Technology, Engineering & Agriculture Books

Book SynopsisAgriculture is one of the defining elements of a nation. This series consists of analyses on a variety of agricultural issues including (but not limited to) the developments, policies, programs, trade, trends and economics of agriculture. Topics will be seen from a U.S. perspective, but not to the exclusion of other countries particularly when the discussion has an international scope. Topics discussed in this issue include agricultural conversation programs; conservation compliance and U.S. farm policy; implications for the growth and financial health of U.S. agriculture; policy reform in the tobacco industry; hemp as an agricultural commodity; and table egg production and hen welfare.

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Book SynopsisClimate change and foreseen high fuel prices play an important role in the development of alternative energy sources. Renewable energy concerns the sources, which are not expected to be depleted in a time frame relevant to the human race. This new and important edited volume gathers the latest research from around the globe in the study of renewable energy sources and highlights such topics as economics, emerging technologies and global practices including energy policies. It provides an insight into the current trends in the field of renewable energy, which are expected to play an important role in future sustainable energy systems. It is not by any means exhaustive, nor is it intended to be, but provides an overview of current research advancements in the field. This edited volume can serve as a reference text for researchers in the field of sustainable energy systems including energy economics, energy planners, electric utility managers, energy regulators, consultants, policy makers and economists.

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Book SynopsisThis book explores the developments, issues and research outlook of global agriculture. Topics discussed include classifying and measuring agricultural support and identifying differences between the WTO and OECD systems; China''s volatile pork industry; long-term growth prospects for wheat production in Afghanistan; and economic policy and cotton production in Uzbekistan.

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Book SynopsisThis book examines the use of coal as a key domestic fuel source and an important contributor to the U.S. economy. Most coal produced in the United States is used to generate electricity. In 2011, 1,387 coal-fuelled electricity generating units produced about 42 percent of the nation''s electricity. After decades of growth, U.S. coal production and consumption have fallen, primarily due to declines in the use of coal to generate electricity. According to the EPA, using coal to generate electricity is associated with health and environmental concerns such as emissions of sulphur dioxide, a pollutant linked to respiratory illnesses, and carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas linked to climate change. In response to recent environmental regulations and changing market conditions, such as the recent decrease in the price of natural gas, power companies may retire some units, which could affect the coal fleet''s generating capacity and the amount of electricity generated from coal.

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Book SynopsisThe United States is the world''s leading import market for live animals. From 2005 through 2008 over 1 billion live animals were legally imported into the United States for agriculture, clinical research, education and exhibition, the aquarium and pet industries, and other uses. These imports have the potential to transmit zoonotic diseases; which are infectious diseases that can be transmitted between animals and humans and can cause a substantial number of deaths. The spread of zoonotic diseases, as well as other diseases affecting only animals, can take a major economic toll on many industries. This book examines potential gaps in the statutory and regulatory framework governing live animal imports, that may allow the introduction and spread of zoonotic and animal diseases, the extent to which the various government oversight agencies collaborate to meet their responsibilities on this issue, and performance information that the responsible agencies have reported on live animal imports.

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Book SynopsisMaterials science encompasses four classes of materials, the study of each of which may be considered a separate field: metals, ceramics, polymers and composites. This volume gathers important research from around the globe in this dynamic field including research on the status and perspectives of organic photovoltaic cells; room temperature silicon carbide thin-film formation; microcapsule based self-healing thermosetting materials for structural applications; donor-accepted interface and conversion efficiency; silicon carbide as a catalytic support for energy and environmental applications; transmission electron microscopy application on y-Al2O3 single crystal formation during NiAl oxidation and applied to fuel cell materials characterisation; low pressure deposition techniques of silicon carbide thin films; automated crystal orientation mapping in a transmission electron microscope in electrodeposited nanocrystalline nickel; pharmaceutical application of positron annihilation lifetime spectroscopy; and fabrication and characterisation of C60-based solar cells with phthalocyanine, poly-vinylcarbazole and germanium bromide.

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Book SynopsisGluten is a complex structural protein, constituted by a particular composition of amino acids present in wheat. In this book, the authors address the sources, composition and health effects of gluten. Topics include immunoassays for measuring coeliac harmful protein and peptides in gluten-free foods; gluten-related disorders; gluten formation and health effects; meat analogue produced with soy protein isolate and vital gluten by thermoplastic extrusion; the potential of gliadin for biomaterial applications; gluten ataxia in Europe and the United States; new therapeutic options for celiac disease; and a review of gluten-free food products for celiac consumers.

