Problems during the Design and Testing of Instrument, Special and Power Transformers
This Special Issue, titled "Problems during the Design and Testing of Instrument, Special and Power Transformers", presents and disseminates the latest developments in the theory, design, modeling, and laboratory testing of all types of transformers. The scope includes design calculations and diagnostics of various types and structures of 1- and 3-phase power transformers, special transformers, and measurement transformers with various applications. Design requirements concern exploitation and optimal design methodologies, advanced device modeling methods, and technical research methods.
Advanced Adaptive Systems
This book presents the comprehensive development and implementation of an advanced adaptive cruise control (ACC) system and vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) communication using LiDAR and radar sensors. The book's outcomes have significant implications for the advancement of intelligent transportation systems. The successful integration of ACC and V2V communication technologies opens doors for further research and development in autonomous driving, traffic management, and road safety. Author Bio: Dr. Sagar Shinde: He is working as a Head of CSE - Artificial Intelligence Department at PCET' s - NMVPM's Nutan College of Engineering and Research, Pune. He has more than 14 years of teaching experience. He has published 66 research papers in international journals (Scopus, UGC, etc.), 8 research papers in international conferences (IEEE, Springer) and has 01 Patent granted on his name. Er. Shubham Jadhav: He is working as an ATC SW Engineer at Siemens Mobility Ltd, Pune, India. His research interests include Automation and Embedded Systems. Mr. Armaan Suhel Shaikh: He is working as an Assistant Professor at Dr. D. Y. Patil Institute of Technology. He has two years of industry experience and two years of teaching experience. His research interests include Embedded and Real Time Operating Systems.
Meshless Analysis Method for the Whole Process of Progressive Failure of Slope
The slope failure is a large deformation problem, the traditional numerical method finite element method (FEM), and limit equilibrium method (LEM) is difficult to characterize the whole process of the failure, resulting in the mechanism analysis which is not clear. In this work, a mesh-free particle approach, named the smoothed particle hydrodynamics (SPH) method, is presented and is improved to analyze the damage and failure process of a rock slope. In order to better describe the cause and mechanism of brittle failure for rock slope, the plastic factor was suggested and introduced into the SPH algorithm, and the conservation equations of SPH for brittleness characteristics were obtained. For soil slope, its instability mechanism and failure mode are different from that of rock slope. Therefore, this work also introduces the application of the smoothed particle hydrodynamics (SPH) method in the instability evolution process of soil slope. Firstly, an improved method for solving the SPH safety factor based on the adaptive discount factor method is proposed, the tolerance value is introduced, the relationship between the displacement increment and the tolerance value of the characteristic point is analyzed, and the real displacement mutation point is determined. Secondly, the SPH numerical model of slope is established to analyze the characteristics of slope deformation and failure, which shows that the SPH method can effectively represent the whole process of slope instability and progressive failure and effectively overcome the disadvantage of non-convergence when the traditional numerical method is used to study the deformation and failure of geotechnical materials.
Actuating, Sensing, Control, and Instrumentation for Ultra Precision Engineering
Ultra-Precision Engineering (UPE) is a comprehensive field that concerns the design, manufacture and measurement of ultra-precision components and systems. With the progress of new solutions to UPE, the demand of advanced mechatronic systems with high-performance on freedom, stroke, resolution, accuracy and bandwidth has been continuously increasing. This Special Issue is a collection of 13 excellent research papers published in Actuators, showcasing and discussing new advances in actuators and mechatronic systems for UPE as well as ultra-precision machines.
Vertical-Axis Wind Turbine
Wind power took on a leading role as the primary power source during the expected realization of carbon neutrality. Currently, large horizontal-axis wind turbines (HAWTs) have become mainstream, progressing toward further increasing their size, which is not easy. For floating offshore wind turbines, vertical-axis wind turbines (VAWTs), in which the tilt of the axis of rotation is not an issue, could be superior to HAWTs. There has also been a possibility to increase the output power of small VAWTs via proximity arrangement, which could lead to small VAWT wind farms utilizing land more effectively. Furthermore, owing to the inherent characteristics of VAWTs, i.e., no wind direction dependence resulting in a simple structure, low-cost wind power generation equipment can be developed, regardless of the size and application of the VAWT. As we move toward a carbon-free society, it is important to investigate various possibilities of VAWTs. Therefore, this Special Issue collected original papers on various topics related to VAWTs. The collected papers are classified into four groups, including four papers related to the interaction among rotors in wind turbine clusters, four papers related to the optimization of rotor shape/construction (using machine learning, deflection or end plates, and the gap between the main blade and arm), one paper related to the effects of the rotor axis's inclination on the offshore floating VAWT performance, and one paper related to the life cycle assessment. Our aim is for this Special Issue to contribute to the practical application of vertical-axis wind turbines.
