Ciguatoxins
Ciguatoxins (CTXs), which are responsible for Ciguatera fish poisoning (CFP), are liposoluble toxins produced by microalgae of the genera Gambierdiscus and Fukuyoa. This book presents 18 scientific papers that offer new information and scientific evidence on: (i) CTX occurrence in aquatic environments, with an emphasis on edible aquatic organisms; (ii) analysis methods for the determination of CTXs; (iii) advances in research on CTX-producing organisms; (iv) environmental factors involved in the presence of CTXs; and (v) the assessment of public health risks related to the presence of CTXs, as well as risk management and mitigation strategies.
Monitoring and Promoting Physical Activity, Physical Fitness and Motor Competence in Children
As we know, a large amount of research confirms that physical activity (PA), physical fitness (PF), and motor competence (MC) are associated with health benefits in individuals of all ages. Achieving a sufficient level of PA and PF will consequently further contribute to better health-related biomarkers. Moreover, holding a good MC allows better participation in PA and exercise in life, promoting greater physical literacy.It is true that the measurement of PA in children and young people is subject to several conditioning factors which threaten validity and reliability. Additionally, it is good to remember that the World Health Organization guidelines on PA and sedentary behaviour for children recommend: (1) 180 min of PA (at any intensity) for two-year old children; (2) 180 min of PA, of which 60 min is moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA), for 3- to 4-year-old children; and (3) at least 60 min of MVPA for children and adolescents from 5 to 17 years old.Therefore, understanding and developing strategies to promote PA behavior is now more important than in the past, because it is essential to improve fitness levels and MC in early ages. These strategies should cover all generations, children and youth, adults and the elderly, equally, because negative outcomes are visible in individuals of all ages.In this Special Issue, we show contributions that describe and list the link, monitoring and promotion between PA, PF, and MC.
Hard-To-Teach Biology Concepts
"This book does not contain a recipe to follow as you plan and deliver lessons. Nor is it a set of predesigned lessons for use in biology classrooms. Instead, it features both an instructional framework you can use as you plan and sets of research-based strategies and resources you can select from to help your students learn." -from the Introduction to Hard-to-Teach Biology Concepts, Revised 2nd Edition You know it's tough to convey some foundational biology concepts-and it's even tougher when you're adjusting to the Next Generation Science Standards. This thoroughly revised book is designed to support you as you plan and implement NGSS-aligned lessons that will engage students with biology concepts that many find especially challenging. The book is organized into two parts that feature an instructional framework and resources that support framework implementation and is designed for both veteran teachers and newcomers to the classroom. Part I, The Toolbox, introduces a research-based Instructional Planning Framework that helps you to understand the learning needs your students bring to class, incorporate appropriate teaching strategies, and interpret the framework and teaching tools through the lens of NGSS. Part II, Toolbox Implementation, models use of the framework with four hard-to-teach topics, all different from the ones in the book's first edition. Contributing authors show you how the framework helps teach the NGSS's four disciplinary core ideas: growth and development of organisms, ecosystems, heredity, and biological evolution. As the contributing authors make clear, the teaching models are specific and help to make student thinking visible, but they don't presume to dictate what's right for you. Rather, the book will open your mind to fresh, effective ways to help biology students deepen their conceptual understanding based on what works best for them and you in today's classrooms.
The Gene's-Eye View of Evolution
'Arvid ?gren has undertaken the most meticulously thorough reading of the relevant literature that I have ever encountered, deploying an intelligent understanding to pull it into a coherent story. As if that wasn't enough, he gets it right.' (Richard Dawkins) To many evolutionary biologists, the central challenge of their discipline is to explain adaptation, the appearance of design in the living world. With the theory of evolution by natural selection, Charles Darwin elegantly showed how a purely mechanistic process can achieve this striking feature of nature. Since then, the way many biologists have thought about evolution and natural selection is as a theory about individual organisms. Over a century later, a subtle but radical shift in perspective emerged with the gene's-eye view of evolution in which natural selection was conceptualized as a struggle between genes for replication and transmission to the next generation. This viewpoint culminated with the publication of The Selfish Gene by Richard Dawkins (Oxford University Press, 1976) and is now commonly referred to as selfish gene thinking. The gene's-eye view has subsequently played a central role in evolutionary biology, although it continues to attract controversy. The central aim of this accessible book is to show how the gene's-eye view differs from the traditional organismal account of evolution, trace its historical origins, clarify typical misunderstandings and, by using examples from contemporary experimental work, show why so many evolutionary biologists still consider it an indispensable heuristic. The book concludes by discussing how selfish gene thinking fits into ongoing debates in evolutionary biology, and what they tell us about the future of the gene's-eye view of evolution. The Gene's-Eye View of Evolution is suitable for graduate-level students taking courses in evolutionary biology, behavioural ecology, and evolutionary genetics, as well as professional researchers in these fields. It will also appeal to a broader, interdisciplinary audience from the social sciences and humanities including philosophers and historians of science.
