Is International Journal of Performability Engineering open access? - (IJPE) The phenomenal advances made during the last century in information technology have generated high expectations for an unprecedented revolution in all scientific and technological fields in the 21st century. Newer and smarter materials, including composites, biodegradable materials, high strength plastics, minimum waste or effluent-producing processes, material recycling, clean energy sources, and nano-materials, will govern the design of all future products in the 21st century. Key areas like genetic engineering, biotechnology, and nanotechnology hold the key to developing sustainable products, systems, more...