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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.

  • Kinetics of Soil Chemical Processes

    • 1st Edition
    • Donald L. Sparks
    • English
    The kinetics of reactions in soil and aquatic environments is a topic of extreme importance and interest. To properly understand the fate of applied fertilizers, pesticides, and organic pollutants with time, and to thus improve nutrient availability and the quality of our groundwater, one must study kinetics. This is the first compre
  • Photosynthetic Reaction Center

    • 1st Edition
    • Volume 2
    • Johann Deisenhofer + 1 more
    • English
    The availability of the photosynthetic reaction center's structure at an atomic resolution of less than three angstroms has revolutionized research. This protein is the first integral membrane protein whose structure has been determined with such precision. Each volume of the Photosynthetic Reaction Center contains original research, methods, and reviews. Together, these volumes cover our current understanding of how photosynthesis converts light energy into stored chemical energy.Volume II details the electron transfer process; it is oriented to the physical aspects of photosynthesis. It thus primarily discusses bacterial photosynthesis and model compounds. Volume II features the very complex and rapidly evolving issues associated with the theory of electron transfer in the bacterial reaction center, and explores picosecond and femtosecond spectroscopy. This volume also covers holeburning spectroscopy; primary events of bacterial photosynthesis with emphasis on the application of large, external electric fields designed to manipulate and probe mechanisms of the initial chemistry; the role of accessory carotenoid pigments; the techniques of infrared spectroscopy and magnetic resonance as applied to photosynthesis; and the interplay between natural and artificial photosynthesis.
  • Honey Bee Pathology

    • 2nd Edition
    • Larissa Bailey + 1 more
    • English
    Since the publication of the first edition of this book in 1982, investigation into the pathology of honey bees has progressed considerably. Furthermore, several different agents of disease, some newly discovered, have been causing increasing concern in recent years in many parts of the world.The book contains separate chapters on viruses, bacteria, fungi, protozoa, mites, nematode and insect parasites, non-infectious diseases, and the treatment of diseases. The contents are a thorough revision of the previous edition and incorporate much new information, especially with respect to viruses, bacteria, fungi, and mites. Specific organisms, such as the mite Varroa jacobsoni and the secondary diseases resulting from its presence, are considered in detail.Knowledge of the subject is central to well-managed beekeeping, an industry that, besides producing honey and wax for man, is increasingly valuable ecologically for pollinating wild as well as cultivated plants. Apart from its value for beekeeping and apicultural research, this book will also be of interest to ecologists, microbiologists, virologists, parasitologists, and general entomologists.
  • An Introduction to Rumen Studies

    • 1st Edition
    • J. W. Czerkawski
    • English
    The rumen is an object of study for many types of biological scientist, from anatomists to microbiologists, and more recently even mathematicians. The developments and use of various experimental techniques have enabled much progress to be made in rumen studies. Several chapters of this book concentrate on these techniques and concepts that stem from their application. Biochemical and microbial interrelationships are dealt with fully, with an emphasis on the integrated nature of the rumen's contents. The book concludes by considering the most fruitful approaches that might lead to a more complete understanding of this complex and efficient organ. Each chapter is a complete unit that can be read and understood without reference to other chapters. A general reading list at the end of each chapter, together with more detailed references, will help to launch the student into any specific area of rumen studies.
  • Intensive Beef Production

    • 2nd Edition
    • T. R. Preston + 1 more
    • English
    Intensive Beef Production, Second Edition focuses on the technologies, methodologies, and approaches involved in beef production, including genetics, breeding, feed utilization, fertility, and growth efficiency. The publication first elaborates on the beef market, carcass composition and quality, and genetic improvement. Discussions focus on breeding systems, correlation between traits, selection for meat production in dairy cattle, body weight and composition, carcass evaluation, consumption, and international trade. The book then examines genotype, physiology of digestion and feed utilization, and beef calf production, including factors controlling feed intake, nitrogen utilization, artificial methods of augmenting fertility, birth weight, calf mortality, and weaning weight. The text takes a look at dairy calf production, breed, sex, and hormones, and growth and efficiency. Topics include energy concentration and source, grain processing, protein, antibiotics, vitamins, growth mechanisms, breed, hormones, breed suitability, and mortality and disease. The book is a valuable reference for researchers interested in beef production.
  • The Biology of the Mollusca

