R C Sobti - Böcker

The term "biodiversity" or "biological diversity" describes the variety of living beings on Earth encompassing microorganisms, plants, animals, and ecosystems, such as coral reefs, forests, and deserts. In fact, it also represents a wealth of biological resources available to us. Today, instead of exploring and preserving its unmapped biodiversity, mankind has gone away from mother nature, conquering the domain through relentless exploitation. This has resulted in an ecological imbalance and thereby has posed serious threat to biodiversity. Declining biodiversity is, therefore, a concern for countless reasons. Biodiversity’s wealth of genetic information can be conserved by storing biological material from endangered species. Cell lines, gametes, and embryos are preserved so that in case a species becomes extinct or there is a need to increase the population of the species, then cloning and artificial reproductive techniques can be used to revive and reproduce the said species. The present volume discusses the biodiversity of specific animal groups, such as cnidarians and fish, as well as potential risks to and methods for conserving some of them. The following important aspects are addressed: 1. The importance of biodiversity in maintaining ecosystem balance for sustainability 2. The emerging role of biodiversity as a source of important materials, pharmaceuticals, food, and so on as such or through genetic manipulation to meet the contemporary and future challenges 3. The impact of environment degradation on biodiversity and conservation in a changing environment 4. Conventional and emerging biotechnological techniques to conserve biodiversity The book is intended for academics, scientists, and naturalists working in the fields of biology, biochemistry, biophysics, and biomedical sciences.

Currently, anthropogenic activities have caused unprecedented destruction of the environment at alarming rates, leading to undesirable alterations in air, land, and water. The process of environment degradation has been accelerated by industrial processes, which result in waste as well as over-consumption of natural resources. The ecological balance has been disturbed, and resources have shrunk. All this has resulted in climate change, which has emerged as a major concern in the 21st century. Changes in the environment are driven by demand for energy, water, and food to raise the standard of living. These are also responsible for climate change, with contributions from deforestation and CO2 emissions from fossil fuels such as coal and petroleum.The present volume discusses some of the main issues regarding environmental degradation and the causes as well as the impact of climate change, which is impacting the ecosystem. The effects of various pollutants, causes of climate change with case studies on geochemistry and glaciers, etc., and measures to reduce the impact on biodiversity, health, etc. are discussed in detail in its chapters. In a nutshell, this volume discusses in detail the following issues:• Anthropogenic and natural factors in environmental degradation• Climate change history, causes, and threats to abiotic and biotic systems• Case studies on the impact of climate change and living systems• Mitigation and preparedness for the future

This book explores the unparalleled adversities and strain that the COVID-19 pandemic caused on the social and economic lives of people. The book allows readers a glimpse into the experiences of death of near and dears, loss of livelihood, psychological trauma, restrictions on movement and social life, shifts in international relations, and effects on big and small industries caused by the pandvnemic. It focusses on the major shifts caused within communities and highlights how politics, power dynamics, and socio-cultural systems have been reset and recovered during recent times. The volume also offers suggestions to offset economic hardships the pandemic has caused especially to the poor and marginalized as well as policy changes to help governments and communities to build more resilient economic and health infrastructure and support systems.With interdisciplinary contributions, this book is an essential read for students and researchers of public health, social sciences, health economics, healthcare management, development studies, public policy, and South Asian studies.

The Covid-19 Pandemic disrupted lives across borders and created unprecedented pressures on the health and medical infrastructure. Frontline workers were at the forefront in handling efforts to curb its devastating effects on people’s lives.This volume looks at various challenges frontline workers and women, working tirelessly both in the privacy of homes as well as professionals in public spaces faced and their immense contribution to managing the pandemic. It examines the psychosocial and health implications the pandemic and its fallout has had on the professions and personal lives of healthcare workers, sanitary workers, police, teachers, household helps, sex workers, volunteers among others. Analysing the vulnerabilities and the adaptability of nursing personnel, doctors and administrators, it also offers suggestions for rebooting healthcare systems and for putting in place support-systems to mitigate the adverse gendered impacts of the lockdowns and the spread of the disease. Comprehensive and insightful, with essays from experts in different fields, this book will be of interest to students and researchers of public health, healthcare management, gender studies, public policy making, sociology, economics.

