Books published by Apple Academic Press Inc.

This title includes a number of Open Access chapters. The number of tight oil and shale gas wells continues to rise primarily in the US, but also worldwide. The US has vast reserves of oil and natural gas, which now are commercially reachable as a result of advances in horizontal drilling and hydraulic fracturing technologies. But as hydraulic fracturing is increasingly used, concerns have been raised about potential stress on surface water and groundwater supplies from the withdrawal of water used in the process. Equally important is the growing volume of wastewater generated from hydraulically fractured oil and gas wells, requiring recycling, treatment, and disposal. Wastewater and Shale Formation Development: Risks, Mitigation, and Regulation examines four major issues, taking a scientific look from different perspectives at water use in shale gas development, potential environmental effects of wastewater from fracking, how to mitigate potential risks associated with wastewater from shale development, and regulatory approaches to the wastewater management problemWith chapters from researchers in the field, this compendium volume sheds light on the important issues and challenges surrounding natural gas extraction using hydraulic fracturing and may be of interest to researchers and public policymakers alike.

Technical and technological development demands the creation of new materials that are stronger, more reliable, and more durable-materials with new properties. This new book covers a broad range of polymeric materials and technology and provides researchers in polymer science and technology with new research on the functional materials production chain.Chapters in this new volume highlight recent developments in advanced polymeric materials from macro- to nano-length scales. Composites are becoming more important because they can help to improve quality of life. This volume presents the latest developments and trends in advanced polymer materials and structures. It discusses the developments of advanced polymers and respective tools to characterize and predict the material properties and behavior. This book has an important role in advancing polymer materials in macro and nanoscale. Its aim is to provide original, theoretical, and important experimental results that use non-routine methodologies. It also includes chapters on novel applications of more familiar experimental techniques and analyses of composite problems that indicate the need for new experimental approaches.

By providing an applied and modern approach, this volume will help readers understand the value and relevance of studying case studies and reviews on chemical and biochemical sciences. Presenting a wide-ranging view of current developments in applied methodologies in chemical and biochemical physics research, the papers in this collection, all written by highly regarded experts in the field, examine various aspects of chemical and biochemical physics and experimentation. In the first section of this volume, many topics are covered, such as trends in polymeric gas separation membranes, trends in polymer/organoclay nanocomposites, synthesis of the hybrid metal-polymer nanocomposite, oxidation of polypropylene-graphite nanocomposites, and investigation on the cleaning process of gas emissions. In section two, several case studies and reviews in biochemical sciences are reported.

This title includes a number of Open Access chapters. The information contained in this compendium volume sets the stage for the future's large-scale production of biofuels. Biomass is an abundant carbon-neutral renewable feedstock for producing fuel. First-generation biofuels gained attention for their problems, but the authors of this book demonstrate that they are well on their way to creating practical and sustainable second-generation biofuels.The book begins with an introduction to synthetic biology. Next, it covers pretreatment technologies, advanced microbial technologies, genetic engineering as it relates to biofuel technologies, and nanotechnology and chemical engineering in relation to biofuels.Well-respected in his field, the editor's firsthand experience gives him the perspective to create a thorough review of the relevant literature. Each chapter is written by experts in biotechnologies, offering graduate and post-doctorate students, as well as other scientific researchers, a wide-angle look at biofuel technologies. At the same time, this volume points to promising directions for new research.

This title includes a number of Open Access chapters. Nutrition is becoming ever more central to our understanding of metabolic processes. Nutritional biochemistry offers insight into the mechanisms by which diet influences human health and disease. This book focuses on five aspects of this complex field of study: nutritional genomics, clinical nutrition and biochemistry, vitamins and minerals, macronutrients and energy, and cell function and metabolism.Collected in this research compendium are recent studies within each of these topics. Each chapter contributes to a well-rounded and up-to-date picture of nutritional biochemistry. Appropriate for graduate-level and post-doctorate students, this book will stimulate further study into this important field of research.

