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Decoding the Mechanisms of Antikythera Astronomical Device
by Jian-Liang Lin Hong-Sen YanThis book presents a systematic design methodology for decoding the interior structure of the Antikythera mechanism, an astronomical device from ancient Greece. The historical background, surviving evidence and reconstructions of the mechanism are introduced, and the historical development of astronomical achievements and various astronomical instruments are investigated. Pursuing an approach based on the conceptual design of modern mechanisms and bearing in mind the standards of science and technology at the time, all feasible designs of the six lost/incomplete/unclear subsystems are synthesized as illustrated examples, and 48 feasible designs of the complete interior structure are presented. This approach provides not only a logical tool for applying modern mechanical engineering knowledge to the reconstruction of the Antikythera mechanism, but also an innovative research direction for identifying the original structures of the mechanism in the future. In short, the book offers valuable new insights for all readers who are interested in the Antikythera mechanism.
Decoding the Heavens: A 2,000-Year-Old Computer -- and the Century-Long Search to Discover Its Secrets
by Jo MarchantIn 1900 a group of sponge divers blown off course in the Mediterranean discovered an Ancient Greek shipwreck dating from around 70 BC. Lying unnoticed for months amongst their hard-won haul was what appeared to be a formless lump of corroded rock, which turned out to be the most stunning scientific artefact we have from antiquity. For more than a century this 'Antikythera mechanism' puzzled academics, but now, more than 2000 years after the device was lost at sea, scientists have pieced together its intricate workings. Unmatched in complexity for 1000 years, it was able to predict eclipses and track the paths of the Sun and the Moon through the zodiac, and probably even showed ancient astronomers the movements of the five known planets. In Decoding the Heavens, Jo Marchant tells for the first time the story of the 100-year quest to understand this ancient computer. Along the way she unearths a diverse cast of remarkable characters - ranging from Archimedes to Jacques Cousteau - and explores the deep roots of modern technology not only in ancient Greece but in the Islamic world and medieval Europe too. At heart an epic adventure story, it is a book that challenges our assumptions about technology transfer over the ages while giving us fresh insights into history itself.
Decoding The Message Of The Pulsars: Intelligent Communication from the Galaxy
by Paul A. LavioletteA new interpretation of nearly 40 years of interstellar signals and the prophetic message
Decoding Gardening Advice: The Science Behind the 100 Most Common Recommendations
by Jeff Gillman Meleah MaynardCovering more than 100 universal gardening "dos and don'ts," Decoding Gardening Advice is the first book to provide gardeners with the real answers. Jeff Gillman, the bestselling author of The Truth About Garden Remedies, and Meleah Maynard back up every good recommendation with sound horticultural and botanical science. Decoding Gardening Advice is the first and only hard-hitting, evidence-based book that every gardener needs for definitive advice on everything from bulbs, annuals, and perennials to edibles, trees, and soil care.
Decoding Chomsky: Science and Revolutionary Politics
by Chris KnightA fresh and fascinating look at the philosophies, politics, and intellectual legacy of one of the twentieth century's most influential and controversial minds Occupying a pivotal position in postwar thought, Noam Chomsky is both the founder of modern linguistics and the world's most prominent political dissident. Chris Knight adopts an anthropologist's perspective on the twin output of this intellectual giant, acclaimed as much for his denunciations of US foreign policy as for his theories about language and mind. Knight explores the social and institutional context of Chomsky's thinking, showing how the tension between military funding and his role as linchpin of the political left pressured him to establish a disconnect between science on the one hand and politics on the other, deepening a split between mind and body characteristic of Western philosophy since the Enlightenment. Provocative, fearless, and engaging, this remarkable study explains the enigma of one of the greatest intellectuals of our time.
