Science & Nature - Books

Microbial Biofilms

Science & Nature

Microbial Biofilms: Challenges and Advances in Metabolomic Study is a volume in the Advances in Biotechnology and Bioengineering Series. The volume covers the metabolomic characteristics of bacterial biofilms and examines the techniques used in the analysis of the metabolomics of the biofilm, its formation, and related infections. The book includes the metabolomics study of various types of biofilms and details new strategies in targeting metabolic pathways for inhibiting the biofilm. The book also describes various types of metabolomics studies like metabolomics of oral biofilm and metabolomics of biofilm by nosocomial microbes. It also points out the recent advancements on various aspects of metabolomics studies pertaining to biofilms, related infections, their pathogenesis, and present-day treatment strategies. Microbial Biofilms: Challenges and Advances in Metabolomic Study is a helpful resource to scientists and researchers engaged in biofilm studies, precisely on the metabolomic changes at molecular level occurring in the participating microorganisms. It is also fascinating and thought provoking for the clinicians and health professionals actively involved in the treatment of biofilm mediated chronic infections, since it depicts the pathogenic consequences of the small molecular interactions of the metabolites in biofilm. - Discusses recent trends in biofilms research - Details newer strategies in treating the biofilm by targeting metabolic pathways - Covers chronic infections caused by biofilm and their metabolomics studies - Examines various analytical aspects on the metabolomics study of biofilm as well as how metabolomics regulate the formation of the biofilm - Incorporates relevant case studies

Information Technologies in Environmental Engineering

Science & Nature

Potentially dangerous environmental changes are happening in the atm- phere, oceans, animal habitats and places where hazardous materials are used, or have been discarded without adequate environmental protections. These increasing problems that also affect human health demand for int- disciplinary approaches where engineers, natural scientists, economists and computer scientists work together. Information technology has become significant to all scientific groups and fields involved in environmental - gineering: Model based systems which enable the study of environmental changes have been developed and are being extended to manage those - vironments. New paradigms for designing objects to enable easy dis- sembly and recovery of components contribute to reuse. Web-based - formation systems enhance public awareness to environmental changes and allow participation in decision making. Developments in exploiting - ternative energy sources are reducing dependence on non-renewable - sources. Numerical economy-environment models contribute to co- benefit analysis of environmental policy, and environmental monitoring and accounting systems facilitate market-based environmental regulation. Further advance is only possible if scientific teams have adequate expe- ence, methods and tools for investigation of the changes in the envir- ment. Success requires a high level of organization related to technical as well as scientific and human aspects of information handling. This book publishes the results of the ITEE 2007 conference where information about the topics above has been presented and discussed among environmental engineers, computer scientists and economists. March 2007 Jorge Marx Gómez Michael Sonnenschein Martin Müller Heinz Welsch Claus Rautenstrauch VI Editors Prof. Dr.

H2O. Una biografia dell'acqua

Science & Nature

Dalla formazione degli atomi di idrogeno e ossigeno ai primordi dell'Universo fino alla presenza dell'acqua nelle comete o nei pianeti e nei satelliti del Sistema solare, dal diluvio primordiale di 4 miliardi di anni fa che generò gli oceani ai rischi geologici che incombono sul futuro prossimo, dai diversi tipi di ghiaccio (ne esistono almeno 14) all'enigma dell'acqua "anomala". Una biografia completa sull'elemento più importante presente sulla Terra, tracciata con rigore scientifico ma anche con leggerezza di tocco, un appassionante viaggio attraverso la storia della scienza, la mitologia, la religione, l'astronomia, la geologia, la chimica, la fisica, la biologia cellulare e l'ecologia. Una nuova prospettiva sulla vita e i suoi fondamenti.

The Book About Pumpkins

Science & Nature

Students in Ms. Hennon’s kindergarten class at the Alliance Early Learning School learned about pumpkins. To demonstrate their learning they wrote this book. We hope you enjoy.