Water is essential to our planet's life, and protecting our water resources is a prerequisite for building a sustainable future. Since water use is inextricably linked to energy use, however, we face significant challenges. Water plays an essential role in many, if not most, manufacturing facilities. In a world facing a water-scarcity crisis, much research and development currently focuses on decreasing industries' water-use footprint. This compendium volume looks briefly at several select industries and investigates various water treatment processes for each, including microbial biotechnologies, ozone-related processes, adsorption, and photochemical reactions, among others. The various industries are organized into four groups: Industries that produce petrochemicalsMetal industriesThe semi-conductor industryThe paper and pulp industriesCollected by a well-respected expert in the field, the studies gathered here are intended to be a starting point for further investigation by graduate students and other scientific researchers. Today's research, found in these chapters, can be expanded to create tomorrow's even wider frame of study.

This new volume reviews recent academic and technological developments behind new engineered modified nanotextile materials. The developments in textiles using nanotechnology give ordinary materials improved properties, such as better water resistance, enhanced moisture and odor reduction, increased strength and elasticity, and resistance to bacteria, among other improvements. The research reported in this book presents state-of-the-art technology in modern materials with an emphasis on the rapidly growing technologies in textile engineering. Several innovative applications for different materials are described in considerable detail with emphasis on the experimental data that supports these new applications. From nano-fibers to chemical materials, creative modifications concerning new nanocomposites are described that could one day become commonplace. The book covers a host of topics in this area, including the design of new textile products, moisture and heat transfer in clothing, developments in electrospinning, new applications, nanotextile and tissue engineering from a biological perspective, and more. The book is intended for researchers and those interested in future developments in mechanical and physicochemical characteristics of modified nanotextile materials and polymer blends. The book will also be a useful tool for students and researchers, providing helpful insights into new evolving research areas in nanostructured polymer blends and composites in textiles.

This title includes a number of Open Access chapters.Sustainability demands that we meet the needs of our present world without compromising the needs of future generations. As a result, sources and methodologies for renewable energy are being urgently investigated. Biomassoffers one of the most readily implemented, low-cost alternatives to fossil fuels. First-generation biofuels proved to have limited sustainability, but today's advanced biofuels are developing more efficient processes. This book contains the latest research on catalytic processing, a promising technology for making biofuel production truly sustainable. Included here are: Several overview chapters, describing analytic methods for assessing catalytic sustainability. Chapters that investigate several reaction routes for sustainable catalytic conversion. A final chapter on methodologies for optimizing catalytic reactions. Written for readers with university-level understanding of chemistry, biology, and engineering, this compendium volume offers evidence that catalytic processing is a flexible and sustainable methodology for the conversion ofbiomass platforms. The editor, one of the leading figures in this area of study, has collected research that covers key issues of interest to fuel and energy technologists and engineers. The comprehensive coverage of current research will also offer scientists a solid foundation for future research in this critical field of investigation.

This title includes a number of Open Access chapters. Wind power is one of the fastest developing sources of renewable energy. It makes substantial contributions to power grids around the globe, and it promises to play a prominent role in the world's future energy security. Given that reality, there is an ongoing need for research that investigates the potential of specific regions for wind-farm development, combined with the social, economic, and environmental impacts of that development. This compendium contains the most recent research on these topics from around the world. The chapters are organized into three parts: The potential of wind power in selected regions of the world Social, economic, and environmental factors that influence wind development Current trends within the wind industry and the challenges it must face to contribute to the world's future energy security With its distinguished editor and international team of contributors, this book is a valuable resource for researchers and university-level students investigating this expanding field of study. It will also be a useful reference book for wind-power engineers, technicians, and planners.

Downstream processing is an essential practice in the production and purification of biosynthethic materials, which is especially important in the production of pharmaceutical products. This book covers the fundamentals and the design concepts of various downstream recovery and purification steps (unit operations) involved in biochemical and chemical processes. The book describes cell breakage and recovery of intracellular material, isolation of solids, product recovery, product enrichment, and product polishing and finishing. It also covers basic chemical engineering purification techniques such as distillation, absorption, adsorption, etc. Described in the book are several case studies that discuss the various unit operation in each of the processes. An important point to consider is the economics of the downstream operation, and this book provides practical information on capital costs and operating expenses in addition to other operating cost factors with respect to downstream processing. Green chemistry and safety issues are also addressed.Practicing chemical engineers in biotechnology and pharmaceutical chemistry and other areas will find this book valuable as a reference on downstream techniques used in biological processes. Students in chemical engineering would benefit from this book as well.

