Originating from models of biological neural systems, artificial neural networks (ANN) are the cornerstones of artificial intelligence research. Catalyzed by the upsurge in computational power and availability, and made widely accessible with the co-evolution of software, algorithms, and methodologies, artificial neural networks have had a profound impact in the elucidation of complex biological, chemical, and environmental processes. Artificial Neural Networks in Biological and Environmental Analysis provides an in-depth and timely perspective on the fundamental, technological, and applied aspects of computational neural networks. Presenting the basic principles of neural networks together with applications in the field, the book stimulates communication and partnership among scientists in fields as diverse as biology, chemistry, mathematics, medicine, and environmental science. This interdisciplinary discourse is essential not only for the success of independent and collaborative research and teaching programs, but also for the continued interest in the use of neural network tools in scientific inquiry. The book covers: A brief history of computational neural network models in relation to brain function Neural network operations, including neuron connectivity and layer arrangement Basic building blocks of model design, selection, and application from a statistical perspective Neurofuzzy systems, neuro-genetic systems, and neuro-fuzzy-genetic systems Function of neural networks in the study of complex natural processes Scientists deal with very complicated systems, much of the inner workings of which are frequently unknown to researchers. Using only simple, linear mathematical methods, information that is needed to truly understand natural systems may be lost. The development of new algorithms to model such processes is needed, and ANNs can play a major role. Balancing basic principles and diverse applications, this text introduces newcomers to the field and reviews recent developments of interest to active neural network practitioners.

This edited volume provides a biosemiotic analysis of the ecological relationship between food and medicine. Drawing on the origins of semiotics in medicine, this collection proposes innovative ways of considering aliments and treatments. Considering the ever-evolving character of our understanding of meaning-making in biology, and considering the keen popular interest in issues relating to food and medicines - fueled by an increasing body of interdisciplinary knowledge - the contributions here provide diverse insights and arguments into the larger ecology of organisms' engagement with and transformation through taking in matter. Bodies interpret molecules, enzymes, and alkaloids they intentionally and unintentionally come in contact with according to their pre-existing receptors. But their receptors are also changed by the experience. Once the body has identified a particular substance, it responds by initiating semiotic sequences and negotiations that fulfill vital functions for the organism at macro-, meso-, and micro-scales. Human abilities to distill and extract the living world into highly refined foods and medicines, however, have created substances far more potent than their counterparts in our historical evolution. Many of these substances also lack certain accompanying proteins, enzymes, and alkaloids that otherwise aid digestion or protect against side-effects in active extracted chemicals. Human biology has yet to catch up with human inventions such as supernormal foods and medicines that may flood receptors, overwhelming the body's normal satiation mechanisms. This volume discusses how biosemioticians can come to terms with these networks of meaning, providing a valuable and provocative compendium for semioticians, medical researchers and practitioners, sociologists, cultural theorists, bioethicists and scholars investigating the interdisciplinary questions stemming from food and medicine.

Green chemistry involves designing novel ways to create and synthesize products and implement processes that will eliminate or greatly reduce negative environmental impacts. The Green Chemistry Laboratory Manual for General Chemistry provides educational laboratory materials that challenge students with the customary topics found in a general chemistry laboratory manual, while encouraging them to investigate the practice of green chemistry. Following a consistent format, each lab experiment begins with objectives and prelab questions highlighting important issues that must be understood prior to getting started. This is followed by detailed step-by-step procedures for performing the experiments. Students report specific results in sections designated for data, observations, and calculations. Once each experiment is completed, analysis questions test students comprehension of the results. Additional questions encourage inquiry-based investigations and further research about how green chemistry principles compare with traditional, more hazardous experimental methods. By placing the learned concepts within the larger context of green chemistry principles, the lab manual enables students to see how these principles can be applied to real-world issues. Performing laboratory exercises through green experiments results in a safer learning environment, limits the quantity of hazardous waste generated, and reduces the cost for chemicals and waste disposal. Students using this manual will gain a greater appreciation for green chemistry principles and the possibilities for future use in their chosen careers.

