The outbreak of the pandemic around the world came with national measures to deal with the health emergency that caused and will continue to cause important disruption in education for students, teachers, and policymakers. Digital technologies can provide innovative solutions that can prevent the negative effects of lockdowns of countries and regions on education. It is important to analyze digital solutions and experiences for distance learning and to better understand the available resources and best practices to deal effectively with the challenges of digital learning for both learners and academic staff. It is important that countries promote digital excellence and explore the opportunities that information technologies can provide to education institutions, especially in the post-pandemic scenario, and the major transformations it will bring to citizens, societies, and economies. The Handbook of Research on Analyzing IT Opportunities for Inclusive Digital Learning explores the new demands of labor markets in the digital economy, how educational institutions can respond to these new opportunities and threats, the development of new teaching and learning methods, and finally, the development of digital skills and competences. It also discusses the challenges and opportunities caused by the pandemic in the area of education and how information technologies can transform education and develop a new workforce with the required digital skills and competences and knowledge to fit the post-pandemic labor market. This book highlights topics including knowledge management systems, learning technologies, personalized learning, and more within the context of diverse student populations. It is a valuable reference tool for academics, researchers, lecturers, decision makers, policymakers, and practitioners interested in new theories, research findings, and case studies for understanding inclusive digital learning and the opportunities for digital technologies in education.

For centuries, Chinese medicinal materials have been used for therapeutic purposes. Chinese medicinal materials are traditionally identified by their organoleptic characteristics, such as the texture or the odor. With the advancement of DNA technology, a molecular approach has become an important tool to complement organoleptic, morphological, anatomical and chemical techniques for the authentication and quality assurance of Chinese medicinal materials.In 2002, the authors published Authentication of Chinese Medicinal Materials by DNA Technology which is the first international reference in this field. After 20 years, this new edition updates the various useful techniques and describes the new techniques developed for molecular authentication. The procedures of each DNA technique are provided in detail for 'step-by-step' experiments.This book is divided into 5 parts with 18 chapters. Part I reviews the current status of molecular authentication and introduces a wide range of DNA techniques. Part II lists the experimental procedures for molecular authentication. Part III describes the DNA fingerprinting-based techniques. Part IV describes the DNA sequencing-based techniques. Finally, Part V provides an account on the recent advancement in molecular authentication, including guidelines for setting up a proper DNA laboratory and concluding remarks.

Continual advancements in web technology have highlighted the need for formatted systems that computers can utilize to easily read and sift through the hundreds of thousands of data points across the internet. Therefore, having the most relevant data in the least amount of time to optimize the productivity of users becomes a priority. Semantic Web Science and Real-World Applications provides emerging research exploring the theoretical and practical aspects of semantic web science and real-world applications within the area of big data. Featuring coverage on a broad range of topics such as artificial intelligence, social media monitoring, and microblogging recommendation systems, this book is ideally designed for IT consultants, academics, professionals, and researchers of web science seeking the current developments, requirements and standards, and technology spaces presented across academia and industries.

The evolution of information technologies, mobile devices, and social media as well as the needs of students, workers, and academics have experienced rapid changes in the past several years. This complex and dynamic reality requires new forms of delivery of learning content to students, the building of special learning environments, and new teaching methodologies for academics. Opening Up Education for Inclusivity Across Digital Economies and Societies is an essential reference source that aims to foster the international exchange of academic insights and approaches in order to broaden visibility in the development of technology for education, establish an international platform for interactions on information technology and application in education, accelerate innovation in education technology, and analyze the latest achievements and progress in new and emerging information technology for education with a special focus on higher education institutions. The book addresses applications of technology use and digital competence development in education systems around the world including both specific uses in classrooms and broader uses in national and regional policies. The book is ideally designed for educators, administrators, policymakers, managers, politicians, and academicians.

Collaboration in business allows for equitable opportunities and inclusive growth as the economy rises while also permitting partnering organizations to adopt and utilize the latest successful practices and management. However, a market in stasis may require a displacement in order to allow businesses to grow and create new alliances and partnerships toward a shared economy. There is a need for studies that seek to understand the necessity of market disruption and the best supervisory methods for remaining relevant and profitable in a time of change. Managerial Practices and Disruptive Innovation in Asia is an essential reference source that explores successful executive behavior and business operations striving toward a more inclusive economy. Featuring research on topics such as employee welfare, brand orientation, and entrepreneurship, this publication is ideally designed for human resources developers, policymakers, IT specialists, economists, executives, managers, corporate directors, information technologists, and academicians seeking current research focusing on innovative business factors and sustainable economies in Asia.

