Search results for ""taylor francis inc""

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.

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This fully updated and revised sixth edition of Hearing: An Introduction to Psychological and Physiological Acoustics provides a comprehensive introduction for graduate students and professionals in audiology and other fields dealing with audition (including hearing/speech science, psychology, otolaryngology, neuroscience, linguistics, and speech-language pathology). The sixth edition reflects the current status of this rapidly-evolving multidisciplinary field of hearing science.

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This book provides a current view of the research and commercial landscape of diagnostics devices, particularly those that utilize microscale technologies, intended for both patient and laboratory use. Common diagnostic devices that are based on microfluidic principles include glucose sensors for diabetic patients and over-the-counter pregnancy tests. Other diagnostic devices are being developed to quickly test a patient for bacterial and viral infections, and other diseases. The chapters, written by experts from around the world, discuss how to fabricate, apply, and market microfluidic diagnostic chips – for lab and at-home use. Most importantly, the book also contains a discussion of topics relevant to the private sector, including patient-focused, market-oriented development of diagnostics devices.Chapter 9 of this book is freely available as a downloadable Open Access PDF at http://www.taylorfrancis.com under a Creative Commons Attribution (CC-BY) 4.0 license.

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Elementary Probability with Applications, Second Edition shows students how probability has practical uses in many different fields, such as business, politics, and sports. In the book, students learn about probability concepts from real-world examples rather than theory.The text explains how probability models with underlying assumptions are used to model actual situations. It contains examples of probability models as they relate to: Bloc voting Population genetics Doubling strategies in casinos Machine reliability Airline management Cryptology Blood testing Dogs resembling owners Drug detection Jury verdicts Coincidences Number of concert hall aisles 2000 U.S. presidential election Points after deuce in tennis Tests regarding intelligent dogs Music composition Based on the author’s course at The College of William and Mary, the text can be used in a one-semester or one-quarter course in discrete probability with a strong emphasis on applications. By studying the book, students will appreciate the subject of probability and its applications and develop their problem-solving and reasoning skills.

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Water and Wastewater Conveyance: Pumping, Hydraulics, Piping, and Valves provides fundamental, basic information on the conveyance of water and wastewater. Written in straight-forward and easy-to-understand language for professionals and non-professionals alike, it provides the techniques to assist water and wastewater operators to better understand basic pump operations and applications, maintenance regimens, and troubleshooting procedures. Addressing a multitude of water quality issues, it provides an introduction to water hydraulics, piping systems, tubes, hoses, and ancillaries as well as valves, and the maintenance requirements of each. It also discusses common operational problems and their appropriate corrective actions. Definitions of key terms and self-examination questions are provided at the end of each chapter.

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Handbook of Approximation Algorithms and Metaheuristics, Second Edition reflects the tremendous growth in the field, over the past two decades. Through contributions from leading experts, this handbook provides a comprehensive introduction to the underlying theory and methodologies, as well as the various applications of approximation algorithms and metaheuristics.Volume 1 of this two-volume set deals primarily with methodologies and traditional applications. It includes restriction, relaxation, local ratio, approximation schemes, randomization, tabu search, evolutionary computation, local search, neural networks, and other metaheuristics. It also explores multi-objective optimization, reoptimization, sensitivity analysis, and stability. Traditional applications covered include: bin packing, multi-dimensional packing, Steiner trees, traveling salesperson, scheduling, and related problems.Volume 2 focuses on the contemporary and e

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Disorders of the gastrointestinal tract make up some of the most common illnesses experienced across the lifespan affecting individuals in infancy, childhood and adulthood. This essential guide to the gastrointestinal system will enable nurses and allied health professionals to apply principles of anatomy and physiology to clinical practice. Taking a practical and evidence-based approach, each chapter explores associated anatomy, function and abnormalities. Chapters use selected pathology and associated pathophysiology, from across the lifespan, to support understanding of how disorders can disrupt the development and function of the gastrointestinal tract.The accessible writing style and full colour illustrations make this an ideal introduction for students and professionals new to gastrointestinal care.

