This book conceives, presents and exemplifies a contemporary, general systems methodology that is straightforward and accessible, providing guidance in practical application, as well as explaining concept and theory. The book is presented both as a text for students, with topic assignments, and as a reference for practitioners, through case studies.

Utilizing recent research and developments in systems science, methods and tools, Hitchins has developed a unified systems methodology, employable when tackling virtually any problem, from the small technological, to the global socioeconomic. Founded in the powerful 'systems approach', Hitchins' systems methodology brings together both soft and hard system scientific methods into one methodological framework. This can be applied when addressing complex problems, issues and situations, and for creating robust, provable solutions, resolutions and dissolutions to those problems - supposing such to exist.

This book details and explores: the systems approach, using theory and method to reveal systems engineering as applied systems science, bridging the gulf between Problem and Solution Spaces; a 'universal' Systems Methodology (including an extensive view of systems engineering, embracing both soft and hard systems) which encompasses all five stages of Hitchins' 5-layer Systems Engineering Model (artifact, project, enterprise, industry and socio-economy); case studies illustrating how the systems methodology may be used to address a diverse range of situations and issues, including conceiving a new defense capability, proposing a feasible way to tackle global warming, tackling enterprise interventions, how and why things can go wrong, andmany more.

"Systems Engineering" will give an immeasurable advantage to managers, practitioners and consultants in a wide range of organizations and fields including police, defense, procurement, communications, transport, management, electrical, electronic, aerospace, requirements, software and computer engineering.

It is an essential reference for researchers seeking 'systems enlightenment', including graduate students who require a comprehensive reference text on the subject, and also government departments and systems engineering institutions.

This book applies the four-dimensional formalism with an extended toolbox of operation rules, allowing readers to define more general classes of electromagnetic media and to analyze EM waves that can exist in them End-of-chapter exercises Formalism allows readers to find novel classes of media Covers various properties of electromagnetic media in terms of which they can be set in different classes

Presents uparalleled coverage of Na-ion battery technology, including the most recent research and emerging applications Na-ion battery technologies have emerged as cost-effective, environmentally friendly alternatives to Li-ion batteries, particularly for large-scale storage applications where battery size is less of a concern than in portable electronics or electric vehicles. Scientists and engineers involved in developing commercially viable Na-ion batteries need to understand the state-of-the-art in constituent materials, electrodes, and electrolytes to meet both performance metrics and economic requirements. Sodium-Ion Batteries: Materials, Characterization, and Technology provides in-depth coverage of the material constituents, characterization, applications, upscaling, and commercialization of Na-ion batteries. Contributions by international experts discuss the development and performance of cathode and anode materials and their characterization - using methods such as NMR spectroscopy, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and computational studies - as well as ceramics, ionic liquids, and other solid and liquid electrolytes. Discusses the development of battery technology based on the abundant alkali ion sodium Features a thorough introduction to Na-ion batteries and their comparison with Li-ion batteries Reviews recent research on the structure-electrochemical performance relationship and the development of new solid electrolytes Includes a timely overview of commercial perspectives, cost analysis, and safety issues of Na-ion batteries Covers emerging technologies including Na-ion capacitors, aqueous sodium batteries, and Na-S batteries The handbook Sodium-Ion Batteries: Materials, Characterization, and Technology is an indispensable reference for researchers and development engineers, materials scientists, electrochemists, and engineering scientists in both academia and industry.

OBJECT DETECTION BY STEREO VISION IMAGES Since both theoretical and practical aspects of the developments in this field of research are explored, including recent state-of-the-art technologies and research opportunities in the area of object detection, this book will act as a good reference for practitioners, students, and researchers. Current state-of-the-art technologies have opened up new opportunities in research in the areas of object detection and recognition of digital images and videos, robotics, neural networks, machine learning, stereo vision matching algorithms, soft computing, customer prediction, social media analysis, recommendation systems, and stereo vision. This book has been designed to provide directions for those interested in researching and developing intelligent applications to detect an object and estimate depth. In addition to focusing on the performance of the system using high-performance computing techniques, a technical overview of certain tools, languages, libraries, frameworks, and APIs for developing applications is also given. More specifically, detection using stereo vision images/video from its developmental stage up till today, its possible applications, and general research problems relating to it are covered. Also presented are techniques and algorithms that satisfy the peculiar needs of stereo vision images along with emerging research opportunities through analysis of modern techniques being applied to intelligent systems. Audience Researchers in information technology looking at robotics, deep learning, machine learning, big data analytics, neural networks, pattern & data mining, and image and object recognition. Industrial sectors include automotive electronics, security and surveillance systems, and online retailers.

