The paddy field is a unique agro-ecosystem and provides services such as food, nutrient recycling and diverse habitats. However, chemical contamination of paddy soils has degraded the quality of this important ecosystem. This book provides an overview of our current understanding of paddy soil pollution, addressing topics such as the major types of pollutants in contaminated paddy soil ecosystems; factors affecting the fate of pollutants in paddy soil; biomonitoring approaches to assess the contaminated paddy soil; the impact of chemicals on soil microbial diversity; and climate change. It also covers arsenic and heavy metal pollution of paddy soils and their impact on rice quality. Further, new emerging contaminants such as antibiotics and antibiotics resistance genes (ARGs) in paddy soil and their impact on environmental health are also discussed. The last chapters focus on the bioremediation approaches for the management of paddy soils.

The book covers the latest development in the biosciences field covering key topics in crop improvement including 'omic approaches to improving sustainable crop production, advancement in marker technology, strategies in genetic manipulation, crop quality and sustainability and plant microbe interaction detailing on proven technologies to address critical issue for agricultural sustainability which are beneficial for researchers and students. The book also includes aspects of preserving crops after harvest as this is a key factor in promoting sustainable crop quality in terms of addressing waste, choosing the appropriate packaging and moving crops through the food and industrial supply chain. An important strategy to overcome the challenges in providing food for the world population in a sustainable manner is through concerted efforts by crop scientists to embrace new technologies in increasing yield, quality and improving food safety while minimizing adverse environmental impact of the agricultural activities. Most of the proven molecular and genetic technologies in crop science have been tested and verified in model plants such as Arabidopsis and tomato. The technologies, when deployed on various plant species of importance for human nutrition and industrial applications, including cereals, vegetables, fruits, herbs, fibre and oil crops, face many challenges, not only due to their longer life cycle but many other physiological and environmental factors affecting yield and quality of plant products. Furthermore, major impacts on crop production due to catastrophic diseases and global climate change needs urgent and innovative solutions. Therefore a systematic approach, employing various leading-edge technologies that enable the functional elucidation of key pathway genes via 'omics tools, genome wide association with desired phenotypes and development of cost effective and practicable molecular tools for selection, is vital. The International Conference on Crop Improvement was held to address these and other pressing issues. This volume summarizes the keynote presentations from the meeting and highlights addition discussions that are critical to crop improvement in a challenging time.

This volume describes up-to-date techniques for improved production of secondary metabolites of economic interest using field and laboratory methods. Biotechnology of Plant Secondary Metabolism: Methods and Protocols explores different secondary metabolite classes, whole-plant and cell/organ culture systems, and environmental and genetic transformation-based modulation of biochemical pathways. Special focus is given to cell and tissue specific metabolism, metabolite transport, microRNA-based technology, heterologous systems expression of enzymes and pathways leading to products of interest, as well as applications using both model and non-model plant species. Written in the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology series format, chapters include introductions to their respective topics, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step, readily reproducible laboratory protocols, and tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Practical and cutting-edge, Biotechnology of Plant Secondary Metabolism: Methods and Protocols is a great resource for scientists of interdisciplinary fields--plant science, plant physiology, pharmacy, molecular biology, biochemistry, bioengineering, and forestry--in reaching their goals of producing plant biochemicals in a sustainable and efficient manner, while minimizing impacts to the environment and providing the required quantities of these commodities to industry.

Clinical Systems Engineering: New Challenges for Future Healthcare covers the critical issues relating to the risk management and design of new technologies in the healthcare sector. It is a comprehensive summary of the advances in clinical engineering over the past 40 years, presenting guidance on compliance and safety for hospitals and engineering teams. This contributed book contains chapters from international experts, who provide their solutions, experiences, and the successful methodologies they have applied to solve common problems in the area of healthcare technology. Topics include compliance with the European Directive on Medical Devices 93/42/EEC, European Norms EN 60601-1-6, EN 62366, and the American Standards ANSI/AAMI HE75: 2009. Content coverage includes decision support systems, clinical complex systems, and human factor engineering. Examples are fully supported with case studies, and global perspective is maintained throughout. This book is ideal for clinical engineers, biomedical engineers, hospital administrators and medical technology manufacturers.

