Converging Technologies for Improving Human Performance


Book Description

M. C. Roco and W.S. Bainbridge In the early decades of the 21st century, concentrated efforts can unify science based on the unity of nature, thereby advancing the combination of nanotechnology, biotechnology, information technology, and new technologies based in cognitive science. With proper attention to ethical issues and societal needs, converging in human abilities, societal technologies could achieve a tremendous improvement outcomes, the nation's productivity, and the quality of life. This is a broad, cross cutting, emerging and timely opportunity of interest to individuals, society and humanity in the long term. The phrase "convergent technologies" refers to the synergistic combination of four major "NBIC" (nano-bio-info-cogno) provinces of science and technology, each of which is currently progressing at a rapid rate: (a) nanoscience and nanotechnology; (b) biotechnology and biomedicine, including genetic engineering; (c) information technology, including advanced computing and communications; (d) cognitive science, including cognitive neuroscience. Timely and Broad Opportunity. Convergence of diverse technologies is based on material unity at the nanoscale and on technology integration from that scale.




Reservoir Sedimentation Handbook


Book Description

Focusing on reservoir sedimentation management and control, this work defines the nature and severity of sedimentation, reviews relevant physical processes, describes techniques used to combat sedimentation, and presents detailed case studies.




Faecal Sludge and Septage Treatment


Book Description

Faecal Sludge and Septage Treatment confronts the urgent need to treat increasing volumes of faecal sludge and septage in the rapidly expanding towns and cities of the global south. It discusses the urban contexts that influence treatment requirements and the overall septage treatment processes.




Report on China’s Cruise Industry


Book Description

The book contains 12 contributions that explain the current state of China’s cruise industry and future development. Dating from the 1960s and with the rapid development of over 50 years, the modern cruise industry has developed into one of the fastest growing industries with the most remarkable economic benefits in the global tourism and hospitality industry, known as a “golden industry on the golden waterway”. In recent years, with the gradual saturation of international cruise market and the eastward-moving trend of the center of cruise market, China has become a strategic emerging market with which international cruise lines have been competing. A number of international cruise lines, including Costa Crociere, Royal Caribbean Cruises, Princess Cruises, MSC Cruises, Star Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line and Dream Cruises, have entered the cruise market in Mainland China.




Handbook of Maintenance Management and Engineering


Book Description

To be able to compete successfully both at national and international levels, production systems and equipment must perform at levels not even thinkable a decade ago. Requirements for increased product quality, reduced throughput time and enhanced operating effectiveness within a rapidly changing customer demand environment continue to demand a high maintenance performance. In some cases, maintenance is required to increase operational effectiveness and revenues and customer satisfaction while reducing capital, operating and support costs. This may be the largest challenge facing production enterprises these days. For this, maintenance strategy is required to be aligned with the production logistics and also to keep updated with the current best practices. Maintenance has become a multidisciplinary activity and one may come across situations in which maintenance is the responsibility of people whose training is not engineering. This handbook aims to assist at different levels of understanding whether the manager is an engineer, a production manager, an experienced maintenance practitioner or a beginner. Topics selected to be included in this handbook cover a wide range of issues in the area of maintenance management and engineering to cater for all those interested in maintenance whether practitioners or researchers. This handbook is divided into 6 parts and contains 26 chapters covering a wide range of topics related to maintenance management and engineering.




CMBEBIH 2019


Book Description

This volume gathers the proceedings of the International Conference on Medical and Biological Engineering, which was held from 16 to 18 May 2019 in Banja Luka, Bosnia and Herzegovina. Focusing on the goal to ‘Share the Vision’, it highlights the latest findings, innovative solutions and emerging challenges in the field of Biomedical Engineering. The book covers a wide range of topics, including: biomedical signal processing, medical physics, biomedical imaging and radiation protection, biosensors and bioinstrumentation, bio-micro/nano technologies, biomaterials, biomechanics, robotics and minimally invasive surgery, and cardiovascular, respiratory and endocrine systems engineering. Further topics include bioinformatics and computational biology, clinical engineering and health technology assessment, health informatics, e-health and telemedicine, artificial intelligence and machine learning in healthcare, as well as pharmaceutical and genetic engineering. Given its scope, the book provides academic researchers, clinical researchers and professionals alike with a timely reference guide to measures for improving the quality of life and healthcare.




GIS Applications for Water, Wastewater, and Stormwater Systems


Book Description

Professionals involved in the planning, design, operation, and construction of water, wastewater, and stormwater systems need to understand the productivity-enhancing applications of GIS. Inspired by an ASCE-sponsored continuing education course taught by the author, GIS Applications for Water, Wastewater, and Stormwater Systems focuses on t