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Positive Systems: Theory and Applications (POSTA 2018) (Lecture Notes in Control and Information Sciences #480)
by James Lam Yun Chen Xingwen Liu Xudong Zhao Junfeng ZhangThis book presents high-quality original contributions on positive systems, including those with positivity in compartmental switched systems, Markovian jump systems, Boolean networks, interval observer design, fault detection, and delay systems. It comprises a selection of the best papers from POSTA 2018, the 6th International Conference on Positive Systems, which was held in Hangzhou, China, in August 2018. The POSTA conference series represents a targeted response to the growing need for research that reports on and critically discusses a wide range of topics concerning the theory and applications of positive systems. The book offers valuable insights for researchers in applied mathematics, control theory and their applications.
Positive Trigonometric Polynomials and Signal Processing Applications
by Bogdan DumitrescuPositive Trigonometric Polynomials and Signal Processing Applications has two parts: theory and applications. The theory of sum-of-squares trigonometric polynomials is presented unitarily based on the concept of Gram matrix (extended to Gram pair or Gram set). The presentation starts by giving the main results for univariate polynomials, which are later extended and generalized for multivariate polynomials. The applications part is organized as a collection of related problems that use systematically the theoretical results. All the problems are brought to a semidefinite programming form, ready to be solved with algorithms freely available, like those from the library SeDuMi.
Positron Emission Tomography: Methods and Protocols (Methods in Molecular Biology #2729)
by Timothy H. Witney Adam J. ShuhendlerThis detailed volume explores key concepts and experimental design related to Positron Emission Tomography (PET) imaging that have revolutionized our understanding of human biology. The first part focuses on recent advances in radiotracer probe development to enable the detection of materials, from large macromolecules to complicated drug-like structures. The next section describes how key physiological and pathophysiological processes can be interrogated and quantifiably measured with this imaging technique. Finally, chapters examine important technological developments in the field that are revolutionizing the way these innovative PET probes are utilized in the clinic. Written for the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology series, chapters include introductions to their respective topics, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step and readily reproducible laboratory protocols, as well as tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Authoritative and practical, Positron Emission Tomography: Methods and Protocols serves as an ideal guide for researchers looking to use imaging to revolutionize the way we diagnose and treat disease.
Positron Profilometry: Probing Material Depths for Enhanced Understanding (SpringerBriefs in Materials)
by Jerzy DryzekThis book provides a comprehensive overview of positron profilometry, specifically focusing on the analysis of defect depth distribution in materials. Positron profilometry plays a crucial role in understanding and characterizing defects in a wide range of materials, including metals, semiconductors, polymers, and ceramics. By analyzing the depth distribution of defects, researchers can gain insights into various material properties, such as crystal structure, defect density, and diffusion behavior. The author's extensive research spanning a period of two decades has primarily centered on subsurface zones. These regions, located beneath the surface and subjected to various surface processes, play a crucial role in generating defect distributions. Three experimental techniques and their data analysis are described in detail: a variable-energy positron beam (VEP) called sometimes a slow positron beam, a technique called implantation profile depth scanning (DSIP), and a sequential etching (SET) technique. The usability of these techniques is illustrated by many examples of measurements by the author and others.
