Beslutningsteori: generelt

The focus of this book is to give real-life lessons, not just fluffy, easy things. Sometimes parents, teachers, the media, the government, and others hold back and sugarcoat information. I try to keep it real with my kids when talking about different situations in life. Whether it's discussing history, current events, or what they need to know when they're adults. Anything can be a teachable moment. Being honest and detailed about various topics is important. Although I use these lessons for my teenagers, adults are able to learn from this stuff as well.

There is a plethora of literature on the topic of penetration testing, hacking, and related fields. These books are almost exclusively concerned with the technical execution of penetration testing and occasionally the thought process of the penetration tester themselves. There is little to no literature on the unique challenges presented by creating, developing, and managing a penetration testing team that is both effective and scalable. In addition, there is little to no literature on the subject of developing contractual client relationships, marketing, finding and developing talent, and how to drive penetration test execution to achieve client needs. This book changes all that.The Business of Hacking is a one-of-a-kind book detailing the lessons the authors learned while building penetrating testing teams from the ground up, making them profitable, and constructing management principles that ensure team scalability. You will discover both the challenges you face as you develop your team of offensive security professionals and an understanding of how to overcome them. You will gain an understanding of the client¿s requirements, how to meet them, and how to surpass them to provide clients with a uniquely professional experience. The authors have spent combined decades working in various aspects of cybersecurity with a focus on offensive cybersecurity. Their experience spans military, government, and commercial industries with most of that time spent in senior leadership positions. What yoüll learnHow to handle and ongoing develop client relationships in a high end industryTeam management and how the offensive security industry comes with its own unique challenges. Experience in other industries does not guarantee success in penetration testing.How to identify, understand, and over-deliver on client expectations.How to staff and develop talent within the team.Marketing opportunities and how to use the pentesting team as a wedge for upsell opportunities.The various structures of services available that they may present to their clients.Who This Book Is ForThis book is written for anyone curious who is interested in creating a penetration testing team or business. It is also relevant for anyone currently executing such a business and even for those simply participating in the business.

This book gives an overview of the most common techniques used by analysts and experts to assess and value banks in all phases of a Bank¿s life, from licensing to resolution. These include licensing procedures, going concern market valuation techniques, liquidation, and resolution methodologies. The author sheds light on financial institutions¿ reporting and financial statements and explains how to interpret the data. Special attention is given to the different valuation approaches for financial institutions ranging from the basic PE and PBV methodologies to the more sophisticated ones such Discount cash flow (DCF), Dividend discount model (DDM), excess return models (EVA), and their variant, the warranted equity value (WEV) method. The authors also illustrate how to build a sum-of-the-parts model (SOTP) and how to treat capital in the process as well as developing a bottom-up approach for the cost of equity. The book provides numerous real-world examples which will hopefully help practitioners build their own MS Excel models. Furthermore, this publication investigates some of the critical aspects of banking M&A and its valuation implications.This book also takes a deep dive into valuation for Banks in gone concern status, describing the basis for three different types of valuation of Banks in resolution: to inform a decision on whether to put a bank into resolution; to inform the choice of resolution tools and the extent of any bail-in of liabilities; and to determine whether any creditors would have been better off had the bank gone into insolvency. Special attention is given to the valuation of non-performing loans (NPLs) and financial assets focusing on some operational aspects of winding-down a bank¿s loan and trading book portfolio.

This book is about the establishment of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, in 2016, one of the most important new developments in Indian commercial law. The law has major implications for firms, their creditors, and a variety of the professional services that feed into the decisions of borrowers and lenders including lawyers, accountants and valuers. A new profession of insolvency professionals has come to exist owing to the law. There are several questions about bankruptcy reform in the mind of researchers, policy makers and practitioners. How has the reform progressed? How has it reshaped the incentives of firms? What are the difficulties faced? What are the optimal paths for borrowers and lenders and their advisors under the rubric of the law? How should laws and institutions be modified? The book has a unique set of chapters, by key people who have shaped the field which offer novel insights into these questions.The book has been edited by key people who have worked on bankruptcy reform since 2010. Dr. Sahoo has been the chairperson of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India since the establishment of this regulatory agency. Dr. Thomas was a member of the Bankruptcy Law Reforms Committee which drafted the IBC, and led the internal team of the BLRC which drafted the law. The book is an authentic and credible analysis of the happenings in the Indian insolvency and bankruptcy ecosystem from the start, with interest areas for international and domestic, economics/finance and law, researcher and practitioner communities.