Advances in Design and Disaster Mitigation of Engineering Structures
The safety of engineering structures under natural hazards (e.g., earthquakes, wind, fire and tsunamis) is a subject of great interest to researchers, and is important for protecting human life and reducing economic losses. This reprint focuses on experimental, theoretical, computational and relevant research on advanced methods in the design and disaster mitigation of engineering structures, including the following: analysing and simulating natural hazards; damage assessments of engineering structures under natural hazards; modelling and applications of new construction materials for structural engineering; design methodologies of innovative structural components and systems; advanced testing and modelling technologies; maintenance, repair and retrofit of existing structures; vulnerability, risk and reliability assessments of engineering structures under earthquakes, wind, fire and tsunamis; and advanced methods for the evaluation and design of resistance and resilience features of structural systems.
Progress in Polymer Composites for Different Applications
This Special Issue aimed to assemble works associated with the different aspects of polymeric composites. This Special Issue is a collection of 13 original papers in the areas of the design, production, and assessment of the properties of new materials.
The 4th International Conference on Advances in Environmental Engineering
The reprint presents scientific papers focused on a wide range of environmental engineering topics, including water and wastewater management, water and sediment pollution control and remediation, waste management, soil degradation, conservation and remediation, landscape management, and climate change and the carbon footprint of construction. This issue provides an integrated view of the trends in environmental engineering and the solutions to the problems associated with achieving sustainability.
Recent Advances in Reservoir Stimulation and EOR Technology in Unconventional Reservoirs
In the past decade, the rapid increase in the production of fossil energy has been made possible by effective reservoir stimulation and enhanced oil recovery (EOR) technologies for unconventional oil and gas reservoirs. As one of the most important reservoir stimulation technologies, hydraulic fracturing aims to increase the contact area between the target formation and production well. Such stimulation technologies usually involve complex fluid-solid coupling processes, including fracture initiation, fracture propagation, and fracture conductivity, etc. Enhanced oil recovery has been used to solve the problem of oil rate declining sharply after a period of production. In this process, some special chemicals will be injected into the reservoir to increase the recovery effectiveness of the residual oil. EOR processes often involve complex physical-chemical processes, including liquid emulsification, water-rock reactions, etc. Therefore, the progress of reservoir stimulation and EOR technology will contribute to the rapid development of unconventional oil and gas resources. Meanwhile, these technologies are also used in the development of geothermal and coal resources.
Sediment Transport
This Special Issue presents a collection of recent advancements in sediment transport research and hydraulic engineering that contribute to filling the knowledge gap in morphodynamic processes at different scales, with an outlook towards innovative river engineering approaches, monitoring systems, available technologies, and management practices tackling rapidly changing environmental conditions.
New Horizons in Nanofillers Based Polymer Composites II
Carbon-based nanofillers such as graphene, carbon nanotubes, etc. have been extensively explored recently. This is because these nanofillers assist in improving the mechanical, electrical, and thermal properties of polymer composites. This Reprint provides insight into recent advances in present research activities on material science, manufacturing techniques, and their multi-functionality within polymer composites. With the advancement of research, new novel materials are expected, with a special focus on ongoing challenges in present scenarios. Therefore, this Reprint will provide readers with up-to-date literature on the research on nanofillers-based polymer composites, their current scenarios, and the future prospects of the work in this area.
FinFET
The development of a revolutionary transistor architecture that transformed the semiconductor industry may be seen in the timeline of FinFET technology. This novel three-dimensional structure has expanded the capabilities of conventional planar transistors from its initial inception. FinFET has evolved into the preferred option for high-performance computing systems throughout time thanks to its enhanced power efficiency, decreased leakage, and better control over the current flow.
Energy Harvesters and Self-Powered Sensors for Smart Electronics, 2nd Edition
This reprint is a collection of articles in the Special Issue "Energy Harvesters and Self-Powered Sensors for Smart Electronics, 2nd Edition", published in Micromachines, containing one Editorial, nine original research articles, and one review article. This reprint showcases the latest progress in the field of energy harvesting and self-powered sensing for enabling a wide range of advanced applications in the era of the Internet of Things, digital health, and metaverse. With broad coverage and deep insights into technology innovations, this reprint can provide readers with detailed design considerations and actual implementations of various energy-harvesting devices and systems, inspiring new ideas to enable the sustainable development and transformation of our society.
Drone
Unmanned aerial vehicles (DRONE) are used across the world for civilian, commercial, as well as military applications. In fact, Drone Industry Insights (a commercial drone market consultancy in Germany) has identified "237 ways that drones revolutionize business" and released a 151-page report consisting of 237 applications and 37 real-life case studies throughout 15 industries including agriculture, energy, construction, and mining. A micro air vehicle (MAV), or micro aerial vehicle, is a class of man-portable miniature UAVs whose size enables them to be used in low altitude, close-in support operations. Modern MAVs can be as small as 5 centimeters. Development is driven by commercial, research, government, and military purposes; with insect-sized aircraft reportedly expected in the future. The small craft allows remote observation of hazardous environments inaccessible to ground vehicles. MAVs have been built for hobby purpose such as aerial robotics contests and aerial photography.
