Technology, Engineering & Agriculture Books

Book SynopsisThousands of oil and chemical spills of varying size occur in the United States each year. State and local officials located in proximity to these incidents generally are the first responders and may elevate an incident for federal attention if greater resources are desired. The National Oil and Hazardous Substances Pollution Contingency Plan, often referred to as the National Contingency Plan (NCP), establishes the procedures for the federal response to oil and chemical spills. This book focuses on the federal emergency response framework of oil and chemical spills; provides a summary of the laws in the Clean Water Act; gives a summary of superfund cleanup authorities and related provisions act; discusses the background and governance of oil spills in United States coastal waters; and finally, provides incite on the liability of responsible parties in the Oil Pollution Act of 1990.

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Book SynopsisIn March 2012, the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology, and Logistics requested that the Defense Science Board develop recommendations for technology investments that would enable the Department of Defense to maintain capability superiority in 2030. The Board assembled a study composed of national leaders in science and technology who explored required capabilities, global technology, and the principles of experimentation. This book recommends some specific investments for the Department that are focused on high-leverage technologies that the study judged are not adequately pursued today. The book also discusses priorities for the 21st century defence in sustaining United States global leadership.

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Book SynopsisBarley is one of the earliest crops to be domesticated and its cultivation since the beginning of the 21st century, provides new utilities for the nutrition and sustainable development. It is one of the largest source crops used in the production of fodder, alcoholic beverages, biofuels and healthful foods. This book focuses on several topics that include the organic breeding and cultivation of barley; the biological characteristics of spring barley varieties in the far east of Russia; the contribution of barley in the bovine methane production in feedlots; the barley husk; the grain and endosperm biophysical characteristics of barley malting; the vacuolar H+ -PPhase genes in barley; the application of barley in cereal technology; the abiotic stress response in barley and the emergent roles of microRNAs; the dynamics of oxidative processes and activation of antioxidant systems in barley leaves under drought condition of soil; and the isolation of high-yielding paraquat-resistant lines of hordeum vulgare CV fibre snow.

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Book SynopsisOne of the most significant developments in China''s industrialisation is the growth of China''s automotive industry, which is a catalyst for many other linked sectors of its economy. China''s focus on its auto industry and the supporting infrastructure and development patterns could have significant implications for global auto manufacturing and trade. This book discusses issues and implications of China''s auto sector''s development and policies; provides an overview and issues of the United States-Chinese motor vehicle trade; provides trends in United States vehicle exports; and discusses the current state of the United States automotive parts market.

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Book SynopsisSince the spring of 2009, billions of federal dollars have been allocated to state and local governments as grants for energy efficiency and renewable energy projects and programs. The scale of this American Reinvestment and Recovery Act (ARRA) funding, focused on "shovelready" projects to create and retain jobs, is unprecedented. Thousands of newly funded players -- cities, counties, states, and tribes -- and thousands of programs and projects are entering the existing landscape of energy efficiency programs for the first time or expanding their reach. The nation''s experience base with energy efficiency is growing enormously, fed by federal dollars and driven by broader objectives than saving energy alone. This book focuses on a selected set of ARRA-funded energy efficiency programs administered by state energy offices: the State Energy Program (SEP) formula grants, the portion of Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) formula funds administered directly by states, and the State Energy Efficient Appliance Rebate Program (SEEARP).

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Book SynopsisPrevious research on the effects of wind energy facilities on surrounding home values has been limited by small samples of relevant home-sale data and the inability to account adequately for confounding home-value factors and spatial dependence in the data. This book provides a spatial hedonic analysis of the effects of wind energy facilities on surrounding property values in the United States to help fill those gaps. The impact of wind power projects on residential property value in the United States is also discussed.

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Book SynopsisGlobal investment in renewable energy has grown sharply in the past five years as countries strive to meet growing energy demands, reduce carbon dioxide emissions, and strengthen energy security. Given that a broad group of services are indispensable to the development and functioning of renewable energy projects, the rapid expansion in renewable energy investment and installed capacity world-wide implies a similarly vibrant global market for renewable energy services. This book offers estimates of the U.S. and global markets for trade and investment in services essential to energy production in the solar, wind, small hydropower, and geothermal sectors, as well as discusses trade barriers affecting these services. The book also describes federal programs that provide grants, loans, loan guarantees, and other direct or indirect incentives for energy efficiency, energy conservation, and renewable energy.

