The principal objective of this book is to provide information needed to define human thermal behavior quantitatively. Human thermal physiology is defined using mathematical methods routinely employed by physicists and engineers, but seldom used by physiologists. Major sections of the book are devoted to blood flow, sweating, shivering, heat transfer within the body, and heat and mass transfer from skin and clothing to the environment. Simple algebraic models based on experimental data from a century of physiological investigation are developed for bodily processes. The book offers an invaluable source of information for physiologists and physical scientists interested in quantitative approaches to the fascinating field of human thermoregulation.

This book describes rubber nanocomposites and their applications in the automobile sector. Newly developed nanofibres and nanofinished textiles, with their novel characteristics and various applications in next-generation automobiles, are also discussed. Lastly, a comprehensive evaluation and overview of the impact of nanotechnology on the textiles in automobile industries are presented.

An A-to-Z overview of eugenics - one of the most controversial scientific and cultural movements of the last century Eugenics - the theory that we can improve future generations of humans through selective breeding - was one of the most controversial movements of the early 20th century. Often tied to racist beliefs and nativist desires to limit immigration, the eugenics movement attracted some of the most prominent scientists and social reformers of the day. This encyclopedia brings into one place concise descriptions of the leading figures, organizations, events, legislation, publications, concepts, and terms of this vitally important historical movement. Although focused on the United States during the heyday of the movement, the encyclopedia includes material on international events as well as connections to important contemporary issues such as genetic engineering, family balancing, and the possibility of human cloning. 250 entries on such topics as: inherited conditions such as alcoholism, prostitution, poverty, and criminality that eugenicists thought could be eliminated by following eugenic methods; concepts such as feeblemindedness, race degeneracy, and race suicide that were pervasive during the era of the eugenics movement; tools that eugenicists relied on, such as laws that allowed forced sterilizations of the unfit; organizations that encouraged the fit to produce more children; the continued acceptance of attempts to improve future generations through genetic testing and treatment. The book includes photographs, a chronology of events, and an extensive bibliography of works for further information.. Examines a controversial aspect of scientific history. Discusses how contemporary controversies over genetic engineering relate to the eugenics theories of the past

Microbes are ubiquitous in nature. Among microbes, fungal communities play an important role in agriculture, the environment, and medicine. Vast fungal diversity has been associated with plant systems, namely epiphytic fungi, endophytic fungi, and rhizospheric fungi. These fungi associated with plant systems play an important role in plant growth, crop yield, and soil health. Rhizospheric fungi, present in rhizospheric zones, get their nutrients from root exudates released by plant root systems, which help with their growth, development, and microbe activity. Endophytic fungi typically enter plant hosts through naturally occurring wounds that are the result of plant growth, through root hairs, or at epidermal conjunctions. Phyllospheric fungi may survive or proliferate on leaves depending on material influences in leaf diffuseness or exudates. The diverse nature of these fungal communities is a key component of soil-plant systems, where they are engaged in a network of interactions endophytically, phyllospherically, as well as in the rhizosphere, and thus have emerged as a promising tool for sustainable agriculture. These fungal communities promote plant growth directly and indirectly by using plant growth promoting (PGP) attributes. These PGP fungi can be used as biofertilizers and biocontrol agents in place of chemical fertilizers and pesticides for a more eco-friendly method of promoting sustainable agriculture and environments. This first volume of a two-volume set covers the biodiversity of plant-associated fungal communities and their role in plant growth promotion, the mitigation of abiotic stress, and soil fertility for sustainable agriculture. This book should be useful to those working in the biological sciences, especially for microbiologists, microbial biotechnologists, biochemists, and researchers and scientists of fungal biotechnology.

Covering technological aspects as well as the suitability and applicability of various kinds of uses, this handbook shows optimization strategies, techniques and assembly pathways to achieve the combination of complex, even three-dimensional structures with simple manufacturing steps. The authors provide information on markets, commercialization opportunities and aspects of mass or large-scale production as well as design tools, experimental techniques, novel materials, and ideas for future improvements. Not only do they weigh up cost versus quantity, they also consider CMOS and LIGA strategies.
Of interest to physicists, electronics engineers, materials scientists, institutional and industrial libraries as well as graduate students of the relevant disciplines.

