Periodic signals can be decomposed into sets of sinusoids having frequencies that are integer multiples of a fundamental frequency. The problem of finding such fundamental frequencies from noisy observations is important in many speech and audio applications, where it is commonly referred to as pitch estimation. These applications include analysis, compression, separation, enhancement, automatic transcription and many more. In this book, an introduction to pitch estimation is given and a number of statistical methods for pitch estimation are presented. The basic signal models and associated estimation theoretical bounds are introduced, and the properties of speech and audio signals are discussed and illustrated. The presented methods include both single- and multi-pitch estimators based on statistical approaches, like maximum likelihood and maximum a posteriori methods, filtering methods based on both static and optimal adaptive designs, and subspace methods based on the principles of subspace orthogonality and shift-invariance. The application of these methods to analysis of speech and audio signals is demonstrated using both real and synthetic signals, and their performance is assessed under various conditions and their properties discussed. Finally, the estimators are compared in terms of computational and statistical efficiency, generalizability and robustness. Table of Contents: Fundamentals / Statistical Methods / Filtering Methods / Subspace Methods / Amplitude Estimation
Time series analysis concerns the mathematical modelling of time varying phenomena (eg: ocean waves, water levels in lakes and rivers, demand for electrical power, radar signals, muscular reactions, ECG-signals, or option prices at the stock market). This book gives a comprehensive presentation of stochastic models and methods in time series analysis. The book treats stochastic vectors and both univariate and multivariate stochastic processes, as well as how these can be used to identify suitable models for various forms of observations. Furthermore, different approaches such as least squares, the prediction error method, and maximum likelihood are treated in detail, together with results on the Cramér-Rao lower bound, dictating the theoretically possible estimation accuracy. Residual analysis and prediction of stochastic models are also treated, as well as how one may form time-varying models, including the recursive least squares and the Kalman filter. The book discusses how to implement the various methods using Matlab, and several Matlab functions and data sets are provided with the book. The book provides an introduction to time series modelling of various forms of measurements, focusing on how such models may be identified and detailed. It has a practical approach, and include several examples illustrating the theory. The book is aimed at advanced undergraduate and junior graduate students in statistics, mathematics, or engineering. Helpful prerequisites include courses in multivariate analysis, linear systems, basic probability, and stochastic processes.
Periodic signals can be decomposed into sets of sinusoids having frequencies that are integer multiples of a fundamental frequency. The problem of finding such fundamental frequencies from noisy observations is important in many speech and audio applications, where it is commonly referred to as pitch estimation. These applications include analysis, compression, separation, enhancement, automatic transcription and many more. In this book, an introduction to pitch estimation is given and a number of statistical methods for pitch estimation are presented. The basic signal models and associated estimation theoretical bounds are introduced, and the properties of speech and audio signals are discussed and illustrated. The presented methods include both single- and multi-pitch estimators based on statistical approaches, like maximum likelihood and maximum a posteriori methods, filtering methods based on both static and optimal adaptive designs, and subspace methods based on the principles of subspace orthogonality and shift-invariance. The application of these methods to analysis of speech and audio signals is demonstrated using both real and synthetic signals, and their performance is assessed under various conditions and their properties discussed. Finally, the estimators are compared in terms of computational and statistical efficiency, generalizability and robustness. Table of Contents: Fundamentals / Statistical Methods / Filtering Methods / Subspace Methods / Amplitude Estimation
Methods - Thorough description of the current imaging and functional investigation techniques in nuclear medicine and radiology - Detailed portrayal of indications and differential diagnoses Clinical Applications - Exhaustive description of the features of paediatric urological diseases relevant for diagnostic imaging - Embryologic and pathophysiologic background - Clear recommendations on application of diagnostic imaging techniques based on the latest findings and consensus guidelines Case Studies - Large number of case reports illustrating standard procedures in diagnostic imaging - Case descriptions highlighting common diagnostic problems - Presentation of unusual and rare cases
This study investigates the distribution of linguistic and specifically structural diversity in Northeast Asia (NEA), defined as the region north of the Yellow River and east of the Yenisei. In particular, it analyzes what is called the grammar of questions (GQ), i.e., those aspects of any given language that are specialized for asking questions or regularly combine with these. The bulk of the study is a bottom-up description and comparison of GQs in the languages of NEA. The addition of the phrase and beyond to the title of this study serves two purposes. First, languages such as Turkish and Chuvash are included, despite the fact that they are spoken outside of NEA, since they have ties to (or even originated in) the region. Second, despite its focus on one area, the typology is intended to be applicable to other languages as well. Therefore, it makes extensive use of data from languages outside of NEA. The restriction to one category is necessary for reasons of space and clarity, and the process of zooming in on one region allows a higher resolution and historical accuracy than is usually the case in linguistic typology. The discussion mentions over 450 languages and dialects from NEA and beyond and gives about 900 glossed examples. The aim is to achieve both a cross-linguistically plausible typology and a maximal resolution of the linguistic diversity of Northeast Asia.
