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A Transdisciplinary Introduction to the World of Cybernetics: Basics, Models, Theories and Practical Examples
by E. W. KüppersThis introduction to the world of cybernetics provides the basics and discusses the most important thought leaders, models as well as theories. Practical examples from the fields of biology, ecology, technology, society, and politics are used to illustrate the theoretical material. Questions at the end of the chapters stimulate reflection, and the author does not owe the answers. A central theme in all cybernetic considerations and a guiding theme of the book are information exchange and communication.
A Transformation Gap?
by Theo Farrell Terriff Terry Osinga FransThis study, edited by Terriff (American security policy, U. of Calgary, Canada), Osinga (war studies, Royal Netherlands Military Academy) and Farrell (war studies, King's College London, UK), examines the extent to which there are gaps in the military transformation being led by the United States between various European members of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. Case studies are presented for Britain, France, Germany, Spain, the Netherlands, and Poland. The case studies follow a common analytical framework that breaks transformation down into network-enablement, effects based operations, and expeditionary warfare and, for each of these, in terms of their respective technological, doctrinal, and organizational elements. These elements are further considered in light of the scholarly literature on military innovation, norm diffusion, and alliance theory. Stanford Security Studies is an imprint of Stanford University Press. Annotation ©2011 Book News, Inc. , Portland, OR (booknews. com)
A Transnational History of the Internet in Central America, 1985–2000: Networks, Integration, and Development (Palgrave Macmillan Transnational History Series)
by Ignacio SilesThis Palgrave Pivot analyzes how six countries in Central America—Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua and Panama—connected to and through computer networks such as UUCP, BITNET and the Internet from the 80s to the year 2000. It argues that this story can only be told from a transnational perspective. To connect to computer networks, Central America built a regional integration project with great implications for its development. By revealing the beginnings of the Internet in this part of the world, this study broadens our understanding of the development of computer networks in the global south. It also demonstrates that transnational flows of knowledge, data, and technologies are a constitutive feature of the historical development of the Internet.
A Trash-Free Future?
by Alison Pearce StevensWhat happens to trash after the garbage truck picks it up? Where does it go? The problem of too much trash is hurting the planet. Recycling, reusing, composting and creating new ways to make less trash is a start! Learn to recycle old furniture, and how safer materials are being developed that can easily decompose. People are working hard every day on new ways to have a trash-free future! Are you?
A Treatise of Heat and Energy (Mechanical Engineering Series)
by Lin-Shu WangThis textbook explains the meaning of heat and work and the definition of energy and energy systems. It describes the constructive role of entropy growth and makes the case that energy matters, but entropy growth matters more. Readers will learn that heat can be transferred, produced, and extracted, and that the understanding of generalized heat extraction will revolutionize the design of future buildings as thermal systems for managing low grade heat and greatly contribute to enhanced efficiency of tomorrow’s energy systems and energy ecosystems. Professor Wang presents a coherent theory-structure of thermodynamics and clarifies the meaning of heat and the definition of energy in a manner that is both scientifically rigorous and engaging, and explains contemporary understanding of engineering thermodynamics in continuum of its historical evolution. The textbook reinforces students’ grasp of concepts with end-of-chapter problems and provides a historical background of pioneering work by Black, Laplace, Carnot, Joule, Thomson, Clausius, Maxwell, Planck, Gibbs, Poincare and Prigogine.Developed primarily as a core text for graduate students in engineering programs, and as reference for professional engineers, this book maximizes readers’ understanding and shines a light on new horizons for our energy future.
A Treatise of Indian and Tropical Soils
by D. K. PalThis book discusses how to apply the basic principles of pedology to the tropical soils of the Indian subcontinent, with an emphasis on ways to enhance crop productivity. The book showcases the research contributions on pedology, geomorphology, mineralogy, micromorphology and climate change collected from the literature on three major soil types: shrink-swell soils, red ferruginous (RF) soils and the soils that occur in the tropical environments of the Indo-Gangetic Plains (IGP). It also provides insights into several aspects of five pedogenetically important soil orders like Alfisols, Mollisols, Ultisols, Vertisols and Inceptisols found in tropical Indian environments. Documenting the significance of minerals in soils and their overall influence in soil science in terms of pedology, paleopedology, polygenesis and edaphology, it provides a knowledge base that is critical when attempting to bridge the gap between food production and population growth.
