Optimization is the art, science and mathematics of finding the best member of a finite or infinite set of possible choices, based on some objective measure of the merit of each choice in the set. Three key facets of the subject are: - the construction of optimization models that capture the range of available choices within a feasible set and the measure-of-merit of any particular choice in a feasible set relative to its competitors; - the invention and implementation of efficient algorithms for solving optimization models; - a mathematical principle of duality that relates optimization models to one another in a fundamental way. Duality cuts across the entire field of optimization and is useful, in particular, for identifying optimality conditions, i.e., criteria that a given member of a feasible set must satisfy in order to be an optimal solution. This booklet provides a gentle introduction to the above topics and will be of interest to college students taking an introductory course in optimization, high school students beginning their studies in mathematics and science, the general reader looking for an overall sense of the field of optimization, and specialists in optimization interested in developing new ways of teaching the subject to their students. John Lawrence Nazareth is Professor Emeritus in the Department of Mathematics at Washington State University and Affiliate Professor in the Department of Applied Mathematics at the University of Washington. He is the author of two recent books also published by Springer-Verlag which explore the above topics in more depth, Differentiable Optimization and Equation Solving (2003) and DLP and Extensions: An Optimization Model andDecision Support System (2001).
34.95 USD

Changes in denominational life in North America have left congregatins with two difficult choices. On ane hand, they can choose to act as though their ministries and programs can still best be established by national denominational offices. On the other hand, they can choose to act as though their denominational identity is completely irrelevant to their mission. Underlying these difficult choices, writes Lyle E. Schaller, is the tremendous flux in the relationship between national denominations and their member congregations over the last forty years. The fact that relatively few visitors choose to affiliate with a congregation on the basis of denominational identity leads some to conclude (incorrectly) that the interdependence and cooperation between congregations of similar heritage and background is unimportant. At the same time, others conclude (also incorrectly) that there is nothing wrong with current denominational structures and that congregations need simply to align themselves with their denominations's directions more thoroughly. To these bad choices, Schaller proposes an alternative. He observes that many congregations already seek to extend their mission and make their ministries more effective by participating in affinity networks--groups of congregations that share particular goals and visions. Schaller suggests the establishment of such networks within, rather than outside of, denominations. He argues that they should be established on the judicatory level. Rather than making state or regional boundaries the organizing principle by which congregations within a denomination align themselves, why not form judicatories around a particular sense of mission, or distinctivetheological stands? Schaller concludes that allowing and encouraging the formation of such affinity networks will recognize the differences between congregations within a denominations as the strength it truly is, and will, foster a greater unity of purpose between the denomination's churches.
19.56 USD

This up-to-date text/reference is designed to present the fundamental principles of robotics with a strong emphasis on engineering applications and industrial solutions based on robotic technology. It can be used by practicing engineers and scientists -- or as a text in standard university courses in robotics. The book has extensive coverage of the major robotic classifications, including Wheeled Mobile Robots, Legged Robots, and the Robotic Manipulator. A central theme is the importance of kinematics to robotic principles. The book is accompanied by a CD-ROM with MATLAB simulations. Features *Discusses the major robot classifications including Wheeled Mobile Robots, Legged Robots, and the Robotic Manipulator Provides an introduction to basic mechanics and electronics; presents mathematical modeling concepts; and performs robotic simulations using MATLAB *Includes extensive coverage of kinematics, integrated throughout the book whenever appropriate *Includes a CD-ROM with demos, MATLAB simulations, and figures *Table of Contents 1. Introduction. Introduction to Robotics. History of Robotics. Current research in Robotics around the world. Classification of Robotics. Robotic Arm. Wheeled Mobile Robots. Legged Robot. Underwater robots. Flying Robots. Robot Vision. Artificial Intelligence. Automation. An overview of the book. Future of Robotics 2. Basic Mechanics. Introduction to theory of machines and mechanisms. Some popular mechanisms. Gear and gear trains. Kinematic analysis of mechanisms. Synthesis of mechanism. A practical guide to use various mechanisms. 