Nonlinear and Adaptive Control with Applications


Book Description

The authors here provide a detailed treatment of the design of robust adaptive controllers for nonlinear systems with uncertainties. They employ a new tool based on the ideas of system immersion and manifold invariance. New algorithms are delivered for the construction of robust asymptotically-stabilizing and adaptive control laws for nonlinear systems. The methods proposed lead to modular schemes that are easier to tune than their counterparts obtained from Lyapunov redesign.




An Introduction to Signal Detection and Estimation


Book Description

The purpose of this book is to introduce the reader to the basic theory of signal detection and estimation. It is assumed that the reader has a working knowledge of applied probabil ity and random processes such as that taught in a typical first-semester graduate engineering course on these subjects. This material is covered, for example, in the book by Wong (1983) in this series. More advanced concepts in these areas are introduced where needed, primarily in Chapters VI and VII, where continuous-time problems are treated. This book is adapted from a one-semester, second-tier graduate course taught at the University of Illinois. However, this material can also be used for a shorter or first-tier course by restricting coverage to Chapters I through V, which for the most part can be read with a background of only the basics of applied probability, including random vectors and conditional expectations. Sufficient background for the latter option is given for exam pIe in the book by Thomas (1986), also in this series.




Model Rules of Professional Conduct


Book Description

The Model Rules of Professional Conduct provides an up-to-date resource for information on legal ethics. Federal, state and local courts in all jurisdictions look to the Rules for guidance in solving lawyer malpractice cases, disciplinary actions, disqualification issues, sanctions questions and much more. In this volume, black-letter Rules of Professional Conduct are followed by numbered Comments that explain each Rule's purpose and provide suggestions for its practical application. The Rules will help you identify proper conduct in a variety of given situations, review those instances where discretionary action is possible, and define the nature of the relationship between you and your clients, colleagues and the courts.




The Founders' Constitution


Book Description

Reprint of the 1987 U. of Chicago Press cloth edition. The five volumes contain a collection of thoughts, opinions, and arguments of the Founders. Readers seeking a general view of a question that took the form of a phrase or clause in the Constitution can find materials assembled under the article, section, and clause numbers of that provision. Those seeking more information are referred to other primary materials, some of which are included in volume 1, which contains materials organized by theme. Volumes 2, 3, 4 and 5 address, respectively, Preamble through Article 1, Section 8, Clause 4; Article 1, Section 8, Clause 5 through Article 2, Section 1; Article 2, Section 2, through Article 7; and Amendments I-XII. Edited by Kurland (formerly of the U. of Chicago) and Lerner (Committee on Social Thought, U. of Chicago). Annotation copyrighted by Book News Inc., Portland, OR




Learning-Based Control


Book Description

The recent success of Reinforcement Learning and related methods can be attributed to several key factors. First, it is driven by reward signals obtained through the interaction with the environment. Second, it is closely related to the human learning behavior. Third, it has a solid mathematical foundation. Nonetheless, conventional Reinforcement Learning theory exhibits some shortcomings particularly in a continuous environment or in considering the stability and robustness of the controlled process. In this monograph, the authors build on Reinforcement Learning to present a learning-based approach for controlling dynamical systems from real-time data and review some major developments in this relatively young field. In doing so the authors develop a framework for learning-based control theory that shows how to learn directly suboptimal controllers from input-output data. There are three main challenges on the development of learning-based control. First, there is a need to generalize existing recursive methods. Second, as a fundamental difference between learning-based control and Reinforcement Learning, stability and robustness are important issues that must be addressed for the safety-critical engineering systems such as self-driving cars. Third, data efficiency of Reinforcement Learning algorithms need be addressed for safety-critical engineering systems. This monograph provides the reader with an accessible primer on a new direction in control theory still in its infancy, namely Learning-Based Control Theory, that is closely tied to the literature of safe Reinforcement Learning and Adaptive Dynamic Programming.