A Treatise on Corrosion Science, Engineering and Technology (Indian Institute of Metals Series)
by Radhakrishna G. Pillai U. Kamachi Mudali Toleti Subba Rao S. Ningshen Rani P. George T. M. SridharThis volume elaborates on various corrosion processes in different applications and their prevention strategies. It comprehensively covers the principles of corrosion, engineering issues, methods of corrosion protection and defines corrosion processes and control in select aggressive end industrial environments. The contents especially focus on corrosion issues in nuclear, aerospace, marine, high temperature, bioimplants, automobile, and addresses the application of advanced materials to mitigate them. A special section on corrosion prevention strategies with innovative solutions to resolve corrosion issues in various environments is the highlight of this book. This volume will be a useful guide for those in research, academia and industry, particularly to know state of art in corrosion control and prevention for various practical applications.
A Treatise on Good Robots
by Krzysztof TchonThis volume investigates the ways emerging technologies in the fields of robotics and bio-robotics are influencing society. It necessarily considers both philosophical and technological study of robots, including what it means for robots to exist as good and moral entities, and how they benefit humans and enhance their quality of life. Contributors address artificial intelligence and social functions as well as technical matters. Chapters are wide-ranging, and consider robots in science fiction; the need for designers to create moral robots; specific technology; and the development of biological robots. Also addressed are robotic technologies already enhancing human bodies, such as exoskeletons that allow paraplegics to walk. The contributors foresee robots becoming involved not only in mundane domestic tasks such as washing dishes, but also in providing health care to the disabled and companionship to the elderly. This volume offers exciting philosophical reflections that unveil new connections between robotics and praxiology and their practical applications.
A Trip into Space
by Lori Haskins Houran Francisca MarquezA lively, rhythmical story and detailed illustrations take readers on a trip to the International Space Station, where astronauts work, sleep, and walk in space! This great read-aloud includes the latest information (verified by NASA staff) about the ISS. Fact-filled and fun, this story will send young minds soaring.This is a fixed-format ebook, which preserves the design and layout of the original print book.
A Truck Full of Money: One Man's Quest to Recover from Great Success
by Tracy Kidder"A perfectly executed, exquisitely reported parable of the Internet age and the wild, mad adventure that is start-up culture."--Charles Duhigg Fortune, mania, genius, philanthropy--the bestselling author of Mountains Beyond Mountains gives us the inspiring story of Paul English, the founder of Kayak.com and Lola. Tracy Kidder, the "master of the nonfiction narrative" (The Baltimore Sun) and author of the bestselling classic The Soul of a New Machine, now tells the story of Paul English, a kinetic and unconventional inventor and entrepreneur, who as a boy rebelled against authority. Growing up in working-class Boston, English discovers a medium for his talents the first time he sees a computer. As a young man, despite suffering from what would eventually be diagnosed as bipolar disorder, he begins his pilgrim's journey through the ups and downs in the brave new world of computers. Relating to the Internet as if it's an extension of his own mind, he discovers that he has a talent for conceiving innovative enterprises and building teams that can develop them, becoming "a Pied Piper" of geeks. His innovative management style, success, and innate sense of fair play inspire intense loyalty. Early on, one colleague observes: "Someday this boy's going to get hit by a truck full of money, and I'm going to be standing beside him." Yet when English does indeed make a fortune, when the travel website Kayak is sold for almost two billion dollars--the first thing he thinks about is how to give the money away: "What else would you do with it?" The second thing he thinks is, What's next? With the power of a consummate storyteller, Tracy Kidder casts a fresh, critical, and often humorous eye on the way new ideas and new money are reshaping our culture and the world. A Truck Full of Money is a mesmerizing portrait of an irresistibly endearing man who is indefatigable, original, and as unpredictable as America itself. Advance praise for A Truck Full of Money"A perfectly executed, exquisitely reported parable of the Internet age, and the wild, mad adventure that is start-up culture."--Charles Duhigg "A Truck Full of Money brings us into unknown spaces of the complex workings of the mind--of a brilliant software engineer, of this new decade, of the brutal/fast business of technology, of stunning privilege, and of one man's efforts to put his fortune to humane use."--Adrian Nicole LeBlanc"The story of [an] entrepreneur's remarkable life [and] the new American economy and the technological world that built it. More engrossing work from a gifted practitioner of narrative nonfiction."--Kirkus ReviewsFrom the Hardcover edition.
