An Introduction to the Heisenberg Group and the Sub-Riemannian Isoperimetric Problem
This book provides an introduction to the basics of sub-Riemannian differential geometry and geometric analysis in the Heisenberg group, focusing primarily on the current state of knowledge regarding Pierre Pansu's celebrated 1982 conjecture regarding the sub-Riemannian isoperimetric profile.
An Introduction to Sequential Dynamical Systems
This text is the first to provide a comprehensive introduction to SDS. Driven by numerous examples and thought-provoking problems, the presentation offers good foundational material on finite discrete dynamical systems which leads systematically to an introduction of SDS. Techniques from combinatorics, algebra and graph theory are used to study a broad range of topics, including reversibility, the structure of fixed points and periodic orbits, equivalence, morphisms and reduction. Unlike other books that concentrate on determining the structure of various networks, this book investigates the dynamics over these networks by focusing on how the underlying graph structure influences the properties of the associated dynamical system.
An Introduction to Queueing Theory : Modeling and Analysis in Applications
This introductory textbook is designed for a one-semester course on queueing theory that does not require a course in stochastic processes as a prerequisite. By integrating the necessary background on stochastic processes with the analysis of models, the work provides a sound foundational introduction to the modeling and analysis of queueing systems for a broad interdisciplinary audience of students in mathematics, statistics, and applied disciplines such as computer science, operations research, and engineering.
An Introduction to Mathematical Cryptography
This self-contained introduction to modern cryptography emphasizes the mathematics behind the theory of public key cryptosystems and digital signature schemes. The book focuses on these key topics while developing the mathematical tools needed for the construction and security analysis of diverse cryptosystems. Only basic linear algebra is required of the reader; techniques from algebra, number theory, and probability are introduced and developed as required.
An Introduction to Infinite-Dimensional Analysis
In this revised and extended version of his course notes from a 1-year course at Scuola Normale Superiore, Pisa, the author provides an introduction – for an audience knowing basic functional analysis and measure theory but not necessarily probability theory – to analysis in a separable Hilbert space of infinite dimension.Starting from the definition of Gaussian measures in Hilbert spaces, concepts such as the Cameron-Martin formula, Brownian motion and Wiener integral are introduced in a simple way. These concepts are then used to illustrate some basic stochastic dynamical systems (including dissipative nonlinearities) and Markov semi-groups, paying special attention to their long-time behavior: ergodicity, invariant measure. Here fundamental results like the theorems of Prokhorov, Von Neumann, Krylov-Bogoliubov and Khas'minski are proved. The last chapter is devoted to gradient systems and their asymptotic behavior.
An Introduction to Ethics in Robotics and AI
This book provides an introduction into the ethics of robots and artificial intelligence. The book was written with university students, policy makers, and professionals in mind but should be accessible for most adults. The book is meant to provide balanced and, at times, conflicting viewpoints as to the benefits and deficits of AI through the lens of ethics. As discussed in the chapters that follow, ethical questions are often not cut and dry. Nations, communities, and individuals may have unique and important perspectives on these topics that should be heard and considered. While the voices that compose this book are our own, we have attempted to represent the views of the broader AI, robotics, and ethics communities.
An Interactive Multimedia Introduction to Signal Processing
A didactic concept is undertaken for microelectronics, computer technology and communication engineering, which deals with the visualization of signals and processes in addition to graphical programming of signal processing systems. Through the utilization of a professional and globally supported software for metrology and control engineering, DasyLab, useful applications can be developed, modified and optimized. Computer supported processing of real signals is made possible over the sound card and the parallel port. Over two hundred pre-programmed signal engineering systems and design transparencies are provided. Pictures also play a dominant rule in this book: there are numerous introduction-videos, one for every chapter, more than 250 high-quality pictures and - most important – all the "living" experiments and their results are visualized. With this learning system, readers can now make use of "equipment" and software, which was practically unaffordable for individuals in the past. What's more, here is a very new concept for learning Signal Processing, not only from the physically-based scientific fundamentals, but also from the didactic perspective, based on modern results of brain research.
