The Changing Carbon Cycle

The Changing Carbon Cycle

Author: John R. Trabalka

Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media

Published: 2013-03-09

Total Pages: 615

ISBN-13: 1475719159

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

The United States Government, cognizant of its responsibilities to future generations, has been sponsoring research for nine years into the causes, effects, and potential impacts of increased concentrations of carbon dioxide (C0 ) in the atmosphere. Agencies such as the National Science Foun 2 dation, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) cooperatively spent about $100 million from FY 1978 through FY 1984 directly on the study of CO • The DOE, as the 2 lead government agency for coordinating the government' s research ef forts, has been responsible for about 60% of these research efforts. William James succinctly defined our purpose when he stated science must be based upon " ... irreducible and stubborn facts." Scientific knowledge can and will reduce the present significant uncertainty sur rounding our understanding of the causes, effects, and potential impacts of increasing atmospheric CO2• We have come far during the past seven years in resolving some underlyinig doubts and in narrowing the ranges of disagreement. Basic concepts have become less murky. Yet, much more must be accomplished; more irreducible and stubborn facts are needed to reduce the uncertainties so that we can improve our knowledge base. Uncertainty can never be reduced to zero. However, with a much improved knowledge base, we will be able to learn, under stand, and be in a position to make decisions.


The Supporting Roots of Trees and Woody Plants: Form, Function and Physiology

The Supporting Roots of Trees and Woody Plants: Form, Function and Physiology

Author: A. Stokes

Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media

Published: 2013-04-17

Total Pages: 411

ISBN-13: 9401734690

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

This publication comprises the proceedings of the first International Conference devoted to the structural roots of trees and woody plants. 'The Supporting Roots - Structure and Function,' 20-24 July 1998, Bordeaux, France. The meeting was held under the auspices ofIUFRO WPS 2. 01. 13 'Root Physiology and Symbiosis,' and its aim was to bring together scientific researchers, foresters and arboriculturalists, to discuss current problems in structural root research and disseminate knowledge to an audience from a wide disciplinary background. For the first time in an international conference, emphasis was placed on presenting recent reseach in the field of tree anchorage mechanics and root biomechanics. The way in which tree stability can be affected by root system symmetry and architecture was addressed, as well as how movement during wind sway can influence the development and shape of woody roots. The role of different nursery and planting techniques was discussed, in relation to effects on root system form and development. Root response to different environmental stresses, including water, temperature, nutrient and mechanical stress was addressed in detail. The structure and function of woody roots was also considered at different levels, from coarse to fine roots, with several papers discussing the interaction between roots and the rhizosphere. One of the conference highlights was the presentation of new methods in root research, by a series of workshops held at LRBB-INRA, Pierroton, on the northern border of the Gascony forest.


Ecological Wisdom Inspired Restoration Engineering

Ecological Wisdom Inspired Restoration Engineering

Author: Varenyam Achal

Publisher: Springer

Published: 2018-08-24

Total Pages: 295

ISBN-13: 9811301492

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

This book focuses on ecological wisdom inspired restoration engineering through theories, hypotheses, policies, practical understanding, and case studies. Understanding nature’s processes is a prerequisite for the healthy and sustainable functioning of a habitable Earth. As such, the book provides a guide for readers seeking to understand and build sustainable, urban socio-ecological systems using restoration technologies based on wisdom. Motivated by recent rapid advances in restoration engineering, such as the role of green building materials in urban infrastructures, and developing sustainable landscapes to benefit the environment, economy and communities, it is an essential reference on the most promising innovative technologies. It discusses engineering methods and practices in the restoration of soil, water, heritage sites, and other ecosystems, as well as the development and applications of green building materials. It presents a holistic and systematic approach that utilizes natural resources and the concept of ecological wisdom to reap sustainable environmental, economic and social benefits to fulfill the concept of living in harmony with nature. This book is a valuable resource for civil- and environmental engineering researchers as well as organizations engaged in eco-restoration practices.


Stable Isotope Techniques in the Study of Biological Processes and Functioning of Ecosystems

Stable Isotope Techniques in the Study of Biological Processes and Functioning of Ecosystems

Author: M.J. Unkovich

Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media

Published: 2001-07-31

Total Pages: 312

ISBN-13: 9780792370789

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

This book has a very strong practical orientation, telling readers what methodologies are available using stable isotopes, how studies should be designed and executed to maximise effectiveness and incisiveness in terms of data obtained and outcomes in terms of understanding events and processes in plant and ecosystem functioning. The readership is very much aimed toward postgraduates with good knowledge of general biological principles and underlying chemical and physical processes. Pre-existing knowledge of or experience in application and assay of stable isotopes is not required. The stable isotope research field is one of the most rapidly growing areas of ecophysiology and techniques using stable isotopes comprise an ever increasing component of research programs of university postgraduates and a wide range of agencies conducting environmental monitoring and rehabilitation programs. The book is tailor-made for such an audience.


