Curious2018


Book Description

This book expands the debate on the future of science and technology at the Curious2018 – Future Insight Conference, held on the occasion of Merck’s 350-year anniversary. In the respective chapters, some of the world’s top scientists, managers and entrepreneurs explore breakthrough technologies and how they can be applied to make a better world for humanity. Divided into three parts, the book begins with an introduction to the vision of the conference and to the importance of curiosity for innovation, while also exploring the latest scientific developments that are shaping the future of healthcare, medicine, the life and material sciences, digitalization and new ways of working together. In the second part, particular attention is paid to new therapies and diagnostics; here, readers will learn how synthetic biology and chemistry are being used to solve problems that are essential to the future of humanity. The role of in-silico research is also discussed. In the final part of the book, readers will find some thoughts on ethical principles guiding our application of science and technology to create a bright future for humanity. Given its interdisciplinary appeal, the book will inspire curiosity in a wide readership, from scholars and researchers to professionals with an interest in exploring the future of science and technology, solving the problems of today, and paving the way for a better tomorrow. Chapters 1, 2, 3 and 17 are available open access under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License via link.springer.com.










Proceedings of the 1st International Conference on Future Energy


Book Description

Emerging energy technology papers from a two-day conference that was scheduled for the US State Department. Future Energy is the title chosen for the new edition.










Proximal Soil Sensing


Book Description

This book reports on developments in Proximal Soil Sensing (PSS) and high resolution digital soil mapping. PSS has become a multidisciplinary area of study that aims to develop field-based techniques for collecting information on the soil from close by, or within, the soil. Amongst others, PSS involves the use of optical, geophysical, electrochemical, mathematical and statistical methods. This volume, suitable for undergraduate course material and postgraduate research, brings together ideas and examples from those developing and using proximal sensors and high resolution digital soil maps for applications such as precision agriculture, soil contamination, archaeology, peri-urban design and high land-value applications, where there is a particular need for high spatial resolution information. The book in particular covers soil sensor sampling, proximal soil sensor development and use, sensor calibrations, prediction methods for large data sets, applications of proximal soil sensing, and high-resolution digital soil mapping. Key themes: soil sensor sampling – soil sensor calibrations – spatial prediction methods – reflectance spectroscopy – electromagnetic induction and electrical resistivity – radar and gamma radiometrics – multi-sensor platforms – high resolution digital soil mapping - applications Raphael A. Viscarra Rossel is a scientist at the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) of Australia. Alex McBratney is Pro-Dean and Professor of Soil Science in the Faculty of Agriculture Food & Natural Resources at the University of Sydney in Australia. Budiman Minasny is a Senior Research Fellow in the Faculty of Agriculture Food & Natural Resources at the University of Sydney in Australia.