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Secondary Agriculture: Upgrading Agriculture for Jobs and Income
by Ashok Dalwai Ritambhara SinghA first of its kind, this authored book marshals data and logic that necessitate the agriculture sector to transcend beyond its conventional role of securing food, fodder, and feed. It examines India's growing working population and juxtaposes it with the declining labour demand in the secondary and tertiary sectors of the economy, on account of the deployment of disruptive suite of labour-substituting technologies. Therefore, the conventional developmental models that hypothesize the shifting of surplus manpower from agriculture to non-agricultural sectors may not stand the test of scrutiny in the twenty-first century. Hence, the need for remandating the agricultural sector to generate gainful jobs and supplementary incomes in an ecologically synchronous manner for sustainability. The book draws the readers' attention to the importance of bioeconomy and circular economy. To enhance the biologically dependent cumulative agri-output, it recommends the adoption of supplementary and complementary activities. These interventions, along with processing (food and non-food), aid in minimizing food loss, enhancing value capture in favour of the farmers and other value chain stakeholders, and creating gainful jobs and linked incomes resulting in higher enterprise-profits. This progresses the agricultural sector into a bioeconomy anchored around secondary agriculture. Agri-processing being integral to secondary agriculture can be practiced at various scales beginning from micro to small to medium to large. The book highlights both the scope for such enterprises in India and the challenges they are vulnerable to. In the context of sub-par levels of jobs and income in the farm sector, the book emphasizes on micro-enterprises, and suggests the clusterization of entrepreneurs and digitalization along the value chain to achieve competitiveness. The book also deliberates on market-led production matrix, and value chain-based extension services to meet the feedstock demands of secondary agriculture. This book is of relevance to a range of individuals and organizations concerned with agriculture. They include academics, researchers, professionals, universities, domestic & international organizations, bankers & financial institutions, FPOs, entrepreneurs, policymakers, and students.
Secondary Instabilities of Görtler Vortices in High-Speed Boundary Layers
by Jie RenThis thesis first reveals the mechanism of Görtler instabilities and then demonstrates how transitions at hypersonic flows can be effectively controlled (either promoted or suppressed) with Görtler or Klebanoff modes. It focuses on understanding and controlling flow transitions from mild laminar to fully turbulent flows at high speeds—aspects that have become crucial at the dawn of an incredible era, in which hypersonic vehicles are becoming available. Once this occurs, it will be possible to travel from Beijing to Los Angeles within just 2 hours, and we will all live in a genuinely global village—and not just virtually, but physically.Görtler instabilities have often been used to promote flow transition in hypersonic vehicles. However, how Görtler instabilities are excited and how they evolve in hypersonic flows are questions that have yet to be answered.
Secondary Metabolites and Volatiles of PGPR in Plant-Growth Promotion
by R. Z. Sayyed Virgilio Gavicho UarrotaThis contributed volume explores how plant growth-promoting rhizobacterias (PGPR) provide a wide range of benefits to the plant. Further, it discusses the key roles PGPR play in nutrient acquisition and assimilation, improved soil texture, secreting, and modulating extracellular molecules. The book outlines how plant secondary metabolites are natural sources of biologically active compounds used in a wide range of applications, and surveys the significant role of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in plant communication by mediating above- and below-ground interactions between plants and the surrounding organisms.This volume compiles research from leading scientists from across the globe, linking the translation of basic knowledge to innovative applied research. The book focuses on the following three categories: 1) understanding the secondary metabolites produced by PGPR, the signaling mechanisms and how they affect plant growth, 2) the plausible role of volatile organic compounds produced by PGPR, their role and the signaling mechanism for plant growth promotion, and 3) Applications of VOCs and secondary metabolites of PGPR for seed germination, plant growth promotion; stress tolerance and in-plant health and immunity.
