The Electrocaloric Effect: Materials and Applications reviews the fundamentals of the electrocaloric effect, the most relevant electrocaloric materials, and electrocaloric measurements and device applications. The book introduces the electrocaloric effect, along with modeling and simulations of this effect. Then, it addresses the latest advances in synthesis, characterization and optimization of the most relevant electrocaloric materials, including ferroelectric materials, liquid materials, lead-free materials, polymers and composites. Finally, there is a review of the latest techniques in measurement and applications in refrigeration and cooling and a discussion of the advantages, challenges and perspectives of the future of electrocaloric refrigeration.

Every bit of information that circulates the internet across the globe is a pulse of light, that at some point will need to be converted to an electric signal in order to be processed by the electronic circuitry in our data centers, computers, and cell phones. Photodetectors (PD's) perform this conversion with ultra high speed and efficiency, in addition to being ubiquitously present in many other devices ranging from the mundane TV remote controls, to ultra high resolution instrumentation used in Laser Interferometer Gravitational Wave Observatory (LIGO) that reach the edge of the universe and measure gravitational waves. The second edition of "Photodetectors" fully updates the popular first edition with updated information covering the state-of-the-art in modern photodetectors. The 2nd edition starts with basic metrology of photodetectors and common figures-of-merit to compare various devices. It follows with chapters that discuss single-photon detection with Avalanche Photodiodes; organic photodetectors that can be inkjet printed; and silicon-germanium PDs popular in burgeoning field of Silicon Photonics. Internationally recognized experts contribute chapters on one-dimensional, nanowire, PDs as well as high speed zero-dimensional, quantum dot, versions that increase the spectral span as well as speed and sensitivity of PDs and can be produced on various substrates. Solar-blind PDs that operate in harsh environments such as deep space, or rocket engines, are reviewed and new devices in GaN technology . Novel Plasmonic PDs, as well as devices which employ micro-plasma of confined charge in order to make devices that overcome speed limitation of transfer of electronic charge, are covered in other chapters. Using different, novel technologies, CMOS compatible devices are described in two chapters, and ultra high speed PDs that use low-temperature-grown GaAs (LT-GaAs) to detect fast THz signals are reviewed in another chapter. Photodetectors used in application areas of Silicon-Photonics and Microwave-Photonics are reviewed in final chapters of this book. All chapters are of a review nature, providing a perspective of the field before concentrating on particular advancements. As such, the book should appeal to a wide audience that ranges from those with general interest in the topic, to practitioners, graduate students and experts who are interested in the state-of-the-art in photodetection.

Graphene Quantum Dots: Biomedical and Environmental Sustainability Applications provides an overview of fundamentals and advances in applications of graphene quantum dots. Concepts covered include a brief introduction on the topic, an overview of structure and chemistry, fundamental properties of different characterization techniques, methods for the preparation of graphene quantum dots, and recent and emerging applications in various fields including antimicrobial therapy, bioimaging, biomedical tools development and clean energy for environmental sustainability. The book is a critical resource in materials selection for biomedical and environmental sustainability applications as well as various advanced imaging, disinfectant and environmental remediation technologies. As such, it is suitable for those in academia working in the discipline of materials science and engineering and practitioners working on biomedical tool development and environmental remediation.

Zeroing Neural Networks Describes the theoretical and practical aspects of finite-time ZNN methods for solving an array of computational problems Zeroing Neural Networks (ZNN) have become essential tools for solving discretized sensor-driven time-varying matrix problems in engineering, control theory, and on-chip applications for robots. Building on the original ZNN model, finite-time zeroing neural networks (FTZNN) enable efficient, accurate, and predictive real-time computations. Setting up discretized FTZNN algorithms for different time-varying matrix problems requires distinct steps. Zeroing Neural Networks provides in-depth information on the finite-time convergence of ZNN models in solving computational problems. Divided into eight parts, this comprehensive resource covers modeling methods, theoretical analysis, computer simulations, nonlinear activation functions, and more. Each part focuses on a specific type of time-varying computational problem, such as the application of FTZNN to the Lyapunov equation, linear matrix equation, and matrix inversion. Throughout the book, tables explain the performance of different models, while numerous illustrative examples clarify the advantages of each FTZNN method. In addition, the book: Describes how to design, analyze, and apply FTZNN models for solving computational problems Presents multiple FTZNN models for solving time-varying computational problems Details the noise-tolerance of FTZNN models to maximize the adaptability of FTZNN models to complex environments Includes an introduction, problem description, design scheme, theoretical analysis, illustrative verification, application, and summary in every chapter Zeroing Neural Networks: Finite-time Convergence Design, Analysis and Applications is an essential resource for scientists, researchers, academic lecturers, and postgraduates in the field, as well as a valuable reference for engineers and other practitioners working in neurocomputing and intelligent control.

