Database in Depth: Relational Theory for Practitioners Review

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(More customer reviews)Over the last week or so, I've been reading C. J. Date's book Database In Depth - Relational Theory for Practitioners (O'Reilly). While it's a well-done title, it's the type of book I have a hard time reading...
Contents:
Introduction; Relations Versus Types; Tuples And Relations; Relation Variables; Relational Algebra; Integrity Constraints; Database Design Theory; What Is The Relational Model?; A Little Bit Of Logic; Suggestions For Further Reading; Index
C. J. Date, along with E. F. Codd (the acknowledged "father" of relational database theory), are probably the two most influential individuals in this field. Much of what we know and practice in today's RDBMS packages all goes back to the work these two have done. Rather than write a textbook style discussion of the finer points of database theory, Date has used this book to update some of his thinking and to consolidate a number of his talks and writings of late. For serious students of relational database concepts, I'd consider this the latest "must read" to keep up with current thinking by one of the masters.
Having said that, I had a hard time slogging through the material. I tend to gravitate to technical reading material that is practical and understandable. Debates over finer points of arcane minutia will cause me to zone out quickly. Unfortunately, I felt that way through a lot of this book. There is a lot of solid technical material here, and it's definitely geared towards serious readers. Date doesn't have a lot of kind words to say about how database vendors have implemented the relational model, nor does he feel SQL is a good thing. I, on the other hand, figure the packages are what they are, and you had better learn to use them to create the systems needed by your customers. That's probably why I'm a developer and not a system architect. Reading a number of pages on why Date and Codd disagree on whether nulls are valid or allowed doesn't do much for me. They're there, you need to understand them, and then you need to move on. Another hard part for me was the heavy emphasis on mathematical proofs and such. Since I don't have that type of background, I'm quickly lost...
Even though I wasn't completely enamored with the book, I still think it is a good title. For the right reader, this will be material that they will benefit from. For the average person who got training on Oracle or DB2 and understand basic relational database theory, this may be a bit more difficult to get through...

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This book sheds light on the principles behind the relational model, which is fundamental to all database-backed applications--and, consequently, most of the work that goes on in the computing world today.Database in Depth: The Relational Model for Practitioners goes beyond the hype and gets to the heart of how relational databases actually work.

Ideal for experienced database developers and designers, this concise guide gives you a clear view of the technology--a view that's not influenced by any vendor or product.Featuring an extensive set of exercises, it will help you:

understand why and how the relational model is still directly relevant to modern database technology (and will remain so for the foreseeable future)
see why and how the SQL standard is seriously deficient
use the best current theoretical knowledge in the design of their databases and database applications
make informed decisions in their daily database professional activities
Database in Depth will appeal not only to database developers and designers, but also to a diverse field of professionals and academics, including database administrators (DBAs), information modelers, database consultants, and more.Virtually everyone who deals with relational databases should have at least a passing understanding of the fundamentals of working with relational models.
Author C.J. Date has been involved with the relational model from its earliest days.An exceptionally clear-thinking writer, Date lays out principle and theory in a manner that is easily understood. Few others can speak as authoritatively the topic of relational databases as Date can.

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The Practical Performance Analyst Review

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(More customer reviews)If understanding and managing computer systems performance is in your job description and you can only buy two books, this is one of the two (the other is Raj Jain's, "The Art of Computer Systems Performance..."). Neil Gunther's book is not just another tome on queueing theory. Immediately useful methods and formulas are presented in the context of real problems. The two chapters on instability in systems and scaling of multiprocessor systems alone make the book worth its price. Readers need to know that there is some math in the book (there is just no escaping it) and that some of the cited vendor products are becoming dated. The Web site associated with the book contains many items of current interest, an errata sheet correcting minor errors in the book, and downloadable programs related to performance evaluation.

