Multiple Abstraction Hierachies for Mobile Robot Operation in Large Environments
This book focuses on the efficient performance of mobile robots through the use of multi-hierarchical symbolic representations of the environment. A mobile robot intended to perform deliberative actions must possess some symbolic representation of its workspace, but such representations of real environments usually become so large that should be conveniently arranged in order to facilitate and, in some cases, make possible their use. This book addresses all these issues considering symbolic multi-hierarchical structures. Such structures, based on the concept of abstraction, allow a robot to speed up its operation in large environments. Practical solutions tested on real robots (for instance, a robotic wheelchair for elder people) are provided.
Multiphase Reacting Flows : Modelling and Simulation
This book entitled ''Multiphase reacting flows: modelling and simulation'' contains the lecture notes of the CISM (International Centre for Mechanical Sciences) course held in Udine, Italy, on July 3-7, 2006, and it describes various modelling approaches for dealing with polydisperse multiphase reacting flows. A multiphase reacting system is characterized by the presence of multiple phases and in this book we focus on disperse multiphase systems, where one phase can be considered as a continuum, whereas the additional phases are dispersed in the continuous one. In other words, in this book we deal with multiphase systems constituted by particles, droplets or bubbles (i.e., solid particles suspended in a continuous liquid phase, liquid droplets in a gaseous phase, or gas bubbles in liquid.) The other important characteristic elements of the systems discussed in this book are the presence of one or more chemical reactions and the turbulent nature of the flow. The chemical reactions usually involve all the phases present in the system and might be responsible for the formation or disappearance of the disperse and/or continuous phases.
Multiphase Flow Dynamics 3 : Turbulence, Gas Absorption and Release, Diesel Fuel Properties
Volume 3 is devoted to selected Chapters of the multiphase fluid dynamics that are important for practical applications. The state of the art of the turbulence modeling in multiphase flows is presented. As introduction, some basics of the single-phase boundary layer theory including some important scales and flow oscillation characteristics in pipes and rod bundles are presented. Then the scales characterizing the dispersed flow systems are presented. The description of the turbulence is provided at different level of complexity: simple algebraic models for eddy viscosity, algebraic models based on the Boussinesq hypothesis, modification of the boundary layer share due to modification of the bulk turbulence, modification of the boundary layer share due to nucleate boiling. Then the role of the following forces on the matematical description of turbulent flows is discussed: the lift force, the lubrication force in the wall boundary layer, and the dispersion force.
Multiparadigm Programming in Mozart/Oz ; 2nd International Conference, MOZ 2004, Charleroi, Belgium, October 7-8, 2004, Revised Selected Papers
Oz's concurrency model yields simplicity and clarity (because Oz makes it easier to express complex programs with many interacting components), g- erality, and better interfaces (because the data?ow model automatically makes interfaces more lightweight). Constraint programming in Oz again yields simplicity and clarity (because theprogrammercanexpresswhatneedstobetrueratherthanthemorecomplex issue of how to make it true), and o?ers a powerful mathematical notation that is di?cult to implement on top of languages that do not support it natively. Mozart's distributed computing model makes for improved interfaces and eases the evolution of systems. In my own work, one of the most important concernsistobeabletoquicklyscaleupaprototypeimplementationintoalar- scale service that can run reliably on thousands of computers, serving millions of users.
Multiobjective Problem Solving from Nature : From Concepts to Applications
he book focuses on how MOEAs and related techniques can be used to solve problems, particularly in the disciplines of science and engineering. Contributions by leading researchers show how the concepts of multiobjective optimization can be used to reformulate and resolve problems in broad areas such as constrained optimization, coevolution, classification, inverse modelling and design. The book is distinguished from other texts on MOEAs in that it is not primarily about the algorithms, nor specific applications, but about the concepts and processes involved in solving problems using a multiobjective approach. Each chapter contributes to the central, deep concepts and themes of the book: evaluating the utility of the multiobjective approach; discussing alternative problem formulations; showing how problem formulation affects the search process; and examining solution selection and decision making.
