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Showing 81 - 100 of 9025 items
By Edward Mackinnon. 2011
This book is the first to offer a systematic account of the role of language in the development and interpretation…
of physics. An historical-conceptual analysis of the co-evolution of mathematical and physical concepts leads to the classical/quatum interface. Bohrian orthodoxy stresses the indispensability of classical concepts and the functional role of mathematics. This book analyses ways of extending, and then going beyond this orthodoxy orthodoxy. Finally, the book analyzes how a revised interpretation of physics impacts on basic philosophical issues: conceptual revolutions, realism, and reductionism.By Michael Alley. 2018
The Craft of Scientific Writing is designed to help scientists and engineers - both professionals already active in the disciplines…
as well as students preparing to enter the professions - write about their work clearly and effectively Written for use as a text in courses on scientific writing the book includes many useful suggestions about approaching a wide variety of writing tasks from journal papers to grant proposals and from emails to formal reports as well as a concise guide to style and usage appropriate for scientific writing Also useful for self-study the book will be an important reference for all scientists and engineers who need to write about their work With this new and updated fourth edition while most technical writing texts have gotten larger over the years this one has streamlined to provide busy readers with the essence of what distinguishes the style of the best scientific documents With this new edition readers will learn not just how to organize information but how to emphasize the key details of that information Also readers will not just learn how to cast their ideas into precise and clear sentences but how to connect these sentences in an energetic fashion In the section on language the new edition goes into much depth about how to make connections between ideas an important issue that few technical writing texts address Moreover the new edition integrates the discussion of illustrations with language because those two aspects of style are so intertwined Finally the new edition does a better job of explaining how to make the process of writing more efficient From a review of the first edition A refreshing addition to a genre dominated by English teacher-style textbooks Instead of listing rules that constrain writers the book uses examples to lay out the path to successful communication Especially helpful and entertaining is the chapter on the writing process Anyone who has spent more time avoiding a writing task than actually doing it will appreciate Alley s tips Dr Ellen Ochoa Deputy Director of Flight Crew Operations Johnson Space CenterBy Stuart Clark. 2010
The Big Questions series enables renowned experts to tackle the 20 most fundamental and frequently asked questions of a major…
branch of science or philosophy. Each 3000-word essay simply and concisely examines a question that has eternally perplexed enquiring minds, providing answers from history's great thinkers. This ambitious project is a unique distillation of humanity's best ideas. In Big Questions: The Universe, Dr. Stuart Clark tackles the 20 key questions of astronomy and cosmology: What is the universe? How big is the universe? How old is the universe? What are stars made from? How did the universe form? Why do planets stay in orbit? Was Einstein right? What are black holes? How did the Earth form? What were the first celestial objects? What is dark matter? What is dark energy? Are we really made from stardust? Is there life on Mars? Are there other intelligent beings? Can we travel through time and space? Can the laws of physics change? Are there alternative universes? What will be the fate of the universe? Is there cosmological evidence for God?By Joanne Baker. 2007
In this, the second volume in an important new series presenting core concepts across a range of critical areas of…
human knowledge, author Joanne Baker unravels the complexities of 20th-century scientific theory for a general readership. From Hubble's law to the Pauli exclusion principle, and from Schrödinger's cat to Heisenberg's uncertainty principle, she explains ideas at the cutting-edge of scientific enquiry, making them comprehensible and accessible to the layperson.By Nick Kanas. 2013
The year is 2035, and the crew from the first expedition to Mars is returning to Earth. The crewmembers are…
anxious to get home, and ennui pervades the ship. The mood is broken by a series of mysterious events that jeopardize their safety. Someone or something is threatening the crew. Is it an alien being? A psychotic crewmember? A malfunctioning computer? The truth raises questions about the crewmembers' fate and that of the human race. In this novel, the intent is to show real psychological issues that could affect a crew returning from a long-duration mission to Mars. The storyline presents a mystery that keeps the reader guessing, yet the issues at stake are based on the findings from the author's research and other space-related work over the past 40+ years. The novel touches on actual plans being discussed for such an expedition as well as notions involving the search for Martian life and panspermia. The underlying science, in particular the psychological, psychiatric, and interpersonal elements, are introduced and discussed by the author in an extensive appendix.By John E. Proctor, Daniel Melendrez Armada, Aravind Vijayaraghavan. 2017
p Carbon nanotubes and graphene have been the subject of intense scientific research since their relatively recent discoveries This…
