This book reviews alternative and renewable energy resources in order to pave the way for a more sustainable production in the future. A multi-disciplinary team of authors provides a comprehensive overview of current technologies and future trends, including solar technologies, wind energy, hydropower, microbial electrochemical systems and various biomass sources for biofuel production. In addition, the book focuses on solutions for developing countries. Conventional energy sources are finite, and estimates suggest that they will be exhausted within a few decades. Finding a solution to this problem is a global challenge, and developing countries in particular are still highly dependent on fossil fuels due to their rapidly growing populations accompanied by a huge growth in primary energy consumption. Moreover, the most common conventional energy sources (coal and petroleum) are non-sustainable since their combustion exponentially increases greenhouse gas emissions. As such, there is a pressing need for clean energy based on alternative or renewable resources, not only to ensure energy supplies at an affordable price but also to protect the environment.

This open access book gathers authoritative contributions concerning multiscale problems in biomechanics, geomechanics, materials science and tribology. It is written in memory of Sergey Grigorievich Psakhie to feature various aspects of his multifaceted research interests, ranging from theoretical physics, computer modeling of materials and material characterization at the atomic scale, to applications in space industry, medicine and geotectonics, and including organizational, psychological and philosophical aspects of scientific research and teaching as well. This book covers new advances relating to orthopedic implants, concerning the physiological, tribological and materials aspects of their behavior; medical and geological applications of permeable fluid-saturated materials; earthquake dynamics together with aspects relating to their managed and gentle release; lubrication, wear and material transfer in natural and artificial joints; material research in manufacturing processes; hard-soft matter interaction, including adhesive and capillary effects; using nanostructures for influencing living cells and for cancer treatment; manufacturing of surfaces with desired properties; self-organization of hierarchical structures during plastic deformation and thermal treatment; mechanics of composites and coatings; and many more. Covering established knowledge as well as new models and methods, this book provides readers with a comprehensive overview of the field, yet also with extensive details on each single topic.

This book complies latest advancement in the field of environmental biotechnology. It focuses on topics that comprises industrial, environment and agricultural related issues to microbiological studies and exhibits correlation between biological world and dependence of humans on it. It is designed into three sections covering the role of environmental biotechnology in industry, environmental remediation, and agriculture. Ranging from micro-scale studies to macro, it covers up a huge domain of environmental biotechnology. Overall the book portrays the importance of modern biotechnology technologies in solving the problems in modern day life. The book is a ready reference for practicing students, researchers of biotechnology, environmental engineering, chemical engineering and other allied fields likewise.

This book provides a comprehensive account of past, present and future of the biomass based biorefineries. It is an all-inclusive and insightful compilation of recent advancements in the technology and methods used for conversion of biomass to bioenergy and other useful biochemicals. The book also focuses on the limitations of existing technologies and provides the future prospects, as well as discusses socio-economic impact of biomass based biorefineries. This book assists researchers in the area of lignocellulosic biorefineries and can be used by the students, scientist and academician as an advanced reference textbook.

A Simpler Life approaches the developing field of synthetic biology by focusing on the experimental and institutional lives of practitioners in two labs at Princeton University. It highlights the distance between hyped technoscience and the more plodding and entrenched aspects of academic research. Talia Dan-Cohen follows practitioners as they wrestle with experiments, attempt to publish research findings, and navigate the ins and outs of academic careers. Dan-Cohen foregrounds the practices and rationalities of these pursuits that give both researchers' lives and synthetic life their distinctive contemporary forms. Rather than draw attention to avowed methodology, A Simpler Life investigates some of the more subtle and tectonic practices that bring knowledge, doubt, and technological intervention into new configurations. In so doing, the book sheds light on the more general conditions of contemporary academic technoscience.

"While other books have addressed isolated aspects of recent developments in the biomedical sciences, Biotechnology: Between Commerce and Civil Society is the first book tgo engage with the full range of biotechnology's implications for social science and for society at large." -Professor Volker Meja