Polyhydroxyalkanoates: Sustainable Production and Biotechnological Applications III

Science & Nature

This book provides an in-depth analysis of recent developments in microbial diversity, molecular biology, and biotechnology related to PHA production. PHAs are highlighted as unique biopolymers that are biocompatible, bioresorbable, biodegradable, versatile, and sustainable—qualities that make them strong contenders for various biomedical applications. The chapters cover essential topics such as microbial production of PHAs from biowastes, co-digestion processes to enhance their physio-chemical properties, and challenges related to regulatory approvals and commercialization. Readers will learn about the diverse range of medical applications for PHAs including tissue engineering scaffolds, drug delivery systems, implants, anti-osteoporosis treatments, and memory enhancers. The book also addresses how these biopolymers can be fine-tuned for specific medical uses through advanced bioengineering techniques. Particular attention is given to the potential translation of these technologies into globally competitive business ventures. The volume provides expert analyses on how governmental funding agencies can identify prospective scientific R&D areas. For society at large, this book offers novel concepts about the eco-friendly and economic benefits of PHAs.Researchers in biotechnology, molecular biology, biomedical engineering, and related fields will find this book indispensable. This volume is part of a series dedicated to exploring the vast potential of bioplastics across various sectors. It serves as an essential guide for researchers aiming to achieve sustainable polyhydroxyalkanoate production while addressing critical questions about their practical applications in medicine.

Plant Biotechnology and Food Security

Science & Nature

The global agricultural sector faces mounting pressures from climate change, population growth, and the urgent need for sustainable food production. As the world moves toward a population of nearly 10 billion by 2050, innovative solutions are essential to ensure food security. Plant Biotechnology and Food Security: Adoption, Farming Systems, and Sustainable Development provides a comprehensive examination of how biotechnological advancements can transform agriculture, enhance productivity, and promote environmental sustainability. This book bridges the gap between traditional farming practices and cutting-edge technologies, offering a balanced perspective on the role of biotechnology in modern agriculture.Key Features: Agricultural Evolution and Biotech Integration: Examines the development of agriculture and the need for biotechnological advances. GM Crops and RNAi Technology: Explores genetically modified crops and the use of RNA interference for creating stress-resistant crops. Genome Editing and CRISPR: Discusses CRISPR/Cas9 and HI-Edit technology as tools for enhancing climate resilience in agriculture. Genomics and Molecular Breeding: Focuses on next-generation sequencing and molecular breeding techniques for crop improvement. Precision Agriculture and Biofortification: Highlights digital tools in agriculture, biotech for plant protection, and the role of biofortified crops in addressing malnutrition. This book is an essential resource for researchers, policymakers, agricultural professionals, and students seeking to understand how biotechnology can drive food security while balancing economic, environmental, and ethical considerations. By presenting scientific advancements alongside real-world applications, it aims to foster collaboration in building a resilient and sustainable agricultural future.

Advanced Mathematical Techniques in Science and Engineering

Science & Nature

In recent years, mathematical techniques applied to novel disciplines within the science and engineering have experienced extraordinary growth. Advanced Mathematical Techniques in Science and Engineering focusses on a detailed range of mathematics applied within various fields of science and engineering for different tasks. Topics of focus include:- Analysis of Consensus-Building Time in Social Groups- Modeling of intersystem accidents in critical infrastructure systems- Stochastic approaches to analysis and modeling of multi-sources and big data- Performance evaluation of computational DoS attack on access point in Wireless LANs- Ranking methods for decision-making under uncertainty- Understanding time delay based Modeling & Diffusion of technological products- Role of soft computing in science and engineering- Complex system reliability analysis and optimization- Tree growth models in forest ecosystems modellingThis research book can be used as a reference for students in a final year undergraduate engineering course, such as mechanical, mechatronics, industrial, computer science, information technology, etc. Furthermore, the book can serve as a valuable reference for academics, engineers and researchers in these and related subject areas.

