Science & Nature - Books

The Men in the Walls

Science & Nature

"The Men in the Walls" is a thought-provoking science fiction short tale by William Tenn, pen name for Philip Klass. This story provides a unique and unpleasant look at human behavior and cultural norms. The novel takes place in a future world where people live in communal homes with retractable walls that disclose hidden chambers for personal space. The story follows Peter Corey, a newbie to one of these community homes, as he uncovers the unpleasant truth about the individuals who live there. He becomes increasingly aware of "men in the walls" - people who have decided to live their entire lives secluded within the wall compartments, avoiding societal connections. As Peter looks deeper into the mystery, he wrestles with issues of conformity, individualism, and the extent people would go to escape societal expectations. He also faces the terrible fact of people voluntarily withdrawing from human contact, resulting in intense emotions of isolation and alienation. "The Men in the Walls" by William Tenn is a frightening investigation of the human psyche and the effects of extreme social isolation. The ominous atmosphere and psychological complexity of the narrative make it a noteworthy work of science fiction, encouraging readers to consider the complexities of human relationships and the impact of societal standards on individual choices.

NanoBioEngineering

Science & Nature

The objective of this book is to provide the fundamental comprehension of a broad range of topics in an integrated volume such that readership hailing from diverse disciplines can rapidly acquire the necessary background for applying it in pertinent research and development field.

Ecuatia lui Dumnezeu

Science & Nature

„Dacă există cineva care să poată descâlci matematica și fizica ezoterice ale teoriei corzilor, acela este Kaku. Și exact asta și face în această cărticică minunată: explică în termeni simpli și clari progresele conceptuale, fundăturile și întrebările rămase fără răspuns în căutarea unei mari teorii unificate a tuturor lucrurilor." – Wallstreet Journal

Biotic Stress Management in Tomato

Science & Nature

This valuable volume highlights biotechnological tools and their utilization for biotic stress management in the tomato plant, one of the world’s most important vegetable crops consumed by us in our daily diet and which is vulnerable to over 200 diseases as well as the impact of global climate change.The chapters cover the major diseases of tomato along with practical biotic stress management strategies through biotechnological and molecular approaches. The focus is on molecular tools that can be used to prevent or mitigate damage from such diseases as bacterial wilt, bacterial canker, damping off seedlings, late blight, early blight, fusarium wilt, septorial leaf spot, cercospora leaf spot, verticilium wilt, tomato leaf curl virus, tobacco mosaic virus, tomato spotted wilt virus, root knot nematode, fruit borer, and sucking pests. Gene stacking/pyramiding and postharvest management strategies are also systematically discussed.This book provides an up-to-date and comprehensive review that will be a greatly useful resource, containing basic facts and information on the new and recent discoveries for biotic stresses management of tomatoes.

Darwin's Devices

Science & Nature

What happens when we let robots play the game of life? The challenge of studying evolution is that the history of life is buried in the past -- we can't witness the dramatic events that shaped the adaptations we see today. But biorobotics expert John Long has found an ingenious way to overcome this problem: he creates robots that look and behave like extinct animals, subjects them to evolutionary pressures, lets them compete for mates and resources, and mutates their &"genes";. In short, he lets robots play the game of life.In Darwin's Devices, Long tells the story of these evolving biorobots -- how they came to be, and what they can teach us about the biology of living and extinct species. Evolving biorobots can replicate creatures that disappeared from the earth long ago, showing us in real time what happens in the face of unexpected environmental challenges. Biomechanically correct models of backbones functioning as part of an autonomous robot, for example, can help us understand why the first vertebrates evolved them.But the most impressive feature of these robots, as Long shows, is their ability to illustrate the power of evolution to solve difficult technological challenges autonomously -- without human input regarding what a workable solution might be. Even a simple robot can create complex behavior, often learning or evolving greater intelligence than humans could possibly program. This remarkable idea could forever alter the face of engineering, design, and even warfare. An amazing tour through the workings of a fertile mind, Darwin's Devices will make you rethink everything you thought you knew about evolution, robot intelligence, and life itself.

