Abstract This paper explains that, inevitably, bridges deteriorate over time at different rates: Timely maintenance activities, which are well-planned and carried out with minimal disruption to road users can present substantial savings in terms of both time and money for both bridge owners and road users. The author ponts out that, to tackle the complicated issues regarding bridge management, research activities in the UK as well as other countries in continental Europe concentrate largely on the bridge management process, with attention given to improving the use of limited finances to maximize the returns from the maintenance and repair of the bridge stock as well as reduce additional costs due to traffic delays and lane closures for these activities. The paper includes a critical review of other BMSs used worldwide, development of models to predict bridge condition over time, analysis of the various road user costs and using different optimizing techniques to best allocate finances and optimize bridge performance. 39 tables. 40 figures.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Objective
Bridge Conditions in the U.K.
Introduction
Maintenance and Upgrading
Expenditure
Department of Transport (DoT) Programme
What is a Bridge Management System (BMS)?
Introduction
Department of Transport Structure
Maintenance Agents
BMS in the U.K. and Other Countries
Introduction
Bridge Condition
Other Information in BMS's
Condition Prediction
Cost Models
Decision for Maintenance and Repair
Prioritization
BMS in the U.S.A.
BRIDGIT System
PONTIS System
SMIS System
Inventory
Inspection and Assessment
National Structures Programmes (NSPs)
Prioritization
Project Creation
Whole Life Assessment and Costing
Activities Schedule
Data Accuracy
Design Specifications
Access
Integration with External Systems
Bridge Inspection and Assessment
Bridge Inspection Types
Defects
Bridge Scoring
Introduction
Definitions
Bridge Condition Score (BCS)
Bridge Condition Index (BCI)
Bridge Stock Condition Index (BSCI)
Multi Span Bridges
Bridge Scoring Example
Interpreting BCS's
BCS Results
Histograms for Bridge Stock
Interpreting BCI's
BCI Results
Interpreting BSCI's
Predicting Bridge Condition with Time
Introduction
Markov Chain Approach
Example Calculation
Bridge Condition Example
Bridge Condition Results
Bridge Aggregation Example
Bridge Aggregation Results
Bridge Stock Example
Bridge Stock Results
Traffic Costs
Introduction
Traffic Count Example
Traffic Count Results
Traffic Delay Cost Examples
Delay Costs Results (1st Example)
Delay Costs Results (2nd Example)
Accident Cost Example
Accident Costs Results
Environmental Impact
Introduction
Emissions Example
Emissions Results
Decision-Making and Prioritization
Decision-making
Introduction
Prioritization
Introduction
Dynamic Programming
Budget Allocation Approach
Budget Allocation Results (1st Example)
Budget Allocation Results( 2nd Example)
Budget Allocation Results ( 3rd Example)
Improvements to Budget Allocation Approach
Introduction to BCI optimization approach
Service Potential (BCI) Examples
BCI Optimization Results (1st Example)
BCI Optimization Results (2nd Example)
BCI Optimization Results (3rd Example)
Maintenance Costs Examples
BCI Optimization Results (4th Example)
BCI Optimization Results (5th Example)
BCI Optimization Results (6th Example)
Conclusion
Future Research
From the Paper "It is proposed that the transition probabilities to be used are the Bridge Condition Index (BCI), which operates on a linear scale of 0 (worst) to 100 (best). The degree of severity of bridges is linearly distributed over this range (i.e. BCI of 50 to 51 is the same as 90 to 91), except that costs are expected not to have a linear distribution. This is a useful approach as the BCI (average) is interpreted as 'service potential' and is used as a performance indicator.
Using the example for multi span bridges earlier on, the transition probabilities for a three-state Markov chain model with limiting stage value of 3 is proposed. The probabilities are in accordance to the BCI values for the 'good' bridge arranged in order of descending magnitude (i.e. P(1) = 0.9845 and P(2) = 0.9246). For the purposes of comparison, the other two bridges ('medium' and 'bad') are also modelled and the three are plotted together."
