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This book is a great opportunity to make the research community discuss the dangerous environmental challenges such as climate change and its huge effects in addition to the world's reliance on fossil fuel and non-renewable resources. In recent years, the authors have been focused on the advancements of technology and how it can improve our lives, but the authors often overlook the fact that it is creating an unsustainable approach that comes at a high cost which makes a sustainable approach to cities necessary, focusing on accessible public transport, energy, water, and food security, and regenerating compact fabric areas. To discuss how to reach this sustainable approach, IEREK held the Advances in Energy Research, Materials Science and Built Environment (EMBE) conference from October 3 to 4, 2024, with attendees from all over the world. It provides an opportunity to exchange ideas and solutions on urban planning, sustainable architecture, climate change mitigation, and innovative design. The EMBE conference hosts a variety of knowledgeable keynote speakers and researchers who discussed the integration of technology in sustainable urban planning, green urbanism, preservation of coastal areas, innovative renewable materials, and responsive architecture. The book covers a wide range of scientific knowledge that can lead humanity toward a sustainable and greener future.

Research data sharing has traditionally been addressed to other peer researchers. Nowadays there is general awareness that putting research at the disposal of society is beneficial and necessary. However, the popularization of science is a hard endeavor. It must deal with transmission of transcendental knowledge with the appealing adornment of a good story, but avoiding the risk of falling into banality. This book consists in a series of individual stories delving into the world of biology and medicine. Some topics included in this volume consist in the explanation of basic biological concepts like the origin of modern eukaryotic cells, the importance of mutations as the driving force behind evolution, the molecular ins and outs of the nervous system, or the relevance of microorganisms to humans and science including food and energy industries. Others rather lean to a more biomedical perspective and constitute popular cases that have been, to some extent, trending in global media outlets: the divulgation of some current under-reckoned non-infectious pandemics like obesity and chronic pain, the presence of longer-living populations around the world named blue zones, the American (and African) opioid crisis, or the discovery and development of CRISPR-Cas as a promising genetic editing tool. All chapters are depicted with accompanying illustrations thoroughly elaborated by professionals of Fine Arts to make it easier to understand for the non-experts… but may perhaps also proof that the scientific method and multidisciplinary work are not unique to natural sciences, but also shared by other apparently distant disciplines like arts.

This thesis presents a novel analysis of a photometric observational feature of Type Ia Supernovae (SNe Ia), the most precise distance indicators available for cosmological studies. While SNe Ia are crucial for understanding modern cosmology, there are systematic uncertainties associated with them that prevent use to their full potential. It is therefore vital that sources of systematic error in SN Ia standardization are better understood. In this thesis, the author robustly connects the color-magnitude diagram to SN Ia spectra and their physics for the first time, and shows that for the SN sample in the dissertation, this feature is important to consider as a contributor to scatter in the Hubble residual. There is no prior work in the literature that examines this feature in such depth, and it is rare to be able to paint such a thorough picture in a SN Ia study rooted in a single photometric feature. This work opens up many avenues for future observational and theoretical studies.

This book brings together neuroscience and psychoanalysis to explain the complex interactions between neurobiological and psychological phenomena involved in the development of human attachment and affect regulation. The author reviews research from the burgeoning fields of affective neuroscience and neuropsychoanalysis to tell the story of how the discovery of a specific hormone – oxytocin – paved the way for the study of the neurobiological bases of emotions in a way that can contribute to integrate neuroscientific research into psychotherapy, especially for the treatment of anxiety disorders. The book starts by presenting a brief history of neuroscience, spanning from the discovery of oxytocin, at the beginning of the 20th century, until the emergence of affective neuroscience and neuropsychoanalysis as new scientific fields at the turn of the 20th to the 21st century. Then it reviews the long tradition of psychoanalytic research on human attachment starting with John Bowlby's seminal Attachment Theory and explains how these early findings have been complemented by neuroscientific and psychological research on brain development and affect regulation. Finally, the two last chapters of the book show how this prolific dialogue between neuroscience and psychoanalysis can contribute to the future of psychotherapy. Oxytocin, Well-Being and Affect Regulation was originally published in Portuguese for the Brazilian market and this English edition for the international market is a revised version with two new additional chapters. It will be of interest to both students and professionals from different fields within the behavioral and health sciences, such as psychology and medicine, who will find in this book a brief and accessible introduction to key topics in the emerging fields of affective neuroscience and neuropsychoanalysis. The translation of the original manuscript in Portuguese into English was done with the help of artificial intelligence. A subsequent human revision was done primarily in terms of content.

This book is focused on the latest developments and practical applications of nanotechnology in textile finishing. It covers the fundamentals of nanotechnology, including the properties and behavior of nanoparticles, and how they can be used to enhance the performance of textiles. The book also explores the various types of nanomaterials that are used in textile finishing, such as nanoparticles, nanocomposites, and nano-coatings, and their properties, advantages, and limitations. The book covers the different types of textile finishing techniques, including dyeing, printing, and coating, and how nanotechnology is used to improve their performance. It also covers the environmental, health, and safety aspects of using nanotechnology in textile finishing, and the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. The book is targeted at textile scientists, engineers, and researchers working in the textile industry, as well as students and academics in textile science and engineering. It is also useful for those in related fields, such as materials science, chemistry, and chemical engineering.

