Bøger udgivet af IntechOpen

Gene expression is dependent on multiple steps, including transcription, RNA processing, and translation. Importantly, recent studies revealed that gene expression is regulated by chromatin structures and non-coding RNA profiles. Elucidating the molecular mechanisms may contribute to the development of novel therapeutics for aging-related diseases, including cancer and neurodegenerative diseases. This book provides a comprehensive overview of gene expression and its role in human disease. It consists of nine chapters organized into two sections on molecular mechanisms in controlling gene expression and the relationships between transcriptional control and human disease.

Macrophages were first discovered in 1882 when Elia Metchnikoff recognized them as important phagocytic cells that can engulf any foreign material, including fungal spores. This discovery has proved to be a milestone in establishing the field of innate immunity. Macrophages are still ruling the area after 140 years of their discovery. This book explores the diverse role of macrophages in vertebrate immunity, parasitic, bacterial, and viral infections, regeneration, inflammation, and neurological diseases.

Given the widespread presence of chemical compounds in the environment and their effects on organisms, there is an increasing need to better understand the mechanisms underlying their toxicity. This book brings together 13 chapters on a variety of topics from different areas of research in environmental pollutants toxicology. While it illustrates the toxic effects of several environmental contaminants on humans and the biota, it also introduces methodologies for assessing environmental contamination as well as remediation techniques.

This book provides updated information on helminth infections, with proposals for new treatments and biological factors of risk, the development of vaccines for the control of helminthiasis and explains the latest research on the field. It also delves into multi-omics, diagnosis, immunology, and novel molecule targets. In addition, the book examines topics such as host-parasite interaction. Key Features: ¿ Provides basic and clinical evidence based on molecular interactions to address the risks and benefits of helminthiasis ¿ Presents the results of new vaccine development ¿ Discusses new and old therapeutic approaches in helminth infections ¿ Delves into advances in the molecular and immune response in helminth infection ¿ Proposes a One Health approach to study helminth infections ¿ Analyzes the controversies and confusions in the management, biology, and control strategies of helminth infections ¿ Examines the basic biology of helminth parasites

River Basin Management ¿ Under a Changing Climate is a collection of relevant research, experiments, and case study chapters. This book offers a comprehensive overview of recent developments in water resources planning, monitoring, and management using in situ measurements, modeling, and community participation. The book includes five sections and fourteen chapters that discuss water resources management, focusing on river basins, which includes quantifying water resources, evaluating water quality, and evaluating the impact of hydraulic structures on water resources management. Chapters also discuss the critical role of community/stakeholders in water resources, planning, monitoring, conservation, and management at smaller to larger river basins.

Biosignal processing is an important tool in medicine. As such, this book presents a comprehensive overview of novel methods in biosignal theory, biosignal processing algorithms and applications, and biosignal sensors. Chapters examine biosignal processing for glucose detection, tissue engineering, electrocardiogram processing, soft tissue tomography, and much more. The book also discusses applications of artificial intelligence and machine learning for biosignal processing.

This book deals with diverse topics in wheat research and production. It discusses advances in biotic and abiotic stress tolerance in wheat, especially under climate change conditions. The chapters present valuable information regarding wheat diseases, insect pests, and various environmental stresses.

Much research is being conducted to develop larger wind turbines, both onshore and offshore, to decarbonize electricity grid systems through the exploitation of wind power. This book presents advances and challenges in the design, manufacture, and operation of wind turbines. The main topics addressed include the basic aspects of wind turbine design, offshore wind industry and floating wind turbines, wind measurement and forecasting models, design and manufacturing of rotor blades, manufacture of power transmission bearings, and challenges in control strategies and computational aerodynamics.

Ecotheology - Sustainability and Religions of the World gives a very interesting overview of the frontiers of scientific research in this important multi- and transdisciplinary area. Its chapters use ecotheological approaches to discuss the multiple aspects of an environmental crisis from almost every segment of our planet. This book will be very useful for everyone ¿ researchers, teachers, students, or others interested in the field ¿ who would like to gain some insights into this aspect of our culture.