Since the advent of the internet, online communities have emerged as a way for users to share their common interests and connect with others with ease. As the possibilities of the online world grew and the COVID-19 pandemic raged across the world, many organizations recognized the utility in not only providing further services online, but also in transitioning operations typically fulfilled in-person to an online space. As society approaches a reality in which most community practices have moved to online spaces, it is essential that community leaders remain knowledgeable on the best practices in cultivating engagement. Community Engagement in the Online Space evaluates key issues and practices pertaining to community engagement in remote settings. It analyzes various community engagement efforts within remote education, online groups, and remote work. This book further reviews the best practices for community engagement and considerations for the optimization of these practices for effective virtual delivery to support emergency environmental challenges, such as pandemic conditions. Covering topics such as community belonging, global health virtual practicum, and social media engagement, this premier reference source is an excellent resource for program directors, faculty and administrators of both K-12 and higher education, students of higher education, business leaders and executives, IT professionals, online community moderators, librarians, researchers, and academicians.

Our transition towards a cleaner and more sustainable future has seen an increase in the use of electrical energy in the functioning of our society. This implies the need to develop tools and methods which allow us to study electromagnetic devices and ensure their functioning for as long as possible. This requires us to use these tools to understand their behavior, not just as one component, but also in the entire systems in which they can be found, throughout their life cycle. This book provides electrical engineering students and researchers with the resources to analyze how synchronous machines behave over their entire field of operation, particularly focusing on hybrid excited synchronous machines (HESMs). The field of HESMs, although not a fundamental problem in the strict sense of the term, provides answers to a range of fundamental problems: the flux weakening of permanent magnet machines, energy optimization, and lastly the increasing costs of rare-earths permanent magnets.

The Designer's Guide to the Cortex-M Microcontrollers, Third Edition provides an easy-to-understand introduction to the concepts required to develop programs in C with a Cortex-M based microcontroller. Sections cover architectural descriptions that are supported with practical examples, enabling readers to easily develop basic C programs to run on the Cortex-M0/M0+/M3 and M4 and M7 and examine advanced features of the Cortex architecture, such as memory protection, operating modes and dual stack operation. Final sections examine techniques for software testing and code reuse specific to Cortex-M microcontrollers. Users will learn the key differences between the Cortex-M0/M0+/M3 and M4 and M7; how to write C programs to run on Cortex-M based processors; how to make the best use of the CoreSight debug system; the Cortex-M operating modes and memory protection; advanced software techniques that can be used on Cortex-M microcontrollers, and much more.

Most modern systems involve various engineering disciplines. Mechatronic systems are designed to be dependable and efficient; however, mechatronics engineering faces multiple challenges at the design and exploitation stages. It is essential for engineers to be aware of these challenges and remain up to date with the emerging research in the mechatronics engineering field. Trends, Paradigms, and Advances in Mechatronics Engineering presents the latest advances and applications of mechatronics. It highlights the recent challenges in the field and facilitates understanding of the subject. Covering topics such as the construction industry, design optimization, and low-cost fabrication, this premier reference source is a crucial resource for engineers, computer scientists, construction managers, students and educators of higher education, librarians, researchers, and academicians.

