As part of the Environmental and Ecological Modeling Handbooks series, the Handbook of Ecosystem Theories and Management provides a comprehensive overview of ecosystem theory and the tools - ecological engineering, ecological modeling, ecotoxicology and ecological economics -to manage these systems.
The book is laid out to provide a summary or survey of each topic, using many tables and figures. Concepts, definitions, important findings, basic hypotheses, important correlations between theories and observation with illustrative graphs are included.
The comprehensive treatment of ecosystem theory and application of theoretical tools, and the integration of classical theory and real world examples, sets this book apart. It covers newly emerging topical areas as well as nontraditional topical areas (i.e. chaos) that will interest professionals trained in previous decades and enlighten those now entering into formal training. The general approach taken by the authors makes this an essential reference and handbook for professionals and students.

This ground-breaking and timely contribution to the field of Intellectual Property law explores the implications of 3D Printing and Additive Manufacturing in three core jurisdictions: the UK, USA and Australia. Providing in-depth analysis of the current state of affairs, as well as outlining future issues and developments, 3D Printing and Beyond addresses both the challenges and opportunities created by 3D Printing. Bringing together both academic and practical experts, the original contributions to this book consider the regulation of new, emerging and future technologies and their implications for the legal landscape. The book goes beyond 3D printing and its relationship with intellectual property to the realms of ethics, contracts, socio-legal aspects and economics. Intellectual property academics will greatly benefit from reading this book, as it not only explores the myriad ways in which 3D printing has altered the horizon of IP law, but also offers ideas for areas of future research. Practitioners and policy makers will also benefit from the useful examples and cases used in this book. Contributors include: T. Berger, S. Bradshaw, R. Brownsword, A. Daly, D. Desai, E. Ferrill, T. Holbrook, D. Hong, K. Horn, M. Lemley, R. MacKichan, T. Margoni, C. McKinley, D. Mendis, P. Menell, M. Mimler, D. Nicol, J. Nielsen, M. Rimmer, A. Scardamaglia, R. Vacca

Blender is a vast and customizable 3D-modeling application used by many artists across creative industries, from television to games. This newest book, in Alan Thorn's How to Cheat series, offers insightful and bite-sized power-tips to help you develop Blender mastery. More than five hundred figures illustrate interesting shortcuts and clever ways to improve your Blender workflow. A companion website at http://www.alanthorn.net provides bonus content, including videos and resources to help sharpen your skills further. How to Cheat in Blender 2.7x is for Blender users of all levels, offering time-saving tips and powerful techniques to increase your productivity. Key Features Bite-sized tips and tricks that can be read in any order Illustrated examples and step-by-step guides for improving your workflow Explores practical applications and real-world contexts Demonstrates "lesser-known" and unconventional tips Improves your efficiency and workflow

"Many researchers and software developers have put a lot of effort into finding solutions for automated code checking. This book is a good summary of these efforts and provides readers with a comprehensive understanding of the status of such technologies in the industry. It also guides readers on implementation of such techniques using the platforms and tools currently available in the industry." - Issa Ramaji, University of North Florida, USA Building Information Modeling: Automated Code Checking and Compliance Processes covers current and emerging trends in automating the processes of examining building design against codes and standards of practice. The role of Building Information Modeling (BIM) technologies in these processes is thoroughly analyzed and explains how this new technology is significantly transforming modern architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) domains. The book also introduces the theoretical background of computerizing compliance verification, including domain knowledge representations, building model representations, and automated code checking systems. An underlying goal for the material covered is to present the use of BIM technology as an integral part of the automated auditing process that can lead to a more comprehensive, intelligent, and integrated building design- a design where an optimized solution can be achieved in harmony with the current codes and standards of practice. This new proposed BIM-based framework for automating code conformance checking is one of the most powerful methods presently available to reflect actual building code requirements, and the methods described in the book offer significant benefits to the AEC industry such as: Providing consistency in interpretation of regulatory provisions Reducing code compliance validation errors, and the cost and time associated with compliance checking Allows for the ability to self-check required aspects before bidding Reduces the amount of time and resources required during design review Allows for optimal design, along with faster turnaround on feedback, and potentially faster approvals for construction permits by building and infrastructure authorities

