Science & Nature - Books

Handbook of Biofuels Production

Science & Nature

Handbook of Biofuels Production: Processes and Technologies, Third Edition provides a comprehensive and systematic reference on a range of biomass conversion processes and technologies. In response to the global increase in the use of biofuels as substitute transportation fuels, advanced chemical, biochemical and thermochemical biofuels production routes are quickly being developed. Substantial additions for this new edition include increased coverage of emerging feedstocks, including microalgae, more emphasis on by-product valorization for biofuels' production, additional chapters on emerging biofuel production methods, and co-production of biofuels and bioproducts. The book's editorial team is strengthened by the addition of an extra member, and a number of new contributors have been invited to work with authors from the first and second edition to revise existing chapters, with each offering fresh perspectives. This book is an essential reference for professional engineers in the biofuel industry as well as researchers in academia, from post-graduate level and up. - Provides systematic and detailed coverage of the processes and technologies being used in the production of first, second and third generation biofuels - Evaluates the latest advanced chemical, biochemical and thermochemical technologies, processes and production routes - Takes an integrated biorefinery approach, guiding readers through the production of biofuels and their co-products in integrated biorefineries - Includes videos of industrial production facilities and equipment, showing how complex processes and reaction apparatus work in a lab and industry setting

Bioactive Molecules in Plant Defense

Science & Nature

This book presents a broad perspective on saponins as important natural products with a key role in plant defense. The presence of saponins has been reported in several plant species, and many types of saponins have been found to exhibit significant antifungal activities. In addition to their role in plant defense, saponins are of increasing interest for drug research, as they are active ingredients in several traditional medicines and hold potentially valuable pharmacological properties. In this book, the authors briefly introduce readers to saponin accumulation in various plant organs, with a specific focus on their structure classification and diversity. Readers will find detailed information on the saponin structure-activity relationship and saponins’ vital role in sustainable agriculture as a chemical barrier to pathogen attack. The latest techniques for isolating, identifying, and quantifying saponins are also discussed. In the closing chapter, the authors outline the recent metabolic engineering strategies applied to improve saponin glycosides production and their potential applications in plant disease resistance.This book and the companion volume Bioactive Molecules in Plant Defense: Signaling in Growth and Stress offer vital resources for all researchers and students interested in plant pathology, mycology and sustainable agriculture.

Energy Materials

Science & Nature

Energy Materials: A Circular Economy Approach emphasizes the engineering scalability of a circular economy approach to development and use of energy materials. It focuses on waste minimization and its valorization, recycling and reuse, and emerging sustainable materials and technologies. It offers a view of the eco-friendly energy materials and state-of-the-art technologies required for production of these materials in the process industry and manufacturing sectors.• Covers fundamentals, concepts, and current initiatives within the circular economy• Outlines technologies and materials with specific applications for energy systems, sustainability aspects and societal benefits• Focuses on detailed aspects of processing of energy materials, kinetics, their utilization, and end-of-life management and application of circular economy in waste utilization and valorization• Discusses technologies, processing methods, and production of materials related to fuel cells, super capacitors and battery materials, carbon based hetrostructures, catalysis, functional materials, nanotechnology, biofuels, solar and wind energy, and valuable chemicals• Details topics related to synthesis and application of energy materials, their recycle, reuse, and life cycleThis book is aimed at students, researchers and professional engineers and scientists working in chemical, materials, energy, and environmental engineering, as well as materials chemistry.

O Regresso da Hipótese de Deus

Science & Nature

O autor do bestseller internacional Darwin’s Doubt apresenta provas científicas revolucionárias, baseadas em descobertas nas áreas da física, da cosmologia e da biologia, que apontam para a existência de Deus. A partir dos finais do século XIX, muitos intelectuais começaram a defender que o conhecimento científico e a crença teísta tradicional são incompatíveis. Ao examinar três descobertas científicas recentes com implicações decididamente teístas, o filósofo da ciência Stephen C. Meyer põe em causa este ponto de vista.

