Science & Nature - Books

Genome Engineering via CRISPR-Cas9 System

Science & Nature

Genome Engineering via CRISPR-Cas9 Systems presents a compilation of chapters from eminent scientists from across the globe who have established expertise in working with CRISPR-Cas9 systems. Currently, targeted genome engineering is a key technology for basic science, biomedical and industrial applications due to the relative simplicity to which they can be designed, used and applied. However, it is not easy to find relevant information gathered in a single source. The book contains a wide range of applications of CRISPR in research of bacteria, virus, algae, plant and mammalian and also discusses the modeling of drosophila, zebra fish and protozoan, among others. Other topics covered include diagnosis, sensor and therapeutic applications, as well as ethical and regulatory issues. This book is a valuable source not only for beginners in genome engineering, but also researchers, clinicians, stakeholders, policy makers, and practitioners interested in the potential of CRISPR-Cas9 in several fields. Provides basic understanding and a clear picture on how to design, use and implement the CRISPR-Cas9 system in different organisms Explains how to create an animal model for disease research and screening purposes using CRISPR Discusses the application of CRISPR-Cas9 systems in basic sciences, biomedicine, virology, bacteriology, molecular biology, neurology, cancer, industry, and many more

New Generation Formulations of Agrochemicals

Science & Nature

This important volume provides new research on the design and application of ecologically safe formulations for protecting cultivated crops against pathogen-causing diseases and weeds—that also provide nitrogen fertilizers at the same time. The authors make a significant contribution to the development and agricultural use of environmentally safe and biodegradable new-generation pesticides with targeted and controlled release of active ingredients. They discuss the problems associated with the use and accumulation of xenobiotics in the biosphere and present highlights of modern trends in the design of new-generation formulations. The authors present their original research results on the properties of herbicides, fungicides, and nitrogen fertilizers deposited in a degradable polymer base and the effectiveness of the use of these formulations in laboratory ecosystems with higher plants infected with fusariosis and weeds. The research provided here provides a new direction for the use of degradable polymers, essential for the creation of ecologically safe agricultural technologies and reducing uncontrolled accumulation and spread of xenobiotics in the biosphere.

Le droit d'être naturaliste

Science & Nature

Avec les Pensées d’un Biologiste le moraliste rejoignait le savant, l’auteur du Journal d’un Caractère, digne successeur d’un La Rochefoucauld, tirait la leçon de ce que le savant généticien, homme de laboratoire, avait découvert et de ce que le génial vulgarisateur scientifique avait tout à la fois appris et enseigné. Le Droit d’être Naturaliste marque une nouvelle étape. Qu’il écrive ou qu’il parle, dans ses livres comme dans ses conférences, Jean Rostand possède ce don d’expression, cette force de communication, qui éveille l’intérêt, la curiosité, la sympathie et qui, le plus souvent, emporte l’adhésion. Homme de Vérité par excellence, convaincu il sait convaincre. Il apporte à toutes ses entreprises, d’ordre scientifique ou littéraire, le même respect de l’exactitude, le même enthousiasme militant. L’ensemble que constitue Le Droit d’être Naturaliste en fait une œuvre particulièrement riche. A côté de textes qui sont des hommages vibrants et éclairants à des auteurs dont il a plus que d’autres de bonnes raisons de nous entretenir, tels Anna de Noailles et Maurice Maeterlinck, on trouvera, et c’est là l’essentiel de ce livre important, des essais qui sont de véritables professions de foi, des discours qui sont des manifestes, tel “Le droit d’être naturaliste” qui ouvre ce volume ou le Discours sur les Prix de Vertu qui le ferme, déclarations proprement révolutionnaires à bien des égards et dont les conséquences, les projections sur l’avenir, qu’il s’agisse de modifier le système d’enseignement actuel ou d’établir les bases d’une morale biologique, ne laissent pas d’être impressionnantes. En quelques années Jean Rostand, grand humaniste, est devenu l’un des hommes qui honorent le plus notre temps. Sa longue expérience de la solitude, la diversité et la profondeur de ses connaissances, sa passion pour la vie et les vivants, son inlassable générosité font de lui un “phénomène humain” dont les convictions ici exprimées concernent directement le destin de l’homme.

