.In this book, we will get down to basics about RCA, the fundamentals of blocking and tackling, and explain the common steps of any investigative occupation. Common investigation steps include: Preserving evidence (data)/not allowing hearsay to fly as fact Organizing an appropriate team/minimizing potential bias Analyzing the events/reconstructing the incident based on actual evidence Communicating findings and recommendations/ensuring effective recommendations are actually developed and implemented Tracking bottom-line results/ensuring that identified, meaningful metrics were attained We explore, "Why don’t things always go as planned?" When our actual plans deviate from our intended plans, we usually experience some type of undesirable or unintended outcome. We analyze the anatomy of a failure (undesirable outcome) and provide a step-by-step guide to conducting a comprehensive RCA based on our 3+ decades of applying RCA as we have successfully practiced it in the field. This book is written as a how-to guide to effectively apply the PROACT® RCA methodology to any undesirable outcome, is directed at practitioners who have to do the real work, focuses on the core elements of any investigation, and provides a field-proven case as a model for effective application. This book is for anyone charged with having a thorough understanding of why something went wrong, such as those in EH&S, maintenance, reliability, quality, engineering, and operations to name just a few.
Proactive and Dynamic Network Defense (Advances in Information Security #74)
by Cliff Wang Zhuo LuThis book discusses and summarizes current research issues, identifies challenges, and outlines future directions for proactive and dynamic network defense. This book also presents the latest fundamental research results toward understanding proactive and dynamic network defense by top researchers in related areas. It includes research results that offer formal frameworks to define proactive and dynamic network defense, and develop novel models to analyze and evaluate proactive designs and strategies in computer systems, network systems, cyber-physical systems and wireless networks. A wide variety of scientific techniques have been highlighted to study these problems in the fundamental domain. As the convergence of our physical and digital worlds grows fast pace, protecting information systems from being tampered or unauthorized access is becoming one of the most importance issues. The traditional mechanisms of network defense are built upon a static, passive, and reactive nature, which has insufficient to defend against today's attackers that attempt to persistently analyze, probe, circumvent or fool such mechanisms. It has not yet been fully investigated to address the early stage of “cyber kill chain” when adversaries carry out sophisticated reconnaissance to plan attacks against a defense system. Recently, proactive and dynamic network defense has been proposed as an important alternative towards comprehensive network defense. Two representative types of such defense are moving target defense (MTD) and deception-based techniques. These emerging approaches show great promise to proactively disrupt the cyber-attack kill chain and are increasingly gaining interest within both academia and industry. However, these approaches are still in their preliminary design stage. Despite the promising potential, there are research issues yet to be solved regarding the effectiveness, efficiency, costs and usability of such approaches. In addition, it is also necessary to identify future research directions and challenges, which is an essential step towards fully embracing proactive and dynamic network defense. This book will serve as a great introduction for advanced-level computer science and engineering students who would like to start R&D efforts in the field of proactive and dynamic network defense. Researchers and professionals who work in this related field will also find this book useful as a reference.
Proactive Condition Monitoring of Low-Speed Machines
by Zhaklina Stamboliska Eugeniusz Rusiński Przemyslaw MoczkoThis book broadens readers' understanding of proactive condition monitoring of low- speed machines in heavy industries. It focuses on why low-speed machines are different than others and how maintenance of these machines should be implemented with particular attention. The authors explain the best available monitoring techniques for various equipment and the principle of how to get proactive information from each technique. They further put forward possible strategies for application of FEM for detection of faults and technical assessment of machinery. Implementation phases are described and industrial case studies of proactive condition monitoring are included. Proactive Condition Monitoring of Low-Speed Machines is an essential resource for engineers and technical managers across a range of industries as well as design engineers working in industrial product development.
Proactive Intelligence
by John J. Mcgonagle Carolyn M. VellaTraditionally, tapping into the power of competitive intelligence (CI) meant investing in the development of an internal CI unit or hiring outside consultants who specialized in CI. Proactive Intelligence: The Successful Executive's Guide to Intelligence offers an alternative: learn how to do it yourself and how to effectively manage the parts you cannot. The tools and techniques that will enable you to produce your own CI for your consumption are out there, and have been honed by decades of work. But, you cannot just adopt them - you have to adapt them. Why? Because, when you finish reading this book, you will be the data collector, the analyst, and the end-user. Traditional CI is premised on a reactive, two part relationship - a CI professional responding to what an end-user identifies as a need; by doing this yourself you can turn CI from being reactive to being proactive. As the decision-maker, you can get what CI you need, when you need it, and then use it almost seamlessly. Written by two of the foremost experts on CI, Proactive Intelligence: The Successful Executive's Guide to Intelligence: shows where and how CI can help you and your firm, provides practical guidance on how to identify what CI you need, how to find the data you need, and how to analyze it, and discusses how to apply CI to develop competitive- and career- advantages. Each chapter is supported by important references as well as by an additional list of resources to support and supplement your knowledge. Proactive Intelligence: The Successful Executive's Guide to Intelligence teaches you how to generate proactive intelligence and use it to advance your business and your career- making it an essential resource for managers and executives, as well as everyone who wishes to integrate CI into their daily work routine.
