SYROM conferences have been organized since 1973 by the Romanian branch of the International Federation for the Promotion of Mechanisms and Machine Science IFToMM, Year by year the event grew in quality. Now in its 10th edition, international visibility and recognition among the researchers active in the mechanisms science field has been achieved.

SYROM 2009 brought together researchers and academic staff from the field of mechanisms and machine science from all over the world and served as a forum for presenting the achievements and most recent results in research and education. Topics treated include conceptual design, kinematics and dynamics, modeling and simulation, synthesis and optimization, command and control, current trends in education in this field, applications in high-tech products.

The papers presented at this conference were subjected to a peer-review process to ensure the quality of the paper, the engineering significance, the soundness of results and the originality of the paper. The accepted papers fulfill these criteria and make the proceedings unique among the publications of this type.

The objective of this Workshop is to confront models, methods and tools developed within the projects with the ongoing research worldwide and to provide an environment for fruitful exchange of ideas. The main topics are: 1. Advanced human models in transportation. 2. Human Errors and Risk Assessment in design processes of assistance systems. 3. Methods and tools to prevent erroneous behaviour to mitigate its consequences. The Workshop will consist of 10 keynote lectures as well as approximately 28 peer reviewed papers.

In this thesis, novel Monte Carlo methods for precisely calculating the critical phenomena of the effectively frustrated quantum spin system are developed and applied to the critical phenomena of the spin-Peierls systems. Three significant methods are introduced for the first time: a new optimization algorithm of the Markov chain transition kernel based on the geometric weight-allocation approach, the extension of the worm (directed-loop) algorithm to nonconserved particles, and the combination with the level spectroscopy. Utilizing these methods, the phase diagram of the one-dimensional XXZ spin-Peierls system is elucidated. Furthermore, the multi-chain and two-dimensional spin-Peierls systems with interchain lattice interaction are investigated. The unbiased simulation shows that the interesting quantum phase transition between the 1D-like liquid phase and the macroscopically-degenerated dimer phase occurs on the fully-frustrated parameter line that separates the doubly-degenerated dimer phases in the two-dimensional phase diagram. The spin-phonon interaction in the spin-Peierls system introduces the spin frustration, which usually hinders the quantum Monte Carlo analysis, owing to the notorious negative sign problem. In this thesis, the author has succeeded in precisely calculating the critical phenomena of the effectively frustrated quantum spin system by means of the quantum Monte Carlo method without the negative sign.

This work describes the methods of dynamic system simulation from the ground up. It presents important techniques, the fundamentals of mathematical models, how to produce useful results, how to analyze and visualize data, and how to verify and validate models. There are step-by-step instructions for developing working simulations, and the author discuss determining when simulation is appropriate, managing the cost of simulation and communicating results.

This book is based on a number of systems concepts, of which the following are emphasized here: oThe interacting systems of society and the environment are dynamic and evolution ary oEvolution of these systems carries them through stages of differential stability and instability, continuity and discontinuity oAssociated with evolution and instability is structural change that is essentially irre versible oThe present is a stage of world transformation that may not have been equaled for decades or even centuries oPolicies and decisions must match the times, in the present case the stage of world transformation The time 11:59:59 PM, approximately, on December 31, 2000 has an impor tant symbolic meaning. It marks the end of a minute, the end of an hour, the end of a day, the end of a year, the end of a decade, the end of a century, and the end of a millennium. The time and date provide a convenient yardstick against which we can evaluate the evolution of our thinking and the adequacy of our assumptions, mental models, paradigms, and policies. Will the beginning tum out to be appropriately dif ferent from the end? We hope that this book is helpful in such evaluation. This is a new-paradigm book, which both presents and advances the new way of thinking about the systems of science, technology, society, economics, politics, and the environment, and actively calls for the replacement of the worn out cognitive/sociotechnical paradigm."

