Our books are sold around the world, have been translated into over 50 languages, won many awards, and have been adapted for film and stage. We publish stories that feature strong female characters and explore themes of social justice, human rights, equality, and ability issues. Our list spans adult fiction and nonfiction; children’s fiction, nonfiction and picture books; and young adult fiction and nonfiction.
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Plants feed us, clothe us, provide us with the oxygen we breathe, and buffer our environment against change. In short, plants make life possible. Yet scientists estimate that more than 10 percent of the world's approximately 300,000 plant species are at risk of extinction, and huge swaths of tropical forests and other plant communities are being decimated daily. Plant Diversity, Second Edition surveys the world's plant diversity, from green algae through flowering plants, and presents the fascinating natural history and diversity of green plants in a taxonomic and evolutionary context. This title also asks and answers the questions: Why are there so many plant species in the world? And how can so many plants grow together in a given patch of prairie, forest, or wetland? Through the study of plant diversity, students will gain an appreciation of the natural world far beyond the classroom and the study of botany, to an understanding of how our actions impact the world around us. Plant Diversity, Second Edition is suitable as a supplementary text for a biology course or as recreational reading for the interested student.
Both an ancient way of life and a relatively new and thriving scientific field, ethnobotany is the study of how particular cultures make use of local plants for food, fuel, medicine, shelter, and, in many cultures, for religious ceremonies. Ethnobotany, Second Edition covers all these aspects of this field, with special interest in the significance of plants in the development of new drugs, as modern scientists look to traditional healing remedies for clues in the ongoing fight against disease.
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Plants are the foundation of ecosystems. They convert energy from sunlight into carbohydrates, direct the cycling of nutrients, shape the hydrologic cycle, and influence weather. Many other ecologically important phenomena are the result of the interactions between plants, animals, fungi, and bacteria, and these natural processes reveal an amazing array of traits and strategies that have allowed plants to survive through the years. Plant Ecology, Second Edition explores these major ecological roles and dynamics of plants and their place in the environment. This reference is a vital tool for students and teachers of plant biology.
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Praise for the previous edition: "...a solid addition to a high school and public library science collection. Recommended."—Library Media Connection Materials that are poor conductors of electricity are generally considered nonmetals. One important use of nonmetals is the ability to insulate against current flow. The Earth's atmosphere is composed of nonmetallic elements, but lightning can break down the electron bonds and allow huge voltages to make their way to the ground. Water in its pure form is nonmetallic, though it almost always contains impurities called electrolytes that allow for an electric field. With an exploration of the benefits and challenges to society, health, and the environment, Nonmetals, Second Edition provides readers with new developments in the research of nonmetals, including where they came from, how they fit into our current technological society, and where they may lead us. Written in an easy-to-read format, this newly updated full-color resource discusses new developments and dilemmas; past, present, and future uses of nonmetals in science and technology; and much more. Nonmetals explored in this title include hydrogen, carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, oxygen, sulfur, and selenium.
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For centuries, forests have provided humans and wildlife with shelter and food, but as the need for more wood products from trees increases, so too does the danger of losing the source of our natural wealth. Left untouched, forests provide beauty and recreation that continue to improve our quality of life, and it is our responsibility to take care of that which takes care of us. Forestry, Second Edition explores the science of forestry, from the types of trees and shrubs grown for commercial and medicinal use, to the impact of trees on the environment and human society. This reference is a vital tool for students and teachers of the natural world.
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Addiction affects millions of people throughout the United States, and the numbers are growing. But what exactly is this phenomenon? Is it a physical or psychological illness? A poor choice? Or a medical disease? The United States' two biggest addictions, cigarettes and alcohol, cost our health care system more than $100 billion every year, and in recent years opioid addiction has spread and claimed thousands of lives. Addiction, Second Edition explores the mechanics of addiction, its root causes, and how it touches the lives of every member of society, including users, nonusers, and friends and relatives of users. This eBook also explains addiction as a medical and behavioral phenomenon, defines drug use and behaviors that can reach compulsive levels, and illustrates various ways to treat addictions.
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This eBook explores the wide-ranging realm of horticulture. Presenting lucidly written information on conventional, organic, and sustainable methods, Horticulture, Second Edition covers such topics as the geographical origins of plants as well as their identification, classification, physiology, breeding, and propagation. It also introduces discussions of plant cultural requirements, soil classification, soil fertility, irrigation, ecology and pest control, garden design, and harvest and post-harvest activities. Students will also learn about career opportunities in horticulture.
