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Understanding Coronaviruses: SARS, MERS, and the COVID-19 Pandemic
by Connie GoldsmithWhile many scientists believed influenza would cause the next great pandemic, no one was prepared for the new strain of coronavirus that appeared in 2019. SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, has infiltrated every country and put global public health and the economy at risk. Health-care systems have been pushed to the limit as protective gear, life-saving equipment, tests, and vaccines are scarce and in high demand. From the initial infection to the widespread impact on daily life, Understanding Coronaviruses examines the intricacies of SARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19 and how they compare to previous viruses and pandemics.
Understanding Cosmology
by Scientific AmericanWhat is the true nature of the universe and its ultimate fate? Drawing on ground-breaking observations, cosmologists have come up with startling theories presented in this collection. Issues explored include: The creation and fate of the universe, and the evolution of cosmology as a science.
Understanding Cross-Cultural Neuropsychology: Science, Testing and Challenges (Current Issues in Neuropsychology)
by Alberto Luis FernándezUnderstanding Cross-Cultural Neuropsychology thoroughly examines the meaning of culture in the context of neuropsychology, focusing on the fundamental neuroscience underlying how different aspects of culture influence neuropsychological test performance, and how that is related to brain function. It explores in detail the relationship between brain activity and culture, and the influence of various cultural, educational, and linguistic factors on neuropsychological test performances across various cognitive domains. Written by leadings researchers in cross-cultural neuropsychology, the book first introduces the basic concepts in the field. It goes on to focus on the influence of cultural variables on specific domains of cognition, including perception, attention, memory, language, and executive functions. It also explores the implications of cross-cultural neuropsychology in practice, including a focus on test adaptation, the use of interpreters, the influence of acculturation, and the practice of neuropsychological rehabilitation in different cultural settings. This book is essential reading for neuropsychologists and related practitioners working with culturally diverse clients, who need a good grasp of the cultural impacts on neuropsychological test performance when assessing clients from different cultural, linguistic, and educational backgrounds. It is also valuable for neuropsychologists in countries around the world who need a means of understanding the ways in which their culture impacts the performances of their clients on tests, which have been mostly developed in the U.S. or other Western cultures.
Understanding Culture: An Introduction to Anthropological Theory
by Philip Carl SalzmanSalzman presents anthropological theories with admirable balance and restraint. He makes a case for each theory, offering no criticism until the final chapter in which he offers a brief critique of each.
Understanding Cybersecurity Technologies: A Guide to Selecting the Right Cybersecurity Tools (The Human Element in Smart and Intelligent Systems)
by Abbas MoallemCyberattacks on enterprises, government institutions, and individuals are exponentially growing. At the same time, the number of companies, both small and large, offering all types of solutions has been increasing too. Since companies rely on technological solutions to protect themselves against cyberattacks, understanding and selecting the right solutions among those offered presents a significant challenge for professionals, company executives, and newcomers to the cybersecurity field.FEATURES Presents descriptions for each type of cybersecurity technology and their specifications Explains applications, usages, and offers case studies to enhance comprehension Offers an easy-to-understand classification of existing cybersecurity technologies Provides an understanding of the technologies without getting lost in technical details Focuses on existing technologies used in different solutions, without focusing on the companies that offer these technologies This book is intended to help all professionals new to cybersecurity, students, and experts to learn or educate their audiences on the foundations of the available solutions.
Understanding Development (Understanding Life)
by Alessandro MinelliDevelopmental biology is seemingly well understood, with development widely accepted as being a series of programmed changes through which an egg turns into an adult organism, or a seed matures into a plant. However, the picture is much more complex than that: is it all genetically controlled or does environment have an influence? Is the final adult stage the target of development and everything else just a build-up to that point? Are developmental strategies the same in plants as in animals? How do we consider development in single-celled organisms? In this concise, engaging volume, Alessandro Minelli, a leading developmental biologist, addresses these key questions. Using familiar examples and easy-to-follow arguments, he offers fresh alternatives to a number of preconceptions and stereotypes, awakening the reader to the disparity of developmental phenomena across all main branches of the tree of life.
Understanding Diabetes
by R. F. DodsA clear explanation of the cause, diagnosis, and treatment of diabetesWritten for a broad range of readers, including students, researchers, policymakers, health care providers, and diabetes patients and caregivers, this book explains the underlying biochemistry and physiology of diabetes mellitus. Each chapter contains a glossary that defines key terms, a summary that highlights essential concepts discussed in each section of the chapter, as well as a set of simple problems to help readers gain a richer and deeper understanding of diabetes, from its history to treatment options.Understanding Diabetes begins with an overview of the disease, its worldwide prevalence and cost, and its connection to the global obesity epidemic. The author then explores the history of diabetes, including the first documented description of the disease dating back to 3400 BCE in Ancient Egypt. The next chapter, A Glucose Metabolism Primer, sets forth the pathways for the metabolism of glucose. Next, the book covers:Regulation of glucose metabolism and glucose metabolism gone wrongDiabetes classification systemDiagnosis, including current laboratory testsComplications, such as retinopathy, neuropathy, and cardiovascular diseaseHereditary transmissionPrevention and treatment, including emerging researchAlthough a cure has still not been found, this book demonstrates that researchers are continuing to make major breakthroughs on all fronts in the fight against diabetes, including a better understanding of its causes and an improved ability to diagnose and treat the disease.