The Covid-19 Pandemic disrupted lives across borders and created unprecedented pressures on the health and medical infrastructure. Frontline workers were at the forefront in handling efforts to curb its devastating effects on people’s lives.This volume looks at various challenges frontline workers and women, working tirelessly both in the privacy of homes as well as professionals in public spaces faced and their immense contribution to managing the pandemic. It examines the psychosocial and health implications the pandemic and its fallout has had on the professions and personal lives of healthcare workers, sanitary workers, police, teachers, household helps, sex workers, volunteers among others. Analysing the vulnerabilities and the adaptability of nursing personnel, doctors and administrators, it also offers suggestions for rebooting healthcare systems and for putting in place support-systems to mitigate the adverse gendered impacts of the lockdowns and the spread of the disease. Comprehensive and insightful, with essays from experts in different fields, this book will be of interest to students and researchers of public health, healthcare management, gender studies, public policy making, sociology, economics.

This book explores the unparalleled adversities and strain that the COVID-19 pandemic caused on the social and economic lives of people. The book allows readers a glimpse into the experiences of death of near and dears, loss of livelihood, psychological trauma, restrictions on movement and social life, shifts in international relations, and effects on big and small industries caused by the pandvnemic. It focusses on the major shifts caused within communities and highlights how politics, power dynamics, and socio-cultural systems have been reset and recovered during recent times. The volume also offers suggestions to offset economic hardships the pandemic has caused especially to the poor and marginalized as well as policy changes to help governments and communities to build more resilient economic and health infrastructure and support systems.With interdisciplinary contributions, this book is an essential read for students and researchers of public health, social sciences, health economics, healthcare management, development studies, public policy, and South Asian studies.

This book offers a comprehensive overview of fundamental principles and the latest applications in cell biology and regenerative medicine, beginning with the foundational concepts of cell theory. It discusses the various types of cells and their defining characteristics, and dynamic processes of cell division, differentiation, dedifferentiation, proliferation, and apoptosis. The text also introduces the basics of embryo development and delve into the applications of induced pluripotent stem cells, cancer stem cells, tissue-specific niches, and the innovative techniques for editing stem cells. Additionally, the book explores the stem cell niche and its surrounding microenvironment, along with the complex interactions between stem cells and the immune system. It underscores the therapeutic potential of stem cells in treating neurodegenerative diseases, facilitating cardiovascular regeneration, enhancing skin regeneration and wound healing, and improving orthopedic applications. Furthermore, the book examines the use of stem cells in ocular therapies, dental, and craniofacial regeneration. It provides an overview of the regulatory frameworks governing stem cell research, outlines the principles of tissue engineering, and discusses the development of organ-on-a-chip models. This book is an essential resource for students, researchers, and professionals in cell biology and regenerative medicine.Key Features:· Provides extensive overview of fundamental cell biology principles, the latest advancements in regenerative medicine.· Presents therapeutic potential of various types of stem cells, including embryonic stem cells, induced pluripotent stem cells, and cancer stem cells.· Addresses the regulatory landscapes and the ethical issues related to use of stem cell therapy.· Discusses cutting-edge techniques for editing stem cells, principles of tissue engineering, and the development of organ-on-a-chip models.· Delves into the dynamic cellular processes such as division, differentiation, dedifferentiation, proliferation, and apoptosis.

The book also provides insight into the role of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 in the onset of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pathogenesis. It also delineates the association of severe disease with high blood plasma levels of inflammatory cytokines and inflammatory markers in SARS-CoV-2 infection.

The book also provides insight into the role of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 in the onset of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pathogenesis. It also delineates the association of severe disease with high blood plasma levels of inflammatory cytokines and inflammatory markers in SARS-CoV-2 infection.