Bücher veröffentlicht von IntechOpen

Human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) are advantageous cell sources for disease remodeling and drug screening, particularly for regenerative medicine. State-of-the-art updates have highlighted the feasibility of hPSCs for the large-scale preparation of diverse kinds of stem cells and functional cells, such as mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs), hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs), neural stem cells (NSCs), natural killer (NK) cells, and chimeric antigen receptor-transduced T cells (CAR-Ts). With the aid of preclinical investigations and clinical practice, hPSCs have been recognized as promising therapeutic cell sources with excellent properties for treating a variety of refractory and recurrent diseases. This book provides a comprehensive overview of advances in pluripotent stem cells.

This book provides an extensive review of the current topics of interest and updated practices of renal replacement therapy for both pediatric and adult populations. The chapters are authored by nephrologists and healthcare and other professionals from around the world. This book brings a multidisciplinary and multidimensional perspective to the current advances in renal replacement therapy. It also provides updated recommendations to assist with clinical decision-making on whether a patient is suitable and indicated for renal replacement therapy across different clinical settings and contexts, and strategies to optimize their holistic care when they are receiving treatment.

Sexual violence is a multifaceted crime and a global health problem. It is a crime that can happen to anyone, including young and old, male and female, rich and poor. Sexual violence persists due to several variables, including abuse history and a society¿s tolerance of the crime. Additionally, belief systems, cultural norms, and legal systems create environments that allow abusers to escape detection. This book addresses sexual violence myths, belief systems, and the mediäs role in perpetuating sexual violence. It also examines the role of social media in facilitating sexual crimes, particularly sex trafficking. Finally, this book examines the work of community stakeholders in addressing and treating individuals who have been sexually victimized and the coping mechanisms of sexually traumatized adult women.

Embark on a journey into the digital realm with Social Media - Opportunities and Risks, an intriguing collection that uncovers the diverse world of social media and its profound impact on our lives. Within these pages we delve into the heart of the Internet where small- and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) utilize social media to revolutionize e-commerce, democratizing entrepreneurship like never before. We explore Sub-Saharan Africa, a region where social media is driving change, fostering innovation, and reshaping society. In the realm of presentation, we examine the intricacies of building authentic yet captivating digital identities. Our exploration also takes us to the forefront of education, where social media is reshaping learning and providing access to knowledge. At the same time, we don¿t shy away from acknowledging the darker aspects of this interconnected world. We navigate through the challenges posed by misinformation and disinformation by examining perspectives on fake news during the COVID-19 pandemic and offering valuable insights into combating falsehoods through media literacy and critical thinking. Social Media - Opportunities and Risks serves as your guiding tool for mastering opportunities while effectively managing the inherent risks in today¿s digital era. Whether you are a business owner looking to tap into the possibilities of the Internet marketplace, an educator aiming to transform education, or an individual trying to navigate through the amount of information available, this collection of writings serves as your indispensable companion for navigating the dynamic world of social media.

Piezoelectric and thermoelectric materials represent emerging cutting-edge technological materials for energy harvesting for high-value-added applications. Although these materials have been exhaustively exploited for decades, researchers around the world continue to find technological and scientific innovations that must be disseminated to the engineers of yesterday, today, and tomorrow. Piezoelectric materials, through mechanical stresses applied to them, are capable of generating electricity, while thermoelectric materials are capable of producing electricity thanks to the heat applied to them. Therefore, the direct application of these materials is in energy harvesting, which, together with the reduction of materials, leads them to portable and wearable functional applications. The purpose of this work is to disseminate some of the latest scientific and technological advances by different researchers around the world in the development of devices and applications based on these materials. The book compiles state-of-the-art fundamentals, current uses, as well as emerging applications of piezoelectric and thermoelectric materials. It is a source of inspiration for continued scientific research on the commercial, industrial, and military applications of these materials. Furthermore, it is a valuable and informative resource for undergraduate and graduate students, as well as experts and researchers in the field.