General Purpose Simulation System (GPSS) is a special computer programming language primarily used to simulate what can be classified as discrete systems. A discrete system is one where, at any given instant in time, a countable number of things can take place. The basic operation of a mine itself can be considered such a system. Discrete Simulation and Animation for Mining Engineers explains how to model mining systems using GPSS/H (R) and PROOF (R) by Wolverine Software Corporation. Employing a unique approach that encourages engagement from the start, the text discusses animation first, and then slowly introduces simulation language. As each new topic is covered, an animation is provided to illustrate the key concepts.Leveraging valuable insight gained from the author's extensive experience modeling mines around the world, the book: Describes how to apply discrete system simulation to mines Shows how to make those simulations come alive with animation Includes real-world examples and exercises that hone practical problem-solving skills Written by a mining engineer for mining engineers and students of mining, Discrete Simulation and Animation for Mining Engineers offers a comprehensive yet accessible treatment of mine simulation and animation useful in increasing the efficiency of industrial mining processes.

Building Product Models thoroughly presents the concepts, technology, and methods now used to work out what will become the building product model - a new, digital representation for architecture, civil engineering, and building construction.
Organized into three sections (history, current tools and concepts, and existing efforts and research issues), this resource provides the field of building product modeling with a standard reference as well as a single, comprehensive text for university courses.
Until now, all the efforts in building modeling have been reported in research journals and conference proceedings or been made available as draft standards on the Internet. Building Product Models is the only book available on this vital field, bringing together essential aspects of major efforts from the early 1970s to the present.

The complexity of specifications and the number of materials options available today for concrete production mean that the traditional procedure of making trial mixes is now unnecessary, expensive and time consuming. However the data generated by trial mixes can be incorporated into the development of computer-based systems and combined with knowledge generated through research and practice. J.D Dewar has spent much of the 20 years between 1979 and 1999 developing systems by which a small amount of materials data can be used confidently to predict the composition of the ideal product to satisfy a specification with maximim economy, or to provide the "batch book" to fulfill all requirements using a specified combination of materials. Equally useful is the potential for forward control by the continuous adjustment of designs to take account of current or developing materials properties.

Harness State-of-the-Art Computational Modeling Tools Computational Modeling of Pulverized Coal Fired Boilers successfully establishes the use of computational modeling as an effective means to simulate and enhance boiler performance. This text factors in how computational flow models can provide a framework for developing a greater understanding of the underlying processes in PC boilers. It also provides a detailed account of the methodology of computational modeling of pulverized coal boilers, as well as an apt approach to modeling complex processes occurring in PC boilers in a manageable way. Connects Modeling with Real-Life Applications Restricted to the combustion side of the boiler (the authors assume some prior background of reaction engineering and numerical techniques), the book describes the individual aspects of combustion and heat recovery sections of PC boilers that can be used to further improve the design methodologies, optimize boiler performance, and solve practical boiler-related problems. The book provides guidelines on implementing the material in commercial CFD solvers, summarizes key points, and presents relevant case studies. It can also be used to model larger boilers based on conventional, super-critical, or ultra-super critical technologies as well as based on oxy-fuel technologies. Consisting of six chapters, this functional text: Provides a general introduction Explains the overall approach and methodology Explores kinetics of coal pyrolysis (devolatilization) and combustion and methods of its evaluation Presents computational flow modeling approach to simulate pulverized coal fired boiler Covers modeling aspects from formulation of model equations to simulation methodology Determines typical results obtained with computational flow models Discusses the phenomenological models or reactor network models Includes practical applications of computational modeling Computational Modeling of Pulverized Coal Fired Boilers explores the potential of computational models for better engineering of pulverized coal boilers, providing an ideal resource for practicing engineers working in utility industries. It also benefits boiler design companies, industrial consultants, R & D laboratories, and engineering scientists/research students.

Offers a treatment of modern applications of modelling and simulation in crop, livestock, forage/livestock systems, and field operations. The book discusses methodologies from linear programming and neutral networks, to expert or decision support systems, as well as featuring models, such as SOYGRO, CROPGRO and GOSSYM/COMAX. It includes coverage on evaporation and evapotranspiration, the theory of simulation based on biological processes, and deficit irrigation scheduling.

