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Escuchar a las piedras

Science & Nature

Cada tipo de roca contiene una historia que se entrelaza con la nuestra, moldeando la vida de la Tierra y la de sus habitantes de forma invisible y poderosa. La Tierra se ha reinventado a sí misma durante más de cuatro mil millones de años, y las rocas han custodiado el registro de toda su existencia. La mayoría de nosotros ignoramos la extraordinaria historia que esconden, porque somos incapaces de interpretar la valiosa información cifrada en ellas. Durante las últimas tres décadas la geología ha experimentado una revolución silenciosa, pasando de ser un conjunto gris de datos descriptivos a ofrecer una visión del mundo unificada, capaz de abordar grandes preguntas existenciales sobre los orígenes y los posibles destinos de nuestro planeta.De la mano de la geóloga Marcia Bjornerud nos adentramos en las atribuladas vidas de las rocas, descubriendo cómo se entrelazan con las nuestras de maneras sorprendentes, ya que son la infraestructura oculta que mantiene al planeta en funcionamiento, desde los acuíferos de arenisca que purifican el agua que bebemos hasta las formaciones de basalto que regulan lentamente el clima global. Arquitectas de la topografía del mundo y administradoras de la química oceánica, las rocas, con sus largas y complejas vidas de miles de millones de años, tienen personalidades propias y distintas, su propio lenguaje. Algunas son extrovertidas, mientras que otras son reservadas y crípticas. Otras son como celebridades, famosas y bellas, aunque de poca importancia funcional para el mundo, mientras que aquellas que parecen simples y aburridas son esenciales para la estabilidad a largo plazo del planeta.En esta apasionada reivindicación de las piedras y su papel fundamental en nuestro ecosistema, Bjornerud sostiene que los humanos deberíamos sentirnos parte de una comunidad que incluye otros animales, plantas, agua y rocas, y también nos invita a sentirnos habitantes de un planeta antiguo y sólido como las rocas. Una perspectiva de gran valor en un momento en el que muchos sistemas humanos que alguna vez parecieron robustos muestran signos de fragilidad.

The Melting Point

Science & Nature

"The Melting Point" explores the physics of melting, elucidating why different substances transition from solid to liquid at vastly different temperatures. It begins by establishing the thermodynamic and kinetic principles governing melting as a phase transition, highlighting the energy required to disrupt a solid's atomic lattice structure. The book emphasizes the crucial role of intermolecular forces, from weak Van der Waals interactions to strong covalent and metallic bonds, in determining a substance's melting point. Understanding these principles is vital, as the melting point dictates the behavior and application of materials across diverse fields.The book progresses by investigating specific classes of materials, analyzing the features that influence their melting behaviors. It also delves into industrial applications, such as metallurgy, polymer processing, and pharmaceutical manufacturing, where controlling melting points is critical. The book uniquely bridges theoretical concepts with real-world applications, demonstrating that melting point, far from being a mere constant, is a critical parameter.The book traces the historical context of melting point research, connecting early experiments to modern computational simulations, and presents experimental data, thermal analysis measurements, structural characterization studies, and computational modeling.

Wormhole Theories

Science & Nature

Wormhole Theories explores the intriguing possibility of shortcuts through space-time, examining whether these concepts, often relegated to science fiction, could exist within the framework of general relativity. The book addresses the theoretical physics governing wormholes, along with practical challenges like stabilization and the need for exotic matter. It begins by tracing the evolution of wormhole concepts, starting with Einstein and Rosen's initial bridge solutions. A core argument is that while general relativity permits wormholes, their existence hinges on exotic matter with negative mass-energy density, a substance yet unobserved. Even with exotic matter, maintaining stability against gravitational collapse poses significant challenges. The book progresses by introducing the mathematics of general relativity, then examining exotic matter's properties, and finally analyzing proposed stabilization methods. It concludes with potential implications for interstellar travel, time travel, and connections to quantum gravity. The book's value lies in its balanced assessment of theoretical possibilities and practical challenges, emphasizing the need for further research. It makes interdisciplinary connections between physics, mathematics, cosmology, and philosophy. By addressing current controversies like the existence of exotic matter and the potential for time travel paradoxes, Wormhole Theories provides a nuanced perspective on the state of wormhole research.

