This is the first accessible and practical guide to using multilevel models in social research. Multilevel approaches are becoming increasingly important in social, behavioral, and educational research and it is clear from recent developments that such models are seen as being more realistic, and potentially more revealing, than ordinary regression models. While other books describe these multilevel models in considerable detail none focuses on the practical issues and potential problems of doing multilevel analyses that are covered in Introducing Multilevel Modeling.

Physics forms the basis for many of the motions and behaviors seen in both the real world and in the virtual worlds of animated films, visual effects, and computer games. By describing the underlying physical principles and then creating simulations based on these principles, these computer-generated worlds are brought to life. Physically Based Modeling and Animation goes behind the scenes of computer animation and details the mathematical and algorithmic foundations that are used to determine the behavior underlying the movement of virtual objects and materials. Dr. Donald House and Dr. John Keyser offer an approachable, hands-on view of the equations and programming that form the foundations of this field. They guide readers from the beginnings of modeling and simulation to more advanced techniques, enabling them to master what they need to know in order to understand and create their own animations Emphasizes the underlying concepts of the field, and is not tied to any particular software package, language, or API. Develops concepts in mathematics, physics, numerical methods, and software design in a highly integrated way, enhancing both motivation and understanding. Progressively develops the material over the book, starting from very basic techniques, and building on these to introduce topics of increasing complexity. Motivates the topics by tying the underlying physical and mathematical techniques directly to applications in computer animation.

Computer simulation of systems has become an important tool in scientific research and engineering design, including the simulation of systems through the motion of their constituent particles. Important examples of this are the motion of stars in galaxies, ions in hot gas plasmas, electrons in semiconductor devices, and atoms in solids and liquids. The behavior of the system is studied by programming into the computer a model of the system and then performing experiments with this model. New scientific insight is obtained by observing such computer experiments, often for controlled conditions that are not accessible in the laboratory. Computer Simulation using Particles deals with the simulation of systems by following the motion of their constituent particles. This book provides an introduction to simulation using particles based on the NGP, CIC, and P3M algorithms and the programming principles that assist with the preparations of large simulation programs based on the OLYMPUS methodology. It also includes case study examples in the fields of astrophysics, plasmas, semiconductors, and ionic solids as well as more detailed mathematical treatment of the models, such as their errors, dispersion, and optimization. This resource will help you understand how engineering design can be assisted by the ability to predict performance using the computer model before embarking on costly and time-consuming manufacture.

Learn how to use, deploy, and maintain Apache Spark with this comprehensive guide, written by the creators of the open-source cluster-computing framework. With an emphasis on improvements and new features in Spark 2.0, authors Bill Chambers and Matei Zaharia break down Spark topics into distinct sections, each with unique goals. You'll explore the basic operations and common functions of Spark's structured APIs, as well as Structured Streaming, a new high-level API for building end-to-end streaming applications. Developers and system administrators will learn the fundamentals of monitoring, tuning, and debugging Spark, and explore machine learning techniques and scenarios for employing MLlib, Spark's scalable machine-learning library. Get a gentle overview of big data and Spark Learn about DataFrames, SQL, and Datasets-Spark's core APIs-through worked examples Dive into Spark's low-level APIs, RDDs, and execution of SQL and DataFrames Understand how Spark runs on a cluster Debug, monitor, and tune Spark clusters and applications Learn the power of Structured Streaming, Spark's stream-processing engine Learn how you can apply MLlib to a variety of problems, including classification or recommendation

The Key to Fully Understanding the Basics of a 3D World Prominently used in games, movies, and on television, 3D graphics are tools of creation used to enhance how material and light come together to manipulate objects in 3D space. A game-changer written for the non-technical mind, Essential Skills for 3D Modeling, Rendering, and Animation examines the complexities of 3D computer-generated art, and outlines the basics of how things work and are used in 3D. This text describes the three cornerstones of 3D-modeling, rendering, and animation; focuses on common elements; and provides a full understanding of the foundational concepts involved. Detailing the skills and knowledge needed to become an accomplished 3D artist, it includes step-by-step instruction with ample examples, and allows absolute beginners to move at their own pace. Master Anything You Are Tasked to Model The author incorporates historical information-presenting a contextual understanding of the various techniques and methodologies in their historical place. Each chapter builds on the fundamentals of 3D computer graphics and augments skills based on the concepts, enabling the student to learn both theory and application simultaneously. The book highlights two basic geometry types, polygons and NURBS surfaces, showing the student basic modeling techniques with both. While more techniques are available, an artist can cover any model by grasping these basic techniques. Supplies examples that are specifically taken from Autodesk Maya Contains exercises that are meant to be used in conjunction with the training videos on the website Includes a documented history of computer graphics Essential Skills for 3D Modeling, Rendering, and Animation offers a fundamental understanding of the mechanics of 3D graphics to modelers, animators, texture artists, render artists, game developers, and production artists, as well as educators teaching an undergrad or tech course in 3D animation.