This book summarizes current advances in the field of multifunctional perovskite materials, including information on their synthesis, characterization, and properties as well as their use in the fabrication of devices and applications. Chapters address such topics as the physiochemical properties of various perovskite materials, advances in perovskites for solar cells, and multifunctional materials and their numerous applications.

This book provides a comprehensive overview of aeronautics. It discusses both small and large aircraft and their control strategies, path planning, formation, guidance, and navigation. It also examines applications of drones and other modern aircraft for inspection, exploration, and optimal pathfinding in uncharted territory. The book includes six sections on agriculture surveillance and obstacle avoidance systems using unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), motion planning of UAV swarms, assemblage and control of drones, aircraft flight control for military purposes, the modeling and simulation of aircraft, and the environmental application of UAVs and the prevention of accidents.

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is one of the major forms of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Epidemiological trends suggest an initial rise in the incidence of UC, followed by Crohn¿s disease (CD), in areas where IBD is emerging. As understanding of aspects of the disease is evolving, this book covers new perspectives on the etiology, clinical manifestations, diagnosis, and management of UC. Genetic predisposition, along with gut dysbiosis and environmental factors, triggers the altered gut permeability and dysregulated immune activation that leads to the development of UC, which can manifest both intestinally and extra-intestinally. Platelets play a significant role in augmenting inflammation. Histological examination is important for accurate diagnosis and for distinguishing mimics. Histological remission is an emerging treatment target strategy in UC. Novel treatments include dietary manipulation with anti-inflammatory dietary components like fermented rice bran. A number of challenges need to be addressed in treating special populations like children and pregnant women. Finally, interventional endoscopy is playing an emerging role in the management of colitis-associated neoplasia and postoperative complications and acting as a bridge between surgery and medical therapy. Ulcerative Colitis - Etiology, Diagnosis, Diet, Special Populations, and the Role of Interventional Endoscopy aims to act as a ready reference for the clinician. It provides indispensable updates on several relevant issues in the diagnosis and management of ulcerative colitis and has benefited from the collaboration of leading experts in various aspects of the disease. It aims to facilitate decision-making by gastroenterologists, IBD specialists, interventional endoscopists, dieticians, pathologists, surgeons, and pediatricians treating UC patients.

This book discusses the following topics related to strawberry production:¿ Use of horizontal and vertical farming, machine learning and smart systems in strawberry production¿ Innovative techniques in strawberry production¿ Soilless farming techniques¿ Use of nature-friendly techniques to combat climate change, diseases and pests¿ Breeding and propagation by tissue culture¿ Responses of strawberries to photoperiod¿ Harvest and post-harvest processes¿ Benefits to human healthWe hope this book will be useful to all producers, breeders, and industrial operators who use strawberry products as raw materials in the food sector, and to researchers and students of horticulture.

Unlike synthetic fibers that have undergone chemical processing, natural fibers are superior in aesthetics and comfort. However, because they come from nature, their supply is inconsistent and it is difficult to control their production. Natural fibers are popular because they are generally environmentally friendly and durable and have a strong affinity for water and thus have high absorbency. Through chemical modification or processing, natural fibers can be developed for medical, health, sanitation, and industrial uses. This book discusses natural fibers and how they can be manipulated and modified for practical applications in a variety of industries.

The physiological or pathological variations in the amount or mass of each component of body weight can lead to an increase or a decrease in total body weight, with a potential risk of increased morbidity and mortality. This book presents an overview of current knowledge about different types of body weight changes, with a special emphasis on obesity.

Even though knowledge about the impact of the pandemic on mental health is still very limited in all countries and is largely based on experiences only partially comparable to the current epidemic, such as those of the SARS or Ebola epidemics, it is likely that the need for intervention will increase significantly in the coming months and years. Scientific research in neuroscience is a growing field. It offers a novel perspective on the relationship between mind and brain and provides novel scenarios for understanding the long wave of the current pandemic. Furthermore, the pandemic has also led to the possibility of implementing remote monitoring and management interventions. This volume uses multidisciplinary approaches to physiological and cognitive mechanisms, medical treatment, psychosocial interventions, and self-management to help illustrate the complex association among the COVID-19 pandemic, neurological manifestations, mental health, and society.

