Perpustakaan Digital

As global population growth intensifies pressure on land, land degradation has become a critical issue, costing approximately USD 490 billion annually and resulting in trillions in lost ecosystem services. According to the IPCC (2019), 70\% of the Earth’s ice-free land is impacted by human activity, with a quarter experiencing degradation. Environmentally Sensitive Areas (ESAs), already vulnerable, face heightened threats, affecting ecosystems, livelihoods, climate stability, and biodiversity. Despite the urgency, research and conservation efforts in ESAs remain limited. This Special Issue, entitled “Land Degradation in Environmentally Sensitive Areas (ESA): Assessment and Conservation” aims to address these gaps by focusing on two main objectives: (1) advancing the assessment and quantification of land degradation, and (2) exploring innovative solutions and methodologies to combat degradation and promote sustainable land management.

This text presents recent developments in a wide range of applications of luminescent materials. It compiles contributions from a number of leading scientists in the field, and should be an inspiration for both established and new researchers in this exciting area of research. Thanks to developments in materials research, new applications, requiring specific phosphor properties, have emerged. Wavelength ranges have expanded towards UV and near-IR emission; highly performant persistent phosphors have been developed for safety illumination and bio-imaging; phosphors have been proposed for anti-counterfeiting, energy storage, photocatalysis, thermometry, scintillators and dosimetry; and new synthesis and characterization techniques for luminescent materials have been developed.

This Special Issue contains selected papers from works presented at the 12th EASN (European Aeronautics Science Network) International Conference on Innovation in Aviation & Space for Opening New Horizons, which was held from the 18th until the 21st of October 2022, in Barcelona, with physical participation. About 470 participants contributed to a high-level scientific gathering providing some of the latest research results on the topic, as well as some of the latest relevant technological advancements. Twenty interesting papers, which cover a wide range of topics including characterization, analysis and design, as well as numerical simulation, are contained in this Special Issue. Related Books 11th EASN International Conference on Innovation in Aviation & Space to the Satisfaction of the European Citizens Engineering 10th EASN International Conference on Innovation in Aviation & Space to the Satisfaction of the European Citizens Engineering 9th EASN International Conference on Inno

This Special Issue is the third and final volume in a trilogy of collective peer-reviewed works of the Unlocking Sacred Landscapes research network. It encompasses various approaches both to ritual space and to artefacts relating to ritual practice and cults involving islandscapes (including landscapes and seascapes). The terms ritual and cult are used broadly to include sanctuaries, temples, and churches, as well as the domestic and funerary spheres of life. Although the main focus of the Special Issue is the Mediterranean region, studies related to other regions are included to stimulate wider methodological dialogues and comparative approaches. The time span ranges from prehistory to the recent past, and research includes ethnography and cultural heritage studies. The contributions of the issue deal with historical and culturally driven perspectives that recognise the complexities of island religious systems as well as the active role of the islanders in constructing their own rel

The most recent scientific literature on the treatment of social problems or controversial social questions in the Social Sciences classroom, and their inclusion into curricula, emphasizes the need to introduce students into large-scale social debates where different points of view exist, different interests are at stake, and where it is desirable that they construct their own opinions in that respect from a critical and reasoned perspective. Work with social problems permits a typology of analysis that includes the relative experience of the past and the expectations for the future in a present that is lived, and to consider the temporal relation on the basis of an analysis of changes and continuities that are observable from a comparative perspective. In the comprehension and interpretation of the historicity of the present and in planning the social future, social problems would have to represent a fundamental curricular tenant that gives relevance to the contemporaneousness of th