Spätestens seit den massiven Desinformationsangriffen auf westliche Impfstoffhersteller während der Coronapandemie ist klar: Gezielt gestreute ¿Fake News¿ haben sich vom politischen in den wirtschaftlichen Raum ausgebreitet und Unternehmen werden sich zunehmend bewusst, dass auch sie zur Zielscheibe werden können. Die Folgen eines Desinformationsangriffs können gravierend sein: Wertverluste, Reputationsschäden sowie verunsicherte Mitarbeitende, Geschäftspartner und Investoren. Die modernen Kommunikationskrieger verfügen im Internet und in den sozialen Medien über ein mächtiges, breit gefächertes und relativ kostengünstiges Arsenal, mit dem sich Desinformationen in minutenschnelle effektiv verbreiten lassen, sodass Unternehmen kaum Zeit bleibt, sich wirksam dagegen zu wehren. Uwe Wolff beleuchtet die neue Situation, in der sich Unternehmen befinden, gibt Auskunft zur Abwehr von Desinformationsangriffen und zu deren zukünftiger Entwicklung. Dazu interviewte er unter anderem Medienanwälte und Kriminologen, Unternehmens- und IT-Berater, einen Darknet-Spezialisten, sowie einen Medien-Prankster und den ehemaligen Vorsitzenden der deutschen Wikimedia.

The SFPE Guide to Fire Risk Assessment provides guidance to qualified practitioners in developing, selecting, and using fire risk assessment methodologies for the design, construction, and operation of buildings, facilities, or processes. It also addresses fire risk acceptability, the role of fire risk assessment and fire risk management in the fire safety design process, and associated communication/ monitoring of fire risk.The guide Includes a new flow chart that outlines the risk assessment process. It also includes new information related to:Risk PerceptionF-N curvesRisk communicationResidual risk managementRisk monitoringSensitivity analysisThe guide also provides clear guidance on conducting qualitative and quantitative analysis. It also uses examples that reinforce topics discussed.

"This book should be mandatory reading for C-suite executives and board members. It shows you how to move from viewing cybersecurity as a risk to avoid, and a cost center that does not add value and is overhead, to seeing cybersecurity as an enabler and part of your core strategy to transform your business and earn customer and stakeholder trust."-Paul Connelly, First CISO at the White House and HCA HealthcareThis book will help you learn the importance of organizations treating enterprise cyber risk management (ECRM) as a value creator, a business enabler, and a mechanism to create a competitive advantage. Organizations began to see the real value of information and information technology in the mid-1980s. Forty years later, it's time to leverage your ECRM program and cybersecurity strategy in the same way.The main topics covered include the case for action with specific coverage on the topic of cybersecurity as a value creator,including how the courts, legislators, and regulators are raising the bar for C-suite executives and board members. The book covers how the board's three primary responsibilities (talent management, strategy, and risk management) intersect with their ECRM responsibilities.ECRM was once solely focused on managing the downside of risk by defending the organization from adversarial, accidental, structural, and environmental threat sources. Author Bob Chaput presents the view that we must focus equally on managing the upside of cyber strengths to increase customer trust and brand loyalty, improving social responsibility, driving revenue growth, lowering the cost of capital, attracting higher quality investments, creating competitive advantage, attracting and retaining talent, and facilitating M&A work. He focuses on the C-suite and board role in the first part and provides guidance on their roles and responsibilities, the most important decision about ECRM they must facilitate,and how to think differently about ECRM funding. You will learn how to the pivot from cost-center thinking to value-center thinking.Having built the case for action, in the second part, the book details the steps that organizations must take to develop and document their ECRM program and cybersecurity strategy. The book first covers how ECRM must be integrated into business strategy. The remainder of that part presents a sample table of contents for an ECRM Program and Cybersecurity Strategy document and works through each section to facilitate development of your own program and strategy. With all the content and ideas presented, you will be able to establish, implement, and mature your program and strategy.

