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Grasslands in Danger (A True Book (Relaunch))
by Felicia BrowerDiscover the rich biodiversity of Earth's biomes - and how they might be saved - with this STEAM-based subset of True Books.Did you know that grasslands cover 25 percent of Earth's surface? They are also being destroyed at an alarming rate! Get ready to investigate tropical and temperate grasslands around the globe, as well as the plants and animals that have adapted to survive on them. You'll also learn about the many threats facing this fascinating biome-and what each of us can do to help-all in the pages of Grasslands in Danger.ABOUT THE SERIES:There are five major biomes on Earth: desert, forest, grassland, aquatic, and tundra. These rich, wild places are home to a wide variety of plants and animals - many of which are found nowhere else. Unfortunately, these ecosystems have been put at risk by human activities. This STEAM-based set of True Books introduces students to the incredible biodiversity of Earth's amazing biomes, as well as the threats they face in the era of climate change. Interesting information is presented in a fun, friendly way - and in the simplest terms possible - and will inspire kids to think about how they can help stop the destruction of Earth's wild spaces.
Green Hydrogen Production by Water Electrolysis
by Min Yang Junbo HouThe world’s largest economies have set clear development plans for hydrogen energy. From an Economy, Energy, and Environment (3E) point of view, hydrogen energy can be considered an ideal technology for enabling the energy transition from fossil fuels, restructuring energy systems, securing national energy sources, accelerating carbon neutralization, and driving the development of technologies and industry.Green hydrogen production by water electrolysis is the key for hydrogen energy, and this book offers urgently needed guidance on the most important scientific fundamentals and practical applied technologies in this field.This book:• Details materials, electrochemistry, and mechanics.• Covers ALK, PEM, AEM, and SOEC water electrolysis, including fundamentals and applications.• Addresses trends, opportunities, and challenges.This comprehensive reference is aimed at engineers and scientists working on renewable and alternative energy to meet global energy demands and climate action goals.The Open Access version of this book, available at http://www.taylorfrancis.com, has been made available under a Creative Commons Attribution-Non Commercial-No Derivatives (CC-BY-NC-ND) 4.0 license.
Ground Control: A Design History of Technical Lands and NASA’s Space Complex
by Jeffrey S. NesbitGround Control: A Design History of Technical Lands and NASA’s Space Complex explores the infrastructural history of the United States rocket launch complex. Working primarily between 1950, the year of the first rocket launch at Cape Canaveral, to 1969, the Apollo moon landing, the book highlights the evolution of its overlooked architecture and infrastructural landscape in parallel to US aerospace history. The cases outlined in this book survey the varying architectural histories and aesthetic motivations that helped produce America’s public image of early space exploration. The built environment of the U.S. space complex shows how its expanded infrastructural landscape tended to align with national Cold War politics and themes found in the age of modernity. Examples across often inaccessible sites of remote landscape help explain the contingent histories and deep association of an American aesthetic, land-use, and ultimately a form of nation-building practices. Ground Control offers a new way of understanding how technological uses of place-based science were designed and constructed in support of both industrial and military activities in postwar America. This book will be of interest to researchers, scholars, students, and anyone with a general interest in the history of American infrastructure, land use, and space exploration.
Groundwater Management for Sustainable Agriculture in the North China Plain
by Yanjun ShenThis book is a unique text that explores recent research on the management of sustainable groundwater use in the North China Plain (NCP), where aquifers are suffering the most severe over‑pumping in the world and have caused serious ecological degradation. It contains research conducted by the editor and his teams on several projects over the past 18 years.Key topics covered include: comprehensive scheme and pathways to achieve sustainable groundwater management description of theoretical basis for water saving and technologies developed in practice at field scale adjusting cropping patterns and planting structure to reduce the cultivation intensity to a suitable extent soft measures such as water metering, pricing, and water marketing being applied in groundwater management practice in the NCP. It will be an invaluable resource to graduate students, education and research staff, and agriculture or water resources authorities.
