Technology, Engineering & Agriculture Books

Book SynopsisThis series covers leading-edge research focusing on the environment, including current research data on solar energy for buildings; sustainable development and environmentally friendly energy systems in Sudan; landscape matrix fragmentation effect on virgin forest and managed forest birds; the challenges of reaching sustainable future cutting cycles; photocatalytic application of TiO2 nanotube arrays for water treatment; ecologo-geographical lower zoning of boreal forest territories; remediation technologies for phosphate removal from wastewater; plant density, plant growth retardants and cotton yield and its fibre properties; activated carbon for dyes adsorption in aqueous solution; and silver nanoparticles as a biocide for water treatment applications.

Read more less

Book SynopsisThe pea Pisum sativum are rich in proteins and dietary fiber and contribute considerably to the total dietary protein requirements. Peas are abundant in complex carbohydrates giving rise to food with a low glycemic index. Peas are hypolipidemic. Fiber in peas contains more amylose than amylopectin and is antihyperglycemic. Peas can be used in processed foods such as bakery products, bread, snack foods, soups, and tortillas. Because of their nutritious value, it has been suggested that peas be included in snack foods, baby food, and sports food. This book discusses the cultivation of Pisum sativum as well as its functional properties and health benefits.

Read more less

Book SynopsisConducting polymers (CPs) such as polyaniline (PANI), polypyrrole (PPY), poly(3,4-ethylene dioxythiophene) (PEDOT), and poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT), have been recognized as promising organic semiconductors due to their controllable chemical/electrochemical properties, light weight, low cost, good biocompatibility, facile processability, and adjustable electrical conductivities. This book presents current research in the field of polymers. Topics discussed include resonance raman of polyanilines nanofibers; conducting polymer micro-/nano- structures via template-free method; charge transfer and electrochemical reactions at electrodes modified with pristine and metal-containing films of conducting polymers; and conducting polymer-functionalized carbon nanotubes hybrid nanostructures based bioanalytical sensors.

Read more less

Book SynopsisLarge Power Transformers have long been a concern for the U.S. Electricity Sector, because the failure of a single unit can cause service interruption and lead to collateral damage, and there could be difficulties in quickly replacing them. This book assesses the procurement and supply environment of large power transformers (LPTs). Key industry sources have identified the limited availability of spare LPTs as a potential issue for critical infrastructure resilience in the United States, and both the public and private sectors have been undertaking a variety of efforts to address this concern. The following topics are examined in this book: characteristics and procurement of LPTs, including key raw materials and transportation; historical trends and future demands; global and domestic LPT suppliers; potential issues in the global sourcing of LPTs; and assessment of the risks facing LPTs.

Read more less

Book SynopsisBy September 2014, almost two thousand exoplanets -- planets orbiting other suns -- have been confirmed, among these are also Earth-like planets in the habitable zone of their sun. These breakthrough discoveries during the bygone two decades raise questions with regard to the existence of Life elsewhere in our Milky Way Galaxy. The present book addresses the formation of planetary systems in the wake of collapsing interstellar gas and dust clouds, and the generation as well as the survival and germination of simple molecules serving as modules for more complex molecular constructs that constitute life. In this context, the survival of extremophiles in niches on Earth, and the potentiality of primitive life forms on Mars and the subsurface oceans of selected moons in the Solar System are also addressed, as much as the through-space travel of germs, denoted as panspermia. Readers possessing basic knowledge in chemistry and astronomy will additionally profit from the text in terms of an advanced approach towards facts that introduce more complex background information, in particular information provided in sidebars. However, the book is conceptualized in such a way that the less scholarly reader will equally profit from the narrative style by which background information is provided. Along with panspermia, the Gaia hypothesis and other historical thematisations of life beyond Earth are briefly looked at.

Read more less

Book SynopsisThis is the third volume of the four volume set of Comprehensive Guide for Mesoporous Materials, mainly discussing different properties and the development of mesoporous materials. Many applications for these materials have been recognised. Ultra precision methods also developed for commercialisation of these materials. Like many nanostructured materials, mesoporous materials are also found in abundance in nature, such as in cell walls that are made of mesoporous membranes although they are much more complicated. During past decades in the oil industry, natural mesoporous materials known as zeolites are widely used. However, most of them are now produced artificially.

