Science & Nature - Books

Data Science for Genomics (Enhanced Edition)

Science & Nature

Data Science for Genomics presents the foundational concepts of data science as they pertain to genomics, encompassing the process of inspecting, cleaning, transforming, and modeling data with the goal of discovering useful information, suggesting conclusions and supporting decision-making. Sections cover Data Science, Machine Learning, Deep Learning, data analysis, and visualization techniques. The authors then present the fundamentals of Genomics, Genetics, Transcriptomes and Proteomes as basic concepts of molecular biology, along with DNA and key features of the human genome, as well as the genomes of eukaryotes and prokaryotes. Techniques that are more specifically used for studying genomes are then described in the order in which they are used in a genome project, including methods for constructing genetic and physical maps. DNA sequencing methodology and the strategies used to assemble a contiguous genome sequence and methods for identifying genes in a genome sequence and determining the functions of those genes in the cell. Readers will learn how the information contained in the genome is released and made available to the cell, as well as methods centered on cloning and PCR. Provides a detailed explanation of data science concepts, methods and algorithms, all reinforced by practical examples that are applied to genomics Presents a roadmap of future trends suitable for innovative Data Science research and practice Includes topics such as Blockchain technology for securing data at end user/server side Presents real world case studies, open issues and challenges faced in Genomics, including future research directions and a separate chapter for Ethical Concerns

La tabla rasa

Science & Nature

En La tabla rasa, Steven Pinker explora la idea de la naturaleza humana y sus aspectos éticos, emocionales y políticos. Demuestra que muchos intelectuales han negado su existencia al defender tres dogmas entrelazados: la «tabla rasa» (la mente no tiene características innatas), el «buen salvaje» (la persona nace buena y la sociedad la corrompe) y el «fantasma en la máquina» (todos tenemos un alma que toma decisiones sin depender de la biología). Pinker aporta calma y serenidad a estos debates al mostrar que la igualdad, el progreso, la responsabilidad y el propósito nada tienen que temer de los descubrimientos sobre la complejidad de la naturaleza humana.

Advances in Plant Tissue Culture (Enhanced Edition)

Science & Nature

Advances in Plant Tissue Culture: Current Developments and Future Trends provides a complete and up-to-date text on all basic and applied aspects of plant tissue cultures and their latest application implications. It will be beneficial for students and early-career researchers of plant sciences and plant/agricultural biotechnology. Plant tissue culture has emerged as a sustainable way to meet the requirements of fresh produces, horticultural crops, medicinal or ornamental plants. Nowadays, plant tissue culture is an emerging filed applied in various aspects, including sustainable agriculture, plant breeding, horticulture and forestry.This book covers the latest technology, broadly applied for crop improvement, clonal propagation, Somatic hybridization Embryo rescue, Germplasm conservation, genetic conservation, or for the preservation of endangered species. However, these technologies also play a vital role in breaking seed dormancy over conventional methods of conservation. Focuses on plant tissue culture as an emerging field applied in various aspects, including sustainable agriculture, plant breeding, horticulture and forestry Includes current studies and innovations in biotechnology Covers commercialization and current perspectives in the field of plant tissue culture techniques

Sustainable Networks in Smart Grid

Science & Nature

Sustainable Networks in Smart Grid presents global challenges in smart metering with renewable energy resources, micro-grid design, communication technologies, big data, privacy and security in the smart grid. Providing an overview of different available PLC technologies and configurations and their applications in different sectors, this book provides case studies and practical implementation details of smart grid technology, paying special attention to Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) scenarios with the presence of Distribution Grid (DG) and Electric Vehicles (EV).Covering regulatory policies for energy storage, management strategies for microgrid operation, and key performance indicators for smart grid development, this reference compiles up-to-date information on different aspects of the Internet of Smart Metering. In addition, innovative contributions on Data Analytics, Energy Theft Detection, Data-Driven Framework, Blockchain–IoT-enabled Sensor Networks, and Smart Contacts in the Blockchain are also included. Includes case studies and practical implementation examples of different smart grid applications, their benefits, characteristics and requirements Provides a SWOT analysis of the impact of recent regulatory changes on the business case for energy storage (ES) Presents a comprehensive survey of privacy-preserving schemes for smart grid communications

