Robotic Process Automation
Robotic Process Automation: Transforming the Future of Work is a must-have guide to understanding how RPA technology is revolutionizing organizations. This book offers a comprehensive overview from its fundamentals to practical applications in key sectors such as finance, healthcare, manufacturing, and education. It explores its benefits, such as cost and error reduction, and challenges, such as change management and technology integration. Through clear strategies, success stories, and workforce impact analysis, the authors show how RPA enables companies to improve their competitiveness, foster innovation, and adapt to an ever-changing marketplace. In addition, it addresses critical issues such as cybersecurity and sustainability, highlighting the role of artificial intelligence in the future of this technology. Perfect for business leaders, innovators and students, this book not only teaches how to implement RPA, but also invites reflection on its transformative role in the digital age.
Fractional Order Systems and Their Applications
Fractional calculus (FC) generalizes the concepts of derivative and integral orders to non-integer orders. It was introduced by Leibniz (1646-1716) but remained a purely mathematical exercise for a long time, despite the original contributions to the field of important mathematicians, physicists, and engineers. FC has experienced rapid development in recent decades, both in mathematics and applied sciences, being recognized as an excellent tool to describe complex dynamics. Based on this, several models governing physical phenomena in the areas of science and engineering have been reformulated in light of FC for them to better reflecting their non-local and frequency- and history-dependent properties. Applications of FC include modeling of diffusion, viscoelasticity, and relaxation processes in fluid mechanics; the dynamics of mechanical, electronic, and biological systems; and signal processing and control.This reprint compiles articles from the Special Issue "Fractional Order Systems and Their Applications", which focused on original and new research results on modeling and control of fractional order systems with applications in science and engineering. It includes 13 manuscripts addressing novel issues and specific topics that illustrate the richness and applicability of fractional calculus.
Maintenance 4.0 Technologies for Sustainable Manufacturing
Maintenance 4.0's core objective is to revolutionize and improve maintenance processes, demonstrating the practical application of Industry 4.0 technologies in manufacturing. While technologies such as the Industrial Internet of Things, Augmented and Virtual Reality, Big Data Analytics, and AI are the primary drivers of Industry 4.0, it is Maintenance 4.0 that brings them to life.The literature reveals that implementing I4.0 technologies offers numerous advantages. However, it is important to note that realizing these potential maintenance benefits requires more than just overcoming the technological challenges associated with Industry 4.0 integration. It is equally crucial to address other challenges, particularly sustainability-related ones, including social, economic, and environmental challenges which must be considered to ensure sustainable manufacturing, an area significantly influenced by maintenance.This Special Issue will present the latest advances in and the development of new methods, techniques, systems, and tools dedicated to the application of Maintenance 4.0 technologies to the economic, environmental, and social challenges of sustainable manufacturing.
Hydraulic Engineering and Modelling of Water Flow by Use of Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) and Modern Hydraulic Analysis Methods
This Reprint introduces readers to hydraulic engineering advances over historical and current time periods as obtained from the use of modern analysis methodologies. Water engineering in ancient and modern societies analyzed through the use of Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) and advanced numerical analysis methods applied to ancient and modern water conveyance and distribution structures brings forward aspects of the historical and current water engineering knowledge base used by ancient and modern water engineers as described in several manuscripts. Further manuscripts discuss modern agricultural field system design optimization used to maximize food production necessary to sustain societal continuity. In current times, electrical power generation through use of dams with electrical generators supplied by water flows to turbines provides a source of green energy production- this a concern of current importance related to climate change effects on societal continuity from organic fuel combustion CO2 emissions. To address energy extraction issues, use of dam-related water flow technologies to facilitate green energy production is discussed in several manuscripts.
Editorial Board Members' Collection Series
Smart energy systems that integrate multiple energy sectors are considered a promising paradigm for providing a comprehensive and optimized solution for an achievable, affordable, and sustainable energy system in the near future. The Special Issue presents various emerging approaches for designing growing renewable energy (RE), energy storage (ES), and smart transportation with electric vehicles (EVs) in the power and automobile industries. Power generation from renewable energy resources (RESs) plays a major role in producing sustainable green power and reducing the dependency on fossil fuels; in turn, this leads to various technical, economic, and environmental benefits. Although extensive studies on the definition, implementation, and optimization of these systems have been conducted, the design and management of a smart energy system remain a critical challenge. The purpose of this collection, "Smart Energy System Design", is to provide a comprehensive overview of smart energy system design; the latest advancements, opportunities, challenges, and potential applications of energy storage; renewable energy; EVs; big data; artificial intelligence; the Internet of Things; and machine learning technologies. This collection features the most recent research on a variety of exciting topics, including (but not limited to) the following: Control and operation of modern power grids; Renewable energy power generation connected to the grid-microgrid; Energy harvesting and wireless power transfer technologies; Electronic equipment related to energy systems; Energy storage and electric vehicles; Big data and artificial intelligence.
