Search results for ""Author Peng"

The highly anticipated next book in Tuttle's Stories for Language Learners series is here!This book presents 22 classic Chinese proverbs and the traditional tales behind them. The stories are bilingual, with the Chinese and English versions presented on facing pages. Each includes an explanation of how the proverb is used today, cultural notes, vocabulary and discussion questions. Audio recordings of the tales read by native speakers are included—giving students a chance to improve their pronunciation and comprehension.Some of the proverbs featured in this collection include: "Painting the Eyes on the Dragon"Based on the story of a famous court painter in 6th century China who painted dragons, this proverb refers to the finishing touches needed to bring a work of art or literature to life. In a discussion, it refers to the final statements used to clinch the argument. "Waiting for Rabbits by a Tree Stump"Based on an ancient folktale about a foolish farmer who sees a rabbit kill itself in front of him by running into a tree stump, then gives up tilling his field to wait for more rabbits by the stump. This saying is applied to people who wait passively for luck to strike again. It also refers to impractical people who stick to one way of doing things only because it has worked for them once in the past. "Pure Water Has No Fish; Perfect People Have No Friends"Many versions of this historical tale exist. The one told here is about a 2nd century AD official sent to govern a far-flung outpost on the Silk Road who is fastidious in applying strict rules and thereby causes the local people to rebel against him. In the professional world, it is used to refer to people who do not like to work with an overly strict supervisor or colleague. Whether being used in a classroom or for self-study, Chinese Stories for Language Learners provides an educational and entertaining way for intermediate Mandarin learners to expand their vocabulary and understanding of the language.

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This book covers the essential theory and implementation of popular Bayesian optimization techniques in an intuitive and well-illustrated manner. The techniques covered in this book will enable you to better tune the hyperparemeters of your machine learning models and learn sample-efficient approaches to global optimization.The book begins by introducing different Bayesian Optimization (BO) techniques, covering both commonly used tools and advanced topics. It follows a “develop from scratch” method using Python, and gradually builds up to more advanced libraries such as BoTorch, an open-source project introduced by Facebook recently. Along the way, you’ll see practical implementations of this important discipline along with thorough coverage and straightforward explanations of essential theories. This book intends to bridge the gap between researchers and practitioners, providing both with a comprehensive, easy-to-digest, and useful reference guide. After completing this book, you will have a firm grasp of Bayesian optimization techniques, which you’ll be able to put into practice in your own machine learning models.What You Will Learn Apply Bayesian Optimization to build better machine learning models Understand and research existing and new Bayesian Optimization techniques Leverage high-performance libraries such as BoTorch, which offer you the ability to dig into and edit the inner working Dig into the inner workings of common optimization algorithms used to guide the search process in Bayesian optimization Who This Book Is ForBeginner to intermediate level professionals in machine learning, analytics or other roles relevant in data science.

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Every blot's an inspirationEvery line is freeUnlock your imaginationDraw what you seeHirameki - 'brainwave' or 'flash of inspiration' in Japanese - is where doodling and imagination come together. Simply put, it's the art of turning a random blot into something amazing, just by adding a few dots and lines. If it's true that you can find happiness in little things, this book should keep your eyes, hand and brain entertained for hours.

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The 4-volume set LNAI 13935 - 13938 constitutes the proceedings of the 27th Pacific-Asia Conference on Knowledge Discovery and Data Mining, PAKDD 2023, which took place in Osaka, Japan during May 25–28, 2023.The 143 papers presented in these proceedings were carefully reviewed and selected from 813 submissions. They deal with new ideas, original research results, and practical development experiences from all KDD related areas, including data mining, data warehousing, machine learning, artificial intelligence, databases, statistics, knowledge engineering, big data technologies, and foundations.

