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Food Security and Nutrition: Utilizing Undervalued Food Plants explores the potential of underutilized and indigenous food plants to enhance food and nutrition security amid global challenges, such as climate change, water scarcity, and population growth. It emphasizes the importance of dietary diversification to reduce dependency on major staple crops, highlighting the nutritional and health benefits of lesser-known crops, such as fonio, pigeonpea, finger millet, and a wide array of wild vegetables and mushrooms. The book reviews innovative farming techniques, like the organic medium–enclosed trough system and hydroponics, which improve crop yield and nutrient content while conserving resources. Additionally, it addresses the commercialization potential of indigenous fruits and wild herbal teas, emphasizing their market value and health benefits. The book also discusses the reduction of goitrogenic compounds in certain crops to mitigate health risks.By examining the unique nutritional profiles and local adaptability of these crops, the book advocates for their broader use to build a more resilient and sustainable food system. Through a combination of scientific research, practical farming methods, and market strategies, the book aims to promote food diversity, improve health outcomes, and support sustainable agricultural practices.Key Features Highlights the critical role of dietary diversification in reducing dependency on major staple crops, advocating for the inclusion of lesser-known, nutrient-rich plants to improve overall health and nutrition. Introduces cutting-edge farming methods, such as the organic medium–enclosed trough system and hydroponics. Explores the market value and health benefits of indigenous fruits and wild herbal teas, offering strategies for their commercialization to boost local economies and food security. Addresses the reduction of harmful compounds, and provides practical solutions to mitigate associated health risks and enhance the safety of food consumption.

Dieses Buch präsentiert die neuesten Erkenntnisse auf dem Gebiet des digitalen Ökosystems für Innovationen in der Landwirtschaft. Das Buch ist in zwei Abschnitte mit dreizehn Kapiteln unterteilt, die sich mit spezialisierten Bereichen befassen. Es gibt dem Leser einen Überblick über die Rahmenbedingungen und Technologien, die an der Digitalisierung der Landwirtschaft beteiligt sind, sowie über die Methoden zur Datenverarbeitung, Entscheidungsfindung und innovativen Dienste/Anwendungen zur Förderung digitaler Transformationen in der Landwirtschaft. Die Kapitel wurden von Experten verfasst, die ihre Erfahrungen in verständlicher Sprache durch Fallstudien, geeignete Illustrationen und Tabellen teilen. Der Inhalt wurde entwickelt, um die Bedürfnisse der Geoinformatik, Datenwissenschaften, Landwirtschafts- und Umweltwissenschaften von Universitäten, landwirtschaftlichen Universitäten, technologischen Universitäten, Forschungsinstituten und akademischen Hochschulen weltweit zu erfüllen.Es unterstützt Planer, politische Entscheidungsträger und Erweiterungswissenschaftler bei der Planung und nachhaltigen Bewirtschaftung von Landwirtschaft und natürlichen Ressourcen.

The global miniature devices market is poised to surpass a valuation of $12–$15 billion USD by the year 2030. Lab-on-a-chip (LOC) devices are a vital component of this market. Comprising a network of microchannels, electrical circuits, sensors, and electrodes, LOC is a miniaturized integrated device platform used to streamline day-to-day laboratory functions, run cost-effective clinical analyses and curb the need for centralized instrumentation facilities in remote areas. Compact design, portability, ease of operation, low sample volume, short reaction time, and parallel investigation stand as the pivotal factors driving the widespread acceptance of LOC within the biomedical community. In this book, the Editors meticulously explore LOC through three key ‘Ts': Theories (microfluidics, microarrays, instrumentation, software);Technologies (additive manufacturing, artificial intelligence, computational thinking, smart consumables, scale-up tactics, and biofouling); and Trends (biomedical analysis, point-of-care diagnostics, personalized healthcare, bioactive synthesis, disease diagnosis, and space applications) This comprehensive text not only provides readers with a thorough understanding of the current advancements in the LOC domain but also offers valuable insights to support the utilization of miniaturized devices for enhanced healthcare practices. Aimed at career researchers looking for instruction in the topic and newcomers to the area, the book is also useful for undergraduate and postgraduate students embarking on new studies or for those interested in reading about the LOC platform.

Geoinformatics is a cutting-edge tool that develops and uses information science technology that can have far-reaching implications that include boosting agricultural output, increasing food supply, and reducing hunger-related problems in poor and developing countries. This new book, Geoinformatics: An Emerging Approach for Sustainable Crop Production and Food Security, highlights the many applications of geoinformatics in agriculture, mainly its potential to improve agricultural systems and environmental issues through innovative, eco-friendly approaches.The book is divided into seven sections. Part I contains foundational material on the field of geoinformatics. Part II discusses the role of geoinformatics in agriculture and food security. Part III serves broad knowledge about geoinformatics-based crop screening and protection. Part IV explains how geoinformatics integrates big data and AI for sustainable agriculture and horticulture. Part V deals with geoinformatics and fertilizers and base management of soil fertility. In Part VI, cutting-edge GIS methods are discussed for abiotic stresses management and climate change. The final section discusses the application of geoinformatics for policymaking and the impact of geoinformatics and climate change on agriculture systems.Providing state-of-the-art knowledge on both theoretical and applied aspects of nanotechnology in soil science, plant breeding, biotechnology, tools design, formulation, application, and management, as well as the effects of these tools on soil properties and plant characteristics, and some abiotic interactions, this new volume will prove invaluable for graduate students, researchers, and professionals in agricultural and related disciplines as well as policymakers.

This book comprises the proceedings of the 1st International Conference on Fluid, Thermal and Energy Systems. The contents of this book focus on phase change heat transfer, advanced energy systems, separated flows, turbulence and multi-phase modeling, computational fluid flow and heat transfer, thermal energy storage systems, integrated energy systems, nuclear thermal hydraulics, heat transfer in nanofluids, etc. This book serves as a useful reference to researchers, academicians, and students interested in the broad field of thermo-fluid science and engineering.

