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Understanding Problems of Practice: A Case Study In Design Research (Springerbriefs In Educational Communications And Technology Ser.)
by Dawn Hathaway Priscilla NortonToday, K-12 practitioners are challenged to become educational innovators. Yet, little is available to the practitioner to guide their reflection about the design, development, and implementation of these innovations in their own practice. This brief approaches such problems of practice from the perspectives of design research. Although design research typically centers on the partnership between researchers and practitioners in real-world settings, relationships between researchers and practitioners are not always practical. In this brief, the authors explore how the design research process can make the goals, assumptions, processes, methods, and outcomes of design research uniquely accessible to the practitioner. In clear, explicit language, it introduces design research to practitioners using both expository discussions and a robust narrative case study approach that ably guides the reader through the phases of design research, namely:Theory to innovation to practiceUnderstanding problems of practiceCreating a design solutionAssessing the design solutionEvaluating learning outcomesCapturing lessons for practiceUnderstanding Problems of Practice is a singular resource for teachers and practitioners enrolled in graduate research courses or courses on teacher leadership. It also lends itself well as a supplement to professional development activities and studies at the district, school, and professional learning community levels.
Understanding Properties of Atoms, Molecules and Materials
by Pranab Sarkar Sankar Prasad BhattacharyyaIn a technology driven civilization the quest for new and smarter materials is everlasting. They are required as platforms for developing new technologies or for improving an already existing technology. The discovery of a new material is no longer chance driven or accidental, but is based on careful reasoning structured by deep understanding of the microconstituents of materials - the atoms and molecules in isolation or in an assembly. That requires fair amount of exposure to quantum and statistical mechanics. `Understanding Properties of Atoms, Molecules and Materials' is an effort (perhaps the first ever) to bring all the necessary theoretical ingredients and relevant physical information in a single volume. The book introduces the readers (first year graduates) or researchers in material chemistry/engineering to elementary quantum mechanics of atoms, molecules and solids and then goes on to make them acquainted with methods of statistical mechanics (classical as well as quantum) along with elementary principles of classical MD simulation. The basic concepts are introduced with clarity and illustrated with easy to grasp examples, thus preparing the readers for an exploration through the world of materials - the exotic and the mundane. The emphasis has been on the phenomena and what shapes them at the fundamental level. A comprehensive description of modern designing principles for materials with examples is a unique feature of the book. The highlights of the book are comprehensive introduction and analysis of Quantum states of atoms and molecules The translational symmetry and quantum states in periodic and amorphous solids Band structure and tuning Classical and quantum statistics with applications to ideal gases (photons, phonons and electrons, molecules) Quantum states in type-I and type-II superconductors (elementary theory included) Magnetic materials, materials with GMR and CMR Shape memory effects in alloys and materials 2D materials (graphene and graphene analogus) NLO and photovoltaic materials Hydrogen storage material for mitigating the looming energy crisis Quantum states in low and high band gap semiconductors Semimetals Designer materials, etc. The volume is designed and organized to create interest in the science of materials and the silent revolution that is redefining the goals and boundaries of materials science continuously.
Understanding Pulsars and Space Navigations (Navigation: Science and Technology #11)
by Ping ShuaiThis book systematically presents the concept, history, implementation, theory system and basic methods of pulsar and space flight, illustrating the characteristics of pulsars. It also describes the classification of spacecraft navigation systems and the autonomous navigation technologies, as well as X-ray pulsar-based navigation systems (XPNAV) and discusses future navigation satellite systems in detail.
Understanding Quality Assurance in Construction: A Practical Guide to ISO 9000 for Contractors (Understanding Construction)
by H.W. ChungThe ISO 9000 family of quality standards has been adopted world-wide as a framework for building better relationships between suppliers and customers. Originally a manufacturing-industry concern, quality is now acknowledged to be a key issue for the construction sector whose clients increasingly demand quality certification. This book explains the concepts and practice of quality assurance and management in construction. Clearly written and well illustrated, with plenty of sample quality system documents and other pro-forma, this book will make the daunting task of developing, implementing and managing a quality system a great deal easier for contractors.This is practical guide for building and construction contractors and sub-contractors, project managers and other construction professionals. Also for undergraduate and postgraduate students of building, construction management and project management.