Process Plant Operating Procedures presents an introduction to the theory and applications of procedure synthesis that is primarily concerned with the task of conjecturing the sequence of controller (or operator) actions needed to achieve designated operational goals in a given system. In order to facilitate practical implementation, the formal problem statement, two alternative approaches, their validation methods and a series of realistic examples are provided. The authors explore Petri nets and automata to identify the best paths leading to the specified goal of operation. The model-building methods for characterising all components in the given system, as well as the required control specifications, are explained with simple examples. The sequential control actions and the corresponding time schedule can then be identified accordingly. This book exposes practitioners to an important area of plant operations, teaching them effective approaches for procedure synthesis, enabling them to construct and solve scheduling models, and providing them with tools for simulation and validation of procedures and schedules. It is written for readers with a basic understanding of process design and control activities, and it will appeal to engineers in diverse fields with an interest in synthesizing operating procedures in process plants. Advances in Industrial Control reports and encourages the transfer of technology in control engineering. The rapid development of control technology has an impact on all areas of the control discipline. The series offers an opportunity for researchers to present an extended exposition of new work in all aspects of industrial control.

As the healthcare industry continues to expand, it must utilize technology to ensure efficiencies are maintained. Healthcare needs to move in a direction where computational methods and algorithms can relieve the routine work of medical doctors, leaving them more time to carry out more important and skilled tasks such as surgery. Computational Methods and Algorithms for Medicine and Optimized Clinical Practice discusses some of the most interesting aspects of theoretical and applied research covering complementary facets of computational methods and algorithms to achieve greater efficiency and support medical personnel. Featuring research on topics such as healthcare reform, artificial intelligence, and disease detection, this book will particularly appeal to medical professionals and practitioners, hospitals, administrators, students, researchers, and academicians.

While cognitive informatics and natural intelligence are receiving greater attention by researchers, multidisciplinary approaches still struggle with fundamental problems involving psychology and neurobiological processes of the brain. Examining the difficulties of certain approaches using the tools already available is vital for propelling knowledge forward and making further strides. Innovations, Algorithms, and Applications in Cognitive Informatics and Natural Intelligence is a collection of innovative research that examines the enhancement of human cognitive performance using emerging technologies. Featuring research on topics such as parallel computing, neuroscience, and signal processing, this book is ideally designed for engineers, computer scientists, programmers, academicians, researchers, and students.

In the next millennium, it is anticipated that human factors issues will take centre stage in initiatives targeted at enhancing economic competitiveness and productivity. This development is already discernible in nascent knowledge and digital based industries and economies, which are expected to emerge in force in the near future and continue to dominate thereafter. These developments will establish irreversibly the emerging global economy. The theme of the APCHI 2000 conference is: "Towards a seamless integration of collaborative human computer systems" to reflect the already discernible shift in focus of human computer interaction (HCI). whilst the theme of the ASEAN Ergonomics 2000 conference is: "From user centeredness to people centeredness" to reflect the imminent shift in focus that is required of human factors.

The papers in these proceedings provide a good contrast of human factors contributions to both old and new economies that make up ASEAN and APEC. They highlight the diverse roles human factors can play in advancing the quality of life in developed, developing and third world nations. They also serve as a guide to human factors practitioners in old economies on what to expect as their economies develop.

In the last few years, there has been an increased advancement and evolution in semantic web and information systems in a variety of fields. The integration of these approaches to ontology engineering, sophisticated methods and algorithms for open linked data extraction, and advanced decision-making creates new opportunities for a bright future. Innovations, Developments, and Applications of Semantic Web and Information Systems is a critical scholarly resource that discusses integrated methods of research and analytics in information technology. Featuring coverage on a broad range of topics, such as cognitive computing, artificial intelligence, machine learning, data analysis, and algorithms, this book is geared towards researchers, academicians, and professionals seeking current information on semantic web and information systems.

