This book presents state-of-the-art intelligent methods and techniques for solving real-world problems and offers a vision of future research. Featuring 143 papers from the 4th Future Technologies Conference, held in San Francisco, USA, in 2019, it covers a wide range of important topics, including, but not limited to, computing, electronics, artificial intelligence, robotics, security and communications and their applications to the real world. As such, it is an interesting, exciting and inspiring read.

Phase Change Materials for Heat Transfer focuses on how to maximize the heat transfer rate and thermal storage capability of PCMs. Various aspects are covered, including preparation of phase change materials to heat transfer enhancement and characteristics with an emphasis on prominent applications. The book is designed in such a manner to cover the broad definitions, introduction, brief history, preparation techniques, thermophysical properties and heat transfer characteristics with mathematical models, performance-affecting factors and the applications and challenges of PCMs. This handbook will prove invaluable to readers interested in a resource with the latest information in this emerging field. Provides key heat transfer enhancement and thermophysical properties features for a wide range of phase change materials Presents detailed parameter selection procedures impacting heat transfer Reviews available prediction methods for heat transfer and thermophysical properties of phase change material Includes practical applications of phase change materials for enhanced thermal control Explores practical challenges and opportunities of phase change materials potential in heat transfer enhancement

This book brings together the recent advances in the area of microbial bioremediation with a particular focus on the exciting new field of multiomics technologies.

This open access book presents (selected) new and innovative developments for sustainable and fish-friendly hydropower. It offers unique insights into the challenges, practices and policies of hydropower developments across 8 European countries, providing examples from on-site studies and European-wide analyses. The case studies throughout the book are practical “real-world” examples, which are intended to serve as inspiration for anyone who would like to know more about how solutions for more sustainable hydropower production can be designed and implemented. Hydropower is an important renewable energy source, which, however, can also impact aquatic ecosystems, fish populations and hydro-morphology. EU and national water, environmental and energy legislation strive for sustainable energy and water resource management as well as the protection of important habitats and species. These have an effect on the requirements and decision making processes for hydropower planning, commissioning and operation. With a high variety of measures existing and site-specific conditions as well as national and EU level legal requirements to consider, it can be difficult to determine, what issues to address and which measures to implement.