Science & Nature - Books

Une écologie décoloniale - Penser l'écologie depuis le monde caribéen

Science & Nature

Une colère rouge recouvre le ciel. Les vagues s'agitent, l'eau monte, les forêts tombent et les corps s'enfoncent dans ce sanguinaire gouffre marin. Les cieux tonnent encore devant ce spectacle : le monde est en pleine tempête. Derrière sa prétention d'universalité, la pensée environnementale s'est construite sur l'occultation des fondations coloniales, patriarcales et esclavagistes de la modernité. Face à la tempête, l'environnementalisme propose une arche de Noé qui cache dans son antre les inégalités sociales, les discriminations de genre, les racismes et les situations (post)coloniales, et abandonne à quai les demandes de justice. Penser l'écologie depuis le monde caribéen confronte cette absence à partir d'une région où impérialismes, esclavagismes et destructions de paysages nouèrent violemment les destins des Européens, Amérindiens et Africains. Le navire négrier rappelle que certains sont enchaînés à la cale et parfois jetés par-dessus bord à la seule idée de la tempête. Tel est l'impensé de la double fracture moderne qui sépare les questions coloniales des destructions environnementales. Or, panser cette fracture demeure la clé d'un " habiter ensemble " qui préserve les écosystèmes tout autant que les dignités. Telle est l'ambition d'une " écologie décoloniale " qui relie les enjeux écologiques à la quête d'un monde au sortir de l'esclavage et de la colonisation. Face à la tempête, ce livre est une invitation à construire un navire-monde où les rencontres des autres humains et non-humains sur le pont de la justice dessinent l'horizon d'un monde commun. Malcom Ferdinand est ingénieur en environnement de University College London, docteur en philosophie politique de l'université Paris-Diderot et chercheur au CNRS (IRISSO / Université Paris-Dauphine).

Monde vivant, monde minéral et principe d'émergence

Science & Nature

Cet ouvrage est une réédition numérique d’un livre paru au XXe siècle, désormais indisponible dans son format d’origine.

Liberation Science: Putting Science to Work for Social and Environmental Justice

Science & Nature

Liberation Science is the practice of using the knowledge and methods of science to solve the social and environmental problems faced by the poor. Liberation Science can address these problems because it has been freed from the flawed scientific paradigms that are linked to the flawed social paradigms of nationalism and capitalism. Three themes of Liberation Science are: 1) The definition of an ecosystem becomes both more expansive and more holistic to include humans, cultural practices, and the built environment, together with the possibility that an ecosystem could mimic the behavior of a single organism. 2) The logic and methods of science are made available to ordinary people, empowering them to understand the ecologies of their own communities. 3) Science becomes open to complementary philosophical approaches that draw upon cultural and spiritual traditions of particular regions or communities.

Environmental Simulation Chambers: Application to Atmospheric Chemical Processes

Science & Nature

Atmospheric pollution has many different detrimental impacts on air quality at urban, regional and global scales. Large volume photoreactors (often referred to as smog or simulation chambers) have been used very effectively to investigate and understand many varied aspects of atmospheric chemistry related to air pollution problems. Photochemical smog formation, which was first observed around 1945 in Los Angeles, is now a major environmental problem for all industrialised and densely populated regions of the world. Over the years many different modelling and experimental tools have been developed to analyse and simulate the complex chemical processes associated with tropspheric photooxidant formation. Work in environmental chambers has played a key role in the development of our understanding of the atmospheric chemistry associated with pollution problems on local, regional and global scales. Chamber observations have also been used in connection with environmental policy issues. In general they are used for validation of atmospheric chemical models, studies of chemical reaction mechanisms and as a direct means to test the possible impact of specific chemical compounds on air quality under simulated ambient conditions New large smog chamber installations have been recently developed in the US (Riverside, California), Europe (Jülich, Germany) and Japan, and a large number of smaller scale laboratory chambers are in operation around the world. Over the years there have been numerous new technical developments related to environmental chamber facilities such as the design of the chambers (e. g.

