Molecular Biology
Molecular biology is the branch of science that deals with the study ofstructure, function and genesis of cells, organelles and macromolecules ofliving organisms. This book organized into 13 chapters deals with the basicconcepts of the genetic material and the identification of the nature of thegenetic material, the chemistry of nucleic acids, properties of prokaryoticand eukaryotic chromosomes, synthesis of DNA and chemistry of RNA.The book is supplemented with challenging spicy questions/problems withworked out solutions for each section which would aid self-evaluation.This book would prove to be useful to students at all levels to understandthe fundamental information in Molecular Biology.
Plant Biotechnology
Plant biotechnology is a field of study that manipulates biologicalprocesses occurring in plants by molecular methods to producetechnologies in favour of mankind. The book guides the students in asystematic way into the basics of the molecular biology of plantdevelopment. Each chapter is discussed with self-explanatorydiagrams which would prove useful to all students, researchers andteachers of biological sciences.
Basic Bioinformatics
Bioinformatics entails the creation and advancement of databases, algorithms, computational and statistical techniques and theory to solve problems arising from the analysis of biological data. This book is an introductory text that links issues in biology to computer science to offer a clear picture of the principles driving bioinformatics. Database concepts and biological database management systems and designing a biological database have been clearly elucidated. Detailed information on sequence analysis has also been provided. The applications of bioinformatics also have been explained from a genomics and proteomics perspective.
Nutritional Biochemistry
This book is written to meet the needs of students of Indian Universitiespursuing careers in foods, nutrition and allied courses at theundergraduate and postgraduate levels.The book gives a comprehensive account of nutrients, their functions, metabolism, storage, deficiencies and treatment. An efforthas been made to include additional chapters on the interactions betweennutrients and the immune system, nutrients and drugs, nutrients andhormones, antioxidants and sports nutrition.
Planetary Health
We live in unprecedented times - the Anthropocene - defined by far-reaching human impacts on the natural systems that underpin civilisation. Planetary Health explores the many environmental changes that threaten to undermine progress in human health, and explains how these changes affect health outcomes, from pandemics to infectious diseases to mental health, from chronic diseases to injuries. It shows how people can adapt to those changes that are now unavoidable, through actions that both improve health and safeguard the environment. But humanity must do more than just adapt: we need transformative changes across many sectors - energy, housing, transport, food, and health care. The book discusses specific policies, technologies, and interventions to achieve the change required, and explains how these can be implemented. It presents the evidence, builds hope in our common future, and aims to motivate action by everyone, from the general public to policymakers to health practitioners.
An Introduction to Biostatistics
This book has been written with the objective of providing a basic textexplaining the principles of statistical measures and methods as appliedto biological problems.Accordingly, the author has also revised thisbook to include a few chapters on computer fundamentals. In addition, a chapter on the use of MS Excel software in Biostatistics is includedto encourage the students to try this highly user-friendly computerprogram.This book shall be useful to all undergraduate and postgraduate students and, to a certain extent, research scholars ofbiology including Zoology, Botany, Microbiology, Biotechnology, Veterinary science, Agriculture, Environmental Science, Health sciencesand other related field
Immunology
Immunology is an interdisciplinary subject encompassing a number of other fields like microbiology, biochemistry, molecular biology, biotechnology, zoology, clinical medicine, pathology, etc. The approach towards the subject is changing gradually according to growing needs in the various other fields. Currently more emphasis is given to the molecular aspects of immunology. This has opened the floodgates towards the new approach for the treatment and diagnosis of many diseases including cancer. Bearing all these aspects in mind, apart from the conventional chapters, various new chapters like immunological synapse, molecular immunology, immunohistochemistry, tumour immunology, etc., have been included. Thus this book comprehensively covers all basic and advanced aspects of immunology in a simple manner in order to keep in pace with the modern developments in this field. It provides up-to-date information with necessary illustrations that will help students to understand the recent concepts in every area of immunology.
Honey Bees
Honey bees are vulnerable to a variety of natural enemies, from viral diseases to vertebrate predators, in spite of their highly evolved defensive strategies. The techniques of management of natural enemies of honeybees are spread over in innumerable journals worldwide but only a few books have been published on diseases and pests of Apis mellifera. An attempt has been made to provide an up-to-date information on natural enemies of all species of honeybees. The author hopes this book would be a reference document to students, researchers and faculty members of Zoology, Entomology, Apiculture and Microbiology departments, beekeeoing extension personnel and beekeepers across the world in general and southeast Asia in particular. Obviously, it would serve as a unique reference book on enemies of honeybees and their management to the undergraduate and postgraduate students and teachers of Entomology and Apiculture in most of the universities in general and agricultural universities in particular.
