This book provides a knowledge-based view to the dynamic capabilities in an organization. The author integrates two existing views on gaining competitive advantage: the Knowledge View which suggests that the capability of organizations to learn faster than competitors is the only source of competitiveness; and the Dynamic Capability View which speculates that a fi rm's competitive advantage rests on it's ability to adapt to changes in the business environment. Using the IT sector in India as a case study, this book provides and tests a new framework-Knowledge-Based Dynamic Capabilities-in the prediction of competitive advantage in organizations.

Fungal pathogens pose an on-going and serious threat for poikilotherms and homeotherms, and can cause a broad spectrum of diseases ranging from innocuous to life-threatening. In addition, long-term exposure to some mycotoxigenic moulds can lead to mycotoxicoses in human and animals. Given the expanding population of immune compromised hosts, the list of fungal opportunists grows longer every year. Moreover, antifungal resistance, drug-related toxicity and our limited arsenal of antifungals have exacerbated the situation. To address these problems, strategies such as the identification of novel targets, use of the structure-activity relationship in rational drug design, development of new formulations, modification of existing antifungals to combat resistance, and bioavailability enhancement are called for. For the reader's convenience, this book has been divided into three sections. The first six chapters of Section I provide a timely review of mycoses, from endemic to cosmopolitan and from generalized to specific, while both chapters of Section II focus on risks associated with mycotoxins. In closing, the two chapters of Section III describe potential antifungal leads and drug candidates based on phytochemicals and coumarin scaffold.

Advances in Genetics, Volume 107, provides the latest information on the rapidly evolving field of genetics, presenting new medical breakthroughs that are occurring as a result of advances in our knowledge of the topic. The book continually publishes important reviews of the broadest interest to geneticists and their colleagues in affiliated disciplines, with this new release including chapters on Advances in Asthma Genetics: Filling persistent gaps, Nutritional control of postembryonic development progression and arrest in Caenorhabditis elegans, Genetic determinants of climate-resilience traits in millets, Founder variants and population genomes - towards precision medicine, and much more.

Mechanisms and Therapy of Liver Cancer, Volume 149, presents the latest information on the incidence and mortality of liver cancer research and how it has gained significant momentum because of its direct causative association with obesity-induced fatty liver disease. The literature on liver cancer is moving fast with exciting, novel findings, providing new insights reflected in the following updated chapters: Introduction and molecular classification of HCC, Signaling Pathways in Liver Cancer, HCV and HCC, NASH and HCC, Microbiome and Metabolic Abnormalities in HCC, Systemic Therapy of Liver Cancer, Immunotherapy of Liver Cancer, and Desmoplastic Tumor Microenvironment and Intrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma Progression: Mechanisms and Therapeutic Implications.

Now in full-color, the Second Edition of Human Evolutionary Genetics has been completely revised to cover the rapid advances in the field since publication of the highly regarded First Edition. Written for upper-level undergraduate and graduate students, it is the only textbook to integrate genetic, archaeological, and linguistic perspectives on human evolution, and to offer a genomic perspective, reflecting the shift from studies of specific regions of the genome towards comprehensive genomewide analyses of human genetic diversity.

Human Evolutionary Genetics is suitable for courses in Genetics, Evolution, and Anthropology. Those readers with a background in anthropology will find that the streamlined genetic analysis material contained in the Second Edition is more accessible. The new edition also integrates new technologies (including next-generation sequencing and genome-wide SNP typing) and new data analysis methods, including recent data on ancient genomes and their impact on our understanding of human evolution. The book also examines the subject of personal genomics and its implications.

** NEW YORK TIMES NUMBER ONE BESTSELLER ** The Gene is the story of one of the most powerful and dangerous ideas in our history from the author of The Emperor of All Maladies. The story begins in an Augustinian abbey in 1856, and takes the reader from Darwin's groundbreaking theory of evolution, to the horrors of Nazi eugenics, to present day and beyond - as we learn to "read" and "write" the human genome that unleashes the potential to change the fates and identities of our children. Majestic in its scope and ambition, The Gene provides us with a definitive account of the epic history of the quest to decipher the master-code that makes and defines humans - and paints a fascinating vision of both humanity's past and future. For fans of Sapiens by Yuval Noah Harari, A Brief History of Time by Stephen Hawking and Being Mortal by Atul Gwande. 'Siddhartha Mukherjee is the perfect person to guide us through the past, present, and future of genome science' Bill Gates 'A thrilling and comprehensive account of what seems certain to be the most radical, controversial and, to borrow from the subtitle, intimate science of our time...Read this book and steel yourself for what comes next' Sunday Times