New scientific knowledge is no longer merely the key to unlocking the secrets of nature and society. It now represents the "becoming" of a new world. Scientific developments affect the ways in which we conduct our affairs, as well as how we comprehend the changes underway as the result of novel technical artefacts and scientific knowledge. The practical fruits of biotechnology are a case in point; they have grasped our imaginations, and generated worldwide debate and concern. Debates on biotechnology shift between images of utopia and dystopia. The social sciences deserve a voice in the debate, and can do so through sober examination of the economic, social, and cultural implications of biotechnology. Some economists even predict that the importance of biotechnology as the technology of the future will far exceed that of the information technologies, in particular the Internet. The contributors to this volume are drawn from a broad spectrum of the social sciences, and include Nico Stehr, Gene Rosa, Steve Fuller, Steve Best and Douglas Kellner, Nikolas Rose, Fred Buttel, Javier Lezaun, Anne Kerr, Susanna Hornig Priest and Toby Ten Eyck, Martin Schulte, Alexander Somek, Steven P. Vallas, Daniel Lee Kleinman, Abby Kinchy and Raul Necochea, Herbert Gottweis, J. Rogers Hollingsworth, Gysli Plsson, Elizabeth Ettore, Richard Hindmarch and Reiner Grundmann. The impact of science on society is destined to be a fundamental concern in the new century. This volume illustrates the contributions anthropology, law, political science, and sociology can make to the ongoing discussions about the role of biotechnology in modern societies. Nico Stehr is senior research associate, Institut f3r Technikfolgenabschotzung, Forschungszentrum Karlsruhe and Institut f3r K3stenforschung, GKSS, Germany. He also is a fellow in the Center for Advanced Cultural Studies in Essen, Germany, editor of the Canadian Journal of Sociology, and a fellow of the Royal Society of Canada. Among his recent books are Werner Sombart: Economic Life in the Modern Age (with Reiner Grundmann, published by Transaction); The Fragility of Modern Societies: Knowledge and Risk in the Information Age; Knowledge and Economic Conduct: The Social Foundations of the Modern Economy; and Wissenspolitik: Die ?berwachung des Wissens.

Applied Biomedical Engineering Using Artificial Intelligence and Cognitive Models focuses on the relationship between three different multidisciplinary branches of engineering: Biomedical Engineering, Cognitive Science and Computer Science through Artificial Intelligence models. These models will be used to study how the nervous system and musculoskeletal system obey movement orders from the brain, as well as the mental processes of the information during cognition when injuries and neurologic diseases are present in the human body. The interaction between these three areas are studied in this book with the objective of obtaining AI models on injuries and neurologic diseases of the human body, studying diseases of the brain, spine and the nerves that connect them with the musculoskeletal system. There are more than 600 diseases of the nervous system, including brain tumors, epilepsy, Parkinson's disease, stroke, and many others. These diseases affect the human cognitive system that sends orders from the central nervous system (CNS) through the peripheral nervous systems (PNS) to do tasks using the musculoskeletal system. These actions can be detected by many Bioinstruments (Biomedical Instruments) and cognitive device data, allowing us to apply AI using Machine Learning-Deep Learning-Cognitive Computing models through algorithms to analyze, detect, classify, and forecast the process of various illnesses, diseases, and injuries of the human body. Applied Biomedical Engineering Using Artificial Intelligence and Cognitive Models provides readers with the study of injuries, illness, and neurological diseases of the human body through Artificial Intelligence using Machine Learning (ML), Deep Learning (DL) and Cognitive Computing (CC) models based on algorithms developed with MATLAB (R) and IBM Watson (R).

With consumer awareness increasing, the importance of the environmental impact of everyday products such as food becomes a major factor for the customer. This awareness was increased with the COVID-19 pandemic. This book introduces green and sustainable food technology and its use during a pandemic. In addition, it covers current topics such as future food processing, methods of maintaining industrial hygiene and microbiological quality and safety

The book comprehensively covers the different topics of graphene based biopolymer and nanocomposites, mainly synthesis methods for the composite materials, various characterization techniques to study the superior properties and insights on potential advanced applications.The book will address and rectify the complications of using plastics that are non-degradable and has abhorrent impact on environment. The limitations of properties of biopolymer can be vanquished by employing graphene as a nanomaterial. Outstanding properties of graphene in accordance with biopolymer can be utilized to develop applications like water treatment, tissue engineering, photo-catalysts, super-absorbents. This is a useful reference source for both engineers and researchers working in composite materials science as well as the students attending materials science, physics, chemistry, and engineering courses.