This title includes a number of Open Access chapters.The world's interest in reducing petroleum use has led to the rapid development of the biofuel industry over the past decade or so. However, there is increasing concern over how current food-based biofuels affect both food security and the environment. Second-generation biofuels, however, use widely available sources such as non-food lignocellulosic-based biomass and fats, oils, and greases. They make practical consideration of how land use can simultaneously support both the world's food needs and some of its energy needs.This volume consolidates some of the most recent investigations into these issues. The chapters focus on these categories of research: The problems currently connected with biofuels relating to land use and the environmentInvestigations into the potential for land use to be managed more effectively and sustainablyResearch that focuses on new and developing options for second-generation biofuelsThis volume is recommended for all biofuel researchers, from the PhD student to the experienced scientist. It also offers an essential foundation to anyone interested in how biofuels relate to the future of our world.

Recent Methodology in Chemical Sciences provides an eclectic survey of contemporary problems in experimental, theoretical, and applied chemistry. This book covers recent trends in research with the different domain of the chemical sciences. The chapters, written by knowledgeable researchers, provide different insights to

This title includes a number of Open Access chapters.As the world's energy hunger grows ever larger, fossil fuel reserves are diminishing-and concerns about climate change remind us that our love affair with fossil fuels cannot continue much longer. This has inspired intense research into sustainable energy sources. Biofuels seemed initially promising, but the world soon realized that food-based biofuel has its own dangers. Second-generation biofuels, however, use biomass from crops' inedible parts-such as the stalks and leaves of sugarcane-offering a far more practical, sustainable, and commercially viable solution.In this book, researchers from around the world review some of the most important and timely topics related to using sugarcane feedstock for biofuel. After a basic overview, topics such as these are included: Pretreatment methodsThe use of various microbial technologies, including bacteria and yeast, to enhance biofuel productionEnvironmental impactsEconomic feasibilityThe viability of electricity being produced side by side with biofuelEssential reading for graduate students and research scientists investigating second-generation biofuels, this book is also recommended for environmentalists, environmental engineers, and microbiologists.

This title includes a number of Open Access chapters.The world needs renewable and clean forms of energy. Biofuels offer an alternative to fossil fuels, but first-generation biofuels had many challenges to be overcome. One strategy that second-generation biofuels are employing is microbial technology.This compendium volume gathers together recent investigations within this vital field of research. It offers: An overview of the topicInvestigations into the varieties of microorganisms useful for this technologyPretreatment methodologiesGenetic engineering research that will further this technologyInternationally recognized experts contribute chapters on their individual areas of research within this vital field of study. The book offers an authoritative platform from which graduate students and scientists can build future investigations that will create still more advanced biofuels.

Children with a history of significant neglect and/or physical, sexual, and/or emotional abuse are at higher risk for developing long-term emotional, behavioral, and mental health concerns, which have implications past childhood and into adulthood. Early trauma impacts individuals' health in ways that reach far past the obvious and immediate damage. It correlates with higher incidences of various mental health disorders, it can alter brain structures, and it can make individuals more susceptible to a variety of diseases, including cancer, cardiovascular disorders, fibromyalgia, and diabetes, among others.The research collected in this compendium offers vital guideposts to professionals across a wide spectrum of disciplines. It provides a foundation for ongoing research into this area of study, which is so vital for the well-being of our children and their futures. Understanding the long-term effects of childhood trauma is now integral to the daily clinical practice of professionals from many fields, including educators, social workers, mental health professionals, family and substance abuse counselors, police, caregivers, and criminal justice service providers. The boundaries between social workers and other professionals are blurred or nonexistent. This insightful book provides a nuanced look at the outcomes of childhood trauma and provides a greater understanding to help build more effective cross-disciplinary intervention strategies.

Additives are selected depending on the type of polymers to which they will be added or the application for which they will be used. The appropriate selection of additives helps develop value-added plastics with improved durability as well as other advantages. This research book provides a range of modern techniques and new research on the use of additives in a variety of applications. The methods and instrumentation described represent modern analytical techniques useful to researchers, product development specialists, and quality control experts in polymer synthesis and manufacturing. Engineers, polymer scientists, and technicians will find this volume useful in selecting approaches and techniques applicable to characterizing molecular, compositional, rheological, and thermodynamic properties of elastomers and plastics.The informative chapters are the work of researchers at the Department of Polymers and Composite Materials at the prestigious Semenov Institute of Chemical Physics of Russian Academy of Sciences.

