This book offers an introduction to artificial adaptive systems and a general model of the relationships between the data and algorithms used to analyze them. It subsequently describes artificial neural networks as a subclass of artificial adaptive systems, and reports on the backpropagation algorithm, while also identifying an important connection between supervised and unsupervised artificial neural networks. The book's primary focus is on the auto contractive map, an unsupervised artificial neural network employing a fixed point method versus traditional energy minimization. This is a powerful tool for understanding, associating and transforming data, as demonstrated in the numerous examples presented here. A supervised version of the auto contracting map is also introduced as an outstanding method for recognizing digits and defects. In closing, the book walks the readers through the theory and examples of how the auto contracting map can be used in conjunction with another artificial neural network, the "spin-net," as a dynamic form of auto-associative memory.

This book offers an introduction to artificial adaptive systems and a general model of the relationships between the data and algorithms used to analyze them. It subsequently describes artificial neural networks as a subclass of artificial adaptive systems, and reports on the backpropagation algorithm, while also identifying an important connection between supervised and unsupervised artificial neural networks. The book's primary focus is on the auto contractive map, an unsupervised artificial neural network employing a fixed point method versus traditional energy minimization. This is a powerful tool for understanding, associating and transforming data, as demonstrated in the numerous examples presented here. A supervised version of the auto contracting map is also introduced as an outstanding method for recognizing digits and defects. In closing, the book walks the readers through the theory and examples of how the auto contracting map can be used in conjunction with another artificial neural network, the "spin-net," as a dynamic form of auto-associative memory.

Q. What makes you smart, sophisticated, generous, and stylish all at once? A. Throwing a great dinner party. Q. What doesn't? A. Brunch. Rico Gagliano and Brendan Francis Newnam have written the ultimate guide to hosting a soiree: an easy-to-follow manual for maximizing your party's spectacularness and saying no to brunch plans. They're just the gentlemen to do it. Each week on their podcast and public radio show, Rico and Brendan share the urbane wit and adult pleasures of a terrific dinner party with nearly a million other listeners as they discuss life, art, culture, news, and what's for dessert. Dinner parties are the key to a grown-up, civilized, satisfying life--and throwing one is easier than you think. The Dinner Party Manifesto demystifies invitations, food, drink, and decor, and shows how you can uncork memorable conversations and laughter that rolls into the wee hours. It also includes funny--but practical--solutions to common party pitfalls, including a formula to determine who gets the last piece of food on a communal plate, and a guide to making the ultimate dinner party playlist. In the bestselling tradition of Adulting and I Like You: Hospitality Under the Influence, this is an entertaining, informative book about how to become the most interesting person you know.