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Simplifying Data Engineering and Analytics with Delta: Create analytics-ready data that fuels artificial intelligence and business intelligence
by Anindita Mahapatra Doug MayExplore how Delta brings reliability, performance, and governance to your data lake and all the AI and BI use cases built on top of itKey FeaturesLearn Delta's core concepts and features as well as what makes it a perfect match for data engineering and analysisSolve business challenges of different industry verticals using a scenario-based approachMake optimal choices by understanding the various tradeoffs provided by DeltaBook DescriptionDelta helps you generate reliable insights at scale and simplifies architecture around data pipelines, allowing you to focus primarily on refining the use cases being worked on. This is especially important when you consider that existing architecture is frequently reused for new use cases.In this book, you'll learn about the principles of distributed computing, data modeling techniques, and big data design patterns and templates that help solve end-to-end data flow problems for common scenarios and are reusable across use cases and industry verticals. You'll also learn how to recover from errors and the best practices around handling structured, semi-structured, and unstructured data using Delta. After that, you'll get to grips with features such as ACID transactions on big data, disciplined schema evolution, time travel to help rewind a dataset to a different time or version, and unified batch and streaming capabilities that will help you build agile and robust data products.By the end of this Delta book, you'll be able to use Delta as the foundational block for creating analytics-ready data that fuels all AI/BI use cases.What you will learnExplore the key challenges of traditional data lakesAppreciate the unique features of Delta that come out of the boxAddress reliability, performance, and governance concerns using DeltaAnalyze the open data format for an extensible and pluggable architectureHandle multiple use cases to support BI, AI, streaming, and data discoveryDiscover how common data and machine learning design patterns are executed on DeltaBuild and deploy data and machine learning pipelines at scale using DeltaWho this book is forData engineers, data scientists, ML practitioners, BI analysts, or anyone in the data domain working with big data will be able to put their knowledge to work with this practical guide to executing pipelines and supporting diverse use cases using the Delta protocol. Basic knowledge of SQL, Python programming, and Spark is required to get the most out of this book.
Simplifying Hybrid Cloud Adoption with AWS: Realize edge computing and build compelling hybrid solutions on premises with AWS Outposts
by Frankie Costa NegroBecome an expert in AWS Outposts and Hybrid architectures with in-depth explanations of the product and order processes while exploring the capabilities for creating next-generation edge solutionsKey FeaturesLearn AWS Outposts from the ground up guided by an AWS hybrid edge solutions architectMaster hybrid edge concepts, use cases, and architectures and discover how AWS Outposts fits into this spaceBecome the go-to professional for designing, deploying, operating, and maintaining AWS OutpostsBook DescriptionThe hybrid edge specialty is often misunderstood because it began with an on-premises-focused view encompassing everything not running inside the traditional data center. If you too have workloads that need to live on premises and need a solution to bridge the gap between both worlds, this book will show you how AWS Outposts allows workloads to leverage the benefits of the cloud running on top of AWS technology. In this book, you'll learn what the Edge space is, the capabilities to look for when selecting a solution to operate in this realm, and how AWS Outposts delivers. The use cases for Outposts are thoroughly explained and the physical characteristics are detailed alongside the service logical constructs and facility requirements. You'll gain a comprehensive understanding of the sales process—from order placement to rack delivery to your location. As you advance, you'll explore how AWS Outposts works in real life with step-by-step examples using AWS CLI and AWS Console before concluding your journey with an extensive overview of security and business continuity for maximizing the value delivered by the product. By the end of this book, you'll be able to create compelling hybrid architectures, solve complex use cases for hybrid scenarios, and get ready for your way forward with the help of expert guidance.What you will learnDiscover the role of AWS Outposts in the hybrid edge spaceUnderstand rack components with typical use cases for AWS OutpostsExplore AWS services running on Outposts and its capabilitiesSelect, order, and successfully deploy your OutpostsWork with Outposts resources for hands-on operationsAssess logical and physical security aspects and considerationsMonitor and log configuration and usage to improve your architectureMaintain and troubleshoot hardware and software that run AWS servicesWho this book is forIf you are a seasoned data center professional, this book will empower you to support businesses to build hybrid edge solutions with AWS technology. It will also help AWS Cloud professionals to master a unique offering in the AWS portfolio that takes Amazon web services beyond the regions. Familiarity with AWS services and traditional data center concepts is assumed.
