Books published by CRC Press

For health economic modellers and researchers, in industry, government, or academia, who wish to perform VOI analysis in health economic evaluations. For postgraduate researchers and students in health economics or medical statistics who are required to learn the principles of VOI or undertake VOI analyses in their projects.

This book contains the proceedings of a non-profit conference with the objective of providing a platform for academicians, researchers, scholars and students from various institutions, universities and industries in India and abroad, and exchanging their research and innovative ideas in the field of Artificial Intelligence and Information Technologies.It begins with exploring the research and innovation in the field of Artificial Intelligence and Information Technologies including secure transaction, monitoring, real time assistance and security for advanced stage learners, researchers and academicians has been presented. It goes on to cover: Broad knowledge and research trends about artificial intelligence and Information Technologies and their role in today's digital era. Depiction of system model and architecture for clear picture of AI in real life. Discussion on the role of Artificial Intelligence in various real-life problems such as banking, healthcare, navigation, communication, security, etc. Explanation of the challenges and opportunities in AI based Healthcare, education, banking, and related Industries. Recent Information technologies and challenges in this new epoch. This book will be beneficial to researchers, academicians, undergraduate students, postgraduate students, research scholars, professionals, technologists and entrepreneurs.

Would you like to know how you can benefit from generative AI? Then this workbook will be of great help to you. Rainer Hattenhauer shows you how artificial intelligence can make your life easier. You will learn what added value the current application scenarios of ChatGPT offer and where their limits lie. Whether you want to write texts, conduct research, generate images or create your own program code, you can get started right away without any previous knowledge. Bolstered with many practical examples from the most diverse areas of application, including texts, research, image design, coding, etc. this book presents ChatGPT as part of an ever-growing toolkit, and guides you on which tools to utilise and apply. This is a valuable workbook for those looking to harness and incorporate ChatGPT and generative AI into their work, studies or general life.

A solid grounding in and understanding of haematology is crucial for any doctor. The pathophysiology is fascinating, and the pharmacology is rapidly advancing, improving prognosis across many haematological conditions. Getting to grips with its fundamentals will stand any medical student in good stead during undergraduate studies and on into clinical practice.This book utilises single best answer-style questions in the popular MasterPass series of revision aids, covering the haematology presentations and conditions listed in the Medical Licensing Assessment content map, making it ideal for MLA preparation and a useful case-based learning resource for any medical student working towards qualifying examinations.Key Features: - Clinical based questions are followed by answers explaining the key physiological principles, allowing the reader to both develop their knowledge throughout their studies and as a useful aide memoire during exam preparation- Concluding section of single best answer questions for readers to further test the knowledge gained- Popular case-based format reflects the 'real life' situations that medical students will encounter in future clinical practice

The general public's aversion to drinking treated wastewater is evident, rooted in the reluctance to accept a direct pipe-to-pipe connection, for example, from a toilet to a drinking water tap. Despite advancements in treating black water from sewage sources to meet drinking water standards, there persists a general hesitancy to fully accept this possibility or understand the science behind it. The Science of Water Reuse explains how technology can sufficiently purify reclaimed water to potable water quality- even surpassing the cleanliness of the water available from conventional taps. It addresses the significant gap in existing literature on water reuse, focusing particularly on the varied applications of reused or reclaimed water within municipal and agricultural contexts, with a specific emphasis on issues and technologies related to both direct and indirect potable water reuse. It serves as a valuable resource for policy makers, municipal planners, environmental engineering professionals, as well as undergraduate and graduate students. Bridges the gap between technical details and public comprehension, making the complex subject of water reuse accessible and relevant. Provides a comprehensive understanding of water reuse, including case studies for practical application. Contributes to changing public attitudes, making reclaimed water an acceptable source for potable use.

Injection Molding Process Modelling presents the application of CAE, statistics and AI in defect identification, control, and optimization of injection molding process for quality production. It showcases CAE in determining the optimal placement of injection points, designing cooling channels, and ensuring that the mold will produce parts with the desired specifications. The book illustrates the capability of the CAE tools to simulate molten plastic flow within a mold during the injection molding process.Explaining how the use of CAE, statistical tools and AI enhances efficiency, accuracy, and collaboration, the book explores the contributions to injection molding in product design and visualization; prototyping and testing; mold design; and analysis and simulation. It emphasizes the integration of statistical tools for optimized efficiency and waste reduction, including statistical process control (SPC), Design of Experiments (DOE), Regression Analysis, Capability Indices, Interaction effects, and many more. The book also illustrates the predictive modelling of typical injection molded product defects using intelligent algorithms.The book will interest industry professionals and engineers working in manufacturing, production, automation, and quality control.