This book covers and encompasses diverse aspects of soil science, mainly problematic soils, soil and water conservation, soil physics, soil fertility, and plant nutrition. An innovative writing style, blend of brief texts, facts of the topic, glossary, short notes, scientific formula and equations as well as questions in the form of multiple-choice questions, true and false, and fill in the blanks make this book unique. This book provides in-depth and up-to-date information on the subject in a concise note and ready reckoner form. This book provides a better option and meets the needs of agriculture students preparing for competitive examinations, including PG, PhD, JRF, SRF, NET, ARS, UPHESC, and other higher education services and civil services across the country.

This book aims to focus on the current state of knowledge and scientific advances about the complex and intertwined issues of regenerative farming as a transformative solution for offsetting the disastrous climate effects of burning fossil fuels and impairments of natural resource bases. Regenerative agriculture advocates no-till practices, planting cover crops, integrating livestock and crop production, improving animal welfare practices, improving the social and economic well-being of communities, sequestering carbon, improving soil health, and increasing yields and profit with a positive impact on food access or food safety regardless of farm size.This book examines the innovations that will equip agriculture to cope with the competing challenges of addressing food and nutrition security, improving livelihoods, combatting climate change, and sustainably managing natural resources. The scope of this book extends to agricultural scientists, students, consultants, site owners, industrial stakeholders, regulators, and policymakers.

Water Resources Management for Rural Development: Challenges and Mitigation provides an overview of the current challenges of rural water and its management strategies. The content contains practical and theoretical aspects of the water crisis in rural areas in a changing climate era, with an emphasis on recent water crisis research and management strategies. The book's structure contains fundamentals of water resources, pollution, remediation, supply and management strategies. Case studies included provide different water-related issues around the globe, introducing the reader to the paths of reducing the burden on the groundwater and the alternative options for the supply of water in rural areas. Decision-makers and water supply authorities will benefit from this unique resource that comprehensively covers rural water management in ways no comparable book has achieved. - Includes case studies that follow a consistent template, providing the reader with easy to find real-life examples - Covers a wide spectrum of topics related to water resources as written by experts in their field - Provides information on the identification of technologies and instruments required for the management of, and safe supply of, water

There is an affirming transformation, basically in the form of core methodology, in recent geomorphological studies. This book on “New Advancement in Geomorphological Research: Issues and Challenges in Quantitative Spatial Science'asserts the contributing aspects of neo-modern developments related to applied geomorphology. This includes hydrological research, fluvial geomorphology, applied glacial geomorphology, changes in coastal geomorphology, regional to global level disaster and/or hazard monitoring with advanced models, landslide monitoring, geo-heritage site suitability, and bank and gully erosion detection. Contemporary developments in linking with the advanced developments in remote sensing and GIS, and with spatial science, in applied geomorphology and related sub-branches of earth science. Recently, global climate change phenomena (GCCP) impacted local to regional climatic events, resulting in sea-level rise, melting of glaciers, drastic river-course changes, the disappearance of the coastal area, and shrinkage of natural resources toss significant tests to sustaining human civilization. Meanwhile, modern monitoring technology and policy help-desk can support and minimize the present day's problems globally and also safeguard the natural environment's impending persistence in human society. So, this academic persuasion is a pioneer in minimizing the complications, like river course changes, glacier abolishment, geo-hazard crisis management, coastal area erosion management, geo-heritage conservation and management, and so on. Side by side, this present volume of the book caters a rational time-scale of the analyzed processes from mountain to coastal regions. And for better academic persuasion this will also incorporates the level of analysis, in the shape of `susceptibility'to `risk', with newly advanced methods. Therefore, appropriate cultivation of the knowledge of the application of GIScience for applied geomorphology and on the bigger aspect of the welfare of society and environment, and subjective nursing and administration can curtail the gap between science, policy, and the bottom-level scenario concerned. This current endeavor is also underlining the adaptation of hybrid techniques, remote sensing, statistical tools, and GIS technologies for the quantification of various issues related to several branches of applied geomorphology. This contributed piece includes focused and problem-oriented case studies to underline the versatility of changing geomorphological research, environmental resources, natural landscape, geo eco-system management, interconnected problems, and concerned applied vista at various spatiotemporal scales. The endorsed chapters, encircling both theoretical and applied aspects, help as guideline information for future research. Concisely, this book will offer traditional and advanced geospatial technologies used in earth science, atmospheric, lithospheric, hydrosphere, and biospheric contexts connected to applied geomorphology and for better management. This current book will be a commendable product from the belvedere of researchers, scientists, academic personnel, policymakers, advanced learners in advanced geoscience, earth science, applied geomorphology, remote sensing, environmental resources management, GIS, and hydrology.

‘Click'reactions are a unique class of versatile synthetic tools used in organic and polymer chemistry to develop new materials. The high efficiency of the click reactions, combined with their easy and straightforward execution, have made them an inevitable tool for the development of a variety of advanced polymer materials with tailor-made architectures and stimuli-responsive features. This book aims to give a comprehensive overview and introduction on the use of ‘click'chemistry in polymer science, including ‘click,'‘click-like,'and reversible ‘click'(or ‘un-click') approaches in the design of macromolecules. Moreover, it will outline recent progress in utilizing different ‘click chemistry'in the development of functional polymer materials for various applications, such as self-healing, hydrophobic, shape-memory, and bio-based materials. Written and edited by leading experts in the field, chapters cover the use of different ‘click'reactions, like azide-alkyne, Diels-Alder, Alder-ene, thiol-X, electrophilic substitution, and trans (esterification/amination) reactions, in polymer science. It will also cover the concept of ‘trans-click'reactions, which have come to the foreground on account of improving the exchangeable efficiency of covalent bonds in covalent adaptable polymer materials. Recognizing the present state-of-the-art, this book will be a suitable reference handbook with a valuable resource of information for students of all levels, for learning and teaching endeavors, and for researchers and scientists working on the next generation of advanced polymeric materials.