Débordements

Science & Nature

MICHEL CALLON a marqué les sciences humaines et sociales par sa production académique, par ses activités d’animateur de la communauté scientifique et par son rôle de médiateur entre la recherche et le monde de la politique, de l’administration et de l’entreprise. Il a multiplié les espaces d’entente et de confrontation, en se déplaçant aussi bien sur le terrain de la sociologie que sur celui des politiques de recherche et d’innovation, de l’anthropologie économique, de la scientométrie, de la science politique ou de l’anthropologie de la médecine.

Elastic Optical Networks

Science & Nature

The rapid growth in communications and internet has changed our way of life, and our requirement for communication bandwidth. Optical networks can enable us to meet the continued demands for this bandwidth, although conventional optical networks struggle in achieving this, due to the limitation of the electrical bandwidth barrier. Flexgrid technology is a promising solution for future high-speed network design. To promote an efficient and scalable implementation of elastic optical technology in the telecommunications infrastructure, many challenging issues related to routing and spectrum allocation (RSA), resource utilization, fault management and quality of service provisioning must be addressed. This book reviews the development of elastic optical networks (EONs), and addresses RSA problems with spectrum fragment issues, which degrade the quality of service provisioning. The book starts with a brief introduction to optical fiber transmission system, and then provides an overview of the wavelength division multiplexing (WDM), and WDM optical networks. It discusses the limitations of conventional WDM optical networks, and discusses how EONs overcome these limitations. It presents the architecture of the EONs and its operation principle. To complete the discussion of network architecture, this book focuses on the different node architectures, and compares their performance in terms of scalability and flexibility. It reviews and classifies different RSA approaches, including their pros and cons. It focuses on different aspects related to RSA. The spectrum fragmentation is a serious issue in EONs, which needs to be managed. The book explains the fragmentation problem in EONs, discusses, and analyzes the major conventional spectrum allocation policies in terms of the fragmentation effect in a network. The taxonomies of the fragmentation management approaches are presented along with different node architectures. State-of-the-art fragmentation management approaches are looked at. A useful feature of this book is that it provides mathematical modeling and analyzes theoretical computational complexity for different problems in elastic optical networks. Finally, this book addresses the research challenges and open issues in EONs and provides future directions for future research.

Até ao Fim dos Tempos

Science & Nature

«Na amplitude temporal, tudo o que vive, morrerá.» Até ao Fim dos Tempos é a nova e arrebatadora exploração que Brian Greene faz do cosmos e da nossa busca para o tentar compreender. Somos levados numa viagem pelo tempo, do que pensamos ser o princípio do universo até ao mais próximo que a ciência se consegue aproximar do que será o fim. Exploramos como a vida emergiu do caos inicial e como as nossas mentes, ao ganharem consciência da sua própria temporalidade, procuraram formas de dar sentido à experiência através da história, do mito.

Sustainability through Energy-Efficient Buildings

Science & Nature

The book covers chapters ranging from introduction to recent technological challenges, case studies of energy-efficient buildings with policy and awareness issues, fundamentals and present status along with research updates and future aspects on topics focusing on energy-efficient construction, materialsProvides comprehensive information on energy efficient buildings including policy and energy audit aspects with case studies Examines application of PCMs in passive heating and cooling in buildings; role of active TES and energy saving potential

Engineering and Technology for Healthcare

Science & Nature

Innovation in healthcare is currently a “hot” topic. Innovation allows us to think differently, to take risks and to develop ideas that are far better than existing solutions. Currently, there is no single book that covers all topics related to microelectronics, sensors, data, system integration and healthcare technology assessment in one reference. This book aims to critically evaluate current state-of-the-art technologies and provide readers with insights into developing new solutions. With contributions from a fully international team of experts across electrical engineering and biomedical fields, the book discusses how advances in sensing technology, computer science, communications systems and proteomics/genomics are influencing healthcare technology today.