Probabilistic Approaches for Geotechnical Site Characterization and Slope Stability Analysis
by Dianqing Li Yu Wang Zijun CaoThis is the first book to revisit geotechnical site characterization from a probabilistic point of view and provide rational tools to probabilistically characterize geotechnical properties and underground stratigraphy using limited information obtained from a specific site. This book not only provides new probabilistic approaches for geotechnical site characterization and slope stability analysis, but also tackles the difficulties in practical implementation of these approaches. In addition, this book also develops efficient Monte Carlo simulation approaches for slope stability analysis and implements these approaches in a commonly available spreadsheet environment. These approaches and the software package are readily available to geotechnical practitioners and alleviate them from reliability computational algorithms. The readers will find useful information for a non-specialist to determine project-specific statistics of geotechnical properties and to perform probabilistic analysis of slope stability.
Probabilistic Cellular Automata: Theory, Applications And Future Perspectives (Emergence, Complexity And Computation Ser. #27)
by Pierre-Yves Louis Francesca R. NardiThis book explores Probabilistic Cellular Automata (PCA) from the perspectives of statistical mechanics, probability theory, computational biology and computer science. PCA are extensions of the well-known Cellular Automata models of complex systems, characterized by random updating rules. Thanks to their probabilistic component, PCA offer flexible computing tools for complex numerical constructions, and realistic simulation tools for phenomena driven by interactions among a large number of neighboring structures. PCA are currently being used in various fields, ranging from pure probability to the social sciences and including a wealth of scientific and technological applications. This situation has produced a highly diversified pool of theoreticians, developers and practitioners whose interaction is highly desirable but can be hampered by differences in jargon and focus. This book – just as the workshop on which it is based – is an attempt to overcome these difference and foster interest among newcomers and interaction between practitioners from different fields. It is not intended as a treatise, but rather as a gentle introduction to the role and relevance of PCA technology, illustrated with a number of applications in probability, statistical mechanics, computer science, the natural sciences and dynamical systems. As such, it will be of interest to students and non-specialists looking to enter the field and to explore its challenges and open issues.
Probabilistic Data Structures for Blockchain-Based Internet of Things Applications
by Neeraj Kumar Arzoo MiglaniThis book covers theory and practical knowledge of Probabilistic data structures (PDS) and Blockchain (BC) concepts. It introduces the applicability of PDS in BC to technology practitioners and explains each PDS through code snippets and illustrative examples. Further, it provides references for the applications of PDS to BC along with implementation codes in python language for various PDS so that the readers can gain confidence using hands on experience. Organized into five sections, the book covers IoT technology, fundamental concepts of BC, PDS and algorithms used to estimate membership query, cardinality, similarity and frequency, usage of PDS in BC based IoT and so forth.
Probabilistic Finite Element Model Updating Using Bayesian Statistics: Applications to Aeronautical and Mechanical Engineering
by Tshilidzi Marwala Ilyes Boulkaibet Sondipon AdhikariProbabilistic Finite Element Model Updating Using Bayesian Statistics: Applications to Aeronautical and Mechanical Engineering Tshilidzi Marwala and Ilyes Boulkaibet, University of Johannesburg, South Africa Sondipon Adhikari, Swansea University, UK Covers the probabilistic finite element model based on Bayesian statistics with applications to aeronautical and mechanical engineering Finite element models are used widely to model the dynamic behaviour of many systems including in electrical, aerospace and mechanical engineering. The book covers probabilistic finite element model updating, achieved using Bayesian statistics. The Bayesian framework is employed to estimate the probabilistic finite element models which take into account of the uncertainties in the measurements and the modelling procedure. The Bayesian formulation achieves this by formulating the finite element model as the posterior distribution of the model given the measured data within the context of computational statistics and applies these in aeronautical and mechanical engineering. Probabilistic Finite Element Model Updating Using Bayesian Statistics contains simple explanations of computational statistical techniques such as Metropolis-Hastings Algorithm, Slice sampling, Markov Chain Monte Carlo method, hybrid Monte Carlo as well as Shadow Hybrid Monte Carlo and their relevance in engineering. Key features: Contains several contributions in the area of model updating using Bayesian techniques which are useful for graduate students. Explains in detail the use of Bayesian techniques to quantify uncertainties in mechanical structures as well as the use of Markov Chain Monte Carlo techniques to evaluate the Bayesian formulations. The book is essential reading for researchers, practitioners and students in mechanical and aerospace engineering.
