Economic Reforms in Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan (Occasional Paper (Intl Monetary Fund))

Book Description

This Occasional Paper provides an overview of the economic reform experiences of the Central Asian states of the former Soviet Union since their independence at the turn of the decade. The choice of countries reflects not only a geographical grouping, but also similarities in the types of transition challenges faced by these countries notwithstanding considerable variations in their sizes, ethnic composition, resource endowments, and economic structures. The paper attempts to identify a number of key macroeconomic and structural areas where the slower reformers in the group might benefit from the experiences of the faster reformers.

Book Description

The role of psychologists, both in the courtroom and at the crime scene, is rapidly expanding. Surveying a wide range of international court cases, The Popular Policeman and Other Cases explores the critical—and often misunderstood—intersection of psychology and law.
The authors, both expert psychologists with extensive experience in the courtroom, are quite familiar with the fundamental differences between the law and psychology as an empirical science. As well as dealing with well-known and controversial issues such as recovered memories or false confessions, The Popular Policeman and Other Cases examines a variety of less traditional criminal topics, including illegal gambling, trademark litigation, and the perils of risky courtship behavior. Each chapter reviews an actual case, appraises the relevant scientific research, and then demonstrates how psychological insights were introduced within the courtroom. The authors conclude by noting the outcome of each case—and how their research played a role in the decision.
With its detailed investigation of the complex links between psychological research and its eventual application in the courtroom, The Popular Policeman and Other Cases fills a critical vacancy. It is virtually impossible for researchers to make significant progress within the field of law and psychology without experience as expert witnesses in actual trials. This casebook will be essential for their studies.

Book Description

International Review of Cytology presents current advances and comprehensive reviews in cell biology - both plant and animal. Articles address structure and control of gene expression, nucleocytoplasmic interactions, control of cell development and differentiation, and cell transformation and growth. Authored by some of the foremost scientists in the field, each volume provides up-to-date information and directions for future research.
This volume brings together current information on the localization and roles of RNAs in cell-lineage determination and subsequent patterning in embryonic development. Guest co-editor Lawrence Etkin is one of the leading researchers in molecular genetics of Xenopus.

Key Features
* A number of important concepts are discussed, including
* How polarity is established during oogenesis
* How germ cell determinants become organized in the establishment of the germ cell lineage
* Different strategies used by organisms to establish the germ cell lineage
* Similarities and differences between the mechanisms used in embryonic patterning
* The mechanisms and machinery by which molecules such as RNA become asymmetrically segregated
* The use of similar signaling pathways in patterning of the dorsal-ventral and right-left asymmetries, embryonic germ layers, limb, and nervous system
* The link between fundamental biological processes such as RNA translation and localization in the regulation of axis specification

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An advanced organic laboratory course (A Series of books in chemistry)
Melvin S Newman
Manufacturer: MacMillan
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding

General & Reference | Chemistry | Professional Science | Professional & Technical | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: B0006C0PLG

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An Advanced Organic Laboratory Course
Melvin S. Newman
Manufacturer: New York: Macmillan Co.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000NU6JLG

Book Description

Julian Schwinger was one of the leading theoretical physicists of the twentieth century. His contributions are as important, and as pervasive, as those of Richard Feynman, with whom (and with Sin-itiro Tomonaga) he shared the 1965 Nobel Prize for Physics. Yet, while Feynman is universally recognized as a cultural icon, Schwinger is little known even to many within the physics community. In his youth, Julian Schwinger was a nuclear physicist, turning to classical electrodynamics after World War II. In the years after the war, he was the first to renormalize quantum electrodynamics. Subsequently, he presented the most complete formulation of quantum field theory and laid the foundations for the electroweak synthesis of Glashow, Weinberg, and Salam, and he made fundamental contributions to the theory of nuclear magnetic resonance, to many-body theory, and to quantum optics. He developed a unique approach to quantum mechanics, measurement algebra, and a general quantum action principle. His discoveries include 'Feynman's' parameters and 'Glauber's' coherent states; in later years he also developed an alternative to operator field theory which he called Source Theory, reflecting his profound phenomenological bent. His late work on the Thomas-Fermi model of atoms and on the Casimir effect continues to be an inspiration to a new generation of physicists. This biography describes the many strands of his research life, while tracing the personal life of this private and gentle genius.