Read more less

Book SynopsisThis book proposes the reversible logic Multiplexer and also demarcates between reversible and irreversible logic Multiplexers. For power reduction in future computing technologies, reversible logic is a very productive approach of logic synthesis. The purpose of this book is to reduce power and area of 2:1 MUX, 4:1 MUX and reversible logic while maintaining the viable performance. The diverse configurations are designed using different topologies of 2:1 MUX and 4:1 MUX such as CMOS based MUX, transmission gate and pass transistor. The editors propose a new application of GDI (Gate-Diffusion Input) circuits to Reversible logic multiplexer with its Garbage input and output. The novel proposed design technique will consume less power than the other conventional gate. Reversible logic circuit has displayed less power dissipation in recent years. Additionally, this GDI cell technique decreases the power of the circuit, delay, Power-Delay Product (PDP) and it also compacts the frequency. The device scaling is partial as the power dissipations is more optimized in terms of delay, frequency jitter, bandwidth power supply, frequency and duty cycle of the signal and also establishes the noise of the circuit. In the reversible logic design, the GDI is efficient in lower delay, low power and low leakage current.

Read more less

Book SynopsisThis book discusses critical findings about the significance of Stevia rebaudiana, a natural calorie free sweetener and ways to incorporate it in our diet. Stevia is a plant used in the food industry as a sweetener but empirically used for the treatment of diabetes. Scientific literature has reported anticariogenic, antineoplastic, antihypertensive, anti-inflammatory and anti-hyperglycemic effects. It is important to people in developed countries, and designed for product developers, nutritionists, dieticians, and regulatory agencies. This book explores a range of topics related to this plant and their components as stevioside, rebaudiose, dulcoside, etc. The chapters in this volume provide a survey of chemical composition, functional properties, the impact on human health, but also the opportunities for Stevia as ingredient to be incorporated into foods for the benefit of consumers.

Read more less

Book SynopsisSome Members of Congress have expressed concern about storage and management of petroleum coke (petcoke) in their districts. Despite a lack of data on observed health impacts, local concerns have included potential human health and environmental impacts of fugitive dusts and runoff into waterways. Broader concerns have also been raised about the carbon dioxide (greenhouse gas) emissions from petcoke combustion. This book discusses the petcoke issues, small refinery opportunities and provides a background on the industry.

Read more less

Book SynopsisIn an increasingly interconnected and bioeconomic world, agriculture is one of the vital and extremely complex links; on one hand, it provides food for the world while, on the other hand, it brings considerable environmental degradation. The negative by-products of agriculture have come to the forefront in recent years. As a result, agricultural production has undergone considerable scrutiny resulting in strong consumer movements for sustainable agriculture. However, many countries cannot worry about the environmental aspects when they do not produce enough food to be secure because farmers cannot compete with the artificially low prices of food due to the subsidies from developed countries. However, this trend is unlikely to continue as farm operations in developed countries must increase the amount of inputs, such as fertilizer, to maintain their levels of production. Furthermore, agricultural subsidies are likely to end due to the national debts of many countries. Therefore, it becomes more and more accepted that, for a sustainable agriculture, rural regions and developing countries will have to use local, traditional knowledge. This would support economic development and food security, especially since consumers are increasing demand for sustainably grown food.

Read more less

Book SynopsisIn the conventional combination of logic circuits, energy loss is an important consideration. Research on reversible logic circuits are of interest to power minimization having applications in low power CMOS design, DNA computing, bioinformatics, nanotechnology, information security and so on. In this book, a novel reversible quantum full adder, reversible BCD adder, subtraction and quantum No-Wait-Carry adder and a novel reversible quantum array multiplier is introduced. At the same time, the model of this array multiplier based on CMOS technology and pass-transistor is also discussed. Reversible arithmetic logic unit and a novel 1-bit reversible comparator and another novel 4-bit reversible comparator are described as well. Finally, this book devotes itself to the theory and simulation of QCA, introduces a study of quantum states in semi-classical simulation and the genetic simulated annealing simulation method based on the polarized rule.