"GlobalStocks: Empirical Market Integration Study" is a comprehensive analysis of the behavior of stock markets across the world, and the degree to which they are integrated. The author is an experienced financial analyst and researcher who has worked extensively on the topics of financial markets, portfolio management, and risk assessment.In this book, author provides a detailed examination of the factors that influence the behavior of stock markets, such as macroeconomic indicators, political events, and investor sentiment. She also investigates the degree to which global stock markets are integrated, analyzing the correlations and spillover effects between different markets.The book includes an in-depth analysis of several key stock markets, including those in the United States, Europe, and Asia. Also, provides practical guidance on how investors and traders can use this information to make informed decisions about their portfolios.The book also covers advanced topics such as algorithmic trading, high-frequency trading, and the impact of technology on financial markets. Author explains these topics in a clear and concise manner, making them accessible to readers with a range of backgrounds and experience levels.Overall, "GlobalStocks: Empirical Market Integration Study" is an essential resource for anyone interested in understanding the behavior of global stock markets. It provides a comprehensive overview of the key factors that drive market movements and offers practical guidance on how to use this information to make better investment decisions.

Are You Ready to Transform Your Financial Life? If you're like most people, managing your finances feels like an uphill battle. No matter how hard you try to budget, save, and invest, you just get by financially. What if I told you it doesn't have to be this way? Can you take control of your money, reduce stress, and secure your financial future? After coaching over 7,000 people on achieving financial prosperity, I've seen firsthand what it takes to thrive financially. It requires the proper knowledge, skills, and, most importantly, a Money Mindset. Any financial advice is just empty information without transforming how you think about money. That's why I wrote this book. In MONEY AND CHOICES, I'll guide you through the mental shifts and essential money skills you need to take charge of your finances. With my proven framework, you'll learn how to: Adopt empowering money mindsets so you make wiser financial choicesBecome financially literate - understand the game of money Shift from a scarcity to an abundance mentalityUse my secret budgeting tricks to save more without sacrificeWipe out debt fast while still living your lifeMake saving and investing a habitTake control of your financial future With over seven years of experience, I'm the perfect partner to help you navigate the complex world of personal finance. This book provides clear action steps you can immediately apply to start transforming your money situation. Follow along in your journal as you implement impactful money moves. Build confidence with each small win. You'll be shocked at how fast your finances improve when you combine essential skills with the right mindset. I'll be there motivating you through real-life stories and guidance. Together, we'll create the financial future you deserve. Don't wait another day - invest in yourself now and take control of your money! Order MONEY AND CHOICES today and get started!

I eventyr får helten succes ved risikovillighed, selvtillid og målfokus. Disse tre egenskaber er højt skattede i bøger om vejen til succes. Skiftende regeringer har bebrejdet danskerne at være for lidt risikovillige, selvtillidsfulde og målfokuserede. I eventyr vinder helten prinsessen og det halve kongerige – og det hele, når kongen dør. Altså den ultimative succes. Et overset problem er, at de nævnte egenskaber førte et stort antal uheldige friere til en tidlig død. Måske var de klogeste i eventyrene de aldrig omtalte ”ikke-friere”, der satsede på en gårdmandsdatter fremfor den næsten stensikre død ved prinsessefrieri. Bogen kaster et ironisk blik på dyrkelsen af de store ”succesjægere” og advarer mod at være ”bagland” for sådanne personer, ligesom den kaster et kritisk blik på offentlig erhvervspolitik med overdreven vægt på iværksættere. Bogen diskuterer blandt andet følgende spørgsmål i forbindelse med succes: - Er selvtillid en god egenskab? - Er risikovillighed en god egenskab? - Er der for få iværksættere i Danmark – eller for mange? - Arbejder danskere for lidt eller for meget? - Er dansk økonomisk politik for testoteron-præget?