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THE ADVENTURE OF THE CHRISTMAS PUDDING.

Manufacturer: Fontana
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: 0006140769

Average customer rating:

Infernal and all too Rare Screaming Laugh

A fun and enjoyable read

Christmas Pudding by Nancy Mitford

Doings at the country house

I liked this book

Christmas Pudding
Nancy Mitford
Manufacturer: Carroll & Graf Publishers
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Contemporary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

Pigeon Pie

Don't Tell Alfred

Hons and Rebels (New York Review Books Classics)

The Pursuit of Love & Love in a Cold Climate: Two Novels

Counting My Chickens . . .: And Other Home Thoughts

ASIN: 0881843423

Customer Reviews:

Infernal and all too Rare Screaming Laugh.......2002-10-20

There is one scene in this book that struck me as so violently funny that Christmas Pudding will retain a place in my lifetime's hall of humor. Re-reading and even remembering brings on laughter that exceeds 98% of competing satires. Yet, I say that with hesitation because I've learned often that its foolish to bet on humor. ... I am a sucker for those descriptions of the most stuffy and stupid British upperclass near phobic reactions to suspected foreign invasions and insidious socialists and Germans. This scene involves what is a suspected assasination by means of an "infernal machine." I'll say no more.
There's the book- if you value that kind of pleasure/pain breakup- I hope you get it. I sure did.

A fun and enjoyable read.......2001-11-25

This is probably Nancy Mitford's funniest book. It's a light, witty romp with eccentric English upper-class characters doing silly things. And while it won't change your world in any way,reading it is a relaxing way to spend a cold, snowy afternoon. I also highly recommend Mitford's more serious novels, The Pursuit of Love and Love in a Cold Climate.

Christmas Pudding by Nancy Mitford.......2000-09-03

A friend recommended Nancy Mitford to me and I bought "Christmas Pudding" and "The Blessing." Frankly, I don't get it with "Pudding." I thought it was as leaden as the article after which it was named (and yes, I do have a sense of humor). A week later I read "The Blessing" and loved it. If you, like me, don't care for this one, my advice is not to give up on Nancy Mitford.

Doings at the country house.......2000-03-21

With sly, often understated wit and a true ensemble cast, I don't know why I hadn't heard of this book before. It's less arch than Mapp and Lucia, and more worldly than Jeeves. The subtle references to everything from the art world to politics to animal husbandry will keep the reader entertained to the last. An excellent find.

I liked this book.......1999-08-29

This was my first Nancy Mitford book and I like her style very much. Brief and breezy, light and entertaining and yet also carrying some very thought-provoking passages. Mainly deals with relationships and the silliness of the landed gentry of England. I was laughing out loud in some public places while reading this. I think that in a subtle kind of way Bobbie is the real hero of the story. Read it and see if you agree! I will definitely read more of her books.

The Adventures of the Christmas Pudding and The Mystery of the Spanish Chest

Average customer rating:

Good audio book

The Adventures of the Christmas Pudding and The Mystery of the Spanish Chest
Agatha Christie
Manufacturer: The Audio Partners
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Audio CD

British Detectives | Mystery | Mystery & Thrillers | Subjects | Books

General | Mystery | Mystery & Thrillers | Subjects | Books

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Similar Items:

ASIN: 1572702311

Book Description

Ostensibly retired, Hercule Poirot investigates a sensational news story and an international secret in this pairing of mysteries.

Customer Reviews:

Good audio book.......2004-04-22

I really enjoy listening to Agatha Christie audio books while I do my chores around the house, so this audio book was perfect for me. There are two delightful Poirot stories in this set. Three audio CD's are included, and I will update my review with the total length, since it wasn't included in the Amazon review. I was expecting a little longer of a set (maybe 4 or 5 CD's) but I guess considering the price, it was a good deal.

The Adventure of the Christmas Pudding (Poirot)

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Another brilliant book

The Adventure of the Christmas Pudding (Poirot)
Agatha Christie
Manufacturer: Harper
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Mystery & Thrillers | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

ASIN: 0007121083

Book Description

First came a sinister warning to Poirot not to eat any plum pudding...then the discovery of corpse in chest...next, an overheard quarrel that led to murder...the strange case of the of the dead man who altered his eating habits..and the puzzle of the victim who dreamt his own suicide. What links these six baffling cases? The distinctive hand of the queen of crime fiction.