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From obsessive-compulsive disorders (OCD) to phobias to generalized anxiety disorder, millions of people suffer from clinical anxiety that affects their everyday lives. New research shows that some of these disorders may have neurological causes and may be treated with medications and therapy. Anxiety Disorders, Second Edition examines the many different types of anxiety, their typical symptoms, possible causes, and treatments that may help people who suffer from them. This eBook will help readers better understand the problems associated with this group of mental disorders and gain a broader perspective on how anxiety, when not properly treated, can affect every facet of a person's life.
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Praise for the previous edition: "...valuable..."—School Library Journal Clean air is essential to life and good health. Several important pollutants are produced by fossil fuel combustion and emitted directly into the atmosphere, including carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, sulfur oxides, and hydrocarbons. In addition, total suspended particulates contribute to air pollution, and nitrogen oxides and hydrocarbons combine in the atmosphere to form tropospheric ozone, the major constituent of smog. With an examination of fossil fuels as energy sources and the world population's reliance on them, Fossil Fuels and Pollution, Second Edition outlines the connection between fossil fuels and global warming. Thoroughly updated and featuring new graphs, charts, and illustrations, this full-color eBook explores the properties of greenhouse gases, the nature and causes of their emissions, the largest contributors, and important health issues and considerations associated with them. The concepts of energy efficiency and fuel economy are also examined as well as agricultural greenhouse gases and pollution. Fossil Fuels and Pollution, Second Edition ends with a close look at fuel technology and the "green technology" movement that has been put into place for tomorrow's cars. Chapters include: Energy, Fossil Fuels, and Global Warming Greenhouse Gases, Health, and the Environment Evolution Since the Industrial Revolution Global Warming and Pollution: Buildings and Homes Global Warming and Pollution: Green Transportation Global Warming and Pollution: Cities and Industry Global Warming: Agriculture and the Impacts Today Fuel Technology Green Technology: Tomorrow's Cars Today Conclusions: the Future of Air Quality.
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The mineral nutrients of plants play key roles in plant growth and development, forming the underpinnings of the past, present, and future of agriculture. Plants with insufficient nutrients exhibit symptoms of sickness that can be confused with infectious plant diseases. The nutrients needed by plants are taken from the soil by the roots, and in many plants, the roots also form associations with other organisms that help them more efficiently colonize the soil or provide nutrients to the plant. All facets of plant nutrition, from the effect of nutrients on the plant to the role of plants in the global cycling of nutrients, impact the ways in which humans use and depend on plants for most aspects of our existence. Plant Nutrition, Second Edition addresses the basic chemistry, biology, physiology, and ecology of plant nutrition and shows how these topics relate to humans on a personal, social, and global scale.
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Campylobacteriosis, the infectious disease caused by the bacterium Campylobacter jejuni is the leading cause of bacterial foodborne illnesses in the United States. Learn about this common foodborne illness, its symptoms, and how it can be prevented in Campylobacteriosis, Second Edition.
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While scientists categorize the chemical elements as metals, nonmetals, and metalloids largely based on the elements' abilities to conduct electricity at normal temperatures and pressures, there are other distinctions that are taken into account when classifying the elements of the periodic table. The post-transition metals, for example, are metals, but have such special properties that they are given their own classification. The same is true for the metalloids. Metals and Metalloids, Second Edition presents the current scientific understanding of the physics, chemistry, geology, and biology of these two families of elements, including the post-transition metals and metalloids. Examining how these elements are synthesized in the universe, when and how they were discovered, and where they are found on Earth, this newly updated, full-color resource clearly details how metals and metalloids are used by humans, as well as the resulting benefits and challenges to society, health, and the environment. Metals and Metalloids, Second Edition provides readers with an up-to-date understanding regarding each of the post-transition metals and metalloids and where they may lead us.
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Infectious diseases of the mouth include gingivitis, endodontic infections, periodontal diseases, and cavity-causing bacteria. Oral health has been identified as a major publich health challenge often overlooked by the general public. Good oral health is directly linked to good overall health. Filled with practical medical facts, Infectious Diseases of the Mouth, Second Edition clearly elaborates on the anatomy and biology of the mouth, the types of diseases that affect it, and how they can be prevented and treated.
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Scientists categorize the chemical elements as metals, nonmetals, and metalloids largely based on the elements' abilities to conduct electricity at normal temperatures and pressures, but there are other distinctions taken into account when classifying the elements in the periodic table. The alkali metals, for example, are metals, but have such special properties that they are given their own classification. The same is true for the alkaline earths. Alkali and Alkaline Earth Metals, Second Edition presents the current scientific understanding of the physics, chemistry, geology, and biology of these two families of elements, including how they are synthesized in the universe, when and how they were discovered, and where they are found on Earth. With information pertaining to the discovery and naming of these elements as well as new developments and dilemmas, this newly updated eBook examines how humans use alkalis and alkaline earths and their benefits and challenges to society, health, and the environment. Lithium, sodium, potassium, magnesium, and calcium are only a few of the topics covered in this full-color resource. Alkali and Alkaline Earth Metals, Second Edition provides students and scientists with an up-to-date understanding of each of the nonmetals—where they came from, how they fit into our current technological society, and where they may lead us.