The New Climate War

Science & Nature

Shortlisted for the FT/McKinsey Business Book of the Year awardA renowned climate scientist shows how fossil fuel companies have waged a thirty-year campaign to deflect blame and responsibility and delay action on climate change, and offers a battle plan for how we can save the planet. Recycle. Fly less. Eat less meat. These are some of the ways that we've been told can slow climate change. But the inordinate emphasis on individual behavior is the result of a marketing campaign that has succeeded in placing the responsibility for fixing climate change squarely on the shoulders of individuals.Fossil fuel companies have followed the example of other industries deflecting blame (think "guns don't kill people, people kill people") or greenwashing (think of the beverage industry's "Crying Indian" commercials of the 1970s). Meanwhile, they've blocked efforts to regulate or price carbon emissions, run PR campaigns aimed at discrediting viable alternatives, and have abdicated their responsibility in fixing the problem they've created. The result has been disastrous for our planet.In The New Climate War, Mann argues that all is not lost. He draws the battle lines between the people and the polluters-fossil fuel companies, right-wing plutocrats, and petrostates. And he outlines a plan for forcing our governments and corporations to wake up and make real change, including: A common-sense, attainable approach to carbon pricing- and a revision of the well-intentioned but flawed currently proposed version of the Green New Deal;Allowing renewable energy to compete fairly against fossil fuelsDebunking the false narratives and arguments that have worked their way into the climate debate and driven a wedge between even those who support climate change solutionsCombatting climate doomism and despair-mongering With immensely powerful vested interests aligned in defense of the fossil fuel status quo, the societal tipping point won't happen without the active participation of citizens everywhere aiding in the collective push forward. This book will reach, inform, and enable citizens everywhere to join this battle for our planet.

Physical Properties of Ceramic and Carbon Nanoscale Structures

Science & Nature

This is the second volume in a series of books on selected topics in Nanoscale Science and Technology based on lectures given at the well-known INFN schools of the same name. The aim of this collection is to provide a reference corpus of suitable, introductory material to relevant subfields, as they mature over time, by gathering the significantly expanded and edited versions of tutorial lectures, given over the years by internationally known experts. The present set of notes stems in particular from the participation and dedication of prestigious lecturers, such as Andrzej Huczko, Nicola Pugno, Alexander Malesevic, Pasquale Onorato and Stefano Bellucci. All lectures were subsequently carefully edited and reworked, taking into account the extensive follow-up discussions. A tutorial lecture by Huczko et al. shows how a variety of carbon and ceramic nanostructures (nanotubes, nanowires, nanofibres, nanorods, and nanoencapsulates) have in particular great potential for improving our understanding of the fundamental concepts of the roles of both dimensionality and size on physical material properties . Bellucci and Onorato provide an extensive and tutorial review of the (quantum) transport properties in carbon nanotubes, encompassing a description of the electronic structure from graphene to single-wall nanotubes, as well as a discussion of experimental evidence of superconductivity in carbon nanotubes and the corresponding theoretical interpretation. In the first contribution by Pugno, new ideas on how to design futuristic self-cleaning, super-adhesive and releasable hierarchical smart materials are presented. He also reviews the mechanical strength of such nanotubes and megacables, with an eye to the visionary project of a carbon nanotube-based ‘space elevator megacable’. In his second contribution, Pugno outlines in detail the role on the fracture strength of thermodynamically unavoidable atomistic defects with different size and shape, both numerically and theoretically, for nanotubes and nanotube bundles. Focusing on graphitic allotropes, the chapter by Bellucci and Malesevic aims to give a taste of the widespread implications carbon nanostructures have on research and applications, starting from an historical overview, followed by a discussion of the structure and physical properties of carbon nanotubes and graphene, in particular in the context of the several different synthesis techniques presently available.

Smart Grid Systems

Science & Nature

Electric power systems are being transformed from older grid systems to smart grids across the globe. The goals of this transition are to address today’s electric power issues, which include reducing carbon footprints, finding alternate sources of decaying fossil fuels, eradicating losses that occur in the current available systems, and introducing the latest information and communication technologies (ICT) for electric grids. The development of smart grid technology is advancing dramatically along with and in reaction to the continued growth of renewable energy technologies (especially wind and solar power), the growing popularity of electric vehicles, and the continuing huge demand for electricity. Smart Grid Systems: Modeling and Control advances the basic understanding of smart grids and focuses on recent technological advancements in the field. This book provides a comprehensive discussion from a number of experts and practitioners and describes the challenges and the future scope of the technologies related to smart grid. Key features: provides an overview of the smart grid, with its needs, benefits, challenges, existing structure, and possible future technologies discusses solar photovoltaic (PV) system modeling and control along with battery storage, an integral part of smart grids discusses control strategies for renewable energy systems, including solar PV, wind, and hybrid systems describes the inverter topologies adopted for integrating renewable power covers the basics of the energy storage system and the need for micro grids describes forecast techniques for renewable energy systems presents the basics and structure of the energy management system in smart grids, including advanced metering, various communication protocols, and the cyber security challenges explores electric vehicle technology and its interaction with smart grids

