Science & Nature - Books

Mechanoluminescence in Organic and Inorganic Compounds

Science & Nature

Mechanoluminescence in Organic and Inorganic Compounds: Basic Concepts, Instrumentation, and Applications provides a comprehensive overview of mechanoluminescence for newly qualified researchers and scientists across multiple related fields. It serves as a guide for budding scientists to advance in the field through various applications covered in this book, such as energy, mechanics, medicine, and optics. This reference shines light on the pros and cons of utilizing organic or inorganic mechanoluminescent materials, making it a handy tool for researchers worldwide involved in luminescence and applications such as optoelectronics, sensors, forensics, displays, energy harvesting, and smart robotics. The editors and their expert contributors summarize these applications, making it a valuable resource for academics, researchers, and those working in industry. Mechanoluminescence in Organic and Inorganic Compounds contains broad coverage, which progresses from theory to applications, serves as a complete reference of global research and experience, which will work to inform and guide the development of more efficient devices for the future. - Provides a comprehensive analysis of mechanoluminescence, starting from theory and moving on to instrumentation and applications - Includes applications of mechanoluminescence covering fields such as electronics, mechanics, medicine, and optics, in just one book - Promotes new research ideas in budding scientists on advanced applications for eco-friendly and sustainable growth of the academia and related industries

Energia e civiltà

Science & Nature

L’energia è l’unica moneta universale, necessaria per ottenere qualsiasi cosa. In questa storia monumentale, Vaclav Smil offre un racconto complessivo di come l’energia abbia plasmato la società, dalla preistoria in cui si scopre il fuoco alla società moderna che dipende dalle fonti fossili. Gli uomini sono l’unica specie capace di imbrigliare energia al di fuori del proprio corpo, usando le capacità dell’intelletto e un gran numero di strumenti – dai più semplici attrezzi fino ai motori a combustione interna e ai reattori nucleari. La transizione epocale verso l’uso delle fonti fossili ha riguardato ogni aspetto della vita umana: agricoltura, industria, trasporti, armi, comunicazione, economia, urbanizzazione, qualità della vita, politica e ambiente. Come scrive Alessandro Lanza nell’introduzione, «Energia e civiltà di Vaclav Smil rappresenta la sintesi cronologica del rapporto inscindibile tra uomo ed energia nella storia, ma anche una fondamentale messa a fuoco di come questo rapporto sia destinato a svilupparsi, illuminando i punti critici e le sfide sociali e antropologiche che attendono l’umanità per la salvaguardia delle fonti naturali – dalle quali proprio quell’energia scaturisce – principale fonte di ricchezza e sviluppo della nostra specie».

Branches

Science & Nature

Philip Ball explores the science of the branching patterns we see in nature, revealing that there is much more to these networks than meets the eye. Whether trees, snowflakes, forked lightning, or systems of arteries and veins, he explains how there are hidden rules at work that can give us extraordinary insights into the nature of life itself.

Model-Based Reinforcement Learning

Science & Nature

Model-Based Reinforcement Learning Explore a comprehensive and practical approach to reinforcement learning Reinforcement learning is an essential paradigm of machine learning, wherein an intelligent agent performs actions that ensure optimal behavior from devices. While this paradigm of machine learning has gained tremendous success and popularity in recent years, previous scholarship has focused either on theory—optimal control and dynamic programming – or on algorithms—most of which are simulation-based. Model-Based Reinforcement Learning provides a model-based framework to bridge these two aspects, thereby creating a holistic treatment of the topic of model-based online learning control. In doing so, the authors seek to develop a model-based framework for data-driven control that bridges the topics of systems identification from data, model-based reinforcement learning, and optimal control, as well as the applications of each. This new technique for assessing classical results will allow for a more efficient reinforcement learning system. At its heart, this book is focused on providing an end-to-end framework—from design to application—of a more tractable model-based reinforcement learning technique. Model-Based Reinforcement Learning readers will also find: A useful textbook to use in graduate courses on data-driven and learning-based control that emphasizes modeling and control of dynamical systems from data Detailed comparisons of the impact of different techniques, such as basic linear quadratic controller, learning-based model predictive control, model-free reinforcement learning, and structured online learning Applications and case studies on ground vehicles with nonholonomic dynamics and another on quadrator helicopters An online, Python-based toolbox that accompanies the contents covered in the book, as well as the necessary code and data Model-Based Reinforcement Learning is a useful reference for senior undergraduate students, graduate students, research assistants, professors, process control engineers, and roboticists.

