Bentham Science Publishers

This monograph focuses on the actions exerted by sex hormones, 17β-estradiol and testosterone, in skeletal muscle tissue. An important consideration of this volume is the fact that both estrogen receptors (ERs) and androgen receptors (ARs) are ubiquitously expressed and, as a result, steroid hormones affect growth and different cell functions in several organs. Moreover, ERs and ARs may have a non-classical pattern of intracellular localizations, raising complexity to the functional roles of estradiol and testosterone.

Readers will find key information about the role of sex hormones in mitochondrial physiology and their relation with ageing, apoptosis, and sarcopenia. Chapters integrate important points with the latest information on the subject, including work of leading researchers studying the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying the age-linked changes in muscle tissue while highlighting the role of satellite cells.

Furthermore, the book presents a chapter about phytoestrogens (compounds which are structurally very similar to estrogen 17β-estradiol) and their selective action on sex steroid receptors (specifically, they have a higher affinity for ERβ receptors than ERα receptors).

The book is recommended reading for scientists and clinicians involved in the field of medical and health sciences as well as for scholarly readers (students of biochemistry and medicine) who are interested in the molecular mechanism of cellular apoptosis regulated by steroid hormones.

Silicon Based Thin Film Solar Cells explains concepts related to technologies for silicon (Si) based photovoltaic applications. Topics in this book focus on 'new concept' solar cells. These kinds of cells can make photovoltaic power production an economically viable option in comparison to the bulk crystalline semiconductor technology industry. A transition from bulk crystalline Si solar cells toward thin-film technologies reduces usage of active material and introduces new concepts based on nanotechnologies. Despite its importance, the scientific development and understanding of new solar cells is not very advanced, and educational resources for specialized engineers and scientists are required. This textbook presents the fundamental scientific aspects of Si thin films growth technology, together with a clear understanding of the properties of the material and how this is employed in new generation photovoltaic solar cells. The textbook is a valuable resource for graduate students working on their theses, young researchers and all people approaching problems and fundamental aspects of advanced photovoltaic conversion.

In life, we often face unavoidable complexities in terms of our ability to understand or influence outcomes. Some questions which arise due to these complexities are: Why can’t the future be made certain? Why do the some people or events always end up at the center of controversy? Why do only a select few get ahead of their peers? Each question pertains to three central elements of complexities and these elements are: uncertainty, inequality and unfairness.

Simplifying Complexity explains the scientific study of complex cognitive networks, as well as the methods scientists use to parse difficult problems into manageable pieces. Readers are introduced to scientific methodology and thought processes, followed by a discourse on perspectives on the three elements of complexity through concepts such as normal and non-normal statistics, scaling and complexity management.

Simplifying Complexity combines basic cognitive science and scientific philosophy for both advanced students (in the fields of sociology, cognitive science, complex networks and change management) and for general readers looking for a more scientific guide to understanding and managing the nature of change in a complex world.

Skeletal Muscle Health in Metabolic Diseases explores the vital role of skeletal muscle in regulating energy metabolism and its interactions with other organs, such as the liver and brain, in the context of metabolic diseases like obesity, diabetes, and fatty liver disease. This comprehensive guide covers how metabolic disorders impact muscle glucose metabolism, liver function, and brain health, alongside the effects of nutrition and exercise on carbohydrate metabolism. Readers will gain insights into the mechanisms underlying muscle atrophy, oxidative stress, and cellular damage caused by these conditions.

Key Features:

- In-depth analysis of skeletal muscle’s role in whole-body metabolism and metabolic disease.

- Exploration of metabolic dysfunction in relation to liver and brain health.

- Insight into the impact of diet and physical activity on muscle and carbohydrate metabolism.

- Examination of muscle atrophy and cellular changes in metabolic disorders.

This reference provides the reader with focused information about microstrip antenna design and applications. Readers are first introduced to the basic design of microstrip antennas. Subsequent chapters explain how microstrip antennas are suitable for practical applications. These chapters cover topics such as fractal and defected ground structure antennas, microstrip antenna evaluation, and the use of microstrip antennas in mobile communications and IoT applications. Scholars, researchers, and industrial professionals involved in the fields of electronics and electrical engineering as well as instrumentation will benefit from the information given in this book.

