The scope of this book is Operations Research methods in Agriculture and a thorough discussion of derived applications in the Agri-food industry. The book summarizes current research and practice in this area and illustrates the development of useful approaches to deal with actual problems arising in the agriculture sector and the agri-food industry. This book is intended to collect in one volume high quality chapters on Methods and Applications in Agriculture and Agri-food industry considering both theoretical issues and application results. Methods applied to problems in agriculture and the agri-food industry include, but are not restricted to, the following themes: Dynamic programming Multi-criteria decision methods Markov decision processes Linear programming Stochastic programming Parameter estimation and knowledge acquisition Learning from data Simulation Descriptive and normative decision tree techniques, including: agent modelling and simulation, and state of the art surveys Each chapter includes some standard and traditional methodology but also some recent research advances. All the applications presented in the chapters have been inspired and motivated by the demands from the agriculture and food production areas.

Thumb

Avatar

0 repins 0 comments

The book deals with various consequences of major nuclear accidents, such as in 1986 in Chernobyl and in 2011 in Fukushima. The public is extremely interested in learning more about the movements and risks posed by radiation in the environment related to food supply and food safety. Radionuclides are found in air, water, soil and even in us not only after nuclear accidents because they occur also in nature. Every day, we ingest and inhale radionuclides in our air and food and the water. This book provides a solid underpinning of the basic physical-chemistry and biogeochemistry of naturally occurring and anthrop radioactivity. The mechanisms of radioactive element transfer in the atmosphere, tropospheric and stratospheric diffusion of radioactivity, environmental contamination from accidents and the impact of atmospheric pollution on the food chain, soil and plants, are analyzed and the analytical methods are illustrated. The question of natural radioactivity concentration in building materials is addressed too. While the book contains many case studies and data for Greece, it is of general value. It contributes to the development of international environmentally safe standards and economically reasonable standard regulations based on justified radiological, social and economical legislation concepts.

Thumb

Avatar

0 repins 0 comments

Predictive microbiology primarily deals with the quantitative assessment of microbial responses at a macroscopic or microscopic level, but also involves the estimation of how likely an individual or population is to be exposed to a microbial hazard. This book provides an overview of the major literature in the area of predictive microbiology, with a special focus on food. The authors tackle issues related to modeling approaches and their applications in both microbial spoilage and safety. Food spoilage is presented through applications of best-before-date determination and commercial sterility. Food safety is presented through applications of risk-based safety management. The different modeling aspects are introduced through probabilistic and stochastic approaches, including model and data uncertainty, but also biological variability. Features an extensive review of modelling terminology Presents examples of all available microbial models (i.e, growth, inactivation, growth/no growth) and applicable software Revisits all statistical aspects related to exposure assessment Describes realistic examples of implementing microbial spoilage and safety modeling approaches

Thumb

Avatar

0 repins 0 comments

Microbial Technology: Fermentation Technology, Second Edition is a collection of papers that deals with fermentations and modifications of plant or animal products for foods, beverages, and feeds. The papers also review microbial technology: general principles, culture selection, laboratory methods, instrumentation, computer control, product isolation, immobilized cell usage, economics, and microbial patents. Several papers explain the process of fermentation and food modification in cheese, soy sauce, vinegar, mushroom, inocula for blue-veined cheeses, and blue cheese flavor. One paper discusses the technology of isolation, production, and application of microbial cultures which are commercially available or imminent as inocula for the treatment of wastes, The paper describes these cultures in terms of product characteristics, types of cultures, and application guidelines for waste treatment. Another paper outlines the procedures used by investigators involved in microbial reaction engineering, as follows: (1) identification of main products and substrates: (2) stoichiometry of the process; (3) kinetics and process rate; and (4) reactor design. One paper cites examples of immobilized cell systems utilized to prepare fine chemicals, such as the research of Chibata et al. (1975) and Yamamoto et al (1976, 1977). The collection is suitable for food technologists, bio-chemists, cellular biologists, micro-biologists, and scientists involved in food production, medicine, agriculture, and environmental control.

