Bøger udgivet af IntechOpen

Biochar is the carbonaceous residue produced from the pyrolytic conversion of biomass. It is generally used for agricultural applications as a soil amendment but has far wider potential. This book presents the use of biochar as a platform for the development of new intriguing solutions in several cutting-edge fields. The book is a useful reference volume for any reader with a strong scientific and technological background, ranging from scientific advisors in private companies to academic researchers promoting the spread of knowledge about biochar to anyone not already working with it.

This book provides a comprehensive overview of boundary layer flows, including laminar and turbulent flows. Chapters discuss such topics as the nature of transition, the effect of two-dimensional and isolated roughness on laminar flow, and progress in the design of low-drag airfoils. They also present theoretical and experimental results in boundary layer flows and discuss directions for future research.

Uneven distribution and depletion of good-quality water reserves significantly devastate the agriculture sector. In this scenario, water management as well as efficient irrigation and drainage strategies are primarily required to conserve water resources and enhance farm efficiency. Irrigation and Drainage ¿ Recent Advances provides insights into irrigation methods, scheduling possibilities, and optimal irrigation frequencies. It also discusses management strategies including methods of groundwater recharging and rainwater harvesting, restoration, and modification of drainage networks for manifesting the cropping index. The book presents key aspects and examines the role of Agrovoltaic energy, artificial intelligence, and the Internet of Things (IoT) in the development of smart irrigation systems for sustainable farming.

This book reviews and discusses future opportunities and tools for emerging challenges in HIV/ADS control. Although significant progress has been made in the prevention, control, and care of HIV/AIDS, challenges continue to emerge. Over six sections, the book discusses a myriad of subjects, including obstacles to treatment, risk factors, demographics, testing, comorbidities, mental health, and much more.

This book examines supportive and palliative care and quality of life in cancer patients. Chapters address such topics as anxiety, depression, and delirium in terminally ill cancer patients, ethics in palliative care, palliative care medications, assisted suicide and euthanasia, and much more.

Pancreatitis is a common disease of the digestive system with a high mortality and complication rate. The successful management of patients requires a multidisciplinary team of gastroenterologists, surgeons, interventional radiologists, and specialists in critical care medicine and nutrition. The odyssey in managing pancreatitis is a notable example of how evidence-based knowledge leads to improvement in patient care. In the last decades, operative treatment has moved towards minimally invasive techniques such as laparoscopy and endoscopic or percutaneous retroperitoneal approaches. New insights into nutritional and anesthesiology management have further improved the treatment and outcomes of pancreatitis. This book provides a comprehensive overview of this condition with chapters on physiology and pathophysiology, surgical and endoscopic management, enteral and parenteral nutritional interventions, and much more.

From surgery to chemotherapy and radiotherapy, attempts to conquer colorectal cancer have been ongoing for a century. Due to these efforts, the mortality rate of colorectal cancer has decreased by about 3% per year for the past 10 years. Progress in reducing mortality from colorectal cancer can be accelerated by improving screening and the use of standard care in all populations. In recent years, advanced knowledge and technologies for better efficiency in targeting colorectal cancer have been developed to improve conventional therapeutics or to propose new therapies as standard regimens. This book discusses diagnostics as well as surgical techniques using robotics, immunotherapy, and radiology-based therapy for colorectal cancer. The section on diagnostics provides information on proteomics, organoid culture techniques, and various candidate markers. The section on treatment discusses robotic surgical techniques for rectal cancer care and multidisciplinary approaches for colorectal cancer treatment. The book also examines the latest in supportive care from a nutritional and metabolic point of view.

Atrial Fibrillation - Diagnosis and Management in the 21st Century provides the most up-to-date information about the most common cardiac arrhythmia in humans, atrial fibrillation. In this rapidly developing field of medicine, the book helps to answer the question, ¿Which treatment should I choose for which patient?¿ The book also discusses new drugs, applications and interventions in the field. The 12 chapters are written from a variety of viewpoints by authors who use solid, scientific and contemporary approaches to practical questions.