This 13-volume set LNCS 14862-14874 constitutes - in conjunction with the 6-volume set LNAI 14875-14880 and the two-volume set LNBI 14881-14882 - the refereed proceedings of the 20th International Conference on Intelligent Computing, ICIC 2024, held in Tianjin, China, during August 5-8, 2024. The total of 863 regular papers were carefully reviewed and selected from 2189 submissions. This year, the conference concentrated mainly on the theories and methodologies as well as the emerging applications of intelligent computing. Its aim was to unify the picture of contemporary intelligent computing techniques as an integral concept that highlights the trends in advanced computational intelligence and bridges theoretical research with applications. Therefore, the theme for this conference was'Advanced Intelligent Computing Technology and Applications'. Papers that focused on this theme were solicited, addressing theories, methodologies, and applications in science and technology.

This book offers comprehensive coverage of sustainable materials and manufacturing techniques in aviation that reduce fuel consumption, increase operational efficiency, and make more sustainable use of raw materials, energy, and water during manufacturing. Materials that enable the aircraft to be lightweight without compromising safety issues are covered. The sustainability aspects in selecting the materials and manufacturing techniques, as well as performance, cost, and environmental aspects are discussed. Artificial intelligence, machine learning, and digital twins in manufacturing are covered. Sustainable Materials and Manufacturing Techniques in Aviation will appeal to a broad readership in the aviation community, including students, engineers, scientists, and researchers, as a reference source for material science and modern production techniques. Offers guidance on the selection of sustainable materials for aircraft; Discusses additive manufacturing for aviation applications; Covers artificial intelligence and machine learning as well as digital twin in manufacturing.

This book highlights the utilization of biomaterials as emerging suitable and effective flame retardants (FRs) to replace most of the conventional FRs (e.g., halogenated FRs). Biomaterials are considered to be sustainable, biodegradable, and renewable resources. They are abundantly available, which makes them affordable. Information and findings on the characteristics of biomaterials and their use as FRs have been explored. Herein, the tremendous scientific progress made in using biomaterials as flame retardants for a wide range of products is elucidated. The major goal is to draw attention to the opportunities and challenges of switching to biomaterial-based FRs in place of conventional FRs in order to create a sustainable society.

This book gives an overview of the processing, properties, and applications of fibers and cellulose derivatives obtained from annual plant materials in the formation of non-wood source of pulp. The book comprises illustrations and tables summarizing the latest research on the production of fibers and cellulose derivatives using several key methods and/or characterization techniques. This book collates the information and knowledge of new ways to prepare cellulosic derivatives and describe the concepts and architecture of fibers obtained from annual plants. This book caters to researchers, policymakers, and industrial practitioners who are interested in natural fibers as a way to preserve the forest resource and to satisfy the increasing demand in pulps.

This textbook not only provides the student with a solid foundation in ethics, but introduces students to the most important themes relevant to business today. Issues such as human rights violation down in the supply chain, the effect business has on nature and the environment, and inclusiveness are each discussed in separate chapters, which discuss their importance, but also their challenges. While there are numerous business ethics textbooks, few take a philosophical approach to business ethics. However, without introducing philosophical ethics, discussions about business ethics are bound to get stuck in fallacies and paradoxes. This textbook therefore fills an important societal gap by providing an introduction to profound philosophical issues in clear language at a philosophically high, but accessible level.

This book delves into the mechanical analysis of the nanomaterials and polymer nanocomposite materials by shedding light on the mechanical performance of nanomaterials, elasticity and viscoelasticity behaviors of polymer nanocomposites, the laminate and sandwich theories, durability and fatigue behaviors. The chapters in this book bring together leading experts in the field to provide an update of the latest scientific results and a fully holistic understanding of the mechanical performance of these materials. The book interests the academic and industrial researchers, R&D managers and engineers working in material and nanomaterial sciences, polymer science and technology, automotive and aerospace engineering, construction and sporting goods, etc. The book also targets the readers that may have no prior knowledge about composite and nanocomposite materials.

This book consolidates information about multifunctional epoxy as a frontier material, its composites, engineering and applications in a very detailed manner that encompasses the entire spectrum of up-to-date literature citations, current market trends and patents. It highlights latest experimental and theoretical studies on the atypical properties of epoxy resins such as self-healing, thermally and electrically conductivity; and its applications in devices where there is reliance on unsustainable sourced inorganic materials with comparable properties. It caters to polymer chemists, physicists and engineers who are interested in the field of next generation epoxy polymers.

