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Vanadium in Soils and Plants (Advances in Trace Elements in the Environment)
by Jörg RinklebeVanadium is an essential element for humans and animals. The toxicity of vanadium at higher concentrations could be a global environmental concern and a significant issue for both environmental protection and economic benefits. The relevance of anthropogenic vanadium in the environment has increased significantly in recent years due to an increased demand for vanadium in high-temperature industrial activities. This book summarizes vanadium’s current research and explains its behavior and mobilization in the environment, especially in soils, sediments, water and plants. Through case studies from various countries, it discusses critical limits set and risk assessment approaches and remediation approaches of vanadium-contaminated soils. FEATURES Provides a comprehensive overview of vanadium in the total environment Covers the role of vanadium in various environments such as soils, sediments, water and plants Includes bioavailability studies and further case studies from various countries around the world Focuses on a better understanding of biogeochemical processes of vanadium Is written by international experts who present the current stage of the knowledge including innovative remediation and management approaches of vanadium-contaminated sites This book will be of use to upper-level undergraduate and graduate students taking courses in soil science, environmental science, soil ecology, water science, plant science, ecotoxicology, geology and geography as well as scientists, lecturers, environmental and technical engineers, ecologists, applied ecological scientists and managers.
Vanadium Oxide-Based Cathode for Supercapacitor Applications: Using Electrodeposition Method (SpringerBriefs in Applied Sciences and Technology)
by Hairus AbdullahThis book highlights the use/application of Vanadium Oxide as a Supercapacitor (SC) material using the electrodeposition method. The preparation methods, material characterization, and performance testing of VOx-based SC are thoroughly discussed. Electrolyte solutions from VCl3 and other metal precursors are used to form V3O5 electrodes on nickel foam (NF). The cathode can deliver a specific capacitance value of 5689 F/g. The work is improved by depositing V3O5 film on Ni(OH)2 to form a bilayer coating on NF substrate. Ni(OH)2 with a nano-sheet structure is used for the purpose of increasing the specific surface area of V3O5 layer which can achieve specific capacitance of 7500 F/g, the energy density of 167 Wh/kg, and the power density of 199 W/kg. After 10,000 charge-discharge cycles, the capacitance retention rate is 93%. Finally, a full cell SC is assembled using the bilayer electrode and active carbon. The asymmetric and symmetric full cells performed the specific capacitances of 390 F/g and 846 F/g, the energy densities of 286 Wh/kg and 170 Wh/kg, and the power densities of 1149 W/kg and 602 W/g, respectively. After 10,000 charge-discharge cycles, the capacitance retention rates of asymmetric and symmetric full cells are 97% and 95%, respectively.
The Vandemonian: Wall Street and Silicon Valley Collide
by Allan Charles Branch"A memoir that is as much about human frailty as it is about achievement." In his remarkable memoir, Allan Charles Branch invites readers on an unpredictable global journey from an &‘unremarkable&’ Tasmanian boy to a revolutionary force in multiple industries. He defied the odds to innovate technologies and resurrect failing companies worldwide. Allan's early years in Tasmania were spent navigating government, business, and education as he sought to discover who he wasn&’t. This journey led to a bold leap into entrepreneurship, where he established Tasmania&’s first high-tech company. Relocating to Silicon Valley, he mingled with industry legends like Steve Wozniak and Isaac Asimov, pushing the boundaries of robotics and business. By the time he stepped away, he had possibly designed, built, and sold more intelligent robots than anyone else, redefining his identity as an inventor and entrepreneur. But Allan&’s journey didn&’t end there. He embarked on a new chapter as a transformational leader, traveling the globe to rescue seemingly irredeemable companies using innovative problem-solving techniques honed through years of experience. Along the way, he not only revived businesses but also saved countless jobs and livelihoods. Through these experiences, Allan reflects on the personal toll of his relentless career, navigating the complexities of success, loneliness, and self-discovery. Told through vivid vignettes, The Vandemonian captures Allan&’s extraordinary journey of invention and transformation—revealing the man behind the robots. Blending the introspective depth of Paul Auster&’s Winter Journal with the transformative arc of Frank McCourt&’s Angela&’s Ashes, The Vandemonian is a compelling narrative of human ingenuity and perseverance.
