This classic history of America's high-stakes quest to dominate the skies is "a gripping technothriller in which the technology is real" (New York Times Book Review). From the development of the U-2 to the Stealth fighter, Skunk Works is the true story of America's most secret and successful aerospace operation. As recounted by Ben Rich, the operation's brilliant boss for nearly two decades, the chronicle of Lockheed's legendary Skunk Works is a drama of Cold War confrontations and Gulf War air combat, of extraordinary feats of engineering and human achievement against fantastic odds. Here are up-close portraits of the maverick band of scientists and engineers who made the Skunk Works so renowned. Filled with telling personal anecdotes and high adventure, with narratives from the CIA and from Air Force pilots who flew the many classified, risky missions, this book is a riveting portrait of the most spectacular aviation triumphs of the twentieth century. "Thoroughly engrossing." --Los Angeles Times Book Review

Unveiling the Secrets Behind All Successful Creations Within the Human Matrix. Written by Digital Transformation Manager & Innovation Professor: Nizar M. Benazzouz, PhD Imagine a world where innovation permeates every facet of existence. A reality where the boundaries between perception and truth blur, revealing a deeper, more enigmatic understanding of our universe. In 'The Innovative Animal: Unveiling the Hidden Pattern within All Natural & Human Innovations,' prepare to embark on a journey that challenges your perception of reality, weaving together ancient wisdom and modern progress to uncover both the visible and hidden layers of the Matrix that shapes your very existence as it: Redefines the vast ocean of innovation beyond the typical business and technological boundaries, to include any natural or human, physical or mental creation serving a purpose. Dives into the deep waters of "change", and how this fundamental concept is intertwined with existence itself. Challenges and superpose western science and progress (quantum physics, industrial revolutions, etc.) and eastern philosophies and beliefs (Yin & Yang, religions, etc.) to build a comprehensive picture of the role of innovation in shaping our reality. Explores the 5 variables of the timeless innovative pattern: Need, Motivation, Creativity, Technology and Value. Provides a thought-provoking outlook into the state-of-the-art of human innovativeness and where it’s leading us as individuals and a species. BONUS: Demonstrates how you are subconsciously innovating your reality every second and how to take control of this process to your and others’ benefit. … Are you ready to expand your innovative consciousness and shatter the illusion that confines your perception to a single and maybe distorted reality ? Pick Up your Own Copy Today to Dive into the Dark Waters of the Matrix that Surrounds us All!

The crucible of innovation in wildlife and habitat conservation is in southern Africa where it has co-evolved with decolonization, political transformation and the rise of development, ownership, management and livelihood debates. Charting this innovation, early chapters deal with the traditional 'fines and fences' conservation that occurred in the colonial and early post-independence period, with subsequent sections focussing on the experimentation and innovation that occurred on private and communal land as a result of the break from these traditional methods. The final section deals with more recent innovations in the sector, focussing on building and strengthening the relationships between parks and society. Importantly, the book provides a data-rich summary of experimentation with more inclusive models of conservation in terms of ecological, social, political and economic indicators. Published with the Southern African Sustainable Use Specialist Group (SASUSG) of IUCN

Biotechnological Innovations in Animal Productivity examines the application of biotechnology to animal production. The book focuses on the use of contemporary biotechnology procedures on the different facets of animal production such as the reproductive capabilities of animals, their growth rates, and the ability of the farmer and veterinary services to prevent and cure infection. The text contains chapters that discuss topics on the manipulation of reproductive processes, endocrine regulation of the oestrous cycle, in vitro embryo production and manipulation, vaccines, and the production of transgenic (livestock) animals. Biotechnologists, biologists, and livestock producers will find the book very insightful.

The livestock sector faces a range of challenges, including climate change, emerging diseases, competition for natural resources and evolving demand for animal-source foods, which is increasing globally, especially in developing countries. Genetic diversity of livestock is a key resource for allowing livestock keepers to address these challenges, but this diversity has been in a state of decline. The diminishing genetic diversity thus represents yet another obstacle for sustainable livestock production. Cryoconservation (i.e. ex situ – in vitro conservation) of genetic resources through gene banking provides one of the most powerful tools governments and other stakeholders have to manage genetic diversity in both the short and long term and thereby provide future generations with the tools to meet the challenges ahead. Gene banking genetic resources fits within the context of the Global Plan of Action for Animal Genetic Resources, which was developed and adopted by FAO Member Nations. Specifically, Strategic Priority 9 of the Global Plan of Action is “Establish or strengthen ex situ conservation programmes” and Strategic Priority 11 urges countries to “Develop approaches and technical standards for conservation. To assist countries in the implementation the Global Plan of Action, FAO worked with experts from around the world to prepare technical guidelines. In 2012 FAO published FAO Guidelines on Cryoconservation of animal genetic resources.Gene banking is a long-term effort that needs to be viewed in terms of decades rather than years, as demonstrated by similar systems for agricultural crops. The responsibility for establishing such resources lies squarely within governments’ roles of providing public goods and food security. Gene banking of animal genetic resources is a technology-intense undertaking and the associated technologies are in a continual state of research and development. The livestock sector also continues to evolve rapidly. Since the development and release of the previous guidelines, numerous changes have taken place. Critical among these is a greater appreciation of the opportunities for actively utilizing cryopreserved material to enhance management of in vivo populations, rather than as simply an “insurance policy” to protect breeds against extinction.This key development has led to further changes in gene bank management. First, interaction with users of the stored material has increased. This in turn has created a need to involve stakeholders more closely in the management of genetic collections and to better monitor and document the processes of gene banking to ensure quality management.

Animal Creativity and Innovation explores theories and research on animal innovation and creativity, comparing and contrasting it with theory and research on human creativity and innovation. In doing so, it encompasses findings from psychology, biology, neuroscience, engineering, business, ecology, and education. The book includes examples of animal innovation in parrots, dogs, marine mammals, insects, and primates, exploring parallels from creative play in children. The book defines creativity, differentiating it from play, and looks at evolutionary models and neurological constructs. The book further explores applied aspects of animal innovation and creativity including tool use and group dynamics, as well as barriers to creativity. The final chapters look into how creative behavior may be taught or trained. Each chapter is followed by a commentary for integration of thoughts and ideas between animal and human research, behavioral and cognitive research, and theory and observation in real life. - Compares theory and research on animal and human creativity - Defines and differentiates creativity from play - Reviews applied creativity in tool use and social dynamics - Includes examples of animal creativity in multiple species