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Books in Social sciences and humanities

Quantifying Archaeology
1st Edition
May 19, 2014
Stephen Shennan
English
This book introduces archaeologists to the most important quantitative methods, from the initial description of archaeological data to techniques of multivariate analysis. These are presented in the context of familiar problems in archaeological practice, an approach designed to illustrate their relevance and to overcome the fear of mathematics from which archaeologists often suffer.
Current Issues in the Education of Students with Visual Impairments
1st Edition
Volume 46
May 19, 2014
English
International Review of Research in Developmental Disabilities is an ongoing scholarly look at research into the causes, effects, classification systems, and syndromes of developmental disabilities. Contributors come from wide-ranging perspectives, including genetics, psychology, education, and other health and behavioral sciences. The current volume, number 46, addresses current issues in the education of students with visual impairments. Topics covered include the expanded core curriculum for students with visual impairment; assistive technology; Braille reading comprehension; communication development; orientation and mobility issues, and more.
Science and the Second Renaissance of Europe
1st Edition
May 18, 2014
A. Danzin
English
Science and the Second Renaissance of Europe focuses on the role of science in the cultural, economic, and social fabric of Europe. This book analyzes Europe's situation in areas such as demography, economics, and technology and demonstrates its vulnerability where space is limited and the balance of the environment easily upset. It argues that Europe lacks the primary resources essential for its development and will soon be facing serious demographic problems, and proposes a suitable policy for scientific and technical research. This book is divided into three sections and begins with a discussion on what the European identity can be and a reflection on its long-term consequences. A balance sheet showing Europe's political situation, demography, geographical and economic data, and capacity for innovation is presented. The idea-forces of Western European culture are also considered. The second section is a plea for European development based on the strength of European culture and the abilities of the Europeans. In this framework, emphasis is placed on intellectual activities, activities in information dissemination and processing, and cooperation with developing countries. The third section outlines a plan for science and technology that could lead to a Second Renaissance in the European Community. This monograph will be a valuable resource for scientists and science policymakers.
British Trade Unions Today
The Commonwealth and International Library: Social Administration, Training, Economics and Production Division
1st Edition
May 18, 2014
Clive Jenkins + 1 more
R Brown + 2 more
English
British Trade Unions Today examines why a large percentage of the British population belongs to a trade union, how they do it, what they expect from their unions, and how the trade union movement affects their fellow citizens. The authors are full time trade union officials and this account derives from their personal experience and close observation. Both have been involved in the basic organization of workers, in efforts to improve working conditions, in collective bargaining; and both have participated as elected delegates in the major conferences of the trade union movement where national policy is decided. The book begins with a discussion of trade union organization in Britain. This is followed by separate chapters on the legal aspects of trade unions; achievements and purpose of trade unionism; the need for a national trade union center; and the election and selection of officers. Subsequent chapters cover trade union communications, publicity, and education; the collective bargaining process; union finances; and the future of the unions.
Introducing Comparative Education
1st Edition
May 18, 2014
A. R. Trethewey
English
Introducing Comparative Education aims to familiarize newcomers with comparative education as a field of study and to provide a continuing reference as people become more actively involved with comparative studies and the problems associated with developing them in rigorous and productive ways. The purposes and methods of comparative education are also discussed. Comprised of eight chapters, this book begins by presenting a neat, simple, and generally accepted definition of comparative education. The reader is then introduced to the history and development of comparative education; the purposes of comparative education; some of the pitfalls in trying to compare education or educational systems across cultural and national boundaries; and some of the alternative methods open to those who would like to develop studies in comparative education. The approaches associated with Isaac Kandel, Nicholas Hans, and G. Z. F. Bereday, Brian Holmes, Edmund King, Harold Noah, and Max Eckstein are considered. The book concludes with a listing of resources for teaching and learning. This monograph is intended for students and educators.
Mechanisms of Speech Recognition
International Series in Natural Philosophy
1st Edition
May 18, 2014
W. A. Ainsworth
D. Ter Haar
English
Mechanisms of Speech Recognition explores the mechanisms underlying speech recognition. Topics covered include the auditory system, speech production, auditory psychophysics, speech synthesis and analysis, vowel and consonant recognition, and perception of prosodic features and of distorted speech. Automatic speech recognition and models of speech recognition are also given consideration. This volume consists of 11 chapters and begins with an overview of speech recognition, communication, and production. More specifically, it examines the way in which the organs of the vocal apparatus are employed to transform a message consisting of a string of linguistic units, such as words or phonemes, into a wave of continuous sounds which are recognized as speech. The auditory system and its parts are then described, from the ears to the organ of Corti and nerve cells. The chapters that follow focus on the behavior of the hearing system, the various techniques of analyzing speech sounds, and speech synthesizers such as vocoders. The mechanisms underlying the recognition of vowels and consonants are also described, along with the physical parameters of the speech wave which signal the prosody of an utterance, the effects of distortions in the speech wave on speech perception, and tools used in automatic speech recognition. The book concludes with an evaluation of models of speech recognition. This book will be of interest to phoneticians, linguists, physiologists, psychologists, and physicists.