Green Energy

Science & Nature

Like most industries around the world, the energy industry has also made, and continues to make, a long march toward “green” energy. The science has come a long way since the 1970s, and renewable energy and other green technologies are becoming more and more common, replacing fossil fuels. It is, however, still a struggle, both in terms of energy sources keeping up with demand, and the development of useful technologies in this area.To maintain the supply for electrical energy, researchers, engineers and other professionals in industry are continuously exploring new eco-friendly energy technologies and power electronics, such as solar, wind, tidal, wave, bioenergy, and fuel cells. These technologies have changed the concepts of thermal, hydro and nuclear energy resources by the adaption of power electronics advancement and revolutionary development in lower manufacturing cost for semiconductors with long time reliability. The latest developments in renewable resources have proved their potential to boost the economy of any country.Green energy technology has not only proved the concept of clean energy but also reduces the dependencies on fossil fuel for electricity generation through smart power electronics integration. Also, endless resources have more potential to cope with the requirements of smart building and smart city concepts. A valuable reference for engineers, scientists, chemists, and students, this volume is applicable to many different fields, across many different industries, at all levels. It is a must-have for any library.

Sustainable Management of Coal Preparation (Enhanced Edition)

Science & Nature

Sustainable Management of Coal Preparation explains both the upstream and downstream of coal preparation, stressing clean coal technologies for coal utilization. It not only discusses the sustainability of coal preparation, but also considers the governance and management issues that come with fulfilling economic, social and environmental obligations of a sustainable mining operation. Divided in three parts, the book explains the preparation of coking and non-coking coal, clean technologies, the principles of sustainable management and emerging management issues. The inclusion of case studies also provides a practical perspective for the planning and design of coal preparation activities and environmental management. Offers an integrated approach to pursue sustainable management between mining, coal preparation and final use of coal Explains the economic aspects of coal preparation in a modern/developing society with zero-waste concept Compiles the best technologies from around the world Uses India, a developing country, as a case study to apply technologies where there is maximum potential for application and benefit

Come funziona la mente

Science & Nature

Perché ci innamoriamo? Come si spiegano le nostre diverse reazioni di fronte all’arte, alla filosofia e alla religione? Perché i ricordi svaniscono? E dove nascono gli stereotipi etnici oppure la credenza nei fantasmi? Le innumerevoli domande sull’origine, la natura e il funzionamento della nostra mente finiscono spesso per perdersi nella vaghezza del mistero. Questo, invece, è un libro di risposte. Sfidando pregiudizi consolidati e demolendo teoremi un tempo indiscutibili, Steven Pinker ci guida alla scoperta dei più recenti progressi delle scienze cognitive e ricostruisce il programma straordinariamente complesso che rende possibili gli eventi della vita mentale che siamo abituati a dare per scontati: le meccaniche del pianto e del riso, dell’empatia e della percezione visiva. Facendo ricorso all’ingegneria inversa, che si interroga sugli scopi e l’organizzazione dei vari elementi che compongono una macchina, Pinker individua le funzioni alle quali la selezione naturale ha destinato la mente, un sistema di organi di calcolo che ha permesso ai nostri antenati cacciatori-raccoglitori di lottare, sopravvivere, prevalere. L’approccio di Pinker, uno dei più autorevoli studiosi di scienze cognitive, è rigoroso e multidisciplinare, spazia dalle neuroscienze alla biologia evolutiva compiendo efficaci e frequenti incursioni nelle discipline più disparate, come l’economia la psicologia sociale e la letteratura. Il risultato è una sintesi avvincente e monumentale – troppo ricca, esatta e pionieristica nei collegamenti e nelle conclusioni per essere ridotta a semplice divulgazione scientifica –, scritta con l’intelligenza, il ritmo e l’umorismo del grande narratore.

The Essential Einstein

Science & Nature

The definitive scientific icon of the twentieth century, Albert Einstein is remember for one equation, E=mc², and the image of a white-haired, pipe-smoking professor who didn’t wear socks. But the equation comes from a time when all of his great work was done. The real Albert Einstein – the high school drop-out who won the Nobel Prize along with the hearts of so many young women – was young, handsome, dark haired and a natty dresser. And his greatest piece of work was so poorly understood at the time that the Nobel Committee, who couldn’t understand it, but in a panic felt they ought to give him a prize for something, honoured him for something else. An introduction, afterword and clear chronological table place Einstein’s work in the context of the development of scientific knowledge.

