Science & Nature - Books

Proceedings of the 6th International Conference on Fundamental and Applied Sciences

Science & Nature

This book highlights latest advancement in Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry. With the theme of “Innovative Science towards Sustainability and Industrial Revolution 4.0”, ICFAS 2020 brings together leading experts, scientific communities and industrialists working in the field of applied sciences and mathematics from all over the world to share the most recent developments and cutting-edge discoveries addressing sustainability and industrial revolution 4.0 in the field. The conference topics include green materials, molecular modelling, catalysis, nanodevices and nanosystems, smart materials applications, solar cells technology, computational mathematics, data analysis and visualization, and numerical analysis. The contents of this book are useful for researchers, students, and industrial practitioners in the areas of Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry as most of the topics are in line with IR 4.0.

Energy and Rhythm

Science & Nature

Rhythms animate our lives and the worlds we inhabit. Rhythms of getting things done, of working technologies, of day and night and the seasons, and of shared patterns of work, home-life and moving around. Rhythms are also intrinsically about flows of energy – heat, light, motion – from the smallest movements of muscles, to the petrol-fuelled rhythms of the rush hour, the spinning of wind turbines and shifting cycles of solar radiation. This book sets out to energise Lefebvre's rhythmanalysis in order to develop a novel and far reaching polyrhythmic conceptualisation of the beats and pulses of our relations with energy in both its natural and technological forms. Social theory, thermodynamic thinking and diverse streams of energy-oriented research are brought together to trace how the climate crisis has the rhythmic patterning of big power energy systems at its core; and how transitioning to a just, low carbon future means transforming energy systems and our everyday dependencies on them into new rhythmic patterns and interrelations.

Da zero a tre anni

Science & Nature

Nei primi tre anni di vita si gioca una partita cruciale: il cervello del neonato entra in contatto con l'ambiente e assorbe come una spugna tutto quello che avviene intorno a lui: immagini, suoni, voci, colori, parole. È attraverso queste graduali esperienze che si costruiscono la sua psiche e la sua personalità. Alla nascita un bambino è un "miliardario" della mente e davanti a lui si apre una gamma pressoché infinita di opportunità: ma in mancanza di stimoli adeguati il cervello può perdere le sue grandi potenzialità di sviluppo. Questo libro, scritto in modo chiaro e divulgativo, spiega cosa avviene nella mente umana durante la prima infanzia e illustra ai genitori come siano importanti le mosse che essi giocano sullo scacchiere della vita dei propri figli.

Multifaceted Bio-sensing Technology

Science & Nature

Multifaceted Bio-sensing Technology introduces the different types of biosensors, their construction materials, configurations, production methods, and their uses in bioelectrochemical fuel cells (BEFC). It focuses on recent progress in the production of biosensing platforms/interfaces, their integration, design and fabrication, and their multifaceted applications in bioelectrochemical systems. The chapters explore the integration of genetic elements such as DNA, enzymes, and whole cells within these systems, and address environmental applications including wastewater contaminant detection, toxicity, and bioremediation. Throughout, the book shows how rapid, minuscule, and affordable biocomponents can be produced for a variety of energy and environmental applications. This book provides a practical introduction to the production of biocomponents for bioelectrochemical devices and environmental monitoring, and will be a useful reference for graduates and researchers involved in the application of bioelectrochemical systems, as well as those working more broadly in bioenergy, electrochemistry, biology, environmental engineering, and multidisciplinary research across those areas. - Examines the applications of biosensors in bioelectrochemical fuel cells and other fields and their integration and assembly for future uses - Explores on the application of carbon nanomaterials in biosensors - Presents detailed schematics and calculations that outline integrations in bioelectrochemical systems

