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Understanding Interventions That Encourage Minorities To Pursue Research Careers: Summary Of A Workshop

by National Research Council of the National Academies

Minority groups are severely underrepresented in the scientific workforce. To encourage minorities to pursue careers in research, a variety of "intervention programs" have been created at the pre-college, college, and graduate school levels. While there is a belief that these programs often achieve their goals, there is relatively little understanding of the factors that contribute to that success. The Division of Minority Opportunities in Research (MORE) at the National Institute of General Medical Sciences of the National Institutes of Health has established a grant program to support research to better understand the factors that contribute to the success of intervention programs. The MORE Division asked the National Academies to organize a workshop focusing on issues addressed by the grant program. This workshop summary presents examples of previous research on intervention programs, describes ways to formulate effective research questions and conduct research to identify the key elements that lead to successful intervention programs, and outlines ways to foster a community of researchers in this area.

Understanding Invasive Species in the Galapagos Islands: From The Molecular To The Landscape (Social And Ecological Interactions In The Galapagos Islands Ser.)

by María de Lourdes Torres Carlos F. Mena

This book investigates the introduction of invasive species and their behavior in oceanic islands. How can we define invasive species? What is their history? How did they come to dominate and transform ecosystems? These are relevant questions when trying to understand the behavior of invasive species—primarily in fragile ecosystems such as islands—and to understand the biological, ecological, social and economic impacts of invasions.We chose the Galapagos Islands, a place well-known to be unique in the study of evolution, as a laboratory to analyze the interactions between invasive and endemic species, to understand the makeup of the ecosystems emerging after invasions have occurred, to describe the relationships of invasives with the people that live in these islands, and to try to develop comprehensive analyses on this topic from multi-scalar and multi-disciplinary points of view. For a long time, the discussion has been about how proper management of the species could achieve two main goals: the eradication of the species to recover affected ecosystems and the conservation of endemic species. The discussion has taken on other nuances, including the suggestion that an invasive species, when it is already adapted to an ecosystem, forms an integral part of it, and thus eradication would in itself go against conservation. On the other hand, some invasive species are not only part of the biological compound of the island ecosystems, but they also form part of the social and cultural history of the inhabited islands. Some of these identified by the local inhabitants are species of real or potential economic value.

Understanding Iran

by Frederic Wehrey Jerrold D. Green Charles Jr. Wolf

A compact, user-friendly handbook for U.S. policymakers interested in understanding the Islamic Republic of Iran. It synthesizes existing analyses on Iran and draws from non-American experts with a different interpretive lens for viewing the seemingly opaque Iranian system. It provides short analytic observations about the processes, institutions, networks, and actors that define Iran's politics, strategy, economic policy, and diplomacy.

Understanding Kinetic Resolution by Hydrolases: Maximizing Enantioselectivity (SpringerBriefs in Molecular Science)

by Abir B. Majumder Kalluri V. Ranganath

This brief is a concise guide that explores the theory and practical aspects of improving enantioselectivity in enzymatic kinetic resolution, with a specific focus on the role of hydrolases in this process. Enzymatic kinetic resolution is a valuable technique for obtaining enantiopure compounds, and hydrolases are highlighted as a crucial class of enzymes widely used in industries for chiral synthesis involving kinetic resolution. The book emphasizes the importance of tuning and optimizing the enzymatic kinetic resolution process to achieve the highest possible enantiomeric excess in the final product or starting material while maintaining the desired yield. Through illustrative examples, the text aims to make the concept accessible and appealing to graduate students, researchers, and young organic chemists seeking to incorporate hydrolases in their stereoselective synthesis endeavors.

Understanding Land Degradation: An Overview (SpringerBriefs in Geography)

by Stanley Weeraratna

Much of the earth's population is dependent on agriculture as it provides food for their sustenance. Successful crop production depends to a considerable extent on land and climate. Soil is the main component of land and a fertile soil is essential for crop growth. However, soil fertility declines over the years mainly due to land degradation. Hence, implementing appropriate measures to control land degradation is important. It is the responsibility of the farmers and the governments to take action to control land degradation. Agricultural extension officers are involved in making farmers aware of land degradation and control measures. Planners and policy makers need scientific assessments on land degradation and its implications so that they could advice the relevant authorities who prepare the national programs and budgets. This book highlights issues related to land degradation, the causal factors and methods of control. The audience is agricultural practitioners and planners as well as students of agriculture. Environmentalists would also benefit by understanding the main issues related to land degradation discussed.

