Iron Intake and Human Health
Iron deficiency (ID) and iron deficiency anemia (IDA) are global problems that affect more than 2 billion people, accounting for significant mortality annually worldwide. Children, girls, and women of reproductive age are particularly vulnerable to ID and IDA due to their high physiological iron demands. The consequences of IDA include deleterious effects on cognition, mental function, work performance, and pregnancy outcomes. The causes of IDA include low iron intake and poor iron bioavailability from ingested foods. Inflammation and human diseases that are associated with high levels of hepcidin (the hormone that regulates the iron efflux protein, ferroportin) due to mutation in a serine protease, TMPRSS6, can also cause iron deficiency. Practical strategies aimed at preventing anemia include iron supplementation and the fortification of foods. Novel iron compounds that are aimed at averting complications such as irritation and inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract are being synthesized. On the other hand, concerns about the mandatory iron fortification of foods in segments of the population that are predisposed to the consequences of excess tissue iron toxicity can be addressed through administration of iron chelators.
Marine Microbial Bioremediation
Increased industrialization and urbanization has polluted the marine environment, the largest ecosystem. Hence, sincere efforts must be made to decontaminate marine ecosystem for sustainable use of oceans and their bioresources.
Advances in Biochemistry and Biotechnology Vol. 1
This book highlights the contribution in the very recent past made by Indian scientists in India. This Volume proves-detail and up-to-date chapters about the advancement of biochemistry and biotechnology. This book contains chapter such as Current Changing Scenario of Biotechnology and Biochemistry; Recent Developments in Chondrocyte Cultures and Cartilage Engineering; Human Granulocyte-Colony Stimulating Factor: A Therapeutic Protein; Chemical Analysis of Leaves of Cestrum diurnum (L) (Solanales: Solanaceae) and Seasonal Variation of Some Primary and Secondary Biochemicals; Protein Folding Pathways; Its Kinetics and Related Functions; Recombinant Therapeutic Proteins from Bacteria, Animal and Plant Cells; Programmed Cell Death: An Overview; Biocatalysis: An Emerging Field in the Synthesis of Eenatio-Pure Compounds; Use of Immunostimulant in Aquaculture; Application of Environmental Biotechnological Tools in Water Resource Development; Induced Breeding Techniques for Aquaculture; Pharmacogenomics Based Emerging Drug Discovery Strategies. This book will be of immense value to the researchers, both the postgraduate and undergraduate students desirous of replenishing latest information on advance of Biotechnology and Biochemistry
Microrna Detection and Target Identification
This updated volume reflects new and evolved techniques to study detection, profiling, and manipulation of microRNAs (miRNAs) in plants and animals. After overviews of how best to detect, identify, and validate microRNAs, the book continues by exploring state-of-the-art protocols for microRNA detection, approaches to profile the expression level of microRNAs, spatial expression analysis, describe in silico analysis of microRNAs and their targets, as well as protocols for functional analysis of microRNAs and their targets by CRISPR/Cas. Written for the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology series, chapters include introductions to their respective topics, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step and readily reproducible laboratory protocols, and tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Authoritative and up-to-date, MicroRNA Detection and Target Identification: Methods and Protocols, Second Edition aims to ensure successful results in the further study of this vital field.
Biology
The book Biology: Fundamental Principles is designed to serve as a text book for B.Sc. (Agricultural & Traditional University) students and would be of help to those in M.Sc. This book covers origin of life and its evidences, classification and taxonomy of plant & animals. In this book also includes basic biology principles viz., cell & its division and germination of crops. As far as possible, the examples are drawn from Indian experience. The book is written in simple language and even complex concepts have been reduced to early understandable discussions. The authors are attempted incorporate the recent developmental information in field of biology without sacrificing the simplicity of language or style. Discussions on nomenclature, introduction to Genetics and plant systematics-study of families are unique features of this book.
Introduction to Spectroscopic Methods
Spectroscopic techniques are used in various branches of modern biology, life sciences, chemistry, physics, etc. A clear understanding of the underlying principles is vital to learning their applications. This book presents a series of lecture notes on various spectroscopic methods used in biological and chemical sciences. It contains chapters written in simple language with clear illustrations/figures that the students can easily understand. After going through the chapters, the students will get an idea of the fundamentals and principles of spectroscopic methods for their applications in biochemistry, biotechnology, molecular biology, medicinal chemistry, pharmacology, pharmaceutics, biophysics, and structural biology.
Instant Notes on Genetics, Plant Breeding & Seed Technology
Agricultural science is a broad multidisciplinary field of biology that encompasses the parts of exact, natural, economic and plant sciences that are used in the practice and understanding of agriculture. This book covers different important points which were asked in previous JRF, SRF and ARS-NET examinations.