Bioinformatics is an integrative field of computer science, genetics, genomics, proteomics, and statistics, which has undoubtedly revolutionized the study of biology and medicine in past decades. It mainly assists in modeling, predicting and interpreting large multidimensional biological data by utilizing advanced computational methods. Despite its enormous potential, bioinformatics is not widely integrated into the academic curriculum as most life science students and researchers are still not equipped with the necessary knowledge to take advantage of this powerful tool. Hence, the primary purpose of our book is to supplement this unmet need by providing an easily accessible platform for students and researchers starting their career in life sciences. This book aims to avoid sophisticated computational algorithms and programming. Instead, it focuses on simple DIY analysis and interpretation of biological data with personal computers. Our belief is that once the beginners acquire these basic skillsets, they will be able to handle most of the bioinformatics tools for their research work and to better understand their experimental outcomes. Our second title of this volume set In Silico Life Sciences: Medicine provides hands-on experience in analyzing high throughput molecular data for the diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of monogenic or polygenic human diseases. The key concepts in this volume include risk factor assessment, genetic tests and result interpretation, personalized medicine, and drug discovery. This volume is expected to train readers in both single and multi-dimensional biological analysis using open data sets, and provides a unique learning experience through clinical scenarios and case studies.

This volume reviews numerous reaction mechanisms and applications of nucleic acids with catalytic activity. Written by an interdisciplinary team of authors, it provides an essential overview of these acids' fundamental aspects, while also addressing associated methodologies such as nucleic acid enzyme engineering, peroxidase-mimicking DNAzymes and Aptazymes. After the discovery of natural ribozymes - RNA molecules that mediate the cleavage and formation of phosphodiester bonds and the formation of peptide bonds - numerous artificial ribozymes with altered catalytic activities were produced by in vitro and in vivo selection. Unlike ribozymes, DNAzymes do not occur in nature. Although the catalytic activity of nucleic acid enzymes is usually much slower than that of proteins, nucleic acid enzymes with comparable catalytic activity have been obtained using stringent selection processes. The key advantages of these enzymes: they are e.g. smaller, easier to produce and purify than proteins, and can withstand denaturation, e.g. by heat. Over the last few years, the number of publications on the applications of enzymatic nucleic acids has grown steadily. Summarizing the fundamentals and applications of these acids, this book will not only be an excellent resource for experts in the field but will also guide young researchers just starting out in this significant area.

Improving Cereal Productivity through Climate Smart Practices is based on the presentations of the 4th International Group Meeting on "Wheat productivity enhancement through climate smart practices," and moves beyond the presentations to provide additional depth and breadth on this important topic. Focused specifically on wheat, and with chapters contributed by globally renowned pioneers in the field of cereal science, the book helps readers understand climate change and its effects on different aspects of wheat production in different parts of the world. This book will be important for those in research and industry seeking to contribute to the effective feeding of the world's population.

The Beans and the Peas: From Orphan to Mainstream Crops presents a comprehensive literature resource on the most important food legume crops previously known as "orphans," but which are increasingly becoming mainstream as their production opportunities have been improved through genetic improvement and biotechnology, and their role as an important nutrient source gains urgency. This book focuses on 12 important food legumes and discusses all relevant aspects on their economic importance, crop statistics, botany, and their general description. It also provides exhaustive information on plant genetic resources and their use, genetic improvement, resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses, improved varieties, agronomy, seed system, and use of information and communication tools in each individual food legume. Development of innovative biotechnological tools, genetic transformation, and the genome sequencing information has also been covered in each chapter providing the readers with state-of-the-art information on pulses. All chapters have been supported by relevant figures, illustrations, and tables, which make the contents accessible and easy to understand. Each of the chapters has been authored by globally known scientists/researchers presenting up-to-date information on various aspects of food legumes. This book provides a current and comprehensive treatise to the readers and will be tremendously helpful in furthering their academic and research pursuits.

Reproduction is a fundamental feature of life, it is the way life persists across the ages. This book offers new, wider vistas on this fundamental biological phenomenon, exploring how it works through the whole tree of life. It explores facets such as asexual reproduction, parthenogenesis, sex determination and reproductive investment, with a taxonomic coverage extended over all the main groups - animals, plants including 'algae', fungi, protists and bacteria. It collates into one volume perspectives from varied disciplines - including zoology, botany, microbiology, genetics, cell biology, developmental biology, evolutionary biology, animal and plant physiology, and ethology - integrating information into a common language. Crucially, the book aims to identify the commonalties among reproductive phenomena, while demonstrating the diversity even amongst closely related taxa. Its integrated approach makes this a valuable reference book for students and researchers, as well as an effective entry point for deeper study on specific topics.

Genetic testing has provided important clues to understanding our health, but it has also raised many ethical, legal, and medical questions and concerns. This book explores the breadth of genetic testing, its possibilities, and the controversies that surround its use. The mapping of the human genome has paved the way for a variety of genetic tests. Expectant mothers can have their fetus screened for a variety of genetic abnormalities, and couples worried that they might be carriers for a genetic disorder can be tested before deciding to have children. Women can be screened for the BRCA2 gene that has been linked to increased risk of breast cancer. Individuals curious about their ancestry can find out more about their heritage. Genetic testing can also be used to establish paternity and help solve crimes. Part of Greenwood's Health and Medical Issues Today series, this book is divided into three sections. Part I explores the history of genetic testing, including the rise of direct-to-consumer tests, and outlines the current applications and contexts in which genetic testing is performed. Part II delves deep into the ethical, legal, financial, medical, and psychological issues and controversies that surround genetic testing. Part III provides a variety of useful materials, including case studies, a timeline of critical events, and a directory of resources. Explores genetic testing in a multitude of contexts and settings, including prenatal screenings, at-home direct-to-consumer health and ancestry tests, and paternity tests Examines key ethical, financial, legal, and medical issues related to genetic testing, such as genetic discrimination in insurance coverage, pregnancy termination, and test accuracy Offers illuminating case studies that use engaging real-world scenarios to highlight key ideas and debates discussed in the book Provides readers with a helpful Directory of Resources to guide their search for additional information