Abstract The conversion of energy into power has progressed to this day as large corporations comply with governmental regulations that seek to ensure that enough electricity is provided to meet customer demand at a fair price. Energy service and delivery companies have provided shareholder growth through acquisitions and mergers and by cutting costs and integrating systems. This paper shows that the federal government intervenes to protect customers and investors through several commissions and agencies, primarily through the Security and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) under the Public Utility Holding Company Act of 1935 and the more recent Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. The states' Public Service Commissions regulate and monitor utility prices, service quantity and quality and can prosecute firms guilty of price discrimination. The paper shows that local governments are mainly concerned with the taking of property through eminent domain, pollution control and regional resources. Although government continues in the direction of deregulating the industry, the regulatory reporting requirements have created numerous jobs in the areas of accounting, reporting, and compliance. The paper explains that computer systems, applications, and products in data processing (SAP) help to maximize resources and assist greatly in data management and government reporting compliance.
Outline
Abstract
Introduction
Brief History of the Utilities Industry
Service and Delivery Territorial Boundaries
Welcome to Energy East
Energy East's Territory
A recent report on Energy East
Government Intervention in the Energy Services & Delivery Industry
Brief History
Federal Government Intervention
The Federal Energy and Regulatory Commission (FERC)
The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)
Regulations Regarding Stocks, Bonds and Derivatives
State & Local Government Intervention
Key Government Legislation Affecting the Industry
Public Holding Company Act of 1935
Sarbanes-Oxley Act
Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and Government Reporting Requirements
Establishing and Maintaining Effective Reporting Systems
Systems, Applications, Products in Data Processing (SAP)
Communicating with SEC Officials
Conclusion
Career Opportunities
References
From the Paper "Federal, state and regional governments collaborate in controlling electricity prices and the supply of electricity because a price or demand increase in one regional area affects electricity costs and supply of nearby regional areas. One region's energy crisis can have a spill over effect into other states and may spread across the country. This became apparent in California when there was not enough supply to meet the demand during California's deregulation of public utilities as California turned to neighboring regional areas to purchase additional power. When other states refused to sell electricity to California in their crisis because of risk factors, a government emergency order saved them by requiring out-of-state companies to sell power to that region (Bonsor, 2001). Power outages can spread as they too can have spill over effects onto other regions. This happened in the summer of 2003 when New York City up through Canada experienced a massive black out."
Abstract This paper begins with an explanation of what transformers are and a description of their function and construction. The paper also explains the different types of transformers, describes the history of transformers and provides an overview of distribution transformers. Finally, the paper talks about the dangers associated with the repair and maintenance of transformers and what can be done minimize those dangers.
From the Paper "In a transformer, the primary coil is fed by an alternating electric current, which creates a magnetic field around the conductor. The secondary coil, which is placed in the varying magnetic field, develops a potential difference that is referred to as an electromotive force (EMF). EMF refers to the force, measured in volts, produced by the interaction between a current and a magnetic field. EMF can also be referred to as electrical potential or potential difference. When the ends of the secondary are connected to form a circuit, the EMF causes a current to flow in the secondary coil. By this method, electrical power that was fed into the primary is delivered to the secondary ("Transformer"). The EMF developed in the secondary coil is "proportional to the ration of the number of turns in the secondary coil to the number of turns in the primary coil" ("Transformer"). The electrical power in the secondary can then be distributed outside of the transformer."
Abstract This paper explains that the only way that engineers will find success today is if they adopt a global perspective in their thinking. The paper maintains that a global outlook is necessary in an engineering education if engineers want to be aware of their competition and their need to compete in an increasingly global marketplace. The paper also asserts that the global outlook is necessary so that engineers are aware that they may need to collaborate with individuals from other countries.
Introduction
International Outlook
Educational Requirements
Current Implementation
Conclusions
From the Paper "Engineering was founded on change, and today, more than ever, change drives engineering. Engineering, in its most basic form, is the creation of something new in order to bring about an improvement in the field for which that creation was designed. To continue that process, an engineer must attempt to broaden the existing designs to their fullest extent and introduce new designs. To ensure that the engineer has successfully undertaken a project, he or she must consider all of the possibilities available as part of the design process. Certainly, the only way to do so is to look beyond the familiar. By broadening his or her horizons, today's engineer can find success. Therefore, engineers must be exposed to the broadest base of information available. A global outlook is now required."
