Depolymerization Recycling
Plastics, structural polymers made from monomers, are ubiquitous in modern life and have unique benefits. At their end of life, they must be reused or recycled in ways not yet implemented today. In many cases, the polymerization process can be efficiently reversed via depolymerization recycling to regain monomers at the original quality level. As such, depolymerization is a key circularity enabler for some classes of polymers, especially when crosslinked or used in composites. This book introduces the energy, CO2 emission and waste stream dimensions for recycling. It reviews the respective polymer science and introduces the processing technologies for industrial scaling. All these concepts are explored in practical examples across polymer classes and different plastics applications. The economics of depolymerization recycling are introduced, together with life cycle analysis and design for recycling. With this compact overview, a reader will understand depolymerization recycling in the necessary context of scale, sustainability and value chain thinking, towards a sustainable value chain transformation.
The Future Interface
Every tap, swipe, and wake word is a negotiation for control. This book shows how to win that negotiation without losing speed. It is a field guide to the next wave of interaction-where systems infer intent from voice, movement, gaze, and even neural signals-asking what happens when anticipation outruns consent. For designers, founders, and curious readers, it explains how to keep interfaces legible, reversible, and humane as they get closer to our minds. Across vivid case studies and clear patterns, you will learn when human computer interaction principles trump hype, how to apply design psychology for products to reduce error and fatigue, and why accessible interface design is the fastest route to mainstream excellence. It demystifies AR VR design principles, shows where voice and gesture design shines and fails, and sets ethical guardrails for brain computer interface ethics so prediction never becomes pressure. Along the way, it tackles the hard edge of privacy in smart assistants and the business logic of anticipatory design, giving you tools to recognise dark patterns and replace them with humane ones. - For product leaders, it is a practical test for building humane technology patterns that scale trust - For researchers and makers, it offers checklists to move from demo to durable workflow - For everyday readers, it provides language to evaluate claims and reclaim choice The result is clarity you can act on: a mental model for future interfaces book that anticipates responsibly, earns the right to set defaults, and leaves the final word with you.
Information Technology and Africa
"Mastery over New Technologies is a sine qua non for resetting Africa for great development strides." - Dr Evans E. WoheremIn this instructive and far-reaching book, Dr Evans E. Woherem presents the technological antecedents of Africa in the context of the continent's position as an unheralded pioneer in technology. The author explains Africa's absence from previous industrial revolutions and advocates for the continent's advantage in harnessing the fourth industrial revolution (4IR). The book's focus on policies-government and nongovernmental-and other interventions that can contribute to growth in Africa will be of great use to students and policy makers alike. It also provides an understanding of the exponential technologies and what organisations, universities, countries, and individuals can do to master these technologies for the continent's development."What Dr Woherem has created is a blueprint for how Africa can move forward. But it's also a book for anyone from any country seeking a deeper understanding of how the technologies propelling us into the future can be systematically harnessed and implemented." - Robin Raskin, Founder, The Virtual Events Group (VEG)
Optimizing Energy Efficiency and Thermal Comfort in Building
The eight articles proposed in this Special Issue cover various aspects of energy efficiency and thermal comfort optimization, such as simulation, control, multi-objective optimization, and decision making. First, there are two review papers, which deal with overheating and guidelines embedded in international standards and national building codes, and building performance optimization through the benefits of retrofits, respectively. Then, different control and optimization strategies are developed and discussed in the following four articles. In the first, a multi-objective optimization design method of a university student center based on low energy consumption and thermal comfort is conducted. In the second paper, a decision-making methodology for building thermal design, considering the optimal selection and operation of multi-energy systems focused on renewable energy, is created. The third article is dedicated to the optimization of a hydronic system in a commercial building by using predictive control with limited data. The content of the fourth article describes the development of a smart thermostat with validation thanks to a surrogate model of a climatic chamber. The last two articles of this Special Issue deal with indoor environmental quality (IEQ). To this end, the concentration of CO2 in a working area with a gas infrared heater and an air-exchange system was studied. Lastly, the effects of exterior glazing on thermal comfort in office buildings were investigated.
Innovative Design and Application of Modern Agricultural Machinery Systems in Cropping Systems
In modern societies, an ample food supply remains a critical challenge. To meet this demand, it is crucial to improve agricultural machinery for sustainable farming. However, the efficiency and productivity of broadacre farming both heavily depend on the utilized machinery systems. Different mechanical systems are used in various types of cropping systems. There is an urgent need for innovative and common mechanical systems to meet the growing global demands. The rising costs of energy, fertilizers, chemicals, and labor only add to the urgency, thus compelling farmers and the agricultural industry to seek more cost-effective solutions. These solutions must enhance production efficiency while ensuring profitability and affordability for consumers. Moreover, the imperative of environmental sustainability urges the adoption of novel agricultural techniques that safeguard soil health and minimize ecological impact. With these challenges and opportunities in mind, we announced this Special Issue and collected research on the designs and applications of modern agricultural machinery systems. The themes include a range of topics that are crucial for advancing agricultural production, including tillage, seeding, fertilization, harvesting, tractor technology, and control and automation systems: Innovative tillage and seeding technologies; Advances in fertilization methods and equipment; Cutting-edge harvesting technologies; Modern tractor technologies and their applications; Control and automation systems in agriculture; Precision agriculture and smart farming technologies.
Wave/Current-Structure-Seabed Interactions around Offshore Foundations
With the global surge in the exploration of ocean resources, there has been a significant increase in the construction of offshore infrastructure, including offshore platforms and wind turbines, over the past few decades. However, these engineering structures are prone to occasional destruction or damage due to harsh offshore environments. Therefore, ensuring the safety of marine infrastructure heavily relies on a profound understanding and comprehensive evaluation of the coupling effects between waves, currents, structures, and the seabed. The primary objective of this Special Issue is to present recent advances in the field of wave/current-structure-seabed interactions around offshore foundations. Authors are encouraged to submit articles that encompass experimental, numerical, theoretical, and applied approaches, aiming to enhance the understanding and refinement of complex physical processes involving waves/currents, foundations, and marine sediments. The scope of this Special Issue encompasses various research areas, including, but not limited to, the following: Fluid-soil-structure interactions around offshore foundations; Scour around offshore foundations; Wave-induced seabed liquefaction; Physical and numerical modeling for geohazard and offshore geotechnics; Hydrodynamic loads on offshore structures; Assessment and mitigation of foundation instabilities; Soil characteristics and constitutive model for marine sediments; Offshore foundation design.