Energy

Science & Nature

With one famous equation, E=mc2, Einstein proved all matter can be described as energy. It is everywhere and it is everything.In this newly updated and engaging introduction, renowned scientist Vaclav Smil explores energy in all its facets – from the inner workings of the human body to what we eat, the car we drive and the race for more efficient and eco-friendly fuels.Energy: A Beginner's Guide highlights the importance of energy in both past and present societies, by shedding light on the science behind global warming and efforts to prevent it, and by revealing how our daily decisions affect energy consumption. Whether you're looking for dinner table conversation or to further your own understanding, this book will amaze and inform, uncovering the truths and exposing the myths behind one of the most important concepts in our universe.

The Mind

Science & Nature

Who am “I”?How is happiness achieved? What is the key to memory?How do babies become adults?Is personality determined?What function do emotions serve?Are we hardwired to be moral?The mind is a riddle that has vexed philosophers, psychologists, biologists, and artists for thousands of years. In this invaluable volume, John Brockman, editor and publisher of Edge, gathers the world’s most influential scientists and thinkers to present their deepest thoughts and cutting-edge theories in short, accessible essays about the essential aspects of human consciousness and the complex workings of the brain.Contributors and topics includeSteven Pinker on how the human brain works • Martin Seligman on happiness and what it means to live a good life • Philip Zimbardo on the impact of environment on personality • V. S. Ramachandran on the question of self—who “you” are • Simon Baron-Cohen on the innate differences between boys and girls • George Lakoff on the role of the body and brain on different types of reasoning • Alison Gopnik on why human children are the best learning machines in the universe • Jonathan Haidt on the connection between emotions, morality, and religious belief

Les Sciences et les Humanités

Science & Nature

Parmi les hommes qui ont, tous utilement, mais plus ou moins brillamment servi la science, les uns avaient reçu dans leur jeunesse une éducation classique solide, parfois raffinée, tandis que les autres n’avaient eu qu’une formation littéraire hâtive, incomplète et sommaire. On serait tenté d’en conclure que l’étude des lettres est inutile aux savants, puisque beaucoup d’entre eux ont pu s’en passer. Ce serait aller un peu vite en besogne. Est-il certain qu’on ne saurait faire de différence entre les œuvres des uns et des autres et y reconnaître une sorte de marque d’origine.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.

Le prince des profondeurs. L'intelligence exceptionnelle des poulpes

Science & Nature

Il possède un énorme cerveau - quasiment autant de neurones qu’un chat - localisé en partie dans ses huit bras. Il « voit » et « goûte » avec la peau, dont la couleur change instantanément pour mieux le camoufler. Dépourvu d’os, il se faufile à travers la moindre fente. Il joue, adore collectionner les objets, apprend de ses erreurs et reconnaît les humains... Ce prince des profondeurs, c’est le poulpe, dont on prend aujourd’hui la mesure de l’intelligence, déjà pressentie par Charles Darwin. Mais il y a plus extraordinaire encore... En explorant Octopolis, une étrange cité sous-marine fondée par des poulpes, Peter Godfrey-Smith découvre des animaux capables d’interactions complexes et dotés de surprenantes personnalités. De quelle conscience témoignent-ils ? Se pourrait-il que nous ne soyons pas la seule branche du vivant à disposer d’un « moi » intérieur ? Que nous apprennent ces céphalopodes sur notre propre intelligence ? Une fascinante rencontre du troisième type.

Advanced Physicochemical Treatment Processes

Science & Nature

Leading pollution control educators and practicing professionals describe how various combinations of different physicochemical treatment processes can be arranged to solve air, noise, and thermal pollution problems. In Advanced Physicochemical Treatment Processes, the authors discuss strategies for abating pollution by converting it into a less noxious form, using the most feasible technologies. Each chapter discusses in detail a variety of process combinations, along with technical and economic evaluations, and presents explanations of the principles behind the designs, as well as numerous variant designs useful to practicing engineers. The emphasis throughout is on developing the necessary engineering solutions from fundamental principles of chemistry, physics, and mathematics. The authors also include up-to-date references, cost data, design methods, guidance on the installation and operation of various process equipment and systems, and Best Available Technologies (BAT) for water pollution control, wastewater treatment, and water purification.

