Science & Nature - Books

Epic Fails: Invention

Science & Nature

Most people think it’s good to have new ideas. But what if your new ideas are terrible? In this book, you can read about people who turned their ideas (not all of them completely terrible) into inventions. Have you ever done anything really, really stupid? Well, this series isn't about you. It's about other people who did really stupid things. And what happened as a result. In other words, epic fails. This easy reading book has entertaining illustrations sprinkled throughout. About the Author: Bart King writes humorous books for younger readers and immature adults. As a longtime middle-school teacher, Bart knows how to appeal to kids with funny writing and irresistible topics. His titles have been bestsellers, and have been translated into Chinese, Spanish, and Australian.

Renewable Energy and Sustainability

Science & Nature

Renewable Electricity and Sustainability: Prospects in Developing Economies is the first book of its kind to be dedicated entirely to the needs of emerging economies. It provides readers with a comprehensive review of current renewable energy technologies, their status in emerging economies, and the potential for sustainable renewable electricity generation in those countries. A multidisciplinary approach is used to assess the needs and challenges of each region, which is supported by quantitative analyses of the current and future potential for renewable electricity generation. Real-world examples are also provided from the respective electricity sectors of each region.This resource is a unique reference for graduates and researchers on the social, technical and economic landscape of renewable energy in emerging economies and would also be useful to NGO’s and policymakers in developing countries or those working in sustainable development. Focuses specifically on the renewable energy and sustainability needs of developing economies Explores the renewable energy potential of developing countries and how this can be converted to sustainable electricity generation, supported by quantitative analyses and real-world case studies Addresses energy efficiency, energy management and the socioeconomic aspects of renewable electricity generation in developing countries, in addition to each renewable energy resource

Integration of Biomaterials for Gene Therapy

Science & Nature

INTEGRATION OF BIOMATERIALS FOR GENE THERAPY Brings industrial practitioners and researchers together to discuss how the deeper integration of biomaterial platforms could play a significant role in enabling breakthroughs in the application of gene editing for the treatment of human disease. This book comprises research and review articles from leading researchers with multidisciplinary experience. It discusses many broad topics, including nanoparticle-enabled gene therapy, inorganic nanocarrier-based gene delivery, non-viral delivery of nucleic acid, biocompatible hydrogels, silk, and polysaccharides-based gene delivery. Other gene delivery topics discussed include the use of smart and engineered biomaterials, combined therapy with growth factors and cell transportation, and the prospects and challenges in the treatment of different diseases, including cancer. This book bridges the knowledge of pharmaceutics, engineering, basic science, and clinical research fields in a way that will help the research community expedite the clinical application of these therapies for various diseases and conditions. Audience A broad range of researchers, scientists, and engineers in diverse fields such as materials science, biomedicine, biomedical engineering, biology, chemistry, physics, biotechnology, pharmacology, toxicology, and formulation scientists.

Renewable Energy Focus e-Mega Handbook

Science & Nature

A one-stop Desk Reference, for engineers involved in renewable energies; this is a book that will not gather dust on the shelf. It brings together the essential professional reference content from leading international contributors in the field. Material ranges from basic to advanced topics* A fully searchable Mega Reference Ebook, providing all the essential material needed by Energy and Environmental Engineers on a day-to-day basis. * Fundamentals, key techniques, engineering best practice and rules-of-thumb together in one quick-reference.* Over 2,500 pages of reference material, including over 1,500 pages not included in the print edition