Biodiversity of Freshwater Ecosystems

Science & Nature

This new volume examines the ecological importance, threats, protection, and management of the biodiversity of freshwater ecosystems, such as lakes, ponds, rivers, streams, reservoirs, pools, and wetlands. As populations have been increasing exponentially, humans are using freshwater ecosystems severely, resulting in habitat destruction and breakdown. Environmental contamination, climate change, the introduction of harmful and invasive organisms, unplanned dredging and de-weeding processes, disposal of sewer systems in freshwater bodies, and badly planned water diversions are the leading causes of habitat loss in freshwaters. These impacts have led to significant decreases in the numbers and productivity of many freshwater species and decreased biodiversity in freshwater.This book presents a selection of primary research and review papers on several freshwater aquatic biodiversity studies, which involve evaluating plants, macroinvertebrates, macrophytes, benthic zones, and fish diversity in freshwater ecosystems. It provides an abundance of new information on freshwater biodiversity distribution, status, and patterns.Key features: Discusses the importance, threats, and management of biodiversity of freshwater ecosystems Provides detailed coverage of modern and updated techniques used in the evaluation and conservation of freshwater biodiversity Looks at the impact of pesticides pollution on freshwater environs, and on aquatic and terrestrial life Reviews how global climate change affects freshwater biodiversity Biodiversity of Freshwater Ecosystems: Threats, Protection, and Management promotes the enhancement and strengthening of freshwater protection and its unique biodiversity for scientists, policymakers, scholars, researchers, NGOs, and the public, providing necessary background knowledge and practical tools to help manage aquatic ecosystems and their biodiversity in a holistic manner.

Emerging Technologies and Biological Systems for Biogas Upgrading (Enhanced Edition)

Science & Nature

Emerging Technologies and Biological Systems for Biogas Upgrading systematically summarizes the fundamental principles and the state-of-the-art of biogas cleaning and upgrading technologies, with special emphasis on biological processes for carbon dioxide (CO2), hydrogen sulfide (H2S), siloxane, and hydrocarbon removal. After analyzing the global scenario of biogas production, upgrading and utilization, this book discusses the integration of methanation processes to power-to-gas systems for methane (CH4) production and physiochemical upgrading technologies, such as chemical absorption, water scrubbing, pressure swing adsorption and the use of membranes. It then explores more recent and sustainable upgrading technologies, such as photosynthetic processes using algae, hydrogen-mediated microbial techniques, electrochemical, bioelectrochemical, and cryogenic approaches. H2S removal with biofilters is also covered, as well as removal of siloxanes through polymerization, peroxidation, biological degradation and gas-liquid absorption. The authors also thoroughly consider issues of mass transfer limitation in biomethanation from waste gas, biogas upgrading and life cycle assessment of upgrading technologies, techno-economic aspects, challenges for upscaling, and future trends.Providing specific information on biogas upgrading technology, and focusing on the most recent developments, Emerging Technologies and Biological Systems for Biogas Upgrading is a unique resource for researchers, engineers, and graduate students in the field of biogas production and utilization, including waste-to-energy and power-to-gas. It is also useful for entrepreneurs, consultants, and decision-makers in governmental agencies in the fields of sustainable energy, environmental protection, greenhouse gas emissions and climate change, and strategic planning. Explores all major technologies for biogas upgrading through physiochemical, biological, and electrochemical processes Discusses CO2, H2S, and siloxane removal techniques Provides a systematical approach to discuss technologies, including challenges to gas–liquid mass transfer, life cycle assessment, technoeconomic implications, upscaling and systems integration

Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning for EDGE Computing

Science & Nature

Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning for Predictive and Analytical Rendering in Edge Computing focuses on the role of AI and machine learning as it impacts and works alongside Edge Computing. Sections cover the growing number of devices and applications in diversified domains of industry, including gaming, speech recognition, medical diagnostics, robotics and computer vision and how they are being driven by Big Data, Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning and distributed computing, may it be Cloud Computing or the evolving Fog and Edge Computing paradigms.Challenges covered include remote storage and computing, bandwidth overload due to transportation of data from End nodes to Cloud leading in latency issues, security issues in transporting sensitive medical and financial information across larger gaps in points of data generation and computing, as well as design features of Edge nodes to store and run AI/ML algorithms for effective rendering. Provides a reference handbook on the evolution of distributed systems, including Cloud, Fog and Edge Computing Integrates the various Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning techniques for effective predictions at Edge rather than Cloud or remote Data Centers Provides insight into the features and constraints in Edge Computing and storage, including hardware constraints and the technological/architectural developments that shall overcome those constraints

Darwin, God and the Meaning of Life

Science & Nature

Is religion compatible with evolution? Is religious faith intellectually flawed? Steve Stewart-Williams addresses these and other fundamental questions raised by Darwin's theory of evolution. Drawing on philosophy, biology and the exciting new field of evolutionary psychology, he makes a strong case for a naturalistic, atheistic view of the universe.

