Technology, Engineering & Agriculture Books

Book SynopsisA comprehensive review and analysis of the human factors research associated with the implementation of crash warning system interfaces has led to the development of guidelines intended to be used by anyone responsible for the conceptualisation, development, design, testing, or evaluation of in-vehicle crash avoidance systems, especially for forward collision (headway warning), lane change (blind-spot warning), and road departure warnings. This book is intended to highlight issues to be addressed and provide guidance in the development of Collision Warning Systems (CWSs). Information is presented on a variety of topics relevant to the driver-vehicle interface (DVI) of CWS devices.

Read more less

Book SynopsisBook & CD-ROM. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) began in 1975 to evaluate the effectiveness of vehicle safety technologies associated with the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards. By June 2014, NHTSA had evaluated the effectiveness of virtually all the life-saving technologies introduced in passenger cars, pickup trucks, SUVs, and vans from about 1960 up through about 2010. A statistical model estimates the number of lives saved from 1960 to 2012 by the combination of these life-saving technologies. Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS) data for 1975 to 2012 documents the actual crash fatalities in vehicles that, especially in recent years, include many safety technologies. This book focuses exclusively on the fatality reduction attributable to vehicle safety technologies introduced since 1956 (when factory-installed lap belts first became optionally available on some cars) and, from 1968 onwards, largely associated with the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards and/or related programs such as safety ratings. It develops a vehicular fatality-risk index by calendar year that measures how much safer the average car or LTV on the road has become relative to a car or LTV on the road in 1955.

Read more less

Book SynopsisPollution status, environmental protection, and renewable energy production in Marine systems are the main targets of this book that represent the contents of the third volume of the Blue Biotechnology Journal, published by Nova Science publishers, New York, USA. The book is divided into 20 Chapters. The first chapter reviews the environmental protection from thermodynamic properties, the performance of refrigeration cycles and air-conditioning. The second chapter represents the pollution status along the Red Sea. During last ten years of twenty century till now, inorganic and organic pollutants has been detected in many sites of the Red Sea. The third chapter covers the adsorption of the anionic dye Direct Red 23 onto new activated carbons developed from Cynara cardunculus: kinetics, equilibrium and thermodynamics. The fourth chapter reports the Mercury as toxic metals levels in surface sediments along Alexandria west coast, Egypt. The fifth chapter investigates the effects of essential and non-essential metals on the human health. Chapter six covers a review of oceanography and topography of the Red Sea and Arabian Gulf. Chapter seventh reports the marine plankton and genus Ceratium in the west coast of the Red Sea. Chapter eight covers the energy efficiency improvement utilising high Technology: The path forward for renewable energy use in industry, buildings and sustainable development 183. The ninth chapter investigates the bioethanol production from shrimp shell waste Using Marine Alcaligenes feacalis MS7 and Candida albicans ATCC 14053. The tenth chapter covers the comparison of two packages for tidal analysis and prediction: an exemplar case study of Abu-Qir Bay, Alexandria, Egypt. Chapter eleven reports the physico-chemical studies of Suez Canal water from port said to Suez for its evaluation and protection. Chapter twelve covers the morphological structure of bays and sharms as a factor affecting in distribution of marine physics parameters, the Red Sea. Chapter thirteen investigates the suitability of Lake Mariut Drainage System (Qalaa and Umum Drains Waters) for Water Reuse. Chapter fourteen reports the water and nutrient budgets of Lake Burullus, Egypt. Chapter fifteen covers the geological model delineation of sub-marine system channels in west delta deep marine concession, Egypt. Chapter sixteen reports the synthesis and antimicrobial of 5-(4''-bromobenzyl)-1,3,4-thiadiazole-2-amine derivatives. Chapter seventeen recorded the isolation and characterisation of chitinolytic actinomycetes from estuarine origin in South India. Chapter eighteen reports the isolation of extremely halophilic bacterium Bacillus trueperi. RRJS1 optimised with physico-chemical factors and nutritional sources for protease activity. Chapter nineteen investigates the toxicological studies on the Red Sea Pufferfish Arothron hispidus (Linnaeus, 1758) and River Nile Pufferfish Tetraodon lineatus (Linnaeus, 1758). Chapter twenty reports the studies on the various allometric relationships in the intertidal horse mussel Modiolus auriculatus of the Red Sea, Egypt.

