Science & Nature - Books

Distributed Cooperative Control of Multi-agent Systems

Science & Nature

A detailed and systematic introduction to the distributed cooperative control of multi-agent systems from a theoretical, network perspective Features detailed analysis and discussions on the distributed cooperative control and dynamics of multi-agent systems Covers comprehensively first order, second order and higher order systems, swarming and flocking behaviors Provides a broad theoretical framework for understanding the fundamentals of distributed cooperative control

Plants for Immunity and Conservation Strategies

Science & Nature

This edited book deals with medicinal plants (herbs and trees) used in critical diseases which contain a rich resource of bioactive compounds that can be used as immuno-boosters or recommended for therapeutic values. Each chapter provides the basic information such as taxonomic description, occurrence and importance of medicinal plants. The detail description of major bioactive compounds in medicinal plants, their chemical nature and clear flow chart of biosynthesis are important steps in this book. This book also includes conservation strategy both in-situ and ex-situ, which assist the research and academic purpose. This book is of interest to national and international researchers, teacher’s, pharma scientists, and policymakers. Also, the book serves as additional reading material for both undergraduate and graduate students of pharma and agriculture in the world.

Why Don't Penguins' Feet Freeze?

Science & Nature

Why Don't Penguins' Feet Freeze? is the latest compilation of readers' answers to the questions in the 'Last Word' column of New Scientist, the world's best-selling science weekly. Following the phenomenal success of Does Anything Eat Wasps? - the Christmas 2005 surprise bestseller - this new collection includes recent answers never before published in book form, and also old favourites from the column's early days.Yet again, many seemingly simple questions turn out to have complex answers. And some that seem difficult have a very simple explanation. New Scientist's 'Last Word' is regularly voted the magazine's most popular section as it celebrates all questions - the trivial, idiosyncratic, baffling and strange. This new selection of the best is popular science at its most entertaining and enlightening.

Materials and Components of Biosensors in Healthcare

Science & Nature

Materials and Components of Biosensors in Healthcare: Volume Two provides comprehensive coverage and a detailed examination of the various materials and components used in the development of biosensors. The book begins with an introduction and then discusses the biochemical, inorganic, and biopolymeric components used in biosensor assembly. It goes on to detail a range of materials such as nanoparticles, biological cellular structures, electrochemical, and electromagnetic materials and how they are used in biosensors.Combined with Fundamentals of Biosensors in Healthcare, Volume One, and Applications of Biosensors in Healthcare, Volume Three, this trio provides holistic reference sources suitable for researchers, graduate students, postgraduates, and industry professionals involved in biosensing, biosensors, and biomedical applications. - Reviews a range of materials and components used in biosensors and biosensing - Discusses current research, potential challenges, and future prospects for the synthesis of biosensing materials - Contributed to by global leaders and experts in the field from academia, research, and industry

Mössbauer Spectroscopy

Science & Nature

Mössbauer Spectroscopy Unique and comprehensive overview of versatile applications of Mössbauer spectroscopy in chemistry and material sciences Mössbauer Spectroscopy provides a comprehensive overview of relevant applications of this physical analysis method in chemistry and material sciences. The book shows the versatility of Mössbauer spectroscopy in finding useful information on electronic structure, structural insights, and solid-state effects of chemical systems. A wide range of chemical applications and applied concepts are covered as well as numerous examples, selected from recent literature. To aid in reader comprehension and accessibility, contents are well-structured and divided in different sections covering energy, catalysis, coordination chemistry, spin crossover, sensing, photomagnetism. Edited by prominent scientists in the field and authored by a group of international experts, Mössbauer Spectroscopy covers sample topics such as: Li-ion batteries, catalysts, fuel cells, Fe based silicides and iron phosphates containing minerals Gold clusters and gold mixed valence complexes Molecule based magnets, photoswitchable spin crossover coordination polymers and molecular sensors for meat freshness control With comprehensive coverage of the developments in the technique, Mössbauer Spectroscopy is a beneficial resource for researchers, professionals, and academics in chemistry related fields, such as material science, sustainable environment, and molecular electronics. It can be used by newcomers as well as for educational purposes at the master and PhD levels.

Do Polar Bears Get Lonely?