The book tries to answer the most fundamental question of whether there is a link between abundant food supply and economic growth with respect to a higher degree of human development. In order to have flourishing economic growth within a country the need for a food security system is a must. The world as we know is faced with shortages of food supply which has been a major factor in the country's economic development. The book is an attempt to understand the problems and current situation of food systems in the developing world. It focuses on the pathways to understand the challenges that it faces and predict future scenarios. The motive is to create academic literature to understand the basis of sustainable food security. The social, economic, and political factors become the main theme of the book. It focuses on the interdisciplinary nature of food security. Many a time we only understand the idea of food security through the lens of scientific nature but in the meantime, it forgets the other important factors that are governing the issue of food security. The inclusion of the cases section in the book helps to outline the current scenarios of the developing world. It helps to formulate a pathway or a way forward to understand the causes of food security. Food has now become a political context in the international system. The need for analyzing the political angle is necessary. The context of innovations and technological developments forms an important part of food security. The critique of existing policy systems across the developing world is a must need discussion as it is the policies that will make the food systems sustainable. Last but not least is to look at how the global food systems work and how far it has been able to fix the problems of food insecurity in the developing world. Overall, the book is an excellent interdisciplinary food security literature.

This book offers comprehensive insights into the management of agroforestry for livelihood security and sustainable development in the tropics, addressing ecological interactions, productivity, and the monetization of carbon credits, while also outlining a future roadmap and policy challenges. Agroforestry is a brilliant land use farming practice that covers 1.6 billion hectares (78 percent in the tropics and 22 percent in the temperate regions) to enhance plant diversification, productivity, and livelihood across generations, maintaining eco-restoration. It ensures socioeconomic upliftment and a standard livelihood for people along with many ecosystem services for sustainable development under resilient climates, which are today's key topics popularized among policy makers, stakeholders, scientists, ecologists, and climate supporters in the tropical world. However, more than 75 percent of the world's poor directly depend on natural resources for their livelihoods. Adopting climate resilient agroforestry not only maximizes productivity and farmers'socioeconomic status but also mitigates climate change issues through carbon sequestrations for better carbon management in the tropics. This book addresses agroforestry management for livelihood security and sustainable development in the tropics. Readers will earn about ecological interactions and productivity in tropical agroforestry ensuring greater ecosystem services and livelihood resilience under changing climates, as well as building livelihood resilience through monetization of carbon credits in agroforestry in the tropics. Livelihood and sustainability-based policy in agroforestry, its challenges, and a future roadmap are also covered. This volume provides new insights related to updated research, development and extension activities for combating climate change through carbon sequestration to enhance intensify greater productivity, and livelihood and ecosystem services for ensuring the goals of sustainable development.

Climate change is a key threat to agriculture. Modelling is fundamental to assessing its potential impacts. This collection summarises the wealth of research on improving climate impact models and their use in assessing impacts on different regions. Modelling climate change impacts on agricultural systems reviews research on developing models in areas such as, improving data flows, incorporating genetic information and dealing with uncertainty. This collection also reviews what we know about potential climate change impacts on regional agricultural systems such, Europe, North America, Latin America, Australia and Oceania, as well as different regions in Asia and Africa.

'Perspectives on Global Biodiversity Scenarios and Environmental Services in the 21st Century makes biodiversity scenarios understandable, relevant, and valuable to stakeholders by using effective language and focused communication techniques. Instead of merely showing the potential effects of global change on biodiversity, scenarios should consider the feedback connecting environmental forces. Biodiversity provides numerous essential environmental services crucial to human well-being both now and in the future. The climate is a critical component of ecosystem functioning and directly and indirectly affects human health. The target audience includes biology and environmental science students and faculty, scientists, social workers who generate and collaborate on biodiversity scenarios, policymakers, and corporations with a basic science understanding'--

This volume explores the spatial side of sustainability using cases from India. It provides a variety of chapters from scholars from West Bengal and elsewhere in the country, highlighting spatial perspectives on environmental issues and offering insight on sustainable development in the subcontinent from a geographical perspective. A wide variety of topics are covered here, including but not limited to mitigation of and adaptation to climate issues, hydrogeomorphologic issues, environmental management, agricultural sustainability, ecosystem services, urban environmental management and tourism issues. The lessons learned here are transferable to other contexts, and the book is a resource for researchers, academics, practitioners, government organizations, NGOs and anyone else interested in the spatial side of sustainability.

This book presents the latest findings in the areas of digital ecosystem for innovation in agriculture. The book is organized into two sections with thirteen chapters dealing with specialized areas. It provides the reader with an overview of the frameworks and technologies involved in the digitalization of agriculture, as well as the data processing methods, decision-making processes, and innovative services/applications for enabling digital transformations in agriculture. The chapters are written by experts sharing their experiences in lucid language through case studies, suitable illustrations, and tables. The contents have been designed to fulfill the needs of geospatial, data science, agricultural, and environmental sciences of universities, agricultural universities, technological universities, research institutes, and academic colleges worldwide. It helps the planners, policymakers, and extension scientists plan and sustainably manage agriculture and natural resources.

This book presents the select proceedings of the 48th National Conference on Fluid Mechanics and Fluid Power (FMFP 2021) held at BITS Pilani in December 2021. It covers the topics such as fluid mechanics, measurement techniques in fluid flows, computational fluid dynamics, instability, transition and turbulence, fluid‐structure interaction, multiphase flows, micro- and nanoscale transport, bio-fluid mechanics, aerodynamics, turbomachinery, propulsion and power. The book will be useful for researchers and professionals interested in the broad field of mechanics.