Learn electricity and electronics fundamentals and up-to-date applications all without taking a formal course This fully updated guide offers practical, easy-to-follow instruction on electricity and electronics. Written by a pair of experienced instructors, Teach Yourself Electricity and Electronics, Seventh Edition features plain language explanations and step-by-step lessons that make it easy to understand the material quickly. Throughout, detailed illustrations and practical examples reinforce key concepts. This new edition brings the book up to date with modern electronics and places much more emphasis on the use of Integrated Circuits and practical electronics design. You will also get access to a valuable online exam to test your knowledge and identify areas for further study. This thoroughly revised seventh edition covers: Direct current (DC) circuits Electrical units Resistors Cells and batteries Magnetism Alternating current (AC) circuits Inductors and capacitors Phase Inductive and capacitive reactance Impedance and admittance AC power and resonance Transformers and impedance matching Semiconductors, diodes, and transistors Integrated Circuits (ICs) Amplifiers and oscillators Wireless transmitters and receivers Digital circuits Microcontrollers, including the Arduino Transducers and sensors Acoustics and audio Antennas for RF communications

This book provides the most up-to-date research and development on wearable computing, wireless body sensor networks, wearable systems integrated with mobile computing, wireless networking and cloud computing This book has a specific focus on advanced methods for programming Body Sensor Networks (BSNs) based on the reference SPINE project. It features an on-line website (http://spine.deis.unical.it) to support readers in developing their own BSN application/systems and covers new emerging topics on BSNs such as collaborative BSNs, BSN design methods, autonomic BSNs, integration of BSNs and pervasive environments, and integration of BSNs with cloud computing. The book provides a description of real BSN prototypes with the possibility to see on-line demos and download the software to test them on specific sensor platforms and includes case studies for more practical applications. Provides a future roadmap by learning advanced technology and open research issues Gathers the background knowledge to tackle key problems, for which solutions will enhance the evolution of next-generation wearable systems References the SPINE web site (http://spine.deis.unical.it) that accompanies the text Includes SPINE case studies and span topics like human activity recognition, rehabilitation of elbow/knee, handshake detection, emotion recognition systems Wearable Systems and Body Sensor Networks: from modeling to implementation is a great reference for systems architects, practitioners, and product developers. Giancarlo Fortino is currently an Associate Professor of Computer Engineering (since 2006) at the Department of Electronics, Informatics and Systems (DEIS) of the University of Calabria (Unical), Rende (CS), Italy. He was recently nominated Guest Professor in Computer Engineering of Wuhan University of Technology on April, 18 2012 (the term of appointment is three years). His research interests include distributed computing and networks, wireless sensor networks, wireless body sensor networks, agent systems, agent oriented software engineering, streaming content distribution networks, distributed multimedia systems, GRID computing. Raffaele Gravina received the B.Sc. and M.S. degrees both in computer engineering from the University of Calabria, Rende, Italy, in 2004 and 2007, respectively. Here he also received the Ph.D. degree in computer engineering. He's now a Postdoctoral research fellow at University of Calabria. His research interests are focused on high-level programming methods for WSNs, specifically Wireless Body Sensor Networks. He wrote almost 30 scientific/technical articles in the area of the proposed Book. He is co-founder of SenSysCal S.r.l., a spin-off company of the University of Calabria, and CTO of the wearable computing area of the company. Stefano Galzarano received the B.S. and M.S. degrees both in computer engineering from the University of Calabria, Rende, Italy, in 2006 and 2009, respectively. He is currently pursuing a joint Ph.D. degree in computer engineering with University of Calabria and Technical University of Eindhoven (The Netherlands). His research interests are focused on high-level programming methods for wireless sensor networks and, specifically, novel methods and frameworks for autonomic wireless body sensor networks.