Planetary Health
We live in unprecedented times - the Anthropocene - defined by far-reaching human impacts on the natural systems that underpin civilisation. Planetary Health explores the many environmental changes that threaten to undermine progress in human health, and explains how these changes affect health outcomes, from pandemics to infectious diseases to mental health, from chronic diseases to injuries. It shows how people can adapt to those changes that are now unavoidable, through actions that both improve health and safeguard the environment. But humanity must do more than just adapt: we need transformative changes across many sectors - energy, housing, transport, food, and health care. The book discusses specific policies, technologies, and interventions to achieve the change required, and explains how these can be implemented. It presents the evidence, builds hope in our common future, and aims to motivate action by everyone, from the general public to policymakers to health practitioners.
Microscopy and Microtechnique
The theory and practice of microscopy and microtechnique are an integral part of any course in any field ofbiology. Developments in the manufacture of the microscope and newer applications of microscopictechnique have necessitated an updating of information and a more practical guide to the use and care of themicroscope and to microtechnique. This book serves this purpose and covers the basic principles andadvanced concepts of microscopy and microtechnique in a comprehensive manner. Principles of variousmicroscopes from simple light microscope to modern confocal microscopy, the documentation of imagesobtained in microscopes and the steps involved in preparing the biological material for microscopicobservation are presented in a neat coherent manner. This book would serve as a ready reference book forstudents, researchers and teachers of life sciences.
Environmental Science and Biotechnology Theory and Techniques
Environmental science and biotechnology are the fast-developing subjects of today, and therefore examination of waste water quality and biotechnological approach in effluent treatment gains more significance. This book discusses the basic principles of various instruments and the analytical methods in physical, chemical and biological characterization of sewage, industrial effluents and soil. It also deals with the suitable techniques for treating different kinds of waste waters. Advanced microbial and biotechnological methods are discussed in detail. It compiles a wide range of concise laboratory procedures, providing a clear understanding about the concepts of the experiments and complete details about the methodology along with the theoretical background.
Covid-19
This book highlights the impact of COVID-19 on environmental sustainability and SDG's, using various case studies. The year 2020 was a historical year mainly due to the pandemic caused by COVID-19 and it influenced or affected the global economy, business models and the industrial sectors, thus impacting sustainability in various ways. Given that sustainability has many faces and facets, it is worthwhile to deal with the relation (or impact) of COVID-19 on various elements of sustainability. This book presents how COVID-19 has influenced Environmental Sustainability along with the SDG's.
Nanotechnology in Space
This book presents selected topics on nanotechnological applications in the strategic sector of space. It showcases some current activities and multidisciplinary approaches that have given an unprecedented control of matter at the nanoscale and will enable it to withstand the unique space environment. It focuses on the outstanding topic of dual-use nanotechnologies, illustrating the mutual benefits of key enabling materials that can be used successfully both on earth and in space. It highlights the importance of space as a strategic sector in the global economy, with ever-increasing related businesses worldwide. In this light, it dedicates a chapter to the analysis of current and future markets for space-related nanotechnological products and applications.
Ocean Mixing
Ocean Mixing: Drivers, Mechanisms and Impacts presents a broad panorama of one of the most rapidly-developing areas of marine science. It highlights the state-of-the-art concerning knowledge of the causes of ocean mixing, and a perspective on the implications for ocean circulation, climate, biogeochemistry and the marine ecosystem. This edited volume places a particular emphasis on elucidating the key future questions relating to ocean mixing, and emerging ideas and activities to address them, including innovative technology developments and advances in methodology. Ocean Mixing is a key reference for those entering the field, and for those seeking a comprehensive overview of how the key current issues are being addressed and what the priorities for future research are. Each chapter is written by established leaders in ocean mixing research; the volume is thus suitable for those seeking specific detailed information on sub-topics, as well as those seeking a broad synopsis of current understanding. It provides useful ammunition for those pursuing funding for specific future research campaigns, by being an authoritative source concerning key scientific goals in the short, medium and long term. Additionally, the chapters contain bespoke and informative graphics that can be used in teaching and science communication to convey the complex concepts and phenomena in easily accessible ways.