The 2018 IEEE International Conference on High Voltage Engineering (ICHVE 2018) was held on 10–13 September 2018 in Athens, Greece, organized by the National Technical University of Athens, Greece, and endorsed by the IEEE Dielectrics and Electrical Insulation Society. This conference has attracted a great deal of attention from international researchers in the field of high voltage engineering. This conference provided not only an excellent platform to share knowledge and experiences on high voltage engineering, but also the opportunity to present the latest achievements and different emerging challenges in power engineering, including topics related to ultra-high voltage, smart grids, and new insulation materials and their dielectric properties. Related Books Selected Papers from 2020 IEEE International Conference on High Voltage Engineering (ICHVE 2020) Engineering High Voltage Engineering and Applications Engineering The XXXII Conference on Electrical and Electronic Engineering En

This Special Issue, ‘Liquid Crystals and Other Partially Disordered Molecular Systems’ (Materials, MDPI), collates the latest advances in research on the molecular order, phase behavior and functional properties of complex soft matter systems. The collection includes works devoted to studying the structural and dielectric properties of anti- and ferroelectric liquid crystals and analyses of twisted and bent nematic phases, miscibility effects in bimesogenic systems, molecular-level interactions and dynamic processes as well as viscoelastic and dielectric response phenomena. Theoretical insights into the infrared spectral behavior of naphthalene-based dimers and the influence of particle size polydispersity on Yukawa crystals extend the scope of research to ordered and partially disordered condensed matter systems. Furthermore, the inclusion of research on powdered plasmid DNA complexes and crystalline structures with auxetic properties highlights the interdisciplinary nature of this topic, combining molecular organization, material functionality and nanoscale architecture. These articles provide a comprehensive overview of current research directions and emerging challenges in materials science related to partial disorder, molecular self-organization and phase transitions. This Special Issue presents studies on the structure, dynamics and properties of materials with partial molecular order, aiming to advance the understanding of phase behavior and functionality in complex soft and hybrid systems.

With a paradigm shift in the raw inventory in the chemical industry, including the pharmaceutical, refinery and manufacturing industry, a race has begun among the catalysis chemists to explore the feasibility of extending the use of the conventional and classical industrial catalysts (for examples, zeolites, modified alumina, polyoxometalates, noble and non-noble metal based supported catalysts, sulphuric acid, nitric acid, hydrochloric acid) used for the conversion of bio-based resources to fine and bulk chemicals and biomaterials.  Breakthroughs as vital as the two Nobel prize-winning epochal inventions like the activation of elemental nitrogen and hydrogen on iron surface leading to ammonia synthesis, as well as the elucidation of the reaction mechanism of ammonia synthesis process attributed to the Haber Bosch and the Gerhard Ertl, respectively, are anticipated in the realm of the catalytic conversion of biomass to fine and bulk chemicals as well as the biomaterials. Thus, the innovative catalytic processes described in the 10 landmark papers composed in the form of reprint constitute a reliable and indispensable user manual for the upcoming biorefinery facilities, especially dealing with lignocellulosic feedstock.

Multidrug-resistant (MDR), extensively drug-resistant (XDR), and pan-drug-resistant (PDR) Gram-negative bacteria constitute a huge public health problem. Among them, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Acinetobacter baumannii are the main bacteria contributing to increased rates of antimicrobial resistance. Infections caused by these bacteria can have a negative impact on the financial costs and outcomes of patient hospitalization. The increased consumption of antimicrobials and the poor implementation of infection control measures in the hospital setting are the two main causative factors for their emergence. Deep knowledge of the virulent factors that these bacteria produce could provide useful information regarding their spread. The main problem concerning infections caused by these bacteria is that treatment options are extremely limited, as there has been a poor launch of novel antimicrobials over the last few years. The molecular epidemiology of infections caused by Gram-negative bacteria is significant as it can determine which of these few new antimicrobial agents could be effective for their treatment. This Special Issue collects manuscript submissions that expand our knowledge of antimicrobial resistance in Gram-negative bacteria.

