Particle Theory and Theoretical Cosmology
This Special Issue contains twelve articles on the topics of particle theory and cosmology, all written by leading experts who are active and are at the cutting-edge of their fields. Its intended readership are scientists who have some familiarity with these subjects. This reprint issue is to celebrate the eightieth anniversary of Paul Frampton.
Chemistry and Science Fiction
This book aims to introduce students (and other interested laypeople) to chemistry in a fun way, using examples from science fiction. The individual chapters are deliberately kept short to enhance readability. The book can especially be used as supplementary reading for lectures in chemistry and related disciplines.
Towards the Synthesis of Hybrid Metals, Metalloids and Non-Metals
Conservation Methodologies and Practices for Built Heritage
In recent years, numerous advances have been made in the area of conservation methodologies and practices for architectural cultural heritage. The use of innovative technologies and multidisciplinary approaches can be considered valuable tools to support the conservation, fruition, rehabilitation, and valorization of historical-artistic buildings, which are usually subject to protective restrictions and therefore require non-invasive or micro-destructive diagnostic analyses.This reprint collects research articles on architectural heritage conservation, focusing on materials science, diagnostics and monitoring, chemical analysis, intervention, civil and materials engineering, green materials, and the use of innovative digital technologies.
Synthesis and Antifungal Activity of Thiadiazoles Derivatives
Graphite Minerals and Graphene
Graphite is a layered mineral with strong sp2 hybridization carbons within each graphene layer, and these graphene layers are bonded by the weak van der Waals interaction forces. The structural features endow graphite with great physical and chemical properties. Graphite consumption has increased rapidly with the development of electric cars and energy storage power stations in recent years, because large amounts of graphite were used as anodes of lithium-ion batteries. Demand for high-quality natural graphite and synthetic graphite derived from petroleum coke under high temperature increases dramatically. People also try to synthesize graphite directly from coal to reduce dependence on petroleum and lower the cost. In this special issue, we collected papers on graphite made from coal, naturally coal-derived graphite, flake graphite, the application of graphitic carbons, etc. These will contribute to our knowledge of graphite minerals and their value-added utilization.
Polymeric Materials in Energy Conversion and Storage
This reprint provides an in-depth exploration of polymeric materials for energy generation and storage. Each chapter includes a comprehensive discussion of fabrication techniques, investigations, and the energy efficiencies of polymer-derived composites or systems. The reprint also introduces several novel techniques and polymer materials that have potential for future applications in green energy systems. Readers will gain insights into the latest developments in polymer-based electrical energy systems, offering a thorough understanding of the field's current and emerging trends.
When the Earth Was Green
Winner, A Friend of Darwin Award, 2024 A gorgeously composed look at the longstanding relationship between prehistoric plants and life on Earth Fossils plants allow us to touch the lost worlds from billions of years of evolutionary backstory. Each petrified leaf and root show us that dinosaurs, saber-toothed cats, and even humans would not exist without the evolutionary efforts of their leafy counterparts. It has been the constant growth of plants that have allowed so many of our favorite, fascinating prehistoric creatures to evolve, oxygenating the atmosphere, coaxing animals onto land, and forming the forests that shaped our ancestors' anatomy. It is impossible to understand our history without them. Or, our future. Using the same scientifically-informed narrative technique that readers loved in the award-winning The Last Days of the Dinosaurs, in When the Earth Was Green, Riley Black brings readers back in time to prehistoric seas, swamps, forests, and savannas where critical moments in plant evolution unfolded. Each chapter stars plants and animals alike, underscoring how the interactions between species have helped shape the world we call home. As the chapters move upwards in time, Black guides readers along the burgeoning trunk of the Tree of Life, stopping to appreciate branches of an evolutionary story that links the world we know with one we can only just perceive now through the silent stone, from ancient roots to the present.
Eco-Friendly Coatings and Adhesive Technology
Coatings and adhesives are indispensable polymer materials used for modern industrial development. They are widely used in construction, aerospace, electronic information, artificial intelligence, biomedicine, and have many other applications. As people pay more attention to environmental protection and sustainable development, research on environmentally friendly coatings and adhesives is receiving increasing attention.
