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Metamaterials have provided applications in spectral ranges covering radio frequencies and ultraviolet. However, most applications have been extrapolated to the visible or near-infrared after being developed at the GHz level. This is due to technological reasons since fabrication of microwave antennas is not as demanding as THz resonators or plasmonic nanostructures. Accordingly, this book has been divided into three parts. In the first part, fundamentals of metamaterials and metadevices are discussed, while describing recent advances in the field. In the second part, the discussion is extended to the different spectral ranges focusing on the strategies for enabling the reconfigurability of metadevices. Given the increasing interest in THz applications, these can be found in the third part.

Scientifically defined in 1880 by the Curie brothers, piezoelectricity - from the Greek piezein, meaning to press (squeeze), and ilektron, meaning amber, a material with electrostatic properties - is a phenomenon with many applications. The related piezoelectric materials have been undergoing a long-lasting evolution over the years until today. The field of organic and inorganic piezoelectric materials is continuously expanding in terms of new substances used, new structures, and new applications. The seven chapters of this book present modern aspects and technological advances in the field of piezoelectric materials and applications. To present a balanced view of the field, some chapters focus on new piezoelectric materials and structures, while others examine interesting applications of piezoelectric sensors, energy harvesters, and actuators.

Over the last 50 years, remarkable developments in the diagnosis and management of aortic valve disease have occurred. This book, Aortic Valve Disease - Recent Advances, addresses several aspects of diagnosis and management of aortic valve disease. It reviews several topics, namely, pathology of the aortic valve and ascending aorta, transcatheter aortic valve replacement techniques, management of aortic stenosis and aortic insufficiency (congenital and acquired) both by catheter-based and surgical techniques, complications associated with these procedures including the use of cerebral embolic protection devices, management of aortic valve disease in patients who also have atrial fibrillation, surgical therapy of bicuspid aortic valve syndrome, and patient perspective.

The design and operation of different supply chains and logistics networks is a significant part of today¿s economy. Production and service companies and logistics service providers must improve their systems and processes to strengthen the value chain and support cost efficiency, availability, flexibility, efficiency, sustainability, and transparency. This book offers a selection of chapters that explain the different aspects of the design and operation of supply chain solutions. The book is designed to help students at all levels as well as managers and researchers to understand and appreciate the concept, design, and implementation of supply chain solutions.

Technological advancements in drug discovery for health and nutrition are improving human health but may lead to drug resistance, which might forebode challenges for health and the environment. Hence, it is necessary to explore and use some natural remedies such as probiotics. Advances in Probiotics for Health and Nutrition provides a comprehensive, techno-commercial overview of probiotics and their production, mechanisms of action, applications, and effectiveness in health and nutrition, as well as information on safety regulations in health and nutraceuticals. This book is a useful resource for researchers, academics, scientists, and budding entrepreneurs.

Keratitis is one of the leading causes of blindness worldwide. In most cases, corneal diseases are preventable or treatable; thus, a comprehensive knowledge of epidemiology, causes, diagnosis, and treatment of the multiple forms of keratitis is crucial in clinical practice. This provides a comprehensive overview of keratitis, including information on current ocular diagnostic methods and their theoretical basis, practical approach, and usage in clinical practice. It also highlights recent advances in the methods of treating keratitis.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is one of the most informative and widely used imaging technologies for the clinical examination of soft tissues. It has been used to evaluate the structural integrity of nearly all tissues and is unparalleled in analyses of the nervous and cardiovascular systems. Since its inception, MRI applications have undergone a broad evolution that has led to such well-established procedures as parallel imaging and functional MRI. Recent years have seen a new generation of applications, which has benefitted from a synergy of these established methods and a parallel evolution occurring in computational analyses. These recent MRI trends tend toward a growing emphasis on functional performance, greater reliance on extended computational analysis, and an expansion in the range of multimodal structural assessments. This book showcases these trends through in-depth analyses of select applications from this new generation of MRI methods. New Advances in Magnetic Resonance Imaging provides an insightful and detailed view into these upcoming developments that will be of interest to MRI professionals and scientists alike.

Cassava is a staple crop in many nations due to its adaptability to a wide range of climates. It has expanded across tropical Asia, sub-Saharan Africa, and Latin America. Cassava, noted for its high carbohydrate content, is third in carbohydrate content after rice and maize. Cassava - Recent Updates on Food, Feed, and Industry is the second edition of our previous book, Cassava - Biology, Production, and Use. This new edition has four sections. The first section discusses the perspectives of several countries on cassava, including food security and the circular economy. Due to the importance of cassava in many countries, the second section examines recent biotechnological advances as well as soil management and modifications in the improvement of cassava. The third section discusses disease management and control of cassava plants. Due to its widespread use and industrial importance, cassava has been subjected to biological and technological intervention for processing into food, feed, and other industrial matter, which is covered in the final section. We hope that this book will help readers gain advanced knowledge about cassava and learn from experts in the field with multiple perspectives.

