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Inclusive Smart Cities
This is the Reprint edition of the Special Issue "Inclusive Smart Cities" published in Smart Cities by MDPI. This Reprint compiles 14 scholarly articles, including 1 editorial, 4 review articles, 1 project report, and 8 research articles, covering a wide range of relevant topics in inclusive smart cities. The collected articles show that inclusivity is both a guiding principle and a practical necessity for sustainable urban transformation, ensuring that marginalized voices are heard and that digital innovation benefits all. By critically assessing governance models, citizen participation, design practices, and emerging technologies, the collected articles underline from micro, meso, and macro levels that inclusive smart cities are not only promising but achievable through deliberate, collaborative, context-sensitive, and multi-level approaches. As cities worldwide continue to adopt smart solutions, the insights from this Reprint will provide a foundation for researchers, urban planners, policymakers, and innovators to co-create urban environments that are technologically sophisticated, socially just, environmentally friendly, and most importantly accessible to everyone.
Advanced Energy Harvesting Technology
Energy harvesting has been a promising technique for next-generation wireless and wearable electronic devices since it can deliver sustainable energy to power low-power electronic devices by capturing ambient forms of energy that would otherwise be lost, such as light, heat, sound, vibration, etc. Energy harvesting is a multi-disciplinary technology that combines a wide range of research fields, e.g., the development of advanced energy materials, smart structures, and circuits for power management to achieve sufficient harvesting efficiency and innovations in applications to broaden the potential of the energy harvesting technology.
Advanced Energy Harvesting Technology
Energy harvesting has been a promising technique for next-generation wireless and wearable electronic devices since it can deliver sustainable energy to power low-power electronic devices by capturing ambient forms of energy that would otherwise be lost, such as light, heat, sound, vibration, etc. Energy harvesting is a multi-disciplinary technology that combines a wide range of research fields, e.g., the development of advanced energy materials, smart structures, and circuits for power management to achieve sufficient harvesting efficiency and innovations in applications to broaden the potential of the energy harvesting technology.
Smart and Advanced Developments in Textile Materials
The aim of this book is to spread knowledge and lead to real-world impact in an atmosphere of true international cooperation between scientists, engineers and have interactive sessions by bringing together the researchers, international societies and industrial heads to discuss the latest developments and innovations. It is a great platform for companies as well as institutions to represent their research services, products, innovations and research results in the fields of Textile Engineering. The development of technical textiles industry is only possible in an environment that supports interdisciplinary networks between researchers, engineers, technicians and industries. This special issue aims to facilitate interaction between researchers and professionals working in the field of textile engineering. The special issue will provide an international forum for professionals from academia, industry and governing bodies to discuss their problems and share achievements in order to develop the nations through recent manufacturing techniques and technologies. This book may be helpful for both students and academics due to the wide variety of subjects addressed.For more details, please visit https: //centralwestpublishing.com
Drone Data Metrics for Orchard Farming
Maps are not the goal. Management is.Go from pixels to pruning; from insights to intelligent irrigation; from yield predictions to predictable profit.Build a data-savvy orchard mindset without the guesswork.Drone data can feel complex. It doesn't have to be. In Drone Data Metrics for Orchard Farming, AgTech writer and strategist Ken Treloar outlines how to effectively read RGB, DEMs, multispectral indices, thermal metrics, canopy statistics, and analyse plant census data with clarity.Turning information from above into practical field actions with a simple, repeatable workflow. The perfect guide for for UAV mapping management of perennial crops. What you'll learn: How to choose survey timing that actually helps (early season; mid season; post-harvest).How to layer data (RGB + DEM + NDVI/NDRE + Thermal) to diagnose why planted assets are underperforming.How to use plant census and canopy metrics to target replanting, pruning, and VRA programs.When NDVI is the right tool; when NDRE sees stress sooner in dense canopies.How Transpiration Uniformity and Transpiration Variance surface irrigation issues before they cost you yield.How to design Smart Sampling routes that cut walking time and remove bias.How to compare seasons; measure variance; and track ROI with confidence.Practical thresholds and rules-of-thumb for quick triage in the field.Make better decisions from your very next drone flight!
Advancements and Challenges in IoT Communication Technologies for a Connected World
This Special Issue invites contributions that explore the convergence of IoT communication technologies and their role in shaping a more connected society. The focus will be on key topics such as the integration of sensors into next-generation communication systems, emerging communication paradigms, and technologies including the Internet of Drones (IoD), the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), machine-to-machine (M2M) communications, RFID, and zero-power communications. Particular attention will be given to their applications in smart agriculture and smart cities. The goal is to tackle scientific and technological challenges related to improving data transmission, processing efficiency, and energy sustainability across diverse IoT systems. Submissions may address, among other themes, advancements in RFID for effective data collection, the use of zero-power solutions to extend IoT device lifespans, and the application of IoD and IIoT to boost system efficiency and communication performance. We welcome original research articles, comprehensive reviews, and case studies that present innovative strategies to overcome the current limitations of IoT communication technologies, with special emphasis on their practical impact in the development of smart agriculture and smart cities.