This book describes the contributing aspects of contemporary developments related to sustainable agricultural resources and assessment of sustainable agriculture in developing nations. The issues like food crisis and declining agro-productivity, post-pandemic food security, zonation and mapping technique viewing food crisis, biotechnology and sustainable agricultural, scaling hunger indices, health hazard and food crisis, changing climate and food availability, consumer load and fertilizer usage, growing demand and increasing usage of harmful chemical in agro-fields are regarded as serious concerns. Thereafter, the scope of sustainable agricultural potentiality (SAP) modeling, amidst the arena of deforestation and encroachment of new cultivable land, impact of pandemic on sustainable agriculture, using wastewater as non-sustainable agricultural practice, applying geospatial techniques on extreme weather susceptibility and agro-production, soil erosion and poor agricultural production, questioning shifting cultivation on the issue of sustainability, meteorological drought and irrigational gaps, occupational mobility and loss of agricultural heritage, farm-excreta burning and air quality index (AQI), GI-Science and sustainable agro-management, community preparedness in food crisis management, multi-criteria hunger index (MCHI), climate change declining sustainable agro-production are worth some. Almost the entire world has recently suffered from several natural and human-induced problems, among which food crisis and unsustainable agriculture throw significant challenges to human society. Contrastingly, if modern technology and means, with advanced monitoring and calibration methodology and policy guidance, can help, it will undoubtedly reduce half of the world's problems and ensure the future survival of human society. In addition, this approach also can minimize the other partially linked problems, like climate change and food shortage, livelihood crisis, environmental refugees, international trade balance, global food supply chain interruption, the ever-expanding gap between rich and poor, and so on. Therefore, properly nurturing the knowledge on the application of GI-Science for an agriculturally sustainable society and their monitoring and management can curtail the gap between science, policy, and the ground-level scenario concerned.

Coastal areas are commonly defined as the interface or transition areas between land and sea, including large inland lakes. Overall, about 50–70% of the global population live within 100 km of the coastline covering only about 4% of earth's land, thereby drawing heavily on coastal and marine habitats for food, building sites, transportation, recreational areas, and waste disposal. The people of these zones depend mainly on low productive agriculture due to several constraints such as prolonged water logging and drainage congestion in predominantly low-lying areas with heavy soils during the wet season, preponderance of saline and acid sulphate soils, scarcity of good quality irrigation water, particularly in the dry season, seawater intrusion into adjoining lands, and water pollution due to eutrophication, and others affecting the aquatic habitats, etc. Carbon sequestration in coastal areas, such as, marshes, lagoons, etc. has significant influence on soil quality, and the carbon pool in soils as well as their impacts on the environment. Over and above these, the coastal areas are prone to disasters due to climate change leading to colossal loss of lives and properties in many areas. Forestry and mangrove dynamics, in particular, because of their continuing diminishing nature, are also subjects of interest affecting the ecology of coastal zones requiring appropriate attention. The international symposium held in this context on ‘ Transforming Coastal Zones for Sustainable Food and Income Security'in virtual mode in March, 2021 offered scope to present and discuss various thematic areas by eminent scientists from all over the world. The proceedings of selected papers presented reflect cross-sectoral views of the areas highlighting, wherever necessary, a fusion of technologies, with the ultimate target to suggest livelihood security and sustainable development for the sensitive coastal zones. The book intends to share the knowledge with researchers, academicians, and various other stakeholders to address the complex problems of coastal regions, production constraints, social, economic, technical and environmental issues to draw out strategies for resilient agricultural technologies and improving livelihood security in coastal agro-ecosystems.

Herbs, Spices, and Medicinal Plants for Human Gastrointestinal Disorders: Health Benefits and Safety presents valuable information for exploring the health claims of plant-based phytochemicals for the treatment and prevention of gastrointestinal disorders. It details the healing benefits of specific spices and herb plant-based remedies, such as garlic, onion, black pepper, aloe vera, Indian gooseberry, chamomile, and dandelion for the treatment of colorectal cancer and hemorrhoids, irritable bowel syndrome, gallstones, celiac disease, peptic ulcers, etc. It also discusses the therapeutic properties of fermented foods and beverages and the healing benefits of lectins in the management of gastrointestinal disorders.The abundance of research presented in this volume will be valuable for researchers, scientists, growers, students, processors, traders, industries, and others in the development of plant-based therapeutics for gastrointestinal diseases.

The book demonstrates the geospatial technology approach to data mining techniques, data analysis, modeling, risk assessment, visualization, and management strategies in different aspects of natural and social hazards. This book has 25 chapters associated with risk assessment, mapping and management strategies of environmental hazards. It covers major topics such as Landslide Susceptibility, Arsenic Contaminated Groundwater, Earthquake Risk Management, Open Cast Mining, Soil loss, Flood Susceptibility, Forest Fire Risk, Malaria prevalence, Flood inundation, Socio-Economic Vulnerability, River Bank Erosion, and Socio-Economic Vulnerability. The content of this book will be of interest to researchers, professionals, and policymakers, whose work involves environmental hazards and related solutions.

This book presents select proceedings of the 2nd International Conference on Recent Advancements of Mechanical Engineering (ICRAME 2021), which was held during 7th to 9th February 2021 at National Institute of Technology Silchar. The book entails the recent developments in a range of areas related to mechanical engineering. It examines the state-of-the-art researches in the areas of thermal engineering, engineering design, manufacturing/ production engineering and surface engineering. Various topics covered include advanced energy sources, bio-thermal applications, techniques in fluid flow, computing in applied mechanics and product design, dynamics and control of structures/ systems, fracture and failure mechanics, solid mechanics, casting, welding, brazing, soldering, JIT, MRP, supply chain management and logistics. The book will be useful for researchers and professionals working in the areas of mechanical engineering.

This book addresses the various factors affecting fluvial systems, the processes governing them, system responses arising from human-nature interventions, and geospatial and geo-ecological modeling to understand system behaviour better and restore degraded ecosystems around the globe. Thanks to their hydrological and agro-ecological advantages, humans have settled along riverbanks since the dawn of civilization. Thus, the ancient'ecumene'(settlements) were located near major rivers worldwide. This legacy of river-based civilizations continues to this day in many forms. However, in the course of the'Anthropocene'era, countless fluvial systems have been altered by human interventions in the form of large-scale dams and barrages, changes in land use and land cover, road-stream crossings, mining of sand and gravel, mushrooming of brickfield, expansion of modern agriculture, industrial growth, and urbanization. Thus, the present-day development pattern threatens fluvial systems,especially riverine morphology and ecosystems. In brief, human-induced morphological changes, water pollution, eutrophication, and related damages to aquatic organisms are the major threats to fluvial systems. Thus, maintaining the'environmental flow'of the world's major rivers to preserve the proper functioning of riverine ecosystems and promote sustainable development is a global challenge.