The development of biotechnological innovations is quickly becoming a globalized phenomenon as emerging nations are making major strides to compete with more developed economies. Though efforts to bridge the gap between emerging and developed nations have been successful, there are still many barriers that need to be overcome. Comparative Approaches to Biotechnology Development and Use in Developed and Emerging Nations evaluates the importance of manufacturing biotechnological products around the world. Highlighting a comparative analysis of public policies, technological policies, innovations, and marketing capabilities of developed and emerging nations, this publication is a pivotal reference source for government officers, policy makers, academics, and practitioners.

This detailed book provides a set of protocols necessary for the development of a variety of microchip-based electrophoretic assays. It compiles a range of such electrophoretic methods by leading researchers in the field, covering subjects such as microfluidic device fabrication, on-chip sample preparation, theoretical/simulation protocols for assessing these separation methods, as well as common practices followed when applying them to important real world applications. The contents of the book range from protocols for classical assays to those involving pioneering separation techniques recently developed by the scientific community for advancing our analytical capabilities. Written for the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology series, chapters include introductions to their respective topics, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step, readily reproducible laboratory protocols, and tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Authoritative and accessible, Microfluidic Electrophoresis: Methods and Protocols serves as an convenient text for academic researchers as well as practicing engineers, biochemists, and analytical laboratory professionals.

1 Einleitung.- 1.1 Rechtliche Hygieneregelung.- 1.2 Aspekte zum Hygienekonzept.- Literatur.- 2 Begriffe zur Lebensmittelhygiene.- 2.1 Lebensmittel.- 2.2 Lebensmittelhygiene.- 2.3 Leichtverderbliche Lebensmittel.- 2.4 Verpackte Lebensmittel.- 2.5 Herstellen.- 2.6 Behandeln.- 2.7 In-Verkehr-bringen.- 2.8 Verzehren.- 2.9 Nachteilige Beeinflussung.- 2.10 Genusstauglichkeit/ Genusswert.- 2.11 Mindesthaltbarkeitsdatum.- 2.12 Bedarfsgegenstande.- Literatur.- 3 Lebensmittelmikrobiologie.- 3.1 Einteilung von Mikroorganismen.- 3.1.1 Bakterien und Bakteriensporen.- 3.1.2 Schimmelpilze.- 3.1.3 Hefepilze.- 3.1.4 Viren.- 3.2 Groessenordnung von Mikroorganismen und Viren.- 3.3 Erkennbarmachung von Keimen.- 3.4 Vermehrungsformen von Mikroorganismen.- 3.4.1 Ungeschlechtliche Fortpflanzung.- 3.4.2 Geschlechtliche Fortpflanzung von Hefen.- 3.5 Gesundheitsgefahrdende Mikroorganismen, Lebensmittelverderber und Nutzlinge.- 3.5.1 Gesundheitsgefahrdende Mikroorganismen und schadliche Stoffwechselprodukte.- 3.5.2 Lebensmittelverderber.- 3.5.3 Technologisch erwunschte Mikroorganismen.- Literatur.- 4 Wachstumsvoraussetzungen fur Mikroorganismen - Beeinflussung der Vermehrung.- 4.1 Wachstumsfaktoren.- 4.1.1 Nahrstoffangebot.- 4.1.2 Wasseraktivitat und Feuchtigkeit.- 4.1.3 pH-Wert.- 4.1.4 Temperatur.- 4.1.5 Redoxpotential.- 4.2 Beeinflussung des Wachstums von Mikroorganismen.- Literatur.- 5 Mikrobielle Gefahrdung von Produkten.- 5.1 Lebensmittelverderb.- 5.1.1 Faulnis.- 5.1.2 Garung.- 5.1.3 Sauerung.- 5.1.4 Ranziditat.- 5.1.5 Schimmeln.- 5.2 Lebensmittelvergiftung.- 5.2.1 Salmonellen.- 5.2.2 Staphylococcus aureus.- 5.2.3 Clostridium perfringens.- 5.2.4 Clostridium botulinum.- 5.2.5 Bacillus cereus.- 5.2.6 Listeria monocytogenes.- 5.3 Gefahrdungen physikalischen Ursprungs.- Literatur.- 6 Schadlingsbefall und weitere Gefahrdungen.- 6.1 Insekten.- 6.2 Nager und Voegel.- 6.3 Schadlingsbekampfung als Teil der Betriebshygiene.- 6.4 Chemische Schadensquellen.- 6.5 Physikalische Schadensquellen.- 7 Raum-und Anlagenhygiene.- 7.1 Reinigung und Desinfektion.- 7.1.1 Reinigungsverfahren.- 7.1.2 Desinfektion.- 7.1.3 Reinigungsintervalle.- 7.2 Raumtemperaturen.- 7.3 Konstruktive Anlagenhygiene.- Literatur.- 8 Stichprobenplane.- 8.1 Mikrobiologische Stichprobenplane.- 8.1.1 2-Klassenplan.- 8.1.2 3-Klassenplan.- 8.2 Stichprobenplane fur die sensorische Prufung.- Literatur.- 9 Betriebseigene Massnahmen und Kontrollen - HACCP-Konzept.- 9.1 Produktbeschreibung, Ermittlung potentieller Gefahren, Identifizierung kritischer Punkte (HACCP-Grundsatze 1-3).- 9.2 Festlegung und Durchfuhrung des Verfahrens zur UEberwachung und Kontrolle der kritischen Punkte (HACCP-Grundsatze 4, 5).- 9.3 UEberprufung der Eigenkontrollsysteme, Dokumentation (HACCP-Grundsatze 6, 7).- Literatur.

