Written by leading global experts in the field, Principles of Neonatology provides those on the NICU team with clinically focused, evidence-based guidance in an easy-to-access format.  Chapters cover the key topics of greatest and most frequent concern to clinicians treating newborns, delivering current, data-driven management and treatment advice in a single source relevant to the seasoned practitioner, fellow, or trainee. A highly templated format makes it easy to find exactly the information you need.   Lavishly illustrated with photos, radiographs, drawings, and charts and graphs that clarify key concepts in a helpful and accessible way.  Evidence-based focus ensures that only the most reliable treatment protocols and clear-cut, data-driven guidance are included.  Coverage of all relevant topics in the NICU: skin lesions, congenital anomalies, architecture/development of neonatal intensive care units, pain control, anesthesia for newborn infants, and much more.  Ideal for every member of the NICU team: neonatologists, neonatology fellows, residents, and neonatal nurses, as well as all other clinicians working in the NICU, including PAs, occupational therapists, respiratory therapists, and others.  An eBook version is included with purchase. The eBook allows you to access all of the text, figures and references, with the ability to search, customize your content, make notes and highlights, and have content read aloud. 

The book presents a detailed discussion of nanomaterials, nanofluids and application of nanofluids as a coolant to reduce heat transfer. It presents a detailed approach to the formulation of mathematical modelling applicable to any type of case study with a validation approach and sensitivity and optimization. Covers the aspects of formulation of mathematical modelling with optimization and sensitivity analysis Presents a case study based on heat transfer improvement and performs operations using nanofluids Examines the analysis of experimental data by the formulation of a mathematical model and correlation between input data and output data Illustrates heat transfer improvement of heat exchangers using nanofluids through the mathematical modelling approach Discusses applications of nanofluids in cooling systems This book discusses the aspect of formulation of mathematical modelling with optimization and sensitivity analysis. It further presents a case study based on the heat transfer improvement and performing operations using nanofluids. The text covers sensitivity analysis and analysis from the indices of the model. It also discusses important concepts such as nanomaterials, applications of nanomaterials, and nanofluids. It will serve as an ideal reference text for senior undergraduate, and graduate students in fields including mechanical engineering, chemical engineering, aerospace engineering, industrial engineering, and manufacturing engineering.

The book presents a systematic journey of analog signal processing in order of the growing complexity of the circuits. It begins by discussing interfacing circuits, different types of amplifiers, single-time constant networks, and higher order networks for system design applications. The book- Presents designing analog circuits using the current-mode technique in a comprehensive manner. Highlights the importance of using current mode building blocks in designing high-performance analog circuits and systems. Discusses in detail the waveform generation circuits and their applications in communication. Covers higher-order analog filters, mixed-mode filter circuits, and electronically tunable filters. Explains instrumentation amplifiers, summing amplifiers, single-ended amplifiers, and voltage to current-converter in detail. This book discusses the electronic tuning aspects of circuits with the help of solved examples and unsolved exercises. It further presents the non-linear applications using current-mode techniques, signal generation for various communication and instrumentation systems, current-mode analog cells, and tuning of analog cells. Each chapter covers the IC compatibility issue, which provides useful direction for carrying out laboratory exercises on the subject. It will serve as an ideal reference text for senior undergraduate, and graduate students in fields including electrical engineering, electronics, and communications engineering.

This book explains the concept of man-machine systems by using the mining industry. The goal is to use a mathematical model based approach to improve the quality of human life of the workers and operators with the enhancement of productivity by controlling the process variables. The book will illustrate the formulation of mathematical modelling for manual operations. It will provide details in the investigation of many machine systems through the case study approach and provide data analysis using the concept of mathematical modelling and sensitivity. It presents how to solve a field problem through a field data-based modelling concept and highlights the collection of anthropometry data and its behavior. The book will be useful for researchers, academic libraries, professionals, post graduate students of Industrial, Mechanical, and Manufacturing Engineering programs.

