Modern Geometrical Machinery; 1 .1 Introduction; 1 .2 Smooth Manifolds; 1.2.1 Intuition Behind a Smooth Manifold; 1.2.2 Definition of a Smooth Manifold; 1.2.3 Smooth Maps Between Manifolds; 1.2.4 (Co)Tangent Bundles of a Smooth Manifold; 1.2.5 Tensor Fields and Bundles of a Smooth Manifold; 1.2.6 Lie Derivative on a Smooth Manifold; 1.2.7 Lie Groups and Associated Lie Algebras; 1.2.8 Lie Symmetries and Prolongations on Manifolds;1.2.9 Riemannian Manifolds; 1.2.10 Finsler Manifolds; 1.2.11 Symplectic Manifolds; 1.2.12 Complex and Kahler Manifolds; 1.2.13 Conformal Killing-Riemannian Geometry; 1.3 Fibre Bundles; 1.3.1 Intuition Behind a Fibre Bundle; 1.3.2 Definition of a Fibre Bundle;1.3.3 Vector and Affine Bundles; 1.3.4 Principal Bundles; 1.3.5 Multivector-Fields and Tangent-Valued Forms; 1.4 Jet Spaces; 1.4.1 Intuition Behind a Jet Space; 1.4.2 Definition of a 1-Jet Space; 1.4.3 Connections as Jet Fields; 1.4.4 Definition of a 2-Jet Space; 1.4.5 Higher-Order Jet Spaces; 1.4.6 Jets in Mechanics;1.4.7 Jets and Action Principle; 1.5 Path Integrals: Extending Smooth Geometrical Machinery; 1.5.1 Intuition Behind a Path Integral; 1.5.2 Path Integral History; 1.5.3 Standard Path-Integral Quantization; 1.5.4 Sum over Geometries/Topologies; 1.5.5 TQFT and Stringy Path Integrals; 2 Dynamics of High-Dimensional Nonlinear Systems; 2.1 Mechanical Systems; 2.1.1 Autonomous Lagrangian/Hamiltonian Mechanics; 2.1.2 Non-Autonomous Lagrangian/Hamiltonian Mechanics; 2.1.3 Semi-Riemannian Geometrical Dynamics; 2.1.4 Relativistic and Multi-Time Rheonomic Dynamics; 2.1.5 Geometrical Quantization; 2.2 Physical Field Systems; 2.2.1 n-Categorical Framework; 2.2.2 Lagrangian Field Theory on Fibre Bundles; 2.2.3 Finsler-Lagrangian Field Theory; 2.2.4 Hamiltonian Field Systems: Path-Integral Quantization; 2.2.5 Gauge Fields on Principal Connections; 2.2.6 Modern Geometrodynamics; 2.2.7 Topological Phase Transitions and Hamiltonian Chaos; 2.2.8 Topological Superstring Theory; 2.2.9 Turbulence and Chaos Field Theory; 2.3 Nonlinear Control Systems; 2.3.1 The Basis of Modern Geometrical Control;2.3.2 Geometrical Control of Mechanical Systems;2.3.3 Hamiltonian Optimal Control and Maximum Principle; 2.3.4 Path-Integral Optimal Control of Stochastic Systems; 2.4 Human-Like Biomechanics; 2.4.1 Lie Groups and Symmetries in Biomechanics; 2.4.2 Muscle-Driven Hamiltonian Biomechanics; 2.4.3 Biomechanical Functors; 2.4.4 Biomechanical Topology; 2.5 Neurodynamics; 2.5.1 Microscopic Neurodynamics and Quantum Brain; 2.5.2 Macroscopic Neurodynamics; 2.5.3 Oscillatory Phase Neurodynamics;2.5.4 Neural Path-Integral Model for the Cerebellum; 2.5.5 Intelligent Robot Control; 2.5.6 Brain-Like Control Functor in Biomechanics; 2.5.7 Concurrent and Weak Functorial Machines; 2.5.8 Brain-Mind Functorial Machines; 26 Psycho-Socio-Economic Dynamics; 2.6.1 Force-Field Psychodynamics; 2.6.2 Geometrical Dynamics of Human Crowd; 2.6.3 Dynamical Games on Lie Groups; 2.6.4 Nonlinear Dynamics of Option Pricing; 2.6.5 Command/Control in Human-Robot Interactions; 2.6.6 Nonlinear Dynamics of Complex Nets; 2.6.7 Complex Adaptive Systems: Common Characteristics; 2.6.8 FAM Functors and Real-Life Games; 2.6.9 Riemann-Finsler Approach to Information Geometry; 3 Appendix: Tensors and Functors; 3.1 Elements of Classical Tensor Analysis; 3.1.1 Transformation of Coordinates and Elementary Tensors; 3.1.2 Euclidean Tensors; 3. 1 .3 Tensor Derivatives on Riemannian Manifolds; 3.1.4 Tensor Mechanics in Brief; 3.1.5 The Covariant Force Law in Robotics and Biomechanics; 3.2 Categories and Functors; 3.2.1 Maps; 3.2.2 Categories; 3.2.3 Functors; 3.2.4 Natural Transformations; 3.2.5 Limits and Colimits; 3.2.6 The Adjunction; 3.2.7 ri-Categories; 3.2.8 Abelian Functorial Algebra; References; Index.