Manual of Biobank Quality Management
This pioneering handbook serves as an essential tool for any biobanking entity to create, implement and continuously improve their Quality Management System (QMS). Written in a concise and highly readable manner all biobanking related QMS aspects, ranging from legal aspects to safety matters, are addressed according to the best knowledge in compliance with the dedicated Biobanks ISO standards. Following a practical approach by making use of FAQ and common practice sections this book guides the readers through this complex field in an easy-to understand way.The guidelines are convergent not only with ISO 20387:2018 Biotechnology - Biobanking - General requirements for biobanking but also with ISO 9001:2015, ISO 19011:2018, ISO 27000:2014, and ISO 27002:2013. Furthermore, they are compatible, among others with the recommendations of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), IARC, and ISBER Best Practices. Aimed at both biobank employees and other stakeholders (e.g. public bodies, political bodies, hospitals, pharmaceutical industry, funders) at any level of experience the book serves as valuable source for self-education and teaching. The manual complies to the principles of responsibility, openness, and transparency and can be used by any biobanking unit regardless of the biological material the biobank operates with and independent of their associated biobank network. On behalf of a group of specialists and experts in the area of biobanking, regarding Quality Management Systems (QMS), Ethical, Legal and Societal Issues (ELSI) and IT solutions, the authors present with this book a significant achievement based on activities within the project, European Research Infrastructure BBMRI-ERIC "Quality Standards for Polish Biobanks" Handbook (QSPB).
The Inner Clock
"A rich history of what makes us tick, so to speak, paired with fascinating modern discoveries about how circadian rhythms influence our daily lives" --The Wall Street Journal How the groundbreaking science of circadian rhythms can help you sleep better, feel happier, and improve your overall health Your body contains a symphony of tiny timepieces, synchronized to the sun and subtle signals in your environment and behavior. But modern insults like artificial light, contrived time zones, and late-night meals can wreak havoc on your internal clocks. Armed with advances in biology and technology, a circadian renaissance is reclaiming those lost rhythms. The Inner Clock explores the emerging science and its transformative applications: How could taking a walk in the morning and going to bed at the same time each night keep your body in sync? Why are some doctors prescribing treatments at specific times of day? And how might a better understanding of our circadian rhythms improve educational outcomes, optimize sports performance, and support the longevity of our planet? Science journalist Lynne Peeples seeks out the scientists, astronauts, athletes, and patients at the forefront of a growing movement. Along the way, she sleeps in a Cold War-era bunker, chases the midnight sun, spits into test tubes, and wears high-tech light sensors to decipher what makes our internal clocks tick and how we can reset them for the better.
Recent Advances in Poultry Management
Poultry production has proven to be probably the most successful sector of animal production. With a wide variety of products, increased productivity, and a series of alternative production systems, poultry production has shown admirable skills of adjustability to the concerns and attitudes of the modern consumer. Nevertheless, there is still work to be done in terms of research and development, especially toward the modern challenges of climate change, welfare issues, and the overall sustainability of production.This Special Issue focuses on the recent advances in the production of broilers, laying hens, and other types of birds, mainly around the following subjects: a) structural characterization and clustering of production systems, b) housing and management practices, c) the application of innovative IT methods, d) trends in nutrition, e) the technical and economic efficiency of farms, and f) the quality of poultry meat and eggs.
Proteoglycans
This volume is a comprehensive and up-to-date collection of strategies, reproducible methods, and protocols for the in-depth analysis of Proteoglycans (PGs) and their glycan part, the GAGs. Chapters are divided into three parts detailing GAGs in biological specimens, protocols for the evaluation of the in vitro and in vivo effects of PGs/GAGs, and protocols for compounds related with the metabolic enzymes, epigenetic regulation, and PGs/GAGs-based inhibitors. Written in the format of the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology series, each chapter includes an introduction to the topic, lists necessary materials and methods, includes tips on troubleshooting and known pitfalls, and step-by-step, readily reproducible protocols. Cutting-edge and thorough, Proteoglycans: Methods and Protocols aims to provide information on the elucidated the structural and functional aspects of the complex matrix macromolecules such as the proteoglycans and glycosaminoglycans.
Recent Progress in Pharmaceutical Nanobiotechnology
Recent Progress in Pharmaceutical Nanobiotechnology: A Medical Perspective offers a comprehensive exploration of the dynamic field of pharmaceutical nanobiotechnology, focusing on its medical applications. This edited reference serves as a valuable resource for researchers, students, and professionals in various disciplines (pharmacology, biotechnology, clinical medicine and nanotechnology), providing insights into the latest advancements and practical implications of nanotechnology in the pharmaceutical sector. The book presents 14 edited and referenced chapters that cover several themes for readers. -General Pharmaceutical Nanobiotechnology-Introduction to the interdisciplinary field-Exploration of nanoscale materials for medical purposes-Nanoparticle Development and Applications-Bioinspired Nanomedicines-Lipid-Based Nanocarriers-Metallic Nanoparticles and Their Applications-Nanoparticle Targeting Strategies-Nanomedicine-Based Therapies for Cancer Stem Cells-Biotechnological Aspects-Biotechnological Significance of Exosomes-Glycoconjugates-Biosynthesis and Functions-Innovative Nanotherapies-Novel Nanotechnological Approaches for Glioblastoma-Biocompatibility of Nanomedicines and Bio Corona-Diagnostic and Sensing Applications-Role of Nanoparticular/Nano Vesicular Systems as Biosensors-In Vitro Applications of Drug-Carrying Nanoparticles in Cell Culture Studies-In Vivo Imaging Techniques-Bioluminescence and Fluorescence Imaging-Precision Medicine-The Role of Nano and Biopharmaceutics in Precision Medicine
State-of-the-Art Avian Viruses Research in Asia
This reprint represented certain advances in the research on modern avian virology from expert research groups in Asia. All topics collected have included the basic virology, pathogenicity, epidemiology, antiviral strategies, and vaccination developments.
