This book covers the development of efficient methods for the assessment and the management of civil structures is today a major challenge from economical, social and environmental aspects. Tools for handling uncertainties in loads, geometry, material properties, construction and operating conditions are nowadays essential. Covers the key concepts across topics including probability theory and statistics, structural safety, performance-based assessment, modelling uncertainties and principles of decision theory.
A comprehensive, practical approach to three powerful methods of polymer analysis and characterization This book serves as a complete compendium of three important methods widely used for the characterization of synthetic and natural polymers—light scattering, size exclusion chromatography (SEC), and asymmetric flow field flow fractionation (A4F). Featuring numerous up-to-date examples of experimental results obtained by light scattering, SEC, and A4F measurements, Light Scattering, Size Exclusion Chromatography and Asymmetric Flow Field Flow Fractionation takes an all-in-one approach to deliver a complete and thorough explanation of the principles, theories, and instrumentation needed to characterize polymers from the viewpoint of their molar mass distribution, size, branching, and aggregation. This comprehensive resource: Is the only book gathering light scattering, size exclusion chromatography, and asymmetric flow field flow fractionation into a single text Systematically compares results of size exclusion chromatography with results of asymmetric flow field flow fractionation, and how these two methods complement each other Provides in-depth guidelines for reproducible and correct determination of molar mass and molecular size of polymers using SEC or A4F coupled with a multi-angle light scattering detector Offers a detailed overview of the methodology, detection, and characterization of polymer branching Light Scattering, Size Exclusion Chromatography and Asymmetric Flow Field Flow Fractionation should be of great interest to all those engaged in the polymer analysis and characterization in industrial and university research, as well as in manufacturing quality control laboratories. Both beginners and experienced can confidently rely on this volume to confirm their own understanding or to help interpret their results.
An introduction to micro and nano replication processes and applications Micro/Nano Replication: Processes and Applications provides an overview of the fundamentals, processes, and applications involved in micro and nano replication in the manufacturing of product parts. A major field of nanotechnology, the study of micro/nano replication is sure to become one of increasing importance as the construction of completely new devices based on innovative concepts and crafted at the molecular level increases. Designed to help the reader understand and learn to work with the growing number of tools for molding plastic components, the book covers the key topics related to replication, including patterning technology, the modification of mold surface properties, and much more. In addition, it addresses the strengths and weaknesses of different molding processes. With a strong focus not only on how micro/nano replication works, but also the broader implications for the industry, the book is packed with examples of real world applications. These are drawn from a variety of fields, including information storage devices, optoelectronic elements, optical communication, and biosensors, in order to provide a complete view of the importance of micro and nano processes. A valuable introduction to a new but fast-growing field, Micro/Nano Replication is an essential resource for anyone looking to get a head start on understanding this emerging discipline.
Aspects of sustainability now determine the direction of futuristic building designs. Parts 1 to 10 of the energy efficiency standard DIN V 18599 are commented for the practice. In addition: certification systems and building energy standards for the evaluation of sustainability.
Students and practitioners of Homeland Security have generally not looked beyond U.S. borders in terms of searching for solutions to existing H.S. policy problems. Comparative Homeland Security: Global Lessons examines overseas homeland security practices, allowing readers to integrate counter-terrorism, emergency response and other H.S. practices from around the world into our own policies. The book covers strategies for combatting terrorism, countering radicalization, emergency response, border and transportation security, critical infrastructure protection, public health and military support for civil authorities from a number of the world's democracies. Organized topically, the book allows scientists, policymakers, law enforcement professionals, government workers and students of H.S. to easily compare and integrate the concepts presented into practice.
Focuses on the core systems engineering tasks of writing, managing, and tracking requirements for reliability, maintainability, and supportability that are most likely to satisfy customers and lead to success for suppliers This book helps systems engineers lead the development of systems and services whose reliability, maintainability, and supportability meet and exceed the expectations of their customers and promote success and profit for their suppliers. This book is organized into three major parts: reliability, maintainability, and supportability engineering. Within each part, there is material on requirements development, quantitative modelling, statistical analysis, and best practices in each of these areas. Heavy emphasis is placed on correct use of language. The author discusses the use of various sustainability engineering methods and techniques in crafting requirements that are focused on the customers’ needs, unambiguous, easily understood by the requirements’ stakeholders, and verifiable. Part of each major division of the book is devoted to statistical analyses needed to determine when requirements are being met by systems operating in customer environments. To further support systems engineers in writing, analyzing, and interpreting sustainability requirements, this book also Contains “Language Tips” to help systems engineers learn the different languages spoken by specialists and non-specialists in the sustainability disciplines Provides exercises in each chapter, allowing the reader to try out some of the ideas and procedures presented in the chapter Delivers end-of-chapter summaries of the current reliability, maintainability, and supportability engineering best practices for systems engineers Reliability, Maintainability, and Supportability is a reference for systems engineers and graduate students hoping to learn how to effectively determine and develop appropriate requirements so that designers may fulfil the intent of the customer.
