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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.

  • Threats to Pollinator Abundance and Diversity

    • 1st Edition
    • Scott Elias
    • English
    Threats to Pollinator Abundance and Diversity, the first release in the Pollinators in Peril series, covers the latest research on insect pollinators, the threats to their survival, declining populations, and what conservation actions should be taken. The book demonstrates that most threats to pollinators are either directly or indirectly human-caused, such as chemicals, land alteration, and habitat loss due to agricultural practices, as well as climate change and its many ripple effects. Covering everything from honeybee pathogens to butterfly range changes, this book covers concepts that are both crucial for researchers in entomology, upper-level students, governmental and non-governmental organizations, and adjacent fields.Pollinating insects are among the most crucial species groups on earth. Without them, much of the earth’s vegetation would not survive and the elaborate ecosystems they sustain would collapse. Today, pollinator declines have reached critical levels in most regions of the world.
  • Aquatic Biodiversity

    Theories, Approaches, and Future Directions
    • 1st Edition
    • Bryan L Brown + 1 more
    • English
    Aquatic Biodiversity: Theories, Approaches, and Future Directions reviews the development of metacommunity ecology theory in aquatic systems. The book explores aquatic dispersal as a driver of community biodiversity, patterns, and processes. Considered a relatively new field, metacommunity ecology created a paradigm shift in the field of aquatic ecology by developing a novel, network-based theory that differences in connectivity throughout aquatic systems lead to predictable variations in the mechanisms of assembly for lentic and lotic communities. This book collates the cutting edge conceptual, theoretical, and empirical advancements of the field and its contributions to invasive species management, biomonitoring, and stream restoration.Written and edited by many of the key researchers contributing to the development of the field, this book is systematically structured for easy accessibility by diverse audiences. Introductory sections discuss the importance of spatial structure, dispersal dynamics in aquatic systems, the effects of disturbances, and eco-evolutionary dynamics. Latter chapters apply these theories by describing field experiments in lentic and lotic systems and highlighting the field's applications to stream restoration, invasive species monitoring, urban ecosystem management, and biomonitoring at varying spatial scales.As advancements and refinements to the field of metacommunity ecology develop, Aquatic Biodiversity presents the first compendium establishing its foundational theories and their applications in aquatic ecology. For this reason, it is an indispensable resource for students, researchers, community ecologists, and aquatic resource managers.
  • Marination

    A Novel Technology to Improve the Quality and Safety of Foods
    • 1st Edition
    • Ioannis Savvaidis + 1 more
    • English
    Marination: A Novel Technology to Improve the Quality and Safety of Foods presents the latest developments in marination as a method of intervention in providing an improvement in food quality and assuring the safety of perishable foods. Composed of 12 chapters, the title covers marination types and their applicability in various food types (fish/seafood, meats, plant-based fresh produce, dairy-based products). Besides presenting existing technologies to improve the quality of foods and extend shelf-life, the book also discusses marination as both a preservation technique and a technology to produce novel foods to consumers.Edited by a team of experts in the field, this book is a unique resource for researchers, scientists and industry personnel interested in natural techniques for preserving food and preventing the growth of food pathogens.
  • 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.
  • Nutritional and Health Aspects of Food in Oceania

    • 1st Edition
    • Diana Bogueva + 1 more
    • English
    Nutritional and Health Aspects of Food in Oceania provides an analysis of traditional and ethnic foods from Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Tonga, Hawaii, Samoa, Tuvalu, Solomon Islands, and New Caledonia. The book addresses the history of use, origin, composition, preparation, ingredient origin, nutritional aspects, and effects on health for various foods and food products in each of these countries. In addition, it presents both local and international regulations while also providing suggestions on how to harmonize these regulations to promote global availability of these foods.
  • Beer and Brewing

    Current Advances and Future Outlook
    • 1st Edition
    • Charles W. Bamforth
    • English
    Beer and Brewing: Current Advances and Future Outlook addresses key changes and challenges facing breweries today, and with an eye to the future. The book offers the latest in scientific research and technology for novel methods and ingredients, such as genetically modified yeasts. In response to the climate crisis and consumer demand for sustainable products, information on brewing process changes for lower waste and reduced impact will also be covered. Due to shifting consumer preferences, new product types such as spiked cider, low-alcohol, and alcohol-free beers will be discussed in addition to traditional beer.Edited by a true pillar of the field, the book approaches brewing on the basis of driving forces that are impacting the industry now and into the future. Researchers interested in applied brewing science, skilled small-scale brewers and other industry stakeholders will gain invaluable insight from Dr. Bamforth's latest work.
  • Novel Approaches to Saturated Fat Replacement in Processed Foods

    • 1st Edition
    • Pintu Choudhary + 1 more
    • English
    Novel Approaches to Saturated Fat Replacement in Processed Foods covers strategies to reduce and replace saturated fat without altering the physicochemical, textural, and full-fat sensory attributes of a final product. Beginning by introducing novel replacement fats such as oleogles, designed lipids, and other plant-based fat mimics, the book demonstrate how these tailor-made oils and fats with improved physical and organoleptic properties can enhance the role of fats and oils in food and nutrition. The book highlights the value of healthier replacement fats in bakery, diary, meat, and frying applications while addressing the nutritional profile and health benefits. It concludes with safety aspects around the use of replacement fats, future trends and developments in the category, the impact ingredients high in saturated fats can have on the environment, and insights into the acceptance of plant-based fat alternatives.
  • 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.
  • Oilseeds and Fats

    Trait Improvement, Processing, Properties and Applications
    • 1st Edition
    • Sanju Bala Dhull + 2 more
    • English
    Oilseeds and Fats: Trait Improvement, Processing, Properties and Applications covers recent developments in the areas of oilseeds production practices, breeding, and genetic improvement for sustainable production, with an emphasis on processing technologies and nutrition. The book explores eco-friendly extraction methods, waste reduction techniques, and the potential of using waste by-products for energy production or other applications. Specific sections deal with production, breeding, processing methods, composition, and consumption trends, and then delve into oilseeds and fats origin, composition, and characteristics, as well as the principles and methods involved in processing and refining these resources.Additional sections cover oilseed crops processing, properties, and application, offering insights into the utilization of oilseeds and fats to develop new products that meet consumers' evolving preferences, thus addressing environmental concerns. With increasing awareness of environmental issues and climate change, the book underscores the significance of sustainable practices in the oilseed and fats industry.
  • Exploring Health Benefits of Phenolic Compounds in Food By-Products and Functional Foods

    • 1st Edition
    • Abdur Rauf + 1 more
    • English
    Exploring Health Benefits of Phenolic Compounds in Food By-Products and Functional Foods investigates the diverse sources of bioactive compounds found in various foods and their physiological effects on the human body. This comprehensive volume emphasizes the chemical structures that maximize nutritional benefits, offering insights into how different phenolic compounds can improve health and manage diseases. From fruits and vegetables to marine sources and microbial fermentation, this book highlights new developments in phenolic compounds and functional food research.The book also delves into the functional attributes of ingredients like mushrooms and pomegranates, exploring the potential of flavonoids and antibacterial agents in certain fruits and vegetables to promote healing and overall health. Chapter authors discuss the role of bioactive compounds in areas such as weight management, gut health, sports nutrition, cardiovascular health, and more.