Genomic Citizenship
An anthropological study based on ethnographic work in Israel and Qatar explores the relationship between science, particularly genetics, and national identity. Based on ethnographic work in Israel and Qatar, two small Middle Eastern ethnonations with significant biomedical resources, Genomic Citizenship explores the relationship between science and identity. Ian McGonigle, originally trained as a biochemist, draws on anthropological theory, STS, intellectual history, critical theory, Middle Eastern studies, cultural studies, and critical legal studies. He connects biomedical research on ethnic populations to the political, economic, legal, and historical context of the state; to global trends in genetic medicine; and to the politics of identity in the context of global biomedical research. Genomic Citizenship is more an anthropology of scientific objects than an anthropology of scientists or an ethnography of the laboratory. McGonigle bases his untraditional project on traditional anthropological methods, including participant observation. Some of the most persuasive data in the book are from public records, legal and historical sources, published scientific papers, institutional reports, websites, and brochures. McGonigle discusses biological understandings of Jewishness, especially in relation to the intellectual history of Zionism and Jewish political thought, and considers the possibility of a novel application of genetics in assigning Israeli citizenship. He also describes developments in genetic medicine in Qatar and analyzes the Qatari Biobank in the context of Qatari nationalism and state-building projects. Considering possible consequences of findings on the diverse origins of the Qatari population for tribal identities, he argues that the nation cannot be defined as either a purely natural or biological entity. Rather, it is reified, reinscribed, and refracted through genomic research and discourse.
Reconstructing the Past
Reconstructing the Past seeks to clarify and help resolve the vexing methodological issues that arise when biologists try to answer such questions as whether human beings are more closely related to chimps than they are to gorillas. It explores the case for considering the philosophical idea of simplicity/parsimony as a useful principle for evaluating taxonomic theories of evolutionary relationships. For the past two decades, evolutionists have been vigorously debating the appropriate methods that should be used in systematics, the field that aims at reconstructing phylogenetic relationships among species. This debate over phylogenetic inference, Elliott Sober observes, raises broader questions of hypothesis testing and theory evaluation that run head on into long standing issues concerning simplicity/parsimony in the philosophy of science. Sober treats the problem of phylogenetic inference as a detailed case study in which the philosophical idea of simplicity/parsimony can be tested as a principle of theory evaluation. Bringing together philosophy and biology, as well as statistics, Sober builds a general framework for understanding the circumstances in which parsimony makes sense as a tool of phylogenetic inference. Along the way he provides a detailed critique of parsimony in the biological literature, exploring the strengths and limitations of both statistical and nonstatistical cladistic arguments.
Measuring Metabolic Rates
The measurement of metabolic rates is central to important questions in many areas of physiological research. Unfortunately these measurements are anything but straightforward, with numerous pitfalls awaiting both the novice and even the experienced investigator. The original edition of this work, published in 2008, quickly became the principle "how to" manual for the field. It successfully de-mystified the topic, explaining every common variation of metabolic rate measurement. Background information on different analyzer and equipment types allowed users to choose the best instruments for their application. Respirometry equations, normally a topic of terror and confusion to researchers, were derived and described in sufficient detail to facilitate their selection and use. In this new edition, the content has been thoroughly updated and a decade of new literature incorporated. New chapters on room calorimetry, human metabolic measurement, and metabolic phenotyping have also been added. Measuring Metabolic Rates is aimed at experimental biologists, physiologists, and any professional scientist involved with metabolic measurement. This practical handbook will also be of relevance and use to graduate students.
The Origin of Species (Deluxe Library Binding) (Annotated)
The Origin of Species is a work of scientific literature by Charles Darwin which is considered to be the foundation of evolutionary biology. Darwin's book introduced the scientific theory that populations evolve over the course of generations through a process of natural selection. It presented a body of evidence that the diversity of life arose by common descent through a branching pattern of evolution. Darwin included evidence that he had gathered on the Beagle expedition in the 1830s and his subsequent findings from research, correspondence, and experimentation.The Origin of Species attracted widespread interest upon its publication. As Darwin was an eminent scientist, his findings were taken seriously and the evidence he presented generated scientific, philosophical, and religious discussion. Within two decades there was widespread scientific agreement that evolution, with a branching pattern of common descent, had occurred. In the 1930s and 1940s, Darwin's concept of natural selection became central to modern evolutionary theory, and it has now become the unifying concept of the life sciences.
Das ?lteste Gl羹cksspiel
Sex pr瓣gt wesentlich unser Bild einer lebendigen Natur. Entstanden vor Milliarden Jahren, spielt die Sexualit瓣t die Rolle eines Zufallsgenerators, welcher in jeder Generation Erbgut neu zusammenw羹rfelt. Sie gleicht einem R羹ttler, der f羹r die Durchl瓣ssigkeit des Siebes der nat羹rlichen Selektion sorgt. Sex tritt bei jeder Art in einer besonderen, durch ihre evolution瓣re Geschichte und Lebensweise gepr瓣gten Form in Erscheinung. All diesen Formen ist gemeinsam, dass nur das Zusammenwirken zweier Partner erfolgreich sein kann. Dennoch kann aus dieser Kooperation Ungleichheit und heftige Konkurrenz entstehen. Dieses Buch erkl瓣rt dar羹ber hinaus, wieso Sexualit瓣t bei mehrzelligen Lebewesen oft mit Metamorphose, Brutf羹rsorge oder Brutpflege verbunden wird, worin der Unterschied zwischen Arten, Rassen und genetischer Vielfalt besteht, dass Geschlechterrollen und -stereotypen austauschbar sind und worauf es bei der Partnerwahl wirklich ankommt.