Simplifying JavaScript: Writing Modern JavaScript with ES5, ES6, and Beyond
by Joe MorganThe best modern JavaScript is simple, readable, and predictable. Learn to write modern JavaScript not by memorizing a list of new syntax, but with practical examples of how syntax changes can make code more expressive. Starting from variable declarations that communicate intention clearly, see how modern principles can improve all parts of code. Incorporate ideas with curried functions, array methods, classes, and more to create code that does more with less while yielding fewer bugs. It's time to write JavaScript code that's clean and exprssive. Modern JavaScript is simpler and more predictable and readable than ever. Discover how to write better code with clear examples using principles that show how updated syntax can make code better with fewer bugs. Starting from the ground up, learn new syntax (or how to reuse older syntax) to transform code from clunky bug-susceptible scripts to clear and elegant programs that are easy to read and easy to extend. Create a foundation for readable code with simple variable declarations that reduce side effects and subtle bugs. Select collections with clear goals instead of defaulting to objects or arrays. See how to simplify iterations from complex loops to single line array methods. Master techniques for writing flexible and solid code ranging from high-order functions, to reusableclasses, to patterns for architecting large applications creating applications that will last while through rounds of refactoring and changing requirements. The best part is there's no need to read this book straight through. Jump around and incorporate new functionality at will. Most importantly, understand not just what the new syntax is, but when and how to use it. Start writing better code from the first page. What You Need: For the best experience, have the latest version of Node installed (at least version 7). You can test most examples in the console of Chrome or other modern web browser. If you'd like to run the tests, you'll also need to install the latest version of Node Package Manager (npm).
Simplifying Medical Ultrasound: 4th International Workshop, ASMUS 2023, Held in Conjunction with MICCAI 2023, Vancouver, BC, Canada, October 8, 2023, Proceedings (Lecture Notes in Computer Science #14337)
by Bernhard Kainz Julia Schnabel Bishesh Khanal Alison Noble Johanna Paula Müller Thomas DayThis book constitutes the proceedings of the 4th International Workshop on Advances in Simplifying Medical UltraSound, ASMUS 2023, held in conjunction with MICCAI 2023, the 26th International Conference on Medical Image Computing and Computer-Assisted Intervention. The conference took place in Vancouver, BC, Canada, on October 8, 2023. The 19 papers presented in this book were carefully reviewed and selected from 30 submissions. They were organized in topical sections as follows: advanced imaging, segmentation, and ultrasound techniques; predictive analysis, learning, and classification; multimodal imaging, reconstruction, and real-time applications; diagnostic enhancements and novel ultrasound innovations.
Simplifying Medical Ultrasound: 5th International Workshop, ASMUS 2024, Held in Conjunction with MICCAI 2024, Marrakesh, Morocco, October 6, 2024, Proceedings (Lecture Notes in Computer Science #15186)
by Andrew King Alberto Gomez Bishesh Khanal Ana NambureteThis book constitutes the proceedings of the 5th International Workshop on Simplifying Medical Ultrasound, ASMUS 2024, held in conjunction with MICCAI 2024, the 27th International Conference on Medical Image Computing and Computer-Assisted Intervention. The conference took place in Marrakesh, Morocco on October 6, 2024. The 21 full papers presented in this book were carefully reviewed and selected from 34 submissions. They were organized in topical sections as follows: Image Acquisition, Synthesis and Enhancement; Tracking, Registration and Image-guided Interventions; Segmentation; and Classification and Detection.
