Selected Papers from IIKII 2019 conferences in Symmetry
The International Institute of Knowledge Innovation and Invention (IIKII, http: //www.iikii.org) promotes the exchange of innovations and inventions and establishes a communication platform for international innovations and research. In 2019, IIKII cooperates with the IEEE Tainan Section Sensors Council to hold IEEE conferences, such as IEEE ICIASE 2019, IEEE ECBIOS 2019, IEEE ICKII 2019, ICUSA-GAME 2019, and IEEE ECICE 2019. This Special Issue, entitled "Selected Papers from IIKII 2019 conferences", aims to showcase outstanding papers from IIKII 2019 conferences, including symmetry in physics, chemistry, biology, mathematics, and computer science, etc. It selected 21 outstanding papers from 750 papers presented in IIKII 2019 conferences on the topic of symmetry. The main goals of this Special Issue are to encourage scientists to publish their experimental and theoretical results in as much detail as possible, and to discover new scientific knowledge relevant to the topic of symmetry.
Value Based and Intelligent Asset ManagementMastering the Asset Management Transformation in Industrial Plants and Infrastructures
The fundamental motivation of this book is to contribute to the future advancement of Asset Management in the context of industrial plants and infrastructures. The book aims to foster a future perspective that takes advantage of value-based and intelligent asset management in order to make a step forward with respect to the evolution observed nowadays. Indeed, the current understanding of asset management is primarily supported by well-known standards. Nonetheless, asset management is still a young discipline and the knowledge developed by industry and academia is not set in stone yet. Furthermore, current trends in new organizational concepts and technologies lead to an evolutionary path in the field. Therefore, this book aims to discuss this evolutionary path, starting first of all from the consolidated theory, then moving forward to discuss: - The strategic understanding of value-based asset management in a company; - An operational definition ofvalue, as a concept on the background of value-based asset management; - The identification of intelligent asset management, with the aim to frame a set of "tools" recommended to support the asset-related decision-making process over the asset lifecycle; - The emergence of new technologies such as cyber physical systems and digital twins, and the implications of this on asset management.
Advances in Dam Engineering
Expansion of water resources is a key factor in the socio-economic development of all countries. Dams play a critical role in water storage, especially for areas with unequal rainfall and limited water availability. While the safety of existing dams, periodic re-evaluations and life extensions are the primary objectives in developed countries, the design and construction of new dams are the main concerns in developing countries. The role of dam engineers has greatly changed over recent decades. Thanks to new technologies, the surveillance, monitoring, design and analysis tasks involved in this process have significantly improved. The current edited book is a collection of dam-related papers. The overall aim of this edited book is to improve modeling, simulation and field measurements for different dam types (i.e. concrete gravity dams, concrete arch dams, and embankments). The articles cover a wide range of topics on the subject of dams, and reflect the scientific efforts and engineering approaches in this challenging and exciting research field.
Advanced Biometrics with Deep Learning
Biometrics, such as fingerprint, iris, face, hand print, hand vein, speech and gait recognition, etc., as a means of identity management have become commonplace nowadays for various applications. Biometric systems follow a typical pipeline, that is composed of separate preprocessing, feature extraction and classification. Deep learning as a data-driven representation learning approach has been shown to be a promising alternative to conventional data-agnostic and handcrafted pre-processing and feature extraction for biometric systems. Furthermore, deep learning offers an end-to-end learning paradigm to unify preprocessing, feature extraction, and recognition, based solely on biometric data. This Special Issue has collected 12 high-quality, state-of-the-art research papers that deal with challenging issues in advanced biometric systems based on deep learning. The 12 papers can be divided into 4 categories according to biometric modality; namely, face biometrics, medical electronic signals (EEG and ECG), voice print, and others.
Scientific Women
The book highlights women's contributions to science, which have often been marginalized and overlooked throughout history. The book first provides an overview of the development of the various science professions over time - placed in socioeconomic and cultural contexts - and women's role in the sciences throughout history. The author then exemplifies - through history, example, and case studies - that although women were denied a scientific education until fairly recently in our history, they have nevertheless demonstrated intellect and capability in mathematics, physical sciences, life sciences, social sciences, and computer sciences throughout time. Biographies of women who contributed to these fields since before the Common Era are interwoven into a discussion of the development of the scientific profession, the advancement of education, the professionalization of the various scientific occupations, and the advancement of women in society. This book is a follow up to the author's book "Engineering Women: Re-visioning Women's Scientific Achievements and Impacts" (Springer 2017). The author, Jill Tietjen, is the series editor for Springer's Women in Engineering and Science book series.Illuminates the many significant contributions of women in the sciences;Educates readers about the evolution of women's participation in the scientific fields over the last century;Demonstrates how key scientific advances are driven by socio-economic and cultural contexts.
