This book concerns the use of dioid algebra as (max, +) algebra to treat the synchronization of tasks expressed by the maximum of the ends of the tasks conditioning the beginning of another task – a criterion of linear programming. A classical example is the departure time of a train which should wait for the arrival of other trains in order to allow for the changeover of passengers. The content focuses on the modeling of a class of dynamic systems usually called “discrete event systems” where the timing of the events is crucial. Events are viewed as sudden changes in a process which is, essentially, a man-made system, such as automated manufacturing lines or transportation systems. Its main advantage is its formalism which allows us to clearly describe complex notions and the possibilities to transpose theoretical results between dioids and practical applications.

Considered by many authors as a technique for modelling stochastic, dynamic and discretely evolving systems, this technique has gained widespread acceptance among the practitioners who want to represent and improve complex systems. Since DES is a technique applied in incredibly different areas, this book reflects many different points of view about DES, thus, all authors describe how it is understood and applied within their context of work, providing an extensive understanding of what DES is. It can be said that the name of the book itself reflects the plurality that these points of view represent. The book embraces a number of topics covering theory, methods and applications to a wide range of sectors and problem areas that have been categorised into five groups. As well as the previously explained variety of points of view concerning DES, there is one additional thing to remark about this book: its richness when talking about actual data or actual data based analysis. When most academic areas are lacking application cases, roughly the half part of the chapters included in this book deal with actual problems or at least are based on actual data. Thus, the editor firmly believes that this book will be interesting for both beginners and practitioners in the area of DES.

The authors of this book provide the first review of haptic optical tweezers, a new technique which brings together force feedback teleoperation and optical tweezers. This technique allows users to explore the microworld by sensing and exerting piconewton-scale forces with trapped microspheres. The design of optical tweezers for high-quality haptic feedback is challenging, given the requirements for very high sensitivity and dynamic stability. The concept, design process and specification of optical tweezers reviewed throughout this book focus on those intended for haptic teleoperation. The authors provide two new specific designs as well as the current state of the art. Furthermore, the remaining important issues are identified for further developments. Haptic optical tweezers will soon become an invaluable tool for force feedback micromanipulation of biological samples and nano- and micro-assembly parts.

This volume of three books presents recent advances in modelling, planning and evaluating city logistics for sustainable and liveable cities based on the application of ICT (Information and Communication Technology) and ITS (Intelligent Transport Systems). It highlights modelling the behaviour of stakeholders who are involved in city logistics as well as planning and managing policy measures of city logistics including cooperative freight transport systems in public-private partnerships. Case studies of implementing and evaluating city logistics measures in terms of economic, social and environmental benefits from major cities around the world are also given.

Urban spaces are being called upon to develop a capacity for resilience and sustainability in order to meet the major challenges they face. To achieve such a goal, a practical development framework must be implemented in order to take advantage of the technological innovations that characterize the field of construction and urban engineering. Today, multi-scale BIM is bringing about significant changes that are redefining the paradigms of urban management. It facilitates simulations of the sustainability of urban spaces with respect to several criteria; most notably relating to energy, the economy and the environment. Building Information Modeling for a Smart and Sustainable Urban Space proposes a theoretical and practical framework for implementing BIM models for the creation of sustainable and intelligent urban spaces. It addresses the issues of acquisition, modeling, interoperability, and BIM and GIS integration for the production of BIM models. Case studies are presented, providing a practical dimension that demonstrates the production process of the urban model and its contribution to multiscale simulations, particularly in real estate evaluation and urban renewal.

Building Information Modeling (BIM) is the digital and graphical representation of the physical and functional characteristics of a structure. It provides a reliable basis for decisions throughout a building's lifecycle, and with BIM it is possible to design, plan, build and track projects. In particular, BIM has sparked a transformation of the railway sector. Railway Information Modeling RIM is a compilation of two years' worth of academic, conceptual and practical research on the integration of BIM into railway. It summarizes and focuses on a survey carried out by the authors, who are experts in the field. The book also contains a literature review and a case study to demonstrate the benefits and sustainability of BIM integration, and finishes with the practical steps and considerations for the successful management of the integration process.

Volume 2 begins with an introduction and 4 chapters implementing software tools on cases of practical applications and it ends with a conclusion: The various tools used in this volume Operational research with a spreadsheet Dashboards with spreadsheets and pivot tables Scheduling and planning with a project manager The traffic simulation The conclusion shows the new features that are expected to emerge on spreadsheets as well as project managers, developments and convergences between traffic simulators and new infrastructure that are emerging on road networks. Annex 1 focuses on the installation Solver in Microsoft Excel and Annex 2 focuses on the installation of the Java Development Kit.