Search results for ""apple academic press""

These volumes provide a series of informative interviews with school/teacher librarians practicing in different parts of the world. The 2-volume set showcases the resilience, creativity, and best practices from successful school librarians from Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia, and North and South America. The librarians interviewed come from all different schools and schools systems, from a tiny recently built school library in a rural village in Africa to an ultra-modern library in Sweden.Featuring 37 interviews with successful school librarians from across the globe, the volumes let us hear the stories from countries around the world. They tell about their creative and innovative school library projects, their unconventional reading programs, and their best practices and experiences in addressing the challenges of supporting basic literacy. A wide selection of methodologies and approaches are discussed, offering a global âœvoyageâ through topics important in school libraria

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Physiology of Molluscs: A Collection of Selected Reviews is an informative two-volume sent that brings together some of the most important recent and unique developments in molluscan physiology.Volume One focuses on shell structure, mineralization, the dynamics of calcium transport, shell drilling, byssus proteins, locomotion, and reproduction. Volume Two includes reviews on the neural mechanisms of learning, reproductive behavior, responses to environmental stress and hormones, and neurotransmitters. With the rapid development of cutting-edge proteomic, molecular biological, and cellular imaging techniques, our understanding of molluscan physiology, specifically in the areas of neurobiology, reproductive biology, and shell formation, has increased exponentially over the last several years. With contributions from some of the worldâs leading experts in the field of molluscan physiology, this valuable two-volume set fills this void and will serve as an

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E-based systems and computer networks are becoming standard practice across all sectors, including health, engineering, business, education, security, and citizen interaction with local and national government. They facilitate rapid and easy dissemination of information and data to assist service providers and end-users, offering existing and newly engineered services, products, and communication channels. Recent years have witnessed rising interest in these computerized systems and procedures, which exploit different forms of electronic media to offer effective and sophisticated solutions to a wide range of real-world applications.With contributions from researchers and practitioners from around the world, this two-volume book discusses and reports on new and important developments in the field of e-systems, covering a wide range of current issues in the design, engineering, and adoption of e-systems. E-Systems for the 21st Century: Concept, Developments and Applications<

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QSAR and SPECTRAL-SAR in Computational Ecotoxicology presents a collection of studies based on the epistemological bulk data-information-knowledge of the chemicals used in green chemistry. It assesses a specific model of pattern characterization of concerned active substances at the bio-, eco-, and pharmacologic levels through unitary formulation of the effector-receptor binding degree potential, including the logistic type by employing a computational algebraic quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR) model called SPECTRAL-SAR. It aims to minimize the residual recorded activities in the experiments that study the enzymic, ionic liquid, antagonists, and allosteric inhibition interactions.The book covers: The classic QSAR approach The new SPECTRAL-SAR approach How to draw SPECTRAL-SAR maps for predicting ecotoxicological mechanisms for a given series of toxicants and single or multi-species in an open system Biological activity as related to chemical reactivity through associate descriptors This book will be very useful in advanced courses on computational ecotoxicology, drug design and interaction, methods in quantum and computational chemistry, chemical molding, chemical bonding, and others.

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This title includes a number of Open Access chapters.Embryology is the study of embryos. It is the branch of biological science that deals with the formation and early development of an individual organism, from fertilization of the egg (ovum) to birth. This collection includes articles on some of the most important topics in embryology today, such as cryopreservation of human embryos, in vitro generation of neurons from embryonic stem cells, embryonic transfer, transcriptional profiling, and more.

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This title includes a number of Open Access chapters.A multidisciplinary subject, the study of fisheries science includes the biological study of life, habits, and breeding of various species of fish. It also involves farming and husbandry of important fishes and aquatic organisms in fresh water, brackish water and any marine environment. This new book includes a selection of topics in the field, such as the impact of climate change on tropical fish, studies on the reproductive and mating habits of specific fish, hibernation of Antarctic fish, the molecular makeup of specific fish, and more.

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Here is a fascinating reader-friendly exploration of “the phosphorus enigma.” The volume attempts to answer the questions: How did phosphorus atoms, which are produced inside the inner cores of a handful of huge stars, become concentrated in relatively high proportions in the organisms composing Earth’s biosphere? And how did these phosphate derivatives manage to be included in such a great variety of organic molecules playing essential biochemical roles in all known life forms?Due to the interdisciplinary nature of the topic, the volume is arranged in three sections. The first section introduces the fundamental concepts and notions of physics, chemistry, and biology necessary for the proper understanding of the topics discussed within an astronomical framework. The author then focuses on the role of phosphorus and its compounds within the context of chemical evolution in galaxies, considering its relevance in most essential biochemical functions as well as its peculiar chemistry under different physicochemical conditions. The third section provides an overall perspective on the role of phosphorus and its compounds in current areas of research of solid state physics, materials engineering, nanotechnology or medicine.

