Bøger udgivet af Apple Academic Press Inc.

>UN studies show that high-income, developed nations treat about 70 percent of their wastewater. However, in low-income developing nations, only 8 percent of wastewater undergoes any kind of treatment. Inadequate water treatment has serious consequences for both human health and the environment. The articles in this compendium provide a representative cross sample of both developing and developed nations' water treatment facilities. Included are the following topics: Reclaimed water for irrigation reuse in developing countriesSludge-handling practices in MicronesiaThe removal of phthalate esters from Chinese water sourcesDisposal of domestic wastewater in NigeriaAmeba-enrichment in a South African water treatment plantBioenergy from wastewater produced by a Brazilian meat-processing plantThe presence of various pharmaceutical contaminants in the River ThamesWastewater recycling in GreeceThe impact on surface water from contaminants released from German water treatment plantsA Canadian constructed wetland's effectiveness for the removal of various contaminants from wastewaterAccessing irrigation from treated wastewater in the United StatesThe spacial distribution of fecal indicator bacteria in the groundwater beneath two American water treatment plantsDetection of contamination from retinoid acid reception agonists in Japanese water treatment plantsThe editor, a respected international expert in the field, has selected investigations that offer essential information for ongoing research at the graduate and professional levels, as well as for environmental engineers and others responsible for choosing the most efficient water treatment technologies.

This title includes a number of Open Access chapters. The twenty-first century world faces several enormous challenges: how to mitigate climate change, meet a growing energy demand without relying on fossil fuels, and manage the escalating quantities of solid waste generated by cities around the world. This compendium volume offers a viable solution to all three: using solid waste as a renewable resource.Intended for a wide audience ranging from engineers and academics to decision-makers in both the public and private sectors, this volume has gathered together research into a range of technologies and methodologies. The editors, two well-published researchers at the top of their field, have selected articles that lay the foundation for this discussion. They have then included chapters for the following waste management scenarios: anaerobic digestion, composting, pyrolysis and chemical upgrading, incineration and carbonization, and gasification.Research has been included from around the world, representing potential international solutions to what are global challenges, as well as crucial implications for ongoing research in this important field of study.

This title includes a number of Open Access chapters. Research into the effects of child abuse has experienced an explosion over the last few decades, resulting in a far more wide-ranging understanding of this grave societal problem. This compendium volume collects some of the most recent research and organizes it within three categories: societal effects, effects on health (including mental health) behaviors, and epigenetic effects. Specific topics include the associations between childhood abuse and the following factors: Juvenile sexual offendingJuvenile delinquencyAdult aggressionCognitive developmentAdult smokingSleep patternsSuicidal behaviorsPsychopathologyEpigenomic mechanismsEdited by a Harvard developmental behavioral pediatrician, this important compendium offers state-of-the-art knowledge to professionals and graduate students in the helping fields. The articles collected here provide researchers with foundations for further investigations, while they give active professionals greater power in the fight against child abuse.

Booming Mainland Chinese outbound travel is one of the most exciting phenomena in the world tourism industry's recent history. From 2000 to 2010, Chinese outbound travel increased at a compounded annual rate of 18.5 percent, and it is forecasted that by 2020 China will generate approximately 100 million outbound trips a year, making China the fourth largest source of outbound travel in the world. The new Chinese tourists are more confident, technologically savvy, value conscious, and ready to explore unfamiliar territory. For tourism marketers and researchers who are getting ready to or just celebrated their initial "west-meets-east" moments, the new Chinese tourists are showing up at their doors and presenting new challenges for marketing and service. In this book, leading authors from around the world share their most cutting-edge findings and thoughts on the Chinese outbound travel market. The book reflects on the paths of the Chinese outbound travel development, reports new trends and issues, and provides new insights and recommendations. For practitioners around the world (e.g., destination policymakers and marketers, travel and tourism service providers, owners, and managers), this book provides hands-on guidance on understanding tourists from Mainland China. For tourism scholars, educators, and students, this book provides basic yet essential knowledge on the Chinese outbound travel market and tourist behavior and points out important future directions. Most tourism programs today have an international component in their curriculum, usually including a global tourism class. This book serves as an excellent supplemental reading for students in these classes.

This new collection covers a wide variety of research on the ecological aspects of crops growing under stress conditions due to atmospheric changes and pollution and the impact on both plant and human health. The book provides research that will help to find ways to overcome adverse abiotic environmental factors and unfavorable anthropogenic pressures on crop plants, which also eventually impact human health.Divided into six parts, leading authors from many institutes provide and share new knowledge gained from studies on ecological and genetic controls of plant resistance to various adverse environmental factors. Geneticists and breeders are creating new cultivars and hybrids of crops, which greatly expand the range of source material. The book includes a range of material on the biology, genetics, and breeding of crops, taking into account ecological and climatic conditions, with emphasis on the impact to humans. The main agricultural crops are studied: cereals, fodder crops, and horticultural plants. The chapters include the interaction of plant-soil-environment, ways of using plants as anticancer drugs, and other important problems and trends in agricultural and nature management.The role of different genetic and agronomical approaches to improving plant productivity and seasonal and profile dynamics of elements of soil acidity are considered. With the increasing demand and consumption of vegetables and fruits (by themselves or as additions to other foods), new agricultural methods are needed to overcome the deficit, and these new methods pose new concerns. The book includes: Plant breeding under adverse conditions of acid soilsNew studies in horticultural crop scienceEcological peculiarities of particular regions and cytogenetic anomalies of the local human populationPhenogenetic studies of cultivated plants and biological properties of the seedsAnthropogenic pressure on environmental and plant diversityMethods of evaluation of the quantitative and qualitative characters of selection samplesThe research found here will be valuable to agricultural engineers and others and is applicable at both regional and international levels.

