Recent Advances in Robotics, Factory Automation and Intelligent Networked Systems
This Reprint brings together nine cutting-edge contributions (mainly extended papers from the 5th IFSA Winter Conference on Automation, Robotics & Communications for Industry 4.0/5.0 (ARCI' 2025)) addressing intelligent industrial systems, robotics, and machine learning applications for next-generation manufacturing. The articles cover advances in autonomous navigation for ground and aerial robots, social and collaborative human-robot interaction frameworks, and reinforcement-learning strategies for dual-arm assembly and dexterous manipulation in clutter. Further studies explore online anomaly detection at the edge, predictive-maintenance digital twins, privacy-preserving energy-prediction models, and emerging robotic applications in sports engineering. Together, these works highlight the rapid evolution of AI-driven automation and demonstrate how robotics, sensing, and data-centric methods are reshaping industrial environments toward safer, more adaptive, and more efficient operations.
Applications Based on Symmetry/Asymmetry in Fluid Mechanics
This Reprint is devoted to recent advances in the analysis and applications of fluid mechanics based on symmetry/asymmetry. In recent years, the growing significance of symmetry analysis and its applications has been realized in fluid mechanics, due not only to theoretical achievements in this area but also because of its numerous applications. This symmetry can be either on the space-time level or the time level. The applications of symmetry in fluid mechanics are usually interdisciplinary, such as mechanical, aerospace, chemical, and process engineering. Therefore, their exploration is crucial for many real-life applications. This reprint focuses on these significant issues with contributions by researchers from China, the USA, Romania, and India, covering a wide spectrum of important problems and topics of current research interest. These topics include the atmospheric surface layers, isotropic turbulence, tip leakage vortex in axial compressor rotors, supersonic jets, heat flux of compressible wall flows, blood damage analysis at laminar conditions, thermal convection at high Rayleigh numbers, asymmetry in the Gulf of Mexico, axial Couette flows, asymmetrical gas-stirred ladle, and the influence of fewer strand casting on the symmetry breaking of flow. We hope that this Reprint comes to serve as a source of ideas for many mechanists, mathematical physicists, and engineers interested in pursuing recent developments in the symmetry/asymmetry phenomena of fluids.
Advanced Manufacturing and Assembly Technologies for Aerospace Production Systems
This Reprint, "Advanced Manufacturing and Assembly Technology for Aerospace Production Systems", is hosted by Machines' "Advanced Manufacturing" section (ISSN 2075-1702), and co-edited by Dr. Feiyan GUO (USTB) and Dr. Zhengping CHANG (NWPU). It focuses on breakthroughs and trends in aerospace manufacturing, serving as a global platform for academic exchange and advancement. The field of aerospace manufacturing, integrating multiple disciplines, determines product performance, R&D, and reliability, leading the equipment manufacturing industry. This Special Issue collects high-value original research, covering composite manufacturing, digital intelligent manufacturing, assembly accuracy control, etc.It collects a total of nine papers, including an integrated framework solving aircraft rivet interference fit (max relative deviation 9.75%); a compensation algorithm reducing 15m CFRP component curing deformation to
Sustainable and Digital Transformation of Road Infrastructures
This Reprint presents a curated selection of peer-reviewed articles on the sustainable and digital transformation of road infrastructures. The contributions highlight recent advances in designing, constructing, monitoring, and managing road and transportation assets, emphasizing engineering solutions to environmental, technological, and societal challenges.The Reprint covers topics such as recycled and bio-based materials, innovative asphalt and cementitious solutions, life-cycle assessment, and strategies to improve the environmental performance of road infrastructure. In parallel, it highlights the growing role of digital technologies, including pavement and bridge monitoring systems, embedded sensors, data-driven condition assessment, digital twins, artificial intelligence, machine learning, and big data, in supporting infrastructure asset management.Several contributions demonstrate how sensing technologies, connected and autonomous vehicle data, drone-based inspections, and intelligent algorithms improve monitoring efficiency, support informed decision making, and enable more sustainable maintenance and operational strategies. Together, the articles offer an integrated perspective on how to align sustainability objectives with digital tools to enhance infrastructure resilience, performance, and long-term value.
Practicable Futures Research
In an age defined by uncertainty and transformation, this book was written to bridge the gap between Futures Studies and Sustainability Research, two fields that share a concern for long-term thinking yet often remain methodologically separate.It introduces the conceptual and methodological foundations of Futures Studies and connects them with established approaches from sustainability science, economics, history, and the natural and social sciences. Readers are guided through core foresight methods such as trend analysis, scenario building, backcasting, and participatory tools, before exploring their intersections with models of resource availability, planetary boundaries, and adaptive systems. The book also integrates historical perspectives on growth, limits, and cultural evolution, providing a multidimensional understanding of how futures are shaped.By combining analytical rigor with imaginative foresight, it equips researchers, practitioners, and students with interdisciplinary tools to address complex sustainability challenges and to envision more resilient, desirable futures.
