This book compiles research findings directly related to sustainable and economic waste management and resource recovery. Mining wastes and municipal, urban, domestic, industrial and agricultural wastes and effluents-which contain persistent organic contaminants, nanoparticle organic chemicals, nutrients, energy, organic materials, heavy metal, rare earth elements, iron, steel, bauxite, coal and other valuable materials-are significantly responsible for environmental contamination. These low-tenor raw materials, if recycled, can significantly address the demand-supply chain mismatch and process sustainability as a whole while simultaneously decreasing their impacts on human life and biodiversity. This book summarises the large volume of current research in the realm of waste management and resource recovery, which has led to innovation and commercialisation of sustainable and economic waste management for improved environmental safety and improved economics. Key Features: Reviews the key research findings related to sustainable and economic resource recovery and waste management techniques Discusses minimizing waste materials and environmental contaminants with a focus on recovering valuable resources from wastes Examines the potential uses of mining waste in the re-extraction of metals, provision of fuel for power plants, and as a supply of other valuable materials for utilisation/processing Presents research on recycling of municipal, urban, domestic, industrial and agricultural wastes and wastewater in the production and recovery of energy, biogas, fertilizers, organic materials and nutrients Outlines topical research interests resulting in patents and inventions for sustainable and economic waste management techniques and environmental safety

This book focuses on the pros and cons of amendment materials to restore the functioning of soil resources. It presents a holistic overview on affected land revitalization, clean up and revegetation using these amendments that could be implemented in the long term management of the soil-plant-atmosphereanimal continuum.

The regulation of pornography has always been a contentious issue, which has sparked wide-ranging debates surrounding the acceptability and place of pornography in society. The use of the internet to distribute and access pornography has magnified this debate and has presented a number of challenges for the law in terms of effective and proportionate regulation. Following unsuccessful attempts by states to transpose traditional laws to cyberspace, a new and radical regulatory framework eventually evolved for regulating internet pornography. In this process, the focus of the law has changed from merely controlling the publication and distribution of obscene material to a model that aims to deter private consumption of illegal content. In addition, various self- and co-regulatory initiatives have been introduced with the involvement of non-state actors, imposing a certain degree of de facto liability on intermediaries, all of which raise interesting issues. This book examines the relevant regulatory responses to internet pornography, with particular reference to the UK, but also drawing comparisons with other countries where relevant. It argues that the internet has fundamentally, and in many ways irreversibly, changed the regulation of pornography. Classifying internet pornography into three broad categories - child pornography, extreme pornography, and adult pornography - the book provides an in-depth analysis of the legal issues involved in regulating internet pornography, and argues that the notions of obscenity and indecency on their own will not provide an adequate basis for regulating online pornography. The book identifies the legitimising factors that will lend credibility and normative force to the law in order to successfully regulate pornography in cyberspace. It is the only comprehensive text that rigorously addresses the regulation of internet pornography as a whole, and offers valuable insights that will appeal to academics, students, policy makers, and those working in the areas of broader internet governance and online child protection.

This book reviews the knowledge, methods and available techniques in the rapidly advancing field of virus based vaccines and gene therapeutics. It also highlights new innovative tools and interdisciplinary techniques for bioprocess development and analytics of viruses and viral vectors. As such, it provides a timely and highly relevant resource, since current advances in pharmaceutical research have seen the rise of vaccines and advanced therapeutics and medicinal products (ATMPs), that rely on the power of viruses. However, developing bioprocesses and analytics required to create this often called “magic bullet� (i.e. gene therapy) remains an extremely challenging and costly task. This book offers strategies for overcoming hurdles and difficulties within in all the necessary steps of viral vector development - from scalability to purification methods and quality control. The book is intended for researchers working in academia or industry, as well as graduate students pursuing a career in virology.

