Technology, Engineering & Agriculture Books

Book SynopsisThis book focuses on the navigation and tracking of artificial space objects, with emphasis on modelling the dynamics in a wide range of space missions, including: earth-orbiting satellite missions, launch and re-entry missions as well as interplanetary missions. The book guides you in designing suitable estimation algorithms for each type of mission. It also helps you in addressing non-linearity in designing navigation algorithms for space missions, and walks you through the process for choosing estimators for navigation and tracking of space vehicles. You'll find specific details on earth-orbiting satellite tracking and navigation that helps you determine precise orbit, and will understand how to get navigation and tracking results using the Least Square Estimation and the Extended Kalman Filter (EKF) for simulated observations. You also learn how to address tracking performance of spacecraft in interplanetary trajectories that are affected by a diverse set of problems, such low signal power, intermittent observations, observations at low rate and delays. Techniques for designing navigation and tracking algorithms to address these problems are delineated. The book also provides in-depth coverage of multi-object tracking, relevant data association and estimation algorithms in the Situational Space Awareness context. MATLAB /Simulink based software is provided for simulation and simulated data set. This is an excellent reference and practical tool for professionals in the field of Guidance, Navigation and Control, along with researchers and advanced students in the field of space vehicle navigation, tracking, guidance and control.

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Book SynopsisThis book teaches the finite-difference frequency-domain (FDFD) method from the simplest concepts to advanced three-dimensional simulations. It uses plain language and high-quality graphics to help the complete beginner grasp all the concepts quickly and visually. This single resource includes everything needed to simulate a wide variety of different electromagnetic and photonic devices. The book is filled with helpful guidance and computational wisdom that will help the reader easily simulate their own devices and more easily learn and implement other methods in computational electromagnetics. Special techniques in MATLAB (R) are presented that will allow the reader to write their own FDFD programs. Key concepts in electromagnetics are reviewed so the reader can fully understand the calculations happening in FDFD. A powerful method for implementing the finite-difference method is taught that will enable the reader to solve entirely new differential equations and sets of differential equations in mere minutes. Separate chapters are included that describe how Maxwell's equations are approximated using finite-differences and how outgoing waves can be absorbed using a perfectly matched layer absorbing boundary. With this background, a chapter describes how to calculate guided modes in waveguides and transmission lines. The effective index method is taught as way to model many three-dimensional devices in just two-dimensions. Another chapter describes how to calculate photonic band diagrams and isofrequency contours to quickly estimate the properties of periodic structures like photonic crystals. Next, a chapter presents how to analyze diffraction gratings and calculate the power coupled into each diffraction order. This book shows that many devices can be simulated in the context of a diffraction grating including guided-mode resonance filters, photonic crystals, polarizers, metamaterials, frequency selective surfaces, and metasurfaces. Plane wave sources, Gaussian beam sources, and guided-mode sources are all described in detail, allowing devices to be simulated in multiple ways. An optical integrated circuit is simulated using the effective index method to build a two-dimensional model of the 3D device and then launch a guided-mode source into the circuit. A chapter is included to describe how the code can be modified to easily perform parameter sweeps, such as plotting reflection and transmission as a function of frequency, wavelength, angle of incidence, or a dimension of the device. The last chapter is advanced and teaches FDFD for three-dimensional devices composed of anisotropic materials. It includes simulations of a crossed grating, a doubly-periodic guided-mode resonance filter, a frequency selective surface, and an invisibility cloak. The chapter also includes a parameter retrieval from a left-handed metamaterial. The book includes all the MATLAB codes and detailed explanations of all programs. This will allow the reader to easily modify the codes to simulate their own ideas and devices. The author has created a website where the MATLAB codes can be downloaded, errata can be seen, and other learning resources can be accessed. This is an ideal book for both an undergraduate elective course as well as a graduate course in computational electromagnetics because it covers the background material so well and includes examples of many different types of devices that will be of interest to a very wide audience. Visit https://empossible.net/fdfdbook/ to access the book website. Visit https://raymondrumpf.com/ for Raymond C. Rumpf's personal webpage.Table of ContentsMATLAB Preliminaries; Electromagnetic Preliminaries; The Finite-Difference Method; Finite-Difference Approximation of Maxwell's Equations; The Perfectly Matched Layer Absorbing Boundary; FDFD for Calculating Guided Modes; FDFD for Calculating Photonic Bands; FDFD for Scattering Analysis; Parameter Sweeps with FDFD; FDFD Analysis of Three-Dimensional and Anisotropic Devices; Appendixes.

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Book Synopsis5G and Satellite RF and Optical Integration, the latest ‘hot off the shelf’ groundbreaking book from Artech House authored by subject specialist Geoff Varrall is packed with essential time critical information. This updated edition has everything needed to know in order to understand the new world of terrestrial and non-terrestrial telecom technology. It analyzes the radio spectrum/band and technical specifications under consideration for 5G, along with the related performance, cost, and vertical market expectations. In addition, the book studies the cost of coexistence between 5G operators and other user communities' co-sharing spectrum, including GNSS; radio astronomers; radar; GSO, MEO, and LEO satellites in the Ku, K, and Ka bands and above; and satellite TV. Also covered is the role of free-space optical technology in 5G and satellite networks and what interference issues will arise from new band allocations. This includes co-shared allocations and how interference will be mitigated in and between next generation terrestrial and satellite 5G networks. The publication coincides with an inflection point where terrestrial, nonterrestrial, and RF and optical networks could be integrated in a financially useful way.Table of ContentsSpace RF Link Budgets, Optical Inter Satellite Links, Deep Space and Near Space, Ground Station and Earth Station Hardware and Software, Low altitude Platforms, High Altitude Platforms, RF Technology Enablers, Technology Economics of RF and Fibre for terrestrial and space networks

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a huge range and FREE tracked UK delivery on ALL orders.

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a huge range and FREE tracked UK delivery on ALL orders.

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Book SynopsisA noted space expert explains the current revolution in spaceflight, where it leads, and why we need it.A new space race has begun. But the rivals in this case are not superpowers but competing entrepreneurs. These daring pioneers are creating a revolution in spaceflight that promises to transform the near future. Astronautical engineer Robert Zubrin spells out the potential of these new developments in an engrossing narrative that is visionary yet grounded by a deep understanding of the practical challenges.Fueled by the combined expertise of the old aerospace industry and the talents of Silicon Valley entrepreneurs, spaceflight is becoming cheaper. The new generation of space explorers has already achieved a major breakthrough by creating reusable rockets. Zubrin foresees more rapid innovation, including global travel from any point on Earth to another in an hour or less; orbital hotels; moon bases with incredible space observatories; human settlements on Mars, the asteroids, and the moons of the outer planets; and then, breaking all limits, pushing onward to the stars.Zubrin shows how projects that sound like science fiction can actually become reality. But beyond the how, he makes an even more compelling case for why we need to do this--to increase our knowledge of the universe, to make unforeseen discoveries on new frontiers, to harness the natural resources of other planets, to safeguard Earth from stray asteroids, to ensure the future of humanity by expanding beyond its home base, and to protect us from being catastrophically set against each other by the false belief that there isn't enough for all.Trade Review“The Case for Space demonstrates the author’s rare breadth of domain knowledge, which covers engineering, science, economics and policy as well as his depth of knowledge on every significant destination in the solar system from the Moon to the outer planets. In his new book, Zubrin’s digs right into the issues of lunar resource extraction, energy generation, manufacturing and transportation that will drive the quick settlement of Earth’s ‘eighth continent.’ Zubrin leaves no moon rock unturned in either closing or rejecting the business case for each idea.” —Greg Autry, Contributor, Forbes Magazine * Forbes *""At last, here is the vision we were aiming for when we landed on the Moon. The Case for Space is the case for the future!” —BUZZ ALDRIN, Apollo 11“Zubrin's opinions and ideas are bold and his expertise, passion, and enthusiasm are in evidence throughout . . . . This title will be a hit with space-travel enthusiasts and researchers alike.”—BOOKLIST“Zubrin is one of our generation's thought leaders in space exploration, and with The Case for Space he makes another major contribution to humanity's journey to the stars. . . . A must-read for every human being who dares to look up at the sky and imagine that someday we too will be ever present there.”—JIM CANTRELL, chief executive officer, Vector Launch Inc. “The tools needed to move into space have radically changed in the last decade. Robert Zubrin has put together an excellent guide on how we got these amazing new machines and how we can now use them to break out into the solar system for the benefit of everyone. Highly recommended.” —HOMER HICKAM, author of Rocket Boys“Zubrin lays out a vision for our space program whose boldness and clarity of thought we have not seen since we took on the challenge of reaching for the Moon. This is the kind of thinking we need. Nothing great has ever been accomplished without courage.”—JAMES R. HANSEN, New York Times–bestselling author of First Man: The Life of Neil A. Armstrong“An exciting vision for the future of humanity in space. The narrative explains a practical, albeit challenging, path to the stars in the tradition of Mars Direct. ”--JOHN GRUNSFELD, Astronaut-Hubble Repairman, and former NASA Chief Scientist and Associate Administrator for Space Science“One thousand years from now, whatever the human race has evolved into, we will look back and see the next few decades as the moment in time that the human race irreversibly moved off the Earth and to the stars. Why should we do that? It is our moral obligation, and in The Case for Space, Zubrin creates one of the most powerful and coherent arguments to date. This is a must-read for anyone who cares about the survival of our species.” —PETER H. DIAMANDIS, MD, New York Times–bestselling author of Abundance and Bold“Zubrin is a respected evangelist for manned spaceflight. This fascinating book—a distillation of his decades of expertise—combines a lucid exposition of future technologies with an eloquent and inspiring vision of humanity's future as a space-faring species.”—MARTIN REES, Astronomer Royal, past president of the Royal Society, and author of On the Future “Beyond this tiny speck whirls a universe—truly everything. All who want their heirs to share some of that should read Robert Zubrin's fact-filled call for a push beyond our planet. As it happens, out there lie the tools, resources, and keys to saving our earthly garden home.”—DAVID BRIN, bestselling, award-winning author of The Postman, Earth, and Existence