Sensors and Probes for Bioimaging A fulsome exploration of the history, design, and application of bioimaging probes and sensors In Sensors and Probes for Bioimaging, distinguished researcher Professor Young-Tae Chang and Professor Nam-Young Kang deliver a comprehensive discussion of bioimaging achieved with sensors and probes. In the book, readers will find a complete discussion of the history of colorful sensors and probes, probe design and the mechanisms of staining, as well as cell and tissue application and whole-body imaging. You’ll learn how probes can be used, how to choose and use a variety of probes, and new directions in research and application in the area of sensors and probes for bioimaging. Readers will also find: A thorough introduction to bioimaging, as well as discussions of chemical sensors and probes used in bioimaging Comprehensive explorations of organelle and cell selective probes, as well as discussions of a model for organelle selectivity Practical discussions of tissue selective probes and whole-body imaging Fulsome treatments of imaging for biological function and for the diagnosis of disease, including cancer and Alzheimer’s imaging Perfect for chemical biologists, analytical chemists, biochemists, and materials scientists, Sensors and Probes for Bioimaging will also earn a place in the libraries of clinical chemists and advanced undergraduate students, graduate students, and professionals working in the bioimaging and sensor industry.

This book highlights the nano-antioxidants and their potential therapeutic applications. The chapters start with basic information on free radicals and antioxidants, through natural antioxidants, mechanisms of their action, ending with the use of nano-antioxidants particularly its potential therapeutic applications. Nano-antioxidant therapy has a promising future that has to be explored. It is a bridge topic to connect the already existing literature with potential therapeutic highlights. This book is designated for students and researchers interested in Biochemistry, Chemistry, Physics, Food Science and nutrition, Pharmaceutical Science and Medicine. It would also be interesting to global audiences from human and animal nutrition to food preservation and packaging.

Musculoskeletal Tissue Engineering introduces the fundamental concepts and translational applications of musculoskeletal tissue engineering, in combination with emerging technologies and materials. Sections discuss Tissues and Technologies, covering a range of musculoskeletal tissues, including bone, cartilage, ligament and more. Each chapter in this section details core tissue engineering principles specific to each tissue type. Next, a Technologies section looks at the range of biomaterials used in musculoskeletal tissue engineering, focusing on biocompatibility of materials and interactions at the material-tissue interface. Other chapters cover nanotechnology, 3D printing, gene therapy, tissue chips, and more. This book offers an advanced reference text for researchers in biomedical engineering, materials science and regenerative medicine.

Advances in Applied Microbiology, Volume 117 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 topic of microbiology.

This book highlights the results from over a year of ethnobotanical research in a rural and an urban community in Jamaica, where we interviewed more than 100 people who use medicinal plants for healthcare. The goal of this research was to better understand patterns of medicinal plant knowledge, and to find out which plants are used in consensus by local people for a variety of illnesses. For this book, we selected 25 popular medicinal plant species mentioned during fieldwork. Through individual interviews, we were able to rank plants according to their frequency of mention, and categorized the medicinal uses for each species as "major" (mentioned by more than 20% of people in a community) or "minor" (mentioned by more than 5%, but less than 20% of people). Botanical identification of plant specimens collected in the wild allowed for cross-linking of common and scientific plant names. To supplement field research, we undertook a comprehensive search and review of the ethnobotanical and biomedical literature. Our book summarizes all this information in detail under specific sub-headings.

This book presents specific key natural and artificial systems that are promising biocatalysts in the areas of health, agriculture, environment and energy. It provides a comprehensive account of the state of the art of these systems and outlines the significant progress made in the last decade using these systems to develop innovative, sustainable and environmentally friendly solutions. Chapters from expert contributors explore how natural enzymes and artificial systems tackle specific targets such as: climate change, carbon footprint and economy and carbon dioxide utilisation; nitrogen footprint and fixation and nitrous oxide mitigation; hydrogen production, fuel cells and energy from bacteria; biomass transformation and production of added-value compounds, as well as biosensors development. This book provides an important and inspiring account for the designing of new natural and artificial systems with enhanced properties, and it appeals not only to students and researchers working in the fields of energy, health, food and environment, but also to a wider audience of educated readers that are interested in these up-to-date and exciting subjects.Chapter "Carbon Dioxide Utilisation-The Formate Route" is available open access under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License via link.springer.com.

Quantitative Perfusion MRI: Techniques, Applications, and Practical Considerations, Volume 11 clearly and carefully explains the basic theory and MRI techniques for quantifying perfusion non-invasively in deep tissue, covering all aspects of perfusion imaging, from acquisition requirements to selection of contrast agents and appropriate pharmacokinetic models and for reliable quantification in different diseases and tissue types. Specifically, this book enables the reader to understand what microvascular functional parameters can be measured with perfusion MRI, learn the basic techniques to measure perfusion in different organs, apply the appropriate perfusion MRI technique to the organ of interest, and much more. This complete reference on quantitative perfusion MRI is highly suitable for both early and experienced researchers, graduate students and clinicians wishing to understand how quantitative perfusion MRI can apply to their application area of interest.