Read more less

Book SynopsisProanthocyanidins (PACs), present in a wide variety of food products and beverages, are the second most abundant class of phenolic compounds in our diet. These polyphenolic compounds are found in high proportions in cocoa products, seeds and skins of grapes, green and black tea, cinnamon and berries, among others. These compounds possess multiple therapeutic effects including anticancer, antimicrobial activity, cardioprotective role, prevention of atherosclerosis, and neuroprotective action. Many of these pharmacological benefits, including their neuroprotective action, are attributed to their significant antioxidant activity as free radical scavengers and as modulators of oxidant/antioxidant status. This book discusses food sources, the antioxidant properties and health benefits of proanthocyanidins.

Read more less

Book SynopsisThe GPS -- a space-based satellite system that provides positioning, navigation, and timing data to users worldwide -- has become an essential U.S. national security asset and component in daily life. The GPS program is being modernised to enhance its performance, accuracy and integrity. This book assesses the extent to which the Air Force GPS report met Committee requirements; and identifies additional information that is important in guiding future GPS investments.

Read more less

Book SynopsisPomegranate is a natural plant product which has demonstrated a multitude of beneficial health benefits. Current in vitro and in vivo research have shown that this age-old fruit is composed of natural polyphenolic phytochemicals which exhibit diverse pharmacological potency and potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial/antiviral properties. Pomegranates are also being considered as a cancer chemo-preventive and neuroprotective agents. This book discusses the implications of pomegranate consumption for the management and treatment of an array of cardiovascular diseases, cancers, and neurodegenerative disorders. New cultivation techniques to improve pomegranate production are also discussed.

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 electroluminescent and photo luminescent properties of semiconductor-based materials with different structures; advantages of reactive extrusion for the synthesis of polyurethanes for biomedical applications; pyridine-type defects in graphene; amorphous silicon carbide thin film formation at room temperature; hydrogen gas sensor based on material with yttrium nanoparticles; influence of supercritical carbon dioxide for pharmaceutical processing; polymerisable dyes containing heterocyclic derivatives of polyureas and polyurethanes; the β-nucleation in polypropylene and its effect on the mechano-physical and thermal properties; and the effect of hydrogen on boron doped amorphous silicon prepared by magnetron sputtering.

Read more less

Book SynopsisSugar beet is one of two the most important industrial cultures for sugar production. Sugar beet is an effective bioindicator plant used for bioassay detection of herbicide residues in soil because of its sensitivity to many herbicides. This book discusses the production of sugar beets, as well as its uses and health implications.

Read more less

Book SynopsisEvery day in the United States, at least 2 billion gallons of fluids are injected into over 172,000 wells to enhance oil and gas production, or to dispose of fluids brought to the surface during the extraction of oil and gas resources. These wells are subject to regulation to protect drinking water sources under EPA''s UIC class II program and approved state class II programs. Because much of the population relies on underground sources for drinking water, these wells have raised concerns about the safety of the nation''s drinking water. This book examines EPA and state roles, responsibilities, and resources for the program; safeguards to protect drinking water; EPA oversight and enforcement of class II programs; and the reliability of program data for reporting. GAO reviewed federal and state laws and regulations.

Read more less

Book SynopsisGlobal wine production totaled roughly 27 billion liters in 2012. The European Union (EU) dominates world production, accounting for nearly 60% of all wine produced each year. France, Italy, and Spain are among the principal EU wine-producing countries. This book provides an overview of issues pertaining to the U.S. wine industry within ongoing U.S. trade negotiations in the proposed Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) and the proposed Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP); presents the outlook for wine production, trade, consumption, and stocks for the EU-28; provides a statistical wine report; and examines the international wine market.

