These are the proceedings of the 2nd International Conference on Engineering Sciences and Technologies (ESaT 2016), held from 29th of June until the 1st of July 2016 in the scenic High Tatras Mountains, Tatranske Matliare, Slovak Republic. After the successful implementation and excellent feedback of the first international conference ESaT 2015, ESaT 2016 was organized under the auspices of the Faculty of Civil Engineering, Technical University of Kosice, Slovak Republic in collaboration with the University of Miskolc, Hungary. The conference focused on a wide spectrum of topics and subject areas in civil engineering sciences. The proceedings bringing new and original advances and trends in various fields of engineering sciences and technologies that accost a wide range of academics, scientists, researchers and professionals from universities and practice. The authors of the articles originate from different countries around the world guaranteeing the importance, topicality, quality and level of presented results.

This book focuses on the integration of air conditioning and heating as a form of demand response into modern power system operation and planning. It presents an in-depth study on air conditioner aggregation, and examines various models of air conditioner aggregation and corresponding control methods in detail. Moreover, the book offers a comprehensive and systematic treatment of incorporating flexible heating demand into integrated energy systems, making it particularly well suited for readers who are interested in learning about methods and solutions for demand response in smart grids. It offers a valuable resource for researchers, engineers, and graduate students in the fields of electrical and electronic engineering, control engineering, and computer engineering.

This book presents several original theories for risk, including Theory of Risk Monitoring, and Theory of Risk Acceptance, in addition to several analytical models for computing relative and absolute risk. The book discusses risk limit, states of risk, and the emerging concept of risk monitoring. The interrelationships between risk and resilience are also highlighted in an objective manner. The book includes several practical case studies showing how risk management and its components can be used to enhance performance of infrastructures at reasonable costs.

Concern about the fate of waste products produced by a wide range of industrial processes has led to the realization that they may have potential uses and, therefore, value. In an effort to develop more sustainable processes and reduce waste storage, the use of waste as a resource has been gaining attention worldwide. Consequently, there have been a large number of studies aimed at utilizing such wastes. Conversion of Large Scale Wastes into Value-added Products discusses various selected classes of large-scale waste and their current applications and potential future applications. This book provides a snapshot of a continually evolving field, which includes both well-established processes and a drive toward developing strategies for new applications of wastes. The first chapter provides a general introduction to the area of large-scale waste utilization, including drivers for waste recovery, and secondary processes and products for waste reuse. Subsequent chapters discuss applications and potential applications in specific classes of large-scale waste: Various types of waste generated from different metal processing operations Waste generated by coal combustion, a major source of power generation that produces enormous quantities of waste Waste electrical and electronic equipment, important for recycling finite resources and reducing health and environmental risks Food waste, a significant and diverse waste stream with economic and environmental impacts The final chapter presents a general conclusion to the broad subject of waste utilization, summarizing the topics and addressing future trends in waste research.

This book provides a detailed overview on methods used for the dating of past torrential activity on fans and cones and fosters the discussion on the impact of past and potential future climate change on torrential processes. The book has a clear focus on the practical applications of these methods, complemented by case studies. The limits of each dating method in case of excessive natural and human interventions on fans and cones are shown.

Progress in Renewable Energies Offshore includes the papers presented in the 2nd International Conference on Renewable Energies Offshore (RENEW2016, Lisbon, Portugal, 24-26 October 2016). The scope of the book is broad, covering all aspects of renewable energies offshore activities such as resource assessment; wind energy; wave energy; tidal energy; ocean energy devices; multiuse platforms; PTO design; grid connection; economic assessment; installation and maintenance planning. The contents of the present book are organized in these main subject areas corresponding to the sessions in the Conference. The conference reflects the importance of the renewable energies offshore worldwide and is an opportunity to contribute to the exchange of information on the developments and experience obtained in concept development, design and operation of these devices. Progress in Renewable Energies Offshore has as main target academics and professionals working in the related areas of renewable energies.

This book presents an integrated and holistic discussion on cadmium, lead and mercury toxicity in aquatic environments, expanding general concepts on chemical speciation effects and exploring specific environmental toxicological issues, exposure routes, and bioanalytical approaches for their determination and assessments on their intracellular deleterious effects. It contains worldwide and regional aspects on cadmium, lead and mercury occurrence, fate, and toxicity, addressing key environmental exposure and health risk concerns to both humans and aquatic organisms. Our book is of interest to anyone conducting research in the broad fields of oceanography, geochemistry, ecotoxicology, and environmental and public health.