There is a growing need for manufacturing optimization all over the world. The immense market of Additive Manufacturing (AM) technologies dictates a need for a book that will provide knowledge of the various aspects of AM for anyone interested in learning about this fast-growing topic. This book disseminates knowledge of AM amongst scholars at graduate level, post graduate level, doctoral level, as well as industry personnel. The objective is to offer a state-of-the-art book which covers all aspects of AM and incorporates all information regarding trends, historical developments, classifications, materials, tooling, software issues, dynamic design, principles, limitations, and communication interfaces in a one-stop resource. Features: Breaks down systematic coverage of various aspects of AM within four distinct sections Contains details of various AM techniques based on ASTM guidelines Discusses many AM applications with suitable illustrations Includes recent trends in the field of AM Covers engineering materials utilized as raw materials in AM Compares AM techniques with different traditional manufacturing methods

Innovative Engineering with AI Applications Innovative Engineering with AI Applications demonstrates how we can innovate in different engineering domains as well as how to make most business problems simpler by applying AI to them. Engineering advancements combined with artificial intelligence (AI), have resulted in a hyper-connected society in which smart devices are not only used to exchange data but also have increased capabilities. These devices are becoming more context-aware and smarter by the day. This timely book shows how organizations, who want to innovate and adapt, can enter new markets using expertise in various emerging technologies (e.g. data, AI, system architecture, blockchain), and can build technology-based business models, a culture of innovation, and high-performing networks. The book specifies an approach that anyone can use to better architect, design, and more effectively build things that are technically novel, useful, and valuable, and to do so efficiently, on-time, and repeatable. Audience The book is essential to AI product developers, business leaders in all industries and organizational domains. Researchers, academicians, and students in the AI field will also benefit from reading this book.

There is a growing need for manufacturing optimization all over the world. The immense market of Additive Manufacturing (AM) technologies dictates a need for a book that will provide knowledge of the various aspects of AM for anyone interested in learning about this fast-growing topic. This book disseminates knowledge of AM amongst scholars at graduate level, post graduate level, doctoral level, as well as industry personnel. The objective is to offer a state-of-the-art book which covers all aspects of AM and incorporates all information regarding trends, historical developments, classifications, materials, tooling, software issues, dynamic design, principles, limitations, and communication interfaces in a one-stop resource. Features: Breaks down systematic coverage of various aspects of AM within four distinct sections Contains details of various AM techniques based on ASTM guidelines Discusses many AM applications with suitable illustrations Includes recent trends in the field of AM Covers engineering materials utilized as raw materials in AM Compares AM techniques with different traditional manufacturing methods

Currently, most of the major commercial metal additive manufacturing (MAM) techniques rely on liquid phase processing. The liquid to solid phase transformations in these techniques results in microstructural issues and defects which in turn tantamount to inferior properties of fabricated build. Friction based additive manufacturing technologies are solid state processing techniques which work on the principles of friction based joining processes and layer by layer additive manufacturing. This book primarily addresses the basic understanding of seven friction based additive manufacturing techniques. These techniques include additive manufacturing methods based on rotary friction welding, linear friction welding, friction deposition, friction surfacing, friction stir additive manufacturing, friction assisted seam welding and additive friction stir. The principle of operations, benefits, limitations and recent developments of each technique has been described. It covers potentional and probable applications of each technique through review of various experimental studies. Features Targets friction based solid state additive manufacturing of metallic materials Describes principle of operation of seven friction based additive manufacturing techniques Reviews latest trends of these processes via experimental studies Describes benefits and limitations of each technique Covers current and probable applications of these techniques