Simulation is a multi-disciplinary field, and significant simulation research is dispersed across multiple fields of study. Distributed computer systems, software design methods, and new simulation techniques offer synergistic multipliers when joined together in a distributed simulation. Systems of most interest to the simulation practitioner are often the most difficult to model and implement.
Distributed Simulation brings together the many complex technologies for distributed simulation. There is strong emphasis on emerging simulation methodologies, including object-oriented, multilevel, and multi-resolution simulation. Finally, one concise text provides a strong foundation for the development of high fidelity simulations in heterogeneous distributed computing environments!

Contents:
1. Basic Principles: The Operating Regime Approach 2. Modelling: Fuzzy Set Methods for Local Modelling Identification 3. Modelling of Electrically Stimulated Muscle 4. Process Modelling Using a Functional State Approach 5. Markov Mixtures of Experts 6. Active Learning With Mixture Models 7. Local Learning in Local Model Networks 8. Side Effects of Normalising Basic Functions 9. Control: Heterogeneous Control Laws 10. Local Laguerre Models 11. Multiple Model Adaptive Control 12. H Control Using Multiple Linear Models 13. Synthesis of Fuzzy Control Systems Based on Linear Takagi-Sugeno Fuzzy Models

The ability to manipulate spatial data in different forms and to extract additional meaning from them is at the heart of GIS, yet genuine spatial analysis tools are rarely incorporated into commercial software, thus seriously limiting their usefulness. The future of GIS technology wil depend largely on the incorporation of more powerful analytical and modelling functions - and there is agreement within the GIS community of the urgent need to address these issues. This text attempts this task. It presents the latest information on incorporating spatial analysis tools into GIS, and includes concepts and applications from both the environmental and socio-econimc sciences.

Physics forms the basis for many of the motions and behaviors seen in both the real world and in the virtual worlds of animated films, visual effects, and computer games. By describing the underlying physical principles and then creating simulations based on these principles, these computer-generated worlds are brought to life. Physically Based Modeling and Animation goes behind the scenes of computer animation and details the mathematical and algorithmic foundations that are used to determine the behavior underlying the movement of virtual objects and materials. Dr. Donald House and Dr. John Keyser offer an approachable, hands-on view of the equations and programming that form the foundations of this field. They guide readers from the beginnings of modeling and simulation to more advanced techniques, enabling them to master what they need to know in order to understand and create their own animations Emphasizes the underlying concepts of the field, and is not tied to any particular software package, language, or API. Develops concepts in mathematics, physics, numerical methods, and software design in a highly integrated way, enhancing both motivation and understanding. Progressively develops the material over the book, starting from very basic techniques, and building on these to introduce topics of increasing complexity. Motivates the topics by tying the underlying physical and mathematical techniques directly to applications in computer animation.

Partial differential equations (PDEs) play an important role in the natural sciences and technology, because they describe the way systems (natural and other) behave. The inherent suitability of PDEs to characterizing the nature, motion, and evolution of systems, has led to their wide-ranging use in numerical models that are developed in order to analyze systems that are not otherwise easily studied. Numerical Solutions for Partial Differential Equations contains all the details necessary for the reader to understand the principles and applications of advanced numerical methods for solving PDEs. In addition, it shows how the modern computer system algebra MathematicaA(R) can be used for the analytic investigation of such numerical properties as stability, approximation, and dispersion.

With descriptions of hundreds of the most important environmental and ecological models, this handbook is a unique and practical reference source. The Handbook of Environmental and Ecological Modeling is ideal for those working in environmental modeling, including regulators and managers who wish to understand the models used to make assessments. Overviews of more than 360 models are easily accessed in this handbook, allowing readers to quickly locate information they need about models available in a given ecosystem.
The material in the Handbook of Environmental and Ecological Modeling is logically arranged according to ecosystem. Each of the sixteen chapters of the handbook covers a particular ecosystem, and includes not only the descriptions of the models, but also an overview of the state-of-the-art in modeling for that particular ecosystem. A summary of the spectrum of available models is also provided in each chapter. The extensive table of contents and the easy-to-use index put materials immediately at your fingertips.

