Nanotechnology in Human Health: Current Research and Future Trends details the various challenges faced in human healthcare settings and how nanotechnology can be used to target and improve outcomes. The book describes the application of nanoparticles in the diagnosis of human diseases, including metabolic diseases, cancer, bacterial infection, organ degeneration and the various targeted, nano-based treatments available. Several chapters look at how microbial biofilms - a key clinical concern - can be mitigated using nanomaterials and nanotechnology. In addition, the book covers how different nanoparticle types can be utilized as therapeutic agents. This book combines materials science concepts and techniques with clinical insights and understanding to provide an interdisciplinary reference for materials scientists, microbiologists, biomedical engineers and clinicians with an interest in nanotechnology.

Every bit of information that circulates the internet across the globe is a pulse of light, that at some point will need to be converted to an electric signal in order to be processed by the electronic circuitry in our data centers, computers, and cell phones. Photodetectors (PD's) perform this conversion with ultra high speed and efficiency, in addition to being ubiquitously present in many other devices ranging from the mundane TV remote controls, to ultra high resolution instrumentation used in Laser Interferometer Gravitational Wave Observatory (LIGO) that reach the edge of the universe and measure gravitational waves. The second edition of "Photodetectors" fully updates the popular first edition with updated information covering the state-of-the-art in modern photodetectors. The 2nd edition starts with basic metrology of photodetectors and common figures-of-merit to compare various devices. It follows with chapters that discuss single-photon detection with Avalanche Photodiodes; organic photodetectors that can be inkjet printed; and silicon-germanium PDs popular in burgeoning field of Silicon Photonics. Internationally recognized experts contribute chapters on one-dimensional, nanowire, PDs as well as high speed zero-dimensional, quantum dot, versions that increase the spectral span as well as speed and sensitivity of PDs and can be produced on various substrates. Solar-blind PDs that operate in harsh environments such as deep space, or rocket engines, are reviewed and new devices in GaN technology . Novel Plasmonic PDs, as well as devices which employ micro-plasma of confined charge in order to make devices that overcome speed limitation of transfer of electronic charge, are covered in other chapters. Using different, novel technologies, CMOS compatible devices are described in two chapters, and ultra high speed PDs that use low-temperature-grown GaAs (LT-GaAs) to detect fast THz signals are reviewed in another chapter. Photodetectors used in application areas of Silicon-Photonics and Microwave-Photonics are reviewed in final chapters of this book. All chapters are of a review nature, providing a perspective of the field before concentrating on particular advancements. As such, the book should appeal to a wide audience that ranges from those with general interest in the topic, to practitioners, graduate students and experts who are interested in the state-of-the-art in photodetection.

Management and Engineering of Critical Infrastructures focuses on two important aspects of CIS, management and engineering. The book provides an ontological foundation for the models and methods needed to design a set of systems, networks and assets that are essential for a society's functioning, and for ensuring the security, safety and economy of a nation. Various examples in agriculture, the water supply, public health, transportation, security services, electricity generation, telecommunication, and financial services can be used to substantiate dangers. Disruptions of CIS can have serious cascading consequences that would stop society from functioning properly and result in loss of life. Malicious software (a.k.a., malware), for example, can disrupt the distribution of electricity across a region, which in turn can lead to the forced shutdown of communication, health and financial sectors. Subsequently, proper engineering and management are important to anticipate possible risks and threats and provide resilient CIS. Although the problem of CIS has been broadly acknowledged and discussed, to date, no unifying theory nor systematic design methods, techniques and tools exist for such CIS.

Nanotechnology in Agriculture and Agroecosystems presents the latest research on the role of nanotechnology in agriculture and agroecosystems, offering innovations and many potential benefits in terms of plant growth, food production, crop protection and ecosystem management. Sections introduce new perspectives on the use of nanotechnology in agroecosystems and sustainable agriculture. Subsequent chapters focus on specific areas of innovation, covering a wide range of applications, including plant disease and protection, food processing and packaging, soil quality, precision farming, and groundwater treatment. This is a valuable resource for researchers and advanced students across a range of disciplines, but it is also ideal for industrial scientists, engineers and R&D professionals with an interest in nanotechnology and sustainable technologies for agriculture and agro-industries.

Nano-scale materials have unique electronic, optical, and chemical properties that make them attractive for a new generation of devices. In the second edition of Modeling, Characterization, and Production of Nanomaterials: Electronics, Photonics, and Energy Applications, leading experts review the latest advances in research in the understanding, prediction, and methods of production of current and emerging nanomaterials for key applications. The chapters in the first half of the book cover applications of different modeling techniques, such as Green's function-based multiscale modeling and density functional theory, to simulate nanomaterials and their structures, properties, and devices. The chapters in the second half describe the characterization of nanomaterials using advanced material characterization techniques, such as high-resolution electron microscopy, near-field scanning microwave microscopy, confocal micro-Raman spectroscopy, thermal analysis of nanoparticles, and applications of nanomaterials in areas such as electronics, solar energy, catalysis, and sensing. The second edition includes emerging relevant nanomaterials, applications, and updated modeling and characterization techniques and new understanding of nanomaterials.

Urban and Regional Agriculture: Building Resilient Food Systems explores the sustainable integration of food provision, distribution and consumption through urban farms, agricultural systems, user communities and structural facilities designed to optimize food production and consumption. The book addresses the fundamental and pressing challenges of urban planning problems, waste minimization, food sourcing, access and equity issues, and multiple land use optimization. Sections cover the need and opportunities of urban agriculture, discuss tradition and transition, space and regulatory topics, explore the range of urban agriculture options (aquaculture to urban permaculture), discuss support structures and constructs of physically creating urban agricultural areas, and much more. Edited and authored by leading experts in the field, this volume will be valuable for those working to address issues of food security in urban environments.

