The collection focuses on the advancements of characterization of minerals, metals, and materials and the applications of characterization results on the processing of these materials. Advanced characterization methods, techniques, and new instruments are emphasized. Areas of interest include, but are not limited to: * Novel methods and techniques for characterizing materials across a spectrum of systems and processes. * Characterization of mechanical, thermal, electrical, optical, dielectric, magnetic, physical, and other properties of materials. * Characterization of structural, morphological, and topographical natures of materials at micro- and nano- scales. * Characterization of extraction and processing including process development and analysis. * Advances in instrument developments for microstructure analysis and performance evaluation of materials, such as computer tomography (CT), X-ray and neutron diffraction, electron microscopy (SEM, FIB, TEM), and spectroscopy (EDS, WDS, EBSD) techniques. * 2D and 3D modelling for materials characterization. The book explores scientific processes to characterize materials using modern technologies, and focuses on the interrelationships and interdependence among processing, structure, properties, and performance of materials.

This handbook presents a compilation of plant histopathology laboratory practices and microscopy techniques for study plant tissues under biotic stress. It will serve as an easy-to-reference material for professors, undergraduate and graduate students and researchers from different areas who work with the interaction between plants and pathogens, whether they are fungi, viruses or bacteria. Besides, it will also help unveil the structural, ultrastructural and histochemical changes induced by plants when challenged by plant pathogens.

This book covers a wide range of topics related to functional dyes, from synthesis and functionality to application. Making a survey of recent progress in functional dye chemistry, it provides an opportunity not only to understand the structure-property relationships of a variety of functional dyes but also to know how they are applied in practical use, from electronic devices to biochemical analyses. From classic dyes such as cyanines, squaraines, porphyrins, phthalocyanines, and others to the newest functional -conjugation systems, various types of functional dyes are dealt with extensively in the book, focusing especially on the state of the art and the future. Readers will benefit greatly from the scientific context in which organic dyes and pigments are comprehensively explained on the basis of chemistry.

Covering both theory and applications, this important work provides a comprehensive introduction to the modern theory of X-ray and electronic spectra of free atoms. Romas Karazija discusses methods of angular momenta, irreducible tensorial operators, and coefficients of fractional parentage and their use in determining cross sections and probabilities of elementary processes. In addition, Karazija addresses the structure of electronic shells with inner vacancies and many-body effects.

This contributed volume reviews the latest advances in all the new technologies currently developed for MagnetoEncephaloGraphy (MEG) recordings, as well as sensor technologies and integrated sensor arrays for on-scalp MEG. The book gives an account of the first MEG imaging studies and explores the new field of feasible, experimental paradigms of on-scalp MEG. This is an ideal book for engineers, researchers, and students in the neurosciences interested in MEG imaging.

This book comprises the proceedings of the 12th International Conference on Asia-Pacific Microscopy Conference (APMC12) focusing on emerging opportunities and challenges in the field of materials sciences, life sciences and microscopy techniques. The contents of this volume include papers on aberration corrected TEM & STEM, SEM - FIB, ion beam microscopy, electron diffraction & crystallography, microscopy and imaging associated with bio-nanotechnology, medical applications, host-pathogen interaction, etc. This book will be beneficial to researchers, educators, and practitioners alike.

In this thesis, the author outlines the development of new monolithic columns and isotope dimethyl labeling strategies and their applications in high-performance proteome analyses. Though different types of monolithic columns have been widely developed for chromatography and electrophoresis separation, their application in proteomics for complex peptide mixtures separation is still a challenge. The author discusses the preparation of new monolithic columns and optimization of chromatography separation capability to improve coverage and accuracy of proteome analysis. Further, the author describes a novel online multidimensional chromatography system combined with automated online isotope labeling, which significantly improves the throughput, sensitivity and accuracy of quantitative proteomics. In addition to the development of new technologies, the author investigates the proteome and phosphoproteome expression changes of clinical hepatocellular carcinoma tissues and the hippocampi of mice with Alzheimer s disease. The work in this thesis has led to several publications in high-profile journals in the fields of analytical chemistry and proteome research."

