This book addresses the latest issues in multiscale geomechanics. Written by leading experts in the field as a tribute to Jean Biarez (1927-2006), it can be of great use and interest to researchers and engineers alike. A brief introduction describes how a major school of soil mechanics came into being through the exemplary teaching by one man. Biarez's life-long work consisted of explaining the elementary mechanisms governing soil constituents in order to enhance understanding of the underlying scientific laws which control the behavior of constructible sites and to incorporate these scientific advancements into engineering practices. He innovated a multiscale approach of passing from the discontinuous medium formed by individual grains to an equivalent continuous medium. The first part of the book examines the behavior of soils at the level of their different constituents and at the level of their interaction. Behavior is then treated at the scale of the soil sample. The second part deals with soil mechanics from the vantage point of the construction project. It highlights Biarez's insightful adoption of the Finite Element Codes and illustrates, through numerous construction examples, his methodology and approach based on the general framework he constructed for soil behavior, constantly enriched by comparing in situ measurements with calculated responses of geostructures.
Self-healing is a well-known phenomenon in nature: a broken bone merges after some time and if skin is damaged, the wound will stop bleeding and heals again. This concept can be mimicked in order to create polymeric materials with the ability to regenerate after they have suffered degradation or wear. Already realized applications are used in aerospace engineering, and current research in this fascinating field shows how different self-healing mechanisms proven successful by nature can be adapted to produce even more versatile materials. The book combines the knowledge of an international panel of experts in the field and provides the reader with chemical and physical concepts for self-healing polymers, including aspects of biomimetic processes of healing in nature. It shows how to design self-healing polymers and explains the dynamics in these systems. Different self-healing concepts such as encapsulated systems and supramolecular systems are detailed. Chapters on analysis and friction detection in self-healing polymers and on applications round off the book.
The importance and actuality of nanotechnology is unabated and will be for years to come. A main challenge is to understand the various properties of certain nanostructures, and how to generate structures with specific properties for use in actual applications in Electrical Engineering and Medicine. One of the most important structures are nanowires, in particular superconducting ones. They are highly promising for future electronics, transporting current without resistance and at scales of a few nanometers. To fabricate wires to certain defined standards however, is a major challenge, and so is the investigation and understanding of these properties in the first place. A promising approach is to use carbon nanotubes as well as DNA structures as templates. Many fundamental theoretical questions are still unanswered, e.g. related to the role of quantum fluctuations. This work is tackling them and provides a detailed analysis of the transport properties of such ultrathin wires. It presents an account of theoretical models, charge transport experiments, and also conveys the latest experimental findings regarding fabrication, measurements, and theoretical analysis. In particular, it is the only available resource for the approach of using DNA and carbon nanotubes for nanowire fabrication. It is intended for graduate students and young researchers interested in nanoscale superconductivity. The readers are assumed to have knowledge of the basics of quantum mechanics and superconductivity.
Featuring a Foreword by Roger Knowles FRICS, FCIArb, FQSi, Barrister The book discusses the different types of claim common to construction contracts and presents a step-by-step guide which demonstrates the process of building up the submission of a claim. It includes guidelines as to how to set out the claim, section by section in a logical manner to ensure that the essentials of a successful claim are included. Worked examples of claims for variations, extensions of time and additional payment are included together with sample wording showing precisely how the claim may be presented in a manner which will lead the reviewer to a logical conclusion – or at least contain a persuasive argument to support the claimant’s case. The vast majority of claims are managed without the need to resort to case law or legal matters. Construction Claims: effective writing & responses therefore discusses what the claim is trying to achieve and how to do this in a logical and persuasive manner This is a practical, hands-on guide for the construction industry professional which explains how to approach the preparation of the claim document, what topics to cover, how to present the essential elements and how to compile the submission document into a user friendly and comprehensive document. For those whose job it is to review such submissions, it advises how to prepare responses which set out the respondent’s counter arguments, points of view and determinations. The guide covers: The various types of claim. How the claim may be split into sections dealing with the details of the contract, the cause, the effect, entitlement and quantum. What this section is attempting to demonstrate or achieve and why. What should be included within the section and why. Worked examples of typical claims and responses with sample wording.
