Technology, Engineering & Agriculture Books

Book SynopsisDominic Boyer examines the politics of wind power and how it is shaped by myriad factorsfrom the legacies of settler colonialism and indigenous resistance to state bureaucracy and corporate investmentwhile outlining the fundamental impact of energy and fuel on political power.Trade Review"Recommended. Upper-division undergraduates through faculty; professionals." -- L. L. Johnson * Choice *"Howe and Boyer look back on the past with fresh eyes. . . . Howe and Boyer’s project has many virtues. For one, it articulates the perils of corporate wind economies. For another, it positions Indigenous communities (like the Zapotec) not as outmoded objects for anthropological inquiry, but (á la Gayatri Spivak) as 'active [producers] of culture.' Most importantly, perhaps, is how Wind and Power in the Anthropocene documents alternatives to corporate wind ventures like Mareña. The book highlights, for example, community-based initiatives that also seek to harness the awesome power of istmeño wind—projects that promote communal welfare and environmental justice." -- Stacey Balkan * Public Books *"The duograph is an interesting and novel way to approach collaborative writing, which I enjoyed engaging with. . . . Energopolitics elegantly brings together political theory and ethnography. -- Anna G. Sveinsdóttir * Journal of Latin American Geography *“In Wind and Power in the Anthropocene, a two-volume ‘duograph,’ Cymene Howe, in Ecologics, and Dominic Boyer, in Energopolitics, explore the development of wind parks during the early twenty-first century on the isthmus of Tehuantepec…. One of the most refreshing components of their collaborative and individual writing is the clarity of their position as researchers in this project as they circulated among politicians, indigenous peoples, and corporate officials. It is a necessary exercise, as they argue, for appreciating the entrenchment of the wind in local political and social relations.” -- Nathan Kapoor * Technology and Culture *“Boyer’s book seeks ways around human-centered notions of politics.... More important than his theoretical discussion is his contention that in order to understand aeolian politics in the Isthmus of Tehuantepec, one must attend to situated, historical processes with which transitions to renewable energy become intimately entangled.” -- Chakad Ojani * Anthropology Book Forum *“[Ecologics and Energopolitics] make strong arguments on political processes in the field of wind energy in Mexico...[and] are important contributions to an anthropology of energy, a still growing field within the discipline.” -- Oliver D. Liebig * Anthropos *Table of ContentsJoint Preface to Wind and Power in the Anthropocene / Cymene Howe and Dominic Boyer ix Acknowledgments xix Introduction 1 1. Ixtepec 27 2. La Ventosa 60 3. Oaxaca de Juaréz 95 4. Distrito Federal 127 5. Guidxiguie' (Juchitán de Zaragoza) 158 Joint Conclusion to Wind and Power in the Anthropocene / Cymene Howe and Dominic Boyer 194 Notes 199 References 225 Index 251

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Book SynopsisIn Surrogate Humanity Neda Atanasoski and Kalindi Vora trace the ways in which robots, artificial intelligence, and other technologies serve as surrogates for human workers within a labor system entrenched in racial capitalism and patriarchy. Analyzing myriad technologies, from sex robots and military drones to sharing-economy platforms, Atanasoski and Vora show how liberal structures of antiblackness, settler colonialism, and patriarchy are fundamental to human---machine interactions, as well as the very definition of the human. While these new technologies and engineering projects promise a revolutionary new future, they replicate and reinforce racialized and gendered ideas about devalued work, exploitation, dispossession, and capitalist accumulation. Yet, even as engineers design robots to be more perfect versions of the human—more rational killers, more efficient workers, and tireless companions—the potential exists to develop alternative modes of engineerinTrade Review“By bringing a much more nuanced reading of race, gender, and difference to science and technology studies, Atanasoski and Vora provoke us to think more deeply about how our imagined technological futures always already serve to reproduce our most problematic pasts—and what forms or processes can disrupt and transcend these. This is a vital project that should speak to us all.” -- Barbara Herr Harthorn * American Ethnologist *“Surrogate Humanity...confirm[s] that the human is a contingent concept.... The authors also spotlight how contemporary discourses concerning automation, in particular, alternately promise liberation and threaten debasement while eliding the roles of racialized and colonial subjects in producing the technologies and materials on which automation relies.” -- Rebecah Pulsifer * Women's Studies Quarterly *“...Surrogate Humanity usefully provides examples from literary, artistic, engineering, and scientific projects that critique or outright refuse technoliberalism’s frame for recognizing full humanity. These rebellious acts of imagination show us that the potential exists to develop alternative designs and trajectories for technological development ... in ways that prioritize equity and justice.” -- Anita Lam * Surveillance & Society *“Surrogate Humanity is a fascinating and important book that provides a much-needed counter narrative to prevailing approaches in science and technology studies.... Complemented by their mode of collaborative writing as a radical feminist act, the book is thus certain to inspire scholars and activists alike....” -- Sibille Merz * Ethnic and Racial Studies *“Atanasoski and Vora’s major intervention in the automation debate is their argument that automation imaginaries are shaped by liberal humanism and the racial hierarchies embedded in it.... One strength of Surrogate Humanity is the range of technological discourses, objects, and processes in which the authors elucidate the logics of technoliberalism.” -- J. Jesse Ramírez * American Quarterly *“Atanasoski andVora write with thoughtful scholarship and careful word selection.... [Surrogate Humanity] also provides a generative grounding in relevant science and technology studies and race theory literatures.... [I]t should be required reading in any sociology course on colonization and empire.” -- Laurel Smith-Doerr * Contemporary Sociology *“Surrogate Humanity questions what it means to be human at all, and is an incredibly useful analysis for anyone interested in shifting from thinking about robots within a tool-using paradigm, to an ethics paradigm.” -- Lindsay Balfour * Cultural Studies *Table of ContentsAcknowledgments vii Introduction: The Surrogate Human Effects of Technoliberalism 1 1. Technoliberalism and Automation: Racial Imaginaries of a Postlabor World 27 2. Sharing, Collaboration, and the Commons in the Fourth Industrial Revolution: The Appropriative Techniques of Technoliberal Capitalism 54 3. Automation and the Invisible Service Function: Toward an "Artificial Artificial Intelligence" 87 4. The Surrogate Human Affect: The Racial Programming of Robot Emotion 108 5. Machine Autonomy and the Unmanned Spacetime of Technoliberal Warfare 134 6. Killer Robots: Feeling Human in the Field of War 163 Epilogue: On Technoliberal Desire, Or Why There Is No Such Thing as a Feminist A1 188 Notes 197 Bibliography 225 Index 233

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Book SynopsisThis latest edition of the most internationally respected reference in food chemistry for more than 30 years, Fennema's Food Chemistry, 5th Edition once again meets and surpasses the standards of quality and comprehensive information set by its predecessors. All chapters reflect recent scientific advances and, where appropriate, have expanded and evolved their focus to provide readers with the current state-of-the-science of chemistry for the food industry. This edition introduces new editors and contributors who are recognized experts in their fields.The fifth edition presents a completely rewritten chapter on Water and Ice, written in an easy-to-understand manner suitable for professionals as well as undergraduates. In addition, ten former chapters have been completely revised and updated, two of which receive extensive attention in the new edition including Carbohydrates (Chapter 3), which has been expanded to include a section on MaTrade ReviewSource: Grasas y Aceites Vol 68, No 4 (2017)Name: F. J. HidalgoIn summary, an updated version of this classic textbook in Food Chemistry that has been employed by numerous students and researchers. This new edition maintains the same spirit that previous editions and will continue being as useful as before for both Food Chemistry courses and those wanting to have a deep introduction to some unknown aspects in Food Chemistry.Table of ContentsIntroduction. Major Food Components. Water and Ice. Carbohydrates. Lipids. Amino Acids, Peptides, and Proteins. Enzymes. Dispersed Systems: Basic considerations. Minor Food Components. Vitamins. Minerals. Colorants. Flavors. Food Additives. Bioactive Substances. Nutraceuticals and Toxicants. Food Systems. Characteristics of Milk. Post-Mortem Physiology of Edible Muscle Tissues. Post-harvest Physiology of Edible Plant Tissues.