Read more less

Book SynopsisSince the retirement of the Space Shuttle Program in July 2011, the United States has lacked a domestic capability to transport crew and -- until recently -- cargo to and from the International Space Station (ISS or Station). Consequently, NASA has been relying on the Russian Federal Space Agency (Roscosmos) for crew transportation. In anticipation of the Shuttle''s retirement, Congress and the President directed NASA to foster the commercial spaceflight industry as a means of developing domestic cargo and crew transportation capabilities to the Station. In November 2005, NASA created the Commercial Crew and Cargo Program Office and in 2011, activated a separate Commercial Crew Program Office to reflect the increased funding and priority for commercial crew. In June 2013, the Office of Inspector General (OIG) issued a report examining NASA''s efforts to foster a commercial market for cargo resupply missions to the ISS. The report discusses NASA''s funding over the past 7 years of SpaceX and Orbital to further development of spaceflight capabilities and, on a separate track, the Agency''s contracts with the companies for a combined 20 cargo resupply missions to the ISS. As a complement to that report, this book examines NASA''s efforts to pursue commercial crew capabilities.

Read more less

Book SynopsisScientists classify comets and asteroids that pass within 28 million miles of Earth''s orbit as near-Earth objects (NEOs). Asteroids that collide and break into smaller fragments are the source of most NEOs, and the resulting fragments bombard the Earth at the rate of over 100 tons a day. Although the vast majority of NEOs that enter Earth''s atmosphere disintegrate before reaching the surface, those larger than 100 meters (328 feet) may survive the descent and cause destruction in and around their impact sites. Furthermore, even smaller objects that disintegrate before reaching Earth''s surface can cause significant damage. This book examines NASA''s NEO Program and assesses the Agency''s progress toward meeting statutory and other Program goals. Specifically, it reviews NASA''s allocation and use of resources and plans for the future of the Program.

Read more less

Book SynopsisThe U.S. has spent almost $43 billion to develop, assemble, and operate the International Space Station (ISS) over the past two decades. The NASA Authorization Act of 2010 required NASA to enter into a cooperative agreement with a not-for-profit entity to manage the ISS National Laboratory and in 2011 did so with the Center for the Advancement of Science in Space (CASIS). CASIS is charged with maximising use of the ISS for scientific research by executing several required activities. Recently, questions have arisen about the progress being made to implement the required activities and the impact it has had on ISS''s return on the investment. This book assesses the extent to which CASIS has implemented the required management activities; and NASA and CASIS measure and assess CASIS''s performance. Furthermore, this book assesses the extent to which NASA has ensured essential spare parts are available and ISS structures and hardware are sound for continued ISS utilisation through 2020.

Read more less

Book SynopsisCitrus is the most widely produced fruit in the world and it is grown in more than 80 countries. Due to its varied and wide chemical composition as a consequence of its nature, citrus is an exceptional feedstock to the designing and assessing of biorefineries. A wide spectrum of products are obtained from citrus, which nowadays are extracted and purified into essential oils, antioxidants and other compounds. This book provides research on the production, consumption and health benefits of citrus fruits. The first chapter begins with an overview of citrus based refineries. Chapters two and three discuss hesperidin and narirutin, which are citrus flavonoids. Chapter four studies the use of citrus residues as raw materials for biomolecules and energy. Chapter five collects information from published works about the alternative use of citrus residues as efficient and promising adsorbents in clean water technology. The final chapter examines citrus genetic improvement.

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 farm safety net programs; specialty crop provision in the 2014 Farm Bill; background and issues in agricultural research; the effects of recent energy price reductions on U.S. agriculture; and the effect of transportation costs on fresh fruit and vegetable prices.

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book SynopsisThis book explores the structure and function of the U.S. nutrition research system, with an emphasis on trends in Federal support. It describes how nutrition research is used, especially for nutrition education and communication, but also for regulation and food assistance. The book uses the Human Nutrition Research Information Management database maintained by the National Institutes of Health to analyse long-term trends. Furthermore, this book provides a background, and examines issues of agricultural research; and shows scenarios of public agricultural research spending and future U.S. agricultural productivity growth.

