Video segmentation has become one of the core areas in visual signal processing research. The objective of Video Segmentation and Its Applications is to present the latest advances in video segmentation and analysis techniques while covering the theoretical approaches, real applications and methods being developed in the computer vision and video analysis community. The book will also provide researchers and practitioners a comprehensive understanding of state-of-the-art of video segmentation techniques and a resource for potential applications and successful practice.

"We live in the age of data. In the last few years, the methodology of extracting insights from data or "data science" has emerged as a discipline in its own right. The R programming language has become one-stop solution for all types of data analysis. The growing popularity of R is due its statistical roots and a vast open source package library. The goal of "Beginning Data Science with R" is to introduce the readers to some of the useful data science techniques and their implementation with the R programming language. The book attempts to strike a balance between the how: specific processes and methodologies, and understanding the why: going over the intuition behind how a particular technique works, so that the reader can apply it to the problem at hand. This book will be useful for readers who are not familiar with statistics and the R programming language.

"Advances in Imaging and Electron Physics" merges two long-running serials--"Advances in Electronics and Electron Physics" and "Advances in Optical and Electron Microscopy." This series features extended articles on the physics of electron devices (especially semiconductor devices), particle optics at high and low energies, microlithography, image science and digital image processing, electromagnetic wave propagation, electron microscopy, and the computing methods used in all these domains.

This book presents how multimedia data analysis, information retrieval and indexing are central for comprehensive, personalized, adaptive quality care and the prolongation of independent living at home. With sophisticated technologies in monitoring, diagnosis, and treatment, multimodal data plays an increasingly central role in healthcare. Experts in computer vision, image processing, medical imaging, biomedical engineering, medical informatics, physical education and motor control, visual learning, nursing and human sciences, information retrieval, content based image retrieval, eHealth, information fusion, multimedia communications and human computer interaction come together to provide a thorough overview of multimedia analysis in medicine and daily life.

Neutron Imaging and Applications offers an introduction to the basics of neutron beam production and instrumentation in addition to the wide scope of techniques that provide unique imaging capabilities over a broad and diverse range of applications. An instructional overview of neutron sources, optics and detectors, allows readers to delve more deeply into the discussions of radiography, tomography, phase contrast imaging and prospective applications using advanced neutron holography techniques and polarized beams. A section devoted to overviews in a growing range of applications describes imaging of fuel cells and hydrogen storage devices for a robust hydrogen economy; new directions in material science and engineering; the investigation of precious artifacts of cultural heritage importance; determination of plant physiology and growth processes; imaging of biological tissues and macromolecules, and the practical elements of neutron imaging for homeland security and contraband detection. Written by key experts in the field, researchers and engineers involved with imaging technologies will find Neutron Imaging and Applications a valuable reference.

"Advances in Imaging and Electron Physics" merges two long-running serials--"Advances in Electronics and Electron Physics" and "Advances in Optical and Electron Microscopy." This series features extended articles on the physics of electron devices (especially semiconductor devices), particle optics at high and low energies, microlithography, image science and digital image processing, electromagnetic wave propagation, electron microscopy, and the computing methods used in all these domains.
This monograph summarizes the authors' knowledge and experience acquired over many years in their work on computational charged particle optics. Its main message is that even in this era of powerful computers with a multitude of general-purpose and problem-oriented programs, asymptotic analysis based on perturbation theory remains one of the most effective tools to penetrate deeply into the essence of the problem in question.

This volume focuses on nano-optical probing, manipulation, and analysis. It begins with recent developments in near-field optical spectroscopy that clarify quantum states at the nanoscale, followed by a theory for a photon-electron-phonon interacting system at the nanoscale. Further topics include: visible laser desorption/ionization mass spectroscopy exhibiting near-field effects; a practical nanofabrication method with optical near fields applied to a SHG device; a theory and experimental achievements on optical transport of nanoparticles, selectively manipulated by resonant radiation force. Taken as a whole, this overview will be a valuable resource for engineers and scientists working in the field of nano-electro-optics.

