The Anthropocene era has been marked by such significant human pressure that it has led to the sixth mass extinction. The Baseline Concept in Biodiversity Conservation interprets human domination of the Earth as the process of gradual landscape change, the execution of which is neither linear nor homogeneous. This book is structured around three key questions: Where and when did everything go wrong? How do we define baseline states for biodiversity conservation strategies? How are reference states mobilized in a concrete way through case studies? Today, biodiversity conservation faces a dilemma that this book sheds light on: return to states less modified by humans than today but in a world that has changed significantly; or, let the nature of tomorrow express itself where it still can but without a road map.

Modeling Electrochemical Dynamics and Signaling Mechanisms in Excitable Cells with Pathological Case Studies covers the neuronal cell communication system in excitable cells, recognizing the most relevant mechanisms of cell communication. Along with new findings in biotechnology, medicine and pathological cases for clinicians, the book highlights electrochemical potential in living nerve and muscle cells. Written for physiological scientists, pharmaceutical scientists, medical doctors, biologists and physicists, this book an essential read for a real understanding of the signals as we see them.

Aquatic Environmental Bioengineering Discover the importance of remediation efforts for aquatic ecosystems Most contamination of water bodies stem from human activity, and the pollution in our water is one of the most important environmental concerns facing future generations. The most significant of these pollutants are halogenated organic compounds, petroleum hydrocarbons, radionuclides, metal and metalloids, pharmaceutical drugs, microbial toxins, and flame retardants. With such a vast array of potential contaminants and dangerously cumulating contamination levels in fragile marine environments, reparative action is more essential than ever. Aquatic Environmental Bioengineering: Monitoring and Remediation of Contamination provides the reader with a map towards environmentally safe and economically feasible technologies to intervene in polluted aquatic ecosystems. The authors suggest a phased approach consisting of site classification and risk assessment, followed by remediation technology selection and implementation. Effective methods for surveying bodies of water are particularly emphasized, and advancements in the development of novel transgenic plants and microbial fuel cells are put forward as effective tools against environmental contamination and industrial wastewater pollution. Readers will also find: A focus on the most recent and cutting-edge research on the topic: photocatalysis, the use of genetically modified organisms, and the use of nanomaterials A simple compendium of fundamental concepts in environmental engineering of aquatic ecosystems A detailed discussion of the advancement in remote sensing and geographic information (GIS), methodologies that make it possible to conduct large-scale water remediation studies at reasonable cost The ideal resource for researchers and students of environmental science, plant biotechnology, agricultural science, environmental engineering, and plant sciences, Aquatic Environmental Bioengineering will be a crucial resource for the remediation of contaminants in our aquatic ecosystems.