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While also addressing the need for more effective processing technologies for increased safety and quantity, the dairy industry needs to address the growing customer demand for new and innovative dairy foods with enhanced nutritional value. This volume looks at new research, technology, and applications in the engineering of milk products, specifically covering functional bioactivities to add value while increasing the quality and safety of milk and fermented milk products. Chapters in the book look at the functional properties of milk proteins and cheese, functional fermented milk-based beverages, biofunctional yoghurt, antibiotic resistant pathogens, and other probiotics in dairy food products.

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This new volume is devoted to molecular chemistry and its applications to the fields of biology. It looks at the integration of molecular chemistry with biomolecular engineering, with the goal of creating new biological or physical properties to address scientific or societal challenges. It takes a both multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary perspective on the interface between molecular biology, biophysical chemistry, and chemical engineering. Molecular Chemistry and Biomolecular Engineering: Integrating Theory and Research with Practice provides effective support for the development of the laboratory and data analysis skills that researchers will draw on time and again for the practical aspects and also gives a solid grounding in the broader transferable skills.

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This new volume explores the importance of phytochemicals from plants in therapeutics, focusing on the extraction of bioactive compounds and their applications in human health. Natural products and their bioactive compounds are increasingly utilized in preventive and therapeutic medication as well as for the production of pharmaceutical supplements and, more recently, as food additives to increase the functionality of foods.The first section of the volume describes recent advances in the extraction of bioactive compounds from various sources. It looks at advanced extraction techniques such as enzyme-assisted, microwave-assisted, ultrasound-assisted, pressurized liquid extraction, and supercritical extraction techniques. Part 2, on bioactive compounds and health claims, covers the roles of different bioactive compounds and their health-promoting potential for lifestyle diseases. This section explains the botany, physical characteristics, uniqueness, uses, distribution, importance, phytochemistry, bioactivities, and future trends of different functional foods.

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Here is a comprehensive introductory discussion of Earth, energy, and the environment in an integrated manner that will lead to an appreciation of our complex planet. The book looks at Earth from the perspective of a livable planet and elaborates on the surface and subsurface processes and the various energy cycles where energy is transformed and stored in the planet’s various spheres. The chapters discuss the interactions between the different parts of Earth—how energy is exchanged between the atmosphere, hydrosphere, biosphere, and geosphere, and how they impact the environment in which we live.

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Down from the Trees: Man’s Amazing Transition from Tree-Dwelling Ape Ancestors covers the evolution of man from tree-dwelling ape to Homo sapiens as he is today. Using easy-to-read language, the author takes complex, jargon-filled material and extracts the essence of the topic and coveys it in a clear and engaging manner. He approaches the subject of human evolution from three different disciplines: fossil evidence and its interpretation, evolutionary theory and its applicability, and genetic evidence and its ability to unlock prehistoric information. The third discipline has advanced unbelievably in the last few years, and this book includes the most up-to-date research.There is nothing more interesting to humans than the story of their origins. The evolutionary process of a tree-dwelling ape becoming a walking, talking man who has developed the technology to walk on the moon, transplant hearts, or modify living things is no trivial story. This book provides a fascinating and comprehensive view of what science has learned of human evolution.

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This volume introduces and explains an eye-opening treatment for correcting nearsightedness and related vision problems naturally and neurologically. The author presents his methodology on neurologically correcting primary refractive errors in the mild and moderate myopic range. Ortho C (or orthoculogy, which is Latin for "correcting the whole eye") is a natural treatment, requiring no alteration to the cornea.Key features of the book:• Introduces a neurological and natural treatment for the correction of nearsightedness• Presents many case studies showing the effectiveness of this treatment, based on the author’s 30+ years of research• Provides step-by-step instructions for designing lenses to suit the need, determining the sequence of wear, and conducting resistance tests• Grants readers the right to apply Ortho C to treat any patients with mild and moderate myopia, anisometropia, or compound astigmatism.

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With the increasing need and demand for fresh fruits and vegetables, the field of postharvest science is continuously evolving. Endeavors are being made by scientists involved in postharvest research for maintenance of the quality and safety of fresh horticultural produce to enhance the postharvest life and to extend the availability of the produce in both time and space. This volume, Emerging Postharvest Treatment of Fruits and Vegetables, addresses the demand for the development and application of effective technologies for preservation of perishable food products, particularly fresh fruits and vegetables. It provides an abundance of up-to-date information about postharvest treatments. The chapters discuss a number of innovative technologies to prolong and enhance postharvest fruits and vegetables. This book will be valuable for those concerned with horticulture and postharvest technology. It provides essential information for students, teachers, professors, scientists, and entrepreneurs engaged in fresh horticultural produce handling related to this field.