Optical Sensors Technology and Applications
Optical methods are non-invasive tools, and their use in sensing applications is continuously increasing and reaching new heights. Novel optical technologies contribute to the development of state-of-the-art sensing schemes and devices characterized by outstanding working parameters (very low detection limit, high specificity and sensitivity) and innovative approaches for detecting the presence of analytes and for quantitatively determining their concentrations in many fields, including pharmaceutical research, medical diagnostics, environmental monitoring, agriculture, industry, food safety, and security. In this Special Issue, original research papers and review articles are included to display an overview of the recent advances in the technology and applications of optical sensors, including source and detection technologies, sensor architectures, sensor performance, and processing approaches and applications. This collection of papers shows the diversity of the latest developments in these areas and their wide dissemination in numerous fields.
Ornamental Plants and Urban Gardening
The interaction of the artificial living communities of cities and the examination of the interaction between plants, plants and microorganisms, and plants and animals is an essential part of sustainability. Creating vital urban areas and increasing their biodiversity is also necessary for sustainability. The monitoring and research of settlement communities as ecological systems serves to a large extent to the perception of the effects of climate change and helps to mitigate them. The sustainability and economic operation of established urban green space systems can be made effective by applying innovative technologies.This Special Issue aims to draw attention to this wide-ranging multidisciplinary research work and to offer solutions for modern urban green space management.
Nanopore Sequencing
This volume provides comprehensive dry and wet experiments, methods, and applications on nanopore sequencing. Chapters guide readers through bioinformatic procedures, genome sequencing, analysis of repetitive regions, structural variations, rapid and on-site microbial identification, epidemiology, and transcriptome analysis. Written in the format of the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology series, each chapter includes an introduction to the topic, lists necessary materials and methods, includes tips on troubleshooting and known pitfalls, and step-by-step, readily reproducible protocols. Authoritative and cutting-edge, Nanopore Sequencing: Methods and Protocols aims to be comprehensive guide for researchers.
Queen Breeding and Genetics - How to get better bees
After successful publication in Denmark (1995 ) and Germany (1997 ) this 2010 English translation deals with all aspects of mating and queen breeding and is the latest publication of its kind in the UK. This is a translation of the second (2009) Danish edition, It is full of the latest information. The sub title - suggests much - and delivers on this promise. In full colour it covers The production of Queens, Mating Nucs, Mating Stations, Instrumental Insemination, Aims of Breeding and Judgement - so important and much much more.
Inclusion Bodies
This detailed volume presents a series of protocols dealing with different aspects of inclusion body (IB) processing, from cloning procedures to purification of refolded product. Commencing with chapters on upstream processing, looking into different expression strategies for IB production, the book continues with downstream applications, highlighting early protein purification and subsequent analytics, as well as success stories of IB-based processes. Written for the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology series, chapters include introductions to their respective topics, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step and readily reproducible laboratory protocols, and tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Authoritative and practical, Inclusion Bodies: Methods and Protocols serves as an ideal resource for facilitating diverse aspects of IB processing.
Translational and Comparative Research on Innovative Anti-Cancer Therapies
Cancer represents a major global challenge for medical practice in humans and companion animals. A plethora of basic and preclinical studies involving cell cultures and animal models have screened novel anti-cancer drugs and innovative treatments such as immunotherapy and gene-based therapy. In addition, emerging alternative translational models based on comparative oncology have shown promising results in anti-cancer drug discovery since companion animals develop spontaneous tumors and share the same environment as humans. Nonetheless, some gaps still exist in pre-clinical and clinical comparative animal models in terms of biological behavior, genetics, molecular pathways, as well as the immunological features of cancer that should be fulfilled to enhance their translational value. This Special Issue of Cancers contributes high-quality scientific evidence through novel data from preclinical and clinical studies performed in humans and/or animals. Thus, we hope that this set of articles will increase readers' knowledge within the scope of comparative and translational oncology and encourage further research into these innovative anti-cancer therapies.