Guidance to help you grasp even the most complex network structures and signaling protocols

The "Second Edition" of "Signaling in Telecommunication Networks" has been thoroughly updated, offering new chapters and sections that cover the most recent developments in signaling systems and procedures. This acclaimed book covers subscriber and network signaling in both fixed and mobile networks.

Coverage begins with an introduction to circuit-switched telephone networks, including an examination of trunks, exchanges, access systems, transmission systems, and other basic components. Next, the authors introduce signaling concepts, beginning with older Channel Associated Signaling (CAS) systems and progressing to today's Common Channel Signaling (CCS) systems. The book then examines packet networks and their use in transmitting voice (VoIP), TCP/IP protocols, VoIP signaling protocols, and ATM protocols.

Throughout the book, the authors emphasize functionality, particularly the roles of individual protocols and how they fit in network architectures, helping readers grasp even the most complex network structures and signaling protocols. Highlights of the Second Edition include: Coverage of the latest developments and topics, including new chapters on access networks, intelligent network application part, signaling for voice communication in packet networks, and ATM signaling Drawings and tables that help readers understand and visualize complex systems Comprehensive, updated references for further study Examples to help readers make the bridge from theory to application

With the continued growth and expansion of the telecommunications industry, the "Second Edition" is essentialreading for telecommunications students as well as anyone involved in this dynamic industry needing a solid understanding of the different signaling systems and how they work. Moreover, the book helps readers wade through the voluminous and complex technical standards by providing the essential structure, terminology, and functionality needed to understand them.

* Explores practical advantages of Grid Computing and what is needed by an organization to migrate to this new computing paradigm* This self--contained reference makes both the concepts and applications of grid computing clear and understandable to even non--technical managers* Explains the underlying networking mechanism and answers such questions critical to the business enterprise as*"What is grid computing?"*"How widespread is its present/potential penetration?"*"Is it ready for prime time?"*"Are there firm standards?"*"Is it secure?"*"How do we bill this new product?" and*"How can we deploy it (at a macro level)?"

The best practice test preparation for the PMP exam! Boost your confidence through preparation before you take the new Project Management Professional (PMP) exam. The PMP Project Management Professional Practice Tests is the hands-on way to prepare for the exam and achieve your certification. Access three practice tests Study questions that cover the three PMP performance domains Test your knowledge with three additional bonus exams Practice with a total of 1,000 unique test questions. The Project Management Professional (PMP) certification was developed by the Project Management Institute (PMI). The certification requires extensive project management experience, instructional hours, and successful completion of the certification exam. Well-known PMP authors and experts, Kim Heldman and Vanina Mangano, have written practice questions that will help you get ready for testing as you work toward certification. The test questions provide you with coverage within each of the performance domains: people, process, and business environments. Project managers play a critical role in today's organizations. When you pass the exam and earn certification, you will gain additional recognition for your skill set and expertise. This confidence-building guide also connects you to an interactive online learning environment and test bank including all the practice exam questions. Get help reaching your professional goals with the right PMP tools!

"Further Electrical and Electronic Principles" is a core text for pre-degree courses in electrical and electronic engineering courses. The coverage of this new edition has been brought in line with the specialist unit 'Further Electrical Principles' of the 2007 BTEC National Engineering specification from Edexcel. More advanced material has also been included, making this text also suitable for HNC/HND and foundation degree courses.
Each chapter starts with learning outcomes tied to the syllabus. All theory is explained in detail and backed up with numerous worked examples. Students can test their understanding with end of chapter assignment questions for which answers are provided. The book also includes suggested practical assignments and handy summaries of equations. In this new edition, the layout has been improved and colour has been added.
The textbook is supported with a free companion website featuring:
* Supplementary worked examples
* Additional chapters on control principles; BJT / UJT / JUGFET / MOSFET; analysis of small-signal transistor amplifiers
* Full coverage of unit 'Further Electrical Principles' of the 2007 BTEC National Engineering specification
* Easy-to-understand, colour text with lots of worked examples that reinforce the theory covered
* Free companion website with additional worked examples and chapters

Comprehensive introduction to the fundamentals and state of the art research developments in electromagneto-mechanics of adaptive materials Covers a wide and varied range of subject areas (theoretical, experimental, computational studies and/or industrial applications) of electromagneto-mechanics from state-of-the-art fundamental research to applied research, and applications in emerging technologies Electromagneto-mechanics of material systems and structures has developed rapidly with extensive applications in electronics industry, nuclear engineering, smart materials and MEMS Written by one of the world s leading experts in this field