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This book demonstrates the capabilities of passive microwave technique for enhanced observations of ocean features, including the detection of (sub)surface events and/or disturbances while laying out the benefits and boundaries of these methods. It represents not only an introduction and complete description of the main principles of ocean microwave radiometry and imagery, but also provides guidance for further experimental studies. Furthermore, it expands the analysis of remote sensing methods, models, and techniques and focuses on a high-resolution multiband imaging observation concept. Such an advanced approach provides readers with a new level of geophysical information and data acquisition granting the opportunity to improve their expertise on advanced microwave technology, now an indispensable tool for diagnostics of ocean phenomena and disturbances.

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Increasingly stringent environmental regulations and industry adoption of waste minimization guidelines have thus, stimulated the need for the development of recycling and reuse options for metal related waste. This book, therefore, gives an overview of the waste generation, recycle and reuse along the mining, beneficiation, extraction, manufacturing and post-consumer value chain. This book reviews current status and future trends in the recycling and reuse of mineral and metal waste and also details the policy and legislation regarding the waste management, health and environmental impacts in the mining, beneficiation, metal extraction and manufacturing processes.This book is a useful reference for engineers and researchers in industry, policymakers and legislators in governance, and academics on the current status and future trends in the recycling and reuse of mineral and metal waste. Some of the key features of the book are as follows: Holistic approach to waste generation, recycling and reuse along the minerals and metals extraction. Detailed overview of metallurgical waste generation. Practical examples with complete flow sheets, techniques and interventions on waste management. Integrates the technical issues related to efficient resources utilization with the policy and regulatory framework. Novel approach to addressing future commodity shortages.

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Due to the increasing world population, energy consumption is steadily climbing, and there is a demand to provide solutions for sustainable and renewable energy production, such as wind turbines and photovoltaics. Power electronics are being used to interface renewable sources in order to maximize the energy yield, as well as smoothly integrate them within the grid. In many cases, power electronics are able to ensure a large amount of energy saving in pumps, compressors, and ventilation systems. This book explains the operations behind different renewable generation technologies in order to better prepare the reader for practical applications. Multiple chapters are included on the state-of-the-art and possible technology developments within the next 15 years. The book provides a comprehensive overview of the current renewable energy technology in terms of system configuration, power circuit usage, and control. It contains two design examples for small wind turbine system and PV power system, respectively, which are useful for real-life installation, as well as many computer simulation models.

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A properly structured financial model can provide decision makers with a powerful planning tool that helps them identify the consequences of their decisions before they are put into practice. Introduction to Financial Models for Management and Planning, Second Edition enables professionals and students to learn how to develop and use computer-based models for financial planning. This volume provides critical tools for the financial toolbox, then shows how to use them tools to build successful models.

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The book presents qualitative results for different classes of fractional equations, including fractional functional differential equations, fractional impulsive differential equations, and fractional impulsive functional differential equations, which have not been covered by other books. It manifests different constructive methods by demonstrating how these techniques can be applied to investigate qualitative properties of the solutions of fractional systems. Since many applications have been included, the demonstrated techniques and models can be used in training students in mathematical modeling and in the study and development of fractional-order models.

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This new edition reflects the explosion of knowledge in basic science and clinical care for athletes with mild traumatic brain injury or concussion. Interest in management and methodology for making diagnoses and improving the clinical outcomes have changed dramatically. All U.S. states have laws dictating how sports concussion patients are cared for and require return to play decisions be coordinated with best practice methods. Epidemiology, classification, and biology of sports concussion, as well as, brain imaging,assessment tests, neuropsychological measures, and management strategies are covered. Illustrative clinical cases, correlative examples, and historical insights are featured.

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This book, written by leading international authorities in the field, covers all the basic and applied aspects of acetic acid bacteria. It describes the importance of acetic acid bacteria in food industry by giving information on the microbiological properties of fermented foods as well as production procedures. Special attention is given to vinegar and cocoa, which are the most familiar and extensively used industrial applications of acetic acid bacteria. This book is an essential reference to all scientists, technologists, engineers, students and all those working in the field of food science and technology.

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Quantum Effects in Tribology is devoted to the study of quantum foundations of materials friction interaction and evolutionary formation of tribosystem’s operating parameters. At the start of the book, large consideration is given to the analysis of the existing diversity of friction, wear, and lubrication models and their relationship with each other, as well as to the quantum nature of the measurement process and the wave function reduction caused by the act of measurement. Consideration of measurement as a process of defining the output parameters of tribosystem is carried out with the apparatus of second quantization and conceptions associated with non-local quantum effects. Such an approach makes it possible not only to take another look to the evolution of tribosystems but discover previously unknown regularities of friction. The book is intended for professionals working in the field of tribology, but will be also useful for graduate students specializing in the theory of friction and quantum physics.