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The International Encyclopedia of Digital Communication and Society offers critical assessments of theoretical and applied research on digitally-mediated communication, a central area of study in the 21st century. Unique for its emphasis on digital media and communication and for its use of business and management perspectives, in addition to cultural, developmental, political and sociological perspectives Entries are written by scholars and some practitioners from around the world, with exceptional depth and international scope of coverage in five themes: Social Media, Commercial Applications, Online Gaming, Law and Policy, and Information and Communicative Technology for Development Features leading research in the fields of Media and Communication Studies, Internet Studies, Journalism Studies, Law and Policy Studies, Science, Technology and Innovation Studies, and many more Organized in an accessible A-Z format with over 150 entries on key topics ranging from 2,000 to 10,000 words Part of The Wiley Blackwell-ICA International Encyclopedias of Communication series, published in conjunction with the International Communication Association. Online version available atwww.wileyicaencyclopedia.com

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The only book available in the area of forward-time population genetics simulations—applicable to both biomedical and evolutionary studies The rapid increase of the power of personal computers has led to the use of serious forward-time simulation programs in genetic studies. Forward-Time Population Genetics Simulations presents both new and commonly used methods, and introduces simuPOP, a powerful and flexible new program that can be used to simulate arbitrary evolutionary processes with unique features like customized chromosome types, arbitrary nonrandom mating schemes, virtual subpopulations, information fields, and Python operators. The book begins with an overview of important concepts and models, then goes on to show how simuPOP can simulate a number of standard population genetics models—with the goal of demonstrating the impact of genetic factors such as mutation, selection, and recombination on standard Wright-Fisher models. The rest of the book is devoted to applications of forward-time simulations in various research topics. Forward-Time Population Genetics Simulations includes: An overview of currently available forward-time simulation methods, their advantages, and shortcomings An overview and evaluation of currently available software A simuPOP tutorial Applications in population genetics Applications in genetic epidemiology, statistical genetics, and mapping complex human diseases The only book of its kind in the field today, Forward-Time Population Genetics Simulations will appeal to researchers and students of population and statistical genetics.

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This comprehensive visual monograph provides a documentation of Li Yongzheng s works, ranging from performances to installations, video to open-ended participatory projects. The artist is renowned for examining China s most thorny issues, such as human rights and personal freedoms. In this volume, he reflects on the theme of borders by questioning the concepts of nation and abroad, us and the other, trying to explain the condition of today s China: more and more connected with the outside world and fragmented inside.

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Space-time array communications have gained a great deal of interest in recent years. Its superior performance in practical multipath propagation environments has established it as a core aspect in next generation mobile networks, as well as several portable wireless communication systems. In fact the employment of the sensor array component has already been provided for in the current UMTS standard, and there is presently a major thrust to make space-time processing an important part of 3G/4G networks. This book hence attempts to bridge the knowledge gap, looking at the integration of two emerging technologies from an array manifold perspective — space-time array processing and spread spectrum multiple access communications. It covers a range of novel multiuser channel estimation and reception techniques, which is designed to provide mitigations of the various associated channel impairments in accordance to its environmental context. For convenience of the readers, the book is written in a self-contained modular format with its mathematical frameworks and tools readily extendable to other research domains.

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The timeless wisdom of Chinese folktales presented in parallel English and Chinese texts!Switch up your bedtime reading with this memorable bilingual anthology. These traditional Chinese tales are fun to read and each one contains a gentle moral telling kids how to be a good person and live a good life. The stories are presented with parallel English and Chinese texts on every page, along with dozens of charming color illustrations by illustrator Yang Xi.The ten traditional folktales in this volume include: "Gold and Silver Hatchets" — Showing children the rewards that honesty can bring "How Can You Weigh an Elephant?" — It takes a small boy to solve an impossible task " How Silk Was Invented" — And how women contributed to the development of Chinese culture And many more! Sure to delight readers of all ages, A Bilingual Treasury of Chinese Folktales is perfect for parents who want their children to absorb the timeless wisdom of Chinese folk stories and also perhaps learn some Chinese along the way!

