It is well known that Intersymbol (ISI) Interference is a limiting factor in many communication environments where it causes an irreducible degradation of the bit error rate (BER) thus imposing an upper limit on the data symbol rate. In order to overcome the ISI problem an equalizer is implemented in those systems. Among the three types of equalizers - non-blind semi-blind and blind – the blind equalizer has the benefit of bandwidth saving and there is no need of going through a training phase. Blind equalization algorithms are essentially adaptive filtering algorithms designed such that they do not require the external supply of a desired response to generate the error signal in the output of the adaptive equalization filter. The algorithms generate an estimate of the desired response by applying a nonlinear transformation to sequences involved in the adaptation process. This nonlinearity is designed to minimize a cost function that is implicitly based on higher order statistics (HOS) according to one approach or calculated directly according to the Bayes rules.

The Whole Story behind Blind Adaptive Equalizers/ Blind Deconvolution gives the readers a full understanding on blind deconvolution. The e-book covers a variety of blind deconvolution/equalization methods based on both cost functions and Bayes rules where simulation results are supplied to support the theory. These include the Maximum Entropy density approximation technique and the Edgeworth Expansion approach used in various blind equalizers. It also describes the relationship between the cost function approach and the approach taken according to Bayes rules. The e-book deals also with the effect of various system parameters (such as the step-size parameter or the equalizer's tap length) have on the obtained equalization performance. This e-book will be of particular interest to advanced communications engineering undergraduate students graduate students university instructors and signal processing researchers.

The book starts from the observation that humans are very different from the other primates. Why are we naked? Why do we speak? Why do we walk upright? Fifty years ago in 1960 marine biologist Sir Alister Hardy tried to answer this when he announced his so-called aquatic hypothesis: human ancestors did not live in dry savannahs as traditional anthropology assumes but have adapted to live at the edge between land and water gathering both terrestrial and aquatic foods.

This eBook is an up-to-date collection of the views of the most important protagonists of this long-neglected theory of human evolution at the 50th anniversary of its announcement in 1960. It brings together the views of leading scientists such as anthrolopogy professor Phillip Tobias marine biologist Richard Ellis waterbirth gynaecologist Michel Odent nutritional biologist Michael Crawford and science writer Elaine Morgan.

The book helps readers to understand the fundamentals of water purification processes. Chapters in the book cover industrial purification techniques while also exploring the future scope and current challenges in this field.

Key Features

- Seven chapters arranged and structured in a clear coherent manner for understanding the broad topics.

- Covers basic water purification techniques for safe drinking water

- Covers defluoridation techniques

- Explains the parameters affecting photocatalytic degradation of substituted benzoic acids.

- Includes a case study for seasonal variations in pond water

- Covers the role of nanotechnology in wastewater treatment

- Covers the impact of water mismanagement on the environment with suggestions for preventive measures for sustainable water utilization

This reference informs advanced readers (sustainable development professionals post-graduate and research scholars) interested in water treatment processes. It also serves as a resource for courses in environmental chemistry waste management and sustainability.

Several parasites are able to spread diseases through contaminated water. While the spread of diseases through contaminated water appears to have a greater correlation with a lack of access to clean water in low income populations in developing countries there have been outbreaks of water-borne diseases in developed countries. Therefore addressing water-borne diseases is a major public health concern worldwide. Water-borne Protozoa in Humans is a guide to protozoan infections linked to contaminated water.

Each chapter of this monograph covers the history morphology life cycle global epidemiology risk factors immunology symptoms diagnosis treatment and perspectives of control for each relevant protozoan parasite that can be found in contaminated water. These include Giardia duodenalis Cryptosporidium Free-living amoebae Entamoeba histolytica/dispar and other pathogenic intestinal amoebae Cystoisospora belli cyclospora microsporidia and Blastocystis hominis.

This monograph is suitable for a broad readership which includes medical students parasitologists clinical microbiologists epidemiologists environmental health and water safety technicians and public health personnel.