High Performance and Hybrid Manufacturing Processes
The manufacture of parts for transportation vehicles, precision components, and bioengineered implants is reliant on high-performance manufacturing processes. On the one hand, these provide shorter set-up and lead times, higher production rates, and greater accuracy and precision. On the other hand, they necessitated the use of new technologies, optimised processes, and enhanced materials. The precision of high-performance manufacturing has also advanced from being in terms of tenths of millimetres to below hundredths in a century, and currently, some machines are on the verge of crossing the nanometre barrier. Most recently, hybrid manufacturing technologies have gained popularity, as they offer great potential in obtaining high-quality products with greater productivity, accuracy, energy efficiency, and with minor impacts on the environment. Despite this, most hybrid manufacturing methods are still in the research stage, with just a handful making it into industrial use. The current and future needs for machine tools and manufacturing operations include the use of less power and increased eco-friendliness, while maintaining the integrity of products. This Reprint sheds light on 'High Performance and Hybrid Manufacturing Processes' and provides a platform for the discussion of the recent successes, key topics, and challenges for future study in the field.
Recent Developments in Precision Actuation Technologies
Precision actuation technologies are vital in many fields of precision engineering, such as precision machining, active control of micro-vibration, surgical robots, etc. Research into new precision actuators, precision actuation control methods, and applications of precision actuation technology is still very active. This Special Issue is a collection of 12 excellent research papers published in Actuators, showcasing and discussing new advances in various types of precision actuation mechanisms, actuator design, control methods, and applications, not limited to specific application areas.
Advances in Retinal Image Processing
Visual impairment is a primary global challenge in the present era. Lack of awareness, shortage of resources, and a shortage of trained personnel can lead to several retinal disorders, which, in turn, can lead to blindness or severe visual impairment. The human retina is examined through non-invasive procedures such as fundus photography, optical coherence tomography, and fluorescein angiography. From these retinal images, ophthalmologists visually analyze and identify retinal abnormalities associated with various retinal disorders. Automated retinal image analysis is of utmost importance for diagnosing and grading, as well as for monitoring the progression or regression of the disease after surgical and therapeutic intervention. State-of-the-art devices such as portable OCT and smartphone cameras have simplified the acquisition of retinal images to some extent. However, the ever-increasing blind population and the availability of massive computational resources have spurred the urgent need to develop automated retinal imaging applications. The gamut of cutting-edge technologies, such as Artificial Intelligence and deep learning, could be a gateway to resolving these challenges. The domains of retinal image enhancement and registration, multimodal analysis, and multiple disorder detection are in the limelight of retinal imaging. The nine articles in this Special Issue highlight the advancement of retinal imaging applications. The articles in this Special Issue were selected and organized to provide readers with a delightful experience in comprehending the state-of-the-art progress in retinal image processing applications.
You Were Never Just Using It
What if every tap, swipe, and scroll was rewriting who you are?In You Were Never Just Using It, Alexander Manu shows how technology's true power lies not in devices but in the quiet transformations they spark in us. Since 1978, each innovation has been less about invention and more about absorption: desktops that reshaped work, smartphones that redefined memory, AI systems that anticipate thought. Organized in three acts--from disruptive tools, to ambient shifts, to the rise of the post-digital self--this book maps how convenience became identity and how interfaces became mirrors of our inner lives. Provocative and deeply reflective, Manu argues that technology is never just something we use; it is something that rewrites us, one unnoticed gesture at a time.
Engineering Catalysis
The book discusses various aspects of catalysis engineering: from catalysis design, catalyst preparation and characterization, reaction kinetics, mass transfer, and catalytic reactors to the implementation of catalysts in chemical technology. Aimed at graduate students, it is also a useful resource for professionals working in research and development.
Innovate Energy
America's next energy revolution won't be won by politicians. It will be built by innovators.For decades, nuclear microreactors powered the world's harshest outposts-Antarctica, Panama, and beyond-delivering clean, reliable energy where diesel was costly, risky, and hard to sustain. Then, in the 1970s, politics and fear shut the door.Today, as America faces an energy crunch, microreactors stand ready. Perfectly sized and portable, they provide energy without forcing industries to set up operations close to power supplies or fly diesel. Microreactors mean energy on your terms-not the grid's.In Innovate Energy, author, entrepreneur, and industrial leader Mike Wandler tells the untold story of microreactors' ability to restore resilience, security, and prosperity. Drawing on family legacy, lessons from heavy industry, and insights from mentors and pioneers, Wandler Busts myths to alleviate fear around the dangers of nuclear energy.Reveals truths about the ways microreactors can provide affordable, more secure energy solutions.Lays out a playbook for leaders who refuse to settle for scarcity.Other proven clean sources will play their role, but nuclear microreactors hold the key to unlocking America's next wave of energy abundance. This is not just a book about technology-it's a call to action for builders, entrepreneurs, and policymakers who believe America's best days are still ahead. Are you ready to see what happens when truth, grit, and American leadership take charge of energy's future? Let Innovate Energy show you how today!