Advances in New Green Road Materials and Applied Technologies
Since entering the 21st century, the emergence of new functional materials and the development of interdisciplinary approaches have provided strong support for the design and construction of all kinds of green roads. At present, building environmentally friendly green and low-carbon roads, expanding road service functions, improving road ecological benefits and further improving road environments have become important challenges for road workers and researchers, as well as frontier directions for the development of the road engineering discipline. To this end, scholars around the world have carried out a great deal of in-depth research on green road materials and applied technologies. This Special Issue aims to gather recent research that advances knowledge about new green road materials and applied technologies. The supplement to these studies will guide the development of functional road materials and promote the design optimization and technological innovation of green roads.
Advance in Energy Harvesters/Nanogenerators and Self-Powered Sensors II
This reprint showcases the latest advancements in energy harvesting and self-powered sensing technologies, ranging across the wide aspects of device design, operation principle, performance characterization, system integration and applications. The novel designs and detailed explanations can be highly useful to researchers and engineers in the field for new idea inspiration and inter-technology fusion. It is also a good reference for readers who want to know more about the current progress and future direction of the field.
Advancements in CFD Modeling for H-Darrieus Turbines
Explore the exciting frontiers of renewable energy through this innovative work. Following the trajectory laid out by each chapter of "Currents of Progress," university students specializing in fluid mechanics, as well as engineers, will have the opportunity to master specific CFD modeling techniques for the H-Darrieus turbine. These studies offer a deep dive into the theoretical foundation underpinning this modeling, opening a gateway to comprehensive understanding for enthusiasts in the field.As you traverse the text, uncover the performance indicators characterizing the intricate operation of the Darrieus turbine, providing unprecedented insights into essential criteria evaluated in the context of wind energy. Moreover, grasp the various techniques and numerical tools deployed to enhance the aerodynamic contours derived from CFD calculations. This meticulous exploration facilitates a thorough comparison between the diverse modeling techniques of H-Darrieus, whether in 2D, 2.5D, or 3D. "Currents of Progress" becomes more than just reading; it transforms into a comprehensive educational journey for those seeking to grasp the nuances and exciting challenges of the ever-evolving world of sustainable energy technology.
Optimization Control for Multiagent Systems with Disturbances via Dynamic Triggered Mechanisms
In this comprehensive study on distributed optimization in multiagent systems, the authors present a pioneering approach to managing external disturbances in complex network scenarios. This book addresses the challenges in systems with both fixed and switching topologies, introducing an innovative controller equipped with dynamic triggered mechanisms. These mechanisms are expertly designed to reduce communication resource waste and lower agent energy consumption significantly. Alongside, a novel distributed disturbance observer is developed to accurately estimate external disturbances in the input channels. The authors skillfully derive sufficient conditions for achieving consensus in multiagent systems under diverse network conditions. A key highlight is the successful avoidance of Zeno behaviors by the designed mechanisms, marking a significant advancement in the field. The effectiveness of these groundbreaking algorithms is further underscored through rigorous numerical simulations. This book is a critical resource for anyone interested in the forefront of research in dynamic systems and control theory, offering both theoretical depth and practical insights.
Navigating our NON LINEAR World
In this book, you will discover: How technology has evolved over timeHow the role and impact of technology has changed over the years How today's technology is making our world increasingly nonlinearHow generative Al will drive nonlinearity at full throttleHow our nonlinear world is deeply affecting our thinking and behaviorWhat can we learn from 15th century Classical Renaissance, and why a Digital Renaissance is just around the cornerHow the DeSIRE framework could help in tackling nonlinearity and in reaping the benefits of Digital RenaissanceThis book will leave you with the DeSIRE to make the most of the opportunities as we usher in Digital Renaissance.
Design, Analysis, and Measurement of Antennas
This Special Issue reprint aspires to illuminate recent strides and innovative methodologies in the design, analysis, and measurement of antennas across a spectrum of emerging wireless communication systems. The primary goal is to explore and spotlight cutting-edge advancements while pinpointing fresh avenues for the evolution of research and techniques in this dynamic field. Readers will delve into the forefront of antenna technology, gaining insights that not only showcase recent developments but also guide the way forward, promising exciting prospects for further research and exploration in the realm of wireless communication systems.
Deep Power Vision Technology and Intelligent Vision Sensors
This reprint provides some up-to-date solutions in the domain of deep power vision technology and intelligent vision sensors. It offers the latest perspectives covering the detection, classification, and some other basic tasks in processing and analyzing the inspection images or videos of power systems.
