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Human genetics is the study of inheritance in humans. It is approached in a multidisciplinary manner from the diverse fields of genetics such as classical, molecular and biochemical genetics, cytogenetics, developmental genetics, etc. The study of human genetics is vital to the understanding of human diseases and development of effective treatments. Besides these, it also presents valuable insights into human nature and personality. The concepts of autosomal dominant and recessive inheritance, X-linked and Y-linked inheritance are vital to this field. Pedigree chart analysis allows the determination of the parent who contributes to the transmission of a specific trait. Human genetics is an upcoming field of science that has undergone rapid development over the past few decades. Some of the diverse topics covered in this book address the varied branches that fall under this category. In this book, constant effort has been made to make the understanding of the difficult concepts of human genetics, as easy and informative as possible, for the readers.

Human biology is the science that studies the human body through the lens of anatomy, human genetics and evolution, physiology, immunology, epidemiology and anthropology. It also provides the foundation for a scientific approach to the study of diseases in humans, which involves therapy, diagnosis and prevention. The important sub-disciplines of human biology are pathophysiology, medical genetics, pharmacology, toxicology, pathology, etc. Some of the principal systems of the human body are the circulatory system, digestive system, the nervous system, respiratory system, muscular system and the skeletal system. This textbook attempts to understand the science of human biology in an interdisciplinary manner. This book is a valuable compilation of topics, ranging from the basic to the most complex theories and principles in the field of human biology and related fields. Coherent flow of topics, student-friendly language and extensive use of examples make this book an invaluable source of knowledge.

The scientific study of the biochemical and chemical phenomena occurring in the environment is known as environmental chemistry. It also encompasses the study of the sources, transport reactions, effects and future of chemical species present in the soil, air and water. It also delves into the anthropogenic and biological influence on these. Environmental chemistry is an interdisciplinary science that integrates the principles of aquatic, atmospheric, soil and analytical chemistry. The chemical pollutants that contaminate the environment include heavy metals from industry, organometallic compounds, urban runoff and nutrients leaching from agricultural lands. This book is a compilation of chapters that discuss the most vital concepts in the field of environmental chemistry. Such selected concepts that redefine this field have been presented herein. Those in search of information to further their knowledge will be greatly assisted by this book.

Minerals are formed through various processes such as sublimation from volcanic gases, crystallization from an igneous magma or lava, recrystallization due to metasomatism and metamorphic processes, besides many others. Minerals can be classified into different groups such as carbonates, sulfides, phosphates, silicates, halides, chromates, etc. Mineralogy is a field of geology. It is concerned with the scientific study of the crystal structure, chemistry and physical properties of minerals. The classification of minerals, processes of origin, formation, geographical distribution and utilization are also within the scope of this field. The properties of minerals such as density, solubility, radioactivity, mechanical cohesion, etc. are studied in detail. This book unfolds the innovative aspects of mineralogy, which will be crucial for the holistic understanding of the subject matter. The topics included in this book are of the utmost significance and bound to provide incredible insights to the readers. It will serve as a reference to professionals and students engaged in this field.

The vertebrate animals within the class Mammalia are called mammals. There are around 4,200 different species of mammals. They are characterized by the presence of a neocortex, three middle ear bones, hair and mammary glands. Mammals are adapted for life on land, in the sea, in trees, underground or in the air. They are intelligent animals with large brains, self-awareness, vocalization and organization. They communicate through the processes of scent-marking, singing, ultrasound production, echolocation, etc. Mammals can be solitary and territorial, but can also organize themselves into hierarchies, harems and fission-fusion societies. The studies of all mammals, their ecology, diversity, adaptation and management are under the field of mammalogy. This book is a compilation of chapters that discuss the most vital concepts in the field of mammalogy. It provides comprehensive insights into this vast area of study. Coherent flow of topics, student-friendly language and extensive use of examples make this book an invaluable source of knowledge.