Soil organic matter (SOM) is a highly reactive constituent of the soil matrix because of its large surface area, high ion exchange capacity, enormous affinity for water due to hygroscopicity, and capacity to form organo-mineral complexes. It is an important source and sink of atmospheric CO2 and other greenhouse gases depending on climate, land use, soil and crop management, and a wide range of abiotic and biotic factors, including the human dimensions of socioeconomic and political factors. Agroecosystems are among important controls of the global carbon cycle with a strong impact on anthropogenic or abrupt climate change.This volume of Advances in Soil Sciences explains pedological processes set-in-motion by increases in SOM content of depleted and degraded soils. It discusses the relationship between SOM content and critical soil quality parameters including aggregation, water retention and transport, aeration and gaseous exchange, and chemical composition of soil air. The book identifies policy options needed to translate science into action for making sustainable management of SOM as a strategy for adaptation to and mitigation of climate change.Features: Relates soil organic matter stock to soil processes, climate parameters, vegetation, landscape attributes Establishes relationships between soil organic matter and land use, species, and climate Identifies land use systems for protecting and restoring soil organic matter stock Links soil organic matter stock with the global carbon cycle for mitigation of climate change Part of the Advances in Soil Sciences series, this volume will appeal to agricultural, environmental, and soil scientists demonstrating the link between soil organic matter stock and provisioning of critical ecosystem services for nature and humans.

Land Reclamation and Restoration Strategies for Sustainable Development: Geospatial Technology Based Approach, Volume Ten covers spatial mapping, modeling and risk assessment in land hazards issues and sustainable management. Each section in the book explores state-of-art techniques using commercial, open source and statistical software for mapping and modeling, along with case studies that illustrate modern image processing techniques and computational algorithms. A special focus is given on recent trends in data mining techniques. This book will be of particular interest to students, researchers and professionals in the fields of earth science, applied geography, and those in the environmental sciences. - Demonstrates a geoinformatics approach to data mining techniques, data analysis, modeling, risk assessment, visualization, and management strategies in different aspects of land use, hazards and reclamation - Covers land contamination problems, including effects on agriculture, forestry, and coastal and wetland areas - Suggests specific techniques of remediation - Explores state-of-art techniques based on commercial, open source, and statistical software for mapping and modeling using modern image processing techniques and computational algorithm

This book focuses on production challenges of pulse in India and the scope and opportunities of its cultivation in different cropping systems, despite shrinking of natural resources and climate change. It further highlights self sufficiency in pulse production through knowledge based technological interventions for improving nutritional security and sustainable development. It provides a detailed account of challenges and opportunities of pulse production in India in simpler yet compact manner for better understanding by the researchers and policy makers.

Forest Resources Resilience and Conflicts presents modern remote sensing and GIS techniques for Sustainable Livelihood. It provides an up-to-date critical analysis of the discourse surrounding forest resources and society, illustrating the relationship between forest resources and the livelihood of local people. The book is organized into four parts consisting of 31 chapters. Each chapter then reviews current understanding, present research, and future implications. Utilizing case studies and novel advances in geospatial technologies, Forest Resources Resilience and Conflicts provides a timely synthesis of a rapidly growing field and stimulates ideas for future work, especially considering sustainable development goals.In addition, the book presents the effective contribution of the forestry sector to populations'livelihoods through improved collection of forestry statistics that foster the understanding and integration of the forestry sector in poverty reduction processes and the national economy to enhance its integration in national planning. It is a valuable resource for researchers and students in environmental science, especially those interested in forestry, geography, and remote sensing. - Demonstrates tools and techniques for measurement, monitoring, mapping, and modeling of forest resources - Explores state-of-the-art techniques using open source software, statistical programming, and GIS, focusing on recent trends in data mining and machine learning - Addresses a wide range of issues with both environmental and societal implications - Provides a global review of the multiple roles of forest resources utilizing case studies to illustrate management strategies and techniques

From conventional welding techniques to electron or laser beam, this book provides a comprehensive overview about processes, metallurgy, quality assessment, testing, and numerical simulation in welded structures.

In recent years, epidemiological studies have shown a significant increase of incidences regarding ulcerative colitis (UC) in most regions of the world. At present, a common therapeutic modality for inflammatory bowel disorders is the use of anti-inflammatory agents, including sulfasalazine and acetylsalicylic acid, steroid hormone, and other immunosuppressive agents. Most of these treatments are symptomatic and palliative because the etiology of the disease is not yet established. As a result of no proper drug available to treat UC, patients with UC are at a high risk of developing colitis-associated cancer (CAC). It is necessary to understand the genetic and molecular mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of UC and CAC that lead to the path of new drug discoveries. Diagnostic and Treatment Methods for Ulcerative Colitis and Colitis-Associated Cancer provides innovative insights that describe the fundamental understanding of UC and CAC and the molecular mechanisms behind the etiology as well as modern diagnostic methods that are employed in UC and CAC. Current prevention and therapeutic strategies practiced in the pre-clinical level are also discussed. The content within this publication examines alternative medicine and dietary intervention and drug delivery techniques. It is designed for healthcare professionals, physicians, academicians, researchers, R&D organizations, and medical students involved in drug discovery and clinical and therapeutic research.