Emerging Research in Rotary Engines and Sustainability in Vehicle Engineering
With the development of new technologies, the attractiveness of the rotary engine's advantages is making a comeback in the minds of many designers. In recent years, driven by the progressive electrification of the automotive powertrain, new applications have emerged for the rotary engine in the automotive industry. This engine concept has also emerged as a range extender, especially due to its specific advantages such as simplicity, compactness, light weight, low vibration, and high efficiency. Therefore, the rotary engine has established itself as a formidable contender for some of the markets currently served by reciprocating engines in vehicle engineering. This reprint aims to provide a platform for researchers to share the latest advancements in the mixture organization, combustion improvement, and emission control of all rotary engine types and their sustainability in vehicle engineering.
Recent Developments and Knowledge in Intelligent and Safe Marine Navigation
The maritime shipping sector toward intelligent and safe navigation is intrinsically tied to the integration of cutting-edge technologies (i.e., AI and big data). These technologies are being harnessed across multiple facets of the maritime domain. It is evident that these methodologies have the potential to significantly enhance the intelligence and safety of ships. This SI stands as a compendium of research papers that not only enrich the academic dialogue but also support substantial practical implications for the maritime industry. The insights and innovations contained within this SI are imperative in furthering the frontiers of intelligent and safe navigation. The contributions encompass a spectrum of recent developments, encompassing topics such as big data fusion for ship detection, collision avoidance through deep reinforcement learning approaches, and ship system identification, route planning, etc. These methods draw from a confluence of expertise, merging insights from ship science, AI, and their interdisciplinary interactions. Collectively, the research presented in this SI constitutes a vital stride in the ongoing endeavor to fortify and refine intelligent navigation.
EEG Signal Processing Techniques and Applications
This Special Issue provides a forum for original high-quality research in Electroencephalography (EEG) signal pre-processing, modelling, and analysis in the time, space, frequency, or time-frequency domains. It focuses particularly on the utilization of machine learning and deep learning techniques. The range of applications covers healthcare, emotion, motor imagery, external stimulation, mental workload, and satisfaction.
Application of Vision Technology and Artificial Intelligence in Smart Farming
Artificial intelligence (AI) has been gaining traction in smart agriculture. Machine learning (ML) can be used for environmental and production performance data analysis and prediction, and computer vision (CV) can monitor abnormal phenotypes in plants and animals. They have massive potential to enhance the overall functioning of smart farming and reduce manual labor. This Special Issue focuses on the novel application of ML and CV in smart farming. The content of this Special Issue encompasses the use of various AI models for the in-depth analysis of quantitative data, RGB images, remote sensing images, and 3D point cloud data, thereby completing tasks such as environmental and growth state prediction, target recognition, and early disease diagnosis, improving crop growth performance and animal welfare.
Seed Survival in Genebanks - Genetic and Biochemical Aspects of Seed Deterioration in Barley
Against the background of 7.4 million accessions stored in genebanks, long-term survival of stored seeds is an important trait. This study intended to elucidate genetic and biochemical mechanisms underlying barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) seed deterioration with respect to genetic diversity at different storage treatments ranging from cold storage with low seed moisture content (smc) to experimental seed ageing with high smc. On the basis of an assumed genetic impact on seed deterioration quantitative genetic analyses using four mapping populations were applied. Seeds of three bi-parental barley mapping populations were experimentally aged. Subsequent quantitative trait locus (QTL) analyses revealed 4 major loci on chromosomes 2H, 5H and 7H explaining a phenotypic variation up to 54%. Detected loci were confirmed by the fourth population that compromises a collection of independent barley accessions. These genotypes, multiplied in two field plots and experimentally aged were analysed by a genome-wide association approach which resulted in 105 marker-trait associations (MTAs) at 32 loci. Putative functions of MTAs and closely linked QTLs revealed predominantly biotic and abiotic stress affect seed longevity.
Geo-Environmental Problems Caused by Underground Construction
This Special Issue aimed to present the recent developments in the interaction between the coupled multi-physical fields and underground structures, as well as geo-environmental effects, to stimulate fruitful technical and scientific interactions between professionals.A total of ten papers regarding geo-environmental problems in various fields caused by underground construction are presented in this Special Issue reprint.
Microbial Assessment of Tamarind Drink Sold in Tamale Metropolis
Project Report from the year 2020 in the subject Biology - Diseases, Health, Nutrition, course: Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, language: English, abstract: Tamarind drink is a local non-alcoholic beverage, mostly processed and sold in Ghana by people of the Dagomba ethnic descend. The drink is a sweet-sour beverage made from the pulp of the indigenous African tamarind tree (Tamarindus indica). It has since ancient times been used for the treatment of inflammations, fevers, and alcohol intoxication. The juice from tamarind is rich in vitamin B3, potassium and is known to have cathartic, astringent, refrigerant, and antiseptic effects. This study seeks to assess the microbial quality of Tamarind drink sold within the Tamale metropolis. The study will be empirical, involving a total of 30 tamarind drink samples purchased from ten different vendors all over the Tamale metropolis. Using a range of general and specific microbiological media including nutrient agar, MacConkey agar, Potato Dextrose Agar, enumeration of the microbes will be carried out. Colonies will be tested for Gram reaction, and the biochemical assay will be used to confirm morphological characteristics of the colonies following microscopic examination at x400 and x1000 magnifications. Questionnaires will be administered.