Guidebook for Systems Applications in Astrobiology (Series in Astrobiology)
by Vera M. KolbThis book addresses the timely subject of systems applications in astrobiology. It demonstrates how astrobiology – a multidisciplinary, interdisciplinary, and transdisciplinary field of science – can benefit from adopting the systems approach. Astrobiology draws upon its founding sciences, such as astronomy, physics, chemistry, biochemistry, geology, and planetary sciences. However, astrobiologists can encounter difficulties working across these fields. The systems approach, we believe, is the best contemporary approach to consider astrobiology holistically. The approach is currently used in other fields, such as engineering, which uses systems analysis routinely. Such an approach needs to be learned, both in principle and through examples, from the field. This book features chapters from experts across the field of astrobiology who have applied the systems approach. It will be a valuable guide for astrobiology students at the advanced undergraduate and graduate levels, in addition to researchers in the field, both in academia and the space industry. Key Features: Offers a unique and novel approach to studying and understanding astrobiology Encourages astrobiologists to apply a holistic systems approach to their work, rather than being bogged down in details Imparts practical knowledge to readers which can be adopted in different research and job opportunities in the field of astrobiology Vera M. Kolb obtained degrees in chemical engineering and organic chemistry from Belgrade University, Serbia, and earned her PhD in organic chemistry from Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, Illinois, United States. Following a 30-year career, she is Professor Emerita of Chemistry at the University of Wisconsin-Parkside, Kenosha, Wisconsin. During her first sabbatical leave with the NASA Specialized Center of Research and Training (NSCORT) in Astrobiology, she conducted research with Dr. Leslie Orgel at the Salk Institute and Prof. Stanley Miller at UC San Diego. Her second sabbatical was with Prof. Joseph Lambert at Northwestern University, where she studied sugar silicates and their potential astrobiological relevance. She is credited for authoring over 160 publications, in the fields of organic and medicinal chemistry, green chemistry, and astrobiology, including several books. Recently, she authored Green Organic Chemistry and Its Interdisciplinary Applications (CRC 2016). In the astrobiology field, she edited Astrobiology: An Evolutionary Approach (CRC 2015) and Handbook of Astrobiology (CRC 2019). She co-authored (with Benton C. Clark) Astrobiology for a General Reader: A Questions and Answers Approach (CSP 2020) and Systems Approach to Astrobiology (CRC 2023).
Gum Karaya: Botany, Gum Tapping, Applications, and Biotechnology
by Mallappa Kumara Swamy T. Pullaiah Lepakshi Md. Bhakshu Niranjan PrasadPolysaccharide gums have a wide range of applications due to their hydrophilic properties. They have been used as a gelling agent, encapsulating agent, thickener, emulsifier, and stabilizer. Sourcing natural gums from botanical and plant sources has become an important focus in producing acceptable food ingredients in liquids and semi-solid forms. This is mainly because of the positive attitude of consumers toward plant-based gums rather than other gums from animal and microbial sources.Gum karaya, also known as Indian tragacanth, is a vegetable gum produced as an exudate by trees of the genus Sterculia. Gum karaya has very strong swelling properties, high viscosity, and very poor solubility because of its acetyl groups. Therefore, it is mainly used in cosmetics and pharmaceuticals. Gum karaya is one of the least-soluble gums used for many industries, such as petroleum and gas, textile, paper and pulp, leather and allied products, ammunition and explosives, electrical appliances, adhesives, confectionery, medicine, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics.Because of the crude tapping method and overexploitation, the population of karaya trees has markedly declined. In the absence of cultivation of this tree on the regular plantation, there is grave concern about the loss of wild germplasm of S. aurens. As gum karaya is vital for the tribal economy and its trade value is substantial, there is a pressing need to develop a scientific and sustainable tapping method to increase the yield and ensure the survival of the tapped trees. There is also a need for a large-scale plantation of gum karaya. People are becoming health-conscious and are taking natural products as food ingredients. This book will be useful to all the people interested in natural food additives. This book gives the details of gum karaya–yielding species and their distribution. Scientific methods of gum tapping are given for sustainable gum production. Propagation methods, both field and in vitro, are given. Uses of gum karaya, in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and food, are given. Genetic diversity and biotechnological intervention for the improvement of gum karaya–yielding species are included. Threats and conservation of gum karaya–yielding species are given.
