Instructional quality can make or break the learning experience, especially in digital environments where the expressional nuances of interpersonal communication are lost. The most effective distance education instructors and experts are those who recognize the educational needs of students and are able to address those needs through creative use of the technological tools available to them. Identification, Evaluation, and Perceptions of Distance Education Experts explores the current and future trends, needs, and priorities that affect the development of distance education in a postmodern world. This premier reference work will be of significance to those interested in online learning, teaching and training, communication, and education across multiple sectors such as universities, colleges, schools, profit/non-profit e-organizations, and e-commerce.

Multimedia information systems are distinct from traditional information systems, particularly in terms of scheduling, media data, servers, and a number of other important issues. The relatively large size of multimedia data and the high bandwidth requirements for multimedia streams require new storage systems, buffering, delivery, and networking schemes. This work addresses many of these issues by focusing on the following: Disk scheduling and storage hierarchy, Configuration of multimedia servers and buffer management, Delivery scheduling for multimedia streams, Supporting user interactions, Document modeling and temporal modeling of multimedia data, and Integrated multimedia information system. Chapters in this book have been written by well-known and leading researchers in the field. The material is original and includes the most recent research results on topics such as data retrieval from disks, server architecture, buffering, synchronization, and supporting user interactions. The material has been closely edited to form a uniform and cohesive compilation. Multimedia Information Storage and Management can be used for students studying multimedia information and applications. This work will also be of special interest to researchers and developers of multimedia software and hardware systems, network protocol designers, and multimedia tool designers.

Since multimedia systems are required to store and manipulate a variety of media types - including text, graphics, images, sound, audio, and video among many others - applications such as video-on-demand systems, interactive television, and video conferencing are becoming widely available at warp speed. This presents new challenges and obstacles to those in the multimedia industry. ""Multimedia Information Storage and Retrieval"" offers solutions to these challenges, providing data placement techniques, scheduling methods, caching techniques and emerging characteristics of multimedia information. Academicians, students, professionals and practitioners in the multimedia industry will benefit from this ground-breaking publication.

In GPU Pro5 Advanced Rendering Techniques, section editors Wolfgang Engel, Christopher Oat, Carsten Dachsbacher, Michal Valient, Wessam Bahnassi, and Marius Bjorge have once again assembled a high-quality collection of cutting-edge techniques for advanced graphics processing unit (GPU) programming.

Divided into six sections, the book covers rendering, lighting, effects in image space, mobile devices, 3D engine design, and compute. It explores rasterization of liquids, ray tracing of art assets that would otherwise be used in a rasterized engine, physically based area lights, volumetric light effects, screen-space grass, the usage of quaternions, and a quadtree implementation on the GPU. It also addresses the latest developments in deferred lighting on mobile devices, OpenCL optimizations for mobile devices, morph targets, and tiled deferred blending methods.

In color throughout, GPU Pro5 is the only book that incorporates contributions from more than 50 experts who cover the latest developments in graphics programming for games and movies. It presents ready-to-use ideas and procedures that can help solve many of your daily graphics programming challenges. Example programs with source code are provided on the book s CRC Press web page."

Data analytics is creeping into the lexicon of our daily language. This book gives the reader a perspective as to the overall data analytics skill set, startingwith a primer on statistics, and works toward the application of those methods.There are a variety of formulas and algorithms used in the data analyticsprocess. These formulas can be plugged into whatever software application thereader uses to obtain the answer they need. There are several demonstrations ofthis process to provide straightforward instruction as to how to bring data analytics skills to your critical thinking. This bookpresents a variety of methods and techniques, as well as case studies, toenrich the knowledge of data analytics for project managers, systems engineers,and cybersecurity professionals. It separates the case studies so that eachprofession can practice some straightforward data analytics specific to their fields. The main purpose of this text is to refresh the statistical knowledgenecessary to build models for data analytics. Along with that, this bookencompasses the analytics thinking that is essential to all three professions. FEATURES: Provides straightforward instruction on data analytics methods Includes methods, techniques, and case studies for project managers, systems engineers, and cybersecurity professionals Refreshes the statistical knowledgeneeded to bring data analytics into your skillset and decision-making Focuses on getting readers up to speed quickly and efficiently to be able to see the impact of data analytics and analytical thinking

Representation and Retrieval of Video Data in Multimedia Systems brings together in one place important contributions and up-to-date research results in this important area. Representation and Retrieval of Video Data in Multimedia Systems serves as an excellent reference, providing insight into some of the most important research issues in the field.