This book highlights some aspects of processing, microstructure, and properties of materials in fibrous form, or from fibers, with wide applications for textile-oriented and technically oriented advanced products. Emphasis is placed on the physical and chemical nature of the processes, describing the behavior and properties of the investigated materials. The chapters describing the state and expected trends in selected areas summarize not only the published works but also the original results and the critical evaluation and generalization of basic knowledge. In addition to the preparation of materials with new effects, attention is focused on the development of new testing principles, the construction of special devices, and metrological aspects. Research activities cover all types of fibers with a clear shift toward synthetic and specialty fibers for non-clothing applications. This is in line with the current development trend in the field of high-performance fibers, mainly for useas reinforcement in various composite materials and functional fibers for smart textiles. The area of fibrous materials covered in this book is indeed very large. Compressing the basic available information in a reasonable space was therefore a difficult task. The goal in writing this book was to provide a broad area of different results so that the book is suitable for anyone who is generally interested in fibrous materials and their applications for various purposes.

This book is a collection of studies on state-of-art techniques developed for producing value-added N-containing chemicals and N-doped carbon materials from renewable sources via sustainable technologies. Aiming to improve conversion effectiveness and develop innovative techniques for new value-added N-containing products, topics in the text address recent advances, assess and highlight promising methods or technological strategies, and outline direct conversion routes for conversion of renewable resources to N-containing chemicals and materials. World-renowned authorities, experts, and professionals have contributed individual chapters in selected areas to cover the overall topic comprehensively. In addition to researchers and professionals in the field, educators teaching university courses on biomass transformation, biomass energy, energy materials, heterocyclic chemistry, resource materials and sustainable development and green chemistry will find the text informative with new international perspectives.

This book presents an authoritative account of the potential of advanced composites such as composites, biocomposites, composites geopolymer, hybrid composites and hybrid biocomposites in aerospace application. It documents how in recent years, composite materials have grown in strength, stature, and significance to become a key material of enhanced scientific interest and resultant research into understanding their behavior for selection and safe use in a wide spectrum of technology-related applications. This collection highlights how their unique combination of superior properties such as low density, high strength, high elastic modulus, high hardness, high temperature capability, and excellent chemical and environmental stability are optimized in technologies within these field.

This Handbook covers the fundamentals of carbon nanotubes (CNT), their composites with different polymeric materials (both natural and synthetic) and their potential advanced applications. Three different parts dedicated to each of these aspects are provided, with chapters written by worldwide experts in the field. It provides in-depth information about this material serving as a reference book for a broad range of scientists, industrial practitioners, graduate and undergraduate students, and other professionals in the fields of polymer science and engineering, materials science, surface science, bioengineering and chemical engineering.Part 1 comprises 22 chapters covering early stages of the development of CNT, synthesis techniques, growth mechanism, the physics and chemistry of CNT, various innovative characterization techniques, the need of functionalization and different types of functionalization methods as well as the different properties of CNT. A full chapter is devoted to theory and simulation aspects. Moreover, it pursues a significant amount of work on life cycle analysis of CNT and toxicity aspects.Part 2 covers CNT-based polymer nanocomposites in approximately 23 chapters. It starts with a short introduction about polymer nanocomposites with special emphasis on CNT-based polymer nanocomposites, different manufacturing techniques as well as critical issues concerning CNT-based polymer nanocomposites. The text deeply reviews various classes of polymers like thermoset, elastomer, latex, amorphous thermoplastic, crystalline thermoplastic and polymer fibers used to prepare CNT based polymer composites. It provides detailed awareness about the characterization of polymer composites. The morphological, rheological, mechanical, viscoelastic, thermal, electrical, electromagnetic shielding properties are discussed in detail. A chapter dedicated to the simulation and multiscale modelling of polymer nanocomposites is an additional attraction of this part of the Handbook.Part 3 covers various potential applications of CNT in approximately 27 chapters. It focuses on individual applications of CNT including mechanical applications, energy conversion and storage applications, fuel cells and water splitting, solar cells and photovoltaics, sensing applications, nanofluidics, nanoelectronics and microelectronic devices, nano-optics, nanophotonics and nano-optoelectronics, non-linear optical applications, piezo electric applications, agriculture applications, biomedical applications, thermal materials, environmental remediation applications, anti-microbial and antibacterial properties and other miscellaneous applications and multi-functional applications of CNT based polymer nanocomposites. One chapter is fully focussed on carbon nanotube research developments: published papers and patents. Risks associated with carbon nanotubes and competitive analysis of carbon nanotubes with other carbon allotropes are also addressed in this Handbook.

The book presents recent developments in the field of composites, investigated by Broadband Dielectric Spectroscopy (BDS) and sheds a special focus on nanocomposites. This volume compares the results obtained by BDS with data from other methods like hyphenated calorimetry, dynamical-mechanical spectroscopy, NMR spectroscopy and neutron scattering. The addressed systems range from all kinds of model systems, such as polymers filled with spherical silica particles, advanced materials such as polymers with molecular stickers or hyperbranched polymer-based matrices to industrially significant systems, like epoxy-based materials. The book offers an excellent insight to a valuable application of dielectric spectroscopy and it is a helpful guide for every scientist who wants to study dynamics in composite materials.

