Technology, Engineering & Agriculture Books

Book SynopsisThis book covers a variety of topics related to the synthesis of smart nanoobjects. Among them are surface nanostructured metals with improved corrosion and wear resistance (Syrkov); the synthesis of organo-micro cycles, with emphasis on the characterisation of obtained materials by infrared spectroscopy, HPLC, and NMR analysis (El-Saied); Schiff bases metal complexes and their investigation for antibacterial and anti-fungal activity (El-Seidy); and transition metal complexes (Al-Sawaf). Nanotubes have always been positioned in the study of nanocomposites as interesting materials for application in electronics (transistors, resistors, varistors, sensors, display devices to mention just a few). This volume includes research on thin film deposition by acoustic wave atomisers (Balachova), and exfoliation of graphene from the liquid phase (Moshkalev). Continued interest in conducting polymer hydrogels have stimulated research for their application as pH sensors with sensing principles based on electroactivity (Elyashevich). Investigation of mass transfer kinetics in bifunctional matrixes is carried out with a new type of material: metal-ion exchangers (Kalinitchev). The world of nanotechnology described in this book will excite any reader, from interested students to industrial or academic professionals.

Read more less

Book SynopsisThe Forest Service manages more than 158,000 miles of recreational trails offering hikers, horseback riders, cyclists, off-highway-vehicle drivers, and others access to national forests. To remain safe and usable, these trails need regular maintenance, such as removal of downed trees or bridge repairs. This book examines (1) the extent to which the Forest Service is meeting trail maintenance needs, and effects associated with any maintenance not done; (2) resources, including funding and labour, that the agency employs to maintain its trails; (3) factors, if any, complicating agency efforts to maintain its trails; and (4) options, if any, that could improve the agency''s trail maintenance efforts.

Read more less

Book SynopsisGrid electrified vehicles or plug-in electric vehicles (PEV) are gaining attention world-wide as a potential low carbon technology. Because it is still an immature technology on the market, there is limited knowledge about the control strategy design; the environmental life cycle rating; the business model behind electricity charging''; charging behaviour''s interaction with local electricity grid voltage drop, under dumb or smart grid scenarios; and the monitoring apparatus needed to acquire real data on daily usage of these technologies. This book aims to provide insight into these PEV issues.

Read more less

Book SynopsisIn late October 2012, Hurricane Sandy caused widespread flood-related property damage in coastal areas of states throughout the Northeast and the mid-Atlantic region. The storm exposed vulnerabilities in the region''s public transportation and infrastructure and underscored the nation''s growing exposure to extreme weather events, sea-level rise, and coastal flooding. Although the full economic cost of Sandy will not be known for years, the storm has resulted in substantial federal disaster recovery assistance, including tens of billions for flood and hurricane protection and coastal restoration, and the rebuilding of mass transit systems and housing. Government payouts under the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) are estimated to be between $12 billion and $15 billion in flood insurance claims. In the immediate aftermath of Sandy, this amount quickly exceeded the $4 billion in cash and remaining borrowing authority from the Treasury Department. By January 2013, the NFIP had processed more than 140,000 claims for Sandy-related damages totalling about $1.7 billion. To protect the financial integrity of the NFIP and ensure that the NFIP has the financial resources to cover its existing commitments following the devastation caused by Sandy, the Obama Administration requested that Congress pass legislation to increase the NFIP''s borrowing authority. On January 4, 2013, Congress passed, and the President two days later signed into law, H.R. 41 to provide a $9.7 billion increase in the NFIP''s borrowing authority, from $20.725 billion to $30.425 billion, to pay flood claims related to Hurricane Sandy. This book provides an analysis of flood risk management, summarises major challenges facing the NFIP, and outlines key reforms enacted in the Flood Insurance Reform Act of 2012. The report identifies and presents some key remaining flood management issues for congressional consideration, and concludes with a discussion of policy options for the future financial management of flood hazards in the United States.

Read more less

Book SynopsisThis book is believed to be the the first collection of articles to summarize the most advanced information and studies of Brassicaceae, a special genus with vast species, which not only have tremendous human health beneficial compounds for dietary consumption, but also comprise the most metal hyperaccumulating species worldwide discovered to date with potential usage in phytoremediation of polluted soil, air and water. The seven carefully selected chapters are authored by renowned experts from across the globe and cover the diverse beneficial roles of brassica-derived compounds and their molecular mechanisms of chlorophyll degradation. It also includes the newly released Brasscas with great health benefits and high suitability for the fresh-cut and fifth range industries, the three-dimensional molecular structure prediction of the health-important BoSMT protein, and new discoveries on the molecular and physiology mechanisms of heavy metal hyper-accumation and tolerance species in Brassicaceae. This book can be a useful reference book for scientists, teachers, students and others who are interested in the health benefits of brassica vegetables or their potential application in phytoremediation.

Read more less

Book SynopsisAnaerobic digestion is used for industrial or domestic purposes to manage waste and/or to produce fuels. Anaerobic digestion are the group of processes by which micro-organisms break down biodegradable material in the absence of oxygen. In this book, the authors present current research in the study of the types, processes and environmental impact of anaerobic digestion. Topics include the development and application of anaerobic digestion to treat husbandry and industrial wastewater in the Mekong Delta of Vietnam; anaerobic digestion of agricultural waste; evaluation of decentralised anaerobic digestion systems for wastewater treatment, reuse and nutrient recycling to alleviate water and food stress; effects of substrate-to-inoculum ratio on anaerobic digestion of vegetable wastes; anaerobic digestion sustainability effects on plant-wide performance and automation in centralised wastewater treatment; and anaerobic co-digestion of cheese whey and the screened liquid fraction of dairy manure.