book introduces the reader to the science behind these rapidly developing fields and covers both the fundamentals and latest advances Uniquely this book covers the topics in a pedagogical manner suitable for undergraduate students The book also uses the simple systems of nanotubes and graphene as models to teach concepts such as molecular orbital theory tight binding theory and the Laue treatment of diffraction p Suitable for undergraduate students with a working knowledge of basic quantum mechanics and for postgraduate researchers commencing their studies into the field this book will equip the reader to critically evaluate the physical properties and potential for applications of graphene and carbon nanotubes pBy Robert Paknys. 2016
Understanding electromagnetic wave theory is pivotal in the design of antennas, microwave circuits, radars, and imaging systems. Researchers behind technology…
advances in these and other areas need to understand both the classical theory of electromagnetics as well as modern and emerging techniques of solving Maxwell's equations. To this end, the book provides a graduate-level treatment of selected analytical and computational methods. The analytical methods include the separation of variables, perturbation theory, Green's functions, geometrical optics, the geometrical theory of diffraction, physical optics, and the physical theory of diffraction. The numerical techniques include mode matching, the method of moments, and the finite element method. The analytical methods provide physical insights that are valuable in the design process and the invention of new devices. The numerical methods are more capable of treating general and complex structures. Together, they form a basis for modern electromagnetic design. The level of presentation allows the reader to immediately begin applying the methods to some problems of moderate complexity. It also provides explanations of the underlying theories so that their capabilities and limitations can be understood.By Pritam Deb. 2014
Kinetic studies have traditionally being extremely useful in characterizing several physical and chemical phenomena in organic, inorganic and metallic systems.…
It provides valuable qualitative, quantitative and kinetic information on phase transformations, solid state precipitation, crystallization, oxidation and decomposition. Unfortunately, no single reference comprehensively presents nonisothermal kinetic analysis method for the study of complex processes, determining the actual mechanism and kinetic parameters. This book provides a new method for nonisothermal kinetics and its application in heterogeneous solid state processes. In the backdrop of limitations in existing methods, the book presents a brief review of the widely used isothermal and nonisothermal kinetic analysis methods.By Peter Mittelstaedt. 2013
Newton's classical physics and its underlying ontology are loaded with several metaphysical hypotheses that cannot be justified by rational reasoning…
nor by experimental evidence. Furthermore, it is well known that some of these hypotheses are not contained in the great theories of Modern Physics, such as the theory of Special Relativity and Quantum Mechanics. This book shows that, on the basis of Newton's classical physics and by rational reconstruction, the theory of Special Relativity as well as Quantum Mechanics can be obtained by partly eliminating or attenuating the metaphysical hypotheses. Moreover, it is shown that these reconstructions do not require additional hypotheses or new experimental results. In the second edition the rational reconstructions are completed with respect to General Relativity and Cosmology. In addition, the statistics of quantum objects is elaborated in more detail with respect to the rational reconstruction of quantum mechanics. The new material completes the approach of the book as much as it is possible at the present state of knowledge. Presumably, the most important contribution that is added to the second edition refers to the problem of interpretation of the three great theories of Modern Physics. It is shown in detail that in the light of rational reconstructions even realistic interpretations of the three theories of Modern Physics are possible and can easily be achieved.By Dean Rickles, Elaine Landry. 2011
Structural realism has rapidly gained in popularity in recent years, but it has splintered into many distinct denominations, often underpinned…
by diverse motivations. There is, no monolithic position known as 'structural realism,' but there is a general convergence on the idea that a central role is to be played by relational aspects over object-based aspects of ontology. What becomes of causality in a world without fundamental objects? In this book, the foremost authorities on structural realism attempt to answer this and related questions: 'what is structure?' and 'what is an object?' Also featured are the most recent advances in structural realism, including the intersection of mathematical structuralism and structural realism, and the latest treatments of laws and modality in the context of structural realism. The book will be of interest to philosophers of science, philosophers of physics, metaphysicians, and those interested in foundational aspects of science.By Howard Hunt Pattee, Joanna Rączaszek-Leonardi. 2011
Howard Pattee is a physicist who for many years has taken his own path in studying the physics of symbols,…
which is now a foundation for biosemiotics. By extending von Neumann's logical requirements for self-replication, to the physical requirements of symbolic instruction at the molecular level, he concludes that a form of quantum measurement is necessary for life. He explains why all non-dynamic symbolic and informational controls act as special (allosteric) constraints on dynamical systems. Pattee also points out that symbols do not exist in isolation but in coordinated symbol systems we call languages. Such insights turn out to be necessary to situate biosemiotics as an objective scientific endeavor. By proposing a way to relate quiescent symbolic constraints to dynamics, Pattee's work builds a bridge between physical, biological, and psychological models that are based on dynamical systems theory. Pattee's work awakes new interest in cognitive scientists, where his recognition of the necessary separation--the epistemic cut--between the subject and object provides a basis for a complementary third way of relating the purely symbolic, computational models of cognition and the purely dynamic, non-representational models. This selection of Pattee's papers also addresses several other fields, including hierarchy theory, artificial life, self-organization, complexity theory, and the complementary epistemologies of the physical and biological sciences.By Alan J. Rocke, Hermann Kopp. 2011