Metal Oxide Defects: Fundamentals, Design, Development and Applications provides a broad perspective on the development of advanced experimental techniques to study defects and their chemical activity and catalytic reactivity in various metal oxides. This book highlights advances in characterization and analytical techniques to achieve better understanding of a wide range of defects, most importantly, state-of-the-art methodologies for controlling defects. The book provides readers with pathways to apply basic principles and interpret the behavior of metal oxides. After reviewing characterization and analytical techniques, the book focuses on the relationship of defects to the properties and performance of metal oxides. Finally, there is a review of the methods to control defects and the applications of defect engineering for the design of metal oxides for applications in optoelectronics, energy, sensing, and more. This book is a key reference for materials scientists and engineers, chemists, and physicists.

Functional Materials from Carbon, Inorganic and Organic Sources: Methods and Advances describes the basic principles, mechanisms and theoretical background of functional materials. Sections cover Carbon-based functional materials, Inorganic functional materials for renewable and sustainable energy applications, and Organic and biological based functional materials. Applications such as energy storage and conversion, electronic and photonics devices, and in medicine are also explored. Sections dive into photovoltaic devices, light emitting devices, energy storage materials and quantum dot devices, solar cell fundamentals and devices, perovskite materials and ceramic thin films. Final sections emphasize green approaches to synthesis in semiconductor nanoparticles, quinolone complexes, biomaterials and biopolymers.

Modern Luminescence: From Fundamental Concepts to Materials and Applications, Volume One, Concepts and Luminescence is a multivolume work that reviews the fundamental principles, properties and applications of luminescent materials. Topics addressed include key concepts of luminescence, with a focus on important characterization techniques to understand a wide category of luminescent materials. The most relevant luminescent materials, such as transition metals, rare-earth materials, actinide-based materials, and organic materials are discussed, along with emerging applications of luminescent materials in biomedicine, solid state devices, and the development of hybrid materials. This book is an important introduction to the underlying scientific concepts needed to understand luminescence, such as atomic and molecular physics and chemistry. Other topics explored cover the latest advances in materials characterization methods, such as Raman spectroscopy, ultrafast spectroscopy, nonlinear spectroscopy, and more. Finally, there is a focus on the materials physics of nanophotonics.

Coulomb Interactions in Particle Beams, Volume 223 in the Advances in Imaging and Electron Physics series, merges two long-running serials, Advances in Electronics and Electron Physics and Advances in Optical and Electron Microscopy. The series features articles on the physics of electron devices (especially semiconductor devices), particle optics at high and low energies, microlithography, image science, digital image processing, electromagnetic wave propagation, electron microscopy, and computing methods used in all these domains, with this release exploring Coulomb Interactions in Particle Beams.

Metal Oxide-Based Heterostructures: Fabrication and Applications provides information on synthesis strategies, structural and hierarchical features, morphological characteristics of metal oxide-based heterostructures, and their diverse applications. This book begins with an introduction to the various multidimensional heterostructures, synthesis aspects, and techniques used to control the formation of heterostructures. Then, the impact of synthesis routes on the formation of mixed metal oxide heterostructures and their properties are analyzed. The effect of nonmetal doping, metal doping, and composites of metal oxide heterostructures on the properties of heterostructures is also addressed and that also includes opportunities for optimization of the material's performance for specific applications. Special attention is given to the surface characteristics of the metal oxide heterostructures and their impact on the material's performance, and the applications of metal oxide heterostructures in various fields such as environmental remediation, sensing, organic catalysis, photovoltaics, light emitting materials, and hydrogen production.

Advanced Sensor Technology: Biomedical, Environmental, and Construction Applications introduces readers to the past, present and future of sensor technology and its emerging applications in a wide variety of different fields. Organized in five parts, the book covers historical context and future outlook of sensor technology development and emerging applications, the use of sensors throughout many applications in healthcare, health and life science research, public health and safety, discusses chemical sensors used in environmental monitoring and remediation of contaminants, highlights the use of sensors in food, agriculture, fire prevention, automotive and robotics, and more. Final sections look forward at the challenges that must be overcome in the development and use of sensing technology as well as their commercial use, making this book appropriate for the interdisciplinary community of researchers and practitioners interested in the development of sensor technologies.