Climate Change and Agriculture in Zimbabwe
Chapter 1. Introduction.- Chapter 2. Climate change and lessons from world indigenous minority farmer communities.- Chapter 3. Climate change and indigenous farmers in Zimbabwe.- Chapter 4. Rainfall and Temperature fluctuations in South-west Zimbabwe(1922-2012).- Chapter 5. Climate Change impact on indigenous minority farmer communities in SW Zimbabwe.- Chapter 6. Interventions on climate climate change among indigenous minority farmer communities in SW Zimbabwe.- Chapter 7. Indigenous minority communities development basket of priorities in SW Zimbabwe.- Chapter 8. Conclusion
Drainage Characteristics and Flooding Problems In Ahoada West/East and Ogba-Egbema Ndoni Local Government Areas of Orashi-Sombreiro Plains of Rivers State, Nigeria
Drainage Characteristics and Flooding Problems in the Ahoada East/west and Ogba Egbema Ndoni Local Government Areas, Rivers State, Nigeria is an objective analysis of the drainage character and the interaction of the hydraulic characteristics and processes of the major drainage channels in the region and impacts on the communities within the central Orashi - Sombreiro plains region.The book presents the environmental background including some aspect of hydraulic geometry of the main drainage systems of the study region- the Ahoada area of the central Orashi-Sombreiro plains. It analyzes areal aspects of the integrated drainage character of the area as well as climate change and human factors in the drainage characteristics prevalent in the Ahoada east and west and Ogba Ndoni Egbema areas of the region. It provides an in-depth description of the drainage pattern resulting from influenced by a complexity of interrelated climatic, geomorphic and human factors. This is followed by a descriptive analysis of the impacts of flooding in the communities as well as flood risks management and mitigation measures with emphasis on the need to consider the central Orashi and Sombreiro plains should be considered a single flood area. This will require collaboration between various organizations, agencies, and communities and a focus on efforts to address flooding within the natural boundaries of the Orashi-Sombreio river systems rather than the political/administrative boundaries in the area. Also, structural and non-structural actions should be taken together to manage flood risks effectively aimed at achieving positive outcomes: Because the swamps and the annually flooded lowlands constitute problems as well as pose a challenge to man's ingenuity in re-fashioning his landscape, efforts should be made to reclaim more of these for crop cultivation and settlement purposes Indeed, it is by improved drainage and mitigating flooding impacts that the Ahoada and Ogba-Egbema and Ndoni areas will move towards socio-economic transformation of their landscape which the present century can offer to all who believe in the modern geographic concept that man can cooperate with nature to improve his environment. The book concludes with a call for action to be taken to improve on the drainage and check flooding in the communities / region by at least controlling the effects of its occurrence in the area.
Mangrove ecology and carbon sequestration assessment
The ecological characterization of the mangroves of Ngazidja was carried out in order to provide a complete study concerning especially, the ecology of mangroves, their state of conservation, their mode of use, and their capacity to sequester carbon. The study of these mangroves was carried out from biological inventories and ethnobotanical surveys. Indeed, seven species of mangroves distributed in six families were described in this work. The study of natural regeneration, shows an average rate of regeneration in some sites and a low rate in others. The global warming, exposes the coastal areas to natural disasters. Faced with these problems, this work strives to find effective solutions to mitigate these phenomena. This study focused on the estimation of carbon stored by the mangroves of Ngazidja. The results showed that carbon sequestration is proportional to the density and maturity of trees. Therefore, a good management of mangroves and reforestation of mangroves can increase within a few years the amount of carbon sequestered and consequently, reduce GHG.
Circular Economy and Sustainability
The concept of circular economy is based on strategies, practices, policies, and technologies to achieve principles related to reusing, recycling, redesigning, repurposing, remanufacturing, refurbishing, and recovering water, waste materials, and nutrients to preserve natural resources. It provides the necessary conditions to encourage economic and social actors to adopt strategies toward sustainability. However, the increasing complexity of sustainability aspects means that traditional engineering and management/economics alone cannot face the new challenges and reach the appropriate solutions. Thus, this book highlights the role of engineering and management in building a sustainable society by developing a circular economy that establishes and protects strong social and cultural structures based on cross-disciplinary knowledge and diverse skills. It includes theoretical justification, research studies, and case studies to provide researchers, practitioners, professionals, and policymakers the appropriate context to work together in promoting sustainability and circular economy thinking. Volume 1, Circular Economy and Sustainability: Management and Policy, discusses the content of circular economy principles and how they can be realized in the fields of economy, management, and policy. It gives an outline of the current status and perception of circular economy at the micro-, meso-, and macro-levels to provide a better understanding of its role in achieving sustainability. Volume 2, Circular Economy and Sustainability: Environmental Engineering, presents various technological and developmental tools that emphasize the implementation of these principles in practice (micro-level). It demonstrates the necessity to establish a fundamental connection between sustainable engineering and circular economy.
Biological Approaches to Controlling Pollutants
Biological Approaches to Controlling Pollutants, the latest release in the Advances in Pollution Research series, is a comprehensive guide on the most up-to-date biological methods for remediation of pollutants across a variety of industries, with consideration for the advantages, disadvantages and applications of each method. Considering the increasing levels of pollution and contaminated sites worldwide from high population growths and industrial expansion, the most recent advances in biological remediation techniques is an important field of study and one in which researchers need the most cutting-edge methodologies. This book is a necessary read for environmental scientists, along with postgraduates, academics and researchers working in the area of environmental pollution. It will also be of interest to environmental engineers and any other practitioners who need to evaluate the latest advances in biotechnological control of pollutants.