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Book SynopsisThis book covers the inexorable exhaustion of the IPv4 address space, the interim fix to this based on Network Address Translation (NAT) and Private Addresses, and the differences between IPv4 and IPv6. It will help you understand the limitations and problems introduced by the use of NAT and introduce you to the far simpler network and software designs possible, using a larger, unified address space.IPv6, a mature and viable replacement for IPv4, is currently used by more than 36% of all global Internet traffic. Wireless telephone service providers in many countries have migrated their networks to IPv6 with great success. The elimination of NAT and Private Addresses has vastly simplified network design and implementation. Further, there are now enough public addresses allocated to accommodate all anticipated uses for the foreseeable future.Most networking products and software, especially open-source software, are already fully IPv6 compliant. Today, no business shTable of Contents1. Introduction 2. History of Computer Networks up to IPv4 3. Review of IPv4 4. The Depletion of the IPv4 Address Space 5. IPv6 Deployment Progress 6. IPv6 Core Protocols 7. IPSec and IKEv2 8. Transition Mechanisms 9. IPv6 on Mobile Devices 10. DNS 11. The Future of Messaging with No NAT 12. IPv6 Related Organizations 13. IPv6 Projects

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Book SynopsisA leader in the data economy explains how we arrived at AI—and how we can navigate its future. In The Datapreneurs, Bob Muglia helps us understand how innovation in data and information technology have led us to AI—and how this technology must shape our future. The long-time Microsoft executive, former CEO of Snowflake, and current tech investor maps the evolution of the modern data stack and how it has helped build today’s economy and society. And he explains how humanity must create a new social contract for the artificial general intelligence (AGI)—autonomous machines intelligent as people—that he expects to arrive in less than a decade. Muglia details his personal experience in the foundational years of computing and data analytics, including with Bill Gates and Sam Altman, the CEO of OpenAI, the creator of ChatGPT, and others that are not household names—yet. He builds upon Isaac Asimov’s Laws of Robotics to explore the moral, ethical, and legal implications of today’s smart machines, and how a combination of human and machine intelligence could create an era of progress and prosperity where all the people on Earth can have what they need and want without destroying our natural environment.The Datapreneurs is a call to action. AGI is surely coming. Muglia believes that tech business leaders, ethicists, policy leaders, and even the general public must collaborate answer the short- and long-term questions raised by its emergence. And he argues that we had better get going, because advances are coming so fast that society risks getting caught flatfooted—with potentially disastrous consequences. Trade Review"Muglia rightly refocuses us on the people, not just the algorithms and machines, behind the next wave of artificial intelligence." —Satya Nadella, Chairman and CEO, Microsoft “As a values-based leader, Bob brings a unique point of view that inspires others to solve today’s greatest technical challenges.” —Mark C Thompson, chief executive leadership coach and New York Times bestselling author Bob remained at the forefront of data technology throughout his career, and his informed perspective makes this book extremely compelling.”—Paul Maritz, technology investor, former CEO of VMware, and former group vice president at Microsoft "As the Information Age evolves into the Age of AI, data has never been more critical to the enterprise or, dare I say, humanity. There is nobody better than Bob to frame the important conversations about the data road ahead."—Brad Gerstner, Serial Entrepreneur and Founder / CEO of Altimeter Capital

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Book SynopsisAfrica 2.0 provides an important history of how two technologies – mobile calling and internet – were made available to millions of sub-Saharan Africans, and the impact they have had on their lives. The book deals with the political challenges of liberalisation and privatisation that needed to be in place in order for these technologies to be built. It analyses how the mobile phone fundamentally changed communications in sub-Saharan Africa and the ways Africans have made these technologies part of their lives, opening up a very different future. The book offers a critical examination of the impact these technologies have had on development practices, and the key role development actors played in accelerating regulatory reform, fibre roll-out and mobile money. Southwood shows how corruption in the industry is a prism through which patronage relationships in government can be understood, and argues that the arrival of a start-up ecosystem in the region has the potential to change this. A vital overview of the changes of the last three decades, Africa 2.0 examines the transformative effects of mobile and internet technologies, and the very different future they have opened out for sub-Saharan Africa.Table of ContentsIntroductionPart I: Technology diffusion: the spread of mobile calling and internetPrologue (1986–2004)1 Mobile voice calling booms (1993–2004)2 Bandwidth as the digital economy’s fuel: getting sub-Saharan Africa connected (1991–2015)3 Cheaper mobile internet and low-cost smartphones come together with apps sub-Saharan Africans want to use (2005–18)Part II: Technology influences: uses, behaviours and abuses4 Mobile money: from transferring cash by SMS to a digital payments ecosystem (2000–20)5 Sub-Saharan Africans start to live the digital life (2000–20)6 Sprinkling on the magic dust: digital’s impact on development (1982–2020)7 The ugly underbelly of the communications revolutions: corruption, cronyism, regulation and government (1999–2020)Part III: Taking the long view: start-up innovation and complex behaviour change8 Sub-Saharan African start-ups: getting beyond the hype to address deep market challenges (1995–2020)9 Doing complexity: making sense of what has happened over thirty-five yearsAppendix A: GlossaryAppendix B: List of those interviewedSelect bibliographyIndex

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Book SynopsisThis book tells the often dramatic and always fascinating story of flight in lighter than air machines. For centuries man had dreamed of flying, but all attempts failed, until in 1782 the Montgolfier brothers constructed the world's first hot air balloon The following year saw the first ascent with aeronauts - not human beings but a sheep, a duck and a cockerel. But it was not long before men and women too took to the air and became ever more adventurous. The aeronauts became famous giving displays before crowds of thousands, often accompanied by special effects. In the early years, ballooning was a popular pastime, but in the 19th century it found a new use with the military. Balloons were used to send messages out during the Siege of Paris and later found a role as observation balloons for the artillery. But their use was always limited by the fact that they were at the mercy of the wind. There were numerous attempts at steering balloons, and various attempts were made to power them but it was the arrival of the internal combustion engine that saw the balloon transformed into the airship. The most famous developer of airships was Graf von Zeppelin and the book tells the story of the use of his airships in both peacetime and at war. There were epic adventures including flights over the poles and for a time, commercial airships flourished - then came the disaster of the Hindenburg. Airships still fly today and ballooning has become a hugely popular pastime.

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Book SynopsisIn the last few decades, steampunk has blossomed from being a rather obscure and little-known subgenre of science fiction into a striking and distinctive style of fashion, art, design and even music. It is in the written word however that steampunk has its roots and in this book Simon Webb explores and examines the real inventions which underpin the fantasy. In doing so, he reveals a world unknown to most people today. The Real World of Victorian Steampunk shows the Victorian era to have been a surprising place; one of steam-powered aeroplanes, fax machines linking Moscow and St Petersburg, steam cars travelling at over 100 mph, electric taxis and wireless telephones. It is, in short, the nineteenth century as you have never before seen it; a steampunk extravaganza of anachronistic technology and unfamiliar gadgets. Imagine Europe spanned by a mechanical internet; a telecommunication system of clattering semaphore towers capable of transmitting information across the continent in a matter of minutes. Consider too, the fact that a steam plane the size of a modern airliner took off in England in 1894. Drawing entirely on contemporary sources, we see how little-known developments in technology have been used as the basis for so many steampunk narratives. From seminal novels such as The Difference Engine, through to the steampunk fantasy of Terry Pratchett's later works, this book shows that steampunk is at least as much solid fact as it is whimsical fiction.