Understanding Real Traffic: Paradigm Shift in Transportation Science
by Boris S. KernerThis book addresses the reader interested in vehicular traffic phenomena, who have not learned about them before. It presents traffic phenomena like traffic breakdown and the emergence of moving traffic jams by showcasing empirical traffic data measured in real-world traffic. The author explains how these empirical traffic studies have led to the three-phase traffic theory and why this new theory is in conflict with standard traffic theories developed before. Moreover, he presents the reason for the failure of applications of standard traffic theories in real-world traffic and discusses why understanding real traffic has caused a paradigm shift in traffic and transportation science. The book examines why understanding real traffic breakdown is the basis for an explanation for the autonomous driving effects on traffic flow. It shows that understanding real traffic is possible from real-world traffic data without the need of mathematical traffic models. This makes the book intuitive for non-specialists, who can qualitatively understand all the basic features of traffic dynamics. In turn, experienced traffic researchers can grasp concepts and ideas made here easily accessible by the author, one of the leading pioneers in the field of vehicular traffic.
Understanding Renewable Energy Systems
by Volker QuaschningBy mid-century, renewable energy must cover all of our energy supply if we are to phase out nuclear and successfully stop climate change. Now updated and expanded, the 2nd edition of this textbook covers the full range of renewable energy systems and now also includes such current trends as solar power storage, power-to-gas technologies, and the technology paths needed for a successful and complete energy transition. The topics are treated in a holistic manner, bringing together maths, engineering, climate studies and economics, and enabling readers to gain a broad understanding of renewable energy technologies and their potential.Numerous examples are provided for calculations, and graphics help visualize the various technologies and mathematical methodologies. Understanding Renewable Energy Systems is an ideal companion for students of renewable energy at universities or technical colleges on courses such as renewable energy, electrical engineering, engineering technology, physics, process engineering, building engineering, environment, applied mechanics and mechanical engineering, as well as scientists and engineers in research and industry.
Understanding Risk to Wildlife from Exposures to Per- and Polyfluorinated Alkyl Substances (PFAS)
by Mark S. Johnson Michael J. Quinn Jr. Marc A. Williams Allison M. NarizzanoUnderstanding Risk to Wildlife from Exposures to Per- and Polyfluorinated Alkyl Substances (PFAS) provides the most recent summary of toxicity data relevant to mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians, and provides values for use in risk assessment applications. Predicting the bioaccumulation of PFAS in terrestrial wildlife (including humans) has proven to be extremely complex. As a group, PFAS act differently than traditional non-ionic organic molecules, where PFAS can break down and reform, whereas some are demonstrated to be extremely persistent. Where sufficient data are provided, this book establishes toxicity reference values (TRVs), which are derived to assist in characterizing environmental sources of contamination and making risk-based decisions. Features: Provides toxicity reference values (TRVs) for vertebrates (mammals, birds, amphibians) for PFAS, where sufficient data are available, and includes objective supporting background information. Assigns a level of confidence to each TRV to provide the risk assessor with an understanding of the relative uncertainty associated with each value. Presents toxicity data in the formats of scatter diagrams and tables for quick review and assessment. Provides TRVs relevant for screening and decision making This book serves as a useful aid for risk assessors and managers in those industries that have sites contaminated with PFAS, consultants tasked with evaluating risks at such sites, and staff at regulatory agencies at various governmental levels, who need to know how much contamination is considered safe for wildlife. It will also appeal to researchers with an interest in filling the gaps in the current toxicological data for PFAS exposure.
Understanding Social Sustainability in a Hill Town: Water Governance in Shillong (Transition in Northeastern India)
by Bankerlang KharmylliemNestled amidst rolling hills, Shillong, the Himalayan capital city of Meghalaya in India’s northeast, faces a growing challenge of water scarcity. This timely book examines the role of urban and traditional village councils (the Khasi dorbar shnong) in shaping equitable water distribution and management through the lens of social sustainability. The book navigates through the complexities of water governance, shedding light on the challenges and opportunities and elucidating the interplay between tradition and modernity in urban governance. It also features narratives of success and struggle, and covers diverse themes, including social capital and gender. It initially foregrounds social sustainability setting the context for the study. It ventures into a detailed examination of the institutions of the village councils, with particular attention to water equity and water governance, including highlighting differences between municipal and non-municipal areas. The volume offers significant theoretical and empirical insights into Shillong's water challenges, filling a gap in the literature on northeast hill towns/cities.Part of Transitions in Northeastern India series, this book will be valuable to a diverse audience including students, researchers, policy practitioners, community leaders, and general readers interested in urban studies, sociology, development studies, public administration, Asian studies, sustainability, and those concerned about our urban-water future.