Nie Allein Zu Haus
Dieses Buch l瓣sst einen das eigene Zuhause mit anderen Augen sehen.Selbst wenn die B繹den blitzsauber sind und das Haus leer erscheint, sind unsere H瓣user voller Leben. In Nie allein zu Haus stellt uns der Biologe Rob Dunn die fast 200.000 Arten vor, die bei uns zu Hause leben, von den 瓣gyptischen Mehlmotten in unseren Schr瓣nken 羹ber die Kamelgrillen in unseren Kellern bis hin zum Laktobazillus, der auf unseren K羹chenarbeitsplatten lebt. W瓣hrend wir davon besessen sind, unsere H瓣user zu sterilisieren und unsere R瓣ume von der Natur zu trennen, bauen wir unbewusst einen v繹llig neuen Spielplatz f羹r die Evolution. Der neue Lebensraum beeinflusst die Organismen, die mit uns leben, bringt einige dazu gef瓣hrlicher zu werden, und untergr瓣bt gleichzeitig jene Arten, die unserem K繹rper gut tun oder uns helfen, bedrohlichere Organismen in Schach zu halten.
Schnellmethoden Der Lebensmittelsensorik
essentials liefern aktuelles Wissen in konzentrierter Form. Die Essenz dessen, worauf es als "State-of-the-Art" in der gegenw瓣rtigen Fachdiskussion oder in der Praxis ankommt. essentials informieren schnell, unkompliziert und verst瓣ndlichals Einf羹hrung in ein aktuelles Thema aus Ihrem Fachgebietals Einstieg in ein f羹r Sie noch unbekanntes Themenfeldals Einblick, um zum Thema mitreden zu k繹nnenDie B羹cher in elektronischer und gedruckter Form bringen das Expertenwissen von Springer-Fachautoren kompakt zur Darstellung. Sie sind besonders f羹r die Nutzung als eBook auf Tablet-PCs, eBook-Readern und Smartphones geeignet. essentials: Wissensbausteine aus den Wirtschafts-, Sozial- und Geisteswissenschaften, aus Technik und Naturwissenschaften sowie aus Medizin, Psychologie und Gesundheitsberufen. Von renommierten Autoren aller Springer-Verlagsmarken.
Eco-Novel Food and Feed
Innovation is recognized as the key driver of economic growth. Trends in the food industry deal with a permanent need to develop new food products, adjusted to the consumer demands and, in the near future, to the scarcity of food resources. The concepts of sustainable food production and food products as health and wellness promoters, the use of alternative ingredients such as new protein sources, and the use of by-products in designing food or feed formulations according to bioeconomic principles, are current topics that act as driving forces for innovation. Currently, food and feed product development methodologies are generally based on chemical and nutritional properties, complemented with a sensory validation carried out in the final stages of the development process. In the creative process, the food macromolecules are the major players for the creation of relevant food structures such as foams, emulsions, and gels. The development of gluten-free or vegetarian products using alternative proteins and polysaccharides, the use of food industry by-products as sources of these structuring biopolymers, and the structural implications of adding protein and/or fiber-rich healthy ingredients are some of the challenges in creating novel food and feed products. Finally, the consumer attitude towards new food products is a relevant issue for the success of the novelties, and should be considered for close-to-market novel products.
Innovation in Propagation of Fruit, Vegetable and Ornamental Plants
In horticulture, plant propagation plays an important role, as the number of plants can be rapidly multiplied, retaining the desirable characteristics of the mother plants, and shortening the bearing age of plants. There are two primary forms of plant propagation: sexual and asexual. In nature, the propagation of plants most often involves sexual reproduction, and this form is still used in several species. Over the years, horticulturists have developed asexual propagation methods that use vegetative plant parts. Innovation in plant propagation has supported breeding programs and allowed the production of high quality nursery plants with the same genetic characteristics of the mother plant, free of diseases or pests.
Novel Enzyme and Whole-Cell Biocatalysts
The concept of a circular economy relies on waste reduction, valorization, and recycling. Global trends for "green" synthesis of chemicals have positioned the field of enzyme technology and biocatalysis (multi-enzymes and whole-cells) as an alternative for the synthesis of more social- and environmentally-responsible bio-based chemicals. Recent advances in synthetic biology, computational tools, and metabolic engineering have supported the discovery of new enzymes and the rational design of whole-cell biocatalysts. In this book, we highlight these current advances in the field of biocatalysis, with special emphasis on novel enzymes and whole-cell biocatalysts for applications in several industrial biotechnological applications.
Meiofauna Biodiversity and Ecology
Sedimentary habitats cover the vast majority of the ocean floor and constitute the largest ecosystem on Earth. These systems supply fundamental services to human beings, such as food production and nutrient recycling. It is well known that meiofauna are an abundant and ubiquitous component of sediments, even though their biodiversity and importance in marine ecosystem functioning remain to be fully investigated. In this book, the meiofaunal biodiversity trends in marine habitats worldwide are documented, along with the collection of empirical evidence on their role in ecosystem services, such as the production, consumption, and decomposition of organic matter, and energy transfer to higher and lower trophic levels. Meiofaunal activities, like feeding and bioturbation, induce changes in several physico-chemical and biological properties of sediments, and might increase the resilience of the benthic ecosystem processes that are essential for the supply of ecosystem goods and services required by humans. As a key component of marine habitats, the taxonomical and functional aspects of the meiofaunal community are also used for the ecological assessment of the sediments' quality status, providing important information on the anthropogenic impact of benthos.