Valorization of Agri-Food Wastes and By-Products: Recent Trends, Innovations and Sustainability Challenges addresses the waste and by-product valorization of fruits and vegetables, beverages, nuts and seeds, dairy and seafood. The book focuses its coverage on bioactive recovery, health benefits, biofuel production and environment issues, as well as recent technological developments surrounding state of the art of food waste management and innovation. The book also presents tools for value chain analysis and explores future sustainability challenges. In addition, the book offers theoretical and experimental information used to investigate different aspects of the valorization of agri-food wastes and by-products. Valorization of Agri-Food Wastes and By-Products: Recent Trends, Innovations and Sustainability Challenges will be a great resource for food researchers, including those working in food loss or waste, agricultural processing, and engineering, food scientists, technologists, agricultural engineers, and students and professionals working on sustainable food production and effective management of food loss, wastes and by-products. - Covers recent trends, innovations, and sustainability challenges related to food wastes and by-products valorization - Explores various recovery processes, the functionality of targeted bioactive compounds, and green processing technologies - Presents emerging technologies for the valorization of agri-food wastes and by-products - Highlights potential industrial applications of food wastes and by-products to support circular economy concepts

This book offers essential information on geospatial technologies for water resource management and highlights the latest GIS and geostatistics techniques as they relate to groundwater.Groundwater is inarguably India's single most important natural resource. It is the foundation of millions of Indian farmers'livelihood security and the primary source of drinking water for a vast majority of Indians in rural and urban areas. The prospects of continued high rates of growth in the Indian economy will, to a great extent, depend on how judiciously we can manage groundwater in the years to come.Over the past three decades, India has emerged as by far the single largest consumer of groundwater in the world. Though groundwater has made the country self-sufficient in terms of food, we face a crisis of dwindling water tables and declining water quality. Deep drilling by tube wells, which was once part of the solution to water shortages, is now in danger of becoming part of the problem. Consequently, we urgently need to focus our efforts on the sustainable and equitable management of groundwater. Addressing that need, this book presents novel advances in and applications of RS–GIS and geostatistical techniques to the research community in a precise and straightforward manner.

This book evaluates the seismic performance of concrete gravity dams, considering the effects of strong motion duration, mainshock-aftershock seismic sequence, and near-fault ground motion. It employs both the extended finite element method (XFEM) and concrete damaged plasticity (CDP) models to characterize the mechanical behavior of concrete gravity dams under strong ground motions, including the dam-reservoir-foundation interaction. In addition, it discusses the effects of the initial crack, earthquake direction, and cross-stream seismic excitation on the nonlinear dynamic response to strong ground motions, and on the damage-cracking risk of concrete gravity dams.This book provides a theoretical basis for the seismic performance evaluation of high dams, and can also be used as a reference resource for researchers and graduate students engaged in the seismic design of high dams.

This book comprises select proceedings of the International Conference on Recent Innovations and Developments in Mechanical Engineering (IC-RIDME 2018). The book contains peer reviewed articles covering thematic areas such as fluid mechanics, renewable energy, materials and manufacturing, thermal engineering, vibration and acoustics, experimental aerodynamics, turbo machinery, and robotics and mechatronics. Algorithms and methodologies of real-time problems are described in this book. The contents of this book will be useful for both academics and industry professionals.

Geology deals with the Earth's dynamics, rocks, minerals, past life, and landforms. To understand geological processes and their applications in society, a multidisciplinary approach is needed. This book discusses how minerals and their inherent properties can be used for the benefit of society. Minerals are the building blocks of rocks and soils, and more than 3,000 varieties of minerals have been identified. Mineral science, traditionally known as mineralogy, is the study of naturally occurring solid substances in the universe. These substances were formed by complex earth system processes and provide a key to understanding the composition and origins of the earth. These minerals are classified based on their physical and chemical characteristics, occurrence, and economic value. Globally, India is considered a potential resource for various mineral deposits. According to the Ministry of Mines, the Indian subcontinent produces as many as 95 minerals. These minerals are used in numerous industries like engineering, infrastructure, electronics, armory, and food, etc. The physical properties of a mineral are characterized by the combination of crystal structure and chemical composition. To date, the chemical and physical properties of some of the new minerals are not known. Similarly, it is essential to develop artificial minerals to replace naturally occurring minerals. A lot of work has gone into developing low-cost materials in large quantities, with the same chemical properties as the natural materials, so that they can be used in a cost-effective way for the benefit of society and industry. Nowadays, minerals are also increasingly used in biomedical sciences and for assessing and managing water quality, especially in the Indian context. The feldspar group of minerals are the most abundant minerals in the Earth's crust and constitute up to 51% of the continental crust. The weathering of minerals, especially feldspar, plays important role in soil formation. Soil provides indispensable resources for food production and shelter. The inherent fertility of soil depends on the presence of nutrient elements, hosting or holding minerals in rocks and sediments and their bioavailability by controlled weathering processes. Agricultural productivity is correlated with geologically recent additions of fresh rock debris by processes of volcanism, glaciations, denudation and deposition and chemical weathering of feldspars. Hence, the Feldspar group of minerals are important for increasing soil fertility and productivity. Mineral-based phosphors encourage the visual recurrence transformation to develop full-shading white emanating light-transmitting diodes (LEDs). Presently, most of the focus is on the advancement of novel mineral-based LED phosphors for strong state lighting. We have proposed a few new agent groups of mineral-based LED phosphors and strong state lighting innovations for vitality and eco-accommodating lighting frameworks. Long lasting mineral-based phosphors help in future extensions. Some of the economically important minerals of India, their properties, occurrences and government mineral policies are also discussed.