Application of Self-Nanoemulsifying Drug Delivery Systems in Inflammatory Diseases

Science & Nature

This book discusses the potential application of self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery systems (SNEDDS) in different inflammatory diseases. It introduces the fundamental principles of SNEDDS, their formulation components, and characterization techniques, providing insights into their mechanisms of drug delivery and formulation optimization. The book also explores the potential of various combination therapies with SNEDDS, highlighting strategies, synergistic effects, and challenges. Furthermore, the chapters in the book highlight the applications of SNEDDS in specific inflammatory diseases, including diabetes, brain diseases, colorectal diseases, cardiovascular diseases, lung diseases, and cancer. Towards the end, the book evaluates the potential toxic effects of SNEDDS components and addresses safety considerations, regulatory aspects, patents, and clinical trials pertaining to SNEDDS. This book is intended for researchers, pharmacologists, pharmaceutical scientists, and clinicians involved in drug delivery and nanomedicine.

Contra a realidade

Science & Nature

O que leva alguém a negar fatos e evidências científicas? Que crenças e interesses orientam os negacionistas, levando-os a disseminar ideias sem nenhum compromisso com a realidade?Neste livro, a microbiologista Natalia Pasternak e o jornalista Carlos Orsi fazem uma análise minuciosa e independente das principais teorias negacionistas, mostrando como todas podem ser facilmente refutadas com sólidos argumentos científicos.Em tempos obscuros, a obra oferece um norte ao leitor, para que não caia em armadilhas subjetivas, e prova que ciência não é questão de opinião."Este livro vai interessar a todos os que se preocupam com a negação à ciência, fenômeno que os autores descrevem da Antiguidade às ideias de Galileu Galilei e Charles Darwin, à transgenia, ao aquecimento global, às vacinas e até a fatos históricos como o Holocausto. Espero que seja adotado nas escolas e universidades, é uma aula sobre os princípios que regem o pensamento científico." (Drauzio Varella)

Modular Multilevel Converters

Science & Nature

An invaluable academic reference for the area of high-power converters, covering all the latest developments in the fieldHigh-power multilevel converters are well known in industry and academia as one of the preferred choices for efficient power conversion. Over the past decade, several power converters have been developed and commercialized in the form of standard and customized products that power a wide range of industrial applications. Currently, the modular multilevel converter is a fast-growing technology and has received wide acceptance from both industry and academia. Providing adequate technical background for graduate- and undergraduate-level teaching, this book includes a comprehensive analysis of the conventional and advanced modular multilevel converters employed in motor drives, HVDC systems, and power quality improvement.Modular Multilevel Converters: Analysis, Control, and Applications provides an overview of high-power converters, reference frame theory, classical control methods, pulse width modulation schemes, advanced model predictive control methods, modeling of ac drives, advanced drive control schemes, modeling and control of HVDC systems, active and reactive power control, power quality problems, reactive power, harmonics and unbalance compensation, modeling and control of static synchronous compensators (STATCOM) and unified power quality compensators. Furthermore, this book: Explores technical challenges, modeling, and control of various modular multilevel converters in a wide range of applications such as transformer and transformerless motor drives, high voltage direct current transmission systems, and power quality improvement Reflects the latest developments in high-power converters in medium-voltage motor drive systems Offers design guidance with tables, charts graphs, and MATLAB simulations Modular Multilevel Converters: Analysis, Control, and Applications is a valuable reference book for academic researchers, practicing engineers, and other professionals in the field of high power converters. It also serves well as a textbook for graduate-level students.

