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Intrinsically Motivated Learning in Natural and Artificial Systems
by Marco Mirolli Gianluca BaldassarreIt has become clear to researchers in robotics and adaptive behaviour that current approaches are yielding systems with limited autonomy and capacity for self-improvement. To learn autonomously and in a cumulative fashion is one of the hallmarks of intelligence, and we know that higher mammals engage in exploratory activities that are not directed to pursue goals of immediate relevance for survival and reproduction but are instead driven by intrinsic motivations such as curiosity, interest in novel stimuli or surprising events, and interest in learning new behaviours. The adaptive value of such intrinsically motivated activities lies in the fact that they allow the cumulative acquisition of knowledge and skills that can be used later to accomplish fitness-enhancing goals. Intrinsic motivations continue during adulthood, and in humans they underlie lifelong learning, artistic creativity, and scientific discovery, while they are also the basis for processes that strongly affect human well-being, such as the sense of competence, self-determination, and self-esteem. This book has two aims: to present the state of the art in research on intrinsically motivated learning, and to identify the related scientific and technological open challenges and most promising research directions. The book introduces the concept of intrinsic motivation in artificial systems, reviews the relevant literature, offers insights from the neural and behavioural sciences, and presents novel tools for research. The book is organized into six parts: the chapters in Part I give general overviews on the concept of intrinsic motivations, their function, and possible mechanisms for implementing them; Parts II, III, and IV focus on three classes of intrinsic motivation mechanisms, those based on predictors, on novelty, and on competence; Part V discusses mechanisms that are complementary to intrinsic motivations; and Part VI introduces tools and experimental frameworks for investigating intrinsic motivations.The contributing authors are among the pioneers carrying out fundamental work on this topic, drawn from related disciplines such as artificial intelligence, robotics, artificial life, evolution, machine learning, developmental psychology, cognitive science, and neuroscience. The book will be of value to graduate students and academic researchers in these domains, and to engineers engaged with the design of autonomous, adaptive robots. The contributing authors are among the pioneers carrying out fundamental work on this topic, drawn from related disciplines such as artificial intelligence, robotics, artificial life, evolution, machine learning, developmental psychology, cognitive science, and neuroscience. The book will be of value to graduate students and academic researchers in these domains, and to engineers engaged with the design of autonomous, adaptive robots.
Intrinsically Motivated Learning in Natural and Artificial Systems
by Marco Mirolli Gianluca BaldassarreIt has become clear to researchers in robotics and adaptive behaviour that current approaches are yielding systems with limited autonomy and capacity for self-improvement. To learn autonomously and in a cumulative fashion is one of the hallmarks of intelligence, and we know that higher mammals engage in exploratory activities that are not directed to pursue goals of immediate relevance for survival and reproduction but are instead driven by intrinsic motivations such as curiosity, interest in novel stimuli or surprising events, and interest in learning new behaviours. The adaptive value of such intrinsically motivated activities lies in the fact that they allow the cumulative acquisition of knowledge and skills that can be used later to accomplish fitness-enhancing goals. Intrinsic motivations continue during adulthood, and in humans they underlie lifelong learning, artistic creativity, and scientific discovery, while they are also the basis for processes that strongly affect human well-being, such as the sense of competence, self-determination, and self-esteem.This book has two aims: to present the state of the art in research on intrinsically motivated learning, and to identify the related scientific and technological open challenges and most promising research directions. The book introduces the concept of intrinsic motivation in artificial systems, reviews the relevant literature, offers insights from the neural and behavioural sciences, and presents novel tools for research. The book is organized into six parts: the chapters in Part I give general overviews on the concept of intrinsic motivations, their function, and possible mechanisms for implementing them; Parts II, III, and IV focus on three classes of intrinsic motivation mechanisms, those based on predictors, on novelty, and on competence; Part V discusses mechanisms that are complementary to intrinsic motivations; and Part VI introduces tools and experimental frameworks for investigating intrinsic motivations.The contributing authors are among the pioneers carrying out fundamental work on this topic, drawn from related disciplines such as artificial intelligence, robotics, artificial life, evolution, machine learning, developmental psychology, cognitive science, and neuroscience. The book will be of value to graduate students and academic researchers in these domains, and to engineers engaged with the design of autonomous, adaptive robots.The contributing authors are among the pioneers carrying out fundamental work on this topic, drawn from related disciplines such as artificial intelligence, robotics, artificial life, evolution, machine learning, developmental psychology, cognitive science, and neuroscience. The book will be of value to graduate students and academic researchers in these domains, and to engineers engaged with the design of autonomous, adaptive robots.