Hermann Kopp (1817-1892) is best remembered today as a historian of chemistry, but during his lifetime he was one of…
the most eminent chemists of his day, and one of the earliest pioneers of physical chemistry. Late in his career he wrote an endearing fantasy about personified molecules. Published in 1882, Aus der Molecular-Welt (From the Molecular World) portrayed the intimate details of what might actually be happening in the sub-microscopic world; the atoms and molecules we meet there have agency, personalities, sometimes even dialog. Filled with appealing tropes, humor, and whimsical asides, Kopp's short book provided an examination of the chemistry and physics of his day that was always light-hearted on the surface, but often surprisingly profound. Properly interpreted, the book provides a revealing tour of nineteenth-century debates concerning chemical theory. It is here translated into English, richly annotated, and equipped with an illuminating preface by a leading historian of chemistry. It provides entertaining reading to practicing chemists, as well as new insights to historians of science.By National Research Council, Space Studies Board, Division on Engineering and Physical Sciences, Committee on a Decadal Strategy for Solar and Space Physics, Aeronautics and Space Engineering Board. 2013
From the interior of the Sun, to the upper atmosphere and near-space environment of Earth, and outward to a region…
far beyond Pluto where the Sun's influence wanes, advances during the past decade in space physics and solar physics--the disciplines NASA refers to as heliophysics--have yielded spectacular insights into the phenomena that affect our home in space. Solar and Space Physics, from the National Research Council's (NRC's) Committee for a Decadal Strategy in Solar and Space Physics, is the second NRC decadal survey in heliophysics. Building on the research accomplishments realized during the past decade, the report presents a program of basic and applied research for the period 2013-2022 that will improve scientific understanding of the mechanisms that drive the Sun's activity and the fundamental physical processes underlying near-Earth plasma dynamics, determine the physical interactions of Earth's atmospheric layers in the context of the connected Sun-Earth system, and enhance greatly the capability to provide realistic and specific forecasts of Earth's space environment that will better serve the needs of society. Although the recommended program is directed primarily at NASA and the National Science Foundation for action, the report also recommends actions by other federal agencies, especially the parts of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration charged with the day-to-day (operational) forecast of space weather. In addition to the recommendations included in this summary, related recommendations are presented in this report.By Eric Priest. 1985
Magnetohydrodynamics of the Sun is a completely new up-to-date rewrite from scratch of the 1982 book Solar Magnetohydrodynamics, taking account…
of enormous advances in understanding since that date. It describes the subtle and complex interaction between the Sun's plasma atmosphere and its magnetic field, which is responsible for many fascinating dynamic phenomena. Chapters cover the generation of the Sun's magnetic field by dynamo action, magnetoconvection and the nature of photospheric flux tubes such as sunspots, the heating of the outer atmosphere by waves or reconnection, the structure of prominences, the nature of eruptive instability and magnetic reconnection in solar flares and coronal mass ejections, and the acceleration of the solar wind by reconnection or wave-turbulence. It is essential reading for graduate students and researchers in solar physics and related fields of astronomy, plasma physics and fluid dynamics. Problem sets and other resources are available at www. cambridge. org/9780521854719.By John B. Hearnshaw. 1986
First published in 1987, this is the story of the analysis of starlight by astronomical spectroscopy. Beginning with Joseph Fraunhofer's…
discovery of spectral lines in the early nineteenth century, this new edition continues the story through to the year 2000. In addition to the key discoveries, it presents the cultural and social history of stellar astrophysics by introducing the leading astronomers and their struggles, triumphs and disagreements. Basic concepts in spectroscopy and spectral analysis are included, so both observational and theoretical aspects are described, in a non-mathematical framework. This new edition covers the final decades of the twentieth century, with its major advances in stellar astrophysics: the discovery of extrasolar planets, new classes of stars and the observation of the ultraviolet spectra of stars from satellites. The in-depth coverage makes it essential reading for graduate students working in stellar spectroscopy, professional and amateur astronomers, and historians of science.By National Research Council, Space Studies Board, Division on Engineering and Physical Sciences, National Academies, Committee for Evaluation of Space Radiation Cancer Risk Model. 2012
NASA's current missions to the International Space Station (ISS) and potential future exploration missions involving extended stays by astronauts on…