A complete introduction to environmental chemistry, this book provides insight into the operation of the chemical processes near the Earth's surface. The four-part format groups together related environmental topics and introduces theoretical concepts. Part One brings together many essential basic geological, geochemical, and chemical ideas, and emphasizes the importance of oxygen to the chemistry of reactions near the Earth's surface. Parts Two and Three discuss systems depending on these reaction types, and Part Four examines the effects of human activities on elements that usually cycle naturally in small quantities. Also in this part, the perturbation of natural cycles by agricultural, industrial, and social developments is highlighted in terms of the consequent problems of environmental management.

This book features papers presented at a workshop discussing current knowledge about the biological effects of low level exposures (BELLE). The book is designed to help establish a scientific base for future BELLE initiatives and is focused on the issue of the toxicological implications of biological adaptations. Hormesis is considered in a broad, conceptual manner, as well as at molecular and biochemical levels. Other topics covered include the effects of low levels of radiation on biological systems, how the liver adapts to genetic insults, biostatistical considerations when designing studies that address issues associated with biological responses to low doses of chemicals and radiation, and the issues that surround the interpretation of findings from such studies.

This open access book deals with global sanitation, where SDG 6.2 sets a target of enabling access to sanitation services for all, but has not yet been achieved in low- and middle-income countries. The transition from the United Nations MDGs to the SDGs requires more consideration based on the socio-cultural aspects of global sanitation. In other words, equitable sanitation for those in vulnerable situations could be based on socio-cultural contexts. Sanitation is a system that comprises not only a latrine but also the works for the treatment and disposal of human waste. Sanitation systems do not function by themselves but have significance only through social management. The process of decision-making also largely depends on socio-cultural conditions, and the importance of sanitation needs to be socially acknowledged. The health benefits of sanitation improvement-among the significant contributions of sanitation-also need to be considered in the socio-cultural milieu. Further, the social-culture itself is affected, and potentially even created, by sanitation. In this context, more progress on the improvement of sanitation requires a more holistic approach across disciplines. In this book, we present the concept of the Sanitation Triangle, which considers the interconnections of health, materials, and socio-culture in sanitation, as a holistic approach, and the case studies based on the Sanitation Triangle by diverse disciplines such as Cultural Anthropology, Development Studies, Health Sciences, Engineering, and Science Communication. By the deep theoretical examinations and inter-dialogues between the different disciplines, this book explores the potentialities of inter-disciplinary studies on global sanitation.

Even a cursory perusal of any analytical journal will demonstrate the increasing important of trace and ultra-trace analysis. And as instrumentation continues to develop, the definition of the term "trace element" will undoubtedly continue to change. Covering the composition and underlying properties of freshwater and marine systems, Analytical Measurements in Aquatic Environments provides the basis for understanding both. It discusses all aspects of analytical protocols from the handling of representative samples to the metrological evaluation of specific steps and whole procedures. The book covers: handling of representative samples sample preservation techniques extraction techniques speciation analytics solvent-free sample preparation for analysis application of biotests bioanalytical methods for monitoring green analytical chemistry-application of the concept of sustainability in analytical laboratories application of the Life Cycle Assessment approach quality control and quality assurance of analytical results enhanced techniques of sample preparation hyphenated analytical techniques Ecotoxicological considerations and the effort to achieve an increasingly accurate description of the state of the environment challenge analytical chemists who need to determine increasingly lower concentrations of various analytes in samples that have complex and even non-homogenous matrices. The newly coined expression "analytics" emphasizes the interdisciplinary nature of available methods for obtaining information about material systems, with many methods that exceed the strict definition of analytical chemistry. Drawing on the disciplines of chemistry, physics, computer science, electronics, material science, and chemometrics, this book provides in depth information on the most important problems in analytics of samples from aquatic ecosystems.

This book critically examines the available literature on oceanic acidification: including a historical review of pH and atmospheric CO2 levels over the millennia; natural and anthropogenic sources of CO2 to the atmosphere and sea surface; chemical, physical, and biological mode of action; biological effects of acidification to marine plants and animals under laboratory conditions; field observations on seawater chemistry and effects of declining pH; and various technical and political mitigation strategies. Written by Dr. Ronald Eisler, a noted authority on chemical risk assessment, the book summarizes real and projected effects of oceanic acidification.

