Robot Learning By Visual Observation

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by Aleksandar Vakanski (Author), Farrokh Janabi-Sharifi (Author) This book presents programming by demonstration for robot learning from observations with a focus on the trajectory level of task abstraction Discusses methods for optimization of task reproduction, such as reformulation of task planning as a constrained optimization problem Focuses on regression approaches, such as Gaussian mixture regression, spline regression, and locally weighted regression Concentrates on the use of vision sensors for capturing motions and actions during task demonstration by a human task expert In times of a growing worldwide demand for automation and robotics applications, as well as an aging population and a shrinking work force, the development of robots with capacity to learn by observation and abilities for visual perception of the environment with vision sensors emerges as an important means to mitigate the above problems. This book is a valuable reference for university professors, graduate students, robotics enthusiasts, and companies that seek to develop robots with such abilities. is a Clinical Assistant Professor in Industrial Technology at the University of Idaho, Idaho Falls. He received a Ph.D. degree from the Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering at Ryerson University, Toronto, Canada, in 2013. The scope of his research interests encompasses the fields of robotics and mechatronics, artificial intelligence, computer vision, and control systems. is a Professor of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering and the Director of Robotics, Mechatronics and Manufacturing Automation Laboratory (RMAL) at Ryerson University, Toronto, Canada. He is currently an Associate Editor of The International Journal of Optomechatronics, and an Editorial Member of The Journal of Robotics and The Open Cybernetics and Systematics Journal. His research interests include optomechatronic systems with the focus on image-guided control and planning.

We Will Not Be Silenced: The Academic Repression Of Israel's Critics

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"It is perhaps no surprise that as Israel drifts towards repression and reaction within, and becomes increasingly isolated internationally as a result of the harsh and criminal occupation, its informal lobby in the US becomes more desperate to stifle free and open discussion of the state they seek to protect. Efforts of the kind sampled here . . . are as deplorable as they are predictable, and should be dismissed with contempt, and strongly opposed." —Noam Chomsky

"These testimonials provide a stunning and all too familiar portrait of the extent to which the forces that suppress free speech and academic freedom are at work in the US university system to stifle those who would call for social justice in Palestine. . . . These voices must be heard." —Bishop Desmond Tutu

As criticism mounts over Israel's violation of Palestinian human rights and international law, campaigns to silence and repress those who speak out against Israeli apartheid and US complicity have grown alarmingly. Scholars have been denied jobs, refused tenure and promotion, rejected for funding, and expelled from institutions, while student organizations have faced harassment and sanctions. We Will Not Be Silenced offers thirteen powerful, firsthand testimonials from scholars and students whose struggle to defend their academic freedom and free speech has garnered widespread public and international attention.

William I. Robinson is professor of sociology, global and international studies, and Latin American studies at the University of California, Santa Barbara.

Maryam S. Griffin is a Postdoctoral Fellow at the University of California, Davis.

Timber Design

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by Paul W. McMullin (Editor), Jonathan S. Price (Editor)

Timber Design covers timber fundamentals for students and professional architects and engineers, such as tension elements, flexural elements, shear and torsion, compression elements, connections, and lateral design. As part of the Architect’s Guidebooks to Structures series, it provides a comprehensive overview using both imperial and metric units of measurement. Timber Design begins with an intriguing case study and uses a range of examples and visual aids, including more than 200 figures, to illustrate key concepts. As a compact summary of fundamental ideas, it is ideal for anyone needing a quick guide to timber design.

About the Author

Paul W. McMullin is an educator, structural engineer, and photographer. He holds degrees in mechanical and civil engineering and is a licensed engineer in numerous states. He is a founding partner of Ingenium Design, providing innovative solutions to industrial and manufacturing facilities. Currently an adjunct professor at the University of Utah in Salt Lake City, USA, he has taught for a decade and loves bringing project-based learning to the classroom.

Jonathan S. Price is a structural engineer and adjunct professor at Philadelphia University in Pennsylvania, USA, where he was honored with the Distinguished Adjunct Faculty Award in 2006. He holds a bachelor of architectural engineering degree from the University of Colorado, USA, a master of science degree in civil engineering from Drexel University in Philadelphia, USA, and is registered in 12 states.

Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology: Innovation And Production

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Jean Cornier (Editor), Andrew Owen (Editor), Arno Kwade (Editor), Marcel Van de Voorde (Editor) With its focus on concrete methods and recent advances in applying nanotechnology to develop new drug therapies and medical diagnostics, this book provides an overall picture of the field, from the fundamentals of nanopharmacy with the characterisation and manufacturing methods to the role of nanoparticles and substances. Actual examples of utilization include drug development issues, translation to the clinic, market prospects, and industrial commercialization aspects. The applications described are taken from cancer treatment as well as other major therapeutic areas, such as infectious diseases and dermatology. An in-depth discussion on safety, regulatory, and societal aspects rounds off the book. Written by a top team of editors and authors composed of the leading experts in Europe and the USA who have pioneered the field of nanopharmacy! is presently consultant to several companies in the areas of life science, new technologies and business development. He obtained his PhD from the University of Caen, France, and a MSc degree in pharmaceutical medicine from the University of Duisburg-Essen, Germany. Since 1986 he has worked in the space industry as expert in Materials and Life Science research and projects, was participant in space commercialisation initiatives supported by the European and German space agencies as well as in several EU-funded projects in biotechnology and civil security research. is Head of the Center of Pharmaceutical Engineering and of the Institute of Particle Technology at the Technical University Braunschweig, Germany. After his PhD he worked nine years in industry as partner of a consulting firm for processing and handling of materials and as general manager of a medium-sized company active in materials processing. Professor Kwade is speaker of the European working party on comminution and classification and developed a course on nanomilling, taken by more than 1000 participants from different industries, among them many pharmaceutical companies. holds a personal Chair in Molecular and Clinical Pharmacology at the University of Liverpool, UK. He is also affiliated to the MRC Centre for Drug Safety Science and the Wolfson Centre for Personalised Medicine. He is Chair of the British Society for Nanomedicine, is co-inventor of several patents related to nanomedicines and has contributed to over 150 publications and book chapters. He is co-founder of University commercial start-ups, a Fellow of the Royal Society of Biology, a Fellow of the British Pharmacological Society and member of the steering committee for the Academy of Pharmaceutical Sciences Nanomedicine Focus Group. has 40 years` experience in European Research Organisations including CERN-Geneva, European Commission, with 10 years at the Max Planck Institute in Stuttgart, Germany. For many years, he was involved in research and research strategies, policy and management, especially in European research institutions. He holds a Professorship at the University of Technology in Delft, the Netherlands, as well as multiple visiting professorships in Europe and worldwide. He holds a doctor honoris causa and various honorary Professorships. He is senator of the European Academy for Sciences and Arts, in Salzburg and Fellow of the World Academy for Sciences. He is a Fellow of various scientific societies and has been decorated by the Belgian King. He has authored of multiple scientific and technical publications and co-edited multiple books in the field of nanoscience and nanotechnology.