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This volume provides a good understanding of the binary fluid system, highlighting new dimensions of the existing Kalina cycle system, a thermodynamic process for converting thermal energy into usable mechanical power. The book illustrates that providing new flexibility leads to new research outcomes and possible new projects in this field.The information provided in the book simplifies the application of the Kalina cycle system with an easy-to-understand and thorough explanation of properties development, processes solutions, sub-system work, and total system work. There are currently no books available in the area of binary fluid system in the field of KCS with added fallibility in the operation and process design. Currently decentralized power systems are gaining more attention due to shortages in power, and cooling demands are competing with other electrical loads. This book fills a valuable information gap, providing insight into a new dimension for designers, practicing engineers, and academicians in this area.

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Abiotic stresses are known to adversely impact agricultural productivity on millions of hectares globally, and it is projected that these problems are likely to increase, primarily due to anthropogenic interventions as well as climatic changes. Understanding abiotic stresses—especially salt stress on soil—calls for an interdisciplinary approach because salt-stressed soils need hydro-technical, chemical, and agronomic interventions as well as an understanding of plant response when exposed to these stresses. This volume explores and conveys the latest information on emerging technologies in the management of abiotic salt stress and their field applications. It brings together experts from various fields (academia, technology, and engineering) to provide the latest information and knowledge on this important challenge.

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Written for sleep technologists, Clinical Atlas of Polysomnography provides basic information regarding normal sleep, sleep disorders, and electrophysiology that is outside of the scope of the AASM manual (AASM Manual for the Scoring of Sleep and Associated Events). It aims to act as a guide through the fundamental aspects of, for example, types of overnight sleep study, establishing a sleep laboratory, preparing the patient for a sleep evaluation study, placement of electrodes and leads, and the scientific aspects of such placement, i.e., why they are placed at that particular position. This information will be very useful in those parts of the globe where formal training in sleep technology is not yet available. Many further chapters focus on depicting real-time illustrations of sleep data as captured in the sleep laboratory and the scoring of recording data. Information regarding common montages, artifacts, and troubleshooting in the sleep laboratory will facilitate the reader’s journey as a trainee sleep technologist. While scoring sleep recordings, the "When you score the data" histogram can provide a great deal of useful information, and this has been explained in detail in this book. Most importantly, it is prudent to be able to write reports that are both informative and easy to understand by physicians who do not have advanced knowledge of sleep medicine. A chapter has been dedicated to explaining this in detail. Lastly, the authors have provided ready-made forms, questionnaires, and documents that can either be used as they are or with some modifications.This up-to-date and comprehensive volume will be an invaluable guide for technicians and physicians who wish to practice sleep medicine and will be useful for sleep technology and physician training programs. The volume is intended to complement, not be a substitute for, the AASM scoring manual, as many areas that are covered in the manual are not covered here.

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With the unprecedented increase in the world’s population, the need for different foodprocessing techniques becomes extremely important. And with the increase in awareness of and demand for food quality, processed products with improved quality and better taste that are safe are also important aspects that need to be addressed. In this volume, experts examine the use of different technologies for food processing. They look at technology with ways to preserve nutrients, eliminate anti-nutrients and toxins, add vitamins and minerals, reduce waste, and increase productivity.Topics include, among others:• applications of ohmic heating• cold plasma in food processing• the role of biotechnology in the production of fermented foods and beverages• the use of modification of food proteins using gamma irradiation• edible coatings to restrain migration of moisture, oxygen, and carbon dioxide• natural colorants, as opposed to synthetic coloring, which may have toxic effects• hurdle technology in the food industry• the unrecognized potential of agro-industrial waste

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Sustainable Horticulture, Volume 1: Diversity, Production, and Crop Improvements is part of a two-volume compendium that addresses the most important topics facing horticulture around the world today.Volume 1, on Diversity, Production, and Crop Improvement, outlines the contemporary trends in sustainable horticulture research, covering such topics as crop diversity, species variability and conservation strategies, production technology, tree architecture management, plant propagation and nutrition management, organic farming, and new dynamics in breeding and marketing of horticulture crops.Sections include: Genetic Resources & Biodiversity Conservation Production & Marketing of Horticulture Crops Crop Improvement & Biotechnology Together with Volume 2: Food, Health, and Nutrition, this two-volume compendium presents an abundance of new research on sustainable horticulture that will be valuable for a broad audience, including students of horticulture, faculty and instructors, scientists, agriculturists, government and nongovernment organizations, and other industry professionals.

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This book presents a selection of innovative postharvest management practices for vegetables. It covers technologies in harvesting, handling, and storage of vegetables, including strategies for low-temperature storage of vegetables, active and smart packaging of vegetables, edible coatings, application of nanotechnology in postharvest technology of vegetable crops, and more. It considers most of the important areas of vegetable processing while maintaining nutritional quality and addressing safety issues.Fruits and vegetables are important sources of nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, and bioactive compounds, which provide many health benefits. However, due to poor postharvest management—such as non-availability of cold chain management and low-cost processing facilities, large quantities of vegetables perish before they reach the consumer. Furthermore, higher temperatures in some regions also contribute to an increased level of postharvest losses. With chapters written by experts in the postharvest handling of vegetable, this volume addresses these challenges. It is devoted to presenting both new and innovative technologies as well as advancements in traditional technologies.