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Book SynopsisRainwater harvesting has gained popularity as a measure to address the water supply shortage in rural areas in developing countries. The harvesting systems are installed in households and public buildings. They vary from above-ground to below-ground and provide water from domestic use (cooking, drinking, laundry, etc.) to non-potable purposes such as irrigation. To date, a lot of research has focused on the development of treatment technologies, and public health studies have elucidated the risk from microbial contamination. However, this has only happened in some areas worldwide and a lot of areas (such as the African continent) studies the microbial water quality and treatment options at the household level. Additionally, the modelling of storage and demand management is missing. The current publication addresses this knowledge gap partially. A similar approach is adopted for the processing and reuse of faecal sludge from ventilated improved pit latrines. A review of the current options is presented in this book, focusing on the treatment, knowledge and public health risks. A case study on the pasteurisation of the faecal sludge is also examined, and the reuse of the pasteurised leachate is presented as an option to valorise the faecal sludge for use in the growth of fresh produce for domestic consumption.

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Book SynopsisDoes Adaptive Project Management make sense for you?Are you using waterfall/PMP project management and……your stakeholders expect innovation, a predictable schedule, and a fixed budget without padding?…it’s impossible to build a Work Breakdown Structure because your team doesn’t understand the solution yet?…you’re using new technology making it impossible to estimate durations accurately?Are you using agile project management and……your project includes hardware and your plan includes complex dependencies?…it takes weeks to complete and test a build?Are you trying to get a project completed without any project management and……priorities aren’t clear, so the wrong tasks are being worked on?…your delivery dates are just guesses and things are always late?…when your projects are complete the end users say “That’s not what I need or want”?If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, then Adaptive Project Management is for you.In Adaptive Project Management, the project manager does just enough planning to be confident that the team is working on the correct tasks. Those tasks might be risk reduction, on the critical path, or building prototypes to better understand what the end-user wants. The goal is to be constantly reducing risk and uncertainty as you move through a project, always updating the plan as you increase your knowledge. This book explains how to succeed or fail fast for projects that are too uncertain to use waterfall project management and too complex to succeed with agile project management.

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Book SynopsisFarming is a business, as well as a way of life. Whole Farm Management is a comprehensive guide developed by the Small Farms Program at Oregon State University to help aspiring and beginner farmers make smart business decisions to ensure lasting success. In clear, accessible language, this book covers every essential step, from developing a strategic plan to acquiring equipment, establishing infrastructure, finding markets, budgeting, managing day-to-day operations, and selecting a business structure for long-term viability. The emphasis throughout is on using sustainable agricultural systems and managing the whole farm, whether raising grass-based livestock, perennial food crops, or annual crops such as flowers. Case studies of successful farms, along with guidance and solutions to common problems from long-time farmers, round out this essential handbook.

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Book SynopsisJosh Volk, author of the best-selling Compact Farms, offers small-scale farmers an in-depth guide to building customized equipment that will save time and money and introduce much-needed efficiencies to their operations. Volk begins with the basics, such as setting up a workshop and understanding design principles, mechanical principles, and materials properties, then presents plans for making 15 tools suited to small-farm tasks and processes. Each project includes an explanation of the tool’s purpose and use, as well as the time commitment, skill level, and equipment required to build it. Projects range from the super-simple (requiring a half-day to build) to the more complex, and include how-to photographs and illustrations with variations for customizing the finished implement. Along with instructions for building items such as simple seedling benches, a mini barrel washer, a DIY germination chamber, and a rolling pack table, Volk addresses systems design for farm efficiency, including how to design an effective drip irrigation system and how to set up spreadsheets for collecting important planning, planting, and market data.

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Book SynopsisExpert beekeeper and swarm-catcher Hilary Kearney offers a unique window into the social lives and biology of these remarkable creatures, accompanied by the photos of world-renowned bee photographer Eric Tourneret. Readers will be awestruck by the hive as superorganism and how the individual bee lives and behaves within it, perfectly suited to each specific job it performs. From their intricate dances and information-rich pheromones to how they sense and respond to their environment, learn, and remember, this immersive journey into the world of bees offers an entirely new perspective on the wisdom of nature and our relationship to it.

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a huge range and FREE tracked UK delivery on ALL orders.

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Book SynopsisShanna Farrell loves a good drink. As a bartender, she not only poured spirits, but learned their stories—who made them and how. Living in San Francisco, surrounded by farm-to-table restaurants and high-end bars, she wondered why the eco-consciousness devoted to food didn’t extend to drinks. The short answer is that we don’t think of spirits as food. But whether it's rum, brandy, whiskey, or tequila, drinks are distilled from the same crops that end up on our tables. Most are grown with chemicals that cause pesticide resistance and pollute waterways, and distilling itself requires huge volumes of water. Even bars are notorious for generating mountains of trash. The good news is that while the good drink movement is far behind the good food movement, it is emerging. In A Good Drink, Farrell goes in search of the bars, distillers, and farmers who are driving a transformation to sustainable spirits. She meets mezcaleros in Guadalajara who are working to preserve traditional ways of producing mezcal, for the health of the local land, the wallets of the local farmers, and the culture of the community. She visits distillers in South Carolina who are bringing a rare variety of corn back from near extinction to make one of the most sought-after bourbons in the world. She meets a London bar owner who has eliminated individual bottles and ice, acculturating drinkers to a new definition of luxury. These individuals are part of a growing trend to recognize spirits for what they are—part of our food system. For readers who have ever wondered who grew the pears that went into their brandy or why their cocktail is an unnatural shade of red, A Good Drink will be an eye-opening tour of the spirits industry. For anyone who cares about the future of the planet, it offers a hopeful vision of change, one pour at a time.Table of ContentsIntroduction. In Pursuit of Sustainable Spirits Chapter 1. Whiskey Chapter 2. Agave Chapter 3. Gin and Vodka Chapter 4. Rum Chapter 5. Brandy Chapter 6. Bartenders Chapter 7. Scale Conclusion. This Is Not the End Acknowledgements Bibliography About the Author

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Book Synopsis“The foundation has been laid for fully autonomous,” Elon Musk announced in 2016, when he assured the world that Tesla would have a driverless fleet on the road in 2017. “It’s twice as safe as a human, maybe better.” Promises of techno-futuristic driving utopias have been ubiquitous wherever tech companies and carmakers meet. In Autonorama: The Illusory Promise of High-Tech Driving, technology historian Peter Norton argues that driverless cars cannot be the safe, sustainable, and inclusive “mobility solutions” that tech companies and automakers are promising us. The salesmanship behind the driverless future is distracting us from investing in better ways to get around that we can implement now. Unlike autonomous vehicles, these alternatives are inexpensive, safe, sustainable, and inclusive. Norton takes the reader on an engaging ride —from the GM Futurama exhibit to “smart” highways and vehicles—to show how we are once again being sold car dependency in the guise of mobility. He argues that we cannot see what tech companies are selling us except in the light of history. With driverless cars, we’re promised that new technology will solve the problems that car dependency gave us—zero crashes! zero emissions! zero congestion! But these are the same promises that have kept us on a treadmill of car dependency for 80 years. Autonorama is hopeful, advocating for wise, proven, humane mobility that we can invest in now, without waiting for technology that is forever just out of reach. Before intelligent systems, data, and technology can serve us, Norton suggests, we need wisdom. Rachel Carson warned us that when we seek technological solutions instead of ecological balance, we can make our problems worse. With this wisdom, Norton contends, we can meet our mobility needs with what we have right now.Table of ContentsIntroduction: Not If but When Chapter 1: Futurama 1: New Horizons Chapter 2: Futurama 2: Magic Highway, USA Chapter 3: Futurama 3: From CenterCore to Demo ’97 Chapter 4: Futurama 4: Autonorama Chapter 5: Data Don’t Drive Conclusion: We Already Have What We Need Acknowledgments About the Author Endnotes Index

