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Hierarchical Control and Optimization Strategies Applied to Solar Membrane Distillation Facilities (Springer Theses)
by Juan D. GilThis book offers a systematic study of control algorithms applied in the operation of solar membrane distillation (SMD) facilities. After a short introduction to membrane distillation systems powered by solar energy, it reports on the various stages of the development of a comprehensive operating strategy, based on modelling, control, and optimization techniques, which enables an improved operation of SMD plants helping the commercialization of the SMD technology. A special focus of the research was to maximize the distillate production of the MD modules while reducing their thermal energy consumption, being those two important weaknesses of the current technology, as well as their minimizing operating costs. The optimised operating strategies were tested in a real pilot plant located at Plataforma Solar de Almería (a dependency of the Centro de Investigaciones Energéticas, Medioambientales y Tecnológicas, CIEMAT, of Spain). All in all, this thesis offers extensive information on control and modeling algorithms, and on their practical applications in solar membrane distillation plants.
Hierarchical Emergent Ontology and the Universal Principle of Emergence
by Vladimír HavlíkThis book offers a new look at emergence in terms of a hierarchical emergent ontology. Emergence is recognised as a universal principle, as universal as the principle of evolution. This is achieved by setting out the ontological criteria of emergence and such criteria’s various roles. The traditional dichotomies are overcome, e.g., the synchronic and diachronic perspectives are unified, allowing a single, universal principle of emergence to be applied across various fields of science. As exemplars of its practical utility in both explanation and prediction, this new approach is applied to three different scientific areas: cellular automata, quantum Hall effects, and the neural network of the mind. It proves that the resulting metaphysics of hierarchical emergent ontology plays a fundamental role in unifying science, an impossible task under classical reductionism.
Hierarchical Feature Selection for Knowledge Discovery: Application of Data Mining to the Biology of Ageing (Advanced Information and Knowledge Processing)
by Cen WanThis book is the first work that systematically describes the procedure of data mining and knowledge discovery on Bioinformatics databases by using the state-of-the-art hierarchical feature selection algorithms. The novelties of this book are three-fold. To begin with, this book discusses the hierarchical feature selection in depth, which is generally a novel research area in Data Mining/Machine Learning. Seven different state-of-the-art hierarchical feature selection algorithms are discussed and evaluated by working with four types of interpretable classification algorithms (i.e. three types of Bayesian network classification algorithms and the k-nearest neighbours classification algorithm). Moreover, this book discusses the application of those hierarchical feature selection algorithms on the well-known Gene Ontology database, where the entries (terms) are hierarchically structured. Gene Ontology database that unifies the representations of gene and gene products annotation provides the resource for mining valuable knowledge about certain biological research topics, such as the Biology of Ageing. Furthermore, this book discusses the mined biological patterns by the hierarchical feature selection algorithms relevant to the ageing-associated genes. Those patterns reveal the potential ageing-associated factors that inspire future research directions for the Biology of Ageing research.
Hierarchical Modular Granular Neural Networks with Fuzzy Aggregation
by Daniela Sanchez Patricia MelinIn this book, anew method for hybrid intelligent systems is proposed. The proposed method isbased on a granular computing approach applied in two levels. The techniquesused and combined in the proposed method are modular neural networks (MNNs)with a Granular Computing (GrC) approach, thus resulting in a new concept ofMNNs; modular granular neural networks (MGNNs). In addition fuzzy logic (FL)and hierarchical genetic algorithms (HGAs) are techniques used in this researchwork to improve results. These techniques are chosen because in other workshave demonstrated to be a good option, and in the case of MNNs and HGAs, thesetechniques allow to improve the results obtained than with their conventionalversions; respectively artificial neural networks and genetic algorithms.
