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Construct, Merge, Solve & Adapt: A Hybrid Metaheuristic for Combinatorial Optimization (Computational Intelligence Methods and Applications)
by Christian BlumThis book describes a general hybrid metaheuristic for combinatorial optimization labeled Construct, Merge, Solve & Adapt (CMSA). The general idea of standard CMSA is the following one. At each iteration, a number of valid solutions to the tackled problem instance are generated in a probabilistic way. Hereby, each of these solutions is composed of a set of solution components. The components found in the generated solutions are then added to an initially empty sub-instance. Next, an exact solver is applied in order to compute the best solution of the sub-instance, which is then used to update the sub-instance provided as input for the next iteration. In this way, the power of exact solvers can be exploited for solving problem instances much too large for a standalone application of the solver. Important research lines on CMSA from recent years are covered in this book. After an introductory chapter about standard CMSA, subsequent chapters cover a self-adaptive CMSA variant as well as a variant equipped with a learning component for improving the quality of the generated solutions over time. Furthermore, on outlining the advantages of using set-covering-based integer linear programming models for sub-instance solving, the author shows how to apply CMSA to problems naturally modelled by non-binary integer linear programming models. The book concludes with a chapter on topics such as the development of a problem-agnostic CMSA and the relation between large neighborhood search and CMSA. Combinatorial optimization problems used in the book as test cases include the minimum dominating set problem, the variable-sized bin packing problem, and an electric vehicle routing problem. The book will be valuable and is intended for researchers, professionals and graduate students working in a wide range of fields, such as combinatorial optimization, algorithmics, metaheuristics, mathematical modeling, evolutionary computing, operations research, artificial intelligence, or statistics.
Constructability: A Tool for Project Management
by Sharmin KhanThis book focuses on Constructability, a project management tool and its effectiveness in promotion of sustainable development and architecture. Constructability concentrates on the optimum use of construction knowledge and experience in planning, engineering, procurement and field operations to achieve overall project objectives. Keeping in view the requirement of promotion of sustainable architectural practices, the book is aimed at establishing effective relationship between constructability and sustainability, including application of the project management systems and guidelines for sustainable development, in a systematic manner. Key Features Focuses on relationship between constructability and sustainability in detail, with respect to their definitions and historical background. Summarizes formulation of recommendations and guidelines for various design and construction practices Provides an updated information database having overview of constructability studies and researches conducted so far Explores association of sustainable development to project management issues Includes relevant case studies
Constructal Law and the Unifying Principle of Design (Understanding Complex Systems)
by Adrian Bejan Sylvie Lorente Luiz A.O. RochaDesign happens everywhere, whether in animate objects (e.g., dendritic lung structures, bacterial colonies, and corals), inanimate patterns (river basins, beach slope, and dendritic crystals), social dynamics (pedestrian traffic flows), or engineered systems (heat dissipation in electronic circuitry). This "design in nature" often takes on remarkably similar patterns, which can be explained under one unifying Constructal Law. This book explores the unifying power of the Constructal Law and its applications in all domains of design generation and evolution, ranging from biology and geophysics to globalization, energy, sustainability, and security. The Constructal Law accounts for the universal tendency of flow systems to morph into evolving configurations that provide greater and easier access over time. The Constructal Law resolves the many and contradictory ad hoc statements of "optimality", end design, and destiny in nature, such as minimum and maximum entropy production and minimum and maximum flow resistance, and also explains the designs that are observed and copied in biomimetics. Constructal Law and the Unifying Principle of Design covers the fundamentals of Constructal Theory and Design, as well as presenting a variety of state-of-the-art applications. Experts from the biological, physical and social sciences demonstrate the unification of all design phenomena in nature, and apply this knowledge to novel designs in modern engineering, such as vascularization for self-healing and self-cooling materials for aircraft, and tree fins and cavities for heat transfer enhancement.