This book provides a concise overview of the Apocynaceae plant family, focusing on its morphology, diversity, ethnopharmacology, phytochemistry, and biological activities. It explores biotechnological advances in large-scale production of therapeutic bioactive compounds and conservation efforts using plant tissue culture.   The family Apocynaceae is one of the largest and important families in angiosperm, with several members having medicinal properties used to treat various ailments. Most of them are consumed as food by tribal people, while a few plants are used as a source of poison, insecticides, gum, and many other important products. Members of this family are rich in alkaloids, terpenoids, steroids, flavonoids, glycosides, simple phenols, lactones and hydrocarbons. Other compounds such as sterols, lignans, and sugars have also been systematically studied. Extracts and isolated compounds from Apocynaceae members exhibit antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and cytotoxic activities. Notable plants like Holarrhena antidysenterica, Rauvolfia serpentina, Carissa carandas, and Tabernaemontana divaricata have been extensively researched. The family presents a diverse range of bioactive compounds with medicinal and pharmacological properties, holding promise for future applications.   The book also covers endophytic microorganisms with their diversity, biological activities in Apocynaceae plants. It also highlights the role of endophytes in conservation of Apocynaceae plants. By identifying existing knowledge gaps, it aims to inspire further research in the field, making it a valuable resource for students and researchers in Life Sciences, agriculture, medicine, and pharmaceutical sciences.

Fungi are now at the forefront of research on mechanisms in gene silencing, biological rhythm, mating processes, biogenesis of intracellular organelles, adaptations to hostile habitats, structure of natural populations, and speciation. Because of their small genomes, fungi are being used in "systems biology" to understand the connections between genes, proteins, and metabolic and signaling pathways. The ease with which yeasts and fungi can be cultivated in simple nutritive media has also made these eukaryotic organisms the choice material for basic and applied research. Fungi: Experimental Methods in Biology, Second Edition presents the latest information on fungal biology generated through advances in genetics, molecular biology, and biochemistry. It gives an account of real experiments that have been carried out on the diverse lifestyles of these organisms. Following in the footsteps of its highly-praised predecessor, this book continues to be a comprehensive review of the state of our knowledge about how fungi function. Examining both unicellular and multicellular fungi, this accessible book covers: Special features of fungi Interaction of fungi with other organisms Use of fungi as sources of chemicals for human health and welfare Model fungi in research Gene manipulation Adaptations Natural populations Throughout, the book draws attention to unsolved questions and to the opportunities offered by the diversity of fungi. Written by a prominent mycologist, it provides an excellent introduction and reference for beginning researchers as well as for experienced professionals. What's New in This Edition: New chapters on spores' dormancy, germination, and uses; fungi as scavengers; and fungi as chemical factories All chapters substantially revised, updated, and rewritten, in particular The Hyphal Mode of Life, Fungi as Symbiotic Partners, and Fungi as Plant Pathogens New material on the use of yeast for functional analysis of genomes; the use of Neurospora in cytogenetics and genes controlling conidiation; and the identification of the clock gene A new glossary to reinforce important concepts

Covers application of AI and computational intelligence techniques in urban infrastructure planning Discusses characteristics and features of smart urban management Explores relationship between smart home and smart city management Deliberates various smart home techniques Includes different case studies for supporting and analyzing various aspects of smart urban infrastructure management

This book investigates human–machine systems through the use of case studies such as crankshaft maintenance, liner piston maintenance, and biodiesel blend performance. Through mathematical modelling and using various case studies, the book provides an understanding of how a mathematical modelling approach can assist in working out problems in any industrial-oriented activity. Mathematical Modelling: Simulation Analysis and Industrial Applications details a data analysis approach using mathematical modelling sensitivity. This approach helps in the processing of any type of data and can predict the result so that based on the result, the activity can be controlled by knowing the most influencing variables or parameters involved in the phenomenon. This book helps to solve field and experimental problems of any research activity using a data-based modelling concept to assist in solving any type of problem. Students in manufacturing, mechanical, and industrial engineering programs will find this book very useful. This topic has continued to advance and incorporate new concepts so that the manufacturing field continues to be a dynamic and exciting field of study.