Writing Science


Book Description

This book takes an integrated approach, using the principles of story structure to discuss every aspect of successful science writing, from the overall structure of a paper or proposal to individual sections, paragraphs, sentences, and words. It begins by building core arguments, analyzing why some stories are engaging and memorable while others are quickly forgotten, and proceeds to the elements of story structure, showing how the structures scientists and researchers use in papers and proposals fit into classical models. The book targets the internal structure of a paper, explaining how to write clear and professional sections, paragraphs, and sentences in a way that is clear and compelling.




Principles of Accounting Volume 1 - Financial Accounting


Book Description

The text and images in this book are in grayscale. A hardback color version is available. Search for ISBN 9781680922929. Principles of Accounting is designed to meet the scope and sequence requirements of a two-semester accounting course that covers the fundamentals of financial and managerial accounting. This book is specifically designed to appeal to both accounting and non-accounting majors, exposing students to the core concepts of accounting in familiar ways to build a strong foundation that can be applied across business fields. Each chapter opens with a relatable real-life scenario for today's college student. Thoughtfully designed examples are presented throughout each chapter, allowing students to build on emerging accounting knowledge. Concepts are further reinforced through applicable connections to more detailed business processes. Students are immersed in the "why" as well as the "how" aspects of accounting in order to reinforce concepts and promote comprehension over rote memorization.




A Short and Happy Guide to Secured Transactions


Book Description

This new Short & Happy Guide to Secured Transactions has been created by Professor Barnes to make important concepts from Article 9 of the Uniform Commercial Code plain and understandable to students. The complex topics are explained in a plain-spoken, straightforward way, to make the concepts as simple and accessible as possible. The important provisions of the Code are excerpted and edited for readability, and all concepts are explained with simple, narrative text, and accompanied by easy-to-understand examples which help students understand the Secured Transactions concepts. Look, we're not going to sugar-coat this - Secured Transactions is difficult. This guide makes it much easier to understand, and get a great grade on your Secured Transactions exam.




The Global Findex Database 2017


Book Description

In 2011 the World Bank—with funding from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation—launched the Global Findex database, the world's most comprehensive data set on how adults save, borrow, make payments, and manage risk. Drawing on survey data collected in collaboration with Gallup, Inc., the Global Findex database covers more than 140 economies around the world. The initial survey round was followed by a second one in 2014 and by a third in 2017. Compiled using nationally representative surveys of more than 150,000 adults age 15 and above in over 140 economies, The Global Findex Database 2017: Measuring Financial Inclusion and the Fintech Revolution includes updated indicators on access to and use of formal and informal financial services. It has additional data on the use of financial technology (or fintech), including the use of mobile phones and the Internet to conduct financial transactions. The data reveal opportunities to expand access to financial services among people who do not have an account—the unbanked—as well as to promote greater use of digital financial services among those who do have an account. The Global Findex database has become a mainstay of global efforts to promote financial inclusion. In addition to being widely cited by scholars and development practitioners, Global Findex data are used to track progress toward the World Bank goal of Universal Financial Access by 2020 and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. The database, the full text of the report, and the underlying country-level data for all figures—along with the questionnaire, the survey methodology, and other relevant materials—are available at www.worldbank.org/globalfindex.




The Theory of Transaction in Institutional Economics


Book Description

Despite abundant literature on transaction costs, there is little to no in-depth analysis regarding what the transaction is or how it works. Drawing on both Old and New Institutional Economics and on a variety of interdisciplinary sources, this monograph traces the history of the meaning of transaction in institutional economics, mapping its topicality and use over time. This manuscript treats the idea of ‘transaction’ as a construct with legal, competitive and political dimensions, and connects different approaches within institutional economics. The book covers the contributions of key thinkers from different schools, including (in alphabetical order) Ronald H. Coase, John R. Commons, Robert Lee Hale, Oliver Hart, Mancur Olson, Thorstein Veblen and Olver E. Williamson. This book will be of interest to advanced students and researchers of institutional economics, law and economics, and economics, and the history of economic thought.