Science & Nature - Books

Biotechnology And Insect Pest Management

Science & Nature

To make life tolerable, insect pests must be managed. Humans have been battling insect pests for as long as we have shared Planet Earth. The first person that swatted and killed a pesky fly might be considered the grandfather of modern-day pest control! Since that day, humans have devised many methods of dealing with or managing insect pests. Even the use of chemical controls should be balanced with nonchemical approaches to maximize their effectiveness. Integrated Pest Management (IPM) has been developed as a way to control pests without relying solely on pesticides. IPM is a systematic plan which brings together different pest control tactics into one program. Besides theory and principle, the book includes practical advice on understanding and investigating species, examines the ecological problems associated with polyphagous pests and beneficial species, and scrutinises ways suggested to improve insect biological control. This will be an important resource for graduate students and researchers, in IPM, insect pest management, entomology, ecology and crop protection.

The Cambridge Encyclopedia of Darwin and Evolutionary Thought

Science & Nature

This volume is a comprehensive reference work on the life, labors and influence of the great evolutionist Charles Darwin. With more than sixty essays written by an international group representing the leading scholars in the field, this is the definitive work on Darwin. It covers the background to Darwin's discovery of the theory of evolution through natural selection, the work he produced and his contemporaries' reactions to it, and evaluates his influence on science in the 150 years since the publication of On the Origin of Species. It also explores the implications of Darwin's discoveries in religion, politics, gender, literature, culture, philosophy and medicine, critically evaluating Darwin's legacy. Fully illustrated and clearly written, it is suitable for scholars and students as well as the general reader. The wealth of information it provides about the history of evolutionary thought makes it a crucial resource for understanding the controversies that surround evolution today.

Prorok a čarodejník

Science & Nature

Počet obyvateľov Zeme dosiahne o tridsať rokov desať miliárd. Dokáže naša planéta uživiť toľkých ľudí? Aký svet to bude? Charles C. Mann v tejto jedinečnej, originálnej a dôležitej knihe objasňuje štyri veľké výzvy, ktorým čelíme – zabezpečenie potravy, vody a energie a vyrovnanie sa so zmenou klímy –, prostredníctvom kľúčovej práce a rozsiahleho vplyvu dvoch málo známych vedcov 20. storočia: Normana Borlauga a Williama Vogta. Vogt (Prorok) bol intelektuálnym predchodcom environmentálneho hnutia a veril, že spotrebou presahujúcou to, čo nám naša planéta dokáže poskytnúť, nás prosperita privedie do záhuby. Borlaugov výskum viedol v päťdesiatych rokoch k vyšľachteniu moderných plodín s vysokými výnosmi, ktoré spôsobili tzv. zelenú revolúciu a zachránili milióny pred hladom. Tento Čarodejník z názvu Mannovej knihy veril, že veda sa naďalej dokáže vyrovnávať s problémami, ktoré nás čakajú. Mann rozpráva osudy týchto vedcov a ich kľúčového vplyvu na dnešné debaty prostredníctvom príbehov siahajúcich od Mexika po Indiu, naprieč kontinentmi a oceánmi, z minulosti aj súčasnosti a s pohľadom do budúcnosti. Prorok a čarodejník je kniha originálna svojím konceptom, uštipačná svojimi pozorovaniami a dôsledne podložená faktami. Je to odporúčané čítanie pre každého, kto sa zaujíma, ako sme sa sem dostali, a aká budúcnosť čaká ľudstvo.

Esmorzar amb partícules

Science & Nature

Tens a les mans un assaig sobre física quàntica, així és.Un moment, per favor, ¡espera!No t'espantis ni deixis anar el llibre de cop.Acceptaries una invitació a esmorzar?Si acceptes aquesta proposició i t'aventures a navegar entre aquestes pàgines, descobriràs un univers tan meravellós com desconcertant. La teoria quàntica és una de les més belles i fascinants de la ciència. Les regles que segueix són esbojarrades si les comparem amb el nostre dia a dia. Són antiintuïtives. Quan ens endinsem en el món quàntic es qüestionen les nostres creences sobre la realitat, també les de la nostra realitat quotidiana.Sonia Fernández-Vidal, escriptora i doctora en física quàntica, i Francesc Miralles, escriptor i periodista, ens conviden a un esmorzar molt divertit al qual també assistiran Newton, Einstein, Heisenberg i altres físics famosos de la història. Entre magdalenes, torrades, cafè amb llet i sucs de taronja, emprendrem un viatge excitant i revelador als orígens de l'univers. Aprendrem per a què serveix l'accelerador de partícules, què és la partícula de Déu, com és que les coses poden ser a dos llocs alhora i intentarem comprendre els misteris de l'existència.