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Key Clinical Topics in Ophthalmology presents a brand new addition to the Key Clinical Topics series. The book provides a comprehensive overview of the subject, comprising 93 carefully selected topics in alpha order that together provide an extensive understanding of the management of ophthalmic disorders. This collection of highly practical guides systematically addresses management techniques for a large number of clinical settings. Edited by experienced specialists, with contributions from consultants who have recognised expertise in their field, this book provides an authoritative and up-to-date guide on ophthalmic medicine. Designed to enable rapid access to core information, KCT in Ophthalmology offers effective exam revision and the ideal quick reference for day-to-day practice. Key point 93 topics presented in alpha order, from age-related macular degeneration to white dot syndromes Effective exam revision for postgraduate trainees in ophthalmology preparing for certification Succinct coverage of ophthalmic treatment modalities and complications Includes clinical photos and diagrams to improve understanding of concepts Contributions from experienced specialists to ensure authoritative, accurate content

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This volume presents a scholarly insider's perspective on the Asian economic crisis, examining the social, economic and political consequences of the crisis in six influential Asian economies: Indonesia, Korea, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan and Thailand. Each chapter contains an analysis of the events leading up to and during the crisis, the social impacts and an assessment of possible futures for these countries. The contributors expertise and use of up-to-date data ensures an integrated approach by which the process of economic change can be understood.The book reveals that professional workers in the urban financial sector, as well as manual labourers in the export sector, felt the most dramatic effects. Impacts on the latter group resulted in a significant rise in the population living below the poverty line. The book emphasises the previous absence of strong social security 'nets' and the need to strengthen macroeconomic policies and institutional, legal, regulatory and supervisory structures. Other topics covered include intractable government corruption and fiscal management.The Social Impact of the Asian Financial Crisis has a unique perspective that will ensure greater understanding of the causes and consequences of the crisis in six major economies and as such will appeal to academics, researchers and policymakers involved in Asian politics and development economics.

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Learn to effectively operate and maintain reciprocating and turbine aircraft enginesThis hands-on guide succinctly covers all aspects of reciprocating and turbine aircraft engines. The book serves as a study guide for candidates preparing for the FAA Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) certification exam and also is a valuable on-the-job reference for aircraft mechanics and aviation enthusiasts. Written by experienced professors from the highly-ranked aviation program at Purdue, Standard Aircraft Engines Handbook lays out technical details along with in-depth operational explanations. Relevant FAA regulations and requirements are highlighted throughout.Coverage includes: Reciprocating and turbine engines Engine instrument systems Engine fire protection systems Engine electrical systems Lubrication systems Ignition and starting systems Fuel metering and engine fuel systems Induction and engine airflow systems Engine cooling systems Engine exhaust and reverser systems Propellers Engine inspection and maintenance Standard maintenance practices

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The International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO) is a competition for high school students. China has taken part in the IMO 21 times since 1985 and has won the top ranking for countries 14 times, with a multitude of golds for individual students. The six students China has sent every year were selected from 20 to 30 students among approximately 130 students who took part in the annual China Mathematical Competition during the winter months. This volume of comprises a collection of original problems with solutions that China used to train their Olympiad team in the years from 2009 to 2010. Mathematical Olympiad problems with solutions for the years 2002-2008 appear in an earlier volume, Mathematical Olympiad in China.

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An introduction to theories and applications in wireless broadband networks As wireless broadband networks evolve into future generation wireless networks, it's important for students, researchers, and professionals to have a solid understanding of their underlying theories and practical applications. Divided into two parts, the book presents: Enabling Technologies for Wireless Broadband Networks—orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing and other block-based transmissions; multi-input/multi-output antenna systems; ultra-wideband; medium access control; mobility resource management; routing protocols for multi-hop wireless broadband networks; radio resource management for wireless broadband networks; and quality of service for multimedia services Systems for Wireless Broadband Networks—long-term evolution cellular networks; wireless broadband networking with WiMax; wireless local area networks; wireless personal area networks; and convergence of networks Each chapter begins with an introduction and ends with a summary, appendix, and a list of resources for readers who would like to explore the subjects in greater depth. The book is an ideal resource for researchers in electrical engineering and computer science and an excellent textbook for electrical engineering and computer science courses at the advanced undergraduate and graduate levels.