Simplifying Medical Ultrasound: Second International Workshop, ASMUS 2021, Held in Conjunction with MICCAI 2021, Strasbourg, France, September 27, 2021, Proceedings (Lecture Notes in Computer Science #12967)
by Su-Lin Lee Stephen Aylward J. Alison Noble Yipeng Hu Alexander Grimwood Zhe MinThis book constitutes the proceedings of the Second International Workshop on Advances in Simplifying Medical UltraSound, ASMUS 2021, held on September 27, 2021, in conjunction with MICCAI 2021, the 24th International Conference on Medical Image Computing and Computer-Assisted Intervention. The conference was planned to take place in Strasbourg, France, but changed to an online event due to the Coronavirus pandemic. The 22 papers presented in this book were carefully reviewed and selected from 30 submissions. They were organized in topical sections as follows: segmentation and detection; registration, guidance and robotics; classification and image synthesis; and quality assessment and quantitative imaging.
Simplifying Medical Ultrasound: Third International Workshop, ASMUS 2022, Held in Conjunction with MICCAI 2022, Singapore, September 18, 2022, Proceedings (Lecture Notes in Computer Science #13565)
by Su-Lin Lee Stephen Aylward J. Alison Noble Yipeng Hu Zhe Min Zachary BaumThis book constitutes the proceedings of the Third International Workshop on Advances in Simplifying Medical UltraSound, ASMUS 2022, held on September 18, 2022, in conjunction with MICCAI 2022, the 25th International Conference on Medical Image Computing and Computer-Assisted Intervention. The conference took place in Singapore. The 18 papers presented in this book were carefully reviewed and selected from 23 submissions. They were organized in topical sections as follows: classification and detection; Segmentation and Reconstruction; and Assessment, Guidance and Robotics.Chapters "Left Ventricle Contouring of Apical Three-Chamber Views on 2D Echocardiography" and "3D Cardiac Anatomy Reconstruction from 2D Segmentations: a Study using Synthetic Data" are available open access under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License via link.springer.com.
Simplifying Perspective: A Step-by-Step Guide for Visual Artists
by Robert PastranaMaster the art of linear perspective. If you’re an animator, illustrator, comic book artist, game artist or anything in between, you need to be able to create images that accurately and realistically show space, dimension and form. Simplifying Perspective is the one and only guide that thoughtfully and clearly breaks down the principles of perspective into something that’s easy to understand and use. With approachable lessons and clear visual step-by-step instruction, Robert Pastrana provides you with powerful techniques that help you turn a troubled drawing into a living, breathing, dimensional scene. With Simplifying Perspective, you’ll never have to wade through dense, complex technical manuals again – this comprehensive guide to perspective is tailored specifically for artists who need to learn the ins and outs of one, two, and three-point perspective, measuring, shadows, reflections, and more. Simplifying Perspective presents complex drawing concepts in an easy-to-follow, approachable manner so you can finally learn the essentials of perspective without the anticipated frustration. Provides clarity, depth, and a wealth of examples – this is your must-have guide to understanding and using linear perspective Detailed visual instruction includes hundreds of color coded, step-by-step diagrams that allow you to easily follow the technical process of each construction Comprehensive companion website includes additional resources on perspective with a range of work to help further your skills
Simplifying State Management in React Native: Master state management from hooks and context through to Redux, MobX, XState, Jotai and React Query
by Aleksandra Desmurs-LinczewskaMake fact-based decisions by comparing different solutions and learning popular ways to manage state in React Native with clear guidelines and recommendations by a React Native expertKey FeaturesExplore the big picture of state management in React Native using the most simplified versionImplement state management solutions by building a social media clone appCompare different state solutions in a contained environment to choose the best fit for your future projectsBook DescriptionManaging state in a React Native app can be challenging as it is one of the most difficult concepts to grasp while learning React Native. This is because there are so many ways to do it, and because there is a lack of clear guidelines on what should be used and why.Simplifying State Management in React Native is a comprehensive introduction for those who are new to creating robust React Native apps that will have you up to speed in no time. You'll get to grips with the different state management strategies and libraries available. As you progress through the chapters, you'll try out different solutions, as well as compare and choose which solution is perfectly suited to your future projects and personal preferences. Finally, you'll create a social media clone app using all the concepts and examples that you've learned in this book.By the end of this book, you'll be able to take on existing projects that use various state management strategies and libraries, and confidently make decisions about state management.What you will learnStart out by going over the basic ReactJS “mindset”Explore all that ReactJS has to offer to manage state in apps by building an appUnderstand existing state management libraries such as Redux, MobX, XState, Jotai, and React QueryDecide which libraries you want to use in your appsDesign a social media app to fully understand state managementTry out all the solutions presented in the book in a social media clone appWho this book is forThis book is for junior developers, React Native developers, and mobile app developers who are already using React Native, but are also on the lookout for advice and for a broader view to manage the state and changes in their applications. Basic knowledge of ReactJS and React Native, as well as familiarity with JavaScript and general mobile app development concepts are needed to grasp the topics covered in this book.
