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Elsevier

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.

  • Adhesion in Biological Systems

    • 1st Edition
    • Richard Manly
    • English
    Adhesion in Biological Systems summarizes the knowledge of adhesion in the presence of moisture, a condition required in almost all biological systems. Organized into four parts with a total of 17 chapters, this book begins with the principles of adhesion in biological systems. Then, it describes the various biological adhesives, as well as the adhesives for soft and hard tissues. Scientists in a number of fields, including physics, chemistry, zoology, botany, engineering, medicine, and pharmacy, will benefit from this book.

  • The Structure of Nematodes

    • 2nd Edition
    • Alan F. Bird + 1 more
    • English
    An expanded version of the first edition published in 1971, each section of this second edition has been updated and a new section on nematodes has been added. It is aimed at all workers interested in nematodes irrespective of whether they do research on nematodes that are parasites on animals or plants or free-living in the soil.

  • The Growth of Bulbs

    Applied aspects of the physiology of ornamental bulbous crop plant
    • 1st Edition
    • A Rees
    • English
    The Growth of Bulbs: Applied Aspects of the Physiology of Ornamental Bulbous Crop Plants presents an account of ornamental bulbs as plants and as crops, with emphasis on scientific aspects of bulb growing, bulb treatment, and bulb forcing. While the account is biased towards British bulb growing, it also introduces bulb growing in other parts of the world, especially in the Netherlands, the United States, Israel, and Japan. The book's opening chapter discusses the origins of bulbous plants, how they became important as crop plants, and how the various forms now widely grown had been developed. This is followed by separate chapters on bulb types, structure, morphology, development and periodicity; bulb growth and productivity; flower initiation and differentiation; and the storage of bulbs. Subsequent chapters cover bulb physiology and metabolism, bulb disorders, and bulb pests and diseases. The book concludes with reflections on the form of the plant of the future.

  • Grain Handling and Storage

    • 1st Edition
    • Volume 5
    • G. Boumans
    • English
    Here, for the first time, is a single source of ordered, coherent information about the handling and storage of grain, grain derivatives and substitutes. The author has had a lifetime's experience in this field and the book is the culmination of six years spent compiling the valuable technical information gained from his extensive know-how. The book surveys various techniques and practical engineering options for the study, design, construction, safety, operation and maintenance of grain handling and storage facilities. An extensive bibliography permits direct access to the primary literature and the text is supplemented throughout by numerous illustrations, line drawings and photographs.With its complete and comprehensive coverage and systematic layout, the book provides a wealth of information on the basic technology and the latest developments in this field. It will be welcomed by a wide readership, including general managers, plant and engineers, manufacturers, insurance companies and all technicians and professionals involved in the daily operation, maintenance and safety of such facilities.

  • Biotic Diversity in Agroecosystems

    • 1st Edition
    • D. Pimentel + 1 more
    • English
    The preservation of biodiversity is a high priority among biologists, ecologists and environmentalists. The impact that human activities have on biodiversity is clear; however, few studies have focused on the importance of biodiversity to natural and agricultural ecosystems. In fact, many natural species are essential to sustainable agricultural programs. A new school of thought is appreciating the ecological principles and benefits that diversity of natural biota have for humans and the environment. Landscape ecology and agroecology can play a major role in protecting the environment and conserving biological diversity. The practical opportunities for improving the sustainability of agriculture and making it more environmentally sound were discussed at the Symposium on Agroecology and Conservation Issues, from which 22 papers were collected for this volume. Strategies for increasing biodiversity in agricultural landscapes are provided alongside discussion that agriculture will continue to spread into forests, to meet the growing need for food. Although humans recognize the value of crop and livestock species, few really appreciate the fact that agriculture and forestry cannot function in a productive sustainable way when significant numbers of species in natural biota are lost.

  • Genetic Expression in the Cell Cycle

    • 1st Edition
    • G.M. Padilla
    • English
    Genetic Expression in the Cell Cycle provides an understanding of the molecular mechanisms that govern the expression of genetic information during the cell cycle. The initial five chapters describe the intimate relationships between the supramolecular complexes that form the basic structure of chromatin. Emphasis is placed on the dynamics of cycle-dependent changes in the structural organization of some of these components. Subsequent chapters demonstrate that small nuclear RNAs (SnRNA) are actively involved in gene regulation in eukaryotic cells; discuss the relationship between cell cycle regulation in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae and transcription of ribosomal RNA genes; and describe the use of conditional lethal mutants to study the regulation of the cell cycle of eukaryotic cells. The remaining chapters discuss the concepts and methodologies employed to isolate and study specific cell cycle mutants of S. cerevisiae; the antiproliferative effect of interferon on cultured human fibroblasts; and the role of cell membrane and related subcellular elements in the control of proliferation, differentiation, and cell cycle kinetics.