The Creation of the Universe

Science & Nature

"Fascinating. . . . Distinctly readable and highly informative." — San Francisco Chronicle.Since time immemorial, people have attempted to explain the origin of the world, from the creation myths of the ancients to the more sophisticated views that developed with the progress of observational astronomy. This lively and authoritative survey by an internationally famous physicist and one of the formulators of the Big Bang theory of cosmology offers captivating perspectives on the births of the galaxies, stars, chemical elements, and planetary systems.The author of such popular books as One Two Three . . . Infinity, George Gamow has introduced millions of readers to the concepts of relativity, atomic and nuclear physics, and other scientific subjects. Illustrated with diagrams and Gamow's own drawings, this remarkably accessible book explains complex and difficult concepts in a direct and simple manner, with minimal references to mathematics. The Creation of the Universe addresses both the Big Bang and Steady State theories of cosmogony, and is equally suitable for scientists from every field, as well as nonspecialists. Preface. Appendix. Index. 40 figures.

Nieznane więzi natury

Science & Nature

Jeśli spotkałeś się z opinią, że korniki to pasożyty niszczące zdrowy las, a wilki to tylko niebezpieczne drapieżniki, które wymagają odstrzału, to sprawdź, jakie są fakty. W swojej kolejnej książce Peter Wohlleben ujawnia niewidoczne dla zwykłych obserwatorów więzi między wszystkimi stworzeniami – od niepozornych bakterii po dumne dęby i buki. Pokazuje nam, jak ich wzajemne relacje trzymają w ryzach cały bogaty ekosystem, dzięki czemu pozostaje on w równowadze. Uświadamia, że o środowisko musi dbać nie tylko „leśna policja”. Przyszłość błękitnej planety zależy również od tego, jaką rolę w tym procesie odegrają ludzie.

Machine Learning in Bio-Signal Analysis and Diagnostic Imaging

Science & Nature

Machine Learning in Bio-Signal Analysis and Diagnostic Imaging presents original research on the advanced analysis and classification techniques of biomedical signals and images that cover both supervised and unsupervised machine learning models, standards, algorithms, and their applications, along with the difficulties and challenges faced by healthcare professionals in analyzing biomedical signals and diagnostic images. These intelligent recommender systems are designed based on machine learning, soft computing, computer vision, artificial intelligence and data mining techniques. Classification and clustering techniques, such as PCA, SVM, techniques, Naive Bayes, Neural Network, Decision trees, and Association Rule Mining are among the approaches presented.The design of high accuracy decision support systems assists and eases the job of healthcare practitioners and suits a variety of applications. Integrating Machine Learning (ML) technology with human visual psychometrics helps to meet the demands of radiologists in improving the efficiency and quality of diagnosis in dealing with unique and complex diseases in real time by reducing human errors and allowing fast and rigorous analysis. The book's target audience includes professors and students in biomedical engineering and medical schools, researchers and engineers. Examines a variety of machine learning techniques applied to bio-signal analysis and diagnostic imaging Discusses various methods of using intelligent systems based on machine learning, soft computing, computer vision, artificial intelligence and data mining Covers the most recent research on machine learning in imaging analysis and includes applications to a number of domains

Là où croît le péril... croît aussi ce qui sauve

Science & Nature

D'étonnantes coïncidences atomiques et cosmiques ont permis à l'Univers de s'organiser, s'enrichir et nous donner naissance. Du noyau de carbone aux profondeurs de la planète, du rayonnement fossile aux mystérieux neutrinos, que d'étranges phénomènes ont contribué à la complexité du monde ! Mais sa richesse et sa beauté sont désormais mises en péril sur Terre par l'Homme, devenu la principale menace pour son environnement, pour la biodiversité, et finalement pour lui-même. Comment concilier la belle-histoire de l'Univers et la moins-belle-histoire de l'Humanité ? Nous offrant l'une et l'autre en parallèle, Hubert Reeves met son talent de conteur de science au service de notre nécessaire prise de conscience. Sans nous masquer la gravité de la crise écologique, il relève les signes d'une réaction qui nous permet d'espérer un avenir plus vert. Hubert Reeves, astrophysicien, enseigne la cosmologie à Montréal et à Paris. Il a publié au Seuil de nombreux ouvrages dont Patience dans l'azur, Poussières d'étoiles, Mal de Terre, Chroniques cosmiques, L'Univers expliqué à mes petits-enfants, qui ont rencontré la faveur d'un très large public. Il préside l'association Humanité et Biodiversité.

