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Zika virus infection during pregnancy can have devastating effects on the foetus leading to congenital Zika syndrome. It is relevant therefore for couples living in countries with endemic Zika virus to understand the strategies they can utilise to reduce the chance of infection. In addition, couples planning pregnancy, or who are already pregnant, travelling to countries with Zika virus need to be informed of the potential risk and implications for future reproductive planning.

The effect of adenomyosis on reproduction can only be determined if there are clear definitions of this disease entity. Adenomyosis should be distinct from endometriosis rather than regarded as a subclassification. The diagnosis of adenomyosis should employ standard criteria that are accessible, replicable, noninvasive, and cost-effective. The Morphological Uterus Sonographic Assessment (MUSA) is a standard and validated system to diagnose adenomyosis. However, not all markers in the MUSA correlate with clinically relevant outcomes. Analysis of outcomes according to each individual sonographic marker may be the key to correctly identifying significant phenotypes of adenomyosis and evaluating its true impact on reproduction.

This chapter introduces the basic working principles of genetic algorithm (GA). This method was tested on typical used products collection problem in the context of remanufacturing. It was observed that genetic algorithm was able to find the shortest travel plan, while keeping the fuel consumption rate at the lowest possible level. Furthermore, GA was used to update the finite element (FE) model to better reflect the measured data. The results obtained indicated that GA was able to successfully update the FE model resulting in better reflection of the measured data.

This chapter turns the idea that life evolves from life on its head and reveals that life evolved from non-living processes. Using the Mereon Matrix as an information template of functional operations, authors present a new perspective on how it re-answers some of the old questions in the search for the origin of matter. It explores possible beginnings and how transformation over time led to the development of life-forms. Charting how the Matrix’s sequential functions fit the functional aspects that gave rise to life, authors address the emergence of membranes, proteins and RNA from the development of simple monomers to complex polymers with each other and their role in the origin and evolution of life forms. They assert why metabolism and reproduction are not the distinctive aspects of life but are rather the means for utilising them.