A Tutorial Introduction to VHDL Programming
by Orhan GaziThis book helps readers create good VHDL descriptions and simulate VHDL designs. It teaches VHDL using selected sample problems, which are solved step by step and with precise explanations, so that readers get a clear idea of what a good VHDL code should look like.The book is divided into eight chapters, covering aspects ranging from the very basics of VHDL syntax and the module concept, to VHDL logic circuit implementations. In the first chapter, the entity and architecture parts of a VHDL program are explained in detail. The second chapter explains the implementations of combinational logic circuits in VHDL language, while the following chapters offer information on the simulation of VHDL programs and demonstrate how to define data types other than the standard ones available in VHDL libraries. In turn, the fifth chapter explains the implementation of clocked sequential logic circuits, and the sixth shows the implementation of registers and counter packages. The book’s last two chapters detail how components, functions and procedures, as well as floating-point numbers, are implemented in VHDL. The book offers extensive exercises at the end of each chapter, inviting readers to learn VHDL by doing it and writing good code.
A Tutorial on the WKB Approximation for Innovative Dirac Materials: Graphene and Beyond (Springer Tracts in Modern Physics #292)
by Andrii IurovThis textbook serves to supplement existing quantum mechanics courses with the WKB (Wentzel–Kramers–Brillouin) theory for recently discovered Dirac materials, such as graphene, a dice lattice, and alpha-T3 materials. This includes finding the semiclassical wave function, coordinate-dependent momentum, semiclassical action, the complete set of transport equations, and applicability conditions for the approximation. The discovery of graphene and its unique electronic behavior has transformed research in condensed matter physics over the last 10-15 years, but core curriculum in standard graduate-level physics courses still does not reflect these new developments and this book intends to close this gap. With a clear focus on various types of Dirac Hamiltonians, the multidimensional theory is only a small part of the book. The derivation of the WKB equations for novel Dirac materials and their applications to electron tunneling, turning points and classically forbidden regions, resonances and localized states, and many other crucial physical problems are methodically presented. This textbook aims to expand the existing approach to presenting the WKB approximation and covers recent developments in its applications. This book also includes many informative graphics, as well as problems and exercises with hints at the end of each chapter. Additional detailed mathematical derivations, as well as code in Mathematica, are added throughout the whole book. Ideal for graduate students and researchers in condensed matter physics, this textbook serves as a modern guide for learning the WKB theory.
A Two-Dimensional Piezoresistivity Model for Anisotropic Materials and its Application in Self-Sensing of Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastics (Mechanics and Adaptronics)
by Patrick ScholleThis thesis works on the topic of fiber-reinforced plastics and discusses the measurement of strain with embedded sensors. Embedding sensors into a structure fundamentally poses challenges arising from the differences in mechanical properties of sensor and structure. This thesis works on the research area of Self-Sensing, where these challenges are overcome by using carbon fibers for both load-carrying and strain-sensing functions. Starting with a literature review, this thesis proposes three research hypotheses, which are targeted to describe the Self-Sensing properties of unidirectional carbon fiber reinforced plastics (CFRPs) for strain measurements. These hypotheses assume, that the electric anisotropy of the material results in a complex voltage distribution within a Self-Sensing specimen. In order to discuss this point further, a two-dimensional piezoresistivity model based on the Laplace equation is introduced. The developed model newly allows to quantify the electric potential changes in specimens with arbitrary geometrical dimensions and electric anisotropy.Furthermore, this thesis discusses a set of experimental results on the piezoresistive properties of unidirectional CFRP made with the pultrusion process. Overall, the results of the experiments indicate that the most repeatable results are obtained for specimens with electric contacts at their cut-end. This approach allows to manufacture Self-Strain-Sensing rods with a gauge factor of approximately 1.9 that can be used in a multifunctional manner for both load-carrying and strain-sensing purposes. Furthermore, a novel measurement setup is developed, which allows to acquire the electric potential distribution on the surface of electrical conductors with very high spacial resolution. This experimental setup newly reveals that the current flow in specimens can be more complex than assumed in a two-dimensional model.