Als sich die Potentiale des Internets fur die Wirtschaft abzeichneten, wurden von vielen Wissenschaftlern und Praktikern Anwendungsszenarien und Prognosen entwickelt, die sich mit den Auswirkungen des Internets auf die Wirtschaft beschaftigten. Wie hoch die damaligen Erwartungen waren, zeigten nicht zuletzt die Entwicklungen an den Weltborsen. Stichworter wie frictionless economy, disintermediation, virtual organizations, E-Learning und andere stehen stellvertretend fur solche Voraussagen. In der Zwischenzeit ist eine weitreichende Ernuchterung zu beobachten. Dieses Buch versucht eine Bestandsaufnahme der digitalen Okonomie. Die Erwartungen und Prognosen in Bereichen wie E-Commerce, E-Learning oder im Bereich virtuelle Organisation werden dem tatsachlich Erreichten gegenubergestellt. Es wird weiter ein Ausblick auf kunftige Entwicklungen gegeben. Der Leser gewinnt so einen Uberblick uber den heutigen Stand der digitalen Okonomie. Auf dieser Grundlage setzt ihn das Buch auch in die Lage, zukunftige Trends besser abzuschatzen."

Supramolecular chemistry has been defined by J.-M. Lehn as "a highly interdisciplinary field of science covering the chemical, physical, and biological features of chemical species of higher complexity, that are held together and organized by means of intermolecular (noncovalent) binding interactions" (Science, 1993). Recognition, reactivity, and transport represent three basic functional features, in essence dynami s, which may be translated into structural features. The purpose of the NATO workshop which took place september 1-5, 1993 at the Bischenberg (near Strasbourg) was to present computations which may contribute to the atomic level understanding of the structural and thermodynamical features involved in the processes of molecular recognition and supramolecular organization. of "supra-molecular modeling." Other The main focus was therefore, on the many facets applications of computers in chemistry, such as automation, simulation of processes, procedures for fitting kinetic or thermodynamic data, computer assisted synthetic strategies, use of data bases for structure elucidation or for bibliographic searches, have an obvious impact in supramolecular chemistry as well, but were not presented at the workshop.

Fully updated for Microsoft Dynamics AX 2012 R3! Dig into the architecture and internals of Microsoft Dynamics AX 2012 R3 - with firsthand insights from the team that designed and developed it. Deepen your knowledge of the underlying frameworks, components, and tools - and deliver custom ERP applications with the extensibility and performance your business needs. Useful for Microsoft Dynamics AX solution developers at all levels, this guide will provide max benefit to those who understand OOP, relational database, and Transact-SQL concepts. Gain best practices, patterns, and techniques to: Exploit interoperability with Microsoft Visual Studio tools Work with MorphX and avoid common pitfalls with X++ code Use Enterprise Portal with ASP.NET and SharePoint for rich web-based apps Simplify process automation with built-in workflow infrastructure See how the runtime implements security and configuration Design and customize the user experience Gain greater control over complex batch jobs Customize the prebuilt BI solution and reporting Test applications, publish services, and optimize performance

This second volume in the series covers such topics as information systems practice and theory, information systems and the accounting/auditing environment, and differing perspectives on information systems research.

Shape interrogation is the process of extraction of information from a geometric model. It is a fundamental component of Computer Aided Design and Manufacturing (CAD/CAM) systems. The authors focus on shape interrogation of geometric models bounded by free-form surfaces. Free-form surfaces, also called sculptured surfaces, are widely used in the bodies of ships, automobiles and aircraft, which have both functionality and attractive shape requirements. Many electronic devices as well as consumer products are designed with aesthetic shapes, which involve free-form surfaces. This book provides the mathematical fundamentals as well as algorithms for various shape interrogation methods including nonlinear polynomial solvers, intersection problems, differential geometry of intersection curves, distance functions, curve and surface interrogation, umbilics and lines of curvature, geodesics, and offset curves and surfaces. This book will be of interest both to graduate students and professionals.