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Book SynopsisBiomass presents an attractive source for the production of fuels and chemicals, mainly due to the concerns over the depleting fossil fuel, growing awareness of environmental issues associated with fossil fuel consumption, and increasing world energy demand. Biomass resources include agricultural and forest residues, energy crops, livestock residues as well as municipal solid waste. These biomass resources are first processed into a conversion-friendly form, followed by the transformation to a wide range of energy and/or chemical products using two primary biorefinery platforms: biochemical and thermochemical. This book covers the most recent advances in biomass processing, biochemical and thermochemical conversion technologies, and thus, serves as a useful reference to agriculture engineers, chemical engineers, biotechnology engineers and engineering students. The contents of the book are divided into three sections: biomass overview and processing, biomass thermochemical and biochemical conversion technologies, and integrated biorefinery processes.

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Book SynopsisMilk is a natural, colloidal system in which fat is found in the interior of small, spherical droplets, formerly known as fat globules. The chemical composition of milk lipids in mammals varies and is affected by various factors such as feeding, breed and others. This book studies the composition, nutritional value and health implications of milk fat. Topics include milk composition disturbance and animal organism dysfunction caused by aflatoxins; size characterisation of fat globules in dairy products by field flow fractionation; dairy system impacts on milk fat composition related to human health; and milk fat globules'' microstructure.

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Book SynopsisThe United States is the undisputed world leader in agricultural production today, but as we look out across the 21st century, agriculture faces a series of challenges: managing new pests, pathogens, and invasive plants; increasing the efficiency of water use; reducing the environmental footprint of agriculture; growing food in a changing climate; managing the production of bioenergy; producing safe and nutritious food; and assisting with global food security and maintaining abundant yields. Meeting these challenges requires a new commitment to research, innovation, and technology development in agriculture. This book examines the challenges of agricultural preparedness and the required public commitment to agricultural research, fostering a culture of innovation and excellence to address some of the greatest threats to U.S. long-term prosperity and security.

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Book SynopsisThe advanced materials and composites based on nanotechnology approaches, modern piezoelectric techniques, and also using the latest achievements of Materials Science, Condensed Matter Physics and Mechanics of Deformable Solids have found broad applications in modern science techniques and technologies. Tremendous interest is connected with fast development of theoretical, experimental and numerical methods which ensure obtaining new knowledge and are capable to control and give forecast on the development of critical phenomena and very fine processes. This edited book presents 30 selected reports of the Russian-Taiwanese Symposium "Physics and Mechanics of New Materials and Their Applications". These papers are divided into four scientific directions: (i) processing techniques of new materials, (ii) physics of new materials, (iii) mechanics of new materials, and (iv) applications of new materials. The book is addressed to students, post-graduate students, scientists and engineers taking part in R&D of nano-materials, ferro-piezoelectrics and related materials, and also different devices based on broad applications in different areas of modern science and technique.

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Book SynopsisThis book provides an overview of select programs relating to federal agricultural assistance. Topics discussed include the status and issues concerning the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP); technical assistance for agriculture conservation; emergency assistance for agricultural land rehabilitation; agricultural disaster assistance; the Biomass Crop Assistance Program (BCAP); and trade adjustment assistance for farmers.

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Book SynopsisDuring the past decades, the performance of the agricultural sector in Africa and particularly in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) has been distressing. Rapid annual population growth has led to declining per-capita food production and consumption levels and incomes have not risen fast enough to permit market imports to offset the decline. More alarming, the prognosis for the immediate future is quite bleak. The recent food crisis has again drawn attention to the African tragedy and exposed the fragility of sub-Saharan agricultural and economic progress. Though some of the effects are no longer visible, the food crisis is still a sword of Damocles hanging over Africa''s head. Africa has experienced food crisis in the past and there is no reason to believe that there will be no more food crisis in the future, for its root causes have not been addressed: technological progress and productivity growth. This book explores the missing links in the technology transfer segment of the innovation-diffusion-utilisation complex. The text also critically reviews the current state of knowledge and research, examines the main drivers of technology adoption in African agriculture, and explores the causes of success and failure in technology dissemination.

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Book SynopsisThis book addresses several aspects of the changing context of natural gas in the U.S. electric power sector. Increasingly plentiful and affordable natural gas has catalysed major changes in U.S. power generation and has helped to boost U.S. economic recovery. Increased substitution of natural gas for coal in power generation has also cut U.S. GHG emissions. However, processes to produce natural gas, shale gas in particular, have also elevated environmental and safety concerns in certain regions of the country. The rapid rise of natural gas is also beginning to drive more thought on longer-term energy policy issues such as the appropriate level of generation diversity (given the history of volatile prices for natural gas), and trajectories of natural gas use that will still allow GHG mitigation sufficient to address the climate challenge. This book is intended to help inform these energy policy and investment discussions, and outlines the current dynamics of natural gas in the power sector and the selected challenges and opportunities in the use of natural gas to generate electricity.