Applied Mathematics and Fractional Calculus II
In the last three decades, fractional calculus has broken into the field of mathematical analysis, both at the theoretical level and the level of its applications. In essence, the fractional calculus theory is a mathematical analysis tool applied to studying integrals and derivatives of arbitrary order, which unifies and generalizes the classical notions of differentiation and integration. These fractional and derivative integrals, which until a few years ago had been used in purely mathematical contexts, have been revealed as instruments with great potential to model problems in various scientific fields, such as fluid mechanics, viscoelasticity, physics, biology, chemistry, dynamical systems, signal processing, and entropy theory. Since fractional order's differential and integral operators are nonlinear operators, fractional calculus theory provides a tool for modeling physical processes, which in many cases is more useful than classical formulations; this is why applying fractional calculus theory has become a focus of international academic research. This Special Issue, "Applied Mathematics and Fractional Calculus II," has published excellent research studies in the field of applied mathematics and fractional calculus, authored by many well-known mathematicians and scientists from diverse countries worldwide, such as the USA, Ireland, Romania, Bulgaria, T羹rkiye, China, Pakistan, Iran, Egypt, India, Iraq, and Saudi Arabia.
Evolution Evolving
A new account of the central role developmental processes play in evolution A new scientific view of evolution is emerging--one that challenges and expands our understanding of how evolution works. Recent research demonstrates that organisms differ greatly in how effective they are at evolving. Whether and how each organism adapts and diversifies depends critically on the mechanistic details of how that organism operates--its development, physiology, and behavior. That is because the evolutionary process itself has evolved over time, and continues to evolve. The scientific understanding of evolution is evolving too, with groundbreaking new ways of explaining evolutionary change. In this book, a group of leading biologists draw on the latest findings in evolutionary genetics and evo-devo, as well as novel insights from studies of epigenetics, symbiosis, and inheritance, to examine the central role that developmental processes play in evolution. Written in an accessible style, and illustrated with fascinating examples of natural history, the book presents recent scientific discoveries that expand evolutionary biology beyond the classical view of gene transmission guided by natural selection. Without undermining the central importance of natural selection and other Darwinian foundations, new developmental insights indicate that all organisms possess their own characteristic sets of evolutionary mechanisms. The authors argue that a consideration of developmental phenomena is needed for evolutionary biologists to generate better explanations for adaptation and biodiversity. This book provides a new vision of adaptive evolution.
Cell-ECM Interactions for Tissue Engineering and Tissue Regeneration
The extracellular matrix (ECM) is a dynamic scaffold structure that surrounds all cells in the body and provides structural integrity as well as dynamic signaling cues. These ECM cues influence many aspects of cellular function and phenotype, including cell death, proliferation, cell fate specification, and tissue morphogenesis. Therefore, it is critically important to understand the impact of ECM interactions on disease pathology, tissue engineering, and tissue regeneration. These original research and review articles illustrate the importance of ECM interactions on fundamental cell behavior. Using bioengineering and biomaterial strategies, the effects of the ECM on cell behavior and function can be systematically studied. Cell-ECM interactions are further explored in a variety of tissue and disease models, including cardiovascular, musculoskeletal, lymphatic, and skin applications. These articles were published from 2022 to 2023 in Bioengineering.
Mechanism and Engineering Research on Processing, Storage and Preservation of Fresh Food
The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the fragility and importance of the fresh food supply chain system. The pandemic has affected the production and transportation of high-value, labor-intensive, perishable, and nutritious fresh foods, such as fruits and vegetables, meat, and aquatic products. On the other hand, changes in the characteristics of microorganisms, production methods, environment, and ecology, and the increasing amount of fresh food in world markets have created new risks. Over the years, food preservation processes have satisfied consumers' increased demand for high-quality fresh foods. Consequently, exploring the novel technologies of processing, storage, and preservation is becoming essential for fresh food. Innovative and promising technologies have been adopted to ensure safe productions with changing consumer needs and fresh food-health issues. This Special Issue aspired to collate a range of original research and review articles on the latest progress, challenges, and prospects of new processing, storage, and fresh-keeping technologies for fresh food.
Metabolic Research in Aquatic Animal Nutrition, Physiology and Disease
Aquaculture supplies large quantities of high-value proteins to human beings and remains the most efficient protein-producing industry. Fish feed is the largest cost during aquaculture practice, and it is of great importance to explore the nutrient requirements and physiology of different aquatic animals. The last decade has seen a growing number of studies revealing the metabolic responses in aquatic animal nutrition, physiology and disease.The inner metabolic regulatory mechanism in aquatic animal nutrition, physiology and disease remains largely unresolved. This Special Issue Reprint showcases a collection of original research articles that highlight the latest discoveries and advances in the field of metabolic research in aquatic animal nutrition, physiology and disease. In improving our understanding of the metabolic regulation in multiple aspects of aquatic animals, there is potential to develop functional feed components or high-efficiency fish feed, to finally promote the continual blooming of the aquaculture industry.