Transformation of Liquid Waste to Energy

Science & Nature

Transformation of Liquid Waste to Energy: Methods, Challenges and Opportunities brings together the latest developments, technologies, and approaches for the transformation of organic waste into energy, enabling the reader to tackle head-on the challenges of valorizing waste as bioenergy. The book focuses on liquid waste, notably covering wastewater treatment and energy recovery, the production of biofuels, and microbial fuel cells, as well as high-rate anaerobic processes and utilization of municipal/industrial wastewater for energy recovery. Each chapter presents the latest developments in transforming different types of liquid waste into bioenergy and discusses conventional methods alongside novel and emerging technologies.This new volume in the Woodhead Series in Bioenergy is of interest to all those with an interest in waste-to-energy, bioenergy, waste management, chemical engineering, and sustainability, including researchers, advanced students, faculty, engineers, scientists, R&D, industrial practitioners, and policymakers.• Discusses the transformation of a broad range of liquid waste feedstocks• Focuses on emerging technologies, global perspectives, practical case studies, interdisciplinary insights, and alignment with sustainable development goals• Presents case studies showcasing successful waste to energy projects, providing valuable insights into the implementation of waste transformation technologies

Chinese Philosophy of Technology

Science & Nature

This book gathers essays that introduce the ideological advances in the philosophy of engineering and technology in contemporary China. It particularly focuses on China’s distinctive concepts and methods, revealing different views and academic debates to offer readers a comprehensive overview of this important field.The contributors present unique perspectives based on practical problems and traditional philosophy, examining such issues and concepts as axiology and theories of process, the difference between engineering activities and technology activities, and the core of the relationship between “Dao” and “Technique.”Other essays cover the ethics of technology, practical wisdom (phronesis) and practical reasoning, as well as creative concepts and methods concerning the philosophical problems in high technology, architectural technology, and technological innovation. The authors also consider more general issues in the field.This book compiles the relevant research achievements of Chinese scholars in various time periods. Some authors have revised and translated into English papers published in Chinese, while others present their research in English specifically for this study. An annotated bibliography of the major publications in the field completes this collection.

Famous Men of Science

Science & Nature

Famous Men of Science is a Book of Science. The book tells that "The same memorable day is marked by the setting of one of the most brilliant stars in the firmament of art and the rising of another in the sphere of science, which was to enlighten the world with beams of equal splendor. On the 18th of February, 1564, Michael Angelo Buonarotti closed his eyes at Rome, and Galileo Galilei first saw the light at Pisa". Thus writes young Karl von Gebler, in the best life of Galileo ever written, his dying contribution to literature. Some other authorities place Galileo's birth on February 15. He was the oldest in a family of five children born to Vincenzo Galilei, a Florentine noble, and Giulia Ammanati, who also belonged to an ancient family. Vincenzo wrote learnedly about music, and taught his boy to play on the lute and the organ; but he was poor and life was a struggle. However beneficial poverty may be in the development of character, most of us do not crave it for our children, so Vincenzo decided to place his son where he could earn a comfortable support. Music did not bring money. Galileo therefore should become a dealer in cloth; a necessity of life, rather than a luxury.

The Art of Not Being Governed

Science & Nature

For two thousand years the disparate groups that now reside in Zomia (a mountainous region the size of Europe that consists of portions of seven Asian countries) have fled the projects of the organized state societies that surround them—slavery, conscription, taxes, corvée labor, epidemics, and warfare. This book, essentially an ̶anarchist history,” is the first-ever examination of the huge literature on state-making whose author evaluates why people would deliberately and reactively remain stateless. Among the strategies employed by the people of Zomia to remain stateless are physical dispersion in rugged terrain; agricultural practices that enhance mobility; pliable ethnic identities; devotion to prophetic, millenarian leaders; and maintenance of a largely oral culture that allows them to reinvent their histories and genealogies as they move between and around states.In accessible language, James Scott, recognized worldwide as an eminent authority in Southeast Asian, peasant, and agrarian studies, tells the story of the peoples of Zomia and their unlikely odyssey in search of self-determination. He redefines our views on Asian politics, history, demographics, and even our fundamental ideas about what constitutes civilization, and challenges us with a radically different approach to history that presents events from the perspective of stateless peoples and redefines state-making as a form of ̶internal colonialism.” This new perspective requires a radical reevaluation of the civilizational narratives of the lowland states. Scott’s work on Zomia represents a new way to think of area studies that will be applicable to other runaway, fugitive, and marooned communities, be they Gypsies, Cossacks, tribes fleeing slave raiders, Marsh Arabs, or San-Bushmen.

