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Encyclopedia of Metalloproteins
by Eugene A. Permyakov Robert H. Kretsinger Vladimir N. UverskyIn biochemistry, a metalloprotein is a generic term for a protein that contains a metal cofactor. The metal may be an isolated ion or may be coordinated with a nonprotein organic compound, such as the porphyrin found in hemoproteins. In some cases, the metal is co-coordinated with a side chain of the protein and an inorganic nonmetallic ion. This kind of protein-metal-nonmetal structure is seen in iron-sulfur clusters Metalloproteins deals with all aspects related to the intracellular and extracellular metal-binding proteins, including their structures, properties and functions. The biological roles of metal cations and metal-binding proteins are endless. They are involved in all crucial cellular activities. Many pathological conditions are related to the problematic metal metabolism. Research in metalloprotein-related topics is therefore rapidly growing, and different aspects of metal-binding proteins progressively enter curricula at Universities and even at the High School level on occasion. However, no key resource providing basic, but comprehensible knowledge on this rapidly expanding field exists. The Encyclopedia of Metalloproteins aims to bridge this gap, and will attempt to cover various aspects of metalloprotein/metalloproteomics and will deal with the different issues related to the intracellular and extracellular metal-binding proteins, including their structures, properties and functions. The goal is to cover exhaustively all catalytically and biologically crucial metal ions and to find at least one interacting protein for other metal ions. The Encyclopedia of Metalloproteins will provide a key resource for advanced undergraduate and graduate students, researchers, instructors, and professors interested in protein science, biochemistry, cell biology, and genetics.
Encyclopedia of Microfluidics and Nanofluidics
by Dongqing LiCovering all aspects of transport phenomena on the nano- and micro-scale, the 800 entries include 300 essay entries. The Encyclopedia gives an up to date look at the fundamentals of the field as well as many experiments and applications in growing areas such as energy devices and bioengineering applications.
Encyclopedia of Modern Coral Reefs
by Colin Woodroffe David Hopley Eberhard Gischler Guy Cabioch † I. G. Macintyre Peter Davies Rachel Wood Terry DoneCoral reefs are the largest landforms built by plants and animals. Their study therefore incorporates a wide range of disciplines. This encyclopedia approaches coral reefs from an earth science perspective, concentrating especially on modern reefs. Currently coral reefs are under high stress, most prominently from climate change with changes to water temperature, sea level and ocean acidification particularly damaging. Modern reefs have evolved through the massive environmental changes of the Quaternary with long periods of exposure during glacially lowered sea level periods and short periods of interglacial growth. The entries in this encyclopedia condense the large amount of work carried out since Charles Darwin first attempted to understand reef evolution. Leading authorities from many countries have contributed to the entries covering areas of geology, geography and ecology, providing comprehensive access to the most up-to-date research on the structure, form and processes operating on Quaternary coral reefs.
Encyclopedia of Molecular Pharmacology
by Stefan Offermanns Walter RosenthalAn essential text, this is a fully updated second edition of a classic, now in two volumes. It provides rapid access to information on molecular pharmacology for research scientists, clinicians and advanced students. With the A-Z format of over 2,000 entries, around 350 authors provide a complete reference to the area of molecular pharmacology. The book combines the knowledge of classic pharmacology with the more recent approach of the precise analysis of the molecular mechanisms by which drugs exert their effects. Short keyword entries define common acronyms, terms and phrases. In addition, detailed essays provide in-depth information on drugs, cellular processes, molecular targets, techniques, molecular mechanisms, and general principles.
