This edited book deals with latest comprehensive information on conventional and high throughput techniques and technologies that are recently used to study plant microbial interface for agricultural research and enhancing plant productivity. Plant microbiota are important for many plant growth promotion activity and agricultural productivity and are sustainable green technology for enhancing agricultural productivity under changing environment. The book covers recent information about the plant associated microbiota and their ecology. It discusses technologies to isolate and test microbiota inhabiting in different portion of plants. The book explores the conventional methods as well as the most recently recognized high throughput technologies which are important for productive agroecosystems to feed the growing global population. This book is of interest to teachers, researchers, microbiologist, plant and environmental scientist and those interested in environment stewardship around the world. Also the book serves as additional reading material for undergraduate and graduate students of agriculture, forestry, ecology, soil science, and environmental sciences and policy makers to be a useful to read.

Handbook of Algal Science, Microbiology, Technology and Medicine provides a concise introduction to the science, biology, technology and medical use of algae that is structured on the major research fronts of the last four decades, such as algal structures and properties, algal biomedicine, algal genomics, algal toxicology, and algal bioremediation, algal photosystems, algal ecology, algal bioenergy and biofuels. It also covers algal production for biomedicine, algal biomaterials, and algal medicinal foods within these primary sections. All chapters are authored by the leading researchers in their respective research fields. Our society currently faces insurmountable challenges in the areas of biomedicine and energy in the face of increasing global population and diminishing natural resources as well as the growing environmental and economic concerns, such as global warming, greenhouse gas emissions and climate change. Algae offer a way to deal with these challenges and concerns for both sustainable and environment friendly bioenergy production and in biomedicine through the development of crucial biotechnology.

Cancer Health Equity Research, Volume 146 in the Advances in Cancer Research series, highlights new advances in the field, with this new volume presenting interesting chapters on a variety of timely topics, including Pubertal Mammary Development as a 'Susceptibility Window' for Breast Cancer Disparity, Review of Patient Navigation Interventions to Address Barriers to Participation in Cancer Clinical Trials, Racial Disparities in Ovarian Cancer Research, Mighty Men: A Faith-Based Weight Loss Intervention to Reduce Cancer Risk in African American Men, Design of a Patient Navigation Intervention to Increase Rates of Surgery among African Americans with Early-Stage Lung Cancer, and much.

Our world is built on an invisible one we are barely beginning to understand. In The Hidden Half of Nature, geologist David R. Montgomery and biologist Anne Bikle argue that Earth's smallest creatures-microbes-could fundamentally change how we grow food, what we eat and how we practise medicine. The Hidden Half of Nature shares Montgomery and Bikle's efforts to turn a barren patch of ground into a flourishing garden, and Bikle's struggle with cancer. Taking readers deep into the science and history of agriculture and immunology, they show that microbes can provide powerful solutions to the problems plaguing modern agriculture as well as our own bodies. A spellbinding story, The Hidden Half of Nature reveals how we can restore fertility to the land and defeat chronic diseases.

Our country's cultural legacy is one of the world's most diverse, drawing millions of visitors every year to our convents and monuments, and to our museums, libraries, concert halls and festivals. In addition, it is a dynamic trigger of economic activity and jobs. Among the various scientific branches, microbial biotechnology offers an innovative and precise approach to the complexity of problems that restorers face in their daily work. This book discusses a range of topics, including the biodiversity of microbial communities from various cultural heritage monuments, microbial biotechnological cleaning techniques, the role of bacterial fungal communities for the conservation of cultural heritage, and microbial enzymes and their potential applications as biorestoration agents. Written by internationally recognized experts, and providing up-to-date and detailed insights into microbial biotechnology approaches to cultural heritage monuments, the book is a valuable resource for biological scientists, especially microbiologists, microbial biotechnologists, biochemists and microbial biotechnologists.

Membrane Systems for Hydrogen Production offers an overview of advanced technologies in the field of both catalysts and membrane technologies for hydrogen productions and energy saving. Catalysts play an irreplaceable role in chemical engineering for carrying out reaction at industrial level. Membrane processes are today well-recognized technologies in many fields, such as water and wastewater treatment, gas separation and purification, etc. This book relates these two fields and their role in electrochemical hydrogen production by presenting 5 specific chapters where the catalysts are compared to the membrane technology. The purpose of this book is to provide an overview on recently developed catalysts which work in combination with membrane operations for energy savings. This combination provides an example of strategies for engineering development and process intensification of interest for both industrial and developing countries.