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There has been a growing interest in the health benefits derived from fruits and vegetables and the food products based on them. Many foods contain various phytochemicals, flavonoids, fibers, macronutrients and micronutrients, minerals, etc. that are good for health and essential for keeping good health. This volume provides a global perspective of the current state of food and health research, innovation, and emerging trends. It focuses on topics of food for better health, including functional foods and nutraceutical foods.The book is divided into several sections, covering:• Foods for Human Health Promotion and Prevention of Diseases, which include fruits, vegetables, and grains: their peels and fiber for better human health, health prospects of bioactive peptides derived from seed storage proteins, mushrooms as a novel source of antihyperlipidemic agents, and emerging foodborne illnesses and their prevention.• Specific Fruits, Spices and Dairy-Based Functional Foods for Human Health, which looks at the functional medicinal values of fenugreek, fruits as functional foods, and functional fermented dairy products.• Issues, Challenges, and Specialty Topics in Food Science, which focuses mainly on the stability issues of whole wheat flour, physicochemical properties and quality of food lipids, methods for food analysis and quality control, and interventions of ohmic heating technology in foods.The volume will be of interest to health practitioners, food specialists, nutrition producers and suppliers, practicing food process engineers, food technologists, researchers, food industry professionals, and faculty and upper-level students in food science.

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Milk is nature’s perfect food (lacking only iron, copper, and vitamin C) and is highly recommended by nutritionists for building healthy bodies. New technologies have emerged in the processing of milk. This new volume focuses on the processing of milk by novel techniques, emphasizing the conservation of energy and effective methods. This book is divided four parts that cover: applications of novel processing technologies in the dairy industry novel drying techniques in the dairy industry management systems and hurdles in the dairy industry energy conservation and opportunities in the dairy industry This book presents new information on the technology of ohmic heating for milk pasteurization. It goes on to provide an overview of the commercial thermal, non-thermal technologies, and hybrid technologies for milk pasteurization. There are non-thermal technologies such as pulse light, irradiation, ultra violet treatment, etc., that can be used in combination with other technologies for the processing of milk and milk products. This hybrid technology can provide multiple benefits, such extended shelf life, reduced energy costs, reduced heat treatment, and better organoleptic and sensory properties. The book also describes the different aspects of food safety management used in dairy processing. The book also looks at recent advances in microwave-assisted thermal processing of milk and the effects of microwaves on microbiological, physicochemical, and organoleptic properties of processed milk and milk products. Technological advances in value addition and standardization of the products have been reported, but well-established processes for mechanized production are recommended in the book for a uniform quality nutritious product produced under hygienic conditions. This new volume will be of interest to faculty, researchers, postgraduate students, researchers, as well as engineers in the dairy industry.

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This volume brings together innovative research, new concepts, and novel developments in the application of new tools for chemical and materials engineers. It contains significant research, reporting new methodologies and important applications in the fields of chemical engineering as well as the latest coverage of chemical databases and the development of new methods and efficient approaches for chemists. This authoritative reference source provides the latest scholarly research on the use of applied concepts to enhance the current trends and productivity in chemical engineering. Highlighting theoretical foundations, real-world cases, and future directions, this book is ideally designed for researchers, practitioners, professionals, and students of materials chemistry and chemical engineering. The volume explains and discusses new theories and presents case studies concerning material and chemical engineering.The book is divided into several sections, covering: Advanced Materials Chemoinformatics, Computational Chemistry, and Smart Technologies Analytical and Experimental Techniques

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This book presents a variety of policy adoption methods, irrigation scheduling, and design procedures in micro irrigation engineering for horticultural crops. The chapters range from policy interventions to applications of systems for different crops and under different land conditions. Compiling valuable information and research, the book is divided into three main sections: Policy Options: Drip Irrigation Among Adopters Irrigation Scheduling of Horticultural Crops Design of Drip Irrigation Systems The editors present valuable research and information on micro irrigation methods in an effort to focus on innovation and evolving new paradigms for efficient utilization of water resources. The adoption of micro irrigation systems can be a panacea for irrigation related problems and can help to increase the yield and area under cultivation, especially for small farmers without abundant technological resources.Micro Irrigation Engineering for Horticultural Crops: Policy Options, Scheduling, and Design will be valuable for agricultural engineering students, irrigation engineers, and scientists/professors in engineering.

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Ecosystems and Technology: Idea Generation and Content Model Processing, presents important new innovations in the area of management and computing. Innovation is the generation and application of new ideas and skills to produce new products, processes, and services that improve economic and social prosperity. This includes management and design policy decisions and encompasses innovation research, analysis, and best practice in enterprises, public and private sector service organizations, government, regional societies and economies. The book, the first volume in the Innovation Management and Computing book series, looks at technology that improves efficiency and idea generation, including systems for business, medical/health, education, and more. The book provides detailed examples to provide readers with current issues, including Venture planning for innovations New technologies supporting innovations systems Competitive business modeling Context-driven innovation modeling The generation of ideas faster The measurement of relevant data Virtual interfaces Business intelligence and content processing Predictive modeling Haptic expression and emotion recognition innovations, with applications to neurocognitive medical science This book provides a wealth of information that will be useful for IT and business professionals, educators, and students in many fields.