The Effect of Dry Density on Shear Strength Parameters of Ravi, Chenab, and Lawrencepur Sand
Unveiling the Subsurface Secrets: A Journey into the Shear Strength Parameters of Cohesive Soil and Silty Sand in Civil Engineering Structures Embark on a comprehensive exploration of the fundamental material shaping the foundations of civil engineering structures - the soil. Diving into the intricate world of cohesive soil and silty sand, our research unveils the pivotal role played by these granular soils in construction. In the realm of civil engineering, the determination of shear strength parameters (c & ɸ) emerges as a crucial factor. Our study delves into the challenges faced by structures, such as foundation failures, slope instabilities, and retaining wall collapses. The remedy lies in accurately selecting shear strength parameters derived from meticulous laboratory and field tests. Our methodology entails the meticulous collection of sand samples from the site, followed by preservation and transportation for in-situ moisture content determination using the Oven-drying method. The gradation of sand samples is unveiled through a meticulous Sieve analysis, establishing the relationship between gradation and dry density.
Eco-Friendly Building Construction for Reduction of Global Warming
Global warming is a significant global challenge, with the construction industry playing a major role due to its high energy consumption and emissions. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change states that construction is responsible for about 40% of global energy use and 30% of annual greenhouse gas emissions. The trend toward high-rise and large-scale construction, driven by population growth, exacerbates these impacts. This underscores the need to examine how concrete cover thickness influences a building's life cycle, as research on the environmental impact of reinforced concrete slabs is limited. A recent study compared the CO₂ emissions of three slab types-ordinary reinforced concrete, flat plate, and voided slabs-highlighting that voided slabs offer the greatest potential for reducing emissions. Cement and steel, with their high embodied energy, significantly contribute to construction's environmental impact. Shifting to sustainable slab systems could considerably lower CO₂ emissions, promoting eco-friendly building practices.
Partial Differential Equations with Applications
Differential equations are essential for describing a real-world system as a mathematical model. Particularly, it is well known that partial differential equations are used extensively in physics and engineering, where problems involve functions of several variables, such as the propagation of heat or sound, fluid flow, elasticity, etc. Over the last few years, a wide variety of methods have been developed to find analytical solutions to partial differential equations. Currently, symmetry methods are intensively applied to solve partial differential equations obtaining exact analytic solutions. Additionally, finding conservation laws or conserved quantities plays an important role in the solution of a problem. Furthermore, there has been considerable research on Painlev矇-type equations since 1980. Specifically, Painlev矇 tests have been shown to be remarkable in their ability to predict whether an equation is integrable.
Cashew nut agro-industrial pilot plant
This small-scale facility is designed to carry out experimental tests and develop food production processes at an industrial level. These plants make it possible to test concepts, adjust processes and assess the technical and economic viability of new technologies or food products before they are implemented on a large scale in industry. Cashew nut processing can be summarized in four main stages: 1) Receiving and weighing, drying the nut, cleaning and washing, sorting and cooking the nut (autoclave process, cooling and drying the nut); 2) Cutting the nut shell, dehydrating and expanding the kernel; 3) Shelling the kernels, selecting and sorting; and 4) Toasting and packaging. When laying out the pilot plant, a number of considerations need to be taken into account to allow for an efficient layout of equipment and space in general. In addition, this integral approach will not only make it possible to improve cashew nut production, but also to provide valuable information on the economic viability and sustainability of the process, offering valuable information to interested producers and companies.
Computational and Data-Driven Modeling of Combustion in Reciprocating Engines or Gas Turbines
In the last decade, more stringent regulations have forced a significant reduction in the levels of pollutants emitted into the atmosphere; nevertheless, internal combustion engines and gas turbines still represent the most widely operated energy conversion systems. Experimental investigations play a fundamental role in allowing a better understanding of the processes that are responsible for noxious species formation. Indeed, only experimental activities can provide basic data to deeply analyze the phenomena occurring inside combustion chambers. On the other hand, experimental facilities have a high cost of maintenance and operation and, therefore, the same data are generally used for the validation of numerical models that in turn can be helpful to predict the behavior of engines and gas turbines under a wide range of operating conditions, or to test their operation in innovative combustion concepts. This Reprint collects innovative research on combustion computational models and their methodologies of validation, covering a wide range of applications and solutions in which reciprocating engines and gas turbines are implemented.
Power System Dynamics and Stability
The characteristics of power electronics in the safe and stable operation of power systems have been a trend in the research of new power systems, and this reprint focuses on research related to the modeling of power electronic systems and the study of dynamic stability mechanisms. This reprint contains research on modeling the dynamics and stability of power electronic systems, spanning many subject areas. It includes power electronic power systems, analysis of the power electronic power system simulation method, power electronic power system oscillation analysis and suppression measures, power electronic power system oscillation control method, and other topics.
Cyanide and Arsenic Destruction by Electrocoagulation
The adsorption of anatase (used phase of titanium dioxide) and arsenic on species generated from electrocoagulation such as magnetite, lepidocrocite and goethite was studied.Anatase was used to remove cyanide from contaminated water using a photocatalytic process, obtaining 94 % cyanide removal, this process has a disadvantage, since it is difficult to recover the anatase (after cyanide removal) due to the fineness of the anatase particles, to solve this weak point, electrocoagulation is used to efficiently recover the anatase, obtaining 99 % recovery.The metallurgical mining industry generates waste containing heavy metals, such as arsenic, so electrocoagulation was used to remove this contaminant, achieving 99 % arsenic removal.