Reliability Design of Mechanical SystemsA Guide for Mechanical and Civil Engineers
1 Introduction to Reliability Design of Mechanical/Civil System1.1 Introduction1.2 Development of Mechanical Product 2 Reliability disaster and of its assessment Significance2.1 Introduction2.2 Reliability disasters2.3 Development of Reliability Methodologies in History 3 Modern definitions in reliability engineering3.1 Introduction3.2 Reliability and Bathtub Curve3.3 Fundamentals in Statistics and Probability Theory3.4 Probability Distributions3.5 Sample Distributions3.6 Load-strength interference3.7 Reliability lifetime metrics3.8 Design of experiment (DOE) 4 Failure mechanics, Design and Reliability testing4.1 Introduction4.2 Failure mechanics and designs4.3 Reliability Block Diagram4.4 Failure mode and effect analysis (FMEA)4.5 Fault Tree Analysis (FTA)4.6 Robust Design (or Taguchi methods)4.7 Reliability Testing 5 Structures (or Mechanisms) and Load Analysis5.1 Introduction5.2 Mechanical structures (and its mechanisms)5.3 Modeling of Mechanical System5.4 Bond graph modeling5.5 Load Spectrum and Rain-flow Counting 6 Fluid Motion and Mechanical Vibration6.1 Introduction6.2 Fluid modeling6.3 Viscous flow and boundary layers6.4 Parametric Accelerated Life Testing of fluid systems6.5 Mechanical Vibrations 7 Mechanical System Failure7.1 Introduction7.2 Strength of Product Materials7.3 Mechanism of Slip7.4 Fatigue failure7.5 Facture failure7.6 Stress-strength analysis7.7 Failure Analysis7.8 Corrosion Materials 8 Parametric Accelerated Life Testing in Mechanical System8.1 Introduction8.2 Mechanical Product Breakdown8.3 Reliability Design in Mechanical System8.4 Reliability Targeting of Mechanical Product8.5 Failure Mechanics, Design and Reliability Testing8.6 Parametric Accelerated Life Testing8.7 The reliability design of mechanical system and its verification8.8 Testing equipment for quality and reliability 9 Parametric ALT and its Case studies9-1 Failure analysis and redesign of ice-maker9-2 Residential Sized Refrigerators during Transportation9-3 Water dispenser lever in a refrigerator9-4 Refrigerator compressor subjected to repetitive loads9-5 Hinge Kit System (HKS) in a Kimchi refrigerator9-6 Refrigerator drawer system9-7 Compressor suction reed valve9-8 Failure analysis and redesign of the evaporator tubing9-9 Improving the noise of mechanical compressor9-10 French refrigerator drawer system9-11 Improving reliability of the Hinge Kit System (HKS) in refrigerator 10 Parametric ALT: A Powerful Tool for future engineering development10.1 Introduction
Symmetry in Engineering Sciences II
This book presents a sample of theoretical and practical advances in symmetry in multidisciplinary engineering applications. It covers several applications, such as mechanical analysis of tunnel lining, prediction methods for the ring damper used in gears, calibration methods for manipulators, design methods for wheel configurations of mobile robots, analysis of elastic plastic damaged zones, 3D printed corneal models, analysis of multibody system dynamic networks, structural elements in architecture, railway transportation, transportation of hazardous materials, cable-driven mechanisms, and image processing. The contributions included in this book describe the state-of-the-art advances in this field and demonstrate the possibilities of the study of symmetry in multidisciplinary applications in the field of engineering.
Fiber Optic Sensors and Applications
This Special Issue focuses on all aspects of the recent research and development related to fiber optic sensors. The recent advances in fiber-based sensing technologies have enabled both fundamental studies and a wide spectrum of applications. The goal of this Special Issue is to bring attention to the most recent results in the field of fiber optic sensors, including new mechanisms, materials, processes, and applications.
Plasma for Energy and Catalytic Nanomaterials
The Special Issue "Plasma for Energy and Catalytic Nanomaterials" highlights the recent progress and advancements in the synthesis and applications of energy and catalytic nanomaterials by plasma. Compared with conventional preparation methods, plasma provides a fast, facile, and environmentally friendly method for synthesizing highly efficient nanomaterials. The synthesized nanomaterials generally show enhanced metal-support interactions, small-sized metal nanoparticles, specific metal structures, and abundant oxygen vacancies. The plasma method allows thermodynamically and dynamically difficult reactions to proceed at low temperatures due to the activation of energetic electrons. Despite the growing interest in plasma for energy and catalytic nanomaterials, the synthesis mechanisms of nanomaterials using plasma still remain obscure due to the complicated physical and chemical reactions that occur during plasma preparation. The Guest Editors and the MDPI staff are therefore pleased to offer this Special Issue to interested reader, including graduate and Ph.D. students, postdoctoral researchers, and the entire community interested in the field of nanomaterials. We share the conviction that the Issue can serve as a useful tool for updating the literature and to aid with the conception of new production and/or research programs. Further dedicated R&D advances are possible based on new instruments and materials under development.
Transactional Lean: Preparing for the Digitalization EraA Systematic Approach to Industrialize Office Processes
This book goes beyond searching for Muda by Gemba walk; the aim is to industrialize the office environment in view of the new digitalization challenge by applying the same principles of Lean industry. Whereas the basic process theory remains valid, the Lean tools have to be adapted and transposed to the office characteristics where not machines but employees are at the center of the transactions. Here, a new, already successfully applied, integrated, industry-derived, and systematic approach is presented. It will not only boost office effectiveness and productivity as well as shortening lead-time of office routines far beyond simple Muda elimination, but it will also prepare the processes in view of the upcoming digitalization era.