3. Basic Electronics. Introduction to Electronics. Some basic Elements. Steps of developing a project on a bread board. Sensors. Using the parallel port of the computer. Using the serial port of the computer. Using the microcontroller. Actuators. Using the things found in the neighborhood for the projects. 4. Wheeled Mobile Robot. Introduction. Classification of WMR. Kinematics and Mathematical modeling of WMR. Control of WMR. Simulation of WMR using MATLAB. Developing the Software and hardware model of an all purpose research WMR 5. Kinematics of Robotic Manipulator. Introduction to Robotic Manipulator. Position and Orientation of Objects in space. Forward Kinematics. Inverse Kinematics. Building robots using the kinematics 6. Legged Robots. Why to study Legged Robots? Balance of legged Robots. Dynamic Balance and Inverse Pendulum model. Analysis of gaits in Legged Animals. Kinematics of Leg Design. Dynamic considerations of Leg design 7. Perception. Classification of Sensors. Encoders and Dead Reckoning. Infrared Sensor. Radiofrequency Sensors. Sonar. Active Beacons. Digital Compass. Electronic Acceleretometer. Electronic Gyroscope. Laser Rangefinder. Vision based Sensors. Practical examples. Appendix. Index. About The Author Appin Knowledge Solutions is an affiliate of the Appin Group of Companies (based in Austin, Texas) and develops software and training products in
59.95 USD

An important medical milestone for anyone connected with ME/CFS! Myalgic Encephalomyelitis / Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: Clinical Working Case Definition, Diagnostic and Treatment Protocols includes a clinical definition (clinical diagnostic criteria) for myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS). The clinical case definition was developed by an expert medical consensus panel of treating physicians, teaching faculty and world leaders in the research of ME/CFS. An expert subcommittee of Health Canada established the Terms of Reference for the consensus panel. The definition more adequately reflects the complexity of symptoms of a given patient’s pathogenesis and should establish ME/CFS as a distinct medical entity and help distinguish it from overlapping medical conditions in the absence of a definitive laboratory test. “The clinical definition will enable clinicians to make an early diagnosis which may assist in lessening the impact of ME/CFS in some patients,” said Dr. Bruce M. Carruthers, lead author of the definition. “It will reduce the expensive problem of patients being sent to many specialists before being diagnosed and will allow patients to receive appropriate treatments in a timely fashion.” The panel’s clinical case definition determines that more of the prominent symptoms are compulsory and symptoms that share a common region of pathogenesis are grouped together for clarity. In addition to severe prolonged fatigue, the definition includes the hallmark symptoms of post-exertional malaise and/or fatigue, sleep dysfunction, pain, two or more of the given neurological/cognitive manifestations, and at least one of the given symptoms from two of the categories of autonomic, neuroendocrine, and immune manifestations. Diagnostic exclusions and common co-morbid entities are also given. The special issue of the Journal of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome also includes a discussion of prominent symptoms, clinical practice diagnostic and treatment guidelines based on the best available research evidence, and an overview of available research on ME/CFS. The expert panel of 11 physicians—who have diagnosed and/or treated more than 20,000 ME/CFS patients between them—has developed a clinical case definition that provides a flexible conceptual framework based on the characteristic patterns of symptom clusters, which reflect specific areas of pathogenesis. The expert subcommittee of Health Canada selected the expert consensus panel. Authors include: * Dr. Bruce M. Carruthers, lead author of the consensus document; co-author of the draft of the original version of the ME/CFS clinical definition, diagnostic and treatment protocols document; internal medicine, Galiano, British Columbia. * Dr. Anil Kumar Jain, co-author of the draft the original version of the ME/CFS consensus document, affiliate of Ottawa Hospital, Ontario. * Dr. Kenny L. De Meirleir, Professor Physiology and Medicine, Vrije
14.95 USD

Covering the vast majority of current and emerging home networking technologies, standards and trends, this new, practical resource offers you a comprehensive understanding of this developing area. The book presents an “end-to-end reference architecture”, where the main residential services are identified and their network requirements are fully analyzed. You find detailed coverage of both wireless and wireline technologies, including IEEE 802.11, Firewire, USB, HiperLAN, and Bluetooth. You learn how the technologies work, how they have evolved, what their capabilities are, and what markets they target. The book also discusses fixed-wireless and satellite access network alternatives.Moreover, this forward-looking reference presents the scope, potential applications, operational concept, architecture, and protocol stack of higher layer technologies that aim to provide convergence between multiple in-home and access networks. The book introduces the concept of the residential gateway (RG) as a single point of network convergence, and explores important considerations for future digital-smart networked homes. Contents: The Magic Boxes - Book Scope and Structure. End-to-End Reference Architecture - Residential Services Identification. Services Requirements. Home Network Reference Architecture. Wireless Home Access Network Alternatives - Introduction. Analog Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN). Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN). XDSL. Hybrid Fiber Coaxial. FTTx. Wireless Home Access Network Alternatives - MMDS. LMDS. Satellite. Technologies that Reuse Existing Home Wiring- Powerline Communications. Phone Line Communications. Home Coaxial Cable Communications. Wireless In-Home Technologies - Infrared Data Association (IrDA). Digital Enhanced Cordless Telecommunications (DECT). Bluetooth. IEEE 802.11/IEEE 802.11b. HomeRF. HiperLAN. Emerging Wireless Technologies - Evolution of IrDA. Evolution of Bluetooth. Evolution of IEEE 802.11. IEEE 802.11a. IEEE 802.15.3. HiperLAN/2. 5GHz Unified Protocol (5-UP). Technologies with New Wiring Requirements - Switched Ethernet. Universal Serial Bus. Firewire - IEEE 1394. IEEE 1394 Application. Comparison and Interoperability. IEEE 1394 Future. Middleware Technologies - Home Electronic System (HES). Home Audio/Video Interoperability (HAVi). Universal Plug ‘n’ Play (UpnP). Open Services Gateway Initiative (OSGI). Versatile Home Network (VHN). European Home System (EHS). KONNEX. Residential Gateways - The RG Role. RG System Requirements. Potential Hardware Architecture. Potential Software Architecture. Business Model. Market Forecast. Present and Future of Home Networking. Glossary. Theodore B. Zahariadis is a Technical Director at Ellemedia (an affiliate of Bell Laboratories). He received his Ph.D. in electrical and computer engineering from the National Technical University of Athens, Greece and his Dipl.-Ing. degree in computer engineering from the University of Patras, Greece.
85.00 USD

According to Black and Ulrich (1999), the role of the human resources (HR) professional in delivering global strategy is to: . raise, define, and clarify the capabilities required to win globally; and . invest, design, and deliver HR-practices that ensure these capabilities. It is also asserted that, given the critical role of a company’s global talent asset base, the role of HR must become more proactive and strategic – HR must become a fully-integrated global business partner (Brake, 1999). A study among HR managers (Roberts et al., 1998) identified three major challenges concerning global human resource management (HRM): getting the right skills to where they are needed easily, spreading up-to-date knowledge and practices throughout the organisation regardless of where they originate, and identifying and developing talent on a global basis. One special issue of a journal cannot attempt to address all the relevant issues involved here – and even less can an introductory article sensibly attempt to do so. What we have tried instead in this special issue is to bring together some of the latest empirically based research in two of the areas identified by Roberts et al.: developing talent and knowledge transfer, focusing on the experience of expatriation[1]. What we will attempt to cover in this introduction are some of the key areas of global HRM linked to these themes and starting from the international strategic HRM perspective on globalisation. The key question here is the extent to which companies aim to integrate their HRM practices across countries in order to support the global strategies. From this strategic background, we move on to discuss the development of global leaders, global career management, and global knowledge management and transfers as key areas of further research on global HRM. Finally, the articles in this special issue are introduced and connected to this research framework. Strategic global HRM: standardisation versus localisation The key debates in the literature concerning HRM in internationally operating organisations have concerned four issues. First, the strategy-structure – configurations of international organisations have been explored by authors such as Doz and Prahalad (1986), Ghoshal and Nohria (1993), Hedlund (1986), and Perlmutter (1969). In general, these typologies denote a move away from hierarchical structures (Birkinshaw and Morrison, 1995) towards network or heterarchical structures (Hedlund, 1986; Bartlett and Ghoshal, 1989). Second, authors have explored the differences between domestic and international HRM (Adler and Bartholomew, 1992; Dowling, 1988; Morgan, 1986; Sparrow et al., 2004; Sundaram and Black, 1992). These texts generally indicate the greater complexity and strategic importance of the international role. A third stream of research has explored the extent of internal consistency versus local isomorphism. These include the degree to which an affiliate is embedded in