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Book SynopsisMany fascinating applications of liquid crystals -- a material that possesses behaviour in between the crystalline solid and the liquid phases -- have been reported by the RandD workers. These materials exhibit amazing features that make them indispensable for versatile usage. Liquid crystal based flat display panels are now found in mass volume in use as television and computer monitors. Apart from this, liquid crystals can be used in sensing and communication systems. The aim of this book is three-fold: (i) to make the expert researchers aware of the advancements in several areas of liquid crystal technology, (ii) to fuel the novice researchers interest through varieties of research directions, and (iii) to give a glimpse of the merged ideas to multi-disciplinary researchers for conceptual development of novel devices. Starting from the introduction of liquid crystals, this book covers topics ranging from nanoparticle synthesis to their varieties and physical and chemical properties along with their possible optics and electronics oriented applications. These include chemical bonding in liquid crystals, the use of liquid crystals in nanoparticle synthesis, the effects of liquid crystals on the thermal isomerisation of azoderivatives, sensing organosulphur compounds by liquid crystal supported chemically functionalised surfaces, electro-optic behaviour of liquid crystals and their applications in dynamic holographic correctors, optics of chiral liquid crystals, electromagnetic behaviour of liquid crystal based optical fibres and applications in 3D electronic displays. These topics are presented in nine chapters written by expert scientists in their respective areas of research in liquid crystals. Some of the chapters are devoted to the physics and chemistry of liquid crystals, and some touch upon their interesting applications. It is expected that the book will be of immense use for novice, expert and multi-disciplinary researchers in universities and research institutions.

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Book SynopsisThis book provides a broad perspective of sediment transport in rivers, reservoirs, estuaries, and coastal areas. It deals with the related fundamentals of sediment transport, computational modelling of cohesive and non-cohesive sediments transport, and sedimentation engineering management. Topics include river morphological changes after dam removal, local scour and its monitoring, marsh edge erosion, turbidity dynamics in a bay surrounded by marshes, effects of harbour construction on hydrodynamic and morphodynamic processes in a coastal area, and impact of climate change on sediment yield from a watershed, are discussed. The breath of the topics covered will be of interest to researchers and practising engineers alike. This book contains twelve chapters.

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Book SynopsisThis series covers leading-edge research in a cross-section of fields focusing on the environment, including current research data on the depopulated rural landscapes in the north of Spain; the influence of environment on foliose lichen growth and its ecological significance; magnetic nanoparticles for environmental pollution management; helping agriculture through technology, energy efficiency and environmental protection; prioritizing competing needs in the management of the Waikato River; coexistence of conventional, organic and GM crops from a European Union governance approach; architecture and evolution of fault damage zones and their applications to fluid flow; land disturbances, vegetation invasions and implications for land degradation; palaoecology and palaeoenvironments; land-use changes and biodiversity conservation in agricultural landscapes; and road transport in sub-Saharan Africa.

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Book SynopsisThis compilation examines agricultural research from across the globe and covers a broad spectrum of related topics. In this book, the authors discuss research including the competitiveness of Bulgarian farms in conditions of EU CAP implementation; perennial weeds and management in Argentinean crop systems; the anti-inflammatory effects of the waste components from soybeans; dry matter production, yield dynamics and chemical composition of perennial grass and forage legume mixtures at various seeding rate proportions; genetic variations of globulin composition in soybean seeds; different effects of garlic preparations; vegetable soybean (edamame) production; the effect of nitrogen (N) fertilizer and foliar application of potassium (K) and mepiquat chloride (MC) on the yield of cotton; and rapid methods for improving the nutritional quality of hydroponic leafy vegetables before harvest.

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Book SynopsisPollution from non-point sources such as runoff from farms or construction sites, remains the leading cause of impairment of the nation''s waters. Under Section 319 of the Clean Water Act (CWA), each year the EPA provides grants to states to implement programs and fund projects that address non-point source pollution. The program received $165 million in fiscal year 2012. Section 319 includes minimum conditions that states must meet to receive grants. By regulation, the EPA''s ten regional offices oversee state programs and are to ensure that states'' projects can be feasibly implemented. This book examines the states'' experiences in funding projects that address non-point source pollution, with a focus on the EPA''s oversight of the Section 319 program to measure its effectiveness; and which key agricultural programs complement the EPA''s efforts to control such pollution.

