A leading artificial intelligence researcher lays out a new approach to AI that will enable us to coexist successfully with increasingly intelligent machines In the popular imagination, superhuman artificial intelligence is an approaching tidal wave that threatens not just jobs and human relationships, but civilization itself. Conflict between humans and machines is seen as inevitable and its outcome all too predictable. In this groundbreaking book, distinguished AI researcher Stuart Russell argues that this scenario can be avoided, but only if we rethink AI from the ground up. Russell begins by exploring the idea of intelligence in humans and in machines. He describes the near-term benefits we can expect, from intelligent personal assistants to vastly accelerated scientific research, and outlines the AI breakthroughs that still have to happen before we reach superhuman AI. He also spells out the ways humans are already finding to misuse AI, from lethal autonomous weapons to viral sabotage. If the predicted breakthroughs occur and superhuman AI emerges, we will have created entities far more powerful than ourselves. How can we ensure they never, ever, have power over us? Russell suggests that we can rebuild AI on a new foundation, according to which machines are designed to be inherently uncertain about the human preferences they are required to satisfy. Such machines would be humble, altruistic, and committed to pursue our objectives, not theirs. This new foundation would allow us to create machines that are provably deferential and provably beneficial.

Computerized machines can be found in many forms and all around us - in our pockets, and even sometimes in our body. For many of us, they are now essential elements of everyday life. When it comes to smartphones, connected objects, medical digital devices and e-health, these digital tools have proliferated in our environment, continually transforming our modes of social organization. They act as prostheses and orthotics that "enhance" our cognitive capacities and influence our inherent behaviors. Are digital tools that perpetually envelop the body and the spirit able to overwhelm the social order? Could our cognitive prosthetics lead to permanent, radical change to our society, which could become similar to a hive? This book explores this reflection, which is at the center of social research on digital tools.

Principles and Practice of Bioanalysis provides a guide to the methods available and the techniques currently used in this field. It provides up to the minute information and guidance on the methods and strategy used in developing and running ultra-trace analyses for drugs, metabolites and other substances. The authors writes in an informal and didactic style, offering a logical path through the problems of small molecule (bio)analysis and enables readers to choose appropriate methods of analysis for their needs. Principles and Practice of Bioanalysis gives an overview of analytical methods for analytical scientists within the pharmaceutical industry, research and development, the agrochemical industry, and scientists in the health service, biology and biochemistry. It also gives postgraduate students a useful reference for their research methods.

Statistical, Mapping and Digital Approaches in Healthcare addresses all health territories, starting from the analysis of geographical data (health data, population data, health data systems and environmental data), to new health areas (Health 3.0), i.e. digital health territories. Specific tools are used to question environmental changes, such as health statistics, mapping, mathematical models, optimization models and serious games.

This work describes the essential steps in the development of biocatalytic processes from concept to completion. This integrated text combines the fundamentals of biocatalysis with technological experience and in-depth commercial case studies. The book starts with an introductory look at this history and present scope of biocatalysis, followed by overviews of: applications of specific enzymes; bioprocess case studies; biocatalyst selection and production; enzyme performance - activity and stability; non-conventional media - aqueous/organic biphasic, organic, gaseous media; immobilization; protein engineering and metabolic engineering; process concepts; bioreactor selection and design; patents; and commercial and financial aspects. Written by industrial and academic experts, this world is intended for the bookshelf of anyone teaching biocatalysis or working in the chemical, food, manufacturing of pharmaceutical industries who is seeking to exploit the potential of biocatalysts.

Advances in Applied Microbiology, Volume 105 continues the comprehensive reach of this widely read and authoritative review source in microbiology. Users will find invaluable references and information on a variety of areas, with this updated volume including chapters covering The Genus Macrococcus: an insight into its evolution, biology and relationship with Staphylococcus, The use of electrobiochemical reactors for in vitro and in vivo metabolic engineering, Advances in the Microbial Ecology of Biohydrometallurgy, Optimizing yeast alcoholic fermentations, Methods to reduce spoilage and microbial contamination of plant produce, Microbial Diversity and Functional Analysis, and more.