Electromagnetic Non-Destructive Testing and Evaluation
In light of potential structural failure and incidents, the safety of engineering structures has received much attention worldwide. Approaches for non-destructive monitoring, inspection and evaluation of the integrity of mechanical structures such as oil/gas pipelines, fuel tanks, aero-engines, etc., during their fabrication/construction and in-service operations before catastrophic accidents occur are crucial and in high demand. Until now, electromagnetism-based non-destructive testing and evaluation (NDT&E) techniques, such as eddy current testing and magnetic flux leakage testing, have been used in the detection, characterization and assessment of critical flaws (Stress Corrosion Cracks, Flaw Acculturated Corrosion, Liquid Droplet Impingement Erosion, etc.) that have posed a threat to the structural integrity. However, none of these techniques are universal and could be taken as the skeleton key to the issue regarding NDT&E of in-service structures. In view of this, more and more advanced electromagnetic non-destructive testing methods have been proposed, complementary to the current techniques. This Reprint includes overviews and original articles focusing on electromagnetic non-destructive testing and evaluation of critical components and structures in the engineering fields. The related topics involve eddy current testing, eddy current thermography, microwave and millimeter wave testing, magnetic flux leakage and electromagnetic field sensing, etc.
Application of Deep Learning in Underwater Image Processing
Underwater image processing is one of the key technologies driving advancements in fields such as marine biology, oceanography, underwater exploration, and more. Serving as a carrier of information, the quality of underwater images significantly impacts various applications. However, capturing high-quality underwater images is challenging due to complex and uncontrollable conditions. Common issues include color distortion, blurred details, low contrast and brightness, and noise. These problems hinder both human perception and practical applications. Furthermore, the unique properties of underwater imaging, such as its selective light absorption and scattering, make it difficult to achieve satisfactory results with the existing in-air methods or traditional underwater image processing techniques.In recent years, deep learning technologies have emerged as a game-changer in addressing these challenges and improving underwater image quality. These technologies provide new opportunities and insights, enhancing their applicability and reliability in real-world scenarios. This Special Issue aims to bring together leading researchers and practitioners from around the world to showcase their latest research findings and future directions in this dynamic field.
Object Detection and Image Classification
In recent decades, rapid advancements in machine learning have significantly enhanced the ability to detect and classify objects within digital images. These technological developments have facilitated a wide range of applications, including the identification of malignant cells in histopathological images, the classification of flora and fauna in ecological studies, the recognition of astronomical bodies, and the differentiation between authentic and synthetically generated (deepfake) images. In certain domains, automated systems have demonstrated performance that surpasses that of human experts. Despite these promising outcomes, several critical challenges must be addressed before such systems can be reliably and widely adopted. Key issues include the need for improved accuracy and robustness, the development of interpretable and transparent models, and the cultivation of user trust and societal acceptance. This Special Issue, "Object Detection and Image Classification", addresses some existing knowledge gaps. It consists of eight peer-reviewed papers that cover a range of new object detection algorithms and applications.
Advanced Studies in Urban and Regional Planning
Our era confronts a pivotal juncture, demanding the radical reimagining of urban and regional planning. Amid global climate change, energy resource depletion, escalating greenhouse gas emissions, and the intricate demands of sustainable development within historic urban contexts, the imperative to redefine planning paradigms grows urgent. There is a mounting consensus on the necessity of adopting energy-efficient, ecologically responsible, and socially sustainable practices that harmonize environmental stewardship with cultural preservation-from smart city innovations to heritage conservation. Emerging technologies-green building techniques, artificial intelligence, and digital twins-are redefining sustainable architecture and planning. These tools enable unprecedented precision in designing low-carbon cities, optimizing transportation networks, and simulating climate resilience, while simultaneously revitalizing vernacular construction methods and safeguarding intangible cultural heritage. They bridge tradition with innovation, allowing for eco-friendly urban design, community-led regeneration, and adaptive governance frameworks that balance development with cultural continuity. These challenges necessitate interdisciplinary collaboration and visionary solutions. Addressing them offers a unique opportunity to propel urban and regional planning toward a regenerative future-one that transcends environmental imperatives to encompass social equity, cultural vibrancy, and the exploration of uncharted frontiers in sustainable design.
Satellite Terrestrial Networks
This Reprint collects state-of-the-art contributions on Satellite Terrestrial Networks, presenting the latest advances in architectures, enabling technologies, and applications. With the rapid deployment of low-Earth-orbit constellations and the growing demand for seamless integration with terrestrial infrastructures, the research community is addressing complex challenges such as spectrum coexistence, interference coordination, routing in dynamic topologies, and secure access. The articles in this collection explore intelligent scheduling, beam management, and resource optimization, while also highlighting innovations in physical-layer security, edge computing, and cloud-native design. By combining theoretical insights with practical evaluation, the Reprint provides a comprehensive view of how emerging technologies can deliver global coverage, resilient connectivity, and scalable services. It is intended as a valuable reference for both academic researchers and industry practitioners seeking to advance the design and deployment of future satellite-terrestrial communication systems.
Metaheuristic Algorithms in Optimal Design of Engineering Problems
Metaheuristic algorithms are advanced optimization methods widely used to solve complex engineering design problems. They operate by iteratively searching the solution space, employing strategies inspired by natural or physical processes to balance exploration and exploitation. Common examples include genetic algorithms, particle swarm optimization, simulated annealing, and ant colony optimization. These algorithms are effective for large-scale, nonlinear, and non-convex problems, making them valuable in fields such as mechanical, civil, electrical, and aerospace engineering. Metaheuristics can efficiently find near-optimal solutions where traditional methods may fail or become computationally expensive. Their performance depends on factors like initial solution quality, algorithm selection, and parameter tuning. By integrating metaheuristics with domain-specific knowledge, engineers can optimize system designs to meet performance, cost, and operational constraints. As research progresses, metaheuristic algorithms continue to expand their applicability and effectiveness in solving real-world engineering challenges.
