Geomorphic Analysis of River Systems. An Approach to Reading the Landscape

Presents the foundational systemic thinking needed to conceive systems that address complex socio-technical problems This book emphasizes the underlying systems analysis components and associated thought processes. The authors describe an approach that is appropriate for complex systems in diverse disciplines complemented by a case-based pedagogy for teaching systems analysis that includes numerous cases that can be used to teach both the art and methods of systems analysis. Covers the six major phases of systems analysis, as well as goal development, the index of performance, evaluating candidate solutions, managing systems teams, project management, and more Presents the core concepts of a general systems analysis methodology Introduces, motivates, and illustrates the case pedagogy as a means of teaching and practicing systems analysis concepts Provides numerous cases that challenge readers to practice systems thinking and the systems methodology How to Do Systems Analysis: Primer and Casebook is a reference for professionals in all fields that need systems analysis, such as telecommunications, transportation, business consulting, financial services, and healthcare. This book also serves as a textbook for undergraduate and graduate students in systems analysis courses in business schools, engineering schools, policy programs, and any course that promotes systems thinking.

The main goal of this text is to introduce the systems approach to disasters management community as an alternative approach that can provide support for interdisciplinary activities involved in the management of disasters. The systems approach draws on the fields of operations research and economics to create skills in solving complex management problems. The text is organized into four parts. Part I provides an introductory discussion of disaster management including an overview of the main terms used. Part II is devoted to the introduction of systems theory, mathematical formalization and classification of methods. The material presented in this section should be of practical relevance during the process of selecting an appropriate tool for the solution of a problem. Part III is technical in nature, providing a simulation approach and a detailed description of system dynamics simulation. This section details two areas of application: flood evacuation simulation, and disaster risk assessment. Part IV ends with a chapter covering steps to improve disaster management. Finally parts of the book can be used as a tool for specialized short courses for practitioners. For example a course on 'System analysis for emergency management optimization' could be based on Chapters 3, 4 and parts of Chapter 6. Included in the book is a CD with three computer programs Vensim PLE, LINPRO, and COMPRO. Vensim PLE (Personal Learning Edition) is state-of-the-art simulation software used for the implementation of system dynamics simulation. The other two programs are: LINPRO, a linear programming optimization tool; and COMPRO, for the implementation of the multi-objective analysis tool of compromise programming.

An insightful examination of the numerical methods used to develop finite element methods A Variational Approach to Structural Analysis provides readers with the underpinnings of the finite element method (FEM) while highlighting the power and pitfalls of virtual methods. In an easy-to-follow, logical format, this book gives complete coverage of the principle of virtual work, complementary virtual work and energy methods, and static and dynamic stability concepts. The first two chapters prepare the reader with preliminary material, introducing in detail the variational approach used in the book as well as reviewing the equilibrium and compatibility equations of mechanics. The next chapter, on virtual work, teaches how to use kinematical formulations for the determination of the required strain relationships for straight, curved, and thin walled beams. The chapters on complementary virtual work and energy methods are problem-solving chapters that incorporate Castigliano's first theorem, the Engesser-Crotti theorem, and the Galerkin method. In the final chapter, the reader is introduced to various geometric measures of strain and revisits straight, curved, and thin walled beams by examining them in a deformed geometry. Based on nearly two decades of work on the development of the world's most used FEM code, A Variational Approach to Structural Analysis has been designed as a self-contained, single-source reference for mechanical, aerospace, and civil engineering professionals. The book's straightforward style also provides accessible instruction for graduate students in aeronautical, civil, mechanical, and engineering mechanics courses.

This book focuses on systems analysis, broadly defined to also include problem formulation and interpretation of proposed alternatives in terms of the value systems of stakeholders. Therefore, the book is a complement, not a substitute to other books when teaching systems engineering and systems analysis. The nature of problem solving discussed in this book is appropriate to a wide range of systems analyses. Thus the book can be used as a stand-alone book for teaching the analysis of systems. Also unique is the inclusion of broad case studies to stress problem solving issues, making How to Do Systems Analysis a complement to the many fine works in systems engineering available today.

In Coherent Stress Testing: A Bayesian Approach, industry expert Riccardo Rebonato presents a groundbreaking new approach to this important but often undervalued part of the risk management toolkit. Based on the author's extensive work, research and presentations in the area, the book fills a gap in quantitative risk management by introducing a new and very intuitively appealing approach to stress testing based on expert judgement and Bayesian networks. It constitutes a radical departure from the traditional statistical methodologies based on Economic Capital or Extreme-Value-Theory approaches. The book is split into four parts. Part I looks at stress testing and at its role in modern risk management. It discusses the distinctions between risk and uncertainty, the different types of probability that are used in risk management today and for which tasks they are best used. Stress testing is positioned as a bridge between the statistical areas where VaR can be effective and the domain of total Keynesian uncertainty. Part II lays down the quantitative foundations for the concepts described in the rest of the book. Part III takes readers through the application of the tools discussed in part II, and introduces two different systematic approaches to obtaining a coherent stress testing output that can satisfy the needs of industry users and regulators. In part IV the author addresses more practical questions such as embedding the suggestions of the book into a viable governance structure.