This book entitled ‘Application of Nanotechnology in Food Science, Processing and Packaging'presents up-to-date information on the emerging roles of nanotechnology in food industry, its fundamental concepts, techniques and applications. The application of nanotechnology in the food industry is an emerging area which has found tremendous use in improving food quality through the enhancement of food taste, texture, colour, and flavour. Also, its application has improved the bioavailability and target delivery of certain bioactive food ingredients through controlled release of nutrients, a feature that is impossible with the conventional methods of food processing. The application of nanotechnology in food packaging for the detection of contaminants, pathogens, biotoxins and pesticides through nanosensor safety evaluations has led to the increase in shelf-life of products and quality assurance through the detection and monitoring of toxins. This book taps from the experience of subject experts from key institutions around the world. The users of this book will benefit greatly as the chapters were simplified and arranged carefully to aid proper understanding, consistency and continuity.

This book gives a comprehensive overview of bionanocomposites, a class of materials that consist of a biopolymer matrix which is embedded with nanoparticles and natural fibres as reinforcement to produce novel material and achieve superior physico-chemical and mechanical properties. The book looks into the synthesis of various forms of nanoparticles, the fabrication methods, and the characterization of bionanocomposites. It also includes topics related to the sustainability and life prediction of bionanocomposites such as biodegradability, recycling, and re-use. An important aspect in the designing of bionanocomposites includes computational modeling, and the suitability of the bionanocomposites in various applications is presented. This book appeals to students, researchers, and scientists looking to gain fundamental knowledge, know about recent advancements in the research on bionanocomposites and their applications.

This book examines the impact of neoliberalism on peasant agriculture as a key livelihood strategy in Southern and Eastern Africa, against the background of the current development crisis and the crossroads that Southern and Eastern Africa faces. It systematically analyses how the neoliberal architecture has deepened extroverted production for capitalist accumulation and how this has been to the detriment of the rural labour force and small scale and communal landowners. Apart from examining how neoliberalism has triggered land alienations, the book further argues that such policies have also impacted negatively on food security in a number of ways. The book presents empirical evidence through twelve case studies, emerging from in-depth original fieldwork carried out in seven countries in the Southern and Eastern African region. This book is a must-read for scholars of economics,sociology, anthropology, history, agrarian studies and political science, as well as practitioners and policy-makers, interested in a better understanding of the impact of the agrarian neoliberal restructuring on the peasantry in Southern Africa.

This book presents the proceedings of SympoSIMM 2020, the 3rd edition of the Symposium on Intelligent Manufacturing and Mechatronics. Focusing on “Strengthening Innovations Towards Industry 4.0”, the book presents studies on the details of Industry 4.0's current trends. Divided into five parts covering various areas of manufacturing engineering and mechatronics stream, namely, artificial intelligence, instrumentation and controls, intelligent manufacturing, modelling and simulation, and robotics, the book will be a valuable resource for readers wishing to embrace the new era of Industry 4.0.

‘Developmental biology'is widely understood as processes, which mainly concern embryonic animal development and differentiation of cells and tissue. It is also often defined as the timeline for the evolutionary developmental biology of eukaryotic multicellular higher organisms, i.e., plants and animals. The development of prokaryotes and lower eukaryotes in contrary has been neglected for a long time, which was the motivation for publishing this book. This book highlights one of Darwin's most important findings: Evolution is a creative, but not a conscious process. It also illustrates that this concept does not only apply to multicellular higher organisms, but affects every form of life.The reader shall find complex biochemical and genetic pathways of bacteria, yeasts or protozoa, comparable to those exhibited by plants or animals. The molecular mechanisms of dramatic genome rearrangements, recombination and horizontal gene transfer that are responsible for evolutionary adaptations are discussed. Additionally, the book covers bacteria of the genera Myxobacteriales and Caulobacterales, which are able to develop tissue-like cellular organization. The morphogenesis of entomopathogenic fungi and the endosymbiont theory are also addressed. The book is a useful introduction to the field for junior scientists, interested in bacteriology, protistology and fungal development. It is also an interesting read for advanced scientists, giving them a broader view of the field beyond their area of specialization.

