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National Forest Inventories: Contributions to Forest Biodiversity Assessments
by Susanne Winter Ronald E. Mcroberts Gherardo ChiriciForest biodiversity is crucial to the ecological, economic, and social well-being of earth's civilisations. Unfortunately, however, forest biodiversity is threatened to a serious degree in nearly all countries. Therefore, many countries have agreed to be parties to international agreements focused on maintaining, restoring, and monitoring biodiversity; further, these countries have agreed to report to international bodies on forest biodiversity status and trends. NFIs are the primary source of large-scale information available for this purpose, but the large variety of definitions, protocols, sampling designs, and plot configurations used by NFIs makes comparable international reporting extremely difficult. This book presents the results of Working Group 3 of COST Action E43 in the development of harmonization techniques for common reporting of estimates of forest biodiversity indicators using NFI data. Harmonization tests were carried out on a large common data base containing raw NFI data from 13 European countries and the USA. With its collection of practical examples for the estimation of forest biodiversity indicators, it's a practical tool for anyone involved in forest inventories and in forest resource monitoring and management as well as for those involved in biodiversity assessment and reporting.
National Geographic Extreme Weather Survival Guide
by Thomas M. KostigenHurricanes, floods, wildfires, tornadoes--weather is becoming extreme, and this book tells you how to plan ahead and prepare, respond to emergencies, and survive the worst-case scenarios. From the risks of building on changing coastlines to the safety kit you should have packed up at home, from the telltale signs of a hurricane on the horizon to how to power up when the grid goes down--this will be the one book to carry with you through all kinds of bad weather. Divided into four sections (Hot, Cold, Wet, Dry) each chapter includes a level-headed discussion of current weather extremes, facts and details on conditions, and theories for why these changes are occurring; dos and don'ts for inside and outside; and gives at-a-glance guidance for how to prepare for, survive, and recover from every extreme. Sidebar features include: gears and gadgets; protecting your pet; and firsthand accounts from survivors and the experts who help them. Spectacular photographs of wicked weather plus useful checklists and how-to illustrations make page after page both useful and entertaining, even when you're contemplating the unthinkable.
National Geographic Photo Basics: The Ultimate Beginner's Guide to Great Photography
by Joel SartoreFor digital camera and smartphone users, this easy how-to guide, written by an experienced National Geographic photographer, imparts the essentials of taking great pictures. <p><p>This entertaining book from beloved National Geographic photographer and Photo Ark founder Joel Sartore shows aspiring photographers how to take great pictures, from framing and F-stops to editing and archiving. Whether you're using your phone or a DSLR camera, you'll learn the fundamentals of photography--and how to put them to work every day.
National Project Management: The Sunshine Project and the Rise of the Japanese Solar Industry (Advances in Japanese Business and Economics #25)
by Minoru ShimamotoThis book clarifies the challenges and outcomes of the Sunshine Project, a national project in Japan for developing new energy that was launched about 40 years ago at the time of the first oil crisis in the early 1970s and ended, as planned, in the early 2000s. The Sunshine Project was the government’s national project for developing new energy technologies such as solar energy and other natural energy sources—what we call renewable energy today. The book considers why policies were successful in some areas but did not have the intended effect in other areas. It explains how technology innovation was employed to achieve energy policy goals and to tackle environmental issues. If we can present suggestions for how to structure national projects, it may also be possible to identify ways for industry, government, and academia to come together to find solutions not only to environmental energy problems, but also to other social problems. Herein lies the goal of this book. Although the development of new energy is the main subject of the book, the author also scrutinizes the governmental decision-making process involved in planning policy, the creative process, and the design of systems of collaboration between industry, government, and academia as well as cases where corporations have developed commercial versions of new energy products. The main part of the book consists of three case studies interspersed with two reflective chapters. The first case study describes the Sunshine Project from the perspective of project management based on the perspective of government. The second case study is a detailed examination of the routines in all organizations, whether industry, government, or academia, and of the autonomy of the project organization. The third case study increases the degree of detail to focus on the smallest unit of analysis, the intentions and motivations of key individuals participating in the project.