Cardiomyopathies have been defined as those myocardial disorders in which the heart muscle is abnormal structurally and functionally in the absence of coronary artery disease, hypertension, valvular diseases, and/or congenital heart defects that can explain the abnormal myocardium. Several categories are included in the cardiomyopathy spectrum such as dilated, hypertrophic, restrictive, and unclassified. This book shines a light on very specific types of cardiomyopathies, including metabolic disorders and hypertrophic and restrictive cardiomyopathy, as well as some miscellaneous types such as drug-induced cardiomyopathy. It also examines pediatric cardiomyopathy as well as the long-term effects of COVID-19 on the cardiovascular system.

This edited volume investigates young people within their social contexts. The focus is on engaging young people as they transition from youth into young adulthood. Key advantages of this book are its embodiment of interdisciplinarity in gathering research across a range of diverse methods, theories, settings, and countries. The volume begins with reviews of key theories and methods in understanding young people within their social networked contexts of generosity, networks, identity, and ethnic heritage. The second section includes chapters attending to education and work as contexts for transitions to adulthood, counseling, meaning, and aesthetics from high school to college and into workplaces. The third section includes chapters studying community engagement and the well-being of young people, including social support, meaning in life, religiosity, spirituality, stress coping, yoga, and sports. The diverse topics addressed in this edited volume are generosity, philanthropy, voluntary action, social networks, social identity, personhood, ethnic heritage, post-colonialism, intersectionality, personality, lived experiences, informal economy, sustainability, pandemic, family support, educational counselors, motivation, ?Not in Education, Employment, or Training? (NEET), everyday aesthetics, built environment, generativity, community, adult allies, youth engagement, life satisfaction, spiritual identity, religious affiliation, stress, practicing yoga, sexual violence, athletes, sports climate, pressures to perform, resilience, and neurodiversity. Disciplines span economics, business, education, sociology, psychology, medical science, geography, journalism, architecture, engineering, science and technology, and applied sciences. Methods include quantitative surveys, qualitative in-depth interviews, life course biographies, ethnographic case studies, bibliometric analysis, and integrative reviews. Young people are investigated across thirteen countries, including the United States, United Kingdom, Yemen, Ghana, Bahrain, Norway, Denmark, Finland, Sweden, Iceland, Canada, Romania, and the Netherlands.

Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) are molecules generated naturally during cellular metabolic processes. They act as signaling agents that oversee specific biochemical pathways, playing a vital role in cell function and survival. However, an imbalance in ROS signaling or excessive ROS production can have harmful effects on the pathophysiology of diseases. ROS are crucial to cell signaling and are involved in various physiological processes. They modulate gene expression, regulate cell cycle progression, and influence immune responses. Although ROS are essential for normal cellular functions, an overabundance of these molecules can lead to oxidative stress, causing DNA damage, lipid peroxidation, and protein oxidation, adversely impacting cell function and leading to various diseases. Therefore, it is critical to regulate ROS levels precisely to maintain cellular homeostasis. Reactive Oxygen Species - Advances and Developments is a comprehensive book that delves into the intricacies of ROS. It provides invaluable insights to researchers in the field, equipping them with the essential tools and knowledge to advance their work in this critical area, leading to the development of novel therapeutic interventions to manage various illnesses.

Neuroimaging has developed rapidly, such as ultrasound, CT scanning, MRI, functional MRI, 7T MRI, and digital subtraction angiography, providing high-resolution acquisition and better contrast, making it easier to detect lesions and structural changes in brain diseases. Targeted diseases in neuroimaging include tumors, vascular diseases, neurodegenerative diseases, and psychiatric disorders, including Alzheimer¿s disease, Parkinson¿s disease, multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, severe depression, and schizophrenia. The ability of electroencephalography and magnetoencephalography to detect changes in brain function in other dementia suggests that they may also be promising biomarkers for early vascular cognitive impairment. In recent years, machine learning has achieved significant success in providing automated analysis for neuroimaging research, and its role may increase in the future. For clinical doctors, understanding these methods and mastering explanatory skills are crucial.