This book focuses on the characterization of the amorphous phase of polymers, whether they are pure amorphous or semi-crystalline ones, above Tg or below Tg, by studying the relaxation of dipoles and space charges naturally found in their structure after they have been activated by the application of a voltage field. The experimental deconvolution of the relaxation modes responsible for internal motion in the amorphous phase is coupled with a mathematical procedure (Thermal-Windowing Deconvolution-TWD) that leads to the understanding of their coupling characteristics which, it is shown, relate to the state of the material itself, for instance its non-equilibrium state or its internal stress for matter belonging to interfaces between aggregated or dispersed phases. Describes quantitatively the Thermal Stimulated Depolarization techniques of polymer characterization (TSD, TWD), i.e. how to decouple the relaxation modes collectively interacting (interactive coupling) and relate it to the thermodynamic properties of the amorphous phase. Understands the results of depolarization in terms of the new physics of polymer interactions: the Dual-Phase model, here applied to the dipoles-space charge dynamics. Provides a roaster of CASE STUDIES: practical applications of the TSD and TWD characterization techniques to describe coupled molecular motions in resins, medical tissues, wood, blends and block copolymers interfaces, rubbers, can coatings, internal stress in molded parts, etc

This book presents a detailed look at experimental and computational techniques for accurate structure determination of free molecules. The most fundamental property of a molecule is its structure - it is a prerequisite for determining and understanding most other important properties of molecules. The determination of accurate structures is hampered by a myriad of factors, subjecting the collected data to non-negligible systematic errors. This book explains the origin of these errors and how to mitigate and even avoid them altogether. It features a detailed comparison of the different experimental and computation methods, explaining their interplay and the advantages of their combined use. Armed with this information, the reader will be able to choose the appropriate methods to determine - to a great degree of accuracy - the relevant molecular structure.

This book presents a theoretical study of the generation and conversion of phonon angular momentum in crystals. Recently, rotational motions of lattice vibrations, i.e., phonons, in crystals attract considerable attentions. As such, the book theoretically demonstrate generations of phonons with rotational motions, based on model calculations and first-principle calculations. In systems without inversion symmetry, the phonon angular momentum is shown to be caused by the temperature gradient, which is demonstrated in crystals such as wurtzite gallium nitride, tellurium, and selenium using the first-principle calculations. In systems with neither time-reversal nor inversion symmetries, the phonon angular momentum is shown to be generated by an electric field. Secondly, the book presents the microscopic mechanisms developed by the author and his collaborator on how these microscopic rotations of nuclei are coupled with electron spins. These predictions serve as building blocks for spintronics with phonons or mechanical motions.

This book provides easy-to-understand explanations to systematically and comprehensively describe the X-ray CT technologies, techniques, and skills used for industrial and scientific purposes. Included are many references along with photographs, figures, and equations prepared by the author. These features all facilitate the reader's gaining a deeper understanding of the topics being discussed. The book presents expertise not only on fundamentals but also about hardware, software, and analytical methods for the benefit of technical users. The book targets engineers, researchers, and students who are involved in research, development, design, and quality assurance in industry and academia.

Analytical techniques are powerful tools in a chemist's armoury. Spectroscopic data and chemical information are used routinely in laboratories to follow a chemical reaction or elucidate a chemical structure. However, the sophistication of the analytical techniques used changes rapidly, hence the routinely used method of today can all too readily be superseded by the new technology of tomorrow. More Modern Chemical Techniques identifies some applications of the important chemical techniques in use today that are less well known in schools and colleges and which illustrate how chemistry is using state-of-the-art technology to push back the frontiers of the subject. Examples include: elemental analysis such as atomic absorption spectrometry and inductively coupled plasma techniques; separations including electrophoresis, structure determination (eg x-ray diffraction and optical microscopy); and sampling and sample preparation.