Handbook of Hydrocolloids, Third Edition is a must-have substantive reference on hydrocolloids, helping food industry scientists ever since its first edition was published and well received. This thoroughly updated and expanded edition reviews the structure, function, properties, and applications of a broad range of hydrocolloids used in food and related industries. The third edition updates existing chapters on developments and theories on the structure and functional characteristics of individual hydrocolloids. The book provides additional chapters on new techniques for the chemical and physicochemical characterization of hydrocolloids, and applications technologies for encapsulation and controlled release of active compounds. Edited by two leading international authorities in the field, this third edition continues to be relevant to food industry researchers, food manufacturers, graduate and postgraduate students, particularly in food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic sciences. - Introduces to food hydrocolloids considering regulatory aspects and functional characteristics - Examines the manufacture, structure, function, and applications of over twenty-five hydrocolloids - Brings a detailed overview of the function of hydrocolloids as emulsifiers, rheological modifiers, film formers, and encapsulation agents

The book discusses sustainability and law in a multifaceted way. Together, sustainability and law are an emerging challenge for research and science. This volume contributes through an interdisciplinary concept to its further exploration. The contributions explore this exciting domain with innovative ideas and replicable approaches. It combines a variety of authors, from both the public and the private sectors, and thereby guarantees a broad view that enshrines the more theoretical arguments from the academic side as well as stronger practical applicable perspectives. The book provides space for thoughtful expansions of established theories as well as the hopeful emergence of innovative ideas. Moreover, the combination of three to five contributions into the eleven parts respectively aims toward a compression of like minded thoughts. This should lead to an intensification of exchange of viewpoints from different angles on a similar theme. Readers therefore also have the opportunityto concentrate on single chapters, but receive comprised knowledge and a variety of thoughts for new ideas on a particular theme.

This book focuses on developing an integrated holistic approach for harnessing the potential of rain-fed agriculture. In this approach, rainwater management through harvesting and recharging the groundwater is used as an entry point activity for increasing the productivity for farmers through enhanced water use efficiency. To provide the holistic and integrated solutions, the approach of consortium through building partnerships with different stakeholders, eg. different research institutions (State, National and International), development departments, eg. Department of Agriculture, Department of Animal Husbandry etc., Non-Government Organizations (NGOs), Farmers Organizations Community-based Organizations (CBOs) along with market linkages through private companies.

This book comprises select proceedings of the National Conference on Control, Signal Processing, Energy and Power Systems (CSPES 2018). The book covers topics on both theoretical control systems and their applications across engineering domains such as automatic control, robotics, and adaptive controller design. It discusses several signal processing domains such as image, speech, biomedical signal processing and their applications in IOT, control, robotics, power and energy systems. The book emphasizes both conventional and non-conventional energy, environment, and green processes as related to energy and power systems engineering. The contents of this book will prove to be useful for students, researchers, academics, and professionals.

There is increasing competition for water resources in the face of declining aquifer reserves and increasing risk in many areas of drought related to climate change. At the same time poor water management is damaging agriculture with problems such as salinization, waterlogging, erosion and run-off. This volume summarises the wealth of research on understanding and better management of water resources for agriculture. Part 1 reviews fundamental issues such as plant water use and soil water retention. Part 2 discusses ways of mapping and monitoring groundwater and surface water resources whilst Part 3 covers other sources such as rain and floodwater, waste and brackish water. Part 4 surveys developments in irrigation techniques such as drip irrigation and fertigation. The final sections in the book discuss ways of using water resources more efficiently such as site-specific and deficit irrigation techniques. With its distinguished editor and international team of expert authors, this wlll be a standard reference for agronomists, scientists involved in water and irrigation science as well as government and non-governmental organisations responsible for agriculture and water resource management.

Sustainability Challenges in the Agrofood Sector covers a wide range of agrofood-related concerns, including urban and rural agriculture and livelihoods, water-energy management, food and environmental policies, diet and human health. Significant and relevant research topics highlighting the most recent updates will be covered, with contributions from leading experts currently based in academia, government bodies and NGOs (see list of contributors below). Chapters will address the realities of sustainable agrofood, the issues and challenges at stake, and will propose and discuss novel approaches to these issues. This book will be the most up-to-date and complete work yet published on the topic, with new and hot topics covered as well as the core aspects and challenges of agrofood sustainability.

This book is about applications of remote sensing techniques in the studies on soils. In pursuance of the objective, the book initially provides an introduction to various elements and concepts of remote sensing, and associated technologies, namely Geographic Information System (GIS), Global Positioning System (GPS) in chapter-1. An overview of the sensors used to collect remote sensing data and important Earth observation missions is provided in chapter-2. The processing of satellite digital data (geometric and radiometric corrections, feature reduction, digital data fusion, image enhancements and analysis) is dealt with in Chapter-3. In the chapter to follow the interpretation of remote sensing data, very important and crucial step in deriving information on natural resources including soils resources, is discussed. An introduction to soils as a natural body with respect to their formation, physical and chemical properties used during inventory of soils, and soil classification is given in Chapter-5.The spectral response patterns of soils including hyperspectral characteristics -fundamental to deriving information on soils from spectral measurements, and the techniques of soil resources mapping are discussed in chapter-6 and -7,respectively. Furthermore, the creation of digital soil resources database and the development of soil information systems, a very important aspect of storage and dissemination of digital soil data to the end users are discussed in ch.apter-8. Lastly, the applications of remote sensing techniques in soil moisture estimation and soil fertility evaluation are covered in chapter-9 and -10, respectively.

Organic Farming: Concept, Status and Future Concerns ¨ Organic Agriculture in North Eastern Hill Region ¨ Organic Agriculture in Hill Areas ¨ Organic Agriculture in Coastal Areas ¨ Organic Agriculture in Arid Areas ¨ Tillage and Crop Establishment under Organic Agricultural Systems ¨ Nutrient Management in Organic Agriculture Systems ¨ Organic Inputs for Sustained Soil Health ¨ Enhancing Soil Suppressiveness by Using Compost for Managing Soil-borne Plant Pathogens in Organic Farming ¨ Organic Fruit Production: Technologies and Strategies ¨ Organic Spices ¨ Organic Vegetables ¨ Seed Spice Production under Organic System ¨ Organic Cultivation of High Value Crops under Protected Conditions ¨ Weed Management in Organic Farming ¨ Insect Pest and Disease Management under Organic Farming ¨ Post-Harvest Management and Quality of Organic Produce ¨ Organic Livestock Production Systems ¨ Organic Fodder and Milk Production ¨ Organic Poultry Farming ¨ Organic Aquaculture ¨ Frequently Asked Questions on Organic Farming