Understanding Digital Signal Processing with MATLAB and Solutions (The Electrical Engineering and Applied Signal Processing Series)
by Alexander D. PoularikasThe book discusses receiving signals that most electrical engineers detect and study. The vast majority of signals could never be detected due to random additive signals, known as noise, that distorts them or completely overshadows them. Such examples include an audio signal of the pilot communicating with the ground over the engine noise or a bioengineer listening for a fetus’ heartbeat over the mother’s. The text presents the methods for extracting the desired signals from the noise. Each new development includes examples and exercises that use MATLAB to provide the answer in graphic forms for the reader's comprehension and understanding.
Understanding Distillation Using Column Profile Maps
by Daniel Beneke Mark Peters David Glasser Diane HildebrandtResearchers share their pioneering graphical method for designing almost any distillation structure Developed by the authors in collaboration with other researchers at the Centre of Material and Process Synthesis, column profile maps (CPMs) enable chemical engineers to design almost any distillation structure using novel graphical techniques. The CPM method offers tremendous advantages over other design methods because it is generalized and not constrained to a particular piece of equipment. Understanding Distillation Using Column Profile Maps enables readers to understand, analyze, and design distillation structures to solve common distillation problems, including distillation by simple columns, side rectifiers and strippers, multiple feed columns, and fully thermally coupled columns. In addition, the book presents advanced topics such as reactive distillation, membrane permeation, and validation of thermodynamic models. For all these processes, the authors set forth easy-to-follow design techniques, solution strategies, and insights gained using CPMs. This book offers everything needed to fully understand and use CPMs as a design tool: Figures help readers understand how to use CPMs as design and optimization tools Examples clearly illustrate how to solve specific problems using CPMs Tutorials allow readers to explore key concepts through experimentation Design and Optimization of Distillation Systems software package, developed for this book, enables readers to reproduce the examples in the book, follow the tutorials, and begin designing their own distillation systems With its many examples and step-by-step tutorials, Understanding Distillation Using Column Profile Maps is recommended for students in chemical engineering in advanced undergraduate and graduate courses. The book also provides new practical techniques that can be immediately applied by chemical engineering professionals in industry.
Understanding DNA Ancestry (Understanding Life)
by Sheldon KrimskyDNA ancestry companies generate revenues in the region of $1bn a year, and the company 23andMe is said to have sold 10 million DNA ancestry kits to date. Although evidently popular, the science behind how DNA ancestry tests work is mystifying and difficult for the general public to interpret and understand. In this accessible and engaging book, Sheldon Krimsky, a leading researcher, investigates the methods that different companies use for DNA ancestry testing. He also discusses what the tests are used for, from their application in criminal investigations to discovering missing relatives. With a lack of transparency from companies in sharing their data, absent validation of methods by independent scientists, and currently no agreed-upon standards of accuracy, this book also examines the ethical issues behind genetic genealogy testing, including concerns surrounding data privacy and security. It demystifies the art and science of DNA ancestry testing for the general reader.
Understanding Drug Release and Absorption Mechanisms: A Physical and Mathematical Approach
by Mario Grassi Gabriele Grassi Romano Lapasin Italo ColomboDemand for better reliability from drug delivery systems has caused designers and researchers to move away from trial-and-error approaches and toward model-based methods of product development. Developing such models requires cross-disciplinary physical, mathematical, and physiological knowledge. Combining these areas under a single cover, Under
Understanding Earth Observation
by Domenico SoliminiThis volume addresses the physical foundation of remote sensing. The basic grounds are presented in close association with the kinds of environmental targets to monitor and with the observing techniques. The book aims at plugging the quite large gap between the thorough and quantitative description of electromagnetic waves interacting with the Earth's environment and the user applications of Earth observation. It is intended for scientifically literate students and professionals who plan to gain a first understanding of remote sensing data and of their information content.
