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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.

  • Insect Endocrinology

    • 1st Edition
    • Lawrence I. Gilbert
    • English
    The publication of the extensive seven-volume work Comprehensive Molecular Insect Science provided a complete reference encompassing important developments and achievements in modern insect science. One of the most swiftly moving areas in entomological and comparative research is endocrinology, and this volume, Insect Endocrinology, is designed for those who desire a comprehensive yet concise work on important aspects of this topic. Because this area has moved quickly since the original publication, articles in this new volume are revised, highlighting developments in the related area since its original publication. Insect Endocrinology covers the mechanism of action of insect hormones during growth and metamorphosis as well as the role of insect hormones in reproduction, diapause and the regulation of metabolism. Contents include articles on the juvenile hormones, circadian organization of the endocrine system, ecdysteroid chemistry and biochemistry, as well as new chapters on insulin-like peptides and the peptide hormone Bursicon. This volume will be of great value to senior investigators, graduate students, post-doctoral fellows and advanced undergraduate research students. It can also be used as a reference for graduate courses and seminars on the topic. Chapters will also be valuable to the applied biologist or entomologist, providing the requisite understanding necessary for probing the more applied research areas.
  • Novel Thermal and Non-Thermal Technologies for Fluid Foods

    • 1st Edition
    • PJ Cullen + 2 more
    • English
    Food processing is the step of the food chain that principally affects a food's physical or biochemical properties, along with determining the safety and shelf life of the product. This book provides a comprehensive overview of innovations in non-thermal technologies specifically for fluid foods, recognized for their high bioavailability of macronutrients and micronutrients. Considerable resources and expertise has been devoted to the processing of safe and wholesome foods. Non-thermal technologies have been developed as an alternative to thermal processing, while still meeting required safety or shelf-life demands and minimising the effects on its nutritional and quality attributes.
  • Biaxial Stretching of Film

    Principles and Applications
    • 1st Edition
    • Mark T. DeMeuse
    • English
    Biaxial (having two axes) stretching of film is used for a range of applications and is the primary manufacturing process by which products are produced for the food packaging industry. Biaxial stretching of film: principles and applications provides an overview of the manufacturing processes and range of applications for biaxially stretched films.Part one reviews the fundamental principles of biaxial stretching. After an introductory chapter which defines terms, chapters discuss equipment design and requirements, laboratory evaluations, biaxial film structures and typical industrial processes for the biaxial orientation of films. Additional topics include post production processing of biaxially stretched films, the stress-strain behaviour of poly(ethylene terephthalate) and academic investigations of biaxially stretched films. Part two investigates the applications of biaxial films including fresh cut produce, snack packaging and product labelling. A final chapter investigates potential future trends for biaxially oriented films and orienting lines.Biaxial stretching of film: principles and applications is a valuable reference tool for a broad spectrum of readers, ranging from polymer and fibre engineers to electrical engineers. It will also be suitable for professionals in the food packaging and paper industries.
  • Lifetime Nutritional Influences on Cognition, Behaviour and Psychiatric Illness

    • 1st Edition
    • D Benton
    • English
    The influence of nutrition on cognition and behaviour is a topic of increasing interest. Emerging evidence indicates that nutrition in early life can influence later mental performance and that diet in later life can reduce cognitive decline. Lifetime nutritional influences on cognition, behaviour and psychiatric illness reviews the latest research into the effects of nutrition on cognition and behaviour across the lifespan and on psychiatric illness.Part one investigates nutritional influences on brain development and cognition including the effects of early diet and the impact of key dietary consistuents including long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids and iron. Part two explores the link between diet, mood and cognition discussing carbohydrate consumption, mood and anti-social behaviour, hydration and mental performance and the neurocognitive effects of herbal extracts, among other topics. Part three examines nutritional influences on behavioural problems, psychiatric illness and cognitive decline, including the role of nutrition in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, vitamin status and psychiatric disorders, antioxidants and dementia, and depression, suicide and fatty acids.With its distinguished editor and international team of expert contributors, Lifetime nutritional influences on cognition, behaviour and psychiatric illness is a valuable reference tool for researchers working on the effects of diet on the brain in both academia and industry and may also appeal to dieticians and nutritionists.
  • Processed Meats

    Improving Safety, Nutrition and Quality
    • 1st Edition
    • Joseph P. Kerry + 1 more
    • English
    In a market in which consumers demand nutritionally-balanc... meat products, producing processed meats that fulfil their requirements and are safe to eat is not a simple task. Processed meats: Improving safety, nutrition and quality provides professionals with a wide-ranging guide to the market for processed meats, product development, ingredient options and processing technologies. Part one explores consumer demands and trends, legislative issues, key aspects of food safety and the use of sensory science in product development, among other issues. Part two examines the role of ingredients, including blood by-products, hydrocolloids, and natural antimicrobials, as well as the formulation of products with reduced levels of salt and fat. Nutraceutical ingredients are also covered. Part three discusses meat products’ processing, taking in the role of packaging and refrigeration alongside emerging areas such as high pressure processing and novel thermal technologies. Chapters on quality assessment and the quality of particular types of products are also included. With its distinguished editors and team of expert contributors, Processed meats: Improving safety, nutrition and quality is a valuable reference tool for professionals working in the processed meat industry and academics studying processed meats.
  • Agronomy and Economy of Black Pepper and Cardamom