Handbook of Aquatic Microbiology
by Pramod Kumar Pandey, Sumanta Kumar Mallik, and Rameshori YumnamShort Blurb This handbook covers the different aspects of the aquatic environment, microbiology, and microbial applications. It highlights the role of microorganisms as pollution indicators and as bio-control agents. The book covers the impact of pollution on microorganisms, biofilms, cyanobacterial blooms, and the metagenomics approach to isolate microbes. Standard Blurb This comprehensive handbook covers the different aspects of the aquatic environment, microbiology, and microbial applications. The world’s aquatic environment is facing a serious threat due to inappropriate planning, implementation, and management. This book compiles effective strategies for managing the aquatic environment. It highlights the role of microorganisms as pollution indicators, in bioremediation, and as bio-control agents. The book also covers the impact of pollution on microorganisms, biofilms, cyanobacterial blooms, and the metagenomics approach to isolate microbes. This book is essential for students and researchers of microbiology, environmental sciences, and biotechnology Seasonal Blurb This comprehensive handbook covers the different aspects of the aquatic environment, microbiology, and microbial applications. The world’s aquatic environment is facing a serious threat due to inappropriate planning, implementation, and management. This book compiles effective strategies for managing the aquatic environment. It highlights the role of microorganisms as pollution indicators, in bioremediation, and as bio-control agents. The book also covers the impact of pollution on microorganisms, biofilms, cyanobacterial blooms, and the metagenomics approach to isolate microbes. This book is essential for students and researchers of Microbiology, Environmental Sciences, and Biotechnology. 1 Includes key themes like environmental DNA application, metagenomes, extremophiles, microbial population genetics and statistical aspects of aquatic microbiology 2 Discusses the beneficial microbes of the aquatic environment 3 Covers applications of microbes in bioremediation, as pollution indicators and as algicidal agents 4 Reviews freshwater biogeochemical cycles and sediment microbiology 5 Explores microbial communities of biofloc and microbiomes in aquaponics
Handbook of Complementary, Alternative, and Integrative Medicine: Education, Practice, and Research Volume 1: Education, Training, Assessment, and Accreditation
by Yaser Mohammed Al-WorafiVolume 1 focuses on complementary, alternative, and integrative medicine (CAM) education. Its 20 chapters cover CAM education history, needed competencies, and curriculum reform, among other topics. It is Volume 1 of 6 that describe the education, practice and research related issues and the efficacy and safety of CAM in treating various conditions. The purpose of these six volumes (sold individually or as a set) is to explain how complementary, alternative, and integrative medicine is practiced around the world; to share the best practice/experiences in terms of education, practice and research; and identify the challenges and suggest recommendations to overcome the identified challenges.Key Features: Addresses worldwide issues of education, training, assessment, and accreditation in complementary and alternative medicine Deals with such hot topics as access/equitable access, online education, and quality and accreditation Serves as part of a six-volume comprehensive treatment of complementary, alternative, and integrative medicine as practiced around the world
Handbook of Exact Solutions to Mathematical Equations (ISSN)
by Andrei D. PolyaninThis reference book describes the exact solutions of the following types of mathematical equations:● Algebraic and Transcendental Equations ● Ordinary Differential Equations ● Systems of Ordinary Differential Equations ● First-Order Partial Differential Equations ● Linear Equations and Problems of Mathematical Physics ● Nonlinear Equations of Mathematical Physics ● Systems of Partial Differential Equations ● Integral Equations ● Difference and Functional Equations ● Ordinary Functional Differential Equations ● Partial Functional Differential EquationsThe book delves into equations that find practical applications in a wide array of natural and engineering sciences, including the theory of heat and mass transfer, wave theory, hydrodynamics, gas dynamics, combustion theory, elasticity theory, general mechanics, theoretical physics, nonlinear optics, biology, chemical engineering sciences, ecology, and more. Most of these equations are of a reasonably general form and dependent on free parameters or arbitrary functions.The Handbook of Exact Solutions to Mathematical Equations generally has no analogs in world literature and contains a vast amount of new material. The exact solutions given in the book, being rigorous mathematical standards, can be used as test problems to assess the accuracy and verify the adequacy of various numerical and approximate analytical methods for solving mathematical equations, as well as to check and compare the effectiveness of exact analytical methods.
