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Orbital motions have always been used to test gravitational theories which, from time to time, have challenged the then-dominant paradigms. This book provides a unified treatment for calculating a wide variety of orbital effects due to general relativity and modified models of gravity, to its first and second post-Newtonian orders, in full generality. It gives explicit results valid for arbitrary orbital configurations and spin axes of the sources, without a priori simplifying assumptions on either the orbital eccentricity or inclination. These general results apply to a range of phenomena, from Earth's artificial satellites to the S-stars orbiting the supermassive black hole in the Galactic Centre to binary and triple pulsars, exoplanets, and interplanetary probes. Readers will become acquainted with working out a variety of orbital effects other than the time-honoured perihelion precession, designing their own space-based tests, performing effective sensitivity analyses, and assessing realistic error budgets.

What is'topological'about topological quantum states? How many types of topological quantum phases are there? What is a zero-energy Majorana mode, how can it be realized in a solid-state system, and how can it be used as a platform for topological quantum computation? What is quantum computation and what makes it different from classical computation?Addressing these and other related questions, Introduction to Topological Quantum Matter & Quantum Computation provides an introduction to and a synthesis of a fascinating and rapidly expanding research field emerging at the crossroads of condensed matter physics, mathematics, and computer science. Providing the big picture and emphasizing two major new paradigms in condensed matter physics – quantum topology and quantum information – this book is ideal for graduate students and researchers entering this field, as it allows for the fruitful transfer of ideas amongst different areas, and includes many specific examples to help the reader understand abstract and sometimes challenging concepts. It explores the topological quantum world beyond the well-known topological insulators and superconductors and unveils the deep connections with quantum computation. It addresses key principles behind the classification of topological quantum phases and relevant mathematical concepts and discusses models of interacting and noninteracting topological systems, such as the toric code and the p-wave superconductor. The book also covers the basic properties of anyons, and aspects concerning the realization of topological states in solid state structures and cold atom systems.Topological quantum computation is also presented using a broad perspective, which includes elements of classical and quantum information theory, basic concepts in the theory of computation, such as computational models and computational complexity, examples of quantum algorithms, and key ideas underlying quantum computation with anyons. This new edition has been updated throughout, with exciting new discussions on crystalline topological phases, including higher-order topological insulators; gapless topological phases, including Weyl semimetals; periodically-driven topological insulators; and a discussion of axion electrodynamics in topological materials.Key Features:· Provides an accessible introduction to this exciting, cross-disciplinary area of research.· Fully updated throughout with new content on the latest result from the field.· Authored by an authority on the subject.Tudor Stanescu is a professor of Condensed Matter Theory at West Virginia University, USA. He received a B.S. in Physics from the University of Bucharest, Romania, in 1994 and a Ph.D. in Theoretical Physics from the University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign in 2002. He was a Postdoctoral Fellow at Rutgers University and at the University of Maryland from 2003 to 2009. He joined the Department of Physics and Astronomy at West Virginia University in Fall 2009. Prof. Stanescu's research interests encompass a variety of topics in theoretical condensed matter physics including topological insulators and superconductors, topological quantum computation, ultra-cold atom systems in optical lattices, and strongly correlated materials, such as, for example, cuprate high-temperature superconductors. His research uses a combination of analytical and numerical tools and focuses on understanding the emergence of exotic states of matter in solid state and cold atom structures, for example, topological superconducting phases that host Majorana zero modes, and on investigating the possibilities of exploiting these states as physical platforms for quantum computation.

Endoscopic transorbital surgery of the orbit, skull base and brain is a new surgical discipline that has developed over the last decade out of a collaboration between otolaryngologists, neurosurgeons and oculoplastic surgeons. Tumors and other pathology of the skull base are some of the most difficult to approach and treat for surgeons since they lie at the interface of several traditional specialties, namely the eye, the paranasal sinuses and the brain. For this reason, no single surgical specialty is fully trained to independently reach this region, which requires collaborative approaches that are technically demanding and often long and arduous procedures. In the last decade, using the endoscopic techniques and instrumentation, otolaryngologists, oculoplastic surgeons and neurosurgeons, have together shown that the orbit can be used as a minimally disruptive corridor to reach the skull base lateral to the carotid artery as well as other areas that are difficult to access through transcranial or endonasal approaches. These approaches are now even being used to remove brain tumors involving the frontal and temporal lobes, including those that extend through the middle cranial fossa and into the posterior fossa, without visible external scars or the need for a traditional craniotomy. In addition, they have been used to clip aneurysms, treat seizure disorders, drain abscesses, repair CSF (brain fluid) leaks, and restore skull fractures – all without the additional risks, trauma and prolonged recovery of previous open surgical techniques. The literature is now demonstrating that these endoscopic procedures have comparable or improved safety compared to open surgery, while creating less collateral damage, and result in reduced patient stays. Due to their novelty, few surgeons have acquired the necessary experience, knowledge and expertise to introduce these approaches into their practice, yet due to their safety and efficacy they are rapidly becoming a critical skill set. This is the first text of its kind to codify and proliferate these new approaches more rapidly through the country and world, appealing to otolaryngologists, oculoplastic surgeons and neurosurgeons who deal with pathology involving the skull base.

Best bibliography on the subject, listing, c. 27.500 (main work) + c. 12.500 (supplement) titles.

The way most of us live today would be unthinkable without a reliable power supply and the appliances and devices which depend upon it, but increased awareness and concern about the climate has meant that the energy sources from which that power is derived have also become a focus of attention. This book presents the proceedings of CPEEE 2024, the 14th International Conference on Power, Energy and Electrical Engineering, held from 24 to 26 February 2024 as a hybrid event in Tokyo, Japan. The CPEEE conferences aim to provide a scientific platform for scientists, engineers and technologists working in all areas of power, energy and electrical engineering to share the latest knowledge and findings and to explore and discuss all aspects of power, energy, electrical engineering and related fields. The 2024 CPEEE conference consisted of 8 oral sessions (6 offline and 2 online). The 57 papers included here, which were selected following a thorough review process, cover a variety of topics, including the optimized configuration of distribution networks; status monitoring and reliability evaluation of power equipment; operational safety and energy consumption analysis of intelligent electrical equipment; development of electric vehicles and the construction of charging facilities; photovoltaic modules and power generation systems; clean energy generation and electricity storage; and intelligent power systems and electronics technology. Providing an overview of current developments in the fields of power, energy and electrical engineering, the book will help to stimulate increased collaboration among researchers and facilitate the exploration of novel cross-disciplinary ideas.