Probabilistic Forecasts and Optimal Decisions
by Roman KrzysztofowiczAccount for uncertainties and optimize decision-making with this thorough exposition Decision theory is a body of thought and research seeking to apply a mathematical-logical framework to assessing probability and optimizing decision-making. It has developed robust tools for addressing all major challenges to decision making. Yet the number of variables and uncertainties affecting each decision outcome, many of them beyond the decider’s control, mean that decision-making is far from a ‘solved problem’. The tools created by decision theory remain to be refined and applied to decisions in which uncertainties are prominent. Probabilistic Forecasts and Optimal Decisions introduces a theoretically-grounded methodology for optimizing decision-making under conditions of uncertainty. Beginning with an overview of the basic elements of probability theory and methods for modeling continuous variates, it proceeds to survey the mathematics of both continuous and discrete models, supporting each with key examples. The result is a crucial window into the complex but enormously rewarding world of decision theory. Readers of Probablistic Forecasts and Optimal Decisions will also find: Extended case studies supported with real-world dataMini-projects running through multiple chapters to illustrate different stages of the decision-making processEnd of chapter exercises designed to facilitate student learning Probabilistic Forecasts and Optimal Decisions is ideal for advanced undergraduate and graduate students in the sciences and engineering, as well as predictive analytics and decision analytics professionals.
Probabilistic Graphical Models: Principles and Applications (Advances in Computer Vision and Pattern Recognition)
by Luis Enrique SucarThis fully updated new edition of a uniquely accessible textbook/reference provides a general introduction to probabilistic graphical models (PGMs) from an engineering perspective. It features new material on partially observable Markov decision processes, graphical models, and deep learning, as well as an even greater number of exercises.The book covers the fundamentals for each of the main classes of PGMs, including representation, inference and learning principles, and reviews real-world applications for each type of model. These applications are drawn from a broad range of disciplines, highlighting the many uses of Bayesian classifiers, hidden Markov models, Bayesian networks, dynamic and temporal Bayesian networks, Markov random fields, influence diagrams, and Markov decision processes.Topics and features:Presents a unified framework encompassing all of the main classes of PGMsExplores the fundamental aspects of representation, inference and learning for each techniqueExamines new material on partially observable Markov decision processes, and graphical modelsIncludes a new chapter introducing deep neural networks and their relation with probabilistic graphical models Covers multidimensional Bayesian classifiers, relational graphical models, and causal modelsProvides substantial chapter-ending exercises, suggestions for further reading, and ideas for research or programming projectsDescribes classifiers such as Gaussian Naive Bayes, Circular Chain Classifiers, and Hierarchical Classifiers with Bayesian NetworksOutlines the practical application of the different techniquesSuggests possible course outlines for instructorsThis classroom-tested work is suitable as a textbook for an advanced undergraduate or a graduate course in probabilistic graphical models for students of computer science, engineering, and physics. Professionals wishing to apply probabilistic graphical models in their own field, or interested in the basis of these techniques, will also find the book to be an invaluable reference.Dr. Luis Enrique Sucar is a Senior Research Scientist at the National Institute for Astrophysics, Optics and Electronics (INAOE), Puebla, Mexico. He received the National Science Prize en 2016.
Probabilistic Machine Learning for Civil Engineers
by James-A. GouletAn introduction to key concepts and techniques in probabilistic machine learning for civil engineering students and professionals; with many step-by-step examples, illustrations, and exercises.This book introduces probabilistic machine learning concepts to civil engineering students and professionals, presenting key approaches and techniques in a way that is accessible to readers without a specialized background in statistics or computer science. It presents different methods clearly and directly, through step-by-step examples, illustrations, and exercises. Having mastered the material, readers will be able to understand the more advanced machine learning literature from which this book draws.The book presents key approaches in the three subfields of probabilistic machine learning: supervised learning, unsupervised learning, and reinforcement learning. It first covers the background knowledge required to understand machine learning, including linear algebra and probability theory. It goes on to present Bayesian estimation, which is behind the formulation of both supervised and unsupervised learning methods, and Markov chain Monte Carlo methods, which enable Bayesian estimation in certain complex cases. The book then covers approaches associated with supervised learning, including regression methods and classification methods, and notions associated with unsupervised learning, including clustering, dimensionality reduction, Bayesian networks, state-space models, and model calibration. Finally, the book introduces fundamental concepts of rational decisions in uncertain contexts and rational decision-making in uncertain and sequential contexts. Building on this, the book describes the basics of reinforcement learning, whereby a virtual agent learns how to make optimal decisions through trial and error while interacting with its environment.
