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Proceedings of the 9th Brazilian Technology Symposium: Emerging Trends and Challenges in Technology (Smart Innovation, Systems and Technologies #402)
by Yuzo Iano Rangel Arthur Osamu Saotome Gabriel Gomes de Oliveira Guillermo Leopoldo Kemper Vásquez Maria Thereza de Moraes Gomes RosaThis book presents the proceedings of the 9th Brazilian Technology Symposium (BTSym'23). The book discusses current technological issues on Systems Engineering, Mathematics, and Physical Sciences, such as the Transmission Line, Protein-Modified Mortars, Electromagnetic Properties, Clock Domains, Chebyshev Polynomials, Satellite Control Systems, Hough Transform, Watershed Transform, Blood Smear Images, Toxoplasma Gondi, Operation System Developments, MIMO Systems, Geothermal-Photovoltaic Energy Systems, Mineral Flotation Application, CMOS Techniques, Frameworks Developments, Physiological Parameters Applications, Brain–Computer Interface, Artificial Neural Networks, Computational Vision, Security Applications, FPGA Applications, IoT, Residential Automation, Data Acquisition, Industry 4.0, Cyber-Physical Systems, Digital Image Processing, Patters Recognition, Machine Learning, Photocatalytic Process, Physical-Chemical Analysis, Smoothing Filters, Frequency Synthesizers, VoltageControlled Ring Oscillator, Difference Amplifier, Photocatalysis, and Photodegradation, and current technological issues on Human, Smart, and Sustainable Future of Cities, such as the Digital Transformation, Data Science, Hydrothermal Dispatch, Project Knowledge Transfer, Immunization Programs, Efficiency and Predictive Methods, PMBOK Applications, Logistics Process, IoT, Data Acquisition, Industry 4.0, Cyber-Physical Systems, Fingerspelling Recognition, Cognitive Ergonomics, Ecosystem Services, Environmental, Ecosystem Services valuation, Solid Waste, and University Extension.
Computer Algebra in Scientific Computing: 26th International Workshop, CASC 2024, Rennes, France, September 2–6, 2024, Proceedings (Lecture Notes in Computer Science #14938)
by Evgenii V. Vorozhtsov Timur M. Sadykov François Boulier Chenqi MouThis book constitutes the refereed proceedings of the 26th International Workshop on Computer Algebra in Scientific Computing, CASC 2024, which took place in Rennes, France, during September 2 - September 6, 2024. The 19 full papers included in this book were carefully reviewed and selected from 23 submissions. The annual International Workshop CASC 2024 aims to bring together researchers in theoretical computer algebra (CA), engineers, scholars, as well as other allied professionals applying CA tools for solving problems in industry and in various branches of scientific computing to explore and discuss advancements, challenges, and innovations related to CA.
Work of Fiction: Making a Living from Writing in the UK (Creative Working Lives)
by Christina WilliamsWork of Fiction: Making a Living from Writing in the UK explores the lived experiences of fiction writers in the UK and how they make a living. Based on a substantial body of interviews with a range of fiction writers, it considers the ways that writers think about and talk about writing as work and how ‘discourses of writing’ operate to support or undermine them as cultural workers. It argues that discourses of love, luck, magic, and ‘being a writer’ function in complex ways to position writers in enchanted and elevated spaces which both nurture their practice and undermine their status as remunerated workers in the creative sector. The book shows how the positives and negatives of often precarious cultural work are played out for fiction writers. It has implications for writers in the ways that they think about and talk about themselves as workers, and how the publishing industry values their contributions.
Public Sector Financial Management for Sustainability and SDGs in Europe (Public Sector Financial Management)
by Isabel Brusca Eugenio Caperchione Sandra Cohen Francesca Manes-Rossi Marco BisognoThis book analyses the implications of sustainability on public financial management in Europe. Public sector entities at national, regional, and municipal levels all have an important role to play in achieving sustainable development, and are developing strategies to reach this goal. These plans are usually guided by the UN's Sustainable Development Goals and involve public financial management systems, which are adapting to the demanding requirements of meeting these challenges. This book investigates how public financial management systems have been influenced by requirements for sustainability in Europe. It assesses multiple aspects linked to public financial management, including budgeting, accounting, reporting, and auditing. It also considers the impact of the SDGs on accounting systems, as well as other issues related to sustainability, such as green budgeting, gender budgeting, and sustainability and environmental reporting. By providing a cross-country comparison, it aims to identify similarities and differences across Europe. The book will appeal to scholars and students of public policy and financial management, as well as those interested in sustainability and the SDGs.
