Global climate change affects productivity and species composition of freshwater and marine aquatic ecosystems by raising temperatures, ocean acidification, excessive solar UV and visible radiation. Effects on bacterioplankton and viruses, phytoplankton and macroalgae have farreaching consequences for primary consumers such as zooplankton, invertebrates and vertebrates, as well as on human consumption of fish, crustaceans and mollusks. It has affected the habitation of the Arctic and Antar...

This book summarizes what is currently known about gravity sensing and response mechanisms in microorganisms, fungi, lower and higher plants; starting from the historical eye-opening experiments from the 19th century up to today’s extremely rapid advancing cellular, molecular and biotechnological research. All forms of life are constantly exposed to gravity and it can be assumed that almost all organisms have developed sensors and respond in one way or the other to the unidirectional accel...

Automatic image analysis has become an important tool in many fields of biology, medicine, and other sciences. Since the first edition of Image Analysis: Methods and Applications, the development of both software and hardware technology has undergone quantum leaps. For example, specific mathematical filters have been developed for quality enhanceme

This book offers a comprehensive exploration of the cutting-edge multi-omics technologies that are revolutionizing research across biomedical sciences and environmental sustainability. It addresses the urgent need for interdisciplinary research by integrating multi-omics approaches with bioinformatics and artificial intelligence.The book explores evolution of traditional omics technologies into comprehensive multi-omics strategies that synergize data output through advanced computa...

Bioassays: Advanced Methods and Applications provides a thorough understanding of the applications of bioassays in monitoring toxicity in aquatic ecosystems. It reviews the newest tests and applications in discovering compounds and toxins in the environment, covering all suitable organisms, from bacteria, to microorganisms, to higher plants, including invertebrates and vertebrates. By learning about newer tests, water pollution control testing can be less time and labor consuming, and less...

During the last few decades anthropogenic activities in the industrially advanced countries have outcompeted nature in changing the global environment. This is best illustrated for example by the polluted lakes in Scandinavia and Canada, associated with acid deposition from fossil fuel combustion. One of the major challenges mankind is confronted with in the field of energy consumption is undoubtedly to ensure sustainability - a goal that requires improved management of natural resources a...

Natural Bioactive Compounds: Technological Advancements deals with the latest breakthroughs in the field of screening, characterization and novel applications of natural bioactive compounds from diverse group of organisms ranging from bacteria, viruses, cyanobacteria, algae, fungi, bryophytes, higher plants, sponges, corals and fishes. Written by some of the most reputed scientists in the field, this book introduces the reader to strategies and methods in the search for bioactive natural p...

This book provides examples of pollutants, such as accidental oil spills and non-degradable plastic debris, which affect marine organisms of all taxa. Terrestrial runoff washes large amounts of dissolved organic materials from agriculture and industry, toxic heavy metals, pharmaceuticals, and persistent organic pollutants which end up into rivers, coastal habitats, and open waters. While this book is not intended to encyclopaedically list all kinds of pollution, it rather exemplifies the p...

Human activities impact the environment and modify the cycles of important elements such as carbon and nitrogen from local to global scales. In order to maintain long-term and sustainable use of the world's natural resources it is important that we understand how and why ecosystems respond to such changes. This book explains the structure and functioning of terrestrial ecosystems, using examples ranging from the Arctic to the tropics to demonstrate how they react under differing conditions...

The fourth edition of Soil Microbiology, Ecology and Biochemistry updates this widely used reference as the study and understanding of soil biota, their function, and the dynamics of soil organic matter has been revolutionized by molecular and instrumental techniques, and information technology. Knowledge of soil microbiology, ecology and biochemistry is central to our understanding of organisms and their processes and interactions with their environment. In a time of great global change a...

Michael Lebuhn, Stefan Weiß, Bernhard Munk, Georg M. GuebitzMicrobiology and Molecular Biology Tools for Biogas Process Analysis, Diagnosis and ControlVeronika Dollhofer, Sabine Marie Podmirseg, Tony Martin Callaghan, Gareth Wyn Griffith & Katerina FliegerováAnaerobic Fungi and their Potential for Biogas ProductionBianca Fröschle, Monika Heiermann, Michael Lebuhn, Ute Messelhäusser, Matthias PlöchlHygiene and Sanitation in Biogas PlantsCharle...

Aqueous-based film coating has become routine in the pharmaceutical industry. This process eliminates the use of organic solvents and thus avoids economic, environmental, and toxicological issues related to residual solvents and solvent recovery. Aqueous-based coating, however, is complex and many variables may impact the final product and its performance. This fourth edition of Aqueous Polymeric Coatings for Pharmaceutical Dosage Forms aims to provide insight into the factors and...