Understanding Solid State Physics
by Sharon Ann HolgateKeeping the mathematics to a minimum yet losing none of the required rigor, Understanding Solid State Physics, Second Edition clearly explains basic physics principles to provide a firm grounding in the subject. This new edition has been fully updated throughout, with recent developments and literature in the field, including graphene and the use of quasicrystalline materials, in addition to featuring new journalistic boxes and the reciprocal lattice. The author underscores the technological applications of the physics discussed and emphasizes the multidisciplinary nature of scientific research. After introducing students to solid state physics, the text examines the various ways in which atoms bond together to form crystalline and amorphous solids. It also describes the measurement of mechanical properties and the means by which the mechanical properties of solids can be altered or supplemented for particular applications. The author discusses how electromagnetic radiation interacts with the periodic array of atoms that make up a crystal and how solids react to heat on both atomic and macroscopic scales. She then focuses on conductors, insulators, semiconductors, and superconductors, including some basic semiconductor devices. The final chapter addresses the magnetic properties of solids as well as applications of magnets and magnetism. This accessible textbook provides a useful introduction to solid state physics for undergraduates who feel daunted by a highly mathematical approach. By relating the theories and concepts to practical applications, it shows how physics is used in the real world. Key features: Fully updated throughout, with new journalistic boxes and recent applications Uses an accessible writing style and format, offering journalistic accounts of interesting research, worked examples, self-test questions, and a helpful glossary of frequently used terms Highlights various technological applications of physics, from locomotive lights to medical scanners to USB flash drives
Understanding Solids: The Science of Materials
by Richard J. TilleyExplore a comprehensive and illuminating introductory text to the science of solid materials from a leading voice in the field The newly revised Third Edition of Understanding Solids: The Science of Materials delivers a complete yet concise treatment of the basic properties and chemical and physical behaviors of solid materials. Following a completely revised opening set of chapters in which the basic properties of solids—including atomic structure, chemical bonding, crystallography, and phase relationships—are discussed, the book goes on to describe new developments in the areas of batteries and fuel cells, perovskite solar cells, lighting and displays, nanoparticles, whiskers, and sheets. The distinguished author has also added sections about organic framework structures, superionic conductors, mechanochemistry, bi-layer graphene, hologram formation and recording, and the optics of nanoparticle arrays and thermochromic materials. Each chapter includes a Further Reading section to help students accumulate additional knowledge on the topic within and new problems have been added throughout the book. Readers will also enjoy the inclusion of: A thorough introduction to the states of aggregation, including atoms and bonding, microstructures and phase relationships, and crystal structures and defects A comprehensive overview of different categories of solids, including metals, crystalline silicates, inorganic ceramics, and silicate glasses An exploration of reactions and transformations, including diffusion and ionic conductivity, phase transformations, and phase reactions A treatment of oxidation and reduction, including galvanic cells and chemical analysis Perfect for undergraduate students in sciences, engineering, and technology, Understanding Solids: The Science of Materials will also earn a place in the libraries of anyone seeking a thoroughly up to date, one-stop reference to the science of solid materials.