Birth Tech The Fertility Technology Of The Future
Birth Tech explores the rapidly emerging technologies reshaping human reproduction, fertility, and gestation, examining how scientific innovation is beginning to transform one of the most intimate and socially consequential aspects of human life. From assisted reproductive technologies and fertility diagnostics to artificial wombs, synthetic gestation, and data-driven matchmaking systems, the book traces the expanding ecosystem now forming around birth itself.Rather than approaching fertility as a lifestyle issue or a clinical handbook, Birth Tech treats reproduction as a technological system. It situates modern fertility tools within a wider framework of biotechnology, platform economics, medical infrastructure, ethics, and long-term demographic change. The book considers how advances in automation, artificial intelligence, materials science, and biomedical engineering are converging to challenge long-standing assumptions about pregnancy, parenthood, and biological limitation.Written in a reflective, analytical style, the book moves fluidly between current commercial technologies and speculative developments that are moving rapidly from theory into early implementation. Topics include the evolution of IVF and fertility preservation, the rise of "femtech" platforms, emerging ectogenesis research, and the ethical pressures created when reproduction becomes partially decoupled from the human body.Birth Tech is intended for readers interested in the future of medicine, technology, and society rather than prescriptive guidance. It will appeal to those working or studying in biomedical engineering, health technology, policy, ethics, and investment, as well as general readers seeking a serious, accessible examination of how technological progress may redefine birth in the decades ahead.
Energy and Sustainable Development
This textbook explains electricity generation in plain English so non-engineers can easily understand it. It also presents a framework to incorporate sustainability into international development projects in the energy sector. It uses examples from Africa to illustrate both sustainable and unsustainable energy development projects. Presents a unique view of energy sustainability as it relates to international development. Ideal for Masters and PhD students in the fields of international development and energy management.
Geometry Reconstruction from Images (2nd Edition)
Recovering 3D content from images has been a tremendous source of research advances, with many different focuses, targeted applications, needs, or scientific starting points. A wide range of existing approaches nowadays are employed in the industry for many considerations, including, for instance, quality in engineering production, video-based security, or 3D modeling in gaming applications or movies. Yet, reconstructing a representation of a scene observed through a camera remains a challenging aspect in general, and the specific question of producing a (static or dynamic) geometric model has led to decades of research and still corresponds to a very active scientific domain. Sensors are continuously evolving, bringing more and more accuracy, resolution, and new opportunities for reconstructing objects' shapes and/or detailed geometric variations.This second issue is dedicated to 3D reconstruction from images, for which machine learning has brought interesting reconstruction methods, with approaches such as NeRFs or Gaussian splatting. Some specific aspects are also addressed, with in-depth fundamental research, such as the management of specular surfaces or accuracy issues in underwater environments. The 11 articles published in this second edition tackle several very interesting challenges: reconstructions of objects known for their complexity, underwater environments where distortions make depth estimation difficult, interactive systems and dynamic scenes, analyses of existing reconstruction techniques, and deep learning approaches.
Thermal Management in Lithium-Ion Batteries
Considering the rapid growth witnessed in the electric vehicle and rechargeable battery markets, this Special Issue presents an opportune platform to explore diverse thermal management technologies. It specifically focuses on their application in battery and electronics systems for transportation applications, including passenger cars, trucks, buses, locomotives, boats, aircraft, and beyond, encompassing both established industry practices and emerging solutions for future advancements. This Special Issue includes valuable insights and expertise from academic institutions, industry organizations, and national laboratories.The published papers cover the following topics: Single-phase and multi-phase cooling; Innovative cooling materials and structures; Advanced sensors, thermal control, and fault detection; Strategies to mitigate thermal runaway and propagation; Cutting-edge models to gain insights into thermal-related degradation mechanisms; New mechanistic models to understand degradation caused by thermal issues; Challenges of battery thermal management under extreme conditions such as extremely fast charge and low temperatures.
DC/AC Converters
This monograph presents a comprehensive and structured study of DC/AC converters, focusing on the fundamental types-current source inverters (CSIs), voltage source inverters (VSIs), and resonant inverters (RIs). The book offers a unified analytical and modeling framework, enabling detailed investigation of electromagnetic processes in inverter power circuits. A particular emphasis is placed on the development and implementation of specialized simulation models, as well as the formulation of general design methodologies applicable across a wide range of converter topologies and operating modes. The content is supported by numerous examples, diagrams, time-domain waveforms, and simulation case studies using MATLAB/Simulink and LTspice environments. The monograph integrates theory, numerical modeling, and engineering design in a coherent manner to bridge the gap between academic research and practical power electronics development. The book is intended for the following audiences: Graduate and PhD students specializing in power electronics, electrical engineering, or related fields.Academic researchers and teaching staff looking for a modern, structured reference in the field of DC/AC power conversion.Engineers and system designers working on industrial applications such as electric drives, renewable energy systems, uninterruptible power supplies (UPSs), and high-frequency energy processing.Developers interested in advanced simulation techniques and design optimization of inverter-based systems.No prior deep knowledge in inverter modeling is required, but a solid understanding of circuit theory and power electronics principles is beneficial. The approach adopted in this book is methodologically unified, model-driven, and application-oriented. It combines the following: Analytical modeling based on the study of electromagnetic processes in RLC equivalent circuits, suitable for all major inverter classes.Numerical simulation, using MATLAB/Simulink and LTspice, for accurate dynamic and steady-state analysis.Design methodology, offering step-by-step procedures to develop and optimize inverters with different topologies and operating modes.Practical validation, through case studies and simulated experiments, ensuring a direct link between theory and engineering practice.This hybrid approach ensures consistency, clarity, and relevance for both educational and real-world engineering environments. It is especially useful in contexts where design efficiency, model accuracy, and functional reliability are of critical importance.
