This book is a general introduction to intelligent or smart materials, systems and machines. Presented in understandable and non-mathematical terms, it is for anyone who is interested in future developments in these fields or who needs to be briefed on the current status of these interdisciplinary technologies. The intended audience comprises physicists, engineers, materials scientists and computer scientists of all levels, from undergraduates to post-doctoral practitioners. Contents: The Smart Approach OCo An Introduction to Smart Technologies; Sensing Systems for Smart Structures; Vibration Control Using Smart Structures; Data Fusion OCo The Role of Signal Processing for Smart Structures and Systems; Shape Memory Alloys OCo A Smart Technology?; Piezoelectric Materials; Magnetostriction; Smart Fluid Machines; Smart Biomaterials OCo OC Out-SmartingOCO the Body''s Defence Systems and Other Advances in Materials for Medicine; Natural Engineering OCo The Smart Synergy. Readership: Undergraduates and researchers in materials science and engineering, electrical & electronic engineering, systems engineering and aerospace engineering."

"This handbook provides a thorough discussion of the most recent wave of technological (and organisational) innovations, frequently called "smart" and based on the digitisation of information. The acronym stands for "Self-Monitoring, Analysis and Reporting Technology". This new wave is one in a row of waves that have shaken up and transformed the economy, society and culture since the first Industrial Revolution and even before and have left a huge impact on how we live, think, communicate and work: they have deeply affected the socioeconomic metabolism from within and mankind's footprint on our planet. The handbook analyses the origins of the current wave, its roots in earlier ones and its path-dependent nature; its current forms and actual manifestations; its multifarious impact on economy and society; and it puts forward some guesstimates regarding the probable directions of its further development. In short, the handbook studies the past, the present and the future of smart technologies and digitalisation. This cutting-edge reference will appeal to a broad audience, including but not limited to, researchers from various disciplines with a focus on technological innovation and their impact on the socioeconomic system; students across different fields but especially from economics, social sciences and law studying questions related to radical technological change and its consequences, as well as professionals around the globe interested in the debate of smart technologies and socioeconomic transformation, from a multi- and interdisciplinary perspective"--

Explores the fascinating world of smart technology. With colorful spreads featuring fun facts, sidebars, and a "How It Works" feature, the book provides an inspiring look at this exciting technology.

This timely book tells the story of the smart technologies that reconstruct our world, by provoking their most salient functionality: the prediction and preemption of our day-to-day activities, preferences, health and credit risks, criminal intent and

This book is a general introduction to intelligent or smart materials, systems and machines. Presented in understandable and non-mathematical terms, it is for anyone who is interested in future developments in these fields or who needs to be briefed on the current status of these interdisciplinary technologies. The intended audience comprises physicists, engineers, materials scientists and computer scientists of all levels, from undergraduates to post-doctoral practitioners.

This book examines the introduction of smart technologies into public administrations and the organizational issues caused by these implementations, and the potential of information and communication technologies (ICTs) to rationalize and improve government, transform governance and organizational issues, and address economic, social, and environmental challenges. Cities are increasingly using new technologies in the delivery of public sector services and in the improvement of government transparency, business-led urban development, and urban sustainability. The book will examine specific smart projects that cities are embracing to improve transparency, efficiency, sustainability, mobility, and whether all cities are prepared to implement smart technologies and the incentives for promoting implementation. This focus on the smart technologies applied to public sector entities will be of interest to academics, researchers, policy-makers, public managers, international organizations and technical experts involved in and responsible for the governance, development and design of Smart Cities.

Smart Technologies for Sustainable Smallholder Agriculture: Upscaling in Developing Countries defines integrated climate smart agricultural technologies (ICSAT) as a suite of interconnected techniques and practices that enhance quantity and quality of agricultural products with minimum impact on the environment. These ICSAT are centered on three main pillars, increased production and income, adaptation and resilience to climate change, and minimizing GHG emissions. This book brings together technologies contributing to the three pillars, explains the context in which they can be scaled up, and identifies research and development gaps as areas requiring further investigation. It stresses the urgency in critically analyzing and recommending ICSAT and scaling out the efforts of both developing and disseminating these in an integrated manner. The book discusses, synthesizes, and offers alternative solutions to agriculture production systems and socio-economic development. It brings together biophysical and socioeconomic disciplines in evaluating suitable ICSAT in an effort to help reduce poverty and food insecurity. Highlights the research gaps and opportunities on climate smart agricultural technologies and institutional arrangements Provides information on institutional engagements that are inclusive of value chain actors that support partnerships and the development of interactive platforms Elaborates some of the effects of climate extremes on production and socioeconomic development on small farms whose impact has potentially large impact