Data Analytics for Engineering and Construction Project Risk Management
This book provides a step-by-step guidance on how to implement analytical methods in project risk management. The text focuses on engineering design and construction projects and as such is suitable for graduate students in engineering, construction, or project management, as well as practitioners aiming to develop, improve, and/or simplify corporate project management processes.The book places emphasis on building data-driven models for additive-incremental risks, where data can be collected on project sites, assembled from queries of corporate databases, and/or generated using procedures for eliciting experts' judgments. While the presented models are mathematically inspired, they are nothing beyond what an engineering graduate is expected to know: some algebra, a little calculus, a little statistics, and, especially, undergraduate-level understanding of the probability theory.The book is organized in three parts and fourteen chapters. In Part I theauthors provide the general introduction to risk and uncertainty analysis applied to engineering construction projects. The basic formulations and the methods for risk assessment used during project planning phase are discussed in Part II, while in Part III the authors present the methods for monitoring and (re)assessment of risks during project execution.
Electrochemical Capacitors
Electrochemical capacitors are being increasingly introduced in energy storage devices, for example, in automobiles, renewable energies, and mobile terminals. This book includes five high-quality papers that can lead to technological developments in electrochemical capacitors. The first paper describes the effect of the milling degree of activated carbon particles used in the electrodes on the supercapacitive performance of an electric double-layer capacitor. The second, fourth, and fifth papers describe novel electrode materials that have the potential to enhance the performance of next-generation electrochemical capacitors. Nickel molybdate/reduced graphene oxide nanocomposite, copper-decorated carbon nanotubes, and nickel hydroxide/activated carbon composite are tested, and are shown to be promising candidates for next-generation electrochemical capacitors. The third paper reports the hybrid utilization of electrochemical capacitors with other types of energy devices (photovoltaics, fuel cells, and batteries) in a DC microgrid, which ensures wider applications of electrochemical capacitors in the near future. The knowledge and experience in this book are beneficial in manufacturing and utilizing electrochemical capacitors. Cutting-edge knowledge related to novel electrode nano-materials is also helpful to design next-generation electrochemical capacitors. This book delivers useful information to specialists involved in energy storage technologies.
Novel Advances and Approaches in Biomedical Materials Based on Calcium Phosphates
Research into the use of calcium phosphates in the development and clinical application of biomedical materials has been a significantly diverse activity conducted by a wide range of scientists, engineers, and medical practitioners, among others. The field of research in this area can, hence, be truly defined as interdisciplinary, and much interesting work leading to imaginative and innovative solutions for the improvement of health outcomes continues to be generated. It has been the intention of this Special Issue to summarise a number of current topical research advances in this area, as well as to review the important area of calcium phosphate-based biomaterials, namely, composites of hydroxyapatite with carbon-based materials. The scientific papers contained in this Special Issue report on advances in the areas of dental-based materials science, bone cements, use of biomaterials created from natural sources, influences of added agents such as adipose stem cells and statins on bioactivity as well as surface influences on electrical potential of biomaterials and uses of glow discharge methods to remove impurities from biomaterial surfaces.
Numerical and Symbolic Computation
This book is a comprehensive set of articles reflecting on the application of symbolic and/or numerical computation in a range of scientific areas within the fields of engineering and science. These articles constitute extended versions of communications presented at the 4th International Conference on Numerical and Symbolic Computation-SYMCOMP 2019-that took place in Porto, Portugal, from 11 to 12 April 2019 The different chapters present diverse perspectives on the existing effective connections between mathematical methods and procedures and other knowledge areas. The intrinsic multidisciplinary character is visible throughout the whole book as a result of the applicability of the scope and the applications considered. The reader will find this book to be a useful resource for identifying problems of interest in different engineering and science areas, and in the development of mathematical models and procedures used in the context of prediction or verification computational tools as well as in the aided-learning/teaching context. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in the recent developments and applications of symbolic and numerical computation for a number of multidisciplinary engineering and science problems.
Radar Imaging in Challenging Scenarios from Smart and Flexible Platforms
This book is comprised of different paper contributions published in "Remote Sensing", under the Special Issue "Radar Imaging in Challenging Scenarios from Smart and Flexible Platforms," for which we served as guest editors. According to the general objective of the Special Issue, the papers included provide a good survey of newborn imaging radar systems, such as synthetic aperture radar (SAR) and ground penetrating radar (GPR), which are designed to operate in challenging scenarios. The latter includes the cases of forward-looking radar or lunar penetrating radar and smart and flexible platforms, such as small airplanes, drones or helicopters. The radar systems described in the book cover a wide range of the microwave spectrum, starting from the VHF band up to the X-band. In addition to the description of newborn systems, the Special Issue includes an important survey of data processing techniques aimed at achieving accurate radar imaging under complex acquisition geometries and/or monitoring scenarios. We thank the Editorial Office of Remote Sensing and all the authors and reviewers for their professional and hard work. Without their excellent contributions, the Special Issue, and thus this book, would not have been possible.