RFID-Enabled Sensor Design and Applications
The dissemination of radio frequency identification (RFID) technology results primarily from the progress in the field of integrated electronics technology, as well as from our better understanding of the phenomena that determine the principles of the wireless transmission of information and energy at a distance. Until recently, RFID transponders were used only as electronic tags for marking objects. At present, these radio devices are becoming integrated into sensors of various physical quantities in order to monitor the operating state of marked objects, as well as to gather information on their working environment. On this basis, innovative applications of RFID transponder sensors can be developed towards distributed IT systems, and their implementation can be achieved in various areas of socio-economic activity (e.g., Internet of Things, Industry 4.0, smart homes and cities, smart agriculture, e-healthcare, retail and supply chain). The progress in RFID transponder sensors also stimulates the availability and continuous improvements in low-power energy-efficient integrated circuits. The combination of these advancements with the ability of energy harvested from various sources present in the surrounding environment makes the construction of autonomous battery-free systems possible. Additional development factors include the integration of transponder sensors with marked objects, as well as their use as semi-finished products in technological processes unrelated to electronic systems (e.g., textronic systems and product packaging).
A Practitioners Approach to Geographical Information Systems
The book "A Practitioner's Approach to Geographical Information Systems" is an exhaustive resource that offers a structured and logical learning experience for those seeking to master Geographical Information Systems (GIS). This textbook is designed as a hands-on guide, providing step-by-step experiments and exercises that cover the foundational skills required to work with GIS software. The book's content is carefully curated to bridge the gap between theoretical GIS concepts and their real-world applications, making it an ideal resource for students, practitioners, and researchers.
Greenkeeping Guide A Beginner's Handbook for Healthy Turf
Greenkeeping Guide: Essential Skills, Systems, and Seasonal Plans for Today's Golf Course Superintendent is a comprehensive, practical handbook designed to support both new and experienced professionals in the demanding world of golf course management. Blending decades of hands-on experience with modern turf science and operational best practices, this guide provides clear, actionable strategies for maintaining healthy, high-performance playing surfaces throughout the year.The book covers the full scope of superintendent responsibilities, beginning with the foundations of budgeting, financial planning, and resource allocation. Readers will learn how to build effective maintenance programs, manage seasonal challenges, and make informed decisions that protect turf health and course playability. Detailed explanations of agronomy, irrigation, mowing practices, pest management, and soil care help establish a strong technical foundation.Beyond turf science, the guide emphasizes the leadership and organizational skills required to run a successful operation. Topics include staff training, team communication, workflow planning, equipment management, and long-term strategic thinking. Practical checklists and real-world examples make the material easy to apply in daily operations, while insights into sustainability and environmental stewardship highlight the importance of responsible land management.The book also explores emerging trends such as precision turf management, data-driven decision-making, and the growing role of automation and technology in course operations. These forward-looking sections help superintendents prepare for the future while strengthening the systems they rely on today.Whether you are entering the profession or refining an established program, this guide offers a reliable, year-round reference for improving turf quality, enhancing operational efficiency, and leading with confidence. It is an essential resource for anyone committed to elevating the standards of golf course maintenance and creating exceptional playing conditions.
Prosperity from a Pittance - The New Sustainable Future
In a world overwhelmed by climate change debates and economic uncertainty, one thing remains clear: lasting solutions begin at home. Dr Pat Howden - ecologist, medical researcher, and pioneer of sustainable living - offers a lifetime of insight into how individuals can take charge of their environmental footprint through practical, low-cost, renewable home systems. Drawing on decades of experience since 1946, including his role as ECOnsultant to Sydney University's 1974 Autonomous House project, Dr Pat Howden introduces S.H.E. - Sustainable Home Engineering - and his concept of Frugaluxury: a simple, solar-powered lifestyle that's conservatively run on renewable resources. His approach helps everyday people sidestep the stress of overwork, rising costs, suburban sprawl, and planned obsolescence - while reconnecting with family, community, and purpose. This book is a hands-on guide to building a resilient future, featuring projects and principles that schools, homesteaders, and makers of all ages will find both indispensable and fun. With the rise of resource shortages and global disruptions, Dr Pat Howden's sustainable systems offer not just hope - but real economic opportunity for cottage industries, villages, garages, and corporations alike. From the Men's SHED Project to his second Sustainable Future Museum and Apt Library, Dr Pat Howden continues to inspire a new generation of ecological thinkers. Here, he shares the blueprint. "Optimum low cost family is when one partner works, the other helps family become highly self-sufficient. Swap jobs every 6 months or less! Please circulate this text that the world can't afford to be without - other folk may need tomorrow! Disaster Survival is highly correlated with home multi-tasked self-sufficiency level!" SUNcerely & Sustainably - Dinah & Dr Pat Howden.
Building Energy Performance Modelling and Simulation
Rising global temperatures, changing climate conditions, and increasing expectations regarding indoor comfort have intensified the demand for more accurate tools to predict and optimise the performance of buildings. As the construction sector remains one of the largest energy consumers, understanding the complex interactions between buildings, their systems, and occupant behaviour is essential for reducing energy use and improving indoor environmental quality. Advances in information technology and simulation methods offer new possibilities for analysing building behaviour under dynamic real-world conditions.This Reprint focuses on recent developments in building performance simulation and indoor environmental quality modelling. It presents research addressing energy demand, thermal comfort, thermal sensation, airflow behaviour, and the environmental impact of buildings. The contributions demonstrate a variety of modelling approaches, including whole-building simulation, airflow modelling, and computational fluid dynamics, as well as studies on calibration, validation, and optimisation of building systems. The Reprint provides an overview of current methods and tools used to analyse and improve the energy efficiency and indoor environment of contemporary buildings.
