The nature/nurture question is an age-old problem. Beyond Evolutionary Psychology deals with the relation between culture, evolution, psychology and emotion, based both in the underlying biology, determined by our evolutionary heritage, and in the interaction of our brain with the physical, ecological and social environment, based in the key property of brain plasticity. Ellis and Solms show how the brain structures that underlie cognition and behaviour relate to each other through developmental processes guided by primary emotional systems. This makes very clear which brain modules are innate or 'hard-wired', and which are 'soft-wired' or determined through environmental interactions. The key finding is that there can be no innate cognitive modules in the neocortex, as this is not possible on both developmental and genetic grounds; in particular there can be no innate language acquisition device. This is essential reading for students and scholars of evolutionary psychology and evolutionary biology.

Observers are digital algorithms that combine sensor outputs with knowledge of the system to provide results superior to traditional structures, which rely wholly on sensors. Observers have been used in selected industries for years, but most books explain them with complex mathematics. This book uses intuitive discussion, software experiments, and supporting analysis to explain the advantages and disadvantages of observers. If you are working in controls and want to improve your control systems, observers could be the technology you need and this book will give you a clear, thorough explanation of how they work and how to use them.
Control systems and devices have become the most essential part of nearly all mechanical systems, machines, devices and manufacturing systems throughout the world. Increasingly the efficiency of production, the reliability of output and increased energy savings are a direct result of the quality and deployment of the control system. A modern and essential tool within the engineer's kit is the Observer which helps improve the performance and reduce the cost of these systems.
George Ellis is the author of the highly successful Control System Design Guide (2nd Edition). Unlike most controls books, which are written by control theorists and academics, Ellis is a leading engineer, designer, author and lecturer working in industry directly with the users of industrial motion control systems. Observers in Control Systems is written for all professional engineers and is designed to be utilized without an in-depth background in control theory. This is a "real-world" book which will demonstrate how observers work and how they can improve your control system.It also shows how observers operate when conditions are not ideal and teaches the reader how to quickly tune an observer in a working system.
Software Available on line: A free updated and enhanced version of the author's popular Visual ModelQ allows the reader to practice the concepts with Visual ModelQ models on a PC. Based on a virtual laboratory, all key topics are demonstrated with more than twenty control system models. The models are written in Visual ModelQ, and are available on the Internet to every reader with a PC.
* Teaches observers and Kalman filters from an intuitive perspective
* Explains how to reduce control system susceptibility to noise
* Shows how to design an adaptive controller based on estimating parameter variation using observers
Shows how to improve a control system's ability to reject disturbances
* Key topics are demonstrated with PC-based models of control systems. The models are written in both MatLab(R) and ModelQ; models are available free of charge

The past forty years have been a time of spectacular development in the study of general relativity and cosmology. A special role in this has been played by the influential research groups led by Dennis Sciama in Cambridge, Oxford, and Trieste. In April 1992 many of his ex-students and collaborators came to Trieste (where he is currently Professor) for a review meeting to celebrate his 65th birthday. This book consists of written versions of the talks presented which, taken together, comprise an authoritative overview of developments which have taken place during his career to date. The topics covered include fundamental questions in general relativity and cosmology, black holes, active galactic nuclei, galactic structure, dark matter, and large scale structure.

Control Systems Design Guide has helped thousands of engineers to improve machine performance. This fourth edition of the practical guide has been updated with cutting-edge control design scenarios, models and simulations enabling apps from battlebots to solar collectors. This useful reference enhances coverage of practical applications via the inclusion of new control system models, troubleshooting tips, and expanded coverage of complex systems requirements, such as increased speed, precision and remote capabilities, bridging the gap between the complex, math-heavy control theory taught in formal courses, and the efficient implementation required in real industry settings. George Ellis is Director of Technology Planning and Chief Engineer of Servo Systems at Kollmorgen Corporation, a leading provider of motion systems and components for original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) around the globe. He has designed an applied motion control systems professionally for over 30 years He has written two well-respected books with Academic Press, Observers in Control Systems and Control System Design Guide, now in its fourth edition. He has contributed articles on the application of controls to numerous magazines, including Machine Design, Control Engineering, Motion Systems Design, Power Control and Intelligent Motion, and Electronic Design News.

Project Management in Product Development: Leadership Skills and Management Techniques to Deliver Great Products is written for new and aspiring project managers in product development. Although texts on project management are common, the material presented here is unique, instead focusing on product development, a challenging segment of project management because of the high level of uncertainty, the need for a robust set of problem-solving techniques, and a demand for broad cross-functional teams. The book also focuses on more than just project management techniques, including a thorough treatment of transformational and transactional leadership. Other topics covered include problem-solving techniques, development, and continuous improvement of processes required in product development, risk recognition and management, and proper communication with mangers and other stakeholders. Finally, project management techniques used in product development are presented, including the critical path method, scrum and XP, and Kanban/lean project development, along with the strengths and weaknesses of each.

Briefings is a new series of short books to explain and clarify complex contemporary subjects, written for non-specialists by experts in their fields. Themes and topics covered will include Feminism, Education, Cosmology, Medical Ethics, Structuralism, Quantum Physics and Comparative Religion among others. Before the Beginning is a radical attempt to explain and redefine the origins and purpose of creation. Professor Ellis deals clearly and authoritatively with new scientific theories explaining how things began and elucidates the laws which control the operation of the universe. In addition he describes the complex mechanism by which the laws of physics appear to govern and facilitate, as well as to sustain human life. His conclusions about the very meaning of life are often unexpected, but the process by which he reaches them is illuminating and scientifically sound, as would be expected from one of the world's foremost cosmologists.

The nature/nurture question is an age-old problem. Beyond Evolutionary Psychology deals with the relation between culture, evolution, psychology and emotion, based both in the underlying biology, determined by our evolutionary heritage, and in the interaction of our brain with the physical, ecological and social environment, based in the key property of brain plasticity. Ellis and Solms show how the brain structures that underlie cognition and behaviour relate to each other through developmental processes guided by primary emotional systems. This makes very clear which brain modules are innate or 'hard-wired', and which are 'soft-wired' or determined through environmental interactions. The key finding is that there can be no innate cognitive modules in the neocortex, as this is not possible on both developmental and genetic grounds; in particular there can be no innate language acquisition device. This is essential reading for students and scholars of evolutionary psychology and evolutionary biology.

Given contemporary attacks on religious faith, this lecture asks what are the intellectual resources and sources of spirituality that can sustain us in these times of uncertainty? It suggests that human moral life is a search to understand and implement that true nature of morality. It is centred in love, with the idea of kenosis ("letting go") playing a key role because of its transformational qualities. This book argues the various scientific realities are all partial and inadequate. Science can be powerful in the service of an integral view but must not attempt to supplant it. Religion is still a key context for a consideration of ethics, aesthetics, metaphysics and meaning.

Physics underlies all complexity, including our own existence: how is this possible? How can our own lives emerge from interactions of electrons, protons, and neutrons? This book considers the interaction of physical and non-physical causation in complex systems such as living beings, and in particular in the human brain, relating this to the emergence of higher levels of complexity with real causal powers. In particular it explores the idea of top-down causation, which is the key effect allowing the emergence of true complexity and also enables the causal efficacy of non-physical entities, including the value of money, social conventions, and ethical choices.