Les phénomènes cryomagnétiques

Science & Nature

Cet ouvrage est une réédition numérique d’un livre paru au XXe siècle, désormais indisponible dans son format d’origine.

Handbook of Functionalized Nanostructured MXenes

Science & Nature

This book covers the various aspects of MXenes nanomaterials and its composites from the fabrication to the potential applications in energy devices, sensors, and environmental remediation. MXenes are two-dimensional (2D) transition metal carbides and nitrides which contains novel combination of properties including great conductivity and mechanical, thermal features of transition metal carbide and nitrides. In addition, MXenes nanomaterials possess high surface area, novel morphology, and layered structure and the functionalized of its surfaces gives it excellent hydrophilic characteristics and high absorption of electromagnetic radiations making them versatile materials for various applications. The beginning part of the book gives an in-depth literature covering the fundamental principles, fabrication, self-assembling strategies of nano-engineered MXenes, and their composites materials. The later chapters describe the chemical functionalization of MXenes nanomaterials for diversified applications such as electromagnetic shielding, energy storage devices (super capacitors, lithium ion batteries, CO2 capture, optical switching, transistors), photo catalysis, drug delivery, implants, tissue engineering, water purification, and sensing applications. It demonstrates that MXene-based advanced architectures promote continuous innovations and provide driving force in different fields particularly in environmental remediation and energy storage devices. This book is essential reading for all chemists, biologists, physicists, and environmental scientists working in the field of nanotechnology, energy, and environmental chemistry. It helps academics and professionals to polish their knowledge with the latest described data. It also helps professionals in developing innovative technologies by keeping in mind the applications of functionalized nanostructured MXenes.

Machine Learning Methods for Signal, Image and Speech Processing

Science & Nature

The signal processing (SP) landscape has been enriched by recent advances in artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML), yielding new tools for signal estimation, classification, prediction, and manipulation. Layered signal representations, nonlinear function approximation and nonlinear signal prediction are now feasible at very large scale in both dimensionality and data size. These are leading to significant performance gains in a variety of long-standing problem domains like speech and Image analysis. As well as providing the ability to construct new classes of nonlinear functions (e.g., fusion, nonlinear filtering).This book will help academics, researchers, developers, graduate and undergraduate students to comprehend complex SP data across a wide range of topical application areas such as social multimedia data collected from social media networks, medical imaging data, data from Covid tests etc. This book focuses on AI utilization in the speech, image, communications and yirtual reality domains.

Companion to the Cosmos

Science & Nature

Everybody is intrigued by ideas such as the Big Bang and black holes, and we all want to know how we fit into the Universe at large. Scientists now understand better than ever before the scope of the Universe and its origins, and the variety of objects it contains, from quasars and pulsars to galaxies and the inner workings of our own Sun. But such has been the pace of progress, especially in the recent past, that the story has been fragmented, with no single, user-friendly guide to present the broad sweep as well as the detailed discoveries.Companion to the Cosmos tells the whole story of the Universe and the people who made the discoveries. A brilliant science populariser and an award-winning writer, John Gribbin has watched many of these stories develop from the inside. He tells us everything we want to know about the Universe, with the clarity and easy style familiar from his earlier books such as _In Search of the Big Bang_, _Schrödinger's Kittens_, and _Ice Age_.The Companion begins with an extended Introduction where Gribbin sets out the present state of knowledge, and explains the key discovery of current cosmology--that the Universe is evolving and growing. The main A-Z encyclopedic section of the book is a mixture of lengthy feature articles on major subjects (e.g. black holes, gravity, galaxy, life in the Universe, super novae), shorter entries, and biographies of the scientists, complete with over 100 illustrations and photographs. In the final section, `Timelines,' cosmological discoveries are set out alongside key dates in general history and the history of science, from the time of the ancient astronomers of Greece and Babylon up to the present day.Serious students will find this an essential guide. More casual readers will find it easy to dip into and hard to put down as the interwoven threads lead the reader from one linked topic to another. Companion to the Cosmos is a brilliant tour deforce and a book that nobody interested in the world around us can afford to be without.