An Energy Analysis of Household Consumption : Changing Patterns of Direct and Indirect Use in India
The book presents a novel socio-economic approach to analysing the - ergy system and energy consumption in India from a household persp- tive. In doing so, it views households as the ultimate end-consumers and estimates and analyses the direct and indirect energy requirements of household consumption, both at an aggregate national level as well as at a disaggregate household level. In addition, the work incorporates two c- cial aspects often ignored by many energy studies that are characteristic of most developing countries, namely the importance of non-commercial sources of biomass energy in the energy systems of these countries, and the enormous diversity and inequity in the patterns of energy access and use across households with different lifestyles and levels of well being.
Alternatives Considered But Not Disclosed : The Ambiguous Role of PowerPoint in Cross-Project Learning
This study investigates the role of PowerPoint in organizational communication, particularly in terms of a functional dilemma between its application for documentation as opposed to presentation purposes. The theoretical part of the analysis combines insights from both organizational communication studies (J. R. Taylor et al.) and social systems theory (N. Luhmann et al.). The empirical analysis shows that PowerPoint documents created for cross-project learning purposes contribute to an invisibilization rather than a visibilization of decision processes and their contingency.
Alternative Education : Global Perspectives Relevant to the Asia-Pacific Region
Alternative streams of education have been and remain an important but difficult theme for teachers, parents, policy-makers, and scholars. By focusing on case studies of six countries (Bolivia, Thailand, Australia, USA, The Netherlands, and Denmark), and by comprehensively analysing these by means of international comparative methodologies, the author approaches the nuts and bolts issues of alternative and mainstream education systems. The case studies include Charter Schools in the USA and Waldorf Schools in Australia. The study presents not only an insightful analysis of alternative forms of education with regard to actual issues in societies and also legal and administrative features of education. It provides insights into the kind of school development that could be appropriate in the 21st century and the types of educational communities we should seek to create in the age of globalisation.
Algorithms in Real Algebraic Geometry
The algorithmic problems of real algebraic geometry such as real root counting, deciding the existence of solutions of systems of polynomial equations and inequalities, finding global maxima or deciding whether two points belong in the same connected component of a semi-algebraic set appear frequently in many areas of science and engineering. In this first-ever graduate textbook on the algorithmic aspects of real algebraic geometry, the main ideas and techniques presented form a coherent and rich body of knowledge, linked to many areas of mathematics and computing.
Algebraic Methods for Nonlinear Control Systems
A self-contained introduction to algebraic control for nonlinear systems suitable for researchers and graduate students.The most popular treatment of control for nonlinear systems is from the viewpoint of differential geometry yet this approach proves not to be the most natural when considering problems like dynamic feedback and realization. Professors Conte, Moog and Perdon develop an alternative linear-algebraic strategy based on the use of vector spaces over suitable fields of nonlinear functions. This algebraic perspective is complementary to, and parallel in concept with, its more celebrated differential-geometric counterpart.Algebraic Methods for Nonlinear Control Systems describes a wide range of results, some of which can be derived using differential geometry but many of which cannot.
Algebraic Analysis of Differential Equations : from Microlocal Analysis to Exponential Asymptotics Festschrift in Honor of Takahiro Kawai Editors
This volume contains 23 articles on algebraic analysis of differential equations and related topics, most of which were presented as papers at the international conference "Algebraic Analysis of Differential Equations – from Microlocal Analysis to Exponential Asymptotics" at Kyoto University in 2005. Microlocal analysis and exponential asymptotics are intimately connected and provide powerful tools that have been applied to linear and non-linear differential equations as well as many related fields such as real and complex analysis, integral transforms, spectral theory, inverse problems, integrable systems, and mathematical physics. The articles contained here present many new results and ideas, providing interested researchers and students with valuable suggestions and instructive guidance for their work.