Breve storia del corpo umano

Science & Nature

L’AUTORE DI BREVE STORIA DI (QUASI) TUTTO CI ACCOMPAGNA NEL VIAGGIO PIÙ AFFASCINANTE: QUELLO DENTRO DI NOI«Bryson ci convince che il corpo non è solo una macchina meravigliosa, ma molto di più: è un insieme di ecosistemi ancora in parte da esplorare. »La Lettura - Corriere della SeraBill Bryson è un insostituibile compagno di viaggio, qualunque siano la meta e il percorso. Questa volta ci guida in una interessante passeggiata all’interno del corpo umano, dalla testa ai piedi. Molti di noi, infatti, non hanno un’idea precisa di come il corpo funzioni in tutte le sue parti e di cosa succeda al suo interno, della sua capacità di difendersi dalle malattie e di guarire, ma anche dei numerosi modi in cui qualcosa può andare storto… Questo libro è la cura perfetta per debellare la nostra ignoranza, grazie a dosi massicce di irresistibili aneddoti e informazioni curiose (sapevate ad esempio che nel tempo impiegato a leggere queste poche righe avete prodotto un milione di globuli rossi?) L’autore di Breve storia di (quasi) tutto è alle prese con il miracolo della vita, della morte e di tutto quello che ci sta in mezzo: una straordinaria esplorazione condotta secondo lo stile tipico di Bryson, che sa rendere ogni argomento comprensibile e divertente per ogni tipo di lettore.

Humanicide ou la fin d'un règne - Quand l'avenir de l'homme a-t-il basculé ?

Science & Nature

Par l'auteur du best-sellerLa Nature assassinée Dans son livre La Nature assassinée, Bill McKibben avait été l'un des premiers à alerter sur les changements climatiques. Trente ans après, le chercheur fait un bilan de la situation et montre que le danger est plus vaste.Dans une première partie ("Un jeu planétaire "), il fait un état des lieux de l'état de la planète et des menaces auxquelles nous sommes confrontés. Chaque thèse se fonde sur des rapports scientifiques et est illustrée de nombreux exemples (la mort des forêts avec les cèdres du Liban agonisant, le drame des énergies fossiles et son combat contre l'oléoduc et l'exploitation des sables bitumeux au Canada, les sécheresses qui réduisent à néant l'économie des pays déjà pauvres comme Por- to Rico, etc).Dans une seconde partie (" Folie technologique"), McKibben s'intéresse, après les menaces environnementales, à celles liées aux progrès techniques. Il s'attache à démontrer que si les changements climatiques réduisent l'espace où notre civilisation peut exister, les nouvelles technologies comme l'intelligence artificielle et la robotique menacent de faire disparaître la diversité humaine. Cependant loin d'être défaitiste, en s'appuyant sur son expérience au sein de 350.org, l'auteur offre dans une dernière partie (" Une dernière chance") des pistes pour sauver non seulement notre planète mais aussi la vie humaine.Bill McKibben est un auteur, journaliste et militant écologiste qui a reçu en 2014 le Right Livelihood Prize, parfois appelé le " Nobel alternatif ". Son livre La Nature assassinée est considéré comme le premier ouvrage sur le changement climatique destiné au grand public et a été publié en 24 langues. Il est l'un des fondateurs de 350.org, le premier mouvement mondial et populaire de lutte contre le changement climatique.