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Book SynopsisThis is a new biography of two great British engineering pioneers, who did much to develop the world we now live in. George and Robert Stephenson, were at the forefront of early railways and were at the cutting edge of modern engineering history. Industrial historian Anthony Burton looks into these two giants of the late Georgian and early Victorian age, who were responsible for the development of much of the early railway map in both Britain and other parts of the world. The work examines the lives of the two men and their ability to overcome some of the most pressing engineering problems of their time. This is a new work, with newly researched material published here for the first time, which take a fresh look at both pioneering engineers and their achievements.

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Book SynopsisNo airliner in the history of commercial aviation has had a more profound effect than the Douglas DC-3\. It was reliable, easy to maintain and carried passengers in greater comfort than ever before. Its origins stem from a design by the Douglas Aircraft Company of Santa Monica, California. Known as the Douglas Commercial One, or DC-1, this new aircraft was revolutionary in concept. It was quickly developed into the DC-2, an airliner that lead to Douglas' domination of the domestic air routes of the United States, and of half the world. Experience with the DC-2 led to the development of an improved version, the Douglas Sleeper Transport (DST), first flown on 17 December 1935\. This in turn evolved into a 21-seat variant, the DC-3, featuring many improvements. The first American Airlines DC-3 entered service in June 1936, and within three years of its introduction the aircraft accounted for a staggering 95 percent of all commercial air traffic in the United States. From commencement of service to the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, the DC-3 increased domestic revenue passenger miles more than fivefold. Of the 322 aircraft operated by the country's airlines in December 1941, 260 were DC-3s. At the pre-war peak, 30 foreign airlines operated the DC-3\. On the eve of war, the DC-3's scheduled flights represented 90 percent of international air traffic. In addition to over 600 civil examples of the DC-3, 10,048 military C-47 variants were built, as well as 4,937 produced under licence in the USSR as the Lisunov Li-2 and 487 built by Showa and Nakajima in Japan as the L2D. After the war, thousands of surplus C-47s, previously operated by several air forces, were converted for civilian use. These aircraft became the standard equipment of almost all the world's airlines, remaining in frontline service for many years. The ready availability of cheap, easily maintained ex-military C-47s, both large and fast by the standards of the day, jumpstarted the worldwide post-war air transport industry. The full remarkable story of the DC-3, and its ancestor, the DC-2, is told in these pages, providing a wealth of information for the modeller and the enthusiast alike.

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Book SynopsisMedieval gardens usually rate very few pages in the garden history books. The general perception is still of small gardens in the corner of a castle. Recent research has shown that the gardens were larger than we previously believed. This book contains information and pictures that have not been generally available before, including the theory and practice of medieval horticulture. Many features of later gardens were already a part of medieval gardens. The number of plants was limited, but was still no less than many modern gardeners use in their own gardens today. Yet medieval gardens were imbued with meaning. Whether secular or religious, the additional dimension of symbolism, gave a greater depth to medieval gardens, which is lacking in most modern ones. This book will be of interest to those who know little about medieval gardens and to those with more knowledge. It contains some of the vast amount of research that the author carried out to create the medieval gardens at the Prebendal Manor, Nassington, Northamptonshire. The author has tried to use previously unused sources and included his own practical experience of medieval gardening methods that he carried out to maintain the gardens. Some worked, others certainly didn't.

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Book SynopsisA Financial Times BOOK OF THE YEAR 2021'Engaging, authoritative and very timely. Marco Alverà spells Hydrogen's critical role as an energy store in the clean power transition' - Mike Berners-Lee, author of THERE IS NO PLANET BPicture this: the looming shadow of climate change is finally receding. The planet's temperature is stabilising. Rainforests and coral reefs are beginning to thrive once more.This isn't just wishful thinking - it can be our reality if we embrace the power of hydrogen. Hydrogen is simple to harness, simple to use, and has the potential to bring clean energy to every corner of the globe. As leading energy expert Marco Alverà explains, if we're going to heal the climate, we need to start thinking big. So whether you're a policy-maker, a business person, an activist, or just simply curious, this book is a blueprint for how to get us there. 'An important contribution to advance the energy transition' Mark Carney 'A comprehensive and comprehensible vision for hydrogen from a top business leader' Jonathan Stern, Oxford Institute for Energy StudiesTrade Review[This] lively book is an engaging guide to a fuel that could go mainstream faster than expected. * Financial Times, FT BOOKS OF THE YEAR *Engaging, authoritative and very timely. Marco Alverà spells Hydrogen's critical role as an energy store in the clean power transition, and who can do what right now to kick it over the line -- Mike Berners-Lee, author of THERE IS NO PLANET BNo one company can solve the challenge of climate change. We share responsibility, not just across our direct emissions, but across our supply chain too. We must take responsibility for the carbon footprint of our own technology and company, but we will also go beyond that. In his new book, Marco Alverà offers a clear and compelling vision and a blueprint to ensure its success. -- Satya Nadella, Chairman and CEO, MicrosoftTo achieve the climate goals from the Paris Agreement, we need a wholesale transformation of our energy system. This book sets out compellingly the role that Hydrogen plays in this transformation and is an important contribution to advance the energy transition. -- Mark CarneyAn engaging and insightful overview of the tiny molecule that could revolutionise climate action. Like hydrogen itself, Marco Alverà is a superb connector - of ideas, approaches and practical, positive solutions. -- Dr Gabrielle WalkerIn The Hydrogen Revolution Marco has written an invaluable explainer on hydrogen - a key to us achieving net zero. But perhaps more importantly the book is an urgent rallying call for action, a call policy-makers across the globe need to heed. -- Peter MandelsonAs the challenges of the energy transition become more apparent, hydrogen is coming to be seen not only as a new entrant but also an essential fuel for the decades ahead. Marco Alvera, a leader in the international energy industry, explains how he went from being a hydrogen skeptic to seeing the big role that hydrogen can play in the future. And more than that - a hydrogen revolution is coming, he predicts, and sooner than many expect! -- Daniel Yergin, Pulitzer Prize winning author of THE PRIZEThis book presents a vision for the future based on hydrogen and renewables that is clear, grounded and hopeful. It also provides crucial tools and information to fully understand the forces shaping the energy transition - and get involved. -- Francesco La Camera, Director General of IRENA (International Renewable Energy Agency)This book offers clear and thought-provoking ideas about the future of hydrogen. It can help inform the conversation on how to enable hydrogen to play an important role in global clean energy transitions. -- Dr Fatih Birol, IEA Executive DirectorA comprehensive and comprehensible vision for hydrogen from a top business leader. -- Jonathan Stern, Oxford Institute for Energy StudiesMarco Alverà paints a vibrant and achievable vision for green hydrogen's role in the transition towards a sustainable global energy system. -- Jules Kortenhorst, CEO of RMIA comprehensive and up to date piece of work on the compelling reality and value proposition of green hydrogen to decarbonize the hard to abate sectors, presented in an engaging, easy to read and assimilated style; a must read for all. -- Paddy Padmanathan, CEO of ACWA PowerIn this excellently-written and engaging book, Marco Alverà sets out an attractive vision for a hydrogen-fuelled future. -- Myles Allen, Director of Oxford Net Zero.Hydrogen will undoubtedly play a crucial role in tomorrow's zero carbon economy and few people have thought more deeply about that role than Marco Alverà. In this insightful and powerfully argued book he sets out not only the feasible and attractive vision of an economy dominated by electricity and hydrogen, but the practical steps we must now take to speed progress towards that end. -- Lord Adair Turner, Chair of the Energy Transitions CommissionThe hydrogen revolution is coming, and this book paves the way to achieving it. Powerful, pragmatic and compelling, Marco sets out with clarity the critical role of hydrogen alongside renewable electricity to reach net-zero objectives. -- Lei Zhang, Founder and CEO of EnvisionMarco Alverà's new book is a rare thing - a thoughtful and deliberate manifesto to galvanize investment and public support for an essential element of the zero-carbon energy future and a pathway to stronger global partnerships. The book is an instant classic - breezy, fun, personal and easy to read, the book presents vivid and actionable choices to all readers. Alverà skilfully makes some very complex parts of the energy system easy to understand - a marvel in our jargon-strewn field. Stop reading this note already and read the book! -- Dr Julio Friedmann * Columbia University, SIPA Center on Global Energy Policy *A clear articulation of how hydrogen can help save the planet. I was skeptical about hydrogen's potential, but this book changed my mind. The Hydrogen Revolution is an essential read for every climate-conscious individual. -- Charles Edgar Haldeman, former Chairman of S&P GlobalThis is an excellent contribution to the current and essential debate on the energy revolution with a very powerful argument in favour of hydrogen, which will certainly be part of the solution to the global response to climate change. -- José Manuel Barroso, President of the European Commission, 2004/2014Compelling stuff and a must-read for armchair eco-warriors everywhere * The Swansea Bay *

