Digital library
Textbooks, references and open learning resources.
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The Shallow and the Deep: A biased introduction to neural networks and old school machine learning
Michael Biehl · University of Groningen Press · 2023
The Shallow and the Deep is a collection of lecture notes that offers an accessible introduction to neural networks and machine learning in general. However, it was clear from the beginning that these notes would not be able to cover this rapidly changing and growing field in its entirety. The focus lies on classical machine learning techniques, with a bias towards classification and regression. Other learning paradigms and many recent developments in, for instance, Deep Learning are not addressed or only briefly touched upon. Biehl argues that having a solid knowledge of the foundations of the field is essential, especially for anyone who wants to explore the world of machine learning with an ambition that goes beyond the application of some software package to some data set. Therefore, The Shallow and the Deep places emphasis on fundamental concepts and theoretical background. This also involves delving into the history and pre-history of neural networks, where the foundations for most of the recent developments were laid. These notes aim to demystify machine learning and neural networks without losing the appreciation for their impressive power and versatility.
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Database Design
Adrienne Watt · BCcampus · 2014
This second edition of Database Design book covers the concepts used in database systems and the database design process. Topics include: The history of databases Characteristics and benefits of databases Data models Data modelling Classification of database management systems Integrity rules and constraints Functional dependencies Normalization Database development process New to this edition are more examples, highlighted and defined key terms, both throughout and at the end of each chapter, and end-of-chapter review exercises. Two new chapters have been added on SQL, along with appendices that include a data model example, sample ERD exercises and SQL lab with solutions.
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Indigenous Perspectives on Business Ethics and Business Law in British Columbia
Annette Sorensen; Scott van Dyk · BCcampus · 2022
This book explores business ethics and business law through the lens of Indigenous-settler relations in Canada (with a focus on British Columbia in particular). It aims to fill a gap in business curriculum and support instructors who want to bring Indigenous content into their classes. The book starts by exploring relevant history, focusing on treaties, legislation, and federal government policy. It then looks at business ethics and what it means for businesses to work ethically with Indigenous communities. And finally, the book discusses business law and the requirements and responsibilities for businesses doing work on Indigenous lands.
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Contract Doctrine, Theory & Practice
J.H. Verkerke · CALI's eLangdell® Press · 2014
This is the first in a series of Contracts casebooks. It was originally titled "Collaborative Teaching Materials for Contracts." The first semester of law school is mostly about learning to speak a new legal language (but emphatically not “legalese”), to formulate and evaluate legal arguments, to become comfortable with the distinctive style of legal analysis. We could teach these skills using almost any legal topic. But we begin the first-year curriculum with subjects that pervade the entire field of law. Contract principles have a long history and they form a significant part of the way that lawyers think about many legal problems. As you will discover when you study insurance law, employment law, family law, and dozens of other practice areas, your knowledge of contract doctrine and theory will be invaluable.
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Contract Doctrine, Theory & Practice
J.H. Verkerke · CALI's eLangdell® Press · 2012
This is Volume 2 in a three volume series written for Contracts Law. Its orginal title was "Collaborative Teaching Materials for Contracts." The first semester of law school is mostly about learning to speak a new legal language (but emphatically not “legalese”), to formulate and evaluate legal arguments, to become comfortable with the distinctive style of legal analysis. We could teach these skills using almost any legal topic. But we begin the first-year curriculum with subjects that pervade the entire field of law. Contract principles have a long history and they form a significant part of the way that lawyers think about many legal problems. As you will discover when you study insurance law, employment law, family law, and dozens of other practice areas, your knowledge of contract doctrine and theory will be invaluable.