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Book SynopsisIn 2000, a transformative climate-driven “megadrought” swept over the Colorado River watershed. By the early 2020s, levels on the river’s two largest reservoirs were hitting record lows and threatening the water supply for forty million people. Outside the West, water stocks are stressed even in states with bountiful rainfall such as Florida. From coast to coast, conventional measures to sustain the most fundamental natural resource on earth—drinking water—are coming up short. Recycled water could help close that gap. In Purified: How Recycled Sewage Is Transforming Our Water, veteran journalist Peter Annin shows that wastewater has become a surprising weapon in America’s war against water scarcity. Annin probes deep into the water reuse movement in five water-strapped states—California, Texas, Virginia, Nevada, and Florida. He drinks beer made from purified sewage, visits communities where purified sewage came to the rescue, and examines how one of the nation’s largest wastewater plants hopes to recycle one hundred percent of its wastewater by 2035. At each stop, readers come face to face with the people who are struggling for, and against, recycled water. While the current filtration technology transforms sewage into something akin to distilled water—free of chemicals and safe to drink—water recycling’s challenge isn’t technology. It’s terminology. Concerns about communities being used as “guinea pigs,” sensationalist media coverage, and taglines like “toilet to tap” have repeatedly crippled water recycling efforts. Potable water recycling has become the hottest frontier in the race for expanded water supply options. But can public opinion turn in time to avoid the worst consequences? Purified’s fast-paced narrative cuts through the fearmongering and misinformation to make the case that recycled water is direly needed in the climate-change era. Water cannot be taken for granted anymore—and that includes sewage.Table of ContentsAuthor’s Note Prologue Chapter 1. Dead Pool Chapter 2. Gulp! Chapter 3. Orange County Sets the Bar Chapter 4. San Diego Bounces Back Chapter 5. Future Water in Virginia Chapter 6. Running Dry (Almost) in Texas Chapter 7. El Paso's Quiet Leadership Chapter 8. Hot Tempers in Tampa Chapter 9. Going Beyond Purple Pipe in Florida Chapter 10. LA Goes All-In Chapter 11. Pure Water SoCal and Operation Next Chapter 12. Water Diversion, or Water Reuse? Epilogue Acknowledgments Notes About the Author Index

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a huge range and FREE tracked UK delivery on ALL orders.

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Book SynopsisA definitive twenty-first century permaculture manual for human flourishing in an age of disconnection, disease, and decline.Drawing from twenty years of experience as a land designer and site developer, inThe Resilient Farm and Homestead, Revised and Expanded Editionauthor Ben Falk describes how he has transformed a degraded hillside in the frigid climate of Vermont into a thriving Garden of Eden that now provides year-around abundance and regeneration for his family and community.First published in 2013,The Resilient Farm and Homesteadis a comprehensive how-to guide for building durable and productive land-based systems through the reciprocal interplay of humans and the natural world. In the ten years since he first published this seminal work, Falk has only deepened his wisdom in harnessing nature-based solutions for an increasingly perilous planet.Coming on the heels of the unprecedented upheaval of Covid-19, this new and e

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Book Synopsis'Seasoned and novice growers alike will find a mother lode of information and wisdom packed into this gem of a book!' Nancy Phillips, author of The Herbalist’s Way *Updated with new information about herb dryers and construction, soil fertility, growing cannabis, and more In the first edition of The Organic Medicinal Herb Farmer, authors Jeff and Melanie Carpenter presented a comprehensive seed-to-bottle guide for aspiring and experienced growers alike, from basic business considerations to planting and propagation to creating value-added products. Now they’re back with a revised and updated edition, sharing the lessons they’ve learned throughout their twenty-five years of operating a medicinal herb farm that prizes quality over quantity. The Carpenters offer their insights and tips on every aspect of herb farming, including: Size and scale considerations Data management for profit maximization The herbal marketplace and choosing which herbs to grow Field and bed preparation and planting, including building soil fertility Plant-positive weed, pest, and disease control Harvest and post-harvest processing, including scalable dryer construction Value-added products and marketing A new chapter on growing cannabis And much more! The Carpenters make the case that growing organic medicinal herbs is not only viable and profitable, but also an important step for improving the ecological health of farmland, taking pressure off of wild medicinal plant populations, and increasing biodiversity. While local foodways are more often the focus of attention, local medicine ways are equally critical and in need of restoration. The Organic Medicinal Herb Farmer is a one-of-a-kind resource, complete with detailed profiles of 50 medicinal herbs and over 200 colour photographs. Whether you’re looking to grow an herb farm from the ground up, incorporate medicinal plants on an existing farm, or add tools to your belt as a seasoned grower, you’ll find the information you need in this volume. '[A] beautiful and informative book . . . A dirt-smudged copy should be within easy reach of every home gardener or farmer who grows—or wants to grow—medicinal plants.' Michael McGuffin, President, American Herbal Products AssociationTrade Review“This new edition of The Organic Medicinal Herb Farmer is a must-have for anyone interested in herb cultivation. The knowledge Jeff and Melanie share is incredibly important for the future of the botanical industry as production in the U.S. continues to grow. They detail each step along the way, from choosing the right botanicals to grow on your land to post-harvest processing. I really appreciate the applied intention and the thoughtfulness involved in growing herbs that Jeff and Melanie transmit. This is a resource that aspiring and experienced botanical farmers alike should keep on hand.”—Nate Brennan, purchasing and sales manager, Pacific Botanicals “Rooted in years of direct experience and a deep love and respect for the healing plants, this book is packed full of practical, on-the-ground herbal farming information. It is an essential guide for young and experienced farmers alike who are interested in growing or integrating medicinal herbs into their farm. We need more caring, respectful, and knowledgeable medicinal herb farmers like Jeff and Melanie.”—Deb Soule, herbalist and biodynamic gardener; founder of Avena Botanicals “The revised edition of The Organic Medicinal Herb Farmer goes beyond a traditional herb farming manual, serving as a guide for cultivating not only herbs but also a sense of community and self-sufficiency. Jeff’s emphasis on sustainable practices, ethical harvesting, and mindful consumption inspires readers to embrace a harmonious relationship with the environment and rediscover the profound healing potential of herbs. Whether you’re a novice herb enthusiast or an experienced farmer looking to deepen your knowledge, The Organic Medicinal Herb Farmer is an invaluable resource that will awaken your senses, nourish your soul, and guide you on an enriching journey toward organic herb farming success.”—Cee Stanley, CEO of Green Heffa Farms“I could almost smell the herbs and feel the soil when I picked up and opened this book. It is full of practical and helpful information, pictures, and guidance for any farmer who wants to know and grow medicinal herbs organically. All of the new information is great, especially the section on constructing and performing herb drying. Too often I have seen farmers grow a good crop but lessen its value with improper post-harvest handling techniques, especially drying incorrectly. Thanks Melanie and Jeff for taking the time to put down in black and white what farmers need to know to be successful. The first edition on my shelf is a bit worn and torn, so this revised edition gives me and readers even more reason to dig in deeper to learn what it takes to supply top-quality medicinal herbs in today’s market.”—Edward J Fletcher, Owner/Operator Native Botanicals, Inc. “The Organic Medicinal Herb Farmer is an invaluable resource for anyone growing medicinal plants on a small, medium, and large-scale. In addition to details about everything from writing a vision statement to developing a business plan and managing weeds, Jeff and Melanie Carpenter share the reasons behind the decisions they have made, the lessons learned from good and bad decisions, and their advice based on what they have learned. The Organic Medicinal Herb Farmer is also essential reading for anyone using herbal products to understand what it takes to cultivate and process high quality herbs so that the products made with these herbs are truly the ecological medicine—better for the plants, for people, and the planet—that they are promised to be. The Carpenters demonstrate how the vision of wholeness and healing that is at the heart of herbal medicine guides all the decisions, large and small, that they make on their farm. I can’t recommend this book highly enough.”—Ann Armbrecht, PhD; author, The Business of Botanicals; director, Sustainable Herbs Program “Jeff and Melanie Carpenter give me hope for the future of herb farming. In this book, they generously share very useful experience-based information and lessons learned, which will help young prospective herb farmers to avoid pitfalls and plan for an economically viable and appropriately scaled operation for sustainable production. Read this book before you start up!”—Josef Brinckmann, vice president of sustainability, Traditional Medicinals “Finally, a book to recommend to the increasing number of organic farmers who are looking to grow medicinal herb crops. This inspiring handbook provides the quality and depth of information that only comes from years of first-hand experience. Having begun our own herb-growing and herbal-product manufacture thirty-five years ago, I am completely impressed with the comprehensive breadth of topics and business wisdom that the Carpenters have so generously shared.”—Sara Katz, cofounder, Herb Pharm, and board president, United Plant Savers “Bullseye! Jeff and Melanie Carpenter nail it in addressing the needs of today’s medicinal herb grower. In a friendly, easy-to-read style, the information in The Organic Medicinal Herb Farmer is straightforward and comprehensive, benefitting beginning and experienced farmers alike.”—Richard Wiswall, author, The Organic Farmer’s Business Handbook “With this beautiful and informative book, Jeff and Melanie Carpenter share the knowledge they have gathered as they have realized their vision over the last fifteen years on their 10-acre farm in Vermont. The Organic Medicinal Herb Farmer serves as a training manual to support US domestic production of high-quality medicinal herbs. A dirt-smudged copy should be within easy reach of every home gardener or farmer who grows—or wants to grow—medicinal plants.”—Michael McGuffin, president, American Herbal Products Association “Many of the medicinal herbs used in the herbal industry are still imported, even though we have ideal conditions as landowners and farmers to fulfil the growing demand. United Plant Savers’ motto, ‘conservation through cultivation,’ is a way in which we can take demand off of wild-harvested native medicinals and also stimulate regional sources for a dynamic and growing market. This book could not be more timely. We need domestic herb farmers not only to supply a growing demand for herbal medicine but also as a critical component to ensuring an abundant supply of American medicinal plants for generations to come.”—Susan Leopold, executive director, United Plant Savers “The Organic Medicinal Herb Farmer rocks with practical insights for growing healing herbs and making a viable living. Locally grown medicine will be embraced by local food movements as more community herbalists get the word out. The ‘Health Care Marketplace’ we actually need today consists of more hard-working farm couples like Jeff and Mel Carpenter.”—Michael Phillips, author, The Holistic Orchard “I highly recommend The Organic Medicinal Herb Farmer to all new and experienced growers of Western medicinal herbs. If you are an aspiring herb farmer, this is your book!”—Peg Schafer, author, The Chinese Medicinal Herb Farm “Drawing on their fifteen years of experience growing medicinal herbs commercially, Jeff and Melanie Carpenter have written the most comprehensive book available on growing, harvesting, drying, packaging, and selling medicinal herbs. Beginning farmers will find this book particularly useful with its detailed instructions on all aspects of herb farming, including field-site selection, cultural practices, tools, equipment, and business planning.”—Jeanine Davis, PhD, associate professor and extension specialist, Department of Horticultural Science, North Carolina State University “Seasoned and novice growers alike will find a mother lode of information and wisdom packed into this gem of a book! Anyone interested in growing or using medicinal herbs will reap the benefits of Jeff and Mel’s meticulous research and hard-won expertise in the field and marketplace. These savvy business people are stellar models of earth stewards making a right livelihood on the land. Reading The Organic Medicinal Herb Farmer will greatly help you along the same path!”—Nancy Phillips, author, The Herbalist’s Way