Control of Standalone Microgrid

Science & Nature

Control of Standalone Microgrid looks at a practical and systematic elaboration of the architecture, design and control of standalone microgrids. It is oriented towards more advanced readers who want to enhance their knowledge in the fields of power engineering, sustainable energy, microgrids and their control.With an enriched collection of topics pertaining to the architecture and control of standalone microgrids, this book presents recent research that will bring advancements in the current power system scenario, discussing operational and technical issues due to high penetration of distributed generation units.Including executable plans for standalone microgrid systems this book enables researchers and energy executives to understand the future of energy delivery systems as well as global case studies and models to apply control techniques for standalone microgrids and protection schemes which provide a deeper level of understanding. Includes significant case studies and global case studies of control techniques and protection schemes Provides a working guideline in the design, analysis and development of Standalone microgrid and its applications Features detailed description of the types and components of standalone microgrids, modeling and simulation and performance analysis

Emotional

Science & Nature

We’ve all been told that thinking rationally is the key to success. But at the cutting edge of science, researchers are discovering that feeling is every bit as important as thinking in this "lively exposé of the growing consensus about the limited power of rationality and decision-making" (The New York Times Book Review).You make hundreds of decisions every day, from what to eat for breakfast to how you should invest, and not one of those decisions would be possible without emotion. It has long been said that thinking and feeling are separate and opposing forces in our behavior. But as Leonard Mlodinow, the best-selling author of Subliminal, tells us, extraordinary advances in psychology and neuroscience have proven that emotions are as critical to our well-being as thinking. How can you connect better with others? How can you make sense of your frustration, fear, and anxiety? What can you do to live a happier life? The answers lie in understanding your emotions. Journeying from the labs of pioneering scientists to real-world scenarios that have flirted with disaster, Mlodinow shows us how our emotions can help, why they sometimes hurt, and what we can learn in both instances. Using deep insights into our evolution and biology, Mlodinow gives us the tools to understand our emotions better and to maximize their benefits. Told with his characteristic clarity and fascinating stories, Emotional explores the new science of feelings and offers us an essential guide to making the most of one of nature’s greatest gifts.

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

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

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.

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.

Heavy Metals and Other Pollutants in the Environment

Science & Nature

This important new volume presents a plethora of research on the distribution of heavy metals in soils and rocks of natural habitats, farmlands, and urbanized areas along with the factors influencing their bioavailability. The authors evaluate the content of organic matter, soil acidity, mineral fertilizers, and more. Developed for ecologists and specialists in the field of environmental protection and the conservation of biological diversity, the book presents the problems of reducing the anthropogenic load on the surrounding countryside and focuses on sustainable agricultural development.

Il gene

Science & Nature

Gli straordinari progressi fatti dalla genetica negli ultimi decenni aprono insperate ed entusiasmanti possibilità di sconfiggere malattie ritenute finora invincibili, ma al contempo sollevano cruciali interrogativi di carattere etico cui è quasi impossibile sottrarsi, soprattutto perché riguardano l'immediato futuro dell'umanità. Che ne sarà, infatti, dell'essere umano quando avremo imparato a «leggere» e a «scrivere» il suo patrimonio genetico? E, magari, a duplicarlo?Siddhartha Mukherjee, noto ricercatore oncologo e autore dell'Imperatore del male, impareggiabile «biografia» del cancro, ripercorre le tappe più significative del cammino che ha portato a identificare l'origine di quei caratteri che, pur accomunando ciascun individuo a tutti gli altri membri della sua stessa specie, lo rendono assolutamente unico e irripetibile.Da Aristotele a Pitagora, da Darwin a Mendel, da Boveri e Morgan a Crick, Watson e Franklin, fino agli scienziati del XXI secolo che sono riusciti a compiere il decisivo passo di mappare il genoma umano, Il gene esamina le innumerevoli ipotesi che si sono succedute nel corso dei secoli, i successi e i fallimenti che hanno costellato il tentativo di comprendere e spiegare i meccanismi dell'ereditarietà e le loro sorprendenti influenze sulla personalità e il destino degli esseri umani. Senza tacere delle agghiaccianti derive dell'eugenetica, non solo a opera dei medici nazisti, né di argomenti di scottante attualità come le possibili implicazioni delle terapie geniche o dell'impiego delle cellule staminali.Prendendo le mosse dalla sua vicenda familiare, segnata da una dolorosa storia di malattia mentale, e intrecciando scienza, filosofia e letteratura, l'autore racconta in un linguaggio semplice ma rigoroso tutte le peripezie della nascita e dello sviluppo di un'idea scientifica, e offre un salutare spunto di riflessione rispetto ai dubbi che talvolta sorgono quando, uscendo dal laboratorio, le conquiste dell'indagine scientifica entrano con prepotenza nella vita delle persone, promettendo – o rischiando – di cambiarla per sempre.

Towards Intelligent Systems Modeling and Simulation

Science & Nature

This book creates the emergence of disruptive technologies that have led to a significant change in the role of mathematics and statistics for problem solving, with the use of sophisticated software and hardware in solving complex systems and process. In the era of digital technology, mathematics and statistics need to be highly relevant to be able to cater for the needs of IR4.0 such as big data analytics, simulation, autonomous system, and cloud computing. Motivated by this development, a total of 26 chapters are contributed by respectable experts for this book. The main scope of the book is to conduct a new system of modeling and simulations on solving differential equations, nonlinear equations, energy, epidemiology, and risk assessment. This book is of interest for postgraduate students, researchers as well as other scientists who are working in numerical modeling and simulations based on efficient mathematical and statistical techniques.