This elementary book provides some state-of-the-art research results on broad disciplinary sciences on complex networks. It presents an in-depth study with detailed description of dynamics, controls and applications of complex networks. The contents of this book can be summarized as follows. First, the dynamics of complex networks, for example, the cluster dynamic analysis by using kernel spectral methods, community detection algorithms in bipartite networks, epidemiological modeling with demographics and epidemic spreading on multi-layer networks, are studied. Second, the controls of complex networks are investigated including topics like distributed finite-time cooperative control of multi-agent systems by applying homogenous-degree and Lyapunov methods, composite finite-time containment control for disturbed second-order multi-agent systems, fractional-order observer design of multi-agent systems, chaos control and anticontrol of complex systems via Parrondos game and many more. Third, the applications of complex networks provide some applicable carriers, which show the importance of theories developed in complex networks. In particular, a general model for studying time evolution of transition networks, deflection routing in complex networks, recommender systems for social networks analysis and mining, strategy selection in networked evolutionary games, integration and methods in computational biology, are discussed in detail.

Intelligent Control considers non-traditional modelling and control approaches to nonlinear systems. Fuzzy logic, neural networks and evolutionary computing techniques are the main tools used. The book presents a modular switching fuzzy logic controller where a PD-type fuzzy controller is executed first followed by a PI-type fuzzy controller thus improving the performance of the controller compared with a PID-type fuzzy controller. The advantage of the switching-type fuzzy controller is that it uses one rule-base thus minimises the rule-base during execution. A single rule-base is developed by merging the membership functions for change of error of the PD-type controller and sum of error of the PI-type controller. Membership functions are then optimized using evolutionary algorithms. Since the two fuzzy controllers were executed in series, necessary further tuning of the differential and integral scaling factors of the controller is then performed. Neural-network-based tuning for the scaling parameters of the fuzzy controller is then described and finally an evolutionary algorithm is applied to the neurally-tuned-fuzzy controller in which the sigmoidal function shape of the neural network is determined. The important issue of stability is addressed and the text demonstrates empirically that the developed controller was stable within the operating range. The text concludes with ideas for future research to show the reader the potential for further study in this area. Intelligent Control will be of interest to researchers from engineering and computer science backgrounds working in the intelligent and adaptive control.