Environmental Fate and Transport Analysis with Compartment Modeling explains how to use the powerful, highly flexible, and intuitive compartment approach to estimate the distribution of chemical contaminants in environmental media in time and space. Add this Easy-to-Use Approach to Your Environmental Modeling Toolbox This numerical technique enables readers to easily develop the equations that describe complex environmental problems by assembling the equations out of compartmental building blocks. The compartments may describe spatial subunits of single- or multi-environmental media, and the way one hooks them together implicitly provides the dimensionality of the problem. With this approach, assembling the equations to describe chemical fate and transport in a three-dimensional, multimedia system is fundamentally no more challenging than a one-dimensional, single-medium problem. Go Beyond "Black Box" Modeling with the Flexible GEM Software The book includes access to the Generic Environmental Model (GEM), a new software package developed by the author. This software implements the compartment approach based on user-prepared input files and solves the resulting mathematical equations. It allows readers to solve linear, nonlinear, and steady-state problems and offers four methods for solving dynamic problems. Each solution technique is reviewed, along with the error properties and the criteria for avoiding or minimizing numerical errors. The book also describes solution techniques and the underlying mathematical theory for solving nonlinear systems. Compartment Modeling from the Ground Up, Made Accessible to Non-Mathematicians A user-friendly introduction to environmental compartment modeling for the beginning modeler, this is also a useful resource for the experienced modeler. It combines a reference on compartment modeling with a user's guide to the GEM. Throughout, the GEM is used to illustrate the theory with numerous examples, while the theoretical discussions illuminate the GEM's functionality.

Ecology is cross-disciplinary field involving many different aspects of science. Written with this in mind, this book introduces ecological processes, ranging from physical processes, to chemical processes and biological processes. It contains all the necessary information on an ecological process: a clear, detailed but not too lengthy definition, some practical examples, the main mathematical models which have been used to describe the process, the key interconnections with other ecological processes that must be known in order to apply what has been learned from the book.

Most reported incidents of soil contamination include an array of heavy metals species rather than a single ion. The various interactions in these multicomponent or multiple-ion systems significantly impact the fate and transport of heavy metals, and competition for sorption sites on soil matrix surfaces is a common phenomenon. Because of this, considering competitive sorption is an important part of predicting contaminant transport. Competitive Sorption and Transport of Heavy Metals in Soils and Geological Media gives you the information needed to understand heavy metals' sorption and transport in the vadose zone and aquifers. The book brings together state-of-the art research on the competitive sorption and mobility of single versus multiple heavy metal species. It also relates the transport mechanisms to the processes that govern sorption mechanisms. The work offers new experimental evidence on the fate of multiple heavy metals in soil columns and new field results on how multiple ions influence the mobility of metals in the soil profile under water-unsaturated flow. Emphasizing modeling approaches, the book begins with an overview of the competitive behavior of heavy metals. It then takes a closer look at various heavy metals, discussing their behavior in tropical soils, speciation and fractionation, accumulation, migration, competitive retention, and the contamination of water resources at the watershed scale. The book also presents extensive data on phosphate, a commonly used fertilizer, and its role in facilitating the release of trace elements. The final chapter looks at the effect of waterlogged conditions on arsenic and cadmium solubilization. Edited by an internationally recognized researcher and featuring expert contributors, this comprehensive work addresses the complex physical and chemical phenomena of sorption mechanisms. Presenting the latest research, it helps you to better predict the potential mobility of multiple heavy metals in soils.

