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A New Target Detector Based on Geometrical Perturbation Filters for Polarimetric Synthetic Aperture Radar (Springer Theses)
by Armando MarinoThis thesis presents a groundbraking methodology for the radar international community. The detection approach introduced, namely perturbation analysis, is completey novel showing a remarkable capability of thinking outside the box. Perturbation analysis is able to push forward the performance limits of current algorithms, allowing the detection of targets smaller than the resolution cell and highly embedded in clutter. The methodology itself is extraordinary flexibe and has already been used in two other large projects, funded by the ESA (European Space Agency): M-POL for maritime surveillance, and DRAGON-2 for land classification with particular attention to forests. This book is a perfectly organised piece of work where every detail and perspective is taken into account in order to provide a comprehensive vision of the problems and solutions.
A New Theory of Additive Manufacturing: Solvable and Unsolvable Manufacturing Problems (Synthesis Lectures on Engineering, Science, and Technology)
by Sanjay KumarThis is the first book on Additive Manufacturing that provides an original theory for the entire subject. It is the culmination of a search for the root cause of manufacturing problems that occur in practice. The author finds a reason why there are only two types of layer arrangement for manufacturing products and divides fabrication problems in additive manufacturing into two types: solvable and unsolvable. This allows readers to anticipate/avoid difficulty in manufacturing, saving materials, time, and resources.
A Nexus Approach for Sustainable Development: Integrated Resources Management in Resilient Cities and Multifunctional Land-use Systems
by Stephan Hülsmann Mahesh JampaniThis book explores how integrated management of environmental resources via a nexus approach can help in achieving the respective Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It provides conceptual considerations but mainly practical examples on how to implement a nexus approach in cities and multifunctional land-use systems to increase resource use efficiency and develop a low carbon economy. After sketching out the background and conceptual outline, contributions to the book explore key aspects of the nexus implementation. Specifically, they • Demonstrate how to sustainably use organic waste and wastewater for agriculture, • Explore examples on how to manage multifunctional land-use systems including multipurpose reservoirs, • Highlight the importance of economic incentives for successful nexus implementation, and • Provide a comprehensive perspective on challenges and opportunities of implementation, considering peer-to-peer learning, indigenous knowledge, and stakeholder participation. The chapters in this book shed a new light on key aspects of the interrelation between SDGs and the nexus approach in resilient cities and multifunctional land-use systems, and provide specific examples on how to advance sustainable resources management.
A Night to Remember: The Sinking of the Titanic (The Titanic Chronicles #1)
by Walter Lord#1 New York Times Bestseller: The definitive book on the sinking of the Titanic, based on interviews with survivors, by the author of The Miracle of Dunkirk. At first, no one but the lookout recognized the sound. Passengers described it as the impact of a heavy wave, a scraping noise, or the tearing of a long calico strip. In fact, it was the sound of the world&’s most famous ocean liner striking an iceberg, and it served as the death knell for 1,500 souls. In the next two hours and forty minutes, the maiden voyage of the Titanic became one of history&’s worst maritime accidents. As the ship&’s deck slipped closer to the icy waterline, women pleaded with their husbands to join them on lifeboats. Men changed into their evening clothes to meet death with dignity. And in steerage, hundreds fought bitterly against certain death. At 2:15 a.m. the ship&’s band played &“Autumn.&” Five minutes later, the Titanic was gone. Based on interviews with sixty-three survivors, Lord&’s moment-by-moment account is among the finest books written about one of the twentieth century&’s bleakest nights.
A Normal Family: The Surprising Truth About My Crazy Childhood (And How I Discovered 35 New Siblings)
by Chrysta BiltonONE OF PEOPLE MAGAZINE'S BEST SUMMER READS 20225* 'A jaw-dropping memoir' - THE TELEGRAPH'One of the maddest memoirs you'll read this year... a beautiful, warm, funny book.' -The Times'A wholly absorbing page-turner that everyone will want to read. You should probably buy two.' -Kirkus Starred Review'A riveting debut.' -People Magazine'By turns hilarious, wrenching, and achingly tender.' -Susan Orlean, New York Times bestselling author'A remarkable and wise book, two memoirs braided together with such tendresse that readers will come to believe the ironic title in earnest' -LA TIMESFor most of her life, Chrysta Bilton was one member of a small, if dysfunctional, family of four. There was her sister, Kaitlyn, her hedonistic, glamorous, gay mum Debra, and Jeffrey, who Debra hand-picked, in an LA hairdressers, to be the father of her children. During Chrysta's unstable childhood, Debra struggled to keep the family afloat and Jeffrey wandered in and out of their lives.Then, in her twenties, Chrysta discovered that her father had secretly donated his sperm over 500 times - and that she had at least 35 other siblings.A Normal Family is a captivating coming-of-age memoir about Chrysta's reckoning with the secrets both parents had carefully kept from her. Heartfelt, warm and funny, it's a story of embracing the family we have, in all the forms we find it.