The latest practical applications of electricity market equilibrium models in analyzing electricity markets Electricity market deregulation is driving the power energy production from a monopolistic structure into a competitive market environment. The development of electricity markets has necessitated the need to analyze market behavior and power. Restructured Electric Power Systems reviews the latest developments in electricity market equilibrium models and discusses the application of such models in the practical analysis and assessment of electricity markets. Drawing upon the extensive involvement in the research and industrial development of the leading experts in the subject area, the book starts by explaining the current developments of electrical power systems towards smart grids and then relates the operation and control technologies to the aspects in electricity markets. It explores: The problems of electricity market behavior and market power Mathematical programs with equilibrium constraints (MPEC) and equilibrium problems with equilibrium constraints (EPEC) Tools and techniques for solving the electricity market equilibrium problems Various electricity market equilibrium models State-of-the-art techniques for computing the electricity market equilibrium problems The application of electricity market equilibrium models in assessing the economic benefits of transmission expansions for market environments, forward and spot markets, short-term power system security, and analysis of reactive power impact Also featured are computational resources to allow readers to develop algorithms on their own, as well as future research directions in modeling and computational techniques in electricity market analysis. Restructured Electric Power Systems is an invaluable reference for electrical engineers and power system economists from power utilities and for professors, postgraduate students, and undergraduate students in electrical power engineering, as well as those responsible for the design, engineering, research, and development of competitive electricity markets and electricity market policy.
So why another book on process control? Process Control: A Practical Approach is a ground-breaking guide that provides everything needed to design and maintain process control applications. The book follows the hierarchy from basic control, through advanced regulatory control, up to and including multivariable control. It addresses many process-specific applications including those on fired heaters, compressors and distillation columns. Written with the practicing control engineer in mind, the book: Brings together proven design methods, many of which have never been published before Focuses on techniques that have an immediate practical application Minimizes the use of daunting mathematics – but for the more demanding reader, complex mathematical derivations are included at the end of each chapter Covers the use of all the algorithms, common to most distributed control systems This book raises the standard of what might be expected of even basic controls. In addition to the design methods it describes any shortcuts that can be taken and how to avoid common pitfalls. Proper application will result in significant improvements to process performance. Myke King’s practical approach addresses the needs of the process industry, and will improve the working practices of many control engineers. “This book would be of value to process control engineers in any country.” – Mr Andrew Ogden-Swift, Chairmain, Process Management and Control Subject Group, Institution of Chemical Engineers, UK “This book should take the process-control world by storm.” – Edward Dilley, Lecturer in Process Control, ESD Simulation Training
The internet is rife with biased and unsubstantiated claims from the organic industry, and the treatment of issues such as food safety and quality by the media («if it bleeds, it leads») tends to have a negative impact on consumer perceptions about conventional food. Until recently, more and more consumers in many countries were opting to buy organic food over conventional food, resulting in a radical shift in food retailing. This was due to concerns over chemical residues, food poisoning resulting in recalls, food scares such as «mad-cow» disease, issues like gene-modified (GM foods), antibiotics, hormones, cloning and concerns over the way plants and animals are being grown commercially as food sources. As a result there has been an expansion of the organic industry and the supply of organic foods at farmers' markets, supermarkets and specialty stores. Organic Production and Food Quality: A Down to Earth Analysis is the first comprehensive book on how organic production methods influence the safety and quality of foods, based on an unbiased assessment of the latest scientific findings. The title is a 'must-have' for everyone working within the food industry. Comprehensive explanation of organic production methods and effects on the safety and quality of foods Authoritative, unbiased and up-to-date examination of relevant global scientific research Answers the questions of whether organic food is more nutritious and/or more healthy
In this book, the author addresses technologies that are being used in emerging cellular markets. These include GSM/EGPRS and CDMA which are being deployed at a rapid pace, while technologies such as UMTS (3G)/ HSPA (3.5G) which have started to find a place in these high growth markets, are also considered. The book examines other technologies including LTE (3.9G) which have already moved out of research labs into the commercial world. 2G-CDMA is widely used, while further developments, e.g. CDMA2000 are also finding acceptance in the commercial arena. IMS/Convergence is increasingly popular all over the world; UMA, which is deployed mostly in North America; and DVB which is gaining worldwide popularity, especially in South Asia, are all reviewed. Each chapter discusses a different technology and is structured into three parts. The technology is examined at an overview level, first explaining what the technology is and then considering the technical features of the technology. The chapter concludes by looking at the planning/implementation aspects of the technology. Key Features: Useful for all cellular industry professionals as provides an overview of the currently deployed technologies in mass scale, and the forthcoming technologies that are expected to make an impact in the future, such as 4th Generation Cellular Networks. One of the first books on the market to encompass all the major cellular technologies, as well as considering the design and implementation perspective. Wireless Technology will play a key role in uplifting the economies of the Emerging countries globally. Ashok Chandra, Wireless Advisor to Govt. of India