This book provides a comprehensive overview of the current knowledge on the fate and interaction of pharmaceuticals in soil-crop systems. It addresses the principles of their transport, uptake and metabolism and reviews methodologies for their analytical determination. It also discusses ecotoxicological effects arising from their presence and highlights bioremediation approaches for their removal. The use of treated wastewater to irrigate crops is becoming more widespread in regions where freshwater is limited. This practice conserves freshwater resources and contributes to nutrient recycling. However, concerns remain regarding the safety of irrigation with treated wastewater since it contains residues of pharmaceuticals that have survived treatment, which means that soil and fauna are potentially exposed to these xenobiotics. Various pathways govern the fate of pharmaceuticals in crop-soil systems, including soil degradation; formation of non-extractable residues; uptake by soil-dwelling organisms (e.g. earthworms); and uptake, transport, and metabolism in agricultural crops. Investigations into these aspects have only recently been initiated, and there is still a long way to go before a meaningful assessment of the impact of wastewater has been completed.

This book addresses the improvement and dissemination of knowledge on methods, policies and technologies for increasing the sustainability of development by de-coupling growth from natural resources and replacing them with knowledge-based economy, taking into account its economic, environmental and social pillars, as well as methods for assessing and measuring sustainability of development, regarding water and environment. This book gathers scholar and experts in related fields. All attendees from a vast range of companies, universities and government institutions acquire advanced technical knowledge and are introduced to new fields through discussions that focus on their own specialties as well as a variety of interdisciplinary areas. The authors hope most of scholars can find what they really need in this book.

This volume builds upon the successful book Lanthanide Luminescence published in the Springer Series on Fluorescence in 2011. Since its publication, the field of lanthanide spectroscopy and the areas in which the light emission properties of the f-elements are used have experienced substantial advances. The luminescence properties of lanthanide ions make them unique candidates for a myriad of optical applications. This book highlights and reviews the latest research in areas ranging from luminescence thermometry to imaging, sensing and photonic applications of these fascinating elements. Each chapter provides a comprehensive introduction to a specific area of application of lanthanide luminescence and extensively reviews seminal papers and current research literature. Given its interdisciplinary scope, the book appeals to scientists and advanced students in physics, chemistry and materials science interested in compounds and materials with optical properties.

Chapters collected from "The Virtual Conference on Chemistry and its Applications (VCCA-2021) - Research and Innovations in Chemical Sciences: Paving the Way Forward". This conference was held in August 2021 and organized by the Computational Chemistry Group of the University of Mauritius. These peer-reviewed chapters offer insights into research on fundamental and applied chemistry with interdisciplinary subject matter.

This book offers a comprehensive overview of recent studies conducted on the biological effects of metal nanoparticles. It also provides a solid theoretical foundation and various metal nanoparticle synthesis methods. Part I reviews the main chemical methods used for synthesizing metal nanoparticles in a solution and describes original method of biochemical synthesis, as well as some special procedures developed specifically for studying the biological activity of nanoparticles. Part II analyzes current literature on the effects of metal nanoparticles observed in microorganisms and addresses the influence of silver nanoparticles obtained by biochemical synthesis on biological objects on various organization levels, namely on microorganisms, acellular slim mold, unicellular alga, plant seeds and mammalian cells. The last section explains the central problems common in studies on the biological effects of metal nanoparticles and outlines potential uses of this trend in bio-nanotechnologies. This book is aimed at specialists, professors and students aspiring to expand their knowledge about the biological activities of metal nanoparticles and nanoparticle-containing materials.

The book highlights recent developments in the field of spectroscopy by providing the readers with an updated and high-level of overview. The focus of this book is on the introduction to concepts of modern spectroscopic techniques, recent technological innovations in this field, and current examples of applications to molecules and materials relevant for academia and industry. The book will be beneficial to researchers from various branches of science and technology, and is intended to point them to modern techniques, which might be useful for their specific problems. Spectroscopic techniques, that are discussed include, UV-Visible absorption spectroscopy, XPS, Raman spectroscopy, SERS, TERS, CARS, IR absorption spectroscopy, SFG, LIBS, Quantum cascade laser (QCL) spectroscopy, fluorescence spectroscopy, ellipsometry, cavity-enhanced absorption spectroscopy, such as cavity ring-down spectroscopy (CRDS) and evanescent wave-CRDS both in gas and condensed phases, time-resolved spectroscopy etc. Applications introduced in the different chapters demonstrates the usefulness of the spectroscopic techniques for the characterization of fundamental properties of molecules, e.g. in connection with environmental impact, bio-activity, or usefulness for pharmaceutical drugs, and materials important e.g. for nano-science, nuclear chemistry, or bio-applications. The book presents how spectroscopic techniques can help to better understand substances, which have also great impact on questions of social and economic relevance (environment, alternative energy, etc.).