AI-Driven Mental Health Assistant
The book focuses on the development and innovation behind a Mental Health Assistant Chatbot designed to provide supportive, contextually aware conversations for mental health care. This chatbot leverages Llama-2, an advanced AI model, to offer compassionate, sentiment-driven responses tailored to individual users' emotional states. It integrates sentiment analysis to adapt its tone dynamically and uses a CSV-based Q&A storage system to maintain conversational continuity and context. Featuring a Gradio-powered interface, the chatbot enables real-time, continuous interaction with users, promoting mental well-being through thoughtful engagement. The book details the project's objectives, methodology, technical implementation, challenges, and research insights, emphasizing its transformative role in mental health support and AI-driven therapy advancements.
Learn Python Easily
This book is mainly aimed at anyone interested in learning Python easily, regardless of their background. Whether you are a student, or a working professional seeking to expand your skill set, or someone looking to enter the world of programming for the first time, Python Basics Unleashed provides a structured and accessible path to learning Python. In a nutshell, this book assures learners to get the basics of Python in most easy ways with no prior knowledge of programming.
Vehicular Sensing for Improved Urban Mobility
The Special Issue "Vehicular Sensing for Improved Urban Mobility" focuses on the evolving role of connected and autonomous vehicles (CAVs) and intelligent transportation systems (ITS) in enhancing urban mobility. With recent advancements in vehicular sensing technologies, such as cameras, radars, and LIDAR, vehicles can now gather detailed environmental data and share it through vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication. This technology, supported by 5G networks, allows for better cooperative awareness and collective perception, leading to improved traffic safety and efficiency in urban settings.Key topics explored in this issue include the use of smart infrastructure embedded with AI and sensors, the development of vehicle ad hoc networks (VANETs), and the integration of CAVs to create a more seamless, efficient urban mobility system. The studies highlight the benefits of vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) and vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I) communications in mitigating road hazards and enhancing traffic management​.This Issue gathers innovative research on vehicular sensing applications and urban mobility improvements, making it a crucial contribution to the ongoing development of smart cities and future transportation networks.
Parallel CBAR Technique in Hadoop-MapReduce Framework
Data clustering is a prevalent challenge in big data processing, and parallelizing clustering operations significantly enhances efficiency in applications involving frequent searches. Various clustering techniques are available for data grouping, with CBAR being widely used across different applications. Parallelizing CBAR is essential for big data, and the Hadoop MapReduce platform offers a suitable framework to improve efficiency by leveraging effective segmentation techniques. This book involves designing and implementing algorithms for CBAR using the MapReduce approach, with testing conducted on clusters of up to 4 nodes. The results demonstrate substantial performance gains, which are analyzed and discussed with illustrative examples.
Machine Health Monitoring and Fault Diagnosis Techniques (Volume II)
This Special Issue brings together groundbreaking research focused on the enhancement of fault diagnosis and condition monitoring across various mechanical and electrical systems, leveraging advanced sensor technologies and intelligent diagnostic methods. The contributions encompass innovative approaches such as deep learning models for transformer and rolling bearing fault detection using vibration signals and time-frequency analyses, significantly boosting diagnostic accuracy and robustness. This collection also explores cutting-edge methodologies like Bayesian-optimized machine learning techniques and the application of vision transformers and convolutional neural networks to manage complex fault scenarios. With a strong emphasis on cross-domain diagnostics, the articles provide insight into the adaptive models capable of maintaining their performance across different operational conditions, enhancing real-time monitoring capabilities. This Special Issue is an essential resource for professionals and researchers dedicated to developing resilient and efficient solutions for equipment reliability, operational safety, and predictive maintenance. The collection reflects the forefront of sensor-based condition monitoring, fostering advances that support the sustainable and safe operation of critical systems.