Nano-scale materials have unique electronic, optical, and chemical properties that make them attractive for a new generation of devices. In the second edition of Modeling, Characterization, and Production of Nanomaterials: Electronics, Photonics, and Energy Applications, leading experts review the latest advances in research in the understanding, prediction, and methods of production of current and emerging nanomaterials for key applications. The chapters in the first half of the book cover applications of different modeling techniques, such as Green's function-based multiscale modeling and density functional theory, to simulate nanomaterials and their structures, properties, and devices. The chapters in the second half describe the characterization of nanomaterials using advanced material characterization techniques, such as high-resolution electron microscopy, near-field scanning microwave microscopy, confocal micro-Raman spectroscopy, thermal analysis of nanoparticles, and applications of nanomaterials in areas such as electronics, solar energy, catalysis, and sensing. The second edition includes emerging relevant nanomaterials, applications, and updated modeling and characterization techniques and new understanding of nanomaterials.

An Introduction to Audio Content Analysis Enables readers to understand the algorithmic analysis of musical audio signals with AI-driven approaches An Introduction to Audio Content Analysis serves as a comprehensive guide on audio content analysis explaining how signal processing and machine learning approaches can be utilized for the extraction of musical content from audio. It gives readers the algorithmic understanding to teach a computer to interpret music signals and thus allows for the design of tools for interacting with music. The work ties together topics from audio signal processing and machine learning, showing how to use audio content analysis to pick up musical characteristics automatically. A multitude of audio content analysis tasks related to the extraction of tonal, temporal, timbral, and intensity-related characteristics of the music signal are presented. Each task is introduced from both a musical and a technical perspective, detailing the algorithmic approach as well as providing practical guidance on implementation details and evaluation. To aid in reader comprehension, each task description begins with a short introduction to the most important musical and perceptual characteristics of the covered topic, followed by a detailed algorithmic model and its evaluation, and concluded with questions and exercises. For the interested reader, updated supplemental materials are provided via an accompanying website. Written by a well-known expert in the music industry, sample topics covered in Introduction to Audio Content Analysis include: Digital audio signals and their representation, common time-frequency transforms, audio features Pitch and fundamental frequency detection, key and chord Representation of dynamics in music and intensity-related features Beat histograms, onset and tempo detection, beat histograms, and detection of structure in music, and sequence alignment Audio fingerprinting, musical genre, mood, and instrument classification An invaluable guide for newcomers to audio signal processing and industry experts alike, An Introduction to Audio Content Analysis covers a wide range of introductory topics pertaining to music information retrieval and machine listening, allowing students and researchers to quickly gain core holistic knowledge in audio analysis and dig deeper into specific aspects of the field with the help of a large amount of references.

JOINT COMMUNICATIONS AND SENSING Authoritative resource systematically introducing JCAS technologies and providing valuable information and knowledge to researchers and engineers Based on over six years of dedicated research on joint communications and sensing (JCAS) by the authors, their collaborators, and students, Joint Communications and Sensing is the first book to comprehensively cover the subject of JCAS, which is expected to deliver huge cost and energy savings, and therefore has become a hallmark of future 6G and next generation radar technologies. The book has three parts. Part I presents the basic JCAS concepts and applications and the basic signal processing algorithms to support JCAS. Part II covers communications-centric JCAS designs that describe how sensing can be integrated into communications networks such as 5G and 6G. Part III presents ways to integrate communications in various radar sensing technologies and platforms. Specific sample topics covered in Joint Communications and Sensing include: Three categories of JCAS systems, potential sensing applications of JCAS, signal processing fundamentals, and channel models for communications and radar Frameworks for perceptive mobile networks (PMNs), system modifications to enable PMN sensing, and PMN system issues Orthogonal time-frequency space waveform-based JCAS for IoT, including signal models, echo pre-processing, and target parameter estimation Joint Communications and Sensing provides valuable information and knowledge to researchers and engineers in the communications and radar sensing communities and industries, enabling them to upskill and prepare for JCAS technology research and development. The text is of particular interest to engineers in the wireless communications industry who are pursuing new capabilities in 6G.

