History of Civilization: 1648 To the Present (History of Civilization)

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This guy Joseph.......2006-07-16

Is a nut who just keeps posting reviews of things promoting his strange paranoia about Israel and its right to do whatever it wants... read his reviews, they all have the same strange paranoia. So don't trust his review here.

Civilization Past and Present is an eye opener!.......2000-02-03

with so many tiny tidbits of interesting information stuck in here and there it was a learning experience just reading the special highlights throughout the book. There were useful lists of important dates and happenings throughout each chapter and even suggested websites relating to each chapter's material for further information. The way the book was written made for easy understanding of the material and better memory of what was read. Although the book follows a text book formula it was fun to read which is rare. A real find!

Decent, concise overview of world history.......1999-10-17

I looked for a long time to find a decent world history; one that was neither 10,000 pages nor painfully dry. This is the best I found. It is a very readable book of reasonable length. The authors make good use of sidebars with thought-provoking bits of literature which are scattered throughout the overall history. They also make a good attempt at discussing underlying causes and patterns behind the historical events. I perfer that to a dry recounting of the facts, even if I may not always agree with them on the interpretation. It was surprisingly neutral on religious topics, given the origin of the book.

Hammer or Anvil?: Modern Germany 1648-Present (Problems in European Civilization)

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Fantastic overview of German history

Hammer or Anvil?: Modern Germany 1648-Present (Problems in European Civilization)
Holger H. Herwig
Manufacturer: D.C. Heath
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0669218774

Book Description

Hammer or Anvil? explores the major forces shaping Germany during the modern era: the ongoing Austro-Prussian rivalry; the building of a nation-state; industrial and urban growth; and the formation of the modern bureaucratic and military state.

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Fantastic overview of German history.......2001-02-03

I am a history major and this was the textbook that I used in class. It is an excellent resource and overview of German society since 1648 to the present. The author, Holger Herwig gives excellent social analysis, thoughts and actions of key figures from Kaiser Friederich Wilhelm I to Adolf Hitler. Herwig's commentaries and observations of how the different states of the Holy Roman Empire survived and eventually united into a unifed German state (a process that took over 200 years) are on target. Herwig dosen't forget to tell about the rivalry between Austria and Prussia, Napoleon and the different German kings, and the relationship between the smaller yet important German states had with each other.

The book also describes the Napoleonic Wars, the industrial awakening of Germany-Prussia, and the gradual unification of a modern Germany. Herwig also describes how the Nazi party came to form as well and the inner-working of the party. Herwig gives both pro's and con's of the Nazi regime and how Germany eventually overcame the stigma of WWII to become a leader in todays world.

This is a highly informative book and is highly recommended to German history students and enthusiasts of European history.

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A History of Civilization: Volume 2: 1648 to the Present: Study Guide
Winks Blois
Manufacturer: Longman Higher Education Division (a Pearson Education company)
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: 0133822192

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A history of civilization: Volume I, Prehistory to 1715 : Volume II, 1648 to the present
Derk Visser
Manufacturer: Prentice-Hall inc
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding

Civilization & Culture | Historical Study | History | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0133899098

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A History of Civilization: Volume II 1648 To the Present
Robin W.; Brinton, Crane; Christopher, John B.; Wolff, Robert Lee Winks
Manufacturer: Prentice Hall
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000PG84KC

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A History of Civilization : Volume II : 1648 to the Present
Crane; Christopher, John B.; Wolff, Robert L.; Winks, Robin W. Brinton
Manufacturer: Prentice Hall
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000OI9KV8

Book Description

Artificial Immune Systems (AIS) are adaptive systems inspired by the biological immune system and applied to problem solving. This book provides an accessible introduction that will be suitable for anyone who is beginning to study or work in this area. It gives a clear definition of an AIS, sets out the foundations of the topic (including basic algorithms), and analyses how the immune system relates to other biological systems and processes. No prior knowledge of immunology is needed - all the essential background information is covered in the introductory chapters.
Key features of the book include:
- A discussion of AIS in the context of Computational Intelligence;
- Case studies in Autonomous Navigation, Computer Network Security, Job-Shop Scheduling and Data Analysis =B7 An extensive survey of applications;
- A framework to help the reader design and understand AIS;
- A web site with additional resources including pseudocodes for immune algorithms, and links to related sites.
Written primarily for final year undergraduate and postgraduate students studying Artificial Intelligence, Evolutionary and Biologically Inspired Computing, this book will also be of interest to industrial and academic researchers working in related areas.