Spectral Detection Technology, Sensors and Instruments, 2nd Edition
Spectral detection technology has always been a research hotspot in the field of precision measurement. It can obtain not only the spectral characteristics of the measured object, but also the topography of samples through hyperspectral and multispectral imaging. It is widely used in national defense, space remote sensing, biomedicine, disaster monitoring, and many engineering fields. In recent years, with the development of technology, intelligent manufacturing and environmental protection have attracted worldwide attention, which extends the application of spectral detection technology to new dimensions. The Special Issue of Sensors, titled "Spectral Detection Technology, Sensors and Instruments, 2nd Edition", collects the latest progress in spectral technology. These studies collectively advance the field of spectral analysis and detection technology, offering valuable insights and methodologies poised to drive further research and innovation.
Fundamentals of Multilevel Converters
Dive into the realm of advanced electrical engineering with "Fundamentals of Multilevel Converters", a comprehensive guide tailored for students, scholars, and engineers eager to master the intricacies of multilevel inverters. Authored specifically for graduate, undergraduate, sand research scholar programs, this book unravels the complexities of various multilevel inverter topologies through in-depth exploration and practical case studies. Spanning six meticulously crafted chapters, readers are guided through the fundamentals of multilevel inverters, pulse width modulation techniques, and detailed analyses of diode-clamped, flying-capacitor, cascaded H-bridge, and hybrid multilevel inverters. From theoretical insights to hands-on exercises using simulation tools such as SIMULINK/MATLAB, each chapter culminates in a wealth of knowledge, reinforced by summaries, exercise problems, and learning objectives. Immerse yourself in the world of multilevel inverters, where advantages, disadvantages, and real-world applications are presented with clarity and precision. Whether delving into case studies on resistive and inductive loads or exploring the latest advancements in hybrid multilevel inverters, this book serves as a pivotal resource for those seeking to elevate their understanding and expertise in the field of electrical engineering. Get ready to embark on a transformative educational journey that seamlessly blends theory with practical applications, preparing you to navigate the dynamic landscape of multilevel inverters in modern electrical systems. A must-read for anyone passionate about pushing the boundaries of technology and innovation in the realm of power systems and renewable energy.
Safety and Health in Industry
This Handbook mainly focuses on accidents and their prevention, health & safety in organisations, occupational health & safety, statutes on accident compensation, pollution control and protection, and Disaster Management. This Handbook provides various suggestions on how to enhance conceptual knowledge and professional skills, making it an indispensable tool for those looking to improve workplace safety and health.It contains 15 chapters and 10 Appendices.Salient features- Presents the material in a simple and lucid style for easy understanding of a multi-dimensional subject- An authoritative and up-to-date text related to Indian situation- Immensely useful to students of management and engineering and also professionals working in the field of industrial safety and health
Objective Soil Science & Agricultural Chemistry
Dive into the world of "Objective Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry" where the pursuit of knowledge meets the challenge of class and competitive examinations. In this meticulously crafted resource, aspiring candidates navigate the intricate web of questions and answers essential for success in the field. While the book provides a comprehensive array of examination patterns and arithmetic nuances, it is not a standalone substitute for textbooks. Readers are encouraged to combine their textbook knowledge with the practical exercises provided here to sharpen their skills and boost their chances of success. With its focus on precise examination preparation, this book is sure to serve as an additional tool for those striving to conquer the rigorous academic landscapes of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry.
Wandering Pilgrim
John Dunlop, self-styled as The Wandering Pilgrim, has spent a lifetime documenting his travels, inspired from boyhood by Grimm's Fairy Tales-especially East of the Sun and West of the Moon.Volume III presents diaries and accounts written at the time of the events, illustrated with contemporary photographs. It falls into two parts: fourteen boyhood travel stories from exploring and hitchhiking across Australia, followed by twenty-six accounts from his early career as a mining engineer after graduating from Melbourne University around 1971-working at mines, then freelancing as a minerals consultant in remote locations worldwide.Like Volumes I (dedicated to alpine climbing and Himalayan mountaineering) and II (Tasmanian wilderness walks), this book preserves the original voice-from youthful exuberance to maturing style-offering personal adventure and valuable historical insights.Born in Melbourne in 1950, son of the renowned "Weary" Dunlop, John twice hitchhiked around Australia before finishing school, worked as an underground miner and on offshore oil rigs, and visited war-torn Vietnam with his father in 1965.A distinguished engineering career followed, spanning mine operations, senior management, and thirty years of global consulting in remote regions. Throughout, he carved out time for wilderness escapes-to "feed the rat"-building a remarkable sixty-year chronicle of travel.Today he lives at his remote rainforest retreat in Far North Queensland. The Wandering Pilgrim series forms a vivid, progressive autobiography captured across seven decades.
Tractors
The development of the Froelich tractor in Iowa in 1892 revolutionized farming. Tractors is a photographic guide to the history of these revolutionary machines with detailed captions across the world up to the present day's advanced powerhouses.Tractors provides a vivid pictorial exploration of tractors through the ages, beginning with John Froelich's invention - produced locally by the Waterloo Gasoline Traction Engine Company - through the first mass-produced models, Henry Ford's Fordson and the Massey-Ferguson MF35, up to the latest driverless tractor, the John Deere 8R 410, which allows farmers to plot exact paths using a GPS-configured app. In between the book shows many of the world's best-known models in action, including the New Holland Agriculture, Fendt, Valtra and Lamborghini. The evolution of the tractor in the late 19th century with the development of the Froelich tractor in Iowa in 1892 revolutionized farming, providing farmers with the means to combine the power of the internal combustion engine with the latest farming methods. Farming was never the same again. In the 1940s, hydraulic systems were developed to make tractors more valuable and comfortable, adjustable seats and headlights were installed, and the modern tractor became a reality. Illustrated with 180 photographs, Tractors is a pictorial celebration of these essential machines through the ages.
