Technology, Engineering & Agriculture Books

Book SynopsisMATLAB and Simulink Crash Course for Engineers is a reader-friendly introductory guide to the features, functions, and applications of MATLAB and Simulink. The book provides readers with real-world examples, exercises, and applications, and offers highly illustrated, step-by-step demonstrations of techniques for the modelling and simulation of complex systems. MATLAB coverage includes vectors and matrices, programs and functions, complex numbers, visualization, solving equations, numerical methods, optimization problems, and graphical user interfaces. The Simulink coverage includes commonly used Simulink blocks, control system simulation, electrical circuit analysis, electric power systems, power electronics, and renewable energy technology. This powerful tutorial is a great resource for students, engineers, and other busy technical professionals who need to quickly acquire a solid understanding of MATLAB and Simulink.Table of ContentsIntroduction to MATLAB.- Vectors and Matrices.- Programs and Functions.- Complex Numbers.- Visualization.- Solving Equations.- Numerical Methods in MATLAB.- Electrical Circuit Analysis.- Control System and MATLAB.- Optimization Problem.- App Designer and Graphical User Interface in MATLAB.- Introduction to Simulink.- Control System in Simulink.- Commonly Used Simulink Blocks.- Electrical Circuit Analysis in Simulink.- Application of Simulink in Power Systems.- Application of Simulink in Power Electronics.- Application of Simulink in Renewable Energy Technology.

Read more less

Book SynopsisThis textbook provides a compact but comprehensive treatment that guides students through the analysis of circuits, using NI Multisim™ and MATLAB®. Ideal as a hands-on source for courses in Circuits, Electronics, Digital Logic and Power Electronics this text focuses on solving problems using market-standard software, corresponding to all key concepts covered in the classroom. The author uses his extensive classroom experience to guide students toward deeper understanding of key concepts, while they gain facility with software they will need to master for later studies and practical use in their engineering careers.Table of ContentsEssentials of MATLAB®: basic operations on real numbers; operations on complex numbers; differentiation/integration; roots of equations; solution of ordinary differential equations; Fast Fourier Transform (FFT), drawing different types of graphs; control statements; optimization.- Essentials of Simulink®: modelling of dynamical systems; circuit analysis.- Essentials of Multisim™: basic resistive circuits; first and second order circuits; diode circuits (clamp circuit, rectifier, etc); amplifiers (common base/emitter/collector, differential); calculation of gain, frequency response, etc.); op-amp circuits (Filters, amplifiers, oscillators); transmission lines and digital circuits.

Read more less

Book SynopsisThis revised textbook presents updated material on its core content: an end-to-end IoT architecture that is comprised of devices, network, compute, storage, platform, applications along with management and security components. As with the second edition, it is organized into six main parts: an IoT reference model; fog computing and the drivers; IoT management and applications; smart services in IoT; IoT standards; and case studies. This edition’s features include overhaul of the IoT Protocols (Chapter 5) to include an expanded treatment of low-power wide area networks including narrow band IoT (NB-IoT) protocol, updated IoT platforms and capabilities (Chapter 7) to include comparison of commercially available platforms (e.g. AWS IoT Platform, Google Cloud IoT Platform, Microsoft Azure IoT Platform, and PTC ThinkWorx), updated security (Chapter 8) to include approaches for securing IoT devices with examples of IoT devices used in security attacks and associated solutions including MUD and DICE, and finally new Appendix B to include six IoT project detailed for students.Table of ContentsIntroduction.- Part I: IoT Overview and Architecture.- IoT Timeline.- IoT Reference Model.- Evolution of IoT Protocol Stack.- State of the Industry.- Part II: Fog Computing.- Why Fog.- Defining the Fog.- Data In Motion.- Part III: IoT Management and Applications.- IoT Management.- IoT Security.- IoT Traffic Engineering.- IoT Applications.- Part IV: IoT-Based Smart Services.- Smart Service Framework.- Creating Smart Services.- Service Creation, development and delivery.- Ecosystems Partners.- Services reference architecture.- Part V: IoT Standards.- OneM2M.- ATSI.- ETSI.- IEEE.- Part VI: Invited Chapters.- IoT Business Models.- Open Source Initiatives.- Data in Motion. The Blockchain in IoT.- Conclusion.

Read more less

Book SynopsisThis book presents a comprehensive overview of Ukraine's nuclear history, beginning from its experiences within the Russian Empire in the early 20th century, through the Soviet period, to the emergence of Ukraine as an independent state that inherited the world’s third-largest nuclear arsenal. The book discusses the development of the nuclear infrastructure on Ukrainian soil and offers a rich and nuanced background of how Ukraine became an important and integrated part of the Soviet nuclear infrastructure. It further analyzes Ukraine's nuclear disarmament based on extensive primary source material and places the Ukrainian nuclear reversal process in a larger international political context where Russia´s, the United States, and other players´ actions are interpreted in the light of the impact on the current nuclear non-proliferation regime. Finally, the book presents the nuclear-related development after the nuclear disarmament. It describes the integration of Ukraine into the international community and the role of nuclear power in the energy mix of the nation today. Concluding, Ukraine´s adaptation to the new security situation after the Russian annexation of Crimea is described and discussed. This volume is a must-read for scholars, researchers, students, and policy-makers interested in a better understanding of Ukraine's nuclear history, the political background of the conflict in Eastern Ukraine, as well as of security studies and international relations in general. The work on this book has been supported by the Swedish Radiation Authority (SSM) in the Nuclear History of Ukraine Project (2015-2019).Trade Review“The real value of this book is that it engages in a thorough and timely manner with some deeply ingrained biases and assumptions.” (Jonathan Hibberd, International Affairs, Vol. 99 (1), 2023)Table of ContentsChapter 1. Introduction: Understanding the Nuclear History of Ukraine.- Chapter 2. Ukraine’s Contribution to The Soviet Union’s Nuclear Programme.- Chapter 3. Nuclear Disarmament of Ukraine.- Chapter 4. Nuclear Energy in Independent Ukraine.- Chapter 5. Conclusion: Lessons to Be Learned.

