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Integral bridges : a fundamental approach to the time–temperature loading problem
In recent years, integral bridges have become increasingly popular in the UK. The Highways Agency standard now requires, where possible, that all new bridges with a length of less than sixty metres should be of integral form. In addition, it has been found that, due especially to the problems and costs associated with failed expansion joints, integral bridges are not only cost effective but also have a longer lifespan. Integral Bridges was commissioned by the Highways Agency to produce guidance for bridge designers by addressing the thermally induced soil/structure interaction problem created by environmental changes of temperature and the associated cyclical displacements imposed on the granular backfill to the bridge abutments. It develops a better theoretical understanding of the cyclic performance, in particular the strain racheting in the backfill soil when in contact with a stiff structure. It also identifies the governing soil parameters and examines their influence in the interaction problem, develops numerical modelling procedures to predict interactive soil behaviour, and identifies and quantifies the controlling features of bridge structures relevant to the interaction problem.
Integrable Systems in Celestial Mechanics
This work presents a unified treatment of three important integrable problems relevant to both Celestial and Quantum Mechanics. Under discussion are the Kepler (two-body) problem and the Euler (two-fixed center) problem, the latter being the more complex and more instructive, as it exhibits a richer and more varied solution structure. Further, because of the interesting investigations by the 20th century mathematical physicist J.P. Vinti, the Euler problem is now recognized as being intimately linked to the Vinti (Earth-satellite) problem. Here the analysis of these problems is shown to follow a definite shared pattern yielding exact forms for the solutions. A central feature is the detailed treatment of the planar Euler problem where the solutions are expressed in terms of Jacobian elliptic functions, yielding analytic representations for the orbits over the entire parameter range.
Integer programming and combinatorial optimization ; 13th International Conference, IPCO 2008 Bertinoro, Italy, May 26-28, 2008 Proceedings
The volume contains the papers selected for presentation at IPCO 2008, the 13th International Conference on Integer Programming and Combinatorial - timization that was held in Bertinoro (Italy), May 26–28, 2008. The IPCO series of conferences, sponsored by the Mathematical Progr- ming Society, highlights recent developments in theory, computation, and app- cation of integer programming and combinatorial optimization. The frst conf- ence took place in 1990; starting from IPCO 1995, the proceedings are published in the Lecture Notes in Computer Science series. The 12 previous IPCO conferences were held in Waterloo (Canada) 1990.
Integer Programming and Combinatorial Optimization ; 11th International IPCO Conference, Berlin, Germany, June 8-10, 2005, Proceedings
Since its start in 1990, the IPCO conference series (held under the auspices of theMathematicalProgrammingSociety)hasbecomeanimportantforumforthe presentation of recent results in Integer Programming and Combinatorial Op- mization. This volume compiles the papers presented at IPCO XI, the eleventh conference in this series, held June 8–10, 2005, at the Technische Universit¨ at Berlin. The high interest in this conference series is evident in the large number of submissions. For IPCO XI, 119 extended abstracts of up to 10 pages were submitted. During its meeting on January 29–30, 2005, the Program Committee carefully selected 34 contributions for presentation in non-parallel sessions at the conference. The ?nal choices were not easy at all, since, due to the limited number of time slots, many very good papers could not be accepted. During the selection process the contributions were refereed according to the standards of refereed conferences. As a result of this procedure, you have in your hands a volume that contains papers describing high-quality research e?orts. The page limit for contributions to this proceedings volume was set to 15. You may ?nd full versions of the papers in scienti?c journals in the near future. We thank all the authors who submitted papers. Furthermore, the Program Committee is indebted to the many reviewers who, with their speci?c expertise, helped a lot in making the decisions.
Insurance intermediation : An economic analysis of the information services market
Insurance intermediaries can help consumers to economize on information and transaction costs in insurance markets. However, competing intermediaries provide heterogeneous information services, which are difficult to assess by incompletely informed consumers. Conduct and performance in the market for insurance information services are analyzed by applying search theoretical and industrial organization approaches. Based on a sample of 927 insurance intermediaries, the factors that affect the quality of the information services provided by them are studied empirically. The results obtained support the main hypotheses derived from industrial organization theories as to the poor working of quality competition under incomplete and asymmetric information on the side of consumers.
Institutional Reform for Innovation and Entrepreneurship : An Agenda for Europe
The authors of this book advise the economies of the European Union to become more entrepreneurial in promoting innovation and economic growth. The authors propose a reform strategy with respect to several aspects to achieve this goal. Starting with the rule of law and the protection of property rights; the tax system; the authors deal with regulations governing savings, capital and finance, and the organization of labor markets and social insurance systems. Framework strategies related to the regulations governing goods and service markets, bankruptcy and insolvency are also put forward. A core understanding and future path is also provided towards R&D, commercialization and knowledge spillovers; human capital investments; and informal institutions.
