Bøger udgivet af IntechOpen

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.

Elaeis guineensis is the scientific name for oil palm. It is also referred to as African oil palm as well as macaw fat. The industry is undoubtedly one of the most important commercial businesses in the world at present. The high oil yield of oil palms has made it a common cooking ingredient in Southeast Asia and the tropical belt of Africa. There are many new technologies hailed and explored to maintain the sustainability of the palm oil industry. This book provides an overview of these aspects while providing information on managing the gaps and voids of the industry in order to sustain its viability and feasibility. It is hoped that this book will provide valuable information to academics, industry personnel, manufacturers, and other categories of stakeholders of the palm oil industry alike.

In an era profoundly influenced by climate change, Climate Smart Greenhouses - Innovations and Impacts emerges as a pivotal guide, heralding a path toward resilient, efficient, and sustainable food production. By seamlessly blending the essence of traditional farming wisdom with the pulse of modern innovation, this book underscores the vast potential of human ingenuity and determination against daunting environmental adversities. Venturing deep into the realm of contemporary agriculture, it elucidates the nuanced role of farming in greenhouse gas emissions, sheds light on the innovative cooling systems tailored for closed greenhouses, and emphasizes the untapped potential of hydroponics. Additionally, it brings to the forefront the revolutionary strides of Controlled Environment Agriculture in the vibrant landscapes of Africa, inspiring readers with visionary greenhouses that astutely interweave economic prudence with ecological responsibility. Beyond its pages, it serves as a clarion call, reaching out to thinkers, innovators, dreamers, and every individual who cherishes our planet. It passionately advocates for a reimagined and harmonized agricultural future, where food production not only sustains but thrives in tandem with nature¿s rhythms. This is not just a book; it is a journey towards a green tomorrow.

With worsening climate change worldwide, the use of coal energy must be reevaluated. Lessons from highly optimized experiences in developed countries, along with innovative statistical tools, are ready to be employed in the coal energy field. Leveraging these resources can enhance efficiency, reduce waste, and promote sustainable practices in coal utilization. This book provides a comprehensive overview of the coal energy industry in the 21st century. It includes six chapters organized into three sections on the past and future of coal energy, application of statistical tools, and application technologies. Chapters address such topics as the pros and cons of coal energy, current clean coal technologies, the application of statistical tools to improve productivity and effectiveness in the coal energy industry, utilization of waste coal fly ash, and more.

More than 46 million people are currently victims of 21st-century slavery globally, most of whom are women and children. This book, 21st Century Slavery - The Various Forms of Human Enslavement in Today¿s World provides a comprehensive overview of modern-day slavery, also known as contemporary slavery, neo-slavery, institutional slavery, and numerous other terms. It includes eight chapters that highlight human trafficking and explain and explore the act of recruiting, harbouring, transporting, providing, or obtaining a person for compelled labour or commercial sex acts using force, fraud, or coercion. The book discusses the recruitment, transportation, transfer, harbouring, and receipt of persons by improper means (such as force, abduction, fraud, or coercion) for an improper purpose including forced labour or sexual exploitation. It concludes that the world must not accept slavery in the 21st century. This volume is a useful resource on modern slavery for all academics interested in humanitarian and development studies across the globe and to all policymakers and governments of nations who are pushing for the elimination of all forms of slavery in their nationhood.

This book provides comprehensive insights into the biotechnological process of converting organic matter into biogas, which is an essential renewable energy resource for addressing challenges related to fossil fuel depletion and environmental pollution. It includes six chapters that cover a spectrum of topics, including approaches to biogas upgrading, the optimization of biogas production through examination, mathematical modeling, and applied calculations, the application of bacteriophages to enhance anaerobic digestion, and more.

