This book introduces readers to interfacial reactions in confinement on stimuli-responsive homopolymer and diblock copolymer films. It also includes investigations concerning the immobilization of (bio)molecules and the fabrication of biomolecular patterns by reactive microcontact printing on these reactive polymer films. In turn, the book takes advantage of the microphase separation of diblock copolymer films to study the fabrication of nanopatterns, which could contribute to the future development of a model system that allows us to area-selectively deposit and address (bio)molecules. Given its scope, the book broadens readers' perspective on the microfabrication of stimuli-responsive polymers.

"Changeovers in 3 minutes or less! "

Picking up where Dr. Shingo's "Single Minute Exchange of Die" left off, this book streamlines the process even further to reduce changeover time, while simultaneously cutting staffing requirements in half. To instruct on how to achieve quick changeover in virtually any type of production environment, the book includes-- A succinct eight-step process for setup improvement Nine basic principles for eliminating changeover waste

The book begins by outlining the tactical principles for improving the three phases of the changeover procedure. Next it demonstrates how to improve changeover on a processing line. All of the ideas presented are based on kaizen improvements, which require very little, if any, expenditure. Process razing and the implementation of one-piece flow are also examined as means to eliminate wasteful transportation and searching.

Dealing with a complicated watch used to be a rare job for the watch repairer, but with the popularity of the automatic, it is almost commonplace. Furthermore, the increased interest in calendar work, alarm watches, and chronographs will undoubtedly bring more and more complicated work into the workshop. This book deals with complicated work essentially from the repairer's point of view. The action of each mechanism is briefly and clearly described because understanding this is essential to proper servicing, repair and testing for functioning. Dismantling and assembly instructions are given, as well as oiling charts and - most important - hints on fault-finding and their rectification. Another essential feature of the book is that it deals with all complicated work - from the relatively simple automatic to the triple-complicated watch with chronograph, calendar and repeater work, and the very complicated clock watch. Exceptional care has been taken in the preparation of diagrams, which have been drawn from actual movements in various stages of assembly, so that the reader can actually work with the book illustrations beside the watch itself. As always with books by Donald de Carle, instructions are easy to follow and there is no reason why anyone well versed in ordinary work and able to use watchmakers' tools should not become a specialist in complicated watches and their repair.

Discusses smart and sustainable supply chain management concepts that will be analyzed in the Industry 4.0 perspective Explores green systems and smart applications under Industry 4.0 setting Presents the latest technological developments, including disruptive technologies and their impact on smart and sustainable supply chains in accordance with the triple bottom-line approach The economic, social, and environmental impact of the emerging technologies on supply chain management sustainability and smartness will be investigated thoroughly Each chapter will either include a case study or a related problem/numerical example along with the solution for easy reader comprehension

This book provides a complete overview of a wide range of nanomaterials from their synthesis and characterization to current and potential applications with special focus on the use of such nano-based products as functional agents in biomedical, environmental and industrial applications. It addresses the intrinsic relationship between aspects involving the synthesis of nanocompounds, their bio-physico-chemical properties and their interactions occurring in biomedical, environmental and industrial matrix. This book is of interest to engineers, academics and research scholars working in these fields.

This book comprises select papers presented at the Conference on Innovative Product Design and Intelligent Manufacturing System (IPDIMS 2020). The book discusses the latest methods and advanced tools from different areas of design and manufacturing technology. The main topics covered include design methodologies, industry 4.0, smart manufacturing, and advances in robotics among others. The contents of this book are useful for academics as well as professionals working in the areas of industrial design, mechatronics, robotics, and automation.

This book presents part of the proceedings of the Manufacturing and Materials track of the iM3F 2020 conference held in Malaysia. This collection of articles deliberates on the key challenges and trends related to manufacturing as well as materials engineering and technology in setting the stage for the world in embracing the fourth industrial revolution. It presents recent findings with regards to manufacturing and materials that are pertinent towards the realizations and ultimately the embodiment of Industry 4.0, with contributions from both industry and academia.

