This book presents the signal processing algorithms that have been developed to process the signals acquired by a spherical microphone array. Spherical microphone arrays can be used to capture the sound field in three dimensions and have received significant interest from researchers and audio engineers. Algorithms for spherical array processing are different to corresponding algorithms already known in the literature of linear and planar arrays because the spherical geometry can be exploited to great beneficial effect. The authors aim to advance the field of spherical array processing by helping those new to the field to study it efficiently and from a single source, as well as by offering a way for more experienced researchers and engineers to consolidate their understanding, adding either or both of breadth and depth. The level of the presentation corresponds to graduate studies at MSc and PhD level. This book begins with a presentation of some of the essential mathematical and physical theory relevant to spherical microphone arrays, and of an acoustic impulse response simulation method, which can be used to comprehensively evaluate spherical array processing algorithms in reverberant environments. The chapter on acoustic parameter estimation describes the way in which useful descriptions of acoustic scenes can be parameterized, and the signal processing algorithms that can be used to estimate the parameter values using spherical microphone arrays. Subsequent chapters exploit these parameters including in particular measures of direction-of-arrival and of diffuseness of a sound field. The array processing algorithms are then classified into two main classes, each described in a separate chapter. These are signal-dependent and signal-independent beamforming algorithms. Although signal-dependent beamforming algorithms are in theory able to provide better performance compared to the signal-independent algorithms, they are currently rarely used in practice. The main reason for this is that the statistical information required by these algorithms is difficult to estimate. In a subsequent chapter it is shown how the estimated acoustic parameters can be used in the design of signal-dependent beamforming algorithms. This final step closes, at least in part, the gap between theory and practice.

Presents a comprehensive review of physical processes in astrophysical plasmas.
This title presents a review of the detailed aspects of the physical processes that underlie the observed properties, structures and dynamics of cosmic plasmas. An assessment of the status of understanding of microscale processes in all astrophysical collisionless plasmas is provided. The topics discussed includeturbulence in astrophysical and solar system plasmas as a phenomenological description of their dynamic properties on all scales;observational, theoretical and modelling aspects of collisionless magnetic reconnection; the formation and dynamics of shock waves; and a review and assessment of microprocesses, such as the hierarchy of plasma instabilities, non-local and non-diffusive transport processes and ionisation and radiation processes.In addition, some of the lessons that have been learned from the extensive existing knowledge of laboratory plasmas as applied to astrophysical problems are also covered.This volume is aimed at graduate students and researchers active in the areas of cosmic plasmas and space science.Originally published in Space Science Reviews journal, Vol. 278/2-4, 2013."

The proceedings published in this book document and foster the goals of the 11th International Space Conference on "Protection of Materials and Structures from Space Environment" ICPMSE-11 to facilitate exchanges between members of the various engineering and science disciplines involved in the development of space materials. Contributions cover aspects of interaction with space environment of LEO, GEO, Deep Space, Planetary environments, ground-based qualification and in-flight experiments, as well as lessons learned from operational vehicles that are closely interrelated to disciplines of atmospheric sciences, solar-terrestrial interactions and space life sciences.

This Festschrift dedicated to the 60th birth anniversary of Prof. Sandip K. Chakrabarti, a well-known Indian astrophysicist, presents a collection of contributions by about fifty scientists who work on diverse topics in contemporary astrophysics and space science including new and low-cost balloon borne experiments, planetary science, astrochemistry and the origin of life, ionospheric research and earthquake predictions, relativistic astrophysics around black holes, and finally, the observational signatures and radiative properties of compact objects. All the authors are well known scholars in their respective subject and are all PhD students of Prof. Sandip K. Chakrabarti. The book demonstrates a two-dimensional evolution of research areas triggered by Sandip Chakrabarti over the past few decades. The first dimension represents the evolution and diversification of Chakrabarti's own research in which new students were trained. A second dimension arises from the evolution of the research topics pursued by Chakrabarti's fifty odd doctoral students, many of whom have become renowned scientists in their own right, after starting with a certain subject under Chakrabarti and then migrating to completely new subjects with dexterity. The editors have compiled and edited the articles appropriately to some extent to suit the spirit of this Festschrift on the one hand and to keep balance in diverse topics on the other. Thus this volume also provides an overview for whosoever wishes to enter the important subjects of compact objects, astrochemistry, ionospheric science or space exploration in near space. New graduates, PhD scholars, teachers and researchers will benefit from this volume. Moreover it is a record of tremendous success of a school in a range of vast topics.