This book is an important guide to aluminum alloys. It discusses the basics of aluminum alloys, how they are prepared, how their properties can be altered, the relationship between their microstructures and properties, and their advanced applications. This book includes eleven chapters organized into four sections: ¿Introduction to Aluminum Alloys¿, ¿Fabrication of Aluminum Alloys¿, ¿Properties of Aluminum Alloys¿, and ¿Advanced Applications of Aluminum Alloys¿. Chapters address such topics as aluminum alloys and their grain refinement; extrusion, low- and high-pressure casting, and additive manufacturing techniques to prepare different grades of aluminum alloys; how the property of aluminum alloys can be altered by adding dispersing agents; and more.

Updates on Cardiac Defibrillation, Cardioversion and AED Development delves deeply into the multifaceted world of arrhythmia treatment. Through various approaches, the chapters show a wide array of electrical and pharmacological methods to restore normal sinus rhythm in tachyarrhythmic cases. From the historical perspective of the first use of direct current electrical cardioversion to the effective deployment of Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) in public-access defibrillation programs, this book underscores the crucial role of timely intervention. Focusing on atrial arrhythmias, the impact of tachyarrhythmia on heart function is highlighted and potential breakthroughs of cardioversion drugs are introduced. In the context of hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy, the book uncovers treatment strategies, emphasizing the innovative cardiac myosin modulation. The chapter on the effectors of transthoracic impedance and their significant influence on electrical intervention success rate urges personalized optimization methods for increased efficiency. Collectively, these chapters provide a comprehensive overview of various aspects of arrhythmia treatment, presenting advancements, challenges, and strategies to enhance patient outcomes in the dynamic landscape of acute cardiology care.

Sleep is undoubtedly one of the most intricate and abstruse issues in humans. Disturbances of sleep are widespread and can have a great impact on involved individuals as well as an economic influence on society. The COVID-19 pandemic forced predominant changes in recent years, such as the development of wearable devices and the Internet of Things (IoT) in telehealth. These are helpful for disease evaluation and treatment, however, they may not be adequate for dealing with the complexity of sleep medicine. I believe that specialists in sleep medicine will accelerate increased public awareness of sleep disorders and facilitate the consolidation of sleep health into medical care in a responsible fashion, including innovations in sleep medicine. This book presents updated developments as well as future perspectives in sleep medicine. It is a useful resource for persons involved in sleep medicine, whether they are clinicians, researchers, or patients.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a lifelong neurological condition that has no known cure. This book provides an extensive exploration of current and future directions for understanding immunology, neuroscience, and the development of potent treatment modalities. It presents an in-depth analysis and expert commentary on the role of genetics, lifestyle factors, biomarkers, neuroimaging, cognitive domains, artificial intelligence, and innate immunity in MS pathogenesis. We hope that the book is helpful to readers of all spheres of life, including those who want to understand more about MS, those who are keen to improve their understanding of MS disease pathogenesis, those who are enthusiastic to know more about treatment modalities, and those who want to be informed about state-of-the-art clinical developments in MS.

International Business - New Insights on Changing Scenarios is a collection of reviewed and relevant research chapters offering a comprehensive overview of recent developments in business, management, and economics. The book presents a review of the latest research efforts by international authors in social science and opens new possible research paths for further novel developments. Chapters address such topics as business intelligence, circular systems, corporate governance, work-related safety issues, and much more.

The book presents an in-depth exploration of adrenal anatomy, physiology, and pathology, authored by a multidisciplinary team of international experts, providing an exposition of the current state of knowledge in the field of adrenal diseases and offering insights into the evolution of their management. The addressed pathologies are intricate and diverse, encompassing conditions such as Cushing¿s disease, primary aldosteronism, pheochromocytoma, and congenital adrenal hyperplasia. Each pathology chapter delves into etiopathogenic aspects, clinical evidence, and therapeutic recommendations. This publication caters equally to endocrinologists and professionals from various medical disciplines, serving as a valuable resource for information on the adrenal gland from both a physiological and pathological perspective.