Secondary Metabolites Based Green Synthesis of Nanomaterials and Their Applications (Smart Nanomaterials Technology)
by Azamal HusenNanotechnology is gaining importance in every field of science and technology. Green synthesis of nanomaterials involves the use of microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi, viruses; and different lower and higher plants. Green synthesis of nanomaterials from plant extracts becoming popular in comparison to synthesis using microorganisms. Plant based-nanomaterials synthesis is easy, have no need to bring back from the culture medium, and is safe. Additionally, plant-based nanomaterials are eco-friendly, in comparison to physical and chemical modes of synthesis. Several lower and higher plants are rich in terms of secondary metabolites. These metabolites have been used as medicine in crude extract form or with some other formulations. They have been also used to isolate the bioactive compounds in modern medicine as well as in herbal medicine systems. Thus, phytochemicals present in the plant and their parts play an important role in nanomaterials synthesis, mainly due to the presence of a significant number of secondary metabolites, for instance, alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, steroids, tannins, etc. Further, essential and aromatic oils have been also explored for nanomaterials synthesis, and they are also equally useful in terms of their various biological applications. These organic ingredients come from a wide range of plant components, such as leaves, stems, roots, shoots, flowers, bark, and seeds. Globally, the presence of different plants has shown a capability to produce huge and diverse groups of secondary metabolites. The functional groups present in the plant extract acts as capping and stabilizing agent. Most of the time, pure isolated bioactive compounds are more biologically active; hence scholars are focusing their research on the synthesis of nanomaterials using some particular class of secondary metabolites. Investigations have shown that the green synthesized nanomaterials were found to be more biologically active in comparison to chemically synthesized nanomaterials. These nanomaterials and or nanocomposites found different applications especially in drug delivery, detection and cure of cancer cells, diagnosis of a genetic disorder, photoimaging, and angiogenesis detection. They have also shown several applications in agricultural, horticultural as well as forestry sectors. The book in hand covers a wide range of topics as mentioned above. It incorporates chapters that the authors have skilfully crafted with clarity and precision, reviewing up-to-date literature with lucid illustrations. The book would cater to the need of graduate students as a textbook and simultaneously be useful for both novices and experienced scientists and or researchers working in the discipline of nanotechnology, nanomedicine, medicinal plants, plant science, economic botany, chemistry, biotechnology, pharmacognosy, pharmaceuticals, industrial chemistry, and many other interdisciplinary subjects. It should also inspire industrialists and policy makers associated with plant-based nano products.
Secondary Metabolites of Medicinal Plants: Ethnopharmacological Properties, Biological Activity and Production Strategies
by Bharat Singh Ram Avtar SharmaCovers the structurally diverse secondary metabolites of medicinal plants, including their ethnopharmacological properties, biological activity, and production strategies Secondary metabolites of plants are a treasure trove of novel compounds with potential pharmaceutical applications. Consequently, the nature of these metabolites as well as strategies for the targeted expression and/or purification is of high interest. Regarding their biological and pharmacological activity and ethnopharmacological properties, this book offers a comprehensive treatment of 100 plant species, including Abutilon, Aloe, Cannabis, Capsicum, Jasminum, Malva, Phyllanthus, Stellaria, Thymus, Vitis, Zingiber, and more. It also discusses the cell culture conditions and various strategies used for enhancing the production of targeted metabolites in plant cell cultures. Secondary Metabolites of Medicinal Plants: Ethnopharmacological Properties, Biological Activity and Production Strategies is presented in four parts. Part I provides a complete introduction to the subject. Part II looks at the ethnomedicinal and pharmacological properties, chemical structures, and culture conditions of secondary metabolites. The third part examines the many strategies of secondary metabolites production, including: biotransformation; culture conditions; feeding of precursors; genetic transformation; immobilization; and oxygenation. The last section concludes with an overview of everything learned. -Provides information on cell culture conditions and targeted extraction of secondary metabolites confirmed by relevant literature -Presents the structures of secondary metabolites of 100 plant species together with their biological and pharmacological activity -Discusses plant species regarding their distribution, habitat, and ethnopharmacalogical properties -Presents strategies of secondary metabolites production, such as organ culture, pH, elicitation, hairy root cultures, light, and mutagenesis Secondary Metabolites of Medicinal Plants is an important book for students, professionals, and biotechnologists interested in the biological and pharmacological activity and ethnopharmacological properties of plants.
