This authoritative reference provides update information on the fundamental aspects and applications of biomaterials and biomedical sciences. It includes nickel-titanium alloys with superelasticity and shape memory effect, bioactive bone cement for orthopedic applications, and new research trends in polymer nanocomposites. This Ebook also describes the response of cells to ionizing radiation such as DNA damage responses in zebrafish. With chapters contributed by eminent scientists in the field of biophysics, biomaterials and biomedical engineering, this is a useful reference for graduate students, researchers and professionals in biomedical sciences and technologies.

For centuries, legumes have been used as pulses or grains serving as the most critical sources of major protein/oil-producing crops for both human and animal consumption, and for providing raw materials for industrial processing. They are highly valued as soil-building crops, improving soil quality through their beneficial involvement in biological nitrogen fixation, a symbiotic partnership with rhizobia. Advances in Legume Research: Physiological Responses and Genetic Improvement for Stress Resistance serves as a unique source of information on the distinct aspects of basic and applied legume research for general readers, students, academics, and researchers. The book gives several insights on the morphological, physiological, and genetic responses to stresses via 8 concise chapters covering all aspects of legume growth, utilization, and improvement. The included chapters present research findings and succinct reviews concerning the strides continuously made in the improvement of legumes against biotic and abiotic stress factors. This comprehensive new legume reference book disseminates key information pertaining to genetic diversity, conservation, cultivation, manipulation through mutagenic techniques, plant transformation, and other breeding technologies. The book, therefore, continues to build on the need to acquire new knowledge about legume crops and ways to improve their existing agricultural yield for a sustainable and secure food market.

This reference provides comprehensive insights on the harm inflicted by pests and diseases on leguminous crops. Internationally acclaimed authors provide succinct reviews on breeding and impact of biotic stress factors such as insect pests, microbial pathogens, spiders, and vertebrate pests in legumes like soybean, cowpea, and common bean. The book also contains detailed technical analysis of methods such as the PCR-based detection, next generation sequencing / marker-assisted selections, low cost lethal-non-lethal vertebrate pest control and mechanisms of climate/nutrient induced resistance. The unique feature of this book is its focus on the optimization and development of environmentally friendly methods for pest and disease control in leguminous crops. Other features include structured sections for easy reading and a list of references for advanced readers. Key themes: Biotic Stress and Plant Resistance Biotic Stress in Legumes (Cowpea and Soybean) Diagnostic and Control Methods for Microbial Plant Pathogens Viral Diseases of Legumes and Management: Vertebrate Pests in Legumes and Economic Implications Spiders in Legume Agroecosystems Climate-Driven Factors and Insect Pests of Legumes Sustainable Crop Nutrition for Biotic Stress Alleviation in Legumes Physiological Responses in Legumes to Combined Stress Factors

There is considerable diversity in polymers extracted from natural sources and much work has been done to classify them according to their physical and chemical properties. In the second part of this book set, readers will find general information about the physicochemical properties of several naturally occurring polysaccharides followed by a section dedicated to their application in different fields of research and medicine. Key topics in this part include: • chitosan (properties modifications and applications) • microbial biopolymers • biopolymers present in Brazilian seeds • protein-plastic foams • biopolymer microencapsulation in the food industry • biomedical gels • collagen biomaterials • biopolymer electrospinning This reference is intended for students of applied chemistry and biochemistry who require information about the properties and applications of polysaccharides (such as chitosan) and other protein-based biopolymers.

The last two decades have seen a number of significant advances in the methodology for evaluating the molecular weight distributions of polydispersed macromolecular systems in solution at the molecular level. This reference presents reviews on the progress in different analytical and characterization methods of biopolymers. Readers will find useful information about combinations of complex biopolymer analysis such as chromatographic or membrane based fractionation procedures combined with multiple detectors on line (multi-angle laser light scattering or MALLS). Key topics include: • refractive index, UV-Vis absorbance and intrinsic viscosity detection systems, • advances in SEC-MALLS (size exclusion chromatography coupled to multi-angle laser light scattering) and FFF-MALLS (field flow fractionation coupled on line to MALLS), • HPSEC-A4F-MALLS, matrix-assisted laser-desorption ionization (MALDI) • electrospray ionization (ESI) mass spectrometry • nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy This reference is intended for students of applied chemistry and biochemistry who require information about biopolymer analysis and characterization.

The reference presents detailed research on the olive (Olea europaea) and the stone fruit. Readers will learn about the biotechnology, plant nutrition, plant breeding, pomology, postharvest physiology, plant pathology of these two plant species. In a practical sense, the book also presents applicable agricultural knowledge about these plants for crop improvement, production, nutrients, pest management, disease, genetic, genomic and the food industry. The contributions by the authors of this book include descriptions about the manipulation of variables and genetic resources of inheritance of quantitative genes, crop rotation, soil water, and the effect of temperature on crop production. Aspects such as protecting crops against pests and diseases whilst ensuring the protection of human health are also taken into account. This is a valuable reference for students, scientists, horticulturists and, in general, for anyone wishing to obtain knowledge and experience with olives and drupes to increase productivity.