This book provides insights from research and practice in how organizations were able to sustain resilience in their global supply chains during the COVID-19 pandemic and to advance the understanding of supply chain risk management. The chapters highlight the lessons learned, insist on new models for resilience, suggest improved supply chain risk methodologies and bridge the gap between research and practice. It helps readers acquire greater knowledge, strategic approaches, new methods, and practical tools for ensuring global supply chain resilience.

This book provides an investor-friendly presentation of the premises and applications of the quantitative finance models governing investment in one asset class of publicly traded stocks, specifically real estate investment trusts (REITs). The models provide highly advanced analytics for REIT investment, including: portfolio optimization using both historic and predictive return estimation; model backtesting; a complete spectrum of risk assessment and management tools with an emphasis on early warning systems, risk budgeting, estimating tail risk, and factor analysis; derivative valuation; and incorporating ESG ratings into REIT investment. These quantitative finance models are presented in a unified framework consistent with dynamic asset pricing (rational finance). Given its scope and practical orientation, this book will appeal to investors interested in portfolio optimization and innovative tools for investment risk assessment.

In a world of financial uncertainty, where markets ebb and flow with unpredictability, "The Strategic Slide" showcases an approach that doesn't just promise profits, but assures consistent and sustainable gains. This unique strategy draws parallels with the well-known concept of averaging down, but refines it to a fine art. By strategically acquiring more of a valued asset at opportune moments, "The Strategic Slide" effectively lowers the average cost per unit. What truly sets this method apart is its meticulous criteria for stock selection and precise entry points, culminating in an enviable reward-to-risk ratio. The author, a seasoned practitioner, has mastered this technique through repeated application and provides real trade examples with charts showing exact entry and exit points as well as rationale behind the trades. Embracing "The Strategic Slide" requires no complex formulas or arcane knowledge. Armed with just a handful of key indicators, you'll be empowered to perform insightful analyses that can potentially reshape your investment journey.

Data publikacji: 2023. Wydrukowane w czerni i bieli.Makroekonomia - Podstawy to polska adaptacja podr¿cznika Principles of Macroeconomics 3e. Publikacja przeznaczona jest dla trwaj¿cych jeden semestr zaj¿¿ z podstaw makroekonomii. Tre¿¿ dopasowano pod wzgl¿dem zakresu i uk¿adu do praktyki dydaktycznej stosowanej na wi¿kszöci polskich uczelni prowadz¿cych takie zaj¿cia. Ponadto polskie wydanie wzbogacono o liczne adaptacje kulturowe.Ze wzgl¿du na ró¿norodnö¿ terminologii z zakresu makroekonomii obowi¿zuj¿cej na polskich uczelniach, we wspó¿pracy z dydaktykami z 10 uczelni w Polsce wprowadzili¿my synonimy terminów w sekcji Kluczowe poj¿cia na köcu kädego rozdziäu. Zabieg ten sprawia, ¿e podr¿cznik jest uniwersalny i odnajdzie si¿ w nim student kädej uczelni w Polsce. Dla jasnöci przekazu i wygody studentów w obecnym wydaniu nie zostäy uwzgl¿dnione te zagadnienia z Principles of Macroeconomics 3e, które na polskich uczelniach typowo s¿ prowadzone na kursie mikroekonomii.

Achieving success in an engineering career can be challenging. However, with the proper virtues, personal characteristics, philosophies, and self-care, one can navigate the field with style and personality. Ryan, a seasoned engineer with over 20 years of multiple-domain experience and multiple industry certifications, shares his insightful anecdotes and valuable advice with fellow engineers."The Engineer's Handbook for Life, Health, and Career" showcases the importance of a commitment to lifelong learning and personal development in overcoming obstacles and achieving success. Ryan's journey toward professional success highlights the importance of balancing personal relationships while excelling in engineering.