Sustainable Packaging
Packaging plays a major role in the environmental footprints of products from any industrial sector, and thus is important to address the sustainability issues of packaging. Packaging and the packaging sector have to be eco-conscious as there are many types of packaging across various industrial sectors and so are their environmental impacts as well. Plastic packaging is one of the most common element and the packaging sector accounts for almost 40% of plastic pollution in the world. Sustainable packaging is the only way forward to alleviate the environmental devastations from the the packaging sector. This book presents case studies and discusses how to make packaging more sustainable for a better future. ​
Global Navigation Satellite System Monitoring of the Atmosphere
Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) monitoring of the atmosphere is an interdisciplinary topic: a collaboration between geodetic and atmospheric communities. As such, this topic requires sufficient basic knowledge about both GNSS and the atmosphere. Global Navigation Satellite System Monitoring of the Atmosphere begins by introducing GNSS, its components, and signals. It then explains the basics of the atmosphere, starting from the ionosphere to the troposphere. The GNSS tropospheric monitoring is separated for application in numerical weather prediction and nowcasting. Further chapters focus on the application of GNSS for monitoring the climate as well as soil moisture. Finally, the book concludes by discussing GNSS processing along with introducing the latest developments and applications for using atmospheric data to provide precise real-time GNSS products.
Courting Chaos
How are we meant to understand the worsening ecological crisis, and how do we discover God's presence within it? These are questions Courting Chaos explores with the help of Scripture, art, and poetry. Focusing particularly on the writings of Jeremiah, this book sees parallels between the looming threat of Babylonian invasion which hung over the people of Judah and our own global predicament. Because it offered a hope that would survive the chaos of defeat and exile, the book of Jeremiah is presented as a spiritual resource for us today, as we face living with an increasingly unstable climate. Courting Chaos weaves together the teaching of Jeremiah with the linked ministries of Jonah and Jesus, each of whom came through the chaotic waters of death to deliver a message of hope. Combining this with arresting works of art and poetry, and his own struggles since participating in a pilgrimage to the 2015 Paris Climate Conference, the author thoughtfully applies biblical theology to our current ecological situation.
20 Fun Facts about Grassland Habitats
If you think grasslands are just boring old grass, think again. This high-interest volume is packed with facts about these rich habitats that cover one-fourth of our planet. Readers will learn that grasslands actually need wildfires to stay healthy. Some places use skilled firefighters to start fires in grasslands on purpose. Amazing photographs take readers up close to the curious creatures that call grasslands home, from antelope in the North American prairie to zebras in the African savanna. Eye-catching maps inspire young explorers to see these amazing habitats for themselves.
20 Fun Facts about Marine Habitats
Vast numbers of Earth's plants and animals live in the planet's oceans, but scientists estimate we know about far less than half of them. It may be impossible to know just how many creatures live there, but it's clear that marine habitats are home to thousands of species. With this intriguing book, readers will get a peek into one of the most unusual, least known habitats on the planet. From brightly colored and endangered coral reefs to the darkest of ocean depths, this volume will fascinate kids with information about Earth's most mysterious habitat.
20 Fun Facts about Wetland Habitats
What do bogs, marshes, and swamps have in common? They're all kinds of wetlands, which are fascinating ecosystems that are home to myriad species of plants, animals, and microbes. These organisms are adapted to both dry and watery conditions. In this valuable volume, the most interesting and informative facts about wetlands are presented through accessible text and colorful photographs. Essential concepts of the elementary science classroom, such as adaptations and habitats, are given special attention. Graphic organizers help clarify and review key ideas for budding ecologists.
Forest and Rangeland Soils of the United States Under Changing Conditions
This open access book synthesizes leading-edge science and management information about forest and rangeland soils of the United States. It offers ways to better understand changing conditions and their impacts on soils, and explores directions that positively affect the future of forest and rangeland soil health. This book outlines soil processes and identifies the research needed to manage forest and rangeland soils in the United States. Chapters give an overview of the state of forest and rangeland soils research in the Nation, including multi-decadal programs (chapter 1), then summarizes various human-caused and natural impacts and their effects on soil carbon, hydrology, biogeochemistry, and biological diversity (chapters 2-5). Other chapters look at the effects of changing conditions on forest soils in wetland and urban settings (chapters 6-7). Impacts include: climate change, severe wildfires, invasive species, pests and diseases, pollution, and land use change. Chapter 8considers approaches to maintaining or regaining forest and rangeland soil health in the face of these varied impacts. Mapping, monitoring, and data sharing are discussed in chapter 9 as ways to leverage scientific and human resources to address soil health at scales from the landscape to the individual parcel (monitoring networks, data sharing Web sites, and educational soils-centered programs are tabulated in appendix B). Chapter 10 highlights opportunities for deepening our understanding of soils and for sustaining long-term ecosystem health and appendix C summarizes research needs. Nine regional summaries (appendix A) offer a more detailed look at forest and rangeland soils in the United States and its Affiliates.
