Fuzzy Memories

Jack Handey, the author of the bestseller Deep Thoughts digs deeper into his past, and, to the delight of his millions of fans, more of his humor is coming to the surface. With Fuzzy Memories, Handey shares his preposterous stories from his improbable past, once again putting him in a league of his own.

Fuzzy theory is an interesting name for a method that has been highly effective in a wide variety of significant, real-world applications. A few examples make this readily apparent. As the result of a faulty design the method of computer-programmed trading, the biggest stock market crash in history was triggered by a small fraction of a percent change in the interest rate in a Western European country. A fuzzy theory ap proach would have weighed a number of relevant variables and the ranges of values for each of these variables. Another example, which is rather simple but pervasive, is that of an electronic thermostat that turns on heat or air conditioning at a specific temperature setting. In fact, actual comfort level involves other variables such as humidity and the location of the sun with respect to windows in a home, among others. Because of its great applied significance, fuzzy theory has generated widespread activity internationally. In fact, institutions devoted to research in this area have come into being. As the above examples suggest, Fuzzy Systems Theory is of fundamen tal importance for the analysis and design of a wide variety of dynamic systems. This clearly manifests the fundamental importance of time con siderations in the Fuzzy Systems design approach in dynamic systems. This textbook by Prof. Dr. Jernej Virant provides what is evidently a uniquely significant and comprehensive treatment of this subject on the international scene.

This book constitutes the thoroughly refereed proceedings of the 37th IFSA Conference, NAFIPS 2018, held in Fortaleza, Brazil, in July 2018. The 55 full papers presented were carefully reviewed and selected from 73 submissions. The papers deal with a large spectrum of topics, including theory and applications of fuzzy numbers and sets, fuzzy logic, fuzzy inference systems, fuzzy clustering, fuzzy pattern classification, neuro-fuzzy systems, fuzzy control systems, fuzzy modeling, fuzzy mathematical morphology, fuzzy dynamical systems, time series forecasting, and making decision under uncertainty.

Based on decades of established research findings in cognitive and developmental psychology, this volume explores and integrates the leading scientific advances into infancy and brain-memory linkages as well as autobiographical and strategic memory. In addition, given that the predominantly classic research on memory development has recently been complemented by more cutting-edge applied research (e.g., eyewitness memory, memory development in educational contexts) in recent years, this volume also provides in-depth and up-to-date coverage of these emerging areas of study.

Originally published in 1982, this book brings together two areas of research previously studied in parallel, with little interaction (particularly in the US): normal memory processing and the amnesic syndrome. When trying to document the relationship between the two it became apparent that there was much crossover and duplication of effort in a number of areas: whether long-term memory and short-term memory truly represent independent storage systems, or are simply points on a continuum; trying to determine the primary locus of variables influencing the rate at which information is lost during retention; whether episodic memory and semantic memory represent two different storage systems, or are simply artifacts produced by different kinds of query to a single memory system and finally, whether visual and verbal memory are independent. It was written, following a meeting in 1979, by a small group of investigators, brought together to explore this commonality and to share data and theory, thus beginning the promise of a bright future of interdisciplinary interaction in memory research.

The chapters contained in the book present a new and exciting set of conceptual tools that will not only allow us to think about transfer in more productive ways, but will also enable the development of educational and measurement tools that will greatly facilitate our ability to educate the children in our schools. This volume is eclectic in bringing together researchers from psychology and science education (especially physics)—who would not normally present their ideas under the same forum—to share their views and perspectives on transfer. What we believe has emerged is a fresh look at transfer issues from a multidisciplinary perspective.

In recent years there has been increasing interaction between basic and applied memory researchers, ranging from heated debates to highly productive collaborations. This collection of papers -- based on presentations at the Third Practical Aspects of Memory conference -- reviews the progress, as well as obstacles to progress, in the ongoing collaboration between basic and applied memory researchers. This volume represents the state of the art in memory research domains that straddle the basic-applied divide. The text is organized around three themes, including theoretical and metatheoretical issues concerning the interaction of basic and applied memory research, laboratory investigation of real world memory problems, and solutions of everyday problems using theoretical concepts derived from basic memory research. The first section illustrates why collaboration between basic and applied memory researchers should be beneficial and provides guidelines for avoiding some of the pitfalls. The second and third sections present some of the most significant, contemporary findings by researchers whose work is basic-yet-applicable or applied-yet-theoretically-based. Students and professional memory researchers will find the substantive results to be provocative and theoretically engaging, making the information presented in this volume invaluable. These examples of successful application will be of substantial, pragmatic value and researchers are certain to be grappling with these issues for years to come.

Carolyn Kolb provides a delightful and detailed look into the heart of her city, New Orleans. She is a former Times-Picayune reporter and current columnist for New Orleans Magazine, where versions of these essays appeared as “Chronicles of Recent History.” Kolb takes her readers, both those who live in New Orleans and those who love it as visitors, on a virtual tour of her favorite people and places. Divided into sections on food, Mardi Gras, literature, and music, these short essays can be read in one gulp or devoured slowly over time. Either way, the reader will find a welcome companion and guide in Kolb. In bringing her stories up to date, Kolb's writings reflect an ongoing pattern of life in her fascinating city. Since the devastation of Hurricane Katrina in 2005, some of these things remembered will never return. Some of the people whose stories Kolb tells are no longer with us. It is important to her, and to us, that they are not forgotten. Kolb, and her readers, can honor them by sharing and enjoying their stories. As Kolb says, “When things fail, when the lights go out and the roof caves in and the water rises, all that remains, ultimately, is the story.” This collection of such stories was made with love.