Read more less

Book SynopsisVegetables and fruits with diverse natural colours contain abundant functional phytochemicals such as carotenoids, anthocyanins and betalains. Additionally, these phytochemicals also contain vitamins, essential amino acids, unsaturated fatty acids, minerals, food enzymes and other plant components. This book describes the relationship of evidence-based functions and mechanisms of the phytochemicals in vegetables and fruits, and foods including cereal crops, nuts, beans, seafood and others. Research has been found that a higher intake of fruits and vegetables has been epidemiologically associated with an improvement of and lower risk and treatment for many diseases such as cancer, hypertension, diabetes, osteoporosis and others.

Read more less

Book SynopsisThe production of energy feedstocks and fuels requires substantial water input. Not only do biofuel feedstocks like corn, switchgrass, and agricultural residues need water for growth and conversion to ethanol, but petroleum feedstocks like crude oil and oil sands also require large volumes of water for drilling, extraction, and conversion into petroleum products. Moreover, in many cases, crude oil production is increasingly water dependent. Competing uses strain available water resources and raise the spectre of resource depletion and environmental degradation. Water management has become a key feature of existing projects and a potential issue in new ones. This book examines the growing issue of water use in energy production by characterising current consumptive water use in liquid fuel production. As used throughout this book, "consumptive water use" is the sum total of water input less water output that is recycled and reused for the process. The estimate applies to surface and groundwater sources for irrigation but does not include precipitation. Water requirements are evaluated for five fuel pathways: bioethanol from corn, ethanol from cellulosic feedstocks, gasoline from Canadian oil sands, Saudi Arabian crude, and U.S. conventional crude from onshore wells. Regional variations and historic trends are noted, as are opportunities to reduce water use.

Read more less

Book SynopsisThe U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) collaborated to examine the interdependencies between two critical infrastructure sectors -- dams and energy. This book highlights the importance of hydroelectric power generation, with a particular emphasis on the variability of weather patterns and competing demands for water which determine the water available for hydropower production. In recent years, various regions of the Nation suffered drought, impacting stakeholders in both the dams and energy sectors. Droughts have the potential to affect the operation of dams and reduce hydropower production, which can result in higher electricity costs to utilities and customers. Conversely, too much water can further complicate the operation of dams in ways that can be detrimental to hydropower production and to the infrastructure of the dams. Although hydroelectric facilities are a type of asset that falls under the auspices of the dams sector, they are also an important element to the energy sector because the electric power they generate is critical to maintaining the reliability of the Nations electricity supply. Therefore, this joint effort underscores the value of a cross-sector partnership model in the identification and discussion of issues significant to dam and utilities owners and operators, through which can help enhance their resilience against the potential impacts associated with the variability of weather patterns and extreme fluctuations of water flow.

Read more less

Book SynopsisIn recent years, electrical power and energy systems have undergone an unprecedented revolution never observed before. The liberalisation of electricity markets, the integration of electrical vehicles, information technology innovation, advanced communication systems, and smart-metering, etc., are all contributing to major changes in the basic operations of electrical power systems in their entirety. Consequently, all these aspects must enable electrical power and energy systems to become more intelligent, providing benefits, not only for the utilities and power systems operators, but also for consumers and society as a whole. This book aims to share, address and disseminate state-of-the-art research, development and implementation results of microgrids in a simple way, in order to bring researchers, engineers and practitioners world-wide together, from both academia and industry, with the aim of fostering new advances; identifying challenges and opportunities in technology operation; and planning and design interactions among engineers, researchers and stakeholders in this important field of knowledge. This textbook consists of six chapters that have been written by relevant academics, researchers and engineers. Most of the chapters include state-of-the-art of algorithms, methods, know-how and examples of applications in academic or industrial problems, as well as their solutions through the most adequate optimisation technique. Researchers, engineers and students are encouraged to develop their own simple computer programs in order to solve the problems they encounter using the techniques outlined in this book.

Read more less

Book SynopsisAdverse impacts of climate change are evident in many regions of the world and are likely to get worse in the future. Ever increasing urbanisation is also adding to the magnitude of severity in regards to both quantity and quality. Urban water resources and components of water cycles are likely to be affected severely. To minimise consequences on world water resources, a sustainable water resources management strategy is inevitable. Water conservation in general is a salient part of sustainable water resources management. This book describes several water conservation and recycling options, practices, consequences and future implications showing case studies in different countries around the world. Among all the water recycling options, stormwater and greywater recycling is easily achievable. Initial chapters of the book deal with stormwater harvesting options through rainwater tanks in household scale; design optimisation, and water savings and reliability of such systems around different cities of the world. A review of traditional design practice and future efficient design methodology is also outlined. Also, a scientific approach for selecting an appropriate stormwater system at the authority/institutional level has been proposed. Later chapters describe public acceptance, reuse potentials and benefits of greywater recycling options. In addition, non-structural measures (water pricing and restrictions on water usage) of water conservation have been investigated through a case study. Moving downward, to look at water quality issues, impacts of land-use and land-cover changes on lake water conservation have been presented. Eventually, to be able achieve the final goal, real-life challenges in the transition towards adaptive water governance have been presented with a case study in the USA.

