Implicit definition and description of geometric objects and surfaces plays a critical role in the appearance and manipulation of computer graphics. In addition, the mathematical definition of shapes, using an implicit form, has pivotal applications for geometric modeling, visualization and animation. Until recently, the parametric form has been by far the most popular geometric representation used in computer graphics and computer-aided design. Whereas parametric objects and the techniques associated with them have been exhaustively developed, the implicit form has been used as a complementary geometric representation, mainly in the restricted context of specific applications. However, recent developments in graphics are changing this situation, and the community is beginning to draw its attention to implicit objects. This is reflected in the current research of aspects related to this subject. Employing a coherent conceptual framework, Implicit Objects in Computer Graphics addresses the role of implicitly defined objects in the following parts: mathematical foundations of geometric models, implicit formulations for the specification of shapes, implicit primitives, techniques for constructing and manipulating implicit objects, modeling, rendering and animation implicit objects. Topics and features: *Broad, conceptual approach covers the fundamental algorithms and ideas *Integrated and up-to-date overview of the main developments surrounding implicit objects *Organized and cohesive presentation combines theory and practice *Provides thorough explanation of key problems and challenges in the field

A complete handbook on a critical issue for today’s business leaders–how to improve customer satisfaction, control costs, and maximize profits

Producing a product or service to heighten customer satisfaction–and doing so cost effectively–do not have to be mutually exclusive objectives. With Market Driven Enterprise, Amiya Chakravarty presents a state-of-the-art, clearly designed framework for responding to market forces while keeping total costs in check.

The book’s twelve chapters are divided into three sections: interfaces and decision-making in an enterprise, product design and time-to-market, and responsive supply chains and manufacturing. A generous supply of real-world examples and more than 200 illustrations enhance the book’s readability–as does its detailed table of contents breaking down each chapter into subsections for quick reference. Some of the book’s most valuable features include:

• An analysis of the entire product development and manufacturing processes in light of customer needs
• An innovative treatment of digitally connected supply networks and new business models
• A focus on the optimization of manufacturing and marketing processes for greater managerial insights leading to the highest potential profit
• Coverage of the most vital management techniques and philosophies–concurrent engineering and quality function deployment, manufacturing flexibility, information transparency, collaboration, and the virtual enterprise–and their relationship to the market-driven manufacturing process
• Mathematical models for product-platform, product launch, supply-chain coordination, and market-driven manufacturing

For students and professionals in business and engineering, production and operations management, marketing, or production and design engineering, Market Driven Enterprise is an essential handbook. Anyone whose business is striving to attain an optimal position in a demanding marketplace will find it an excellent place to start.

With the ever-increasing volume of data, proper management of data is a challenging proposition to scientists and researchers, and given the vast storage space required, multimedia data is no exception in this regard. Scientists and researchers are investing great effort to discover new space-efficient methods for storage and archiving of this data. Intelligent Innovations in Multimedia Data Engineering and Management provides emerging research exploring the theoretical and practical aspects of storage systems and computing methods for large forms of data. Featuring coverage on a broad range of topics such as binary image, fuzzy logic, and metaheuristic algorithms, this book is ideally designed for computer engineers, IT professionals, technology developers, academicians, and researchers seeking current research on advancing strategies and computing techniques for various types of data.

Develop the Microsoft (R) PowerPoint (R) 2013 skills you need for success in college and beyond with this latest edition from the popular New Perspectives Series. Updated with all-new case-based tutorials, NEW PERSPECTIVES MICROSOFT POWERPOINT 2013, COMPREHENSIVE ENHANCED EDITION continues to apply MS PowerPoint 2013 skills to real situations that fully demonstrate the relevance of concepts. A proven learning approach emphasizes critical thinking, problem-solving, and in-depth coverage. A new Troubleshoot case problem enhances analytical skills, while a new tutorial on Managing Your Files helps you navigate Windows 8. A wealth of resources, including MindTap and SAM, provides opportunities to practice skills. Discover success with MS PowerPoint 2013 as NEW PERSPECTIVES MICROSOFT POWERPOINT 2013 helps you fully understand the value and application of what you're learning.

The contributed volume collects cutting-edge research in GeoComputational Analysis of Regional Systems. The contributions emphasize methodological innovations or substantive breakthroughs on many facets of the socio-economic and environmental reality of regional contexts.