Carbon Labeling Practice
This book focuses on the behavioral interactions among possible stakeholders in carbon labeling practice, brings the attentions of stakeholders' interests to explore the opportunities, and challenges related to carbon labeling practice, thus to provide insight into low-carbon consumption and production. It is essential reading for students, researchers, and policy makers as well as those with a wider interest in environmental science and sustainable development.
Sustainability in Environmental Engineering and Science
This book consists of select peer-reviewed papers from the International Conference on Sustainable Environmental Engineering and Science (SEES) 2019. The main focus of the book is to propose sustainable technologies to address the growing environmental challenges. The contents cover several topics of relevance such as air pollution, solid waste management, wastewater treatment, industrial pollution, and suggests eco-friendly and cost-effective techniques to tackle them. Given the range of topics covered, the book will be useful to researchers and professionals working in the multidisciplinary area of sustainability.
Superhero Physiology
What is it about a superhero's muscles that endow them with super strength or super speed? When a superhero reads someone's mind, what are they reading? How does a superhero instantly teleport themselves to a new location? How do normal processes of healing differ from super healing?In his book, Kevin Boldt, PhD, describes normal human physiology and uses scientific principles to simply, theoretically, and practically answer these questions and more! Each chapter approaches a different superhero ability, describes the analogue physiology in humans and select animals, and describes reasonable theoretical ways human physiology could be adapted or modified to endow an individual with super-human ability.
Superhero Physiology
What is it about a superhero's muscles that endow them with super strength or super speed? When a superhero reads someone's mind, what are they reading? How does a superhero instantly teleport themselves to a new location? How do normal processes of healing differ from super healing?In his book, Kevin Boldt, PhD, describes normal human physiology and uses scientific principles to simply, theoretically, and practically answer these questions and more! Each chapter approaches a different superhero ability, describes the analogue physiology in humans and select animals, and describes reasonable theoretical ways human physiology could be adapted or modified to endow an individual with super-human ability.
External Interventions for Disaster Risk Reduction
This book presents a case study-based analysis of the consequences of external interventions, critically evaluating them from community perspectives. Communities - from rural to urban, and around the world - that are experiencing disasters and changes in climatic variables can perceive the associated risks and evaluate the impacts of interventions. Accordingly, community perspectives, including their perceptions, concerns, awareness, realizations, reactions and expectations, represent a valuable resource. The case-based analysis of impacts on communities can provide a 'means of learning' from the experiences of others, thus expanding professionals' knowledge base, especially regarding disaster mitigation and climate change adaptation practices in varied settings. This book offers valuable insights and lessons learned, in an effort to promote and guide innovative changes in the current planning, management and governance of human settlements, helping them face the future challenges of a changing environment.
Plasmonic Nanosensors for Detection of Aqueous Toxic Metals
Delving into the development of plasmonic nanosensors to detect toxic heavy metal ions in aqueous media, this book explores a significant and burgeoning branch of nanosensor technology based on plasmon resonance and serves as a guide for conducting research in this area. All types of nanosensors for water treatment and detection of heavy metals are also introduced. Plasmonic Nanosensors for Detection of Aqueous Toxic Metals provides up-to-date data upon which researchers and ecologists, industrialists, and academicians can build to create a variety of plasmonic nanosensors. This book also covers paper-based devices based on plasmon for quantifying toxic metals in water and considers important applications of different plasmon-based nanomaterials--graphene, core-shell, quantum dots, nanoporous membrane, carbon nanotubes, and nanofibers. It is an accessible resource for all those involved in the field of nanosensors and their applications and can pave the way for a better understanding of nanosensor technology with regard to toxic metals.Key features: Gives an in-depth account of the extraordinary optical property at the nanoscale and its use in sensing Offers up-to-date study and practical results for academia, researchers, and engineers working in water treatment and purification Provides sensing application of thematic nanomaterials such as quantum dots and core-shell
Early Life on Earth
This book comprehensively explores the early evolution of life and the Archean environment. Topics include the differences between prokaryotes and eukaryotes, variations in metabolisms, concepts of ecosystems and biogeochemical cycles (nitrogen, sulfur, phosphorous), Archean geology and environments, and the widely accepted early evolutionary history of life. The text addresses controversies regarding early life and its environment, particularly the unusual microfossil assemblages from the 3.4 Ga Strelley Pool Formation and the 3.0 Ga Farrel Quartzite of Western Australia. Readers will get a fuller picture of the Archean world, and an appreciation of many still unresolved questions.Key Features Illustrated with figures visualizing ecosystems, biogeochemical cycles etc which are indispensable for understanding the Archean Earth. Includes tables arranging key words, definitions, and interpretations. Documents the Archean environment with photographic evidence and detailed descriptions the rocks, minerals and microfossils. Summarizes the latest field research. Details exciting unresolved questions for future study.
