This book is for those interested in number systems, abstract algebra, and analysis. It provides an understanding of negative and fractional numbers with theoretical background and explains rationale of irrational and complex numbers in an easy to understand format. This book covers the fundamentals, proof of theorems, examples, definitions, and concepts. It explains the theory in an easy and understandable manner and offers problems for understanding and extensions of concept are included. The book provides concepts in other fields and includes an understanding of handling of numbers by computers. Research scholars and students working in the fields of engineering, science, and different branches of mathematics will find this book of interest, as it provides the subject in a clear and concise way.

Key Features Collects the ideas underpinning the AHP method and discusses them together with many improvements and extensions present in the literature. As a result, the reader will receive a much more complete picture of the method. Aimed at theorists and advanced practitioners from a wide range of scientific fields, including the social, management, and technical sciences Highlights the intuitive assumptions underlying the mathematical methods that make up AHP and the pairwise comparisons method Provides software code for readers who wish to practise AHP analysis using Wolfram Language.

This book provides a great collection of work design testimonies with transferable lessons across many industry sectors and domains. It discusses physiological and cognitive parameters, teamwork, social aspects, organizational, and broader factors that influence work design initiatives. It is important to learn from practitioner stories and real-world conditions that affect the theoretical applications of work design. Readers will benefit from understanding the struggles and successes of the authors. The chapters cover a wide spectrum of human factors and user needs, including decision making in (ab)normal and safety-critical situations, physical ergonomics, design-in-use modifications, and tailored training. The text examines holistic approaches that lead to improved work methods, worker engagement, and effective system-wide interventions. Ergonomic Insights: Successes and Failures of Work Design is primarily written for professionals and graduate students in the fields of ergonomics, human factors, and occupational health and safety. Educators will also benefit from using these case studies in class lessons.

This book provides an introduction to the Human Centred Design of autonomous vehicles for professionals and students. While rapid progress is being made in the field of autonomous road vehicles the majority of actions and the research address the technical challenges, with little attention to the physical, perceptual, cognitive and emotional needs of humans. This book fills a gap in the knowledge by providing an easily understandable introduction to the needs and desires of people in relation to autonomous vehicles. The book is "human centred design" led, adding an important human perspective to the primarily technology-driven debates about autonomous vehicles. It combines knowledge from fields ranging from linguistics to electrical engineering to provide a holistic, multidisciplinary overview of the issues affecting the interactions between autonomous vehicles and people. It emphasises the constraints and requirements that a human centred perspective necessitates, giving balanced information about the potential conflicts between technical and human factors. The book provides a helpful introduction to the field of design ethics, to enhance the reader's awareness and understanding of the multiple ethical issues involved in autonomous vehicle design. Written as an accessible guide for design practitioners and students, this will be a key read for those interested in the psychological, sociological and ethical factors involved in automotive design, human centred design, industrial design and technology.

Coding, Shaping, Making combines inspiration from architecture, mathematics, biology, chemistry, physics and computation to look towards the future of architecture, design and art. It presents ongoing experiments in the search for fundamental principles of form and form-making in nature so that we can better inform our own built environment. In the coming decades, matter will become encoded with shape information so that it shapes itself, as happens in biology. Physical objects, shaped by forces as well, will begin to design themselves based on information encoded in matter they are made of. This knowledge will be scaled and trickled up to architecture. Consequently, architecture will begin to design itself and the role of the architect will need redefining. This heavily illustrated book highlights Haresh Lalvani's efforts towards this speculative future through experiments in form and form-making, including his work in developing a new approach to shape-coding, exploring higher-dimensional geometry for designing physical structures and organizing form in higher-dimensional diagrams. Taking an in-depth look at Lalvani's pioneering experiments of mass customization in industrial products in architecture, combined with his idea of a form continuum, this book argues for the need for integration of coding, shaping and making in future technologies into one seamless process. Drawing together decades of research, this book will be a thought-provoking read for architecture professionals and students, especially those interested in the future of the discipline as it relates to mathematics, science, technology and art. It will also interest those in the latter fields for its broader implications.

How to use the Design Thinking Tools A practical guide to make innovation happen The Design Thinking Toolbox explains the most important tools and methods to put Design Thinking into action. Based on the largest international survey on the use of design thinking, the most popular methods are described in four pages each by an expert from the global Design Thinking community. If you are involved in innovation, leadership, or design, these are tools you need. Simple instructions, expert tips, templates, and images help you implement each tool or method. Quickly and comprehensively familiarize yourself with the best design thinking tools Select the appropriate warm-ups, tools, and methods Explore new avenues of thinking Plan the agenda for different design thinking workshops Get practical application tips The Design Thinking Toolbox help innovators master the early stages of the innovation process. It's the perfect complement to the international bestseller The Design Thinking Playbook.