The preschool period is a period in which children investigate and try to get to know their environment, are willing to communicate with their environment and begin to acquire the value judgments of the society they live in and the behaviors and habits appropriate to the cultural structure of that society. In this period when the foundations of personality are laid, the child needs conscious guidance in home, school, and social life. By providing appropriate educational opportunities in the early years, the development of children¿s self-care, mind, language, social, emotional, and motor skills can be supported. In a preschool education institution that is well prepared in terms of physical conditions and educational programs, the children learn to establish friendships, cooperate, and develop their skills. Developing human potential to its highest limits is only possible with the opportunities provided in the early years. This book provides a comprehensive overview of preschool education. Chapters address such topics as the importance of literacy, pedagogical leadership, high-quality preschool education, and preschool improvement practices. They also discuss the role of theater in childhood education and community approaches to funding and support. Furthermore, the book examines childhood obesity; connecting home, school, and communities; childcare social enterprises; teacher quality and professional development; motor, cognitive, nutritional, metabolic, and epigenetic influences on early childhood; and instructional and interactional aspects of childhood education.

Food ripening sweetens foods such as fruits and makes them tastier, more aromatic, and more nutritious. To achieve the beneficial results of food ripening in a controlled manner, agronomic engineers, food industry engineers, and scientists use state-of-the-art technologies. This book, New Discoveries in the Ripening Processes, presents a comprehensive overview of the food ripening process. It is organized into seven chapters that address discoveries in the ripening of fruits, plants, enzymes, and much more.

Façade design is a challenging task, in which multidisciplinary issues and aspects should be optimally considered and addressed. This is especially the case of building façades exposed to seismic events, impacts, or fire. Special attention and major efforts are required for the detection and application of new technologies in the generation of modern, adaptive façade systems. This book presents a selection of research contributions to provide a comprehensive overview of façade design. It discusses the experimental analysis and numerical investigation of existing or traditional façades, as well as the development and optimal application of new technologies for modern adaptive façades and building envelopes.

Unlock the future of global economics and business with New Topics in Emerging Markets. This captivating edited volume is your gateway to understanding the dynamic forces shaping economies on the rise. Delve into critical themes like financial resilience in times of crisis, the impact of technology in Sub-Saharan Africa, the evolving landscape of education in the metaverse, and much more. With diverse insights from leading minds, this book explores the intricacies of banking, innovation ecosystems, leadership in sports, and the ever-changing realm of e-commerce in a Web3 world. Gain a deeper understanding of emerging markets and their pivotal role in the global landscape. Whether you are a seasoned expert or just starting your journey in economics and business, this book offers a thought-provoking and accessible exploration of the challenges and opportunities that define the future. Don¿t miss your chance to stay ahead of the curve ¿ grab your copy today and embark on a journey into the heart of emerging markets.

New Prospects of Maize stands at the forefront of agricultural literature, offering an incisive look into the evolution and future pathways of maize cultivation. This volume distills cutting-edge research and progressive methodologies into a compelling narrative on enhancing maize¿s role in global food security and sustainability. It traverses critical topics such as genetic diversity, technological advancements in farming practices, and the sophisticated science of genomics, reflecting a commitment to agricultural innovation. Essential for academics, industry experts, and policymakers, this book is a vital tool for anyone invested in the sustainable development of one of the world¿s most important cereal crops. With its forward-looking perspectives, New Prospects of Maize is not only a repository of knowledge but also a guide to fostering resilience in a changing agricultural landscape.

Modern railways are no longer the sole forte of civil and mechanical engineering. They now involve a broad range of multidisciplinary engineering domains from advanced computing, digital telecommunications, and networking to big data analytics and even artificial intelligence. Among the emerging technologies and innovations in railways, hyperloop transportation systems employing magnetic propulsion, hydrogen-powered trains, and autonomous intelligent systems in the control and command subsystems of railways have significant potential to improve the performance of railways in terms of speed, service availability, comfort, sustainability, and potentially safety. These innovations will also help mitigate carbon emissions. This volume presents the latest research on railway engineering and transportation and discusses the practices and processes involved in shaping modern railways.