Applied Cross-Coupling Reactions (Lecture Notes in Chemistry #80)
by Yasushi Nishihara"Applied Cross-Coupling Reactions" provides students and teachers of advanced organic chemistry with an overview of the history, mechanisms and applications of cross-coupling reactions. Since the discovery of the transition-metal-catalyzed cross-coupling reactions in 1972, numerous synthetic uses and industrial applications have been developed. The mechanistic studies of the cross-coupling reactions have disclosed that three fundamental reactions: oxidative addition, transmetalation, and reductive elimination, are involved in a catalytic cycle. Cross-coupling reactions have allowed us to produce a variety of compounds for industrial purposes, such as natural products, pharmaceuticals, liquid crystals and conjugate polymers for use in electronic devices. Indeed, the Nobel Prize for Chemistry in 2010 was awarded for work on cross-coupling reactions. In this book, the recent trends in cross-coupling reactions are also introduced from the point of view of synthesis design and catalytic activities of transition-metal catalysts.
Agent-Based Simulation of Vulnerability Dynamics: A Case Study of the German North Sea Coast (Springer Theses)
by Cilli SobiechThis thesis constitutes an extraordinary innovative research approach in transferring the concepts and methods of complex systems to risk research. It ambitiously bridges the barriers between theoretical, empirical and methodical research work and integrates these fields into one comprehensive approach of dealing with uncertainty in socio-ecological systems. The developed agent-based simulation aims at the dynamics of social vulnerability in the considered system of the German North Sea Coast. Thus, the social simulation provides an analytical method to explore the individual, relational, and spatial aspects leading to dynamics of vulnerability in society. Combining complexity science and risk research by the method of agent-based simulation hereby emphasizes the importance of understanding interrelations inside the system for the system's development, i.e. for the evolving. Based on a vulnerability assessment regarding vulnerability characteristics, present risk behavior and self-protection preferences of private households against the impacts of flooding and storm surges, possible system trajectories could be explored by means of simulation experiments. The system-analytical approach therefore contributes to an integrated consideration of multi-dimensional and context-sensitv social phenomena such as vulnerability. Furthermore it achieves conceptually and strategically relevant implications for risk research and complex systems research.
The First Galaxies
by Tommy Wiklind Volker Bromm Bahram MobasherNew observations of the period between the cosmic recombination and the end of reionization are posing intriguing questions about where the first generations of stars were formed, how the first galaxies were assembled, whether these galaxies have low redshift counterparts, and what role the early galaxies played in the reionization process. Combining the new observational data with theoretical models can shed new light on open issues regarding the star formation process, its role in the reionization of the Universe, and the metal enrichment in galaxies at those early epochs. This volume brings together leading experts in the field to discuss our current level of understanding and what may come in the near future as our observational as well as theoretical tools improve. The book confronts the theory of how the first stars, black holes, and galaxies formed with current and planned observations. This synthesis is very timely, just ahead of the establishment of major new facilities, such as the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST), a next-generation, millimeter/sub-millimeter observatory in the Atacama desert (ALMA), and ground-based Extremely Large Telescopes (ELT). Together, they will revolutionize the study of the most distant objects in the Universe. This volume is aimed at beginning graduate students but can also serve as a reference work for active researchers in the field. Apart from presenting the fundamental concepts involved, it also provides an introduction to the methods and techniques used. The book will also be useful to anyone with an astrophysical background who needs an effective starting point for learning about the first stars and galaxies.