The book provides the most up-to-date information on testing and development of hydroprocessing catalysts with the aim to improve performance of the conventional and modified catalysts as well as to develop novel catalytic formulations. Besides diverse chemical composition, special attention is devoted to pore size and pore volume distribution of the catalysts. Properties of the catalysts are discussed in terms of their suitability for upgrading heavy feeds. For this purpose atmospheric residue was chosen as the base for defining other heavy feeds which comprise vacuum gas oil, deasphalted oil and vacuum residues in addition to topped heavy crude and bitumen. Attention is paid to deactivation with the aim to extent catalyst life during the operation. Into consideration is taken the loss of activity due to fouling, metal deposition, coke formed as the result of chemical reaction and poisoning by nitrogen bases. Mathematical models were reviewed focussing on those which can simulate performance of the commercial operations. Configurations of hydroprocessing reactors were compared in terms of their capability to upgrade various heavy feeds providing that a suitable catalyst was selected. Strategies for regeneration, utilization and disposal of spent hydroprocesing catalysts were evaluated. Potential of the non-conventional hydroprocessing involving soluble/dispersed catalysts and biocatalysts in comparison with conventional methods were assessed to identify issues which prevent commercial utilization of the former. A separate chapter is devoted to catalytic dewaxing because the structure of dewaxing catalysts is rather different than that of hydroprocessing catalysts, i.e., the objective of catalytic dewaxing is different than that of the conventional hydroprocessing, The relevant information in the scientific literature is complemented with the Patent literature covering the development of catalysts and novel reactor configurations.
Separate chapter was added to distinguish upgrading capabilities of the residues catalytic cracking processes from those employing hydroprocessing. Upper limits on the content of carbon residue and metals in the feeds which can still be upgraded by the former processes differ markedly from those in the feeds which can be upgraded by hydroprocessing. It is necessary that the costs of modifications of catalytic cracking processes to accommodate heavier feeds are compared with that of hydroprocessing methods.
Objective of the short chapter on upgrading by carbon rejecting processes was to identify limits of contaminants in heavy feeds beyond which catalytic upgrading via hydroprocessing becomes uneconomical because of the costs of catalyst inventory and that of reactors and equipment.
- Comprehensive and most recent information on hydroprocessing catalysts for upgrading heavy petroleum feeds.
- Compares conventional, modified and novel catalysts for upgrading a wide range of heavy petroleum feeds.
- Comparison of conventional with non-conventional hydroprocessing, the latter involving soluble/dispersed catalysts and biocatalysts.
- Development and comparison of mathematical models
to simulate performance of catalytic reactors including most problematic feeds.
- Residues upgrading by catalytic cracking in comparison to hydroprocessing.

Statistical Methods for Overdispersed Count Data provides a review of the most recent methods and models for such data, including a description of R functions and packages that allow their implementation. All methods are illustrated on datasets arising in the field of health economics. As several tools have been developed to tackle over-dispersed and zero-inflated data (such as adjustment methods and zero-inflated models), this book covers the topic in a comprehensive and interesting manner.

This book highlights the latest findings on fundamental aspects of composting, the interaction of various microorganisms, and the underlying mechanisms. In addition to addressing modern tools and techniques used for composting research, it provides an overview of potential composting applications in both agriculture and environmental reclamation. Composting is the process of organic waste decomposition, mediated by microorganisms. The end-product is called 'compost' and can be used as a supplement to improve soil fertility. As the municipal waste generated in most developing countries contains a substantial amount of organic matter suitable for composting, this technology offers a win-win opportunity for stakeholders in terms of disposing of organic waste and providing organic fertilizers for agriculture. In addition, using compost reduces the dependency on harmful chemical fertilizers, and represents a sustainable and environmentally friendly alternative.

This book not only introduces the chemistry and physicochemical properties of phthalonitrile resins, but also describes strategies for crosslinking and structural modification. The authors explore blends and composites of phthalonitriles with other high-performance polymers and give an outlook on the future of the field.

This contributed volume applies the insights of supramolecular chemistry to biomedical applications such as ions/water transport through nano-scale channels, gene therapy, tissue engineering and drug delivery, to cite some of the major investigations.The challenge is to understand the mechanisms of transport through tissues particularly in the therapeutic treatment of a disease where the active drug must be delivered directly to diseased cells without affecting healthy cells. As a result, smaller quantities of active substances can be used to treat the disease. Another interest concerns new ways to administer gene therapy. If genes are often delivered to their target cells by adapted viruses, the supramolecular non-viral 'vectors' using dynamic nano-frameworks and nano-structures are presented. In addition, it is important to reconstruct damaged tissues by mimicking natural processes in cells and polymers, such as tissue engineering and self-healing. Different options are here discussed: e.g. hydrogels based on chitosan, a carbohydrate polymer, are proving especially promising for tissue engineering and drug delivery. For controlled delivery of drugs or other biologically active compounds, hydrogels sensitive to the most important stimuli in the human body, such as temperature, pH, ionic strength, glucose and biomolecules released by the organism in pathological conditions have been developed. Finally, to assist and validate the experimental studies, computer modelling and simulations of large-sized molecular structures and systems using different molecular dynamics and quantum mechanical techniques are developed based on the experimental and chemistry synthesis. This book is of great interest for graduate students, researchers and health professionals interested in acquiring a better understanding of the mechanisms of medical treatments. In addition, it provides numerous tools to develop better therapies for human diseases.

