This introductory textbook presents optimization theory and computational algorithms useful in practice. The approach is practical and intuitive, rather than emphasizing mathematical rigor. Computationally oriented books in this area generally present algorithms alone, and expect readers to perform computations by hand. Some books are written in traditional computer languages, such as Basic, Fortran or Pascal. The programs in this text help with computations. This book is the first text to use Mathematica to develop thorough understanding optimization algorithms, fully exploiting Mathematica's symbolic, numerical and graphic capabilities. Review: This is my favorite optimisation book. I recommend it to anyone interested in the application of optimisation techniques, in particular for those in industry. This book has been a constant companion in my optimisation adventure and unlike other books; it has helped me firmly establish a solid foundation and understanding on the various optimisation techniques and the theories behind them. Believe me, I can even read those books which I have shelved in the past because they were complicated with too many cryptic mathematical statements. They don't scare me anymore. Bhatti wisely used Mathematica as the teaching platform and the accompanying OptimizationToolbox software allows one to brush aside the cryptic mathematical statements. The reader can now concentrate on the concepts, relegating the mathematics manipulations to Mat Read more...

From the Back Cover Create more robust, more flexible LabVIEW applications-through software design principles! Writing LabVIEW software to perform a complex task is never easy-especially when those last-minute feature requests cause a complexity explosion in your system, forcing you to rework much of your code! Jon Conway and Steve Watts offer a better solution: LCOD-LabVIEW Component Oriented Design-which, for the first time, applies the theories and principles of software design to LabVIEW programming. The material is presented in a lighthearted, engaging manner that makes learning enjoyable, even if you're not a computer scientist. * LCOD software engineering techniques make your software more robust and better able to handle complexity-by making it simpler! Even large, industrial-grade applications become manageable. * Design to embrace flexibility first, making changes and bug fixes much less painful * Pragmatic discussion of the authors' tried and tested techniques, written by-and for-working programmers * Covers design principles; LCOD overview, implementation, and complementary techniques; engineering essentials; style issues; and more * Complete with practical advice on requirements gathering, prototyping, user interface design, and rich with examples * Work through an example LCOD project (all code included on companion Web site) to tie the lessons together This book is intended for test engineers, system integrators, electronics engineers, softw Read more...

While building on the skills you already have, Expert SQL Server 2005 Development will help you become an even better developer by focusing on best practices and demonstrating how to design high-performance, maintainable database applications. This book starts by reintroducing the database as a integral part of the software development ecosystem. You'll learn how to think about SQL Server development as you would any other software development. For example, there's no reason you can't architect and test database routines just as you would architect and test application code. And nothing should stop you from implementing the types of exception handling and security rules that are considered so important in other tiers, even if they are usually ignored in the database. You'll learn how to apply development methodologies like these to produce high-quality encryption and SQLCLR solutions. Furthermore, you'll discover how to exploit a variety of tools that SQL Server offers in order to properly use dynamic SQL and to improve concurrency in your applications. Finally, you'll become well versed in implementing spatial and temporal database designs, as well as approaching graph and hierarchy problems. Read more...

"The Encyclopedia of Insects" is a comprehensive work devoted to all aspects of insects, including their anatomy, physiology, evolution, behavior, reproduction, ecology, and disease, as well as issues of exploitation, conservation, and management. Articles provide definitive facts about all insects from aphids, beetles and butterflies to weevils and yellowjackets. Insects are beautiful and dreadful, ravenous pests and devastating disease vectors, resilient and resistant to eradication, and the source of great benefit and great loss for civilization. Important for ecosystem health, they have influenced the evolution of other life forms on our planet including humans. Anyone interested in insects, from university professors and researchers to high school students preparing a report, will find "The Encyclopedia of Insects" an indispensable volume for insect information. This book offers an unprecedented collection in 1,276 pages covering every important aspect of insects. It presents 270 original articles, thoroughly peer reviewed and edited for consistency. It features 1,000 figures and tables, including 500 full-color photographs. It includes the latest information contributed by 250 experts in 17 countries. It is designed to save research time with a full glossary, 1,700 cross-references, and 3,000 bibliographic entries. Review "...a truly spectacular book. ...The wealth of information this attractively illustrated book presents will make it a valued reference..." -P. K Read more...