Read more less

Book SynopsisA floodplain is a flat, or nearly flat, land that is adjacent to a stream or river which experiences occasional flooding (a naturally occurring process), and those who live near rivers and floodplains are especially interested in them. Historically, floodplains have been used for waste disposal, supplies, power generation, transport and food. In this book, the student or professional will find information about some floodplains around the world and their main problems, as well as some techniques used to study them. This book is divided into nine chapters, and each one aims to show some relevant studies in floodplains and lakes using assorted themes, such as: mercury speciation and bioavailability, plant-soil interactions, indicators for evaluating floodplain restoration, floodplain formation, phytoplankton community, storage and release of water, hydrogenic heavy metals and hydrodynamics.

Read more less

Book SynopsisThis book synthesises the principles of fault detection with a focus on interfaces between the main disciplines of methods/technologies and industrial systems. It is complementary to other sub-disciplines such as maintenance, engineering, safety, risk analysis, etc. This book is intended for engineers, economists, technical consultants, researchers, etc. who are involved in the advancement of fault detection, and for those who incorporate fault detection in their work. The authors of this volume describe their pioneering work in the area and provide material from case studies that successfully applied the fault detection discipline in real life cases. Some topics discussed include condition monitoring of wind turbines; induction motor fault detection based on vibration analysis and support vector machines; failure detection and accommodation approaches for the airspeed sensor on a small UAV; and model-based fault diagnosis for industrial mobile robots.

Read more less

Book SynopsisThis book explores the developments, issues and research outlook of global agriculture. Topics discussed in this compilation include the policy, technology, and efficiency of Brazilian agriculture; Southeast Asia''s rice surplus; and speciality crop access to U.S. markets and a case study of Indian mangoes.

Read more less

Book SynopsisDigital networks are the foundation of the information services, such as cell phones, e-mail, and the Internet, and are an expanding and indispensable part of our lives. With the wide availability of these networks, many of the devices and equipment we use in buildings increasingly depend on these networks for the functions they perform. Today, networked devices are mostly electronics, but other types of devices are gaining rich communications ability. While the information services provided by these networks are perceived almost universally to provide a net benefit to society, one drawback to these networks is that they increase energy use, both through the direct energy use of the network interfaces and equipment that comprise the network, and in the effect they have on the operating patterns of devices connected to the network. This book investigates a variety of technology and policy issues related to the energy used by digital networks to further the development of several energy efficiency technologies. Several of these technologies have since been introduced to the market, saving energy in California, the United States, and globally.

Read more less

Book SynopsisFly ash is a by-product of the combustion of coal and other waste materials. In recent years, there has been intensive research on fly ash because of the increasing demand for the recycling of industrial by-products to improve sustainability in manufacturing and infrastructure. This book presents some of the latest developments in the generation, characterisation, utilisation and environmental impacts of fly ash. Recent developments on the methods of collection and analysis of fly ash, and novel applications such as in geopolymers and recovery of resources from fly ash are included. The book is intended for professionals in research and academics, and students interested in materials and sustainability. The book consists of 17 chapters contributed by 42 authors. Each chapter ends with an extensive list of references for further information. The topics on fly ash have been grouped into the following three parts: Part 1: various sources, methods of collection, factors influencing collection efficiency, flow and hydrodynamic behaviours, methods of characterisation, physical, chemical, leaching and radiation properties, and extraction of metals from fly ash; Part 2: different technological initiatives on utilisation, applications in the construction industry, use as a supplementary cementitious material, alkali-activated binder, polypropylene composite materials, and behaviour of fly ash geopolymer concrete; and Part 3: health and environmental issues such as the effects on lung and heart, bioleaching for detoxification, ash from incinerated wastes, and lifecycle assessment of civil structures using fly ash.

Read more less

Book SynopsisIn this handbook, the authors present current research in the study of the biological activity, classification and health and environmental implications of herbicides. Topics discussed include productive degradation of dichlorprop by transconjugant strains; weeds and their mechanisms of resistance to herbicides; application of 31P-NMR spectroscopy to glyphosate studies in plants; lethal and sublethal glyphosate effects on non-target fish species; chemical properties and genotoxic effects of phenylurea herbicides; action mode of triazines and toxic effects on vertebrates; photolysis experiments on alloxydim herbicide and biological response of its transformation product; glyphosate-resistant weeds in Southern Europe; herbicide paraquat genotoxicity-enhancement by the phenolic antioxidants Dl-A-tocopherl and 2,6-Di-Tert-Butyl-P-Cresol; glyphosate adsorption in a soil depth profile; adsorption-desorption processes and mobility of (4-Chloro-2-Methylophenoxy) acetic acid (Mcpa) in Irish grassland soils; pesticides and cancer with a study on the interaction of phenoxy acid herbicides with DNA; herbicidal activity of pyrazole derivatives; behaviour of herbicides in paddy water and soil after application; and laboratory lysimeter for pesticide transport studies.

Read more less

Book SynopsisThis book examines the first of the Environmental Protection Agency''s (EPA''s) triennial reports on the current and potential future environmental impacts associated with the requirements of the Clean Air Act. It reviews environmental and resource conservation impacts, as well as opportunities to mitigate these impacts, at each stage of the biofuel supply chain: feedstock production, feedstock logistics, biofuel production, biofuel distribution, and biofuel use. The information included here is considered foundational for future efforts to quantitatively compare the environmental impacts of alternative scenarios for meeting the goals of the RFS2 program, representing the best available information through July 2010 and reflecting the current understanding about biofuel production and use, including input from the U.S. Departments of Agriculture and Energy.