Decoding Astronomy in Art and Architecture (Springer Praxis Books)
by Marion DolanFor centuries, our ancestors carefully observed the movements of the heavens and wove that astronomical knowledge into their city planning, architecture, mythology, paintings, sculpture, and poetry. This book uncovers the hidden messages and advanced science encoded within these sacred spaces, showing how the rhythmic motions of the night sky played a central role across many different cultures. Our astronomical tour transports readers through time and space, from prehistoric megaliths to Renaissance paintings, Greco-Roman temples to Inca architecture. Along the way, you will investigate unexpected findings at Lascaux, Delphi, Petra, Angkor Wat, Borobudur, and many more archaeological sites both famous and little known. Through these vivid examples, you will come to appreciate the masterful ways that astronomical knowledge was incorporated into each society’s religion and mythology, then translated into their physical surroundings. The latest archaeoastronomical studies and discoveries are recounted through a poetic and nontechnical narrative, revealing how many longstanding beliefs about our ancestors are being overturned. Through this celestial journey, readers of all backgrounds will learn the basics about this exciting field and share in the wonders of cultural astronomy.
The Decline and Renaissance of Universities: Moving from the Big Brother University to the Slow University
by Renzo RossoInstead of following the Magna Charta Universitatum, the declaration of the principles of knowledge signed in 1988 in Bologna, the academic approach pursued in Europe and the other continents over the past 30 years has strictly employed a utilitarian model of higher education. This jeopardizes academic freedom, shared governance and tenure, the three pillars of the long-established model of universities. Scientific conformism and fragmentation, educational bias and authoritarianism are the major drawbacks, together with a poor readiness to meet the emerging challenges in the labor market and technology. In this book, Renzo Rosso presents a new model for countering these developments, e.g. by establishing novel democratic rules for university governance. The Slow University paradigm positions culture and education as essential tools for the long-term survival of humankind.
The Decline and Fall of Hemispheric Specialization (Distinguished Lecture Series)
by Robert EfronProviding a personal overview of hemispheric differences in human cognitive activity, Professor Efron is selective in his presentation of significant issues. To ensure a balanced overview, references are made to many books, review articles, and research reports that present opposing positions. Although additional material has been included in this book, the informal style of the oral presentation has not been altered. This volume may be perceived as a report of one man's opinion; however, the conclusions may reflect the views of a "silent majority" of cognitive neuroscientists.
Deckungsbeitragsrechnung für Ingenieure (essentials)
by Ekbert HeringDeckungsbeiträge dienen dazu, die Fixkosten eines Unternehmens bzw. der Unternehmensbereiche zu decken. Dazu müssen die fixen und die variablen Kosten bekannt sein. Der Deckungsbeitrag DB errechnet sich aus: DB = Netto-Umsatz - variable Kosten. Diese Kenngröße kann aus der Kostenrechnung leicht ermittelt werden, da Netto-Umsatz und variable Kosten in der Regel bekannt sind. Mit einer mehrstufigen Deckungsbeitragsrechnung können verschiedene Preisuntergrenzen definiert werden. Mit Deckungsbeiträgen können auch Marktpreise kalkuliert und eine Break-Even-Analyse durchgeführt werden (Bestimmung des Break-Even-Umsatzes: Umsatz, bei der gerade kein Gewinn oder Verlust auftritt oder der Break-Even-Stückzahl: Mindeststückzahl bei Gewinn = 0). Ausführliche Beispiele und Grafiken veranschaulichen die Zusammenhänge.