Advanced Research in Shipping Informatics and Communications
The aim of this Special Issue is to provide the reader with an overview of the technological revolution the shipping industry is experiencing through the integration of informatics and digitalization. Shipping 4.0 is leading the industry ahead, embracing new technologies, and, at the same time, facing an evolving cyber security threat landscape.In this Special Issue a number of leading academic and industry experts are providing their insight through published research covering areas including maritime cyber security, additive manufacturing, e-navigation technologies, telecommunications, Artificial Intelligence, and autonomous maritime systems and robotics. The readers of this Special Issue will understand through published work that it is imperative for the shipping industry to improve safety, efficiency, resiliency, and sustainability through technological innovation in order to safeguard its continued crucial role in global trade.
Exploration and Development of Unconventional Oil and Gas Resources
Fossil fuels continue to be fundamental to the global economies. Within this landscape, unconventional oil and gas resources are expected to play a larger and more strategic role in helping major economies meet their future energy needs. However, the efficient exploration and development of unconventional reservoirs present unique challenges that necessitate robust support from an integrated series of advanced geological and engineering studies. This multidisciplinary effort spans the entire project lifecycle, encompassing sophisticated exploration for identifying "sweet spots", comprehensive reservoir evaluation to quantify key properties, precision horizontal drilling to maximize reservoir contact, complex completion techniques to create permeable pathways, and optimized production management to ensure long-term recovery. The aim of this Special Issue is to introduce the latest scientific and technical progress in unconventional oil and gas geology and engineering. It will place emphasis on several critical frontiers, including advanced methods for reservoir characterization and evaluation, the analysis of key geological factors controlling enrichment, the development of predictive enrichment models to guide exploration, integrated approaches for accurately assessing ultra-low permeability, and fundamental mechanism analysis of fracture propagation and hydrocarbon flow.
Trends and Prospects in Applied Electromagnetics
Applied electromagnetics, a crucial branch of electromagnetics, serves as a link between theoretical electromagnetics and engineering requirements. It focuses on applying the fundamental theories and principles of electromagnetic fields and waves (characterized by Maxwell's equations) to address practical engineering issues, design diverse devices and systems, and develop novel technologies. These applications span a wide range of fields, including electrical engineering, communication engineering, railway transportation engineering, nondestructive testing and evaluation, and biomedical engineering. This Special Issue reports significant progress in various domains, such as computational electromagnetics, Electromagnetic Compatibility and Interference (EMC & EMI), electromagnetic nondestructive testing and evaluation, electromagnetic wave propagation, and bio-electromagnetics.
Advanced Technology for Solar Thermal Cooling, Heating, and Energy Storage
The Special Issue "Advanced Technology for Solar Thermal Cooling, Heating, and Energy Storage" highlights recent advances that expand the role of solar energy in meeting cooling, heating, and storage demands. Published contributions focus on innovative approaches to overcome the variability of solar resources while improving system efficiency and integration. The main topics include the development of advanced storage methods such as sorption, thermochemical, and phase change materials, which enable solar energy to be stored and released on demand. Several papers present hybrid configurations that combine thermal and electrical systems or integrate solar cooling with heating and power generation for multi-use applications. Other studies emphasize the optimization of heat transfer processes, the design of nanoparticle-enhanced materials, and the use of simulation tools and control strategies to improve system reliability. Case studies and experimental validations provide evidence of how these concepts perform under real conditions. Taken together, these studies highlight the advancing maturity of solar thermal technologies and their promise in delivering efficient, resilient, and sustainable energy systems of the future.
Advanced Control and Operation of Microgrids and Power Distribution Systems
In recent years, power systems have shifted from centralized generation and one-way transmission toward distributed architectures that are centered on renewable energy, energy storage, and electric vehicle charging. This transition highlights the need for advanced control and operational strategies in microgrids and distribution networks that not only enhance efficiency but also secure stability, flexibility, and reliability. With growing variability and forecasting uncertainties in renewable generation and demand, sophisticated approaches are required to manage uncertainty and sustain system stability. This Special Issue presents nine contributions on control, operation, optimization, energy management systems, and AI-based approaches for microgrids and distribution networks. The papers span theoretical modeling, algorithm development, hardware implementation, and case studies. Highlights include a switched-capacitor inverter reducing common-mode voltage, an ANN-assisted energy management framework integrating load and weather forecasting with DC exchange and storage scheduling, flexible operating envelopes for reverse power flow grids, techno-economic studies of underground systems, seamless AC/DC hybrid microgrid control, deep learning for transformer fault detection, and voltage regulation for inverter-based UPS systems. Collectively, these works reflect the technological trajectory toward more advanced and sustainable power systems. This volume provides researchers and practitioners with insights into the state of the art and points to promising directions for future research and applications.
Retrofitting
The challenge to create a next generation technology and methods for testing its performance, led to Integration of heating/ cooling and ventilation with wall structures. Passive and Thermo-Active Cluster (PTAC) integrates hydronic heat exchangers with solar panels and underground water tanks (providing thermal storage) for heat pump. PTAC delivers a verified technology with 90 % energy reduction in new buildings and 70 % in retofitted (benchark 2004). It uses: 1) two-stage construction process to modify the pattern of financing. 2) building automatics to control contributions of sub-systems. 3) adaptable indoor climate and HVAC integrated with the building structure, jointly with monitoring and performance evaluation (MAPE) optimizes energy and indoor environment under service conditions. 4) climatic district network, with minimum two (historic buildings), will optimize energy use in the network. PTAC selects practical improvements to the triangle: occupant-controlled comfort, energy efficiency and the smart energy grid to initiate a discussion on the public-private consortium linked with public education activities to develop the PTAC approach with a view to slow climate change.