Handbook of Photosynthesis (Books in Soils, Plants, and the Environment)
by Mohammad PessarakliThe Fourth Edition of the Handbook of Photosynthesis offers a unique and comprehensive collection of topics in the field of photosynthesis, serving as an invaluable resource in this field. With contributions from 95 scientists and experts from over 20 countries, this volume has been divided into 13 parts, each serving independently to facilitate the understanding of the material.FEATURES Presents comprehensive information on photosynthesis under normal and environmental stress conditions Covers artificial photosynthesis and its future-related issues Contains 25 new chapters and 18 extensively revised and expanded chapters Includes three new sections: Influence of Nanoparticles on Photosynthesis; Protection of Photosynthesis System and Stress Alleviation Strategies by Photosynthates Manipulations and Photosynthesis Efficiency in Plants under Multiple Abiotic and Biotic Stressors; and Artificial Photosynthesis and Its Future Contains numerous tables, figures, illustrations, and case studies to facilitate the comprehension of the material as well as thousands of index words A primary resource in its field, Handbook of Photosynthesis, Fourth Edition, provides a comprehensive resource for researchers, academics, and for university courses, with the information as a valuable source to plan, implement, and evaluate strategies for dealing with photosynthesis issues.
Handbook of Research on Science Learning Progressions
by Joseph Krajcik Duanli Yan Hui JinGathering contributions from leading scholars around the world, this handbook offers a comprehensive resource on the most recent advances in research surrounding the theories, methodologies, and applications of science learning progressions.Researchers and educators have used learning progressions to guide the design and alignment of curriculum, instruction, and assessment, and to help students learn scientific knowledge and practices in a coherent and connected way across multiple years. This handbook lays out the development and current state of research in this field across four sections: learning progression theories and methodologies; learning progressions to promote student learning; teachers’ learning and use of learning progressions; and new technology in learning progression research.Featuring internationally-recognized experts in learning progression research as well as up-and-coming voices, the Handbook of Research on Science Learning Progressions offers a defining new resource for researchers, teachers and teacher educators, and curriculum and assessment developers in science education.
High-Temperature Superconductors (Synthesis Lectures on Materials and Optics)
by Rainer WescheThis book describes the status of research and development in the field of high-temperature superconductivity reached in the mid of the twenty-twenties. Starting from the milestones in the history of superconductivity, the main characteristics of the superconducting state are presented. Special physical properties of high-temperature superconductors are highlighted. Main classes of superconducting materials are introduced with the focus on high-temperature superconductors (cuprates and iron-based superconductors) and MgB2. Besides the material properties relevant for applications, the deposition of superconductor films and the manufacture of high-temperature superconductor wires are described. An outlook toward the future is included, covering potential applications of high-temperature superconductors in magnet technology and the electric power system.
Holy Waters: An Interdisciplinary Examination of Religion and Alcohol
by Stephen CovellThis edited volume brings together scholars from across disciplines to examine the relationship between religion and alcohol.It examines the historical, social, ritual, economic, political, and cultural relationship between religion and alcohol across time periods and around the world. Twelve chapters are tied together by two major themes: first, gender identity, and its intersection with religion and alcohol; second, identity construction in religious communities, demonstrating how alcohol can be used as a distinguishing factor for religious, ethnic, and national identity. A key focus of the volume is how alcohol can bridge and divide the point at which the sacred and secular meet.With its interdisciplinary approach and engaging style, this book is an essential resource for undergraduate and graduate students in religion departments and appeals to scholars of material culture, food, and alcohol. Additionally, the book is of interest to professionals in the alcohol industry, particularly those involved in microbrewing and winemaking, who are interested in understanding the historical and cultural contexts of their craft.