Sustainable Rural Development
Sustainable development is the core principle for improving the quality of life. The policies discussed in this book apply to rural areas, including country towns, villages, and the wider, largely undeveloped countryside up to the fringes of larger urban regions. Rural sustainability can be defined as the ongoing pursuit of development approaches that protect and strengthen rural communities, ensuring that economic, sociocultural, and environmental values are well aligned and responsive to the needs of all these dimensions. This book presents various technology-based methods to address the challenges faced by rural communities. Technologies such as innovative irrigation systems, technology-based cooking methods, and new ways of harvesting energy are described to support sustainable rural development.For more details, please visit https: //centralwestpublishing.com
The Reverse Centaur's Guide to Life After AI
AN INSTANT NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLERNational Indie Bestseller"[Doctorow] resembles the great rock critics of an earlier era, a high-tech Greil Marcus or even a Lester Bangs." --Stephen Marche, The New York Times Book ReviewA short, provocative guide to what's good, bad, and stupid about AI and the discourse around AI, by the author of Enshittification. In modern tech parlance, a centaur is a person who is able to use technology to be a better, more productive version of themself. A reverse centaur is a person who is forced by technology to work at an inhuman pace--a driver made to deliver all day long, nonstop; a warehouse worker made to work without food or bathroom breaks; a programmer made to crank out impossible amounts of code. The Reverse Centaur's Guide to Life After AI is not another anti-AI screed. Cory Doctorow uses AI in his work every day. As a creative person, he has no moral or dogmatic issue with AI--he thinks the technology is useful, even exciting, and full of potential. And yet. AI has arrived surrounded by unprecedented hype driven by a tech industry desperate to maintain its unprecedented valuation based on its own promises of endless financial growth. Despite the fact that almost all of AI's real-world implementations have proved underwhelming, AI is projected to be worth more than $16 trillion--a number that only makes sense if AI replaces vast swathes of the wage-earning human workforce. To justify that level of "value," every story about AI must be presented as inevitable, world-changing disruption. Even the tales of the robot apocalypse are a calculated attempt to bolster the fearsome power of AI. For Doctorow, it is imperative to see through that hype to the real story, to understand the technology not just for what it does, but for who it does it to and who it does it for. From that point of view, the story of AI is indeed dramatic and unprecedented, having generated an investment bubble so big that it endangers the entire world economy. In The Reverse Centaur's Guide to Life After AI--as he so successfully did in Enshittification--Doctorow recounts both how we found ourselves in this dire situation and how we can get through it, to a life "after" AI in which the tools work for us, not the other way around.
Liquid Crystals
This book presents a detailed study on the design, synthesis, and characterization of novel achiral bent-core liquid crystals based on a four-ring benzene framework. It explores how structural modifications such as polar and non-polar substituents affect mesophase behavior, chirality and photophysical properties. Combining synthetic strategies with experimental techniques like DSC, POM, and X-ray diffraction, the book offers valuable insights into structure-property relationships in bent-core mesogens, making it a useful resource for researchers and students in materials science and liquid crystal research.
Composites Recycling
The book covers recent advances in composites recycling including current industry practice of waste management, composite recycling technologies, and environmental impact. It is an indispensable source for professionals working toward a circular economy in the composites industries, such as aerospace, automotive, wind energy, marine and construction. It is also of interest to any students and researchers working in the field.
The Importance of Quality Assurance Systems in the Fire and Rescue Service
Fire services around the world share one common objective, to protect life and property. Although they have a variation of functions covered under their mission statements, the protection of life and property is a universal objective irrespective of nationality.However, the way this crucial objective is addressed from country to country, and even between fire services within the same country, varies significantly.As such, there is little homogeneity in how fire services operate. Despite empirical evidence and a wealth of experience documented in books, manuals and training guides, establishing a broadly defined methodology towards effective emergency management and response, the status quo globally precludes the creation of an international benchmark for fire and rescue services.This book attempts to establish a global benchmark to which fire services and their performance can be measured. It is acknowledged that due to intrinsic differences between fire services, such as funding capacity and risk needs, would deem the adoption of a uniquely homogenous standard, even in Europe, unfeasible. Therefore, it is a set of best practice principles that are being suggested that will invariably assist in improving fire service performance.
Minds Before Machines
What if the most powerful innovations in history were not made of machines, but of pure thought? Long before engines, compasses, or modern laboratories, ancient minds cracked the code of survival and progress by relying on observation, philosophy, and bold imagination. They learned to cross vast oceans using Polynesian wayfinding, to build cities that still stand on the strength of Roman concrete, to master ancient agriculture and irrigation that fed millions, and to design weapons and fortresses through nothing more than mathematics and ingenuity. This book reveals how civilizations solved seemingly impossible problems with limited means, turning constraint into their greatest ally. It goes beyond artifacts to uncover the hidden reasoning-the frameworks of ancient engineering methods and the philosophy of invention-that made progress possible without electricity, engines, or digital tools. Written for curious readers who love history, science, and the hidden logic of innovation, this work bridges the gap between past and present. Whether you're a student of the history of technology, a professional seeking sharper problem-solving models, or simply fascinated by how the human mind shapes its world, you'll find ideas here that change how you think about invention itself. By the end, you'll see innovation differently: not as a product of gadgets, but as a mental discipline that thrives under limits. You'll discover how pre-industrial technology carries urgent lessons for today's complex, resource-strained world-and how adopting these ancient mental models can sharpen your own ability to tackle modern challenges. An exploration of human brilliance under constraint, this is a blueprint for rethinking progress-grounded in the timeless ingenuity of the mind.
Heat Transfer Analysis
This Special Issue presents recent developments and challenges in the field of applied heat transfer. Focus is placed on studying, modeling, and optimizing heat transfer processes in energy devices and installations, with particular attention paid to environmental protection. Included are original research articles of high scientific quality, applied studies offering practical solutions, and review papers. Special emphasis is given to approaches that enhance the thermal efficiency of energy machines and systems, contribute to reducing the use of conventional energy sources, and support sustainable technologies.
