Successful societies can only be built on a realistic understanding of people and their world. The call for African solutions to the continent’s problems demands an innovative pool of knowledgeable and skilled social researchers. With this vision in mind, the sixth edition of Fundamentals of Social Research Methods: An African Perspective has been transformed to include a far broader set of research skills, compared to previous editions.

This edition covers qualitative, quantitative and mixed-methods research, and includes an extensive new section on the analysis of both quantitative and qualitative data. The new edition therefore offers a solid and comprehensive foundation for the practice of social research. Fundamentals of Social Research Methods: An African Perspective draws examples from a broad spectrum of fields including agriculture, public health, social welfare, community development and regional planning.

The material is compatible with social science research methodology courses in anthropology, public health, sociology, economics, political science, psychology and education. The textbook is suitable for students and non-professional researchers who are interested in conducting social research, whether they are practitioners, community activists, government administrators, policymakers or businesspeople. The fifth edition of this textbook is developed for a modern audience. As authors we believe the world is a different place. Knowledge is available to almost everyone, and competitive social media is accessible to even people in remote areas. The book is still focused upon a wide range of professions such as social work, psychology, sociology, criminology, nursing, business studies and other social contexts such as community development and governments. The book is still intended to be a practical book, for novice researchers, as well as for more experienced researchers.  

The authors recognise the growing role of generative artificial intelligence, large language models and machine learning that increasingly play a disruptive role in people’s ways of negotiating the world. Within this unstable and dynamic social world context, we still believe in solid textbooks that teach the fundamentals of social research in a practical and applied manner. Africa, like the rest of the world is no exception. With increased internet accessibility and the opening of learning abilities for all, the world has become a smaller place, and most people now have the potential to tap into the vast resources and tools for social science researchers. We trust that this text remains a fundamentally essential text for Africa, for general social researchers, and those who aspire to master the skills of research.

The present revision not only updates the material but also introduces substantial additions. We follow a simple, narrative and illustrative manner of describing highly abstract concepts, with real-world examples and case studies to assist us in transferring the essentials of social science research methodologies. In this sense, this is a local work and an indigenous way of knowledge transfer. The chapters end with questions and tasks to be answered by the reader, intended to reinforce learning. Many of the questions can be used for assessment purposes, all to increase the excitement of learning about social research. The authors are passionate about research and eager to make available and unlock the complexities of the philosophy of research. We trust the reader will enjoy this text and gain from the many examples, case studies and situations that pose challenges to everyday researchers.

Viral Diseases of Field and Horticultural Crops details the fundamental and applied aspects of the viral diseases of field and horticultural crops. The book opens with a historical introduction to plant virology, important plant virologists, and landmarks. It continues with systematic coverage of viral diseases, their economic significance, disease symptoms, host range, mode of transmission, diagnostic techniques, geographic distribution, epidemiology, yield losses, and control and management of the disease. Contributions from an international group of virologists with a wide range of academic, research, professional, and specialized backgrounds in plant virology makes Viral Diseases of Field and Horticultural Crops a comprehensive and must-have resource for those engaged in the study and research of plant virology, microbiology, and plant pathology particularly viral diseases and their impact on field and horticultural crops.

COVID-19 Viral Sepsis: Impact on Disparities, Disability, and Health Outcomes introduces the concepts of viral sepsis, its origins, and its implications. COVID-19 is a leading cause of viral sepsis with considerable impact on morbidity and mortality. Early recognition of signs and symptoms of COVID-19 can potentially impact patient outcomes. The book opens with an introduction and overview of sepsis, its clinical manifestations, prevention, and management. It goes on to discuss viral sepsis and sepsis caused by COVID-19. COVID-19, its diagnosis, management, sequelae, long-term consequences, challenges, and opportunities round out the coverage. Users will find valuable key principles related to the recognition, prevention, diagnosis and treatment of sepsis due to COVID-19.

