Author: T. T. Soong
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
ISBN: 0470868155
Category : Mathematics
Languages : en
Pages : 406
Book Description
This textbook differs from others in the field in that it has been prepared very much with students and their needs in mind, having been classroom tested over many years. It is a true “learner’s book” made for students who require a deeper understanding of probability and statistics. It presents the fundamentals of the subject along with concepts of probabilistic modelling, and the process of model selection, verification and analysis. Furthermore, the inclusion of more than 100 examples and 200 exercises (carefully selected from a wide range of topics), along with a solutions manual for instructors, means that this text is of real value to students and lecturers across a range of engineering disciplines. Key features: Presents the fundamentals in probability and statistics along with relevant applications. Explains the concept of probabilistic modelling and the process of model selection, verification and analysis. Definitions and theorems are carefully stated and topics rigorously treated. Includes a chapter on regression analysis. Covers design of experiments. Demonstrates practical problem solving throughout the book with numerous examples and exercises purposely selected from a variety of engineering fields. Includes an accompanying online Solutions Manual for instructors containing complete step-by-step solutions to all problems.
Fundamentals of Probability and Statistics for Engineers
Author: T. T. Soong
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
ISBN: 0470868155
Category : Mathematics
Languages : en
Pages : 406
Book Description
This textbook differs from others in the field in that it has been prepared very much with students and their needs in mind, having been classroom tested over many years. It is a true “learner’s book” made for students who require a deeper understanding of probability and statistics. It presents the fundamentals of the subject along with concepts of probabilistic modelling, and the process of model selection, verification and analysis. Furthermore, the inclusion of more than 100 examples and 200 exercises (carefully selected from a wide range of topics), along with a solutions manual for instructors, means that this text is of real value to students and lecturers across a range of engineering disciplines. Key features: Presents the fundamentals in probability and statistics along with relevant applications. Explains the concept of probabilistic modelling and the process of model selection, verification and analysis. Definitions and theorems are carefully stated and topics rigorously treated. Includes a chapter on regression analysis. Covers design of experiments. Demonstrates practical problem solving throughout the book with numerous examples and exercises purposely selected from a variety of engineering fields. Includes an accompanying online Solutions Manual for instructors containing complete step-by-step solutions to all problems.
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
ISBN: 0470868155
Category : Mathematics
Languages : en
Pages : 406
Book Description
This textbook differs from others in the field in that it has been prepared very much with students and their needs in mind, having been classroom tested over many years. It is a true “learner’s book” made for students who require a deeper understanding of probability and statistics. It presents the fundamentals of the subject along with concepts of probabilistic modelling, and the process of model selection, verification and analysis. Furthermore, the inclusion of more than 100 examples and 200 exercises (carefully selected from a wide range of topics), along with a solutions manual for instructors, means that this text is of real value to students and lecturers across a range of engineering disciplines. Key features: Presents the fundamentals in probability and statistics along with relevant applications. Explains the concept of probabilistic modelling and the process of model selection, verification and analysis. Definitions and theorems are carefully stated and topics rigorously treated. Includes a chapter on regression analysis. Covers design of experiments. Demonstrates practical problem solving throughout the book with numerous examples and exercises purposely selected from a variety of engineering fields. Includes an accompanying online Solutions Manual for instructors containing complete step-by-step solutions to all problems.
Random Phenomena
Author: Babatunde A. Ogunnaike
Publisher: CRC Press
ISBN: 1420044982
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 1061
Book Description
Many of the problems that engineers face involve randomly varying phenomena of one sort or another. However, if characterized properly, even such randomness and the resulting uncertainty are subject to rigorous mathematical analysis. Taking into account the uniquely multidisciplinary demands of 21st-century science and engineering, Random Phenomena: Fundamentals of Probability and Statistics for Engineers provides students with a working knowledge of how to solve engineering problems that involve randomly varying phenomena. Basing his approach on the principle of theoretical foundations before application, Dr. Ogunnaike presents a classroom-tested course of study that explains how to master and use probability and statistics appropriately to deal with uncertainty in standard problems and those that are new and unfamiliar. Giving students the tools and confidence to formulate practical solutions to problems, this book offers many useful features, including: Unique case studies to illustrate the fundamentals and applications of probability and foster understanding of the random variable and its distribution Examples of development, selection, and analysis of probability models for specific random variables Presentation of core concepts and ideas behind statistics and design of experiments Selected "special topics," including reliability and life testing, quality assurance and control, and multivariate analysis As classic scientific boundaries continue to be restructured, the use of engineering is spilling over into more non-traditional areas, ranging from molecular biology to finance. This book emphasizes fundamentals and a "first principles" approach to deal with this evolution. It illustrates theory with practical examples and case studies, equipping readers to deal with a wide range of problems beyond those in the book. About the Author: Professor Ogunnaike is Interim Dean of Engineering at the University of Delaware. He is the recipient of the 2008 American Automatic Control Council's Control Engineering Practice Award, the ISA's Donald P. Eckman Education Award, the Slocomb Excellence in Teaching Award, and was elected into the US National Academy of Engineering in 2012.