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This edited volume focuses on the core aspects of sugarcane production-management under stressful environments as well as innovative strategies for augmenting crop growth & productivity through intrinsic and extrinsic manipulations. The various chapters aim at bringing out comprehensive and advance information on different aspects of sugarcane cultivation under stress environments and impact of climate change on the sustainability of sugarcane production. The book encompasses information about crop production management, physiological & nutritional requirements, ratooning, ripening and post-harvest losses management. It also delineates various technologies that support the continued use and improvement of sugarcane as renewable source of food, fiber and bio-energy. The manipulations at cellular and molecular levels, molecular breeding approaches and post-harvest technologies are also included. The area under sugarcane cultivation is gradually increasing because of its diversification potential. The high productivity and biomass of the cane crop also makes it a key source for use as bio-energy crop and a promising raw material for bio-based agro-industries. However, poor crop & biomass productivity due to abiotic stress is the foremost constraint in its future commercial exploitation as sustainable feed-stock for bio-based industries. It is therefore imperative to understand the cellular-molecular modulation responsible to productivity barrier under specific stress situation(s) for better sugarcane quality and quantum under field condition. Some of these innovative approaches are delineated in this book. This book is of interest to progressive sugarcane growers, millers, industrial entrepreneurs, sugarcane scientists, cane development and extension officers, sugar industry managers and valuable source of reference worldwide.

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Cognitive sensing systems combined with IoTs and smart technologies are used in countless applications such as industrial robotics, computer-aided diagnosis, brain-computer interface (BCI), human-computer interaction (HCI), telemedicine, driverless cars and smart energy systems. With contributions from an international team of experts from a wide range of research areas including sensing, computer vision, signal processing and device and control applications, this book highlights the emerging role of cognitive sensors in a growing number of real time applications including smart health, smart cities, smart transportation and smart agriculture. The volume will be suitable for a broad audience of researchers in the fields of smart sensing, signal processing, automation and robotics, environmental engineering, energy engineering, biomedical engineering and allied disciplines where smart sensors are part of the curriculum.

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Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) have transformed many standard and conventional methods in undertaking health and well-being issues of humans. AL/ML-based systems and tools play a critical role in this digital and big data era to address a variety of medical and healthcare problems, improving treatments and quality of care for patients. This edition on AI and ML for healthcare consists of two volumes. The first presents selected AI and ML studies on medical imaging and healthcare data analytics, while the second unveils emerging methodologies and trends in AI and ML for delivering better medical treatments and healthcare services in the future.In this first volume, progresses in AI and ML technologies for medical image, video, and signal processing as well as health information and data analytics are presented. These selected studies offer readers theoretical and practical knowledge and ideas pertaining to recent advances in AI and ML for effective and efficient image and data analytics, leading to state-of-the-art AI and ML technologies for advancing the healthcare sector.

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The 4-volume set LNAI 13935 - 13938 constitutes the proceedings of the 27th Pacific-Asia Conference on Knowledge Discovery and Data Mining, PAKDD 2023, which took place in Osaka, Japan during May 25–28, 2023.The 143 papers presented in these proceedings were carefully reviewed and selected from 813 submissions. They deal with new ideas, original research results, and practical development experiences from all KDD related areas, including data mining, data warehousing, machine learning, artificial intelligence, databases, statistics, knowledge engineering, big data technologies, and foundations.

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The 4-volume set LNAI 13935 - 13938 constitutes the proceedings of the 27th Pacific-Asia Conference on Knowledge Discovery and Data Mining, PAKDD 2023, which took place in Osaka, Japan during May 25–28, 2023.The 143 papers presented in these proceedings were carefully reviewed and selected from 813 submissions. They deal with new ideas, original research results, and practical development experiences from all KDD related areas, including data mining, data warehousing, machine learning, artificial intelligence, databases, statistics, knowledge engineering, big data technologies, and foundations.