Fundamentals of Electrical and Computer Engineering
Fundamentals of Electrical and Computer Engineering is a comprehensive textbook designed to provide students with a solid foundation in the core concepts and principles of electrical and computer engineering. This book is intended for students who are new to the field and those who are interested in refreshing their knowledge.The book is organized into 22 chapters in two volumes, covering topics such as electrical units and constants, mathematical engineering, concepts of probability and statistics, engineering economics, electrical materials, electrical circuits, circuit analysis and network, communication engineering, digital signal processing, digital communications, power electronics, power engineering, power system analysis, electrical machines, magnetic field, electronics, digital systems, control engineering systems, computer systems, computer networks, software engineering, and ethics of practicing engineering. Volume I contains Chapters 1-11, whereas Volume II comprises Chapters 12- 22.Each chapter provides clear explanations of the fundamental concepts, followed by numerous examples and exercises to reinforce the understanding of the material. The book also includes illustrations and diagrams to help students visualize abstract concepts and ideas. In addition, the book features several special sections that highlight the practical applications of the concepts being discussed, their historical development, and the ethical considerations associated with their use.For more details, please visit http: //centralwestpublishing.com
Fundamentals of Electrical and Computer Engineering
Fundamentals of Electrical and Computer Engineering is a comprehensive textbook designed to provide students with a solid foundation in the core concepts and principles of electrical and computer engineering. This book is intended for students who are new to the field and those who are interested in refreshing their knowledge.The book is organized into 22 chapters in two volumes, covering topics such as electrical units and constants, mathematical engineering, concepts of probability and statistics, engineering economics, electrical materials, electrical circuits, circuit analysis and network, communication engineering, digital signal processing, digital communications, power electronics, power engineering, power system analysis, electrical machines, magnetic field, electronics, digital systems, control engineering systems, computer systems, computer networks, software engineering, and ethics of practicing engineering. Volume I contains Chapters 1-11, whereas Volume II comprises Chapters 12- 22.Each chapter provides clear explanations of the fundamental concepts, followed by numerous examples and exercises to reinforce the understanding of the material. The book also includes illustrations and diagrams to help students visualize abstract concepts and ideas. In addition, the book features several special sections that highlight the practical applications of the concepts being discussed, their historical development, and the ethical considerations associated with their use.For more details, please visit http: //centralwestpublishing.com
Development Trends of Sustainable Mobility
In recent years, the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic and global conflicts have caused major uncertainty in the economy, society, and energy sectors. These events have introduced new and ongoing challenges in transportation. The central question regarding the future of transportation is as follows: Which new trends will emerge? Governments, organizations, and citizens share the common goal of creating cities with less congestion, reduced pollution, increased accessibility, and better infrastructure.This Special Issue provides a comprehensive examination of these themes, offering critical insights into current advancements and future challenges in transportation. The contributions encompass a range of topics, including the relationship between urban form and movement patterns, the integration of technologies such as electromobility and autonomous vehicles, and the impact of these trends on both regional and global scales. Ultimately, the goal is not just efficient and clean transportation, but a systemic transition that is technologically innovative, politically viable, and socially just. This collection of contributions aims to guide us toward more sustainable, resilient, and equitable future transportation systems that enhance the lives of urban communities.
The Human Rules of Digital Marketing that Work
"If your audience is human, why aren't you marketing like it?Most marketing books ask you to trust the author's opinion. This one shows you what actually happened.Every chapter starts with a story: a business owner, a team, a challenge. You see the mistake. You see the solution. You see the result. From there, we pull out the principle. A rule of human behavior you can use to shape content, strategy, or campaigns that actually connect.You won't find trends or hacks here. What you'll find are patterns of trust, attention, and decisions that repeat across industries, platforms, and time. You'll learn why people click, why they buy, and what makes them come back. Each concept is broken down with a simple framework. Just clear thinking, simple language, and strategies you can use today.This is a book you don't need to read cover to cover. You can start with the chapter that solves your problem now. But every time you return, you'll leave with a sharper sense of how digital marketing actually works."
Think Digital Rewired for AI Age
Think Digital - Rewired for the AI Age is the must-read playbook for every business leader ready to thrive, not just survive, in the era of artificial intelligence.A decade after his first best-seller Think Digital - The Ultimate Transformation Guide for Businesses helped SMEs embrace the digital world, Logan Nathan returns with a bold new roadmap for an even faster, smarter, and more human future.This book demystifies AI through real-world insights, case studies, and practical frameworks that show you how to embed intelligence across your organisation - not as an afterthought, but as the foundation of how you think, work, and grow.From AI-First Thinking and Hyper-Personalisation to Agentic Systems and a 90-Day AI Adoption Roadmap, it equips you to move beyond hype into execution. Whether you're a startup founder, SME owner, or corporate leader, you'll learn how to make AI your competitive advantage - ethically, intelligently, and sustainably.In short, Think Digital - Rewired for the AI Age is more than a guide to technology. It's a manifesto for transformation - reminding us that in a world where machines learn fast, humans must learn faster.
Mastering Applied Engineering Mechanics with ChatGPT
No detailed description available for "Mastering Applied Engineering Mechanics with ChatGPT".