This title includes a number of Open Access chapters.The practice of converting corn to ethanol is controversial, with debates currently being raged in both public policy and science. While biofuels from corn have important implications in alleviating some of the global energy crisis, critics argue that it takes away from vital agricultural products needed to feed the world's growing population. The current volume maintains there is a third way, a method of producing biofuel that only uses biomass that is left behind after all agricultural and nutritional products have been harvested from corn. This biomass is referred to as corn stover.The book serves as an important introduction to this method of producing biofuels from agricultural waste. Edited by a professor from the State University of New York, Geneseo, this reference is important not only for research scientists, but for students and public policy makers who wish to learn more about this alternative method of producing ethanol from corn. The sections found in Fuel Production from Non-Food Biomass: Corn Stover describe the following topics: An overview of why corn stover is a good alternative use of powerThe technology that makes this process possible on various scalesConsiderations for policy formation, including economic, land-use, and environmental arguments for and against using corn stover as a biofuelAlthough controversy still exists about the use of corn stover-with some critics saying that it will cause food shortages, particularly for developing nations-the research in this book focuses on using corn's already existing, non-food biomass and argues that food and biofuel could potentially be produced from the same fields.

This new book aims to provide to both beginners and experts with a completely algorithmic approach to data analysis and conceptual modeling, database design, implementation, and tuning, starting from vague and incomplete customer requests and ending with IBM DB/2, Oracle, MySQL, MS SQL Server, or Access based software applications. A rich panoply of solutions to actual useful data sub-universes (e.g. business, university, public and home library, geography, history, etc.) is provided, constituting a powerful library of examples. Four data models are presented and used: the graphical Entity-Relationship, the mathematical EMDM, the physical Relational, and the logical deterministic deductive Datalogones. For each one of them, best practice rules, algorithms, and the theory beneath are clearly separated. Four case studies, from a simple public library example, to a complex geographical study are fully presented, on all needed levels.Several dozens of real life exercises are proposed, out of which at least one per chapter is completely solved. Both major historical and up-to-date references are provided for each of the four data models considered.The book provides a library of useful solutions to real-life problems and provides valuable knowledge on data analysis and modeling, database design, implementation, and fine tuning.

The reuse of wastewater in irrigation is being practiced only recently to solve water scarcity problems in agriculture. Management of water, soil, crop, and operational procedures, including precautions to protect farm workers, play an important role in the successful use of sewage effluent for irrigation. Appropriate water management practices must be followed to prevent salinization. If salt is not flushed out of the root zone by leaching and removed from the soil by effective drainage, salinity problems can build up rapidly. Leaching and drainage are, thus, two important water management practices to avoid salinization of soils. One of the options that may be available to farmers is the blending of treated sewage with conventional sources of water to obtain a blended water of acceptable salinity level. This important book focuses on the use of wastewater as a valuable resource for agricultural micro irrigation purposes. It covers effective wastewater management practices in a variety of climates, including semi-arid regions and others; how to perform effective evaluations to gauge the quality of the water on plants, including potatoes, maize, and eggplant; and the cost-benefit of using wastewater. It addresses the sources of wastewater for irrigation and the problems along with challenges, including water quality, clogging, soil quality, and more.The mission of this compendium is to serve as a reference manual for professionals in biological and civil engineering, horticulture, soil and crop science, and agronomy, as well as for graduate and undergraduate students in related fields. It will be a valuable reference for professionals who work with micro irrigation/wastewater and water management, for technical agricultural centers, irrigation centers, agricultural extension services, and other agencies that work with micro irrigation programs.