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Book SynopsisHow can we learn from previous food production mistakes and pave a way for producing sustainable, nutritious, local meat? The Covid-19 pandemic exposed the vulnerabilities of our globalised food system and highlighted the desperate need for local and regional supplies of healthy meat. We must replace industrial feed models, which are responsible for significant climate emissions, nitrogen pollution and animal suffering. Grass-Fed Beef for a Post-Pandemic World outlines a hopeful path out of our broken food system via regional networks of regeneratively produced meat. In 2017, Ridge Shinn and Lynne Pledger went to market with Big Picture Beef, a company that partners with farmers across the northeastern United States to provide high-quality, 100% grass-fed beef. Their model has increased participating farmers’ access to wholesale markets, and their holistic grazing management techniques offer multiple benefits for the health and wellbeing of consumers, the environment and livestock. In Grass Fed-Beef for a Post-Pandemic World, you’ll find information assembled from the fields of ecology, climate science, nutrition and animal welfare, along with stories from Ridge’s travels as a consultant on farms all over the world. You’ll discover how regenerative grazing can: restore degraded farmland protect against droughts and floods increase biodiversity combat climate change by reducing emissions and sequestering carbon contribute to regional economic development produce nutrient-dense, healthy meat for consumers Grass-Fed Beef for a Post-Pandemic World is not just for beef producers, but for anyone wondering how our farmers can raise cattle while caring for the local and global environment.Trade Review“Grazing animals are a natural part of the land. When grazing is done right, it will improve soil health and regenerate the land. Cattle have been criticized for occupying too much land, but people forget that 20 percent of the habitable land on Earth cannot be used for crops. The only way to raise food on this land is grazing animals. The land is either too hilly or arid for crops. In this book, you will learn how grazing and regenerative agriculture is a win-win for both producing food and the environment.” —Temple Grandin, author of Animals Make Us Human; professor, animal science, Colorado State University“The next time someone argues that cows are disastrous for the planet, hand them a copy of Grass-Fed Beef for a Post-Pandemic World. Equal parts manifesto and how-to guide, Shinn and Pledger will show you that the solution to our human and planetary health crisis begins with a cow eating grass and ends with the most delicious steak you’ve ever had.” —Dan Barber, author of The Third Plate“This comprehensive and engaging account offers a path forward from industrial to regenerative agricultural practices, one that is urgently needed in the face of diminishing availability and increasing costs of the fossil fuels largely responsible for a precipitously warming global climate. This book is a must-read for people worldwide interested in how managed grazing can enhance the health of soil, plants, domesticated and wild animals, and humans and can help cool a warming planet as increasing temperatures make large swathes of the globe, including many parts of the United States, uninhabitable during the next fifty years.” —Fred Provenza, professor emeritus, Department of Wildland Resources, Utah State University; author of Nourishment“Lynne Pledger and Ridge Shinn have created a readable, usable guide to grass-fed beef—full of both the hows and whys. An essential addition to the libraries of everyone involved in the raising and selling of beef.” —Nicolette Hahn Niman, author of Defending Beef"Whether you eat beef or not, this book reveals what what everyone needs to know—why grass-fed beef is better not just for the health of cows but for people and the planet as well." —Anne Biklé, coauthor of What Your Food Ate“Challenging the entrenched wisdom that cows are bad for us and the environment, Grass-fed Beef for a Post-Pandemic World offers a well-seasoned perspective that the real problem is how we raise them.” —David R. Montgomery, author of Dirt and Growing a Revolution“Anchored in the science, history, and first-hand practice of regenerative grazing, Ridge Shinn and Lynne Pledger make a deeply informed and unromanticized case for incorporating the ‘work with nature’ principles of nineteenth century agriculture to, among other things, restore soils, promote rural economies, mitigate climate disruption, and support overall well-being—system-wide and at scale.” —Jock Herron, design critic focused on food systems and health, Harvard Graduate School of Design“Grass-Fed Beef for a Post-Pandemic World is a well-researched and timely contribution to a much-needed conversation about what we eat and where it comes from. Fascinating for anyone interested in finding ways they can personally help mitigate climate change and ‘eat better’ for the planet, for animal welfare, and for their own health. Essential reading for farmers wanting to restore their land, feel good about what they do, and turn a profit.” —Libby Henson, codirector and cofounder, Grassroots Systems“As we increasingly recognize the vital role of regenerative grazing in human, ecological, and planetary health, the question invariably asked is, how quickly can it be scaled up? Informed by decades of industry experience and market success, the authors of Grass-Fed Beef for a Post-Pandemic World lay out a brilliant strategy for transforming beef production from a conventional, extractive, fossil fuel-intensive model to an approach that heals degraded soil, improves wildlife habitat, rejuvenates rural economies, and sequesters carbon. Best of all, their vision is adaptable to all regions.” —Karl Thidemann, cofounder, Soil4Climate “This book gives me hope. In it, soil and climate heroes Ridge Shinn and Lynne Pledger bring us a giant step closer to the regenerative future. Buy it. Absorb it. Cherish it. Share it.” —Seth J. Itzkan, cofounder, Soil4Climate “This timely book by Ridge Shinn and Lynne Pledger masterfully covers how a transition to regenerative grazing can restore ecosystem function to deliver vital ecosystem services to provide ecological and economic resilience required for a secure and healthy food system base. They outline the steps necessary to transition from the current food system organization to systems that facilitate decision making on the land and educate the population on the benefits of managing to restore ecosystems.” —Richard Teague, professor, Texas A&M AgriLife Research