This Special Issue focuses on novel and scarcely investigated topics in relation to atrial fibrillation (AF), from the role of f-wave harmonic spectral structures in improving the preoperative prediction of catheter ablation outcomes in AF to the design of a study to investigate the effectiveness of a hand-held device in screening for AF when embedded into the handles of supermarket trolleys. However, the management of AF is so complex that this Special Issue also explores the therapeutic approach to AF in patients with congenital hemophilia, provides exercise recommendations for patients with AF, and includes broader investigations, such as on the impact of integrated care on oral anticoagulation quality, the identification of clinical phenotypes to stratify mortality risk, and the assessment of differences in biomarkers between AF patients and healthy controls. Related Books New Perspective in Atrial Fibrillation Medicine & Pharmacology Cardiac Electrophysiology and Catheter Abla

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a very common median nerve compression neuropathy at wrist level. It causes unplesant symptoms to patient as well as a financial burden for society. Conservative treatment helps with mild and transient symptoms, but often this syndrome requires surgical treatment. Surgical decompression of the median nerve is one of the most common surgical operations. If the symptom persists for a long time and treatment is delayed, this can result in a lack of sensation in the median area in addition to thenar atrophy and weakness of the thumb opposition. There are many impressive things behind CTS that we do not know yet; anatomical causes, links to other diseases and medication, occupational exposures and predisposing lifestyle risk factors. Diagnostics and differential diagnostics of CTS have their own challenges. Conservative treatment practices of CTS are diverse and unambiguous best practice is not clear. Clinical symptoms, electromyography (EMG) finding, and p

This book is a printed edition of the Special Issue "Non-canonical Kinases and Substrates in Cancer Progression" that was published in the scientific journal Cancers. It was edited by Francisco M. Vega, Ph.D. from the University of Seville in Spain. It brings together the latest views and original research on non-canonical protein kinases, substrates, and scaffolds Related Books Kinase Inhibitor for Cancer Therapy Public Health & Healthcare Molecular Pathways in Cancers Medicine & Pharmacology Targeted Cancer Therapy and Mechanisms of Resistance Biology & Life Sciences Past, Present and Future of Protein Kinase CK2 Research Biology & Life Sciences ... Molecules at Play in Cancer Biology & Life Sciences The recommendations have been generated using an AI system. About: About MDPI Books Advisory Board Legal Information: MDPI Privacy Policy Terms and Conditions Terms of Use Accessibility Sales: Order and Delivery Indexing and Distribution Further Information: Book Series Repri

Wild animals under human care as well as domesticated farm production animals are often exposed to environmental changes (e.g., capture and transportation). Short-term or acute changes in physiological indices (e.g., heart rate, respiration, body temperatures, immune cells, and stress hormonal biomarkers) provide crucial information regarding the responses of animals to novel environments, and they could provide crucial determining factors for the long-term health and welfare of animals. This Special Issue includes experimental research papers that demonstrate the applications of physiological indices and welfare assessment methods (e.g., morphological and morphometric data, behavioural assessments, thermal profiles, and physiological markers) in any wildlife or production animal (e.g., rescued and rehabilitating animals, pets, competition animals, farm animals, and zoo animals), in response to environmental and management related factors. The goal is to provide examples of new resear

The administration of antioxidants is a useful therapeutic approach to reduce or neutralize oxidative stress. This aspect has been addressed in several fields, with different types of formulations transforming the field of antioxidant therapeutics by using specialized nano-delivery systems. Merging antioxidant therapy and nanomedicine marks a major advancement in the treatment of oxidative disorders. In the first edition of the Special Issue entitled, “Applications of Antioxidant Nanoparticles,” we summarized the recent advances in the design, production, characterization, use, and effect of antioxidant nanoparticles. In this second Special Issue, we have expanded researchers’ awareness of the different types of applications of nanoparticles to counteract or regulate the effect of oxidative stress in different diseases, either topically or systemically. Precisely, seven research articles (divided into two groups, depending on the organic or inorganic nature of the studied nanoparticle) and three reviews are collected. The combination of green production methods and natural molecules has also been explored, demonstrating a multifunctional hybrid approach that mitigates oxidative stress, inflammation, and microbial potential. Finally, the studies collected in this Special Issue emphasize the potential of nanotechnological systems in modulating the activity of the carried molecules, such as antioxidant activities; activity after administration; enhancing the therapeutic activity, stability, and targeted uptake; and delivery across different biomedical applications characterized by redox environments.