This timely volume provides an overview of polymer characterization test methods and presents experimental research in polymers using modern methods. Each chapter describes the principle of the respective method, as well as the detailed procedures of experiments with examples of actual applications and demonstrates the advantages and disadvantages of each physical technique. Thus, readers will be able to apply the concepts as described in the book to their own experiments.The successful characterization of polymer systems is one of the most important objectives of today's experimental research of polymers. Considering the tremendous scientific, technological, and economic importance of polymeric materials, especially in industry, it is impossible to overestimate the usefulness of experimental techniques in this field. Since the chemical, pharmaceutical, medical, and agricultural industries, as well as many others, depend on this progress to an enormous degree, it is critical to be as efficient, precise, and cost-effective in our empirical understanding of the performance of polymer systems as possible. This presupposes our proficiency with, and understanding of, the most widely used experimental methods and techniques.The methods and instrumentation described in this volume represent modern analytical techniques useful to researchers, product development specialists, and quality control experts in polymer synthesis and manufacturing. Engineers, polymer scientists, and technicians will find this volume useful in selecting approaches and techniques applicable to characterizing molecular, compositional, rheological, and thermodynamic properties of elastomers and plastics.

The book provides scope and knowledge on advanced techniques and its applications into the modern fields of biotechnology-genomics and proteomics. In this book, different genomics and proteomics technologies and principles are examined. The fundamental knowledge presented in this book opens up an entirely new way of approaching DNA chip technology, DNA array assembly, gene expression analysis, assessing changes in genomic DNA, structure-based functional genomics, protein networks, and so on.Topics in the book include: - Different gene products with a similar role in neuronal defense against oxidative - Gene-gene and gene-environment interactions in genetic epidemiology- Elucidation of proto-oncogene c-abl function with the use of mouse models and the disease model of chronic myeloid leukemia - Next-generation sequencing, microbiome evaluation, molecular microbiology, and their impact on human health - Proteomics and prostate cancer - RNA interference therapeutics - Molecular mechanisms of hepatitis C virus entry - Molecular phylogenetics for elucidation of evolutionary processes from biological data - The impact of transgenic crops on soil quality, microbial diversity, and plant-associated communities. - Biotechnological and genomic approaches for abiotic stress tolerance in crop plantsThe book will be valuable for biotechnology researchers and bioinformatics professionals and students in all fields of biotechnology and will serve to broaden their knowledge about these newer tools, techniques, innovations, and applications.

Closed circuit trickle irrigation is a form of micro irrigation that increases energy and water efficiency by using closed circuit drip irrigation systems designs. Modifications are made to traditional micro irrigation methods to reduce some of the problems and constraints, such as low compressor water at the end of irrigation lines. This approach has proved successful for the irrigation of fruit trees and some vegetable and field crops. Closed circuits of drip irrigation systems require about half of the water needed by sprinkler or surface irrigation. Lower operating pressures and flow rates result in reduced energy costs, and a higher degree of water control is attainable as well. Plants can be supplied with more precise amounts of water, and disease and insect damage is reduced because plant foliage stays dry. Fertilizers can also be applied through this type of system, which can result in a reduction of fertilizer and fertilizer costs. This new volume in the Research Advances in Sustainable Micro Irrigation book series presents a diverse collection of research on closed circuit irrigational technology and design and provides studies of its use on such crops as wheat, maize, yellow corn, soybeans, rice, and snap peas.The book explores: - Soil moisture and salinity distributions under modified sprinkler irrigation - Performance of sprinkler irrigation- Design considerations for closed circuit drip irrigation systems - Performance of bubbler irrigation - Energy and water savings of drip irrigation systems - Automation of mini-sprinkler and drip irrigation systems - Water and fertilizer use efficiencies for drip irrigated maize - Evaluation of emitter clogging for drip irrigated systemsThis book will be valuable for those interested in irrigation planning and management, namely, researchers, scientists, educators, upper-level students, agricultural extension services, and others.