This volume contains the articles presented at the 20th International Meshing Roundtable (IMR) organized, in part, by Sandia National Laboratories and was held in Paris, France on Oct 23-26, 2011. This is the first year the IMR was held outside the United States territory. Other sponsors of the 20th IMR are Systematic Paris Region Systems & ICT Cluster, AIAA, NAFEMS, CEA, and NSF. The Sandia National Laboratories started the first IMR in 1992, and the conference has been held annually since. Each year the IMR brings together researchers, developers, and application experts, from a variety of disciplines, to present and discuss ideas on mesh generation and related topics. The topics covered by the IMR have applications in numerical analysis, computational geometry, computer graphics, as well as other areas, and the presentations describe novel work ranging from theory to application.

Due to its comprehensive tool-set and great potential for 3D modeling, more and more architectural design and interior design firms are adapting Autodesk Maya and integrating it into their practice. There has been no book aimed at architects and designers who wish to harness the opportunities presented by this software, until now..... The book promotes parametric design. It integrates the theoretical research of computational design and Maya non-linear modeling techniques associated with simulation, animation, digital fabrication and form-finding within 2D & 3D design. Readers will learn: How to use Maya polygon and NURBS modeling tools to create non-linear procedural model. How to use Maya driver keys and relationship tools to generate parametrically negotiable solutions across various design professions. The design logic and generative processes, as well as the potential of parametric thinking as a resourceful tool for achieving diversity and complexity in form generation and fabrication. How to use Maya to prepare files for rapid prototyping and the integration of Maya into various fabrication techniques such as laser cutting, CNC milling, and 3D printing. How to create a digital simulation to simulate all aspects of surface properties and dynamic forces with Maya physics engine. How to use Maya skeleton system and animation tools to control complex architectural forms. How to create photo-realistic renderings with Maya lighting, material and texture mapping. Using several real projects as examples, the book will go through the entire rendering process step by step. How to combine Maya with various CAD/BIM tools to create an efficient design pipeline. How to use Maya MEL script to create customized tools and interface. The book includes case studies from Zaha Hadid Architects, Greg Lynn Form, Gage Clemenceau Architects, Tang & Yang Architects, as well as step by step exercises, demonstration projects and crucially a fantastic online resource which includes video tutorials, scripts, and Maya source files.

Practical Algorithms for 3D Computer Graphics, Second Edition covers the fundamental algorithms that are the core of all 3D computer graphics software packages. Using Core OpenGL and OpenGL ES, the book enables you to create a complete suite of programs for 3D computer animation, modeling, and image synthesis. Since the publication of the first edition, implementation aspects have changed significantly, including advances in graphics technology that are enhancing immersive experiences with virtual reality. Reflecting these considerable developments, this second edition presents up-to-date algorithms for each stage in the creative process. It takes you from the construction of polygonal models of real and imaginary objects to rigid body animation and hierarchical character animation to the rendering pipeline for the synthesis of realistic images. New to the Second Edition New chapter on the modern approach to real-time 3D programming using OpenGL New chapter that introduces 3D graphics for mobile devices New chapter on OpenFX, a comprehensive open source 3D tools suite for modeling and animation Discussions of new topics, such as particle modeling, marching cubes, and techniques for rendering hair and fur More web-only content, including source code for the algorithms, video transformations, comprehensive examples, and documentation for OpenFX The book is suitable for newcomers to graphics research and 3D computer games as well as more experienced software developers who wish to write plug-in modules for any 3D application program or shader code for a commercial games engine.

Get your foot in the studio door by learning the art of matchmoving

Matchmoving is a technique that allows computer graphics to be inserted into live-action footage with correct position, scale, orientation, and motion. Also known as motion tracking, it's what allows movie monsters to run down Main Street and robots to run through crowds--and look real. Now this unique book from a top expert from Industrial Light and Magic teaches you the art of matchmoving.