Vanilla (ISSN)
by Eric Odoux Michel GrisoniCultivated in an increasing number of countries, vanilla is a universally appreciated flavor that is consumed worldwide. However, most users are unaware of the plant from which the product comes. This book presents up-to-date reviews on the cultivation, curing, and uses of vanilla. The latest scientific data provides information on genetic status, resources, pests, diseases, cultural practices, biosynthesis of aromatic compounds, and aroma development. Leading contributors from around the world examine emergent countries for vanilla production, including China, India and Uganda. The text also explores the relationship between fruit development anatomy and flavor quality.
Vanished (The Black Hat Thrillers #4)
by Karen E. OlsonA computer hacker on the run heads to Paris to get answers but the truth may come at a price in this technothriller from the author of Betrayed.With a price on her head, computer hacker Tina Adler is determined to stay offline. Only one person knows how to reach her, and he's in as much danger as she is. A chance discovery leads Tina to abandon her South Carolina hideaway in search of her old flame, undercover FBI Agent Zeke Chapman. What is Zeke doing in Paris, France? And what is his connection to the disappearance of American college student Ryan Whittier? En route to Paris in search of answers, Tina realizes that someone is on her trail and getting disturbingly close. Has she been set up?&“This timely thriller is Alias meets Hackers and you can&’t get any cooler than that.&”—Hank Phillippi Ryan, USA Today–bestselling author&“The protagonist of Vanished barely has time to breathe, and neither do we.&”—Joseph Finder, New York Times–bestselling author of The Switch
Vanishing Boundaries: How Integrating Manufacturing and Services Creates Customer Value, Second Edition (Resource Management)
by Richard E. Crandall William R. CrandallBusinesses need to become more consumer-centric, efficient, and quality conscious. Yet global competition and supply chain complexity are increasing so rapidly that managers must reach across the manufacturing and service boundary to gather more universally applicable ideas. Vanishing Boundaries: How Integrating Manufacturing and Services Creates C
Vanishing Point
by John NicholAn RAF pilot takes on powerful forces to uncover the truth about forbidden weapons of war in &“a thriller with a serious message&” (The Times). One of the RAF&’s ace pilots, Flight Lieutenant Mark Hunter was shot down and held prisoner in Iraq. Six years later, the nightmare continues, as Mark watches his fellow servicemen being tortured by the devastating effects of the Gulf War. Determined to find out why information about lethal cocktails of drugs is classified, and why the establishment has built a wall of silence around Iraqi chemical weapons, Mark resolves to discover the shameful secrets buried in Desert Storm. Up against the combined might of the military and the government, Mark finds every avenue leads to a dead end. His only hope lies in enlisting the help of Dr. Natalie Kennedy, one of the UN&’s crack scientists. But he has only ten days before his squadron returns to Kuwait . . . &“Bristles with topicality and anger.&” —The Daily Telegraph &“Nichol&’s writing skills are first rate.&” —Daily Express
Vapor Compression Heat Pumps with Refrigerant Mixtures
by Reinhard Radermacher Yunho HwangAmidst tightening requirements for eliminating CFC's, HCFC's, halons, and HFC's from use in air conditioning and heat pumps, the search began for replacements that are environmentally benign, non-flammable, and similar to the banned refrigerants in system-level behavior. Refrigerant mixtures are increasingly used as working fluids because they demo
Vapor Crystal Growth and Characterization: ZnSe and Related II–VI Compound Semiconductors
by Ching-Hua SuThe book describes developments in the crystal growth of bulk II-VI semiconductor materials. A fundamental, systematic, and in-depth study of the physical vapor transport (PVT) growth process is the key to producing high-quality single crystals of semiconductors. As such, the book offers a comprehensive overview of the extensive studies on ZnSe and related II-VI wide bandgap compound semiconductors, such as CdS, CdTe, ZnTe, ZnSeTe and ZnSeS. Further, it shows the detailed steps for the growth of bulk crystals enabling optical devices which can operate in the visible spectrum for applications such as blue light emitting diodes, lasers for optical displays and in the mid-IR wavelength range, high density recording, and military communications.The book then discusses the advantages of crystallization from vapor compared to the conventional melt growth: lower processing temperatures, the purification process associated with PVT, and the improved surface morphology of the grown crystals, as well as the necessary drawbacks to the PVT process, such as the low and inconsistent growth rates and the low yield of single crystals. By presenting in-situ measurements of transport rate, partial pressures and interferometry, as well as visual observations, the book provides detailed insights into in the kinetics during the PVT process.This book is intended for graduate students and professionals in materials science as well as engineers preparing and developing optical devices with semiconductors.