This book presents a comprehensive synopsis of the production and utilization of biomethane along with important recent advances. Biomethane production offers valuable alternative energy solutions for the replacement of fossil fuels to lessen the environmental impacts and strategize for mitigating global warming and climate change. Chapters first focus on the production of biogas (or biomethane) with emphasis on the different biomass utilization for industrial and domestic applications and describe the characteristics, parameters, and process design of anaerobic digesters for biomethane production from waste biomass. The book then goes on to discuss advanced genetic engineering tools and techniques to enhance biomethanation and biomethane production. The volume also offers a state-of-the-art review of anaerobic digestion of biogenic solid wastes, the impact of different chemical pretreatment processes and products, and the influence of operating parameters on biomethane yields. Differentiating between the thermochemical technologies (e.g., gasification and pyrolysis) and biological technologies (e.g., anaerobic digestion) for biomethane production, the book assesses some recent advancements in biomethane production along with its socioeconomic impacts and applications. Other topics include gasification technology and syngas cleaning for biosynthetic natural gas production, the use of catalysts for enhanced synthetic natural gas production, biohythane fuel produced from microbial fermentative pathways, and more. Biomethane: Developments and Prospects offers valuable insight and information on the current status of production and utilization of biomethane that has cross-disciplinary value in biotechnology, fermentation technology, bioprocess engineering, chemical engineering, and environmental technology with a common interest in biofuels and bioenergy.

Biodesign in the Age of Artificial Intelligence: Deep Green investigates the potential of nature based technology for shaping the evolution of contemporary architecture and design. It takes on the now pervasive topic of design intelligence, extending its definition to encompass both biological and digital realms. As in their first title, Systemic Architecture: Operating Manual for the Self Organizing City, the authors engage the topic through the specific lens of their innovative design practice, ecoLogicStudio and their research at the University of Innsbruck and at the Bartlett, UCL. Part One of the book, entitled PhotoSynthetica (TM), illustrates design solutions that engage the urban microbiome and seek to achieve an immediate impact, while Part Two, entitled Deep Green, includes synthetic landscapes and operates within a much larger spatio-temporal frame, going beyond human perception and life span to envision design as a geographical and geological force. In the age of catastrophic climate change, such perceptual expansion helps to clarify that change cannot simply be stopped or rolled back. We must instead establish more positive dynamics of change within the living world. To this end, this book proposes to engage with design and architecture as an extended cognitive interface, a sentient being that is co-evolutionary and symbiotic with the living planet, contributing to its beauty and to our continued enjoyment of it.

The Textbook of Ion Channels is a set of three volumes providing a wide-ranging reference source on ion channels for students, instructors, and researchers. Ion channels are membrane proteins that control the electrical properties of neurons and cardiac cells, mediate the detection and response to sensory stimuli like light, sound, odor, and taste, and regulate the response to physical stimuli like temperature and pressure. In non-excitable tissues, ion channels are instrumental for the regulation of basic salt balance that is critical for homeostasis. Ion channels are located at the surface membrane of cells, giving them the unique ability to communicate with the environment, as well as the membrane of intracellular organelles, allowing them to regulate internal homeostasis. Ion channels are fundamentally important for human health and diseases, and are important targets for pharmaceuticals in mental illness, heart disease, anesthesia, pain and other clinical applications. The modern methods used in their study are powerful and diverse, ranging from single ion-channel measurement techniques to models of ion channel diseases in animals, and human clinical trials for ion channel drugs. Volume I, Part 1 covers fundamental topics such as the basic principles of ion permeation and selectivity, voltage-dependent, ligand-dependent and mechano-dependent ion channel activation mechanisms, the mechanisms for ion channel desensitization and inactivation and basic ion channel pharmacology and inhibition. Volume I, Part 2 aims to offer a practical guide of cardinal methods for researching ion channels, including heterologous expression and voltage-clamp and patch-clamp electrophysiology, isolation of native currents using patch-clamp, modelling ion channel gating, structures and its dynamics, crystallography and cryo- electron microscopy, fluorescence and paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy methods and genetics approaches in model organisms. All three volumes give the reader an introduction to fundamental concepts needed to understand the mechanism of ion channels, a guide to the technical aspects of ion channel research, offer a modern guide to the properties of major ion channel families, and include coverage of key examples of regulatory, physiological, and disease roles for ion channels.