Prospects Challenges and Sustainability of the Agri-Food Supply Chain in the New Global Economy II
The agri-food supply chain (AFSC) is undoubtedly a chain that must be transformed to adjust to the needs and requirements of the new era, following the COVID-19 pandemic. New challenges and prospects and the sustainability of the AFSC are already emerging, with the scientific community obliged to come up with answers and solutions to global food consumption issues. Scientific research concerning different aspects of the AFSC with selected topics, including technologies, new foods, consumers' perceptions, socioeconomic and environmental issues of conservation and sustainability, eco-innovation solutions, and green transformative pathways in the agri-food sector are included in this Special Issue. Emphasis is placed on the end users-the consumers-who need healthy, sustainable, value-added, economic food produced within the new global environmental, political, and social conditions which are currently, and for a long time have been, under a major transformation. The papers included in this Special Issue give practical, innovative, and sustainable solutions to existing drawbacks of the supply chain, thus providing useful knowledge to readers or researchers interested in these specific subject matters. This is the second Special Issue of a series of Special Issues that we initiated a year ago as a follow-up to the changes and progress of the AFSC, and we will continue this, with more Special Issues on the way, highlighting more and more scientific achievements in selected subject areas of the chain to our respected global readers.
Land Perspectives
Good land administration and spatial enablement help to improve people's living conditions in urban, peri-urban, and rural areas. They protect people's land rights (including of individuals, communities, and the state) through good governance principles and practices. This makes research concerning land administration practices and geographic (spatial) sciences-whether in developed or developing countries-essential to developing tools or methods for securing natural resource rights for people. In the time of COVID-19, understanding the land and health or wellbeing nexus is also crucial for adequate living conditions for people in living urban, peri-urban, and rural areas. This Special Issue comprises 15 articles (including the editorial) that present insights on theories and practices on land administration and geographic (spatial) sciences in the context of land/water/forest-people-health-wellbeing nexus.
Advances in the Use of Beneficial Microorganisms to Improve Nutritional and Functional Properties of Fermented Foods
Health organizations have recently highlighted the need to improve the nutritional and functional characteristics of foods and beverages as a strategy to prevent chronic disease and enhance, globally, the life quality. Many staple foods are characterized by critical issues such as high glycemic response, low biological value of proteins, high concentrations of salt and fat, the presence of ingredients associated with hypersensitivity reactions, often lacking functional compounds such as fibers and polyphenols. The use of fermentation and selected starters, such as lactic acid bacteria (LAB) and yeasts, has long been considered an excellent tool to improve the nutritional/functional characteristics of foods by the synthesis of bioactive compounds, or by the degradation of antinutrional factors, while ameliorating their organoleptic and technological features. In recent years, natural fermented foods, novel food matrices and their microbial communities have been studied in order to select microorganisms with characteristics useful for the nutritional/functional improvement of traditional and novel fermented foods. In this Special Issue, an overview of the latest scientific evidences on the improvement of nutritional and functional properties resulting from the use of beneficial microorganisms, is provided.
Ecology of Marine Zooplankton
The aim of this reprint is to present novel research topics regarding the biology, ecology and diversity of zooplanktonic organisms. The contributions collected focus on a wide range of topics - from host-parasite interactions to seasonal variability - over different scales - from the molecular to the population level - and systems - from lagoons to hydrothermal vents. The result is a volume with a strong interdisciplinary nature that is able to attract the interest of a diversified audience of scientists.
Food Components in Health Promotion and Disease Prevention
The aim of this Special Issue is to expand our knowledge around the rational use of foods and natural antioxidant compounds, also extracted from high-quality byproducts, in the management and prevention of chronic inflammatory and metabolic diseases. In this regard, the papers submitted should include robust biological data underlying the protective role of foods and their ingredients, alongside a detailed description of their chemical composition. Specifically, biological and pharmacological investigations may include an evaluation of the protective effects through in vitro models (i.e., cell cultures, pathogen microbiological strains, isolated tissue), including preclinical and clinical data based on validated and reproducible models. Regarding the chemical composition of the investigated products, the authors were strongly invited to submit papers reporting the identification and quantification of food components, through chromatographic and/or spectroscopic data. A description of the mechanism of action will be much appreciated, which could also include a bioinformatics approach based on targets-components analysis, in particular, for bioactive extracts from foods.
Durum Wheat Products
This reprint details some of the latest developments and the science of durum wheat products outlining the latest research in durum milling innovations, role of durum wheat oil and wheat germ in product stability, available rheological methods to assess semolina, role of processing variables on pasta quality and drying behavior of bulgur. The impact of functional food design on human health and some examples where pasta glycaemic index has been surveyed and products made using waste streams, such as brown algae, tiger nut flour, carrot waste, and other approached to new durum product design such as high amylose durum wheat and soft durum wheat.
Viral Zoonoses
The beginning of the 21st century was marked by an increase in the number of emerging/reemerging infectious diseases detected worldwide and by the challenging COVID-19 pandemic. Most of these emerging diseases are caused by viruses that are primarily RNA viruses of animal origin, with a long history of adaptation to their natural hosts, becoming pathogenic when crossing species barriers.The conditions for viral persistence in animal reservoirs, particularly among the very diverse species of rodents and bats, and pathogenicity in humans are not always elucidated. Meanwhile, outbreaks are influenced by human activities that disrupt ecosystems and increase contact between infected animals and humans. Therefore, population dynamics are of great importance, with domestic animals playing key roles as intermediaries in the transmission of viruses.Considering the increase in emerging infectious disease and their occurrence on a global scale, damage to ecosystems, mainly caused by human activities that, thereby increase contact between wild animals, domestic animals, and humans, the global "One Health" approach is essential. The articles published in the Special Issue, "Viral Zoonoses: Interactions and Factors Driving Virus Transmission ", contribute to this reflection.