Vapor Intrusion Simulations and Risk Assessments
by Yijun Yao Qiang ChenThis book introduces key concepts in modeling and risk assessments of vapor intrusion, a process by which the subsurface volatile contaminants migrate into the building of concern. Soil vapor intrusion is the major exposure pathway for building occupants to chemicals from the subsurface, and its risk assessments determine the criteria of volatile contaminants in soil/groundwater in brownfield redevelopment. The chapters feature the recent advances in vapor intrusion studies and practices, including analytical and numerical modeling of vapor intrusion, statistical findings of United States Environmental Protection Agency’s Vapor Intrusion Database and Petroleum Vapor Intrusion Databases, the challenges of preferential pathways, and the application of building pressure cycling methods, and field practices of vapor intrusion risk assessments at developed contaminated sites and in brownfield redevelopment. This volume also summarizes the advantages and limits of current applications in vapor intrusion risk assessment, laying the groundwork for future research of better understanding in risk characterization of soil vapor intrusion using models. Written by experts in this field, Vapor Intrusion Simulations and Risk Assessments will serve as an invaluable reference for researchers, regulators, and practitioners, who are interested in perceiving the basic knowledge and current advances in risk assessments of soil vapor intrusion.
Vapor-Liquid Interfaces, Bubbles and Droplets
by Masao Watanabe Takeru Yano Shigeo FujikawaPhysically correct boundary conditions on vapor-liquid interfaces are essential in order to make an analysis of flows of a liquid including bubbles or of a gas including droplets. Suitable boundary conditions do not exist at the present time. This book is concerned with the kinetic boundary condition for both the plane and curved vapor-liquid interfaces, and the fluid dynamics boundary condition for Navier-Stokes(fluid dynamics) equations. The kinetic boundary condition is formulated on the basis of molecular dynamics simulations and the fluid dynamics boundary condition is derived by a perturbation analysis of Gaussian-BGK Boltzmann equation applicable to polyatomic gases. The fluid dynamics boundary condition is applied to actual flow problems of bubbles in a liquid and droplets in a gas.
Vapor Liquid Two Phase Flow and Phase Change
by Sarit Kumar Das Dhiman ChatterjeeThis comprehensive textbook highlights features of two phase flows and introduces the readers to flow patterns and flow maps. It covers a wide range of fundamental and complex subjects focusing on phase change processes like boiling, condensation or cavitation, and boiling phenomenon starting from pool boiling curves to heat transfer under nucleate boiling, film, and flow boiling. It also discusses themes such as numerical techniques for solving boiling and condensation as well as equipment used in industry for evaporation, boiling, and condensation. It includes pedagogical aspects such as end-of-chapter problems and worked examples to augment learning and self-testing. This book is a valuable addition for students, researchers, and practicing engineers.
Variability in Human Performance (Human Factors and Ergonomics)
by Thomas J. Smith Robert A. Henning Michael G. Wade Thomas FisherUnderstanding the conditions under which variability in performance may arise, and the processes related to its emergence, gives us insight into the development of techniques for improving the quality of performance.This book introduces a comprehensive framework for understanding human performance variability in terms of how human control of behavior is closely tied to design factors in the performance environment. Empirical evidence, as well as practical examples and application areas, introduced in support of this framework. The book provides suggestions on how individuals, groups, and organizations can significantly reduce variability in human performance that often leads to systems failures.