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Bayesian Demographic Estimation and Forecasting presents three statistical frameworks for modern demographic estimation and forecasting. The frameworks draw on recent advances in statistical methodology to provide new tools for tackling challenges such as disaggregation, measurement error, missing data, and combining multiple data sources. The methods apply to single demographic series, or to entire demographic systems. The methods unify estimation and forecasting, and yield detailed measures of uncertainty.The book assumes minimal knowledge of statistics, and no previous knowledge of demography. The authors have developed a set of R packages implementing the methods. Data and code for all applications in the book are available on www.bdef-book.com."This book will be welcome for the scientific community of forecasters…as it presents a new approach which has already given important results and which, in my opinion, will increase its importance in the future." ~Daniel Courgeau, Institut national d'études démographiques

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Exploring Geometry, Second Edition promotes student engagement with the beautiful ideas of geometry. Every major concept is introduced in its historical context and connects the idea with real-life. A system of experimentation followed by rigorous explanation and proof is central. Exploratory projects play an integral role in this text. Students develop a better sense of how to prove a result and visualize connections between statements, making these connections real. They develop the intuition needed to conjecture a theorem and devise a proof of what they have observed.Features:Second edition of a successful textbook for the first undergraduate courseEvery major concept is introduced in its historical context and connects the idea with real lifeFocuses on experimentationProjects help enhance student learningAll major software programs can be used; free software from author

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ates a clear, stepwise approach to performing a wide range of open vascular and endovascular reconstructionsProvides case examples with pertinent figures and photographs to describe successful as well as unsatisfactory outcomes so that the surgeon can avoid these pitfallsDescribes in detail the steps to approaching redo (second time) and complex procedures (e.g. carotid endarterectomy with high plaque or in irradiated field)Offers advice and guidance for vascular surgical trainees at all levels as well as experienced surgeons who perform open and endovascular reconstructions

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Presenting: Problem Solving Sans StatisticsEnhance your problem-solving skills, and improve your company’s profitability using the methods outlined in Solving Complex Industrial Problems without Statistics. Introducing a process that involves working through problems and solutions without relying on complicated statistical design or analysis, this book pulls away from data-driven thinking and provides the problem solver with a new way of solving problems. Utilizing techniques that have been applied in facilities throughout the U.S., Canada, Italy, China, and Hong Kong, it demonstrates the use of process and problem differences and similarities, and provides a better understanding of analogous comparisons. The book incorporates visual analysis tools and problem examples in a format that facilitates comprehension and learning, presents novel concepts that do not require numbers or statistics, and provides a better understanding of the solution system/process overall. Each chapter presents new information, as well as case studies that include: Different problem situations Short histories detailing the operation, condition, and circumstances that were present at the time of each study Photographs, sketches, or tables with simple explanations to describe the circumstances, conditions, and the actions taken Methods of solution in rudimentary form Chapter summaries to review important mechanisms and workings Final summaries to tie together the important methods and techniques that facilitate easy problem solutions Solving Complex Industrial Problems without Statistics provides valuable insight into the solution of complex quality and manufacturing problems, without the use of statistics, and is essential to anyone involved in quality, control, problem-solving activities, or total quality management.

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Introduction to Brazing Technology provides practical guidance for the industrial production of an effectively brazed joint. Written in plain language by an active technical consultant with more than 50 years of brazing experience, this clear and concise book: Explains the fundamental concepts of the brazing process Covers all the common heating methods used for brazing Describes how to obtain brazing operator accreditation Addresses the latest advances in brazing technology Features an extensive glossary of brazing terms Underscores the importance of the joint gap References EN and ISO standards Introduction to Brazing Technology ensures a good working knowledge of the application of brazing as an industrial joining technique. The book offers new and existing users of the technology a comprehensive reference for tackling the day-to-day challenges encountered during the brazing process.