Pressure vessels are closed containers designed to hold gases or liquids at a pressure substantially different from the ambient pressure. They have a variety of applications in industry, including in oil refineries, nuclear reactors, vehicle airbrake reservoirs, and more. The pressure differential with such vessels is dangerous, and due to the risk of accident and fatality around their use, the design, manufacture, operation and inspection of pressure vessels is regulated by engineering authorities and guided by legal codes and standards. "Pressure Vessel Design Manual" is a solutions-focused guide to the many problems and technical challenges involved in the design of pressure vessels to match stringent standards and codes. It brings together otherwise scattered information and explanations into one easy-to-use resource to minimize research and take readers from problem to solution in the most direct manner possible.
Covers almost all problems that a working pressure vessel designer can expect to face, with 50+ step-by-step design procedures including a wealth of equations, explanations and data Internationally recognized, widely referenced and trusted, with 20+ years of use in over 30 countries making it an accepted industry standard guide Now revised with up-to-date ASME, ASCE and API regulatory code information, and dual unit coverage for increased ease of international use

A facility-wide improvement initiative is expensive in terms of both time and money. Perhaps the most disappointing thing about them is that they often end up as temporary measures that may produce early results but are unsustainable in the long run. The unseen cost is that after they see such initiatives come and go, employees begin to see them as futile, temporary annoyances rather than the permanent improvements they are meant to be. The Shingo Model (TM) begins with culture informed by operational excellence principles that lead to an understanding of what aligns systems and tools and can set any organization on a path toward enterprise excellence with sustainable continuous improvement. The Shingo Model is not an additional program or another initiative to implement. Instead, it introduces Shingo Guiding Principles on which to anchor current initiatives. Ultimately, the Shingo Model informs a new way of thinking that creates the capability to consistently deliver ideal results to all stakeholders. This is enterprise excellence - the level of excellence achieved by Shingo Prize recipients. In Discover Excellence: An Overview of the Shingo Model and Its Guiding Principles, readers will learn the basics of the Shingo Model, discover the Three Insights of Enterprise Excellence (TM), and explore how the Shingo Guiding Principles inform the kind of ideal behaviors that lead to sustainable results. This book is the introduction to the Shingo Model and prepares the reader for a deeper dive into the Shingo Guiding Principles.

The book highlights the research contributions of the interdigitated (IDT) sensors over a period of two decades in the field of sensing technology. It presents theory, design, and practical realization of the IDT sensors working over wide frequency rage for scientific, industrial, and consumer applications. The IDT sensors have been widely investigated for wide range of sensing applications including agriculture, environmental monitoring, structural health monitoring, health care, food and beverage testing, testing of dielectric material, proximity sensing, microfluidic application, automatic dispensing system etc. Hence, importance of IDT sensors is growing continuously for future applications. As such, it offers a key reference guide on IDT sensors for students, applied physicists, material scientists, engineers, sensors designers and technicians.

This unique volume explores the various aspects of human resources management and challenges that leaders, managers, and employees are facing in dealing with the new normal that is the result of changing workplace conditions and priorities due to the COVID-19 pandemic. With the outbreak of the pandemic and the resulting nationwide lockdowns, business across the globe came to an unexpected halt. This volume looks at the paradigm shift in the workplace ecosystem and how the world has changed in a big way. It discusses HR’s role in organizational growth strategies, employee well-being, and employee mental health during the economic downturn and offers coping strategies that aim to empower human resources through learning and resilience. This book explains strategies that will help in preserving healthy human resources, which are an important component of an organization’s effectiveness and growth. Chapters explain current trends in business and technology, the need for constant upskilling and digital dexterity, managing tech detox, and the way employees should work in the new normal. Chapters in Human Resource Management in a Post-Epidemic Global Environment: Roles, Strategies, and Implementations cover how the role of HR has changed with the pandemic; workplace communication strategies; challenges and opportunities of technology use in work-from-home scenarios; flexible work practices; effective employee retention; preserving employees’ well-being, mental health, and work-life balance; the effect on gender equity; HR challenges in the tourism sector; and much more. Organizations that adopt post-pandemic HR roles and strategies not only have the path to innovation but will also have a competitive landscape in the changing scenario. HR leadership and others at corporations and organizations—both large and small—will find this volume to be a useful resource for discussion, implementation, and innovation.