Advanced Aerospace Materials
Aerospace Technology is a very challenging topic. The book covers the transition from aluminum to composite materials for aerospace structures and includes advanced analyses used in industries. It is for engineers and students of aerospace, materials and mechanical engineering. New in the 3rd Edition is material on buckling and vibration of arches, trusses and frames, application of Rayleigh approach, Southwell's plot, new advanced excitation devices and nonlinear behavior of plates under lateral pressure including thin long isotropic rectangular plates.
Bio-Based Resources
Global shortages of fossil, mineral, and agricultural resources, coupled with passed global boundaries, climate changes and rising public debt, represent a systemic risk that threatens economic and social stability. This text examines the interconnectedness of raw material supply, state budgets, and societal resilience through the lens of social metabolism, which sees natural resources as essential "food" for the economy. As resource scarcity reduces economic output and tax revenues, states increasingly rely on debt, risking insolvency if resource-based growth falters. Biogenic resources are often seen as a potential solution--especially in fuels, materials, and biogenic energy--but these compete with food production and rely on fragile agricultural systems already impacted by climate change, erosion, and biodiversity loss. Although some bio-based materials show promise (e.g., hemp in construction or algae fuels), their market share is low but may grow. Moreover, rebound effects may lead to overexploitation rather than sustainable substitution. The analysis concludes that while bio-based resources offer partial relief, they cannot replace systemic changes in consumption, land use, and economic expectations. ctations.
Behavior of Metallic and Composite Structures (Third Volume)
This reprint focuses on understanding the basic principles of damage growth and fracture processes in advanced metallic and composite structures, including structural joints. Currently, it is widely recognized that important macroscopic properties, like macroscopic stiffness and strength, are governed by processes that occur at one to several scales below the level of observation. A thorough understanding of how these processes influence the reduction of stiffness and strength forms the key to the analysis and design of existing and improved innovative structural elements.The study of how these various length scales, nano-, micro-, and meso-, can be bridged or taken into account simultaneously in multiscale models is particularly attractive for composite materials and structural elements, since they have a well-defined structure at the above-specified levels.
The Silent Chauffeur
What happens when machines take the wheel literally and quietly begin redesigning our streets, cities, and choices? This book is not about how self-driving cars work. It s about what happens after they do. As autonomous vehicles and society move toward a future few are fully prepared for, this provocative exploration reveals the unseen consequences of giving up control. From the ethics of self-driving cars to the subtle behavioral shifts that follow algorithmic decision-making, readers are invited to confront questions that most headlines ignore: Who programs our mobility? What do we lose when we no longer steer ourselves? And how is power being redefined on the road and beyond? Blending systems thinking, psychology, and urban foresight, this book is essential reading for tech skeptics, curious citizens, and anyone concerned with the urban impact of AVs. Whether you re a policymaker, designer, educator, or engaged reader of tech culture, you ll gain frameworks for understanding: How the future of transportation 2025 and beyond is being shaped behind the scenes Why driverless car surveillance could quietly become the new norm How AI and personal agency intersect in everyday decisions The risks of behavioral drift, over-optimization, and eroded public space What humane, human-centered autonomy could look like and how to demand it If you ve ever wondered who controls autonomous cars or how cities might change in the age of seamless automation, this is your map, flashlight, and ethical compass. In a world rushing to embrace the driverless future, this book challenges you to slow down and think deeply before the road ahead is coded for you.
Blueprint Of A Synthetic Organism
The Machine is Broken. This Book Is the Blueprint to Build a Synthetic Organism.Current robotics and infrastructure are defined by fragmentation: heavy, centralized batteries that mandate downtime, rigid joints that fail, and centralized CPUs that create single points of failure. In the spirit of speculative science that gave us the android Data and the Star Trek communicator, Blueprint of a Synthetic Organism proposes a radical, integrated architecture that rejects these flaws.This book is a conceptual blueprint and technical roadmap detailing the complete, unified architecture for Bio-Inspired Hybrid Energy Harvesting Systems (BHEHS)-a system that is literally alive, aware, and inherently self-sustaining. The central purpose of this work is to map ten critical, heretofore unexplored technological synergies that bridge the gap between today's machines and genuine autonomy.Inside, you will find the technical framework for the future of engineering, featuring: Fascia Engineering (Structural Fusion): The elimination of the mechanical joint by fusing structural load-bearing capacity and continuous power generation into a single, resilient composite material.Amplified Hybrid Harvesting: Achieving true power autonomy by synergistically combining piezoelectric, triboelectric, and electrostatic mechanisms. Force is amplified 2-3X via the novel Weighted Node design to scavenge energy from micro-vibrations and ambient stimuli.The Octopus Principle (Decentralized Intelligence): Creating robust, fault-tolerant control by embedding ultra-low-power microcomputers into every structural node, enabling localized, real-time decision-making and power balancing.This comprehensive roadmap proceeds from abstract concept to rigorous Implementation Roadmap (TRL 3-7), outlining the multidisciplinary phases-from advanced Materials Science and Robotics to Decentralized Control-required to realize this next generation of autonomous technology in sectors ranging from advanced robotics and bionics to self-monitoring aerospace and infrastructure.This is a critical read for engineers, computer scientists, material scientists, and futurists charting the genuine next frontier of machine intelligence and technological resilience.