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If you've bought or sold items through eBay, or through hundreds of other online sites, then you're familiar with PayPal, the online payment service. With PayPal, a valid email address, and a credit card or bank account, you can easily send and receive payments online. Not a bank or financial institution itself, PayPal describes its service as one that builds on the financial infrastructure of bank accounts and credit cards, and using advanced propriety fraud prevention systems, creates a safe, global, real-time payment solution. Put simply, PayPal provides the means for people to conduct financial transactions online, instantly and securely. But there's more to PayPal than meets the eye. PayPal Hacks shows you how to make the most of PayPal to get the most out of your online business or transactions. Authors Shannon Sofield of Payloadz.com and PayPal evangelist David Nielsen guide you through the rigors of using and developing with PayPal. Whether you're building an ecommerce site using PayPal as a transaction provider, or simply trying to pay for an eBay auction without getting burned, PayPal Hacks will give you the skinny on this leading global online payment service. The collection of tips and tricks in PayPal Hacks shows you how to find or even build the right tools for using PayPal to buy and sell on eBay or as a transaction provider for ecommerce on your own site. Written for all PayPal users, from those just starting out to those developing sophisticated ecommerce sites, this book begins with the basics such as setting up your account, then moves quickly into specific tips and tools for buyers, sellers, and developers. With PayPal Hacks, you can: Learn extrasteps to help protect yourself while buying or selling on eBay Save time and money with advanced tips and undocumented features Learn dozens of easy-to-follow procedures to help you request and receive payments and fill orders Use PayPal to handle subscriptions, affiliate systems, and donations Create and customize your customers' checkout process Effortlessly integrate PayPal's shopping cart system into your own website Implement digital fulfillment with Instant Payment Notification (IPN) and Payment Data Transfer (PDT) Develop and distribute ecommerce applications with the PayPal API Each hack consists of a task to be accomplished or a creative solution to a problem, presented in a clear, logical, and task-oriented format. PayPal Hacks provides the tools and details necessary to make PayPal more profitable, more flexible, and more convenient.
15.65 USD

???Transparency??? has in recent years become a buzzword in the economic-political debate about prospects for economic growth in general and for Europe in particular. A number of events, trends, and developments ??? for example the East-Asian financial crisis, a series of corporate governance scandals in the United States and in Europe, the introduction of the euro as a common currency in part of the European Union, a global trend toward politically independent central banks, growing attention to environmental issues, and attempts to reform the governance structures of supranational and multilateral organizations such as the EU and the UN ??? have made transparency an issue of highest concern. However, the long and winding road leading from improved transparency in Europe to increased economic growth in the region has never been mapped out in a coherent way. The reason is simply that the causal chain from transparency to growth needs to be discussed in a comprehensive, interdisciplinary way, incorporating different research areas and traditions ??? from accounting to economics and political science. This book attempts to bridge that gap in current literature. What is ???transparency???? Are there different kinds of it? What does it do? How much of it do we need, and for what purpose? In this book, the purpose of transparency is assumed ultimately to be higher rates of economic growth, and so the analyses in the different chapters take an ???instrumental??? view of transparency, where the relevant question is whether increased transparency leads to more efficient resource allocation. The chapters address transparency in different markets and at different levels: from corporatefinancial disclosure to lobbying; from the risk incentives facing banks to competition and environmental policies. The book raises important questions and delivers a wealth of insights which will be of great use to a wide spectrum of audiences, including researchers and students on the one hand and policy makers, bureaucrats, and finance and investment professionals on the other. The EditorLars Oxelheim holds a chair in International Business and Finance at Lund University, Lund and is an affiliate of the Research Institute of Industrial Economics (IUI), Stockholm and of the Fudan University, Shanghai. His current research focuses on the implications of macroeconomic disturbances for corporate performance and issues related to economic and financial integration. He has published some 25 books and numerous articles in the areas of international business and finance, corporate finance and corporate governance. Among his recent monographs are Money Markets and Politics: A Study of European Financial Integration and Monetary Policy Options (Cheltenham: Edward Elgar, 2003) (with Jens Forssbaeck), European Union and the Race for Foreign Direct Investment in Europe (Oxford: Elsevier, 2004) (co-edited/authored with Pervez Ghauri) and Corporate Performance and the Expo