Fungi are now at the forefront of research on mechanisms in gene silencing, biological rhythm, mating processes, biogenesis of intracellular organelles, adaptations to hostile habitats, structure of natural populations, and speciation. Because of their small genomes, fungi are being used in "systems biology" to understand the connections between genes, proteins, and metabolic and signaling pathways. The ease with which yeasts and fungi can be cultivated in simple nutritive media has also made these eukaryotic organisms the choice material for basic and applied research. Fungi: Experimental Methods in Biology, Second Edition presents the latest information on fungal biology generated through advances in genetics, molecular biology, and biochemistry. It gives an account of real experiments that have been carried out on the diverse lifestyles of these organisms. Following in the footsteps of its highly-praised predecessor, this book continues to be a comprehensive review of the state of our knowledge about how fungi function. Examining both unicellular and multicellular fungi, this accessible book covers: Special features of fungi Interaction of fungi with other organisms Use of fungi as sources of chemicals for human health and welfare Model fungi in research Gene manipulation Adaptations Natural populations Throughout, the book draws attention to unsolved questions and to the opportunities offered by the diversity of fungi. Written by a prominent mycologist, it provides an excellent introduction and reference for beginning researchers as well as for experienced professionals. What's New in This Edition: New chapters on spores' dormancy, germination, and uses; fungi as scavengers; and fungi as chemical factories All chapters substantially revised, updated, and rewritten, in particular The Hyphal Mode of Life, Fungi as Symbiotic Partners, and Fungi as Plant Pathogens New material on the use of yeast for functional analysis of genomes; the use of Neurospora in cytogenetics and genes controlling conidiation; and the identification of the clock gene A new glossary to reinforce important concepts

Nuclear isomers are the long-lived excited states of nuclei. Therefore, they constitute the meta-stable landscape of nuclei. The first isomer was probably identified as early as 1921. Since then, the number of isomers has been growing steadily picking up pace in recent times. Interest in nuclear isomers has grown in recent years for many reasons. The experimental capabilities to observe isomers have been expanding to cover a wider time scale. This has opened up new windows to observe and decipher the underlying nuclear structure and interactions. Further, the isomers are beginning to be seen as potential energy storage devices and nuclear clocks with a host of applications. Possible discovery of a gamma ray laser has also ignited many researches in this area. Isomers now cover the full nuclear landscape with structural peculiarities specific to each region of the nuclear chart. Exploring the nuclear isomers, therefore, provides a novel insight into the nuclear structure properties of that region. There could be many different reasons for the long lives of excited nuclear states, which lead to the classification of isomers. Isomers are broadly classified in to four classes: Spin isomers, shape isomers, fission isomers and K-isomers. Seniority isomers have also been identified which are often clubbed with the spin isomers. We discuss this classification and the underlying causes in detail. Many examples are considered to highlight the large variety of isomers. The range of half-lives covered by the isomers varies from billions of years to nano-seconds and even small. To understand this vast variation is a fascinating endeavor in itself. The angular momentum couplings, nuclear shapes, pairing etc. conspire together to give this vast range of half-lives. We go through these aspects in detail, highlighting the various selection rules at work. It is interesting that the nuclear shapes play an important role in many types of isomers. The spin isomers, which occur in spherical or, near-spherical nuclei, are generally confined to the magic numbers. Seniority isomers are largely found in semi-magic nuclei and should be explored in conjunction with the spin isomers. New developments in seniority and generalized seniority isomers are discussed in detail. As the nuclei deform; the nature of isomers changes. We take a close look into the decay properties of isomers in deformed nuclei, particularly the K isomers, the shape isomers and the fission isomers. While doing so, the theoretical and experimental developments of isomers are also addressed. A number of open questions are posed for possible new experiments and better understanding of the isomers.

The challenges to meet the food requirement of the burgeoning population and stabilized productivity of agriculture lands can only be met by a second green revolution. After steadily declining for over a decade hunger is on the rise again, affecting million people of the global population. Therefore, crop yields must be increased substantially over the coming decades to keep pace with global food demand. The plant rhizosphere is a multidimensional and dynamic ecological environment of complicated microbe-plant interactions for harnessing essential macro and micronutrients from a limited nutrient pool. This book will showcase naturally-occurring endophyte which can be explored for nutrient mineralization and mobilization for sustainable agriculture. This will cover recent trends, prospects, critical commentaries and advancement in the research area focusing on naturally-occurring beneficial endophytic microbes. Thus, it is proposed to bring out new scientific insights and frontiers of research that have exploration of endophyte for mineral nutrient management in soil and crops. The chapters are contributed by leading scientists across the globe. The book will be useful to agronomists, microbiologists, ecologists, plant pathologists, molecular biologists, environmentalists, policy makers, conservationists, and NGOs working for the crop production and productivity development and consequently over all agricultural significance.