This book covers a broad spectrum of topics related to GMOs and allied new gene-based technologies, biodiversity, and ecosystem processes, bringing together the contributions of researchers and regulators from around the world. The aim is to offer a clear view of the benefits and effects of genetically modified crops, insects, and other animals on the soil microbiome and ecological processes. Contributors examine issues related to the development of risk assessment procedures and regulations designed to maximize benefits while minimizing risks. Beyond the scientific challenges of GMOs, the book explores the broad and contentious terrain of ethical considerations. The contributors discuss such questions as the unintended, possibly unforeseen, consequences of releasing GMOs into ecosystems, and the likelihood that the full effects of GMOs could take years, even decades, of close monitoring to become evident. The importance of developing a precautionary approach is stressed. The final chapter describes the critical issues of governance and regulation of new and emerging gene-based technologies, as nations grapple with the consequences of adopting the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety (CPB). The volume includes an extensive Annex which outlines legal perspectives on the state of GMO governance around the world, with more than 20 examples from nations in Africa, South and Central America, Asia, Australasia, and Europe.

Fungi are an essential, fascinating and biotechnologically useful group of organisms with an incredible biotechnological potential for industrial exploitation. Knowledge of the world's fungal diversity and its use is still incomplete and fragmented. There are many opportunities to accelerate the process of filling knowledge gaps in these areas. The worldwide interest of the current era is to increase the tendency to use natural substances instead of synthetic ones. The increasing urge in society for natural ingredients has compelled biotechnologists to explore novel bioresources which can be exploited in industrial sector. Fungi, due to their unique attributes and broad range of their biological activities hold great promises for their application in biotechnology and industry. Fungi are an efficient source of antioxidants, enzymes, pigments, and many other secondary metabolites. The large scale production of fungal pigments and their utility provides natural coloration without creating harmful effects on entering the environment, a safer alternative use to synthetic colorants. The fungal enzymes can be exploited in wide range of industries such as food, detergent, paper, and also for removal toxic waste. This book will serve as valuable source of information as well as will provide new directions to researchers to conduct novel research in field of mycology. Volume 2 of "Industrially Important Fungi for Sustainable Development" provides an overview to understanding bioprospecting of fungal biomolecules and their industrial application for future sustainability. It encompasses current advanced knowledge of fungal communities and their potential biotechnological applications in industry and allied sectors. The book will be useful to scientists, researchers, and students of microbiology, biotechnology, agriculture, molecular biology, and environmental biology.

An important overview of the state of the art in naturally occurring antimycotics!Here is a comprehensive and innovative examination of the antimycotic potential of essential plant oils and extracts against fungal infections affecting humans, animals, plants, and foodstuffs. Plant-Derived Antimycotics emphasizes the antimycotic activity of plants found in Central America, India, Nepal, Fiji, and China--areas rich in phyto-diversity and traditional botanical/medical knowledge.From editor M.K. Rai: "Since the inception of human civilization men have been using herbs against various mycotic infections. In the recent past, several antimycotic agents have been introduced into the market due to their rapid curative properties. Still, the quest for new antifungal agents of a fungicidal rather than fungistatic nature continues. Furthermore, there has been a dramatic increase in the new spectrum of fungal infections known as opportunistic fungal pathogens. Consequently, plant-derived antimycotics are gaining importance, being natural, cheaper, safer, eco-friendly, and within the reach of the common man."With a distinguished list of contributors from around the world, Plant-Derived Antimycotics explores: antifungal compounds that strengthen plant-defense systems traditional herbs that have revealed their antifungal properties newer, faster methods of screening and evaluating antifungal drugs natural antimycotics derived from plants in Croatia, South America, South Africa, China, India, and Fiji the mechanism of herbal antimycotic action the diversity of antimycotic efficacy in Asteraceous and Meliaceous plants new bioactive antifungal molecules Plant-Derived Antimycotics is an essential reference for pharmacologists, microbiologists, clinical mycologists, oncologists, immunologists, drug manufacturers, botanists and ethnobotanists, phytochemists, herbalists, and everyone searching for a natural remedy for the new spectrum of opportunistic fungal infections generated by the immunocompromising difficulties encountered by AIDS and cancer patients. Color illustrations, photographs, charts, tables, and graphs make the information easier to absorb and understand.