Molecular Mechanisms and Therapies of Colorectal Cancer
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is currently the third leading cause of cancer-related mortality, with 1.9 million incidence cases and 0.9 million deaths worldwide. The global number of new CRC cases is predicted to reach 3.2 million in 2040, based on the projection of aging, population growth, and human development.In clinics, despite advances of diagnosis and surgical procedures, 20% of the patients with CRC present with metastasis at the time of diagnosis, caused by residual tumor cells that have spread to distant organs prior to surgery, affecting the patient survival rate. Standard systemic chemotherapy, alternative therapies that target mechanisms involved in cancer progression and metastasis, immunotherapy, and combination therapies are the major CRC-treatment strategies. In the advanced stage of CRC the transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) plays an oncogenic role by promoting cancer cell proliferation, cancer cell self-renewal, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, invasion, tumor progression, metastatic spread, and immune escape. Furthermore, high levels of TGF-β1 confers poor prognosis and is associated with early recurrence after surgery, resistance to chemo- or immunotherapy, and shorter survival. Based on the body of experimental evidence indicating that TGF-β signaling has the potential to be a good therapeutic target in CRC, several anti-TGF-β drugs have been investigated in cancer clinical trials. Here, we presented a comprehensive collection of manuscripts regarding studies on targeting the TGF-β signaling in CRC to improve patient's prognosis and personalized treatments.
New Insights in the Research of Bioactive Compounds from Plant Origin with Nutraceutical and Pharmaceutical Potential
Plant bioactive compounds are essential for human health due to their multiple biological effects, such as antioxidant, anticarcinogenic, antiallergenic, anti-inflammatory, antimutagenic, and antimicrobial activities leading to beneficial effects on various non-communicable diseases, such as autoimmune, inflammatory, cardiovascular, cancer, metabolic, and neurodegenerative diseases. Identifying these components, as well as establishing their beneficial health effects, will contribute to the discovery of therapeutics for the prevention and treatment of various disorders. Additionally, the screening of natural sources for novel biologically active metabolites is an essential part of several drug discovery programs.This Special Issue aims to present recent developments in high-throughput and efficient analytical approaches enabling the identification of plant-based compounds, the establishment of new protocols for the evaluation of bioactivities, and methods for the extraction, isolation, and structural characterization of new bioactive components with nutraceutical and therapeutic potential.
Interdisciplinary Researches for Cultural Heritage Conservation
This Special Issue on Interdisciplinary Research for Cultural Heritage Conservation in Applied Sciences aims to bring together some of the latest researches in this field. A total of 10 papers focusing on different aspects of cultural heritage were published on the topics: rock art, mural paintings, stone monuments, stained-glass windows, environmental sensors, historic infrastructures, and analects of Confucius.
Membrane Proteins
Membrane proteins are essential for the diverse biological functions of the cells and intercellular communication in living organisms. With the recent developments in the methodologies, the research on membrane proteins has been undergoing a major transformation. In this informative book, the biological and dynamic behaviour of membrane proteins are introduced, discussed, and reviewed by some of the leading researchers in the field. The main objective of this compendium is to present the recent research in the fundamental and advanced concepts and methodologies used for studying membrane proteins. Membrane protein purification and reconstitution, protein-lipid interaction, ion/substrate transport, conformational and functional dynamics, the interaction of infectious agents, cell death, and organelle morphology are among the topics that are covered. This reprint is intended for a broad range of novice and experienced scientists with different levels of experience, from biophysicists and biochemists to microbiologists, cell biologists, and physiologists.
Mycoremediation Protocols
This volume provides a wide range of aspects related to mycoremediation, which can be applied for both basic and advanced multidisciplinary research. Chapters guide readers through screening of fungi, Polyaromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs), textile dyes, pesticides, bioreactors, molecular methods, redictive Mycology and Proteomics approaches to select fungi, elucidating biological mechanisms, and fungal laccase enzyme-based biosensors for the detection of environmental contaminants. Authoritative and cutting-edge, Mycoremediation Protocols aims to be a practical guide on the functional properties of poorly known applications of fungi in order to find solutions for increasing environmental problems.
Chitosan
Chitosan: Novel Applications in Food Systems is a practical resource for those looking to understand new applications of chitosan in the food industry. The content presented is written by experts in the field who have worked on the latest application of chitosan-based research to help researchers and scientists understand how recent applications combined with traditional food preservation hurdles, or novel hurdles such as active packaging, irradiation and essential oils can improve methods of controlling microorganisms in foods. With an emphasis of potential of chitosan in food safety this reference briefly summarizes what chitosan-based research has already done for the industry, including potential applications.