Read more less

Book SynopsisIt is a natural tendency of micro-organisms to attach to surfaces, to multiply and to embed themselves in a slimy matrix, resulting in biofilms. Biofilms constitute a protected growth modality that allows the micro-organisms to survive in hostile environments. Biofilm science is a relatively new technical discipline, which has emerged in response to the need of methodologies for biofilm control. Biofilms represent an interdisciplinary research area focused on the understanding and modulating of the combination of biological and chemical reactions, as well as in transport and interfacial transfer processes, that potentially affect the microbial accumulation and activity on abiotic and biotic surfaces. Research on biofilms has progressed rapidly in the last decade. Due to the fact that biofilms have required the development of new analytical tools, many recent advances have resulted from collaborations between biologists, engineers and mathematicians. The scientific community has come to understand many things about the particular biology of microbial biofilms through a variety of microscopic, physical, chemical, and molecular techniques of study. This book provides a remarkable amount of knowledge on the processes that regulate biofilm formation; on the methods used for their formation, monitoring, characterisation and mathematical modelling; on the problems caused by their presence in the food industry, environment and medical fields; and describes the current and emergent strategies for their control. The information in this book is designed to be of use to researchers and engineers working on fundamental aspects of biofilm formation and control and also to be helpful in conducting biofilm studies and in the consistent interpretation of results.

Read more less

Book SynopsisThis is the second volume of the four volume set. Functional nanomaterials appear in our daily lives. These materials mainly include nanocomposites, nanopowders, nanoparticles and nanocoatings. Nanotechnology enables the creation of structures which do not exist in nature, those which cannot be produced by conventional chemistry. Some advantages of this technology are the synthesis of stronger, more adjustable materials as well as lower costs. Nanotechnology is scientific and research development at the atomic, molecular or macromolecular levels in a dimension range of 1 to 100 nm; the fabrication and application of the structures, equipment, and systems which involve unique characteristics and new applications because of their small or medium dimensions; and the potential for (materials and processes) the control and management of atomic scales. Therefore, nanotechnology involves industrial research and development at atomic, molecular, and macromolecular levels. This research aims to create and exploit the structures and systems which involve unique applications due to their small dimensions. The main difference between nanotechnology and other technologies is found within the dimensions and properties of the materials and structures applied in this technology. As a matter of fact, the main difference between these two types of technologies is the presence of base elements, which are indeed the same nanoscale elements with different properties in their nanoscale and larger states. Due to the developed properties of the very fine powders including surface chemistry, compressive properties, optical characteristics, and synthetic reactions as well as an increasing demand for fine powders in industries, very fine fragmentation is applied in many materials such as: minerals, ceramics, dyes, chemicals, micro-organisms, pharmaceuticals and paper manufacturing. This volume mainly discusses the characterisation and reliability of functional nanomaterials.

Read more less

Book SynopsisThe intention of this book is to provide an updated view of the synthesis, characterisation and applications of different kinds of nanocomposites. It includes 9 review chapters and 8 research chapters. The review articles introduce various nanocomposites like polymer-based nanocomposite (polymer-based carbonaceous nanocomposites, chitosan-quantum dots nanocomposites and chitosan-based inorganic nanocomposites), UV-cured nanocomposite coatings, carbon dots nanocomposites, layered double hydroxides/organo nanocomposites, catalytic membranes loaded with nanocomposite materials and block copolymer nanocomposites. The research articles include studies on the influence of silica nanoparticles on functional properties of polyurethane nanocomposites, the annealing effects in nanostructured carbon-copper films, fabrication, characterisation and modelling of functionally graded synthetic graphite/polymer nanocomposites, the mass transfer process in metal-ion exchanger nanocomposites, mechanosynthesis of Fe-MeC (Me=V, Ti, Nb) nanocomposites, preparation and adsorption for Congo red of rectorite/chitosan nanocomposite, synthesis, assembly, and performance of metal-oxide based nanocomposites using polyol technique and electrospinning and also synthesis and applications of developed metal matrix/nanodiamond composites. According to this book, you can get a comprehensive understanding about the development of nanocomposites in recent years. Moreover, you can figure out detailed synthesis methods as well as advanced characterisation methods for nanocomposites. It will be an inspiration for applications of nanocomposites in various fields. By covering both the fundamentals and synthetic applications, it is therefore suitable for both new and experienced researchers, chemists, biochemists, natural product chemists and graduate students.

Read more less

Book SynopsisThis is the fourth volume of the handbook of functional nanomaterials (4 volume set). Functional nanomaterials appear in our daily lives. These materials mainly include nanocomposites, nanopowders, nanoparticles and nanocoatings. Nanotechnology enables the creation of structures that do not exist in nature, those which cannot be produced by conventional chemistry. This research aims to create and exploit the structures and systems which involve unique applications due to their small dimensions. The main difference between nanotechnology and other technologies is found within the dimensions and properties of the materials and structures applied to this technology. This volume mainly discusses the properties and commercialisation of functional nanomaterials. Some of the functional nanomaterials that were discussed in this volume are graphene-based nanocomposites, nanoporous materials, ionic liquids-carbon nanotube nanocomposites, carbon nanotube/nanofiber cement-based composites, titania nanostructured materials, nanostructured multi-layer films, ZnO nanostructures, biomolecular nanoconjugates, functionalised magnetic nanoparticles, nano latex materials, semiconductor quantum dots, mesoporous silica-based sensors and keratin nanomaterials. There are 21 chapters in this volume. Each one includes examples of these interesting materials, supported with appropriate figures for better clarification.