Upconversion Nanoparticles (UCNPs) for Functional Applications

Science & Nature

This book explores upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) at both, the fundamental as well as applied levels, for functional applications. It provides a broad perspective about the synthesis approaches of UCNPs with the preferred size, improved and tunable upconversion luminescence, along with the combined multifunctionality for various applications. It highlights the fundamentals and systematic developments in the tuning of UC emission and surface engineering of UCNPs that make UCNPs convenient for use in a large range of applications. Moreover, it gives an understanding of the imposed limitations and challenges associated with these methods to achieve the desired performance in targeted applications. It also includes the latest multifunctional lanthanide-based UCNPs, which efficiently convert low-energy photons into high-energy photons, and their applications in fluorescent microscopy, deep-tissue bioimaging, nanomedicine, optogenetics, solid-state lighting, solar cells, security labeling, and volumetric display.

Carbon Nanotubes for Energy and Environmental Applications

Science & Nature

This new book, Carbon Nanotubes for Energy and Environmental Applications, covers the timely issue of green applications of carbon nanotubes. It covers the diverse usages of carbon nanotubes for the sensing of environmentally hazardous chemicals, for water purification, for the protection of the environment, and for new energy applications.The development of highly sensitive CNT-based gas sensors for air pollution monitoring, for green synthesis of carbon nanotubes, and for green energy applications are discussed in this volume. The diverse topics in the volume include nanodiamonds for energy storage, new lubricant additives that enhance energy efficiency, how carbon nanotubes can be applied in the food and agricultural sectors, the use of CNTs in water purification and desalination, carbon nanotubes-based electrochemical sensors for environmentally hazardous chemicals, and much more.This timely book addresses a need of the hour and will provide valuable for environmentally conscious industry professionals, faculty and students, and researchers in materials science, engineering, physics, and chemistry with interest in nanomaterials.

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

Advances in Grid-Connected Photovoltaic Power Conversion Systems

Science & Nature

Advances in Grid-Connected Photovoltaic Power Conversion Systems addresses the technological challenges of fluctuating and unreliable power supply in grid-connected photovoltaic (PV) systems to help students, researchers, and engineers work toward more PV installations in the grid to make society more sustainable and reliable while complying with grid regulations. The authors combine their extensive knowledge and experience in this book to address both the basics of the power electronic converter technology and the advances of such practical electric power conversion systems. This book includes extensive, step-by-step practical application examples to assist students and engineers to better understand the role of power electronics in modern PV applications and solve the practical issues in grid-connected PV systems. Offers a step-by-step modeling approach to solving the practical issues and technological challenges in grid-connected PV systems Provides practical application examples to assist the reader to better understand the role of power electronics in modern PV applications Extends to the most modern technologies for grid-friendly PV systems

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».

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...

Co to jest życie?

Science & Nature

Z tej książki dowiesz się:•Czy w kosmos wysłano kiedyś tysiąc miniaturowych mózgów?•W jaki sposób proste organizmy rozwiązują problemy, nad którymi matematycy głowią się od stuleci?•Czy odkrycie radu pozwoliło poznać sekret życia?•Jak to możliwe, że po obfitym posiłku wąż tak bardzo powiększa swoje narządy?Mimo że biolodzy zdobyli przez stulecia ogromną wiedzę na temat różnych gatunków i dokonują rzeczy, o których niedawno jeszcze nikomu się nie śniło, to nadal nie potrafią podać definicji życia. Zapytani, jąkają się, zwodzą, kluczą, by wreszcie rozpaczliwie burknąć: „Życie jest tym, co JEST”, lub bardziej obrazowo wydukać: „Bycie żywym to niebycie martwym”.Większość ludzi na pytanie, czy żyją, bez kłopotu odpowiedziałaby twierdząco. Dlaczego więc kryteria życia tak bardzo wymykają się przedstawicielom nauk przyrodniczych? Dzięki naszym mózgom szybko dostrzegamy żywych ludzi dookoła, z przedstawicielami innych gatunków idzie nam już jednak trochę gorzej. Biolodzy wskazują na różne cechy, którymi wyróżniają się żyjące istoty : metabolizm, zdolność do gromadzenia informacji, utrzymania homeostazy, reprodukcji, ewolucji.Carl Zimmer, znakomity popularyzator nauki, autor bestsellera „Śmiech ma po matce”, wyrusza w poszukiwaniu odpowiedzi na te życiowe pytania: odwiedza laboratoria i jaskinie, karmi węże i eksperymentuje z genami. Pokazuje, jak odmiennie podchodzą do życia różne istoty i jak mgliste i pełne zagadek pozostaje pogranicze życia – zarówno jego początek, jak i koniec.Cóż, może rację miał zespół Opus, który w latach osiemdziesiątych śpiewał po prostu: „Live is life”...KSIĄŻKI DOBRE NIE TYLKO W TEORII!

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