Molecular Aspects of Plant Beneficial Microbes in Agriculture explores their diverse interactions, including the pathogenic and symbiotic relationship which leads to either a decrease or increase in crop productivity. Focusing on these environmentally-friendly approaches, the book explores their potential in changing climatic conditions. It presents the exploration and regulation of beneficial microbes in offering sustainable and alternative solutions to the use of chemicals in agriculture. The beneficial microbes presented here are capable of contributing to nutrient balance, growth regulators, suppressing pathogens, orchestrating immune response and improving crop performance. The book also offers insights into the advancements in DNA technology and bioinformatic approaches which have provided in-depth knowledge about the molecular arsenal involved in mineral uptake, nitrogen fixation, growth promotion and biocontrol attributes.

Microbial Endophytes: Functional Biology and Applications focuses on endophytic bacteria and fungi, including information on foundational endophytes and the latest advances in relevant genomics, proteomics and nanotechnological aspects. The book provides insights into the molecular aspects of plant endophytes and their interactions and applications, also exploring the potential commercialization of endophytic microorganisms and their use as bio fertilizers, in biocontrol, and as bioactive compounds for other sustainable applications. Coverage of important and emerging legal considerations relevant to those working to implement these important bacteria in production processes is also included.

This edited book is a comprehensive collection of chapters on various clean energy technology such as solar energy, waste biomass as energy, hydro-electricity generation, biodiesel production from biomass and strategies to cater the demand of clean renewable energy. Clean energy technologies also enhance economic growth by increasing the supply of energy demand and tackling environmental challenges and their impacts due to the use of other conventional sources of energy. The conventional/non-conventional energy production methods are efficient but it has adverse effects on environment and human health. As environmental concerns are not avoidable therefore the necessity of clean energy production comes in to the picture. The clean energy can be produced by different wastes which are caused for the environmental pollution. This book covers various aspects of new and renewable clean energy production technology and its utilization in different fields. This is a useful reading material for students and researchers involved in clean energy study.

Advances in Cyanobacterial Biology presents the novel, practical, and theoretical aspects of cyanobacteria, providing a better understanding of basic and advanced biotechnological application in the field of sustainable agriculture. Chapters have been designed to deal with the different aspects of cyanobacteria including their role in the evolution of life, cyanobacterial diversity and classification, isolation, and characterization of cyanobacteria through biochemical and molecular approaches, phylogeny and biogeography of cyanobacteria, symbiosis, Cyanobacterial photosynthesis, morphological and physiological adaptation to abiotic stresses, stress-tolerant cyanobacterium, biological nitrogen fixation. Other topics include circadian rhythms, genetics and molecular biology of abiotic stress responses, application of cyanobacteria and cyanobacterial mats in wastewater treatments, use as a source of novel stress-responsive genes for development of stress tolerance and as a source of biofuels, industrial application, as biofertilizer, cyanobacterial blooms, use in Nano-technology and nanomedicines as well as potential applications. This book will be important for academics and researchers working in cyanobacteria, cyanobacterial environmental biology, cyanobacterial agriculture and cyanobacterial molecular biologists.

GPCR Signaling in Cancer, Volume 145, the latest release in the Advances in Cancer Research series, highlights recent developments in the area of GPCRs and cancer biology. Chapters included in this volume cover several GPCRs and their downstream effectors as case examples to highlight their fundamental understanding and therapeutic potential. Specific chapters address the Role of GRKs and beta-arrestins in cancer, Atypical GPCRs in cancer, the Role of a chemokine receptor (CCR) 5 in cancer, Targeting G protein-coupled receptors for therapeutics in cancer, Emerging GPCR signaling pathways in cancer, and more. G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) constitute a large family of cell surface receptors which are involved in nearly every cellular and physiological event. These receptors can recognize a broad array of ligands and they are targeted by nearly one third of the currently prescribed drugs including anti-cancer therapeutics.