The competitiveness of firms, regions and countries greatly depends on the generation, dissemination and application of new knowledge. Modern innovation research is challenged by the need to incorporate knowledge generation and dissemination processes into the analysis so as to disentangle the complexity of these dynamic processes. With innovation, however, strong uncertainty, nonlinearities and actor heterogeneity become central factors that are at odds with traditional modeling techniques anchored in equilibrium and homogeneity. This text introduces SKIN (Simulation Knowledge Dynamics in Innovation Networks), an agent-based simulation model that primarily focuses on joint knowledge creation and exchange of knowledge in innovation co-operations and networks. In this context, knowledge is explicitly modeled and not approximated by, for instance, the level of accumulated R&D investment. The SKIN approach supports applications in different domains ranging from sector-based research activities in knowledge-intensive industries to the activities of international research consortia engaged in basic and applied research. Following a general description of the SKIN model, several applications and modifications are presented. Each chapter introduces in detail the structure of the model, the relevant methodological considerations and the analysis of simulation results, while options for empirically validating the models' structure and outcomes are also discussed. The book considers the scope of further applications and outlines prospects for the development of joint modeling strategies.

This book is an intellectually stimulating excursion into mathematical machines and structures capable for a universal computation. World top experts in computer science and mathematics overview exciting and intriguing topics of logical theory of monoids, geometry of Gauss word, philosophy of mathematics in computer science, asynchronous and parallel P-systems, decidability in cellular automata, splicing systems, reversible Turing machines, information flows in two-way finite automata, prime generators in automaton arrays, Grossone and Turing machines, automaton models of atomic lattices. The book is full of visually attractive examples of mathematical machines, open problems and challenges for future research. Those interested in the advancement of a theory of computation, philosophy of mathematics, future and emergent computing paradigms, architectures and implementations will find the book vital for their research and development.

This book reports on the developments of the bipedal walking robot Lucy. Special about it is that the biped is not actuated with the classical electrical drives but with pleated pneumatic artificial muscles. In an antagonistic setup of such muscles both the torque and the compliance are controllable. From human walking there is evidence that joint compliance plays an important role in energy efficient walking and running. Moreover pneumatic artificial muscles have a high power to weight ratio and can be coupled directly without complex gearing mechanism, which can be beneficial towards legged mechanisms. Additionally, they have the capability of absorbing impact shocks and store and release motion energy. This book gives a complete description of Lucy: the hardware, the electronics and the software. A hybrid simulation program, combining the robot dynamics and muscle/valve thermodynamics, has been written to evaluate control strategies before implementing them in the real biped.

This book considers the design and development of nanoelectronic computing circuits, systems and architectures focusing particularly on memristors, which represent one of today's latest technology breakthroughs in nanoelectronics. The book studies, explores, and addresses the related challenges and proposes solutions for the smooth transition from conventional circuit technologies to emerging computing memristive nanotechnologies. Its content spans from fundamental device modeling to emerging storage system architectures and novel circuit design methodologies, targeting advanced non-conventional analog/digital massively parallel computational structures. Several new results on memristor modeling, memristive interconnections, logic circuit design, memory circuit architectures, computer arithmetic systems, simulation software tools, and applications of memristors in computing are presented. High-density memristive data storage combined with memristive circuit-design paradigms and computational tools applied to solve NP-hard artificial intelligence problems, as well as memristive arithmetic-logic units, certainly pave the way for a very promising memristive era in future electronic systems. Furthermore, these graph-based NP-hard problems are solved on memristive networks, and coupled with Cellular Automata (CA)-inspired computational schemes that enable computation within memory. All chapters are written in an accessible manner and are lavishly illustrated. The book constitutes an informative cornerstone for young scientists and a comprehensive reference to the experienced reader, hoping to stimulate further research on memristive devices, circuits, and systems.