Constructed Wetlands: Hydraulic Design
by Saeid Eslamian Saeid Okhravi Faezeh EslamianConstructed Wetlands: Hydraulic Design provides fundamental information on internal wetland hydraulic and biochemical processes, as well as practical guidance on the effective design of wetlands for water treatment. It includes the latest innovations and technological advances of constructed wetlands based on the newest technologies in the field. <p><p>Features: <li>Explains how various pollutants are either retained or removed from treatment systems <li>Examines system geometry, flow rate, inlet-outlet configurations, and more <li>Offers useful guidance and tools to practitioners for designing wastewater treatment structures naturally and optimally <li>Introduces the various aspects of hydraulic engineering through porous media <p><p>This book will serve as a valuable resource for practicing professionals, researchers, policy makers, and students seeking to gain an in-depth understanding of the hydraulic processes involved in constructed wetlands water treatment systems.
Constructed Wetlands for Industrial Wastewater Treatment (Challenges in Water Management Series)
by Alexandros I. StefanakisA groundbreaking book on the application of the economic and environmentally effective treatment of industrial wastewater Constructed Wetlands for Industrial Wastewater Treatment contains a review of the state-of-the-art applications of constructed wetland technology for industrial wastewater treatment. This green technology offers many economic, environmental, and societal advantages. The text examines the many unique uses and the effectiveness of constructed wetlands for the treatment of complex and heavily polluted wastewater from various industrial sources. The editor — a noted expert in the field — and the international author team (93 authors from 22 countries) present vivid examples of the current state of constructed wetlands in the industrial sector. The text is filled with international case studies and research outcomes and covers a wide range of applications of these sustainable systems including facilities such as the oil and gas industry, agro-industries, paper mills, pharmaceutical industry, textile industry, winery, brewery, sludge treatment and much more. The book reviews the many system setups, examines the different removal and/or transformational processes of the various pollutants and explores the overall effectiveness of this burgeoning technology. This important resource: Offers the first, groundbreaking text on constructed wetlands use for industrial wastewater treatment Provides a single reference with summarized information and the state-of-the-art knowledge of the use of Constructed Wetlands in the industrial sector through case studies, research outcomes and review chapters Covers a range of industrial applications such as hydrocarbons/oil and gas industry, food and beverage, wood and leather processing, agro-industries, pharmaceuticals and many others Includes best practices drawn by a collection of international case studies Presents the latest technological developments in the industry Written for civil and environmental engineers, sustainable wastewater/water managers in industry and government, Constructed Wetlands for Industrial Wastewater Treatment is the first book to offer a comprehensive review of the set-up and effectiveness of constructed wetlands for a wide range of industrial applications to highlight the diverse economic and environmental benefits this technology brings to the industry.
Constructed Wetlands for the Treatment of Landfill Leachates
by George Mulamoottil Edward A. McBean Frank RoversConstructed wetlands are proving to be the best natural treatment system for landfill leachates.Most of the contaminants in landfill leachates are degraded in treatment wetlands. Potential for long-term sustainability and significant cost savings are attractive features of this eco-technology.Documentation of the experience in this use of constructed wetlands has been limited. Constructed Wetlands for the Treatment of Landfill Leachates is the first compilation of the results of research from North America and Europe. Originally presented at an international symposium, this collection of papers offers the most recent research findings from the leading researchers in this new and innovative natural treatment system.Specific issues addressed in the text include:leachate characteristics, and the potential for treatability by constructed wetlandswetland treatment, processes and transformationuse of constructed wetlands in cold climatic conditionsassessment of the tolerance of wetland plants to the toxicity of leachatesrole of plants in the treatments of leachatesintegrated wetland systemsperformance of different wetland treatment systemscost comparisons of wetland technology vs. traditional treatment technologiesThe potential for environmental contamination due to leachates from landfills is increasing, and there is an urgent need to find ways and means to treat leachates in a sustainable way Constructed Wetlands for the Treatment of Landfill Leachates will provide an invaluable source of information on the subject for scientists, engineers, practitioners, policy makers, and regulatory officials.