Welcome to the world of Oxytocin and Social Function, an in-depth exploration of the powerful role of this neuropeptide in shaping our social behaviors and interactions. The book delves into the rich and complex relationship between oxytocin and our social functions. Featuring contributions from leading experts in the field, this book offers a comprehensive understanding of oxytocin¿s role in our social lives. It goes beyond the laboratory to explore the hormone¿s potential in real-world applications. The book also highlights recent research on oxytocin¿s role in enhancing empathy, reducing stress, and promoting overall well-being. With this book, readers will gain a deeper understanding of the intricate workings of oxytocin and how it shapes our social behaviors and relationships. Oxytocin and Social Function is a must-read for anyone interested in human behavior, psychology, neuroscience, or the ever-growing field of oxytocin research. Turn the page and embark on a captivating journey into the hidden potentials of oxytocin and its transformative effects on our social function.

Vitamin B is a water-soluble vitamin that plays important roles in cell metabolism and synthesis of red blood cells. Many foods contain B vitamins, including meat, poultry, and fish, among others. Vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin with antioxidant properties that can be found in vegetable oils, cereals, meat, poultry, eggs, and fruits. Both vitamins B and E are important for human health. This book provides a comprehensive overview of vitamins B and E. It is organized into three sections on the role of vitamin B on body health and gut flora, vitamin B deficiency and its association with the disease pellagra, and the medicinal significance and complications associated with vitamin E deficiency.

Cacao (Theobroma cacao L.) is a sacred tree and noble resource from South America. The Mayans and other early civilizations in Central America used cacao beans as tokens, which were subsequently transported to Europe to nurture monarchies and elites. Based on the discovery of cacaös commercial potential and attributes, new cocoa plantations were established in other parts of the world, including Africa, Asia, and the Caribbean. Thus, cocoa has become an important cash crop in Africa, Central and South America, and Asia, where it is a major foreign exchange earner, industrial raw material, support for livelihood, and ecosystem services provision. Based on its global importance, there has been an increased need for the expansion of cultivation to meet the rising demand for cacao beans. Global environmental change, including climate change, variability, and weather extremes, has established new environmental boundaries with implications for area suitability for cocoa production and sustainability. Efforts to unlock the potentials of the established environmental boundaries may be built on the development and adoption of agrotechnological practices and integration of climate resilience for harnessing opportunities and potentials of the new environment, and thus, extension of the frontiers of cacao cultivation to meet the increasing global demand for cocoa beans. This book, ¿Shifting Frontiers of Theobroma Cacao - Opportunities and Challenges for Production¿ presents a comprehensive perspective of the interactions of changing environmental conditions, cocoa production, and sustainability. The book illuminates the challenges climate change presents for cocoa production and sustainability. It provides insights into the need for cocoa actors within the cocoa sector to strengthen climate mitigation and resilience building and to come to grips with the realities, magnitude, and inevitable persistence of climate challenges to cocoa production and sustainability.

Salmonella is a Gram-negative bacterium and a member of the Enterobacteriaceae family that causes infections in humans and animals, making it one of the most common causes of bacterial gastroenteritis worldwide. Since its discovery in the late 1800s, significant progress has been made in the understanding of its genetics, classification, pathogenesis, detection, prevention, control, and treatment. Numerous reviews and chapters on Salmonella have been published, but some gaps remain to be addressed. This book includes seven chapters that focus on the low-cost prevention, control, and treatment of salmonellosis in developing countries. It begins with a brief review of Salmonella, followed by chapters on the transmission of the organism in food and companion animals relevant to the One Health approach, CRISPR-Cas systems in Salmonella for pathogen typing in diagnosis and surveillance, the low-cost control of Salmonella using solar disinfection of water in resource-limiting communities, and transmission and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in Salmonella across the One Health sector. This book also introduces a new concept of AMR reversal using traditional Chinese medicine. The information provided in this book will encourage Salmonella researchers, medical professionals, and students to further enhance their own research and education as well as encourage new researchers to include Salmonella in their future research initiatives.