Encyclopedia of Nanotechnology
by Bharat BhushanThe Encyclopedia of Nanotechnology provides a comprehensive and multi-disciplinary reference to the many fields relevant to the general field of nanotechnology. It aims to be a comprehensive and genuinely international reference work and will be aimed at graduate students, researchers, and practitioners. The Encyclopedia of Nanotechnology introduces a large number of terms, devices and processes which are related to the multi-disciplinary field of Nanotechnology. For each entry in this 4 volume set a 4-10 page description is provided by an expert in the field. Contributions are made by experts from the US, Europe and Asia, making this a comprehensive and truly international Reference Work. The authors are typically from academia, however one quarter of all entries were written by persons from industry. Topics covered in the Reference Work include: - Nano- Microfabrication Processes and Materials for Fabrication - Nanoscale Measurement Techniques - Nanostructures - Nanomaterials - Nanomechanics - Molecular Modeling and Its Role in Advancing Nanotechnology - MEMS/NEMS - Microfluidics and Nanofluidics - Biomedical Engineering and Biodevices - Bio/Nanotechnology and Nanomedicine - Bio/Nanotechnology for cellular engineering - Drug Delivery - Technology and Applications - Assembly - Organic Electronics - Nano-optical Devices - Micro/nano Integration - Materials, Coatings and Surface Treatments for Nanotribology - Micro/NanoReliability - thermal, mechanical etc. - Biomimetics
Encyclopedia of Nonlinear Science
by Alwyn ScottIn 438 alphabetically-arranged essays, this work provides a useful overview of the core mathematical background for nonlinear science, as well as its applications to key problems in ecology and biological systems, chemical reaction-diffusion problems, geophysics, economics, electrical and mechanical oscillations in engineering systems, lasers and nonlinear optics, fluid mechanics and turbulence, and condensed matter physics, among others.
Encyclopedia of Nuclear Physics and its Applications (Encyclopedia of Applied Physics)
by Reinhard StockThis book fills the need for a coherent work combining carefully reviewed articles into a comprehensive overview accessible to research groups and lecturers. Next to fundamental physics, contributions on topical medical and material science issues are included.
Encyclopedia of Ophthalmology
by Ursula Schmidt-Erfurth Thomas KohnenRapid advances in pathogenetic insight, diagnostic and therapeutic modalities, and basic research continuously influence the state of the art in ophthalmology. This comprehensive encyclopedia offers a systematic and complete source of information including basic principles and novel updates, both clinical and scientific. The encyclopaedic format offers comprehensive access to focused information on all relevant topics in a clear and user-friendly manner. The spectrum ranges from short definitions, cross references, acronyms to disease chapters including epidemiology, symptoms and differential diagnosis, sections on diagnostic and therapeutic technologies, and comprehensive scientific summaries describing recent findings as well as results from relevant studies. The material is presented in a standardized, uniform and concise way throughout all clinical and academic sections. High-quality images highlight visual information and tables and graphs summarize important data. The encyclopaedia is available in book and electronic format which is linked to relevant ophthalmologic journals and is continuously updated. All chapters are authored by leading experts in the specific field. The target audiences are clinicians in ophthalmology and related specialties, researchers, and students.
Encyclopedia of Plants and Flowers
by Christopher BrickellFind new gardening inspiration with this compelling updated encyclopedia for all gardening enthusiasts!Achieve that beautiful garden oasis you&’ve always dreamed of, and find endless inspiration and guidance for your garden to thrive with this gardening guide! This fully comprehensive yet easy-to-use informative planting guide is what every gardener needs on their bookshelf. Here&’s what you&’ll find inside: • A photographic catalog of 4,000 plants and flowers grouped by type, size, then color, allowing readers to browse and find the best plants for their garden • A detailed &“Plant Dictionary&” describes more than 8,000 species and varieties, and their ideal growing conditions • In the Introduction, a &“Plant Selector&” section lists ideal plants for particular growing conditions, like coastal areas, shady spots and different soil types • Fully updated text from garden plant specialists, with more than 1,380 new plants added, including the latest and most popular cultivars Discover perennials, bulbs, shrubs, trees, succulents and ornamental shrubs, all showcased in beautiful, full-color photography to help elevate your garden to the next level. Use the extensive plant dictionary to look up more than 8,000 plant varieties and the best growing conditions.Written by a team of more than 15 top horticultural specialists under the guidance of internationally renowned gardener and botanist Christopher Brickell, this gardening encyclopedia appeals to all levels of gardeners and continually inspires with achievable garden ideas.This informative yet inspirational book about gardening will appeal to beginners or more experienced gardeners interested in the latest cultivars and horticultural advice.