Complexité-Simplexité

Science & Nature

Ce livre est issu d'un séminaire interdisciplinaire, organisé les 24 et 24 mai 2012 à la Fondation Hugot du Collège de France, autour de l'idée de simplexité - propriété fondamentale du vivant de pouvoir inventer des solutions simples aux problèmes que la complexité du réel pose pour sa survie - avancée par Alain Berthoz en 2009 (La Simplexité, éditions Odile Jacob). Ce séminaire réunissait des philosophes, des mathématiciens, des physiciens et des biologistes, des chercheurs en scienes cognitives, en robotique, en didactique, ainsi que des architectes. Le présent ouvrage ne se contente pas de recueillir les articles issus des communications à ce séminaire. Il a été conçu comme un volume "compagnon" du livre d'Alain Berthoz : il vise à replacer au sein du débat théorique entre spécialistes de la modélisation des systèmes complexes un texte plutôt orienté en apparence vers le public général. Les phénomènes qualifiés de simplexes ne sont-ils que l'énumération rhapsodique de dispositifs ou de mécanismes dépourvus d'unité intégrative? Ou manifestent-ils, au contraire, l'exigence d'une nouvelle théorie de la simplexité du vivant, qui puisse ête confrontée aux théories existantes des systèmes complexes et, éventuellement, offrir une alternative à ces théories ?

Trous noirs et distorsions du temps

Science & Nature

Kip S. Thorne a été l’un des acteurs privilégiés d’une quête grandiose consistant à comprendre l’héritage transmis par Einstein. Pour nous faire vivre la captivante chronique des découvertes scientifiques prédites par la théorie de la relativité, il nous entraîne à travers un labyrinthe d’objets exotiques – naines blanches, étoiles à neutrons, ondes gravitationnelles, etc. –, dont les trous noirs sont peut-être les plus mystérieux de l’univers. Jonglant avec les décennies, évoquant la multiplicité des collaborations scientifiques à l’échelle de la planète, montrant l’enchevêtrement de la recherche et de la guerre froide, Kip S. Thorne peint une fresque fascinante et contrastée, où se côtoient astrophysique, sociologie, physique et spéculations audacieuses.

Otherlands

Science & Nature

“Immersive . . . bracingly ambitious . . . rewinds the story of life on Earth—from the mammoth steppe of the last Ice Age to the dawn of multicellular creatures over 500 million years ago.”—The EconomistLONGLISTED FOR THE BAILLIE GIFFORD PRIZE • “One of those rare books that’s both deeply informative and daringly imaginative.”—Elizabeth Kolbert, author of Under a White SkyONE OF THE BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR: The New Yorker, Prospect (UK)The past is past, but it does leave clues, and Thomas Halliday has used cutting-edge science to decipher them more completely than ever before. In Otherlands, Halliday makes sixteen fossil sites burst to life on the page.This book is an exploration of the Earth as it used to exist, the changes that have occurred during its history, and the ways that life has found to adapt―or not. It takes us from the savannahs of Pliocene Kenya to watch a python chase a group of australopithecines into an acacia tree; to a cliff overlooking the salt pans of the empty basin of what will be the Mediterranean Sea just as water from the Miocene Atlantic Ocean spills in; into the tropical forests of Eocene Antarctica; and under the shallow pools of Ediacaran Australia, where we glimpse the first microbial life. Otherlands also offers us a vast perspective on the current state of the planet. The thought that something as vast as the Great Barrier Reef, for example, with all its vibrant diversity, might one day soon be gone sounds improbable. But the fossil record shows us that this sort of wholesale change is not only possible but has repeatedly happened throughout Earth history. Even as he operates on this broad canvas, Halliday brings us up close to the intricate relationships that defined these lost worlds. In novelistic prose that belies the breadth of his research, he illustrates how ecosystems are formed; how species die out and are replaced; and how species migrate, adapt, and collaborate. It is a breathtaking achievement: a surprisingly emotional narrative about the persistence of life, the fragility of seemingly permanent ecosystems, and the scope of deep time, all of which have something to tell us about our current crisis.

Molecular Chemistry and Biomolecular Engineering

Science & Nature

This new volume is devoted to molecular chemistry and its applications to the fields of biology. It looks at the integration of molecular chemistry with biomolecular engineering, with the goal of creating new biological or physical properties to address scientific or societal challenges. It takes a both multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary perspective on the interface between molecular biology, biophysical chemistry, and chemical engineering. Molecular Chemistry and Biomolecular Engineering: Integrating Theory and Research with Practice provides effective support for the development of the laboratory and data analysis skills that researchers will draw on time and again for the practical aspects and also gives a solid grounding in the broader transferable skills.