Modern Food Microbiology

Modern Food Microbiology

Author: James M. Jay

Publisher: Springer

Published: 2012-04-03

Total Pages: 664

ISBN-13: 9789401164818

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

This fourth edition of Modern Food Microbiology is written primarily for use as a textbook in a second or subsequent course in microbiology. The previous editions have found usage in courses in food microbiology and applied microbiology in liberal arts, food science, food technology, nutritional science, and nutrition curricula. Although organic chemistry is a desirable prerequisite, those with a good grasp of biology and chemistry should not find this book difficult. In addition to its use as a textbook, this edition, like the previous one, contains material that goes beyond that covered in a typical microbiology course (parts of Chaps. 4, 6, and 7). This material is included for its reference value and for the benefit of professionals in microbiology, food science, nutrition, and related fields. This edition contains four new chapters, and with the exception of Chapter 15, which received only minor changes, the remaining chapters have undergone extensive revision. The new chapters are 17 (indicator organisms), 18 (quality control), 21 (listeriae and listeriosis), and 24 (animal parasites). Six chapters in the previous edition have been com bined; they are represented in this edition by Chapters 12, 13, and 14. In the broad area of food microbiology, one of the challenges that an author must deal with is that of producing a work that is up to date.


High Mountain Conservation in a Changing World

High Mountain Conservation in a Changing World

Author: Jordi Catalan

Publisher: Springer

Published: 2017-08-03

Total Pages: 413

ISBN-13: 3319559826

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

This book provides case studies and general views of the main processes involved in the ecosystem shifts occurring in the high mountains and analyses the implications for nature conservation. Case studies from the Pyrenees are preponderant, with a comprehensive set of mountain ranges surrounded by highly populated lowland areas also being considered. The introductory and closing chapters will summarise the main challenges that nature conservation may face in mountain areas under the environmental shifting conditions. Further chapters put forward approaches from environmental geography, functional ecology, biogeography, and paleoenvironmental reconstructions. Organisms from microbes to large carnivores, and ecosystems from lakes to forest will be considered. This interdisciplinary book will appeal to researchers in mountain ecosystems, students and nature professionals. This book is open access under a CC BY license.


Evolution of Marine Coastal Ecosystems under the Pressure of Global Changes

Evolution of Marine Coastal Ecosystems under the Pressure of Global Changes

Author: Hubert-Jean Ceccaldi

Publisher: Springer Nature

Published: 2020-06-15

Total Pages: 521

ISBN-13: 3030434842

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

Coastal and estuarine environments at the interface of terrestrial and marine areas are among the most productive in the world. However, since the beginning of the industrial era, these ecosystems have been subjected to strong anthropogenic pressures intensified from the second half of the 20th century, when there was a marked acceleration in the warming (climate change) of the continents, particularly at high latitudes. Coastal ecosystems are highly vulnerable to alteration of their physical, chemical and biological characteristics (marine intrusion, acidification of marine environments, changes in ecosystems, evolution and artificialization of the coastline, etc.).In contact with heavily populated areas, these environments are often the receptacle of a lot of chemical and biological pollution sources that significantly diminish their resilience. In this context of accelerated evolution and degradation of these areas important for food security of many populations around the world, it is necessary to better identify the factors of pressure and understand, at different scales of observation, their effects and impacts on the biodiversity and on the socio-eco-systems, in order to determine the degree of vulnerability of these coastal ecosystems and the risks they face. A transdisciplinary and integrated approach is required to prevent risks. Within this framework, operational coastal oceanography occupies an important place but also the implementation of a true socio-eco-system approach in order to set up an environmentally friendly development.


Advances in Clean Energy Technologies

Advances in Clean Energy Technologies

Author: Prashant V. Baredar

Publisher: Springer Nature

Published: 2021-05-30

Total Pages: 1130

ISBN-13: 9811602352

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

This book presents select proceedings of the international conference on Innovations in Clean Energy Technologies (ICET 2020) and examines a range of durable, energy efficient and next-generation smart green technologies for sustainable future by reflecting on the trends, advances and development taking place all across the globe. The topics covered include smart technologies based product, energy efficient systems, solar and wind energy, carbon sequestration, green transportation, green buildings, energy material, biomass energy, smart cites, hydro power, bio-energy and fuel cell. The book also discusses various performance attributes of these clean energy technologies and their workability and carbon footprint. The book will be a valuable reference for beginners, researchers and professionals interested in clean energy technologies.


Pathogen and Microbial Contamination Management in Micropropagation

Pathogen and Microbial Contamination Management in Micropropagation

Author: Alan C. Cassells

Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media

Published: 2013-06-29

Total Pages: 364

ISBN-13: 9401589518

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

This book is based mainly on invited and offered papers presented at the Second International Symposium on Bacterial and Bacteria-like Contaminants of Plant Tissue Cultures held at University College, Cork, Ireland in September 1996, with additional invited papers. The First International Symposium on Bacterial and Bacteria-like Contaminants of Plant Tissue Cultures was held at the same venue in 1987 and was published as Acta Horticulturae volume 225, 1988. In the intervening years there have been considerable advances in both plant disease diagnostics and in the development of structured approaches to the management of disease and microbial contamination in micropropagation. These approaches have centred on attempts to separate, spatially, the problems of disease transmission and laboratory contamination. Disease-control is best achieved by establishing pathogen-free cultures while laboratory contamination is based on subsequent good working practice. Control of losses due to pathogens and microbial contamination in vitro addresses, arguably, the most importance causes of losses in the industry; nevertheless, losses at and post establishment can also be considerable due to poor quality microplants or micro-shoots. In this symposium, a holistic approach to pathogen and microbial contamination control is evident with the recognition that micropropagators must address pathogen and microbial contamination in vitro, and diseases and microplant failure at establishment. There is increasing interest in establishing beneficial bacterial and mycorrhizal association with microplants in vitro and in vivo.