Deal with information and uncertainty properly and efficiently using tools emerging from generalized information theory
Uncertainty and Information: Foundations of Generalized Information Theory contains comprehensive and up-to-date coverage of results that have emerged from a research program begun by the author in the early 1990s under the name "generalized information theory" (GIT). This ongoing research program aims to develop a formal mathematical treatment of the interrelated concepts of uncertainty and information in all their varieties. In GIT, as in classical information theory, uncertainty (predictive, retrodictive, diagnostic, prescriptive, and the like) is viewed as a manifestation of information deficiency, while information is viewed as anything capable of reducing the uncertainty. A broad conceptual framework for GIT is obtained by expanding the formalized language of classical set theory to include more expressive formalized languages based on fuzzy sets of various types, and by expanding classical theory of additive measures to include more expressive non-additive measures of various types.
This landmark book examines each of several theories for dealing with particular types of uncertainty at the following four levels:
* Mathematical formalization of the conceived type of uncertainty
* Calculus for manipulating this particular type of uncertainty
* Justifiable ways of measuring the amount of uncertainty in any situation formalizable in the theory
* Methodological aspects of the theory
With extensive use of examples and illustrations to clarify complex material and demonstrate practical applications, generous historical and bibliographical notes, end-of-chapter exercises to test readers' newfound knowledge, glossaries, and an Instructor's Manual, this is an excellent graduate-level textbook, as well as an outstanding reference for researchers and practitioners who deal with the various problems involving uncertainty and information.An Instructor's Manual presenting detailed solutions to all the problems in the book is available from the Wiley editorial department.

This is the first book focusing on bifurcation dynamics in 1-dimensional polynomial nonlinear discrete systems. It comprehensively discusses the general mathematical conditions of bifurcations in polynomial nonlinear discrete systems, as well as appearing and switching bifurcations for simple and higher-order singularity period-1 fixed-points in the 1-dimensional polynomial discrete systems. Further, it analyzes the bifurcation trees of period-1 to chaos generated by period-doubling, and monotonic saddle-node bifurcations. Lastly, the book presents methods for period-2 and period-doubling renormalization for polynomial discrete systems, and describes the appearing mechanism and period-doublization of period-n fixed-points on bifurcation trees for the first time, offering readers fascinating insights into recent research results in nonlinear discrete systems.

The present work is meant as a reference to provide an organic and comprehensive view of the most relevant results in the exciting new field of Networks of Networks (NetoNets). Seminal papers have recently been published posing the basis to study what happens when different networks interact, thus providing evidence for the emergence of new, unexpected behaviors and vulnerabilities. From those seminal works, the awareness on the importance understanding Networks of Networks (NetoNets) has spread to the entire community of Complexity Science. The reader will benefit from the experience of some of the most well-recognized leaders in this field. The contents have been aggregated under four headings; General Theory, Phenomenology, Applications and Risk Assessment. The reader will be impressed by the different applications of the general paradigm that span from physiology, to financial risk, to transports. We are currently making the first steps to reduce the distance between the language and the way of thinking of the two communities of experts in real infrastructures and the complexity scientists. Although this path may prove to be long, it is extremely promising, both in extending our understanding of complex systems and in finding concrete applications that can enhance the life quality of millions of people.

Hierarchy is a form of organisation of complex systems that rely on or produce a strong differentiation in capacity (power and size) between the parts of the system. It is frequently observed within the natural living world as well as in social institutions. According to the authors, hierarchy results from random processes, follows an intentional design, or is the result of the organisation which ensures an optimal circulation of energy for information.

This book reviews ancient and modern representations and explanations of hierarchies, and compares their relevance in a variety of fields, such as language, societies, cities, and living species. It throws light on concepts and models such as scaling laws, fractals and self-organisation that are fundamental in the dynamics and morphology of complex systems.

At a time when networks are celebrated for their efficiency, flexibility and better social acceptance, much can be learned about the persistent universality and adaptability of hierarchies, and from the analogies and differences between biological and social organisation and processes. This book addresses a wide audience of biologists and social scientists, as well as managers and executives in a variety of institutions.