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Pretty good overview.......2003-06-05

Bio-inspired computing has taken the world by storm in the last few decades, going by the names of neural networks, genetic algorithms, evolutionary programming, and swarm intelligence. Another one has arisen has appeared in the last 15 years or so, is inspired by the biology of the immune system, and is the subject of this book. The authors of the book are aware that the approach is novel, but do a good job of presenting the field to newcomers (like myself), who want to know what it is all about and if it indeed has useful applications. They discuss their own work in the area and that of others, and extensive references are given for further reading.

After a short introduction to the subject in chapter 1, the authors move on to a description of the biological immune system in chapter 2. They stress the need for understanding the mechanisms that regulate the adaptive immune response, so as to be able to control the transformation of an immune response from an "aggressive" to a "benign" state. The authors explain the difference between the "innate" immune system and the "adaptive" immune system. As the name implies, the adaptive immune response is a kind of "learning" ability that allows the immune system to improve itself as antigens are encountered. The innate immune response though remains constant along the lifetime of the organism. A short description of the T-cells and B-cells is given, some of which can differentiate into "memory cells" that remain circulating in the body and protect against a given antigen. Particularly interesting is the role of "pattern recognition receptors" that recognize molecular patterns associated with pathogens. The clonal selection theory of the adaptive immune system, along with the somewhat controversial immune network theory.

Chapter 3 is an overview of how to to actually create an artificial immune system (AIS). The emphasize that anything deemed controversial in the biological framework need not be when viewed from a computational perspective, such as the immune network theory. Biology is used for the inspiration of the computational models, and as such they need not reflect entirely what is true in the biological case. They also emphasize that the various attempts to simulate the immune system on computers are not examples of an AIS. Also, an AIS is more than just a pattern recognition algorithm, even though it must employ this in its use. To give a framework for an AIS, the authors employ a model of immune cells and molecules called a "shape-space". In this shape space one models the affinity of the "molecules" via a metric, which the authors eventually choose to be the Hamming metric. They then give an overview of various algorithms for modeling the immune system, such as bone marrow, thymus, and immune network models, in addition to clonal selection algorithms. For those readers familiar with dynamical systems, the immune network models are very interesting, due to the use of differential equations, and also the fact that such in immune network models the immune system is performing even in the absence of external stimuli.

Chapter 4 gives a survey of artificial immune systems, such as spectra recognition for chemical reactions, infectious disease surveillance, analysis of medical data, and computational security. The latter was of particular importance to me, so I read the discussion and the references with more attention than other parts of the book. The issue with the approaches for network intrusion detection and virus detection lie mostly in the performance of the network. Agents that are cleverly designed may form a very accurate way of detecting this malicious behavior, but their deployment on a network may degrade the its performance considerably.

I did not read chapters 5 and 6 so I will omit their review.

In chapter 7, the authors discuss various case studies in artificial immune systems that shed more light on the examples of Chapter 4. The computer network security application is discussed again, and a low number of false positives is shown to follow after the artificial immune system is simulated. However, the performance of the network is not pointed out by the authors. The authors also give more details on the application of artificial immune systems to data analysis and optimization. The discussion is interesting, but it is still an open question as to whether this approach is indeed better than other ones in optimization theory, i.e. how does the immune approach compare with the "free-lunch" theorems so often quoted in optimization theory? The authors do make a brief comparison of their optimization algorithm with evolution strategies, and this is somewhat helpful to those who are familiar with the latter.

The last chapter of the book looks to future applications of artificial immune systems, and in its connection with learning paradigms in artificial intelligence. The authors are open-minded about the future of AIS but also subject it to critical analysis.

Book Description

The book describes the mechanisms involved in the maintenance of neuroendocrine-immune interactions in ageing. The lack of this maintenance leads to the appearance of age-related diseases (cancer, infections, dementia) and subsequent disability. The capacity of some hormones or nutritional factors in restoring and remodelling the neuroendocrine-immune response during ageing is reported presenting possible new anti-ageing strategies in order to reach healthy ageing and longevity.

Artifical Immune Systems: International Conference on Intelligent Computing, ICIC 2005, Hefei, China, August 23-26, 2005, Proceedings, Part I (Lecture Notes in Computer Science)

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Artifical Immune Systems: International Conference on Intelligent Computing, ICIC 2005, Hefei, China, August 23-26, 2005, Proceedings, Part I (Lecture Notes in Computer Science)
Jacob C.
Manufacturer: Springer
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 3540281754

Book Description

This book constitutes the refereed proceedings of the 4th International Conference on Artificial Immune Systems, ICARIS 2005, held in Banff, Alberta, Canada, in August 2005.

The 37 revised full papers presented were carefully reviewed and selected from 68 submissions. The papers are organized in topical sections on conceptual, formal, and theoretical frameworks, immunoinformatics, theoretical and experimental studies on artificial immune systems, and applications of artificial immune systems.