In Heme, Chlorophyll, and Bilins: Methods and Protocols, an interdisciplinary panel of hands-on investigators describe in detail how to work successfully with chlorophyll, heme, and bilins in biological, medical, chemical, and biochemical research. Each method is presented by a researcher who actually uses it on a daily basis and includes step-by-step instructions and pertinent tricks-of-the-trade that often make the difference between laboratory success and failure. Topics range from methods for the analysis of tetrapyrroles, heme, and hemoproteins, to the biosynthesis and analysis of chlorophyll and bilins

Several cyanobacterial species can produce powerful toxins that provide a serious threat for water quality, other aquatic organisms, and human health. These harmful cyanobacteria are especially prominent in freshwater ecosystems, and are a major concern for water managers.The purpose of this work is to provide an up-to-date overview of the advances in our knowledge of harmful cyanobacteria. The work is directed towards graduate students and scientists in aquatic microbiology, aquatic ecology, environmental toxicology, and water management, and academic professionals in water management and environmental policy.

Advanced Water Treatment: Adsorption discusses the application of adsorption in water purification. The book reviews research findings on the preparation of five different nano/microcellulose-based adsorbents, their characterization, the study of adsorption kinetics and isotherms, the determination of adsorption mechanisms, and an evaluation of adsorbents' regeneration properties. The book describes modification microfibrillated cellulose (MFC), the use of succinic anhydride modified mercerized nanocellulose, and aminosilane and hydroxyapatite modified nanostructured MFC for the removal of heavy metals from aqueous solutions. Final sections describe the use of aminosilane, epoxy and hydroxyapatite modified MFC as a promising alternative for H2S removal from aqueous solutions, along with new findings on the adsorption properties of carbonated hydroxyapatite modified MFC as multifunctional adsorbent for the removal of both cations and anions ions from water.

Advanced Water Treatment: Advanced Oxidation Processes reviews the most recent research findings and discusses new photocatalysts (such as TiO2, etc.) and their performance under different conditions. Furthermore, the book includes the use of UV LEDs (with H2O2) for the decomposition of organic pollutants and bacteria in various conditions and water samples. Advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) have widely been used in water and wastewater treatment. This book highlights their work towards improving energy-efficient and environmentally friendly technology for growing needs in water treatment.

Advanced Water Treatment: Electrochemical Methods reviews the current state-of-the-art in the electrochemical-based methods for water treatment, the effectiveness of the electrochemical oxidation technique in inactivating different primary biofilm forming paper mill bacteria, as well as sulfide and organic material in pulp and paper mill wastewater in laboratory-scale batch experiments. Various electrodes are described, including boron-doped diamond, mixed metal oxide, PbO2, and their impacts on inactivation efficiency of parameters, such as current density and initial pH or chloride concentration of synthetic paper machine water. The mechanisms of action of various electrodes in different systems are reported. The book is a source of information for environmental and chemical engineers due to the number of methods and industry-focused application cases and researchers who study the transition from a laboratory environment to practical applications.

The subsistence agriculture of the pre-chemical era efficiently sustained the nitrogen status of soils by maintaining a balance between N loss and N gain from biological nitrogen fixation (BNF): the microbial conversion of atmospheric N to a form usable by plants. This was possible with less intensive cropping, adaptation of rational crop rotations and intercropping schemes, and the use of legumes as green manure. Modern agriculture concentrates on maximum output, however, overlooking input efficiency; It is not sustainable. Intensive monocropping, with no or inadequate crop rotations or green manuring, together with the excessive use of chemical N fertilizers, results in an imbalance between N gain and N loss. The losses are often larger than the gains, and soil N status declines. The challenge is to sustain soil N fertility in many different tropical and temperate farming systems operating at high productivity levels. This requires judicious integration of BNF components, maintaining a good balance between N losses and gains. In this book, papers on BNF in crop forage and tree legumes are augmented with discussions of integrated farming systems involving BNF, soil and N management, and recycling of legume residues. BNF by non-legumes are discussed, and attempts to transform cereals into nodulating plants are critically reviewed. Advances in the development of novel methodologies to understand symbiotic relations and to assess N2 fixation in the field are described, and means are presented to enhance BNF through plant and soil management or breeding and selection. Problems encountered in exploiting BNF under field conditions are examined, as are promising approaches to improving BNFexploitation.

This volume is a comprehensive review of the structure/function and biology of molecules belonging to the TGF-[beta] superfamily. Because molecules in this family have very diverse biological roles, the editors have chosen to focus on the parts they play in the specific areas of inflammation and wound/fracture healing. Whilst molecules in the TGF-[beta] superfamily have been extensively studied, there are few, if any, publications which have taken a broad perspective on this family, most having chosen to focus on just one very small area. This book is therefore unusual in that it offers a comprehensive overview of the current state of the field, providing both in-depth and essential background material suitable for both clinicians and scientists alike.