This volume presents the proceedings of the 12th IFToMM International Symposium on Science of Mechanisms and Machines (SYROM 2017), that was held in "Gheorghe Asachi" Technical University of Iasi, Romania, November 02-03, 2017. It contains applications of mechanisms in several modern technical fields such as mechatronics and robotics, biomechanics, machines and apparatus. The book presents original high-quality contributions on topics related to mechanisms within aspects of theory, design, practice and applications in engineering, including but not limited to: theoretical kinematics, computational kinematics, mechanism design, experimental mechanics, mechanics of robots, dynamics of machinery, dynamics of multi-body systems, control issues of mechanical systems, mechanisms for biomechanics, novel designs, mechanical transmissions, linkages and manipulators, micro-mechanisms, teaching methods, history of mechanism science, industrial and non-industrial applications. In connection with these fields, the book combines the theoretical results with experimental tests.

From the reviews: "The 2nd (slightly enlarged) edition of the van Lint's book is a short, concise, mathematically rigorous introduction to the subject. Basic notions and ideas are clearly presented from the mathematician's point of view and illustrated on various special classes of codes...This nice book is a must for every mathematician wishing to introduce himself to the algebraic theory of coding." European Mathematical Society Newsletter, 1993 "Despite the existence of so many other books on coding theory, this present volume will continue to hold its place as one of the standard texts...." The Mathematical Gazette, 1993

This book creates the emergence of disruptive technologies that have led to a significant change in the role of mathematics and statistics for problem solving, with the use of sophisticated software and hardware in solving complex systems and process. In the era of digital technology, mathematics and statistics need to be highly relevant to be able to cater for the needs of IR4.0 such as big data analytics, simulation, autonomous system, and cloud computing. Motivated by this development, a total of 26 chapters are contributed by respectable experts for this book. The main scope of the book is to conduct a new system of modeling and simulations on solving differential equations, nonlinear equations, energy, epidemiology, and risk assessment. This book is of interest for postgraduate students, researchers as well as other scientists who are working in numerical modeling and simulations based on efficient mathematical and statistical techniques.

This book continues the tradition of its predecessors "Automation, Communication and Cybernetics in Science and Engineering 2009/2010 and 2011/2012" and includes a representative selection of scientific publications from researchers at the institute cluster IMA/ZLW & IfU. IMA - Institute of Information Management in Mechanical Engineering ZLW - Center for Learning and Knowledge Management IfU - Associated Institute for Management Cybernetics e.V. Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, RWTH Aachen University The book presents a range of innovative fields of application, including: cognitive systems, cyber-physical production systems, robotics, automation technology, machine learning, natural language processing, data mining, predictive data analytics, visual analytics, innovation and diversity management, demographic models, virtual and remote laboratories, virtual and augmented realities, multimedia learning environments, organizational development and management cybernetics. The contributions selected reflect the fundamental paradigm shift toward an increasingly interdisciplinary research world - which has always been both the basis and spirit of the institute cluster IMA/ZLW & IfU.

Intelligent technical systems are networked, embedded systems incorporating real-time capacities that are able to interact with and adapt to their environments. These systems need innovative approaches in order to meet requirements like cost, size, power and memory consumption, as well as real-time compliance and security.

Intelligent Technical Systems covers different levels like multimedia systems, embedded programming, middleware platforms, sensor networks and autonomous systems and applications for intelligent engineering.

Each level is discussed by a set of original articles summarizing the state of the art and presenting a concrete application; they include a deep discussion of their model and explain all design decisions relevant to obtain a mature solution.

This book includes two objectives. The first goal is to present advances and developments which have proved to be effective in their application to several complex problems. The second objective is to present the performance comparison of various metaheuristic techniques when they face complex optimization problems. The material has been compiled from a teaching perspective. Most of the problems in science, engineering, economics, and other areas can be translated as an optimization or a search problem. According to their characteristics, some problems can be simple that can be solved by traditional optimization methods based on mathematical analysis. However, most of the problems of practical importance in engineering represent complex scenarios so that they are very hard to be solved by using traditional approaches. Under such circumstances, metaheuristic has emerged as the best alternative to solve this kind of complex formulations. This book is primarily intended for undergraduate and postgraduate students. Engineers and application developers can also benefit from the book contents since it has been structured so that each chapter can be read independently from the others, and therefore, only potential interesting information can be quickly available for solving an industrial problem at hand.

