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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 tomato is one of the most important and widespread crops in the world, but its cultivation is often subject to challenges such as diseases, pests, and climate change. This curated collection provides a comprehensive view of this landscape, highlighting various facets and opportunities. A fundamental aspect of the discussion is represented by ingenious solutions proposed in the book. How can farmers tackle challenges with creativity and innovation? We can explore advanced cultivation techniques, the use of cutting-edge technologies, and sustainable agricultural practices that can revolutionize the industry. This curated collection is not just a theoretical analysis but also offers practical tools for farmers and enthusiasts. We can examine how these tools can be successfully implemented in the field, improving crop yields and reducing environmental impact. In conclusion, exploring the dynamic realm of tomato cultivation through this work provides not only a complete overview of the industry but also practical solutions to address current and future challenges. Environmental sustainability, consumer protection, and technological progress are the pillars upon which the green revolution of tomatoes is based. The discussion invites the reader to reflect on how we can contribute to a more sustainable and prosperous agricultural future.

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 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.

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.

Millets are a group of small-seeded grasses that have been grown as food sources for humans and animals since ancient times. These crops are highly nutritious and have a range of health benefits. They are also highly adaptable to different growing conditions, making them an important crop for farmers in arid and drought-prone regions. Millets have been an integral part of the traditional diets of many cultures around the world and have gained renewed attention in recent years as a sustainable, low-input alternative to other cereal crops. Despite their many benefits, millets have been largely overlooked by modern industrial agriculture, and their cultivation and use have declined in many regions. There is a growing recognition of the need to promote and support the conservation and revival of millet cultivation as a key strategy to enhance food security and resilience in the face of climate change.

Embark on a journey through the dynamic world of the Internet of Things (IoT) with Internet of Things - New Insight. This innovative book offers a concise yet comprehensive exploration of IoT¿s technological evolution, diverse applications, and prospects. From its roots in ubiquitous computing to real-world applications in health care, agriculture, and smart cities, each chapter unveils the transformative impact of IoT on our interconnected world.Key Features:Applications across Domains: Explore real-world examples showcasing how IoT enhances efficiency and quality of life.Challenges and Solutions: Confront the hurdles of rapid IoT proliferation and discover insightful perspectives and solutions.Future Prospects: Peer into the future, exploring potential advancements in AI integration, edge computing, and 6G connectivity.Whether you are a professional seeking deeper insights or an enthusiast eager to understand the complexities of IoT, this book is your gateway to a revolutionary technological landscape that continues to redefine connectivity and innovation.