Radiation Damage in Materials
The complexity of radiation damage effects in materials that are used in various irradiation environments stems from the fundamental particle-solid interactions and the subsequent damage recovery dynamics after the collision cascades, which involves multiple length and time scales. Adding to this complexity are the transmuted impurities that are unavoidable from accompanying nuclear processes. Helium is one such impurity that plays an important and unique role in controlling the microstructure and properties of materials used in fast fission reactors, plasma-facing and structural materials in fusion devices, spallation neutron target designs, actinides, tritium-containing materials, and nuclear waste. Their ultra-low solubility in virtually all solids forces He atoms to self-precipitate into small bubbles that become nucleation sites for further void growth under radiation-induced vacancy supersaturations, resulting in material swelling and high-temperature He embrittlement, as well as surface blistering under low-energy and high-flux He bombardment. This Special Issue, "Radiation Damage in Materials-Helium Effects", contains review articles and full-length papers on new irradiation material research activities and novel material ideas using experimental and/or modeling approaches. These studies elucidate the interactions of helium with various extreme environments and tailored nanostructures, as well as their impact on microstructural evolution and material properties.
Thin Film Processes
Thin film processes are significantly incorporated in manufacturing display panels, secondary batteries, fuel/solar cells, catalytic films, membranes, adhesives, and other commodity films. This Special Issue on "Thin Film Processes" of Processes listed recent progress on thin-film processes, covering theoretical considerations, experimental observations, and computational techniques. Articles in this Issue consider comprehensive studies on thin film processes and related materials.
Evaluation of sensor-based precision methods for mechanical weed control in arable crops
Unkr瓣uter sind neben Insekten und Krankheitserregern die Hauptursache f羹r Ertragseinbu?en. In konventionellen Ackerbausystemen werden Unkr瓣uter gr繹?tenteils durch den Einsatz von Herbiziden bek瓣mpft. Die Verwendung alternativer Unkrautbek瓣mpfungsma?nahmen, wie der mechanischen Unkrautkontrolle, kann dazu beitragen den Herbizideinsatz in der Landwirtschaft zu reduzieren. Die mechanische Unkrautbek瓣mpfung ist jedoch ein komplexer Bereich, wobei moderne Sensortechnik dazu beitragen kann die Effektivit瓣t dieser Ma?nahme zu steigern. In der vorliegenden Dissertation wurden mehrere Aspekte der modernen mechanischen Unkrautbek瓣mpfung untersucht. Es wird ein ?berblick der Entwicklungen in der sensorgest羹tzten mechanischen Unkrautbek瓣mpfung gegeben, sowie die M繹glichkeit des Hackens in konventionellen Reihenabst瓣nden in Getreide und die Entwicklung und Erprobung eines neuen Werkzeugs zur mechanischen Unkrautkontrolle in Zuckerr羹ben erforscht.
Deepfakes
Uncover everything you need to know about "deepfakes" and what could become the biggest information and communications meltdown in world history. In a world of deepfakes, it will soon be impossible to tell what is real and what isn't. As advances in artificial intelligence, video creation, and online trolling continue, deepfakes pose not only a real threat to democracy -- they threaten to take voter manipulation to unprecedented new heights. This crisis of misinformation which we now face has since been dubbed the "Infocalypse." In DEEPFAKES, investigative journalist Nina Schick uses her expertise from working in the field to reveal shocking examples of deepfakery and explain the dangerous political consequences of the Infocalypse, both in terms of national security and what it means for public trust in politics. This all-too-timely book also unveils what this all means for us as individuals, how deepfakes will be used to intimidate and to silence, for revenge and fraud, and just how truly unprepared governments and tech companies are for what's coming.
Schnell in die City
Eine Monorail soll sowohl bautechnisch als auch von den Betriebskosten g羹nstiger als eine Stra?enbahn sein? Eine Monorail als Ersatz f羹r viele Taxifahrten? Magnetschwebebahnen als Flugzeugersatz? Mit einer Monorail schnell und g羹nstig zum Shopping in die City fahren? Lassen Sie sich von den Ideen anstecken, die der Autor zusammengetragen hat und die in Europa wirkungsvoll umgesetzt werden k繹nnten! Dabei werden Themen wie das Bahnprojekt Stuttgart 21, der Rastatter Tunnel, die VDI-Richtlinie 7000 zum Thema B羹rgerbegehren und die EU-Richtlinie f羹r interoperable Eisenbahnsysteme angesprochen. Ebenso beschreibt der Autor, wer in Politik und Wirtschaft aktiv werden m羹sste, um solche L繹sungen Wirklichkeit werden zu lassen. Die Zukunft ist nah!
Blockchain & The Smart Cities
Digital Nations and Smart Cities are rapidly evolving, and the resultingdigitalization is leading to several benefits while also exposing the citizens to unforeseen risks. Technologies like Blockchain are enabling risk management for secured automation. The book takes a close look at various paradigms of Smart cities' & Digital Nations' Governance while relating to the application of these principles in real life through the case study of Singapore, which is one of the world's top 3 densest, but also, is one of the most sustainable cities.This book will be a useful resource for professionals, consultants, government servants, and students who wish to come to grip with the emerging technologies and to understand their applications in governance and play an active role in community-building activities.The book explores the emergence, evolution, and adoption of advanced digital technologies like IoT, Analytics and Blockchain for improved governance, sustainable development, and better quality of life and happiness for citizens across the world.
