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.
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.
Smart Systems with IoT and AI
This book offers a unique journey into the world of real-world Internet of Things (IoT) and Artificial Intelligence (AI), where intelligent machines meet to solve urgent societal challenges. Written for engineers, researchers, and innovators- each chapter unveils a practical system built from the ground up, integrating edge computing, machine learning, and low-power design for smarter, safer environments. Explore an IoT connected ultra-low-power digital sticky note using an e-paper display that enables persistent, readable updates from smartphone - with long battery life Discover a deep learning-based gunshot detection system that operates indoors, transmits real-time alerts via secure IoT channels, and has been validated using realistic test scenarios. Learn how a smart fire detection system identifies not just the flames, but also the object on fire, and recommends the appropriate extinguisher using AI. Venture into the wild with a sustainable wildfire detection system that listens to nature, detects danger early, and transmits alerts using an ultra-low-power IoT architecture. This collection showcases the power of fusing intelligent algorithms with embedded systems to build solutions that are not just smart - but practical, tested, and ready for deployment. Whether you're an academic, entrepreneur, or technologist, this book will ignite your curiosity and equip you with real designs that bridge the lab and the real world.
Advance Study on Digital Image Processing
This book delves into the fundamentals and cutting-edge developments in digital image processing, beginning with core concepts such as image formulation, acquisition, enhancement, and restoration. It guides readers through the scientific principles behind digital images-how they are formed, processed, and refined for improved interpretation. With practical examples ranging from gamma-ray and X-ray imaging to color and infrared processing, the book bridges theoretical foundations with real-world applications. Emphasizing both classical techniques and modern research trends, including machine learning-based methods, this work is ideal for students, researchers, and professionals aiming to master the complexities and innovations in visual data analysis.
Advanced Algorithms in Wireless Communication and Internet of Things (IoT)
The development of advanced algorithms for wireless communication and the Internet of Things (IoT) has become a central theme in recent research, and this Reprint highlights studies related to mathematical and computational methods applied in these domains. This Reprint contains theoretical contributions, applied models, and systematic analyses addressing algorithmic challenges in IoT and wireless systems. It covers topics such as optimization techniques, probabilistic models, resource allocation, secure transmission, energy-efficient communication, and real-time decision-making. The contributions span a wide range of approaches, including machine learning methods, distributed algorithms, and mathematical frameworks for next-generation wireless networks.
Reaction Mechanism and Properties of Cement-Based Materials (2nd Edition)
Cement is a fundamental building material whose performance is governed by its complex, multi-scale microstructure. A thorough understanding of the relationship between the characteristics of hydration products, pore features, and the resulting macroscopic properties is crucial for designing more efficient, durable, and sustainable construction materials. This reprint brings together cutting-edge research across several key domains, including the modification of grouting materials using graphene oxide/nano-silica hybrids, the sustainable use of industrial by-products and agricultural wastes, and advanced material design enabled by the synergistic application of limestone powder and rice husk ash. It further addresses topics such as the incorporation of plant fibers in geopolymer concrete, performance optimization of fiber-reinforced lightweight aggregate concrete, and the influence of raw material fineness on clinker burnability and rheological behavior. It also covers critical advances in deformation control and strength enhancement through the combined use of MgO expansive agents and internal curing technology. By exploring diverse mechanisms from alkali migration in raw materials to the synthesis of high-belite cement from solid waste, the reprint provides a holistic perspective on emerging innovations that advances the construction materials field toward greater sustainability and resilience.
C
In the opulent yet stifling world of Edwardian England, where the grandeur of the British aristocracy masks a labyrinth of personal relationships and societal norms, this historical fiction novel unfolds with the elegance and depth that fans of Maurice Baring cherish. As we step into the early 20th century, the narrative reveals a time when appearances were everything, yet the heart yearned for authenticity and connection. This literary fiction, long out of print and now republished by Alpha Editions, has been lovingly restored for today's and future generations, offering readers a glimpse into a bygone era that still resonates with contemporary relevance. This classic literature piece is more than just a reprint; it stands as a collector's item and a cultural treasure, inviting both casual readers and avid collectors of Edwardian novels to immerse themselves in its timeless themes. Echoing the introspective quality of E.M. Forster and the emotional intensity of D.H. Lawrence, the story navigates the intricate dance of social expectations and personal desires, illuminating the universal struggle for self-discovery amidst external pressures. As a window into the past, it challenges us to reflect on how far we have come and how much remains unchanged. This edition is a testament to the enduring power of storytelling, a bridge connecting the past with the present, and a celebration of literary heritage.