In a Patch of Fireweed

Science & Nature

Why would a grown man chase hornets with a thermometer, paint whirligig beetles bright red, or track elephants through the night to fill trash bags with their prodigious droppings? Some might say—to advance science. Bernd Heinrich says—because it’s fun.Heinrich, author of the much acclaimed Bumblebee Economics, has been playing in the wilds of one continent or another all his life. In the process, he has become one of the world’s foremost physiological ecologists. With In a Patch of Fireweed, he will undoubtedly become one of our foremost writers of popular science.Part autobiography, part case study in the ways of field biology, In a Patch of Fireweed is an endlessly fascinating account of a scientist’s life and work. For the author, it is an opportunity to report not just his results but the curiosity, humor, error, passion, and competitiveness that feed into the process of discovery. For the reader, it is simply a delight, a rare chance to share the perceptions of an unusual mind fully in tune with the inner workings of nature. Before his years of research in the woodlands and deserts of North America, the New Guinea highlands, and the plains of East Africa, Heinrich had a sense of the wild that few people in this century can know. He tells the whole story, from his refugee childhood hidden in a German forest, eating mice fried in boar fat, to his ongoing research in the woods surrounding his cabin in Maine.

Einstein on Cosmic Religion and Other Opinions and Aphorisms

Science & Nature

Science and religion are compatible, declares the famous physicist. In these essays, Einstein views science as the basis for a "cosmic" religion, embraced by scientists, theologians, and all who share a sense of wonder in the rationality and beauty of the universe. In the course of his career, Einstein wrote more than 300 scientific and 150 nonscientific publications. These essays date from the 1930s and 40s. In direct, everyday language the author develops a coherent view that transcends both the antiquated religion of fear and the modern religion of ethics. His concept of cosmic religion combines science and religion, with science forming the basis for a more enlightened religion. In these essays and aphorisms, Einstein also reflects on pacifism, disarmament, and Zionism. In addition to a brief biography of the author, this volume includes a warm appreciation by George Bernard Shaw.

La société du design

Science & Nature

Le design n’est pas un style qui se jouerait sur le mode de différenciations successives même s’il doit se définir face au style et articuler avec lui la rupture majeure qu’il doit annoncer : c’est d’ailleurs là son ambiguïté première. Ainsi à une question générale venue du monde de la production, le design n’offre pas une réponse particulière dont le champ d’application serait restreint, mais une réponse générale qui affecte toutes les instances de la société. Il fixe les traits d’une nouvelle stratégie sociale dont les normes sont fortement coercitives.

Les Grands Mammifères plio-pléistocènes d'Europe

Science & Nature

Cet ouvrage traite des mammifères qui existaient durant le Pliocène (fin de l’ère tertiaire) et le Pléistocène (début de l’ère quaternaire), animaux bien connus grâce aux études paléontologiques. Cette période vit l’apparition de l’homme sur la planète. Il est donc intéressant de connaître l’environnement dans lequel il a évolué. Pourquoi ne s’intéresser qu’aux mammifères ? Ces animaux ont été en interaction directe avec l’homme : prédateurs mais surtout gibier. Certains d’entre eux seront ultérieurement domestiqués, modifiant ainsi les relations homme-animal (l’homme passera de l’état de chasseur-cueilleur à celui de pasteur ou d’agriculteur). Ce livre fait donc le point sur les connaissances acquises dans ce domaine. Cependant ce n’est pas qu’un « simple ouvrage de paléontologie ». En effet, il aborde aussi le problème des environnements d’alors, ainsi que les essentielles relations homme-animal. Cet ouvrage propose donc une vision globale de l’homme à l’époque charnière couvrant le Pliocène et le Pléistocène. Il intéressera les étudiants et chercheurs en paléontologie, mais aussi en paléoécologie, en (paléo)éthologie et en archéozoologie. L’amateur sera aussi satisfait d’un ouvrage qui reste très abordable et dont la rédaction a particulièrement été soignée par les auteurs.