The Effect of Diet and Nutrition on Postprandial Metabolism
The postprandial period is the metabolic phase that directly follows the ingestion of a meal. This period is critical to the handling of nutrients to feed the body throughout the whole day but it is also a time of challenge for the body's metabolism, which has to be flexible and adaptable regarding the quantity and the quality of the nutrient intake. Changes in postprandial metabolism have been considered to be potential early markers in the pathophysiological course, finally leading to an increased risk of disease development. This book aimed to broaden and add to the research on the importance of postprandial metabolism in nutrition. The book includes literature reviews that cover the broad state of the art of our knowledge about postprandial metabolism, fine original studies of the complex changes in metabolism, and the physiological processes that are considered to drive the onset of pathogenesis. Finally, a series of examples on how nutrient content (especially proteins, sucrose, and lipids) can influence the postprandial metabolism over a wide range of phenomena operating during the postprandial period and how they could contribute to tipping the body towards adverse health processes.
Water Supply and Water Scarcity
This Book includes selected papers that has been published in the Water journal Special Issue (SI) on Water Supply and Water Scarcity. Moreover, an overview of the SI is included. The papers selected for publication in the SI include review and research papers on water history, on water management issues under water scarcity regimes, on rainwater harvesting, on water quality and degradation, and on climatic variability impacts on water resources. Overall, the issue identify and highlight the main challenges in water sector, and particularly in management and protection of water resources and in use of alternative (non-conventional) water resources, especially in areas with demographic change and climate vulnerability in order to achieve sustainable and secure water supply. Furthermore, general guidelines and possible solutions for an improved and sophisticated water management system are proposed and discussed, such as the adoption of advanced technological solutions and practices that improve water-use efficiency and the use of alternative water resources, to address the growing environmental and health issues and to reduce the emerging conflicts among water users.
Behavioral Study of Female Burying Beetles. Influences on Aggressive Behavior
Bachelor Thesis from the year 2016 in the subject Biology - Miscellaneous, grade: 2,0, University of Ulm (Institut f羹r Neurobiologie), language: English, abstract: In this bachelor thesis the behavior of burying beetles (Nicrophorus vespilloides) was further investigated through a detailed behavioral study. In this study fighting videos between N. vespilloides residents (females with larvae and a carcass) and intruders (females without larvae and a carcass) were evaluated. Half of the residents were treated with a FMRFamide solution and the other half there treated with a saline solution (control group). The FMRFamide treatment results in a more aggressive behavior in the females. This reaffirm the role of FMRFamide as an agent which has an influence in triggering aggressive behavior in burying beetles. Aggressive behavior is widespread among animals and crucial for survival and passing on their genes. Aggressive behavior therefore mostly occurs during competition for resources like mating partners, nutrition and territory. Hence the burying beetle Nicrophorus vespilloides also use aggressive behavior to protect its brood. In previous studies the JH III (Juvenile Hormone III) titer in burying beetles could be identified to be causal for brooding behavior and therefore also causal for the increased aggression during breeding time. The regulation of JH titer in insects is unclear to this moment. Peptides with a tetrapeptic ending like FMRFamide have been suggested in the past to play a role in the regulation. Hence the effect of FMRFamide as a potential JH releasing factor also was investigated in burying beetles. This effect could not be confirmed to this date however a correlation between aggression and FMRFamide was found.
The Role of Toll-Like Receptor 4 in Infectious and Non Infectious Inflammation
TLR4 is one of the most important innate immunity receptors, its function mainly consisting in the activation of inflammatory pathways in response to stimulation by Pathogen-Associated Molecular Patterns (PAMPs) and Damage Associated Molecular Pattern molecules (DAMPs). This volume critically reviews the different types of TLR4 activators and inhibitors, discusses the role of molecular aggregates in agonism/antagonism as well as the pivotal role of the CD14 receptor in the modulation of TLR4 signal and the molecular details and actors of the intracellular cascade. The book presents the role of TLR4 in several pathologies, such as sepsis and septic shock caused by receptor activation by gram-negative bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS), in neurodegenerative and neurological diseases such as Parkinson and Alzheimer's diseases, and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). It reviews the role of TLR4 in neural stem cell-mediated neurogenesis andneuroinflammation and in Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells and Cerebral Organoids and discusses the emerging role of micro-RNA (miRNA) regulation by TLR4.
Modulators of Oxidative Stress
The book starts with the editors' preface summarizing the contributions of each of the following thirteen articles dealing with chemical and pharmacological aspects of the molecular modulators of the oxidative stress in regard to various therapeutic approaches in cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases, cancer, and diabetes. The seven articles present data from original research studies enlightening the roles and mechanisms of action of small molecular weight compounds (natural and synthetic; ascorbic acid/vitamin C, deferoxamine, N-acetylcysteine, MitoVitE, α-tocopherol, trolox, and ezetimibe) or proteins (SIRT3) in modulation of oxidative stress. In the six review papers, the authors present and discuss the possible therapeutic potential of novel approaches and compounds that are promising and deserve further investigation, in modulation of oxidative stress.
Diversity of Coral-Associated Fauna
Coral reefs are acknowledged for the beauty of their organisms, which has made this natural ecosystem one of the most appreciated on Earth. It is believed to be the richest in terms of species diversity and species interactions, at least in theory since there is yet much documentation work to be done. Indeed, the paradox is that of the estimated one million species living in this ecosystem globally, only 10% of them have been described. To date, most of the coral reef studies have focused on the most peculiar and fabulous groups, such as corals and fishes, although most of the diversity is usually represented by small, colored, camouflaged, hidden, and crypto organisms from all kingdoms of life. The mystery of their diversity, ecology, biology, and importance in the functioning of coral reefs motivate many scientists to dive, all around the world, in order to discover, name, and appreciate such a fascinating, but unfortunately overlooked, component of nature. This book is a very nice illustration of the charm of the coral-associated fauna.