Smart Kinematics for Modern Engineering Students is an essential reference on basic kinematics. The book provides detailed knowledge on coordinate transformations for matrix calculations, followed by information about different configurations in component pairs and joints. Readers will learn about the basic mechanical engineering methods used to design components for systems with moving parts along with various practical applications of these concepts.

Key Features

· Provides-In-depth knowledge of 3D vector calculations in kinematics

· Includes descriptions and depictions of major joints commonly used in engineering designs and applications

· Discusses common methods of optimization for solving multivariable systems of highly nonlinear equations using displacement models

· Presents practical examples of analysis applied to commonly used mechanical system

· 6 DOF robotic arm and moving platform

· A generic Light Manufacturing Tool (LMT)

· Phantom DOF devices

· Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) as a biomechanical joint

· Include scientific references

The material in this book will be helpful to undergraduate and graduate engineers who are required to understand knowledge about modern methods in mechanical engineering, including prerequisite courses in advanced linear algebra, kinematics and complex systems.

There is considerable interest in reliable and affordable sensor and detection systems. Recent concerns about environmental exposure to both biological and chemical agents have been critical to the development of new sensor and detector technologies. New materials are being developed to meet the challenges ahead. Smart nanomaterials appear to be a key solution to these challenges. This e-book summarizes current progress in sensor applications of smart nanomaterials. It should be a useful resource for materials scientists and readers interested in nanotechnology for biosensors.

A smart port is defined as a port that uses technologies such as big data, AI, and IoT to manage transportation and logistics services. Smart Port Management and Strategy covers the design, operation and applications of a smart port to improve capacity and productivity. The book has been written by the author from an operations management perspective with the aim of providing technical knowledge to readers on how to use technology for optimizing port performance.

Key Features:

- Eight key topics relevant to smart port management

- Focus on calculations and technical operations

- Guidance on OCR, RFID and sensor technologies for gates

- Includes information about port performance measurement

- Includes access to Korean Port MIS

- Covers automation equipment such as AGV, ARMGC, and remote control QC

- Includes port simulation, digitization strategies and financial analysis

Smart Port Management and Strategy is the definitive resource for anyone, whether they are professionals in transportation services or students of civil engineering or operations management, who want to learn about smart ports and how they are managed.

This brief textbook explains the principles of social network analysis. The book goes beyond theoretical concepts and gives the reader complete knowledge about how to apply analytical techniques using Pajek to perform a large-scale network analysis. The book covers the topic in 2 sections – the first detailing fundamentals of research design and the next one about methods and applications. Readers can then apply the techniques in this book to other online communities, such as Facebook and Twitter. The book is intended for networking students and general readers who want to learn the basics without going deep into mathematical methods. It is also useful for researchers and professionals from other fields seeking to understand the basics of large-scale social network analysis.

Software and Programming Tools in Pharmaceutical Research is a detailed primer on the use for computer programs in the design and development of new drugs. Chapters offer information about different programs and computational techniques in pharmacology. The book will help readers to harness computer technologies in pharmaceutical investigations. Readers will also appreciate the pivotal role that software applications and programming tools play in revolutionizing the pharmaceutical industry.

The book includes nine structured chapters, each addressing a critical aspect of pharmaceutical research and software utilization. From an introduction to pharmaceutical informatics and computational chemistry to advanced topics like molecular modeling, data mining, and high-throughput screening, this book covers a wide range of topics.

Key Features:

· Practical Insights: Presents practical knowledge on how to effectively utilize software tools in pharmaceutical research.

· Interdisciplinary Approach: Bridges the gap between pharmaceutical science and computer science

· Cutting-Edge Topics: Covers the latest advancements in computational drug development, including data analysis and visualization techniques, drug repurposing, pharmacokinetic modelling and screening.

· Recommendations for Tools: Includes informative tables for software tools

· Referenced content: Includes scientific references for advanced readers

The book is an ideal primer for students and educators in pharmaceutical science and computational biology, providing a comprehensive foundation for this rapidly evolving field. It is also an essential resource for pharmaceutical researchers, scientists, and professionals looking to enhance their understanding of software tools and programming in drug development.