Institutional Dynamics in Environmental Governance
This book presents fresh analyses of a number of well-known cases, but does so from one comprehensive view, the so-called policy arrangement approach. Cases discussed range over organic farming, integrated water management, nature policy, cultural heritage policy, integrated region-oriented policy, corporate environmental management and target group policy, always in search of the commonality of experience and conclusions to be drawn in understanding the past and in formulating future perspectives.
Instability in Models Connected with Fluid Flows II
Instability in Models Connected with Fluid Flows II presents chapters from world renowned specialists. The stability of mathematical models simulating physical processes is discussed in topics on control theory, first order linear and nonlinear equations, water waves, free boundary problems, large time asymptotics of solutions, stochastic equations, Euler equations, Navier-Stokes equations, and other PDEs of fluid mechanics. Fields covered include: the free surface Euler (or water-wave) equations, the Cauchy problem for transport equations, irreducible Chapman--Enskog projections and Navier-Stokes approximations, randomly forced PDEs, stability of equilibrium figures of uniformly rotating viscous incompressible liquid, Navier-Stokes equations in cylindrical domains, Navier-Stokes-Poisson flows in a vacuum.
Instability in Models Connected with Fluid Flows I
Instability in Models Connected with Fluid Flows I presents chapters from world renowned specialists. The stability of mathematical models simulating physical processes is discussed in topics on control theory, first order linear and nonlinear equations, water waves, free boundary problems, large time asymptotics of solutions, stochastic equations, Euler equations, Navier-Stokes equations, and other PDEs of fluid mechanics. Fields covered include: controllability and accessibility properties of the Navier- Stokes and Euler systems, nonlinear dynamics of particle-like wavepackets, attractors of nonautonomous Navier-Stokes systems, large amplitude monophase nonlinear geometric optics, existence results for 3D Navier-Stokes equations and smoothness results for 2D Boussinesq equations, instability of incompressible Euler equations, increased stability in the Cauchy problem for elliptic equations.
Insights into the pharmaceutical and clinical applications of nanoparticles in cancer therapy
Healthcare has long been on a quest for a ‘magic bullet’ to cure the dreaded disease cancer. As this book shows, nanoparticles perfectly fit the bill with their promising characteristics. Meticulously engineered nanostructures, with a useful drug or molecule, target a specific cancer in unique ways. However, as with many targeted systems, the effectiveness of the system needs to be weighed against the adverse effects. The toxicity of nanoparticles has been a worldwide concern, and evidence-based medicine analyses nanostructures for proof of safety and their efficacy in killing cancer cells. This book gives a fresh perspective on a wealth of diverse nanotechnological advances for various cancers.
Insights into Receptor Function and New Drug Development Targets
G-Protein Coupled receptors (GPCRs) and other receptors are significant targets for drug discovery, due to their roles in fundamental physiological processes. Among these roles are: regulation of growth, food intake, reproduction, water balance, sensory perception, blood pressure and heart rate. GPCR-directed drugs account for approximately $40 billion in sales and, of drugs at market, approximately 70% target GPCR function. The availability of combinatorial chemistry coupled with high throughput screening techniques have facilitated discovery of peptidic and non-peptidic ligands of membrane receptors. Mutant receptor models have revealed their role in health and disease and provided insight to new therapeutic approaches, based on control of protein trafficking. Understanding receptor-receptor interactions has provided one mechanism for receptor cross-talk and revealed unexpected interactions.
Inside/outside Islamic art and architecture: a cartography of boundaries in and of the field
When we walk into a gallery, we have a fairly good idea where the building begins and ends; and inside, while observing a painting, we are equally confident in distinguishing between the painting-proper and its frame and borders. Yet, things are often more complicated. A building defines an exterior space just as much as an interior, and what we perceive to be ornamental and marginal to a given painting may in fact be central to what it represents. In this volume, a simple question is presented: instead of dichotomous separations between inside and outside, or exterior and interior, what other relationships can we think of? The first book of its kind to grapple with this question, Inside/Outside Islamic Art and Architecture focuses on a wide spectrum of mediums and topics, including painted manuscripts, objects, architectural decoration, architecture and urban planning, and photography. Bringing together scholars with diverse methodologies-who work on a geographical span stretching from India to Spain and Nigeria, and across a temporal spectrum from the thirteenth to the twenty-first century-this original book also poses engaging questions about the boundaries of the field.