Read more less

Book SynopsisThe present book provides a state-of-the-art overview on cellulose and its application in electronic devices. It covers both cellulose from forestry and the development on cellulose for electronic devices. From the fundamental point of view, cellulose was considered as the most abundant available resource of bio-based materials. The research on cellulose was designed for forestry to industrial commercialisation. The overview of cellulose from forestry is provided along with the method for properties modification. After that, significant enhancement of cellulose properties is evaluated on an electronic device. The content of this book is involved on academic research of the author (active from 2010 to the present time) at University of Toronto, Canada, The Petroleum and Petrochemical College, Chulalongkorn University and Thammasat University, Thailand. As mentioned above, chapter contributions are made from laboratory experience and strong research publication among these institutes. The comprehensive and systematic overview provided within this book is expected to assist the reader in comprehending the importance of taking into account cellulose from forestry and its development for the electronic device. Finally, the editor would like to express sincere appreciation to the research contributors for their dedicated collaboration in cellulose for the electronic device project. We sincerely hope this book will enable readers to connect basic research principles with up-to-date knowledge, thereby encouraging future discoveries and development of cellulose for many possible applications.

Read more less

Book SynopsisAdditive manufacturing has the potential to fundamentally change the production and distribution of goods. Unlike conventional or subtractive manufacturing processes, such as drilling, which create a part by cutting away material, additive manufacturing builds a part using a layer-by-layer process. Additive manufacturing has been used as a design and prototyping tool, but the focus of additive manufacturing is now shifting to the direct production of functional parts -- parts that accomplish one or more functions, such as medical implants or aircraft engine parts -- that are ready for distribution and sale. This book discusses the use of additive manufacturing to directly produce functional parts, including its opportunities, key challenges, and key considerations for any policy actions that could affect its future use. This book explores the development and application of additive manufacturing as well as initiatives in the United States and other countries to advance it. It also examines the technology''s effect on firm and industry production activities, as well as the potential implications for U.S. manufacturing competitiveness focused in three industries.

Read more less

Book SynopsisGenetically engineered (GE) foods, sometimes referred to as genetically modified foods (GMO foods), are foods that are derived from scientific methods used to introduce new traits or characteristics to an organism. This book discusses the legislation of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and genetically modified (GM) plants and foods in Argentina, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, China, Egypt, England and Wales, France, Germany, Israel, Italy, Japan, Lebanon, Mexico, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, the Russian Federation, South Africa, South Korea, Sweden, and the United States. The European Union and International Protocols are also examined. This book summarises enacted laws on the cultivation and sale of GMOs, as well as public opinion on GM products. A selected bibliography is included. Furthermore, the book examines legal issues with federal labeling of GMOs.

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book SynopsisItaly''s peculiar cultural variability is the result of population movements and invasions from the Mediterranean Sea, which took place in both historical and prehistoric times. Due to many interesting places such as the city of Rome, Central Italy was endured by migrants, who have contributed to Italy''s culture, linguistics and also genetics. Chapter One reconstructs human demic movements in central Italy using both archeology and genetics. Chapter Two addresses issues in the conceptual context of land take, which is a change in agriculture, forestry, and other lands due to urbanisation and artificial land development, in Sardinian urban areas of Italy. Moreover, global warming has had a negative impact on water balance, natural systems, and agriculture activities. Chapter Three provides a seasonal analysis of crop evapotranspiration based on the Penman-Monteith equation in the Po River Delta in Italy.

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book SynopsisBook & CD-ROM. pace weather refers to variations in the space environment between the sun and Earth (and throughout the solar system) that can affect technologies in space and on Earth. Space weather can disrupt the technology that forms the backbone of this country''s economic vitality and national security, including satellite and airline operations, communications networks, navigation systems, and the electric power grid. As the Nation becomes ever more dependent on these technologies, space weather poses an increasing risk to infrastructure and the economy. Further, the Strategic National Risk Assessment has identified space weather as a hazard that poses significant risk to the security of the Nation. Clearly, reducing vulnerability to space weather needs to be a national priority. The National Space Weather Strategy (Strategy) and the accompanying National Space Weather Action Plan (Action Plan) together seek to enhance the integration of existing national efforts and to add important capabilities to help meet growing demands for space-weather information. The Strategy and Action Plan build on recent efforts to reduce risks associated with natural hazards and improve resilience of essential facilities and systems, aiming to foster a collaborative environment in which government, industry, and the American people can better understand and prepare for the effects of space weather. The Nation must continue to leverage existing public and private networks of expertise and capabilities and pursue targeted enhancements to improve the ability to manage risks associated with space weather. This book outlines objectives for enhancing the Nation''s space-weather readiness in three key areas: national preparedness, forecasting, and understanding. It also describes the study process, the study requirements and their relevance and importance, an assessment and accounting of current and planned space weather observing systems used or to be used for operations, an analysis of gaps between the observing systems'' capabilities and their ability to meet documented requirements, and a summary of key findings.