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Sewer systems fall into the category "out of sight, out of mind" – they seldom excite interest. But when things go wrong with the air in the sewer system, they go very wrong. Consequences can be dramatic and devastating: sewer workers killed instantly by poisonous gas when they lift a sewer lid, or entire suburban blocks levelled by explosions. This book describes the atmospheric dangers commonly found in the sewer system. It provides easily-understood explanations of the science behind the hazards, combined with real-life examples of when things went dramatically wrong.

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Throughout history, there has been an intrinsic need for humans to detect deception in other humans. Developed in 1923, the polygraph machine was a tool designed to do just this. To date, there have been many improvements made to the basic polygraph instrument. This book outlines the instrumentation as well as the latest in questioning techniques and methods available to the professional interviewer to determine truth from deception. The book covers psychology and physiology, a history of polygraph with the advances of leading figures, question formulation, data analysis, legal implications and legal cases, and the author’s developed technique Integrated Zone Comparison Technique (IZCT).

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This practical guidebook provides a basic grounding in the principles of geology and explains how to apply them. Using this book, readers will be able to figure out whether they are standing on an ancient seafloor, coal swamp, or sand dune. They will be able to determine the geologic hazards in their neighborhood, where to look for fossils and minerals, or where best to drill a water well. In plain English, The Geology Companion sheds light on the processes that shape the earth and how geology affects people in their daily lives.

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The book is intended for students of graduate and postgraduate level, researchers in mathematical sciences as well as those who want to apply the spectral theory of second order differential operators in exterior domains to their own field. In the first half of this book, the classical results of spectral and scattering theory: the selfadjointness, essential spectrum, absolute continuity of the continuous spectrum, spectral representations, short-range and long-range scattering are summarized. In the second half, recent results: scattering of Schrodinger operators on a star graph, uniform resolvent estimates, smoothing properties and Strichartz estimates, and some applications are discussed.

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This book covers the development of methods for detection and estimation of changes in complex systems. These systems are generally described by nonstationary stochastic models, which comprise both static and dynamic regimes, linear and nonlinear dynamics, and constant and time-variant structures of such systems. It covers both retrospective and sequential problems, particularly theoretical methods of optimal detection. Such methods are constructed and their characteristics are analyzed both theoretically and experimentally.Suitable for researchers working in change-point analysis and stochastic modelling, the book includes theoretical details combined with computer simulations and practical applications. Its rigorous approach will be appreciated by those looking to delve into the details of the methods, as well as those looking to apply them.

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Work is all around us and permeates everything we do and everyday activities. Not all work is justified, not all work is properly designed, or evaluated accurately, or integrated. A systems model will make work more achievable through better management. Work is defined as a process of performing a defined task or activity, such as research, development, operations, maintenance, repair, assembly, production, and so on. Very little is written on how to design, evaluate, justify, and integrate work. Using a comprehensive systems approach, this book facilitates a better understanding of work for the purpose of making it more effective and rewarding.

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"A stereotype of computer science textbooks is that they are dry, boring, and sometimes even intimidating. As a result, they turn students’ interests off from the subject matter instead of enticing them into it. This textbook is the opposite of such a stereotype. The author presents the subject matter in a refreshing story-telling style and aims to bring the Internet-generation of students closer to her stories." --Yingcai Xiao, The University of AkronIntroduction to Middleware: Web Services, Object Components, and Cloud Computing provides a comparison of different middleware technologies and the overarching middleware concepts they are based on. The various major paradigms of middleware are introduced and their pros and cons are discussed. This includes modern cloud interfaces, including the utility of Service Oriented Architectures. The text discusses pros and cons of RESTful vs. non-RESTful web services, and also compares these to older but still heavily used distributed object/component middleware. The text guides readers to select an appropriate middleware technology to use for any given task, and to learn new middleware technologies as they appear over time without being greatly overwhelmed by any new concept. The book begins with an introduction to different distributed computing paradigms, and a review of the different kinds of architectures, architectural styles/patterns, and properties that various researchers have used in the past to examine distributed applications and determine the quality of distributed applications. Then it includes appropriate background material in networking and the web, security, and encoding necessary to understand detailed discussion in this area. The major middleware paradigms are compared, and a comparison methodology is developed. Readers will learn how to select a paradigm and technology for a particular task, after reading this text.Detailed middleware technology review sections allow students or industry practitioners working to expand their knowledge to achieve practical skills based on real projects so as to become well-functional in that technology in industry. Major technologies examined include: RESTful web services (RESTful cloud interfaces such as OpenStack, AWS EC2 interface, CloudStack; AJAX, JAX-RS, ASP.NET MVC and ASP.NET Core), non-RESTful (SOAP and WSDL-based) web services (JAX-WS, Windows Communication Foundation), distributed objects/ components (Enterprise Java Beans, .NET Remoting, CORBA).The book presents two projects that can be used to illustrate the practical use of middleware, and provides implementations of these projects over different technologies.This versatile and class-tested textbook is suitable (depending on chapters selected) for undergraduate or first-year graduate courses on client server architectures, middleware, and cloud computing, web services, and web programming.