With more than 230 million surgical procedures performed annually worldwide, and 30% or more of people affected by chronic pain globally, pain management is consistently a top priority. Its personal and social burden is enormous and thus much literature and research focuses on pain medicine. Along with the evolution of precision medicine, today¿s typical pain management strategies include a personalized, multimodal, interdisciplinary treatment approach, which might include pharmacotherapy, psychotherapy, integrative treatments, and invasive procedures. This book presents the latest advancements in pain management, covering a wide field of topics in pain medicine.

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.

This book elaborates on organizational culture change supported by technology. More specifically, it goes beyond the core meaning, definitions, and identities of organizational culture. It is a profound effort that explores the key elements and factors that drive internal organizational change through a suggested approach to digitalization. It presents insight into the realistic organizational world, highlighting novel ideas that enrich the understanding of why change is needed. It will empower individuals to examine cultural change through different dimensions as well as nurture new publications in different industries and markets. It will also spur future investigations of organizational culture change and related economic and social aspects. The book unlocks new avenues for various players, including organizations, policymakers, practitioners, and researchers. It is a valuable addition to the literature, presenting an impressive body of knowledge on the technology driving cultural change. The book follows an easily readable format and is professionally written. It includes nine chapters that help readers understand the core need for organizational cultural change and technology and their increasing significance worldwide.

Phosphorus (P) stands second to nitrogen in terms of its essentiality as a plant macronutrient, as well as due to its involvement in almost all plant developmental stages, primary and secondary plant metabolisms, maintenance of membrane structures, and in the structural skeleton of major biomolecules. An optimum P-supply also helps plants combat abiotic stress impacts. Most P in soil remains unavailable for uptake by plants. P-containing fertilizers are being added to agricultural lands to sustain high yields. Only the least amount of the applied P (20%¿30%) is used by most cultivated plants, and the rest remains as legacy P (P surpluses), which eventually causes eutrophication. This book, Phosphorus in Soils and Plants, reviews P in soils and plants, P dynamics in the soil¿water¿sediment environment, the major roles of P in the photosynthetic dark phase-biochemical pathways, major approaches for the sustainable management of P in agriculture, main mechanisms underlying the role of P in the regulation of plant¿microbe interactions in the rhizosphere, literature on the role of microbial phosphate solubilization in management of soil and plant nutrients, and insights into P recovery through waste transformation. This volume is an important resource for plant biologists involved in teaching or research who wish to advance their knowledge of P in soils and plants.

Human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) are advantageous cell sources for disease remodeling and drug screening, particularly for regenerative medicine. State-of-the-art updates have highlighted the feasibility of hPSCs for the large-scale preparation of diverse kinds of stem cells and functional cells, such as mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs), hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs), neural stem cells (NSCs), natural killer (NK) cells, and chimeric antigen receptor-transduced T cells (CAR-Ts). With the aid of preclinical investigations and clinical practice, hPSCs have been recognized as promising therapeutic cell sources with excellent properties for treating a variety of refractory and recurrent diseases. This book provides a comprehensive overview of advances in pluripotent stem cells.

This book provides an extensive review of the current topics of interest and updated practices of renal replacement therapy for both pediatric and adult populations. The chapters are authored by nephrologists and healthcare and other professionals from around the world. This book brings a multidisciplinary and multidimensional perspective to the current advances in renal replacement therapy. It also provides updated recommendations to assist with clinical decision-making on whether a patient is suitable and indicated for renal replacement therapy across different clinical settings and contexts, and strategies to optimize their holistic care when they are receiving treatment.

Sexual violence is a multifaceted crime and a global health problem. It is a crime that can happen to anyone, including young and old, male and female, rich and poor. Sexual violence persists due to several variables, including abuse history and a society¿s tolerance of the crime. Additionally, belief systems, cultural norms, and legal systems create environments that allow abusers to escape detection. This book addresses sexual violence myths, belief systems, and the mediäs role in perpetuating sexual violence. It also examines the role of social media in facilitating sexual crimes, particularly sex trafficking. Finally, this book examines the work of community stakeholders in addressing and treating individuals who have been sexually victimized and the coping mechanisms of sexually traumatized adult women.

