This work presents a goal-based model of decision making in which the relative priorities of goals drive the decision process -- a psychological alternative to traditional decision analysis. Building on the work of Schank and Abelson, the author uses goals as the basis for a model of interpersonal relations which permits decisions to incorporate personal and adopted goals in a uniform manner. The theory is modelled on the VOTE computer program which simulates Congressional roll-call voting decisions. The VOTE program expands traditional decision making and simulation models by providing not only a choice, but also a natural language explanation, in either English or French. It simulates real members of Congress voting on real bills, and producing reasonable explanations. The program is consistent with much of the descriptive political science literature on Congressional decision making and provides an explicit model of political issues, relationships, and strategies that converge in voting behavior. In developing the VOTE program, the author draws on his own practical experience in politics from four presidential campaigns and the White House. Given the underlying psychological basis of the program, VOTE can be extended to other decision making domains different from politics. Another use for the program is to simulate business decisions such as securities analysis, as well as mundane decision making such as choosing a college or deciding whether to get a Mohawk haircut.

Originally published in 1996 as a special issue journal, Artificial Intelligence Applications on Wall Street, presents a series of articles derived from papers at the Third International Conference on Artificial Intelligence Applications on Wall Street. The volume addresses how Artificial Intelligence can be used to address the variety of issues in that arise in the world of investments, such as synthetic instruments, forecasting and surveillance. It examines the potential problems surrounding economic assumption of rationality in a global market, and how artificial intelligence can push the bounds of rationality.

This work presents a goal-based model of decision making in which the relative priorities of goals drive the decision process -- a psychological alternative to traditional decision analysis. Building on the work of Schank and Abelson, the author uses goals as the basis for a model of interpersonal relations which permits decisions to incorporate personal and adopted goals in a uniform manner. The theory is modelled on the VOTE computer program which simulates Congressional roll-call voting decisions.
The VOTE program expands traditional decision making and simulation models by providing not only a choice, but also a natural language explanation, in either English or French. It simulates real members of Congress voting on real bills, and producing reasonable explanations. The program is consistent with much of the descriptive political science literature on Congressional decision making and provides an explicit model of political issues, relationships, and strategies that converge in voting behavior.
In developing the VOTE program, the author draws on his own practical experience in politics from four presidential campaigns and the White House. Given the underlying psychological basis of the program, VOTE can be extended to other decision making domains different from politics. Another use for the program is to simulate business decisions such as securities analysis, as well as mundane decision making such as choosing a college or deciding whether to get a Mohawk haircut.

The surgical correction of refractive vision errors has dramatically and continually changed over time. The evolution of laser vision correction has been aided by advancements in the technology, growing experience, and improved understanding of the eye and its response to surgery. However, not all refractive errors can be treated with the laser. Phakic IOLs: State of the Art is designed to provide the advances in phakic IOL technology and techniques, ideal for physicians who treat many of the patients who are not candidates for laser vision correction. The collaboration of Dr. Lucio Buratto, Dr. Stephen G. Slade, and Dr. Nicola D. Hauranieh, along with a team of international surgeons, has produced a complete book specifically aimed to improve the treatment and therefore the quality of vision of patients. Phakic IOLs: State of the Art is designed for ophthalmologists interested in learning the concepts, developing the skills, and preparing for phakic IOL procedures. This book contains a detailed description of the basic technique of the operations, as well as the special techniques devised by the international contributors. Richly illustrated with over 200 images that demonstrate the various concepts, readers are able to develop a more thorough understanding of phakic IOL implantation. This definitive resource couples both the authors’ and contributors’ diverse experience and knowledge to produce a complete resource of vision correction with phakic IOLs. Expert ophthalmologists interested in being on the cutting edge and enhancing their surgical skills, as well as new physicians, will benefit from adding Phakic IOLs: State of the Art to their personal library.

LASIK: The Evolution of Refractive Surgery takes you on a journey through the latest in laser and wavefront technology, as well as the most recent surgical procedures that include various complex cases, complications, and management. Dr. Lucio Buratto is joined by Drs. Stephen Slade and Marco Tavolato, along with a team of 23 world-renowned surgeons, to produce a complete book specifically designed to improve the patient's quality of vision with LASIK. All surgeons will benefit from the format in which basic surgical procedures are explained, as well embracing the latest information available such as advanced laser procedures with ablations, femtocecond lasers, and excimers. With more than 250 color illustrations demonstrating the various procedures and concepts, the book will help ophthalmologists develop a more thorough understanding of LASIK. LASIK: The Evolution of Refractive Surgery is perfect for the surgeon interested in learning the concepts, developing the skills, and preparing for the surgical procedure. LASIK: The Evolution of Refractive Surgery contains a detailed description of the basic technique of LASIK and the special techniques devised by Dr. Lucio Buratto, Dr. Slade, Dr. Tavolato, and a group of highly acclaimed international surgeons experienced with encountering standard and unusual circumstances. LASIK: The Evolution of Refractive Surgery will provide the multitude of LASIK techniques that have emerged and the technological advancements that have made them possible and is a necessary text for all surgeons aspiring to improve their surgical results using the latest techniques available today.

Modern laser vision correction has continually changed since its inception. The evolution of this procedure has been aided by broad technological advancements, increased surgical knowledge, and increased understanding of the cornea and its response to lasers. PRK: The Past, Present, and Future of Surface Ablation will provide a complete vision of the PRK laser correction techniques that have emerged and the technological advancements that have made them possible. The collaboration of Drs. Buratto, Slade, Serrao, and Lombardo, along with a team of international surgeons have produced a complete book specifically designed to assist clinician's to improve the quality of their patient's vision. With over 85 color illustrations demonstrating the various procedures and concepts, the book will help ophthalmologists develop a more thorough understanding of PRK. PRK: The Past, Present, and Future of Surface Ablation is excellent for surgeons interested in learning the concepts, developing skills, and preparing for the actual laser procedure. This definitive resource couples both the authors' and 9 contributors' diverse experience and knowledge to produce a complete vision of PRK laser vision correction. PRK: The Past, Present, and Future of Surface Ablation will be the definitive resource necessary for all surgeons aspiring to improve their surgical results using the latest techniques available.

Originally published in 1996 as a special issue journal, Artificial Intelligence Applications on Wall Street, presents a series of articles derived from papers at the Third International Conference on Artificial Intelligence Applications on Wall Street. The volume addresses how Artificial Intelligence can be used to address the variety of issues in that arise in the world of investments, such as synthetic instruments, forecasting and surveillance. It examines the potential problems surrounding economic assumption of rationality in a global market, and how artificial intelligence can push the bounds of rationality.

In today's uncertain times, millions across the globe are in search of spiritual relief from the wars and economic strife plaguing society. For those seekers, NO Zen, a collection of one hundred original quotations, may offer a glimmer of hope-by way of a hearty guffaw. By compiling this refreshingly irreverent assortment of "spiritually incorrect wisdom," Zen Psychoanalyst Stephen Slade Tien extends a challenge to his readers to laugh at themselves as well as their religious beliefs, rituals, and sayings in order to be truly enlightened. In doing so, readers just may find themselves on a higher path to enlightenment after all, a path that will provide them with a light-hearted glimpse into their own souls. Unlike other books on Zen, Eastern philosophy, and personal growth, NO Zen is 100% original, not merely a rehashing or new translation of time-worn and now-cliche spiritual wisdom. Rather, this little book is a slyly tongue-in-cheek guide to modern enlightenment.