With step-by-step tutorials and pages of examples, this book first explains the basics and then shows you professional techniques, from 3D calibration and tracking, to stereoscopy, and more.Explains concepts and teaches professional techniques for successful matchmoving Authored by a top matchmove specialist from Industrial Light and Magic, who walks you through step-by-step tutorials and impressive examples Covers matchmoving basics, 2D tracking, 3D calibration and tracking, automatic tracking, cameras, integrating matchmoves, and stereoscopy

Learn how studio visual effects professionals make all the right matchmoves with "Matchmoving: The Invisible Art of Camera Tracking 2nd Edition."

This is a student text, introducing the scope and problems of a new scientific discipline - Computational Neurogenetic Modeling (CNGM). CNGM is concerned with the study and development of dynamic neuronal models for modeling brain functions with respect to genes and dynamic interactions between genes. These include neural network models and their integration with gene network models. This new area brings together knowledge from various scientific disciplines.

Discover the secrets of the Google SketchUp with the 16 real-world professional-level projects including parks, structures, concept art, and illustration. Google SketchUp Workshop includes all the wide variety of projects that SketchUp can be used for-architectural visualization, landscape design, video game and film conception, and more. SketchUp masters in every field will get you up to speed in this agile and intuitive software and then show you the real uses with through projects in architecture, engineering, and design.
* Packed with 16 real-world Google SketchUp projects from working professionals that traverse the entire spectrum of what SketchUp can accomplish
* Covers both the free and Professional versions of the Google SketchUp program - it is not bound to any version
* Teaches 2D illustration and pre-visualization through to the fully rendered 3D Model - from start to finish

The book uses STELLA software to develop simulation models, thus allowing readers to convert their understanding of a phenomenon to a computer model, and then run it to yield the inevitable dynamic consequences built into the structure. Part I provides an introduction to modeling dynamic systems, while Part II offers general modeling methods. Parts III through VIII then apply these methods to model real-world phenomena from chemistry, genetics, ecology, economics, and engineering. Dynamic Modeling includes STELLA run-time software for both Windows and Mac systems, as well as computer files of sample models used in the book. A clear, approachable introduction to the modeling process, of interest in any field where real problems can be illuminated by computer simulation.

Create high-quality models in no time at all with these comprehensive, full-color, techniques and tutorials from Antony Ward and David Randall. These step-by-step tutorials walk readers through the creation of a high-quality female model while teaching you the basics and principles behind 3D modeling in Silo - including modeling the face and clothes, creating textures, and posing the character. The companion website includes all of the tutorial and project files. This book is officially endorsed and co-written by the creators of Silo, Nevercenter. Features include: - See how to create three main models - A base mesh, a detailed female base mesh and the final cover character, Jade Raven. - Covers both organic and hard surface modeling techniques. - Introduces the reader to more advanced Silo tools like Paint Displacement and UV Mapping. - Full of bonus material and information to make you a more efficient 3D artist. - The techniques featured can also be applied to other 3D applications, making the skills you will learn easily transferable. - Get money off Silo with the discount code included.

Explore one of the most exciting 3D tools on the market, modo, with Real-World modo - the Luxology approved, concept and principle- driven guide. Learn to apply the revolutionary, artist-friendly modo toolset with its powerful 3D rendering engine to your project workflows. In a clear, motivating, and entertaining style, Luxology insider, Wes McDermott, provides captivating 3D imagery, real world observations, and valuable tips and tricks all in one place - an invaluable resource for any digital artist.

Explore 3D techniques and principles with chapters on modelling, UV mapping, texturing, animation, lighting and rendering. Learn to leverage the technical elements of the modo rendering engine including Antialaising, Shading Rate and Irradiance Caching from an artist's perspective. Integrate modo with other 3D applications such as Maya and Mudbox and learn to properly setup a linear rendering workflow within modo. For practical, hands-on techniques, you can visit www.wesmcdermott.com for video walk-throughs that further enhance the coverage in the book.