Includes the Miss Marple story Greenshaw's Folly

Customer Reviews:

Another brilliant book.......2000-07-09

This book is well worth reading if you are a fan of Agatha Christies, Hercule Poirot. Poirots first taste of a traditional English Christmas ends in him solving the disappearance of a Princes ruby. After recieving a sinister note warning him not to eat the Christmas Pudding, a mysterious visitor in the night and his host nearly choking on the Christmas Pudding he sets a trap for his suspect and a joke on the children of the household. Not only in this story does Poirot retrieve a stolen ruby but he also helps his hosts to rid themselves of a problem of their own. This is a brilliant book and well worth the read.

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THE ADVENTURE OF THE CHRISTMAS PUDDING
A CHRISTIE
Manufacturer: COLLINS
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000SAF4TO

The Adventure of the Christmas Pudding / The Hound of Death. Heron Collected Works

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The Adventure of the Christmas Pudding / The Hound of Death. Heron Collected Works
Agatha Christie
Manufacturer: Heron Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000J2L7UG

The Adventure Of The Christmas Pudding And A Selection Of Entrees

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The Adventure Of The Christmas Pudding And A Selection Of Entrees
Agatha Christie
Manufacturer: Fontana / Collins
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000QRFE0S

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The Adventure of the Christmas Pudding and a Selection of Entrees
Agatha Christie
Manufacturer: The Crime Club
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B0000CKS7P

The Adventure of the Christmas Pudding and Other Stories

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The Adventure of the Christmas Pudding and Other Stories
Agatha Christie
Manufacturer: HarperCollins Audio
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Audio Cassette

General | Books on Cassette | Audiobooks | Formats | Books

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ASIN: 0007103425

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THE ADVENTURE OF THE CHRISTMAS PUDDING.

Manufacturer: Fontana
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000HLFSEU

Book Description

Virtually every chapter of American history has been shaped by the millions of immigrants who have arrived on these shores over the centuries. And none more so than the Irish. As historian Edward T. O’Donnell documents in 1001 Things Everyone Should Know About Irish American History, Irish immigrants have played a central role in the defining the American character and identity. For more than four hundred years the Irish have fled British oppression, religious persecution, and during the famine years in the 1840s, mass starvation to begin a new life in America. Here, while enduring poverty and discrimination, the Irish released their long-suppressed talents as entrepreneurs, leaders, scholars, soldiers, builders, athletes, writers, and artists.

1001 Things Everyone Should Know About Irish American History is a comprehensive and vividly illustrated celebration of Irish enterprise, talent, and courage. Organized around such broad subjects as culture, politics, business, religion, and sports, it engagingly profiles the Irish American presidents and Congressional Medal of Honor recipients and highlights the ten most important works of Irish American fiction, while offering many surprises. Alongside the exploits of Irish American soldiers like General Philip Sheridan, O’Donnell tells the incredible story of Jennie Hodgers, a Belfast-born woman who served in the Union Army disguised as a man. Elsewhere Bing Crosby shares the stage with Willis O’Brien, the brilliant pioneer of film animation and the man who brought Nat King Cole to life. Entrepreneur Henry Ford is featured with Rose O’Neill, inventor of the wildly popular Kewpie Doll. And throughout readers will find answers to questions like who was the Murphy who dreamed up “Murphy’s Law?”; why is a do-over shot in golf called a “mulligan?”; what exactly does it mean to “scream like a banshee?”; and did Mrs. O’Leary’s cow really start the Great Chicago Fire of 1871?

Written with the understanding that so much of the Irish experience in America is inseparable from the history of the Emerald Isle, 1001 Things also devotes substantial coverage to the history of Ireland.

These ingredients combine to demonstrate how the Irish have shaped America–and make 1001 Things Everyone Should Know About Irish American History the ideal book for Irish Americans eager to discover more about their rich heritage.