Embark on a journey into the digital realm with Social Media - Opportunities and Risks, an intriguing collection that uncovers the diverse world of social media and its profound impact on our lives. Within these pages we delve into the heart of the Internet where small- and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) utilize social media to revolutionize e-commerce, democratizing entrepreneurship like never before. We explore Sub-Saharan Africa, a region where social media is driving change, fostering innovation, and reshaping society. In the realm of presentation, we examine the intricacies of building authentic yet captivating digital identities. Our exploration also takes us to the forefront of education, where social media is reshaping learning and providing access to knowledge. At the same time, we don¿t shy away from acknowledging the darker aspects of this interconnected world. We navigate through the challenges posed by misinformation and disinformation by examining perspectives on fake news during the COVID-19 pandemic and offering valuable insights into combating falsehoods through media literacy and critical thinking. Social Media - Opportunities and Risks serves as your guiding tool for mastering opportunities while effectively managing the inherent risks in today¿s digital era. Whether you are a business owner looking to tap into the possibilities of the Internet marketplace, an educator aiming to transform education, or an individual trying to navigate through the amount of information available, this collection of writings serves as your indispensable companion for navigating the dynamic world of social media.

Piezoelectric and thermoelectric materials represent emerging cutting-edge technological materials for energy harvesting for high-value-added applications. Although these materials have been exhaustively exploited for decades, researchers around the world continue to find technological and scientific innovations that must be disseminated to the engineers of yesterday, today, and tomorrow. Piezoelectric materials, through mechanical stresses applied to them, are capable of generating electricity, while thermoelectric materials are capable of producing electricity thanks to the heat applied to them. Therefore, the direct application of these materials is in energy harvesting, which, together with the reduction of materials, leads them to portable and wearable functional applications. The purpose of this work is to disseminate some of the latest scientific and technological advances by different researchers around the world in the development of devices and applications based on these materials. The book compiles state-of-the-art fundamentals, current uses, as well as emerging applications of piezoelectric and thermoelectric materials. It is a source of inspiration for continued scientific research on the commercial, industrial, and military applications of these materials. Furthermore, it is a valuable and informative resource for undergraduate and graduate students, as well as experts and researchers in the field.

This book is an important guide to aluminum alloys. It discusses the basics of aluminum alloys, how they are prepared, how their properties can be altered, the relationship between their microstructures and properties, and their advanced applications. This book includes eleven chapters organized into four sections: ¿Introduction to Aluminum Alloys¿, ¿Fabrication of Aluminum Alloys¿, ¿Properties of Aluminum Alloys¿, and ¿Advanced Applications of Aluminum Alloys¿. Chapters address such topics as aluminum alloys and their grain refinement; extrusion, low- and high-pressure casting, and additive manufacturing techniques to prepare different grades of aluminum alloys; how the property of aluminum alloys can be altered by adding dispersing agents; and more.

Updates on Cardiac Defibrillation, Cardioversion and AED Development delves deeply into the multifaceted world of arrhythmia treatment. Through various approaches, the chapters show a wide array of electrical and pharmacological methods to restore normal sinus rhythm in tachyarrhythmic cases. From the historical perspective of the first use of direct current electrical cardioversion to the effective deployment of Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) in public-access defibrillation programs, this book underscores the crucial role of timely intervention. Focusing on atrial arrhythmias, the impact of tachyarrhythmia on heart function is highlighted and potential breakthroughs of cardioversion drugs are introduced. In the context of hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy, the book uncovers treatment strategies, emphasizing the innovative cardiac myosin modulation. The chapter on the effectors of transthoracic impedance and their significant influence on electrical intervention success rate urges personalized optimization methods for increased efficiency. Collectively, these chapters provide a comprehensive overview of various aspects of arrhythmia treatment, presenting advancements, challenges, and strategies to enhance patient outcomes in the dynamic landscape of acute cardiology care.