Protein Engineering
A one-stop reference that reviews protein design strategies to applications in industrial and medical biotechnology Protein Engineering: Tools and Applications is a comprehensive resource that offers a systematic and comprehensive review of the most recent advances in the field, and contains detailed information on the methodologies and strategies behind these approaches. The authors--noted experts on the topic--explore the distinctive advantages and disadvantages of the presented methodologies and strategies in a targeted and focused manner that allows for the adaptation and implementation of the strategies for new applications. The book contains information on the directed evolution, rational design, and semi-rational design of proteins and offers a review of the most recent applications in industrial and medical biotechnology. This important book: Covers technologies and methodologies used in protein engineering Includes the strategies behind the approaches, designed to help with the adaptation and implementation of these strategies for new applications Offers a comprehensive and thorough treatment of protein engineering from primary strategies to applications in industrial and medical biotechnology Presents cutting edge advances in the continuously evolving field of protein engineering Written for students and professionals of bioengineering, biotechnology, biochemistry, Protein Engineering: Tools and Applications offers an essential resource to the design strategies in protein engineering and reviews recent applications.
Degenerative Cervical Myelopathy and the Aging Spine
This Special Issue contains articles discussing various topics surrounding degenerative cervical myelopathy. The Issue begins with an editorial summarizing the various articles, and is followed by an introductory narrative review focusing on past perspectives, present developments, and future directions. The remaining 11 articles involve a variety of topics, ranging from genetic factors to clinical assessments, imaging, sagittal balance, surgical treatment, and outcome prediction.
Drivers and Barriers of Women Entrepreneurs
The number of women entrepreneurs is growing rapidly worldwide, however, women are still less likely than men to start a new business. Two factors influencing this are barriers and drivers, however, the understanding of how their interaction affects women's entrepreneurial intention, specifically across different contexts, is lacking. This study focuses on entrepreneurial intention of women across four different European countries, by adopting both a national and supranational perspective. The analysis is based on the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM) Germany, Poland, Spain, and Sweden 2015 database. Overall the thesis contributes to the literature of entrepreneurship and context and also the understanding of factors influencing women entrepreneurship in Europe.
A Mousetrap for Darwin
In 1996 Darwin's Black Box thrust Lehigh University biochemist Michael Behe into the national spotlight. The book, and his subsequent two, sparked a firestorm of criticism, and his responses appeared in everything from the New York Times to science blogs and the journal Science. His replies, along with a handful of brand-new essays, are now collected in A Mousetrap for Darwin. In engaging his critics, Behe extends his argument that much recent evidence, from the study of evolving microbes to mutations in dogs and polar bears, shows that blind evolution cannot build the complex machinery essential to life. Rather, evolution works principally by breaking things for short-term benefit. It can't construct anything fundamentally new. What can? Behe's money is on intelligent design.
A Mousetrap for Darwin
In 1996 Darwin's Black Box thrust Lehigh University biochemist Michael Behe into the national spotlight. The book, and his subsequent two, sparked a firestorm of criticism, and his responses appeared in everything from the New York Times to science blogs and the journal Science. His replies, along with a handful of brand-new essays, are now collected in A Mousetrap for Darwin. In engaging his critics, Behe extends his argument that much recent evidence, from the study of evolving microbes to mutations in dogs and polar bears, shows that blind evolution cannot build the complex machinery essential to life. Rather, evolution works principally by breaking things for short-term benefit. It can't construct anything fundamentally new. What can? Behe's money is on intelligent design.
Daily Poison
This book is a sound science report about the consequences of pesticides to nature, health and environment.The book shares essential insights into the use of pesticides in agriculture, discusses the politics, rhetoric and profits involved, addresses the potential health and ecological risks of pesticides in our daily lives, and debates possible solutions. Does sustainable agriculture exist, and is agriculture without pesticides possible at all?Moreover, the author gives insight into his scientific work, the set-up of the experiments, and also writes about his very own experiences with the media and press after publication of his studies.For many years, Johann G. Zaller, an ecologist at the University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences in Vienna, and his team, have been researching applied chemicals and their effects on the environment. Their findings, together with relevant literature and media reports, are presented in this book, which offers a unique resource for anyone who wants to know the nature and background of pesticides and how we come into contact with them in our daily lives. Ever ate an apple? Read this book!
Enzymes: A Very Short Introduction
Enzymes are the astonishing, tiny molecular machines that make life possible. Each one of these small proteins speeds up a single chemical reaction inside a living organism many millionfold. Working together, teams of enzymes carry out all the processes that collectively we recognise as life, from making DNA to digesting food. This Very Short Introduction explains the why and the how of speeding up these reactions - catalysis - before going on to reveal how we have evolved these catalysts of such extraordinary power and exquisite selectivity. Paul Engel shows how X-ray crystallography has revealed the complex molecular shapes that allow enzymes to function at an extraordinarily sophisticated level. He also examines medical aspects of enzymes, both in the way faulty enzymes cause disease and in the way enzymes can be used for diagnosis and therapy. Finally, he looks at the many varied ways in which individual enzymes, taken out of their biological context, are used nowadays as tools - in washing powders, food production, waste treatment, and chemical synthesis. ABOUT THE SERIES: The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable.