Oceans and Human Health: Opportunities and Impacts, Second Edition explores the inextricably interconnected and complex relationship between oceans and humans. Through the lens of the expanding oceans and human health meta-discipline, this work examines the many invaluable ecosystem services offered by oceans as well as the global anthropogenic impacts, and explores the associated risks and benefits to human health. Written and edited by an interdisciplinary team of experts, the book features international perspectives on the resources available to address these benefits and risks, including enhanced research, policy, and community engagement. The book concludes by examining the future of ocean stewardship and how global populations can unite to nurture and promote our life-enhancing relationship with oceans. This is an indispensable resource for students, researchers, communities, and industry specialists in marine sciences, public health, and international policy. 

Dystonia, Volume 169, the latest release in the International Review of Neurobiology serial, highlights new advances in the field with this new volume presenting interesting chapters on topics including Clinical Features and the Science of Classification, What Can Epidemiological Studies Tell us About the Neurobiology of Dystonia, Dystonia Genes and Their Biological Pathways, Functional Anatomy of Dystonia, Physiology of Dystonia: Human Studies, Physiology of Dystonia: Animal Studies, Experimental Pharmacology: Targeting Neurotransmitters, Experimental Pharmacology: Targeting Metabolic Pathways, Adult-Onset Focal Dystonias: One Biology or Many?, Early-Onset Inherited vs Late-Onset Idiopathic Dystonias: Same or Different Biological Mechanisms?, and much more.

Fundamentals of Viroid Biology provides a comprehensive introduction to emerging research on viroids and their biology. The book is organized into three parts, with sections that discuss historical perspectives as well as information on classifications, structure, life cycle and replication and viroid movement. The book goes on to discuss viroid diseases and their geographic distributions across Asia, Europe, Africa, Australia, North and South America. Viroid pathogenesis and viroid-host interaction rounds out the coverage which includes viroid associated disease symptoms and viroid regions associated and viroid-host protein and translations. Detection and disease control strategies are also covered. Contributed by an international group of renown contributors in viroid research, this book is a useful introductory reference to advanced undergraduates and graduate and postgraduate students. It is also ideal for early career researchers and scientists engaged in the study of viroid biology, virology, plant virology and microbiology.

Advances in Structural Adhesive Bonding, Second Edition reviews developments in adhesive bonding for a range of advanced structural engineering applications. This new edition has been fully revised to include the latest advances in materials, testing and modeling methods, lifecycle considerations, and industrial implementation. Sections review advances in commonly used groups of structural adhesives, covering epoxy, acrylic, anaerobic and cyanoacrylate, polyurethane, and silicone adhesives, along with toughening. Other chapters cover various types of adherends and pre-treatment methods for structural materials, including metals, plastics, composites, wood and joint design and testing, including topics such as fracture mechanics, life prediction techniques, and advanced testing methods. This is a valuable guide for all those working with structural adhesives, including those in an industrial setting, adhesive specialists, structural engineers, design engineers, R&D professionals, and scientists, as well as academic researchers and advanced students in adhesives, joining technology, materials science and mechanical engineering.

Effective use of Social Media in Public Health offers a well-organized and comprehensive review of social media and its impact on people’s lives and the public health sector. Divided into sections, the book addresses the growing use (and importance) of social media in conducting and disseminating research findings and covers an array of issues from cyberbullying to diversity and inclusion. Written by health educators and practitioners for health educators and practitioners, this book is a timely resource on the topics discussed.

Comprehensive Inorganic Chemistry III, a ten-volume reference work, is intended to cover fundamental principles, recent discoveries, and significant applications of elements and their compounds. Authored by renowned experts in the field and edited by a world-class editorial board, each chapter provides a thorough and in-depth overview of the topic covered, featuring resources which will be useful to students, researchers, faculty as well as those in the industry. Comprehensive Inorganic Chemistry III focuses on main group chemistry, biological inorganic chemistry, solid state and materials chemistry, catalysis, and new developments in electrochemistry and photochemistry, as well as NMR and diffraction methods for studying inorganic compounds. The work expands on our 2013 work Comprehensive Inorganic Chemistry II while also adding new volumes on cutting-edge research areas and techniques for studying inorganic compounds. Researchers seeking background information on a specific problem involving the synthesis of inorganic compounds, as well as applications for numerous elements from the periodic table, and their compounds, will be able to rely on and refer to this authoritative scientific resource time and again. This new work complements Comprehensive Coordination Chemistry III (2021) and Comprehensive Organometallic Chemistry IV (2022), constituting a formidable trio of reference resources covering the whole of modern inorganic chemistry.