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This compendium volume, Urban Land Use: Community-Based Planning, covers a range of land use planning and community engagement issues. Part I explores the connections between land use decisions and consequences for urban residents, particularly in the areas of health and health equity. The chapters in Part II provide a closer look at community land use planning practice in several case studies. Part III offers several practical and innovative tools for integrating community decisions into land use planning.

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This title includes a number of Open Access chapters. This important compilation presents an in-depth view spanning past values and practices, present understandings, and potential futures, and covering a range of concrete case studies on sustainable development of organic agriculture. The book explores the very different facets of organic and sustainable agriculture.Part I of this book delves into the ways that people have approached organic agriculture in sociological, scientific, and economic terms. Part II looks ahead to the future of organic agriculture, presenting opportunities for further progress. Part III consists of an extensive bibliography chronologically developing the progress of organic and sustainable agriculture over two thousand years.The book Studies the cultural dimension of organic consumption Presents how sustainable agriculture can reduce and mitigate the impact of climate change on crop production Looks at the impact of agriculture on both famine and rural poverty in an ecofriendly and socially inclusive manner Examines six of the oldest grain-crop-based organic comparison experiments in the US, looking at the environmental and economic outcomes from organic agroecosystems, to both producers and policymakers Reviews the role of experimentation and innovation in developing sustainable organic agriculture Looks at the challenges of organic farmers Discusses ways to ensure sustainability and resilience of farming Looks at ways to change the mindset of farmers especially in traditional farming communities Explores the development of organic and sustainable agriculture through more than 500 years, ending with the early twenty-first century. Altogether, the chapters provide a nuanced look at the development of organic and sustainable agriculture, with the conclusion that organic is not enough to be sustainable.

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With the increasing globalization and fast-paced technological advances in business today, service organizations must to respond to the changing business dynamic between employers and employees. The service industry has metamorphosed into a revolution not only in United States but in developed and developing countries also. Highly industrialized countries have become ‘service economies’, at least when measured in terms of share of the workforce employed in service industries. This new book, Employees and Employers in Service Organizations: Emerging Challenges and Opportunities, the first volume in the 21st Century Business Management book series, provides an in-depth exploration of recent concepts and trends in business management in the service industries. It looks at the changing expectations and loyalties of young workers and others and the challenges and opportunities presented for service employers. The book considers theory and research findings, providing a plethora of practical implications and applications for these new workplace behavior dynamics. Exploring the different perspectives and concepts from the book’s researchers and authors, Employees and Employers in Service Organizations: Emerging Challenges and Opportunities cover themes such as• work-life balance• spirituality in the workplace• emerging positive psychology concepts, such as psychological capital, knowledge management, and mindfulness• expectations, motivation, and behavior of different generations, such as Generation YThis informative volume will be valuable for faculty teaching courses in management and self-improvement for leaders and executives as well as for those in service industries.

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This new volume, the 7th in the Innovations in Agricultural & Biological Engineering book series, focuses on emerging trends, applications and challenges in food science and technology. While food science and technology is not a new field, it is constantly changing due to new technology, new science, and new demands. This multidisciplinary book not only considers food processing, preservation, and distribution, but it also taken into account the consumer’s wants and needs. Included is a report of the status of agricultural production and food processing industries in India with a national and international perspective. The book then goes on to explore new and emerging trends in the science and technology in the field, including• applications of nuclear magnetic resonance in food processing and packaging management• ultrasound processing• application of biocomposite polymers in food packaging• bioprocessing and biorefinery approaches for sustainable fisheries• adding value to food from food waste through biotechnological intervention• functional foods and the fortification of foodsCovering a broad selection of topics in the field, the volume will be of interest to food scientists and technologists, food process engineers, researchers, faculty and students, and many others the food science and technology industry.

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This is the first comprehensive book on the biology and ecology of pufferfish, also known as blowfish, swellfish, and globefish. Covering 197 species of pufferfish recorded so far from the marine, brackish, and freshwater ecosystems of the world, this important volume expounds on the toxins and associated poisonings of pufferfish. Importantly, the volume also explores the many uses of pufferfish, such as in aquariums, for their nutritional and culinary value, and for their emerging uses in the treatment of pain.Topics covered include: biology and ecology of pufferfish profiles of the world’s marine, brackish, and freshwater pufferfish species characteristics of TTX (tetrodotoxin) and STX (saxitoxin) of pufferfish pufferfish poisoning and symptoms: treatment and management aquarium uses of pufferfish nutritional and pharmaceutical values of pufferfish diseases and parasites of pufferfish and their management

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This title includes a number of Open Access chapters. This new compendium provides a nuanced look at monitoring, measuring, and modeling air quality pollution in conjunction with its effects on public health and the environment. Air pollution has been proven to be a major environmental risk to health. Protecting and improving air quality requires knowledge about the types and levels of pollutants being emitted. It also requires the best possible measurement and monitoring capabilities. The chapters in this volume serve as a foundation for monitoring, measuring, and modeling air pollution.