Circuit Simulation Methods and Algorithms provides a step-by-step theoretical consideration of methods, techniques, and algorithms in an easy-to-understand format. Many illustrations explain more difficult problems and present instructive circuits.
The book works on three levels:
o The simulator-user level for practitioners and students who want to better understand circuit simulators.
o The basic theoretical level, with examples, dedicated to students and beginning researchers.
o The thorough level for deep insight into circuit simulation based on computer experiments using PSPICE and OPTIMA.
Only basic mathematical knowledge, such as matrix algebra, derivatives, and integrals, is presumed.

This book gives an in-depth introduction to the areas of modeling, identification, simulation, and optimization. These scientific topics play an increasingly dominant part in many engineering areas such as electrotechnology, mechanical engineering, aerospace, and physics. This book represents a unique and concise treatment of the mutual interactions among these topics.
Techniques for solving general nonlinear optimization problems as they arise in identification and many synthesis and design methods are detailed. The main points in deriving mathematical models via prior knowledge concerning the physics describing a system are emphasized. Several chapters discuss the identification of black-box models. Simulation is introduced as a numerical tool for calculating time responses of almost any mathematical model. The last chapter covers optimization, a generally applicable tool for formulating and solving many engineering problems.

This completely updated and revised Second Edition of the popular Workbook of Atmospheric Dispersion Estimates provides an important foundation for understanding dispersion modeling as it is being practiced today. The book and accompanying diskette will help you determine the impacts of various sources of air pollution, including the effects of wind and turbulence, plume rise, and Gaussian dispersion and its limitations. Information is shown in summary graphs as well as in equations. The programs included on the diskette allow you to "get the feel" for the results you'll obtain through the input of various combinations of parameter values. The sensitivity of data to various parameters can be easily explored by changing one value and seeing the effect on the results. The book presents 37 example problems with solutions to show the estimation of atmospheric pollutant concentrations for many situations.

Presents new computer methods in approximation, simulation, and visualization for a host of alpha-stable stochastic processes.

Much has been written about Building Information Modelling (BIM) driving collaboration and innovation, but how will future quality managers and engineers develop digital capabilities in augmented and video realities, with business intelligence platforms, robots, new materials, artificial intelligence, blockchains, drones, laser scanning, data trusts, 3D printing and many other types of technological advances in construction? These emerging technologies are potential game changers that require new skills and processes. Digital Quality Management in Construction is the first 'how to' book on harnessing novel disruptive technology in construction quality management. The book takes a tour of the new technologies and relates them to the management of quality, but also sets out a road map to build on proven lean construction techniques and embed technologically based processes to raise quality professionals' digital capabilities. With the mountain of data being generated, quality managers need to unlock its value to drive the quality of construction in the twenty-first century, and this book will help them do that and allow those working in construction Quality Management to survive and thrive, creating higher quality levels and less waste. This book is essential reading for quality managers, project managers and all professionals in the Architecture, Engineering and Construction industry (AEC). Students interested in new and disruptive technologies will also learn a great deal from reading this book, written by a professional quality manager with nearly thirty years' experience in both the public and private sectors.

Highlighting and illustrating several important and interesting theoretical trends that have emerged in the continuing development of instructional technology, this book's organizational framework is based on the notion of two opposing camps. One evolves out of the intelligent tutoring movement, which employs artificial-intelligence technologies in the service of student modeling and precision diagnosis, and the other emerges from a constructivist/developmental perspective that promotes exploration and social interaction, but tends to reject the methods and goals of the student modelers. While the notion of opposing camps tends to create an artificial rift between groups of researchers, it represents a conceptual distinction that is inherently more interesting and informative than the relatively meaningless divide often drawn between "intelligent" and "unintelligent" instructional systems.
An evident trend is that researchers in both "camps" view their computer learning environments as "cognitive tools" that can enhance learning, performance, and understanding. Cognitive tools are objects provided by the instructional environment that allow students to incorporate new auxiliary methods or symbols into their social problem solving which otherwise would be unavailable. A final section of the book represents researchers who are assimilating and accommodating the wisdom and creativity of their neighbors from both camps, perhaps forming the look of technology for the future. When the idea of model tracing in a computer-based environment is combined with appreciation for creative mind-extension cognitive tools and for how a community of learners can facilitate learning, a camp is created where AI technologists and social constructivist learning theorists can feel equally at home.