Constructed Wetlands for Wastewater Treatment: Municipal, Industrial and Agricultural
by Donald A. HammerBoth practical and theoretical, this book provides the basic principles of soil chemistry, hydrology, wetland ecology, microbiology, vegetation and wildlife as a sound introduction to this innovative technology to treat toxic wastewaters and sludges. The use of wetlands for acid mine drainage, and metals removal in municipal, urban runoff, and industrial systems is discussed. Case histories are also presented, demonstrating specific types of constructed wetlands and applications to municipal wastewater, home sites, coal and non-coal mining, coal-fired electric power plants, chemical and pulp industry, agriculture, landfill leachate, and urban stormwater. Construction and management guidelines are clearly explained, providing information on applicable policies and regulations, siting and construction, and operations and monitoring of constructed wetlands treatment systems. Recent theoretical and empirical results from operating systems and research facilities, including such new applications as nutrient removal from eutrophic lakes and urban stormwater treatment within highway rights-of-way, are included. This book is an ideal resource for wastewater treatment plants, consulting engineers, federal and state regulators, industrial environmental managers, municipalities, environmental health professionals, and ecologists.
Constructed Wetlands for Wastewater Treatment in Hot and Arid Climates (Wetlands: Ecology, Conservation and Management #7)
by Alexandros StefanakisThis edited book presents the first collection of case studies and research projects on the sustainable technology of constructed wetlands for wastewater management under hot and arid climates. It is the first such work that summarizes in a single reference the current international experiences and knowledge on the implementation of this nature-based solution under these diverse and often harsh climatic conditions. It covers the relevant gap in the fragmented and limited literature by providing integrated information and documentation on the feasibility of this green technology.The book presents the treatment efficiency of constructed wetland facilities and the research output from 29 different countries across South America, Africa, Asia and Oceania, while it covers various applications such as domestic and municipal wastewater, various industrial effluents and municipal sludge. Many examples and case studies further demonstrate the potential of this technology to contribute to better address the issues of water scarcity and limited fresh water resources through circular management of treated effluents e.g. reuse in irrigation. It also discusses the various challenges and technical aspects that should be considered in such climates, along with the environmental, financial and social benefits of this technology.This work is a useful handbook and guide for professional engineers, practitioners, academics, researchers, students, and water authorities who wish to get a better understanding and first-hand information on the potential of constructed wetlands for cost-effective and sustainable wastewater management in countries with hot and arid climates.
Constructed Wetlands for Water Quality Improvement
by Gerald A. MoshiriConstructed Wetlands for Water Quality Improvement is a virtual encyclopedia of state-of-the-art information on the use of constructed wetlands for improving water quality. Well-organized and easy-to-use, this book features contributions from prominent scientists and provides important case studies. It is ideal for anyone involved in the application of constructed wetlands in treating municipal and industrial wastewater, mine drainage, and non-point source pollution. Constructed Wetlands for Water Quality Improvement is a "must" for industrial and municipal water treatment professionals, consulting engineers, federal and state regulators, wetland scientists and professionals, ecologists, environmental health professionals, planners, and industrial environmental managers.
Constructing a Consumer-Focused Industry: Cracks, Cladding and Crisis in the Residential Construction Sector (Social Value in the Built Environment)
by David Oswald Trivess MooreThe old saying ‘safe as houses’ is being challenged around the world like never before. Over recent decades homeowners have experienced the devastating effects of defects like asbestos, leaky buildings, structural failings, and more recently the combustible cladding crisis. The provision of safe and secure housing is a critical starting point to ensure that social value can be delivered in the built environment. However, some of these dangerous defects have resulted in a lack of security, safety, health, well-being, and social value for households and the wider community. The problems homeowners experience go beyond the substantial financial costs for defect rectification. Too often there has been a lack of government and industry support to help the housing consumer through these issues or to prevent them from occurring to begin with. It is time for a rethink and restructure of government policy, support, and industry practices to better protect housing consumers and deliver high-quality and sustainable housing that creates social value. Through evidence-based research and international case studies, this book focuses on the effects that dangerous defects have on the housing consumer. The ongoing construction cladding crisis is used as a primary case study throughout to highlight these implications, with other previous large-scale defect examples, such as leaky buildings and asbestos. Based upon the range of emerging evidence, we propose ideas for policy makers, construction and built environment professionals, owners corporations, and households on how to move forward towards a higher-quality, sustainable, and socially valuable way of residential living. Government policy has long focused on ‘making industry work’ through building regulations and standards. It is now time for greater government and industry focus on the consumer to make ‘consumer protection work’ in the built environment. There is a need to prevent dangerous defects like combustible cladding, better support consumers when defects emerge, and to create buildings for social value rather than minimum standards. Now is the time to build a better future for the end-user.