Abstract This paper reviews four alternate fuel options -- hybrids, turbo direct injection diesel, natural gas and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG); the advantages of alternate fuel options include healthier environmental impacts, a release reduction of carbon monoxide and other unhealthy gases (lead and nitrogen oxides) in the atmosphere and more fuel efficient options. The author points out that, currently, of the major car rental companies such as Hertz, Avis and Budget, only Budget presently offers alternative-fuel car rentals. The paper concludes that the economic advantages for Lotus Car Rental to offer AFVs to their Fleet are invaluable because (1) the consumer market's opinion has changed due to the rapid development in AFV technology, (2) the increasing gas prices, (3) the environmental crisis, (4) the tax incentives offered by the I.R.S., (5) the great success of car manufacturers in developing, producing and distributing AFVs and (6) the competitive and marketing advantages of Lotus to be associated with the pioneers in this field. Table and charts.
Table of Contents
Introduction
The History of Rental Cars in the U.S.
Alternative Fuel Options
Hybrids
Turbo Direct Injection Diesel
Natural Gas
Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG)
Car Rentals and Alternative Fuel Vehicles
Advantages of Offering Alternative Fuel Vehicles as part of the Lotus Rental Fleet
The Future and Alternative Fuel Vehicles
Summary
From the Paper "Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEV's) combine the conventional internal combustion engine with the battery and electric motor of an electric vehicle. The HEV's have gained a lot of popularity in recent years, because it offers the driver the same range in mileage and rapid refueling options as the conventional vehicle. The practical benefits of HEV's include improved fuel economy and lower emissions compared to conventional vehicles. A disadvantage is the purchase price, which is about $3,000 higher than a comparable car with a internal combustion engine that uses petroleum."
Abstract In this article the writer reviews the nature and functioning of the Diesel cycle. The writer discusses applications of the Diesel cycle through the use of Diesel engines. In this paper, the writer looks at applications of the Diesel engline cycle to both industry and consumers.
From the Paper "This research reviews the Diesel cycle and considers applications of the Diesel cycle in industrial capacities and consumer uses. The findings of the research are presented in two major discussions. The initial discussion reviews the Diesel cycle while the second discussion considers the applications of the Diesel cycle. The diesel engine was developed in Germany by Rudolf Diesel. Although Diesel intended that the new type of engine would burn fossil fuels from the very beginning ... "
Abstract This paper explains that the use of technology encourages new and innovative strategies to improve patient care delivery by enabling nurses to operate more effectively and continue with their jobs. The paper contends that one of the driving reasons for the increased use of technology may be an increase in patient care hours that the hospital has to face, decreased charges that can be levied, elimination of non-professional tasks that are carried out by the registered nurses and additional time that has to be spent by them for teaching patients and their families; however, there may be restrictions due to the reduced control over care for patients, concerns about the supervision of unlicensed staff and the desire to maintain the present situation
Table of Contents
History of Technology and Its Influence on Nursing
The Values and Beliefs of Nurses and Other Healthcare Providers Influenced the Evolution and Usage Technology in Nursing
From the Paper "In more than 90 percent of the cases, the nurses clearly stated that they had left their jobs voluntarily, and the proportion is more than 90 percent. Only in about three percent of the cases, the reasons for change was mutual between the nurse and the employer and in two percent of the cases, the nurse had been dismissed from their jobs. Clearly there is no desire among employers to dismiss nurses, since costs are involved in recruiting nurses, training the nursing staff and these costs are substantial for a hospital. Thus in spite of all the technical changes that have been going on, the reactions among the nursing staff is not very aggressive."
Abstract This paper uses an example of a manufacturer of engineering products to highlight the functions of production management. It discusses the role of and abilities needed in a production manager. The paper also explores, by example, the production line and its problems. The author expands on the Japanese system of "kanban".
From the Paper "The organization that we are talking about is a manufacturer of engineering products, and the major part of the work seems to be assembling different items into a final product. The function concerned is called in management terms as production management. The most important part of the capacity of a production manager is the ability to balance risks and costs. The duty of the production manager is to keep a track of the involved costs on a regular basis. (Production Management) In this relevant case we have to prepare the job schedules in a detailed manner and for that purpose nowadays there are many different varieties of computer programs which are being available for use. Yet even before finally deciding upon which program or method need to be utilized for the purpose, one has to study about the entire procedure in a most detailed manner."