Filosofía de las ciencias

Science & Nature

Análisis de los problemas que plantea la relación de la actividad científica con otras actividades humanas, y por otro, de los problemas epistemológicos, ontológicos y metafísicos que surgen en las diferentes ciencias particulares.

Solarthermie als erneuerbare Energie

Science & Nature

Um die Erstellung und Planung von Anlagen aus Erneuerbaren Energien besser verstehen und umsetzen zu können, wurde ein fiktives Ausbildungszentrum während des Moduls in Namibia etabliert, welches unterschiedliche Konzepte von Erneuerbaren Energien nutzen möchte. Auf Grundlage dieses fiktiven Ausbildungszentrums wird in dieser Hausarbeit der Nutzen und die Möglichkeit einer Solarthermieanlage ebenfalls in Namibia genauer untersucht. Es soll nicht nur die Möglichkeit des Heizens, sondern auch die des Kühlens untersucht werden. Die sich daraus abgeleitete Forschungsfrage lautet: Ist der Aufbau einer Solarthermieanlage in Namibia zum Heizen von Wasser beziehungsweise Kühlen von Lebensmitteln energetisch sinnvoll? Im Laufe dieser Hausarbeit wird zuerst auf allgemeine Begrifflichkeiten eingegangen, um dann auf die erneuerbare Energieform der Solarthermie zu schwenken. Diese wird über den aktuellen Wert für das Gesamtsegment der Erneuerbaren Energien, die benötigte Hardware (Peripherie), bis hin zu aktuellen Anwendungsmöglichkeiten untersucht. Zusätzlich wird eine Anlage für ein fiktives Beispiel in Namibia untersucht und deren Wirtschaftlichkeit betrachtet. Abschließend mündet die Arbeit in einer Reflexion und das dazugehörige Fazit.

The Rise and Progress of Palaeontology

Science & Nature

That application of the sciences of biology and geology, which is commonly known as palaeontology, took its origin in the mind of the first person who, finding something like a shell, or a bone, naturally imbedded in gravel or rock, indulged in speculations upon the nature of this thing which he had dug out—this "fossil"—and upon the causes which had brought it into such a position. In this rudimentary form, a high antiquity may safely be ascribed to palaeontology, inasmuch as we know that, 500 years before the Christian era, the philosophic doctrines of Xenophanes were influenced by his observations upon the fossil remains exposed in the quarries of Syracuse.

Science Is Golden

Science & Nature

Gold, gold, gold for Australia's mega-selling scientist's 27th book... 'Nullius in verba', the Royal Society's motto, roughly translated, means 'take nobody's word for it'. Why not do the experiment for yourself and see the reality of nature. Don't trust authority - trust nature. Does cranberry juice cure urinary tract infections? Is the hookah really a safer way to smoke? Will the Large Hadron Collider destroy the Earth and the Universe? Is the purpose of the peacock's tail to attract females? And in the unlikely event of a plane crash, are some seats safer than others? the human hand has 27 bones; Uranus has 27 moons; 27 is a perfect cube, being 3 x 3 x 3; and in this, Dr Karl's 27th book, he takes us on another exploration of the dazzling world of science.

À la recherche de la preuve en mathématiques

Science & Nature

Certaines preuves sont comme magiques. Une question semble inextricable, une idée vient l’éclairer et elle devient lumineuse par enchantement. Bien des livres de mathématiques scintillent de tels bijoux… sans qu’ils donnent la moindre idée pour les découvrir. La beauté serait-elle mystère ? Ou réservée à une élite héréditaire ? "À la recherche de la preuve en mathématiques" s’insurge contre ces idées déprimantes. Des méthodes d’attaque des questions mathématiques existent, et elles sont à la portée de l’amateur comme du professionnel.

The Elements and Their Inhabitants

Science & Nature

The Elements and Their Inhabitants is a part of the famous book written by Manly Palmer Hall «The Secret Teachings of All Ages: An Encyclopedic Outline of Masonic, Hermetic, Qabbalistic and Rosicrucian Symbolical Philosophy». «Certain of the ancients, differing with Paracelsus, shared the opinion that the elemental kingdoms were capable of waging war upon one another, and they recognized in the battlings of the elements disagreements among these kingdoms of Nature spirits. When lightning struck a rock and splintered it, they believed that the salamanders were attacking the gnomes. As they could not attack one another on the plane of their own peculiar etheric essences, owing to the fact that there was no vibratory correspondence between the four ethers of which these kingdoms are composed, they had to attack through a common denominator, namely, the material substance of the physical universe over which they had a certain amount of power.