Absorber Types in Vapor Absorption Refrigeration Systems addresses the increasing energy demand and costs associated with the global refrigeration industry, primarily driven by the need for cooling. It proposes the substitution of vapor compression refrigeration systems (VCRS) with vapor absorption refrigeration systems (VARS), which operates on low-grade, renewable energy sources like solar, geothermal, and waste heat.Focusing on the absorber component of VARS, which plays a critical role in facilitating heat and mass transfer processes, the book provides a comprehensive overview of absorber configurations, including Tray, Packed bed, Falling film, Spray, Bubble, and Membrane absorbers. It offers guidance on selecting the appropriate absorber configuration considering their advantages and limitations in different operating conditions, as well as their numerical, experimental, and performance enhancement studies.The book will interest HVAC academic researchers, graduate students, and professionals involved in the advancement of sustainable refrigeration technologies, particularly absorber selection.

The fourth edition of a well-established book in cartography explores the continued evolution of the Internet and Web 2.0 and captures the analysis and visualization of Big Data. Thoroughly revised, this textbook equips educators and benefit students with the most valuable up-to-date learning resource available in the cartographic field.

Emergency Management Threats and Hazards: Water is a resource guidebook, which bridges the work of the emergency management practitioners and academic researchers, specifically for water-related incidents. Practitioners typically follow a disaster phase cycle of preparedness/protection/prevention, response, recovery, and mitigation- all of which have distinct actions and missions to reduce or eliminate adverse impacts from both threats and hazards. Academics will find the connections to allied fields such as meteorology, hydrology, homeland security, healthcare, and more. The book examines many of the distinct differences and variances within the specific scope of water-related incidents, crises, emergencies, and disasters. It provides examples and practical strategies for protection/prevention, response, recovery, and mitigation against adverse impacts to people, property, and organizations. It is also organized in the same construct used by emergency management practitioners (incident command system elements, disaster cycle phases, etc.), which will help align the academic world of emergency management education to both the practice and the training in the emergency management field. Takes a global view on threats and hazards, as well as their solutions. Provides a single repository of the majority of water-related incidents and provides a "how to" guide for resilience. Identifies cascading impacts and provides checklists for resolutions. Includes numerous case studies organized by threat and hazard.

Industry 4.0 is a revolutionary concept that aims to enhance productivity and profitability in various industries through the implementation of smart manufacturing techniques. This book discusses the profound impact of Industry 4.0, which involves the seamless integration of digital technologies into manufacturing processes within the realm of industrial engineering.Industry 4.0, Smart Manufacturing and Industrial Engineering: Challenges and Opportunities thoroughly examines the intricate facets of Industry 4.0 and Smart Manufacturing, offering a comprehensive overview of the challenges and opportunities that this paradigm shift presents to industrial engineers. It provides practical insights and strategies to help professionals navigate the complexities of this evolving landscape. Fundamental components of Industry 4.0 and Smart Manufacturing, ranging from the incorporation of sensors and data analytics to the deployment of cyber-physical systems and the promotion of sustainable practices are covered in detail. The book addresses the obstacles and prospects brought about by Industry 4.0 in the digital age and offers solutions to issues such as data security, interoperability, and workforce preparedness.The book sheds light on how Industry 4.0 combines various disciplines, including engineering technology, data science, and management. It serves as a valuable resource for researchers, undergraduate and postgraduate students, as well as professionals operating in the field of industrial engineering and related domains.

This book delves into the critical realm of trust management within the Internet of Vehicles (IOV) networks, exploring its multifaceted implications on safety and security which forms part of the intelligent transportation system domain.IoV emerges as a powerful convergence, seamlessly amalgamating the Internet of Things (IoT) and the intelligent transportation systems (ITS). This is crucial not only for safety-critical applications but is also an indispensable resource for non-safety applications and efficient traffic flows. While this paradigm holds numerous advantages, the existence of malicious entities and the potential spread of harmful information within the network not only impairs its performance but also presents a danger to both passengers and pedestrians. Exploring the complexities arising from dynamicity and malicious actors, this book focuses primarily on modern trust management models designed to pinpoint and eradicate threats. This includes tackling the challenges regarding the quantification of trust attributes, corresponding weights of these attributes, and misbehavior detection threshold definition within the dynamic and distributed IoV environment.This will serve as an essential guide for industry professionals and researchers working in the areas of automotive systems and transportation networks. Additionally, it will also be useful as a supplementary text for students enrolled in courses covering cybersecurity, communication networks and human factors in transportation.