Decisions: An Engineering and Management Perspective
by Gerard H. GaynorDECISIONS focuses on how organizations can improve decision-making processes to improve organizational performance in a global economy. Presents research related to problems associated with meeting requirements, schedules, and costs Defines the scope of macro and micro decisions Raises the issue of the role of engineering, manufacturing, and marketing in making organizational decisions Includes references to Peter Drucker's studies on decision-making
Decision Trees for Fault Diagnosis in Circuits and Switching Networks (Studies in Systems, Decision and Control #493)
by Monther Busbait Mikhail Moshkov Albina Moshkova Vladimir ShevtchenkoIn this book, we study decision trees for fault diagnosis in circuits and switching networks, which are among the most fundamental models for computing Boolean functions. We consider two main cases: when the scheme (circuit or switching network) has the same mode of operation for both calculation and diagnostics, and when the scheme has two modes of operation—normal for calculation and special for diagnostics. In the former case, we get mostly negative results, including superpolynomial lower bounds on the minimum depth of diagnostic decision trees depending on scheme complexity and the NP-hardness of construction diagnostic decision trees. In the latter case, we describe classes of schemes and types of faults for which decision trees can be effectively used to diagnose schemes, when they are transformed into so-called iteration-free schemes. The tools and results discussed in this book help to understand both the possibilities and challenges of using decision trees to diagnose faults in various schemes. The book is useful to specialists both in the field of theoretical and technical diagnostics.It can also be used for the creation of courses for graduate students.
The Decision Tree: How to make better choices and take control of your health
by Thomas GoetzFor all the talk about personalized medicine, our health care system remains a top-down, doctor-driven system where individuals are too often bit players in their own health decisions. In The Decision Tree, Thomas Goetz proposes a new strategy for thinking about health, one that applies cutting-edge technology to put us at the center of the equation and explains how the new frontier of health care can impact each of our lives.
Decision System in Agricultural Pest Management
by Ali Rajabpour Fatemeh YarahmadiThis book covers the theoretical and practical aspects of pest population components, explaining the probable reasons for pest density fluctuations and outbreaks in agricultural or other ecosystems. Agricultural pest management is a complex task that involves dealing with a variety of pests, including insects, diseases, and weeds. Decision systems can help farmers navigate this complexity by providing structured approaches to identify, monitor, and control pests. By making informed decisions based on data and models, farmers can reduce unnecessary pesticide applications, minimizing environmental impact and saving costs. This book aids in predicting pest outbreaks using population growth parameters and estimating economic crop losses through critical thresholds, illustrated with simple case studies. Additionally, the book covers image processing, remote sensing monitoring, and other novel methods for monitoring and quickly forecasting pest population outbreaks to developintegrated pest management (IPM) programs. The book is valuable for agricultural and entomological students (graduates and postgraduates), researchers, as well as pest managers and farmers.
Decision Support Systems for Weed Management
by Guillermo R. Chantre José L. González-AndújarWeed management Decision Support Systems (DSS) are increasingly important computer-based tools for modern agriculture. Nowadays, extensive agriculture has become highly dependent on external inputs and both economic costs, as well the negative environmental impact of agricultural activities, demands knowledge-based technology for the optimization and protection of non-renewable resources. In this context, weed management strategies should aim to maximize economic profit by preserving and enhancing agricultural systems. Although previous contributions focusing on weed biology and weed management provide valuable insight on many aspects of weed species ecology and practical guides for weed control, no attempts have been made to highlight the forthcoming importance of DSS in weed management. This book is a first attempt to integrate `concepts and practice’ providing a novel guide to the state-of-art of DSS and the future prospects which hopefully would be of interest to higher-level students, academics and professionals in related areas.
Decision Science for Future Earth: Theory and Practice
by Tetsukazu YaharaThis open access book provides a theoretical framework and case studies on decision science for regional sustainability by integrating the natural and social sciences. The cases discussed include solution-oriented transdisciplinary studies on the environment, disasters, health, governance and human cooperation. Based on these case studies and comprehensive reviews of relevant works, including lessons learned from past failures for predictable surprises and successes in adaptive co-management, the book provides the reader with new perspectives on how we can co-design collaborative projects with various conflicts of interest and how we can transform our society for a sustainable future. The book makes a valuable contribution to the global research initiative Future Earth, promoting transdisciplinary studies to bridge the gap between science and society in knowledge generation processes and supporting efforts to achieve the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Compared to other publications on transdisciplinary studies, this book is unique in that evolutionary biology is used as an integrator for various areas related to human decision-making, and approaches social changes as processes of adaptive learning and evolution. Given its scope, the book is highly recommended to all readers seeking an integrated overview of human decision-making in the context of social transformation.