Serverless computing has emerged as a transformative technology, gaining prominence over traditional cloud computing. It is characterized by reduced costs, lower latency, and the elimination of server-side management overhead, and is driven by the increasing adoption of containerization and microservices architectures. However, there is a significant lack of comprehensive resources for academic research purposes in this field. Serverless Computing Concepts, Technology, and Architecture addresses this gap and provides a comprehensive exploration of the fundamental concepts, characteristics, challenges, applications, and futuristic approaches of serverless computing. This book serves as a valuable reference for doctorate and post-doctorate research scholars, undergraduates, and postgraduates in fields such as computer science, information technology, electronics engineering, and other related disciplines. Serverless Computing Concepts, Technology, and Architecture is poised to be a one-stop reference point for those seeking to understand and harness the potential of serverless computing. It will serve as a prominent guide for researchers in this field for years to come, enriching their knowledge and advancing the study of serverless computing. Serverless Computing Concepts, Technology, and Architecture delves into the intricate details of this cutting-edge technology, and equips readers with the knowledge to harness its full potential in their research and real-world applications. Its comprehensive coverage includes AWS Lambda, benefits and challenges of containerization, micro service architecture, visual studio code, Function as a Service (FaaS), and much more. This extensive reference book ensures that readers, from doctoral candidates to seasoned professionals, have a reliable source to turn to in the coming years. By addressing the needs of those in pursuit of advanced research, this book stands as an essential cornerstone in the study and advancement of serverless computing.

This book gathers peer-reviewed contributions presented at the 4th International Conference on Structural Engineering and Construction Management (SECON'23), held in Angamaly, Kerala, India, on 7-9 June 2023. The meeting served as a fertile platform for discussion, sharing sound knowledge and introducing novel ideas on issues related to sustainable construction and design for the future. The respective contributions address various aspects of numerical modeling and simulation in structural engineering, structural dynamics and earthquake engineering, advanced analysis and design of foundations, BIM, building energy management, and technical project management. Accordingly, the book offers a valuable, up-to-date tool and essential overview of the subject for scientists and practitioners alike, and will inspire further investigations and research.

The traditional urban transportation systems around the globe are now being transferred into green public transportation systems in an effort to mitigate CO2 emissions and provide nature-friendly transportation systems in cities and, ultimately, to increase citizens'wellbeing. Furthermore, the cities are expected to transform their traditional transportation systems to cutting-edge high technology green transportation systems in the near future due to regulations applied by the related authorities such as the EU and UN. At the same time, cities are undergoing a transformation from traditional to smart cities, which is an inevitable process due to swift developments in technologies and smart systems. Sustainable public transportation systems must be developed and adjusted to be applicable in future smart cities. The Handbook of Research on Promoting Sustainable Public Transportation Strategies in Urban Environments considers the challenges and advantages of sustainable public transportation systems in urban areas and provides relevant theoretical frameworks, the latest empirical research findings, and an overview of the latest technological developments on the subject. Covering key topics such as green vehicles, sustainability, and walkable cities, this major reference work is ideal for policymakers, government officials, industry professionals, researchers, scholars, practitioners, academicians, instructors, and students.

Diabetes is a chronic condition associated with metabolic disorder. Persons suffering from diabetes have shown accelerated levels of blood sugar which often harms the heart, blood vessels, eyes, kidneys, and nerves. Over the past few decades, the prevalence of diabetes has been progressively increasing. Synthetic drugs are used to treat diabetic patients to help control the disorder, but it is shown that numerous medicinal plants and herbal drugs are widely used in several traditional systems of medicine to prevent and treat diabetes. They are reported to produce beneficial effects in combating diabetes and alleviating diabetes-related complications. These plants contain phtyonutrients and phytoconstituents demonstrating protective or disease preventive properties. In many developing countries, herbal drugs are recommended by traditional practitioners for diabetes treatment because the use of synthetic drugs is not affordable.Key Features: Provides botanical descriptions, distribution, and pharmacological investigations of notable medicinal and herbal plants used to prevent or treat diabetes Discusses phytochemical and polyherbal formulations for the management of diabetes and other related complications Contains reports on antidiabetic plants and their potential uses in drug discovery based on their bioactive molecules This volume in the Exploring Medicinal Plants series provides an overview of natural healing treatments in selected antidiabetic plants. The book presents valuable information to scientists, researchers, and students working with medicinal plants or for those specializing in areas of ethnobotany, natural products, pharmacognosy, and other areas of allied healthcare. It is also useful to pharmaceutical companies, industrialists, and health policy makers.

General and Comparative Endocrinology: An Integrative Approach, takes a holistic approach to endocrinology, introducing students to the diverse facets of this interdisciplinary science ranging from the medical to comparative domains, while also exploring evolutionary, environmental, and conservation specializations within the field. The textbook is founded on the principle that students interested in the health sciences will benefit from understanding how proficiency in endocrine function among a diversity of organisms contributes to advances in modern medicine. Likewise, students intrigued by comparative physiology will benefit from the wealth of knowledge derived from medical/clinical endocrinology, the historical bedrock of the field. This textbook represents the modern field of endocrinology in its totality by addressing topics and recent advances not currently discussed in other introductory endocrinology textbooks. Key Features Introduces the broad and interdisciplinary scope of endocrinology. Provides clear chapter objectives and key concepts. Includes summary and synthesis questions for each chapter that are suitable for exams and quizzes. Includes a chapter devoted to endocrine-disrupting chemicals. Describes the roles played by the endocrine system in important health challenges related to appetite regulation, obesity, diabetes, and other diseases stemming from ‘mismatches to modernity'. Integrates evolutionary and comparative approaches to hormones and health.

The field of quantum information science (QIS) has witnessed a dramatic rise in scientific research activities in the 21st century as excitement has grown about its potential to revolutionize communications and computing, strengthen encryption, and enhance quantum sensing, among other applications. While, historically, QIS research has been dominated by the field of physics and computer engineering, this report explores how chemistry - in particular the use of molecular qubits - could advance QIS. In turn, researchers are also examining how QIS could be used to solve problems in chemistry, for example, to facilitate new drug and material designs, health and environmental monitoring tools, and more sustainable energy production. Recognizing that QIS could be a disruptive technology with the potential to create groundbreaking products and new industries, Advancing Chemistry and Quantum Information Science calls for U.S. leadership to build a robust enterprise to facilitate and support research at the intersection of chemistry and QIS. This report identifies three key research areas: design and synthesis of molecular qubit systems, measurement and control of molecular quantum systems, and experimental and computational approaches for scaling qubit design and function. Advancing Chemistry and Quantum Information Science recommends that the Department of Energy, National Science Foundation, and other funding agencies should support multidisciplinary and collaborative research in QIS, the development of new instrumentation, and facilities, centralized and open-access databases, and efforts to create a more diverse and inclusive chemical workforce.