Heterosis and Hybrid Seed Production in Agronomic Crops discusses how heterosis or "hybrid vigor" has played a major role in improving crop productivity and quality in order to feed the ever-increasing human population, particularly in developing countries. Plant breeders, agronomists, seed producers, and farmers will discover why the development of hybrids in the world's major food crops and why the methods of hybrid seed production are critical for achieving this goal. This landmark book deals with heterosis and hybrid seed production of major agronomic crops such as wheat, rice, maize, sorghum, cotton, sunflower, and rapeseed. Through Heterosis and Hybrid Seed Production in Agronomic Crops, you will discover valuable information on hybrid seed production methods that is not available in any other single volume. This unique book contains relevant and essential information about important procedures to help increase crop yield, including: methods for derivingsecond cycle inbred lines for hybrid maize possibilities for hybrid seed production in wheat techniques of hybrid sorghum seed production production of hybrid seeds using male sterile lines of cotton agronomic management in seed production plots of sunflower seed production technology of hybrid rapeseed advances in hybrid seed production technology of rice in ChinaHeterosis and Hybrid Seed Production in Agronomic Crops gives you a global perspective on essential food crops in all parts of the world. This informative guide will help you use hybrid seed production methods with important agricultural crops and increase the quality of these vital and essential food sources.

Darwin's Pangenesis and its Rediscovery Part B explores Darwin's Pangenesis, an expanded cell theory and unified theory of heredity and variation from over 150 years ago that strengthened his theory of evolution and explained many phenomena of life. Now, new discoveries on circulating DNA, mobile RNAs, prions and extracellular vesicles are providing striking evidence for the chemical existence of Darwin's imaginary gemmules. In addition, new evidence for the inheritance of acquired characters, graft hybridization, and many other phenomena that Pangenesis supposedly explains are progressing, and are hence explored in this comprehensive volume. Specific chapters in this new volume include Darwin and Mendel: The Historical Connection, Darwin's Pangenesis and Graft Hybridization, Darwin's Pangenesis and Medical Genetics, Darwin's Pangenesis and Certain Anomalous Phenomena, and Natural Selection and Pangenesis: The Darwinian Synthesis.

Brings together in a single volume many cellular systems, allowing for better comparison of research results and helping to establish global strategies and standards. This unique reference/text presents the basic theory and practical applications of metabolic engineering (ME)-offering systematic analysis of complex metabolic pathways and ways of employing recombinant DNA techniques to alter cell behavior, metabolic patterns, and product formation. Covering ME as a distinct subfield of genetic engineering, Metabolic Engineering demonstrates new means of enabling cells to produce valuable proteins, polypeptides, and primary and secondary metabolites. Proposes a new paradigm for the directed modification of cellular metabolism and properties Written by more than 35 leading international experts in this field, Metabolic Engineering discusses metabolic engineering in plant and mammalian cells, bacteria, and yeasts illuminates the potential of the "cell factory" model for production of chemicals and therapeutics showcases methods of toxic waste management examines techniques for developing new antiviral and antibacterial molecules and effective gene and somatic-cell therapies investigates engineering strategies for increased production of bulk or specialty chemicals, including alcohols, organic and amino acids, aromatic compounds, antibiotics, novel polyketide metabolites, biopolymers, and plant secondary metabolites addresses uses of metabolic flux analysis, metabolic control analysis, and online metabolic flux analysis illustrates navigation of metabolic pathways in mammalian cell systems and new approaches to the degradation of xenobiotics assesses metabolic engineering applications in agriculture, pharmaceuticals, and environmental systems and more Containing over 1000 references, tables, equations, and drawings, Metabolic Engineering serves as an indispensable reference for bioprocess technologists, metabolic and chemical engineers, bi

