RFID for the Optimization of Business Processes

The classic approach in Automatic Control relies on the use of simplified models of the systems and reformulations of the specifications. In this framework, the control law can be computed using deterministic algorithms. However, this approach fails when the system is too complex for its model to be sufficiently simplified, when the designer has many constraints to take into account, or when the goal is not only to design a control but also to optimize it. This book presents a new trend in Automatic Control with the use of metaheuristic algorithms. These kinds of algorithm can optimize any criterion and constraint, and therefore do not need such simplifications and reformulations. The first chapter outlines the author’s main motivations for the approach which he proposes, and presents the advantages which it offers. In Chapter 2, he deals with the problem of system identification. The third and fourth chapters are the core of the book where the design and optimization of control law, using the metaheuristic method (particle swarm optimization), is given. The proposed approach is presented along with real-life experiments, proving the efficiency of the methodology. Finally, in Chapter 5, the author proposes solving the problem of predictive control of hybrid systems. Contents 1. Introduction and Motivations. 2. Symbolic Regression. 3. PID Design Using Particle Swarm Optimization. 4. Tuning and Optimization of H-infinity Control Laws. 5. Predictive Control of Hybrid Systems. About the Authors Guillaume Sandou is Professor in the Automatic Department of Sup?lec, in Gif Sur Yvette, France. He has had 12 books, 8 journal papers and 1 patent published, and has written papers for 32 international conferences.His main research interests include modeling, optimization and control of industrial systems; optimization and metaheuristics for Automatic Control; and constrained control.

This book provides a complete guide on tools and techniques for modeling of supercritical and subcritical fluid extraction (SSFE) processes and phenomena. It provides details for SSFE from managing the experiments to modeling and optimization. It includes the fundamentals of SSFE as well as the necessary experimental techniques to validate the models. The optimization section includes the use of process simulators, conventional optimization techniques and state-of-the-art genetic algorithm methods. Numerous practical examples and case studies on the application of the modeling and optimization techniques on the SSFE processes are also provided. Detailed thermodynamic modeling with and without co-solvent and non equilibrium system modeling is another feature of the book.

This full-colour undergraduate textbook, based on a two semester course, presents the fundamentals of biological physics, introducing essential modern topics that include cells, polymers, polyelectrolytes, membranes, liquid crystals, phase transitions, self-assembly, photonics, fluid mechanics, motility, chemical kinetics, enzyme kinetics, systems biology, nerves, physiology, the senses, and the brain. The comprehensive coverage, featuring in-depth explanations of recent rapid developments, demonstrates this to be one of the most diverse of modern scientific disciplines. The Physics of Living Processes: A Mesoscopic Approach is comprised of five principal sections: • Building Blocks • Soft Condensed Matter Techniques in Biology • Experimental Techniques • Systems Biology • Spikes, Brains and the Senses The unique focus is predominantly on the mesoscale – structures on length scales between those of atoms and the macroscopic behaviour of whole organisms. The connections between molecules and their emergent biological phenomena provide a novel integrated perspective on biological physics, making this an important text across a variety of scientific disciplines including biophysics, physics, physical chemistry, chemical engineering and bioengineering. An extensive set of worked tutorial questions are included, which will equip the reader with a range of new physical tools to approach problems in the life sciences from medicine, pharmaceutical science and agriculture.

Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) is the technology applied for unambiguous and contactless identification of all types of objects. Varying magnetic fields or radio waves enable contactless data transfer as well as fast, automatic data collection. In addition, the importance of optical codes gains further importance due to their specific advantages. RFID and Auto ID systems are used in a wide range of sectors – from the consumer goods industry and trade via the automobile and aerospace industries to the chemicals and pharmaceuticals industries, as well as logistics and transport facilities. New potentials to secure competitive advantages can be utilized with early planning of the application of RFID and Auto ID in procurement, manufacturing and logistics. In addition to RFID and Auto ID technology, this book presents applications from different areas of application which have already been tried and tested. They demonstrate the approach, the process and the selection of RFID and Auto ID systems for various problems. A perspective on trends and innovative security solutions shows possible future application options for this technology.

A newly expanded and updated edition of the trading classic, Design, Testing, and Optimization of Trading Systems Trading systems expert Robert Pardo is back, and in The Evaluation and Optimization of Trading Strategies, a thoroughly revised and updated edition of his classic text Design, Testing, and Optimization of Trading Systems, he reveals how he has perfected the programming and testing of trading systems using a successful battery of his own time-proven techniques. With this book, Pardo delivers important information to readers, from the design of workable trading strategies to measuring issues like profit and risk. Written in a straightforward and accessible style, this detailed guide presents traders with a way to develop and verify their trading strategy no matter what form they are currently using–stochastics, moving averages, chart patterns, RSI, or breakout methods. Whether a trader is seeking to enhance their profit or just getting started in testing, The Evaluation and Optimization of Trading Strategies offers practical instruction and expert advice on the development, evaluation, and application of winning mechanical trading systems.

This third book in a suite of four practical guides is an engineer's companion to using numerical methods for the solution of complex mathematical problems. The required software is provided by way of the freeware mathematical library BzzMath that is developed and maintained by the authors. The present volume focuses on optimization and nonlinear systems solution. The book describes numerical methods, innovative techniques and strategies that are all implemented in a well-established, freeware library. Each of these handy guides enables the reader to use and implement standard numerical tools for their work, explaining the theory behind the various functions and problem solvers, and showcasing applications in diverse scientific and engineering fields. Numerous examples, sample codes, programs and applications are proposed and discussed. The book teaches engineers and scientists how to use the latest and most powerful numerical methods for their daily work.

Exploring methods and techniques to optimize processing energy efficiency in process plants, Energy and Process Optimization for the Process Industries provides a holistic approach that considers optimizing process conditions, changing process flowschemes, modifying equipment internals, and upgrading process technology that has already been used in a process plant with success. Field tested by numerous operating plants, the book describes technical solutions to reduce energy consumption leading to significant returns on capital and includes an 8-point Guidelines for Success. The book provides managers, chemical and mechanical engineers, and plant operators with methods and tools for continuous energy and process improvements.

The Tax Law of Unrelated Business for Nonprofit Organizations is a comprehensive guide to the tax law of unrelated businesses for tax-exempt organizations, written by the leading expert in the field.

While the weight of a structure constitutes a significant part of the cost, a minimum weight design is not necessarily the minimum cost design. Little attention in structural optimization has been paid to the cost optimization problem, particularly of realistic three-dimensional structures. Cost optimization is becoming a priority in all civil engineering projects, and the concept of Life-Cycle Costing is penetrating design, manufacturing and construction organizations. In this groundbreaking book the authors present novel computational models for cost optimization of large scale, realistic structures, subjected to the actual constraints of commonly used design codes. As the first book on the subject this book: Contains detailed step-by-step algorithms Focuses on novel computing techniques such as genetic algorithms, fuzzy logic, and parallel computing Covers both Allowable Stress Design (ASD) and Load and Resistance Factor Design (LRFD) codes Includes realistic design examples covering large-scale, high-rise building structures Presents computational models that enable substantial cost savings in the design of structures Fully automated structural design and cost optimization is where large-scale design technology is heading, thus Cost Optimization of Structures: Fuzzy Logic, Genetic Algorithms, and Parallel Computing will be of great interest to civil and structural engineers, mechanical engineers, structural design software developers, and architectural engineers involved in the design of structures and life-cycle cost optimisation. It is also a pioneering text for graduate students and researchers working in building design and structural optimization.