This book presents a comprehensive overview of traumatic stress. Chapters address such topics as biomarkers in traumatic stress, the role of microglia activation, proliferation, and neuro-inflammation in the genesis of mental disorders and pain, the role of anger in the genesis and maintenance of hypertension, the role of anger and imagery in the maintenance of stress-related disorders, the role of oxidative stress in the etiology and maintenance of cardiovascular diseases, the mental health impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, and much more.

Characterized as a common signaling pathway between cells, the purinergic system is capable of modulating physiological and biochemical processes. Composed of signaling molecules, regulatory enzymes, and specific receptors, this organization can modulate several basal pathways of the organism. It is understood that purinergic signaling is present in all aspects of immunity and inflammation and studies show that extracellular ATP and its adenosine metabolite are the main mediators of response. These occur since most immune cells express P2 and P1 receptors, which are sensitive to the ATP and adenosine molecules, respectively. This book describes the purinergic system and its correlation with the health and disease process.

Although there are thousands of parasites all over the world, Schistosoma spp. are unique in terms of their morphology. Although they have separate bodies as "male" and "female," they live in such a way that the female resides within the male. Schistosoma spp., classified in the family of trematodes, has about twenty members, five of which cause a disease called schistosomiasis (or bilharzia) in humans. This disease causes a variety of symptoms, ranging from simple skin lesions to a dramatic clinical scenario of bladder carcinoma. Although there are many different diagnostic and therapeutic methods, schistosomiasis is still an important threat to humans and a significant challenge for healthcare professionals. This book discusses the morphology, geographic distribution, and evolution of Schistosoma spp., as well as the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of schistosomiasis.

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) affects 13¿20 people per 100,000 population worldwide. In the United States, approximately 100,000 people have IPF with 30,000¿40,000 new cases diagnosed annually. Diagnosis remains a challenge with a significant lag between symptoms onset and diagnosis. Delayed diagnosis and treatment can carry high morbidity and mortality. This book provides concise, easy-to-read, and up-to-date information as it relates to clinical presentation, diagnosis, and treatment of IPF. Despite, adequate treatment, the disease progresses, and a lung transplant is necessary in some cases. This book also discusses the role of lung transplants for IPF and its complications. It is a useful resource for primary care physicians, allied health professionals, hospitalists, and pulmonary physicians who take care of patients with IPF.

This book includes up-to-date and detailed information on fundamental principles, measurement, modeling, and forecasting of solar radiation for technologies and applications of photovoltaic (PV) solar energy. The book also presents basic, modern, and contemporary knowledge and techniques of reliability and performance assessment for PV systems. It includes eleven chapters in four sections: ¿Introduction¿, ¿Fundamentals, Measurements and Modeling of Solar Radiation¿, ¿Forecasting and Characterization of Solar Radiation¿, and ¿Solar Photovoltaic Technologies and Applications¿. Chapters address such topics as fundamental principles, accurate measurements, and modeling of solar radiation; innovative methods for forecasting and characterization of solar radiation; PV technology and application, from conventional and emerging PV technologies to bifacial PV cells and modules and concentrator PV systems; and recent advances in reliability and performance assessment for PV systems, including outdoor characterization, degradation analysis, and PV power prediction.

Algorithms, particularly those embedded in search engines, social media platforms, recommendation systems, and information databases, play an increasingly important role in selecting what information is most relevant to us, which is a crucial feature of our participation in public life. These algorithms are not just helpful in our daily lives but are also one of the unavoidable necessities of modern living. This book discusses advances and applications of various types of search algorithms, such as quantum search, harmony search, cognitive search, genetic search, and many others. It is a valuable resource and provides a solid technical base for frontline investigations of search algorithms for scientists and students interested in search and optimization methods.

This volume provides a comprehensive overview of goat keeping and farming. It includes twenty-two chapters that address such topics as breeding and selection, goat reproduction, production systems, the effects of goat farming on the environment, the use of goat byproducts, the economics of goat farming, and much more.