This work investigated two different approaches to optimize biological sulphate reduction in order to develop a process control strategy to optimize the input of an electron donor and to study how to increase the feasibility of using a cheap carbon source. Feast/famine regimes, applied to design the control strategy, were shown to induce the accumulation of storage compounds in the sulphate reducing biomass. This study showed that delays in the response time and a high control gain can be considered as the most critical factors affecting a sulphide control strategy in bioreactors. The delays are caused by the induction of different metabolic pathways in the anaerobic sludge, including the accumulation of storage products. On this basis, a mathematical model was developed and validated. This can be used to develop optimal control strategies. In order to understand the microbial pathways in the anaerobic oxidation of methane coupled to sulphate reduction (AOM-SR), diverse potential electron donors and acceptors were added to in vitro incubations of an AOM-SR enrichment at high pressure. Acetate was formed in the control group, probably resulting from the reduction of CO2. These results support the hypothesis that acetate may serve as an intermediate in the AOM-SR process.

In today's climate the need for a closer understanding of the relationship between the two inter-related topics of risk management and finance on construction projects is becoming increasingly crucial to achieving the objectives of the investor, the end-user and the constructor and its supply chain, especially as interest in PFI and PPP arrangements continues to grow around the world. Risk and Financial Management in Construction shows the relationship between the Construction Project Manager's task of balancing time, cost and quality and the need to satisfy the client's requirements efficiently, effectively and professionally whilst at the same time contributing to the contractor's future sustainability. The book covers Risk Management describing the tools and methods to reduce the occurrence and consequences of risk, and the financial management of construction projects from raising funding, to contract strategy and through to estimating, budgeting and cost control. It includes a chapter covering international project risk, bringing together the issues of risk management, prime contracting, and PFI funding for construction projects undertaken away from the contractors main home market. Risk and Financial Management in Construction is aimed at those practising in, or studying to enter, the project management profession in providing a strategic and operational knowledge of these subjects allowing the reader easy access to the key points through a wide selection of models, checklists and easy to find lists in all of the key areas.

This book reviews the state of the art of natural disasters like floods and landslides, highlighting the possibility of safe and correct land planning and management by means of a global approach to territory. In fact, the events deriving from slope dynamics (gravitational phenomena) and fluvial dynamics (floods) are commonly triggered by the same factor (heavy rainfall), occur at the same time and are closely related. For this reason, this book analyses floods and slope stability phenomena as different aspects of the same dynamic system: the drainage basin.

Risk, Reliability and Safety contains papers describing innovations in theory and practice contributed to the scientific programme of the European Safety and Reliability conference (ESREL 2016), held at the University of Strathclyde in Glasgow, Scotland (25-29 September 2016). Authors include scientists, academics, practitioners, regulators and other key individuals with expertise and experience relevant to specific areas. Papers include domain specific applications as well as general modelling methods. Papers cover evaluation of contemporary solutions, exploration of future challenges, and exposition of concepts, methods and processes. Topics include human factors, occupational health and safety, dynamic and systems reliability modelling, maintenance optimisation, uncertainty analysis, resilience assessment, risk and crisis management.

Nanotechnology is one of the most rapidly developing areas of science, with great potential to solve the developmental challenges in a wide range of industries such as aerospace, agriculture, bioengineering, cosmetics, chemicals, electronics, energy, renewables, surface coatings, textiles, medicine, materials manufacturing, military equipment, etc. To compile this book, distinguished scientists, engineers, and industrial professionals from different parts of the world have been invited. An array of 17 high-quality science-based chapters covering recent advancements, challenges, and future trends in industrial applications of nanotechnology is presented. The book is aimed at industrial professionals and graduate-level students and researchers.

This textbook covers tools and applications in civil engineering systems. It begins by revising the mathematical and statistical background for the adequate formulation of civil engineering problems. Then it examines a series of topics required to understand infrastructure, facilities and transportation networks, and their planning, maintenance, upgrading and expansion. It covers problem definition, model formulation and decision making systems, including optimization, estimation and prediction. The applications deal with some of the challenges that civil engineers will typically encounter during their professional lives, ranging from municipal planning and infrastructure management to transportation analysis. The treatment of the topics is integral. Tools and examples from real life situations are combined to illustrate the use of methods and principles. Students will learn to understand a system, conceptualize a model, analyse it and make decisions or draw conclusions, just as practising engineers do. A final chapter introduces methods for expanding simple models, adding complexity and incorporating uncertainty. Instructors can chose to cover some of the material from the foundation chapters on mathematics and statistics or directly concentrate on the tools and applications.