Contents:
Generalisation: State of the Art and Issues; GIS-Based Compilation and Generalisation; Three Essential Building Blocks for Automated Generalisation; Data and Knowledge Modelling for Generalisation; Controlling the Effects of Generalisation on GIS Map Manipulations; A Hierarchical top-down bottom-up Approach to Topographic Map Generalisation.

This book describes an interactive statistical computing environment called 1 XploRe. As the name suggests, support for exploratory statistical analysis is given by a variety of computational tools. XploRe is a matrix-oriented statistical language with a comprehensive set of basic statistical operations that provides highly interactive graphics, as well as a programming environ ment for user-written macros; it offers hard-wired smoothing procedures for effective high-dimensional data analysis. Its highly dynamic graphic capa bilities make it possible to construct student-level front ends for teaching basic elements of statistics. Hot keys make it an easy-to-use computing environment for statistical analysis. The primary objective of this book is to show how the XploRe system can be used as an effective computing environment for a large number of statistical tasks. The computing tasks we consider range from basic data matrix manipulations to interactive customizing of graphs and dynamic fit ting of high-dimensional statistical models. The XploRe language is similar to other statistical languages and offers an interactive help system that can be extended to user-written algorithms. The language is intuitive and read ers with access to other systems can, without major difficulty, reproduce the examples presented here and use them as a basis for further investigation.

With the widespread use of VRML browsers, e.g., as part of the Netscape and Internet Explorer standard distributions, everyone connected to the Internet can directly enter a virtual world without installing a new kind of software. The VRML technology offers the basis for new forms of customer service such as interactive three-dimensional product configuration, spare part ordering, or customer training. Also, this technology can be used for CSCW in intranets.The reader should be familiar with programming languages and computers and, in particular, should know Java or at least an object-oriented programming language. The book not only provides and explains source code, which can be used as a starting point for own implementations, but it also describes the fundamental problems and how currently known solutions work. It discusses a variety of different techniques and trade-offs. Many illustrations help the reader to understand and memorize the underlying principles.

In depth investigation into a famous series of video games In just three episodes, the Bioshock series managed to score some big points amongst players' hearts. Spiritual successor of System Shock 2, the first Bioshock was an Irrational Games' game, lead by Ken Levine. Set in the 50's ambiance, with Art Deco levels, progression in Bioshock is possible through open and smart game mechanics, inciting the player to be creative and to use its environment. The saga is also filled with many profound and philosophical themes, while involving the player in every one of its aspects, many things granting the triptych of an iconic saga.

In the past, rendering systems used a range of different approaches, each compatible and able to handle certain kinds of images. However, the last few years have seen the development of practical techniques, which bring together many areas of research into stable, production ready rendering tools. Written by experienced graphics software developers, Production Rendering: Design and Implementation provides not only a complete framework of different topics including shading engines and compilers, but discusses also the techniques used to implement feature film quality rendering engines.

Key Topics

??A Rendering framework for managing a micro polygon-oriented graphics pipeline

??Problems presented by different types of geometry showing how different surface types can be made ready for shading

??Shading and how it fits into a rendering pipeline

??How to write a good shader compiler

??Ray tracing in a production renderer

??Incorporating global illumination into a renderer

??Gathering surface samples into a final image

??Tips and tricks in rendering

About the authors

Mark Elendt, Senior Mathematician, has been with Side Effects Software Inc, Canada for 11 years and has written at least 5 renderers over these years. He was chief architect for the Houdini renderers Mantra and VMantra. In 1997 he received a Technical Achievement Award from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.

Rick LaMont, co-founder and CTO of Dot C Software, USA, currently acts as lead programmer of RenderDotC and Mai-Tai. He received the Computerworld Smithsonian Award for Technology Benefiting Mankind for his work on the WeyerhaeuserDesign Center (Foley and van Dam, Second Edition, color plate I.8).

Jacopo Pantaleoni, is currently a Developer for LightFlow Technologies, Italy, which he founded in 1999. His interests in mathematics, computer programming and, realistic rendering lead to the publication of Lightflow Rendering Tools. In 2000, he also began working with a team of beta testers, on a connection between his rendering software and MayaTM.

Scott Iverson, is the chief developer of the AIR renderer, and founder of Sitex Graphics Inc, USA

Paul Gregory, works for the Aqsis Team, UK. He is the originator, and lead developer of the open source renderer "Aqsis."