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Before its eradication, smallpox was responsible for millions of deaths throughout history. The disease is unique to humans, caused by one of two virus variants, Variola major and Variola minor. Early symptoms include fever, fatigue, headache, muscle pain, nausea, and vomiting. After 12 to 15 days, lesions appear in the mouth, and then spread to the skin a day or two later. At this point, the disease can take several different courses. Historically, the overall fatality rate is 30%. This revised edition of Smallpox, Second Edition discusses the history and epidemiology of the disease, plus the amazing story of its eradication. Although the disease has not been seen in its natural form in more than 40 years, the future of smallpox, and its potential use as a biological weapon, are of great concern. Chapters and topics include: History of Smallpox Elimination of Smallpox Smallpox in the Americas The Smallpox Virus Symptoms Treatment Vaccine Development The Bioweapons Threat New Concerns and Future Prospects.
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Autism is a developmental disorder characterized by impaired social interaction, difficulty with communication, repetitive behaviors, and narrow, obsessive interests. Autism is considered a spectrum disorder because it can manifest in various ways and its severity can range from mild to disabling. Autism, Second Edition examines the nature of the disorder, its symptoms, the various types, related disorders, and treatments that may help those affected. Readers will gain an understanding of what scientists believe may cause these spectrum disorders and where the latest research is leading. This informative book also examines the controversy over childhood vaccines that some believe may contribute to autism spectrum disorders. Chapters include: What Is Autism? Identifying Autism What Causes Autism? Treatment of Autism: Intervention and Education Asperger Syndrome The Debate: Is There an Epidemic?
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Leprosy, a bacterial disease that usually afflicts the skin, nerves, respiratory tract, and eyes, has plagued humanity since history was first recorded. In Leprosy, Second Edition students will learn how this ancient and dreaded disease has been kept in check by scientists and medical professionals. Chapters include: History of Leprosy Host-Pathogen Interactions in Leprosy Treating Leprosy Researching Mycobacterium leprae.
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“Rabbit fever,” otherwise known as tularemia, is transmitted mostly through blood-sucking insects, including fleas, ticks, and deer flies. The contributing bacterium for this disease, Francisella tularensis, was once commonly hosted by rabbits, but these insects have taken over the role of carriers. In Tularemia, Second Edition, students will learn about the symptoms of this disease, as well as the effects, treatment options, history, and carriers while examining specific case studies.
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Whether people argue that global warming is caused by natural phenomena or that it is caused by humans—or both—it is one of the most controversial topics in the scientific world today. There are varying opinions between scientists about the effects of global warming because so many interrelated factors are involved, making it difficult to pinpoint specific impacts and make changes accordingly. The Earth's climate is an extremely complicated system, and climatologists must conduct research daily in order to improve their understanding of all the interrelated components. Climate Management, Second Edition focuses on changing human behavior as the first step toward a positive management system that will benefit current society and those to come. Thoroughly updated and featuring new graphs, charts, and illustrations, this full-color resource explores human psychology and how cultural value systems, politics, and news dissemination affect people's opinions, thereby driving public response. Informing readers on how global warming affects national security and terrorism and why its progression is a very real threat to everyone's future, this accessible resource presents various conservation programs that have been developed and looks at what is and isn't working. Climate Management, Second Edition also outlines the importance of public education and the role it plays in the future. Chapters include: The Beginning: the UNFCCC, Kyoto Protocol, and IPCC The U.S. Political Arena Cap-and-Trade Programs and Other Mitigation Strategies The International Political Arena Global Warming, Human Psychology, and the Media The Stand on the Debate Green Energy and Global Warming Research Climate Modeling Practical Solutions That Work: Getting Everyone Involved The Future: What Lies Ahead.
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A plant grows by taking in carbon dioxide from the air and water, as well as nutrients from the soil. Using light energy from the sun, a plant turns these simple materials into more complex organic molecules that add to its increasing size. Plant Development, Second Edition explores this natural process, from the plant as a single cell to a mature organism, giving students a reference point for their understanding of the complex changes in both form and function of a plant's development. This is a valuable tool for students and teachers of plant biology.
