This book determines adjustable parameters in mathematical models that describe steady state or dynamic systems, presenting the most important optimization methods used for parameter estimation. It focuses on the Gauss-Newton method and its modifications for systems and processes represented by algebraic or differential equation models.

This Volume presents a comprehensive series of generic protocols for the genetic and genomic analysis of prokaryotic isolates. Genetic methods for functional analyses employ the latest cloning vectors, gene fusion methods and transposon mutagenesis systems, as well as systems for introducing protease-cleavage sequences into permissive sites in proteins under investigation. Genomic methods described include protocols for transcriptomics, shotgun proteomics, interactomics, metabolic profiling, and lipidomics. Bioinformatic tools for genome annotation, transcriptome display and the integration of transcriptomic data into genome-scale metabolic reconstructions are described. Protocols for 13C-based metabolic flux determinations and analysis of the hierarchical and metabolic regulation of fluxes through pathways are included. The Volume thus enables investigators to functionally analyse an isolate over the entire cellular range spanning the gene, the genome, the transcript repertoire, the proteome, the interactome, the metabolic network with its nodes and their regulatory hierarchies, and the metabolic fluxes and their physiological controls. Hydrocarbon and Lipid Microbiology Protocols There are tens of thousands of structurally different hydrocarbons, hydrocarbon derivatives and lipids, and a wide array of these molecules are required for cells to function. The global hydrocarbon cycle, which is largely driven by microorganisms, has a major impact on our environment and climate. Microbes are responsible for cleaning up the environmental pollution caused by the exploitation of hydrocarbon reservoirs and will also be pivotal in reducing our reliance on fossil fuels by providing biofuels, plastics and industrial chemicals. Gaining an understanding of the relevant functions of the wide range of microbes that produce, consume and modify hydrocarbons and related compounds will be key to responding to these challenges. This comprehensive collection of current and emerging protocols will facilitate acquisition of this understanding and exploitation of useful activities of such microbes.

Risk and Safety Management are crucial aspects in chemical industry and academic laboratories. From their rich experience in academic education and industrial practice, the authors present options for professional training addressing engineers and scientists at different career levels. The book informs about existing norms (OHSAS, ISO, etc.) and discusses examples from several countries.

This thesis demonstrates a technology that enables pipetting-free high-throughput screening (HTS) on a miniaturized platform, eliminating the need for thousands of one-by-one pipetting and conventional liquid handling systems. This platform enhances accessibility to HTS and enables HTS to be used in small-to-medium scale laboratories. In addition, it allows large-scale combinatorial screening with a small number of valuable cells, such as patients' primary cancer cells. This technique will have a high impact for widespread use of HTS in the era of personalized medicine. In this thesis, the author firstly describes the need and concept of 'partipetting' for pipetting-free HTS platform. It is realized by the one-step pipetting and self-assembly of encoded drug-laden microparticles (DLPs) on the microwells. Next, the technical implementations required for the platform demonstration are described. It includes preparation of encoded DLPs, plastic chip fabrication, and realization of automated system. Lastly, screening of sequential drug combinations using this platform is demonstrated. This shows the potential of the proposed technology for various applications.

Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is the most recycled plastic in the world. This book covers all from the world market of PET to the many technologies and processes developed for separation, decontamination, recycling and manufacturing into food-grade and non-food-grade products of PET. Also, regulations, testing methods and analytical procedures according to the current regulatory framework are presented.

This book describes the different elastomers utilized in tyre retreading. Among others, it discusses reinforcing fillers in terms of their efficacy, the use of bonding agents, and their relevance to the tyre retreading process. The authors give specific guidelines for the practical compounding of different rubber compounds to make retread. A practical approach is also taken to describing the manufacturing technology used in tyre retreading.