Coordination compounds have been well-known for their wide variety of applications for over a century, as well as enhancing the researcher's interest and concern in evaluating their action mechanism. It is certainly one of the most intensely discussed research topics. Coordination compounds involve different metal-ion-ligand phenomenon. The involved metal ions play a significant role in structural association and functioning of several processes in the genetic and metabolism system. In recent years, Schiff base ligands have gained significant interest and received a keen interest of many researchers. Schiff's base ligands have been recognized to hold a wide variety of biological and medicinal activities due to the presence of donor atoms. They have proved exceptional pharmalogical actions such as antimicrobial, anti-tuberclosis, antiplatelet, antidiabetic, antiarthritis, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antiviral, antimalarial, and analgesic. These biologically active Schiff base ligands have also been shown to inhibit enzyme mobilization and, when bound to a metal ion, exhibit enhanced biological activity, making them useful in a number of fields. As a result, metal complexes of Schiff base ligands are gaining popularity due to their unique properties and functionalities. Schiff base complex-based research for educational and industrial purposes is booming, and the number of publications is gradually increasing. Despite these interests, there is currently no detailed book on Schiff base metal complexes that covers the structures, biological activities, and other non-biological perspectives. This book delves into the structures of Schiff base metal complexes, which are critical in assessing the biological viability of any complex. It also highlights their biological significance in pharma and drug discovery like antibacterial, antifungal, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, anti-arthritis, anti-diabetic, antioxidants, anti-proliferative, antitumor, anticancer, antiviral. The fundamentals of metal complexes are described, as well as an up-to-date outline of developments in synthesis, characterization methods, properties- chemical, thermal, optical, structural, and applications. This book also discusses the other applications of Schiff base metal complexes: as sensor (luminescent, electrochemical, and biosensor), as pigments in dying and paint industries, as photocatalyst to improve the degradation rate. Features : This book would be useful for academia, researchers and engineers working in the area of Schiff base and their metal complexes. This book will give an in-depth account of the properties of Schiff base and their metal complexes. This book will discuss the details of synthesis methods for Schiff base and their metal complexes. This book will cover emerging trends in the use of Schiff base metal complexes in the industry. This book will provide an overview of the wider biological applications of Schiff base metal complexes

• Familiarizes the reader with the basic terminology applied to toxicology • Explains how the exposure to a chemical is critically important when estimating the human health risk • Provides a balanced approach, neither spotlighting sensational findings nor downplaying potential real risks

Green Organic Chemistry and Its Interdisciplinary Applications covers key developments in green chemistry and demonstrates to students that the developments were most often the result of innovative thinking. Using a set of selected experiments, all of which have been performed in the laboratory with undergraduate students, it demonstrates how to optimize and develop green experiments. The book dedicates each chapter to individual applications, such as Engineering The chemical industry The pharmaceutical industry Analytical chemistry Environmental chemistry Each chapter also poses questions at the end, with the answers included. By focusing on both the interdisciplinary applications of green chemistry and the innovative thinking that has produced new developments in the field, this book manages to present two key messages in a manner where they reinforce each other. It provides a single and concise reference for chemists, instructors, and students for learning about green organic chemistry and its great and ever-expanding number of applications.

What can you do to improve your health and at the same time improve the health of our home planet? Do you want to be a healthier and more sustainable consumer? In this straightforward, easy-to-understand and entertaining book, dietitian and environmentalist Dr. Dana Ellis Hunnes outlines the actions we can all take. Many people feel overwhelmed by the scope of climate change and believe that only large, sweeping changes will make any difference. Yet the choices we make every day can have effects on climate change, the oceans, the land, and other species. This book outlines the problems we are facing, and then presents ideas or 'recipes' to empower us, to help us all make a difference. Recipe For Survival provides the guidance that you can use right now to improve your health, your family's health, and the health of the environment simultaneously.

This study demonstrates the emergence and development of the identity of the 'military medical officer' and places their work within the broader context of changes to British medicine during the first half of the nineteenth century.

Taking an interdisciplinary approach, this new volume brings together innovative research, new concepts, and novel developments in the application of new tools in green chemistry and sustainable technology. The diverse coverage includes chapters on ionic liquids as green solvents, an environmentally friendly approach to the synthesis and biological evaluation of -aminophosphonate derivatives, the application of nanotechnology in biological sciences and green chemistry, eco-friendly polymers, the effect of global warming and greenhouse gases on environmental system, and more.

Presents technical perspectives on emerging wastes in developing economies. Discusses the issues of e-waste which is growing three times faster than general municipal waste globally. Covers the spectrum of nanowaste to upcycling in the market. Discusses management of marine plastic debris and microplastics. Diverse audience including those in solid waste management, electrical and electronic technology, and the medical industry

Features Edited by established authorities in the field, with chapter contributions from subject area specialists. Provides a comprehensive review of the field. Up to date with the latest developments and cutting-edge research.