Hierarchically Porous Bio-Carbon Based Composites for High Electromagnetic Shielding Performance (Engineering Materials)
by Songtao Li Zhengwang Zhu Dongyan Liu Yu DongThis book highlights the preparation and characterization of efficient electromagnetic shielding composites containing bio-carbon derived from natural loofah with unique three-dimensional porous structures by means of entire structure design of composites according to shielding theory. The synergistic effect of multifunctional nanoparticles and bio-carbon on electromagnetic shielding mechanism, mechanical performance, and thermal stability of composites obtained has been holistically investigated. The discovery of this renewable, environmentally friendly, and inexpensive bio-carbon represents a new class of conductive materials with multi-interfaces and unravels further research and development of a wide variety of new electromagnetic shielding material systems with potential commercial applications ranging from electronic devices to energy management.
Hierarchy: Perspectives for Ecological Complexity
by T. F. Allen Thomas B. StarrAlthough complexity surrounds us, its inherent uncertainty, ambiguity, and contradiction can at first make complex systems appear inscrutable. Ecosystems, for instance, are nonlinear, self-organizing, seemingly chaotic structures in which individuals interact both with each other and with the myriad biotic and abiotic components of their surroundings across geographies as well as spatial and temporal scales. In the face of such complexity, ecologists have long sought tools to streamline and aggregate information. Among them, in the 1980s, T. F. H. Allen and Thomas B. Starr implemented a burgeoning concept from business administration: hierarchy theory. Cutting-edge when Hierarchy was first published, their approach to unraveling complexity is now integrated into mainstream ecological thought. This thoroughly revised and expanded second edition of Hierarchy reflects the assimilation of hierarchy theory into ecological research, its successful application to the understanding of complex systems, and the many developments in thought since. Because hierarchies and levels are habitual parts of human thinking, hierarchy theory has proven to be the most intuitive and tractable vehicle for addressing complexity. By allowing researchers to look explicitly at only the entities and interconnections that are relevant to a specific research question, hierarchically informed data analysis has enabled a revolution in ecological understanding. With this new edition of Hierarchy, that revolution continues.
Hierarchy In The Forest: The Evolution Of Egalitarian Behavior
by Christopher BoehmAre humans by nature hierarchical or egalitarian? Hierarchy in the Forest addresses this question by examining the evolutionary origins of social and political behavior. Christopher Boehm, an anthropologist whose fieldwork has focused on the political arrangements of human and nonhuman primate groups, postulates that egalitarianism is in effect a hierarchy in which the weak combine forces to dominate the strong. The political flexibility of our species is formidable: we can be quite egalitarian, we can be quite despotic. Hierarchy in the Forest traces the roots of these contradictory traits in chimpanzee, bonobo, gorilla, and early human societies. Boehm looks at the loose group structures of hunter-gatherers, then at tribal segmentation, and finally at present-day governments to see how these conflicting tendencies are reflected. Hierarchy in the Forest claims new territory for biological anthropology and evolutionary biology by extending the domain of these sciences into a crucial aspect of human political and social behavior. This book will be a key document in the study of the evolutionary basis of genuine altruism. Table of Contents: The Question of Egalitarian Society Hierarchy and Equality Putting Down Aggressors Equality and Its Causes A Wider View of Egalitarianism The Hominoid Political Spectrum Ancestral Politics The Evolution of Egalitarian Society Paleolithic Politics and Natural Selection Ambivalence and Compromise in Human Nature References Index Reviews of this book: This well-written book, geared toward an audience with background in the behavioral and evolutionary sciences but accessible to a broad readership, raises two general questions: 'What is an egalitarian society?' and 'How have these societies evolved?'. . . [Christopher Boehm] takes the reader on a journey from the Arctic to the Americas, from Australia to Africa, in search of hunter-gatherer and tribal societies that emanate the egalitarian ethos--one that promotes generosity, altruism and sharing but forbids upstartism, aggression and egoism.