This important volume provide a one-stop resource on the SAFER Guides along with the guides themselves and information on their use, development, and evaluation. The Safety Assurance Factors for EHR Resilience (SAFER) guides, developed by the editors of this book, identify recommended practices to optimize the safety and safe use of electronic health records (EHRs). These guides are designed to help organizations self-assess the safety and effectiveness of their EHR implementations, identify specific areas of vulnerability, and change their cultures and practices to mitigate risks.This book provides EHR designers, developers, implementers, users, and policymakers with the requisite historical context, clinical informatics knowledge, and real-world, practical guidance to enable them to utilize the SAFER Guides to proactively assess the safety and effectiveness of their electronic health records EHR implementations. The first five chapters are designed to provide readers with the conceptual knowledge required to understand why and how the guides were developed. The next nine chapters focus on the underlying informatics concepts, key research activities, and methods used to develop each of the guides. Each of these chapters concludes with a copy of the guide itself. The final chapter provides a vision for the future and the work required to ensure that future generations of EHRs are designed, developed, implemented, and used to improve the overall safety of the EHR-enabled healthcare system.Taken together, the information provided in this book should help any organization, whether large or small, implement its EHR program and improve the safety and effectiveness of its existing EHR-enabled healthcare systems.This volume will be extremely valuable to small, ambulatory physician practices and larger outpatient settings as well as for hospitals and professors and instructors charged with teaching safe and effective implementation and use of EHRs. It will also be highly useful for health information technology professionals responsible for maintaining a safe and effective EHR and for clinical and administrative staff working in EHR-enabled healthcare systems.

With contributions from a broad range of leading researchers, this book focuses on advances and innovations in rice aroma, flavor, and fragrance research. Science and Technology of Aroma, Flavor, and Fragrance in Rice is specially designed to present an abundance of recent research, advances, and innovations in this growing field. Aroma is one of the diagnostic aspects of rice quality that can determine acceptance or rejection of rice before it is tested. Aroma is also considered as an important property of rice that indicates its preferable high quality and price in the market. An assessment of known data reveals that more than 450 chemical compounds have been documented in various aromatic and non-aromatic rice cultivars. The primary goal of research is to identify the compounds responsible for the characteristic rice aroma. Many attempts have been made to search for the key compounds contributing to rice aroma, but any single compound or group of compounds could not reported that are fully responsible. There is no single analytical technique that can be used for investigation of volatile aroma compounds in rice samples although there are currently many technologies available for the extraction of rice volatile aroma compounds. These technologies have been modified from time to time according to need, and many of them are helping the emergence of a new form, particularly in the distillation, extraction, and quantification concept. This new volume helps to fill a void in the research by focusing solely on aroma, flavor, and fragrance of rice, helping to meet an important need in rice research and production. Key features of this volume: - provides an overview of aromatic rice from different countries- looks at traditional extraction methods for chemicals associated with rice aroma, flavor, and fragrance- presents new and modern approaches in extraction of rice aroma chemicals- explores genetic engineering for fragrance in rice

This compendium volume is an indispensable source of information on the ways in which wastewater can impact public health. The editor, a well-respected expert in his field, has collected the most recent and pertinent investigations into this serious issue. Included are studies involving: - The presence of various human enteric viruses in wastewater, which reach the public through drinking and daily use water, agriculture, and through fishing waters - Antibiotic resistance produced by genetic changes in wastewater bacterial communities, affecting both human and animal health - The presence of antidepressants in water consumed by the public- Possible methods of treatment for removing bacteria and pharmaceuticals from wastewaterThis threat to public health calls urgently for the development of new treatment technologies. The research in this volume provides state-of-the-art information about recent advances in wastewater treatment and it points the way toward future productive research. Civil engineers, graduate-level research students, and scientific research labs will all find valuable information.

This volume provides an abundance of valuable information on emerging eco-friendly technology and its potential role in combating climate change via agroforesty. The volume begins by describing the recent understanding of the scenario of climate change and its issues and challenges and provides an in-depth analysis of the potential of agroforestry toward climate change mitigation and adaptation. Chapters address a wide range of techniques and methods for mitigating the negative aspects of climate change through agroforesty, such as vermicomposting, carbon sequestration, horticulture techniques, nutrient sequestration and soil sustainability, conservation of medicinal plant resources, silvipastoral systems, phytoremediation techniques, and more. The book also looks at livelihood security and the role of agroforestry.Key features: Provides updated information and recent developments in the field of climate change and agroforestryLooks at a variety of eco-friendly methods being employed to help mitigate climate change through agroforestyProvides recommendations and suggestions to build harmony between agroforestry and climate changeDiscusses new insights on the role of agroforestry toward combating climate change as well as maintaining the sustainability of ecosystems