FW: The Art of Art History A Critical Anthology (Oxford History of Art)

 

 

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Posted on: Tuesday, December 22, 2009 10:07 PM
Author: FreeBookSpot Latest Books
Subject: The Art of Art History A Critical Anthology (Oxford History of Art)

 

This masterly collection of texts interrogates the raging academic question, What is art history? Editor Preziosi, who directs ground-breaking critical studies of art history and museology, provides introductions to 35 challenging readings gathered in nine chapters. This plethora of alternatives is curiously complicated, even obfuscating. Covered here are the most current and relevant approaches to aesthetics, style, iconography and semiology, feminism, gender studies, formalism, postmodernism, deconstruction, museography, hybridity, and multiculturalism; those offering critical analysis range from Winckelmann, Kant, Wolfflin, Panofsky, Schapiro, Gombrich, and Derrida to Rosalind Krauss and Carol Duncan. Ultimately, this book is best suited to upper- and graduate-level collections and to the reference shelf of specialized art collections, as it proposes the discipline of art history itself as an art.AMary Hamel-Schwulst, Towson Univ., MD Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title. Read more...

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FW: Advances of Computational Intelligence in Industrial Systems (Studies in Computational Intelligence)

 

 

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Posted on: Tuesday, December 22, 2009 10:07 PM
Author: FreeBookSpot Latest Books
Subject: Advances of Computational Intelligence in Industrial Systems (Studies in Computational Intelligence)

 

Computational Intelligence (CI) has emerged as a rapid growing field over the past decade. Its various techniques have been recognized as powerful tools for intelligent information processing, decision making and knowledge management. "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, e.g. particle swarm optimization, Web services, data mining with privacy protection, kernel methods for text analysis, etc. Section II Industrial Application covers the CI applications in a wide variety of domains, e.g. clinical decision support, process monitoring for industrial CNC machine, novelty detection for jet engines, ant algorithm for berth allocation, etc. Such a collection of chapters has presented the state-of-the-art of CI applications in industry and will be an essential resource for professionals and researchers who wish to learn and spot the opportunities in applying CI techniques to their particular problems. Read more...

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FW: Systems Analysis for Water Technology

 

 

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Posted on: Tuesday, December 22, 2009 10:07 PM
Author: FreeBookSpot Latest Books
Subject: Systems Analysis for Water Technology

 

This book deals in a concise format with the methods used to develop mathematical models for water and wastewater treatment. It provides a systematic approach to mass balances, transport and transformation processes, kinetics, stoichiometry, reactor hydraulics, residence time distribution, heterogeneous systems, and dynamic behaviour of reactors. In addition it includes an introduction into parameter identification, error analysis, error propagation, process control, time series analysis, stochastic modelling and probabilistic design. Written as a textbook it primarily supports graduate and doctoral students in environmental engineering but may serve as a resource for academics and practitioners alike. Read more...

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FW: Eco-Resorts: Planning and Design for the Tropics

 

 

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Posted on: Tuesday, December 22, 2009 10:07 PM
Author: FreeBookSpot Latest Books
Subject: Eco-Resorts: Planning and Design for the Tropics

 

Eco-Resorts is a design guide for low impact, environmentally friendly tourist resorts in the tropics. The book is the first to offer architects practical, detailed guidance in developing resort buildings that work with a tropical climate and meet the needs and expectations of the client and building inhabitants. The book includes both architectural design and material solutions, supported by theoretical principles, to present a sustainable approach to resort design. It demonstrates that tropical resort buildings do not necessarily require large energy input, in compliance with green building standards. Case studies show how principles of sustainable design have been successfully applied in tropical environments. * Written by an industry insider with practical design experience, knowledge and expertise. * Demonstrates design practices related to site planning and layout, and re-assesses best practices for a tropical environment, allowing architects to apply design principles to their own projects. * Includes international case studies from several countries to illustrate best practice from a variety of tropical climate destinations around the world. Z (Zbigniew) Bromberek, PhD, is an architect educated and registered in Poland, and postgraduate-educated and residing in Australia. Z has been practising and teaching architecture for nearly 30 years. He has been involved and associated with various educational institutions and professional organizations in a numb Read more...

