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Modelling and Optimization of Biotechnological Processes : Artificial Intelligence Approaches
The book begins with a historical introduction to the field of bioprocess control based on artificial intelligence approaches, followed by two chapters covering the optimization of fed-batch culture using genetic algorithms. Online biomass soft-sensors are constructed in Chapter 4 using recurrent neural networks. The bioprocess is then modelled in Chapter 5 by cascading two soft-sensor neural networks. Optimization and validation of the final product are detailed in Chapters 6 and 7. The general conclusions are drawn in Chapter 8.
Industrial enzymes : Structure, function and applications
Man's use of enzymes dates back to the earliest times of civilization. Important human activities such as the production of certain types of foods and beverages, and the tanning of hides and skins to produce leather for garments, serendipitously took advantage of enzyme activities. Important advances in our understanding of the nature of enzymes and their action were made in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, seeding the explosive expansion from the 1950s and 60s onward to the present billion dollar enzyme industry. Recent developments in the fields of genetic engineering and protein chemistry are bringing ever more powerful means of analysis to bear on the study of enzyme structure and function that will undoubtedly lead to the rational modification of enzymes to match specific requirements as well as the design of new enzymes with novel properties.
Heterocycles from Carbohydrate Precursors
This book is a volume in the series Topics in Heterocyclic Chemistry.Itc- ers the key methods used for designing synthetic approaches to heterocycles from carbohydrates and the value and scope of these methods. Carbohydrates are widely distributed in nature and constitute the largest part of renewable biomasses. Moreover, many carbohydrates and their derivatives are comm- cially available at relatively cheap prices. Consequently their utilization is highly encouraged and economically they are of great signifcance. Moreover, carbohydrates are highly functionalized compounds that can be readily deritized and/or cyclized to provide heterocyclic compounds. This book provides a modern account and an up-to-date description of the advancement in the synthesis of diverse heterocycles from carbohydrates. Carbohydrates can be considered as a source of chiral centers in addition to the variable modifcation thereof.
Herbal cosmetics
What are cosmetics? Cosmetics are products applied to any part of human body for cleansing, beautifying, attractiveness and altering the appearance. Today cosmetics are considered a necessity and not a luxury. What are herbal cosmetics? Herbal cosmetics defined as the beauty products posses desirable physiological activities, such as skin healing, smoothening, appearance. These are the cosmetics which are prepared by using plant products having cosmetic actions Herbal drugs traditionally used in medicine and skin care consist of herbs and spices from higher plants, thalli from lower botanical organisms, microbial biomasses, and the various extracts that can be obtained from these sources.
Gradients in a Tropical Mountain Ecosystem of Ecuador
This volume addresses a multitude of ecologically relevant aspects: macro- and microclimate; physics, chemistry and biology of soils; water relations, matter turnover and nutrient availability; plant growth and biomass partitioning; floral composition and plant life forms; vegetation structure and dynamics; organismic interactions, diversity and population biology of birds, moths and microarthropods; forest management, and reforestation with indigenous species; ethnobotanical and social aspects. New hypotheses are presented with regard to biodiversity and ecosystem functioning, as well as sustainable management of an ecosystem in a biodiversity hotspot.
Genetic Improvement of Bioenergy Crops
This book presents an overview of the major bioenergy crops that can be used for the production of biomass and ethanol, with a focus on their genetic improvement. In order to maintain focus, biodiesel and the genetic improvement of oil crops are not covered. The available genetic resources are largely untapped and offer major opportunities to significantly enhance the contribution of bioenergy, while addressing many of the economic and ecological concerns.
Environmental Effects of Afforestation in North-Western Europe : From Field Observations to Decision Support
Recognising the need for effective decision making in relation to land-use change, this timely book develops a series of tools for estimating the environmental impacts of afforestation. It also presents guidelines and decision support systems (DSS) to enable both policy makers and forest managers to maximize the benefits and minimize the adverse effects of afforestation. This book will provide a valuable resource for both graduate students and researchers in forest, environmental and biological sciences, as well as for landscape planners and policy makers involved in afforestation projects at local, regional and international levels.
