Science & Nature - Books

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.

Mänsklighetens framtid

Science & Nature

Fysikern, futuristen och bästsäljande författaren Michio Kaku utforskar astrofysikens, den artificiella intelligensens och teknologins gränsland och lägger fram en både trolig och helt otrolig vision av människans framtid i rymden.

Ewolucja to nie wszystko

Science & Nature

Erich von Däniken, czyli ojciec koncepcji wpływu istot pozaziemskich na ludzkie życie w prehistorycznych czasach, omawia dowody na istnienie organizmów, których rozwój poszedł inną drogą, niż ta wyznaczona przez teorię Darwina. W tej książce znajdują się liczne przykłady potwierdzające tezę, że dawna teoria ewolucji to nie wszystko. Autor cytuje naukowców występujących przeciwko niej i tych, którzy zabierają głos w jej obronie. Niestety okazuje się, że tradycyjna nauka w dalszym ciągu odmawia przyjrzenia się rozbieżnościom i lukom w dotychczasowych ustaleniach, chociaż wydaje sięo czywiste, że za rozwojem wszystkich gatunków oraz ludzkiej kultury kryje się więcej, niż można wyjaśnić za pomocą samej teorii ewolucji.„Ewolucja jest faktem i nie ma co do tego najmniejszych wątpliwości. […] Na naszej planecie żyją jednak zwierzęta, które zgodnie z zasadą ewolucji nie powinny istnieć. Czy potrafisz sobie wyobrazić, Drogi Czytelniku, mięsożerną roślinę o liściach pułapce, które zamykają się w ciągu ułamka sekundy? I to dopiero wtedy, gdy ofiara dotknie dwóch różnych włosków? Albo gatunek żaby, który do momentu porodu nosi swoje młode w żołądku? Tym samym żołądku, który został stworzony do trawienia pokarmu? Właśnie takim zagadnieniom jest poświęcona ta książka – im oraz kontrowersyjnym poglądom niektórych naukowców specjalizujących się w konkretnych dziedzinach badawczych. Serdeczne pozdrowienia!”Erich von Däniken

Étude sur les dunes

Science & Nature

Observations préliminaires. — Dunes qui se forment sur place par la décomposition des roches. — Théorie de la formation des dunes mobiles. — Disposition symétrique des rangées de sable. — Hauteur des monticules. — Marche des dunes. — Déplacement des étangs du littoral. — Villages engloutis. — Obstacles opposés par la nature à la marche des sables. — Fixation des dunes par des semis.Dans la langue celtique, le mot de dun, qui s’est maintenu en français sous une forme à peine modifiée, avait une signification analogue à celle de colline et s’appliquait indifféremment à toutes les cimes d’une élévation modérée, qu’elles fussent sablonneuses, calcaires ou granitiques.Fruit d’une sélection réalisée au sein des fonds de la Bibliothèque nationale de France, Collection XIX a pour ambition de faire découvrir des textes classiques et moins classiques dans les meilleures éditions du XIXe siècle.

Parempi puolisko

Science & Nature

Vallankumouksellinen teos avaa uuden näkökulman ihmiskuntaan ja lajimme selviytymiseen.Palkittu lääkäri ja tutkija osoittaa kirjassaan, että geneettisesti naispuoliset ovat miespuolisia vahvempia elämän kaikissa vaiheissa.Mistä tämä johtuu? Vastaus piilee geeneissä: X-kromosomipari antaa kantajalleen vahvan selviytymisedun.Naiset elävät miehiä pidempään. Naisilla on vahvempi immuunijärjestelmä. Heidän elimistönsä kamppailee tehokkaammin syöpää vastaan ja selviytyy paremmin nälänhädästä. Naiset näkevät myös maailman värien kirjon laajemmin.Sharon Moalem on lääketieteen tohtori, palkittu tutkija, lääkäri ja New York Timesin bestsellerkirjailija. Hän on maailmankuulu genetiikan ja harvinaisten geneettisten sairauksien asiantuntija, ja hänen kliiniset tutkimuksensa ovat johtaneet kahden aiemmin tuntemattoman perinnöllisen sairauden löytämiseen ja kuvaamiseen. Tri Moalem on toimittanut Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease -tutkimusjulkaisua ja ollut mukana perustamassa kahta bioteknologiayritystä.