This handbook analyzes and develops methods and models to optimize solutions for energy access (for industry and the general world population alike) in terms of reliability and sustainability. With a focus on improving the performance of energy systems, it brings together state-of-the-art research on reliability enhancement, intelligent development, simulation and optimization, as well as sustainable development of energy systems. It helps energy stakeholders and professionals learn the methodologies needed to improve the reliability of energy supply-and-demand systems, achieve more efficient long-term operations, deal with uncertainties in energy systems, and reduce energy emissions.Highlighting novel models and their applications from leading experts in this important area, this book will appeal to researchers, students, and engineers in the various domains of smart energy systems and encourage them to pursue research and development in this exciting and highly relevant field.

Encyclopedia of Sleep and Circadian Rhythms, Second Edition, Six Volume Set is the most comprehensive work on sleep and circadian rhythms. This completely revised new edition, comprised of contributions from 450 renowned authorities in the field, covers what is new and known in the field. In addition to thorough coverage of the basics (physiology, sleep disorders etc.), this new edition includes a thorough examination of circadian rhythms that manage the sleep-wake cycle. Although this area is highly intertwined with sleep, it is a scientific discipline in and of itself, and will broaden the appeal of this work to health care providers and scientists. Other sections of interest explore consumer wearable devices to track sleep and circadian rhythms, artificial intelligence algorithms to detect sleep and abnormal sleep-related conditions, and new technology to treat sleep and circadian rhythm disorders. This book will be an ideal and primary reference resource for students, trainees, technologists, basic/clinical scientists, physicians, advanced practice providers, psychologists, nurses, and other medical and research personnel who want to explore any topic within the sleep and circadian rhythm field. - Provides the largest, most comprehensive publication in the field of sleep and circadian rhythms for non-specialists and readers from undergraduate level upwards, as well as advanced health care providers - Covers the latest, most up-to-date knowledge regarding sleep and circadian rhythms and contains material that reflects the newest technology in the field - Presents a new edition of the winner of the 2013 Prose Award for Multivolume Reference in Science from the Association of American Publishers - Includes rich illustrations that can be used as teaching aids, along with multimedia

Viral, Parasitic, Bacterial, and Fungal Infections: Antimicrobial, Host Defense, and Therapeutic Strategies highlight diverse types of infections, including viral, bacterial, parasitic, fungal, and the therapeutic efficacy of antibiotics, antivirals, antifungals and other medications, nutraceuticals, and phytotherapeutics. This book addresses the molecular, pathophysiological, and cellular pathways involved in the process of infection. It also examines the host defense mechanisms modulated by innate and adaptive immunity. The book starts off with an introduction, which includes etiology, pathophysiology, and diagnosis of infections. It then goes on to cover a wide spectrum of salient features involved in viral, bacterial, parasitic, and fungal infections and effective therapeutic strategies. In addition, there is a complete section of eight chapters elaborating the detailed aspects of COVID-19 infections, Mucormycosis, Omicron, and strategic vaccines and therapeutics. The book further goes on to discuss novel antibiotics, vaccines, bromhexine, boron compounds, phytotherapeutics, and aspects on boosting immune competence. Contributed by experts in the fields of viral, parasitic, bacterial, and fungal infections, the book comprehensively details the various types of infections such as herpes and COVID-19, their molecular mechanisms, and treatment strategies for those engaged in the research of infectious diseases. - Details the pathophysiology of various classes of infections - Examines mechanisms of pathogenesis, immunity, and therapeutics in bacterial, viral, and eukaryotic infectious diseases - Discusses various aspects on herpes, COVID-19 infections, Mucormycosis, Omicron, vaccines, and therapeutics - Covers the salient features on zoonosis, prion disease, and diabetic foot infections - Provides therapeutic strategies of using new antibiotics, vaccines, bromhexine, boron compounds, structurally diverse phytotherapeutics, immune enhancers, and other modalities for treating infections

Fields. Virología: virus de ARN es el tercero de cuatro volúmenes de la colección Fields. Virología, la referencia de mayor prestigio en el dinámico campo de conocimiento de la virología. Este volumen, en su 7.ª edición, aborda la información más reciente sobre los virus de ARN, sus factores de virulencia y patogenicidad, los métodos de los que disponen para burlar la respuesta inmunitaria, las características que les permite causar infecciones a larga escala, las opciones de tratamiento más recientes y las más avanzadas y actuales formas de inmunización.

This book gathers the latest advances, innovations, and applications in the field of effective methods of calculation, resource-saving technologies, and advanced materials in civil and environmental engineering, as presented by leading international researchers and engineers at the XVIII International Scientific Conference Current Issues of Civil and Environmental Engineering “Lviv- Košice – Rzeszów”, held in Rzeszów, Poland, on September 6–8, 2023. It covers highly diverse topics, including structural shaping and optimization; aspects of structural behavior and modeling; advanced analysis methods; experimental tests and numerical simulations; design codes, in particular Eurocodes and other national and regional limit state codes; and highway and bridges engineering. It also discusses modern architectural and structural solutions; innovative materials and products; durability and maintenance; fabrication and erection; sustainability in construction; renewable energy sources; heat, gas, and water supply; ventilation and air-conditioning; ecological and energy-saving technologies, modern water purification, and treatment technologies; and the protection of water ecosystems. This book, which was selected by means of a rigorous international peer-review process, highlights numerous exciting ideas that will spur novel research directions and foster multidisciplinary collaborations.

Now in four convenient volumes, Field's Virology remains the most authoritative reference in this fast-changing field, providing definitive coverage of virology, including virus biology as well as replication and medical aspects of specific virus families. This volume of Field's Virology: RNA Viruses, Seventh Edition covers the latest information on RNA viruses, how they cause disease, how they can cause epidemics and pandemics, new therapeutics and vaccine approaches, as provided in new or extensively revised chapters that reflect these advances in this dynamic field. Bundled with the eBook, which will be updated regularly as new information about each virus is available, this text serves as the authoritative, up-to-date reference book for virologists, infectious disease specialists, microbiologists, and physicians, as well as medical students pursuing a career in infectious diseases.

This book provides an introduction to quantum information science, the science at the basis of the new quantum revolution of this century. It teaches the reader to build and program a quantum computer and leverage its potential. Aimed at quantum physicists and computer scientists, the book covers several topics, including quantum algorithms, quantum chemistry, and quantum engineering of superconducting qubits. Written by two professionals in the experimental and theoretical fields of quantum information science and containing over 200 figures and 100 exercises with solutions and summaries at the end of each chapter, this book is set to become a new standard in the field.