This textbook is one of the first to explain the fundamentals and applications of remote sensing at both undergraduate and graduate levels. Topics include definitions and a brief history of payloads and platforms, data acquisition and specifications, image processing techniques, data integration and spatial modeling, and a range of applications covering terrestrial, atmospheric, oceanographic and planetary disciplines. The policy and law issues of remote sensing and the future trends on the horizon are also covered. Remote sensing is an exciting, dynamic technology that is transforming the Earth sciences - terrestrial, atmospheric, and marine - as well as the practices of agriculture, disaster response, engineering, natural resources, providing evidence in legal cases and documented humanitarian crises, and many other fields. Increasingly, understanding of these techniques will be central to a number of disciplines, particularly as the technology advances.

Since the discovery of the giant magnetoresistance (GMR) effect in 1988, spintronics has been presented as a new technology paradigm, awarded by the Nobel Prize in Physics in 2007. Initially used in read heads of hard disk drives, and while disputing a piece of the market to the flash memories, GMR devices have broadened their range of usage by growing towards magnetic field sensing applications in a huge range of scenarios. Potential applications at the time of the discovery have become real in the last two decades. Definitively, GMR was born to stand. In this sense, selected successful approaches of GMR based sensors in different applications: space, automotive, microelectronics, biotechnology ... are collected in the present book. While keeping a practical orientation, the fundamentals as well as the current trends and challenges of this technology are also analyzed. In this sense, state of the art contributions from academy and industry can be found through the contents. This book can be used by starting researchers, postgraduate students and multidisciplinary scientists in order to have a reference text in this topical fascinating field.

Ultrashort laser pulses with durations in the femtosecond range up to a few picoseconds provide a unique method for precise materials processing or medical applications. Paired with the recent developments in ultrashort pulse lasers, this technology is finding its way into various application fields. The book gives a comprehensive overview of the principles and applications of ultrashort pulse lasers, especially applied to medicine and production technology. Recent advances in laser technology are discussed in detail. This covers the development of reliable and cheap low power laser sources as well as high average power ultrashort pulse lasers for large scale manufacturing. The fundamentals of laser-matter-interaction as well as processing strategies and the required system technology are discussed for these laser sources with respect to precise materials processing. Finally, different applications within medicine, measurement technology or materials processing are highlighted.

This book presents the fabrication of optoelectronic nanodevices. The structures considered are nanowires, nanorods, hybrid semiconductor nanostructures, wide bandgap nanostructures for visible light emitters and graphene. The device applications of these structures are broadly explained. The book deals also with the characterization of semiconductor nanostructures. It appeals to researchers and graduate students.

In recent decades, cosmetic science has found new high-potency, bioactive ingredients that produce visibly superior skin benefits to the consumer. Light-based devices, including lasers and intense-pulsed light systems, have been used for years in the treatment of cutaneous vascular and pigmented lesions, yet have only recently appeared in cosmetic applications, beauty salons and spas. Meanwhile, ever more research and development is being performed with the intent of bringing them to the home-use market.
This book is the first to introduce a range of currently used, or under development, laser- and light-based technologies that will provide greater cosmetic benefits to the consumer. It explains the basic physics of light-based technologies, the bio-physical principles behind their mechanism of action, and their applications in many cosmetic procedures. The fundamentals of skin and hair physiology (relevant to the understanding of actions of various cosmetics) are also explained, as are: cosmeceuticals; topical drugs for cosmetic benefits; non-invasive and invasive options available for beauty treatments, and how all this fits in with the emerging light-based technologies.
Individual chapters are devoted to the various skin and hair conditions where light-based systems are currently used. Treatments discussed include the rejuvenation and toning of damaged skin; skin resurfacing and microdermabrasion; hair removal and growth reduction; wrinkle reduction; acne treatment and cellulite. Finally, the book examines the synergy of cosmeceuticals and topical bioactive agents with light-based technologies, safety issues, a regulatory perspective for OTC marketing, and concludes with a discussion of the business aspects related to home-use of light-based devices.
* The first book to introduce this emerging technology to the personal care industry.
* Explains their applications in many cosmetic procedures.
* Devotes individual chapters to common skin and hair conditions.