This text presents the most recent research on fracture and damage of concrete and rock. It provides an improved understanding of the basic physical and mechanical principles of fracture mechanics in these materials with a strong view towards applications in construction engineering and mining engineering. It forms the proceedings of the international conference held in Vienna in November 1992. The background to the book comes from three main areas: fatigue and ageing of complex concrete structures have been responsible both for loss of life and for expenditure running into billions of dollars in recent decades; lack of virgin building land and high property values in cities and urban areas have led to more demolition and recycling of concrete structures, and related environmental problems; and more engineering structures are being built on and in rock mass of low quality and difficult terrain. Rock fracture mechanics has matured to a fully recognized discipline and is now being applied to problems of excavation, tunnelling, blasting and anchoring. FDCR Conferences provide a forum for international, interdisciplinary co-operation and exchange of ideas and experience between scienti

This book demonstrates various types of deepwater risers with different motion equations and boundary conditions depending on their different structural configurations. It also discusses the hydrodynamic analysis methods of different deepwater risers. It provides new force and structure models in time and frequency domains of vortex induced force, including that for a downstream riser of the tandem riser, and the rigid oscillating model for steel catenary riser. The highlights of this book are the analysis methods of the rigid oscillating mode of steel catenary riser and the coupling iteration for top-tensioned riser with pipe-in-pipe configuration. This book is interesting and useful to a wide readership in the various fields of ocean engineering and offshore oil & gas development.

First published in 1981 as the "Offshore Information Guide", this revised information resource details the technology of the oil, gas and marine industries. For this edition, the guide has been completely revised and substantially enlarged. With the assistance of staff from the Centre of Cold Ocean Resources Engineering, Memorial University of Newfoundland, Canada, the world-wide coverage has been much extended. Additional subject areas include new sections under the following headings: exploration, field development, petroleum reservoirs, economics and government.

This book presents how to apply recent machine learning (deep learning) methods for the task of speech quality prediction. The author shows how recent advancements in machine learning can be leveraged for the task of speech quality prediction and provides an in-depth analysis of the suitability of different deep learning architectures for this task. The author then shows how the resulting model outperforms traditional speech quality models and provides additional information about the cause of a quality impairment through the prediction of the speech quality dimensions of noisiness, coloration, discontinuity, and loudness.

Produced sand causes a lot of problems. From that reasons sand production must be monitored and kept within acceptable limits. Sand control problems in wells result from improper completion techniques or changes in reservoir properties. The idea is to provide support to the formation to prevent movement under stresses resulting from fluid flow from reservoir to well bore. That means that sand control often result with reduced well production. Control of sand production is achieved by: reducing drag forces (the cheapest and most effective method), mechanical sand bridging (screens, gravel packs) and increasing of formation strength (chemical consolidation). For open hole completions or with un-cemented slotted liners/screens sand failure will occur and must be predicted. Main problem is plugging. To combat well failures due to plugging and sand breakthrough Water-Packing or Shunt-Packing are used.

This beautiful full-colour book covers knots, splices and whippings. It begins with the ten knots everyone should know. The other knots are grouped by use so that if, for example, you want to make a loop you have eight knots to choose from. Each stage of each knot is illustrated and its uses, strong points and weak points are highlighted.