Lathyrus Sativus and Nutrition
This book addresses the traditional use of a specific crop legume, grass pea (Lathyrus sativus), as a food product and ingredient for typical food products. Grass pea has very interesting nutritional qualities, including an abundance of proteins and peculiar organoleptic properties. As the crop also shows an enhanced resistance to adverse conditions, it is used in many geographical areas as the main ingredient of certain traditional foods. On the other hand, grass pea is questionable as a source of human and animal nutrition because it contains a neurotoxin - β-N-oxalyl-L-α,β-diaminopropionic acid - that is known for its neurological effects. The related disease is referred to as 'neurolathyrism' and occurs when grass pea-based foods are consumed in large quantities. The book is divided into five chapters, the first of which summarizes the chemical and biochemical properties of grass pea and provides nutritional evaluations. The second chapter provides an overview of foods containing Lathyrus sativus around the world, while the third describes Italian foods in detail. The fourth chapter focuses on the problem of neurolathyrism in connection with human nutrition and health. In closing, the fifth chapter sheds light on the historical and traditional food products sector from a food traceability and authenticity standpoint.
Disease Proteomics
Approximately 30,000 genes are functional while other genes in the genome are not expressed. Expressed genes are necessary for proper functioning of all the systems present in humans. Therefore, an approach towards the understanding of expressed genes (i.e. proteins), which is termed as the "proteome" is helpful in understanding all life processes. Proteomics would be very helpful in detailed analyses of diseased states and suitable treatment protocols. Most diseases are detected late, which usually results in less effective treatment. Proteomics would be the best tool for early disease detection and thus accelerating drug development at a higher pace with respect to their dosage and toxicity. There are various methods of disease diagnosis--however, the application of proteomics in disease diagnosis has been given priority due to its ability of identifying important disease markers accurately. This is helpful for faster disease diagnosis, as well as effective therapeutics. This method is based on the protein profiling of diseased and normal tissues/cells and their comparative analyses. It can be directly used by taking biological samples in very small amounts and giving higher throughput with respect to any other known techniques.An overview of important applications of proteomics in disease diagnosis and therapeutics include: Cancer diagnosis and therapeutics; Diagnosis of infectious diseases and treatment; Applications to prognosis; and finally Drug Development.
Biofuels Production - Sustainability and Advances in Microbial Bioresources
This book focuses on the different kinds of biofuels and biofuel resources. Biofuels represent a major type of renewable energy. As part of a larger bio-economy, they are closely linked to agriculture, forestry and manufacturing. Biofuels have the potential to improve regional energy access, reduce dependence on fossil fuels and contribute to climate protection. Further, this alternative form of energy could revitalize the forestry and agricultural sector and promote the increased use of renewable resources as raw materials in a range of industrial processes. Efforts are continuously being made to develop economically competitive biofuels, and microbes play important roles in the production of biofuels from various bioresources. This book elaborates on recent advances in existing microbial technologies and on sustainable approaches to improving biofuel production processes. Additionally, it examines trends in, and the limitations of, existing processes and technologies. The book offers a comprehensive overview of microbial bioresources, microbial technologies, advances in bioconversion and biorefineries, as well as microbial and metabolic engineering for efficient biofuel production. Readers will also learn about the environmental impacts and the influence of climate change on the sustainability of biofuel production. This book is intended for researchers and students whose work involves biorefinery technologies, microbiology, biotechnology, agriculture, environmental biology and related fields.
Drying of Biomass, Biosolids, and Coal
The book provides insight into advanced technologies and knowledge for drying of biomass, bio-solids and coal in terms of improved efficiency, economics and environmental impact. Industrial applications and energy and economic analysis are introduced for different situations.
The Evolutionary Biology of Extinct and Extant Organisms
The Evolutionary Biology of Extinct and Extant Organisms offers a thorough and detailed narration of the journey of biological evolution and its major transitional links to the biological world, which began with paleontological exploration of extinct organisms and now carries on with reviews of phylogenomic footprint reviews of extant, living fossils. This book moves through the defining evolutionary stepping stones starting with the evolutionary changes in prokaryotic, aquatic organisms over 4 billion years ago to the emergence of the modern human species in Earth's Anthropocene. The book begins with an overview of the processes of evolutionary fitness, the epicenter of the principles of evolutionary biology. Whether through natural or experimental occurrence, evolutionary fitness has been found to be the cardinal instance of evolutionary links in an organism between its ancestral and contemporary states. The book then goes on to detail evolutionary trails and lineages of groups of organisms including mammalians, reptilians, and various fish. The final section of the book provides a look back at the evolutionary journey of "nonliving" or extinct organisms, versus the modern-day transition to "living" or extant organisms. The Evolutionary Biology of Extinct and Extant Organisms is the ideal resource for any researcher or advanced student in evolutionary studies, ranging from evolutionary biology to general life sciences.
Advanced Methods in Molecular Biology and Biotechnology
Advanced Methods in Molecular Biology and Biotechnology: A Practical Lab Manual is a concise reference on common protocols and techniques for advanced molecular biology and biotechnology experimentation. Each chapter focuses on a different method, providing an overview before delving deeper into the procedure in a step-by-step approach. Techniques covered include genomic DNA extraction using cetyl trimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) and chloroform extraction, chromatographic techniques, ELISA, hybridization, gel electrophoresis, dot blot analysis and methods for studying polymerase chain reactions. Laboratory protocols and standard operating procedures for key equipment are also discussed, providing an instructive overview for lab work. This practical guide focuses on the latest advances and innovations in methods for molecular biology and biotechnology investigation, helping researchers and practitioners enhance and advance their own methodologies and take their work to the next level.