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book SynopsisMilk is unarguably the most nutritious bio-fluid in all of nature. Milk sufficiency for neonatal brain, nervous and immune systems, and bone development and supportive tissue growth for even up to two years without a major need for alternative foods is evolutionary proof for its irreplaceable role in human nutrition. Milk production in ruminants is a bio-complex process that necessitates conversion of least available plant materials into the most enriched available nutrients. This book presents current research in the study of milk production, with a particular focus on the biological components and nutritional quality of milk.

Read more less

Book SynopsisSystems engineering is an interdisciplinary field of engineering that focuses on how to design and manage complex engineering projects over their life cycles. Issues such as reliability, logistics, coordination of different teams, evaluation measurements, and other disciplines become more difficult when dealing with large, complex projects. Systems engineering deals with work-processes, optimization methods, and risk management tools in such projects. In this book, the authors discuss putting systems engineering into practice and the model-based systems engineering paradigm; education of military engineers and managers with a systems perspective at the Air Force Institute of Technology; simulation of the separation of industrially important hydrocarbon mixtures by different distillation techniques using Mathematica; enterprise transformation and addressing individual perceptual and behavioural biases as scaling fractals to create emergent state changes; and the application and validation of systems engineering methods and techniques.

Read more less

Book SynopsisFluid power scientists and engineers have produced a large amount of high quality books so far, which cover a vast amount of technologies involved in this field. Names like H Merritt, D McCloy, H R Martin, W Backe, J Watton, K Edge, M Ivantysynova, N D Manring among many others must be considered as the milestones in this field; their scientific publications and books have inspired generations of engineers. The first author of this book was lucky to be able to closely work for over 10 years with Professor John Watton, and in fact, most of the original research presented in this volume was undertaken at Cardiff University. The present book focuses on several components of fluid mechanics. The first three chapters are designed to give a proper background to the reader regarding the main fluid characteristics, chapter 1, the main fluid mechanics equations, chapter 2, and a strategic background of the Computer Fluid Dynamics (CFD) techniques, chapter 3. It must be kept in mind that nowadays, conventional mechanics, as well as fluid mechanics, are fully immersed in the CFD era; therefore the components design desperately needs the use of this relatively new tool.

Read more less

Book SynopsisThis is the first volume of the four volume set of Handbook of Functional Nanomaterials. Functional nanomaterials appear in our daily lives. These materials mainly include nanocomposites, nanopowders, nanoparticles and nanocoatings. Nanotechnology enables the creation of structures that do not exist in nature, those which cannot be produced by conventional chemistry. Some advantages of this technology are the synthesis of stronger, more adjustable materials as well as lower costs. Nanotechnology is scientific and research development at the atomic, molecular, or macromolecular levels in a dimension range of 1 to 100 nm; the fabrication and application of the structures, equipment, and systems which involve unique characteristics and new applications because of their small or medium dimensions; and the potential for (materials and processes) and control and management of atomic scales. Due to the developed properties of the very fine powders including surface chemistry, compressive properties, optical characteristics, and synthetic reactions, as well as an increasing demand for fine powders in industries, a very fine fragmentation is applied in many materials such as: minerals, ceramics, dyes, chemicals, microorganisms, pharmaceuticals and paper manufacturing. This volume mainly discusses the synthesis and modification of functional nanomaterials. Some of the functional nanomaterials discussed in this volume are zinc oxide nanoparticles, iron oxide, cadmium chalcogenide nanoparticles, chitosan-based nanocomposites, mesoporous materials, gallium nitride nanowires, titania nanoparticles, plasmonic nanofilms, polyaniline nanocomposites and nano silver. There are 19 chapters in this volume; each one includes examples of these interesting materials, supported by appropriate figures for better clarification.

Read more less

Book SynopsisDesign is a field with a large and extensive presence in our nation''s manufacturing and services industries, as documented by the national datasets that provide the basis for this book. Designers are prolifically inventing new products, processes, and systems that have a profound impact on our economy and civil society. The National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) Design Program has been tracking numerous trends in the field of design, from the growing movement of design thinking to social impact design. This book brings together analytical perspectives regarding federal data on industrial design drawn from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The BLS defines industrial designers as "those individuals that develop the concepts for manufactured products such as cars, home appliances, and toys". While this dataset enables a quantitative grasp of the industry, BLS'' definition is arguably limited in scope. Today''s industrial designers find themselves in a variety of roles and functions beyond the development of manufactured products.

Read more less

Book SynopsisChina is the world''s most populous country with approximately 1.3 billion people. It has experienced tremendous economic growth over the last three decades with an average annual increase in gross domestic product (GDP) of 9.8% during that period. This rapid economic growth has led to an increasing demand for energy, spurring China to add an average of 53 gigawatts (gw) of electric capacity each year over the last ten years to its power generation capabilities. China is also the world''s largest producer and consumer of coal, with about half of its coal use being for electricity generation. In fact, coal provides over 70% of China''s current electricity needs, and fuels much of the new power generation capacity being built. While many of these new coal plants are among the most technically advanced in the world, the burning of coal results in sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and particulate emissions which contribute to air pollution, and greenhouse gas emissions linked to global climate change. The current and potential future environmental consequences of burning coal are a major reason China has been actively seeking to increase its renewable energy capabilities. When current rates of use are considered, limited domestic reserves of coal, natural gas, and oil provide another impetus for change. However, China''s announced intent to rely on domestic, sustainable solutions for its growing energy needs has led to a focus on developing "green" or renewable energy resources. In contrast to China, some argue that the United States does not have a comprehensive national policy in place for promotion of renewable energy technologies, with some observers saying that the higher costs of renewable electricity are not conducive to market adoption. However, for both countries, the reasons for increasing the use of renewable energy are diverse, and include energy security, energy independence, cleaner air, and more recently anthropogenic climate change, sustainability concepts, and economic development. Creating new, higher quality jobs could reasonably be said to be primary drivers of policy goals in both the United States and China.