Selected Works of Mao Tse-Tung
Volume 4
1st Edition
May 18, 2014
Mao Tse-Tung
English
Selected Works of Mao Tse-Tung, Volume IV focuses on the views of Mao Tse-Tung on communism, revolution, civil war, and patriotism. The volume first ponders on China's policy following victory in the war of resistance against Japan and the response of Mao Tse-Tung on Chiang Kai-shek's meddling with the surrender of Japanese forces and his plans for a counter-revolutionar... civil war. The publication also takes a look at the role of rent reduction and production on the defense of liberated areas and the policy for work in the liberated areas. The book examines Mao Tse-Tung's call for his comrades to rise in arms against the leadership of Chiang Kai-shek, particularly taking note of the support that Chiang Kai-shek is getting from the United States. The text also elaborates on the concept of operations for the Liaohsi-Shenyang and Huai-hai campaigns; strengthening the party committee system; and the demand to include punishment for Japanese and Kuomintang war criminals. The volume is a dependable source of data for readers interested in the views of Mao Tse-Tung on communism, revolution, civil war, and patriotism.
Selected Works of Mao Tse-Tung
Volume 2
1st Edition
May 18, 2014
Mao Tse-Tung
English
Selected Works of Mao Tse-Tung, Volume II focuses on the thoughts of Mao Tse-Tung on revolution, communism, war tactics, national unity, and patriotism. The volume first discusses the policies, measures, and perspectives for resisting the invasion of Japan; mobilization of China's forces for victory in the war of resistance; and tasks following the establishment of Kuomintang-communist co-operation. The publication also takes a look at the situation and tasks in the anti-Japanese war following the fall of Shanghai and Taiyuan, including the opposition to class capitulationism and the relation between class and national capitulationism. The book examines the problems of strategy in the guerilla war against Japan and the establishment of base areas. Considerations include types and conditions for establishing base areas and expansion of base areas. The text also ponders on the role of the Chinese Communist Party in the national war, as well as patriotism and internationalism, party discipline and democracy, and expansion of the communist party and prevention of infiltration by enemy agents. The volume is a dependable source of data for readers interested in the philosophy of Mao Tse-Tung on communism, war, revolution, and patriotism.
Community Associations and Centres
A Comparative Study
1st Edition
May 18, 2014
Alan C. Twelvetrees
English
Community Associations and Centres: A Comparative Study is a comparative study of four community associations and centers in Edinburgh, Scotland (Sighthill, Leith, Pentland, and Pilton). The place of community associations against the much wider background of social change is examined, paying particular attention to issues such as whether the community association is a response to the decline of other social institutions such as the churches. Comprised of 12 chapters, this book first provides an overview of community associations and community work before focusing on community associations in Scotland in general and in Edinburgh in particular. The evolution of community associations in Sighthill, Leith, Pentland, and Pilton is then considered, along with the role of local authorities in encouraging the growth of community associations. Subsequent chapters deal with patterns of membership and attendance in community associations as well as financial arrangements; purposes and activities; the leadership factor in the development of a community association; problems of communication and organizational structure; and the need for professional staff. This monograph will be of interest to social historians, sociologists, social policymakers, and community workers.
Education, Culture and Politics in Modern France
Society, School, and Progress Series
1st Edition
May 18, 2014
W. D. Halls
Edmund J. King
English
Education, Culture and Politics in Modern France is concerned with the interrelationships among educational theory and practice, culture, and politics in France, with emphasis on the process of educational change during the first fifteen years of the Fifth Republic. This book presents a contemporary history of education in France and examines the debate about its schools and universities, as well as some of the underlying factors that account for the passion of the argument. This monograph argues that a new view of culture—defined as all the artefacts of men, whether these be material objects or their thoughts, ideas, beliefs and opinions—has enlarged the narrower, more literary concept that has swayed French education for 170 years. The discussions are organized around historical and cultural aspects; administration, finance and planning; schools, teachers, and society; and the politics of education. Government policies and school administration in France are analyzed, together with planning and budgeting for education; social factors in schooling; and the reform of higher education. Politics and education from 1958 to 1968 and since 1968 are also discussed. This text will be a useful resource for educators, politicians, sociologists, and political scientists as well as policymakers in the fields of education, culture, and politics.

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