Sams Teach Yourself Microsoft SQL Server T-SQL in 10 Minutes offers straightforward, practical answers when you need fast results. By working through 10-minute lessons, you'll learn everything you need to know to take advantage of Microsoft SQL Server's T-SQL language. This handy pocket guide starts with simple data retrieval and moves on to more complex topics, including the use of joins, subqueries, full text-based searches, functions and stored procedures, cursors, triggers, table constraints, XML, and much more. You'll learn what you need to know methodically, systematically, and simply-in highly focused lessons designed to make you immediately and effortlessly productive. Tips point out shortcuts and solutions Cautions help you avoid common pitfalls Notes explain additional concepts, and provide additional information 10 minutes is all you need to learn how to: * Use T-SQL in the Microsoft SQL Server environment * Construct complex T-SQL statements using multiple clauses and operators * Filter data so you get the information you need quickly * Retrieve, sort, and format database contents * Join two or more related tables * Make SQL Server work for you with globalization and localization * Create subqueries to pinpoint your data * Automate your workload with triggers * Create and alter database tables * Work with views, stored procedures, and more Register your book at www.samspublishing.com/register to download examples and so Read more...

Introduction to Game Programming with C++ is an exciting book for readers with no previous experience in game development. Starting from the basics of C++ and ending with the intracies of real-time 3D graphics, this book explores the interesting world of game making. It explains how to program, explores the meaning of object-oriented programming, and examines game algorithms, 2D and 3D games, sound and music, and how to create game installers. Overall, this book will introduce you to the world of game development and get you started on the right path to making games that sell. Introduction to Game Programming with C++ explores the world of game development with a focus on C++. This book begins with an explanation of the basics of mathematics as it relates to game programming, covers the fundamentals of C++, and describes a number of algorithms commonly used in games. In addition, it discusses several libraries that can help you manage graphics, add audio, and create installation software so you can get started on the path to making both 2D and 3D games. With this book: * Understand the basics of programming in C++, including working with variables, constants, arrays, conditional statements, pointers, and functions. * Learn how to use the ClanLib library to make 2D games. * Discover how the OGRE graphics library can be used to implement particle systems and other effects in 3D games. * Find out how to integrate sound and music into your game. About the Au Read more...

Indispensable portable reference for all practicing civil engineers and students Now you can get a single compilation of all essential civil engineering formulas and equations in one easy-to-use portable reference. More than three-quarters of the material in Tyler Hicks Civil Engineering Formulas Pocket Guide is in the form of formulas, tables, and graphs, presented in SI and USCS formats. Each chapter, offering collections of problems and calculations, gives you quick reference to a well-defined topic: Conversion Factors for Civil Engineering Practice Beam Formulas Column Formulas Piles and Piling Formulas Concrete Formulas Timber Engineering Formulas Surveying Formulas Soil and Earthwork Formulas Building and Structures Formulas Bridge and Suspension-Cable Formulas Highway and Road Formulas Hydraulics and Waterworks Formulas Read more...

Many lights and other objects in the sky go unrecognised, or at least are little understood by those observing them. Such things range from the commonplace like rainbows and meteors, to the distinctly unusual like the green flash and ball lightning. And there is still a residuum of objects that remain unidentified by the watcher - classed generally as 'UFOs', a description which today has connotations of the mysterious, even of extraterrestrial visitors. The first part of this book is an identification guide, very much like the "plant identifier" sections found in a good gardening or botany book. It allows quick (and structured) identification of known aerial phenomena, whether at night or during the day. The objects thus found are referenced to the second part of the book. The second part gives a full description, physical explanation, and where relevant notes on observing and photographing the various phenomena. Some will need optical aids such as binoculars or telescopes, but the main thrust of the book is identification and explanation rather than imaging. The final chapter approaches UFOs from a scientific standpoint, particularly the way in which human perception and often preconception affects the outcome. It does however finish with a short section on "extraterrestrial UFOs", emphasising the burden of proof aspect and touching on the scientific theories of life on other worlds and the improbability of visitors. Read more...

For the experienced amateur astronomer who is wondering if there is something useful, valuable, and permanent that can be done with his or her observational skills, the answer is, "Yes, you can!" This is the book for the experienced amateur astronomer who is ready to take a new step in his or her astronomical journey. Unfortunately, there is no modern text that points curious amateur astronomers to the research possibilities that are open to them. At the 2006 meeting of the Society for Astronomical Sciences, quite a few participants agreed that the lack of such a text was a serious gap in the astronomical book market, and that this gap is impeding their efforts to encourage more amateur astronomers to get involved in research collaborations. This book will fill that gap, and enable more amateur astronomers to add research-type studies to their pursuit of the hobby. Written by an astronomer who is well known amongst the amateur and professional community for the skill and quality of his work, this book describes a wide range of research areas where amateurs are gathering new scientific data that is utilized by professional astronomers. For each research area, the book provides a concise explanation of the purpose and value of the amateurs' observations, a description of the equipment that is needed, specific observing procedures, complete data reduction instructions, and an explanation of how, and where, to submit results so that they will be available to the professional u Read more...