The idea behind this book is to simplify the journey of aspiring readers and researchers to understand the convergence of Big Data with the Cloud. This book presents the latest information on the adaptation and implementation of Big Data technologies in various cloud domains and Industry 4.0. Synergistic Interaction of Big Data with Cloud Computing for Industry 4.0 discusses how to develop adaptive, robust, scalable, and reliable applications that can be used in solutions for day-to-day problems. It focuses on the two frontiers - Big Data and Cloud Computing - and reviews the advantages and consequences of utilizing Cloud Computing to tackle Big Data issues within the manufacturing and production sector as part of Industry 4.0. The book unites some of the top Big Data experts throughout the world who contribute their knowledge and expertise on the different aspects, approaches, and concepts related to new technologies and novel findings. Based on the latest technologies, the book offers case studies and covers the major challenges, issues, and advances in Big Data and Cloud Computing for Industry 4.0. By exploring the basic and high-level concepts, this book serves as a guide for those in the industry, while also helping beginners and more advanced learners understand both basic and more complex aspects of the synergy between Big Data and Cloud Computing.

At present, both Industry 4.0 and industrial engineering management developments are reshaping the industrial sector worldwide. Industry 4.0 and sustainability are considered as the crucial emerging trends in industrial production systems. The resulting transformations are changing production modes from traditional to digital, intelligent, and decentralized. It is expected that Industry 4.0 will help drive sustainability in industries thanks to the implementation of advanced technology and a move towards social sustainability. This book reflects on the consequences of the transition to Industry 4.0 for climate change. The book presents a systemic overview of the current negative impacts of digitization on the environment and showcases a new outline of the energy domain and expected changes in environmental pollution levels under Industry 4.0. It also analyzes the ecological consequences of the growth and development of Industry 4.0 and considers Industry 4.0 as an alternative to fighting climate change, in the sense of shifting the global community's attention from environmental protection to consolidation of the digital economy. This book will be of interest to academicians and practitioners in the fields of climate change and development of Industry 4.0, and it will contribute to national economic policies for fighting climate change and corporate strategies of sustainable development under Industry 4.0.

This text discusses recent research techniques in the field of microwave processing of engineering materials by utilizing microwave radiation in the form of microwave hybrid heating (MHH). It is useful for industrial and household applications including the joining of materials, casting of bulk metal alloy material, drilling of borosilicate glass materials, development of cladding of different materials for friction, wear, and corrosion. The book: Discusses the development of high-temperature resistant materials using microwave processing Covers the latest research development in microwave processing in the field of healthcare i.e. bio-medical implants Highlights concepts of microwave heating in joining, cladding, and casting of metallic materials Explains mechanisms of failure of materials and protection in a comprehensive manner Provide readers the knowledge of microwave processing of materials in major thrust areas of engineering applications This book extensively highlights the latest advances in the field of microwave processing for engineering materials. It will serve as an ideal reference text for graduate students and academic researchers in the fields of materials science, manufacturing engineering, industrial engineering, mechanical engineering, and production engineering.

This book describes the fundamental and theoretical concepts of optimization algorithms in a systematic manner, along with their potential applications and implementation strategies in mining engineering. It explains basics of systems engineering, linear programming, and integer linear programming, transportation and assignment algorithms, network analysis, dynamic programming, queuing theory and their applications to mine systems. Reliability analysis of mine systems, inventory management in mines, and applications of non-linear optimization in mines are discussed as well. All the optimization algorithms are explained with suitable examples and numerical problems in each of the chapters. Features include: * Integrates operations research, reliability, and novel computerized technologies in single volume, with a modern vision of continuous improvement of mining systems. * Systematically reviews optimization methods and algorithms applied to mining systems including reliability analysis. * Gives out software-based solutions such as MATLAB (R), AMPL, LINDO for the optimization problems. * All discussed algorithms are supported by examples in each chapter. * Includes case studies for performance improvement of the mine systems. This book is aimed primarily at professionals, graduate students, and researchers in mining engineering.

This book presents soft computing techniques and applications used in healthcare systems, along with the latest advancements. Written as a guide for assessing the roles that these techniques play, the book also highlights implementation strategies, lists problem-solving solutions, and paves the way for future research endeavors in smart and next-generation healthcare systems. This book provides applications of soft computing techniques related to healthcare systems and can be used as a reference guide for assessing the roles that various techniques, such as machine learning, fuzzy logic, and statical mathematics, play in the advancements of smart healthcare systems. The book presents the basics as well as the advanced concepts to help beginners, as well as industry professionals, get up to speed on the latest developments in healthcare systems. The book examines descriptive, predictive, and social network techniques and discusses analytical tools and the important role they play in finding solutions to problems in healthcare systems. A framework of robust and novel healthcare techniques is highlighted, as well as implementation strategies and a setup for future research endeavors. Healthcare Systems Using Soft Computing Techniques is a valuable resource for researchers and postgraduate students in healthcare systems engineering, computer science, information technology, and applied mathematics. The book introduces beginners to-and at the same time brings industry professionals up to speed with-the important role soft computing techniques play in smart healthcare systems.

