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X-Ray Spectroscopy with Synchrotron Radiation: Fundamentals and Applications (Biological and Medical Physics, Biomedical Engineering)
by Stephen P. CramerSynchrotron radiation has been a revolutionary and invaluable research tool for a wide range of scientists, including chemists, biologists, physicists, materials scientists, geophysicists. It has also found multidisciplinary applications with problems ranging from archeology through cultural heritage to paleontology. The subject of this book is x-ray spectroscopy using synchrotron radiation, and the target audience is both current and potential users of synchrotron facilities. The first half of the book introduces readers to the fundamentals of storage ring operations, the qualities of the synchrotron radiation produced, the x-ray optics required to transport this radiation, and the detectors used for measurements. The second half of the book describes the important spectroscopic techniques that use synchrotron x-rays, including chapters on x-ray absorption, x-ray fluorescence, resonant and non-resonant inelastic x-ray scattering, nuclear spectroscopies, and x-ray photoemission. A final chapter surveys the exciting developments of free electron laser sources, which promise a second revolution in x-ray science. Thanks to the detailed descriptions in the book, prospective users will be able to quickly begin working with these techniques. Experienced users will find useful summaries, key equations, and exhaustive references to key papers in the field, as well as outlines of the historical developments in the field. Along with plentiful illustrations, this work includes access to supplemental Mathematica notebooks, which can be used for some of the more complex calculations and as a teaching aid. This book should appeal to graduate students, postdoctoral researchers, and senior scientists alike.
X-Rays and Materials
by Philippe Goudeau René GuinebretièreThis book presents reviews of various aspects of radiation/matter interactions, be these instrumental developments, the application of the study of the interaction of X-rays and materials to a particular scientific field, or specific methodological approaches. The overall aim of the book is to provide reference summaries for a range of specific subject areas within a pedagogical framework. Each chapter is written by an author who is well known within their field and who has delivered an invited lecture on their subject area as part of the “RX2009 – X-rays and Materials” colloquium that took place in December 2009 at Orsay in France. The book consists of five chapters on the subject of X-ray diffraction, scattering and absorption. Chapter 1 gives a detailed presentation of the capabilities and potential of beam lines dedicated to condensed matter studies at the SOLEIL synchrotron radiation source. Chapter 2 focuses on the study of nanoparticles using small-angle X-ray scattering. Chapter 3 discusses the quantitative studies of this scattering signal used to analyze these characteristics in detail. Chapter 4 discusses relaxor materials, which are ceramics with a particularly complex microstructure. Chapter 5 discusses an approach enabling the in situ analysis of these phase transitions and their associated microstructural changes.
X3 to X54: The History of the British Midget Submarine
by Keith HallThe X Class submarines were conceived during WW2, small craft of around 51ft (16m) long, designed to be towed by a ‘mother’ submarine with a passage crew on board. Their midget size meant they could attack with stealth, and return to their towing submarine. Beginning with a look back over the wartime craft, this new study from ex-submariner Keith Hall charts the evolution of the X class subs, from X3 through X and XE, and onto the 1950s short-lived and unique Stickleback class. Only four Stickleback submarines were ever produced, with grand plans to use them to carry a 15-kiloton nuclear naval mine codenamed Cudgel deep into Soviet harbours. Nearly all scrapped, just one remains, an X51 now residing in the Scottish Submarine Centre in Helensburgh. With a wealth of imagery including archive X craft photographs as well as up-to-date views of the X51 Stickleback from the Helensburgh Museum, this book tells the little-known story of Britain's midget class subs.
X86 Assembly Language and C Fundamentals
by Joseph CavanaghThe predominant language used in embedded microprocessors, assembly language lets you write programs that are typically faster and more compact than programs written in a high-level language and provide greater control over the program applications. Focusing on the languages used in X86 microprocessors, X86 Assembly Language and C Fundamentals expl
XCOR, Developing the Next Generation Spaceplane
by Erik SeedhouseEmploying the same informational approach Erik Seedhouse used in "SpaceX" and "Bigelow Aerospace", this new book familiarizes space enthusiasts with the company XCOR Aerospace and examines the design of the two-seater Lynx. The new spaceplane's low weight and high octane fuel confer important advantages, such as direct runway launches and the ability to fly several times per day. Over the last 15 years, XCOR has developed and built 13 different rocket engines, built and flown two manned rocket-powered aircraft and has accumulated over 4,000 engine firings and nearly 500 minutes of run time on their engines. This book serves as a go-to reference guide for suborbital scientists and those seeking to learn how one company has found success. Additionally, it describes the medical and training requirements for those flying on board the Lynx and the related critical roles of the astronaut trainers and a new breed of commercial space pilots. The end result is a thorough chronicle of the development of rocket propulsion, avionics, simulator and ground support operations being put into play by XCOR with the Lynx.