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Book SynopsisAn international team of leading scholars and young researchers in environmental psychology offers a relatively new perspective on the origin and solutions of the current environmental crisis. They explain how human nature has played a prominent role in the emergence of ecological problems such as global warming, threats to biodiversity, resources scarcity and pollution. But also, they demonstrate that such problems are interlinked with social problems such as poverty, famine, social and economical inequities and violence. According to this book''s authors, psychological theories and empirical evidence show that the solutions for those socio-ecological problems are to be found in human nature and its psychological predispositions. These include personal motives, world-visions, future perspective, environmental emotions, altruistic tendencies and behavioural capacities among other psychological predispositions that could allow the adoption of sustainable lifestyles. Meeting the ideals of sustainability requires the participation of the natural and social sciences, including psychology, in order to guarantee the fulfilment of its purposes. Behavioural sciences study the psychological characteristics and the contextual factors that lead people to adopt more sustainable lifestyles. In addition, these sciences investigate how sustainable behaviours promote happiness, psychological well being and restoration, which are considered among the aims of sustainable development by governments throughout the world. The authors, who are recognised experts in these areas, offer a state-of-the-art review and data on what it is known regarding the psychological dimensions of the environmental crisis, its behavioural solutions and the repercussions of sustainable behaviour on human well-being.

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Book SynopsisIn this book, the authors present current research in the study of the production, chemistry and sensory properties of cheese. Topics discussed include the technological and chemical characterization of PDO cheeses in Italy; the presence of biogenic amines in cheese; Spanish traditional cheese characteristics; sensorial analysis methodology for goats'' cheese made with clotting enzymes; processed cheese flavours and flavour compounds; the dietary and toxicological aspects of cheese; fortification strategies of cheese as a functional food; health issues, reduction and replacement of salt in cheese; cheese ripening and proteolysis; lipid fraction in cheese; engineering properties of Mexican chihuahua cheese; structure and texture determination of dairy products by using spectroscopic techniques coupled with chemometric tools; clostridium in late blowing defect of cheese; analysis of fatty acids in cheese by capillary electrophoresis; valorisation of whey in small and medium dairy industries; conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) in cheese; assessment of natural levels of substances with preservative effects in dairy products; cheese microstructure; and the multifaceted function of cheese and its anticancer effect on human leukaemic cell growth in vitro.

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Book SynopsisThis book covers leading-edge research in a cross-section of fields centring on engineering applications including current research data on hydrostatic pressure on foodstuffs; fault impact on buried steel pipelines; modelling the reaction kinetics in a food extruder; technologies for depth measurement in images; metrology for additive manufacturing; VLSI architecture based on two-dimensional radon transform computation; hotspot identification by a binary model; evaluation of an aermod dispersion model for mercury emissions from an urban area; extracting adhesion properties of organic thin films on compliant substrates using a scratch test technique; and uncertainty and sensitivity analyses on predicted concentrations during application of biosolids on agriculture fields.

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Book SynopsisThere is the conjuncture that 2012 is a special year in the history of physics, that cannot go unobserved without celebration: 100 years of cosmic ray discovery, the 75th anniversary of Muon discovery and 70 years of the discovery of relativistic solar particles (Ground Level Enhancements). Several symposiums have been held in this regard, among which can be mentioned is that of the one held in Pollau, Austria in May 2012. There is need of a book that pays homage to these historical discoveries. The aim of this book is to collect some typical papers written for researchers of the international cosmic ray community that many scientists and students would like to have in their libraries. The main market for this book are universities and research institutes throughout the world, and mainly in countries where there is an old tradition in cosmic ray research: Europe, USA, México, Canada, East Europe (mainly Russia), Japan, Australia, China, etc. It should also be of interest in scientific societies, professional organisations, or other groups relevant to the several fields of particle physics: eg: The Victor F Hess Society and the European Physical Society/History of Physics Group (EPS/HoP), COSPAR, IUGG, American Geophysical Union, Unión Geofísica Mexicana, and others.

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Book SynopsisA Humancentric Approach to a Technological Innovation THIS IS NOT SIMPLY A BOOK ABOUT TECHNOLOGY. IT IS A BOOK ABOUT THE INCREASING ROLE HUMANITY MUST PLAY DURING THIS TECHNOLOGICAL REVOLUTION IN ORDER TO THRIVE, NOT JUST SURVIVE. In The transHuman Code, authors Carlos Moreira and David Fergusson ask, "Are we building a better future for humanity with the help of magnificent technology or could we instead be building a future with better technology at the expense of humanity?" In proclaiming the obvious, that the human is and will always be the greatest and most advanced technology the world has ever known, the authors ask, "Doesn't it then make the most sense to place the understanding, improvement, and utilization of humanity as today's highest priority?" The transHuman Code is a book of conversations about how we employ the power of technology to script the best future possible. By introducing you to some of the world's most important innovators and dynamic developments occurring today, giving you a clearer understanding of their implications and then sparking the conversations that need to happen as a result, the hope is that together we will develop a transHuman code that will allow us to remain both the apex and axis of all technological progress from here forward. How we do this today is new territory. Dynamic innovative opportunities are here, or very near, for the taking. Which ones should we pursue and why? The transHuman Code introduces, through an address of the core elements of our life ecosystem, the discussions we must have. Together, both readers and contributors will form collective, proactive answers in this interactive process. You are invited to join Moreira and Fergusson, through this groundbreaking book, to begin this important work together.

