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Books in Agricultural and biological sciences

The Agricultural and Biological Sciences collection advances science-based knowledge for the improvement of animal and plant life and for secure food systems that produce nutritious, novel, sustainable foods with minimal environmental impact. Food Science titles include not only those products from agriculture but all other aspects from food production to nutrition, health and safety, chemistry to security, policy, law and regulation. Biological Sciences address animal behaviour and biodiversity, organismal and evolutionary biology, entomology, marine biology and aquaculture, plant science and forestry.

  • Wood-Water Interactions

    • 1st Edition
    • Samuel L. Zelinka + 3 more
    • English
    Wood-Water Interactions examines wood-water interactions in an intuitive approach to such a highly interdisciplinary topic. While wood-moisture interactions dominate nearly every facet of wood technology and wood use, many wood scientists have only a rudimentary understanding of these interactions as previous books on this topic are opaque and esoteric. Authored by experts in the field, the chapters follow a logical structure as well as case studies and vivid illustrations; the reader is motivated to understand updated information about the interaction of moisture with wood, the effect of changes in water status on the properties of wood raw material, and changes in the mechanical properties of wood during drying and humidification.
  • Spider Systematics and Taxonomy

    • 1st Edition
    • Dimitar Dimitrov + 1 more
    • English
    In the last decade or so, a large number of new spider species have been discovered and described, and many genera and families have been revised. Yet, a single comprehensive resource has been lacking to update spider taxonomy. Spider Systematics and Taxonomy aims to present these major developments in the field, as well as to show how technological advancements have driven these changes. Spider groups covered in most detail are those which have recently seen the most significant discoveries and changes. Later chapters highlight the impact of recent technological developments on our knowledge of spider taxonomy, with topics including phylogenomics, artificial intelligence, and novel imaging technologies. Finally, an outlook on future priorities for spider taxonomy research as well as expected developments will be explored.Spider Systematics and Taxonomy is a valuable reference with illustrations and vivid photographs included throughout to showcase spider diversity and relationships. This will serve as a key resource for arachnology researchers, graduate and postgraduate students wishing to come up to date on the latest advances in the field. Researchers in adjacent fields and those working in taxonomy generally will also benefit from this work.
  • Starch and Health

    Nutrition, Metabolism and Medical Applications
    • 1st Edition
    • Monica Trif + 3 more
    • English
    Starch and Health: Nutrition, Metabolism and Medical Applications, a volume in the Applications of Starches in Food and Packaging series, discusses the use of starch and its role in human health. The book provides detailed information on the glycemic index of various starches, the role of resistant starch in gut health, and practical starch usage in managing disorders such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Chapters deal with digestive metabolism of starch, different types of resistant starches and its health benefits, starch in gut, cardiovascular, and mental health, innovations in starch-based medical applications, and its implications in food allergies and intolerances.This comprehensive approach ensures that the volume serves as both an informative guide and a practical tool for those in the field. By compiling the latest research findings, methodologies, and case studies, this book serves as a valuable resource for scientists, researchers, and industry professionals seeking to harness the potential of starch in human health.
  • Remote Sensing for Vegetation Monitoring

    Technologies, Applications and Models
    • 1st Edition
    • Prem Chandra Pandey + 3 more
    • English
    Remote Sensing for Vegetation Monitoring: Technologies, Applications and Models provides insight on the pivotal role that remote sensing plays in vegetation monitoring. As traditional field assessments face challenges due to inaccessible study sites and lengthy data collection, this book offers a comprehensive view of remote sensing applications for monitoring various vegetation ecosystems, including forests, grasslands, mangroves, and agriculture. The book presents a coherent and consistent structure, across five sections that build upon prior knowledge and detail the quantitative and qualitative assessments made possible through remote sensing technologies. Remote Sensing for Vegetation Monitoring: Technologies, Applications and Models caters to a diverse audience, including researchers and practitioners seeking to navigate the evolving landscape of vegetation monitoring through case studies, new algorithms and state-of-the-art methods.
  • The Journey from Cocoa to Chocolate

    Preserving Flavor and Bioactive Compounds
    • 1st Edition
    • Ravi Pandiselvam + 1 more
    • English
    The Journey from Cocoa to Chocolate: Preserving Flavor and Bioactive Compounds provides an end-to-end review of different pre-processing and processing methods and their effects on the nutritional, physiochemical, sensorial properties, and health benefits of cocoa. Readers will explore the journey from cocoa beans to chocolate, including recent advances in processing techniques and the utilization of cocoa by-products for improved sustainability and waste reduction. The book emphasizes cocoa's beneficial components, also including retention processing techniques that do not sacrifice sensorial properties. Readers from academia, research, food science, and the chocolate industry will benefit from this new resource.Cocoa beans contain huge sources of phytochemicals that act as both flavor agents and bioactive compounds. Care must be taken in the processing of cocoa into chocolate in order to maintain cocoa's natural health benefits while enhancing flavor to create the sweet treat we know and love.
  • Pulse Breeding, Processing, Functionality, and Products