The book covers the latest developments in biologically-inspired and derived nanomedicine for cancer therapy. The purpose of the book is to illustrate the significance of naturally-mimicking systems for enhancing the dose delivered to the tumor, to improve stability, and prolong the circulation time. Moreover, readers are presented with advanced materials such as adjuvants for immunostimulation in cancer vaccines. The book also provides a comprehensive overview of the current status of academic research. This is an ideal book for students, researchers, and professors working in nanotechnology, cancer, targeted drug delivery, controlled drug release, materials science, and biomaterials as well as companies developing cancer immunotherapy.

From typefounding through typesetting to the printing process itself, this narrative offers a fresh look at the unprecedented success story of the spread of the 'black art' right across Europe in a mere 40 years. Stephan FA1/4ssel here analyses the first early printings, placing them in the context of the history of communication and the intellectual climate of a Europe-wide educated elite by about 1500. He foregrounds the tremendous rise in European culture and the history of education experienced as a direct result of this media revolution. In separate chapters FA1/4ssel depicts the fast spreading of the art of printing to Italy, France and England, at the same time highlighting the importance of the art of printing for the Roman Catholic Church, the Reformation, the University and the economy. From herbals to a guide for midwives, the present book shows popular instruction at work in the vernacular, as well as the consolidation of knowledge into encyclopedias in the early modern period, and the emergence of new forms of the prose novel and the beginnings of newspapers and periodicals. Finally Stephan FA1/4ssel traces the modern resonances of Gutenberg's invention, which persisted in virtually unchanged form for a further 350 years. It underwent decisive technological change through industrialisation and mechanisation in the nineteenth century, and again through digitalisation at the close of the twentieth century. However, as FA1/4ssel shows, the mass diffusion of information and the related communications revolution which began with Gutenberg continue unabated.

This book introduces the applications of Industry 4.0 in machine tools through an overview of the latest available digital technologies. It focuses on digital twining, communication between industrial controls, motion, and input/output devices, along with sustainability in SMEs. Machine Tools: An Industry 4.0 Perspective focuses on the digital twining of machine tools, which improves the life of the machines and provides a method of operating a factory during times of complete lockdown resulting from various conditions. It presents an overview of the communication between industrial controls, motion, and input/output devices through standardized digital interfaces such as SERCOS and USB. The book goes on to discuss industrial cybersecurity systems applicable to discrete manufacturing, which includes cyberattacks and human errors, and address the security aspects related to software, hardware, and data. The book also explores the application of big data for different stages of production and illustrates the uses such as predictive maintenance, product quality, product life cycle management (PLM), and more. This book is an ideal reference for undergraduate, graduate, and postgraduate students of industrial, mechanical, and mechatronics engineering, along with professionals, and general readers.

Over the last twenty years there has been tremendous growth in the research and development of sensors and sensor signal processing methods. Advances in materials and fabrication techniques have led to a departure from traditional sensor types and the development of novel sensing techniques and devices, many of which are now finding favor in industry. Novel Sensors and Sensing provides an introduction to modern sensor types and sensor signal processing methods, with emphasis placed on the underlying physics and the generic operating principles involved. It includes a review of the fundamentals of measurement and instrumentation and covers the principle types of modern sensor-resonator, semiconductor based, and optical fiber (including an overview of optical propagation and transmission.) The final chapter of the book is devoted to flow measurement, an area that has benefited greatly from the developments in novel sensing devices and techniques.

This book demonstrates the basic and fundamental aspects of nanotechnology and potential application as a photocatalysis in multiple application especially in environment and energy harvesting. This book also contains methods of preparation and characterization of unique nanostructured photocatalysts, and details about their catalytic action. The book consists of seven chapters, including the principles and fundamentals of heterogeneous photocatalysis; the mechanisms and dynamics of surface photocatalysis; research on pure and composites based materials with unique nanostructures; the latest developments and advances in exploiting photocatalyst alternatives to WO3; and photocatalytic materials for applications other than the traditional degradation of pollutants, such as carbon dioxide reduction, water oxidation, a complete spectrum of selective organic transformations and water splitting by photocatalytic reduction. This book will appeal to a wide readership of the academic and industrial researchers and it can also be used in the classroom for undergraduate and graduate students focusing on heterogeneous photocatalysis, sustainable chemistry, energy conversion and storage, nanotechnology, chemical engineering, environmental protection, optoelectronics, sensors, and surface and interface science.

