Outlines the roles of plant secondary metabolites Provides new solutions for antibiotic resistance bacteria Suggests phytoremediation method for polluted soils and water Helps in designing and producing pharmaceutical drugs Each chapter written by an expert in the field Provides in depth coverage for each topic

Very Short Introductions: Brilliant, Sharp, Inspiring The term 'microbiomes' encapsulates an important scientific breakthrough of recent years. This is the realization that humans, other animals, and plants harbour communities of microorganisms which are mostly beneficial but can occasionally cause or exacerbate disease. Our quickly developing understanding of microbiomes is being translated into novel microbial therapies for human disease and is contributing to sustainable practices in agriculture and food production. On the flipside, there is a growing concern that some claims for microbiomes, especially in relation to human health, far exceed the scientific data. This Very Short Introduction is an essential guide to the fast-moving discipline of microbiome science. It accessibly distills the key facts about our resident microbiomes, explains how and why our health and wellbeing depend on them, and provides readers with the fundamental knowledge they need to judge the reliability of claims about microbiome-based applications. ABOUT THE SERIES: The Very Short Introduction series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable.

The future role of dwarf honeybees in natural and agricultural systems provides multidisciplinary perspective about the different facets of dwarf honeybees. The role of dwarf honeybee Apis florea assumes utmost importance in the context of pollinator decline throughout the world threatening stability of ecosystems and global food security. Apis florea is a low land species of south Asia extending more to the west than other Asiatic Apis species. It is an important pollinator of crops in hot and dry agricultural plains. The book is first of its kind which deals in details on varied aspects of Apis florea biology, management, conservation strategies for protecting biodiversity and enhancing crop productivity. The book aims to promote a large, diverse, sustainable, and dependable bee pollinator workforce that can meet the challenge for optimizing food production well into the 21st century. Features: Apis florea provides source of livelihood in mountainous areas and marginal farmers. This book will for the first time present the beekeeping from the perspective of agricultural production and biodiversity conservation An excellent source of advanced study material for academics, researchers and students and programme planners Excellent pollinator of tropical and subtropical crops fruits vegetables etc less prone to diseases and enemies Covering the latest information on various aspects of Apis florea biology, this book brings the latest advances together in a single volume for researchers and advanced level students This book will be useful to pollination biologists, honeybee biologists in entomology departments, students, teachers, scientists of agriculture, animal behaviour, botany, conservation, biology, ecology, entomology, environmental biology, forestry, genetics, plant breeding, horticulture, toxicology, zoology, seed growers and seed agencies and shall serve as reference book for students, teachers, researchers, extension functionaries and policy planners.

Biomedical applications of Polymers from Scaffolds to Nanostructures The ability of polymers to span wide ranges of mechanical properties and morph into desired shapes makes them useful for a variety of applications, including scaffolds, self-assembling materials, and nanomedicines. With an interdisciplinary list of subjects and contributors, this book overviews the biomedical applications of polymers and focuses on the aspect of regenerative medicine. Chapters also cover fundamentals, theories, and tools for scientists to apply polymers in the following ways: * Matrix protein interactions with synthetic surfaces * Methods and materials for cell scaffolds * Complex cell-materials microenvironments in bioreactors * Polymer therapeutics as nano-sized medicines for tissue repair * Functionalized mesoporous materials for controlled delivery * Nucleic acid delivery nanocarriers Concepts include macro and nano requirements for polymers as well as future perspectives, trends, and challenges in the field. From self-assembling peptides to self-curing systems, this book presents the full therapeutic potential of novel polymeric systems and topics that are in the leading edge of technology.