"Advances in Imaging and Electron Physics" merges two long-running serials--"Advances in Electronics and Electron Physics" and "Advances in Optical and Electron Microscopy." This series features extended articles on the physics of electron devices (especially semiconductor devices), particle optics at high and low energies, microlithography, image science and digital image processing, electromagnetic wave propagation, electron microscopy, and the computing methods used in all these domains.
* Updated with contributions from leading international scholars and industry experts
* Discusses hot topic areas and presents current and future research trends
* Invaluable reference and guide for physicists, engineers and mathematicians

The series Structure and Bonding publishes critical reviews on topics of research concerned with chemical structure and bonding. The scope of the series spans the entire Periodic Table and addresses structure and bonding issues associated with all of the elements. It also focuses attention on new and developing areas of modern structural and theoretical chemistry such as nanostructures, molecular electronics, designed molecular solids, surfaces, metal clusters and supramolecular structures. Physical and spectroscopic techniques used to determine, examine and model structures fall within the purview of Structure and Bonding to the extent that the focus is on the scientific results obtained and not on specialist information concerning the techniques themselves. Issues associated with the development of bonding models and generalizations that illuminate the reactivity pathways and rates of chemical processes are also relevant.The individual volumes in the series are thematic. The goal of each volume is to give the reader, whether at a university or in industry, a comprehensive overview of an area where new insights are emerging that are of interest to a larger scientific audience. Thus each review within the volume critically surveys one aspect of that topic and places it within the context of the volume as a whole. The most significant developments of the last 5 to 10 years should be presented using selected examples to illustrate the principles discussed. A description of the physical basis of the experimental techniques that have been used to provide the primary data may also be appropriate, if it has not been covered in detail elsewhere. The coverage need not be exhaustive in data, but should rather be conceptual, concentrating on the new principles being developed that will allow the reader, who is not a specialist in the area covered, to understand the data presented. Discussion of possible future research directions in the area is welcomed. Review articles for the individual volumes are invited by the volume editors.
Readership: research scientists at universities or in industry, graduate students
Special offer
For all customers who have a standing order to the print version of Structure and Bonding, we offer free access to the electronic volumes of the Series published in the current year via SpringerLink.

The invention of the electron microscope more than 70 years ago made it possible to visualize a new world, far smaller than anything that could be seen with the traditional microscope. The biologist could study viruses and the components of cells, the materials scientist could study the structure of metals and alloys and many other substances, and especially their defects. But even the electron microscope had limits, and truly atomic structure was still too small to be observed directly. The so-called 'limit of resolution' of the microscope was well understood but attempts to use the necessary correctors were unsuccessful until the late 1990s. Such correctors now equip many microscopes in Europe, the USA and Japan and the results are extremely impressive. Moreover, microscopists feel that they are only at the beginning of a new era of subatomic microscopical imaging. In the present volume, we have brought together the principal contributors, instrument designers and microscopists to discuss this topic in depth.
* First book on the subject of correctors
* Well known contributors from academia and microscope manufacturers
* Provides an ideal starting point for preparing funding proposals

This comparative tutorial describes the reasons behind device failures and provides practical information on what can be done to minimize failure-prone designs and enhance device reliability. The text demonstrates how, with such advantages as smaller size, low-cost and simple operation, LEDs are well suited for a wide range of applications - especially in the field of optical fibre communication. This book should prove of interest to engineers and scientists in research, design, manufacturing and development of semiconductor lasers, LEDs and optical transmission systems.

This book shows an update in the field of micro/nano fabrications techniques of two and three dimensional structures as well as ultimate three dimensional characterization methods from the atom range to the micro scale. Several examples are presented showing their direct application in different technological fields such as microfluidics, photonics, biotechnology and aerospace engineering, between others. The effects of the microstructure and topography on the macroscopic properties of the studied materials are discussed, together with a detailed review of 3D imaging techniques. Content Level Research

For most elements of the periodic table, reliable computations of atomic data and properties are still a challenge for (atomic) theory today. Despite of the great effort, that has been undertaken by many groups worldwide during the past four decades, yet serious difficulties arise not only from the complexity of most atoms and ions but also from the large variety of data that is needed in different fields of physics and science. In practice, one often faces several intricacies in performing such computations with the largest, perhaps, (1) due to the shell structure of most atoms and ions. This shell structure, i. e. the occupation of the atomic subshells, does not only change typically when an atom undergoes some transition but also hampers the analysis of one and the same property between neighboured elements. In fact, the particular shell structure of an atom or ion strongly affects the number of degenerate levels (or those nearby in energy) and may thus lead to very different computational requirements in dependence of the occupation of the shells. Further difficulties arise in addition also from (2) the relativistic treatment on the basis of the Dirac-Coulomb (-Breit) Hamiltonian (which is needed for most medium and heavy elements, and sometimes even for the light ones) as well as from (3) the fact that many atomic properties are accompanied by the capture or emission of free electrons.