This volume delivers a systematic overview of nanotechnology in the development of edible food packaging with noteworthy characteristics for improved food quality. It covers current research trends, history outlines, and state of the global marketin combination with associated biomaterials and synthesis strategies. The contents detail the use of various emerging bionanostructured materials such as cellulose nanostructures, chitosan nanostructures, and more.It further deliberates an in-depth discussion on various synthesis strategies and routes for the development of edible food packaging in terms of utilizing various nanosystems such as polymeric nanocomposites, nanoencapsulation systems, nanoemulsion systems, and others.Further, it also discusses experimental practices for bionanostructured and edible packaging materials to check the effectivity in terms of offering enhanced shelf life of food products. It also touches upon the socio-techno challenges in-line with developing edible packaging materials using nanotechnology for high performance packaging application. The book is an excellent guide for both the academia and industry especially early career professionals in edible food packaging sectors for selecting proper biomaterial involvingbiofillers, modifiers, cross linkers, compatibilizers and others to enhance the property of edible food packaging for targeted features.^

This exhaustive Handbook covers the synthesis and applications of nanomaterials that can be used in energy and environmental science applications. Given the pressing need for more efficient energy sources at lower costs, this book will help to provide a more cohesive understanding of nanocomposites and nanomaterials. Each chapter in this handbook is written by an expert in his or her field, and topics ranging from energy efficiency to material performance are presented. Catalysis, ceramic science, metallurgy, coatings, and green, sustainable materials are included. This Handbook provides a comprehensive guide to the field of applied nanomaterials. It will drive interest and research in the use of nanocomposites and nanomaterials for energy and environmental applications.

In the past, food waste has been used to produce biogas and biofuels, fertilizers, and animal feed. Using it as a feedstock for innovative biorefineries is not only an ethical issue but also a smart application of the circular economy. This book explores the zero-waste concept in the thriving biobased sector, proposing technologies and procedures to meet the sustainable development goals. The volume categorizes food waste sources and proposes an impressive number of high value-added compounds (e.g., platform chemicals, enzymes, nutraceuticals, antioxidants, organic acids, phosphate, bioadsorbents, pectin, solvents, and pigments) that can be obtained in a sequential biocascade, via chemical, biochemical, thermal, and physical technologies. The synthesis of bioplastics from food waste, their copolymerization and blending, as well as the production of biocomposites and bionanocomposite with biofillers from food scraps, are presented: eluding the cost of waste disposal, reducing biobased materials price, and avoiding using edible resources as a starting material for biobased items are the main beneficial peculiarities of the process. The Authors illustrate challenging characteristics of new biobased materials, such as their mechanical and physico-chemical features, their biodegradability, compostability, recyclability, chemical compatibility, and barrier properties. The volume also delves into socioeconomic considerations and environmental concerns related to the upcycling of food waste, as well as the safety and life cycle assessment of biobased products. Finally, the authors address how advances in digital technology can make food waste upcycling a negative-cost process and discuss best practices to practically implement the biorefinery concept. Research gaps and needs are suggested, and recommendations for food waste handling and management during this COVID-19 pandemic are provided.

This volume covers various aspects of cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE). The contents include manufacture, morphology, structure, properties, applications, early stage development, cross-linking techniques, recycling process, physical and chemical properties as well as the scope and future aspects of XLPE. It focuses on the life cycle analysis of XLPE and their industrial applications and commercial importance. This book will be of use to academic and industry researchers, as well as graduate students working in the fields of polymer science and engineering, materials science, and chemical engineering.

This book is the first in the world to provide a cross-national, comparative exploration of omnibus legislation. It contributes to the global debate over omnibus legislation and offers comprehensive, thorough and multifaceted coverage that concerns the fields of legislation and legisprudence, comparative law, political science, public policy and economics. Beyond its relevance for these fields, the book will support practitioners in parliaments, governments and courts, thereby impacting the actual use of omnibus legislation.A new, major and controversial reform is enacted in the middle of the night. It is buried in a massive omnibus bill hundreds of pages in length, which is rammed through the legislative process at breakneck speed. The legislators receive the final version of the bill in the very last minute, and protest that they've had no opportunity to read it in detail and know what they're voting upon. The majority party's legislative leaders, however, are unimpressed, and the law is eventually passed on the basis of strict party discipline.Though it may sound far-fetched, this scenario is all too familiar in many legislatures around the world. The legislative practice of combining numerous unrelated measures in one long bill, which is often passed via a highly expedited process, has become a matter of intense debate and criticism in many countries.

This edited book compiles all category viewpoints in waterborne polyurethanes (WPUs) dispersions, composites, characterizing techniques, and allied applications such as coatings, adhesives, sealants, anticorrosive, flame-retardant, and biomedical applications. The book brings together panels of highly accomplished experts in the field of advanced polymers for versatile applications. It encompasses basic studies and addresses topics of novel issues which cover all the aspects in one place. The book is an invaluable guide to newcomers, research scholars, professors, and R&D industrial experts working in the field of polyurethane chemistry. Polyurethanes are excellent materials in coating technology owing to their chemical resistance, toughness, abrasion resistance, and mechanical stability. However, polyurethane dispersion contains volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and hazardous air pollutants (HAPs) which are harmful to the environment. Hence, green chemistry research focuses on discovery of waterborne polyurethanes (WPUs) and pay attention. WPUs have fascinated growing interest in wide range of industrial and commercial applications.