A Normal Family: The Surprising Truth About My Crazy Childhood (And How I Discovered 35 New Siblings)
by Chrysta Bilton'I thought my family was complicated until I read Chrysta Bilton's wonderful memoir about the unique collection of irresistible characters in her life. Bilton has a big heart, gentle wisdom, keen eye and lovely wit. She's a gifted writer with an astonishing story to tell.' -David Sheff, author of Beautiful Boy'By turns hilarious, wrenching, and achingly tender... Bilton writes beautifully, with sharp insight and a light touch, about her harrowing, astonishing journey into understanding her parents, her (very) extended family, and herself.' - Susan Orlean, New York Times bestselling author of On Animals and Rin Tin TinFor most of her life, Chrysta Bilton was one member of a small, if dysfunctional, family of four. There was her sister, Kaitlyn, her hedonistic, glamorous, gay mum Debra, and Jeffrey, who Debra hand-picked, in an LA hairdressers, to be the father of her children. During Chrysta's unstable childhood, Debra struggled to keep the family afloat and Jeffrey wandered in and out of their lives.Then, in her twenties, Chrysta discovered that her father had secretly donated his sperm over 500 times - and that she had at least 35 other siblings.A Normal Family is a captivating coming-of-age memoir about Chrysta's reckoning with the secrets both parents had carefully kept from her. Heartfelt, warm and funny, it's a story of embracing the family we have, in all the forms we find it.
A Novel Approach to Sludge Treatment Using Microwave Technology (IHE Delft PhD Thesis Series)
by Eva KocbekSludge transportation costs can represent a large fraction of the expenses associated with municipal and faecal sludge management. These costs can be mitigated through the use of thermal drying approaches to reduce the sludge volume. This thesis described the application of a novel microwave-based pilot-scale unit as an alternative technology for the sanitisation and drying of sludge from municipal wastewater treatment plants and on-site sanitation facilities. The potential economic benefits of volumetric heating, moisture levelling, and increased liquid and vapour migration from the interior to the surface of the product underpins the increasing interest in the use of microwave technology during sludge treatment processes. According to the findings of this study, these factors lead to faster processing times, improved drying rates, and a reduced physical footprint. Furthermore, microwave technology operates as a standalone treatment unit. When coupled with mechanical dewatering techniques and membrane separation technology, it can increase the reliability of the technology employed in the treatment of sludge while recovering valuable resources through an agricultural or thermochemical application such as (co-) combustion. The results of this work demonstrate the strong feasibility of applying microwave-based technology within initiatives designed to protect the environment and safeguard public health.
A Novel Green Treatment for Textiles: Plasma Treatment as a Sustainable Technology (ISSN)
by Chi-wai KanIndustries worldwide have been impacted by environmental regulations, economics, and ultimately consumers, which has led to more thought about the development of sustainable products. The textile industry is no exception. The preparation, dyeing, and finishing of textile fibres requires large amounts of water and other chemicals which may be toxic
A Novel Intrabody Communication Transceiver for Biomedical Applications (Series in BioEngineering)
by Mir Hojjat Seyedi Daniel LaiThis monograph explores Intrabody communication (IBC) as a novel non-RF wireless data communication technique using the human body itself as the communication channel or transmission medium. In particular, the book investigates Intrabody Communication considering limb joint effects within the transmission frequency range 0. 3-200 MHz. Based on in-vivo experiments which determine the effects of size, situations, and locations of joints on the IBC, the book proposes a new IBC circuit model explaining elbow joint effects. This model not only takes the limb joint effects of the body into account but also considers the influence of measurement equipment in higher frequency band thus predicting signal attenuation behavior over wider frequency ranges. Finally, this work proposes transmitter and receiver architectures for intrabody communication. A carrier-free scheme based on impulse radio for the IBC is implemented on a FPGA.