Customer Reviews:

Healy family should be included as Irish American.......2005-07-12

A previous reviewer stated:

The most unfortunate omission is the Healy family. In the early 1800s, Michael Healy, an Irish-born Georgia planter, purchased Mary Eliza, a mixed-race slave. Laws during the slavery era prohibited interracial marriages, but Michael and Mary Eliza carried out their family life as husband and wife. Their union produced 10 children. Three brothers entered the priesthood ---

James Healy was the first black American to be ordained a Roman Catholic priest. He later became Bishop of Portland Maine (certainly another first), where he provided distinguished leadership in pastoral work, education, social advocacy, and public welfare.

Sherwood Healy reportedly received a doctorate in Canon Law from the North American College in Rome in 1860.

Patrick Healy was ordained as a Jesuit priest, going on to serve as Georgetown University's prefect of studies from 1868 to 1878, and its president from 1873 to 1881 ---- the first African-American president of a predominantly white university. Healy Hall, one of Georgetown's major buildings is named in his honor.

Unlike his brothers, Michael Healy did not embark on an ecclesiastical career. He ultimately joined the US Revenue Service, the forerunner of today's US Coast Guard. He mostly served in the waters of Alaska, attaining the rank of Captain and the Commanding Officer of the BEAR. The Coast Guard icebreaker, HEALY, is named in his honor.

We know little of the remaining Healy children except that three of the girls became nuns, with one of them attaining the rank of Mother Superior of her order.

Indeed the Healys were a distinguished Irish - American family.

____________

This is the problem. The Healy family was not black or African American. They were mixed whites and Irish American. No African American could have become Bishop of Portland, Maine or President of Georgetown University. It is dishonest to call the Healys "black" instead of Irish-American. They looked white and lived as Irish-Americans. The two siblings who married chose Irish-American spouses. Their descendants are all Irish-American and white. Enough said!

http://www.interracialvoice.com/powell8.html

A Good Book, and a Great Gift Item.......2002-07-19

Overall a very good book and a very scholarly work. The book's Introduction provides us a brief insight into O'Donnell's motive for embarking on this work:

This book ... is my answer to a question I've heard countless times in the past: Where can I find a book about the history of the Irish in America that is both accurate and accessible? My goal has been to write just such a book --- a fun yet factual look at the people and events that have marked Irish American history. I've brought to this task an inclusive approach that recognizes that Irish Americans always been characterized by an extraordinary diversity --- from religion to politics to class and identity. My inclusive approach has likewise led me to chronicle not simply the triumphs of Irish Americans, but also their failures.

I feel that in 1001 THINGS ..., O'Donnell met his goal!

I'm a regular reader of O'Donnell's weekly Hibernian Chronicle column in the Irish Echo. So his "easy to read and understand" writing style comes as no surprise to me. But the other user friendly features are: A sensible organization of 10 chapters; about 175 illustration or photographs; numbered entries, and a good index. Indeed the book is "accurate and accessible," and provides a handy reference to answer questions. Not only questions raised by others, but also questions that arise in one's mind while reading news accounts, books, watching films, etc.

I always rely on reading to reduce the ardors of travel. I001 THINGS ... is a perfect travel book. The individually numbered entries, in a flexible paperback book, are very compatible with "stop and go" reading in an airport terminal or in flight --- particularly in the 'hurry up and wait" environment of these post 9-11 days.

And the price? I purchased several copies because the price is reasonable, and it makes a great gift item. I generally trust my judgement. If I enjoy a book, the recipient of my gift probably will too.

I've read many reviews of 1001 THINGS ... All have been favorable. Overall I share that assessment.

But I'm a little disappointed about the omission of some notables.

The McCourts --- Frank, Malachy, and one or two other brothers we have yet to hear from --- are not mentioned. I first thought that perhaps O"Donnell only included personages no longer with us. But this doesn't appear to be the case. Live personages such as Michael Flatley, Jean Butler, The Berrigan brothers, and Ted Kennedy make the pages of 1000 THINGS ...

Then there is the omission of General O'Reilly, the second Spanish Governor of Louisiana. Yes, I was surprised too. Spain also ruled Louisiana. And a man with the decidedly Hispanic-Hibernian name of Alejandro O'Reilly was the second Spanish Governor of Louisiana. Indeed an interesting career in politics in the new world, for a descendant of a "Wild Geese" family.