With more than a billion people to feed from the same patch of land, we need to develop new standards for agriculture production, which is only possible with proper land evaluation. Land Evaluation for Sustainable Agriculture addresses the issue and helps agriculturalists make better decisions regarding sustainable land use and crop growth. The topics discussed in the book covers the syllabus for the course on “Land Use Planning”, a subject where no detailed resources are present to the academia. Contents: 1. Land and Soil Features of India 2. Soil Resource Inventory 3. Agro-Climatic Zoning, 4. Land Suitability Criteria for Crops 5. Land Evaluation 6. Integrated Land Use Planning: Approaches 7. Food Security and Environmental Safety'

The depletion of land resources is one of the greatest challenges for mankind in this millennium. Shrinking land resources, weather aberrations, deterioration of land quality, and the globalization and liberalization of market economies have become intertwined to influence the sustainable management of land resources and land use plans. This important volume, Sustainable Management of Land Resources: An Indian Perspective, addresses these challenges. This comprehensive volume, covering important research, much of it gathered with the use of new technology, tools, and applications, is organized into four sections: (add bullets) land resource inventory and characterization geospatial technologies in land resource mapping and management soil nutrient status and management land use planning and livelihood security The volume looks at how scientists translate their knowledge and experience in sustainable land resources and management into implementable policy decisions, with a particular focus on India. Since India is an agrarian economy, the land resources assume a very critical role affecting the livelihood of a vast majority of populace in the country. The information gathered—and the methods by which it is gathered—is applicable globally. This comprehensive publication will be highly useful for the researchers, academicians, extension workers, policymakers, planners, officials of land resources survey, planning and management institutions/agencies/departments, and others.

The perseveration of our natural environment has become a critical objective of environmental scientists, business owners, and citizens alike. Because we depend on natural resources to survive, uncovering methods for preserving and maintaining these resources has become a focal point to ensure a high quality of life for future generations. Natural Resources Management: Concepts, Methodologies, Tools, and Applications emphasizes the importance of land, soil, water, foliage, and wildlife conservation efforts and management. Focusing on sustainability solutions and methods for preserving the natural environment, this critical multi-volume research work is a comprehensive resource for environmental conservationists, policymakers, researchers, and graduate-level students interested in identifying key research in the field of natural resource preservation and management.

Wheat is the most widely cultivated cereal in the world and a staple food for around 3 billion people. It has been estimated that demand for wheat could increase by up to 60% by 2050. There is an urgent need to increase yields in the face of such challenges as climate change, threats from pests and diseases and the need to make cultivation more resource-efficient and sustainable. Drawing on an international range of expertise, this collection focuses on ways of improving the cultivation of wheat at each step in the value chain, from breeding to post-harvest storage. Volume 2 reviews research in improving cultivation techniques. Chapters in Part 1 review topics such as variety selection, seed and root growth, water and nutrient management. Part 2 goes on to discuss broader issues such as sustainable intensification and organic cultivation. The final part of the collection covers ways of improving wheat cultivation in the developing world. Achieving sustainable cultivation of wheat Volume 2: Cultivation techniques will be a standard reference for cereal scientists in universities, government and other research centres and companies involved in wheat cultivation. It is accompanied by Volume 1 which reviews breeding, quality traits, pests and diseases.

Technologies and Strategies for Organic Farming in India- An Overview ¨ Western Himalayan Region: (i) Himachal Pradesh ¨ Western Himalayan Region: (ii) Uttarakhand ¨ Eastern Himalayan Region: North East States of India ¨ Lower Gangatic plains region: West Bengal ¨ Middle Gangatic plains : Bihar ¨ Upper Gangetic Plains: Uttar Pradesh ¨ Trans-Gangetic Plains : Punjab ¨ Eastern plateau and hills : Chhattisgarh ¨ Central plateau and hills : Madhya Pradesh ¨ Western plateau and hills : Maharashtra ¨ Southern Plateau and Hills : (i) Tamil Nadu ¨ Southern Plateau and Hills : (ii) Karnataka ¨ East Coast Plains and Hills : Odisha ¨ Western Coastal Plains and Ghats : Kerala ¨ Gujarat plains & Hills : Gujrat ¨ Western dry zone : Rajasthan ¨ Islands zone : Andaman and Nicobar Islands

The objective of this book is to integrate information about the theory, preparation and applications of non-wettable surfaces in one volume. By combining the discussion of all three aspects together the editors will show how theory assists the development of preparations methods and how these surfaces can be applied to different situations. The book is separated into three sections, first covering the theory, then going on to preparation of these surfaces and finally discussing the applications in detail. Edited by two of the most innovative contributors to the field of superhydrophobicity, this book will be essential reading for materials scientists interested in any aspect of surface, colloid and polymer science, thermodynamics, superhydrophobic and superhygrophobic surfaces.

Successful cultivation of crops is hampered due to the occurrence of several aspects like minerals, fertilizers, water stress, insect pests, diseases, nematodes and others. This is a very multifaceted issue in view of the tropical and sub-tropical climate. Therefore, intensive cultivation of high yields varieties/hybrids under high fertility, off-season production, lack of adequate knowledge on plant nutrition and protection, economic constraints to maximize qualitative returns and inability to afford risk. Many technologies using, micropropogate sets, trap crops, botanicals and bio-controls have been developed in some crops and a few are validated in farmers'field. The information on climatic factors, minerals, mutation breeding, cultivation practices, micropropogation, biochemical marker, pests, diseases and nematodes on crops is very much spread. There is no book at present which comprehensively and exclusively deals with the above aspects on crops. The present book deals with integrated pest, disease, nematode management, regulatory, physical, cultural, chemical, organic amendments, biological, host plant resistance and integrated methods. This book is a useful reference to students, forthcoming researchers, extension workers and policy makers. The book can also be used for teaching undergraduate and postgraduate courses as well.