As globalization advances, trends and societal shifts influence several economic and socioeconomic aspects. As cross-border cooperation has been increasing across various regions, this leads to market changes, both established and emerging, trading methods and management aspects. As a result, it is crucial to study the negative and positive changes on an economic and social level emanating from this phenomenon. The inter-relationship between international environments, transactions, and cooperation projects can transform economic and socioeconomic conditions, leading to more enabling and sustainable cities, societies, and regions. The results from new and stronger business networks and cluster environments created through cooperation projects, strategies, synergies, and transactions are already reshaping the socioeconomic panorama.

The goal of this Special Issue is to highlight the research frontier of river ecological restoration and groundwater artificial recharge, considering worldwide river shrinkage and groundwater depletion. After peer review, organized by the journal, and the selection of our Special Issue, 15 papers were finally selected and published in this Special Issue. The papers can generally be classified according to the following topic areas: (1) identifying and characterizing the complex hydrological processes in the river ecological restoration or groundwater artificial recharge; (2) characterizing the impacts of the river ecological restoration or groundwater artificial recharge on the physiochemical and biological evolution of and the ecological risk to aquatic environments; and (3) demonstrating the redistribution of water resources and the safety of water quality in the river ecological restoration or groundwater artificial recharge. We believe that these high-quality papers have importan

The value of this volume, entitled “Anti-Racist Perspectives on Sustainabilities”, which includes insights from Black, Indigenous, immigrant, and settler communities, lies in its potential to transform our approach to environmental and social challenges. These communities have long endured the adverse effects of environmental degradation and climate change, often due to historical injustices and systemic racism. We developed more comprehensive and contextually appropriate sustainability solutions by integrating our unique knowledge, experiences, and cultural values. In this reprint, by emphasizing inclusivity and representation in decision making, we ensure that policies and initiatives address these communities' diverse needs and aspirations. Moreover, dismantling systemic racism within sustainability efforts is ethically imperative and vital to foster a more equitable and resilient society. Ultimately, embracing anti-racist perspectives on sustainability paves the way for a more su

This reprint is related to land-use change and non-urban and urban relationships at all spatiotemporal scales and also focuses on land-use planning and regulatory strategies for a sustainable future. Spatiotemporal dynamics, socioeconomic implication, water supply problems and deforestation land degradation (e.g., increase of imperviousness surfaces) produced by urban expansion and their resource requirements are of particular interest. The Guest Editors expect that this reprint will contribute to sustainable development in non-urban and urban areas. Related Books Urban Land Development in the Process of Urbanization Social Sciences, Arts & Humanities ... Rural Land Management Interaction with Urbanization Environmental & Earth Sciences Land Use Changes and the Corresponding Ecological Risks Environmental & Earth Sciences Urban Planning and Sustainable Land Use Environmental & Earth Sciences Dynamics of Urbanization and Ecosystem Services Provision Environmental & Earth Sciences

In the modern era of industrial revolution, urbanization, and deforestation of forest land, carbon (C) sequestration through well-known activities called “land use, land-use change and forestry (LULUCF)” could establish a win–win situation from a climate change and sustainable development perspective. Equally important are the socio-economic co-benefits of C sequestration, given their implications on properly designed policies, especially on restoration and/or conservation of forests located in the tropical eco-regions. Further, the huge contribution of C sequestered in the vegetation and its underlain soil helps to protect socio-economic damages from climate change. This book explores the C sequestration of vegetation and its underlying soil, deforestation, as well as its impact on climate change, a vulnerability risk assessment for the climate, socio-economic impacts, and the mitigation of future climate impact strategies. The theme of the book extends across environmental policy (