Offers Both Standard and Novel Approaches for the Modeling of SystemsExamines the Interesting Behavior of Particular Classes of Models Chaotic Modelling and Simulation: Analysis of Chaotic Models, Attractors and Forms presents the main models developed by pioneers of chaos theory, along with new extensions and variations of these models. Using more than 500 graphs and illustrations, the authors show how to design, estimate, and test an array of models. Requiring little prior knowledge of mathematics, the book focuses on classical forms and attractors as well as new simulation methods and techniques. Ideas clearly progress from the most elementary to the most advanced. The authors cover deterministic, stochastic, logistic, Gaussian, delay, Henon, Holmes, Lorenz, Roessler, and rotation models. They also look at chaotic analysis as a tool to design forms that appear in physical systems; simulate complicated and chaotic orbits and paths in the solar system; explore the Henon-Heiles, Contopoulos, and Hamiltonian systems; and provide a compilation of interesting systems and variations of systems, including the very intriguing Lotka-Volterra system. Making a complex topic accessible through a visual and geometric style, this book should inspire new developments in the field of chaotic models and encourage more readers to become involved in this rapidly advancing area.

"Find it hard to extract and utilise valuable knowledge from the ever-increasing data deluge?" If so, this book will help, as it explores pattern recognition technology and its concomitant role in extracting useful information to build technical and business models to gain competitive industrial advantage.
*Based on first-hand experience in the practice of pattern recognition technology and its development and deployment for profitable application in Industry.
Phiroz Bhagat is often referred to as the pioneer of neural net and pattern recognition technology, and is uniquely qualified to write this book. He brings more than two decades of experience in the "real-world" application of cutting-edge technology for competitive advantage in industry.

Two wave fronts are upon us today: we are being bombarded by an enormous amount of data, and we are confronted by continually increasing technical and business advances.

Ideally, the endless stream of data should be one of our major assets. However, this potential asset often tends to overwhelm rather than enrich. Competitive advantage depends on our ability to extract and utilize nuggets of valuable knowledge and insight from this data deluge. The challenges that need to be overcome include the under-utilization of available data due to competing priorities, and the separate and somewhat disparate existing data systems that have difficulty interacting with each other.

Conventional approaches to formulating models are becoming progressively more expensive in time and effort. To impart a competitive edge, engineering science in the 21st century needs to augment traditional modelling processes by auto-classifying and self-organizing data; developing models directly from operating experience, and then optimizing the results to provide effective strategies and operating decisions. This approach has wide applicability; in areas ranging from manufacturing processes, product performance and scientific research, to financial and business fields.

This monograph explores pattern recognition technology, and its concomitant role in extracting useful knowledge to build technical and business models directly from data, and in optimizing the results derived from these models within the context of delivering competitive industrial advantage. It is not intended to serve as a comprehensive reference source on the subject. Rather, it is based on first-hand experience in the practice of this technology: its development and deployment for profitable application in industry.

The technical topics covered in the monograph will focus on the triad of technological areas that constitute the contemporary workhorses of successful industrial application of pattern recognition. These are: systems for self-organising data; data-driven modelling; and genetic algorithms as robust optimizers.
"Find it hard to extract and utilise valuable knowledge from the ever-increasing data deluge?" If so, this book will help, as it explores pattern recognition technology and its concomitant role in extracting useful information to build technical and business models to gain competitive industrial advantage.
Based on first-hand experience in the practice of pattern recognition technology and its development and deployment for profitable application in Industry.
Phiroz Bhagat is often referred to as the pioneer of neural net and pattern recognition technology, and is uniquely qualified to write this book. He brings more than two decades of experience in the "real-world" application of cutting-edge technology for competitive advantage in industry.

