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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.

    • Spider Systematics and Taxonomy

      • 1st Edition
      • Dimitar Dimitrov + 1 more
      • English
      In the last decade or so, a large number of new spider species have been discovered and described, and many genera and families have been revised. Yet, a single comprehensive resource has been lacking to update spider taxonomy. Spider Systematics and Taxonomy aims to present these major developments in the field, as well as to show how technological advancements have driven these changes. Spider groups covered in most detail are those which have recently seen the most significant discoveries and changes. Later chapters highlight the impact of recent technological developments on our knowledge of spider taxonomy, with topics including phylogenomics, artificial intelligence, and novel imaging technologies. Finally, an outlook on future priorities for spider taxonomy research as well as expected developments will be explored.Spider Systematics and Taxonomy is a valuable reference with illustrations and vivid photographs included throughout to showcase spider diversity and relationships. This will serve as a key resource for arachnology researchers, graduate and postgraduate students wishing to come up to date on the latest advances in the field. Researchers in adjacent fields and those working in taxonomy generally will also benefit from this work.
    • Advances in Sheep Welfare

      • 2nd Edition
      • Drewe Ferguson + 3 more
      • English
      Advances in Sheep Welfare, Second Edition provides a detailed reference on advancements in sheep welfare. The book contains the most current knowledge on breeding practices, animal affective states, management strategies, farming and production practices, and the role of society and consumers in shaping the welfare debate. In addition to updating all chapters from the previous edition, completely new chapters are included on behavioral assessments of sheep welfare, the impact of climate change, and drivers of change for sheep producers. Stakeholders across the wool, dairy, and sheep meat supply chains will also benefit from this resource.The book brings together a team of international experts to create the definitive resource on sheep welfare. It will serve as a key reference for researchers, instructors, and students at the post-graduate level who are interested in animal agriculture, especially those who study sheep and issues of animal welfare.
    • Resource Evaluation and Deep Processing of Edible Insects

      • 1st Edition
      • Jun Wang + 2 more
      • English
      Resource Evaluation and Deep Processing of Edible Insects presents the latest progress in the processing, analysis, and application of edible insect resources, mainly focusing on the resource evaluation and deep processing methods to retrieve valuable products from the constituents of the by-products of edible insects. The book combines discursive chapters that bring the latest in resource evaluation, with discussions on novel extraction techniques, biological approaches, microbial transformations, green chemistry and microfluidic technologies. It also covers analytical and biological systems, step-by-step and readily reproducible biological and chemical protocols for analyzing edible insect resources.Edible insect resources as raw materials for the food industry for sustainability are also outlined in this book. These techniques support the latest progress in cross-disciplinary research that integrates the different scales of biotechnological and biological complexity. Edited by a team of experts in the field, this book is an excellent resource for researchers with a background in biotechnology, biological and chemical engineering, agriculture, and food chemistry, and covers a broad range of topics in agriculture sustainability and food production.
    • Aquatic Food Webs in the Anthropocene

      Impact of Stressors of Emerging Concern
      • 1st Edition
      • Mirco Bundschuh
      • English
      Aquatic Food Webs in the Anthropocene: Impact of Stressors of Emerging Concern addresses a variety of anthropogenic factors and their impacts on aquatic food webs. It provides readers with an overview of cutting-edge research on known and emerging anthropogenic drivers of trophic transfers in aquatic ecosystems, bringing diverse topics together to offer new perspectives on food web dynamics. Each chapter has been written by a leading expert on the pollutant or stressor in question, ensuring global coverage of emerging contaminants, light pollution, pesticides, wastewater, brownification, salinization, changing temperatures, invasive species, and their relative impacts to aquatic food webs. The concluding chapter discusses the applications of emerging research covered in this work, including the potential for effective resource management and restoration of food webs under stress. Aquatic Food Webs in the Anthropocene: Impact of Stressors of Emerging Concern provides a critical reflection on current knowledge of how anthropogenic drivers affect aquatic food webs. It is a unique resource for researchers, academics, and the wider set of stakeholders that deal with aquatic community ecology. This book is an indispensable “go-to” resource for those who would like to develop and refresh their knowledge on aquatic ecology and food web dynamics and drivers.
    • Algae Classification and Species

      • 1st Edition
      • Pau Loke Show + 3 more
      • English
      Algae Classification and Species delivers a detailed overview of freshwater and marine algal diversity. It provides an essential introduction to the study of phycology with broad applications in diverse biological and biotechnological fields. Written and edited by a global team of experts in the field of phycology, this book is organized according to major algal taxa, including green, red, and brown macroalgae, benthic and planktonic algae, blue-green algae, diatoms, cyanobacteria, and microalgae. Chapters are structured to provide readers with a sweeping understanding of the breadth of marine algae, including their principal characteristics, evolution, phylogeny, distribution, preservation, and more.This book is designed to provide a complete, legible review of algal diversity. It is a valuable resource for researchers, biotechnologists, and students interested in developing their understanding of basic algal biology.
    • Cutting-Edge Technology for Plant Metabolite Profiling in Drug Discovery and Quality Control