Plant Maintenance and Reliability Engineering
"Plant Maintenance and Reliability Engineering" provides both theoretical and practical knowledge together with the latest technological concepts and research in the field. The topics covered in this book are an integral part of the syllabi in most of the universities in India and meet the requirements of the course plant maintenance and reliability engineering taught in mechanical engineering and all allied branches. This book aims at providing the readers an insight into the working and maintenance of plant equipment and machinery. The text substantially deals with the emerging issues faced by plant engineers on a day-to-day basis and discusses the measures to address such issues. This book emphasis on the safety of workplace and workers and discusses the increasing role of plant managers in the corporate management. This text is precise, systematic, and uses an easy-to-understand language and is enriched with several illustrative examples.Key Features - Covers topics in an organised and systematic manner - Includes rich pedagogical features such as practice examples, end-of-chapter exercises, case studies, and exercises and questions to test the learners understanding of the topics discussed - Incorporates a multitude of neatly labeled and visually appealing illustrations - Includes bustles/activities to encourage hands-on and practical exposure - Incorporates sufficient number of solved numerical problems
Textile Fibres Characterization
New materials and new processes in textile production have led to a significant demand of appropriated analytical methods for characterization of certain functionality. Assessment of product quality for improved sustainability and circularity requires application of specific analytical methods. Widely used standard methods mainly address technical product quality and durability. Process development and quality determination in textile and fiber research and product development require specific analytical methods, which go beyond the available series of standard procedures. As an output of long-term textile and fiber research a high number of analytical methods for process and product characterization in textile chemical and textile physical research have been published in the scientific literature. The authors present a comprehensive collection of proven methods for material and fiber characterization. The specialized analytical techniques focus on application in textile and fiber research and will be a valuable source and inspiration for applicable scientific methods in textile product characterization, quantification of achieved functionalization and modification both in research/teaching and industry. Emphasis of the presented methods is given to protocols which can be realized with use of standard equipment available in research and testing laboratories. In addition selected modern instrumental techniques are included.
Chemical Processes Fundamentals
This book offers essential foundational knowledge in thermodynamics, chemical kinetics, and chemical reaction engineering, providing the tools necessary for a rational understanding of chemical processes and the unit operations that comprise them. Key topics include thermodynamic principles for pure fluids and mixtures, material and energy balances, reaction equilibrium (including systems with useful work), phase equilibrium in multicomponent systems, chemical kinetics, and the fundamentals of reaction engineering. Each chapter features detailed derivations, experimental observations, and worked examples, delivering practical insights into process solutions and real-world applications. Designed primarily for undergraduate students in Chemical Engineering, this book also serves as a valuable reference for professionals seeking a comprehensive review of principles applied to chemical process analysis and design.
Depolymerization Recycling
Plastics, structural polymers made from monomers, are ubiquitous in modern life and have unique benefits. At their end of life, they must be reused or recycled in ways not yet implemented today. In many cases, the polymerization process can be efficiently reversed via depolymerization recycling to regain monomers at the original quality level. As such, depolymerization is a key circularity enabler for some classes of polymers, especially when crosslinked or used in composites. This book introduces the energy, CO2 emission and waste stream dimensions for recycling. It reviews the respective polymer science and introduces the processing technologies for industrial scaling. All these concepts are explored in practical examples across polymer classes and different plastics applications. The economics of depolymerization recycling are introduced, together with life cycle analysis and design for recycling. With this compact overview, a reader will understand depolymerization recycling in the necessary context of scale, sustainability and value chain thinking, towards a sustainable value chain transformation.
The Future Interface
Every tap, swipe, and wake word is a negotiation for control. This book shows how to win that negotiation without losing speed. It is a field guide to the next wave of interaction-where systems infer intent from voice, movement, gaze, and even neural signals-asking what happens when anticipation outruns consent. For designers, founders, and curious readers, it explains how to keep interfaces legible, reversible, and humane as they get closer to our minds. Across vivid case studies and clear patterns, you will learn when human computer interaction principles trump hype, how to apply design psychology for products to reduce error and fatigue, and why accessible interface design is the fastest route to mainstream excellence. It demystifies AR VR design principles, shows where voice and gesture design shines and fails, and sets ethical guardrails for brain computer interface ethics so prediction never becomes pressure. Along the way, it tackles the hard edge of privacy in smart assistants and the business logic of anticipatory design, giving you tools to recognise dark patterns and replace them with humane ones. - For product leaders, it is a practical test for building humane technology patterns that scale trust - For researchers and makers, it offers checklists to move from demo to durable workflow - For everyday readers, it provides language to evaluate claims and reclaim choice The result is clarity you can act on: a mental model for future interfaces book that anticipates responsibly, earns the right to set defaults, and leaves the final word with you.