Read more less

Book SynopsisWithin the tropical fruits, the papaya, Carica papaya L. (family Caricaceae Dumort.), is presented as the main representative being cultivated in tropical and sub-tropical areas mostly in developing countries. Papaya''s nutritional value, beneficial to health, as well as various industrial applications of their products, led to be economically important for both developing and developed countries. Within this broad field of knowledge, this book aims to contribute to better understanding of the topic. The organization of the chapters and sections is also straightforward; Chapter One presents what papaya is (Carica papaya L.), its taxonomy, distribution, origin and morphology. Closing the first part, Chapters Three and Four show the nutritional and medical values, discussing vitamins, minerals and dietary fibers, the industrial applications of using papaya and various parts of the plant, as a source of proteolytic enzymes and some active compounds reported to antimicrobial, anticancer, amongst other properties, illustrating the fatty acid composition, triacylglycerol profile and papaya seed oil of malaysian papaya fruits. In the second part of the book, the readers should find the relevant aspects of papaya microbiology related to fresh fruits quality and safety and the beneficial effects of microorganisms isolated from papaya, such as some Latic Acid Bacteria strains that have been proposed to be potentially probiotics, as shown in Chapters Five and Six. Finally the book addresses the importance of Integrated Management of the Papaya Ringspot Virus, which is transmitted by several aphid species and could commit 100% of the crop as described in Chapter Seven and the biotechnological strategies for control of papaya virus diseases as show in Chapter Eight.

Read more less

Book SynopsisThe rise of sophisticated mobile devices and high-speed wireless networks is transforming the Internet and how our society interacts with it. Americans are rapidly embracing mobile technologies and the opportunities they create. This book examines data from the 2012 Current Population Survey (CPS) describing Americans'' use of computers and the Internet. Data from this survey depict the accelerating popularity of mobile phone-based Internet use across demographic groups. The book also reveals the explosion in mobile Internet use accompanied by narrowing but persistent disparities in computer ownership and Internet use overall. This book''s insights will allow policymakers, in cooperation with private partners, to make decisions that will improve America''s productivity, ingenuity, world competitiveness, and standard of living.

Read more less

Book SynopsisAn understanding of food demand and food trends across countries and the ability to predict potential shifts in demand for different food products is an invaluable tool for all individuals involved in the agricultural sector. In a 2003 report, International Evidence on Food Consumption Patterns, ERS and collaborating economists estimated income and price elasticities of demand for broad consumption categoriessuch as food, clothing, education, and other goodsand for food categories such as cereals, meats, and dairy across 114 countries using 1996 International Comparison Program (ICP) data. These elasticities measure the degree to which consumption changes when prices or incomes change. This book provides an update on the International Evidence on Food Consumption Patterns using the 2005 International Date Program Data; and discusses global drivers of agricultural demand and supply.

Read more less

Book SynopsisThe process of electrospinning has experienced decades of development for a variety of applications including air filtration and tissue engineering. However, it has not been until the past decade that this process has been a focus in the field of tissue engineering. The unique properties of electrospun fibers have drawn remarkable attention within the field of tissue engineering due to its capacity to mimic the native tissue structural element, the extracellular matrix, and its ability to promote cell proliferation and enhanced tissue regeneration. Herein, we have summarised some different applications of electrospun fibers in tissue engineering while demonstrating the cellular interactions between various cells and electrospun fiber scaffolds. The key aspect is a focus on the potential use of electrospinning in tissue regeneration. The hope is that this book will be beneficial to students and researchers in developing a general knowledge of the tissue engineering and regeneration application of electrospun fibers. We hope it will also inspire their curiosity and creativity to allow for the fabricating of advanced tissue engineering scaffolds for use in developing successful products that will allow for improving the quality of life.

Read more less

Book SynopsisOne of the most exciting new trends in water quality management today is the movement by many cities, counties, states, and private-sector developers toward the increased use of Low Impact Development (LID) to help protect and restore water quality. LID comprises a set of approaches and practices that are designed to reduce runoff of water and pollutants from the site at which they are generated. By means of infiltration, evapotranspiration, and reuse of rainwater, LID techniques manage water and water pollutants at the source and thereby prevent or reduce the impact of development on rivers, streams, lakes, coastal waters, and ground water. This book summarizes 17 case studies of developments that include Low Impact Development (LID) practices and concludes that applying LID techniques can reduce project costs and improve environmental performance. This book also compares green energy programs and policies in China and the United States.

Read more less

Book SynopsisUntil recently, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) had applied relatively uniform methods to screen airline passengers, focusing primarily on advances in screening technology to improve security and efficiency. TSA has recently shifted away from this approach, which assumes a uniform level of risk among all airline travellers, to one that focuses more intently on passengers thought to pose elevated security risks. Risk-based passenger screening includes a number of initiatives that fit within a broader framework addressing security risks, but specifically emphasizes the detection and management of potential threats posed by passengers. This book examines changes to the Secure Flight program since 2009; TSA''s efforts to ensure that Secure Flight''s screening determinations for passengers are implemented at airport checkpoints; and the extent to which program performance measures assess progress toward goals.