Since students in Australian schools are becoming increasingly diverse, teachers must develop cultural competencies, the ability to recognize, understand, and identify issues such as culture, ethnicity, and language.

This book introduces a state-of-art approach in evaluating portfolio management and risk based on artificial intelligence and alternative data. The book covers a textual analysis of news and social media, information extraction from GPS and IoTs data, and risk predictions based on small transaction data, etc. The book summarizes and introduces the advancement in each area and highlights the machine learning and deep learning techniques utilized to achieve the goals. As a complement, it also illustrates examples on how to leverage the python package to visualize and analyze the alternative datasets, and will be of interest to academics, researchers, and students of risk evaluation, risk management, data, AI, and financial innovation.

Compliance has long been identified by scholars of white-collar crime as a key strategic control device in the regulation of corporations and complex organisations. Nevertheless, this essential process has been largely ignored within criminology as a specific subject for close scrutiny - Corporate Compliance: Crime, Convenience and Control seeks to address this anomaly. This initiating book applies the theory of convenience to provide criminological insight into the enduring self-regulatory phenomenon of corporate compliance. Convenience theory suggests that compliance is challenged when the corporation has a strong financial motive for illegitimate profits, ample organisational opportunities to commit and conceal wrongdoing, and executive willingness for deviant behaviour. Focusing on white-collar deviance and crime within corporations, the book argues that lack of compliance is recurrently a matter of deviant behaviour by senior executives within organisations who abuse their privileged positions to commission, commit and conceal financial crime. 

This book provides an end-to-end view of revenue management in the hospitality industry.  The book highlights the origins of hotel reservations systems and revenue management, challenges unique to hotels, revenue management models, new generation retailing, and personalization and steps required to remain competitive in the marketplace. This book is intended for practitioners to understand the basics and have a comprehensive view of the impacts of revenue management on product distribution, reservations, inventory control, including the latest advances in the field of attribute-based room pricing and inventory control.There are several aspects of revenue management that are not covered in books and journal articles such as hotel pricing, hotel fully allocated costs, content parity, impact of Online Travel Agencies on hotels, competitive revenue management and attribute-based room pricing and inventory control which represents the last frontier in hotel revenue management with intelligent retailing. Leveraging emerging technologies, such as Artificial Intelligence and Blockchain and the future state of revenue management, are also addressed.

Enterprise risk management has always been important. However, the events of the 21st Century have made it even more critical. The top level of business management became suspect after scandals at ENRON, WorldCom, and other business entities. Financially, many firms experienced difficulties from bubbles. The problems of interacting cultures demonstrated risk from terrorism as well, with numerous terrorist attacks, to include 9/11 in the U.S. Risks can arise in many facets of business. Businesses in fact exist to cope with risk in their area of specialization. Financial risk management has focused on banking, accounting, and finance. We have discussed several aspects of risk, to include information systems, disaster management, and supply chain perspectives. The bulk of this book is devoted to presenting a number of operations research models that have been (or could be) applied to enterprise supply risk management, especially from the supply chain perspective.

This book showcases how the latest and most advanced types of analytical modeling and empirical analysis can help to create value in the global supply chain. Focusing on practical relevance, it shares valuable management insights and addresses key issues in operations management (OM), demonstrating how past research has led to various practices and impacts, while also exploring the aspirations of the latest research. It presents current research on various topics such as global supply chain design, service supply chains, product design, responsible supply chains, performance and incentives in operations, data analytics in health services, new business models in the digital age, and new digital technology advances such as blockchain. In addition, it presents practical case studies on the aforementioned topics.Beyond the value of its contents, the book is intended as a tribute to Professor Morris Cohen, who has been a major contributor to advancing the research frontier in operations management and a driving force in shaping the field.Given its scope, the book will appeal to a wide readership, from researchers and PhD students to practitioners and consultants.