Probability, Random Processes, and Ergodic Properties is for mathematically inclined information/communication theorists and people working in signal processing. It will also interest those working with random or stochastic processes, including mathematicians, statisticians, and economists.

Highlights:

Complete tour of book and guidelines for use given in Introduction, so readers can see at a glance the topics of interest.

Structures mathematics for an engineering audience, with emphasis on engineering applications.

New in the Second Edition:

Much of the material has been rearranged and revised for pedagogical reasons.

The original first chapter has been split in order to allow a more thorough treatment of basic probability before tackling random processes and dynamical systems.

The final chapter has been broken into two pieces to provide separate emphasis on process metrics and the ergodic decomposition of affine functionals.

Many classic inequalities are now incorporated into the text, along with proofs; and many citations have been added.

This work addresses the topic of optical networks cross-layer design with a focus on physical-layer-impairment-aware design. Contributors captures both the physical-layer-aware network design as well as the latest advances in service-layer-aware network design. Treatment of topics such as, optical transmissions which are prone to signal impairments, dense packing of wavelengths, dispersion, crosstalk, etc., as well as how to design the network to mitigate such impairments, are all covered.

* The only book describing applications of nonlinear fiber optics
* Two new chapters on the latest developments: highly nonlinear fibers and quantum applications
* Coverage of biomedical applications
* Problems provided at the end of each chapter
The development of new highly nonlinear fibers - referred to as microstructured fibers, holey fibers and photonic crystal fibers - is the next generation technology for all-optical signal processing and biomedical applications. This new edition has been thoroughly updated to incorporate these key technology developments.
The book presents sound coverage of the fundamentals of lightwave technology, along with material on pulse compression techniques and rare-earth-doped fiber amplifiers and lasers. The extensively revised chapters include information on fiber-optic communication systems and the ultrafast signal processing techniques that make use of nonlinear phenomena in optical fibers.
New material focuses on the applications of highly nonlinear fibers in areas ranging from wavelength laser tuning and nonlinear spectroscopy to biomedical imaging and frequency metrology. Technologies such as quantum cryptography, quantum computing, and quantum communications are also covered in a new chapter.
This book will be an ideal reference for: R&D engineers working on developing next generation optical components; scientists involved with research on fiber amplifiers and lasers; graduate students and researchers working in the fields of optical communications and quantum information.
* The only book on how to develop nonlinear fiber optic applications
* Two new chapters on the latest developments; Highly Nonlinear Fibers and Quantum Applications
* Coverage of biomedical applications

"Signal Conditioning" is a comprehensive introduction to electronic signal processing. The book presents the mathematical basics including the implications of various transformed domain representations in signal synthesis and analysis in an understandable and lucid fashion and illustrates the theory through many applications and examples from communication systems. The ease to learn is supported by well-chosen exercises which give readers the flavor of the subject. Supplementary electronic material is available on http://extras.springer.com including MATLAB codes illuminating applications in the domain of one dimensional electrical signal processing, image processing, and speech processing. The book is an introduction for students with a basic understanding in engineering or natural sciences.

Strengthen your understanding of fast-moving WDMA optical network technology, and learn how to better select and design reliable all-optical telecom networks with this practical book. It will help expand your knowledge of LLN, Manhattan, Shuffle, De Bruijn, Gemmet, Matrix, Swift, and Starnet and will show you how to employ an effective method of network organization based on traffic demands.

"Advances in Imaging and Electron Physics" merges two long-running serials-Advances in Electronics and Electron Physics and Advances in Optical and Electron Microscopy. This series features extended articles on the physics of electron devices (especially semiconductor devices), particle optics at high and low energies, microlithography, image science and digital image processing, electromagnetic wave propagation, electron microscopy, and the computing methods used in all these domains.
An important feature of these Advances is that the subjects are written in such a way that they can be understood by readers from other specialities.