Contents:
Preface Part I: Theory Personalized Chapter 1: Theory Retrospective Chapter 2: Theory Favorites Chapter 3: Theory Fashion Chapter 4: Framing Theory Chapter 5: Inside The Norton Anthology of Theory and Criticism Chapter 6: Consolidating Theory (Interview) Chapter 7: Theory, Literature, and Literary Studies Today (Interview) Part II: Cultural Studies Practiced Chapter 8: Criticizing Globalization: The Case of Pierre Bourdieu Chapter 9: The New Economic Criticisms: The Rise of the Lilliputians Chapter 10: Postmodern Fashion Chapter 11: Blues Southwestern Style Chapter 12: Postmodern Interdisciplinarity Appendix Notes Index Olesen, and Nina Lykke

An effective blend of carefully explained theory and practical applications, this text imparts the fundamentals of both information theory and data compression. Although the two topics are related, this unique text allows either topic to be presented independently, and it was specifically designed so that the data compression section requires no prior knowledge of information theory.

The treatment of information theory, while theoretical and abstract, is quite elementary, making this text less daunting than many others. After presenting the fundamental definitions and results of the theory, the authors then apply the theory to memoryless, discrete channels with zeroth-order, one-state sources.

The chapters on data compression acquaint students with a myriad of lossless compression methods and then introduce two lossy compression methods. Students emerge from this study competent in a wide range of techniques. The authors' presentation is highly practical but includes some important proofs, either in the text or in the exercises, so instructors can, if they choose, place more emphasis on the mathematics.

Introduction to Information Theory and Data Compression, Second Edition is ideally suited for an upper-level or graduate course for students in mathematics, engineering, and computer science.

Cyber and its related technologies such as the Internet was introduced to the world only in late 1980s, and today it is unimaginable to think of a life without it. Despite being ubiquitous, cyber technology is still seen as an enigma by many, mainly due to its rapid development and the high level of science involved. In addition to the existing complexities of the technology, the level of threat matrix surrounding the cyber domain further leads to various misconceptions and exaggerations. Cyber technology is the future, thus forcing us to understand this complex domain to survive and evolve as technological beings. To understand the enigma, the book analyzes and disentangles the issues related to cyber technology. The author unravels the threats that terrorize the cyber world and aims to decrypt its domain. It also presents the existing reality of cyber environment in India and charts out a few recommendations for enhancing the country's cyber security architecture. Further, the book delves into detailed analysis of various issues like hacking, dark web, cyber enabled terrorism and covert cyber capabilities of countries like the US and China. Please note: Taylor & Francis does not sell or distribute the Hardback in India, Pakistan, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka

Patrice Flichy offers a profound analysis of the social shaping and impact of the major communication technologies of the last 200 years. From the semaphore and telegraph to contemporary information technologies, Dynamics of Modern Communication focuses on the relationship between technological and social change. Particular emphasis is put on four processes: the birth of the modern state at the end of the eighteenth century; the development of stock markets; the transformation of private life in the modern nuclear family; and the individualism of the late twentieth century. Exploring the interaction of technology and social context - for example, in the move from public methods of communication to more private and individualized forms - Flichy exposes the gap between the original conception of a technology and its end use after the interplay of political, economic and consumer forces.

This book contains all refereed papers accepted during the ninth edition of the conference that took place at the Cite Internationale Universitaire de Paris on December 18-19, 2018. Mastering complex systems requires an integrated understanding of industrial practices as well as sophisticated theoretical techniques and tools. This explains the creation of an annual go-between forum in Paris dedicated to academic researchers & industrial actors working on complex industrial systems architecture, modeling & engineering. These proceedings cover the most recent trends in the emerging field of Complex Systems, both from an academic and a professional perspective. A special focus is put on "Products & services development in a digital world". The CSD&M Paris 2018 conference is organized under the guidance of CESAM Community (http://cesam.community/en). CESAM Community has been developed since 2010 by the non-profit organization CESAMES Association to organize the sharing of good practices in Enterprise and Systems Architecture and to certify the level of knowledge and proficiency in this field through CESAM certification.

The present book includes a set of selected papers from the Fifth International Conf- ence on Informatics in Control Automation and Robotics (ICINCO 2008), held in Funchal, Madeira - Portugal, from 11 to 15 May 2008. The conference was organized in three simultaneous tracks: Intelligent Control Systems and Optimization, Robotics and Automation, and Systems Modeling, Signal Processing and Control. The book is based on the same structure. ICINCO 2008 received 392 paper submissions, from more than 50 different co- tries in all continents. From these, after a blind review process, only 33 where - cepted as full papers, of which 18 were selected for inclusion in this book, based on the classifications provided by the Program Committee. The selected papers reflect the interdisciplinary nature of the conference. The diversity of topics is an important feature of this conference, enabling an overall perception of several important sci- tific and technological trends. These high quality standards will be maintained and reinforced at ICINCO 2009, to be held in Milan, Italy, and in future editions of this conference.