Sulfurtransferases: Essential Enzymes for Life stands as the first comprehensive resource on this increasingly important class of enzymes. Following an introduction to the field from the Editors, each chapter covers a specific sulfurtransferase, including its basic biology and roles in healthy functioning, disease, drug discovery, and other biotechnological applications. The physiological function for each enzyme is considered in depth, along with regulation mechanisms, pharmacological inhibitors, and pathology and conditions related to altered enzymatic activity. Sulfurtransferases discussed include rhodanese, MST, thiosulfate-thiol sulfurtransferase, tRNA uracil 4-sulfurtransferase, thiosulfate-dithiol sulfurtransferases, biotin synthase, cysteine desulfurase, lipoyl synthase, molybdenum cofactor sulfurtransferase, thiazole synthase, molybdopterin synthase sulfurtransferase, molybdopterin synthase, tRNA-uridine 2-sulfurtransferase, tRNA-5-taurinomethyluridine 2-sulfurtransferase, tRNA-5-methyluridine (54) 2-sulfurtransferase, and L-aspartate semialdehyde sulfurtransferase, among others. Here, researchers will discover key knowledge and recent advances to bring forward new studies on this increasingly relevant class of enzymes, while clinicians may apply new findings in medical practice.

The growth of technology for chemical assessment has led to great developments in the investigation of chemical reactivity in recent years, but key information is often dispersed across many different research fields. Combining both original principles and the cutting-edge theories used in chemical reactivity analysis, Chemical Reactivity, Volume 1 present the latest developments in theoretical chemistry and its application for the assessment of chemical processes. Beginning with an exploration of different theories and principles relating to electronic structure and reactivity of confined electronic systems, the book goes on to highlight key information on such topics as Dyson orbitals, target-ion overlaps, reaction fragility, magnetizability principles and the Fuki function. Density Functional Theory is discussed in relation to numerous different principles and approaches, with further information on constrained methods and diabatic models, bonding evolution theory, orbital-based population analysis models and charge transfer models, and Quantum chemistry and QTAIM. Consolidating the knowledge of a global team of experts in the field, Chemical Reactivity, Volume 1: Theories and Principles is a useful resource for both students and researchers interested in gaining greater understanding of the principles and theories underpinning chemical reactivity analysis.

The Chemical Dialogue Between Plants and Beneficial Microorganisms provides foundational insights on plant beneficial microorganisms and their impact on the health and productivity of plants. Providing in-depth and recent updates about unexplored aspects of plant microbes interactions, the book includes the biological repertoire of arbuscular mycorrhizal association, molecular architecture of Rhizobium-plant symbiosis, and endophytes in transcriptional plasticity during host colonization by endophytes. The book also includes details about the mechanism of different plant beneficial microorganisms, how these differ, and their cross signaling. This book will be an important reference for researchers working on different plant beneficial microorganisms and their molecular arsenal.

The Eye, Volume Four, the latest release in the Stem Cell Innovation in Health and Disease series, addresses the recent data accumulated on the potential applications of stem cells to treat eye diseases. This volume highlights the recent development of cutting-edge in vitro and in vivo research tools and approaches, including human and murine organoid cultures, genetic editing in vitro and in vivo, human iPSC models of disease, haploid cells for genetic as well as compound screening paradigms, genetically engineered mice, and stem cell transplantation to cure eye diseases. The volume is written for researchers and scientists in stem cell therapy, cell biology, regenerative medicine and organ transplantation, and is contributed by world-renowned authors in the field. This is a timely and fascinating collection of information and new discoveries that provides a contemporary snapshot album on the fast-moving field of regenerative medicine and stem cell therapeutics.

Informed by the Biopsychosocial Model, this Encyclopedia of Child and Adolescent Health examines multiple aspects of child and adolescent development and physical and mental health. According to the Biopsychosocial Model, health is determined by the reciprocal interactions between biological (e.g., genetics, physical development, family health history), psychological (e.g., mental health, identity developmental, attitudes), and social (e.g., family, peers, school, social supports) factors. This theory posits that each one of these factors alone is not sufficient to understand health; instead, it is important to understand how these interactive components ultimately influence health outcomes. In addition to the Biopsychosocial Model, this Encyclopedia of Child and Adolescent Health has a translational approach. Each section and all applicable entries include a discussion of prevention or intervention efforts that can inform health and health promotion, and prevent health risks.