The expanded fourth edition of the book that offers an essential introduction to laser technology and the newest developments in the field The revised and updated fourth edition of Understanding Lasers offers an essential guide and introduction that explores how lasers work, what they do, and how they are applied in the real world. The author--a Fellow of The Optical Society--reviews the key concepts of physics and optics that are essential for understanding lasers and explains how lasers operate. The book also contains information on the optical accessories used with lasers. Written in non-technical terms, the book gives an overview of the wide-variety laser types and configurations. Understanding Lasers covers fiber, solid-state, excimer, helium-neon, carbon dioxide, free-electron lasers, and more. In addition, the book also explains concepts such as the difference between laser oscillation and amplification, the importance of laser gain, and tunable lasers. The updated fourth edition highlights the most recent research and development in the field. This important resource: Includes a new chapter on fiber lasers and amplifiers Reviews new topics on physics of optical fibers and fiber lasers, disk lasers, and Ytterbium lasers Contains new sections on Laser Geometry and Implications, Diode Laser Structures, Optimal Parametric Sources, and 3D Printing and Additive Manufacturing Puts the focus on research and emerging developments in areas such as spectroscopy, slow light, laser cooling, and extremely precise measurements Contains appendices, glossary, and index that help make this book a useful reference Written for engineering and physics students, engineers, scientists, and technicians, the fourth edition of Understanding Lasers contains the basic concepts of lasers and the most recent advances in the technology.

"Electronics" provides a welcome, comprehensive history of one of the late twentieth century's greatest technologies: electronic devices. Some of them, the laser and the microchip for example, have become household words. Yet their origins and operation are largely unknown to the general public, remaining mysterious outside the field of engineering. Their advent brought about many of the most important historical developments in recent memory--the rise of television, the Cold War, the Space Race, the growth of Asian semiconductor manufacturers, and the emergence of the surveillance society.

"Electronics" also relates the fascinating stories of how scientists and engineers created and commercialized such devices as the transistor, the Magnetron tube used to power microwave ovens, the CRT (cathode ray tube), the laser, the first integrated circuit, the microprocessor, and memory chips.

Following the rapid development of connected technologies, which are now highly sophisticated and spread across the globe, Society 5.0 has emerged and brought with it a dramatic societal shift. In 1998, Kodak, the world leader in photographic film, had 170,000 employees. It thus seemed unthinkable that just 3 years later, the majority of people would stop taking photographs to paper film and that Kodak would have disappeared. These are the stakes of this new society that is taking shape. This book, which does not seek to critique current politics, management or marketing literature, aims to fight against the excesses of this often-misunderstood Society 5.0 and to present the ideas and associated technologies that comprise it, all working towards societal improvement. Among these technologies, artificial intelligence, robotics, digital platforms and 3D printing are undoubtedly the most important, and thus receive the greatest focus.

This book covers the state-of-the-art in digital games research and development for anyone working with or studying digital games and those who are considering entering into this rapidly growing industry. Many books have been published that sufficiently describe popular topics in digital games; however, until now there has not been a comprehensive book that draws the traditional and emerging facets of gaming together across multiple disciplines within a single volume.

FA1/4r den Erfolg von Softwareprojekten ist es entscheidend, sich erstmal klar zu machen, wozu das System A1/4berhaupt dienen soll und wie es dafA1/4r beschaffen sein muss. Klingt eigentlich selbstverstAndlich, und doch scheitern Projekte oft gerade an der Anforderungsanalyse. Das Buch "Requirements Engineering fA1/4r Dummies" beschreibt verstAndlich und pragmatisch, wie Sie vorgehen sollten - und zwar sowohl fA1/4r klassische als auch fA1/4r agile Projekte. Es liefert Ihnen Techniken, wie Sie Ziele bestimmen und Releases sinnvoll zusammenstellen, wie Sie Anforderungen erheben und verstehen, wie Sie mit A nderungen umgehen und wie Sie Fallstricke vermeiden. Das Buch ist auch geeignet zur Vorbereitung auf die CPRE-FL-PrA1/4fung.