European Comparative PPP Study (Germany)
European comparative public-private partnership study - Key result of the German projects When compared with conventional benchmarks, the life cycle costs of the 18 PPP projects studied are between 17% and 35% lower over 25 years, and construction and operating quality are often above average. The PPP municipalities rate the construction and operating performance at 1.7 (1 = very good, 5 = unsatisfactory). The construction process of these is highly efficient: The new build costs are between 15% and 20% and the construction times are 30% lower than BKI. The reliability of costs and deadlines is near-optimal. The operating performance figures for maintenance are remarkably good: In comparison with the maintenance budgets in the KGSt data, which are more than 50% below the target for moderate maintenance levels, the 18 PPP projects have above-average budgets. The management of maintenance is organised very efficiently: Service levels define the standards that must be maintained throughout the contract for all key components. Users are required to comply with response and correction times and charges are automatically applied if targets are not met. The standard is part-specific maintenance calculations with upper cost limits. In addition, there are reserve accounts for fast access to funds, which is described by building administrations as a "quantum leap." As a result, PPP maintenance management offers a reliable opportunity for significantly better residual values and avoids maintenance backlogs, which, according to the KfW local authorities panel 2024, amount to 186 billion at the municipal level. For energy management, the PPP costs are between 15% and 30% lower than KGSt and BKI. Heat consumption is 41% to 61% below the VDI benchmarks (2014). Consumption levels have thus far remained 11% below the maximum quantities guaranteed at the start of the contract. This shows that the more the PPP company shares in the savings achieved, the more energy savings are
European Comparative PPP Study (Germany)
European comparative public-private partnership study - Key result of the German projects When compared with conventional benchmarks, the life cycle costs of the 18 PPP projects studied are between 17% and 35% lower over 25 years, and construction and operating quality are often above average. The PPP municipalities rate the construction and operating performance at 1.7 (1 = very good, 5 = unsatisfactory). The construction process of these is highly efficient: The new build costs are between 15% and 20% and the construction times are 30% lower than BKI. The reliability of costs and deadlines is near-optimal. The operating performance figures for maintenance are remarkably good: In comparison with the maintenance budgets in the KGSt data, which are more than 50% below the target for moderate maintenance levels, the 18 PPP projects have above-average budgets. The management of maintenance is organised very efficiently: Service levels define the standards that must be maintained throughout the contract for all key components. Users are required to comply with response and correction times and charges are automatically applied if targets are not met. The standard is part-specific maintenance calculations with upper cost limits. In addition, there are reserve accounts for fast access to funds, which is described by building administrations as a "quantum leap." As a result, PPP maintenance management offers a reliable opportunity for significantly better residual values and avoids maintenance backlogs, which, according to the KfW local authorities panel 2024, amount to 186 billion at the municipal level. For energy management, the PPP costs are between 15% and 30% lower than KGSt and BKI. Heat consumption is 41% to 61% below the VDI benchmarks (2014). Consumption levels have thus far remained 11% below the maximum quantities guaranteed at the start of the contract. This shows that the more the PPP company shares in the savings achieved, the more energy savings are
The Impact of Sleep Deprivation on Health and Cognitive Function
Academic Paper from the year 2024 in the subject Biology - Diseases, Health, Nutrition, University of Cape Coast (School of Medical Sciences), course: Graduate Entry Medicine 399, language: English, abstract: Sleep is a complex phenomenon that is essential for the normal functioning of human beings. Although essential, due to the fast-paced nature of society today, there is the general 'need' for individuals to increase their output and they do so by cutting short their sleep time - this leads to sleep deprivation. As a result, sleep deprivation is becoming an increasing public health concern. This study presents a literature review that seeks to build knowledge on the impact of sleep deprivation on health and cognitive function. It is an examination of the causes through the management of sleep deprivation and it considers the rising concern of sleep deprivation by highlighting the associated health problems that the aforementioned problem presents. Studies suggest that adults and children alike are losing sleep for reasons like prolonged use of electronic devices, huge workloads, shift and school work, jet lag, and some other lifestyle factors. In the case of the elderly, however, the process of aging generally causes disturbances in their sleep pattern which leads to sleep loss. It was noted at the end of this study that there is a strong relationship between chronic sleep loss and many health problems like neurodegenerative disease, diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular disease, stroke as well as some mood disorders like anxiety and depression. Conversely, interindividual differences play a significant role in determining the extent of susceptibility of an individual to the effects of sleep deprivation. Management of sleep deprivation is mainly by psychoeducational interventions and in the case of severe sleep disorder, some pharmacological agents are recommended. It is also empirical that further studies be done to assess and or establish preventive and interventio
Inside the Metal Detector
Inside the Metal Detector is the definitive book on metal detector technology and design. But it is not just a book for those wanting to understand detector design, it also offers valuable operational insight to the detectorist who wants to know more about how targets respond and how detectors behave.After a high-level overview of detector types, the basics of magnetics and induction are explained, including simple experiments. The physics of magnetic and eddy target responses are covered as are the reasons for commonly encountered complex responses in field situations. Coil type, performance comparisons, and construction techniques are also explained. The metal detector topologies covered include: Energy TheftBFOOff-ResonancePLLTR and TR-DiscriminationVLF ground balance and motion filteringVLF-DiscriminationPulse Induction including ground balance methodsMultifrequency techniquesAdvanced PI techniquesHybrid methodsDigital techniquesMost topics include working example designs. Finally, there is an extensive list of resources including books, magazine articles, and patents. ITMD-3 represents a significant re-write from ITMD-2 with little recycled material and all-new example designs, and with over 250% more material.
Electric Vehicles Charging Station Using Solar PV Panels System
Electric vehicles are predicted to blossom in Egypt in the future years as an emerging technology in both the transportation and power sectors, contributing significantly to the decrease of fossil fuel usage and CO2 emissions. As a result, to mitigate vehicle energy demand overloads on the nation's electric grid, a solar PV system can be used to provide the electricity needs of an EV charging station. This book presents the design, simulation and economic analysis of a grid-connected solar power system for an electric charging station at workplace in 6th October city, Egypt using PVSOL simulation tool to supply energy to the charging station and office building appliances.