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FW: Analog Design Centering and Sizing

 

 

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Posted on: Tuesday, December 22, 2009 10:07 PM
Author: FreeBookSpot Latest Books
Subject: Analog Design Centering and Sizing

 

This book represents a compendium of fundamental problem formulations of analog design centering and sizing. It provides a differentiated knowledge about the tasks of analog design centering and sizing. In particular the worst-case problem will be formulated. It stands at the interface between process technology and design technology. This book wants to point out that and how both process and design technology are required for its solution. The intention is to enable analog and mixed-signal designers to assess CAD solution methods that are presented to them. On the other side, the intention is to enable developers of analog CAD tools to formulate and develop solution approaches for analog design centering and sizing. The structure of the book is geared towards a combination of a reference book and a textbook. The formulations of tasks and solution approaches by mathematical means makes the book suitable as well for students dealing with analog design and design methodology. Read more...

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FW: Agent-Based Models of Energy Investment Decisions

 

 

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Posted on: Tuesday, December 22, 2009 10:07 PM
Author: FreeBookSpot Latest Books
Subject: Agent-Based Models of Energy Investment Decisions

 

As societies face the challenge of securing an efficient and environmentally sound energy supply, researchers have strived to determine the future development of energy consumption, infrastructure and technology endowment. This book proposes a new agent-based approach to studying the development of urban energy systems. Decisions of private and commercial investors and operators are modeled using a bounded rational decision model which are parameterized by socio-economic data. The study goes on to analyze the impact of firms’ competition on technology diffusion and calculate diffusion curves for energy technologies such as solar collectors, boilers and efficiency upgrades for buildings. While making an important methodological contribution to the field of energy modelling, the author also presents practical results which will help urban planners and policy makers take more accurate decisions. As societies face the challenge of securing an efficient and environmentally sound energy supply, researchers have strived to determine the future development of energy consumption, infrastructure and technology resources. This book proposes a new agent-based approach to studying the development of urban energy systems. Decisions of private and commercial investors and operators are modeled using a bounded rational decision model which are parameterized by socio-economic data. The study goes on to analyze the impact of firms’ competition on technology diffusion and to calculate Read more...

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FW: Adaptive Backstepping Control of Uncertain Systems: Nonsmooth Nonlinearities, Interactions or Time-Variations (Lecture Notes in Control and Information Sciences)

 

 

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Posted on: Tuesday, December 22, 2009 10:07 PM
Author: FreeBookSpot Latest Books
Subject: Adaptive Backstepping Control of Uncertain Systems: Nonsmooth Nonlinearities, Interactions or Time-Variations (Lecture Notes in Control and Information Sciences)

 

This book employs the powerful and popular adaptive backstepping control technology to design controllers for dynamic uncertain systems with non-smooth nonlinearities. Various cases including systems with time-varying parameters, multi-inputs and multi-outputs, backlash, dead-zone, hysteresis and saturation are considered in design and analysis. For multi-inputs and multi-outputs systems, both centralized and decentralized controls are addressed. This book not only presents recent research results including theoretical success and practical development such as the proof of system stability and the improvement of system tracking and transient performance, but also gives self-contained coverage of fundamentals on the backstepping approach illustrated with simple examples. Detail description of methodologies for the construction of adaptive laws, feedback control laws and associated Lyapunov functions is systematically provided in each case. Approaches used for the analysis of system stability and tracking and transient performances are elaborated. Two case studies are presented to show how the presented theories are applied. Read more...

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FW: CMOS SRAM Circuit Design and Parametric Test in Nano-Scaled Technologies: Process-Aware SRAM Design and Test

 

 

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Posted on: Tuesday, December 22, 2009 10:07 PM
Author: FreeBookSpot Latest Books
Subject: CMOS SRAM Circuit Design and Parametric Test in Nano-Scaled Technologies: Process-Aware SRAM Design and Test

 