National Registration for Producers of Electronic Waste
by Hans-Jochen Lückefett Engelbert Westkämper Stefan Dully Carsten UlbrichtNew directives in the European Union forced the national governments to release new laws on the collection and recycling of electronic waste. Producers of electrical/electronic equipment are now required to fulfill several tasks on an administrational level, such as registration and regular declarations, as well as ensure take back and recycling operationally. The national laws and requirements strongly differ from country to country and created a lot of confusion in the past. In this book, consultants from 26 EU member states give a clear and structured recipe how this complicated procedure can be done in the corresponding country. This makes the book being an essential tool for the electrics industry, in particular for international companies.
National Science Education Standards
by National Research Council StaffAmericans agree that our students urgently need better science education. But what should they be expected to know and be able to do? Can the same expectations be applied across our diverse society? These and other fundamental issues are addressed in National Science Education Standards--a landmark development effort that reflects the contributions of thousands of teachers, scientists, science educators, and other experts across the country. The National Science Education Standards offer a coherent vision of what it means to be scientifically literate, describing what all students regardless of background or circumstance should understand and be able to do at different grade levels in various science categories. The standards address: The exemplary practice of science teaching that provides students with experiences that enable them to achieve scientific literacy. Criteria for assessing and analyzing students' attainments in science and the learning opportunities that school science programs afford. The nature and design of the school and district science program. The support and resources needed for students to learn science. These standards reflect the principles that learning science is an inquiry-based process, that science in schools should reflect the intellectual traditions of contemporary science, and that all Americans have a role in improving science education. This document will be invaluable to education policymakers, school system administrators, teacher educators, individual teachers, and concerned parents.
The National Science Foundation's Materials Research Science and Engineering Centers Program: LOOKING BACK, MOVING FORWARD
by National Research Council of the National AcademiesThe Materials Research Science and Engineering Centers (MRSEC) Impact Assessment Committee was convened by the National Research Council in response to an informal request from the National Science Foundation. Charged to examine the impact of the MRSEC program and to provide guidance for the future, the committee included experts from across materials research as well as several from outside the field. The committee developed a general methodology to examine the MRSEC centers and after extensive research and analysis, came to the following conclusions. MRSEC center awards continue to be in great demand. The intense competition within the community for them indicates a strong perceived value. Using more quantitative measures, the committee examined the performance and impact of MRSEC activities over the past decade in the areas of research, facilities, education and outreach, and industrial collaboration and technology transfer. The MRSEC program has had important impacts of the same high standard of quality as those of other multi-investigator or individual-investigator programs. Although the committee was largely unable to attribute observed impacts uniquely to the MRSEC program, MRSECs generally mobilize efforts that would not have occurred otherwise. Because of an observed decline in the effectiveness of the centers, the committee recommended a restructuring the MRSEC program to allow more efficient use and leveraging of resources. The new program should fully invest in centers of excellence as well as in stand-alone teams of researchers to allow tighter focus on key strengths of the program. In its report, the committee outlines one potential vision for how this might be accomplished in a revenue-neutral fashion.
National Spatial Data Infrastructure Partnership Programs: Rethinking the Focus
by National Research CouncilThe National Academies Press (NAP)--publisher for the National Academies--publishes more than 200 books a year offering the most authoritative views, definitive information, and groundbreaking recommendations on a wide range of topics in science, engineering, and health. Our books are unique in that they are authored by the nation's leading experts in every scientific field.
National Summit on Strategies to Manage Herbicide-Resistant Weeds: Proceedings of a Symposium
by Planning Committee for a National Summit on Strategies to Manage Herbicide-Resistant WeedsPreserving the efficacy of herbicides and of herbicide-resistance technology depends on awareness of the increasing resistance of weeds to herbicides used in agriculture and coordinated action to address the problem by individuals at the farm level and beyond. This summit served as a venue to bring the attention of important stakeholders to the issue and as an opportunity for experts from diverse disciplines to strategize in a coordinated way to address herbicide-resistant weeds. In convening stakeholders for this event, participants took a step toward a recommendation from the 2010 National Research Council report The Impact of Genetically Engineered Crops on Farm Sustainability in the United States that federal and state government agencies, private-sector technology developers, universities, farmer organizations, and other relevant stakeholders collaborate to document emerging weed-resistance problems and to develop cost-effective resistance-management programs and practices that preserve effective weed control. The summit provided the opportunity for stakeholders to explore the scientific basis of the emergence of herbicide resistance and to consider different perspectives on both opportunities and barriers to overcoming the problem of herbicide-resistant weeds. National Summit on Strategies to Manage Herbicide-Resistant Weeds contains a brief synopsis of key points made by each speaker at the summit.