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This new volume provides exhaustive knowledge on a wide range of natural products and holistic concepts that have provided promising in the treatment of leishmaniasis. Including the major natural therapies as well as traditional formulations, over 300 medicinal plants and 150 isolated compounds that are reported to have beneficial results in the treatment of the disease are explored in this comprehensive work. This book also acts as an important resource on various anti-inflammatory plants used to treat various inflammatory conditions of the disease.

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This is the second of a five-volume set. This series of volumes on the ethnobotany of different regions of India melds important knowledge in one place. India is one of the most important regions of the old world and has culturally rich and diverse knowledge systems. The expert authors have been selected to summarize information on the various aspects of ethnobotany of India, such as ethnoecology, traditional agriculture, cognitive ethnobotany, material sources, traditional pharmacognosy, ethnoconservation strategies, bioprospection of ethnodirected knowledge, and protection of ethnobotanical knowledge.

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This fascinating new volume provides a comprehensive yet concise overview of the chemical aspects of some of the major innovations and changes that occurred during the 20th century, relating chemical structures and properties to real-life applications. Developed for a course taught by the author for several years at UVA, the author covers the important and consequential developments in chemistry and explains their everyday, real-life applications. These include such topics as consumer products, fossil fuel use, polymers, agriculture, food production, nutrition, explosives, and drugs. The section Molecular Biology and Its Applications includes examples of the application of biotechnology and genetic engineering.

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Sleep medicine encompasses an unusually board spectrum of contributions from biology, technology, and medicine. This volume summarizes the considerable mass of knowledge that has been accumulated in the field and imparts its major findings in a manner that is comprehensive yet not overwhelming. Edited by an eminent sleep researcher and with contributions from leading experts in the field, the volume provides a basic grounding in sleep medicine and covers the fascinating complexity of the field. It separates figure from ground for those who are newcomers to the field and who are seeking guideposts for further research. Sleep problems are frequently co-morbid with other medical conditions, and clinicians need to be alert to this interconnectedness and to recognize which difficulties are primary and which are not. Synoposis of Sleep Medicine will be a valuable tool for clinicians in many specialties for addressing diagnostic problems in sleep medicine.The volume is the first of its kind, rich yet comprehensive and focused and one that is sure to meet the needs of both basic and clinical research for some years to come.

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Edited by professionals with years of experience, this book provides an introduction to the theory of evolutionary algorithms and single- and multi-objective optimization, and then goes on to discuss to explore applications of evolutionary algorithms for many uses with real-world applications. Covering both the theory and applications of evolutionary computation, the book offers exhaustive coverage of several topics on nontraditional evolutionary techniques, details working principles of new and popular evolutionary algorithms, and discusses case studies on both scientific and real-world applications of optimization

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This book explores the potential of nanosystems as a multidisciplinary science with the aim of the design and development of smart sensing technologies using micro/nano electrodes and novel nanosensing material. It discusses their integration with MEMS, miniaturized transduction systems, novel sensing strategies, and wearable sensors performing at POC for diagnostics and personalized health care monitoring. It presents basic concepts pertaining to nanobiosensor fabrication, developments in the field of smart nanomaterials, nano-enabling technologies, micro-nano hybrind platforms, and their applications in healthcare.

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This book takes a holistic approach to the prevention and control of infectious diseases from enteric pathogens, covering different concepts and approaches to address these challenging diseases, with special emphasis on HIV and AIDS. It examines several different approaches, such as ayurvedic, bioinformatic, and fungal- and metal-based treatment of diseases in the first section. The remaining chapters fully focus on various approaches specifically to HIV and AIDS, one of the most challenging infectious disease known to mankind. The book also discusses recent trends in HIV and AIDS research, ongoing treatments, case studies, and major achievements.

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This title includes a number of Open Access chapters. Research into the effects of child abuse has experienced an explosion over the last few decades, resulting in a far more wide-ranging understanding of this grave societal problem. This compendium volume collects some of the most recent research and organizes it within three categories: societal effects, effects on health (including mental health) behaviors, and epigenetic effects. Specific topics include the associations between childhood abuse and the following factors: Juvenile sexual offending Juvenile delinquency Adult aggression Cognitive development Adult smoking Sleep patterns Suicidal behaviors Psychopathology Epigenomic mechanisms Edited by a Harvard developmental behavioral pediatrician, this important compendium offers state-of-the-art knowledge to professionals and graduate students in the helping fields. The articles collected here provide researchers with foundations for further investigations, while they give active professionals greater power in the fight against child abuse.