Characteristics of wastewater
The present work focuses on the characterization of the wastewater of the Cooperative Laiti癡re du Maroc Oriental (COLAIMO) and to recommend an adequate treatment allowing its reuse, thus reducing the nuisance suffered by the receiving environment and also to remedy the loss of this water source in valorizable materials. The physico-chemical characterisation of the raw wastewater revealed that this liquid discharge is highly loaded with organic matter in terms of COD, which is 3900 mg O2/l, and 2300 mg O2/l of BOD5. Furthermore, the evaluation of the COD/BOD5 ratio = 1.69 underlines the biodegradable character of the COLAIMO wastewater, for which a biological treatment appears to be entirely suitable. Biological treatment processes are diverse, but after a comparative study of the different processes and a technical study evaluating the requirements of the cooperative, the "Sequential Biological Reactor (SBR)" process appears to be the most suitable for this type of industry and is the most efficient. For the implementation of a wastewater treatment plant, a study of the design of the plant before its realization is very interesting.
Understanding Reproduction
Our understanding of reproduction and reproductive processes is often biased towards the behaviour of organisms most familiar to us. As such, the amazing disparity of the phenomena of reproduction and sex is often overlooked. Understanding Reproduction addresses all the main facets of this large chapter of the life sciences, including discussions of asexual reproduction, parthenogenesis, sex determination, reproductive effort, and much more. The book features an abundance of examples from across the tree of life, including animals, plants, fungi, protists and bacteria. Written in an accessible and easy to digest style, overcoming the intimidating diversity of the technical terminology, this book will appeal to interested general readers, biologists, science educators, philosophers and medical doctors.
Animal Models for Study of Pathophysiological Mechanisms of Hypertension and Its Complications
Essential hypertension is still an important health care problem. It is necessary to investigate its mechanisms in animal models. The potential clinical importance of such experimental research might be expected. This Special Issue concerned several important topics. First, several studies focused on the pathophysiological mechanisms responsible for blood pressure elevation during hypertension development, organ damage in chronic hypertension, and drugs targeting hypertension and/or its complications. Other studies were interested in the participation of central and peripheral blood pressure control, changes in vascular structure and function, and neural, humoral, and endocrine factors. Furthermore, the contribution of altered redox signaling, chronic inflammation, microbiome changes, and interactions of genetic and environmental factors were evaluated in multiple papers. Finally, special attention was paid to the progress in pharmacological tools for the control of hypertension and associated organ damage, genetic modifications to alter blood pressure levels, and non-pharmacological interventions attenuating hypertension or its complications. The original articles or reviews covered the interesting aspects of the pathophysiology of hypertension and associated end-organ damage, the use of various experimental hypertensive models, and the importance of specific environmental factors acting in distinct phases of the ontogeny. We especially appreciate the presentation of new ideas and the critical discussion of traditional theories.
The Pathophysiology of Preeclampsia and Eclampsia
Preeclampsia is a hypertensive disorder of pregnancy, diagnosed after the 20th week of gestation in women experiencing new-onset hypertension along with symptoms affecting the liver, kidneys, or brain. In some cases, women with preeclampsia develop novel seizures or unexplained coma, at which time they are diagnosed with eclampsia. The mechanisms contributing to preeclampsia and eclampsia are not fully elucidated, although the placenta seems to play a critical role. Previous studies suggest that improper placentation stimulates mitochondrial dysfunction and the exaggerated release of placental-derived molecules including inflammatory cytokines, anti-angiogenic factors, reactive oxygen species, and cell-free nucleic acids into the maternal circulation that cause systemic vascular dysfunction. These, along with maternally derived molecules, act in concert, leading to hypertension and target organ damage during pregnancies complicated by preeclampsia and eclampsia.In this reprint, we present the original research articles and review papers published as part of the Special Issue: "The Pathophysiology of Preeclampsia and Eclampsia" in Cells.
The Code Breaker -- Young Readers Edition
Walter Isaacson's #1 New York Times bestselling history of our third scientific revolution: CRISPR, gene editing, and the quest to understand the code of life itself, is now adapted for young readers! When Jennifer Doudna was a sixth grader in Hilo, Hawaii, she came home from school one afternoon and found a book on her bed. It was The Double Helix, James Watson's account of how he and Francis Crick had discovered the structure of DNA, the spiral-staircase molecule that carries the genetic instruction code for all forms of life. This book guided Jennifer Doudna to focus her studies not on DNA, but on what seemed to take a backseat in biochemistry: figuring out the structure of RNA, a closely related molecule that enables the genetic instructions coded in DNA to express themselves. Doudna became an expert in determining the shapes and structures of these RNA molecules--an expertise that led her to develop a revolutionary new technique that could edit human genes. Today gene-editing technologies such as CRISPR are already being used to eliminate simple genetic defects that cause disorders such as Tay-Sachs and sickle cell anemia. For now, however, Jennifer and her team are being deployed against our most immediate threat--the coronavirus--and you have just been given a front row seat to that race.