A Novel Lidar Ceilometer: Design, Implementation and Characterisation (Springer Theses)
by Joshua D. Vande HeyIn this thesis, a new lidar (light detection and ranging) ceilometer capable of monitoring cloud base and sensitive to boundary layer aerosols is introduced. The key to this novelty lies in its divided-lens design that addresses a classical lidar problem of balancing transmitter-receiver overlap and signal-to-noise ratio, along with a method for characterizing overlap in the laboratory. Enhanced sensitivity in the near-range of the instrument is achieved without compromising signal-to-noise in a design that is straightforward to manufacture for broad deployment. The instrument, its optical characterization, and its performance in the field are described. The prototype instrument described here has since formed the basis of a commercial sensor for monitoring clouds and aerosols. High-resolution, continuous observations of clouds and aerosols are needed to reduce the large uncertainties in our current understanding of their influence on climate that have been highlighted by the International Panel on Climate Change. And as international health organizations indicate growing public health threats over the coming decades resulting from poor air quality, extensive aerosol monitoring is required to assess personal exposure to and the health impacts of anthropogenic particulates. Ground-based optical remote sensing measurements made by well-characterized instruments, such as that described in these pages, are critical to this.
A Novel SOFC Tri-generation System for Building Applications (Springer Theses)
by Theo ElmerThe thesis has critically examined, both theoretically and experimentally, a novel tri-generation system concept - with encouraging system performance demonstrated. The thesis establishes the significant potential of the novel tri-generation system in providing effective built environment decarbonisation through decentralised generation; strengthening the case for a future hydrogen economy. In response to the critical need to decarbonise the built environment, alternative methods for more effective energy utilisation need to be explored including tri-generation systems. The thesis presents the design, development and testing of a novel proof-of-concept tri-generation system based on solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) and liquid desiccant air conditioning technology to provide electricity, heating and cooling to building applications. No previous work has been reported on such a system. The theme of the work sits within the topics of low-carbon and sustainable energy technologies, building services and low carbon building applications.
A Numerate Life
by John Allen PaulosEmploying intuitive ideas from mathematics, this quirky "meta-memoir" raises questions about our lives that most of us don't think to ask, but arguably should: What part of memory is reliable fact, what part creative embellishment? Which favorite presuppositions are unfounded, which statistically biased? By conjoining two opposing mindsets--the suspension of disbelief required in storytelling and the skepticism inherent in the scientific method--bestselling mathematician John Allen Paulos has created an unusual hybrid, a composite of personal memories and mathematical approaches to re-evaluating them.Entertaining vignettes from Paulos's biography abound--ranging from a bullying math teacher and a fabulous collection of baseball cards to romantic crushes, a grandmother's petty larceny, and his quite unintended role in getting George Bush elected president in 2000. These vignettes serve as springboards to many telling perspectives: simple arithmetic puts life-long habits in a dubious new light; higher dimensional geometry helps us see that we're all rather peculiar; nonlinear dynamics explains the narcissism of small differences cascading into very different siblings; logarithms and exponentials yield insight on why we tend to become bored and jaded as we age; and there are tricks and jokes, probability and coincidences, and much more.For fans of Paulos or newcomers to his work, this witty commentary on his life--and yours--is fascinating reading.From the Trade Paperback edition.
A Numerical Approach to the Classical Laminate Theory of Composite Materials: The Composite Laminate Analysis Tool—CLAT v2.0 (Advanced Structured Materials #189)
by Andreas Öchsner Resam MakvandiThis book first provides a systematic and thorough introduction to the classical laminate theory for composite materials based on the theory for plane elasticity elements and classical (shear-rigid) plate elements. The focus is on unidirectional lamina which can be described based on orthotropic constitutive equations and their composition to layered laminates. In addition to the elastic behavior, failure is investigated based on the maximum stress, maximum strain, Tsai-Hill, and the Tsai-Wu criteria.The solution of the fundamental equations of the classical laminate theory is connected with extensive matrix operations, and many problems require in addition iteration loops. Thus, a classical hand calculation of related problems is extremely time consuming. In order to facilitate the application of the classical laminate theory, we decided to provide a Python-based computational tool, the so-called Composite Laminate Analysis Tool (CLAT) to easily solve some standard questions from the context of fiber-reinforced composites. The tool runs in any standard web browser and offers a user-friendly interface with many post-processing options. The functionality comprises stress and strain analysis of lamina and laminates, derivation of off-axis elastic properties of lamina, and the failure analysis based on different criteria.