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Book SynopsisThis book offers professionals and students a comprehensive overview of GPS signal acquisitions, measurements, and algorithms for estimation of dynamic programming, quality control, and filtering methods. This book discusses in-depth GPS signal transmissions, transmission procedures and calculation algorithms, using GPS positioning location data for empirical research to elucidate various dimensions of spatial phenomenon which is different from previously published books. This book also focuses on how to conduct empirical research with GPS collected data to contribute discipline theory and concepts in different domains. The book is divided into three parts. Part I introduces debates about measurements of GPS signal structure, including acquisition time, validity based on various tested GPS units, quality control of real-time positioning, data characteristics of probed density, average time, and signal disturbance of message distribution such as noise and inaccuracy positioning. Part II describes applications of GPS positioning data for monitoring analysis, movement analysis, spatial analysis and clustering analysis. Part III presents GPS sources of error and biases by discussing the technology of positioning location for underwater positioning, and clarifying the accuracy of digital maps to positioning systems for vehicle positioning. This book brings together a team of leading experts who perform a creative and empirical research of Global Positioning Systems. The book aims to share all the latest advances in systems, methods and application of GPS positioning with the readers. The topics in this book cover an integrated overview of GPS conceptions, an in-depth realisation of advanced application, and the emerging trends in GPS research.

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Book SynopsisThis book presents a comprehensive review of energy research studies from authors around the globe, including recent research in determining potential energy and environmental impacts; sustainable development and environmentally friendly systems; helping agriculture and horticulture through technology, energy efficiency and environmental protection; clean and green energy technologies; heat pump features, characteristics and refrigerants; a passive system for energy needs in green houses; design and operation of low consumption passive human comfort solutions; and the pretreatment of cellulosic biomass for better yield of bioethanol production.

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Book SynopsisWind energy has been the fastest growing source of U.S. electric power generation in recent years. The increase in federal funding for wind technologies and involvement of multiple agencies has raised questions about fragmented, overlapping, or duplicative federal support. This book examines federal wind-related initiatives; programs or groups of agency activities that promoted wind energy through a specific emphasis or focus. The Government Accountability Office (GAO) identifies wind-related initiatives implemented by federal agencies in fiscal year 2011; assesses the extent of fragmentation, overlap, and duplication, if any, among these initiatives, and the extent to which they were co-ordinated; and examines how agencies allocate support to projects through their initiatives and the extent to which they assess applicant need for support.

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Book SynopsisThe information age came with the promise of transparency greater than anything witnessed heretofore by humanity. Of course, transparency is the essence of foresight and knowledge. The hope was for a greater accountability that would follow increased transparency, compelling policy makers to depend on knowledge and foresight rather than disinformation and hidden agendas. Recent events of the new millennium indicate that the increase has been in opacity and disinformation. The information age, often dubbed as the knowledge era'', has become the antithesis of knowledge, however; even its most ardent proponents admit that. Despite globalization, the information age has failed to generate knowledge-based decision-making tools.

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Book SynopsisThe most important first premise in science is that mass can be neither created nor destroyed. It is also becoming clear that natural laws dictate that mass be connected to energy. In effect, mass-balance provides the only governing equation that is both necessary and sufficient. Clearly, this compels a paradigm shift in scientific study. If a process is engineered'' in violation of natural principles of material production, the balance will be irreversibly disturbed, and the outcome of such a violated process both unpredictable and harmful to future generations. The post-Renaissance mode of technology development is based on an analogous corollary principle of mass production. This is an approach characterised by an excessive focus on quantity to the detriment of establishing or upholding definitive criteria as to quality. In order to make mass-produced materials acceptable to the consumer, non-scientific means have been used to cover up true properties of both materials and energy. As a result, today technologies ranging from photovoltaic electricity to genetically-modified crop production to mass-produced pharmaceutical products are considered to be in harmony with nature. On the other hand, herbal medicine is dismissed as quackery and direct solar energy usage as pseudo-science. Nobel Laureates, such as the prize-winning chemist Robert Curl, have not shied from pronouncing this development mode a technological disaster''.