This book discusses synthesis and characterization of sustainable polymers. The book covers opportunities and challenges of using sustainable polymers to replace existing petroleum based feedstock. This volume provides insights into the chemistry of polymerization, and discusses tailoring the properties of the polymers at the source in order fit requirements of specific applications. The book also covers processing of these polymers and their critical assessment. The book will be of use to chemists and engineers in the industry and academia working on sustainable polymers and their commercialization to replace dependence on petroleum-based polymers.

This book presents recent research on natural fibers extracted from pineapple leaves. Covering several extraction processes, properties of pineapple leaf fibers and comparisons with other natural fibers, and their applications, it provides up-to-date information on the subject of natural fibers from prominent researchers in academia and industry as well as government/private research laboratories across the world. The book is a comprehensive reference resource for university and college faculties, professionals, postdoctoral research fellows, undergraduate/graduate students, researchers and scientists working in the areas of non-forest product utilization, natural fibers, and biomass materials.

This book provides a comprehensive overview of various self-assemblies in liquid crystalline polymers and their electrical, optical, mechanical, and flame retardant properties. Liquid crystalline polymers are unique self-assembled, functional soft materials with electrical, magnetic, and thermal responses which find potential applications in numerous areas. As well as providing an overview of their synthesis, self-assembly and dynamics the various applications are also discussed. Such applications as liquid crystalline elastomers, light responsive actuators, optical reflectors, gas barrier films, and even flame retardant polymers will be presented. The book is a useful resource for undergraduates, postgraduates and experienced researchers.

This book sums up key research findings, and theoretical and technological advances having a direct bearing on neuroergonomics. Neuroergonomics is an emerging area whose Neuroergonomics is an emerging area that is collectively defined as the study of human brain function and behaviour in relation to behavioural performance in natural environments and everyday settings. It helps readers to understand neural mechanisms of human cognition in the context of human interaction with complex systems, as well as understanding the change of perception, decision-making and training in humans. The authors give new insights into augmenting human performance, reflecting upon the opportunities provided through neuroergonomics research and development. Computer systems acting on data from behavioural-output, physiological, and neurological sensing technologies are used to determine the user's cognitive state and adapt the systems to change, support, and monitor human cognition. Various domains and case studies delve into the field of neuroergonomics in detail. These include, but are not limited to:an evaluation of technologies in health, workplace, and education settings, to show the different impacts of neuroergonomics in everyday lives;assessment of real-time cognitive measures;dynamic casual interactions between inhibition and updating functions, through analysis of behavioral, neurophysiological and effective connectivity metrics; and applications in human performance modelling and assessment of mental workload, showing the reader how to train and improve working memory capacity.Neuroergonomics: Principles and Practice provides academic practitioners and graduate students with a single go-to handbook that will be of significant assistance in research associated with human factors and ergonomics, human-computer interaction, human-systems engineering and cognitive neuroscience.

Reactive and functional polymers are manufactured with the aim of improving the performance of unmodified polymers or providing functionality for different applications. These polymers are created mainly through chemical reactions, but there are other important modifications that can be carried out by physical alterations in order to obtain reactive and functional polymers. This volume presents a comprehensive analysis of these reactive and functional polymers. Reactive and Functional Polymers Volume Two considers the coupling, crosslinking and grafting reactions to improve the compatibility of reactive and functional polymer blends. In this book, world-renowned researchers have participated, including Dr. Sabu Thomas (Editor-in-chief for the journal ‘Nano-Structures & Nano-Objects'). With its comprehensive scope and up-to-date coverage of issues and trends in Reactive and Functional Polymers, this is an outstanding book for students, professors, researchers and industrialists working in the field of polymers and plastic materials.

This book addresses the emerging needs of the aerospace industry by discussing recent developments and future trends of aeronautic materials. It is aimed at advancing existing materials and fostering the ability to develop novel materials with less weight, increased mechanical properties, more functionality, diverse manufacturing methods, and recyclability. The development of novel materials and multifunctional materials has helped to increase efficiency and safety, reduce costs, and decrease the environmental foot print of the aeronautical industry. In this book, integral metallic structures designed by disruptive concepts, including topology optimization and additive manufacturing, are highlighted.

The series Advances in Polymer Science presents critical reviews of the present and future trends in polymer and biopolymer science. It covers all areas of research in polymer and biopolymer science including chemistry, physical chemistry, physics, material science.The thematic volumes are addressed to scientists, whether at universities or in industry, who wish to keep abreast of the important advances in the covered topics.Advances in Polymer Science enjoys a longstanding tradition and good reputation in its community. Each volume is dedicated to a current topic, and each review critically surveys one aspect of that topic, to place it within the context of the volume. The volumes typically summarize the significant developments of the last 5 to 10 years and discuss them critically, presenting selected examples, explaining and illustrating the important principles, and bringing together many important references of primary literature. On that basis, future research directions in the area can be discussed. Advances in Polymer Science volumes thus are important references for every polymer scientist, as well as for other scientists interested in polymer science - as an introduction to a neighboring field, or as a compilation of detailed information for the specialist.Review articles for the individual volumes are invited by the volume editors. Single contributions can be specially commissioned.Readership: Polymer scientists, or scientists in related fields interested in polymer and biopolymer science, at universities or in industry, graduate students.