Intelligent Sensors for Condition Monitoring, Diagnosis, and Prognostics
This Reprint focuses on the advancements and applications of intelligent sensors for condition monitoring, diagnosis, and prognostics. The original research papers that showcase the latest sensor technologies and intelligent algorithms aimed at enhancing real-time monitoring, precise diagnostics, and accurate prognosis of machine health. Contributions focus on the exploration of the integration of advanced analytics, including AI and ML, with intelligent sensors to improve the accuracy and speed of data processing and decision making. We are particularly interested in papers that demonstrate how intelligent sensors enable real-time decision making and improve operational policies. Research addressing both electro-mechanical systems (e.g., rotational machinery) and emerging systems (e.g., renewable energy) is encouraged. Moreover, papers that showcase the application of intelligent sensors in diverse industries and contexts, including but not limited to manufacturing, transportation, healthcare, and environmental monitoring, are also encouraged.Overall, we bring together a collection of high-quality research papers that exhibit the latest advancements and applications of intelligent sensors in condition monitoring, diagnosis, and prognostics, and their potential to revolutionize various industries and improve our daily lives.
Optimization Design and Simulation Analysis of Hydraulic Turbine
This Special Issue collected eight publications, focused on complex flow in hydraulic turbines, system stability and state monitoring of pump turbine units, and turbine hydraulic design. The authors come from six countries: China, Ethiopia, Norway, Ireland, Australia, and Bulgaria. They carried out a systematic and in-depth study on hydropower engineering in each of their countries, to guide the design, construction, operation, and management of hydropower plants and pumped storage plants. Specifically, in Africa, hydropower provides cheap and renewable electricity for social and economic development. Thus, two publications by scholars from Mekelle University in Ethiopia are collected, and we express our sincere respect to them. Thanks to all scholars, reviewers, editors, and MDPI personnel who contributed to this publication.
Sensors for Machine Condition Monitoring, Diagnostics, Prognostics and Maintenance
The objective of this Special Issue is to highlight applications of legacy and next-generation sensors along with advanced analytic techniques for machinery monitoring. The Issue presents novel sensor concepts, designs, and applications that support advanced decision-making approaches by incorporating sensors, real-time decision-making methods, and operational policies. Industrial sensors play a critical role in the advancement of smart manufacturing with growing demand for integrated smart systems in which most sensors, designs, and operations are digitalized to enhance reliability, efficiency, and data-driven insights. This Special Issue addresses current limitations and key advancements in sensors for machinery condition monitoring, diagnostics, prognostics, and maintenance, while also considering legacy operations and emerging system types.
Industrial AI
This Reprint showcases recent advances in the application of artificial intelligence (AI) to fault detection, diagnosis, and prognosis, with a focus on enhancing reliability, efficiency, and decision-making in industrial systems. In the era of Industry 4.0, the convergence of machine learning, deep learning, and hybrid modeling has transformed traditional maintenance strategies, enabling predictive and autonomous capabilities in cyber-physical systems. The 18 selected contributions span a diverse set of industrial domains, including photovoltaic systems, wind turbines, electric vehicles, bearings, railways, elevators, and wastewater treatment. Methods range from generative adversarial networks, reinforcement learning, and transfer learning to multi-objective optimization, signal processing, and knowledge distillation. Common themes include tackling data imbalance, improving model interpretability, enabling cross-domain adaptability, and supporting edge computing. This Reprint reflects the collective effort of researchers addressing current challenges and underexplored areas in Prognostics and Health Management (PHM). It provides both theoretical innovations and practical solutions for industrial AI applications, offering valuable insights for researchers, engineers, and decision-makers committed to building resilient, intelligent, and sustainable systems.
Advances and Applications in Structural Vibration Control
Engineering structures characterized by increased height and slenderness, such as high-rise buildings, expansive cross-sea bridges, wind turbines, and floating platforms, are frequently located in regions with high-intensity dynamic hazards and challenging marine environments. These structures are susceptible to various external dynamic loads, including winds, earthquakes, sea waves, and vibrations induced by construction or subway activities. Effective structural vibration control is paramount for bolstering the resilience and safety of such engineering structures.This reprint provides a comprehensive treatise on recent advances and applications in this critical field. The collected studies delve into a wide range of topics, including seismic retrofitting techniques; passive, active, semi-active, and hybrid control systems; advanced control strategies; and the vibration mitigation of various engineering structures. It further explores novel control devices, such as inerters, negative stiffness systems, and metamaterials, alongside the growing application of artificial intelligence and the development of smart structures.
Modern Project Management
In this translation of the updated and expanded new edition of "Modern Project Management", Holger Timinger explains the classic, agile and hybrid approaches to project management. This book is intended to enable you to use suitable processes, methods, tools and roles for handling an individual project task, and also deals with the HyProM structuring framework. You will learn what characterizes traditional project management and in which situations it has strengths and weaknesses. The author also shows you when and where to use agile project management. This allows you to combine traditional and agile approaches when it makes sense. The book takes up current standards such as the Individual Competence Baseline (ICB) 4.0 of the International Project Management Association (IPMA) and the PMBOK of the Project Management Institute (PMI). It is one of the first books to deal with hybrid project management in a structured and comprehensive way, using an innovative framework. The framework structures project management processes, methods, tools and roles. The digital business world, agile transformation and technology and innovation management are buzzwords that are preoccupying many companies. Efficient and effective project management can make an important contribution to this.
Application and Management of Smart Energy for Smart Cities
The rapid growth of the global population and its increasing concentration in cities is reshaping the energy landscape. By 2050, nearly 70% of the world's population will live in urban areas, turning cities into massive hubs of energy consumption. At the same time, the urgent need to reduce fossil fuel dependence calls for a stronger integration of renewable energy sources (RESs). However, large cities face limited space for local RES production, shifting the focus to suburban and peri-urban areas where photovoltaic, wind, and distributed generation can flourish. Ensuring a reliable and sustainable urban energy supply therefore requires innovative approaches to store, share, and optimally use energy produced beyond city centers. This Special Issue presents a collection of outstanding studies that explore smart solutions enabling efficient energy flows between urban demand and suburban RESs. The contributions address a wide spectrum of topics, including renewable energy communities, energy aggregation, storage technologies, demand response and management, and innovative electricity market mechanisms. Together, these works advance our understanding of how emerging green energy technologies can improve system adequacy, security, and resilience.