Constructing an Online Professional Learning Network for School Unity and Student Achievement
by Dr Robin C. Thompson Laurie C. Kitchie Mr Robert J. GagnonAdvance your professional learning community into the digital age What if you had a school-based online forum for sharing lesson plans, student work, or a new curriculum? You can! The authors explain how they created an online professional learning network and provide all the tools needed to construct an online network to fit your school’s needs. Benefits include: Enhanced communication among teachers, administrators, and the community Easy access to professional development for many more participants Implementation of best practices and instructional strategies for improved teacher performance Increased understanding of and commitment to reaching educational goals
Constructing Building Enclosures: Architectural History, Technology and Poetics in the Postwar Era
by Clifton FordhamConstructing Building Enclosures investigates and interrogates tensions that arose between the disciplines of architecture and engineering as they wrestled with technology and building cultures that evolved to deliver structures in the modern era. At the center of this history are inventive architects, engineers and projects that did not settle for conventional solutions, technologies and methods. Comprised of thirteen original essays by interdisciplinary scholars, this collection offers a critical look at the development and the purpose of building technology within a design framework. Through two distinct sections, the contributions first challenge notions of the boundaries between architecture, engineering and construction. The authors then investigate twentieth-century building projects, exploring technological and aesthetic boundaries of postwar modernism and uncovering lessons relevant to enclosure design that are typically overlooked. Projects include Louis Kahn’s Weiss House, Minoru Yamasaki’s Science Center, Sigurd Lewerentz’s Chapel of Hope and more. An important read for students, educators and researchers within architectural history, construction history, building technology and design, this volume sets out to disrupt common assumptions of how we understand this history.
Constructing Forecast Confidence Bands During the Financial Crisis
by Huigang Chen Kevin Clinton Marianne Johnson Ondra Kamenik Douglas LaxtonA report from the International Monetary Fund.
Constructing Metropolitan Space: Actors, Policies and Processes of Rescaling in World Metropolises
by Jill Simone Gross Enrico Gualini Lin YeThere is little question today that processes of globalization affect national and local economies, governance processes, and conditions for economic competitiveness in the major urban regions of the world. In most liberal-democratic countries, these processes are occurring according to a rationale which attempts to combine strategies of state-supported development with increasing local-regional governmental decentralization and autonomy. Against this background, the issue of metropolitan development is being redefined worldwide, along with its institutional frameworks, modes of governance, policy instruments, and spatial planning strategies. The overarching assumption of this volume is that ‘metropolitan space’, far from being consolidated as a policy object, is currently being redefined and in some instances ‘constructed’ and contested as a scale, through a variety of policy practices related to spatial-economic development objectives. Through case studies drawn from across four continents, the authors reveal a range of interesting cross-national commonalities concerning the power that state actors, situated at various spatial scales, exert as agents in these processes. This volume interrogates key research issues raised by these developments, and is intended as a contribution to the establishment of a globally comparative analysis of the construction of metropolitan spaces and scales under conditions of globalization and neoliberalization.
Constructing Reality: The "Operationalization" of Bateson’s Conjecture on Cognition (SpringerBriefs in Psychology)
by Piero MellaThis brief presents an overview of Gregory Bateson’s Constructivist method of Cognition. Bateson proposes a theory of cognition that is based on the abstract notion of difference that the mind distinguishes and perceives and represents information that constitutes and separates how different states are ordered, grouped, and classified. Bateson, however, does not clearly indicate how a cognitive system can develop a knowledge of reality from the perception of these differences. This book seeks to offer a scientific approach to Constructivism. Using Bateson’s hypothesis, chapters discuss how our mind distinguishes and elaborates differences, allowing us to form perceptions of objects, and how these objects can be described and compared. Chapters also discuss how from differences, it is possible to construct concepts or ideas of how these can be defined and how to derive from these differences the meanings of the signs used for the structuring of languages. The brief offers a coherent structure of propositions that form an interpretative theory of the modus operandi of the human mind, which will be useful not only in shedding light on our cognitive processes, but also in laying the formal groundwork for artificial intelligence. Constructing Reality is a must-have resource for researchers and students of the cognitive sciences, as well as education sciences, and researchers and scholars of artificial intelligence, learning theory, and intelligent automata programming.