Advances in Biomedical Image Processing and Analysis
Rapid growth in algorithms and computing power over recent years has spurred the emergence of machine learning and image processing techniques as new tools, which are rapidly entering every aspect of our life, from intelligent personal assistance such as Siri, Alexa, and Google Home to self-driving cars. The medical community has begun taking advantage of these new possibilities to create new predictive models and improve existing models. For example, novel methods applying machine learning and image processing/analysis methods that are robust and theoretically sound to solve the learning task efficiently and intuitively have become widespread across different facets of biomedical imaging for identifying complex patterns. Likewise, advances in biomedical imaging may lead to new technologies for developing predictive models for all diseases and guide the decision of who should receive preventive therapy.
2021 Feature Papers by Diversity’s Editorial Board Members
The journal "Diversity" has a competent and ambitious international Editorial Board. A number of the EB members published their research in a Special Issue in 2021. About 52 publications on biodiversity, ecology and evolution are organized in this Special Issue.The publications cover a broad range of several timely aspects of biodiversity, such as invasive species; biodiversity management; floristics; Citizen Science; the influence of human activities on plant, insect, mammal, bird, reptile and amphibia populations; parasites; genetic diversity and DNA barcoding; as well as microbiome, genome and transcriptome studies. Additionally, taxonomic and biosystematic topics, with the description of new species, including a new species of dinosaur, are covered in several of the SI publications.
2021 Feature Papers by Diversity’s Editorial Board Members
The journal "Diversity" has a competent and ambitious international Editorial Board. A number of the EB members published their research in a Special Issue in 2021. About 52 publications on biodiversity, ecology and evolution are organized in this Special Issue.The publications cover a broad range of several timely aspects of biodiversity, such as invasive species; biodiversity management; floristics; Citizen Science; the influence of human activities on plant, insect, mammal, bird, reptile and amphibia populations; parasites; genetic diversity and DNA barcoding; as well as microbiome, genome and transcriptome studies. Additionally, taxonomic and biosystematic topics, with the description of new species, including a new species of dinosaur, are covered in several of the SI publications.
The Transgender Athlete
The Transgender Athlete: A Guide for Sports Medicine Providers presents sports medicine practitioners insights into the unique issues and concerns of transgender athletes in order to help them understand rules regarding transgender athlete participation and learn how to better provide competent care to transgender athletes. There are over 1.4 million transgender adults in the United States. Transgender individuals undergo gender-affirming treatments including sex hormone therapy and gender-affirming surgery. An increasing number of transgender people are participating in sports and presenting to sports medicine clinics with injuries, yet there is little research about this athlete population. It is important that sports medicine providers understand the types of hormone treatments and surgeries and how these changes affect the musculoskeletal health of transgender people. Additionally, transgender people may require specific considerations when interacting with medical providers. Furthermore, sports medicine providers are often consulted to formulate transgender athlete inclusion policy. These policies are continuously changing, as new evidence becomes available, which may be difficult to understand without knowledge of the gender transition process.
Bioinformatics
This book focuses on bioinformatics, the study of the management and analysis of information used in biological systems. Particular emphasis explains to the reader how to study and extract useful information, such as relatedness of species, function of specific sequences, and genome organization from genomic sequences. This book focuses on the algorithmic aspects of bioinformatics and not on databases and software packages. There are two important discriminating characteristics that sets the book apart. It connects the algorithmic aspects and approaches to bioinformatics with the biological context while maintaining a user friendly and accessible description of the algorithms. The authors have curated the content for use a stand alone reference or the book will fit a one semester course on the subject.
Nanoparticle for Catalysis
Nanoparticle catalysts continue to be in the spotlight due to their unique performances in various chemical processes. With rapid progress in nanoscience and technology, nanoparticle-mediated reactions can be carried out in different systems regarding both gas and condensed phases. Due to the doping, surface, volume, and quantum size effects, elements in nanoparticles exhibit properties which are rather different from the ones in bulk materials, thus possibly affording higher catalytic activity and selectivity for specific reactions. This Special Issue aims to show insight into the recent advances in nanoparticle catalysis and focuses on the advantages, limitations, and future directions of nanoparticle-mediated reactions in both chemical and biological systems.
