Plasmonic Materials and Metastructures: Fundamentals, Current Status, and Perspectives reviews the current status and emerging trends in the development of conventional and alternative plasmonic materials. Sections cover fundamentals and emerging trends of plasmonic materials development, including synthesis strategies (chemical and physical) and optical characterization techniques. Next, the book addresses fundamentals, properties, remaining barriers for commercial translation, and the latest advances and opportunities for conventional noble metal plasmonic materials. Fundamentals and advances for alternative plasmonic materials are also reviewed, including two-dimensional hybrid materials composed of graphene, monolayer transition metal dichalcogenides, boron nitride, etc. In addition, other sections cover applications of plasmonic metastructures enabled by plasmonic materials with improved material properties and newly discovered functionalities. Applications reviewed include quantum plasmonics, topological plasmonics, chiral plasmonics, nanolasers, imaging (metalens), active, and integrated technologies.

Current Trends and Future Developments on (Bio-) Membranes: Recent Achievements for Ion-Exchange Membranes focuses on introducing and analyzing ion-exchange membranes performance and overviewing recent achievements in the structural development of ion-exchange membranes in various applications. Hence, this book is a key reference text for R&D managers in who are interested in the development of ion-exchange membrane technologies as well as academic researchers and postgraduate students working in the wider area of strategic treatments, separation and purification processes.

Approx.450 pages

Advances in Bionanocomposites: Materials, Applications, and Life Cycle brings together the latest research in bio-based nanocomposites, with a strong emphasis on improved sustainability in terms of preparation, lifecycle and end applications. The book begins by introducing biopolymers, bionanocomposites and the latest methods for their synthesis, processing and characterization. Other sections focus on specific bio-based materials, including bionanocomposites based on polylactic acid, poly(vinyl alcohol), chitosan, starch, cellulose, and protein. A range of advanced applications are then introduced across 3D printing, high entropy alloys, wastewater remediation, agriculture, biomedicine, solar cells, electrochemical sensors, and packaging. Throughout the book, opportunities for improved sustainability are analyzed and highlighted. The final section brings this together with in-depth coverage of biodegradation, lifecycle, environmental impact, circular economy, economic considerations and future opportunities in bionanocomposites. This is a valuable resource for researchers, advanced students, R&D professionals, and industrial scientists from a range of disciplines.

Polysaccharide-Based Hydrogels: Synthesis, Characterization and Applications looks at the synthesis, characterization and application of polysaccharide-based materials in a broad array of fields. The book discusses the role of polysaccharides in the preparation of hydrogels, the use of hydrogel-based green materials, and their applications in biomedical applications, drug delivery, water purification techniques, food industries, agricultural fields, and pharmaceuticals applications. Written by leading experts in this field, this book will be a valuable reference for scientists, academicians, researchers, technologists, consultants and policymakers.

Drawing for Civil Engineering is a practical and up-to-date introductory text for engineering students. It covers fundamentals of drawing, as well as draughting practice and conventions. Although it is designed for students, it will also be useful reference for educators, draught people, practicing engineers, fabricators and contractors. Technical terms are explained in plain language, making it easy and enjoyable to read.

Nanotechnology Tools for Infections Control: Scanning New Horizons on Next-Generation Therapies to Eradicate Pathogens and Fight Drug Resistance provides an overview of recent strategies to build nanotechnology platforms, with a specific focus on biocompatible and biodegradable nanosystems. Particular attention is given to responsive nanoparticles, which are able to sense and respond to specific external stimuli (e.g., temperature, pH). The book includes details of the rationale behind the design of the raw materials, synthetic procedures and characterization techniques. It also introduces a new generation of nanomaterials, commonly named as ‘nanobots’, which are able to self-propel in response to external stimuli. Subsequent sections of the book focus on the applications of nanosystems as an alternative approach to standard antibiotics. The chapters describe their pharmokinetic and dynamics within the body, their ability to cross biological barriers and how they distribute within different body compartments. In this respect, a dedicated section highlights the crucial role of the immune system, as well as of protein corona, in changing the nanoparticles retention within the body. Coverage is also given to describe how nanosystems access different cells and their intracellular trafficking.

