Biodiversity of West African Forests

Biodiversity of West African Forests

This book focuses on the biodiversity and ecology of West African forests. The first part of the book includes 8 chapters which analyse the factors that give rise to biodiversity and structure tropical plant communities. It emphasizes the distribution and state of the forests and analyses vegetation gradients, determines hotspots of plant diversity, and treats distribution patterns of rare and endemic species in the Upper Guinean forests which extend from Senegal to Togo. The main part of the book is an atlas with ecological profiles of 280 rare and endemic plant species and 56 large timber species, each with a one-page entry including a coloured photograph and distribution map. This book will appeal to researchers working in forestry, biodiversity, plant ecology and conservation.

Biodiversity of West African Forests

Dataset Shift in Machine Learning

Dataset Shift in Machine Learning

Dataset shift is a common problem in predictive modeling that occurs when the joint distribution of inputs and outputs differs between training and test stages. Covariate shift, a particular case of dataset shift, occurs when only the input distribution changes. Dataset shift is present in most practical applications, for reasons ranging from the bias introduced by experimental design to the irreproducibility of the testing conditions at training time. (An example is -email spam filtering, which may fail to recognize spam that differs in form from the spam the automatic filter has been built on.) Despite this, and despite the attention given to the apparently similar problems of semi-supervised learning and active learning, dataset shift has received relatively little attention in the machine learning community until recently. This volume offers an overview of current efforts to deal with dataset and covariate shift.

Dataset Shift in Machine Learning

Molecular Imaging of the Brain

Molecular Imaging of the Brain

This book examines multi-quantum magnetic resonance imaging methods and the diagnostics of brain disorders. It consists of two Parts. The part I is initially devoted towards the basic concepts of the conventional single quantum MRI techniques. It is supplemented by the basic knowledge required to understand multi-quantum MRI. Practical illustrations are included both on recent developments in conventional MRI and the MQ-MRI. This is to illustrate the connection between theoretical concepts and their scope in the clinical applications. The Part II initially sets out the basic details about quadrupole charge distribution present in certain nuclei and their importance about the functions they perform in our brain. Some simplified final mathematical expressions are included to illustrate facts about the basic concepts of the quantum level interactions between magnetic dipole and the electric quadrupole behavior of useful nuclei present in the brain. Selected practical illustrations, from research and clinical practices are included to illustrate the newly emerging ideas and techniques. The reader should note that the two parts of the book are written with no interdependence. One can read them quite independently.

Molecular Imaging of the Brain

Nanoparticles

Nanoparticles

Many objects of physical, biological, and industrial interest include randomly distributed nanoscale nonuniformities, e.g., nanoparticles. Their characterization online in dynamic industrial processes and in situ in biological systems faces serious practical challenges when the rapid formation and distribution of nanoparticles takes place. This book discusses optical methods the best tools for nanoparticle monitoring, as they are fast, noninvasive, and provide a broad range of information in real time and their application in molecular biology and nanotechnology.

Nanoparticles

Entire and Meromorphic Functions

Entire and Meromorphic Functions

This book is an introduction to the theory of entire and meromorphic functions intended for advanced graduate students in mathematics and for professional mathematicians. The book provides a clear treatment of the Nevanlinna theory of value distribution of meromorphic functions, and presentation of the Rubel-Taylor Fourier Series method for meromorphic functions and the Miles theorem on efficient quotient representation. It has a concise but complete treatment of the Polya theory of the Borel transform and the conjugate indicator diagram. It contains some of Buck’s results on integer-valued entire functions, and closes with the Malliavin-Rubel uniqueness theorem. The approach gets to the heart of the matter without excessive scholarly detours. It prepares the reader for further study of the vast literature on the subject, which is one of the cornerstones of complex analysis.