Studying Cell Metabolism and Cell Interactions Using Microfluidic Devices Coupled with Mass Spectrometry
by Huibin WeiThis thesis describes a new approach for cell analysis by the rapid developing microfluidic technology. The nominee has made great contributions to develop a new analysis platform which combined microfluidic devices with mass spectrometry to determine the trace compounds secreted by cells. Based on this analysis platform, she studied the specific cell secreting behaviors under controlled microenvironment, of which the secretion compounds were qualified and semi-quantified by mass spectrometry. A novel cell sorting device integrated homogenous porous PDMS membrane was invented to classify cells from real samples based on the size difference. The nominee further studied the signal transmission between different cells, and the signal chemicals were qualitative and quantitative monitored by the analysis platform. This indicates the potential significant application of the new cell analysis platform in medicine screening and early diagnosis.
Legal and Forensic Medicine
by Roy G BeranThis is a comprehensive reference text that examines the current state of Legal Medicine, which encompasses Forensic Medicine, in the 21st century. It examines the scope of both legal and forensic medicine, its application and study and has adopted a wide ranging approach including multinational authorship. It reviews the differences between and similarities of forensic and legal medicine, the need for academic qualification, the applications to many and varied fields including international aid, military medicine, health law and the application of medical knowledge to both criminal law and tort/civil law, sports medicine and law, gender and age related factors from obstetrics through to geriatrics and palliative care as well as cultural differences exploring the Christian/Judeo approach compared with that within Islamic cultures, Buddhism and Hinduism. The book will look at practical applications of legal medicine within various international and intercultural frameworks. This will be a seminal authoritative text in legal and forensic medicine. It has a multi-author and multinational approach which will cross national boundaries. There is a great interest in the development of health law and legal medicine institutes around the world and this text will come in on the ground floor of this burgeoning discipline and will provide the foundation text for many courses, both undergraduate and postgraduate. It will define the place of legal medicine as a specialized discipline.
Designing Receptors for the Next Generation of Biosensors
by Michael J. Whitcombe Sergey A. PiletskyDespite achievements in the application of enzymes, antibodies and biological receptors to diagnostics and sensing, the last two decades have also witnessed the emergence of a number of alternative technologies based on synthetic chemistry. This volume shows how synthetic receptors can be designed with characteristics that make them attractive alternatives to biological molecules in the sensory and diagnostics fields, with contributions from leading experts in the area. Subjects covered include synthetic receptors for a range of biomolecules, the use of antimicrobial peptides for the detection of pathogenic microorganisms, the development of molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) nanoparticles, the in silico design of MIPs and MIP-based sensors, and two chapters examining the development of sensors from an industrial point of view. The particular focus of all chapters is on practical aspects, either in the development process or the applications of the synthesized materials. This book will serve as an important reference work for business leaders and technology experts in the sensors and diagnostics sector.
Successful Decision-Making: A Systematic Approach to Complex Problems
by Anthony Clark Rudolf Grünig Maude Montani Claire O'Dea Richard KühnMaking decisions is certainly the most important task of a manager and it is often a very difficult one. This book offers a decision making procedure for solving complex problems step by step. Unlike other texts, the book focuses on problem analysis, on developing solution options and on establishing the decision making matrix. The book is intended for decision makers in companies, in non-profit organisations and in public administration. It is an approach to helping them to solve complex problems successfully. The book is also addressed to students and to participants in executive courses.
Successful Decision-Making: A Systematic Approach to Complex Problems
by Rudolf Grünig Richard KühnMaking decisions is certainly the most important task of a manager and it is often a very difficult one. This book offers a decision making procedure for solving complex problems step by step. Unlike other texts, the book focuses on problem analysis, on developing solution options and on establishing the decision making matrix. The book is intended for decision makers in companies, in non-profit organisations and in public administration. It is an approach to helping them to solve complex problems successfully. The book is also addressed to students and to participants in executive courses.