Read more less

Book SynopsisAdvances in biosensors have improved biomarker discovery, affinity receptor design, detection of infectious microorganism and disease diagnostics due to close interaction of nanotechnology with other technologies which play a critical role for the future of biosensors and health care. Biosensing technology is a fascinating field which provides reliable, rapid and sensitive platforms for specific and ultra-sensitive biomarker-based diagnosis of diseases such as cancer, diabetes, infectious diseases and neurodegenerative disorders. This technology can also be used for the detection and removal of toxic materials from the human body such as cadmium, iron, aluminium and mercury. This book discusses advances in biosensors research.

Read more less

Book SynopsisAutomobile transport causes damage to both humans and nature due to road accidents and air pollution by exhaust gases, as well as by expanding consumption of non-recoverable natural resources in the form of liquid and gas fuels. For solving such problems there are represented strict requirements for the reliability and durability, fuel efficiency, maintenance efficiency, traffic safety and ecological compatibility of vehicles. All of these requirements can be united under the following name: requirements for motor car efficiency. This book includes scientific articles covering the results of elaboration and research of innovative methods for technical, economic and ecological efficiency of vehicles. Among these methods one can particularly note the method of production of motor oils on the basis of amorphous nano-dispersed carbon, based on the new phenomenon discovered by the authors - the tribosynthesis of graphite-diamond secondary surface structures having highly effective multifunctional tribological mechanism of action (known as the "Iosebidze-Kutelia effect"). This book will play an important role in solving the problems concerning the improvement of motor car efficiency.

Read more less

Book SynopsisBook & CD. The United States has been the leading producer of manufactured goods for more than 100 years, and the manufacturing sector is once again adding jobs and opening new factories at its fastest rate in two decades. The United States has long thrived as a result of its ability to manufacture goods and sell them to global markets. Manufacturing drives knowledge production and innovation in the United States by supporting two‐thirds of private sector research and development and by employing the vast majority of U.S. scientists, engineers, and technicians to invent and produce new products. Yet, in the 2000''s, manufacturing faced major employment declines as factories were shuttered. U.S. strengths in manufacturing innovation and technologies that have sustained American leadership in manufacturing are under threat from new and growing competition abroad. This book discusses the efforts and recommendations for accelerating advanced manufacturing in America.

Read more less

Book SynopsisThe National Nanotechnology Initiative (NNI) is a crosscutting national vision for nanotechnology development in the United States. The Federal effort in nanotechnology coordinates U.S. investment in research and development (R&D) in nanoscale science, engineering, technology, and related activities across the U.S. Government. This book makes a number of recommendations in areas related to programmatic focus, program management, commercialisation, measurements, and attention to environmental, health, and safety (EHS) concerns.

Read more less

Book SynopsisThe federal crop insurance program is considered by many farmers and policy makers as the centerpiece of the farm safety net. The program makes available subsidised insurance policies for about 130 commodities ranging from apples to wheat. These "multiple peril" policies help producers manage financial risks associated with crop yield or revenue losses. Insurable causes of losses include adverse weather (e.g., drought and flood), insects or disease outbreaks, and failure of irrigation water supply. The enacted 2014 farm bill enhances the federal crop insurance program by expanding its scope, covering a greater share of farm losses, and making a variety of other modifications that broaden policy coverage. This book describes in detail changes made to the program as part of the 2014 farm bill. It also discusses the agricultural disaster assistance.

Read more less

Book SynopsisAlthough over two thirds of the Earth''s surface is covered by water, more than 97% is ocean water which is too salty for human use or even for irrigation. Consequently, the freshwater is only 3% and almost 1% of the available freshwater is liquid surface water that can be used directly by humans. The rest is groundwater and iced water. Yet still, freshwater is considered to be one of the most abundant resources on earth. In the agriculture sector only, over two-thirds of the available freshwater is used for irrigation. This book focuses on the technology, management and efficiency of drip irrigation.

