Learn about scales of measurement used in everything from meteorology to music notation in this comprehensive and informative reference guide. Measurement is constantly all around us. It forms the foundations of science - the ohms and amps of physics and the moles and isotopes of chemistry - and shapes our every day. Our relationships with measurement start the moment we wake and check the day's temperature and continue until the precise second we go to sleep. But beyond the familiar measurements, hundreds more are listed in this entertaining and revealing reference book. Packed with unusual and fascinating facts ranging from everyday amounts, such as how much salt is there in a pinch (1/8 teaspoon), to key scientific measurements, including the parsec, which is equivalent to 3.26 light-years, or just over 19.26 trillion miles, How to Measure Anything's entries are accompanied by diagrams, symbols and illustrations to help demonstrate these concepts and measurements in action. The methods used to measure food, photography, finance, commerce, magnetism, atomic physics are just a fraction of the areas covered in this essential guide that helps us to better understand how our world works.

This practical handbook provides a clearly structured, concise and comprehensive account of the huge variety of atmospheric and related measurements relevant to meteorologists and for the purpose of weather forecasting and climate research, but also to the practitioner in the wider field of environmental physics and ecology. The Springer Handbook of Atmospheric Measurements is divided into six parts: The first part offers instructive descriptions of the basics of atmospheric measurements and the multitude of their influencing factors, fundamentals of quality control and standardization, as well as equations and tables of atmospheric, water, and soil quantities. The subsequent parts  present classical in-situ measurements as well as remote sensing techniques from both  ground-based as well as airborn or satellite-based methods. The next part focusses on complex measurements and methods that integrate different techniques to establish more holistic data. Brief discussions of measurements in soils and water, at plants, in urban and rural environments and for renewable energies demonstrate the potential of such applications. The final part  provides an overview of atmospheric and ecological networks. Written by distinguished experts from academia and industry, each of the 64 chapters provides in-depth discussions of the available devices with their specifications, aspects of quality control, maintenance as well as their potential for the future. A large number of thoroughly compiled tables of physical quantities, sensors and system characteristics make this handbook a unique, universal and useful reference for the practitioner and absolutely essential for researchers, students, and technicians.  

Metrology is the study of measurement science. Although classical economists have emphasized the importance of measurement per se, the majority of economics-based writings on the topic have taken the form of government reports related to the activities of specific national metrology laboratories. This book is the first systematic study of measurement activity at a national metrology laboratory, and the laboratory studied is the U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) within the U.S. Department of Commerce. The primary objective of the book is to emphasize for academic and policy audiences the economic importance of measurement not only as an area of study but also as a tool for sustaining technological advancement as an element of economic growth. Toward this goal, the book offers an overview of the economic benefits and consequences of measurement standards; an argument for public sector support of measurement standards; a historical perspective of the measurement activities at NIST; an empirical analysis of one particular measurement activity at NIST, namely calibration testing; and a roadmap for future research on the economics of metrology.

This thesis presents the first ever measurement of the noise emitted by magnetic monopoles and the development of an exquisitely sensitive magnetic-field-noise spectrometer based on a superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID) that enabled it. Magnetic monopoles are highly elusive elementary particles exhibiting quantized magnetic charge. The prospects for studying them brightened recently with the theoretical discovery that the thermally excited states in certain classes of magnetic insulators exhibit all the characteristics of magnetic monopoles. Furthermore, in 2018, it was predicted that the random motion of magnetic monopoles inside would generate a very specific kind of magnetization noise. In this thesis, the author describes a new experimental technique, so-called spin noise spectroscopy, and the subsequent discovery of virtually all of the predicted features of the magnetic noise expected from a dense fluid of magnetic monopoles in crystals of Dy2Ti2O7. Remarkably, because this magnetic monopole noise occurs in the frequency range below 20kHz, when amplified by the SQUID it is actually audible to humans.

Accuracy in the laboratory setting is key to maintaining the integrity of scientific research. Inaccurate measurements create false and non-reproducible results, rendering an experiment or series of experiments invalid and wasting both time and money. This handy guide to solid, fluid, and thermal measurement helps minimize this pitfall through careful detailing of measurement techniques. Concise yet thorough, Mechanical Variables Measurement-Solid, Fluid, and Thermal describes the use of instruments and methods for practical measurements required in engineering, physics, chemistry, and the life sciences. Organized according to measurement problem, the entries are easy to access. The articles provide equations to assist engineers and scientists who seek to discover applications and solve problems that arise in areas outside of their specialty. Sections include references to more specialized publications for advanced techniques, as well. It offers instruction for a range of measuring techniques, basic through advanced, that apply to a broad base of disciplines. As an engineer, scientist, designer, manager, researcher, or student, you encounter the problem of measurement often and realize that doing it correctly is pivotal to the success of an experiment. This is the first place to turn when deciding on, performing, and troubleshooting the measurement process. Mechanical Variables Measurement-Solid, Fluid, and Thermal leads the reader, step-by-step, through the straits of experimentation to triumph.