Microbiology for Minerals, Metals, Materials and the Environment links chemical, metallurgical, and other metal inherent systems with microbes, and analyzes the interdependence between them. Specifically intended to underscore the importance of microbes in environmental remediation in the mining industries, this text offers a basic and conceptual understanding of the role of microbes, and provides an extensive exploration of microbiology and metals. Each chapter is written by experts from research, industry and academia. The authors expand on the whole scale of microbiology applications relevant to minerals, metal, material, and environment. They elicit the applications of microbes for metal extraction (including mechanisms and methods) from primary ores/minerals and mining wastes, biomining and related concepts of microbial diversity and various operations, and molecular biology of microbes involved in such systems (extremophiles). They also address in detail biohydrometallurgy, biomineralisation, bioleaching, biobeneficiation, biosynthesis, and bioremediation and other related areas. This book: Includes bacterial leaching, hybrid leaching, and biosynthesis related to different metals Covers recent developments in alternative procedures with the use of extremophiles and leaching bacteria Explains the imperative importance of bacteria in minerals and metals sector Addresses microbial interventions for waste cleanup and upgradation of minerals Compares existing processes with the new ones to elicit their importance Provides case studies on all respective topics by eminent researchers A resource for researchers, graduate students, and industry professionals involved in chemical/mining/metallurgical engineering/environmental science/microbiology, Microbiology for Minerals, Metals, Materials and the Environment skillfully explains the symbiotic relationship between microbiology and minerals-metals-materials, and utilizes experts from across the globe.

This compilation has been designed to provide a comprehensive source of theoretical and practical update for scientists working in the broad field of soil science. The book explores all possible mechanisms and means to improve nutrient use efficiencies involving developing and testing of nanofertilizers, developing consortia based microbial formulations for mobilization of soil nutrients, and engineering of nutrient efficient crops using molecular biology and biotechnological tools. This is an all-inclusive collection of information about soil science. This book is of interest to teachers, researchers, soil scientists, capacity builders and policymakers. Also the book serves as additional reading material for undergraduate and graduate students of soil science, quantitative ecology, earth sciences, GIS and geodetic sciences, as well as geologists, geomorphologists, hydrologists and landscape ecology. National and international agriculture and soil scientists, policy makers will also find this to be a useful read.

This compilation has been designed to provide a comprehensive source of theoretical and practical update for scientists working in the broad field of soil science. The book explores all possible mechanisms and means to improve nutrient use efficiencies involving developing and testing of nanofertilizers, developing consortia based microbial formulations for mobilization of soil nutrients, and engineering of nutrient efficient crops using molecular biology and biotechnological tools. This is an all-inclusive collection of information about soil science. This book is of interest to teachers, researchers, soil scientists, capacity builders and policymakers. Also the book serves as additional reading material for undergraduate and graduate students of soil science, quantitative ecology, earth sciences, GIS and geodetic sciences, as well as geologists, geomorphologists, hydrologists and landscape ecology. National and international agriculture and soil scientists, policy makers will also find this to be a useful read.

Gain an in-depth overview of reinforcement learning for autonomous agents in game development with Unity. This book starts with an introduction to state-based reinforcement learning algorithms involving Markov models, Bellman equations, and writing custom C# code with the aim of contrasting value and policy-based functions in reinforcement learning. Then, you will move on to path finding and navigation meshes in Unity, setting up the ML Agents Toolkit (including how to install and set up ML agents from the GitHub repository), and installing fundamental machine learning libraries and frameworks (such as Tensorflow). You will learn about: deep learning and work through an introduction to Tensorflow for writing neural networks (including perceptron, convolution, and LSTM networks), Q learning with Unity ML agents, and porting trained neural network models in Unity through the Python-C# API. You will also explore the OpenAI Gym Environment used throughout the book. Deep Reinforcement Learning in Unity provides a walk-through of the core fundamentals of deep reinforcement learning algorithms, especially variants of the value estimation, advantage, and policy gradient algorithms (including the differences between on and off policy algorithms in reinforcement learning). These core algorithms include actor critic, proximal policy, and deep deterministic policy gradients and its variants. And you will be able to write custom neural networks using the Tensorflow and Keras frameworks. Deep learning in games makes the agents learn how they can perform better and collect their rewards in adverse environments without user interference. The book provides a thorough overview of integrating ML Agents with Unity for deep reinforcement learning. What You Will Learn Understand how deep reinforcement learning works in games Grasp the fundamentals of deep reinforcement learning Integrate these fundamentals with the Unity ML Toolkit SDK Gain insights into practical neural networks for training Agent Brain in the context of Unity ML Agents Create different models and perform hyper-parameter tuning Understand the Brain-Academy architecture in Unity ML Agents Understand the Python-C# API interface during real-time training of neural networks Grasp the fundamentals of generic neural networks and their variants using Tensorflow Create simulations and visualize agents playing games in Unity Who This Book Is For Readers with preliminary programming and game development experience in Unity, and those with experience in Python and a general idea of machine learning