Read more less

Book SynopsisThis book is about the fish we eat, fish that not only sustains us but also provides us with pleasure and well-being. Fish is also a valuable source of nutraceuticals and pharmaceuticals. We follow a holistic approach in this book viewing fish in its entirety from the food that fish need in order to grow to the pharmaceutical applications of fish oil. 2014 is a historic year, it is the first year in human history where the amount of fish we consume from aquaculture will surpass that from the wild. As it seems that aquaculture will play a vital role in the future feeding of mankind, it should be considered imperative that it be done in a responsible and sustainable way. Food security is both the top political and scientific priority today. With this book, we try to provoke some thoughts as to how fish is produced, how it is valourised and what could be done in the future. We address within this book the issue of resource management, fish nutritional requirements, aquatic food security, nutritional value of marine oils and fish themselves as well as to how we can further exploit marine oil usage in the production of nutraceuticals and pharmaceuticals.

Read more less

Book SynopsisAdvanced materials and their applications based on nanotechnology and piezoelectric approaches are a tremendous interest in modern science and techniques. This book presents processing techniques, physics, mechanics, and applications of novel materials. The book concentrates on some nanostructures, ferro- and magnetoelectric crystals, materials and composites, materials for solar cells and polymeric composites. There are present nanotechnology approaches, modern piezoelectric techniques, and also studies of the structure-sensitive properties of the materials. Great attention is devoted to novel devices with high accuracy, longevity and extended possibilities to work with wide temperature and pressure ranges, which show characteristics defined by used materials and composites with improved properties opening new possibilities in the study of various physical processes, in particular the transmission and receipt of signals under water.

Read more less

Book SynopsisThis book is the fourth volume in a series of books that present original results in the study of analytical models of thermal stresses in composite materials. Within the analytical modelling, two- and three-component composites are replaced by multi-particle-matrix and multi-particle-envelope-matrix systems, respectively, which consist of isotropic and/or anisotropic components represented by spherical particles (without or with an envelope of the particle surface) periodically distributed in an infinite matrix. In addition to the thermal stresses, analytical models of thermal-stress induced phenomena (crack formation, limit state, energy barrier, strengthening, lifetime prediction) are also discussed. Illustrative examples of applications of these analytical models are examined against real engineering materials (superconductive and structural ceramic composites). Results of this book are applicable within basic research (solid continuum mechanics, theoretical physics, materials science and engineering) as well as within engineering practices.

Read more less

Book SynopsisIncreased oil and gas production presents challenges for transportation infrastructure because some of this increase is in areas with limited transportation linkages. Technology advancements such as horizontal drilling and hydraulic fracturing (pumping water, sand, and chemicals into wells to fracture underground rock formations and allow oil or gas to flow) have allowed companies to extract oil and gas from shale and other tight geological formations. This book examines overall challenges that increased oil and gas production may pose for transportation infrastructure; specific pipeline safety risks and how the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) is addressing them; and specific rail safety risks and how DOT is addressing them.

Read more less

Book SynopsisThis book deals with urgent and timely issues related to radiation health effects and protection that are examined by both young researchers as well as experts. The book is organized into three major sections: biological responses, population monitoring and approaches to protection from radiation exposure. Contributors have provided state of the art research in their respective chapters. Radiation action produces damage to multiple targets in the exposed cells or human body and understanding of molecular mechanisms of the underlying processes becomes central to the monitoring of effects and health consequences of radiation exposure. Many experts have highlighted the outcome of epidemiological studies on human populations in high background radiation areas in different locations around the world as well as consequences and scopes for mitigating radiation health effects after radiation accidents such as Chernobyl in Ukraine and the Fukushima Daiichi Accident in Japan. This book also provides important direction for treatment of radiation for exposed victims. In the concluding chapters, contributors have provided new approaches for protection against ionizing radiation exposure. This book contains rich content on basic aspects of radiation induced cellular response which may give deeper insight to beginners in research, teaching, industry and regulatory authorities for basic understanding of radiobiological processes and molecular mechanisms. The book will prove an authentic reference source for updates in radiation science. It is hoped that students, teachers, experts, safety officers, regulatory officials and policy-makers will find the book handy for gaining a broad view of radiation damage to biological systems, monitoring health consequences and for new approaches in developing effective protection against radiation exposure.

