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Knowledge is becoming a critical success factor for organizational performance. Organizations not only should learn but also learn faster to survive, and remain successful. Like any other management initiative, implementing knowledge management in organizations is an investment decision and thus, its outcomes must be defined and measured. To measure success or lack of it, an organization has to develop metrics and benchmarks based on the knowledge management criteria. This book describes a research effort that is a non-experimental, exploratory research to establish criteria for measuring knowledge management efforts. The research helped to establish knowledge management criteria for government, non-profit and for-profit organizations. This book is expected to support government, non- profit, and for-profit organizations in making decisions about knowledge management initiatives and measuring their knowledge management efforts.

Precision measuring instruments with nanometer resolution are almost always susceptible to disturbance transmitted mainly from ground vibration as well as other sources such as acoustic noise and direct mechanical vibrations. Even though the instrument itself is designed to handle such disturbances, researchers in this field are still in need of a smart way to properly eliminate this problem so that they can make their measurement results more trustworthy. In this book the proposed solution is to use a hybrid active-passive vibration isolation system between the instrument and ground to eliminate vibration transmitted from ground as well as direct disturbances transmitted from the moving parts of the instrument to the support plate of the payload in all six degrees of freedom. The reason behind this hybrid solution is to take advantage of both the passive as well as active stage. This research thus proposes to realize a six axis hybrid active passive system which can work as a bench top micro vibration isolator for precision measuring instruments such as Scanning Probe Microscopes as well as for some linear motor stages of small dimension.

Games involve alot of creativity and imagination to design. On top of that it requires discipline and skill from a very cohesive development team to turn their design into a successful commercial product. The ROI can be disappointing if the lifespan of the game after release is short. This book is a one stop shop to develop games of the future that will constantly evolve after release to give gamers an engaging and entertaining experience through the use of emergent behaviors in Complex Systems. This book proposes a formal approach to modeling a number of elements in a game as resources, and implements it as part of a game component framework. A model of resources is constructed, and a number of resource control methods to ensure the flow of resources in the game are also developed. The book then demonstrates how to make use of the model to implement self-evolving emergent behavior. A software architecture based on the need to support the framework, model and emergent requirements is also proposed. A multi-tiered architecture as well as an emergent object-composition framework are presented in this book to enable readers to develop their own emergent game.

Understanding highly complex nature of flow in an IC engine is essential to optimize its performance. However, the events like reciprocating motion of piston, motion of valves, turbulence generation, spray and mixing lead to a complex flow pattern. CFD is very useful in computing and understanding this complex flow pattern. In this book, all aspects of CFD technique to simulate the mixing of fuel with air in GDI engines are explained. The book covers the governing equations, numerical techniques for solving them, method of analysis of data (in the context of mixing processes) and programming techniques. The book will be useful for professionals who are performing CFD analysis using CFD softwares for thermal systems specifically reciprocating systems like engines, compressors and systems involving sprays, mixing etc. It is also useful for those who are developing CFD tools.

Project-Based Foreign Language Learning is underlain by the principle that learners can learn a language by acquiring knowledge about a specific content through interactive and investigative tasks extending beyond the classroom. This learner focused, process and product based, experiential language learning model synthesizes the principles of Content and Task Based Language Learning and is advocated as a promising means for promoting meaningful and purposeful language use. However, there are few works on the theory of project work in foreign language education and even fewer studies on students¿ and teachers¿ perceptions of it. This book not only presents an extensive literature survey on project work in foreign language instruction but also reveals the findings of one of these few studies which investigated the students¿ and teachers¿ assessments about a sample project work experience at a Turkish university. By reporting the learning gains and problems of this model along with the suggestions and pedagogical implications the researcher hopes to set the groundwork for more efficient and more spirited project-governed practices in all foreign language learning contexts worldwide.

This master thesis has been developed to help NGO "Swedish Society of Hand Weaving"("Riksföreningen För Handvävning"), to promote the hand weaving tradition among the younger segments. The work consisted of developing a communication strategy that fit the organisation resources and at the same time effectively promote hand weaving among the target group. The author of this paper approached by the organisation concerning the high average age of its members, of which most are above 50 years of age. It is feared that the ancient tradition of hand weaving will fade out with its members. The organisation has requested assistance in devising a new or revised market strategy, aiming at expanding and increasing the current base of members and especially attracting young members with ages between 17 and 35 years. The author tries to demonstrate how at the contemporary stage of evolution of social marketing the publicly significant information regarding a chosen company may be represented in the framework of a strictly formulated efficient communication system with a target audience.