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

Wearable and Implantable Medical Devices

Science & Nature

Wearable and Implantable Medical Devices: Applications and Challenges, Fourth Edition highlights the new aspects of wearable and implanted sensors technology in the healthcare sector and monitoring systems. The book's contributions include several interdisciplinary domains, such as wearable sensors, implanted sensors devices, Internet-of-Things (IoT), security, real-time medical healthcare monitoring, WIBSN design and data management, encryption, and decision-support systems. Contributions emphasize several topics, including real-world applications and the design and implementation of wearable devices. This book demonstrates that this new field has a brilliant future in applied healthcare research and in healthcare monitoring systems. - Includes comprehensive information on wearable and implanted device technology, wearable and implanted sensors design, WIBSN requirements, WIBSN in monitoring systems and security concepts - Highlights machine learning and computing in healthcare monitoring systems based on WIBSN - Includes a multidisciplinary approach to different healthcare applications and their associated challenges based on wearable and implanted technologies

Management of Coking Coal Resources

Science & Nature

Management of Coking Coal Resources provides a one-stop reference that focuses on sustainable mining practices using a four-point approach that includes the economical, governmental, societal, and environmental aspects of coal exploration, coking coal mining, and steelmaking applications. This type of approach galvanizes the excavation, processing methods, and end uses of coal as an energy and steelmaking source, thus ensuring that the supply of coking coal meets the future demands of the rapidly expanding economies in India and other developing countries. The book provides information on the strategic planning and revitalization of India's Jharia coalfield, addressing actionable plans for methods of extraction, master plans for mine fires, subsidence management, land use planning, and sustainable mining. Users will find a multidisciplinary reference that presents the broad range of applications, techniques, and methodologies used in maintaining coking coal quality from exploration through extraction. Provides a one-stop reference that focuses on sustainable mining practices using a four-point approachIncludes the economical, governmental, societal, and environmental aspects of coal exploration, coking coal mining, and steelmaking applicationsPresents information on the strategic planning and revitalization of India's Jharia coalfieldIncludes a broad range of the applications, techniques, and methodologies used in maintaining coking coal quality from exploration through extraction

Biodiesel Technology and Applications

Science & Nature

BIODIESEL This outstanding new volume provides a comprehensive overview on biodiesel technologies, covering a broad range of topics and practical applications, edited by one of the most well-respected and prolific engineers in the world and his team. Energy technologies have attracted great attention due to the fast development of sustainable energy. Biodiesel technologies have been identified as the sustainable route through which overdependence on fossil fuels can be reduced. Biodiesel has played a key role in handling the growing challenge of a global climate change policy. Biodiesel is defined as the monoalkyl esters of vegetable oils or animal fats. Biodiesel is a cost-effective, renewable, and sustainable fuel that can be made from vegetable oils and animal fats. Compared to petroleum-based diesel, biodiesel would offer a non-toxicity, biodegradability, improved air quality and positive impact on the environment, energy security, safe-to-handle, store and transport and so on. Biodiesels have been used as a replacement of petroleum diesel in transport vehicles, heavy-duty trucks, locomotives, heat oils, hydrogen production, electricity generators, agriculture, mining, construction, and forestry equipment. This book describes a comprehensive overview, covering a broad range of topics on biodiesel technologies and allied applications. Chapters cover history, properties, resources, fabrication methods, parameters, formulations, reactors, catalysis, transformations, analysis, in situ spectroscopies, key issues and applications of biodiesel technology. It also includes biodiesel methods, extraction strategies, biowaste utilization, oleochemical resources, non-edible feedstocks, heterogeneous catalysts, patents, and case-studies. Progress, challenges, future directions, and state-of-the-art biodiesel commercial technologies are discussed in detail. This book is an invaluable resource guide for professionals, faculty, students, chemical engineers, biotechnologists, and environmentalists in these research and development areas. This outstanding new volume: Summarizes the recent developments in this rapidly-developing, multi-disciplinary field Provides the reader with a practical understanding of biodiesel technology toward the real-world applications Formulates concepts, case-studies, patents, and applications helpful in decision making and problem-solving, in a single resource Delivers state-of-the-art information on biodiesel technology Audience: Chemical and process engineers and other professionals, faculty, students, scientists, biotechnologists, and environmental engineers