Reshaping Learning
by J. Michael Spector Kinshuk Ronghuai HuangThis edited volume with selected papers from extinguished experts and professors in the field of learning technology and the related fields who are far-sighted and have his/her own innovative thoughts on the development of learning technology. This book will addresses the main issues concerned with the trend and future development of learning processes, innovative pedagogies changes, effects of new technologies on education, future learning content. Learning technology has been affected by advances in technology development and changes in the field of education. Nowadays we cannot afford to sense the changes and then make adaption to it. What we should do is to predict the changes and make positive and active reactions to help the trend go smoothly and in a more beneficial way. This book aims to gather the newest ideas on the frontiers and future development of learning education from the aspects of learning, pedagogies, and technologies in learning in order to draw a picture of learning education in the near future.
Design and Analysis of Materials and Engineering Structures
by Andreas Öchsner Lucas F. Silva Holm AltenbachThe idea of this monograph is to present the latest results related to design and analysis of materials and engineering structures. The contributions cover the field of mechanical and civil engineering, ranging from automotive to dam design, transmission towers and up to machine design and exmaples taken from oil industry. Well known experts present their research on damage and fracture of material and structures, materials modelling and evaluation up to image processing and visualization for advanced analyses and evaluation
Capacity Building for the Planning, Assessment and Systematic Observations of Forests: With Special Reference to Tropical Countries (Environmental Science and Engineering)
by Karan Deo SinghThis book is intended to support the forestry institutions in the tropical countries in the planning, assessment and systematic observation of forests required to fulfill their obligations as laid in international conventions such as the CBD and UNFCCC. Following the Rio Conference, a number of countries, donors and international organizations have implemented capacity-building projects with varying degrees of success. One main reason for the varying success rates seems to lie in the design of technical assistance programs, which have been formulated on the traditional lines of mainly generating forest resources information or transferring technology; whereas Agenda 21 requires fundamental changes in countries' institutions and approaches to planning and implementing the conservation and sustainable development of forests through a process of continuing research and analysis. The book is intended to serve the basic needs of national planning strategies and international and donor support.
Handbuch Humanitäre Hilfe
by Jürgen Lieser Dennis DijkzeulMenschen, die infolge von Gewaltkonflikten oder Naturkatastrophen in eine humanitäre Notlage geraten sind, benötigen Hilfe. Diese ethische Selbstverständlichkeit hat mit der Gründung des Roten Kreuzes vor mehr als 150 Jahren einen institutionellen Rahmen bekommen. Seitdem ist die humanitäre Hilfe, also das organisierte und professionelle Helfen in humanitären Krisen und Katastrophen, stark gewachsen. Humanitäre Organisationen sind fast weltweit aktiv. In der Praxis erweist sich die humanitäre Hilfe als eine große Herausforderung. Hilfsorganisationen stehen unter einem hohen Erwartungs- und Zeitdruck: Sie sollen schnell, effektiv und reibungslos Hilfe zum Überleben leisten. Die Hilfe soll unparteiisch, neutral und nachhaltig sein und sich allein an den Bedürfnissen der betroffenen Menschen orientieren. Staatliche Geber, private Spender und auch die Hilfeempfänger verlangen Rechenschaft über den sinnvollen Einsatz der Hilfsgelder. Seit Jahren nehmen Naturkatastrophen in Zahl und Umfang zu. Gewaltkonflikte entwickeln sich zu chronischen Krisen mit einer Kriegswirtschaft, die es schwieriger macht, die Betroffenen zu unterstützen. Die Helferinnen und Helfer sehen sich konfrontiert mit zunehmend komplexeren Notlagen, divergierenden Geberinteressen, politischer Einflussnahme und konkurrierenden Hilfsangeboten. Sie geraten zwischen die Fronten und werden Opfer von gewaltsamen Übergriffen. Auch Missbrauch und politische Instrumentalisierung kommen vor. Dieses Buch trägt zu einem besseren Verständnis von humanitären Krisen und ihren Folgen bei. Es zeigt, wie sich die humanitäre Hilfe in einem internationalen System entwickelt hat und wie die verschiedenen Akteure ihre Rolle definieren und ausfüllen. Es zeigt auch, wie schwierig es ist, dem hohen ethischen Anspruch an unparteiische und von politischen Interessen unabhängige Hilfe gerecht zu werden. Die Autorinnen und Autoren - Vertreter von Hilfsorganisationen und Wissenschaft - zeigen aus unterschiedlichen Perspektiven auf, wie humanitäre Hilfe zwischen Anspruch und Wirklichkeit versucht, dem weltweit wachsenden Hilfebedarf gerecht zu werden.