Genetic and Genomic Resources For Cereals Improvement is the first book to bring together the latest available genetic resources and genomics to facilitate the identification of specific germplasm, trait mapping, and allele mining that are needed to more effectively develop biotic and abiotic-stress-resistant grains. As grain cereals, including rice, wheat, maize, barley, sorghum, and millets constitute the bulk of global diets, both of vegetarian and non-vegetarian, there is a greater need for further genetic improvement, breeding, and plant genetic resources to secure the future food supply. This book is an invaluable resource for researchers, crop biologists, and students working with crop development and the changes in environmental climate that have had significant impact on crop production. It includes the latest information on tactics that ensure that environmentally robust genes and crops resilient to climate change are identified and preserved.

This book review series presents current trends in modern biotechnology. The aim is to cover all aspects of this interdisciplinary technology where knowledge, methods and expertise are required from chemistry, biochemistry, microbiology, genetics, chemical engineering and computer science. Volumes are organized topically and provide a comprehensive discussion of developments in the respective field over the past 3-5 years. The series also discusses new discoveries and applications. Special volumes are dedicated to selected topics which focus on new biotechnological products and new processes for their synthesis and purification. In general, special volumes are edited by well-known guest editors. The series editor and publisher will however always be pleased to receive suggestions and supplementary information. Manuscripts are accepted in English.

The series Topics in Current Chemistry Collections presents critical reviews from the journal Topics in Current Chemistry organized in topical volumes. The scope of coverage is all areas of chemical science including the interfaces with related disciplines such as biology, medicine and materials science. The goal of each thematic volume is to give the non-specialist reader, whether in academia or industry, a comprehensive insight into an area where new research is emerging which is of interest to a larger scientific audience. Each review within the volume critically surveys one aspect of that topic and places it within the context of the volume as a whole. The most significant developments of the last 5 to 10 years are presented using selected examples to illustrate the principles discussed. The coverage is not intended to be an exhaustive summary of the field or include large quantities of data, but should rather be conceptual, concentrating on the methodological thinking that will allow the non-specialist reader to understand the information presented. Contributions also offer an outlook on potential future developments in the field.

This Volume describes methods for cultivating hydrocarbon-producing and -consuming microbes, covering compounds in a range of states - gaseous (e.g. methane), liquid (e.g. alkanes of intermediate molecular weight) and solid (e.g. many PAHs and asphaltene). It also examines the cultivation of aerobic and anaerobic hydrocarbon degraders using a range of electron acceptors (e.g. oxygen, nitrate, sulphate, metals, (per)chlorate), and a separate chapter is devoted to explaining the cultivation of methanogens. Special attention is given to: high-throughput cultivation, growing microbes as biofilms, and cultivating fastidious microbes, as well as the preservation of microbial pure cultures and consortia. Accordingly, this Volume will be of value to anyone embarking on the selective enrichment and cultivation of novel microorganisms. Hydrocarbon and Lipid Microbiology ProtocolsThere are tens of thousands of structurally different hydrocarbons, hydrocarbon derivatives and lipids, and a wide array of these molecules are required for cells to function. The global hydrocarbon cycle, which is largely driven by microorganisms, has a major impact on our environment and climate. Microbes are responsible for cleaning up the environmental pollution caused by the exploitation of hydrocarbon reservoirs and will also be pivotal in reducing our reliance on fossil fuels by providing biofuels, plastics and industrial chemicals. Gaining an understanding of the relevant functions of the wide range of microbes that produce, consume and modify hydrocarbons and related compounds will be key to responding to these challenges. This comprehensive collection of current and emerging protocols will facilitate acquisition of this understanding and exploitation of useful activities of such microbes.