Science & Nature

Do Polar Bears Get Lonely? is the third compilation of readers' answers to the questions in the 'Last Word' column of New Scientist, the world's best-selling science weekly. Following the phenomenal success of Does Anything Eat Wasps? (2005) and the even more spectacularly successful Why Don't Penguins' Feet Freeze? (2006), this latest collection includes a bumper crop of wise and wonderful answers never before seen in book form.As usual, the simplest questions often have the most complex answers - while some that seem the knottiest have very simple explanations. New Scientist's 'Last Word' is regularly voted the magazine's most popular section as it celebrates all questions - the trivial, idiosyncratic, baffling and strange. This all-new and eagerly awaited selection of the best again presents popular science at its most entertaining and enlightening.

Fenugreek

Science & Nature

Fenugreek is a miraculous medicinal herb that can be extremely potent for treating diabetes. It is also known for its medicinal properties that include relieving joint pain, lowering blood sugar level, restoring hair growth, as well as a dietary supplement for menstrual cramps and other conditions. Fenugreek is also a useful crop that helps fix nitrogen in the soil, an important nutrient for plant growth. Keeping in view the tremendous medicinal applications of fenugreek, this new book offers a comprehensive review of fenugreek, highlighting its nutritional and medicinal applications while also discussing methods for enhancing its yield and quality by improving the growth, physiological, and biochemical parameters of the plant.

Digital Phenotyping and Mobile Sensing

Science & Nature

This book offers a snapshot of cutting-edge applications of mobile sensing for digital phenotyping in the field of Psychoinformatics. The respective chapters, written by authoritative researchers, cover various aspects related to the use of these technologies in health, education, and cognitive science research. They share insights both into established applications of mobile sensing (such as predicting personality or mental and behavioral health on the basis of smartphone usage patterns) and emerging trends. Machine learning and deep learning approaches are discussed, and important considerations regarding privacy risks and ethical issues are assessed.In addition to essential background information on various technologies and theoretical methods, the book also presents relevant case studies and good scientific practices, thus addressing researchers and professionals alike. To cite Thomas R. Insel, who wrote the foreword to this book: “Patients will only use digital phenotyping if it solves a problem, perhaps a digital smoke alarm that can prevent a crisis. Providers will only use digital phenotyping if it fits seamlessly into their crowded workflow. If we can earn public trust, there is every reason to be excited about this new field. Suddenly, studying human behavior at scale, over months and years, is feasible.”

Que bobagem!

Science & Nature

"A maioria das pessoas parece ter, pelo menos, uma pseudociência de estimação. Ficaremos satisfeitos, nestes casos, em plantar no mínimo uma semente de ceticismo que leve o leitor a considerar: será?" "Energias curativas, bolinhas de açúcar mágicas, terapias que invocam os antepassados e maluquices inventadas sobre o poder avassalador dos desejos inconscientes operam, todas, sob 'leis de tapete voador'. Podem render boas metáforas, boa literatura, boa retórica, mas assim como a Odisseia não prova que os deuses do Olimpo existem, uma história bem contada não é necessariamente uma história real." "Buscamos oferecer uma vacina para o pensamento mágico, um manual para reconhecer mercadores de ilusões e identificar soluções mágicas. Esperamos assim poupar a saúde, o bem-estar e o bolso do leitor." A ciência é limitada pela nossa capacidade de ver, interrogar e interpretar a natureza. Pseudociências são limitadas apenas pela imaginação, vaidade e, não raro, ganância de seus promotores. Por isso, seu poder de sedução é enorme. E isso, segundo Natalia Pasternak e Carlos Orsi, pode ter consequências perigosas. Os autores abordam os 12 temas e mostram como e por que não passam pelo crivo da ciência: Astrologia, Homeopatia, Acupuntura e MTC, Curas naturais, Curas energéticas, Modismos de dieta, Psicanálise e psicomodismos, Paranormalidade, Discos voadores, Pseudoarqueologia , Antroposofia e Poder quântico.

Plant Tissue Culture And Applied Plant Biotechnology

Science & Nature

Conventional agriculture has attempted to exploit arable land by applying chemical fertilizers, pesticides, and irrigation water. These practices become increasingly tenuous as they exhaust our supplies of fossil fuels, deplete aquifers and raise concerns about the safety of food and the overall effect of agriculture on the quality of rural life. Genetic improvement of crop plants for stress conditions and for less favourable environments is a cost-effective way to develop future sustainable agricultural systems. New approaches in biotechnology can develop high yielding and more nutritious crop varieties, improve resistance to disease and also reduce the need for fertilizer and other expensive agricultural chemicals. It could also improve forestry and its products, fibre crops and chemical feedstocks. This book will be an important resource guide for agriculture and biotechnology students and professionals in their study and job.