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This book presents an earth science-based overview of the challenges to sustainability. It provides a detailed study of climate change, as well as energy, food, and water security across different regions. The author uncovers the problems caused by current social and environmental practices, and offers potential solutions. Focusing on systems theory, footprint analysis, risk, and resilience, many examples are given of how to use resources sustainably, especially common pool resources such as the atmosphere, oceans, and groundwater. The book develops its ideas from an array of practical case studies, centering on communal objectives and shared responsibilities.

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This book describes the concepts and application of model-based development (MBD), model transformations, and Agile MBD to a wide range of software systems. It covers systems requirements engineering, system specification and design, verification, reuse, and system composition in the context of Agile MBD. Examples of applications in finance, system migration, internet systems and software refactoring are given. An established open-source MBD technology, UML-RSDS, is used throughout to illustrate the concepts.The book is suitable for industrial practitioners who need training in Agile MBD, and those who need to understand the issues to be considered when introducing MBD in an industrial context. It is also suitable for academic researchers, and for use as text for undergraduate or postgraduate courses in MBD. Examples for educational use of UML-RSDS are included in the book.

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Without proper reliability and maintenance planning, even the most efficient and seemingly cost-effective designs can incur enormous expenses due to repeated or catastrophic failure and subsequent search for the cause. Today’s engineering students face increasing pressure from employers, customers, and regulators to produce cost-efficient designs that are less prone to failure and that are safe and easy to use. The second edition of Reliability Engineering aims to provide an understanding of reliability principles and maintenance planning to help accomplish these goals. This edition expands the treatment of several topics while maintaining an integrated introductory resource for the study of reliability evaluation and maintenance planning. The focus across all of the topics treated is the use of analytical methods to support the design of dependable and efficient equipment and the planning for the servicing of that equipment. The argument is made that probability models provide an effective vehicle for portraying and evaluating the variability that is inherent in the performance and longevity of equipment.With a blend of mathematical rigor and readability, this book is the ideal introductory textbook for graduate students and a useful resource for practising engineers.

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This field guide can be used directly on the gemba (work area) for implementing and documenting standardized work. It promotes the "future state" of standardized work along with crucial step-by-step techniques and explanations not found in other publications. The authors furnish many real examples of work problems that cause Lean practitioners difficulty with documentation, along with accurate solutions to those problems. The many illustrations and graphics focus on practice rather than theory. Readers learn that standardized work is not simply a tool for documentation but a method for reducing variation and providing continuous improvement through kaizen.

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Heat transfer enhancement has seen rapid development and widespread use in both conventional and emerging technologies. Improvement of heat transfer fluids requires a balance between experimental and numerical work in nanofluids and new refrigerants. Recognizing the uncertainties in development of new heat transfer fluids, Advances in New Heat Transfer Fluids: From Numerical to Experimental Techniques contains both theoretical and practical coverage.