Thumb

Avatar

0 repins 0 comments

The Green Tunnel, A Hiker's Appalachian Trail Diary" is the true-life story of a retiree's joys, challenges, and physical rigors while thru-hiking the entire 2,185 miles of the Appalachian Trail in one great epic walk. The book's title refers to the nickname, Green Tunnel, given by hikers for deeply-shaded trail sections that cut through dark and densely-wooded forests. All too often, tree canopies block out all sunlight or views of the sky, sometimes for hundreds of miles. Readers follow RW as he walks north, starting out from the cold winter mountains of Georgia, until he finally reaches Maine during the height of New England fall colors. Along the way, readers encounter a fugitive from the FBI, internationally-known backpackers, the homeless, plus many other hikers seeking adventure or redemption. Trail angels often come to the rescue. Journal entries are frequently peppered with humorous and historical anecdotes, along with colorful descriptions of the swiftly changing scenery and seasons. Readers will also find a good deal of useful backpacking information, from the many firsthand tips and advice on equipment, food, trail culture, lodging, and the hazards of wilderness hiking. ABOUT THE AUTHOR Patrick Bredlau (Trail name: RW) has lived most of his life in the flat lands of Illinois. His life-long enthusiasm for the outdoors was fostered by the Boy Scouts of America during his childhood, and later as a Boy Scout leader on many hiking and backpacking trips. His favorite sports are backpacking, fishing, and sailing. His passion for backpacking led him to hike some of the most spectacular natural locations in the United States and Canada, including the Rocky Mountains, Grand Canyon, Glacier National Park, and Banff National Park. As a sailboat racer, he has participated in the prestigious Chicago to Mackinac Island race, as well as other races on Lake Michigan. After a long and successful 38-year career as a federal bank examiner and instructor, Patrick retired

Thumb

Avatar

0 repins 0 comments

The only thing that should be fat on your job is your paycheck. There is a huge" worldwide obesity problem. While fads and quick-fix diets abound, they fail to address an important question in weight gain today: is your job making you fat? The answer is Yes."This bold assertion is based on a great deal of global research that continues to confirm a compelling relationship between working and weight gain. The powerful link between the workplace and the waistline is due to numerous factors, including the sedentary nature of today's jobs, the onslaught of unhealthy foods that are constantly foisted upon employees, higher levels of job stress, longer and more demanding work hours, peer pressure, new and unconventional jobs, and even more. Put it all together and you have the perfect storm for weight gain. Is Your Job Making You Fat? not only identifies and analyzes all of the central sources of weight gain associated with work, but also provides highly effective steps to control this ever-expanding problem and help you lose weight. Authors Ken and Stacey Lloyd offer a new approach where you apply your businesslike mindset and skill-set to weight management. After all, at work, you have a plan that includes objectives, benchmark dates, strategies, priorities, deadlines, and measurable results. This book shows you how to use this same methodology to take charge of your weight.

Thumb

Avatar

0 repins 0 comments

How to maintain optimum testosterone levels for the male body through the use of herbs, nutritional supplements, and diet Explains the phenomenon of male menopause and how to deal with it Reveals scientific evidence of testosterone-blocking agents in the environment that alter men's essential chemistry as they age Presents safe, organic plant medicines that can restore optimum testosterone levels Contains the most up-to-date natural treatments for impotence, infertility, and prostate disease The recognition of andropause, the middle-age stage in male development comparable to women's menopause, is hampered by the lack of a clear outward manifestation of the chemistry and physiology specific to aging men. Men are still capable of reproduction well into and beyond middle age. Yet a man's sexual desire and potency varies, often according to his testosterone level. Recent studies show that the lowered testosterone levels endemic in aging men-a gradual drop that is quite normal-are being exacerbated by environmental agents. Testosterone-blocking estrogen agents are present in insecticides, industrial materials, pharmaceuticals, and foods. Men are daily inundated with a "cocktail" of estrogen agents that alter the fine balance of testosterone that makes them male. But as recent medical research has revealed, testosterone replacement therapy with Low T drugs is not a good option because of the increased risk of cardiovascular problems, such as heart attack and stroke, and because the body can become dependent on pharmaceutical testosterone and stop producing any on its own. In this updated edition of The Natural Testosterone Plan, Stephen Harrod Buhner shows why men need help to maintain their testosterone levels as they age and explains how naturally occurring phytoandrogens-plant medicines that contain male hormones-can safely remedy the depletion exerted by the environment. Buhner details how each phytoandrogen works, when its use is indicated, and the

Thumb

Avatar

0 repins 0 comments

In this easy-to-follow book, Wendy Green explains how food intolerances, gut infections, bacterial imbalance, stress and hormones contribute to IBS, and offers practical advice and a holistic approach to help you deal with the symptoms. From simple dietary and lifestyle changes to DIY complementary therapies, find out 50 things you can do today to help you cope with IBS, including: Identify your IBS triggers and learn how to manage them Choose beneficial foods and supplements Manage stress and relax to reduce flare-ups Learn which types of exercise can help to relieve symptoms Find helpful organisations and products