The most unfortunate omission is the Healy family. In the early 1800s, Michael Healy, an Irish-born Georgia planter, purchased Mary Eliza, a mixed-race slave. Laws during the slavery era prohibited interracial marriages, but Michael and Mary Eliza carried out their family life as husband and wife. Their union produced 10 children. Three brothers entered the priesthood ---

James Healy was the first black American to be ordained a Roman Catholic priest. He later became Bishop of Portland Maine (certainly another first), where he provided distinguished leadership in pastoral work, education, social advocacy, and public welfare.

Sherwood Healy reportedly received a doctorate in Canon Law from the North American College in Rome in 1860.

Patrick Healy was ordained as a Jesuit priest, going on to serve as Georgetown University's prefect of studies from 1868 to 1878, and its president from 1873 to 1881 ---- the first African-American president of a predominantly white university. Healy Hall, one of Georgetown's major buildings is named in his honor.

Unlike his brothers, Michael Healy did not embark on an ecclesiastical career. He ultimately joined the US Revenue Service, the forerunner of today's US Coast Guard. He mostly served in the waters of Alaska, attaining the rank of Captain and the Commanding Officer of the BEAR. The Coast Guard icebreaker, HEALY, is named in his honor.

We know little of the remaining Healy children except that three of the girls became nuns, with one of them attaining the rank of Mother Superior of her order.

Indeed the Healys were a distinguished Irish - American family.

Aside from the omissions, 1001 THINGS ... is still a good book. I hope that O'Donnell will address the omissions with a future sequel to 1001 THINGS. Perhaps a suitable title might be ANOTHER 1001 THINGS EVERYONE SHOULD KNOW ABOUT IRISH AMERICAN HISTORY. In the meantime, I'll keep distributing the current version as suitable gifts to friends.

A lively, concise surveys of Irish-American experiences.......2002-04-11

Irish immigrants have played central roles in defining the American character and identity, sharing their history and resources for generations. 1001 Things Everyone Should Know About Irish American Historys provides lively, concise surveys of Irish-American experiences, including both ancient Irish history and religion to modern surveys of Irish lives. A historical timeline format by topic allows readers quick and easy access to Irish facts, biographies of notable figures, and events.

Things I didn't know!.......2002-03-28

I was able to borrow a copy from a friend. Now I think I may buy this book. The contributions of the Irish to our culture are so much wider and more meaningful that the trite and distorted leprachauns leaping around on St. Patrick's Day! And usually drunk at that. This book, written in a crisp and clear style, provides a refutation of that stereotype. It should be of interest to a much wider audience. Worth the money and time.

Outstanding overview of Irish Americans and their history.......2002-03-19

This is a very large well organized book about Irish Americans through history. There are many small articles about various people, organizations and historic events. St. Patrick's day and it's parades are well covered here, as is appropriate at this time. Listed also are: all presidents with Irish ancestry, Irish American politicians, inventors, war heroes, and just about anything interesting that concerns the Irish. A St. Pat's Day must read!!!

1001 Things Everyone Should Know about Irish American History

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1001 Things Everyone Should Know about Irish American History
Edward T. O'Donnell
Manufacturer: Broadway Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000PUDJ6C

Book Description

This volume of translated source materials from the late Roman Empire to the mid-15th century introduces students to the diversity of medieval culture, covering all aspects of medieval life--social, religious, economic, intellectual, institutional.

Customer Reviews:

Great.......2005-10-19

The book was in great condition, it was a older version then we used in class, but it stil works. It also arrived a little later then I was hoping for.

Professor Tierney's research pays off for you!.......2002-05-20

Brian Tierney has collected so many excellent primary sources. If you are interested in what people of that time thought about or wrote, by all means get anything by Tierney. If you are a history student or teacher, these gems will enliven the discussion in the classroom and will even challenge your ideas of modernity. Enjoy!