  • Trickle Irrigation for Crop Production

    Design, Operation and Management
    • 1st Edition
    • Volume 9
    • F.S. Nakayama + 1 more
    • English
    An entirely new agricultural technology, trickle or drip irrigation, began its development in the early 1960's. Initial progress was sporadic even though the advantages in water management with trickle systems were recognized. Operators were reluctant to use the system because of its high initial cost and questions regarding its reliability. Once the main problems were isolated and solutions developed to make the system reliable, rapid acceptance by the growers resulted. Today, trickle irrigation is being used on crops that were earlier considered to be uneconomical. This multi-purpose handbook brings together current knowledge from various engineering and scientific disciplines (crop, hydraulic, irrigation and soil sciences) needed for understanding the trickle irrigation system for crop production. The two dozen contributors are experts on the various subjects, which range from the basic to the more practical aspects of trickle irrigation. Major topics include design, operation and management - with individual chapters covering historical development, emitter construction and clogging, system design, water and salt distribution, automation, water treatment, irrigation scheduling, maintenance, fertilization and salinity.The book greatly expands the scope of research papers, reviews, extension bulletins, and updates earlier text with new information on trickle systems. A multi-disciplinary approach has been taken on a multi-faceted subject. The material contained in the book is the most comprehensive yet developed on the topic. Illustrative sample problems and solutions provide field operators and extension personnel with information needed to install and maintain trickle systems. As it is up-to-date, it is useful as a teaching and reference source for students, manufacturers and irrigation system operators as well as irrigation and crop specialists, and consultants.

  • Trace Gas Emissions by Plants

    • 1st Edition
    • English
    Many trace gases are exchanged between the atmosphere and the biosphere. Although much research has been published on the photosynthetic exchanges of carbon dioxide, oxygen, and water vapor, this book focuses on the importance of biogenic trace gases on atmosphere chemistry and ecosystem stability. Included are methane and its effect on the radiative properties of the atmosphere, hydrocarbons (isoprene and monoterpenes), and their role in the production of ozone and carbon monoxide. Also covered are sulfur and nitrogen gases, both of which can lead to ecosystem acidification. The biochemistry and physiology of production of these and other gases are investigated.Plant physiologists, ecologists, and atmospheric chemists and modelers will benefit from this book.

  • The Genetics Of Altruism

    • 1st Edition
    • Scott Boorman + 1 more
    • English
    The Genetics of Altruism covers the primary findings on social evolution, social trait, and altruism from a population genetics standpoint to establish a system of genetic boxes. It presents an evolutionary question with two faces: Why are there so many social species? Why, in all the diversity of the animal kingdom, are the social species so few? To address the evolutionary question, this book focuses on recognition of the fact that on an evolutionary time, scale genetics must underlie all changes in the capacity for social structure and other aspects of organic evolution. It presents comparative analyses framed in mathematical terms; mathematical concepts as a means of getting outside human, perhaps more generally primate and carnivore; frames of reference; and alternative network combinatorics as a natural basis for comparing social structures that are phylogenetically remote. It also discusses the comparative biology of social behavior on a purely descriptive basis through the social and evolutionary structures emergent. The book concludes by discussing major evolutionary pathways, various kinds of preadaptedness for sociality, and the use of cascade principle to suggest ways in which human evolution may have been a special case. This book is a valuable resource for biologists, social scientists, researchers, students, and all those who want to broaden their knowledge in the field of social behavior and altruism.

  • Physiological Mammalogy V1

    • 1st Edition
    • William Mayer
    • English
    Physiological Mammalogy, Volume I: Mammalian Populations reviews the physiology of mammals, the social use of space of these species, and the reciprocal role of endocrines and populations. The book presents many interesting ideas on the behavior of animals in populations and the effects of grouping of individuals upon the physiology of the organism. It also looks at population growth from an ecological viewpoint, with emphasis on limiting factors of natural populations and population interrelationships. This volume is organized into two chapters and begins with a discussion of formulations developed for the social use of space to determine whether there might be certain optimum group sizes, focusing on relationships that determine the “physiology” of the community. The book also considers the essential nature of particles that make up a social system and how it affects the course of social evolution. The next chapter explores the endocrine adaptive responses of mammals, especially concerning population density, and presents evidence implicating these responses in the regulation of mammalian population growth. This book is a valuable resource for experimentalists working with mammals in the areas of physiology, mammalogy, and ecology, as well as for students and research workers.

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