Read more less

Book SynopsisOchratoxin is a kind of secondary metabolite produced by Aspergillus and Penicillium. It mainly contains Ochartoxin A (OTA), Ochratoxin B (OTB), Ochratoxin C (OTC), 4-hydroxyochratoxin A and Otα, and among which OTA has the strongest toxicity. Ochratoxin exists widely in a variety of food products, such as wheat, corn, soybean, oats, barley, coffee beans, meat and cheese. Ochratoxin carries potential health-associated risks, and it has caused wide public concern in recent years. This book has been written with the aim of helping investigators in this field by providing information about the production, isolation, purification and the toxic mechanism of OTA. This book consists of six chapters. Section I introduces the discovery and the classification of ochratoxin. Section II describes the biosynthesis and metabolism of OTA and the ways of OTA control. Section III deals with detection methods of OTA. In the last three sections, toxicities of OTA are the emphasis of this book. The kidney and the liver are the main target organs of OTA. Nephrotoxicity, hepatotoxicity and other toxicities, such as intestinal metabolism toxicity and reproductive toxicity, are stated in section IV, V and VI, respectively. In these sections, methods of both traditional toxicology and molecular toxicology evaluation are applied to explore OTA-induced toxicity. Traditional toxicology describes the changes of OTA-induced toxicology indexes, containing blood biochemistry indexes and pathological parameters, and the molecular toxicology mainly focuses on the signaling pathways of its toxicity. A combinatorial approach encompassing miRNA, mRNA, and proteomic profiling and bioinformatics methods have also been used to study the molecule mechanisms.

Read more less

Book SynopsisHigh Value Processing is concerned with all the processes and activities of converting raw materials and commodity materials into valuable products required by manufacturers or the end consumer. Efficient processing of raw materials and commodity goods is of great significance for continuing economic welfare. There is a need to develop products that have high value in world markets, and therefore people must understand fully the properties of materials as diverse as food, wood, metals, plastics and fuel. Advanced technologies and knowledge are required to design, manufacture and process these materials into high-value products. It is also important to understand the properties of these high-value products and how they will interact with their environment, whether it be within the body or in the atmosphere. This book will serve industrial and other activities where material is undergoing a change, whether that change is chemical, biochemical or physical. Improving the understanding of how to prepare feed materials, how to make reactions occur, separating and purifying products, controlling wastes, minimizing energy usage, and ultimately adding value to the raw materials used to produce something useful to people is an essential aspect to this composition. This book reads more as a single authored book with fully integrated chapters than as one compiled by editors, having benefited directly from the discussions by true experts in their fields.

Read more less

Book SynopsisThis book focuses on the latest developments in the field of engineering. The first chapter presents the implementation of Lean philosophy and Lean tools in coal mining. Chapter Two describes numerical and experimental analyses of milling bifurcations, or instabilities. Chapter Three examines metabolic engineering strategies in the production of aromatic amino acids. Chapter Four outlines the concept of wave digital networks (WDNs) and its use for the efficient modeling and analysis of microstrip circuits. Chapter Five discusses flutter computation based on ground vibration test results and mass data.

Read more less

Book SynopsisThis book provides readers with the latest developments in materials science research. Topics covered include calcium orthophosphate bioceramics; eco-friendly epoxy thermosets; polymer materials for advanced optical applications; Density Functional Theory (DFT) studies of metal-hydrogen systems for hydrogen storage; and the characterisation and properties of bitumen/montmorillonite nanocomposites.

Read more less

Book SynopsisThis book which is edited by Dr Bao-Luo Ma, a senior research scientist from Agriculture and Agri-Food in Canada, includes contributions from more than twenty-eight scientists in this dynamic field from around the world. This book synthesises the latest innovations and integrated knowledge from science disciplines as diverse as agronomy, soil science, ecology, economy, and social sciences. The global population is projected to reach nine billion by mid-century. Questions continue to arise concerning the ability of the agriculture sector to keep pace with the demands for food, feed, fibre and fuel of an increasing population in the near future, as well as finding a way of sustaining both the production system and the environment. Crop rotations, an ancient practice that has gained renewed interest in recent years, involve growing different crop species/varieties on the same piece of land in consecutive growing seasons (years). The direct and indirect benefits of this practice to the production system and the environment have been recognised for millennia. In recent years, it has been documented that crop rotations coupled with conservation tillage has enhanced the physical, chemical and biological properties of soil, improved seasonal nitrogen availability, and provided nitrogen inputs through symbiotic nitrogen fixation by legumes. This strategy can also lead to a better balance of plant nutritional requirements and a shift in soil mycorrhizal populations, interrupt insect populations, increase root activity, reduce disease severity, enhance environmentally-friendly biodiversity, and lower per-area greenhouse gas emissions or per-yield based carbon footprints. This book serves as one of the most recent and valuable reference on these multi-disciplines, and targets audiences at the undergraduate and graduate level, including crop, soil and agronomy scientists as well as environment scientists and policy-makers.