Evolution is a natural process that drives a change in the heritable characteristics of populations over successive generations. Such changes are mediated by genes as they are transmitted from one parent to offspring. Evolution is at the core of the emergence of biodiversity at each stage of biological organization such as at species, organisms and molecular levels. Genetic variations in a population are introduced due to mutations and genetic recombination. Some of these characteristics become common or rare within a specific population due to evolutionary processes of natural selection and genetic drift. The impact of evolution is seen in terms of change in adaptability, cooperation among species, coevolution, speciation and extinction. This book is a valuable compilation of topics, ranging from the basic to the most complex theories and principles in the field of evolution. The topics included herein are of the utmost significance and bound to provide incredible insights to readers. This textbook is an essential guide for both academicians and those who wish to pursue this discipline further.

The field of cosmology investigates the origin, evolution and the future of the universe as well as the scientific principles and laws that guide these phenomena. The fields of physics and astrophysics use mathematical formulations, scientific observation and experimentation for the development of this subject. The universe is believed to have started with the big bang, after which it underwent a process of cosmic inflation. Modern cosmology evolved after the formulation of Einstein's general theory of relativity. Observations of the cosmic microwave background radiation, new galaxy redshift surveys, gravitational lensing, observations of supernovae, etc. have further advanced the understanding of the universe. This book is a valuable compilation of topics that covers the most fundamental theories and principles of cosmology. It presents the complex subject of cosmology in the most comprehensible and easy to understand language. This book is meant for students who are looking for an elaborate reference text in this domain.

Sustainable landscaping is a set of practices that are designed as a response measure to environmental issues, such as global climate change, pollution, carbon sequestration, pesticide poisoning, etc. It encompasses all stages of landscaping including design, construction, management and implementation. Some of the unsustainable factors that have a detrimental effect on the environment include soil, air and water contamination, greenhouse gas emissions, toxic compounds in the environment, etc. Some of the sustainable landscaping solutions include bio-filtering of wastes by constructed wetlands, landscape irrigation using gray water, using Integrated Pest Management, recycling of products, etc. Such solutions can be integrated in building design, which encompasses all aspects of engineering, technical and architectural applications to the design of building. Most of the topics introduced in this book cover new techniques and applications of sustainable landscaping in building design. While understanding the long-term perspectives of the topics, the book makes an effort in highlighting their impact as a modern tool for the growth of the disciplines. For someone with an interest and eye for detail, this book covers the most significant topics in the field of sustainable landscaping and building design.

Bacteria constitute a large category of prokaryotic microorganisms which are a few micrometers in size. The study of bacteria, their biochemistry, morphology, ecology and genetics is under the scope of bacteriology. The importance of bacteriology is witnessed in its wide applications in the treatment and prevention of diseases with the use of vaccines. It is an important domain under microbiology, which studies the classification, identification and characterization of bacterial species. This textbook aims to shed light on some of the unexplored aspects of bacteriology. It elucidates new techniques and applications of this discipline in a multidisciplinary approach. In this book, constant effort has been made to make the understanding of the difficult concepts of bacteriology as easy and informative as possible, for the readers.

Animal husbandry is the branch of agriculture that is concerned with the selective breeding, caring and raising of livestock for meat, milk, leather, eggs, etc. A wide variety of animals are raised for their products. Some of the commonly raised animals include cow, sheep, goat and pig. Species such as llama, rabbit, horse, guinea pig, etc. are also raised as livestock in some parts of the world. Modern animal husbandry focuses on intensive farming practices for meeting market demand. Animal breeding strives to ensure higher growth rate, low feed consumption for each unit of growth, prolificness, higher yields, etc. Artificial insemination and embryo transfer are common practices that are used today. This textbook is a compilation of chapters that discuss the most vital concepts in the field of animal husbandry and livestock management. It elucidates the concepts and innovative models around prospective developments with respect to raising livestock. This book is a complete source of knowledge on the present status of this important field.