Mudpies and Silicon
This is a book of basic crystalline atomic structures plus a few scientific building blocks - light, dimensions, graph paper, axes, scientific notation, distance, electrons, photons, atoms, protons, neutrons, wavelength, and frequency. It is for children from very young to any age. The purpose is dual. First, to map the territory of basic crystal structures. Second is to give a SMALL taste of those aspects of science that are some building blocks for good citizenship and to think in the age of quantum mechanics, not the 1800s of Newtonian physics. It is a start. Today we use computers not slide rules and technology is understandable. It is for WORK and PLAY. Color, build, draw in the sand or dirt, carve or cut a potato or use seeds, sticks, stones, clay, pasta, flour and water to make glue or anything that can be shaped to build or show structures or their images. Everyone can be familiar with atoms, materials, scientific notation and basic definitions needed for modern life. We all want to be able to make informed decisions about technology and everyone is capable of understanding basic ideas, images and how things are put together. Science is ordinary and normal, fun and has its own language. It is constantly expanding and our world needs to understand it better.
Advanced Methodology and Analysis in Coal Mine Gas Control
The aim of this reprint is to immerse the reader in the latest advances of environmentally sustainable exploration, processing, and utilization of gas resources to support the energy transition and net-zero carbon goals. The significance of coal mine gas control in the field of engineering cannot be underestimated. Within this reprint, research efforts are focused on understanding and investigating gas occurrence and flow laws through a combination of experimental, theoretical, and computational methods, with the goal of uncovering the fundamental characteristics of coal mine gas control.
The Life Of The Bee
The life of the bee offers a reflective exploration of the hive as a living symbol of order, cooperation, and silent intelligence. Moving beyond technical analysis, it draws attention to the remarkable patterns that govern the daily and seasonal rhythms of the hive. The work views these patterns not simply as instinctual responses, but as acts filled with intention, suggesting a hidden logic beneath their collective behavior. It emphasizes the quiet discipline of communal life, where individual roles vanish into the needs of the whole, and where purpose seems embedded in repetition, duty, and sacrifice. The hive becomes a mirror through which broader questions about life, continuity, and mortality are gently examined. Without seeking to romanticize, the book expresses admiration for a form of life that thrives in unity and structure, yet resists easy interpretation. The work ultimately becomes a meditation on how attention to nature reveals principles that both echo and challenge human understanding of purpose and existence.
On The Economy Of Machinery And Manufactures
On the economy of machinery and manufactures explores the relationship between technology, labor, and industrial progress. The book examines how machinery transforms production processes and improves efficiency within various manufacturing sectors. Drawing from extensive observation of European factories and workshops, it discusses how mechanical systems shape productivity, cost, and labor distribution. The work analyzes the division of labor, the role of invention in economic development, and the increasing importance of mechanical precision in industrial organization. It emphasizes the necessity of understanding these systems for the growth of national prosperity and social stability. Through clear explanations and practical examples, it connects the workings of machines to broader economic and social outcomes, illustrating how industrial innovation influences both workers and capital. The text's analytical tone and systematic approach make it one of the earliest efforts to bridge technical detail with economic reasoning, highlighting the enduring relationship between scientific advancement and societal improvement.
Excel 2024 / Microsoft 365 Programming by Example
No detailed description available for "Excel 2024 / Microsoft 365 Programming By Example".
Enhanced Heat Transfer Performance of an Automobile Radiator With GNP/H2O-EG Nanofluids
Radiators are used in automobiles to transfer heat from the engine coolant to ambient air. Despite the name, most radiators transfer bulk of their heat via convection. The demand to enhance the heat transfer rate can be addressed either by increasing the surface area or by increasing the convective heat transfer coefficient (CHTC). With regard to higher surface area many types of compact heat exchangers have been proposed. In order to increase the CHTC innovative heat transfer fluids are required in which conventional heat transfer fluids have lower thermal conductivity. In this regard, nanofluids show an enhanced thermal conductivity than that of the conventional heat transfer fluids which yields a higher CHTC. Over the past few decades, carbon based nano materials such as carbon nanotubes (CNTs), graphene nanoplatelets (GnP), graphene oxide, nano diamond were utilized in order to increase the thermal conductivity of conventional heat transfer fluids due to their high intrinsic thermal conductivity. Recently many research works have been performed with graphene based nanofluids due to its low interfacial thermal resistance and high aspect ratio resulting in higher thermal conductivity enhancement of nanofluids. The experiments on CHTC and overall heat transfer coefficient (OHTC) of an automobile radiator using various nanofluids as a coolant are reported by several researchers. Nowadays anti-freeze fluids (ethylene glycol and water-ethylene glycol mixture) are widely used in automobile radiators in order to avoid freezing during winter. The general recommendation is water-ethylene glycol mixture containing 30% (by volume) of ethylene glycol. In the present work, H2O-EG (70:30 by volume) seeded with GnP was used as the coolant. Few-layered GnP with an average thickness of 4-8 nm was selected due to the (1) high intrinsic thermal conductivity (2) high surface area (3) 2D structure (4) low interfacial thermal resistance (5) lower size nanoplatelets can carry more atoms in their surface which in turn higher heat transfer rate. This book will be useful for proposing the superior heat transfer fluids on automotive cooling applications.