A Dangerous Master
There is no doubt that we're in an era of remarkable scientific advancement. From nanotechnology to synthetic organisms, new developments are poised to radically transform the human experience. Yet, profound growth comes with profound risks: a drone can drop a bomb just as easily as it can deliver your groceries; 3D printers can make personal firearms as well as tools and medical devices, and powerful supercomputers can take down a major financial institution just as easily as they can manage your stock portfolio. In A Dangerous Master, renowned ethicist Wendell Wallach delves into the moral challenges of these advancements, urging both creators and users to address the moral and ethical complexities of rapid technological growth. Despite the promise of scientific innovation, Wallach warns of technology spiraling beyond human control. The book examines resistance to meaningful regulation, while proposing solutions to regain control of our technological future. Wallach's narrative provides a balanced analysis, offering stark warnings alongside hope, compelling us to confront the practical--and moral--dimensions of our creations.
The job engine of the energy transition. The global starting position.
The book introduces you to the numerous topics of the energy transition with exciting subject matter. At the same time, you will learn about what are probably the most exciting developments in the modern world with the challenges of today; on the one hand with a view to maintaining energy supply security for people, and on the other hand with a view to the many opportunities for future generations. The book explains why the energy transition has not yet become a reality and why the energy transition is now gaining momentum. A book about the energy transition also necessarily deals with structural change and is also a testimony to the huge efforts and challenges that the regions are making and overcoming when the goals are clearly defined and when the regional identity is supported by these goals on an inter-municipal basis. A book about the energy transition is also a testimony to the great efforts and challenges that companies in the energy markets are making and overcoming when established structures are broken up and networked with new or complementary business models, when complementary services are created with the expanded energy products. The success of the energy transition therefore depends crucially on the start and speed of implementation of defined goals, which requires determination and regional identity with the emerging fields of action.
The energy turnaround
The book introduces you to the numerous tangents of the energy transition with exciting subject matter. At the same time, you will learn about what are probably the most exciting developments in the modern world with the challenges of today; on the one hand with a view to maintaining energy supply security for people, and on the other hand with a view to the many opportunities for future generations. The book explains the current positions on the energy transition, explains why the energy transition may initially seem paradoxical and explains the tangents of the energy transition. The book shows the comprehensive link between the energy transition and environmental protection against increasing climate change. The book shows the booming global image of the energy transition. The success of the energy transition depends crucially on the start and speed of implementation of defined goals, which requires determination and regional identity with the emerging fields of action. In the course of the book, the initially tempting-sounding statements are also confronted with the claim and the reality. The energy turnaround is made comprehensible by presenting the efforts from a wide variety of perspectives. Let yourself be inspired and excited by the numerous opportunities that the energy transition offers.
V International Conference la ValSe-Food and VIII Symposium Chia-Link
The V International Conference la ValSe-Food and VIII Symposium Chia-Link: Feeding Biodiversity and Mitigating the Effects of Climate Change: the Role of Ancestral Crops in Creating Healthy Food, was organized by the International la ValSe-Food (Iberoamerican Valuable Seeds) Network-CYTED. The conference was held from 4 to 6 October 2023 in Valencia, Spain. Ancient grains refer to a category of grains that have been cultivated for thousands of years and have remained largely unchanged by modern plant breeding practices. These grains have a long history as staple foods in various cultures around the world. Ancient grains have gained popularity in recent years due to their nutritional benefits, unique flavours, and potential health benefits compared to modern grains. They are often sought after for their higher fibre, vitamins, and mineral content, as well as their suitability for at-risk or sensitive populations. In addition to promoting safe, sustainable, nutritious, and healthy food, la ValSe-Food Network also recognizes the importance of biodiversity and addressing climate change. The network acknowledges that ancient crops play a crucial role in preserving biodiversity and enhancing resilience in agricultural systems. In this sense, ancient crops possess unique, naturally selected genetic traits, making them valuable resources for future breeding programs and the development of climate-resilient crops, which can help to maintain biodiversity and protect against the loss of valuable genetic resources in the face of climate change and other environmental challenges.