Xenobiotics in the Soil Environment
by Muhammad Zaffar Hashmi Vivek Kumar Ajit VarmaThis book describes the vast variety of xenobiotics, such as pesticides, antibiotics, antibiotic resistance genes, agrochemicals and other pollutants, their interactions with the soil environment, and the currently available strategies and techniques for soil decontamination and bioremediation. Topics covered include: transport mechanisms of pollutants along the Himalayas; use of earthworms in biomonitoring; metagenomic strategies for assessing contaminated sites; xenobiotics in the food chain; phyto-chemical remediation; biodegradation by fungi; and the use of enzymes and potential microbes in biotransformation. Accordingly, the book offers a valuable guide for scientists in the fields of environmental ecology, soil and food sciences, agriculture, and applied microbiology.
Xenobiotics in the Urban Water Cycle
by Klaus Kümmerer Kai Bester Despo Fatta-KassinosThe presence of xenobiotics in the aquatic environment is seen as one of the biggest challenges for a sustainable water future. Thus, there is a need to understand, in an integrated manner, the sources, flow paths, fate and effects of xenobiotics in the urban water cycle. This book is an authoritative and comprehensive reference source covering: occurrence, sources and fluxes of xenobiotics in urban waters, processes concerning the fate and transport of xenobiotics, mass flows and transformation products, mitigation, treatment methods and systems for the removal of xenobiotics, risk assessment methodologies and risk management, information on source control and mitigation measures. The book contains a wealth of information on some of the compounds most frequently found in urban water systems, and of special interest will be the chapters dealing with compounds that have only recently been investigated, such as illicit drugs, scents, and toxins.
Xenotransplantation: Science, Ethics, and Public Policy
by Committee on Xenograft Transplantation: Ethical Issues Public PolicyXenotransplantation involves the transplantation of cells, tissues, and whole organs from one species to another. Interest in animal-to-human xenotransplants has been spurred by the continuing shortage of donated human organs and by advances in knowledge concerning the biology of organ and tissue rejection. The scientific advances and promise, however, raise complex questions that must be addressed.This book considers the scientific and medical feasibility of xenotransplantation and explores the ethical and public policy issues surrounding the possibility of renewed clinical trials. The volume focuses on the science base of xenotransplantation, public health risks of infectious disease transmission, and ethical and public policy issues, including the views of patients and their families.
XIV International Scientific Conference “INTERAGROMASH 2021": Precision Agriculture and Agricultural Machinery Industry, Volume 1 (Lecture Notes in Networks and Systems #246)
by Alexey Beskopylny Mark ShamtsyanThis book contains original and fundamental research papers in the following areas: engineering technologies for precision agriculture, agricultural systems management and digitalization in agriculture, logistics in agriculture, and other topics. Selected materials of the largest regional scientific event—INTERAGROMASH 2021 conference–included in this book present the results of the latest research in the areas of precision agriculture and agricultural machinery industry. The book is aimed for professionals and practitioners, for researchers, scholars, and producers. The materials presented here are used in the educational process at specific agricultural universities or during vocational training at enterprises and become an indispensable helper to farm managers in making the best agronomic decisions. The book is also useful for representatives of regional authorities, as it gives an idea of existing high-tech solutions for agriculture.
XIV International Scientific Conference “INTERAGROMASH 2021”: Precision Agriculture and Agricultural Machinery Industry, Volume 2 (Lecture Notes in Networks and Systems #247)
by Alexey Beskopylny Mark ShamtsyanThis book contains proceedings of the International Scientific Conference on Precision Agriculture and Agricultural Machinery Industry INTERAGROMASH 2021. It is a collection of original and fundamental research papers in areas such as agricultural machinery, agricultural materials science, construction of agricultural facilities, training of specialists in the field of agriculture, and other topics. Each of the presented chapters has undeniable scientific value and novelty in the corresponding research areas. The book is aimed for professionals and practitioners, for researchers, scholars, and producers. The materials presented here can be used in the educational process at specific agricultural universities or during vocational training at enterprises and will become an indispensable helper to farm managers in making the best agronomic decisions. The book is also useful for representatives of regional authorities, as it gives an idea of existing high-tech solutions for agriculture.