Towards 4D Printing presents the current state of three-dimensional (3D) bioprinting and its recent offspring, 4D bioprinting. These are attractive approaches to tissue engineering because they hold the promise of building bulky tissue constructs with incorporated vasculature. Starting with the discussion of 3D and 4D printing of inanimate objects, the book presents several 3D bioprinting techniques and points out the challenges imposed by living cells on the bioprinting process. It argues that, in order to fine-tune the bioprinter, one needs a quantitative analysis of the conditions experienced by cells during printing. Once the printing is over, the construct evolves according to mechanisms known from developmental biology. These are described in the book along with computer simulations that aim to predict the outcome of 3D bioprinting. In addition, the book provides the latest information on the principles and applications of 4D bioprinting, such as for medical devices and assistive technology. The last chapter discusses the perspectives of the field. This book provides an up-to date description of the theoretical tools developed for the optimization of 3D bioprinting, presents the morphogenetic mechanisms responsible for the post-printing evolution of the bioprinted construct and describing computational methods for simulating this evolution, and discusses the leap from 3D to 4D bioprinting in the light of the latest developments in the field. Most importantly, Towards 4D Printing explains the importance of theoretical modeling for the progress of 3D and 4D bioprinting.

Applications of Nanotechnology in Drug Discovery and Delivery, in the Drug Discovery Update series, presents complete coverage of the application of nanotechnology in the discovery of new drugs and efficient target delivery of drugs. The book highlights recent advances of nanotechnology applications in the biomedical sciences, starting with chapters that provide the basics of nanotechnology, nanoparticles and nanocarriers. Part II deals with the application of nanotechnology in drug discovery, with an emphasis on enhanced delivery of pharmaceutical products, with Part III discussing toxicological and safety issues arising from the use of nanomaterials. This book brings together a global team of experts, making it an essential resource for researchers, drug developers, medicinal chemists, toxicologists and analytical chemists.

Microfluidic Biosensors provides a comprehensive overview of the most recent and emerging technologies in the design, fabrication and integration of microfluidics with transducers. The book discusses the design and principle of microfluidic systems and how to use them for lab-on-a-chip applications. The microfluidic fabrication technologies covered in this book provide an up-to-date view, allowing the community to think of new ways to overcome challenges faced in this field. The book's focus is on existing and emerging technologies not currently being analyzed extensively elsewhere, thus providing a unique perspective and much needed content. The editors have crafted this book to be accessible to all levels of academics, from graduate students, researchers and professors working in the fields of biosensors, microfluidics design, analytical chemistry, biomedical devices and biomedical engineering. It will also be useful for industry professionals working for microfluidic device manufacturers, or in the biosensor and biomedical devices industry.

Engineered Nanomaterials for Sustainable Agricultural Production, Soil Improvement and Stress Management highlights the latest advances in applying this important technology within agriculture sectors for sustainable growth, production and protection. The book explores various smart engineered nanomaterials which are now being used as an important tool for improving growth and productivity of crops facing abiotic stresses, improving the health of the soil in which those crops are growing, and addressing stresses once the plant begins to produce food yield. The book includes insights into the use of nanoparticles as bactericides, fungicides and nanofertilizers. In addition, the book includes an international representation of authors who have crafted chapters with clarity, reviewing up-to-date literature with lucid illustrations. It will be an important resource for researchers, nanobiotechnologists, agriculturists and horticulturists who need a comprehensive reference guide.

Biosensors for Emerging and Re-Emerging Infectious Diseases provides a review of how cornerstone optical, electronic, nanomaterial and data processing technologies can address detection issues occurring in a pandemic event. This book gives insights into the fundamental physical, chemical and biological mechanisms needed for such a type of detection. The content covers potential biomarkers which can be used for the infectious disease diagnostic, helping readers find the appropriate approach for the diagnosis of infectious diseases. It presents a novel approach to transferring the sensing platform from lab to application in clinics and to point of care detection. The book then moves on to discuss the function and efficiency of the biosensing platform in early diagnosis of infectious diseases compared to the standard methods. The required time, the technician skills and the steps which must be performed are other key factors of the biosensing platform which are well explained.

Emerging Nanomaterials and Nano-based Drug Delivery Approaches to Combat Antimicrobial Resistance focuses on recent and emerging trends surrounding nanomaterials and nano-drug delivery approaches to combat antimicrobial resistance. The relationship between nanomaterials and antimicrobial activity needs to be deeply explored to meet the challenges of combating antimicrobial resistance. The content of this book is divided into three main topic areas, including (i) how to overcome the existing traditional approaches to combat antimicrobial resistance, (ii) applying multiple drug delivery mechanisms to target multi-drug resistant microbes, and (iii) how nanomaterials can be used as drug carriers. This is an important reference source for those looking to understand how nanotechnology plays an important role in combatting disease and infection. As antimicrobial resistance threatens the effective prevention and treatment of an ever-increasing range of infections caused by bacteria, parasites, viruses, and fungi, this is a timely resource.

Intelligent Edge Computing for Cyber Physical Applications introduces state-of-the-art research methodologies, tools and techniques, challenges, and solutions with further research opportunities in the area of edge-based cyber-physical systems. The book presents a comprehensive review of recent literature and analysis of different techniques for building edge-based CPS. In addition, it describes how edge-based CPS can be built to seamlessly interact with physical machines for optimal performance, covering various aspects of edge computing architectures for dynamic resource provisioning, mobile edge computing, energy saving scenarios, and different security issues. Sections feature practical use cases of edge-computing which will help readers understand the workings of edge-based systems in detail, taking into account the need to present intellectual challenges while appealing to a broad readership, including academic researchers, practicing engineers and managers, and graduate students.