Matthew Bentham, is currently at ART VPS Ltd, UK. He is also the software developer responsible for compiler technology at ART VPS, creators of the RenderDrive rendering appliance.

Ian Stephenson, is a Senior Lecturer at the National Centre for Computer Animation (NCCA), Bournemouth University, UK. Developer of the Angel rendering system, he is also the author of Essential RenderMan Fast.

Learn how to paint on your iPad like the professionals in Beginner's Guide to Procreate, a comprehensive introduction to this industry-standard software. Accessible and versatile, Procreate is an ideal tool for anyone wanting to give digital painting a go. Step-by-step tutorials, quick tips, and inspiring artwork ensure you'll have all you need to create stunning concept art quickly and easily.

As organizations prepare to compete globally in the new millennium, the effective deployment and exploitation of IT will create the difference between those that are successful and those that are not. What lessons are there to be learned from organizations that run global IT operations and deploy IT in support of their global business operations? What lessons are there to be learned in the development, implementation, use and management of IT from organizations operating in countries other than their own? Cases on Global IT Applications and Management: Successes and Pitfalls brings together original cases that report on these aspects of global IT applications and management and benefits educators, researchers and practitioners alike.

Systems approaches are excellent in integrating insights in the physical, chemical, Systemsapproachesareexcellentinintegratinginsightsinthephysical, chemical, physiological and ecological processes that dictate the behaviour of living systems, of physiologicalandecologicalprocessesthatdictatethebehaviouroflivingsystems, of which which agro-ecosystems agro-ecosystems are are important importantones. ones. Furthermore, Furthermore, they theyhelp help to tobridge bridge the the gap gap between betweendetailed detailed process processoriented oriented studies studies and and higher higherintegration integration levels. levels. Systems Systems approaches approaches are are roughly roughlycategorized categorized in inthree three groups groups of of studies: studies: (i) (i) predictive predictive studies studies to to support support decision decision making making and and guide guide interventions, interventions, (ii) (ii) systems systemsanalysis analysis and and simulation simulation in inorder order to toget get insight insight and and understanding understandingof of the the functioning functioningof of (living) (living) systems, systems, and and (iii) (iii) explorative explorative studies studies to to investigate investigate possible possible options options for for development development and and trade trade offs offs of of aims, aims, objectives objectives and andconstraints. constraints. All All these these systems systems approaches approaches are are now nowwidely widely used used in inecological ecological systems systems including including agriculture, agriculture, and and applied appliedin in land landuse use planning. planning. This This book book is is an an introduction introduction to toone one of ofthe the major majorfields: fields: systems systems analysis analysis and and simula simula tion. tion."

Nonlinear physics continues to be an area of dynamic modern research, with applications to physics, engineering, chemistry, mathematics, computer science, biology, medicine and economics. In this text extensive use is made of the Mathematica computer algebra system. No prior knowledge of Mathematica or programming is assumed. The authors have included a CD-ROM that contains over 130 annotated Mathematica files. These files may be used to solve and explore the text's 400 problems. This book includes 33 experimental activities that are designed to deepen and broaden the reader's understanding of nonlinear physics. These activities are correlated with Part I, the theoretical framework of the text. Additional features: * User-friendly, accessible presentation integrating theory, experiments, and the provided Mathematica notebooks; as the concepts of nonlinear science are developed, readers are gently introduced to Mathematica as an auxiliary tool * CD-ROM includes a wide variety of illustrative nonlinear examples solved with Mathematica--command structures introduced on a need-to-know basis * Notebooks designed to make use of Mathematica's sound capability * Mathematica notebook using the EulerEquation command incorporated into the text This work is an excellent text for undergraduate and graduate students as well as a useful resource for working scientists. Reviewer comments on the Maple edition of NONLINEAR PHYSICS: "An...excellent book...the authors have been able to cover an extraordinary range of topics and hopefully excite a wide audience to investigate nonlinear phenomena...accessible to advanced undergraduates and yet challenging enough for graduate students and workingscientists.... The reader is guided through it all with sound advice and humor.... I hope that many will adopt the text." -American Journal of Physics "Its organization of subject matter, clarity of writing, and smooth integration of analytic and computational techniques put it among the very best...Richard Enns and George McGuire have written an excellent text for introductory nonlinear physics." -Computers in Physics,.".correctly balances a good treatment of nonlinear, but also nonchaotic, behavior of systems with some of the exciting findings about chaotic dynamics...one of the book's strength is the diverse selection of examples from mechanical, chemical, electronic, fluid and many other systems .... Another strength of the book is the diversity of approaches that the student is encouraged to take...the authors have chosen well, and the trio of text, ...software, and lab manual gives the newcomer to nonlinear physics quite an effective set of tools.... Basic ideas are explained clearly and illustrated with many examples." -Physics Today,.". the care that the authors have taken to ensure that their text is as comprehensive, versatile, interactive, and student-friendly as possible place this book far above the average." -Scientific Computing World