Understanding Ecological Programming: Merging Theory, Research, and Practice
by Susan Scherffiu Jakes Craig BrookinsIncrease the effectiveness of prevention programs by altering community and social settings! Understanding Ecological Programming: Merging Theory, Research, and Practice contains vital information to help you become a better community-based program designer using ecological programming. Focused on the basic concept of the ecological progra
Understanding Education in the European Union: From Different Systems to an Ideal One (SpringerBriefs in Education)
by Nicola AcocellaThis book examines the importance of education in the European context, from knowledge acquisition to its instrumental nature. It provides a short history of education of schools around the world before delving into the comparisons of European education systems through exploration of their organization, teaching methods, attendance models and public versus private provision and costs. Additionally, it discusses the existence of NEETs (Not in Education, Employment, or Training) within these systems. Starting with addressing the six dimensions of the European Education Area devised by the Bologna Process, it concludes with identifying a need for a superior education model that accommodates different aspects of education which is not yet satisfactorily achieved by any existing systems, offering insight into an ideal education system. Inviting reflection on the role of education and its future, educators, educational administrators, and those interested in understanding and improving the functioning of schools find this book of great value.
Understanding Electricity
by Stephen M. TomecekThis is a book about electrical power and how it affects all of us.
Understanding Electromagnetic Transients in Power Systems (IEEE Press Series on Power and Energy Systems)
by Luiz Cera Zanetta Jr.Understand transients and their roles in linear systems with this essential guide Electromagnetic transients are a fundamental aspect of linear power systems, and therefore a key knowledge area for electrical engineers. Understanding Electromagnetic Transients in Power Systems provides a comprehensive but accessible overview to transients, their underlying theory and mathematics, and their impact in electrical power system design. Its detailed but clear presentation makes it a must-own for students and working engineers alike. Readers of Understanding Electromagnetic Transients in Power Systems will also find: Deep consideration of the relationship between foundational concepts, mathematical calculations, and impacts on equipmentDetailed discussion of topics including time and frequency domain analysis, basic transforms, fundamentals of electrical circuit transients and traveling waves, overvoltage, insulation coordination, and many moreDozens of solved simple examples to facilitate understanding Understanding Electromagnetic Transients in Power Systems is ideal for electrical engineers and professionals in utilities and equipment manufacturing, as well as for graduate and advanced undergraduate students learning about transients, electrical circuits, and related subjects.
Understanding Environmental Issues
by Susan Buckingham Mike TurnerThere is now an unprecedented interest in, and concern about, environmental problems. Understanding Environmental Issues explains the science behind these problems, as well as the economic, political, social, and cultural factors which produce and reproduce them. Understanding Environmental Issues " explains, clearly and concisely, the science and social science necessary to understand environmental issues - using learning outcomes, text boxes, tables and figures throughout to make complex ideas accessible and relevant " describes - in section one - the philosophies, values, politics, and technologies which contribute to the production of environmental issues " uses cases - on climate change, waste, food, and natural hazards - in section two - to provide detailed illustration and exemplification of the ideas described in section one. The conclusion, a case study of Mexico City, draws together the key themes Vivid, accessible and pedagogically informed, Understanding Environmental Issues will be a key resource for undergraduate and taught postgraduate students in Geography, Environment, and Ecology; as well as students of the social sciences with an interest in environmental issues.
Understanding Environmental Policy
by Steven CohenIn Understanding Environmental Policy, Steven Cohen introduces an innovative, multidimensional framework for developing effective environmental policy within the United States and around the world. He demonstrates his approach through an analysis of four case studies representing current local, national, and international environmental challenges: New York City's garbage crisis; the problem of leaks from underground storage units; toxic waste contamination and the Superfund program; and global climate change. He analyzes the political, scientific, technological, organizational, and moral import of these environmental issues and the nature of the policy surrounding them. He also places a specific focus on the response from the George W. Bush administration. Cohen considers how our current environmental policy and problems reflect the value we place on our ecosystems; whether science and technology can solve the environmental problems they create; and what policy is necessary to reduce environmentally damaging behaviors. Cohen's multifaceted approach is essential reading for analysts, managers, activists, students, and scholars of environmental policy.
Understanding Environmental Policy
by Steven CohenThe first edition of this pragmatic course text emphasized the policy value of a "big picture" approach to the ethical, political, technological, scientific, economic, and management aspects of environmental issues. The text then applied this approach to real-world case examples involving leaks in underground storage tanks, toxic waste cleanup, and the effects of global climate change. This second edition demonstrates the ongoing effectiveness of the book's framework in generating meaningful action and policy solutions to current environmental issues. The text adds case examples concerning congestion taxes, e-waste, hydrofracking, and recent developments in global climate change, updating references and other materials throughout and incorporating the political and policy changes of the Obama administration's first term and developments in national and global environmental issues.