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Object-Process Methodology Review

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(More customer reviews)I have used many methodologies over my career. Most of them are based around the object-oriented and structured design paradigms. I found out about OPM quite by accident about a year ago. I've been using it ever since. I have used it to model both hardware and software systems, as well as for business process modeling. It is an excellent methodology and I recommend it for anyone developing any kind of system.
One of the nice things about OPM is that it is easy: I was able to get a team "up-and-running" with the methodology in less than an hour of teaching them some basic concepts (try doing that with UML). Another feature is that you can use this for any type of project; you are not locked into a structured or object-oriented mindset like structured analysis or UML. OPM can handle both types of concepts with ease.
Finally, this methodology is fast. It is just easier and more intuitive to model in an OPM fashion. I've also found that others can comprehend the OPM models better than other methodologies too.
I used to be a UML advocate until I found OPM. I have found concepts that are difficult to model in UML are quite easy to model in OPM. It is just more flexible.
The book is really good by the way. It is very complete and gives plenty of good exammples. I congratulate Dov Dori and his team for providing something that all engineering disciplines can use to design their systems.

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Object-Process Methodology (OPM) is an intuitive approach to systems engineering. This book presents the theory and practice of OPM with examples from various industry segments and engineering disciplines, as well as daily life. OPM is a generic, domain independent approach that is applicable almost anywhere in systems engineering.

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The Frailty Model (Statistics for Biology and Health) Review

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(More customer reviews)The authors are academics who have done serious research in survival analysis and are very familiar with frailty models. The topic comes up when time to event data for one event is correlated with the time to event data for another or other events. This topic is sometimes referred to a subject in multivariate survival analysis or the analysis of clustered survival data.
As a professional biostatistician with a keen interest in survival models I have attended professional meetings in recent years and heard the term Frailty Model mentioned but I didn't know what it was. There of course is the natural connotation of weakness as in a feeble or frail person. But the actual formal dtatisticial meaning was a mystery. Other books that I am very familar with deal in part with frailty models but this is to my knowledge the first serious text dedicated to this topic. It also covers related methods to accomplish the same goal such as copulas (another term common in recent books and literature but one I was not familiar with either). For example Philip Hougaard wrote the first advanced text on multivariate survival models and covers parametric forms of frailty models. Klein and Moeschberger wrote a generaal survival analysis book that includes a chapter on semi-parameric fraility models. It showa how the EM algorithm is used to estimate parameters of the models. Ibrahim and colleague wrote a book on Bayesian methods in survival analysis and cover the Bayesian approach to both semi-parametric and parametric fraility models. Therneau and Grambsch wrote a recent book on the Cox proportional hazard model and its extensions. It included information on semi-parametric frailty models using the penalized partial likelihood approach to estimation.
This book is a well-written introduction to fraility models that includes all these methods provides real world examples and good explanations on how to interpret the results. The examples are illustrated using the freeware language R. This book could serve as either an undergraduate or graduate text in statistical methods and is a great reference for biostatisticians.

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Readers will find in the pages of this book a treatment of the statistical analysis of clustered survival data. Such data are encountered in many scientific disciplines including human and veterinary medicine, biology, epidemiology, public health and demography. A typical example is the time to death in cancer patients, with patients clustered in hospitals. Frailty models provide a powerful tool to analyze clustered survival data. In this book different methods based on the frailty model are described and it is demonstrated how they can be used to analyze clustered survival data. All programs used for these examples are available on the Springer website.

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Calibration and Orientation of Cameras in Computer Vision (Springer Series in Information Sciences) Review

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(More customer reviews)This book presents two approaches for camera calibration. The first approach explains the photogrammetric principles of camera calibration. The second one explains the computer vision point of view. Photogrammetry by its very nature aims at rigorous modeling from images. Therefore, the physical and the geometric aspects of camera calibration are treated in great depth. In addition, the random component associated with the observed information is treated in a correct statistical sense. The collinearity model is central to most of the photogrammetric calibration algorithms. On the other hand, computer vision algorithms, in general, mainly concentrate on producing quick and fast algorithms to comply with the nature of their applications. Linear models are the driving force behind most of these algorithms. There is a great synergy between the two approaches if it exploited with a deep understanding. Well-known researchers in photogrammetry and computer vision author this book. I recommend this book.