Most physical problems can be written in the form of mathematical equations (differential, integral, etc.). Mathematicians have always sought to find analytical solutions to the equations encountered in the different sciences of the engineer (mechanics, physics, biology, etc.). These equations are sometimes complicated and much effort is required to simplify them. In the middle of the 20th century, the arrival of the first computers gave birth to new methods of resolution that will be described by numerical methods. They allow solving numerically as precisely as possible the equations encountered (resulting from the modeling of course) and to approach the solution of the problems posed. The approximate solution is usually computed on a computer by means of a suitable algorithm. The objective of this book is to introduce and study the basic numerical methods and those advanced to be able to do scientific computation. The latter refers to the implementation of approaches adapted to the treatment of a scientific problem arising from physics (meteorology, pollution, etc.) or engineering (structural mechanics, fluid mechanics, signal processing, etc.) .

Ein umfassender UEberblick uber die derzeitigen Technologien zur Energieerzeugung und den heutigen Energieverbrauch Dieses Fachbuch verbindet in einzigartiger Weise die Ansichten eines Soziologen mit denen eines Naturwissenschaftlers. Neben Erlauterungen und Ansatzen zur Quantifizierung von Energie und Nachhaltigkeit werden die heutigen Technologien zur Energieerzeugung und der aktuelle Energieverbrauch untersucht. Besonderes Augenmerk liegt dabei auf oekologischen, historischen und regulatorischen Aspekten jeder Energietechnologie. Alternative und zukunftige Energietechnologien sowie Beispiele nachhaltiger Techniken, alltaglicher Probleme bei Transport, Stadtplanung und Eigenheimbau werden ebenfalls beleuchtet. Introduction to Energy and Sustainability beschreibt zunachst die verschiedenen Konzepte und behandelt u. a. die Geschichte unserer Beziehung zu Energie, definiert und quantifiziert Energie und Nachhaltigkeit, den Energiefluss, die Umwandlung von Energie und Stoffen, die Gesetze der Thermodynamik und die heutige Energieherstellung. Es folgt eine Untersuchung, wie in unserer modernen Welt Energie erzeugt und verbraucht wird, welche Arten von Energie zur Verfugung stehen und wie diese eingesetzt werden. Das Fachbuch beschaftigt sich auch mit der Zukunft von Energie und damit, wie wir vor dem Hintergrund einer sich verandernden Welt die heutigen und zukunftigen Energiequellen bereitstellen und nutzen werden. - Ausgewogene Darstellung der naturwissenschaftlichen und technischen Konzepte zu Energie und Nachhaltigkeit. Diskutiert ausfuhrlich die soziooekonomischen und geopolitischen Auswirkungen. - Verbindet in einzigartiger Weise die Ansichten eines Soziologen und eines Naturwissenschaftlers. - Behandelt unzahlige Fragen aus der Praxis und gibt Antworten. - Ein Buch fur Studenten verschiedener Studiengange aus dem Bereich Energie und fur OEkologen. Introduction to Energie and Sustainability richtet sich an Postgraduierte von Studiengangen aus dem Bereich Energie. Auch fur OEkologen, Ingenieure, Ingenieure der Energiewirtschaft und Chemiker in der Industrie von hoher Relevanz.

"This book gives readers an intuitive appreciation for random functions, plus theory and processes necessary for sophisticated applications. It covers probability theory, random processes, canonical representation, optimal filtering, and random models. Second in the SPIE/IEEE Series on Imaging Science & Engineering.
It also presents theory along with applications, to help readers intuitively appreciate random functions.
Included are special cases in which probabilistic insight is more readily achievable. When provided, proofs are in the main body of the text and clearly delineated; sometimes they are either not provided or outlines of conceptual arguments are given. The intent is to state theorems carefully and to draw clear distinctions between rigorous mathematical arguments and heuristic explanations. When a proof can be given at a mathematical level commensurate with the text and when it enhances conceptual understanding, it is usually provided; in other cases, the effort is to explain subtleties of the definitions and properties concerning random functions, and to state conditions under which a proposition applies. Attention is drawn to the differences between deterministic concepts and their random counterparts, for instance, in the mean-square calculus, orthonormal representation, and linear filtering. Such differences are sometimes glossed over in method books; however, lack of differentiation between random and deterministic analysis can lead to misinterpretation of experimental results and misuse of techniques.
The author's motivation for the book comes from his experience in teaching graduate-level image processing and having to end up teaching random processes. Even students who have taken a course on random processes have often done so in the context of linear operators on signals. This approach is inadequate for image processing. Nonlinear operators play a widening role in image processing, and the spatial nature of imaging makes it significantly different from one-dimensional signal processing. Moreover, students who have some background in stochastic processes often lack a unified view in terms of canonical representation and orthogonal projections in inner product spaces."