Optimizing Energy Efficiency and Thermal Comfort in Building
The eight articles proposed in this Special Issue cover various aspects of energy efficiency and thermal comfort optimization, such as simulation, control, multi-objective optimization, and decision making. First, there are two review papers, which deal with overheating and guidelines embedded in international standards and national building codes, and building performance optimization through the benefits of retrofits, respectively. Then, different control and optimization strategies are developed and discussed in the following four articles. In the first, a multi-objective optimization design method of a university student center based on low energy consumption and thermal comfort is conducted. In the second paper, a decision-making methodology for building thermal design, considering the optimal selection and operation of multi-energy systems focused on renewable energy, is created. The third article is dedicated to the optimization of a hydronic system in a commercial building by using predictive control with limited data. The content of the fourth article describes the development of a smart thermostat with validation thanks to a surrogate model of a climatic chamber. The last two articles of this Special Issue deal with indoor environmental quality (IEQ). To this end, the concentration of CO2 in a working area with a gas infrared heater and an air-exchange system was studied. Lastly, the effects of exterior glazing on thermal comfort in office buildings were investigated.
Innovative Design and Application of Modern Agricultural Machinery Systems in Cropping Systems
In modern societies, an ample food supply remains a critical challenge. To meet this demand, it is crucial to improve agricultural machinery for sustainable farming. However, the efficiency and productivity of broadacre farming both heavily depend on the utilized machinery systems. Different mechanical systems are used in various types of cropping systems. There is an urgent need for innovative and common mechanical systems to meet the growing global demands. The rising costs of energy, fertilizers, chemicals, and labor only add to the urgency, thus compelling farmers and the agricultural industry to seek more cost-effective solutions. These solutions must enhance production efficiency while ensuring profitability and affordability for consumers. Moreover, the imperative of environmental sustainability urges the adoption of novel agricultural techniques that safeguard soil health and minimize ecological impact. With these challenges and opportunities in mind, we announced this Special Issue and collected research on the designs and applications of modern agricultural machinery systems. The themes include a range of topics that are crucial for advancing agricultural production, including tillage, seeding, fertilization, harvesting, tractor technology, and control and automation systems: Innovative tillage and seeding technologies; Advances in fertilization methods and equipment; Cutting-edge harvesting technologies; Modern tractor technologies and their applications; Control and automation systems in agriculture; Precision agriculture and smart farming technologies.
Energy and Sustainable Development
This textbook explains electricity generation in plain English so non-engineers can easily understand it. It also presents a framework to incorporate sustainability into international development projects in the energy sector. It uses examples from Africa to illustrate both sustainable and unsustainable energy development projects. Presents a unique view of energy sustainability as it relates to international development. Ideal for Masters and PhD students in the fields of international development and energy management.
Geometry Reconstruction from Images (2nd Edition)
Recovering 3D content from images has been a tremendous source of research advances, with many different focuses, targeted applications, needs, or scientific starting points. A wide range of existing approaches nowadays are employed in the industry for many considerations, including, for instance, quality in engineering production, video-based security, or 3D modeling in gaming applications or movies. Yet, reconstructing a representation of a scene observed through a camera remains a challenging aspect in general, and the specific question of producing a (static or dynamic) geometric model has led to decades of research and still corresponds to a very active scientific domain. Sensors are continuously evolving, bringing more and more accuracy, resolution, and new opportunities for reconstructing objects' shapes and/or detailed geometric variations.This second issue is dedicated to 3D reconstruction from images, for which machine learning has brought interesting reconstruction methods, with approaches such as NeRFs or Gaussian splatting. Some specific aspects are also addressed, with in-depth fundamental research, such as the management of specular surfaces or accuracy issues in underwater environments. The 11 articles published in this second edition tackle several very interesting challenges: reconstructions of objects known for their complexity, underwater environments where distortions make depth estimation difficult, interactive systems and dynamic scenes, analyses of existing reconstruction techniques, and deep learning approaches.
Building Energy Performance Modelling and Simulation
Rising global temperatures, changing climate conditions, and increasing expectations regarding indoor comfort have intensified the demand for more accurate tools to predict and optimise the performance of buildings. As the construction sector remains one of the largest energy consumers, understanding the complex interactions between buildings, their systems, and occupant behaviour is essential for reducing energy use and improving indoor environmental quality. Advances in information technology and simulation methods offer new possibilities for analysing building behaviour under dynamic real-world conditions.This Reprint focuses on recent developments in building performance simulation and indoor environmental quality modelling. It presents research addressing energy demand, thermal comfort, thermal sensation, airflow behaviour, and the environmental impact of buildings. The contributions demonstrate a variety of modelling approaches, including whole-building simulation, airflow modelling, and computational fluid dynamics, as well as studies on calibration, validation, and optimisation of building systems. The Reprint provides an overview of current methods and tools used to analyse and improve the energy efficiency and indoor environment of contemporary buildings.
Composites Recycling
The book covers recent advances in composites recycling including current industry practice of waste management, composite recycling technologies, and environmental impact. It is an indispensable source for professionals working toward a circular economy in the composites industries, such as aerospace, automotive, wind energy, marine and construction. It is also of interest to any students and researchers working in the field.
