Polkowski, L., Polish-Japanese Institute of Information Technology, Warsaw, Poland

Rough Sets
Mathematical Foundations

2002 XX, 534 p. 20 illus. Softcover
3-7908-1510-1

A comprehensive introduction to mathematical structures essential for Rough Set Theory. The book enables the reader to systematically study all topics of rough set theory. After a detailed introduction in Part 1 along with an extensive bibliography of current research papers. Part 2 presents a self-contained study that brings together all the relevant information from respective areas of mathematics and logics. Part 3 provides an overall picture of theoretical developments in rough set theory, covering logical, algebraic, and topological methods. Topics covered include: algebraic theory of approximation spaces, logical and set-theoretical approaches to indiscernibility and functional dependence, topological spaces of rough sets. The final part gives a unique view on mutual relations between fuzzy and rough set theories (rough fuzzy and fuzzy rough sets). Over 300 excercises allow the reader to master the topics considered. The book can be used as a textbook and as a reference work.

Keywords: Fuzzy Set Theory, Fuzzy Sets, Mathematical Foundations, Rough Sets, Rough Sets Theory

Series: Advances in Soft Computing.

Lloyd, J., Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia

Logic for Learning
Knowledge Representation, Computation and Learning in Higher-order Logic

2003 IX, 283 p. Hardcover
3-540-42027-4

This book provides a systematic approach to knowledge representation, computation, and learning using higher-order logic. It is aimed at researchers, graduate students, and senior undergraduates working in computational logic and/or machine learning. For those interested in computational logic, it provides a framework for knowledge representation and computation based on higher-order logic, and demonstrates its advantages over more standard approaches based on first-order logic. For those interested in machine learning, the book explains how higher-order logic provides suitable knowledge representation formalisms and hypothesis languages for machine learning applications in which the individuals about which something is to be learned have complex internal structure requiring graphs, sets, multisets, lists, and so on, for their representation.

Keywords: Machine learning, algorithmic learning, artificial intelligence, computational learning, computational logic, higher-order logic, knowledge representation

Contents: Part I: Prologue.- Overview.- Introduction to Learning and Logic.- Part II: Logic.- Higher-order Logic.- Representation of Individuals.- Predicate Construction.- Programming with Equational Theories.- Part III: Learning.- The Problem of Learning.- Knowledge Representation for Learning.- Learning Systems.- Illustrations for Various Types.- Applications.- References.- Notation.- Index.

Series: Cognitive Technologies.

Meinhardt, H., Max-Planck-Institut fur Entwicklungsbiologie, Tubingen, Germany

The Algorithmic Beauty of Sea Shells

3rd ed. 2003 XI, 236 p. 120 illus., 107 in color. With CD-ROM. Hardcover
3-540-44010-0

The patterns on the shells of tropical sea snails are not only compellingly beautiful but also tell a tale of biological development. The decorative patterns are records of their own genesis, which follows laws like those of dune formation or the spread of a flu epidemic. Hans Meinhardt has analyzed the dynamical processes that form these patterns and retraced them faithfully in computer simulations. His book is exciting not only for the astonishing scientific knowledge it reveals but also for its fascinating pictures. An accompanying CD-ROM with the corresponding algorithms offers wide scope to those who wish to try their hand at simulating and varying the patterns.

Keywords: Dynamische Prozesse, Visualisierung, Wachstumsprozesse, artificial life, computer graphics, naturliche Phanomene

Contents: Shell patterns as dynamic systems.- Pattern formation.- Oscillation and travelling waves.- Superposition of stable and periodic patterns.- Meshwork of oblique lines and staggered dots.- Branch initiation by global control.- The big problem: two or more time-dependent patterns.- Triangles.- Parallel lines with tongues.- Shell models in three dimensions.- The computer program.- Appendix: Pattern formation in the development of higher-level organisms.

System requirements: CD-ROM fur Mac OS und Windows-PC (browserfahig), mit MS-Explorer, Netscape

Series: The Virtual Laboratory.

Newborn, M., McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada

Deep Blue
An Artificial Intelligence Milestone

2003 XV, 346 p. 94 illus. Hardcover
0-387-95461-9

This book offers a detailed account of IBM's Deep Blue chess program, the people who created it, and its historic battles with World Chess Champion Garry Kasparov. The text examines the progress made by the creators of Deep Blue, beginning with the1989 two-game match against Kasparov. The heroes are: IBM researchers Feng-hsiung Hsu, Murray Campbell, and Joe Hoane, along with team leader Chung-Jen Tan and International Grandmaster Joel Benjamin. The text chronicles one of the great technology achievements of the 20th Century. It establishes the point in history when mankind's exciting new tool, the computer, came of age and competed with its human creators in the ultimate intellectual competition: a game of chess. This book will serve as the premier story documenting that achievement and a milestone in the development of artificial intelligence.

Contents: Intellectual equals.- Testing the waters.- Gaining experience with Deep though, 1990-1992.- Surviving Deep cuts.- Deep thought II: Waiting for Deep Blue, 1994-1995.- Deep Blue prototype debuts in Beijing, September 1995.- Preparing for Philly.- ACM Chess Challenge, February 1996.- Warm reception initiates rematch negotiations.- A faster and smarter Deep Blue.- Kasparov's career peaks.- Countdown to the rematch.- IBM Kasparov versus Deep Blue rematch, games 1-5, May 1997.- IBM Kasparov versus Deep Blue rematch, game 6.- An incredible ending.- Deep Blue is triumphant.- Kasparov's difficulties in retrospect.- The bottom line.- Milestone in advancement in computer technology.- Light side of Deep

Kohlas, J., University of Fribourg, Switzerland

Information Algebras
Generic Structures for Inference

2003 X, 265 p. Softcover
1-85233-689-7

Information usually comes in pieces, from different sources. It refers to different, but related questions. Therefore information needs to be aggregated and focused onto the relevant questions. Considering combination and focusing of information as the relevant operations leads to a generic algebraic structure for information. This book introduces and studies information from this algebraic point of view. Algebras of information provide the necessary abstract framework for generic inference procedures. They allow the application of these procedures to a large variety of different formalisms for representing information. At the same time they permit a generic study of conditional independence, a property considered as fundamental for knowledge presentation. Information algebras provide a natural framework to define and study uncertain information. Uncertain information is represented by random variables that naturally form information algebras. This theory also relates to probabilistic assumption-based reasoning in information systems and is the basis for the belief functions in the Dempster-Shafer theory of evidence.

Keywords: AI, Applied Mathematics, Computer Science, Economics, Engineering, Management Science, Statistics

Series: Discrete Mathematics and Theoretical Computer Science.