Microbiome Metabolome Brain Vagus Nerve Circuit in Disease and Recovery focuses on the emerging hypothesis of a dysfunctional microbiome metabolome vagus nerve brain circuit in Alzheimer's disease and associated diseases and medical conditions, including dementia, aging, COVID-19, autoimmune conditions, and inflammatory skin condition rosacea, which may increase the risk of other conditions. This book also discusses the vagus nerve-related conditions, including Arnold's reflex, laryngopharyngeal reflux, duodenogastric reflux, gastroesophageal reflux, and related pulmonary diseases. The subjects covered in the book also address an important question of which one is more important for human health and intellectual abilities: the human genome or the human microbiome? The conceptual model of food and gut microbial tryptamine vagus nerve circuit is also presented in this book. - Addresses the emerging hypothesis of a dysfunctional microbiome vagus nerve brain circuit in Alzheimer's disease and associated diseases and medical conditions - Covers dementia, aging, COVID-19, autoimmune conditions, and inflammatory skin condition rosacea - Presents the conceptual model of food and gut microbial tryptamine vagus nerve circuit - Covers human health and intellectual abilities in the context of both the human genome and the human microbiome

Quantum Mechanics II: Advanced Topics offers a comprehensive exploration of the state-of-the-art in various advanced topics of current research interest. A follow-up to the authors'introductory book Quantum Mechanics I: The Fundamentals, this book expounds basic principles, theoretical treatment, case studies, worked-out examples and applications of advanced topics including quantum technologies.A thoroughly revised and updated this unique volume presents an in-depth and up-to-date progress on the growing topics including latest achievements on quantum technology. In the second edition six new chapters are included and the other ten chapters are extensively revised.Features Covers classical and quantum field theories, path integral formalism and supersymmetric quantum mechanics. Highlights coherent and squeezed states, Berry's phase, Aharonov—Bohm effect and Wigner function. Explores salient features of quantum entanglement and quantum cryptography. Presents basic concepts of quantum computers and the features of no-cloning theorem and quantum cloning machines. Describes the theory and techniques of quantum tomography, quantum simulation and quantum error correction. Introduces other novel topics including quantum versions of theory of gravity, cosmology, Zeno effect, teleportation, games, chaos and steering. Outlines the quantum technologies of ghost imaging, detection of weak amplitudes and displacements, lithography, metrology, teleportation of optical images, sensors, batteries and internet. Contains several worked-out problems and exercises in each chapter. Quantum Mechanics II: Advanced Topics addresses various currently emerging exciting topics of quantum mechanics. It emphasizes the fundamentals behind the latest cutting-edge developments to help explain the motivation for deeper exploration. The book is a valuable resource for graduate students in physics and engineering wishing to pursue research in quantum mechanics.

This book covers recent developments in the understanding, quantification, and exploitation of entanglement in spin chain models from both condensed matter and quantum information perspectives. Spin chain models are at the foundation of condensed matter physics and quantum information technologies and elucidate many fundamental phenomena such as information scrambling, quantum phase transitions, and many-body localization. Moreover, many quantum materials and emerging quantum devices are well described by spin chains. Comprising accessible, self-contained chapters written by leading researchers, this book is essential reading for graduate students and researchers in quantum materials and quantum information. The coverage is comprehensive, from the fundamental entanglement aspects of quantum criticality, non-equilibrium dynamics, classical and quantum simulation of spin chains through to their experimental realizations, and beyond into machine learning applications.

Aural Diversity addresses a fundamental methodological challenge in music and soundscape research by considering the nature of hearing as a spectrum of diverse experiences. Bringing together an interdisciplinary array of contributors from the arts, humanities, and sciences, it challenges the idea of a normative listening experience and envisions how awareness of aural diversity can transform sonic arts, environments, and design and generate new creative listening practices. With contributors from a wide range of fields including sound studies, music, hearing sciences, disability studies, acoustics, media studies, and psychology, Aural Diversity introduces a new and much-needed paradigm that is relevant to scholars, students, and practitioners engaging with sound, music, and hearing across disciplines.

The goals of restructuring of the power sector are competition and operating efficiency in the power industry that result in reliable, economical, and quality power supply to consumers. This comprehensive reference text provides an in-depth insight into these topics.Deregulated Electricity Structures and Smart Grids discusses issues including renewable energy integration, reliability assessment, stability analysis, reactive power compensation in smart grids, and harmonic mitigation, in the context of the deregulated smart electricity market. It covers important concepts including AC and DC grid modelling, harmonics mitigation and reactive power compensation in the deregulated smart grid, and extraction of energy from renewable energy sources under the deregulated electricity market with the smart grid. The text will be useful for graduate students and professionals in the fields of electrical engineering, electronics and communication engineering, renewable energy, and clean technologies.

Current Perspectives and New Directions in Mechanics, Modelling and Design of Structural Systems comprises 330 papers that were presented at the Eighth International Conference on Structural Engineering, Mechanics and Computation (SEMC 2022, Cape Town, South Africa, 5-7 September 2022). The topics featured may be clustered into six broad categories that span the themes of mechanics, modelling and engineering design: (i) mechanics of materials (elasticity, plasticity, porous media, fracture, fatigue, damage, delamination, viscosity, creep, shrinkage, etc); (ii) mechanics of structures (dynamics, vibration, seismic response, soil-structure interaction, fluid-structure interaction, response to blast and impact, response to fire, structural stability, buckling, collapse behaviour); (iii) numerical modelling and experimental testing (numerical methods, simulation techniques, multi-scale modelling, computational modelling, laboratory testing, field testing, experimental measurements); (iv) design in traditional engineering materials (steel, concrete, steel-concrete composite, aluminium, masonry, timber); (v) innovative concepts, sustainable engineering and special structures (nanostructures, adaptive structures, smart structures, composite structures, glass structures, bio-inspired structures, shells, membranes, space structures, lightweight structures, etc); (vi) the engineering process and life-cycle considerations (conceptualisation, planning, analysis, design, optimization, construction, assembly, manufacture, maintenance, monitoring, assessment, repair, strengthening, retrofitting, decommissioning). Two versions of the papers are available: full papers of length 6 pages are included in the e-book, while short papers of length 2 pages, intended to be concise but self-contained summaries of the full papers, are in the printed book. This work will be of interest to civil, structural, mechanical, marine and aerospace engineers, as well as planners and architects.