Multi-objective Management in Freight Logistics : Increasing Capacity, Service Level and Safety with Optimization Algorithms
Multi-objective Management in Freight Logistics provides decision makers with new methods and tools to implement multi-objective optimization models in logistics. The book combines theoretical aspects with applications, showing the advantages and the drawbacks of adopting scalarization techniques, and when it is worthwhile to reduce the problem to a goal programming one. The book also shows applications where more than one decision maker evaluates the effectiveness of the logistic system and thus a multilevel programming approach is sought to attain meaningful solutions.
Multi-Objective Machine Learning
This monograph presents a selected collection of research work on multi-objective approach to machine learning, including multi-objective feature selection, multi-objective model selection in training multi-layer perceptrons, radial-basis-function networks, support vector machines, decision trees, and intelligent systems.
Multimodality in architecture : Collaboration, technology and education
Examines multimodality in architecture and its impacts on collaborative, technical and educational processes or systems. Multimodality is becoming increasingly critical in contemporary architectural practice and education. Creative design teams face new challenges when they embrace new modes of communication, technology, and knowledge development processes. From diverse online modes of communication to shared digital environments, generative AI and advanced hardware solutions, new modes of information creation, sharing, and application are changing the ways architects and designers work. The book presents new research which empowers international researchers and designers to work more effectively in a diverse range of digital environments. Whether the readers are architects, teachers, students, or scholars, this book provides critical insights and practical tools for understanding and optimising processes in architecture and design.
Multimodal Technologies for Perception of Humans ; 1st International Evaluation Workshop on Classification of Events, Activities and Relationships, CLEAR 2006, Southampton, UK, April 6-7, 2006, Revised Selected Papers
This book constitutes the thoroughly refereed post-proceedings of the First International CLEAR 2006 Evaluation Campaign and Workshop on Classification of Events, Activities and Relationships for evaluation of multimodal technologies for the perception of humans, their activities and interactions. The workshop was held in the UK in April 2006.
Multimedia Services in Intelligent Environments : Advanced Tools and Methodologies
This book presents a sample of recent research results in multimedia services. Besides the introductory chapter, this book includes fourteen additional chapters. Nine of these chapters cover various aspects of data processing in multimedia services in intelligent environments, such as storage, recognition and classification, transmission, information retrieval, and information securing. Four additional chapters present multimedia services in noise and hearing monitoring and measuring, augmented reality, automated lecture rooms and rights management and licensing. Finally, the last chapter is devoted to an intelligent recommender service in scientific digital libraries.
Multimedia Retrieval
The single chapters of this textbook explain the general architecture of multimedia information retrieval systems; various metadata languages like Dublin Core, RDF, or MPEG; pattern recognition through Markov models, unsupervised learning, and pattern clustering; various indexing approaches to audio and video streams; interaction and control; the protection of content and user privacy; and search effectiveness and efficiency.
Multimedia Encryption and Watermarking
Multimedia Encryption and Watermarking presents a comprehensive survey of contemporary multimedia encryption and watermarking techniques, which enable a secure exchange of multimedia intellectual property. Part I, Digital Rights Management (DRM) for Multimedia, introduces DRM concepts and models for multimedia content protection, and presents the key players. Part II, Multimedia Cryptography, provides an overview of modern cryptography, with the focus on modern image, video, speech, and audio encryption techniques. This book also provides an advanced concept of visual and audio sharing techniques. Part III, Digital Watermarking, introduces the concept of watermarking for multimedia, classifies watermarking applications, and evaluates various multimedia watermarking concepts and techniques, including digital watermarking techniques for binary images. Multimedia Encryption and Watermarking is designed for researchers and practitioners, as well as scientists and engineers who design and develop systems for the protection of digital multimedia content. This volume is also suitable as a textbook for graduate courses on multimedia security.