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Book SynopsisSOLIDWORKS 2019 and Engineering Graphics: An Integrated Approach combines an introduction to SOLIDWORKS 2019 with a comprehensive coverage of engineering graphics principles. Not only will this unified approach give your course a smoother flow, your students will also save money on their textbooks. Whatâs more, the exercises in this book cover the performance tasks that are included on the Certified SOLIDWORKS Associate (CSWA) Examination. Reference guides located at the front of the book and in each chapter show where these performance tasks are covered.The primary goal of SOLIDWORKS 2018 and Engineering Graphics: An Integrated Approach is to introduce the aspects of Engineering Graphics with the use of modern Computer Aided Design package â SOLIDWORKS 2019. This text is intended to be used as a training guide for students and professionals.The chapters in this text proceed in a pedagogical fashion to guide you from constructing basic shapes to making complete sets of engineering drawings.

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Book SynopsisThe Okavango Delta, a globally renowned wetland, is characterised by a mosaic of meandering watercourses, floodplains and islands, and is home to a variety of wildlife and vegetation species. It is a major source of livelihoods for the local communities and also an important attraction for tourism, the second most important economic activity in Botswana after diamonds, contributing 5% to the gross domestic product (GDP). As a globally renowned Ramsar Site and major tourist attraction, the Okavango Delta is a resource of national, regional and international importance. This book examines the results of empirical micro-level studies undertaken in the Okavango Delta and contributes to the formulation of relevant policies for sustainable development in the Okavango Delta.

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Book SynopsisThis book compiles research summaries from a number of different focuses in the important field of environment and agriculture.

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Book SynopsisThis book compiles research summaries from a number of different focuses in the important field of environment and agriculture.

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Book SynopsisThis book compiles research summaries from a number of different focuses in the important field of environment and agriculture.

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Book SynopsisThis book is edited for the researchers and students who are interested in over-viewing and knowing the specific progress of tropical cyclone research. This book is devoted to either an up-to-date review or report of new research on the tropical cyclone, encompassing the problems of the genesis, development, climate control of tropical cyclone in terms of wide-ranging scales based on every types of method -- theoretical, modelling, and observational analysis. Not only comprehensive climate model but stand-alone theoretical and conceptual modelling researches will continue to play important role in illustrating the essential physics of tropical cyclone, and observational studies will support their specific features.

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Book SynopsisThis book compiles research summaries from a number of different focuses in the important field of environment and agriculture.

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Book SynopsisThis book compiles research summaries from a number of different focuses in the important field of environment and agriculture.

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Book SynopsisWork zone planning and management has become increasingly challenging because of increasing travel demand and an aging roadway network infrastructure facing both more frequent maintenance and major rehabilitation projects. Road-operating organisations across the nation are increasingly motivated to reduce congestion impacts resulting from road work, particularly on roadways where congestion is already a recurrent feature even before road work begins. This book provides a work zone analysis and work zone modelling and simulation from traffic analysis tools volumes.

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Book SynopsisThe Federal Highway Administration 100-Year Coating Study was initiated in August 2009 to identify coating systems that can provide 100 years of virtually maintenance-free service life at comparable costs to the existing coating systems, even in adverse environments. This book focuses on the study and discusses the performance evaluation of one-coat systems for new steel bridges.

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Book SynopsisThis book may be of use to traffic engineers and researchers who are concerned with the conspicuity of traffic signs. The Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices advises that, "Signs should be placed on the right side of the roadway where they are easily recognised and understood by road users". Guidance is provided on the spacing and prioritisation of signs, and in some conditions, additional steps may be needed to ensure that signs are conspicuous. This book also provides federal regulations that have been put in place to ensure that traffic signs are visible at night, and discusses impacts on state and local agencies of maintaining traffic sign retroreflectivity.