Diferiti

Science & Nature

Traducere și note de Iulian Comănescu Relația dintre sex și gen în lumea primatelor stă în centrul cărții marelui etolog Frans de Waal. La capătul unei călătorii fascinante, în care examinăm în detaliu comportamentele oamenilor, cimpanzeilor și maimuțelor bonobo, aflăm în ce măsură perspectiva noastră asupra genului este influențată de cultură. Frans de Waal contestă ideile tradiționale, arătând că biologia nu justifică inegalitățile de gen, și pledează pentru un model mai incluziv, care să țină seama de diferențe. Pe baza observațiilor științifice și a experiențelor personale, primatologul olandez navighează pe terenul complex al relațiilor dintre indivizi, abordând subiecte precum identitatea personală sau socializarea și punând în discuție teoriile științifice depășite și concepțiile greșite despre dominare, putere și jocul împerecherii. Această explorare provocatoare, care împletește rigoarea științifică și compasiunea, ne invită să ne regândim perspectiva asupra rolurilor de gen și să promovăm o societate mai echitabilă și mai atentă la dinamica relațiilor sociale. Nimic din toate acestea nu este însă posibil în lipsa unei înțelegeri profunde a moștenirii noastre ancestrale. „Diferiți adaugă o dimensiune evolutivă importantă uneia dintre cele mai complexe probleme ale epocii noastre… Frumusețea unei cărți scrise de Frans de Waal este că, odată ce o citești, nu te vei mai uita niciodată la propria specie în același mod. “— Washington Post

Unmanned Aircraft Systems

Science & Nature

Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) have seen unprecedented levels of growth during the last decade in both military and civilian domains. It is anticipated that civilian applications will be dominant in the future, although there are still barriers to be overcome and technical challenges to be met. Integrating UAS into, for example, civilian space, navigation, autonomy, see-detect-and-avoid systems, smart designs, system integration, vision-based navigation and training, to name but a few areas, will be of prime importance in the near future.This special volume is the outcome of research presented at the International Symposium on Unmanned Aerial Vehicles, held in Orlando, Florida, USA, from June 23-25, 2008, and presents state-of-the-art findings on topics such as: UAS operations and integration into the national airspace system; UAS navigation and control; micro-, mini-, small UAVs; UAS simulation testbeds and frameworks; UAS research platforms and applications; UAS applications.This book aims at serving as a guide tool on UAS for engineers and practitioners, academics, government agencies and industry.Previously published in the Journal of Intelligent and Robotic Systems, 54 (1-3, 2009).

Cosmic Signals

Science & Nature

Cosmic Signals explores the fascinating world of decoding signals from the universe, highlighting the search for extraterrestrial intelligence (SETI) and the broader implications of studying cosmic phenomena. The book emphasizes the physics behind pulsars, fast radio bursts, and other intriguing signals, showcasing how understanding these phenomena advances our knowledge of the universe's fundamental laws. One intriguing area is the exploration of how scientists use radio telescopes and advanced algorithms to detect and analyze these signals.The book begins by introducing electromagnetic radiation and its behavior in space and progresses toward understanding pulsars and fast radio bursts. It then shifts to the development of algorithms to sift through cosmic noise, seeking patterns indicative of intelligent life. Cosmic Signals uniquely balances the scientific rigor of SETI with the recognition of broader implications, providing a comprehensive understanding of the field.The practical implications include advancements in signal processing, radio astronomy, and a deeper understanding of the cosmos.

Advances in Biotechnology

Science & Nature

Today the whole world is so much shaken up with the word Biotechnology Biotechnology is a multi disciplinary science with its constituent areas like microbiology molecular biology chemistry bio chemistry chemical engineering genetics and immunology Biotechnology has its applications in almost in all the fields of life science This book has been designed to cover the modern concepts and applied techniques belong to the science of Biotechnology

Alexander Fleming, trafic de bactéries

Science & Nature

Juillet 1942, les rues de Londres sont désertes, il fait chaud et les familles chics sont parties en vacances. Arthur et Margaret, deux frères et sœurs de 9 et 10 ans sont vendeurs de journaux pour gagner trois sous. En passant devant le « Saint-Mary’s hospital », ils découvrent une petite affiche proposant 2 pences aux volontaires qui fourniraient quelques larmes en vue de recherches scientifiques. Comme la poussière des gravats les a fait pleurer, ils se disent qu’ils vont faire fortune, et poussent la porte. Ils y rencontreront Alexander Fleming. Le début d’un été riche en rebondissements et en découvertes scientifiques majeures pour l’avancement de la médecine avec l’utilisation de la pénicilline.