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Book Synopsis'I wish it was science fiction, but I know it's not.' Jaan Tallinn, co-founder of Skype'If you read just one book that makes you confront scary high-tech realities that we'll soon have no choice but to address, make it this one.' Washington Post Corporations and government agencies around the world have for years been pouring billions into achieving AI's Holy Grail - human-level intelligence. But once AI has attained it, scientists argue, it will have survival drives much like our own. We may be forced to compete with a rival more cunning, more powerful, and more alien than we can imagine.First published ten years ago, Our Final Invention predicted much of the artificial 'intelligence explosion' that is now ripping through our culture, and was named by Elon Musk as one of five books everyone should read about the future. Now with an urgent new preface, James Barrat's landmark work explores the ethics, history and future perils of the heedless pursuit of advanced AI. Until now, human intelligence has had no rival. Can we coexist with beings whose intelligence dwarfs our own? And will they allow us to?Trade ReviewOur Final Invention is a thrilling detective story, and also the best book yet written on the most important problem of the twenty-first century -- Luke Muehlhauser, Executive Director, Machine Intelligence Research InstituteThe compelling story of humanity's most critical challenge. A Silent Spring for the twenty-first century. -- Michael Vassar, former President, Singularity InstituteAn important and disturbing book -- Huw Price, co-founder, Cambridge University Centre for the Study of Existential RiskEnthusiasts dominate observers of progress in artificial intelligence; the minority who disagree are alarmed, articulate and perhaps growing in numbers, and Barrat delivers a thoughtful account of their worries -- Kirkus ReviewsThis book makes an important case that without extraordinary care in our planning, powerful "thinking" machines present at least as many risks as benefits . . . Our Final Invention makes an excellent read for technophiles as well as readers wishing to get a glimpse of the near future as coloured by rapidly improving technological competence -- New York Journal of BooksA dark new book by James Barrat, Our Final Invention lays out a strong case for why we should be at least a little worried -- NewYorker.comYou can skip coffee this week - Our Final Invention will keep you wide-awake -- Singularity HubScience fiction has long explored the implications of humanlike machines (think of Asimov's I, Robot), but Barrat's thoughtful treatment adds a dose of reality -- Science NewsBarrat has talked to all the significant American players in the effort to create recursively self-improving artificial general intelligence in machines. He makes a strong case that AGI with human-level intelligence will be developed in the next couple of decades . . . His thoughtful case about the dangers of ASI gives even the most cheerful technological optimist much to think about. -- ReasonBarrat's book is excellently written and deeply researched. It does a great job of communicating to general readers the danger of mistakes in AI design and implementation. -- Bill Hibbard, author of 'Super-Intelligent Machines'

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Book SynopsisGain state-of-the-art knowledge of new research and developments in transgenic technology! Genetically Modified Crops: Their Development, Uses, and Risks provides groundbreaking information on the integration of foreign DNA into the nucleus of a plant cell to produce a positive transformation. This volume details methods of gene delivery, laboratory tools and techniques to increase success rates, and the benefits, risks, and limitations of these methods. Authors at the forefront of this developing technology provide a comprehensive overview of transgenic crops and vital research on specific plant genera that have undergone transgenic transformation. Agricultural biotechnology has become a national and necessary mainstay of farming and food production, and this book is an important scientific tool to keep you informed of the latest protocols of genetic transformation. This book also outlines the goals that scientists are striving to reach, such as targeted gene expression where the gene only expresses itself at a certain time in the plant’s life cycle, but disappears before human consumption. One of the greatest concerns is maintaining the welfare of the consumer, and in this volume the authors repeatedly discuss their findings in terms of safety for human consumption. With Genetically Modified Crops: Their Development, Uses, and Risks, you’ll explore: the history of crop transformation and the techniques most commonly used for gene delivery, including biolistic bombardment and Agrobacterium-mediated transformation various methods of determining successful gene transfer in putative transgenic plants, such as blotting, functional assaying, and progeny testing the utilization of recombinase-directed plant transformation to improve faithful and consistent gene delivery and transference the successful reproduction of an insecticidal protein from chicken eggs in transgenic cornand its benefits to society the current status of risk assessment and examples of incidents that have raised the level of concern about genetically modified plants outside the lab This book also contains several chapters about current methods of transformation involving specific crops such as: cotton wheat alfalfa sorghum rice and more! Genetically Modified Crops: Their Development, Uses, and Risks is an indispensable guidebook for agronomists, plant and molecular geneticists, and students in agronomy, genetics, entomology, horticulture, and plant pathology. This manual is also useful to concerned consumers who wish to know the latest scientific findings on genetically modified crops. Complete with references, figures, and photographs, this book is a must-read to keep up to date with science and technology.Table of ContentsAbout the Editors,, Contributors,, Preface,, Chapter 1. Transformation: A Powerful Tool for Crop Improvement (D. Z. Skinner, S. Muthukrishnan, and G. H. Liang),, Introduction,, Incorporation of Transgenes into Crops,, Methodology of Producing Transgenic Plants,, Confirmation of Putative Transgenic Plants and Transformation Efficiency,, Crop Species Amenable to Transformation,, Current and Future Transgenic Crops,, Food Safety and Risk Analysis,, Chapter 2. Mechanism(s) of Transgene Locus Formation (David A. Somers, Paula M. Olhoft, Irina F. Makarevitch, and Sergei K. Svitashev),, Introduction,, Plant Genetic Engineering Systems,, Transgene Loci,, Mechanisms for Transgene Locus Formation,,Chapter 3. Gene Stacking Through Site-Specific Integration (David W. Ow),, Introduction,, Heterologous Site-Specific Recombination Systems,, Targeting via Cre- lox ,, Targeting via FLP- FRT ,, Expression of Targeted Transgenes,, Prospects for Gene Stacking ,, C31 Site-Specific Recombination System,, Concluding Remarks,, Chapter 4. Transgenics of Plant Hormones and Their Potential Application in Horticultural Crops (Yi Li, Hui Duan, Yan H. Wu, Richard J. McAvoy, Yan Pei, Degang Zhao, John Wurst, Qi Li, and Keming Luo),, Introduction,, Auxins,, Cytokinins,, Gibberellins,, Ethylene,, Abscisic Acid,, Concluding Remarks,, Chapter 5. Avidin: An Egg-Citing Insecticidal Protein in Transgenic Corn (Karl J. Kramer),, Introduction,, Mechanism of Action,, History of Commercialization,, Demonstration of H