Functional and structural studies of an atypical fungal endoglucanase
Plastic Bottles
Plastic Bottles: Processing, Recycling, Regulations and Alternatives explores the lifecycle of plastic bottles, from creation to disposal, offering a comprehensive and accessible look at bottle packaging. The book is divided into five parts as follows Part 1: The History of Plastic Bottles Traces the development and integration of plastic bottles into daily life. Covers materials used, labeling, and manufacturing processes in the industry. Part 2: Environmental Impact Examines the limitations of plastic bottles and their environmental consequences. Discusses challenges in recycling and showcases case studies. Highlights advanced recycling technologies and techniques. Part 3: Biopolymers as an Alternative Introduces biopolymers as sustainable alternatives to traditional plastic. Explores types of biopolymers suitable for bottle production. Discusses potential benefits and challenges of biopolymer adoption. Part 4: Regulations and Policies Focuses on global regulatory frameworks for plastic and biopolymer use. Covers Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) and its role in waste management. Part 5: Future of Bottle Packaging Looks ahead at developments in sustainable packaging solutions. Discusses innovations in recycling and emerging research trends. Target Audience✓ Accessible to students, academics, and industry professionals from both scientific and non-scientific backgrounds.✓ Concise and easy-to-read, making it suitable for a wide ranging audience.This book provides a thorough yet compact overview of the plastic and biopolymer bottle packaging industry, offering valuable insights for both academia and industry.
Assessment and Analysis of Waste Treatment and Environmental Management
The reprint includes articles originally published in the journal Energies as part of the Special Issue entitled "Assessment and Analysis of Waste Treatment and Environmental Management." It comprises one editorial and eleven high-quality papers addressing diverse aspects of waste management and environmental protection. The topics covered range from the application of strategic environmental assessment to the development of national waste management programs to multi-criteria decision analysis for chloride removal in street-washing and cleaning processes. This Special Issue also examines the concept of synoptic risk assessment for landfills and their impacts on groundwater, as well as the use of hydrogeochemical modeling to address challenges related to near-well zone colmatation in wastewater reuse following hydrocarbon extraction. Additional studies investigate the biological drying of municipal solid waste, the composting of sewage sludge, wastewater treatment and reuse in fish aquaculture, and the properties of fly ash from waste incineration and coal combustion, with a focus on innovative management strategies. These studies collectively contribute to the advancement of the circular economy and the zero-waste vision, aiming to eliminate waste and environmental pollution while preserving value in the form of energy, labor, and materials, thereby conserving non-renewable raw materials.
Recent Advances in Micro/Nano-Fabrication
This Special Issue flyer provides a comprehensive overview of the latest developments in the field of micro- and nano-fabrication. It is designed to serve as a valuable resource for researchers, academics, and industry professionals who are interested in staying abreast of the most recent technological advancements and breakthroughs.
Extensive Use of Isatin for Synthesis of Spiro Heterocyclic Compounds
Carbon Nanotubes and Nanosheets for Sustainable Solutions
This Special Issue is a continuation of the preceding Special Issue titled "70th Year Anniversary of Carbon Nanotube Discovery - Focus on Real World Solutions". Towards the contemporary theme of sustainability, 12 representative articles have been published in this Special Issue. The first eight articles are on currently impactful applications utilizing CNTs and/or graphene: Biomedical Application: Serotonin Nanosensor; Agriculture Application: Seed Priming; Energy Applications: Superconductivity & Supercapacitor; Thermal Application: Nanocomposite for Road De-Icing; Structural Application: Vibration and Damping.The last four articles are on the synthesis and fundamental nanoscale aspects of CNTs and/or graphene: Synthesis and Structure: Nanofiber Growth on Nanowire; Electronic Structure: Pseudopotential Method; Crystallographic Structure: Defect Study & Engineering.Geographically, including mixed country authorship, this Special Issue continuation is also of a truly global nature: 5 articles are from the Republic of Korea, 4 are from Italy, 3 are from the USA, and 1 is from each of the following countries: Pakistan, Malaysia, China, Japan, Taiwan, Bulgaria, Hungary, Germany, The Netherlands, and Belgium.
Organic Reactions, Volume 116
A carefully curated review of the scientific literature, Volume 116 of Organic Reactions presents critical discussions of widely used organic reactions or particular steps of a reaction. The material is treated from a preparative viewpoint, with emphasis on limitations, interfering influences, effects of structure and the selection of experimental techniques. The work includes tables that contain all possible examples of the reaction under consideration. Detailed procedures illustrate the significant modifications of each method. Launched in 1942, the Organic Reactions series today is a leading secondary- and tertiary-level source for organic chemists across the world.