The study of genes, variation and heredity in plants is under the scope of plant genetics. An important area of study in plant genetics is plant breeding. It is the practice of altering or enhancing certain traits in plants to obtain desired characteristics. Some of these include disease resistance, higher yield, drought tolerance or better adaptability to changed climatic condition. Modern plant breeding employs techniques such as marker assisted selection, reverse breeding and double haploids. Genetic modification that allows the addition or deletion of new genes to produce desirable phenotypes in plants is another method used for plant breeding. An understanding of plant genetics and plant breeding techniques can enable the development of solutions for the sustainment of agriculture in the face of harsh cropping conditions, food security concerns or loss of soil quality. This book unfolds the innovative aspects of plant breeding which will be crucial for the holistic understanding of the subject matter. It further elucidates the concepts and innovative models around prospective developments with respect to plant genetics. Coherent flow of topics, student-friendly language and extensive use of examples make this book an invaluable source of knowledge.

The use of living organisms to make or develop or modify products is under the broad field of biotechnology. Plant biotechnology is a branch of this discipline that is concerned with the application of the techniques of biotechnology for plant breeding and improvement. Some of the objectives include improving plant quality, increasing crop yield, increasing tolerance to environmental stresses, viruses, fungi, bacteria and pests. Such modifications are of immense use in agriculture. The techniques of marker assisted selection, doubled haploidy, reverse breeding and genetic modification facilitate such changes. This book is compiled in such a manner, that it will provide in-depth knowledge about the theory and practice of plant biotechnology. It aims to shed light on some of the unexplored aspects of this field. This book is an essential guide for both academicians and those who wish to pursue this discipline further.

Athletic performance can be improved by adhering to an effective diet and nutrition plan. Nutrition is an important aspect of sports training regimens, for strength building and endurance enhancement. Some of the factors that determine an athlete's nutritional requirement are the type of activity, weight, gender, body mass index, etc. The field of sports nutrition studies all these aspects of nutrition and also focuses on the quantity of food and fluids that are required by an athlete. Dietary supplements, which contain dietary ingredients such as minerals, vitamins, amino acids, etc., can be used to improve athletic performance, supply energy or aid in recovery. Human growth hormones, steroids, creatine, BCAAs and caffeine are examples of supplements. This book is a compilation of chapters that discuss the most vital concepts in the field of sports nutrition. It unfolds the innovative aspects of sports nutrition, which will be crucial for the holistic understanding of the subject matter. This book is meant for students who are looking for an elaborate reference text on this subject.

When excessive quantities of pollutants or harmful substances such as particulates, gases, etc. are introduced into the Earth's atmosphere, it leads to air pollution. It is damaging to the natural and built environment and may potentially result in allergies, diseases and death in humans. Pollutants can be natural or man-made. They can be further classified into primary and secondary pollutants. Carbon dioxide is a primary pollutant that has the most significant contribution to air pollution. Some secondary pollutants are ground-level ozone and peroxyacetyl nitrate. Reduction of fossil fuel use, transition to renewable and clean energy, use of particulate control devices, etc. are some of the techniques for the control of air pollution. This book elucidates the concepts and innovative models around prospective developments with respect to air pollution control. It aims to shed light on some of the unexplored aspects of air pollution and its impacts. It is an essential guide for both academicians and those who wish to pursue this discipline further.

Environmental health is a branch of public health, which studies all aspects of the natural and built environment that affect human health. Five significant disciplines are integral to the field of environmental health. These include toxicology, environmental epidemiology, environmental engineering, exposure science and environmental law. Toxicology, epidemiology and exposure science studies are integrated to conduct a risk assessment of chemicals, specific chemical mixtures and health risk factors. These studies are then used for regulating chemical emissions, developing and implementing environmental health policies such as imposing standards for proper sanitation, etc. Some of the areas of focus in environmental health include indoor and outdoor air quality, climate change, noise pollution control, liquid waste disposal, solid waste management, toxic chemical exposure, vector control, medical waste disposal and management, land use planning, etc. This book elucidates the concepts and innovative models around prospective developments with respect to environmental health. It presents researches and studies performed by experts across the globe in relation to the protection and sustainability of the environment. It attempts to assist those with a goal of delving into this field.