Project Management: Theory and Practice, Third Edition gives students a broad and real flavor of project management. Bringing project management to life, it avoids being too sterilely academic and too narrowly focused on a particular industry view. It takes a model-based approach towards project management commonly used in all industries. The textbook aligns with the latest version of the Project Management Institute's Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK (R)) Guide, which is considered to be the de facto standard for project management. However, it avoids that standard's verbiage and presents students with readable and understandable explanations. Core chapters align with the Project Management Institute's model as well as explain how this model fits real-world projects. The textbook can be used as companion to the standard technical model and help those studying for various project management certifications. The textbook takes an in-depth look at the following areas important to the standard model: Work Breakdown Structures (WBS) Earned Value Management (EVM) Enterprise project management Portfolio management (PPM) Professional responsibility and ethics Agile life cycle The text begins with a background section (Chapters 1-9) containing material outside of the standard model structure but necessary to prepare students for the 10 standard model knowledge areas covered in the chapters that follow. The text is rounded out by eight concluding chapters that explain advanced planning approaches models and projects' external environments. Recognizing that project management is an evolving field, the textbook includes section written by industry experts who share their insight and expertise on cutting-edge topics. It prepares students for upcoming trends and changes in project management while providing an overview of the project management environment today. In addition to guiding students through current models and standards, Project Management: Theory and Practice, Third Edition prepares students for the future by stimulating their thinking beyond the accepted pragmatic view.

"Semiconductor-On-Insulator Materials for NanoElectronics Applications is devoted to the fast evolving field of modern nanoelectronics, and more particularly to the physics and technology of nanoelectronic devices built on semiconductor-on-insulator (SemOI) systems. The book contains the achievements in this field from leading companies and universities in Europe, USA, Brazil and Russia. It is articulated around four main topics: 1. New semiconductor-on-insulator materials; 2. Physics of modern SemOI devices; 3. Advanced characterization of SemOI devices; 4. Sensors and MEMS on SOI. "Semiconductor-On-Insulator Materials for NanoElectonics Applications is useful not only to specialists in nano- and microelectronics but also to students and to the wider audience of readers who are interested in new directions in modern electronics and optoelectronics.

This book gathers four papers authored by Victor Bravo and Nicolas Di Sbroiavacca, Oil and Natural Gas Engineers, specialized in Energy Economics. The main axis of the book is the application of the exploitation techniques of Oil and Natural Gas in Argentina, by the so-called "conventional" methods, in comparison with the so-called "Fracking",(name massively used in the First World and particularly in the United States of America). Argentina has important Oil and Natural Gas resources in different regions of its wide geography. To develop these "non-conventional" techniques has generated endless controversies all over the world, mostly due to its estimated environmental impact and the need of significant requirement of large capitals for investment. Argentina is not out of this relevant controversy because in the mind of the maximum national authorities, fracking is one of the main factors that may contribute to generate monetary funds devoted to the payment of the immense foreign debt of this country. Other authors estimate that it is not possible to develop our country just on the basis of the massive exploitation and boundless export of natural resources. Consequently, fracking is undoubtedly a topic of National Energy Politics. In this scenario, a previous analysis of the National Energy Politics of the recent governments of Argentina, after the bloody military dictatorship of 1976-1983 and the return to democratic governments in December 1983. This analysis is done over the chapters "Analysis of the National Law N 27007 (known as the "Hydrocarbon Resources Law") and the Oil and Natural Gas politics", the "Oil and Natural Gas Politics of the period from 2003 to 2014" and "The Argentine Energy Politics during the 2014-2018 period". Later on, the "Fracking" case is fully developed with two complementary analyses. One of them is basically centered on the technical and prospective scenarios for "fracking": "Shale Oil and Shale Gas in Argentina: Situation and Perspectives". The other one, "A technical opinion about Fracking", contemplates the impacts resulting from the use of these techniques, especially those concerning the environment. Anyhow, each of the chapters are self-contained, thus permitting separate reading of any of them.