This book is a sequel to 'Deep-Sea Mining: Resource Potential, Technical and Environmental Considerations' (2017) and 'Environmental Issues of Deep-Sea Mining: Impacts, Consequences and Policy Perspectives' (2019), and aims to provide a comprehensive volume on different perspectives of deep-sea mining from specialists around the world. The work is timely, as deep-sea minerals continue to enthuse researchers involved in activities such as ascertaining their potential as alternative sources for critical metals for green energy and other industrial applications, as well as technology development for their sustainable exploration and exploitation, while addressing environmental concerns. With a steady increase in the number of contractors having exclusive rights over large tracts of seafloor in the 'Area', i.e. area beyond national jurisdictions, the International Seabed Authority, mandated with the responsibility of regulating such activities, is in the process of developing a code for exploitation of deep-sea minerals. These, coupled with growing interest among private entrepreneurs, investment companies and policy makers, underscore the need for updated information to be made available in one place on the subject of deep-sea mining. The book evaluates the potential and sustainability of mining for deep-sea minerals compared to other land-based deposits, the technologies needed for mining and processing of ores, the approach towards environmental monitoring and management, as well as the regulatory frameworks and legal challenges to manage deep-sea mining activities. The book is expected to serve as an important reference for all stakeholders including researchers, contractors, mining companies, regulators and NGOs involved in deep-sea mining.

The Chinese Society of Aeronautics and Astronautics holds the Youth Science and Technology Forum biannually, which aims to assess the state of aviation science and technology, recognize advanced scientific and technological accomplishments, foster the development of young aviation science and technology talents, and provide a platform for young science and technology workers to track the frontier of science and technology, exchange novel ideas, and accurately meet the needs of the aviation industry. This book contains original, peer-reviewed research papers from the conference. Topics covered include, but are not limited to, navigation, guidance and control technologies, key technologies for aircraft design and overall optimization, aviation test technologies, aviation airborne systems, electromechanical technologies, structural design, aerodynamics and flight mechanics, other related technologies, advanced aviation materials and manufacturing technologies, advanced aviation propulsion technologies, and civil aviation transportation. Researchers, engineers, and students find this book to be a useful resource because the articles provided here discuss the most recent advancements in aviation science and technology.

Provides therapists with an understanding of the principles, applications and implications of paradoxical therapy, the rationale for the use of paradox in family therapy and the therapist's role in paradoxical interventions.

This book explains the integration of data of different support in Geostatistics. There is a common misconception in the mining industry that the data used for estimation/simulation should have the same size or support. However, Geostatistics provides the tools to integrate several types of information that may have different support. This book aims to explain these geostatistical tools and provides several examples of applications. The book is directed for a broad audience, including engineers, geologists, and students in the area of Geostatistics.

The last two decades have seen unprecedented developments in marine science and technology. Large scale, international long-term scientific programmes have emerged for monitoring the state of the ocean environment and the rapid development of the offshore oil industry has provided the technological means for a range of other maritime developments. The purpose of this book is to review key developments in this field. Three major themes are developed throughout the book: the key importance of technical developments in ocean management; the application of these developments to specific sea uses ranging from fish farming to the deep sea disposal of industrial waste; and the long term general issues raised - and to some extent solved - by science and technology. This book should be of interest to students and professionals involved in maritime studies, oceanography, offshore engineering and environmental science.

Thermal imaging is an exciting technology that can be applied as a powerful tool in a growing number of wildlife research, ecology and management applications. It allows us to see things that have been difficult or even impossible to detect using conventional methods, opening a window onto the worlds of cryptic, nocturnal, secretive and otherwise challenging species. This can offer a range of benefits such as increased accuracy, reduced costs, better efficiency and improvements to health and safety conditions. Yet the relevant information is often largely inaccessible to most wildlife professionals. Thermal Imaging for Wildlife Applications brings together key findings from academic research and applied field protocols, along with the author's wealth of practical experience, to inform and guide the reader in an approachable and understandable format. This comprehensive handbook includes chapters covering fundamentals of the technology, methods, equipment and detailed discussion of application types, as well as specific sections that focus on terrestrial mammals, bats, marine mammals and birds. The final chapter explores some of the many potential future uses of thermal imaging, before thorough references and a list of resources ensure that this will be the standard work on the subject for years to come.