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Book Synopsis‘One of the world’s most prominent radical scientists.’ The Guardian ‘Vandana Shiva is an expert [on the dangers of gobalization] whose analysis has helped us understand this situation much more deeply.’ Russell Brand A powerful new memoir published to coincide with Vandana Shiva’s 70th birthday. Vandana Shiva has been described in many ways: the ‘Gandhi of Grain,’ ‘a rock star’ in the battle against GMOs, and ‘the most powerful voice’ for people of the developing world. For over four decades she has vociferously advocated for diversity, indigenous knowledge, localisation, and real democracy; she has been at the forefront of seed saving, food sovereignty, and connecting the dots between the destruction of nature, the polarization of societies, and indiscriminate corporate greed. In Terra Viva, Dr Shiva shares her most memorable campaigns, alongside some of the world’s most celebrated activists and environmentalists, all working towards a livable planet and healthier democracies. For the very first time, she also recounts the stories of her childhood in post-partition India – the influence of the Himalayan forests she roamed; her parents, who saw no difference in the education of boys and girls at a time when this was not the norm; and the Chipko movement, whose women were ‘the real custodians of biodiversity-related knowledge.’ Throughout, Shiva’s pursuit of a unique intellectual path marrying quantum physics with science, technology, and environmental policy will captivate the reader. Terra Viva is a celebration of a remarkable life and a clear-eyed assessment of the challenges we face moving forward – including those revealed by the Covid crisis, the privatisation of biotechnology, and the commodification of our biological and natural resources. ‘All of us who care about the future of Planet Earth must be grateful to Vandana Shiva.’ Jane Goodall, UN Messenger of PeaceTrade Review“Shiva’s book is a record of a remarkable life and a compelling assessment of the challenges we face. We would all be a little more informed, inspired, perhaps even wise, after reading it.”—Geographical

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Book SynopsisWith over 100 colour photographs and illustrations, Raising Resilient Bees is the comprehensive source for new and experienced beekeepers, offering a sustainable, natural and repeatable model of care for hive health and production. Global pests and diseases present an unprecedented challenge for the modern honey bee. Hobby and commercial beekeepers alike continue to experience troubling rates of mortality for their colonies, with potentially deleterious consequences for the stability of our wider ecosystems and overall food security. It is time for a global focus on restoring the health of the shared apiary by naturally rearing genetically diverse and resilient lines of bees. Raising Resilient Bees establishes these parameters and provides guidance for new and experienced beekeepers alike to translate these goals into real practice, thereby safeguarding the honey bee from the unknown threats of the future. Authors Eric and Joy McEwen take two decades worth of beekeeping experience, experiments and professional production to deliver groundbreaking methods in queen-rearing, varroa mite management and Natural Nest hive design. Inside, you’ll discover: Revived and adapted heritage Integrated Pest Management techniques How to naturally rear queens and select for resilient, mite-resistant genetic lines without relying on swarming or grafting Key tenets of apicentric beekeeping Advice for establishing a flourishing and sustainable business with beekeeping at the centre How to naturally rear bees with distinctive characteristics suitable to their locale As in large-scale agriculture, the trend toward genetic homogenization is having long-term implications for bees’ capacity to withstand diverse environmental stressors. With expert advice, enthusiasm and easy-to-follow instructions, Raising Resilient Bees delivers important and timely information for every beekeeper to create a healthier future.Trade Review"Right from the start, this book takes you on a journey that is fascinating and thought-provoking. . . The McEwens demonstrate creative, out-of-the-box thinking and challenge traditional ways of keeping bees."—American Bee Journal"Raising Resilient Bees challenges accepted practices in commercial beekeeping, based on decades of experience on an organic farm. . . [It's] inspiring. It will strike a chord with those who feel an instinctive love for the land and a desire to follow the most harm-free practices in agriculture."—Foreword Reviews“Beekeepers and the bee-curious alike will revel in this fresh offering from long-time honey bee stewards Eric and Joy McEwen. In a conversational and approachable fashion, this husband-and-wife team gracefully offers up solutions to some of the most difficult contemporary beekeeping problems. Beautiful photos and colorful illustrations provide vital basics for those new to the craft, as well as creative ideas for advanced beekeepers to mull over. Opening this book is opening a window into a resilient and regenerative beekeeping operation. Your bees will thank you for it.”—Sarah Red-Laird, founder and executive program director, the Bee Girl Organization (BGO); past president, Western Apicultural Society “Joy and Eric McEwen give a vivid, practical, evidence-based demonstration of how a commercial beekeeping enterprise of over 600 hives can work in a way that is more ecologically sustainable and bee-friendly, while remaining profitable enough to support a family and employees. Biodynamic and organic beekeepers will applaud the authors’ use of ‘Natural Nest’ hives with single-size boxes and vertically uninterrupted brood nests, populated with locally adapted bees and naturally reared queens.”—David Heaf, author of The Bee-Friendly Beekeeper; bee-friendly.co.uk“Raising Resilient Bees offered me a new way to consider honey bees. My previous framework was borrowed from Dr. Tom Seeley, who looked at the honey bee colony as a whole; something more than just individuals strung together. Eric and Joy McEwen have taken this a step further with their concept of the ‘hive bee-ing,’ which is not just the colony but also the environment in which it is housed and with which it interacts intimately. The McEwens look at every aspect of a honey bee’s life in this book—pest and disease issues, living space, the genetics of resistance and tolerance, qualities of successful queens, optimal feeding, and seasonal management that prioritizes the bee above the beekeeper. Resilience means being adaptable—finding new and better solutions to old problems. Adaptability. That is the best quality a honey bee, and a beekeeper, can have.”—Kim Flottum, author of The Backyard Beekeeper; host, Beekeeping Today Podcast “Raising Resilient Bees shares the McEwens’ quest and commitment to steward bees respectfully and responsibly. This guide is a mellifluous manifesto that touches upon the diversity and majesty of what it means to work in tandem with our honey bee relatives and Mother Nature. May stewards near and far find inspiration and motivation in the McEwens’ path of purpose, and may they learn to nurture their own beekeeping journeys through the Diggin’ Livin’ teachings.”—Melanie M. Kirby, founder and director, Adaptive Bee Breeders Alliance “Raising Resilient Bees is a comprehensive guide to beekeeping that emphasizes sustainable and ethical practices. Drawing on their years of experience as beekeepers and farmers, the McEwens offer practical advice on everything from setting up a hive to harvesting honey. This isn’t just a how-to manual. This book also explores the important roles bees play in our ecosystems and the threats they face, as well as guidance on how to support and protect these crucial pollinators. Raising Resilient Bees is a must-read for anyone interested in beekeeping, sustainability, and the natural world.”—Penny Livingston, permaculturist, beekeeper, and educator “Eric and Joy are a rare breed; professional beekeepers taking a creative and nuanced approach to commercial beekeeping. In Raising Resilient Bees, they consider the entire cycle of the professional beekeeper’s life and work with a sustainable focus, from sourcing salvaged timber for beehives to breeding locally adapted bees, modifying conventional hive designs to crafting high-value bee products. Eric and Joy’s hard work and deep commitment to learning from their bees and the local environment will be an inspiration to any aspiring beekeeper and to those wishing to transition to more sustainable practices.”—Tim Malfroy, owner, Malfroy’s Gold and Natural Beekeeping Australia“Much akin to the wondrous distillation that honey bees perform while alchemizing nectar from flowers into concentrated pearls of sweet, nutritious, and healing honey, Joy and Eric have distilled decades of earnest, caring, and arduous work tending their apiaries into pearls of valuable wisdom. As a seed grower, I have long marveled at the unique cosmic dance between bee and flower that gives rise to the seed, and this book amplifies this sense of wonder. If you are holding this book in your hands, then I presume that you too will be grateful for this valuable contribution to the art and science of natural beekeeping.”—Don Tipping, farmer and seedsman, Siskiyou Seeds“In Raising Resilient Bees, Eric and Joy not only provide us with a bee-centric approach to beekeeping but also a human-centric one. As farmers, our desire to practice a method of agriculture that seeks to regenerate our natural systems and resources rather than exploit them requires us to consider how to bring our whole human selves to the task. Raising Resilient Bees is not just a how-to manual on holistic beekeeping for hobbyists and professionals alike, but a manifesto on how we, as humans, can practice respect, humility, and love, in service to the earth and each other.”—Beth Hoinacki, farmer, Goodfoot Farm; president of Demeter Advisory Board, Biodynamic Demeter Alliance“Few relationships are as complex, and indeed as agonized over, as that between humans, honey bees, and our shared environment. This lovely book—a detailed guide, an homage, and a story all in one—offers huge insight to anyone currently beekeeping or considering entering into that great interspecies relationship with a view beyond the purely economic. Rich in detail, photos, diagrams, and the authors’ learnings—often from their own challenging experiments in bee breeding and care—Raising Resilient Bees conveys the McEwens’ love for bees and their admirable desire to ensure that the lessons learned from their good and bad times help others. We never do stop learning, and this book, part of a great beekeeping canon, will contribute immensely to your own learning journey.”—Vicki Hird, writer and campaigner; author of Rebugging the Planet “In this important new handbook, Eric and Joy McEwen provide a comprehensive approach to the extraordinary world of beekeeping and honey production. These two long-time practitioners offer detail and instruction for both the commercial farm enterprise as well as the homestead producer. It is authoritative, delightfully readable, and will be a lifelong reference.”—Garry Stephenson, professor emeritus, Center for Small Farms & Community Food Systems, Oregon State University“A Jacqueline Freeman journey through some super solid information. Eric and Joy McEwen cover all the bee basics and the challenges one should expect when getting started with the species. They offer a very genuine depiction, through real-life experiences, of what it takes to manage bees sustainably. Raising Resilient Bees is a testament to regenerative beekeeping by way of responsible practices, understanding of place, and most of all, the appreciation of deep bee ecology.”—Rob Keller, Napa Valley Bee Co."Simply stated, Raising Resilient Bees: Heritage Techniques to Mitigate Mites, Preserve Locally Adapted Genetics, and Grow Your Apiary is essential reading for anyone who aspires to keep bees, and has a great deal of practical value as a resource for even the more experienced beekeeper. Nicely illustrated with color photographic images, informatively comprehensive, exceptionally 'reader friendly in organization and presentation, Raising Resilient Bees is especially and unreservedly recommended for personal, professional, community, college, and university library bee keeping collections and as a textbook for supplemental Animal Husbandry and Entomology curriculum studies lists."—Midwest Book Review

