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Quantitative Sociodynamics
by Dirk HelbingThis new edition of Quantitative Sociodynamics presents a general strategy for interdisciplinary model building and its application to a quantitative description of behavioral changes based on social interaction processes. Originally, the crucial methods for the modeling of complex systems (stochastic methods and nonlinear dynamics) were developed in physics and mathematics, but they have very often proven their explanatory power in chemistry, biology, economics and the social sciences as well. Quantitative Sociodynamics provides a unified and comprehensive overview of the different stochastic methods, their interrelations and properties. In addition, it introduces important concepts from nonlinear dynamics (e.g. synergetics, chaos theory). The applicability of these fascinating concepts to social phenomena is carefully discussed. By incorporating decision-theoretical approaches, a fundamental dynamic model is obtained, which opens new perspectives in the social sciences. It includes many established models as special cases, e.g. the logistic equation, the gravity model, some diffusion models, evolutionary game theory and social field theory. Moreover, it implies numerous new results and is relevant for various application areas, such as opinion formation, migration, the self-organization of behavioral conventions, and the behavior of customers and voters. Theoretical results are complemented and illustrated by numerous computer simulations. Quantitative Sociodynamics is relevant both for social scientists and natural scientists who are interested in the application of stochastic and synergetics concepts to interdisciplinary topics.
Risk Habitat Megacity
by Bernd Hansjürgens Dirk Heinrichs Francisco Martínez Kerstin KrellenbergMegacity development and the inherent risks and opportunities for humans and the environment is a theme of growing urgency in the 21st century. Focusing on Latin America where urbanization is most advanced, this book studies the complexity of a 'mega-urban system' and explores interrelations between sectors and issues by providing an in-depths study of one particular city, Santiago de Chile. The book attempts to (i) focus on the emergence of risk in megacities by analyzing risk elements, (ii) evaluate the extent and severity of risks, (iii) develop strategies to cope with adverse risks, and (iv) to guide urban development by combining concepts with empirical evidence. Drawing on the work of an interdisciplinary and international consortium of academic and professional partners, the book is written for scholars in cross-cutting areas of urban, sustainability, hazard, governance and planning research as well as practitioners from local, regional and international organizations.
The Caspian Sea Encyclopedia
by Andrey G. Kostianoy Aleksey N Kosarev Michael Glantz Igor S. ZonnThe Caspian Sea is a unique natural feature, the world's largest landlocked water body. Historically the Caspian was one of the key zones where the interests of great powers such as Russia, Britain and Persia clashed. And the reason was and still is the oil - the "black gold" of the Caspian and also the natural riches of the sea, its other gold - the sturgeons with their black caviar. With this encyclopedia attempt to relate the Caspian story via an objective approach to the past and present of the sea where even today many geopolitical, economic, social and environmental issues are focused. These issues are vital not only to the Caspian countries, but other countries of the world as well. The encyclopedia contains about 1500 articles and terms providing descriptions of geographical features, cities, ports, transport routes, main oil and gas fields, aqueous biological resources, international treaties, national and international programs, research institutions, historical and archeological monuments, activities of prominent scientists, researchers, travelers, military commanders, oil industrialists and traders who had relation to the Caspian Sea. In addition this book gives the chronology of the most important events that became milestones in the history of the Caspian region development for more than 300 years, spanning a period from the times of Peter the Great till the present.
The Caspian Sea Encyclopedia (Encyclopedia of Seas)
by Andrey G. Kostianoy Aleksey N Kosarev Michael Glantz Igor S. Zonn“The Caspian Sea Encyclopedia” is the second one in the new series of encyclo- dias about the seas of the former Soviet Union published by Springer-Verlag. The ?rst volume – “The Aral Sea Encyclopedia” was published by Springer in 2009. The series will be continued by “The Black Sea Encyclopedia” in 2010. Today the Caspian Sea is known to readers thanks to its oil and gas resources, sturgeon and caviar, signi?cant sea-level variations, socio-economic and political problems. The Caucasus and Central Asia (http://eurodialogue. org/?les/fckeditor_?les/Caspian-s- map2. png) vii viii Introduction For more than 250 years the Caspian Sea was shared by two states: Russia (the Soviet Union) and Persia (Iran). After the disintegration of the USSR in 1992, the new independent states of Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan and Kazakhstan have radically changed the political and economic situation in the region. In addition to Russia and Iran, who had determined the situation on the Caspian for a long period, Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan and Kazakhstan are now interested parties, beginning a new stage in the historical development of the Caspian region. This increase in the number of the Caspian legal entities from two to ?ve has given rise to a whole tangle of geopolitical, economic, international legal, ethnic and environmental problems, each of which demands its own approach and settlement mechanism.