Myślenie roślin

Science & Nature

„Nie chcąc myśleć o logice roślinnego życia – poza jego biochemicznymi, komórkowymi czy mikromolekularnymi procesami i układami ekologicznymi – filozofowie z łatwością założyli, że w szerokich ewolucyjnych ramach odniesienia istnienie roślin jest słabiej rozwinięte lub mniej zróżnicowane niż istnienie ich zwierzęcych czy ludzkich odpowiedników i że w związku z tym byty roślinne bezwarunkowo udostępniają się nieograniczonemu użyciu i eksploatacji. Tego rodzaju stłumienie najbardziej podstawowego pytania o rośliny legło u podstaw ich etycznego zaniedbania. Choć – podobnie jak my – są one istotami żywymi, nie potrafimy wychwycić w nich nawet najmniejszych podobieństw z naszym życiem.”Marginesy filozofii zamieszkiwane są przez nie-ludzkie i nie-zwierzęce istoty – w tym rośliny. Podczas gdy współczesna filozofia raczej wystrzega się ontologicznego i etycznego namysłu nad roślinnym życiem, Michael Marder stawia je na pierwszym planie dokonującej się obecnie dekonstrukcji metafizyki. Autor wskazuje wybrane aspekty istnienia i zachowania roślinnych organizmów oraz roślinnego dziedzictwa ludzkiej myśli. Dowodzi, że rośliny są w stanie oprzeć się totalizującej logice i wyjść poza ciasne granice instrumentalizacji. Rekonstruując życie roślin „po metafizyce”, Marder skupia się na ich wyjątkowej czasowości, wolności oraz materialnej wiedzy i mądrości. W jego ujęciu „myślenie roślin” to zarówno niekognitywny, nieideacyjny i nieobrazowy tryb myślenia właściwy roślinom, jak i proces sprowadzania ludzkiej myśli z powrotem do jej korzeni i uroślinniania jej.

Computational Intelligence-based Time Series Analysis

Science & Nature

The sequential analysis of data and information gathered from past to present is called time series analysis. Time series data are of high dimension, large size and updated continuously. A time series depends on various factors like trend, seasonality, cycle and irregular data set, and is basically a series of data points well-organized in time. Time series forecasting is a significant area of machine learning. There are various prediction problems that are time-dependent and these problems can be handled through time series analysis. Computational intelligence (CI) is a developing computing approach for the forthcoming several years. CI gives the litheness to model the problem according to given requirements. It helps to find swift solutions to the problems arising in numerous disciplines. These methods mimic human behavior. The main objective of CI is to develop intelligent machines to provide solutions to real world problems, which are not modelled or are too difficult to model mathematically. This book aims to cover the recent advances in time series and applications of CI for time series analysis.

Co cię gryzie? Fascynujący świat pasożytów

Science & Nature

Z tej książki dowiesz się:•Dlaczego układ odpornościowy przypomina freski z Kaplicy Sykstyńskiej?•Jak wygląda wojna między limfocytami i pasożytami?•Czy pasożyt pasożyta może mieć pasożyty?•W których pasożytach można się zakochać?Ta książka przeniesie cię na inną planetę. Jej akcja rozegra się w laboratoriach, wśród bagien południowego Sudanu, kostarykańskiej dżungli, ale przede wszystkim pod szkłem mikroskopu. Na pewno nie zdajecie sobie sprawy, jak fascynujący jest to świat. Dzięki tej wyprawie będziecie mogli poznać niezwykłych mieszkańców tej planety. Bezwzględnych, którzy potrafią wykastrować swojego żywiciela i przejąć kontrolę nad jego umysłem. Przebiegłych, którzy tak oszukują układ odpornościowy, że ten uznaje ich za zupełnie nieszkodliwych. Cwanych, którzy zdecydują za nas, co powinniśmy zjeść na obiad. Pasożyty są jedną z największych sił napędowych ewolucji żywych istot, a w ekosystemie pełnią równie ważną rolę co lwy czy lamparty. A może to one są najliczniejszymi istotami na tej planecie? A może nawet najważniejszymi?A może to Ziemia jest planetą pasożytów?KSIĄŻKI DOBRE NIE TYLKO W TEORII!