Simply Computing for Seniors (Simply #18)
by Linda ClarkStep-by-step instructions for seniors to get up and running on a home PC Answering the call for an up-to-date, straightforward computer guide targeted specifically for seniors, this helpful book includes easy-to-follow tutorials that escort you through the basics and shows you how to get the most out of your PC. Boasting an elegant, full-color interior with a clean, sophisticated look and feel, the layout makes it easy for you to find the information you need quickly. Author Linda Clark has earned her highly respected reputation through years of teaching computers at both the beginning and intermediate levels. She uses this experience in the field to deliver you a comprehensive resource that shares everything you need to know about working with a computer. Guides you through working with computers so you can reach a level where you feel comfortable and confident Shows you how to find your way around Windows 7 and Microsoft Office 2010 Teaches you how to e-mail, get online, use Internet banking, book holidays, shop online, and more Walks you through sharing photos and watching movies Features numerous examples and illustrations SIMPLY Computing for Seniors puts you on your way to becoming a savvy computer user today!
Simply Digital Photography
by Rob SheppardIf you are serious about digital photography, then this clear, concise guide is the ideal companion for fast and efficient learning.Simply Digital Photography offers techniques that can be used to make better digital photos, prints, and photo-based projects. Full-colour screen shots and numbered, step-by-step instructions show readers how to use their equipment, compose the best shot, and even make edits to photos to create stunning images and produce better photos.The simple, yet elegant design features a multitude of images as well as tips & tricks to make this a perfect reference for all ages - just follow the instructions with your camera and set your own speed.Packed with photos and illustrations, this visual tutorial is excellent value for money. Learn something new today - read it, try it and become your own expert with Simply Digital Photography!
Simply Excel 2010
by Paul McfedriesIf you are serious about getting up to speed with Excel 2010, this clear, concise guide is the ideal companion for fast and efficient learning. The author illustrates the main functions of Excel 2010, explaining everything you need to know in plain, jargon-free English with full-colour screen shots and numbered, step-by-step instructions. The simple, yet elegant design features a multitude of images as well as tips & tricks to make this a perfect reference for all ages - just follow the instructions on your own PC. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced user in need of a quick grip on the updates in Excel 2010, read on for: Excel 2010 basics workbook fundamentals formatting worksheets and enhancing them with graphics analysing data and communicating results with charts and PivotTables Packed with advice and illustrations, this visual tutorial is excellent value for money. Learn something new today - read it, try it and become your own expert with Simply Excel 2010!
Simply JavaScript: Everything You Need to Learn JavaScript From Scratch
by Kevin Yank Cameron AdamsEverything you need to learn JavaScript from Scratch!Packed with numerous examples, Simply JavaScript is a step-by-step introduction to programming in JavaScript the right way. Learn how easy it is to use JavaScript to solve real-world problems, build smarter forms, track user events (such as mouse clicks and key strokes), and design eye-catching animations. Then move into more powerful techniques using the DOM and Ajax.Learn JavaScript's built-in functions, methods, and properties.Easily integrate JavaScript in your web site.Use JavaScript to validate form entries and interact with your users.Understand how to respond to user events.Create animations that bring your web site to life.Start programming using the DOM and Ajax.Unlike other JavaScript books, modern best practices such as progressive enhancement, accessibility and unobtrusive scripting are used from the very beginning. All the code in the book is also cross-browser compatible and downloadable for free, so you can get started instantly!