This book comprehensively reviews the factors that facilitate access and success of Black students in STEM majors in higher education, and it shares compelling testimonies from Black STEM professionals that will help inspire the next generation of Black scientists and engineers. Most experts agree that America's success depends on having a workforce that is highly prepared in STEM areas. Unfortunately, students of color continue to be underrepresented in higher education, and specifically, in completing degrees and entering careers within the STEM fields. This book supports African American students (as well as all students) who are interested in STEM careers, providing information on the top colleges with STEM-related programs, particularly those that best support racially diverse students; practical advice for preparing for entrance into STEM programs; and inspirational stories of successful African Americans in STEM-related careers. Authored by three educators expert in the areas of academic development of African Americans and minorities, STEM, and higher education, The African American Student's Guide to STEM Careers focuses on preparing Black students for STEM from K-12 through graduate school. Readers will more fully appreciate the importance of STEM, recognize why more Black students need to be more actively engaged in these disciplines, and understand how to prepare Black students for success in STEM throughout the educational pipeline. Addresses how African American students can plan and prepare for a career in STEM, choose a college and STEM program, pay for college, choose their major, continue to graduate school, and choose a career in STEM Discusses the importance of Black students being more engaged in STEM and identifies ways to prepare them for success in the STEM fields from K-12 to graduate school Highlights ways educators can formulate actionable plans to help increase the success of Black students in STEM Presents personal testimonies from professionals in STEM that will inspire the next generation of Black scientists and engineers

Medical Image Analysis presents practical knowledge on medical image computing and analysis as written by top educators and experts. This text is a modern, practical, self-contained reference that conveys a mix of fundamental methodological concepts within different medical domains. Sections cover core representations and properties of digital images and image enhancement techniques, advanced image computing methods (including segmentation, registration, motion and shape analysis), machine learning, how medical image computing (MIC) is used in clinical and medical research, and how to identify alternative strategies and employ software tools to solve typical problems in MIC.

Nanostructured Materials for Tissue Engineering introduces the key properties and approaches involved in using nanostructured materials in tissue engineering, including functionalization, nanotechnology-based regenerative techniques, toxicological and biocompatible aspects. A broad range of nanomaterial types are covered, from polymer scaffolds and nanocomposites to gold nanoparticles and quantum dots. This book aids the reader in materials selection, as well as matching to the best applications, including bone, skin, pulmonary or neurological tissue engineering. Users will find this book to be an up-to-date review on this fast-changing field that is ideal for materials scientists, tissue engineers, biomedical engineers, and pharmaceutical scientists.

Mining and Processing Residues: Future’s Source of Critical Raw Materials provides a comprehensive review of principal aspects of CRM-containing residues re-processing, including available sampling and analytical techniques, the latest available processing technologies, authorization and legal matters, and analysis of environmental, social, and economic impacts. Suitable for academic researchers, practicing engineers and students, the book is aimed at giving a complete and multilateral view of CRM recovery from the residues.

Bioengineered Nanomaterials for Wound Healing and Infection Control is a key reference for those working in the fields of materials science, pharmacy, nanotechnology, biomedical engineering and microbiology. Bioengineered nanomaterials have unique physicochemical properties which promote accelerated wound healing and treatment of infections. The biosynthesis of these nanomaterials also offers a clean, safe and renewable alternative to traditional nanomaterials, helping reduce environmental impact alongside antibacterial resistance.

To optimise the efficiency of electric drives it is necessary to consider the components; the power electronic converter, the electric machine and the gearbox, together. Integrated systems can be smaller and have better flexibility and thermal management. Integrated motor drives (IMDs) specifically offer advantages including lower cost of installation and higher power density. This integration concept has been adopted in various electrical machine drive systems as well as electric vehicles. Integrated Motor Drives presents the state of research and future trends in integrated electrical motor drive technology and helps readers fill gaps in their knowledge. Chapters cover electrical machines, power converters and control techniques, adoption of wide bandgap semiconductor switching devices, thermal management, passive devices, gearboxes, research prototypes and commercial products, as well as emerging technologies and needs. This book for electrical motor drive engineers and researchers in academia and industry, as well as advanced students and experts, is systematically written by members from leading working groups. Close collaboration between chapter authors improves cohesion and usability for advanced students.

Crises in Oil, Gas and Petrochemical Industries: Loss Prevention and Disaster Management, Volume Two provides an overview of both natural and manmade disasters occurring in oil, gas and petrochemical industries and prepares special solutions based on their types. The book focuses on loss prevention and disaster management in petrochemical industries from different points-of-view. Sections review methods for making the apparatus safer and continue with discussions on the process of facing and managing disasters during the occurrence. Final sections cover loss and economic analysis after disasters and methods of reversibility are presented with case studies from around the world.

Algae Based Bioelectrochemical Systems for Carbon Sequestration, Carbon Storage, Bioremediation and Bioproduct Generation explores the integration of carbon capture, storage and sequestration technologies with bioelectrochemical fuels cells (BEFC), showing how conventional technologies can be renovated to aid in the reduction in GHG emissions and simultaneously optimize BEFC performance. The book focuses on the integration of algal biogas upgradation with electrochemical systems, providing a guide to the renovation of conventional technologies to combine energy production and carbon sequestration. Chapters discuss the latest advancements in carbon sequestration biocatalyst and microbial platforms and integrations for rapid carbon biotransformations. In addition, the book highlights the potential of algae and chemolithotrophs as candidates for carbon delivery, biocatalyst orientation and architecture for optimal BEFC performance.

