Bioconjugated Materials Part 2, Volume 103 in the Comprehensive Analytical Chemistry series, highlights new advances in the field, with this new volume presenting interesting chapters on bioconjugated materials. Each chapter is written by an international board of authors.

Smart Nanomaterials for Bioencapsulation focuses on the fundamentals, synthesis methods and matrix design for the encapsulation of drugs, drug release, food and nutraceuticals, mechanisms of nano- encapsulated drugs on liposomes, micelles, silica composites, carbon nanotubes, dendrimers, and protein inorganic nanohybrids. Providing detailed information on the encapsulation of food and drug derivatives, the book helps create new and modern approaches for both pharmaceutical and nutritional science. The target delivery of pharmacological agents, as well as food additives under various conditions is covered, including sections on systemic release of drug molecules, minimum loss at non-target sites, the accumulation of diseased tissue or organs, and more. Smart nanomaterial-based nanocarriers protect the loaded molecules from premature degradation in the biological environment and enhance bioavailability for cellular uptake. The tuned properties of smart nanomaterials, such as porosity, pore-volume, surface area-to-volume ratio, coating with inert and labile materials, and more help determine the in vivo performance of the bioencapsulated food and drug derivatives.

Diagnostic, Prognostic and Therapeutic Role of MicroRNAs in Head and Neck Cancer provides detailed information on various miRNA-based approaches for the diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of HNSCC. The book encompasses various miRNA-based point-of-care diagnostics and drug delivery systems for HNSCC, along with information on clinical trials for improved clinical outcomes in HNSCC patients. In addition, it provides a comprehensive overview of currently available miRNAs associated with HNSCC and their extensive application for early diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment. Scientists and clinicians looking to win the battle against HNSCC will benefit from the book's sections on early diagnosis to improve treatment, increase treatment response rates, and reduce mortality rates. Recently, miRNA-based diagnostics and therapeutics have gained considerable attention among the scientific community. MiRNAs are known to have great potential as biomarkers for early diagnosis, prediction, and prognosis of HNSCC, and play a role in development of targeted gene therapy.

Nanomaterials for Electrocatalysis provides an overview of the different types of nanomaterials, design principles and synthesis protocols used for electrocatalytic reactions. The book is divided into four parts that thoroughly describe basic principles and fundamental of electrocatalysis, different types of nanomaterials used, and their electrocatalytic applications, limitations and future perspectives. As electrochemical systems containing nanomaterials, with relevance to experimental situation, yield better results, this book highlights new information and findings.

Nanotechnology in Paper and Wood Engineering: Fundamentals, Challenges and Applications describes recent advances made in the use of nanotechnology in the paper and pulp industry. Various types of nano-additives commonly used in the paper industry for modification of raw material to enhance final products are included, with other sections covering the imaging applications of nano-papers and nano-woods in pharmaceuticals, biocatalysis, photocatalysis and energy storage. This book is an important reference source for materials scientists and engineers who are looking to understand how nanotechnology is being used to create more efficient manufacturing processes in for the paper and wood industries.

CAC series highlights new advances in the field. This Volume 94 presents interesting chapters on the recent advances in the role of nanoparticles in plant biotechnology. Each chapter is written by international experts in the respective fields.

Nanosensors for Smart Agriculture covers new breakthroughs in smart agriculture, highlighting new technologies, such as the internet of things, big data and artificial intelligence. In addition, the book provides the many advantages of nanosensors over their micro counterparts, such as lower power consumption, higher sensitivity, lower concentration of analytes, and smaller interaction distances between the object and sensor. Sections provide information on fundamental design concepts and emerging applications of nanosensors in smart agriculture. The book highlights how, when cultivating soil, nanosensors and their wireless networks can be used for soil quality monitoring (moisture/herbicides/organic compound/trace metals monitoring in soil, etc. Other applications cover how smart nanosensors can be used for virus detection and hygiene/pathogen controls in livestocks, their use as active transport tracking devices for smart tracking and tracing, and other various applications, such as (i) nanochips for identity (radio frequency identification), (ii) food inspection, (iii) intelligent food packaging, and (iv) smart storage. This is an important reference source for materials scientists and agricultural engineers who are looking to understand more about how nanosensor technology can be used to create more efficient and sustainable agricultural systems.

Biopolymeric Nanomaterials: Fundamentals and Applications outlines the fundamental design concepts and emerging applications of biopolymeric nanomaterials. The book also provides information on emerging applications of biopolymeric nanomaterials, including in biomedicine, manufacturing and water purification, as well as assessing their physical, chemical and biological properties. This is an important reference source for materials scientists, engineers and biomedical scientists who are seeking to increase their understanding of how polymeric nanomaterials are being used for a range of biomedical and industrial applications. Biopolymeric nanomaterials refer to biocompatible nanomaterials, consisting of biopolymers, such as protein (silk, collagen, gelatin, ss-casein, zein, and albumin), protein-mimicked polypeptides and polysaccharides (chitosan, alginate, pullulan, starch, and heparin). Biopolymeric nanomaterials may be used as i) delivery systems for bioactive compounds in food application, (ii) for delivery of therapeutic molecules (drugs and genes), or for (iii) tissue engineering.