    • 2nd Edition
    • R. D. Purchon
    • G. A. Kerkut
    • English
    Reviews the most important literature on the functional morphology and natural history of molluscs over a period of half a century, from 1925 to the present day, and draws extensively upon authoritative papers published mostly in the English language in a large number of international journals during this period. By these means it is hoped to provide an anthology of what is most interesting in the literature in a number of selected topics. Appendices give some practical assistance for the dissection of selected examples
  • Floral Biology

    • 1st Edition
    • M. Percival
    • English
    Floral Biology attempts to show how floral biologists conduct their experiments and what techniques they employ in floral biology. The techniques employed include those of physics, chemistry, physiology, psychology, genetics, and ecology, and so constitute a broad training in biology that may be useful and acceptable in other fields. Organized into 11 chapters, this book begins with a discussion on sex in flowers; the biology of the floral parts; agencies of pollination; and the pollen, nectar, and nectaries. Some chapters follow on pollination by birds, bats, and insects. The features of entomophilous flowers and isolating mechanisms in flowers are also described. Some hints for students, such as the tools required, how to make them, and a schedule of procedure for examining the floral biology of a species, are given in the last chapter. This book will attract workers, who, armed with the techniques and stimulated by the findings of the investigators, can introduce the floral biology to other fields.
  • Structural and Functional Aspects of Phytochemistry

    Recent Advances in Phytochemistry, Vol. 5
    • 1st Edition
    • V. C. Runeckles + 1 more
    • English
    Recent Advances in Phytochemistry, Volume 5: Structural and Functional Aspects of Phytochemistry covers the proceedings of the 10th Symposium of the Phytochemical Society of North America held in Beltsville College Park, Maryland on October 6-9, 1970. The book discusses the energy conversion in both photooxidation and photophosphorylation reactions of photosynthesis; and advances in phytochrome studies, including the physiological and biochemical characterization of the pigment, the mechanism of action, and the regulation of phytochrome-mediated processes. The text also describes the structure, function, and photocontrolled synthesis of betalains; the chemistry of flavylium salts; and the histochemistry of plants in health and disease. The enzyme reaction to wound injury and parasites, and the evolution of the mechanisms of disease resistance are also considered. The book further tackles herbicide metabolism in plants; the chemistry of tea and tobacco; and the alkaloid biosynthesis of tobacco plants. Botanists, entomologists, and people involved in the study of plant chemistry will find the book invaluable.
  • The Common Agricultural Policy beyond the MacSharry Reform

    • 1st Edition
    • Volume 230
    • C. Folmer + 4 more
    • J. Tinbergen
    • English
    The reform of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) which is now being implemented, reduces the support for a selected number of agricultural products. This book uses welfare theory and applied general equilibrium analysis to assess the medium to long term consequences of this reform, if the new policies remain in place until the beginning of the next century. It analyses the implications of two alternative scenarios: a) a further trade liberalisation covering all commodities; and b) increased protectionism with high prices, constraints on production and export subsidies (financed by the farmers themselves). The study also investigates the implications of financial renationalisation, whereby the European Union member-states would cover the costs of their own support measures.
  • Handbook of Small Animal Oral Emergencies

    • 1st Edition
    • Cecilia Gorrel + 2 more
    • A. T. B. Edney
    • English
    Handbook of Small Animal Oral Emergencies provides a guideline in handling common oral problems among small animals. The book presents both written steps and illustrations of the procedures covered. The first chapter provides an introductory discussion on the coverage of the text. Chapter 2 discusses dental radiography and radiology. Chapter 3 tackles infective conditions, while Chapter 4 deals with soft tissue trauma. Chapter 5 covers traumatic tooth injuries, while Chapter 6 discusses jaw fractures. Chapter 7 tackles malocclusions. The book will be of great use to practitioners of veterinary medicine, especially those who specializes in veterinary dentistry.