Photosystem-based biosensors for water biomonitoring
Water is an essential element for our life. In order to ensure its quality, the development of biomonitoring tools has become essential. In this context, biosensors provide an answer that includes both chemical and toxicological detection. The technology presented in this paper is a biosensor based on the evaluation of the activity of photosynthetic systems. The scientific basis underlying this concept, both in terms of the material used and the response measured, is detailed. This document is intended as an incentive for the large-scale use of simple, effective and economical tools for water biomonitoring.
Advances in Molecular Genetics of Brain Tumors
This book encompasses a number of articles that focus on the molecular blueprint of brain tumors. A collection of relevant papers in the rapidly expanding field of brain tumor molecular genetics broadens our knowledge about the biology of brain tumors, and inspires further studies that will improve the diagnosis and clinical management of brain tumors. Due to the great heterogeneity of brain tumors it is important to research and understand every aspect of their initiation, progression and metastasis in order to design better diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for their clinical management and patient benefit.
Atlas of Butterflies and Diurnal Moths in the Monsoon Tropics of Northern Australia
Northern Australia is one of few tropical places left on Earth in which biodiversity-and the ecological processes underpinning that biodiversity-is still relatively intact. However, scientific knowledge of that biodiversity is still in its infancy and the region remains a frontier for biological discovery. The butterfly and diurnal moth assemblages of the area, and their intimate associations with vascular plants (and sometimes ants), exemplify these points. However, the opportunity to fill knowledge gaps is quickly closing: proposals for substantial development and exploitation of Australia's north will inevitably repeat the ecological devastation that has occurred in temperate southern Australia-loss of species, loss of ecological communities, fragmentation of populations, disruption of healthy ecosystem function and so on-all of which will diminish the value of the natural heritage of the region before it is fully understood and appreciated. Written by several experts in the field, the main purpose of this atlas is to compile a comprehensive inventory of the butterflies and diurnal moths of northern Australia to form the scientific baseline against which the extent and direction of change can be assessed in the future. Such information will also assist in identifying the region's biological assets, to inform policy and management agencies and to set priorities for biodiversity conservation.
Fungal Taxonomy, Phylogeny, and Ecology
We are honored and privileged to edit this Special Issue, "Fungal Taxonomy, Phylogeny, and Ecology: A Themed Issue Dedicated to Academician Wen-Ying Zhuang". In this Special Issue, we are pleased to publish a comprehensive assemblage of 23 papers covering fungal taxonomy, phylogeny, and ecology, in which 76 new taxa from a broad taxonomic group and different ecological habitats are reported.
![Amazing Mosquitoes [Hardcover]](https://cdn.kingstone.com.tw/english/images/product/5671/9781365175671m.webp "Amazing Mosquitoes [Hardcover]")
Amazing Mosquitoes [Hardcover]
Mosquitoes are not just annoying but truly fascinating creatures! We hope that by the end of this book you agree. Join Ivy as she accompanies her mom on a field trip to collect mosquitoes and learn about these remarkable insects. This book is written and illustrated by two scientists specialized in mosquito biology. Dr. Irka Blosser, a mosquito ecologist and illustrator based in California and Dr. Yoosook Lee, a geneticist at the Florida Medical Entomology Laboratory. They have both spent countless hours in the lab and in the field being bitten by mosquitoes. They really hope you enjoy this book.
Essays on the Extended Evolutionary Synthesis
From the 'punctuated equilibrium' of Eldrege and Gould, through Lewontin's 'triple helix' and the various visions and revisions of the Extended Evolutionary Synthesis (EES) of Laland and others, both data and theory have demanded an opening-up of the 1950's Evolutionary Synthesis that so firmly wedded evolutionary theory to the mathematics of gene frequency analysis. It can, however, be argued that a single deep and comprehensive mathematical theory may simply not be possible for the almost infinite varieties of evolutionary process active at and across the full range of scales of biological, social, institutional, and cultural phenomena. Indeed, the case history of 'meme theory' should have raised a red flag that narrow gene-centered models of evolutionary process may indeed have serious limitations. What is attempted here is less grand, but still broader than a gene-centered analysis. Following the instruction of Maturana and Varela that all living systems are cognitive, in a certain sense, and that living as a process is a process of cognition, the asymptotic limit theorems of information and control theories that bound all cognition provide a basis for constructing an only modestly deep but wider-ranging series of probability models that might be converted into useful statistical tools for the analysis of observational and experimental data related to evolutionary process. The line of argument in this series of interrelated essays proves to be surprisingly direct.