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"Forensic document examination is the study of physical evidence and physical evidence cannot lie. Only its interpretation can err. Only the failure to find it, or to hear its true testimony can deprive it of its value."—Roy Huber This is a comprehensive update of Huber and Headrick's seminal work on handwriting examination. New coverage includes a review of forensic handwriting examination research, handwriting analysis training and proficiency, revised methods and procedures, an updated listing and clarification of terminology and electronic signatures, the analysis of digitized handwriting, and other related technological advances. The book includes updated photographs, several added illustrations, and advances in techniques based on the scientific research conducted in the area over the last 20 years.Features of the new edition include: The latest on electronic signatures, digital handwriting, automated handwriting verification, and the many advances in technology and research over the last two decades An overview of the fundamentals of handwriting examination with updated discussion of the intrinsic and extrinsic variables associated with handwriting identification A review of the criticism of handwriting expert opinions and methodology, addressing both the strengths and scientific limitations of the area Fully revised while remaining true to the spirit and approach of original authors Roy Huber and A. M. Headrick Addition of nearly 200 new references and new glossary terms representing advances in research and methods. With extensive photographs to help clearly illustrate concepts, Huber and Headrick’s Handwriting Identification: Facts and Fundamentals, Second Edition serves as an invaluable reference to law libraries, practicing document examiners, forensic and criminal justice students, and every lawyer handling cases in which the authenticity of handwriting and documents might be disputed.

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An organization seeking to sustain and continually improve its competitive performance over many years must have a strategy – a Business Excellence Strategy.This book guides and illustrates the strategic journey to excellence, from major initiatives through everyday improvement programs, and helps the reader achieve of important strategic objectives and goals. This business excellence program will unite employees, internal and external customers, and suppliers through a common set of goals. It will help your organization improve at a pace that will outperform the competition and will elevate your company's reputation and marketshare.

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Psychiatry by Ten Teachers follows the highly-praised and successful ‘Ten Teachers’ tradition of providing the key information in a chosen specialty as required by the medical undergraduate, junior doctor and trainee GP, written by ten respected experts in the field. With medical students closely involved in the text’s development from the outset the text focuses on what the medical student and junior really need to know, with a clear rationale for the inclusion of every topic discussed at a level appropriate for the inexperienced, and will be of value to their future career whatever field they ultimately decide to specialize in.Completely up to date, this revised second edition encourages students and recently qualified doctors to get the most out of their psychiatry and community attachments, without overwhelming them with unnecessary detail. In line with the core curriculum recommended by the Royal College of Psychiatry, useful tips and advice ensure this is much more than a standard introduction to the subject, encouraging additional reading, supporting critical thinking and bringing exam success.

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The world is beginning to feel the crunch of depleting conventional energy sources and these desperate times call for exploring newer vistas in terms of alternative sources of energy. The construction sector is expected to require a major overhaul involving strategic advancements in the utilization of green energy given the rapid urban growth. A number of policy initiatives to mainstream energy efficiency are in place in most countries that are expected to accelerate energy efficiency and sustainability in buildings. Streamlining the green building movement requires coordinated monitoring and intelligent control of a building's vital functions. This can be achieved through building management systems (BMS) involving the integration of structures, systems, services, and management. Green building movements should examine the potential of power generation from urban, municipal, and industrial wastes. Equitable distribution of water resources should be carefully planned—monsoon-dominated countries should adopt efficient rain-water harvesting measures to provide clean water to thirsty nations.These overarching concepts are well woven into themed chapters in Green Structures: Energy Efficient Buildings. Easily comprehensible to undergraduates in civil, structural, and environmental engineering; graduate students and researchers; town planners; and architects worldwide, the content of this book not only comes from courses on energy efficient buildings taught by the authors, but also from new and original research. This definitive resource has an enduring appeal for all those concerned with green structures.

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The application of Lean tools appears relatively simple, but the change in culture required to turn Lean into a lasting success requires strong leadership. Previously published books about Lean in health care illustrate success stories, lessons learned, and challenges for the future. This book continues where those books leave off by describing the essence of and success factors for Lean in relation to leadership.Practical Lean Leadership for Health Care Managers guides you on a journey to discover the secrets of successful Lean leaders. It is about Lean in healthcare and specifically examines the demands for making Lean successful and how the manager plays a key role in achieving this. Although the book is based on the authors’ experiences in health care, the principles presented are applicable in other sectors, both public and private.The book uses a case study to illustrate the results of the authors’ quest for the common factors and characteristics of successful Lean leaders. The case study follows the introduction and development of Lean in a large hospital. Demonstrating the familiar struggles involved in applying theory to daily practice, the case study is supported by theory presented in side boxes.