Advances in Applied Self-organizing Systems (Advanced Information and Knowledge Processing)

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Advances in Applied Self-organizing Systems (Advanced Information and Knowledge Processing)

Manufacturer: Springer
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Information Theory | Computer Science | Computers & Internet | Subjects | Books

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Book Description

The main challenge faced by designers of self-organizing systems is how to validate and control non-deterministic dynamics. Over-engineering the system may completely suppress self-organization with an outside influence, eliminating emergent patterns and decreasing robustness, adaptability and scalability. Whilst leaving too much non-determinism in the systemâ€™s behaviour may make its verification and validation almost impossible. This book presents the state-of-the-practice in successfully engineered self-organizing systems, and examines ways to balance design and self organization in the context of applications.

As demonstrated throughout, finding this balance helps to deal with diverse practical challenges. The book begins with the more established fields of traffic management and structural health monitoring, building up towards robotic teams, solving challenging tasks deployed in tough environments. The second half of the book follows with a deeper look into the micro-level, and considers local interactions between agents. These interactions lead towards self-modifying digital circuitry and self-managing grids, self-organizing data visualization and intrusion detection in computer networks, immunocomputing and nature-inspired computation, and eventually to artificial life. The case studies described illustrate the richness of the topic and provide guidance to its intricate areas.

Many algorithms proposed and discussed in this volume are biologically inspired and readers will also gain an insight into cellular automata, genetic algorithms, artificial immune systems, snake-like locomotion, ant foraging, birds flocking and mutualistic biological ecosystems, amongst others. Demonstrating the practical relevance and applicability of self-organization, this book will be of interest to advanced students and researchers in a wide range of fields.

Artificial Immune Systems: 5th International Conference, ICARIS 2006, Oeiras, Portugal, September 4-6, 2006, Proceedings (Lecture Notes in Computer Science)

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Artificial Immune Systems: 5th International Conference, ICARIS 2006, Oeiras, Portugal, September 4-6, 2006, Proceedings (Lecture Notes in Computer Science)

Manufacturer: Springer
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 3540377492

Book Description

This book constitutes the refereed proceedings of the 5th International Conference on Artificial Immune Systems, ICARIS 2006, held in Oeiras, Portugal in September 2006.

The 34 revised full papers presented were carefully reviewed and selected from 60 submissions. The papers are organized in topical sections on computer simulation of classical immunology, computer simulation of idiotypic network, immunoinformatics conceptual papers, pattern recognition type of application, optimization type of application, control and time-series type of application, danger theory inspired application, and text mining application.

Artificial Immune Systems: 6th International Conference, ICARIS 2007, Santos, Brazil, August 26-29, 2007, Proceedings (Lecture Notes in Computer Science)

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Artificial Immune Systems: 6th International Conference, ICARIS 2007, Santos, Brazil, August 26-29, 2007, Proceedings (Lecture Notes in Computer Science)

Manufacturer: Springer
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 3540739211

Book Description

This book constitutes the refereed proceedings of the 6th International Conference on Artificial Immune Systems, ICARIS 2007, held in Santos, Brazil, in August 2007.

The 36 revised full papers presented were carefully reviewed and selected from 58 submissions. The papers are organized in topical sections on search and optimization, classification and clustering, anomaly detection and negative selection, robotics, control and electronics, modeling papers, conceptual papers, as well as technical papers and general applications.

The Cytokine Network (Frontiers in Molecular Biology)

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The Cytokine Network (Frontiers in Molecular Biology)

Manufacturer: Oxford University Press, USA
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Biochemistry | Biological Sciences | Science | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 0199637032

Book Description

Cytokines are soluble mediators of intercellular communication. They contribute to a chemical signalling language that regulates development, tissue repair, haemopoiesis, inflammation and the immune response. Potent cytokine polypepides have pleiotropic activities and functional redundancy. They act in a complex network where one cytokine can influence the production of, and response to, many other cytokines. In the past five years, this bewildering array of more than 100 effector molecules and associated cell surface receptors has been simplified by study of cytokine and cytokine receptor structure; elucidation of convergent intracellular signalling pathways; and molecular genetics, and targeted gene disruption to 'knock-out' production of individual cytokines in mice. It is also now clear that the pathophysiology of infectious, autoimmune and malignant disease can be partially explained by the induction of cytokines and the subsequent cellular response. Viral homologues exist for many cytokines and receptors and genetic variations in cytokine production may influence response to pathogenic stimuli. Cytokine and cytokine antagonists have shown therapeutic potential in a number of chronic and acute diseases. The Cytokine Network: Frontiers in Molecular Biology is not a survey of individual cytokines, but guides the reader through the latest research on the cytokine network as a whole covering genomics, signalling pathways, control of the immune response, and therapeutics.