Biologist James Watson and physicist Francis Crick's 1953 revelation about the double helix structure of DNA is the foundation of virtually every advance in our modern understanding of genetics and molecular biology. But how did Watson and Crick do it-and why were they the ones who succeeded? In truth, the discovery of DNA's structure is the story of a race among five scientists for advancement, fame and immortality: Watson, Crick, Rosalind Franklin, Maurice Wilkins and Linus Pauling. They were fascinating and brilliant, with strong personalities that often clashed. But it is Rosalind Franklin who becomes a focal point for Howard Markel. The Secret of Life is a story of genius and perseverance but also a saga of cronyism, misogyny, anti-Semitism and misconduct. Markel brilliantly recounts the intense intellectual journey-and the fraught personal relationships-that resulted in the discovery of DNA.

Cosmic Genetic Evolution, Volume 106 in the Advances in Genetics series, highlights new advances in the field, with this new volume presenting interesting chapters on Panspermia, Cometary Panspermia and Origin of Life, The Efficient Lamarckian Spread of Life in the Cosmos, The Sociology of Science and Generality of the DNA/RNA/Protein Paradigm Throughout the Cosmos, The Mutagenic Source and Power of Our Own Evolution, Origin of New Emergent Coronavirus and Candida Fungal Diseases - Terrestrial or Cosmic?, and Future Prospects for Investigation -The Near-Earth Neighborhood and Beyond.

Drosophila, the common fruit fly, is the most extensively studied of all organisms from the standpoint of genetics and cytology. This atlas summarizes what is known about the approximately 100 Drosophila genes for which the complete nucleotide sequence is known. Each entry includes a description of the gene's molecular organization and expression, the complete nucleotide and amino acid sequences, maps of interesting structures, highlights of functional features and promoter regulatory regions, and selected references to the primary literature. A separate section of the atlas considers different aspects of gene organization as they occur in the Drosophila genome. Topics covered include size correlations among various genetic elements, splicing signals, translation initiation signals, and codon bias. The work represents a new milestone in summarizing current information and making it easily accessible to geneticists and biologists.

Millets and Pseudo Cereals is the first comprehensive resource to focus on the potential crop improvements through genetic enhancements. The choice of food crop for a region is primarily determined by the conditions of climate and soil. Once labelled as orphan crops, millets and pseudo-cereals are now known as miracle grains due to their adaptation to harsh conditions and high nutritional quality. Small millets and pseudo-cereals are now seen to occupy special niches through their ability to adapt to challenging conditions. These crops have a comparative advantage in marginal lands where they withstand stress conditions and contribute to sustainable production. They also contribute to the diversity-richness and production stability of agro-ecosystems. Millets include sorghum, pearl millet, finger millet, foxtail millet, proso millet, barnyard millet, little millet and kodo millet while the other group which are not cereals but consumed as cereals and generally referred as pseudo-cereals comprises of grain amaranths, buckwheat and chenopods. Millets and Pseudo Cereals presents current information on the genetic architecture of important economic traits and the genomic resources for gene enabled breeding. This compilation contains information on the global status, available germplasm resources, nutritional value, breeding advancements, genomics applications and sustainability of agriculture through millets and pseudo-cereals cultivation. This book is a valuable resource for those conducting research and exploring new areas for advancing crop genetic understanding.

A comprehensive and mechanistic perspective on fruit ripening, emphasizing commonalities and differences between fruit groups and ripening processes.

Fruits are an essential part of the human diet and contain important phytochemicals that provide protection against heart disease and cancers. Fruit ripening is of importance for human health and for industry-based strategies to harness natural variation, or genetic modification, for crop improvement.

This book covers recent advances in the field of plant genomics and how these discoveries can be exploited to understand evolutionary processes and the complex network of hormonal and genetic control of ripening. The book explains the physiochemical and molecular changes in fruit that impact its quality, and recent developments in understanding of the genetic, molecular and biochemical basis for colour, flavour and texture. It is a valuable resource for plant and crop researchers and professionals, agricultural engineers, horticulturists, and food scientists.

Summary: Reviews the physiochemical and molecular changes in fruit which impact flavour, texture, and colourCovers recent advances in genomics on the genetic, molecular, and biochemical basis of fruit qualityIntegrates information on both hormonal and genetic control of ripeningRelevant for basic researchers and applied scientists