Secondary Metabolites of Plant Growth Promoting Rhizomicroorganisms: Discovery and Applications
by Harikesh Bahadur Singh Chetan Keswani M. S. Reddy Estibaliz Sansinenea Carlos García-EstradaRecent changes in the pattern of agricultural practices from use of hazardous pesticides to natural (organic) cultivation has brought into focus the use of agriculturally important microorganisms for carrying out analogous functions. The reputation of plant growth promoting rhizomicroorganisms (PGPRs) is due to their antagonistic mechanisms against most of the fungal and bacterial phytopathogens. The biocontrol potential of agriculturally important microorganisms is mostly attributed to their bioactive secondary metabolites. However, low shelf life of many potential agriculturally important microorganisms impairs their use in agriculture and adoption by farmers. The focal theme of this book is to highlight the potential of employing biosynthesized secondary metabolites (SMs) from agriculturally important microorganisms for management of notorious phytopathogens, as a substitute of the currently available whole organism formulations and also as alternatives to hazardous synthetic pesticides. Accordingly, we have incorporated a comprehensive rundown of sections which particularly examine the SMs synthesized, secreted and induced by various agriculturally important microorganisms and their applications in agriculture. Section 1 includes discussion on biosynthesized antimicrobial secondary metabolites from fungal biocontrol agents. This section will cover the various issues such as development of formulation of secondary metabolites, genomic basis of metabolic diversity, metabolomic profiling of fungal biocontrol agents, novel classes of antimicrobial peptides. The section 1 will also cover the role of these secondary metabolites in antagonist-host interaction and application of biosynthesized antimicrobial secondary metabolites for management of plant diseases. Section 2 will discuss the biosynthesized secondary metabolites from bacterial PGPRs, strain dependent effects on plant metabolome profile, bio-prospecting various isolates of bacterial PGPRs for potential secondary metabolites and non-target effects of PGPR on microbial community structure and functions. Section 3 encompasses synthesis of antimicrobial secondary metabolites from beneficial endophytes, bio-prospecting medicinal and aromatic hosts and effect of endophytic SMs on plants under biotic and biotic stress conditions.
Secondary Science 11 to 16: A Practical Guide
by Gren Ireson Mark Crowley Ruth L. Richards John TwidleAre you looking for teaching ideas to make your science lessons come alive? Full of suggestions for exciting practical work to engage children, this book addresses and explains the science behind the experiments, and emphasises the need to engage the learner through minds-on activities. It shows you where to make links to the national curricula in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, and it covers the three sciences: chemistry, biology and physics. The detailed subject knowledge helps you grasp key concepts, and there are lots of useful diagrams to illustrate important points. Experiments include: - extracting DNA from a kiwi fruit - capturing rainbows - the chromatography of sweets - removing iron from cornflakes - a plate tectonic jigsaw These practical activities will provide you with ways to ensure your students respond enthusiastically to science, and the book will also help you develop your subject knowledge and ensure you meet your Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) standards. Perfect reading for Secondary Science PGCE students, as well as those on the Graduate Teacher Programme (GTP), this book is also ideal for non-specialists who are looking for support as they get to grips with the sciences. Gren Ireson is Professor of Science Education at Nottingham Trent University. Mark Crowley is a Teaching Research Fellow in the Centre for Effective Learning in Science, Nottingham Trent University. Ruth Richards is Subject Strand Leader for the PGCE and Subject Knowledge Enhancement (SKE) courses in Science at Nottingham Trent University, and an examiner for A-level Geology. John Twidle is Subject Leader for the PGCE and MSc Science programmes at Loughborough University.
Secondary Science in Action
by Emily Clark Giubertoni Richard GiubertoniThere is nothing more exciting in science teaching than transforming students into effective, enthusiastic biologists, chemists and physicists. To this end, this book spells out the skills and strategies of the successful science teacher in action.Drawing on years of teaching experience, Richard and Emily Giubertoni set out top tips for effective practice in all areas of a science teacher's role, from curriculum planning to managing practicals, from powerful hinterland stories to how to approach controversial topics.The useful approaches set out in this book will have value for science teachers at all stages of their careers, from trainee teachers to department leaders.Being an effective teacher is not innate: we can all learn to teach, to teach well, and to teach better. In this thoroughly comprehensive overview of science teaching in action, all science teachers will find ideas to strengthen, inspire and further develop their teaching practice, in a practical and pragmatic book that is enjoyable and engaging to read.