Possession
by Peter JamesA terrifying novel of a young man who is willing to defy everything. Even death...Fabian Hightower has been killed in a car crash. At least, that is what a policeman is asking Alex, his mother to believe. But Alex knows she saw him that morning - at a time when he must have been dead. When the funeral is over Alex tries hard to forget her bizarre experience. But her mind seems to be playing strange tricks on her, turning her grief into horror. When she turns to a medium her worst fears are realised. Fabian has unfinished business and he is determined to come back. But why? Whatever the answer, something terrifies the medium so much she refuses to return. Alex longs to turn to others for support. But there is a secret about Fabian that only she knows - a secret she must never share...'One of the best crime writers in the business.' Karin Slaughter'Genuinely frightening ... only Mary Shelley's Frankenstein and Stephen King's The Shining have scared me as much.' Evening StandardRead more from the multi-million copy bestselling author of the Roy Grace novels:Possession DreamerSweet Heart Twilight Prophecy Host Alchemist Denial The Truth Faith * Each Peter James novel can be read as a standalone*
Possession
by Peter JamesA terrifying novel of a young man who is willing to defy everything. Even death...Fabian Hightower has been killed in a car crash. At least, that is what a policeman is asking Alex, his mother to believe. But Alex knows she saw him that morning - at a time when he must have been dead. When the funeral is over Alex tries hard to forget her bizarre experience. But her mind seems to be playing strange tricks on her, turning her grief into horror. When she turns to a medium her worst fears are realised. Fabian has unfinished business and he is determined to come back. But why? Whatever the answer, something terrifies the medium so much she refuses to return. Alex longs to turn to others for support. But there is a secret about Fabian that only she knows - a secret she must never share...'One of the best crime writers in the business.' Karin Slaughter'Genuinely frightening ... only Mary Shelley's Frankenstein and Stephen King's The Shining have scared me as much.' Evening StandardRead more from the multi-million copy bestselling author of the Roy Grace novels:Possession DreamerSweet Heart Twilight Prophecy Host Alchemist Denial The Truth Faith * Each Peter James novel can be read as a standalone*
Possibility Theory for the Design of Information Fusion Systems (Information Fusion and Data Science)
by Basel Solaiman Éloi BosséThis practical guidebook describes the basic concepts, the mathematical developments, and the engineering methodologies for exploiting possibility theory for the computer-based design of an information fusion system where the goal is decision support for industries in smart ICT (information and communications technologies). This exploitation of possibility theory improves upon probability theory, complements Dempster-Shafer theory, and fills an important gap in this era of Big Data and Internet of Things.The book discusses fundamental possibilistic concepts: distribution, necessity measure, possibility measure, joint distribution, conditioning, distances, similarity measures, possibilistic decisions, fuzzy sets, fuzzy measures and integrals, and finally, the interrelated theories of uncertainty..uncertainty. These topics form an essential tour of the mathematical tools needed for the latter chapters of the book. These chapters present applications related to decision-making and pattern recognition schemes, and finally, a concluding chapter on the use of possibility theory in the overall challenging design of an information fusion system. This book will appeal to researchers and professionals in the field of information fusion and analytics, information and knowledge processing, smart ICT, and decision support systems.
Possible Minds: Twenty-Five Ways of Looking at AI
by John BrockmanScience world luminary John Brockman assembles twenty-five of the most important scientific minds, people who have been thinking about the field artificial intelligence for most of their careers, for an unparalleled round-table examination about mind, thinking, intelligence and what it means to be human."Artificial intelligence is today's story--the story behind all other stories. It is the Second Coming and the Apocalypse at the same time: Good AI versus evil AI." --John BrockmanMore than sixty years ago, mathematician-philosopher Norbert Wiener published a book on the place of machines in society that ended with a warning: "we shall never receive the right answers to our questions unless we ask the right questions.... The hour is very late, and the choice of good and evil knocks at our door." In the wake of advances in unsupervised, self-improving machine learning, a small but influential community of thinkers is considering Wiener's words again. In Possible Minds, John Brockman gathers their disparate visions of where AI might be taking us.The fruit of the long history of Brockman's profound engagement with the most important scientific minds who have been thinking about AI--from Alison Gopnik and David Deutsch to Frank Wilczek and Stephen Wolfram--Possible Minds is an ideal introduction to the landscape of crucial issues AI presents. The collision between opposing perspectives is salutary and exhilarating; some of these figures, such as computer scientist Stuart Russell, Skype co-founder Jaan Tallinn, and physicist Max Tegmark, are deeply concerned with the threat of AI, including the existential one, while others, notably robotics entrepreneur Rodney Brooks, philosopher Daniel Dennett, and bestselling author Steven Pinker, have a very different view. Serious, searching and authoritative, Possible Minds lays out the intellectual landscape of one of the most important topics of our time.