Multimedia Database Retrieval : A Human-Centered Approach
Multimedia Database Retrieval: A Human-Centered Approach presents the latest development in user-centered methods and the state-of-the-art in visual media retrieval. It includes discussion on perceptually inspired non-linear paradigm in user-controlled interactive retrieval (UCIR) systems. It also features a coherent approach which focuses on specific topics within content/concept-based retrievals via audio-visual information modeling of multimedia. Highlights include: * Exploring an adaptive machine that can learn from its environment * Optimizing the learning system by incorporating self-organizing adaptation into the retrieval process * Demonstrating state-of-the-art applications within small, medium, and large databases
Multimedia Data Mining and Knowledge Discovery
Multimedia Data Mining and Knowledge Discovery provides an overview of the current state-of-the-art in the field of multimedia data mining and knowledge discovery, and discusses the variety of hot topics in multimedia data mining research. Consisting of an introductory section and four topical parts, the book describes the objectives and current tendencies in multimedia data mining research and their applications.
Multimedia Content Analysis and Mining ; International Workshop, MCAM 2007, Weihai, China, June 30-July 1, 2007, Proceedings
The workshop gives a snapshot of the current wor- wide research in multimedia analysis. Through recent advances in computing, networking, and data storage, multimedia will create new interesting technical possibilities in a wide range of ?elds, such as entertainment, commerce, science, medicine, and public safety.
Multimedia computing systems and virtual reality
Presents recent advancements in multimedia systems as they relate to various application areas such as healthcare services and agriculture-related industries. The authors also discuss human-machine interface design, graphics modelling, rendering/animation, image/graphics techniques/systems and visualization. They then go on to explore multimedia content adaptation for interoperable delivery. Finally, the book covers cultural heritage, philosophical/ethical/societal/international issues, standards-related virtual technology and multimedia uses. This book is intended for computer engineers and computer scientists developing applications for multimedia and virtual reality and professionals working in object design and visualization, transformation, modelling and animation of the real world.
Multimedia big data computing for IoT applications : Concepts, paradigms and solutions
This book considers all aspects of managing the complexity of Multimedia Big Data Computing (MMBD) for IoT applications and develops a comprehensive taxonomy. It also discusses a process model that addresses a number of research challenges associated with MMBD, such as scalability, accessibility, reliability, heterogeneity, and Quality of Service (QoS) requirements, presenting case studies to demonstrate its application. Further, the book examines the layered architecture of MMBD computing and compares the life cycle of both big data and MMBD. Written by leading experts, it also includes numerous solved examples, technical descriptions, scenarios, procedures, and algorithms.
Multilevel Urban Governance and the `European City : Discussing Metropolitan Reforms in Stockholm and Helsinki
Urban scholars have come up with very different answers to the question of what the main defining characteristics of urban Europe are and whether they can be described in a distinct ideal-typical model, the ’European City’. In order to fully understand the prevailing political arrangements and ongoing transformations in urban Europe, they have increasingly turned towards ‘multilevel governance approaches’ to conduct more comprehensive and comparative analyses of urban politics and policies. Nico Giersig reflects on these debates and exemplifies the specificities of Nordic cities within Europe as a whole. He accomplishes this by means of a systematic comparison of governance arrangements and their dynamics in two Nordic capital regions.
Multilevel Synthesis : From the Group to the Individual
This book presents a historical panorama of the evolution of demographic thought from its eighteenth-century origins up to the present day, and uses it to demonstrate how the multilevel approach can resolve some of the contradictions that have become apparent and achieve a synthesis of the different approaches employed. Part one guides the reader from period analysis to multilevel analysis, examining longitudinal and event history analysis on the way. Part two is a detailed account of multilevel analysis, its methods, and the relevant mathematical models notably as regards the type of variables being used. Numerous examples, examined across successive sections, make the book clear and easy to follow.
Multilevel Modelling for Public Health and Health Services Research : Health in Context
This book is a practical introduction to multilevel modelling or multilevel analysis (MLA) – a statistical technique being increasingly used in public health and health services research.



