This book presents commonly applied characterization techniques in material science, their brief history and origins, mechanism of operation, advantages and disadvantages, their biosensing applications, and troubleshooting for each technique, while addressing the challenges researchers face when working with these techniques. The book dedicates its focus to identifying physicochemical and electrochemical nature of materials including analyses of morphology, mass spectrometry, and topography, as well as the characterization of elemental, structural, thermal, wettability, electrochemical, and chromatography properties. Additionally, the main features and benefits of using coupled characterization techniques are discussed in this book.

This book is intended for both the undergraduate and postgraduate levels. The subject material deals with symmetry, starting from the basic and rudimental foundations of the concept and the depth of its applications. The presentation of the concepts and the related illustrations in the book are on semi-pedagogical lines and thus offer easy understanding to the reader. The book is designed with twelve well thought chapters, with each preceding chapter opening the gate for the development of the next thereby having a high degree of sequence.The first seven chapters are devoted to the indepth understanding of 'symmetry and group theory' of molecules and the last five chapters are developed on the aspects of how these formalisms are utilized for the 'structure, spectra and bonding' of molecules. The book also covers the essential basics of the group theory that are required for all sections of chemistry, and emphasizes the necessity of this theory to understand the theoretical and applied aspects of molecular spectroscopy. This text is the result of a long felt need for developing certain novel techniques for the teaching of this course. A 'Window-vision' has been provided in the book while presenting most of the chapters and 'Study Questions' are placed at the end of each chapter to help ensure understanding of the concepts. 'No more nightmares of group theory and spectroscopy' - is the ultimate purpose of this book.

This thesis describes the application of the collinear resonance laser spectroscopy to sensitively measure the electromagnetic nuclear observables of the neutron-rich indium isotopes 115-131In. This entailed a systematic study of the efficiency of resonant ionization schemes to extract the hyperfine structure of the isotopes, the atomic charge exchange process and benchmarking of modern atomic calculations with a laser ablation ion source. This allowed determination of the root-mean-square nuclear charge radii, nuclear magnetic dipole moments, nuclear electric quadrupole moments and nuclear spins of the 113-131In isotopes with high accuracy. With a proton hole in the Z = 50 nuclear shell closure of tin and several nuclear isomer states, these measurements of the indium (Z = 49) isotope chain provided an efficient probe of the evolution of nuclear structure properties towards and at the doubly-magic nuclear shell closure of 132Sn (N = 82) - revealing unpredicted changes.

Chapters collected from "The Virtual Conference on Chemistry and its Applications (VCCA-2021) - Research and Innovations in Chemical Sciences: Paving the Way Forward". This conference was held in August 2021 and organized by the Computational Chemistry Group of the University of Mauritius. These peer-reviewed chapters offer insights into research on fundamental and applied chemistry with interdisciplinary subject matter.

Analytical techniques are powerful tools in a chemist's armoury and this book identifies some of the most important chemical techniques currently in use, along with their applications. Aimed at those with some familiarity with modern chemical techniques, as well as those completely new to them, the book covers much of the basic theory without emphasising the mathematics and physics involved. Where appropriate, descriptions of the instrumentation and sample preparation are included, as are problems with example solutions. More advanced ideas are presented in highlighted boxes, so the novice can happily skip these if desired. Modern Chemical Techniques is based on a series of 'hands-on' symposia that enabled individuals to update their chemical skills and learn about the newest methods, techniques, and instrumentation available. The resource material presented at the symposia is published here, developed and extended into an accessible, illustrated book, making the valuable information it contained available to a much wider audience.