Optimization Design and Simulation Analysis of Hydraulic Turbine
This Special Issue collected eight publications, focused on complex flow in hydraulic turbines, system stability and state monitoring of pump turbine units, and turbine hydraulic design. The authors come from six countries: China, Ethiopia, Norway, Ireland, Australia, and Bulgaria. They carried out a systematic and in-depth study on hydropower engineering in each of their countries, to guide the design, construction, operation, and management of hydropower plants and pumped storage plants. Specifically, in Africa, hydropower provides cheap and renewable electricity for social and economic development. Thus, two publications by scholars from Mekelle University in Ethiopia are collected, and we express our sincere respect to them. Thanks to all scholars, reviewers, editors, and MDPI personnel who contributed to this publication.
Sensors for Machine Condition Monitoring, Diagnostics, Prognostics and Maintenance
The objective of this Special Issue is to highlight applications of legacy and next-generation sensors along with advanced analytic techniques for machinery monitoring. The Issue presents novel sensor concepts, designs, and applications that support advanced decision-making approaches by incorporating sensors, real-time decision-making methods, and operational policies. Industrial sensors play a critical role in the advancement of smart manufacturing with growing demand for integrated smart systems in which most sensors, designs, and operations are digitalized to enhance reliability, efficiency, and data-driven insights. This Special Issue addresses current limitations and key advancements in sensors for machinery condition monitoring, diagnostics, prognostics, and maintenance, while also considering legacy operations and emerging system types.
Industrial AI
This Reprint showcases recent advances in the application of artificial intelligence (AI) to fault detection, diagnosis, and prognosis, with a focus on enhancing reliability, efficiency, and decision-making in industrial systems. In the era of Industry 4.0, the convergence of machine learning, deep learning, and hybrid modeling has transformed traditional maintenance strategies, enabling predictive and autonomous capabilities in cyber-physical systems. The 18 selected contributions span a diverse set of industrial domains, including photovoltaic systems, wind turbines, electric vehicles, bearings, railways, elevators, and wastewater treatment. Methods range from generative adversarial networks, reinforcement learning, and transfer learning to multi-objective optimization, signal processing, and knowledge distillation. Common themes include tackling data imbalance, improving model interpretability, enabling cross-domain adaptability, and supporting edge computing. This Reprint reflects the collective effort of researchers addressing current challenges and underexplored areas in Prognostics and Health Management (PHM). It provides both theoretical innovations and practical solutions for industrial AI applications, offering valuable insights for researchers, engineers, and decision-makers committed to building resilient, intelligent, and sustainable systems.
Advances and Applications in Structural Vibration Control
Engineering structures characterized by increased height and slenderness, such as high-rise buildings, expansive cross-sea bridges, wind turbines, and floating platforms, are frequently located in regions with high-intensity dynamic hazards and challenging marine environments. These structures are susceptible to various external dynamic loads, including winds, earthquakes, sea waves, and vibrations induced by construction or subway activities. Effective structural vibration control is paramount for bolstering the resilience and safety of such engineering structures.This reprint provides a comprehensive treatise on recent advances and applications in this critical field. The collected studies delve into a wide range of topics, including seismic retrofitting techniques; passive, active, semi-active, and hybrid control systems; advanced control strategies; and the vibration mitigation of various engineering structures. It further explores novel control devices, such as inerters, negative stiffness systems, and metamaterials, alongside the growing application of artificial intelligence and the development of smart structures.
Modern Project Management
In this translation of the updated and expanded new edition of "Modern Project Management", Holger Timinger explains the classic, agile and hybrid approaches to project management. This book is intended to enable you to use suitable processes, methods, tools and roles for handling an individual project task, and also deals with the HyProM structuring framework. You will learn what characterizes traditional project management and in which situations it has strengths and weaknesses. The author also shows you when and where to use agile project management. This allows you to combine traditional and agile approaches when it makes sense. The book takes up current standards such as the Individual Competence Baseline (ICB) 4.0 of the International Project Management Association (IPMA) and the PMBOK of the Project Management Institute (PMI). It is one of the first books to deal with hybrid project management in a structured and comprehensive way, using an innovative framework. The framework structures project management processes, methods, tools and roles. The digital business world, agile transformation and technology and innovation management are buzzwords that are preoccupying many companies. Efficient and effective project management can make an important contribution to this.
Excel 2024 / Microsoft 365 Programming by Example
No detailed description available for "Excel 2024 / Microsoft 365 Programming By Example".
On The Economy Of Machinery And Manufactures
On the economy of machinery and manufactures explores the relationship between technology, labor, and industrial progress. The book examines how machinery transforms production processes and improves efficiency within various manufacturing sectors. Drawing from extensive observation of European factories and workshops, it discusses how mechanical systems shape productivity, cost, and labor distribution. The work analyzes the division of labor, the role of invention in economic development, and the increasing importance of mechanical precision in industrial organization. It emphasizes the necessity of understanding these systems for the growth of national prosperity and social stability. Through clear explanations and practical examples, it connects the workings of machines to broader economic and social outcomes, illustrating how industrial innovation influences both workers and capital. The text's analytical tone and systematic approach make it one of the earliest efforts to bridge technical detail with economic reasoning, highlighting the enduring relationship between scientific advancement and societal improvement.