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Office ergonomics – whether we realize it or not – directly or indirectly affects every one of us. It is the study of the work we do, the environment we work in, and the tools we use to successfully perform our jobs. Office ergonomics helps us be comfortable and safe at work, which reduces the risk of injury, lowers stress, increases personal engagement, and raises overall work performance. This book embraces and addresses the new reality of the traditional ‘office’ work, which is ever changing and evolving, and offers tactical recommendations on how to make non-traditional office settings more comfortable.This book suggests how to Set up the office, wherever that may be – at a company site, at home, at a corner café, on a commuter train Interact with colleagues Organize and pace work Select and arrange equipment and furniture Maintain the physical climate – lighting, sound, heating and cooling The book is a practical one, based on sound theory and solid research. Written for non-engineers as well as those in the industry, it has a conversational tone, reflects true-life situations that office workers face, and is adaptable to multiple office settings. While budding ergonomists will find it educational, office managers and designers will benefit from it as well. You will find ten fast-paced chapters, augmented with brief case studies and illustrations, and capped off with a series of practical design recommendations. Three appendices delve into ergonomic topics with more thorough details.This book suggests how best to achieve a harmonious work scenario by optimizing the ‘fit’ between the person and his or her environment. This, in a nutshell, is what ergonomics is all about: working with ease and efficiency.

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Session Initiation Protocol (SIP), standardized by the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF), has emulated the simplicity of the protocol architecture of hypertext transfer protocol (HTTP) and is being popularized for VoIP over the Internet because of the ease with which it can be meshed with web services. However, it is difficult to know exactly how many requests for comments (RFCs) have been published over the last two decades in regards to SIP or how those RFCs are interrelated.Handbook on Session Initiation Protocol: Networked Multimedia Communications for IP Telephony solves that problem. It is the first book to put together all SIP-related RFCs, with their mandatory and optional texts, in a chronological and systematic way so that it can be used as a single super-SIP RFC with an almost one-to-one integrity from beginning to end, allowing you to see the big picture of SIP for the basic SIP functionalities. It is a book that network designers, software developers, product manufacturers, implementers, interoperability testers, professionals, professors, and researchers will find to be very useful.The text of each RFC from the IETF has been reviewed by all members of a given working group made up of world-renowned experts, and a rough consensus made on which parts of the drafts need to be mandatory and optional, including whether an RFC needs to be Standards Track, Informational, or Experimental. Texts, ABNF syntaxes, figures, tables, and references are included in their original form. All RFCs, along with their authors, are provided as references. The book is organized into twenty chapters based on the major functionalities, features, and capabilities of SIP.

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Nitrogen is an essential primary nutrient for plant growth and development. With the demand for high growth and yield of plants and the depletion of organics in soil, nitrogen availability in soil has become insufficient. This simple and comprehensive book covers the important and current information regarding rice plant biology and nitrogen metabolism. The book is divided into ten chapters that feature the steps of nitrogen assimilation and utilization in rice plant systems. Apart from describing the steps and pathways of nitrogen metabolism in rice, the book also emphasis the changes taking place due to genotypes and environmental factors and stressors during rice growth and development.

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Filling a gap in the literature, Delay Differential Evolutions Subjected to Nonlocal Initial Conditions reveals important results on ordinary differential equations (ODEs) and partial differential equations (PDEs). It presents very recent results relating to the existence, boundedness, regularity, and asymptotic behavior of global solutions for differential equations and inclusions, with or without delay, subjected to nonlocal implicit initial conditions.After preliminaries on nonlinear evolution equations governed by dissipative operators, the book gives a thorough study of the existence, uniqueness, and asymptotic behavior of global bounded solutions for differential equations with delay and local initial conditions. It then focuses on two important nonlocal cases: autonomous and quasi-autonomous. The authors next discuss sufficient conditions for the existence of almost periodic solutions, describe evolution systems with delay and nonlocal initial conditions, examine delay evolution inclusions, and extend some results to the multivalued case of reaction-diffusion systems. The book concludes with results on viability for nonlocal evolution inclusions.

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Finishing is the final operation after a part is sized and shaped. Currently in high tech industries, there is a demand for nano level surface finishing of components. This process is done to improve the surface finish, to remove the recast layer, or to remove surface and sub-surface defects. The result is low friction, longer product life, and low power requirements. Equally important is the aesthetic aspect of the product. This subject is growing very fast from the technology as well as a science point of view. Books on this subject are very limited, particularly those ones that deal with both the science as well as the technology aspects.