New Look to Phytomedicine: Advancements in Herbal Products as Novel Drug Leads is a compilation of in-depth information on the phytopharmaceuticals used in modern medicine for the cure and management of difficult-to-treat and challenging diseases. Readers will find cutting-edge knowledge on the use of plant products with scientific validation, along with updates on advanced herbal medicine in pharmacokinetics and drug delivery. This authoritative book is a comprehensive collection of research based, scientific validations of bioactivities of plant products, such as anti-infective, anti-diabetic, anti-cancer, immune-modulatory and metabolic disorders presented by experts from across the globe. Step-by-step information is presented on chemistry, bioactivity and the functional aspects of biologically active compounds. In addition, the pharmacognosy of plant products with mechanistic descriptions of their actions, including pathogenicity is updated with information on the use of nanotechnology and molecular tools in relation to herbal drug research.

This book examines the potential applications of nanoscience and nanotechnology to promote eco-friendly processes and techniques for energy and environment sustainability. Covering various aspects of both the synthesis and applications of nanoparticles and nanofluids for energy and environmental engineering, its goal is to promote eco-friendly processes and techniques. Accordingly, the book elaborates on the development of reliable, economical, eco-friendly processes through advanced nanoscience and technological research and innovations. Gathering contributions by researchers actively engaged in various domains of nanoscience and technology, it addresses topics such as nanoparticle synthesis (both top-down and bottom-up approaches); applications of nanomaterials, nanosensors and plasma discharge in pollution control; environmental monitoring; agriculture; energy recovery; production enhancement; energy conservation and storage; surface modification of materials for energy storage; fuel cells; pollution mitigation; and CO2 capture and sequestration. Given its scope, the book will be of interest to academics and researchers whose work involves nanotechnology or nanomaterials, especially as applied to energy and/or environmental sustainability engineering. Graduate students in the same areas will also find it a valuable resource.

Remediation of wastewater is important to ensure that pollutants generated in industry do not effect our environment negatively. Traditional wastewater remediation is not a sustainable process, however by using biological means the sustainability can be improved. This book explores how bioremediation biotechnology is used to remove pollutants in wastewater. Both conventional methods bioremediation technologies are discussed.

The continued greening of the energy sector, with inroads being made through numerous sources of materials that can produce energy, is the main focus of this, Green Chemical Processing, Volume 8. It includes contributions from area experts in widely different fields, all involved in energy production, and makes connections to the 12 Principles of Green Chemistry.

The work in your hand contains three main chapters, covering the chemistry of the condensed phase in the atmosphere, first, the different forms of atmospheric waters (precipitation, fog and clouds, dew), and secondly dust, now mostly termed particulate matter and, more scientifically, atmospheric aerosol. A third section treats the gases in the atmosphere. An introductory chapter covers the roots of the term atmospheric chemistry in its relations to chemistry in general and biogeochemistry as the chemistry of the climate system. Furthermore, a brief overview of understanding chemical reactions in aqueous and gaseous phase is given. It is my aim to pay respect to all persons who studied the substances in the air, to those who made small, and to them who made giant contributions for the progress in atmospheric science. I'm not a historian who is able to present the past from a true perspective of their time - this also would not be my aim. If possible, however, I try to interpret the past - almost limited to experimental fi ndings in the nineteenth century - through current values, without dismissal of the problems and ideas of earlier scientists. In this way it is possible to draw some ideas on the historical chemical state of the air. Hence, I name this voyage critical. However, nowhere in this book it is my attention to express my criticism to colleagues and scientifi c ancestors. Great scientists too were subject to errors; doing science consists from the permanent loop observation, interpretation, conclusion, and again testing against new observation. If this volume can contribute more than to be "a nice story" on atmospheric chemistry, then hopefully it inspires the reader to more critical reading of scientifi c publications, and, not to forget the older one.

