Microbes: The Foundation Stone of the Biosphere

Microbes: The Foundation Stone of the Biosphere PDF Author: Christon J. Hurst
Publisher: Springer Nature
ISBN: 3030635120
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 684

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Book Description
This collection of essays discusses fascinating aspects of the concept that microbes are at the root of all ecosystems. The content is divided into seven parts, the first of those emphasizes that microbes not only were the starting point, but sustain the rest of the biosphere and shows how life evolves through a perpetual struggle for habitats and niches. Part II explains the ways in which microbial life persists in some of the most extreme environments, while Part III presents our understanding of the core aspects of microbial metabolism. Part IV examines the duality of the microbial world, acknowledging that life exists as a balance between certain processes that we perceive as being environmentally supportive and others that seem environmentally destructive. In turn, Part V discusses basic aspects of microbial symbioses, including interactions with other microorganisms, plants and animals. The concept of microbial symbiosis as a driving force in evolution is covered in Part VI. In closing, Part VII explores the adventure of microbiological research, including some reminiscences from and perspectives on the lives and careers of microbe hunters. Given its mixture of science and philosophy, the book will appeal to scientists and advanced students of microbiology, evolution and ecology alike.

Handbook of Research on Green, Circular, and Digital Economies as Tools for Recovery and Sustainability

Handbook of Research on Green, Circular, and Digital Economies as Tools for Recovery and Sustainability PDF Author: Ordóñez de Pablos, Patricia
Publisher: IGI Global
ISBN: 1799896668
Category : Business & Economics
Languages : en
Pages : 418

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Book Description
Global society has simultaneously faced several unprecedented health, social, and economic challenges. Countries need to recover economic growth quickly, boost productivity and job creation, invest in smart healthcare systems and services, and work toward a climate-neutral and circular economy. The Handbook of Research on Green, Circular, and Digital Economies as Tools for Recovery and Sustainability explores new and emerging frameworks, tools, and strategies to support companies and economies toward a green and digital transformation. It analyzes the role of disruptive technologies, innovative green technologies, and emerging practices all over the world. Covering topics such as corporate sustainability, digital banking, and national innovation systems, this major reference work is an essential resource for educational administration, politicians, government officials, global business leaders, managing directors, libraries, researchers, academicians, educators, and students.

The Connections Between Ecology and Infectious Disease

The Connections Between Ecology and Infectious Disease PDF Author: Christon J. Hurst
Publisher: Springer
ISBN: 3319923730
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 329

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Book Description
This book summarizes current advances in our understanding of how infectious disease represents an ecological interaction between a pathogenic microorganism and the host species in which that microbe causes illness. The contributing authors explain that pathogenic microorganisms often also have broader ecological connections, which can include a natural environmental presence; possible transmission by vehicles such as air, water, and food; and interactions with other host species, including vectors for which the microbe either may or may not be pathogenic. This field of science has been dubbed disease ecology, and the chapters that examine it have been grouped into three sections. The first section introduces both the role of biological community interactions and the impact of biodiversity on infectious disease. In turn, the second section considers those diseases directly affecting humans, with a focus on waterborne and foodborne illnesses, while also examining the critical aspect of microbial biofilms. Lastly, the third section presents the ecology of infectious diseases from the perspective of their impact on mammalian livestock and wildlife as well as on humans. Given its breadth of coverage, the volume offers a valuable resource for microbial ecologists and biomedical scientists alike.

Modeling the Transmission and Prevention of Infectious Disease

Modeling the Transmission and Prevention of Infectious Disease PDF Author: Christon J. Hurst
Publisher: Springer
ISBN: 3319606166
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 290

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Book Description
This volume focuses on blocking disease transmission and the ecological perspective of pathogens and pathogenic processes. The chapters on blocking transmission cover the environmental safety of space flight, biocides and biocide resistance, as well as infection control in healthcare facilities. The book also offers insights into the ecological aspects of infectious disease, introducing the reader to the role of indigenous gut microbiota in maintaining human health and current discussions on environmentally encountered bacterial and fungal pathogens including species that variously cause the necrotizing skin disease Buruli ulcer and coccidioidomycosis. Further, it explores the influenza A virus as an example for understanding zoonosis. It is a valuable resource for microbiologists and biomedical scientists alike.

The Rasputin Effect: When Commensals and Symbionts Become Parasitic

The Rasputin Effect: When Commensals and Symbionts Become Parasitic PDF Author: Christon J. Hurst
Publisher: Springer
ISBN: 3319281704
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 364

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Book Description
This volume focuses on those instances when benign and even beneficial relationships between microbes and their hosts opportunistically change and become detrimental toward the host. It examines the triggering events which can factor into these changes, such as reduction in the host’s capacity for mounting an effective defensive response due to nutritional deprivation, coinfections and seemingly subtle environmental influences like the amounts of sunlight, temperature, and either water or air quality. The effects of environmental changes can be compounded when they necessitate a physical relocation of species, in turn changing the probability of encounter between microbe and host. The change also can result when pathogens, including virus species, either have modified the opportunist or attacked the host’s protective natural microflora. The authors discuss these opportunistic interactions and assess their outcomes in both aquatic as well as terrestrial ecosystems, highlighting the impact on plant, invertebrate and vertebrate hosts.