Building Balance Within You
This book is an intervention, one that we all need. As technology has permeated every aspect of our life, we have not had the chance to adapt to it socially. This has led to our society developing on its own, unconsciously and unguided. It is in this backdrop that I have decided to write this book. I see how distracted we all have become. I'm sure you have felt it, too. In this fast-paced, ever-changing world, we have been unable to keep up. As a result, we have become twitchy, always anticipating the next change. This has made us perpetually distracted, unable to focus. We need to regain control of not only our bodies but also our mind. This book is about enabling you to achieve precisely that. Based on my own personal journey, as well as my professional expertise, I have devised an effective strategy that helps me focus on my work. This is about my mind, and I know I need it to be under my control in order for me to reach my dreams. Using these tactics, I have managed to become everything I have ever wished, and now through this book, I hope you will be able to do the same, too!
Preparation and Properties of 2D Materials
Since the great success of graphene, atomically thin-layered nanomaterials, called two dimensional (2D) materials, have attracted tremendous attention due to their extraordinary physical properties. Specifically, van der Waals heterostructured architectures based on a few 2D materials, named atomic-scale Lego, have been proposed as unprecedented platforms for the implementation of versatile devices with a completely novel function or extremely high-performance, shifting the research paradigm in materials science and engineering. Thus, diverse 2D materials beyond existing bulk materials have been widely studied for promising electronic, optoelectronic, mechanical, and thermoelectric applications. Especially, this Special Issue included the recent advances in the unique preparation methods such as exfoliation-based synthesis and vacuum-based deposition of diverse 2D materials and also their device applications based on interesting physical properties. Specifically, this Editorial consists of the following two parts: Preparation methods of 2D materials and Properties of 2D materials
Metal-Polymer Multi-Material Structures and Manufacturing Techniques in Transportation
The reduction of greenhouse gas emissions-particularly from fossil fuel-powered vehicles and airplanes by means of weight savings and leaner fuel consumption, helps to restrain environmental impacts. In general, for a variety of industries, and specifically in the case of transport, where both weight savings and increased energy efficiency are pursued, the use of metal-polymer multi-material structures has been growing at an increasing and particularly fast pace in recent years. Several manufacturing techniques have been, or are being, developed, with the aim of being used for producing dissimilar materials in cost-efficient manners. This book presents recent developments in the state of the art of advanced additive manufacturing and the joining of metal-polymer multi-material structures in transportation. This publication mainly focuses on the correlations between microstructure, manufacturing process (i.e., AddJoining, adhesive bonding, friction riveting, friction-based staking and friction spot joining) properties, and the mechanical performance of metal-polymer multi-material structures.
Particles Separation in Microfluidic Devices
Microfluidic platforms are increasingly being used for separating a wide variety of particles based on their physical and chemical properties. In the past two decades, many practical applications have been found in chemical and biological sciences, including single cell analysis, clinical diagnostics, regenerative medicine, nanomaterials synthesis, environmental monitoring, etc. In this Special Issue, we invited contributions to report state-of-the art developments in the fields of micro- and nanofluidic separation, fractionation, sorting, and purification of all classes of particles, including, but not limited to, active devices using electric, magnetic, optical, and acoustic forces; passive devices using geometries and hydrodynamic effects at the micro/nanoscale; confined and open platforms; label-based and label-free technology; and separation of bioparticles (including blood cells), circulating tumor cells, live/dead cells, exosomes, DNA, and non-bioparticles, including polymeric or inorganic micro- and nanoparticles, droplets, bubbles, etc. Practical devices that demonstrate capabilities to solve real-world problems were of particular interest.
Sonic and Photonic Crystals
Sonic/phononic crystals termed acoustic/sonic band gap media are elastic analogues of photonic crystals and have also recently received renewed attention in many acoustic applications. Photonic crystals have a periodic dielectric modulation with a spatial scale on the order of the optical wavelength. The design and optimization of photonic crystals can be utilized in many applications by combining factors related to the combinations of intermixing materials, lattice symmetry, lattice constant, filling factor, shape of the scattering object, and thickness of a structural layer. Through the publications and discussions of the research on sonic/phononic crystals, researchers can obtain effective and valuable results and improve their future development in related fields. Devices based on these crystals can be utilized in mechanical and physical applications and can also be designed for novel applications as based on the investigations in this Special Issue.
Engineering for Surgery
This Special Issue offers a little taste of the immense variety of an intrinsically vast and interdisciplinary subject, namely, the applications of engineering to surgery. Some of these have been successfully applied or are still under development, while we have been offered a preview of others thanks to the fantasy of creative science fiction writers. This Special Issue aims to stimulate the interest of engineers and surgeons, who will benefit from mutual advantages gained from their cooperation.