XL. Internationales μ-Symposium 2023 Bremsen-Fachtagung: XL. International μ-Symposium 2023 Brake Conference (Proceedings)
by Ralph MayerDas 40. Treffen der Branche fokussiert das tribologische System mit Alternativen bei Reibmaterial, Radbrems-Konzepten und Methodik in Forschung und Versuch.Das Symposium ist ein seit mehr als vier Jahrzehnten etabliertes Forum für den Wissens- und Gedankenaustausch von Forschern und Entwicklern aus Unternehmen und Institutionen auf dem Gebiet der Bremsentechnik.Der Inhaltanorganische Reibmaterialien - Feinstaubemissionen aus U-Bahn-Bremsen - Zero Emission Drive Unit - Unsicherheiten bei Labormessungen von Bremsemissionen - Tribologie bei Grauguss und Hartmetallbeschichtung - Künstliche Intelligenz für ReibungsbremsenDie ZielgruppenIngenieure und Techniker im Bereich der Bremsentechnik aus Industrie und Forschung, Ingenieure und Entwickler aus dem Bereich Maschinenbau und Fahrzeugtechnik
XLV Mexican Conference on Biomedical Engineering: Proceedings of CNIB 2022, 6–8 October, Puerto Vallarta, México (IFMBE Proceedings #86)
by Dora-Luz Flores Citlalli Jessica Trujillo-Romero Rafael Gonzalez-Landaeta Christian Chapa-González Guadalupe Dorantes-Méndez J. J. Agustin Flores Cuautle Martha R. Ortiz-Posadas Ricardo A. Salido Ruiz Esmeralda Zuñiga-AguilarThis book reports on fundamental research, cutting-edge technologies and industrially-relevant applications in biomedical engineering. It covers methods for analysis, modeling and simulation of biological systems, reporting on the development and design of advanced biosensors, nanoparticles and wearable devices. It covers applications in disease monitoring and therapy, tissue engineering, sport and rehabilitation, and telehealth. It also reports on engineering methods for improving and monitoring medical service, and on advanced robotic applications. Gathering the proceedings of the XLV Congreso Nacional de Ingeniería Biomédica (CNIB2022), organised by the Mexican Society of Biomedical Engineering, this book offers a timely snapshot on technologies and methods in bioengineering, and on challenges related to their practical implementation in the health sector.
XLVI Mexican Conference on Biomedical Engineering: Proceedings of CNIB 2023, November 2–4, 2023, Villahermosa Tabasco, México - Volume 1: Signal Processing And Bioinformatics (IFMBE Proceedings #96)
by José de Jesús Agustín Flores Cuautle Balam Benítez-Mata Ricardo Antonio Salido-Ruiz Gustavo Adolfo Alonso-Silverio Guadalupe Dorantes-Méndez Esmeralda Zúñiga-Aguilar Hugo A. Vélez-Pérez Edgar Del Hierro-Gutiérrez Aldo Rodrigo Mejía-RodríguezThis book reports on cutting-edge research and best practices in the broad fiel of biomedical engineering. Based on the XLVI Mexican Congress on Biomedical Engineering, CNIB 2023, held on November 2-4, 2023 in Villahermosa Tabasco, Mexico, this first volume of the proceedings covers research topics in biomedical signals and image processing, artificial intelligence, biosensors, and wearable systems, with applications ranging from disease classification and diagnosis, to health monitoring and medical therapy. All in all, this book provides a timely snapshot on state-of-the-art achievements in biomedical engineering and current challenges in the field. It addresses both researchers and professionals, and it is expect to foster future collaborations between the two groups, as well as international collaborations..
XLVI Mexican Conference on Biomedical Engineering: Proceedings of CNIB 2023, November 2–4, 2023, Villahermosa Tabasco, México - Volume 2: Biomechanics, Rehabilitation and Clinical Engineering (IFMBE Proceedings #97)
by José de Jesús Agustín Flores Cuautle Balam Benítez-Mata Ricardo Antonio Salido-Ruiz Gustavo Adolfo Alonso-Silverio Guadalupe Dorantes-Méndez Esmeralda Zúñiga-Aguilar Hugo A. Vélez-Pérez Edgar Del Hierro-Gutiérrez Aldo Rodrigo Mejía-RodríguezThis book reports on cutting-edge research and best practices in the broad fiel of biomedical engineering. Based on the XLVI Mexican Congress on Biomedical Engineering, CNIB 2023, held on November 2-4, 2023 in Villahermosa Tabasco, Mexico, this second volume of the proceedings covers research topics in biomechanics, materials and engineering design and manufacturing, with applications in prostheses design and development, tissue engineering, medical device assessment and healthcare management. All in all, this book provides a timely snapshot on state-of-the-art achievements in biomedical engineering and current challenges in the field. It addresses both researchers and professionals, and it is expect to foster future collaborations between the two groups, as well as international collaborations. .