As technology scales into nano-meter region, design and test of Static Random Access Memories (SRAMs) becomes a highly complex task. Process disturbances and various defect mechanisms contribute to the increasing number of unstable SRAM cells with parametric sensitivity. Growing sizes of SRAM arrays increase the likelihood of cells with marginal stability and pose strict constraints on transistor parameters distributions. Standard functional tests often fail to detect unstable SRAM cells. Undetected unstable cells deteriorate quality and reliability of the product as such cells may fail to retain the data and cause a system failure. Special design and test measures have to be taken to identify cells with marginal stability. However, it is not sufficient to identify the unstable cells. To ensure reliable system operation, unstable cells have to be repaired. CMOS SRAM Circuit Design and Parametric Test in Nano-Scaled Technologies covers a broad range of topics related to SRAM design and test. From SRAM operation basics through cell electrical and physical design to process-aware and economical approach to SRAM testing. The emphasis of the book is on challenges and solutions of stability testing as well as on development of understanding of the link between the process technology and SRAM circuit design in modern nano-scaled technologies. Read more...

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FW: Applying Computational Intelligence: How to Create Value

 

 

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Posted on: Tuesday, December 22, 2009 10:07 PM
Author: FreeBookSpot Latest Books
Subject: Applying Computational Intelligence: How to Create Value

 

The flow of academic ideas in the area of computational intelligence is impacting industrial practice at considerable speed. Practitioners face the challenge of tracking, understanding and applying the latest techniques, which often prove their value even before the underlying theories are fully understood. This book offers realistic guidelines on creating value from the application of computational intelligence methods. In Part I, the author offers simple explanations of the key computational intelligence technologies: fuzzy logic, neural networks, support vector machines, evolutionary computation, swarm intelligence, and intelligent agents. In Part II, he defines the typical business environment and analyzes the competitive advantages these techniques offer. In Part III, he introduces a methodology for effective real-world application of computational intelligence while minimizing development cost, and he outlines the critical, underestimated technology marketing efforts required. The methodology can improve the existing capabilities of Six Sigma, one of the most popular work processes in industry. Finally, in Part IV the author looks to technologies still in the research domain, such as perception-based computing, artificial immune systems, and systems with evolved structure, and he examines the future for computational intelligence applications while taking into account projected industrial needs. The author adopts a light tone in the book, visualizes many of the t Read more...

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FW: Human and Nature Minding Automation: An Overview of Concepts, Methods, Tools and Applications

 

 

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Posted on: Tuesday, December 22, 2009 10:07 PM
Author: FreeBookSpot Latest Books
Subject: Human and Nature Minding Automation: An Overview of Concepts, Methods, Tools and Applications

 

This book examines the "symbiosis" of automation and technology with the human and the nature towards the ultimate goal of assuring global sustainability. Throughout the years a variety of approaches, technologies and practices have been produced in the direction of achieving human-and nature-minding automation and industrial activity. In this book an attempt is made, for the first time, to present in a cohesive and consolidated way an overview of all these issues together, and show how they combine to provide human-and nature-minding (green) systems. Human-minding automation is possible by employing concepts and techniques from the human factors and ergonomics fields, including job satisfaction, human-friendly interfaces, and human values, whereas nature-minding industrial activity and human development can be achieved by considering as a whole the human, economic, natural and cultural resources in the short and long term. In particular, nature-minding design selects the production methods and technologies that have the minimum impact to the nature. The book is intended for use both as a free reference conceptual book, and as general introductory book in relevant teaching and research environments. Read more...

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FW: A SAS/IML Companion for Linear Models

 

 

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Posted on: Tuesday, December 22, 2009 10:07 PM
Author: FreeBookSpot Latest Books
Subject: A SAS/IML Companion for Linear Models

 

Linear models courses are often presented as either theoretical or applied. Consequently, students may find themselves either proving theorems or using high-level procedures like PROC GLM to analyze data. There exists a gap between the derivation of formulas and analyses that hide these formulas behind attractive user interfaces. This book bridges that gap, demonstrating theory put into practice. Concepts presented in a theoretical linear models course are often trivialized in applied linear models courses by the facility of high-level SAS procedures like PROC MIXED and PROC REG that require the user to provide a few options and statements and in return produce vast amounts of output. This book uses PROC IML to show how analytic linear models formulas can be typed directly into PROC IML, as they were presented in the linear models course, and solved using data. This helps students see the link between theory and application. This also assists researchers in developing new methodologies in the area of linear models. The book contains complete examples of SAS code for many of the computations relevant to a linear models course. However, the SAS code in these examples automates the analytic formulas. The code for high-level procedures like PROC MIXED is also included for side-by-side comparison. The book computes basic descriptive statistics, matrix algebra, matrix decomposition, likelihood maximization, non-linear optimization, etc. in a format conducive to a linear model Read more...