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In computational science, reproducibility requires that researchers make code and data available to others so that the data can be analyzed in a similar manner as in the original publication. Code must be available to be distributed, data must be accessible in a readable format, and a platform must be available for widely distributing the data and code. In addition, both data and code need to be licensed permissively enough so that others can reproduce the work without a substantial legal burden.Implementing Reproducible Research covers many of the elements necessary for conducting and distributing reproducible research. It explains how to accurately reproduce a scientific result. Divided into three parts, the book discusses the tools, practices, and dissemination platforms for ensuring reproducibility in computational science. It describes: Computational tools, such as Sweave, knitr, VisTrails, Sumatra, CDE, and the Declaratron system Open source practices, good programming practices, trends in open science, and the role of cloud computing in reproducible research Software and methodological platforms, including open source software packages, RunMyCode platform, and open access journals Each part presents contributions from leaders who have developed software and other products that have advanced the field. Supplementary material is available at www.ImplementingRR.org.

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Christian theology traditionally regards the sacramental as the polar opposite of the profane. The polarity is a memorial of contemporary desacralisation, profanisation, and sacralisation that stands as a portal to the story of modern reality. In our liminal space, we neither de-sacralise our environs nor re-sacralise the world. The lines are blurred and our perception of spirituality is neither immanent nor transcendent. While words fail to articulate the condition, stories are told and tales of experiences come together to form new theoretical nets, systems and categories. The conference volume, Sacrality and Materiality: Locating Intersections seeks to reply to the questions: Where does the sacred intersect with the material? What happens when they meet? First, however, does the sacral even exist? Would it be more productive to ignite sacramental discourse at the intersections of a new matrix? Historically, materiality is other than spirituality -- an intersection of the two is an intangible event of the intellect and spirit. We must engage a bipolar setting in the context of its own history in order to speak about the unspeakable. Despite that spirituality and materiality refuse to assume the categories assigned to the initial polarities of sacrality and profanity, the volume addresses the constrictions. Sacral materialism and sacral spiritualism both exist in their own right, and Christian theology has more to offer than polarities. The sacral is the meeting point for the fission of thought. Is the sacramental a topos for telling a postmodern story of spiritual experience? Is Evangelical sacramental theology relevant? Does theological talk about holy materiality belong in denominational and inter-religious dialogue?

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Das Gesundheitswesen befindet sich im Wandel. Neben Globalisierung und Digitalisierung verändert auch das Aufkommen einer interprofessionellen Spiritual Care den Klinikalltag. Welche Rolle kann hier die christliche Klinikseelsorge einnehmen? Sollen Patient*innen umfassend und empathisch betreut werden, dürfen nicht nur Symptome und Diagnosen im Vordergrund stehen. Genauso wichtig ist, was eine Erkrankung für den Menschen im Krankenhausbett bedeutet und wie der neuen Situation begegnet werden kann. Das Buch ist ein Plädoyer dafür, die christliche Krankenhausseelsorge als spezialisierte Spiritual Care zu profilieren und im Horizont des christlichen Heilungsauftrags neu zu verstehen. Nur in enger Zusammenarbeit mit Gesundheitsfachpersonen kann sie weiterhin ihren Auftrag wahrnehmen und eine gerechte und humane Gesundheitsversorgung fördern.