Read more less

Book SynopsisEnergy demand in the United States is expected to continue to grow over the coming decades, and the Department of Energy (DOE) considers nuclear energy to be one way to help meet this increased demand without producing air pollution. However, the current domestic commercial nuclear reactor fleet, consisting of 99 large light water reactors (LWRs) that provide about 20 percent of U.S. electricity is aging, and some reactors have shut down in recent years. LWRs use light, or ordinary, water to cool the reactor. New reactor concepts are under development as alternative energy options. Light water small modular reactors (SMRs) have some similarities, including the coolant used, to the existing large LWRs, and advanced reactors differ more from the large LWRs. Both new reactor concepts differ from the existing large LWRs in potential applications. This book discusses the status of light water SMR and advanced reactor concepts under development; the intended benefits of these new reactor concepts; and the challenges associated with developing and deploying these new types of reactors. Furthermore, the book describes DOE''s Office of Nuclear Energy''s (NE) approach to advanced nuclear reactor research and development (R&D) and examines how NE plans and prioritises its advanced reactor R&D activities, including deploying an advanced reactor.

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book SynopsisFood or medicine? That is the question related to our everyday lives. Fruits are an important part of daily nutritional habits and can be recognised as a supplier of vitamins, minerals, fibers, antioxidants, etc. On the other hand, however, they can influence our GUT microflora and can have a direct and indirect impact on our health. Our ancestors had no knowledge of plant taxonomy, enzymes, antioxidants, or microbiology; they even knew nothing about the existence of the microbes and all these molecules. However, they had one very powerful piece of knowledge, and that was knowledge of traditional know-how. Based on personal experience and the knowledge transferred from parents to children throughout the centuries, they knew about the beneficial properties of fruits, vegetables, and medical plants. The longest part of this history was based on empirical knowledge gained by experience without former knowledge of either mechanisms or scientific basis. If we look back in history, we can find the use of various fruits, vegetables and medical plants in the treatment of numerous diseases; they appreciated for their nutritional value or used in everyday domestic processes. Based on empiric experience, a high number of fruits have been used in traditional medicine. Empiric knowledge, frequently transferred from one generation to the next, was the only basis for preparation and application of these products in the past. Mangos (Mangifera indica L.) and guavas (Psidium guajava) have been widely acknowledged as nutritionally valuable fruits that act excellent sources of vitamins and minerals. They have been cultivated in tropical and subtropical parts of the world. Many research investigations reveal that both plants exhibit numerous medicinal properties. They have been used to treat many ailments by acting as antioxidants, antidiabetics, anti-inflammatory agents, anti-diarrhea supplements, aiding with hypolipidaemia, and anti-cancer promoters. Mangos have been found to be widely used in food, cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries, while guavas are processed mainly into food products. However, their physical, chemical, and sensory attributes of undergo changes upon the ripening process. Thus, different methods of storage and packaging are developed to prolong the shelf life and maintain the quality of these fruits. From the viewpoint of the twenty-first century scientist, we have sufficient knowledge to address various beneficial properties to mangos and guavas. Nowadays, the application of different parts of the mango and guava plants could be seen in the preparation of numerous bioactive molecules. These molecules include enzymes, antibacterial proteins, antioxidants, and various extracts applicable in modern medicine, food industry, etc. In this book, we have tried to collect materials covering some aspects from characterisation and origin of the mango and guava plants into the taxonomical position of the plants to summarise information about the application of the fruits and other parts of their plants.

Read more less

Book SynopsisThis book explores the developments, issues and research outlook of global agriculture. Topics discussed in this compilation include reviews of historical trends in Chinese corn yields in order to assess the potential for future growth; discussions on the impact that pre- and post-2004 reforms had on Public Distribution System (PDS) consumption and on rates of food insecurity; and studies on the growth in broiler meat exports to several major markets.

