Furthering the aim of reducing human exposure to hazardous environments, this monograph presents a detailed study of the modeling and control of vehicle-manipulator systems. The text shows how complex interactions can be performed at remote locations using systems that combine the manipulability of robotic manipulators with the ability of mobile robots to locomote over large areas.

The vehicle routing problem (VRP) is one of the most famous combinatorial optimization problems. In simple terms, the goal is to determine a set of routes with overall minimum cost that can satisfy several geographical scattered - mands. A ?eet of vehicles located in one or more depots is available to ful?ll the requests. A large number of variants exist, adding di?erent constraints to the original de?nition. Some examples are related to the number of depots, the ordering for visiting the customers or to time windows specifying a desirable period to arrive to a given location. The original version of this problem was proposed by Dantzig and Ramser in 1959 [1]. In their seminal paper, the authors address the calculation of a set of optimal routes for a ?eet of gasoline delivery trucks. Since then, the VRP has attractedtheattentionofalargenumberofresearchers.Aconsiderablepartofits success is a consequence of its practical interest, as it resembles many real-world problems faced everyday by distribution and transportation companies, just to mention a few applications areas. In this context, the development of e?cient optimization techniques is crucial. They are able to provide new and enhanced solutionstologisticoperations,andmaythereforeleadtoasubstantialreduction in costs for companies. Additionally, and from a research oriented perspective, the VRP is a challenging NP-hard problem providing excellent benchmarks to access the e?ciency of new global optimization algorithms.

This text provides an introduction to the mathematical modeling and subsequent optimization of vehicle propulsion systems and their supervisory control algorithms.

This book analyzes the influence of electric vehicles on microclimate and the indirect influence on power load from a unique perspective. It discusses different aspects of Vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technology, including large and small-scale charging infrastructures, and describes the effect on electricity price, voltage, frequency and other key V2G technologies. It introduces various aspects of the influence of electric vehicles on the power grids and the control strategies for achieving economic, safe and steady grid operation using V2G technologies. This book is suitable for senior undergraduates and postgraduates majoring in electrical, transportation, or environmental engineering, as well as other related professionals.

In April 2007 new legal rules concerning the driving and working hours of truck drivers have become valid in all member countries of the European Union. In the study of Christoph Manuel Meyer the dispatchers’ problem of combined vehicle routing and break scheduling is modelled and solved using an efficient heuristic solution algorithm. Special attention is given to the distributed decision competences between dispatchers and drivers, which are usually encountered in practice. Finally, strategies for including the legal rules in the dispatching process are suggested, which can easily be implemented by freight forwarding companies in practice.

This intermediate textbook is appropriate for students in vehicle dynamics courses, in their last year of undergraduate study or their first year of graduate study. It is also appropriate for mechanical engineers, automotive engineers, and researchers in the area of vehicle dynamics for continuing education or as a reference. It addresses fundamental and advanced topics, and a basic knowledge of kinematics and dynamics, as well as numerical methods, is expected.

Ground Vehicle Dynamics is devoted to the mathematical modelling and dynamical analysis of ground vehicle systems composed of the vehicle body, the guidance and suspension devices and the corresponding guideway. Automobiles on uneven roads and railways on flexible tracks are prominent representatives of ground vehicle systems. All these different kinds of systems are treated in a common way by means of analytical dynamics and control theory. In addition to a detailed modelling of vehicles as multibody systems, the contact theory for rolling wheels and the modelling of guideways by finite element systems as well as stochastic processes are presented. As a particular result of this integrated approach the state equations of the global systems are obtained including the complete interactions between the subsystems considered as independent modules. The fundamentals of vehicle dynamics for longitudinal, lateral and vertical motions and vibrations of automobiles and railways are discussed in detail.

This book investigates the ways in which new developments in areas of language teaching practice, such as policy-making, planning, methodology and the use of educational technology are locally adopted, adapted, and initiated and implemented in the four nations of the United Kingdom: England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales. By looking at the drivers, stakeholders, obstacles, and affordances in particular regional contexts, it is possible to gain a deeper insight into the ways in which change processes occur. This will help anyone involved in language development, from curriculum reform to materials development, and from programme evaluation to the setting of assessment standards. The chapters in this book cover all aspects of language education in England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales, from the primary to tertiary levels in both private and public settings, as well as innovations at local, regional and national levels. The book will be of particular interest to those involved in managing change in language education that attempts to mediate between global trends and local needs.

This book guides readers on how to apply for EU-funded projects, such as Erasmus Plus and Horizon, and how to implement projects successfully upon receiving funding. It describes and discusses implementation and problem management using ‘real world’ examples, particularly lessons learned when the authors managed an Erasmus-funded project called Student Stress Training e-Mobile Management (SSTeMM) during the COVID-19 lockdown. The book takes readers through the entire project process, from formulating an idea, building a partnership, writing and submitting a grant application, to project implementation and writing the final report for the EU funding agency. Additionally, it emphasizes the importance of understanding the structures and priorities of different EU funding agencies for a successful funding application. The book provides an accessible and detailed guide on managing common challenges when preparing and applying for EU funding and suggests improvements the EU could make to reduce stressors and support applicants' well-being.

This book compiles concerning important solutions for current and future global challenges to wellbeing. The purpose of this book is to provide high-level, systems-thinking solutions to many relevant issues. Specifically, the most relevant identified concerns of depression, suicidal ideation, loneliness and isolation as identified by the World Organization are addressed. Other important topics that are addressed are global happiness, humanitarian challenges, physical health innovations, cultural norms and innovative solutions to improve well-being such as mental health literacy and reduced mental health stigma. This book is unique because it addresses health and wellbeing on a systems-based, solution and future-oriented perspective. A systems-based compilation of chapters is needed to improve well-being and address WHO concerns going forward. This systems-based approach should address a convergence of grassroots as well as large-scale concerns.

This book aims to bring to readers the author’s elaborated focus on the dynamic process of sign emergence, use, fixation and un-fixation, and dismissal. Its uniqueness is in its reliance on the organizing limits of irreversible time that renders the meaning construction by human beings to be constantly open-ended to face the uncertainties of the immediate future.

This work comprehensively describes etiological factors in the development , Progression and metastasis of human cancers, both for hematological malignancies and for solid Tumors. Approaches for the diagnosis as well as for therapies are outlined too.