Understanding LED Illumination

by M. Nisa Khan

Understanding LED Illumination elucidates the science of lighting for light emitting diodes. It presents concepts, theory, simulations, and new design techniques that shine the spotlight on illumination, energy efficiency, and reducing electrical power consumption. The text provides an introduction to the fundamentals of LED lamp design, and highli

Understanding Life in the Universe (Understanding Life)

by Wallace Arthur

The two most fascinating questions about extraterrestrial life are where it is found and what it is like. In particular, from our Earth-based vantage point, we are keen to know where the closest life to us is, and how similar it might be to life on our home planet. This book deals with both of these key issues. It considers possible homes for life, with a focus on Earth-like exoplanets. And it examines the possibility that life elsewhere might be similar to life here, due to the existence of parallel environments, which may result in Darwinian selection producing parallel trees of life between one planet and another. Understanding Life in the Universe provides an engaging and myth-busting overview for any reader interested in the existence and nature of extraterrestrial life, and the realistic possibility of discovering credible evidence for it in the near future.

Understanding Light Microscopy (RMS - Royal Microscopical Society)

by Jeremy Sanderson

Introduces readers to the enlightening world of the modern light microscope There have been rapid advances in science and technology over the last decade, and the light microscope, together with the information that it gives about the image, has changed too. Yet the fundamental principles of setting up and using a microscope rests upon unchanging physical principles that have been understood for years. This informative, practical, full-colour guide fills the gap between specialised edited texts on detailed research topics, and introductory books, which concentrate on an optical approach to the light microscope. It also provides comprehensive coverage of confocal microscopy, which has revolutionised light microscopy over the last few decades. Written to help the reader understand, set up, and use the often very expensive and complex modern research light microscope properly, Understanding Light Microscopy keeps mathematical formulae to a minimum—containing and explaining them within boxes in the text. Chapters provide in-depth coverage of basic microscope optics and design; ergonomics; illumination; diffraction and image formation; reflected-light, polarised-light, and fluorescence microscopy; deconvolution; TIRF microscopy; FRAP & FRET; super-resolution techniques; biological and materials specimen preparation; and more. Gives a didactic introduction to the light microscope Encourages readers to use advanced fluorescence and confocal microscopes within a research institute or core microscopy facility Features full-colour illustrations and workable practical protocols Understanding Light Microscopy is intended for any scientist who wishes to understand and use a modern light microscope. It is also ideal as supporting material for a formal taught course, or for individual students to learn the key aspects of light microscopy through their own study.

Understanding Lipid Metabolism with Microarrays and Other Omic Approaches

by Alvin Berger Matthew A. Roberts

Reviewing current studies and previously unpublished research from leading laboratories around the world, Unravelling Lipid Metabolism With Microarrays demonstrates the use of microarrays and transcriptomic approaches to clarify the biological function of lipids. It provides an extensive overview of statistical approaches to microarray data, as well as discussions on how microarrays can be used to understand the role of lipids in the initiation or prevention of disorders such as cancer, diabetes, and obesity. Of particular note is a chapter by the only group known to study the effect of lipids on transcriptomics in multiple brain regions.

Understanding Living Systems (Understanding Life)

by Raymond Noble Denis Noble

Life is definitively purposive and creative. Organisms use genes in controlling their destiny. This book presents a paradigm shift in understanding living systems. The genome is not a code, blueprint or set of instructions. It is a tool orchestrated by the system. This book shows that gene-centrism misrepresents what genes are and how they are used by living systems. It demonstrates how organisms make choices, influencing their behaviour, their development and evolution, and act as agents of natural selection. It presents a novel approach to fundamental philosophical and cultural issues, such as free-will. Reading this book will make you see life in a new light, as a marvellous phenomenon, and in some sense a triumph of evolution. We are not in our genes, our genes are in us.