Humidity is the presence of water vapor in the air. In view of its effect on human health and the physical qualities of materials, humidity must be measured and controlled. Humidity measurement is imperative in a variety of fields including health care, environmental monitoring, automobiles, air-conditioning, civil engineering, agriculture, semiconductors, pharmaceuticals, textiles, paper and processing industries. This book provides an overview of humidity and the types and applications of humidity sensors. This book will be helpful for students, researchers and general readers.

Graduate medical education (GME) continues its decades-long evolution. Evidence-based approaches are increasingly transforming the way we educate, evaluate, and promote GME trainees. Key to this transformation is our ability to recognize that ¿medical education¿ constitutes a true lifelong continuum, beginning with pre-medical education, then proceeding to medical school, residency (and potentially subsequent fellowship) training, and then finally the so-called maintenance of certification that continues throughout one¿s entire professional career. This book explores a broad range of important topics, including the novel concept of ¿coping intelligence,¿ the important role of ¿work-life integration,¿ professional coaching and mentorship, professional development and career-long learning, patient-provider relationship, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on medical education, as well as the introduction of modern technologies to ameliorate the effects of social distancing. The book further discusses two important aspects of GME program management: the process of establishing new GME programs as well as the highly intricate process of merging residency programs. Different aspects and perspectives are incorporated, including those of residents, faculty, and program leadership. The book ends with chapters on diversity, equity and inclusion, and the importance of community-based medical education.

Soil Science - Emerging Technologies, Global Perspectives and Applications describes recent research that illustrates the universal importance of understanding soil and soil¿s relationship to environmental stewardship and food security. Research supporting emerging technologies provides abilities to discern key soil attributes that influence soil behavior and development, understand soil biology to create sustainable land management, and sequester carbon to partially negate climate change. Soil science is an interdisciplinary field of inquiry that must consider resource allocation and social needs to foster a culture that protects and secures not only soil health but also water and air quality. Chapters in this book reflect the diversity of modern thinking within the discipline of soil science, but collectively illustrate that global sustainability of food, the environment, and biological diversity are critical to future generations.

This book deals with all aspects of chemical pest control, such as the different groups of insecticides and their modes of action, problems caused by insecticides to the environment, the resistance of pests to insecticides, and problems and legislation of different countries regarding the application of these products. It also addresses aspects of the problems caused by insecticides in fresh and marine water, as well as presents research methodologies and protocols.

Sarcopenia is a symptom of aging that contributes to the functional decline of the musculoskeletal system, responsible for impaired gait and balance and a high risk of falls and serious fractures. Nutrition and exercise play a key role in the prevention and treatment of sarcopenia. Due to the multifaceted nature of sarcopenia, the best therapeutic approach is multidisciplinary, requiring collaboration between specialists such as geriatricians, internists, physiatrists, general practitioners, nutritionists, and physiotherapists. This book presents a comprehensive overview of sarcopenia with chapters on physiopathological mechanisms, assessment tools, and rehabilitation activities of the condition in the frail elderly.

Despite decades of study, fundamental aspects of the development of the Earth¿s crust remain enigmatic. This book presents geophysical and geological studies obtained from different tectonic structures and geological time intervals. It contains three sections: ¿Crustal Evolution and Tectonic Problems¿, ¿Geophysical Methods in Geological Applications¿ and ¿Seismic Forecasting, Seismotectonics and Geodynamic Evolution of the Himalayan Belt¿. Chapters address such topics as the evolution of tectonic structures of Earth, how geophysical and geological data can be used for modelling this evolution, and the geodynamic processes in the Earth¿s crust with the present tectonic activity.

Recent Advances in Knowledge Management investigates the multidimensional aspects of knowledge management by exploring different perspectives and practices as well as existing theories of effective knowledge management in a changing world. Chapters address such topics as tacit knowledge, knowledge management frameworks, informally structured domains of knowledge management, and more. Beyond understanding the nature of knowledge management processes in different kinds of organizations, this book examines the nature of knowledge management focusing on what we know and how we know it.