Variable Frequency Transformers for Large Scale Power Systems Interconnection: Theory and Applications
by Gesong Chen Xiaoxin Zhou Rui ChenThis book is an all-in-one resource on the development and application of variable frequency transformers to power systems and smart grids. It introduces the main technical issues of variable frequency transformers (VFT) systematically, including its basic construction, theory equations, and simulation models. Readers will then gain an in-depth discussion of its control system, operation performance, low frequency power oscillation, and technical economics, before proceeding to practical implementation and future developments. The related concepts of energy revolution, third generation grids, and power system interconnection are discussed as well. The first, comprehensive introduction to variable frequency transformers (VFT) An in-depth look at the construction of VFT, with simulations and applications Demonstrates how to assess the control system and overall system performance Analyses future developments, energy revolution and power system interconnections Variable Frequency Transformers for Large Scale Power Systems is a timely overview of the state of the art for VFT as it is increasingly adopted in smart grids. It is intended for engineers and researchers specializing in power system planning and operation, as well as advanced students and industry professionals of power engineering.
Variable Gain Control and Its Applications in Energy Conversion (Automation and Control Engineering)
by Chenghui Zhang Le Chang Cheng FuThe variable gain control method is a new construction technique for the control of nonlinear systems. By properly conducting state transformation that depends on the variable gains, the control design problem of nonlinear systems can be transformed into a gain construction problem, thus effectively avoiding the tedious iterative design procedure. Different from the classical backstepping method and forwarding design method, the structure of variable gain control is simpler in the sense that fewer design parameters are required, facilitating the improvement of system control performance. To highlight the learning, research, and promotion of variable gain control, Variable Gain Control and Its Applications in Energy Conversion is written based on the research results of peers at home and abroad and combining our latest research. This book presents innovative technologies for designing variable gain controllers for nonlinear systems. It systematically describes the origin and principles of variable gain control for nonlinear systems, focuses on the controller design and stability analysis, and reflects the latest research. In addition, variable gain control methods applied to energy conversion are also included. Discussion remarks are provided in each chapter highlighting new approaches and contributions to emphasize the novelty of the presented design and analysis methods. In addition, simulation results are given in each chapter to show the effectiveness of these methods. It can be used as a reference book or a textbook for students with some background in feedback control systems. Researchers, graduate students, and engineers in the fields of control, information, renewable energy generation, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, applied mathematics, and others will benefit from this book.
Variable Gain Design in Stochastic Iterative Learning Control (Intelligent Control and Learning Systems #13)
by Dong ShenThis book investigates the critical gain design in stochastic iterative learning control (SILC), including four specific gain design strategies: decreasing gain design, adaptive gain design, event-triggering gain design, and optimal gain design. The key concept for the gain design is to balance multiple performance indices such as high tracking precision, effective noise reduction, and fast convergence speed. These gain design techniques can be applied to various control algorithms for stochastic systems to realize a high tracking performance. This book provides a series of design and analysis techniques for the establishment of a systematic framework of gain design in SILC. The book is intended for scholars and graduate students who are interested in stochastic control, recursive algorithms design, and iterative learning control.
Variable Geometry Turbine Technology for Marine Gas Turbines
by Jie Gao Qun Zheng Feng Lin Chen Liang Yu LiuThis book starts from the design requirements of variable geometry turbines for marine gas turbines. It systematically and comprehensively introduces the flow mechanism and characteristics of variable geometry turbines, aerodynamic design methods, variable vane turning design methods, structural design technology of the variable vane system, aerodynamic characteristics and reliability test technology for variable geometry turbines, and so on.