Advanced Oxidation Catalysts
What steps can we take to address the increasing problem of water pollution when traditional treatment methods do not work? This reprint presents an innovative solution-advanced oxidation catalysts (AOCs). Created to tackle persistent pollutants such as pharmaceuticals, pesticides, and microplastics, AOCs have become important advancements in the area of wastewater treatment. This in-depth volume thoroughly investigates the design, synthesis, and use of AOCs, connecting research with practical applications. It examines catalytic mechanisms, the optimization of processes, and the difficulties in scaling these technologies for use in industry. With contributions from leading experts, this reprint offers actionable strategies to address the limitations of current water treatment methods. Whether you are a researcher, environmental engineer, policy maker, or student, this reprint provides you with the information that you need to use advanced oxidation processes effectively. It outlines a pathway to sustainable water management, enabling you to contribute to solving one of the critical environmental challenges of our era.
New Technologies based on Nano-, Micro-, Micro-scale control
Technologies and Innovations for Sustainable Development
Technologies and Innovations for Sustainable Development offers a comprehensive exploration of cutting-edge solutions that can help us build a greener, more equitable future. Too often, technologies are either not developed for a sufficiently profitable market, or if developed, are not accessible or well-adapted to end-user needs. This edited book seeks to advance knowledge and understanding of how to equitably improve the functioning of the "global innovation system" for sustainable development of technologies. This volume aims to examine specific cases of "system interventions" (e.g., policy interventions, institutional innovations, new approaches to shaping the innovation process, etc.) intended to strengthen the global innovation system, with the broader aim of developing policy recommendations and are generalizable across multiple sectors.This book brings together contributions from leading experts across diverse fields, showcasing the latest advancements in technology and innovative practices that address pressing sustainability issues. From hydrogen production and fuel blending to waste management and additive manufacturing process and application of emerging technologies such as machine learning, deep learning, and CFD simulation, this book provides a roadmap for harnessing innovation to achieve global sustainability goals.Key features include: An integrative overview of emerging and cutting-edge solutions to sustainable development Discussion on policy framework to address global environmental and public health challenges Forward-looking insights into emerging trends and future directions in sustainable development. Whether you are a policymaker, researcher, industry professional, or student, Technologies and Innovations for Sustainable Development is an essential resource for understanding the pivotal role of technology in creating a sustainable future. Join us in exploring the innovations that hold the key to a better world for generations to come.
Deep Learning for Information Fusion and Pattern Recognition
There is a large amount of data from different types of sensors, for instance, multispectral electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) and computed tomography/magnetic resonance (CT/MR) images, among others. How to take advantage of multimodal data for object detection and pattern recognition is an active field of research. Information fusion (IF) is used for enhancing the performance of pattern classification, while deep learning (DL) technologies, including convolutional neural networks (CNNs), are powerful tools for improving object detection, segmentation, and recognition. It is viable to combine DL and IF to boost the overall performance of pattern classification and target recognition. Such combinations of powerful techniques may exploit the deeply hidden features of the multimodal, spatial, or temporal data. This reprint presents cutting-edge research utilizing DL and IF techniques. Key research areas include image and video analysis, covering topics such as super-resolution, object detection, semantic segmentation, video captioning, and text processing, including labeling enhancement and screening misinformation. Biometric applications explore innovations in human identification using facial and finger vein recognition, facial micro-expression analysis, and fatigue detection. Advanced applications extend to handwritten recognition, tracking supermarket customer behavior, parcel sorting, predicting road surface conditions, and plastic waste classification.
Target Tracking and Navigation for Intelligent Autonomous Unmanned Systems Application
The development of artificial intelligence technology can enhance the capability of autonomous unmanned systems and form intelligent autonomous unmanned systems (iAUSs). In this issue, including 10 papers, intelligent technologies applied to air/ground/underground traffic and so on are discussed. In the field of UAV application, here shows a high resolution UAV image traffic sign detection method based on a visual language model, a real-time trajectory smoothing obstacle avoidance method based on virtual force guidance, a vision inertial RGB-D SLAM system based on the encoder integrated uncertainty of ORB triangulation and depth measurement.In the field of ground traffic intelligent transportation, here shows some methods: an end-to-end synchronous vehicle pedestrian detection algorithm based on improved YOLOv8, a new multi-scale track surface defect detection model (RSDNet), a transmission line defect detection method based on GR-YOLOv8, a fusion algorithm based on double domain transform filtering and contrast transform feature extraction.In the field of underground roadway robots, the obstacle avoidance trajectory planning method of coal mine drilling, and the anchoring mechanical arm transporting drilling and anchoring materials are studied. A time series prediction method based on optimized variational mode decomposition and SSA-LSTM is proposed.
