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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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

This book reviews the training and practice of teachers from several perspectives. The scientific quality and pedagogical richness of the contributions within make this book indispensable for training and enriching teaching professionalism and is useful for teachers in service as well. The interdisciplinarity that increasingly characterizes the educational and training environment clearly emerges, offering the reader a more articulated and less monotheistic vision. This vision, which at first might be more difficult to interpret and less functional to the educational impact of the text, instead offers the opportunity to build a new interpretative key of the complex educational-didactic and educational-professional phenomenon. Trying to govern a phenomenon rich in variables is a fundamental error; to operate with awareness and conscience, the best way is to go through the complexity of the phenomena and reading this book is, in our opinion, the best cultural weapon.

Polysaccharides are organic polymers in which the repeating unit consists of monosaccharides. They exist in plants, animals, algae, or microbial worlds. Chitosan is a cationic linear polysaccharide of glucosamine produced from chitin deacetylation in alkaline media. Chitin is obtained from the exoskeleton of shrimps, crabs, and squids. Therefore, chitosan is environmentally benign and biodegradable. This book summarizes different aspects of chitosan and its derived materials, addressing isolation, properties, and applications. This book is intended for academics, professionals, and scientists as well as graduate and undergraduate students without any geographical limitations.

Ankylosing Spondylitis - Recent Concepts provides a comprehensive overview of ankylosing spondylitis (AS). It includes five chapters organized into two sections. The first section is dedicated to the history of AS, the chronology of diagnostic/classification criteria across the years, and imaging in AS. The second section examines the molecular genetics, immunology, enteric microbiome, and pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic treatment of AS.

Acetylcholine - Recent Advances and New Perspectives describes research related to the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. Acetylcholine was discovered as a neurotransmitter about 100 years ago. Still, researchers around the world study this important signaling molecule in terms of its chemistry, biochemistry, function in the central and peripheral nervous system, and relevance for neurological disorders and diseases. This book focuses on the role of acetylcholine in individual nerve cells, neural circuits, and specific brain regions. In addition, the book illustrates acetylcholine from historical perspectives to technological advances, as well as the use of novel tools in health and disease, in various animal models and organisms. As an added benefit, chapters in the book describe acetylcholine in its relation to paraoxonase enzymes, acetylcholine esterase, neurotoxins, and organophosphorus compounds. Furthermore, this book provides an overview of the work that is being done on acetylcholine and highlights any gaps and areas that would benefit from further exploration. It is a useful resource for students and researchers in biological, chemical, medical, and history disciplines.

Nephrolithiasis - From Bench to Bedside is a treatise of selected work focusing on a wide range of issues in the management of kidney stones. It includes five chapters that review current trends in the diagnosis and management of stone disease. Topics addressed include the role of non-contrast CT and ultrasound in the diagnosis of kidney stones, the clinical diagnosis of and various conditions mimicking ureteral and renal colic, the significance of dietary interventions and misconceptions related to diet, the surgical management of urolithiasis, and more.

This work systematically compiles eleven outstanding research papers that were presented at the 3rd International Congress on Ethics in Cuenca, University City, Ecuador in November 2022. The Catholic University of Cuenca, beyond hosting the event, is committed to ethics in a holistic way. As such, to deliver this work for the benefit of the community is to expand the debate on it in areas of collective relevance such as face-to-face and online university education, pre-professional practices, professional qualifications, the equity of women workers, nature as a subject of rights, professional conduct, Ethics in Care Committees, the trend, style, and praxis of architectural design, and particularly the role of the university in the construction of an ethical culture from the perspective of students. Thus, this book invites those attending the event and readers to empower themselves with the work in order to strengthen ethics in all its dimensions and in everyday practice.

Hemodialysis (HD) is the commonest form of kidney replacement therapy worldwide with a prevalence rate close to 90%. Despite significant improvements in HD techniques and related devices and solutions, the cardiovascular and all-cause mortality of HD patients remains unacceptably elevated. More recently, there have been significant improvements in the creation and maintenance of vascular access as well as the knowledge of types, classification, and monitoring of uremic toxins and their relationship with inflammation, atherosclerosis and vascular classification, and cardiovascular and all-cause mortality. More interesting is the innovation in dialysis membranes/dialyzers, which resulted in the creation of the medium cut-off membrane, which enables the safe, simple, and effective removal of middle- and large-sized uremic toxins. This type of HD treatment is called expanded hemodialysis (HDx) therapy, which so far has resulted in significant improvement in the quality of life of HD patients as well as reductions in hospitalization, medications, and non-fatal cardiovascular events. Updates on Hemodialysis discusses these innovations and how they can be used to improve daily practice and achieve the best possible medical outcomes in HD patients.

Producers spend a great deal of money, natural resources (especially water and soil), labor, and time every year in order to feed the world¿s population. However, almost one-third of the products produced as a result of all these efforts are lost before reaching consumers due to postharvest losses, which threaten both the food supply and agricultural sustainability. For this reason, it is extremely important to prevent postharvest losses of fruits and vegetables. In this context, this book provides general and new information about the physiology of postharvest losses and the latest technological developments in postharvest systems. Each chapter provides up-to-date information about the postharvest physiology and technology of fruits and vegetables for students, teachers, professors, scientists, farmers, food packers and sellers, and entrepreneurs engaged in the fresh food preservation industry.

Step into the world of poultry farming like never before with Poultry Farming - New Perspectives and Applications. This comprehensive guide unveils a wealth of knowledge and innovative approaches that will revolutionize the way you view and engage in the poultry industry. In this enlightening book, acclaimed experts share their expertise and insights, presenting a fresh perspective on poultry farming that goes beyond traditional practices. From seasoned farmers to cutting-edge researchers, this collective of visionaries will challenge your assumptions and inspire you to embrace new techniques and technologies. Discover the latest advancements in genetics and breeding, as well as emerging trends in nutrition and health management. Explore sustainable production methods that prioritize animal welfare, environmental conservation, and ethical farming practices. Dive into the realm of precision farming and automation, where state-of-the-art technologies streamline operations and maximize efficiency. Poultry Farming - New Perspectives and Applications delves into the diverse applications of poultry products, exploring alternative markets and niche opportunities that can elevate your business to new heights. Uncover the potential of value-added products, including organic and specialty poultry, as well as the lucrative world of free-range and pasture-based systems. Whether yoüre a seasoned poultry farmer looking to stay ahead of the curve or an aspiring entrepreneur seeking to enter the industry, this book offers a treasure trove of knowledge and inspiration. Each chapter is packed with practical tips, real-life case studies, and invaluable advice from industry leaders, ensuring you have the tools and insights to succeed. Prepare to embark on a transformative journey that will reshape your understanding of poultry farming. Embrace the new perspectives and applications presented in this groundbreaking book and unlock the full potential of your poultry business. The future of farming is here - join the revolution today.

Entrepreneurship - New Insights provides a comprehensive overview of recent developments in entrepreneurship. Chapters address such topics as technopreneurship, immigrant entrepreneurship, social entrepreneurship, women entrepreneurship, entrepreneurship in emerging markets, and start-up ventures, among others.

This book provides an overview of recent progress in renewable energy materials and devices. Various forms of renewable energy, such as solar, water, and wind energy, have garnered significant attention in research domains due to their potential applications. Solar cells have become particularly intriguing for harnessing solar energy, while the distinctive characteristics of wind energy have drawn the focus of numerous researchers. Renewable energy offers several advantages and applications in contrast to conventional energy sources. The book comprehensively addresses recent advancements in diverse aspects of renewable energy, encompassing solar, water, and wind energy resources.