The use of digital images in today's modernized market is rapidly increasing throughout organizations due to the prevalence of social media and digital content. Companies who wish to distribute their content over the internet face numerous security risks such as copyright violation. Advanced methods for the protection and security of digital data are constantly emerging, and up-to-date research in this area is lacking. Advancements in Security and Privacy Initiatives for Multimedia Images is a collection of innovative research on the methods and applications of contemporary techniques for the security and copyright protection of images and their distribution. While highlighting topics including simulation-based security, digital watermarking protocols, and counterfeit prevention, this book is ideally designed for security analysts, researchers, developers, programmers, academicians, practitioners, students, executives, educators, and policymakers seeking current research on modern security improvements for multimedia images.

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 textbook is clearly structured with fourteen richly illustrated chapters and practical examples for easy understanding and direct implementation. The methods and findings developed in the authors' group are presented in detailed, revised chapters. Readers will find valuable updates on the molecular basis of biotechnological processes, secondary metabolite production and genetic engineering. In addition, the basic principles of important biotechnologies, as well as examples of specially designed crops that deliver improved productivity under stress conditions, are presented. This second edition sets the direction for future research on the basic aspects of plant tissue culture and its applications in the fields of secondary metabolite production and genetic engineering. It provides both general and specific information for students, teachers, academic researchers and industrial teams who are interested in new developments in plant tissue culture and its applications.

The use of fossil fuels results in rising CO2 and other greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, causing global temperature rise and climate change that will negatively impact human health, the food supply, and eventually worsen hunger and misery. Presently, fossil fuels meet 88% of the energy demand, resulting in rising CO2/GHG emissions at alarming rates. The increased use of biofuels would help to mitigate climate change. Efficiently designing methods for the production of biofuels and plant-derived high-value products requires a deeper understanding of photosynthetic processes as a prerequisite for applying novel biotechnologies. Accordingly, this book provides ample information and a wealth of illustrative examples. The book's eighteen richly illustrated chapters are divided into three thematic parts. I: Photosynthesis and Biomass Production under Changing Conditions, II: Microalgae and Engineered Crops for Production of Biofuels and High-value Products, and III: Genetic Resources and Engineering Methods to Improve Crop Plants. Readers will find the latest information on the molecular basis of photosynthetic processes in plants (including the regulatory principles that allow plants to maintain homeostasis under changing conditions), stress resistance and synthetic pathways. In addition, the basic principles of important biotechnologies, as well as examples of specially designed crops capable of growing under stress conditions with improved productivity, are presented. The book sets the course for future research in the field of biofuel development and production and provides both general and specific information for students, teachers, academic researchers, industrial teams, and general readers who are interested in new developments concerning the production of biofuels with value-added properties.

Recent developments in information processing systems have driven the advancement of numerical simulations in engineering. New models and simulations enable better solutions for problem-solving and overall process improvement. Advanced Numerical Simulations in Mechanical Engineering is a pivotal reference source for the latest research findings on advanced modelling and simulation method adopted in mechanical and mechatronics engineering. Featuring extensive coverage on relevant areas such as fuzzy logic controllers, finite element analysis, and analytical models, this publication is an ideal resource for students, professional engineers, and researchers interested in the application of numerical simulations in mechanical engineering.

In the 1970s, Rolla and Alice Tryon of Harvard organized an annual fern conference at Harvard Forest every spring. The mission of the conference was to bring together researchers from across a broad spectrum of biology whose common link was that they either studied ferns per se or utilized ferns in their experiments. Talks ranged from classical pteridological subjects such as taxonomy, paleobotany and morp- logy, to experimental areas such as ecology, physiology, development, genetics, and biochemistry. For the participants, of whom I was lucky to be one, it was an int- lectually exhilarating experience. We all learned new things, and the cross fertili- tion of different subjects and research approaches led to new ideas and a better understanding of ferns as organisms. The present volume, Working with Ferns: Issues and Applications, edited by Helena Fernandez, Ashwani Kumar and Maria Angeles Revilla, carries the Harvard Forest Fern Conference philosophy into the twenty-first century. The editors have assembled a truly remarkable array of contributions dealing with fern biology. Starting with researches utilizing Ceratopteris, a fern whose speedy life cycle I discovered during my doctoral research at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew more than 40 years ago, and ending with a study of Pteridium aq- linum, a cosmopolitan species taxonomically revised by Professor Rolla Tryon, the papers in Working with Ferns: Issues and Applications offer a look at what is new in pteridology.