UHMWPE Biomaterials Handbook, Third Edition, describes the science, development, properties, and application of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) used in artificial joints. UHMWPE is now the material of choice for joint replacements, and is increasingly being used in fibers for sutures. This book is a one-stop reference for information on this advanced material, covering both introductory topics and the most advanced developments. The third edition adds six new chapters on a range of topics, including the latest in anti-oxidant technologies for stabilizing HXLPE and up-to-date systematic reviews of the clinical literature for HXLPE in hips and knees. The book chronicles the rise and fall of all-metal hip implants, as well as the increased use of ceramic biomaterials and UHMWPE for this application. This book also brings orthopedic researchers and practitioners up to date on the stabilization of UHMWPE with antioxidants, as well as the choices of antioxidant available for practitioners. The book also thoroughly assesses the clinical performance of HXLPE, as well as alternative bearings in knee replacement and UHMWPE articulations with polyether ether ketone (PEEK). Written and edited by the top experts in the field of UHMWPE, this is the only state-of-the-art reference for professionals, researchers, and clinicians working with this material.

Modern Applications of Plant Biotechnology in Pharmaceutical Sciences explores advanced techniques in plant biotechnology, their applications to pharmaceutical sciences, and how these methods can lead to more effective, safe, and affordable drugs. The book covers modern approaches in a practical, step-by-step manner, and includes illustrations, examples, and case studies to enhance understanding. Key topics include plant-made pharmaceuticals, classical and non-classical techniques for secondary metabolite production in plant cell culture and their relevance to pharmaceutical science, edible vaccines, novel delivery systems for plant-based products, international industry regulatory guidelines, and more. Readers will find the book to be a comprehensive and valuable resource for the study of modern plant biotechnology approaches and their pharmaceutical applications.

This volume presents a comprehensive perspective of the biopesticides Bacillus thuringiensis and Lysinibacillus sphaericus, from their basic biology to agriculture, forestry and public-health applications. It covers their ecology, virulence factors, and genetic characterization. The topics related to agriculture and forestry include mode of action, receptors of insect pests, and heterologous expression of toxins in insect cells and plants. Public-health researchers will find information on vector control programs with an emphasis on the Neotropical region. The book also discusses new products and the global market.

Michael Lebuhn, Stefan Weiss, Bernhard Munk, Georg M. Guebitz Microbiology and Molecular Biology Tools for Biogas Process Analysis, Diagnosis and Control Veronika Dollhofer, Sabine Marie Podmirseg, Tony Martin Callaghan, Gareth Wyn Griffith & Katerina Fliegerova Anaerobic Fungi and their Potential for Biogas Production Bianca Froeschle, Monika Heiermann, Michael Lebuhn, Ute Messelhausser, Matthias Ploechl Hygiene and Sanitation in Biogas Plants Charles-David Dube and Serge R. Guiot Direct Interspecies Electron Transfer in Anaerobic Digestion: A Review Simon K.-M. R. Rittmann A Critical Assessment of Microbiological Biogas to Biomethane Upgrading Systems Manfred Lubken, Pascal Kosse, Konrad Koch, Tito Gehring, Marc Wichern Influent Fractionation for Modeling Continuous Anaerobic Digestion Processes Fermoso, F. G, van Hullebusch, E. D, Guibaud, G, Collins, G, Svensson, B. H, Carliell-Marquet, C, Vink, J.P.M, Esposito, G, Frunzo, L Fate of Trace Metals in Anaerobic Digestion

The second volume in a series which aims to focus on advances in computational biology. This volume discusses such topics as: statistical analysis of protein sequences; progress in large-scale sequence analysis; and the architecture of loops in proteins.