Current Perspectives and New Directions in Mechanics, Modelling and Design of Structural Systems comprises 330 papers that were presented at the Eighth International Conference on Structural Engineering, Mechanics and Computation (SEMC 2022, Cape Town, South Africa, 5-7 September 2022). The topics featured may be clustered into six broad categories that span the themes of mechanics, modelling and engineering design: (i) mechanics of materials (elasticity, plasticity, porous media, fracture, fatigue, damage, delamination, viscosity, creep, shrinkage, etc);(ii) mechanics of structures (dynamics, vibration, seismic response, soil-structure interaction, fluid-structure interaction, response to blast and impact, response to fire, structural stability, buckling, collapse behaviour); (iii) numerical modelling and experimental testing (numerical methods, simulation techniques, multi-scale modelling, computational modelling, laboratory testing, field testing, experimental measurements); (iv) design in traditional engineering materials (steel, concrete, steel-concrete composite, aluminium, masonry, timber); (v) innovative concepts, sustainable engineering and special structures (nanostructures, adaptive structures, smart structures, composite structures, glass structures, bio-inspired structures, shells, membranes, space structures, lightweight structures, etc); (vi) the engineering process and life-cycle considerations (conceptualisation, planning, analysis, design, optimization, construction, assembly, manufacture, maintenance, monitoring, assessment, repair, strengthening, retrofitting, decommissioning). Two versions of the papers are available: full papers of length 6 pages are included in an e-book, while short papers of length 2 pages, intended to be concise but self-contained summaries of the full papers, are in this printed book. This work will be of interest to civil, structural, mechanical, marine and aerospace engineers, as well as planners and architects.

The Role of Phytonutrients in Metabolic Disorders provides the information readers need to conduct research on phytonutrients in metabolic disorders. The book presents the treatment of metabolic diseases using phytonutrients, the key regulatory mechanisms of phytonutrients in metabolic pathways, and evaluates phytonutrients as a source of new drug candidate molecules. The book compiles and evaluates the very latest findings and therapeutic developments in the management of various metabolic disorders, their underlying mechanisms, and the clinical potential and limitations of phytonutrients. Thirteen chapters illustrate the therapeutic potential of phytonutrients in the management of various metabolic disorders through the regulation of signaling pathways. - Supports the therapeutic potential of phytonutrients in the management of metabolic disorders - Details the regulatory mechanisms of phytonutrients in metabolic pathways - Considers phytonutrients as a source of new drug candidate molecules - Evaluates and compiles current research on phytonutrients in relation to metabolic disorders - Gives insights into the clinical uses of phytonutrients for the management of metabolic disorders

Obesity is a major risk factor for the development of type 2 diabetes and its associated complications, a major socio-economic burden for health care systems. The worldwide prevalence of obesity doubled since 1980 and as a consequence the number of patients with diabetes has been continuously rising with more than 450 Mio. people suffering from this disease at the present time. Substantial progress has been made in understanding the molecular pathways leading from excessive fat accumulation to metabolic perturbation and finally diabetes manifestation. This edition of the'Handbook of Experimental Pharmacology'aims to analyze new insight into the pathophysiology of obesity, to decipher the complex links to diabetes and its complications, and to collect most recent information on new strategies for prevention and treatment of obesity and diabetes.

Toxicology of Nanoparticles and Nanomaterials in Human, Terrestrial and Aquatic Systems An indispensable compendium detailing the toxicology of nanoparticles with a focus on mechanisms, emerging issues, and new approaches Toxicology of Nanoparticles and Nanomaterials in Human, Terrestrial and Aquatic Systems provides authoritative information on the toxicology of ultrafine and nanoparticulate matter that contaminate terrestrial or aquatic environments and present unique challenges in applied public health and toxicological research. Detailed chapters by a panel of world-renowned experts examine the complementary and dynamic interdependence of aquatic, terrestrial, and human systems and the toxicological impacts on exposure to engineered and manufactured nanoparticles and nanomaterials. Organized into four sections, the book opens with a thorough overview of the field, including known challenges and the necessity for current research activity. The second section describes terrestrial and aquatic systems and the ecotoxicological impact of nanomaterials, followed by critical analysis of the many human health effects of nanomaterials. The book concludes with an in-depth discussion of current gaps in knowledge, future directions, new approach methodologies, alternatives to animal models, and the emerging environmental threat from nanoplastics. Presenting case exemplars of the ecotoxicological impact of nanoparticles in aquatic and terrestrial systems, this important resource: Presents in-depth coverage of ecosafety, environmental behavior, fate and transport, interactive effects with other contaminants, and current challenges in soil nano-ecotoxicology Addresses rising concerns regarding air pollution and neurological disorders, and the roles played by the gastrointestinal system, the mucosal microbiome, and the immunotoxicology and vasculotoxicity of metal-based nanoparticles Provides detailed coverage of nanomaterial health effects from both animal and in vitro models, including the gut microbiome, innate immunity, neurological and cardiovascular impacts, mechanisms of action, and hazard characterization Analyzes key topics in ecological nanotoxicology such as environmental micro- and nano-plastic pollution and applied risk assessment Toxicology of Nanoparticles and Nanomaterials in Human, Terrestrial and Aquatic Systems is essential reading for toxicologists, applied biologists, ecotoxicologists, research scientists, medical professionals, regulators, and advanced students in fields such as public health, environmental ecotoxicology and medicine, immunotoxicology, neurotoxicology, cardiovascular and systems biology, hazard identification, and risk assessment.

'Within the well-documented understanding of occupational noise-induced hearing loss (ONIHL) being a complex occupational health condition requiring the adoption of the complex interventions approach to management, challenges confronting hearing conservation programmes (HCPs) within the African context need clear characterisation and insightful deliberation. Guided by the systems theory, to be realistic about the implementation, monitoring, as well as evaluation of outcomes of HCPs within the African mining context, this book is a call for a paradigm shift in the assessment and management of ONIHL and HCPs in African mines. This book, Occupational noise-induced hearing loss: An African perspective, equips researchers involved in the management of ONIHL and implementation of HCPs with evidence that allows for contextually relevant best practices in mine settings, particularly those located in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). This best practice is multidisciplinary in nature and engages all stakeholders in all relevant sectors, with the goal of adopting a preventive audiology approach to ONIHL rather than the compensation-oriented approach that is currently prevailing. This book is a research-driven contribution to the occupational health and safety (OHS) space, with ONIHL as a focus case study, and it provides contemporary, contextually relevant, and responsive evidence related to ONIHL and HCPs in LMICs with a very specific focus on the South African context. This book expansively addresses all aspects of ONIHL and HCPs in one volume, with careful considerations of complexities and challenges to HCPs implementation, applicable specifically to LMICs, although useful globally. The book offers potential solutions and recommendations for all challenges identified, having carefully and deliberately engaged with local evidence, local context, and local policies and regulations to ensure an Afrocentric contribution to the world of evidence.'--