Understanding Solids
by Richard J. TilleyThe second edition of a modern introduction to the chemistry and physics of solids. This textbook takes a unique integrated approach designed to appeal to both science and engineering students.Review of 1st edition"an extremely wide-ranging, useful book that is accessible to anyone with a firm grasp of high school science...this is an outstanding and affordable resource for the lifelong learner or current student." Choice, 2005The book provides an introduction to the chemistry and physics of solids that acts as a foundation to courses in materials science, engineering, chemistry, and physics. It is equally accessible to both engineers and scientists, through its more scientific approach, whilst still covering the material essential to engineers.This edition contains new sections on the use of computing methods to solve materials problems and has been thoroughly updated to include the many developments and advances made in the past 10 years, e.g. batteries, solar cells, lighting technology, lasers, graphene and graphene electronics, carbon nanotubes, and the Fukashima nuclear disaster.The book is carefully structured into self-contained bite-sized chapters to enhance student understanding and questions have been designed to reinforce the concepts presented.The supplementary website includes Powerpoint slides and a host of additional problems and solutions.
Understanding Spectrum Liberalisation
by Martin Sims Toby Youell Richard WomersleyUntil the 1990s, almost all spectrum licenses were given away practically for free-even the first mobile licenses which laid the foundation for multi-billion dollar companies that dominate stock markets around the world. In the past fifteen years, there has been a concerted attempt to liberalise the sector and make it more open to market forces. Th
Understanding Surface and Thin Film Science
by Thomas M. ChristensenThis book is a conceptual overview of surface and thin film science, providing a basic and straightforward understanding of the most common ideas and methods used in these fields. Fundamental scientific ideas, deposition methods and characterization methods are all examined. Relying on simple, conceptual models and figures, fundamental scientific ideas are introduced and then applied to surfaces and thin films in the first half of the book. Topics include vacuum and plasma environments, crystal structure, atomic motion, thermodynamics, electrical and magnetic properties, optical and thermal properties, and adsorbed atoms on surfaces. Common methods of gas phase thin film deposition are then introduced, starting with an overview of the film growth process and then a discussion of both physical and chemical vapor deposition methods. This is followed by an overview of a wide range of characterization techniques including imaging, structural, chemical, electrical, magnetic, optical, thermal, and mechanical techniques. Thin film science is a natural extension of surface science, especially as applications involve thinner and thinner films; distinct from other literature in the field, this book combines the two topics in a single volume. Simple, conceptual models and figures are used, supported by some mathematical expressions, to convey key ideas to students as well as practicing engineers, scientists, and technicians.
Understanding Technological Systems (Synthesis Lectures on Engineering, Science, and Technology)
by John Krupczak, Jr.This book is about understanding technology using the perspective of systems. It addresses the need for an accessible approach to understanding the broad range of technological devices and systems that create the modern world. Understanding technological systems offers an introduction to engineering and technology centered on the underlying structure common to all technological objects. This framework views technological systems as created using components to provide specific capabilities or functions. Components contributing well-defined functions interact with other components to create systems. Major topics include the concepts of technological function and the embedding of functional capabilities in physical components, the hierarchical nature of systems, and the clustering of related systems into technological domains. The book fills the gap between engineering science and engineering design.
Understanding the Analytic Hierarchy Process (Chapman & Hall/CRC Series in Operations Research)
by Konrad KulakowskiThe aim of this book is to provide the reader with a critical guide to AHP. In this book, the AHP method is considered primarily as a mathematical technique supporting the decision-making process. This method provides a convenient and versatile framework for modelling multi-criteria decision problems, evaluating alternatives and deriving final priorities. Rather than imposing a correct decision, AHP allows the user to create a ranking of alternatives, then choose the one which is the best (or among the best). At the core of AHP is a pairwise comparisons (PC) method. This is an old technique known in various forms since at least the Middle Ages.
UNDERSTANDING THE BENEFITS AND RISKS OF PHARMACEUTICALS: Workshop Summary
by Institute of Medicine of the National AcademiesThe National Academies Press (NAP)--publisher for the National Academies--publishes more than 200 books a year offering the most authoritative views, definitive information, and groundbreaking recommendations on a wide range of topics in science, engineering, and health. Our books are unique in that they are authored by the nation's leading experts in every scientific field.