Decision Making Using AI in Energy and Sustainability: Methods and Models for Policy and Practice (Applied Innovation and Technology Management)
by Gülgün Kayakutlu M. Özgür KayalicaArtificial intelligence (AI) has a huge impact on science and technology, including energy, where access to resources has been a source of geopolitical conflicts. AI can predict the demand and supply of renewable energy, optimize efficiency in energy systems, and improve the management of natural energy resources, among other things. This book explores the use of AI tools for improving the management of energy systems and providing sustainability with smart cities, smart facilities, smart buildings, smart transportation, and smart houses. Featuring research from International Federation for Information Processing's (IFIP) “AI in Energy and Sustainability” working group, this book provides new models and algorithms for AI applications in energy and sustainability fields. Any short-term, mid-term and long-term forecasting, optimization models, trend foresights and prescriptions based on scenarios are studied in the energy world and the smart systems for sustainability. The contents of this book are valuable for energy researchers, academics, scholars, practitioners and policy makers.
Decision-making Tools to Support Innovation: Guidelines and Case Studies
by Manon Enjolras Daniel Galvez Mauricio CamargoScientific thinking concerning the way in which we drive innovation has been widely developed in recent years. It is known that the process of innovation consists of a succession of decision-making processes that require simultaneous technical, economical, organizational and sustainable compromises. Indeed, all innovative activities in business require stakeholders to seek out the best compromise between various, often contradictory dimensions of the same problems. Through studying practical cases from various fields (e.g. energy, marketing and sustainable development), this book addresses all the stages of the innovation process, highlighting some of the main decisions that can be faced by organizations. Based on the historical research conducted at the ERPI Laboratory (University of Lorraine) in Nancy, France, this book presents six innovation practices: strategy, creativity, design, project management, human resources and capitalization of knowledge. These practices are then illustrated through examples of decision support methods' applications.
Decision Making in Timber Production, Harvest, and Marketing (Routledge Revivals)
by Marion ClawsonClawson explores the issues related to timber management with a particular focus on the harvesting of timber stands in Decision Making in Timber Production, Harvest and Marketing. Originally published in 1977, her study considers biological, economic and management implications of timber growing as well as the decision-making process in U.S forest Situations including methods of analysis. This title will be of interest to students of Environmental studies and professionals.
Decision Making in Natural Resource Management: A Structured, Adaptive Approach
by Michael J. Conroy James T. PetersonThis book is intended for use by natural resource managers and scientists, and students in the fields of natural resource management, ecology, and conservation biology, who are confronted with complex and difficult decision making problems. The book takes readers through the process of developing a structured approach to decision making, by firstly deconstructing decisions into component parts, which are each fully analyzed and then reassembled to form a working decision model. The book integrates common-sense ideas about problem definitions, such as the need for decisions to be driven by explicit objectives, with sophisticated approaches for modeling decision influence and incorporating feedback from monitoring programs into decision making via adaptive management. Numerous worked examples are provided for illustration, along with detailed case studies illustrating the authors’ experience in applying structured approaches. There is also a series of detailed technical appendices. An accompanying website provides computer code and data used in the worked examples. Additional resources for this book can be found at: www.wiley.com/go/conroy/naturalresourcemanagement.
Decision-Making in Environmental Health: From Evidence to Action
by D. Briggs C. Corvalan G. ZielhuisDecision-Making in Environmental Health examines the need for information in support of decision-making in environmental health. It discusses indicators of environmental health, methods of data collection and the assessment of exposure to and the health impact of different environmental risk factors.