Are you a practicing occupational hygienist wondering how to find a substitute organic solvent that is safer to use than the hazardous one your company is using? Chapter 6 is your resource. Are you a new hygienist looking for an alternative technology as a nonventilation substitute for an existing hazard? Chapter 8 is your resource. Are you looking for an overview of ventilation? Chapters 10 and 11 are your resource? Are you an industrial hygiene student wanting to learn about local exhaust ventilation? Chapters 13 through 16 are your resource. Are you needing to learn about personal protective equipment and respirators? Chapters 21 and 22 are your resources. This new edition brings all of these topics and more right up-to-date with new material in each chapter, including new governmental regulations. While many of the controls of airborne hazards have their origins in engineering, this author has been diligent in explaining concepts, writing equations in understandable terms, and covering the topics of non-ventilation controls, both local exhaust and general ventilation, and receiver controls at the level needed by most IHs without getting too advanced. Taken as a whole, this book provides a unique, comprehensive tool to learn the challenging yet rewarding role that industrial hygiene can play in controlling airborne chemical hazards at work. Most chapters contain a set of practice problems with the solutions available to instructors. Features Written for the novice industrial hygienist but useful to prepare for ABIH certification Explains engineering concepts but requires no prior engineering background Includes specific learning goals that differentiate the depth of learning appropriate to each topic within the fuller information and explanations provided for each chapter Contains updated governmental regulations and abundant references Presents a consistent teaching philosophy and approach throughout the book Deals with both ventilation and non-ventilation controls

This volume provides a comprehensive reference for graduate students and professionals in both academia and industry on the fundamentals, processing details, and applications of 3D microelectronic packaging, an industry trend for future microelectronic packages. Chapters written by experts cover the most recent research results and industry progress in the following areas: TSV, die processing, micro bumps, direct bonding, thermal compression bonding, advanced materials, heat dissipation, thermal management, thermal mechanical modeling, quality, reliability, fault isolation, and failure analysis of 3D microelectronic packages. Numerous images, tables, and didactic schematics are included throughout. This essential volume equips readers with an in-depth understanding of all aspects of 3D packaging, including packaging architecture, processing, thermal mechanical and moisture related reliability concerns, common failures, developing areas, and future challenges, providing insights into key areas for future research and development.

This book serves to highlight the seamless integration of the sciences leading to sustainable technologies. Chemical engineering is one of the major disciplines catering to the societal needs in the fields of energy, environment and materials. The chapters of this book have been selected to encompass the latest in industrial biotechnology and biochemical engineering principles and applications. The chapters are included here after careful review for content and depth. The book focuses on the relatively new areas of molecular biotechnology and nanotechnology which have a strong impact at the fundamental and process levels in chemical engineering. The book also covers analytical procedures, experimental techniques and process analysis in bioprocessing, bioremediation, green separation methods, and emerging nanoparticle applications. It should be useful to students, academicians, and practitioners alike.

This book introduces recovery and stabilization of common bioactive materials in foods as well as materials science aspects of engineering stable bioactive delivery systems. The book also describes most typical unit operations and processes used in recovery and manufacturing of food ingredients and foods with stabilized bioactive components. The 15 chapters of the book discuss in detail substances that need to be protected and delivered via foods and beverages to achieve good stability, bioavailability and efficacy. Dedicated chapters present current and novel technologies used for stabilization and delivery of bioactive components. The material included covers formulation, stability, digestive release, bioaccessability and bioavailability. The text features a special emphasis on the materials science and technological aspects required for stabilization and successful production of foods with bioactive components. Consumer demand for healthier, yet satisfying food products is posing increasingly tough challenges for the food industry. Scientific research reveals new bioactive food components and new functionalities of known components. Food materials science has also developed to a stage where food materials can be designed and produced to protect sensitive components for their delivery in complex food products. Such delivery systems must meet high safety and efficacy requirements and regulations, as well as economic viability criteria and consumer acceptance.

This book delves into the recent developments in the microscale and microfluidic technologies that allow manipulation at the single and cell aggregate level. Expert authors review the dominant mechanisms that manipulate and sort biological structures, making this a state-of-the-art overview of conventional cell sorting techniques, the principles of microfluidics, and of microfluidic devices. All chapters highlight the benefits and drawbacks of each technique they discuss, which include magnetic, electrical, optical, acoustic, gravity/sedimentation, inertial, deformability, and aqueous two-phase systems as the dominant mechanisms utilized by microfluidic devices to handle biological samples. Each chapter explains the physics of the mechanism at work, and reviews common geometries and devices to help readers decide the type of style of device required for various applications. This book is appropriate for graduate-level biomedical engineering and analytical chemistry students, as well as engineers and scientists working in the biotechnology industry.