Rapid changes and significant progress have been made in the Agrobacterium field, such as genetically transforming plants for both basic research purposes and agricultural development. In Agrobacterium Protocols, Third Edition, Volumes 1 and 2, a team of leading experts and veteran researchers describe in detail techniques for delivering DNA to plant cells and permanently altering their genomes. This edition emphasizes agricultural crops and plant species with economic values, with updated protocols on 32 plant species and protocols involving 19 new species. Together with the 1st and 2nd editions, these two volumes offer Agrobacterium-mediated genetic transformation protocols for a total of 76 plant species. For a number of important plants such as rice, barley, wheat and citrus, multiple protocols using different starting plant materials for transformation are included. Volume 1 details updated techniques available for 18 plant species drawn from cereal crops, legume plants, vegetable plants, and three model plant species: Brachypodium distachyon, Medicago truncatula, and Setaria viridis. It also updates a chapter for vector construction, a step critical to a successful plant transformation process. Written in the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology series format, chapters include introductions to their respective topics, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step, readily reproducible laboratory protocols, and tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Authoritative and cutting-edge, Agrobacterium Protocols, Third Edition facilitates the transfer of this rapidly developing technology to all researchers for use in both fundamental and applied biology.

Handbook of Microalgae: Biotechnology Advances offers complete coverage of marine microalgae, including biology, production techniques, biotechnological applications, economic perspectives of applications, and environmental effects of marine microalgae blooms. With contributions from world experts, Handbook of Microalgae: Biotechnology Advances focuses on microalgae from an organism perspective to offer a complete picture from evolution to biofuel.

The series Topics in Current Chemistry Collections presents critical reviews from the journal Topics in Current Chemistry organized in topical volumes. The scope of coverage is all areas of chemical science including the interfaces with related disciplines such as biology, medicine and materials science. The goal of each thematic volume is to give the non-specialist reader, whether in academia or industry, a comprehensive insight into an area where new research is emerging which is of interest to a larger scientific audience. Each review within the volume critically surveys one aspect of that topic and places it within the context of the volume as a whole. The most significant developments of the last 5 to 10 years are presented using selected examples to illustrate the principles discussed. The coverage is not intended to be an exhaustive summary of the field or include large quantities of data, but should rather be conceptual, concentrating on the methodological thinking that will allow the non-specialist reader to understand the information presented. Contributions also offer an outlook on potential future developments in the field. The chapter "Polymeric Nanoparticle-Mediated Gene Delivery for Lung Cancer Treatment" is available open access under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License via link.springer.com.

Repair and regeneration of musculoskeletal tissues is generating substantial interest within the biomedical community. Consequently, these are the most researched tissues from the regeneration point of view. Regenerative Engineering of Musculoskeletal Tissues and Interfaces presents information on the fundamentals, progress and recent developments related to the repair and regeneration of musculoskeletal tissues and interfaces. This comprehensive review looks at individual tissues as well as tissue interfaces. Early chapters cover various fundamentals of biomaterials and scaffolds, types of cells, growth factors, and mechanical forces, moving on to discuss tissue-engineering strategies for bone, tendon, ligament, cartilage, meniscus, and muscle, as well as progress and advances in tissue vascularization and nerve innervation of the individual tissues. Final chapters present information on musculoskeletal tissue interfaces.

Abiotic stresses such as drought (water deficit), extreme temperatures (cold, frost and heat), salinity (sodicity) and mineral (metal and metalloid) toxicity limit productivity of crop plants worldwide and are big threats to global food security. With worsening climate change scenarios, these stresses will further increase in intensity and frequency. Improving tolerance to abiotic stresses, therefore, has become a major objective in crop breeding programs. A lot of research has been conducted on the regulatory mechanisms, signaling pathways governing these abiotic stresses, and cross talk among them in various model and non-model species. Also, various 'omics' platforms have been utilized to unravel the candidate genes underpinning various abiotic stresses, which have increased our understanding of the tolerance mechanisms at structural, physiological, transcriptional and molecular level. Further, a wealth of information has been generated on the role of chromatin assembly and its remodeling under stress and on the epigenetic dynamics via histones modifications. The book consolidates outlooks, perspectives and updates on the research conducted by scientists in the abovementioned areas. The information covered in this book will therefore interest workers in all areas of plant sciences. The results presented on multiple crops will be useful to scientists in building strategies to counter these stresses in plants. In addition, students who are beginners in the areas of abiotic stress tolerance will find this book handy to clear their concepts and to get an update on the research conducted in various crops at one place

Biocidal polymers are designed to inhibit or kill microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi and protozoans. This book summarizes recent findings in the synthesis, modification and characterization of various antimicrobial polymers ranging from plastics and elastomers to biomimetic and biodegradable polymers. Modifications with different antimicrobial agents as well as antimicrobial testing methods are described in a comprehensive manner.