Comprehensive overview of the process dynamics and interactions governing ecohydrological interfaces Summarizing the interdisciplinary investigation of ecohydrological interface function, this book advances the understanding of their dynamics across subject boundaries. Overall, it offers a detailed explanation of the underlying processes and interactions governing ecohydrological interface functioning from the micro scale to the ecosystem and regional scale. The multidisciplinary team of authors integrates and compares knowledge of the functioning of different ecohydrological interfaces to develop a unifying concept of their functions and process dynamics. The work introduces novel experimental and model-based methods for characterizing and quantifying ecohydrological interface processes, taking account of innovative sensing and tracing technologies as well as microbial and molecular biology approaches. Key questions addressed in the book include: Which conditions stimulate the transformative nature of ecohydrological interfaces? How are ecohydrological interfaces organized in space and time? How does interface activity propagate from small to large scales? How do ecohydrological interfaces react to environmental change and what is their role in processes of significant societal value? As a research level guide on the functionality and performance of ecohydrological interfaces, this book is primarily aimed at academics and postgraduate researchers. It is also appropriate for university libraries as �further reading� on a range of geographical, environmental, biological, and engineering topics.

Combinatorial optimization is a multidisciplinary scientific area, lying in the interface of three major scientific domains: mathematics, theoretical computer science and management.

The three volumes of the Combinatorial Optimization series aims to cover a wide range of topics in this area. These topics also deal with fundamental notions and approaches as with several classical applications of combinatorial optimization.

"Applications of Combinatorial Optimization" is presenting a certain number among the most common and well-known applications of Combinatorial Optimization.

An in-depth exploration of shipboard power generation and distribution system design that utilizes variable frequency drives The variable frequency drive (VFD) application is a proven technology for shore-based applications. However, shore-based VFDs often are unsuitable for shipboard applications because the power generation and distribution fundamentals are completely different. VFD Challenges for Shipboard Electrical Power System Design explores the problems presented by variable frequency drives as they are applied in shipboard power generation and distribution system design and offers solutions for meeting these challenges. VFDs with configurations such as six pulse drive, 12 pulse drive, 18 pulse drive, active front end, pulse width modulation and many others generate many different levels of harmonics. These harmonics are often much higher than the regulations allow. This book covers a range of techniques used to provide ships with efficient energy that minimizes mechanical and electrical stress. This important book: Offers a comparison of shipboard grounding and VFD grounding Contains an analysis of the VFD effect in terms of shipboard power quality Includes specific examples of Department of Transportation standards regarding VFDs Written for commercial and naval engineers designing ships and/or shipboard power systems, VFD Challenges for Shipboard Electrical Power System Design is a comprehensive resource that addresses the problems and solutions associated with shipboard applications of VFD.

Color is a sensation generated both by the interaction of the visual sensors in the eyes with the natural environment and by the elaboration of visual information by higher brain functions. This book presents the mathematical framework needed to deal with several models of color processing of digital images. The book starts with a short yet exhaustive introduction to the basic phenomenological features of color vision, which are constantly used throughout the book. The discussion of computational issues starts with color constancy, which is dealt with in a rigorous and self-contained mathematical setting. Then, the original Retinex model and its numerous variants are introduced and analyzed with direct discrete equations. The remainder of the book is dedicated to the variational analysis of Retinex-like models, contextualizing their action with respect to contrast enhancement.

So-called string problems are abundant in bioinformatics and computational biology. New optimization problems dealing with DNA or protein sequences are constantly arising and researchers are highly in need of efficient optimization techniques for solving them. One obstacle for optimization practitioners is the atypical nature of these problems which require an interdisciplinary approach in order to solve them efficiently and accurately.