eChapters

Financial data visualization is the process of turning financial information into visual formats like charts, graphs, and dashboards. It helps finance teams interpret large datasets quickly, spot patterns or anomalies, and make betterinformed business decisions. Data visualization in finance is a craft of transforming complex financial numbers into accessible visual forms. Visual formats such as charts, graphs, dashboards, maps, and interactive displays serve as lenses through which data becomes visible and understandable. Finance practitioners navigate risk profiles, asset performance, expense trends, cash flows, and portfolio behavior more effectively when raw inputs become visual stories. Creation of visual representations hinges on careful selection of chart types, scaling, color, and annotation. Communicating precise meanings through visuals demands an understanding of data relationships, temporal changes, distributions, and comparisons.

5.1. Introduction

Glass is one of the oldest packaging materials used for food. The use of glass as a packaging material dates back to 3000 BC where it was the first object to be used for containing and carrying food objects. It is made by cooling a heated fused mixture of silicates, lime and soda. It is an amorphous material in which all the constituents individually form an irregular network at microscopic level. It means it has failed to form a definite crystalline structure during cooling. Glass is defined as “amorphous, inorganic product of fusion that has been cooled to a rigid condition without crystallizing (ASTM, 2010)”. It has no definite melting point.

Introduction PCR is an important molecular tool used widely in different applied research fields such as Infectious disease diagnosis, clinical medicine development and gene cloning etc., (Fang et al., 2008). Among different amplification methods, PCR was the first to be developed and has been the method of choice for its simplicity, easier methodology, extensively validated standard operating procedure and availability of reagents and equipment’s. However, it also has a good number of limitations such as advanced equipment, high cost, sensitivity to certain classes of contaminants and inhibitors requirement of thermal cycling etc. (Fakruddin, 2011). These limitations of PCR allowed to develop the alternative methods such as loop mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) (Notomi et al., 2000), nucleic acid sequence-based amplification (NASBA) (Compton, 1991), self?sustained sequence replication (3SR) (Guatelli et al., 1990), rolling circle amplification (RCA) (Lizardi et al., 1998) etc., most of these techniques are isothermal that don’t require thermal cycler. These methods have many advantages over PCR in terms of speed, cost, scale or portability.

Introduction
The northernmost territory of the Republic of India, Jammu and Kashmir (latitude 32.28–37.06° and longitude 72.53–80.32°), is situated in the North Temperate Zone, characterized by its temperate-like conditions due to altitudinal variations (220 to 8611 m above mean sea level). The area is rich in biodiversity, with its mountainous terrain creating a beautiful aquatic landscape that is a key feature of its idyllic scenery. The aquatic resources over the valley primarily consist of high-altitude lakes, with wetlands and rivers following. These resources are more prevalent at higher altitudes, with decreasing occurrence at mid and lower altitudes. The freshwater bodies in the valley support a diverse array of macrophytes, phytoplankton, and zooplankton (Shah et al., 2020). Aquatic weeds, or hydrophytes, are found in water bodies worldwide, including those in India. Aquatic weeds are generally described as unwanted plants in the aquatic ecosystem. They occupy various ecological niches within these water bodies and play crucial roles in their ecosystems. India is home to numerous native vascular aquatic plants, as well as various non-native species. These aquatic plants include monocots, dicots, periphyton, and angiosperms. They serve as primary producers in the water bodies, contributing to oxygen production and offering nutritional and medicinal benefits. Despite their importance to the aquatic ecosystem, excessive growth of aquatic weeds can pose significant risks to aquatic organisms, particularly fish diversity in the affected areas.
The aquatic macrophytes of the Kashmir valley have been documented extensively by various authors over time, continuously updating the knowledge of the regional aquatic flora. Based on the recent finding of Ganie et al. (2020), the valley currently hosts 191 species of macrophytes, both aquatic and semiaquatic. These plants belong to 27 families and 80 genera, distributed across 22 dicotyledons, 12 monocotyledons, and 3 pteridophytes. Of these, 92 species are fully aquatic, including free-floating and submerged types, while 99 species are semiaquatic and emergent. In terms of diversity, the highest number of macrophyte species (160) has been reported from Kashmir, followed by 94 species in Jammu and 44 species in Ladakh. The distribution of aquatic weeds in the Kashmir valley includes prominent water bodies such as Dal Lake, Wular Lake, and Manasbal Lake. These lakes support a variety of macrophytes, contributing to the rich biodiversity of the valley. Dal Lake, for instance, is known for its extensive growth of Hydrilla verticillata and Potamogeton natans, while Wular Lake hosts species like Nymphaea alba and Trapa natans. The variety of aquatic plants in these water bodies is crucial for maintaining the ecological balance and health of the aquatic ecosystems of the valley. The diverse array of aquatic weeds in the waterbodies of the valley acts as a "double-edged sword" for the ecosystem. On one hand, these plants provide oxygen, maintain the nutrient cycle, and serve as food for some phytophagous fishes. On the other hand, their overabundance can create mosquito breeding grounds, absorb vital nutrients from the water, release toxic chemicals, and cause dead zones at night by consuming oxygen for respiration. Therefore, it is crucial to control and manage the population of aquatic weeds to ensure the wellbeing and sustainability of the aquatic ecosystem.