Energy Science And Technology (Oil And Natural Gas)

Science & Nature

Oil and natural gas together form a fossil fuel called petroleum. It is a mixture of hundreds of hydrocarbons of different molecular weights and other organic compounds that exist sometimes as a liquid and sometimes as a vapor. Petroleum provides a relatively cheap and convenient source of energy compared to rest of the fuels. It is one of the most important raw materials available to mankind and has been the foundation of the industrial civilization in 20th century. Oil is estimated to supply 30 percent of the world's energy mix in 2030. Oil is mostly used for transportation sector, power generation and agriculture sector and as a raw material for many chemical products including pharmaceuticals, solvents, fertilizers, pesticides and plastics. Volume 3 includes articles on both upstream and downstream processing of crude oil, the role of oil and natural gas in global energy mix, combustion technologies, alternate fuel for compression ignition engine, performance evaluation of bio-diesel and several others. Topics being covered in this volume are: o Reservoir characterization o Reservoir formation damage o Analysis of modern methods for enhanced oil recovery o Microbial enhanced oil recovery o Application of TOPSIS and ANP methods to prioritize artificial lift methods o Development of offshore technology and offshore oil and gas production platforms o Accurate fluid properties in ultra-deep oil reservoirs for safe exploration o Recent advances in petroleum refining technologies o Upgrading and hydro treating of heavy oils and residua o Upgrading of Colombian heavy crude oils o Three-dimensional, two-phase CFD model for petrochemical pre-heaters o Review on combustion technologies o Mathematical modeling of HCCI combustion of natural gas o Deterioration of solvent quality and foaming studies in natural gas sweetening unit o Effect of glycol type and circulation rate on natural gas dehydration process efficiency o Primary energy context in Europe: the case of natural gas o The role of OPEC o The role of oil and natural gas in the global energy mix o Oil production and the energy-growth nexus o Petroleum energy supply and road transport challenges in Nigeria o Biodiesel-petro diesel-bioethanol blends as fuel for compression ignition engines o Performance evaluation of small diesel engine using bio-diesel as alternate fuel This volume contains 22 chapters from 52 researchers and/or academicians representing 18 nations, namely Brazil, Colombia, Hungary, India, Iran, Iraq, Ireland, Italy, Nigeria, Portugal, Romania, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Spain, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States of America and Venezuela giving an overview of the various research activities being carried out in different parts of the world on Oil and Natural Gas.

Una historia insólita de la neurología

Science & Nature

Este es un fascinante viaje al órgano más impresionante y complejo del ser humano: el cerebro. Las historias aquí reunidas nos hablan acerca de los descubrimientos de las curiosidades neurológicas más extrañas e increíbles.Estos casos clínicos verdaderos, y que están contados como si fueran cuentos, están basados en terribles accidentes, misteriosas afecciones y milagrosas recuperaciones. Así podemos pasar por extremidades fantasma, canibalismo, cerebros siameses, etcétera. Al avanzar por el libro nos damos cuenta que cada avance científico fue producto de alguna enfermedad, lesión o necesidad.Pero más que hablarnos del trastorno o lesión en sí, el autor nos habla de la persona que se encuentra atrás de esa enfermedad. Cada capítulo comienza con una especie de misterio a resolver que vuelve a la narración una verdadera crónica policíaca adornada con pistas teóricas y clínicas. Con imágenes y diagramas en momentos muy atinados a lo largo de prácticamente todo el libro, el autor se centra también en uno de los elementos más elusivos, pero más buscados, del cerebro: la conciencia. Estos relatos nos muestran lo sorprendente y complejo que es nuestro cerebro, pero también lo que al final nos hace humanos y nos diferencia de otros seres.