Enzymes in Food Biotechnology: Production, Applications, and Future Prospects presents a comprehensive review of enzyme research and the potential impact of enzymes on the food sector. This valuable reference brings together novel sources and technologies regarding enzymes in food production, food processing, food preservation, food engineering and food biotechnology that are useful for researchers, professionals and students. Discussions include the process of immobilization, thermal and operational stability, increased product specificity and specific activity, enzyme engineering, implementation of high-throughput techniques, screening to relatively unexplored environments, and the development of more efficient enzymes.

Medicinal Plant Responses to Stressful Conditions discusses the effects of multiple biotic and abiotic stressors on medicinal plants. It features information on biochemical, molecular, and physiological strategies used to mitigate or alleviate detrimental effects of biotic and abiotic stressors. The book contains chapters featuring medicinal plants of importance covering subjects including genomics, functional genomics, metabolomics, phenomics, proteomics, and transcriptomics under biotic and abiotic stress of medicinal plants and their molecular responses. It suggests exogenous application of different types of stimulants to enhance medicinal plant production in such conditions. Features: * Details all aspects of biotic and abiotic stressors in various important medicinal plant species. * Chapters cover evidence-based approaches in the diagnosis and management of medicinal plants under stressful conditions. * Includes information on ways to mitigate effects from high salinity, drought, temperature extremes, waterlogging, wind, high light intensity, UV radiation, heavy metals, or mineral deficiencies. A volume in the Exploring Medicinal Plants series, this book is an essential resource for plant scientists, botanists, environmental scientists, and anyone with an interest in herbal medicine

Compiles current research on nanomaterials as well as their versatile applications in plant biotic stress management Describes role of nanomaterials as enzyme-mimicking nanoparticles, nano-pesticides, nano-fertilizers, and nanomaterials Reviews day-to-day problems related to crop plants, their diagnostics and stress management Explores trends in nanomaterials utility towards diagnostics, enzyme-mimicking, crop protection and their possible role in plant disease management Includes pertinent nanomaterials including synthetic strategies, properties, chemistry, and applications

Contents:
1. Porphyridium Cruentum Zvi Cohen 2. Monodus Subterraneus Zvi Cohen 3. Production of Eicosapentaenoic Acid by the Marine Eustigmatophyte Nannochloropsis A. Sukenik 4. Production of EPA from Phaeodactylum Tricornumtum E. Molina Grima, F. Garcia Camacho and F. Acien Fernandez 5. Genetic Improvement of the EPA Content in Microalgae Diego Lopez Alonso and Clara I. Segura Del Castillo 6. Recovery of Algal PUFAs E. Molina Grima, A. Robles Medina and Gimenez Gimenez 7. Microalgal Carotenoids Synnove Liaaen-Jensen and Einar Skarstad Egeland 8. Production of Astaxanthin by Haematococcus Yuan-Kun Lee and Dao-Hai Zhang 9. Production of ß-carotene from Dunaliella Ami Ben-Amotz 10. Chemicals of Botryococcus Braunii P. Metzger and C. Largeau 11. Phycobiliproteins Alexander N. Glazer 12. Polysacharides of Red Microalgae Shoshana (Malis) Arad 13. Polyhydroxyalkanoates Massimo Vincenzini and Roberto de Philippis 14. Pharmaceutical and agrochemical from microalgae Michael A. Borowitzka 15. Physiological Principles and Modes of Cultivation in mass Production of Photoautotrophic Microalgae Amos Richmond 16. Economic Evaluation of Microalgal Processes and Products Michael A. Borowitzka