This book provides insights into the benefits of using remote sensing data from a geoscientist's perspective, by integrating the data with the understanding of Earth's surface and subsurface. In 3 sections, the book takes a detailed look at what data explorationists use when they explore for hydrocarbon resources, assess different terrain types for planning and hazards and extract present-day geologic analogs for subsurface geologic settings. The book presents the usage of remote sensing data in exploration in a structured way by detecting individual geologic features as building blocks for complex geologic systems. This concept enables readers to build their own workflows for the assessment of complex geologic systems using various combinations of remote sensing data. Section 1 introduces readers to the foundations of remote sensing for exploration, covers various methods of image processing and studies different digital elevation and bathymetry models. Section 2 presents the concept of geomorphology as a means to integrate surface and subsurface data. Different aspects of rendering in 2D and 3D are explained and used for the interpretation and extraction of geologic features that are used in exploration. Section 3 addresses remote sensing for hydrocarbon exploration in detail, from geophysical data acquisition to development and infrastructure planning. The organization of this chapter follows an exploration workflow from regional to local modeling studying basin and petroleum system modeling as well as logistics planning of seismic surveys and near-surface modeling. Aspects of field development and infrastructure planning comprise multi-temporal and dynamic modeling. The section closes with a structured approach to extracting geologic analogs from interpreted remote sensing data. The book will be of interest to professionals and students working in exploration for hydrocarbons and water resources, as well as geoscientists and engineers using remote sensing for infrastructure planning, hazard assessment and dynamic environmental studies.
I. II. SOME BASIC REMARKS ON TAXATION 2 11. 1 Foundations 3 I I. 2 Data 11. 3 Principles of Taxation 3 I I I. TAX PROGRESSION I I 1. 1 Preliminary Definition 6 7 I I I. 2 Reasons for Progressive Taxation of Incomes IV. MEASURING THE DEGREE OF PROGRESSION IV. l Notation 10 IV. 2 Measures Suggested by Musgrave/Thin 12 IV. 3 Comparison of these Measures 14 IV. 4 A Reason for Using the RIP 17 IV. 5 The Way to Go 17 V. DIFFERENT CONCEPTS OF INEQUALITY V. l Lorenz Curves 19 V. 2 Absolute Inequality-Aversion 19 V. 3 Mixed Inequality-Aversion 20 VI. LOCAL MEASURES OF TAX PROGRESSION VI. l Building Blocks 23 VI. 2 Directly Inequality-Equivalent Tax Functions 26 VI. 3 Directly Inequality-Preserving Tax Functions 29 VI. 4 Scale Invariance 31 VI. 5 Type A 32 VI. 6 Implications 33 VI. 7 Type B 44 VI. 8 Implications 46 VI. 9 Further Desiderata for Type A Measures 50 VI. 10 Conclusions 59 VI VII. PROGRESSION AND THE DESIGN OF TAX FUNCTIONS VII. l Introduction 62 VII. 2 Constant Progressivity Tax Functions 62 VII. 3 Tax Revenue Conditions 71 VI I. 4 The German Income Tax Function and Income Distribution 1981 73 VII. 5 #-Cocop Tax Functions for Germany 78 VIi I. GLOBAL MEASURES OF TAX PROGRESSION VIlLi The Problem 83 VIII. 2 Desirable Properties 84 VIII. 3 Suggestions in the Literature 85 VIII.
While there is information available in handbooks on polythiophene chemistry and physics, until now, few if any books have focused exclusively on the most forwardly developed electrically conductive polymer, Poly (3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)-otherwise known as PEDOT. This resource provides full chemical, physical, and technical information about this important conducting polymer, discussing basic knowledge and exploring its technical applications. Presented information is based on information generated at universities and through academic research, as well as by industrial scientists, providing a complete picture of the experimental and the practical aspects of this important polymer.
Many online applications, especially in the financial industries, are running on blockchain technologies in a decentralized manner, without the use of an authoritative entity or a trusted third party. Such systems are only secured by cryptographic protocols and a consensus mechanism. As blockchain-based solutions will continue to revolutionize online applications in a growing digital market in the future, one needs to identify the principal opportunities and potential risks. Hence, it is unavoidable to learn the mathematical and cryptographic procedures behind blockchain technology in order to understand how such systems work and where the weak points are. Cryptographic Primitives in Blockchain Technology provides an introduction to the mathematical and cryptographic concepts behind blockchain technologies and shows how they are applied in blockchain-based systems. This includes an introduction to the general blockchain technology approaches that are used to build the so-called immutable ledgers, which are based on cryptographic signature schemes. As future quantum computers will break some of the current cryptographic primitive approaches, Andreas Bolfing considers their security and presents the current research results that estimate the impact on blockchain-based systems if some of the cryptographic primitive break. Based on the example of Bitcoin, he shows that weak cryptographic primitives pose a possible danger for the ledger, which can be overcome through the use of the so-called post-quantum cryptographic approaches.