An Introduction to Wavelets is the first volume in a new series, WAVELET ANALYSIS AND ITS APPLICATIONS. This is an introductory treatise on wavelet analysis, with an emphasis on spline wavelets and time-frequency analysis. Among the basic topics covered in this book are time-frequency localization, integral wavelet transforms, dyadic wavelets, frames, spline-wavelets, orthonormal wavelet bases, and wavelet packets. In addition, the author presents a unified treatment of nonorthogonal, semiorthogonal, and orthogonal wavelets. This monograph is self-contained, the only prerequisite being a basic knowledge of function theory and real analysis. It is suitable as a textbook for a beginning course on wavelet analysis and is directed toward both mathematicians and engineers who wish to learn about the subject. Specialists may use this volume as a valuable supplementary reading to the vast literature that has already emerged in this field.
Key Features
* This is an introductory treatise on wavelet analysis, with an emphasis on spline-wavelets and time-frequency analysis
* This monograph is self-contained, the only prerequisite being a basic knowledge of function theory and real analysis
* Suitable as a textbook for a beginning course on wavelet analysis

Despite the recent development and interest in the photonics of metallic wire structures, the relatively simple concepts and physics often remain obscured or poorly explained to those who do not specialize in the field. Electromagnetic Behaviour of Metallic Wire Structures provides a clear and coherent guide to understanding these phenomena without excessive numerical calculations. Including both background material and detailed derivations of the various different formulae applied, Electromagnetic Behaviour of Metallic Wire Structures describes how to extend basic circuit theory relating to voltages, currents, and resistances of metallic wire networks to include situations where the currents are no longer spatially uniform along the wire. This lays a foundation for a deeper understanding of the many new phenomena observed in meta-electromagnetic materials. Examples of applications are included to support this new approach making Electromagnetic Behaviour of Metallic Wire Structures a comprehensive and self-contained volume suitable for use by specialists, non-specialist, researchers and professionals in other relevant fields and even students.

This bookprovides a comprehensive discussion ofissues related to the structure and stability of the Hong Kong banking sector, using economic theory and advanced empirical econometric techniques. It is particularly useful for readers who are interested in studying, and learning how to assess, the efficiency, competition, and performance, as well as the risk and capital adequacy aspects of a banking sector in general, and of the Hong Kong banking industry in particular. Recent developments in the industry are covered, providing up to date information of the sector, including the market structure and risk management

While the Absurd is frequently used to analyze Harold Pinter's work, some aspects have been long overlooked in Pinter criticism - contemplation and affirmation. Many scholars note the menacing, dark, and sinister qualities of Pinter's works, however there is a lack of alternative interpretations and very little attention has been paid to the affirmative aspects of his plays. This work remedies the lack by examining these aspects, in particular the characters' focus on overcoming trying circumstances, their persistence in the pursuit of freedom, and their stoic but courageous attitudes toward a fate they cannot avoid. Using Martin Esslin's "invention" - the Theatre of the Absurd - to examine Pinter's works, Jane Wong Yeang Chui brings the complexities and intricacies of the plays to the forefront, provoking readers and audiences to reconsider and problematize more conventional studies of his plays.

Microcantilevers for Atomic Force Microscope Data Storage describes a research collaboration between IBM Almaden and Stanford University in which a new mass data storage technology was evaluated. This technology is based on the use of heated cantilevers to form submicron indentations on a polycarbonate surface, and piezoresistive cantilevers to read those indentations. Microcantilevers for Atomic Force Microscope Data Storage describes how silicon micromachined cantilevers can be used for high-density topographic data storage on a simple substrate such as polycarbonate. The cantilevers can be made to incorporate resistive heaters (for thermal writing) or piezoresistive deflection sensors (for data readback). The primary audience for Microcantilevers for Atomic Force Microscope Data Storage is industrial and academic workers in the microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) area. It will also be of interest to researchers in the data storage industry who are investigating future storage technologies.

New in Paperback. Paper Flowers is an inspirational book showing you how to create realistic, everlasting paper flowers and foliage for use in stunning bouquets, buttonholes and table displays. The clear step-by-step photographs and instructions in this book will guide you in making delicate paper flowers for focal pieces, accents, or for height and texture. In addition, there's a range of beautiful vines and foliage. The flowers include both dramatic and romantic blooms, such as rose, peony, anemone, cosmos, dahlia, tulip, ranunculus and sweet pea. As well as comprehensive chapters on tools, materials and techniques, including paper manipulation and colouring, there is a fascinating section on the fine art principles of flower arranging. This includes colour scheme considerations, scale, positive/negative space, and how to create movement, texture, depth, shape, form and line. Finally, there are instructions on making a range of exquisite flower arrangements and bouquets, plus guidance on the aftercare and handling of the finished pieces. Paper Flowers is the new Paperback edition of Paper Flower Art (Hardback) 9781784945442.