Publisher: CRC Press
ISBN: 1420044982
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 1061
Book Description
Many of the problems that engineers face involve randomly varying phenomena of one sort or another. However, if characterized properly, even such randomness and the resulting uncertainty are subject to rigorous mathematical analysis. Taking into account the uniquely multidisciplinary demands of 21st-century science and engineering, Random Phenomena: Fundamentals of Probability and Statistics for Engineers provides students with a working knowledge of how to solve engineering problems that involve randomly varying phenomena. Basing his approach on the principle of theoretical foundations before application, Dr. Ogunnaike presents a classroom-tested course of study that explains how to master and use probability and statistics appropriately to deal with uncertainty in standard problems and those that are new and unfamiliar. Giving students the tools and confidence to formulate practical solutions to problems, this book offers many useful features, including: Unique case studies to illustrate the fundamentals and applications of probability and foster understanding of the random variable and its distribution Examples of development, selection, and analysis of probability models for specific random variables Presentation of core concepts and ideas behind statistics and design of experiments Selected "special topics," including reliability and life testing, quality assurance and control, and multivariate analysis As classic scientific boundaries continue to be restructured, the use of engineering is spilling over into more non-traditional areas, ranging from molecular biology to finance. This book emphasizes fundamentals and a "first principles" approach to deal with this evolution. It illustrates theory with practical examples and case studies, equipping readers to deal with a wide range of problems beyond those in the book. About the Author: Professor Ogunnaike is Interim Dean of Engineering at the University of Delaware. He is the recipient of the 2008 American Automatic Control Council's Control Engineering Practice Award, the ISA's Donald P. Eckman Education Award, the Slocomb Excellence in Teaching Award, and was elected into the US National Academy of Engineering in 2012.
Statistics and Probability with Applications for Engineers and Scientists
Author: Bhisham C. Gupta
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
ISBN: 1118464044
Category : Mathematics
Languages : en
Pages : 896
Book Description
Introducing the tools of statistics and probability from the ground up An understanding of statistical tools is essential for engineers and scientists who often need to deal with data analysis over the course of their work. Statistics and Probability with Applications for Engineers and Scientists walks readers through a wide range of popular statistical techniques, explaining step-by-step how to generate, analyze, and interpret data for diverse applications in engineering and the natural sciences. Unique among books of this kind, Statistics and Probability with Applications for Engineers and Scientists covers descriptive statistics first, then goes on to discuss the fundamentals of probability theory. Along with case studies, examples, and real-world data sets, the book incorporates clear instructions on how to use the statistical packages Minitab® and Microsoft® Office Excel® to analyze various data sets. The book also features: • Detailed discussions on sampling distributions, statistical estimation of population parameters, hypothesis testing, reliability theory, statistical quality control including Phase I and Phase II control charts, and process capability indices • A clear presentation of nonparametric methods and simple and multiple linear regression methods, as well as a brief discussion on logistic regression method • Comprehensive guidance on the design of experiments, including randomized block designs, one- and two-way layout designs, Latin square designs, random effects and mixed effects models, factorial and fractional factorial designs, and response surface methodology • A companion website containing data sets for Minitab and Microsoft Office Excel, as well as JMP ® routines and results Assuming no background in probability and statistics, Statistics and Probability with Applications for Engineers and Scientists features a unique, yet tried-and-true, approach that is ideal for all undergraduate students as well as statistical practitioners who analyze and illustrate real-world data in engineering and the natural sciences.