Om tiden inte finns

Science & Nature

I sin senaste bok utforskar Carlo Rovelli - författae till den framgångsrika Sju korta lektioner i fysik - en gren inom fysiken vi alla kan förhålla oss till, därför att det är en gåta för såväl forskare som för alla andra. Genom historien har förståelsen av tid skiftat oerhört, från Newtons till Einsteins upptäckter, fram till dagens kvantteorier och loopkvantgravitation, som Rovelli själv är specialist i. Tiden, som alltid var en faktor i Newtons beräkningar, lämnas i dagens fundamentala ekvationer helt åt sidan. Dåtid och framtid är inte längre varandras motsatser. Och det som inte längre är sant inom fysiken är något alla andra utgår från är sant - tiden här och nu. Varför minns vi det förflutna, men inte framtiden? Är det vi som existerar i tiden eller tiden som existerar i oss? Vad betyder det egentligen att tiden "går"? Hur är tiden kopplad till vår ställning som subjekt? Vad är det man hör när man hör tidens gång? Detta är bara några av de många vetenskapliga frågor boken tar upp, tillsammans med en genomgång av vad fysiken brukade vara och vad den håller på att bli i dag.

Qu'est-ce que la matière ?

Science & Nature

Des lois de la mécanique quantique à celles de l’alchimie stellaire, de Démocrite à Einstein en passant par Aristote, ce livre nous révèle les secrets du monde tant macroscopique que microscopique qui nous entoure.

Le projet majeur africain de la Grande Muraille Verte

Science & Nature

L’initiative de la Grande Muraille Verte (GMV), projet transcontinental, est une réponse de l’Afrique à la désertification, à la pauvreté et au changement climatique. Elle repose sur une approche concertée, multisectorielle, mettant en synergie des actions de lutte contre ces trois fléaux majeurs pour le continent africain. La particularité de la GMV est, tout en créant et consolidant une ligne de défense par des activités de reboisement et d’aménagement, de contribuer efficacement au développement intégré des zones rurales et d’aider à la lutte contre la pauvreté dans le cadre d’un développement durable. Il s’agit de l’installation et de la mise en valeur intégrée d’espèces végétales à valeur économique adaptées aux terres arides et aux particularités locales, de bassins de rétention, de systèmes de production agricoles et autres activités génératrices de revenus. La GMV intègre ainsi plusieurs systèmes des plantations artificielles anciennes ou nouvelles, des unités agro-sylvo-pastorales. Des zones de parcours villageoises ou intercommunautaires, des parcs animaliers, des réserves communautaires et des couloirs de migration de faune. Cet édifice transcontinental est une référence de modèle d’intégration sous-régional mettant en exergue une initiative originale initiée par des pays fortement assujettis aux phénomènes de désertification et de changement climatique Il constitue un Modèle Multisectoriel de Développement Intégré des Zones Andes (MDI/ZA). Dédié à la lutte contre tes effets et l’avancée de la désertification, à la restauration et la mise en valeur des zones dégradées et au mécanisme de développement propre dû à sa forte capacité de séquestration de carbone. L’ouvrage vise un large public, notamment les scientifiques, enseignants, décideurs, techniciens charges de la mise en œuvre de la GMV et permet d’apprécier l’originalité du projet dans son approche concertée et multisectorielle et ses résultats dans le développement intégré des zones arides a semi-arides.

Doubly Fed Induction Generators

Science & Nature

Doubly Fed Induction Generators: Control for Wind Energy provides a detailed source of information on the modeling and design of controllers for the doubly fed induction generator (DFIG) used in wind energy applications. Focusing on the use of nonlinear control techniques, this book: Discusses the main features and advantages of the DFIG Describes key theoretical fundamentals and the DFIG mathematical model Develops controllers using inverse optimal control, sliding modes, and neural networks Devises an improvement to add robustness in the presence of parametric variations Details the results of real-time implementations All controllers presented in the book are tested in a laboratory prototype. Comparisons between the controllers are made by analyzing statistical measures applied to the control objectives.

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