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This book brings together concepts and approaches from the fields of photogrammetry and computer vision. In particular, it examines techniques relating to quantitative image analysis, such as orientation, camera modelling, system calibration, self-calibration and error handling. The chapters have been contributed by experts in the relevant fields, and there are examples from automated inspection systems and other real-world cases. The book provides study material for students, researchers, developers and practitioners.

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GIS and Archaeological Site Location Modeling Review

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(More customer reviews)The list of reasons as to why a computer couldn't predict the location of an archaeological site covers at least a page of small type: we don't know where the water was in those times, we don't know the soil type in those days, we don't know the cultural or social values of the time and how they might have influenced site location.
In spite of this, the advent of ever better GIS software and higher performance computers have lead researchers around the world to being using GIS in a predictive manner to help identify potential sites worth investigating.
This book is a summary of research conducted around the world by people attempting to do just that. GIS can of course be used to map teraine and other features such as springs, both those flowing now and those from the past that have left traces. Combining these data with prediction equasions developed by the researcher have produced some interesting studies that point to success.
The book has a series of contributors from around the world: France, Greece, UK, Slovenia, Australia and of course many different organizations in the U.S. This book represents the state of the art in the field as it is known today.

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Although archaeologists are using GIS technology at an accelerating rate, publication of their work has not kept pace. A state-of-the-art exploration the subject, GIS and Archaeological Site Location Modeling pulls together discussions of theory and methodology, scale, data, quantitative methods, and cultural resource management and uses location models and case studies to illustrate these concepts. This book, written by a distinguished group of international authors, reassesses the practice of predictive modeling as it now exists and examines how it has become useful in new ways.
A guide to spatial procedures used in archaeology, the book provides a comprehensive treatment of predictive modeling. It draws together theoretical models and case studies and explains how modeling may be applied to future projects. The book illustrates the various aspects of academic and practical applications of predictive modeling. It also discusses the need to assess the reliability of the results and the implications of reliability assessment on the further development of predictive models.
Of the books available on GIS, some touch on archaeological applications but few cover the topic in such depth. Both up to date and containing case studies from a wide range of geographical locations including Europe, the USA, and Australia, this book sets a baseline for future developments.

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Simulation and Event Modeling for Game Developers Review

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(More customer reviews)This book provides an introduction to some of the basic concepts
involved in using simulation as a part of computer applications and
games. Its content is both conceptual and practical. Conceptually, it
provides extended discussions of some of the theory that might be involved
in simulation design. The theory in part relates to literary and
sociological approaches to cultural criticism, so if you do not do much
reading in this area, you will find the language fairly strange. The
vocabulary goes beyond anything you'll ever find in a standard book on
programming (iconic logic, hermeneutics, phenomenology, and so on). On
a practical level the book provides several MS Studio projects that put
the concepts to use. In most of the chapters it provides extended
discussions of C++ and DirectX, and in this respect it is helpful to
beginning programmers. The last chapter includes a C# project that can
be used for testing games. The testing theory is supported by software
included with SmartDraw.

One of the games included with the book is called Gold Finder. It is a
good start if you want to create a 3-D game. It is complete, so you
can play it and then start modifying it. It includes a 3-D model of a
man. You control the model as it walks around a world and searches for
gold. The book provides a 2-D simulation that shows how a big
retail store can wipe out local economies. If you do not like criticism
of the way corporations do this sort of thing, then you will probably
not like this chapter. The authors don't try to force anything on you,
however. The book also includes a 2-D simulation of a forest fire. The
best thing to do is start with these projects and remake them for
yourself. The authors try to discuss the software in both theoretical
and practical terms so that you can work with it to conceptualize what
you are doing while programming. There are software packages you can
buy to do this sort of thing, but through this approach, you get a chance
to build programs from scratch using Direct X , C++, and C#.