Read more less

Book SynopsisThe text introduces engineering to first-year undergraduate students using Inquiry-Based Learning (IBL). It draws on several different inquiry-based instruction types such as confirmation inquiry, structured inquiry, guided inquiry, and open inquiry, and all of their common elements. Professor Blum’s approach emphasizes the student’s role in the learning process, empowering them in the classroom to explore the material, ask questions, and share ideas, instead of the instructor lecturing to passive learners about what they need to know. Beginning with a preface to IBL, the book is organized into three parts, each consisting of four to ten chapters. Each chapter has a dedicated topic where an initial few paragraphs of introductory or fundamental material are provided. This is followed by a series of focused questions that guide the students’ learning about the concept(s) being taught. Featuring multiple inquiry-based strategies, each most appropriate to the topic, An Inquiry-Based Approach to Introduction to Engineering stands as an easy to use textbook that quickly allows students to actively engage with the content during every class period. Table of ContentsPart I: Being an Effective Student 1) Achieving Success in Engineering 2) Teaching & Learning Approaches 3) Essential Skills for Learning4) Understanding Yourself and Others Part II: The Engineering Profession 5) The Engineering Profession 6) Engineering Problem Solving 7) Engineering Design and Experiments 8) Engineering Ethics 9) Engineering Communication Part III: Engineering Fundamental Parameters10) Dimensions and Units 11) Length 12) Time 13) Mass 14) Force 15) Temperature 16) Electric Current 17) Power, Energy and Efficiency18) Engineering Mathematics, Models and Reasoning

Read more less

Book SynopsisThe book covers a wide range of applied research compactly presented in one volume, and shows innovative engineering solutions for automotive, marine and aviation industries, as well as power generation. While targeting primarily the audience of professional scientists and engineers, the book can also be useful for graduate students, and also for all those who are relatively new to the area and are looking for a single source with a good overview of the state-of-the-art as well as an up-to-date information on theories, numerical methods, and their application in design, simulation, testing, and manufacturing. The readers will find here a rich mixture of approaches, software tools and case studies used to investigate and optimize diverse powertrains, their functional units and separate machine parts based on different physical phenomena, their mathematical representation, solution algorithms, and experimental validation.Table of ContentsDynamics and Vibrations / Tribology and Lubrication.- Combustion / CFD / Emissions / Fuels.- Hybrid and Electrified Powertrains.- Testing / Calibration / Monitoring / Diagnostics.- Manufacturing.

Read more less

Book SynopsisThis compact textbook provides a foundation in mathematics for STEM students entering university. The book helps students from different disciplines and backgrounds make the transition to university. Based on the author’s teaching for many years, the book can be used as a textbook and a resource for lecturers and professors. Its accessibility is such that it is can also be used by students in their final year in school before university and help them continue their mathematical studies at college. The book is designed so that students will return to the book repeatedly as their undergraduate careers progress. Although compact and concise, it loses no rigour. All the topics are carefully explained meaningfully, not just presented as a set of rules or rote-learned procedures. Table of ContentsTrigonometry.- Real and Complex Numbers.- Vector Algebra.- Matrices.- Differentiation.

Read more less

Book SynopsisThis compact textbook provides a foundation in mathematics for STEM students entering university. The book helps students from different disciplines and backgrounds make the transition to university. Based on the author’s teaching for many years, the book can be used as a textbook and a resource for lecturers and professors. Its accessibility is such that it is can also be used by students in their final year in school before university and help them continue their mathematical studies at college. The book is designed so that students will return to the book repeatedly as their undergraduate careers progress. Although compact and concise, it loses no rigour. All the topics are carefully explained meaningfully, not just presented as a set of rules or rote-learned procedures. Table of ContentsTrigonometry.- Real and Complex Numbers.- Vector Algebra.- Matrices.- Differentiation.

Read more less

Book SynopsisThis open access short reader offers a critical review of the debates on the transformation of migration and gendered mobilities primarily in Europe, though also engaging in wider theoretical insights. Building on empirical case studies and grounded in an analytical framework that incorporates both men and women, masculinities, sexualities and wider intersectional insights, this reader provides an accessible overview of conceptual developments and methodological shifts and their implications for a gendered understanding of migration in the past 30 years. It explores different and emerging approaches in major areas, such as: gendered labour markets across diverse sectors beyond domestic and care work to include skilled sectors of social reproduction; the significance of families in migration and transnational families; displacement, asylum and refugees and the incorporation of gender and sexuality in asylum determination; academic critiques and gendered discourses concerning integration often with the focus on Muslim women. The reader concludes with considerations of the potential impact of three notable developments on gendered migrations and mobilities: Black Lives Matter, Brexit and COVID-19. As such, it is a valuable resource for students, academics, policy makers, and practitioners.Table of ContentsChapter 1: Gender and Migration: an Introduction.- Chapter 2: Gendered Migrations and Conceptual Approaches: Theorising and Researching Mobilities.- Chapter 3: Gendered Labour.- Chapter 4: Transnational Families, Intimate Relations, Generations.- Chapter 5: Gendering Asylum.- Chapter 6: Engendering Integration and Inclusion.- Chapter 7: Conclusion.