Je chemine avec Hubert Reeves

Science & Nature

" J'ai une passion, une pulsion, un vrai démon de la connaissance ! J'ai envie d'apprendre. Je suis toujours très reconnaissant à qui m'apprend quelque chose et j'aime toujours apprendre aux autres. C'est une priorité au quotidien. Avant même de manger ! C'est comme si j'avais la mission, au sens ordinaire du terme, d'enseigner. Et plus j'avance en âge, plus cela se présente comme : "Il faut. Ça urge !" " Hubert Reeves Astrophysicien de renommée mondiale, Hubert Reeves a nourri toute sa vie une passion pour l'histoire du cosmos. Pour lui, nous faisons partie d'un système où univers, nature et humanité sont interdépendants. Afin de préserver cet équilibre de vie pour tous, il est devenu un grand défenseur de la nature. Hubert nous confie ici les étapes de son cheminement, qui l'ont mené progressivement vers une belle sérénité. Il évoque les influences qui l'ont formé, ses choix, ses joies mais aussi ses doutes et inquiétudes, les difficultés qu'il a pu rencontrer et la manière dont il les a surmontées. Voici une source d'inspiration et d'énergie qui devrait nous inciter à assumer nos propres envies. Entretiens menés par Sophie Lhuillier

Factfulness

Science & Nature

INSTANT NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER“One of the most important books I’ve ever read—an indispensable guide to thinking clearly about the world.” – Bill Gates“Hans Rosling tells the story of ‘the secret silent miracle of human progress’ as only he can. But Factfulness does much more than that. It also explains why progress is so often secret and silent and teaches readers how to see it clearly.” —Melinda Gates"Factfulness by Hans Rosling, an outstanding international public health expert, is a hopeful book about the potential for human progress when we work off facts rather than our inherent biases." - Former U.S. President Barack ObamaFactfulness: The stress-reducing habit of only carrying opinions for which you have strong supporting facts. When asked simple questions about global trends—what percentage of the world’s population live in poverty; why the world’s population is increasing; how many girls finish school—we systematically get the answers wrong. So wrong that a chimpanzee choosing answers at random will consistently outguess teachers, journalists, Nobel laureates, and investment bankers.In Factfulness, Professor of International Health and global TED phenomenon Hans Rosling, together with his two long-time collaborators, Anna and Ola, offers a radical new explanation of why this happens. They reveal the ten instincts that distort our perspective—from our tendency to divide the world into two camps (usually some version of us and them) to the way we consume media (where fear rules) to how we perceive progress (believing that most things are getting worse). Our problem is that we don’t know what we don’t know, and even our guesses are informed by unconscious and predictable biases.It turns out that the world, for all its imperfections, is in a much better state than we might think. That doesn’t mean there aren’t real concerns. But when we worry about everything all the time instead of embracing a worldview based on facts, we can lose our ability to focus on the things that threaten us most. Inspiring and revelatory, filled with lively anecdotes and moving stories, Factfulness is an urgent and essential book that will change the way you see the world and empower you to respond to the crises and opportunities of the future. ---“This book is my last battle in my life-long mission to fight devastating ignorance…Previously I armed myself with huge data sets, eye-opening software, an energetic learning style and a Swedish bayonet for sword-swallowing. It wasn’t enough. But I hope this book will be.” Hans Rosling, February 2017.

