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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.

    • Sustainable Agricultural Practices

      • 1st Edition
      • February 23, 2024
      • Ajay Kumar + 2 more
      • English
      • Paperback
        9 7 8 0 4 4 3 1 9 1 5 0 3
      • eBook
        9 7 8 0 4 4 3 2 3 8 5 5 0
      Sustainable Agricultural Practices, a volume in the Plant and Soil Microbiome series, presents foundational information into the successful utilization of different biocontrol agents (especially bacteria and fungi actinomycetes) under field conditions which can help relieve the pressure of overexploitation of synthetic pesticides in agriculture.The need for sustainable advancement in agriculture practices continues to increase. Traditionally, achieving optimum yields of crops has meant farmers continuously using large amounts of chemical fertilizers or pesticides, but the indiscriminate use of these pesticides has adversely affected the environment, nontarget microorganisms, soil textures, and human health. As many microorganisms, including nitrogen-fixing bacteria and cyanobacteria, can be used as bioinoculants, they offer opportunities not only to enhance the crop productivity but also to maintain the natural properties of agricultural soils.Sustainable Agricultural Practices explores the multifaceted benefits derived from varieties of microorganisms existing in different components of the ecosystem, many of which could potentially be employed as probiotics for improved human and livestock health.Researchers seeking to expand their understanding of related fields and students seeking foundational concept coverage will find this volume valuable.
    • Ecophysiology and Ocean Acidification in Marine Mollusks

      • 1st Edition
      • August 10, 2024
      • Youji Wang
      • English
      • Paperback
        9 7 8 0 4 4 3 1 5 9 3 8 1
      • eBook
        9 7 8 0 4 4 3 1 5 9 3 9 8
      Ecophysiology and Ocean Acidification in Marine Mollusks: From Molecule to Behavior provides an extensive overview of the latest research on the various ecophysiological effects of ocean acidification on marine mollusks. This book synthesizes historical information and recent findings on the effects of environmental change, ocean warming, and acidification on key mollusks and their life-history. It also discusses the underlying mechanisms underpinning the effects of ocean warming and acidification. Written by internationally recognized experts in the field of marine biology, this book systematically examines the effects of ocean acidification on the reproduction, growth and development, physiological metabolism, immunity, and behavior of marine mollusks.The book concludes by discussing the implications of current research, acknowledging data limitations in the field, and proposing future research directions, providing a better understanding of the potential impacts of ocean acidification on mollusks and the global aquaculture industry and inspiring new thinking for future research practices. It will be an indispensable resource for researchers, practitioners, undergraduate and graduate students, conservationists, and aquaculturists alike who are interested in marine environmental change, ecology, physiology, and marine biology.
    • Functionality of Plant Proteins

      • 1st Edition
      • June 22, 2024
      • Janitha P.D. Wanasundara + 2 more
      • English
      • Paperback
        9 7 8 0 3 2 3 9 1 7 2 1 6
      • eBook
        9 7 8 0 3 2 3 9 8 6 0 8 3
      Functionality of Food Proteins: Mechanisms, Modifications, Methods of Assessment and Applications provides researchers and users of plant-based proteins with the latest developments on their functionality at the molecular and ingredient level, and in food applications. The book discusses the biological, chemical and physical principles behind the techno-functional and nutritional properties of proteins, existing methods of functionality assessment, and protein modification for functional enhancement. With market demand for protein ingredients, several lesser known sources are being utilized to develop new protein ingredients and products, with some intended to replace, partially or wholly, traditional proteins such as egg, milk, meat, soy and vital gluten.Depending on the source and processing into ingredients, the ability of these proteins to satisfy techno-functional and nutritional requirements in the final food product may differ. Science-based knowledge is needed in the area of protein functionality for making decisions along the value chain, from production on the land to processing and formulation.
    • Vertebrate Pattern Formation

