An eye-opening history of the technology that harnessed electricity and powered the greatest scientific and technological advances of our time.

What begin as a long-running dispute in biology, involving a dead frog's twitching leg, a scalpel, and a metal plate, would become an invention that transformed the history of the world: the battery. Science journalist Henry Schlesinger traces the history of this essential power source and demonstrates its impact on our lives, from Alessandro Volta's first copper-and-zinc model in 1800 to twenty-first-century technological breakthroughs. Schlesinger introduces the charlatans and geniuses, the paupers and magnates, who were attracted to the power of the battery.

Information Systems and Data Compression presents a uniform approach and methodology for designing intelligent information systems. A framework for information concepts is introduced for various types of information systems such as communication systems, information storage systems and systems for simplifying structured information. The book introduces several new concepts and presents a novel interpretation of a wide range of topics in communications, information storage, and information compression. Numerous illustrations for designing information systems for compression of digital data and images are used throughout the book.

As the demand for data reliability increases, coding for error control becomes increasingly important in data transmission systems and has become an integral part of almost all data communication system designs. In recent years, various trellis-based soft-decoding algorithms for linear block codes have been devised. New ideas developed in the study of trellis structure of block codes can be used for improving decoding and analyzing the trellis complexity of convolutional codes. These recent developments provide practicing communication engineers with more choices when designing error control systems. Trellises and Trellis-based Decoding Algorithms for Linear Block Codes combines trellises and trellis-based decoding algorithms for linear codes together in a simple and unified form. The approach is to explain the material in an easily understood manner with minimal mathematical rigor. Trellises and Trellis-based Decoding Algorithms for Linear Block Codes is intended for practicing communication engineers who want to have a fast grasp and understanding of the subject. Only material considered essential and useful for practical applications is included. This book can also be used as a text for advanced courses on the subject.

This comprehensive book offers a full picture of the cutting edge technologies in the area of "Multimedia Retrieval and Management". It addresses graduate students and scientists in electrical engineering and in computer science as well as system designers, engineers, programmers and other technical managers in the IT industries. The book provides a complete set of theories and technologies necessary for a profound introduction to the field. It includes multimedia low-level feature extraction and high-level semantic description in addition to multimedia authentication and watermarking, and the most up-to-date MPEG-7 standard. A broad range of practical applications is covered, e.g., digital libraries, medical images, biometrics, human palm-print and face-for-security, living plants data management and video-on-demand service.

High-Temperature Cuprate Superconductors provides an up-to-date and comprehensive review of the properties of these fascinating materials. The essential properties of high-temperature cuprate superconductors are reviewed on the background of their theoretical interpretation. The experimental results for structural, magnetic, thermal, electric, optical and lattice properties of various cuprate superconductors are presented with respect to relevant theoretical models. A critical comparison of various theoretical models involving strong electron correlations, antiferromagnetic spin fluctuations, phonons and excitons provides a background for understanding of the mechanism of high-temperature superconductivity. Recent achievements in their applications are also reviewed. A large number of illustrations and tables gives valuable information for specialists. A text-book level presentation with formulation of a general theory of strong-coupling superconductivity will help students and researches to consolidate their knowledge of this remarkable class of materials.

In this book signals or images described by functions whose number of arguments varies from one to five are considered. This arguments can be time, spatial dimensions, or wavelength in a polychromatic signal. The book discusses the basics of mathematical models of signals, their transformations in technical pre-processing systems, and criteria of the systems quality. The models are used for the solution of practical tasks of system analysis, measurement and optimization, and signal restoration. Several examples are given.

This book presents the proceedings of the Third International Conference on Electrical Engineering and Control (ICEECA2017). It covers new control system models and troubleshooting tips, and also addresses complex system requirements, such as increased speed, precision and remote capabilities, bridging the gap between the complex, math-heavy controls theory taught in formal courses, and the efficient implementation required in real-world industry settings. Further, it considers both the engineering aspects of signal processing and the practical issues in the broad field of information transmission and novel technologies for communication networks and modern antenna design. This book is intended for researchers, engineers, and advanced postgraduate students in control and electrical engineering, computer science, signal processing, as well as mechanical and chemical engineering.