National Taxation for Property Management and Valuation
by A Macleary A. MaclearyA clear and up-to-date guide to the UK tax system for surveyors and valuers which demonstrates land valuation for taxation purposes.
Native Americans in Sports: African Americans In Sports
by C. Richard KingOffers full coverage of Native American athletes and athletics from historical, cultual and indigenous perspectives, from before European intervention to the 21st century. There are entries devoted to broader cultural themes, and how these affect and are affected by the sport.
Native Crops in Latin America: Biochemical, Processing, and Nutraceutical Aspects (Food Biotechnology and Engineering)
by Ritva Repo-Carrasco-Valencia Mabel Cristina TomásFunctional foods improve health and can reduce the risk of different diseases. In this sense, a variety of bioactive compounds present in functional foods are able to modulate inflammatory responses or exhibit interesting bioactivities such as antihypertensive, antioxidants, anticancer, antimicrobials, anticariogenics, among others. There is a revalorization and mounting characterization on ancient grain crops of Latin America such as chia, amaranth, quinoa, Andean lupin, sacha inchi. This area also posseses a huge variety of native fruits such as camu camu, goldenberry, lucuma, which have health-promoting compounds. Native Crops in Latin America: Biochemical, Processing, and Nutraceutical Aspects explores recent investigations related to the potential use of the native crops as sources of bioactive compounds (proteins, hydrolysates, peptides, antioxidants, essential lipids, dietary fiber, pre- and probiotics) and as ingredients in functional foods. Key Features: Contributes to increasing knowledge of Latin American crops Contains information of various native crops and nutraceutical potentiality Discusses characterization of their by-products Explores revaluation and food application for enrichment food matrices This book contains recent findings impacting research in subjects such as cardiovascular and gastrointestinal systems, gut microbiota, delivery systems, product development, and gastronomy. Such information on Latin American crops may significantly influence the well-being, health, and nutrition of consumers. This will be a useful resource for food scientists, food technologists, nutritionists, ingredient manufacturers, and health care professionals, and relevent knowledge for any University’s Food Science department. Also available in the Food Biotechnology and Engineering series: Volatile Compounds Formation in Specialty Beverages, edited by Felipe Richter Reis and Caroline Mongruel Eleutério dos Santos (ISBN: 9780367631901) For a complete list of books in this series, please visit our website at: https://www.routledge.com/Food-Biotechnology-and-Engineering/book-series/CRCFOOBIOENG
NATO and Weapons of Mass Destruction: Regional Alliance, Global Threats (Contemporary Security Studies)
by Eric TerzuoloNATO was hugely successful in facing off the Soviet Union during the Cold War. But has it been equally successful in addressing the "new threats" of the post-Cold War era? This new study assesses the organization's political and military initiatives, and how its outreach to Russia, Ukraine, and other countries in the Euro-Atlantic and Mediterranean regions, devoted considerable attention to WMD proliferation risks. It also probes the political factors, both inside and outside NATO, as well as resource constraints, which have limited the alliance's "added value" in the international community's effort to combat proliferation. The events of 11 September 2001 and bitter intra-alliance controversy over the 2003 Iraq intervention have highlighted questions regarding NATO's future role, and even its continued viability. This is a serious reflection on how the alliance should figure in the fight against WMD and terrorist threats and an examination of today's key issues, including the use of force in international relations and the possibility of constructing new, post-Cold War collective security rules. This is the first study to evaluate, critically and in-depth, how a long-standing security organization has adapted - and must continue to adapt - to the global security challenges of our time. This book will be of great interest to all students and scholars of international politics, military history and all readers interested in the future of NATO and international security.