This book is aimed to compile the distribution of rare earth elements in various resources with their processing from secondary resources. It includes details of various processes developed for extraction of rare earth elements from varied raw materials ranging from e-wastes, tailings, process wastes and residues. It emphasizes importance of processing of the secondary resources to assist environmental remediation of such untreated wastes and get finished products. It covers all aspects of rare metals and rare earth metals in one volume covering extraction, separation and recycling of secondary resources for extraction of these metals along with relevant case studies.

Building on the first edition, Psychiatric Consultation in Long-Term Care has been fully revised and updated, integrating DSM-5 classification throughout. It delivers an essential resource for psychiatrists, neurologists, geriatricians, palliative care physicians, primary care physicians, nurse practitioners, pharmacists, and physician assistants involved in prevention, assessment, diagnosis, and management of neuropsychiatric disorders in long-term care (LTC) populations, as well as for nurses, social workers, and other professionals involved in important day-to-day care. The book provides comprehensive descriptions of practical, strengths-based, individualized, psychosocial, spiritual, and environmental approaches, and high-quality mental healthcare utilizing pharmacological interventions when appropriate to improve the emotional and spiritual well-being of LTC residents. It details key elements in creating genuine person-centered long-term care: the reduction of inappropriate medications and counter-therapeutic staff approaches, treating serious psychiatric disorders with evidence-based interventions, and a road-map for owners and administrators of LTC facilities.

Rhizosphere biology is approaching a century of investigations wherein growth-promoting rhizomicroorganisms (PGPR) have attracted special attention for their ability to enhance productivity, profitability and sustainability at a time when food security and rural livelihood are a key priority. Bio-inputs - either directly in the form of microbes or their by-products - are gaining tremendous momentum and harnessing the potential of agriculturally important microorganisms could help in providing low-cost and environmentally safe technologies to farmers.One approach to such biologically-based strategies is the use of naturally occurring products such as PGPR. Advances in PGPR Research explores recent developments and global issues in biopesticide research, presented via extended case studies and up-to-date coverage of: * Low input biofertilizers and biofungicides used for sustainable agriculture. * Molecular techniques to enhance efficacy of microbial inputs. * Intellectual property issues in PGPR research. Written by an international team of experts, this book considers new concepts and global issues in biopesticide research and evaluates the implications for sustainable productivity. It is an invaluable resource for researchers in applied agricultural biotechnology, microbiology and soil science, and also for industry personnel in these areas.

Biopesticide: Volume Two, the latest release in the Advances in Bioinoculant series, provides an updated overview on the active substances utilized in current bioinsecticides, along with information on which of them can be used for integrated pest management programs in agro-ecosystems. The book presents a comprehensive look at the development of novel solutions against new targets, also introducing new technologies that enhance the efficacy of already available active substances. Finally, readers will find insights into the advanced molecular studies on insect microbial community diversity that are opening new frontiers in the development of innovative pest management strategies. This book will be valuable to those prioritizing agro biodiversity management to address optimal productizing and enhanced food security.

This book compiles research findings directly related to sustainable and economic waste management and resource recovery. Mining wastes and municipal, urban, domestic, industrial and agricultural wastes and effluents-which contain persistent organic contaminants, nanoparticle organic chemicals, nutrients, energy, organic materials, heavy metal, rare earth elements, iron, steel, bauxite, coal and other valuable materials-are significantly responsible for environmental contamination. These low-tenor raw materials, if recycled, can significantly address the demand-supply chain mismatch and process sustainability as a whole while simultaneously decreasing their impacts on human life and biodiversity. This book summarises the large volume of current research in the realm of waste management and resource recovery, which has led to innovation and commercialisation of sustainable and economic waste management for improved environmental safety and improved economics. Key Features: Reviews the key research findings related to sustainable and economic resource recovery and waste management techniques Discusses minimizing waste materials and environmental contaminants with a focus on recovering valuable resources from wastes Examines the potential uses of mining waste in the re-extraction of metals, provision of fuel for power plants, and as a supply of other valuable materials for utilisation/processing Presents research on recycling of municipal, urban, domestic, industrial and agricultural wastes and wastewater in the production and recovery of energy, biogas, fertilizers, organic materials and nutrients Outlines topical research interests resulting in patents and inventions for sustainable and economic waste management techniques and environmental safety