This book provides the key technologies involved in an organization's digital transformation. It offers a deep understanding of the key technologies (Blockchain, AI, Big Data, IoT, etc.) involved and details the impact, the decision-making process, and the interplay between technologies, business models, and operations. Managing the Digital Transformation: Aligning Technologies, Business Models, and Operations provides frameworks and models to support digital transformation projects. The book presents the importance of digital transformation as a resilience approach to the operations processes and business models. It covers the essential elements integrating the technology, the organizations, the operations, and supply chain management used to move toward digital transformation. Concepts and mini-case studies are included to provide a deeper understanding of digital transformation projects with a holistic view. The book also examines the role that digital transformation plays with consideration of inter-organizational and intra-organizational capabilities, along with the role of digital culture, the worker's skills, business models, reconfiguration, as well as an operations optimization angle. Practitioners, consultants, governments, managers, scholars, and anyone interested in digital transformation will find the contents of this book very useful.

This remarkable and beautiful book brings together a collection of decorated papers dating from the 16th to the 20th century. They were produced for a wide variety of uses: as wrappers and endpapers for books, as the backing for playing cards, and even as linings for chests and cases. Some decorated papers were used as humble pictures for display in churches and the home; some were sold as souvenirs to pilgrims; and others were used merely as wrappings for foodstuffs such as gingerbread and chocolate. What unites all the papers in the book is the richness of their ornamentation and the thin, flexible characteristics of the original sheets. They are all further united by having been collected by Olga Hirsch (1889-1968), a trained bookbinder who left her collection of some 3,500 papers to the British Library, where they remain one of the largest and most diverse collections of decorated papers in the world. This anthology brings together some of the most exquisite examples. It will delight and inspire designers, bibliophiles and anyone with a love of pattern and decoration.

1) Introduces a concept with wide ranging applications throughout engineering, from design to business, with case studies as practical examples 2) Provides applications to emerging technologies such as mobile app development and provides online tools to aid readers in practicing Design Thinking 3) Relates Design thinking to artificial intelligence, devops and machine learning 4) Aids students and professionals in gaining experience to prepare for a job in various industries 5) Applies Design Thinking to multiple hot topics such as sustainability

Product longevity is one of the cornerstones in the transition towards a more sustainable society and a key driver for the circular economy model. This book provides designers, developers, and creators with five distinctive expert strategies, detailed case studies, action guides and worksheets that support both beginning and advanced design practitioners in creating new product concepts with long-lasting strategic fits. Designing for Longevity shows how expert design teams create original and long-lasting product concepts from the early development phase. It focuses on integrating business knowledge, market conditions, company capabilities, technical possibilities and user needs into product concepts to make better strategic decisions. It demonstrates how, for products to be durable, designers must create a long-lasting strategic fit for the customer, company, and market. Key case studies of products such as Bang & Olufsen's A9, LEGO Ninjago and Friends and Coloplasts' Sensura Mio, among others, offer readers inspiration, guidance and real-world insights from design teams showing how the strategies can be applied in practice. Action guidelines and worksheets encourage broad, analytical problem-solving to identify and think through challenges at the early concept stage. Beautifully designed and illustrated in full colour throughout, this book combines original research and the hands-on tools and strategies that design practitioners need to create useful, sustainable products.

The consumer packaged goods (CPG) industry is dominated by major Western brands. The dominance of such major brands extends to burgeoning Asian markets. These conglomerates often rely on packaging as a strategic tool to entice Asian consumers. This book illustrates how packaging as a marketing tool is more than simply changing the label or translating the brand into vernacular language. It examines how different packaging elements (e.g. information, imagery, packaging type) can help to communicate product values to Asian consumers. Drawing upon rich knowledge of the Asian CPG markets with extensive findings from fieldworks in the key Asian markets, this book explains how Western brands are localising their packaging design in Asian markets. It provides invaluable insight into how major Western CPG brands have relied heavily on their packaging strategies to compete not only against domestic brands but also against other foreign brands. The book includes in-depth interviews with brand managers of several major Western CPG brands and retailers, and sheds light on emerging trends of CPG packaging in Asia.

- Provides a cross-disciplinary overview of design theory through the lens of cultural studies, aesthetics and history - Offers a departure from the traditional compartmentalization of practice, history and theory - Engages student readers in contemporary design debates surrounding responsibility, cultural and social awareness and the contexts products are manufactured within.