Perhaps no one in history has played the role of scientist as celebrity with as much skill--and as much deception--as Wernher von Braun. America's leading rocket expert and most enthusiastic advocate of space travel, he had a closet full of secrets that would have shocked his colleagues and millions of admirers if they had been told during his lifetime. "Wernher von Braun: The Man Who Sold the Moon" is the first critical biography of the young German aristocrat who created Hitler's most advanced terror weapon, the V-2 rocket, and who came to the U.S. under the Army's Project Paperclip to develop missiles as a central weapon of the Cold War. The book reveals that factions of the U.S. Army, in their zeal to have von Braun's team of scientists working for American interests, covered up what they knew about his complicity in Nazi causes and abetted him in the perpetuation of the myth he carefully created about his past.

Declassified Army documents and war crime transcripts, as well as the discovery of Europe of Dora concentration camp survivors' accounts, and von Braun's published writings and personal papers, have enabled biographer Dennis Piszkiewicz to document von Braun's career more fully than any previous historian. The man who tirelessly promoted space travel, worked with NASA to collaborate with Walt Disney creating television programs and the Tomorrowland section of Disneyland, and put the first astronauts on the moon, was actually a member of the Nazi party, held a rank in the SS equivalent to that of Major, and was an accomplice in the use of slave labor from the Dora concentration camp to produce his V-2 rocket. When the Third Reich collapsed, von Braun unashamedly switched his allegiance to the victor, and adroitly distanced himself from his Nazi partners. By going on to promote NASA and sell the American people on his dreams of space exploration, he became the man who sold the moon--a man who began his brilliant career by selling his soul to the Nazis.

The papers presented deal with the general methods and techniques, from a range of disciplines, as they can be applied to specific engineering and fire safety situations. The circumstances described include a variety of large scale plant applications in the petrochemical industry. As such this text is a reference for fire engineers, petroleum engineers and legislators working in multi-disciplinary design engineering teams. This text addresses five major areas of importance on and offshore: risk assessment, operations and operational safety, research, risk reduction and design safety, detection and control and protective systems.

This book addresses the hydrostatics and stability of ships and other floating marine structures - a fundamental aspect of naval architecture and offshore engineering for naval architects and marine engineers. It starts from the most basic concepts, assuming that the reader has no prior knowledge of the subject. By presenting the topic in a methodical and step-by-step manner, the book helps students to enhance their understanding, while also providing valuable guidelines for lecturers teaching related courses.

This text contains 28 papers from 12 countries that reflect the current state-of-the-art in the early 1990s of: modelling in loading, fatigue and IMR strategy, and more than 50 per cent of the papers originate from authors based in industry or government departments. The book should be of interest to those working in a wide range of industries such as oil company operators, consultants, certification authorities, construction firms, as well as academics, government departments and laboratories.

This wise, eloquent volume distils the essence of Dr. Jerry Lewis' rich 25-year background in the teaching of psychotherapeutic skills to residents and other professionals - skills that are central to the core identity of the psychiatrist.

The authors and editors of this Handbook have attempted to fill a serious gap in the professional literature on industrial automation. Much past attention has been directed to the general concepts and philosophy of automation as a way to convince owners and managers of manufacturing facilities that automation is indeed one of the few avenues available to increase productivity and improve competitive position. Seventy-three contributors share their knowledge in this Handbook. Less attention has been given to the "What" and "How" of automation. To the extent feasible and practical within the confines of the pages allowed, this Handbook concentrates on the implementation of automation. Once the "Go" signal has been given by management, concrete details-not broad definitions and philosophical discussions-are required. To be found in this distinctly different book in the field are detailed parameters for designing and specifying equipment, the options available with an evaluation of their relative advantages and limitations, and insights for engineers and production managers on the operation and capabilities of present-generation automation system components, subsystems, and total systems. In a number of instances, the logical extension of current technology into the future is given. A total of 445 diagrams and photos and 57 tables augments detailed discussions. In addition to its use as a ready reference for technical and management personnel, the book has wide potential for training and group discussions at the college and university level and for special education programs as may be provided by consultants or by "in-house" training personnel.