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Book SynopsisShiba and Walden have significantly revised their classic, A New American TQM. With new methodologies and case studies, this work is one of the most comprehensive studies of management theory and business success. The authors identify a comprehensive approach to management that goes beyond operations improvement to help executives and managers create unique organizational capabilities. They contend that organizations must develop skills in four major areas: customer focus, continuous improvement, total participation, and societal networking.They present proven methods that enable dynamic implementation strategies, facilitate ongoing learning, and encourage continuous diffusion of evolving information and quality practices throughout an organization’s entire network. Techniques described have been instituted at Analog Devices, Hewlett-Packard, Motorola, Teradyne and many other companies. Numerous in-depth case studies from these and other companies illustrate actual implementations. Shoji Shiba, formerly of MIT is one of the most respected business consultants in the world. Among his many accolades, he received the 2002 Deming Prize, one of the highest awards in management bestowed in Japan. "Professor Shiba has been a source of inspiration, experience and knowledge to countless numbers of CQM members, MIT faculty and students and other organizations and companies around the world....The success of his publications, teaching and consulting proves that the principles of TQM are universal, applicable across all cultures and languages. Shiba is a truly great teacher, researcher and innovator ... ." --Ray Stata, founder and chairman of both Analog Devices and CQM. David Walden, is the retired senior vice president of Bolt Beranek and Newman Inc., and former Senior Lecturer, MIT Sloan School of Business. Both Shiba and Walden are well known for their contributions to the Center for Quality Management.Table of ContentsList of Cases, Preface, Acknowledgments, Introduction: BUSINESS EVOLUTION, The Second Revolution: CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT, The Third Revolution: TOTAL PARTICIPATION, The Fourth Revolution: SOCIETAL NETWORKING, Afterword, About the Authors, References, Index

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Book SynopsisEcological Management of Mining: Achieving Environmental Compliance is a study and comparison - global in scope - of current practices used by mining firms striving for ecological management. The author takes an integrated and interdisciplinary approach in addressing, analyzing and working towards solutions regarding the complex challenges posed by managing the environmental impacts of mining. The issues addressed range from the ecotoxicological effects of metal residues to the land use effects of mining and from socioeconomic impacts to environmental regulation. The goal of this book is to assist mining companies throughout the world to achieve environmental compliance and improve competitiveness in the context of growing environmental regulation and technological innovation. It is an essential book for the wide variety of professionals working on issues in mining. Like the book and the research itself, the audience is integrated and interdisciplinary including engineers, planners, ecologists, policy makers and economists.FeaturesTable of Contentsis a study and comparison - global in scope - of current practices used by mining firms striving for ecological management. The author takes an integrated and interdisciplinary approach in addressing, analyzing and working towards solutions regarding the complex challenges posed by managing the environmental impacts of mining. The issues addressed range from the ecotoxicological effects of metal residues to the land use effects of mining and from socioeconomic impacts to environmental regulation. The goal of this book is to assist mining companies throughout the world to achieve environmental compliance and improve competitiveness in the context of growing environmental regulation and technological innovation. It is an essential book for the wide variety of professionals working on issues in mining. The book and the research itself are integrated and interdisciplinary.

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Book SynopsisThis volume gathers together cutting-edge research from the Third Workshop on Algorithmic Foundations of Robotics and gives a solid overview of the state of the art in robot algorithms. The papers cover core problems in robotics, such as motion planning, sensor-based planning, manipulation, and assembly planning. They also examine the application of robotic algorithms in domains like molecular modeling, geometric modeling, and computer-assisted surgery.

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Book SynopsisThis is a comprehensive volume on robot teams that will be the standard reference on multi-robot systems. The volume provides not only the essentials of multi-agent robotics theory but also descriptions of exemplary implemented systems demonstrating the key concepts of multi-robot research. Information is presented in a descriptive manner and augmented with detailed mathematical formulations, photos, diagrams, and source code examples.