This book discusses basic thermodynamic behaviors and 'abnormal' properties from a thermo-physical perspective, and explores basic heat transfer and flow properties, the latest findings on their physical aspects and indications, chemical engineering properties, microscale phenomena, as well as transient behaviors in fast and critical environments. It also presents the most and challenging problems and the outlook for applications and innovations of supercritical fluids.

This book covers the latest research on porous materials at the submicron scale and inspires readers to better understand the porosity of materials, as well as to develop innovative new materials. A comprehensive range of materials are covered, including carbon-based and organic-based porous materials, porous anodic alumina, silica, and titania-based sol-gel materials. The fabrication, characterization, and applications of these materials are all explored, with applications ranging from sensors, thermoelectrics, catalysis, energy storage, to photovoltaics. Also of practical use for readers are chapters that describe the basics of porous silicon fabrication and its use in optical sensing and drug delivery applications; how thermal transport is affected in porous materials; how to model diffusion in porous materials; and a unique chapter on an innovative spectroscopic technique used to characterize materials' porosity. This is an ideal book for graduate students, researchers, and professionals who work with porous materials.

This textbook teaches advanced undergraduate and first-year graduate students in Engineering and Applied Sciences to gather and analyze empirical observations (data) in order to aid in making design decisions. While science is about discovery, the primary paradigm of engineering and "applied science" is design. Scientists are in the discovery business and want, in general, to understand the natural world rather than to alter it. In contrast, engineers and applied scientists design products, processes, and solutions to problems. That said, statistics, as a discipline, is mostly oriented toward the discovery paradigm. Young engineers come out of their degree programs having taken courses such as "Statistics for Engineers and Scientists" without any clear idea as to how they can use statistical methods to help them design products or processes. Many seem to think that statistics is only useful for demonstrating that a device or process actually does what it was designed to do. Statistics courses emphasize creating predictive or classification models - predicting nature or classifying individuals, and statistics is often used to prove or disprove phenomena as opposed to aiding in the design of a product or process. In industry however, Chemical Engineers use designed experiments to optimize petroleum extraction; Manufacturing Engineers use experimental data to optimize machine operation; Industrial Engineers might use data to determine the optimal number of operators required in a manual assembly process. This text teaches engineering and applied science students to incorporate empirical investigation into such design processes. Much of the discussion in this book is about models, not whether the models truly represent reality but whether they adequately represent reality with respect to the problems at hand; many ideas focus on how to gather data in the most efficient way possible to construct adequate models. Includes chapters on subjects not often seen together in a single text (e.g., measurement systems, mixture experiments, logistic regression, Taguchi methods, simulation) Techniques and concepts introduced present a wide variety of design situations familiar to engineers and applied scientists and inspire incorporation of experimentation and empirical investigation into the design process. Software is integrally linked to statistical analyses with fully worked examples in each chapter; fully worked using several packages: SAS, R, JMP, Minitab, and MS Excel - also including discussion questions at the end of each chapter. The fundamental learning objective of this textbook is for the reader to understand how experimental data can be used to make design decisions and to be familiar with the most common types of experimental designs and analysis methods.

This book connects a retrosynthetic or disconnection approach with synthetic methods in the preparation of target molecules from simple, achiral ones to complex, chiral structures in the optically pure form. Retrosynthetic considerations and asymmetric syntheses are presented as closely related topics, often in the same chapter, underlining the importance of retrosynthetic consideration of target molecules neglecting stereochemistry and equipping readers to overcome the difficulties they may encounter in the planning and experimental implementation of asymmetric syntheses. This approach prepares students in advanced organic chemistry courses, and in particular young scientists working at academic and industrial laboratories, for independently solving synthetic problems and creating proposals for the synthesis of complex structures.