Nanomaterials and their Fascinating Attributes

Science & Nature

Nanotechnology is a diverse science that has brought about new applications in fields such as colloidal science, device physics and supra molecular chemistry. This volume gives an overview of the development of nanomaterial applications in energy and power generation, medicine and healthcare, water purification, biotechnology, electronics, sporting goods, environmental issues, military defense, and textile/fabric industries. The text also explains the fundamentals of polymer nanocomposites and their industrial applications. Other chapters cover semiconductor applications of nanomaterials, nanomaterial synthesis, characterization of nanocomposites and uses of nanofillers. Readers will also find notes on the DFT study of II-VI semiconducting nano-clusters.This volume is intended to be an introductory reference for students and researchers undertaking advanced courses in materials science and engineering, giving readers a glimpse into the fascinating world of nanotechnology.

Simplexity

Science & Nature

Why are the instruction manuals for cell phones incomprehensible? Why is a truck driver's job as hard as a CEO's? How can 10 percent of every medical dollar cure 90 percent of the world's disease? Why do bad teams win so many games? Complexity, as any scientist will tell you, is a slippery idea. Things that seem complicated can be astoundingly simple; things that seem simple can be dizzyingly complex. A houseplant may be more intricate than a manufacturing plant. A colony of garden ants may be more complicated than a community of people. A sentence may be richer than a book, a couplet more complicated than a song. These and other paradoxes are driving a whole new science--simplexity -- that is redefining how we look at the world and using that new view to improve our lives in fields as diverse as economics, biology, cosmology, chemistry, psychology, politics, child development, the arts, and more. Seen through the lens of this surprising new science, the world becomes a delicate place filled with predictable patterns--patterns we often fail to see as we're time and again fooled by our instincts, by our fear, by the size of things, and even by their beauty. In Simplexity, Time senior writer Jeffrey Kluger shows how a drinking straw can save thousands of lives; how a million cars can be on the streets but just a few hundred of them can lead to gridlock; how investors behave like atoms; how arithmetic governs abstract art and physics drives jazz; why swatting a TV indeed makes it work better. As simplexity moves from the research lab into popular consciousness it will challenge our models for modern living. Jeffrey Kluger adeptly translates newly evolving theory into a delightful theory of everything that will have you rethinking the rules of business, family, art -- your world.

Astrofísica para gente con prisa

Science & Nature

¿Qué son los agujeros negros? ¿Y los quarks? ¿Tienen sentido las expediciones en busca de vida extraterrestre? Todos nos hemos hecho preguntas como estas, pero lo cierto es que hoy en día pocos tenemos tiempo para contemplar el cosmos e intentar disipar nuestras dudas. Neil deGrasse Tyson nos acerca el universo a la Tierra a través de estas brillantes páginas que podremos leer en cualquier momento y en cualquier lugar, ya sea mientras nos tomamos el café por la mañana o en el autobús camino al trabajo.

La Grande Muraille Verte

Science & Nature

La désertification est un phénomène mondial qui affecte près de la moitié de la surface de la planète, notamment en Afrique où 43 % des terres se trouvent dans des zones arides ou semi-arides. La lutte contre la désertification dans ces milieux constitue une des priorités majeures des États sahélo-sahariens du Circum-Sahara. L’ « Initiative africaine Grande Muraille Verte » (IAGMV) répond à ces enjeux via un ensemble d’actions destinées à assurer le développement socio-économique régional. Elle signe l’émergence d’un leadership de l’Afrique dans la prise en charge de ses défis environnementaux, à travers la gestion durable et la valorisation de l’important potentiel de développement des zones arides du continent. Malgré l’acquisition de connaissances scientifiques et techniques dans les domaines liés à la gestion durable des terres en zones arides, la majeure partie de ces données n’ont pas été capitalisées et diffusées, ce qui fragilise la mise en place des différentes politiques de lutte contre la désertification. Cet ouvrage a ainsi pour objectif de faire l’état des lieux des connaissances et initiatives sur la gestion des problématiques de la désertification. Il capitalise les résultats, les expériences, les techniques et autres données issues de la recherche scientifique, mais aussi des pratiques et des savoirs traditionnels acquis au cours des cinquante dernières années. Il propose les recommandations qui en découlent afin d’optimiser les stratégies et les performances des programmes et projets de l’ « Initiative Grande Muraille Verte ». Il s’adresse aux chercheurs, hydrologues, écologues, agronomes ainsi qu’aux développeurs et aménageurs investis dans les programmes de lutte contre la désertification.