Microorganisms in the Deterioration and Preservation of Cultural Heritage

Microorganisms in the Deterioration and Preservation of Cultural Heritage PDF Author: Edith Joseph
Publisher: Springer Nature
ISBN: 3030694119
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 364

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Book Description
This open access book offers a comprehensive overview of the role and potential of microorganisms in the degradation and preservation of cultural materials (e.g. stone, metals, graphic documents, textiles, paintings, glass, etc.). Microorganisms are a major cause of deterioration in cultural artefacts, both in the case of outdoor monuments and archaeological finds. This book covers the microorganisms involved in biodeterioration and control methods used to reduce their impact on cultural artefacts. Additionally, the reader will learn more about how microorganisms can be used for the preservation and protection of cultural artefacts through bio-based and eco-friendly materials. New avenues for developing methods and materials for the conservation of cultural artefacts are discussed, together with concrete advances in terms of sustainability, effectiveness and toxicity, making the book essential reading for anyone interested in microbiology and the preservation of cultural heritage.

Bioremediation for Sustainable Environmental Cleanup

Bioremediation for Sustainable Environmental Cleanup PDF Author: Anju Malik
Publisher: CRC Press
ISBN: 1003854400
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 322

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Book Description
The present book, Bioremediation for Sustainable Environmental Cleanup, has a compilation of seventeen chapters comprehensively describing the state-of-the-art on emerging bioremediation approaches employed for sustainable environmental clean-up of diverse environmental pollutants such as metal(loid)s, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, dyes, pesticides, petroleum hydrocarbons, etc., by using bacteria, fungi, algae, higher plants, and novel materials like biohybrids, nano-biomaterials, and graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4). Different bioremediation strategies such as biosorption, bioprecipitation, bioaccumulation, biodegradation, biotransformation etc. have been described in detail. The emphasis throughout, however, is on sustainable environmental clean-up. Eminent researchers from various countries located in diverse geographical areas, including Argentina, Canada, Germany, India, Pakistan, South Africa, the United Kingdom, and the United States of America, have contributed towards the chapters of this book.

Microbial Fermentations in Nature and as Designed Processes

Microbial Fermentations in Nature and as Designed Processes PDF Author: Christon J. Hurst
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
ISBN: 1119849993
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 456

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Book Description
MICROBIAL FERMENTATIONS IN NATURE AND AS DESIGNED PROCESSES Fermentation is one of the most important metabolic tools that biology has developed and microorganisms in many ways seem to have become the true masters of fermentative metabolism. Each of the fermentative microbial functions evolved to fit an energetic opportunity, and each function has ecological value. This book provides its readers with: Understanding regarding the commonalities and distinctions between aerobic and anaerobic fermentations as performed by microorganisms. A summary of knowledge regarding the ways in which animals and plants depend upon symbiotic interactions with their fermenting microbial partners including the deconstruction of complex polysaccharides. Information is also included about how those natural technologies constitute adaptation into designed processes for anaerobic degradation of lignocellulosic materials. The important role of rhizosphere microbes that facilitate availability of inorganic and organic phosphates for plants. These phosphates get stored in the plant’s seeds. After ruminant animals ingest the seeds, enzymes produced by gastrointestinal microbial fermentation allow the animals to utilize their dietary phosphates. History of how microbial fermentation has been harnessed from prehistoric times to the present for processing and preserving food products for humans and fodder for our domesticated animals. Insight into the ways that microbial fermentations are used as an engineering tool for producing chemicals, including enzymes and pharmaceuticals, which improve the health of ourselves and our domesticated animals. Perspectives on possible future research directions for the field of applied microbial fermentation that will help to advance agriculture and industry.

Manual of Environmental Microbiology

Manual of Environmental Microbiology PDF Author: Christon J. Hurst
Publisher: American Society for Microbiology Press
ISBN: 1555813798
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 3023

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Book Description
The most definitive manual of microbes in air, water, and soil and their impact on human health and welfare. • Incorporates a summary of the latest methodology used to study the activity and fate of microorganisms in various environments. • Synthesizes the latest information on the assessment of microbial presence and microbial activity in natural and artificial environments. • Features a section on biotransformation and biodegradation. • Serves as an indispensable reference for environmental microbiologists, microbial ecologists, and environmental engineers, as well as those interested in human diseases, water and wastewater treatment, and biotechnology.

Microcosmos

Microcosmos PDF Author: Lynn Margulis
Publisher: Univ of California Press
ISBN: 0520340515
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 304

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Book Description
"Microcosmos is nothing less than the saga of the life of the planet. Lynn Margulis and Dorion Sagan have put it all together, literally, in this extraordinary book, which is unlike any treatment of evolution for a general readership that I have encountered before. A fascinating account that we humans should be studying now for clues to our own survival."—From the Foreword by Dr. Lewis Thomas Microcosmos brings together the remarkable discoveries of microbiology in the later decades of the 20th century and the pioneering research of Dr. Margulis to create a vivid new picture of the world that is crucial to our understanding of the future of the planet. Addressed to general readers, the book provides a beautifully written view of evolution as a process based on interdependency and their interconnectedness of all life on the planet.