The Middle Ages Volume I: Sources of Medieval History, First Printing

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The Middle Ages Volume I: Sources of Medieval History, First Printing
Brian (Editor) Tierney
Manufacturer: Alfred A. Knopf
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000NCOGMI

Average customer rating:

The Middle Ages, Volume I, Sources of Medieval History
Brian Tierney
Manufacturer: McGraw-Hill Humanities/Social Sciences/Languages
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000OGK28A

Book Description

Computational Intelligence: A Logical Approach provides a unique and integrated introduction to artificial intelligence. It weaves a unifying theme--an intelligent agent acting in its environment-- through the core issues of AI, placing them into a coherent framework. Rather than giving a surface treatment of an overwhelming number of topics, it covers fundamental concepts in depth, providing a foundation on which students can build an understanding of modern AI. This logical approach clarifies and integrates representation and reasoning fundamentals, leading students from simple to complex ideas with clear motivation. The authors develop AI representation schemes and describe their uses for diverse applications, from autonomous robots to diagnostic assistants to infobots that find information in rich information sources. The authors' website (http://www.cs.ubc.ca/spider/poole/ci.html) offers extensive support for the text, including source code, interactive Java scripts, various pedagogical aids, and an interactive environment for developing and debugging knowledge bases. Ideal for upper-level undergraduate and introductory graduate courses in artificial intelligence, Computational Intelligence encourages students to explore, implement, and experiment with a series of progressively richer representations that capture the essential features of more and more demanding tasks and environments.

Customer Reviews:

Buy A Better Book.......2007-04-18

This is by far the worst book I've ever read in my college career. Throughout the entire book only two to three main examples are used. Many times the examples are not carried along through the text appropriately and the reader is referred back to previous pages with information that doesn't really help. And, I've found at least one instance where the reader is referred back to an example and then referred back yet again to a different page. Not good.

I would give this book less than one star if I could.

Good Book.......2006-07-25

This book takes a logical approach to artificial intelligence and it does a good and comprehensive job. Some of the criticism that it focuses on logic is, therefore, unfounded.

Cretenous........2005-11-20

The text is cretenous. Videlicet:

- Many critical concepts have their wording arranged in a rather obscure fashions. So many things could have been explained using a far simpler description.

- Almost all of the examples given use the exact same retarded office delivery robot context.

- There are no solutions provided to any of the problems at the end of each chapter. Thus, the problems serve absolutely no functional value whatsoever as training aids because they are unable to advise when the student errs.

- As the title suggests, the text only covers the logical approach to computational intelligence using Prolog and its various flavours. There are no examples of imperative implementations using, say, a genetic algorithm. While I have heard some say that having the theory will allow you to implement in any manner, I dismiss this as nonsense. If that was the case, it would be more rational to learn the material via languages like C and C++ that most are already familiar with, and then, if necessary, implement in Prolog or some other obscure language.

- This text would be fine if it were used only in survey courses where an intimate understanding of every detail was unnecessary. Sadly, it is used in upper level university AI courses.

- There is typically but one example provided for each concept. If the example doesn't make sense, the concept won't either unless you search in other books or on the internet for other examples using the same concepts.

- This book is far too expensive for what it is worth. I would suggest picking up a copy of "AI Techniques for Game Programmers". It doesn't waste any time with Prolog or any other purely academic radical development paradigms, but remains mindful of the real world.

shame on the Mackworth and Poole.......2004-01-27

I was a student of Dr. Poole's ( one of the co-authors ) at the University of British Columbia and was forced to use this textbook for two semesters. It is without doubt the worst textbook on any subject in Computer Science that I have ever read. The book is extremely vague and confusing on many important subjects. The book also uses unnecessarily complex wording to describe simple concepts .. at some times it is much like reading code.

Serves well as an introduction.......2001-11-18

Everything in this book used to be classified as artificial intelligence, but the authors have chosen to call it computational intelligence, arguing that it is the computational aspects of the subject that they want to emphasize. The book is very well written, and students and those interested in A.I. research and development will find it a helpful step to more involved studies.

The emphasis in the book is on intelligent agents, which the authors characterize in chapter one. Agents are viewed as black boxes that take in knowledge, past experiences, goals/values, and observations and output actions. They define what they call a representation and reasoning system consisting of a language to communicate to a computer, a methodology for giving meaning to this language, and a collection of procedures for computation. They also outline the three applications domains they will be developing in the book: an autonomous delivery robot, a diagnostic assistant, and an infobot.

