Adequacy, Accountability, and the Future of Public Education Funding
This book is about public education reform and the future of pubHc education funding. Given the many articles, books, and conferences that have focused on the issue of public education reform, it is reasonable to ask whether the world needs still another volume on this subject. In my defense, I would argue that, although there is a large literature on public education reform, there is precious little that tries to sketch the big picture. Too often, both in research and in practice, it is easy to lose sight of the forest, for all the focus on the individual trees. While such detailed analysis is of critical value, that value derives both from its specificity and from its ability to fit into a larger, coherent whole.
Accreditation and Evaluation in the European Higher Education Area
This volume presents a rich account of the development of accreditation and evaluation in 20 European countries. The authors are leaders in the field and they have cooperated in this effort by writing richly different, often deep and insightful analyses of the situation in their country. The two editors have added a synopsis detailing the main trends, and sketching commonalities as well as contrasts in the developments across Europe. The book shows how accreditation is becoming a main mechanism in the steering of higher education all over Europe. The book is unique in its analysis of forces driving towards the spread of different models of accreditation in the emerging European Higher Education area. Readers will obtain an up-to-date picture of the state of affairs of accreditation in the framework of evaluation activities in Europe.
A window on the future of geodesy ; Proceedings of the International Association of Geodesy. IAG General Assembly, Sapporo, Japan June 30 - July 11, 2003
These proceedings represent the worldwide picture of the state of the art of geodesy. The volume comprehensively covers the most recent results and supplies a good review of the new ideas developing in the field, opening a window to the future of geodesy.
A Modern Approach to Intelligent Animation : Theory and Practice
Part of the new series, Advanced Topics in Science and Technology in China, this book discusses concepts, theory, and core technologies of intelligent theory and human animation, including video based human animation, and intelligent technology of motion data management and reusing. It introduces systems developed to demonstrate the technologies of video based animation. Each chapter is independent. Lively pictures and demos will be presented to make the theory and technologies more understandable.
A Linear Systems Primer
Based on a streamlined presentation of the authors' successful work Linear Systems, this textbook provides an introduction to systems theory with an emphasis on control. The material presented is broad enough to give the reader a clear picture of the dynamical behavior of linear systems as well as their advantages and limitations. Fundamental results and topics essential to linear systems theory are emphasized. The emphasis is on time-invariant systems, both continuous- and discrete-time.
A Geometric Approach to Differential Forms
The modern subject of differential forms subsumes classical vector calculus. This text presents differential forms from a geometric perspective accessible at the undergraduate level. The book begins with basic concepts such as partial differentiation and multiple integration and gently develops the entire machinery of differential forms. Each new concept is presented with a natural picture that students can easily grasp. Algebraic properties then follow. This facilitates the development of differential forms without assuming a background in linear algebra. Throughout the text, emphasis is placed on applications in 3 dimensions, but all definitions are given so as to be easily generalized to higher dimensions. A centerpiece of the text is the generalized Stokes' theorem. Although this theorem implies all of the classical integral theorems of vector calculus, it is far easier for students to both comprehend and remember.
A Field Guide to Algebra
Focuses on the structure of fields and is intended for a second course in abstract algebra. Besides providing proofs of the transcendance of pi and e, the book includes material on differential Galois groups and a proof of Hilbert's irreducibility theorem. The reader will hear about equations, both polynomial and differential, and about the algebraic structure of their solutions. In explaining these concepts, the author also provides comments on their historical development and leads the reader along many interesting paths. In addition, there are theorems from analysis: as stated before, the transcendence of the numbers pi and e, the fact that the complex numbers form an algebraically closed field, and also Puiseux's theorem that shows how one can parametrize the roots of polynomial equations, the coefficients of which are allowed to vary. There are exercises at the end of each chapter, varying in degree from easy to difficult. To make the book more lively, the author has incorporated pictures from the history of mathematics, including scans of mathematical stamps and pictures of mathematicians.
150 Best Minimalist House Ideas
Presents tips, tricks, and techniques revealing how to create your own gorgeous, sophisticated interiors. One of the most popular contemporary interior design trends, minimalism highlights the essence of a room, stressing clean lines, clutter-free spaces, and a limited color palette. In 150 Best Minimalist Interior Ideas, photographs and floor plans of minimalist homes around the world are featured. The images are of stunning bedrooms, living rooms, dining rooms, kitchens, and bathrooms; and insightful text complements them to reveal why the minimalist rooms are so eye-catching, cathartic, and desirable. The text includes a wealth of both big picture and more focused ideas. It covers subjects such as walls (if and when to use them), doors, and partitions, flooring, lighting, furniture, and staircases, and explores color, patterns, materials, and texture. The homes featured in this extraordinary volume were developed by distinguished international designers at the forefront of the minimalist movement.
150 best cottage and cabin ideas
This is an ultimate resource for creating the ideal remote retreat. Discover 150 cottages and cabins from around the world that feature the luxury of modern home construction while preserving the surrounding landscape and utilizing local natural resources. These enviable dwelling showcase inspirations for homeowners, designers, and architects - from exposed-beam ceilings and built-in furnishings to large open-floor plans and floor-to-ceiling windows that accentuate picturesque views of the great outdoors. This volume highlights hidden sanctuaries that offer spacious, comfortable, and, most important, more natural living environments with a range of stunning full-colour photographs and detailed design plans.