Related to the earlier well-known ACT production system theory, this book's basic goal is to present evidence for the psychological reality of a production system model of mind. Distinguished from the original theory in three ways, this volume uses the rational analyses of Anderson (1990) to improve upon that theory and extend its scope. It also relates the theory to a great deal of new data on the performance and acquisition of cognitive skills.
The new theory -- ACT-R -- involves a neurally plausible implementation of a production system architecture. Rational analysis is used to structure and parameterize the system to yield optimal information processing. The theory is applicable to a wide variety of research disciplines, including memory, problem solving, and skill acquisition. Using intelligent tutors, much of the data is concerned with the acquisition of cognitive skills. The book provides analyses of data sets describing the extended course of the acquisition of mathematical and computer programming skills.

This volume focuses on the important mathematical idea of functions that, with the technology of computers and calculators, can be dynamically represented in ways that have not been possible previously. The book's editors contend that as result of recent technological developments combined with the integrated knowledge available from research on teaching, instruction, students' thinking, and assessment, curriculum developers, researchers, and teacher educators are faced with an unprecedented opportunity for making dramatic changes.
The book presents content considerations that occur when the mathematics of graphs and functions relate to curriculum. It also examines content in a carefully considered integration of research that conveys where the field stands and where it might go. Drawing heavily on their own work, the chapter authors reconceptualize research in their specific areas so that this knowledge is integrated with the others' strands. This model for synthesizing research can serve as a paradigm for how research in mathematics education can -- and probably should -- proceed.

Related to the earlier well-known ACT production system theory, this book's basic goal is to present evidence for the psychological reality of a production system model of mind. Distinguished from the original theory in three ways, this volume uses the rational analyses of Anderson (1990) to improve upon that theory and extend its scope. It also relates the theory to a great deal of new data on the performance and acquisition of cognitive skills.
The new theory -- ACT-R -- involves a neurally plausible implementation of a production system architecture. Rational analysis is used to structure and parameterize the system to yield optimal information processing. The theory is applicable to a wide variety of research disciplines, including memory, problem solving, and skill acquisition. Using intelligent tutors, much of the data is concerned with the acquisition of cognitive skills. The book provides analyses of data sets describing the extended course of the acquisition of mathematical and computer programming skills.

Taking a highly pragmatic approach to presenting the principles and applications of chemical engineering, this companion text for students and working professionals offers an easily accessible guide to solving problems using computers. The primer covers the core concepts of chemical engineering, from conservation laws all the way up to chemical kinetics, without heavy stress on theory and is designed to accompany traditional larger core texts. The book presents the basic principles and techniques of chemical engineering processes and helps readers identify typical problems and how to solve them. Focus is on the use of systematic algorithms that employ numerical methods to solve different chemical engineering problems by describing and transforming the information. Problems are assigned for each chapter, ranging from simple to difficult, allowing readers to gradually build their skills and tackle a broad range of problems. MATLAB and Excel (R) are used to solve many examples and the more than 70 real examples throughout the book include computer or hand solutions, or in many cases both. The book also includes a variety of case studies to illustrate the concepts and a downloadable file containing fully worked solutions to the book's problems on the publisher's website. Introduces the reader to chemical engineering computation without the distractions caused by the contents found in many texts. Provides the principles underlying all of the major processes a chemical engineer may encounter as well as offers insight into their analysis, which is essential for design calculations. Shows how to solve chemical engineering problems using computers that require numerical methods using standard algorithms, such as MATLAB (R) and Excel (R). Contains selective solved examples of many problems within the chemical process industry to demonstrate how to solve them using the techniques presented in the text. Includes a variety of case studies to illustrate the concepts and a downloadable file containing fully worked solutions to problems on the publisher's website. Offers non-chemical engineers who are expected to work with chemical engineers on projects, scale-ups and process evaluations a solid understanding of basic concepts of chemical engineering analysis, design, and calculations.