This book presents the design of modular architecture flight simulators. Safe transportation of people and goods is one of the main directions for the development of the world economy. At the same time, in conditions of constantly increasing intensity of air traffic, the actions of people, responsible for piloting aircraft and air traffic control are of particular importance. In this regard, special attention should be paid to the process of training such specialists. This book describes various flight simulators of an aircraft, as well as to assess the impact of various characteristics of aviation simulators on the quality of skills of aviation specialists. The book discusses the following issues: 1) method of setting dynamic parameters; 2) methods of correction of simulator parameters, according to expert opinions of operating organizations; 3) modules of simulators of operation of various aircraft units and flight conditions; 4) prospects for the development of aviation simulators; 5) collection and evaluation of information in the process of training on aviation simulators.

"Fundamentals of Wearable Computers and Augmented Reality" presents a broad coverage of the technologies and interface design issues associated with wearable computers and augmented reality displays both rapidly developing fields in computer science, engineering, and human interface design. This book presents concepts related to the use and underlying technologies of augmented reality and wearable computer systems. There are many application areas for this technology, such as medicine, manufacturing, training, and recreation. Wearable computers will allow a much closer association of information with the user than is possible with traditional desktop computers.
This book addresses an important aspect of wearable computers and augmented reality, either from the conceptual or from an application framework. Given the wide coverage of topics on issues related to the display of computer-generated images in the environment, this book can be used as a text for computer science, computer engineering, and interface design courses.

Many types of engineering structures exhibit nonlinear behavior under real operating conditions. Sometimes the unpredicted nonlinear behavior of a system results in catastrophic failure. In civil engineering, grandstands at sporting events and concerts may be prone to nonlinear oscillations due to looseness of joints, friction, and crowd movements. In the aerospace industry, nonlinear motions may have serious implications for fatigue life. In the automotive industry, examples include brake sequel and undesirable engine mounting oscillations. Engineers of all types encounter nonlinear behavior in a system at some time in their working lives and should be able to recognize it.
Nonlinearity in Structural Dynamics: Detection, Identification and Modeling provides a background in techniques that can be applied to situations in which nonlinearity plays, or is suspected to play, a role in the dynamic structural behavior. Striking a good balance between theory and application, the book covers both analytical and experimental methods and describes their application to real structures. The authors include numerous examples of nonlinearity in real engineering systems. The book is essential reading for engineers and scientists in the fields of structural dynamics and nonlinearity as well as a useful supplement for graduate and senior undergraduate students in engineering courses.

The latest volume in this influential series brings together topical and authoritative contributions from leading international professionals involved in the use of games and simulations. With contributors offering examples drawn from a wide variety of countries including the US, the UK, the Netherlands, Australia and Russia, the book provides a global perspective on a key topic.

This book offers readers fresh insights on applying Extended Reality to Digital Anatomy, a novel emerging discipline. Indeed, the way professors teach anatomy in classrooms is changing rapidly as novel technology-based approaches become ever more accessible. Recent studies show that Virtual (VR), Augmented (AR), and Mixed-Reality (MR) can improve both retention and learning outcomes. Readers will find relevant tutorials about three-dimensional reconstruction techniques to perform virtual dissections. Several chapters serve as practical manuals for students and trainers in anatomy to refresh or develop their Digital Anatomy skills. We developed this book as a support tool for collaborative efforts around Digital Anatomy, especially in distance learning, international and interdisciplinary contexts. We aim to leverage source material in this book to support new Digital Anatomy courses and syllabi in interdepartmental, interdisciplinary collaborations. Digital Anatomy - Applications of Virtual, Mixed and Augmented Reality provides a valuable tool to foster cross-disciplinary dialogues between anatomists, surgeons, radiologists, clinicians, computer scientists, course designers, and industry practitioners. It is the result of a multidisciplinary exercise and will undoubtedly catalyze new specialties and collaborative Master and Doctoral level courses world-wide. In this perspective, the UNESCO Chair in digital anatomy was created at the Paris Descartes University in 2015 (www.anatomieunesco.org). It aims to federate the education of anatomy around university partners from all over the world, wishing to use these new 3D modeling techniques of the human body.