This edited book is a comprehensive collection of scientific research on different plants under drought and salt stress conditions. The main focus of this book is to elaborate on the mechanisms being operative in plants under stress and how various biological factors mitigate the adverse effects for better plant productivity. This book covers all physiological, biochemical, and molecular mechanisms operating under drought and saline stresses.  The current status and impact of drought and salinity on various crop plants have been elaborated on in different chapters. Agricultural lands are either turning barren or becoming more saline and drought-prone with increasing temperatures, decreasing water tables, untimely rainfall, and other environmental factors. In India, salt-affected soils occupy an area of about 6.73 million ha of which saline and sodic soils constitute roughly 40 and 60%, respectively. All these factors individually or cumulatively, affect the plant growth and development and hence, the crop productivity with the monetary loss. The inbuilt plant's ability with modified/acclimatized mechanisms has been described in various chapters with step-wise descriptions. The role of various plant growth-promoting agents including nano-particles, micro-organisms, metabolites or phytohormones, etc in mitigating adverse effects of drought and salinity has been explained precisely. Updated information on the use of speed breeding, proteomics, epigenetics, and transcriptomics in different crops along with high throughput technologies is included for the cross-talk of various network mechanisms.  This book is helpful for the readers in knowing salinity and drought through the physiological, biochemical and genetic, and molecular levels to understand plant behaviour under stress conditions. Also, the book serves as additional reading material for undergraduate and graduate students of agriculture, plant physiology, biochemistry, forestry, and environmental sciences. National and international agricultural scientists and policymakers will also find this to be a useful read.

The text provides in-depth knowledge about recent advances in solar collector system, photovoltaic system, role of thermal energy systems in buildings, phase change materials, geothermal energy, biofuels, thermal management systems for EV in social and industrial applications. It further aims toward the inclusion of innovation and implementation of strategies for CO2 emission reduction through the reduction of energy consumption using conventional sources. This book: Presents the latest advances in the field of thermal energy storage, solar energy development, geothermal energy, and hybrid energy applications for green development. Highlights the importance of innovation and implementation of strategies for CO2 emission reduction through the reduction of energy consumption using sustainable technologies and methods. Discusses design development, life cycle assessment, modeling, and simulation of thermal energy systems in detail. Synergize exploration related to the various properties and functionalities through extensive theoretical and numerical modeling present in the energy sector. Explores opportunities, challenges, future perspectives, and approaches toward gaining sustainability through renewable energy resources. The text discusses the fundamentals of thermal energy and its applications in a comprehensive manner. It further covers advancements in solar thermal, and photovoltaic systems. The text highlights the contribution of geothermal energy conversion systems to sustainable development. It showcases the design and optimization of ground source heat pumps for space conditioning and presents modeling and simulation of the thermal energy systems for design optimization. It will serve as an ideal reference text for senior undergraduate, graduate students, and academic researchers in the fields including mechanical engineering, environmental engineering, and energy engineering.

Covers recent developments in materials like graphene reinforced magnesium metal matrix, magnesium, and its alloys. Discusses design and Analysis of Stainless Steel 316L for Femur Bone fracture healing. Covers advanced materials, their properties, and processing techniques. Provides advanced integrated design and nonlinear simulation problems occurring in the biomechanical engineering field.

This text provides an in-depth overview of sustainability in machining processes, challenges during machining of difficult-to-cut materials and different ways of green machining in achieving sustainability. It discusses important topics including green and sustainable machining, dry machining, textured cutting coated tools for machining, solid lubricants-based machining, gas-cooled machining, cryogenic cooling for intelligent machining, artificial neural network for machining, big data based machining, and hybrid intelligent machining. This book- Covers advances in sustainable machining such as gas-cooled machining, near dry machining, and minimum quantity lubrication. Explores use of big data, machine learning and artificial intelligence for machining processes. Provides case studies and experimental design as well as results with analysis focusing on achieving sustainability. Discusses artificial intelligence and machine learning based machining processes. Cover the latest applications of sustainable manufacturing for a better understanding of the concepts. The text is primarily written for senior undergraduate, graduate students, and researchers in the fields of mechanical, manufacturing, industrial, production engineering and materials science.

Ferns are representative of genetic inheritance of great value as they include species of ancient vascular plants, which have direct connection with the evolution of plant life on Earth. This volume brings a selection of chapters covering a range of themes on fern biology, its development and growth, useful protocols for propagation and conservation purposes, genetic diversity, as well as medicinal and environmental applications. The content is organized into four parts: Biotechnology of Ferns Propagation of Ferns Ferns in Medicines Environmental Regulation This wide spectrum of the contributions provides quick access to information on the enormous potential of this plant group. This book brings together most recent research work and novel techniques, which is far from the traditional perspective usually followed. It is of interest to teachers, researchers, and botanists. Also the book serves as additional reading material for undergraduate and graduate students of agriculture, botany, forestry, and ecology.