Bio-Based Materials and Wastes for Energy Generation and Resource Management is the fifth and final volume in the series, Advanced Zero Waste Tools: Present and Emerging Waste Management Practices. It addresses processes and practices for utilizing bio-based materials and wastes to support efforts to promote a more sustainable society and provide readers with a better understanding of the major mechanisms required to achieve zero waste in different fields. This book covers numerous mechanisms supported by scientific evidence and case studies, as well as in-depth flowcharts and process diagrams to allow for readers to adopt these processes. Summarizing present and emerging zero waste tools on the scale of both experimental and theoretical models, Advanced Zero Waste Tools is the first step toward understanding the state-of-the-art practices in making the zero waste goal a reality. In addition to environmental and engineering principles, it also covers economic, toxicologic, and regulatory issues, making it an important resource for researchers, engineers, and policymakers working toward environmental sustainability.

From Biofiltration to Promising Options in Gaseous Fluxes Biotreatment: Recent Developments, New Trends, Advances, and Opportunities provides an overview on the biological tools used for the treatment of the gaseous fluxes, with emphasis on traditional and perspective options, opening new horizons for research and implementation in practice. It is known that air pollution is an emergent global issue and a priority within the international environmental programs. Moreover, technologies based on biological methods are significantly contributing to the sustainable development concept. Thus this book provides tools for solving air pollution issues in a sustainable manner. These issues can be solved at different levels (e.g., "end-of-pipe" gaseous streams, indoor/outdoor air, closed environments), which can be approached by the different biotechniques presented in the book, from classical biofiltration techniques (part 1) to phytotreatment and microalgae-based techniques (part 2). Although all options have their particularities that make them special for certain applications, a special attention is drawn to the potential of the last one, which offers multiple possibilities for biomass valorization. Scientists from worldwide with relevant experience in their field have been contributed to the development of this book.

The field of process control has evolved gradually over the years, with emphasis on key aspects including designing and tuning of controllers. This textbook covers fundamental concepts of basic and multivariable process control, and important monitoring and diagnosis techniques. It discusses topics including state-space models, Laplace transform to convert state-space models to transfer function models, linearity and linearization, inversion formulae, conversion of output to time domain, stability analysis through partial fraction expansion, and stability analysis using Routh table and Nyquits plots. The text also covers basics of relative gain array, multivariable controller design and model predictive control. The text comprehensively covers minimum variable controller (MVC) and minimum variance benchmark with the help of solved examples for better understanding. Fundamentals of diagnosis of control loop problems are also explained and explanations are bolstered through solved examples. Pedagogical features including solved problems and unsolved exercises are interspersed throughout the text for better understanding. The textbook is primarily written for senior undergraduate and graduate students in the field of chemical engineering and biochemical engineering for a course on process control. The textbook will be accompanied by teaching resource such a collection of slides for the course material and a includsolution manual for the instructors.

Advances in Applied Microbiology, Volume 123 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 relating to the topics of microbiology.

The Handbook of Natural Fibres, Second Edition, Volume One: Types, Properties and Factors Affecting Breeding and Cultivation covers every aspect of natural fibers, their breeding, cultivation, processing and applications. This volume features fundamental discussions of each fiber, covering different stages of breeding and cultivation. Natural fibrous resources, both lignocellulosic and protein ones, are renewable, biodegradable, and nontoxic, making them an important source of sustainable textile solutions. A broad range of natural fibers are covered in this book, including cotton, jute, kenaf, flax, hemp, sisal, ramie, curaua, pineapple, bamboo, coir, sheep wool, and more.

The Handbook of Natural Fibres: Volume Two, Processing and Applications, Second Edition provides detailed coverage of the latest processing techniques and industrial applications of a wide range of natural fibers. Natural fibrous resources, both lignocellulosic and protein ones, are renewable, biodegradable, and nontoxic, making them an important source of sustainable textile solutions. A broad range of sources of natural fibers are covered in the book, including flax, hemp, bast, jute, coir, linen, cotton and silk. This wealth of expert information provides a uniquely detailed reference for the processing, characterization, selection and application of natural fibers.

