Biomedical and Life Sciences

This book, the second volume of Crime Scene Management in Forensic Sciences, reviews the role and impact of forensic evidence in criminal investigations. It also addresses the importance of post mortem examination in criminal cases.

The book investigates the use of insects and arthropods to estimate post mortem intervals during forensic investigations. Further, it discusses the physiological effects of xenobiotics at the time of death, based on their concentration and distribution in the body at autopsy. Importantly, it also discusses digital forensic investigation, which can be used for the analysis of digital evidence produced at a court of law. Lastly, it defines the structure and legal framework of these forensic evidences for the effective administration of the criminal justice system. It is an excellent source of information for forensics scientists and legal professionals.

This textbook provides essential and fundamental information to modern forensics investigations. It discusses criminalistics and crime scene aspects, including investigation, management, collecting and packaging various types of physical evidence, forwarding, and chain of custody. It presents fundamental principles, ethics, challenges and criticism of forensic sciences and reviews the crime typologies, the correlates of crime, criminology, penology, and victimology. It provides a viewpoint on legal aspects, including types of evidence, the procedure in the court and scrutiny of the evidence and experts.

The book also emphasizes digital and cyber forensics, including classification, data recovery tools, encryption and decryption methods, image, and video forensics.

It is a useful resource for graduate and post-graduate students in the field of Forensic Science.

The book, intended for biomedical researchers, attempts to foster a comprehensive understanding of the elements that impact scientific research, such as clinical trial design, communication, and publication methods.

It introduces the process of idea generation and creative/critical thinking, leading to the development of key concepts that coalesce into theoretical constructs and working hypotheses. The book systematically delineates research phases associated with a bench-to-bedside translational approach, providing the full depth and breadth of drug discovery and development: design, synthesis, and optimization of drug candidates interacting with targets linked to diseases, as well as clinical trial design to acquire substantial evidence of efficacy and safety for candidate drugs in the target patient population.

New and evolving topics such as artificial intelligence, machine and deep learning, drug repurposing approaches, and bioinformatics, are incorporated intothe text as these features are becoming integrated into drug research and development. Additionally, it covers publication strategies, including literature search, manuscript preparation, data presentation, relevant discussion, editorial processes, elements of peer review, and bibliometrics. Finally, the book addresses grantsmanship, key strategies for building effective networks, mentorships, maintaining research integrity, and forging career advancement opportunities, including entrepreneurship.

This book is an exploration of paramount significance, delving into the fundamental principles, methodologies, and cutting-edge techniques that underpin the discipline of environmental forensics. Chapters unfold a comprehensive narrative, ranging from the foundational role of this field in deciphering ecological mysteries and addressing environmental concerns to the intricate application of forensic techniques in analyzing ecosystems, identifying pollution sources, and reconstructing historical environmental conditions. The book covers real-world case studies of environmental crime investigations illustrating the pivotal role of environmental forensics in solving complex ecological puzzles. Chapters highlight legal and ethical considerations about the use of forensic methodologies, providing a well-rounded perspective on the academic landscape. As the book peers into the future, it concludes with an exploration of emerging technologies and methodologies poised to shape the trajectory of environmental forensics. Ideal for scholars, practitioners, and enthusiasts, this book encapsulates a comprehensive academic odyssey into the intricate interplay of science and nature, and the quest to safeguard Earth's ecosystems for generations to come. This book is a good source of information for students, academicians, researchers, and material scientists.

This contributed volume provides a comprehensive understanding of the complex interplay between signaling molecules and ROS-scavenging systems in the adaptation of plants to climate change. Plants produce reactive oxygen species (ROS) like superoxide radicals (O2.-) and hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂), especially under stress, which can cause oxidative damage and cell death. ROS homeostasis is maintained by a ROS-scavenging system, consisting of enzymatic antioxidants and non-enzymatic antioxidants. This system is vital for physiological processes and stress tolerance in plants.

Signaling molecules are crucial in plant growth, development, and environmental responses. The abiotic stress perception triggers signaling events involving calcium ions (Ca²⁺), ROS, and phytohormones like abscisic acid (ABA). Mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) cascades also play a key role, where a series of phosphorylation events activate genes involved in antioxidant defense. ROS scavenging is regulated by phytohormones and signaling molecules, including auxins, gibberellins, cytokinins, ABA, ethylene, salicylic acid, melatonin, H₂S, H₂O₂, nitric oxide, and brassinosteroids. These molecules interact to enhance stress resilience through ROS scavenging. Additionally, plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) work with phytohormones to alleviate stress. Integrative approaches combining molecular biology, genomics, and systems biology are needed to understand the crosstalk between stress signaling and ROS regulation. CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing dissects gene functions in ROS regulation, while omics approaches (transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics) provide insights into plant stress responses. This book focusses on the mechanisms that drive plant responses to changing environmental conditions, and the potential to harness this knowledge to develop resilient crop varieties.

This book is an essential read for academicians, researchers, and scientists working in the field of plant biology, plant physiology, plant stress physiology, plant molecular biology and agronomy.

This book intends to report a comprehensive exploration of the molecular composition, digestion, and diverse applications of marine bivalve proteins. With detailed chapters covering topics such as protein structure, absorption mechanisms, preparation, and identification, this book delves into the intricate world of bivalve proteins. Special features include in-depth discussions on their role in bone growth, hypertension, thrombosis, gout, and taste enhancement. Readers will benefit from a deep understanding of bivalve proteins' properties, their potential therapeutic applications, and insights into controlling allergenicity, making this book essential for researchers, professionals, and enthusiasts in the fields of biochemistry, food science, and biotechnology.

This book offers a comprehensive exploration of how cutting-edge technologies, including soil-less systems and artificial intelligence (AI), are transforming the cultivation of medicinal plants. As global health increasingly relies on natural remedies, the demand for high-quality medicinal plants is surging. Traditional agriculture, with its inherent challenges such as soil degradation, inconsistent yields, and labor-intensive practices, often falls short of meeting this demand. This book addresses these challenges by presenting innovative solutions that enhance the efficiency, sustainability, and quality of medicinal plant production. The main topics covered include vertical farming, AI-driven crop management, nanotechnology applications, advanced sensor technology, hyperspectral imaging, robotics, and drone-based systems. Each chapter delves into a specific technology or system, illustrating how it contributes to the overall goal of optimizing medicinal plant cultivation. The integration of these advanced technologies not only improves the quality and consistency of the products but also supports the shift towards more environmentally friendly farming practices. The target audience for this book includes researchers, agronomists, practitioners, and entrepreneurs who are involved in or interested in the field of smart agriculture and medicinal plant cultivation. It will also appeal to academics and students studying agricultural science, horticulture, or plant biotechnology, as well as industry professionals seeking to implement or invest in advanced agricultural technologies. Through its in-depth analysis and practical insights, this book will serve as a valuable resource for anyone aiming to contribute to or capitalize on the future of smart agriculture.