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Book SynopsisThe field of nanotechnology is one of the most popular areas for current research and development in basically all technical disciplines. This obviously includes polymer science and technology and even in this field the investigations cover a broad range of topics. This would include microelectronics (which could now be referred to as nanoelectronics) as the critical dimension scale for modern devices now below 100 nm. Other areas include polymer-based biomaterials, nanoparticle drug delivery, miniemulsion particles, fuel cell electrode polymer bound catalysts, layer-by-layer self-assembled polymer films, electrospun nanofibers, imprint lithography, polymer blends and nanocomposites. Even in the field of nanocomposites, many diverse topics exist including composite reinforcement, barrier properties, flame resistance, electro-optical properties, cosmetic applications, and bactericidal properties. Nanotechnology offers unique approaches to probe and control a variety of biological and medical processes that occur at nanometer length scales, and is expected to have a revolutionary impact on biology and medicine. Among the approaches for exploiting nanotechnology in medicine, nanoparticles offer some unique advantages as sensing, image enhancement, and delivery agents. Several varieties of nanoparticles with biomedical relevance are available including, polymeric nanoparticles, metal nanoparticles, liposomes, micelles, quantum dots, dendrimers, and nanoassemblies. To further the application of nanoparticles in disease diagnosis and therapy, it is important that the systems are biocompatible and capable of being functionalised for recognition of specific target sites in the body after systemic administration. We have discussed the novel nanocomposites and nanoparticles from various applications and drug delivery systems for cancer therapy.

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Book SynopsisThis book examines the current state of the art, new challenges and opportunities in the field of nanomaterials with a focus on nanodiamonds, diamond nanowires, Csp2 nanoobjects, metallic nanostructures, conductive polymer nanostructures and nanocomposites and micro/nano carbon fiber/carbon nanotube composites. The emphasis of the book is on surface chemistry having a central role in the applications of the said nanomaterials which encompass composites, biomaterials, sensors, catalysts, separative hybrid materials and so on. The handpicked selection of topics and expert contributors across the globe make this survey an outstanding resource reference for anyone involved in the field of design of advanced nanomaterials with tunable surface chemical and physicochemical properties. This book will be of interest to academic and industrial researchers, Master and PhD students, and post docs active in the domain of surface chemistry for modification and application of nanomaterials, and to those who are already active in the science and technology of nanomaterials but who would like to have a deeper insight into the strategies for chemically modifying nanomaterials.

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Book SynopsisThis book highlights recent advances in silver nanoparticles, at the interface between material science, technology and bio-applications of these important metal nanostructures. In this book, interesting discussions are reported on promising new avenues of research that reveal the enormous potential of emerging approaches in nanobiotechnology. This is an interdisciplinary field that conjugates expertise coming from different backgrounds. A nanotechnological approach is now used in different aspects of our life: medicine, energy, transport, etc. For this reason, we decided to invite scientists with different backgrounds and from all over the world, to cover the various subjects connected with silver nanoparticles in terms of synthesis, applications and characterisation. Nanostructures are playing a fundamental role in the advancement of science, as a result of the continuing dramatic progress in understanding the electronic, optical, mechanical and biomedical properties of an ever-increasing variety of nanostructures.

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Book SynopsisThe development of low-carbon energy is progressing too slowly to limit global warming. With power generation still dominated by coal and governments failing to increase investment in clean energy, the target of controlling the rise in global temperature is a tough task. This book is written so as to address some of the issues as well as waste management practices of fossil fuels and modified fossil fuels through ten original and very interesting chapters. Carbon sequestration of fossil fuels has been greatly emphasised so as to reduce the carbon footprint. The book starts with an overview of fossil fuels which include oil, natural gas and its hydrates, coal, kerogen shale, and peat. Information on reserves and extraction of each type of fuel is presented in Chapter One. The book continues with Chapter Two, where increased levels of sophistication for fossil fuels have been discussed to alleviate the subsequent depletion of fossil fuels. In Chapter Three partial substitution of coal by renewable biomass in existing coal-fired boilers for power generation is presented. It has been stated that hydrothermal carbonisation (HTC) offers a promising conversion process to upgrade raw biomass feedstock. In Chapter Four, discussion on the types of biomass and the ways to modify the same have been presented. Through Chapters Five to Eight the reader will know the great potentials of gasification, mineral carbonation, geo-engineering and remote sensing in achieving almost zero emission.