During the past 25 years, biotechnology has revolutionized agricultural research. The enormous potential, together with a landmark decision by the US Supreme Court to allow the patenting of genetically-engineered organisms has encouraged private sector companies to invest in agricultural biotechnology research programmes. This has contributed to a rapid growth in interest in intellectual property rights as applied to this subject. The first edition of this book was published in 1998. Now fully revised and updated, it presents definitive information on intellectual property law in a simplified form (with a minimum of legal jargon). New chapters have been added which cover plant variety protection and farmers rights, as well as additional case studies.

While the potential of stem cells is recognized, their proliferation and differentiation must be more precisely controlled to maximize the production of therapeutically relevant cells and for cell replacement therapies to minimize contamination with residual cells that can give rise to side effects. How can engineers make contributions to address these challenges? With contributions from pioneers and experts, Stem Cell Engineering: Principles and Practices highlights recent advances in the understanding of the cellular and molecular composition of the stem cell niche, as well as approaches to build upon this basic information to direct stem cell differentiation into therapeutically valuable lineages. The growing recognition of stem cells as an important and exciting field will continue to draw investigators with diverse backgrounds-from biology, engineering, and the physical sciences-and thereby enable further progress in these and other new directions. This book discusses advances made during the last decade that have led to increasingly defined culture systems for growing stem cells, starting from co-culture with feeder cells in the presence of serum to growth on synthetic substrates in defined medium. In addition to highlighting many recent advances, it underscores the need for future work.

Since the identification of the first cases of the coronavirus in December 2019, there has been a significant amount of confusion regarding the origin and spread of the so-called 'coronavirus', SARS-CoV-2, and the cause of the disease COVID-19. Conflicting messages from the media and officials across different countries and organizations, the abundance of disparate sources of information, unfounded conspiracy theories on the origins of the virus, unproven therapies, and inconsistent public health measures, have all served to increase anxiety in the population. Where did the virus come from? How is it transmitted? How does it cause disease? Is it like flu? What is a pandemic? In this concise and accessible introduction, a leading expert provides answers to these commonly asked questions. This revised and updated edition now also covers how the virus mutates, how important these mutations are, how vaccines work, and what we can expect in the near and long-term future.

Features a solid foundation of mathematical and computational tools to formulate and solve real-world PDE problems across various fields With a step-by-step approach to solving partial differential equations (PDEs), Differential Equation Analysis in Biomedical Science and Engineering: Partial Differential Equation Applications with R successfully applies computational techniques for solving real-world PDE problems that are found in a variety of fields, including chemistry, physics, biology, and physiology. The book provides readers with the necessary knowledge to reproduce and extend the computed numerical solutions and is a valuable resource for dealing with a broad class of linear and nonlinear partial differential equations. The author s primary focus is on models expressed as systems of PDEs, which generally result from including spatial effects so that the PDE dependent variables are functions of both space and time, unlike ordinary differential equation (ODE) systems that pertain to time only. As such, the book emphasizes details of the numerical algorithms and how the solutions were computed. Featuring computer-based mathematical models for solving real-world problems in the biological and biomedical sciences and engineering, the book also includes: * R routines to facilitate the immediate use of computation for solving differential equation problems without having to first learn the basic concepts of numerical analysis and programming for PDEs * Models as systems of PDEs and associated initial and boundary conditions with explanations of the associated chemistry, physics, biology, and physiology * Numerical solutions of the presented model equations with a discussion of the important features of the solutions * Aspects of general PDE computation through various biomedical science and engineering applications Differential Equation Analysis in Biomedical Science and Engineering: Partial Differential Equation Applications with R is an excellent reference for researchers, scientists, clinicians, medical researchers, engineers, statisticians, epidemiologists, and pharmacokineticists who are interested in both clinical applications and interpretation of experimental data with mathematical models in order to efficiently solve the associated differential equations. The book is also useful as a textbook for graduate-level courses in mathematics, biomedical science and engineering, biology, biophysics, biochemistry, medicine, and engineering.