The Variable-Order Fractional Calculus of Variations (SpringerBriefs in Applied Sciences and Technology)
by Delfim F. M. Torres Dina Tavares Ricardo AlmeidaThe Variable-Order Fractional Calculus of Variations is devoted to the study of fractional operators with variable order and, in particular, variational problems involving variable-order operators. This brief presents a new numerical tool for the solution of differential equations involving Caputo derivatives of fractional variable order. Three Caputo-type fractional operators are considered, and for each one, an approximation formula is obtained in terms of standard (integer-order) derivatives only. Estimations for the error of the approximations are also provided. The contributors consider variational problems that may be subject to one or more constraints, where the functional depends on a combined Caputo derivative of variable fractional order. In particular, they establish necessary optimality conditions of Euler–Lagrange type. As the terminal point in the cost integral is free, as is the terminal state, transversality conditions are also obtained.The Variable-Order Fractional Calculus of Variations is a valuable source of information for researchers in mathematics, physics, engineering, control and optimization; it provides both analytical and numerical methods to deal with variational problems. It is also of interest to academics and postgraduates in these fields, as it solves multiple variational problems subject to one or more constraints in a single brief.
Variable Pitot-Triebwerkseinlässe für kommerzielle Überschallflugzeuge: Konzeptstudie mittels eines Entwicklungsansatzes für sichere Produkte
by Stefan KazulaIn diesem Open-Access-Buch wird gezeigt, wie kommerzielle Überschallflugzeuge die Nachfrage nach einem schnellen, flexiblen und sicheren Transportmittel erfüllen könnten, wenn sie im Vergleich zu früheren Anwendungen eine höhere Nachhaltigkeit durch einen verringerten Kraftstoffverbrauch bieten würden. Dazu könnte eine Luftwiderstandsreduktion ihrer Triebwerke durch die Verwendung variabler Pitot-Einlässe beitragen. Diese finden in der gegenwärtigen reinen Unterschallluftfahrt keine Anwendung, da deren erhöhte Masse sowie die eingeschränkte Zuverlässigkeit und Sicherheit das vorhandene aerodynamische Einsparpotenzial überwiegen. Daher untersucht Stefan Kazula, ob variable Pitot-Einlässe für den Überschallbetrieb bis Mach 1,6 konstruktiv umsetzbar sind, die luftfahrtspezifischen Standards für Sicherheit und Zuverlässigkeit erfüllen können und dabei eine Verbesserung der Nachhaltigkeit ermöglichen. Hierfür wird der Stand der Technik zu variablen Pitot-Einlässen sowie zur Konstruktionsmethodik dargestellt. Zudem wird der zugrundeliegende Konstruktionsansatz zur Erarbeitung eines sicheren und zuverlässigen Konzepts sowie seine Umsetzung vorgestellt.
Variable Renewable Energy and the Electricity Grid
by Jay Apt Paulina JaramilloThe integration of renewable energy resources into the electricity grid presents an important challenge. This book provides a review and analysis of the technical and policy options available for managing variable energy resources such as wind and solar power. As well as being of value to government and industry policy-makers and planners, the volume also provides a single source for scientists and engineers of the technical knowledge gained during the 4-year RenewElec (renewable electricity) project at Carnegie Mellon University, the University of Vermont, Vermont Law School, and the Van Ness Feldman environmental law firm. The first part of the book discusses the options for large scale integration of variable electric power generation, including issues of predictability, variability, and efficiency. The second part presents the scientific findings of the project. In the final part, the authors undertake a critical review of major quantitative regional and national wind integration studies in the United States. Based on comparisons among these studies, they suggest areas where improvements in methods are warranted in future studies, areas where additional research is needed to facilitate future improvements in wind integration studies and how the research can be put into practice.