Physically based modeling is widely used within the fields of computer graphics and mechanical engineering for complex systems that are difficult to analyze using conventional mechanics theory.

This "Guide to Dynamic Simulations of Rigid Bodies and Particle Systems" presents a comprehensive introduction to the techniques needed to produce realistic simulations and animations of particle and rigid-body systems. The book focuses on both the theoretical and practical aspects of developing and implementing physically based dynamic-simulation engines. Opening with an overview of the independent modules constituting a simulation engine, the text then provides detailed explanations for each technique, with more complex mathematical algorithms and associated implementations included in the second part of the book. Each chapter examines numerous algorithms, describing their design and analysis in an accessible manner, without sacrificing depth of coverage or mathematical rigor.

Topics and features: examines the problem of computing an hierarchical representation of the geometric description of each simulated object, as well as the simulated world; discusses the use of discrete and continuous collision detection to handle thin or fast-moving objects, including a derivation of the conservative time advancement algorithm; describes the computational techniques needed for determining all impulsive and contact forces between bodies with multiple simultaneous collisions and contacts; presents techniques that can be used to dynamically simulate articulated rigid bodies; concludes each chapter with exercises, ranging from issues of algorithm enhancements to alternative approaches that complement the algorithms discussed in the book.

Practical and easy-to-follow, this hands-on guide/reference is essential reading for software developers involved in computer graphics, computer animation, and computer-aided mechanical design and modeling.

I want to express my sincere thanks to all authors who submitted research papers to support the Third IFIP International Conference on Computer and Computing Te- nologies in Agriculture and the Third Symposium on Development of Rural Infor- tion (CCTA 2009) held in China, during October 14-17, 2009. This conference was hosted by the CICTA (EU-China Centre for Information & Communication Technologies, China Agricultural University), China National En- neering Research Center for Information Technology in Agriculture, Asian Conf- ence on Precision Agriculture, International Federation for Information Processing, Chinese Society of Agricultural Engineering, Beijing Society for Information Te- nology in Agriculture, and the Chinese Society for Agricultural Machinery. The pla- num sponsor includes the Ministry of Science and Technology of China, Ministry of Agriculture of China, Ministry of Education of China, among others. The CICTA (EU-China Centre for Information & Communication Technologies, China Agricultural University) focuses on research and development of advanced and practical technologies applied in agriculture and on promoting international communi- tion and cooperation. It has successfully held three International Conferences on C- puter and Computing Technologies in Agriculture, namely CCTA 2007, CCTA 2008 and CCTA 2009. Sustainable agriculture is the focus of the whole world currently, and therefore the application of information technology in agriculture is becoming more and more - portant. 'Informatized agriculture' has been sought by many countries recently in order to scientifically manage agriculture to achieve low costs and high incomes.

This book investigates the latest modeling and control technologies in the context of air-conditioning systems. Firstly, it introduces the state-space method for developing dynamic models of all components in a central air-conditioning system. The models are primarily nonlinear and based on the fundamental principle of energy and mass conservation, and are transformed into state-space form through linearization. The book goes on to describe and discuss the state-space models with the help of graph theory and the structure-matrix theory. Subsequently, virtual sensor calibration and virtual sensing methods (which are very useful for real system control) are illustrated together with a case study. Model-based predictive control and state-space feedback control are applied to air-conditioning systems to yield better local control, while the air-side synergic control scheme and a global optimization strategy based on the decomposition-coordination method are developed so as to achieve energy conservation in the central air-conditioning system. Lastly, control strategies for VAV systems including total air volume control and trim & response static pressure control are investigated in practice.

This volume contains the results of the Manchester Benchmarking exercise for railway vehicle dynamics simulation packages. Five of the main computer packages currently used for this purpose were examined in the exercise and the results are presented in the form of tables and graphs.

Requiring heterogeneous information systems to cooperate and communicate has now become crucial, especially in application areas like e-business, Web-based mash-ups and the life sciences. Such cooperating systems have to automatically and efficiently match, exchange, transform and integrate large data sets from different sources and of different structure in order to enable seamless data exchange and transformation.