The authors expand upon the representation and reasoning system in chapter 2 in terms that are familiar from mathematical logic and computer science. A formal language, a semantics, and a proof procedure are the three essentials of an RRS. All of these elements are discussed in great detail, and concrete examples are given for all the main concepts. Readers without any background in logic may find the reading difficult, but with some effort it could be read profitably. The authors do a good job of presenting material that is usually delegated to texts on formal computer science.

In chapter three, the authors show how representational knowledge can be used for domain representation, querying, and problem solving. This is done via an example of electrical house wiring and the PROLOG-astute reader will find the presentation very straightforward. But LISP programmers will also see its influence and the discussion on lists. An application is given in computational linguistics, namely that of definite clauses for context-free grammars.

A discussion of searching is given in chapter 4, in the context of potential partial solutions to a problem, with the hope that these will truly be real solutions for the problem at hand. Graph searching, blind search strategies, heuristic searching, and refinements of these are all discussed with great clarity. And, because of their importance in applications, dynamic programming and constraint classification problems are overviewed, albeit very briefly.

Chapter 5 turns to the topic of how to choose a representation langauge for knowledge. The authors detail the criteria for comparing different languages or logics in terms of expressiveness, worse-case complexity, and naturalness. Most important in this chapter is the discussion on qualitative versus quantitative representations.

This is followed in chapter 6 by a discussion of the user interactions to a knowledge-based system in terms of a meta-interpreter that produces knowledge acquistion, debugging, etc.

The next chapter shows how definite clause representation and reasoning systems can be extended to include the relation of equality and negation, and quantification of variables. This sets up naturally a discussion of first-order predicate calculus, but only a brief overview is given. A very short treatment of modal logic is given.

Chapter 8 considers agents that act and reason in time, with three representations given for reasoning about time. These are the STRIPS representation (developed at Stanford University), the situation calculus, and the event calculus. It is then shown how these can be used to reason and produce plans to achieve goals. Although brief, the discussion is very interesting, and the authors give good references for further reading.

The authors generalize their discussions to assumption-based reasoning in chapter 9, which up until this chapter has been restricted to reasoning from knowledge bases. Nonmonotonic reasoning is defined, along with abduction, which is a form of reasoning different from both deduction and induction, and which emphasizes hypothesis formation.

Chapter 10 considers the more realistic situation whre the agents have incomplete or uncertain knowledge. This naturally brings up a discussion of probability, which the authors define as the study of how knowledge affects belief. They distinguish between evidence and background knowledge, the latter which is stated in terms of conditional probabilities, the former characterized by what is true in the situation being studied. Belief networks are introduced as a graphical representation of conditional independence, these graphs being directed and also acyclic (the latter for reasons of causality). An algorithm for determining the posterior distribution of belief networks is given, and is based on the idea that a belief network specifies a factorization of the joint probability distribution. A brief overview of decision networks is also given.

The important topic of learning theory is overviewed in chapter 11. And, naturally, neural networks make their appearance here, although the discussion is very brief. PAC learning is also treated, as well as Bayesian learning. Unfortunately, the important field of inductive logic programming is not discussed, but some references are given.

The last chapter covers artificial purposive agents, otherwise known as robots. This is a vast subject, and only a general overview is given here, but the authors do a good job of showing how robots can be characterized within the concepts outlined in the book. Dynamical systems are used to represent the agent function for a robot. Readers familiar with the theory of dynamical systems will see the state transition function appear here in a more general context. The states of an agent at time t encode all of the information about its history. The state transition functions acts on the states and percepts, with the percepts playing the role of time in the usual dynamical system.

The appendices include a terminology list and a short introduction to PROLOG, along with a few examples of PROLOG code applied to some of the concepts in the book. Although very general, the inclusion of these examples are of further help in understanding the material in the book.

Average customer rating:
Computational Intelligence: A Logical Approach
Alan Mackworth, Randy Goebel David Poole
Manufacturer: Oxford University Press, USA
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000OKSAEO

Book Description

This digital document is an article from E, published by Earth Action Network, Inc. on July 1, 2004. The length of the article is 1032 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Citation Details
Title: Protecting Thailand's forests: exploring the village to ministry connection.(Currents)
Author: Mark Detsky
Publication: E (Magazine/Journal)
Date: July 1, 2004
Publisher: Earth Action Network, Inc.
Volume: 15 Issue: 4 Page: 16(3)

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