Variable Speed AC Drives with Inverter Output Filters
by Jaroslaw Guzinski Haitham Abu-Rub Patryk StrankowskiThe advance of variable speed drives systems (VSDs) engineering highlights the need of specific technical guidance provision by electrical machines and drives manufacturers, so that such applications can be properly designed to present advantages in terms of both energy efficiency and expenditure. This book presents problems and solutions related to inverter-fed electrical motors. Practically orientated, the book describes the reasons, theory and analysis of those problems. Various solutions for individual problems are presented together with the complete design process, modelling and simulation examples with MATLAB/Simulink on the companion website. A key focus of Variable Speed AC Drives with Inverter Output Filters is to examine the state variables estimation and motor control structures which have to be modified according to the used solution (filter). In most control systems the structure and parameters are taken into account to make it possible for precise control of the motor. This methodology is able to include modifications and extensions depending on specific control and estimation structures. Highly accessible, this is an invaluable resource for practising R&D engineers in drive companies, power electronics & control engineers and manufacturers of electrical drives. Senior undergraduate and postgraduate students in electronics and control engineering will also find it of value.
Variable-Structure Approaches
by Andreas Rauh Luise SenkelThis edited book aims at presenting current research activities in the field of robust variable-structure systems. The scope equally comprises highlighting novel methodological aspects as well as presenting the use of variable-structure techniques in industrial applications including their efficient implementation on hardware for real-time control. The target audience primarily comprises research experts in the field of control theory and nonlinear dynamics but the book may also be beneficial for graduate students.
Variable-Structure Systems and Sliding-Mode Control: From Theory to Practice (Studies in Systems, Decision and Control #271)
by Martin Horn Leonid Fridman Martin SteinbergerThe book covers the latest theoretical results and sophisticated applications in the field of variable-structure systems and sliding-mode control. This book is divided into four parts. Part I discusses new higher-order sliding-mode algorithms, including new homogeneous controllers and differentiators. Part II then explores properties of continuous sliding-mode algorithms, such as saturated feedback control, reaching time, and orbital stability. Part III is focused on the usage of variable-structure systems (VSS) controllers for solving other control problems, for example unmatched disturbances. Finally, Part IV discusses applications of VSS; these include applications within power electronics and vehicle platooning.Variable-structure Systems and Sliding-Mode Control will be of interest to academic researchers, students and practising engineers.
Variable Takt Principle: Mastering Variance with Limitless Product Individualization (Management for Professionals)
by Peter Bebersdorf Arnd HuchzermeierThis book describes how the implementation of variable rate launching in the context of a mixed-model assembly line with unlimited customization flexibility promotes customer-centric production. Variable rate launching (VRL) – as opposed to fixed rate launching (FRL) – eliminates idle time and utility work in mixed-model assembly lines. Even in the context of limitless customization, which runs the risk of concentrated peak workloads and possible longer assembly lines, a variable takt proves to be more economical than a fixed takt. On the technical side, a fixed takt requires both a healthy balance of process times and optimal scheduling to create feasible production schedules, as using average takt does not allow workers enough time to complete their tasks for more complex products. Because the variable takt relies on similar process times for a given product across the entire line for one product, and all products are given exactly the time they need for assembly, optimal series-sequencing and regular task rescheduling can be eliminated. This book is intended as a reference guide for experienced executives in manufacturing and academics teaching operational effectiveness for customer-centric production, and makes extensive references to AGCO Fendt’s modern tractor line in Marktoberdorf, Germany. The book also offers application case studies from companies in related industries such as automotive, electronics, and machine tools. The book’s key message is that variation should not be universally eliminated from manufacturing. As such, the book represents a counterpoint to the philosophy advocated by the Toyota Production System.
Variant Construction from Theoretical Foundation to Applications
by Jeffrey ZhengThis open access book presents theoretical framework and sample applications of variant construction. The first part includes the components variant logic, variant measurements, and variant maps, while the second part covers sample applications such as variation with functions, variant stream ciphers, quantum interference, classical/quantum random sequences, whole DNA sequences, and multiple-valued pulse sequences. Addressing topics ranging from logic and measuring foundation to typical applications and including various illustrated maps, it is a valuable guide for theoretical researchers in discrete mathematics; computing-, quantum- and communication scientists; big data engineers; as well as graduate and upper undergraduate students.