Advances in space-borne remote sensing have significantly changed the mankind viewpoint how to observe our own Earth planet. Great amount of remote sensing data and images presents new resources to quantitatively describe and monitor our Earth environment, atmosphere, oceanic and land surfaces. In remote sensing, electromagnetic (EM) scattering, emission and wave propagation, as interaction with the Earth environment, lay the physical basis for understanding and extracting geoscientific information. Study of electromagnetic waves with remote sensing application has become an active and interdisciplinary area. This book presents some new progress on the theoretical and numerical approaches for information retrieval of the remote sensing via EM scattering and emission. We begin in Chapter 1 with the vector radiative transfer (VRT) theory for inhomogeneous scatter media. The VRT takes account of multiple scattering, emission and propagation of random scatter media, and quantitatively leads to insights of elucidating and understanding EM wave-terrain surface interaction. Meanwhile, it is extensively applicable to carrying out data interpretation and validation, and to solving the inverse problem, e.g. iteratively, physically or statistically. In Chapter 1, iterative solutions of multiple scattering and emission from inhomogeneous dense scatter media, and inhomogeneous non-spherical scatter media are discussed. Three-dimensional VRT equation (3D-VRT) for spatially inhomogeneous random scatter media for high resolution observation is also investigated. The polarimetric imagery of synthetic aperture radar (SAR) technology is one of most important advances in space-borne microwave remote sensing during recent decades.

Evacuating a city is a complex problem that involves issues of governance, preparedness education, warning, information sharing, population dynamics, resilience and recovery. As natural and anthropogenic threats to cities grow, it is an increasingly pressing problem for policy makers and practitioners. The book is the result of a unique interdisciplinary collaboration between researchers in the physical and social sciences to consider how an interdisciplinary approach can help plan for large scale evacuations. It draws on perspectives from physics, mathematics, organisation theory, economics, sociology and education. Importantly it goes beyond disciplinary boundaries and considers how interdisciplinary methods are necessary to approach a complex problem involving human actors and increasingly complex communications and transportation infrastructures. Using real world case studies and modelling the book considers new approaches to evacuation dynamics. It addresses questions of complexity, not only in terms of theory, but examining the latest challenges for cities and emergency responders. Factors such as social media, information quality and visualisation techniques are examined to consider the 'new' dynamics of warning and informing, evacuation and recovery.

This volume presents selected aspects of non-integer, or fractional order systems, whose analysis, synthesis and applications have increasingly become a real challenge for various research communities, ranging from science to engineering. The spectrum of applications of the fractional order calculus has incredibly expanded, in fact it would be hard to find a science/engineering-related subject area where the fractional calculus had not been incorporated. The content of the fractional calculus is ranged from pure mathematics to engineering implementations and so is the content of this volume. The volume is subdivided into six parts, reflecting particular aspects of the fractional order calculus. The first part contains a single invited paper on a new formulation of fractional-order descriptor observers for fractional-order descriptor continous LTI systems. The second part provides new elements to the mathematical theory of fractional-order systems. In the third part of this volume, a bunch of new results in approximation, modeling and simulations of fractional-order systems is given. The fourth part presents new solutions to some problems in controllability and control of non-integer order systems, in particular fractional PID-like control. The fifth part analyzes the stability of non-integer order systems and some new results are offered in this important respect, in particular for discrete-time systems. The final, sixth part of this volume presents a spectrum of applications of the noninteger order calculus, ranging from bi-fractional filtering, in particular of electromyographic signals, through the thermal diffusion and advection diffusion processes to the SIEMENS platform implementation. This volume's papers were all subjected to stimulating comments and discussions from the active audience of the RRNR'2014, the 6th Conference on Non-integer Order Calculus and Its Applications that was organized by the Department of Electrical, Control and Computer Engineering, Opole University of Technology, Opole, Poland.

This book develops a coherent and quite general theoretical approach to algorithm design for iterative learning control based on the use of operator representations and quadratic optimization concepts including the related ideas of inverse model control and gradient-based design. Using detailed examples taken from linear, discrete and continuous-time systems, the author gives the reader access to theories based on either signal or parameter optimization. Although the two approaches are shown to be related in a formal mathematical sense, the text presents them separately as their relevant algorithm design issues are distinct and give rise to different performance capabilities. Together with algorithm design, the text demonstrates the underlying robustness of the paradigm and also includes new control laws that are capable of incorporating input and output constraints, enable the algorithm to reconfigure systematically in order to meet the requirements of different reference and auxiliary signals and also to support new properties such as spectral annihilation. Iterative Learning Control will interest academics and graduate students working in control who will find it a useful reference to the current status of a powerful and increasingly popular method of control. The depth of background theory and links to practical systems will be of use to engineers responsible for precision repetitive processes.