Abstract This paper describes the concept of nanotechnology. The paper begins with a definition of this term. The author then cites current research and applications of nanotechnology, with a focus on its potential in medicine. The paper concludes with a warning of the possible dangers of this new technology.
Outline:
Introduction
Definition and Description of Nanotechnology
Current Applications
Nanotechnology in Medicine
Future Possibilities
Dangers
Bibliography
From the Paper "Nanotechnology is important because it has great potential. According to an article entitled "Is Nanotech Getting Real" the technology could allow for the creation of materials that are stronger than steal but do not weigh as much. This would be important for the automobile, airline, and shipping industries and the environment because it could lead to the creation of vehicles that are more fuel efficient ("Is Nanotech Getting Real")."
Abstract This paper explains that bioengineering of plants and animals, which is a rapidly developing field, is no longer only in the hands of scientists because corporations are getting in on the act. The author points out that 45 million acres of American soil are under cultivation with genetically modified crops. The paper relates that the public knows little about this, that little testing has been done on the effects of genetically modified foods on people and that labeling is not even requisite.
From the Paper "Bioengineering of plants and animals is a rapidly developing field, and it is no longer only in the hands of scientists - corporations are getting in on the act. Already, 45 million acres of American soil are under cultivation with genetically modified crops. Yet the extent of this is little known by the public, little testing has been done on the effects of genetically modified foods on people, and labeling is not even requisite. Some people simply see this as the way of the future, the natural extension of science into the most important industry of all - food production."
Abstract In addition to a basic definition of precast concrete and how it differs from standard concrete applications, this paper also addresses a number of other relevant points. Those points include, but are not limited to, the construction process, necessary equipment, and effects on construction schedules. It is hoped this brief overview will provide readers with a better grasp of the nature of precast concrete and its applications.
From the Paper "The purpose of this paper is to provide a general overview of some of the major aspects and characteristics of precast concrete, a form of concrete in which pieces are not cast in place but are instead manufactured in bulk. Precast concrete offers a number of advantages including strength, modularity, and quality control during production."
A moral and ethical case study involving an chemical engineer who visits a plant and notices that the benzene used in the plant is not being handled properly.
1,350 words (approx. 5.4 pages), 2 sources, 2006, $ 53.95
Abstract This paper presents a case study involving a young chemical engineer who discovers that the workers at a plant are using benzene in a hazardous manner that could have serious health consequences. The case study highlights moral and ethical issues in business. The paper includes a discussion of alternative views of the situation, including views of stakeholders, a solution to the problem that could also benefit the organization and a recourse solution centered on the engineer's professional credibility.
From the Paper "The paper discusses morality and ethics in business situations. Reference is made to a case study in which a chemical engineer visits a plant where she notices benzene in use in a manner that subjects workers to a carcinogenic hazard. (2006: 111-112) Benzene must be carefully handled on all sites with technology that reduces the harmful effects of its fumes. Susan Shapiro tries to discuss the matter of benzene at the site with the foreman and plant manager. The latter is aware of the problem and has tried to obtain company funding to make the site safe, in the past. However, his requests have been ignored by the company's head..."
Abstract This paper briefly explores Da Vinci's technique and style and emphasizes how his work reflects someone who understands and appreciates fundamental laws of physics and mathematics even if he could not express them in the form of mathematical models. To conclude, this paper reviews the techniques, style and some of the key designs in the work of Leonardo da Vinci the engineer. The paper properly notes how Leonardo's preferred technique as an engineer was to engage in modeling and in constant test and evaluation.
From the Paper "Leonardo Da Vinci's great works as an engineer and his ability to illuminate new pathways of knowledge are well-known even by people largely unfamiliar with his work. However, fewer people are aware of his peculiar technique as an engineer and his idiosyncratic style - even if they are familiar with his various designs."
This paper is a thesis in which a signal level simulator in uplink is implemented according to the physical layer specification of the IMT-2000 WCDMA system.