Nanostructured Semiconductors in Porous Alumina Matrices

Science & Nature

This book, Nanostructured Semiconductors in Porous Alumina Matrices: Modeling, Synthesis, and Properties, explores new developments in the modeling, synthesis, and properties of functional semiconductor nanostructures in porous anodic alumina matrices. The book focuses on luminescent nanoparticles in organic and inorganic dielectric matrixes, specifically in porous alumina films, as these are most relevant due to their capacity for particle division and ability to provide environmental protection. With a particular emphasis on experimental and theoretical studies of the synthesis processes, the book informs readers about these nanostructures through rigorous investigation of their properties.The book, which is divided into ten chapters, begins with a discussion of the existing literature on nanostructural electroluminescent light sources (ELS). This overview establishes a foundation for the remaining nine chapters, which explore in depth many facets of nanostructured materials: their composition, processes they undergo, how they may be implemented, etc. Within these chapters, experimental studies and results are incorporated, in addition to detailed descriptions of simulations that highlight different uses of these materials.

Krótkie odpowiedzi na wielkie pytania

Science & Nature

Krótkie odpowiedzi na wielkie pytania Światowej sławy kosmolog i autor bestsellera nad bestsellerami Krótka historia czasu pozostawił nam swoje odpowiedzi na najistotniejsze pytania o nasze miejsce i przyszłość we wszechświecie Skąd się wzięliśmy? Czy ostatecznie przetrwamy? Czy postęp techniki uchroni nas przed zagładą? W jaki sposób moglibyśmy w pełni rozwinąć skrzydła? Stephen Hawking został uznany za jeden z największych umysłów naszych czasów, a jego heroiczne zmagania z chorobą, odkąd w wieku dwudziestu jeden lat zdiagnozowano u niego stwardnienie zanikowe boczne, stanowią trwałe źródło inspiracji dla nas wszystkich. Zasłynął zarówno z przełomowych dokonań w dziedzinie fizyki teoretycznej, jak i z nadzwyczajnej umiejętności objaśniania skomplikowanych pojęć w sposób przystępny dla każdego. Uwielbiano go również za szelmowskie poczucie humoru. Bezpośrednio przed śmiercią pracował nad swym ostatnim dziełem – zestawieniem odpowiedzi na „wielkie” pytania, które tak często stawiał, wykraczając poza granice ściśle akademickich badań. W swojej ostatniej książce Hawking przedstawia poglądy dotyczące najpoważniejszych zagrożeń, przed jakimi stoi ludzkość, oraz tego, jaka przyszłość zarysowuje się przed ziemskim globem. Każdą część rozpoczyna wprowadzenie pióra wybitnego intelektualisty, który nakreśla swoją własną ocenę wkładu profesora Hawkinga do gmachu naszej wiedzy. Książka zawiera również przedmowę laureata Oscara Eddiego Redmayne’a, który grał postać Hawkinga w filmie Teoria wszystkiego oraz posłowie napisane przez córkę Hawkinga, Lucy Hawking, a ponadto prywatne zdjęcia i inne materiały archiwalne.

Principles of Tissue Engineering (Enhanced Edition)

Science & Nature

Now in its fifth edition, Principles of Tissue Engineering has been the definite resource in the field of tissue engineering for more than a decade. The fifth edition provides an update on this rapidly progressing field, combining the prerequisites for a general understanding of tissue growth and development, the tools and theoretical information needed to design tissues and organs, as well as a presentation by the world’s experts of what is currently known about each specific organ system.As in previous editions, this book creates a comprehensive work that strikes a balance among the diversity of subjects that are related to tissue engineering, including biology, chemistry, material science, and engineering, among others, while also emphasizing those research areas that are likely to be of clinical value in the future.This edition includes greatly expanded focus on stem cells, including induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells, stem cell niches, and blood components from stem cells. This research has already produced applications in disease modeling, toxicity testing, drug development, and clinical therapies. This up-to-date coverage of stem cell biology and the application of tissue-engineering techniques for food production – is complemented by a series of new and updated chapters on recent clinical experience in applying tissue engineering, as well as a new section on the emerging technologies in the field. Organized into twenty-three parts, covering the basics of tissue growth and development, approaches to tissue and organ design, and a summary of current knowledge by organ system Introduces a new section and chapters on emerging technologies in the field Full-color presentation throughout

