This book creates a multidisciplinary forum of discussion on Ficus carica with particular emphasis on its horticulture, post-harvest, marketability, phytochemistry, extraction protocols, biochemistry, nutritional value, functionality, health-promoting properties, ethnomedicinal applications, technology and processing. The impact of traditional and innovative processing on the recovery of high-added value compounds from Ficus carica byproducts is extensively reported. Also, the text discusses the potential applications of Ficus carica in food, cosmetics, and pharmaceutical products. Fig (Ficus carica): Production, Processing, and Properties illustrates a diversity of developments in food science and horticultural research including: Production, processing, chemistry, and functional properties of Ficus carica. Ficus carica phytochemicals and its health-promoting effects. Food, non-food and technological applications of Ficus carica. Recent research focuses on studying the bioactive compounds and therapeutic traits and investigating the mode of action and toxicological impacts of medical plant extracts and bioactive phytochemicals. Ficus carica is of significant importance due to its widespread food, industrial and medicinal applications. Although Ficus carica products are already commercially available in the international market, it is hard to find a reference work covering the production, processing, chemistry and properties of Ficus carica. This book will be the first publication focusing specifically on this important topic.

The common fig (Ficus carica L.) is one of the oldest fruits domesticated by humans, and is native to southwest Asia and the Mediterranean. Figs have been associated with health and prosperity since ancient times. They are rich in fibre, potassium, calcium, and iron, as well as being an important source of vitamins, amino acids, and antioxidants. In recent years, increased consumption has caused fig production to shift to new countries such as Mexico, Brazil, India, and China. However, fig is a challenging fruit crop to grow. It is susceptible to insect pests and diseases as well as injuries from abiotic stress during fruit development and ripening. As a delicate fruit it also requires complicated postharvest procedures and climate change presents additional challenges. This volume serves as a comprehensive reference for current and future practices of fig production, consumption, research and innovation, and is essential for academic researchers, and those involved in research and development in the fig industry.

The common fig Ficus carica L. is an ancient fruit native to the Mediterranean. Dried figs have been successfully produced and processed in arid regions with little sophisticated infrastructure for centuries. Figs are rich in fibre, trace minerals, polyphenols and vitamins, with higher nutrient levels than most fruits. Advances in agricultural production and postharvest technologies have not only improved the efficiency of dried fig production but have facilitated the development of high value fresh fig industries both for export and domestic markets. The result is high quality fresh figs that are marketed internationally throughout the year. This book provides a comprehensive summary of fig growing, processing and marketing from a scientific and horticultural perspective.

Handbook of Medicinal Plants of the World for Aging: Botany, Ethnopharmacology, Natural Products, and Molecular Pathways provides an unprecedented comprehensive overview of more than 100 plants used globally as medicine with the potential to prevent premature aging. This handbook covers the pathophysiology of aging from the molecular and cellular to the organ levels, as well as the current state of knowledge about the modes of action of natural products from plants on the pathophysiological pathways related to the (i) cardiovascular system and metabolism, (ii) central nervous system, (iii) kidneys, (iv) bones, (v) skin and hair, and (vi) immune system. Medicinal plants are presented alphabetically. For each plant is indicated the botanical family, synonyms, and common names in English, French, German, Portuguese, Russian, and Spanish. For each plant, the reader will also find the part used, active principles, medical history, contemporary medicinal uses, as well as pharmacological, clinical, and toxicological studies. The bibliographical references have been carefully selected for their relevance. This handbook is intended for medical doctors, nurses, pharmacists, dieticians, and nutritionists, as well as readers with interest in health food and herbs. FEATURES • Alphabetical presentation of over 100 medicinal plants and the pharmacological rationales for their uses for aging • Discusses the medical history, current medicinal uses, and potential candidates for the prevention of premature aging • Introduces the molecular mechanism of natural products on the pathophysiology of aging • Contains a selection of bibliographic references • A useful research tool for postgraduates, academics, and the pharmaceutical, herbal, or nutrition industries Handbook of Medicinal Plants of the World for Aging: Botany, Ethnopharmacology, Natural Products, and Molecular Pathways presents comment sections that invite further research and reflection on the fascinating and timely subject of herbals for healthy aging. This is an ideal reference text for medicinal plant enthusiasts.

Food scientists play an important role in increasing the quantity and quality of food by suggesting and exploring different green processing methods. The techniques are environmentally friendly and involve less sampling and fewer waste products. They also help minimize water and energy consumption while using fewer chemicals. The use of new or improved processing technologies ensures safety and enhances the quality attributes of the food product.