"Date on Database: Writings 2000 2006" captures some of the freshest thinking from widely known and respected relational database pioneer C. J. Date . Known for his tenacious defense of relational theory in its purest form, Date tackles many topics that are important to database professionals, including the difference between model and implementation, data integrity, data redundancy, deviations in SQL from the relational model, and much more.

Date clearly and patiently explains where many of todays products and practices go wrong, and illustrates some of the trouble you can get into if you don't carefully think through your use of current database technology. In almost every field of endeavor, the writings of the founders and early leaders have had a profound effect. And now is your chance to read Date while his material is fresh and the field is still young. You'll want to read this book because it: Provides C. J. Date's freshest thinking on relational theory versus current products in the field Features a tribute to E. F. Codd, founder of the relational database field Clearly explains how the unwary practitioner can avoid problems with current relational database technology Offers novel insights into classic issues like redundancy and database design

A volume in Emerging Technologies for Evolving Learners Series Editors Kathleen P. King and Mark Gura, Fordham University This book introduces and explains this important new technology from the perspective of educators. It also provides new insights into the ways that technology can provide solutions to instructional needs that have not been sufficiently addressed until now. Not only does it provide concrete explanations, examples, models, and details about methods and resources that are not currently illustrated in other publications, but it also reveals a new rationale for the use of technology in education.This book helps readers apprehend critical issues essential to understanding and taking advantage of podcasting and related technologies as an educational resource: What podcasting is How ""to do"" podcasting How to plan podcasting-based activities for students How to create podcasts as teaching resources How to use podcasting for professional development Models developed specifically by the authors regarding: Podcast development Educators' learning curve in podcasting Cost/benefit decision making regarding podcasting projects K -- 12 school district directors of curriculum and instruction and directors of professional development, as well as classroom teachers, principals, and instructional supervisors across the core curriculum and in the area of Instructional Technology; and teacher educators and other college faculty will find this book a valuable resource. Readers may use the book as part of their own efforts to expand their teaching or staff development practice. It can also be an important resource for Education courses in content instruction and Instructional Technology and serve as a valuable reference for educators interested in educational applications of technology.What you will find in this revised and updated edition? New for this edition are valuable additional insights and updates related to our additional years of experience in podcasting and new media. Critical updated URLs, screenshots, software comparisons, data, some fresh new curricular examples, and included references to our new series, The Teachers' Podcast and Transformation Education LIVE! We have also upgraded statistical information, advancements from the podcasting world, references, and biographical information. In short, the book is better than ever, in part because of suggestions form our many readers who are, teachers learners, and podcast listeners of course! The 16 chapters of the book are divided into the following major sections: PART I. A REVOLUTION IN OUR POCKETS PART II. PODCASTING ""HOW TO"" BASICS PART III. BECOMING A PODCASTING EDUCATOR

This introduction to random variables and signals provides engineering students with the analytical and computational tools for processing random signals using linear systems. It presents the underlying theory as well as examples and applications using computational aids throughout, in particular, computer-based symbolic computation programs are used for performing the analytical manipulations and the numerical calculations. The accompanying CD-ROM provides MathcadTM and MatlabTM notebooks and sheets to develop processing methods. Intended for a one-semester course for advanced undergraduate or beginning graduate students, the book covers such topics as: set theory and probability; random variables, distributions, and processes; deterministic signals, spectral properties, and transformations; and filtering, and detection theory. The large number of worked examples together with the programming aids make the book eminently suited for self study as well as classroom use.

Water Resource Modeling and Computational Technologies, Seventh Edition provides the reader with a comprehensive overview of the applications that computational techniques have in various sectors of water resource engineering. The book explores applications of recent modeling and computational techniques in various sectors of water resource engineering, including hydroinformatics, irrigation engineering, climate change, hydrologic forecasting, floods, droughts, image processing, GIS, water quality, aquifer mapping, basin scale modeling, computational fluid dynamics, numerical modeling of surges and groundwater flow, river engineering, optimal reservoir operation, multipurpose projects, and water resource management. As such, this is a must read for hydrologists, civil engineers and water resource managers.

Multimedia Applications discusses the basic characteristics of multimedia document handling, programming, security, human computer interfaces, and multimedia application services. The overall goal of the book is to provide a broad understanding of multimedia systems and applications in an integrated manner: a multimedia application and its user interface must be developed in an integrated fashion with underlying multimedia middleware, operating systems, networks, security, and multimedia devices.