Art of ENGINEERING
Become a problem solver, by discovering the secrets of engineers, how they think, and the tools they use. Go inside the mind of an engineer to see how real and complex problems are solved and how they develop into the world's problem solvers.The book has been designed to support: - Secondary Education: Design & Technology Curriculum - Engineering Education: BTEC, HNC/D & Degrees - Professional Standards & Development (CPD) - Business Innovation
Access to Clean Water in Developing Countries
"Access to Clean Water in Developing Countries: Addressing the Ongoing Crisis" is an insightful and comprehensive book that delves into the critical issue of access to clean and safe drinking water in many parts of the world, with a specific focus on developing countries. Through twelve chapters, it provides a deep exploration of the challenges, solutions, and implications associated with the global water crisis. This book begins by setting the stage, discussing the current state of water access, challenges faced in various regions, and the impact on daily life. It then delves into the health impact of waterborne diseases, the sources of water contamination, and the critical role of water quality. Chapters are dedicated to examining the various types of water sources used in developing countries, including surface water, groundwater, and unimproved sources, and the challenges associated with each. The text further explores the deficiencies in water infrastructure and the barriers to access, such as economic constraints, distance, and technological limitations. Governmental and non-governmental initiatives are highlighted, showcasing the role of international organizations, donor countries, and NGOs in addressing water access challenges. Case studies illustrate successful projects and lessons learned. The book doesn't stop at the challenges; it also explores community-led solutions and technological innovations. It discusses emerging technologies for water purification, low-cost solutions, and the importance of community involvement in finding local, sustainable solutions. Economic and social implications of water access are discussed in detail, emphasizing the impact on agriculture, productivity, healthcare, gender empowerment, and overall well-being. The text recognizes water as a fundamental human right and addresses the issue of inequality and disparities in water access.
Dictionary of Scientific Units of Measurement - Volume II
Since the appearance of humanities on earth, and since human beings started to have activities, the need for measuring units appeared. Measuring weight, distance (length) and time were the first tasks to be measured. This is why weights and measures were among the earliest tools invented by man. Primitive societies needed rudimentary measures for many tasks: constructing dwellings of an appropriate size and shape, fashioning clothing, or bartering food or raw materials. Man, understandably, turned first to parts of the body and the natural surroundings for measuring instruments. Early Babylonian and Egyptian records and the Bible indicate that length was first measured with the forearm, hand, or finger and that time was measured by the periods of the sun, moon, and other heavenly bodies.With time, many societies started to appear worldwide and because of the lack of communication between them, each society developed its local units of measurement. As societies became nearer to each other, common interest started to appear and the need to have common units of measurements started to be a must. With time and with the development of societies and since more and more quantities started to be measured the need for modern units such as S.I. units became a necessity.This dictionary, before giving the definitions for the different units of measurements, gives at first a good idea about the most current systems of units including the SI system. The dictionary has 2450 entries each defining one of the currently used units including local units. Besides that, it gives a summary for 1400 units.
Engineering Ethics in Southern Africa - Theories & Cases 1e
-Engineers work in a Social Context and as such there is a recognised need globally for them to acquire 'soft' skills in addition to 'hard' skills. There has been increasing emphasis in South Africa on improving the overall health and safety performance of the construction industry to acceptable levels -Engineers qualifying in Engineering in tertiary institutions in the Southern Africa region seek to study an accredited Engineering degree that conforms to the Washington Accord. This certifies their final qualifications are internationally recognised. -Engineering accreditation is provided by the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA) whose role and function is to provide a professional register of qualified
Multi-UAV Networks
Nowadays, multi-UAV systems reveal great potential value in applications such as surveillance, disaster rescue, mapping, cargo delivery, etc. Through coordination among multiple or even a swarm of UAVs, multi-UAV systems can improve mission capability, survivability, and flexibility. Regarding the key technologies, multi-UAV networks are the essential building blocks in multi-UAV systems, which provide the foundation for information transmission and further enable team behavior. This reprint presents a collection of cutting-edge research in the field of UAVs, showcasing advancements and innovations in the related areas. The featured papers cover topics such as object detection, cooperative exploration, authentication schemes, machine learning methods, connectivity maintenance, UAV deployment, intelligent mining, task assignment, and multi-UAV swarm control. They explore different aspects of UAV technology, highlighting novel approaches and algorithms that enhance the efficiency, security, and performance of UAV systems. From real-time object detection to decentralized exploration strategies and secure communication protocols, this reprint offers valuable insights into the potential of UAVs and their applications in diverse domains. It serves as a valuable resource for researchers, engineers, and practitioners seeking to stay at the forefront of UAV technology and leverage its capabilities to drive innovation in their respective fields.
Advanced CMOS Devices and Applications
Dive into the forefront of semiconductor technology with our Special Issue reprint entitled, "Advanced CMOS Devices and Applications." This compilation unites a spectrum of contributions from leading experts, offering a captivating exploration of the latest breakthroughs in semiconductor technology. Uncover groundbreaking insights into 3D-stacked transistors, advanced transistor and memory processing, high-mobility channels, and novel simulation results, showcasing the cutting-edge advancements in advanced CMOS transistors and emerging non-volatile memories. The collection spans diverse topics such as 3D power scaling, advanced transistor processing, and emerging non-volatile memories, providing readers with a comprehensive panorama of the state-of-the-art developments in semiconductor technology. Crafted by eminent researchers, these articles delve into critical challenges and unveil innovative solutions, contributing significantly to the ongoing discourse in the scientific community. Whether you are a seasoned researcher, industry professional, or an eager student keen on grasping the forefront of semiconductor technology, this Reprint stands as a valuable resource. Immerse yourself in the knowledge presented by experts who have shaped the discourse in this dynamic field.