El último abrazo

Science & Nature

Lo que la observación de los animales puede enseñarnos acerca de nuestras propias emociones.Este libro comienza narrando el último encuentro entre Mama, una hembra de chimpancé moribunda, y su cuidador. La escena, en la que Mama intenta sonreír mientras se abraza a la persona que se ocupó de ella durante años fue filmada y ha emocionado a millones de personas a través de la red. Al hilo de este episodio, De Waal habla del significado de las expresiones faciales, las emociones ocultas tras la política humana o la ilusión de la libertad. Esta obra describe las múltiples maneras en que los humanos y el resto de animales estamos íntimamente conectados y nos muestra que los humanos no somos la única especie capaz de amar, odiar, temer o avergonzarse.

A System Of Logic, Ratiocinative And Inductive

Science & Nature

This book deals on self-belief that social planning and political action should rely primarily on scientific knowledge, not on authority, custom, revelation, or prescription.

La ville-censure

Science & Nature

... Deux dialectiques semblent se superposer, ou s’entrecroiser, dans les dynamiques qui structurent les villes. L’une est une dialectique imaginaire, spéculaire. Dialectique du désir de la ville comme lieu et axe d’une identification collective : être enfanté par un savoir, fondu, rassemblé, mais aussi engendrer ce savoir, le créer, le mobiliser dans l’espace de la ville. L’autre est une dialectique économique et conflictuelle. Dialectique de la réalité de la ville comme lieu et axe d’un affrontement des rapports sociaux en vue de s’y investir – monopoliser le savoir, l’avoir, l’espace urbain – mais aussi revendiquer ce savoir, lier cette revendication à celle du droit à l’espace de la ville, au travers d’un processus général de lutte des classes. Les altérations de la dynamique urbaine – perturbation et opacité des rapports sociaux au cours du développement historique des forces productives – résulteront des distorsions pouvant exister entre ces deux dialectiques : des désirs collectifs et des productions marchandes...

New Models for Ecosystem Dynamics and Restoration

Science & Nature

As scientific understanding about ecological processes has grown, the idea that ecosystem dynamics are complex, nonlinear, and often unpredictable has gained prominence. Of particular importance is the idea that rather than following an inevitable progression toward an ultimate endpoint, some ecosystems may occur in a number of states depending on past and present ecological conditions. The emerging idea of “restoration thresholds” also enables scientists to recognize when ecological systems are likely to recover on their own and when active restoration efforts are needed.Conceptual models based on alternative stable states and restoration thresholds can help inform restoration efforts. New Models for Ecosystem Dynamics and Restoration brings together leading experts from around the world to explore how conceptual models of ecosystem dynamics can be applied to the recovery of degraded systems and how recent advances in our understanding of ecosystem and landscape dynamics can be translated into conceptual and practical frameworks for restoration.In the first part of the book, background chapters present and discuss the basic concepts and models and explore the implications of new scientific research on restoration practice. The second part considers the dynamics and restoration of different ecosystems, ranging from arid lands to grasslands, woodlands, and savannahs, to forests and wetlands, to production landscapes. A summary chapter by the editors discusses the implications of theory and practice of the ideas described in preceding chapters.New Models for Ecosystem Dynamics and Restoration aims to widen the scope and increase the application of threshold models by critiquing their application in a wide range of ecosystem types. It will also help scientists and restorationists correctly diagnose ecosystem damage, identify restoration thresholds, and develop corrective methodologies that can overcome such thresholds.