Authored by two highly respected experts in this specialist area, The Fundamentals of Radiation Thermometers is an essential resource for anyone intending to measure the temperature of an object using the radiated energy from that object. This readable, user-friendly book gives important background knowledge for anyone working in the field of non-contact thermometry. The book begins with an accessible account of how temperature scales are set up and defined, and explores the historic development of temperature scales and Planck's radiation law. Through explaining the reliability of both emissivity values and extrapolation to different wavelengths and temperatures, the book provides a foundation for understanding when a valid measurement with realistic uncertainties has been made, or if an inappropriate emissivity value has been used with consequent unknown errors. The book also presents the hardware of radiation thermometers, allowing the reader to specify an appropriate design for a particular measurement problem. It explores multi-wavelength radiation thermometry and its associated pitfalls, and a final chapter suggests strategies to minimise the uncertainties from unreliable emissivity data.

Systems of units still fail to attract the philosophical attention they deserve, but this could change with the current reform of the International System of Units (SI). Most of the SI base units will henceforth be based on certain laws of nature and a choice of fundamental constants whose values will be frozen. The theoretical, experimental and institutional work required to implement the reform highlights the entanglement of scientific, technological and social features in scientific enterprise, while it also invites a philosophical inquiry that promises to overcome the tensions that have long obstructed science studies.

Often it is more instructive to know 'what can go wrong' and to understand 'why a result fails' than to plod through yet another piece of theory. In this text, the authors gather more than 300 counterexamples - some of them both surprising and amusing - showing the limitations, hidden traps and pitfalls of measure and integration. Many examples are put into context, explaining relevant parts of the theory, and pointing out further reading. The text starts with a self-contained, non-technical overview on the fundamentals of measure and integration. A companion to the successful undergraduate textbook Measures, Integrals and Martingales, it is accessible to advanced undergraduate students, requiring only modest prerequisites. More specialized concepts are summarized at the beginning of each chapter, allowing for self-study as well as supplementary reading for any course covering measures and integrals. For researchers, it provides ample examples and warnings as to the limitations of general measure theory. This book forms a sister volume to Rene Schilling's other book Measures, Integrals and Martingales (www.cambridge.org/9781316620243).

The application of standard measurement is a cornerstone of modern science. In this collection of essays, standardization of procedure, units of measurement and the epistemology of standardization are addressed by specialists from sociology, history and the philosophy of science.

Systems of units still fail to attract the philosophical attention they deserve, but this could change with the current reform of the International System of Units (SI). Most of the SI base units will henceforth be based on certain laws of nature and a choice of fundamental constants whose values will be frozen. The theoretical, experimental and institutional work required to implement the reform highlights the entanglement of scientific, technological and social features in scientific enterprise, while it also invites a philosophical inquiry that promises to overcome the tensions that have long obstructed science studies.

The application of standard measurement is a cornerstone of modern science. In this collection of essays, standardization of procedure, units of measurement and the epistemology of standardization are addressed by specialists from sociology, history and the philosophy of science.

A revelatory and vibrant story of measurement which will make you look at the world around you anew. 'A wildly ambitious book by a formidably talented young writer.' ROBERT MACFARLANE 'Vivid, epic, and full of curiosities. This is a book to delight and fascinate.' TIM HARFORD, bestselling author of How to Make the World Add Up 'Beyond Measure offers, with much intellectual flair and style, a bracing new history: how the once innocent urge to quantification took over our lives, our sense of ourselves and the world.' PANKAJ MISHRA 'The exact value of this book is hard to quantify. Weighty, precise and satisfyingly obsessive, it's also an absolute pleasure to read.' SIMON GARFIELD, bestselling author of The Timekeepers We measure rainfall and radiation, the depths of space and the emptiness of atoms, calories and steps, happiness and pain. But how did measurement become ubiquitous in modern life? When did humanity first take up scales and rulers, and why does this practice hold authority over so many aspects of our lives? Written with vim and dazzling intelligence, James Vincent provides a fresh and original perspective on human history as he tracks our long search for dependable truths in a chaotic universe. Full of mavericks and visionaries, adventure and the unexpected, Beyond Measure shows that measurement has not only made the world we live in, it has made us too. 'An epic story about humankind's relationship with the physical world. Vincent is an erudite and perceptive guide, who with energy and skill weaves history, science and reportage into an enthralling tale.' ALEX BELLOS 'Telling the story of metrology is not easy [but] Vincent is equal to the task . . . this book is extremely good.' THE TIMES 'This quirky history is inch-perfect.' FINANCIAL TIMES 'Gripping.' NEW SCIENTIST 'Worth its weight in gold . . . Enlightening.' OBSERVER 'Fascinating . . . an erudite and elegant read.' MAIL ON SUNDAY