Read more less

Book SynopsisCoffee is among the most widely consumed beverages worldwide. Traditionally, high consumption of coffee has been considered to have negative health consequences due to the stimulant effects of caffeine. However, there is substantial evidence that coffee contains a range of bioactive compounds and antioxidants with potentially beneficial effects on human health. Chapter One presents a review of the works of research that have been developed in order to establish the functional potential of coffee, either raw or roasted and its byproducts. Chapter Two studies the extraction of bioactive compounds and antioxidant activities of coffee brews. Chapter Three focuses on two factors, aroma and geographic provenance, namely the geographic origin and the roasting procedure, and aims at providing a systematic assessment of the chemical compounds that are mainly responsible for the quality of coffee samples. Chapter Four focuses on the properties of spend coffee ground (SCG), based on its composition and structural organization, and the complex enzyme necessary for its conversion, highlighting its impact on biotechnology and bioenergy process. Chapter Five examines an optimal range of extraction conditions for extraction of polyphenols from espresso SCG by using response surface methodology and to investigate in vitro effects of obtained polyphenol-rich extracts on platelets activation and their aggregation with monocytes and neutrophiles. Chapter Six evaluates sensory acceptance and the effect of the expectations caused by information and the packaging characteristics of instant coffee. Chapter Seven overviews emerging evidence for the protective effects of coffee and its bioactive compounds on ocular health. Chapter Eight discusses coffee contaminated with Ochratoxin and genotoxicity. Chapter Nine studies health and health risks of the substances found in coffee.

Read more less

Book SynopsisThis book is concerned with heavy metals, which are considered to be the most hazardous pollutants present in the water system. Heavy metals are extensively studied and their effects on human health are reviewed here. Although several adverse health effects of heavy metals are known for a long time, exposure to heavy metals continues and is even increasing in some parts of the world. This books deals with the source of heavy metals in the environment and possible mitigation measures for metal recovery. The technology available for the detection of heavy metals and the latest remediation techniques are also discussed in detail. In this way, the book also addresses general background to polymers and their composite materials for removal of specific toxic heavy metals from waste water. The different adsorption isotherm models and adsorption mechanism using biosorption methods are also described. The widespread applications of low-value agricultural products, ion-exchange, coagulation, precipitation, flocculation, ultra-filtration and electrochemical methods are mentioned. The book reviews the essential issues and will be of interest to academicians, research scholars and industries. It will be the precious resource for all undergraduate and postgraduate students at institutes and universities.

Read more less

Book SynopsisThis latest volume includes contributions on the latest advances in energy research. Chapters include an overview of the production and recovery advancements of coal bed methane (CBM) reservoirs; an overview on the advancements in numerical and experimental studies of natural gas hydrate reservoirs; a discussion on the present state of the art of geothermal desalination, principles of operation for various desalination processes, and their applications and case studies around the world; an examination of ionic liquid applications as innovative electrolytes for fuel cells; a comparative study of the energy efficiency of a conventional ventilating and air conditioning (VAC) systems with three configurations; an assessment of desiccant assisted exergy recovery in air-conditioning systems; a technical and economic assessment of the Homer-pro environment simulations; and a study of an online in situ method for the monitoring of supercapacitor aging.

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 the societal metabolism of nanomaterials; the cytotoxicity of silver nanoparticles; nanotechnology-based photocatalysts; the nanocomposite of montmorillonite and zinc sulphide nanoparticles; the effect of MgO and Al2O3 nanoparticles on the surface tension of tri-ethylene glycol; the use of carbon nanocoils (CNCs), a helical carbon nanofiber, as a catalyst support in fuel cells; nanocrystallisation and in-situ preparation of copper azide; and nanoclays.

Read more less

Book SynopsisThe pepper fruit is commonly consumed as fresh fruit. In addition, the fruit is used in food industry and in manufacture processing, either fermented or concentrated. The pepper fruit is a rich source of bioactive compounds with antioxidant properties to which highly desirable medicinal properties and health benefits have been attributed. The stability and concentration of these bioactive compounds are affected by preharvest factors such as cultivar, cultivation methods and fertilisation, grafting, shading, stage of maturity, and postharvest factors such as prestorage treatments, temperature management and packaging. Chapter One of this book discusses in detail the preharvest and postharvest factors influencing the functional properties of pepper fruit. Chapter Two reviews electron paramagnetic resonance imaging of paramagnetic species in pepper seeds. Chapter Three studies the technology and properties of drying peppers after harvesting. Chapter Four presents the potential use of peppers for therapeutic management besides its use as a food additive in various spicy cuisines. Chapter Five provides an overview of recent research on the chemical profile, health properties, and processing of peppers.