Decision-Making in Energy Systems
by Vivek D. BhiseThis is a comprehensive book on how to make complex decisions on energy systems problems involving different technologies, environmental effects, costs, benefits, risks, and safety issues. Using Industrial and Systems Engineering techniques for decision-making in Energy Systems, the book provides the background knowledge and methods to incorporate multiple criteria involved in solving energy system problems. It offers methods, examples, and case studies illustrating applications. Decision-Making in Energy Systems discusses subjective as well as objective methods, approaches, and techniques taken from the systems and industrial engineering domain and puts them to use in solving energy systems problems. It uses an integrated approach by including effects of all technical, economic, environmental, and safety considerations as well as costs and risks. The book is specially designed for practicing engineers from industrial/systems engineering who work in energy systems engineering industries. Aimed at graduate students, researchers, and managers involved in various energy generating, distributing, and consuming companies, the book helps the reader to understand, evaluate, and decide on solutions to their energy-related problems.
Decision Making for the Environment: Social and Behavioral Science Research Priorities
by National Research Council of the National AcademiesWith the growing number, complexity, and importance of environmental problems come demands to include a full range of intellectual disciplines and scholarly traditions to help define and eventually manage such problems more effectively. Decision Making for the Environment: Social and Behavioral Science Research Prioritiesis the result of a 2-year effort by 12 social and behavioral scientists, scholars, and practitioners. The report sets research priorities for the social and behavioral sciences as they relate to several different kinds of environmental problems.
Decision Making and Modelling in Cognitive Science
by Sisir RoyThis book discusses the paradigm of quantum ontology as an appropriate model for measuring cognitive processes. It clearly shows the inadequacy of the application of classical probability theory in modelling the human cognitive domain. The chapters investigate the context dependence and neuronal basis of cognition in a coherent manner. According to this framework, epistemological issues related to decision making and state of mind are seen to be similar to issues related to equanimity and neutral mind, as discussed in Buddhist perspective. The author states that quantum ontology as a modelling tool will help scientists create new methodologies of modelling in other streams of science as well.
Decision Making Algorithms for Hydro-Power Plant Location
by Mrinmoy Majumder Soumya GhoshThe present study has attempted to apply the advantage of neuro-genetic algorithms for optimal decision making in maximum utilization of natural resources. Hydro-power is one of the inexpensive, but a reliable source of alternative energy which is foreseen as the possible answer to the present crisis in the energy sector. However, the major problem related to hydro-energy is its dependency on location. An ideal location can produce maximum energy with minimum loss. Besides, such power-plant also requires substantial amount of land which is a precious resource nowadays due to the rapid and uncontrolled urbanization observed in most of the urban centres in the World. The feasibility of such plants also depends on social acceptance as well as the level of environmental casualty and economic benefit, all of which is also spatially dependent. Decision making algorithms are applied to identify better solution if a problem has more than one alternative explication. Nature based algorithms are found to be efficient enough to catalyze such kind of decision making analysis. That is why the present study tries to utilize nature based algorithms to solve the problems of location selection for hydropower plants. The study employed six different types of nature based algorithms to select one of the locations among many available for installation of hydropower plant in the North Eastern part of the Indian subcontinent. The locations are selected based on their in stream resources and included in the decision making as alternatives. A methodology of criteria selection, determination of weightage and applications of bioinspired algorithms are adopted to produce utmost exertion of the available natural resources with minimum hostility and wastage of the same.
Decision and Game Theory for Security: 10th International Conference, GameSec 2019, Stockholm, Sweden, October 30 – November 1, 2019, Proceedings (Lecture Notes in Computer Science #11836)
by Tansu Alpcan Yevgeniy Vorobeychik John S. Baras György DánThis book constitutes the refereed proceedings of the 10th International Conference on Decision and Game Theory for Security, GameSec 2019,held in Stockholm, Sweden, in October 2019.The 21 full papers presented together with 11 short papers were carefully reviewed and selected from 47 submissions.The papers focus on protection of heterogeneous, large-scale and dynamic cyber-physical systems as well as managing security risks faced by critical infrastructures through rigorous and practically-relevant analytical methods.