A Numerical Approach to the Micromechanics of Fibre-Reinforced Laminae: The Micromechanics Analysis Tool—MMAT v1.0 (Advanced Structured Materials #218)
by Andreas Öchsner Resam MakvandiThis book treats the micromechanics of laminae, i.e., the prediction of the macroscopic mechanical lamina properties based on the mechanical properties of the constituents, i.e., fibers and matrix. The focus is on unidirectional lamina which can be described based on orthotropic constitutive equations. In detail, predictions for the modulus of elasticity in and transverse to the fiber direction, the major Poisson’s ratio, as wells as the in-plane shear modulus are provided. The mechanics of materials approach, the elasticity solutions with contiguity after Tsai, and the Halpin-Tsai relationships, are presented in detail. Composite materials, especially fiber-reinforced composites, are gaining increasing importance since they can overcome the limits of many structures based on classical engineering materials. Particularly the combination of a matrix with fibers provides far better properties than the single constituents alone. A typical basic layer, the so-called lamina, can be composed of unidirectional fibers which are embedded in a matrix. In a second step, layers of laminae may be stacked under different fiber angles to a so-called laminate, which reveals—depending on the stacking sequence—different types of anisotropy/isotropy. A Python-based computational tool is provided, the so-called Micromechanics Analysis Tool (MMAT v1.0) to easily predict the elastic properties. The tool runs in any standard web browser and offers a user-friendly interface with many graphical representations of the elastic properties as a function of the fiber volume fraction.
A Numerical Approach to the Simplified Laminate Theory of Composite Materials: The Composite Laminate Analysis Tool—CLAT 1D (Advanced Structured Materials #202)
by Andreas Öchsner Resam MakvandiA typical approach to treat composite materials, which are composed of layered unidirectional lamina, is the so-called classical laminate theory (CLT). This theory is based on the theory for plane elasticity elements and classical (shear-rigid) plate elements under the assumption of orthotropic constitutive equations. The solution of the fundamental equations of the classical laminate theory is connected with extensive matrix operations and many problems require in addition iteration loops.This two-dimensional approach and the underlying advanced continuum mechanical modeling might be very challenging for some students, particularly at universities of applied sciences. Thus, a reduced approach, the so-called simplified classical laminate theory (SCLT), has been recently proposed. The idea was to use solely isotropic one-dimensional elements, i.e., a superposition of bar and beam elements, to introduce the major calculation steps of the classical laminate theory. Understanding this simplified theory is much easier and the final step it to highlight the differences when moving to the general two-dimensional case.This monograph first provides a systematic and thorough introduction to the simplified laminate theory based on the theory for bars and classical beam plate elements. The focus is on stacking of isotropic layers to simplified laminates. In addition to the elastic behavior, failure is investigated based on the maximum stress, maximum strain, Tsai-Hill, and the Tsai-Wu criteria. We provide a Python-based computational tool, the so-called Composite Laminate Analysis Tool (CLAT 1D) to easily solve some standard questions from the context of fiber reinforced composites. The tool runs in any standard web browser and offers a user-friendly interface with many post-processing options. The functionality comprises stress and strain analysis of simplified lamina and laminates and the failure analysis based on different criteria.
A Numerical Library in Java for Scientists and Engineers
by Hang T. LauAt last researchers have an inexpensive library of Java-based numeric procedures for use in scientific computation. The first and only book of its kind, A Numeric Library in Java for Scientists and Engineers is a translation into Java of the library NUMAL (NUMerical procedures in ALgol 60). This groundbreaking text presents procedural descr
A Numerical Primer for the Chemical Engineer, Second Edition
by Edwin ZondervanDesigned as an introduction to numerical methods for students, this book combines mathematical correctness with numerical performance, and concentrates on numerical methods and problem solving. It applies actual numerical solution strategies to formulated process models to help identify and solve chemical engineering problems. Second edition comes with additional chapter on numerical integration and section on boundary value problems in the relevant chapter. Additional material on general modelling principles, mass/energy balances and separate section on DAE’s is also included. Case study section has been extended with additional examples.