Understanding Environmental Policy
by Steven CohenThe first edition of this pragmatic course text emphasized the policy value of a "big picture" approach to the ethical, political, technological and scientific, economic, and management aspects of environmental issues. The text then applied this approach to real-world case examples involving leaking underground storage tanks, toxic waste cleanup, and the effects of global climate change.This second edition demonstrates the ongoing effectiveness of this framework to generating meaningful action and policy solutions to today's urgent environmental issues. The text adds case examples concerning congestion taxes, e-waste, hydrofracking, and recent developments in global climate change and updates references and other materials throughout, incorporating the political and policy changes of the Obama Administration's first term and developments in national and global environmental issues.
Understanding Environmental Pollution: A Primer
by Marquita K. HillThis undergraduate textbook examines environmental pollution ranging from our homes to the global environment. Completely updated and with over 50% new and rewritten material, this new edition assesses the international scope of pollution, including water, climate change, acidification, energy, solid and hazardous waste, persistent chemicals, and pesticides. The pollutants of current major concern are examined, including plastics and electronic waste. Both the impacts and the sources of pollution are addressed, as well as governmental, corporate, and personal responsibility for pollution. Pollution prevention is emphasized throughout, but students will come to see that prevention is not enough. The text moves on to examine a circular economy with closed-loop systems, where by-products are reused, wastes become raw materials, water is recycled, and energy is recovered from waste energy. Understanding Environmental Pollution engages students with the idea that humanity holds the tools to confronting the daunting pollution issues by considering a circular economy.
Understanding Evo-Devo (Understanding Life)
by Wallace ArthurWhy do the best-known examples of evolutionary change involve the alteration of one kind of animal into another very similar one, like the evolution of a bigger beak in a bird? Wouldn't it be much more interesting to understand how beaks originated? Most people would agree, but until recently we didn't know much about such origins. That is now changing, with the growth of the interdisciplinary field evo-devo, which deals with the relationship between how embryos develop in the short term and how they (and the adults they grow into) evolve in the long term. One of the key questions is: can the origins of structures such as beaks, eyes, and shells be explained within a Darwinian framework? The answer seems to be yes, but only by expanding that framework. This book discusses the required expansion, and the current state of play regarding our understanding of evolutionary and developmental origins.
Understanding Evolution (Understanding Life)
by Kostas KampourakisWhy do the debates about evolution persist, despite the plentiful evidence for it? Breaking down the notion that public resistance to evolution is strictly due to its perceived conflict with religion, this concise book shows that evolution is in fact a counterintuitive idea that is difficult to understand. Kostas Kampourakis, an experienced science educator, takes an insightful, interdisciplinary approach, providing an introduction to evolutionary theory written with clarity and thoughtful reasoning. Topics discussed include evolution in the public sphere, evolution and religion, the conceptual obstacles to understanding evolution, the development of Darwin's theory, the most important evolutionary concepts, as well as evolution and the nature of science. Understanding Evolution presents evolutionary theory with a lucidity and vision that readers will quickly appreciate, and is intended for anyone wanting an accessible and concise guide to evolution.
Understanding Evolution
by Kostas KampourakisCurrent books on evolutionary theory all seem to take for granted the fact that students find evolution easy to understand when actually, from a psychological perspective, it is a rather counterintuitive idea. Evolutionary theory, like all scientific theories, is a means to understanding the natural world. Understanding Evolution is intended for undergraduate students in the life sciences, biology teachers or anyone wanting a basic introduction to evolutionary theory. Covering core concepts and the structure of evolutionary explanations, it clarifies both what evolution is about and why so many people find it difficult to grasp. The book provides an introduction to the major concepts and conceptual obstacles to understanding evolution, including the development of Darwin's theory, and a detailed presentation of the most important evolutionary concepts. Bridging the gap between the concepts and conceptual obstacles, Understanding Evolution presents evolutionary theory with a clarity and vision students will quickly appreciate.
Understanding Evolution in Darwin's "Origin": The Emerging Context of Evolutionary Thinking (History, Philosophy and Theory of the Life Sciences #34)
by Maria Elice Brzezinski PrestesThis book aims to encourage the reading of "On the Origin of Species" and to include it in the teaching of evolution. With a comprehensive overview of the development of Darwin's theory, the volume provides relevant aspects of Darwin's life and work in connection with the broader context of his time. The historical and philosophical analysis, mirrored in the socio-cultural scope, enables the diachronic reading of the text. It is built on various sources of historians and philosophers of science and sheds fresh light on them. Its uniqueness is the broad structure that covers four parts: the pre-Darwinian concepts of species changes; some key elements of Darwin's pursuit of the causes of evolution, from his voyage on Beagle to the publication of his groundbreaking work; chapter-by-chapter analysis of the "Origin"; and subsequent developments in evolutionary thought. This book is of interest to undergraduate and graduate students, scholars in history, philosophy, and sociology of science and science education, as well as the general public.