Understanding the Bigger Energy Picture: DESERTEC and Beyond (SpringerBriefs in Energy)
by Michael DürenThis book is open access under a CC BY 4.0 license.This book focuses on the global cycles of energy, water and carbon, which are not only the essentials of our main energy carriers, the fossil fuels, but are also the building blocks of life. The book offers an overview of the basic scientific facts and relationships that are needed to understand today’s energy generation and use, how they relate to global climate, the water cycle and other resources, and the complexities of energy policy. Building on the work of the Desertec project, it presents the main technological options that we will have in a world after the “Energiewende” and presents the possible future solutions for a sustainable world. The book is written in an engaging, descriptive style that can be understood by those without specific knowledge of science or economics and allows readers to form their own conclusions. Controversy rages over energy problems, climate change and their possible solutions. Expressions like “climate deniers”, “renaissance of nuclear energy”, “stop the war on coal”, and “Energiewende now” represent a diversity of opinions that divide our society and political leaders. This book shows the reader the whole energy picture and how it is part of the wider global problems of overpopulation and uncontrolled economies in a world of limited resources.
Understanding the Building Regulations
by Simon PolleyDo you need a concise, jargon-free and compact guide to the UK building regulations? Simon Polley boils down the regulations to their basic features, explaining the core principles behind them. Easy to read and light enough to carry around with you, this is the ideal introduction to a vital part of your remit as a building control officer, architect or surveyor. Updated with the extensive 2013 changes, and illustrated with cartoons and diagrams.
Understanding the Business of Global Media in the Digital Age
by Micky Lee Dal Yong JinThis new introductory textbook provides students with the tools they need to understand the way digital technologies have transformed the global media business of the 21st century. Focusing on three main approaches – media economics, critical political economy, and production studies – the authors provide an empirically rich analysis of ownership, organizational structures and culture, business strategies, markets, networks of strategic alliances, and state policies as they relate to global media. Examples throughout involve both traditional and digital media and are taken from different regions and countries to illustrate how the media business is influenced by interconnected historical, political, economic, and social factors. In addition to introducing today’s convergent world of global media, the book gives readers a greater understanding of their own potential roles within the global media industries.
Understanding the Digital Generation: Teaching and Learning in the New Digital Landscape
by Ted McCain Ian Jukes Lee CrockettAn innovative look at reshaping the educational experiences of 21st-century learners! Inspiring thoughtful discussion that leads to change, this reader-friendly resource examines how the new digital landscape is transforming teaching and learning in an environment of standards, accountability, and high-stakes testing and why informed leadership is so critical. The authors present powerful strategies and compelling viewpoints, underscore the necessity of developing relevant classroom experiences, and discuss: Attributes common among digital learners; The concepts of neuroplasticity and the hyperlinked mind; An educational approach that supports traditional literacy skills alongside 21st-century fluencies; Evaluation methods that encompass how digital generation students process new information.
Understanding the Digital Transformation of Socio-Economic-Technological Systems: Dedicated to the 120th Anniversary of Economic Education at Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University (Lecture Notes in Networks and Systems #951)
by Tatiana Kudryavtseva Mohammed Ali Berawi Tessaleno Campos Devezas Sergey Evgenievich BarykinThis book is dedicated to the 120th anniversary of economic education at Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University (SPbPU). It gathers the best and most recent research materials of scientists from SPbPU’s Institute of Industrial Management, Economics and Trade and their colleagues from other universities.This book reflects many years of experience, unique results and interesting discoveries made by collaborative teams exploring the following issues: engineering economics, sustainable development and other topics related to the digitalization of enterprises, industries and systems; digital transformation of the service market in the face of global challenges; automation of enterprise control systems, digital and data management solutions for business; socio-economic development and territorial management in the era of Industry 4.0, etc. This book offers various views on challenges faced by today's economy and industry that are undoubtedly relevant to readers of almost all categories: from students to practitioners and scientists, but mostly for researchers.