XML Visual QuickStart Guide
by Kevin Howard GoldbergWhat is XML? XML, or eXtensible Markup Language, is a specification for storing information. It is also a specification for describing the structure of that information. And while XML is a markup language (just like HTML), XML has no tags of its own. It allows the person writing the XML to create whatever tags they need. The only condition is that these newly created tags adhere to the rules of the XML specification. In the seven years since the first edition of "XML: Visual QuickStart Guide" was published, XML has taken its place next to HTML as a foundational language on the Internet. XML has become a very popular method for storing data and the most popular method for transmitting data between all sorts of systems and applications. The reason is, where HTML was designed to display information, XML was designed to manage it. This book begins by showing you the basics of the XML language. Then, by building on that knowledge, additional and supporting languages and systems will be discussed. To get the most out of this book, you should be somewhat familiar with HTML, although you don't need to be an expert coder by any stretch. No other previous knowledge is required. "XML: Visual QuickStart Guide, 2nd Edition" is divided into seven parts. Each part contains one or more chapters with step-by-step instructions that explain how to perform XML-related tasks. Wherever possible, examples of the concepts being discussed are displayed, and the parts of the examples on which to focus are highlighted. The order of the book is intentionally designed to be an introduction to the fundamentals of XML, followed by discussions of related XML technologies.
XMPP: Building Real-Time Applications with Jabber Technologies
by Peter Saint-Andre Kevin Smith Remko TronçonThis practical book provides everything you need to know about the Extensible Messaging and Presence Protocol (XMPP). This open technology for real-time communication is used in many diverse applications such as instant messaging, Voice over IP, real-time collaboration, social networking, microblogging, lightweight middleware, cloud computing, and more. XMPP: The Definitive Guide walks you through the thought processes and design decisions involved in building a complete XMPP-enabled application, and adding real-time interfaces to existing applications. You'll not only learn simple yet powerful XMPP tools, but you'll also discover, through real-world developer stories, how common XMPP "building blocks" can help solve particular classes of problems. With this book, you will: Learn the basics of XMPP technologies, including architectural issues, addressing, and communication primitives Understand the terminology of XMPP and learn about the wealth of XMPP servers, clients, and code libraries Become familiar with the XMPP concepts and services you need to solve common problems Construct a complete business application or real-time service with XMPP Every day, more software developers and service providers are using XMPP for real-time applications, and with the help of XMPP: The Definitive Guide, you can, too.
XV International Scientific Conference “INTERAGROMASH 2022”: Global Precision Ag Innovation 2022, Volume 1 (Lecture Notes in Networks and Systems #574)
by Alexey Beskopylny Mark Shamtsyan Viktor ArtiukhThe book contains proceedings of the XV International Scientific Conference INTERAGROMASH 2022, Rostov-on-Don, Russia. The agro-industrial complex is the most extensive and vital industry. It is rapidly developing by introducing the latest technologies and automating various processes necessary for the functioning of this area. The book is dedicated to engineering technologies of precision farming and agricultural robotics. It includes studies on natural resources variability, sustainable soil management, Agro Big Data, Internet of Things, software and mobile apps for precision agriculture, smart weather for precision agriculture, simulations models and decision support systems, expert systems, DGPS, soil physical and chemical characteristic sensors, machinery, etc. Different types of agricultural robots are presented in the book: autonomous fruit picking robots, farming bots that can seed and water plants, test the soil and remove weeds, completely autonomous robot for ecological and economical ultra-high precision spraying and weeding, harvesting robots with the special vision systems that can “see” fruits and understand whether they're ripe and ready to pick, and others. Also, the book covers advances in agricultural biotechnology in such areas of research as crop production improvement practices, genetic modification, as well as microbial biotechnology in agriculture, etc. The book is aimed for scientists, researchers, and graduate students. It is also useful for representatives of regional authorities, as it gives an idea of existing high-tech solutions for agriculture. The book is written and edited by international researchers, academics, and experts in the corresponding research areas.