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Book SynopsisFor a long time, human beings have dreamed of a virtual world where it is possible to interact with synthetic entities as if they were real. It has been shown that the ability to touch virtual objects increases the sense of presence in virtual environments. This book provides an authoritative overview of state-of-theart haptic rendering algorithms and their applications. The authors examine various approaches and techniques for designing touch-enabled interfaces for a number of applications, including medical training, model design, and maintainability analysis for virtual prototyping, scientific visualization, and creative processes.Trade Review…a very thorough review of the field of haptic interfaces by the leading thinkers. … this book could become the standard reference for academic and industrial research and development.—Chris Ullrich, director of applied research, Immersion CorpThis book covers all essential technical aspects of haptic rendering. Written by leading authorities in the field, it spans a broad spectrum of topics … a stimulating resource for students, scholars, and professionals … a truly comprehensive and carefully composed collection … —Markus Gross, ETH ZurichThis is a must-read … an excellent desktop reference for anyone wishing to add touch-enabled interactions to simulated environments.—Hong Z. Tan, Purdue University and founding chair of Technical Committee on Hapticspowerful detailed survey of Haptic interfaces which are becoming popular in both electronics and computing worlds. Articles consider different techniques for designing touch-enabled interfaces for many applications from models to medical training, considering their growing importance.—The Bookwatch, November 2008Table of ContentsPreface -- Introduction -- I Fundamentals and Devices -- 1 Perceiving Object Properties through a Rigid Link -- 1.1 Surface Roughness: Direct vs. Indirect Exploration -- 1.2 Effects of a Rigid Link on Other Object Properties -- 1.3 Object Identification: Direct vs. Indirect Exploration -- 1.4 Intersensory Influences via Indirect Touch -- 1.5 Rendered Textures -- 1.6 Implications for Virtual Objects -- 2 Multi-Sensory Interactions -- 2.1 Introduction to Crossmodal Congruency -- 2.2 The CrossmodalCongruency Task -- 2.3 Using the Crossmodal Congruency Task -- 2.4 Using the Crossmodal Congruency Task -- 2.5 Conclusion -- 3 Design Issues in Haptic Devices -- 3.1 Towards Full-Body Virtual Touch -- 3.2 SensoryModes and Interface Devices -- 3.3 Locomotion Interfaces -- 3.4 Desktop Displays -- 3.5 Flexible Surface Displays -- 3.6 Summary -- 4 Rendering for Multifinger Haptic Devices -- 4.1 Literature Review -- 4.2 Multifinger Haptic Perception -- 4.3 Design of a Multifinger Haptic Device -- 4.4 Multifinger Rendering Method -- 4.5 FutureWork -- 5 Locomotion Interfaces and Rendering -- 5.1 Locomotion InterfaceDesigns -- 5.2 Locomotion Rendering -- 5.3 Discussion -- 6 Variable Friction Haptic Displays -- 6.1 Human Perception of Friction -- 6.2 Friction Reduction Theory -- 6.3 Variable Friction Devices -- 6.4 Friction Reduction Measurements -- 6.5 Friction Patterns toMimic Textures -- 6.6 Multidimensional Scaling -- 6.7 Summary -- 7 Stability of Haptic Displays -- 7.1 Definitions -- 7.2 Designing for Passivity -- 7.3 PassiveRendering of a VirtualWall -- 7.4 Extensions to the Passivity Framework -- 7.5 ControlMethods -- 7.6 Extending Z-Width -- 7.7 Summary -- II Rendering Techniques -- 8 Introduction to Haptic Rendering Algorithms -- 8.1 Definition of the Rendering Problem -- 8.2 Components of a Rendering Algorithm -- 8.3 Direct Rendering vs. Virtual Coupling -- 8.4 Modeling the Tool and the Environment -- 8.5 Multirate Algorithm -- 9 Overview on Collision and Proximity Queries -- 9.1 ProblemDefinitions -- 9.2 Convex Polytopes -- 9.3 General PolygonalModels -- 9.4 Penetration Depth Computation -- 9.5 Volumetric Representations -- 9.6 Spline and Algebraic Objects -- 9.7 DeformableModels -- 9.8 Dynamic Queries -- 9.9 Multiresolution Techniques -- 9.10 Large Environments -- 9.11 Proximity Query Packages -- 10 Collision Detection for Three-DOF Rendering -- 10.1 RelatedWork -- 10.2 A Fast Proximity Query Algorithm for 3-DOF Haptic Interaction -- 10.3 Implementation Issues -- 10.4 System Performance -- 10.5 Conclusion -- 10.6 Acknowledgments -- 11 Voxel-Based Collision Detection for Six-DOF Rendering -- 11.1 AlgorithmOverview -- 11.2 Voxel Data Structures -- 11.3 Geometrical Awareness -- 11.4 Temporal Coherence -- 11.5 Rendering with Virtual Coupling -- 11.6 Applications and Experiments -- 11.7 Discussion -- 12 Continuous Collision Detection -- 12.1 Why Continuous Collision Detection? -- 12.2 Arbitrary In-BetweenMotions -- 12.3 Interval Arithmetic -- 12.4 Elementary Continuous Collision Detection -- 12.5 Continuous Overlap Tests for Bounding Volumes -- 12.6 Conclusion -- 13 Contact Levels of Detail -- 13.1 Psychophysical Foundations -- 13.2 Approaches to Multiresolution Collision Detection -- 13.3 Data Structure of CLODs -- 13.4 Sensation-Preserving Simplification -- 13.5 Multiresolution Contact Queries -- 13.6 Experiments -- 13.7 Discussion -- 14 Physically Based Haptic Synthesis -- 14.1 Haptic Synthesis as a Means for Passivity -- 14.2 Friction -- 14.3 Damage -- 14.4 Elastic Deformation -- 14.5 Texture -- 14.6 Shocks -- 14.7 Conclusion -- 15 Three-Degree-of-Freedom Rendering -- 15.1 Human-Machine Coupling -- 15.2 Single-Point Rendering of 3D Rigid Objects -- 15.3 Surface Details: Smoothing, Friction, and Texture -- 15.4 Summary and Future -- 16 Six-Degree-of-Freedom Rendering of Rigid Environments -- 16.1 Overview -- 16.2 Six-Degree-of-Freedom God-Object Simulation -- 16.3 Constraint-Based Force Computation -- 16.4 Haptic Surface Properties -- 16.5 Results and Discussion -- 16.6 Summary -- 17 Rendering of Spline Models -- 17.1 The Spline Representation -- 17.2 Distance and Orthogonal Projection -- 17.3 Local Minima in Distance versus the Virtual Proxy -- 17.4 3-DOF Haptic Rendering of Spline Models -- 17.5 Direct ParametricTracing -- 17.6 Stability of Numerical Closest Point Methods -- 17.7 6-DOF Haptic Rendering of Spline Models -- 17.8 Conclusion -- 18 Rendering of Textured Objects -- 18.1 PerceptualMotivations -- 18.2 Three-DOF Haptic Texture Rendering -- 18.3 Texture ForceModel -- 18.4 Penetration Depth between TexturedModels -- 18.5 Experiments -- 18.6 Discussion -- 19 Modeling Deformation of Linear Elastostatic Objects -- 19.1 Motivations for Linear Elastostatic Models -- 19.2 Linear Elastostatic Boundary Model Preliminaries -- 19.3 Fast Global Deformation Using Capacitance Matrix Algorithms (CMAs) -- 19.4 Capacitance Matrices as Local Buffer Models -- 19.5 Surface Stiffness Models for Point-Like Contact -- 19.6 Results -- 19.7 Summary -- 20 Rendering of Frictional Contact with Deformable Environments -- 20.1 Contact and Friction Models -- 20.2 Non-Smooth Dynamics for Deformable Objects -- 20.3 Integration Schemes -- 20.4 Building Contact Space -- 20.5 Solving Strategy -- 20.6 Haptic Rendering -- 20.7 Examples -- 20.8 Conclusion -- 21 Measurement-Based Modeling for Haptic Rendering -- 21.1 Literature Review -- 21.2 Developing and Rendering a Measurement-Based Model -- 21.3 Example Application: Tapping on Rigid Surfaces -- 21.4 Example Application: Cutting Deformable Surfaces -- 21.5 Summary -- III Applications -- 22 Virtual Prototyping -- 22.1 Brief State of the Art -- 22.2 Overview -- 22.3 The Stringed Haptic Workbench -- 22.4 TheMixed-Prop -- 22.5 Putty Application—An Automotive Virtual Prototyping Application -- 22.6 Conclusion -- 23 Haptics for Scientific Visualization -- 23.1 Lessons from Haptic-Enabled Visualization Applications -- 23.2 Useful Techniques for Haptic Display in Scientific Visualization -- 23.3 Summary -- 24 Haptics in Medical Applications -- 24.1 Overview -- 24.2 Visuo-Haptic Segmentation of Radiological Data -- 24.3 Immersive Virtual-Reality-Based Hysteroscopy Training -- 24.4 Multimodal Augmented Reality for Open Surgery Training -- 25 The Role of Haptics in Physical Rehabilitation -- 25.1 Robotic Systems for Physical Rehabilitation -- 25.2 Specifics of Haptic Feedback for the Disabled -- 25.3 Safety Issues in Haptics for Rehabilitation -- 25.4 Looking at the Future -- 26 Modeling and Creative Processes -- 26.1 Case Studies of Existing Systems -- 26.2 Haptic-Enhanced Painting with 3D Deformable Brushes -- 26.3 Haptic Modeling and 3D Painting -- 26.4 Discussion -- 26.5 FutureWork -- Bibliography -- Index.

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Book SynopsisAs the 21st century approaches, the need to put principles of sustainable living and ecosystem management into practice has never been so urgent. Ecosystem Management for Sustainability recognizes this need and shares the experiences of the editor and 54 contributing authors, each leaders in the advancement of ecosystem management and champions of the natural environment. The book uses the Man And Biosphere program as a case example of a wide variety of resource management activities at work. Through the multi-authored contributions to this book, documentation of a comprehensive spectrum of ecosystem management and sustainable development principles is achieved. Ecosystem Management for Sustainability provides a link between theory and practice of these two philosophies.Trade Review"…provides the reader with a working example of an ongoing process from which to learn."The Canadian Field-Naturalist, Vol. 114, August 28, 2000Table of ContentsThe Concepts and Their Relevance to the Man and the Biosphere ProgramPrinciples of Ecosystem Management and Sustainable Development, F. McCormickEnvironmental Policy, Sustainable Societies, and Biosphere Reserves, W. GreggThe Evolution of Land Use Ethics and Resource Management: Coming Full Circle, J. Nolt and J. PeineThe Case Study Setting and Institutional FrameworkThe Southern Appalachians: The Setting for the Case Study, J.C. Randolph, M. McKinney, C. Allen, and J. PeineFramework for Integrated Ecosystem Management: The Southern Appalachian Man and Biosphere Cooperative, H. HinoteA Comparison in the Management of Two Biosphere Reserves: Prioko-Terrasky Reserve, Russia, and Great Smoky Mountains National Park, USA, J. Peine, V. Koshevoi, K. Wade, I. Zhigarev, and M. DavydovaComponents of Ecosystem ManagementThe Environmental Assessment as a Process to Set Priorities: The Southern Appalachian Experience, C. Berish, R. Durbrow, J. Harrison, B. Jackson, and K. RiitersEnvironmental Monitoring, E. Smith, C.Parker, and J. PeineThe Role of Indicator Species: Neotropical Migratory Song Birds, T. Simons, K. Rabenold, D. Buehler, J. Collazo, and K. FranzrebManagement of a Large Carnivore: Black Bear, J. Clark and M. PeltonSpecies Repatriation: Red Wolf, C. Lucash, B. Crawford, and J. ClarkManagement of Isolated Populations: Southern Strain Brook Trout, S. Guffy, G. McCracken, S. Moore, and C. ParkerControl of Exotic Species: European Wild Boar, J. Peine and R. LanciaControl of Pests and Pathogens, S. Schlarbaum, R. Anderson, and F. Thompon-CampbellAir Quality Management: A Policy Perspective, J. Peine, L. Cox, M. Ross, B. Stephens, W. Miller III, B. Morton, and K. MalkinFire Management, E. Buckner and N.TurrillLand Use Planning: Tourism, J. PeineManaging Biodiversity in Historic Habitats: Case History of the Southern Appalachian Grassy Balds, P. White and R. SutterClimate Change: Potential