Simply Laptops
by Kate ShoupIf you are serious about getting the most of your laptop, this clear, concise guide is the ideal companion for fast and efficient learning. We are on the move connecting wirelessly and want a computer that can keep up with the demands of an active lifestyle. With full-colour screen shots and numbered, step-by-step instructions, Simply Laptops teaches you not only all you need to know about working with a laptop, but also how to make real-world use of it with pages upon pages of examples in plain, jargon-free English. The simple, yet elegant design features a multitude of images as well as tips & tricks to make this a perfect reference for all ages - just follow the instructions on your own laptop.Windows 7 will be covered as well as topics such as:battery lifeconnecting with mobile devices such as cameras, cell phones, and extra monitorswireless connections away from homesecurity must haves for safe online experiences.Packed with advice and illustrations, this visual tutorial is excellent value for money. Learn something new today - read it, try it and become your own expert with Simply Laptops!
Simply Photoshop Elements 8
by Mike WooldridgeIf you want to get up to speed with Photoshop Elements 8, then this clear, concise guide is the ideal companion for fast and efficient learning. Simply Photoshop Elements 8 contains examples of all the newest features of Photoshop Elements, explaining everything you need to know in plain, jargon-free English with full-colour screen shots and numbered, step-by-step instructions.The simple, yet elegant design features a multitude of images as well as tips & tricks to make this a perfect reference for all ages.Find out how to:import photos from digital cameras and scannersretouch and repair damaged photoscompose great group shotsenhance digital imageschange print size, canvas size, and resolutionedit images for posting on the Webcreate a Web photo galleryincorporate graphics into desktop publishing programs.Packed with advice and illustrations, this visual tutorial is excellent value for money. Learn something new today - read it, try it and become your own expert with Simply Photoshop Elements 8!
Simply Photoshop Elements 8 (Simply Ser. #11)
by Mike WooldridgeIf you want to get up to speed with Photoshop Elements 8, then this clear, concise guide is the ideal companion for fast and efficient learning. Simply Photoshop Elements 8 contains examples of all the newest features of Photoshop Elements, explaining everything you need to know in plain, jargon-free English with full-colour screen shots and numbered, step-by-step instructions. The simple, yet elegant design features a multitude of images as well as tips & tricks to make this a perfect reference for all ages. Find out how to: import photos from digital cameras and scanners retouch and repair damaged photos compose great group shots enhance digital images change print size, canvas size, and resolution edit images for posting on the Web create a Web photo gallery incorporate graphics into desktop publishing programs. Packed with advice and illustrations, this visual tutorial is excellent value for money. Learn something new today – read it, try it and become your own expert with Simply Photoshop Elements 8!
Simply SQL: The Fun and Easy Way to Learn Best-Practice SQL
by Rudy LimebackPacked with examples, Simply SQL is a step-by-step introduction to learning SQL. You'll discover how easy it is to use SQL to interact with best-practice, robust databases. Rather than bore you with theory, it focuses on the practical use of SQL with common databases and uses plenty of diagrams, easy-to-read text, and examples to help make learning SQL easy and fun. Step through the basic SQL syntax Learn how to use best practices in database design Master advanced syntax like inner joins, groups, and subqueries Understand the SQL datatypes And much more...
Simply Scheme: Introducing Computer Science (2nd edition)
by Brian Harvey Matthew WrightA textbook for the introductory computer science course, using Scheme instead of a more traditional programming language. The primary goal in Parts I-V is preparation for the Scheme-based Structure and Interpretation of Computer Programs, while the focus of Part VI is to connect the course with the kinds of programming used in "real world" application programs like spreadsheets and databases. A PC or Macintosh diskette is available. Annotation c. by Book News, Inc. , Portland, Or.