Understanding Machine Understanding: Does AI Really Know What It Is Talking About?

by Ken Clements

This is a comprehensive and thought-provoking exploration of the nature of machine understanding, its evaluation, and its implications. The book proposes a new framework, the Multifaceted Understanding Test Tool (MUTT), for assessing machine understanding

Understanding Mammalian Locomotion

by John E. Bertram

Understanding Mammalian Locomotion will formally introduce the emerging perspective of collision dynamics in mammalian terrestrial locomotion and explain how it influences the interpretation of form and functional capabilities. The objective is to bring the reader interested in the function and mechanics of mammalian terrestrial locomotion to a sophisticated conceptual understanding of the relevant mechanics and the current debate ongoing in the field.

Understanding Marine Biodiversity: A Research Agenda for the Nation

by Committee on Biological Diversity in Marine Systems

The diversity of marine life is being affected dramatically by fishery operations, chemical pollution and eutrophication, alteration of physical habitat, exotic species invasion, and effects of other human activities. Effective solutions will require an expanded understanding of the patterns and processes that control the diversity of life in the sea.Understanding Marine Biodiverity outlines the current state of our knowledge, and propose research agenda on marine biological diversity. This agenda represents a fundamental change in studying the ocean--emphasizing regional research across a range of space and time scales, enhancing the interface between taxonomy and ecology, and linking oceanographic and ecological approaches.Highlighted with examples and brief case studies, this volume illustrates the depth and breadth of undescribed marine biodiversity, explores critical environmental issues, advocates the use of regionally defined model systems, and identifies a series of key biodiversity research questions. The authors examine the utility of various research approaches--theory and modeling, retrospective analysis, integration of biotic and oceanographic surveys--and review recent advances in molecular genetics, instrumentation, and sampling techniques applicable to the research agenda. Throughout the book the critical role of taxonomy is emphasized.Informative to the scientist and accessible to the policymaker, Understanding Marine Biodiversity will be of specific interest to marine biologists, ecologists, oceanographers, and research administrators, and to government agencies responsible for utilizing, managing, and protecting the oceans.

Understanding Mathematics and Science Matters (Studies in Mathematical Thinking and Learning Series)

by Thomas A. Romberg, Thomas P. Carpenter and Fae Dremock

The research reported in this book provides reliable evidence on and knowledge about mathematics and science instruction that emphasizes student understanding--instruction consistent with the needs of students who will be citizens in an increasingly demanding technological world.The National Center for Improving Student Learning in Mathematics and Science--established in 1996 as a research center and funded by the U.S. Department of Education--was instrumental in developing instructional practices supportive of high student achievement in and understanding of mathematics and science concepts. NCISLA researchers worked with teachers, students, and administrators to construct learning environments that exemplify current research and theory about effective learning of mathematics and science. The careful programs of research conducted examined how instructional content and design, assessment, professional development, and organizational support can be designed, implemented, and orchestrated to support the learning of all students. This book presents a summary of the concepts, findings, and conclusions of the Center's research from 1996-2001.In the Introduction, the chapters in Understanding Mathematics and Science Matters are situated in terms of the reform movement in school mathematics and school science. Three thematically structured sections focus on, respectively, research directed toward what is involved when students learn mathematics and science with understanding; research on the role of teachers and the problems they face when attempting to teach their students mathematics and science with understanding; and a collaboration among some of the contributors to this volume to gather information about classroom assessment practices and organizational support for reform.The goal of this book is to help educational practitioners, policymakers, and the general public to see the validity of the reform recommendations, understand the recommended guidelines, and to use these to transform teaching and learning of mathematics and science in U.S. classrooms.