Andreas Barmann develops novel approaches for the solution of network design problems as they arise in various contexts of applied optimization. At the example of an optimal expansion of the German railway network until 2030, the author derives a tailor-made decomposition technique for multi-period network design problems. Next, he develops a general framework for the solution of network design problems via aggregation of the underlying graph structure. This approach is shown to save much computation time as compared to standard techniques. Finally, the author devises a modelling framework for the approximation of the robust counterpart under ellipsoidal uncertainty, an often-studied case in the literature. Each of these three approaches opens up a fascinating branch of research which promises a better theoretical understanding of the problem and an increasing range of solvable application settings at the same time.

This book presents recent results on positivity and optimization of polynomials in non-commuting variables. Researchers in non-commutative algebraic geometry, control theory, system engineering, optimization, quantum physics and information science will find the unified notation and mixture of algebraic geometry and mathematical programming useful. Theoretical results are matched with algorithmic considerations; several examples and information on how to use NCSOStools open source package to obtain the results provided. Results are presented on detecting the eigenvalue and trace positivity of polynomials in non-commuting variables using Newton chip method and Newton cyclic chip method, relaxations for constrained and unconstrained optimization problems, semidefinite programming formulations of the relaxations and finite convergence of the hierarchies of these relaxations, and the practical efficiency of algorithms.

This treatment of modern topics related to the control of nonlinear systems is a collection of contributions celebrating the work of Professor Henk Nijmeijer and honoring his 60th birthday. It addresses several topics that have been the core of Professor Nijmeijer's work, namely: the control of nonlinear systems, geometric control theory, synchronization, coordinated control, convergent systems and the control of underactuated systems. The book presents recent advances in these areas, contributed by leading international researchers in systems and control. In addition to the theoretical questions treated in the text, particular attention is paid to a number of applications including (mobile) robotics, marine vehicles, neural dynamics and mechanical systems generally. This volume provides a broad picture of the analysis and control of nonlinear systems for scientists and engineers with an interest in the interdisciplinary field of systems and control theory. The reader will benefit from the expert participants' ideas on important open problems with contributions that represent the state of the art in nonlinear control.

These proceedings present the results of the Eleventh International Conference on Dependability and Complex Systems DepCoS-RELCOMEX which took place in a picturesque Brunow Palace in Poland from 27th June to 1st July, 2016. DepCoS-RELCOMEX is a series of international conferences organized annually by Department of Computer Engineering of Wroclaw University of Science and Technology since 2006. The roots of the series go as far back as to the seventies of the previous century - the first RELCOMEX conference took place in 1977 - and now its main aim is to promote a multi-disciplinary approach to dependability problems in theory and engineering practice of complex systems. Complex systems, nowadays most often computer-based and distributed, are built upon a variety of technical, information, software and human resources. The challenges in their design, analysis and maintenance not only originate from the involved technical and organizational structures but also from the complexity of the information processes that must be efficiently executed in a diverse, often hostile operational environment. Traditional methods of reliability evaluation focused only on technical resources are usually insufficient in this context and more innovative, multidisciplinary methods of dependability analysis must be applied. The diversity of the topics which need to be considered is well illustrated by the selection of the submissions in these proceedings with their subjects ranging from mathematical models and design methodologies through software engineering and data security issues up to practical problems in technical, e.g. transportation, systems.

This proceedings book presents edited results of the eighth International Conference on Fuzzy Information and Engineering (ICFIE'2015) and on Oriental Thinking and Fuzzy Logic, in August 17-20, 2015, in Dalian, China. The book contains 65 high-quality papers and is divided into six main parts: "Fuzzy Information Processing", "Fuzzy Engineering", "Internet and Big Data Applications", "Factor Space and Factorial Neural Networks", "Information Granulation and Granular Computing" as well as "Extenics and Innovation Methods".