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Book SynopsisAccording to author Joe Holley, the story of the Texas Electric Cooperatives, a collective of some 76 member-owned electric providers throughout the state, is a story of neighborliness and community, grit and determination, and persuasion and political savvy. It's the story of a grassroots movement that energized rural Texas.

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Book SynopsisA stunning photographic compilation of Egypt’s abandoned palaces and grand buildingsBetween 1860 and 1940, Cairo and other large cities in Egypt witnessed a major construction boom that gave birth to extraordinary palaces and lavish buildings. These incorporated a mix of architectural styles, such as Beaux-Arts and Art Deco, with local design influences and materials. Today, many lie empty and neglected, rapidly succumbing to time, a real-estate frenzy, and an ongoing population crisis. In 2006 Russian-born photographer Xenia Nikolskaya began the process of documenting these structures. She gained exceptional access to them, taking photographs at some thirty locations, including Cairo, Alexandria, Luxor, Minya, Esna, and Port Said. These photographs were documented in the first edition of Dust: Egypt’s Forgotten Architecture, which soon after its release in 2012 became a rare collector’s item.This revised and expanded edition includes photographs from the first edition together with extra unseen images and new photographs taken by Nikolskaya between 2013 and 2021. It also includes previously unpublished essays by Heba Farid, co-owner of the Cairo-based photo gallery Tintera, and architect and urban planner Omar Nagati, co-founder of CLUSTER, an urban design and research platform also in Cairo.Dust: Egypt's Forgotten Architecture leads us seductively into some of the most breathtaking architectural spaces of Egypt's recent past, filled with a sense of both the immense weight and the impermanence of history.Trade Review“Large, carefully composed and beautifully lit images”—Sunday Telegraph“Stunning”—Plain Magazine“Very arresting images”—BBC“Extraordinary . . . The book documents the abandoned palaces and salons of an Egypt you don’t often see in the headlines: the golden age of Cairene opulence.”—Roads & Kingdoms“Her painterly compositions and lambent lighting (which in most cases is natural) serve to give the impression that these are stage sets, only waiting for the arrival of the actors.”—Voyager“Dramatic and haunting. . . . . succeeds in capturing the glitz and glamor of a past century as a marzipan filling in dark chocolate, without staging her pictures in an overly sweet way. The illustrated book Dust: Egypt's Forgotten Architecture is thus a wonderfully delicate pastime.”—dis:orient Magazine“Dust is not just a documentation of these fascinating architectural spaces, it also traces the idea of a typology of absence. . . Avoiding any kind of nostalgia, the book challenges its reader: going back to this Egyptian dust also takes us deep into our own expectations of life and notions of legacy. ”—The Global Journal“Egypt’s most magnificent buildings have stood unloved–and unlooted–for decades. But a new book of photographs may change that.”—SEVEN“The Cairo [Nikolskaya] captures with her lens is a European city, its grandeur and dilapidation devoid of exotic oriental motifs and shown as somehow frozen in time.”—The National“Nikolskaya brings these palaces back to life”—Egypt Today“Dust explores the conditions and relevance of empty architectural spaces in Egypt, presenting an entwined dualism: dust as materiality that layers the city, literally tracing the passage of time upon urban objects – but also as a temporal metaphor that registers these changes on the level of memories, both past and present.”—Cairo 360"Nikolskaya’s lens expertly captures an eerie forlornness in some of the places depicted in her book, most of which are rundown and ominous. However, what is perhaps most remarkable about her style is how she directs the viewer's eye to detail after detail, weaving a rich narrative."—The National

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Book SynopsisThe workbenches of hobbyists, hackers, and makers have become overrun with microcontrollers, computers-on-a-chip that power homebrewed video games, robots, toys, and more. In Making Things Talk, Tom Igoe, one of the creators of Arduino, shows how to make these gadgets talk. Whether you need to connect some sensors to the Internet or create a device that can interact wirelessly with other creations, this book shows you what you need. Although they are powerful, the projects in this book are inexpensive to build: the Arduino microcontroller board itself ranges from around $25 to $40. The networking hardware covered here includes Ethernet, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and can be had for $25 to $50. Fully updated for the latest Arduino hardware and software, this book lets you combine microcontrollers, sensors, and networking hardware to make things... and make them talk to each other!

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Book SynopsisThe book is written in a casual, conversational style. It is easily accessible to those who have no prior knowledge in 3D printing, yet the book's message is solidly practical, technically accurate, and consumer-relevant. The chapters include contemporary, real-life learning exercises and insights for how to buy, use and maintain 3D printers. It also covers free 3D modeling software, as well as 3D printing services for those who don't want to immediately invest in the purchase of a 3D printer. Particular focus is placed on free and paid resources, the various choices available in 3D printing, and tutorials and troubleshooting guides.

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Book SynopsisLearn robotics through magic, or enhance your magic with robotics! This book is a beginner's guide to creating robotics-infused magic. You'll be introduced to simple DIY electronics and Arduino programming, and you will learn how to use those tools to create a treasure trove of magic bots and effects, with readily-sourced materials and everyday objects. It's magic through the lens of the Maker Movement, with a dedication to accessibility -- cardboard meets Arduino meets magic! All ages, backgrounds, and abilities will find clever, fun projects within these pages that challenge their creativity and explode their imagination.

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Book SynopsisLearn how to create functional gadgets using simple but clever circuits based on the venerable "555." These projects will give you hands-on experience with useful, basic circuits that will aid you across other projects. These inspiring designs might even lead you to develop the next big thing. The 555 Timer Oscillator Integrated Circuit chip is one of the most popular chips in the world. Through clever projects, you will gain permanent knowledge of how to use the 555 timer will carry with you for life. With this book you'll build a series of unique and useful projects. Each one gets more and more complicated, and you'll learn more as you go along. Start off with a basic 555 timer IC design concept to build a simple project. Learn how to create a simple form of digital memory that can store data, the basis of every computer system ever created. Build a collection of lighting effect circuits that will flash and animate LEDs in different ways. Use a simple configuration of the 555 timer IC to create a complex traffic light system. You'll even create sound with an audio synthesizer! No programming is needed to make startlingly functional electronic devices. Get started today building the next big thing. Or even the next small thing. But build some thing! What You Need: The only physical things people need are the parts to build the projects, which are labeled out with part numbers in the beginning of each project. Otherwise, only an hour here or there is needed to build these projects. Only some familiarity with electrical components is necessary in regards to purchasing for each project.