Biomass refers to plant and plant-based materials that do not have application as food or feed, but are used for the generation of energy through combustion or via conversion into different forms of biofuel. It is considered a renewable source of energy. The conversion of biomass into biofuel is achieved by various chemical, biochemical and thermal methods. Some of the chemical constituents of biomass are cellulose, hemicellulose and lignins. Biofuels are derived from domestic, agricultural, commercial and industrial wastes. These can be solid, liquid or gaseous. Some examples are bioethanol, biodiesel, syngas, ethanol fuels, etc. Some of the diverse topics covered in this book address the varied aspects of biomass and biofuels. It elucidates new production techniques and their applications in a multidisciplinary approach. For someone with an interest and eye for detail, this book covers the most significant topics in this field.

Systems biology is the mathematical and computational modeling of complex biological systems. It is an interdisciplinary field of study concerned with complex interactions within biological systems. One of the primary objectives of systems biology is to discover and model emergent properties and explore the properties of cells, tissues and organisms functioning as a system. The foundations of systems biology are control theory and cybernetics, quantitative modeling of enzyme kinetics, synergetics, simulations for the study of neurophysiology and the mathematical modeling of population dynamics. The topics covered in this extensive book deal with the core aspects of mathematical modeling and model analysis in the discipline of systems biology. For all readers who are interested in this field, the case studies included in this book will serve as an excellent guide to develop a comprehensive understanding. It aims to equip students and experts with the advanced topics and upcoming concepts in this area of study.

Plant ecology is a branch of ecology, which is concerned with the study of the abundance and distribution of plants, the effect of environmental factors and the interactions between plants and other organisms. The plant kingdom ranges in complexity from the single-celled algae to large canopy forming trees. Plant communities are distributed into biomes depending on the dominant plant species present. Some of the important vegetation types are tundra, terrestrial wetlands, temperate grasslands, tropical forests, tropical savannas, etc. The predominant biological interactions occurring in plant communities are competition for resources, mutualism and herbivory. Depending on the level of organization, plant ecology can be divided into plant ecophysiology, community ecology, ecosystem ecology and biosphere ecology, among others. This book studies, analyzes and upholds the pillars of plant ecology and its utmost significance in modern times. It includes some of the vital pieces of work being conducted across the world, on the ecology and diversity of plants. The extensive content herein provides the readers with a thorough understanding of the subject.

Microbes are microscopic organisms, which include bacteria, viruses, fungi, protozoa and microalgae. They inhabit the soil, water, rocks, hot springs, food and animal intestines. Such a wide diversity in microbial habitats points to a diversity of microbial metabolic and biochemical traits which gives rise to such genetic variation and natural selection in populations of microbes. Microbial biotechnology is a sub-field of biotechnology that aims to develop better vaccines and diagnostic tools, microbial agents for the biological control of pests in animals and plants, novel industrial catalysts and fermentation agents as well as agents for the bioremediation of contaminated soil and water. Research in this field can be crucial in the areas of food safety and security, human nutrition, animal and plant protection, etc. This book discusses the fundamentals as well as modern approaches of microbial biotechnology. It unravels the recent studies in this field with respect to novel methods, techniques and applications of microbial biotechnology. It will prove to be immensely beneficial to students and researchers in this field.

Environmental quality refers to the measure of the environmental condition relative to human need and the requirements of one or more species. It is understood with respect to the natural and the built environment, including water pollution, air purity, noise, etc. and the effects of such characteristics on physical and psychological health. The monitoring of environmental quality is useful in environmental impact assessment, as well as in the circumstances when anthropogenic activities pose an environmental risk. Environmental monitoring is done with respect to air, soil and water quality monitoring, which is aided by various sampling methods. Environmental resource management is concerned with the management of the impact of human activities on the environment. It involves the management of both the biotic and abiotic components of the biophysical environment and the relationships among living organisms and their habitats. This book provides significant information of environmental quality, monitoring and management to help develop a better understanding of the current environmental condition and its management. It is a collective contribution of a renowned group of international experts. This book is a vital tool for all researching or studying these fields as it gives incredible insights into emerging trends and concepts.