    • 1st Edition
    • Fatma Boukid + 3 more
    • English
    Pulse Breeding, Processing, Functionality, and Products reflects the shift from animal- to plant-based foods, addressing increased interest in pulses due to their higher protein contents when compared to most cereals. The book provides comprehensive coverage of a wide range of knowledge related to pulses, from breeding approaches and market landscapes to extraction and fractionization, post- treatments for improved ingredients, their nutritional and compositional qualities, advances in testing methods, and their potential industrial applications in food and pet food. With its inclusion of problems/solutions and issues-focused insights, the book's content is valuable for immediate application and for inspiring additional research. The book offers the food industry and researchers the necessary insights to know the latest developments and emerging uses of pulse ingredients. As pulses have high adaptability, versatility, and offer potentially significant contributions to the human diet and pulse ingredient flours, proteins, fibers, and starches, they are increasingly being used in food formulations, hence this book covers the topic with a wide breadth of knowledge. Challenges, including taste, color, bite, mouthfeel, and texture are also covered for innovative products.
  • Challenges and Trends in Food Safety

    Contamination, Public Health, and Control Measures
    • 1st Edition
    • João Miguel Rocha + 3 more
    • English
    Challenges and Trends in Food Safety: Contamination, Public Health, and Control Measures provides a comprehensive review of the most recent available knowledge about microbiological, chemical and physical risks associated with food consumption. The book also provides a useful future outlook of new trends, and advanced and novel technologies for ensuring food safety and food security. Divided into five sections, the title covers the systems leading to food contamination, food science in service of food security and public health in the first section. Biological hazards and threats for food safety and effective control measures are covered in the second section, while the third one discusses the chemical hazards of food and effective control measures. The fourth section covers physical hazards of food and effective control measures and the final section brings practical solutions, future trends and advanced technologies for ensuring food safety. Edited by a team of experts in the field of Food Safety, Microbilogy and Defense, this book is an ultimate reference, serving as a guide to elaborate on food contamination from various aspects.
  • Fish Feed Formulation with Agroindustrial Wastes and Byproducts

    • 1st Edition
    • Hrudayanath Thatoi + 3 more
    • English
    Fish Feed Formulation with Agroindustrial Wastes and Byproducts provides a comprehensive examination of various agrodindustrial wastes and byproducts, detailing their nutritional composition, processing techniques, and potential applications in fish feed formulation. Readers will gain valuable insights into the diverse range of alternative feed ingredients available, allowing them to make informed decisions regarding ingredient selection and formulation strategies. Written and edited by a diverse team of aquaculture specialists, this book includes practical case studies to provide readers with concrete illustrations of how agroindustrial wastes can be effectively utilized in commercial aquafeed production.Sections delve into future perspectives and research directions in the field of fish feed formulation with agroindustrial byproducts, offering readers a glimpse into emerging trends, technological advancements, and opportunities for innovation. This book will assist readers in staying abreast of the latest developments, anticipating future challenges and opportunities in aquafeed production, and positioning themselves to adapt and thrive in an ever-evolving industry landscape.
  • Artificial Intelligence and the Water-Energy-Food Nexus

    Innovations for Sustainable Resource Management
    • 1st Edition
    • Ali Fares
    • English
    AI and the Water-Energy-Food Nexus: Innovations for Sustainable Resource Management is a groundbreaking exploration of how AI transforms the management of our planet's most vital resources. The book's chapters provide an in-depth analysis of the intersections of AI and the FEW Nexus, including the critical need for sustainable farming practices, water conservation, and energy efficiency. Contributing authors are experts from around the globe who offer practical solutions, case studies, and cutting-edge technologies like digital twins, machine learning, and hyperspectral imaging to optimize resource management.Specific topics include enhancing poultry production and the predictions of crop yields and post-harvest processing, while also dealing with FEW security in sub-Saharan Africa. Additionally, the book covers various topics that showcase AI's potential to boost agricultural productivity, mitigate climate change, and promote food security. This book's content covers ethical considerations, interdisciplinary collaboration, and the integration of AI into real-world practices. This book is a reference for researchers, policymakers, and industry leaders interested in sustainable development and resource management.
  • Insect Proteins as Sustainable Food Ingredients

    Nutrition, Processing and Consumer Acceptance
    • 1st Edition
    • Ronghai He
    • English
    In the quest for sustainable food solutions alternative to traditional proteins, insects are emerging as a compelling option. Insect Proteins as Sustainable Food Ingredients: Nutrition, Processing and Consumer Acceptance, explores the nutritional composition of various insect species from around the world such as the black soldier fly, cricket, mealworm and silkworm, and sheds light on their high protein, low-carbon, low emission, sustainable environmental benefits while providing insight into nutrition and health. With consumers more likely to eat processed insect products rather than whole body insects, Insect Proteins as Sustainable Food Ingredients: Nutrition, Processing and Consumer Acceptance, examines insect protein extract as a raw materials and how it can significantly reduce consumers’ negative perception of insects as a food source. Experts in the filed introduce readers to the production and processing of insect protein flours, concentrates, isolates and hydrolysates and highlight the defatting, grinding, purification, drying and extraction technologies for insect proteins to be used for product innovation. Also addressed are flavor and sensory properties and ways to measure consumer acceptance of insect-based products. The book concludes by reviewing potential safety and allergy concerns and provides suggestions on how to establish a food safety regulatory framework.