Dynamic logic (DL) recently had a highest impact on the development in several areas of modeling and algorithm design. The book discusses classical algorithms used for 30 to 50 years (where improvements are often measured by signal-to-clutter ratio), and also new areas, which did not previously exist. These achievements were recognized by National and International awards. Emerging areas include cognitive, emotional, intelligent systems, data mining, modeling of the mind, higher cognitive functions, evolution of languages and other. Classical areas include detection, recognition, tracking, fusion, prediction, inverse scattering, and financial prediction. All these classical areas are extended to using mixture models, which previously was considered unsolvable in most cases. Recent neuroimaging experiments proved that the brain-mind actually uses DL. Emotional Cognitive Neural Algorithms with Engineering Applications" is written for professional scientists and engineers developing computer and information systems, for professors teaching modeling and algorithms, and for students working on Masters and Ph.D. degrees in these areas. The book will be of interest to psychologists and neuroscientists interested in mathematical models of the brain and min das well.

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Photonic-based A/D conversion has received and continues to receive considerable attention as an alternative approach to providing enhanced resolution and speed in high-performance applications. Some of the potential advantages of using photonic technologies are high-speed clocking, broadband sampling, reduced mutual interference of signals, and compatibility with existing photonic-based systems. This book provides a comprehensive look at the application of photonic approaches to the problem of analog-to-digital conversion. It shows progress made, discusses present research, and gives a glimpse of potential future technologies.

The book addresses the problem of passivation at the surface of crystalline silicon solar cells. More specifically, it reports on a high-throughput, industrially compatible deposition method for Al2O3, enabling its application to commercial solar cells. One of the main focus is on the analysis of the physics of Al2O3 as a passivating dielectric for silicon surfaces. This is accomplished through a comprehensive study, which moves from the particular, the case of aluminium oxide on silicon, to the general, the physics of surface recombination, and is able to connect theory with practice, highlighting relevant commercial applications.

Hybrid Intelligent Systems for Information Retrieval covers three areas along with the introduction to Intelligent IR, i.e., Optimal Information Retrieval Using Evolutionary Approaches, Semantic Search for Web Information Retrieval, and Natural Language Processing for Information Retrieval. * Talks about the design, implementation, and performance issues of the hybrid intelligent information retrieval system in one book * Gives a clear insight into challenges and issues in designing a hybrid information retrieval system * Includes case studies on structured and unstructured data for hybrid intelligent information retrieval * Provides research directions for the design and development of intelligent search engines This book is aimed primarily at graduates and researchers in the information retrieval domain.

Discusses all the major tools and techniques for Decision Support System supported by examples Techniques are explained considering their deterministic and stochastic aspects Covers network tools including GERT and Q-GERT Explains application of both probability and fuzzy orientation in the pertinent techniques Includes a number of relevant case studies along with a dedicated chapter on software

Force and motion control systems of varying degrees of sophistication have shaped the lives of all individuals living in industrialized countries all over the world, and together with communication technology are largely responsible for the high standard ofliving prevalent in many communities. The brains of the vast majority of current control systems are electronic, in the shape of computers, microprocessors or programmable logic controllers (PLC), the nerves are provided by sensors, mainly electromech anical transducers, and the muscle comprises the drive system, in most cases either electric, pneumatic or hydraulic. The factors governing the choice of the most suitable drive are the nature of the application, the performance specification, size, weight, environ mental and safety constraints, with higher power levels favouring hydraulic drives. Past experience, especially in the machine tool sector, has clearly shown that, in the face of competition from electric drives, it is difficult to make a convincing case for hydraulic drives at the bottom end of the power at fractional horsepower level. A further, and frequently range, specifically overriding factor in the choice of drive is the familiarity of the system designer with a particular discipline, which can inhibit the selection of the optimum and most cost-effective solution for a given application. One of the objectives of this book is to help the electrical engineer overcome his natural reluctance to apply any other than electric drives."

