Nanotechnology for Rural Development is designed to present nanotechnology-based solutions to the challenges faced by rural populations, particularly in underdeveloped and developing countries. The book focuses on agriculture, biomass management, food processing and water management, in terms of its purification and decontamination. The treatment of wastewater and the harnessing of renewable energy are also covered. In addition, the book deals with the application of nanotechnology in the areas of consumer goods, such as textiles, ceramics, food processing and packaging, and other related spheres. The book provides information on the green synthesis of nanomaterials, using prevalent natural resources and their applications for textiles, ceramics, portiere, and food packaging. It also addresses low-cost solutions using materials such as biomass waste for water purification and decontamination. For example, lignocellulosic biomass can be converted into nutrient adsorbents, energy, fuel and storage. Above all, it protects agriculture crops from insects and other pests, and produces quality products in high yields. This volume offers insight into the intricacies of the problems faced by large populations living in rural areas, particularly in underdeveloped and developing countries. It also discusses the natural renewable resources available locally and how nanotechnology can best use them to increase the quality and yield of agricultural products, as well as how to engage the population, specifically women, in gainful productive activities.

Blockchain was first conceptualized as a method of building trust in machines and has grown into a vital aspect of many different sectors of the economy. Recently, attention has shifted to the field of autonomous vehicles, and the added value blockchain can provide for the future of this sector by building next generation secure decentralized, distributed, and trusted automated environments and enhancing the productivity of several autonomous applications. Opportunities and Challenges for Blockchain Technology in Autonomous Vehicles is a critical reference source that explores the applications of blockchain in automated industries. Featuring coverage on a wide range of topics including privacy, risk assessment, and performance optimization, this book is ideally designed for design engineers, industry professionals, cryptographers, service designers, entrepreneurs, government officials, consultants, researchers, academicians, and students.

Biomedical Applications of Microfluidic Devices introduces the subject of microfluidics and covers the basic principles of design and synthesis of actual microchannels. The book then explores how the devices are coupled to signal read-outs and calibrated, including applications of microfluidics in areas such as tissue engineering, organ-on-a-chip devices, pathogen identification, and drug/gene delivery. This book covers high-impact fields (microarrays, organ-on-a-chip, pathogen detection, cancer research, drug delivery systems, gene delivery, and tissue engineering) and shows how microfluidics is playing a key role in these areas, which are big drivers in biomedical engineering research. This book addresses the fundamental concepts and fabrication methods of microfluidic systems for those who want to start working in the area or who want to learn about the latest advances being made. The subjects covered are also an asset to companies working in this field that need to understand the current state-of-the-art. The book is ideal for courses on microfluidics, biosensors, drug targeting, and BioMEMs, and as a reference for PhD students. The book covers the emerging and most promising areas of biomedical applications of microfluidic devices in a single place and offers a vision of the future.