Natural Additives in Foods
by German Ayala ValenciaAdditives have been used in the food sector for centuries, aiming to maintain or improve food quality in terms of freshness, appearance, texture and taste. Most food additives are synthetic chemical compounds classified as antioxidants, antimicrobials, colorants and sweeteners. In the last decades, several synthetic food additives have been correlated with adverse reactions in humans, which has caused the safety of synthetic food additives to be reviewed and discussed by international organizations. At the same time, there is increasing consumer demand for more natural and environmentally friendly food products and additives. Therefore, synthetic food additives have been replaced with natural food additives. Although the use of natural additives is a hot topic in food science, to date no book has systematically reviewed the application of natural additives in food products. Natural additives in foods presents an exhaustive analysis of the most recent advances in the application of natural additives in the food sector. Covering natural antioxidants, antimicrobials, colorants and sweeteners, this text also focuses on unconventional sources of natural additives, valorization and toxicological aspects, consumer attitudes and regulatory aspects. The main applications of natural antioxidants are fully covered, including polyphenols, ascorbic acid, carotenoids, tocopherols and proteins. Natural antimicrobial applications from polyphenols and essential oils to poly-L-Lysine are analyzed, as are natural colorants like anthocyanins, annatto, betalains and paprika. The encapsulation, trapping, and adsorption of natural additives are studied, and consumer perceptions and preferences are major focuses. Researchers will find up-to-date regulatory specifics for the United States and European Union.For any researcher in need of an expansive single source containing all relevant and updated information for the use of natural additives in foods, this book is a much needed addition to the field.
Natural and Cultural Diversity in the Himalaya (SpringerBriefs in Environmental Science)
by Vishwambhar Prasad SatiThe Himalaya is the new folded mountain system – the tallest and the youngest in the world. It has a rich diversity – natural and cultural, and diversity in all walks of life. Most of its uniqueness is unknown because of its remoteness. Even, the native people are not aware of them. This book aims to describe the uniqueness of the Central Himalaya in terms of its natural and cultural diversity in detail. Supported by original figures and primary data, this book is empirically tested. It is mainly based on observation and participation and the use of a qualitative approach. Although lots of work has been carried out on the various aspects of the Himalayan region yet, a detailed description of the natural and cultural diversity is yet to be done. This book steps forward to elaborate on some of the unique natural and cultural features of the Central Himalaya, which are worthy to be known about. It contains a total of 10 chapters. Four chapters are devoted to natural diversity and four chapters comprise cultural diversity. Besides, the introduction and conclusions are the first and the last chapters of the book, respectively. The book is the first of its kind and will be useful to all stakeholders – students of all standards, research scholars, academicians, policymakers, native people, tourists, and the general public.
Natural and Enhanced Attenuation of Contaminants in Soils, Second Edition
by Raymond N. Yong Catherine N. MulliganNatural attenuation has become an effective and low-cost alternative to more expensive engineered remediation. This new edition updates the principles and fundamentals of natural attenuation of contaminants with a broader view of the field. It includes new methods for evaluating natural attenuation mechanisms and microbial activity at the lab and field scales. Case studies, actual treatments and protocols, theoretical processes, case studies, numerical models, and legal aspects in the natural attenuation of organic and inorganic contaminants are examined. Challenges and future directions for the implementation of natural attenuation and enhanced remediation techniques are also considered.
Natural and Synthetic Fiber Reinforced Composites: Synthesis, Properties and Applications
by Sanjay M. Rangappa Dipen Kumar Rajak Suchart SiengchinNatural and Synthetic Fiber Reinforced Composites Discover a comprehensive exploration of fiber reinforced polymers by an expert team of editors Fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) composites offer several unique properties that make them ideal for use in a wide range of industries, from automotive and aerospace to marine, construction, and co-industrial. In Natural and Synthetic Fiber Reinforced Composites: Synthesis, Properties and Applications, a distinguished team of mechanical engineers delivers a comprehensive overview of fiber reinforced composites. This edited volume includes thorough discussions of glass-, cotton-, and carbon-fiber reinforced materials, as well as the tribological properties and non-structural applications of synthetic fiber composites. Readers will also find practical explorations of the structural evolution, mechanical features, and future possibilities of fiber, textile, and nano-cementitious materials. The physical and chemical properties of cotton fiber-based composites are explored at length, as are the extraordinary mechanical, thermal, electrical, electronic, and field emission properties of carbon nanotubes. This singular book also includes: A thorough discussion of recent advancements in natural fiber reinforced polymer composites, their implications, and the opportunities that arise as a result A comprehensive exploration of the thermal behavior of natural fiber-based composites An insightful review of the literature on sisal fiber with polymer matrices A response to the growing research gap in the existing literature regarding natural fiber-based polymer composites and solutions to address it Perfect for scientists, engineers, professors, and students working in areas involving natural and synthetic reinforced polymers and composites, Natural and Synthetic Fiber Reinforced Composites: Synthesis, Properties and Applications offers a one-of-a-kind resource to help readers understand a critical and rapidly evolving technology.