Hidden Dimensions

Science & Nature

Bridging the gap between the world of science and the realm of the spiritual, B. Alan Wallace introduces a natural theory of human consciousness that has its roots in contemporary physics and Buddhism. Wallace's "special theory of ontological relativity" suggests that mental phenomena are conditioned by the brain, but do not emerge from it. Rather, the entire natural world of mind and matter, subjects and objects, arises from a unitary dimension of reality that is more fundamental than these dualities, as proposed by Wolfgang Pauli and Carl Jung.To test his hypothesis, Wallace employs the Buddhist meditative practice of samatha, refining one's attention and metacognition, to create a kind of telescope to examine the space of the mind. Drawing on the work of the physicist John Wheeler, he then proposes a more general theory in which the participatory nature of reality is envisioned as a self-excited circuit. In comparing these ideas to the Buddhist theory known as the Middle Way philosophy, Wallace explores further aspects of his "general theory of ontological relativity," which can be investigated by means of vipasyana, or insight, meditation. Wallace then focuses on the theme of symmetry in reference to quantum cosmology and the "problem of frozen time," relating these issues to the theory and practices of the Great Perfection school of Tibetan Buddhism. He concludes with a discussion of the general theme of complementarity as it relates to science and religion.The theories of relativity and quantum mechanics were major achievements in the physical sciences, and the theory of evolution has had an equally deep impact on the life sciences. However, rigorous scientific methods do not yet exist to observe mental phenomena, and naturalism has its limits for shedding light on the workings of the mind. A pioneer of modern consciousness research, Wallace offers a practical and revolutionary method for exploring the mind that combines the keenest insights of contemporary physicists and philosophers with the time-honored meditative traditions of Buddhism.

Green Polymer Chemistry and Composites

Science & Nature

This new book examines the latest developments in the important and growing field of producing conventional polymers from sustainable sources. With recent advancements in synthesis technologies and the discovery of new functional monomers, research shows that green polymers with better properties can be produced from renewable resources. This volume describes these advances in synthesis, processing, and technology and provides not only state-of-the-art information but also acts to stimulate research in this direction. Green Polymer Chemistry and Composites: Pollution Prevention and Waste Reduction illustrates how chemical industries play an essential role to sustain the world economies and looks at forthcoming technologies and scientific developments in novel products, less toxicological materials, and industrial procedures with high efficiency and renewable energy products. Green chemistry seeks for the design of innovative chemical products with higher efficiency and lowest hazardous substances for the health and the environment.

Composite Materials for Industry, Electronics, and the Environment

Science & Nature

This new volume focuses on different aspects of composite systems that are associated with research and development, helping to bridge the gap between classical analysis and modern real-life applications. The chapters look at the experimental and theoretical aspects of composite materials, regarding preparation, processing, design, properties, and practical implications. It also presents recent advancements, research, and development prospects of advanced composite materials that provide new solutions for advanced technologies.

The Dawn of a Mindful Universe

Science & Nature

An award-winning astronomer and physicist’s spellbinding and urgent call for a new Enlightenment and the recognition of the preciousness of life using reason and curiosity—the foundations of science—to study, nurture, and ultimately preserve humanity as we face the existential crisis of climate change.Since Copernicus, humanity has increasingly seen itself as adrift, an insignificant speck within a large, cold universe. Brazilian physicist, astronomer, and winner of the 2019 Templeton Prize Marcelo Gleiser argues that it is because we have lost the spark of the Enlightenment that has guided human development over the past several centuries. While some scientific efforts have been made to overcome this increasingly bleak perspective—the ongoing search for life on other planets, the recent idea of the multiverse—they have not been enough to overcome the core problem: we’ve lost our moral mission and compassionate focus in our scientific endeavors.Gleiser argues that we’re using the wrong paradigm to relate to the universe and our position in it. In this deeply researched and beautifully rendered book, he calls for us to embrace a new life-centric perspective, one which recognizes just how rare and precious life is and why it should be our mission to preserve and nurture it. The Dawn of a Mindful Universe addresses the current environmental and scientific impasses and how the scientific community can find solutions to them.Gleiser’s paradigm rethinks the ideals of the Enlightenment, and proposes a new direction for humanity, one driven by human reason and curiosity whose purpose is to save civilization itself. Within this model, we can once again see ourselves as the center of the universe—the place where life becomes conscious—and regain a clear moral compass which can be used to guide both science and the politics around it.