Umwelt- Und Klimagerechtigkeit - Gesundheit Und Wohlbefinden
Im Kontext von Umwelt- und Klimagerechtigkeit werden Umweltzerst繹rung und Klimast繹rung kritisch hinterfragt. Dabei wird sowohl auf die geodynamisch bedingten als auch auf anthropogene St繹rungen in der Erdatmosph瓣re eingegangen. Der in diesem Zusammenhang vieldiskutierte Treibhauseffekt wird verst瓣ndlich erl瓣utert. Es wird verdeutlicht, dass f羹r die St繹rungen der W瓣rmebalance der Erdatmosph瓣re eine exorbitante Ressourcenausbeutung wie Bodenversiegelung durch Bebauung, Energiegewinnung und weitere anthropogenen Beeinflussungen verantwortlich sind, woraus humanbiologische Konsequenzen mit Gesundheitsrelevanz folgen. Ursachen und Wirkungen der sp羹rbaren Klimaver瓣nderung - auch Klimawandel genannt - werden vor dem Hintergrund humanbiometeorologischen Einwirkungen auf die Gesundheit allgemeinverst瓣ndlich dargelegt. Das umfasst auch das zunehmende Problem von sich ausbreitenden Klimafolgern wie eine Vielzahl stechender Insekten, die f羹r eine Verbreitung von Infektionskrankheiten sorgen, und Pflanzen mit allergenem Potenzial.
Water Productivity and Food Security, 3
Water Productivity and Food Security: Global Trends and Regional Patterns, Volume Three reviews the need for water productivity improvements in agriculture, addressing three distinct questions pertaining to agricultural water productivity improvement in developing countries, including what are the regions where water is a limiting factor for raising agricultural outputs and water productivity improvements, what are the technological measures in irrigation that can raise agricultural water productivity and result in water saving at various scales, and what opportunities exist in the developing economies of South Asia and Africa for raising water productivity and improving water economy at basin scale. This book provides a framework to characterize river basins based on water availability, water supplies, water uses and water demands to ascertain the need and measures available for improving crop water productivity that would be effective at various scales, i.e., plant-level, plot-level, irrigation system level and basin level. This is an essential reference for anyone interested in water management and agriculture.
Municipal Landfill Leachate Management
This book is divided into seven chapters, which address various leachate landfill management issues such as the quality, quantity and management of municipal landfill leachate, together with new methods. There are many methods available for the treatment and management of municipal landfill leachate. The waste management methods presented here can be applied in most third-world countries, due to the lack of waste separation and high organic content of waste. The book provides descriptions and a hierarchy of waste management, reviews the history of solid waste disposal, and covers a range of topics, including: leachate and gas generation in landfills; natural attenuation landfills; landfill site selection; leachate and stormwater management, collection and treatment; landfill gas management; landfill cover requirements; leachate collection; types of natural treatment systems; and design procedure and considerations. In closing, it provides an overview of the current solid waste management status in Iran.
Climate Stewardship
As climate disruption intensifies the world over, Californians are finding solutions across a diversity of communities and landscapes. Though climate change is a global existential threat, we cannot wait for nation-states to solve the problem when there are actions we can take now to protect our own communities. In Climate Stewardship: Taking Collective Action to Protect California, readers are invited on a journey to discover that all life is interconnected and shaped by climate and to learn how communities can help tackle climate change. Climate Stewardship shares stories from everyday people and shows how their actions enhance the resilience of communities and ecosystems across ten distinct bioregions. Climate science that justifies these actions is woven throughout, making it easy to learn about Earth's complex systems. The authors interpret and communicate these stories in a way that is enjoyable, inspiring, and even amusing. California is uniquely positioned to develop and implement novel solutions to widespread climate challenges, owing to the state's remarkable biogeographic diversity and robust public science programs. Produced in collaboration with the UC California Naturalist Program, Climate Stewardship focuses on regenerative approaches to energy, agriculture, and land and water use across forested, agricultural, and urban landscapes. The authors' hopeful and encouraging tone aims to help readers develop a sense that they, too, can act now to make meaningful change in their communities.
Computer Vision Based Identification and Mosaic of Gramineous Grass Seeds
Introduction.- Forage Identification and Experimental Materials.- Identification of Gramineous Grass Seeds Using Gabor and Locality Preserving Projections.- Identification of Gramineous Grass Seeds Using Difference of Local Fractal Dimensions.- Identification of Gramineous Grass Seeds Using Local Similarity Pattern and Linear Discriminant Analysis.- Identification of Gramineous Grass Seeds Using Local Similarity Pattern and Gray Level Co-occurrence Matrix.- Microscopic Image Mosaic of Gramineous Grass Seeds.- Digital Information Platform of Grassland and Forage Based on Computer Vision.