High penetration of renewable energy sources (RESs) imposes several techno-economic challenges to distribution system operators (DSOs) due to their variability in power generation and, hence, increases the need for additional operational flexibility. Operational flexibility aims at securely covering the possible variations at the minimum cost using emerging flexible alternatives or designing novel local market mechanisms to incentivize flexibility providers. In such a situation, the DSOs can use the potential of flexible options such as energy storages (ESs), demand response (DR), plug-in electric vehicles (PEVs), or on-site fast run generators. However, each of the mentioned flexible resources has its own specific characteristics and requirements that should be taken into account, and this raises the complexity. Optimal network reconfiguration schemes are the other solution for increasing power system flexibility at the distribution level. There is a great research gap related to renewable-based distribution network planning from a flexibility point of view. Therefore, this book aims to discuss the additional flexibility needs introduced by RESs and describe general approaches to analyze the need for and provision of additional flexibility in future distribution networks at both the planning and operational time frames. This book successfully suggests new solutions and techniques to increase the flexibility in distribution systems. It also highlights the needs for moving towards smart distribution grids in order to enhance the flexibility in modern and future power systems.

Distributed Energy Resources in Local Integrated Energy Systems: Optimal Operation and Planning reviews research and policy developments surrounding the optimal operation and planning of DER in the context of local integrated energy systems in the presence of multiple energy carriers, vectors and multi-objective requirements. This assessment is carried out by analyzing impacts and benefits at local levels, and in distribution networks and larger systems. These frameworks represent valid tools to provide support in the decision-making process for DER operation and planning. Uncertainties of RES generation and loads in optimal DER scheduling are addressed, along with energy trading and blockchain technologies. Interactions among various energy carriers in local energy systems are investigated in scalable and flexible optimization models for adaptation to a number of real contexts thanks to the wide variety of generation, conversion and storage technologies considered, the exploitation of demand side flexibility, emerging technologies, and through the general mathematical formulations established. - Integrates multi-energy DER, including electrical and thermal distributed generation, demand response, electric vehicles, storage and RES in the context of local integrated energy systems - Fosters the integration of DER in the electricity markets through the concepts of DER aggregation - Addresses the challenges of emerging paradigms as energy communities and energy blockchain applications in the current and future energy landscape - Proposes operation optimization models and methods through multi-objective approaches for fostering short- and long-run sustainability of local energy systems - Assesses and models the uncertainties of renewable resources and intermittent loads in the short-term decision-making process for smart decentralized energy systems

Excel per il controllo di gestione è ormai un punto di riferimento per chi si occupa di analisi dei dati aziendali e ha accompagnato generazioni di controller a partire dal 2004. La quarta edizione affronta i tipici temi del Controllo di Gestione, proponendo un modello di lavoro replicabile in contesti anche molto diversi. Un approccio quindi centrato sul fine, ma che spiega in dettaglio come sfruttare al massimo le straordinarie potenzialità del mezzo. La prima parte è dedicata alle funzionalità, dalle più semplici a quelle più complesse, le tabelle pivot e gli altri tool utili ad automatizzare il lavoro come la formattazione condizionale, il filtro avanzato e le Macro. Questa parte spiega anche con chiarezza alcune delle nuove funzionalità chiave delle versioni più recenti di Excel, come per esempio la formula CERCA.X(). La seconda parte si focalizza sulla costruzione di modelli reali che esemplificano gli accorgimenti tecnici utilizzati: Dashboard, creazione di grafici speciali, Riclassificazione e Consolidamento di Bilancio, Reporting per Centro di Costo, commenti automatici ai dati e molto altro. Il volume è utilizzabile dalla versione 2021 e precedenti. I file di esempio sono scaricabili da: www.excel4finance.com.

This book highlights the key role of green infrastructure (GI) in providing natural and ecosystem solutions, helping alleviate many of the environmental, social, and economic problems caused by rapid urbanization. The book gathers the emerging technologies and applications in various disciplines involving geotechnics, civil engineering, and structures, which are presented in numerous high-quality papers by worldwide researchers, practitioners, policymakers, and entrepreneurs at the 6th CIGOS event, 2021. Moreover, by sharing knowledge and experiences around emerging GI technologies and policy issues, the book aims at encouraging adoption of GI technologies as well as building capacity for implementing GI practices at all scales. This book is useful for researchers and professionals in designing, building, and managing sustainable buildings and infrastructure.

This book offers a wide-ranging overview of advancements, techniques, and challenges related to the design, control, and operation of microgrids and their role in smart grid infrastructure. It brings together an authoritative group of specialists who approach the subject from a number of different viewpoints in the electric power industry, including electricity distribution companies, aggregators, power market retailers, and power generation companies. Design, Control, and Operation of Microgrids in Smart Grids is an authoritative resource for students, researchers, and professionals working with power and energy systems.

This book is a wide-ranging guide to current and emerging applications of ultrasonography within nephrology that aims to provide readers with a sound understanding of the rationale for the use of ultrasound techniques in various disease settings, for example, complications following renal transplantation, arteriovenous fistulas, renal artery stenosis, nonstenotic renal artery pathology, renal vein pathology, aortic disease, and acute renal failure. Particular emphasis is placed on newer applications, such as those involving elastosonography, contrast-enhanced ultrasonography, and color Doppler imaging. There is no doubt that ultrasound techniques can improve the standard of care in nephrology, from vascular access planning to management of uremic complications. Nevertheless, many nephrologists continue to delegate the performance of ultrasonography to radiologists or other colleagues, which is especially regrettable given the advent of affordable, portable ultrasound scanners.This book will be of value for all clinicians interested in the role of ultrasound techniques in nephrology and will be especially useful for nephrologists seeking to incorporate ultrasonography into their practice.