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Book SynopsisClinical trials have become essential research tools for evaluating the benefits and risks of new interventions for the treatment and prevention of diseases, from cardiovascular disease to cancer to AIDS. Based on the authors’ collective experiences in this field, Introduction to Statistical Methods for Clinical Trials presents various statistical topics relevant to the design, monitoring, and analysis of a clinical trial.After reviewing the history, ethics, protocol, and regulatory issues of clinical trials, the book provides guidelines for formulating primary and secondary questions and translating clinical questions into statistical ones. It examines designs used in clinical trials, presents methods for determining sample size, and introduces constrained randomization procedures. The authors also discuss how various types of data must be collected to answer key questions in a trial. In addition, they explore common analysis methods, describe statistical methods that determine what an emerging trend represents, and present issues that arise in the analysis of data. The book concludes with suggestions for reporting trial results that are consistent with universal guidelines recommended by medical journals. Developed from a course taught at the University of Wisconsin for the past 25 years, this textbook provides a solid understanding of the statistical approaches used in the design, conduct, and analysis of clinical trials.Trade Review… There is much good material in this book. The individual chapters are well written and cover the technical aspects as well. A major strength is the ordering of topics to follow the thought process used in the development and implementation of a protocol from defining the question to reporting results. There are careful discussions on fundamental principles and the pivotal role played by statistics is well brought out. … there is much that practicing pharmaceutical statisticians will find useful in this book. They will find the coverage of fundamental principles useful and the technical content of the book a good reference source. …—Pharmaceutical Statistics, 2010… fits the need for a contemporary text and handbook that is oriented toward the clinical trial statistician. I highly recommend it and look forward to using it as both a primary and supplemental text in our curriculum, as well as a research resource.—James J. Dignam, University of Chicago, JASA, March 2009The (technical) statistical content is the main focus of the book and this is what helps it to stand apart from most others on clinical trials (even the more obviously statistically orientated ones). It takes the reader to quite a technical background that would serve him or her well if moving on to research problems in the various areas covered, yet does not lose sight of practical issues. … For those of us with the interest (and need) to grapple with these more statistical issues, I wholeheartedly recommend it.—Biometrics, December 2008…The book is very well written and clear. … the authors generally strike the right balance for the intended audience. The inclusion of many historically important as well as contemporary examples to illustrate various points throughout the text is a major strength, as is the inclusion of several modern topics not seen in other texts. As a basis for a course in clinical trials for graduate students in biostatistics, this book is outstanding. In addition, statisticians in the pharmaceutical industry, government, or academia … will find this text extremely informative and useful.” —Michael P. McDermott, University of Rochester Medical Center, Journal of Biopharmaceutical Statistics, 2008Table of ContentsPreface. Introduction to Clinical Trials. Defining the Question. Study Design. Sample Size. Randomization. Data Collection and Quality Control. Survival Analysis. Longitudinal Data. Quality of Life. Data Monitoring and Interim Analysis. Selected Issues in the Analysis. Closeout and Reporting. Special Topics. Appendix. References. Index.

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Book SynopsisThis wonderful teaching resource has the reader build nine graded projects, including a cookie jar alarm, a night light, disco party lights, a digital piano, and more. All of the projects use cheap and readily-available components, with no soldering required. By the end of the book, the reader will understand core circuit concepts, and can use that knowledge to build their own electronic creations. With easy-to-follow directions and photo references, almost anyone can become an electronics enthusiast with the help of A Beginner s Guide to Circuits!Trade Review"An excellent starter book for young people interested in electronics."—Tim Cox, founder of MagPi Magazine"A much better way to learn the way circuits work than many other guides or books, which hold your hand through assembly at the cost of holding your hands through understanding."—Greg Laden, ScienceBlogs“By the end of [A Beginner's Guide to Circuits], kids will be able to invent and build their own electronic creations. . . . Highly recommended for school and community library collections for young readers . . .”—Midwest Book Reviews“Fantastic example circuits, easy enough to build but great as learning tools . . . a great introductory text to the world of electronics.”—Daylight Reviews, Amazon reviewer

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Book Synopsis“Despite everything I felt very lucky to have flown Corsairs, they were the best you know even though it took me sometime to realise this when so many friends died flying them.” (Colin Facer, Corsair pilot, HMS Illustrious)The Vought-Sikorsky Corsair was one of the most potent fighters of the Second World War. It was also one of the most flawed. Conceived by Rex Beisel, Vought’s Chief Designer during 1938, the US Navy condemned it as being too dangerous for carrier operations and refused to certify it safe for use at sea. With the British Aero Industry unable to build fighters with sufficient range and potentcy for carrier use the Admirtalty sought alternatives. With the Lend Lease programme, created by President Roosevelt, in place they could acquire weapons from American factories. In practice, this meant standing in line behind the US Navy, Marines and Army for service, but it still opened up new opportunities to be exploited. So, with newly built Corsairs being stockpiled and the promise of an improved version on the way, the RN saw a opening worthy of development and exploited it. By the end of the war the Fleet Air Arm had acquired more than 2,000 Corsairs to equip its squadrons. But the risks identified by the USN were largely ignored by the Royal Navy and far too many men and aircraft were lost in accidents as a result. Yet in the hands of experienced carrier pilots its virtues were only too apparent and, in due course, they achieved great things. Eventually, the US Navy noted this “success” and certified the Corsair for use on their carriers too, but the aircraft never entirely lost its reputation as a “widow maker.”This book describes the Corsair’s development and tells the sad, but inspiring story of the young men who struggled and suffered to make the Corsair a going concern in the most vicious unforgiving war one can imagine. To do this the author met and corresponded with ninety or more veterans from America, Britain, New Zealand and Canada. Their recollections made this book possible and through their vivid memories we can experience what it felt like to be barely of age, a civilian called to arms and a fighter pilot.Trade ReviewWell written, there is a nice balance between the type's problem plagued development and the roller coaster of personal experiences which saw the Corsair come of age. * Classic Wings 01/09/2021 *…an account of its [The Corsair's] record in combat, spiced with many first-hand accounts, American and British. * Aeroplane Magazine *Table of ContentsAcknowledgements Contents Prologue Chapter 1. Rex Buren Beisel Chapter 2. A Corsair Takes Shape Chapter 3. Boom or Bust Chapter 4. "What Did You Expect When You Volunteered?" Chapter 5. Taming Two Beasts Chapter 6. New Horizons, New Enemy Chapter 7. And Now It Gets Serious Chapter 8. Enduring Chapter 9. To The End Of Time Epilogue Reference Source Glossary Index

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Book SynopsisSmall is beautiful, and these 15 real farm plans show that small-scale farmers can have big-time success. Compact Farms is an illustrated guide for anyone dreaming of starting, expanding, or perfecting a profitable farming enterprise on five acres or less. The farm plans explain how to harness an area’s water supply, orientation, and geography in order to maximize efficiency and productivity while minimizing effort. Profiles of well-known farmers such as Eliot Coleman and Jean-Martin Fortier show that farming on a small scale in any region, in both urban and rural settings, can provide enough income to turn the endeavor from hobby to career. These real-life plans and down-and-dirty advice will equip you with everything you need to actually realize your farm dreams.