Advanced Polymeric Materials for Sustainability and Innovations

Science & Nature

This informative volume discusses recent advancements in the research and development in synthesis, characterization, processing, morphology, structure, and properties of advanced polymeric materials. With contributions from leading international researchers and professors in academic, government and industrial institutions, Advanced Polymeric Materials for Sustainability and Innovations has a special focus on eco-friendly polymers, polymer composites, nanocomposites, and blends and materials for traditional and renewable energy. In this book the relationship between processing-morphology-property applications of polymeric materials is well established. Recent advances in the synthesis of new functional monomers has shown strong potential in generating better property polymers from renewable resources. Fundamental advances in the field of nanocomposite blends and nanostructured polymeric materials in automotive, civil, biomedical and packaging/coating applications are the highlights of this book.

Applied Physical Chemistry with Multidisciplinary Approaches

Science & Nature

Presenting illustrative case studies, highlighting technological applications, and explaining theoretical and foundational concepts, this book is an important reference source on the key concepts for modern technologies and optimization of new processes in physical chemistry. This volume combines up-to-date research findings and relevant theoretical frameworks on applied chemistry, materials, and chemical engineering. This new volume presents an up-to-date review of modern materials and chemistry concepts, issues, and recent advances in the field. Distinguished scientists and engineers from key institutions worldwide have contributed chapters that provide a deep analysis of their particular subjects. At the same time, each topic is framed within the context of a broader more multidisciplinary approach, demonstrating its relationship and interconnectedness to other areas. The premise of this book, therefore, is to offer both a comprehensive understanding of applied science and engineering as a whole and a thorough knowledge of individual subjects. This approach appropriately conveys the basic fundamentals, state-of-the-art technology, and applications of the involved disciplines, and further encourages scientific collaboration among researchers. This volume emphasizes the intersection of chemistry, math, physics, and the resulting applications across many disciplines of science and explores applied physical chemistry principles in specific areas, including the life chemistry, environmental sciences, geosciences, and materials sciences. The applications from these multidisciplinary fields illustrate methods that can be used to model physical processes, design new products and find solutions to challenging problems.

Hogyan kerüljük el a klímakatasztrófát?

Science & Nature

Bill Gates egy évtizedet töltött azzal, hogy a fizika, a kémia, a biológia, a mérnöki tudományok, a politikatudomány, valamint a közgazdaságtan területén tevékenykedő kutatók és szakértők bevonásával feltárja a klímaváltozás okait és vázolja a lehetséges következményeket. Az ügy ugyanis mostanra halaszthatatlanná vált. Így Gates nemcsak a zéró emisszió fontosságára hívja fel a figyelmet, hanem azt is részletezi, hogy mit kell tennünk e fontos cél elérése érdekében. A könyv tárgyilagosan és közérthetően szembesíti az olvasót a velünk szemben álló társadalmi, környezeti és tudományos kihívásokkal. Kiderül, milyen forradalmi innovációk szükségesek ahhoz, hogy megújítsuk azokat az ágazatokat, amelyek leginkább felelősek a jelenlegi helyzetért. Gates az egyén szintjén érvényes cselekvést és a karbonsemlegességet érintő, kormányokon átívelő javaslatokat egyaránt fontos szempontnak tekinti, ebben a szellemiségben elemzi a jelenleg tomboló világjárvány, valamint a 2020-as amerikai elnökválasztás lehetséges hatásait is. A karbonsemlegesség elérése nem lesz egyszerű, gyökeres változások szükségesek. Bolygónk jövője a tét, de ha követjük a könyvben ismertetett tervet, a cél teljesíthető.