Game and Decision Theory Applied to Business, Economy and Finance
Game theory is the branch of Mathematics dedicated to the design of models that are able to make predictions, under the assumption that the agents under interaction (negotiation) are rational. Game theory can be applied to several different research fields, including computer and social sciences. It has been applied in business, financial decisions, presidential elections, jury decisions in trials, and biology in general. The origin of game theory is from the necessity of taking logical decisions inside conflicts and negotiations when several possible choices emerge. Within game theory, the information available for each player is crucial for making decisions. Besides game theory, Quantum Mechanics, oriented to finance, dubbed Quantum Finance, is a new branch of science where decision theories can be explored in a more logical way. This Special Issue is a combination of game theory and Quantum Finance, with the purpose of solving multiple problems related to individual and collective rational decisions.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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."
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.
Coevolution
Like a caterpillar transforming into a butterfly, humanity is once again entering a moment of profound change. Artificial Intelligence is not just another tool; it is reshaping how we live, how we work and even how we are governed.A dystopian tomorrow is not inevitable. It is only one possibility. The other is far brighter: a future where humans and AI evolve together in ways that amplify our creativity, deepen our connections and expand what is possible for society. That future is coevolution.In Coevolution: The Essential Human-AI Partnership for the Future of our World, Samantha Jane Lever offers a framework to help you rethink your relationship with technology. She shows how to move from passive consumption to active participation, so that the technology we create serves humanity, not the other way around.Inside you will discover: A framework that reveals the four stages of our relationship with technology, from dependency to coevolution.New ways to see how technology shapes your biology, psychology and culture - and how you can respond with awareness.Strategies to align your digital life with your values, supporting rather than undermining your wellbeing.How individual choices ripple outward to influence the collective direction of AI and society.Why choosing optimism is not na簿ve but essential to creating a flourishing future with AI.AI is here to stay. The question is: will we let it define us, or will we choose to define the partnership? If you are ready to embrace change and step into your role as a co-creator of tomorrow, this book will show you how.
The Untold Railway Stories
A compendium of new writing telling of little known journeys and uncovered histories of railway routes around the world - from the UK, Europe and Africa to North America, the Middle East and Asia. This collection will appeal to general readers around travel, history and railways, as well as readers of post-colonial writings, geo-political explorations or global family histories. From the Burmese highlands to the British Pennines, from the history of a precipitous coastal stretch of Indian railroad to a cross-continent odyssey on African railways, this is a new way of exploring the world and its history, by train. The Untold Railways Stories is a testament to both the joy and impact of train travel - to the ambition and ingenuity, and also to destruction and sacrifice within the history of passenger railways - and is published to coincide with the 200th anniversary of first passenger railway line.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 Body Digital
A dazzling tour of the history of technology and its complex relationship to the human body What is the relationship between our bodies and our senses and technology? In today's world of blinding technological change, of artificial intelligence and deepfakes and Chat GPT, it is easy to forget that we have always had complicated relations with technology--whether that technology is computers, player pianos, and even eyeglasses. In this wide-ranging and fascinating study, Vanessa Chang takes us on a historical tour of the interactions between our bodies and machines, showing that the advent of new technologies has always been met with varied reactions, from misplaced fear to tragic over-optimism. The result is cultural critique of the highest order and a profound demonstration of the eternal truth that in order to understand the future, we must look to the past.
Charles Darwin
When Darwin announced his theory of evolution by natural selection, he did more than transform biology. Before his great work, humans were comfortably different from other life, a special creation. By showing how life on Earth evolved, Darwin told us that humans too are part of nature. His decisive experience - a five-year round-the-world voyage on the Beagle - set him thinking about the diversity of life, ideas that would challenge the scientific establishment and Victorian society. Darwin for years built his evidence for evolution, even as he realized that such ideas were leading him straight into controversy and dispute. This book gives a concise account of Darwin's life and work, and makes vividly clear why his work continues to influence us all. Stephen Webster is Director of the Science Communication Unit at Imperial College. He was educated in zoology at Bristol, and in the philosophy of science at Cambridge. His PhD thesis was a study of art-science collaborations. Stephen has a writing career that spans textbooks, BBC radio plays, an opera about Darwin, BBC radio documentaries about the nature of science, and contributions to the Guardian newspaper's weather column. His 1993 radio play about the clockmaker John Harrison was awarded an Association for British Science Writers prize; in 2003, with the composer Graham Treacher, Stephen was funded by the Wellcome Trust to write the libretto for Darwin's Dream, a piece of music theatre that received its premiere in the Royal Albert Hall.