High-Entropy Materials - Microstructures and Properties summarizes recent developments in multicomponent materials. It discusses properties, processing, modeling, and applications of high-entropy materials, including metallic alloys and oxides. It also discusses solidification, sputtering, cryogenic treatments, CALPHAD methodology, biomedical implants, Fe-based superconductors, Fe-rich high-entropy alloys, and more.

The intestine is the largest digestive organ in the human body and one of the largest organs in contact with the outside world. In addition to digesting food to facilitate the absorption of nutrients, it has a variety of other functions, including the transmission of information and regulation of the metabolism. Due to its unique structure, the intestine is constantly exposed to various antigens and microbes. To protect the body from pathogens, while also maintaining a stable environment, the human intestinal tract has evolved unique regional immune characteristics maintained by the mature intestinal mucosal immune system. This intricate system involves intestinal epithelial cells, and intestinal lymphoid tissue composed of Peyer¿s patches, isolated lymphoid follicles, mesenteric lymph nodes, and so on. The congenital and adaptive immune mechanisms created by the unique structure, function, and microenvironment of the intestine differ from those of the central and peripheral immune organs forming the regional immunity of the intestine. Intestinal flora also plays an important role in maintaining intestinal homeostasis, altering the structure and function of the immune system, reshaping the immune microenvironment, and promoting interference with the development of specific diseases. In fact, the immune function of the intestinal region directly affects the development of many intestine-specific diseases. However, the integrity of this function depends on the expression of congenital genes and the regulation of the neuroendocrine system. The microenvironment created by intestinal flora and its products also affects the immunity of the intestinal region. In early life, appropriate intestinal colonization by specific microflora stimulates the maturation of the intestinal mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue. If the appropriate intestinal flora fails to form during this life stage, the function of the intestinal immune system becomes impaired, leading to increased incidence and/or morbidity of certain intestinal diseases, including ulcerative colitis, Crohn¿s disease, and others.

This book provides a precise and meticulous overview of the production technologies involved in the cultivation of tropical plants. Technological advances have transformed the cultivation of fruit and ornamental plants from agronomic to value-added plants. The book highlights the essentials for developing tropical plants with increased nutritive, nutraceutical, and aesthetic value.

This book discusses timely topics in the field of neurophysiology ranging from descriptions of nerve cells and glial cells to neural networks, sensory processing, neuroplasticity, neuropathophysiology, and human behavior. As such, all organizational levels of the nervous system are considered in one or more of the book¿s twelve chapters. The chapters review or present novel findings and provide the reader with an overview of the current state of the art of neurophysiology research. They discuss research advances in different brain regions and experimental models. In addition, the book contributes to the training of current and future neuroscientists and, hopefully, will lead us on the path to curing some of the biggest challenges in human health.

Pesticides - Updates on Toxicity, Efficacy and Risk Assessment examines different aspects of pesticides encountered in both anthropogenic and natural environments, and provides valuable information on the toxicity, efficacy and risk assessment of several compounds that can have a negative effect on the health of living species and ecosystems. We hope that the real-life examples from diverse sources provided in this book will extend the appreciation of the complexity of this subject in a way that may stimulate new approaches in relevant fields.

This book, Medicinal Plants, provides a comprehensive overview of plant species helpful for treating and preventing human diseases and disorders. It also discusses how to obtain sustainable healthcare systems from nature and make harmony with currently available medicinal wealth, ecology, and the community.

Progress in Microalgae Research - A Path for Shaping Sustainable Futures consolidates the latest research, developments, and advances in the field of microalgae biotechnology. The book¿s chapters take a close look at and highlight the wide commercial potential of microalgae-based processes and products. This book is a useful resource for researchers and academic and industry professionals in the field of microalgae biotechnology.