Natural and Synthetic Waxes: Origin, Production, Technology, and Applications
by Ernst J. Krendlinger Uwe H. WolfmeierNatural and Synthetic Waxes A compilation of all relevant information for the production and use of waxes in technical applications Waxes are among the oldest organic substances used by mankind. Before all others, beeswax is known to have played a role in human history for thousands of years. But over time, many other wax species have been detected and exploited, and prepared for different utilizations. Today, we possess knowledge of a great variety of different types of waxes. Unfortunately, there still is no broadly accepted definition of a wax: for the relatively few wax chemists, waxes are usually defined by their physico-chemical properties more than by their chemical constitution. Waxes are not uniform but oligomeric and polymeric substances, not simply describable with a chemical formula. The realm of waxes encompasses fully or partly natural, refined, partly or fully synthetic products, which can be extended by “wax-like” products which do not fulfil all definition criteria. Waxes are offered in different forms like pellets, granules, powders, or micropowders. Their number of technical applications runs into thousands. However, waxes in most cases are just adjuvants or additives, and with few exceptions like candles not known to a broader public. Only few publications over the last decades tried to present a more comprehensive overview of heir chemistry, chemical composition, their physical and analytical properties, their applications, and their sometimes astonishing history. Based on personal experience and expertise, the authors intend to present an overview on the main classes of waxes, their origin, history, future, and potential fate. Economical aspects like market size and development, ecological impacts and challenges, and regulatory issues are also addressed. Waxes are indispensable products in everyday life and in industry and technology, though mostly not even visible or distinguishable to experts. They deserve more than the role of a “poor cousin” in chemistry and technology.
Natural Arsenic in Groundwater: Proceedings of the Pre-Congress Workshop "Natural Arsenic in Groundwater", 32nd International Geological Congress, Florence, Italy, 18-19 August 2004
by Jochen Bundschuh Prosun Bhattacharya D. ChandrasekharamArsenic contamination has become a global phenomenon. With the development of advanced technological detection tools, more geographical areas have been identified. The people most affected are those in the poorer socio-economic groups. The research articles in this book have been contributed by scientists working in areas severely a
Natural Attenuation: CERCLA, RBCAs, and the Future of Environmental Remediation
by Patrick V. Brady Michael V. Brady David J. BornsNatural Attenuation: CERCLA, RBCAs, and the Future of Environmental Remediation presents the concept of "natural attenuation"-the tendency of soils to severly limit the toxicity of many types of hazardous waste. It reviews and updates the most recent findings from the field and lab and shows how natural attenuation is rapidly changing the direction and focus of environmental remediation. Outlining the legal and regulatory framework that has made waste remediation so costly, this book shows how applying an understanding of natural attenuation can decrease cleanup outlays while lowering risks to human health. Natural Attenuation: CERCLA, RBCAs, and the Future of Environmental Remediation makes it clear why natural attenuation will be relied upon more and more in the future.