Read more less

Book SynopsisThis open access book describes recent innovations in food systems based on root, tuber and banana crops in developing countries. These innovations respond to many of the challenges facing these vital crops, linked to their vegetative seed and bulky and perishable produce. The innovations create value, food, jobs and new sources of income while improving the wellbeing and quality of life of their users. Women are often key players in the production, processing and marketing of roots, tubers and bananas, so successful innovation needs to consider gender. These crops and their value chains have long been neglected by research and development, hence this book contributes to filling in the gap. The book features many outcomes of the CGIAR Research Program in Roots, Tubers and Banana (RTB), which operated from 2012-21, encompassing many tropical countries, academic and industry partners, multiple crops, and major initiatives. It describes the successful innovation model developed by RTB that brings together diverse partners and organizations, to create value for the end users and to generate positive economic and social outcomes. RTB has accelerated the scaling of innovations to reach many end users cost effectively. Though most of the book’s examples and insights are from Africa, they can be applied worldwide. The book will be useful for decision makers designing policies to scale up agricultural solutions, for researchers and extension specialists seeking practical ideas, and for scholars of innovation.Table of Contents​Section A: Overview, Institutional Change and ScalingChapter 1 - OverviewGraham Thiele, Michael Friedmann, Vivian Polar and Hugo CamposChapter 2 - Innovation models to deliver value at scale: the RTB Program Helen Hambly, Michael Friedmann, Claudio Proietti, Vivian Polar, Sarah Fernandes, Graham ThieleChapter 3 - Scaling Readiness: learnings from applying a novel approach to support scaling of food system innovationsMarc Schut, Cees Leeuwis, Murat Sartas, Luis Alejandro Taborda Andrade, Jacob van Etten, Anna Muller, Thierry Tran, Arnaud Chapuis and Graham ThieleSection B: Processing, Marketing and DistributionChapter 4 - Cost-effective cassava processing: Case study of small-scale flash dryer reengineeringThierry Tran, Adebayo Abass, Luis Alejandro Taborda Andrade, Arnaud Chapuis, Marcelo Precoppe, Laurent Adinsi, Alexandre Bouniol, Makuachukwu Ojide, Suraju Adeyemi Adegbite, Simon Singi Lukombo, Murat Sartas, Béla Teeken, Apollin Fotso Kuate, Robert Ndjouenkeu, Martín Moreno, John Belalcázar, Luis Augusto Becerra López-Lavalle, Dominique DufourChapter 5 - Orange-Fleshed Sweetpotato Puree, a Breakthrough Product for the Bakery Sector in Africa Mukani Moyo, Van-Den Truong, Josip Simunovic, Jean Pankuku, George Ooko Abong, Francis Kweku Amagloh, Richard Fuchs, Antonio Magnaghi, Srinivasulu Rajendran, Fredrick Grant and Tawanda MuzhingiChapter 6 - Turning waste to wealth: Harnessing the potential of cassava peels for nutritious animal feedIheanacho Okike, Seerp Wigboldus, Anandan Samireddipalle, Diego Naziri, Akin O. K. Adesehinwa, Victor Attah Adejoh, Tunde Amole, Sunil Bordoloi, Peter KulakowChapter 7 - Transferring cassava processing technology from Brazil to AfricaAlfredo Augusto Cunha Alves, Luciana Alves de Oliveira, and Joselito da Silva MottaChapter 8 - Improving Safety of Cassava ProductsLinley Chiwona-Karltun, Leon Brimer, Jose JacksonSection C: Enhancing productivityChapter 9 - Innovative digital technologies to monitor and control pest and disease threats in root, tuber, and banana (RTB) cropping systems: Progress and prospects Jan Kreuze, Julius Adewopo, Michael Selvaraj, Leroy Mwanzia, Lava Kumar, Wilmer J. Cuellar, James P. Legg, David Hughes, Guy Blomme Chapter 10 - Scaling banana bacterial wilt management through single diseased stem removal in the Great Lakes RegionEnoch Kikulwe, Marsy Asindu, Walter Ocimati, William Tinzaara, Francois Iradukunda, Susan Ajambo, Guy BlommeChapter 11 - Toolbox for Working with Root, Tuber and Banana Seed SystemsJorge L. Andrade-Piedra, Karen A. Garrett, Erik Delaquis, Conny J.M. Almekinders, Margaret A. McEwan, Fleur B.M. Kilwinger, Sarah Mayanja, Lucy Mulugo, Israel Navarrete, Aman Bonaventure Omondi, Srinivasulu Rajendran, P. Lava KumarChapter 12. Securing sweetpotato planting material for farmers in dryland Africa: Gender-responsive communication approaches to scale Triple SMargaret A. McEwan, T.A. van Mourik, M.C. Hundayehu, F. Asfaw, S. Namanda, I. Suleman, Sarah Mayanja, S. Imoro, P.M. Etwire Chapter 13 - Revolutionizing early generation seed potato in East AfricaElmar Schulte-Geldermann, Rogers Kakuhenzire, Kalpana Sharma, Monica ParkerChapter 14: Transforming Yam Seed Systems in West AfricaNorbert Maroya, Morufat Balogun, Beatrice Aighewi, Djana B. Mignouna, P. Lava Kumar, and Robert Asiedu Chapter 15 - Commercially sustainable cassava seed systems in AfricaJames P. Legg, E Diebiru-Ojo, D. Eagle., M. Friedmann, E. Kanju, R. Kapinga, P.L. Kumar, S. Lateef, S. Magige, K. Mtunda, G. Thiele, J. Yabeja and H. NitturkarChapter 16 - Building demand-led and gender-responsive breeding programsVivian Polar, Béla Teeken, Janet Mwende, Pricilla Marimo, Hale A Tufan, Jacqueline A Ashby, Steve Cole, Sarah Mayanja, Julius J Okello, Peter Kulakow, Graham ThieleSection D: Improving livelihoodsChapter 17 - Scaling Readiness of Biofortified Root, Tuber, and Banana Crops for Africa Jan Low, Anna-Marie Ball, Paul Ilona, Beatrice Ekesa, Simon Heck, Wolfgang Pfeiffer

Read more less

Book SynopsisThis Open Access volume highlights how tree ring stable isotopes have been used to address a range of environmental issues from paleoclimatology to forest management, and anthropogenic impacts on forest growth. It will further evaluate weaknesses and strengths of isotope applications in tree rings. In contrast to older tree ring studies, which predominantly applied a pure statistical approach this book will focus on physiological mechanisms that influence isotopic signals and reflect environmental impacts. Focusing on connections between physiological responses and drivers of isotope variation will also clarify why environmental impacts are not linearly reflected in isotope ratios and tree ring widths. This volume will be of interest to any researcher and educator who uses tree rings (and other organic matter proxies) to reconstruct paleoclimate as well as to understand contemporary functional processes and anthropogenic influences on native ecosystems. The use of stable isotopes in biogeochemical studies has expanded greatly in recent years, making this volume a valuable resource to a growing and vibrant community of researchers.Table of ContentsPART I INTRODUCTION: 1. Isotope Dendrochronology: Historical Perspective.- 2. Dendrochronology: Fundamentals and Innovations.- 3. Anatomical, developmental and physiological bases of tree-ring formation in relation to environmental factors.- PART II METHODS: 4. Sample collection and preparation for annual and intra-annual tree-ring isotope chronologies.- 5. Stable isotope signatures of wood, its constituents and methods of cellulose extraction.- 6. Tree-Ring Stable Isotope Measurements: The Role of Quality Assurance and Quality Control to Ensure High Quality Data.- 7. Newer Developments in Tree-Ring Stable Isotope Methods.- PART III: ISOTOPIC FRACTIONATIONS FROM SOURCE TO WOOD: 8. Isotopes – terminology, definitions and properties.- 9. Carbon isotope effects in relation to CO2 assimilation by tree canopies.- 10. Environmental, physiological and biochemical processes determining the oxygen isotope ratio of tree-ring cellulose.- 11. The stable hydrogen isotopic signature: From source water to tree rings.- 12. Nitrogen isotopes in tree rings – Challenges and prospects.-13. Postphotosynthetic fractionation in leaves, phloem and stem.- PART IV PHYSIOLOGICAL INTERPRETATIONS: 14. Environmental fingerprints in tree-ring stable isotopes: Limits and strengths in mirroring environmental impacts.- 15. Post-photosynthetic carbon, oxygen and hydrogen isotope signal transfer to tree rings – how timing of cell formations and turnover of stored carbohydrates affect intra-annual isotope variations.- 16. Probing tree physiology using the dual-isotope approach.- 17. Intrinsic water-use efficiency derived from stable carbon isotopes of tree-rings.- PART V: ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS IMPACTING THE ISOTOPIC FRACTIONATION:18. Spatial and temporal variations in plant source water: O and H isotope ratiosfrom precipitation to xylem water.- 19. Climate signals in stable isotope tree ring records.- 20. Stable isotopes in tree rings of Boreal Forests.- 21. Stable isotopes in tree rings of Mediterranean Forests.- 22. Stable isotopes in tree rings of Tropical forests.- 23. Forest Management and Tree-Ring Isotopes.- 24. Impact of increasing CO2, and air pollutants (NOx, SO2, O3) on the stable isotope ratios in tree rings.- 25. Insect and pathogen influences on tree-ring stable isotopes.- 26. Process-based ecophysiological models of tree-ring stable isotopes.