Star Trek: I'm Working on That

Science & Nature

"Beam me up, Scotty."® During the 1960s, in an age when the height of technology was a crackly AM transistor radio, Star Trek™ envisioned a time when communication devices worked without wires. "Working" Computers of the decade took up entire climate-controlled rooms and belonged only to the government and a few very large corporations. Yet Captain Kirk had one small enough to sit on the top of his desk -- and it talked back to him. "Ahead, Warp Factor 2" While man still hadn't walked on the moon, the crew of the Starship Enterprise® traveled between star systems faster than the speed of light. Its crew was able to walk on other worlds. Over the past three decades, Star Trek has become a global phenomenon. Its celebration of mankind's technical achievements and positive view of the future have earned it an enduring place in the world's psyche. It has inspired countless viewers to become scientists, inventors, and astronauts. And they, in turn, have wondered if they could make even a little piece of Star Trek real in their own lifetime. As one noted scientist said when he saw a plywood, plaster and plastic set that represented the ship's warp engines, "I'm working on that." As in his missions aboard the fictional Starship Enterprise, William Shatner, the actor who is Captain James T. Kirk, and his co-author, Chip Walter, take us on an adventure to discover the people who are working on the future we will all share. From traveling through space at warp speeds to beaming across the continent, noted scientists from Caltech to MIT explore the realms of what was once considered improbable and show how it just might be possible.

Chwiejnym krokiem. Jak przypadki wpływają na nasz los

Science & Nature

Pasjonująca książka, która uświadamia nam, że w naszym życiu jest wiele zdarzeń równie przewidywalnych, jak kroki potykającego się człowieka, który wyszedł nad ranem z baru Leonard Mlodinow, urodzony gawędziarz,w pasjonujący sposób pokazuje, w jaki sposób nasze życie jest głęboko ukształtowane przez przypadek i losowość oraz że wszystko, od oceny wina w branżowym czasopiśmie, przez sukces korporacyjny, na ocenach w szkole i sondażach politycznych kończąc jest mniej wiarygodne, niż nam się wydaje.Pokazując prawdziwą naturę przypadku i ujawniając psychologiczne złudzenia, które powodują, że źle oceniamy otaczający nas świat, Mlodinow daje nam narzędzia potrzebne do podejmowania bardziej świadomych decyzji. Od szkolnej klasy po salę sądową i od rynków finansowych po supermarkety, intrygujące i pouczające spojrzenie Mlodinowa na to, jak przypadkowość, przypadek i prawdopodobieństwo wpływają na nasze codzienne życie, fascynuje, intryguje i nieodmiennie inspiruje. „Wspaniale klarowny przewodnik po tym, jak matematyczne prawa losowości wpływają na nasze codzienne życie”.Stephen Hawking, autor Krótkiej historii czasu

Nanomedicine for Drug Delivery and Therapeutics

Science & Nature

This book describes a broad area of nanomedicine which involves mainly applications, diseases, and diagnostics. The comprehensive coverage provides researchers, academics, and health specialists with a great tool, that includes techniques applicable to various uses.

Filosofisica

Science & Nature

«La fisica e la filosofia sono due cose diverse». L’incipit perentorio di Filosofisica non deve trarre in inganno: un dialogo tra le due discipline, a prima vista inconciliabili, è possibile, poiché entrambe ambiscono ad accrescere e perfezionare la conoscenza nella sua accezione più ampia. Étienne Klein prende spunto dai grandi temi della fisica contemporanea – il tempo, il vuoto, la causalità, la materia – per dimostrare come la scienza moderna possa offrire alla filosofia «una nuova opportunità d’azione».