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Introduction to Sociology 3e
Tonja R. Conerly; Kathleen Holmes; Asha Lal Tamang; Jennifer Hensley · OpenStax, Rice University
Introduction to Sociology 3e aligns to the topics and objectives of many introductory sociology courses. It is arranged in a manner that provides foundational sociological theories and contexts, then progresses through various aspects of human and societal interactions. The new edition is focused on driving meaningful and memorable learning experiences related to critical thinking about society and culture. The text includes comprehensive coverage of core concepts, discussions and data relevant to a diverse audience, and features that draw learners into the discipline in powerful and personal ways. Overall, Introduction to Sociology 3e aims to center the course and discipline as crucial elements for understanding relationships, society, and civic engagement; the authors seek to lay the foundation for students to apply what they learn throughout their lives and careers. The authors, reviewers, and the entire team worked to build understanding of the causes and impacts of discrimination and prejudice. Introduction to Sociology 3e contains dozens of examples of discrimination and its outcomes regarding social science, society, institutions, and individuals. The text seeks to strike a balance between confronting the damaging aspects of our culture and history and celebrating those who have driven change and overcome challenges. The core discussion of these topics are present in Chapter 11 on Race and Ethnicity, and Chapter 12 on Gender, Sex, and Sexuality, but their causes and effects are extensively discussed in the context of other topics, including education, law enforcement, government, healthcare, the economy, and so on. Together and when connected by an instructor, these elements have potential for deep and lasting effects. Changes made in Introduction to Sociology 3e are described in the preface to help instructors transition to the third edition. The second edition of Introduction to Sociology by OpenStax is available in web view here.
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Introduction to Philosophy
Nathan Smith; Gregory Browne; Parish Conkling; Naomi Friedman · OpenStax, Rice University
Designed to meet the scope and sequence of your course, Introduction to Philosophy surveys logic, metaphysics, epistemology, theories of value, and history of philosophy thematically. To provide a strong foundation in global philosophical discourse, diverse primary sources and examples are central to the design, and the text emphasizes engaged reading, critical thinking, research, and analytical skill-building through guided activities.
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通过表达动物的汉字学习中文书写系统： 起源、演变和文化
Shenglan Zhang · Iowa State University Digital Press · 2024
在内容的取舍上，本书主要包括了重要的动物汉字的起源、它们的字形以及与现代楷体字的联系，从这些字衍生出的其他字、它们的常见用法及文化含义，并展示了历史对当今的持续影响，也阐释了汉字产生发展背后的思维理念。 English Description: This book discusses the origins of important Chinese characters for animals, the original characters used, and their connections to modern characters. In addition to showing the evolution of the character for "horse," for example, other characters that are derived from these characters are also discussed, along with their common uses. By exploring the development of characters for animals, this book serves as a jumping-off point to explore the continuous influence of history on the present day.
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Mi Voz. Mi Historia. Español Para Estudiantes de Herencia
Carolina Moctezuma · The Pennsylvania Alliance for Design of Open Textbooks (PA-ADOPT) · 2025
This book consists of both original material and a compilation of other OER activities designed to provide tools and opportunities for heritage students to explore and learn about their roots and spoken language. Together, these materials and activities target the specific language learning needs of students who grew up in a Spanish-speaking household with either their parents, grandparents, or other family. In addition to targeting oral and written language learning objectives that reflect their dialectal backgrounds, this book emphasizes cultural aspects not featured in most English or Spanish courses. Knowledge and skills in language and culture foster a positive ethnic identity for heritage students, which studies have shown lead to academic success. The text features four units. Unit I starts by asking questions to help students develop self-awareness and comfort with their personal Spanish speaking abilities, experience in formal classroom settings, and their goals with the language. Unit II focuses on the benefits of being bilingual and appreciating one’s bilingual identity. Unit III explores the use of Spanglish, language and personal identity, and code switching. Unit IV explores the evolution of the Spanish language and the cultural and linguistic influences that have shaped this diverse and rich language. Each unit also includes grammar topics that heritage speakers commonly struggle with in their writing, as well as sections emphasizing culture as it relates to history and identities.