The text discusses both theoretical and technological aspects of the industry 4.0 based manufacturing processes. It covers important topics such as additive manufacturing, laser-based manufacturing processes, electromagnetic welding and joining processes, green manufacturing processes, and friction welding processes. Illustrates sustainable manufacturing aspects in robotics and aerospace industries Showcases additive manufacturing processes with a focus on innovation and automation Covers environment-friendly manufacturing processes resulting in zero waste, and conserves natural resources Synergize exploration related to the various properties and functionalities through extensive theoretical and experimental modeling Discuss impact welding for joining of dissimilar materials The text discusses the recent manufacturing techniques, and methodologies such as impact welding for joining of dissimilar materials. It further covers techniques such as additive manufacturing, and electromagnetic manufacturing, resulting in minimum or negligible waste. The text elaborates important topics such as friction stir welding energy consumption analysis, and industry waste recycling for sustainable development. It will serve as an ideal reference text for senior undergraduate, graduate students, and researchers in the fields including mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, manufacturing engineering, and production engineering.

The book contains select proceedings of the International Conference on Smart Grid Energy Systems and Control (SGESC 2021). The proceedings is divided into 03 volumes, and this volume focuses on renewable energy towards the smart grid. It includes papers related to smart grid, renewable energy, its integration, and DERs in the network for better energy management and ancillary services. The book presents cutting-edge research in the emerging fields of micro, nano, and smart devices and systems from experts. Most of the contributors have built devices or systems or developed processes or algorithms in these areas. This book is a unique collection of chapters from different areas with a common theme and will be immensely useful to academic researchers and practitioners in the industry.

This book reconceptualizes migration studies in India and brings back the idea of citizenship to the center of the contested relationship between the state and internal migrants in the country. It interrogates the multiple vulnerabilities of disenfranchised internal migrants as evidenced in the mass exodus of migrants during the COVID-19 crisis. Challenging dominant economic and demographic theories of mobility and relying on a wide range of innovative heterodox methodologies, this volume points to the possibility of reimagining migrants as ‘citizens’. The volume discusses various facets of internal migration such as the roles of gender, ethnicity, caste, electoral participation of the internal migrants, livelihood diversification, struggle for settlement, and politics of displacement, and highlights the case of temporary, seasonal, and circulatory migrants as the most exploited and invisible group among migrants. Presenting secondary and recent field data from across regions, including from the northeast, the book explores the processes under which people migrate and suggests ways for ameliorating the conditions of migrants through sustained civic and political action. This book will be essential for scholars and researchers of migration studies, politics, governance, development studies, public policy, sociology, and gender studies as well as policymakers, government bodies, civil society, and interested general readers.

This book provides scientific and technological insights on novel techniques of design and manufacturing using laser technologies. It showcases applications of laser micromachining in the biomedical industry, laser-based manufacturing processes in aerospace engineering, and high-precision laser-cutting in the home appliance sector. Features: Each chapter discusses a specific engineering problem and showcases its numerical, and experimental solution Provides scientific and technological insights on novel routes of design and manufacturing using laser technologies Synergizes exploration related to the various properties and functionalities through extensive theoretical and numerical modeling Highlights current issues, developments, and constraints in additive manufacturing Discusses applications of laser cutting machines in the manufacturing industry and laser micromachining for the biomedical industry The text discusses optical, and laser-based green manufacturing technologies and their application in diverse engineering fields including mechanical, electrical, biomedical, and computer. It further covers sustainability issues in laser-based manufacturing technologies and the development of laser-based ultra-precision manufacturing techniques. The text also discusses the use of artificial intelligence and machine learning in laser-based manufacturing techniques. It will serve as an ideal reference text for senior undergraduate, graduate students, and researchers in fields including mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, manufacturing engineering, and production engineering.

This book is an exposition of how political, cultural, historical, and economic structures and processes shape the nature and character of curriculum landscapes globally. By developing theoretical connections and providing contextual background, Kumar explores how colonialism and imperialism, state-led ideological control, and the wave of neoliberalism and capitalism insidiously impact the process of curriculum development in different parts of the world. Kumar also underscores how intellectual movements such as Marxism and postmodernism have shaped curriculum theory in varied political and economic settings. By emphasizing the connections between and among diverse cultural and political conceptualizations of curriculum, this volume contributes to the internationalization of curriculum studies discourses.