      • 1st Edition
      • Volume 159
      • May 8, 2024
      • English
      • Hardback
        9 7 8 0 1 2 8 2 3 4 6 1 7
      • eBook
        9 7 8 0 1 2 8 2 3 4 6 2 4
      Vertebrate Pattern Formation, Volume 159 in the Current Topics in Developmental Biology series, highlights advances in the field, with this volume presenting interesting chapters on timely topics, including Hox genes patterning the vertebrate body, Endodermal patterning, The use of organoids/gastruloid... to understand development, Cell shape and movements controlling development, Neural crest and placodes in vertebrate development, Patterning of the neural tube, Non-canonical Wnt signaling in axial extension, The control of transitions along the main body axis, Emergence of a left-right symmetric body plan in vertebrate embryos, Formation of the vascular system, Generation of patterns in the paraxial mesoderm, and more.
    • Diseases of Bivalves

      • 1st Edition
      • October 9, 2024
      • Roxanna Smolowitz
      • English
      • Paperback
        9 7 8 0 1 2 8 2 0 3 3 9 2
      • eBook
        9 7 8 0 1 2 8 2 0 3 4 3 9
      Diseases of Bivalves: Historical and Current Perspectives is a novel reference covering all known diseases of cultured and fished bivalve mollusks from around the world. Written by a renowned expert in the field of shellfish, the author presents a historical perspective of disease discovery, explaining when and where each disease first occurred and identified to current research findings. This reference describes the infectious agent that causes each disease and environmental conditions that promote infection symptoms and signs of the disease in the host, both as noted in individual animals and in the affected populations, and resultant morbidity and mortality of infected populations. The book offers past and current possible prevention and management methods to control disease in current and projected geographical locations. This is a complete resource for aquatic and veterinary pathologists, aquaculturists, government regulators, disease specialists and researchers, bivalve researchers, and students alike. Diseases include Metazoan Disease, Viral diseases, Fungal Disease, and more.
    • The Microbiological Quality of Food

      • 2nd Edition
      • October 25, 2024
      • Antonio Bevilacqua + 2 more
      • English
      • Paperback
        9 7 8 0 3 2 3 9 1 1 6 0 3
      • eBook
        9 7 8 0 3 2 3 9 1 1 3 1 3
      The Microbiological Quality of Food: Foodborne Spoilers covers the microbiological spoilage of foods, with a focus on the spoilers, the foods themselves, and the signs of spoilage. The book addresses traditional spoilers (filamentous fungi, spore-forming bacteria, yeasts, SSO in fish), as well as some emerging spoilers (Pseudomonas), now recognized as primary targets. Sections also provide a brief overview of important foods (vegetables, milk and dairy products, meat, and fish) and addresses safety and economic loss. Details on the signs of spoilage, how to prevent spoilers, and methods of detecting spoilage and spoilage microorganisms in foods are also presented. This is an authoritative reference for researchers, scientists and students who need to understand microbial spoilage, the impact of biofilm on the quality and safety of many foods, and the implications of biofilm for spoilage and shelf life. Hot topics covered by this book include the possible link between food spoilage and food safety as a consequence of antibiotic resistance spreading all over the world.
    • Hormones and Reproduction of Vertebrates, Volume 4

      • 2nd Edition
      • August 5, 2024
      • David O. Norris + 1 more
      • English
      • Paperback
        9 7 8 0 4 4 3 1 6 0 2 4 0
      • eBook
        9 7 8 0 4 4 3 1 6 0 2 5 7
      Hormones and Reproduction of Vertebrates, Volume 4: Birds is the fourth of five second-edition volumes representing a comprehensive and integrated overview of hormones and reproduction in fishes, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals. The book covers endocrinology, neuroendocrinology, physiology, behavior, and anatomy of avian reproduction. It provides a broad treatment of the roles of pituitary, thyroid, adrenal, and gonadal hormones in all aspects of reproduction, as well as descriptions of major life history events. New to this edition is a concluding assessment of the effect of environmental influences on birds.The initial chapters in this book broadly examine sex determination, reproductive neuroendocrinology, stress, and hormonal regulation as they relate to male and female reproductive structure and function. Subsequent chapters examine hormones and reproduction of specific behaviors, including courtship, mating, parental care, and migration.
    • Microbial Biostimulants for Plant Growth and Abiotic Stress Amelioration