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Cytokine Network And Immune Functions
Jacques, Ed. Theze
Manufacturer: Oxford University Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Immunology | Basic Science | Medicine | Subjects | Books

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Book Description

The great scientific progress in our understanding of the genetics, chemistry, biology and pathophysiology of the cytokines has made clear the need for a comprehensive discussion of these molecules as part of a unified system. The Cytokine Network and Immune Functions provides just such a treatment. It represents the efforts of many of the most prominent scientists studying these molecules. Not only does it present a general discussion of each of the major cytokines or sets of cytokines; it deals in detail with how these molecules affect all aspects of immune function, and how they contribute to a wide range of pathological conditions. As the title clearly indicates, this book does not treat individual cytokines in isolation; it recognizes that they act in a complex web of synergistic and counter-regulatory effects so as to provide opportunities for the very fine control of immune responses. Cytokine biology is not only a fascinating scientific discipline, giving insight into how the immune and inflammatory systems are linked and regulated, but also it is a subject of profound importance in modern medicine. As the chapters in the section of this book entitled Cytokines in Pathology indicate, virtually all insults to the organism, be they acute or chronic, call upon cytokine responses and virtually every disease entity has a component involving the function of cytokines. In some diseases, such as allergy and asthma and many of the autoimmune disorders, 'abnormal' cytokine responses are at the very heart of the disease process; in others, their impact may be more peripheral. There can be no doubt, however, that the study of cytokine biology has contributed greatly to the growing power of molecular medicine, transforming our approach to disease and building a new armamentarium of drugs and other treatments that promise to revolutionize our capacity to control a wide range of disease states.

The Effect of Interactivity and Instructional Exposure on Learning Effectiveness and Knowledge Retention: A Comparative Study of Two U.S. Air Force Computer-Based Training (CBT) Courses for Network User Licensing

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The Effect of Interactivity and Instructional Exposure on Learning Effectiveness and Knowledge Retention: A Comparative Study of Two U.S. Air Force Computer-Based Training (CBT) Courses for Network User Licensing

Manufacturer: Storming Media
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Spiral-bound
ASIN: 1423502574

Product Description

This is a AIR FORCE INST OF TECH WRIGHT-PATTERSON AFB OH SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING AND MANAGEMENT report procured by the Pentagon and made available for public release. It has been reproduced in the best form available to the Pentagon. It is not spiral-bound, but rather assembled with Velobinding in a soft, white linen cover. The Storming Media report number is A843514. The abstract provided by the Pentagon follows: The United States Air Force (USAF) currently employs the use of computer-based training (CET) across a host of requirements. One such requirement is in the Information Assurance (IA) arena and involves the training/licensing of over one-million computer network end-users. USAF use of CETs has been shown to possess a potential for substantial fiscal savings. However, studies investigating the learning outcomes of learning effectiveness (initial learning) and knowledge retention (sustained learning) associated with USAF CETs are lacking.

Experimental Interrogation of Network Simulation Models of Human Task and Workload Performance in a U.S. Army Tactical Operations Center

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Experimental Interrogation of Network Simulation Models of Human Task and Workload Performance in a U.S. Army Tactical Operations Center

Manufacturer: Storming Media
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Spiral-bound

General | New Age | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 1423526953

Product Description

This is a ARMY RESEARCH LAB ABERDEEN PROVING GROUND MD report procured by the Pentagon and made available for public release. It has been reproduced in the best form available to the Pentagon. It is not spiral-bound, but rather assembled with Velobinding in a soft, white linen cover. The Storming Media report number is A276593. The abstract provided by the Pentagon follows: This thesis research is involved with the development of new methodologies for enhancing the experimental use of computer simulations to optimize predicted human performance in a work domain. Using a computer simulation called Computer modeling Of Human Operator System Tasks (CoHOST) to test the concepts in this research, methods are developed that are used to establish confidence limits and significance thresholds by having the computer model self report its limits. These methods. along with experimental designs that are tailored to the use of computer simulation instead of human subject based research, are used in the CoHOST simulation to investigate the U.S. Army battalion level command and control work domain during combat conditions and develop recommendations about that domain based on the experimental use of CoHOST with these methodologies. Further, with the realization that analytical results showing strictly numerical data do not always satisfy the need for understanding by those who could most benefit from the analysis. the results are further interpreted in accordance with a team performance model and the CoHOST analysis results are mapped to it according to macroergonomic and team performance concepts. The CoHOST computer simulation models were developed based on Army needs stemming from the Persian Gulf war. They examined human mental and physical performance capabilities resulting from the introduction of a new command and control vehicle with modernized digital communications systems. Literature searches and background investigations were conducted.

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