Constructing Regional Smart Education Ecosystems in China (Lecture Notes in Educational Technology)
by Haijun Zeng Zhisheng Li Jiong Guo Zhuo ZhangThis book enriches the understanding of regional smart education in China and promotes sharing of smart education case studies in China and abroad. It presents 46 case studies selected from a total of 644 case studies collected nationwide in China. These selected case studies focus on regional construction, research findings, and solutions. The case studies on regional construction mainly focus on the sustainable development mechanism of regional smart education. The research findings case studies showcase research results produced by research teams and individuals, which involve theories, models, technologies, practical investigations, or international comparisons related to smart education. Lastly, the solution case studies are technical solutions provided by enterprises for the development of smart education, which include application scenarios, methods, and effects in regions or schools around smart educational equipment, platforms, networks, tools, resources, or integrated solutions.
Constructing Risk and Safety in Technological Practice (Routledge Advances in Sociology #Vol. 4)
by Jane Summerton Boel BernerModern technological systems entail risks and uncertainties of hitherto unknown dimensions. This book discusses the construction of risk and safety within a variety of empirical contexts where technologies and their risk are debated and handled by individuals, groups or organizations. With contributions from leading scholars from Europe and the USA, it presents original theoretical discussions, linked to detailed empirical case studies.
Constructing the Future: nD Modelling
by Ghassan Aouad Angela Lee Song WuThis essential book introduces the concept of nD modelling, which takes the theory of computer modelling of the built environment to n dimensions. nD modelling utilizes a decision support tool for systematic assessment and comparison between various design parameters such as cost, accessibility, maintainability, sustainability, crime, energy, whole life costing, acoustics and scheduling among others. Constructing the Future is a comprehensive book which provides a global perspective on the concept of nD modelling and examines its impact on construction, from development to application. The text offers a critique of competing views that seek to justify (or ignore) the role of nD modelling in the future of construction as well as describing developments in this area which are already happening worldwide. Presenting a thorough critique of competing views as well as providing guidance on best practice, Constructing the Future is a bold, well-grounded and illustrated title introducing construction management professionals and researchers to this exciting new development in the quest for a single building and product model.
Constructing Worlds through Science Education: The Selected Works of John K. Gilbert
by John K. GilbertInternationally renowned and award-winning author John Gilbert has spent the last thirty years researching, thinking and writing about some of the central and enduring issues in science education. He has contributed over twenty books and 400 articles to the field and is Editor-in-Chief of the International Journal of Science Education. For the first time he brings together sixteen of his key writings in one volume. This unique book highlights important shifts in emphasis in science education research, the influence of important individuals and matters of national and international concern. All this is interwoven in the following four themes: explanation, models and modeling in science education relating science education and technology education informal education in science and technology alternative conceptions and science education.
Construction 3D Printing: Selected Papers from the 4-IC3DcP Conference (Springer Tracts in Additive Manufacturing)
by Ming Jen Tan Mingyang Li Yi Wei Daniel Tay Teck Neng Wong Paulo BartoloThis book presents the dynamic advancements achieved in Construction 3D Printing, showcasing a wealth of insights from the conference held from 19-21 July 2023 at Nanyang Technological University (NTU), Singapore. Covering a broad spectrum of topics, this volume presents research on established technologies, modeling, simulation, diverse materials (including recycled and geopolymer materials), fiber reinforcement, and composite materials, as well as testing protocols and standards. It also delves into applications, Building Information Modeling (BIM), design methodologies, optimization strategies, structural considerations, intelligent monitoring, and the role of robotics and automation. Serving as a timely and invaluable resource, this book offers both scholars and professionals in the expansive field of Construction 3D Printing profound insights into its decade-long progress and its preparedness for wider adoption.