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Book SynopsisIn 2009, there were 13 primary wood-processing mills in North Dakota, 4 more mills than in 2003, and there were 23 active primary wood-processing mills in South Dakota, 2 fewer mills than in 2004. This book focuses on the timber industry in Dakotas and provides an assessment of timber product output and use in 2009.

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Book SynopsisAn international team of accomplished researchers has been assembled to define the role that antioxidants and pro-oxidants play in cancer. Increasing scientific evidence points to the importance of antioxidants and pro-oxidants in both the aetiology of cancer development and in cancer treatments. This book should prove useful for research scientists wanting a comprehensive review of the latest accomplishment in this area and for health care-providers who advise patients and the general public about dietary antioxidants and the safety and appropriate use of antioxidant supplements. Endogenous antioxidants systems that play key roles in modulating the in vivo effects of reactive oxygen species (ROS) are reviewed in detailed. Many exogenous antioxidants such as vitamin E (tocopherols and tocotrienols), vitamin C, green tea polyphenols, beta-carotene and curcumin are individually discussed as well as their potential roles in alternative and complementary medicine approaches to cancer prevention and treatment. For public health professionals the question of whether or not antioxidants have a safe chemopreventive role is central: it is clearly much more effective to prevent cancer than deal with its consequences including the damaging side effects of many chemotherapeutics.

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Book SynopsisThe National Strategy for the Arctic Region sets forth the United States Government''s strategic priorities for the Arctic region. This strategy is intended to position the United States to respond effectively to challenges and emerging opportunities arising from significant increases in Arctic activity due to the diminishment of sea ice and the emergence of a new Arctic environment. It defines U.S. national security interests in the Arctic region and identifies prioritised lines of effort, building upon existing initiatives by Federal, state, local, and tribal authorities, the private sector, and international partners, and aims to focus efforts where opportunities exist and action is needed. This book discusses the National Strategy for the Arctic Region in further detail; the Department of Defense Arctic strategy; and provides background and issues in the changes in the Arctic.

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Book SynopsisThis book compiles research summaries from a number of different focuses in the important field of environment and agriculture.

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Book SynopsisProcess control is a multidisciplinary field that encompasses a combination of analytical and process chemistry, process engineering and multivariate data analysis. Process analytical techniques (PATs) involve monitoring and control of chemical and physical processes in order to obtain products with desired properties, to improve manufacturing efficiency and reduce process costs. PATs have been utilised in various industrial branches to gain a deeper understanding of particular process stages, identify crucial control parameters, ensure the product quality by optimal design and determine the process disturbances. This book discusses strategic management accounting and green supply chain management; analyses the plant-wide control structures for industrial processes''; the use of vibrational spectroscopy as a tool for in-line process monitoring; and effects of resolution of measurements in the behaviour of cumulative sum control charts.

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Book SynopsisThis collection provides a broad overview of textiles covering historical, fundamental and industrial application topics, including vintage fashion and design; synthesis and application of cellulose derivatives and dyes; colour management and photo-responsive textile applications in the field of printing; the preservation of textile objects in different environments; smart textiles; modification by physico-chemical methods for better performance and extra-properties; electronic, medical and health care applications; comfort finishing of textile materials; effects of clothing materials on the thermoregulatory response of the human body; new applications of hemp fibres; microscopic and spinning related topics. Textiles are essential and one of the most important classes of materials used by humanity since ancient times. Despite textiles having been around and in use for so long, advances and improvements continue to be made. This book contains 22 invited contributions written by leading experts in the field of textiles. Each chapter presents and discusses updated science and technological advances during this period. Hence, this collection will be a valuable reference for those researching and manufacturing textiles, as well as those that are interested in a wider area of textiles.

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Book SynopsisIn the United States, growing awareness of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and the possible implications for global climate change have combined with recent high energy prices and economic uncertainty to rekindle interest in renewable energy. Renewable energy technologies generate electricity from resources such as the sun, wind, or biomass, with essentially no net GHG emissions. President Obama has declared a goal for the United States to become the world''s leading exporter of renewable energy technologies, setting out policy objectives for the development of related "green jobs". This book discusses what "green job" are, and provides highlights on challenges of targeted training programs for emerging industries.