This book presents a comprehensive overview of ataxia, a common neurological disorder that affects all ages. It can manifest in children when they start to sit and walk and under a specific form of genetic disease and in the elderly through falls that worsen with age. In general, ataxia consists of the involuntary lack of coordination of muscle movements, which mainly presents as abnormalities in gait, changes in speech (e. g., scanning speech), and abnormal eye movements such as nystagmus. It results from dysfunction of the nervous system areas responsible for the coordination of movements and, most commonly, the cerebellum and its connections to the cerebrum and periphery. The book is organized into three sections and six chapters that address such topics as genetic conditions, childhood-onset ataxia, ataxia and multiple sclerosis, therapeutic interventions, and more.

This book is a unique collaboration of international healthcare providers discussing and addressing contemporary issues in postnatal care. Its discussion spans low-, middle-, and high-income countries. It addresses barriers and challenges to providing optimal postnatal care, suggesting interventions, support strategies, and recommendations. These include empowering women economically and socially, providing education, training healthcare professionals, and establishing healthcare infrastructure to improve access and utilization of postnatal care for families worldwide.

This book includes six chapters covering new vortex theories, vortex identification methods, and vortex simulation and applications. Vortices are ubiquitous in the universe and include tornados, hurricanes, airplane tip vortices, polar vortices, and even star vortices in the galaxy. Vortices are also building blocks, muscles, and sinews of turbulent flows. This book is useful for researchers in hydrodynamics, aerodynamics, thermodynamics, oceanography, meteorology, metallurgy, civil engineering, astronomy, biology, and more. It is also useful for research on the generation, sustenance, modeling, and controlling of turbulence.

Water quality is a major concern worldwide. With the increasing population and rapid industrialization, water quality is suffering. Water quality instruction in many colleges and universities tends to focus on the chemical, biological, and physical quality of water, quality management of marine and freshwater ecosystems, treatment strategies for water bodies for urban and domestic use, waterborne infectious diseases, and indicator bacteria of pollution. This book presents a comprehensive overview of water quality along with a series of solutions and recommendations detailing global treatment strategies for water pollution. It is a useful resource for students at all levels as well as researchers and industry experts in the domains of fisheries, forestry, geology, nutrition, and agriculture.

This book presents a comprehensive overview of density functional theory (DFT), from its basics to its practical application and implementation. It also discusses the breakthroughs in the field and the complete integration of physical and chemical aspects. It examines both orbital and time-dependent functions along with their variations according to semiquantitative analysis. The book also discusses analytical and computational techniques and principles, considering the classical and quantum approaches. Also covered are important topics such as HOMO (highest occupied molecular orbital), LUMO (lowest unoccupied molecular orbital), MEP (minimum energy paths), KS-DFT (Kohn-Sham density functional theory), UHFD (Unrestricted Hartree-Fock-Dirac), and Gaussian methods.

Boron plays a pivotal role in the development of innovative boron-based materials, endowed with properties of paramount significance in both the manufacturing and performance aspects of numerous products crucial to modern society. Over the past few decades, there has been a burgeoning interest in boron, its compounds, and boron-based materials within the scientific and technological communities. This heightened attention stems from their exceptional potential applications across a wide spectrum of fields, spanning from materials science to biomedical research, owing to their remarkable characteristics. These extraordinary properties make them compelling candidates for a diverse array of applications in industry and everyday life. These applications encompass biotechnology, medicine (drug delivery systems and technologies, bioimaging systems, and radiation therapy), agriculture, radiation-shielding materials, capping agents, and mechanical strength, among others. However, despite extensive research, many aspects of boron¿s properties remain shrouded in mystery, presenting practical challenges. This book delves deep into the realm of boron-based nanomaterials, shedding light on their properties and providing an up-to-date overview of the latest breakthroughs in boron and its compounds. It offers insights into the industrial, medical, and everyday applications of boron-containing materials. The book is a comprehensive resource for seasoned professionals, scientists, and scholars in pursuit of cutting-edge technological advancements. Comprising research articles and reviews, it is an invaluable reference for both students and scholars engaged in the exploration of boron and boron-based materials.