Secondary Science in Action
by Emily Clark Giubertoni Richard GiubertoniThere is nothing more exciting in science teaching than transforming students into effective, enthusiastic biologists, chemists and physicists. To this end, this book spells out the skills and strategies of the successful science teacher in action.Drawing on years of teaching experience, Richard and Emily Giubertoni set out top tips for effective practice in all areas of a science teacher's role, from curriculum planning to managing practicals, from powerful hinterland stories to how to approach controversial topics.The useful approaches set out in this book will have value for science teachers at all stages of their careers, from trainee teachers to department leaders.Being an effective teacher is not innate: we can all learn to teach, to teach well, and to teach better. In this thoroughly comprehensive overview of science teaching in action, all science teachers will find ideas to strengthen, inspire and further develop their teaching practice, in a practical and pragmatic book that is enjoyable and engaging to read.
Secondary Steelmaking: Principles and Applications
by Ahindra GhoshThe steelmaking industry and its customers have benefited enormously from the many significant technological advances of the last thirty years. As their customers become ever more quality conscious, however, steelmakers must continue their efforts to minimize harmful impurities, minimize as well as modify harmful nonmetallic inclusions and achieve
Secondary Stem Educational Reform
by Carla C. JohnsonFederal and state funding agencies have invested billions of dollars into secondary STEM (Science, Technology, Education, Mathematics) educational reform over the past decade. This volume addresses the interplay of external and internal variables associated with school reform and how this dynamic has impacted many efforts.
Secrecy and Science: A Historical Sociology of Biological and Chemical Warfare
by Brian BalmerIt is no secret that twentieth-century Britain was governed through a culture of secrecy, and secrecy was particularly endemic in military research and defence policy surrounding biological and chemical warfare. More generally, it is hard to exaggerate the role of secrecy in all past biological and chemical warfare programmes and several recent historical surveys of biological and chemical warfare research have emphasised that all state sponsored programmes, together with sub-state organised activities, were cloaked in utmost secrecy. Of these research programmes, Britain carried out one of the most significant in scale and scope in the twentieth century. Yet, partly because of the secrecy surrounding the programme, there is still little academic literature on its historical development. Equally, and despite secrecy being a pervasive feature of past and contemporary societies, social scientists and historians have paid relatively little scholarly attention to the nature, mechanics and effects of secrecy, particularly with regard to secrecy in relation to the production and governance of science and technology. Drawing on classical sociological writing on secrecy by Simmel, Merton and Shils this groundbreaking book by Brian Balmer draws on recently declassified documents to investigate significant episodes in the history of biological and chemical warfare. At the same time, it draws on more contemporary perspectives in science and technology studies that understand knowledge and social order as co-produced within heterogeneous networks of 'things and people' in order to develop a theoretical set of arguments about how the relationship between secrecy and science might be understood.
Secrecy, Covertness and Authentication in Wireless Communications: Physical Layer Security Approach (Wireless Networks)
by Yulong Shen Yuanyu Zhang Xiaohong JiangThis book introduces the fundamentals of physical layer security (PLS) and demonstrates how a variety of PLS techniques can be applied to improve the security of wireless communication systems. In particular, this book covers three security aspects of wireless communications. It includes secrecy, i.e., preventing eavesdroppers from intercepting information from transmitted wireless signals, covertness, i.e., hiding the transmitted signals themselves from malicious wardens and authentication, i.e., authenticating the identities of communicating entities. When discussing the secrecy of wireless communication systems, this book covers physical layer secure communication in multiple-input multiple-out (MIMO) systems based on beamforming and precoding techniques, in relay systems based on link/relay selection and in large-scale random networks based on cooperative jamming. Regarding the covertness of wireless communication systems, this book introduces physical layer covert communication in relaying systems and MIMO systems. Also, when discussing authentication in wireless communication systems, this book introduces the implementation of physical layer authentication in MIMO systems based on channel features and/or radiometric features of transceivers. In addition, this book presents security-aware routing in wireless networks based on physical layer secure communication techniques.This book targets researchers in the fields of physical layer security and wireless communications security. Advanced-level students in electronic engineering or computer science studying these security topics will also want to purchase this book as a secondary textbook.