Teaching, Occupational and Further Education: Pedagogy, Identities and Knowledge
by Sai LooThis book offers deep insights into the agencies of teaching—pedagogies, professional identities, and knowledge—in the English further education (FE) sector. The sector’s porous, inclusive, diverse, and prominent features of vocational offers have led to it being overlooked and misunderstood by policymakers. To rectify this misconception and re-emphasise its importance in England’s educational ecology, FE is reframed as a rich, all-encompassing and connected sector. It proposes a new language of educational engagement by uniting vocational education and training under a new umbrella term: occupational education (OE). OE intersects work, teaching, and learning across pre-university, higher education, and professional education. A new system is provided that maps lifelong learning, irrespective of age, ethnicity, gender, disabilities, or station in life. The key audience is students, teachers, teacher educators, institutional managers, policymakers, and academics.
Advances in Swarm Intelligence: 15th International Conference on Swarm Intelligence, ICSI 2024, Xining, China, August 23–26, 2024, Proceedings, Part I (Lecture Notes in Computer Science #14788)
by Ying Tan Yuhui ShiThis two-volume set LNCS 14788 and 14789 constitutes the refereed post-conference proceedings of the 15th International Conference on Advances in Swarm Intelligence, ICSI 2024, held in Xining, China, during August 23–26, 2024. The 74 revised full papers presented in these proceedings were carefully reviewed and selected from 156 submissions. The papers are organized in the following topical sections: Part I - Particle swarm optimization; Swarm intelligence computing; Differential evolution; Evolutionary algorithms; Multi-agent reinforcement learning & Multi-objective optimization. Part II - Route planning problem; Machine learning; Detection and prediction; Classification; Edge computing; Modeling and optimization & Analysis of review.
The 2nd EAI International Conference on Automation and Control in Theory and Practice: ARTEP 2024 (EAI/Springer Innovations in Communication and Computing)
by Michal Balog Angelina Iakovets Stella Hrehová Khrystyna BerladirThis book presents the proceedings of the EAI International Conference on Automation and Control in Theory and Practice (ARTEP 2024), held in Orechová Potôň, Slovakia, February 7-9, 2024. The aim of the conference was to meet the experts in the field of control, industrial automation and ICT in the industry from universities, colleges, and practice. The conference aims to draw attention to modern trends in the field, to enable experts, pedagogues and scientific researchers to present the results achieved in their work, to exchange experiences and establish working contacts between meeting participants. The ARTEP proceedings includes papers on automation and control and their integration of technologies such as Industry 4.0, robotics, and IoT. ARTEP is primarily a conference for scientists and practitioners who develop and study automation, management, and technologies.
Partitions, Objective Indefiniteness, and Quantum Reality: The Objective Indefiniteness Interpretation of Quantum Mechanics (SpringerBriefs in Philosophy)
by David EllermanThis book presents a new ‘partitional' approach to understanding or interpreting the math of standard quantum mechanics (QM). The thesis is that the mathematics (not the physics) of QM is the Hilbert space version of the math of partitions on a set and, conversely, the math of partitions is a skeletonized set level version of the math of QM. Since at the set level, partitions are the mathematical tool to represent distinctions and indistinctions (or definiteness and indefiniteness), this approach shows how to interpret the key non-classical QM notion of superposition in terms of (objective) indefiniteness between definite alternatives (as opposed to seeing it as the sum of ‘waves'). Thus, the book develops a new mathematical, or indeed, logical, approach to the century-old problem of interpreting quantum mechanics, ensure it is of interest to philosophers of science as well as mathematicians and physicists.