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Book SynopsisEngineering in the Life Sciences, 9–12 provides how-to advice that will make the book your go-to resource. It offers six standards-based lessons that show how to infuse engineering concepts into existing courses. It also provides wide-ranging material from each of the major content areas in biological sciences, including structures and processes, ecosystems, heredity, and biological evolution. Spark your high school students’ interest with lesson titles such as “Designer DNA,” “Ecosystem Board Game,” and “B-pocalypse.” Inspired by extensive field testing, the authors made the book easy to use in diverse settings by supplementing the lessons with detailed support materials and adding chapters on managing engineering-oriented activities and conducting assessments. They also included teaching tips and connections to standards, plus five case studies about how engineering concepts and science intersect to address human needs. The result is lessons that are eminently doable, illustrating how you can use an authentic engineering approach to engage students with the life sciences.

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Book SynopsisThe book you didn’t know you needed about advocacy in the digital age​.On Digital Advocacy is an exploration of the intersection of advocacy, stewardship, social media, and our humanity. We all share a responsibility to protect our planet––especially those of us in the outdoor industry––and in the digital age, access to advocacy is abundant. Social media hands us the tools to get educated, gather resources, organize, and empower ourselves on whatever slice of the “save the planet” pie tickles your appetite to do good. The opportunity and potential for digital advocacy is dizzying––but what happens when we begin to tangle our personal identities with our pursuit of saving a dying earth? As users of public lands, we have an ethical responsibility to the planet. As inhabitants of our identities, we have an ethical responsibility to ourselves, too. Can we use the digital space to protect the outdoors while still protecting our human spirit?

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Book SynopsisSelf-Protection Jammer Systems is an in-depth exploration of the technical and operational principles of self-protection jammer systems. This comprehensive resource covers the theoretical foundations of self-protection jammers, including radar theory, radar guidance, radar jamming theory, radar warning receiver systems, and the theory of self-protection jammer systems. It translates these technical foundations into practical applications in operational settings, specifically highlighting the effective deployment of self-protection jammers on airborne platforms and decoys for jamming purposes.This book also focuses on the future trends in both technical and operational aspects of self-protection jammer systems. To facilitate a deeper understanding, it includes solved problems that illustrate key concepts and applications.Aimed at engineers involved in developing and maintaining self-protection electronic warfare systems, this book provides essential theoretical and practical knowledge necessary for design, implementation, field support, and maintenance. It will also help operational personnel to understand and address technical issues and define realistic requirements. The book is expected to inspire scholars in the field, offering new perspectives and insights into self-protection jammer systems.

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Book SynopsisThis book provides a broad overview of cryptography and enables cryptography for trying out. It emphasizes the connections between theory and practice, focuses on RSA for introducing number theory and PKI, and links the theory to the most current recommendations from NIST and BSI. The book also enables readers to directly try out the results with existing tools available as open source. It is different from all existing books because it shows very concretely how to execute many procedures with different tools. The target group could be self-learners, pupils and students, but also developers and users in companies. All code written with these open-source tools is available. The appendix describes in detail how to use these tools. The main chapters are independent from one another. At the end of most chapters, you will find references and web links. The sections have been enriched with many footnotes. Within the footnotes you can see where the described functions can be called and tried within the different CrypTool versions, within SageMath or within OpenSSL.

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a huge range and FREE tracked UK delivery on ALL orders.

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Book SynopsisA James Beard award winner exposes the Big Food system, highlights the women on the ground fighting back, and asks a simple, but evergreen question–how should we eat…When the Covid-19 pandemic ripped through global food supply chains, it threatened the livelihoods of farmers, created shortages in supermarkets, and revealed a startling truth to consumers: the food system is broken, and large corporations did the breaking. An idea began to take hold–what if we could return to a time when our needs were met by the farmers in our own communities, rather than a commodity, Big Food system that favors profit above all else?With in-depth, on the ground reporting, Nancy Matsumoto introduces readers to the women changemakers who are building out local and regional supply chains to combat the destructive effects of Big Food: from the founder of a women-led rice cooperative who is fighting Black land loss, to the Indigenous women who own and operate the first kelp hatchery on the American east coast, and more. Reaping What She Sows offers a blueprint for what eating enjoyably, sustainably, and ethically looks like today. Essential for those who are concerned about climate change, their own health, and the lack of choice and transparency in the global food supply chain.

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Book SynopsisFrom the world of Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls comes a story based on the exciting real-life adventures of Ada Lovelace, one of the world's first computer programmers.Growing up in nineteenth century London, England, Ada is curious about absolutely everything. She is obsessed with machines and with creatures that fly. She even designs her own flying laboratory!According to her mother, Ada is a bit too wild, so she encourages Ada to study math. At first Ada thinks: Bleh! Who can get excited about a subject without pictures? But she soon falls in love with it. One day she encounters a mysterious machine, and from that moment forward Ada imagines a future full of possibility-one that will eventually inspire the digital age nearly two hundred years later.Ada Lovelace Cracks the Code is the story of a pioneer in the computer sciences, and a testament to women's invaluable contributions to STEM throughout history.This historical fiction chapter book also includes additional text on Ada Lovelace's lasting legacy, as well as educational activities designed to teach simple coding and mathematical concepts.About the Rebel Girls Chapter Book SeriesMeet extraordinary real-life heroines in the Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls chapter book series! Introducing stories based on the lives and times of extraordinary women in global history, each stunningly designed chapter book features beautiful illustrations from a female artist as well as bonus activities in the backmatter to encourage kids to explore the various fields in which each of these women thrived. The perfect gift to inspire any young reader!Trade Review"Filled with examples of creativity sparked by small observations, this detailed look at the earliest days of modern computing is engaging, informative, and inspiring." ― Common Sense Media"Activities at the back of the book make [this] great to spark inspiration in girls and boys." ― Metro ParentTable of ContentsENGAGED COMMUNITY - Thanks to a supportive and active global community, Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls broke crowdfunding records. Volume 2 followed in 2017 and broke the record set by volume 1, making the series the highest funded publishing project in crowdfunding history. Since publication, the books have sold over 4 million copies and they have been translated into over 47 languages and are available worldwide. The Rebel Girls community counts on us to tell stories that help every girl in the world dream bigger, aim higher, and fight harder. STEM-ESTEEM - Most people who turn out to be scientists or engineers or mathematicians, first showed interest in those fields in elementary school. In fact, research shows that girls will not study or enter a career in STEM if they do not cultivate interests by age seven. It's incredibly rare to encounter female pioneers in the STEM space. Ada Lovelace is an excellent example of a role model whose ideas are approachable enough for a child to comprehend, and big enough to inspire. EDUCATIONAL ACTIVITIES - The book will include exercises and challenges for the young reader to learn the fundamental rules of coding. FULL-COLOR ILLUSTRATION - Unlike most chapter books for this age range, this title will incorporate at least ten full-color illustrations by Marina Muun. They will depict Ada at all ages, Victorian England, the mechanisms of the infamous difference machine, as well as Ada's incredible handwriting.

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a huge range and FREE tracked UK delivery on ALL orders.

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Book SynopsisHydro-Québec manages one of the largest power grids on the continent. It is among the most profitable, the least expensive and the greenest. With a stunning renewable energy rate of 99.8 percent, Quebec has two-generation advance on places like California and Ontario. Combining a reporters’ style with thought, philosophy and a touch of humour, Jean-Benoît Nadeau and Julie Barlow look into Hydro-Québec’s future – with an eye also on the past – as the public utility marks the 75th anniversary of its founding. The future is now and it is electric. It spans widely diverse fields such as big data aggregation centres, exports to the United States, acquisitions in Mexico, Chinese buses, mega-batteries, bitcoins, charging stations and much more.Between now and Hydro-Québec’s 100th anniversary, the challenges will be vast. As our habits and expectations change radically everything will be on the table, from solar panels to rates, from remote heating control to underground power lines, and from the environment to relations with the indigenous peoples.Trade ReviewNadeau and Barlow deftly combine firsthand observation, interview excerpts, and archival data in their text and provide accompanying diagrams, graphs, maps, and photos…. Engaging." —Louise Abbott, Montreal Review of Books