Read more less

Book SynopsisThis book provides an overview of various energy strategies that are available to Guam in the pursuit of diversifying fuel sources and reducing fossil energy consumption 20% by 2020 (20x20). The information in this book is based upon input from the Guam Energy Task Force (GETF), the National Renewable Energy Laboratory''s (NREL''s) Guam Initial Technical Assessment Report, and additional stakeholders. The information presented in this strategic energy plan is intended to be used by the GETF in developing an energy action plan. The next step in reaching the 2020 goal involves selecting the most appropriate strategies from the options outlined in this strategic plan and creating a roadmap for implementation in the Guam Energy Action Plan. The strategies are categorised based on the time required to implement them. Near-term strategies can be accomplished in 1-2 years, mid-term strategies require 3-5 years, long-term strategies require 6-8 years, and some strategies require 8 or more years before they can be fully implemented. The prioritisation of the strategies will help facilitate the development of an action plan and the selection of appropriate strategies for meeting Guam''s 2020 goal.

Read more less

Book SynopsisThe passage of the 1996 Telecommunications Act resulted in a major revision of the Communications Act of 1934 to address the emergence of competition in what were previously considered to be monopolistic markets. Since its passage, however, the advancement of broadband technology to supply data, voice, and video; the growing convergence of the telecommunications and media sectors; and the growth in demand for usable radio frequency spectrum has led to a consensus that the laws that govern these sectors have become inadequate to address this rapidly changing environment and have, according to a growing number of policy-makers, made it necessary to consider revising the current regulatory framework. This book provides an overview of selected topics that, while far from a definitive list, provide a broad overview of issues that are central to the telecommunications/media convergence debate. The issues covered in this book include broadband deployment, broadband regulation and access, broadcast media ownership rules, funding for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, emergency communications, legal issues regarding facilities siting, Federal Communications Commission oversight and reform, Internet governance and the domain name system, reauthorization of statutory copyright and communications provisions in the Satellite Television Extension and Localism Act, spectrum policy and wireless broadband deployment, and Universal Service Fund reform.

Read more less

Book SynopsisThe aim of this book is to provide both a rigorous view and a more practical, understandable view of nanosystems for graduate students and scientists in related fields. This book wants to satisfy readers with both direct and lateral interest in the discipline. This volume is structured into different parts devoted to nanotechnology and drug delivery systems and their applications. Every section of the book has been expanded where relevant, to take into account significant new discoveries and realizations of the importance of key concepts. Furthermore, emphasis is placed on the underlying fundamentals and on acquisition of a broad and comprehensive grasp of the field as a whole.

Read more less

Book SynopsisNanotechnology -- a term encompassing the science, engineering, and applications of submicron materials -- involves the harnessing of unique physical, chemical, and biological properties of nanoscale substances in fundamentally new and useful ways. The economic and societal promise of nanotechnology has led to investments by governments and companies around the world. In 2000, the United States launched the world''s first national nanotechnology program. From FY2001 through FY2013, the federal government invested approximately $17.9 billion in nanoscale science, engineering, and technology through the U.S. National Nanotechnology Initiative (NNI). President Obama has requested $1.7 billion in NNI funding for FY2014. U.S. companies and state governments have invested billions more. The United States has, in the view of many experts, emerged as a global leader in nanotechnology, though the competition for global leadership is intensifying as countries and companies around the world increase their investments. Nanotechnology''s complexity and intricacies, early stage of development (with commercial payoff possibly years away for many potential applications), and broad scope of potential applications engender a wide range of public policy issues. Maintaining U.S. technological and commercial leadership in nanotechnology poses a variety of technical and policy challenges, including development of technologies that will enable commercial scale manufacturing of nanotechnology materials and products, as well as environmental, health, and safety concerns. This book provides an overview of nanotechnology, the National Nanotechnology Initiative, possible reauthorization of the 21st Century Nanotechnology Research and Development Act of 2003 (P.L. 108-153), and appropriations issues.

Read more less

Book SynopsisDuring the next 10 years, many countries important to the United States will experience water problems (shortages, poor water quality, or floods) that will risk instability and state failure, increase regional tensions, and distract them from working with the United States on important U.S. policy objectives. Between now and 2040, fresh water availability will not keep up with demand absent more effective management of water resources. Water problems will hinder the ability of key countries to produce food and generate energy, posing a risk to global food markets and hobbling economic growth. As a result of demographic and economic development pressures, North Africa, the Middle East, and South Asia will face major challenges coping with water problems. This book provides an overview of selected issues in water resources and management with a focus on global water security; the causes and issues of drought in the United States; green infrastructure and issues in managing urban stormwater and stormwater permits; water resource issues in the 113th Congress; and regulation of power plant wastewater discharges.

Read more less

Book SynopsisIn this book, the role of biological assessments in a variety of water quality management program applications is discussed, including reporting on the condition of aquatic biota, establishing biological criteria, and assessing the effectiveness of Total Maximum Daily Load determinations and pollutant source controls. This book provides a brief discussion of technical tools and approaches for developing strong biological assessment programs and presents examples of successful application of those tools. The objective of the Clean Water Act (CWA), and water quality management programs generally, is "to restore and maintain the chemical, physical, and biological integrity of the Nation''s waters." Although we have achieved major water quality improvements over the past four decades and have reduced the discharge of many toxic chemicals into our nation''s waters, many environmental challenges remain, such as loss and fragmentation of habitat, altered hydrology, invasive species, climate change, discharge of new chemicals, stormwater, and nitrogen or phosphorus (nutrient) pollution. Measuring the condition of the resident biota in surface waters using biological assessments and incorporating that information into management decisions can be an important tool to help federal, state, and tribal water quality management programs meet many of their challenges.