This volume explores how ionic liquids are used in different areas of biotechnology. It also provides insights on the interaction of ionic liquids with biomolecules and biomaterials. Ionic liquids have become essential players in the fields of synthesis, catalysis, extraction and electrochemistry, and their unique properties have opened a wide range of applications in biotechnology. Readers will discover diverse examples of the application of ionic liquids as solvents for biomaterials extraction and pretreatment, in enzymatic and whole cell catalysed reaction, and as activation agents for biocatalysis. Particular attention is given to the biologically functionalized ionic liquids employed in medical and pharmaceutical applications. Although ionic liquids are considered "green solvents", the contributing authors will also explore their environmental impact when applied to biotechnology. Chemical, biological and medical scientists interested in ionic liquids and biotechnology will find this work instructive and informative.

Published since 1959, "Advances in Applied Microbiology" continues to be one of the most widely read and authoritative review sources in microbiology.

The series contains comprehensive reviews of the most current research in applied microbiology. Recent areas covered include bacterial diversity in the human gut, protozoan grazing of freshwater biofilms, metals in yeast fermentation processes and the interpretation of host-pathogen dialogue through microarrays.

Eclectic volumes are supplemented by thematic volumes on various topics, including Archaea and sick building syndrome. Impact factor for 2012: 4.974.

Key features:

* Contributions from leading authorities * Informs and updates on all the latest developments in the field

The book analyzes the different major accidents which can occur in process plants and during the transportation of hazardous materials. The main features of fires, explosions and toxic releases are discussed, and a set of mathematical models allowing the prediction of their effects and consequences are explained. With a practical approach, the models are applied to simple illustrative examples, as well as to more complex real cases. The use of these calculations in the frame of Quantitative Risk Analysis is also treated.
Evaluation of the effects of major accidents in industrial installations covers the following topics: general introduction, source term, fire accidents, vapour cloud explosions, BLEVEs and vessel explosions, atmospheric dispersion of toxic or flammable clouds, vulnerability, and quantitative risk analysis.
This book is a useful tool for engineering professionals, as well as an interesting reference for teaching at graduate and post-graduate levels.
Both the essential aspects and the calculations related to the diverse accidents are discussed
The prediction of effects and consequences is performed with a practical approach
Recent contributions from literature have been included
Subjects of increasing importance have been included: an extense analysis of BLEVEs, for example, or the atmospheric dispersion of pathogenic agents.

This is the second of two volumes that together provide an overview of the latest advances in the generation and application of digital twins in bioprocess design and optimization. Both processes have undergone significant changes over the past few decades, moving from data-driven approaches into the 21st-century digitalization of the bioprocess industry. Moreover, the high demand for biotechnological products calls for efficient methods during research and development, as well as during tech transfer and routine manufacturing. In this regard, one promising tool is the use of digital twins, which offer a virtual representation of the bioprocess. They reflect the mechanistics of the biological system and the interactions between process parameters, key performance indicators and product quality attributes in the form of a mathematical process model. Furthermore, digital twins allow us to use computer-aided methods to gain an improved process understanding, to test and plan novel bioprocesses, and to efficiently monitor them. This book focuses on the application of digital twins in various contexts, e.g. computer-aided experimental design, seed train prediction, and lifeline analysis. Covering fundamentals as well as applications, the two volumes offers the ideal introduction to the topic for researchers in academy and industry alike.

Advances in Applied Microbiology, Volume 104, 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 Cold Shock Responses in Salmonella, Microbial Processes in Geotechnical Engineering, Microbial Diversity and Functional Analysis, The Mycosphere and Turnover of Contaminants, and the Enhancement of Metallosphaera Sedula Bioleaching by Targeted Recombination and Adaptive Laboratory Evolution.

This book offers valuable insights into the principles, mechanisms of action and applications of traditional and novel enzymes involved in the degradation of wastes. Enzymes are biological catalysts that play an important role in various biochemical reactions. The generation of value-added products by means of these biological processes is also discussed. This book covers the use of in silico and computational methods in understanding the biodegradation processes, and reveals the importance of enzymes in various biochemical reactions and kinetics. The book's target audience includes undergraduate and graduate students, faculty members at colleges and universities, research students, scientists and industry professionals.

Published since 1959, "Advances in Applied Microbiology" continues to be one of the most widely read and authoritative review sources in microbiology.

The series contains comprehensive reviews of the most current research in applied microbiology. Recent areas covered include bacterial diversity in the human gut, protozoan grazing of freshwater biofilms, metals in yeast fermentation processes and the interpretation of host-pathogen dialogue through microarrays.

Eclectic volumes are supplemented by thematic volumes on various topics, including Archaea and sick building syndrome. Impact factor for 2012: 4.974.

Key features:

* Contributions from leading authorities * Informs and updates on all the latest developments in the field