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
ISBN: 1118464044
Category : Mathematics
Languages : en
Pages : 896
Book Description
Introducing the tools of statistics and probability from the ground up An understanding of statistical tools is essential for engineers and scientists who often need to deal with data analysis over the course of their work. Statistics and Probability with Applications for Engineers and Scientists walks readers through a wide range of popular statistical techniques, explaining step-by-step how to generate, analyze, and interpret data for diverse applications in engineering and the natural sciences. Unique among books of this kind, Statistics and Probability with Applications for Engineers and Scientists covers descriptive statistics first, then goes on to discuss the fundamentals of probability theory. Along with case studies, examples, and real-world data sets, the book incorporates clear instructions on how to use the statistical packages Minitab® and Microsoft® Office Excel® to analyze various data sets. The book also features: • Detailed discussions on sampling distributions, statistical estimation of population parameters, hypothesis testing, reliability theory, statistical quality control including Phase I and Phase II control charts, and process capability indices • A clear presentation of nonparametric methods and simple and multiple linear regression methods, as well as a brief discussion on logistic regression method • Comprehensive guidance on the design of experiments, including randomized block designs, one- and two-way layout designs, Latin square designs, random effects and mixed effects models, factorial and fractional factorial designs, and response surface methodology • A companion website containing data sets for Minitab and Microsoft Office Excel, as well as JMP ® routines and results Assuming no background in probability and statistics, Statistics and Probability with Applications for Engineers and Scientists features a unique, yet tried-and-true, approach that is ideal for all undergraduate students as well as statistical practitioners who analyze and illustrate real-world data in engineering and the natural sciences.
Probability and Statistics for Engineering and the Sciences
Author: Jay Devore
Publisher: Cengage Learning
ISBN: 9780495382171
Category : Mathematics
Languages : en
Pages : 768
Book Description
This market-leading text provides a comprehensive introduction to probability and statistics for engineering students in all specialties. This proven, accurate book and its excellent examples evidence Jay Devore’s reputation as an outstanding author and leader in the academic community. Devore emphasizes concepts, models, methodology, and applications as opposed to rigorous mathematical development and derivations. Through the use of lively and realistic examples, students go beyond simply learning about statistics-they actually put the methods to use. Important Notice: Media content referenced within the product description or the product text may not be available in the ebook version.
Publisher: Cengage Learning
ISBN: 9780495382171
Category : Mathematics
Languages : en
Pages : 768
Book Description
This market-leading text provides a comprehensive introduction to probability and statistics for engineering students in all specialties. This proven, accurate book and its excellent examples evidence Jay Devore’s reputation as an outstanding author and leader in the academic community. Devore emphasizes concepts, models, methodology, and applications as opposed to rigorous mathematical development and derivations. Through the use of lively and realistic examples, students go beyond simply learning about statistics-they actually put the methods to use. Important Notice: Media content referenced within the product description or the product text may not be available in the ebook version.