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This book examines practices on the relationship between sign and meaning in the Pre-Imperial period of China from the semiotics perspective. Although the Chinese civilization did not develop a comprehensive semiotics system in that period, they are highly semiotic in many ways. The thinking and application of signs of Chinese people can be found in many classics, such as The Book of Changes, The Analects of Confucius, Tao De Jing and Zhuangzi. This book begins its study by re-examining the semiotic thoughts contained in The Book of Changes and inquiries into the thoughts of the major philosophers of different schools. It provides insights into the findings of these philosophers concerning the relationship between sign and meaning. In particular, it concentrates on how the prosperity of the various contending semiotic thoughts complemented each other in forming a sign system. In addition, the book also emphasizes the wholeness and associativity of observing things and studying relevant signs of Chinese people. As the first monograph in any language to systematically summarize Chinese semiotic thought in the Pre-Imperial period, this book helps promote understanding of the traditional Chinese culture and mindset.

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Fluorescent chemosensors have been widely applied in many diverse fields such as biology, physiology, pharmacology, and environmental sciences. The interdisciplinary nature of chemosensor research has continued to grow over the last 25 years to meet the increasing needs of monitoring our environment and health. More recently, a large range of fluorescent chemosensors have been established for the detection of biologically and/or environmentally important species, and are increasingly being used to solve biological problems. The use of these molecules as imaging probes to diagnose and treat disease is gaining momentum with clear future applications. This book will bring together world-leading experts to describe the current state of play in the field and introduce the cutting-edge research and possible future directions into fluorescent chemosensors design. Chapters focus on the basic principles involved in the design of chemosensors for specific analytes, problems, and challenges in the field. Concentrating on advanced techniques and methods, the book will be of use for academics and researchers across a number of disciplines, with international appeal.

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The book contains select proceedings of the 3rd International Conference on Data, Engineering, and Applications (IDEA 2021). It includes papers from experts in industry and academia that address state-of-the-art research in the areas of big data, data mining, machine learning, data science, and their associated learning systems and applications. This book will be a valuable reference guide for all graduate students, researchers, and scientists interested in exploring the potential of big data applications.

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Computational Trust Models and Machine Learning provides a detailed introduction to the concept of trust and its application in various computer science areas, including multi-agent systems, online social networks, and communication systems. Identifying trust modeling challenges that cannot be addressed by traditional approaches, this book: Explains how reputation-based systems are used to determine trust in diverse online communities Describes how machine learning techniques are employed to build robust reputation systems Explores two distinctive approaches to determining credibility of resources—one where the human role is implicit, and one that leverages human input explicitly Shows how decision support can be facilitated by computational trust models Discusses collaborative filtering-based trust aware recommendation systems Defines a framework for translating a trust modeling problem into a learning problem Investigates the objectivity of human feedback, emphasizing the need to filter out outlying opinions Computational Trust Models and Machine Learning effectively demonstrates how novel machine learning techniques can improve the accuracy of trust assessment.

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Glycans play essential roles in diverse biological and etiological processes and their structural complexity endow various functions. The glycome is the entire set of glycans produced by an individual organism. As the glycan microarray emerged, a good amount of knowledge has been obtained in understanding the functions of glycans. However, limited accessibility of glycans is a major obstacle to the functional glycomics study. Although isolation from biology samples provided some structures, the low abundance of glycans obtained and the difficulty in complete structural assignment restricted the subsequent assay. To circumvent this limitation, many synthetic strategies, including chemical, enzymatic and chemo-enzymatic ones have been developed to make libraries of structurally defined complex glycans available. The glycans provided by these techniques combined with high-throughput glycoarray techniques have broadened and deepened our understanding about functional glycomics. The aim of this book is to provide a comprehensive review of the current state of the synthetic glycome and a brief introduction of the application of the synthetic glycome in glycoarray assay. Accordingly, synthetic strategies toward generating glycans with comprehensive structures as well as the glycoarrays to unveil the glycan functions are described in this book.