This comprehensive yet balanced work emphasizes the principles and rationale underlying recombinant DNA methodology while furnishing a general understanding of the experimental protocols-suggesting flexible approaches to resolving particular molecular necessities that are easily adaptable to readers' specific applications. Features summary tables presenting at-a-glance information on practices of recombinant DNA methodologies! Recombinant DNA Principles and Methodologies discusses basic and advanced topics requisite to the employment of recombinant DNA technology, such as -plasmid biology -nucleic acid biochemistry -restriction enzymes -cloning strategies -gel electrophoresis -southern and northern blotting -preparation of probes -phage lambda biology -cosmids and genome analysis -cloned gene expression -polymerase chain reaction -conventional and automated DNA sequencing -site-directed mutagenesis -and more! Elucidating the material with over 2250 edifying references, equations, drawings, and photographs, this state-of-the-art resource is a valuable hands-on guide for molecular and cell biologists, biochemists, bioprocess technologists, applied and industrial microbiologists, virologists, geneticists, chemical engineers, and upper-level undergraduate and graduate students in these disciplines.

Intended primarily for undergraduate chemical-engineering students, this book also includes material which bridges the gap between undergraduate and graduate requirements. The introduction contains a listing of the principal types of reactors employed in the chemical industry, with diagrams and examples of their use. There is then a brief exploration of the concepts employed in later sections for modelling and sizing reactors, followed by basic information on stoichiometry and thermodynamics, and the kinetics of homogeneous and catalyzed reactions. Subsequent chapters are devoted to reactor sizing and modelling in some simple situations, and more detailed coverage of the design and operation of the principal reactor types.

All the information necessary to set up and run a tissue culture facility is provided in this introductory book.; ; Includes an overview of all the basic tissue culture techniques and describes in detail both the theoretical background and the practical a

Predictive control is a powerful tool in dealing with those processes with large time delays. Generalized Predictive Control (GPC) is the most popular approach to the subject, and this text discusses the application of GPC starting with the concept of long-range predictive control and its need in medicine (particularly automated drug deliveries). The concept of adaptation is also emphasized with respect to patient-to-patient parameter variations. Subsequent chapters discuss interactions, comparisons and various aspects of GPC. The book concludes by putting into perpective the generic nature of the architecture built around GPC and which provides model-based fault diagnosis with control.

Describes how nanomaterial functionalization is being used to create more effective sensors. Discusses various synthesis procedures, characterization techniques, and which nanomaterials should be used for sensing applications. Provides an in-depth look into oxide nanostructures, carbon nanostructures, and 2D material fabrication. Explores the challenges of using nanoscale sensors for large-scale industrial applications.

Biotechnology: Quality Assurance and Validation provides a practical, detailed discussion of what issues Quality Assurance and Quality Control need to identify for effective control in the preparation of biotechnology products. The book presents a series of topics that define some of the unique challenges facing biotechnology companies in producing biopharmaceutical products. The topics selected address quality and validation issues, starting with the cryopreservation of cell lines through the filling and finishing of the product. It includes a validation guide, a clear presentation of how to use filtration effectively, a synoptic view of cleaning procedures, and much more.

Nanostructured Nonlinear Optical Materials: Formation and Fabrication covers the analysis of the formation, characterization and optical nonlinearities of various nanostructures using different methods. It addresses many areas of research in the field, including the modification of the surfaces of materials for the formation of various nanostructures, transmission electron microscopy and time-of-flight mass spectroscopy studies of ablated bulk and nanoparticle targets, the low-order nonlinearities of metal and semiconductor nanoparticles, the nonlinear refraction and nonlinear absorption of carbon-contained nanoparticles, and low- and high-order harmonic generation in nanoparticle-contained plasmas, amongst other topics. The book is an essential reference for all nanomaterials researchers in the fields of photonics, materials, physics, chemistry and nanotechnology.