With the recent shift of chemical fertilizers and pesticides to organic agriculture, the employment of microbes that perform significant beneficial functions for plants has been highlighted. This book presents timely discussion and coverage on the use of microbial formulations, which range from powdered or charcoal-based to solution and secondary metabolite-based bioformulations. Bioformulation development of biofertilizers and biopesticides coupled with the advantages of nanobiotechnology propose significant applications in the agricultural section including nanobiosensors, nanoherbicides, and smart transport systems for the regulated release of agrochemical. Moreover, the formulation of secondary metabolites against individual phytopathogens could be used irrespective of geographical positions with higher disease incidences. The prospective advantages and uses of nanobiotechnology generate tremendous interest, as it could augment production of agricultural produce while being cost-effective both energetically and economically. This bioformulation approach is incomparable to existing technology, as the bioformulation would explicitly target the particular pathogen without harming the natural microbiome of the ecosystem.Nanobiotechnology in Bioformulations covers the constraints associated with large-scale development and commercialization of bioinoculant formations. Furthermore, exclusive emphasis is be placed on next-generation efficient bioinoculants having secondary metabolite formulations with longer shelf life and advanced competence against several phytopathogens. Valuable chapters deal with bioformulation strategies that use divergent groups of the microbiome and include detailed diagrammatic and pictorial representation. This book will be highly beneficial for both experts and novices in the fields of microbial bioformulation, nanotechnology, and nano-microbiotechnology. It discusses the prevailing status and applications available for microbial researchers and scientists, agronomists, students, environmentalists, agriculturists, and agribusiness professionals, as well as to anyone devoted to sustaining the ecosystem.

This book highlights the various types of polymer and nanocomposites that can be derived from biorenewable resources. It covers various aspects of biobased polymers and nanocomposites, including preparation, processing, properties, and performance, and the latest advances in these materials. It also includes recent findings from leading researchers in academia and industry, government, and private research laboratories around the globe, providing the latest information on biobased polymers and nanocomposites. Offering an overview of the entire production process, it guides readers through all stages, from the raw source materials, processing and property characterization to application performance. This book is suitable for professionals and researchers seeking in-depth practical information as well as the fundamental science behind this. It also serves as a point of reference for undergraduate and graduate students, as well aspostdoctoral researchers working in the area of polymer and composites with a special emphasis on biobased materials.

This book comprises a collection of chapters on green biopolymer nanocomposites. The book discusses the preparation, properties, and applications of different types of biodegradable polymers. An overview of recent advances in the fabrication of biopolymers nanocomposites from a variety of sources, including organic and inorganic nanomaterials, is presented. The book highlights the importance and impact of eco-friendly green nanocomposites, both environmentally and economically. The contents of this book will prove useful for students, researchers, and professionals working in the field of nanocomposites and green technology.

Applications of nanotechnology are the remarkable sizes dependent on physiochemical properties of nanomaterials that have led to the developed protocols for synthesizing nanomaterials over a range of size, shapes and chemical compositions. Nanomaterials are normally powders composed of nanoparticles which exhibit properties that are different from powders. Nanotechnology is the engineering of functional systems at the molecular scale with their wide applications in energy sector, including -but not limited to- energy resources, energy conversion, energy storage, and energy usage; drug delivery systems including- safety concerns, perspective, challenges, target therapeutics for cancer, neurodegenerative diseases and other human diseases, nanomaterials based tissue engineering; and food sectors including to- food safety and quality, opportunities, challenges, nanomaterials based enhancing food packing, and determination of foodborne pathogens, agro and marine food, analysisof market, regulations and future prospects. The utilization of nanotechnology in the energy field will be emphasized and highlighted, in accordance to their prominent and high impact in this particular field. Recent trends and significant benefits of nanotechnology in the energy field will be revealed to the readers, and their promising advanced applications will be discussed. The current drug discovery paradigm constantly needs to improve, enhance efficiency and reduce time to the market on the basis of designing new drug discovery, drug delivery and pharmaceutical manufacturing. In this book will be highlighted nanotechnology based drug delivery is an important aspect of medicine, as more potent and specific drugs that are particularly discussed the understanding of disease pathways. Several biomaterials can be applied to small-molecule drugs as controlled release reservoirs for drug delivery and provide new insights into disease processes, thus understanding the mechanisms of action of drugs. Applications of food nanotechnology are an area of emerging interest for the food industry, for the reason, in this book will be given more priority to discuss the uses of nanomaterials for food packing, food safety and quality, and to remove the contaminated or spoiled by foodborne pathogens. And also nanotechnology based food products will be discussed how making them tastier, healthier, and more nutritious such as vitamins, to reduce fat content, and to ensure they do not degrade during a product's shelf life. Nanotechnology is basically the uses of nanomaterials, devices and systems through the control of matter on the nanometer scale. Multidisciplinary studies are required the technology for discovery and moving so fast from concept to the reality. Nanotechnology always not only provided more benefits in energy, drugs and food products but also provided significantly benefits around multidisciplinary field applications.