XV International Scientific Conference “INTERAGROMASH 2022”: Global Precision Ag Innovation 2022, Volume 2 (Lecture Notes in Networks and Systems #575)
by Alexey Beskopylny Mark Shamtsyan Viktor ArtiukhThe book contains proceedings of the XV International Scientific Conference INTERAGROMASH 2022, Rostov-on-Don, Russia. This conference is dedicated to the innovations in the field of precision agriculture, robotics and machines, as well as agriculture biotechnologies and soil management. It is a collection of original and fundamental research in such areas as follows: unmanned aerial systems, satellite-based applications, proximal and remote sensing of soil and crop, positioning systems, geostatistics, mapping and spatial data analysis, robotics, and automation. Potential and prospects for the use of hydrogen in agriculture, for example, in high-performance tractors with hybrid electric transmission, are disclosed in the research works of scientists from all over the world. It also includes such topics as precision horticulture, precision crop protection, differential harvest, precision livestock farming, controlling environment in animal husbandry, and other topics. One of the important issues raised in the book is to ensure the autonomy of local farms. The topic of the impact of the agro-industrial sector on the environment also received wide coverage. Ways to reduce the burden on the environment are proposed, and the use of alternative fuels and fertilizers is suggested. The research results presented in this book cover the experience and the latest studies on the sustainable functioning of agribusiness in several climatic zones. The tundra and taiga, forest-steppe, the steppe and semi-desert—all this is a unique and incredibly demanded bank of information, the main value of which is the real experience of the functioning of agribusiness in difficult climatic and geographic conditions. These materials are of interest for professionals and practitioners, for researchers, scholars, and producers. They are used in the educational process at specific agricultural universities or during vocational training at enterprises and also become an indispensable helper to farm managers in making the best agronomic decisions.
XV Mediterranean Conference on Medical and Biological Engineering and Computing – MEDICON 2019: Proceedings of MEDICON 2019, September 26-28, 2019, Coimbra, Portugal (IFMBE Proceedings #76)
by Jorge Henriques Nuno Neves Paulo De CarvalhoThis book gathers the proceedings of MEDICON 2019 – the XV Mediterranean Conference on Medical and Biological Engineering and Computing – which was held in September 26-28, 2019, in Coimbra, Portugal. A special emphasis has been given to practical findings, techniques and methods, aimed at fostering an effective patient empowerment, i.e. to position the patient at the heart of the health system and encourages them to be actively involved in managing their own healthcare needs. The book reports on research and development in electrical engineering, computing, data science and instrumentation, and on many topics at the interface between those disciplines. It provides academics and professionals with extensive knowledge on cutting-edge techniques and tools for detection, prevention, treatment and management of diseases. A special emphasis is given to effective advances, as well as new directions and challenges towards improving healthcare through holistic patient empowerment.
XXVI Brazilian Congress on Biomedical Engineering: CBEB 2018, Armação de Buzios, RJ, Brazil, 21-25 October 2018 (Vol. 1) (IFMBE Proceedings #70/1)
by Rodrigo Costa-Felix João Carlos Machado André Victor AlvarengaThis volume presents the proceedings of the Brazilian Congress on Biomedical Engineering (CBEB 2018). The conference was organised by the Brazilian Society on Biomedical Engineering (SBEB) and held in Armação de Buzios, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil from 21-25 October, 2018. Topics of the proceedings include these 11 tracks: • Bioengineering • Biomaterials, Tissue Engineering and Artificial Organs • Biomechanics and Rehabilitation • Biomedical Devices and Instrumentation • Biomedical Robotics, Assistive Technologies and Health Informatics • Clinical Engineering and Health Technology Assessment • Metrology, Standardization, Testing and Quality in Health • Biomedical Signal and Image Processing • Neural Engineering • Special Topics • Systems and Technologies for Therapy and Diagnosis
XXVI Brazilian Congress on Biomedical Engineering: CBEB 2018, Armação de Buzios, RJ, Brazil, 21-25 October 2018 (Vol. 2) (IFMBE Proceedings #70/2)
by Rodrigo Costa-Felix João Carlos Machado André Victor AlvarengaThis volume presents the proceedings of the Brazilian Congress on Biomedical Engineering (CBEB 2018). The conference was organised by the Brazilian Society on Biomedical Engineering (SBEB) and held in Armação de Buzios, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil from 21-25 October, 2018.Topics of the proceedings include these 11 tracks:• Bioengineering• Biomaterials, Tissue Engineering and Artificial Organs• Biomechanics and Rehabilitation• Biomedical Devices and Instrumentation• Biomedical Robotics, Assistive Technologies and Health Informatics• Clinical Engineering and Health Technology Assessment• Metrology, Standardization, Testing and Quality in Health• Biomedical Signal and Image Processing• Neural Engineering• Special Topics• Systems and Technologies for Therapy and Diagnosis
XXX Russian-Polish-Slovak Seminar Theoretical Foundation of Civil Engineering: Selected Papers (Lecture Notes in Civil Engineering #189)
by Pavel Akimov Nikolai VatinThis book gathers the latest advances, innovations, and applications in the field of civil, environmental and construction engineering, as presented by researchers and engineers at the XXX Annual Russian-Polish-Slovak Seminar Theoretical Foundation of Civil Engineering (RSP), held in September 2021. Co-organized by six universities from Russia, Poland and Slovakia, the event covered diverse topics such as structural mechanics; building structures; geodesy and geotechnics; transport and environmental issues in civil engineering. The contributions, which were selected by means of a rigorous international peer-review process, highlight numerous exciting ideas that will spur novel research directions and foster multidisciplinary collaborations.