Thumb

Avatar

0 repins 0 comments

In the last five years, the number of people suffering with eating disorders has more than doubled. According to the American Diabetes Association, diabetic women are nearly three times more likely to develop an eating disorder than non-diabetic women. Diabulimia, one of many eating disorders, is the dangerous and often fatal practice of altering or omitting insulin to lose weight. The uncanny link between diabetes and eating disorders is irrefutable. Diabulimia is an eating disorder in which people with Type 1 diabetes deliberately give themselves less insulin than they need, for the purpose of weight loss. Often, people with Type 1 diabetes who omit insulin injections will have already been diagnosed with an eating disorder such as anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa and/or compulsive eating. Diabulimia can be triggered or exacerbated by the need for diabetics to exercise constant vigilance in regard to food, weight and glycemic control. The frustration of managing blood sugars and their subsequent effects on weight and self perception (altered by dealing with a chronic illness) can also be damaging to self-esteem and body image. Here's the inherent irony: While diabetes treatment necessitates heightened awareness of food, rehabilitating an eating disorder almost always involves the opposite, deliberately minimizing focus on food. It is a catch-22. Intensifying the toxicity of this relationship even further, eating disorders exacerbate the complications of diabetes (blindness, kidney disease, heart disease, neuropathy and amputations), and diabetes exacerbates the complications of eating disorders (isolation, emotional eating, obsession with food and body weight). It is a life threatening partnership. Eating to Lose is one woman's memoir her journey from illness to recovery, and carves a pathway of hope and empowerment for the millions who continue to suffer with diabulimia. Eating to Lose is written for them, and perhaps even more importantly it is written for thei

Thumb

Avatar

0 repins 0 comments

Once situated in the palace, Sheshamun soon discovers harem lifestyle is not at all how she had once imagined. Though most of the concubines seem harmless to the young girl, she makes a fast enemy of Pharaoh Ramses' second wife, Senra. Between Senra spewing poison into her husband's ear and sending a spy after the young girl, Sheshamun learns she must find an ally. Mira willingly offers to be her confidant and help her overcome this relentless foe. The young girl also quickly learns Pharaoh has complete control of his concubines. Ramses' son, Prince Ramose, develops a strong romantic interest in Sheshamun; she in turn feels the same. The pharaoh discovers their budding desire for one another, and forbids his son from pursuing her. The new concubine is dealt another blow when one of her best friends from her village dies. She must choose between obeying Ramses' wishes for her to stay in the palace, or defying his orders and traveling back to her village for the funeral. Missing her friends and family terribly, Sheshamun picks the latter and runs away from the palace, not realizing how severe the repercussions shall be. The strong-willed teenager must choose between family and royalty; pride and duty; honor and her own life.A great deal of research went into the creation of this novel about Ancient Egypt. The author was committed to making sure all details were historically accurate, from the food to the flora and fauna, and the daily practices of the Ancient Egyptians. This historical fiction even contains a topic, though currently taboo in today's world, was culturally relevant and the key to the survival of the Pharaohs.

Thumb

Avatar

0 repins 0 comments

After his introduction to the renovation business, Rick Dammas tries to take control of his destiny. He enjoys the benefits of fast money, and gets caught up in the thrill of the sale. In such a cutthroat business Dammas is determined to stay on top by any means possible. His devious dealings cause mayhem and nightmares for all who come into contact with him, whether worker or client. His priorities in life are food, money and horse racing, each ultimately bringing him crashing to the ground. Carefully woven into this story is a glimpse into the renovation business showing what happens when unqualified tradesmen and unscrupulous salespeople join forces to do inadequate work, for maximum profit. This insight, and Rick's wheeling and dealing with other people's lives and money make RENOVATORS INCORPORATED / Bloodsuckers at the Door a compelling read.

Thumb

Avatar

0 repins 0 comments

Dr. Gary Flam is an expert, consultant, author, inventor, entrepreneur, and visionary in the fields of health and wellness, nutrition, ergogenics, pharmaceuticals, and medical devices. After years of caring for patients and dealing with several family illnesses, Dr. Flam set out on a personal quest for the ultimate in nutrition, physical performance and supplementation. These goals have come to fruition with his establishment of PhytoLife, LLC, a premium, science-driven supplement company that delivers optimal health and performance through education, supplements, and super foods. In 100 Ways to Optimize your life, Dr. Flam presents the 100 most important behaviors, habits, foods, supplements, exercises, and activities that can easily be learned and are essential to a healthy and well balanced life. Readers will find that as they learn and gradually adopt these behaviors and habits, they have more energy and stamina to confront the challenges that each day brings and are less plagued by chronic illness, depression, anxiety, insomnia, and a whole host of other stress related illnesses. Beginning with the Top Ten Behaviors, Dr. Flam describes the most important secrets to healthy living that are at the very foundation of wellness. He then builds upon this foundation by discussing other relevant behaviors, foods, supplements, common medical conditions, exercise, specific exercise patterns, stress, specific stress reduction techniques. Dr. Flam then puts this all together in an easy to remember 6 point plan holds all of the keys to optimizing health and physical performance. The book is rich with illustrations, tables, and figures, and represents the essence of Dr. Flam's knowledge and expertise after 25 years of study and clinical practice.