A Two-Step Perturbation Method in Nonlinear Analysis of Beams, Plates and Shells
by Hui-Shen ShenThe capability to predict the nonlinear response of beams, plates and shells when subjected to thermal and mechanical loads is of prime interest to structural analysis. In fact, many structures are subjected to high load levels that may result in nonlinear load-deflection relationships due to large deformations. One of the important problems deserving special attention is the study of their nonlinear response to large deflection, postbuckling and nonlinear vibration. A two-step perturbation method is firstly proposed by Shen and Zhang (1988) for postbuckling analysis of isotropic plates. This approach gives parametrical analytical expressions of the variables in the postbuckling range and has been generalized to other plate postbuckling situations. This approach is then successfully used in solving many nonlinear bending, postbuckling, and nonlinear vibration problems of composite laminated plates and shells, in particular for some difficult tasks, for example, shear deformable plates with four free edges resting on elastic foundations, contact postbuckling of laminated plates and shells, nonlinear vibration of anisotropic cylindrical shells. This approach may be found its more extensive applications in nonlinear analysis of nano-scale structures. Concentrates on three types of nonlinear analyses: vibration, bending and postbuckling Presents not only the theoretical aspect of the techniques, but also engineering applications of the method A Two-Step Perturbation Method in Nonlinear Analysis of Beams, Plates and Shells is an original and unique technique devoted entirely to solve geometrically nonlinear problems of beams, plates and shells. It is ideal for academics, researchers and postgraduates in mechanical engineering, civil engineering and aeronautical engineering.
A Unified Algebraic Approach To Control Design
by DimitriE. GrigoriadisThis text deals with the most fundamental deficiency of modern theory control: the lack of an easily applicable method for the design of low order controllers. It shows that solutions to many different problems in control all reduce to the same linear algebra problem. It employs matrix equalities and matrix inequalities in the solutions of fixed order control and also provides computational algorithms.
A Unifying Framework for Formal Theories of Novelty: Discussions, Guidelines, and Examples for Artificial Intelligence (Synthesis Lectures on Computer Vision)
by Terrance Boult Walter ScheirerThis book presents the first unified formalization for defining novelty across the span of machine learning, symbolic-reasoning, and control and planning-based systems. Dealing with novelty, things not previously seen by a system, is a critical issue for building vision-systems and general intelligent systems. The book presents examples of using this framework to define and evaluate in multiple domains including image recognition image-based open world learning, hand-writing and author analysis, CartPole Control, Image Captioning, and Monopoly. Chapters are written by well-known contributors to this new and emerging field. In addition, examples are provided from multiple areas, such as machine-learning based control problems, symbolic reasoning, and multi-player games.
A User's Guide to Ellipsometry (Dover Civil and Mechanical Engineering)
by Harland G. TompkinsThis text on optics for graduate students explains how to determine material properties and parameters for inaccessible substrates and unknown films as well as how to measure extremely thin films. Its 14 case studies illustrate concepts and reinforce applications of ellipsometry -- particularly in relation to the semiconductor industry and to studies involving corrosion and oxide growth.A User's Guide to Ellipsometry will enable readers to move beyond limited turn-key applications of ellipsometers. In addition to its comprehensive discussions of the measurement of film thickness and optical constants in film, it also considers the trajectories of the ellipsometric parameters Del and Psi and how changes in materials affect parameters. This volume also addresses the use of polysilicon, a material commonly employed in the microelectronics industry, and the effects of substrate roughness. Three appendices provide helpful references.