A unified methodology for categorizing various complex objects is presented in this book. Through probability theory, novel asymptotically minimax criteria suitable for practical applications in imaging and data analysis are examined including the special cases such as the Jensen-Shannon divergence and the probabilistic neural network. An optimal approximate nearest neighbor search algorithm, which allows faster classification of databases is featured. Rough set theory, sequential analysis and granular computing are used to improve performance of the hierarchical classifiers. Practical examples in face identification (including deep neural networks), isolated commands recognition in voice control system and classification of visemes captured by the Kinect depth camera are included. This approach creates fast and accurate search procedures by using exact probability densities of applied dissimilarity measures. This book can be used as a guide for independent study and as supplementary material for a technically oriented graduate course in intelligent systems and data mining. Students and researchers interested in the theoretical and practical aspects of intelligent classification systems will find answers to: - Why conventional implementation of the naive Bayesian approach does not work well in image classification? - How to deal with insufficient performance of hierarchical classification systems? - Is it possible to prevent an exhaustive search of the nearest neighbor in a database?

This book shows how the use of S-variables (SVs) in enhancing the range of problems that can be addressed with the already-versatile linear matrix inequality (LMI) approach to control can, in many cases, be put on a more unified, methodical footing. Beginning with the fundamentals of the SV approach, the text shows how the basic idea can be used for each problem (and when it should not be employed at all). The specific adaptations of the method necessitated by each problem are also detailed. The problems dealt with in the book have the common traits that: analytic closed-form solutions are not available; and LMIs can be applied to produce numerical solutions with a certain amount of conservatism. Typical examples are robustness analysis of linear systems affected by parametric uncertainties and the synthesis of a linear controller satisfying multiple, often conflicting, design specifications. For problems in which LMI methods produce conservative results, the SV approach is shown to achieve greater accuracy. The authors emphasize the simplicity and easy comprehensibility of the SV approach and show how it can be implemented in programs without difficulty so that its power becomes readily apparent. The S-variable Approach to LMI-based Robust Control is a useful reference for academic control researchers, applied mathematicians and graduate students interested in LMI methods and convex optimization and will also be of considerable assistance to practising control engineers faced with problems of conservatism in their systems and controllers.

This book offers a rigorous and self-contained presentation of stochastic integration and stochastic calculus within the general framework of continuous semimartingales. The main tools of stochastic calculus, including Ito's formula, the optional stopping theorem and Girsanov's theorem, are treated in detail alongside many illustrative examples. The book also contains an introduction to Markov processes, with applications to solutions of stochastic differential equations and to connections between Brownian motion and partial differential equations. The theory of local times of semimartingales is discussed in the last chapter. Since its invention by Ito, stochastic calculus has proven to be one of the most important techniques of modern probability theory, and has been used in the most recent theoretical advances as well as in applications to other fields such as mathematical finance. Brownian Motion, Martingales, and Stochastic Calculus provides a strong theoretical background to the reader interested in such developments. Beginning graduate or advanced undergraduate students will benefit from this detailed approach to an essential area of probability theory. The emphasis is on concise and efficient presentation, without any concession to mathematical rigor. The material has been taught by the author for several years in graduate courses at two of the most prestigious French universities. The fact that proofs are given with full details makes the book particularly suitable for self-study. The numerous exercises help the reader to get acquainted with the tools of stochastic calculus.

This book deals with optimization methods as tools for decision making and control in the presence of model uncertainty. It is oriented to the use of these tools in engineering, specifically in automatic control design with all its components: analysis of dynamical systems, identification problems, and feedback control design. Developments in Model-Based Optimization and Control takes advantage of optimization-based formulations for such classical feedback design objectives as stability, performance and feasibility, afforded by the established body of results and methodologies constituting optimal control theory. It makes particular use of the popular formulation known as predictive control or receding-horizon optimization. The individual contributions in this volume are wide-ranging in subject matter but coordinated within a five-part structure covering material on: * complexity and structure in model predictive control (MPC); * collaborative MPC; * distributed MPC; * optimization-based analysis and design; and * applications to bioprocesses, multivehicle systems or energy management. The various contributions cover a subject spectrum including inverse optimality and more modern decentralized and cooperative formulations of receding-horizon optimal control. Readers will find fourteen chapters dedicated to optimization-based tools for robustness analysis, and decision-making in relation to feedback mechanisms-fault detection, for example-and three chapters putting forward applications where the model-based optimization brings a novel perspective. Developments in Model-Based Optimization and Control is a selection of contributions expanded and updated from the Optimisation-based Control and Estimation workshops held in November 2013 and November 2014. It forms a useful resource for academic researchers and graduate students interested in the state of the art in predictive control. Control engineers working in model-based optimization and control, particularly in its bioprocess applications will also find this collection instructive.