Decentering Science and Technology in Global Development
Engineering and scientific interventions, especially Western interventions, in societies in the majority world, can no longer be left to the scientists and engineers coming from the west or channeling western ideals. In addressing these concerns, this volume brings new thinking, new concepts, and processes and procedures from a variety of disciplines and analytical lenses. It introduces a new development practice, from education to ideation and implementation to assessment. In the chapters, the authors, some of whom are scientists and engineers, but also anthropologists, geographers, and political scientists disentangle the socio-technical relations so that we can better understand the challenges that have befallen the global majority. The authors also integrate educational examples for how to train STEM forward professionals on how they can be agents of change, while maintaining a certain level of humility. The book offers critical and compelling insights into what is wrong with current hegemonic paradigms of development and the concepts and tools we can use to advance a different direction that promotes dignity, community self-sufficiency, and sustainability. Will appeal to engineers involved in technology for society projects. Will be of interest to social scientists and policy makers who seek to push the limits technology in the public interest.
History Of Merchant Shipping And Ancient Commerce, Volume 1 (Of 4)
Imagine the vast expanse of the ancient seas, where ships laden with precious cargo navigated the intricate web of trade and navigation routes that connected civilisations. This meticulously restored volume, once lost to time, resurfaces as a beacon for historians and researchers, offering profound insights into the evolution of shipping and the maritime commerce history that shaped our world. Alpha Editions proudly presents this cultural treasure, a collector's item that transcends mere reprint status, breathing new life into a narrative that has been out of print for decades. Delve into the depths of maritime economic history as this book unravels the complexities of ancient Mediterranean trade, painting vivid portraits of bustling ports and the relentless spirit of maritime industry studies. It is a tome that speaks not only to maritime history enthusiasts but also to anyone captivated by the intricate dance of ancient trade routes and the 19th century shipping stories that echo through time. As relevant now as it ever was, this edition has been lovingly restored for today's and future generations, ensuring that the legacy of our maritime past continues to inspire and educate. In an age where the past and present converge, this volume stands as a testament to the enduring significance of maritime history books, offering a timeless journey through the annals of commerce and the indomitable human spirit.
Within The Nebula
In the vast expanse of the cosmos, where stars whisper secrets and planets hold untold stories, a forgotten gem of 20th-century science fiction emerges once more. Out of print for decades, this space adventure story has been meticulously restored for today's and future generations, inviting both sci-fi enthusiasts and space opera fans to embark on a journey of interstellar exploration. As you delve into its pages, you'll encounter cosmic mysteries and alien encounters that echo the influence of Isaac Asimov and the evocative style of Ray Bradbury. Set against an outer space backdrop, the narrative weaves a tapestry of futuristic technology and human emotion, challenging the boundaries of imagination. This edition is not just a reprint-it's a collector's item and a cultural treasure, offering a glimpse into the speculative visions that shaped a genre and inspired countless dreamers. The tale resonates with contemporary relevance, exploring themes of discovery and the eternal quest for knowledge amidst the stars. Alpha Editions proudly presents this literary masterpiece, a testament to the enduring power of science fiction to captivate and inspire. Whether you're a casual reader seeking an enthralling escape or a classic-collection buyer in search of a timeless addition, this restored edition promises to be a beacon in your literary universe.
The English Provincial Printers, Stationers And Bookbinders To 1557
In the shadowy alcoves of Tudor England, where the art of printing was as revolutionary as it was rare, a vibrant tapestry of provincial printers, stationers, and bookbinders quietly shaped the literary landscape. This remarkable work, long out of print and now lovingly republished by Alpha Editions, unveils the intricate world of early printing history and the evolution of English publishing. With its pages restored for today's and future generations, this edition is not just a reprint-it's a collector's item and a cultural treasure. Delve into the heart of British publishing history, where the influence of pioneers like William Caxton reverberated through the burgeoning provincial book trade. This book serves as an essential historical bookbinding reference, offering insights into the bookbinding techniques of England's 16th century. It captures the essence of Tudor era publishing, a time when the written word began to flourish beyond the confines of London's city walls. Historians and researchers will find a wealth of knowledge within, while rare book collectors will appreciate its significance as a tangible piece of early English books studies. This edition stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of those who laid the groundwork for the printed word, ensuring their stories continue to inspire and educate.
When The Atoms Failed
In a world where the very building blocks of existence crumble, humanity teeters on the brink of oblivion. This gripping science fiction novel plunges readers into a dystopian future where atomic failure triggers a cascade of technological collapse, challenging the very essence of human survival. Once out of print for decades, this speculative fiction masterpiece has been lovingly republished by Alpha Editions, restored for today's and future generations. It stands as a beacon for science fiction enthusiasts and fans of classic sci-fi, offering a chilling glimpse into a future Earth setting that feels eerily prescient. With echoes of Isaac Asimov's visionary storytelling and the mind-bending twists reminiscent of Philip K. Dick, this tale not only entertains but also provokes thought on the fragility of our technological dependencies. Set against the backdrop of the early 20th century's burgeoning fascination with atomic power, it captures the zeitgeist of an era both fearful and hopeful about the future. This edition is not just a reprint; it's a collector's item and a cultural treasure, inviting readers to explore the timeless themes of resilience and adaptation in the face of insurmountable odds. Whether you're a casual reader or a collector of literary gems, this restored classic offers a profound narrative that resonates with the challenges of our own time.