A User's Guide to the Age of Tech (Electronic Mediations)
by Grant WythoffHow users experience and influence technological change—when so much of that change feels out of our control Every day, we casually employ one of the most complex tools ever created, using it to read the news, plan our day, and connect with friends. In A User&’s Guide to the Age of Tech, Grant Wythoff investigates the process by which now-ubiquitous technologies like our phones become integrated into our lives, showing how the &“gadget&” stage—before devices are widely adopted—opens the door for users to co-create these technologies and adapt them toward unexpected ends. In this elegant, approachable work, Wythoff offers a view of how users make new technology their own, subverting dominant power structures and imagining uses never intended by their creators. Rooted in a detailed look into the history of technique (focusing on how we do things with tools rather than the tools themselves), A User&’s Guide to the Age of Tech proceeds to complicate, and influence, discussion of subjects like the digital divide and AI. Drawing on a range of sources, including novels, patents, and newspapers, Wythoff explores the vernacular philosophies that have emerged from users and their diverse, everyday practices, bringing down to earth the conversation about digital titans, away from the abstracted domains of server farms and algorithms. Lodging a passionate argument that we know ourselves better than the data brokers who appear to wield influence over our psyches, Wythoff invites readers (and tech users) to imagine their own digital technique, acknowledge their vast expertise, and see its immense value. Retail e-book files for this title are screen-reader friendly with images accompanied by short alt text and/or extended descriptions.
A User's Manual to the PMBOK Guide
by Cynthia Snyder StackpoleThe must-have manual to understand and use the latest edition of the Fifth Edition The professional standard in the field of project management, A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK® Guide—Fifth Edition) published by the Project Management Institute (PMI®) serves as the ultimate resource for professionals and as a valuable studying and training device for students taking the PMP® Exam. A User's Manual to the PMBOK® Guide takes the next logical step to act as a true user's manual. With an accessible format and easy-to-understand language, it helps to not only distill essential information contained in the PMBOK® Guide—Fifth Edition, but also fills an educational gap by offering instruction on how to apply its various tools and techniques. This edition of the User's Manual: Defines each project management process in the PMBOK® Guide—Fifth Edition, describes the intent, and discusses the individual ITTOs (inputs, tools and techniques, and outputs) Features examples, handy tips, and sample forms to supplement learning Contains a data flow diagram of each process in the PMBOK® Guide—Fifth Edition to show how information is distributed Is updated to provide deeper coverage of stakeholder management and to include new processes for scope, schedule, cost, and stakeholder management The User's Manual enables you to put the PMBOK Guide—Fifth Edition to work on your projects. It will help you implement the processes described in the PMBOK Guide—Fifth Edition and apply the tools and techniques to help make your projects successful. Thorough in coverage and rich in content, it is a worthy companion to augment the important strategies laid out in the PMBOK® Guide—Fifth Edition, and the one book that aspiring or professional project managers should never be without. Fully updated to align with A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK® Guide)–Fifth Edition Describes how to apply tools and techniques for projects and how to create process outputs Presents information by process group Expands upon the PMBOK® Guide with information on the sponsor's role and planning loops Integrates and describes interpersonal skills into the process where they are identified (PMBOK, PMI, PMP and Project Management Professional are registered marks of the Project Management Institute, Inc.)
A User's Manual to the PMBOK Guide
by Cynthia StackpoleThe professional standard in the field of project management, A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge better known as the PMBOK® Guide published by the Project Management Institute (PMI) serves as the ultimate resource for professionals and as a valuable studying and training device for students taking the PMP® exam. A User's Manual to the PMBOK® Guide takes the next logical step to act as a true user's manual. Its accessible format and easy-to-understand language helps to not only distill essential information contained in the PMBOK® Guide--Fourth Edition, but also fills an educational gap by offering instruction on how to apply its various tools and techniques. This book: * Defines each project management process in the PMBOK® Guide--Fourth Edition, describes their intent, and discusses their individual ITTOs (inputs, tools and techniques, and outputs) * Features examples, handy tips, and sample forms to supplement learning * Is written by the author who was project manager of the PMBOK ®Guide--Fourth Edition * Contains a data flow diagram of each process in the PMBOK® Guide--Fourth Edition to show how information is distributed A User's Manual to the PMBOK® Guide simplifies the PMBOK® Guide--Fourth Edition to provide the springboard from which successful project management processes are interpreted and carried out in the real world. Thorough in coverage and rich in content, this manual is a worthy companion to augment the important strategies laid out in the PMBOK® Guide Fourth Edition--and the one book that aspiring or professional project managers should never be without.