The Success Thoughts is a sequence of success questions , and their answers . In this series the Success Pro , you will learn the why , when , who , how , what , where , whom ,and whose questions of success .Every successful person is a thinker , thus they meditate a lot . This brings them to a level of perception that produces their success dreams , a means to the dream , and how to maintain the outcome of the dream . Thinking is one of the greatest capacities of creation that God gave to human beings , without thinking the human race will not be able to discover who they are and what God has created them to be and do .In fact it is sinful if we don't think , because even animals do make use of their brains by thinking , that is how God created us to be thinkers . To think is to use your brain to solve problems . Thinking is a mental calculation that brings us to a level where we arrive at an answer . That is why every human being is trained to think , even in school , anytime you are given an examination it is the test of your brain .How you use your brain determines the success of your exams , therefore how you use your brain also determines how successful you become in life . Success thoughts are the ideas that come into your mind as you use your brain to ponder , wonder , calculate, answer questions, meditate and decide the next course of action . The following are the questions that must come into your " success thoughts " that can help you become successful in life . These questions need answers , how correctly you answer them will determine in part how successful you become in your pursuit of success.In this book " Success Thoughts " we will unravel the thoughts that come into the minds of most successful people .In the consequent chapters we will look critically into these ideas of thought that successful people conceive in order to be successful .These are the ideas that you ponder upon and meditate on , that inspires you to be successful in life . The mind is the factory of ideas of success , every successful person has the mental perception of their success before it becomes a reality . The ability to use your mind to think , and wonder about something is the first step to become successful in life .Every success story starts in the mind , so it is very important if you know how to use your mental faculties to calculate and arrive at an answer , it means you can be successful in the near future . This is among the many reasons why students are tested with questions that will compel them to think and reason hard before getting the answer .Such questions of life give pupils or students an opportunity to use their brains to solve problems in life ,and become successful in the end . Thinking is using your mind to solve problems , by the ideas that come out of your thoughts . Most people use their minds negatively , by worrying about the many problems they are facing. Successful people on the other hand use their minds positively by thinking and reasoning to find a solution to their problems . Themind is like a womb of a woman , what it needs is the right seed of thoughts that will infuse the '' embryo '' and spark enthusiasm for success to be conceived . When the seed of success is sown in the mind it brings forth achievement .

This groundbreaking literary collaboration spearheaded by Dr. Constance Craig-Mason, MRFC® is set to change the financial landscape for BIPOC families and small business owners across the nation. "Money TALK$ Vol III" is a remarkable book author by 24 accomplished, African American financial thought-leaders from across the world, each bringing their unique expertise to the table. This collective effort aims to ignite a spark of financial wisdom, empowerment, and lasting change within communities that have been historically underserved. The foreword is penned by Les Brown, one of the world's renowned motivational speakers and voted one of the Top Five Outstanding Speakers Worldwide by Toastmasters International.Financial literacy is a cornerstone of financial well-being, and this book is designed to break down complex financial concepts into digestible, actionable insights. "Money TALK$ Vol III" is not just another finance book; it's a movement, catalyst for change and one part of a two-part emergency savings tool kit aimed at breaking down barriers and promoting financial empowerment. It's a call to action for BIPOC families and small business owners to take control of their financial future. Through a combination of accessible language, relatable stories, and practical advice, this book equips readers with the knowledge and tools they need to secure their financial future.¿¿¿¿¿¿¿One of this book's primary objectives is to help readers establish a $1,000 emergency savings fund, a goal that often eludes many households. According to a 2023 Bankrate statistic, a startling 57% of adult Americans are unprepared for a $1,000 financial emergency, making them vulnerable to unexpected crisis. "Money TALK$ Vol III" offers practical, step-by-step guidance and a Paycheck Power BOOSTER¿ Calculator to help individuals and families achieve this crucial financial milestone. ¿¿¿¿¿¿¿Let's BEAT these statistics together! Come along on this EPIC journey towards "the land of options", where the freedom to choose the lifestyle and legacy you want is attainable.This book is perfect for readers with or without any previous knowledge of the financial concepts or tools described within these pages. The contributors chose a "tell you what you need to know" to quickly increase understanding and application of core foundational finance concepts, but not intended to be nor should it be construed as individualized or personal investment, insurance, tax nor legal advice. Please consult your own licensed, experienced financial professionals.Compiled by: Dr. Constance Craig-Mason, MRFC®Foreword by: Les BrownCo-Authors:Zinnia Adams, MBA, CFEI®Cecilia R. Bailey, CFED®Mia Bartee, MBA, RFC®D. Cherelle Cohens, MBADr. Constance Craig-Mason, MRFC®Raquel Curtis, MBARobin R. Haynes, MBA, RFC®Troy Holt, CFEI®, RFC®Stephanie Hopkins, BS, ACA, LTAKamal Hubbard, JD, CFE, CSX¿¿Marcella Mollon-Williams, BFA¿Mark Mollon, CHFEBC¿Lyndsae' Peele, MBA, PMEC¿Daryl Perry IIAshlin Price, LMSW, FSWTeddy "The Tax Man¿" PrioleauRahkim Sabree, CFEI®, RFC®Otis Togbah TarwoeDr. Michelle S. ThomasShan-Nel D. Simmons, MBA, EANieda WashingtonDr. Tiffaney WilliamsRay'Chel Wilson, CFEI®Portia M. Wood, Esq.