The Concept of Nature

Science & Nature

"One of the most valuable books on the relation of philosophy and science which has appeared for many years." — The Cambridge Review"A great contribution to Natur-philosophie, far the finest contribution . . . made by any one man. — MindIn addition to his brilliant achievements in theoretical mathematics, Alfred North Whitehead exercised an extensive knowledge of philosophy and literature that informs and elevates all of his works. This book represents one of his most significant achievements in the field of natural philosophy. The Concept of Nature originated with Whitehead's Tarner Lectures, and it offers undergraduate students and other readers an absorbing exploration of the fundamental problems of substance, space, and time. Whitehead's discussions are highlighted by a criticism of Einstein's method of interpreting results, and by his alternative development of the celebrated theory of the four-dimensional space-time manifold.

The Science Lens

Science & Nature

The Science Lens explores the fascinating world of lenses and optics, revealing how they've shaped our understanding of everything from the human eye to the cosmos. It delves into the fundamental principles of light and refraction, highlighting intriguing facts such as how different materials bend light to create images and how early lenses, though rudimentary, paved the way for modern optical instruments. The book traces the evolution of lens technology, from simple magnifying glasses to sophisticated microscopes and telescopes, emphasizing their impact on science, technology, and even art. The book presents its information through a blend of theoretical explanations, experimental data, and historical case studies, making complex concepts accessible. Readers will journey through the principles of light, explore various lens types, and then examine optical instruments like cameras and telescopes. Ultimately, The Science Lens illustrates how lenses have not only extended our vision but also unlocked secrets of both the microscopic and macroscopic worlds, revolutionizing fields like medicine, astronomy, and materials science.

Recent Advances in Nonlinear Dynamics and Synchronization

Science & Nature

This book focuses on modelling and simulation, control and optimization, signal processing, and forecasting in selected nonlinear dynamical systems, presenting both literature reviews and novel concepts. It develops analytical or numerical approaches, which are simple to use, robust, stable, flexible and universally applicable to the analysis of complex nonlinear dynamical systems. As such it addresses key challenges are addressed, e.g. efficient handling of time-varying dynamics, efficient design, faster numerical computations, robustness, stability and convergence of algorithms. The book provides a series of contributions discussing either the design or analysis of complex systems in sciences and engineering, and the concepts developed involve nonlinear dynamics, synchronization, optimization, machine learning, and forecasting. Both theoretical and practical aspects of diverse areas are investigated, specifically neurocomputing,transportation engineering, theoretical electrical engineering, signal processing, communications engineering, and computational intelligence. It is a valuable resource for students and researchers interested in nonlinear dynamics and synchronization with applications in selected areas.

The Book of Seeds

Science & Nature

“Deftly showcases 600 unique species from across the globe and reveals the wonders of nature. . . . Recommended.” —Library JournalSeeds are nature’s consummate survivors. The next time you admire a field of waving green grassland or a stunning grove of acacia, stop to consider how it got that way—often against incredible odds. Seeds can survive freezing temperatures and drought. They can pass through our digestive systems without damage and weather a trip across the ocean, hitching a ride on marine debris. The Book of Seeds takes readers through six hundred of the world’s seed species, revealing their extraordinary beauty and rich diversity. Each page pairs a beautifully composed photo of a seed—life-size, and, in some cases, enlarged to display fine detail—with a short description, a map showing distribution, and information on conservation status. The whole spectrum of seeds is covered here. There are prolific species like corn and less widely distributed species, like the brilliant blue seeds of the traveler’s palm or the bird of paradise flower. There are tiny seeds and seeds weighing up to forty pounds. And while seeds in all their shapes, sizes, and colors grant us sustenance, there are even some we would be wise to treat with caution, such as the rosary pea, whose seeds are considered toxic.The essential guide to these complex plant creations, The Book of Seeds offers readers a rare, up-close look that will inspire scientists and nature lovers alike.“Handsome and handy.” —New York Times“A well-written primer on seed anatomy, evolution, and use, including conservation.” —Huntia