Breaking the Silos: Exploring the Multiple Perspectives of Positive Psychology
by Surekha Routray Ofra Walter Phil Fitzsimmons Jonathan KaslerThis book offers a new look at well-being from a multidisciplinary standpoint. Research from industry clearly indicates that factors such as creativity, critical awareness, well-being, interdisciplinary understanding of positive psychology, and the ability to form strong relationships will determine the viability of organizations as collectively we enter the second half of the twenty-first century. Thus, a sound understanding of how these facets become melded into entrepreneurship, the workplace environment, and creative innovation is a requirement for individuals in the workplace. With a dearth of information about these facets as individual components and as a collective whole, this book draws these elements of overall well-being into a multidisciplinary focus. Thus, with chapters covering diverse fields such as philosophy, education, economics, mathematics, and medicine, the book offers a fresh approach to how positive psychology impacts entrepreneurship.
Logistics Information Systems: Digital Transformation and Supply Chain Applications in the 4.0 Era (Springer Texts in Business and Economics)
by Batuhan KocaogluIn today’s era of digital transformation, the logistics sector is one of the most technology-intensive industries. This book provides a comprehensive overview of the IT infrastructure required for company operations, the types of enterprise software used in logistics, and current data collection technologies. It addresses the terminology, information flows, and application contexts of the necessary software, helping readers to see the big picture without being overwhelmed by technical details. It explains principal methodologies for modelling and designing systems and describes the objectives of project management and system analysis, not to mention why they are so essential to developing information systems. It also defines critical terms before turning to sector-specific hardware and software solutions for logistics operations: data collection, data processing, and data analytics solutions. In addition, the book includes sections that introduce readers to programming and the core of the database, piquing their interest and guiding them to a higher level of specialization. Study questions are provided at the end of each chapter to test reader comprehension. This book will be a helpful resource for students in logistics or professionals working in the fields of business administration, foreign trade, industrial engineering, ERP, or MIS who want to advance their knowledge and skills in the logistics industry.
Large Language Models: Bridging Theory and Practice
by Uday Kamath Kevin Keenan Garrett Somers Sarah SorensonLarge Language Models (LLMs) have emerged as a cornerstone technology, transforming how we interact with information and redefining the boundaries of artificial intelligence. LLMs offer an unprecedented ability to understand, generate, and interact with human language in an intuitive and insightful manner, leading to transformative applications across domains like content creation, chatbots, search engines, and research tools. While fascinating, the complex workings of LLMs—their intricate architecture, underlying algorithms, and ethical considerations—require thorough exploration, creating a need for a comprehensive book on this subject. This book provides an authoritative exploration of the design, training, evolution, and application of LLMs. It begins with an overview of pre-trained language models and Transformer architectures, laying the groundwork for understanding prompt-based learning techniques. Next, it dives into methods for fine-tuning LLMs, integrating reinforcement learning for value alignment, and the convergence of LLMs with computer vision, robotics, and speech processing. The book strongly emphasizes practical applications, detailing real-world use cases such as conversational chatbots, retrieval-augmented generation (RAG), and code generation. These examples are carefully chosen to illustrate the diverse and impactful ways LLMs are being applied in various industries and scenarios. Readers will gain insights into operationalizing and deploying LLMs, from implementing modern tools and libraries to addressing challenges like bias and ethical implications. The book also introduces the cutting-edge realm of multimodal LLMs that can process audio, images, video, and robotic inputs. With hands-on tutorials for applying LLMs to natural language tasks, this thorough guide equips readers with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills for leveraging the full potential of large language models. This comprehensive resource is appropriate for a wide audience: students, researchers and academics in AI or NLP, practicing data scientists, and anyone looking to grasp the essence and intricacies of LLMs. Key Features: Over 100 techniques and state-of-the-art methods, including pre-training, prompt-based tuning, instruction