Hausinstallation einer Photovoltaikanlage für das Laden von elektronischen Kraftfahrzeugen

Science & Nature

Ab wann lohnt sich eine Erweiterung der elektrischen Installation und die Anschaffung eines Elektroautos für den täglichen Bedarf? Diese Fragestellung wird bei vielen Besitzern - oder zukünftigen Besitzern - eines Einfamilienhauses in naher Zukunft aufkommen. Sie ist nicht nur aus ökonomischer Sicht interessant, sondern auch aus ökologischer. Für die wissenschaftliche Arbeit werden folgende Annahmen getätigt: Das Elektroauto wird für den täglichen Pendelverkehr von zu Hause zur Arbeit benötigt und die Erweiterung der Hausinstallation durch eine Photovoltaikanlage (PVA) entspricht dem Standard des Verbands der Elektrotechnik Elektronik Informationstechnik e.V. (VDE). Für die Hausarbeit nehmen wir folgendes Szenario an: Das Einfamilienhaus befindet sich in Norddeutschland, das Dach ist nach Süden mit dem optimalen Neigungswinkel von 30° ausgerichtet und ein durchschnittlicher Stromverbrauch für zwei Erwachsene und zwei Kinder. Die pendelnde Person arbeitet wochentags, tagsüber in einem Unternehmen, welches 60 Kilometer (einfache Strecke) von zu Hause entfernt ist. Daraus ergibt sich für die Hausarbeit die Hypothese, die monatlichen Benzinkosten mit der Anschaffung eines Elektroautos und einer PVA zu senken. Dies führt zur folgenden Leitfrage: Lohnt es sich finanziell, die elektrische Hausinstallation mit einer Photovoltaikanlage für das Laden eines Elektroautos zu erweitern?

Sobre o Futuro

Science & Nature

Um olhar provocador e inspirador sobre o futuro da Humanidade e da Ciência Atingimos um ponto crítico. O mundo como o conhecemos está a transformar-se depressa demais. Durante o próximo século enfrentaremos riscos existenciais com várias consequências, positivas e negativas. Contudo, a nossa abordagem ao futuro é caracterizada pelo pensamento a curto prazo, debates polarizados, retórica alarmista e pessimismo. Para Martin Rees, é necessária uma abordagem diferente no planeamento a longo prazo. O futuro da Humanidade está ligado ao futuro da ciência.

Design, Fabrication, and Characterization of Multifunctional Nanomaterials

Science & Nature

Design, Fabrication, and Characterization of Multifunctional Nanomaterials covers major techniques for the design, synthesis, and development of multifunctional nanomaterials. The chapters highlight the main characterization techniques, including X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and scanning probe microscopy.The book explores major synthesis methods and functional studies, including: Brillouin spectroscopy; Temperature-dependent Raman spectroscopic studies; Magnetic, ferroelectric, and magneto-electric coupling analysis; Organ-on-a-chip methods for testing nanomaterials; Magnetron sputtering techniques; Pulsed laser deposition techniques; Positron annihilation spectroscopy to prove defects in nanomaterials; Electroanalytic techniques. This is an important reference source for materials science students, scientists, and engineers who are looking to increase their understanding of design and fabrication techniques for a range of multifunctional nanomaterials. Explains the major design and fabrication techniques and processes for a range of multifunctional nanomaterials; Demonstrates the design and development of magnetic, ferroelectric, multiferroic, and carbon nanomaterials for electronic applications, energy generation, and storage; Green synthesis techniques and the development of nanofibers and thin films are also emphasized.

Our Synthetic Environment

Science & Nature

Bookchin wrote Our Synthetic Environment under the pseudonym Lewis Herber. This was one of the first books of the modern period in which an author espoused an ecological and environmentalist worldview. It predates Silent Spring (1962) by Rachel Carson, a more widely known book on the same topic widely credited as starting the environmental movement. "At the time of its publication, Our Synthetic Environment was the most comprehensive and enlightened book on the environmental crisis. Many other books on this topic have been published since, but none, I believe, as comprehensive." --René Dubos—Print ed.

A cosa serve la politica?