Land management issues, such as mapping tree species, recognizing invasive plants, and identifying key geologic features, require an understanding of complex technical issues before the best decisions can be made. Hyperspectral remote sensing is one the technologies that can help with reliable detection and identification. Presenting the fundamentals of remote sensing at an introductory level, Hyperspectral Remote Sensing: Principles and Applications explores all major aspects of hyperspectral image acquisition, exploitation, interpretation, and applications. The book begins with several chapters on the basic concepts and underlying principles of remote sensing images. It introduces spectral radiometry concepts, such as radiance, irradiance, flux, and blackbody radiation; covers imaging spectrometers, examining spectral range, full width half maximum (FWHM), resolution, sampling, signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), and multispectral and hyperspectral sensor systems; and addresses atmospheric interactions. The book then discusses information extraction, with chapters covering the underlying physics principles that lead to the creation of an image and the interpretation of the image's information. The final chapters describe case studies that illustrate the use of hyperspectral remote sensing in agriculture, environmental monitoring, forestry, and geology. After reading this book, you will have a better understanding of how to evaluate different approaches to hyperspectral analyses and to determine which approaches will work for your applications.

This book focuses on foundry-based process technology that enables the fabrication of 3-D ICs. The core of the book discusses the technology platform for pre-packaging wafer lever 3-D ICs. However, this book does not include a detailed discussion of 3-D ICs design and 3-D packaging. This is an edited book based on chapters contributed by various experts in the field of wafer-level 3-D ICs process technology. They are from academia, research labs and industry.

This book examines the requirements, risks, and solutions to improve the security and quality of complex cyber-physical systems (C-CPS), such as production systems, power plants, and airplanes, in order to ascertain whether it is possible to protect engineering organizations against cyber threats and to ensure engineering project quality. The book consists of three parts that logically build upon each other. Part I "Product Engineering of Complex Cyber-Physical Systems" discusses the structure and behavior of engineering organizations producing complex cyber-physical systems, providing insights into processes and engineering activities, and highlighting the requirements and border conditions for secure and high-quality engineering. Part II "Engineering Quality Improvement" addresses quality improvements with a focus on engineering data generation, exchange, aggregation, and use within an engineering organization, and the need for proper data modeling and engineering-result validation. Lastly, Part III "Engineering Security Improvement" considers security aspects concerning C-CPS engineering, including engineering organizations' security assessments and engineering data management, security concepts and technologies that may be leveraged to mitigate the manipulation of engineering data, as well as design and run-time aspects of secure complex cyber-physical systems. The book is intended for several target groups: it enables computer scientists to identify research issues related to the development of new methods, architectures, and technologies for improving quality and security in multi-disciplinary engineering, pushing forward the current state of the art. It also allows researchers involved in the engineering of C-CPS to gain a better understanding of the challenges and requirements of multi-disciplinary engineering that will guide them in their future research and development activities. Lastly, it offers practicing engineers and managers with engineering backgrounds insights into the benefits and limitations of applicable methods, architectures, and technologies for selected use cases.

This volume contains revised and extended research articles written by prominent researchers participating in the ICF4C 2011 conference. 2011 International Conference on Future Communication, Computing, Control and Management (ICF4C 2011) has been held on December 16-17, 2011, Phuket, Thailand. Topics covered include intelligent computing, network management, wireless networks, telecommunication, power engineering, control engineering, Signal and Image Processing, Machine Learning, Control Systems and Applications, The book will offer the states of arts of tremendous advances in Computing, Communication, Control, and Management and also serve as an excellent reference work for researchers and graduate students working on Computing, Communication, Control, and Management Research.