Entire and Meromorphic Functions

Stereoscopic HDTV

Stereoscopic HDTV

This book focuses on the two psychological factors of naturalness and ease of viewing of three-dimensional high-definition television (3D HDTV) images. It has been said that distortions peculiar to stereoscopic images, such as the puppet theater effect or the cardboard effect, spoil the sense of presence. Whereas many earlier studies have focused on geometrical calculations about these distortions, this book instead describes the relationship between the naturalness of reproduced 3D HDTV images and the nonlinearity of depthwise reproduction. The ease of viewing of each scene is regarded as one of the causal factors of visual fatigue. Many of the earlier studies have been concerned with the accurate extraction of local parallax; however, this book describes the typical spatiotemporal distribution of parallax in 3D images. The purpose of the book is to examine the correlations between the psychological factors and amount of characteristics of parallax distribution in order to understand the characteristics of easy- and difficult-to-view images and then to seek to create a new 3D HDTV system that minimizes visual fatigue for the viewer. The book is an important resource for researchers who wish to investigate and better understand various psychological effects caused by stereoscopic images.

Stereoscopic HDTV

Markov Networks in Evolutionary Computation

Markov Networks in Evolutionary Computation

Markov networks and other probabilistic graphical modes have recently received an upsurge in attention from Evolutionary computation community, particularly in the area of Estimation of distribution algorithms (EDAs). EDAs have arisen as one of the most successful experiences in the application of machine learning methods in optimization, mainly due to their efficiency to solve complex real-world optimization problems and their suitability for theoretical analysis.This book focuses on the different steps involved in the conception, implementation and application of EDAs that use Markov networks, and undirected models in general. It can serve as a general introduction to EDAs but covers also an important current void in the study of these algorithms by explaining the specificities and benefits of modeling optimization problems by means of undirected probabilistic models. All major developments to date in the progressive introduction of Markov networks based EDAs are reviewed in the book. Hot current research trends and future perspectives in the enhancement and applicability of EDAs are also covered. The contributions included in the book address topics as relevant as the application of probabilistic-based fitness models, the use of belief propagation algorithms in EDAs and the application of Markov network based EDAs to real-world optimization problems. The book should be of interest to researchers and practitioners from areas such as optimization, evolutionary computation, and machine learning.

Markov Networks in Evolutionary Computation

The Ainu of Japan

The Ainu of Japan

Taking an in-depth look at distinct aboriginal cultures, these comprehensive volumes balance information about both traditional and modern lifeways. From their history and cultural practices to their religions and the landscapes they call home, discover the intricacies of each featured native culture. Supports the national curriculum standards Culture; Time, Continuity, and Change; People, Places, and Environments; Individuals, Groups, and Institutions; Power, Authority, and Governance; Production, Distribution, and Consumption; Science Technology and Society; and Global Connections as outlined by the National Council for the Social Studies. The Ainu of Japan have shared their homeland with the Japanese people for centuries. Although the two cultures were very different in ancient times, the Ainu have since been forced to adopt many Japanese customs. After years of discrimination, the Ainu still strive to be treated as equals in modern Japanese society while retaining their independent culture.

The Ainu of Japan

Getting Started with Hazelcast

Getting Started with Hazelcast

An easy-to-follow and hands-on introduction to the highly scalable data distribution system, Hazelcast, and its advanced features.

Getting Started with Hazelcast

Advanced Planning in Supply Chains

Advanced Planning in Supply Chains

Advanced Planning Systems (APS) are a key enabler of the supply chain management. However, APS are highly complex and difficult to comprehend. This book provides students with valuable insights into the capabilities of state-of-the-art APS and bridges the gap between theory (model building and solution algorithms), software implementation, and adaptation to a specific business case. Our business case named Frutado provides a unifying framework for illustrating the different planning tasks that arise in a company from demand planning to the distribution of goods that are addressed by APS. In addition, the book guides through interactive learning units which have been created and recorded for each module of SAPs APS. Learning units can be downloaded free of charge ready to be displayed in a web browser. Together, the textbook and the learning units provide the required skills to better understand the concepts, models, and algorithms underlying todays APS.