Digital Agritechnology
Digital Agritechnology: Robotics and Systems for Agriculture and Livestock Production describes how systems acquire and use data in livestock production and agricultural systems, and how researchers can extract and aggregate efficiencies. The origins of digital agritechnology are decades old, with robotic milkers available for over 20 years and GPS-based tractor controls existing for nearly 30. However, only a few capabilities of these sensing and control systems are used. This book addresses the need to educate agriculturists on the full usage scale of these arable and livestock systems.
Chemotherapy and Aquatic Therapeutics
This book deals with different kinds of chemotherapeutants that can be used in the treatment of diseases affecting fish. Note: T& F does not sell or distribute the Hardback in India, Pakistan, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka.
Artificial Intelligence to Solve Pervasive Internet of Things Issues
Artificial Intelligence to Solve Pervasive Internet of Things Issues discusses standards and technologies and wide-ranging technology areas and their applications and challenges, including discussions on architectures, frameworks, applications, best practices, methods and techniques required for integrating AI to resolve IoT issues. Chapters also provide step-by-step measures, practices and solutions to tackle vital decision-making and practical issues affecting IoT technology, including autonomous devices and computerized systems. Such issues range from adopting, mitigating, maintaining, modernizing and protecting AI and IoT infrastructure components such as scalability, sustainability, latency, system decentralization and maintainability. The book enables readers to explore, discover and implement new solutions for integrating AI to solve IoT issues. Resolving these issues will help readers address many real-world applications in areas such as scientific research, healthcare, defense, aeronautics, engineering, social media, and many others.
Combining Human Genetics and Causal Inference to Understand Human Disease and Development
In human genetics, causal inference methods leverage large omics data sets and phenotypic information to decipher various cause-and-effect relationships in human health and disease (e.g., smoking and lung cancer). The focus of such work is typically on modifiable variables (e.g., behavior or environmental exposure) that impact disease onset, progression, and outcome. A better understanding of these variables can lead to interventions and therapeutics that have a desirable impact on public health. Written and edited by experts in the field, this collection from Cold Spring Harbor Perspectives in Medicine examines advances in causal inference approaches in human genetics and how they are being used to enhance our understanding of human development and disease. The contributors discuss family-based study designs for causal inference, including twin designs, adoption designs, and in vitro fertilization designs, that separate inherited factors from perinatal environmental exposures. They also review various types of Mendelian randomization--a population-based approach that is growing in utility and popularity--as well as their integration with family-based designs. The use of these approaches to investigate causal mechanisms in specific scenarios (e.g., maternal smoking during pregnancy and ADHD in offspring) is also covered. This volume is therefore an essential read for geneticists, epidemiologists, and all biomedical scientists and public health professionals dedicated to using genetic information to improve human health.
A Practical Guide to Protein Engineering
This textbook introduces readers in an accessible and engaging way to the nuts and bolts of protein expression and engineering. Various case studies illustrate each step from the early sequence searches in online databases over plasmid design and molecular cloning techniques to protein purification and characterization. Furthermore, readers are provided with practical tips to successfully pursue a career as a protein engineer. With protein engineering being a fundamental technique in almost all molecular biology labs, the book targets advanced undergraduates and graduate students working in molecular biology, biotechnology and related scientific fields.
Heat Stress In Food Grain Crops - Plant breeding and omics research
Heat Stress In Food Grain Crops: Plant Breeding and Omics Research is a timely compilation of advanced research on heat stress affecting crop yield, plant growth & development of common food grain and cereal crops. Chapters in the book cover several aspects of crop science including the identification of potential gene donors for heat tolerance, physiological mechanisms of adaptation to heat stress, the use of conventional and modern tools of breeding for imparting tolerance against terminal temperature stress and precise mapping of heat tolerant QTLs through biparental and genome wide association mapping. The use of genomics and phenomics methods is focused on through chapters dedicated to important crops such as groundnut, pearl millet, maize, chickpea, mungbean and wheat. Authors of the respective chapters explain the importance of harnessing a diverse crop genepool for sustaining crop production under conditions of increasing heat stress. Readers will be able to understand the relevance of functional genomics in elucidating candidate genes and their regulatory functions contributing to heat tolerance.
The Origin of Species (Royal Collector’s Edition) (Annotated) (Case Laminate Hardcover with Jacket)
The Origin of Species is a work of scientific literature by Charles Darwin which is considered to be the foundation of evolutionary biology. Darwin's book introduced the scientific theory that populations evolve over the course of generations through a process of natural selection. It presented a body of evidence that the diversity of life arose by common descent through a branching pattern of evolution. Darwin included evidence that he had gathered on the Beagle expedition in the 1830s and his subsequent findings from research, correspondence, and experimentation.The Origin of Species attracted widespread interest upon its publication. As Darwin was an eminent scientist, his findings were taken seriously and the evidence he presented generated scientific, philosophical, and religious discussion. Within two decades there was widespread scientific agreement that evolution, with a branching pattern of common descent, had occurred. In the 1930s and 1940s, Darwin's concept of natural selection became central to modern evolutionary theory, and it has now become the unifying concept of the life sciences.