Advanced Materials Structures for Sound and Vibration Damping
This collection of cutting-edge research explores advances in vibration suppression, sound absorption, and materials optimization. Highlights include the optimization of thin-walled cylindrical shells using graded materials, innovative approaches to material damping simulation, and the integration of acoustic metamaterials for noise reduction. Studies also look at the sound absorption properties of non-woven fabrics, granular materials, and meshes, as well as improving the dynamic response of metabeton beams and cellular rubber composites. Each study combines experimental and theoretical methods to offer new insights and practical applications in the fields of structural dynamics, acoustics, and materials science.
Advanced Manufacturing Technologies of Thermoplastic Composites
It is well known that thermoplastic composites are increasingly applied to aerospace and automotive engineering, owing to their versatile properties, such as great fracture toughness and impact resistance, cycling possibility, infinite shelf life, etc. One of the most attractive properties of thermoplastic composites is that they can be fabricated by using out-of-autoclave (OOA) techniques, e.g., thermal forming, welding and 3D printing, etc., which provides them super cost-effective manufacturing processes. Based on the driving force from the continuous increase in the demand in aircraft or automotive industries combined with the announcement for lowering the environmental impact from aviation emissions, the thermoplastic composite market is believed to show an exponential increase in the following decades. However, there are still numerous scientific and technical knowledge gaps lying behind their manufacturing processes, which suppress the readiness levels and hence limit the current applications of thermoplastic composites. In total, 10 research articles are collected in this Special Issue, aiming at gaining deeper insights into the physical evolution mechanisms of the advanced manufacturing techniques of thermoplastic composites, thus laying a solid foundation for their further industrial applications.
Advanced Communication and Networking Technologies for Vehicular Ad Hoc Networks (VANETs)
The application potential of vehicular ad hoc networks (VANETs) is extensive in various fields, such as autonomous driving, smart industry, vehicular networking and space technology. Despite the promising prospects, designing productive VANET systems may involve challenges. For example, communication networks must be fault-resistant in order to achieve reliable information distribution; data collection, processing and transmission may incur excessive delay and data loss, which would reduce the reliability of VANETs; ensuring the security and privacy of users in heterogeneous VANETs is not straightforward. With the newest developments in edge computing, 5G communication technologies, reinforcement learning, federated learning and other technologies provide effective solutions to these problems. The goal of this Research Topic is to focus on the security, reliability, resource optimization, sensor topology optimization, sensor information collection and analysis in VANET systems. We particularly welcome the achievements yielded by the investigation of novel communication and networking technologies in VANETs. This Research Topic invites novel contributions from academia and industrial sectors to research, develop and investigate the opportunities, challenges and solutions related to the implementation of innovative architectures, methods, approaches and technologies for VANETs.
Smart Electric Vehicle Charging Approaches for Demand Response
This Reprint presents a collection of research focused on "Smart Electric Vehicle Charging Approaches for Demand Response," addressing the critical challenge of integrating electric vehicles (EVs) into smart grids. As the adoption of EVs increases, maintaining the balance between supply and demand within the electrical grid becomes more complex. This Reprint highlights innovative smart charging solutions, including vehicle-to-grid (V2G) and smart charging (V1G) strategies, which aim to enhance grid reliability through demand response mechanisms. The articles explore optimization techniques for assessing various demand response programs, taking into account grid and market requirements. Furthermore, the Reprint includes research on integrating renewable energy sources into EV charging stations, managing fleets of EVs, and optimizing microgrid operations under uncertainty. By bringing together diverse perspectives on smart charging, this collection of papers offers valuable insights into the future of EV integration and its impact on sustainable grid operations.
Advanced Water Technologies
The book explores basic concepts and advanced topics in the field of water technologies. It deals extensively with advances in materials, material selection, preparation, characterization and application. The relevance of water technologies in industries is considered, and a section is dedicated to describing and analyzing the technologies required for water reuse and advanced purification, including desalination. Nuclear desalination, low-carbon desalination and water purification technologies to address the adverse impacts of climate change are examined from both the adaptation and mitigation points of view. Aimed at senior undergraduate/graduate students in chemical, civil and environmental engineering, along with wastewater and desalination researchers, this book: Details advanced water treatments for varied processes. Describes membrane and desalination techniques for water reuse and advanced purification. Elaborates water technologies at both the front and back ends of the process. Discusses modern technologies for effluent treatment and water recycling. Explores the role of information technology in the water sector.