Reintroducing Materials for Sustainable Design provides instrumental theory and practical guidance to bring materials back into a central role in the design process and education. To create designs that are sustainable and respond to current environmental, economic and cultural concerns, practitioners and educators require a clear framework for materials use in design and product manufacturing. While much has been written about sustainable design over the last two decades, outlining systems of sustainability and product criteria, to design for material circularity requires a detailed understanding of the physical matter that constitutes products. Designers must not just know of materials but know how to manipulate them and work with them creatively. This book responds to the gap by offering a way to acquire the material knowledge necessary to design physical objects for sustainability. It reinforces the key role and responsibility of designers and encourages designers to take back control over the ideation and manufacturing process. Finally, it discusses the educational practice involved and the potential implications for design education following implementation, addressing didactics, facilities and expertise. This guide is a must-read for designers, educators and researchers engaged in sustainable product design and materials.

The current perspectives of smart and sustainable manufacturing systems hold important implications for current practices and understanding these concepts for further implications. This comprehensive reference text discusses both centralized and decentralized production systems, using variety of new cutting-edge approaches to solve the problem. The text covers simulation-based approaches including social network-based approaches, discrete event-based approaches, and knowledge based for smart and sustainable systems. It further covers mathematical models such as single-objective, multi-objective, and many-objective. The text discusses important topics including energy efficiency, transportation constrains for efficient and effective production, meta-heuristic and hybrid algorithms, and real-time monitoring and analysis for smart and sustainable production. This book- * Presents approaches to improve the objectives of sustain-ability and smart production systems. * Discusses Internet of Things (IoT) and Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) concepts and its implementation for production systems. * Covers social network analysis method in distributed manufacturing systems. * Examines reckoning prognostics and diagnostics to monitor the health of the systems in perspective of distributed manufacturing. * Discusses aspects of Industry 4.0 in specific production systems. The text will be useful for graduate students and professional in the fields of mechanical engineering, production engineering, industrial engineering, and manufacturing.

In her first book, interior designer Caitlin Wilson is in pursuit of pretty as she embraces colorful patterns, timeless pieces, and functional beautyReturn to Pretty: Traditional Style, Made Modern is interior designer Caitlin Wilson's story as an emerging designer, mother, and entrepreneur. It is the story of how her own personal style has evolved to create the foundation for her design philosophy, her family home, and her eponymous design studio. With this book, Wilson shares her process of design and her ideas on how to make a home not just look beautiful, but also feel lovely, classic, and comfortable. Wilson is at the forefront of the grandmillennial revival, a new take on the classic, traditional style that focuses on warmth, floral prints, and old-fashioned elegance. This style is becoming increasingly popular for many young designers and millennials. From fashion to family, and centered around the importance of home, her approach to creating pretty spaces is all about being effortless and refined, and designing a home that is easy to maintain and offers a sense of luxurious livability. The chapters throughout feature stunning photographs, a pastel color palette, vivid prints, personal anecdotes, and design tips. Wilson's twists on tradition will inspire, uplift, and connect readers to something greater than the present-allowing for a movement and style that's feminine and sophisticated, and ultimately a return to pretty!

Design and Spirituality examines the philosophical context of our current situation and argues for a re-establishment and re-affirmation of self-transcending priorities, together with an ethos of moderation and sufficiency. It covers a wide range of topics broadly related to the main theme, including material culture and spiritual teachings; sustainability and the spiritual perspective; traditional and indigenous knowledge; technology and spirituality; notions of meaningful design; and the deeper, symbolic significance of (some) material things. The author is a leading thinker in the field and he presents his arguments in a manner that invites the reader to reflect and to think about where we are going, why we are going there and what really matters.

Understanding Interaction explores the interaction between people and technology in the broader context of the relations between the human-made and the natural environments. It is not just about digital technologies - our computers, smartphones, the Internet - but all our technologies, such as mechanical, electrical, and electronic. Our ancestors started creating mechanical tools and shaping their environments millions of years ago, developing cultures and languages, which in turn influenced our evolution. Volume 1 looks into this deep history, starting from the tool-creating period (the longest and most influential on our physical and mental capacities) to the settlement period (agriculture, domestication, villages and cities, written language), the industrial period (science, engineering, reformation, and renaissance), and finally the communication period (mass media, digital technologies, and global networks). Volume 2 looks into humans in interaction - our physiology, anatomy, neurology, psychology, how we experience and influence the world, and how we (think we) think. From this transdisciplinary understanding, design approaches and frameworks are presented to potentially guide future developments and innovations. The aim of the book is to be a guide and inspiration for designers, artists, engineers, psychologists, media producers, social scientists, etc., and, as such, be useful for both novices and more experienced practitioners. Image Credit: Still of interactive video pattern created with a range of motion sensors in the Facets kaleidoscopic algorithm (based underwater footage of seaweed movement) by the author on 4 February 2010, for a lecture at Hyperbody at the Faculty of Architecture, TU Delft, NL.