How our intuitive understanding of numbers is deeply rooted in our biology, traceable through both evolution and development. Humans' understanding of numbers is intuitive. Infants are able to estimate and calculate even before they learn the words for numbers. How have we come to possess this talent for numbers? In A Brain for Numbers, Andreas Nieder explains how our brains process numbers. He reports that numerical competency is deeply rooted in our biological ancestry; it can be traced through both the evolution of our species and the development of our individual minds. It is not, as it has been traditionally explained, based on our ability to use language. We owe our symbolic mathematical skills to the nonsymbolic numerical abilities that we inherited from our ancestors. The principles of mathematics, Nieder tells us, are reflections of the innate dispositions wired into the brain. Nieder explores how the workings of the brain give rise to numerical competence, tracing flair for numbers to dedicated “number neurons” in the brain. Drawing on a range of methods including brain imaging techniques, behavioral experiments, and twin studies, he outlines a new, integrated understanding of the talent for numbers. Along the way, he compares the numerical capabilities of humans and animals, and discusses the benefits animals reap from such a capability. He shows how the neurobiological roots of the brain's nonverbal quantification capacity are the evolutionary foundation of more elaborate numerical skills. He discusses how number signs and symbols are represented in the brain; calculation capability and the “neuromythology” of mathematical genius; the “start-up tools” for counting and developmental of dyscalculia (a number disorder analogous to the reading disorder dyslexia); and how the brain processes the abstract concept of zero.
Popular culture is awash with discussions about the difficulties associated with being a man. Television talk shows, media articles and government press releases discuss not simply the problem of men, but have more recently focused on the problems of being a man. The Conundrum of Masculinity challenges highly advertised beliefs that men are in crisis and struggling to hold onto traditional masculine habits whilst the world around them changes. Indeed, whilst there is a range of valuable contributions to the field that examine how men live out their lives in different contexts, there are few accounts that examine in detail the building blocks of masculinity or how men are really ‘put together’. Thus, this innovative and timely volume seeks to provide a systematic exploration of the different aspects of masculinity – in particular hegemony, homosociality, homophobia and heteronormativity. An original approach to the field of masculinity studies, this book ultimately presents a critical synthesis that brings together disparate approaches to provide a clear and concise discussion to address the true nature of masculinity. The Conundrum of Masculinity will appeal to undergraduate and postgraduate students interested in fields such as Gender Studies, Masculinity Studies and Sociology.
This textbook bridges the gap between business management and organisational methods and their digital implementation, because process management increasingly means designing operational tasks. In addition to methodological basics, the work offers many practical examples and exercises. Prof. Gadatsch's book is now considered the "current classic", THE authoritative standard work on IT-supported design of business processes. The tenth edition has been revised and adapted to the requirements of the digital transformation. Process management has evolved greatly due to the trend of digitalisation and as a result of the pandemic. Another related trend is the increased use of Data Science methods for process management, which has been consequently named "Process Science" at scientific conferences. Recent research results published under the heading of "Explorative Process Management" are also of particular importance. They show that the first main phase of process management was rather focused on optimising existing processes and business models. New practical examples were included at various points in the book, for example the migration strategies for the ERP system "SAP S/4 HANA", which is the basis for many industrial and service processes. The chapter on modelling processes was updated and newer methods such as Business Model Canvas were included.
This textbook focuses on the members of the digital value chain of eBusiness and eCommerce and dedicates a separate chapter to each member part: eProducts & eServices, eProcurement, eMarketing, eContracting, eDistribution, ePayment, as well as eCustomer Relationship Management. In addition to business models and business webs, digital procurement and marketing processes are likewise addressed such as electronic negotiation processes, security questions with digital signatures, as well as electronic supplier relationship management and customer relationship management. The topics are described based on explicit procedures and descriptive examples of application. The gradual set-up of an electronic Webshop for DVD’s serves as a continuous case study. The book is directed towards students of economics at universities and technical colleges; it is also suitable for executives, project leaders, and company experts who deal with the digital value chain.