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Book SynopsisProgress in understanding the biology of Aspergillus has greatly improved with the new techniques in genome sequencing and the developed molecular tools that enable rapid genetic analysis of individual genes. Particularly, the genetics of aflatoxin synthesis is regarded as a model to gain insight into fungal secondary metabolism. This compilation discusses topics that include the prevalence of aflatoxin B1 in cereals; contamination exposure, toxicology and control of aflatoxins in food and feed; immunosuppressive actions of aflatoxin; hazards and regulations; toxicological effects, risk assessment and legislation for aflatoxins; and the threat aflatoxins have on the economy and health.

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Book SynopsisThis book compiles research summaries from a number of different focuses in the important field of environment and agriculture.

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Book SynopsisThis series covers leading-edge research focusing on the environment, including current research data on improved gas and vapour detection using denuder technology; environmental protection from thermodynamic properties; solar and wind energy resources; salt-related processes in the leather industry; climate change impacts in the Philippines; ecological resilience; climate change and Australian rainforest; seawater desalination; biochemical gas sensors; desalination of brackish water; and time scales for aggregating climatic data.

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Book SynopsisFluorite-based oxide materials such as stabilised zriconias, doped cerias, and urania represent a group of the most important key engineering materials in our modern society, with their well-known various electrochemical, ceramic and nuclear etc. applications. This is primarily due to their multi-lateral excellent physical/chemical properties such as high chemical/structure stability, high oxide ion conductivity, superior mechanical strength, and unique nuclear properties, and so on. For example, urania UO2 and urania-plutonia mixed-oxide (U,Pu)O2 are almost exclusively used to represent nuclear fuels in commercial nuclear power plants throughout the world. Also in non-nuclear next-generation clean hydrogen energy technology such as solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs), stabilised zirconias and doped cerias are the key solid electrolyes (oxide ion conductors) for their current and future more efficient versions. Stabilised zirconias, the most widely used fluorite materials, find other various practical and potential applications such as solid electrolytes for oxygen sensors/monitors/pumps, thermal barrier coatings, conventional and novel super-plastic and ultra-hard structural/refractory ceramics, high-pressure media, dielectric insulators/substrates, catalysts, synthetic teeth/jewels, etc. in non-nulcear areas and inert-matrix fuel and radioactive nuclear waste form in the nuclear area. Ceria-based systems have recently attracted increasingly more attention also as catalysts for pollution gas/liquid management and chemical substance syntheses.

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Book SynopsisThis book presents a comprehensive review of energy research studies from authors around the globe, including recent research in energy use and its environmental impact; energy use in industry, buildings development and the environment; recent developments and perspectives on biomass and biogas; energy efficiency for refrigeration and air conditioning; hydroelectric storage; halophytes energy feed stocks; and energy consumption and growth in Nigeria.

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Book Synopsis''Middle East'' (West Asia) perspectives on technology innovation leadership bring new voices to the technology innovation discourse in international development. The approaches of technology innovation leaders in this collection demonstrate commitment to building sustainable futures among the communities in which the authors live. There is a scarcity of technology innovation perspectives from within ''Middle East (West Asia) perspectives and the initiatives and endeavours of the innovation leaders in this book have global appeal. Other developing community innovators are inspired to compete globally as they explore future oriented sustainable innovation solutions that are context specific. Innovation and technology leadership in areas such as e-government and e-commerce are national priorities for countries such as Saudi Arabia. While there is a dense literature available on innovation diffusion in other developing community contexts (for example South Asia, the Asia Pacific region, Africa and Latin America), this book fills the gaps in the literature on ''Middle East'' (West Asia) perspectives on innovation technology diffusion in developing community contexts.