Simply Windows 7
by Paul McfedriesIf you are serious about getting up to speed with Windows 7, then this clear, concise guide is the ideal companion for fast and efficient learning. The author illustrates the main functions of Windows 7, explaining everything you need to know in plain, jargon-free English with full-colour screen shots and numbered, step-by-step instructions.The simple, yet elegant design features a multitude of images as well as tips & tricks to make this a perfect reference for all ages - just follow the instructions on your own PC.Whether you are a beginner or an experienced user in need of a quick grip on the updates in Windows 7, read on for:Windows 7 basics new ways to customize Windows to work for you the new interface and the new and improved Internet Explorer creating movies sharing their computer working with and managing files browsing the Web Packed with advice and illustrations, this visual tutorial is excellent value for money. Learn something new today - read it, try it and become your own expert with Simply Windows 7!
Simulated Evolution and Learning
by Ying Tan Xiaodong Li Ke Tang Kay Chen Tan Yaochu Jin Yuhui Shi Qingfu Zhang Mengjie Zhang Martin MiddendorfInspired by the Darwinian framework of evolution through natural selection and adaptation, the field of evolutionary computation has been growing very rapidly, and is today involved in many diverse application areas. This book covers the latest advances in the theories, algorithms, and applications of simulated evolution and learning techniques. It provides insights into different evolutionary computation techniques and their applications in domains such as scheduling, control and power, robotics, signal processing, and bioinformatics. The book will be of significant value to all postgraduates, research scientists and practitioners dealing with evolutionary computation or complex real-world problems. This book has been selected for coverage in: • Index to Scientific & Technical Proceedings (ISTP CDROM version / ISI Proceedings)• CC Proceedings — Engineering & Physical SciencesContents: "Evolutionary Theory: "Using Evolution to Learn User Preferences "(S Ujjin & P J Bentley)"Evolutionary Learning Strategies for Artificial Life Characters "(M L Netto et al. )"The Influence of Stochastic Quality Functions on Evolutionary Search "(B Sendhoff et al. )"A Real-Coded Cellular Genetic Algorithm Inspired by Predator–Prey Interactions "(X Li & S Sutherland)"Automatic Modularization with Speciated Neural Network Ensemble "(V R Khare & X Yao)""Evolutionary Applications: "Image Classification using Particle Swarm Optimization "(M G Omran et al. )"Evolution of Fuzzy Rule Based Controllers for Dynamic Environments "(J Riley & V Ciesielski)"A Genetic Algorithm for Joint Optimization of Spare Capacity and Delay in Self-Healing Network "(S Kwong & H W Chong)"Joint Attention in the Mimetic Context — What is a “Mimetic Same”? "(T Shiose et al. )"Time Series Forecast with Elman Neural Networks and Genetic Algorithms "(L X Xu et al. )"and other articlesReadership: Upper level undergraduates, graduate students, academics, researchers and industrialists in artificial intelligence, evolutionary computation, fuzzy logic and neural networks.
Simulating Conversations for the Prediction of Speech Quality (T-Labs Series in Telecommunication Services)
by Thilo MichaelThis book discusses the simulation of conversations through a novel approach of predicting speech quality based on the interactions of two simulated interlocutors. The author describes the setup of a simulation environment that is capable of simulating human dialogue on the speech level. The impact of delay and bursty packet loss on VoIP conversations is investigated and modeled for the use in the simulation. Based on parameters extracted from simulated conversations, the author proposes extensions to the E-model, a parametric model standardized by the International Telecommunications Union, in order to predict the quality of the simulated conversations. The author shows that predictions based on the simulated conversations outperform models that rely on the transmission parameters alone.