Read more less

Book SynopsisThis book offers readers an overview of some of the most recent advances in the field of technology for X-ray medical imaging. Coverage includes both technology and applications in SPECT, PET and CT, with an in-depth review of the research topics from leading specialists in the field. Coverage includes conversion of the X-ray signal into analogue/digital value, as well as a review of CMOS chips for X-ray image sensors. Emphasis is on high-Z materials like CdTe, CZT and GaAs, since they offer the best implementation possibilities for direct conversion X-ray detectors. The discussion includes material challenges, detector operation physics and technology and readout integrated circuits required to detect signals processes by high-Z sensors. Authors contrast these emerging technologies with more established ones based on scintillator materials. This book is an excellent reference for people already working in the field as well as for people wishing to enter it.Table of ContentsX-ray Detectors in Medical Imaging.- Modelling spectroscopic performance of pixelated semiconductor detectors through Monte-Carlo simulation.- Status of DEXA Instrumentation Using Direct and Indirect Detectors.- CZT Detectors for Nuclear Medicine.- Positron Emission Tomography (PET) Imaging Based on Sub-Millimeter Pixelated CdZnTe Detectors.- Medical Photon-Counting CT – Status and Clinical Applications Review.- Multi-material decomposition (m-MD) based spectral imaging in photon-counting CT.- X-ray Multispectral CT Imaging by Projection Sequences Blind Separation based on Basis-effect or Basis-material decomposition.- Direct Iterative Basis Image Reconstruction Based on MAP-EM Algorithm for Spectral CT.- Linearly Polarized X-ray Fluorescence Computed Tomography with a Photon Counting Detector.- Detector shift iteration method for improving spatial resolution and suppressing pixel value distortion in direct and indirect X-ray detectors.- A new method of estimating incident x-ray spectra with photon counting detectors using a limited number of energy bins with dedicated clinical x-ray imaging systems.

Read more less

Book SynopsisThis book deals with existing technologies of solar energy conversion as well as novel methods under consideration in academic and commercial R&D sites. The experimental results presented in the work are well crafted by both analytical and first-principle numerical simulations. The book highlights the real potential for economically justified use of solar energy at every household and/or commercial solar farms. The ever-improving methods of thin-film epitaxial growth combined with a better understanding of the sun light absorption and antireflection are highlighted. While there was a period when the material quality was considered to be cornerstone of the conversion efficiency followed by substantial efforts to optimize multiple-cell architecture, it became clear that many old ideas such as variable band gap, multi-junction intrinsic region, as well as solar tracking mechanisms offer new possibilities for improved harvesting of energy. Amplifying the importance of materials selection efficient design of the photo-voltaic elements various aspects of the production cost and the impact on the environment are discussed. In addition, the eligibility of the proposed production technologies in the current photovoltaic market are evaluated and confirmed.Table of ContentsDesign of Heterojunction Cascaded Solar Cells.- Design of Heterostructure Solar Cell Using Non-Crystalline a-Si/poly-Si.- Enhanced Energy Production by Corrugated Si Solar Sells Installed on Tracking/Antitracking Systems.

Read more less

Book SynopsisThis updated textbook covers digital design, fundamentals of computer architecture, and ARM assembly language. The book starts by introducing computer abstraction, basic number systems, character coding, basic knowledge in digital design, and components of a computer. The book goes on to discuss information representation in computing, Boolean algebra and logic gates, and sequential logic. The book also presents introduction to computer architecture, Cache mapping methods, and virtual memory. The author also covers ARM architecture, ARM instructions, ARM assembly language using Keil development tools, and bitwise control structure using C and ARM assembly language. The book includes a set of laboratory experiments related to digital design using Logisim software and ARM assembly language programming using Keil development tools. In addition, each chapter features objectives, summaries, key terms, review questions, and problems.Table of ContentsChapter1: Signal and number systems.- Chapter2: Boolean Logics and Logic Gates.- Chapter3: Minterms, Maxterms, Karnaugh Map (K-Map), and Universal Gates.- Chapter4: Combinational Logic.- Chapter5: Synchronous Sequential Logic.- Chapter6: Introduction to Computer Architecture.- Chapter7: Memory.- Chapter8: Assembly Language and ARM Instructions Part I.- Chapter9: ARM Assembly Language Programming Using Keil Development Tools.- Chapter10: ARM Instructions Part II and Instraction Formats.- Chapter11: Bitwise and Control Structures Used for Programming with C and ARM Assembly Language.

Read more less

Book SynopsisThis textbook explores the working principles of all kinds of turbomachines. The same theoretical framework is used to analyze the different machine types. The order in which the different kinds are treated is chosen by the possibility of gradually building up theoretical concepts. For each of the turbomachine kinds, a balance is sought between fundamental understanding and knowledge of practical aspects. Readers are invited through challenging exercises to consider how the theory applies to particular cases. This textbook appeals to senior undergraduate and graduate students in mechanical engineering and to professional engineers seeking to understand the operation of turbomachines. Readers will gain a fundamental understanding of turbomachines and will be able to make a reasoned choice of a turbomachine for a particular application. Table of Contents1. Working Principles2. Basic Components3. Fans4. Compressible Fluids5. Performance Measurement6. Steam Turbines7. Dynamic Similitude8. Pumps9. Hydraulic Turbines10. Wind Turbines11. Power Gas Turbines12. Thrust Gas Turbines13. Axial Compressors14. Radial Compressors15. Axial and Radial Turbines for GasesReferencesIndex

Read more less

Book SynopsisThis book is an eye-opener for businesses unveiling how technology trends can be deployed to redesign products, services and processes. The authors provide business opportunities based on technological innovation across 10 industrial sectors in easy to read case studies. Each case study is a story that narrates the potential and influence of a technological innovation on an enterprise, by defining the challenges faced, the type of technology adopted, and the impact. Provides readers with compelling reasons for implementing technology trends in industrial value chains; Written in a simple, easy to read and exciting manner to be accessible to readers with different backgrounds and interests; Uses a single, structured paradigm in all the case studies. Table of Contents1-Agriculture 2-Automotive 3-Banking And Financial Services 4-Construction 5-Education 6-Food And Beverage 7-Healthcare 8-Media And Entertainment 9-Oil And Gas 10-Printing And Packaging 11-Real-Estate 12-Retail 13-Telecommunications 14-Textiles 15-Tourism

Read more less

Book SynopsisThis book offers readers a comprehensive, detailed analysis and treatment of optical waveguides (fiber, slab), an essential component of ultra-high bandwidth long, medium and short-haul telecommunication. The author describes an analysis scheme for optical waveguides that combines both geometric ray optics and Maxwell’s equations-based classical electrodynamics. This unique approach enables readers to develop an intuitive understanding of this topic, starting with macro properties, e.g., V parameter of an optical fiber, and progressively refining the analysis to individual modes of propagation through an optical waveguide. An exhaustive set of diagrams highlight the key features of an optical waveguide property, such as acceptance angle, meridional and skew rays in an optical fiber, or signal attenuation and dispersion in an optical waveguide. The author also provides a set of ready-to-use, ANSI C executables (for both Linux and Windows) that enable the reader to e.g, determine the allowed propagation modes (even, odd TE TM) of a graded, step index optical fiber and a slab waveguide. Offers readers a single-source reference to the analysis and design of optical waveguides; Begins with macro-level analysis of the properties of optical waveguides and dives deeply into details in a step-by-step manner, enabling readers to develop an intuitive understanding; Includes C language executables, along with optical waveguide analysis and design examples to demonstrate their use in context. Table of Contents1-Introduction and Problem Statement.- 2-Dielectric Optical Waveguide Fundamentals.- 3-Analysis and Design Examples of Optical Fibers, Optical Slab Waveguides.