Fundamental information and properties of hypermedia document handling, multimedia security and various aspects of multimedia applications are presented, especially about document handling and their standards, programming of multimedia applications, design of multimedia information at human computer interfaces, multimedia security challenges such as encryption and watermarking, multimedia in education, as well as multimedia applications to assist preparation, processing and application of multimedia content.

This volume contains the Proceedings of the 5th International Conference on Intelligent Interactive Multimedia Systems and Services (KES-IIMSS-12). The Conference was jointly organised by Nagoya University in Japan and the KES International organisation, and held in the attractive city of Gifu. The KES-IIMSS conference series, (series chairs Prof. Maria Virvou and Prof. George Tsihrintzis), presents novel research in various areas of intelligent multimedia system relevant to the development of a new generation of interactive, user-centric devices and systems. The aim of the conference is to provide an internationally respected forum for scientific research in the technologies and applications of this new and dynamic research area.

Hardbound. With the increased dissemination of information technologies in education, the issue of how learners deal with multimedia information systems has become critical. New research questions have emerged such as: How well do people learn from multimedia documents? How do they achieve integration between text and any other media? How can you make computerised information systems fit user information processing strategies and styles? And what is the potential of hypermedia applications for education, training and work?This volume is based on a selection of papers presented at the first International Seminar on Using Complex Information Systems held in Poitiers, France. The volume presents a comprehensive overview of research issues related to multimedia usage considered from cognitive and instructive perspectives. It relates theories of mental representations, information processing and learning to issues of design and use of multimedia technolog

Mathematical and symmetrical analysis of the structure of molecular systems of genetic code has essential meaning for the bioinformatics, biomathematics, and biotechnology fields. Symmetrical Analysis Techniques for Genetic Systems and Bioinformatics: Advanced Patterns and Applications adds unique and novel value to the literature in these areas, compiling studies that demonstrate effective approaches to the structural analysis of genetic systems and bioinformatics. This groundbreaking reference advances the knowledge available to researchers, educators, and students about new mathematical methods and tools, phenomenological results and interdisciplinary connections in the fields of molecular genetics, bioinformatics, computer informatics, and mathematical and theoretical biology.

This book prepares students to execute the quantitative and computational needs of the finance industry. The quantitative methods are explained in detail with examples from real financial problems like option pricing, risk management, portfolio selection, etc. Codes are provided in R programming language to execute the methods. Tables and figures, often with real data, illustrate the codes. References to related work are intended to aid the reader to pursue areas of specific interest in further detail. The comprehensive background with economic, statistical, mathematical, and computational theory strengthens the understanding. The coverage is broad, and linkages between different sections are explained. The primary audience is graduate students, while it should also be accessible to advanced undergraduates. Practitioners working in the finance industry will also benefit.

Delivering MPEG-4 Based Audio-Visual Services investigates the different aspects of end-to-end multimedia services; content creation, server and service provider, network, and the end-user terminal. Part I provides a comprehensive introduction to digital video communications, MPEG standards, and technologies, and deals with system level issues including standardization and interoperability, user interaction, and the design of a distributed video server. Part II investigates the systems in the context of object-based multimedia services and presents a design for an object-based audio-visual terminal, some of these features having been adopted by the MPEG-4 Systems specification. The book goes on to study the requirements for a file format to represent object-based audio-visual content and the design of one such format. The design introduces new concepts such as direct streaming that are essential for scalable servers. The final part of the book examines the delivery of object-based multimedia presentations and gives optimal algorithms for multiplex-scheduling of object-based audio-visual presentations, showing that the audio-visual object scheduling problem is NP-complete in the strong sense. The problem of scheduling audio-visual objects is similar to the problem of sequencing jobs on a single machine. The book compares these problems and adapts job-sequencing results to audio-visual object scheduling, and provides optimal algorithms for scheduling presentations under resource constraints, such as bandwidth (network constraints) and buffer (terminal constraints). In addition, the book presents algorithms that minimize the resources required for scheduling presentations and the auxiliary capacity required to support interactivity in object-based audio-visual presentations. Delivering MPEG-4 Based Audio-Visual Services is essential reading for researchers and practitioners in the areas of multimedia systems engineering and multimedia computing, network professionals, service providers, and all scientists and technical managers interested in the most up-to-date MPEG standards and technologies.