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Book SynopsisPresently, energy and the environment are closely related issues throughout the world. The indiscriminate use of fossil fuels has resulted in adverse effects on the environment (i.e, excessive production of greenhouse gases, pollution of underground and superficial waters, soil contamination). The international reserves of crude oil are declining, and some pessimistic references refer to an important detriment in the annual oil availability for 2050. Because of these facts, the necessity to develop novel sources of energy, especially fuels from sustainable sources, is mandatory. Such alternative sources of energy (ie: wind, solar, biomass, hydraulic) are potential renewable sources capable of changing the paradigm of productive activities around the world. In many cases, the energy production processes include resources commonly available or even the use of materials that are considered waste (ie: wastewaters, agriculture residues, urban solid wastes). Despite all the desirable characteristics involved, the processes included in the generation of renewable energy may not only positively impact the environment, but may also cause harm on surrounding areas. However, to our knowledge, relatively few works have been published carrying out this type of environmental cost-benefit analysis.

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Book SynopsisExpanding production of the United States'' vast shale gas reserves in recent years has put the country on a path towards greater energy independence, enhanced economic prosperity, and (potentially) reduced emissions of greenhouse gases and other pollutants. The corresponding expansion of gas-fired generation in the power sector driven primarily by lower natural gas prices has also made it easier and cheaper to integrate large amounts of variable renewable generation, such as wind power, into the grid. This book discusses the long-term hedge value of wind power and provides an analysis of wind and natural gas under different market structures.

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Book SynopsisMagnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) are one of the materials of great interest for presenting a unique combination of relevant properties such as high surface area, magnetic behaviour and low toxicity, which can find potential use in different processes and applications in areas such as catalysis, data storage, water treatment, drug delivery system, DNA separation, tissue engineering, sensors, hyperthermia, ferrofluids, and as contrast agents in nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) imaging. This book provides further information on how magnetic nanoparticles are synthesised, their physicochemical properties and the roles MNPs play in biomedicine.

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Book SynopsisThis book compiles research summaries from a number of different focuses in the important field of environment and agriculture.

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Book SynopsisSince the discovery of the first liquid crystal in 1888 by the Austrian biologist Friedrich Reinitzer with the considerable assistance of the German physicist Otto Lehman, who in that time had been universally recognised authority in the field of microscope technique, thousands and thousands of liquid crystals have been synthesised among them nematics, short-pitch cholesterics and various kinds of smectics such as smectic-A and smectic-C. The smectic-A or smectic-C phases grow from a nematic or unwinded large-pitch cholesteric oriented in the middle part of the cells and from strongly-deformed nematic or unwinded large-pitch cholesteric layer in the boundary regions of the liquid crystal cells.

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Book SynopsisNanostructured materials and coatings have gained great importance due to their microstructural properties. Their applications have increased in different technological areas such as, in environmental pollution control, photo catalysis, optics, solid oxide fuel cells, electronic and optoelectronic devices, mechanical protection, catalysis, and in biomedical. Furthermore, advances in aerosol processing in recent years have increased the variety of produced nanostructured materials, including metals, oxides, ceramics, and composites, in different appearances such as nanoparticles, rods, belts, fibres, tubes, needles, and films. This book discusses the synthesis, properties and implications that aerosols have on the environment.

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Book SynopsisTinnitus is a benign condition, which can nonetheless have upsetting consequences for the patients. Understanding the physiopathologic mechanisms underlying this symptom is crucial for orienting management and treatment. A world-class group of neuroscientists gathered together to write this book, and they have done a skilful job. Apart from delineating their area of expertise, they have managed to give the reader an accurate understanding about what the current implications of studying tinnitus are, both in research and clinically, allowing those involved in the field to also stay abreast on the advancements in this area of research. This book is ideal for researchers and clinicians, and it can be a valuable reference for anyone, including students, residents or seasoned specialists, seeking to keep up to date with the latest developments in both basic and clinical research on this condition.

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Book SynopsisTechnology-based innovations fuel the knowledge-based economy, as it creates new industries, makes existing ones globally competitive, and drives future economic growth. In order to reach technology-based economic growth, it is not only necessary to invest capital, intellect and time in technology-related research and development (R&D), but also to execute processes related to technology development trends, diffusion patterns, and the adoption and implementation of technology-based innovations. Nanotechnology has contributed to remarkable advances in the field of science and technology in the past two decades, which have led to significant prospective applications in various technological domains including advanced materials, biotechnology and pharmacy, electronics, scientific tools and techniques, and industrial manufacturing processes. This ultra-small technology will drive a new technology-driven global economy, with revolutionary advances in almost all industry sectors through high utility and demands.