XXXIX. Internationales μ-Symposium 2022 Bremsen-Fachtagung: XXXIX. International μ-Symposium 2022 Brake Conference (Proceedings)
by Ralph MayerSchwerpunkte des µ-Symposiums 2022 liegen auf Umweltaspekten von Mobilitätslösungen insbesondere im Zusammenhang mit Bremssystemen.Das Symposium ist eine seit mehr als vier Jahrzehnten etablierte Plattform für den Wissens- und Gedankenaustausch von Forschern und Entwicklern aller Unternehmen und Institutionen auf dem Gebiet der Bremsentechnik.Der InhaltNachhaltiges Bremsbelagrecycling - Beschichtung von Bremsscheiben zur Erreichung der Feinstaubgrenzwerte für Pkw - Bremsenknarzen im NVH-Entwicklungsprozess: Detektion, Klassifizierung und objektive Bewertung - der XiL-Ansatz bei Bremsemissionsuntersuchungen - Elektrohydraulische Integralbremse für Mikromobilität - Kreislaufwirtschaft in der AutomobilindustrieDie ZielgruppenIngenieure und Techniker im Bereich der Bremsentechnik aus Industrie und Forschung, Ingenieure und Entwickler aus dem Bereich Maschinenbau und Fahrzeugtechnik
XXXVIII. Internationales μ-Symposium 2019 Bremsen-Fachtagung: XXXVIII. International μ-Symposium 2019 Brake Conference October 25th 2019, Düsseldorf/Germany Held by TMD Friction EsCo GmbH, Leverkusen (Proceedings)
by Ralph MayerSchwerpunkte der Bremsen-Fachtagung 2019 liegen u. a. bei Hitzerissbildung in Lkw-Bremsscheiben, Bremsflüssigkeiten sowie rekuperativen Bremssystemen.Das Symposium ist eine unverzichtbare Plattform für den Wissens- und Gedankenaustauschvon Forschern und Entwicklern aller Unternehmen undInstitutionen auf dem Gebiet der Bremsentechnik.
Yams: Botany, Production and Uses (Botany, Production and Uses)
by Anthony Keith Thompson Professor Ibok OduroDioscorea species, commonly known as yams, are tuberous plants that constitute a major staple food in many parts of Africa, South East Asia, Latin America and the South Pacific. Yams are cultivated in about 50 mainly tropical countries, and the world annual production of edible tubers is around 73 million tonnes. This book evaluates the current state of knowledge about yams, and how this knowledge affects practices in production, cultivation and postharvest technology. Dioscorea is a diverse genus in terms of its geographical origin, domestication, morphology, chemistry and breeding. Therefore, besides concentrating on the dozen or so species that are used as major food crops, the book examines species that have limited commercial or domestic value at present, but have the potential in future to contribute to the production and utilization of this crop. This book: · Covers botany, taxonomy, composition, uses, cultivation, handling, storage, diseases, pests and production. · Describes the yam industry in the main producer countries, and around 100 of the most commonly grown species. · Reviews many Dioscorea species that may be developed in the future. It is an essential resource for researchers in horticulture, yam growers, breeders and postharvest technologists.