Better Understand the Connection between Microbiology and the Inorganic World Microbiology for Minerals, Metals, Materials and the Environment links chemical, metallurgical, and other metal inherent systems with microbes, and analyzes the interdependence between them. Specifically intended to underscore the importance of microbes in environmental remediation in the mining industries, this text offers a basic and conceptual understanding of the role of microbes, and provides an extensive exploration of microbiology and metals. Each chapter is written by experts from research, industry and academia. The authors expand on the whole scale of microbiology applications relevant to minerals, metal, material, and environment. They elicit the applications of microbes for metal extraction (including mechanisms and methods) from primary ores/minerals and mining wastes, biomining and related concepts of microbial diversity and various operations, and molecular biology of microbes involved in such systems (extremophiles). They also address in detail biohydrometallurgy, biomineralisation, bioleaching, biobeneficiation, biosynthesis, and bioremediation and other related areas. This book: Includes bacterial leaching, hybrid leaching, and biosynthesis related to different metals Covers recent developments in alternative procedures with the use of extremophiles and leaching bacteria Explains the imperative importance of bacteria in minerals and metals sector Addresses microbial interventions for waste cleanup and upgradation of minerals Compares existing processes with the new ones to elicit their importance Provides case studies on all respective topics by eminent researchers A resource for researchers, graduate students, and industry professionals involved in chemical/mining/metallurgical engineering/environmental science/microbiology, Microbiology for Minerals, Metals, Materials and the Environment skillfully explains the symbiotic relationship between microbiology and minerals-metals-materials, and utilizes experts from across the globe.

The regulation of pornography has always been a contentious issue, which has sparked wide-ranging debates surrounding the acceptability and place of pornography in society. The use of the internet to distribute and access pornography has magnified this debate and has presented a number of challenges for the law in terms of effective and proportionate regulation. Following unsuccessful attempts by states to transpose traditional laws to cyberspace, a new and radical regulatory framework eventually evolved for regulating internet pornography. In this process, the focus of the law has changed from merely controlling the publication and distribution of obscene material to a model that aims to deter private consumption of illegal content. In addition, various self- and co-regulatory initiatives have been introduced with the involvement of non-state actors, imposing a certain degree of de facto liability on intermediaries, all of which raise interesting issues. This book examines the relevant regulatory responses to internet pornography, with particular reference to the UK, but also drawing comparisons with other countries where relevant. It argues that the internet has fundamentally, and in many ways irreversibly, changed the regulation of pornography. Classifying internet pornography into three broad categories - child pornography, extreme pornography, and adult pornography - the book provides an in-depth analysis of the legal issues involved in regulating internet pornography, and argues that the notions of obscenity and indecency on their own will not provide an adequate basis for regulating online pornography. The book identifies the legitimising factors that will lend credibility and normative force to the law in order to successfully regulate pornography in cyberspace. It is the only comprehensive text that rigorously addresses the regulation of internet pornography as a whole, and offers valuable insights that will appeal to academics, students, policy makers, and those working in the areas of broader internet governance and online child protection.

This issue examines what is a healthy aging brain and covers preventive measures for succesful cognitive aging. Topics covered include: A road map to healthy aging brain; Cardiovascular risk factors, cerebrovascular disease burden and healthy aging brain; Healthy aging brain: Impact of head injury, alcohol and environmental toxins; Healthy aging brain: What has sleep go to do with it?; Endocrine aspects of healthy aging brain; Healthy aging brain: Role of exercise and physically active lifestyle; Healthy aging brain: Role of nutrition and nutritional supplements; Healthy aging brain: Role of cognitive reserve, cognitive stimulation and cognitive exercises; Healthy aging brain: Impact of positive and negative emotions; Dementia risk predictor. Are we there yet?; Potential future neuroprotective therapies for neurodegenerative disorders and stroke; Healthy aging brain: Importance of promoting resilience and creativity.