tuning, parameter-efficient and compute-efficient fine-tuning, end-user prompt engineering, and building and optimizing Retrieval-Augmented Generation systems, along with strategies for aligning LLMs with human values using reinforcement learning Over 200 datasets compiled in one place, covering everything from pre- training to multimodal tuning, providing a robust foundation for diverse LLM applications Over 50 strategies to address key ethical issues such as hallucination, toxicity, bias, fairness, and privacy. Gain comprehensive methods for measuring, evaluating, and mitigating these challenges to ensure responsible LLM deployment Over 200 benchmarks covering LLM performance across various tasks, ethical considerations, multimodal applications, and more than 50 evaluation metrics for the LLM lifecycle Nine detailed tutorials that guide readers through pre-training, fine- tuning, alignment tuning, bias mitigation, multimodal training, and deploying large language models using tools and libraries compatible with Google Colab, ensuring practical application of theoretical concepts Over 100 practical tips for data scientists and practitioners, offering implementation details, tricks, and tools to successfully navigate the LLM life- cycle and accomplish tasks efficiently
Smart Electromechanical Systems: Mathematical and Software Engineering (Studies in Systems, Decision and Control #544)
by Irina Leonidovna Tarasova Boris Alexandrovich KulikIntelligent electromechanical systems (SEMS) are used in cyber-physical systems that have the ability to integrate computing, transmission and storage of information, monitoring and management of objects of the physical world. Modern intelligent robots are created based on CMS modules. A distinctive feature of SEMS is the presence of a central nervous system (CNS) similar to a human one. The Central Nervous System ensures that decisions about appropriate behavior are made in accordance with the goals of SEMS based on rational knowledge about the environment in which it operates, and in accordance with its own technical and mental state. For the Central nervous system, the extraction and processing of this external information by the central nervous system is an integral part of the process of forming their situational control systems. Moreover, in order for SEMS to act expediently in a changing and unfamiliar environment and without human participation, it is necessary to endow them with properties similar to the mental properties of animals, since emotions and temperament are among the main assessments of the behavior of highly organized organisms. Therefore, it is quite natural to take into account the influence of emotions on decision-making in conditions of incomplete information about the environment, especially when SEMS interacts with a person to perform complex technological operations.. Despite the existing technical difficulties, a significant number of mathematical and software tools have accumulated to date, providing the CNS SEMS with the ability to take into account the psyche when interacting with a person. Limitations of sensory capabilities and computing power should be attributed to the limited cognitive abilities of artificial intelligence. These features of the central nervous system of modern SEMS must be taken into account when creating mathematical and software tools for SEMS information and measurement systems, for the formation of databasesand knowledge, for recognition and classification, decision-making and the formation of control actions.
Medical Billing & Coding For Dummies
by Karen SmileyThe essential guide for medical billing professionals, updated for ICD-11 standards Medical Billing & Coding For Dummies will set you up for success in getting started as a medical biller and coder. To ensure data accuracy and efficient data processing, medical offices need professionally trained coders to handle records. This book provides prospective allied health professionals with everything they need to know to get started in medical billing and coding as a career. In addition to an introduction to the basics of medical coding, you'll get information on how to find a training course, meet certification requirements, and deal with government agencies and insurance companies. Learn about the standard practices in the medical billing industry and get up to speed on the ethical and legal issues you're likely to face on the job. This accessible guide is a great entry point—and a great refresher—for anyone interested in the medical billing and coding profession. Get a primer on your career options in the field of medical billing Learn coding practices for telehealth, viral outbreaks, and other emerging issues Update your knowledge of the changes between ICD-10 and ICD-11 coding systems Find training programs and explore your options for certification This Dummies guide is an accessible entry point for prospective professionals looking get a jump on their new career, and current professionals intent on staying up-to-date in this flexible and growing field.