Post 2030-Agenda and the Role of Space: The UN 2030 Goals and Their Further Evolution Beyond 2030 for Sustainable Development (Studies in Space Policy #17)
by Annette FroehlichThis book provides a deep insight to which extent further improvement should be envisaged to ensure and improve the sustainable development beyond 2030 (the Sustainable Development Goals is a set of 17 global goals with 169 associated targets which the state community adopted in 2015). As the world, its environment, economy and society is getting more and more technical advanced, it is of high interest to analyze how space and its various applications can support this development. Once the Goals of the “2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development” will be achieved new challenges are waiting. The analysis takes into account a proactive use of artificial intelligence for the development based on space infrastructure. Another important aspect revolves around the economic development which asks for further analysis of the cryptocurrencies relationship with space applications and how to use space based cryptocurrencies for development. Environment-wise the challenges for a sustainable development on Earth i.e. water supply, but also in outer space are requested ensuring a sustainable exploration and exploitation of space and its orbital resources. The book also highlights possible contributions of the post-2030 space industry to global economic development based on satellite technology and the enlargement of the scope of application of satellite data in administration and Justice to ensure development of effective, accountable and transparent institutions at all levels to promote growth, stability and security and peace on global level.
Post-Cold War Conflict Deterrence
by Naval Studies BoardDeterrence as a strategic concept evolved during the Cold War. During that period, deterrence strategy was aimed mainly at preventing aggression against the United States and its close allies by the hostile Communist power centers--the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR) and its allies, Communist China and North Korea. In particular, the strategy was devised to prevent aggression involving nuclear attack by the USSR or China. Since the end of the Cold War, the risk of war among the major powers has subsided to the lowest point in modern history. Still, the changing nature of the threats to American and allied security interests has stimulated a considerable broadening of the deterrence concept.Post-Cold War Conflict Deterrence examines the meaning of deterrence in this new environment and identifies key elements of a post-Cold War deterrence strategy and the critical issues in devising such a strategy. It further examines the significance of these findings for the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps. Quantitative and qualitative measures to support judgments about the potential success or failure of deterrence are identified. Such measures will bear on the suitability of the naval forces to meet the deterrence objectives. The capabilities of U.S. naval forces that especially bear on the deterrence objectives also are examined. Finally, the book examines the utility of models, games, and simulations as decision aids in improving the naval forces' understanding of situations in which deterrence must be used and in improving the potential success of deterrence actions.
Post-Construction Liability and Insurance
by J. KnockeWith the single European market and the growing internationalisation of the work of architects, engineers and contractors it is important for professionals to be aware of the liability provisions of legal systems around the world. An essential reference for lawyers and insurance companies, especially in construction law and insurance, this is required reading for construction professionals involved in international work.
Post-disaster Navigation and Allied Services over Opportunistic Networks (Smart Innovation, Systems and Technologies #228)
by Suman Bhattacharjee Siuli Roy Sipra Das BitThis book provides the details of developing a digital pedestrian map construction system over the intermittently connected mobile network. Over the past couple of decades, countries across the world, both developing and developed, have witnessed a significant number of disasters. Thus, it has become mandatory for each of the disaster-prone countries to equip themselves with appropriate measures to cope with the challenges of providing post-disaster services. Some of the serious challenges are incapacitated communication infrastructure, unstable power supply and inaccessible road networks. Out of these challenges, the destruction of road networks, especially in developing countries, acts as a major hindrance to effective disaster management. To be more specific, the success of a disaster response operation generally depends on the speed of evacuation and transportation of adequate amount of relief materials at the right time to the disaster-affected areas. Hence, map-based navigation support is a primary requirement for post-disaster relief operations. This book also provides the solution of the two other important post-disaster management services such as situational awareness and resource allocation. Both of these services are invariably dependent on the existence of navigation support. Finally, in order to offer such services, the other challenge is to address the problem of incapacitated communication infrastructure. This book also deals with such challenges in post-disaster scenarios and develops automated post-disaster management services.