Understanding Matter (Inspire Science, Grade 7 Integrated #Unit 1)

by Alton L. Biggs Ralph M. Feather Jr. Douglas Fisher

NIMAC-sourced textbook

Understanding Membrane Distillation and Osmotic Distillation

by Minh H. Nguyen Robert A. Johnson

This book addresses principles and practical applications of membrane distillation and osmotic distillation, separation technologies which are gaining increasing attention due to their advantages over conventional concentration processes.• Addresses membrane and osmotic distillation, two closely related and novel processes that offer several advantages over conventional concentration processes• Has a widespread impact and application of the technology in industries such as food, environment, and nuclear clean-up / containment• Covers theoretical aspects of both processes, the properties of hydrophobic membranes, process economics, integrated processes and future prospects.• Caters the presentation caters for the diversity of readership with respect to links with membrane technologies.

Understanding Mental Disorders: A Philosophical Approach to the Medicine of the Mind

by Daniel Lafleur Christopher Mole Holly Onclin

Understanding Mental Disorders aims to help current and future psychiatrists, and those who work with them, to think critically about the ethical, conceptual, and methodological questions that are raised by the theory and practice of psychiatry. It considers questions that concern the mind’s relationship to the brain, the origins of our norms for thinking and behavior, and the place of psychiatry in medicine, and in society more generally. With a focus on the current debates around psychiatry’s diagnostic categories, the authors ask where these categories come from, if psychiatry should be looking to find new categories that are based more immediately on observations of the brain, and whether psychiatrists need to employ any diagnostic categories at all. The book is a unique guide for readers who want to think carefully about the mind, mental disorders, and the practice of psychiatric medicine.

Understanding Metaphors in the Life Sciences (Understanding Life)

by Andrew S. Reynolds

Covering a range of metaphors from a diverse field of sciences, from cell and molecular biology to evolution, ecology, and biomedicine, Understanding Metaphors in the Life Sciences explores the positive and negative implications of the widespread use of metaphors in the biological and life sciences. From genetic codes, programs, and blueprints, to cell factories, survival of the fittest, the tree of life, selfish genes, and ecological niches, to genome editing with CRISPR's molecular scissors, metaphors are ubiquitous and vital components of the modern life sciences. But how exactly do metaphors help scientists to understand the objects they study? How can they mislead both scientists and laypeople alike? And what should we all understand about the implications of science's reliance on metaphorical speech and thought for objective knowledge and adequate public policy informed by science? This book will literally help you to better understand the metaphorical dimensions of science.

Understanding Microbes

by Jeremy W. Dale

We can't see them, but microbes are the dominant form of life on Earth. They make up half of the world's biomass. They were here billions of years before we were, and they will be here after we are gone. Without their activity, life as we know it would be impossible. Even within our own bodies, there are ten times as many bacterial cells as human cells. Understanding Microbes provides a clear, accessible introduction to this world of microbes.As well as looking at a selection of infectious diseases, including how they are prevented and treated, the book explores the importance of microbes in the environment, in the production and preservation of food, and their applications in biotechnology.This lively and engaging book provides the basics of microbiology, in a contemporary context. It will be equally useful for students across the biological, environmental and health sciences, and for the curious reader wanting to learn more about this fascinating subject.A highly-readable, concise introduction to the basics of microbiology placed in the context of the very latest developments in molecular biology and their impact on the microbial world.Numerous real-world examples range from how cows digest grass to the role of microbes in cancer and the impact of climate changeWell-illustrated in full colour throughout.Written by an Author with a proven track record in teaching, writing and research.

Understanding Molecules: Lectures on Chemistry for Physicists and Engineers

by Franco Battaglia Thomas F. George

Chemistry is a subject that many students with differing goals have to tackle. This unique general chemistry textbook is tailored to more mathematically-oriented engineering or physics students. The authors emphasize the principles underlying chemistry rather than chemistry itself and the almost encyclopedic completeness appearing in a common textbook of general chemistry is sacrificed for an emphasis to these principles. Contained within 300 pages, it is suitable for a one-semester course for students who have a strong background in calculus. Over 200 problems with answers are provided so that the students can check their progress.