Honey: Nutraceutical and Therapeutic Significance
by Rajesh KumarThe book entitled Honey: Nutraceutical and Therapeutic Significance contains comprehensive information on honey with regard to its cosmeceutical, nutritional, and pharmacological significance.This book volume contains a total of 12 chapters related to different aspects of honey contributed by experts in the field, providing enormous knowledge about the nutraceutical and the role of different therapeutic strategies across the globe. Each chapter has the latest references and citations so that readers may get the latest knowledge in the field.This book volume shall offer the readers state-of-the-art records on the proposed topic and established research in the area. Each chapter shall integrate semantic and pragmatic facts about honey and its connection with animal physiology. Emphasis shall be placed on exploring and correlating all possible physiological disorders/diseases that can be controlled/or cured using honey. This book shall benefit scholars, students, and professionals especially those working in the areas of food science/industry, taste physiology, pharmacology, folk medicine, and Ayurveda. With a compelling blend of scientific insights and practical applications, this book serves as the definitive guide to unleashing nature's power for health and healing.
The Human Biome and Human Behaviour: A Biopsychological Perspective
by Jorge A. ColomboThe book represents a critical update on interactions between the host and its gut microbiome that conditions the socio-biology of the mind and behaviour. Evidence has been scientifically approached and reveals that our conscious behaviour involves a complex interplay of multiple non-conscious domains, including complex host-gut microbiome relationships.The book describes trends and issues on which there is increasing evidence of the impact of host-gut microbiome interactions on behaviour and cultural construction of self-perception. This suggests the need to re-evaluate traditional, basic concepts of human development. Additionally, it calls attention to open issues involving conceptual themes on neurobiological integration and its impact on early developmental and social domains on the typical extended period of human postnatal helplessness during which the basic scaffolding of mental development is completed. It also deals with the impact of poverty and inadequate early feeding habits on individual cognitive development, performance, and social construction. It discusses the need to reformulate views and policies on social marginalisation, child poverty, and malnutrition involving host-gut microbiome imbalances.The spectrum of possible behaviours in all species and its plasticity depends on an integrated vector of basic components involving the genetic code, social and physical environmental, developmental conditions, the relative condition of dominance or submission in social settings –or prey/predator in the Natural Kingdom– and on its physiological and anatomical construction profiles.Graduate, postgraduate and teachers interested in areas connected with anthropology, social medicine, early education, and health policymakers will benefit greatly from this book.
Human Fungal Diseases: Diagnostics, Pathogenesis, Drug Resistance and Therapeutics
by Saif HameedThis reference book reviews the latest advancements in the fungal infections and their impact on human health. It presents epidemiology, diagnosis, pathogenesis, risk factors, virulence mechanisms, treatment, and strategies for the disease management and prevention of fungal infections. The book further reviews host-pathogen interactions, biofilm formation, and quorum sensing. It also covers the clinical manifestations, diagnostic approaches, and management strategies of opportunistic fungal infections, emerging fungal infections, and allergic fungal infections. It presents the latest advancements in diagnostic methods and therapeutic strategies, covering both conventional techniques and state-of-the-art approaches.Further, the book elucidates antifungal stewardship, nanotechnology, and omics technologies, providing insights into cutting-edge strategies for prevention, control, and management of multidrug-resistant fungi. This book is useful for researchers, students, and health professionals working in the fields of mycology, infectious diseases, immunology, dermatology, and pulmonology.
The Human Touch: Redefining the Art of British Contemporary Improvisational Theatre (ISSN)
by Chloé ArrosThe Human Touch is a book focused on the creative processes at work in British contemporary improvisational theatre and how these processes draw on the humanity of the participants: their cognitive abilities, their lives, and their relationships to each other. Vulnerability is a main feature of both the book and of improvisational theatre, both part of the hurdles that improvisers face and a creative tool. Through a study of improvisation and vulnerability, the book teaches us both what makes improvisational theatre so human and opens the door to a reflection about how to use humanity and human emotions in performance. Most importantly, it delves into the cognitive and physiological processes at work in improvisation, a topic which is missing from most manuals and studies offered to students. This book is addressed to theatre students and provides both an important overview of the form’s history and a challenge to what is usually taught about improvisation.