A hands-on introduction to advanced applications of power system transients with practical examples Transient Analysis of Power Systems: A Practical Approach offers an authoritative guide to the traditional capabilities and the new software and hardware approaches that can be used to carry out transient studies and make possible new and more complex research. The book explores a wide range of topics from an introduction to the subject to a review of the many advanced applications, involving the creation of custom-made models and tools and the application of multicore environments for advanced studies. The authors cover the general aspects of the transient analysis such as modelling guidelines, solution techniques and capabilities of a transient tool. The book also explores the usual application of a transient tool including over-voltages, power quality studies and simulation of power electronics devices. In addition, it contains an introduction to the transient analysis using the ATP. All the studies are supported by practical examples and simulation results. This important book: Summarises modelling guidelines and solution techniques used in transient analysis of power systems Provides a collection of practical examples with a detailed introduction and a discussion of results Includes a collection of case studies that illustrate how a simulation tool can be used for building environments that can be applied to both analysis and design of power systems Offers guidelines for building custom-made models and libraries of modules, supported by some practical examples Facilitates application of a transients tool to fields hardly covered with other time-domain simulation tools Includes a companion website with data (input) files of examples presented, case studies and power point presentations used to support cases studies Written for EMTP users, electrical engineers, Transient Analysis of Power Systems is a hands-on and practical guide to advanced applications of power system transients that includes a range of practical examples.

There has been significant expansion in the application of atomic spectrographic techniques in recent years, which has brought with it the need to provide more flexible methods to a wider range of samples, particularly non-aqueous samples. This book compares the traditional and improved methods in the analysis of non-aqueous samples for elemental analyses by atomic emission spectroscopic methods whilst describing procedures that will attempt to improve sample preparation methods.

Concisely covers all the important concepts in an easy-to-understand way Gaining a strong sense of signals and systems fundamentals is key for general proficiency in any electronic engineering discipline, and critical for specialists in signal processing, communication, and control. At the same time, there is a pressing need to gain mastery of these concepts quickly, and in a manner that will be immediately applicable in the real word. Simultaneous study of both continuous and discrete signals and systems presents a much easy path to understanding signals and systems analysis. In A Practical Approach to Signals and Systems, Sundararajan details the discrete version first followed by the corresponding continuous version for each topic, as discrete signals and systems are more often used in practice and their concepts are relatively easier to understand. In addition to examples of typical applications of analysis methods, the author gives comprehensive coverage of transform methods, emphasizing practical methods of analysis and physical interpretations of concepts. Gives equal emphasis to theory and practice Presents methods that can be immediately applied Complete treatment of transform methods Expanded coverage of Fourier analysis Self-contained: starts from the basics and discusses applications Visual aids and examples makes the subject easier to understand End-of-chapter exercises, with a extensive solutions manual for instructors MATLAB software for readers to download and practice on their own Presentation slides with book figures and slides with lecture notes A Practical Approach to Signals and Systems is an excellent resource for the electrical engineering student or professional to quickly gain an understanding of signal analysis concepts – concepts which all electrical engineers will eventually encounter no matter what their specialization. For aspiring engineers in signal processing, communication, and control, the topics presented will form a sound foundation to their future study, while allowing them to quickly move on to more advanced topics in the area. Scientists in chemical, mechanical, and biomedical areas will also benefit from this book, as increasing overlap with electrical engineering solutions and applications will require a working understanding of signals. Compact and self contained, A Practical Approach to Signals and Systems be used for courses or self-study, or as a reference book.

THE FOREX CHARTIST COMPANION The foreign exchange (Forex) market has quickly become the market of choice for traders looking to increase their profit potential. The combination of high liquidity and low transaction costs-as well as twenty-four-hour accessibility-has attracted the attention of both new and veteran traders. In The Forex Chartist Companion, authors and active Forex traders Michael Archer and James Bickford provide a visual window into the behavior of the Forex market along with detailed information on the mechanics of day trading, market entry timing, and much more. With this book as your guide, you'll not only become familiar with innovative software and charting systems that provide a graphical interpretation of the markets, but you'll also discover how to instantly see patterns throughout those markets. Divided into six comprehensive parts, The Forex Chartist Companion: Details Forex-specific charting techniques Illustrates the use of point and figure charting in conjunction with Forex trading Explores Forex swing charting Outlines a variety of Western and Japanese reversal charts-from pivot charts to Kagi charts Examines the actual trading system of veteran futures guru Charles Goodman Filled with numerous charts-annotated with Archer's insight into the material-and in-depth information regarding charting theory, The Forex Chartist Companion will help serious traders use technical indicators to enter this market with confidence and exit with profits.