The book edited by Bellahsene, Bonifati and Rahm provides an overview of the ways in which the schema and ontology matching and mapping tools have addressed the above requirements and points to the open technical challenges. The contributions from leading experts are structured into three parts: large-scale and knowledge-driven schema matching, quality-driven schema mapping and evolution, and evaluation and tuning of matching tasks. The authors describe the state of the art by discussing the latest achievements such as more effective methods for matching data, mapping transformation verification, adaptation to the context and size of the matching and mapping tasks, mapping-driven schema evolution and merging, and mapping evaluation and tuning. The overall result is a coherent, comprehensive picture of the field.

With this book, the editors introduce graduate students and advanced professionals to this exciting field. For researchers, they provide an up-to-date source of reference about schema and ontology matching, schema and ontology evolution, and schema merging.

This textbook describes the hands-on application of data science techniques to solve problems in manufacturing and the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT). Monitoring and managing operational performance is a crucial activity for industrial and business organisations. The emergence of low-cost, accessible computing and storage, through Industrial Digital Technologies (IDT) and Industry 4.0, has generated considerable interest in innovative approaches to doing more with data. Data science, predictive analytics, machine learning, artificial intelligence and general approaches to modelling, simulating and visualising industrial systems have often been considered topics only for research labs and academic departments. This textbook debunks the mystique around applied data science and shows readers, using tutorial-style explanations and real-life case studies, how practitioners can develop their own understanding of performance to achieve tangible business improvements. All exercises can be completed with commonly available tools, many of which are free to install and use. Readers will learn how to use tools to investigate, diagnose, propose and implement analytics solutions that will provide explainable results to deliver digital transformation.

This book presents the development of an optimization platform for geotechnical engineering, which is one of the key components in smart geotechnics. The book discusses the fundamentals of the optimization algorithm with constitutive models of soils. Helping readers easily understand the optimization algorithm applied in geotechnical engineering, this book first introduces the methodology of the optimization-based parameter identification, and then elaborates the principle of three newly developed efficient optimization algorithms, followed by the ideas of a variety of laboratory tests and formulations of constitutive models. Moving on to the application of optimization methods in geotechnical engineering, this book presents an optimization-based parameter identification platform with a practical and concise interface based on the above theories. The book is intended for undergraduate and graduate-level teaching in soil mechanics and geotechnical engineering and other related engineering specialties. It is also of use to industry practitioners, due to the inclusion of real-world applications, opening the door to advanced courses on both modeling and algorithm development within the industrial engineering and operations research fields.

Building on the author's earlier Applied Simulation and Optimization, this book presents novel methods for solving problems in industry, based on hybrid simulation-optimization approaches that combine the advantages of both paradigms. The book serves as a comprehensive guide to tackling scheduling, routing problems, resource allocations and other issues in industrial environments, the service industry, production processes, or supply chains and aviation. Logistics, manufacturing and operational problems can either be modelled using optimization techniques or approaches based on simulation methodologies. Optimization techniques have the advantage of performing efficiently when the problems are properly defined, but they are often developed through rigid representations that do not include or accurately represent the stochasticity inherent in real systems. Furthermore, important information is lost during the abstraction process to fit each problem into the optimization technique. On the other hand, simulation approaches possess high description levels, but the optimization is generally performed through sampling of all the possible configurations of the system. The methods explored in this book are of use to researchers and practising engineers in fields ranging from supply chains to the aviation industry.

This volume is based on the reviewed and edited proceedings of the International Symposium on Spatial Data Handling 2012, held in Bonn. The 15th SDH brought together scholars and professionals from the international GIScience community to present the latest research achievements and to share experiences in Geospatial dynamics, geosimulation and exploratory visualization.