PV has traditionally been used for electric power in space. Solar panels on spacecraft are usually the sole source of power to run the sensors, active heating and cooling, and communications. Photovoltaics for Space: Key Issues, Missions and Alternative Technologies provides an overview of the challenges to efficiently produce solar power in near-Earth space and beyond: the materials and device architectures that have been developed to surmount these environmental and mission-specific barriers. The book is organized in four sections consisting of detailed introductory and background content as well as a collection of in-depth space environment, materials processing, technology, and mission overviews by international experts. This book will detail how to design and optimize a space power system's performance for power-to-weight ratio, effectiveness at end of operational life (EOL) compared to beginning of operational life (BOL), and specific mission objectives and goals. This book outlines the knowledge required for practitioners and advanced students interested in learning about the background, materials, devices, environmental challenges, missions, and future for photovoltaics for space exploration.

Semiconductors and Semimetals, Volume 111 highlights new advances in the field, with this new volume presenting interesting chapters on Precision Medicine. Each chapter is written by an international board of authors.

Reliability and Failure Analysis of High-Power LED Packaging provides fundamental understanding of the reliability and failure analysis of materials for high-power LED packaging, with the ultimate goal of enabling new packaging materials. This book describes the limitations of the present reliability standards in determining the lifetime of high-power LEDs due to the lack of deep understanding of the packaging materials and their interaction with each other. Many new failure mechanisms are investigated and presented with consideration of the different stresses imposed by varying environmental conditions. The detailed failure mechanisms are unique to this book and will provide insights for readers regarding the possible failure mechanisms in high-power LEDs. The authors also show the importance of simulation in understanding the hidden failure mechanisms in LEDs. Along with simulation, the use of various destructive and non-destructive tools such as C-SAM, SEM, FTIR, Optical Microscopy, etc. in investigation of the causes of LED failures are reviewed. The advancement of LEDs in the last two decades has opened vast new applications for LEDs which also has led to harsher stress conditions for high-power LEDs. Thus, existing standards and reliability tests need to be revised to meet the new demands for high-power LEDs.

How robots will change our world Some fear that robots could do half our jobs and even wipe us out. But is that likely? Smart machines already make our cars and clean our homes. Soon they could drive us about, teach our children, and keep our parents company. While dealing with the ethical concerns about Artificial Intelligence, Bennie Mols and Nieske Vergunst reveal the history, present and future of robots. They show how moving AI could allow the lame to walk again, rescue survivors from collapsed buildings, and boost the global fight against hunger and pollution. Welcome to a vivid view of our robot future. With 60 colour photos. Topics From dolls to industrial workers, a history of robots How robots respond to their surroundings What robots learn about human speech Why self-driving cars are safer and greener The possibilities of robots in education Meet the 'cyborgs' who learn to walk again Why evolution designs the best robots Will rogue robots take over the world? Using robots as weapons and drones What the future holds: 2100, a Robot Odyssey Table of Contents 1 A short history of robots, from dolls to androids Machines as man throughout history Mechanical dolls: forerunners of the robot Enter the working humanoid robots The next step: android robots that look like you Uncanny valley: the problem with creepy robots 2. How do robots see their surroundings? Getting to grips with a new environment Seeing through the eyes of a robot Training robots to recognise objects Robots can see what a person cannot see Feeling with whiskers: sensing the way forward Robots use electronic ears to listen 3. How does a robot brain work? A robot must learn to think like a human Keeping it simple with an insect brain Machine learning is trial and error Robots can learn without supervision The football world cup for robots Developing robot emotional intelligence 4. Giving humans a helping hand Robots suck: doing the dirty jobs at home A robotic arm reaches deep into the supply chain Joseph Engelberger, father of car factory robots Co-bots will work alongside people Coping with variation is Amazon's challenge Building a robot car 5. Learning to speak to people The problem with machine talk SHRDLU! The first experiment in robot conversation Toilets are hidden: translation problems A robotic teacher never runs out of patience 6. Robots get emotional Emotional robots encourage humans to interact with them A robot can work out how you are feeling Why am I afraid? Understanding human emotions Help! My robot looks angry Establishing a bond with a robot 7. Humans need robots and robots need humans Meet the robot psychologists Under-promise and over-deliver performance Silicon Valley utopias vs calm technology What is the best ratio of robots to humans? In the rubble: the search and rescue robot The paradox of robotization 8. Humans need robots and robots need humans Meet the robot psychologists Under-promise and over-deliver performance * Silicon Valley utopias vs calm technology What is the best ratio of robots to humans? In the rubble: the search and rescue robot The paradox of robotization 9. Evolution designs the best robots How robots travel in a bumpy world Robothand has nature's grip A two-legged walking robot The first robot baby Working out the best path through evolution 10. Swarming robots show the wisdom of crowds The power of robots working together A robot swarm without a boss Goal is mapping a building about to collapse Predicting how a robot will behave Robot swarms in the real world A robotic swarm looks for a queen 11. The importance of building ethical robots Isaac Asimov's three rules about rogue robots When robots go wrong Responsible roboticists are planning for the future Robots and the UN's development goals How will robots change the human race? Killing machines: robots in the military 12. 2100 - A Robot Odyssey The future of work in a robotic world Fusing mind and body with soft robotics And then the smart robot became creative Was that move really creative? Will robots really take over the world?