Digital Wellbeing: Empowering Connection with Wonder and Imagination in the Age of AI
by Caitlin Krause“Digital Wellbeing masterfully explores the intersection of technology and human potential. This book is a must-read for those who want to leverage the power of AI to unlock their creativity and imagination and ultimately invent new means of expression that will go way beyond human language, art, and science of today.” —Ray Kurzweil, inventor, futurist, and author of New York Times bestseller The Singularity Is Nearer Elevate your digital wellbeing by embracing wonder, creativity, and technology Digital Wellbeing is a transformative guide that offers leaders, business professionals, educators, and lifelong learners a path to thrive in the digital age. Krause provides innovative strategies to enhance mindfulness, creativity, and wellbeing in a world enriched by technology. This book empowers readers to leverage digital tools to create meaningful, positive connections and improve their overall quality of life. Discover how to integrate principles of wonder, awe, creativity, and imagination with cutting-edge technology to achieve a balanced and fulfilling digital experience. Learn about frameworks for digital wellbeing and how to apply them effectively. Gain insights on using technology to enhance connection and a sense of belonging. Explore the impact of spatial computing, immersive imagination, virtual reality, and AI on wellbeing. Understand social media's impact on societal expectations and personal interactions. Access actionable strategies for leaders, educators, and individuals to excel digitally. Learn how tech usage can be more intentional and less reactionary. Engage with reflection questions and exercises to deepen understanding and application. Combining the structure of a how-to guide with the depth of a reflective workbook, this book offers practical advice and engaging exercises, all delivered in Krause's distinctive voice. Explore the transformative potential of Digital Wellbeing and learn how to excel in a digitally connected world with wonder and imagination. Begin your journey towards a balanced, enriching digital life today.
Online Social Networks in Business Frameworks
by Romil Rawat Sudhir Kumar Rathi Bright Keswani Rakesh Kumar Saxena Sumit Kumar Kapoor Sangita GuptaThis book presents a vital method for companies to connect with potential clients andconsumers in the digital era of Online Social Networks (OSNs), utilizing the strengthof well-known social networks and AI to achieve success through fostering brandsupporters, generating leads, and enhancing customer interactions. There are currently 4.8 billion Online Social Network (OSN) users worldwide. Online Social Networks in Business Frameworks presents marketing through online social networks (OSNs), which is a potent method for companies of all sizes to connect with potential clients and consumers. If visitors are not on OSN sites like Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn, they are missing out on the fact that people discover, learn about, follow, and purchase from companies on OSNs. Excellent OSN advertising may help a company achieve amazing success by fostering committed brand supporters and even generating leads and revenue. A type of digital advertising known as social media marketing (SMM) makes use of the strength of well-known social networks to further advertise and establish branding objectives. Nevertheless, it goes beyond simply setting up company accounts and tweeting whenever visitors feel like it. Preserving and improving profiles means posting content that represents the company and draws in the right audience, such as images, videos, articles, and live videos, addressing comments, shares, and likes while keeping an eye on the reputation to create a brand network, and following and interacting with followers, clients, and influencers.
Digital Wellbeing: Empowering Connection with Wonder and Imagination in the Age of AI
by Caitlin Krause“Digital Wellbeing masterfully explores the intersection of technology and human potential. This book is a must-read for those who want to leverage the power of AI to unlock their creativity and imagination and ultimately invent new means of expression that will go way beyond human language, art, and science of today.” —Ray Kurzweil, inventor, futurist, and author of New York Times bestseller The Singularity Is Nearer Elevate your digital wellbeing by embracing wonder, creativity, and technology Digital Wellbeing is a transformative guide that offers leaders, business professionals, educators, and lifelong learners a path to thrive in the digital age. Krause provides innovative strategies to enhance mindfulness, creativity, and wellbeing in a world enriched by technology. This book empowers readers to leverage digital tools to create meaningful, positive connections and improve their overall quality of life. Discover how to integrate principles of wonder, awe, creativity, and imagination with cutting-edge technology to achieve a balanced and fulfilling digital experience. Learn about frameworks for digital wellbeing and how to apply them effectively. Gain insights on using technology to enhance connection and a sense of belonging. Explore the impact of spatial computing, immersive imagination, virtual reality, and AI on wellbeing. Understand social media's impact on societal expectations and personal interactions. Access actionable strategies for leaders, educators, and individuals to excel digitally. Learn how tech usage can be more intentional and less reactionary. Engage with reflection questions and exercises to deepen understanding and application. Combining the structure of a how-to guide with the depth of a reflective workbook, this book offers practical advice and engaging exercises, all delivered in Krause's distinctive voice. Explore the transformative potential of Digital Wellbeing and learn how to excel in a digitally connected world with wonder and imagination. Begin your journey towards a balanced, enriching digital life today.