Prostasin in Human Health and Disease
The formation of placenta can be viewed as a controlled process of inflammation or cancer development in which cell proliferation, invasion, and immune surveillance or evasion are promoted in a time- and space-specific manner. This suggests that the functions of prostasin are mainly active in pathophysiological conditions, more so than those in basic or normal physiological conditions. The uniqueness of the prostasin serine protease is its membrane anchorage via a glycosylphosphatidylinositol moiety. This anchorage exposes the entire prostasin molecule to the outside while still being immobilized on the cell membrane and gives prostasin a better chance to be used as a biomarker or drug target. As presented in placenta development, the equilibrium between growth and differentiation dictates healthy and disease states.This book provides readers with an integrated knowledge on serine protease prostasin, starting with its discovery, protein isolation, cDNA, and gene cloning, to its functions in physiology and pathophysiology, and to its application in the development of therapeutics. This is the first-of-its-kind book that covers the history, present state of knowledge, and future perspectives of the prototypic glycosylphosphatidylinositol-anchored epithelial extracellular serine protease prostasin, which is a key player in the regulation and maintenance of the extracellular fluid homeostasis. The chapters encapsulate all that has been learned about prostasin in the technical sophistication, but more importantly, also highlight a critical analysis on the problems with the current state of research and outline the challenges for the future.
Molecular Biology and Genetic Engineering
"Molecular Biology and Genetic Engineering" is a comprehensive textbook that covers the fundamental concepts and techniques of molecular biology and genetic engineering. The book begins with an overview of the basic principles of molecular biology and genetics, including DNA structure and replication, protein synthesis, and genetic regulation. It then delves into the various techniques used in molecular biology and genetic engineering, such as PCR, cloning, and genome editing. The book also covers the applications of these techniques in areas such as medicine, agriculture, and biotechnology. The text is written in a clear and easy-to-understand manner, making it accessible to both students and professionals in the field. It is richly illustrated with diagrams and illustrations that aid in the comprehension of the material. The book also includes review questions and exercises at the end of each chapter to help students reinforce their understanding of the material. This textbook is an essential resource for students studying molecular biology, genetics, biotechnology, and related fields, as well as for professionals.
An Introduction to Genetic Engineering
The fourth edition of this popular textbook retains its focus on the fundamental principles of gene manipulation, providing an accessible and broad-based introduction to the subject for beginning undergraduate students. It has been brought thoroughly up to date with new chapters on the story of DNA and genome editing, and new sections on bioethics, significant developments in sequencing technology and structural, functional and comparative genomics and proteomics, and the impact of transgenic plants. In addition to chapter summaries, learning objectives, concept maps, glossary and key word lists the book now also features new concluding sections, further reading lists and web-search activities for each chapter to provide a comprehensive suite of learning resources to help students develop a flexible and critical approach to the study of genetic engineering.
Innovative Pasta with High Nutritional and Health Potential
Dry pasta is one of the most popular staple foods worldwide due to its convenience in terms of affordability, versatility, long shelf life, as well as sensory and nutritional value. As such, it represents a suitable carrier for health-promoting substances providing specific physiological functions. This Special Issue deals with the continuum aspects, "from seed to fork", that could have an impact on the nutritional, sensory, and technological aspects of pasta. In this Special Issue, we aim to publish innovative research and review papers on physico-chemical and sensorial characteristics, nutritional value, functional and technological properties of pasta, and pasta-making processes. New raw materials, new functional ingredients, up-cycling of waste materials, in vivo experiments to test the effect of assumption of the supplemented pasta, and innovative packaging systems will also be addressed in this Special Issue. Predictions of pasta quality adopting chemometrics as well as multi-variate and statistical data analysis approaches are welcomed. Finally, in the medium term, the international pasta market is expected to stay negative unless tangible product innovations are introduced, particularly regarding the technological innovations aimed at improving the products' health benefits. This Special Issue aims to provide a fundamental understanding and present the current strategies to improve the technological, nutritional, and sensory properties of pasta.
Electron and Photon Interactions with Bio(Related) Molecules
This reprint compiles several studies on radiation interactions with biomolecules. The fragmentation induced by slow electron and electron scattering processes are described, and the induced processes by UV radiation are characterised. The present Special Issue offers complementary studies on radiation induced by photons and electrons in biological (and related) target molecules. The present collection provides important insights on radiation physics and chemistry and the advances in knowledge in these areas.