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"Simulation and Event Modeling for Game Developers" addresses the urgent need a for practical, hands-on introduction to developing event models and simulations for computer games. This book provides a comprehensive introduction for understanding, designing, programming, and testing software for models and simulations. Readers will begin with an introduction to the conceptual foundations of simulation and how to gather requirements and design software for simulation. From there, the reader covers a C++/DirectX framework that can be used to develop simulations and learns how to set up worlds and entities for simulation. Readers will also examine AI, physics, and environments for event simulation as well as the development of models for simulating entire systems, such as floods and traffic flows. The book wraps up with coverage of testing simulation software. Throughout, the book provides numerous working examples readers can recreate or run as demonstrations and exposes readers to practical and theoretical considerations involved in the planning, development, and testing of games and system model. Each chapter emphasizes a hand-on approach to learning.

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Statistical Methods in Counterterrorism: Game Theory, Modeling, Syndromic Surveillance, and Biometric Authentication Review

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(More customer reviews)After the 9/11 terrorist attack using commercial airplanes to crash into the pentagon and the world trade center buildings, statisticians among other found their way into developing tools to deal with the such problems. This book is an edited volume of of statistical researchers effort at solving some specific problems addressing potential terrorist attacks and finding ways to prevent future occurrences. Of the topics included are 1. game theory and risk taking, 2. biometric authentication (a pattern recognition technique for matching signatures, 3. matching faces for identification of terriorists using fake identification, 4. and DNA among other things.
Many well known statisticians from RAND, the Naval Postgraduate School, the National Institute of Science and Technology, Los Alamos National Laboratory and some academic institutions present papers on a variety of topics including game theory, biometric authentification, aggregated algorithms, syndromic surveillance, pattern recognition, simulation studies and other counterterrorism approaches.
This book is the first of its kind and it really shows how statistics can play a major role as analytic tools for counterterrorism.

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With the realization that many clues and hints preceded the September 11 terrorist attacks, statisticians became an important part of the global war on terror. This book surveys emerging research at the intersection of national security and statistical sciences. In it, a diverse group of talented researchers address such topics as Syndromic Surveillance; Modeling and Simulation; Biometric Authentication; and Game Theory. The book includes general reviews of quantitative approaches to counterterrorism, for decision makers with policy backgrounds, as well as technical treatments of statistical issues that will appeal to quantitative researchers.

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Data Modeling Made Simple: A Practical Guide for Business & Information Technology Professionals Review

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(More customer reviews)For over a year I'm looking for a good book to help business analysts to understand data models drawn by others and to train them in creating basic data models needed to cover business needs. I found a lot of good books but all too heavy, too many pages, too detailed and very nice if you want to become a real heavy duty data-guru. There is absolutely nothing wrong with data gurus, every organization needs a few of those, but it needs quite a few more of the 'casual' modellers. This book .. not too big.. a good read.. and even better reread.. It contains exactly everything that is needed for those modellers.
So, if you're a Business Analyst, Information Manager and need a good understanding of Data Modelling, even occasionally need to make one yourself, without having to spend years in training: buy this book..


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Ever have a bad data day? If you're a business user, architect, analyst, designer or developer, then you've probably had some bad data days. It comes with the territory. Overcoming these problems is much easier if you have an in-depth understanding of the actual data. That's where a data model comes in handy. It's a diagram that uses text and symbols to represent groupings of data, giving you a clear picture of your business and application environment. Data Modeling Made Simple provides the tools you need to read, create and validate models of your business and applications.

This book contains everything about modeling you need to know but were too afraid to ask, such as:
-What are the traditional and nontraditional uses of a data model?
-How do subject area, logical, and physical data models differ?
-When do I build a BSAM, ASAM, or CSAM?
-What is the easiest way to apply normalization?
-Where can I best leverage abstraction?
-How do I decide whether to use denormalization or dimensionality?
-What are primary, foreign, alternate, virtual, and surrogate keys?
-What is the best approach to building the models?
-How can I use the Scorecard system to validate a data model?

Plus over 30 exercises to reinforce concepts and sharpen your skills!