NONLINEAR SYSTEMS: STABILITY, DYNAMICS AND CONTROL

Science & Nature

The topic of nonlinear systems is fundamental to the study of systems engineering. So extensive investigations have been carried out by both the nonlinear control and nonlinear dynamics communities, but the focus can be different — on controllers design and dynamics analysis, respectively. The last two decades have witnessed the gradual merging of control theory and dynamics analysis, but not yet to the extent of controlling nonlinear dynamics such as bifurcations and chaos. This monograph is an attempt to fill that gap while presenting a rather comprehensive coverage of the fundamental nonlinear systems theory in a self-contained and approachable manner.This introductory treatise is written for self-study and, in particular, as an elementary textbook that can be taught in a one-semester course to advanced undergraduates or entrance level graduates with curricula focusing on nonlinear systems, both on control theory and dynamics analysis.Contents: PrefaceNonlinear Systems: PreliminariesStabilities of Nonlinear Systems (I)Stabilities of Nonlinear Systems (II)Stabilities of Nonlinear Systems (III)Nonlinear Dynamics: Bifurcations and ChaosNonlinear Systems ControlBibliographyIndexReadership: Advanced undergraduate and first-year graduate students in electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, applied mathematics, computer science, data science, applied physics and biological systemsKey Features: A concise one-semester textbook for first-year graduate and upper-level undergraduate courses in electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, applied mathematics, computer science, data science, applied physics and biological systems

Discretization and Implicit Mapping Dynamics

Science & Nature

This unique book presents the discretization of continuous systems and implicit mapping dynamics of periodic motions to chaos in continuous nonlinear systems. The stability and bifurcation theory of fixed points in discrete nonlinear dynamical systems is reviewed, and the explicit and implicit maps of continuous dynamical systems are developed through the single-step and multi-step discretizations. The implicit dynamics of period-m solutions in discrete nonlinear systems are discussed. The book also offers a generalized approach to finding analytical and numerical solutions of stable and unstable periodic flows to chaos in nonlinear systems with/without time-delay. The bifurcation trees of periodic motions to chaos in the Duffing oscillator are shown as a sample problem, while the discrete Fourier series of periodic motions and chaos are also presented. The book offers a valuable resource for university students, professors, researchers and engineers in the fields of applied mathematics, physics, mechanics, control systems, and engineering.

Secure Energy Optimization

Science & Nature

Secure Energy Optimization: Leveraging Internet of Things and Artificial Intelligence for Enhanced Efficiency is essential for anyone looking to navigate the transformative landscape of energy management, as it expertly combines the principles of IoT and AI with real-world case studies to provide actionable insights for achieving sustainable and efficient energy optimization. Energy is rapidly changing, with an emphasis on sustainable and efficient energy use. In this context, the combination of Internet of Things (IoT) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies has emerged as a potent technique for optimising energy use, improving efficiency, and enhancing overall energy security. Secure Energy Optimization: Leveraging Internet of Things and Artificial Intelligence for Enhanced Efficiency provides a comprehensive review of how IoT and AI can be used to accomplish safe energy optimisation. Readers will gain an understanding of the underlying principles of IoT and AI, as well as their applications in energy efficiency and the problems and hazards related to their adoption. They will investigate the successful integration of IoT and AI technologies in energy management systems, smart grids, and renewable energy sources using real-world case studies and examples. By bringing together theoretical notions, cutting-edge research, and practical examples, this book bridges the gap between theory and implementation.

Advanced Nanomaterials in Biomedical, Sensor and Energy Applications

Science & Nature

This book is aimed at all those who are interested to understand the current research going on in nanomaterial science from the perspectives of biomedical, sensorial and energy applications including all aspects of physical chemist, chemical engineers and material scientist. Nanoscience and nanotechnology are at the forefront of modern research. The fast growing economy in this area requires experts with outstanding knowledge of nanoscience in combination with the skills to apply this knowledge in new products. A multidisciplinary scientific education is crucial to provide industry and research institutes with top quality experts who have a generic background in the different sub disciplines such as electronics, physics, chemistry, material science, biotechnology. The book covers recent advancement in nanoscience and nanotechnology particularly highlights the utilization of different types of nanomaterials in biomedical field, sensor and in the energy application. On the other hand, it leads the reader to the most significant recent developments in research. It provides a broad and in-depth coverage of the nanoscale materials and its depth significant applications.