The study of microorganisms, including unicellular, multicellular and acellular microorganisms, is under the scope of microbiology. It is divided according to taxonomy into bacteriology, protozoology, mycology and phycology. Microbes are the causative agents for a number of human diseases. However, they are useful for a number of industrially beneficial processes such as production of vinegar, alcohol and dairy products. Various biopolymers such as polyamides, polysaccharides and polyesters are produced using microorganisms. These are also used for advanced medical and biomedical applications like drug delivery and tissue engineering, antibiotics production and as a carrier of DNA in complex organisms such as plants and animals. Microorganisms further play a critical role in the bioremediation of agricultural, domestic and industrial wastes in soils and marine environments. This book contains some path-breaking studies in the field of microbiology. It outlines the processes and applications of microbiology in detail. Coherent flow of topics, student-friendly language and extensive use of examples make this book an invaluable source of knowledge.

Animals like cattle, pigs, chickens, goats, etc. that are raised for the purpose of producing labor and commodities like meat, milk, eggs, fur, leather, etc. are known as livestock. The maintenance, breeding and slaughter of livestock is studied under animal husbandry. Livestock health maintenance is one of the most essential aspects of livestock management. This includes the diagnosis, prevention and cure of diseases like scrapie, foot-and-mouth disease, swine fever, etc. affecting livestock. It also develops management strategies for internal and external parasites. Intensive animal farming is a modern farming technique in which animals are raised in high-density feedlots, broiler houses, etc. This book provides comprehensive insights into the field of livestock health and production. The topics covered herein deal with the core aspects of this discipline. Researchers and students in this field will be assisted by this book.

Physical education enables the maintenance of the mental and physical health and overall well-being of individuals. Research in this domain suggests that physical education in young kids is especially advantageous as it enables enhanced growth in brain cells and enhanced brain development. Physical education involves various sports like football, basketball and badminton, besides activities like hiking and trekking, bowling and stress-reduction practices such as tai chi, yoga, etc. The objective of this book is to give a general view of physical education and sports and the skills required for developing and maintaining physical fitness. It aims to shed light on some of the unexplored aspects of physical education and the recent researches in this field. The readers would gain knowledge that would broaden their perspective about this field.

Genetic engineering is concerned with manipulating the genetic makeup of cells, by transferring genes either within or across species, to produce improved organisms. Recombinant DNA methods or artificially synthesizing DNA are some methods to obtain new DNA. It is then inserted into the host organism. Crops are genetically engineered to exhibit characteristics of increased tolerance to abiotic stress factors, higher yields and better quality of crops. Research in modern plant genetics has led to the sequencing of plant genomes. The "Gene gun" method, Agrobacterium method, electroporation and microinjection are common techniques of modifying genes in organisms. This book explores all the important aspects of plant genetic engineering in the present day scenario. It strives to provide a fair idea about this discipline and to help develop a better understanding of the latest advances within this field. For all those who are interested in genetic engineering of plants, this book can prove to be an essential guide.

Agricultural biotechnology falls under the domain of agricultural science. It uses the techniques of genetic engineering in order to modify crops to exhibit desired traits of growth rate, resistance to diseases and pests, size of crops, etc. The practice of traditional crossbreeding is used to mate two compatible species in order to create a new plant variety with all the desirable traits of the parents. Chromosomes in a crop can also be modified to induce polyploidy. This potentially influences the size and fertility of the crop. Besides these, genome editing, RNA interference and protoplast fusion can also be employed for plant engineering. This book elucidates the concepts and innovative models around prospective developments with respect to plant biotechnology. It presents researches and studies performed by experts across the globe. The extensive content of this book provides the readers with a thorough understanding of the subject.