Encyclopedia of Sleep and Circadian Rhythms, Second Edition, Six Volume Set is the most comprehensive work on sleep and circadian rhythms. This completely revised new edition, comprised of contributions from 450 renowned authorities in the field, covers what is new and known in the field. In addition to thorough coverage of the basics (physiology, sleep disorders etc.), this new edition includes a thorough examination of circadian rhythms that manage the sleep-wake cycle. Although this area is highly intertwined with sleep, it is a scientific discipline in and of itself, and will broaden the appeal of this work to health care providers and scientists. Other sections of interest explore consumer wearable devices to track sleep and circadian rhythms, artificial intelligence algorithms to detect sleep and abnormal sleep-related conditions, and new technology to treat sleep and circadian rhythm disorders. This book will be an ideal and primary reference resource for students, trainees, technologists, basic/clinical scientists, physicians, advanced practice providers, psychologists, nurses, and other medical and research personnel who want to explore any topic within the sleep and circadian rhythm field.

Handbook of Arsenic Toxicology, Second Edition presents the latest findings on arsenic, including its chemistry, sources and effects on the environment and human health. The book discusses both acute and chronic effects, discussing many aspects of arsenic, from physical and chemical properties, exposure, epidemiology, organ toxicity, diagnosis, prevention and treatment. Fully updated and revised, this new edition includes new topics on risk assessment, molecular mechanisms of arsenic, advances in the integrated approach to testing, assessment and development, evaluation and application of high content predictive models, and new alternative methods (NAMS) in the context of Adverse Outcome Pathways (AOPs) to assess toxicology. This comprehensive resource allows readers to effectively assess the risks related to arsenic, providing them with all they need to know on arsenic exposure, toxicity and toxicity prevention.

Molecular Medical Microbiology, Third Edition presents the latest release in what is considered to be the first book to synthesize new developments in both molecular and clinical research. The molecular age has brought about dramatic changes in medical microbiology, along with great leaps in our understanding of the mechanisms of infectious disease. This third edition is completely updated, reviewed and expanded, providing a timely and helpful update for microbiologists, students and clinicians in the era of increasing use of molecular techniques, changing epidemiology and prevalence, and increasing resistance of many pathogenic bacteria. Written by experts in the field, chapters include cutting-edge information and clinical overviews for each major bacterial group, along with the latest updates on vaccine development, molecular technology and diagnostic technology.

Microbiome Therapeutics: Personalized Therapy Beyond Conventional Approaches addresses the current knowledge and landscape of microbiome therapeutics, providing an overview of existing applications in health and disease as well as potential future directions of microbiome modulations and subsequent translation to the global industry and market. This important reference provides the most current status of microbiome therapeutics as well as possible future perspectives through coverage of topics including the application of microbiome therapeutics; various additive, subtractive and modulatory approaches; microbiome composition of health and diseases, insights into live bio-therapeutics and the clinical data supporting their efficacy. Case studies are provided throughout the book to further define, describe and evaluate microbiome therapeutics success and failure.

Microbial Biomolecules: Emerging Approach in Agriculture, Pharmaceuticals and Environment Management explores and compiles new aspects of microbial-based biomolecules such as microbial enzymes, microbial metabolites, microbial surfactants, exopolysaccharides, and bioactive compounds and their potential applications in the field of health-related issues, sustainable agriculture and environment contamination management. Written for researchers, scientists, and graduate and PhD students in the areas of Microbiology, Biotechnology, Environmental Science and Pharmacology, this book covers the urgent need to explore eco-friendly and sustainable approaches to healthcare, agriculture and environmental contamination management.