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Lessons in risk management from world-class practitioners.Risk managers can no longer operate in a vacuum: they must understand all the risks that impact today's enterprise, and involve all of the firm's leaders in managing those risks. Enlightened companies are meeting these challenges through enterprise risk management: a set of revolutionary techniques that go beyond mere control to contribute measurable business value. This book takes you behind the scenes at companies that are leading the way in developing and deploying enterprise risk management. You'll learn how they're developing new tools for identifying today's new risks; how they're improving the accuracy of their risk assessments and recalibrating their responses-and how enterprise risk management can identify not just debacles and downsides, but breakthrough growth opportunities as well. * Making risk management strategic, not defensiveFrom control to value enhancement * Enterprise risk management: Integrated, continuous, and broadly focusedMoving risk management out of its traditionally disconnected silos : how to do it, and why you must* New tools for identifying, ranking, and measuring risksLeading-edge approaches from Chase Manhattan, Microsoft, DuPont, Unocal, and other leaders* Risk management in an era of unprecedented, unrelenting changeManaging the risks of globalization, interdependence, technological and marketplace change, and political and socioeconomic uncertaintyPart of a new series of books sponsored by the Financial Executives Research Foundation, a nonprofit affiliate of Financial Executives International, the preeminent professional association for senior financial executives, representing 15,000 financial executives worldwide. The Research Foundation, established in 1944, funded the research and case studies in this book. Integrating risk management across the entire enterpriseThe new roles and responsibilities of financial executives in enterprise risk managementNew areas of risk--and how to assess them rationallyScenario analysis, gain/loss curves, earnings-at-risk measurement, and other powerful new measurement toolsIncludes five in-depth case studies: Chase Manhattan, DuPont, Microsoft, Unocal, and United Grain GrowersToday, companies are called upon to manage an assortment of risks that would have been unimaginable even a decade ago. The solution is enterprise risk management, in which risk management activities are understood by--and integrated throughout--the entire organization. In this book, three leading practitioners present an accessible, case study-based introduction to this powerful new approach. They introduce the fundamental concepts and rationale underlying enterprise risk management, offer a concise overview of today's best techniques, and synthesize key lessons that can be learned from early adopters. Next, they present five in-depth case studies showing enterprise risk
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What is the right way to worship God? Throughout history, God has chosen to provide a way for man to worship Him, and for nearly five hundred years, the Tabernacle was that way. Through this detailed study of the Tabernacle, you will learn that there is a right way and yet many wrong ways to worship our Creator. The purpose of this study is to invite readers to worship God in God's way through the "Object Lesson" of the Tabernacle, Jesus Christ. In the very first lesson of the book, you will observe that centuries before the Tabernacle was constructed, God taught His people about worship. You'll discover that the earthly Tabernacle and all its components hold a spiritual significance and was actually a model of the "true Tabernacle" in Heaven, where Jesus Christ is eternally worshiped as King of kings and Lord of lords. Topics from this list are included in this Bible study workbook: Worship from Adam to Aaron Where We Meet God Enter His Gates The Holy Place Enter His Presence Ministers to the Lord The Debt of Sin The Devotion of Surrender God's Order False Worship True Worship Jesus, Our High PriestAbout the Authors Eddie Rasnake graduated with honors from East Tennessee State University in 1980. He and his wife, Michele, served for nearly seven years on the staff of Campus Crusade for Christ. Eddie then served four years as campus director of the Campus Crusade ministry at the University of Tennessee. In 1989, Eddie left Campus Crusade to join Wayne Barber at Woodland Park Baptist Church as the Associate Pastor of Discipleship and Training. He has been ministering in Eastern Europe in the role of equipping local believers for more than a decade and has published materials in Albanian, Greek, Italian, Romanian, and Russian. Eddie serves on the boards of directors of the Center for Christian Leadership in Tirana, Albania, and the Bible Training Center in Eleuthera, Bahamas. He also serves as chaplain for the Chattanooga Lookouts (Cincinnati Reds AA affiliate) baseball team. Eddie and his wife Michele live in Chattanooga, Tennessee with their four children. Richard L. Shepherd has been engaged in some form of ministry for more than twenty years, focusing on areas of teaching, discipleship, and prayer. He has served in churches in Alabama, Florida, Texas, and Tennessee and now serves as Director of Prayer and Spiritual Awakening with the Florida Baptist Convention. The Lord's ministry has taken him to several countries, where he has been involved in training pastors, church leaders, and congregations. Rick has also lectured on college and seminary campuses. He graduated with honors from the University of Mobile and holds a Master of Divinity and a Ph.D. from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas. He and his wife Linda Gail have four children and make their home in Jacksonville, Florida. Wayne A. Barber was born in 1943 in Roanoke, Virginia to Claude and Myrtle Barber. He grew up in a loving home and shared his father's love
14.99 USD