Advances in Metal Oxides and their Composites for Emerging Applications reviews key properties of metal-oxide based composites, including their structural, physicochemical, optical, electrical components and resulting performance in a wide range of diverse applications. Synthetic protocols used to create metal oxides with desirable morphologies, properties and performance for applications in solar energy harvesting, energy storage and environmental remediation are emphasized. Emerging technologies that address important global challenges such as energy shortage, the hazardous effects of non-renewable energy sources, unaffordable energy technologies, and the contaminants present in air and water are also covered. This book is an ideal resource for materials scientists and engineers working in academia and R&D. In addition, it's appropriate for those who either need an introduction to potential research directions or for experienced researchers and practitioners looking for a key reference on the latest advances.

Advances in Imaging and Electron Physics, Volume 224 highlights new advances in the field, with this new volume presenting interesting chapters on Measuring elastic deformation and orientation gradients by scanning electron microscopy - conventional, new and emerging methods, Development of an alternative global method with high angular resolution, Implementing the new global method, Numerical validation of the method and influence of optical distortions, and Applications of the method.

Multimedia Streaming in SDN/NFV and 5G Networks A comprehensive overview of Quality of Experience control and management of multimedia services in future networks In Multimedia Streaming in SDN/NFV and 5G Networks, renowned researchers deliver a high-level exploration of Quality of Experience (QoE) control and management solutions for multimedia services in future softwarized and virtualized 5G networks. The book offers coverage of network softwarization and virtualization technologies, including SDN, NFV, MEC, and Fog/Cloud Computing, as critical elements for the management of multimedia services in future networks, like 5G and 6G networks and beyond. Providing a fulsome examination of end-to-end QoE control and management solutions in softwarized and virtualized networks, the book concludes with discussions of probable future challenges and research directions in emerging multimedia services and applications, 5G network management and orchestration, network slicing and collaborative service management of multimedia services in softwarized networks, and QoE-oriented business models. The distinguished authors also explore: Thorough introductions to 5G networks, including definitions and requirements, as well as Quality of Experience management of multimedia streaming services Comprehensive explorations of multimedia streaming services over the internet and network softwarization and virtualization in future networks Practical discussions of QoE management using SDN and NFV in future networks, as well as QoE management of multimedia services in emerging architectures, including MEC, ICN, and Fog/Cloud Computing In-depth examinations of QoE in emerging applications, 5G network slicing architectures and implementations, and 5G network slicing orchestration and resource management Perfect for researchers and engineers in multimedia services and telecoms, Multimedia Streaming in SDN/NFV and 5G Networks will also earn a place in the libraries of graduate and senior undergraduate students with interests in computer science, communication engineering, and telecommunication systems.