Probability, Statistics, and Decision for Civil Engineers
Author: Jack R Benjamin
Publisher: Courier Corporation
ISBN: 0486780724
Category : Mathematics
Languages : en
Pages : 704
Book Description
"This text covers the development of decision theory and related applications of probability. Extensive examples and illustrations cultivate students' appreciation for applications, including strength of materials, soil mechanics, construction planning, and water-resource design. Emphasis on fundamentals makes the material accessible to students trained in classical statistics and provides a brief introduction to probability. 1970 edition"--
Publisher: Courier Corporation
ISBN: 0486780724
Category : Mathematics
Languages : en
Pages : 704
Book Description
"This text covers the development of decision theory and related applications of probability. Extensive examples and illustrations cultivate students' appreciation for applications, including strength of materials, soil mechanics, construction planning, and water-resource design. Emphasis on fundamentals makes the material accessible to students trained in classical statistics and provides a brief introduction to probability. 1970 edition"--
Fundamentals of Systems Engineering
Author: C. Jotin Khisty
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Computers
Languages : en
Pages : 504
Book Description
Based on the reality that today's engineers need a broad range of decision-making skills, this unique reference draws together--"into a single comprehensive volume"--all the fundamental principles of systems analysis (both hard and soft systems), economics (particularly microeconomics), probability, and statistics that engineers need to develop a rich, multifaceted perspective from which to tackle--and solve--complex engineering problems. The emphasis throughout is on presenting the fundamental concepts and their practical engineering applications, "unobscured by complicated mathematics." Using a large number of worked examples, it integrates the power of quantitative analysis with the conceptual richness of capital budgeting and microeconomics into the elements of systems engineering. Coverage is broad-based and applicable for engineers in practically "all" branches of engineering. The Systems Approach. Problem Solving in Engineering & Planning. Basic Engineering Economics & Evaluation. Basic Micro Economics for Engineers & Planners. Principles of Probability (Probability Theory; Random Variables and Probability Distributions; Joint Probability Functions and Correlated Variables). Principles of Statistics (Estimation of Statistical Parameters and Testing Validity of Distribution Functions; Hypothesis Testing, Analysis of Variance, Regression and Correlation Analysis). Basic Hard Systems Engineering. Basic Soft Systems Thinking & Analysis. For Civil, Chemical, Electrical, Environmental, Mechanical, and Industrial Engineers, Urban Planners, Architects, and Construction Managers.
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Computers
Languages : en
Pages : 504
Book Description
Based on the reality that today's engineers need a broad range of decision-making skills, this unique reference draws together--"into a single comprehensive volume"--all the fundamental principles of systems analysis (both hard and soft systems), economics (particularly microeconomics), probability, and statistics that engineers need to develop a rich, multifaceted perspective from which to tackle--and solve--complex engineering problems. The emphasis throughout is on presenting the fundamental concepts and their practical engineering applications, "unobscured by complicated mathematics." Using a large number of worked examples, it integrates the power of quantitative analysis with the conceptual richness of capital budgeting and microeconomics into the elements of systems engineering. Coverage is broad-based and applicable for engineers in practically "all" branches of engineering. The Systems Approach. Problem Solving in Engineering & Planning. Basic Engineering Economics & Evaluation. Basic Micro Economics for Engineers & Planners. Principles of Probability (Probability Theory; Random Variables and Probability Distributions; Joint Probability Functions and Correlated Variables). Principles of Statistics (Estimation of Statistical Parameters and Testing Validity of Distribution Functions; Hypothesis Testing, Analysis of Variance, Regression and Correlation Analysis). Basic Hard Systems Engineering. Basic Soft Systems Thinking & Analysis. For Civil, Chemical, Electrical, Environmental, Mechanical, and Industrial Engineers, Urban Planners, Architects, and Construction Managers.
Fundamentals of Applied Probability and Random Processes
Author: Oliver Ibe
Publisher: Academic Press
ISBN: 0128010355
Category : Mathematics
Languages : en
Pages : 457
Book Description
The long-awaited revision of Fundamentals of Applied Probability and Random Processes expands on the central components that made the first edition a classic. The title is based on the premise that engineers use probability as a modeling tool, and that probability can be applied to the solution of engineering problems. Engineers and students studying probability and random processes also need to analyze data, and thus need some knowledge of statistics. This book is designed to provide students with a thorough grounding in probability and stochastic processes, demonstrate their applicability to real-world problems, and introduce the basics of statistics. The book's clear writing style and homework problems make it ideal for the classroom or for self-study. - Demonstrates concepts with more than 100 illustrations, including 2 dozen new drawings - Expands readers' understanding of disruptive statistics in a new chapter (chapter 8) - Provides new chapter on Introduction to Random Processes with 14 new illustrations and tables explaining key concepts. - Includes two chapters devoted to the two branches of statistics, namely descriptive statistics (chapter 8) and inferential (or inductive) statistics (chapter 9).