The Cognitive Approach in Cloud Computing and Internet of Things Technologies for Surveillance Tracking Systems

Science & Nature

The Cognitive Approach in Cloud Computing and Internet of Things Technologies for Surveillance Tracking Systems discusses the recent, rapid development of Internet of things (IoT) and its focus on research in smart cities, especially on surveillance tracking systems in which computing devices are widely distributed and huge amounts of dynamic real-time data are collected and processed. Efficient surveillance tracking systems in the Big Data era require the capability of quickly abstracting useful information from the increasing amounts of data. Real-time information fusion is imperative and part of the challenge to mission critical surveillance tasks for various applications. This book presents all of these concepts, with a goal of creating automated IT systems that are capable of resolving problems without demanding human aid. Examines the current state of surveillance tracking systems, cognitive cloud architecture for resolving critical issues in surveillance tracking systems, and research opportunities in cognitive computing for surveillance tracking systems Discusses topics including cognitive computing architectures and approaches, cognitive computing and neural networks, complex analytics and machine learning, design of a symbiotic agent for recognizing real space in ubiquitous environments, and more Covers supervised regression and classification methods, clustering and dimensionality reduction methods, model development for machine learning applications, intelligent machines and deep learning networks includes coverage of cognitive computing models for scalable environments, privacy and security aspects of surveillance tracking systems, strategies and experiences in cloud architecture and service platform design

Agriculture et équilibre économique

Science & Nature

Cet ouvrage est une réédition numérique d’un livre paru au XXe siècle, désormais indisponible dans son format d’origine.

I fondamentali

Science & Nature

Con questo saggio, esemplarmente chiaro e sostenuto da un entusiasmo contagioso, il premio Nobel Frank Wilczek offre al lettore un'esplorazione semplice ma profonda della realtà. Il grande fisico ci guida attraverso quei concetti essenziali della scienza contemporanea che ci permettono di comprendere il mondo e il suo funzionamento. Tramite queste pagine, cogliamo la realtà in modo nuovo, piú ampio, realistico e sorprendente che mai. Sintetizzando quesiti basilari, dati concreti e ardite speculazioni, Wilczek riflette sugli elementi alla base della nostra conoscenza dell'universo: spazio, tempo, materia, energia, complessità, complementarità. Rivisita la storia della scienza fondamentale, esamina ciò che sappiamo e come lo sappiamo, distingue i fatti reali dalle molteplici finzioni e viaggia verso gli orizzonti della ricerca scientifica futura. Sempre brillante e acuto, questo libro è un magnifico omaggio all'ingegno e all'immaginazione umane, in grado di parlare a chiunque sia attratto dai misteri del mondo.«Questo è un libro sulle lezioni fondamentali che possiamo apprendere dallo studio del mondo fisico. Ho conosciuto molte persone che ne sono incuriosite e desiderano capire che cosa ha da dire in proposito la fisica contemporanea: sono avvocati, medici, artisti, studenti, insegnanti, genitori o semplicemente persone curiose. Hanno intelligenza, ma non conoscenza. Qui ho cercato di trasmettere i messaggi centrali della fisica contemporanea nel modo piú semplice possibile, eppure non per questo meno corretto. Durante la stesura del libro ho sempre avuto in mente i miei amici curiosi e le loro domande. Per me queste lezioni fondamentali dicono ben piú che semplici fatti su come funziona il mondo fisico. Certo, questi fatti sono potenti e affascinanti in un loro modo strano, ma anche il modello di pensiero che ci ha permesso di scoprirli è un risultato enorme, ed è importante pensare a cosa ci dicono questi fatti fondamentali sul posto che occupiamo noi esseri umani nel quadro d'insieme».«Questo è un libro sulle idee profonde, non su delle fantasie passeggere. Ti propone i principî fondamentali, non aridi elenchi di dati. È davvero un piacere raro gettare uno sguardo nella mente di uno dei fisici piú importanti del mondo; scritto con uno stile accattivante, che chiunque potrà apprezzare».Sean Carroll

Accounting for Climate Change

Science & Nature

The assessment of greenhouse gases (GHGs) emitted to and removed from the atmosphere is high on both political and scientific agendas internationally. As increasing international concern and cooperation aim at policy-oriented solutions to the climate change problem, several issues have begun to arise regarding verification and compliance under both proposed and legislated schemes meant to reduce the human-induced global climate impact. The approaches to addressing uncertainty discussed in this volume attempt to improve national inventories or to provide a basis for the standardization of inventory estimates to enable comparison of emissions and emission changes across countries. Several authors use detailed uncertainty analyses to enforce the current structure of the emissions trading system while others attempt to internalize high levels of uncertainty by tailoring the emissions trading market rules. In all approaches, uncertainty analysis is regarded as a key component of national GHG inventory analyses. Topics of interest include: -national greenhouse gas emission inventories-bottom-up versus top-down emission analyses-signal detection and analysis techniques-verification and compliance issues-role of uncertainty in emissions trading schemes-compliance and emissions trading under the Kyoto Protocol Assessment of uncertainty can help improve inventories and manage risk. Through recognizing the importance of identifying and quantifying uncertainties, great strides can be made in the process of Accounting for Climate Change.

