This book presents 58 refereed papers given at the 38th Matador Conference held at National Formosa University, Taiwan in March 2015. The MATADOR series of conferences covers the topics of manufacturing automation and systems technology, applications, design, organisation and management, and research. These proceedings include original papers contributed by researchers from around the globe, covering the principles, techniques and applications in the aerospace, automotive, biomedical, energy, consumable goods and process industries. The topics include: * Additive Manufacturing * Design and System Engineering * Innovative Manufacturing and Design * Laser Processing * Machining * Metrology and Measurement * Micro/Nano Fabrication and Manipulation * Monitoring and Control of Machining Operations * Welding

This collection features four peer-reviewed reviews on phosphorus uptake and use in crops. The first chapter summarises the progress in research on root traits associated with phosphorus acquisition, including root morphology, architecture, biochemistry, colonisation by arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi, and fine root endophytes. The chapter also reviews the recent advances in breeding programmes to improve phosphorus acquisition efficiency. The second chapter discusses interactions between phosphorus management (phosphorus rate, source timing, and placement) and diverse cropping systems and climate and how these interactions are essential to efficient utilization of phosphorus resources. The third chapter assesses the key soil, root and microbial processes that influence phosphorus acquisition with a focus on factors that can be managed to ensure optimal use of fertiliser and development of root systems for improved phosphorus acquisition. A case study from Australia is used to demonstrate how phosphorus efficiency of grasslands can be improved. The final chapter reviews the environmental effects of phosphorus fertilisation in agriculture, primarily its impact on water quality. The chapter considers how future water quality issues can be mitigated and also examines the cycling, fate and transport of phosphorus in agriculture.

This book covers fundamental principles and computational approaches relevant to visual saliency computation. As an interdisciplinary problem, visual saliency computation is introduced in this book from an innovative perspective that combines both neurobiology and machine learning. The book is also well-structured to address a wide range of readers, from specialists in the field to general readers interested in computer science and cognitive psychology. With this book, a reader can start from the very basic question of "what is visual saliency?" and progressively explore the problems in detecting salient locations, extracting salient objects, learning prior knowledge, evaluating performance, and using saliency in real-world applications. It is highly expected that this book will spark a great interest of research in the related communities in years to come.

Weaving together a richly diverse range of student voices, perspectives, and insights, this collection of studies from around the world offers the educational community a better understanding of K-12 and adult Chinese-heritage students' languages, cultures, identities, motivations, achievements, and challenges in various cross-cultural settings outside North America. Specifically, it addresses these overarching questions: What are Chinese-heritage students' experiences in language and education in and outside schools? How do they make sense of their multiple ethnic and sociocultural identities? What unique educational challenges and difficulties do they encounter as they acculturate, socialize, and integrate in their host country? What are their common struggles and coping strategies? What are the instructional practices that work for these learners in their specific contexts? What educational implications can be drawn to inform their teachers, fellow students, parents, and their educational communities in a global context? Individual chapters employ different theoretical frameworks and methodological instruments to wrestle with these questions and critical issues faced by Chinese-heritage learners.

Novel Electrochemical Energy Storage Devices Explore the latest developments in electrochemical energy storage device technology In Novel Electrochemical Energy Storage Devices, an accomplished team of authors delivers a thorough examination of the latest developments in the electrode and cell configurations of lithium-ion batteries and electrochemical capacitors. Several kinds of newly developed devices are introduced, with information about their theoretical bases, materials, fabrication technologies, design considerations, and implementation presented. You'll learn about the current challenges facing the industry, future research trends likely to capture the imaginations of researchers and professionals working in industry and academia, and still-available opportunities in this fast-moving area. You'll discover a wide range of new concepts, materials, and technologies that have been developed over the past few decades to advance the technologies of lithium-ion batteries, electrochemical capacitors, and intelligent devices. Finally, you'll find solutions to basic research challenges and the technologies applicable to energy storage industries. Readers will also benefit from the inclusion of: A thorough introduction to energy conversion and storage, and the history and classification of electrochemical energy storage An exploration of materials and fabrication of electrochemical energy storage devices, including categories, EDLCSs, pseudocapacitors, and hybrid capacitors A practical discussion of the theory and characterizations of flexible cells, including their mechanical properties and the limits of conventional architectures A concise treatment of the materials and fabrication technologies involved in the manufacture of flexible cells Perfect for materials scientists, electrochemists, and solid-state chemists, Novel Electrochemical Energy Storage Devices will also earn a place in the libraries of applied physicists, and engineers in power technology and the electrotechnical industry seeking a one-stop reference for portable and smart electrochemical energy storage devices.