This book covers the state-of-the-art research on molecular biology assays and molecular techniques enabled or enhanced by microfluidic platforms. Topics covered include microfluidic methods for cellular separations and single cell studies, droplet-based approaches to study protein expression and forensics, and microfluidic in situ hybridization for RNA analysis. Key molecular biology studies using model organisms are reviewed in detail. This is an ideal book for students and researchers in the microfluidics and molecular biology fields as well as engineers working in the biotechnology industry. This book also: Reviews exhaustively the latest techniques for single-cell genetic, epigenetic, metabolomic, and proteomic analysis Illustrates microfluidic approaches for inverse metabolic engineering, as well as analysis of circulating exosomes Broadens readers' understanding of microfluidics convection-based PCR technology, microfluidic RNA-seq, and microfluidics for robust mobile diagnostics

This book provides an overview of the fundamentals and reference values for Ca stable isotope research, as well as current analytical methodologies including detailed instructions for sample preparation and isotope analysis. As such, it introduces readers to the different fields of application, including low-temperature mineral precipitation and biomineralisation, Earth surface processes and global cycling, high-temperature processes and cosmochemistry, and lastly human studies and biomedical applications. The current state of the art in these major areas is discussed, and open questions and possible future directions are identified. In terms of its depth and coverage, the current work extends and complements the previous reviews of Ca stable isotope geochemistry, addressing the needs of graduate students and advanced researchers who want to familiarize themselves with Ca stable isotope research.

This book presents the latest advances in and current research perspectives on the field of urban/industrial solid waste recycling for bio-energy and bio-fuel recovery. It chiefly focuses on five main thematic areas, namely bioreactor landfills coupled with energy and nutrient recovery; microbial insights into anaerobic digestion; greenhouse emission assessment; pyrolysis techniques for special waste treatment; and industrial waste stabilization options. In addition, it compiles the results of case studies and solid waste management perspectives from different countries.

This book introduces key fundamentals of microarray bioprinting, including the required chip platforms and associated instruments/devices, experimental protocols for cell printing and biochemical- and cell-based assays, and several example applications. Various bioprinting approaches that allow for the rapid testing of hundreds of different cell culture conditions in combinations on a single chip are discussed in detail. Also covered is high-content, 3D cell-based imaging assays of tissue functions on miniaturized tissue constructs for high-throughput, predictive screening of drug efficacy and toxicity. This is an ideal book for graduate and postgraduate students in the field of biomedical engineering as well as scientists in the pharmaceutical industry. This book also: Broadens readers' understanding of the principles of microarray bioprinting, chip platforms and associated instruments/devices, and surface chemistry for micropatterning of cells on the chip platform Covers the latest developments in printing cells in hydrogels and methods of gelation as well as printing other biological samples in aqueous solutions Illustrates the complete process for cell staining and high-content imaging of 3D cells on the chip and predicting human metabolism and toxicology on the chip

This Volume presents key microscopy and imaging methods for revealing the structure and ultrastructure of environmental and experimental samples, of microbial communities and cultures, and of individual cells. Method adaptations that specifically address problems concerning the hydrophobic components of samples are highlighted and discussed. The methods described range from electron microscopy and light and fluorescence microscopy, to confocal laser-scanning microscopy, and include experimental set-ups for the analysis of interfacial processes like microbial growth and activities at hydrocarbon:water interfaces, biofilms and microbe:mineral interfaces. Three forms of fluorescence in situ hybridization - CARD-FISH, MAR-FISH and Two-pass TSA-FISH - are described for the ecophysiological analysis of functionally active microbes in samples. The methods presented will enable readers to obtain an ultrastructural picture of, and identify the key functional microbes in, samples under investigation. This in turn will constitute a key framework for the interpretation of information from other experimental approaches, such as physicochemical analyses and genomic investigations. Hydrocarbon and Lipid Microbiology ProtocolsThere are tens of thousands of structurally different hydrocarbons, hydrocarbon derivatives and lipids, and a wide array of these molecules are required for cells to function. The global hydrocarbon cycle, which is largely driven by microorganisms, has a major impact on our environment and climate. Microbes are responsible for cleaning up the environmental pollution caused by the exploitation of hydrocarbon reservoirs and will also be pivotal in reducing our reliance on fossil fuels by providing biofuels, plastics and industrial chemicals. Gaining an understanding of the relevant functions of the wide range of microbes that produce, consume and modify hydrocarbons and related compounds will be key to responding to these challenges. This comprehensive collection of current and emerging protocols will facilitate acquisition of this understanding and exploitation of useful activities of such microbes.