Living on Earth
One of the Washington Post's 50 Best Nonfiction Books of 2024The bestselling author of Other Minds shows how we and our ancestors have reinvented our planet. If the history of the Earth were compressed down to a year, our species would arise in the last thirty minutes or so of the final hour. But life itself is not such a late arrival: It has existed on Earth for something like 3.7 billion years--most of our planet's history and over a quarter of the age of the universe (as far as we can tell). What have these organisms--bacteria, animals, plants, and the rest--done in all this time? In Living on Earth, the philosopher Peter Godfrey-Smith proposes a new way of understanding how the actions of living beings have shaped our planet. Where his acclaimed books Other Minds and Metazoa explored the riddle of how conscious minds came to exist on Earth, Living on Earth turns to what happens when we look at the mind from another side--when we come to see organisms as active causes, not merely as results of the evolutionary process. The planet we inhabit is significantly the work of other living beings, who shaped the environments that we ourselves later transformed. To that end, Godfrey-Smith takes us on a grand tour of the history of life on earth. He visits Rwandan gorillas and Australian bowerbirds, returns to coral reefs and octopus dens, considers the impact of language and writing, and weighs the responsibilities our unique powers bring with them, as they relate to factory farming, habitat preservation, climate change, and the use of animals in experiments. Ranging from the seas to the forests, and from animate matter's first appearance to its future extinction, Godfrey-Smith offers a novel picture of the course of life on Earth and how we might meet the challenges of our time, the Anthropocene.
Emerging Non-Thermal Food Processing Technologies
There is a strong consumer trend towards high-quality and healthy foods with 'fresh‐like' characteristics. On the other hand, thermal processing technologies, especially conventional ones, negatively affect both the sensory and nutritional properties of foods. At the same time, limited shelf-life and safety concerns of fresh foods necessitate food processing. Therefore, scientists are exploring the possibility of using nonthermal technologies for various purposes such as shelf-life extension and safety improvement. However, their applicability and scalability are still under intensive investigation.This reprint presents examples of studies in non-thermal emerging food processing technologies. It provides practical examples that can help graduate students further understand the concepts involved in emerging non-thermal technologies; therefore, it can be used as a teaching material/reference in universities. Moreover, the benefits of these novel technologies highlighted in this reprint could be utilized by the food industry's R&D to enhance academic-industry collaborations and possible commercialization.
The Evolution of Sex
The evolutionary objective of both sexes is to optimize the number of genes they contribute to following generations. Invariably the most efficient way to achieve this is to have many high quality offspring. However, males and females can be influenced by very different biological forces that subsequently shape their reproductive strategies. This readable account of the evolution of sexual reproduction highlights these differences between the sexes, specifically the potential for both conflict and co-operation at the level of the individual. Males and females are often very different when it comes to carrying out their reproductive strategies and may be at odds as to how best to maximize their success. This book discusses those differences, how they arose, what they are, and provides a wealth of examples to better understand how the two biological sexes approach sexual reproduction. The Evolution of Sex is an accessible primer suitable for both undergraduate and graduate students of anthropology, psychology, and biology. It will also appeal to a more general audience seeking a better understanding of human sexual behaviour from an evolutionary viewpoint.
Polyphenols and Flavones from Agricultural Products and Their Health-Promoting Properties
Polyphenol and flavone compounds are abundant in fruits, vegetables and lots of other agricultural products (such as blueberries, cherries, grapes, onions, beans, cabbage, rice, sorghum, maize, etc.) and have received considerable attention for their health-promoting properties in many chronic disorders, including cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases, etc. These properties of polyphenols and flavones have been historically ascribed to their antioxidant properties.This reprint collected some of the latest research articles that help to highlight the most recent advances on polyphenol extracts from agricultural products and their role in these health-enhancing benefits.
Hyperspectral Remote Sensing from Spaceborne and Low Altitude Aerial/Drone-Based Platforms
This Special Issue, titled "Hyperspectral Remote Sensing from Spaceborne and Low-Altitude Aerial/Drone-Based Platforms-Differences in Approaches, Data Processing Methods, and Applications", presents the latest achievements in the field of hyperspectral remote sensing data processing and its related applications. A total of 18 manuscripts, all of which were evaluated by professional Guest Editors and reviewers, were submitted for publication in this Special Issue. Subsequently, 11 of these submissions were deemed to be of a high quality (based on the standards set by Remote Sensing) and were revised, accepted, and published in this Special Issue.
India's Grace Cascades
India, with its rich embroidery of culture, history, and normal magnificence, unfurls a hypnotizing story through the charming Effortlessness Fountains. Settled in the midst of the rich scenes, these fountains are not simple cascades; they are narrators, murmuring accounts that reverberation through time. The actual quintessence of India's elegance is embodied in the ethereal progression of water, winding around an orchestra of stories as it overflows down in a smooth dance.As the sun ascends over the magnificent pinnacles, the principal beams enlighten the fountains, transforming them into fluid gold. The morning fog lingers palpably, adding an enchanted quality to the environmental factors. Here, nature's verse is written in the liquid language of water, every bead adding to a steadily advancing account. The fountains, as quiet antiquarians, have seen ages unfurl, from antiquated civilizations to the cutting edge liveliness that characterizes India today.At the core of these murmuring stories lies the social mosaic of India. The fountains, with their ageless presence, stand observer to the bunch customs and ceremonies that have been performed on their shores for quite a long time. The delicate shower of water turns into a cleaning favoring, a ceremony that rises above ages. Travelers and drifters the same track down comfort in the hug of the fountains, as though the actual water conveys the insight of sages and holy people.Past the social stories, the Elegance Fountains recount accounts of flexibility and variation. Nature's cycles are reflected in the back and forth movement of the fountains, reflecting the always changing scene of India. The rainstorm bring a heavy ensemble, changing the once tranquil stream into a thundering display. However, as the seasons change, so does the fountain's demeanor, adjusting to the mood of the land it graces.As one feels overwhelmed by the fountains, the otherworldly suggestions become substantial. There's a feeling of godlikeness in the nonstop stream, an everlasting serenade that rises above the limits of time. The fountains become a journey for those looking for an association with the heavenly, where the hallowed and the mainstream merge in amicable solidarity. It's a safe-haven where searchers track down water, yet a wellspring of profound revival.