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Book SynopsisIn this book, the authors gather and present recent advances in magnetism research. Topics discussed include the field theory of magnetism; long-range order (LRO) and phase transition in the quantum anisotropic ferromagnetic Ising-Heisenberg linear chain; Green''s function method in the Bogoliubov-Tyablikov version of the quantum theory of magnetism; diluted magnetic semiconductors; perpendicular magnetic anisotropy in half-metallic Heusler alloy films; a comparative study of the structural and physical properties of spinel nano-ferrites synthesised by a co-precipitation method; and the hysteretic behaviour of composite magnetic alloys.

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Book SynopsisThis book examines the potential application of semiconductor materials for gas sensor production on the basis of their fundamental, theoretical, and experimental studies. Some of these materials or their composites were applied for semiconductor gas sensor production for the first time. Special attention is paid to the model materials A2B6, which are used in the form of films with biographic surface as well as with the surface doped by donor (In, Cd, Sn, Pt, Pd etc.) and acceptor (Se and others) particles. Results of application of metal-oxide materials as adsorptionally sensitive elements are also represented in this book. These elements were produced and tested in the form of simple oxides (as SnO2, In2O3, for example) as well as in the form of composite oxide metal complexes (SnWO4, ZnO:In2O3 etc.). The book examines in detail the influence of doping on different materials and their adsorption sensitivity, persistence, selectivity, dynamic and kinetic characteristics, and other parameters. Results of thorough studies of degradation of semiconductor sensor material characteristics, when in working gas atmospheres, are represented in a special section of the book. Adsorptionally sensitive parameters of amorphous silicon, micro-, macro- and nanoporous silicon are examined and results of Si structure testing as gas sensors are also discussed in this book.

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Book SynopsisThe attention and direction of food science has been shifting in recent years from food safety and food flavour research to functional foods and nutraceuticals -- foods that convey healthy and disease-prevention benefits to consumers that go way beyond their basic nutritional role. The purpose of this book is to bring together the latest information from fundamental and applied research on the role of seeds and their products as functional foods and nutraceuticals, and to discuss the benefits of consuming them. In this book you will find relevant information regarding the origin and taxonomy of seeds, global markets, physicochemical composition, and the effect of phytochemicals in seed components on chronic degenerative diseases, such as obesity, diabetes, cancer, cardiovascular disease, inflammation and arthritis. Given the importance and challenges derived from environmental concern, with regard to the effective utilisation of the residues of industrial by-products and agroindustrial wastes, this book also discusses the inclusion of seeds and certain fruit by-products in foods, as well as the presence of phytochemicals with potential medicinal benefits.

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Book SynopsisIn this book, the authors present topical research in the study of the causes, economic implications and future challenges of eutrophication. Topics discussed include the performance of mechanical aeration systems in the control of eutrophication in stagnant waters; using cyanobacteria as a biosorbent for heavy metals in waste waters; a state-of-the-art review on eutrophication research in the context of climate warming; assessing Daphnia population dynamics and recovery patterns after exposure to multiple environmental stressors in a eutrophic lake; the environmental and health consequences of blue-green algae blooms; eutrophication and recovery of the large and deep subalpine Lake maggiore in Italy; causes and potential management strategies of current and future eutrophication of nearshore marine environments; promoting mechanisms of the rare earth industry on water eutrophication; the life-cycle eutrophic impact of future energy systems; and the study of particle size of the natural coagulant tanfloc SG to obtain drinking water by coagulation/flocculation.

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Book SynopsisSocial networking focuses on social relationships (eg: friendships) diagrammed as nodes (points) and links (ties or edges between points). Social network analysis (SNA) examines features of such relationships within a social networking system, including how such social interactions change over time. SNA can measure and map "connectedness" or "flow" (eg: information, resources, etc.) within and across individuals, groups, and organisations. SNA can examine these ties in virtual- or geo-temporal spaces -- yielding rich mixed methods possibilities and wide application to a host of scientific phenomena. The advent of social media established a cultural meme that carries social network concepts to broader public audiences, and that reinforces SNA''s path to be a powerful interdisciplinary approach. Google Ngram viewer shows the use of "social network analysis" in the corpus of books burgeoned in the late 1960s, and has continued to grow exponentially since the 1990s. The conceptual and methodological reach now extends both widely -- across scientific disciplines -- and deeply -- as field advances arise with the rapid pace of new inquiries. Facing this tremendous promulgation and diversification of SNA, this book distills essential frontiers across fields. Introducing emerging issues in the application of social network theory and SNA, and how these can or will be addressed, each chapter illuminates new trends or applications of a social network approach that can have wide potential impact in other disciplines. Conceptual advances (eg: applying the concepts of social networks such as peer influence on disease management and treatment adherence), as well as novel analytic approaches for studying properties of social networks are highlighted.