Encyclopedia of Plasma Technology - Two Volume Set
by J. Leon ShohetTechnical plasmas have a wide range of industrial applications. The Encyclopedia of Plasma Technology covers all aspects of plasma technology from the fundamentals to a range of applications across a large number of industries and disciplines. Topics covered include nanotechnology, solar cell technology, biomedical and clinical applications, electronic materials, sustainability, and clean technologies. The book bridges materials science, industrial chemistry, physics, and engineering, making it a must have for researchers in industry and academia, as well as those working on application-oriented plasma technologies. Also Available OnlineThis Taylor & Francis encyclopedia is also available through online subscription, offering a variety of extra benefits for researchers, students, and librarians, including: Citation tracking and alerts Active reference linking Saved searches and marked lists HTML and PDF format options Contact Taylor and Francis for more information or to inquire about subscription options and print/online combination packages.US: (Tel) 1.888.318.2367; (E-mail) e-reference@taylorandfrancis.comInternational: (Tel) +44 (0) 20 7017 6062; (E-mail) online.sales@tandf.co.uk
Encyclopedia of Polymer Applications, 3 Volume Set
by Munmaya MishraUndoubtedly the applications of polymers are rapidly evolving. Technology is continually changing and quickly advancing as polymers are needed to solve a variety of day-to-day challenges leading to improvements in quality of life. The Encyclopedia of Polymer Applications presents state-of-the-art research and development on the applications of polymers. This groundbreaking work provides important overviews to help stimulate further advancements in all areas of polymers. This comprehensive multi-volume reference includes articles contributed from a diverse and global team of renowned researchers. It offers a broad-based perspective on a multitude of topics in a variety of applications, as well as detailed research information, figures, tables, illustrations, and references. The encyclopedia provides introductions, classifications, properties, selection, types, technologies, shelf-life, recycling, testing and applications for each of the entries where applicable. It features critical content for both novices and experts including, engineers, scientists (polymer scientists, materials scientists, biomedical engineers, macromolecular chemists), researchers, and students, as well as interested readers in academia, industry, and research institutions.
Encyclopedia of Polymer Blends, Volume 1: Fundamentals (Encyclopedia of Polymer Blends)
by Avraam I. IsayevA complete and timely overview of the topic, this volume of the encyclopedia imparts knowledge of fundamental principles of polymer blends. Each article is uniformly structured for easy navigation, containing the latest research & development and its basic principles and applications.
Encyclopedia of Polymer Blends, Volume 2: Processing (Encyclopedia of Polymer Blends)
by Avraam I. IsayevA complete and timely overview of the topic, this volume imparts knowledge of fundamental principles and their applications for academicians, scientists and researchers, while informing engineers, industrialists and entrepreneurs of the current state of the technology and its utilization. Each article is uniformly structured for easy navigation, containing the latest research & development and its basic principles and applications, examples of case studies, laboratory and pilot plant experiments, as well as due reference to the published and patented literature.
Encyclopedia of Polymer Blends, Volume 3: Structure (Encyclopedia of Polymer Blends)
by Avraam I. IsayevA complete and timely overview of the topic, this Encyclopedia imparts knowledge of fundamental principles and their applications for academicians, scientists and researchers, while informing engineers, industrialists and entrepreneurs of the current state of the technology and its utilization. The most comprehensive source on polymer blends available on the market Offers a complete and timely overview of the topic Each article presents up to date research & development on a topic and its basic principles and applications, integrates case studies, laboratory and pilot plant experiments, and gives due reference to published and patented literature Equips academics, scientists and researchers with knowledge of fundamentals principles and their applications, and informs the engineers, industrialists and entrepreneurs about the state of the art technology and its applications
The Encyclopedia of Psychoactive Plants: Ethnopharmacology and Its Applications
by Albert Hofmann Christian RätschThe most comprehensive guide to the botany, history, distribution, and cultivation of all known psychoactive plants• Examines 414 psychoactive plants and related substances• Explores how using psychoactive plants in a culturally sanctioned context can produce important insights into the nature of reality• Contains 797 color photographs and 645 black-and-white illustrationsIn the traditions of every culture, plants have been highly valued for their nourishing, healing, and transformative properties. The most powerful plants--those known to transport the human mind into other dimensions of consciousness--have traditionally been regarded as sacred. In The Encyclopedia of Psychoactive Plants Christian Rätsch details the botany, history, distribution, cultivation, and preparation and dosage of more than 400 psychoactive plants. He discusses their ritual and medicinal usage, cultural artifacts made from these plants, and works of art that either represent or have been inspired by them. The author begins with 168 of the most well-known psychoactives--such as cannabis, datura, and papaver--then presents 133 lesser known substances as well as additional plants known as “legal highs,” plants known only from mythological contexts and literature, and plant products that include substances such as ayahuasca, incense, and soma. The text is lavishly illustrated with 797 color photographs--many of which are from the author’s extensive fieldwork around the world--showing the people, ceremonies, and art related to the ritual use of the world’s sacred psychoactives.