New practical techniques for nonlinear system research and evaluation

Nonlinear Systems Techniques and Applications provides the most practical techniques currently available for analyzing and identifying nonlinear systems from random data measured at the input and output points of the nonlinear systems. These new techniques require only one-dimensional spectral functions that are much simpler to compute and apply than previous nonlinear procedures. The new results show when and how to replace a wide class of single-input/single-output nonlinear models with simpler equivalent multiple-input/single-output linear models. While other techniques are usually restricted to Gaussian data, the new techniques developed here apply to data with arbitrary probability, correlation, and spectral properties.

Numerous examples used in the book are based on the analysis of real physical data passing through real nonlinear systems in the fields of oceanography, automotive engineering, and biomedical research.

For practicing engineers and scientists involved in aerospace, automotive, biomedical, electrical, mechanical, oceanographic, and other activities concerned with nonlinear system analysis, Nonlinear Systems Techniques and Applications is the essential reference work in the field.

The expertise of a professional mathmatician and a theoretical engineer provides a fresh perspective of stability and stable oscillations. The current state of affairs in stability theory, absolute stability of control systems, and stable oscillations of both periodic and almost periodic discrete systems is presented, including many applications in engineering such as stability of digital filters, digitally controlled thermal processes, neurodynamics, and chemical kinetics. This book will be an invaluable reference source for those whose work is in the area of discrete dynamical systems, difference equations, and control theory or applied areas that use discrete time models.

Vilfredo Pareto was one of the great systems theorists of the 20th century, embracing economics, psychology, sociology and politics. In this work, Michael McLure takes as his subject of study the rapport between Pareto's economic and sociological theories, and consequently illuminates the role of economics in public policy development. A central theme running through this book is the overarching role of the "mechanical analogy" in all of Pareto's work. Important aspects and implications of Pareto's work considered by the author include: relations between pure economic theory and general sociology; the problem of collective economic welfare; the juxtaposition of Pareto's political sociology to Buchanan's public choice/constitutional economics; Pareto and methodology; and implications for public policy and government

This textbook provides students with a concise introduction to the development of communication theory. Written in an engaging style, it offers an account of the development of all the major theoretical approaches in communication and media studies. The book summarizes clearly and methodically the range of existing theories; explains how and why the diverse currents and schools of thought emerged; and contextualizes all the major approaches, including those of cultural studies and political economy, in their historical, social and intellectual setting. Theories of Communication is an essential text for all students of media, communication and cultural studies. It will also be welcomed by anyone seeking to understand the changes that have accompanied the rise of the so-called `information society'.

"i In the Sky" is a collection of essays by more than 40 experts, including such leading writers as Charles Handy, Don Tapscott, and Kevin Warwick, giving their personal vision of the future of information. Information here is given its widest meaning and includes such subjects as the Internet, electronic commerce, cybernetics, robotics, artificial intelligence, and even computers as fashion accessories.

Information as phenomenon pervades all areas of life, and its evolution has consequences for everyone. Many of the essays have as their central themes the future of computer intelligence; library and information services; interactive Internet marketing; networked learning in higher education; the linking of technology enabling remote and online communication to the deconstruction of the modern corporation; artificial intelligence; scholarly communication; smart houses; intelligent appliances; etc.

Mapping Cyberspace is a ground-breaking geographic exploration and critical reading of cyberspace, and information and communication technologies. The book:
* provides an understanding of what cyberspace looks like and the social interactions that occur there
* explores the impacts of cyberspace, and information and communication technologies, on cultural, political and economic relations
* charts the spatial forms of virutal spaces
* details empirical research and examines a wide variety of maps and spatialisations of cyberspace and the information society
* has a related website at http://www.MappingCyberspace.com.
This book will be a valuable addition to the growing body of literature on cyberspace and what it means for the future.