Subsea Pipelines
A subsea pipeline (also known as an offshore pipeline or submarine pipeline) is a pipeline that is laid on the seabed or inside a specially constructed trench. The use of pipelines represents a reliable mode of transport of oil and gas. The prevention of failure scenarios, such as improper pressurization, localized buckling, fatigue failure and instability, the limit strength, internal/external pressure, corrosion-resistant material selection, and stability management, is the main concern in the design, installation, and operation of submarine pipelines.Fifteen recent research studies broadly covering the structural design and analysis of subsea pipelines or risers are featured in this reprint. The applications of the digital twin in subsea pipelines are highlighted. Classic structural topics including collapse strength, burst strength, tensile performance, buckling, fatigue, and bending are investigated in this reprint using numerical and experimental methods. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations and proportional integral derivative (PID) control of the pipelines and risers are also included.
Artificial Intelligence Applications and Innovation
The idea of an intelligent machine has fascinated humans for centuries. Intelligence can be defined as the capacity for learning, reasoning, understanding, or the aptitude for grasping truths, relationships, facts, or meanings. Any of these perspectives requires the capacity to acquire data from the surrounding environment and possibly act over that environment. In short, the building of autonomous agents served with sensors and actuators, capable of learning and producing educated answers was long foreseen. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is impacting our day-to-day lives, our cities, and even our free time. AI is still closely associated with some popular misconceptions that cause the public to either have unrealistic fears about it or unrealistic expectations about how it will change our workplace and life in general. It is important to show that such fears are unfounded, and that new trends, innovations, and technologies will be able to improve the way we live, benefiting society without replacing humans in their core activities. This Special Issue delves into mutually dependent subfields including, but not restricted to, machine learning, computer vision, data analysis, data science, big data, Internet of Things, sentiment analysis, natural language processing, privacy and ethics, and robotics. The chapters build a comprehensive collection of research and development trends on contemporary "Artificial Intelligence Applications and Innovation" that will serve as a convenient reference for AI experts, as well as newly arrived practitioners, introducing them to the field's trends.
Advances in Intelligent Data Analysis and Its Applications
This Special Issue sheds light on the escalating significance of intelligent data analysis and its applications in the era of burgeoning big data. It has emerged as a pivotal driver for progress across diverse domains, necessitating in-depth research and practical applications within this framework. This multifaceted endeavor facilitates the revelation of latent value within extensive datasets and provides robust support for innovation and progress across various industries. Consequently, the imperative nature of discussing and exploring the latest research developments in intelligent data analysis and its practical applications becomes apparent, representing a vital initiative to keenly discern and proactively address trends in the big data era. This compilation is dedicated to comprehensively exploring recent research advancements in intelligent data analysis, elucidating their specific manifestations in practical applications. Encompassing diverse and profound topics, including intelligent data mining algorithms and their applications, the integration of machine learning in intelligent data analysis, models for natural language processing, intelligent granular computing models, cognitive computing, and hybrid models, the overarching goal is to provide profound insights into the academic development of intelligent data analysis. This, in turn, extends innovative guidance for academic research and industrial applications, thereby nurturing the continuous advancement and evolution of intelligent data analysis technologies.
Soft Actuators and Robotics
The Special Issue "Soft Actuators and Robotics" presents a curated collection of innovative research papers that delve into the design, fabrication, and application of soft actuators and soft robotics. This issue captures the interdisciplinary nature of soft robotics, blending principles from engineering, materials science, and computer science to advance the development of robots that are flexible, adaptable, and capable of safe interactions with humans and delicate environments. Each contribution in this issue sheds light on the latest advancements in actuator technology, offering insights into compliant mechanisms, embedded sensors, and artificial muscles. The featured research highlights the progress in programmable soft materials, modeling and simulation of sensorized actuators, and introduces novel approaches to control systems that pave the way for more intuitive and responsive robots. The scope of this issue extends beyond theoretical research, with practical demonstrations of soft actuators in action. From soft grippers that gently handle fragile objects to wearable devices that seamlessly interact with human users, the applications explored here are as diverse as they are groundbreaking. In essence, this Special Issue serves as a testament to the transformative potential of soft robotics. It is a resource for researchers, practitioners, and enthusiasts alike, reflecting the current trends and future directions in soft actuator design and robotics.