Nanomaterials for Biocatalysis explains the fundamental design concepts and emerging applications of nanoscale biocatalysts, such as bioconversions, bioelectronics, biosensors, biocomputing and therapeutic applications. Nano-biocatalysts refers to the incorporation of enzymes into nanomaterials. These enzyme-enhanced nanocarriers have many advantages, including low mass transfer limitation, high enzyme capacity, better stabilization, and the formation of single-enzyme nanoparticles. Smart nanocontainers have been developed for the smart release of their embedded active substances. These smart releases can be obtained by using smart coatings as their outer nanoshells. In addition, these nanocontainers could protect the enzymes from chemical or metabolic alterations on their delivering pathways towards the target. This is an important reference source for materials scientists and chemical engineers who want to know more about how nanomaterials are being used for biocatalysis applications.

The depletion of fossil fuels is a major issue in energy generation; hence, biomass and renewable energy sources, especially bioenergy, are the solution. The dependence on bioenergy has many benefits to mitigate environmental pollution. It is imperative that the global society adopts these alternative, sustainable energy sources in order to mitigate the constant growth of climate change. Biomass and Bioenergy Solutions for Climate Change Mitigation and Sustainability highlights the challenges of energy conservation and current scenarios of existing fossil fuel uses along with pollution potential of burning fossil fuel. It further promotes the inventory, assessment, and use of biomass, pollution control, and techniques. This book provides the solution for climate change, mitigation, and sustainability. Covering topics such as biofuel policies, economic considerations, and microalgae biofuels, this premier reference source is an essential resource for environmental scientists, environmental engineers, government officials, business leaders, politicians, librarians, students and faculty of higher education, researchers, and academicians.

Improving Cereal Productivity through Climate Smart Practices is based on the presentations of the 4th International Group Meeting on "Wheat productivity enhancement through climate smart practices," and moves beyond the presentations to provide additional depth and breadth on this important topic. Focused specifically on wheat, and with chapters contributed by globally renowned pioneers in the field of cereal science, the book helps readers understand climate change and its effects on different aspects of wheat production in different parts of the world. This book will be important for those in research and industry seeking to contribute to the effective feeding of the world's population.

In recent years, epidemiological studies have shown a significant increase of incidences regarding ulcerative colitis (UC) in most regions of the world. At present, a common therapeutic modality for inflammatory bowel disorders is the use of anti-inflammatory agents, including sulfasalazine and acetylsalicylic acid, steroid hormone, and other immunosuppressive agents. Most of these treatments are symptomatic and palliative because the etiology of the disease is not yet established. As a result of no proper drug available to treat UC, patients with UC are at a high risk of developing colitis-associated cancer (CAC). It is necessary to understand the genetic and molecular mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of UC and CAC that lead to the path of new drug discoveries. Diagnostic and Treatment Methods for Ulcerative Colitis and Colitis-Associated Cancer provides innovative insights that describe the fundamental understanding of UC and CAC and the molecular mechanisms behind the etiology as well as modern diagnostic methods that are employed in UC and CAC. Current prevention and therapeutic strategies practiced in the pre-clinical level are also discussed. The content within this publication examines alternative medicine and dietary intervention and drug delivery techniques. It is designed for healthcare professionals, physicians, academicians, researchers, R&D organizations, and medical students involved in drug discovery and clinical and therapeutic research.

Many natural products are known to have health-promoting pharmaceutical activities. For example, capsaicin, curcumin, epigallocatechin, resveratrol, and quercetin have been reported to possess anti-inflammatory activity. Additionally, bioactive agents such as flavonoids, alkaloids, and terpenoids have shown a protective effect against diseases such as cancer, liver diseases, cardiovascular diseases, neurological disorders, diabetes mellitus, and more. Pharmacological Benefits of Natural Agents compiles the beneficial effects of bioactive natural agents with reference to many disease conditions and considers the challenges and future directions for their use. Covering key topics such as cancer, pharmaceutical activities, bioactive compounds, and treatments, this reference work is ideal for medical professionals, pharmacists, biologists, policymakers, researchers, scholars, practitioners, academicians, instructors, and students.

Many chemotherapeutic agents are available in today's market that are highly effective against a variety of cancer types; however, the major drawbacks of these chemotherapeutic agents are the many side effects. As an alternative to these chemotherapeutic agents, there are a number of natural agents that are effective against cancer that have been tested in preclinical and clinical models over the years. These natural products must be documented and discussed in order to provide a thorough overview of all the options available for cancer treatment. The Handbook of Research on Natural Products and Their Bioactive Compounds as Cancer Therapeutics emphasizes the list of natural agents against all types of cancers and discusses the current state of research in the fields of natural products and their derivatives against cancer in preclinical and clinical models. This book also provides insight into the applications of meditation and mindfulness-based interventions in clinical and non-clinical conditions. Covering topics such as cancer therapy, antioxidants, and flavonoids, it is ideal for students, research scholars, academicians, professors, scientists, oncologists, doctors, and medical practitioners.