Wastewater Treatment Residues as Resources for Biorefinery Products and Energy reviews wastewater treatment processes and the use of residues. The viability of end use processes for residues, such as incineration, cement additives, agricultural fertilizers, and methane production are reviewed and analyzed, as are new processes for the use of residues within a fuels production system, such as pyrolysis, hydrothermal liquefaction and syngas. Specialized chapters discuss fractionation of biomass, the production of compounds from volatile fatty acids that conceptually proceed from the anaerobic acidogenesis of residues, and a final analysis of the overall productivity and viability that can be expected from these production schemes.

Bioengineered Nanomaterials for Wound Healing and Infection Control is a key reference for those working in the fields of materials science, pharmacy, nanotechnology, biomedical engineering and microbiology. Bioengineered nanomaterials have unique physicochemical properties which promote accelerated wound healing and treatment of infections. The biosynthesis of these nanomaterials also offers a clean, safe and renewable alternative to traditional nanomaterials, helping reduce environmental impact alongside antibacterial resistance.

Biotechnology in the Chemical Industry: Towards a Green and Sustainable Future focuses on achievements and prospects for biotechnology in sustainable production of goods and services, especially those that are derived at present mostly from the traditional chemical industry. It considers the future impact of industrial biotechnology and lays out the major research areas which must be addressed to move from a flourishing set of scientific disciplines to a major contributor to a successful future knowledge-based economy. The book focuses on the research needed to underpin three broad topics: biomass, bio-processes and bio-products, including bio-energy. Readers, including advanced students, researchers, industry professionals, academics, analysts, consultants, and anyone else interested, or involved in biotechnology will find this book very informative.

Provides a professional, contemporary, and concise review of the current knowledge and advances in biomimetics This book covers the field of biomimicry, an area of science where researchers look to mimic aspects of plants or animals in order to solve problems in aerospace, shipping, building, electronics, and optics, among others. It presents the latest developments in biomimicry and gives readers sufficient grounding to help them understand the current, and sometimes technically complex, research literature. Different themes are covered throughout and text boxes deal with the relevant physics for readers who may lack this knowledge. Biomimetics: Nature-Inspired Design and Innovation examines issues in fluid dynamics such as avoiding sonic booms, reducing train noise, increasing wind turbine efficiency, and more. Next, it looks at optical applications, e.g. how nature generates color without dyes and pigment, and how animals stay cool in desert environments. A chapter on the built environment discusses cooling systems for buildings based on termite mounds; creating self-cleaning paint based on lotus leaves; unobtrusive solar panels based on ivy; and buildings that respond to the environment. Two more sections focus on biomimicry for the creation of smart materials and smart devices. The book finishes with a look at the field's future over the next decade. Presents each topic in sufficient detail in order to enable the reader to comprehend the original scientific papers Emphasizes those examples of biomimicry that have made it into products Features text boxes that provide information on the relevant physics or engineering principles for biologists who do not have a physics background Covers the scientific literature up to July 2019 Biomimetics: Nature-Inspired Design and Innovation is an excellent book for senior undergraduates and post-graduate students in the life sciences, material sciences, and bioengineering. It will also appeal to lay readers with an interest in nature as well as scientists in general.

Innovations and Emerging Technologies in Wound Care is a pivotal book on the prevention and management of chronic and non-healing wounds. The book clearly presents the research and evidence that should be considered when planning care interventions to improve health related outcomes for patients. New and emerging technologies are discussed and identified, along with tactics on how they can be integrated into clinical practice. This book offers readers a bridge between biomedical engineering and medicine, with an emphasis on technological innovations. It includes contributions from engineers, scientists, clinicians and industry professionals. Users will find this resource to be a complete picture of the latest knowledge on the tolerance of human tissues to sustained mechanical and thermal loads that also provides a deeper understanding of the risk for onset and development of chronic wounds.