The prediction of the valuation of the "quality" of firm accounting disclosure is an emerging economic problem that has not been adequately analyzed in the relevant economic literature. While there are a plethora of machine learning methods and algorithms that have been implemented in recent years in the field of economics that aim at creating predictive models for detecting business failure, only a small amount of literature is provided towards the prediction of the "actual" financial performance of the business activity. Machine Learning Applications for Accounting Disclosure and Fraud Detection is a crucial reference work that uses machine learning techniques in accounting disclosure and identifies methodological aspects revealing the deployment of fraudulent behavior and fraud detection in the corporate environment. The book applies machine learning models to identify "quality" characteristics in corporate accounting disclosure, proposing specific tools for detecting core business fraud characteristics. Covering topics that include data mining; fraud governance, detection, and prevention; and internal auditing, this book is essential for accountants, auditors, managers, fraud detection experts, forensic accountants, financial accountants, IT specialists, corporate finance experts, business analysts, academicians, researchers, and students.

Highlighting and illustrating several important and interesting theoretical trends that have emerged in the continuing development of instructional technology, this book's organizational framework is based on the notion of two opposing camps. One evolves out of the intelligent tutoring movement, which employs artificial-intelligence technologies in the service of student modeling and precision diagnosis, and the other emerges from a constructivist/developmental perspective that promotes exploration and social interaction, but tends to reject the methods and goals of the student modelers. While the notion of opposing camps tends to create an artificial rift between groups of researchers, it represents a conceptual distinction that is inherently more interesting and informative than the relatively meaningless divide often drawn between "intelligent" and "unintelligent" instructional systems.
An evident trend is that researchers in both "camps" view their computer learning environments as "cognitive tools" that can enhance learning, performance, and understanding. Cognitive tools are objects provided by the instructional environment that allow students to incorporate new auxiliary methods or symbols into their social problem solving which otherwise would be unavailable. A final section of the book represents researchers who are assimilating and accommodating the wisdom and creativity of their neighbors from both camps, perhaps forming the look of technology for the future. When the idea of model tracing in a computer-based environment is combined with appreciation for creative mind-extension cognitive tools and for how a community of learners can facilitate learning, a camp is created where AI technologists and social constructivist learning theorists can feel equally at home.

CAAd Futures is a Bi-annual Conference that aims at promoting the advancement of computer aided architectural design in the service of those concerned with the quality of the built environment. The conferences are organised under the auspices of the CAAD Futures Foundation which has its secretariat at the Eindhoven University of Technology. The Series of conferences started in 1985 in Delft, and has since travelled through Eindhoven, Boston, Zurich, Pittsburgh, Singapore, Munich, and Atlanta. The book contains the proceedings of the 9th CAAD Futures conference which took place at Eindhoven University of Technology, 8-11 of July, 2001. The Articles in this book cover a wide range of subjects and provide an excellent overview of the state-of-the-art in research on computer aided architectural design. The following categories of articles are included: Capturing design; Information modelling; CBR techniques; Virtual reality; CAAD education; (Hyper) Media; Design evaluation; Design systems development; Collaboration; Generation; Design representation; Knowledge management; Form programming; Simulation; Architectural analysis; Urban design. Information on the CAAD Futures Foundation and its conferences can be found at: www.caadfutures.arch.tue.nl. Information about the 2001 Conference and this book is available from: www.caadfutures.arch.tue.nl/2001.

Applied Linear Regression for Business Analytics with R introduces regression analysis to business students using the R programming language with a focus on illustrating and solving real-time, topical problems. Specifically, this book presents modern and relevant case studies from the business world, along with clear and concise explanations of the theory, intuition, hands-on examples, and the coding required to employ regression modeling. Each chapter includes the mathematical formulation and details of regression analysis and provides in-depth practical analysis using the R programming language.