This book tackles a number of controversial questions regarding Swedenês economic and political development: «¾¾¾¾ How did Sweden become rich? «¾¾¾¾ How did Sweden become egalitarian? «¾¾¾¾ Why has Sweden since the early 1990s grown faster tha
The need for procedural sedation is extensive and on the increase in numbers of patients. Minor treatments or diagnostic procedures are being performed with inadequate sedation or even without any sedatives or analgesics. Also, sedation techniques that support advanced, high-quality, in-patient care procedures representing easy performance and rapid recovery are requested for increased effectiveness. In this doctoral thesis, patient-controlled sedation (PCS) using propofol and alfentanil for surgical and diagnostic procedures was studied. The overall aim was to study aspects of safety, procedural feasibility and patients’ experiences. The main hypothesis was that PCS using only propofol is a safe and effective method for the induction and maintenance of moderate procedural sedation. The studies included were prospective, interventional, and in some cases, randomized and double-blinded. Data on cardiopulmonary changes, level of conscious sedation (bispectral index and Observer’s assessment of alertness/sedation [OAA/S]), pain, discomfort, anxiety, nausea (visual analogue scales), interventions performed by nurse anaesthetists, surgeons’ evaluation of feasibility, procedure characteristics, recovery (Aldrete score) and pharmacokinetic simulation of concentrations of drugs at the effect site supported the analysis and comparison between PCS and anaesthetist-controlled sedation and propofol PCS with or without alfentanil. PCS can be adjusted to cover a broad range of areas where sedation is needed, which, in this thesis, included burn care, gynaecological out-patient surgery and endoscopic procedures for the diagnosis and treatment of diseases in the bile ducts (endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography [ERCP]). PCS for burn wound treatment demands the addition of alfentanil, but still seems to be safe. PCS was preferred by the patients instead of anaesthetist-controlled sedation. The addition of alfentanil to PCS as an adjunct to gynaecological surgical procedures also using local anaesthesia increases the surgeon’s access to the patients, but impairs safety. Apnoea and other such conditions requiring interventions to restore respiratory function were seen in patients receiving both alfentanil and propofol for PCS. Patients’ experiencing perioperative pain and anxiety did not explain the effect-site concentrations of drugs. Different gynaecological procedures and patients’ weights seemed to best explain the concentrations. For discomfort and pain during the endoscopic procedure (ERCP), propofol PCS performs almost the same as anaesthetist-performed sedation. Overall, as part of the pre-operative procedures, PCS does not seem to be time-consuming. In respect to the perioperative perspective, PCS supports rapid recovery with a low incidence of tiredness, pain, and post-operative nausea and vomiting (PONV). The data suggest that PCS further needs to be adapted to the patient, the specific procedure and the circumstances of sedation for optimal benefit and enhanced safety.
Fundamental and Practical Aspects of Tribology introduces the rudiments of engineering surfaces and teaches the basic phenomena of interacting surfaces in relative motion, major modes of friction and wear, and theories of contact evolution and lubrication. Fundamental topics include friction, wear, and lubrication; surface properties and surface topography; friction of surfaces in contact; wear and surface failures; biotribology; boundary lubrication; fluid properties; hydrodynamic lubrication; bearing selection; and introductory micro‐ and nanotribology. This book also considers the relationship between nano‐ and macrotribology, rolling contacts, tribological problems in magnetic recording and electrical contacts, and monitoring and diagnosis of friction and wear. Offers a comprehensive review of the fundamentals, providing basic information for scientists and engineers just being introduced to the tribology field Teaches tribological methods of measurements and characterization Includes examples of real‐life tribological problems and case studies of engineering problems and solutions Gives an overview of current advancements in the field Features end‐of‐chapter problems and video content for reinforcement of material This textbook is written for students taking courses in tribology and lubrication, as well as surface engineering. It will also appeal to scientists and engineers who are new to tribology. The text also offers sample laboratory demonstrations available to qualifying adopting professors.
In cryptography, ciphers is the technical term for encryption and decryption algorithms. They are an important sub-family that features high speed and easy implementation and are an essential part of wireless internet and mobile phones. Unlike block ciphers, stream ciphers work on single bits or single words and need to maintain an internal state to change the cipher at each step. Typically stream ciphers can reach higher speeds than block ciphers but they can be more vulnerable to attack. Here, mathematics comes into play. Number theory, algebra and statistics are the key to a better understanding of stream ciphers and essential for an informed decision on their safety. Since the theory is less developed, stream ciphers are often skipped in books on cryptography. This book fills this gap. It covers the mathematics of stream ciphers and its history, and also discusses many modern examples and their robustness against attacks. Part I covers linear feedback shift registers, non-linear combinations of LFSRs, algebraic attacks and irregular clocked shift registers. Part II studies some special ciphers including the security of mobile phones, RC4 and related ciphers, the eStream project and the blum-blum-shub generator and related ciphers. Stream Ciphers requires basic knowledge of algebra and linear algebra, combinatorics and probability theory and programming. Appendices in Part III help the reader with the more complicated subjects and provides the mathematical background needed. It covers, for example, complexity, number theory, finite fields, statistics, combinatorics. Stream Ciphers concludes with exercises and solutions and is directed towards advanced undergraduate and graduate students in mathematics and computer science.
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