Continuous professional development is of great importance if one is to develop quality professional work. This book contains some of the latest research advances related to the field of Physical Education and Sports. In today's globalized world, continuous and permanent education is necessary and essential to complement the initial training and previous experience. In this book, you can find a wide range of works focused on innovative teaching methodologies and psychological variables to take into account to improve classes and training. These studies on the most forward-looking technological advances in physical activity and sports are useful for those who seek to be up-to-date on this type of research. In addition, these studies will be useful to consult regarding current lifestyle, the creation of healthy habits, the promotion of physical activity in one’s free time, and the importance of leading an active life. Related Books Health Promotion in Children and Adolescents through Sp

In this reprint, advancements in the understanding of geophysical methods used to monitor the properties of the Earth’s crust, along with the development of new approaches for its characterization, are presented. The focus is on seismic, electric and electromagnetic methods, as well as inversion methodologies and satellite techniques that support imaging of the Earth’s crust. This reprint brings together the most recent studies on the application of geophysical methods for imaging the Earth’s crust, along with environmental, engineering, and hydrogeological applications for the detailed characterization of near-surface structures.

The following collection provides a comprehensive and updated analysis of the challenges and advancements in the welfare, productivity, and sustainability of water buffalo under human management. The collection addresses critical topics such as adaptation to heat stress in the context of climate change, examining physiological and behavioral responses, and proposing environmental and nutritional management strategies to mitigate adverse effects. Buffalo nutrition is explored in depth, highlighting diet formulations tailored to diverse agroecological conditions and their impact on thermoregulation, productivity, and product quality, including milk and meat. Special attention is paid to the characterization of the ruminal microbiome in buffalo from various Amazonian ecosystems, recognizing the pivotal role of microbial composition and diversity in fermentation efficiency and resource utilization. In this reprint, key health issues affecting buffalo are also reviewed, including emerging viral diseases and Degnala disease, a mycotoxicosis linked to contaminated rice straw. Advances in genetic improvement technologies, such as genome editing and artificial intelligence algorithms, are presented as vital tools for the future. Comparative analyses of mammary gland physiology between buffalo and cattle, animal welfare during transport and slaughter, and the nutritional attributes of buffalo products are also examined.

This reprint, "Advances in Sustainable Polymeric Materials II”, contains 16 studies and further cutting-edge research that illustrate how these challenges can be addressed through the use of advanced materials, sustainable polymers, and green technologies. It highlights the importance of efficient catalysts, bio-based materials, and green chemical processes and demonstrates how cellulose derivatives and other natural materials can be integrated into polymer compositions. The reprint also explores the use of electrospun membranes and reactive eutectic solvents for greener methods of wastewater treatment and material synthesis, and the potential of agri-food waste and biomaterials for fully bio-based polymer coatings and materials. It also discusses the stabilization and preservation of natural extracts and active ingredients, showcasing the importance of encapsulation and nanotechnology in preserving these substances' beneficial properties. Each chapter provides detailed insight into

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a worldwide public health problem that must be addressed. The global increase in CKD prevalence is associated with an increase in conventional disease risk factors (e.g., diabetes and hypertension), which may be exacerbated by additional variables such as environmental and occupational exposure to toxic compounds. Authors contributed to this Special Issue by highlighting the finding of potential novel biomarkers of the disease and more effective therapy alternatives, as well as works that enhance the understanding of CKD pathogenesis and its related complications. Related Books Recent Advances in Molecular Mechanisms Underlying Kidney Diseases Medicine & Pharmacology A Changing Perspective for Treatment of Chronic Kidney Disease Biology & Life Sciences ... Comorbidities in Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) Biology & Life Sciences ... Clinical Epidemiology in Chronic Kidney Disease Medicine & Pharmacology Redox Imbalance and Mitochondrial Abnormalities in K