Nanotechnologies represent a fast-growing market and this unique volume highlights the current studies in applied sciences on sustainability of green science and technology. The chapters include modelling, machine learning, nanotechnology, nanofluids, nanosystems, smart materials and applications and solar and fuel cells technology. The authors cover simulation, additive manufacturing, machine learning and the autonomous system. Various aspects of green science as well as trans-disciplinary topics between fundamental science and engineering are presented.The book is suitable for all postgraduates and researchers working in this rapid growing research area. Features Presenting latest research on green materials and sustainability. Provide in depth discussion on modeling and simulation using latest techniques. Technical exposure for the readers on additive manufacturing principles. Numerous examples on nanofluids and nano technology are presented. Discusses computer modeling, superconductivity, nanotubes and related structures such as graphene.

The book reviews and reports the recent progress and knowledge on the specific impact of current and projected urban overheating as well as of the urban mitigation technologies on mortality and morbidity and urban vulnerability. It presents recent data and developments on the topic reported by some of the more distinguished researchers in this area. In parallel, it discusses new findings related to the characteristics and the magnitude of urban overheating and reports and analyzes the recent knowledge on the synergies between urban heat island and heatwaves. This book helps to advance our understanding on the interaction between Urban Heat Island (UHI) and overheating as well as their impact on energy demand and public health globally. Exploring the interaction between UHI and energy consumption requires the understanding on the dynamics of UHI intensity and air pollution index in different land use and how such interactions may vary in different cities in the world. Moreover, this book focuses on different cities in Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Cyprus, Greece, Hong Kong, India, Asia, Spain, UK, and USA.

Human Physiology in Extreme Environments is the one publication that offers how human biology and physiology is affected by extreme environments while highlighting technological innovations that allow us to adapt and regulate environments. Covering a broad range of extreme environments, including high altitude, underwater, tropical climates, and desert and arctic climates as well as space travel, this book will include case studies for practical application. Graduate students, medical students and researchers will find Human Physiology in Extreme Environments an interesting, informative and useful resource for human physiology, environmental physiology and medical studies.

Green chemistry involves designing novel ways to create and synthesize products and implement processes that will eliminate or greatly reduce negative environmental impacts. The Green Chemistry Laboratory Manual for General Chemistry provides educational laboratory materials that challenge students with the customary topics found in a general chemistry laboratory manual, while encouraging them to investigate the practice of green chemistry. Following a consistent format, each lab experiment begins with objectives and prelab questions highlighting important issues that must be understood prior to getting started. This is followed by detailed step-by-step procedures for performing the experiments. Students report specific results in sections designated for data, observations, and calculations. Once each experiment is completed, analysis questions test students' comprehension of the results. Additional questions encourage inquiry-based investigations and further research about how green chemistry principles compare with traditional, more hazardous experimental methods. By placing the learned concepts within the larger context of green chemistry principles, the lab manual enables students to see how these principles can be applied to real-world issues. Performing laboratory exercises through green experiments results in a safer learning environment, limits the quantity of hazardous waste generated, and reduces the cost for chemicals and waste disposal. Students using this manual will gain a greater appreciation for green chemistry principles and the possibilities for future use in their chosen careers.

This volume provides an overview of the occurrence and fate of emerging contaminants, discusses advanced chemical analysis methods, toxicological and ecotoxicological effects as well as human exposure. One focus is on pharmaceuticals, in particular antibiotics, and the problems associated with their increased use in hospitals. Other covered emerging contaminants occurring e.g. in food, water, air or soil include brominated flame retardants, polar pesticides, phthalates, phosphate esters, perfluorinated compounds, personal care products, musk fragrances, disinfection byproducts, illicit drugs, and nanomaterials. The chapters written by experts are a valuable source of information for a broad audience, such as analytical chemists, environmental chemists and engineers, toxicologists, ecotoxicologists and epidemiologists working already in this field as well as newcomers.

A practical book for professionals who rely on water quality data for decision making, this book is based on three decades experience of three highly published water and watershed resource professionals. It focuses on the analysis of air pollution sensitive waters and the consequent effects associated with soil and water acidification, nutrient-N enrichment, or the effects of atmospherically deposited toxic substances. It also covers lake zooplankton and/or stream macroinvertebrate biomonitors. Explanations of the reasons behind various recommendations provide readers with the tools needed to alter recommended protocols to match particular study needs and budget.