Read more less

Book Synopsis"Of all the men who attacked the flying problem in the 19th century, Otto Lilienthal was easily the most important. His greatness appeared in every phase of the problem. No one equaled him in power to draw new recruits to the cause; no one equaled him in fullness and dearness of understanding of the principles of flight; no one did so much to convince the world of the advantages of curved wing surfaces; and no one did so much to transfer the problem of human flight to the open air where it belonged." These words were spoken by Wilbur Wright, who successfully accomplished the first powered flight together with his brother Orville in 1903 on the sand dunes of the Outer Banks off the coast of North Carolina. Wilbur was talking about the most important of their predecessors, Otto Lilienthal. Lilienthal attracted worldwide attention due to the spectacular photographs showing him in flight, made possible by technology that had only just been developed by him. This fortuitous union between a pioneer of aviation and the pioneers of so-called “instantaneous photography” is responsible for the immense contemporary popularity of Lilienthal’s flights around the globe, the first ever free flights performed by man. This book traces the life of the German aviation pioneer, focusing on the designs of his many aircraft and the photographic documentation that has survived. The presentation ends with a remarkable research project conducted by one of the authors, right up to and including his own training exercises with Lilienthal’s “normal soaring apparatus” and “large biplane”. This project offered new insight into Lilienthal’s work, and also led to a spectacular aerial meeting of Lilienthal's 1895 biplane and the Wright brothers’ 1902 biplane at a historic location on the Outer Banks. The book provides access to video material, largely stemming from this project.Table of ContentsThe beginning of an era.- The skies over Pomerania.- From a poor student to good scholar.- Bed lodger – engineer – manufacturer.- Life goal: inventor.- From the dream of flight to aerodynamics.- From theory to flying apparatus.- 1891 – the leap into a new century.- Captured in mid-air.- Modelled after a bat – the path to serially produced aircraft.- Practical flying – training and records.- An engine – again inspired by birds.- The Fliegeberg – a real airfield.- Flying machine customers and flight students.- More difficult than anticipated: steering.- A rich idea: the biplane.- Unfinished ideas and August 9, 1896.- To fly is everything – Lilienthal 125 years later.

Read more less

Book SynopsisThis book offers a complete and detailed introduction to the theory of discrete dynamical systems, with special attention to stability of fixed points and periodic orbits. It provides a solid mathematical background and the essential basic knowledge for further developments such as, for instance, deterministic chaos theory, for which many other references are available (but sometimes, without an exhaustive presentation of preliminary notions). Readers will find a discussion of topics sometimes neglected in the research literature, such as a comparison between different predictions achievable by the discrete time model and the continuous time model of the same application. Another novel aspect of this book is an accurate analysis of the way a fixed point may lose stability, introducing and comparing several notions of instability: simple instability, repulsivity, and complete instability. To help the reader and to show the flexibility and potentiality of the discrete approach to dynamics, many examples, numerical simulations, and figures have been included. The book is used as a reference material for courses at a doctoral or upper undergraduate level in mathematics and theoretical engineering.Trade Review“The book is well written, easy to read and has many exciting examples to motivate the results. Therefore, it is a book which deserves to be read.” (José S. Cánovas Peña, Mathematical Reviews, January, 2023)“This quite small book belonging to a series entitled ‘Mathematical Engineering’ is a self-contained introduction to discrete- time systems. Motivated by applications arising from physics, engineering … economics and other natural sciences, it is mainly addressed to students, aiming to show that discrete dynamics deserves its own interest and is not easy to study. … The reviewed book can be considered … as a preliminary study for more complete monographs … .” (Vladimir Răsvan, zbMATH 1492.37001, 2022)Table of ContentsDiscrete dynamical systems.- Stability and attraction.- Bifurcations.- Positive linear systems.

Read more less

Book SynopsisThis study guide is designed for students taking courses in feedback control systems analysis and design. The textbook includes examples, questions, and exercises that will help electrical engineering students to review and sharpen their knowledge of the subject and enhance their performance in the classroom. Offering detailed solutions, multiple methods for solving problems, and clear explanations of concepts, this hands-on guide will improve student’s problem-solving skills and basic and advanced understanding of the topics covered in these courses.Trade Review“The book is very nicely written and may be suggested for lecturers to help them in lecturing, students for better understanding of the topic and also researchers, as the book is a concise collection of control methods to be used. I strongly support using this book extensively.” (Krzysztof Gałkowski, zbMATH 1490.93001, 2022)Table of Contents1: Problems: Different representations of linear time-invariant (LTI) systems2: Solutions of Problems: Different representations of linear time-invariant (LTI) systems3: Problems: Stability analysis of linear time-invariant (LTI) systems4: Solutions of Problems: Stability analysis of linear time-invariant (LTI) systems5: Problems: Analysis of transient response6: Solutions of Problems: Analysis of transient response7: Problems: Analysis of steady state response8: Solutions of Problems: Analysis of steady state response9: Problems: Graphical analysis and design in time domain10: Solutions of Problems: Graphical analysis and design in time domain11: Problems: Controller design in time domain12: Solutions of Problems: Controller design in time domain

Read more less

Book SynopsisThis book explores circuit designs that accomplish the conversion of an analog signal to a digital signal of a single bit. Starting with the simple comparator, many alternative circuit arrangements and enhancements are elaborated, including hysteresis, negative feedback and a variety of adaptive thresholds. Further, the non-ideal behavior of practical elements and circuits are covered, including input offsets, noise, delay, delay dispersion and oscillation, along with techniques for dealing with these aspects. The wide variety of available components is discussed in terms of performance and applicability. No stone is left unturned in addressing each and every issue that can affect the engineering tasks related to comparators, from the viewpoint of how their performance can affect the system in which they are a critical component.Table of Contents1) Basic Concepts2) Major Applications3) Enhancements4) Non-Ideal Parameters5) Application Details6) Logic Elements7) Comparator Design and Effects