Science Facts

Science & Nature

"Science Facts" unveils the marvels of our universe, delivering verifiable scientific truths across physics, chemistry, biology, and space. It highlights how scientific literacy is essential for informed decision-making in a technologically advanced world. For instance, the book reveals that the chair you're sitting on is mostly empty space and that plants can communicate, reshaping one's understanding of reality.The book delves into core principles like quantum mechanics and general relativity, alongside vital chemical reactions and biological interconnectedness. Each chapter builds upon foundational knowledge, creating a rich scientific journey. It presents complex concepts in an accessible manner, empowering readers to evaluate information and appreciate the natural world."Science Facts" begins with scientific principles and terminology, progressing through physics, chemistry, biology, and space, culminating with practical implications for further exploration.

All Yesterdays: Unique and Speculative Views of Dinosaurs and Other Prehistoric Animals

Science & Nature

All Yesterdays is a book about the way we see dinosaurs and other prehistoric animals. Lavishly illustrated with over sixty original artworks, All Yesterdays aims to challenge our notions of how prehistoric animals looked and behaved. As an critical exploration of palaeontological art, All Yesterdays asks questions about what is probable, what is possible, and what is commonly ignored. Written by palaeozoologist Darren Naish, and palaeontological artists John Conway and C.M. Kosemen, All Yesterdays is scientifically rigorous and artistically imaginative in its approach to fossils of the past - and those of the future.

Accounting for Climate Change

Science & Nature

¿Tenemos suficiente inteligencia para entender la inteligencia de los animales?

Science & Nature

Este libro describe numerosos y sorprendentes trabajos de campo realizados por estudiosos del comportamiento animal a lo largo de medio mundo con ejemplos que incluyen desde avispas a ballenas, desde pulpos a chimpancés. El lector hallará en estas páginas conmovedoras historias de cooperación y empatía entre delfines, divertidísimos ejemplos sobre la memoria visual de algunas aves o asombrosos relatos sobre un incipiente sentido del bien y del mal en los primates superiores y su capacidad para anticiparse al futuro.Por fortuna, han quedado atrás los tiempos en que los animales eran considerados meras máquinas que sólo respondían mecánicamente a los estímulos del laboratorio, pero este libro, además, nos obliga a replantearnos nuestros viejas ideas acerca de la naturaleza y los mecanismos de la inteligencia, tanto humana como animal. Durante décadas fue un lugar común pensar que sólo el ser humano era consciente de sí mismo, podía representarse el pasado y el futuro o tenía la capacidad de crear y emplear herramientas. Sin embargo, hace tiempo que los etólogos, y en especial destacados primatólogos como Frans de Waal, están cuestionando estos prejuicios.

Lector, vuelve a casa

Science & Nature

En la última década, la manera en que procesamos el lenguaje escrito ha cambiado de manera radical. Vivimos rodeados de pantallas, en muchos casos nos hemos vuelto adictos a ellas, y eso ha suscitado múltiples preocupaciones acerca de cómo eso está cambiando nuestro cerebro y, sobre todo, el de nuestros hijos. En Lector, vuelve a casa, Maryanne Wolf se sumerge en la investigación científica que aborda la transformación de los cerebros de los niños que aprenden a leer y de los adultos que leemos de una manera diferente. Pero el libro no sólo se basa en la ciencia, sino en la historia, la literatura, la filosofía y la pedagogía. Escrito como si se tratara de cartas dirigidas a nosotros –sus queridos lectores–, Wolf, especialista en lectura y aprendizaje, afronta sus preocupaciones y esperanzas sobre la manera en que nos relacionamos con el lenguaje. Y lo hace asumiendo algo que muchos hemos empezado a advertir: incluso los lectores de toda la vida están cambiando sus hábitos y ven alterada su capacidad de concentración. Provocador e intrigante, Lector, vuelve a casa es una guía que nos ofrece una perspectiva esperanzada, pero no ingenua, del impacto que la tecnología tiene en nuestros cerebros y en nuestras capacidades intelectuales más esenciales. Y señala lo que eso puede significar para el futuro.