This book is devoted to the welfare of invertebrates, which make up 99% of animal species on earth. Addressing animal welfare, we do not often think of invertebrates; in fact we seldom consider them to be deserving of welfare evaluation. And yet we should. Welfare is a broad concern for any animal that we house, control or utilize – and we utilize invertebrates a lot. The Authors start with an emphasis on the values of non-vertebrate animals and discuss the need for a book on the present topic. The following chapters focus on specific taxa, tackling questions that are most appropriate to each one. What is pain in crustaceans, and how might we prevent it? How do we ensure that octopuses are not bored? What do bees need to thrive, pollinate our plants and give us honey? Since invertebrates have distinct personalities and some social animals have group personalities, how do we consider this? And, as in the European Union's application of welfare consideration to cephalopods, howdo the practical regulatory issues play out?We have previously relegated invertebrates to the category ‘things'and did not worry about their treatment. New research suggest that some invertebrates such as cephalopods and crustaceans can have pain and suffering, might also have consciousness and awareness. Also, good welfare is going to mean different things to spiders, bees, corals, etc. This book is taking animal welfare in a very different direction. Academics and students of animal welfare science, those who keep invertebrates for scientific research or in service to the goals of humans, as well as philosophers will find this work thought-provoking, instructive and informative.

This book presents emerging economical and environmentally friendly polymer composites that are free of the side effects observed in traditional composites. It focuses on eco-friendly composite materials using granulated cork, a by-product of the cork industry; cellulose pulp from the recycling of paper residues; hemp fibers; and a range of other environmentally friendly materials procured from various sources. The book presents the manufacturing methods, properties and characterization techniques of these eco-friendly composites. The respective chapters address classical and recent aspects of eco-friendly polymer composites and their chemistry, along with practical applications in the biomedical, pharmaceutical, automotive and other sectors. Topics addressed include the fundamentals, processing, properties, practicality, drawbacks and advantages of eco-friendly polymer composites. Featuring contributions by experts in the field with a variety of backgrounds and specialties, the book will appeal to researchers and students in the fields of materials science and environmental science. Moreover, it fills the gap between research work in the laboratory and practical applications in related industries.

The aim of this open access book is to facilitate the identification and description of the different organs as well as pathogens and diseases affecting the most representative species of cephalopods focussed on Sepia officinalis, Loligo vulgaris and Octopus vulgaris. These species are valuable ‘morphotype'models and belong to the taxonomic groups Sepioidea, Myopsida and Octopoda, which include most of the species with a high market value and aquaculture potential. The study is based on photographs at macroscopic and histological level in order to illustrate the role of the most important pathogens and related diseases from the view of a pathological diagnosis. The reader is able to familiarize with functional anatomy, necropsy and general histology of adults and paralarvae, as well as with the identification of different pathogens and pathologies. This work is thus an invaluable guide for the diagnosis of cephalopod diseases. Besides including pathogens for non-European cephalopod species, it also provides a useful contribution encouraging marine pathologists, parasitologists, veterinarians and those involved in fishery sanitary assessments, aquarium maintenance and aquaculture practices aiming to increase their knowledge about the pathology of cephalopods.

In this handbook, the editors systematically present the maximum possible number of known eco-materials, including ”cyclic” materials; materials for ecology and environmental protection; materials for society and human health; and materials for energy based on two main criteria: their sources and their functions. Eco-materials (also called “environmentally friendly materials” or “environmentally preferable” materials) are materials that enhance, or refrain from damaging, the environment throughout their life cycles.The chapters are written by global leaders in their fields. The book will cater to the strong and ever-increasing demand for energy, benign materials, and cost efficiency. Eco-materials is arguably one of the most important fields of modern science & technology.

Interfirm networks include franchising, retail and service chains, cooperatives, financial networks, joint ventures, strategic alliances, licensing, public-private partnerships and new network forms in the digital economy. This book gathers the latest research studies that approach these networks – and the creation of innovation under the conditions of a complex, dynamic, knowledge-intensive and digital economy – from an interdisciplinary perspective. The studies, all of which were written by respected experts, explore how firms can improve their competitiveness by securing access to innovation, knowledge, complementary resources and capabilities otherwise not available to them. In addition, they highlight how, driven by an unpredictable environment, firms embedded in inter-organizational networks are increasingly transforming from co-operators to collaborators and valuable co-creators of innovation.

The conventional approach to risk communication, based on a centralized and controlled model, has led to blatant failures in the management of recent safety related events. In parallel, several cases have proved that actors not thought of as risk governance or safety management contributors may play a positive role regarding safety. Building on these two observations and bridging the gap between risk communication and safety practices leads to a new, more societal perspective on risk communication, that allows for smart risk governance and safety management. This book is Open Access under a CC-BY licence.