Simulating Good and Evil: The Morality and Politics of Videogames
by Marcus SchulzkeSimulating Good and Evil shows that the moral panic surrounding violent videogames is deeply misguided, and often politically motivated, but that games are nevertheless morally important. Simulated actions are morally defensible because they take place outside the real world and do not inflict real harms. Decades of research purporting to show that videogames are immoral has failed to produce convincing evidence of this. However, games are morally important because they simulate decisions that would have moral weight if they were set in the real world. Videogames should be seen as spaces in which players may experiment with moral reasoning strategies without taking any actions that would themselves be subject to moral evaluation. Some videogame content may be upsetting or offensive, but mere offense does not necessarily indicate a moral problem. Upsetting content is best understood by applying existing theories for evaluating political ideologies and offensive speech.
Simulating Heterogeneous Crowds with Interactive Behaviors
by Nuria Pelechano, Jan M. Allbeck, Mubbasir Kapadia and Norman I. BadlerThis book provides a deep understanding of state-of-art methods for simulation of heterogeneous crowds in computer graphics. It will cover different aspects that are necessary to achieve plausible crowd behaviors. The book will be a review of the most recent literature in this field that can help professionals and graduate students interested in this field to get up to date with the latest contributions, and open problems for their possible future research. The chapter contributors are well known researchers and practitioners in the field and they include their latest contributions in the different topics required to achieve believable heterogeneous crowd simulation. Provides crowd simulation methodology to populate virtual environments, for video games or any kind of applications that requires believable multi-agent behavior Presents the latest contributions on crowd simulation, animation, planning, rendering and evaluation with detailed algorithms for implementation purposes Includes perspectives of both academic researchers and industrial practitioners with reference to open source solutions and commercial applications, where appropriate
Simulating Interacting Agents and Social Phenomena
by Claudio Cioffi-Revilla Guillaume Deffuant Keiki TakadamaAgent-based modeling and social simulation have emerged as an interdisciplinary area of social science that includes computational economics, organizational science, social dynamics, and complex systems. This area contributes to enriching our understanding of the fundamental processes of social phenomena caused by complex interactions among agents. Bringing together diverse approaches to social simulation and research agendas, this book presents a unique collection of contributions from the Second World Congress on Social Simulation, held in 2008 at George Mason University in Washington DC, USA. This book in particular includes articles on norms, diffusion, social networks, economy, markets and organizations, computational modeling, and programming environments, providing new hypotheses and theories, new simulation experiments compared with various data sets, and new methods for model design and development. These works emerged from a global and interdisciplinary scientific community of the three regional scientific associations for social simulation: the North American Association for Computational Social and Organizational Science (NAACSOS; now the Computational Social Science Society, CSSS), the European Social Simulation Association (ESSA), and the Pacific Asian Association for Agent-bBased Approach in Social Systems Sciences (PAAA).
Simulating Knowledge Dynamics in Innovation Networks
by Nigel Gilbert Andreas Pyka Petra AhrweilerThe competitiveness of firms, regions and countries greatly depends on the generation, dissemination and application of new knowledge. Modern innovation research is challenged by the need to incorporate knowledge generation and dissemination processes into the analysis so as to disentangle the complexity of these dynamic processes. With innovation, however, strong uncertainty, nonlinearities and actor heterogeneity become central factors that are at odds with traditional modeling techniques anchored in equilibrium and homogeneity. This text introduces SKIN (Simulation Knowledge Dynamics in Innovation Networks), an agent-based simulation model that primarily focuses on joint knowledge creation and exchange of knowledge in innovation cooperations and networks. In this context, knowledge is explicitly modeled and not approximated by, for instance, the level of accumulated R&D investment. The SKIN approach supports applications in different domains ranging from sector-based research activities in knowledge-intensive industries to the activities of international research consortia engaged in basic and applied research. Following a general description of the SKIN model, several applications and modifications are presented. Each chapter introduces in detail the structure of the model, the relevant methodological considerations and the analysis of simulation results, while options for empirically validating the models' structure and outcomes are also discussed. The book considers the scope of further applications and outlines prospects for the development of joint modeling strategies.