Energy Science And Technology (Coal Energy)

Science & Nature

Coal is a combustible black or brownish-black fossil fuel used to produce around 40 per cent of the world electricity. The world coal reserves are estimated at 860 Giga tonnes equal to about 4,196 billion barrels of oil equivalent. Coal is the world's largest source of fuel for electricity generation, as well as the largest anthropogenic source of carbon dioxide emissions responsible for irreversible changes in the natural environment. Volume 2 covers articles on nearly all aspects of coal starting from coal resource geology to coal mining and washing to coal fired power plants to coal to liquid fuels to energy policy management and technology. The volume 2 provides discussion on the following topics: o Coal resource geology and reserve evaluation o Advances in resource modelling and reserve assessment with applications to surface coal mining o Recent advances and trends in gas drainage drilling technologies in underground coal mines in China o Overview of deep coal mining in the Czech republic o Reclamation and reconstruction of terrestrial ecosystems on mine sites-ecological effectiveness assessment o Experimental study using flotation for the production of vitrinite-rich concentrates for expanding the coking coal resources o Coal washing o Chemical desulphurization and deashing of high organic sulphur Indian coals o Coal fired power plants o Next-generation high-efficiency coal-fired power generation systems o Comparison of the design and operation of supercritical and drum boilers with natural circulation o Wet flue gas desulphurization technology for multi-pollutant control needs o Coal to liquid fuels o Thermodynamic and environmental assessment of a coal gasification system o Advanced coal/biomass gasification technologies o Modelling of fluidized bed gasification o Experimental results on gasification in the sotacarbo coal-to-hydrogen pilot platform o Carbon dioxide reforming of coke oven gas surplus o Predictions of coal properties using empirical models o Assessment and control of spontaneous heating of coal o Effect of mutual interactions between components during coal blends pyrolysis on the properties of the resulting cokes o Factors in solubilization of a subbituminous coal using chemical treatment agents o Energy policy management and technology focus on coal energy o Activated carbons and carbon molecular sieves from coal The volume 2 contains 24 chapters contributed by 49 researchers and/or academicians from 16 nations, namely Australia, Austria, Canada, China, Czech Republic, India, Iran, Italy, Japan, Malaysia, Netherlands, Pakistan, Poland, Spain, Turkey and United States of America giving an overview of the various research activities being carried out in different parts of the world on Coal Energy.

Energy Science And Technology, Solar Engineering-II (Photovoltaics And Solar Cells)

Science & Nature

Photovoltaic devices transform the visible part of the sunlight directly into electricity. It is a semiconductor based solar technology with the potential to supply essentially all the energy we need and is perhaps the most clean of all schemes for the exploitation of solar energy. These photovoltaic devices known as solar cells are based on the properties of certain crystalline solids that enable these materials to supply an electric current capable of performing useful work when the material is exposed to sunlight. Since the invention of solar cells for practical purposes in 1955, they have been used primarily for providing electrical power to spacecrafts, though the real value of photovoltaic lies in its potential to produce electricity at a cost cheap enough to compete with conventional sources of electricity like coal, oil, natural gas and nuclear. In view of the recent developments made in the twin fields of photovoltaics and solar cells, the present volume representing an excellent collection of topics was framed out. The topics covered in this volume include: o Characterization of the electrical performance of photovoltaic cells and modules o Conversion efficiency of large-scale photovoltaics using 3-D topographic maps o Thermo-photovoltaic generator development o Techno-economic and environmental multi-objective design of photovoltaic systems o Stand alone photovoltaic system o Grid connected solar power systems o PV electricity costs and economics of PV systems o Earth abundant alternate absorbers for future chalcopyrite photovoltaics o Solar photocatalysis to convert directly solar energy into chemical energy o Solar cells o Organic solar cells o Overview of polymer solar cells o Present status and challenges in sprayed Cu2ZnSnS4 thin film solar cells o CdTe absorber layer in CdS/CdTe thin film solar cells o Engineered nanomaterials and heterostructures for solar cell applications o Plasmonic effects of metallic nano particles in organic solar cells o Solar cell control o Effect of shadowing location and area on the dye-sensitized solar cell performance The volume 6 contains 17 articles from 40 researchers and/or academicians representing 14 nations, namely Australia, China, India, Iran, Iraq, Italy, Japan, Jordan, Mexico, Pakistan, Poland, South Korea, Spain, Switzerland and United Kingdom giving an overview of the various research activities being carried out in different parts of the world in the fields of Photovoltaics and Solar Cells.