    The “King” and “Queen” of Spices
    • 1st Edition
    • K.P. Prabhakaran Nair
    • English
    Known as the "King" of spices, black pepper (Piper nigrum L.) and the "Queen" of spices, cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum M.), both perennial crops of the tropics, are the most important and most widely sought after spice crops of the world. They both have many uses, for example, both are used as flavourings and as a medicine. This book provides a comprehensive review of these two very important spice crops, covering origin, history, geographical distribution, production, economy and their uses.
  • Fish Physiology: Homeostasis and Toxicology of Non-Essential Metals

    • 1st Edition
    • Volume 31B
    • English
    Homeostasis and Toxicology of Non-Essential Metals synthesizes the explosion of new information on the molecular, cellular, and organismal handling of metals in fish in the past 15 years. These elements are no longer viewed by fish physiologists as "heavy metals" that kill fish by suffocation, but rather as interesting moieties that enter and leave fish by specific pathways, which are subject to physiological regulation. The metals featured in this volume are those about which there has been most public and scientific concern, and therefore are those most widely studied by fish researchers. Metals such as Ag, Al, Cd, Pb, Hg, As, Sr, and U have no known nutritive function in fish at present, but are toxic at fairly low levels. The companion volume, Homeostasis and Toxicology of Essential Metals, Volume 31A, covers metals that are either proven to be or are strongly suspected to be essential in trace amounts, yet are toxic in higher doses. Metals such as Cu, Zn, Fe, Ni, Co, Se, Mo and Cr. In addition, three chapters in Volumes 31A and 31B on Basic Principles (Chapter 1, 31A), Field Studies and Ecological Integration (Chapter 9, 31A) and Modeling the Physiology and Toxicology of Metals (Chapter 9, 31B) act as integrative summaries and make these two volumes a vital set for readers.
  • Postharvest Biology and Technology of Tropical and Subtropical Fruits

    Mangosteen to White Sapote
    • 1st Edition
    • Elhadi M. Yahia
    • English
    While products such as bananas, pineapples, kiwifruit and citrus have long been available to consumers in temperate zones, new fruits such as lychee, longan, carambola, and mangosteen are now also entering the market. Confirmation of the health benefits of tropical and subtropical fruit may also promote consumption further. Tropical and subtropical fruits are particularly vulnerable to postharvest losses, and are also transported long distances for sale. Therefore maximising their quality postharvest is essential and there have been many recent advances in this area. Many tropical fruits are processed further into purees, juices and other value-added products, so quality optimisation of processed products is also important. The books cover current state-of-the-art and emerging post-harvest and processing technologies. Volume 1 contains chapters on particular production stages and issues, whereas Volumes 2, 3 and 4 contain chapters focused on particular fruit.Chapters in Volume 4 review the factors affecting the quality of different tropical and subtropical fruits from mangosteen to white sapote. Important issues relevant to each product are discussed, including means of maintaining quality and minimising losses postharvest, recommended storage and transport conditions and processing methods, among other topics.With its distinguished editor and international team of contributors, Volume 4 of Postharvest biology and technology of tropical and subtropical fruits, along with the other volumes in the collection, are essential references both for professionals involved in the postharvest handling and processing of tropical and subtropical fruits and for academics and researchers working in the area.
  • Postharvest Biology and Technology of Tropical and Subtropical Fruits

    Cocona to Mango
    • 1st Edition
    • Elhadi M. Yahia
    • English
    While products such as bananas, pineapples, kiwifruit and citrus have long been available to consumers in temperate zones, new fruits such as lychee, longan, carambola, and mangosteen are now also entering the market. Confirmation of the health benefits of tropical and subtropical fruit may also promote consumption further. Tropical and subtropical fruits are particularly vulnerable to postharvest losses, and are also transported long distances for sale. Therefore maximising their quality postharvest is essential and there have been many recent advances in this area. Many tropical fruits are processed further into purees, juices and other value-added products, so quality optimization of processed products is also important. The books cover current state-of-the-art and emerging post-harvest and processing technologies. Volume 1 contains chapters on particular production stages and issues, whereas Volumes 2, 3 and 4 contain chapters focused on particular fruit.Chapters in Volume 3 of this important collection review factors affecting the quality of different tropical and subtropical fruits, concentrating on postharvest biology and technology. Important issues relevant to each specific product are discussed, such as postharvest physiology, preharvest factors affecting postharvest quality, quality maintenance postharvest, pests and diseases and value-added processed products, among other topics.
  • Rice Quality

    A Guide to Rice Properties and Analysis
    • 1st Edition
    • Kshirod R Bhattacharya
    • English
    Rice is a unique and highly significant crop, thought to help feed nearly half the planet on a daily basis. An understanding of its properties and their significance is essential for the provision of high quality products. This is all the more true today as international trade in rice trade has been increasing rapidly in recent years. This important book reviews variability in rice characteristics and their effects on rice quality.After an introduction on rice quality that also explores paradoxes associated with the crop, the book goes on to examine rice physical properties and milling quality. This leads to a discussion of the effects that the degree of milling has on rice quality. The ageing of rice and its cooking and eating quality are investigated in the following chapters before an analysis of the effect of parboiling on rice quality. Later chapters consider the product-making and nutritional quality of rice and investigate speciality rices and rice breeding for desirable quality. The book concludes with an extensive chapter on rice quality analysis and an appendix containing selected rice quality test procedures.With its distinguished author Rice quality: a guide to rice properties and analysis proves an invaluable resource for professionals in the rice industry and researchers and post-graduate students interested in rice.