Read more less

Book SynopsisAlthough industrial processes are inherently nonlinear, many contributions for controller design for those plants are based on the assumption of a linear model of the system. However, in some cases it is difficult to represent a given process using a linear model. Model Predictive Control (MPC) is an optimal control approach which can effectively deal with constraints and multivariable processes in industries. Because of its advantages, MPC has been widely applied in automotive and process control communities. This book discusses the theory, practices and future challenges of model predictive control.

Read more less

Book SynopsisProjected increases in the transport of freight by rail and truck may produce economic benefits but also increase traffic congestion in communities. This book addresses among other things, the recent changes in U.S. rail and truck freight flows and the extent to which related traffic congestion is reported to impact communities; the extent to which DOT''s efforts to implement MAP-21 address freight-related traffic congestion in communities.

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book SynopsisThis is the first volume of the four volume set of "Comprehensive Guide for Mesoporous Materials". The discovery and application of mesoporous materials in the different industries, including the catalyst industry, is one of the major advances over the past two decades. One of the important mesoporous materials is zeolite. Over the past decade, different types of zeolites have been produced in the nanometer range dimensions. Porosities can also be regular or irregular. Due to more research done on mesoporous materials, knowledge of this science has increased. Researchers are now able to make mesoporous materials with dimensions equal to the predetermined requirements to use in engineering, such as with molecular separation membranes. This volume mainly discusses the synthesis and characterization of mesoporous materials. Some of the mesoporous materials discussed in this volume are alumina, carbon, silica and also polymeric materials. There are 15 chapters in this volume; each one includes examples of these interesting materials, supported by appropriate figures for better clarification.

Read more less

Book SynopsisThe increase in domestic supplies of natural gas has raised new interest in expanding its use in the transportation sector. This book considers issues related to wider use of natural gas as a fuel in passenger cars and commercial vehicles. This book is designed to help fleets understand the cost factors associated with fueling infrastructure for compressed natural gas (CNG) vehicles. It provides estimated cost ranges for various sizes and types of CNG fueling stations and an overview of factors that contribute to the total cost of an installed station; and describes how the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) used the VICE model to establish guidance for fleets making decisions about using CNG.

Read more less

Book SynopsisThis is the second volume of the four volume set of the Comprehensive guide for Mesoporous Materials. Mesoporous materials are found abundant in biological systems and minerals and some of these materials have long been used in various industries. Recent advances at the nanoscale level has caused an increase in the use of these materials. This volume mainly discusses the analysis and functionalization of mesoporous materials.

Read more less

Book SynopsisApplications of microscale and nanoscale thermal and fluid transport phenomena involved in traditional industries and highly specialised fields such as bioengineering, micro-fabricated fluidic systems, microelectronics, aerospace technology, micro heat pipes, chips cooling etc. have been becoming especially important since the late 20th century. However, microscale and nanoscale thermal and fluid transport phenomena are quite different from those of conventional scale or macroscale. Quite a few studies have been conducted to understand the very complex phenomena involved at microscale and nanoscale. New methods have been applied to measure the basic physical parameters at microscale and are continuously under development. New prediction methods have also been developed to cover both macroscale and microscale channels and are being continuously under investigation. New theories and mechanisms are also urgently needed for the fluid flow and heat transfer phenomena at microscale and nanoscale. There are many issues to be clarified from both theoretical and applied aspects in the microscale and nanoscale thermal and fluid transport phenomena. Furthermore, Interdisciplinary research areas are also rapidly under development. For example, as a new research frontier of nanotechnology, the research of nanofluid two-phase flow and thermal physics is rapidly growing, however, it has also posed new challenges as there are quite contradictory results in the available research.

Read more less

Book SynopsisZingiber officinale Roscoe (ginger) has been used in popular medicine since ancient times, being explored for its effects anti-inflammatory, antiemetic, anti-microbial and several other properties by both common folk and scientific community. Apart from its well-known folklore uses, there are several more studies that can be found in scientific research which describe many other capabilities of this plant. Also, several investigations have associated ginger with medicinal benefits, as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and analgesic, antiemetic, anti-diarrheal, anti-ulcer, anti-cancer, anti-cholinesterasic, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-parasitary and preventing intoxications. This book discusses all of the properties, as well as its functions and the medicinal benefits of ginger.