Medicinal Plants - Chemical, Biochemical, and Pharmacological Approaches presents an in-depth exploration of the multifaceted relationships between medicinal plants and human health. This comprehensive volume delves into the intricate chemical and biochemical aspects of plants, shedding light on their pharmacological properties and applications. Within this book, readers will find a detailed examination of plant-derived compounds, including alkaloids, flavonoids, essential oils, terpenes, and other bioactive constituents. These compounds are analyzed for their chemical structures and mechanisms of action, providing a foundational understanding of the chemical basis for their therapeutic potential. The book further elucidates the pharmacological actions of medicinal plants, showcasing their role in traditional healing practices as well as their integration into modern health care. It explores the diverse array of health conditions that can be addressed through phytotherapy, emphasizing evidence-based approaches that bridge the gap between traditional wisdom and contemporary scientific knowledge. Readers will gain insights into the latest research and discoveries in the field of phytochemistry, pharmacology, and ethnobotany, obtaining a comprehensive view of the potential applications of medicinal plants for various health-related purposes. The text also highlights the importance of sustainability and ethical practices in the harvesting and utilization of these botanical resources. Medicinal Plants - Chemical, Biochemical, and Pharmacological Approaches serves as an invaluable resource for scientists, healthcare professionals, and herbal enthusiasts alike, equipping them with a deep understanding of the chemical, biochemical, and pharmacological dimensions of these natural remedies. By promoting an evidence-based and sustainable approach to the use of medicinal plants, this book fosters a profound connection between the scientific community and the wealth of nature¿s therapeutic offerings.

This book, Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics, delivers the latest information on biotransformation and other pharmacokinetic parameters required to assess drug safety in drug discovery and development. Drug metabolism and pharmacokinetics (DMPK) is considered a rational strategy for the design, optimization, and selection of successful drug candidates in the pre-clinical stages of drug discovery. The evaluation of various pharmacokinetic parameters such as aqueous solubility, lipophilicity, cell permeability, bioavailability, protein binding, andmetabolism and elimination half-life, drug¿drug interactions (DDIs), and toxicokinetics is essential for a candidate drug to become a successful therapeutic agent. This book discusses recent advances in in-silico tools and in vitro/in vivo experimental techniques applied inpharmacokinetic, metabolomic, and bioanalytical studies.Key Features:¿ Presents pharmacokinetic and biotransformation parameters used for pre-clinical safetyevaluations¿ Depicts experimental and biophysical techniques used in bioanalytical and metabolomicstudies¿ Summarizes in silico, in vitro, and in vivo methods used in drug¿enzyme interactions, drug¿drug interactions, and toxicokineticsWritten by a global team of experts, this book is a valuable resource for drug discovery scientists,drug developers, medicinal chemists, pharmacologists, biochemists, clinicians, biomedicalscientists, healthcare professionals, researchers, teaching faculty, and students.

In recent years, great progress has been made in the field of essential oils as scientific research has revealed new insights into the biological benefits, healing properties, and other uses. Interest in their use in various industries, such as medicine, agriculture, food, and cosmetics, has increased. Essential oils have found their place in many applications, thus fueling a wave of scientific research and industrial applications. This book explores these recent developments in detail, revealing new perspectives and applications of essential oils. It combines historical knowledge with the latest research to provide a comprehensive overview of the field. By exploring the ancient legacy of aromatic plants and their traditional medicinal uses, as well as delving into the latest research and industrial applications, this book provides a comprehensive understanding of essential oils and their potential.

Heat Transfer - Advances in Fundamentals and Applications explores new knowledge in the domain of fundamental and applied advances in heat transfer. This book specifically emphasizes advanced topics of heat transfer. Professionals, researchers, and academics working in various areas of heat transfer will find this a useful reference for finding new solutions to heat transfer problems. The book is organized into two sections on the fundamental advances in heat transfer and advances in applications of heat transfer. Chapters address inverse conduction problems, heat transfer enhancement during internal flows, shell-and-tube heat exchangers, heat transfer mechanisms in petroleum and geothermal wellbores, and other topics in the field.

Although they are neither technically classified as grasses nor as actual cereal grains, pseudocereals are plants that yield fruits or seeds that are utilized and consumed like grains. Pseudocereals are complete grains that are usually high in protein and free of gluten. Supposedly many of the ¿ancient grains¿ are actually pseudocereals. The Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) has also noted that pseudocereals greatly improve health and nutrition, as well as an individual¿s food supply and standard of living, all of which can contribute to future food security and sustainability. Their protein-derived peptides have been shown in previous investigations to possess antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-hypertensive, anti-cancerous, and hypocholesterolemic qualities. Because pseudocereals have these intriguing qualities, more research is required to determine how best to incorporate them into the diet and what health benefits they may offer, which is exactly what this book is about. It provides essential information to scientific and non-scientific communities alike to keep interest in pseudocereals alive for the overall health and wellness of the planet.