Read more less

Book SynopsisThis book presents new research results in the field of gravity compensation in robotic systems. It explores topics such as gravity compensation of planar articulated robotic manipulators; the stiffness modeling of manipulators with gravity compensators; the multi-degree-of-freedom counter-balancing; the design of actuators with partial gravity compensation; a cable-driven robotic suit with gravity compensation for load carriage; various compensation systems for medical cobots and assistive devices; gravity balancing of parallel robots. The volume demonstrates that gravity compensation methods continue to develop, and new approaches and solutions are constantly being reported. These solutions apply both to new structural solutions and to their new applications. Cobots, exoskeletons and robotic suits, assistive devices, as well as biomechanical systems are among the most promising applications and most pressing areas for further innovation.Table of ContentsA Modularization Approach for Gravity Compensation of Planar Articulated Robotic Manipulators.- Stiffness modeling for gravity compensators.- Multi-DOF Counterbalancing and Applications to Robots.- Parallel Elastic Actuator: Variable recruitment of parallel springs for partial gravity compensation.- Optimization and Control of a Cable-driven Robotic Suit for Load Carriage.- Tool Compensation for a Medical Cobot-Assistant.- Design of Statically Balanced Assistive Devices.- Design of Multifunctional Assistive Devices with Various Arrangements of Gravity Compenstion.- Gravity Balancing of Parallel Robots by Constant-Force Generators.

Read more less

Book SynopsisSoC Physical Design is a comprehensive practical guide for VLSI designers that thoroughly examines and explains the practical physical design flow of system on chip (SoC). The book covers the rationale behind making design decisions on power, performance, and area (PPA) goals for SoC and explains the required design environment algorithms, design flows, constraints, handoff procedures, and design infrastructure requirements in achieving them. The book reveals challenges likely to be faced at each design process and ways to address them in practical design environments. Advanced topics on 3D ICs, EDA trends, and SOC trends are discussed in later chapters. Coverage also includes advanced physical design techniques followed for deep submicron SOC designs. The book provides aspiring VLSI designers, practicing design engineers, and electrical engineering students with a solid background on the complex physical design requirements of SoCs which are required to contribute effectively in design roles.Table of ContentsIntroduction.- SoC Physical Design Flow and Algorithms.- Physical Design Floor Plan and Placement.- Clock, Reset, and HFN.- Physical Design Routing.- Physical Design Verification.

Read more less

Book SynopsisNear-infrared astronomy has become one of the most rapidly developing branches in modern astrophysics. Innovative observing techniques, near-infrared detectors with quantum efficiencies in excess of 90%, highly specialised instruments as well as advanced data reduction techniques have allowed major breakthroughs in various areas like exoplanets, star-forming regions, the supermassive black hole in the Galactic center, and the high-redshift Universe. In this book, the reader will be introduced to the basic concepts of how to prepare near-infrared observations with maximized scientific return. Equal weight is given to all aspects of the data reduction for both - imaging and spectroscopy. Information is also provided on the state of the art instrumentation available and planned, on detector technology or the physics of the atmosphere, all of which influence the preparation and execution of observations and data reduction techniques. The beginner but also the expert will find a lot of information in compact form which is otherwise widely dispersed across the internet or other sources.Table of ContentsIntroduction.- Setting the stage - NIR surveys and their calibration.- What we have to deal with - the NIR sky.- What can be built to deal with that - detectors, instrumentation & AO.- Signal-to-noise considerations.- Observing & calibration strategies.- Data reduction recipes.- Taking data above the atmosphere - changes in observing and data reduction principles.- Concluding remarks.

Read more less

Book SynopsisThe new edition of this popular textbook keeps its structure, introducing the advanced topics of: (i) wireless communications, (ii) free-space optical (FSO) communications, (iii) indoor optical wireless (IR) communications, and (iv) fiber-optics communications, but thoroughly updates the content for new technologies and practical applications. The author presents fundamental concepts, such as propagation principles, modulation formats, channel coding, diversity principles, MIMO signal processing, multicarrier modulation, equalization, adaptive modulation and coding, detection principles, and software defined transmission, first describing them and then following up with a detailed look at each particular system. The book is self-contained and structured to provide straightforward guidance to readers looking to capture fundamentals and gain theoretical and practical knowledge about wireless communications, free-space optical communications, and fiber-optics communications, all which can be readily applied in studies, research, and practical applications. The textbook is intended for an upper undergraduate or graduate level courses in fiber-optics communication, wireless communication, and free-space optical communication problems, an appendix with all background material needed, and homework problems. In the second edition, in addition to the existing chapters being updated and problems being inserted, one new chapter has been added, related to the physical-layer security thus covering both security and reliability issues. New material on 5G and 6G technologies has been added in corresponding chapters.Table of ContentsIntroduction.- Propagation Effects in Optical and Wireless Communications Channels, Noise Sources, and Channel Impairments.- Components, Modules, and Subsystems.- Wireless and Optical Channels Capacities.- Advanced Modulation and Multiplexing Techniques.- Advanced Detection Techniques and Compensation of Channel Impairments.- OFDM for Wireless and Optical Communications.- Diversity and MIMO Techniques.- Advanced Coding and Coded Modulation Techniques.- Spread Spectrum, CDMA, and Ultra-Wideband Communications.- 5G/6G Technologies.- Physical-layer Security.- Conclusion.

Read more less

Book SynopsisThis book provides readers with an introduction to the materials and devices necessary for flexible sensors and electronics, followed by common techniques for fabrication of such devices and system-level integration. Key insights into fabrication and processing will guide readers through the tradeoff choices in designing such platforms. A comprehensive review of two specific, flexible bioelectronic platforms, related to smart bandages for wound monitoring and thread-based diagnostics for wearable health, will demonstrate practical application at the system level. The book also provides a unique electrical engineering perspective by reviewing circuit architectures for low noise signal conditioning of weak signals from sensors,, and for low power analog to digital converters for signal acquisition. To achieve energy autonomy, authors provide several example of CMOS energy harvesting front end circuits and voltage boosters. Beyond circuit architectures, the book also provides a review of the modern theory of sampling and recovery of sparse signals, also known as compressed sensing. They then highlight how these principles can be leveraged for design and implementation of efficient signal acquisition hardware and reliable processing of acquired data for flexible electronic platforms.Table of ContentsChapter 1. Materials and Processing for Flexible Bioelectronics.- Chapter 2. Sensors and Platforms for Flexible Bioelectronics.- Chapter 3. Low-noise CMOS Signal Conditioning Circuits.- Chapter 4. Data Converters for Wearable Sensor Applications.- Chapter 5. Power Management Circuits for Energy Harvesting.- Chapter 6. Sampling and recovery of signals with spectral sparsity.- Chapter 7. Compressed Sensing.