the lunar surface, as well as the possibility of near- Earth object (NEO) or Mars missions, present challenges in protecting astronauts from radiation risks. These risks arise from a number of sources, including solar particle events (SPEs), galactic cosmic rays (GCRs), secondary radiation from surface impacts, and even the nuclear isotope power sources transported with the astronauts. The serious early and late radiation health effects potentially posed by these exposures are equally varied, ranging from early signs of radiation sickness to cancer induction. Other possible effects include central nervous system damage, cataracts, cardiovascular damage, heritable effects, impaired wound healing, and infertility. Recent research, much of which has been sponsored by NASA, has focused on understanding and quantifying the radiation health risks posed by space radiation environments. Although many aspects of the space radiation environments are now relatively well characterized, important uncertainties still exist regarding biological effects and thus regarding the level and types of risks faced by astronauts. This report presents an evaluation of NASA's proposed space radiation cancer risk assessment model, which is described in the 2011 NASA report, Space Radiation Cancer Risk Projections and Uncertainties--2010. The evaluation in Technical Evaluation of the NASA Model for Cancer Risk to Astronauts Due to Space Radiation considers the model components, input data (for the radiation types, estimated doses, and epidemiology), and the associated uncertainties. This report also identifies gaps in NASA's current research strategy for reducing the uncertainties in cancer induction risks.By National Research Council of the National Academies. 2007
The 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.By National Research Council of the National Academies. 2005
In 1997, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) formed the National Astrobiology Institute to coordinate and fund research into…
the origins, distribution, and fate of life in the universe. A 2002 NRC study of that program, Life in the Universe: An Assessment of U.S. and International Programs in Astrobiology, raised a number of concerns about the Astrobiology program. In particular, it concluded that areas of astrophysics related to the astronomical environment in which life arose on earth were not well represented in the program. In response to that finding, the Space Studies Board requested the original study committee, the Committee on the Origins and Evolution of Life, to examine ways to augment and integrate astronomy and astrophysics into the Astrobiology program. This report presents the results of that study. It provides a review of the earlier report and related efforts, a detailed examination of the elements of the astrobiology program that would benefit from greater integration and augmentation of astronomy and astrophysics, and an assessment of ways to facilitate the integration of astronomy with other astrobiology disciplines.By National Research Council of the National Academies. 2010
Cost and schedule growth is a problem experienced by many types of projects in many fields of endeavor. Based on…
prior studies of cost growth in NASA and Department of Defense projects,this book identifies specific causes of cost growth associated with NASA Earth and space science missions and provides guidance on how NASA can overcome these specific problems. The recommendations in this book focus on changes in NASA policies that would directly reduce or eliminate the cost growth of Earth and space science missions. Large cost growth is a concern for Earth and space science missions,and it can be a concern for other missions as well. If the cost growth is large enough,it can create liquidity problems for NASA's Science Mission Directorate that in turn cause cost profile changes and development delays that amplify the overall cost growth for other concurrent and/or pending missions. Addressing cost growth through the allocation of artificially high reserves is an inefficient use of resources because it unnecessarily diminishes the portfolio of planned flights. The most efficient use of resources is to establish realistic budgets and reserves and effective management processes that maximize the likelihood that mission costs will not exceed reserves. NASA is already taking action to reduce cost growth; additional steps,as recommended herein,will help improve NASA's mission planning process and achieve the goal of ensuring frequent mission opportunities for NASA Earth and space science.By National Research Council of the National Academies. 2009
NASA maintains a planetary protection policy to avoid the forward biological contamination of other worlds by terrestrial organisms, and back…
biological contamination of Earth from the return of extraterrestrial materials by spaceflight missions. Forward-contamination issues related to Mars missions were addressed in a 2006 National Research Council (NRC) book, Preventing the Forward Contamination of Mars. However, it has been more than 10 years since back-contamination issues were last examined. Driven by a renewed interest in Mars sample return missions, this book reviews, updates, and replaces the planetary protection conclusions and recommendations contained in the NRC's 1997 report Mars Sample Return: Issues and Recommendations. The specific issues addressed in this book include the following: The potential for living entities to be included in samples returned from Mars; Scientific investigations that should be conducted to reduce uncertainty in the above assessment; The potential for large-scale effects on Earth's environment by any returned entity released to the environment; Criteria for intentional sample release, taking note of current and anticipated regulatory frameworks; and The status of technological measures that could be taken on a mission to prevent the inadvertent release of a returned sample into Earth's biosphere.