Environmental and Microbial Relationships
After the publication of Volume IV in 1997, the introduction of molecular methods into ecology led to significant new findings. Emphasizing these advances, the chapters for the second edition have been completely updated and revised. This volume provides insight into current research on fungal populations and communities. It focuses on fungal responses to the physical environment, interactions with other fungi, microorganisms and invertebrates, the role of fungi in ecosystem processes such as decomposition and nutrient cycling, and aspects of biogeography and conservation. Several chapters deal with various applications in, e.g. biological pest control, natural products discovery, and the degradation of toxic organic compounds. This is an invaluable source of information both for scientists who wish to update their knowledge of current progress and for graduate students interested in obtaining a first overview of this field of research.
Emerging Environmental Technologies
This book exclusively focuses on the technologies that would be in the forefront in near to far future. Each and every article in the book discusses the current environmental challenges, the novel innovation and future directions. The topics covered in the book include microbial fuel cells, hybrid solar lighting, bacterial swimming for environmental remediation, cleaner engines, nanoparticles for effluent treatment, surface catalysis and proteins as gas hydrates inhibitors.
Earth Observation of Global Change : The Role of Satellite Remote Sensing in Monitoring the Global Environment
Global Change is increasingly considered a critical topic in environmental research. Remote sensing methods provide a relevant tool to monitor global variables, since they offer a systematic coverage of the Earth Surface, at different spatial, spectral and temporal resolutions. The data provided by Earth Observation Satellites are being operationally used for monitoring atmospheric conditions, ice sheets and glaciar movements, crop dynamism and land use changes, deforestation and desertification processes, as well as water conditions. The book includes an analysis of the leading missions in global Earth observation, and then reviews the main fields in which remote sensing methods are providing vital data for global change studies.
Deep eutectic polvents : Synthesis, properties, and applications
Deep Eutectic Solvents contains a comprehensive review of the use of deep eutectic solvents (DESs) as an environmentally benign alternative reaction media for chemical transformations and processes. The contributors cover a range of topics including synthesis, structure, properties, toxicity and biodegradability of DESs. The book also explores myriad applications in various disciplines, such as organic synthesis and (bio)catalysis, electrochemistry, extraction, analytical chemistry, polymerizations, (nano)materials preparation, biomass processing, and gas adsorption.
Cosmic Ray Neutron Sensing : Estimation of Agricultural Crop Biomass Water Equivalent
Provides methods for the estimation of Biomass Water Equivalent (BEW), an essential step for improving the accuracy of area-wide soil moisture by cosmic-ray neutron sensors (CRNS). Three techniques are explained in detail: (i) traditional in-situ destructive sampling, (ii) satellite based remote sensing of plant surfaces, and (iii) biomass estimation via the use of the CRNS itself. The advantages and disadvantages of each method are discussed along with step by step instructions on proper procedures and implementation.
Marine Biotechnology II
This volume of Advances in Biochemical Engineering/Biotechnology illustrates several topics in line with the following broad objectives: thinking of marine biotechnology as the controlled production and use of marine organisms and molecules for useful purposes, firstly by exploring aspects of marine biodiversity and exploitation of biomass, then considering the identification, production and processing of marine products.
Marine Biotechnology I
Oceans, which occupy up to two thirds of the surface of our planet, were not really approached from scientific point of view until the second half of the 19th century and even the 20th with regard to microbial and unicellular life. Today, the importance of marine biodiversity has been fully recognized. It is, indeed, one of the aspects which, over the two past decades, have made a major contribution to our knowledge and vision of the living planetThis volume of Advances in Biochemical Engineering/Biotechnology illustrates several topics in line with the following broad objectives: thinking ofmarine biotechnology as the controlled production and use of marine organisms and molecules for useful purposes, firstly by exploring aspects of marine biodiversity and exploitation of biomass, then considering the identification, production and processing of marine products.