Synergy of Bio-Chemical Processes for Photocatalytic and Photoelectrochemical Wastewater Treatment
by Elvis Fosso-Kankeu Soumya Pandit Sadanand PandeyThe concept of photoelectrochemistry applied to microbial fuel cells could be the future of sustainable wastewater treatment and for hydrogen recovery as a valuable energy source. With the increase of recalcitrant organic pollutants in industrial wastewater, the need for a sustainable bio-electrochemical process has become pressing in order to ensure that treatment processes are coupled with some beneficiation advantages. Microbial fuel cells combine wastewater treatment and biological power generation. However, the resistance of these organic pollutants to biological degradation requires further adjustment of the system to improve sustainability through maximization of energy production. Solar energy conversion using photocatalysis has drawn huge attention for its potential to provide renewable and sustainable energy. Furthermore, it might be the solution to serious environmental and energy-related problems. It has been widely understood for several years that the top global issues today are concerned with securing a clean supply of water and ensuring a reasonable price for clean energy. Researchers are studying advanced materials and processes to produce clean, renewable hydrogen fuel through photocatalytic and photoelectrocatalytic water splitting, as well as to reduce carbon dioxide from the air into fuels through photocatalysis. Limited progress is occurring in these areas. The purpose of this book is to comprehensively cover the evolvement in the conceptualization and application of photocatalytic fuel cells, as well as make a critical assessment of the contribution in the field of sustainable wastewater treatment and renewable energy production. This book contains nine specialized chapters that provide comprehensive coverage of the design of photocatalytic fuel cells and their applications, including environmental remediation, chemical synthesis, green energy generation, model simulation for scaling up processes and implementation, and most importantly maximization of hydrogen evolution, recovery, and applications. Audience A wide audience of academics, industrial researchers, and graduate students working in heterogeneous photocatalysis, fuel cells, sustainable chemistry, nanotechnology, chemical engineering, environmental protection, and surfaces and interfaces, will find this book useful. The book is also important for professionals, namely environmental managers, water treatment plants managers and operators, water authorities, government regulatory bodies officers, and environmentalists.
EMDR For Dummies
by Megan SalarThe Breakthrough Therapy for Overcoming Anxiety, Stress, and Trauma EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is now recognized as one of the most effective treatment modalities for trauma, PTSD, anxiety, depression, addiction, and beyond. EMDR For Dummies is a user-friendly guide for patients who need an introduction to what this type of therapy can do for them—hint: it can help a lot. You’ll learn about the symptoms that EMDR can treat, and you’ll have a chance to assess yourself to determine whether it might be a good fit for you. Explore the different types of EMDR interventions, what to expect during and after treatment, and the phases of therapy. Most of all, find out why everyone’s talking about EMDR. Learn what EMDR is, why it’s effective, and what issues it can treat Gain a step-by-step understanding of the process and types of EMDR therapy Move your personal healing journey forward by overcoming past negative experiences Work through the most difficult challenges that patients and clinicians face during EMDR therapyThis easy-to-follow Dummies guide is a great resource for patients and loved ones looking for information on EMDR, as well as mental and behavioral health professionals seeking a guide to using EMDR.
Trailblazers, Heroes, and Crooks: Stories to Make You a Smarter Investor
by Stephen R. FoersterDevelop a sound investment philosophy based on lessons from history Trailblazers, Heroes, and Crooks: Stories to Make You a Smarter Investor is a highly entertaining and insightful look into key stories from history, teaching lessons about sound principles of investing, and controlling emotions and bias when managing your investment portfolio to help you become a stronger, more intelligent investor. Written by author and finance professor Stephen R. Foerster, this book spans from before the Middle Ages to the 2020s. Some of the stories in this book include: Cristiano Ronaldo taking two bottles of Coke off a table at a press conference, and ostensibly causing Coca-Cola's stock value to plunge $4 billion Harry Markopolos trying to develop a strategy similar to Bernie Madoff's, realizing his strategy was bogus, and spending a decade proving his case A hostage crisis in twelfth century Venice involving trumped-up charges, conflict, deceit, a plague, and an angry mob, leading to the birth of government bonds A salad oil swindle almost destroying American Express, prompting Warren Buffett to make one of the best stock investments ever For both experienced and novice investors, Trailblazers, Heroes, and Crooks: Stories to Make You a Smarter is a fun, accessible, and informative guide that through history shows, not tells, you how to develop an investment philosophy of guiding principles, and become a better investor.