Banana farming is the basis for commercial fruit trading. Every banana plant generates waste biomass nearly ten times the quantity of its fruits. Disposal of waste biomass is a burden for the farmers. Economical use of the waste biomass can bring financial benefit to banana farmers. Use of organic potash in lieu of inorganic potash affords higher yield and also helps to preserve the ecosphere of soil for subsequent crops. Agricultural Benefits of Postharvest Banana Plants details the use of postharvest banana plants for agriculture and trade. Eleven chapters explain both traditional and modern uses of banana plants. The reader is informed how bio-waste from postharvest banana plants (including their stems) can be used as organic potash to replace inorganic potash (muriate of potash) in fertilizer. Experimental uses of banana plant pseudo-stem juice for growing different crops along with chemical analysis of the pseudo-stems are explained in separate chapters. Isolations of potassium chloride and potassium carbonate have also been discussed in the latter part of the book. This book is an ideal handbook for professionals and trainees interested in utilizing postharvest banana plants for sustainable agriculture and trade. The information is also useful for students and teachers involved in agricultural biotechnology and traditional agriculture courses.

While oceans are vast, they represent a fragile resource that must be protected if we want to protect our livelihoods and our planet. Marine pollution has been a topic of concern for a long time, and it has recently attracted the attention of scientists, environmentalists, economists, politicians and journalists in mainstream media. <p></p> Besides providing food, transportation routes and other resources, the oceans serve as a heat absorbing sink which offsets the extreme heating effects of climate change, but only to a limited degree. Pollution in marine environments such as the oceans, poses a threat to coastal communities by affecting the fauna and flora in the environment and the health of the nearby population. This has a disruptive effect on the health and economy of these communities. <p></p> Marine Pollution: Current Status, Impacts and Remedies emphasizes the limitations of marine resources that relevant environments provide. Readers will find chapters on methods to assess pollution as well as important information for identifying, measuring, and remediating various pollutants. The book also covers some known pollutants (heavy metals, organic pollutants, microplastics) and ways to manage these substances. Other issues covered in the book include problems caused by invasive species, and the ecological problems caused by pollutants which affect local fauna and flora. <p></p> This book will prove to be a useful resource for students, researchers, and policymakers, who are working in environmental science, marine conservation and allied fields. <p></p> <p></p> [Series Intro] <p></p> Marine Ecology: Current and Future Developments brings forth contemporary issues in the study of marine environments. The scope of the series includes ecological, toxicological and biological aspects of the topic. Each volume of the series focuses on a broad theme, with reviews contributed by several experts in the field. The series is essential reading for environmental scientists, ecologists, conservationists and marine biologists.

Marine ecosystems offer several benefits to human communities. To make sustainable use of these benefits, it is necessary to elucidate and conserve marine ecology, and strive to maintain a sustainable natural resource management program. For this reason, understanding the diversity and behavior of both macro-ecosystems and micro-ecosystems are crucial. Monitoring Artificial Materials and Microbes in Marine Ecosystems explores microbial roles and their interaction with artificial materials in marine environments. After starting with simple topics for beginners, chapters explore methods to detect microorganisms in marine ecosystems and interactions of marine organisms with artificial materials. The sequential progression into advanced topics makes it easier to understand how to solve the reduction in marine-ecosystem viability caused by adverse events. Readers are provided with useful information for rehabilitating marine environments to make them sustainable for communities. Topics are covered in 3 parts: Part 1 is an introductory guide to marine ecosystems and environmental monitoring assessment. Readers are introduced to coral reef ecosystems, algal blooms and the role of environmental monitoring services in maintaining and restoring the quality of marine environments. This is followed by examples of sustainable marine environment assessment. Part 2 provides information about methods to detect microorganisms (viruses and bacteria) and evaluate marine environments. This includes sample enrichment methods, electrochemical analysis, and single-cell imaging techniques. The highly sensitive and specific techniques presented in the book, are applicable in a wide variety of situations. Part 3 is dedicated to interactions between artificial metallic materials and microorganisms in marine environments. Chapters in this section share results from several experiments conducted to separate microorganisms and biofilms from such environments. This book is intended primarily for marine ecologists, microbiologists, environmental engineers, and engineers associated with industrial projects. This book is also useful as a text for undergraduate and graduate-level courses in marine biology, ecology, and microbiology.

This reference highlights the significance of marine ecosystems, encompassing seaweed beds, seagrasses, coral reefs, mangroves, estuaries, and protected areas, as a remarkable gateway to overcoming healthcare challenges and unlocking a rich trove of bioactive compounds for drug discovery. One of the key highlights of this book is its exploration of the development of marine bio-drugs, a field that demands collaboration among scientists from both academic and industrial fronts. The editors also include a prospective review on marine environments, emphasizing the necessity for big data, collective knowledge sharing, financial support, and streamlined administrative processes, all of which contribute to enhancing innovation in the drug discovery process. Another feature includes reference lists that allow researchers to explore topics of interest in depth. With twelve comprehensive chapters, this book extensively covers marine ecosystem biodiversity, productivity, protected areas, and the intricate interplay of biotic and abiotic factors that shape these ecosystems. Readers will learn about important bioactive compounds within marine organisms and how to use this knowledge to outline a strategy for bio-drug discovery. The book caters to a diverse audience of researchers, students, ecologists, microbiologists, pharmacologists, and biotechnologists who are engaged in studying the dynamic components of marine environments. By providing the latest insights and strategies in the realm of bio-drug discovery from marine resources, this book serves as an invaluable resource for scholars and professionals seeking to tap into the potential of these unique ecosystems.