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The Wrong Ape for Early Human Origins examines ways in which the chimpanzee referential model has exerted a primary influence on evolutionary theory, dominating portraits of proto- and early human social life, and in the broader sense, of human nature itself. Evidence on which this model is based is revisited, along with new cross-disciplinary findings that point to alternative scenarios for hominin phylogeny, ecology and subsistence, primeval kinship, cognition and language, and the respective roles played by aggression and cooperation as evolutionary drivers. Recent advances in phylogenetics, evolutionary biology, and new additions to the fossil record are rendering linear, monotypic models obsolete. Contemporary theories on species divergence and change over time are shifting attention from ancient genotypes to factors that influence gene expression, and from innate prescriptive behaviors to epigenesis and the capacity for behavioral plasticity. This broader platform has the potential to fundamentally revise current notions about the basic nature, phenotypic traits, and lifeways of ancestral humans. It informs a different profile of our progenitors—one that reflects greater ecological bandwidth, reliance on creative niche construction, and hominin agency in the structuring of ancient reproductive and social groups.

What set our ancestors off on a separate evolutionary trajectory was the ability to flex their reproductive and social strategies in response to changing environmental conditions. Exploring new cross-disciplinary research that links this capacity to critical changes in the organization of the primate brain, Social DNA presents a new synthesis of ideas on human social origins – challenging models that trace our beginnings to traits shaped by ancient hunting economies, or to genetic platforms shared with contemporary apes.

The Complete, Modern Guide to Developing Well-Performing Signal Processing Algorithms In Fundamentals of Statistical Signal Processing, Volume III: Practical Algorithm Development, author Steven M. Kay shows how to convert theories of statistical signal processing estimation and detection into software algorithms that can be implemented on digital computers. This final volume of Kay's three-volume guide builds on the comprehensive theoretical coverage in the first two volumes. Here, Kay helps readers develop strong intuition and expertise in designing well-performing algorithms that solve real-world problems. Kay begins by reviewing methodologies for developing signal processing algorithms, including mathematical modeling, computer simulation, and performance evaluation. He links concepts to practice by presenting useful analytical results and implementations for design, evaluation, and testing. Next, he highlights specific algorithms that have “stood the test of time,” offers realistic examples from several key application areas, and introduces useful extensions. Finally, he guides readers through translating mathematical algorithms into MATLAB® code and verifying solutions. Topics covered include Step by step approach to the design of algorithms Comparing and choosing signal and noise models Performance evaluation, metrics, tradeoffs, testing, and documentation Optimal approaches using the “big theorems” Algorithms for estimation, detection, and spectral estimation Complete case studies: Radar Doppler center frequency estimation, magnetic signal detection, and heart rate monitoring Exercises are presented throughout, with full solutions. This new volume is invaluable to engineers, scientists, and advanced students in every discipline that relies on signal processing; researchers will especially appreciate its timely overview of the state of the practical art. Volume III complements Dr. Kay's Fundamentals of Statistical Signal Processing, Volume I: Estimation Theory (Prentice Hall, 1993; ISBN-13: 978-0-13-345711-7), and Volume II: Detection Theory (Prentice Hall, 1998; ISBN-13: 978-0-13-504135-2).

Group Technology and Cellular Manufacturing (GT/CM) have been widely-researched areas in the past 15 years and much progress has been made in all branches of GT/CM. Resulting from this research activity has been a proliferation of techniques for part-machine grouping, engineering data bases, expert system-based design methods for identifying part families, new analytical and simulation tools for evaluating performance of cells, new types of cell incorporating robotics and flexible automation, team-based approaches for organizing the work force and much more; however, the field lacks a careful compilation of this research and its outcomes. The editors of this book have commissioned leading researchers and implementers to prepare specific treatments of topics for their special areas of expertise in this broad-based philosophy of manufacturing. The editors have sought to be global both in coverage of topic matters and contributors. Group Technology and Cellular Manufacturing addresses the needs and interests of three groups of individuals in the manufacturing field: academic researchers, industry practitioners, and students. (1) The book provides an up-to-date perspective, incorporating the advances made in GT/CM during the past 15 years. As a natural extension to this research, it synthesizes the latest industry practices and outcomes to guide research to greater real-world relevance. (2) The book makes clear the foundations of GT/CM from the core elements of new developments which are aimed at reducing developmental and manufacturing lead times, costs, and at improving business quality and performance. (3) Finally, the book can be used as a textbook for graduate students in engineering and management for studying the field of Group Technology and Cellular Manufacturing.

The rules in business are more flexible than ever before. That means it's actually harder to know what's appropriate at any time. Fortunately the keys to conducting yourself at internal or client meetings, at any given time, are still understanding, kindness and courtesy. Make sure you know how to represent yourself and your company in any situation.

Understanding student and teacher motivation and developing strategies to foster motivation for students at all levels of performance are essential to effective teaching. This text is designed to help prospective and practicing teachers achieve these goals. Its premise is that current research and theory about motivation offer hope and possibilities for educators —teachers, parents, coaches, and administrators—to enhance motivation for achievement. The orientation draws primarily on social-cognitive perspectives that have generated much research relevant to classroom practice. Ideal for any course that is dedicated to, or includes coverage of, motivation and achievement, the text focuses on two key roles teachers play in supporting and cultivating motivation in the classroom: establishing the classroom structure and instruction that provides the environment for optimal motivation, engagement, and learning; and helping students develop the tools that will enable them to be self-regulated learners and develop their potential.Pedagogical features aid the understanding of concepts and the application to practice: Strategy boxes present guidelines and strategies for using the various concepts. Exhibit boxes include forms for different purposes (for example, goal setting), examples of teacher beliefs and practices, and samples of student work. Reflection boxes stimulate readers'thinking about motivational issues inherent in the topics, their experiences, and their beliefs. A motivational toolbox at the end of each chapter helps readers identify important points to think about, lingering questions, strategies to use now, and strategies to develop in the future. NEW IN THE THIRD EDITION Updated research and new topics are added throughout as warranted by current inquiry in the field. Chapters are reorganized to provide more coherence and to account for new findings. New and updated material is included on issues of educational reform, standards for achievement, and high-stakes testing, and on achievement goal theory, especially regarding performance goals and the distinction between performance-approach and performance-avoidance goals as relevant to classroom practice.

Understanding student and teacher motivation and developing strategies to foster motivation for students at all levels of performance are essential to effective teaching. This text is designed to help prospective and practicing teachers achieve these g