Modern critical infrastructures (CIs) (e.g., electricity, water, transportation, telecommunications, and others) form complex systems with a high degree of interdependencies from one CI to the others. Natural disasters (e.g., earthquakes, floods, droughts, landslides, and wildfires), humanmade disasters (e.g., sabotage and terrorism), and system faults (due to structural and equipment failures) will affect not only the directly impacted CI but all interdependent CIs. Risk assessment, therefore, has to be done over the entire system of CIs and should also include the social and personal impacts. According to a 2022 report, 80% of cities have been affected by significant climate change hazards represented by extreme heat (46%), heavy rainfall (36%), drought (35%), and floods (33%). The impacts of climate change, therefore, affect the complex system of the built environment and result in interrelated consequences at different scales ranging from single buildings to urban spaces and territorial infrastructures. Since it is not possible to reduce the severity of natural hazards, the main opportunity for lowering risk lies in reducing vulnerability and exposure. Vulnerability and exposure are related to urban development choices and practices that weaken the system¿s robustness. This volume reviews recent insights from risk identification and reduction to preparedness and financial protection strategies and proposes new approaches for better CIs and built environment protection.

Epilepsy During the Lifespan - Beyond the Diagnosis and New Perspectives discusses the most widespread neurological pathology in the world. The book presents interesting contributions to controversial topics in epilepsy. It includes nine chapters organized into three sections: ¿New and Old Perspectives on Epilepsy¿, ¿Epileptic Syndromes¿ and ¿Society and Epilepsy¿.

No matter where LGBT+ people are found on the planet and no matter what our legality is, we are creating community and meaning as acts of resilience and rebellion. This book introduces a discussion about the action of creating a community, expressed by a global authorship encompassing the Netherlands, Spain, Nigeria, Pakistan, and Canada. Being Queer and Trans in some of these spaces is illegal, while in others it carries a stigma. In spite of the challenges and the consequences, LGBT+ people persist in seeking out community both online and offline. The various chapters include interviews, analyses of tweets and Instagram posts, and considerations of the utility of identity as a category. Each chapter considers the historical links, real-life experiences of people, and how social contexts contribute to what we now see globally. This exciting text will inspire readers to question how community is formed, where it can be found, what methods can be used to explore communities at risk, and how to understand what we discover.

In the era of generative artificial intelligence and the Internet of Things (IoT) and while there is explosive growth in the volume of data and the associated need for processing, analysis, and storage, several new challenges have arisen in identifying spurious and fake information and protecting the privacy of sensitive data. This has led to an increasing demand for more robust and resilient schemes for authentication, integrity protection, encryption, non-repudiation, and privacy preservation of data. This book presents some of the state-of-the-art research in the field of cryptography and security in computing and communications. It is a useful resource for researchers, engineers, practitioners, and graduate and doctoral students in the field of cryptography, network security, data privacy issues, and machine learning applications in the security and privacy in the context of the IoT.

This book examines a new field of nature-mimicked nanotechnology and chemical manipulation, focusing on the mechanisms, principles, and manufacturing of self-cleaning surfaces and describing how these materials can be created for scalable production. Self-cleaning ability on the topmost surfaces of materials increases a product's value for applications in microfluidics, lap-on-chip, microreactors, air purification, and more. An easy way to obtain self-cleaning properties is by creating superhydrophobic surfaces so water droplets can roll down, picking up dirt particles on the way. This book provides a comprehensive overview of self-cleaning properties in nanotechnology. It includes six chapters that address such topics as the fabrication and applications of biomimetic superhydrophobic materials, self-cleaning surfaces of different plants, self-cleaning polyurethane surfaces, self-cleaning approaches using plasma, and laser technology for superhydrophobic self-cleaning applications.

Air pollution poses a significant threat to our environment and human health, necessitating urgent action and innovative solutions. Air Pollution - Latest Status and Current Developments is a comprehensive collection of chapters that explores the causes, effects, and potential remedies for this global challenge. This book offers a multidimensional understanding of air pollution, covering a wide range of topics including clean energy, phytoremediation, remote sensing, dispersion modeling, particle removal, indoor air pollution, and more. Each chapter presents the latest advancements in research, showcasing cutting-edge technologies and approaches that can be employed to mitigate air pollution. With contributions from renowned experts in the field, this book serves as a valuable resource for researchers, policymakers, and environmental enthusiasts. It provides evidence-based insights and practical strategies for tackling air pollution, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and interdisciplinary approaches. Air Pollution - Latest Status and Current Developments aims to inspire readers to take proactive steps towards cleaner air and a sustainable future. By highlighting the latest trends and developments in the field, this book equips readers with the knowledge and tools necessary to make informed decisions and implement effective solutions. Whether you are a scientist, policymaker, or concerned citizen, this book will expand your understanding of air pollution and empower you to contribute to global efforts in combating this pressing issue. Together, let us strive for cleaner air and a healthier planet.