Thumb

Avatar

0 repins 0 comments

Living Life is all Dana Austin wanted to do. Finally in her groove as one of the most sought after consultants on juvenile cases in North Texas, Dana's focus was food, fun, and fitness. As she wrestled with her faith, Dana's struggle with two lovers complicates her simple life amidst some unsuspecting circumstances. As Dana deals with the concerns of loving a man who she doesn't trust and a man whose love overwhelms her, she is faced with the toughest battle of her life. Dana makes a fatal choice between Judge Derek Cartier, her other best friend and companion, and Lincoln Hollingsworth, her college love and returning soldier. Her journey back to the living moves Dana to face her distant relatives, emotional hang-ups, and redeeming faith in herself and love. Believing that love and God have given up on her, Dana is reminded that there is hope to live life!

Thumb

Avatar

0 repins 0 comments

War in a Golf Cart is a collection of four novellas that I wrote in 2014. It is my sincere hope that you enjoy reading them as much as I enjoyed writing them. The first work, War in a Golf Cart, deals with the struggles combat veterans face when they try to come home from their wars. It's an old story, but I've tried to give it a new face by creating fathers and sons from both the Vietnam War era and the more recent Persian Gulf Afghan struggles. Conflict, that subtle little brother and mother to Violence, exists not only in large spaces containing millions of men. It also lives and breathes in the smaller boxes where individuals must learn to co-exist if we are to have a civil and livable society. To me, the finding of that co-existence, the acceptance of the social contracts that bind us all, is the main point of the piece. Breakfast with Senator Wise, the second work, is pure political satire. Our hero, S.W, lives for nothing else than to be our next POTUS. We follow behind him and in him for a two hour stretch as he makes his way over all the bodies, some and no, who stand in his path. Ambition, that most dangerous word in all of the human universe, is his only enduring trait. Like all comedies, Breakfast feeds off of and serves contempt and hostility, foods I believe our current leaders endlessly gorge on whenever confronted by their rivals or constituents. Waiting for a Job, the third piece, appeals to many young people. Jerry, 24, our boomeranged hero, survives slothful and scared and maybe a tiny bit schizo in the basement of his high achieving and socially well adapted parents. The master of negation, inner, outer and somewhere in between, he discovers Beckett while surfing YouTube. The rest, as they say, is His-notmuchofa-story. The first person to read the piece said he thought it was written by a young person, which I took as high praise since I admit to being on the AARP side of 55.The last work, The Struggle for Space, is for me the most difficult. Ugly

Thumb

Avatar

0 repins 0 comments

The environmental movement has often been accused of being overly negative-trying to stop "progress." The Nature of Design, on the other hand, is about starting things, specifically an ecological design revolution that changes how we provide food, shelter, energy, materials, and livelihood, and how we deal with waste. Ecological design is an emerging field that aims to recalibrate what humans do in the world according to how the world works as a biophysical system. Design in this sense is a large concept having to do as much with politics and ethics as with buildings and technology. The book begins by describing the scope of design, comparing it to the Enlightenment of the 18th century. Subsequent chapters describe barriers to a design revolution inherent in our misuse of language, the clockspeed of technological society, and shortsighted politics. Orr goes on to describe the critical role educational institutions might play in fostering design intelligence and what he calls "a higher order of heroism." Appropriately, the book ends on themes of charity, wilderness, and the rights of children. Astute yet broadly appealing, The Nature of Design combines theory, practicality, and a call to action.