1. Introduction
Soil hydrothermal regime refers to the distribution and movement of water and heat within the soil. It describes the patterns of soil moisture and temperature variation over time and space. Understanding the hydrothermal regime is important in agriculture, ecology, and engineering, as it affects various soil processes, plant growth, and the behaviour of soil-related structures. The hydrothermal regime of soil is influenced by several factors, including climate, topography, vegetation, soil properties, and land use practices. The movement of water within the soil is driven by precipitation, irrigation, evaporation, and plant uptake (Aggarwal et al., 2009). It can be affected by soil physical properties such as soil texture, structure, porosity, and permeability. Water moves through the soil in response to hydraulic gradients, which are determined by the difference in soil water potential. Soil temperature is influenced by solar radiation, air temperature, and heat fluxes at the soil surface. It varies with depth and can be affected by factors such as soil color, moisture content, vegetation cover, and the thermal properties of the soil. The hydrothermal regime of soil has significant implications for plant growth and development. It affects processes such as seed germination, root growth, nutrient availability, and microbial activity. It also plays a crucial role in soil erosion, groundwater recharge, and the movement of pollutants within the soil profile. Soil’s thermal properties are pivotal in determining the microclimate, which subsequently influences critical stages like seed germination, the growth of seedlings, and the successful established of a crop stand. These properties are vital for modelling the movement of energy, water, and nutrients in soil. Soil thermal regimes are shaped by static properties such as texture and mineralogy and dynamic properties including water content, compaction, organic matter, and porosity. These dynamic properties including water content, compaction, organic matter, and porosity. These dynamic properties, significant to significant change during various farming operations can be adjusted with suitable soil and crop management strategies. Soil moisture content has a significant effect on the soil thermal conductivity. The relationship between soil moisture and thermal conductivity

Abstract

The functioning and stability of terrestrial ecosystem are determined by plant biodiversity and species composition. So far, little attention has been paid to the effects of microbe-plant interactions, particularly the mycorrhizal symbiosis, on ecosystem variability, productivity and plant biodiversity. The most common type of mycorrhizal association is the arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) type. The role of AM fungi in the uptake of diffusion limited nutrients like P and in conferring resistance to soil-borne-diseases is well documented.

Types of Confectionery

Confectionery also called sweets or candy is sweet food product. Confectionery is divided into two broad and somewhat overlapping categories, Bakers’ Confections and Sugar Confections. Confections are low in micronutrients and protein but high in calories. They may be fat-free foods, although some confections, especially fried doughs, are high-fat foods. Many confections are considered to give empty calories.

Baker’s Confectionery

Baker’s confectionery also called flour confections includes principally sweet pastries, cakes, and similar baked goods. In the Middle East and Asia, flour-based confections are more dominant. Baker’s confectionery includes sweet baked goods, especially those that are served for the dessert course. Baker’s confections are sweet foods that feature flour as a main ingredient and are baked. Major categories include cakes, sweet pastries, doughnuts, scones, and cookie.

Millets which are also known as “Shree Anna” are a type of grass with small seeds that belongs to the Poaceae family and are widely grown throughout the world. Millets have high levels of proteins, minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants that why they are known to be climate-change-resilient crops. Proteins are essential amino acids that the body cannot synthesize and are used as a nitrogen source during embryo development following germination. Millets are high in dietary fibre and are important staple crop in many parts of the world. They are versatile grains that can be used to make a variety of food products, including millet flour. Millets are good for cardiac health, weight management, antioxidant activity, and may have anti-cancerous properties. They are nutrient- dense, provide sustained energy, and contain antioxidants such as polyphenols and flavonoids. Millets are considered safe and have a variety of health benefits. Surprisingly, millets perform major non-millet cereals in terms of nutrition. They are particularly high in dietary fibres, minerals, antioxidants, phytochemicals, and polyphenols, all of which have broad-spectrum positive effects on human health.

Fertility of a soil can be assessed by analyzing various available nutrients present in the soil. Fertilizer recommendations for various crops and cropping sequences can be made on the basis of fertility status of a soil. Besides this, problematic soil can be ameliorated on the basis of soil test values. Among the various steps of soil testing programmes, soil sampling is the most vital step.