Design of Next-Generation Electrochemical Sensors for Smart Agriculture
Design of Next-Generation Electrochemical Sensors for Smart Agriculture begins with the rational design of a series of carbon-based nanocomposites, which are used to construct a new class of smart-agriculture electrochemical sensors. These sensors are applied to the low-cost, highly sensitive detection of hazardous contaminants in agricultural products and foods. Compared with conventional analytical methods, electrochemical sensing method as an emerging analytical technology offers a host of advantages, including simplicity, high efficiency, low cost, portability, and exceptional sensitivity. This novel sensing paradigm will drastically cut the analysis expense and time required for contaminant analysis, enable the on-site and outdoor measurements with handheld devices, and expand both the breadth and depth of hazardous-contaminant screening. It may help curb the overuse of banned or excessive agrochemicals, strengthen full-chain supervision of agricultural products "from field to fork", and fortify the food-safety barrier. The book therefore holds immediate practical significance for promoting the high-quality, green agriculture and safeguarding food security. Spanning fundamental principles to real-world engineering applications, it provides a systematic presentation of the relevant knowledge and technologies, and will serve as a valuable reference for researchers in several fields of nanomaterials, electrochemical sensing, and analytical chemistry.
Forest Operations and Sustainability in Brazil
Dear forestry professional, This book was crafted especially for you-whether you work in the field, conduct research, or are simply passionate about the challenges and innovations shaping Brazil's forest sector. Forest Operations and Sustainability in Brazil: Ergonomic, Environmental, and Economic Insights brings together real-world case studies and critical reflections on productivity, occupational health, and sustainability in modern forestry. Brazil's forestry sector stands as a cornerstone of the national economy. With 9.94 million hectares of planted forests-76% of which are eucalyptus grown primarily for pulp and paper production-the industry generated USD 50.4 billion in 2022, accounting for 6.3% of Brazil's GDP. Pulp production alone reached an impressive 25 million tons, reaffirming the sector's strategic importance at both national and global levels. At the same time, the Brazilian Legal Amazon, covering over 5 million square kilometers, faces increasing environmental pressures. Forest fires, in particular, have become more frequent and intense, driven by a complex interplay of natural conditions and human activity. Understanding these dynamics is essential for developing sustainable and resilient forestry strategies. Across its five chapters, this volume explores key topics such as the comparative performance and cost-efficiency of log loaders in Northeast Brazil, ergonomic conditions and workstation design in forest harvesting, and occupational exposure to noise and vibration in mechanized operations. It also addresses broader issues like timber traceability, market access for sustainable Amazonian wood, and the interrelationship between deforestation and forest fires. More than just a technical reference, this book invites you to reflect on safer, smarter, and more sustainable pathways for forestry in Brazil. We hope the knowledge shared here will support your work, inform your decisions, and contribute to a more responsible forest future. Happy reading!
Deep Reinforcement Learning for Orbital Pursuit-Evasion Game
This book investigates the orbital pursuit evasion game problem under continuous and impulsive maneuvers of spacecraft, integrating knowledge from multiple disciplines, such as aerospace dynamics, game theory, differential games, and artificial intelligence. It proposes the Nash-equilibrium solution and cooperative strategy for the two-spacecraft game and multi-spacecraft game based on deep reinforcement learning. Those modeling methods and intelligent training methods have certain reference value for subsequent researchers.
Designing Intelligence
In a world where artificial intelligence is no longer a distant promise but the very architecture of modern business, Designing Intelligence: The New Architecture of AI-Driven Business takes you on a visionary journey into the decade that will redefine how companies think, decide, and operate. Drawing on two years of research, cross-disciplinary collaborations, and candid conversations with industry leaders, policymakers, and innovators, this book distills the most important trends shaping the global economy from the rise of generative and agent-based AI to the decentralization of intelligence through edge computing, automation, and real-time analytics. Through evidence-based narratives and vivid case studies, it reveals how industries as diverse as finance, manufacturing, healthcare, and agriculture are reinventing themselves, and why India is emerging as a critical innovation hub in this transformation. More than a survey of technology, it is a practical blueprint for leaders determined to build organizations that are not only data-driven, but intelligence-driven-capable of autonomous decision-making, adaptive strategy, and rapid innovation in a volatile world. With strategic frameworks, future-proofing models, and actionable insights, Designing Intelligence equips executives, entrepreneurs, and policymakers to bridge the gap between today's capabilities and tomorrow's imperatives. It is a call to action for those ready to embrace the challenges and opportunities of an AI-first era, to move beyond reacting to change and begin designing it.
Dear Future
Artificial intelligence is no longer a tool. It is becoming the force that will reshape work, money, power, identity and purpose. This book is a clear and compelling guide to the greatest transformation in human history and a wake up call for anyone who wants to stay ahead of what is coming.Blending storytelling with sharp analysis, it shows how AI is moving from convenience to dominance, quietly taking over the systems that run our lives. Factories, hospitals, classrooms, finance, media, government, even relationships are already being rewritten. What happens when machines do everything not just faster but better than we can The answers are as thrilling as they are unsettling.You will discover how automation is dismantling entire professions while creating new forms of inequality. How algorithms shape what we see and believe. How personalised AI tutoring will disrupt education. How medicine is being transformed through precision diagnosis, longevity science and robotic care. How creativity itself is being challenged by a technology that can write, paint and compose with flawless ease.The book also explores the rise of AI companions and the emotional risks of outsourcing connection. It asks whether machines may one day develop forms of awareness and what that would mean for law, religion and ethics. It investigates the global race between nations and tech giants who are competing to control the most powerful intelligence ever built.As AI pushes the cost of goods, energy and labour toward zero, we face a future where traditional money and traditional work may lose their meaning. What will define purpose when productivity no longer requires people And what will remain uniquely human in a world optimised by machinesThis is not a book about doom. It is a book about clarity. If you understand what is coming, you can adapt. If you move early, you can thrive. The final pages call on the reader to act rather than wait, to create rather than retreat, and to build a meaningful place for themselves in a future that is arriving faster than anyone expected.Bold, urgent and deeply engaging, this is essential reading for anyone who senses the world shifting beneath their feet and wants to understand the forces driving the change. Perfect for readers of AI, future of work, economics, psychology, technology and the human condition.