Drying Atlas: Drying Kinetics and Quality of Agricultural Products provides, in a condensed and systematic way, specific insights on the drying-relevant properties and coefficients of over 40 agricultural products. It also presents information about the production methods that influence the drying process, the quality of the dried product, the official quality standards of the products, and the design principles and operating characteristics of drying systems that are widely used in the postharvest processing and food industry. Available books on drying technology mainly focus on drying theory and simulation of drying processes. This book offers systematic information on the impact of other important parameters, such as relative humidity, air flow rate, mechanical, thermal and chemical pre-treatment, and drying mode for specific products. It is a unique and valuable reference for scientists and engineers who want to focus on industrial drying applications and dryers, as well as graduate and post-graduate students in postharvest technology and drying. - Explores the production methods that influence the drying process and quality of the dried product - Outlines the official quality standards of the products, the design principles, and the operating characteristics of drying systems that are used in postharvest processing - Features 41 chapters that are (each for an agricultural product) presented in a condensed and systematic way

The world faces escalating environmental and healthcare challenges, from climate change to managing natural resources and providing efficient medical services. These issues are complex, often requiring intricate modeling and intervention from domain experts. Traditional analytical methods need help to cope with the complexity and scale of these challenges, leading to inefficiencies and suboptimal outcomes. There is a pressing need for innovative solutions that can enhance our ability to address these issues effectively. Advancements in Climate and Smart Environment Technology present a compelling solution to these pressing problems. By leveraging the power of artificial intelligence (AI) techniques, we offer a path toward more efficient and effective solutions in environmental engineering, healthcare management, and natural resource conservation. AI provides the tools to model complex systems, optimize processes, and make informed decisions without constant expert intervention, thus revolutionizing these fields. This book is a comprehensive guide for scholars, researchers, and practitioners in various fields related to environmental and healthcare sciences. It explores the applications of AI in areas such as innovative environments, sustainable agriculture, climate change mitigation, and healthcare delivery.

This book comprehensively reviews the phytochemistry, functional properties, and health-promoting effects of bioactive compounds found in oil processing by-products, and it also explores the food and non-food applications of these by-products. Several oilseeds, vegetables, and fruits are cultivated for their oils and fats, wherein the oil extraction industry generates a huge amount of waste (meal or cake). The valorisation of this waste would be very beneficial not only from the economic and environmental perspectives, but also for the potential applications in food, cosmetics and pharmaceutical industries, in which phytochemicals derived from vegetable oil and oilseed processing by-products play an important role in, for instance, extending the shelf life of several products and providing added-value properties with their antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. In this work, expert contributors discuss about the added-value of biowaste from common and non-traditional vegetable oils and oilseeds processing, as well as fruit oils processing, and offer an extensive overview of the different bioactive compounds found in extracts from oil processing by-products and their chemical composition. The book also collects several examples in which oil processing by-products are integrated into industrial activities such as food production, livestock production and in pharmaceutical and cosmetics industries. Professionals and scholars alike interested in the recycling of agro-industrial wastes derived from vegetable oil and oilseed processing by-products will find this book a handy reference tool.

Educating professionals and students about the chemistry, formulation technology, and related regulatory aspects of cosmetics and perfume Cosmetics and perfume comprise a multibillion-dollar global industry. Kirk-Othmer Chemical Technology of Cosmetics provides authoritative information on the substances and processes involved, including key product groups, ingredients, formulation technology, packaging, and regulatory topics in twenty-two articles. This resource makes sense of a vast group of consumer products designed to improve the health, cleanliness, and physical appearance of the human exterior. It identifies natural and synthetic ingredients and gives details on formulation of the product so that the cosmetic is safe, easy to use, and performs as described. Particular attention is paid to the technologies that have been developed to produce them, including emulsification, stick technology, powder blending, and aerosol technology. Packaging is also addressed, as it must be attractive to the consumer, be environmentally friendly, and keep the product safe as well. Regulatory information reinforces the safety aspect. Based on Wiley's renowned Kirk-Othmer Encyclopedia of Chemical Technology, this book presents new and carefully updated articles, and features the same breadth and quality of coverage and clarity of presentation found in the original. This comprehensive guide is a valuable resource for chemists, R&D professionals, dermatologists, patent attorneys, regulatory agencies, and other professionals in the field of personal care products. It is also a must-have reference for students who plan to enter the field.

The Handbook of Natural Polymers: Sources, Synthesis, and Characterization is a comprehensive resource covering extraction and processing methods for polymers from natural sources, with an emphasis on the latest advances. The book begins by introducing the current state-of-the-art, challenges, and opportunities in natural polymers. This is followed by detailed coverage of extraction, synthesis, and characterization methods, organized by polymer type. Along with broad chapters discussing approaches to polysaccharide-based polymers, dedicated chapters offer in-depth information on nanocellulose, chitin and chitosan, gluten, alginate, natural rubber, gelatin, pectin, lignin, keratin, gutta percha, shellac, silk, wood, casein, albumin, collagen, hemicellulose, polyhydroxyalkanoates, zein, soya protein, and gum. The final chapters explore other key themes, including filler interactions and properties in natural polymer-based composites, biocompatibility and cytotoxicity, biodegradability, life cycle, and recycling. Throughout the book, information is supported by data, and guidance is offered regarding potential scale-up and industry factors. As part of a 3-volume handbook offering comprehensive coverage of natural polymers, this book will be of interest to all those looking to gain a broad knowledge of natural polymers, including academic researchers, scientists, advanced students, engineers, and R&D professionals from a range of disciplines and industries. - Provides systematic coverage of the latest methods for the extraction, synthesis, and characterization of natural polymers. - Includes an extensive range of natural polymer sources, including established biopolymers and emerging materials. - Explores preparation of natural polymers and their composites, blends, IPNs, gels, and nanoparticles.