Secret Agent 666: Aleister Crowley, British Intelligence and the Occult
by Richard B. SpenceAleister Crowley is best known today as a founding father of modern occultism. His wide, hypnotic eyes peer at us from the cover of The Beatles' Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band, and his influence can be found everywhere in popular culture.Crowley, also known as the Great Beast, has been the subject of several biographies, some painting him as a misunderstood genius, others as a manipulative charlatan. None of them have looked seriously at his career as an agent of British Intelligence.Using documents gleaned from British, American, French, and Italian archives, Secret Agent 666 sensationally reveals that Crowley played a major role in the sinking of the Lusitania, a plot to overthrow the government of Spain, the thwarting of Irish and Indian nationalist conspiracies, and the 1941 flight of Rudolf Hess.Author Richard B. Spence argues that Crowley--in his own unconventional way--was a patriotic Englishman who endured years of public vilification in part to mask his role as a secret agent.The verification of the Great Beast's participation in the twentieth century's most astounding government plots will likely blow the minds of history buff s and occult aficionados alike.Author Richard B. Spence can be seen on various documentaries on the History Channel and is a consultant for Washington, DC's International Spy Museum. He is also the author of Trust No One: The Secret World of Sidney Reilly (Feral House).
Secret Coders: Monsters & Modules (Secret Coders #6)
by Gene Luen YangFrom graphic novel superstar (and former computer programming teacher) and New York Times bestselling author Gene Luen Yang, Secret Coders: Monsters & Modules is the sixth and final volume in a wildly entertaining series that combines logic puzzles and basic coding instruction with a page-turning mystery plot!The Coders always knew their programming skills would take them far, but they never guessed they would take them to another dimension! Or to be accurate, one dimension less—to save humanity, Hopper, Eni, and Josh must travel to Flatland, a dangerous two-dimensional world ruled by polygons. If they can return home safely with a turtle of light, they might just stand a chance in their final showdown with Dr. One-Zero!
Secret Coders: Potions & Parameters (Secret Coders #5)
by Gene Luen YangFrom graphic novel superstar (and former computer programming teacher) and New York Times bestselling author Gene Luen Yang, Secret Coders: Potions & Parameters is the fifth volume in a wildly entertaining series that combines logic puzzles and basic coding instruction with a page-turning mystery plot!Dr. One-Zero won't stop until the whole town—no, the whole world—embraces the "true happiness” found in his poisonous potion, Green Pop. And now that he has the Turtle of Light, he’s virtually unstoppable.There's one weapon that can defeat him: another Turtle of Light. Unfortunately, they can only be found in another dimension! To open a portal to this new world, Hopper, Eni, and Josh's coding skills will be put to the test.
Secret Coders: Robots & Repeats (Secret Coders #4)
by Gene Luen YangDr. One-Zero has added a new class to Stately Academy's curriculum. But in "Advanced Chemistry," they only teach one lesson: how to make Green Pop! While their classmates are manufacturing this dangerous soda, the Coders uncover a clue that may lead them to Hopper's missing dad. Is it time to use Professor Bee's most powerful weapon: the Turtle of Light?From graphic novel superstar (and former computer-programming teacher) Gene Luen Yang, comes Robots & Repeats, the fourth volume of Secret Coders. This wildly entertaining series combines logic puzzles and basic coding instruction with a page-turning mystery plot!
Secret Engine, The #3
by Chase WheelerTongue Blaggard, the dastardly criminal, has stolen a Model T that once belonged to the crook Light Fighters Clepto. When Speed vows to recover the Model T, he learns Clepto's fortune. Can Speed stop Blaggard before he gets his dirty hands on the loot?