Solar energy is non-polluting and one of the most efficient and affordable energy alternatives available today. Hybrid photovoltaic thermal (PV/T) technology is the most promising technology for co-generation of heat and electricity. The conversion efficiency of PV depends upon its operating temperature which can be maintained by withdrawing/utilizing the thermal energy associated with it using water/air. In the present book, design, modelling and experimental study of an integrated PV/T water heater under Indian climatic conditions have been studied. Book includes, annual performance, overall thermal and electrical efficiency, instantaneous efficiency, energy and exergetic analysis, analysis of various configurations of PV/T collectors and withdrawal rates, energy metrics, energy pay back time and production factor, life cycle cost analysis, embodied energy and energy density, CO2 mitigation, and carbon trading. It also covered the economic, cost effective and sustainable aspects of PV/T technology. This study will be very helpful for undergraduate and post-graduate students, scientists, and professionals working on application of photovoltaics and global climate change.

The aim of this book is to evaluate and compare various methods for Heart Rate Variability analysis and to present the steps of the algorithm designed to perform temporal and spectral analyses of the recorded signals. The graphical representation, accompanied by the set of Heart Rate Variability parameters ready to be interpreted by the doctor, is to be helpful in identification of the cardiac ailment.

Aircraft development process is characterized by high complexity and ever-decreasing lead times throughout for shortening time-to-market as an outcome. Development delays experienced in systems integration and the occurrence of design oscillations represent the main threats for the aeronautical industry to accomplish the certifying boards schedules. Planning activities in this dynamic scenario is a very difficult task. This work describes a method based on Petri Nets theory for modeling the problem of flight tests process management for the aircraft certification. The designed planning tool has been used in a demonstration environment that represents the basic problems of a real certification flight test program as a case study. Comparing the conditions with and without the tool, it is possible to conclude that the risk of severe mistakes caused by faulty assumptions for time, cost value and safety can be reduced significantly, since a great number of ¿what if¿ scenarios can be checked.

The book is pivoted to the usage of the 2-D Discrete Cosine Transform (DCT) technique for image compression, wherein the readers will come across the development of a new and faster 2-D DCT algorithm, and its hardware implementation. It describes the evolution of VHDL codes by implementing DSP Design Architect tools from Mentor Graphics in respect of hardware chip realization. However, efforts are also made simultaneously towards the development of the relevant algorithm in MATLAB platform in order to verify the functionality of the developed VHDL codes. The synthesis of VHDL codes using Quartus Integrated Synthesis (QIS) tools was performed by implementing Alteräs library (90-nm) to make the synthesized design downloaded to a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) board. The synthesis software was also used to optimize the performance of the design related features such as chip area, delay, clock frequency and power dissipation. The book presents the development of fast processor in a lucid fashion so that the readers would grasp the theme presented, and be motivated to actually realize the developed processor as well as implement the ideas in their own designs.

While land uses have long been regulated, people have always enjoyed the common property rights and inherent freedoms of the seas. The ¿sudden'' control of these marine environments brought about by marine reserve placement is often perceived to violate these long-standing rights and is hence causing numerous conflicts throughout the world. This study looks at the initial considerations and factors of how the support of stakeholders and local communities can be obtained to help ensure the success of a planned marine protected area. This is carried out by looking at the Australian Government''s policy on marine protected areas, how marine reserves are chosen, and explores the socio¬economic impacts of marine reserve placement. Finally, multiple criteria analysis is assessed as to its value as tool in the planning process.

Some Mäori continue to practice the ancient tradition of fishing and planting by the maramataka ¿ Mäori lunar calendar ¿ the 29-31 nights of the moon''s monthly cycle. This traditional ecological knowledge (TEK) is preserved in written charts of the maramataka that were first innovated by the mid-1800s and have been further developed since. These charts name each night of the moon''s lunar cycle and their influence on fishing and planting activities. Some early charts also incorporate star movements and seasonal patterns. As there is limited literature on this subject, this research explores what 19th century original Mäori writings say about the TEK of the maramataka to determine whether there is a basis for further study. The research shows the maramataka is encoded ecological knowledge and that the TEK of the maramataka is integrated within a wider matrix of ecological knowledge contexts. Maramataka charts and early Mäori writings provide contemporary guidance for further study, application and innovation of the TEK of the maramataka.