True Genius

Science & Nature

What is genius? Define it. Now think of scientists who embody the concept of genius. Does the name John Bardeen spring to mind? Indeed, have you ever heard of him? Like so much in modern life, immediate name recognition often rests on a cult of personality. We know Einstein, for example, not just for his tremendous contributions to science, but also because he was a character, who loved to mug for the camera. And our continuing fascination with Richard Feynman is not exclusively based on his body of work; it is in large measure tied to his flamboyant nature and offbeat sense of humor. These men, and their outsize personalities, have come to erroneously symbolize the true nature of genius and creativity. We picture them born brilliant, instantly larger than life. But is that an accurate picture of genius? What of others who are equal in stature to these icons of science, but whom history has awarded only a nod because they did not readily engage the public? Could a person qualify as a bona fide genius if he was a regular Joe? The answer may rest in the story of John Bardeen. John Bardeen was the first person to have been awarded two Nobel Prizes in the same field. He shared one with William Shockley and Walter Brattain for the invention of the transistor. But it was the charismatic Shockley who garnered all the attention, primarily for his Hollywood ways and notorious views on race and intelligence. Bardeen's second Nobel Prize was awarded for the development of a theory of superconductivity, a feat that had eluded the best efforts of leading theorists -- including Albert Einstein, Neils Bohr, Werner Heisenberg, and Richard Feynman. Arguably, Bardeen's work changed the world in more ways than that of any other scientific genius of his time. Yet while every school child knows of Einstein, few people have heard of John Bardeen. Why is this the case? Perhaps because Bardeen differs radically from the popular stereotype of genius. He was a modest, mumbling Midwesterner, an ordinary person who worked hard and had a knack for physics and mathematics. He liked to picnic with his family, collaborate quietly with colleagues, or play a round of golf. None of that was newsworthy, so the media, and consequently the public, ignored him. John Bardeen simply fits a new profile of genius. Through an exploration of his science as well as his life, a fresh and thoroughly engaging portrait of genius and the nature of creativity emerges. This perspective will have readers looking anew at what it truly means to be a genius.

U.S. Climate Policy: Change of Power = Change of Heart - New Presidential Order vs. Laws & Actions of the Former President

Science & Nature

The new climate policy of the United States was introduced when President Donald Trump signed an Executive order on "Promoting Energy Independence and Economic Growth" on March 28th 2017. This Order completely annulets climate policy of the former President Barack Obama. Get a direct insight in a complete climate policy and plans of Barack Obama, together with the changes made by the new President. This collection will display the straightforward impartial information through the concrete government documents and legislation. Contents: Barack Obama's Climate Policies: Climate and Energy Accomplishment Barack Obama's Climate Action Plan Discretionary Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement to Modernize the Federal Coal Program Executive Orders: Preparing the United States for the Impacts of Climate Change Planning for Federal Sustainability in the Next Decade Presidential Memorandum: Climate Change and National Security Paris Agreement Donald Trump's Climate Policies: Executive Order: Promoting Energy Independence and Economic Growth Remarks by President Trump at Signing of Executive Order to Create Energy Independence

En kort historie om næsten alt

Science & Nature

Denne fascinerende enmandsfærd gennem virkeligheden, videnskaben og videbegærligheden - fra Big Bang til menneskets molekyler og fra galaksernes grænseland til atomernes afkroge - er med god grund blevet en international bestseller. Her er bogen, der besvarer alle de allermest nærliggende naturvidenskabelige spørgsmål, så enhver kan forstå det. »Formidlet så fremragende, at enhver læser må frydes, undres og undertiden endda grine højlydt undervejs«***** Lars Henrik Aagaard, Berlingske TidendeBill Bryson er ikke meget for at rejse, siger han selv. Til gengæld er han inden for hjemmets fire vægge umættelig i sin nysgerrighed efter at forstå den fascinerende verden omkring ham, inden i ham, deroppe og dernede. Historien om næsten alting er resultatet af hans enmandsfærd gennem virkeligheden, videnskaben og videbegærligheden, hvor han forsøger at begribe alt, der er sket og som findes - lige fra Big Bang til menneskets molekyler, og fra galaksernes grænseland til atomernes afkroge. Hvad han ser på sin færd, skildrer han i et livfuldt og dagligdags sprog, og han besvarer præcis de spørgsmål, som enhver anden interesseret person kunne finde på at stille. Bogen er fyldt med facts, forklaringer og fortællinger - skrevet i et sprog, der vel er underholdende og dagligdags, men samtidig så præcist, som man har ret til at forlange det af førsterangs naturvidenskabelig formidling. Historien om næsten alting er netop den bog, som mange af os har gået og ventet på - hvor vi for første gang ikke behøver skamme os over at stille de allermest nærliggende naturvidenskabelige spørgsmål. Allerbedst er, at bogen også besvarer langt de fleste af dem ...