This book contains the proceedings of a non-profit conference with the objective of providing a platform for academicians, researchers, scholars and students from various institutions, universities and industries in India and abroad, and exchanging their research and innovative ideas in the field of Artificial Intelligence and Information Technologies.It begins with exploring the research and innovation in the field of Artificial Intelligence and Information Technologies including secure transaction, monitoring, real time assistance and security for advanced stage learners, researchers and academicians has been presented. It goes on to cover: Broad knowledge and research trends about artificial intelligence and Information Technologies and their role in today's digital era. Depiction of system model and architecture for clear picture of AI in real life. Discussion on the role of Artificial Intelligence in various real-life problems such as banking, healthcare, navigation, communication, security, etc. Explanation of the challenges and opportunities in AI based Healthcare, education, banking, and related Industries. Recent Information technologies and challenges in this new epoch. This book will be beneficial to researchers, academicians, undergraduate students, postgraduate students, research scholars, professionals, technologists and entrepreneurs.

The book presents a comprehensive and interdisciplinary exploration of the impact of AI on various sectors of society to foster a greater understanding of the opportunities and challenges presented by this transformative technology. It explores the impact AI has had on varied sectors of society, including healthcare, education, the workplace, and the economy. It provides a holistic view of this fast-growing technology by critical study of the possible benefits and drawbacks linked with the application of AI in many industries. The book also examines the ethical, social, and economic implications of AI and the potential risks and challenges associated with its use.- Focuses on the future influence of AI, providing insights into how it could disrupt several industries and change the way we live, work, and connect with one another.- Explores how AI can be used to tackle global issues such as climate change, food security, and public health concerns.- Offers case studies and specific examples of how artificial intelligence is being employed in many industries, covering both successes and failures.- Investigates cutting-edge technology breakthroughs in AI and how they can be used to improve efficiency, productivity, and performance across multiple industries.- Understands the limitations and potential biases of artificial intelligence, as well as the significance of human monitoring and accountability.The book is intended for researchers, practitioners, policymakers, and students who are interested in understanding the nature and role of AI with regard to different sectors of society.

This new book, drawing on the author's distinguished career in front-line psychiatric practice, describes how to bring patient and prescriber together in an active partnership whereby there is better understanding of the positive and negative elements of drug prescription. At present there is a gap between expectations, with doctors not always able to admit their ignorance of some aspects of drug action, and patients kept unaware of these uncertainties. Balanced decision-making with joint involvement is needed to separate those drugs that are needed regularly to maintain health, those that are only needed when required, and those that are mere fashion accessories. Greater care is needed over the explanation of the first prescription, the expected duration of treatment and the plans for eventual withdrawal. The consequence of a better partnership will be less over-prescribing, a reduction of polypharmacy and a lessened need for deprescribing, the planned systematic reduction of drug treatment that has got completely out of control.

Standard Blurb This reference book comprehensively delves into the systematics, taxonomy, morphology, ecology, and behaviour of the Lepidostomatidae (Trichoptera) in India. The chapters cover biogeography and distribution patterns, conservation status, functional traits, and management of Lepidostomatidae. The book also provides insights into the morphological and molecular techniques employed for identification, allowing for a deeper understanding of the intricate characteristics that define the caddisflies. The subsequent chapters examine detailed methods for the collection, preservation, and identification of Lepidostomatidae specimens. It also examines the threats faced by Trichoptera, particularly Lepidostomatidae, and sheds light on the challenges that endanger their survival. Towards the end, the book explores the crucial roles Lepidostomatidae played in aquatic ecosystems. This book is useful to upper undergraduate and graduate students, academicians, and researchers of entomology, zoology, and environmental sciences. Short blurb This reference book comprehensively delves into the systematics, taxonomy, morphology, ecology, and behaviour of the Lepidostomatidae (Trichoptera) in India. This book is useful to upper undergraduate and graduate students, academicians, and researchers of entomology, zoology, and environmental sciences. Seasonal Blurb This comprehensive reference book delves into the various aspects of the Lepidostomatidae (Trichoptera) in India, including systematics, taxonomy, morphology, ecology, and behaviour. It also offers valuable insights into the morphological and molecular techniques utilized for the identification of caddisflies. The book addresses the threats faced by Trichoptera, with a particular focus on the Lepidostomatidae family, shedding light on the challenges that endanger their survival. This book serves as essential reference for upper undergraduate and graduate students, academicians, and researchers specializing in entomology, zoology, and environmental sciences.