Autonomous Mobile Robots: Planning, Navigation, and Simulation presents detailed coverage of the domain of robotics in motion planning and associated topics in navigation. This book covers numerous base planning methods from diverse schools of learning, including deliberative planning methods, reactive planning methods, task planning methods, fusion of different methods, and cognitive architectures. It is a good resource for doing initial project work in robotics, providing an overview, methods and simulation software in one resource. For more advanced readers, it presents a variety of planning algorithms to choose from, presenting the tradeoffs between the algorithms to ascertain a good choice. Finally, the book presents fusion mechanisms to design hybrid algorithms.

Inorganic Contaminants and Radionuclides is a single reference covering common inorganic contaminants in detail, including their distribution in the environment, challenges linked to management, geogenic sources, anthropogenic sources, exposure and effects, international agreements and legislation relating to the contaminant, remediation options and global case studies. In addition, the book provides summaries of contaminated sites and key details about contaminants to present a more comprehensive understanding and improve remediation and management practices. The book's clear, consistent organization makes it a valuable resource for researchers, students and practitioners working in environmental science, environmental management and environmental engineering. One of the major constraints to assessing and remediating contaminated sites is the lack of awareness of the extent and severity of contaminated sites amongst the community, regulators, policymakers, industry operators, university graduates and environmental managers. This book helps to manage these constraints.

Enzymatic Processes for Food Valorization describes the most recent research in the field of catalysis for food valorization, revealing the impact of the implementation of enzymatic catalysis in the different stages that make up the production processes. Sections review advances in food processing using enzymes, explore the use of enzymes on by-products for the release of compounds of interest, and show recent trends in biocatalysis and its application in the food industry. Written by a team of international experts, this is an invaluable guide for professionals in the area of enzyme technology applied in the food industry, as well as technicians and scientists involved in the use of enzymes on food waste for the valorization and/or recovery of compounds.

Quantitative Perfusion MRI: Techniques, Applications, and Practical Considerations, Volume 11 clearly and carefully explains the basic theory and MRI techniques for quantifying perfusion non-invasively in deep tissue, covering all aspects of perfusion imaging, from acquisition requirements to selection of contrast agents and appropriate pharmacokinetic models and for reliable quantification in different diseases and tissue types. Specifically, this book enables the reader to understand what microvascular functional parameters can be measured with perfusion MRI, learn the basic techniques to measure perfusion in different organs, apply the appropriate perfusion MRI technique to the organ of interest, and much more. This complete reference on quantitative perfusion MRI is highly suitable for both early and experienced researchers, graduate students and clinicians wishing to understand how quantitative perfusion MRI can apply to their application area of interest.

Wireless Power Transfer for e-Mobility: Fundamentals and Design Guidelines for Wireless Charging of Electric Vehicles provides a comprehensive resource for researchers and engineers engaged in the development of automotive WPT systems. The book opens with an overview of wireless technologies for power transfer and their evolution over time, then focusing on the application of this technology to electric mobility highlighting its importance in terms of impact and perspectives on the development of sustainable transport and autonomous driving. Chapters discuss the fundamentals of electromagnetic field in WPT systems and the circuit modelling. In addition, they examine core current electric vehicle systems and present-day automotive WPT standards. Design techniques of magnetic couplers, including compensation networks are explored in-depth alongside power electronics techniques for automotive WPT systems. Both stationary and dynamic automotive WPT systems are rigorously assessed. Finally, the problems of electromagnetic compatibility and electromagnetic field safety are described with particular attention to shielding techniques for the mitigation of magnetic field emissions. Addressing essential knowledge from foundational to advanced levels, Wireless Power Transfer for e-Mobility provides practical guidance to engineers and researchers developing the future of electric mobility.

A comprehensive survey of Open RAN technology and its ecosystem In Open RAN: The Definitive Guide, a team of distinguished industry leaders deliver an authoritative guide to all four principles of the Open RAN vision: openness, virtualization, intelligence, and interoperability. Written by the industry experts currently defining the specifications, building the systems, and testing and deploying the networks, the book covers O-RAN architecture, the fronthaul interface, security, cloudification, virtualization, intelligence, certification, badging, and standardization. This critical reference on Open RAN explains how and why an open and disaggregated, intelligent, and fully virtualized network is the way networks should be designed and deployed moving forward. Readers will also find: A thorough introduction to contributions from key industry players, including AT&T, Telefonica, Mavenir, VMWare, Google and VIAVI Comprehensive explorations of Open X-Haul transport networks and other unique 5G capabilities Practical discussions of the four pillars of O-RAN architecture: openness, virtualization, intelligence, and interoperability Comprehensive treatments of how smaller vendors can introduce their own services and customize the network Perfect for executives, engineers, product managers, and marketing professionals in the telecom industry, Open RAN: The Definitive Guide will also benefit graduate students, researchers, and engineers in government agencies with involvement in the wireless and telecom industries.