Post-Disaster Reconstruction and Change: Communities' Perspectives
by Jennifer E. Duyne Barenstein Esther LeemannSuccessful recovery following a disaster depends upon transcending the disciplinary divides of architecture, engineering, and planning and emphasizing the importance of community perspectives in the post-disaster reconstruction process. Effective results in community recovery mandate that we holistically examine the complex interrelationship betwee
Post-Disaster Reconstruction of the Built Environment: Rebuilding for Resilience
by Dilanthi Amaratunga Richard HaighDisasters threaten all parts of the world and they appear to be increasing in frequency, scale and intensity. Despite huge improvements in the emergency response, permanent reconstruction is often uncoordinated, inefficiently managed and slow to begin. International agencies are geared to an efficient response in terms of humanitarian relief, but they are not well versed in the requirements of long-term reconstruction, which is often constrained by lack of planning and poorly coordinated management. The construction industry is typically engaged in a range of critical activities after a disaster, including provision of temporary shelter in the immediate aftermath and restoration of permanent shelter and public infrastructure once the immediate humanitarian needs have been attended to. Post-Disaster Reconstruction of the Built Environment identifies the challenges that face the industry and highlights best practice to enable the construction industry to address those problems which make an effective response to these unexpected events difficult. Written by an international team of experts, this book will help researchers and advanced students of construction understand the problems faced by communities and the construction industry when faced with a natural or man-made disaster, and identify the planning and management processes required by the industry to mount an effective response.
Post-Dryout Heat Transfer (Multiphase Science And Technology Ser.)
by G.F. HewittThe study of post-dryout heat transfer has generated great interest because of its importance in determining maximum clad temperature in nuclear reactor loss-of-coolant accidents (LOCAs). An associated phenomenon, the deterioration of heat transfer in boiling, is significant to other industrial sectors. This book provides comprehensive coverage of post-dryout heat transfer, discussing such essential topics as post-dryout heat transfer in dispersed flow, interpretation and use of transient data in surface rewetting by reinstatement of flow or by reducing heat flux, rod bundles, two-phase flow occurrences in the post-dryout region, various methods for predicting ""inverted annular flow,"" and new experiments for measuring thermodynamic nonequilibrium with probes in the channel. The book also presents a basis for independent safety assessment of nuclear reactors and chemical plant systems where post-dryout heat transfer may occur. Post-Dryout Heat Transfer will be a useful reference for researchers and professionals in the nuclear and chemical production industries.
Post-Earthquake Fire Analysis in Urban Structures: Risk Management Strategies
by Behrouz BehnamPost-earthquake fire is one of the most complicated problems resulting from earthquakes and presents a serious risk to urban structures. Most standards and codes ignore the possibility of post-earthquake fire; thus it is not factored in when determining the ability of buildings to withstand load. This book describes the effects of post-earthquake fire on partially damaged buildings located in seismic urban regions. The book quantifies the level of associated post-earthquake fire effects, and discusses methods for mitigating the risk at both the macro scale and micro scale. The macro scale strategies address urban regions while the micro scale strategies address building structures, covering both existing buildings and those that are yet to be designed.
Post-Earthquake Fire Analysis in Urban Structures: Risk Management Strategies
by Behrouz BehnamPost-earthquake fire is one of the most complicated problems resulting from earthquakes and presents a serious risk to urban structures. Most standards and codes ignore the possibility of post-earthquake fire; thus it is not factored in when determining the ability of buildings to withstand load. This book describes the effects of post-earthquake fire on partially damaged buildings located in seismic urban regions. The book quantifies the level of associated post-earthquake fire effects, and discusses methods for mitigating the risk at both the macro scale and micro scale. The macro scale strategies address urban regions while the micro scale strategies address building structures, covering both existing buildings and those that are yet to be designed.
Post-EEG-Anlagen in der Energiewirtschaft: Praxishilfe für Energieversorgungsunternehmen und Anlagenbetreiber zum Umgang mit ausgeförderten Anlagen
by Marcel LinnemannBetreiber von Anlagen, die unter das EEG fallen, werden vor der Frage stehen, wie der weitere Betrieb sicherzustellen ist. Dieses Buch zeigt die Möglichkeiten zur Vermarktung solcher Anlagen für Energieversorger und Anlagenbetreiber auf, bespricht die Hintergründe sowie die Vertragsgestaltung. Messkonzepte für unterschiedliche Vermarktungskonzepte (Volleinspeisung, Überschusseinspeisung) sowie die regulatorische Einordung (Steuern, EEG Umlage ect.) sind ebenso berücksichtigt.