This book provides an industry professional's firsthand POV into narrative design's practical usage, day-to-day roles and responsibilities, and keys to breaking in and succeeding. The book will also delve into the foundations of compelling storytelling through structural analysis and character archetype breakdowns. The author widens the understanding of game narrative to include examples from other media. He will also break the structure down of two popular games and show how the structural elements are applied in practice. In addition to discussing industry trends (including Fortnite, Twitch, and Netflix's interactive TV shows), the author illustrates how the leveraging of transmedia can make a video game franchise enduring over time. Because media appetites are radically changing, designing a story experience across various media outlets is not only preferable to meet the high demands of millennial and GenZ consumers; it's necessary as well.Key Features: Practical how-to's to meet the ever-increasing studio demands for a narrative designerCritical analysis of the narrative of two best-selling games Samples of a story structure diagram, character polling, transmedia release timeline, and a branching conversation treeDeep breakdowns and definitions of story beats and dramatic devicesPro-tips on better documentation and overall job preparedness

Covering all aspects of the anatomy, physiology, diagnosis, and treatment of hearing loss, this is an accessible and comprehensive text for all clinicians interested in expanding their knowledge of hearing loss.There have been many exciting developments in the nearly two decades since the fourth edition was published. This revised edition includes new material on cochlear biology, synaptopathy, regenerative therapy for sensorineural hearing loss, systemic causes of hearing loss such as autoimmune inner ear disease, advances in audiometry and aural rehabilitation, and many other topics. In addition, it contains expanded chapters on tinnitus, dizziness, and facial paralysis, as well as updated material on otoacoustic emissions, sudden hearing loss, hearing protection devices, temporal bone tumors, nutraceutical research and hearing in dogs. The book is extensively augmented with case reports that illustrate important principles.The book is of value to otolaryngologists, general practitioners, pediatricians, residents, medical students, audiologists, nurses, audiometric technicians, attorneys, and other professionals with an interest in the ear and hearing.

This book is a comprehensive study on analog historical simulation games, exploring both their theoretical concepts and practical solutions. It considers the various ways used by simulation games to depict the different dynamics of historical events and analyzes how commercial analog miniature and wargames can become valuable tools for historical research and provide a more modern and captivating interpretation of past events.The nature of "simulation" is discussed, exposing its differences with other forms of ludic activity, both analog and digital, as well as intellectual speculation. Many of the most common game mechanics are analyzed in depth and in their practical use, to answer whether "reconstructive" simulations dedicated to historical episodes can provide valuable, reliable and useful insights for researchers. It critically examines the challenges presented to game designers that look to produce an accurate (even if not necessarily complex) simulation of historical events. The book will be of great interest to those curious about the potential applications of such a powerful research and experimental tool for historical, sociologic, and anthropologic research, as well as wargaming and board gaming enthusiasts looking to gain a deeper understanding of the inner workings of historical simulations.

This text presents the research into and application of machine learning in quantum computation, known as quantum machine learning (QML). It presents a comparison of quantum machine learning, classical machine learning, and traditional programming, along with the usage of quantum computing, towards improving traditional machine learning algorithms through case-studies.- Covers the core and fundamental aspects of statistics, quantum learning and quantum machines- Discusses the basics of machine learning, regression, supervised and un-supervised machine learning algorithms, and artificial neural networks- Elaborates upon quantum machine learning models, quantum machine learning approaches and quantum classification, boosting.- Introduces quantum evaluation models, deep quantum learning, ensembles and QBoost- Presents case studies to demonstrate the efficiency of quantum mechanics in industrial aspectThe text is primarily written for scholars and researchers working in the fields of Computer Science and Engineering, Information Technology, Electrical Engineering, and Electronics and Communication Engineering.