Read more less

Book SynopsisGlobal demand for and consumption of olive oil has increased significantly since the 1990s. While the United States and other "New World" players, such as Australia, Argentina, and Chile, have emerged as both producers and consumers, countries in the European Union (EU) and North Africa still dominate global production, consumption, and trade. Almost 60 percent of global exports by volume were intra-EU trade flows during 2008-12. The largest bilateral trade flows during this period were Spanish exports of olive oil to Italy, where large multinational companies source oil from around the world, blend and bottle it, and then re-export the final product to third-country markets, including the United States. The benchmark for international standards for determining the grade of an olive oil are set by the International Olive Council. Findings suggest that the current standards for extra virgin olive oil are widely unenforced and allow a wide range of olive oil qualities to be marketed as extra virgin. Broad and unenforced standards can lead to adulterated and mislabelled product, weakening the competitiveness of high-quality U.S.-produced olive oil in the U.S. market. In addition, many U.S. consumers are unable to distinguish quality differences and, as a result, gravitate toward less costly oils, giving an advantage to large bottlers that sell low-cost imported product. This book describes and analyses the factors affecting competition between the United States and major olive oil producing countries. It provides: (a) an overview of global production, consumption, exports, and imports during 2008-12 and 2013 where available; (b) an analysis of the factors impacting consumption in the U.S. market; (c) profiles of the olive oil industries in the United States and other major producing countries; and (d) an examination of competition between firms and countries in both the global and U.S. market.

Read more less

Book SynopsisThis is the third volume of the "Handbook of Functional Nanomaterials" (4 volume set). Functional nanomaterials appear in our daily lives. These materials mainly include nanocomposites, nanopowders, nanoparticles and nanocoatings. Nanotechnology enables the creation of structures that do not exist in nature, those which cannot be produced by conventional chemistry. Some advantages of this technology are the synthesis of stronger, more adjustable materials as well as lower costs. Nanotechnology is scientific and research development at the atomic, molecular, or macromolecular levels in a dimension range of 1 to 100 nm; the fabrication and application of the structures, equipment, and systems which involve unique characteristics and new applications because of their small or medium dimensions; and the potential for the control and management at atomic scales. Therefore, nanotechnology involves industrial research and development at atomic, molecular, and macromolecular levels. This research aims to create and exploit the structures and systems which involve unique applications due to their small dimensions. The main difference between nanotechnology and other technologies is found within the dimensions and properties of the materials and structures applied to this technology. This volume mainly discusses the application and development of functional nanomaterials. Some of the functional nanomaterials that were discussed in this volume are titania nanostructures, hybrid nanomaterials based on nanoclays, multifunctional nanomedicine, nanocomposites using polypyrrole, metallic nanoparticles, quantum dots, fullerenes and capped nanotubes, graphene, nanocomposite coatings, functionalized carbon nanotube, nanopowders.

Read more less

Book SynopsisThe identification of extraterrestrial chiral compounds could provide compelling evidence to prove that extraterrestrial environments such as Mars have supported some form of life. This book reviews why the study of chirality has been integrated into space exploration and experimentation and what this study might be achieved within the context of space missions. Also discussed herein is the analytical methods used on past space missions and summarise possible future methods planned to facilitate the detection of chirality for future expeditions.

Read more less

Book SynopsisAgriculture is one of the defining elements of a nation. This series consists of analyses on a variety of agricultural issues including (but not limited to) the developments, policies, programs, trade, trends and economics of agriculture. Topics will be seen from a U.S. perspective, but not to the exclusion of other countries particularly when the discussion has an international scope. Topics discussed in this issue include the background, status, and issues related to selected environmental regulations or initiatives possibly affecting agriculture; agricultural export programs; bee health; the legal and administrative responses to deregulating genetically engineered alfalfa and sugar beets; and the economic benefits to agriculture and rural communities by fixing our immigration system.

Read more less

Book SynopsisIn light of high farm incomes and constrained federal budgets, the cost of federal farm and conservation programs, about $15 billion annually from 2009 through 2012, has come under scrutiny. Under the 2008 Farm Bill, participants whose incomes exceed specific limits are ineligible for certain program payments. The USDA''s Farm Service Agency (FSA) makes income eligibility determinations for programs it administers and also for conservation programs administered by the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). The FSA verifies that participants have incomes below the limits by reviewing either tax returns (with consent from participants) or statements from accountants or attorneys. The Government Accountability Office (GAO) was asked to review FSA''s income verification practices. Another concern has been the distribution of benefits to ineligible participants, including potentially improper payments to deceased individuals, which, as the GAO and others have reported, may call into question whether these farm safety net programs are benefiting the agricultural sector as intended. This book examines the FSA''s (1) review of tax returns and (2) review of accountants'' and attorneys'' statements and (3) FSA''s and NRCS''s recovery of payments to participants who exceeded income limits and (4) the extent to which procedures are in place to prevent the FSA and NRCS from making potentially improper payments to deceased individuals.