Computational Methods for Polymers
This book presents recent advances in computational methods for polymers. It covers multiscale modeling of polymers, polymerization reactions, and polymerization processes as well as control, monitoring, and estimation methods applied to polymerization processes. It presents theoretical insights gained from multiscale modeling validated with exprimental measurements. The book consolidates new computational tools and methods developed by academic researchers in this area and presents them systematically. The book is useful for graduate students, researchers, and process engineers and managers.
Selected papers of the 1st International Conference on Nanofluids (ICNf)
This Special Issue of Energies has emerged as a result of the 1st International Conference on Nanofluids (https: //icnf2019.com/), which was organized under the auspices of Nanouptake COST Action (Overcoming Barriers to Nanofluids Market Uptake, http: //www.nanouptake.eu/) in Castell籀 (Spain), in June 2019. The foci of ICNf2019 were the production and the characterisation of nanofluids for different areas of applications in the energy fields, namely heat transfer, storage of thermal energy, boiling, and solar systems, as well as industrial applications and health and safety issues. The first conference edition on this topic gathered more than 200 participants from 45 different countries. More than 125 contributions were presented in the nine sections of the congress. Some selected authors were invited to send extended versions of their work to the Energies ICNf2019 Special Issue. After a careful review process, nine articles from six different countries were selected for compilation in this Special Issue: a total of seven full research papers and two reviews. These papers cover a broad range of fundamental and applied research aspects on nanofluid science and development, and reflect the current investigations, knowledge, and challenges encountered in the use of nanofluids for energy applications.
Information Technology and Scholarship
The impact of information technology is reviewed by scholars who are leading pioneers in the application of that technology to research in their disciplines. From both a general appreciation of their fields, and from their own personal research, they discuss whether this impact amounts to a paradigm shift, posing new research themes and new approaches.This volume provides a unique overview of IT across a wide range of disciplines in both the humanities archaeology, history (art, cultural, demographic, social), linguistics, music, philosophy, and theatre studies and the social sciences economics, human geography, law, psychology, social anthropology, and sociology.Stemming from a conference organized by the British Academy in October 1996, this volume provides a benchmark of the situation in the late 1990s from which future progress can be assessed.
Polymer Processing
"skin-core-skin" structure; flow-induced crystallization; multiscale simulation; crystal morphology; additive manufacturing; fused filament fabrication; material extrusion; 3D-printing; highly-filled polymers; metals and ceramics; cellulose insulation pressboard; magnetron sputtering; polytetrafluoroethylene; nano structure; breakdown; hydrophobicity; replication; microfeature; nanofeature; injection molding; polylactic acid; mold temperature; epoxy; natural fiber composites; silk fibers; extrusion; four-screw extruder; finite-time Lyapunov exponents (FTLE); Poincar矇 section; chaotic manifold; uniaxial/biaxial stretching; retardation; birefringence; molecular orientation; stress-optical rule; polymeric stent; injection molding; residual stress; warpage; kriging surrogate model; design optimization; morphology; injection molding; cylindrites; mold temperature; morphology; injection molding; numerical simulation; morphology prediction; shear layer; twin screw extruder; simulation; residence time distribution; PP/TiO2 nanocomposites; conversion; laser-assisted thermal imprinting; pressure; pattern size; thermoplastic polymer; microlens array; injection molding; laser-assisted thermal imprinting; extrusion; additive manufacturing; microinjection molding; numerical simulation; morphology; film stretching; composite laminates
Power Converters in Power Electronics
In recent years, power converters have played an important role in power electronics technology for different applications, such as renewable energy systems, electric vehicles, pulsed power generation, and biomedical sciences. Power converters, in the realm of power electronics, are becoming essential for generating electrical power energy in various ways. This Special Issue focuses on the development of novel power converter topologies in power electronics. The topics of interest include, but are not limited to: Z-source converters; multilevel power converter topologies; switched-capacitor-based power converters; power converters for battery management systems; power converters in wireless power transfer techniques; the reliability of power conversion systems; and modulation techniques for advanced power converters.
Sustainable Designed Pavement Materials
This Special Issue "Sustainable Designed Pavement Materials" has been proposed and organized as a means to present recent developments in the field of environmentally-friendly designed pavement materials. For this reason, articles included in this special issue relate to different aspects of pavement materials, from industry solid waste recycling to pavement materials recycling, from pavement materials modification to asphalt performance characterization, from pavement defect detection to pavement maintenance, and from asphalt pavement to cement concrete pavement.
Sustainable Designed Pavement Materials
This Special Issue "Sustainable Designed Pavement Materials" has been proposed and organized as a means to present recent developments in the field of environmentally-friendly designed pavement materials. For this reason, articles included in this special issue relate to different aspects of pavement materials, from industry solid waste recycling to pavement materials recycling, from pavement materials modification to asphalt performance characterization, from pavement defect detection to pavement maintenance, and from asphalt pavement to cement concrete pavement.