"Biodegradable Composites for Packaging Applications" describes design, processing, and manufacturing of advanced biodegradable composites in packaging industry applications. It covers fundamentals of biodegradable polymers followed by introduction to biodegradable materials for food packaging industry and its processing mechanisms. Pertinent applications are explained across different chapters including intelligent packaging, applied technologies, degradation problems and its impact on environment and associated challenges. Features Covers biodegradable composites and targeted applications in packaging for industrial applications. Includes exhaustive processing and characterizations of biodegradable composites. Discusses innovative commodities packaging applications. Reviews advanced integrated design and fabrication problems for conductive and sensors applications. Explores various properties and functionalities through extensive theoretical and experimental modeling. This volume is aimed at researchers and graduate students in sustainable materials, composite technology, biodegradable plastics, and food technology and engineering.

This collection of multi/inter-disciplinary essays explores the transformative potential of Ashwani Kumar's work on meditative inquiry - a holistic approach to teaching, learning, researching, creating, and living - in diverse educational contexts. Aspiring to awaken awareness, intelligence, compassion, collaboration, and aesthetic sensibility among students and their teachers through self-reflection, critique, dialogue, and creative exploration, this volume: Showcases unique ways in which scholars from diverse disciplinary, cultural, and geographic contexts have engaged with meditative inquiry in their own fields. Provides a space where African, Asian, Buddhist, Indigenous, and Western scholars engage with the idea of meditative inquiry from their own cultural, philosophical, and spiritual traditions, perspectives, and practices. Explores a variety of themes in relation to meditative inquiry including arts-based research, poetic inquiry, Africentricity, Indigenous thinking, martial arts, positive psychology, trauma, dispute resolution, and critical discourse analysis. Offers insights into how the principles of meditative inquiry can be incorporated in classrooms and, thereby, contributes to the growing interest in mindfulness, meditation, and other holistic approaches in schools and academia. The diverse and rich contributions contained in this volume offer valuable perspectives and practices for scholars, students, and educators interested in exploring and adopting the principles of meditative inquiry in their specific fields and contexts.

Covers computational methods in design and fluid dynamics with a focus on computational fluid dynamics Explains advanced material applications and manufacturing in labs using novel alloys and introduces properties in material Discusses fabrication of graphene reinforced magnesium metal matrix for orthopedic applications Illustrates simulation and optimization gear transmission, heat sink and heat exchangers application Provides unique problem-solution approach including solutions, methodology, experimental setup, and results validation

This book reconceptualizes migration studies in India and brings back the idea of citizenship to the center of the contested relationship between the state and internal migrants in the country. It interrogates the multiple vulnerabilities of disenfranchised internal migrants as evidenced in the mass exodus of migrants during the COVID-19 crisis. Challenging dominant economic and demographic theories of mobility and relying on a wide range of innovative heterodox methodologies, this volume points to the possibility of reimagining migrants as 'citizens'. The volume discusses various facets of internal migration such as the roles of gender, ethnicity, caste, electoral participation of the internal migrants, livelihood diversification, struggle for settlement, and politics of displacement, and highlights the case of temporary, seasonal, and circulatory migrants as the most exploited and invisible group among migrants. Presenting secondary and recent field data from across regions, including from the northeast, the book explores the processes under which people migrate and suggests ways for ameliorating the conditions of migrants through sustained civic and political action. This book will be essential for scholars and researchers of migration studies, politics, governance, development studies, public policy, sociology, and gender studies as well as policymakers, government bodies, civil society, and interested general readers.

The text covers four important areas: digital manufacturing, modern manufacturing processes, modeling and simulation in smart industry, and nanotechnology. It further presents mathematical models to represent physical phenomena and applies modern computing methods and simulations in analyzing the same. The text covers key concepts such as abrasive flow machining (AFM), abrasive water jet (AWJ) machining, and hybrid machining for micro/nanomanufacturing. It will serve as an ideal reference text for senior undergraduate, graduate students, and researchers in fields including mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, manufacturing engineering, and production engineering. Features Discusses sustainable development aspects of additive manufacturing in industry 4.0 Studies electrochemical machining processes for micro-machining Presents experimental Investigation of friction factor and heat transfer rate in the laminar regime Examines the mechanical and microstructural characterization of titanium chips using large strain machining Covers hybrid approaches like electrochemical machining and magnetic abrasive flow machining The book emphasizes linking the computer interface with the digital manufacturing process and their demonstration using commercially available software like Solid-Edge, ProE, and CATIA. It further discusses important aspects of digital manufacturing, advanced composites, artificial intelligence, and modern manufacturing processes.