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Book SynopsisToday''s oil and gas are at record prices, whilst global energy demand is increasing from population and economic development pressures. New and highly improved methods to detect, explore, and exploit new resources of oil and gas are necessary to maintain the world''s energy needs toward sustainable economic development. This books aim is to offer the latest developments in several areas related to the above mentioned goals. As authors, it is our understanding and expectation, that interested readers will find plenty of useful, insightful, and reliable information for their energy-related tasks.

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Book SynopsisMany countries, reflecting very different geographies, markets, and power systems, are successfully managing high levels of variable renewable energy on the electric grid, including that from wind and solar energy. This book documents the diverse approaches to effective integration of variable renewable energy among six countries: Australia (South Australia), Denmark, Germany, Ireland, Spain, and the United States (Colorado and Texas), and summarises policy best practices that energy ministers and other stakeholders can pursue to ensure that electricity markets and power systems can effectively co-evolve with increasing penetrations of variable renewable energy. There is no one-size fits all approach; each country has crafted its own combination of policies, market designs, and system operations to achieve the system reliability and flexibility needed to successfully integrate renewables. Notwithstanding this diversity, the approaches all coalesce around five strategic areas: lead public engagement, particularly for new transmission; co-ordinate and integrate planning; develop rules for market evolution that enable system flexibility; expand access to diverse resources and geographic footprint of operations; and improve system operations. This book also underscores the value of countries sharing their experiences. The more diverse and robust the experience base from which a country can draw, the more likely that it will be able to implement an appropriate, optimised, and system-wide approach.

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Book SynopsisAn important milestone in the history of science, the diffraction of X-rays, was observed by Max von Laue in 1912. In the last 100 years, X-ray diffraction (XRD) studies have revealed highly valuable information about many ordered atomic structures seen in a variety of common materials. The understanding of material structures opened the door to the reliable application of these materials and allowed scientific discussions about material properties and structural features to become possible. Besides playing this crucial role in history, XRD has now also successfully transformed itself into a method in the forefront of extending much of our knowledge boundaries. Written by more than 30 X-ray diffraction experts from 9 countries/regions, this book consists of 11 chapters examining the development of the XRD technique and demonstrating various new opportunities for its application. Each chapter discusses timely and important subjects surrounding the XRD technique, including the past and future of the single-crystal XRD technique and new explorations with co-ordination polymers; the very successful implementation of Rietveld refinement analysis for alloys, intermetallics, cements, and ceramics; the application of XRD in nanoparticles structure study; the methodological developments in quantifying the state of residual stress in materials; and the state-of-the-art progress in combining XRD principles with electron crystallography for structure determination.

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Book SynopsisHelium is the second most abundant element in the solar system after the hydrogen atom and also the simplest of all atoms. In this book the authors present topical research in the study of the occurrence, applications and biological effects of helium. Topics discussed include the discontinuous yielding, stress drops and strength of metals in liquid helium; the use of helium with oxygen at pressure as a breathing gas mixture; the physics and chemistry of helium clusters and droplets; the interaction of helium atoms and ions with matter; postseismic leakage of mantle and crustal helium from seismically active regions; weak superfluidity of the nonstationary Josephson effect in He-4 and possible applications; and clean energy from Helium-3 fuelled muon-catalysed aneutronic fusion.

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Book SynopsisIn this book, the authors present current research in the study of the quality, safety characteristics and health implications of processed foods. Topics discussed include novel thermal and non-thermal food processing technologies; persistence of transgenic DNA in processed foods of animal origin; cassava as a source of chemically safe food; transformation of vegetable waste from the food industry into value added products; functional mathematical index (FMI) as an index generator for taming quality as applied to food and processes; nutritional and biological potential of functional foods containing hard-to-cook bean protein hydrolysate; basic guidelines for establishing food standards; strategies for annatto seeds processing with pressurised fluids in the food industry; principles of quality analysis and critical control points applicable to food processing; and engineered colloidal systems from food.

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Book SynopsisRural communities across America are working to strengthen their economies, provide better quality of life to residents, and build on assets such as traditional main streets, agricultural and working lands, and natural resources. The Partnership for Sustainable Communities, in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), established a Rural Work Group to reinforce these initiatives and ensure that the four agencies'' spending, policies, and programs support rural communities'' efforts to be economically vibrant and environmentally sustainable. Strengthening federal support for rural communities by co-ordinating and aligning these programs is a key Partnership goal. In August 2010, the Partnership established a Rural Work Group comprised of staff from HUD, DOT, EPA, and USDA to guide its approach to rural sustainable communities. This book, which summarises the work group''s efforts, explores how the Partnership can contribute to more resilient economies, healthy environments, and quality of life in rural America. It also sets out a framework for the Partnership''s future work with rural communities.

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