Abstract

Study was undertaken to investigate the toxicity of heavy metals on the structure and function of ectomycorrhizal fungi and their ability to colonize the pine seedlings. Ectomycorrhizal fungi were isolated, cultured and multiplied on MMN medium. Six heavy metals (Cd, Ni, Zn, Pb, Cu and Al) were selected and different concentrations viz; 0 ppm (control), 10 ppm, 50 ppm, 100 ppm, 200 ppm and 500 ppm were used for treating the seedlings. The study was continued for one year. Different growth parameters were measured. Factors such as soil moisture, pH and soil organic carbon on ectomycorrhizal colonization were also analyzed. The mycorrhizal colonization was more in those seedlings having lower concentration of heavy metal treatment. Statistical data analysis has shown that the heavy metals had negative correlation with mycorrhizal colonization. High concentration of metals were toxic to external mycelium, which ultimately resulted in reduction of ectomycorrhizal development. The accumulation of metals in the fungal mycelium and protecting root against metal toxicity was an important factor.

Sweet pea (Lathyrus odoratus) is the only species in the genus Lathyrus and family Fabaceae which is widely cultivated as an ornamental plant. Lathyrus comes from the Greek word “Lathyros” in which the prefix “la” means “very” and suffix “thyros” means “passionate”. The “Odoratus” is derived from Latin word which means “fragrant” (Fernald, 1950). It is mainly grown for its beautiful flower colour forms. It is an annual climbing plant growing to a height of 1-2 m with the support of a terminal tendril which twines around the plants and helps to climb. The illness caused by the ingestion of sweet pea is known as odoratism or sweet pea lathyrism. Sweet pea was used to verify Mendel’s work with the garden pea (Pisum sativum L.) in the early 1900s (Bateson, 1902). The genetical phenomenon of linkage was first demonstrated in the sweet pea. It is used prominently as a model organism to study flower development due to its large, colourful and fragrant flowers. The essential oils extracted from the sweet pea can be used in perfume blends.

5.1 Foliar nutrition of fruit crops

Foliar application of nutrients is gaining importance in horticultural crops in general and fruit crops in particular. The important criterion of the effectiveness of nutrient spray is the rate at which the foliar applied nutrients are absorbed by the leaves and translocated within the plant. For getting optimum yield, foliar fertilization should be carried out when the plant’s requirements are particularly high and the nutrient uptake through the plant roots is restricted. The restriction may be due to either plant or soil limitations.

Zingiberales is an important order in Kingdom Plantae with eight families in which most of them are important as far as commercial horticulture is concerned. The order includes fruits (bananas and plantains), spices (ginger, turmeric, cardamom), medicinal (arrowroot, galangal) and ornamental (Heliconias, Bird of Paradise, Marantas, Canna, Costus, etc) plants. Among the ornamental zingiberales, plants of Strelitziaceae and Heliconiaceae are gaining popularity for its aesthetic preferences and marketable cut flowers. The unique colour and enhanced vase life of inflorescences makes them as flowers of choice. The plants of other families such as Marantaceae, Cannaceae, Costaceae, Zingiberaceae, Lowiaceae and Musaceae are also gaining momentum in floriculture business for their cut foliages and inflorescences. Some plants such as calathias are admired as potted plants and for indoor gardening.

Introduction: Indoor Air Pollution

People think that while they are indoors, they are breathing clean air. After all, pollution is found outside, and indoor air is filtered through the HVAC system.

Indoor air can have significantly higher concentrations of pollution than air found outside. Plenty of evidences exists. Global Burden of Disease Risk lists indoor air pollution as the ninth biggest health risk.

Introduction

More than a third is covered by drylands in the terrestrial land surface, which have a harsh and vulnerable natural condition (Maier et al., 2014). Due to insufficient water availability, dry areas have a scant population of vascular plants, as well as poor availability of the nutrient turnover with poor availability of the resources as a result of severe temperatures (Adeel, 2008). Biological soil crusts or Biocrusts commonly protects the soil surface in dry environments and it is considered “ecosystem engineers” of arid and semiarid areas, as well as signs of ecosystem health (Briggs and Morgan, 2011; Bowker et al., 2008). They are connected in dryland ecosystem restoration level or degradation (Assouline et al., 2015). When compared to chemical or physical crusts, biocrust is the largest word that explicitly implies that these are the crusts which are dependent on the living organisms’ activity.