Recent Advances in Dry Eye Disease is a collection of chapters written by experts that discuss different aspects of dry eye disease (DED). Bridging the gap between research and practice, the book provides practical insights and clinically relevant information to help healthcare professionals optimize patient care and inspire researchers to further explore emerging concepts in the etiopathogenesis, evaluation, and treatment of DED. The chapters cover hot topics in DED including but not limited to computer vision syndrome as a growing challenge in the era of modern lifestyle, anterior segment imaging as an invaluable tool in the diagnosis and evaluation of dry eye, and applications of intense regulated pulsed light therapy as a promising treatment for DED. Whether you are an eyecare professional seeking up-to-date information to improve patient care or are a vision scientist looking for trends in dry eye research, gaps, and future directions, Recent Advances in Dry Eye Disease is an indispensable resource for gaining new insights.

This book provides a comprehensive overview of the food chain and related issues, especially in lesser developed countries where supply chain problems and issues in the agribusiness sector are most dramatic. Each chapter provides the reader with an important perspective on the value chain either in local markets or in well-developed markets. The lessons learned from this book are pertinent to any aspect of the supply chain and to any country whether it be fully or lesser developed.

Natural resources are necessary for meeting simple human needs such as food, water, clothing, shelter, and air. They are part of humanity's natural heritage or protected in nature reserves. Therefore, sustainable management of natural resources is crucial to ensure the stability of the ecosystem, prevent further damage to the environment, and avoid over-consumption of the resources. For the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to be achieved, it is crucial that natural resources be protected from being destroyed or overused. In addition, proper care of these resources will help them sustain for a long period of time to meet the needs of future generations. The global community has become increasingly aware of the importance of sustainable natural resources management. As highlighted in this book, it can be achieved through multiple approaches of top-down, adaptive management, integrated natural resources management, and community-based resources management. This book discusses the theories, practices, and findings on effective natural resource management being practiced in many parts of the world.

This book discusses health promotion, which is an initiative to promote healthy habits and prevent disease. Non-communicable diseases have emerged as an important public health problem in all segments of society and thus health promotion and disease prevention activities are crucial. Clinical and epidemiology studies have provided sufficient evidence about the health benefits of a nutritious diet and regular physical activity. This book includes seven chapters organized into two sections on "Basics of Health Promotion" and "Approaches to Health Promotion". Chapters address such topics as the benefits of physical activity, projects in health promotion, technological tools in health promotion, social media in health promotion and health policy, and much more.

Terahertz (THz) science deals with the physics, technology, and application of the last unexplored region of the electromagnetic spectrum. The THz region (located between 0.1 and 10 THz) fosters a vast range of sensing for applications in different fields, such as astronomy, non-destructive characterization of materials, communications, defense and security, medicine, and more. This book contributes to three of the main research areas of THz science: THz time-domain spectroscopy, which is the backbone of materials analysis using THz radiation, the use of new 2D materials to develop future THz technology, and the interaction between THz radiation and biology. The contributors to this book are recognized specialists in the THz field.

This book provides a comprehensive overview of landraces. It is organized into two sections on animal landraces and plant landraces. Section 1 includes two chapters that discuss the use of ruminants in tropical regions. Section 2 includes four chapters that examine the benefits of indigenous plants and discuss strategies for improving wheat production. The information provided can be applied to various regions to solve local problems and needs, such as low-income production systems, and to preserve animal and plant resources.

Climate change is threatening the world's agricultural systems. High temperatures, drought, salinity, greenhouse gas emissions, and more are abiotic stresses that hinder plants' ability to survive. Thus, it is vitally important that science designs and develops strategies to help plants not only survive stress but also thrive under stressful conditions. Plant Abiotic Stress Responses and Tolerance Mechanisms provides a comprehensive overview of plant morpho-physiological, biochemical, and molecular responses to different abiotic stresses. It includes seven chapters that address such topics as current challenges and future threats of plant abiotic stresses, regulatory networks in plants under abiotic stresses, plant adaptation to temperature extremes and salinity, plant secondary metabolites and stress tolerance, and the role of phytohormones in plant stress tolerance.