Read more less

Book SynopsisThis book focuses on recent advances in dental gold alloys and gold nanoparticles (GNPs) for biomedical applications. Dental gold alloys combine several highly desirable mechanical properties, such as high strength, ductility, and elasticity, with an extremely robust chemical stability in the mouth. Moreover, astonishing progress has been made in the use of GNPs as novel gold biomaterials that provide a multifunctional platform for cellular imaging, biosensing, and targeted drug delivery in tumour immunotherapy and photothermal therapy. Beginning with a comprehensive overview of the development and use of dental gold alloys, the book addresses the materials properties that are crucial for dental applications, focusing on aspects such as microstructure, chemical and mechanical stability, ageing, biocompatibility, and colour retention. The book then shifts focus to the use of GNPs in dental applications, delving into different techniques of GNP synthesis for specifically tailoring the size, shape, and stability of GNPs in biological media. In addition to these factors, it addresses how their exposure route, surface chemistry, as well as how the steric effects of their coating impact biodistribution and determine the level of GNP toxicity in the human body. Featuring topical literature reviews alongside up-to-date published experimental results, this book offers an attractive resource for practicing scientists and engineers working in the field of gold-based biomaterials.Table of Contents

Read more less

Book SynopsisThis edited open access volume explores the role of forest bioeconomy in addressing climate change. The authors put a particular focus on planetary boundaries and how the linear, growth-oriented economy, is coupled with climate change and environmental degradation. Biobased products and sustainable production paths have been developed, but how can they be scaled in order to lead to an economic paradigm shift? This and other questions are discussed throughout the volume.Since science indicates that climate change will continue this century, the authors also analyse how forests can be adapted to increasing forest disturbances that changing climate are expected to cause. The authors propose climate-smart forestry as useful approach for climate mitigation and adaptation of forests to climate change, as wells as sustainable increase of economic well-being based on forestry. The book illustrates the application of climate-smart forestry in the Czech Republic, Finland, Germany and Spain, i.e., in EU countries with quite different forests and forest sectors. This proactive and inspiring volume is an essential resource for Forest Management professionals, decision makers, scientists, and forestry students. Table of ContentsChapter 1. The Role of the Forest-Based Sector in the Bioeconomy and Climate Change (Hetemäki and Kangas).- Chapter 2. Planetary Boundaries and the Role of the Forest-Based Sector (Hetemäki and Seppälä).- Chapter 3. Climate Change, Impacts, Adaptation and Risk Management in Forests (Venäläinen et al.).- Chapter 4. Outlook for a Forest-Based Bioeconomy (Hurmekoski et al.).- Chapter 5. Forest Biomass Availability (Anttila and Verkerk).- Chapter 6. Carbon Sequestration and Storage in the Forests of the European Union (Kilpeläinen and Peltola).- Chapter 7. Contribution of Wood-Based Products to Climate Change Mitigation (Hurmekoski et al.).- Chapter 8. Synthesis: Climate-Change Mitigation in the Forest-Based Sector (Hurmekoski et al.).- Chapter 9. Climate-Smart Forestry Approach (Hetemäki and Verkerk).- Chapter 10. Climate-Smart Forestry Case Study: Czech Republic (Emil Cienciala).- Chapter 11. Climate-Smart Forestry Case Study: Finland (Peltola et al.).- Chapter 12. Climate-Smart Forestry Case Study: Germany (Hanewinkel et al.).- Chapter 13. Climate-Smart Forestry Case Study: Spain (Trasobares et al).- Chapter 14. The Way Forward: Management and Policy Actions (Hetemäki et al.)

Read more less

Book SynopsisThis book targets engineers and researchers familiar with basic computer architecture concepts who are interested in learning about on-chip networks. This work is designed to be a short synthesis of the most critical concepts in on-chip network design. It is a resource for both understanding on-chip network basics and for providing an overview of state of-the-art research in on-chip networks. We believe that an overview that teaches both fundamental concepts and highlights state-of-the-art designs will be of great value to both graduate students and industry engineers. While not an exhaustive text, we hope to illuminate fundamental concepts for the reader as well as identify trends and gaps in on-chip network research. With the rapid advances in this field, we felt it was timely to update and review the state of the art in this second edition. We introduce two new chapters at the end of the book. We have updated the latest research of the past years throughout the book and also expanded our coverage of fundamental concepts to include several research ideas that have now made their way into products and, in our opinion, should be textbook concepts that all on-chip network practitioners should know. For example, these fundamental concepts include message passing, multicast routing, and bubble flow control schemes.Table of ContentsPreface.- Acknowledgments.- Introduction.- Interface with System Architecture.- Topology.- Routing.- Flow Control.- Router Microarchitecture.- Modeling and Evaluation.- Case Studies.- Conclusions.- References.- Authors' Biographies.

Read more less

Book SynopsisThis book offers a comprehensive analysis of the application level for various agricultural biotechnologies across Sub-Saharan Africa. The authors examine the capacity available as well as the enabling environment, including policy and investments, for facilitating agricultural biotechnology development and use in the region. For each Sub-Saharan country, the status of biotechnology application is assessed in four major sectors; Crops, Livestock, Forestry and Aquaculture. Examples such as the number and requisite skill levels of trained personnel, biosafety frameworks and public awareness are surfaced in these chapters. This work also discusses the impact of push-pull factors on research, training and food security and identifies opportunities for investment in biotechnology and local agribusiness.Development partners, policy makers, agricultural consultants as well as scientists and private sector investors with an interest in biotechnology initiatives in Sub-Saharan Africa will find this collection an important account to identify key gaps in capacity and policy, as well as priority areas going forward. The volume highlights ways to develop technology and increase agricultural production capacity through international cooperation and inclusive economic growth, making it a valuable practice guide in line with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, in particular SDG 2 Zero Hunger and SDG 8 Decent Work and Economic Growth. Clear case studies round off the reading experience.Table of ContentsPreliminaryBook Editors: J.E.O. Rege and Keith Sones ed.rege@emerge-africa.org, keith@sones.info Chapter 1: Introduction (J.E.O. Rege & Keith Sones) ed.rege@emerge-africa.org The definition and spectrum of ag biotech; the African experience to date; the objectives of the book and how it is organized Chapter 2: The state of Applications of Agricultural Biotechnology in Sub-Saharan Africa (Dan Kiambi, Joel W. Ochieng’ and J.E.O. Rege) dionysious.kiambi@pacuniversity.ac.ke Extent of applications of ag biotech (from low- to high-tech) by sectors (crops, livestock, fisheries, and forestry); differences in applications (within and across sectors) by countries and sub-regions of Africa Chapter 3: The state of Capacities for Agricultural Biotechnology in Sub-Saharan Africa (J.E.O. Rege, Joel W. Ochieng’ and Dan Kiambi) ed.rege@emerge-africa.org Including access to complementary technologies (e.g. ICT); others? Chapter 4: The state of Enabling Environment for Agricultural Biotechnology in Sub-Saharan Africa (J.E.O Rege, Dan Kiambi, and Joel W. Ochieng’) ed.rege@emerge-africa.org Policy, legislation, investments, links to capacity, IP, etc. Chapter 5: Impacts of Biotechnology on Sub-Saharan African Agriculture (J.E.O. Rege and Keith Sones) ed.rege@emerge-africa.org Qualitative and quantitative outcomes and impacts of ag biotech applications in Africa by sectors (crops, livestock, fisheries, and forestry); Economic (e.g. cost-benefit of these technologies) and social dimensions (e.g. social acceptance?); Are smallholders winning or losing? Win-win possibilities for future Chapter 6: Gaps and Opportunities for Agricultural Biotechnology in Sub-Saharan Africa (J.E.O. Rege and Keith Sones) ed.rege@emerge-africa.org Based on lessons to date, what will it take for Africa to achieve a trajectory of sustained transformative change through use of technologies? · Mobilizing increased public and private sector investments – incl. IP issues (ref to enabling environment) · Institutional arrangements for research (e.g. shared facilities across sectors and countries?) · South-South and South-North collaborations · Incubation models · Cross-border movement of technologies (e.g. quality seed and breeding stock) · Outsource or not? E.g. sequencing/genotyping in China? North America?? Pros and Cons!