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Book SynopsisTaking a multidisciplinary approach, this book focuses on recent milestones in basic and applied mycology, focusing on many and diverse applications in the agricultural, food, and biofuel sectors.Applied Mycology for Agriculture and Foods: Industrial Applications provides an informative update of the current biological status of fungi and advances in conventional and modern molecular tools in identification, taxonomy of fungi, and applications of different taxonomic groups of fungi in various sectors, such as agriculture, food development, postharvesting, biological control of crop diseases, biofertilizers, bioremediation, pigments, pharmaceuticals, enzymes, biofuel production, etc.The volume addresses fungal biodiversity conservation, the emerging field of fungal metagenomics, the role of fungi in eco-safety and warfare, and the bioprospecting of fungi for hydrocarbons for biofuel production. Several chapters discuss using fungi in agricultural management, such as for the biocontrol of plant diseases, using entomopathogenic fungi as a pesticide, using nematophagous fungi for controlling nematodes that eat crops, using fungi in the development of biofertilizers, and more. The role of fungi in post-harvest diseases management in horticultural crops is looked at as well.Key features: Provides up-to-date information and advances in biological status and classification of fungi Discusses the comprehensive role of fungi in various sectors, in food and agriculture, in biofuel production, in the production of production of antibiotics or antimicrobial agents, etc. Presents the recent systemic taxonomic classifications, developments, applications in molecular mycology and conservation strategies for mycoflora Aiming to bridge the knowledge gap between basic and applied aspects of mycology, this volume provides a wealth of information that will be valuable for researchers, industrial scientists, faculty and students in mycology and plant pathology as well as in botany, microbiology, food microbiology, pharmaceutical development, biotechnology and biofuel production, and other professional disciplines.Table of Contents1. Indian Culture Collections and Fungal Biodiversity Conservation 2. Fungal Metagenomics: An Emerging Approach to Determine the Imperceptible Facets of Fungal Diversity 3. Role of Fungi in Eco-Safety and Warfare 4. Revisiting the Biodiversity and Ecosystem Functioning of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi Under Different Agricultural Management Practices and Environmental Stresses 5. Role of Fungi in Biocontrol of Diseases in Cereal Crops 6. Entomopathogenic Fungi: A Boon to Alleviate Organic Life Support Management 7. An Outlook of Nematophagous Fungi and the Underlying Mechanism of Nematophagy 8. Role of Fungi in Post-Harvest Diseases Management in Horticultural Crops 9. Fungal Biofertilizers and Biopesticides and Their Roles in Sustainable Agriculture 10. Pre-Harvest Management of Aflatoxin Contamination in Groundnut Through Biocontrol Products 11. Mushroom: Key to Food Security, Human Health, and Expunging Environmental Pollution 12. Mushrooms Emerging as Novel Resources of Potential Prebiotic: An Updated View 13. Strategies in Artificial Cultivation of Two Entomopathogenic Fungi Cordyceps militaris and Ophiocordyceps sinensis 14. Role of Filamentous Fungi in the Production of Antibiotics or Antimicrobial Agents 15. Advances in Fungal Enzymes and Their Applications 16. Current Status of Bioactive Compounds Derived from the Endophytic Mycoflora of Azadirachta indica 17. Bio-Prospecting Fungi for Hydrocarbons with a Potential for Biofuels Production 18. Role of Fungi in Converting Agro-Residues into Cellulase and Bioethanol

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Book SynopsisA lively and endlessly fascinating deep-dive into nature and the many groundbreaking human inventions inspired by the wild."Delightful."—The Guardian"Fans of Helen Scales won't want to miss this."—Publishers Weekly STARRED ReviewWhen astronomers wanted a telescope that could capture X-rays from celestial bodies, they looked to the lobster. When doctors wanted a medication that could stabilize Type II diabetic patients, they found their muse in a lizard. When scientists wanted to drastically reduce emissions in cement manufacturing, they observed how corals construct their skeletons in the sea. This is biomimicry in action: taking inspiration from nature to tackle human challenges.In Nature’s Wild Ideas, Kristy Hamilton goes behind the scenes of some of our most unexpected innovations. She traverses frozen waterfalls, treks through cloudy forests, discovers nests in the Mojave desert, scours intertidal zones and takes us to the deepest oceans and near volcanoes to introduce us to the animals and plants that have inspired everything from cargo routing systems to non-toxic glues, and the men and women who followed that first spark of “I wonder” all the way to its conclusion, sometimes against all odds.While the joy of scientific discovery is front and center, Nature’s Wild Ideas is also a love letter to nature—complete with a deep message of conservation: If we are to continue learning from the creatures around us, we must protect their untamed homelands.Trade Review"Hamilton is an intrepid story gatherer. . .This may be Hamilton's first book, but she writes like a well-informed veteran."—Winnipeg Free Press"Delightful... It takes a skilled journalist like Hamilton to bring highly technical vignettes of scientific innovation to life with such warmth and wit."—The Guardian“An impressive look at the myriad human innovations that have been derived from animals and plants. …Fans of Helen Scales won’t want to miss this.”—Publishers Weekly STARRED review"This extraordinary book tells the story of tens of the ways in which scientists are working to learn from nature to solve humanity's grand challenges. The book is exceptional; there is nothing quite like it. One is left eager to look for other, new solutions, of which there will be many given that there are millions (and some argue trillions) of species on Earth and that we have so far learned the lessons from just a few."—Rob Dunn, author of A Natural History of the Future and Never Home Alone"Kristy Hamilton’s Nature’s Wild Ideas is replete with beautifully crafted sentences and with genuinely insightful observations that inspire readers to stop, take a breath—and think. Very few people can write on this level.”—Wendy Williams, author of The Language of Butterflies and the New York Times bestseller The Horse“As an engineer and educator teaching a core competency course called "Bioinspiration" at a liberal arts college, I highly recommend this book as a must-read for everyone including my students to learn from the brilliance of nature's problem-solving skills and cherish it as an unlimited source of inspiration now and forever.”—Rafael (Yong-Ak) Song, Program Head, Bioengineering, New York University Abu Dhabi"Witty and delectable, Kristy’s writing takes complex issues and boils them down into bite-sized, digestible portions. Her writing takes us on a journey around the planet (and beyond!) as we explore our own evolutionary histories, and the many species whose lineage continue to influence humanity’s greatest technological innovations. From the Rocky Mountains in Montana to the mussel-laden waters of Washington State, Nature’s Wild Ideas enriches and engages our senses to make us, the reader, feel as if we are a fly on the wall of Kristy’s extensive research and reporting."—Madison Dapcevich, Science Journalist and Staff Writer for Snopes"A truly remarkable debut. Hamilton's masterfully crafted anthology—a paean to nature's ingenuity and to the scientists who study it—is that rarest of literary gems: a book that's as exhilarating as it is humbling. These stories are a kaleidoscopic joy to behold, the sort you will dwell on long after you put this book down."—Dr. Robin George Andrews, Volcanologist, award-winning science journalist and author of Super Volcanoes"I simply loved this collection of stories describing the incredible advancements in technology, medicine, and engineering that humans have made by closely observing the intricacies and brilliance of natural design. Kristy’s writing style is delightfully engaging and instilled with curiosity and a sense of wonder. Like a detective, she unravels the major milestones of each story taking the reader through the often painstaking and circuitous processes, and ultimate thrill, of scientific discovery. I highly recommend Nature’s Wild Ideas, it will make you look at the natural world around you in a completely different light!"—Kim Bernard, Associate Professor at Oregon State University"Looking for ideas? Look around you in Nature! Hamilton's book is fresh and easy to read, guiding readers on a journey of some of humanity’s great discoveries that were inspired by Nature. Unique and empowering—this book invites anyone with a curious mind to have a closer look at how natural systems have evolved to solve problems."—Dr. Dimitri Deheyn, Research Scientist of Marine Biology at UC San Diego, Scripps Institution of Oceanography“Nature's Wild Ideas is a whimsical look into the biology that has inspired some of our most ingenious inventions, and a call to action to rebuild a better world.”—Gina Rae La Cerva, author of Feasting Wild"In Nature's Wild Ideas, Kristy Hamilton delivers a multi-course feast of biomimicry delights. Dip into a single chapter and the exquisite blend of invention, ecology, history, multi-species wonders and inspiration is so rich and satisfying, you will read on, long past the moment you thought you would be satiated."—Elin Kelsey, PhD. author of Hope Matters: Why Changing the Way We Think is Critical to Solving the Environmental Crisis"It's rare to find literature that you would want to share with your seven-year-old as well as your work colleagues and friends! Hamilton's work is engaging from the first word; masterfully connecting ecology, history, social sciences and many other disciplines into a thoughtful, engaging learning opportunity. Makes learning from nature feel like the ultimate innovators manual!"—Shirley-Ann Augustin-Behravesh, a Senior Global Futures Scientist at Arizona State University"Delightful... It takes a skilled journalist like Hamilton to bring highly technical vignettes of scientific innovation to life with such warmth and wit."—The Guardian

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