Nach seinem erfolgreichen Werk «Das intelligente Genom» befasst sich Adolf Heschl in seinem neuen Buch mit der Entstehung des Bewusstseins wahrend der Evolutionsgeschichte. Unterhaltsam und leicht zuganglich geschrieben wartet der Autor nicht nur mit neuen Erkenntnissen aus der Primatenforschung auf, sondern verbindet sie mit Einsichten aus der Verhaltensforschung, Psychologie und Molekularbiologie. Insbesondere die Bedeutung des Lebensraumes der Primaten sowie der Anpassung an verschiedene okologische Nischen fur die Entwicklung des Bewusstseins und unseres Sozialverhaltens werden erlautert und der Autor kommt zu uberraschenden Schlussfolgerungen, die ein neues Licht auch auf Theorien der Psychologie, wie die Freudsche Bewusstseinstheorie, werfen.
Due to the large number of uses of ion sources in academia and industry, those who utilize these sources need up to date and coherent information to keep themselves abreast of developments and options, and to chose ideal solutions for quality and cost-effectiveness. This book, written by an author with a strong industrial background and excellent standing, is the comprehensive guide users and developers of ion sources have been waiting for. Providing a thorough refresher on the physics involved, this resource systematically covers the source types, components, and the operational parameters.
Deliberately breaking with the classical biology-centered description of marine organisms and their products, this reference emphasizes microbial technology over basic biology, setting it apart from its predecessors. As such, it systematically covers the technology behind high-value compounds for use as pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals or cosmetics, from prospecting to production issues. Following a definition of the field, the book goes on to address all industrially important aspects of marine microbial biotechnology. The first main part contains a description of the major production organisms, from archaebacteria to cyanobacteria to algae and symbionts, including their genetic engineering. The remaining four parts look at commercially important compounds produced by these microorganisms together with their applications. Throughout, the emphasis is on technological considerations, and the future potential of these organisms or compound classes is discussed. A valuable and forward-looking resource for innovative biotechnologists in industry as well as in academia.
This book is dedicated to the processes of mineral transformation, recycling and reclamation of metals, for the purpose of turning metals and alloys into a liquid state ready for pouring. Even though «process metallurgy» is one of the oldest technologies implemented by man, technological innovation, with the development of processes that are both focused on product quality and economically and ecologically efficient, continues to be at the heart of these industries. This book explains the physico-chemical bases of transformations, vital to their understanding and control (optimization of operational conditions), and the foundations in terms of «process engineering» (heat and matter assessment, process coupling: chemical reactions and transport phenomena), vital to the optimal execution and analysis of transformation process operations. This book is addressed to students in the field of metallurgy and to engineers facing the problem of metal and alloy development (operation of an industrial unit or development of a new process).
Research Ethics for Scientists is about best practices in all the major areas of research management and practice that are common to scientific researchers, especially those in academia. Aimed towards the younger scientist, the book critically examines the key areas that continue to plague even experienced and well-meaning science professionals. For ease of use, the book is arranged in functional themes and units that every scientist recognizes as crucial for sustained success in science; ideas, people, data, publications and funding. These key themes will help to highlight the elements of successful and ethical research as well as challenging the reader to develop their own ideas of how to conduct themselves within their work. Tackles the ethical issues of being a scientist rather than the ethical questions raised by science itself Case studies used for a practical approach Written by an experienced researcher and PhD mentor Accessible, user-friendly advice Indispensible companion for students and young scientists
Based on interviews with successful biotech entrepreneurs and high-level investors as well as case studies, this title provides a comprehensive overview of current trends in biotech funding. In particular, it illustrates the tensions between both sides based on their different backgrounds and expectations. The book outlines the various funding opportunities for the biotech industry and identifies ways for both sides to overcome their existing prejudices in order to successfully thrive in a competitive environment. A must-have for biotech entrepreneurs and investors, as well as invaluable supplementary reading for students aspiring to a career in the industry.