The History of Oil
No commodity has done more to shape the modern world than oil. The History of Oil traces the story of petroleum from its earliest uses in ancient civilizations through the birth of the modern oil industry in the nineteenth century, the rise of the great oil companies, the geopolitics of the Middle East, and the ongoing debates over energy transition and climate change. It is an essential account of a resource that has determined the course of wars, economies, and international relations for more than a century.The book covers the key moments in oil's history: the first commercial drilling in Pennsylvania in 1859, the rise of Standard Oil and John D. Rockefeller, the discovery of vast reserves in the Middle East, the oil shocks of the 1970s, the founding of OPEC, and the complex relationship between oil producers and consuming nations. It also addresses the environmental consequences of fossil fuel dependence and the growing pressure to find alternatives. The writing is clear and accessible throughout.Contents: Reader review: "A fascinating account of something we all depend on but rarely think about historically. I came away with a much clearer understanding of how oil has shaped the modern world." -- Mark D.This title is appropriate for history, economics, environmental studies, and current affairs sections. It suits public libraries, academic collections, and general bookshops serving readers with an interest in global politics and economic history.Order now.
Marine Electrical Technology, Fourteenth Edition (Elstan's(R) Marine Engineering Series)
25 Chapters in simple English, with over 600 figures (including photographs and information contributed by leading manufacturers across the world), explain not only the fundamentals but also the constructional features, operating principles, maintenance procedures and rules that govern the safe operation of important electrical systems onboard commercial ships. The question bank with over 1000 questions, covers all topics that have been explained. It has been updated to cater to the structured curricula for Marine Engineering Pre-Sea Students.Marine Engineers of all Post-Sea Competency levels and Electro-Technical Officers of the Merchant Navy, will also find it very useful. Some additional information has been included to help engineers to keep abreast with some of the latest technologies that have been implemented. Extracts from the latest editions of SOLAS Regulations, IACS Guidelines and American Bureau of Shipping Rules have been included with permission. MarineElectricity.com - Your Free Marine Electrical Technology Guide is in its 20th Year Now! Yes, we are celebrating almost two decades of being one of most popular sites since Feb 2006!
One-Cow Revolution
Essential experience-based advice and instructions from the authors of The Independent Farmstead for raising a grass-fed milk cow as the heart of a successful low-input, low-cost homestead. For more than three decades, Shawn and Beth Dougherty have honed their frugal methods for managing a small-scale farmstead on marginal land. In One-Cow Revolution, they share their wisdom and affection for the blessing that is the human-dairy cow partnership, addressing key questions with clear answers for those who have just moved back to the land (or are still planning and dreaming). The Doughertys begin at the beginning, advising readers on how to find a reliable dairy cow, move her to the homestead, and settle her in. They take readers on the round of daily chores, including managing their cow's grazing patterns and monitoring pasture health, milking a cow, and handling the milk. They explain how a solar-powered cow becomes the heart of a diversified farmstead, providing food for calves, pigs, and other livestock; milk and meat for the family; and manure for high-quality compost to build healthy garden soil. The book's exemplary how-to content is framed by an introduction and conclusion that describes their life philosophy as "cow people" and the many benefits that manifest in communities where small, food-independent farmsteads thrive as models of sustainable human land-use. "This is the homestead dairy cow book every homesteader needs!"--Amy Fewell, founder, Homesteaders of America
Advanced Electrical Machines and Drives Technologies, 2nd Edition
"Advanced Electrical Machines and Drives Technologies" was a continuation of the first successful MDPI Topic dedicated to this field. It focused on the latest developments in the design, optimization, modeling, experimental testing, and manufacturing of electrical machines and drive systems, which play a vital role in industry, transportation, and energy systems. The research challenges addressed included improving energy efficiency while reducing material and production costs. The Topic encouraged multidisciplinary approaches, combining electrical engineering with modern control methods, diagnostics, and materials science. Covered areas included bearingless machines, BLDC motors, permanent magnet topologies, sensorless drives, composite materials, and wide-bandgap semiconductors. Contributions were published in MDPI journals such as Applied Sciences, Machines, Energies, and Vehicles, with early-stage research shared via Preprints.org.
Ethical AI Development
Ready to go beyond the headlines and see how AI ethics actually works on the ground across the globe? This book is your passport to the world of applied AI ethics. It leaves abstract theory behind. We explore the real, complex challenges facing nations today. The book uses a clear case study approach. Each chapter focuses on one country and one critical theme. You will travel to Germany to understand data privacy under the EU AI Act. Then, we dissect China's AI-powered Social Credit System. We'll investigate algorithmic bias in the United States criminal justice system. You'll see how the UK balances innovation and patient rights in its national healthcare AI strategy. We explore Japan's pioneering use of robotics to care for its aging population. Journey to France to untangle the debate over generative AI and copyright. See how Canada weighs the environmental costs of AI. Finally, we examine the crucial fight for Indigenous Data Sovereignty in Australia. This is a ground-level view of AI's biggest questions. So, what makes this book different from others on AI ethics? Many books explain the what-the core principles of fairness, accountability, and transparency. This book explains the how and the why. We provide a truly global and comparative perspective that other books lack. Instead of just listing principles, we show them in action, clashing with cultural values, legal traditions, and national priorities. You'll understand why a rights-based European model differs so much from a state-driven approach or a market-focused one. This book provides a nuanced map of emerging global norms, offering a deeper, more practical understanding of the real-world trade-offs and solutions being forged today. It gives you the competitive advantage of seeing the full, complex picture of global AI governance. Copyright Disclaimer: The author has no affiliation with any government or regulatory board mentioned herein. This work is independently produced, and references to organizations, policies, and frameworks are made under the principle of nominative fair use for commentary and analysis.