Biodiversity Differences between Young and Historically Old Steppe Grasslands in Thuringia
Master's Thesis from the year 2012 in the subject Biology - Miscellaneous, grade: 1,3, University of G繹ttingen, language: English, abstract: Generally there are only few studies that focus on the interrelation of species composition, habitat properties and indicator species of young and old grasslands, and the few existing oftentimes have contradictory findings. This is surprising, as decision-makers are oftentimes forced to concentrate efforts on areas of highest conservation value due to financial restrictions. In this study, we assumed that habitat age and land-use history have verifiable effects on the present vegetation community. We analyzed a total of 14 study sites at the southern slopes of the Kyffh瓣user Mountains, at the northern border of the federal state of Thuringia, Germany. The area is renowned for its richness in fauna and especially flora, constituting the western-most outpost of Eurasian steppic grasslands. The study area was analyzed with the help of historical maps, post-war aerial survey photographs and presentstate orthophotographs. For each study site 12 relev矇s, 6 on historically old and 6 on relatively young grasslands on former arable land were conducted. A total of 88 environmental variables ranging from Ellenberg Indicator Values, orographic and edaphic conditions, soil contents and properties, to species inherent traits, were tested for their power to explain the observed occurrence and abundance patterns. Results clearly show that land use history and habitat age has a significant effect on species composition. Concordantly, an Indicator species analysis identified 28 indicator species for old and 21 for young calcareous grasslands. Most significant differences between the two groups were the Ellenberg Indicator Values for moisture and nutrients for the occurring species, which were much higher for young sample sites. Accordingly, there was a higher proportion of ruderalists on grasslands of younger age, while old patches were domin
The Angel and the Assassin
A thrilling story of scientific detective work and medical potential that illuminates the newly understood role of microglia--an elusive type of brain cell that is vitally relevant to our everyday lives. "The rarest of books: a combination of page-turning discovery and remarkably readable science journalism."--Mark Hyman, MD, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Food: What the Heck Should I Eat? NAMED ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR BY WIRED Until recently, microglia were thought to be helpful but rather boring: housekeeper cells in the brain. But a recent groundbreaking discovery has revealed that they connect our physical and mental health in surprising ways. When triggered--and anything that stirs up the immune system in the body can activate microglia, including chronic stressors, trauma, and viral infections--they can contribute to memory problems, anxiety, depression, and Alzheimer's. Under the right circumstances, however, microglia can be coaxed back into being angelic healers, able to make brain repairs in ways that help alleviate symptoms and hold the promise to one day prevent disease. With the compassion born of her own experience, award-winning journalist Donna Jackson Nakazawa illuminates this newly understood science, following practitioners and patients on the front lines of treatments that help to "reboot" microglia. In at least one case, she witnesses a stunning recovery--and in others, significant relief from pressing symptoms, offering new hope to the tens of millions who suffer from mental, cognitive, and physical health issues. Hailed as a "riveting," "stunning," and "visionary," The Angel and the Assassin offers us a radically reconceived picture of human health and promises to change everything we thought we knew about how to heal ourselves.
The Biotech Revolution
This book draws attention to one of the most groundbreaking scientific advances of the twentieth century-James Watson's seminal report on the structure of DNA. Based on his extensive experience in discovery research, the author shows how American scientists used information revealed in Watson's report to 'crack' the genetic code, sequence the human genome, and spin-off an industry that propelled America to a position of global leadership in science and technology. The narrative Illustrates how dominance in Biotech forced America's colleges and universities to embrace a new paradigm for training the next generation of scientific innovators. In addressing this challenge, the author provides an historical perspective on the development of the American education system; highlights the struggles that Blacks faced to integrate that system; and identifies actions that could be taken to strengthen and expand Americas science education pipeline. The narrative concludes with a discussion of the negative impact that increasing tuition costs and escalating debt are having on student enrollment. The author believes that the proliferation of online courses at some colleges and universities is an attractive options for students to access degree offerings at lower costs.
Das Artensterben im Anthropoz瓣n. Historische Ursachen und aktuelle Einflussfaktoren
Studienarbeit aus dem Jahr 2019 im Fachbereich Biologie - Evolution, Note: 1,0, AKAD University, ehem. AKAD Fachhochschule Stuttgart, Sprache: Deutsch, Abstract: Gibt es zurzeit tats瓣chlich ein weltweites Artensterben und haben in der Vergangenheit schon 瓣hnliche Ereignisse stattgefunden? Welche Faktoren haben zum aktuellen Ereignis gef羹hrt? Dieser Text befasst sich mit dem sechsten gro?en Artensterben in der Erdgeschichte und vergleicht dessen Ursachen mit den historisch belegten vorangegangenen. Anschlie?end wird in diesem Zusammenhang der Einfluss des Menschen untersucht. Im Rahmen eines aktuellen Berichtes warnt der Weltbiodiversit瓣tsrat der Vereinten Nationen vor einem rapiden Zunehmen des Artensterbens. Seit 1900 sei die Anzahl an Arten in Landlebensr瓣umen um etwa 20% zur羹ckgegangen. Derzeit seien von weltweit acht Millionen entdeckten Tier- und Pflanzenarten rund eine Million vom Aussterben bedroht. Dies entspricht einem prozentualen Anteil von 12,5%. Von 5,9 Millionen an Land lebenden Arten kann eine halbe Million nicht auf Lebensraum zugreifen, der f羹r das langfristige ?berleben erforderlich ist. Besonders betroffen sind davon Amphibien und Korallen, bei denen 羹ber 40% respektive 33% derzeit vom Aussterben bedroht sind. Auf Basis dieser Daten liegt der Verdacht nahe, dass sich auf diesem Planeten momentan ein umfassendes Massensterben abzeichnet. Durch Fossilienfunde ist nachweisbar, dass das Aussterben einer Art ein nat羹rlicher Prozess und unabdingbares Resultat aus Darwins Evolutionstheorie darstellt. Das pl繹tzliche Verschwinden vieler Arten zum gleichen Zeitpunkt mischt jedoch die Karten des Lebens auf diesem Planeten neu. Vorherrschende Arten verschwinden, neue Arten nehmen deren Position ein. Als Beispiel ist hier das Aussterben der Dinosaurier mit dem anschlie?enden Aufstieg der S瓣ugetiere zu nennen.