3ds Max is the leading 3D modeling, animation, and rendering solution for artists, schools, and production environments. The unique tutorial approach of this book permits readers to learn essential techniques that every 3D artist needs to create CG environments by recreating the earth's elements of earth, air, fire and water. No extra plug-ins are required to perform the exercises. Draper studies the real world and then simlates it with 3ds Max -a unique approach that reflects classical art training.
"Deconstructing the Elements" allows artists to re-create natural effects using Autodesk(R) 3ds Max(R). This new edition boasts all new tutorials. All editorial content is updated to be current with the current version of 3ds Max. Inspirational images cover every page as the author shares his professional insight, detailing the how and why of each effect, ensuring the reader a complete understanding of all the processes involved.
The companion web site includes all of the tutorials from the previous two editions, only available to purchasers of this 3rd edition - plus all new tutorials of the current edition. It's like getting 3 books in one!
--"This book is the definitive text on 3ds Max effects using Particles and Dynamics....Pete sets the standard." Mark Gerhard, M&E Applications Engineer, Imaginit Technologies, USA.
--Draper is award-winning Max luminary, was nominated this year for an Autodesk Max Master Award 2007 (at SIGGRAPH).
--Official Autodesk Max Techniques book: co-published with Autodesk Media and Entertainment.
--Packed with 4-color illustrations that direct and inspire the reader - the book has received rave reviews both online and in industry magazines;it's also recommended reading for several CG university courses.
--3 books in one - all previous editions are now available to the purchaser of this edition, with the new companion web site that offers all tutorials from the two previous editions, plus 6 hours of video tutorials.

Certified by Autodesk, Darren Brooker's new edition teaches the production techniques behind real-world work. The tutorials take you from the fundamentals of lighting, right through to advanced techniques.
* Everything you need to learn the art of CG lighting in one easy-to-use volume
* Free trial software and detailed tutorials take you through every step of the CG lighting process
* Learn the art and science of lighting CG environments the Autodesk-certified way

A compilation of key chapters from the top Focal game art books available today - in the areas of Max, Maya, Photoshop, and ZBrush. The chapters provide the CG Artist with an excellent sampling of essential techniques that every 3D artist needs to create stunning game art.Game artists will be able to master the modeling, rendering, rigging, and texturing techniques they need - with advice from Focal's best and brightest authors. Artists can learn hundreds of tips, tricks and shortcuts in Max, Maya, Photoshop, ZBrush - all within the covers of one complete, inspiring reference.

This book contains keynote lectures and full papers presented at the International Symposium on Computational Modelling of Objects Represented in Images (CompIMAGE), held in Coimbra, Portugal, on 20-21 October 2006. International contributions from nineteen countries provide a comprehensive coverage of the current state-of-the-art in the fields of: - Image Processing and Analysis; - Image Segmentation; - Data Interpolation; - Registration, Acquisition and Compression; - 3D Reconstruction; - Objects Tracking; - Motion and Deformation Analysis; - Objects Simulation; - Medical Imaging; - Computational Bioimaging and Visualization. Related techniques also covered in this book include the finite element method, modal analyses, stochastic methods, principal and independent components analyses and distribution models. Computational Modelling of Objects Represented in Images will be useful to academics, researchers and professionals in Computational Vision (image processing and analysis), Computer Sciences, and Computational Mechanics.

Digital Manufacturing: The Industrialization of "Art to Part" 3D Additive Printing explains everything needed to understand how recent advances in materials science, manufacturing engineering and digital design have integrated to create exciting new capabilities. Sections discuss relevant fundamentals in mechanical engineering and materials science and complex and practical topics in additive manufacturing, such as part manufacturing, all in the context of the modern digital design environment. Being successful in today's "art to part" cyber-physical manufacturing age requires a strong grounding in science and engineering fundamentals as well as knowledge of the latest techniques, all of which readers will find here. Every chapter is developed by leading specialists and based on first-hand experiences, capturing the essential knowledge readers need to solve problems related to digital manufacturing.