Urban Infrastructure and Resilient, Sustainable Buildings
This Reprint brings together cutting-edge research on sustainable buildings and resilient infrastructures. It explores how intelligence, decarbonization, and resilience can serve as foundational pillars to address the challenges of climate change, disaster risks, and social uncertainty in cities.
Mine-Field
'It is not a case of governments and companies putting royalties and profits before people; instead it is as though people don't matter at all ...' In Mine-Field, Paul Cleary counts the true cost of Australia's mineral addiction. Whether it be coal-seam gas, LNG or coal mega-mines, a resources rush is happening in just about every productive corner of our country. Yet at the same time oversight and regulation have been hollowed out. High-risk projects are being approved without proper assessment of the long-term consequences. Water resources, farmland and national parks are under threat, and people, communities and industries are being steamrolled. A ground-breaking piece of reporting by the author of Too Much Luck, Mine-Field plots the dubious networks created and greased by mining companies to get their projects through, and exposes regulatory gaps that must be addressed to prevent enormous and irreversible harm to our society and environment. Shortlisted for the 2012 Walkley Book Award and the 2013 Ashurst Business Literature Prize. Longlisted for the 2013 John Button Prize
Lightning Nerds and Gearheads
Rich in insight and gorgeously written, Lightning Nerds and Gearheads is a layperson's glimpse into engineering. Through author Bob Cowin's six conversations with people in the profession-including a marine engineer, an electrical engineer, and everything in between-Lightning Nerds and Gearheads touches on what makes engineers tick, what draws them into the profession, and perhaps most fascinating of all, how they facilitate the systems and processes which make our modern world possible.Incisive, thought-provoking, and written in captivating prose, this book is sure to make an original addition to the bookshelves of anyone interested in the subject of engineering-and, as it goes to show, we all should be.
Lightning Nerds and Gearheads
Rich in insight and gorgeously written, Lightning Nerds and Gearheads is a layperson's glimpse into engineering. Through author Bob Cowin's six conversations with people in the profession-including a marine engineer, an electrical engineer, and everything in between-Lightning Nerds and Gearheads touches on what makes engineers tick, what draws them into the profession, and perhaps most fascinating of all, how they facilitate the systems and processes which make our modern world possible.Incisive, thought-provoking, and written in captivating prose, this book is sure to make an original addition to the bookshelves of anyone interested in the subject of engineering-and, as it goes to show, we all should be.
Reliability of Power Electronics Devices and Converter Systems
Power electronics, such as renewable energy generation systems, electric vehicles, and smart grids, are key in energy conversion and management. However, industrial experience indicates that the power converter is one of the weakest components in the system. Thus, there is a pressing need to improve the reliability of power converters and reduce the system downtime induced by the failure of power converters. The failure mechanism, thermal network model, junction temperature estimation, lifetime prediction, condition monitoring, and power electronics system thermal control are becoming increasingly important.
Buildings' Thermal Performance and Energy Efficiency for a Sustainable Construction
This Reprint, Buildings' Thermal Performance and Energy Efficiency for a Sustainable Construction, addresses one of the most pressing challenges of our time: reducing the energy consumption and carbon emissions of the building sector while ensuring human comfort and resilience. Buildings account for a large share of global energy use, and their thermal performance plays a central role in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. This Reprint brings together original research and reviews that explore the interplay between microclimatic conditions, building design, and energy-saving technologies. These contributions span a wide spectrum, including microclimatic evaluations of elevated open spaces, optimization of settlement layouts in cold climates, innovative fa癟ade strategies for outdoor comfort, and quantitative assessments of low-carbon technologies in urban environments. Further studies analyze solar-shading indicators, architectural morphology for ventilation efficiency, and the coordination between land urbanization, energy use, and carbon emissions. Finally, a user-centered approach highlights how participatory design can enhance age-friendly and socially sustainable public spaces. Collectively, these works demonstrate the importance of integrating thermal comfort, energy efficiency, and environmental adaptation in sustainable construction, serving as a valuable reference for researchers, practitioners, and policymakers seeking innovative strategies to foster climate-resilient and human-centered built environments.
Trends and Challenges in Power System Stability and Control
As the energy landscape transforms under mounting pressures of decarbonization, grid modernization, and climate resilience, the stability and control of power systems have come into sharper focus. This Special Issue collects works on recent advances that confront the key technical challenges posed by the increasing penetration of renewables, distributed generation, and real-time operational complexity.Under the leadership of Guest Editors Prof. Ke Xu (Nanjing Institute of Technology) and Prof. Yuan Liao (University of Kentucky), the Issue solicited contributions that push the frontier of power system control theory, stability analysis, and practical control strategies. Topics of interest include, but are not limited to, the following: Frequency and voltage stability in hybrid and renewable-rich grids;Control coordination among multiple devices (e.g., energy storage, converter interfaces, FACTS);Advanced forecasting, system operation, and real-time control;Protection schemes and resilience under faults and disturbances;Optimization, intelligent techniques, and AI/ML methods in stabilization;Microgrid dynamics, islanding behavior, and distributed control;Integration of power system protection, stability, and control under uncertainty.This Special Issue aims to strengthen synergies between control theory and power system engineering practice, weaving a narrative that encourages new dialogues across academia, industry, and system operators.