Gastroenterology and hepatology represent dynamic fields of study and practice in internal medicine with numerous innovations manifesting over the last 30 years. What is New in Gastroenterology and Hepatology is a reference which presents updates on the latest advances in the aforementioned subspecialties. The book offers a broad range of topics in a structured clear and comprehensive fashion. Thirty-three chapters provide knowledge on basic medical research and practical applications in the clinic with information contributed by several members of the Romanian Society of Gastroenterology and Hepatology (a medical society with a history of more than 60 years). The contents feature updates on common and rare disorders of the gastrointestinal tract (esophagus stomach intestines) pancreas and the liver as well as new imaging techniques such as video capsule endoscopy and contrast enhanced ultrasound (CEUS). Special topics of recent interest such as the value of gut microbiota in medical interventions and the use of 'omics' technologies for precision medicine and telemedicine are also included. What is New in Gastroenterology and Hepatology is an informative reference for all medical researchers and healthcare professionals (gastroenterologists hepatologists internal medicine physicians surgeons oncologists) who wish to keep themselves up to speed on new advances in these medical subspecialties.

Where Did They Come From? The Origins of South American Fauna offers a fascinating journey into the origins of South American flora and fauna. Exploring life on the continent before and after the breakup of Gondwana it delves into how creatures arrived in South America be it through drifting across oceans or traversing land bridges. From birds and reptiles to mammals and fish this book provides a comprehensive compendium of biological diversity discussing their origins and evolutionary paths. Readers will gain insights into the mechanisms of animal dispersal evolution and the impact of the Great Biotic Interchange. The book also lists references for further exploration of the subject.

The book is structured into five parts:

Building South America: Covers tectonic movements climate changes and breaching isolation.

Shaping South America: Explores the landforms and diverse biomes across the continent.

Vertebrates within South America: Discusses unique amphibians reptiles fish mammals and birds that evolved on the continent.

Vertebrates immigrating to South America: Examines exotic reptiles birds and mammals that found their way to the continent. The author also lists the families of almost all genera of South American animals while giving knowledge of their origins.

Recent Arrivals - the Great Biotic Interchange: Explores the significant interchange of various species that occurred later.

Ideal for students biologists and anyone curious about the natural world this book is a captivating read that uncovers the incredible history of South American fauna and its evolutionary tapestry.

New tests and studies continue to reveal exciting information about the power of vitamin D in maintaining good health and preventing major illnesses. ‘Why Does Vitamin D Matter?’ not only covers vitamin D basics but also explores the science of the vitamin D receptor (VDR) the protein that binds to the active metabolite of vitamin D to fulfill biochemical functions it explains how vitamin D analogs directly activate the VDR. Readers will find this e-book informative not only from the scientific point of view but also from the potential applications of the knowledge into one’s daily life.

Starting with a brief history of vitamin D and VDR research followed by a detailed scientific report of how vitamin D and VDR work this e-book goes on to cover epidemiological studies that investigate the outcome of vitamin D deficiency and the effects of vitamin D supplementation. Issues related to vitamin D supplementation are also addressed from different angles. This e-book continues with a comprehensive report on the numerous vitamin D analogs currently on the market or in development to treat various diseases followed by exploring the possibility of developing this class of compounds for additional indications.

This e-book is suitable for both general readers and scientists involved in vitamin D research or students who are interested in a career in biochemical/medical/nutritional research especially in the field of vitamin D and the vitamin D receptor.

Cardiovascular mortality in women is more frequent than breast cancer mortality a fact which is often overlooked. Women's Heart and Estrogens explores this important women’s health issue with respect to estrogen levels (before and after menopause) as the hormone has been known to mediate cardiovascular effects in women. The handbook includes a description of the structure and biological activity of estrogen and follows up with a detailed reference on the genetics behind estrogen and its effect on the cardiovascular system. Subsequent chapters cover the effects of estrogens on the stages of atherogenesis actions of estrogens on the on the vascular wall and on cardiovascular metabolic pathways causes leading to the development of early onset of coronary heart disease in young women (such as vasculitis and autoimmune diseases)[Obaid ur Rahman1] hypercoagulable states myocardial infarction in hallucinogenic drug abusers non-atherosclerotic and atherosclerotic coronary heart disease hormone replacement therapy and postmenopausal risk factors. Medical professionals will also find handy guidelines for cardiovascular disease prevention in women.

Women's Heart and Estrogens offers knowledge to readers in a clear and simple manner with detailed images and summaries in each chapter. Guidelines are also presented in a chronological context which demonstrates the development of cardiovascular disease prevention and risk management strategies for women over the years.