Nuclear isomers are the long-lived excited states of nuclei. Therefore, they constitute the meta-stable landscape of nuclei. The first isomer was probably identified as early as 1921. Since then, the number of isomers has been growing steadily picking up pace in recent times. Interest in nuclear isomers has grown in recent years for many reasons. The experimental capabilities to observe isomers have been expanding to cover a wider time scale. This has opened up new windows to observe and decipher the underlying nuclear structure and interactions. Further, the isomers are beginning to be seen as potential energy storage devices and nuclear clocks with a host of applications. Possible discovery of a gamma ray laser has also ignited many researches in this area. Isomers now cover the full nuclear landscape with structural peculiarities specific to each region of the nuclear chart. Exploring the nuclear isomers, therefore, provides a novel insight into the nuclear structure properties of that region. There could be many different reasons for the long lives of excited nuclear states, which lead to the classification of isomers. Isomers are broadly classified in to four classes: Spin isomers, shape isomers, fission isomers and K-isomers. Seniority isomers have also been identified which are often clubbed with the spin isomers. We discuss this classification and the underlying causes in detail. Many examples are considered to highlight the large variety of isomers. The range of half-lives covered by the isomers varies from billions of years to nano-seconds and even small. To understand this vast variation is a fascinating endeavor in itself. The angular momentum couplings, nuclear shapes, pairing etc. conspire together to give this vast range of half-lives. We go through these aspects in detail, highlighting the various selection rules at work. It is interesting that the nuclear shapes play an important role in many types of isomers. The spin isomers, which occur in spherical or, near-spherical nuclei, are generally confined to the magic numbers. Seniority isomers are largely found in semi-magic nuclei and should be explored in conjunction with the spin isomers. New developments in seniority and generalized seniority isomers are discussed in detail. As the nuclei deform; the nature of isomers changes. We take a close look into the decay properties of isomers in deformed nuclei, particularly the K isomers, the shape isomers and the fission isomers. While doing so, the theoretical and experimental developments of isomers are also addressed. A number of open questions are posed for possible new experiments and better understanding of the isomers.

This up-to-date reference text discusses the fabrication technique for strengthening of high specific strength alloys including age-hardened aluminum alloys for several industrial applications. The text presents an exhaustive overview of the materials used in the aircraft construction in general and age-hardened aluminum alloys in particular. The text discusses important concepts including surface composite fabrication using friction stir processing (FSP), FSP tools, effect of reinforcement particles, and conditions that affect strengthening during surface composite fabrication on age-hardened aluminum alloys. The text will facilitate the readers to control parameters and avoid conditions that lead to a net negative impact on the resulting composites and select the one that lead to a net gain. It will enable the readers, researchers, and professionals to plan and practice composite fabrication via FSP with a benefit of net strengthening. The understanding of specific strength of materials used in applications including aerial vehicles and manufacturing is important. The proposed text highlights importance of age-hardened alloy as one of the materials used for diverse applications. It discusses strengthening strategies of existing age-hardened aluminum alloys through composite fabrication via a solid-state FSP route. The text will help students and professionals working in the field of manufacturing, materials science, and aerospace engineering. The text discusses an important aspect of strengthening age-hardened alloy using solid-state friction stir processing for diverse applications in industries including manufacturing and aviation. It will serve as an ideal reference for graduate students, academic researchers, and professionals in the field of mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, and materials science. It will also be helpful to the professionals working in the aviation and manufacturing industries.