Environmentally Friendly Manufacturing of Food Additives and Functional Ingredients
The reprint focuses on fundamental and applied research on environmentally friendly manufacturing of food additives and its effect on the structural features and functional applications of functional ingredients in several fields.Food additives and functional ingredients are naturally or artificially synthesized substances that are added to foodstuffs to improve their color, aroma, and taste, as well as to meet anti-corrosion and other technological purposes. The innovation of clean production, encompassing environmental and sustainability issues in the manufacturing process of food additives and functional ingredients is of particular interest. Special attention is given to their bioconversion, extraction, separation and purification, stabilization, formulation and compounding, etc., as well as relevant process intensification and integration.
Antibacterial Therapy in Adults with COVID-19
Since the emergence of the Coronavirus-19 infectious disease (COVID-19) pandemic, a rising number of reports have underlined the risk of increasing antimicrobial resistance due to antibiotic overuse in COVID-19 patients. In addition, many physicians and pharmacists involved in antimicrobial stewardship have had to shift their activities to the containment of the COVID-19 crisis. In contrast to this observed overconsumption of antibiotics, very few bacterial superinfections have been documented in COVID-19 patients, especially in patients admitted outside the intensive care unit and in the first days of admission. However, the identification of bacterial co-/superinfections in COVID-19 patients is difficult, as inflammatory and radiological markers of bacterial infection lack specificity in this setting. Furthermore, studies regarding the effect of immune suppression, including the use of corticosteroids and anti-interleukins, and the effect of potential immunomodulatory properties of certain antibiotics on the occurrence of bacterial co-/superinfection are needed.This Special Issue of Antibiotics aims to increase our knowledge regarding (more or less specific) markers associated with bacterial co-/superinfection in COVID-19 patients, quantitative and qualitative data regarding antibiotic prescriptions in COVID-19 patients, potential beneficial effects of antibiotic use in certain COVID-19 subgroups, detrimental effects associated with antibiotic overuse in COVID-19 patients, and evidence-based guidelines, which could facilitate the decision-making process when antibiotic prescriptions are considered.
Artificial Intelligence Applied to Medical Imaging and Computational Biology
Medical imaging and computational biology continuously pose new fundamental medical and biological questions that often give rise to novel challenges in Artificial Intelligence. These research fields present an increasing need for the application of cutting-edge computational approaches that generally involve machine learning or computational intelligence techniques, which can effectively perform bioimage and biosignal processing in different clinical areas.
The Autobiography Of Charles Darwin
The English naturalist Charles Darwin wrote an autobiography titled The Autobiography of Charles Darwin. Recollections of the Development of my Mind and Character is the title of a text written by Charles Darwin for his family. He claims to have begun writing it about May 28 and finished it by August 3. The work, which included an autobiographical chapter, was published in 1887 by John Murray as part of The Life and Letters of Charles Darwin, five years after Darwin's passing. Francis Darwin, Darwin's son, changed the text that appeared in Life and Letters, deleting key sentences reflecting his father's skepticism about Christianity and God. The missing chapters were eventually added by Nora Barlow, Darwin's granddaughter, in a 1958 edition published to mark the book's 100th anniversary of publication. The Autobiography of Charles Darwin 1809-1882 was the title of this publication, which Collins published in London. restored, along with the initial omissions edited with an appendix and notes by Nora Barlow, his granddaughter.
Methods and results in the management of natural resources
As a Sahelian, landlocked and essentially agricultural country, natural resource management in Burkina Faso is a highly strategic issue. This is the case for the management of natural resources in the Kou watershed. Indeed, several methods and approaches have been used to ensure sustainable management of natural resources and associated ecosystems in this basin, but the results have fallen short of expectations because the natural resources continue to degrade, sometimes at an accelerated rate. This situation has led us to reexamine the methods used, from the customary methods deployed before colonization to those used during and after colonization. The guiding thread of our study is, in the light of current and future needs and challenges, strengths and weaknesses of these methods, how to do better to ensure sustainable management of natural resources and associated ecosystems in this basin in order to make them levers of sustainable local development so desired.
Advances of Spectrometric Techniques in Food Analysis and Authentication
The reprint provides an overview of recent applications of both chemometrics and spectrometric techniques to target current issues associated with food authenticity, traceability, as well as modern approaches on the analysis of food ingredients and products.
The Ontology of Physics for Biology
This book introduces the Ontology of Physics for Biology (OPB), a computable knowledge resource for representing, annotating, and reasoning about multiscale, multidomain physiological systems. It links qualitative reasoning to quantitative analysis of biophysical processes in health and disease.