Long-range Interactions, Stochasticity and Fractional Dynamics

Science & Nature

Dedicated to the late Dr. George Zaslavsky, one of the three originators of the theory of Hamiltonian chaos, this volume surveys recent developments in long-range interaction, fractional dynamics, brain dynamics and stochastic turbulence theory.

Advances in Nanotechnology and the Environmental Sciences

Science & Nature

Showcasing a selection of new research on nanotechnological applications for environmental protection along with new advanced technologies in nanochemistry, this volume presents an interdisciplinary approach that brings together materials science, chemistry, and nanotechnology. Part I of the volume looks at environmental topics that include an exploration of the challenges of the global water crisis and new technology in nanofiltration and water purification. It provides an informative overview of green nanotechnology, green nanomaterials, and green chemistry. Some of the advanced technologies discussed in Part II include the application of quantum dots, a nanochemical approach to using ICT technology, and new research on polymer nanocomposites as a smart material along with its synthesis, preparation, and properties. Other important topics are included as well.

La Fascination de l'islam

Science & Nature

Publié pour la première fois en 1980 (dans la " Petite collection Maspero "), La Fascination de l'islam réunit deux études : l'une sur les étapes du regard occidental sur le monde musulman, du Moyen Âge au XXe siècle, et l'autre, sur les études arabes et islamiques en Europe, particulièrement précieuse pour en comprendre les évolutions récentes. Cette édition comporte une préface complétée par une étude consacrée à une pièce peu connue d'Alexandre Dumas (père), Charles VII chez ses grands vassaux, écrite en 1831 : elle narre les rapports mouvementés de Charles de Savoisy, seigneur bourguignon du début du XVe siècle, et de Yaqoub, un esclave sarrasin qu'il avait ramené d'une croisade. Par un remarquable travail d'érudition, Maxime Rodinson a reconstitué les faits authentiques dont Dumas s'était librement inspiré. Cette recherche lui permet d'établir un surprenant parallèle entre les perceptions du monde islamique au Moyen Âge –; où le Sarrasin était " l'ennemi de service ", mais respecté –;, et à l'époque romantique, montrant ainsi comment une fascination présente trouve à se nourrir des fascinations du passé : une leçon d'histoire aux implications très actuelles...

Microbiota Profiling for Precision Medicine

Science & Nature

This book provides an in-depth exploration of microbiota profiling and precision medicine, including the underlying mechanisms, delivery methods, treatment strategies, and the impact of biomarker-targeted drug delivery. It incorporates the latest research findings, such as biomarker-targeted drug delivery, clinical assessment and diagnosis, and therapeutic approaches. The book offers a comprehensive overview of the latest developments in biomarker-targeted drug delivery strategies. It addresses the challenges faced by healthcare professionals, offering actionable strategies for effective multidisciplinary care, along with patient and family perspectives, coping mechanisms, and ways to improve quality of life. By combining scientific knowledge, clinical expertise, and patient insights, the book enhances understanding, diagnosis, and treatment options for these complex conditions. These qualities distinguish it from existing publications and make it a valuable resource for readers seeking a thorough and engaging overview of this subject.The chapters cover a broad range of topics, including recent advances in microbiota profiling techniques, microbiota's role in drug metabolism and toxicity, and its immunomodulatory effects. Special focus is given to the involvement of microbiota in neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's, emphasizing the therapeutic potential of microbiome-targeted strategies. The authors provide expert analysis on integrating microbiota-derived data with innovative tools like nanotechnology and machine learning to improve drug delivery systems. Readers will also gain practical insights from case studies on microbiota-informed therapies for cancer, autoimmune conditions, and gastrointestinal disorders. This book is essential for researchers, clinicians, academicians, and students working in microbiome science, pharmacology, biotechnology, and precision medicine. It addresses key questions such as biomarker validation, data integration, and the ethical considerations necessary for the clinical use of microbiome-based therapies.

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