Construction 4.0: An Innovation Platform for the Built Environment
by Anil Sawhney Michael Riley Javier IrizarryModelled on the concept of Industry 4.0, the idea of Construction 4.0 is based on a confluence of trends and technologies that promise to reshape the way built environment assets are designed, constructed, and operated. With the pervasive use of Building Information Modelling (BIM), lean principles, digital technologies, and offsite construction, the industry is at the cusp of this transformation. The critical challenge is the fragmented state of teaching, research, and professional practice in the built environment sector. This handbook aims to overcome this fragmentation by describing Construction 4.0 in the context of its current state, emerging trends and technologies, and the people and process issues that surround the coming transformation. Construction 4.0 is a framework that is a confluence and convergence of the following broad themes discussed in this book: Industrial production (prefabrication, 3D printing and assembly, offsite manufacture) Cyber-physical systems (actuators, sensors, IoT, robots, cobots, drones) Digital and computing technologies (BIM, video and laser scanning, AI and cloud computing, big data and data analytics, reality capture, Blockchain, simulation, augmented reality, data standards and interoperability, and vertical and horizontal integration) The aim of this handbook is to describe the Construction 4.0 framework and consequently highlight the resultant processes and practices that allow us to plan, design, deliver, and operate built environment assets more effectively and efficiently by focusing on the physical-to-digital transformation and then digital-to-physical transformation. This book is essential reading for all built environment and AEC stakeholders who need to get to grips with the technological transformations currently shaping their industry, research, and teaching.
Construction Adjudication in Ireland
by Anthony HusseyThe Construction Contracts Act 2013 introduces adjudication for the construction industry in Ireland for the first time. The essence of adjudication is in providing a means whereby disputes as to payment under a construction contract are resolved quickly and cheaply. The key feature distinguishing adjudication from other processes is that the money found due by the adjudicator must be paid pending the outcome of arbitration or litigation. Its primary function, therefore, is to ensure cash flow for contractors and sub-contractors. Leading construction lawyer Anthony Hussey’s new book is the first to provide a section by section analysis of the Act itself, an analysis of the Code of Practice, and a discussion of the likely constitutional issues to which the legislation will give rise. This practical legal reference is aimed at all those involved in construction contract disputes, be they lawyers, architects, engineers, quantity surveyors, contractors and sub-contractors.
The Construction Alphabet Book (Jerry Pallotta's Alphabet Books)
by Jerry PallottaFor fans of all things that go this noisy alphabet book explores construction equipment from A to Z. Find out about these construction machines and more, from a huge saw that cuts through roads to a massive vacuum that sucks up boulders. You'll even learn a quick and easy recipe for concrete. Rock crushers, jackhammers, and wrecking balls will delight the youngest of readers learning their ABCs. Jerry Pallotta's trademark humor punctuates the informative text. Vibrant oil paintings bring to life a busy construction site.
Construction Analytics: Forecasting and Investment Valuation
by Mohsen Shahandashti Bahram Abediniangerabi Ehsan Zahed Sooin KimThis text covers R program coding for the implementation of two essential data analytics for practical construction problems. The first part of this book explains time series basics, models, and forecasting approaches in the context of the construction industry, accompanied by practical examples in construction. The second part describes the concept of investment valuation for construction projects and provides both deterministic and probabilistic techniques to conduct investment valuation on construction projects. R code scripts are provided in this book for solving practical problems in the construction industry. This book is also equipped with an R Package entitled “cdar” to provide the necessary functions for performing investment valuation. The book maximizes students’ understanding of the necessary theoretical background of data analytics, and explains the implementation of data analytics techniques to solve the actual problems in the construction industry.
Construction and Application of Property Price Indices (Routledge Studies in International Real Estate)
by Anthony Owusu-AnsahThe importance of house prices to households, real estate developers, banks and policy-makers cannot be overemphasised. House price changes affect consumer spending and business investment patterns, which in turn affect the wider macro economy and the entire business cycle. Measuring and understanding house prices is therefore essential to a functioning economy, but researchers continue to disagree on the best methodological approach for constructing real estate indices. This book argues the need for more accurate house price indices, outlines the various methods used to construct indices and discusses the existing house price indices around the globe. It shows how the raw data of property transactions can be prepared for the purpose of constructing indices, discusses various applications of property price indices and empirically demonstrates how the index numbers can be used to model the supply of new houses and to estimate the price elasticity of supply. Essential reading for economists, real estate professionals and researchers, and policy-makers.