L'Internationale publicitaire

Science & Nature

Qui échappe aujourd'hui à l'incessant tourbillon d'annonces, de spots, de clips, de slogans publicitaires ? Partout présentes, les puissantes compagnies internationales de publicité (Dentsu, Saatchi & Saatchi, Young & Rubicam, Mc Cann-Erikson, WPP-J. Walter Thompson, HDM, Publicis...) constituent des réseaux téléscopant la plupart des clivages politiques et économiques et managériaux que l'auteur, spécialiste de la communication, nous révèle au terme d'une sérieuse et passionnante enquête nourrie de très nombreux exemples, pour la plupart inédits en français. Un produit n'est pas utilisé partout de la même façon et ne répond pas à des besoins identiques, les motivations varient. Ainsi, les Danois et les Allemands achètent le dentifrice au fluor pour prévenir la chute des dents ; les Français et les Italiens pour des raisons cosmétiques. Volvo met en France l'accent sur le statut et le loisir, en Suède sur l'économie, la résistance et la sécurité... Armand Mattelart montre ainsi la diversité et la sophistication des stratégies nationales par les agences internationales. Mais il s'intéresse aussi à la logique globale de ce secteur en expansion et explique en détail ses évolutions. Il montre enfin comment cette dynamique contamine la presse - Reader's Digest, Newsweek, Elle, etc. - et en plus généralement les médias - y compris le cinéma -, entraînant une mondialisation du contenu rédactionnel et l'adoption d'une langue internationale. Visitez la planète pub, cet ouvrage vous servira de guide.

Your Conscious Mind

Science & Nature

What is consciousness? Is it real or just an illusion? And how does it work?What is this strange mental world that seems so essential to being human? The conscious mind brings together sensations, perceptions, thoughts and memories to generate the seamless movie of a person's life. It makes us aware of the world around us and our own self. How all this emerges from a kilogram of brain cells is one of the greatest unanswered questions. In Your Conscious Mind leading brain scientists and New Scientist take you on a journey through the mind to discover what consciousness really is, and what we can learn when it goes awry. Find out if we will ever build conscious machines, what animal consciousness can tell us about being human and explore the enigma of free will.

Applications of 3D printing in Biomedical Engineering

Science & Nature

This book focuses on applications of three-dimensional (3D) printing in healthcare. It first describes a range of biomaterials, including their physicochemical and biological properties. It then reviews the current state of the art in bioprinting techniques and the potential application of bioprinting, computer-aided additive manufacturing of cells, tissues, and scaffolds to create organs in regenerative medicine. Further, it discusses the orthopedic applications of 3D printing in the design and fabrication of dental implants, and the use of 3D bioprinting in oral and maxillofacial surgery and in tissue and organ engineering. Lastly, the book examines the 3D printing technologies that are used for the fabrication of the drug delivery system. It also explores the current challenges and the future of 3D bioprinting in medical sciences, as well as the market demand.

Living with Borderline Personality Disorder, Generalized Anxiety Disorder and Bipolar Type 2

Science & Nature

This is an account of the life of someone who suffers from three mental illnesses – Borderline Personality Disorder, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, and Bipolar Type 2. Life for her is a struggle, but she hopes that with the help of this book, and her passion to study and work in the field of mental health, that she can improve the lives of others suffering from mental illnesses like her.

Memristor-Based Nanoelectronic Computing Circuits and Architectures

Science & Nature

This book considers the design and development of nanoelectronic computing circuits, systems and architectures focusing particularly on memristors, which represent one of today’s latest technology breakthroughs in nanoelectronics. The book studies, explores, and addresses the related challenges and proposes solutions for the smooth transition from conventional circuit technologies to emerging computing memristive nanotechnologies. Its content spans from fundamental device modeling to emerging storage system architectures and novel circuit design methodologies, targeting advanced non-conventional analog/digital massively parallel computational structures. Several new results on memristor modeling, memristive interconnections, logic circuit design, memory circuit architectures, computer arithmetic systems, simulation software tools, and applications of memristors in computing are presented. High-density memristive data storage combined with memristive circuit-design paradigms and computational tools applied to solve NP-hard artificial intelligence problems, as well as memristive arithmetic-logic units, certainly pave the way for a very promising memristive era in future electronic systems. Furthermore, these graph-based NP-hard problems are solved on memristive networks, and coupled with Cellular Automata (CA)-inspired computational schemes that enable computation within memory. All chapters are written in an accessible manner and are lavishly illustrated. The book constitutesan informative cornerstone for young scientists and a comprehensive reference to the experienced reader, hoping to stimulate further research on memristive devices, circuits, and systems.

Science & Nature Books