Modeling of Complex Interfaces
Introducing the interdisciplinary field of interface chemistry modelling across a wide range of academic disciplines and industry sectors. Ten original research articles are presented that bridge knowledge acquisition and practical work, providing a starting point for the research and development of applications. The book describes the characterization of interfaces at the nanoscale, using a wide range of key nanomaterials, such as graphene, TiO2, zeolites, semimetals, and organic polymers; and the study of their different physical chemical properties, such as catalysis, adsorption, friction, diffusion, and the characterization of nanocomposites and heterojunctions, with many different industrial applications. The resulting collection of papers is equally relevant for advanced students (senior and graduate) and for engineers and scientists from a variety of different academic backgrounds working in the multidisciplinary field of nanotechnology.
Catalysts for the Controlled Polymerization of Conjugated Dienes
Since the beginning of the 1960s, the coordinative polymerization of conjugated dienes has continuously improved. Today, chemists know how to polymerize conjugated dienes stereospecifically and in a controlled fashion, both petro-sourced (nowadays also bio-sourced) and those of natural origin. The industry has greatly improved the performances of the catalytic systems-covering a wide range of elements including metals from groups 4-6 and 8-10, and rare earths-with the aim of optimizing the preparation of synthetic polymers for a large range of industrial applications. Nowadays, there is a better understanding of the polymerization mechanism involving allyl-active species, thanks in particular to the support of more efficient calculation methods. In addition, statistical copolymerization of 1,3-dienes with olefin or styrene comonomers and innovative approaches to coordinative chain transfer polymerization allow the production of copolymers with controlled topology, while a last challenge is about to be solved with the preparation of stereoregular polydienes that are also end-functionalized. This issue brings together several important aspects of this chemistry that remain at the forefront of both academic and industrial research.
Advances in Organic Coatings 2018
The recent huge developments in nanotechnology and surface science are allowing the production of multifunctional coatings materials combining different properties: corrosion-protective actions, aesthetic functions, hydrophobic properties, self-healing abilities, etc. Moreover the increasing attention to environmental issues is driving the development of new systems, joining advanced performance with high sustainability, which can be better understood using new highly efficient experimental techniques. This frame is inducing us to consider the advances in organic coatings (the skin of materials) as one of the most interesting and promising innovation fields in material science and technology, with important consequences, not only considering fundamental aspects in science, but also for industrial applications, positively affecting everyday life. The aim of this Special Issue is to provide an update of the most advanced research in this area, showing the innovation trends and promoting further research for better properties of new coating materials.
Nanocomposites for Environmental and Energy Applications
Environmental and energy issues are the two major problems that our world is facing today. The establishment of sustainable and innovative solutions are needed to address emerging problems. Functional nanocomposites are emerging materials that have become important due to their astonishing chemical and physical properties. The synergy effects rendered by a wide spectrum of nanomaterials and host materials have shown unlimited potential and advantages in many practical applications. Specifically, various nanocomposites are known to serve as sustainable solutions to curb global issues that are related to environmental pollution and energy shortage. This Special Issue of Nanomaterials, "Nanocomposites for Environmental and Energy Applications", aims at collecting a compilation of articles, which cover research articles, reviews, and communications, with topic areas focused on the development of the state-of-the-art nanocomposites to tackle environment and energy-related issues.
Heating And Ventilating Buildings
Many of the earliest books, particularly those dating back to the 1900s and before, are now extremely scarce and increasingly expensive. We are republishing these classic works in affordable, high quality, modern editions, using the original text and artwork.
Fertilizers and Crop Production
Many of the earliest books, particularly those dating back to the 1900s and before, are now extremely scarce and increasingly expensive. We are republishing these classic works in affordable, high quality, modern editions, using the original text and artwork.
Principles of Farm Machinery
This book presents the subject of farm machinery from the engineering viewpoint, emphasizing functional requirements and principles of operation for the basic types of field machines. Methods for testing or evaluating the performance of certain types of field machinery are included in the appropriate chapters. Contents: Abbreviations; Research and Development in Farm Machinery; Field Capacities and Cost Analysis; Materials of Construction; Elements of Rotary Power-Transmission Systems; Hydraulic Controls and Power-Take-Off Drives; Tillage Force Analysis and Hitching; Soil tillage: Moldboard-Type Tools; Disk Tools; Miscellaneous Tillage Equipment; Earth-Moving Equipment; Crop Planting; Row-Crop Cultivation, Flaming, and Thinning; Application of Fertilizers; Hay Harvesting: Mowing, Raking, and Baling; Forage Chopping and Handling; Seed Cleaning and Sorting; Grain and Seed Harvesting; Corn Picking and Shelling; Cotton Harvesting; Harvesting of Root Crops; Spraying and Dusting; Farm Transport. This book contains classic material dating back to the 1900s and before. The content has been carefully selected for its interest and relevance to a modern audience.
Water Quality in Drinking Water Distribution Systems
Safe drinking water is paramount for the health and wellbeing of all human populations. Water is extracted from surface and groundwater sources and treated to comply with drinking water standards. The water is then circulated through the drinking water distribution system (DWDS). Within the DWDS, water quality can deteriorate due to microbiological growth, chemical reactions, interactions with ageing and deteriorating infrastructure, and through maintenance and repair activities. Some DWDS actions may serve to improve water quality; however, these can adversely impact the drinking water system and cause instances of poor water quality or disease outbreaks. We invited papers covering examinations of DWDS design and operational practices and their impact on water quality. We received papers based on practical research in real DWDS and laboratory test facilities. We also received papers on novel modelling approaches. A wide range of water quality aspects was gathered, including temperature, disinfection, bacterial communities and biofilm, (fecal) contamination and QMRA, and the effects of flushing and intermittent supply.