Advances in Textile Structural Composites
Dear Colleagues, The direction of fiber orientation plays a crucial role in deciding the mechanical performance of textile structural composites. Unlike conventional composite materials, geometrically oriented textile structures, e.g., woven, knitted, and braided constructions, can be designed and developed for load bearing in a particular direction. Their properties can be enhanced by modifying the geometry and material composition. One major challenge in producing textile structural composites with superior mechanical properties at a reasonably lower price is cost effective prepreg. Composites constructed from reinforcement having a well-defined geometry perform better than randomly oriented fibers at a reasonable cost. Their flex fatigue is superior to conventional preforms in specific applications. This Special Issue invites research as well as review articles dealing with different types of (2D, 3D, multiaxial) woven, knitted, and braided structures for load bearing structural composite applications. Use of industrial multifilament yarns of pure and hybrid composition in textile geometrical reinforcement structures can also be included. The methods of impregnation of such structures by thermoplastic and thermoset resins should be described. The superior performance in such structural composites must be highlighted. Methods of characterizing woven, knitted, and braided textile reinforced composites is the focus of this issue. Current and future applications of advanced textile structural composites can be summarized in the submitted articles. Theoretical (computational, numerical simulation etc.) as well as experimental work can be submitted with sufficient scientific innovation.Prof. Dr. Rajesh Mishra
Systemic Evolutions
For evolution to properly function, the environment must transform to permit fresh, innovative possibilities to emerge.The first line of the initial essay begins the reconstruction of reality into niched, naturally evolved systems created as match for the universal forces permitting it to occur.The roots of beliefs and ideas are the same as all else pertinent to the survival of an evolved consciousness: its environment.The boundaries inhibiting former environments through experience of realities achieved pristine feats temporally sustained by adhering to coinciding limitations.Environments shape the intensity, abstraction, and suppression of awareness.As a history, human certainty is intended imitator to nature's reality by its placement, initiative, creativity, and the compression of its niched space and time within a much broader system of existence simultaneously encouraging and resisting its choices.This collection of essays creatively elaborates on the upheld, advanced challenges of a world normally and visibly persuaded by its evolutionary history.Book Tags: Nonfiction, Nature, Evolution, Science, Creativity, Individuality, Perspective, Philosophy, EssaysCanadian author.
State-of-the-Art Research in Biomolecular Crystals
This reprint focuses on different techniques and strategies to obtain high-quality crystalline structures of biological macromolecules via X-ray diffraction and synchrotron radiation. Contributions cover various aspects ranging from the fundamentals of crystal growth of biomolecules with biomedical applications and materials science through to the biotechnological applications of crystals.
Actinobacteria
This book provides in-depth insights into the diversity of actinobacteria, their various medical aspects, and their biotechnological applications. It is aimed at graduate students and researchers working with actinobacteria who need to know about recent advances in their research fields. The book, which is divided into four sections, contains 13 chapters that review the most recent methods, discuss various applications of actinobacteria, introduce some interesting results, and explore future prospects for the topics covered.
Recent Advances in Biocatalysis and Metabolic Engineering for Biomanufacturing
The use of biocatalysts, including enzymes and metabolically engineered cells, has attracted a great deal of attention in the chemical and bio-industry, because biocatalytic reactions can be conducted under environmentally-benign conditions and in more sustainable ways. The catalytic efficiency and chemo-, regio-, and stereo-selectivity of enzymes can be enhanced and modulated using protein engineering. Metabolic engineering seeks to enhance cellular biosynthetic productivity of target metabolites via controlling and redesigning metabolic pathways using multi-omics analysis, genome-scale modeling, metabolic flux control, and reconstruction of novel pathways. The aim of this book is to cover the recent advances in biocatalysis and metabolic engineering for biomanufacturing of biofuels, chemicals, biomaterials, and pharmaceuticals. Reviews and original research articles on the development of new strategies to improve the catalytic efficiency of enzymes, biosynthetic capability of cell factories, and their applications in production of various bioproducts and chemicals are included.
Young Earth Creation
Did you know that there is strong scientific evidence that the earth is only 6,000-10,000 years old? The author takes on the challenge of researching what are sometimes called the "Icons of Evolution". They are called icons because they are listed in many school textbooks as the best evidence for Naturalistic Evolution. You will learn the current evidence on: Big Bang Miller-Urey Experiment Natural Selection DNA Similarities Fossil Record Geologic Time Line Evidence of Dinosaurs Lucy Peppered Moths Haeckel's Embryos Homology Many other topics Brian DeMars has researched the evidence put forth by Darwin and subsequent scientists and found that much of it is clearly lacking in solid scientific support. In fact, many of the pieces of evidence for Naturalistic Evolution are based on the philosophy that there is no God or purposive force and so must be explained in a purely naturalistic realm. DeMars is sharing his research of the pieces of evidence as a fellow learner. He does not have any advanced science degrees and so is able to explain the principles in ways that we all can understand. Since the nature of the book is a survey, the author has included QR codes throughout the chapters so that the reader can dig deeper into areas that particularly interest them. If you are confused about the whole topic of the source of our origins, this book will help you to begin to get a handle on the topic. The bottom line is that the unchanging Word of God has much to tell us about how we, and everything around us, came about. Brian DeMars, M.A. taught Physical Education and coached Basketball and Volleyball at Rift Valley Academy in Kenya, East Africa from 1982-1999. He was a professor of Kinesiology at Fresno Pacific University from 1999-2013. www.youngearthcreation.com
How Our Brain Became Human
The human brain growth and evolution have been subjects of many genetic, environmental or social studies separately. Additionally, there are very few available sources on the complex role of our microbiome and the recently discovered hormones VIP and PACAP. The book author also describes some of his cases seen during his long clinical experience to illustrate different points of his extensive literature review. The book is divided into seven chapters, condensing the author's scientific opinion on the growth and evolution of the human brain, the organ that differentiates us from all other species. He does not dismiss any other opinions or beliefs. The author challenges scientists and clinicians to continue researching the brain without prejudice. At the end he gives his opinion on how our BIG brains can help us live better together.