Environmental burden of MRSA in Pakistan. A meta-analysis of prevalence in non-clinical samples (2016-2022)
Master's Thesis from the year 2022 in the subject Biology - Micro- and Molecular Biology, grade: 82%, course: MSc. in Microbiology, language: English, abstract: Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a major environmental health concern in Pakistan. Therefore, the aim of the present study with 18 published studies was to assess the prevalence of MRSA in non-clinical settings in Pakistan based on different years from 2016 to 2022 and different locations. For this, the relevant articles dealing with the prevalence of MRSA were analysed in Pub Me, Google Scholar, Research Gate, Science Hub and Google from 2016 to 2022. The statistical analyses were performed using STATA software (version 17) and Excel.
Treatment and Management of Fusarium Disease in Wheat
Fusarium head blight (FHB), caused by several Fusarium species-mainly Fusarium graminearum, F. culmorum, and F. avenaceum-is a devastating disease of wheat which reduces both grain yield and quality. FHB affects the grain protein content by destroying starch granules, storage proteins, and cell walls and consequently decreases the quality of dough properties. It is also associated with mycotoxin contamination and is a significant threat to animal and human health. Furthermore, Fusarium spp. affect plant development and trigger different morphological, physiological, biochemical, and molecular changes. Current climate change scenarios predict an increase in the number of epidemics caused by this disease, and many different strategies for disease control are currently being researched. This Special Issue aims to detail the latest achievements regarding Fusarium disease in wheat, including the genetics or physiology of resistance, resistance mechanisms, host-pathogen interactions, and agronomic approaches in the field (fungicidal management, the integration of host resistance and fungicides, and the timing of fungicide application). Original research, reviews, and opinions on recent advances in strategies for the control of Fusarium disease in wheat were also welcome.
Designing Cereal and Legume Based Foods with Improved Nutritional Properties
The emerging popularity of sustainable, plant-based diets presents new challenges in the delivery of healthy plant-based and functional food to consumers. Recent advances in crop biotechnology and food processing have provided innovative opportunities to enhance the nutritional quality of foods without compromising agronomic attributes such as crop yield. For instance, cereals and legumes with greater resistance to starch amylolysis have been developed and are desirable in mediating blood glucose and improving gut health. Moreover, new functional attributes could minimize the cooking burden commonly associated with whole-grain cereal and legume preparation and improve organoleptic qualities of plant-based foods. Integrated approaches that consider both the development of new raw materials through plant breeding and subsequent processing methodology are essential to develop functional foods and optimize nutrient bioaccessibility and bioavailability. This Special Issue features original research papers that will advance our knowledge and strategies for designing new cereal- and legume-based foods for improving nutrition and health. Special interests include nutritional trait development in crops using recent advances in plant biotechnology and breeding, innovative processing strategies for modulating nutrient bioaccessibility and bioavailability, physicochemical characterization and nutritional evaluation of novel raw ingredients and foods, functional food development, and dietary intervention studies aimed at cereal- or legume-based foods for health.
Development of Analytical Methods in the Field of Food Analysis
The development of analytical methods in food analysis has undergone significant advancements over the years, driven by the increasing complexity of food matrices, the need for accurate and rapid analysis, and the growing awareness of food safety and quality. In terms of the techniques that are used to name a few common examples, the range of instruments includes: 1) Classical Methods: gravimetry, titrimetry, and colorimetry were widely used for food analysis; 2) Chromatography Techniques: gas chromatography and liquid chromatography have become fundamental techniques in food analysis; 3) Spectroscopy Techniques: UV-Visible, Infrared, and Nuclear Magnetic Resonance, provide information about the chemical composition, structure, and functional groups present in food components; 4) Mass Spectrometry: coupled with chromatography, has become indispensable in food analysis; 5) Molecular Techniques: Polymerase Chain Reaction and other molecular techniques are employed for the detection of genetic material in food, addressing issues related to food authenticity, traceability, and the presence of genetically modified organisms; 7) Data Analysis and Automation: advances in data analysis, including chemometrics and machine learning, enhance the interpretation of complex data generated by modern analytical techniques.An overview of the key stages and trends in the development of analytical methods for food analysis is presented in this reprint.