Integrated Local Energy Communities: From Concepts and Enabling Conditions to Optimal Planning and Operation
by Marialaura Di SommaIntroducing a framework for obtaining and maintaining renewable energy security at the local community level Local energy communities are a framework for assembling and coordinating major stakeholders, individual, corporate, and institutional, in the pursuit of long-term renewable energy and carbon-free projects in a given area. They are aimed at community benefits rather than profit, and have become an invaluable tool in the fight to reimagine the global energy grid, one community at a time. With climate change making this fight ever more urgent, integrated local energy communities (ILECs) that enhance the previous concept through a multi-carrier systems’ approach have never been a more important social force. Integrated Local Energy Communities offers a framework for designing, planning, and operating communities from end to end. Incorporating regulatory and policy issues, the mechanics of local multi-carrier energy systems, social aspects and more, it provides viable solutions to one of the most urgent energy challenges of our time. The result is an indispensable contribution to a potentially transformative process. Integrated Local Energy Communities readers will also find: Comprehensive coverage of all types of energy conversion technologies and processesAnalysis of the entire value chain, from concepts to planning and operationDiscussion of all key factors for integrating the ILEC energy paradigm Integrated Local Energy Communities is ideal for energy engineers, electrical engineers, mechanical engineers, engineering scientists working in consultancy and industry, as well as the libraries that serve them.
An Introduction to Ethorobotics: Robotics and the Study of Animal Behaviour
by Ádám Miklósi Judit AbdaiThis pioneering text explores the emerging discipline of ethorobotics which brings together the fields of animal behaviour and robotics. It encourages closer collaboration between behavioural scientists and engineers to facilitate the creation of robots with a higher degree of functionality in animal/human environments and to broaden understanding of animal behaviour in new and intriguing ways.Utilising the knowledge of key ethologists and roboticists in the field today, this book is divided into four major parts. The first part is written for those with little or no background in the biology of animal behaviour, particularly for those coming from an engineering background seeking an accessible introduction to the field and how it can be applied to robotic behaviour. Topics include problem solving in animals, social cognition, and communication (visual, acoustic, olfactory, etc.). The second part is an introduction to the basic construction of robots for non‑engineers, and the possibilities offered by current technical achievements and their limitations to the study of animal behaviour. The third part explores the core theme of ethorobotics, the basic framework of the discipline, the field’s evolution, and current topics including ethical considerations, autonomy, to ‘living’ social robots. The fourth and final chapter looks at ethorobotics in practice through key research projects which have had the biggest impact.This is a ground‑breaking interdisciplinary text which will appeal to upper‑level undergraduates, postgraduates, and researchers focusing on animal behaviour and cognition, as well as those undertaking courses in engineering, social robotics, biologically inspired robotics, AI, and human–robot and animal–robot interactions.
Introduction to Finite Element Analysis for Engineers
by Saad A. Ragab Hassan E. FayedNow in its second edition, Introduction to Finite Element Analysis for Engineers is an essential introduction to FEA as a method to solve differential equations. With many practical examples focusing on both solid mechanics and fluid mechanics, it includes problems for both applications.Using a structure of classes of differential equations, the book also includes MATLAB® codes and aims to build a comprehensive understanding of FEA and its applications in modern engineering. New chapters present finite-element models of a system of partial differential equations in two or more independent variables typified by problems in theory of elasticity and plates. Chapter ten presents the finite element method for a nonlinear Mindlin-Reissner plate, and panel flutter is included as a typical example of fluid-structure interactions. The book demonstrates the power and versatility of FEA as a tool with a large number of examples of practical engineering problems. These problems range from those which can be solved without a computer, to those requiring MATLAB® or Python.With applications in civil, mechanical, aerospace, and biomedical engineering, the textbook is ideal for senior undergraduate and first-year graduate students and also aligns with mathematics courses.
Introduction to Python for Science and Engineering (ISSN)
by David J. PineIntroduction to Python for Science and Engineering offers a quick and incisive introduction to the Python programming language for use in any science or engineering discipline. The approach is pedagogical and “bottom up,” which means starting with examples and extracting more general principles from that experience. No prior programming experience is assumed.Readers will learn the basics of Python syntax, data structures, input and output, conditionals and loops, user-defined functions, plotting, animation, and visualization. They will also learn how to use Python for numerical analysis, including curve fitting, random numbers, linear algebra, solutions to nonlinear equations, numerical integration, solutions to differential equations, and fast Fourier transforms.Readers learn how to interact and program with Python using JupyterLab and Spyder, two simple and widely used integrated development environments.All the major Python libraries for science and engineering are covered, including NumPy, SciPy, Matplotlib, and Pandas. Other packages are also introduced, including Numba, which can render Python numerical calculations as fast as compiled computer languages such as C but without their complex overhead.