This book discusses the most challenging task ahead of researchers from India and around the globe: providing disease-free field crops for the ever-growing world population. In Asia, despite being cultivated in massive volumes, major crops, including cereals, oil seed, tuber and non-tuber vegetables, and fruit, are not meeting the demands of the increasing population. This book showcases naturally occurring beneficial microbes in the form of plant growth promoting rhizobacteria, or PGPR, which make it possible to grow field crops without applying synthetic chemicals. Our understanding of PGPR has increased exponentially in recent decades. They play a multifarious role in developing sustainable systems of crop production and protection. The book focuses on the mechanistic behaviors of PGPRs, their use to develop sustainable cultivation techniques, and their application to enhance crop growth and productivity at the cutting edge of tech-oriented agriculture and to replace hazardous chemicals with microbial inoculants. The book is useful to agronomists, microbiologists, ecologists, plant pathologists, molecular biologists, environmentalists, policy makers, conservationists, and NGOs working on organically grown field crops.

The population of cities around the world is growing at an alarming rate, and as a result the landscapes of most cities are going through enormous changes. In particular, fertile agricultural lands at the periphery of cities are being developed without consideration of holistic planning. As such, peri-urban areas, zones of transition from rural to urban land uses located between the outer limits of the urban and the rural environment are experiencing significant losses of agricultural land, increased runoff, and water quality degradation. Concurrently, the demands for water, food and energy are increasing within cities, and unless a balance is struck the liveability of these cities will soon be compromised. The current water and land use changes have serious consequences on lifestyle, environment, health and overall well-being of urban communities. This book therefore helps readers to understand the current issues and challenges and examines suitable strategies and practices to cope with current and future pressures of urbanisation and peri-urban land-use changes. The book examines a number of critical aspects in relation to the future of cities and peri-urban regions, including the suitability of policies and institutions to sustain cities into the future; impact of current trends in land use change, population increase and water demand; long term planning needs and approaches to ensure the secured future for generations ahead; and strategies to adapt the cities and land uses so that they remain viable and liveable. The readership of the book will include policy makers, urban planners, researchers, post-graduate students in urban planning and environmental and water resources management and managers in municipal councils.

The earth’s biodiversity is a degree of ecosystem health which is vital to ecology and environmental sustainability. The microbial world is the largest unexplored reservoir. The agro-ecosystem enriched with rhizosphere implicit abundant and species-rich component of microbial diversity. Its global exploration designs a worldwide framework for agricultural sustainability adjoining benefits in its conservation. Agricultural sustainability requires a major share from ecosystem management which is better paid by microbial diversity and conservation. Diversity of bacteria influences plant productivity providing nutrient convenience from soil instead altering per se community and diversity in the rhizosphere where they may influence mechanistic competent and antagonistic micro-flora. The potential species among the diversity are therefore, essential subjective to their maintenance for use around the globe. Microbial population in agro-ecosystem is influenced by stresses, reduce functionality as a component. It is therefore, important to explore secrets of planned strategy so as to unravel the microbial diversity and conservation in agricultural development. Microorganisms are minute, pervasive in nature and alleged as disease host instead tiny recognize as employee of agro-ecosystem, indulge in agricultural development and potential contributor in world of ecological and economical wealth creation. This step pertinently would help to launch scientific motivation needed to support the refrain of microbial diversity and conservation.

The dramatic worldwide increase in agricultural and industrial productivity has created severe environmental problems. Soil and groundwater reservoirs have been polluted with pesticides, xenobiotics and agro-chemicals. The global consensus to reduce inputs of chemical pesticides and agrochemical fertilizers, which are perceived at being hazardous by some consumers, has provided opportunities for the development of novel, benign sustainable crop management strategies. The future of agricultural depends upon our ability to enhance the productivity without damage to their long-term production potential. One of the strategies is the application of effective microbial products beneficial for both farmers and ecosystems. This kind of approach can ensure both ecological and economic sustainability. Soil microbial populations are immersed in framework of interactions, which are known to affect plant fitness and soil quality. For betterment of life of human being, improved quality and variety of products are formed due to versatile action of different group of microorganisms, Microbes are able to degrade solid waste material into compost which is a mixture of decayed organic matter, manure etc. Incomplete microbial degradation of organic waste where the microbial process varies aerobic to anaerobic form is stated as compost, if added to soil improves plant growth and development. The biological activities and microbial metabolism in the soil contribute to alter its mixture and fertility. Incorporation of organic remain in the form of compost is known to influence favourably the physio-chemical and biological properties of soil. The beneficial activities bestowed upon plants by compost utilization are multifaceted, hence most promising alternatives for achieving sustainable agricultural production. An increased awareness on compost has led to their use in agricultural concern. Contents in the present book will comprised various chapters on the role of beneficial bacteria in the composting process. The application is depicted to achieve the attainable productivity besides, in disease management and suppressiveness of organisms of phytopathogenic in nature. Significance of the compost elicits certain responses e.g. soil reclamation, soil fertility, soil health and disease management exhibit due to quality compost amendment in soil. It serves as low cost prospective option for sustainable crop production and protection.