Speaker Identification using SVM During Oriya Speech Recognition
A lot of contributions were dedicated by Speech processing scientists and researchers throughout the globe for English and non-English spoken languages. But very scanty research in Oriya spoken language is done so far. This research work is completely a novel contribution towards the Oriya language which is one of the recognized Indian official languages. Multiple aspects are taken into account in this thesis. Statistical pattern recognition algorithms are utilized in the development of speaker identification and Oriya speech recognition. Speaker identification task is based on the Support Vector Machine (SVM) algorithm whereas Hidden Markov Model (HMM) algorithm is used in Oriya Speech Recognition engine development. Other effective techniques like Dynamic Time Warping (DTW), ontology based back propagation feed forward neural network (BPFF), k-neighborhood etc. also reviewed and analyzed from the point of view of speaker identification and Oriya speech recognition performance. A speech corpus is the integral unit of any speech processing application. Due to the unavailability of public domain Oriya speech corpus, we have established two different speech corpora in Oriya language.
The Science of Ship Stability
"The Science of Ship Stability: Fundamental Concepts and Uses " provides a comprehensive guide to the essential principles of ship stability and hydrostatics. Covering topics from buoyancy, flotation, and hydrostatic forces to advanced stability calculations and ship structural integrity, this book is an invaluable resource for students, engineers, and maritime professionals. With clear explanations, mathematical examples, and practical insights, it serves as both an academic textbook and a reference for those navigating the complex waters of marine engineering and ship design.
Stereoscopy for Augmented Reality and Games
Stereoscopy is the area of knowledge that deals with vision in three dimensions, but by definition it is limited only to techniques that make it possible to reconstitute a three-dimensional scene seen from two different points of view, which in the case of human beings is the scene reconstituted in the brain from the images obtained by the eyes. Initially, this work consolidates the main concepts and techniques in this broad area in order to propose ways of analysing, comparing and classifying stereoscopic techniques, using theoretical concepts and qualitative and quantitative metrics. Additionally, based on the literature review and experimental results, the research seeks to evaluate advantages and disadvantages among stereoscopic techniques and in the field as a whole, to feed discussions, trends and challenges encountered in the application of stereoscopy to Augmented Reality (AR) systems and in the area of digital games.
Smart Guide
This work proposes the construction of fundamental bases for the creation of an accessibility tool, also known as assistive technology or adaptive technology, for people with visual impairments, whether blind or with low vision, providing these people with a means of facilitating social integration, especially with regard to their academic training, with the aim of helping them to move around the internal premises of the Federal Institute of Education, Science and Technology of Pernambuco, Jaboat瓊o dos Guararapes campus. In order to achieve this goal, it is necessary to integrate various types of knowledge, techniques and methods that facilitate accessibility for people with visual impairments: Orientation and mobility, audio description of scenarios, Assistive technologies, working in an integrated way with the most up-to-date techniques of Computer vision and Natural language processing, these being subfields of artificial intelligence, finally, this work will be built based on the Design Science Research methodology of research and development.
OpenCV Based Surveillance System
This book is based on Environment perseverance to check if any intruder entered. User is alerted through a common platform like Gmail. The main aim of this project is intruder detection by detecting its motion and to specify the object that is moving. In this we use camera for tracking the real world. Camera is connected to Raspberry Pi and this is integrated with OpenCV. Camera records the real world and when motion is detected in the environment, it sends the live video to the authorized person through the Gmail. An image is captured and stored in a file and is read in BGR format then the image is converted into GRAY format for further processing. An image is taken from the video and this undergoes image processing through OpenCV and detects the objects present in the image Raspberry pi used to interface camera module and code is written in it. OpenCV is used to write all the operational code. Object recognition is done through OpenCV to detect the objects inside the image. Gmail is an application which is used here to send the live video and images to the authorized person.
Sustainable Materials, Structures and IoT
The Conference was organized by Department of Civil Engineering, Indira Gandhi Institute of Technology Sarang, India. As a recurring event with nationwide participation, it converged experts, researchers and industry professionals to share and deliberate on their work, offering profound insights into emerging technological trends.
Advances in Low-Temperature Nitriding and Carburizing of Stainless Steels and Metallic Materials
Surface engineering techniques are currently used to overcome the limitations of metal alloys and improve their surface hardness, tribological properties, fatigue resistance, and corrosion resistance in specific environments. From this perspective, stainless steels have represented a challenge for many years, since nitriding and carburizing treatments, as carried out on low-alloy steels or tool steel, cannot be directly applied to steel of these grades. The drawbacks of "traditional" nitriding and carburizing processes can be overcome by "low-temperature" thermochemical treatments, in which interstitial atoms (nitrogen, carbon) can diffuse freely, while the diffusion of substitutional atoms is significantly slowed down. The purpose of this Special Issue is to gather original research and critical review articles on recent advances in all aspects of low-temperature thermochemical treatments using nitrogen and/or carbon applied to stainless steels and ferrous and non-ferrous alloys.