Hierarchy in the Forest: The Evolution of Egalitarian Behavior
by Christopher BoehmAre humans by nature hierarchical or egalitarian? Hierarchy in the Forest addresses this question by examining the evolutionary origins of social and political behavior. Christopher Boehm, an anthropologist whose fieldwork has focused on the political arrangements of human and nonhuman primate groups, postulates that egalitarianism is in effect a hierarchy in which the weak combine forces to dominate the strong. The political flexibility of our species is formidable: we can be quite egalitarian, we can be quite despotic. Hierarchy in the Forest traces the roots of these contradictory traits in chimpanzee, bonobo, gorilla, and early human societies. Boehm looks at the loose group structures of hunter-gatherers, then at tribal segmentation, and finally at present-day governments to see how these conflicting tendencies are reflected. Hierarchy in the Forest claims new territory for biological anthropology and evolutionary biology by extending the domain of these sciences into a crucial aspect of human political and social behavior. This book will be a key document in the study of the evolutionary basis of genuine altruism.
Hieroglyphs: A Very Short Introduction
by Penelope WilsonHieroglyphs were far more than a language. They were an omnipresent and all-powerful force in communicating the messages of ancient Egyptian culture for over three thousand years; used as monumental art, as a means of identifying Egyptianness, and for rarefied communication with the gods. In this exciting new study, Penelope Wilson explores the cultural significance of the script with an emphasis on previously neglected areas such as cryptography, the continuing decipherment into modern times, and examines the powerful fascination hieroglyphs still hold for us today.
Higgs Boson Decays into a Pair of Bottom Quarks: Observation with the ATLAS Detector and Machine Learning Applications (Springer Theses)
by Cecilia TosciriThe discovery in 2012 of the Higgs boson at the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) represents a milestone for the Standard Model (SM) of particle physics. Most of the SM Higgs production and decay rates have been measured at the LHC with increased precision. However, despite its experimental success, the SM is known to be only an effective manifestation of a more fundamental description of nature. The scientific research at the LHC is strongly focused on extending the SM by searching, directly or indirectly, for indications of New Physics. The extensive physics program requires increasingly advanced computational and algorithmic techniques. In the last decades, Machine Learning (ML) methods have made a prominent appearance in the field of particle physics, and promise to address many challenges faced by the LHC.This thesis presents the analysis that led to the observation of the SM Higgs boson decay into pairs of bottom quarks. The analysis exploits the production of a Higgs boson associated with a vector boson whose signatures enable efficient triggering and powerful background reduction. The main strategy to maximise the signal sensitivity is based on a multivariate approach. The analysis is performed on a dataset corresponding to a luminosity of 79.8/fb collected by the ATLAS experiment during Run-2 at a centre-of-mass energy of 13 TeV. An excess of events over the expected background is found with an observed (expected) significance of 4.9 (4.3) standard deviation. A combination with results from other \Hbb searches provides an observed (expected) significance of 5.4 (5.5). The corresponding ratio between the signal yield and the SM expectation is 1.01 +- 0.12 (stat.)+ 0.16-0.15(syst.).The 'observation' analysis was further extended to provide a finer interpretation of the V H(H → bb) signal measurement. The cross sections for the VH production times the H → bb branching ratio have been measured in exclusive regions of phase space. These measurements are used to search for possible deviations from the SM with an effective field theory approach, based on anomalous couplings of the Higgs boson. The results of the cross-section measurements, as well as the constraining of the operators that affect the couplings of the Higgs boson to the vector boson and the bottom quarks, have been documented and discussed in this thesis. This thesis also describes a novel technique for the fast simulation of the forward calorimeter response, based on similarity search methods. Such techniques constitute a branch of ML and include clustering and indexing methods that enable quick and efficient searches for vectors similar to each other. The new simulation approach provides optimal results in terms of detector resolution response and reduces the computational requirements of a standard particles simulation.