Bogowie nigdy nas nie opuścili

Science & Nature

Starożytni astronauci przybyli na Ziemię przed tysiącami lat.I są tu nadal!Bogowie nigdy nas nie opuścili kontynuacja legendarnego bestsellera Wspomnienia z przyszłości, w którym Erich von Däniken podważył wszystko, czego uczą podręczniki o początkach cywilizacji, i zrewolucjonizował nasze spojrzenie na przeszłość ludzkości. Wysunął szokującą tezę: technologie i religie dawnych kultur zostały podarowane ludziom przez starożytnych astronautów, którzy przybyli na Ziemię w załogowych statkach kosmicznych i zostali powitani jako bogowie.Naukowcy książkę potępili.Czytelnicy kupili 30 milionów egzemplarzy!Czego właściwie chcieli od nas Obcy tysiące lat temu? I czego chcą teraz? I dlaczego tak wzbraniamy się przed uznaniem, że mogą tu być?W Bogowie nigdy nas nie opuścili Erich von Däniken odpowiada na te pytania jak zwykle barwnie i pasjonująco. Wykorzystuje najnowsze osiągnięcia biotechnologii, astrofizyki, inżynierii, sztucznej inteligencji. Oddaje głos ludziom, którzy nawiązali kontakt z przybyszami z kosmosu. Dlaczego media nie informują o tych sensacyjnych odkryciach? Komu zależy na ukrywaniu prawdy? Jednak dzień spotkania zbliża się nieuchronnie. Rozszyfrowany przez dwóch szwajcarskich fizyków kod spoza Ziemi wskazuje konkretną datę…ERICH VON DÄNIKEN to najsłynniejszy kontrowersyjny badacz historii ludzkości i najwybitniejszy przedstawiciel paleoastronautyki. Jest najczęściej czytanym autorem literatury faktu na świecie. Jego książki przetłumaczono na 32 języki i wydano w 70 milionach egzemplarzy.

Two-dimensional Two Product Cubic Systems, Vol. III

Science & Nature

This book is the eleventh of 15 related monographs on Cubic Systems, examines self-linear and crossing-quadratic product systems. It discusses the equilibrium and flow singularity and bifurcations, The double-inflection saddles featured in this volume are the appearing bifurcations for two connected parabola-saddles, and also for saddles and centers. The parabola saddles are for the appearing bifurcations of saddle and center. The inflection-source and sink flows are the appearing bifurcations for connected hyperbolic and hyperbolic-secant flows. Networks of higher-order equilibriums and flows are presented. For the network switching, the inflection-sink and source infinite-equilibriums exist, and parabola-source and sink infinite-equilibriums are obtained. The equilibrium networks with connected hyperbolic and hyperbolic-secant flows are discussed. The inflection-source and sink infinite-equilibriums are for the switching bifurcation of two equilibrium networks. Develops a theory of nonlinear dynamics and singularity of crossing-linear and self-quadratic product systems; Presents networks of singular, simple center and saddle with hyperbolic flows in same structure product-cubic systems; Reveals s network switching bifurcations through hyperbolic, parabola, circle sink and other parabola-saddles.

L'avenir de la planete commence dans notre assiette

Science & Nature

" Des millions de gens vont mourir à cause du réchauffement climatique. Des centaines de millions de gens vont devenir des réfugiés climatiques. Ces chiffres comptent, parce que ce ne sont pas seulement des chiffres – il s'agit d'individus, avec chacun une famille, des habitudes, des phobies, des allergies, des aliments préférés, des rêves récurrents, une chanson qui lui est restée dans la tête, des empreintes uniques et un rire particulier. [...] Il est difficile de prendre en charge des millions de vies. Mais il est impossible de ne pas prendre soin d'une seule. Cependant, peut-être n'avons-nous pas besoin de nous soucier de ces millions de gens. Il nous suffit de les sauver. " Après l'immense succès de Faut-il manger les animaux ?, Jonathan Safran Foer revient à la charge : l'élevage intensif des animaux est responsable du dérèglement climatique. L'extinction de la planète aura lieu parce que nous mangeons trop de viande. Avec empathie, avec humour, l'auteur analyse les défis auxquels nous devons faire face. Parce qu'il n'est pas trop tard pour inverser la tendance. Et que l'avenir de la planète commence maintenant, dans notre assiette. Traduit de l'anglais (États-Unis) par Marc Amfreville.

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