Manual for Soil Analysis - Monitoring and Assessing Soil Bioremediation
Reliable methods for monitoring and assessing soil quality are a prerequisite for successful soil bioremediation projects. The fifth volume of Soil Biology presents detailed descriptions of selected methods for evaluating, monitoring and assessing bioremediation treatments of soils contaminated with organic pollutants or heavy metals.
Mangroves and Halophytes : Restoration and Utilisation
Focusing on Venezuela and Mexico, this edited volume from the International Society of Halophyte Utilisation (ISHU) explores the environmental issues facing South and Central America's coastal ecosystems, and discusses the uses of mangrove species and other halophytes in addressing issues of both coastal pollution and upland soil salinisation. The book draws on expertise from Europe and South America to present a series of case studies that detail Venezuela’s saline ecosystems and examine the economic potential of mangrove restoration and halophyte production. It includes cutting-edge research into the establishment of new mangrove stands which could serve as prototypes for the sustainable use of halophytes, including Chenopodium quinoa and Tamarix aphylla. Moreover, the detailed examples from Venezuela and other Caribbean countries provide useful models for comparison with halophyte utilisation in other parts of the world – especially the Mediterranean region, where much of the earlier research of the ISHU had been conducted.
Macrophytes in Aquatic Ecosystems : from Biology to Management ; Proceedings of the 11th International Symposium on Aquatic Weeds, European Weed Research Society
Macrophytes and macrophytes ecology have gained an added importance with the introduction of, and legal requirement to implement, the European Water Framework Directive. This reflects the valuable role that aquatic plant communities play in assessing the ecological status of water bodies. Significant changes in the status and general abundance of these communities has been recorded in the last three decades, consequent on such factors as global warming and, increasingly, on the spread of aggressive alien species. These changes have been most felt in those waters that are exploited for amenity and recreational pursuits. The increased biomass of aquatic vegetation in water bodies has adversely impacted on leisure use of these systems but has also impacted on their use for agricultural, flood relief, municipal and domestic purposes. The loss to national economies resulting from this excessive plant biomass has been appreciable and has put pressure on water managers to develop weed control procedures that are efficient, environmentally sensitive and cost-effective.
Lamto : Structure, Functioning, and Dynamics of a Savanna Ecosystem
Known as "a dream place for scientists," the Lamto savannas, located on the edge of the Cote d'Ivoire rain forests, are one of the only savannas in the world where ongoing ecological research has endured for more than forty years. Drawing from and synthesizing this abundance of research, the book examines the structure, functioning, and dynamics of the Lamto humid savanna. Beginning with the history of the Lamto ecology station and an overview of the major environmental conditions of the site, this exacting work specifically examines the integrative view of energy and nutrient fluxes relative to the dynamics of the savanna's vegetation.
Biotechnology for Fuels and Chemicals : The Twenty-Ninth Symposium
In Biotechnology for Fuels and Chemicals: The Twenty-Ninth Symposium, leading US and international researchers from academia, industry, and government exchange cutting-edge technical information and update current trends in the development and application of biotechnology for sustainable production of fuels and chemicals. This symposium emphasizes advances in biotechnology to produce high-volume, low-price products from renewable resources, while improving the environment. The major areas of interest include advanced feedstock production and processing, enzymatic and microbial biocatalysis, bioprocess research and development, opportunities in biorefineries, and commercialization of biobased products. International and domestic progress on producing liquid biofuels, especially ethanol and biodiesel, is highlighted, and related topics, including bioseparations and optimal integration of biochemical and thermochemical conversion technologies, are featured.
Biotechnology for fuels and chemicals : The Twenty-Eighth symposium
In Biotechnology for Fuels and Chemicals: The Twenty-Eighth Symposium, leading US and international researchers from academia, industry, and government exchange cutting-edge technical information and update current trends in the development and application of biotechnology for sustainable production of fuels and chemicals. This symposium emphasizes advances in biotechnology to produce high-volume, low-price products from renewable resources, while improving the environment. The major areas of interest include advanced feedstock production and processing, enzymatic and microbial biocatalysis, bioprocess research and development, opportunities in biorefineries, and commercialization of biobased products.