Air quality in airplane cabins and similar enclosed spaces
The editor of this volume invited a wide range of experts to provide an in-depth treatment of virtually all aspects of aircraft cabin air quality. The topics are covered at a level comprehensible to all who fly as well as being of sufficient depth to be informative to decision makers concerned with purchase, design, operation, and servicing of passenger aircraft. Topics are grouped under: Control of Aircraft Cabin Air Quality; Possible Effects of Low Humidity, Decreased Outside Air Flows; and Effects of Some Aircraft Malfunctions on Cabin Air Quality. The volume concludes with Air Quality Systems for Related Enclosed Spaces, in which chapters cover air quality in buildings, ships, submarines, and spacecraft, which provide novel approaches potentially applicable to aircraft.
Agroecology now! : Transformations towards more just and sustainable food systems
Develops a framework for advancing agroecology transformations focusing on power, politics and governance. It explores the potential of agroecology as a sustainable and socially just alternative to today’s dominant food regime. Agroecology is an ecological approach to farming that addresses climate change and biodiversity loss while contributing to the Sustainable Development Goals
Ageing and the Glass Transition
Understanding cooperative phenomena far from equilibrium is one of fascinating challenges of present-day many-body physics. Glassy behaviour and the physical ageing process of such materials are paradigmatic examples. The present volume, primarily intended as introduction and reference for postgraduate students and nonspecialist researchers from related fields, collects six extensive lectures addressing selected experimental and theoretical issues in the field of glassy systems.
Advancing Energy Policy : Lessons on the integration of Social Sciences and Humanities
Advocates for the Social Sciences and Humanities to be more involved in energy policymaking. It forms part of the European platform for energy-related Social Sciences and Humanities’ activities, and works on the premise that crossing disciplines is essential. All of its contributions are highly interdisciplinary, with each chapter grounded in at least three different Social Sciences and Humanities disciplines. These varying perspectives come together to cover an array of issues relevant to the energy transition, including: energy poverty, justice, political ecology, governance, behaviours, imaginaries, systems approaches, modelling, as well as the particular challenges faced by interdisciplinary work. As a whole, the book presents new ideas for future energy policy, particularly at the European level. It is a valuable resource for energy researchers interested in interdisciplinary and society-relevant perspectives. Those working outside the Social Sciences and Humanities will find this book an accessible way of learning more about how these subjects can constructively contribute to energy policy.
Advances of Computational Intelligence in Industrial Systems
Advances of Computational Intelligence in Industrial Systems reports the exploration of CI frontiers with an emphasis on a broad spectrum of real-world applications. Section I – Theory and Foundation presents some of the latest developments in CI.
Advances in Web Intelligence and Data Mining
The new Web-related research directions include intelligent methods usually associated with the fields of computational intelligence, soft computing, and data mining. This book presents state-of-the-art developments in the area of computationally intelligent methods applied to various aspects and ways of Web exploration and Web mining. Some novel data mining algorithms that can lead to more effective and intelligent Web-based systems are also described. Scientists, engineers, and research students are expected to find many inspiring ideas in this volume.
Advances in verification of time Petri Nets and timed automata : A temporal logic approach
This monograph presents a comprehensive introduction to timed automata (TA) and time Petri nets (TPNs) which belong to the most widely used models of real-time systems. Some of the existing methods of translating time Petri nets to timed automata are presented, with a focus on the translations that correspond to the semantics of time Petri nets, associating clocks with various components of the nets. "Advances in Verification of Time Petri Nets and Timed Automata – A Temporal Logic Approach" introduces timed and untimed temporal specification languages and gives model abstraction methods based on state class approaches for TPNs and on partition refinement for TA. Moreover, the monograph presents a recent progress in the development of two model checking methods, based on either exploiting abstract state spaces or on application of SAT-based symbolic techniques.



