This handbook delivers an up-to-date, comprehensive and authoritative coverage of the broad field of surface science, encompassing a range of important materials such metals, semiconductors, insulators, ultrathin films and supported nanoobjects. Over 100 experts from all branches of experiment and theory review in 39 chapters all major aspects of solid-state surfaces, from basic principles to applications, including the latest, ground-breaking research results. Beginning with the fundamental background of kinetics and thermodynamics at surfaces, the handbook leads the reader through the basics of crystallographic structures and electronic properties, to the advanced topics at the forefront of current research. These include but are not limited to novel applications in nanoelectronics, nanomechanical devices, plasmonics, carbon films, catalysis, and biology. The handbook is an ideal reference guide and instructional aid for a wide range of physicists, chemists, materials scientists and engineers active throughout academic and industrial research.

Principles of Scientific Methods focuses on the fundamental principles behind scientific methods. The book refers to "science" in a broad sense, including natural science, physics, mathematics, statistics, social science, political science, and engineering science. A principle is often abstract and has broad applicability while a method is usually concrete and specific. The author uses many concrete examples to explain principles and presents analogies to connect different methods or problems to arrive at a general principle or a common notion. He mainly discusses a particular method to address the great idea behind the method, not the method itself. The book shows how the principles are not only applicable to scientific research but also to our daily lives. The author explains how scientific methods are used for understanding how and why things happen, making predictions, and learning how to prevent mistakes and solve problems. Studying the principles of scientific methods is to think about thinking and to enlighten our understanding of scientific research. Scientific principles are the foundation of scientific methods. In this book, you'll see how the principles reveal the big ideas behind our scientific discoveries and reflect the fundamental beliefs and wisdoms of scientists. The principles make the scientific methods coherent and constitute the source of creativity.

Quality Assurance of Aseptic Preparation Services Standards Handbook (also known as the Yellow Guide) provides standards for unlicensed aseptic preparation in the UK, as well as practical information to aid implementation of the standards. The handbook delivers essential standards in a practical way and in a format that will be useful for pharmacy management, staff working in aseptic preparation units and those whose role it is to audit the services. The accompanying support resources help with understanding the complexities of relevant topics including microbiology, radiopharmaceuticals, advanced therapy medicinal products, technical (quality) agreements and capacity planning. All the standards have been revised and updated for this 5th edition. The text is produced on behalf of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS) and the NHS Pharmaceutical Quality Assurance Committee. New in this edition: Replaces the 4th edition standards and forms the basis for an ongoing audit program in the NHS Many new and revised standards Greater emphasis on Pharmaceutical Quality Systems; the responsibilities of pharmacy management, Chief Pharmacists (or equivalent), has been expanded in line with developments in Good Manufacturing Practice Reformatted into 2 parts: standards and support resources. This is a new collaboration between the RPS and NHS. Since the previous edition the RPS has become the professional body for pharmacists and pharmaceutical scientists. RPS launched these standards as part of a library of professional standards and a programme of work to create standards for all areas of pharmacy. The Handbook is essential for pharmacists, hospital pharmacy management and technical services teams, and auditors of unlicensed NHS hospital pharmacy aseptic preparation services in the UK, pharmacists and regulators. The text is used to inform standards used in several other countries.

This book highlights the basic theories and key technologies of error compensation for industrial robots. The chapters are arranged in the order of actual applications: establishing the robot kinematic models, conducting error analysis, conducting kinematic and non-kinematic calibrations, and planning optimal sampling points. To help readers effectively apply the technologies, the book elaborates the experiments and applications in robotic drilling and milling, which further verifies the effectiveness of the technologies. This book presents the authors' research achievements in the past decade in improving robot accuracy. It is straightforwardly applicable for technical personnel in the aviation field, and provides valuable reference for researchers and engineers in various robotic applications.

Pore Structure of Cement-Based Materials: Testing Interpretation and Requirements provides a clear introduction to the various experimental techniques used for characterizing the pore structure of hardened cement-based materials. The book begins with a comprehensive outline of the traditional and the recently-developed techniques for determining the pore structure of hardened cement paste, and continues with a discussion of the methods used for air-void analysis in air-entrained concrete. Directed to the student and engineer, this book serves as a useful introduction to the topic of microstructure characterization, and provides a comprehensive set of references for further information.