The Higgs Boson Discovery at the Large Hadron Collider
by Roger WolfThis book provides a comprehensive overview of the field of Higgs boson physics. It offers the first in-depth review of the complete results in connection with the discovery of the Higgs boson at CERN's Large Hadron Collider and based on the full dataset for the years 2011 to 2012. The fundamental concepts and principles of Higgs physics are introduced and the important searches prior to the advent of the Large Hadron Collider are briefly summarized. Lastly, the discovery and first mensuration of the observed particle in the course of the CMS experiment are discussed in detail and compared to the results obtained in the ATLAS experiment.
The Higgs Boson Produced With Top Quarks in Fully Hadronic Signatures (Springer Theses)
by Daniel SalernoThe work presented in this PhD dissertation is the first search at CMS for Higgs bosons produced in association with top quarks (ttH) in a final state consisting of only jets. The results presented in this book uncover a new class of ttH events that will help us elucidate our understanding of the Yukawa sector interactions between the Higgs boson and the top quark. Despite this being the most common decay signature for ttH, a large contamination of SM backgrounds makes it the most challenging for extracting a signal from data. The PhD thesis presents many sophisticated tools and techniques that were developed in order to overcome these challenges. These tools pave the way for future analyses to investigate other standard model and beyond-standard model physics.
Higgs Discovery: The Power of Empty Space
by Lisa RandallOn July 4, 2012, physicists at the Large Hadron Collider in Geneva madehistory when they discovered an entirely new type of subatomic particle that many scientists believe is the Higgs boson. For forty years, physicists searched for this capstone to the Standard Model of particle physics—the theory that describes both the most elementary components that are known in matter and the forces through which they interact. This particle points to the Higgs field, which provides the key to understanding why elementary particles have mass. In Higgs Discovery, Lisa Randall explains the science behind this monumental discovery, its exhilarating implications, and the power of empty space.
The Higgs Hunter's Guide (Frontiers in Physics)
by John F. GunionThe Higgs Hunter's Guide is a definitive and comprehensive guide to the physics of Higgs bosons. In particular, it discusses the extended Higgs sectors required by those recent theoretical approaches that go beyond the Standard Model, including supersymmetry and superstring-inspired models.
Higgs Potential and Naturalness After the Higgs Discovery
by Yuta HamadaThis thesis focuses on the theoretical foundation of the Standard Model valid up to the Planck scale, based on the current experimental facts from the Large Hadron Collider. The thesis consists of two themes: (1) to open up a new window of the Higgs inflation scenario, and (2) to explore a new solution to the naturalness problem in particle physics. In the first area, on the Higgs inflation scenario, the author successfully improves a large value problem on a coupling constant relevant to the Higgs mass in the Standard Model, in which the coupling value of the order of 105 predicted in a conventional scenario is reduced to the order of 10. This result makes the Higgs inflation more attractive because the small value of coupling is natural in the context of ultraviolet completion such as string theory. In the second area, the author provides a new answer to the naturalness problem, of why the cosmological constant and the Higgs mass are extremely small compared with the Planck scale. Based on the baby universe theory originally proposed by Coleman, the smallness of those quantities is successfully explained without introducing any additional new particles relevant at the TeV energy scale.
Higgs, Supersymmetry and Dark Matter After Run I of the LHC
by Béranger DumontThis work was nominated as an outstanding PhD thesis by the LPSC, Université Grenoble Alpes, France. The LHC Run 1 was a milestone in particle physics, leading to the discovery of the Higgs boson, the last missing piece of the so-called "Standard Model" (SM), and to important constraints on new physics, which challenge popular theories like weak-scale supersymmetry.This thesis provides a detailed account of the legacy of the LHC Run 1 ≤¥regarding these aspects. First, the SM and the need for its extension are presented in a concise yet revealing way. Subsequently, the impact of the LHC Higgs results on scenarios of new physics is assessed in detail, including a careful discussion of the relevant uncertainties. Two approaches are considered: generic modifications of the Higgs couplings, possibly arising from extended Higgs sectors or higher-dimensional operators; and tests of specific new physics models. Lastly, the implications of the null results of the searches for new physics are discussed with a particular focus on supersymmetric dark matter candidates. Here as well, two approaches are presented: the "simplified models" approach, and recasting by event simulation. This thesis stands out for its educational approach, its clear language and the depth of the physics discussion. The methods and tools presented offer readers essential practical tools for future research.