Veterinary Diagnostic Microbiology Procedures
Effective veterinary services consist of four fundamental components, namely human and material resources; technical authority and capability; integration with concerned parties; and the ability to access available markets. Nonetheless, the national livestock resource has been curtailed by poor veterinary infrastructure, high prevalence of animal diseases and poor investments in veterinary professionals. The situations have been worsened especially by the fiscal challenges which have been successively limiting the effective provision of the veterinary services. Beside the poor investments in the veterinary professional lack of motivation, updated training and laboratory procedures have been observed. Veterinary diagnostic microbiology helps laboratory technologists and veterinarians to understand the way to collect, package, transport, submit and process the microbiological samples of different origin to diagnose and identify the etiological agent causing the disease and give solutions for the cases identified.
Biochemistry at First Glance
This book is specially for students just beginning to discover the world of biochemistry. The most unique thing for the budding inquisitive mind is to look at the cell and discover its minute details ranging from macromolecules and their structures from simple to complex, to organelles and the specificities or function they perform.The simple steps that must be taken is to learn these macromolecules from their cool monomer units to their polymer units and the reactions they perform.The "young" biochemist is encouraged to see for the first time, that the so called complex molecules are actually easy and pleasant to learn. You are hereby encouraged to go on this journey and hopefully look forward to the pathways of metabolism which are a reflection of the monomer units otherwise learnt.
Bioethanol Fuel Production Technology
Sequel to the global decline in supply and rise in fossil fuel prices, such imminent irresistible impacts of combustion of fossil fuel as global warming and change in climatic conditions to mention but few, a progressive shift and change in the way of harnessing energy is imminent in both developed, developing and under developed countries. Of this is the shift to eco-friendly ways that satisfy carbon neutral policy.Bioethanol as fuel substitute for mobile cars and engines that work on petroleum is one of those eco-friendly energy sources that holds promise for the future. This books is an engaging rich enchiridion and a guide to a successive production covering both production processes, economics, technologies, refining and prospects of bioethanol as a petroleum fuel substitute.Salim Abubakar's book attests to his commitment to the dissemination of information toward the growth and benefit of the scientific community in the same discipline.
Ecology of Bacterial Communities in Soils
This book titled "Ecology of Bacterial Communities in Soils" provides a detailed account of the microbiological aspects of life. The book shall act as a resource for the researchers as well as students interested in microbiological research. The book has been written in a simple language to make it easy for the beginners in the field of research. It provides a detailed database regarding the microbiology of the soils of an important Himalayan region.
Dilated Cardiomyopathy
This open access book presents a comprehensive overview of dilated cardiomyopathy, providing readers with practical guidelines for its clinical management. The first part of the book analyzes in detail the disease's pathophysiology, its diagnostic work up as well as the prognostic stratification, and illustrates the role of genetics and gene-environment interaction. The second part presents current and future treatment options, highlighting the importance of long-term and individualized treatments and follow-up. Furthermore, it discusses open issues, such as the apparent healing phenomenon, the early prognosis of arrhythmic events or the use of genetic testing in clinical practice. Offering a multidisciplinary approach for optimizing the clinical management of DCM, this book is an invaluable aid not only for the clinical cardiologists, but for all physicians involved in the care of this challenging disease. This work was published by Saint Philip Street Press pursuant to a Creative Commons license permitting commercial use. All rights not granted by the work's license are retained by the author or authors.
The Pangenome
This open access book offers the first comprehensive account of the pan-genome concept and its manifold implications. The realization that the genetic repertoire of a biological species always encompasses more than the genome of each individual is one of the earliest examples of big data in biology that opened biology to the unbounded. The study of genetic variation observed within a species challenges existing views and has profound consequences for our understanding of the fundamental mechanisms underpinning bacterial biology and evolution. The underlying rationale extends well beyond the initial prokaryotic focus to all kingdoms of life and evolves into similar concepts for metagenomes, phenomes and epigenomes. The book's respective chapters address a range of topics, from the serendipitous emergence of the pan-genome concept and its impacts on the fields of microbiology, vaccinology and antimicrobial resistance, to the study of microbial communities, bioinformatic applications and mathematical models that tie in with complex systems and economic theory. Given its scope, the book will appeal to a broad readership interested in population dynamics, evolutionary biology and genomics. This work was published by Saint Philip Street Press pursuant to a Creative Commons license permitting commercial use. All rights not granted by the work's license are retained by the author or authors.
Human Leukocyte HLA-B7 and HLA-B27 Antigen Typing Among Healthy Adults
The human leukocyte antigens are genetically inherited proteins present on the surface of the cells of the immune system. Cells of the immune system recognize antigens only when presented to them next to an MHC self-molecule. Three main types of HLA Class I namely, HLA-A, HLA-B and HLA-C they are expressed by most human cells. Class I HLAs are involved in discriminating and presenting antigens to T-lymphocytes. T-lymphocytes kill the cell presenting it. T-lymphocytes destroy cells infected together with viruses, including HIV. Developing a vaccine for HIV may be aided by a complete understanding of those rare cases in which some HIV-infected individuals control replication of the virus. Most of these elite controllers express the histocompatibility alleles HLA-B57 or HLA-B27, these alleles remain the most robust associations with low concentrations of plasma virus.