Understanding the Dynamics of Nuclear Power and the Reduction of CO2 Emissions: A System Dynamics Approach
by Hassan Qudrat-UllahThis books explains a strategy that a country can meet its CO2 emission reduction targets (e.g., as are in Paris Agreement) with a dominant share of nuclear power with a balanced energy supply mix. The book starts with an introduction to the subject of energy policy, mechanisms, and CO2 emissions, and the complexity of the CO2 reduction goal. It introduces the system dynamics approach as a solution modeling approach for dealing with the complexity of CO2 reducing policies and mechanisms. The book presents the dynamic model and its key parameters and then elaborates the structural and behavioral validity of the dynamic model. The book gives an intensive review to do that comparative analysis involving China, India, Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Pakistan. The last half of the book focuses on the case in Pakistan. The author reviews Pakistan’s Intended Nationally Determined Contribution and other key sources from Pakistan’s Ministry of Energy and related institutions. Using Pakistan’s case data, the author applies the system dynamics modeling approach whereby a dynamic model, capable of representing the important interactions among various sectors of the electricity supply sector of Pakistan. This book is intended to be of use to policymakers, managers and practitioners, teachers, researchers, and students of design and assessment of policymaking for the complex, dynamic energy systems
Understanding the Failure of Materials and Structures: An Introduction
by David JessonUnderstanding the Failure of Materials and Structures introduces practical aspects of mechanical characterisation of materials and structures. It gives those with little or no prior experience insight into the process of developing everyday products, issues behind some high-profile failures, and tools to begin planning a programme of research.Written in an easily accessible manner, the work discusses fundamentals of the physical world, highlighting the range of materials used and varied applications, and offers a brief history of materials development. It covers the role of materials structure in controlling materials properties and describes mechanical properties, such as stress, strain, stiffness, fracture, and fatigue. The book also features information on various modes of testing and strain measurement. It provides some discussion on topics that go beyond well-behaved test coupons, with thoughts on biomechanics, megastructures, and testing for applications in extreme environments. Finally, it covers how materials fail and the future of physical testing.With minimal theory and mathematics, this work presents the fundamentals of mechanical characterisation of materials and structures in a manner accessible to the novice materials investigator and the layperson interested in the science behind materials engineered for use in common and advanced products.
Understanding the Impact of Human Interventions on the Hydrology of Nile Basin Headwaters, the Case of Upper Tekeze Catchments (IHE Delft PhD Thesis Series)
by Tesfay Gebretsadkan GebremicaelThe availability and distribution of water resources in catchments are influenced by various natural and anthropogenic factors. Human-induced environmental changes are key factors controlling the hydrological flows of semi-arid catchments. Land degradation, water scarcity and inefficient utilization of available water resources continue to be important constraints for socio-economic development in the headwater catchments of the Nile river basin in particular over the Ethiopian Catchments. This research investigates the impact of landscape anthropogenic changes on the hydrological processes in the Upper Tekeze basin (A tributary of the Nile). The hydrology of the basin is investigated through analysis of hydro-climatic data, remote sensing techniques, new field measurements and parsimonious hydrological models. The empirical evidence provided in this book confirms that human-induced environmental changes can significantly change the hydrology of catchments, both in negative (degradation) and in positive (restoration) ways. This book also shows that rainfall-runoff relationships in semi-arid catchments are non-uniform and hence the application of hydrological models in such catchments need special attention. Moreover, parsimonious dynamic hydrological model improves our understanding of the hydrological response to dynamic environmental changes.
Understanding the Japanese Food and Agrimarket: A Multifaceted Opportunity
by Andrew D O'RourkeThe contributing authors of Understanding the Japanese Food and Agrimarket discuss broad forces that affect markets in Japan and specific situations faced in marketing grain, livestock, and seafood products; fruits; vegetables; and wood products. Many of the contributors speak and read Japanese and have lived in Japan for extensive periods; they are able to give deep insights into how and why the Japanese consumption and distribution system behaves as it does. They draw on their expertise to fully explore various Japanese food and fiber markets. As they demystify the Japanese market, they illustrate for readers several systematic approaches to mastering the Japanese food and fiber markets.Readers will discover that effective long-term marketing strategies in Japan must be based on sound analytical information. The contributors provide such needed material with chapters on items as diverse as wine, grain products, beef, and fruits and vegetables. Some of the specific topics covered include:changes in Japanese food consumptionJapanese food distribution systemdemand for beef products in Japandemand for vegetables and vegetable seedsJapanese wine marketdemand for bakery productsnew food products for the Japanese marketdeveloping trade relations in wood productsExecutives of commodity associations or firms exporting foods to Japan will find the general sections most interesting as well as chapters specific to their products. Teachers and students exploring exporting to the Japanese market will be intrigued by the various dimensions of the “multifaceted” nature and opportunities of the Japanese market.