Since the begining of the sixties, control theorists have developed a large body of knowledge concerning complex or large-scale systems theory. Using the state space approach, their purpose was to extend methods to cope with the increasingly sophisticated automation needs of man-made systems. Despite several remarkable contributions, and some successful applications, it can be stated that this theory has not yet become an engineering tool. On the other hand, the emergence of cheap and reliable microprocessors has profoundly transformed industrial instrumentation and control systems. Process control equipment is organized in multilevel distributed structures, closely related to the concepts introduced by complex systems control theory. This similarity should favor a fruitful intersection for practical applications. However, a gap still exists between the literature on control theory and the world of technological achievements. In the many books on complex systems, few have given attention to the technological aspects of a practical control problem. The present book is an attempt to fill this gap. To do this, it consistently reflects the viewpoints that: - Theory and technology are two indivisible facets of the same problem. -On-line implementation for real time applications is the ultimate goal of a control study.

First published in 1996. One of the primary goals of this series has been to explore new areas of criminology and criminal justice, topics that constitute the frontiers of the field. This work, edited by Sally Edwards, Terry Edwards and Charles Fields exemplifies that purpose in its coverage of environmental crime. While corporate and political crime developed slowly into mainstream criminology over the last half century, environmental crime, as an area of emphasis is still in its infancy. It is unusual to have many varied and informative perspectives early in a subject's development. This volume, however, demonstrates that many people are already examining environmental crime perhaps as an extension of both the greater environmental movement and the broadening of the popular parameters of crime.

Multicriteria analysis is one of the most important fields of decision science. This book gives an outline of the formulation of an appropriate model and presents a comprehensive summary of the most popular methods for solving multicriteria decision problems. In addition to the classical approach the book introduces fuzzy and stochastic methodology, models with uncertainty, social choice and conflict resolution. All methods are illustrated with easy to follow simple examples. At the end of each chapter detailed case studies are given in water and environment management including inter-basin water transfer, urban water management, water allocation, groundwater quality management, forest treatment, ranking water resources projects, reservoir planning, water distribution network design and long-term watershed management. The new methodology and the wide variety of case studies are not easily accessible elsewhere.

1. Discusses the properties, mechanisms, advantages, limitations and promising solutions of different types of membrane technologies 2. Addresses the optimization of process parameters 3. Describes the performance of different membranes 4. Presents the potential of Nanotechnology to improve the treatment efficiency of wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) 5. Covers the application of membrane and membrane-based hybrid treatment technologies for wastewater treatment

The contributions in this volume map out how technologies are used and designed to plan, maintain, govern, demolish, and destroy the city. The chapters demonstrate how urban technologies shape, and are shaped, by fundamental concepts and principles such as citizenship, publicness, democracy, and nature. The many authors herein explore how to think of technologically mediated urban space as part of the human condition. The volume will thus contribute to the much-needed discussion on technology-enabled urban futures from the perspective of the philosophy of technology. This perspective also contributes to the discussion and process of making cities 'smart' and just. This collection appeals to students, researchers, and professionals within the fields of philosophy of technology, urban planning, and engineering.

Recent Progress in Steel and Composite Structures includes papers presented at the XIIIth International Conference on Metal Structures (ICMS 2016, Zielona Gora, Poland, 15-17 June 2016). The contributions focus on the progress made in theoretical, numerical and experimental research, with special attention given to new concepts and algorithmic procedures, and to background knowledge as well as the development and implementation of rules and recommendations for codification worldwide. In addition to the five keynote papers the book contains 62 two-page extended abstracts of individual contributions delivered by 164 Authors and Co-authors from 13 countries of four continents. The CD containing all full-length papers is an attachment to the conference book. Recent Progress in Steel and Composite Structures is a useful reference source to academics, researchers, graduate students and practicing engineers.

The past few years have seen the emergence of a growing, widespread desire in this country, and indeed everywhere, that positive actions be taken to restore the quality of our environment, and to protect it from the degrading effects of all forms of pollution-air, noise, solid waste, and water. Since pollution is a direct or" indirect consequence of waste, if there is no waste, there can be no pollution, and the seemingly idealistic demand for" zero discharge" can be construed as a demand for zero waste. However, as long as there is waste, we can only attempt to abate the consequent pollution by converting it to a less noxious form. In those instances in which a particular type of pollution has been recognized, three major questions usually arise: 1, How serious is the pollution? 2, Is the technology to abate it available? and 3, Do the costs of abatement justify the degree of abatement achieved? The principal intention of this series of books is to help the reader to formulate answers to the last two of the above three questions. The traditional approach of applying tried-and-true solutions to specific pollution problems has been a major factor contributing to the success of environmental engineering, and in large measure has accounted for the establishing of a "methodology of pollution control.

