Advances in Chemistry Research : Volume 42

In this book, authors present research on filamentous fungi and the way they impact and transform their microenvironment, thereby contributing to mobilization or immobilization of potentially toxic metals and metalloids. Additionally, the significant impact of filamentous fungi on the deployment of potentially toxic elements in soils and sediments with possible intracellular or extracellular transformation is also discussed. Following this, the authors present an overview of the various potential applications of fullerenes, including: anti HIV- protease activity, photodynamic DNA cleavage, free radical scavenger, antimicrobial action, fullerene-based photoelectric materials, catalytic properties of transition metal-fullerene complexes, and more. Next, an additional overview is presented on furfural production in the world, the characteristics of this compound as a platform product, and the methods applied for its production from different raw materials. The authors go on to analyze all of the designs and concepts made to date to pursue the best association motif and discuss all issues linked to this anticipated entropically adverse event. A study is presented on the effects of exposure of typical proteins to low frequency electromagnetic fields and to microwaves, wherein it was shown that exposure to electromagnetic fields induces unfolding of proteins, causing transitions from α-helix to β-sheet structures that may be responsible of aggregation phenomena, leading to neurotoxic and neurodegenerative disorders that can be considered as the first step toward certain pathologies. Later, the authors propose a treatment for red or brown sorghum which reduces the coloration, prepares the sorghum grain, improves the properties of the milling, increases the yield, and retains antioxidants in the flour. An additional study is presented on the electrical transport properties (electrical resistivity, thermal conductivity, and thermoelectric power) of five liquid alkali elements (Li, Na, K, Rb, and Cs) using the theory of pseudopotential. Ending the book, the authors discuss the mechanism of Li3PS4 formation in ethyl propionate, an organic solvent. In addition, a solvent selection guide is determined and presented