Train Tracks

Science & Nature

This book provides an in-depth exploration of trains and train travel. Letherby and Reynolds have conducted extensive research with all those concerned with trains, from leisure travelers and enthusiasts to railway workers and commuters. Overturning conventional wisdom, they show that the train has a social life in and of itself and is not simply a way to get from A to B.The book also looks at the depiction of train travel through cultural media, such as music, films, books and art. The authors consider the personal politics of train travel and political discussion surrounding the railways, as well as the relationship trains have to leisure and work. The media often paints a gloomy picture of the railways and there is a general view that the romance of train travel ended with the steam locomotive. Letherby and Reynolds show that this is far from the case.

Como Tudo Pode Desmoronar

Science & Nature

O fim da civilização industrial tal como está constituída deve se consumar até o final deste século. Não por causa de um apocalipse bíblico, mas pelas profundas transformações impostas pela mudança climática e pelo esgotamento de recursos naturais que alimentam o consumo e a produção de bens e serviços humanos. Um processo de desmoronamento das bases sobre as quais a vida humana está hoje assentada, cujo campo de estudo é denominado "colapsologia" pelos autores Pablo Servigne e Raphaël Stevens, que, sob o prisma de uma transdisciplinaridade (economia, história, climatologia, biologia, química, geografia e relações sociais) tem seus fundamentos dissecados e analisados sob o prisma do equilíbrio sustentável. Ao explicitar esses mecanismos, o livro devolve a inteligibilidade às "crises" que vivemos e, acima de tudo, dá sentido ao nosso tempo. Porque hoje a utopia mudou de lado: utópico é alguém que acredita que tudo pode continuar como antes. O colapso está no horizonte da nossa geração, é o início do seu futuro. O que virá depois? Isso ainda precisa ser pensado, imaginado e posto à prova… E se ainda for possível, controlado por um grande esforço comum de transformação.

Renewable Energy Microgeneration Systems

Science & Nature

Renewable Energy Microgeneration Systems presents the latest technology advances in small-scale energy generation (electricity and heat) in the context of low/medium voltage level electric power distribution networks. With a focus on scientific innovations of the methodologies, approaches and algorithms in enabling efficient and secure operation of microgeneration systems, this book also analyzes the current understanding of motivations and barriers affecting microgeneration adoption with the aim of identifying opportunities for improving the field deployment.Considering the recent advances of theories and implementations in modeling, design, planning and management of different forms of microgeneration systems, this reference provides applied researchers in the field of electrical engineering and renewable micro generation incredible insights into microgeneration systems technologies and the potential for new technologies and markets. Provides modeling and optimization methods and techniques for micro-generation systems Covers multidisciplinary content, providing an opportunity for different stakeholders in various engineering fields Includes recent research advances in the field, with a focus on real case studies and policy

Quorum Sensing and its Biotechnological Applications

Science & Nature

This book delves into the biotechnological applications of Quorum sensing (QS)- a peculiar gene-regulatory process of some microorganisms. Quorum Sensing allows a large bacterial population to work together in a coordinated manner to carry out metabolic activities, which individual bacterium cannot. The different chapters describe how, associating bioremediation process with energy generation is an economical proposal, for reducing pollution and managing biowastes. The book discusses how QS can be exploited for biotechnological applications in generating bioproducts, bioenergy, bioremediation, biosensors, health and agricultural activities. It further highlights how QS is becoming an integral part of synthetic biology for genetic circuits for producing: (i) novel products, (ii) biosensors, (iii) bioactive molecules, etc. The book is divided into different sections for a clear understanding of the applicability of QS in, the Environment, Energy, Agricultureand Health sectors.

Antropocene

Science & Nature

Antropocene non è soltanto una parola negativa ma può essere un museo che raccoglie la storiadell’impatto dell’homo sul pianeta Terra.È questa l’idea che Vittorio Pavoncello offre alle istituzioni che vorranno edificare questa enciclopedia nello spazio, immaginata però come un luogo in cui si possano anche studiare e prevenire prossime pandemie e cambiamenti climatici.Un museo diffuso per questa nuova forza geologica che è l’umanità, luogo d’incontro e laboratorio fra scienziati e pubblico.

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