Biovalorisation of Wastes to Renewable Chemicals and Biofuels addresses advanced technologies for converting waste to biofuels and value-added products. Biovalorisation has several advantages over conventional bioremediation processes as it helps reduce the costs of bioprocesses. Examples are provided of several successfully commercialized technologies, giving insight into developing, potential processes for biovalorisation of different wastes. Different bioprocess strategies are discussed for valorising the wastes coming from the leather industry, olive oil industry, pulp and paper, winery, textile, and food industries, as well as aquaculture. A section on biorefinery for hydrocarbons and emerging contaminants is included to cover concepts on biodesulfurization of petroleum wastes, leaching of heavy metals from E - waste, and bioelectrochemical processes for CO2. Chapters on algal biorefinery are also included to focus on the technologies for conversion of CO2 sequestration and wastewater utilization. Biovalorisation of Wastes to Renewable Chemicals and Biofuels can be used as course material for graduate students in chemical engineering, chemistry, and biotechnology, and as a reference for industrial professionals and researchers who want to gain a basic understanding on the subject.

Includes both a broad technical overview of dental materials and the chemicals that are used for the preparation and fabrication of dental materials in all dental applications This book focuses on the materials used for dental applications by looking at the fundamental issues and the developments that have taken place the past decade. While it provides a broad overview of dental materials, the chemicals that are used for the preparation and fabrication of dental materials are explained as well. Also, the desired properties of these materials are discussed and the relevance of the chemical, physical, and mechanical properties is elucidated. Methods for the characterization and classification, as well as clinical studies are reviewed here. In particular, materials for dental crowns, implants, toothpaste compositions, mouth rinses, as well as materials for toothbrushes and dental floss are discussed. For example, in toothpaste compositions, several classes of materials and chemicals are incorporated, such as abrasives, detergents, humectants, thickeners, sweeteners, coloring agents, bad breath reduction agents, flavoring agents, tartar control agents, and others. These chemicals, together with their structures, are detailed in the text.

Scientists in the laboratory often fail to take advantage of the commercial exploitation of their research. Technology Transfer is a careful account of how to start the process of commercialization of technology, and describes in detail the difficulties, and amount of time needed, to carry the process through to a successful conclusion. This book provides a much needed step-by-step guide to the commercialization of research. It addresses three major themes: how to protect your intellectual property; how to develop it commercially via licensing and business "start up"; and how to finance and manage your new company. This book is essential reading for any research scientist whose work has commercial applications.

Nanostructured Biomaterials for Regenerative Medicine focuses on the definition of new trends for the design of biomaterials for biomedical applications. It includes the ex novo synthesis as well as technological strategies to manipulate them into appropriate two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) forms, in order to impart all the main physical, chemical, structural and biological properties requested to achieve desired clinical efficacy. This book aims at offering a concise overview of innovative platforms based on nanostructured biomaterials as a function of their chemical nature - established by a consolidated material classification i.e., polymer, ceramics and metals. For each class, emerging bioinspired systems with rapid expansion in the biomedical research area and fabricated via new enabling technologies will be proposed for the use in tissue repair/regeneration and nanomedicine. This book is an essential resource for researchers, academics and professionals interested in the potential of nanostructured biomaterials for regenerative medicine.

This book contains edited and revised papers from a conference on "Science and Technology for Managing Plant Genetic Diversity in the 21st Century" held in Malaysia in June 2000, organized by the International Plant Genetic Resources Institute (IPGRI). It includes keynote papers and some 40 additional ones, covering 10 themes. The major scientific challenges to developing a global vision for the next century are identified and key research objectives are also discussed.

Following on from earlier titles in this series, this volume presents further material generated by the World Bank/ISNAR/Australian government biotechnology study. It covers the present status and future prospects for the application of biotechnology to solve agricultural and environmental problems in 12 countries: Kenya, Zimbabwe, China, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Brazil, Colombia and Mexico.