The Role of Metal Ions in Biology, Biochemistry and Medicine
Metal ions are fundamental elements for the maintenance of the lifespan of plants, animals and humans. Their substantial role in biological systems was recognized a long time ago. They are essential for the maintenance of life and their absence can cause growth disorders, severe malfunction, carcinogenesis or death. They are protagonists as macro- or microelements in several structural and functional roles, participating in many bio-chemical reactions, and arise in several forms. They participate in intra- and intercellular communications, in maintaining electrical charges and osmotic pressure, in photosynthesis and electron transfer processes, in the maintenance of pairing, stacking and the stability of nucleotide bases and also in the regulation of DNA transcription. They contribute to the proper functioning of nerve cells, muscle cells, the brain and the heart, the transport of oxygen and to many other biological processes up to the point that we cannot even imagine a life without metals. In this book, the papers published in the Special Issue "The Role of Metal Ions in Biology, Biochemistry and Medicine" are summarized, providing a picture of metal ion uses in biology, biochemistry and medicine, but also pointing out the toxicity impacts on plants, animals, humans and the environment.
Sustainable Solutions for Urban Water Security
Explores in detail new paradigms of urban water security in changing context Presents a wide range of sustainable solutions to address the water scarcity problem, including localized sustainable solutions, innovations, computer models and simulations, capacity building, stakeholder analysis, and sustainable solutions case studiesOffers an analysis of the potential of the role of recent innovations such as frugal innovation, smart water, etc. Offers an analysis of the potential of the role of space technology and the latest water related techniques for water security
Indian Summer Monsoon Variability
Indian Summer Monsoon Variability: El Ni簽o-Teleconnections and Beyond presents the improved understanding of Indian Monsoon teleconnections (ENSO and Non-ENSO), new advances, and preferred future steps. Special emphasis is given to non-ENSO teleconnections which have been poorly understood for decades. With growing monsoon rainfall extremes across the Indian Subcontinent, a new understanding of monsoon environmental factors that are driven remotely through teleconnections is a trending topic. Finally, the book reviews current understanding ofthe observational and modeling aspects of Indian monsoon teleconnections. This is a must-read for researchers and graduate students in atmospheric science and meteorology.
Ecology of Coastal Marine Sediments
Marine sediments dominate the global seabed, creating the largest ecosystem on earth. Seafloor biodiversity is a key mediator of ecosystem functioning, yet critical processes are often excluded from global biogeochemical budgets or simplified to black boxes in ecosystem models. This accessible textbook provides an ideal point of entry into the field, providing basic information on the nature of soft-sediment ecosystems, examples of how and why we research them, the new questions these studies inspire, and the applications that ultimately benefit society. While focussing on coastal habitats (200m depth) to emphasize process-based experimental studies, it is relevant to the full range of marine sedimentary habitats. The authors describe the interactions between marine organisms and their physical and chemical environment, demonstrating the need for carefully designed research programs and providing the basic steps required to formulate sound ecological questions before applying them to empirical studies of real-world ecosystems. The book reveals the connections between different system components and drivers of change, examining how we can develop knowledge on the biodiversity and functioning of soft sediments and apply it to a better understanding of ecosystem change, human impacts, and effective restoration. Ecology of Coastal Marine Sediments is intended for advanced undergraduate and graduate students who have completed a general ecology course but received no further training in marine science. It will also be useful to both professional researchers and resource managers in marine ecology and environmental science who seek a compact and authoritative introduction to sediment ecology.
Estudos aplicados ? Ecologia Florestal
A ideia deste livro 矇 demonstrar, de forma clara e objetiva, algumas metodologias utilizadas para a condu癟瓊o de estudos e aulas que visam abordar as diferentes tem獺ticas da Ecologia Florestal, como an獺lises de planta, 獺gua e solo. Dentro do curso de Engenharia Florestal a Ecologia Florestal 矇 uma ci礙ncia que deve ser aplicada na pr獺tica, mediante atividades desenvolvidas a campo. Muitas vezes, o ensino consiste apenas nas metodologias dialogadas e/ou expositivas, sem contemplar as possibilidades de exerc穩cios que podem ser realizados fora do ambiente de sala de aula e, que podem ser integrados ? produ癟瓊o de conhecimento atrav矇s da pesquisa cient穩fica.A proposta deste livro 矇 a de apresentar metodologias de coleta de dados, que tamb矇m podem ser aplicadas no processo de ensino-aprendizagem de Ecologia Florestal. As metodologias que ser瓊o abordadas neste livro s瓊o baseadas nas experi礙ncias desenvolvidas e aprimoradas durante mais de 20 anos pela equipe do Laborat籀rio de Ecologia Florestal da Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil.