Advanced Planning in Supply Chains

Minimal Submanifolds and Related Topics

Minimal Submanifolds and Related Topics

The Bernstein problem and the Plateau problem are central topics in the theory of minimal submanifolds. This important book presents the Douglas-Rado solution to the Plateau problem, but the main emphasis is on the Bernstein problem and its new developments in various directions: the value distribution of the Gauss image of a minimal surface in Euclidean 3-space, Simons’ work for minimal graphic hypersurfaces, and author’s own contributions to Bernstein type theorems for higher codimensions. The author also introduces some related topics, such as submanifolds with parallel mean curvature, Weierstrass type representation for surfaces of mean curvature 1 in hyperbolic 3-space, and special Lagrangian submanifolds.

Minimal Submanifolds and Related Topics

Systemic Aspects of Innovation and Design

Systemic Aspects of Innovation and Design

The book provides a snapshot of a hot topic the systemic nature of innovation and its relevance to design with a trifold perspective: the academic level the literature on innovation studies and design is often neglected and a clear connection between the two topics taken for granted; the research level collaborative models are currently considered great opportunities for transforming consumption, production and distribution of goods, but a clear scholarly discourse is still forming; the political level the European Commission and the OECD are devoting much effort to understanding and measuring the impact of design in innovation processes and firms and a clear contribution would greatly support this path. Thus the book provides an informed, historical and nuanced perspective to the relationship between design and innovation to contribute to all three levels and to propose a point of view that goes beyond aesthetics and meanings.

Systemic Aspects of Innovation and Design

Emerging Trends in Drug Use and Distribution

Emerging Trends in Drug Use and Distribution

This Brief explores emerging trends in drug use and distribution. This timely Brief examines recent examples of emerging drugs including salvia (from the plant Salvia divinorum), bath salts (and other synthetic stimulants) and so-called research chemicals (primarily substituted phenethylamines, synthetic cousins of ecstasy), which have tended to receive brief levels of high intensity media coverage that may or may not reflect an actual increase in their usage. Over the past decade in particular, new substances being used recreationally seem to come out of obscurity and gain rapid popularity, particularly spurred on by discussion and distribution over the internet. While changing trends in the drug market have always presented a challenge for law enforcement and public health officials, online forums, media coverage and other recent trends discussed in this Brief allow them to gain popularity more quickly and change more frequently. These rapid shifts allow less time for researchers to understand the potential health consequences of these substances and for law enforcement to stay abreast of abuses of legal substances. This work includes: 1) review of relevant research and literature, 2) review the Internet sources in which many deem important in influencing the emerging drug market, 3) discussion of national and international trends in use, abuse and distribution of these substances and 4) examination of current drug policy and recommendations for the future. This brief will be useful for criminology and criminal justice, sociology and public health. It will also be useful for those that deal with youth and the problems that may develop during adolescence and early adulthood.

Emerging Trends in Drug Use and Distribution

Computer Modeling of Water Distribution Systems - Second Edition

Computer Modeling of Water Distribution Systems - Second Edition

Updated from the 2004 edition, modeling lets designers predict the performance of water distribution systems to solve a wide variety of design, operational, and water quality problems. This basic primer manual provides distribution engineers and operators with information on developing and using computer hydraulic models of water distribution systems. Chapters take the reader from basics through data collection, model design, calibration, and applications. The fourth edition provides new, expanded information on key topics and recent changes. (Replaces ISBN 9781583213452)

Computer Modeling of Water Distribution Systems - Second Edition

Modern American Coal Mining

Modern American Coal Mining

Modern American Coal Mining: Methods and Applications covers a full range of coal mining and coal industry topics, with chapters written by leading coal mining industry professionals and academicians. Highlights from the book include coal resources and distribution, mine design, advances in strata control and power systems, improvements in surface mining, ventilation to reduce fires and explosions, drilling and blasting, staffing requirement ratios, management and preplanning, and coal preparation and reclamation.

Modern American Coal Mining

Fuzzy Probabilities New Approach and Applications

Fuzzy Probabilities New Approach and Applications

In probability and statistics we often have to estimate probabilities and parameters in probability distributions using a random sample. Instead of using a point estimate calculated from the data we propose using fuzzy numbers which are constructed from a set of confidence intervals. In probability calculations we apply constrained fuzzy arithmetic because probabilities must add to one. Fuzzy random variables have fuzzy distributions. A fuzzy normal random variable has the normal distribution with fuzzy number mean and variance. Applications are to queuing theory, Markov chains, inventory control, decision theory and reliability theory.