Science & Nature

"Oggi c'è un forte risentimento contro la classe politica per i suoi troppi privilegi, per il malcostume diffuso, per i costi, l'arroganza, l'inefficienza, la corruzione. Ma in realtà esiste una questione molto più profonda, che questo libro intende affrontare, e che riguarda il ruolo stesso della politica nella società. È radicata l'idea che sia la politica a determinare il benessere di un paese. E che, cambiando maggioranza, o cambiando leader, si possano ottenere cose che in realtà non dipendono dalla politica. E che non dipendono neppure dalla capacità di lottare per ottenerle. Questo non significa che la politica non sia importante, anzi. Ma soltanto se riesce a stimolare e a far crescere in modo prioritario quei 'software', quei motori dello sviluppo che sono i veri produttori di ricchezza. E anche i veri attrattori di investimenti. Ma è così che funziona la politica in Italia?" Andando al di là delle polemiche quotidiane, Piero Angela ci offre un punto di vista diverso e illuminante per mettere a fuoco il vero problema del nostro paese. E lo fa con la lucidità, l'equilibrio e la chiarezza che lo hanno reso celebre.

3 minutes pour comprendre les 50 plus grandes théories mathématiques

Science & Nature

Les nombres imaginaires, l'infini, le triangle de Pascal, les fractals, les algorithmes, les nombres de Fibonacci, le théorème de l'incomplétude de Gödel... Bien sûr, vous en avez déjà entendu parler, mais savez-vous vraiment de quoi il s'agit ? Voici enfin

Fashion, Faith, and Fantasy in the New Physics of the Universe

Science & Nature

Nobel Prize–winning physicist Roger Penrose questions some of the most fashionable ideas in physics today, including string theoryWhat can fashionable ideas, blind faith, or pure fantasy possibly have to do with the scientific quest to understand the universe? Surely, theoretical physicists are immune to mere trends, dogmatic beliefs, or flights of fancy? In fact, acclaimed physicist and bestselling author Roger Penrose argues that researchers working at the extreme frontiers of physics are just as susceptible to these forces as anyone else. In this provocative book, he argues that fashion, faith, and fantasy, while sometimes productive and even essential in physics, may be leading today's researchers astray in three of the field's most important areas—string theory, quantum mechanics, and cosmology.Arguing that string theory has veered away from physical reality by positing six extra hidden dimensions, Penrose cautions that the fashionable nature of a theory can cloud our judgment of its plausibility. In the case of quantum mechanics, its stunning success in explaining the atomic universe has led to an uncritical faith that it must also apply to reasonably massive objects, and Penrose responds by suggesting possible changes in quantum theory. Turning to cosmology, he argues that most of the current fantastical ideas about the origins of the universe cannot be true, but that an even wilder reality may lie behind them. Finally, Penrose describes how fashion, faith, and fantasy have ironically also shaped his own work, from twistor theory, a possible alternative to string theory that is beginning to acquire a fashionable status, to "conformal cyclic cosmology," an idea so fantastic that it could be called "conformal crazy cosmology."The result is an important critique of some of the most significant developments in physics today from one of its most eminent figures.

Installation und Konfiguration eines "Smart Home"

Science & Nature

Diese Arbeit beschäftigt sich mit der Installation und Konfiguration eines "Smart Home" auf Basis eines lokalen Funknetzes (WLAN) im Kontext einer Heizungssteuerung. In der heutigen Zeit steht der Komfort des Zuhauses wesentlich im Vordergrund. Es geht nicht nur darum ein schönes Heim zu haben, sondern dieses effektiv (Energiesparen) und vor allem so komfortabel wie möglich nutzen zu können. In dieser Hausarbeit wird ein Teilaspekt von "Smart Home", die Heizungssteuerung, aufgegriffen. Anhand dieses Aspektes soll ein Beispiel anschaulich dargestellt werden und aufzeigen, was in einem "Smart Home" möglich ist. Auch wenn der Komfort im Mittelpunkt steht, sollen die durch ein intelligentes Zuhause eingesparten Kosten nicht unerwähnt bleiben. Es ist naheliegend, dass eine ständig überwachte und an der Umgebungstemperatur angepasste Heizungssteuerung weniger variable Kosten verursacht als (k)eine Heizungssteuerung, die permanent auf einer eingestellten, bestimmten Stufe heizt. Folgendes Szenarium wird für ein anschauliches Beispiel angenommen: Eine kleine Familie, Vater, Mutter und jugendlicher Sohn, wohnen seit Längerem in einer Eigentumswohnung. Der technisch versierte Vater beschließt, die große Wohnung sukzessiv in ein intelligentes Zuhause umzurüsten. Er beginnt im Herbst mit der Umrüstung der Heizungen, um über den Winter Heizkosten sparen zu können.

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