Mixed-Signal Layout Generation Concepts covers important physical-design issues that exist in contemporary analog and mixed-signal design flows. Due to the increasing pressure on time-to-market, the steep increase in chip fabrication costs, and the increasing design complexity, it becomes even more challenging to produce a first-time right IC layout. The fundamental issues in creating a layout are placement and routing. Although these coupled problems have been investigated for many decades, no satisfactory automated solution has emerged yet. Fortunately, supported by modern computing power and results of new research that further improve computation efficiency, significant steps forward have been taken.
Mixed-Signal Layout Generation Concepts brings together many principles and techniques required to successfully develop and implement layout generation tools to accommodate many mixed-signal layout generation needs. Not only does it provide a comprehensive overview of state-of-the-art concepts, it also illustrates many concepts with intuitive examples and pseudo code. Altogether, it facilitates creation of insight in a vast and complex area.
For those who are new to the area of mixed-signal layout generation, this book provides an excellent introduction to advanced topics in this area. A practicing EDA researcher or tool developer might find this book a useful reference that combines classical and new principles. In addition, this book relates theories to each other and to pragmatic implementations. Finally, the designer, or layout artist, interested to have a thorough understanding of fundamental concepts in mixed-signal layout generation, can take advantage of theself-contained chapters in this book.

This book presents a variety of techniques that combine computer-generated images and other objects with real scenes, creating augmented reality. This work provides an excellent snapshot of the current state of augmented reality research and its latest applications to industry. Using computer vision, graphics, and signal processing, augmented reality makes special effects in movies and computer games economically viable. This collection of survey and research papers presents a synopsis of the work covered at the First International Workshop on Augmented Reality.

Addresses the major issues involved in computer design and architectures. Dealing primarily with theory, tools, and techniques as related to advanced computer systems, it provides tutorials and surveys and relates new important research results. Each chapter provides background information, describes and analyzes important work done in the field, and provides important direction to the reader on future work and further readings. The topics covered include hierarchical design schemes, parallel and distributed modeling and simulation, parallel simulation tools and techniques, theoretical models for formal and performance modeling, and performance evaluation techniques.

Since its inception, the Tutorial Guides in Electronic Engineering series has met with great success among both instructors and students. Designed for first- and second-year undergraduate courses, each text provides a concise list of objectives at the beginning of every chapter, key definitions and formulas highlighted in margin notes, and references to other texts in the series. With emphasis on the fundamental ideas and applications of modelling and design, Control Engineering imparts a thorough understanding of the principles of feedback control. Simple but detailed design examples used throughout the book illustrate how various classical feedback control techniques can be employed for single-input, single-output systems. Noting the interdisciplinary nature of control engineering, the author makes the text equally relevant to students whose interests lie outside of electronics by concentrating on general systems characteristics rather than on specific implementations. The author assumes students are familiar with complex numbers, phasors, and elementary calculus, and while a knowledge of simple linear differential equations would be useful, this treatment has few other mathematical requirements. With its clear explanations, copious illustrations, well-chosen examples, and end-of-chapter exercises, Control Engineering forms an outstanding first-course textbook.

Models and simulations of all kinds are tools for dealing with reality. Humans have always used mental models to better understand the world around them: to make plans, to consider different possibilities, to share ideas with others, to test changes, and to determine whether or not the development of an idea is feasible. The book Modeling and Simulation uses exactly the same approach except that the traditional mental model is translated into a computer model, and the simulations of alternative outcomes under varying conditions are programmed on the computer. The advantage of this method is that the computer can track the multitude of implications and consequences in complex relationships much more quickly and reliably than the human mind. This unique interdisciplinary text not only provides a self contained and complete guide to the methods and mathematical background of modeling and simulation software (SIMPAS) and a collection of 50 systems models on an accompanying diskette. Students from fields as diverse as ecology and economics will find this clear interactive package an instructive and engaging guide.

Discrete Event Simulation is a process-oriented text/reference that utilizes an eleven-step model to represent the simulation process from problem formulation to implementation and documentation. The book presents the necessary level of detail required to fully develop a model that produces meaningful results and considers the tools necessary to interpret those results. Sufficient background information is provided so that the underlying concepts of simulation are understood. Major topics covered in Discrete Event Simulation include probability and distributional theory, statistical estimation and inference, the generation of random variates, verification and validation techniques, time management methods, experimental design, and programming language considerations. The book also examines distributed simulation and issues related to distributing the physical process over a network of tightly coupled processors. Topics covered in this area include deadlock, synchronization, rollback, event management, and communication processes. Fully worked examples and numerous practical exercises have been drawn from the engineering disciplines and computer science, although they have been structured so that they will be useful as well to other disciplines such as economics, business administration, and management science. The presentation of techniques and methods in Discrete Event Simulation make it an ideal text/reference for all practitioners of discrete event simulation.