Inside deep learning : Math, algorithms, models
Journey through the theory and practice of modern deep learning, and apply innovative techniques to solve everyday data problems. In Inside Deep Learning, you will learn how to: Implement deep learning with PyTorch Select the right deep learning components Train and evaluate a deep learning model Fine tune deep learning models to maximize performance Understand deep learning terminology Adapt existing PyTorch code to solve new problems Inside Deep Learning is an accessible guide to implementing deep learning with the PyTorch framework. It demystifies complex deep learning concepts and teaches you to understand the vocabulary of deep learning so you can keep pace in a rapidly evolving field. No detail is skipped--you'll dive into math, theory, and practical applications. Everything is clearly explained in plain English.
Insects as natural enemies : A practical perspective
This book it is an account of major aspects of the biology of predators and parasitoids, punctuated with information and advice on which experiments or observations to conduct, and how to carry them out. Guidance is provided, where necessary, on the literature that may need to be consulted on particular topics.
Insects and Ecosystem Function
In the past two decades, an increasing number of ecologists have started to investigate the importance of biodiversity for ecological processes such as energy flow and nutrient cycling, often referred to as 'ecosystem functioning'. Insects are a dominant component of biodiversity in terrestrial ecosystems and play a key role in mediating the relationship between plants and ecosystem processes. This volume is the first to summarize their effects on ecosystem functioning, focusing mainly, but not exclusively, on herbivorous insects. Renowned authors with extensive experience in the field of plant-insect interactions, contribute to the volume using examples from their own work. In addition to providing concise reviews of the field, this volume discusses in detail the advantages and disadvantages of various techniques of manipulating insect herbivory. Thus, the text provides both a theoretical basis as well as practical advice for future manipulative studies of biodiversity-ecosystem functioning.
Insect Conservation and Islands
A series of original papers and reviews dealing with the peculiarities of island insects and their conservation in many parts of the world. Contributions to this special issue of Journal of Insect Conservation range from biogeographical analyses andecological features of island insects and their evolution to the variety of concerns for their wellbeing, and practical conservation through a variety of, sometimes novel, approaches. They provide a valuable and up-to-date resource for entomologists and conservation practitioners.
Inquiry-Based Learning – Undergraduate Research : The German Multidisciplinary Experience
This book provides a systematic overview of experiences with Inquiry-Based Learning (IBL) and undergraduate research (UR) in German universities, covering both research universities (Universitäten) and universities of applied sciences (Fachhochschulen). Divided into three parts, the book starts with the principles and common practices of IBL/UR at all universities. Part Two discusses the implementation of IBL/UR for twenty-one individual disciplines, ranging from architecture to theology. Part Three discusses the potential of IBL/UR in relation to several topics including diversity, digitalisation, different forms of universities, and the national job market. The book summarises the project of the German network of UR,
Innovative trends in international business and sustainable management
Describes multidimensional trends, challenges, and opportunities for the development of international business and sustainable management in the context of a global pandemic. This book uniquely highlights new priorities of scientific and practical research in the field of international business and sustainable management that require a systematic knowledge of the ongoing transformations of trends, challenges, and opportunities for the development.
Innovative Tools and methods using BIM for an efficient renovation in buildings
This book describes a BIM-based toolkit that has been developed according to the latest research activities on building information modelling and semantic interoperability to optimize the building process. It highlights the impacts of using such new tools to fast renovation activities starting from the decision-making and design stages to the construction site management with the possibility to monitor occupants' and owners’ feedback during the realization process. In this process, a framework has been developed and implemented to allow stakeholders involved in a renovation project to efficiently compile, maintain, and add data about (i) building elements, (ii) building services systems, (iii) tenants, operators, and owners of the building, and (iv) current and predicted performance of the building from the various data sources available. The framework applies and specializes the existing practices in the Semantic Web, Linked Data, and ontology domain to the management of renovation projects. It has been designed to be open so that any system which implements the required functions and uses the specified conventions will be able to achieve semantic interoperability with other framework-compliant systems in the renovation domain. Finally, this book represents the validation process of the toolkit that has been held in three demo sites: a social housing building in Italy and two private residential buildings in Poland and Finland. The outcome shows that the toolkit facilitates the renovation process with relevant reductions of time, costs, and energy consumption and that the inhabitants can take advantage of the increase in building performances, quality, and comfort.
Innovative techniques in instruction technology, e-learning, e-assessment, and education
Innovative Techniques in Instruction Technology, E-Learning, E-Assessment and Education is a collection of world-class paper articles addressing the following topics:E-Learning including development of courses and systems for technical and liberal studies programs; online laboratories; intelligent testing using fuzzy logic; evaluation of on line courses in comparison to traditional courses; mediation in virtual environments; and methods for speaker verification.