Read more less

Book SynopsisThis book provides current research on the performance, economic factors and effects on the environment of wind farms. The first chapter provides a technical review of wind farm improved performance and environmental development challenges. Chapter Two explores a variety of methods to be used for assessing noise from wind farms. In Chapter Three, the potential impact of wind farms on radio devices in civil aviation and a review of the impact assessment procedure and methods of our research group is presented. Chapter Four discusses the measurement, analysis and improvement in the power quality of offshore wind farms.

Read more less

Book SynopsisThe authors of this book provide recent research on conductive materials and composites. Chapter One studies the electromagnetic properties of microwire composites CoFeNiBSiMo, CoFeSiB and CoFeBSiCr, in the X and Ku band frequency. Chapter Two presents the results of the investigation of microstructure, electrical conductivity of nanocarbon-polymer composites, and the parameters of interaction with microwave electromagnetic radiation (EMR). Chapter Three reviews the shielding effectiveness of conductive materials and composites. The final chapter provides insight in the procedures of dispersion, distribution, and network formation during the melting processes of carbon black-filled nanocomposites.

Read more less

Book SynopsisSupply Chain Management (SCM) has been widely researched in numerous application domains in manufacturing and service industries during the last decades. There are several attempts made by researchers and practitioners to appropriately define SCM and its applications. This book is comprised of twelve chapters. Chapter One develops a mathematical model in a four layer supply chain including supplier, manufacturer, distributor and customers using the product life cycle factors to obtain the optimal number of products and the fulfilment of an activity in product life cycle. Chapter Two presents a recent and exhaustive review on important integrated supply chain management problems and the current research on integration between different supply chain management functions. Chapter Three illustrates a comprehensive multi criteria decision making (MCDM) methodology for the selection of a third party logistics service provider. Chapter Four explains the capabilities of Google Spreadsheet as a tool, using its tool inventory distribution management, risk pooling and transhipment at retailer levels for integrated operation of the supply chain. Chapter Five describes the agent-based modelling approach to simulate the interaction and negotiation behaviour of palm oil supply chain (POSC) actors, which attempt to obtain highest added-value, but must consider overall supply chain profitability and sustainability. Chapter Six intends to signify the performance measurement practices in the industries and also presents the need of supply chain performance measurement in textile industry with a case study. In Chapter Seven, a generic method has been developed in order to assist and assess complex supply chain network design and analysis considering different types of uncertainty factors. Chapter Eight proposes a mathematical model to determine the optimal location for a warehouse. Several factors like locations of distributors, nature of demand etc. have been considered to formulate the optimisation model, which has been solved using differential evolution. Chapter Nine is a study of sport-related location and layout strategies as they relate to the location of a firm (i.e.: intermediate variables/functions, superior firm performance). Chapter Ten illustrates the various approaches to implement the green principles by different researchers. The main objective of the green supply chain management (GSCM) approach is to eliminate/ minimise the impact of the GHG emissions into the environment throughout the supply chain process. Chapter Eleven focuses on increasing the supply chain value by looking into the colour, image and typography of water product in influencing customers intention to purchase. Finally, Chapter Twelve aims to investigate scenarios for the new setting of the Center of Sterilized Material (CSMs) health system of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. To build and evaluate scenarios for the CSMs, an exploratory methodology based on gravity centre approach for location of storage facilities and distribution of materials was adopted.

Read more less

Book SynopsisMolybdenum disulfide (MoS2) is a semiconductor which is composed of Mo atoms sandwiched between two layers of hexagonal close packed sulfur atoms in a structure similar to graphene. Traditionally, it has been used as a solid lubricant due to its low friction properties and as a hydrodesulfurisation catalyst to lower the sulfur content in natural gas and fuels. Bulk MoS2 were first examined as a possible hydrogen evolution reaction electrocatalyst as early as 1977 by Tributsch et al. However, it was not until about 20 years later that its potential in the hydrogen evolution reaction was fully unveiled. This book discusses the synthesis, properties and industrial applications of molybdenum disulfide.