This book discusses and addresses anomaly detection in the context of artificial intelligence and machine learning advancements. Building on the existing literature, this thorough and timely work is an invaluable resource. It highlights various problems, offers workable solutions to those problems, and allows academic and professional researchers and practitioners to engage in new technologies linked to anomaly detection. This book demystifies the challenges and presents solutions for detecting and understanding network anomalies. Whether you are a seasoned network professional or an enthusiast keen on cyber security, this volume promises insights that will fortify our connected futures. Join us in navigating the complexities of modern networks and championing a safer, more transparent digital era.

Comparative Literature - Interdisciplinary Considerations is a wide-ranging exploration of various aspects of comparative literature and cultural phenomena from different angles. The authors delve into intriguing topics such as literary tourism, biofiction, colonial/postcolonial literature, suspense in literature, and the interaction between different artistic mediums. For instance, the analysis of Gabriel García Márquez¿s works sheds light on the genres of magic realism and the Latin American boom, as well as how his literature influences literary tourism experiences. Another example is the study of Anna Enquist¿s work, which showcases the genre of biofiction and examines the complex messages conveyed through reconstructed voices and alternative perspectives, including the portrayal of Captain Cook¿s wife. This is compared with historical accounts of the 18th-century Ottoman Empire during Sultan Selim III¿s reign, as studied by Stanford Shaw in Between Old and New. The book also explores the theme of unease and suspense in Patricia Highsmith¿s writing, focusing on her iconic character Tom Ripley, known for his psychological depth and morally ambiguous nature. Additionally, discussions on colonial/postcolonial literature and the representation of women¿s restrictions from a historical perspective contribute to a better understanding of power dynamics, gender representation, and non-Western literature. Henri Fauconnier¿s Malaisie is analyzed in the context of ¿paracoloniality,¿ highlighting the transformative potential of Western texts and emphasizing overlooked aspects in discussions of colonial and postcolonial literature. The volume offers valuable insights into the representation of nations and historical figures through Malay and Persian travel narratives, as well as their influence on cultural identity. Moreover, the chapters explore the evolution of literary genres, the interconnectedness of literature with other art forms, and the impact of technological advancements on artistic expression. Overall, this book provides valuable perspectives on the rich tapestry of literature, art, and culture. It encourages scholars to explore diverse cultural expressions and fosters interdisciplinary dialogue within the field of comparative literature.

A urinalysis is a simple test that can help find urinary tract-related problems such as kidney disease. It can also pinpoint other serious problems not so closely related to kidneys, such as diabetes, liver disease, or even various cancers. Simply put, urine analyses may provide huge amounts of information to monitor a potential patient¿s condition. The history of analysis of urine for diagnostic purposes is quite long. It includes the detection of microbes as etiological agents of infection and the estimation of biochemical parameters such as glucose and protein concentration. Furthermore, the increase in the number of patients suffering from chronic kidney disease or other ¿civilization diseases¿ such as diabetes, hypertension, or obesity manifests the need for effective tools for specific and sensitive diagnosis. This book summarizes the state of the art in diagnosing infectious and non-infectious diseases based on urine analysis. Additionally, it focuses on novel techniques and applications used in everyday laboratory urinalysis. The history of analysis of urine for diagnostic purposes is quite long. It includes the detection of microbes as etiological agents of infection and the estimation of biochemical parameters such as glucose and protein concentration. Furthermore, the increase in the number of patients suffering from chronic kidney disease or other ¿civilization diseases¿ such as diabetes, hypertension, or obesity manifests the need for effective tools for specific and sensitive diagnosis. This book summarizes the state of the art in diagnosing infectious and non-infectious diseases based on urine analysis. Additionally, it focuses on novel techniques and applications used in everyday laboratory urinalysis.