The discovery of noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) is changed our understanding of genome, transcriptome, and interactions with proteome in a cell. Since the discovery of the first microRNA (miRNA) called lin-4 on Caenorhabditis elegans in 1993, our understanding of gene expression has deepened. Further miRNA discoveries have led to the investigation of new ncRNA families and their function, biogenesis, and interactions with other types of molecules. Recent developments in bioinformatics, public databases, sequencing technologies, and biochemical techniques have increased our understanding of the biogenesis, function, and interactions of ncRNAs. This book provides an overview of current ncRNA research dealing with human diseases and cancer and plant miRNAs.

Quality control has played an important role in the manufacture of goods and the creation of monuments since antiquity. From the development of Heron¿s first robot and the Antikythera mechanism to today¿s Internet of Things (IoT), Industry 4.0, and artificial intelligence, quality control has undeniably come a long way. This book examines quality control in several different scenarios and locations. Chapters discuss quality control of Nigeriäs road network, Ethiopiäs leather industry, Africäs food industry, and Hong Kong¿s construction sector, among other scenarios. The book also discusses quality control of intrusion detection systems, artificial intelligence, complementary metal oxide semiconductors, and more.

This book introduces the fundamentals, enhancements, applications, and modeling of heat transfer phenomena. Topics covered include heat transfer equations and applications in the estimation of heat energy transportation, heat transfer in specific applications, microchannel flow, condensation of refrigerants in modified heat exchanger tubes, alteration of tube surface texture for augmentation of heat transfer, boiling, etc. Also considered are fouling mitigation approaches to prolong heat exchanger operation, as well as tube coatings, heat exchanger digital twins, and various surface alteration techniques. Double-pass solar air heating and phenomena including heat transfer through thin liquid film and surface texture alteration for boiling heat transfer are discussed.

Health insurance is the mechanism used to cover medical expenses for illness, injuries, and other health conditions. There are a variety of health insurance systems in the world. A major challenge for low- and middle-income countries is the provision of universal health coverage (UHC), which is the United Nations¿ Sustainability Development Goal Target 3.8.This book examines issues of providing UHC in different health systems around the world, with examples from the Philippines, Portugal, Nigeria, Slovenia, and the United States.

With around 3,500 species identified so far, mosquitoes can be found in virtually every environment and continent around the globe. Blood-feeding biters (e.g., Anopheles, Culex, Aedes, Ochlerotatus, and Mansonia) are among the most influential vectors for harboring and transmitting mosquito-borne diseases (MBDs) such as Zika, Japanese encephalitis, West Nile fever, dengue fever, yellow fever, and malaria, among other diseases. More than 700 million human infections and 725,000 deaths occur every year. Mosquitoes are increasing in number worldwide, yet there are still no effective vaccines or prevention strategies. Thus, traditional vector control strategies remain the most common ways to combat these diseases. Despite this, MBDs linger as one of the major challenges for public health and vector control programs at both global and local levels. This book provides a comprehensive overview of MBDs and vector control strategies.

Conventional drug administration has several issues and challenges. Drugs may not be fully absorbed or targeted, some drugs produce undesirable secondary effects and cause organ damage, and others trigger inflammation and immune response. As such, drug carrier systems are being developed to help promote drug absorption, enhance targeting, and avoid or decrease negative symptoms. This book examines different drug carriers and drug carrier systems. Chapters address such topics as the use of polymers in drug carrier systems, thin films, metal-organic frameworks, graphene quantum dots, and nanotechnology and microfluidics for drug delivery.

Matrix Theory - Classics and Advances examines matrix theory and its application in solving a series of problems related to natural phenomena and applied science. It consists of eleven chapters divided into two sections. Section 1, ¿Theory and Progress¿, discusses the classical problems of matrix theory and its contribution to different fields of pure mathematics. Section 2, ¿Applications¿, contains the research related to the application of matrix theory in applied science.

Increasing human migrations, technological advances, agricultural activities, and climate change are forcing plants to adapt to new environments. This book highlights current morphological, anatomical, physiological, molecular, and genomic advances in plant defense mechanisms. These advances, including epigenetic mechanisms, have been linked to observed phenotypic plant plasticity. The book also outlines next-generation food systems, considering the resilience and sustainability of plant genomes and epigenomes.