Neuroscience has made significant progress in understanding the brain, but the nature of consciousness remains elusive. At the same time, recent spectacular advancements in artificial intelligence promise the prospect of machines attaining human-like cognitive abilities. A central for both systems is a fundamental dance of stimuli and response, requiring a profound comprehension of the physical environment. Thus, quantum mechanics and general relativity can be applied to the mysteries of human behavior, such as the difficulty of predicting, controlling, or retracing our thoughts. This landmark book explores the nature of consciousness through the lens of physics rather than neuroscience. Physics has been an explanatory force in diverse phenomena, and it can offer an entirely new vision of consciousness as an irreducible entity, similar to particles, the fundamental units of energy or matter. The fermionic mind hypothesis emerges as a tour-de-force synthesis and framework for understanding consciousness, reimagined as the elemental unit of intellect. It highlights particle organization, a fundamental structure that cannot be understood as the sum of its parts, as the essential analogy between fermions and consciousness. The book presents an engaging scientific narrative that explores some of humanity's oldest and most challenging questions. What is consciousness? What are emotions? How can a physical brain create subjective experience? Do we have free will? Engaging and penetrating, Emotional Reasoning represents a groundbreaking perspective that will surprise you at every turn. It will enhance your confidence through understanding yourself and your place in the cosmic order. Beyond neuroscience, the book holds profound implications for artificial intelligence research. It reveals the intricate link between consciousness and the physical universe, echoing the philosophical insight of theoretical physicist John Wheeler: "The physical world is, in some deep sense, tied to the human being."

In an era where technological advancements are not just tools but partners in our workspaces, "Modern Technologies and Tools Supporting the Development of Industry 5.0" emerges as a seminal guide to understanding and navigating the complexities of the fifth industrial revolution. This book, a collective work of expert authors, delves into the heart of Industry 5.0, exploring how it synergizes human creativity with robotic precision to redefine industrial landscapes. From collaborative robotics to sustainable development, each chapter unfolds layers of knowledge essential for professionals, academics, and students alike.This book: Covers modern technologies including artificial intelligence, robotics, and the internet of everything for modernizing Industry 5.0 and the transformative role of collaborative robots in the workplace and how they are changing the dynamics of human labour. Focusses on technologies in mimicking human behaviour and reasoning to solve complex problems and explores the evolving role of human expertise in an increasingly automated world and the competencies needed to thrive in this new era. Showcases the impact of industry 5.0 on the environment, and industry commitment to sustainable development by laying a map to understand how Industry 5.0 is steering industries towards sustainable practices, focusing on green supply chains, reverse logistics, and the critical role of internal audits. Highlights future perspectives such as smart manufacturing and industrial internet of things (IIoT) for industry 5.0 manufacturing processes and provide insights into the challenges and security concerns as industries prepare to adopt Industry 5.0, offering a foresight into its long-term impacts on global markets and societies. Presents real-time case studies on tools, technologies, architecture, and product outcomes for industry 5.0. "Modern Technologies and Tools Supporting the Development of Industry 5.0" is more than a book; it's a roadmap for the future, guiding readers through the intricacies of industrial evolution. It is primarily written for senior undergraduate and graduate students and academic researchers in the fields of industrial engineering, production engineering, mechanical engineering, and aerospace engineering.

This book is a comprehensive guide to bioconversion approaches based on microorganisms and enzymes for the valorization of underused wastes of diverse categories to produce new products. Optimized conditions for microbial and enzymatic valorization are discussed, along with related biotechnological considerations, environmental considerations, bioprocess development, obstacles, and future outlooks. Biofuels, bioenergy, and other platform chemicals are only some of the products that can be produced through the book's explanation of the microbiological processes involved in the bioconversion and valorization of wastes.

The increasing demand for innovative techniques arises from the lack of safe, effective, and patient-friendly therapies for neurodegenerative disorders. With this objective in mind, the chapters of the book are structured to offer a thorough insight into recent advancements in utilizing the Zebrafish (ZF) as a model for studying Parkinson's disease (PD). This book aims to present readers with a comprehensive understanding of the clinical application of the ZF model in treating PD, encompassing the latest developments, challenges, safety considerations, toxicity issues, regulatory aspects, future potential, and limitations. Individuals in academia, the scientific community, business, and education seeking a more effective approach to target the brain stand to benefit from this resource.Key Features- Provides a comparative perspective of the Zebrafish-Parkinson's Disease model- Highlights the restrictions of available medicines- Describes biochemical and histopathological characteristics, advantages and disadvantages of this model- Emphasizes distinct facets of histopathology- Presents advances and developments of the future potential perspectives

