This volume presents a broad panorama of the current status of research of invertebrate animals considered belonging to the phylum Cnidaria, such as hydra, jellyfish, sea anemone, and coral. In this book the Cnidarians are traced from the Earth’s primordial oceans, to their response to the warming and acidifying oceans. Due to the role of corals in the carbon and calcium cycles, various aspects of cnidarian calcification are discussed. The relation of the Cnidaria with Mankind is approached, in accordance with the Editors’ philosophy of bridging the artificial schism between science, arts and Humanities. Cnidarians' encounters with humans result in a broad spectrum of medical emergencies that are reviewed. The final section of the volume is devoted to the role of Hydra and Medusa in mythology and art.

What do we know about Mediterranean Cold (Deep)-Water coral ecosystems? In this book, specialists offer answers and insights with a series of chapters and short papers about the paleoecology, biology, physiology and ecology of the corals and other organisms that comprise these ecosystems. Structured on a temporal axis—Past, Present and Future—the reviews and selected study cases cover the cold and deep coral habitats known to date in the Mediterranean Basin. This book illustrates and explains the deep Mediterranean coral habitats that might have originated similar thriving ecosystems in today’s Atlantic Ocean.

Applications of nanoparticles to the human life and tools in diagnosis and therapy in field of clinical medicine holds importance and has been an prime focus of biomedical and clinical research for quite sometime, though their application in veterinary medicine is a relatively new focus area of research. Prior to human applications, studies are initially conducted on animals models. Thus toxicity based studies and study of impact of nanoparticles on animal immune system finds importance. In the second volume of the book we discuss the immune system in animals across invertebrates and vertebrate phylas and discuss the impact of nanoparticles in animals life, health, survival and immune system. The book highlights the toxic effects of nanoparticles as environmental pollutants and their adverse impact on animal life forms. Both volumes are also included in a set ISBN 978-3-11-065666-4.

Advanced Ceramics for Versatile Interdisciplinary Applications describes recent progress in ceramic synthesis and their applications in areas of catalysis, lithium-ion batteries, microbial fuel cells, and biomedical applications. Advancements in ceramic syntheses, such as laser additive manufacturing technologies are also discussed, as are developments in magnetic-based, doped and piezoelectric ceramics and their applications. Other sections cover mixed ionic-electronic conducting ceramic membranes for electrochemical applications, ceramic separators for microbial fuel cells, ceramic polymer composites for lithium-ion batteries, and hybrid ceramic nanocomposites for catalysis applications. The use of metal and metal oxide nanostructures as antimicrobial agents offer a wide range of advantages, ranging from straightforward synthesis to less prone towards resistance development by microbes. Finally, the development of biocompatible ceramic materials, mechanical and chemical properties, and applications are discussed in detail. The book will be useful for new researchers, academics and postgraduate students all working in the area of ceramics and their potential applications. - Focuses on the optical and electrochemical properties of advanced ceramic materials and MXenes - Covers synthesis, characterization techniques and a diverse range of applications, including energy and biomaterials - Contains contributions from a diverse range of backgrounds across chemistry, physics, materials science, engineering, medical science, environmental and industrial technology, biotechnology and biomedical engineering

This book evolved from the 5th School of Environmental Research entitled „Persistent Pollution – Past, Present and Future", which has set a focus on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs), heavy metals and aerosols. - reconstruction of past changes based on the scientific analysis of natural archives such as ice cores and peat deposits, - evaluation of the present environmental state by the integration of measurements and modelling and the establishment of cause-effect-patterns, - assessment of possible environmental future scenarios including emission and climate change perspectives.

This book is devoted to the welfare of invertebrates, which make up 99% of animal species on earth. Addressing animal welfare, we do not often think of invertebrates; in fact we seldom consider them to be deserving of welfare evaluation. And yet we should. Welfare is a broad concern for any animal that we house, control or utilize – and we utilize invertebrates a lot. The Authors start with an emphasis on the values of non-vertebrate animals and discuss the need for a book on the present topic. The following chapters focus on specific taxa, tackling questions that are most appropriate to each one. What is pain in crustaceans, and how might we prevent it? How do we ensure that octopuses are not bored? What do bees need to thrive, pollinate our plants and give us honey? Since invertebrates have distinct personalities and some social animals have group personalities, how do we consider this? And, as in the European Union’s application of welfare consideration to cephalopods, how do the practical regulatory issues play out? We have previously relegated invertebrates to the category ‘things’ and did not worry about their treatment. New research suggest that some invertebrates such as cephalopods and crustaceans can have pain and suffering, might also have consciousness and awareness. Also, good welfare is going to mean different things to spiders, bees, corals, etc. This book is taking animal welfare in a very different direction. Academics and students of animal welfare science, those who keep invertebrates for scientific research or in service to the goals of humans, as well as philosophers will find this work thought-provoking, instructive and informative.

Advances in Rhizostomeaen Jellyfish Research, Volume 98 in the Advances in Marine Biology series, the latest release in this serial that highlights new advances in the field, includes comprehensive chapters written by an international board of authors. - Provides the authority and expertise of leading contributors from an international board of authors - Presents the latest release in the Advances in Marine Biology series

Encyclopedia of Reproduction, Second Edition, Six Volume Set comprehensively reviews biology and abnormalities, also covering the most common diseases in humans, such as prostate and breast cancer, as well as normal developmental biology, including embryogenesis, gestation, birth and puberty. Each article provides a comprehensive overview of the selected topic to inform a broad spectrum of readers, from advanced undergraduate students, to research professionals. Chapters also explore the latest advances in cloning, stem cells, endocrinology, clinical reproductive medicine and genomics. As reproductive health is a fundamental component of an individual’s overall health status and a central determinant of quality of life, this book provides the most extensive and authoritative reference within the field. Provides a one-stop shop for information on reproduction that is not available elsewhere Includes extensive coverage of the full range of topics, from basic, to clinical considerations, including evolutionary advances in molecular, cellular, developmental and clinical sciences Includes multimedia and interactive teaching tools, such as downloadable PowerPoint slides, video content and interactive elements, such as the Virtual Microscope