Mechanical Behavior of Polymeric Materials
This Special Issue is dedicated to the captivating and intricate field of polymer science and technology, particularly the myriad factors that shape the properties of polymer-based materials. In this context, it is crucial to equip our readers with a foundational understanding of what failure signifies in a polymer-based material. This understanding is not only a matter of academic interest but also a pressing need in the field of polymer science and engineering.Ultimately, the findings in the literature have made it clear that mechanical energy interacts with matter and materials in different ways in different environments and conditions. This, together with the correct analysis of material responses, will continue to be vital in the development of mathematical models to assist in material design optimization within a general framework of sustainability, with the end purpose of avoiding catastrophic failure situations such as structural collapses or material ruptures.The works compiled in this work offer excellent examples of the current and future trends in the field of the mechanical properties of polymeric materials. The eleven novel articles in this Special Issue provide information and inspiration for future approaches in this fascinating field of science.
Advances in Porous Materials
Porous materials have shown great potential in catalysis, biosensor and biomedical, energy storage and conversion, aerospace, and architecture applications owing to their high surface area, low density, and high specific strength. Porous materials have the structural feature of continuous interconnected porosity, which benefits the transportation of electrons, ions, and mass. The chemical compositions of porous materials are well-controlled and diversified and include metals, ceramics, and carbon-based materials. As a result, the development of porous materials is quickly gaining significance. An increasing number of researchers are working to conduct fundamental research on various applications from different perspectives. This reprint focuses on recent advances in various porous materials. Our research areas include novel synthetic strategies, advanced characterization skills, theoretical calculation methods, and various applications.
Advanced Solutions for the Efficient Integration of Electric Vehicles in Electricity Grids
The transition toward a sustainable energy system must prioritize decarbonizing road transport and integrating electric vehicles (EVs) into the electricity grid. This Reprint will address the key roles of EVs in driving the energy transition through road transport decarbonization and grid integration, adopting a systemic approach. The studies included in this Reprint explore operational demands and infrastructure needs related to mass EV deployment, optimizing charging infrastructure, accommodating variable renewable energy sources, and mitigating grid challenges. The contributions examine advancements in V2G (vehicle-to-grid) technology, as well as the impacts of battery aging and innovative charging protocols like OCPI and ISO 15118, which support smart charging methodologies. Moreover, the research presents solutions for managing high renewable energy integration, considering island and microgrid environments, alongside enhanced planning and smart management schemes for EVs. By addressing these aspects, this Reprint provides insights into the technologies and strategies shaping a sustainable, integrated EV ecosystem that respects electricity grid needs and user preferences.
Climate Changes and the Impacts on Power and Energy Systems
The pressing topic of "climate change" has drawn significant interest and critical attention from researchers and engineers in electrical power and energy. The relationship between these two fields is bidirectional. This reprint compiles recent studies addressing essential points related to the resilience and adaptation of electrical power and energy systems to climate change, covering areas such as electric vehicles, renewable energy resources, electricity demand, buildings, power grids, and innovative solutions like machine learning, among others.
CFD Applications in Energy Engineering Research and Simulation
Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) has been firmly established as a fundamental discipline to advancing research on energy engineering. The major progress achieved during the last two decades, both in software modeling capabilities and hardware computing power, has resulted in a considerable and wide spread of CFD interest among scientists and engineers. Numerical modeling and simulation developments are increasingly contributing to the current state of the art in many energy engineering aspects, such as power generation, combustion, wind energy, concentrated solar power, hydro power, gas and steam turbines, fuel cells, and many others. This Special Issue on "CFD Applications in Energy Engineering Research and Simulation" aims to provide the latest significant advances in the applications of computational fluid dynamics in energy engineering.
Advanced Electrical Machines and Drives Technologies
Electrical machines and drives are among the most important components used in a wide range of applications, such as industry, transportation, power systems, etc. In addition, at present, their development is a pressing challenge, as people concentrate on efficiency improvements together with material and manufacturing cost reductions. The literature of such devices is huge, covering an enormous number of working principles and topologies. Worldwide, a great number of specialists are involved in these fields, seeking both the latest technical advancements and publishing possibilities that can reach a wide audience. This Topic has collected papers in the fields of electrical machines and drives which focus on design, optimization, modelling, experimental testing, and fabrication, as well as their application fields.
Creation of a Low-Carbon Healthy Building Environment with Intelligent Technologies
The aim of the following reprint is to explore and showcase the recent advances and interdisciplinary approaches within the field of human-robot interaction (HRI) and artificial intelligence (AI). This reprint features a selection of distinguished studies, ranging from the development of new methodologies in co-manipulation using electromyography to innovative uses of augmented reality in museums. It includes research that enhances human-AI communication, the adoption of Industry 4.0 technologies in education, and cutting-edge developments in defect detection in industrial settings. These contributions from global experts illuminate the multifaceted nature of technological progress in AI and robotics. By integrating diverse fields such as healthcare, manufacturing, and smart environments, this collection not only pushes the boundaries of current technology but also lays the groundwork for future innovations that could revolutionize our interaction with machines. Each study within this reprint provides a forward-looking perspective on how these technologies can be further refined and effectively integrated into society to improve everyday life and operational efficiency. This reprint is a journey into the potential of HRI and AI to transform our world, ensuring that technology serves as a bridge to more intuitive, inclusive, and sustainable human experiences.