Supplementary cementing materials and other mineral admixtures are being used in increasing amounts in both cement and concrete. Their main technical benefits are that they enhance the workability of fresh concrete and the durability of hardened concrete. Indeed, they affect almost every property of the concrete. Their economic and ecological benefits may be just as significant, and their use can be expected to increase as concrete remains the most common construction material. Cement and Concrete Mineral Admixtures concentrates mostly on natural pozzolans, fly ashes, ground granulated blast furnace slag, silica fume and limestone powder, namely the most commonly used mineral admixtures. Others such as metakaolin, rice husk ash, expanded clays and shales are also discussed. Their chemical, mineralogical, and physical properties are outlined. The influence of mineral admixtures on the hydration of cementitious systems, and the properties of fresh and hardened concrete in which they are used are emphasized. International standards are reviewed. The basics of concrete mix proportioning with mineral admixtures are outlined. The possibilities of using mineral admixtures as constituents of special concretes such as self-compacting, reactive powder, roller-compacted concretes and special non-portland, low-cost, low-energy and/or low-CO2 cements such as alinite, calcium sulfoaluminate, and belitic cements and alkali-activated binders are also covered.The book is a comprehensive reference for senior undergraduate and graduate students and researchers in the fields of cement and concrete, and for cement and concrete practitioners.

Added Value in Design and Construction takes a holistic, student-centred approach to offering public and private sector clients the ultimate reward; doing more for less. The Latham Report was a call to action and this book provides students of construction with the theoretical and practical knowledge to deliver the recommendations of the report. It describes the principles and techniques crucial to adding value and reducing costs in design and construction in the twenty first century. This book examines in detail a wide range of strategies that can be applied during the design and construction process to add value and bring the best interests of the client sharply into focus.

Built environment students are not always familiar with the range of different research approaches they could be using for their projects. Whether you are undertaking a postgraduate doctoral programme or facing an undergraduate or masters dissertation, this book provides general advice, as well as 13 detailed case studies from 16 universities in 7 countries, to help you get to grips with quantitative and qualitative methods, mixed methods of data collection, action research, and more.

A synergy of physical, psychological, and physiological conditions affects the mental and physical quality of sleep. Although much has been written about this issue, little has been founded on actual research, until now.
Back and Bed: Ergonomic Aspects of Sleeping is the first book to scientifically attribute the relationship between ergonomic factors and the quality of sleep. It describes the pros and cons of different types of mattresses, supporting structures, head cushions, and sleeping postures.
This volume defines and combines several aspects of sleep quality and identifies the underlying ergonomic parameters for each of these aspects. Based on state-of-the-art, in-depth research, this book also illustrates how back support can be evaluated and optimized for an individual or for a population group. It is a valuable resource for researchers, clinicians, physicians, ergonomists, manufacturers and marketers and is accessible to anyone who practices the art of sleep.

Cost management of all building projects has become increasingly important as clients in the public and private sector demand the highest quality cost planning services with accurate budgeting and cost control. All members of the design team must integrate their activities to ensure that a high quality project is delivered on time and within budget. This book considers building cost planning and cost control from the client and the design team's perspective, where all decisions whether concerned with design, cost, quality, time, value or sustainability are taken as being interrelated. The latest Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) Plan of Work and the New Rules of Measurement for Early Stage Estimating and Cost Planning issued by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) have been incorporated into this new text. The book follows the building design cost planning process from the crucial inception stages and then through all the design stages to the completion of the technical design, contract documentation and the tender. It provides a template for good cost planning practice. An essential addition to this third edition is the introduction of integrated design and documentation processes captured in building Information modelling (BIM), on-line cost databases and computerised methods of cost planning. The integrated approaches are explained and provide vital information and knowledge for practitioners involved in building projects. All stakeholders involved in development and design and client teams in public and private sector policy making and implementation need to understand the new approaches to design management processes and how cost planning and design approaches are adapting to using the new technology in practice. The interactive style, using in-text and review questions makes this ideal for students and practitioners alike in property, architecture, construction economics, construction management, real estate, engineering, facilities management and project management.