Reviews:
"What a great book—and a fun read too! Steve has captured the essence of data modeling and made it simple. For those who are not data modelers but need to work with them, this book is an excellent primer. For those who model data occasionally but not routinely, it is an invaluable quick reference. And for those of us who are experienced (and incorrigible) data modelers, Data Modeling Made Simple is a terrific reminder that we really can keep it simple!"
David Wells, Director of Education, Data Warehousing Institute

"An excellent introduction from someone who knows his subject and knows how to teach it"
Graeme Simsion, University of Melbourne

"Data Modeling Made Simple is a must read for all professionals new to data modeling as well as those that want to ‘speak the language' and understand the concepts.Steve writes as though he is right there with you, walking you through the terminology, explaining the symbols, and telling you what you should consider doing before, during and after you have modeled your data."
Robert S. Seiner, President, KIK Consulting & Educational Services, LLC andPublisher of The Data Administration Newsletter, tdan.com

"Data Modeling Made Simple is an excellent training guide for anyone entering the data modeling field. Steve Hoberman takes the fundamental concepts of data modeling and presents them in an easy to understand and entertaining manner that I'm sure you will find valuable."
David Marco, President, EWSolutions

"How does one who is not a formally trained ‘data modeler' understand the basics of data modeling?Steve Hoberman has created an informative, fun, easy to follow, and practical book sharing data modeling concepts which are essential for any professional involved in information technology. Mr. Hoberman clearly answers key questions behind the what, why and how of data modeling and reinforces the explanations with appropriate examples, analogies and exercises."
Len Silverston, Best-Selling Author of The Data Model Resource Book, Volumes 1 and 2

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Expert Trading Systems: Modeling Financial Markets with Kernel Regression Review

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(More customer reviews)The book is actually quite good and Kernel Regression might very well be a good modelling technique. What destroys much of the credibility is that the author is actually the founder of a company that produces KR software. This fact isn't mentioned ANYWHERE in the book. The author just HAPPENS to use a specific software in all his examples. Guess what software? You have to go to the company website to find the connection.
If we set that aside, the book is well written and interesting. Not for the math impaired, though. University level math and statistics needed to be enjoyed in full.

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With the proliferation of computer programs to predict market direction, professional traders and sophisticated individual investors have increasingly turned to mathematical modeling to develop predictive systems. Kernel regression is a popular data modeling technique that can yield useful results fast.Provides data modeling methodology used to develop trading systems.* Shows how to design, test, and measure the significance of resultsJohn R. Wolberg (Haifa, Israel) is professor of mechanical engineering at the Haifa Institute in Israel. He does research and consulting in data modeling in the financial services area.

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Modeling a Character in 3DS Max, Second Edition (Wordware Game Developer's Library) Review

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(More customer reviews)I purchased this book after skimming it over in a local store. I wish I had taken a closer look at it. I just came off a 2 week break from work and school. During my break I decided to work on a new model and following along with Mr. Steed's book. This turned out to be frustration hell. The methods in his book are fine if you are into wasting alot of time. Boolean and splines to make a simple character like the one in his book actually doubles your work. You wind up wasting more time cleaning up the errors from following his tutorial. Why he didn't demonstrate the way MOST people in the industry model, which is box modeling, is beyond me. He basicly tries to reinvent the wheel. I found much better tutorials for FREE on the web. Save yourself from learning bad modeling techniques. I happen to also know that Paul Steed DOES NOT model the way presented in the book. This should raise a red flag or two.

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In this update to his best-selling character modeling book, professional modeler and animator Paul Steed shares a number of tips, tricks, and techniques that have made him one of the industry s most recognized 3D artists. Modeling a Character in 3ds max, Second Edition provides readers a professional-level skill set as it chronicles the creation of a single low-poly real-time character from concept to texture mapping, and gives insight into the process of creating a high-resolution character. Learn how to:Model with primitives,Use extrusions and Booleans, Mirror and reuse models, Optimize the mesh, Create and apply textures, Loft shapes

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