Tissue Engineering Using Ceramics and Polymers, Third Edition is a valuable reference tool for both academic researchers and scientists involved in biomaterials or tissue engineering, including the areas of bone and soft-tissue reconstruction, repair and organ regeneration. With its distinguished editors and international team of contributors, this book reviews the latest research and advances in this thriving area and how they can be used to develop treatments for disease states. New sections cover nanobiomaterials, drug delivery, advanced imaging and MRI for tissue engineering, and characterization of vascularized scaffolds. Technology and research in the field of tissue engineering has drastically increased within the last few years to the extent that almost every tissue and organ of the human body could potentially be regenerated with the aid of biomaterials.

This book highlights current advanced developments in bioepoxy and bioepoxy/clay nanocomposites and an optimisation of material formulation and processing parameters on fabrication of bioepoxy/clay nanocomposites in order to achieve the highest mechanical properties in relation to their morphological structures, thermal properties, as well as biodegradability and water absorption, which is based on the use of Taguchi design of experiments with the consideration of technical and economical point of view. It also elaborates holistic theoretical modelling of tensile properties of such bionanocomposites with respect to the effect of contents of nanoclay fillers and epoxydised soybean oil (ESO).

This book summarizes experimentally-supported research on the therapeutic efficacy of plant extracts and their constituents on a range of respiratory diseases including infections. It discusses the pharmacological, cellular and molecular factors involved in the pathogenies of respiratory diseases and their modulation by plant-derived compounds. Additionally, it underlines the growing relevance of medicinal plant-based advanced drug delivery systems for treating lung diseases providing maximal therapeutic efficacy with better patient compliance. Overall, this comprehensive book is a blend of translational, biological, chemical and drug delivery aspects of medicinal plants employed in targeting respiratory diseases and attracts a range of audiences including physiochemist, translational and clinical researchers working in the field of respiratory diseases.

This handbook discusses biological risk engineering, an extension of industrial hygiene that involves the assessment, control, and decontamination of indoor biological risks. The book synergizes the knowledge of experts in various fields, from law to toxicology, to provide a compendium of information for applying science to limit biological risk.

Biological Risk Engineering Handbook: Infection Control and Decontamination begins with a microbiological dictionary, using pictures to illustrate the basic morphology and culture appearance of fungi, bacteria, viruses and prions. The text then reviews sampling and laboratory procedures to ensure coordination between sampling teams and their ultimate receiving laboratory. The contributing authors further examine interpretation issues associated with toxicological studies and risk assessment in hopes of providing further impetus for synergistic studies related to risk assessment and management of biohazardous agents. Other topics include ventilation design, infection control, and the use of biocides. The discussion of Legionella control and cooling towers serves as a case study of how design, maintenance, and decontamination should be a seamless process. The contributors also discuss patent utility requirements, insurance processes, laws, and current regulations, including a chapter on Tuberculosis that compares OSHA and CDC guidelines. Finally, security is addressed from the standpoint of both homeland security in the United States and the security of individual laboratories.

From assessment methods to design options, Biological Risk Engineering Handbook presents state-of-the-art techniques and practices to measure, control, and contain human exposure to biological contaminants. With the concern of biological risk on the rise and the emerging fear today of biological warfare, this handbook allows you to move into the future armed with the information needed to limit this threat.

The author offers an overview of pollen biology and biotechnology for students and researchers in areas such as reproductive biology, biotechnology, aeropalynology, plant breeding, horticulture, and forestry. Citing more than 1,500 references to pollen research, the text covers topics including advances in understanding pollen tube growth, the use of pollen for gene transfer, and advantages and disadvantages of various pollination systems for production of species limits.

The first chapter details the different techniques of molecular markers, emphasizing genetic aspects, because these determine the type of use one can put it to. The construction of genetic linkage maps is the subject of the second chapter, where the advantages and disadvantages of the most common mapping populations are specified. The particular case of mapping of major genes, especially for the purpose of positional cloning, is addressed in the third chapter. Detection and applications of QTLs controlling the expression of quantitative traits are presented in the fourth chapter, which also tackles the complex question of their identification. The fifth chapter underscores the major contribution of molecular markers in the analysis of the structure and evolution of natural populations. Finally, the advantages of markers in selection, for studies of diversity and in the context of marker-assisted selection, are discussed in the last chapter. The authors have attempted to highlight the principles of markers, an