Ionising Radiation Protection: A Primer (Synthesis Lectures on Engineering, Science, and Technology)
by Jordan WainThis concise yet comprehensive primer on ionising radiation protection includes chapters on foundational nuclear physics, radiation units, the biological effects of radiation exposure, radiation risk and epidemiological studies, internal and external radiation hazards, background radiation, radioactive waste management, and radiation detection. The background knowledge to understand each topic is included early in the book. Each topic is introduced slowly and the complexity and depth are increased to a level commensurate with a master's degree. End-of-chapter exercises enable the reader to consolidate their knowledge. This text is ideal for anyone wanting to gain insight into the most important areas of the field and will well-equip those wishing to explore the subject in further depth/detail/breadth.
Julian of Norwich and the Ecological Crisis: Restoring Porosity (Routledge Science and Religion Series)
by Claire GilbertThis book presents ecological insights drawn from a reading of Julian of Norwich, considering how effectively she can help us in our current plight. The argument is that to address the ecological crisis with the mindset that created it will only cause more problems, and that to really undo the harm humanity has done and continues to do will take a transformation of selfhood and hence of perception, from the Gestell, technological self that is the child of the Enlightenment to the porous self that we truly are, underneath our buffered, separated, controlling and lonely exterior. The author suggests Julian of Norwich’s text Revelations of Divine Love has the power to effect this transformation if we can learn to read it as disciples, not masters, just as Julian received and responded to her revelations as a performative, porous, receptive disciple. The chapters describe the technological mindset and its causal relationship with the ecological crisis, and articulate in detail how, if they are to transform us, we must read the Julian texts, taking first steps away from our technological selves as we do so. The book then takes significant passages from Julian and reads them in the performative, porous way that has been recommended. It will be of particular interest to scholars of theology and ecology, as well as medieval mysticism.
Key Thinkers in Religion and Environment: Theoretical Foundations (Interdisciplinary Studies in Religion)
by Lucas F. JohnstonKey Thinkers in Religion and Environment provides a theoretical foundation for scholarship related to the intersection of religions, natures and cultures across disciplines.The text introduces students to the major names, theoretical issues, and methodological orientations of the field while giving professors maximum freedom to insert case studies and examples as they wish. Students will come away with an understanding of the most important scholars, their theoretical contributions, and the scholarly conundrums with which they wrestled. The book includes figures who are foundational to the field of religious studies more broadly, foregrounding key themes in their works which highlight the “nature” in/of their argumentation, whilst also highlighting the voices of women and people of color. The thinkers come from a range of fields, including religious studies, philosophy, anthropology, sociology, American Indian studies, ethology, agroecology, theology, and environmental history, demonstrating the importance and impact of interdisciplinary research. The book also offers a theoretical orientation which illuminates methodological and theoretical deficits in religious studies more generally, whilst opening new avenues for thinking about environmental ethics.It is a must-read for all students and researchers of religion and the environment.
Law, Animals and Toxicity Testing: The Case of the Laboratory Mouse (ISSN)
by Anne M. WordsworthDrawing on our growing knowledge of animal cognition, this book provides a critical analysis of the use of animals in the legal regime and the practice of toxicity testing.Although animal abuse has become a major issue, animal testing remains largely in the shadows, even though it involves substantial cruelty. Toxicity testing, in particular, imposes considerable pain, suffering and ultimately death on those laboratory animals – often mice – chosen to demonstrate the characteristics of chemicals and their commercial potential. This book documents and critically analyzes the animal protection laws of the European Union, the United States and Canada. It not only examines the tests themselves and the suffering they inflict on animals but also exposes the failure of both the testing and the toxicity laws to effectively protect human health and the environment. Finally, the book takes up the potential of alternative non-animal testing methods to replace the current regimen and to reduce current damage to health and the environment.This book will be of interest to scholars and researchers in the fields of animal studies, environmental law and sociolegal studies, as well as activists and others with an interest in ethics and animal rights.