Sleep is undoubtedly one of the most intricate and abstruse issues in humans. Disturbances of sleep are widespread and can have a great impact on involved individuals as well as an economic influence on society. The COVID-19 pandemic forced predominant changes in recent years, such as the development of wearable devices and the Internet of Things (IoT) in telehealth. These are helpful for disease evaluation and treatment, however, they may not be adequate for dealing with the complexity of sleep medicine. I believe that specialists in sleep medicine will accelerate increased public awareness of sleep disorders and facilitate the consolidation of sleep health into medical care in a responsible fashion, including innovations in sleep medicine. This book presents updated developments as well as future perspectives in sleep medicine. It is a useful resource for persons involved in sleep medicine, whether they are clinicians, researchers, or patients.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a lifelong neurological condition that has no known cure. This book provides an extensive exploration of current and future directions for understanding immunology, neuroscience, and the development of potent treatment modalities. It presents an in-depth analysis and expert commentary on the role of genetics, lifestyle factors, biomarkers, neuroimaging, cognitive domains, artificial intelligence, and innate immunity in MS pathogenesis. We hope that the book is helpful to readers of all spheres of life, including those who want to understand more about MS, those who are keen to improve their understanding of MS disease pathogenesis, those who are enthusiastic to know more about treatment modalities, and those who want to be informed about state-of-the-art clinical developments in MS.

International Business - New Insights on Changing Scenarios is a collection of reviewed and relevant research chapters offering a comprehensive overview of recent developments in business, management, and economics. The book presents a review of the latest research efforts by international authors in social science and opens new possible research paths for further novel developments. Chapters address such topics as business intelligence, circular systems, corporate governance, work-related safety issues, and much more.

The book presents an in-depth exploration of adrenal anatomy, physiology, and pathology, authored by a multidisciplinary team of international experts, providing an exposition of the current state of knowledge in the field of adrenal diseases and offering insights into the evolution of their management. The addressed pathologies are intricate and diverse, encompassing conditions such as Cushing¿s disease, primary aldosteronism, pheochromocytoma, and congenital adrenal hyperplasia. Each pathology chapter delves into etiopathogenic aspects, clinical evidence, and therapeutic recommendations. This publication caters equally to endocrinologists and professionals from various medical disciplines, serving as a valuable resource for information on the adrenal gland from both a physiological and pathological perspective.

The preschool period is a period in which children investigate and try to get to know their environment, are willing to communicate with their environment and begin to acquire the value judgments of the society they live in and the behaviors and habits appropriate to the cultural structure of that society. In this period when the foundations of personality are laid, the child needs conscious guidance in home, school, and social life. By providing appropriate educational opportunities in the early years, the development of children¿s self-care, mind, language, social, emotional, and motor skills can be supported. In a preschool education institution that is well prepared in terms of physical conditions and educational programs, the children learn to establish friendships, cooperate, and develop their skills. Developing human potential to its highest limits is only possible with the opportunities provided in the early years. This book provides a comprehensive overview of preschool education. Chapters address such topics as the importance of literacy, pedagogical leadership, high-quality preschool education, and preschool improvement practices. They also discuss the role of theater in childhood education and community approaches to funding and support. Furthermore, the book examines childhood obesity; connecting home, school, and communities; childcare social enterprises; teacher quality and professional development; motor, cognitive, nutritional, metabolic, and epigenetic influences on early childhood; and instructional and interactional aspects of childhood education.

Food ripening sweetens foods such as fruits and makes them tastier, more aromatic, and more nutritious. To achieve the beneficial results of food ripening in a controlled manner, agronomic engineers, food industry engineers, and scientists use state-of-the-art technologies. This book, New Discoveries in the Ripening Processes, presents a comprehensive overview of the food ripening process. It is organized into seven chapters that address discoveries in the ripening of fruits, plants, enzymes, and much more.