Solar Hybrid Systems: Design and Application discusses the key power generation characteristics of solar systems and explores the growing need for hybrid systems. The authors use real-life examples to explain the disadvantages of solar systems without hybridization and to demonstrate the various applications hybrid solar systems can be used for, paying special attention to its integration with energy storage systems. The book also discusses the impact of hybridization and how this can improve power generation quality along with investigating novel and advanced hybrid solar systems. This is a useful reference for engineers and researchers involved in both the development and application of hybrid solar systems, and features topics such as solutions for the intermittence of renewable energy sources; on-gird and off-grid solar hybrid systems; the simulation, design and application of hybrid solar systems; the role of energy storage systems in solar hybrid applications; and the future of electric vehicles using solar hybrid systems. - Demonstrates the benefits of hybrid solar systems and why they are needed - Features practical advice on designing hybrid solar systems - Includes key findings and real-world examples to illustrate the applications of hybrid solar systems

Zur Speicherung thermischer Energie werden häufig Phasenwechselmaterialien (PCM) unterschiedlicher Art eingesetzt. Hierbei nutzt man vor allem den Übergang zwischen fest und flüssig. Solche PCM schmelzen bei Wärmezufuhr, nehmen dabei die Energie latent bei etwa gleichbleibender Temperatur auf und geben sie wieder ab, indem sie bei Wärmeabfuhr erstarren. Will man den direkten Kontakt zum Wärmeträgerfluid vermeiden, kann man das PCM umhüllen. Hierbei bieten sich Kapseln aus Metall an, weil sie die Wärme besonders gut leiten. Die Art des Metalls, die Form und Größe der Kapseln sowie ihre Anordnung lassen sich variieren. Für die Wirtschaftlichkeit des gesamten Speichersystems ist es zudem wesentlich, wie beständig die Kapseln sind und wie sie in größeren Mengen hergestellt, befüllt und verschlossen werden. Der Autor hat zu diesem Thema eigene Forschungen durchgeführt, die er in diesem Band darstellt. Der Herausgeber

Hearing loss is the most common form of sensory impairment in humans, affecting 360 million persons worldwide. In parallel, tinnitus disorder, the perception of a phantom sound often described as a ringing or buzzing, affects around 10–15% of the general population and interferes with daily life. Hyperacusis, defined as a hypersensitivity to moderate-intensity sounds often co-occurs with tinnitus suggesting a common mechanism of dysfunction for these two perceptual disorders. Whereas some drug candidates are in the process of being developed, nowadays no effective treatment exists to cure hearing loss and tinnitus.The topic of this book was selected with the goal of emphasizing mechanisms that induce hearing loss and tinnitus which lead the selection of promising targets for hearing disorder treatment.Hair cells (HC) are the sensory cells of the inner ear required for both auditory and vestibular functions in all vertebrates. HC are progressively lost during ageing and they are in addition sensitive to physical and acoustic traumas, infectious diseases and chemicals present in commonly used treatments such as anticancer, antimalarial or antibiotics. As adult mammals--including humans--cannot regenerate dead HC, all the possible injury could result in irreversible and permanent hearing loss. It has been shown, however, that a limited capacity to regenerate HC exists in mouse at an early stage of development. The regenerative capacity of HC then appears simply “repressed” in adult mammals, and one could expect it will be possible to re-activate it with an appropriate therapeutic approach which is still to be defined. Immune-mediated inner ear disease has been introduced and accepted as one SNHL pathophysiology; it responds to immunosuppressive therapy and is one of the few reversible forms of bilateral SNHL. Macrophages are always present in the spiral ligament of the lateral wall and are activated in response to various types of stimuli, including noise exposure, ischemia, mitochondrial damage, and surgical stress. Recent studies have also revealed another type of immune cell, called perivascular melanocyte-like macrophages (PVM/Ms), in the stria vascularis. The book will include a review of inflammatory/immune cells in the cochlear lateral wall, the pathways involved in cochlear damage and their potential as therapeutic targets.The final chapter provides an overview of current animal model of tinnitus and hyperacusis. Nowadays no effective treatment exists to cure tinnitus and hyperacusis. One major obstacle to arises from the fact that tinnitus is a subjective phenomenon, the only possible diagnosis relies on self-reports of the subjects. The main constraint of the use of animal models is the subjective character of tinnitus. This chapter describe the advancement in animal models which play an important role in revealing the underlying mechanisms and treatment for tinnitus and hyperacusis.

Now in its fully revised and expanded third edition, this comprehensive text represents a compilation of the critical endocrinology topics in the areas of sports medicine, kinesiology and exercise science, written by leading experts in the field. As in previous editions, the focus here is on the critical issues involved in understanding human endocrinology and hormonal workings with regards to physical activity, exercise and sport and how such workings impact the full range of medical conditions, overall health and physiological adaptation. Chapters included discuss the effect of exercise on the HPA axis, the GH-IGF-1 axis, thyroid function, diabetes, and the male and female reproductive systems, among other topics. Additional chapters present the current evidence on circadian endocrine physiology, exercise in older adults, exercise and hormone regulation in weight control, and the effects of overtraining in sports. Chapters brand new to this edition present the role of hormones in muscle hypertrophy, the effect of exercise on hormones in metabolic syndrome patients, how exercise impacts appetite-regulating hormones in clinical populations, and the relative energy deficiency in sport (RED-S) condition.

This volume comprises select peer reviewed papers presented at the international conference - Advanced Research and Innovations in Civil Engineering (ARICE 2019). It brings together a wide variety of innovative topics and current developments in various branches of civil engineering. Some of the major topics covered include structural engineering, water resources engineering, transportation engineering, geotechnical engineering, environmental engineering, and remote sensing. The book also looks at emerging topics such as green building technologies, zero-energy buildings, smart materials, and intelligent transportation systems. Given its contents, the book will prove useful to students, researchers, and professionals working in the field of civil engineering.

This book presents the outcomes of the 2020 International Conference on Cyber Security Intelligence and Analytics (CSIA 2020), which was dedicated to promoting novel theoretical and applied research advances in the interdisciplinary field of cyber security, particularly those focusing on threat intelligence, analytics, and preventing cyber crime. The conference provides a forum for presenting and discussing innovative ideas, cutting-edge research findings, and novel techniques, methods, and applications concerning all aspects of cyber security intelligence and analytics. CSIA 2020, which was held in Haikou, China on February 28–29, 2020, built on the previous conference in Wuhu, China (2019), and marks the series'second successful installment.

30th European Symposium on Computer Aided Chemical Engineering, Volume 47 contains the papers presented at the 30th European Symposium of Computer Aided Process Engineering (ESCAPE) event held in Milan, Italy, May 24-27, 2020. It is a valuable resource for chemical engineers, chemical process engineers, researchers in industry and academia, students, and consultants for chemical industries. - Presents findings and discussions from the 30th European Symposium of Computer Aided Process Engineering (ESCAPE) event - Offers a valuable resource for chemical engineers, chemical process engineers, researchers in industry and academia, students, and consultants for chemical industries

Pediatric obesity has become an epidemic of seemingly unsurmountable proportions. This book provides perspectives on pediatric obesity for health care providers with such important topics as etiology, prevalence, diagnosis and management. Various complications and co-morbidities of obesity are also explored. The editors thank our many outstanding contributors from different parts of the United States and the world for their invaluable help in this publication. We hope that our readers will find this book useful as the health care profession and society in general seek to improve this serious epidemic as the 21st century continues.