Apokalipszis SOHA

Science & Nature

2019-ben néhány szélsőséges környezetvédő azt állította, hogy a klímakatasztrófa miatt „emberek milliárdjai fognak meghalni” – ezzel növelve a lakosság, köztük számos serdülő fiatal szorongását. Ekkor Michael Shellenberger szükségét érezte, hogy mint elkötelezett környezetvédelmi aktivista, vezető energiaszakértő és egy tizenéves lány édesapja, felszólaljon, és különbséget tegyen tudomány és fikció között. A szerző számos környezetvédelemmel kapcsolatos törekvést mutat be, melyeknek utána sorra megkérdőjelezi a létjogosultságát és sikerességét. Azt állítja, hogy nincs apokalipszis, nem is lesz soha, a klímaváltozás ténye valós, ám a média és a szélsőséges környezetvédők torzított képet festenek bolygónk valódi ökológiai problémáiról és helyzetéről. A szerző terítékén olyan fajsúlyos témák szerepelnek, mint a tűzvészek, a műanyagok, a fajkihalás, a méltányos kereskedelem, az ember mindenhatósága az élővilág felett, az energiaéhség és a fosszilis, kontra megújuló energiaforrások, a széndioxid-kibocsátás és a húsevés. Shellenberger rávilágít arra, hogy a zöld eszmék néha nagyobb kárt okoznak, mint hasznot, és ugyanolyan fenntarthatatlanok, mint a jelenlegi, nem ökológiai szempontokat figyelembe vevő, természetkárosító rendszerek. A szerző állításai néhol meghökkentők, néhol vitára invitálók, mindenesetre arra rávilágítanak, hogy a helyzet korántsem annyira egyszerű vagy egyértelmű, mint ahogy azt a szélsőséges természetvédők állítják. Michael Shellenberger évtizedek óta harcol azért, hogy bolygónk zöldebb legyen. Megkapta a Time magazin „Hero of the Environment”(„A környezet hőse”) kitüntetését.

BUiD Doctoral Research Conference 2024

Science & Nature

This book presents selected contributions on a wide range of scientific and technological areas originating from the BUiD Doctoral Research Conference (BDRC 2024). It discusses the following topics: project management, macroeconomic factors, Fourth Industrial Revolution, agility, multiculturalism, diversity, inclusion, leadership, language, discourse analysis, curriculum, critical thinking, programming, online learning, and natural ventilation. The contributions reflect the multifaceted nature of the research in three academic disciplines, i.e., humanities, formal science, and applied science. This publication shares with its readers' genuine research studies and reflections from practitioners on the current practice and understanding in the three academic disciplines. The significant findings of these studies have considerable educational, industrial, and economic implications.

The Qabbalah, the Secret Doctrine of Israel

Science & Nature

The Qabbalah, the Secret Doctrine of Israel” is one of works by Manly Palmer Hall that refers to the creation of esoteric method, discipline, and school of thought that originated in Judaism, which appeared in the XII century and spread in the XVI century. Hall gave the full description in his research for that esoteric tradition that claims the secret knowledge contained in the Torah, the divine revelation. The Qabbalah, the Secret Doctrine of Israel

Tolices brilhantes

Science & Nature

Um passeio único pelo mundo da ciência e das realizações científicas. Charles Darwin, William Thomson (Lord Kelvin), Linus Pauling, Fred Hoyle e Albert Einstein eram cientistas incríveis e deram contribuições brilhantes em suas áreas, mas deram também suas mancadas. A teoria da seleção natural de Darwin não deveria ter funcionado; Lord Kelvin cometeu um erro absurdo em seu cálculo da idade da Terra; Pauling construiu, com pressa, um modelo errado de DNA; Hoyle descartou a ideia da origem do universo através do que se chamou ironicamente de "Big Bang"; e Einstein fez especulações incorretas sobre as forças que mantêm o universo em equilíbrio. Tolices brilhantes é um exame revelador da psicologia de cinco cientistas fascinantes que, apesar de seus erros, expandiram nosso conhecimento sobre a vida na Terra e sobre a evolução do planeta e do universo.

Proceedings of the 3rd International Conference on Advances in Materials Processing: Challenges and Opportunities

Science & Nature

This book presents peer reviewed articles from the 3rd International Conference on Advances in Materials Processing: Challenges and Opportunities (AMPCO 2022), held at IIT Roorkee, India. It highlights recent progress made in the fields of materials processing, advanced steel technology and materials for sustainability. The conference is also special as it is being organized on the occasion of 60 years of the department of metallurgical and materials engineering as well as 175 years of IIT Roorkee.

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