Understanding Nanoelectromechanical Quantum Circuits and Systems (NEMX) for the Internet of Things (IoT) Era

by Héctor J. Santos

The operational theme permeating most definitions of the IoT concept, is the wireless communication of networked objects, in particular, smart sensing devices and machines, exchanging data a la Internet. In this book, a detailed look is taken at the fundamental principles of devices and techniques whose exploitation will facilitate the development of compact, power-efficient, autonomous, smart, networked sensing nodes underlying and encompassing the emerging IoT era.The book provides an understanding of nanoelectromechanical quantum circuits and systems (NEMX), as exemplified by firstly the uncovering of their origins, impetus and motivation, and secondly by developing an understanding of their device physics, including, the topics of actuation, mechanical vibration and sensing. Next the fundamentals of key devices, namely, MEMS/NEMS switches, varactors and resonators are covered, including a wide range of implementations. The book then looks at their energy supply via energy harvesting, as derived from wireless energy and mechanical vibrations. Finally, after an introduction to the fundamentals of IoT networks and nodes, the book concludes with an exploration of how the NEMX components are encroaching in a variety of emerging IoT applications.

Understanding Nanomaterials, Second Edition (Textbook Series in Physical Sciences)

by Malkiat S. Johal Lewis E. Johnson

Praise for the first edition"clear and informative” ?Chemistry World The authors provide the perfect training tool for the workforce in nanotech development by presenting the fundamental principles that govern the fabrication, characterization, and application of nanomaterials. This edition represents a complete overhaul, giving a much more complete, self-contained introduction. As before, the text avoids excessive mathematical detail and is written in an easy to follow, appealing style suitable for anyone, regardless of background in physics, chemistry, engineering, or biology. The organization has been revised to include fundamental physical chemistry and physics pertaining to relevant electrical, mechanical, and optical material properties. Incorporates new and expanded content on hard materials, semiconductors for nanoelectronics, and nonlinear optical materials. Adds many more worked examples and end-of-chapter problems. Provides more complete coverage of fundamentals including relevant aspects of thermodynamics, kinetics, quantum mechanics, and solid-state physics, and also significantly expands treatment of solid-phase systems. Malkiat S. Johal is a professor of physical chemistry at Pomona College, and earned his doctorate in physical chemistry at the University of Cambridge, UK. Lewis E. Johnson is a research scientist at the University of Washington, where he also earned his doctorate in chemistry and nanotechnology.

Understanding Nanotechnology

by The Editors of Scientific American

Taken from the Greek, nano means 'one billionth part of' a whole; or very, very small. Nanotechnology is the next step after miniaturization. This book explores the cutting edge of a new technology that will find usage in almost every single aspect of modern society.

Understanding Natural Selection (Understanding Life)

by Michael Ruse

Natural selection, as introduced by Charles Darwin in the Origin of Species (1859), has always been a topic of great conceptual and empirical interest. This book puts Darwin's theory of evolution in historical context showing that, in important respects, his central mechanism of natural selection gives the clue to understanding the nature of organisms. Natural selection has important implications, not just for the understanding of life's history – single-celled organism to man – but also for our understanding of contemporary social norms, as well as the nature of religious belief. The book is written in clear, non-technical language, appealing not just to philosophers, historians, and biologists, but also to general readers who find thinking about important issues both challenging and exciting.

Understanding Nature: Ecology for a New Generation

by Louise M. Weber

Understanding Nature is a new kind of ecology textbook: a straightforward resource that teaches natural history and ecological content, and a way to instruct students that will nurture both Earth and self. While meeting the textbook guidelines set forth by the Ecological Society of America, Understanding Nature has a unique ecotherapy theme, using a historical framework to teach ecological theory to undergraduates. This textbook presents all the core information without being unnecessarily wordy or lengthy, using simple, relatable language and discussing ecology in ways that any student can apply in real life. Uniquely, it is also a manual on how to improve one’s relationship with the Earth. This is accomplished through coverage of natural history, ecology, and applications, together with suggested field activities that start each chapter and thinking questions that end each chapter. The book includes traditional ecological knowledge as well as the history of scientific ecological knowledge. Understanding Nature teaches theory and applications that will heal the Earth. It also teaches long-term sustainability practices for one’s psyche. Professor Louise Weber is both an ecologist and a certified ecopsychologist, challenging ecology instructors to rethink what and how they teach about nature. Her book bridges the gap between students taking ecology to become ecologists and those taking ecology as a requirement, who will use the knowledge to become informed citizens.

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