Essentials of Behavioral and Social Science Statistics
by Laurence G. Grimm K. Paul Nesselroade Jr.Comprehensive resource on applying statistical analyses to behavioral and social science research situations, with new examples, methods, and support for computing in Excel and SPSS The Third Edition of Essentials of Behavioral and Social Science Statistics prompts the student to develop a deep understanding of the psychometric principles involved in the research process, as well as a mastery of the particular functionality of the most common statistical tools and an ability to properly select and use them in the real world; this goal is achieved thanks to the organization of the text, the philosophical content interspersed within it, the depth of the exercises and work problems, and the supporting materials provided for the instructor and student. The Third Edition has been thoroughly edited and streamlined to allow for students to move efficiently through the conceptual and mathematical fundamentals and on to the payoff formulas and descriptions of applications. New content includes philosophical issues associated with psychometrics and inferential statistical testing, interpretation, measurement, and the replication crisis in the social sciences. End-of-chapter exercises and work problems have been strengthened and reorganized to further improve comprehension and performance. Section reviews that draw on concepts from all preceding chapters are included to help students develop skills of statistical tool selection and application. Support for instructors includes chapter-based learning objectives, test banks, and PowerPoints. Essentials of Behavioral and Social Science Statistics includes information on: Basic concepts in research covering the scientific method, types of variables, controlling extraneous variables, validity issues, and causality and correlationDescriptive statistics including scales of measurement, measures of central tendency and variability, transformations, and standardized scoresThe fundamentals of inferential statistics, including probability theory, sampling distributions, the central limit theorem, and the terminology of hypothesis testingThe logic and application of basic inferential tests including single-sample tests, independent-and dependent-samples t tests, and the basics of power analysisThe logic and application of three common ANOVA analyses; one-way, two-way, and repeated-measuresThe logic and application of basic bivariate data analysis tools, linear correlation and linear regressionThe logic and application of chi-square analyses, both goodness-of-fit and tests-for-independence Written to facilitate concept mastery and enable practical application of concepts, Essentials of Behavioral and Social Science Statistics offers a survey of basic descriptive and inferential statistical tools and concepts and is highly suitable to support a rigorous undergraduate behavioral science or social science statistics course.
Handbook of Agricultural Biotechnology, Volume 5: Nanobiofertilizers (Handbook of Agricultural Bionanobiotechnology)
by Chukwuebuka Egbuna Charles Oluwaseun Adetunji Anton Ficai Oluwatosin Ademola IjabadeniyiThis book details recent advances in the applications of nanobiofertilizers as a substitute for synthetic fertilizers in boosting food production. With the steady rise of the world’s population, there is a need to increase the production of safe and nutritious food. The constant loss of arable land, as a result of various anthropogenic activities from human action, has become a threat to global biodiversity and ecosystems. Additionally, the issue of climate change has imposed many obstacles to increasing agricultural productivity, especially from biotic and abiotic stressors and temperature-limited environments, such as in high altitudes or seasonally hot regions. Because of these factors, there is a need to adopt sustainable and modern technologies that can boost and improve the rate of food production. One of the cheapest means of enhancing sustainable food production is to explore natural and unlimited beneficial microorganisms, particularly those that can increase the level of soil fertility, improve crop production and health, improve tolerance to stress, support nutrient uptake and availability, and boost natural biodiversity. The synergetic effect of nanotechnology and beneficial microorganisms for the effective bio-fabrication of nanobiofertilizers, is a sustainable solution for producing pesticide-free food. This book provides a deep insight into microbial diversity, recent techniques used for the isolation, screening, and characterization of beneficial microorganisms with eco-friendly attributes, used for bioengineering of nanobiofertilizers, as well as the application of proteomics, metabolomics, genomics, and bioinformatics. The book also covers commercialization, patents, and the business and socio-economic aspects of nanobiofertilizers, as well as the role of policymakers, stakeholders, and government agencies in the translation of nanobioferilizer research into policy. Audience The book is a useful resource for a diverse audience, including industrialists, food industry professionals, agriculturists, agricultural microbiologists, plant pathologists, botanists, microbiologists, biotechnologists, nanotechnologists, microbial biotechnologists, farmers, policymakers, and extension workers.