This title includes a number of Open Access chapters. Climate change is a significant threat to humanity's future. Culturally, politically, economically, and personally, however, we are all deeply embedded in a system that continues to send us on a collision course that leads directly toward this threat. At this point, climate change is inevitable. What we must do now is to find ways to prepare-and do all we can to slow our race to disaster. This means that a transition to a lower-carbon economy is unavoidable.Biochemical research is vitally necessary for the transition we must make, and it will be an essential component of any climate policy. To that end, the editors have collected within this compendium the most recent and relevant research in this field. Included are: Initial chapters explaining climate change impact and sustainability issuesChapters focusing on biochemicals and biotechnologies that offer potential for offsetting and preparing for climate changeA section on the challenges that must be acknowledged, assessed, and overcomeA final chapter that offers 12 reasons why safe climate policy is affordableThese articles do not merely summarize answers that have already been found. Graduate students and scientific researchers will find these chapters also point the way toward future investigations that are still urgently needed. Policymakers and graduate-level environmental policy students will also find much food for thought within this compendium.

This title includes a number of Open Access chapters. The quantity and quality of waste generated and discharged into natural water bodies is a topic of serious concern. Consequently, there is a need for different strategies to address wastewater treatment and subsequent reuse, especially in arid and semi-arid areas where water shortages are the rule. Biological treatment processes constitute crucial tools in the biodegradation of organic matter, transformation of toxic compounds into harmless products, and nutrient removal in wastewater microbiology.Edited by a professor of genetics and microbiology with extensive research, this compendium provides an overview of the most current research into many facets of wastewater bioremediation. The book is broken into three sections: microbial communities for wastewater treatment, environmental factors, and treatments. It provides discussions on biological treatment processes for different types of wastewater, such as municipal wastewater and wastewater from tanneries; how environmental factors such as season dynamics affect the diversity of bacteria; and applications and treatment.The range of topics presented will be valuable for biological engineers and others involved with wastewater management. Researchers will find a wealth of studies that will prove fruitful for future investigation.

Efficient Management of Wastewater from Manufacturing is an accessible research compendium, highly useful for anyone involved with the phytosanitaries, food and beverage, pharmaceutical, or textile industries. The editor, Victor Monsalvo, is a well-respected expert in the field who has included many of his own studies. He has also enlisted articles from other researchers from around the world. Together, they offer a range of treatment methodologies for manufacturing wastewater, including anaerobic processes and catalyzation. They focus on advanced treatment processes that would improve current efficiency and reduced energy costs. Feasibility and potential problems are also thoroughly discussed, creating a realistic and practical research collection.Included within the book are chapters on the following topics: An overview of pesticide toxicityMore efficient anaerobic treatments for agricultural wastewaterWastewater treatment methodologies for specific sectors of the food-production industry, including slaughterhouses, fish processing plants, dairies, fruit canning factories, and wineriesBiological treatment systems for wastewater containing cosmetic and pharmaceutical chemicals and byproductsImproved methodologies for removing dye from textile wastewaterThe range of topics will be of practical use to chemical, civil, and environmental engineers. Researchers at the graduate level will find here a wealth of studies that will prove fruitful for future investigation.

The tenth and final volume in the series Research Advances in Sustainable Micro Irrigation, this valuable book focuses on new and recent innovations in technology, methods, and applications for micro irrigation. The book covers a wide variety of topics, including successes in micro irrigation in India, how new methods have helped the local economies in several areas, ways to enhance crop yield through new building programs, and new technology and systems. It looks at different aspects of these new innovations in micro irrigation, including economic impact, evaluation methods, bubbler systems, success with particular crops, scheduling, and more.

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.

This title includes a number of Open Access chapters.Toward a Sustainable Wine Industry: Green Enology in Practice takes a broad look at the emerging trend of using sustainable wine production methods and business practices. It covers a multitude of aspects of the sustainable wine industry, including production methods, recycling efforts, customer behavior, sustainable business practices, and more.The wine sector, which plays a big role in the agricultural industry around the world, has been facing increasing pressure to fulfill legal environmental requirements while maintaining a competitive position in a global market. Concern for the environment and rising costs have led to an increased interest in sustainable wine production practices. This valuable compendium addresses this trend and looks at different sectors within the wine industry. In all, the book provides a multi-faceted examination of the important aspects of the increasingly necessary and growing sustainable movement. The book aims to shed valuable light on how to build an integrated sustainable business and development system in the wine industry.

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.

The book presents a selection of investigations and innovative research in polymer chemistry and advanced materials. The book includes case studies in the field of nanocomposites. The volume provides coverage of new research in polymer science and engineering with applications in chemical engineering, materials science, and chemistry. In additio

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.