Read more less

a huge range and FREE tracked UK delivery on ALL orders.

Read more less

a huge range and FREE tracked UK delivery on ALL orders.

Read more less

Book SynopsisIn the ongoing effort to combat global climate catastrophe, animal agriculture has long been a subject of contention. On the one hand, most agree that across the world increasing meat and dairy consumption are accelerating anthropogenic climate change. On the other hand, proponents of the livestock industry argue that modern advancements reduce greenhouse gas emissions from efficient livestock production to negligible quantities. Some even maintain that grass-based livestock production has a net positive impact on the environment, due to the carbon sequestration caused by grazing. Whom are we to believe? This book shows us that the answer is not so clear-cut. Beginning with the implications of the UN’s Livestock’s Long Shadow report, it breaks down the blind spots and highlights the insights of the most prominent pro-meat arguments, as well as of the push for a global switch to vegetarianism. While advances in efficiency might reduce greenhouse gas emissions per unit of meat or milk produced, attendant decreases in cost can enable overconsumption and thus produce more waste. And while carbon sequestration is beneficial, it is not a reliable cure-all for the industry. Due to the economics of farming, however, eliminating meat consumption may not even reduce emissions at all. The truth about livestock production is much more nuanced but, luckily, also far more holistic. The future of agricultural policy will have to take into consideration factors such as human health and economics, as well as climate. Eschewing ideology for empirical rigor, this book paves an actionable path forward for both consumers and producers, offering unique solutions for each livestock system and simple, everyday adjustments for the average omnivore.Table of ContentsPrefaceChapter 1. How we got here, and where we need to go: The bitter fight about meat and climate The UN’s Livestock’s Long Shadow report and its impact in the popular press and in farm country Chapter 2. The consequences for climate of meat consumption The argument for reducing meat consumption to slow climate change. Chapter 3. The Limits of Vegetarianism Critiques of the excesses of the vegetarian argument. In developed nations livestock production contributes relatively little to global warming. It is important to not exaggerate the impact of reduced meat consumption on greenhouse gas emissions. Also, livestock play an important role in sustainable agriculture. Chapter 4. The Benefits of Modern Efficiency The argument that conventional modern techniques of producing meat are highly efficient and thus have a relatively low greenhouse gas footprint (or hoofprint). Chapter 5. The Limits of Efficiency Even with gains in efficiency, meat and especially beef, still has outsized greenhouse gas emissions. Moreover, efficient production also translates to low cost, which in turn enables overconsumption and waste. Chapter 6. The Miracle of Grass The argument that grass-based livestock production can result in significant carbon sequestration. Chapter 7. The Limits of Grass Grazing does not always result in carbon sequestration, let alone net sequestration of greenhouse gases after accounting for methane emissions from manure and ruminant digestion and nitrous oxide emissions from soils. Sometimes this is due to poor management, but sometimes it is due to soil and climate factors. In many cases we still don’t fully understand what factors result in carbon storage or loss in soils. We need to be more realistic about what grazing can accomplish in terms of climate change mitigation. Chapter 8. Lightening our Carbon Hoofprint We have spent too much time trying to justify a simplistic response to the challenge posed by the greenhouse gas emissions of livestock. The truth is more nuanced. In fact, greenhouse gas emissions in the US are pretty similar for grazed and conventionally raised animals, but there is wide variation within each system depending on details of manure management and feed production. And although on average meat production generates more greenhouse gases than raising vegetable protein sources, due to the economics of farming it is not clear that eliminating meat consumption would actually reduce greenhouse gas emissions. While this complexity does not support the claim of any of the three viewpoints, it does allow farmers and eaters to reduce their greenhouse gas footprints without completely changing their way of life. Chapter 9. Policy Pathways While climate is a critical challenge for our planet, humans do not and should not make decisions based on climate alone. As we consider what to eat and how to structure agricultural policy we also need to look at other environmental impacts such as water quality and biodiversity, as well as human health, cultural factors, and economics.

Read more less

Book Synopsis"This book is a comprehensive text for the design of safety critical, hard real-time embedded systems. It offers a splendid example for the balanced, integrated treatment of systems and software engineering, helping readers tackle the hardest problems of advanced real-time system design, such as determinism, compositionality, timing and fault management. This book is an essential reading for advanced undergraduates and graduate students in a wide range of disciplines impacted by embedded computing and software. Its conceptual clarity, the style of explanations and the examples make the abstract concepts accessible for a wide audience."Janos Sztipanovits, DirectorE. Bronson Ingram Distinguished Professor of EngineeringInstitute for Software Integrated SystemsVanderbilt UniversityReal-Time Systems focuses on hard real-time systems, which are computing systems that must meet their temporal specification in all anticipated load and fault scenarios. The book stresses the system aspects of distributed real-time applications, treating the issues of real-time, distribution and fault-tolerance from an integral point of view. A unique cross-fertilization of ideas and concepts between the academic and industrial worlds has led to the inclusion of many insightful examples from industry to explain the fundamental scientific concepts in a real-world setting. Compared to the Second Edition, new developments in communication standards for time-sensitive networks, such as TSN and Time-Triggered Ethernet are addressed. Furthermore, this edition includes a new chapter on real-time aspects in cloud and fog computing.The book is written as a standard textbook for a high-level undergraduate or graduate course on real-time embedded systems or cyber-physical systems. Its practical approach to solving real-time problems, along with numerous summary exercises, makes it an excellent choice for researchers and practitioners alike.Table of ContentsChapter. 1 The Real-Time EnvironmentChapter. 2 SimplicityChapter. 3 Global TimeChapter. 4 Real-Time (RT) ModelChapter. 5 Temporal RelationsChapter. 6 DependabilityChapter. 7 Real-Time CommunicationChapter. 8 Power and Energy AwarenessChapter. 9 Real-Time Operating SystemsChapter. 10 Real-Time SchedulingChapter. 11 System DesignChapter. 12 ValidationChapter. 13 Internet of ThingsChapter. 14 Cloud and Fog Computing

Read more less