Helps you ensure that your simulations are appropriate representations of real-world systems. The book concentrates on the differentiation between the assessment of a simulation tool and the verification and validation of general software products. It is a systematic, procedural, practical guide that you can use to enhance the credibility of your simulation models. In addition, it is a valuable reference book and a road map for software developers and quality assurance experts, or as a text for simulation methodology and software engineering courses.
This book details useful assessment procedures and phases, discusses ways to tailor the methodology for specific situations and objectives, and provides numerous assessment aids. The reader can use these aids to support ongoing assessments over the entire life cycle of the model.

The present volume comprises survey articles on various fields of Differential-Algebraic Equations (DAEs), which have widespread applications in controlled dynamical systems, especially in mechanical and electrical engineering and a strong relation to (ordinary) differential equations. The individual chapters provide reviews, presentations of the current state of research and new concepts in - Flexibility of DAE formulations - Reachability analysis and deterministic global optimization - Numerical linear algebra methods - Boundary value problems The results are presented in an accessible style, making this book suitable not only for active researchers but also for graduate students (with a good knowledge of the basic principles of DAEs) for self-study.

This book combines game theory and complex networks to examine intentional technological risk through modeling. As information security risks are in constant evolution, the methodologies and tools to manage them must evolve to an ever-changing environment. A formal global methodology is explained in this book, which is able to analyze risks in cyber security based on complex network models and ideas extracted from the Nash equilibrium. A risk management methodology for IT critical infrastructures is introduced which provides guidance and analysis on decision making models and real situations. This model manages the risk of succumbing to a digital attack and assesses an attack from the following three variables: income obtained, expense needed to carry out an attack, and the potential consequences for an attack. Graduate students and researchers interested in cyber security, complex network applications and intentional risk will find this book useful as it is filled with a number of models, methodologies and innovative examples.

This book provides an overview of the basic concepts of a systems theoretical perspective using families and family therapy as examples and illustrations of their application in professional practice. This meta-perspective focuses on viewing problems in context. The difference between first-order and second-order cybernetics is explicated. Readers then are invited to see themselves as parts of the systems with which they are working consistent with a second-order cybernetics perspective. Along the way a difference between modernism and post-modernism as well as constructionism and social constructionism also are described. In addition, theories of individual and family development are presented with implications for their use in family therapy. The book concludes with more than 100 examples of how the meta-perspective of systems theory can be used in work with families.

The book is about the key elements required for designing, building and controlling effective artificial swarms comprised of multiple moving physical agents. Therefore this book presents the fundamentals of each of those key elements in the particular frame of dynamic swarming, specifically exposing the profound connections between these elements and establish some general design principles for swarming behaviors. This scientific endeavor requires an inter-disciplinary approach: biomimetic inspiration from ethology and ecology, study of social information flow, analysis of temporal and adaptive signaling network of interaction, considerations of control of networked real-time systems, and lastly, elements of complex adaptive dynamical systems. This book offers a completely new perspective on the scientific understanding of dynamic collective behaviors thanks to its multi-disciplinary approach and its focus on artificial swarm of physical agents. Two of the key problems in understanding the emergence of swarm intelligent behaviors are identifying the social interaction rules a.k.a. the behavioral algorithm and uncovering how information flows between swarming agents. While most books about swarm dynamics have been focusing on the former, this book emphasizes the much-less discussed topic of distributed information flow, always with the aim of establishing general design principles.