Secret Engineer: How Emily Roebling Built the Brooklyn Bridge
by Rachel DoughertyOn a warm spring day in 1883, a woman rode across the Brooklyn Bridge with a rooster on her lap. It was the first trip across an engineering marvel that had taken nearly fourteen years to construct. The woman's husband was the chief engineer, and he knew all about the dangerous new technique involved. The woman insisted she learn as well. When he fell ill mid-construction, her knowledge came in handy. She supervised every aspect of the project while he was bedridden, and she continued to learn about things only men were supposed to know:math,science,engineering.Women weren't supposed to be engineers. But this woman insisted she could do it all, and her hard work helped to create one of the most iconic landmarks in the world. This is the story of Emily Roebling, the secret engineer behind the Brooklyn Bridge, from author-illustrator Rachel Dougherty.
The Secret History of RDX: The Super-Explosive that Helped Win World War II
by Colin F. BaxterThe noted historian offers &“a compelling sociohistorical account of an often overlooked yet critical&” WWII explosive twice as powerful as TNT (Choice).During the early years of World War II, American ships crossing the Atlantic were virtually defenseless against German U-boats. Bombs and torpedoes fitted with TNT barely dented the hulls of Axis naval vessels. Then, seemingly overnight, a top-secret manufacturing plant appeared near Kingsport, Tennessee, producing a sugar-white substance called Research Department Explosive, code name RDX.Twice as deadly as TNT and overshadowed only by the atomic bomb, RDX proved to be pivotal in the Battle of the Atlantic and directly contributed to the Allied victory in WWII. In The Secret History of RDX, Colin F. Baxter documents the journey of the super-explosive from conceptualization at Woolwich Arsenal in England to mass production at Holston Ordnance Works in east Tennessee. Baxter examines the debates between RDX advocates and their opponents and explores the use of the explosive in the bomber war over Germany, in the naval war in the Atlantic, and as a key element in the trigger device of the atomic bomb.Drawing on archival records and interviews with individuals who worked at the Kingsport &“powder plant,&” Baxter illuminates both the explosive&’s military significance and its impact on the lives of ordinary Americans involved in the war industry. Much more than a technical account, this study assesses the social and economic impact of the military-industrial complex on small communities on the home front.
The Secret Keepers
by Trenton Lee Stewart Diana Sudyka<br>A magical watch <br>A string of secrets <br>A race against time <P>When Reuben discovers an extraordinary antique watch, he soon learns it has a secret power and his life takes an intriguing turn. At first he is thrilled with his new treasure, but as one secret leads to another, Reuben finds himself torn between his innately honest nature and the lure to be a hero. <P>Now he is on a dangerous adventure--full of curious characters, treacherous traps, and hairsbreadth escapes--as he races to solve the mystery before it is too late. Even with fearless Penny, mighty Jack, and the wise Mrs. Genevieve on his side, can Reuben outwit and outmaneuver the sly villain called The Smoke and his devious defenders the Directions and save the city from a terrible fate? <P>In this ingeniously crafted novel, acclaimed New York Times bestselling author Trenton Lee Stewart invites readers to join the adventure, decipher the clues, and ask themselves the question: Is knowing a secret a gift or a curse? <P><b>A New York Times Bestseller</b>
The Secret Life of Chemicals
by Alfred PoulosThis book provides extensive information on the chemicals that inhabit our environment, our food, our water and our air and the impact that they may be having on human health. The author is a medical scientist, with training in the law. The book documents current understanding about pesticides in food, the plastics revolution, toxic metals, air, water and electronic waste pollutants, chemical exposure in the workplace, radiation pollutants, chemical exposure and hearing loss, how our bodies deal with chemicals, genetic variability and the risk of disease, the effect of chemicals on genes, mitochondria and the immune system and what we can do about it all. Industrialisation has resulted in many thousands of chemicals, which are being continuously developed and often escaping from where they are used into our human environment, without us really knowing enough about them. In high dosages or with continuous small dosage, the evidence suggests, that many of them could interfere with human health and some of them are known to be doing so. But for the vast majority, we are left wondering whether some could be responsible for some diseases the causes of which are inadequately understood. Every chapter is thoroughly reinforced with several pages of references from the peer-reviewed literature.