Probabilistic Mapping of Spatial Motion Patterns for Mobile Robots (Cognitive Systems Monographs #40)
by Tomasz Piotr Kucner Achim J. Lilienthal Martin Magnusson Luigi Palmieri Chittaranjan Srinivas SwaminathanThis book describes how robots can make sense of motion in their surroundings and use the patterns they observe to blend in better in dynamic environments shared with humans.The world around us is constantly changing. Nonetheless, we can find our way and aren’t overwhelmed by all the buzz, since motion often follows discernible patterns. Just like humans, robots need to understand the patterns behind the dynamics in their surroundings to be able to efficiently operate e.g. in a busy airport. Yet robotic mapping has traditionally been based on the static world assumption, which disregards motion altogether. In this book, the authors describe how robots can instead explicitly learn patterns of dynamic change from observations, store those patterns in Maps of Dynamics (MoDs), and use MoDs to plan less intrusive, safer and more efficient paths. The authors discuss the pros and cons of recently introduced MoDs and approaches to MoD-informed motion planning, and provide an outlook on future work in this emerging, fascinating field.
Probabilistic Mechanics of Quasibrittle Structures: Strength, Lifetime, and Size Effect
by Zdeněk P. Bažant Jia-Liang LeQuasibrittle (or brittle heterogeneous) materials are becoming increasingly important for modern engineering. They include concretes, rocks, fiber composites, tough ceramics, sea ice, bone, wood, stiff soils, rigid foams, glass, dental and biomaterials, as well as all brittle materials on the micro or nano scale. Their salient feature is that the fracture process zone size is non-negligible compared to the structural dimensions. This causes intricate energetic and statistical size effects and leads to size-dependent probability distribution of strength, transitional between Gaussian and Weibullian. The ensuing difficult challenges for safe design are vanquished in this book, which features a rigorous theory with detailed derivations yet no superfluous mathematical sophistication; extensive experimental verifications; and realistic approximations for design. A wide range of subjects is covered, including probabilistic fracture kinetics at nanoscale, multiscale transition, statistics of structural strength and lifetime, size effect, reliability indices, safety factors, and ramification to gate dielectrics breakdown.
Probabilistic Methods and Distributed Information: Rudolf Ahlswede’s Lectures on Information Theory 5 (Foundations in Signal Processing, Communications and Networking #15)
by Rudolf Ahlswede Alexander Ahlswede Ingo Althöfer Christian Deppe Vladimir Blinovsky Ulrich Tamm Holger Boche Ulrich Krengel Ahmed MansourThe fifth volume of Rudolf Ahlswede’s lectures on Information Theory focuses on several problems that were at the heart of a lot of his research. One of the highlights of the entire lecture note series is surely Part I of this volume on arbitrarily varying channels (AVC), a subject in which Ahlswede was probably the world's leading expert. Appended to Part I is a survey by Holger Boche and Ahmed Mansour on recent results concerning AVC and arbitrarily varying wiretap channels (AVWC). After a short Part II on continuous data compression, Part III, the longest part of the book, is devoted to distributed information. This Part includes discussions on a variety of related topics; among them let us emphasize two which are famously associated with Ahlswede: "multiple descriptions", on which he produced some of the best research worldwide, and "network coding", which had Ahlswede among the authors of its pioneering paper. The final Part IV on "Statistical Inference under Communication constraints" is mainly based on Ahlswede’s joint paper with Imre Csiszar, which received the Best Paper Award of the IEEE Information Theory Society. The lectures presented in this work, which consists of 10 volumes, are suitable for graduate students in Mathematics, and also for those working in Theoretical Computer Science, Physics, and Electrical Engineering with a background in basic Mathematics. The lectures can be used either as the basis for courses or to supplement them in many ways. Ph.D. students will also find research problems, often with conjectures, that offer potential subjects for a thesis. More advanced researchers may find questions which form the basis of entire research programs.