A Brown & Sharpe Catalogue Collection, 1868-1899
Anyone who collects or studies 19th century machine tools and machinist s tools will be delighted with the three catalogs that are reprinted in this valuable book.
Emerging Micro Manufacturing Technologies and Applications, 2nd Edition
Manufacturing micro-components has become a key area of interest for research, owing to the growing demand for miniaturized components and assemblies and a series of applications across multiple industrial sectors. The drive towards miniaturization is especially critical in industrial sectors like medical, consumer electronics, optics, and general engineering. These sectors drive the development of processes that can deliver components with sub-micron accuracy and flawless surface quality. Manufacturing processes like additive manufacturing, drawing, and electrochemical machining have been adapted to meet the requirements of microscale production, whilst on the other hand, processes like electrochemical deposition and electroforming have been developed with micromachining in mind. Research in the field, as in most manufacturing fields, has focused on the development of robust processes and simulation models that can lead to the optimization of micromanufacturing processes. Building upon the success of the first edition of the Emerging Micro Manufacturing Technologies and Applications Special Issue, this second edition will continue to explore recent advances in the field. This issue features eight original research papers covering topics including microelectronic device manufacturing, surface property modification, and additive manufacturing.
Structural Seismic Design and Evaluation
Due to significant structural damage resulting from the occurrence of strong earthquakes in recent decades, researchers worldwide have directed their attention to addressing various issues related to structural seismic design and evaluation (SSDE) for different types of structures, including bridges, dams, and steel and concrete buildings. In this Reprint, we present the results of several investigations in both traditional and emerging subdisciplines within this broader field, summarizing recent advancements in the improvement of SSDE.
Applications of Fractional-Order Systems to Automatic Control
Fractional-order systems have been applied in diverse areas of science and engineering. Fractional-order calculus is a generalization of the integration and differentiation operators to non-integer order. Factional order provides additional flexibility and adjustments to operation specifications. In automatic control, fractional systems allow forms of response that are impossible to achieve with classical control, e.g., improvements in noise measurement attenuation without unnecessarily deteriorating the disturbance rejection properties and, consequently, the time response of the closed-loop system.The focus of this Special Issue is to showcase advances in research on topics related to the theory, design, implementation, and application of fractional-order systems in automatic control.
Advanced Control Techniques for Power Converter and Drives
This Reprint on Advanced Control Techniques for Power Converters and Drives brings together recent advances in controlling power electronic systems and electric drives, with a focus on strategies that improve efficiency, robustness, and real-time feasibility. The collected works cover a wide spectrum of topics, including model predictive and adaptive control, passivity-based approaches, robust PI-PD design, and EMI-aware modulation methods. Special attention is given to nonlinear device modeling, FPGA-based implementations, and the distributed coordination of converters in modern energy systems.Each contribution is supported by simulations and experimental validations, demonstrating how advanced algorithms can be deployed in practical applications ranging from motor drives and renewable integration to distribution networks and aircraft power systems. This Reprint not only summarizes state-of-the-art developments but also highlights the main challenges that remain unresolved, such as incorporating nonlinear and thermal effects into controllers, certifying learning-enabled methods, and ensuring scalable stability in converter-dominated grids.This Reprint serves as a reference for researchers, engineers, and practitioners interested in cutting-edge control solutions for power converters and electric drives, and in the pathways toward their future development and industrial adoption.
Application of Microfluidics in Cell Manipulation and Biosensing
In recent years, point-of-care applications and high-throughput screening in the healthcare and pharmaceutical industries have resulted in the rapid development of microfluidic systems for cell biology and disease diagnostics. The microfluidic method has attracted significant attention in biological and chemical applications, especially in cell manipulation, mixing, and biosensing, due to its distinctive advantages. This Special Issue brings together studies with the following research focuses: a paper-based device for detection purposes, cell concentration by a lamb wave resonator array, a micromixing chip for drug screening, a nano-doped hollow fiber for sensors, exosome separation via DLD and DEP, a trigger valve, an open microfluidic device, and reviews of single-cell sequencing and photonic microfluidic technologies.