eBook available with sample pages: 0203302125

This ready reference surveys the discipline of standards and standardization, defining common terms, clarifying descriptions, describing how standards could be used to restrain trade, and explaining how international trade is stimulated by the due process provisions of standards writing organizations. Containing real-world examples provided by experienced standards professionals, Standardization Essentials is a vital, forward-looking reference for mechanical, civil, electrical and electronics, materials, chemical, mineral, cost, quality, reliability, industrial, developmental, safety, forensic, and consulting engineers; standards managers; architects; project managers; upper-level undergraduate, graduate, and continuing education students in these disciplines. Crystallizes the essential role that standards play in strategic standardization management, purchasing, contractual agreements, and international trade! Covering costs, benefits, limitations, uses, and abuses of standardization programs, Standardization Essentials -Considers whether standards build or bar trade and the use of international standards to leverage world markets -Presents a case study of conformity assessment related to international technical trade barriers -Focuses on consumer safety standards for automobile tires and other products -Addresses implementation of ISO 9000 and ISO 14000 management system standards in industry -Highlights voluntary (nongovernmental) and mandatory (governmental) standards and regulations developed by a variety of organizations -Reveals competition, incongruities, and harmonization among national and international standards

This practical, user-friendly reference book of common mechanical engineering concepts is geared toward makers who don't have (or want) an engineering degree but need to know the essentials of basic mechanical elements to successfully accomplish their personal projects. The book provides practical mechanical engineering information (supplemented with the applicable math, science, physics, and engineering theory) without being boring like a typical textbook. Most chapters contain at least one hands-on, fully illustrated, step-by-step project to demonstrate the topic being discussed and requires only common, inexpensive, easily sourced materials and tools. Some projects also provide alternative materials and tools and processes to align with the reader's individual preferences, skills, tools, and materials-at-hand. Linked together via the authors' overarching project -- building a kid-sized tank -- the chapters describe the thinking behind each mechanism and then expands the discussions to similar mechanical concepts in other applications. Written with humor, a bit of irreverence, and entertaining personal insights and first-hand experiences, the book presents complex concepts in an uncomplicated way. Highlights include: Provides mechanical engineering information that includes math, science, physics and engineering theory without being a textbook Contains hands-on projects in each chapter that require common, inexpensive, easily sourced materials and tools All hands-on projects are fully illustrated with step-by-step instructions Some hands-on projects provide alternative materials and tools/processes to align with the reader's individual preferences, skills, tools and materials-at-hand Includes real-world insights from the authors like tips and tricks ("Staying on Track") and fail moments ("Lost Track!") Many chapters contain a section ("Tracking Further") that dives deeper into the chapter subject, for those readers that are interested in more details of the topic Builds on two related Make: projects to link and illustrate all the chapter topics and bring individual concepts together into one system Furnishes an accompanying website that offers further information, illustrations, projects, discussion boards, videos, animations, patterns, drawings, etc. Learn to effectively use professional mechanical engineering principles in your projects, without having to graduate from engineering school!

This book offers extensive information on the operation of gravimeters, including airborne, marine and terrestrial ones, and on the associated data processing methods such as optimal and adaptive filtering, smoothing, structural and parametric identification. Further, it describes specific features relating to the study of the gravitational field in remote areas of the Earth, with the necessary modifications of equipment and software for all-latitude applications. Findings from gravity studies in such remote areas are also presented. Advanced methods for studying the gravitational field, including those for simultaneous determination of gravity anomalies and deflection of the vertical are described and analyzed in detail. Gravity gradiometers and cold atom gravimeters are also covered. Last but not least, the book deals with the development of Earth's gravity field models and their various applications, including map-aided navigation, with a special attention to model accuracy estimation. Gathering research findings and best practice recommendations relating to Earth's gravity field measurements, collected by a team of researchers and professionals, the book offers a unique guide for engineers, scientists and graduate students dealing with terrestrial, marine and airborne gravimetry. It will also help other specialists involved in developing and using navigation systems in practice, including designers of gravimetric equipment and navigators.

For most of the history of scientific endeavour, science has been recorded on paper. In this digital era, however, there is increasing pressure to abandon paper in favour of digital tools. Despite the benefits, there are barriers to the adoption of such tools, not least their usability. As the relentless development of technology changes the way we work, we need to ensure that the design of technology not only overcomes these barriers, but facilitates us as scientists and supports better practice within science. This book examines the importance of record-keeping in science, current record-keeping practices, and the role of technology for enabling the effective capture, reuse, sharing, and preservation of scientific data. Covering the essential areas of electronic laboratory notebooks (ELNs) and digital tools for recording scientific data, including an overview of the current data management technology available and the benefits and pitfalls of using these technologies, this book is a useful tool for those interested in implementing digital data solutions within their research groups or departments. This book also provides insight into important factors to consider in the design of digital tools such as ELNs for those interested in producing their own tools. Finally, it looks at the role of current technology and then considers how that technology might develop in the future to better support scientists in their work, and in capturing and sharing the scientific record.