Fuzzy Probabilities New Approach and Applications

Rigorous Development of Complex Fault-Tolerant Systems

Rigorous Development of Complex Fault-Tolerant Systems

Many software systems have reached a level of complication, mainly because of their size, heterogeneity and distribution, which results in faults appearing that cannot be traced back easily to the code. Some of these ‘faults’ could also be unexpected program behavior that appears as a result of interactions between different parts of the program; this is commonly known as complexity. New methods, approaches, tools and techniques are needed to cope with the increasing complexity in software systems; amongst them, fault-tolerance techniques and formal methods, supported by the corresponding tools, are promising solutions. This book brings together papers focusing on the application of rigorous design techniques to the development of fault-tolerant, software-based systems. This volume is an outcome of the REFT 2005 Workshop on Rigorous Engineering of Fault-Tolerant Systems held in conjunction with the Formal Methods 2005 conference at Newcastle upon Tyne, UK, in July 2005. The authors of the best workshop papers were asked to enhance and expand their work and a number of well-established researchers working in the area contributed invited chapters. From the 19 refereed and revised papers presented, 12 are versions reworked from the workshop; 9 of them are totally new. The book is rounded off by two provocatively different position on the role of programming languages.

Rigorous Development of Complex Fault-Tolerant Systems

Advanced Transport Systems

Advanced Transport Systems

This book provides a systematic analysis, modeling and evaluation of the performance of advanced transport systems. It offers an innovative approach by presenting a multidimensional examination of the performance of advanced transport systems and transport modes, useful for both theoretical and practical purposes. Advanced transport systems for the twenty-first century are characterized by the superiority of one or several of their infrastructural, technical/technological, operational, economic, environmental, social and policy performances as compared to their conventional counterparts. The advanced transport systems considered include: Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) and Personal Rapid Transit (PRT) systems in urban area(s), electric and fuel cell passenger cars, high speed tilting trains, High Speed Rail (HSR), Trans Rapid Maglev (TRM), Evacuated Tube Transport system (ETT), advanced commercial subsonic and Supersonic Transport Aircraft (STA), conventionally- and Liquid Hydrogen (LH2)-fuelled commercial air transportation, advanced Air Traffic Control (ATC) technologies and procedures for increasing the airport runway capacity, Underground Freight Transport (UFT) systems in urban area(s), Long Intermodal Freight Train(s) (LIFTs), road mega trucks, large advanced container ships and freight/cargo aircraft and advanced freight/goods collection distribution networks. This book is intended for postgraduates, researchers, professionals and policy makers working in the transport industry.

Advanced Transport Systems

The Syntax of Russian

The Syntax of Russian

The study of Russian is of great importance to syntactic theory, due in particular to its unusual case system and its complex word order patterns. This book provides an essential guide to Russian syntax and examines the major syntactic structures of the language. It begins with an overview of verbal and nominal constituents, followed by major clause types, including null-copular and impersonal sentences, WH-questions and their distribution, and relative and subordinate clauses. The syntax behind the rich Russian morphological case system is then described in detail, with focus on both the fairly standard instances of Nominative, Accusative and Dative case as well as the important language-specific uses of the Genitive and Instrumental cases. The book goes on to analyze the syntax of ‘free’ word order for which Russian is famous. It will be of interest to researchers and students of syntactic theory, of Slavic linguistics and of language typology.

The Syntax of Russian

Linux Mint Essentials

Linux Mint Essentials

Linux Mint is one of the most popular and proven distributions for beginners and advanced users alike. Out of the box hardware and multimedia support makes Mint your go-to choice for general computing. Its ease of use has transformed it into a celebrated , distribution.,

This is an all-inclusive guide to Linux Mint, and will teach you everything you need to know in order to use a Linux Mint system. The book starts with the installation process and covers task-oriented topics such as browsing the Internet and installing , as well as , commands. This guide walks the reader through installing and maintaining Linux Mint on a personal computer.

Linux Mint Essentials