Encyclopedia of Radiation Oncology
by Jay E. Reiff Luther W. Brady Reiner Class Stephan Mose Theodore YaegerThe aim of this comprehensive encyclopedia is to provide detailed information on radiation oncology. The wide range of entries are written by leading experts. They will provide basic and clinical scientists in academia, practice and industry with valuable information about the field of radiation oncology. Those in related fields, students, teachers, and interested laypeople will also benefit from the important and relevant information on the most recent developments.
Encyclopedia of Renewable Energy
by James G. SpeightENCYCLOPEDIA OF RENEWABLE ENERGY Written by a highly respected engineer and prolific author in the energy sector, this is the single most comprehensive, thorough, and up-to-date reference work on renewable energy. The world’s energy industry is and has always been volatile, sometimes controversial, with wild swings upward and downward. This has, historically, been mostly because most of our energy has come from fossil fuels, which is a finite source of energy. Every so often, a technology comes along, like hydrofracturing, that is a game-changer. But is it, really? Aren’t we just delaying the inevitable with these temporary price fixes The only REAL game-changer is renewable energy. For decades, renewable energy sources have been sought, developed, and studied. Sometimes wind is at the forefront, sometimes solar, and, for the last decade or so, there has been a surge in interest for biofeedstocks and biofuels. There are also the “old standbys” of nuclear and geothermal energy, which have both been around for a very long time. This groundbreaking new volume presents these topics and trends in an encyclopedic format, as a go-to reference for the engineer, scientist, student, or even layperson who works in the industry or is simply interested in the topic. Compiled by one of the world’s best-known and respected energy engineers, this is the most comprehensive and up-to-date encyclopedia of renewable energy ever written, a must-have for any library. Encyclopedia of Renewable Energy: Is written in an encyclopedic style, covering every aspect of renewable energy, including wind, solar, and many other topics Offers a comprehensive coverage of the industry, from the chemical processes of biofeedstocks and biofuels to the machinery and equipment used in the production of fuel and power generation Is filled with workable examples and designs that are helpful for practical applications Covers the state of the art, an invaluable resource for any engineer Audience Engineers across a variety of industries, including wind, solar, process engineering, waste utilization for fuels, and many others, such as process engineers, chemical engineers, electrical engineers, petroleum engineers, civil engineers, and the technicians and other scientists who work in this field
Encyclopedia of Scale Insect Pests
by Jocelyn A. Berry Manuela Branco Lyle Buss Mr Alejandro Caballero Mr Juang Horng Chong Lucía E. Claps C. De Klerk Rodrigo Diaz Imre Foldi Antonio P. Garonna Ilya A. Gavrilov-Zimin Jan H. Giliomee Raymond J. Gill Penny J. Gullan Disna N. Gunawardana Helen Harman Sunil Joshi M. Bora Kaydan Paris L. Lambdin Yen-Po Lin Christopher Malumphy Zvi Mendel Vitor Cezar Pacheco da Silva Giuseppina Pellizzari Ana Lúcia Peronti Francesco Porcelli Alex Protasov Ting-Kui Qin Andrea Amalia Ramos Portilla Dewi Sartiami Scott A. Schneider U.G.A.I. Sirisena Pompeo Suma Éva Szita Hirotaka TanakaScale insects feed on plant juices and can easily be transported to new countries on live plants. They sometimes become invasive pests, costing billions of dollars in damage to crops worldwide annually, and farmers try to control them with toxic pesticides, risking environmental damage. Fortunately, scale insects are highly susceptible to control by natural enemies so biological control is possible. They have unique genetic systems, unusual metamorphosis, a broad spectrum of essential symbionts, and some are sources of commercial products like red dyes, shellac and wax. There is, therefore, wide interest in these unusual, destructive, beneficial, and abundant insects. The Encyclopedia of Scale Insect Pests is the most comprehensive work on worldwide scale insect pests, providing detailed coverage of the most important species (230 species in 26 families, 36% of the scale insect pest species known). Advice is provided on collection, preservation, slide-mounting, vouchering, and labelling of specimens, fully illustrated with colour photographs, diagrams and drawings. Pest species are presented in two informal groups of families, the 'primitive' Archaeococcoids followed by the more 'advanced' Neococcoids, covered in phylogenetic order. Each family is illustrated and diagnosed based on features of live and slide-mounted specimens, with information on numbers of genera and species, main hosts, distribution, and biology. For the important pest species, coverage includes information on the morphology of live and slide-mounted specimens, common names, principal synonyms, geographical distribution, plant hosts, plant damage and economic impact, reproductive biology, dispersal, and management strategies including biological, cultural and chemical control, sterile insect techniques, regulatory control, early warning systems and field monitoring. An additional complete list of scale insect pests worldwide is provided, comprising 642 species in 28 scale insect families (about 8% of the 8373 species of living scales known), with information on plant hosts, geographical distribution and validation sources. Beneficial uses of scale insects include sources of red dyes, natural resins and waxes, and agents for invasive weed control, alongside the importance of their honeydew to bees for making honey, and as a food source to other animals. Academic researchers, students, entomologists, pest management officials in agribusiness or government including plant quarantine identifiers, extensionists, farmers, field scientists and ecologists will all benefit from this book.