A 35-year-old woman arrives on the labour ward complaining of abdominal pain and vaginal bleeding at 36 weeks 2 days' gestation. The pain started 2 hours earlier while she was in a cafe and is not relieved by lying still or walking around. The bleeding is bright red. You are the medic on duty... 100 Cases in Obstetrics and Gynaecology presents 100 obstetric- or gynaecology-related scenarios commonly seen by medical students and junior doctors in the emergency department, outpatient clinic, or on the ward. A succinct summary of the patient's history, examination, and initial investigations--including photographs where relevant--is followed by questions on the diagnosis and management of each case. The answer includes a detailed discussion on each topic, with further illustration where appropriate, providing an essential revision aid as well as a practical guide for students and junior doctors. Making speedy and appropriate clinical decisions, and choosing the best course of action to take as a result, is one of the most important and challenging parts of training to become a doctor. These true-to-life cases will teach students and junior doctors to recognize important obstetric and gynaecological conditions, and to develop their diagnostic and management skills.

This book deliberates on the concept, strategies, tools, and techniques of allele mining in grain legume crops and its application potential in genome elucidation and improvement including studying allele evolution, discovery of superior alleles, discerning new haplotypes, assessment of intra- and interspecific similarity, and also studies of gene expression and gene prediction. Available gene pools in global germplasm collections specifically consisting of wild allied species and local landraces for almost all major crops have facilitated allele mining. Development of advanced genomic techniques including PCR-based allele priming and Eco-TILLING based allele mining are being widely used now for mining superior alleles. Allele's discovery has become more relevant now for employing molecular breeding to develop designed crop varieties matching consumer needs and also with genome plasticity to adapt the climate change scenarios. All these concepts and strategies along with precise success stories are presented in the chapters dedicated to the major grain legume crops.1. The first book on the novel strategy of allele mining in grain legume crops for precise breeding2. Presents genomic strategies for mining superior alleles underlying agronomic traits from genomic resources3. Depicts case studies of PCR-based allele priming and Eco-TILLING based allele mining4. Elaborates on gene discovery and gene prediction in major grain legume cropsThis book will be useful to the students and faculties in various plant science disciplines including genetics, genomics, molecular breeding, agronomy, and bioinformatics; the scientists in seed industries; and also the policymakers and funding agencies interested in crop improvement.

The effectiveness of internal audit activities is important for the sustainability of change in the public sector. In this sense, the tools and techniques used and the level of competencies of public sector auditors are decisive. This book deals with the effects of current technological developments in the public sector on auditing and risk management activities. Therefore, it is a resource for public internal auditors to create a digital audit strategy based on artificial intelligence and blockchain-based applications. Institutionalisation of their structures is important for public sector internal auditors, which is a critical position that ensures institutionalisation. For this, basic requirements, future expectations, and best practices are explained. The digital business model is presented to produce value-added audit findings and outputs that guide public internal auditors and all digital-era stakeholders. This book will be pioneering work based on CA/CM approaches using various AI and blockchain-based tools, and techniques.There is nothing more valuable to the success of a public internal auditor than a detailed understanding of the business. The important lesson in developing business knowledge, especially in the new audit universe emerging with digital transformation, is that all auditors must understand that they never finish learning about business processes, risks, and control points in the digital era.They must constantly push themselves to be motivated and learn about the business operations they audit to implement new audit approaches powered by AI. In addition to obtaining up-to-date business information from process owners and stakeholders, public auditors responsible for conducting an AI-based continuous audit programme should also look inside their departments for a different perspective on business information that impacts continuous audit programme phase details and has the potential to add value. It should be noted that the additional source of information begins with your individual audit experience, digital skills, and qualifications.