Ecology of Coastal Marine Sediments
Marine sediments dominate the global seabed, creating the largest ecosystem on earth. Seafloor biodiversity is a key mediator of ecosystem functioning, yet critical processes are often excluded from global biogeochemical budgets or simplified to black boxes in ecosystem models. This accessible textbook provides an ideal point of entry into the field, providing basic information on the nature of soft-sediment ecosystems, examples of how and why we research them, the new questions these studies inspire, and the applications that ultimately benefit society. While focussing on coastal habitats (200m depth) to emphasize process-based experimental studies, it is relevant to the full range of marine sedimentary habitats. The authors describe the interactions between marine organisms and their physical and chemical environment, demonstrating the need for carefully designed research programs and providing the basic steps required to formulate sound ecological questions before applying them to empirical studies of real-world ecosystems. The book reveals the connections between different system components and drivers of change, examining how we can develop knowledge on the biodiversity and functioning of soft sediments and apply it to a better understanding of ecosystem change, human impacts, and effective restoration. Ecology of Coastal Marine Sediments is intended for advanced undergraduate and graduate students who have completed a general ecology course but received no further training in marine science. It will also be useful to both professional researchers and resource managers in marine ecology and environmental science who seek a compact and authoritative introduction to sediment ecology.
Environmental Management and Governance
This book addresses aspects of environmental management that raise fundamental questions about governmental roles and the relationship of humans to the environment.
Environmental Stress Physiology of Plants and Crop Productivity
The knowledge of plant responses to various abiotic stresses is crucial to understand their underlying mechanisms as well as the methods to develop new varieties of crops, which are better suited to the environment they are grown in. Environmental Stress Physiology of Plants and Crop Productivity provides readers a timely update on the knowledge about plant responses to a variety of stresses such as salinity, temperature, drought, oxidative stress and mineral deficiencies. Chapters focus on biochemical mechanisms identified in plants crucial to adapting to specific abiotic stressors along with the methods of improving plant tolerance. The book also sheds light on plant secondary metabolites such as phenylpropanoids and plant growth regulators in ameliorating the stressful conditions in plants. Additional chapters present an overview of applications of genomics, proteomics and metabolomics (including CRISPR/CAS techniques) to develop abiotic stress tolerant crops. The editors have also provided detailed references for extended reading to support the information in the book. Environmental Stress Physiology of Plants and Crop Productivity is an informative reference for scholars and researchers working in the field of botany, agriculture, crop science and physiology, soil science, and environmental sciences.
Continent in Dust, 10
In China, the weather has changed. Decades of reform have been shadowed by a changing meteorological normal: seasonal dust storms and spectacular episodes of air pollution have reworked physical and political relations between land and air in China and downwind. Continent in Dust offers an anthropology of strange weather, focusing on intersections among statecraft, landscape, atmosphere, and society. Traveling from state engineering programs that attempt to choreograph the movement of mobile dunes in the interior, to newly reconfigured bodies and airspaces in Beijing, and beyond, this book explores contemporary China as a weather system in the making: what would it mean to understand "the rise of China" literally, as the country itself rises into the air?
Beyond Interdisciplinarity
Beyond Interdisciplinarity examines the broadening meaning of core concept across academic disciplines and other forms of knowledge. In this book, Associate Editor of The Oxford Handbook of Interdisciplinarity and internationally recognized scholar Julie Thompson Klein depicts the heterogeneity and boundary work of inter- and trans-disciplinarity in a conceptual framework based on an ecology of spatializing practices in transaction spaces, including trading zones and communities of practice. The book includes both "crossdisciplinary" work (encompassing multi-, inter-, and trans-disciplinary forms) as well as "cross-sector" work (spanning disciplines, fields, professions, government and industry, and communities). The first section of the book defines and explains boundary work, discourses of interdisciplinarity, and the nature of interdisciplinary fields. In the second section, Klein examines dynamics of working across disciplines, including communication, collaboration, and learning with concrete examples and lessons from research projects and programs that transcend traditional fields. The closing chapter examines reasons for failure and success then presents gateways to literature and other resources. Throughout the book, Klein emphasizes the roles of contextualization and historical change while factoring in the shifting relationship of disciplinarity and interdisciplinarity, ascendancy of transdisciplinarity, and intersections with other constructs including Mode 2 knowledge production, convergence, team science, and postdisciplinarity. The conceptual framework she provides also includes the role of boundary objects, agents, and organizations in brokering differences and creating for platforms for change. Klein further explains why translation, interlanguage, and a communication boundary space are vital to achieving intersubjectivity and collective identity. They foster not only pragmatics of negotiation and integration but also reflexivity, transactivity, and co-production of knowledge with stakeholders beyond the academy. Rhetorics of holism and synthesis compete with instrumentalities of problem solving and transgressive critiques. However, typical warrants today include complexity, contextualization, collaboration, and socially-robust knowledge. Crossing boundaries remains complex, but this book guides readers through the density of pertinent literature while expanding understandings of crossdisciplinary and cross-sector work.