Graphs, Networks and Algorithms
by Dieter JungnickelFrom the reviews of the previous editions ".... The book is a first class textbook and seems to be indispensable for everybody who has to teach combinatorial optimization. It is very helpful for students, teachers, and researchers in this area. The author finds a striking synthesis of nice and interesting mathematical results and practical applications. ... the author pays much attention to the inclusion of well-chosen exercises. The reader does not remain helpless; solutions or at least hints are given in the appendix. Except for some small basic mathematical and algorithmic knowledge the book is self-contained. ..." K.Engel, Mathematical Reviews 2002 The substantial development effort of this text, involving multiple editions and trailing in the context of various workshops, university courses and seminar series, clearly shows through in this new edition with its clear writing, good organisation, comprehensive coverage of essential theory, and well-chosen applications. The proofs of important results and the representation of key algorithms in a Pascal-like notation allow this book to be used in a high-level undergraduate or low-level graduate course on graph theory, combinatorial optimization or computer science algorithms. The well-worked solutions to exercises are a real bonus for self study by students. The book is highly recommended. P .B. Gibbons, Zentralblatt für Mathematik 2005 Once again, the new edition has been thoroughly revised. In particular, some further material has been added: more on NP-completeness (especially on dominating sets), a section on the Gallai-Edmonds structure theory for matchings, and about a dozen additional exercises - as always, with solutions. Moreover, the section on the 1-factor theorem has been completely rewritten: it now presents a short direct proof for the more general Berge-Tutte formula. Several recent research developments are discussed and quite a few references have been added.
Qualitätsmängel im Arzthaftungsprozess - Brauchen wir ein Patientenrechtegesetz? (MedR Schriftenreihe Medizinrecht)
by ArbeitsgemeinschaftNach ca. 20-jähriger Diskussion soll nunmehr auf Bundesebene ein Patientenrechtegesetz verabschiedet werden. Mit dem Gesetz wird das Ziel verfolgt, Transparenz über die Rechte der Patientinnen und Patienten herzustellen, die Durchsetzung dieser Rechte zu verbessern sowie Patientinnen und Patienten im Sinne einer verbesserten Gesundheitsversorgung zu schützen und im Falle eines Behandlungsfehlers stärker zu unterstützen. Das XXIII. Kölner Symposium der Arbeitsgemeinschaft Medizinrecht formuliert Fragen und Referate, ob ein Patientenrechtegesetz wegen möglicher Qualitätsmängel im Arzthaftungsprozess notwendig ist und ob das diskutierte Patientenrechtegesetz tatsächlich dem Anspruch gerecht wird, diese Patientenrechte zu stärken. Ist die Rechtsposition des Patienten ausreichend, wenn es um die Anhörung des Sachverständigen geht? Sind Neuregelungen über die Aufklärungspflicht des Arztes erforderlich oder genügt die Rechtsprechung zur Aufklärung, um das Selbstbestimmungsrecht des Patienten sicherzustellen? Die Beiträge behandeln sowohl materiell-rechtliche als auch zivilprozessuale Rechtsfragen, die das Arzt- und Patientenverhältnis im Arzthaftungsprozess betreffen. Auch wenn im Ergebnis wohl festgestellt werden muss, dass das diskutierte Patientenrechtegesetz einen "Mangel an legislativer Eigenständigkeit" (Prof. Dr. Dieter Hart, Universität Bremen) belegt, so wird die Diskussion um die Patientenrechte speziell im Arzthaftungsprozess anhalten.