What If We Get It Right?

Science & Nature

“With a thoughtfully curated series of essays, poetry, and conversations, the brilliant scientist and climate expert Ayana Elizabeth Johnson has assembled a group of dynamic people who are willing to imagine what seems impossible, and articulate those visions with enthusiastic clarity.”—Roxane GayOur climate future is not yet written. What if we act as if we love the future?Sometimes the bravest thing we can do while facing an existential crisis is imagine life on the other side. This provocative and joyous book maps an inspiring landscape of possible climate futures.Through clear-eyed essays and vibrant conversations, infused with data, poetry, and art, Ayana Elizabeth Johnson guides us through solutions and possibilities at the nexus of science, policy, culture, and justice. Visionary farmers and financiers, architects and advocates, help us conjure a flourishing future, one worth the effort it will take—from every one of us, with whatever we have to offer—to create.If you haven’t yet been able to picture a transformed and replenished world—or to see yourself, your loved ones, and your community in it—this book is for you. If you haven’t yet found your role in shaping this new world or you’re not sure how we can actually get there, this book is for you.With grace, humor, and humanity, Johnson invites readers to ask and answer this ultimate question together: What if we get it right?On possibility and transformation with:Paola Antonelli • Xiye Bastida • Jade Begay • Wendell Berry • Régine Clément • Steve Connell • Erica Deeman • Abigail Dillen • Brian Donahue • Jean Flemma • Kelly Sims Gallagher • Rhiana Gunn-Wright • Olalekan Jeyifous • Corley Kenna • Bryan C. Lee Jr. • Franklin Leonard • Adam McKay • Bill McKibben • Kate Marvel • Samantha Montano • Kate Orff • Leah Penniman • Marge Piercy • Colette Pichon Battle • Kendra Pierre-Louis • Judith D. Schwartz • Jigar Shah • Ayisha Siddiqa • Bren Smith • Oana Stănescu • Mustafa Suleyman • Jacqueline Woodson

Le roman de la radio

Science & Nature

« (...) Dans ce livre, c’est toute la radio — avant, pendant, après la guerre — qu’il raconte. Cette radio qui lui a toujours été nécessaire, autant que l’air qu’il respire. Roland Dhordain n’a pas seulement fait de la radio toute sa vie, il est la radio. Je l’ai toujours connu débordant d’enthousiasme, épanoui dès qu’il entrait dans un studio, dans une régie, dès qu’il se penchait vers un micro ou invitait quelqu’un à y parler. « Dans cette histoire, qu’il conte avec tant d’allégresse — à chaque instant, le témoin et l’expert viennent donner à l’historien un inestimable coup de main — c’est comme une épopée qu’il ressuscite (...) » Alain Decaux, de l’Académie française.

Stephen Hawking

Science & Nature

Icona della fisica, Stephen Hawking sembra l'incarnazione stessa del genio; dai tempi di Albert Einstein, è la prima figura scientifica tanto ammirata dal pubblico. In questa coinvolgente biografia, lo scrittore e fisico Leonard Mlodinow racconta la storia del suo amico e collega, offrendo un'intima descrizione di questo gigante della scienza. I due si incontrarono nel 2003, quando Stephen chiese a Leonard se volesse scrivere un libro con lui. Negli anni trascorsi a lavorare alla Grande storia del tempo e poi al Grande disegno, forgiarono un legame profondo e Leonard arrivò a capire e interpretare la vita quotidiana di Stephen, nelle sue difficoltà e nel suo humour. Insieme discutevano in modo ossessivo sulla frase perfetta, ragionavano di fisica e a volte facevano punting sui canali di Cambridge con champagne e fragole. Con il tempo, Leonard imparò a finire le battute di Stephen e capì come gli ostacoli determinati dalla malattia lo avessero aiutato a elaborare una prospettiva unica sull'universo. Intrecciando la storia della loro amicizia con una descrizione chiara e accessibile delle conquiste scientifiche di Hawking, Mlodinow ritrae Stephen come uomo brillante, irriverente e generoso, la cui vita è stata non solo eccezionale ma anche un esempio stimolante.