Encyclopedia of Nanomaterials, Three Volume Set provides a comprehensive reference work on the creation, characterization, property and processing of nanomaterials. Sections cover the synthesis, functionalization, assembly and characterization of nanomaterials, their chemical, physical and biological properties, their processing in the form of coating, special texture and surface patterns, nanodevice fabrication, large-scale manufacturing, and their health and environmental impacts. Focusing on the fundamental concepts of nanomaterials and the key processes to understand, manipulate, and process them, this reference gives readers the ability to design and produce nanomaterials according to the requirements of their specific applications. Further, this encyclopedia includes sections that specifically discuss the large-scale manufacture of nanomaterials and the possible environmental and health impacts of their widespread use in many practical settings. It is written for graduate students and researchers in various fields, including biomedicine, pharmaceutical industry, energy, environmental science, catalysis, etc.

Mitochondrial Intoxication explores the effects toxic molecules can have upon mitochondrial physiology in the human body. Each chapter is dedicated to a specific toxicant, including pollutants, food additives, illicit and pharmaceutical drugs, and heavy metals. This book considers the implications and impact these have upon mitochondria and the diseases that can result from dysfunction and impairment in the human body. Furthermore, the book provides an overview of mitochondrial physiology and assesses the advances and challenges in testing mitochondrial toxicity. Case studies exploring mitochondrial intoxication in pregnancy and in the geriatric population are also included. This is a comprehensive reference on the main toxicants impacting mitochondria in the human body, and the consequences this can have for health and disease.

Natural Plant Products in Inflammatory Bowel Diseases: Preventive and Therapeutic Potential organizes all evidence to understand which natural products are the first steps of investigation and which have strong evidence of their effects in inflammatory bowel diseases, have been tested in clinical trials, and have received approval to be officially used. In addition to providing information regarding the research with natural products in inflammatory bowel diseases, this reference will also highlight the molecular mechanisms behind the effects of natural products in inflammatory bowel diseases with the aid of figures, video animations and dynamic tables. Compiled from research group members from different parts of the world and specialized in inflammatory bowel diseases and related topics, this important reference will be useful to health professionals, researchers, professors, and industry managers as it provides helpful information on the subject, with the potential to inspire health care, relevant research and product innovation.

Encyclopedia of Cell Biology, Second Edition, a Six Volume Set, has established itself as a fundamental reference work, providing broad coverage of the field in four main sections (Molecular, Organizational, Functional, Translational and Pathological Aspects of Cell Biology). This second edition revisits and expands each section, with entries on topics not covered in the first edition, including Crispr. The whole work is updated, providing greater coverage of specialized cell function and translational applications, and putting greater emphasis on these topics in graduate/medical teaching. New overview chapters and subsections provide a simplified cell biology text that can be used by instructors. The new version includes a standard template for each chapter, making the content easier to navigate, as well as inserts and graphics which provide summaries of key points in each chapter.

Plant RNA Viruses: Molecular Pathogenesis and Management provides wide-ranging coverage on the recognition and signaling events between plants and RNA viruses. The book examines the molecular biology of signaling, host-virus interaction, RNA virus diversity, and how plants and cellular pathogens interact. Sections cover Virus Diversity and Diagnosis, Virus-Host Interactions and Virus Management. Specific chapters discuss classification and nomenclature of viruses, detail the molecular characteristics of viral genomes, highlight the viral manipulation of cellular key regulatory systems for successful virus infection, and discuss the movement of plant viruses into plant cells. Additional topics include RNA plant viruses and host interaction, detection and diversity of plant RNA viruses, and strategies for combating and management of plant viruses. With contributions from an international group of experts, the book is a comprehensive reference for those in research, academia, industry and anybody engaging in the study of plant viruses at the molecular level.

RNA Methodologies: A Laboratory Guide for Isolation and Characterization, Sixth Edition provides the most up-to-date ribonucleic acid lab techniques for seasoned scientists and graduate students alike. This edition features new material on RNA sequencing, RNA in Situ Hybridization, non-coding RNAs, computational RNA biology, transcriptomes and bioinformatics, along with the latest advances in methods and protocols across the field of RNA investigation. As a leader in the field, Dr. Farrell provides a wealth of knowledge on the topic of RNA biology while also giving readers helpful hints and troubleshooting techniques from his own personal experience in this subject area. This book presents the essential knowledge and techniques to use when working with RNA for the experienced practitioner, while also aiding the beginner in fully understanding this important branch of molecular biology.