Bacterial biofilms are colonies of bacterial cells embedded in their self-produced matrix composed of polysaccharides, DNA, and proteins. They protect bacterial cells against antibiotics, antibacterial agents, soaps and detergents, and shear stress. Some of the most common biofilm-associated infections in humans include urinary tract infections, infection of wounds and surgical sites, diabetic foot ulcers, dental caries (tooth decay) and gingivitis (gum inflammation), ventilator-associated infections, sinusitis, microbial keratitis, secondary infection related to Covid-19 and other viral infections, and so on. Bacterial resistance to common antibiotics (e.g., penicillin, gentamycin, erythromycin, ciprofloxacin, etc.) is driving us to a catastrophic failure of our health systems. Strategies to develop novel antibacterial agents and technology must be prioritized to combat and eradicate biofilms and their associated challenges. This book provides a comprehensive overview of biofilms with chapters on bacterial virulence factors, quorum sensing in bacteria, antimicrobial resistance in bacteria, strategies to develop new antibacterial agents, and much more.

The market for functional foods is steadily expanding as more people worldwide realize the value of the daily consumption of healthy foods in maintaining good health. Recent studies have revealed new functional compounds in foods. Genetically modified foods will soon be commercially available. This book discusses the characteristics of functional foods and the health benefits of ingredients including ginger, herbs, probiotics, mushrooms, and dairy products. It also provides new ideas for the production of new functional foods and managing health through the daily diet.

Green Chemistry - New Perspectives is at the frontiers of this continuously evolving interdisciplinary science, and publishes research that attempts to reduce the environmental impact of the chemical enterprise by developing a technology base that is inherently non-toxic to living things and the environment. The book covers all aspects of green chemistry, including chemical synthesis, nano synthesis, eco-friendly processes, biomass, extraction techniques, environmental remediation, and energy, making it a unique reference resource. This will continue to encourage scientists around the world to develop novel synthetic methods or improve the existing ones to circumvent some of the problems and favours all aspects of green chemistry. This book is intended for academia, professionals, scientists, as well as graduate and undergraduate students without any geographical limitations.

In the business world, digital transformation involves finding and developing new strategies and modernizing the information technology of private and public companies. This book presents practices, challenges, and opportunities related to digital transformation. It includes fourteen chapters that address digital transformation in a variety of industries, including finance, construction, education, marketing, and more.

In recent years, geographic information systems (GIS) and their coastal applications have drawn increasing awareness globally, regionally, and locally. These systems are used to monitor, model, and predict coastal zone issues. New technologies, including advances in GIS platforms and techniques, are being adopted and innovatively applied to coastal environments and disasters, coastal resources, coastal social systems, and coastal urban environments using new algorithms, big data processing, and deep learning approaches. This book examines a variety of GIS applications, providing a comprehensive overview of techniques, approaches, and experiences in GIS for coastal zones.

Hemorrhoids, anal fissures, and fistulas are common benign anorectal diseases that have a significant impact on patients¿ lives. This book examines state-of-the-art research relating to the etiology, diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of benign anorectal diseases. It emphasizes the importance of a multidisciplinary approach.

A Schiff base (imine -N=CH-) is a part of a popular group of organic compounds prepared form primary amines and aldehyde. Many studies have been carried out on Schiff bases not only as organic compounds but also as ligands for metal complexes. In this context, this book provides a comprehensive, interdisciplinary review of Schiff base compounds, with an emphasis on the latest advances. It compiles research results, commentary, reviews, and more dealing with preparation, spectroscopy, crystallography, (asymmetric) synthetic roles, physical properties (magnets, optics, etc.), computational chemistry, and theoretical chemistry. The book focuses on Schiff base and its strong connection to organic chemistry, biochemistry, and polymer materials chemistry. It covers three topics: Schiff base of organic chemistry, Schiff base of inorganic chemistry, and Schiff base of functional or biological materials.