Basic Sciences in Ophthalmology: Physics and Chemistry
by Hans Bebie Josef Flammer Maneli MozaffariehBasic Sciences in Ophthalmology aims to link clinical ophthalmology directly to its basic science roots. This first volume describes the physics and chemistry required for a sound understanding of modern ophthalmology. The book opens with an extensive discussion of the interaction of light with matter and the way in which light is used in ophthalmic examinations and treatments. After describing traditional methods of imaging, particular emphasis is placed on modern instrumentation such as OCT. The interaction between light and tissues in different types of laser treatment is also addressed. The chemistry section focuses on compounds particularly relevant to the eye, such as oxygen and water. The origin and consequences of oxidative stress are reviewed, and the physical behavior of chemical compounds in the eye is explained. Understanding is facilitated through the use of many examples taken from the field of ophthalmology. The text is complemented by about 450 figures.
Gastrointestinale Operationen und technische Varianten: Operationstechniken der Experten
by Michael Korenkov Christoph-Thomas Germer Hauke LangChirurgische Eingriffe an gastrointestinalen Organen unterliegen trotz Standardisierung und weitreichender Technisierung nach wie vor zum Teil erheblichen Unterschieden. Für alle Chirurgen ist es von großem Interesse, die individuellen technischen Varianten einzelner auf diesem Gebiet ausgewiesener Chirurgen kennen zu lernen und so ihr eigenes operatives Repertoire zu erweitern. In diesem Buch werden die chirurgischen Eingriffe für eine Auswahl wichtiger Operationen von Experten in ihrer spezifischen Vorgehensweise Schritt für Schritt und reich bebildert dargestellt. Zahlreiche renommierte Chirurgen aus dem deutschsprachigen Raum ebenso wie internationale Autoren beschreiben ihr Procedere. Außergewöhnliche und schwierige Situationen, wie unerwartete Befunde, anatomische Varianten oder Blutungszwischenfälle, finden besondere Berücksichtigung.
Georges Lemaître: Life, Science and Legacy
by Simon Mitton Rodney D. HolderThe year 2011 marked the 80th anniversary of Georges Lemaître's primeval atom model of the universe, forerunner of the modern day Big Bang theory. Prompted by this momentous anniversary the Royal Astronomical Society decided to publish a volume of essays on the life, work and faith of this great cosmologist, who was also a Roman Catholic priest. The papers presented in this book examine in detail the historical, cosmological, philosophical and theological issues surrounding the development of the Big Bang theory from its beginnings in the pioneering work of Lemaître through to the modern day. This book offers the best account in English of Lemaître's life and work. It will be appreciated by professionals and graduate students interested in the history of cosmology.
Organisation und Projektmanagement
by Rainer Bergmann Martin GarrechtAnschaulich und praxisnah zeigen die Autoren in diesem Lehrbuch, wie Organisationen funktionieren, wie sie gestaltet werden und was bei der Durchf#65533;hrung von Projekten zu ber#65533;cksichtigen ist: von der Aufbauorganisation, der Gestaltung der Prozessorganisation und der Organisationsanalyse #65533;ber die Organisationskultur bis hin zu den Interaktionen in Projektteams. Warum Unternehmen so gestaltet sind, wie es heute beobachtet werden kann, zeigt ein #65533;berblick #65533;ber die Organisationstheorien von den ersten Managementkonzepten der Zeit Henry Fords bis zu aktuellen Ans#65533;tzen (z. B. Organisation in Netzwerken, Fokussierung auf Kernkompetenzen und Change Management). Anschauliche Fallstudien und Praxisbeispiele zu jedem Themenblock regen die Diskussion an und zeigen den Lesern neue Perspektiven bei der Betrachtung von Organisationen. Das Buch deckt vollst#65533;ndig die Anforderungen ab, die f#65533;r das Modul "Organisation und Projektmanagement" in Bachelor-Studieng#65533;ngen gestellt werden. Die zweite Auflage wurde um diverse Abschnitte zu neueren Entwicklungen moderner Managementkonzepte (u. a. flache Hierarchie, Rolle von Unternehmensberatern, Gefahren- und Nutzenpotenziale schlanker Organisationsstrukturen) und um zahlreiche Praxis- und Fallbeispiele erweitert sowie umfassend aktualisiert.
