Applications of Systems Approaches at the Field Level
Applications of Systems Approaches at the Field Level

Author: M.J. Kropff

Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media

Published: 2013-11-11

Total Pages: 463

ISBN-13: 9401707545

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Systems approaches for agricultural development are needed to determine rational strategies for the role of agriculture in national development. Mathematical models and computer simulation provide objective tools for applying science to determine and evaluate options for resource management at field, farm and regional scales. However, these tools would not be fully utilizable without incorporating social and economic dimensions into their application. The second international symposium, Systems Approaches for Agricultural Development (SAAD), held in Los Baños, 6-8 December 1995, fostered this link between the biophysical sciences and the social sciences in the selection of keynote papers and oral presentations, a selection of which are included in these books. The contents further reflect how systems approaches have definitely moved beyond the research mode into the application mode. The large number and high quality of interdisciplinary research projects reported from different parts of the globe, to determine land use options that will meet multiple goals and yet sustain natural resource bases, is a key indicator of this `coming of age'. At the farm level, where trade-off decisions between processes and products (commodities) feature strongly, much progress is also evident in the development of systems-based tools for decision making. At the field level optimization of resource use and minimizing environmental effects has become of major concern for which systems approaches are indispensable. The books, of which Volume I deals with regional and farm studies level and Volume II with field level studies, will be of particular interest to all agricultural scientists and planners, as well as students interested in multidisciplinary and holistic approaches to agricultural development.

A Level Playing Field
A Level Playing Field

Author: Gerald L. Early

Publisher: Harvard University Press

Published: 2011-04-29

Total Pages: 282

ISBN-13: 0674050983

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The noted cultural critic Gerald Early explores the intersection of race and sports, and our deeper, often contradictory attitudes toward the athletes we glorify. What desires and anxieties are encoded in our worship of (or disdain for) high-performance athletes? What other, invisible contests unfold when we watch a sporting event?

Can College Level the Playing Field?
Can College Level the Playing Field?

Author: Sandy Baum

Publisher: Princeton University Press

Published: 2022-05-17

Total Pages: 264

ISBN-13: 0691210934

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Why higher education is not a silver bullet for eradicating economic inequality and social injustice We often think that a college degree will open doors to opportunity regardless of one’s background or upbringing. In this eye-opening book, two of today’s leading economists argue that higher education alone cannot overcome the lasting effects of inequality that continue to plague us, and offer sensible solutions for building a more just and equitable society. Sandy Baum and Michael McPherson document the starkly different educational and social environments in which children of different races and economic backgrounds grow up, and explain why social equity requires sustained efforts to provide the broadest possible access to high-quality early childhood and K–12 education. They dismiss panaceas like eliminating college tuition and replacing the classroom experience with online education, revealing why they fail to provide better education for those who need it most, and discuss how wages in our dysfunctional labor market are sharply skewed toward the highly educated. Baum and McPherson argue that greater investment in the postsecondary institutions that educate most low-income and marginalized students will have a bigger impact than just getting more students from these backgrounds into the most prestigious colleges and universities. While the need for reform extends far beyond our colleges and universities, there is much that both academic and government leaders can do to mitigate the worst consequences of America’s deeply seated inequalities. This book shows how we can address the root causes of social injustice and level the playing field for students and families before, during, and after college.

Advanced Industrial Control Technology
Advanced Industrial Control Technology

Author: Peng Zhang

Publisher: William Andrew

Published: 2010-08-26

Total Pages: 866

ISBN-13: 1437778089

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Control engineering seeks to understand physical systems, using mathematical modeling, in terms of inputs, outputs and various components with different behaviors. It has an essential role in a wide range of control systems, from household appliances to space flight. This book provides an in-depth view of the technologies that are implemented in most varieties of modern industrial control engineering. A solid grounding is provided in traditional control techniques, followed by detailed examination of modern control techniques such as real-time, distributed, robotic, embedded, computer and wireless control technologies. For each technology, the book discusses its full profile, from the field layer and the control layer to the operator layer. It also includes all the interfaces in industrial control systems: between controllers and systems; between different layers; and between operators and systems. It not only describes the details of both real-time operating systems and distributed operating systems, but also provides coverage of the microprocessor boot code, which other books lack. In addition to working principles and operation mechanisms, this book emphasizes the practical issues of components, devices and hardware circuits, giving the specification parameters, install procedures, calibration and configuration methodologies needed for engineers to put the theory into practice. Documents all the key technologies of a wide range of industrial control systems Emphasizes practical application and methods alongside theory and principles An ideal reference for practicing engineers needing to further their understanding of the latest industrial control concepts and techniques

Track & Field Coaching Essentials
Track & Field Coaching Essentials

Author: USA Track & Field

Publisher: Human Kinetics

Published: 2014-11-10

Total Pages: 368

ISBN-13: 145048932X

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Leading USATF coaches present event-specific technical instruction and training regimens in this official level 1 text of USA Track & Field’s coach education program. Experts in sport psychology, physiology, and biomechanics provide coaches knowledge and applications to improve athletes’ performance.

Network World
Network World

Author:

Publisher:

Published: 1996-03-11

Total Pages: 108

ISBN-13:

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For more than 20 years, Network World has been the premier provider of information, intelligence and insight for network and IT executives responsible for the digital nervous systems of large organizations. Readers are responsible for designing, implementing and managing the voice, data and video systems their companies use to support everything from business critical applications to employee collaboration and electronic commerce.

FileMaker Pro 13: The Missing Manual
FileMaker Pro 13: The Missing Manual

Author: Susan Prosser

Publisher: "O'Reilly Media, Inc."

Published: 2014-06-27

Total Pages: 1291

ISBN-13: 1491901853

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You don’t need a technical background to build powerful databases with FileMaker Pro 13. This crystal-clear guide covers all new FileMaker Pro 13 features, such as its improved layout tools and enhanced mobile support. Whether you’re running a business, printing a catalog, or planning a wedding, you’ll learn how to customize your database to run on a PC, Mac, Web browser, or iOS device. The important stuff you need to know: Get started. Tour FileMaker Pro’s features and create your first database in minutes. Access data anywhere. Use FileMaker Go on your iPad or iPhone—or share data on the Web. Dive into relational data. Solve problems quickly by connecting and combining data tables. Create professional documents. Publish reports, invoices, catalogs, and other documents with ease. Harness processing power. Use calculations and scripts to crunch numbers, search text, and automate tasks. Add visual power and clarity. Create colorful charts to illustrate and summarize your data. Share your database on a secure server. Add the high-level features of FileMaker Pro Advanced and FileMaker Pro Server.