Advances in the Experimentation and Numerical Modeling of Material Joining Processes
"Advances in the Experimentation and Numerical Modeling of Material Joining Processes" is an innovative compilation offering a comprehensive exploration of the latest developments in material-joining techniques. With 22 chapters, this MDPI scientific reprint addresses adhesive bonding, welding, friction stir welding, hybrid joining, and miscellaneous topics. The editorial (Chapter 1) provides the main limitations, possible improvements, active research lines, and prospects of material joining processes. Chapters 2 to 10 relate to adhesive bonded and welded joints. Chapters 11 to 17 shift the focus to friction stir welding, covering the aerospace industry's progress, microstructure analysis, tool tilt angles, and corrosion behaviour. Hybrid joining processes are the topic of chapters 18 and 19, discussing numerical simulation of laser-arc hybrid welding and steel-aluminium joints made by resistance spot welding. Chapters 20 to 22 explore miscellaneous topics, including interpenetrating phase composites and concrete blocks in seismic areas. This volume serves as a vital resource for researchers, engineers, and practitioners, enabling a deeper understanding of material-joining techniques and inspiring further innovation.
Technologies of Coatings and Surface Hardening for Tool Industry II
The innovative multi-component, nanocomposite, self-healing adaptive, and nano-thin coatings, technologies of their deposition, surface hardening and engineering developed in recent years allow us to obtain practically any physical-mechanical or crystal-chemical properties of the surface for prolongation of the service life of responsible product working under the conditions of intensive mechanical and thermal loads, and moisture. The scientific approach to improving the operational parameters of the product's surface made of traditional industrial materials is a highly costly and long-lasting process. Different technological techniques, such as plasma vapor deposition (radio frequency magnetron sputtering, high-power impulse magnetron sputtering, closed-field unbalanced magnetron sputtering, filtered cathodic vacuum arc deposition), atomic layer deposition, and other solutions are used for this. The edition aims to provide a review of the current state of the research and developments in the field of coatings and surface hardening technologies for cutting tools and microelectronics components, diagnostic solutions of the sputtering systems that can ensure a substantial increase in the reliability and operational life of the product. The main emphasis lies in the results of the research and engineering works that have proven successful in laboratory or manufacturing conditions. The presented studies are aimed at completing the previously published advances in the first Special Issue and contributing to the transfer of the tool industry to the next technological paradigm.
Recent Advances in the Application of Mathematical and Computational Models in Biomedical Science and Engineering
This reprint highlights novel findings of state-of-the-art computational models based on multiscale, multiphysics, data-driven, artificial intelligence, and machine learning approaches in the field of bioengineering. Ten individual contributions from renowned research groups across the world have been published in this Special Issue.
Fusion Bonding/Welding of Polymer Composites
This Special Issue reprint focuses on the latest advances and development of fusion bonding/welding of polymer composites. It contains research articles addressing materials, processing, modeling, monitoring, or performance issues with experimental or numerical approaches. Whatever the process, e.g., resistance, induction, ultrasonic, laser or conduction welding, or 3D printing using fused deposition modeling, one of the challenges is to master the interfacial phenomena, structure, and quality in the assembly area (welds), which is rather tricky due to the presence of the reinforcement fibers. Additionally, it is of paramount importance to develop reliable predictive process simulation software and monitor and control the process parameters in situ.
Design of Adhesive Bonded Joints
"Design of Adhesive Bonded Joints" is a comprehensive MDPI publication that presents the latest findings on adhesive bonding technology. This reprint, structured into 14 chapters, systematically explores theoretical frameworks, experimental investigations, fracture mechanics concepts, and practical applications. From the effects of organic fillers on joint strength to numerical modeling of mixed-mode fracture tests, each chapter contributes to a specific topic of adhesive bonded joints. Intended for researchers, engineers, and students in materials science and mechanical engineering, this compilation offers a meticulous examination of the subject, providing valuable insights and advancing the discourse in adhesive bonding technology.
ZnO Nanowires
As a biocompatible semiconductor composed of abundant elements, ZnO, in the form of nanowires, exhibits remarkable properties, mainly originating from its wurtzite structure and correlated with its high aspect ratio at nanoscale dimensions. ZnO nanowires have thus received increasing interest in the community and have specifically emerged as a potential building block for a wide variety of devices in the field of energy conversion. Among the different energy conversion applications, ZnO nanowires have, to name just two examples, been integrated into nanostructured solar cells and piezoelectric devices. Despite the vast number of publications in the field, there is still a significant need to explore the growth of ZnO nanowires, to more precisely elucidate and control their fundamental properties, and to improve their integration into real-world engineering devices. This Special Issue brings together more than 80 authors from different countries, who submitted 11 original research articles conveying their foundational research dedicated to ZnO nanowires. Overall, if the present Special Issue cannot fully reflect the high diversity rapidly developing in the community of ZnO nanowires, it will certainly contribute to research interest in the field.