Graphene and other Two-dimensional Materials in Nanoelectronics and Optoelectronics
Graphene is probably the most fascinating material discovered in this century. A group of 2D materials can be called graphene derivatives, and these have attracted tremendous interest. This includes materials that are one or a few atoms thick. They have outstanding optical/electrical properties, and, most importantly, they are flat and thin-they can be processed with existing semiconductor technologies. Therefore, they have great potential in nanoelectronics and optoelectronics, playing a revolutionary role in these fields via their integration with other bulk materials. Of course, there are still challenges, such as large-scale production, as well as the mechanical transfer of these atomically thin sheets. These are the fields where scientists are now actively doing research. In this book, some leading scientists in the area share their most recent results on the material growth, device physics/processing, and system integration of 2D materials and devices. This book can serve as a starting point for young students to get familiar with the field, and should also be valuable to established device physicists and engineers who would like to explore the potential applications of 2D materials in electronics.
The Metal Turner's Handbook - A Practical Manual for Workers at the Foot-Lathe - Including Short Notes on Basic Maintenance Skills
First published in 1882, "The Metal Turner's Handbook" a comprehensive guide to metalworking, focusing on the use of the lathe. The 'lathe' is a machine for shaping wood, metal, or other material by means of a rotating drive that turns the piece being worked on against changeable cutting tools. Exploring the tools, machinery and processes involved in metal turning, this classic handbook contains a wealth of information that will be of utility to woodworkers both old and new. Paul Nooncree Hasluck (1854 - 1916) was an Australian engineer and editor. He was a master of technical writing and father of the 'do-it-yourself' book, producing many books on subjects including engineering, handicrafts, woodwork, and more. Other notable works by this author include: "Treatise on the Tools Employed in the Art of Turning" (1881), "The Wrath-Jobber's Handy Book" (1887), and "Screw-Threads and Methods of Producing Them" (1887). Many vintage books such as this are increasingly scarce and expensive. It is with this in mind that we are republishing this volume now in an affordable, modern, high-quality edition complete with a specially-commissioned new biography of the author.
Parakeets - Their Breeding, Training and Management
Many of the earliest books, particularly those dating back to the 1900s and before, are now extremely scarce and increasingly expensive. We are republishing these classic works in affordable, high quality, modern editions, using the original text and artwork.
Canary Breeding in Australia - A Practical Volume on All Branches of a Fascinating Activity
This antique text comprises a practical volume containing a wealth of helpful information on all the branches of canary management in Australia. The perfect handbook for both the amateur and professional alike, this text constitutes a great addition to any collection of avicultural literature and is not to be missed by the discerning enthusiast. The chapters of this book include: 'Setting up in the Fancy'; 'The Breeding Season'; 'Inbreeding--Theory and Practice'; 'Moulting'; 'Feeding and Food Values'; 'Colour Feeding'; 'Ailments and their Treatment'; 'Showing'; 'Varieties of Canaries'; 'What to do Each Month'; and 'Breeding of Canary Hybrids'. This text has been chosen for modern republication because of its educational value, and we are proud to republish it here complete with a new introduction on aviculture.
Teaching and Learning of Fluid Mechanics
This book contains research on the pedagogical aspects of fluid mechanics and includes case studies, lesson plans, articles on historical aspects of fluid mechanics, and novel and interesting experiments and theoretical calculations that convey complex ideas in creative ways. The current volume showcases the teaching practices of fluid dynamicists from different disciplines, ranging from mathematics, physics, mechanical engineering, and environmental engineering to chemical engineering. The suitability of these articles ranges from early undergraduate to graduate level courses and can be read by faculty and students alike. We hope this collection will encourage cross-disciplinary pedagogical practices and give students a glimpse of the wide range of applications of fluid dynamics.
Selected Papers from IEEE ICKII 2019
This book, entitled "Selected papers from IEEE ICKII 2019", selected 13 excellent papers from the 260 papers presented in the IEEE International Conference on Knowledge Innovation and Invention (IEEE ICKII) 2019 on energies. The 2nd IEEE ICKII 2019 was held in Seoul, South Korea, 12-15 July, 2019, and provided a unified communication platform for research on information technology, innovation design, communication science and engineering, industrial design, creative design, applied mathematics, computer science, electrical and electronic engineering, mechanical and automation engineering, green technology and architecture engineering, material science, and other related fields. The ICKII conference enables interdisciplinary collaboration of science and engineering technologists in the academic and industrial fields, as well as international networking. This book is a collection of 13 research papers. The fields included are as follows: energy fundamentals, energy sources and energy carriers, energy exploration, intermediate and final energy use, energy conversion systems, and energy research and development. The main goals of this book are to encourage scientists to publish their experimental and theoretical results in as much detail as possible, and to discover new scientific knowledge relevant to the topics of energies.
