Bioinformatics has been recognised and studied as a separate discipline only in the last decade. Being a multidisciplinary subject it requires knowledge of several subjects, such as molecular biology, biochemistry, computer science and others. Students in a bioinformatics course are from different academic backgrounds; those who have studied biology (i.e., botany, zoology, biochemistry, microbiology, etc.), will require an introduction to mathematics and computer science, while those with a background in physics, chemistry and mathematics will need explanations of biological principles.
This book provides a simple and concise explanation of the basic principles, tools and applications of bioinformatics. It explains

• subjects that are part of a conventional bioinformatics course, such as databases, database access and analyses tools
  
• principles of computer science that underlie the algorithms which are built into these tools.
  
• core algorithms of sequence analyses and phylogeny construction.
  

Starting with a brief overview of biological terminology used frequently in bioinformatics, the contents are grouped into five sections:

• bioinformatics and algorithms
  
• databases and matrices
  
• alignment and comparison of sequences
  
• algorithms to analyse data
  
• applications of bioinformatics

The book has been planned and structured as an undergraduate textbook for the one-semester foundation course in bioinformatics. In order to make the book more useful for a wider section of students and teachers, the book has been kept concise and relevant, at the same time covering all important aspects. Care has been taken to design the algorithms such that even beginners can understand them without difficulty.

Cell Biology covers one of the most fundamental and elaborately studied areas of biology: the cell. The cell is the basic unit of life and has all the structural and functional properties required for life. The book has been divided into 20 chapters—beginning with the origin of biological systems and ending with tools for the study of cells. Every effort has been made to include the most recent information. Each chapter is provided with an adequate number of illustrations.
This book can serve as a basic textbook for students of molecular biology, genetics, biochemistry, agriculture and biotechnology, or as a reference book for those interested in learning the fundamentals of cell biology, in particular, the origin, organization and functions of subcellular components and cell types.

Special Features

• It is a comprehensive book on Cell Biology
  
• Molecular Biology is a separate volume and will follow
  
• Includes current research findings
  
• Origin of life and the theories of origin of life have been uniquely discussed for the benefit of students, which is generally lacking in most cell biology books.
  
• Chapters and subject information is well organized and systematically presented. This helps reader to access the information easily.
  
• Sufficient number of computer graphics and photomicrographs generated by the author himself has been included for easy understanding and for authenticity; the figures are well labelled and represent the subject appropriately.
  
• 16 pages in colour
  
• Large size format
  

The technology of cell, tissue and organ culture is of primary importance in the development of the biotechnology industry. Major advances in the biological sciences have been possible, at least partially, due to this technology. Principles and Practice of Animal Tissue Culture provides basic information on the technology of animal tissue culture and discusses several specialised techniques. The book is well supported by relevant graphs and photographs of equipment and cultured tissues. The book is a comprehensive practical guide that emphasises ‘good laboratory practices''. Protocols, aseptic techniques, media preparation and data have been systematically presented to be of help primarily to students of biotechnology. The second edition of this book includes a new chapter on Primary Culture of Chick Embryo Fibroblasts written in the same lucid style. The book explains

• The principles of animal tissue culture in simple terms;
• How to set up a laboratory for tissue culture in India with the equipment and facilities available locally;
• The procedures for various experiments and specialised techniques in a clear and lucid manner.
• How to use a primary culture to help in the study of cell–cell interactions, maintenance of functional ability of cells and effect of external stimuli of cell functions (in the new chapter).
• Various methods with the help of photographs and drawings of equipment in twenty colour plates.

Exquisitely illustrated, this field guide to the common birds and mammals found in Andhra Pradesh describes 157 birds and 42 mammals that commonly occur in the state, with details of their characters, habits and habitat. The book also has information on:

• ecosystems found in the state
• areas listed as protected, with details on the location, accessibility, and the special features of the sanctuaries and national parks
• checklists of birds from a few bird areas in the state
• the protected status of birds and mammals of Andhra Pradesh

We are becoming increasingly vulnerable to natural disasters. Disaster Management is therefore an important topic for all—from high school students to researchers. Disaster data in recent years show increasing trends in physical, social and economic impacts. While a global perspective of disaster management is necessary, it is also important to emphasize local solutions. This book targets some of the key issues of disaster management, focusing on innovative research and application. The chapters are organized under 5 interrelated themes: • Hazards and disasters • Risk and vulnerability • Technology • Education and community • Crosscutting issues It will serve as an up-to-date reference book for researchers and practitioners in the field of disaster management throughout the world. This book will be useful for students, teachers, researchers and practitioners in the field of disaster management. It is an invaluable resource for • Faculty of departments of geology and environmental science • Students of geology and environmental science

Spiders of India is the only modern book available on the subject, and will prove an invaluable resource for professionals, students, naturalists, and researchers in zoology, entomology, ecology and physiology.

The first part of the book looks at the morphology and anatomy of spiders, as well as systematics and evolution. The second part provides detailed descriptions of selected species. The book also contains, importantly, a decisive and updated checklist of the 1,520 spiders which have been described from India. It is richly illustrated with line drawings and diagrams, and more than 150 colour photographs, many documented for the first time.