In Origins of Life Volume II, the life, as well as its origin, are inspected from traditional and unexpected points of view. The book takes an interdisciplinary approach, discussing astrobiology, chemical evolution and how the universe accommodates life, molecular biology, and philosophy. It is an open-minded approach, fully referenced throughout, and each chapter includes a further reading section for anyone wishing to learn more about that perspective on the origins of life.First of all, everything has started, with Big Bang, from nothing. It appears now, that everything was aiming to our existence some 13.75x109 years later, being capable to understand it all. We did it using powerful tools: science, philosophy, and religion. Although we appreciate the contributions made by philosophy and religion, our contemplations and doubts are based on the numerous scientific evidence provided.The reader will be guided from make-up of the life stage (Universe), tools and materials formation for the living matter to be formed in the small part of the Universe, which one could call Human neighbourhood, or the Local Universe. It contains galaxies, galaxy clusters, and voids, and also the Milky Way and its satellites influencing each other during the time span.The book is easy to read, accompanied with numerous references; it could be of use to the expert in the field as well as for curious minds with a scientific, philosophical or religious background.

The development of a plant is a multifaceted, dynamic phenomenon. Due to their immobility, plants respond not only to internal developmental cues, but also to changes in the prevailing environmental conditions. Climate change has increased vulnerability in plants due to increasing concentrations of CO2 and other pollutants, and fluctuations in the growing environment. These changes affect crop growth and productivity thereby posing a major risk to global food security. Physiology of Growth and Development in Horticultural Plants contains 22 chapters organized into six sections, beginning with an introduction on basic concepts of plant growth and development; followed by genetic basis of plant development; quantification of growth; and sensing and response of plants to various environmental signals. It also explores plant growth hormones and their role either singly or in combination in controlling various aspects of plant growth and development, and hormonal regulation of physiological and developmental processes. The book highlights intricate aspects of growth and development in horticultural plants with classic examples from the real world.Features- Presents information on plant growth and development; structure and genetic basis of plant development with quantification of growth; sensing and response of plants to various environmental signals; and various phytohormones and their role in controlling aspects of plant growth and development.- Provides key scientific and technical advances, issues, and challenges in various areas of growth and development of horticultural plants.- Demonstrates how the response of various plants to internal and external stimuli can be commercially exploited.Physiology of Growth and Development in Horticultural Plants encourages the development of new techniques, technologies and innovative practices, and is an ideal reference for students of advanced plant sciences courses, researchers, and commercial horticultural practitioners.

Perception in animals is a fascinating and challenging subject that calls to students from many disciplines. The aim of this book is to provide a knowledge base and unifying perspective on the field that will enable beginning researchers to chart their own course within it. The author describes, in a systematic but engaging way, the sensory systems of humans and other vertebrates, as well as arthropods and molluscs.Why is it important to understand the senses of animals? One reason is that human activities are changing the perceptual world of animals in ways that expose them to danger. From bright outdoor lighting disorienting migrating birds to human sonar driving whales to beach themselves; it is becoming increasingly important to find ways to reduce such dangers. This will require big changes in human behavior, and greater understanding of how animals react, physiologically and behaviorally, to anthropogenic changes in their environment.The emphasis throughout is on research, in both the behavioral/ethological and neuroscientific traditions, that has led to important discoveries. The functional anatomy of each system, from receptor cells to brain areas, is succinctly described, explaining how it underlies the animal's sensory abilities and behavior. Overall descriptions of a sense for a class of animals (for example, hearing in arachnids) are interspersed with expanded coverage of that sense in a particular animal, such as the ogre-faced web-casting spider that does a backflip to capture an insect buzzing overhead. Evolutionary themes are found throughout the book, for example in describing the development of the vertebrate ear, and in the convergent evolution of the eyes of vertebrates and cephalopods.With over 500 references and 80 illustrations, this textbook is primary reading intended for advanced undergraduates and beginning graduate students of veterinary science, lab animal science, and zoology. It would also be of great interest to professionals and academics working with animals such as veterinary professionals and zookeepers.

Biobased biodegradable polymers are emerging as an alternative to fossil fuel-based plastics. Biodegradable Polymers, Blends and Biocomposites: Trends and Applications discusses trends in the development of microbial/other renewable source-based bioplastics products, their blends, and biocomposites applications in various industrial field. It covers biodegradable polymeric materials preparation, extraction, formulation, modification of properties, products development and applications, and end-of-life options. Furthermore, the book help readers understand the bioplastics resource, isolation procedure, utilization in commercial level and finally markets and economy.Features: Explains emerging application possibilities of biobased biodegradable polymers Provides detailed application note on agricultural waste-based bioplastics Covers microbial and agro based biocomposites and their applications Summarizes bioplastic degradation and blending research Discusses application possibilities of biobased biodegradable polymers The book is aimed at researchers and graduate students in polymers and composites.