Advances in Engineering Materials, Structures and Systems: Innovations, Mechanics and Applications comprises 411 papers that were presented at SEMC 2019, the Seventh International Conference on Structural Engineering, Mechanics and Computation, held in Cape Town, South Africa, from 2 to 4 September 2019. The subject matter reflects the broad scope of SEMC conferences, and covers a wide variety of engineering materials (both traditional and innovative) and many types of structures. The many topics featured in these Proceedings can be classified into six broad categories that deal with: (i) the mechanics of materials and fluids (elasticity, plasticity, flow through porous media, fluid dynamics, fracture, fatigue, damage, delamination, corrosion, bond, creep, shrinkage, etc); (ii) the mechanics of structures and systems (structural dynamics, vibration, seismic response, soil-structure interaction, fluid-structure interaction, response to blast and impact, response to fire, structural stability, buckling, collapse behaviour); (iii) the numerical modelling and experimental testing of materials and structures (numerical methods, simulation techniques, multi-scale modelling, computational modelling, laboratory testing, field testing, experimental measurements); (iv) innovations and special structures (nanostructures, adaptive structures, smart structures, composite structures, bio-inspired structures, shell structures, membranes, space structures, lightweight structures, long-span structures, tall buildings, wind turbines, etc); (v) design in traditional engineering materials (steel, concrete, steel-concrete composite, aluminium, masonry, timber, glass); (vi) the process of structural engineering (conceptualisation, planning, analysis, design, optimization, construction, assembly, manufacture, testing, maintenance, monitoring, assessment, repair, strengthening, retrofitting, decommissioning). The SEMC 2019 Proceedings will be of interest to civil, structural, mechanical, marine and aerospace engineers. Researchers, developers, practitioners and academics in these disciplines will find them useful. Two versions of the papers are available. Short versions, intended to be concise but self-contained summaries of the full papers, are in this printed book. The full versions of the papers are in the e-book.

Sleep and Health provides an accessible yet comprehensive overview of the relationship between sleep and health at the individual, community and population levels, as well as a discussion of the implications for public health, public policy and interventions. Based on a firm foundation in many areas of sleep health research, this text further provides introductions to each sub-area of the field and a summary of the current research for each area. This book serves as a resource for those interested in learning about the growing field of sleep health research, including sections on social determinants, cardiovascular disease, cognitive functioning, health behavior theory, smoking, and more. - Highlights the important role of sleep across a wide range of topic areas - Addresses important topics such as sleep disparities, sleep and cardiometabolic disease risk, real-world effects of sleep deprivation, and public policy implications of poor sleep - Contains accessible reviews that point to relevant literature in often-overlooked areas, serving as a helpful guide to all relevant information on this broad topic area

The Politics of Justice in European Private Law intends to highlight the differences between the Member States'concepts of social justice, which have developed historically, and the distinct European concept of access justice. Contrary to the emerging critique of Europe's justice deficit in the aftermath of the Euro crisis, this book argues that beneath the larger picture of the Monetary Union, a more positive and more promising European concept of justice is developing. European access justice is thinner than national social justice, but access justice represents a distinct conception of justice nevertheless. Member States or nation states remain free to complement European access justice and bring to bear their own pattern of social justice.

Dall'antico Moscato di Siracusa all'Aglianico, alla Falanghina, dal Montepulciano al Sangiovese, dal Verdicchio al Teroldego, dalla Ribolla al Barolo, al Barbaresco: un inebriante viaggio degustando vini e cultura. Vigne circondate da boschi, o dai resti di città perdute, vigne immerse in paesaggi incantevoli, vigne che abbracciano antiche abbazie, si dispiegano alle pendici di un vulcano o a picco sul mare: tanto variegati sono i territori del vino italiani. Seguiamolo allora questo itinerario, da sud a nord, privilegiando i vitigni più antichi, anche millenari, che sono giunti nella penisola lungo le direttrici dei coloni Greci, o frutto di domesticazione da parte degli Etruschi o di popolazioni locali, o risultato di incroci, spesso spontanei, amorevolmente diffusi poi dai Romani o, successivamente, importati dai Veneziani da quella culla del vino che sono state le regioni caucasiche e medio-orientali.

This volume contains the papers presented at IALCCE2018, the Sixth International Symposium on Life-Cycle Civil Engineering (IALCCE2018), held in Ghent, Belgium, October 28-31, 2018. It consists of a book of extended abstracts and a USB device with full papers including the Fazlur R. Khan lecture, 8 keynote lectures, and 390 technical papers from all over the world.Contributions relate to design, inspection, assessment, maintenance or optimization in the framework of life-cycle analysis of civil engineering structures and infrastructure systems. Life-cycle aspects that are developed and discussed range from structural safety and durability to sustainability, serviceability, robustness and resilience. Applications relate to buildings, bridges and viaducts, highways and runways, tunnels and underground structures, off-shore and marine structures, dams and hydraulic structures, prefabricated design, infrastructure systems, etc. During the IALCCE2018 conference a particular focus is put on the cross-fertilization between different sub-areas of expertise and the development of an overall vision for life-cycle analysis in civil engineering.The aim of the editors is to provide a valuable source of cutting edge information for anyone interested in life-cycle analysis and assessment in civil engineering, including researchers, practising engineers, consultants, contractors, decision makers and representatives from local authorities.

The EURO-C conference series (Split 1984, Zell am See 1990, Innsbruck 1994, Badgastein 1998, St. Johann im Pongau 2003, Mayrhofen 2006, Schladming 2010, St. Anton am Arlberg 2014, and Bad Hofgastein 2018) brings together researchers and practising engineers concerned with theoretical, algorithmic and validation aspects associated with computational simulations of concrete and concrete structures. Computational Modelling of Concrete Structures reviews and discusses research advancements and the applicability and robustness of methods and models for reliable analysis of complex concrete, reinforced concrete and pre-stressed concrete structures in engineering practice.The contributions cover both computational mechanics and computational modelling aspects of the analysis and design of concrete and concrete structures: Multi-scale cement and concrete research: experiments and modelling Aging concrete: from very early ages to decades-long durability Advances in material modelling of plain concrete Analysis of reinforced concrete structures Steel-concrete interaction, fibre-reinforced concrete, and masonry Dynamic behaviour: from seismic retrofit to impact simulation Computational Modelling of Concrete Structures is of special interest to academics and researchers in computational concrete mechanics, as well as industry experts in complex nonlinear simulations of concrete structures.