Remote Sensing, Artificial Intelligence and Deep Learning in Hydraulic Structure Safety Monitoring
With the gradual transformation of hydraulic engineering from digitization and intelligence to WISDOM, remote sensing technology, artificial intelligence and deep learning methods have been widely used for automatic perception, processing, storage and analysis of hydraulic structure engineering monitoring data. The advent of remote sensing technologies such as three-dimensional tilt photography offers the opportunity to build an integrated hydraulic engineering monitoring and acquisition system that is capable of capturing all the details of hydraulic engineering. With the introduction of artificial intelligence and deep learning methods, hydraulic engineering information has been analyzed and exploited efficiently. Combined with traditional hydraulic structure behavior analysis methods, such as geotechnical testing and numerical simulation, artificial intelligence and deep learning methods can help solve more complex hydraulic engineering problems by providing more accurate and professional intelligent analysis and ubiquitous hydraulic engineering services of great theoretical importance and application value in order to achieve the general improvement of the safety monitoring of hydraulic structures.
Sustainable Concrete Materials and Resilient Structures
The escalating climate crisis underscores the urgent need for construction practices that are both sustainable and resilient. As the most widely used construction material worldwide, concrete remains indispensable for enabling safer, stronger, and more durable infrastructures, from buildings and bridges to lifeline systems. Beyond its unmatched versatility, concrete offers unique potential to advance the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals by fostering disaster-resilient, low-maintenance, and cost-effective solutions that address global social, economic, and environmental challenges.This Reprint, originating from the Special Issue of Applied Sciences, presents a curated collection of innovative research on sustainable concrete technologies and resilient structural systems. Contributions span innovative material design, advanced performance assessment, durability enhancement, and eco-efficient applications, collectively pushing the boundaries of knowledge and practice in civil and structural engineering. By integrating sustainability with resilience, the Reprint highlights transformative pathways toward reducing the carbon footprint of construction while strengthening society's capacity to withstand natural and human-induced hazards.Serving as a timely reference for academics, researchers, graduate students, and practitioners, this Reprint provides both foundational insights and forward-looking strategies to inspire the next generation of sustainable and resilient infrastructure.
The 2025 Suwon ITS Asia Pacific Forum
This Reprint features selected papers from the 2025 Suwon ITS AP Forum, held from May 28 to 30, 2025, at the Suwon Convention Center in South Korea. Gathering over 4,000 experts and practitioners in Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITSs), the Forum served as a leading platform for advancing innovation and collaboration in the field. Under the theme "Hyper-Connected Cities by ITS," it explored the transformative role of ITS in shaping smart and seamlessly connected urban environments. The articles in this Reprint highlight cutting-edge technologies, global leadership, and the integration of mobility, data, and infrastructure to promote efficient and sustainable urban development.
Computational Methods in Structural Engineering
This Reprint brings together nine contributions that showcase the latest advances in computational methods applied to structural engineering. It includes an introductory editorial and eight original research articles covering topics such as nonlinear finite element modeling under extreme loads, advanced plate and composite analysis, explainable machine learning for material characterization, predictive models for curved beams, stochastic approaches for uncertainty quantification, and data-driven signal processing for structural health monitoring. Collectively, these works demonstrate how computational tools, from high-precision numerical schemes to artificial intelligence, are shaping the analysis, design, and optimization of modern structures. The Reprint highlights both the opportunities and the challenges of integrating advanced computation into engineering practice, providing researchers and professionals with insights into methods that enhance safety, efficiency, and innovation in the built environment.
Use of Modern Materials in Technological Processes Accompanied by Frictional Heating (Volume II)
This reprint contains 9 articles published in the Special Issue "Use of Modern Materials in Technological Processes Accompanied by Frictional Heating (Volume II)". The contributions can be divided into five thematic groups: (1) analytical models of frictional heating in layered systems, including coatings made of functionally graded materials (FGMs) and their comparison with homogeneous materials; (2) experimental and theoretical studies on friction stir welding and the influence of residual stresses and microstructure on fatigue crack growth in welded joints, as well as stress concentration in cruciform joints; (3) the development and optimization of flame-retardant cellulose-based fabrics with potential applications in protective textiles; (4) the use of friction surfacing to produce high-performance coatings, with a comparative analysis against conventional deposition methods; (5) tribological behavior of graphite/copper composites under current-carrying conditions in marine environments, with a focus on wear mechanisms and electrochemical effects.
Advanced Fracturing Technology for Oil and Gas Reservoir Stimulation
Fossil energy-coal-bed methane, shale oil, shale gas, and natural gas hydrates-significantly contribute to the world's energy production. This Reprint aims to disseminate the latest research on how advanced fracturing technologies unlock these resources. It covers the characterization of pre-fracture reservoirs, fracture propagation mechanics across diverse geologies, hydraulic-natural fracture interaction, proppant transport and placement optimization, and the design of fracturing fluid systems and injection parameters. The studies herein provide a concise, state-of-the-art resource for researchers, engineers, and industry professionals seeking to maximize recovery from complex reservoirs, serving as a reference for research in related or relevant areas.
Millimeter-Wave Antennas for 5G
Fifth generation (5G) wireless communication technology will revolutionize communication, enabling faster data transfer, lower latency, and increased capacity. The Special Issue focuses on the latest millimeter-wave antennas for 5G wireless communication, covering topics related to their design and application, including basic elements, antenna arrays, beamforming, and integration with other 5G system components. Antennas are essential parts of wireless communication systems, including sensor networks. Moreover, 5G technology is expected to revolutionize wireless sensor networks, and millimeter-wave antennas for 5G wireless communication play a crucial role in their development and deployment. The advancements in millimeter-wave antennas for 5G wireless communication can also have a significant impact on the development and deployment of RFID-based sensor systems.