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FW: Collaborative Computing Networking, Applications and Worksharing

 

 

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Posted on: Tuesday, December 22, 2009 10:07 PM
Author: FreeBookSpot Latest Books
Subject: Collaborative Computing Networking, Applications and Worksharing

 

This book constitutes the proceedings of the 4th conference CollaborateCom 2008 in Orlando, Florida and reflects the research results in collaborative computing networks, systems, and applications. The 18 invited papers and 41 full papers demonstrate recent advances in many computing fields, including multi-core architectures, 3G/4G wireless networks, web 2.0 technologies, computing clouds, and software as a service. Read more...

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FW: Design of Wood Structures-ASD/LRFD

 

 

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Posted on: Tuesday, December 22, 2009 10:07 PM
Author: FreeBookSpot Latest Books
Subject: Design of Wood Structures-ASD/LRFD

 

This state-of-the-art new edition of the field's leading text puts authoritative design guidance at your fingertips. This trusted reference demonstrates all necessary steps and techniques, following the sequence of materials and elements in the same order used in actual design. It keeps you current with the latest codes and industry standards, and provides large numbers of practical design examples. * Conforms to the 2006 IBC * Addresses new 2005 NDS provisions, and combines dual-format ASD/LRFD specification, equations, and problems throughout * Includes ASCE 7-05 load standard provisions INSIDE Design of Wood Structures-ASD/LRFD, Sixth Edition Wood Buildings and Design Criteria • Design Loads • Properties of Wood and Lumber Grades • Structural Glued Laminated Timber • Beam Design • Axial Forces and Combined Loading • Wood Structural Panels • Diaphragms • Shearwalls • Wood Connections • Nailed and Stapled Connections • Bolts, Lag Bolts, and Other Connectors • Connection Hardware • Diaphragm-to-Shearwall Anchorage • Advanced Topics in Lateral Force Design Read more...

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FW: Essays in Migratory Aesthetics Cultural Practices Between Migration and Art-making.

 

 

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Posted on: Tuesday, December 22, 2009 10:07 PM
Author: FreeBookSpot Latest Books
Subject: Essays in Migratory Aesthetics Cultural Practices Between Migration and Art-making.

 

This volume addresses the impact of human movement on the aesthetic practices that make up the fabric of culture. The essays explore the ways in which cultural activities-ranging from the habitual gestures of the body to the production of specific artworks-register the impact of migration, from the forced transportation of slaves to the New World and of Jews to the death camps to the economic migration of peoples between the West and its erstwhile colonies; from the internal and external exile of Palestinians to the free movement of cosmopolitan intellectuals. Rather than focusing exclusively on art produced by those identified as migrant subjects, this collection opens up the question of how aesthetics itself migrates, transforming not only its own practices and traditions, but also the very nature of our being in the world, as subjects producing, as well as produced by, the cultures in which we live. The transformative potential of cultures on the move is both affirmed and critiqued throughout the collection, as part of an exploration of the ways in which globalisation implicates us ever more tightly in the unequal relations of production that characterise late modernity. This collection brings academic scholars from a variety of disciplines into conversation with practising visual and verbal artists; indeed, many of the essays break down the distinction between artist and academic, suggesting a dynamic interchange between critical reflection and creativity. Read more...

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FW: Illumination and Decoration of Flat Surfaces

 

 

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Posted on: Tuesday, December 22, 2009 10:07 PM
Author: FreeBookSpot Latest Books
Subject: Illumination and Decoration of Flat Surfaces

 

It must be appreciated that no building surface is perfectly flat and that the best that can be expected is the appearance of flatness. Unfortunately, this appearance can easily be destroyed by the effect of glancing light, whether natural or artificial. Illumination and Decoration of Flat Surfaces shows the effect of different light sources on a variety of lining materials and paints so that best effects can be achieved. Different types of building surfaces are investigated, including set plaster, fibrous plaster, hardboard and gypsum board with gloss and semi-gloss paint applied. This full-color edition also discusses new building materials such as cement sheet, polystyrene and various composite panels, as well as new building practices, low embodied energy materials and higher energy efficiency of buildings. Illumination and Decoration of Flat Surfaces is a must-have for people involved in the building industry, both commercial and residential. Read more...

