This book covers some fundamental aspects and frontiers in non-equilibrium physics and soft matter research. Apart from the basic knowledge on nonlinear statistic physics, dynamics, computer simulations, and main approaches and emerging systems in soft matter research, particular attention is devoted to new conceptual flexible functional materials and the enriching areas, such as silk meso-molecular materials, molecular gels, liquid crystals, flexible electronics and new types of catalysis, etc. One of the main characteristics of this book is to start with the structure formation dynamics and the correlation between the structures and macroscopic performance. This lays down the foundation for the mesoscopic materials design and functionalization. The book is intended for upper undergraduate students, graduate students, and researchers who are interested in soft matter researches. As one of main references, the basic principles and technologies of computer simulations and experimental methods adopted in soft matter research are also explained. Illustrations and tables are included in this book to improve the readability, and examples and exercises are added to help understanding.

Interacting biological systems at all organizational levels display emergent behavior. Modeling these systems is made challenging by the number and variety of biological components and interactions – from molecules in gene regulatory networks to species in ecological networks – and the often-incomplete state of system knowledge, such as the unknown values of kinetic parameters for biochemical reactions. Boolean networks have emerged as a powerful tool for modeling these systems. This Element provides a methodological overview of Boolean network models of biological systems. After a brief introduction, the authors describe the process of building, analyzing, and validating a Boolean model. They then present the use of the model to make predictions about the system's response to perturbations and about how to control its behavior. The Element emphasizes the interplay between structural and dynamical properties of Boolean networks and illustrates them in three case studies from disparate levels of biological organization.

This book analyzes a range of new developments in various fields concerning the concepts of chaos and complexity theory. The proceedings of the 7th International Symposium on Chaos, Complexity and Leadership feature newly developed concepts involving various research methodologies for identifying chaos and complexity in different fields of the sciences and leadership. In addition, it explores chaotic and complex systems from all fields of knowledge in order to stake a claim of prevalence of compatibility between knowledge fields. Particular emphasis is placed on exploring non-linearity in order to open a discussion on new approaches to and perspectives on chaos, complexity and leadership. Readers will find coverage of important events that have recently taken place in our world, regardless of whether they were social, political, economic or scientific in nature. The book explores diverse aspects of and issues related to the effects of chaos and complexity in the world; discusses the application of nonlinear dynamics in order to arrive at transformational policies; and offers projections of tomorrow’s world using an interdisciplinary approach. Though primarily intended for readers with an interest in nonlinear science, thanks to its focus on the application of chaos and complexity to other disciplines, the book appeals to a broad readership.

Modern materials science builds on knowledge from physics, chemistry, biology, mathematics, computer and data science, and engineering sciences to enable us to understand, control, and expand the material world. Although it is anchored in inquiry-based fundamental science, materials research is strongly focused on discovering and producing reliable and economically viable materials, from super alloys to polymer composites, that are used in a vast array of products essential to today's societies and economies. Frontiers of Materials Research: A Decadal Survey is aimed at documenting the status and promising future directions of materials research in the United States in the context of similar efforts worldwide. This third decadal survey in materials research reviews the progress and achievements in materials research and changes in the materials research landscape over the last decade; research opportunities for investment for the period 2020-2030; impacts that materials research has had and is expected to have on emerging technologies, national needs, and science; and challenges the enterprise may face over the next decade.

This eBook is a collection of articles from a Frontiers Research Topic. Frontiers Research Topics are very popular trademarks of the Frontiers Journals Series: they are collections of at least ten articles, all centered on a particular subject. With their unique mix of varied contributions from Original Research to Review Articles, Frontiers Research Topics unify the most influential researchers, the latest key findings and historical advances in a hot research area! Find out more on how to host your own Frontiers Research Topic or contribute to one as an author by contacting the Frontiers Editorial Office: frontiersin.org/about/contact.

Frontiers in Applied Mechanics is a compilation of cutting-edge research in applied mechanics by 65 of the world's leading researchers and academics. It comprises current new research directions and topics in the field, as well as developments in the classical branches of applied mechanics; namely solid mechanics, fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, and materials science. Frontiers in Applied Mechanics also includes contributions from new emerging areas such as nanomechanics, biomechanics, electromechanics, the mechanical behavior of advanced materials, mechanics of soft materials, and many other inter-disciplinary research areas in which the concepts of applied mechanics are extensively applied and developed. The mathematical modeling and methodology for applied mechanics are also included, with applications to many interesting mechanics aspects. All articles were carefully selected following a thorough review process by peers.The aim of this collection is to contribute to knowledge in all aspects of applied mechanics; to improve the reader's understanding of the topics and aid their corresponding advances in the field. Readers may also use the contents as a guide for future research directions.