Natural Beekeeping
by Ross ConradToday's beekeepers face unprecedented challenges, a fact that is now front-page news with the spread of "colony collapse disorder. " Newly introduced pests like varroa and tracheal mites have made chemical treatment of hives standard practice, but pest resistance is building, which in turn creates demand for new and even more toxic chemicals. In fact, there is evidence that chemical treatments are making matters worse. It's time for a new approach. In this set, which includes the new, full-color,Natural Beekeeping, Revised and Expanded Edition, and a DVD workshop, Ross Conrad brings together the best "do no harm" strategies for keeping honeybees healthy and productive, all of which are covered in a thoughtful, matter-of-fact way. AboutNatural Beekeeping, Revised and Expanded Edition:Now revised and updated with new resources and including full-color photos throughout,Natural Beekeepingoffers all the latest information in a book that has already proven invaluable for organic beekeepers. The new edition offers the same holistic, sensible alternative to conventional chemical practices with a program of natural hive management, but offers new sections on a wide range of subjects, including: The basics of bee biology and anatomy; Urban beekeeping; Identifying and working with queens; Parasitic mite control; and Hive diseases. Also, a completely new chapter on marketing provides valuable advice for anyone who intends to sell a wide range of hive products. Natural Beekeepingcovers nontoxic methods of controlling mites; eliminating American foulbrood disease without the use of antibiotics; selective breeding for naturally resistant bees; and many other detailed management techniques, which are covered in a thoughtful, matter-of-fact way. Whether you are a novice looking to get started with bees, an experienced apiculturist looking for ideas to develop an integrated pest-management approach, or someone who wants to sell honey at a premium price, this is the book you've been waiting for. AboutNatural Beekeeping with Ross Conrad(DVD):In this filmed workshop, Ross Conrad flips the script on traditional approaches by proposing a program of selective breeding and natural hive management. The video presents a comprehensive survey of natural beekeeping methods and challenges, including segments filmed in thefield. It offers practical information that every aspiring beekeeper needs to know—everything from basic hive equipment to working with your bees to harvesting and processing honey.
Natural Bioactive Products in Sustainable Agriculture
by Joginder Singh Ajar Nath YadavThis book discusses various aspects of bioactive natural products employed in the agrochemical and agriculture sectors. It covers the use of plants, microorganisms, and microbial metabolites as eco-friendly, cost-effective, and sustainable alternatives to chemicals in the field of agriculture. Written by active researchers and academics, the book highlights state-of-art products in the field, as well as the gaps, challenges, and obstacles associated with the use of plants, microbes and their products. Given its scope, it is a valuable resource for the scientific community and professionals in enterprises wanting insights into the latest developments and advances in the context of biological products, including their applications, traditional uses, modern practices, and strategies to harness their full potential.
Natural-Born Cyborgs: Minds, Technologies, and the Future of Human Intelligence
by Andrew J. ClarkCognitive scientist Clark believes we are liberating our minds, thanks to our penchant for inventing tools that extend our abilities to think and communicate, starting with the basics of pen and paper and moving on to ever more sophisticated forms of computers. In this lively and provocative treatise, Clark declares that we are, in fact, "human-technology symbionts" or "natural-born cyborgs," always seeking ways to enhance our biological mental capacities through technology, an intriguing claim he supports with a brisk history of "biotechnology mergers," which currently range from pacemakers to the way a pilot of a commercial airplane is but one component in an elaborate "biotechnological problem-solving matrix." Cell phones, Clark explains, are "a prime, if entry-level cyborg technology," as are Internet search engines. As Clark clearly and cheerfully discusses cognitive processes, how we build "better worlds to think in," opaque versus transparent technologies, and the fluidity of our sense of self and adaptation to environmental changes, he offers hope that our brainy species can use its ever-evolving
Natural Computing for Unsupervised Learning (Unsupervised and Semi-Supervised Learning)
by Xiangtao Li Ka-Chun WongThis book highlights recent research advances in unsupervised learning using natural computing techniques such as artificial neural networks, evolutionary algorithms, swarm intelligence, artificial immune systems, artificial life, quantum computing, DNA computing, and others. The book also includes information on the use of natural computing techniques for unsupervised learning tasks. It features several trending topics, such as big data scalability, wireless network analysis, engineering optimization, social media, and complex network analytics. It shows how these applications have triggered a number of new natural computing techniques to improve the performance of unsupervised learning methods. With this book, the readers can easily capture new advances in this area with systematic understanding of the scope in depth. Readers can rapidly explore new methods and new applications at the junction between natural computing and unsupervised learning. Includes advances on unsupervised learning using natural computing techniquesReports on topics in emerging areas such as evolutionary multi-objective unsupervised learning Features natural computing techniques such as evolutionary multi-objective algorithms and many-objective swarm intelligence algorithms
Natural Convection from Circular Cylinders
by Sandra K. S. BoetcherThis book presents a concise, yet thorough, reference for all heat transfer coefficient correlations and data for all types of cylinders: vertical, horizontal, and inclined. This book covers all natural convection heat transfer laws for vertical and inclined cylinders and is an excellent resource for engineers working in the area of heat transfer engineering.