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This book contains a comprehensive overview of all current uses of robots in rehabilitation. The underlying principles in each application are provided. This is followed by a critical review of the technology available, of the utilization protocols, and of user studies, outcomes, and clinical evidence, if existing. Ethical and social implications of robot use are also discussed. The reader will have an in depth view of rehabilitation robots, from principles to practice.

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Food Spoilage Microorganisms: Ecology and Control focuses on the occurrence, outbreak, consequences, control, and evaluation of spoilage microorganisms in food, providing the necessary basic knowledge of food spoilage ecology and control so as to ensure food safety, especially in developing countries where food hygiene in storage requires special care. The first part of the book looks at spoilage microorganisms in plant origin foods, such as cereals, beans, fruits, and vegetables, and the second part tackles the spoilage microorganisms in animal origin foods like meat, poultry, seafood, powdered milk, and egg products. In each chapter, the taxonomy of spoilage microorganisms, spoilage characteristics, consequences and possible mechanisms, and specific methods for detection and evaluation are discussed based on the basis surface introduction. The control, prevention, and management options for spoilage microorganisms are also presented. In addition, opportunities and challenges are summarized and predicted in the last part of each chapter.

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This book presents an experimental and computational account of the applications of biopolymers in the field of medicine. Biopolymers are macromolecules produced by living systems, such as proteins, polypeptides, nucleic acids, and polysaccharides. Their advantages over polymers produced using synthetic chemistry include: diversity, abundance, relatively low cost, and sustainability. This book explains techniques for the production of different biodevices, such as scaffolds, hydrogels, functional nanoparticles, microcapsules, and nanocapsules. Furthermore, developments in nanodrug delivery, gene therapy, and tissue engineering are described.

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The book provides an insight into the advantages and limitations of the use of fractals in biomedical data. It begins with a brief introduction to the concept of fractals and other associated measures and describes applications for biomedical signals and images. Properties of biological data in relations to fractals and entropy, and the association with health and ageing are also covered. The book provides a detailed description of new techniques on physiological signals and images based on the fractal and chaos theory. The aim of this book is to serve as a comprehensive guide for researchers and readers interested in biomedical signal and image processing and feature extraction for disease risk analyses and rehabilitation applications. While it provides the mathematical rigor for those readers interested in such details, it also describes the topic intuitively such that it is suitable for audience who are interested in applying the methods to healthcare and clinical applications. The book is the outcome of years of research by the authors and is comprehensive and includes other reported outcomes.

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This book introduces the reader to a number of challenges for the operation of electronic devices in various harsh environmental conditions. While some chapters focus on measuring and understanding the effects of these environments on electronic components, many also propose design solutions, whether in choice of material, innovative structures, or strategies for amelioration and repair. Many applications need electronics designed to operate in harsh environments. Readers will find, in this collection of topics, tools and ideas useful in their own pursuits and of interest to their intellectual curiosity.With a focus on radiation, operating conditions, sensor systems, package, and system design, the book is divided into three parts. The first part deals with sensing devices designed for operating in the presence of radiation, commercials of the shelf (COTS) products for space computing, and influences of single event upset. The second covers system and package design for harsh operating conditions. The third presents devices for biomedical applications under moisture and temperature loads in the frame of sensor systems and operating conditions.

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The growing mobility needs of travellers have led to the development of increasingly complex and integrated multi-modal transit networks. Hence, transport agencies and transit operators are now more urgently required to assist in the challenging task of effectively and efficiently planning, managing, and governing transit networks. A pre-condition for the development of an effective intelligent multi-modal transit system is the integration of information and communication technology (ICT) tools that will support the needs of transit operators and travellers. To achieve this, reliable real-time simulation and short-term forecasting of passenger demand and service network conditions are required to provide both real-time traveller information and successfully synchronise transit service planning and operations control.Modelling Intelligent Multi-Modal Transit Systems introduces the current trends in this newly emerging area. Recent developments in information technology and telematics have enabled a large amount of data to become available, thus further attracting transport researchers to set up new models outside the context of the traditional data-driven approach. The alternative demand-supply interaction or network assignment modelling approach has improved greatly in recent years and has a crucial role to play in this new context.

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