Over the past two decades, there has been a resurgence in the writing of African and African diaspora speculative and science fiction writing. Recent discussions around the "rise of science-fiction and fantasy" in Africa have led to a push-back, in which writers and scholars have suggested that science fiction and fantasy is not a new phenomenon in African literature, but that the deep past of the African world and its complex and mysterious foundations still register in burgeoning modern ...

This collection features four peer-reviewed reviews on improving the shelf life of horticultural produce.The first chapter introduces the concept of smart distribution and highlights how optimising the management of produce distribution systems can reduce loss and waste in the horticultural sector and extend shelf life by minimising quality deterioration. The chapter also discusses the use of remote sensing technology to determine food quality.The second ch...

Summarises the wealth of research on optimising pig herd health for increased protection against major diseases, including ASF and PRRSReviews recent advances in understanding gut function and immunity in pigs, including the development of nutritional strategies to boost immune function and resistance to diseaseExplores key challenges facing pig production, including breeding disease resistant pigs with a narrowing genetic base and the development of fungicide res...

This collection features five peer-reviewed literature reviews on integrated weed management in cereal cultivation.The first chapter examines the problem of weeds in barley and explains the application of integrated weed management (IWM) to barley cultivation. The chapter also outlines weed control tactics and the practical implementation of IWM in barley.The second chapter reviews the availability of cultural strategies which can be used in wheat cultivati...

Assesses key developments in sensor technology to improve monitoring and management of complex agricultural systemsConsiders the growing influence of proximal crop sensors in assessing, monitoring and measuring the health of agricultural soilsExplores the potential of remote and aerial sensing towards achieving sustainable crop production through more targeted irrigation management, site-specific nutrient management and weed management

Whilst crop models have made significant progress in recent years, different models still diverge and struggle to predict the complex effects of genetic, environmental and management (G x E x M) variables in optimising crop production in the face of climate change.Current crop models: State-of-the-art and future developments provides a comprehensive overview of the major crop models and the ways they address these challenges. The book explores the development of major crop...

Reviews advances in our understanding of key nutritional requirements (carbohydrate, protein, lipids) and their utilisation in dairy cattle productionConsiders how a greater understanding of dairy cattle nutrition could improve the sustainability of the dairy sector and reduce its contribution of GHG emissions to the atmosphereAssesses the development of alternative feed sources from agricultural co-products, including sources of fibre from fruit pulp, protein fro...

The global industrial hemp market is estimated to reach $18.6 billion by 2027, with hemp now recognised as a more sustainable crop due to its ability to absorb and store up to twice as much carbon as trees. Despite its versatility, there remains significant concerns surrounding its regulation, as well as consumer understanding and acceptance of hemp and hemp-derived products.Achieving sustainable cultivation of hemp provides a comprehensive overview of the wealth of resear...

**'These stories are waves of fury, desire and delicious cruelty, always kissed by beauty and death' Mariana EnríquezA new selection of lyrically haunting 1960s short stories, from a Japanese literary icon**A writer is seized by apocalyptic visions, a trio of beatniks dance to modern jazz in the ruins of an abandoned church, and a séance brings forth the reproachful spirits of the military dead.In Voices of the Fallen Heroes, stark autobiography contrasts w...

A comprehensive review of the recent developments in microbial bioprotectantsCovers key classifications of bioprotectants: bacterial (e.g. Bacillus spp.), fungal (e.g. Trichoderma spp.), and viral (e.g. bacteriophages)Discusses the general issues that arise with the use of key bioprotectants throughout agriculture (e.g. risk of development of resistance against bioprotectants)

Summarises latest research on IWM principles and methodsAssesses current challenges facing herbicide useDetailed review of the range of cultural, physical and biological methods of control available for IWM.

Discusses key methods for monitoring soil healthComprehensive review of techniques to manage soil health, such as the use of rotations, intercropping and cover cropsCase studies of ways of supporting smallholders in maintaining soil health in regions such as Africa, Asia and South America.