Thumb

Avatar

0 repins 0 comments

The allure of Africa has drawn explorers and thrill seekers for hundreds of years, but what compels a young family to leave behind financial stability, family and friends, most of their belongings, and all that is familiar, for the unknown? Follow Elaine, mining engineer husband Roy, and children Leia (12) and Nicolas (10), as they begin the first of many international adventures together, daring to make the leap from wondering what might have been to remembering what was. Discover the Zambian city of Chingola of 1995 through Elaine's eyes; her first encounter with culture shock, local and international schools, daily food purchasing at outdoor markets, washing clothes in a bathtub, and dealing with the frustration of local African banks. They expect adventure, even challenge and danger but nothing prepares you for a rifle turned on your children in the back seat of your car, a command to enter a guard's hut at a highway checkpoint, a charge from an angry elephant and the sound of pounding on your door as thieves attempt to break into your house. They weather these events and cultural clashes together as a family while also experiencing great explorations, new and eye-opening relationships and journeys of discovery. Standing on the edge of the gorge in the mist of Victoria Falls, sleeping in a tent on the banks of the Luangwa river listening to hippos, and sitting and watching the wide open sky, they know their anticipation and courage have met surprise and difference. In the end, a desire for adventure, and an embrace of uncertainty and newness, grow into a lifelong desire to welcome growth of character and understanding.

Thumb

Avatar

0 repins 0 comments

Organized around the four seasons, this year-long, day-by-day programme builds on the fourteen SuperFoods introduced in book one and is aimed at anyone who is interested in taking stock of their lives- anyone who wants to do an 'audit' of where they're at in terms of health. Practical and easy to follow, it shows you how to maximize your physical activities for improved levels of fitness, and how to tweak your diet for optimum nutrition. As a bonus, readers will discover how to deal with stress more effectively with a variety of coping mechanisms that can be put into action with little effort. Taking advantage of the rhythms of the seasons, SuperFoods Healthstyle also offers a range of simple dietary changes that can make a real difference to your health - everything from the Top Winter Breakfasts to the best Summer Salads, from how to incorporate foods containing folic acid into your diet to help beat depression, to how treat inflammation fast and effectively. There's even a 'Healthstyle Four-week Fast-track Diet' which is designed to kick-start your metabolism! Practical, informative and user-friendly, this essential guide will revolutionize the way you think about your health and fitness.

Thumb

Avatar

0 repins 0 comments

The book deals primarily with the aspects like energy resources and its proper utilization, disposal of various forms of wastes and its effects and effects of major catastrophic events like nuclear disasters, global warming, etc. It also deals with the choice of suitable disposal sites for solid and hazardous waste, which is growing at an extremely rapid pace due to rapid industrialization, population growth (primarily in countries like India and China) and urbanization. In addition groundwater contamination due to various causes and its effect on the food chain is also amply discussed. The book is specifically aimed with the state-of-art information regarding research and development in these areas of study, coupled to extensive modelling and case based results obtained, both from India as well as other countries. The book is extremely instructive for the students, research workers, scientists, faculty members in Applied Physics, Solid Earth Geophysics, Radiometric Methods and Exploration, Ground Water Geochemistry, Mathematical Modeling Techniques in Earth Sciences, Near Surface Geophysics and Earth and Environmental Sciences.

Thumb

Avatar

0 repins 0 comments

Understanding why agricultural policies of developed countries are what they are is critical on several accounts for the developed countries as a group and for individual countries. It is important because the inter-dependencies among national agricultural policies are so numerous, as illustrated by the ongoing agricultural trade confrontation between the United States and the European Community; confrontation that is vividly expressed in the current subsidy war between the two trading blocs. The stakes for developing countries are also very high because the domestic agricultural policies of these two giants have a considerable influence on the international markets of major agricultural commodities. Studying why policies are what they are is an important research issue: legitimate in its own right on scientific grounds and relevant for any institution dealing with agricultural policies. Thus, it is only fitting that an international research institute dealing with food policy should analyze developed country policies and actions. This book is a further development of a research report by Michel Petit, ``Determinants of Agricultural Policies in the United States and the European Community", published by the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI), and is written by a team of eminent European scholars from a variety of organisations called together by Michel Petit and working under his leadership. Concentrating on the policy process in the European Community, this research provides useful insights on the influence of domestic, economic and political factors in shaping the positions of member countries in Community negotiations and on the process leading to a Community policy decision.

Thumb

Avatar

0 repins 0 comments

In this easy-to-follow book, Wendy Green explains how genetics, age, infections, diet, excess weight, previous injuries and stress contribute to arthritis, and offers practical advice and a holistic approach to help you deal with the symptoms. From simple dietary and lifestyle changes to DIY complementary therapies. Find out 50 things you can do today including: Choose beneficial foods and supplements Manage stress and relax to prevent and ease pain Discover practical tips to make everyday living easier Identify ways to help young arthritis sufferers Find helpful organisations and products

Thumb

Avatar

0 repins 0 comments

Next Page