Tape measures, those useful sewing tools in imaginative cases, are now becoming a collecting passion. Presented here are over 700 tape measures in brass, wood, celluloid and porcelain figural shapes, dating back to the 1820s and up to the present. Over 500 color photographs show tape measures in hundreds of variations from animals and birds to people and their houses, and the captions describe their particular winding mechanisms. Each measure is also given a value range

With a focus on both manufacturing as well as non-manufacturing organizations, "Six Sigma Fundamentals" demystifies the Six Sigma methodology and provides the reader with a solid understanding of what defines a Six Sigma initiative. Each chapter fully addresses the concepts of the Six Sigma philosophy and explains the methodologies for real-world applications.

"Six Sigma Fundamentals" gives a comprehensive overview to the entire process - from understanding the significance of "customer requirements," the variation-reducing tools, the necessary roles and responsibilities of all employees throughout the organization, all the way to "Designing for Six Sigma" and "implementation strategy."

Click here for Six Sigma Forms
Click here for definitions of Six Sigma terminology

Force and Position Control of Mechatronic Systems provides an overview of the general concepts and technologies in the area of force and position control. Novel ideas and innovations related to this area are presented and reported in detail, and examples of applications in medical technology are given. The book begins by introducing force sensing, and modelling of contacting objects. In then moves steadily through a variety of topics, including: * disturbance observer-based force estimation; * force-based supervisory control; * stabilization systems; * controller design; and * control of tube insertion procedures. This book will be of interest to researchers, engineers and students interested in force control, particularly those with a focus on medical applications of these ideas. Advances in Industrial Control reports and encourages the transfer of technology in control engineering. The rapid development of control technology has an impact on all areas of the control discipline. The series offers an opportunity for researchers to present an extended exposition of new work in all aspects of industrial control.

This book highlights the main advances in fiber electronics, like fiber-shaped solar cells, batteries, supercapacitors, sensors, light-emitting devices, memristors and communication devices from the standpoints of material synthesis, structure design and property enhancement. It focuses on revealing the separation and transport mechanisms of charges, establishing transport equations for electrons and ions, and emphasizing integration methods in fiber devices. In closing, it reviews emerging applications based on fiber devices that could accelerate their large-scale production in the near future. Given its scope, the book offers a valuable resource for scientists, engineers, graduate students and undergraduate students in a wide variety of fields such as advanced materials, energy, electrochemistry, applied physics, nanoscience and nanotechnology, polymer science and engineering and biomedical science. It also benefits many non-specialist industrialists who are working to promote new technologies.

This volume studies, in chronological order, three types of large clocks-wall, cabinet and free-standing, with particular attention to clocks from France, England, Holland, Scandinavia and the German-speaking countries. The emphasis is on French clocks due to recent great interest in the trade of these among collectors. The English clocks, still favored by a large group of collectors, are strongly represented here and there are several beautiful examples from Holland. The German speaking area, including Austria, Germany, and Switzerland are also well represented especially with clocks from south Germany-a delight for lovers and collectors of the Baroque and Rocco clocks. European Pendulum Clocks is essential for the collector of clocks, dealers, auction houses, museums, and anyone awed by the beauty and craftsmanship of these fascinating timepieces.

The book explores the concepts and challenges in developing novel approaches using the Internet of Things, intelligent systems, machine intelligence systems, and data analytics in various industrial sectors such as manufacturing, smart agriculture, smart cities, food processing, environment, defense, stock market and healthcare. Further, it discusses the latest improvements in the industrial sectors using machine intelligence learning and intelligent systems techniques, especially robotics. Features: * Highlights case studies and solutions to industrial problems using machine learning and intelligent systems. * Covers applications in smart agriculture, smart healthcare, intelligent machines for disaster management, and smart manufacturing. * Provides the latest methodologies using machine intelligence systems in the early forecasting of weather. * Examines the research challenges and identifies the gaps in data collection and data analysis, especially imagery, signal, and speech. * Provides applications of digitization and smart processing using the Internet of Things and effective intelligent agent systems in manufacturing. * Discusses a systematic and exhaustive analysis of intelligent software effort estimation models. It will serve as an ideal reference text for graduate students, post-graduate students, IT Professionals, and academic researchers in the fields of electrical engineering, electronics and communication engineering, computer engineering, and information technology.