Introduction
Fish nutrition is a critical determinant of growth, reproduction, and overall health in aquaculture systems. A thorough understanding of the nutritional physiology of fish lays the groundwork for designing innovative feeding strategies that improve fish production, health, and sustainability. Unlike terrestrial animals, fish have unique physiological traits that influence their dietary needs and how they process nutrients, requiring specialized nutritional approaches. This chapter provides a detailed exploration of these physiological features and their implications for the development of cutting-edge nutritional innovations in aquaculture.
1. Basics of Fish Anatomy and Physiology Related to Nutrition
Fish anatomy and physiology particularly in the context of nutrition present unique characteristics that differentiate them from terrestrial animals. One of the most significant features of fish is their poikilothermic nature, meaning their body temperature fluctuates with the surrounding water. This directly impacts their metabolism, as colder waters slow down metabolic processes, reducing the need for energy, while warmer waters increase metabolic rates, driving higher energy demand. This temperature dependency is critical in understanding the feeding behavior and nutritional needs of different fish species. Unlike mammals or birds, which expend energy to maintain a constant internal body temperature, fish can allocate a greater proportion of their consumed nutrients toward growth, reproduction, and immune function.

1. Introduction
Nanotechnology, which involves manipulating and controlling matter at the nanoscale, offers innovative solutions for enhancing soil quality, nutrient management, and remediation of contaminated soils (Lal et al., 2019). According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO, 2015), approximately 33% of global soils are degraded due to erosion, nutrient depletion, and chemical contamination. This degradation poses a severe threat to food security and environmental sustainability. Moreover, the world population is projected to reach 9.7 billion by 2050, placing further pressure on agricultural systems to produce more food without degrading soil resources (Tripathi et al., 2019). In this context, nanotechnology presents a promising avenue for sustainable soil management. The unique properties exhibited by nanomaterials enable precise monitoring, targeted delivery of nutrients, and effective remediation of soil contaminants. Nanosensors equipped with nanomaterials and nanoparticles allow real-time monitoring of soil parameters, enabling farmers to make informed decisions regarding irrigation, fertilization, and pest management (Gogos et al., 2017). For instance, a case study conducted by Smith et al. (2021) demonstrated the effectiveness of nanosensors in monitoring soil moisture levels and optimizing irrigation practices, resulting in a 20% reduction in water usage while maintaining crop yield.
Furthermore, nanotechnology offers innovative solutions for nutrient management in agricultural soils. Nanoencapsulation techniques allow controlled release of fertilizers, minimizing nutrient leaching and improving nutrient uptake by plants (Lal et al., 2019). In a case study by Johnson et al. (2020), the application of nanoencapsulated fertilizers resulted in a 15% increase in nutrient use efficiency and a reduction in fertilizer runoff by 30%, thus improving soil health and reducing environmental pollution.
Moreover, nanomaterials exhibit high sorption and catalytic properties, enabling efficient removal of heavy metal contaminants and organic pollutants from soils, thus mitigating soil contamination risks (Wang et al., 2022). A case study conducted by Chen et al. (2019) demonstrated the successful remediation of a heavily contaminated soil site using iron oxide nanoparticles, resulting in a significant reduction in heavy metal concentrations and improvement in soil health indicators.

Abstract

Landslides have become a recurring phenomenon in most of the mountainous regions of the world. In Indian peninsular, the landslides which were mostly confined to the tectonically active Himalayan Mountains once, have started spreading over to the other mountain belts of the Peninsula. The Tirumala – Tirupati hills, which is drawing millions of pilgrims from all over the world is facing landslides especially along the newly built southern uphill Ghat Road. The geology of the area, studied using geomatics tools like Remote Sensing, SRTM based Digital Elevation Models, GPS Survey, etc., showed that Tirumala hills is under the grip of upward tectonic movement as evidenced from the N-S and E–W oriented Pleistocene faults, intensely dissected Plateau top Cuddapah Quartzites, retreating escarpments, exhaustive debris slopes, extensive valley fills along the slopes, colluvial fills in lower slopes, palaeo debris flows along the southern and western obsequent slopes of the Tirumala hills etc. All these indicate the inherent landslide vulnerability of the slopes. The E-W trending dykes which are piercing the slopes and standing as ridges add further landslide vulnerability to such fragile slopes. So, the new ghat road laid along such southern slope is obviously facing landslides. However, the detailed geomatics based studies show that the dykes, valley fills and steep slopes are particularly more vulnerable to landslides. Though remedial measures have been broadly evolved, abandoning the southern uphill new ghat road and widening the older northern downhill ghat road seems to be the better and long term feasible alternative to prevent Landslides.

APPENDIX – 1: Basic Information

Table 1: Spacing and plant population

Commercial Building

Commercial buildings consist of government buildings, banks, hospitals, schools, malls, retail, restaurants, and office spaces. Among these, office and retail occupy the major percentage of energy consumption. 

More than 40% of the total final energy consumption and about 30% of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions are in connection with the civil and residential sector.

Maximum energy consumption in commercial buildings by HVAC system (51% followed by appliances and food service equipment (20%), lighting(12%), electronics and information technology(9%) and water (8%).