This proceedings book covers a wide range of topics related to uncertainty analysis and its application in various fields of engineering and science. It explores uncertainties in numerical simulations for soil liquefaction potential, the toughness properties of construction materials, experimental tests on cyclic liquefaction potential, and the estimation of geotechnical engineering properties for aerogenerator foundation design. Additionally, the book delves into uncertainties in concrete compressive strength, bio-inspired shape optimization using isogeometric analysis, stochastic damping in rotordynamics, and the hygro-thermal properties of raw earth building materials. It also addresses dynamic analysis with uncertainties in structural parameters, reliability-based design optimization of steel frames, and calibration methods for models with dependent parameters. The book further explores mechanical property characterization in 3D printing, stochastic analysis in computational simulations, probability distribution in branching processes, data assimilation in ocean circulation modeling, uncertainty quantification in climate prediction, and applications of uncertainty quantification in decision problems and disaster management. This comprehensive collection provides insights into the challenges and solutions related to uncertainty in various scientific and engineering contexts.

This text is an exploration of school and educational improvement. It explores areas of focus that can immediately be added to improvement plans and daily practice.

The use of cloud applications is becoming increasingly popular due to their scalability and cost advantages. However, companies need help in adopting cloud applications due to their internal policies and compliance requirements. Trust and security are crucial factors that influence the adoption of cloud applications. This book proposes a cloud architecture that addresses this challenge by shifting the trust for compliance-driven configurations of cloud applications from the cloud application provider to the blockchain. The architecture was developed using design science research and evaluated using mixed-method semi-structured guided interviews. The results show that the proposed architecture can significantly reduce adoption risk due to compliance-driven cloud application configurations, shifting trust from the cloud provider to the blockchain. This book presents an innovative approach to address the challenge of adopting cloud applications, and enhancing trust and security for businesses.

Can unfree people make themselves free? Some people are unfree because of the social and political conditions in which they find themselves. To become freer would require changing those conditions; yet changing them requires the exercise of freedom. So it seems like they must already befree in order to become free. Drawing on John Dewey, W.E.B. Du Bois, and B.R. Ambedkar, I argue that the unfree can make themselves free. Unfreedom involves external constraints and how those constraints shape people's agency. Becoming freer involves coming to know, from the inside, how our agency has been shaped. We can change that shaping and in turn the social conditions. The problem of unfreedom is a vicious cycle. Social conditions constrain agency, which in turn further entrenches the social conditions. A virtuous cycle is possible. Agents can change their conditions, reducing the constraint on their agency, in turn enabling greater change. Conditions are unstable, and agents can take advantage of that instability.