Amazing mosquitoes
Mosquitoes are not just annoying but truly fascinating creatures! We hope that by the end of this book you agree. Join Ivy as she accompanies her mom on a field trip to collect mosquitoes and learn about these remarkable insects. This book is written and illustrated by two scientists specialized in mosquito biology. Dr. Irka Blosser, a mosquito ecologist and illustrator based in California and Dr. Yoosook Lee, a geneticist at the Florida Medical Entomology Laboratory. They have both spent countless hours in the lab and in the field being bitten by mosquitoes. They really hope you enjoy this book.
How Our Brain Became Human
The human brain growth and evolution have been subjects of many genetic, environmental or social studies separately. Additionally, there are very few available sources on the complex role of our microbiome and the recently discovered hormones VIP and PACAP. The book author also describes some of his cases seen during his long clinical experience to illustrate different points of his extensive literature review. The book is divided into seven chapters, condensing the author's scientific opinion on the growth and evolution of the human brain, the organ that differentiates us from all other species. He does not dismiss any other opinions or beliefs. The author challenges scientists and clinicians to continue researching the brain without prejudice. At the end he gives his opinion on how our BIG brains can help us live better together.
Thomistic Evolution
Evolutionary theory has raised numerous disputed questions among Catholics and other Christians concerning the relationship between faith and reason and between religion and science. Thomistic Evolution shows that the Thomistic intellectual tradition provides insightful and compelling responses to these questions. This second edition includes a revised account of human evolution, an expanded defense of the the historicity of an original human being, and a new chapter in response to criticisms of the first edition of Thomistic Evolution.Along with its companion website (www.thomisticevolution.org), Thomistic Evolution seeks to remedy the poverty of knowledge and understanding regarding Thomistic responses to disputed questions in science and religion. The novelty and brilliance of the Thomistic approach to evolution will surprise believers and skeptics alike, transcending and reconciling the dichotomies that shape the contemporary science and religion debate.
The Genus Aspergillus
This book highlights recent advances in the pathogenicity, mycotoxin-producing ability, and industrial application of members belonging to the genus Aspergillus. It is divided into two sections and six chapters that address different aspects and the importance of Aspergilli in relation to Aspergillus-human interactions, immunopathogenesis of invasive aspergillosis, the role of aflatoxin in Aspergillus flavus resilience to stress, mycovirus-containing A. flavus and carcinogenesis beyond mycotoxin production, and industrial application of Aspergillus species in conjunction to nanoparticle synthesis. This book brings readers several cutting-edge aspects of Aspergillus research with useful information for mycologists, microbiologists, toxicologists, plant pathologists, and pharmacologists, who may be interested in understanding the impact, significance, and recent advances within the genus Aspergillus that have not been critically noticed elsewhere.
Recent Advances in Applied Microbiology and Food Sciences
Progressive changes in technology also cause changes in the methods used in food research, including microbiological aspects. The cooperation of research centers with industry is also important, as it poses new challenges to science. This reprint is devoted to the latest achievements in analytics, and to the application of new methods in food production technology. We present both original research and review articles focused on recent advanced technology in food science and microbiology, especially modern methods of the production and testing of food as well as the sustainable development of agriculture and the food industry. This topic will cover research on microbiological food ingredients and related topics such as microbial metabolites with application in food and feed as preservatives, texturants, and beneficial microorganisms, and methods to study and modify microbiota.
Aquatic Emerging Contaminants and Their Ecotoxicological Consequences
Considering the worldwide problem of aquatic pollution, we proposed this reprint, which presents a collection of articles on different aspects of environmental pollution, from monitoring to the evaluation of toxicity. In particular, the volume concerns the issues specifically related to emerging contaminants in aquatic environments, such as plastics and pharmaceuticals. However, to confer to this volume a more holistic view, some articles on priority pollutants, such as heavy metals and pesticides, are also reported.