Read more less

Book SynopsisToday, agroforestry ranks high among the significant land-management initiatives that have undertaken the world over the past few decades. Indeed, it is now recognized as an important approach to ensuring food security and rebuilding resilient rural environments. Recent studies have shown that more than one billion hectares of agricultural land have more than 10% tree cover. Of this, 160 million hectares have more than 50% tree cover. Agricultural ecosystems can be further improved through agroforestry to ensure environmental restoration, greater farm productivity, and realization of ecological services, including climate change mitigation and adaptation for improved rural livelihood. Now, agroforestry is considered synonymous to climate smart agriculture and a remedy for many modern environmental challenges, and acts as a mitigating process for climate change. Consequently, the knowledge base of agroforestry is being expanded at a rapid rate as illustrated by the increasing number and quality of scientific publications of various forms on different aspects of agroforestry. Making full and efficient use of this upsurge in scientific agroforestry is both a challenge and an opportunity to the scientific community, particularly in the scenario of climate change. In order to help prepare themselves better for facing the challenges and seizing the opportunity, agroforestry scientists need access to synthesized information on multi-dimensional aspects of scientific agroforestry. It is believed that widespread scaling-up of agroforestry innovations during the next decade will greatly facilitate the success of global commitments and conventions such as the UN Millennium Development Goals, Convention on Biological Diversity, Framework on Climate Change, and the Convention to Combat Desertification. This book will be useful for engaging more stakeholders, including students, foresters, farmers, local communities, indigenous people, civil society institutions, the media, private sectors, scientists (working in the fields of Agroforestry, Forestry, Life Sciences, Animal Husbandry & Dairy, Social Science, Food Science and Environmental Sciences), policymakers, leaders, and the public.

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book SynopsisUltrasound is regarded as an emerging and promising technology in industrial food processing. In recent years, several applications of ultrasound in relation to the production of beverages, mainly wines and juices, have been assayed at a laboratory scale. To be specific, ultrasound has been used for enhancing heat transfer, detection of microbial contamination, reducing membrane fouling in beverage clarification, inactivation of microorganisms, equipment cleaning, process monitoring, assisted extraction, and accelerating reactions within beverages. Many of its uses are still being researched. With regard to the latter one, some researchers have focused their attention on accelerating wine aging through ultrasound in order to bring about the same effects as natural ageing on wine in a very short period. Besides, since the beverage industry produces a million tons of byproducts per year, which represents a major disposal problem, ultrasound can be applied as an innovating and green extraction technology to recover bioactive compounds from fruit beverage-derived byproducts. This book presents an overview of the current applications of ultrasound in beverage industries. The most recent developments are discussed and future prospects for research in this field are explored. Finally, the mechanism of microbial disinfection, available ultrasound reactor designs and guidelines for important operating parameters are also discussed.

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book SynopsisThis book provides readers with the latest developments in materials science research. Topics covered include recent advances in starch based materials; multiphasic calcium orthophosphates; the influence of soft wood contents on material properties, biodegradability and thermoformability of high density polyethylene (HDPE); recent progress on multifunctional thermoplastic-based composites that incorporate carbon nanotubes (CNTs); and stationary energy partition between oscillatory modes in low-dimensional systems at ambient temperatures.

Read more less

Book SynopsisWith the increased use of armed drones has come closer scrutiny of the legal and ethical dimensions. In the first chapter of this book, the author makes an assessment of the lethal use of drone technologies, measured in terms of their legality, morality, and overall effectiveness. Armed unmanned aerial vehicles -- combat drones -- have fundamentally altered the ways the United States conducts military operations aimed at countering insurgent and terrorist organisations. Drones may reduce risks to human soldiers but the question arises as to whether they permit the initiation or escalation of conflict by promoting civic disengagement. The authors of the second chapter offer an analysis of the dimensions surrounding this argument.

Read more less

Book SynopsisThis book discusses several topics on food issues, policies, and safety. The topics include legal issues with federal labeling of genetically engineered food; revisions of nutrition facts label; the U.S. wine industry and selected trade issue with the European Union; U.S. catfish industry and foreign trade; nut consumption among U.S. adults; consumer response to foodborne disease outbreaks of different severities; food safety performance of ground beef suppliers to the national school lunch program; and shelf-stable food safety.

Read more less

Book SynopsisOver the past two decades, automobile crash-related fatality and injury rates have declined over 34 and 40 percent respectively, due in part to improvements in automobile safety. To further improve traffic safety and provide other transportation benefits, the Department of Transportation (DOT) is promoting the development of vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I) technologies. Among other things, V2I technologies would allow roadside devices and vehicles to communicate and alert drivers of potential safety issues, such as if they are about to run a red light. GAO was asked to review V2I deployment. This book addresses the status of V2I technologies; challenges that could affect the deployment of V2I technologies, and DOT efforts to address these challenges; and what is known about the potential benefits and costs of V2I technologies.

Read more less