Tesla

Science & Nature

Nikola Tesla ha dato un contributo decisivo alla rivoluzione elettrica che ha trasformato la vita quotidiana all’inizio del XX secolo. Le sue invenzioni, i brevetti e le teorie sono alla base della moderna elettricità a corrente alternata e hanno promosso lo sviluppo di radio e televisione. Come il suo rivale Thomas Edison, Tesla fu uno dei primi scienziati-celebrità d’America, che godeva della compagnia dell’alta società di New York e che incantava Mark Twain con le sue dimostrazioni elettriche. Astuto promotore di se stesso e dotato uomo di spettacolo, Tesla coltivò una pubblica immagine di genio eccentrico. Anche alla fine della sua vita, quando viveva in povertà, Tesla continuava ad attrarre giornalisti per la sua annuale intervista di compleanno, intrattenendoli con l’annuncio di una nuova invenzione, un’arma a raggio di particelle capace di abbattere un aereo nemico. In questo straordinario libro, W. Bernard Carlson demistifica l’inventore leggendario, collocandolo nel contesto culturale e tecnologico del suo tempo e concentrandosi sulle sue invenzioni oltre che sulla costruzione e sull’alimentazione della sua fama. Basandosi su documenti originali dalla vita pubblica e privata di Tesla, Carlson mostra come fosse un inventore ‘idealista’ che cercava la perfetta realizzazione sperimentale di una grande idea o principio e che vendeva abilmente le sue invenzioni al pubblico attraverso la creazione di miti e illusioni. Non ultimo, grande spazio è dato alle vere e proprie sfide con Ferraris sul motore elettrico in corrente alternata e con Marconi sulla trasmissione di segnali senza fili.

Solar Flares Impact

Science & Nature

Solar Flares Impact explores the science and potential consequences of solar flares and coronal mass ejections (CMEs) on our planet and its technology. This book sheds light on how events 93 million miles away can disrupt satellite communication, power grids, and even aviation. It highlights that our increasing reliance on technology makes us more vulnerable to space weather events, emphasizing the need to understand and mitigate these risks, as a powerful solar flare could potentially cause widespread blackouts or cripple essential space-based infrastructure.The book begins by explaining the basic physics behind solar flares, including the roles of sunspots and magnetic fields. It then examines the impacts of these flares on various technologies and sectors, such as telecommunications engineering and space exploration. Finally, it discusses current and future mitigation strategies, like space weather forecasting and hardening satellites, to protect against these solar storms.By combining rigorous scientific analysis with practical considerations, Solar Flares Impact provides a balanced view suitable for policymakers, engineers, and the general public. It connects insights from diverse fields, including atmospheric science and risk management, to offer a holistic understanding of the challenges and potential solutions, emphasizing the importance of international collaboration in addressing this global challenge.

Science and the Modern World

Science & Nature

The famed mathematician and philosopher takes readers on a journey into a new scientific age, exploring topics from relativity to religion. Alfred North Whitehead, one of the great figures in the philosophy of science, wrote this prescient work nearly a century ago. Yet, in an era that has us reckoning with science and technology's place and meaning in our lives, it remains as relevant as ever. Science and the Modern World puts scientific discovery into historical and cultural context—exploring the effects of science and people on each other. "It is a work not only of the first importance but also of great beauty. . . . Vivid writing." —Nature

Le bot qui murmurait à l'oreille de la vieille dame

Science & Nature

Quand votre bot s’appelle Fanny et possède la belle voix grave de Fanny Ardant, et que vous voulez le déconnecter définitivement, activer le fameux code 777 suffit-il vraiment ? Pas facile de redevenir un Universel anonyme... Nouvelle après nouvelle, Serge Abiteboul explore ce que pourrait être notre vie future, entre objets hyperconnectés, greffes de cerveau artificiel et robots presque aussi insaisissables que certains de nos semblables… La science et l’imagination s’allient pour nous faire réfléchir aux possibles – et au souhaitable. Après tout, ce monde futur, c’est nous qui le construisons.

The Edge of Knowledge

Science & Nature

Lawrence Krauss explores the greatest unanswered questions at the forefront of science today, and likely for the coming century and beyond.Internationally known theoretical physicist and bestselling author Lawrence Krauss explores science’s greatest unanswered questions. Three of the most important words in science are “I don't know.” Not knowing implies a Universe of opportunities—the possibility of discovery and surprise. Our understanding of science has advanced immeasurably over the last five hundred years, yet many fundamental mysteries of existence persist: How did our Universe begin? How big is the Universe? Is time travel possible? What’s at the center of a black hole? How did life on Earth arise? Are we alone? What is consciousness, and can we create it? These mysteries define the scientific forefront—the threshold of the unknown. To explore that threshold is to gain a deeper understanding of just how far science has progressed. Covering time, space, matter, life, and consciousness, Krauss introduces readers to topics that will shape the state of science for the next century, providing us all passport to our own journeys of exploration and discovery.

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