Insect Manufactures
Imagine a world where the industriousness of insects mirrors the burgeoning industries of Victorian Britain. This paradox of nature and industry intertwines in a narrative that reveals the intricacies of insect craftsmanship, echoing the era's fascination with the natural world. As an essential natural history book, it delves into the meticulous behaviours of insects, offering insights that are as relevant today as they were in the nineteenth century. With the influence of Charles Darwin and resonances of John Ruskin's works, this volume stands as a testament to Victorian naturalism and the scientific curiosity that defined the period. Rediscovered and lovingly restored for today's and future generations, this book was out of print for decades and is now republished by Alpha Editions. It is not merely a reprint but a collector's item and a cultural treasure, capturing the essence of Victorian era science and its impact on British natural history. Whether you are an entomology enthusiast or a seeker of educational reading, the book offers a window into a time when the natural world was both a mystery and a muse. Its pages invite readers to explore the delicate dance between nature and the burgeoning industrial age, making it a must-have for both casual readers and those who cherish classic collections.
The Last Space Ship
In a universe where the stars whisper secrets of forgotten worlds, humanity's last hope lies within the cold steel of a ship lost to time. This science fiction novel, a beacon for science fiction enthusiasts and adult sci-fi readers alike, plunges into the depths of interstellar travel themes and alien encounters, weaving a tapestry of survival in space against the backdrop of a distant future setting. As the remnants of civilisation cling to the fringes of the space exploration era, the narrative echoes the profound influence of Isaac Asimov and resonates with those who cherish the visionary tales of Arthur C. Clarke. This book was out of print for decades and is now republished by Alpha Editions, re-emerging as a testament to the enduring power of futuristic storytelling. Restored for today's and future generations, it invites readers to journey through a cosmos where every page is a portal to the unknown. The narrative's historical significance lies not only in its thrilling space adventure but also in its reflection of humanity's perpetual quest for discovery and survival. This edition is not just a reprint - it's a collector's item and a cultural treasure, capturing the imagination of both casual readers and classic-collection buyers. As the story unfolds, it challenges us to ponder our place among the stars, ensuring its place in the pantheon of timeless science fiction literature.
Advanced Energy Harvesting Technology
Energy harvesting has been a promising technique for next-generation wireless and wearable electronic devices since it can deliver sustainable energy to power low-power electronic devices by capturing ambient forms of energy that would otherwise be lost, such as light, heat, sound, vibration, etc. Energy harvesting is a multi-disciplinary technology that combines a wide range of research fields, e.g., the development of advanced energy materials, smart structures, and circuits for power management to achieve sufficient harvesting efficiency and innovations in applications to broaden the potential of the energy harvesting technology.
Hydrogen Production, Storage and Utilization Technologies
The energy transtion has created opportunities towards decarbonization. While renewable energies are abundant, they are non programmable resources. Hydrogen can be the bridge between the rewewable energy and the chemical and power industries. However, its difficult transportation calls for its transformation into more handy chemicals such as ammonia or methane as energy carriers. This book presents all the steps from the hydrogen production to its storage in the form of chemicals and their use within a decarbonized and defossilized indsutry
Mastering Applied Engineering Mechanics with ChatGPT
No detailed description available for "Mastering Applied Engineering Mechanics with ChatGPT".
The Silent Chauffeur
What happens when machines take the wheel literally and quietly begin redesigning our streets, cities, and choices? This book is not about how self-driving cars work. It s about what happens after they do. As autonomous vehicles and society move toward a future few are fully prepared for, this provocative exploration reveals the unseen consequences of giving up control. From the ethics of self-driving cars to the subtle behavioral shifts that follow algorithmic decision-making, readers are invited to confront questions that most headlines ignore: Who programs our mobility? What do we lose when we no longer steer ourselves? And how is power being redefined on the road and beyond? Blending systems thinking, psychology, and urban foresight, this book is essential reading for tech skeptics, curious citizens, and anyone concerned with the urban impact of AVs. Whether you re a policymaker, designer, educator, or engaged reader of tech culture, you ll gain frameworks for understanding: How the future of transportation 2025 and beyond is being shaped behind the scenes Why driverless car surveillance could quietly become the new norm How AI and personal agency intersect in everyday decisions The risks of behavioral drift, over-optimization, and eroded public space What humane, human-centered autonomy could look like and how to demand it If you ve ever wondered who controls autonomous cars or how cities might change in the age of seamless automation, this is your map, flashlight, and ethical compass. In a world rushing to embrace the driverless future, this book challenges you to slow down and think deeply before the road ahead is coded for you.