High Accuracy Surface Modeling Method: The Robustness
by Na Zhao TianXiang YueThis book focuses on the robustness analysis of high accuracy surface modeling method (HASM) to yield good performance of it. Understanding the sensitivity and uncertainty is important in model applications. The book aims to advance an integral framework for assessing model error that can demonstrate robustness across sets of possible controls, variable definitions, standard error, algorithm structure, and functional forms. It is an essential reference to the most promising numerical models. In areas where there is less certainty about models, but also high expectations of transparency, robustness analysis should aspire to be as broad as possible. This book also contains a chapter at the end featuring applications in climate simulation illustrating different implementations of HASM in surface modeling. The book is helpful for people involved in geographical information science, ecological informatics, geography, earth observation, and planetary surface modeling.
High Altitude Primates
by Nanda B. Grow Sharon Gursky-Doyen Alicia KrztonThe basic goal of the volume is to compile the most up to date research on how high altitude affects the behavior, ecology, evolution and conservation status of primates, especially in comparison to lowland populations. Historically, the majority of primate studies have focused on lowland populations. However, as the lowlands have been disappearing, more and more primatologists have begun studying populations located in higher altitudes. High altitude populations are important not only because of their uniqueness, but also because they highlight the range of primate adaptability and the complex variables that are involved in primate evolution. These populations are good examples of how geographic scales result in diversification and/or speciation. Yet, there have been very few papers addressing how this high altitude environment affects the behavior, ecology, and conservation status of these primates.
High Altitude Sickness – Solutions from Genomics, Proteomics and Antioxidant Interventions
by Narendra Kumar Sharma Aditya AryaThis book reviews the recent advances in the development of proteomics-based biomarkers for the non-invasive diagnosis of altitude sickness and explores the potential of antioxidant therapy for this sickness. The first chapters introduce the associated pathophysiology and provide mechanistic insights into the enhanced generation of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONS), which leads to an increase in oxidative damage to lipids, proteins, and DNA. The book then highlights the current problems relating to the diagnosis and treatment of altitude sickness and summarizes novel approaches for identifying potential biomarkers and therapeutics. Lastly, it explores the therapeutic efficacy of antioxidant agents.
High- and Low-Valent tris-N-Heterocyclic Carbene Iron Complexes
by Carola S. VogelCarola Vogel's PhD thesis focuses on the synthesis, and structural and spectroscopic characterization of the first high valent iron nitride complexes. In her interdisciplinary and collaborative research Carola also describes the reactivity studies of a unique iron (V) nitride complex with water. These studies show that quantitative yields of ammonia are given at ambient conditions. High valent iron nitride and oxo species have been proposed as key intermediates in many bio-catalytic transformations, but until now these species have proven exceedingly challenging to isolate and study. Iron complexes in high oxidation states can thus serve as models for iron-containing enzymes to help us understand biological systems or aid our development of more efficient industrial catalysts.
High-brightness Metal Vapour Lasers: Volume I: Physical Fundamentals and Mathematical Models
by V. M. Batenin V. V. Buchanov A. M. Boichenko M. A. Kazaryan I. I. Klimovskii E. I. MolodykhHigh brightness metal vapor lasers have become the most bright and powerful in the visible spectral range among all existing laser types, resulting in numerous applications ranging from purely fundamental research to practical application in large-scale commercial problems such as isotope selection. This book presents a full series of fundamental problems on the development of physical fundamentals and mathematical models for practical realization of a high-power laser radiation on self-contained transitions in metal atoms. It is the first fundamental review on physics and the technique of high-brightness metal vapor lasers.