Post-Fermentation and -Distillation Technology: Stabilization, Aging, and Spoilage
by Matteo BordigaWhile most wine and spirits books focus on vineyard and crop management or fermentation and distillation processes, few address critical post process aspects of stabilization, aging, and spoilage. This book serves as a comprehensive source of information on post-fermentation and -distillation technology applied to wine, beer, vinegar and distillates in a broad spectrum. Post-Fermentation and -Distillation Technology: Stabilization, Aging, and Spoilage thoroughly describes all of the operations related to these products after the fermentation or distillation steps, focusing on the complex issues related to their stabilization, aging, and spoilage. The final product must be stable against microbial activity as well as undesirable chemical and physical chemical reactions that occur in the bottle. For example, clarity, stability, compositional adjustment, style development and packaging represent the five goals of "finishing" a wine. Concerning the visual defects associated with spoilage, it is crucial that wine at the point of consumption not be cloudy or contain any haze or precipitate, especially white wines. Similarly, it is also important to prevent unwanted microbial growth from occurring in the wine after the primary fermentation is complete, affecting the flavor and aroma profile in unpredicted ways. The book addresses all of these issues and more. Moreover, the discussion also involves beer, vinegar and distillates, giving this book a novel and interesting approach. The book combines referenced research with practical applications and case studies of novel technologies such as square barrels, synthetic closures, and Tetra Pak®.
Post-Fire Management and Restoration of Southern European Forests
by Piermaria Corona Francisco Moreira Margarita Arianoutsou Jorge De las HerasIn spite of all the efforts made in fire prevention and suppression, every year about 45 000 forest fires occur in Europe, burning ca. 0.5 million hectares of forests and other rural lands. The management of these burned forests has been given much less attention than fire prevention or fire suppression issues, but the post-fire management of burned areas raises strong concerns (economic and social impacts, soil erosion and water quality, biodiversity loss, forest restoration). Although there are a few publications which address post-fire management, the focus of these has been either on general approaches to restoration or specific topics such as preventing post-fire soil erosion. This book is about the post-fire management of fire-prone forest types in southern Europe. It provides the first comprehensive overview of the topic, ranging from stand-level to landscape-level management, and from emergency actions to long-term restoration approaches.
Post-harvest Pathology: Plant Pathology in the 21st Century, Contributions to the 10th International Congress, ICPP 2013
by Maria Lodovica Gullino Dov PruskyThis collection of papers includes some of the presentation given at the International congress of Plant Pathology held in Beijing in 2013 in the session of Recent Development in Postharvest Pathology. Fruit production for human consumption is an important part of the market economy. Any waste during to spoilage and pest infestation, in the field and the postharvest phase, results in significant economic losses which are more pronounced as the losses occur closer to the time of produce sale. Careful handling of perishable produce is needed for the prevention of postharvest diseases at different stages during harvesting. Handling, transport and storage in order to preserve the high quality produce. The extent of postharvest losses varies markedly depending on the commodities and country estimated to range between 4 and 8% in countries where postharvest refrigeration facilities are well developed to 30% where facilities are minimal. Microbial decay is one of the main factors that determine losses compromising the quality of the fresh produce. For the development of an integrated approach for decay management, cultural, preharvest, harvest and postharvest practices should be regarded as essential components that influence the complex interactions between host, pathogen, and environmental conditions. Orchards practices including preharvest fungicide applications can also directly reduce the development of postharvest fruit decay. Among postharvest practices, postharvest fruit treatments with fungicide are the most effective means to reduce decay. Ideally, these fungicides protect the fruit from infections that occur before treatment, including pathogen causing quiescent infections, as well from infection that are initiated after treatment during postharvest handling, shipment and marketing. The implementation of these alternatives techniques often requires modifying currently used postharvest practices and development of new formulation for their applications. The present chapters deal with the newest report related to postharvest pathology in the world.