We can't see them, but microbes are the dominant form of life on Earth. They make up half of the world's biomass. They were here billions of years before we were, and they will be here after we are gone. Without their activity, life as we know it would be impossible. Even within our own bodies, there are ten times as many bacterial cells as human cells. "Understanding Microbes" provides a clear, accessible introduction to this world of microbes.

As well as looking at a selection of infectious diseases, including how they are prevented and treated, the book explores the importance of microbes in the environment, in the production and preservation of food, and their applications in biotechnology.

This lively and engaging book provides the basics of microbiology, in a contemporary context. It will be equally useful for students across the biological, environmental and health sciences, and for the curious reader wanting to learn more about this fascinating subject.A highly-readable, concise introduction to the basics of microbiology placed in the context of the very latest developments in molecular biology and their impact on the microbial world. Numerous real-world examples range from how cows digest grass to the role of microbes in cancer and the impact of climate changeWell-illustrated in full colour throughout.Written by an Author with a proven track record in teaching, writing and research.

This book contains a collection of critical reviews on the expression of biologically functional proteins in" Leishmania" and "Trypanosoma," which was written by renowned researchers on this field. Species belonging to these trypanosomatids genera are etiological agents of leishmaniasis, Chagas disease and sleeping sickness that are extremely debilitating human infection diseases, which remain a major health problem especially in countries from Latin America, Africa and Middle East. Substantiating the problem, the currently accepted drugs for these diseases are quiet unsatisfying due to their low efficacy and high toxicity. In order to solve these real problems, several research groups around the world have become involved in the study and identification of novel potential targets in the trypanosomatid cell. Since proteins are key macromolecules involved in crucial metabolic processes of all living cells, studies have focused on the expression of specific proteins produced by "Leishmania "and "Trypanosoma" by means of different biochemical, molecular and proteomic approaches in order to explore them as targets for understanding the parasite life cycle and developing new strategies against trypanosomiasis. With these proposals in mind, the book Proteins and Proteomics of "Leishmania "and "Trypanosoma" encompasses (i) an integrated view about the biochemistry of parasites belonging to the "Leishmania" and "Trypanosoma "genera; (ii) an updated review on the expression of biologically relevant proteins by human pathogenic trypanosomatids and their possible role in the interaction with host cells/molecules as well as a target for development of both alternative chemotherapies and vaccine; and (iii) several pictures, diagrams and tables that can be used to illustrate both undergraduate and postgraduate teaching as well as scientific lectures, being a useful resource for students and researchers."

This book reviews applications of nanomaterial and nanodevices in the food industry. It also discusses the advanced bioanalytical techniques, including Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA), immunoanalytical techniques, and monoclonal antibody-based immunological techniques for detecting food adulterations and allergens. It comprehensively covers electrode modification and nano-engineered fabrication of biosensors to enhance their functionalities for utilization in food industries. The book highlights the utilization of nanobiosensors for food safety and quality analysis, such as detection of toxin, food-borne pathogen, allergen, evaluation of toxicity etc. Further, it also summarizes the recent advances in nanodevices such as nano-systems, nano-emulsions, nanopesticides, and nanocapsules and their applications in the food industry. Lastly, it covers nanomaterial-based sensors for drug analysis in diverse matrices. It serves as an invaluable source of information for professionals, researchers, academicians, and students related to food science and technology.

Advances in Microbial Physiology, Volume 75, the latest release in this ongoing series, continues the long tradition of topical, important, cutting-edge reviews in microbiology. The book contains updates in the field, with comprehensive chapters covering, Sulfoxides in bacterial systems, RNA degradosomes and control by signals including c-di-GMP, Protein nanowires: biological function and synthetic constructs for 'Green' electronics, Bacterial nitrous oxide respiration: electron transport chains and copper transfer reactions, Multiple degrees of separation in the central pathways of the catabolism of aromatic compounds in Dikarya fungi, and more.

This book gathers the latest advances, innovations, and applications in the field of environmental and construction engineering, as presented by international researchers and engineers at the 2nd International Conference on Efficient Production and Processing, held on February 25-26, 2021. It covers highly diverse topics, including use of secondary raw materials in construction technologies; urban waste management logistics; use of recycled materials in road construction; safety and security in waste handling; food science and agriculture; waste and water treatment; and environmental economics. The contributions, which were selected by means of a rigorous international peer-review process, highlight numerous exciting ideas that will spur novel research directions and foster multidisciplinary collaborations.