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Antropología Alimentaria
Carmen Viteri-Robayo; Fatima Mallitasig-Endara; Sayuri Tapia-Barahona; Verónica Robayo-Zurita · Editorial Grupo AEA · 2023
El libro presenta una exploración profunda de la relación entre la alimentación y la evolución humana. Inicia descifrando los cambios dietéticos de los primeros homínidos y cómo estos cambios influenciaron su desarrollo físico y cognitivo, desde la dentición hasta el aumento del tamaño cerebral. Luego analiza la influencia cultural y sociopolítica en la dieta de antiguas civilizaciones como Egipto, Roma y China. Se destaca la alimentación en culturas precolombinas, resaltando la diversidad agrícola, sus prácticas sostenibles y la conexión cósmica con la tierra. Aborda también, la Revolución Industrial y cómo transformó los patrones alimentarios, llevando a problemas de salud en la modernidad. También se discute la "revolución verde" y las tecnologías para mejorar la producción alimentaria. Y finalmente se explica sobre la sostenibilidad en los sistemas alimentarios y las innovaciones para el futuro, como la carne de laboratorio y la nutrición basada en insectos. El libro concluye reconociendo la nutrición como una ciencia multidisciplinaria, que busca garantizar la salud y calidad de vida. Esta obra es el resultado de un esfuerzo colectivo de académicos que buscan entender la alimentación humana desde sus orígenes hasta el presente.
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Introduction to Art: Design, Context, and Meaning
Pamela Sachant; Peggy Blood · University of North Georgia Press · 2016
Introduction to Art: Design, Context, and Meaning offers a comprehensive introduction to the world of Art. Authored by four USG faculty members with advance degrees in the arts, this textbooks offers up-to-date original scholarship. It includes over 400 high-quality images illustrating the history of art, its technical applications, and its many uses.Combining the best elements of both a traditional textbook and a reader, it introduces such issues in art as its meaning and purpose; its meaning and purpose; its structure, material, and form; and its diverse effects on our lives. Its digital nature allows students to follow links to applicable sources and videos, expanding the students' educational experiences beyond the textbook. Introduction to Art: Design, Context, and Meaning provides a new and free alternative to traditional textbooks, making it an invaluable resource in our modern age of technology and advancement.
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Grasduinen in waterbouw
Tjerk Zitman · TU Delft Open · 2025
Dit boek is bedoeld als een eerste kennismaking met het vakgebied waterbouwkunde, zonder de pretentie volledig te zijn. Het is gemotiveerd vanuit de ervaring van de auteur dat het heerlijk is om in het vakgebied te grasduinen. Er is gegrasduind in enkele fundamentele aspecten van het vakgebied met verwijzingen naar de huidige praktijk en hier en daar de historie. De nadruk ligt op fysische processen en de mathematische beschrijving daarvan. Daarnaast is er aandacht voor het schetsmatig ontwerpen van enkele waterbouwkundige constructies. This book is intended as an introduction to the field of hydraulic engineering, without claiming to be exhaustive. It is motivated by the author's experience that it is wonderful to delve into this field. It delves into some fundamental aspects of the field with references to current practice and, here and there, history. The emphasis is on physical processes and their mathematical description. In addition, attention is paid to the schematic design of several hydraulic engineering structures.
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Speaking of Culture
Nolan Weil · Utah State University
In the contents: 1.02: Brief history of a concept
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Criminology
Lumen Learning · Lumen Learning
In the contents: 01: The History and Purpose of Criminology
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Public Health 101
Erin Calderone · Glendale Community College
In the contents: 03: History and Accomplishments of Public Health
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ECED21203 Curriculum Development in Early Childhood Education
LueCrecy Ragan & Emily Harris · Arkansas State University-Beebe
In the contents: 14: History and Social Science Curriculum · 14.01: History and Social Science Sections · 14.1.02: Guiding Principles for Supporting History and Social Science
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Principles of Management
Mabel Gehrett and Jamie Hammond · Western Technical College
In the contents: 2.02: The History of Management · 2.2.01: Introduction to The History of Management
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Self Determination Program Foundations
Kelly Kulzer · Taft College
In the contents: 03: History of the Self Determination Program
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Physical Geology
Steven Earle · Vancover Island University
In the contents: 16.01: Glacial Periods in Earths History · 21: Geological History of Western Canada · 21.01: Geological History of Canada
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Introductory Sociology 3e
OpenStax · LibreTexts
In the contents: 1.03: The History of Sociology