3D Reconstruction and Mobile Mapping in Urban Environments Using Remote Sensing
The special issue focuses on the techniques for 3D reconstruction and mobile mapping in urban environments by using remote sensing due to the rapid development of new instruments for data acquisitions, perspective invariant algorithms for feature matching, efficient SfM- and SLAM-based solutions for image orientation, and deep-learning-based neural networks to enhance the whole pipeline of 3D reconstruction and mobile mapping. In the last decade, remote sensing-based techniques have become a meaningful solution to maintain the orderly evaluation of urban environments. Three-dimensional reconstruction and mobile mapping are two critical roles that are essential in supporting varying applications in urban environments. With the rapid evolution of classical techniques, e.g., SfM (Structure from Motion) and SLAM (Simultaneous Localization and Mapping), and the development of cutting-edge techniques, especially those related to deep learning, such as NeRF (Neural Radiance Field), recent years have witnessed the explosive development of 3D reconstruction and mobile mapping in urban environments. It is of incredible value to collect the cutting-edge techniques and report their promising applications in this special issue.
CFD Applications in Energy Engineering Research and Simulation
Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) has been firmly established as a fundamental discipline to advancing research on energy engineering. The major progress achieved during the last two decades, both in software modeling capabilities and hardware computing power, has resulted in a considerable and wide spread of CFD interest among scientists and engineers. Numerical modeling and simulation developments are increasingly contributing to the current state of the art in many energy engineering aspects, such as power generation, combustion, wind energy, concentrated solar power, hydro power, gas and steam turbines, fuel cells, and many others. This Special Issue on "CFD Applications in Energy Engineering Research and Simulation" aims to provide the latest significant advances in the applications of computational fluid dynamics in energy engineering.
Advances in Renewable Energy Systems
The industrialized world's primary challenge is to transition its energy systems to renewable sources, which are more environmentally friendly than traditional methods. This task has recently become dual-faceted: developing technologies that can break free from traditional sources responsible for greenhouse gas emissions, while also accelerating this transition to counteract global warming and its environmental impacts swiftly.Global ecosystems have been strained by outdated energy models, which have followed an unsustainable growth paradigm based on infinite resources and an environment capable of absorbing all human-induced changes. The scientific community must guide industry toward sustainable, profitable energy systems that justify the investments needed for this transition. Energy production must undergo deep reform to adopt climate-friendly systems, leveraging zero-emission sources and technologies suited to each region's specific resources.Energy storage will be pivotal; research must advance in creating innovative solutions and materials to address the inherent unpredictability of renewables.This collection of scientific works aims to shed light on some aspects (a drop in the ocean) of this significant technological challenge (currently underway, which will only end with the complete decarbonization of human energy needs).
Deep Dive into Modern Machine Learning Techniques
Deep Dive into Modern Machine Learning Techniques is an in-depth guide aimed at both newcomers and experienced practitioners who wish to understand the latest advancements in machine learning. The book covers fundamental concepts as well as cutting-edge techniques, blending theory with hands-on applications to illustrate how machine learning is transforming various industries. It provides readers with a structured approach to learning modern methods, from foundational algorithms to advanced neural network architectures. This book is suitable for students, researchers, and industry professionals who want a comprehensive understanding of both fundamental and advanced topics in machine learning. The book balances theoretical explanations with practical guidance, making it accessible to readers with diverse backgrounds. Whether you're building models from scratch or implementing machine learning solutions in real-world projects, this book offers valuable insights and skills to advance your expertise in the field.
Innovative Warm Mix Asphalt with RAP & Copper Slag for Cold Conditions
This book delves into the innovative use of industrial waste materials, specifically Copper Slag (CS) and Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement (RAP), in Warm Mix Asphalt (WMA) pavements. As environmental concerns escalate due to the rising volume of waste generated by industries like thermal power plants and the demolition of asphalt pavements, the book highlights the necessity of finding sustainable solutions for waste disposal and resource management.By integrating CS and RAP into asphalt mixes, the book illustrates how these materials can significantly reduce reliance on traditional asphalt, ultimately lowering construction costs and minimizing environmental impact. Key concepts include the optimization of Sasobit, a rejuvenator that decreases mixing temperatures, and the application of various performance tests to evaluate the characteristics of the modified asphalt mixes.Through this approach, the book advocates for a shift towards more sustainable methodologies in road construction, effectively addressing both economic and environmental challenges.