Soft computing techniques are innovative tools that use nature-inspired algorithms to run predictive analysis of industries from business to software measurement. These tools have gained momentum in recent years for their practicality and flexibility. The Handbook of Research on Fuzzy and Rough Set Theory in Organizational Decision Making collects both empirical and applied research in the field of fuzzy set theory, and bridges the gap between the application of soft computational approaches and the organizational decision making process. This publication is a pivotal reference for business professionals, IT specialists, software engineers, and advanced students of business and information technology.

When your database application isn't running fast enough, troubleshooting is usually your first move. Finding the slow part of an application is often easy, but discovering a solution can prove much more difficult. Troubleshooting Oracle Performance helps by providing a systematic approach to addressing the underlying causes of poor database application performance. Written for developers by an application developer who has learned by doing, this book shows you how to plan for performance as you would for any other application requirement.

ITIL(R) 4 High-velocity ITIf you've achieved your ITIL(R) 4 Foundation certificate, you're probably planning the next stage in your ITIL journey and which qualification to work towards. ITIL 4 High-velocity IT (HVIT) provides essential knowledge and capabilities for service management professionals, supporting those involved in the delivery of digital products and services and anyone working on digital transformation programs. High-velocity IT is one of the ITIL 4 advanced level modules that leads to the MP (Managing Professional) certification. The module is aimed at professionals who are working in fast-paced environments, including adapting service management to work with Lean, Agile and DevOps. The majority of this book is based on the official AXELOS ITIL(R) 4: High-velocity IT publication and the associated High-velocity IT Managing Professional syllabus. It provides students with the information they need to pass the High-velocity IT exam, and help them become a successful practitioner. Suitable for existing ITIL v3 experts, ITIL 4 MP students, ITSM (IT service management) practitioners who are adopting ITIL 4, approved training organisations, IT service managers, IT managers and those in IT support roles. The guide focuses on: Digital product lifecycle and the ITIL operating model; High-velocity key behaviours; Principles, models and concepts; Ensuring: valuable investments, fast development, resilient operations and assured conformance; and Exam preparation. A useful tool throughout your careerIn addition to being an essential study aid, the author - a seasoned ITSM professional - also provides additional guidance throughout the book which you can lean on once your training and exam are over. The book includes her own practical experience from which she gives advice and points to think about along the way so that you can refer back to this book for years to come - long after you've passed your exam. The essential link between your ITIL qualification and the real world - buy this book today!

ITIL(R) 4 Create, Deliver and SupportIf you've achieved your ITIL(R) 4 Foundation certificate, you're probably planning the next stage in your ITIL journey and which qualification to work towards. ITIL 4 Create, Deliver and Support (CDS) provides essential knowledge and capabilities for service management professionals, focusing on a value stream based approach to IT-enabled products and services - a must-have skillset practitioners should seek beyond Foundation level. The majority of this book is based on the official AXELOS ITIL(R) 4: Create, Deliver and Support publication and the associated Create, Deliver and Support Managing Professional syllabus. It provides students with the information they need to pass the Create, Deliver and Support exam, and help them become a successful practitioner. Suitable for existing ITIL v3 experts, ITIL 4 Managing Professional (MP) students, ITSM (IT service management) practitioners who are adopting ITIL 4, approved training organisations, IT service managers, IT managers and those in IT support roles. The guide focuses on: Service value system key concepts and challenges; Using a shift-left approach; Planning and managing resources in the service value system; The use and value of technology across the service value system; ITIL practices and value streams for new services and user support; How to create, deliver and support services; and Exam preparation. A useful tool throughout your careerIn addition to being an essential study aid, the author - a seasoned ITSM professional - also provides additional guidance throughout the book which you can lean on once your training and exam are over. The book includes her own practical experience from which she gives advice and points to think about along the way so that you can refer back to this book for years to come - long after you've passed your exam. The essential link between your ITIL qualification and the real world - buy this book today!

How do people behave in different traffic situations? Are there general laws for mathematical modelling of decision dynamics? The answers, given at the first international workshop on "Human Behaviour in Traffic Networks," are presented in this volume. In 13 articles, well-known experts report about their current work on experiments and modelling in this area. The topics range from psychological behaviour in traffic situations, traffic simulations of various aspects and market analysis to experiments with human participants used in experimental economics. The articles filled with many illustrations are aimed at interested students as well as experts in this field.