Publisher: Academic Press
ISBN: 0128010355
Category : Mathematics
Languages : en
Pages : 457
Book Description
The long-awaited revision of Fundamentals of Applied Probability and Random Processes expands on the central components that made the first edition a classic. The title is based on the premise that engineers use probability as a modeling tool, and that probability can be applied to the solution of engineering problems. Engineers and students studying probability and random processes also need to analyze data, and thus need some knowledge of statistics. This book is designed to provide students with a thorough grounding in probability and stochastic processes, demonstrate their applicability to real-world problems, and introduce the basics of statistics. The book's clear writing style and homework problems make it ideal for the classroom or for self-study. - Demonstrates concepts with more than 100 illustrations, including 2 dozen new drawings - Expands readers' understanding of disruptive statistics in a new chapter (chapter 8) - Provides new chapter on Introduction to Random Processes with 14 new illustrations and tables explaining key concepts. - Includes two chapters devoted to the two branches of statistics, namely descriptive statistics (chapter 8) and inferential (or inductive) statistics (chapter 9).
Probability for Statistics and Machine Learning
Author: Anirban DasGupta
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
ISBN: 1441996346
Category : Mathematics
Languages : en
Pages : 796
Book Description
This book provides a versatile and lucid treatment of classic as well as modern probability theory, while integrating them with core topics in statistical theory and also some key tools in machine learning. It is written in an extremely accessible style, with elaborate motivating discussions and numerous worked out examples and exercises. The book has 20 chapters on a wide range of topics, 423 worked out examples, and 808 exercises. It is unique in its unification of probability and statistics, its coverage and its superb exercise sets, detailed bibliography, and in its substantive treatment of many topics of current importance. This book can be used as a text for a year long graduate course in statistics, computer science, or mathematics, for self-study, and as an invaluable research reference on probabiliity and its applications. Particularly worth mentioning are the treatments of distribution theory, asymptotics, simulation and Markov Chain Monte Carlo, Markov chains and martingales, Gaussian processes, VC theory, probability metrics, large deviations, bootstrap, the EM algorithm, confidence intervals, maximum likelihood and Bayes estimates, exponential families, kernels, and Hilbert spaces, and a self contained complete review of univariate probability.
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
ISBN: 1441996346
Category : Mathematics
Languages : en
Pages : 796
Book Description
This book provides a versatile and lucid treatment of classic as well as modern probability theory, while integrating them with core topics in statistical theory and also some key tools in machine learning. It is written in an extremely accessible style, with elaborate motivating discussions and numerous worked out examples and exercises. The book has 20 chapters on a wide range of topics, 423 worked out examples, and 808 exercises. It is unique in its unification of probability and statistics, its coverage and its superb exercise sets, detailed bibliography, and in its substantive treatment of many topics of current importance. This book can be used as a text for a year long graduate course in statistics, computer science, or mathematics, for self-study, and as an invaluable research reference on probabiliity and its applications. Particularly worth mentioning are the treatments of distribution theory, asymptotics, simulation and Markov Chain Monte Carlo, Markov chains and martingales, Gaussian processes, VC theory, probability metrics, large deviations, bootstrap, the EM algorithm, confidence intervals, maximum likelihood and Bayes estimates, exponential families, kernels, and Hilbert spaces, and a self contained complete review of univariate probability.
A Modern Introduction to Probability and Statistics
Author: F.M. Dekking
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
ISBN: 1846281687
Category : Mathematics
Languages : en
Pages : 485
Book Description
Suitable for self study Use real examples and real data sets that will be familiar to the audience Introduction to the bootstrap is included – this is a modern method missing in many other books
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
ISBN: 1846281687
Category : Mathematics
Languages : en
Pages : 485
Book Description
Suitable for self study Use real examples and real data sets that will be familiar to the audience Introduction to the bootstrap is included – this is a modern method missing in many other books
Statistics in Engineering
Author: Andrew Metcalfe
Publisher: CRC Press
ISBN: 1351643509
Category : Mathematics
Languages : en
Pages : 753
Book Description