Somos inteligentes o bastante para saber quão inteligentes são os animais?

Science & Nature

Neste livro que já se tornou um clássico, o renomado primatólogo Frans de Waal analisa a ascensão e a queda da visão mecanicista sobre os animais e nos mostra que eles possuem mentes muito mais complexas e intrincadas do que costumamos supor.O que diferencia a mente humana da mente de um animal? De modo geral, rebatemos que é o senso de identidade, a capacidade de construir ferramentas, de projetar o futuro e compreender o passado — características que ajudaram a nos definir como a espécie mais proeminente do planeta. Mas, nas últimas décadas, essa singularidade vem sendo posta à prova por uma revolução nos estudos da cognição animal.Baseado nas mais contundentes pesquisas, Frans de Waal explora aqui as evidências da inteligência animal e a extensão de sua profundidade — polvos coletam cascas de coco como ferramentas de proteção; elefantes fazem distinções sofisticadas no que diz respeito a inimigos potenciais; e Alex, um papagaio-cinzento africano, atribui nomes a objetos com admirável precisão.Com protagonistas tão diversos como cães, golfinhos, vespas, morcegos, baleias e, claro, chimpanzés e bonobos, esta obra é um relato fascinante de como a ciência superou o behaviorismo, revelando o quanto os animais são realmente inteligentes e como por muito tempo subestimamos suas habilidades.

Japoński soft power. Wpływy Japonii na kulturę zachodnią

Science & Nature

Książka przedstawia rozmaite zagadnienia obrazujące oddziaływania Japonii na Zachód w różnych sferach życia - od polityki i gospodarki, poprzez literaturę i sztukę, na popkulturze skończywszy. Nie skupiają się przy tym tylko na zaprezentowaniu faktów czy zjawisk, ale zadają sobie również pytanie, w jaki sposób świadome bądź nieuświadomione działania Japonii wpływają na jej postrzeganie na arenie międzynarodowej.

6G: The Road to the Future Wireless Technologies 2030

Science & Nature

Since the launch of Second-Generation Networks (2G), planning for each future mobile service was initiated many years before its commercial launch. In 2019, 5G Networks begun to be deployed commercially after almost ten years of planning. Similarly, the race for the 6G wireless networks that will be operational in 2030 has already started. To fulfill its potential in the upcoming decade, 6G will undoubtedly require an architectural orchestration based on the amalgamation of existing solutions and innovative technologies. The book will begin by evaluating the state of the art of all current mobile generations' while looking into their core building blocks. 6G implementation will require fundamental support from Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning on the network's edge and core, including a new Radio Frequency (RF) spectrum. The 6G use cases will require advanced techniques for enabling the future wireless network to be human-centric, ensuring enhanced quality of experience (QoE) for most of its applications. The concept of Human Bond Communication Beyond 2050 (Knowledge Home) and Communication, Navigation, Sensing, and Services (CONASENSE) will also profit from future wireless communication. Terahertz domains will exploit the ultra-Massive Multiple Input Multiple Output Antennas (UM-MIMO) technologies to support Terabits' data throughputs.Moreover, optical wireless communications (OWC) will also come into play to support indoor and outdoor high-data rates. Further expansion of 6G core entities will support the novel concept of Society 5.0. Quantum computing processing and communications is also likely to be added into the 6G ecosystem with security managed by blockchain orchestration for a robust network.

Convergence of Communications, Navigation, Sensing and Services

Science & Nature

Activities on integrated communications, navigation, sensing and services are urgently needed in a wide range of human-centered and/or device-centered system applications. They require a multi-disciplinary approach. It is foreseen that the economic scale of these activities are comparable with the present scale of wireless communications. The area in which systems operate can vary from personal area network to global network.This book covers the following topics;• CONASENSE Architecture• Performance Analyses of Integrated Communication Systems• Cognitive Radio Networks• Brain Computer Interfacing• Quality Improvement of Generic Services• Machine to Machine communications• Chip to Chip CommunicationsThus, the multi-disciplinary approach get attention in the book.