      • 1st Edition
      • June 19, 2024
      • Puneet Singh Chauhan + 2 more
      • English
      • Paperback
        9 7 8 0 4 4 3 1 3 3 1 8 3
      • eBook
        9 7 8 0 4 4 3 1 3 3 1 9 0
      Microbial Biostimulants for Plant Growth and Abiotic Stress Amelioration, the latest release in the Biostimulants and Protective Biochemical Agents series, provides readers with insights into the major role of biostimulants in plant growth and development while under abiotic stress. The term biostimulants is broadly used to reference a group of diverse substances and microorganisms that stimulate life or that promote favorable plant responses. They stimulate natural processes to enhance/benefit nutrient uptake, nutrient efficiency, tolerance to abiotic stress, and crop quality.Many biostimulants improve nutrition and they do so regardless of their own nutrient contents. Further, recently microbe-based biostimulants have emerged as important plant protectors under a range of adverse conditions.
    • Octopus Biology and Ecology

      • 1st Edition
      • May 31, 2024
      • Rui Rosa + 3 more
      • English
      • Paperback
        9 7 8 0 1 2 8 2 0 6 3 9 3
      • eBook
        9 7 8 0 1 2 8 2 0 8 9 4 6
      Octopus Biology and Ecology describes important aspects of the lives of these fascinating animals, including their origin, biogeography, life history, distribution, behaviour, migratory patterns, diet, predators, and parasites. The emphasis is on species in highly variable coastal environments and includes a discussion of the potential threats and unexpected benefits of our changing climate and oceans. Detailed accounts, with many wonderful images in colour, are provided for each of the 21 species selected from around the world, each of which is described by local experts. The final chapter provides a detailed breakdown of research on octopuses and the topic areas in which this field is likely to expand in the future, recognizing in particular the growing importance of research into the effects of global changes. As well as climate change, key areas covered include behaviour and cognition, iEcology and citizen science, bio-robotics, deep-sea research, and culture and welfare.Octopus Biology and Ecology is a veritable mine of information for professional marine biologists and students alike. Octopuses are rapidly becoming a more widely exploited source of protein for human consumption, so it is important that information about their biology and ecology is available to help ensure that their exploitation will be sustainable. This book is therefore essential reading for fishery and aquaculture scientists, conservationists, and resource managers.
    • The Science and Art of Sensory Processing Sensitivity

      • 1st Edition
      • July 25, 2024
      • Bianca P. Acevedo
      • English
      • Paperback
        9 7 8 0 3 2 3 9 9 7 2 7 0
      • eBook
        9 7 8 0 3 2 3 9 9 7 2 8 7
      The Science and Art of Sensory Processing Sensitivity provides an up-to-date and novel scientific perspective on the biologically based Sensory Processing Sensitivity (SPS) trait— which is associated with enhanced awareness, depth of cognitive processing, and heightened responsivity to the environment and other individuals. This second volume by B.P. Acevedo, following “The Highly Sensitive Brain,” takes a scientific perspective on its exploration of SPS, but adds to the existing body of literature on high sensitivity by including an enhanced discussion on the proposed mechanisms linking it with depression, anxiety, and burnout.In addition, this second volume explores SPS’ relationship to other relevant personality traits, such as the Big Five, creativity, and sensation seeking; and sheds light on how their varying combinations give rise to different outcomes for highly sensitive persons (HSPs). A unique contribution of this volume is its detailed examination of the role of culture, gender, biology, aging, and the environment (including the workplace) on the expression (or repression) of high sensitivity.Also, unlike previous books, this volume takes a broad perspective on outcomes related to being highly sensitive to shine a light on the non-trivial issue plaguing many HSPs: diminished quality of life, happiness, and well-being. As such, a major contribution of the second volume on the science of SPS, is its extensive description of scientifically-based techniques that might improve the quality of life for those with high SPS.Thus, this volume may appeal to a wide audience, including both HSPs and those in their social network (friends, partners, physicians, parents, educators, and clinicians) who wish to better understand SPS, those with the trait, and how to enhance well-being among the highly sensitive.