Abstract This paper explains that the goal for the next generation of mobile communications system is to seamlessly integrate a wide variety of communication services such as high speed data, video and multimedia traffic as well as voice signals. The author reports that, for the analysis for this thesis, an analytical WCDMA system through the use of linear algebra techniques is utilized along with a simulation tool in Matlab, which was developed for this work. The paper demonstrates performance improvement due to processing gain, PN sequence, RAKE receiver, smart antenna and multiuser detection, which are compared with respective theories. The paper includes many tables, charts, illustrations, equations and all the source codes.
Table of Contents:
Introduction to WCDMA
Introduction
Applicable Techniques to Enhance System Performance
Spreading
Multipath Diversity
Multiuser Detection
Smart Antenna
Outline of This Thesis
Abbreviations
List of Symbols
Analytical WCDMA System Model
Introduction
CDMA System Model for the Uplink
Mobile Radio Channel Model
Discrete Time Base Band Uplink Model
Synchronous CDMA
Asynchronous CDMA
Single Path Model
Multipath Model
Multiple Antenna Model
Conclusion
Spreading in WCDMA
Introduction
Properties of PN Sequence
Spreading and Scrambling in the Uplink of WCDMA
Walsh-Hadamard Codes and Spreading
Gold Codes and Scrambing
Conclusion
RAKE Receiver and Multiuser Detection
Introduction
System Model
The RAKE Receiver
Multiuser Detection
Input Signal Modeling
Optimal Detection
Suboptimal Detection
Decorrelating Detector
Linear Minimum Mean Square Error (MMSE)
Adaptive MMSE Algorithm-RLS Algorithm with Adaptive Memory
Conclusion
Smart Antenna in WCDMA
Types of Smart Antenna
Signal Modeling
Beamforming Schemes
Conventional Beamforming
Optimum Beamforming
Adaptive Beamforming
Conclusion
Simulation
System Setup
Channel
System Performance
Performance without RAKE Receiver and with RAKE Receiver
Performance of 1-D RAKE Receiver with EGC or Selection Combining
Performance of 1-D RAKE Receiver with Decorrelating Detector and MMSE
Performance with PN Sequence and Random Sequence
Performance with Processing Gain
Performance with Adaptive MUD- RLS Algorithm with Adaptive Memory
Performance with Smart Antenna
Conclusion
Conclusion
Summary of Research
Future Work
From the Paper "The despreaded sequence is forwarded to the multiuser detector unit. In this unit, performance enhancing signal processing such as beam forming, RAKE combining including channel estimation, antenna diversity combining, multiuser detection and error control decoding can be included. If perfect channel information is available, beam forming, RAKE and antenna diversity combining merely represent linear transformations to obtain a minimal set of sufficient statistics. From the fundamental digital communication theory, this is in fact equivalent to filtering matched to the received waveform in order to maximise the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR)."
Tags: spreading, scrambling, gain, rake, detection
Abstract The paper explores the world-wide debate about genetically modified (GM) crops and explains the advantages and disadvantages of these products. The paper looks at the regulation of genetically modified foods in the United States and Europe and how GM food growth is drawing a political backlash. The paper discusses the powerful opposition of Greenpeace to genetic engineering. The paper concludes that as long as environmental organizations generate fear and doubt among politicians, retailers and the public, it will be almost impossible for the technology to break through, despite its benefits.
Outline:
Introduction
The Science of Genetic Engineering
Genetically Modified Foods and Hunger
Genetically Modified Foods and Biodiversity
Research for the Common Good
Growth of Genetic Engineering
Greenpeace
Conclusion
From the Paper "The world wide debate about genetically modified crops has been a heated one, pitting biological progress against environmental conservation. The genetically modified foods issue involves complex factors including politics, international trade, and social and cultural norms. Advocates of GM foods say that the increased yields and decreased price of using genetically modified seeds can help to alleviate world hunger. However, progress is being hampered by over cautious environmentalists and consumers, mostly in Europe and Japan. These wealthy areas of the world can afford to take precautions that the starving people of the world cannot, but the preference of consumers in wealthy countries of whole, natural, organic foods is influencing impoverished countries."