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FW: Networked Control Systems: Theory and Applications

 

 

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Posted on: Tuesday, December 22, 2009 10:07 PM
Author: FreeBookSpot Latest Books
Subject: Networked Control Systems: Theory and Applications

 

Networked control systems (NCS) consist of sensors, actuators and controllers the operations of which may be distributed over geographically disparate locations and co-ordinated by the exchange of information passed over a communication network. The communication network may be physically wired or not. The widespread applications of the Internet have been a major driving force for research and development of NCS. NCS have advantages in terms of cost reduction, system diagnosis and flexibility, minimizing wiring and making the addition and replacement of individual elements relatively simple; efficient data sharing makes taking globally intelligent control decisions easier with an NCS. The applications of NCS are very wide, from the large scale of factory automation and plant monitoring to the smaller but complicated networks of computers in modern cars, places and autonomous robots. Networked Control Systems presents the most recent results in stability and robustness analysis as well as new developments related to networked fuzzy and optimal control. Many of the chapters contain details of case-studies, experimental, simulation and/or other application-related work showing how the theories put forward can be implemented in real systems. The state-of-the art research reported in this volume by an international team of contributors will make Networked Control Systems an essential reference for researchers and postgraduate students in control, electrical, computer Read more...

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FW: Graph-Theoretic Concepts in Computer Science 35th International Workshop, WG 2009, Montpellier, France, June 24-26, 2009, Revised Papers

 

 

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Posted on: Tuesday, December 22, 2009 10:07 PM
Author: FreeBookSpot Latest Books
Subject: Graph-Theoretic Concepts in Computer Science 35th International Workshop, WG 2009, Montpellier, France, June 24-26, 2009, Revised Papers

 

This book constitutes the thoroughly refereed post-conference proceedings of the 35th International Workshop on Graph-Theoretic Concepts in Computer Science, WG 2009, held in Montpellier, France, in June 2009. The 28 revised full papers presented together with two invited papers were carefully reviewed and selected from 69 submissions. The papers feature original results on all aspects of graph-theoretic concepts in Computer Science, e.g. structural graph theory, sequential, parallel, and distributed graph and network algorithms and their complexity, graph grammars and graph rewriting systems, graph-based modeling, graph-drawing and layout, diagram methods, and support of these concepts by suitable implementations. Read more...

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FW: Greening Your Home Sustainable Options for Every System In Your House

 

 

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Posted on: Tuesday, December 22, 2009 10:07 PM
Author: FreeBookSpot Latest Books
Subject: Greening Your Home Sustainable Options for Every System In Your House

 

Choose Green Systems That Conserve Resources While Matching Your Budget and Lifestyle A vital conservation and money-saving tool, Greening Your Home provides helpful information that will help you select sustainable green options that match your specific needs for every system in your house. This “one-stop” guide provides the latest information on systems and materials that conserve resources for a cleaner, more energy-efficient home. From the lively writing, with illustrations and examples, you will learn how to incorporate sustainability into your house in beautiful, cost-effective, and environmentally responsible ways. Both inspirational and practical, Greening Your Home features: * A wealth of green building and remodeling options for homeowners * Photographs and information on green products and systems and their advantages Your Complete Guide to a Green, Energy-Efficient Home Material Options: • Structural Insulated Panels • Low-VOC Paints • Replacement Windows • Green Certified Doors • Glass Block • Fly Ash Concrete • Bamboo and Cork Flooring • Plastic Plumbing Pipe • Red Cedar Siding • Recycled Insulation Recent Technology: • Power Consumption Monitors • Timers and Motion Sensors • Low-Flow Plumbing Fixtures • On-demand Water Heaters • Radiant In-floor Heating • Heat and Energy Recovery Ventilators • Whole-house Fans • Spray Foam Insulation • Induction Cooktops • Horizontal Axis Washers/Dryers Green Practices: • Reducing Your Carbon Footprin Read more...

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