High Calling: The Courageous Life and Faith of Space Shuttle Columbia Commander Rick Husband
by Evelyn Husband Donna VanliereRick Husband wanted to be an astronaut since his fourth birthday, but it wasn't always for the right reasons. Initially, he thought it would be neat . . . cool . . . a fun thing to do. It wasn't until he came to a spiritual crossroads and was able to give that dream up to discover the true desires of his heart before he actually got into the space shuttle program at NASA. Three failed attempts didn't daunt this driven pilot-and the fourth interview process, though lengthy and difficult, proved successful for him. Husband's years at NASA served not only to develop his integrity and character, but also to increase his faith in a Creator that could not be denied in the vastness of space. His story is not only inspirational but exhilarating and invigorating, as readers will witness the life of a man who consistently pursued the desires of his heart even as he served a faithful God.
High-Conductivity Channels in Space (Springer Series on Atomic, Optical, and Plasma Physics #103)
by Victor ApollonovThis book discusses the physics of conductive channel development in space, air and vacuums and summarizes the attempts to create super-long conductive channels to study the upper atmosphere and to complete specific tasks related to energy transmission from the space to earth with high-voltage high repetition rate electrical sources. Conductive channels are produced by the laser jet engine vehicle-propulsion under the influence of powerful high repetition rate pulse-periodic laser radiation by CO2-laser, solid state Nd YAG,HF/DF laser systems generated with each pulse of the powerful laser conductive dust plasma. The book also presents the experimental and theoretical results of conductive canal modeling: the laser jet engine vehicle “Impulsar”, which can reach the lower layers of the ionosphere in several hundred seconds. Further, the book explores the development of lightning protection systems. The so-called long laser spark is generated to provide the conditions for connecting a thunderstorm cloud with a grounded metal rod, i.e. a classical lightning rod. Such conductivity channels can be used for energy transmission, overvoltage protection systems, transport of charged particle beams and plasma antennas. It provides the theoretical and experimental basis of high repetition rate P-P mode of operation for high power lasers (COIL, HF/DF, CO2,Nd YAG). It describes high efficiency and excellent beam quality disk lasers used for numerous applications, including surface treatment of dielectric materials in microelectronics, cutting, drilling, welding, polishing and cleaning of the surface and other technological operations. Lastly it investigates how megawatt mono-module disk lasers could be used to solve various problems: small satellites launched by lasers, formation of super-long conducting channels in space and atmosphere, cleaning of the near-earth space from the space debris and related applications.
High Content Screening
by Paul A. Johnston Oscar J. TraskThis second edition details some of the recent trends in HCS/HCA/HCI. New and updated chapters guide readers through methods that utilize reagents and kits that have been developed to measure cells and subpopulation classifications, control measures, overviews of the data handling issues associated with HCS/HCA/HCI, and methods to implement more complex phenotypic models. Written in the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology series format, chapters include introductions to their respective topics, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step, readily reproducible laboratory protocols, and tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Authoritative and practical, High Content Screening and Analysis-The Ideal Format for Phenotypic Screening: A Powerful Approach to Systems Cell Biology and Drug Discovery, Second Edition aims to ensure successful results in the further study of this vital field.
High Content Screening
by D. Lansing TaylorHigh content screening (HCS) was developed by Cellomics Inc. in the mid-1990s to address the need for a platform that could be used in the discovery-driven research and development required to understand the functions of genes and gene products at the level of the cell. High Content Screening: A Powerful Approach to Systems Cell Biology and Drug Discovery discusses its use as a high throughput platform to understand the functions of genes, RNA, proteins, and other cellular constituents at the level of the living cell. High Content Screening is assembled to assist both existing users of HCS, as well as investigators considering the addition of a discovery-driven platform to their research and development activities. The chapters have been organized into sections that highlight the importance of integrating instrumentation, application software, reagents, and informatics. In addition, there is a combination of pure review chapters on key topics and specific methods chapters. Written by a team of world leaders in the field, High Content Screening is essential reading for senior scientists, advanced lab technicians, as well as students/post-docs who wish to apply HCS in their research and development programs.