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This book is a comprehensive volume that brings together vast knowledge about agricultural prairies in one place, providing concise information and providing concise descriptions of natural resources and their influence on crop productivity. It provides detailed descriptions about natural settings as well as lucid discussions on soil fertility and crop production trends for various agricultural prairies distributed all across the earth. Chapters one through seven provide detailed descriptions on geologic aspects; physiography and agroclimate; natural vegetation and cropping history; human population, migration and development of settlements; natural resources such as soils, water, and crops; and environmental concerns. In particular, the first chapters cover the prairies of North and South America, namely, the Great Plains of North America, the Cerrado of South America, and the Pampas of South America. Chapter 4 deals with the steppes of Southern and Central Europe, Chapter 5 describes the savannahs of West Africa, Chapter 6 is concerned with Indo-Gangetic and Deccan plainsm, and Chapter 7 deals with prairies of Northeast China. The last chapter provides a comparative view of all agricultural prairies. Specifically, it compares the contrasting natural features, soil fertility, irrigation, and crop productivity. Agricultural prairies exist at levels of intensification. A few show subsistence or low input trends. Discussions pertaining to extent of intensification are included. Further, it includes interesting discussions on how the situation has grown into interdependence of man and prairies. It highlights the way prairies (crops) have influenced, naturally coaxed, and driven human activities to their own advantage.

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Applications of Furrow and Micro Irrigation in Arid and Semi-Arid Regions, the fifth volume in the Research Advances in Sustainable Micro Irrigation series, addresses the ever-challenging need for irrigation systems in arid and semi-arid regions of the world, areas that are suffering from severe water shortages. These areas, such as Egypt, Tunisia, most of Africa, and parts of South America, Central America, and Australia, find it a struggle to grow crops sustainably with the water available. This important book emphasizes sustainable agriculture practices to promote increased water usage efficiency in dry areas for growing of crops. It presents a variety of research and studies on such topics as:• Meteorological instruments for water management• Buried micro irrigation laterals for soil water retention• Water vapor flux models• Performance of various crops grown under different irrigation methods• Scheduling of irrigation• Phyto-monitoring techniquesThis valuable book is a must for those finding it a challenge to maintain sustainable crop production in the midst of continuous water shortages in areas where water is not naturally plentiful. With contributions from authors with hands-on experience in the field, the book will be an invaluable reference and guide to effective micro irrigation methods.

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The purpose of this book is to discuss several medicinal plants to find wider application in the domain of medicinal, clinical, and pharmaceutical treatment. Recent Advances in Plant-Based, Traditional, and Natural Medicines serves as a useful source of ideas and an inspiration for further cell and molecular biology research toward developing drugs and treatments from these traditional and plant-based remedies.The book covers a variety of topics and:• Considers the current state of research of traditional and plant-based medicines• Covers the current status of ethnomedicine and medicinal plant discovery• Presents the clinical applications of traditional and plant-based medicines

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Although eliminating waste and reducing variation are essential for successful improvement initiatives, few books integrate Lean, Six Sigma, and cultural issues into a single management and improvement initiative. Filling this void, this book details a proven recipe for applying Lean, Six Sigma, and the Theory of Constraints in a manner that will maximize return on investment, cash flow, and net profits.The "Success or Die" Ultimatum: Saving Companies with Blended, Long-Term Improvement Formulas uses a compelling story format to guide readers through a collection of stories that illustrate best practices for finding and fixing common issues found in today’s organizations. It uses in-depth case studies to illustrate a range of scenarios at a call center, pharmaceutical company, automotive parts supplier, and metals distributor and processor.Readers will learn simple techniques, such as face-to-face discussions to gather data, as well as more complex diagnostic techniques, such as Four-Field Mapping and process mapping. Readers will better understand the complexities in newly formed working relationships, as well as how to: Hire and work with consultants Interact with management to get things done Engage workers on the front line Handle those who are actively against improvements Build and sustain a culture of improvement The book covers simple, yet effective, statistics and explains how Minitab® can be used to simplify and speed up data analysis. In addition, it explains one way to use Statistical Process Control (SPC) to anticipate problems from data and what the results mean. The book includes coverage of project planning, strategy, Lean manufacturing, command and control, finance, PDCA, SPC/root cause analysis, OEE, allocating responsibilities and times to fix, Big Picture mapping, and four-point planning.