There has been a resurgence of interest in environmental friendly, sustainable and organic cultural practices that warrants high yield and quality in agricultural crops. To enhance sustainable agricultural production and alleviate food scarcity, spoor of majority of microorganisms, especially plant growth and health promoting bacteria of eminent characteristics that allow them for exploitation in agro-ecosystem. Plant growth promoting rhizobacteria are the soil bacteria inhabiting around/on the root surface and are directly or indirectly involved in promoting plant growth and development via production and secretion of various regulatory chemicals in the vicinity of rhizosphere. Among various beneficial bacteria mediated mechanisms include direct production of phytohormones and biosurfactants experiencing quest of research and concept up gradation that can built emerging paradigm (agriculture model). Research on bacteria-mediated phytohormones is crucially important, provides key understanding of the plant growth and development. Various genera including PGPR group of bacteria are potential source of plant growth regulators. Application of such organism allow plants to survive under abiotic and biotic stress conditions besides govern phytohormone mediated immune response and manage to regulate hormones. Such group of bacteria also produce another important metabolite i.e. biosurfacatants which are involved in many important functions to bacteria itself as we ll as for the plants and their ecosystem. Biosurfactants may alter nutrient availability, endogenous metabolites such as antibiotics production, root colonization imparting protection from phytopathogens besides eradicating soil contaminants and other pollutants. The role and activities of surfactants produced by bacteria are multifarious in nature. Thus, bacterial phytohormones and biosurfactants are identified as effector molecules in plant- microbe interactions, in pathogenesis and phyto-stimulation which can either be beneficial for the bacteria itself or for the crops. This book highlights current applications and research on bacterial hormones and surfactants to provide a timely overview. The chapters have been contributed by subject experts from around the world and include topics of varied importance which include phytohormones production by rhizospheric and endophytic bacteria, their role in rhizosphere competence, plant growth regulation, bioremediation, biosurfactants as antibiofilm agents and other aspects. This major new work represents a valuable source of information to all those scientists interested in microbial technology with respect to the microbial innovative products and applications towards sustainable agroecosystem.

The future of agriculture greatly depends on our ability to enhance productivity without sacrificing long-term production potential. The application of microorganisms, such as the diverse bacterial species of plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR), represents an ecologically and economically sustainable strategy. The use of these bio-resources for the enhancement of crop productivity is gaining importance worldwide. Bacteria in Agrobiology: Crop Productivity focus on the role of beneficial bacteria in crop growth, increased nutrient uptake and mobilization, and defense against phytopathogens. Diverse group of agricultural crops and medicinal plants are described as well as PGPR-mediated bioremediation leading to food security.

The future of agriculture strongly depends on our ability to enhance productivity without sacrificing long-term production potential. An ecologically and economically sustainable strategy is the application of microorganisms, such as the diverse bacterial species of plant growth promoting bacteria (PGPB). The use of these bio-resources for the enhancement of crop productivity is gaining worldwide importance. "Bacteria in Agrobiology: Plant Nutrient Management" focus on the management of plant nutrient to support plant growth and development. The topics treated in this book include mechanisms of plant growth promoting rhizobacteria, zinc and phosphate solubilizing microorganisms, sulfur oxidizing bacteria, ACC deaminase, siderophores, phytohormones, quorum-sensing, biofilms, antibiotics, volatiles, denitrification and integrated nutrient management.