Transition Towards Energy Efficient Machine Tools
by André ZeinEnergy efficiency represents a cost-effective and immediate strategy of a sustainable development. Due to substantial environmental and economic implications, a strong emphasis is put on the electrical energy requirements of machine tools for metalworking processes. The improvement of energy efficiency is however confronted with diverse barriers, which sustain an energy efficiency gap of unexploited potential. The deficiencies lie in the lack of information about the actual energy requirements of machine tools, a minimum energy reference to quantify improvement potential and the possible actions to improve the energy demand. Therefore, a comprehensive concept for energy performance management of machine tools is developed which guides the transition towards energy efficient machine tools. It is structured in four innovative concept modules, which are embedded into step-by-step workflow models. The capability of the performance management concept is demonstrated in an automotive manufacturing environment. The target audience primarily comprises researchers and practitioners challenged to enhance energy efficiency in manufacturing. The book may also be beneficial for graduate students who want to specialize in this field.
Surface- and Groundwater Quality Changes in Periods of Water Scarcity
by Miloš GregorThis thesis deals with the evaluation of surface and groundwater quality changes in the periods of water scarcity in river catchment areas. The work can be divided into six parts. Existing methods of drought assessment are discussed in the first part, followed by the brief description of the software package HydroOffice, designed by the author. The software is dedicated to analysis of hydrological data (separation of baseflow, parameters of hydrological drought estimation, recession curves analysis, time series analysis). The capabilities of the software are currently used by scientist from more than 30 countries around the world. The third section is devoted to a comprehensive regional assessment of hydrological drought on Slovak rivers, followed by evaluation of the occurrence, course and character of drought in precipitation, discharges, base flow, groundwater head and spring yields in the pilot area of the Nitra River basin. The fifth part is focused on the assessment of changes in surface and groundwater quality during the drought periods within the pilot area. Finally, the results are summarized and interpreted, and rounded off with an outlook to future research.
Earthquake-Induced Landslides
by Akihiko Wakai Hiroshi Yagi Keizo UgaiSeismicity is a major trigger for landslides with often devastating effects. The Japan Landslide Society (JLS) therefore organized a meeting fully dedicated to the research area of earthquake induced landslides. The symposium covers all aspects of earthquake-induced landslides including the phenomena occurred in manmade embankments as well as in natural slopes in mountainous areas. In this comprehensive volume on landslide science the JLS presents the Proceedings of this First International Symposium on Earthquake-Induced Landslides, held in November 2012 in Kiryu, Japan.
Earth System Science: Bridging the Gaps between Disciplines
by Klaus Grosfeld Anna Wegner Vikram Unnithan Dieter Wolf-Gladrow Justus Notholt Gerrit LohmannEarth system science is traditionally split into various disciplines (Geology, Physics, Meteorology, Oceanography, Biology etc.) and several sub-disciplines. Overall, the diversity of expertise provides a solid base for interdisciplinary research. However, gaining holistic insights into the Earth system requires the integration of observations, paleoclimate data, analysis tools and modeling. These different approaches of Earth system science are rooted in various disciplines that cut across a broad range of timescales. It is, therefore, necessary to link these disciplines at a relatively early stage in PhD programs. The linking of 'data and modeling', as it is the special emphasis in our graduate school, enables graduate students from a variety of disciplines to cooperate and exchange views on the common theme of Earth system science, which leads to a better understanding of processes within a global context.
Financial Analysis and Risk Management: Data Governance, Analytics and Life Cycle Management
by Victoria LemieuxThe Global Financial Crisis and the Eurozone crisis that has followed have drawn attention to weaknesses in financial records, information and data. These weaknesses have led to operational risks in financial institutions, flawed bankruptcy and foreclosure proceedings following the Crisis, and inadequacies in financial supervisors' access to records and information for the purposes of a prudential response. Research is needed to identify the practices that will provide the records, information and data needed to support more effective financial analysis and risk management. The unique contribution of this volume is in bringing together researchers in distinct domains that seldom interact to identify theoretical, technological, policy and practical issues related to the management of financial records, information and data. The book will, therefore, appeal to researchers or advanced practitioners in the field of finance and those with an interest in risk management, computer science, cognitive science, sociology, management information systems, information science, and archival science as applied to the financial domain.