Narratives of Arab Secularism: Politics, Feminism and Religion (Routledge Studies in Middle Eastern Democratization and Government)
by Youssef M. ChoueiriThis book offers a new interpretation of the rich narratives of Arab secularism, contending that secularism as a set of ideas and a social movement is destined to loom large on the political and legal horizon of most Arab states.Youssef M. Choueiri provides a study of three moments in the development of secularism in the Arab World, the Machiavellian, the Alfierian and the Gramscian. It is within such a scope that secularism in its interaction with state-building projects, women’s emancipation and religion is treated as an intellectual current and a discursive entity embedded in the political process of its diverse societies. Through the chapters, Choueiri demonstrates how secularism occupies a pivotal presence in the religious and political life of the Arab world, exploring such interrelated configurations as indigenous contributions, diverse reforms and the impact of Western states. He concludes that secularism has become a moral prerequisite and a required vehicle in creating the necessary conditions for the success of democracy in the Middle East.Narratives of Arab Secularism tackles the complexity and contemporary ramifications of the subject in a way that no previous single study has been able to. It will be relevant to both students and academics dealing with topics related to the Middle East including religion, politics, anthropology and history.Chapter 6 of this book is freely available as a downloadable Open Access PDF at http://www.taylorfrancis.com under a Creative Commons Attribution-Non Commercial-No Derivatives (CC-BY-NC-ND) 4.0 license.
Italian Renaissance Art
by Laurie Schneider Adams"The chronology of the Italian Renaissance, its character, and context have long been a topic of discussion among scholars. Some date its beginnings to the fourteenthcentury work of Giotto, others to the generation of Masaccio, Brunelleschi, and Donatello that fl ourished from around 1400. The close of the Renaissance has also proved elusive. Mannerism, for example, is variously considered to be an independent (but subsidiary) late aspect of Renaissance style or a distinct style in its own right."
Scottish Gaelic: A Comprehensive Grammar (ISSN)
by William LambScottish Gaelic: A Comprehensive Grammar is a definitive description of contemporary Gaelic.The volume presents an authoritative account of modern Gaelic grammar, attending to both idealised usages – as typically taught in formal education – and more colloquial forms. Core chapters include useful observations about dialectal and register differences, such as variations in inflection, pronunciation and word forms. The book also demystifies nuances of the language that many users find opaque, according to recent research. In each chapter, the most important, basic information is presented first (e.g. standard verb conjugations), followed by increasingly detailed information for more advanced users. This way, the book addresses the diverse needs of its intended audience. Brimming with authentic examples, the volume accommodates readers of all levels, from complete beginners to professional linguists. It is both an ideal textbook for structured coursework and an indispensable companion for independent study.
Interpersonal Positioning in English as a Lingua Franca Interactions (Routledge Research in Language and Communication)
by Svitlana Klötzl Birgit SwobodaThis book offers a critical reflection on interpersonal positioning across both large- and small-scale contexts and highlights the multi-faceted nature of intercultural communication in today’s global world. The volume establishes positioning primarily as the negotiation of interpersonal relationships, and draws on concepts from across disciplines by way of reappraisal before applying them to two specific domains: MMORPGs (Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Games) and private ELF couple interaction. While acknowledging and showcasing the unique features of positioning in these two contexts, Klötzl and Swoboda point to their commonalities by looking at how language and specifically English is used as a communicative resource in lingua franca situations. The book also identifies new directions for future methodological innovations in that it demonstrates how the same interaction can be looked at in methodologically-different ways and how the authors’ own positions projected on to such interaction create an integrated tri-partite perspective on the two domains. Shedding light on interpersonal positioning in different contexts and in turn on global communication more generally, this book will be of particular interest to students and researchers in discourse analysis, pragmatics, computer-mediated communication, sociolinguistics, and applied linguistics.