Encyclopedia of Science Education
by Richard GunstoneThe "Encyclopedia of Science Education" provides a comprehensive reference work covering the range of methodologies, perspectives, foci, and cultures of this field of inquiry, and to do so via contributions from leading researchers from around the globe. Because of the frequent ways in which scholarship in science education has led to developments in other curriculum areas, the encyclopediahas significance beyond the field of science education. The "Encyclopedia of Science Education" is a comprehensive and genuinely international reference work, and is aimed at graduate students, researchers, developers in science education and science education research. The topics to be covered encompass all areas of science education and it includes biographical entries on science educators, as well as educators whose work has had an impact on science education as a research field. "
Encyclopedia of Sciences and Religions
by Anne Runehov Lluis OviedoThe Encyclopedia of Sciences and Religions will map the (self-)identities of current and prospective participants in a scholarly area 'Science and Religion' - i.e., all academic disciplines, religious traditions, across all cultures - by implicitly drawing out from each how it sees itself in relation to the conceptual domains of 'Science' and 'Religion', how each, within its own disciplinary/tradition bounds, treats a set of key issues/themes/concepts that have thus far emerged as central to the area 'Science and Religion', and also additional issues/themes/concepts that are seen to be of relevance to 'Science and Religion' engagement as seen from the perspective of each potential participant therein. Special entries will be devoted to key thinkers and key concepts in the field. The Encyclopedia will provide not only a comprehensive, up-to-date picture of how a so-called 'Science and Religion' discourse/dialogue has thus far been treated, but as well, a starting point for new lines of inquiry, and an invitation for fresh perspectives on the possibilities for engagement between and across sciences and religions.
Encyclopedia of Signaling Molecules
by Sangdun ChoiBiological processes are driven by complex systems of functionally interacting signaling molecules. Thus, understanding signaling molecules is essential to explain normal or pathological biological phenomena. A large body of clinical and experimental data has been accumulated over these years, albeit in fragmented state. Hence, systems biological approaches concomitant with the understanding of each molecule are ideal to delineate signaling networks/pathways involved in the biologically important processes. The control of these signaling pathways will enrich our healthier life. Currently, there are more than 30,000 genes in human genome. However, not all the proteins encoded by these genes work equally in order to maintain homeostasis. Understanding the important signaling molecules as completely as possible will significantly improve our research-based teaching and scientific capabilities. This encyclopedia presents 350 biologically important signaling molecules and the content is built on the core concepts of their functions along with early findings written by some of the world's foremost experts. The molecules are described by recognized leaders in each molecule. The interactions of these single molecules in signal transduction networks will also be explored. This encyclopedia marks a new era in overview of current cellular signaling molecules for the specialist and the interested non-specialist alike During past years, there were multiple databases to gather this information briefly and very partially. Amidst the excitement of these findings, one of the great scientific tasks of the coming century is to bring all the useful information into a place. Such an approach is arduous but at the end will infuse the lacunas and considerably be a streamline in the understanding of vibrant signaling networks. Based on this easy-approach, we can build up more complicated biological systems.