A Numerical Tool for the Analysis of Bioinspired Aquatic Locomotion (SpringerBriefs in Applied Sciences and Technology)
by Giovanni BianchiThis book presents a novel method for the numerical simulation of swimming animals. It includes a review of the hydrodynamics of swimming, a description of the CFD model adopted, and a description of the results obtained by applying this model to the cownose ray. This method is developed for the open-source software OpenFOAM and relies on an overset mesh. A custom library is added to the solver to include the equations of the kinematics of the animal under investigation, combining the deformation of the fish fins with the computed displacement and rotation of the animal's body. The presented method helps investigate the dynamics of any animal moving in a fluid, provided that its kinematics is known, and in this work, it is applied to investigate the hydrodynamics of a cownose ray. This book is intended for researchers and engineers who aim to deeply understand the hydrodynamics of fish swimming and to design bioinspired autonomous underwater vehicles or novel propulsion systems.
A Paraconsistent Decision-Making Method (Smart Innovation, Systems and Technologies #87)
by Jair Minoro Abe Fábio Romeu CarvalhoThis book presents a novel decision-making support system based on paraconsistent annotated evidential logic, which directly handles imprecise, incomplete and contradictory data. The authors offer insights into areas such as engineering and biomedicine, as well as related fields. Decision analysis is useful in making choices when the consequences of actions are uncertain, like in business administration, where it assists in making investment decisions, and in health care, Decision analysis is also valuable when the possible actions may lead to conflicting consequences. A fundamental tenet of decision analysis is that even though the available information is incomplete, a decision must be made. Thus, analyses often contain assumptions about or estimates of missing data.The contribution that this method can provide to professionals and companies has significant relevance in terms of the impact of information systems on productivity and quality of the companies; the lack of training companies for proper planning and management of information systems; and the need for interdisciplinary treatment of several sectors of almost all related scientific areas.This book is a valuable resource for professionals seeking a competitive edge in their performance.
A Parametric Framework for Modelling of Bioelectrical Signals (Series in BioEngineering)
by Yar M. MughalThis book examines non-invasive, electrical-based methods for disease diagnosis and assessment of heart function. In particular, a formalized signal model is proposed since this offers several advantages over methods that rely on measured data alone. By using a formalized representation, the parameters of the signal model can be easily manipulated and/or modified, thus providing mechanisms that allow researchers to reproduce and control such signals. In addition, having such a formalized signal model makes it possible to develop computer tools that can be used for manipulating and understanding how signal changes result from various heart conditions, as well as for generating input signals for experimenting with and evaluating the performance of e. g. signal extraction methods. The work focuses on bioelectrical information, particularly electrical bio-impedance (EBI). Once the EBI has been measured, the corresponding signals have to be modelled for analysis. This requires a structured approach in order to move from real measured data to the model of the corresponding signals. This book proposes a generic framework for this procedure. It can be used as a guide for modelling impedance cardiography (ICG) and impedance respirography (IRG) signals, as well as for developing the corresponding bio-impedance signal simulator (BISS).
A Parent's Guide to Virtual Learning: How to Help Your Child Thrive in a Online Classroom
by Felicia DurdenMake kids&’ virtual school experience fun and effective with this all-in-one primer designed to help busy parents make the most out of digital platforms, understand teaching strategies, and fully support your child&’s education.Every parent wants to help their child succeed, but it can be difficult when online platforms and teaching methods seem to be constantly changing. Now, A Parent&’s Guide to Virtual Learning takes the mystery out of digital education and gives you the tools that you can immediately implement at home, no matter your district, school, or distance learning model. Written by a fellow parent and experienced educator, Dr. Felicia Durden breaks down how virtual learning works and simple strategies for reinforcing classroom instruction, all with the busy parent in mind. In this book, parents will learn how to: Create an inspiring at-home workspace Make the most out of virtual platforms Understand core topics like math and reading Set up remote learning pods with other kids Support various online, hybrid, and distance learning models Avoid burnout (for students and parents!) Adapting to a virtual environment will be challenging and the role that parents play is crucial in student success. This book will be a tool that you will go to again and again to stay prepared and energized each day to help your child reach their learning goals.