Brain Tumor MRI Image Segmentation Using Deep Learning Techniques

Science & Nature

Brain Tumor MRI Image Segmentation Using Deep Learning Techniques offers a description of deep learning approaches used for the segmentation of brain tumors. The book demonstrates core concepts of deep learning algorithms by using diagrams, data tables and examples to illustrate brain tumor segmentation. After introducing basic concepts of deep learning-based brain tumor segmentation, sections cover techniques for modeling, segmentation and properties. A focus is placed on the application of different types of convolutional neural networks, like single path, multi path, fully convolutional network, cascade convolutional neural networks, Long Short-Term Memory - Recurrent Neural Network and Gated Recurrent Units, and more.The book also highlights how the use of deep neural networks can address new questions and protocols, as well as improve upon existing challenges in brain tumor segmentation. Provides readers with an understanding of deep learning-based approaches in the field of brain tumor segmentation, including preprocessing techniques Integrates recent advancements in the field, including the transformation of low-resolution brain tumor images into super-resolution images using deep learning-based methods, single path Convolutional Neural Network based brain tumor segmentation, and much more Includes coverage of Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) based Recurrent Neural Network (RNN), Gated Recurrent Units (GRU) based Recurrent Neural Network (RNN), Generative Adversarial Networks (GAN), Auto Encoder based brain tumor segmentation, and Ensemble deep learning Model based brain tumor segmentation Covers research Issues and the future of deep learning-based brain tumor segmentation

Energy

Science & Nature

EnergyGlobal energy demand has more than doubled since 1970. The use of energy is strongly related to almost every conceivable aspect of development: wealth, health, nutrition, water, infrastructure, education and even life expectancy itself are strongly and significantly related to the consumption of energy per capita. Many development indicators are strongly related to per-capita energy consumption. Fossil fuel is the most conventional source of energy but also increases greenhouse gas emissions. The economic development of many countries has come at the cost of the environment. However, it should not be presumed that a reconciliation of the two is not possible.The nexus concept is the interconnection between the resource energy, water, food, land, and climate. Such interconnections enable us to address trade-offs and seek synergies among them. Energy, water, food, land, and climate are essential resources of our natural environment and support our quality of life. Competition between these resources is increasing globally and is exacerbated by climate change. Improving resilience and securing resource availability would require improving resource efficiency. Many policies and programs are announced nationally and internationally for replacing the conventional mode and also emphasizing on conservation of fossil fuels and reuse of exhausted energy, so a gap in implications and outcomes can be broadly traced by comparing the data.This book aims to highlight problems and solutions related to conventional energy utilization, formation, and multitudes of ecological impacts and tools for the conservation of fossil fuels. The book also discusses modern energy services as one of the sustainable development goals and how the pressure on resource energy disturbs the natural flows. The recent advances in alternative energy sources and their possible future growth are discussed and on how conventional energy leads to greenhouse gas formation, which reduces energy use efficiency. The different policies and models operating is also addressed, and the gaps that remained between them. Climate change poses a challenge for renewable energy, and thus it is essential to identify the factors that would reduce the possibility of relying on sustainable energy sources.This book will be of interest to researchers and stakeholders, students, industries, NGOs, and governmental agencies directly or indirectly associated with energy research.

IRC-SET 2022

Science & Nature

This book highlights contemporary state of research in multi-disciplinary areas in Physics, Biomedical Sciences, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science/Engineering, Life Sciences, and Healthcare. The accepted submissions to the 8th IRC Conference on Science, Engineering and Technology (IRC-SET 2022) that were presented on 6th August 2022, are published in this conference proceedings. The papers presented here were shortlisted after extensive rounds of rigorous reviews by a panel of esteemed individuals who are pioneers and experts in their respective domains.

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