Biotechnology for Fruit, Vegetable and Spice Crops

Science & Nature

Biotechnology has revolutionized horticulture by enhancing the productivity, resilience and nutritional quality of fruit, vegetable and spice crops. This comprehensive volume provides an in-depth exploration of cutting-edge biotechnological advancements that are reshaping horticultural science. From genomics-driven crop improvement to the development of functional foods, this book presents a meticulously curated compilation of research and methodologies addressing key challenges and opportunities in modern horticulture. By integrating molecular techniques, plant–microbe interactions and bioprocess innovations, this book provides a unique perspective on sustainable and precision-driven horticultural practices.Key FeaturesInsights into genomic approaches for understanding abiotic stress tolerance and developing climate-resilient varieties. Advances in tissue culture, marker-assisted selection and genome editing for apple, grapevine and potato breeding. Molecular and biocontrol strategies for tackling major threats, such as root rot disease in apples. Applications of soilless cultivation techniques and plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) to optimize crop yield and quality. Biotechnological tools for developing probiotic-enriched fruits and vegetables and the valorization of non-grape fruit wines. With contributions from leading researchers, this book serves as an essential reference for graduate students, academics and professionals in plant biotechnology, horticulture and food science. It provides a valuable resource for those seeking to harness the power of biotechnology to drive sustainable innovation in horticultural crop production.

Reactivar el sentido común

Science & Nature

Hoy, cuando el saber científico es una parte integral del día a día de los ciudadanos, debemos replantearnos el debate político sobre la ciencia. En este libro, Isabelle Stengers se apoya en la filosofía de Alfred Whitehead (1861-1947) para encontrar el eslabón que sellará un nuevo pacto de confianza entre ciencia y sociedad: el sentido común. ¿Qué relación guarda el negacionismo actual con la filosofía del proceso de Whitehead? Stengers desarrolla múltiples argumentos que unen ambos discursos en esta obra erudita, llamada a revolucionar nuestra visión de la ciencia. Pero la revolución es un camino largo que no puede recorrerse sin esfuerzo. Stengers nos ofrece un punto de partida: empecemos por recuperar «el menos común de todos los sentidos», que gran parte de la sociedad parece haber perdido. «La contribución esencial de Stengers es habernos devuelto la lección completa de los libros de Whitehead después de tres cuartos de siglo en que han permanecido abandonados». — Bruno Latour

Pour la sécurisation alimentaire au Québec

Science & Nature

La sécurité alimentaire est l’un des plus vieux enjeux du monde. Dans plusieurs régions du globe, l’insécurité alimentaire est présente de manière quasi permanente, et d’autres connaissent une résurgence intermittente de celle-ci, parfois dans ses expressions extrêmes – les crises alimentaires, voire les famines. En contrepartie, au Québec, à l’instar de la plupart des pays du Nord, l’insécurité alimentaire atteint des niveaux d’une ampleur plus modérée. Le phénomène n’est toutefois pas inexistant. Des individus, des groupes, des populations entières font face à ce type de situation, entre autres en raison de l’inaccessibilité physique des aliments, de la précarité financière et de la vulnérabilité sociosanitaire des gens, du décalage culturel, de l’insalubrité et de la perte des ressources productives. Les milieux sont donc amenés à réagir. Le présent ouvrage illustre les processus permettant de lutter contre cette insécurité. Plus précisément, les auteurs mettent en lumière les dimensions territoriales de la sécurisation alimentaire au Québec en portant une attention particulière aux dynamiques actorielles et à la mobilisation des ressources. Ils présentent des cas issus des milieux urbains, ruraux et périurbains, ainsi que centraux et périphériques, et mettent en évidence la nature territorialisée et territorialisante des initiatives de sécurisation alimentaire. Mélanie Doyon, titulaire d’un doctorat en géographie de l’Université de Montréal, est professeure au Département de géographie de l’Université du Québec à Montréal (UQAM). Elle est membre du Centre de recherche sur les innovations sociales (CRISES). Elle s’intéresse au développement et à la planification territoriale en milieu rural, notamment aux questions agricoles et de sécurisation alimentaire. Juan-Luis Klein, détenteur d’un doctorat en géographie de l’Université Laval, est professeur titulaire au Département de géographie de l’UQAM et membre du CRISES. Son enseignement et ses travaux portent sur la géographie socioéconomique, l’innovation sociale et les nouveaux modèles d’action en développement des territoires.

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