How do you protect electrical systems from high energy electromagnetic pulses? This book completes the overview of systems and practices against EMPs from high altitude sources started with the previous "Protecting Electrical Equipment - Good Practices for preventing high altitude electromagnetic pulse impacts", including practical protection methods and means for evaluating their effectiveness.

* The book offers a well-balanced mathematical analysis of modelling physical systems. * Summarizes basic principles in differential geometry and convex analysis as needed. * The book covers a wide range of industrial and social applications, and bridges the gap between core theory and costly experiments through simulations and modelling. * The focus of the book is manifold ranging from stability of fluid flows, nano fluids, drug delivery, and security of image data to Pandemic modeling etc.

Foreword by Dieter Jungnickel
Finite Commutative Rings and their Applications answers a need for an introductory reference in finite commutative ring theory as applied to information and communication theory. This book will be of interest to both professional and academic researchers in the fields of communication and coding theory.

The book is a concrete and self-contained introduction to finite commutative local rings, focusing in particular on Galois and Quasi-Galois rings. The reader is provided with an active and concrete approach to the study of the purely algebraic structure and properties of finite commutative rings (in particular, Galois rings) as well as to their applications to coding theory.

Finite Commutative Rings and their Applications is the first to address both theoretical and practical aspects of finite ring theory. The authors provide a practical approach to finite rings through explanatory examples, thereby avoiding an abstract presentation of the subject. The section on Quasi-Galois rings presents new and unpublished results as well. The authors then introduce some applications of finite rings, in particular Galois rings, to coding theory, using a solid algebraic and geometric theoretical background.

This text is suitable for courses in commutative algebra, finite commutative algebra, and coding theory. It is also suitable as a supplementary text for courses in discrete mathematics, finite fields, finite rings, etc.

Summarizes current recycling processes, challenges, and perspectives. Offers a comprehensive review of current commercialized LIB recycling companies. Showcases an innovative closed-loop hydrometallurgical recycling process to recycle lithium cathode materials. Provides detailed modelling and economic analysis of several hydrometallurgical recycling processes. Features practical cases and data developed by the authors.

This book is a collection of papers presented by renowned researchers, keynote speakers, and academicians in the International Conference on VLSI, Communication, Analog Designs, Signals & Systems and Networking (VCASAN-2013), organized by B.N.M. Institute of Technology, Bangalore, India during July 17 19, 2013. The book provides global trends in cutting-edge technologies in electronics and communication engineering. The content of the book is useful to engineers, researchers, and academicians as well as industry professionals.

Real-Time Embedded Multithreading contains the fundamentals of developing real-time operating systems and multithreading with all the new functionality of ThreadX Version 5. This MIPS edition covers all the new ThreadX 5 features including Real-Time Event-Chaining, Run-Time Performance Metrics, and Run-Time Statck Analysis as specified for MIPS. ThreadX has been deployed in approximately 500 million devices worldwide including cell phones, digital cameras, and laser printers. General concepts and terminology are detailed along with problem solving of common pitfalls. The features and services of ThreadX are reviewed. The book is technology agnostic and applicable to all types of microprocessors.
*A great introduction to real-time systems including general concepts and terminology*An insider shares his knowledge on ThreadX 5, a real-time operating system*A limited version of the ThreadX 5 software is packaged on a CD-ROM with the bookto run all sample projects and the case study

Nowadays information technology is based on semiconductor and ferromagnetic materials. Information processing and computation are based on electron charge in semiconductor transistors and integrated circuits, and information is stored on magnetic high-density hard disks based on the physics of the electron spins. Recently, a new branch of physics and nanotechnology, called magneto-electronics, spintronics, or spin electronics, has emerged, which aims at simultaneously exploiting both the charge and the spin of electrons in the same device. A broader goal is to develop new functionality that does not exist separately in a ferromagnet or a semiconductor. The aim of this book is to present new directions in the development of spin electronics in both the basic physics and the technology which will become the foundation of future electronics.