Technologies of Power
This collection explores how technologies become forms of power, how people embed their authority in technological systems, and how the machines and the knowledge that make up technical systems strengthen or reshape social, political, and cultural power. The authors suggest ways in which a more nuanced investigation of technology's complex history can enrich our understanding of the changing meanings of modernity. They consider the relationship among the state, expertise, and authority; the construction of national identity; changes in the structure and distribution of labor; political ideology and industrial development; and political practices during the Cold War. The essays show how insight into the technological aspects of such broad processes can help synthesize material and cultural methods of inquiry and how reframing technology's past in broader historical terms can suggest new directions for science and technology studies.The essays were written in honor of Thomas Parke Hughes and Agatha Chipley Hughes, whose spirit of inquiry they seek to continue.ContributorsJanet Abbate, Michael Thad Allen, W. Bernard Carlson, Gabrielle Hecht, Erik P. Rau, Eric Schatzberg, Amy Slaton, John Staudenmaier, Edmund N. Todd, Hans Weinberger
Unbuilding Cities
City planning initiatives and redesign of urban structures often become mired in debate and delay. Despite the fact that cities are considered to be dynamic and flexible spaces--never finished but always under construction--it is very difficult to change existing urban structures; they become fixed, obdurate, securely anchored in their own histories as well as in the histories of their surroundings. In Unbuilding Cities, Anique Hommels looks at the tension between the malleability of urban space and its obduracy, focusing on sites and structures that have been subjected to "unbuilding"--redesign or reconfiguration. She brings the concepts of science and technology studies (STS) to bear on the study of cities. Viewing the city as a large sociotechnological artifact, she demonstrates the usefulness of STS tools that were developed to analyze other technological artifacts and explores in detail the role of obduracy in sociotechnical change. Her analysis distinguishes three concepts of obduracy: interactionist, in which actors with diverging views are constrained by fixed ways of thinking and interacting; relational, in which change is difficult because of technology's embeddedness in sociotechnical networks; and enduring, in which persistent traditions influence the development of technology over time.Hommels examines the tensions between obduracy and change in three urban redesign projects in the Netherlands: a renovated city center that fell into drabness and disrepair; a highway system that runs through a densely populated urban area; and a high-rise housing project, designed according to modernist precepts and built for middle-class families, that became a haven for unemployment and crime. Unbuilding Cities contributes to a productive fusion of STS and urban studies.
Physical and Chemical Agents Analysis in Occupational Health
Technical reports at the Campus of the Faculty of Agricultural Sciences of the Universidad Nacional del Nordeste (UNNE), Corrientes, Argentina: - Air quality assessment (particulate matter, multigas and environmental quality). - Audible noise according to IRAM Standard No. 4062/2016 (annoying noise to the neighborhood).- Evaluation of thermal load according to Law N簞 19587/1972 of Hygiene and Safety at Work of the Argentine Republic and its Regulatory Decree N簞 351/1979.
UWB Vivaldi Antenna Design & Implementation
Vivaldi Antennas have received considerable attention due to their high gain, relatively wide band, simple structure, easy fabrication, and wide use in UWB applications. It is one of the best candidates due to its planar structure, low profile, lightweight, and ultra-wide bandwidth. UWB systems are short-range indoors applications, with extremely high data rates. This can enable wireless monitors, the efficient transfer of data from digital camcorders, wireless printing of digital pictures from a camera without the need for an intervening personal computer, and the transfer of files among cell phone and other handheld devices like personal digital audio and video players. The precision capabilities combined with the very low power makes it ideal for radio frequency sensitive environments.
Advances in Energy Infrastructure Construction Technology
Energy infrastructure is crucial for effective resource utilization, urban functionality, and economic growth. Despite shifts in the research focus over the years, the core objective remains consistent: to establish efficient, reliable, and sustainable energy systems. However, achieving this goal is challenged by complex service environments and diverse, unpredictable loads. Building resilient energy infrastructure requires expertise in geotechnical and structural engineering, energy materials, and construction techniques. Innovations in materials, foundations, and construction methods are vital for enhancing infrastructure performance and longevity. Despite progress in construction technologies, a significant gap remains between energy system demands and the actual state of infrastructure. This Special Issue compiles research on cutting-edge advancements in energy infrastructure, covering topics such as failure patterns of transmission tower-line systems, rapid pipeline installation techniques, and numerical simulations for optimization. These studies are paving the way for future developments in reliability analysis, performance enhancement, and sustainable construction practices, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and further innovation.
When Deep Learning Meets Geometry for Air-to-Ground Perception on Drones
This special issue primarily focuses on the application of deep learning methods in the field of drones. In areas such as drone control, communication and image processing, techniques based on deep learning have significantly outperformed traditional approaches. Our goal is to reveal the potential and prospects of these cutting-edge technologies. In this issue, leading experts share their insights, research findings, and visions for the future, demonstrating the extensive prospects of deep learning in the drone sector and providing important inspiration for the development of this field. We will work together to build smarter and more diverse drones.
Welding and Joining of Metallic Materials
This reprint, Welding and Joining of Metallic Materials: Microstructure and Mechanical Properties, presents a comprehensive collection of ten research articles focused on recent advancements in welding technologies. The studies included explore three main areas: process optimization, microstructural evolution, and the challenges of welding dissimilar materials. The first set of papers addresses novel approaches to enhance weld quality, energy efficiency, and mechanical properties through advanced welding techniques. The second set investigates the impact of welding-induced microstructural changes on material performance, including strength and corrosion resistance. The third set focuses on strategies for optimizing the welding of dissimilar alloys, offering solutions to the complexities of joining different materials. This collection of articles provides valuable findings for both academia and industry, advancing the understanding of welding processes and improving joint strength, durability, and overall material performance in demanding environments. The presented research not only reflects the current state of the art but also provides new perspectives for future advancements across various industries and technologies.