Thermodynamics for Chemical Engineers Learn the basics of thermodynamics in this complete and practice-oriented introduction for students of chemical engineering Thermodynamics is a vital branch of physics that focuses upon the interaction of heat, work, and temperature with energy, radiation, and matter. Thermodynamics can apply to a wide range of sciences, but is particularly important in chemical engineering, where the interconnection of heat and work with chemical reactions or physical changes of state are studied according to the laws of thermodynamics. Moreover, thermodynamics in chemical engineering focuses upon pure fluid and mixture properties, phase equilibrium, and chemical reactions within the confines of the laws of thermodynamics. Given that thermodynamics is an essential course of study in chemical and petroleum engineering, Thermodynamics for Chemical Engineers provides an important introduction to the subject that comprehensively covers the topic in an easily-digestible manner. Suitable for undergraduate and graduate students, the text introduces the basic concepts of thermodynamics thoroughly and concisely while providing practice-oriented examples and illustrations. Thus, the book helps students bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and basic experiments and measurement characteristics. Thermodynamics for Chemical Engineers readers will also find: Practice-oriented examples to help students connect the learned concepts to actual laboratory instruments and experiments A broad suite of illustrations throughout the text to help illuminate the information presented Authors with decades working in chemical engineering and teaching thermodynamics Thermodynamics for Chemical Engineers is the ideal resource not just for undergraduate and graduate students in chemical and petroleum engineering, but also for anyone looking for a basic guide to thermodynamics.

Microbes in the Food Industry This newest volume in the groundbreaking new series, "Bioprocessing in Food Science," focuses on the latest processes, industrial applications, and leading research on microbes in the food industry, for engineers, scientists, students, and other industry professionals. Microbes in the Food Industry, the latest volume in the series, "Bioprocessing in Food Science," is focused on different aspects in food microbiology, food science and related subjects for individuals in the food industry, researchers, academics, and students. Microbes are key components of the food processing industry, and this book concentrates on topics that incorporate ideas and applications from various fields to address concerns relating to food safety, quality, and sensory attributes. Researchers around the globe will be able to use this information as a guide in establishing the direction of future research on food processing considering various aspects related to microbes. The main objective of this book is to disseminate knowledge about the recent technologies developed in the field of microbiology and their relation to the food industry. Written in an easy-to-understand style, the chapters gathered here are of interest to people in the industry with a great deal of experience and knowledge but also for students and newly hired professionals in the food industry. Whether for the veteran engineer or scientist, the student, or a manager or other technician working in the field, this volume is a must-have for any library.

This thesis reports studies on the substrate specificity of crucial ketosynthase (KS) domains from trans-AT Polyketide Synthases (PKSs). Using a combination of electrospray ionisation-mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) and simple N-acetyl cysteamine (SNAC) substrate mimics, the specificity of a range of KS domains from the bacillaene and psymberin PKSs have been succsessfully studied with regard to the initial acylation step of KS-catalysis. In addition, the ability to alter the substrate tolerance of KS domains by simple point mutations in the active site has been demonstrated. A series of acyl-ACPs have been synthesised using a novel methodology and employed to probe the substrate specificity of both KS domains and the previously uncharcterised acyl hydrolase domain, PedC. KS-catalysed chain elongation reactions have also been conducted and monitored by ESI-MS/MS. All KS domains studied exhibited higher substrate specificity at the elongation step than in the preceeding acylation step. Furthermore, a mechanism of reversible acylation is proposed using the PsyA ACP1-KS1 di-domain. The findings in this thesis provide important insights into mechanisms of KS specificity and show that mutagenesis can be used to expand the repertoire of acceptable substrates for future PKS engineering.

To date, several polymer-derived ceramic fibers have been developed all over the world, out of which SiC fibers synthesized from polycarbosilane and their derivatives have achieved highest heat resistance and show excellent mechanical properties. Their use in ceramic matrix composite materials has resulted in high-temperature stability and light weight, which show great promise in next-generation applications, such as aerospace engines. This book presents polymer-derived ceramic fibers from a historical viewpoint; basic information about them, such as production process, fine structures, and physical properties; their applications; and prospects of future inorganic fibers.