Chaos

Science & Nature

The blockbuster modern science classic that, two decades ago, introduced the butterfly effect to the world and became an international sensation—now updated with video and modern graphicsIn the 1960s, a small group of radical thinkers upset the rigid foundation of modern scientific thinking by placing new importance on the tiny experimental irregularities that scientists had long learned to ignore. Miniscule differences in data, they said, would eventually produce massive ones—and complex systems like the weather, economics, and human behavior suddenly became clearer and more beautiful than they had ever been before. In this updated version of his seminal work, James Gleick lays out that new vision of a chaotic universe. Interviews with leading theoreticians, a video introduction from the author, and motion graphics depicting concepts such as the famous Lorenz attractor—the concept that birthed chaos theory—complement Gleick’s elegant prose. Never before has chaos been so easy to grasp. “Beautifully lucid . . . Gleick has a novelist’s touch for describing his scientists and their settings, an eye for the apt analogy, and a sense of the dramatic and the poetic.”—San Francisco Chronicle “There is a teleological grandeur about this new math that gives the imagination wings.”—Vogue “Gleick's Chaos is not only enthralling and precise, but full of beautifully strange and strangely beautiful ideas.”—Douglas Hofstadter, author of Gödel, Escher, Bach Born in New York City in 1954, James Gleick is one of the nation’s preeminent science writers. Upon graduating from Harvard in 1976, he founded Metropolis, a weekly Minneapolis newspaper, and spent the next decade working at the New York Times. Gleick’s prominent works include Genius: The Life and Science of Richard Feynman, Isaac Newton, and Chaos: Making a New Science, all of which were shortlisted for the Pulitzer Prize. His latest book, The Information: A History, a Theory, a Flood,was published in March 2011. He lives and works in New York.

A Ordem do Tempo

Science & Nature

Do autor de Sete Breves lições de física, chega-nos um livro que mudará para sempre a nossa relação com a vida e com o Universo.O que é o tempo e até que ponto o compreendemos? Temos uma existência no tempo ou o tempo existe dentro de nós? O que significa a ideia do «correr» do tempo? Estará o passado realmente fechado e o futuro tão em aberto como julgamos? E o tempo existe, de facto?#Numa abordagem luminosa e apaixonante, o físico Carlo Rovelli traz-nos um novo entendimento sobre o maior mistério da humanidade. Um mistério que diz respeito a todos nós, porque o experienciamos a todo o momento. O tempo.Escrito com a vitalidade poética que imprimira anteriormente a Sete breves lições de física, este é o ensaio científico e filosófico que mudará para sempre a nossa relação com a vida e com o Universo, porque para compreender o tempo precisamos de reflectir sobre nós.Combinando arte, filosofia e ciência, Carlo Rovelli transforma esta missão pulgadora sobre o mistério do tempo no maior dos prazeres, na mais bela das histórias.Carlo Rovelli é físico teórico e membro do Instituto Universitário de França e da Academia Internacional de Filosofia e das Ciências. Trabalhou em Itália, Estados Unidos e França. Com vários livros publicados na área, Sete Breves Lições de Física trouxe-lhe a merecida admiração de académicos e leigos, conquistando mais de um milhão de leitores à volta do mundo.Os elogios da crítica:«A física moderna encontrou em Rovelli o seu poeta. Um livro cativante, fascinante, profundamente belo.» — John Banville«O novo Stephen Hawking. Um livro fascinante.» — The Sunday Times

Functional Polymeric Composites

Science & Nature

This new work, Functional Polymeric Composites: Macro to Nanoscales, focuses on new challenges, findings, opportunities, and applications in the area of polymer composites. The chapters, written prominent researchers from academia, industry, and research institutes from around the world, present contemporary research and developments on advanced polymeric materials, including polymer blends, polymer electrolytes, bio-based polymer, polymer nanocomposites, etc. Several chapters also cover the applications of the polymeric systems in current industry development and synthesis and characterization of the products.

Science & Nature Books