A Partially Auxetic Metamaterial Inspired by the Maltese Cross (Elements in Emerging Theories and Technologies in Metamaterials)
by Teik-Cheng LimA partially-auxetic metamaterial is introduced, inspired by the Maltese cross. Each unit of this metamaterial consists of a pair of counter-rotating equal-armed crosses, which is interconnected to neighboring units via hinge rods and connecting rods. Based on linkage theory, the on-axes Poisson's ratio was established considering a two-fold symmetrical mechanism, while the (anti)tetrachiral mechanisms were identified for on-axes uniaxial compression. A shearing mechanism is suggested for pure shearing and diagonal loading of the metamaterial with square array. Results suggest that the approximated infinitesimal models are valid for the Poisson's ratio of the two-fold symmetrical and the (anti)tetrachiral mechanisms under on-axis tension and compression, respectively; however, the finite model is recommended for quantifying the Poisson's ratio under pure shear and off-axis loading. This metamaterial manifests microstructural trinity, in which three different loading modes result in three different groups of deformation mechanisms. Finally, suggestions are put forth for some unsolved predictive problems.
A Passion for Space: Adventures of a Pioneering Female NASA Flight Controller (Springer Praxis Books)
by Marianne J. DysonMarianne J. Dyson recounts for us a time when women were making the first inroads into space flight control, a previously male-dominated profession. The story begins with the inspiration of the Apollo 11 landing on the Moon and follows the challenges of pursuing a science career as a woman in the 70s and 80s, when it was far from an easy path. <p><p>Dyson relates the first five space shuttle flights from the personal perspective of mission planning and operations in Houston at the Johnson Space Center, based almost exclusively on original sources such as journals and NASA weekly activity reports. The book's historical details about astronaut and flight controller training exemplify both the humorous and serious aspects of space operations up through the Challenger disaster, including the almost unknown fire in Mission Control during STS-5 that nearly caused an emergency entry of the shuttle. <p><p>From an insider with a unique perspective and credentials to match, this a must-read for anyone interested in the workings of NASA during one of its busiest and defining times, and the challenges faced by women pursuing scientific careers.
A Path To The Next Generation Of U.s. Banknotes: Keeping Them Real
by National Research Council of the National AcademiesThe rapid pace at which digital printing is advancing is posing a very serious challenge to the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Bureau of Printing (BEP). The BEP needs to stay ahead of the evolving counterfeiting threats to U.S. currency. To help meet that challenge, A Path to the Next Generation of U.S. Banknotes provides an assessment of technologies and methods to produce designs that enhance the security of U.S. Federal Reserve notes (FRNs). This book presents the results of a systematic investigation of the trends in digital imaging and printing and how they enable emerging counterfeiting threats. It also provides the identification and analysis of new features of FRNs that could provide effective countermeasures to these threats and an overview of a requirements-driven development process that could be adapted to develop an advanced-generation currency.
A Pathway to Safe, Smart, and Resilient Road and Mobility Networks: The Future of Roadways: Green, Equitable, and Integrated (Advances in Science, Technology & Innovation)
by Amin Akhnoukh Kamil Kaloush Mena I. Souliman Carlos ChangThis book provides case studies and state-of-the-art research findings for cutting-edge technologies relevant to transportation infrastructure projects, with emphasis on safe, smart, and resilient road and mobility networks. The market share of the global infrastructure projects is estimated at $3.4 trillion, the socioeconomic rate of return is around 20%, and significant progress has been made in the last decade in maintenance of existing projects and to improve future construction projects for the well-being of the society. Different book chapters focus on emerging challenges including readying road infrastructure to autonomous vehicles, safety of road users, increased efficiency and sustainability of infrastructure projects, and advances in construction materials and technologies of highways, tunnels, and bridges. State-of-the-art research includes the current and future applications of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV), intelligent transportation systems (ITS), artificial intelligence (AI), Internet of things (IoT), big data, smart materials, and additive manufacturing (AM). This book is intended for transportation professionals, policy makers, researchers, practicing engineers, researchers, graduate students, and public and private sector transportation personnel