Read more less

Book SynopsisEnergy is central to sustainable development. It has huge environmental, social, and economic impacts, such as its influence on climate change, poverty reduction efforts, industrial and agricultural productivity and environmental and human health. The development of strategies towards a sustainable energy transition is one of the most important world challenges of the twenty-first century. The choices that we will make in the coming years about energy will determine what world future generations will inherit. This book gives an overview of the key issues, strategies, operational guidelines and policy implications of current research on the transition to more sustainable energy consumption. It investigates the important issue of the relation between human activities, energy systems and energy use. It addresses the environmental, social and economic impacts of energy consumption and their interrelationships. This book was written by academic and research experts in the field of energy, and they have developed strategies for an energy sustainable plan for the main energy-intensive sectors: energy production, transportation, buildings, agriculture and domestic appliances. The best opportunities and solutions for energy demand reduction are shown, including energy efficiency improvement, increases in the share of renewable energy sources, technological progress and behavioural changes in the field of energy. The aim of this work is to guide the reader toward more efficient policies and actions that will actually improve the future. The book also addresses the different issues faced by developing and developed countries, as well as their relative respective solutions. It presents various alternative pathways that are open to our societies. The methods of energy consumption assessment and modelling approaches are also discussed. All those who are interested in energy challenges will find practical knowledge and operational solutions in this book, providing a solid foundation for making well-informed choices in the future, as individuals and as societies.

Read more less

Book SynopsisThis book focuses on the geostationary weather satellites and polar weather satellites. Geostationary environmental satellites play a critical role in our nation''s weather forecasting. These satellite, which are managed by the Department of Commerce''s National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), provide information on atmospheric, oceanic, climatic, and solar conditions that help meteorologists observe and predict regional and local weather events. They also provide a means of identifying the large-scale evolution of severe storms, such as forecasting a hurricane''s path and intensity. The Editors of this book discuss the National Polar-orbiting Operational Environmental Satellite System (NPOESS) program, planned to be a state-of-the-art, environment-monitoring satellite system that would replace two existing polar-orbiting environmental satellite systems.

Read more less

Book SynopsisNanotechnology is the study of the controlling of matter on an atomic and molecular scale and is also very diverse, ranging from extensions of conventional device physics to completely new approaches based upon molecular self-assembly. This book gathers and presents data on nanotechnology, including basic introduction on nanoimprint lithography, the technology and materials, and how to use them for achieving an optimum result for research or industrial applications; strategies to obtain well-dispersed, with improved mechanical properties nanocomposites; information about the growing field of nanomaterials formed by green nanotechnology for bioapplication in medical science to minimize the potential human health and environmental risk; the polymer filling process in nanoimprint lithography performed by molecular dynamics simulation; the optical properties and sizes of gold nanoparticles and its practical applications; and the study of the rheological properties of ferrofluid particles and how it compares with some existing models.

Read more less

Book SynopsisMaterials science encompasses four classes of materials, the study of each of which may be considered a separate field: metals, ceramics, polymers and composites. This volume gathers important research from around the globe in this dynamic field including research on the outstanding contributions in the area of polymeric micro and nanoparticles as drug delivery systems; strategies to modify the inorganic clays and to make them compatible with polymeric matrices and the effect of each one; present problems of ceramic lubricating materials, and the design principle of these materials; the study of Pincina alginite and its applications; the methods of determining the composition of polarons with different mobility and their main magnetic, relaxation and dynamics parameters from effective EPR spectra and the development of glass fibre reinforced polyester composites.

Read more less

Book SynopsisThis series covers leading-edge research focusing on the environment, including current research data on the biomass energy potential and future prospects; landscape assessment as tool for protection and development of mining heritage; water management; multitemporal analysis of thermal field modification and its results in the landscape of the Itanheim River; sea level change as a forcing function of anchialine cave environments readjustment in the humid tropics of the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean; under-utilised fruits of the Andes; ecophysiology of temperate fruit trees in the tropics; correlation between atmospheric CO2 and global climate; rainwater acidification with increasing atmospheric carbon dioxide and its impact on calcium carbonate dissolution; sustainability of forest ecosystems and biotic regulation of carbon cycle; heavy metal pollution as a factor of soil acidification; and the impact of climate abnormalities in India on agriculture and farmers.

Read more less

Book SynopsisMost foods are considered functional in terms of providing nutrients and/or energy to sustain basic life, but nutraceuticals and functional foods are defined dietary foods that prevent or reverse a diseased state. Nutraceuticals and functional foods are intensively researched for their role in maintaining health and prevention of diseases. Increasing public awareness of the link between diet and health has boosted the consumption of these foods to unparalleled levels, particularly in countries where the population is ageing and health care costs are rising. The science behind these foods is growing rapidly not only because of the increasing number of new substances or type of novel foods, but also the regulatory bodies requiring more and more evidence on efficacy, mode-of-action and safety. The nutraceuticals market is growing rapidly, with a 2016 forecast value of $207 billion, according to a new report available on companiesandmarkets.com. The latest trend in nutraceuticals and functional foods sector has been the recovery of nutraceuticals from discarded fruits and vegetables. For example, a wave of possible new functional ingredients is being developed by the Irish Agriculture and Food Development Authority (Teagasc), some of which are derived from waste products. One of their findings has shown that onion peels, a common by-product of food processing, have a higher antioxidant activity than their flesh. Onions are rich in quercetin, a potent antioxidant, also found in apples, berries and other vegetables. This has opened a completely new research area by deriving the potentially important nutraceuticals and functional foods in much higher concentrations than their principal parts. In fact, this would bring in the verbatim of sustainable nutraceutical and functional food sector by putting the focus on the valuable wastes and their value-addition.

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less