Unfolding the Biopolymer Landscape

Science & Nature

The need for the development of biomaterials as scaffold for tissue regeneration is driven by the increasing demands for materials that mimic functions of extracellular matrices of body tissues. Unfolding the Biopolymer Landscape provides a unique account of “biopolymeric interventions” inherent to biotechnological applications, soft tissue engineering, ophthalmic drug delivery, biotextiles, environmentally responsive systems, neurotherapeutics, and emulsions-based formulations for food and pharmaceutical applications. Chapters in this volume also cover biomedical applications and implications of cationic polymers, collagen-based substrates, multifunctional polymers, shape memory biopolymers, hybrid semisynthetic biomaterials, microbial exopolysaccharides, biomaterials mimicking the extracellular microenvironment, derivatized polysaccharides, and metallic biomaterials. Each chapter is distinctly written by experts in the respective fields and emphasis is given on the mechanistic profile of the performance of biopolymers and biomedical applications. This book provides both basic and advanced biopolymer information for scientific experts and early career researchers in the field of drug delivery, tissue engineering, nanomedicine, food technology, peptide science, biomaterial design, and nutrition.

Bioprocessing of Agri-Food Residues for Production of Bioproducts

Science & Nature

This new volume presents original research and scientific advances in the field of the food bioprocessing, bioproducts, valorization of agricultural and food wastes, microbiology, and biotechnology. It explores the most important advances in the valorization of agri-food residues for the production of bioproducts and in the development of several bioprocessing strategies. The authors place a special emphasis on the challenges that the industry faces in the era of sustainable development and aim to facilitate the reduction of food loss and waste. This book demonstrates the potential and actual development and advances in the design and development of strategies and tools for the bioprocessing of agri-food residues for the production of bioproducts.Bioprocessing of Agri-Food Residues for Production of Bioproducts covers aspects related to biotransformation of agri-food residues such as mango seed, citrus waste, pomegranate husks, nut shells, melon peels, leaves and grains, cheese whey, among others.

Getting Started for Internet of Things with Launch Pad and ESP8266

Science & Nature

Getting Started for Internet of Things with Launch Pad and ESP8266 provides a platform to get started with the Ti launch pad and IoT modules for Internet of Things applications. The book provides the basic knowledge of Ti launch Pad and ESP8266 based customized modules with their interfacing, along with the programming.The book discusses the application of Internet of Things in different areas. Several examples for rapid prototyping are included, this to make the readers understand the concept of IoT.The book comprises of twenty-seven chapters, which are divided into four sections and which focus on the design of various independent prototypes. Section-A gives a brief introduction to Ti launch pad (MSP430) and Internet of Things platforms like GPRS, NodeMCU and NuttyFi (ESP8266 customized board), and it shows steps to program these boards. Examples on how to interface these boards with display units, analog sensors, digital sensors and actuators are also included, this to make reader comfortable with the platforms. Section-B discusses the communication modes to relay the data like serial out, PWM and I2C. Section-C explores the IoT data loggers and shows certain steps to design and interact with the servers. Section-D includes few IoT based case studies in various fields. This book is based on the practical experience of the authors while undergoing projects with students and partners from various industries.

BUiD Doctoral Research Conference 2023

Science & Nature

This open access book presents selected contributions on a wide range of scientific and technological areas originating from the BUiD Doctoral Research Conference (BDRC 2023). It discusses the following topics: project management, macroeconomic factors, Fourth Industrial Revolution, agility, multiculturalism, diversity, inclusion, leadership, language, discourse analysis, curriculum, critical thinking, programming, online learning, and natural ventilation. The contributions reflect the multifaceted nature of the research in three academic disciplines, i.e., humanities, formal science, and applied science. This publication shares with its readers genuine research studies and reflections from practitioners on the current practice and understanding in the three academic disciplines. The significant findings of these studies have considerable educational, industrial, and economic implications.This is an open access book.

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