Nec4 Engineering and Construction Contract
NEC4 Engineering and Construction Contract: Frequently Asked Questions is a valuable resource that provides a solid foundation for understanding and using the NEC4 Engineering and Construction Contract (ECC). It offers a concise, accessible overview, answering many of the common queries that arise when encountering the ECC for the first time and helping readers navigate the contract with confidence. Logically structured to follow the layout of the ECC, the book is designed for easy navigation and quick referencing of specific sections. It includes chapters on each of the core clauses, main option and secondary option clauses, equipping readers with a comprehensive understanding of the NEC4 framework. Authored by a seasoned expert with over 30 years' experience in this area, the book draws on real industry questions and scenarios. It will support better decision making and assist users in pro-actively following ECC processes and procedures. NEC4 Engineering and Construction Contract: Frequently Asked Questions is ideal for a diverse audience, including contractors, subcontractors, clients, ECC Project Managers, and construction solicitors, and particularly beneficial for those with limited contract knowledge or experience.
Applied Gas Lift Technology-A Contemporary Data-driven Approach
"Applied Gas Lift Technology: A Contemporary, Data-driven Approach" presents a modern approach to gas lift technology with a focus on field application. It highlights how the industry can make use of real-time data from wells and production systems in modeling, design, operation, surveillance, and optimization of gas lifted wells.With step-by-step procedures, this book guides readers on flexible well gas lift design and equipment selection. The goal is to achieve efficient lift operations with dynamic field conditions, and sustain productivity for a long period of time. The book presents practical hints on how data-driven technologies can be used to identify and solve gas lift problems.Substantiated by several illustrations and worked examples, this book is the perfect tool for self-learning. It will benefit both Engineering and Operations. It will help the user become a gas lift expert with a high level of skill and competency. University students at both graduate and post-graduate levels will find the book immensely beneficial.
Invention
A single idea can change the world this book shows how. Rediscovered and reborn, Bradley A. Fiske s Invention: The Master-Key to Progress returns to print as a triumph of curiosity and engineering. Part manifesto, part history, Fiske s classic traces the sweep of inventors and inventions from tinkering workshops to the engines of the industrial revolution arguing that progress through innovation is the true engine of civilization. With clear, vivid examples and persuasive anecdotes, Fiske explores creative engineering, innovation strategies, and engineering breakthroughs that shaped modern life, revealing the mechanics behind transformative technologies and the human impulse that drives them. Readers will find compelling chapters on the history of invention, the societal impact of technological advancements, and practical reflections on fostering invention as a public good. This edition from Alpha Editions restores a work long out of print for decades, carefully edited and recomposed for today s and future generations. More than a reprint, it is a collector s item and cultural treasure ideal for casual readers hungry for inspiration, students of the history of invention, and classic literature collectors who prize rare insights into industrial revolution insights and the creative mind. Whether you seek stories of daring inventors, rigorous analysis of impact of inventions, or strategic thinking about innovation, Fiske s enduring voice offers the master key to progress.
Implement Sheds
Step into a lost workshop of practical wisdom where timber, tools, and tradition meet modern imagination. Implement Sheds is a timeless manual for farmers, craftsmen, and DIY enthusiasts who value durable design and clear instruction. Part how-to guide, part historical snapshot, it walks readers through shed design and implement storage sheds that maximize space, protect equipment, and simplify daily work. You ll find practical shed construction tips, woodworking for sheds techniques, and down-to-earth advice for shed maintenance from framing and roof patterns to ventilation and layout for a backyard workshop. Garden shed plans and outdoor storage solutions are presented with clarity, making build your own shed projects achievable for novices and rewarding for experienced builders. Originally published decades ago and out of print for years, this edition has been lovingly restored and republished by Alpha Editions. More than a reprint, it s a carefully edited collector s item and cultural treasure preserving rural craftsmanship and the language of working hands for today s and future generations. Its historical significance lies in documenting a practical craft tradition rarely captured in modern manuals, offering both reference value and nostalgic appeal. Perfect for casual readers seeking backyard workshop ideas and serious collectors of classic literature and technical ephemera, this shed design guide bridges past and present practical, poetic, and built to last. Keywords: shed construction, DIY shed building, outdoor storage solutions, garden shed plans, shed building techniques.
Autodesk Revit 2026 Architecture
No detailed description available for "Autodesk Revit 2026 Architecture".
Emerging Technologies in Africa
Africa is a booming continent with incredible growth potential and is the second-largest continent in the world. The continent is home to immense potential and abundant resources. It is also the home to some of the youngest populations in the world. The continent is not just catching up with the world; it is propelling itself to the forefront of innovation. Africa is closely watched as the next big growth market. Technologies impact every aspect of our modern society. African economies have been held back from their full potential, but the emerging technologies could help change that. The technologies have been gaining a lot of attention from businesses, investors, educators, and governments across Africa. They are having an influence on African lives, well-being, and resilience. They have come to be perceived as a groundbreaking method that can bypass the several systemic flaws affecting the continent. This book explores the use of emerging technologies in Africa. These technologies include artificial intelligence, robotics, 3D printing, cloud computing, nanotechnology, Internet of things, blockchain, and drones. The book is organized into ten chapters that summarize these technologies and their adoption in African nations. It is a must read for those interested in the socio-economic development of Africa.
AP || C85977727E