The Secret Life of Cows
by Rosamund Young"Within a day of receiving this book, I had consumed it... Absorbing, moving, and compulsively readable."—Lydia DavisIn this affectionate, heart-warming chronicle, Rosamund Young distills a lifetime of organic farming wisdom, describing the surprising personalities of her cows and other animalsAt her famous Kite's Nest Farm in Worcestershire, England, the cows (as well as sheep, hens, and pigs) all roam free. They make their own choices about rearing, grazing, and housing. Left to be themselves, the cows exhibit temperaments and interests as diverse as our own. "Fat Hat" prefers men to women; "Chippy Minton" refuses to sleep with muddy legs and always reports to the barn for grooming before bed; "Jake" has a thing for sniffing the carbon monoxide fumes of the Land Rover exhaust pipe; and "Gemima" greets all humans with an angry shake of the head and is fiercely independent.An organic farmer for decades, Young has an unaffected and homely voice. Her prose brims with genuine devotion to the wellbeing of animals. Most of us never apprehend the various inner lives animals possess, least of all those that we might eat. But Young has spent countless hours observing how these creatures love, play games, and form life-long friendships. She imparts hard-won wisdom about the both moral and real-world benefits of organic farming. (If preserving the dignity of animals isn't a good enough reason for you, consider how badly factory farming stunts the growth of animals, producing unhealthy and tasteless food.)This gorgeously-illustrated book, which includes an original introduction by the legendary British playwright Alan Bennett, is the summation of a life's work, and a delightful and moving tribute to the deep richness of animal sentience.
The Secret Life of Data: Navigating Hype and Uncertainty in the Age of Algorithmic Surveillance (The Information Society Series)
by Aram Sinnreich Jesse GilbertHow data surveillance, digital forensics, and generative AI pose new long-term threats and opportunities—and how we can use them to make better decisions in the face of technological uncertainty.In The Secret Life of Data, Aram Sinnreich and Jesse Gilbert explore the many unpredictable, and often surprising, ways in which data surveillance, AI, and the constant presence of algorithms impact our culture and society in the age of global networks. The authors build on this basic premise: no matter what form data takes, and what purpose we think it&’s being used for, data will always have a secret life. How this data will be used, by other people in other times and places, has profound implications for every aspect of our lives—from our intimate relationships to our professional lives to our political systems.With the secret uses of data in mind, Sinnreich and Gilbert interview dozens of experts to explore a broad range of scenarios and contexts—from the playful to the profound to the problematic. Unlike most books about data and society that focus on the short-term effects of our immense data usage, The Secret Life of Data focuses primarily on the long-term consequences of humanity&’s recent rush toward digitizing, storing, and analyzing every piece of data about ourselves and the world we live in. The authors advocate for &“slow fixes&” regarding our relationship to data, such as creating new laws and regulations, ethics and aesthetics, and models of production for our data-fied society.Cutting through the hype and hopelessness that so often inform discussions of data and society, The Secret Life of Data clearly and straightforwardly demonstrates how readers can play an active part in shaping how digital technology influences their lives and the world at large.
The Secret Lives of Bats: My Adventures with the World's Most Misunderstood Mammals
by Merlin TuttleStories and science surrounding the beloved bat, from an ecologist who has dedicated his life to the curious creature.Few people realize how sophisticated and intelligent bats are. Merlin Tuttle knows, and he has stopped at nothing to find and protect them on every continent they inhabit. Sharing highlights from a lifetime of adventure and discovery, Tuttle takes us to the frontiers of bat research to show that frog-eating bats can identify frogs by their calls, that some bats have social sophistication similar to that of higher primates, and that bats have remarkable memories. Bats also provide enormous benefits by eating crop pests, pollinating plants, and carrying seeds needed for reforestation. They save farmers billions of dollars annually and are essential to a healthy planet. Tuttle&’s account forever changes the way we see these poorly understood yet fascinating creatures. &“Grips and doesn't let go.&”—Wall Street Journal&“It&’s a terrific read.&”—Huffington Post &“A whirlwind adventure story and a top-shelf natural history page-turner.&”—Sy Montgomery, author of The Soul of an Octopus&“One of the best, most interesting books I&’ve ever read.&”—Elizabeth Marshall Thomas, author of The Hidden Life of Dogs