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Clinical Pain Management Pain has many dimensions; biological, psychological and social. All of these warrant attention in clinical management and research. Despite advances in pain management and understanding, chronic pain in particular continues to be a major health concern. Many challenging problems persist in our efforts to understand and manage chronic pain. This revised and updated second edition of Clinical Pain Management: A Practical Guide draws attention to the challenges that exist for people living with chronic pain conditions, for the clinician trying to provide effective management of the patient’s pain, for the scientist seeking to unravel the mechanisms underlying pain, and for society as a whole. This book offers the opportunity for clinicians to improve their knowledge about pain and apply that knowledge for the benefit of their patients. This second edition has built upon the first edition, which was distinctive in its integration of the clinical, psychosocial and basic science topics related to the different types of pain and their management. With up-to-date information throughout the 44 chapters of this second edition, this book provides a valuable resource about pain from a variety of perspectives. Clinical Pain Management: A Practical Guide, Second Edition, will be particularly valuable not only for clinicians to help them assist with their patients experiencing an acute pain or suffering from chronic pain, but also for scientists who wish to gain more insights into these pain conditions and their underlying processes.

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* Provides case studies in each chapter illustrating how principles work in practice. * Compares strengths and weaknesses of off-the-shelf software packages.

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The residents of Caxambu, a squatter neighborhood in Rio de Janeiro, live in a state of insecurity as they face urban violence. Living with Insecurity in a Brazilian Favela examines how inequality, racism, drug trafficking, police brutality, and gang activities affect the daily lives of the people of Caxambu. Some Brazilians see these communities, known as favelas, as centers of drug trafficking that exist beyond the control of the state and threaten the rest of the city. For other Brazilians, favelas are symbols of economic inequality and racial exclusion. Ben Penglase’s ethnography goes beyond these perspectives to look at how the people of Caxambu themselves experience violence. Although the favela is often seen as a war zone, the residents are linked to each other through bonds of kinship and friendship. In addition, residents often take pride in homes and public spaces that they have built and used over generations. Penglase notes that despite poverty, their lives are not completely defined by illegal violence or deprivation. He argues that urban violence and a larger context of inequality create a social world that is deeply contradictory and ambivalent. The unpredictability and instability of daily experiences result in disagreements and tensions, but the residents also experience their neighborhood as a place of social intimacy. As a result, the social world of the neighborhood is both a place of danger and safety.

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The residents of Caxambu, a squatter neighborhood in Rio de Janeiro, live in a state of insecurity as they face urban violence. Living with Insecurity in a Brazilian Favela examines how inequality, racism, drug trafficking, police brutality, and gang activities affect the daily lives of the people of Caxambu. Some Brazilians see these communities, known as favelas, as centers of drug trafficking that exist beyond the control of the state and threaten the rest of the city. For other Brazilians, favelas are symbols of economic inequality and racial exclusion. Ben Penglase’s ethnography goes beyond these perspectives to look at how the people of Caxambu themselves experience violence. Although the favela is often seen as a war zone, the residents are linked to each other through bonds of kinship and friendship. In addition, residents often take pride in homes and public spaces that they have built and used over generations. Penglase notes that despite poverty, their lives are not completely defined by illegal violence or deprivation. He argues that urban violence and a larger context of inequality create a social world that is deeply contradictory and ambivalent. The unpredictability and instability of daily experiences result in disagreements and tensions, but the residents also experience their neighborhood as a place of social intimacy. As a result, the social world of the neighborhood is both a place of danger and safety.

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“We’re better off for having these men among us.”—Wall Street JournalBefore 9/11, the rugby team at West Point learned to bond on a sports field. This is what happened when those 15 young men became leaders in war. Filled with drama, tragedy, and personal transformations, this is the story of a unique brotherhood. It is a story of American rugby and a story of the U. S. Army created through intimate portraits of men shaped by West Point’s motto: “Duty, Honor, Country.” Some of the players deployed to Afganistan and Iraq, some to Europe. Some became infantry, others became fliers. Some saw action, some did not. One gave his life on a street in Baghdad when his convoy was hit with an IED. Two died away from the battlefield but no less tragically. Journalist Martin Pengelly, a former rugby player himself, was given extraordinary access to tell this story, a story of a brutal sport and even more brutal warfare.

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