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Vibro compaction and vibro stone columns are the two dynamic methods of soil improvement most commonly used worldwide. These methods have been developed over almost eighty years and are now of unrivalled importance as modern foundation measures. Vibro compaction works on granular soils by densification, and vibro stone columns are used to displace and reinforce fine-grained and cohesive soils by introducing inert material.This second edition includes also a chapter on vibro concrete columns constructed with almost identical depth vibrators. These small diameter concrete piles are increasingly used as ground improvement methods for moderately loaded large spread foundations, although the original soil characteristics are only marginally improved.This practical guide for professional geotechnical engineers and graduate students systematically covers the theoretical basis and design principles behind the methods, the equipment used during their execution, and state of the art procedures for quality assurance and data acquisition.All the chapters are updated in line with recent developments and improvements in the methods and equipment. Fresh case studies from around the world illustrate the wide range of possible applications. The book concludes with variations to methods, evaluates the economic and environmental benefits of the methods, and gives contractual guidance.The Open Access version of this book, available at http://www.taylorfrancis.com, has been made available under a Creative Commons Attribution-Non Commercial-No Derivatives 4.0 license

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The processing of food generally implies the transformation of the perishable raw food to value-added products. It imparts benefits, such as the destruction of surface microflora, and inactivation of deleterious enzymes, such as peroxidase, leading to a greater shelf life of the food. It also enhances color and texture while maintaining quality of products and makes them edible. However, it also has an inevitable impact on nutritional quality attributes, such as increase or decrease in certain vitamins and bioactive metabolites among others. Food Processing Technologies: Impact on Product Attributes covers a range of food processing technologies and their effect on various food product attributes, such as bioactive compounds, safety, and sensory and nutritional aspects of the food upon processing. There are eight major parts in the book. Part I covers the conventional processing technologies. Parts II, III, IV, and V deal with various novel processing technologies, including impingement processing technologies, electro-magnetic processing technologies, physico-mechanical processing technologies, and electro-technologies. Part VI introduces chemical processing technologies. Part VII comprise irradiation processing technology, and the final part is focused on biological processing technology, detailing the application of enzymes in food processing. Numerous studies were carried out to find the impact of these processing technologies on various aspects of food and associated health promotion properties. Both positive and negative results were obtained based on nature of foods, processing type, and duration of processing, and this book covers these results in depth.

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Numerical Algorithms: Methods for Computer Vision, Machine Learning, and Graphics presents a new approach to numerical analysis for modern computer scientists. Using examples from a broad base of computational tasks, including data processing, computational photography, and animation, the textbook introduces numerical modeling and algorithmic design from a practical standpoint and provides insight into the theoretical tools needed to support these skills.The book covers a wide range of topics—from numerical linear algebra to optimization and differential equations—focusing on real-world motivation and unifying themes. It incorporates cases from computer science research and practice, accompanied by highlights from in-depth literature on each subtopic. Comprehensive end-of-chapter exercises encourage critical thinking and build students’ intuition while introducing extensions of the basic material.The text is designed for advanced undergraduate and beginning graduate students in computer science and related fields with experience in calculus and linear algebra. For students with a background in discrete mathematics, the book includes some reminders of relevant continuous mathematical background.

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Digital characters are a driving force in the entertainment industry today. Every animated film and video game production spends a large percentage of its resources and time on advancing the quality of the digital characters inhabiting the world being created. This book presents the theory and practice behind the creation of digital characters for film and games using software-agnostic descriptions that apply to any animation application. It provides insight from a real production environment and the requirements that such an environment imposes.Digital Character Development: Theory and Practice, Second Edition covers the following key topics that are valuable to professionals across a wide spectrum of disciplines: Evolution and history of digital characters, which is critical to understanding the theory and techniques behind how characters are developed Contemporary issues, such as the "Uncanny Valley" phenomenon, that affect character design decisions Process of building characters: anatomical considerations, character motion systems, deformation (muscle and skin) systems, facial setup, and rig synthesis and construction Animation technology: keyframe strategies, curve interpolation, motion capture, procedural animation, artificial intelligence, crowd simulations, and interactive characters Future of digital characters, including research questions that remain outstanding and the challenges for work beyond them The second edition of this book has been significantly updated to reflect the latest trends and innovations in digital character development. It includes interviews with 15 leading character development professionals that provide unique insights into the challenges and ingredients for success in this field. With rich illustrations and visual code examples throughout, this book provides a comprehensive roadmap to character development for both professionals and students.

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In today's competitive business environment, most companies realize that the better they can manage their customer relationships, the more successful they will become. Customer Relationship Management (CRM) software systems are key tools for companies to manage the customer-facing processes of their businesses. However, many companies have resisted implementing this most critical customer-oriented application due in large part to the lack of a single-point resource on implementing a CRM system. This book attempts to fill that gap.Implementing SAP® CRM will help technologists and managers come to grips with the vision, concept, and technology of CRM. It begins by laying out the groundwork for understanding CRM. It explains the concept and context of CRM and the tangible business benefits of CRM adoption. Demonstrating a professional approach to the evaluation and selection of SAP, it details the critical success factors (CSFs), patterns, and anti-patterns of a successful SAP CRM implementation.CRM implementations can add significant benefit to the company’s bottom line only if the company first transforms itself into a customer-centric and customer-responsive enterprise. This book explains what it means to be a customer-centric and responsive enterprise, and provides a framework for business operations based on customer relationships, rather than the traditional four Ps (product, positioning, price, promotion). It further spells out business process reengineering (BPR) strategies to configure internal business processes and operations with SAP CRM to improve customer-facing strategies, services, and relationships.

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