Crop refers to any plant that is grown and harvested for subsistence or to earn a profit. Crops are generally harvested to function as food for humans or fodder for livestock. Agricultural, horticultural, floricultural and industrial crops are the primary categories of crop. Crop yield is defined as the quantity of the harvested crop per unit area of land along with its seed generation. Crop rotation, intercropping and multiple cropping are some common techniques for improving and increasing crop yield. Yield management is a pivotal part of optimizing revenue and profit from crop production. It is a complex process, which includes understanding revenue streams management, rate management and distribution channel management. This book explores all the important aspects of crop production and yield management in the present day scenario. It presents some path-breaking studies in this field. The extensive content of this book provides the readers with a thorough understanding of the subject.

Atmospheric sciences refer to the study of the Earth's atmosphere and its various processes, as well as the factors affecting it. It integrates varied fields like aeronomy, climatology and meteorology. Climatology or climate science deals with the study of climate. Modern climatology encompasses the areas of oceanography and biogeochemistry. Climatic studies using analog techniques are fundamental to the understanding of short-term weather forecasting. Some of these techniques are the Pacific decadal oscillation (PDO), El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO), the Interdecadal Pacific Oscillation (IPO), the Madden-Julian Oscillation (MJO), etc. Climate models are crucial for the study of weather and climate systems as well as for the projection of future climates. This book aims to shed light on some of the unexplored aspects of atmospheric and climate sciences and the recent researches in these fields. The various sub-fields along with technological progress that have future implications are glanced at. Researchers and students involved in these fields will be assisted by this book.

Genetic engineering is the science that is concerned with the direct manipulation of an organism's genes using the techniques of biotechnology. It has vast applications in the field of agriculture. The development of genetically modified crops for the production of genetically modified food is a modern example of crop engineering. Such utilization of genetic engineering tools to augment agricultural productivity is in the domain of agricultural biotechnology. It involves the use of molecular diagnostics and markers, vaccines and tissue culture to develop modifications in crops. Other techniques of crop modification are induced mutagenesis and polyploidy, crossbreeding, genome editing, etc. The traits in crops that are of economic interest are herbicide tolerance, disease resistance, insect resistance and temperature tolerance. This book unravels the recent studies in the field of crop improvement. Also included in this book is a detailed explanation of the various concepts and techniques of genetic engineering for crop production. Students, researchers, experts and all associated with this field will benefit alike from this book.

Organic farming is an agricultural practice, characterized by the use of products of organic origin like compost manure, bone meal, green manure, etc. It also involves the techniques of companion planting and crop rotation. Organic farming is a system that discourages the use of plant growth regulators, antibiotics in livestock, hormones, genetically modified organisms, etc. It strives to adopt a healthy, sustainable and self-sufficient approach to farming. Crop diversity, composting, biological pest control, integrated pest management, etc. are some of the common practices of this field. The study of organic farming methods is under the scope of agroecology. This book unfolds the innovative aspects of organic farming which will be crucial for the progress of this field in the future. Also included in this book is a detailed explanation of the various concepts and practices of this discipline. As this field is emerging at a rapid pace, the contents of this book will help the readers understand the modern concepts of the subject.

Medicinal plants are plants, which possess therapeutic and medicinal properties. These plants are used for developing therapies and treatments for traditional Chinese medicine, herbalism and Ayurveda, as well as for the conventional pharmaceutical industry. Medicinal plants produce chemical compounds, which help them fight and develop a defense against fungi, diseases, insects and herbivorous animals. These compounds can be classified into the major classes of glycosides, alkaloids, polyphenols and terpenes. This book aims to shed light on some of the unexplored aspects of medicinal plants. Readers would gain knowledge that would broaden their perspective about the properties and therapeutic value of medicinal plants. This book, with its detailed analyses and data, will prove immensely beneficial to professionals and students involved in this area at various levels.