Read more less

Book SynopsisSpecialty metals are essential to the manufacture and performance capabilities of certain Department of Defense (DOD) weapon system parts, due to their unique properties, such as being highly magnetic, lightweight, corrosion resistant, or having high durability. Among these metals are samarium-cobalt alloy magnets used to make radar systems, as well as titanium and certain steel alloys used to make aircraft, submarines, and tactical ground vehicles. There are few, if any, substitutes for some of these metals. This book assesses how DOD meets its needs for specialty metals parts and ensures compliance with restrictions; and DOD''s process for providing national security waivers for specialty metal procurements and the extent to which it disseminates waiver information throughout the department.

Read more less

Book SynopsisThis is the final volume of the four volume set of Comprehensive Guide for Mesoporous Materials. Mesoporous materials are found abundant in biological systems and minerals and some of these materials have long been used in various industries. Recent advances in scientific understanding and manipulating in nanoscale caused an increase in the usage of these materials. One of the most important applications of mesoporous membranes are due to the special ability of pores. For example, controls of specific DNA structures and molecules filtration are possible. This volume mainly discusses the application and commercialization of mesoporous materials.

Read more less

Book SynopsisThe book contains ten chapters. Chapter 1 deals with classification of propellants and explosives. Mechanism of thermal decomposition of ammonium perchlorate (AP) has been given in Chapter 2. Synthesis and characterisation of various types of nanomaterials such as oxides, ferrites, cobaltites, oxalates, mono, bi and tri metals of transition metals, and oxides of lanthanides have been discussed in Chapter-3. These have been found to be potential thermal decomposition and burning rate catalysts for AP and composite solid propellants. The preparative methods for various types of nanoenergetic compounds have been described in Chapter 4. Thermolysis of various types of nitrate, perchlorate, and NTOate salts has been discussed in Chapters 5-7. Preparation and characterisation of transition, lanthanoids metal nitrate, and perchlorate complexes with ligand of various amines have been described in Chapters 8-10. In each group of compounds, the structural properties of the individual compounds are determined by gravimetric, IR and NMR studies. For those compounds which gave crystals, X-ray crystallography technique was undertaken to determine their structures. The results obtained from thermoanalytical and kinetic investigations related to the thermal decomposition, ignition/explosion and combustion of the compounds have also been described. The author hopes this book will be of interest to everyone involved with energetic materials irrespective of their background. This will prove useful to the serious college students as a text, to the engineers interested in the broad aspects of aerospace, and as an introduction to the propulsion of missiles or space vehicles. This book will be helpful to the people working in R&D laboratories, Universities, Institutes, Production agencies, Forensic laboratories, Armed forces (Army, Navy and Air Force), Quality assurance, Homeland securities, Chemical Industries etc. This book will be of immense use to organisations dealing with the production of commercial explosives and allied chemicals. It is hoped that this compilation of work will serve to stimulate more interest and promote further progress in the research into the properties and applications of these family of compounds reported in this book.

Read more less

Book SynopsisRecent advances in combining two drilling techniques, hydraulic fracturing and horizontal drilling, have allowed access to large deposits of shale resources -- that is, crude oil and natural gas trapped in shale and certain other dense rock formations. As a result, the cost of that "tight oil" and "shale gas" has become competitive with the cost of oil and gas extracted from other sources. Virtually non-existent a decade ago, the development of shale resources has boomed in the United States, producing about 3.5 million barrels of tight oil per day and about 9.5 trillion cubic feet (Tcf) of shale gas per year. This book discusses the economic and budgetary effects of producing oil and natural gas from shale. It also examines the production, infrastructure, and market issues in U.S. shale gas development; and potential budgetary effects of immediately opening most federal lands to oil and gas leasing.

Read more less

Book SynopsisThe recent growth in unconventional natural gas production has also produced a profusion of publications on the exploration, development, production, infrastructure, economics, uses, and environmental impacts of these resources. This book summarises the current state of published descriptions of the potential environmental impacts of unconventional natural gas upstream operations within the Lower 48 United States. It also examines the technology, impacts and regulations of hydraulic fracturing, which is a key technique that has enabled the economic production of natural gas from shale deposits, or plays.

Read more less