Encyclopedia of Social Network Analysis and Mining
by Reda Alhajj Jon RokneSocial Network Analysis and Mining Encyclopedia (ESNAM) is the first major reference work to integrate fundamental concepts and research directions in the areas of social networks and applications to data mining. The second edition of ESNAM is a truly outstanding reference appealing to researchers, practitioners, instructors and students (both undergraduate and graduate), as well as the general public. This updated reference integrates all basics concepts and research efforts under one umbrella. Coverage has been expanded to include new emerging topics such as crowdsourcing, opinion mining, and sentiment analysis. Revised content of existing material keeps the encyclopedia current. The second edition is intended for college students as well as public and academic libraries. It is anticipated to continue to stimulate more awareness of social network applications and research efforts.The advent of electronic communication, and in particular on-line communities, have created social networks of hitherto unimaginable sizes. Reflecting the interdisciplinary nature of this unique field, the essential contributions of diverse disciplines, from computer science, mathematics, and statistics to sociology and behavioral science, are described among the 300 authoritative yet highly readable entries. Students will find a world of information and insight behind the familiar façade of the social networks in which they participate. Researchers and practitioners will benefit from a comprehensive perspective on the methodologies for analysis of constructed networks, and the data mining and machine learning techniques that have proved attractive for sophisticated knowledge discovery in complex applications. Also addressed is the application of social network methodologies to other domains, such as web networks and biological networks.
Encyclopedia of Soil Science
by Rattan LalNew and Improved Global Edition: Three-Volume Set A ready reference addressing a multitude of soil and soil management concerns, the highly anticipated and widely expanded third edition of Encyclopedia of Soil Science now spans three volumes and covers ground on a global scale. A definitive guide designed for both coursework and self-study, this latest version describes every branch of soil science and delves into trans-disciplinary issues that focus on inter-connectivity or the nexus approach. For Soil Scientists, Crop Scientists, Plant Scientists and More A host of contributors from around the world weigh in on underlying themes relevant to natural and agricultural ecosystems. Factoring in a rapidly changing climate and a vastly growing population, they sound off on topics that include soil degradation, climate change, soil carbon sequestration, food and nutritional security, hidden hunger, water quality, non-point source pollution, micronutrients, and elemental transformations. New in the Third Edition: Contains over 600 entries Offers global geographical and thematic coverage Entries peer reviewed by subject experts Addresses current issues of global significance Encyclopedia of Soil Science, Third Edition: Three Volume Set expertly explains the science of soil and describes the material in terms that are easily accessible to researchers, students, academicians, policy makers, and laymen alike. Also Available OnlineThis Taylor & Francis encyclopedia is also available through online subscription, offering a variety of extra benefits for researchers, students, and librarians, including: Citation tracking and alerts Active reference linking Saved searches and marked lists HTML and PDF format options Contact Taylor and Francis for more information or to inquire about subscription options and print/online combination packages.US: (Tel) 1.888.318.2367; (E-mail) e-reference@taylorandfrancis.comInternational: (Tel) +44 (0) 20 7017 6062; (E-mail) online.sales@tandf.co.uk
Encyclopedia of Systems and Control
by John Baillieul Tariq SamadThe Encyclopedia of Systems and Control collects a broad range of short expository articles that describe the current state of the art in the central topics of control and systems engineering as well as in many of the related fields in which control is an enabling technology. The editors have assembled the most comprehensive reference possible, and this has been greatly facilitated by the publisher’s commitment to continuously publish updates to the articles as they become available in the future. Although control engineering is now a mature discipline, it remains an area in which there is a great deal of research activity, and as new developments in both theory and applications become available, they will be included in the online version of the encyclopedia. A carefully chosen team of leading authorities in the field has written the well over 300 articles, 50 of them new in the second edition. The topics range from basic principles of feedback in servomechanisms to advanced topics such as the control of Boolean networks and evolutionary game theory and this range has also been expanded to include material on such subjects as the Internet of Things, quantum control and smart grids. Because the content has been selected to reflect both foundational importance and subjects that are of current interest to the research and practitioner communities, a broad readership that includes students, application engineers, and research scientists will find entries that are of interest.
Encyclopedia of the Antarctic
by Beau RiffenburghThe Antarctic is unique, geographically, politically, and scientifically. It is the most remote, hostile, and dangerous continent, while at the same time it is the most pristine and least developed. Antarctica is the only major part of the Earth's landmass not directly governed by one nation, but under the control of a Treaty, with a multitude of acceding nations. The Encyclopedia of the Antarctic brings together large quantities of information on the wide variety of factors, issues and individuals influencing and relating to the Antarctic. No comparable book currently exists for this region.The Encyclopedia of the Antarctic discusses scientific activities and topics, but the 'human element' is also a significant part of the work, with entries on history, politics, legal issues, national research programs, scientific bases, historic huts, the United Nation's 'Question of Antarctica,' compliance with the Environmental Protocol, and tourism.