A Users Guide to Vacuum Technology
by John F. O'Hanlon Timothy A. GessertA USERS GUIDE TO VACUUM TECHNOLOGY Choose and understand the vacuum technology that fits your project’s needs with this indispensable guide Vacuum technology is used to provide process environments for other kinds of engineering technology, making it an unsung cornerstone of hundreds of projects incorporating analysis, research and development, manufacturing, and more. Since it is very often a secondary technology, users primarily interested in processes incorporating it will frequently only encounter vacuum technology when purchasing or troubleshooting. There is an urgent need for a guide to vacuum technology made with these users in mind. For decades, A User’s Guide to Vacuum Technology has met this need, with a user-focused introduction to vacuum technology as it is incorporated into semiconductor, optics, solar sell, and other engineering processes. With an emphasis on otherwise neglected subjects and on accessibility to the secondary user of vacuum technology, it balances treatment of older systems that are still in use with a survey of the latest cutting-edge technologies. The result promises to continue as the essential guide to vacuum systems. Readers of the fourth edition of A User’s Guide to Vacuum Technology will also find: Expanded treatment of gauges, pumps, materials, systems, and best??operating practices Detailed discussion of cutting-edge topics like ultraclean vacuum and contamination control An authorial team with decades of combined research and engineering experience A User’s Guide to Vacuum Technology is essential for those entering emerging STEM programs, engineering professionals and graduate students working with a huge range of engineering technologies.
A Vaccine Is Like a Memory
by Rajani LaRoccaThis timely book details the importance of vaccines and how they were developed throughout history, as well as how they work to protect your body and keep it healthy.Do you remember every time you've been sick?You may not, but your body does! With many illnesses, you can't get sick more than once because your body remembers and fights it off before you get sick again. But what if your body could recognize germs that you've never had before so you don't get ill? There's where vaccines come in! This book comes complete with extensive back matter all about types of germs and vaccines.
A Variational Approach to Nonsmooth Dynamics
by Samir AdlyThis brief examines mathematical models in nonsmooth mechanics and nonregular electrical circuits, including evolution variational inequalities, complementarity systems, differential inclusions, second-order dynamics, Lur'e systems and Moreau's sweeping process. The field of nonsmooth dynamics is of great interest to mathematicians, mechanicians, automatic controllers and engineers. The present volume acknowledges this transversality and provides a multidisciplinary view as it outlines fundamental results in nonsmooth dynamics and explains how to use them to study various problems in engineering. In particular, the author explores the question of how to redefine the notion of dynamical systems in light of modern variational and nonsmooth analysis. With the aim of bridging between the communities of applied mathematicians, engineers and researchers in control theory and nonlinear systems, this brief outlines both relevant mathematical proofs and models in unilateral mechanics and electronics.
A Vast Machine: Computer Models, Climate Data, and the Politics of Global Warming (Infrastructures)
by Paul N. EdwardsThe science behind global warming, and its history: how scientists learned to understand the atmosphere, to measure it, to trace its past, and to model its future.Global warming skeptics often fall back on the argument that the scientific case for global warming is all model predictions, nothing but simulation; they warn us that we need to wait for real data, “sound science.” In A Vast Machine Paul Edwards has news for these skeptics: without models, there are no data. Today, no collection of signals or observations—even from satellites, which can “see” the whole planet with a single instrument—becomes global in time and space without passing through a series of data models. Everything we know about the world's climate we know through models. Edwards offers an engaging and innovative history of how scientists learned to understand the atmosphere—to measure it, trace its past, and model its future.
A View from the Wings: 60 Years in British Aviation
by Colin CruddasMany books have been produced which detail the lives and thoughts of famous individuals. A View from the Wings is unique, recalling a wartime boyhood in which aircraft flying constantly overhead played a large part. This experience led to a lifetime career in the aviation industry both in the UK and overseas such as the US and South Africa. Mixed with events of a more personal nature often coated with whimsical humour, the author has evocatively captured the rise and demise of Britain’s aircraft industry in the post-war period. In setting out to be non-technical, A View from the Wings will appeal to those whose memories embrace the sound barrier-breaking years and the leap of faith and technology that saw Concorde defeat the Americans in the race to produce a practical supersonic airliner. All too often political procurement and technical failures have made for dramatic headlines and these too are subjected to much critical comments. Think of the critically acclaimed Empire of the Clouds (Faber and Faber, 2010), but instead of a boyhood observer, the author was an active part of the British aviation industry in its former prime and eventual implosion.