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Book SynopsisMaking wine at home just got more fun, and easier, with Richard Bender’s experiments. Whether you’re new to winemaking or a seasoned pro, you’ll find this innovative manual accessible, thanks to its focus on small batches that require minimal equipment and use an unexpected range of readily available fruits, vegetables, flowers, and herbs. The ingredient list is irresistibly curious. How about banana wine or dark chocolate peach? Plum champagne or sweet potato saké? Chamomile, sweet basil, blood orange Thai dragon, kumquat cayenne, and even cannabis rhubarb wines have earned a place in Bender’s flavor collection. Go ahead, give it a try.

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Book SynopsisLabor and related costs account for more than half of the price of the average home solar installation. But homeowners can save thousands of dollars with this user-friendly manual, which follows the same process professional contractors use. Through detailed directions and step-by-step photos, veteran solar installer Joseph Burdick and seasoned builder Philip Schmidt teach you how to determine the size, placement, and type of installation you’ll need. This comprehensive DIY guide covers everything from assembling rooftop racking or building a ground-mount structure to setting up the electrical connections and making a battery bank for off-grid systems.

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Book SynopsisLearn about the rarest muscle cars ever produced with this new book. In the world of muscle cars, many were produced and sold in large enough quantities that they would be considered special but not particularly rare at the time of production. The Boss 429 and Plymouth Superbird were produced for racing homologation reasons, and since they were very expensive to produce, the manufacturers ensured that they would be rare. However, there is rare, and then there is rare. Prototypes and special factory builds, factory production cars, and super car tuners and builders are all covered in this new book by muscle-car historian Wes Eisenschenk. Some are single examples, some are very close to being the last remaining example, and all are extremely rare. Some have no surviving example known to exist. Featured cars include a Boss 429 Cougar, a 1971 Pontiac Ventura II Sprint 455, a 1965 Chevelle 300 COPO car with the L78 option, and a 1970 FK5 Deep Burnt Orange Metallic Superbird. Dealer promotional specials include a 1968 AMC AMX Von Piranha, a 1970 Dick Harrell LS6 454 Camaro, and a 1973 Nickey Chevrolet 427 Nova. These are cars that you will read about but likely never see. For a fun ride through muscle-car history and great stories of the rarest muscle cars ever produced, add this book to your automotive library today.

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Book SynopsisEMI Troubleshooting Cookbook for Product Designers provides the 'recipe' for identifying why products fail to meet EMI/EMC regulatory standards. It also outlines techniques for tracking the noise source, and discovering the coupling mechanism, that is causing the undesired effects. This title gives examples of simple, easily implemented, and inexpensive troubleshooting tools that can be built by the engineer or technician, and uses methods that require only a basic understanding of electromagnetic theory and a minimal background in EMI/EMC. It will show the engineer and technician how to develop a process for troubleshooting using a straightforward approach in solving what may seem like a rather complicated problem at first. It will provide guidelines on how to approach an EMI failure, things to try, how to choose the right parts and balance cost, performance, and schedule. This book tells readers trying to solve EMI problems what to do and how to do it.Trade Review'Great treatment of EMI troubleshooting. This book should be on the bookshelf of every EMI engineer, and anybody else responsible for EMI compliance.' -- Daryl Gerke, PE, Kimmel Gerke Associates, Ltd. (EMC Consulting Engineers)Table of Contents Chapter 1: Electromagnetic Fundamentals Chapter 2: Electromagnetic Interference and Compatibility Chapter 3: Instrumentation Chapter 4: Radiated Emissions Chapter 5: Conducted Emissions Chapter 6: Radiated Susceptibility Chapter 7: Conducted Susceptibility Chapter 8: Electrically Fast Transient (EFT) Chapter 9: Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) Chapter 10: Transient Suppression for Surge and Lightning Pulses Chapter 11: Other Specific EMI Issues Appendix A: Conversions, Handy Formulas, and Definitions Appendix B: Analyzing Clock Oscillators, Digital Sources and Harmonics Appendix C: Using Reactance Graphs Appendix D: Recommended EMI Toolkit Appendix E: Filter Design Appendix F: Measuring Resonant Structures Appendix G: EMC Standards and Regulations Appendix H: EMC Symbols and Acronyms

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Book SynopsisFrom Galileo’s telescope to the International Space Station - a photo-filled tour through the milestones of space exploration This eclectic pop history of space exploration, by scientist-educator Sten Odenwald at NASA, examines 100 objects - all stunningly photographed - and their effect on what we know and how we think about space. Whimsical and uniquely clarifying, Space Exploration - A History in 100 Objects covers the iconic, from Sputnik to Skylab, as well as the lesser-known but utterly important: The ancient Greek Antikythera mechanism, the first known analog computer, which predicted astronomical movement. Luna 3, the first satellite to glimpse the far side of the moon. The O-ring; the humble, rubber part that doomed the Space Shuttle Challenger. Syncom 2, the first geosynchronous satellite, which made international TV possible. The V-2 rocket, the first artificial object to cross the threshold of space - and many more!

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Book SynopsisIn this hands-on book, you'll learn in detail how to run Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations using ANSYS Fluent.

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Book SynopsisThis book will teach you everything you need to know to start using SOLIDWORKS 2023 with easy to understand, step-by-step tutorials. This book features a simple robot design used as a project throughout the book. You will learn to model parts, create assemblies, run simulations and even create animations of your robot design.No previous experience with Computer Aided Design (CAD) is needed since this book starts at an introductory level. The author begins by getting you familiar with the SOLIDWORKS interface and its basic tools right away. You will start by learning to model simple robot parts and before long you will graduate to creating more complex parts and multi-view drawings.Along the way you will learn the fundamentals of parametric modeling through the use of geometric constraints and relationships. You will also become familiar with many of SOLIDWORKS's powerful tools and commands that enable you to easily construct complex features in your models. Also included is coverage of gears, gear trains and spur gear creation using SOLIDWORKS.This book continues by examining the different mechanisms commonly used in walking robots. You will learn the basic types of planar four-bar linkages commonly used in mechanical designs and how to use the GeoGebra Dynamic Geometry software to simulate and analyze 2D linkages. Using the knowledge you gained about linkages and mechanisms, you will learn how to modify your robot and change its behavior by modifying or creating new parts.In the second to last chapter of this book you learn how to combine all the robot parts into assemblies and then run motion analysis. You will finish off your project by creating 3D animations of your robot in action.Finally, in the last chapter, the author introduces you to 3D printing. You will learn the general principles of 3D printing including a brief history of 3D printing, the types of 3D printing technologies, commonly used filaments, and the basic procedure for printing a 3D model. Being able to turn your designs into physical objects will open up a whole new world of possibilities to you.There are many books that show you how to perform individual tasks with SOLIDWORKS, but this book takes you through an entire project and shows you the complete engineering process.

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