This volume contains the articles presented at the 18th International Meshing Roundtable (IMR) organized, in part, by Sandia National Laboratories and held October 25-28, 2009 in Salt Lake City, Utah, USA. The volume presents recent results of mesh generation and adaptation which has applications to finite element simulation. It introduces theoretical and novel ideas with practical potential.

Rapid regeneration of city areas has placed the quality of urban design high on public and policy agendas worldwide. This work examines the achievement of quality in the urban environment, in a planning context. Tracing urban design from its roots, the authors draw on both historical and current practices to examine the key physical, political and economic forces at play and the social pressures and impacts brought about by both failures and achievements in urban design. This illustrated critique of towns and cities draws on examples from across Western Europe, South Africa and USA to examine both public and private sector development practices, controls and fiscal policies within a diverse range of localities. The authors indicate the need for a reinstitution of region-provincial approaches, for closer co-ordination bewteen sectors, and revised fiscal policies in planning and development in order to enhance the quality of urban social experience and environments.

This monograph presents the challenges, vision and context to design smart learning objects (SLOs) through Computer Science (CS) education modelling and feature model transformations. It presents the latest research on the meta-programming-based generative learning objects (the latter with advanced features are treated as SLOs) and the use of educational robots in teaching CS topics. The introduced methodology includes the overall processes to develop SLO and smart educational environment (SEE) and integrates both into the real education setting to provide teaching in CS using constructivist and project-based approaches along with evaluation of pedagogic outcomes. Smart Learning Objects for Smart Education in Computer Science will appeal to researchers in CS education particularly those interested in using robots in teaching, course designers and educational software and tools developers. With research and exercise questions at the end of each chapter students studying CS related courses will find this work informative and valuable too.

This book is on urban resilience - how to design and operate cities that can withstand major threats such as natural disasters and economic downturns and how to recover from them. It is a collection of latest research results from two separate but collaborating research groups, namely, researchers in urban design and those on general resilience theory. The book systematically deals with the core aspects of urban resilience: systems, management issues and populations. The taxonomy can be broken down into threats, systems, resilience cycles and recovery types in the context of urban resilience. It starts with a discussion of systems resilience models, focusing on the central idea that resilience is a moving average of costs (a set of trajectories in a two-player game paradigm). The second section explores management issues, including planning, operating and emergency response in cities with specific examples such as land-use planning and carbon-neutral scenarios for urban planning. The next section focuses on urban dwellers and specific people-related issues in the context of resilience. Agent-based simulation of behaviour and perception-based resilience, as well as brand crisis management are representative examples of the topics discussed. A further section examines systems like public utilities - including managing power supplies, cyber-security issues and models for pandemics. It concludes with a discussion of the future challenges and risks facing complex systems, for example in resilient power grids, making it essential reading for a wide range of researchers and policymakers.

The contributed volume collects cutting-edge research in GeoComputational Analysis of Regional Systems. The contributions emphasize methodological innovations or substantive breakthroughs on many facets of the socio-economic and environmental reality of regional contexts.

This textbook teaches the fundamentals of building energy modeling and analysis using open source example applications built with the US DOE's OpenStudio modeling platform and EnergyPlus simulation engine. Designed by researchers at US National Laboratories to support a new generation of high performance buildings, EnergyPlus and OpenStudio are revolutionizing how building energy modeling is taught in universities and applied by professional architects and engineers around the world. The authors, all researchers at National Renewable Energy Laboratory and members of the OpenStudio software development team, present modeling concepts using open source software that may be generally applied using a variety of software tools commonly used by design professionals. The book also discusses modeling process automation in the context of OpenStudio Measures-small self-contained scripts that can transform energy models and their data-to save time and effort. They illustrate key concepts through a sophisticated example problem that evolves in complexity throughout the book. The text also examines advanced topics including daylighting, parametric analysis, uncertainty analysis, design optimization, and model calibration. Building Energy Modeling with OpenStudio teaches students to become sophisticated modelers rather than simply proficient software users. It supports undergraduate and graduate building energy courses in Architecture, and in Mechanical, Civil, Architectural, and Sustainability Engineering.