This new edition presents a thorough discussion of the mathematical theory and computational schemes of Kalman filtering. The filtering algorithms are derived via different approaches, including a direct method consisting of a series of elementary steps, and an indirect method based on innovation projection. Other topics include Kalman filtering for systems with correlated noise or colored noise, limiting Kalman filtering for time-invariant systems, extended Kalman filtering for nonlinear systems, interval Kalman filtering for uncertain systems, and wavelet Kalman filtering for multiresolution analysis of random signals. Most filtering algorithms are illustrated by using simplified radar tracking examples. The style of the book is informal, and the mathematics is elementary but rigorous. The text is self-contained, suitable for self-study, and accessible to all readers with a minimum knowledge of linear algebra, probability theory, and system engineering. Over 100 exercises and problems with solutions help deepen the knowledge. This new edition has a new chapter on filtering communication networks and data processing, together with new exercises and new real-time applications.

Businesses in the Asia-Pacific communities provide enormous opportunities for local entrepreneurs to develop and collectively collaborate with other economies. However, several challenges and success factors exist for effective business operations in the region. Innovative Management and Business Practices in Asia is a collection of innovative research that enhances understanding and collaboration in business, management, and technology in Asia for the present and in the future. While highlighting topics including corporate culture, international trade, and business administration, this book is ideally designed for managers, executives, CEOs, board members, corporate professionals, managing directors, deans, decision makers, professors, researchers, policymakers, industry practitioners, and students.

Artificial Intelligence and Big Data Analytics for Smart Healthcare serves as a key reference for practitioners and experts involved in healthcare as they strive to enhance the value added of healthcare and develop more sustainable healthcare systems. It brings together insights from emerging sophisticated information and communication technologies such as big data analytics, artificial intelligence, machine learning, data science, medical intelligence, and, by dwelling on their current and prospective applications, highlights managerial and policymaking challenges they may generate. The book is split into five sections: big data infrastructure, framework and design for smart healthcare; signal processing techniques for smart healthcare applications; business analytics (descriptive, diagnostic, predictive and prescriptive) for smart healthcare; emerging tools and techniques for smart healthcare; and challenges (security, privacy, and policy) in big data for smart healthcare. The content is carefully developed to be understandable to different members of healthcare chain to leverage collaborations with researchers and industry.

This textbook, apart from introducing the basic aspects of applied mathematics, focuses on recent topics such as information data manipulation, information coding, data approximation, data dimensionality reduction, data compression, time-frequency and time scale bases, image manipulation, and image noise removal. The methods treated in more detail include spectral representation and "frequency" of the data, providing valuable information for, e.g. data compression and noise removal. Furthermore, a special emphasis is also put on the concept of "wavelets" in connection with the "multi-scale" structure of data-sets. The presentation of the book is elementary and easily accessible, requiring only some knowledge of elementary linear algebra and calculus. All important concepts are illustrated with examples, and each section contains between 10 an 25 exercises. A teaching guide, depending on the level and discipline of instructions is included for classroom teaching and self-study.

Interplant Resource Integration: Optimization and Allocation presents an introduction to the planning and implementation methods for interplant resource integration. The analytic tools provided in this book can be used for the tasks of formulating mathematical programming model(s) to maximize the achievable overall savings and also for devising the "fair" distribution scheme(s) to allocate individual financial benefits among the participating plants. Offers tools for gaining economic benefit and environmental friendliness Presents methods for realistically feasible solutions Provides concrete mathematical modeling procedures Familiarizes readers with various network synthesis approaches and shows alternative viewpoints that can be adopted to model the interactions of participating members in an interplant resource integration scheme Aimed at chemical engineers, process engineers, industrial chemists, mechanical engineers in the fields of chemical processing and plant engineering.

Focuses on the latest development in Big IoT Data Analytics Presents different issues of Security and Privacy Analytics for Fog-enabled IoT system Offers the latest Big Data Technologies for security analytics in Fog-enabled IoT Network Discusses the emerging role of Big Data Analytics and Technologies in detection of Cyberattacks in IoT networks Presents the prospects on Big IoT Data Analytics in Fog-enabled IoT system

This collection explores the interpretation of historical fiction through fictional representations of the past in an Asian context. Emphasising the significance of region and locality, it explores local networks of political and cultural exchanges at the heart of an Asian polity. The book considers how imagined pasts converge and diverge in developed and developing nations, and examines the limitations of representation at a time when theories of world literature are shaping the way we interpret global histories and cultures. The collection calls attention to the importance of acknowledging local tensions-both within the historical and cultural make-up of a country, and within the Asian continent-in the interpretation of historical fiction. It emphasizes a broad-spectrum view that privileges the shared historical experiences of a group of countries in close proximity, and it also responds to the paradigm shift in Asian Studies. Discussing how local conditions shape and create expectations of how we read historical fiction and working with the theme of fictionality and locality, the volume provides an alternative framework for the study of world literature.