      • 1st Edition
      • Ramesh Kumar Ahirwar + 4 more
      • English
      Cutting-Edge Technology for Plant Metabolite Profiling in Drug Discovery and Quality Control presents an in-depth overview of innovative approaches in plant metabolomics, focusing on their practical integration into industry. The book examines advanced techniques such as metabolic engineering, metabolite imaging, NMR analysis, microfluidics, and computational bioinformatics. These methods are crucial for identifying and optimizing bioactive compounds in plants, reflecting the growing demand for natural products and plant-derived therapeutics. Through detailed case studies, readers gain insight into real-world applications and scenarios, making this resource invaluable for professionals aiming to enhance accuracy and efficiency in metabolite profiling.In addition to pharmaceutical applications, the book explores the use of plant metabolomics in crop improvement, archaeological studies, cosmetic development, and food quality assurance. It offers a multidisciplinary perspective, highlighting the significant impact of plant metabolites across sectors such as molecular and cellular biology, biotechnology, and biochemistry. Specialists in pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals, cosmetics, and agriculture will find this comprehensive guide essential for staying abreast of the latest advances and understanding the broad implications of plant metabolite research.
    • Starch Conjugates

      Properties and Applications
      • 1st Edition
      • Aayushi Deepak Kadam + 1 more
      • English
      Starch Conjugates: Properties and Applications a volume in the Applications of Starches in Food and Packaging Series, compiles the latest research findings, methodologies, and case studies of starch conjugates synthesis techniques and applications across different industries, such as Food, Agriculture, Pharmaceutical, and Biomedical Engineering. The book brings detailed analysis and practical insights into the synthesis, characterization, and utilization of starch conjugates, ultimately fostering innovation and an eco-friendly alternative to conventional materials, driving advancements in materials science and technology. Practical case studies and real-world examples offer practical guidance to researchers and industry professionals, aiding them in developing and implementing starch conjugate-based solutions. The book also serves as a problem-solving resource for those facing challenges in utilizing starch conjugates, offering strategies, best practices, and expert advice to overcome obstacles and optimize outcomes. With contributions from experts across various disciplines, the book provides an interdisciplinary perspective, fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange among researchers and professionals from different backgrounds.
    • Non-Native Species

      Understanding the Impacts on Ecosystems and Societies
      • 1st Edition
      • Andrei Alyokhin
      • English
      Presently, virtually no areas on Earth remain sheltered from the arrival and establishment of non-native plants, insects, and animals, in large part due to human activities. Failure to address this issue may have dire consequences, including disruption of vital ecological processes, loss of agricultural, forestry, and fishery resources, and even serious disease epidemics within human populations. At the same time, most non-native species are not invasive, and attempts to eradicate them may themselves result in environmental, economic, and even social damage. Non-Native Species: Understanding the Impacts on Ecosystems and Societies provides a comprehensive introduction to the issues surrounding invasion biology, which is a prominent, but sometimes controversial, area of applied biology. It will cover the mechanisms of natural and human-mediated biological invasions, their consequences from ecological, economic, political, and ethical perspectives, and discuss management options available for prevention and/or mitigation of the negative impacts of invasive species.Written by an entomologist who studies invasive insects and plants and has spent over 20 years teaching a course on biological invasions, Non-Native Species: Understanding the Impacts on Ecosystems and Societies offers anecdotes, insights, and case studies from the author’s own work and research. This book is an ideal reference for early career researchers with an interest in invasion ecology, or an ideal course companion for students at the undergraduate and graduate levels enrolled in courses on invasive species, non-native species, or biological invasions, particularly those who plan to major, minor, or concentrate in entomology.
    • Geomicrobiology of Río Tinto

      A Terrestrial Mars Analogue
      • 1st Edition
      • Ricardo Amils
      • English
      Geomicrobiology of Río Tinto: A Terrestrial Mars Analogue provides the most detailed biological and geological characterizations of one of Earth's best terrestrial Mars analogues. The acidic waters of Río Tinto and the high metal content of its sediments have given rise to a unique biodiversity. Understanding the geochemical and mineralogical conditions that have shaped the evolution of these extremophiles is essential to guiding the selection of sites for meaningful missions to Mars. Edited by a renowned astrobiologist with contributions from global experts with applied experience in Mars exploration missions, this book is systematically structured for a wide audience. Sections delve into the physical characteristics and biological diversity of Río Tinto, its suitability as a terrestrial Mars analogue, and the fundamentals and applications of geomicrobiology. Geomicrobiology of Río Tinto: A Terrestrial Mars Analogue provides its interdisciplinary audiences with the fundamentals to understand the paleontological record of the system, the diversity existing in its water column, the biological activities responsible for its extreme conditions, and their biotechnological applications and relevance to future exploration missions to the red planet. This is an essential read for astrobiologists, aquatic biologists, geomicrobiologists, paleontologists, and biotechnologists alike.
    • Plant Proteins

      Nutritional Aspects and Processing Applications
      • 1st Edition
      • Nisar Ahmad Mir + 1 more
      • English
      Plant Proteins: Nutritional Aspects and Processing Applications explores the innovative methods used to extract and refine plant proteins, emphasizing their impact on nutrition, wellness, and new product creation. The book examines a range of advanced techniques—including fermentation, radiation, and ball-milling—that reveal how plant protein structure and functionality can be enhanced. Each process plays a unique role in improving food flavor, texture, and shelf-life. Readers will gain valuable insights into the science behind plant-based proteins, including their role in the development of meat alternatives and their influence on digestive health and the human microbiome.The authors also highlight nano-reduction technology for plant proteins, discussing its potential in delivering bioactive compounds and improving overall health outcomes. Finally, it addresses the growing market demand for sustainable, palatable, and cost-effective plant-based products, which is driving research into both traditional and novel protein sources. With its blend of technical detail and practical application, this resource is essential for anyone interested in the future of plant-based foods and their nutritional benefits.