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Book SynopsisA small federal agency, NMB facilitates labour relations in two key transportation sectors -- railroads and airlines -- through mediation and arbitration of labour disputes and overseeing union elections. Established under the Railway Labor Act, NMB''s primary responsibility is to prevent work stoppages in these critical industries. This book discusses the national mediation board''s strengthening plan and control to better facilitate rail and air labour relations.

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Book SynopsisChina is an energy-dependent country and its rapid economic growth in the past 30 years is accompanied by tremendous energy consumption. Constrained by resource endowment, most of the primary energy consumed in China is coal, which leads to serious global, regional and local environmental issues. To ensure sustainable development, China has formulated ambitious targets for developing renewable energy and dozens of policies to deliver it have been adopted. Especially since the enactment of the Renewable Energy Law in 2006, renewable energy has experienced a boom in China. Now China is the biggest developer of hydropower and wind power, as well as the biggest manufacturer of PV cells in the world. This book is a systematic review on renewable energy in China and focuses on four interrelated topics: resources, institution, policy and industry development. The introductory chapter will describe the overall picture of renewable energy in China. Then four industries, including wind power, solar power, biomass and ocean power, will be discussed in separate chapters around the policy, industry development, barriers and market prospective. In light of the important role in delivering renewable energy, the next chapter discusses the progress of smart grids in China, with a particular perspective on the institutional arrangement for promoting its development more effectively. A chapter is devoted to the progress of Golden Sun Program, the Chinese government''s initiative to promote the domestic solar power market. Another chapter addresses rural energy, poverty and renewable energy, a special topic on social and developmental aspects of renewable energy. The last chapter presents the topic of energy systems in transition and proposes policy suggestions for delivering renewable energy in China.

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Book SynopsisResults from recent animal studies indicate that carbon nanotubes (CNT) and carbon nanofibres (CNF) may pose a respiratory hazard. CNTs and CNFs are tiny, cylindrical, large aspect ratio, manufactured forms of carbon. There is no single type of carbon nanotube or nanofibre; one type can differ from another in shape, size, chemical composition (from residual metal catalysts or functionalisation of the CNT and CNF) and other physical and chemical characteristics. Such variations in composition and size have added to the complexity of understanding their hazard potential. Occupational exposure to CNTs and CNFs can occur not only in the process of manufacturing them, but also at the point of incorporating these materials into other products and applications. This book reviews the animal and other toxicological data relevant to assessing the potential non-malignant adverse respiratory effects of CNT and CNF; provides a quantitative risk assessment based on animal dose-response data; proposes a recommended exposure limit (REL) of 1 μg/m3 elemental carbon as a respirable mass 8-hour time-weighted average (TWA) concentration; and describes strategies for controlling workplace exposures and implementing a medical surveillance program.

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Book SynopsisNanoscale science, engineering, and technology -- commonly referred to collectively as nanotechnology -- is believed by many to offer extraordinary economic and societal benefits. Congress has demonstrated continuing support for nanotechnology and has directed its attention primarily to three topics that may affect the realisation of this hoped for potential federal research and development (R&D) in nanotechnology; U.S. competitiveness; and environmental, health, and safety (EHS) concerns. This book provides an overview of these topics, and two others which are nanomanufacturing, and public understanding of and attitudes toward nanotechnology.

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Book SynopsisProduction of oil and natural gas from leases on federal lands and waters is an important part of the nation''s energy portfolio and a significant source of revenue for the federal government. This book examines steps Interior has taken to ensure the public receives a fair return on oil and gas resources since 2007. It also examines the number of tracts leased, along with the trends in associated coal production and revenues generated since 1990; BLM''s implementation of the process to estimate fair market value for coal leases; the extent to which BLM considers coal exports and domestic coal reserve estimates when estimating fair market value; and the extent to which BLM communicates information on federal coal lease sales to the public.

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