Engineers are expected to design structures and machines that can operate in challenging and volatile environments, while allowing for variation in materials and noise in measurements and signals. Statistics in Engineering, Second Edition: With Examples in MATLAB and R covers the fundamentals of probability and statistics and explains how to use these basic techniques to estimate and model random variation in the context of engineering analysis and design in all types of environments. The first eight chapters cover probability and probability distributions, graphical displays of data and descriptive statistics, combinations of random variables and propagation of error, statistical inference, bivariate distributions and correlation, linear regression on a single predictor variable, and the measurement error model. This leads to chapters including multiple regression; comparisons of several means and split-plot designs together with analysis of variance; probability models; and sampling strategies. Distinctive features include: All examples based on work in industry, consulting to industry, and research for industry Examples and case studies include all engineering disciplines Emphasis on probabilistic modeling including decision trees, Markov chains and processes, and structure functions Intuitive explanations are followed by succinct mathematical justifications Emphasis on random number generation that is used for stochastic simulations of engineering systems, demonstration of key concepts, and implementation of bootstrap methods for inference Use of MATLAB and the open source software R, both of which have an extensive range of statistical functions for standard analyses and also enable programing of specific applications Use of multiple regression for times series models and analysis of factorial and central composite designs Inclusion of topics such as Weibull analysis of failure times and split-plot designs that are commonly used in industry but are not usually included in introductory textbooks Experiments designed to show fundamental concepts that have been tested with large classes working in small groups Website with additional materials that is regularly updated Andrew Metcalfe, David Green, Andrew Smith, and Jonathan Tuke have taught probability and statistics to students of engineering at the University of Adelaide for many years and have substantial industry experience. Their current research includes applications to water resources engineering, mining, and telecommunications. Mahayaudin Mansor worked in banking and insurance before teaching statistics and business mathematics at the Universiti Tun Abdul Razak Malaysia and is currently a researcher specializing in data analytics and quantitative research in the Health Economics and Social Policy Research Group at the Australian Centre for Precision Health, University of South Australia. Tony Greenfield, formerly Head of Process Computing and Statistics at the British Iron and Steel Research Association, is a statistical consultant. He has been awarded the Chambers Medal for outstanding services to the Royal Statistical Society; the George Box Medal by the European Network for Business and Industrial Statistics for Outstanding Contributions to Industrial Statistics; and the William G. Hunter Award by the American Society for Quality.
Publisher: CRC Press
ISBN: 1351643509
Category : Mathematics
Languages : en
Pages : 753
Book Description
Engineers are expected to design structures and machines that can operate in challenging and volatile environments, while allowing for variation in materials and noise in measurements and signals. Statistics in Engineering, Second Edition: With Examples in MATLAB and R covers the fundamentals of probability and statistics and explains how to use these basic techniques to estimate and model random variation in the context of engineering analysis and design in all types of environments. The first eight chapters cover probability and probability distributions, graphical displays of data and descriptive statistics, combinations of random variables and propagation of error, statistical inference, bivariate distributions and correlation, linear regression on a single predictor variable, and the measurement error model. This leads to chapters including multiple regression; comparisons of several means and split-plot designs together with analysis of variance; probability models; and sampling strategies. Distinctive features include: All examples based on work in industry, consulting to industry, and research for industry Examples and case studies include all engineering disciplines Emphasis on probabilistic modeling including decision trees, Markov chains and processes, and structure functions Intuitive explanations are followed by succinct mathematical justifications Emphasis on random number generation that is used for stochastic simulations of engineering systems, demonstration of key concepts, and implementation of bootstrap methods for inference Use of MATLAB and the open source software R, both of which have an extensive range of statistical functions for standard analyses and also enable programing of specific applications Use of multiple regression for times series models and analysis of factorial and central composite designs Inclusion of topics such as Weibull analysis of failure times and split-plot designs that are commonly used in industry but are not usually included in introductory textbooks Experiments designed to show fundamental concepts that have been tested with large classes working in small groups Website with additional materials that is regularly updated Andrew Metcalfe, David Green, Andrew Smith, and Jonathan Tuke have taught probability and statistics to students of engineering at the University of Adelaide for many years and have substantial industry experience. Their current research includes applications to water resources engineering, mining, and telecommunications. Mahayaudin Mansor worked in banking and insurance before teaching statistics and business mathematics at the Universiti Tun Abdul Razak Malaysia and is currently a researcher specializing in data analytics and quantitative research in the Health Economics and Social Policy Research Group at the Australian Centre for Precision Health, University of South Australia. Tony Greenfield, formerly Head of Process Computing and Statistics at the British Iron and Steel Research Association, is a statistical consultant. He has been awarded the Chambers Medal for outstanding services to the Royal Statistical Society; the George Box Medal by the European Network for Business and Industrial Statistics for Outstanding Contributions to Industrial Statistics; and the William G. Hunter Award by the American Society for Quality.