Post-harvest Pathology: 2 (Plant Pathology in the 21st Century)
by Dov Prusky Maria Lodovica GullinoAs a collection of papers that includes material presented at the 2008 International Congress for Plant Pathology, this text features research right at the leading edge of the field. The latest findings are particularly crucial in their implications for fruit production; an important market sector where in some areas up to 50 per cent of the crop can be lost after harvest. While post-harvest fruit treatments with fungicides are the most effective means to reduce decay, rising concerns about toxicity have led to the development of alternative approaches to disease control, including biological methods, the subject of three chapters of this book. With several new techniques requiring modification of current post-harvest practices, it is more important than ever to stay abreast of the latest information. Other chapters deal with the mechanisms of host fruit and vegetable resistance, fungal pathogenicity factors and their relationship with the host response, and a number of subjects related to disease assessments before harvest as well as their relationship to the postharvest treatment of fruits and vegetables. The book also includes several useful case studies of crops such as kiwifruit and peaches, where different approaches at the pre- and post-harvest levels are combined to good effect. With food production issues gaining an ever higher profile internationally, this text makes an important contribution to the debate.
Post-Harvest Processing, Packaging and Inspection of Frozen Shrimp: A Practical Guide
by Md. Abdul Hannan Kazi Ahsan Habib A. M. Shahabuddin Md. Ariful Haque Mohammad Bodrul MunirThe book is a practical guide for the various steps in the post-harvest technology of frozen shrimps. Shrimps are one of the most common and popular types of seafood consumed globally. The book discusses some of the most sought-after shrimps such as Penaeus monodon, P. vannamei, and Macrobrachium rosenbergii. Good-quality shrimp is a prerequisite for the seafood business as it is used for human consumption. Lack of proper knowledge in raw materials handling and post-harvest processing is the main obstacle in quality shrimp production. Complex business policy, commitment break in both parties (buyers and sellers), competition with other seafood-producing countries, and fluctuation of currency in international seafood market are the factors affecting international seafood business. This book closes this gap in literature and facilitates the production of excellent-quality exportable frozen shrimp through informed practices from experts. The book includes information about packaging of frozen shrimp, inspection, and shipment. It also compiles different mathematical calculations which are in practiced in the processing industries. The book is essential reading for professionals in the shrimp producing and processing industries. It is also useful for researchers in fisheries science, aquaculture, food technology, and food microbiology.
Post-Human Institutions and Organizations: Confronting the Matrix (The Future of the Human)
by Ismael Al-Amoudi; Emmanuel LazegaWhen the Matrix trilogy was published in the mid-1980s, it introduced to mass culture a number of post-human tropes about the conscious machines that have haunted our collective imaginaries ever since. This volume explores the social representations and significance of technological developments – especially AI and human enhancement – that have started to transform our human agency. It uses these developments to revisit theories of the human mind and its essential characteristics: a first-person perspective, concerns and reflexivity. It looks at how the smart machines are used as agents of change in the basic institutions and organisations that hold contemporary societies together, for example in the family and the household, in commercial corporations, in health institutions or in the military. Its main purpose is to enrich the ongoing public discussion of the social and political implications of the smart machines by looking at the extent to which they further digitalise and bureaucratise the world, in particular by asking whether they are used to develop techno-totalitarian societies that corrode normativity and solidarity.
Post-industrial Landscape Scars
by Anna StormPost-industrial landscape scars are traces of 20th century utopian visions of society; they relate to fear and resistance expressed by popular movements and to relations between industrial workers and those in power. The metaphor of the scar pinpoints the inherent ambiguity of memory work by signifying both positive and negative experiences, as well as the contemporary challenges of living with these physical and mental marks. In this book, Anna Storm explores post-industrial landscape scars caused by nuclear power production, mining, and iron and steel industry in Malmberget, Kiruna, Barseb#65533;ck and Avesta in Sweden; Ignalina and Visaginas/Snie'kus in Lithuania/former Soviet Union; and Duisburg in the Ruhr district of Germany. The scars are shaped by time and geographical scale; they carry the vestiges of life and work, of community spirit and hope, of betrayed dreams and repressive hierarchical structures. What is critical, Storm concludes, is the search for a legitimate politics of memory. The meanings of the scars must be acknowledged. Past and present experiences must be shared in order shape new understandings of old places.