Analysis, Fate, and Toxicity of Engineered Nanomaterials in Plants, Volume 84 in the Comprehensive Analytical Chemistry series, highlights new advances in the field, with this new volume presenting interesting chapters on the Current status of environmental monitoring, Physical principles of infrared, Chemical principles of infrared, Instrumentation and hardware, Data analysis, Sampling, Applications in water, Application in soil and sediments, Applications in ecology of animals and plants, Applications in air monitoring, Applications in contamination, Applications in marine environments, Advantages and pitfalls, and more.

The implementation of wireless sensor networks has wide-ranging applications for monitoring various physical and environmental settings. However, certain limitations with these technologies must be addressed in order to effectively utilize them. The Handbook of Research on Advanced Wireless Sensor Network Applications, Protocols, and Architectures is a pivotal reference source for the latest research on recent innovations and developments in the field of wireless sensors. Examining the advantages and challenges presented by the application of these networks in various areas, this book is ideally designed for academics, researchers, students, and IT developers.

In today's modern society, to reduce the carbon dioxide gas emission from motor vehicles and to save mother nature, electric vehicles are becoming more practical. As more people begin to see the benefits of this technology, further study on the challenges and best practices is required. The Handbook of Research on Battery Management Systems and Routing Problems in Electric Vehicles focuses on the integration of renewable energy sources with the existing grid, introduces a power exchange scenario in the prevailing power market, considers the use of the electric vehicle market for creating cleaner and transformative energy, and optimizes the control variables with artificial intelligence techniques. Covering key topics such as artificial intelligence, smart grids, and sustainable development, this major reference work is ideal for government officials, industry professionals, policymakers, researchers, scholars, practitioners, academicians, instructors, and students.

The Meghaduta of Kalidasa, taken to be a lyrical gem on its discovery in the West, continues to be a classic. Contrary to the opinion in India which lauds this text as the culmination of a poetic use of words for their music in a conventional sense, the poem can now be taken to be a wonderful amalgamation of the use of the hard and the soft words in a use of diction and phraseology. It is, however, in the picturesque quality of his images apprehended in wonderful structural design that the poem comes to achieve its unequalled unity of effect. Born of the compelling impact of a single mood captured variously in both the sections of the poem, this work of art remains distinguished for ever for readers down the ages to the present. As simple prose translations of the poem fail to approximate its effect for obvious reasons, an attempt has been made here to apprehend something of the beauty of the poem in Sanskrit in a translation into English in vers libre. Such an attempt, it is hoped, comes half way to meet the expectations of the modern reader of poetry, who does not know Sanskrit in particular, to lead him to respond to one of the most beautiful poems ever written. It may augment further authentic response to a classic in our study of literature in the global context as well.

This book examines the commercial role of various microbial polysaccharides and recent advances in their production. Offering an overview of the physiological role, biosynthetic pathways and regulatory mechanisms, it also explores the current challenges regarding bioprocessing for the production of polysaccharides.

Nuclear isomers are the long-lived excited states of nuclei. Therefore, they constitute the meta-stable landscape of nuclei. The first isomer was probably identified as early as 1921. Since then, the number of isomers has been growing steadily picking up pace in recent times. Interest in nuclear isomers has grown in recent years for many reasons. The experimental capabilities to observe isomers have been expanding to cover a wider time scale. This has opened up new windows to observe and decipher the underlying nuclear structure and interactions. Further, the isomers are beginning to be seen as potential energy storage devices and nuclear clocks with a host of applications. Possible discovery of a gamma ray laser has also ignited many researches in this area. Isomers now cover the full nuclear landscape with structural peculiarities specific to each region of the nuclear chart. Exploring the nuclear isomers, therefore, provides a novel insight into the nuclear structure properties of that region. There could be many different reasons for the long lives of excited nuclear states, which lead to the classification of isomers. Isomers are broadly classified in to four classes: Spin isomers, shape isomers, fission isomers and K-isomers. Seniority isomers have also been identified which are often clubbed with the spin isomers. We discuss this classification and the underlying causes in detail. Many examples are considered to highlight the large variety of isomers. The range of half-lives covered by the isomers varies from billions of years to nano-seconds and even small. To understand this vast variation is a fascinating endeavor in itself. The angular momentum couplings, nuclear shapes, pairing etc. conspire together to give this vast range of half-lives. We go through these aspects in detail, highlighting the various selection rules at work. It is interesting that the nuclear shapes play an important role in many types of isomers. The spin isomers, which occur in spherical or, near-spherical nuclei, are generally confined to the magic numbers. Seniority isomers are largely found in semi-magic nuclei and should be explored in conjunction with the spin isomers. New developments in seniority and generalized seniority isomers are discussed in detail. As the nuclei deform; the nature of isomers changes. We take a close look into the decay properties of isomers in deformed nuclei, particularly the K isomers, the shape isomers and the fission isomers. While doing so, the theoretical and experimental developments of isomers are also addressed. A number of open questions are posed for possible new experiments and better understanding of the isomers.