The Global Cybercrime Industry
by Nir KshetriThis book is about the global cybercrime industry, which according to some estimates, is a US$1 trillion industry and is growing rapidly. It examines economic and institutional processes in the cybercrime industry, provides insights into the entrepreneurial aspect of firms engaged in cyber-criminal activities, takes a close look at cybercrime business models, explains the global variation in the pattern of cybercrimes and seeks to understand threats and countermeasures taken by key actors in this industry. This book's distinguishing features include the newness, importance, controversiality and complexity of the topic; cross-disciplinary focus, orientation and scope; theory-based but practical and accessible to the wider audience; and illustration of various qualitative and quantitative aspects of the global cybercrime industry.
The Integrated Architecture Framework Explained
by Maarten Waage Herman Hartman Max Stahlecker Jack Van'T Wout Aaldert HofmanThis book captures and communicates the wealth of architecture experience Capgemini has gathered as a member of The Open Group - a vendor- and technology-neutral consortium formed by major industry players - in developing, deploying, and using its "Integrated Architecture Framework" (IAF) since its origination in 1993. Today, many elements of IAF have been incorporated into the new version 9 of TOGAF, the related Open Group standard. The authors, all working on and with IAF for many years, here provide a full reference to IAF and a guide on how to apply it. In addition, they describe in detail the relations between IAF and the architecture standards TOGAF and Archimate and other development or process frameworks like ITIL, CMMI, and RUP. Their presentation is targeted at architects, project managers, and process analysts who have either considered or are already working with IAF - they will find many roadmaps, case studies, checklists, and tips and advice for their daily work.
Information Behavior
by Amanda SpinkInformation behavior has emerged as an important aspect of human life, however our knowledge and understanding of it is incomplete and underdeveloped scientifically. Research on the topic is largely contemporary in focus and has generally not incorporated results from other disciplines. In this monograph Spink provides a new understanding of information behavior by incorporating related findings, theories and models from social sciences, psychology and cognition. In her presentation, she argues that information behavior is an important instinctive sociocognitive ability that can only be fully understood with a highly interdisciplinary approach. The leitmotivs of her examination are three important research questions: First, what is the evolutionary, biological and developmental nature of information behavior? Second, what is the role of instinct versus environment in shaping information behavior? And, third, how have information behavior capabilities evolved and developed over time? Written for researchers in information science as well as social and cognitive sciences, Spink's controversial text lays the foundation for a new interdisciplinary theoretical perspective on information behavior that will not only provide a more holistic framework for this field but will also impact those sciences, and thus also open up many new research directions.
Robotic Radiosurgery Treating Prostate Cancer and Related Genitourinary Applications
by Donald B. Fuller Robert M. Meier Charlie Ma Lee E. PonskyThe treatment of prostate cancer continues to be problematic owing to serious side-effects, including erectile dysfunction and urinary incontinence. Robotic radiosurgery offers a novel, rapid, non-invasive outpatient treatment option that combines robotics, advanced image-guided spatial positioning, and motion detection with submillimeter precision. This book examines all aspects of the treatment of prostate cancer with robotic radiosurgery. It explains how image-guided robotic radiosurgery overcomes the problem of patient motion during radiation therapy by continuously identifying the precise location of the prostate tumor throughout the course of treatment. Hypofractionated radiation delivery by means of robotic radiosurgery systems is also discussed in detail. The book closes by examining other emerging genitourinary applications of robotic radiosurgery. All of the authors are experts in their field who present a persuasive case for this fascinating technique.
Enterprise Risk Management Models
by David L. Olson Desheng WuEnterprise risk management has always been important. However, the events of the 21st Century have made it even more critical. The top level of business management became suspect after scandals at ENRON, WorldCom, and other business entities. Financially, many firms experienced difficulties from bubbles. The problems of interacting cultures demonstrated risk from terrorism as well, with numerous terrorist attacks, to include 9/11 in the U.S. Risks can arise in many facets of business. Businesses in fact exist to cope with risk in their area of specialization. Financial risk management has focused on banking, accounting, and finance. We have discussed several aspects of risk, to include information systems, disaster management, and supply chain perspectives. The bulk of this book is devoted to presenting a number of operations research models that have been (or could be) applied to enterprise supply risk management, especially from the supply chain perspective.
Enterprise Risk Management Models
by David L. Olson Desheng WuEnterprise risk management has always been important. However, the events of the 21st Century have made it even more critical. The top level of business management became suspect after scandals at ENRON, WorldCom, and other business entities. Financially, many firms experienced difficulties from bubbles. The problems of interacting cultures demonstrated risk from terrorism as well, with numerous terrorist attacks, to include 9/11 in the U.S. Risks can arise in many facets of business. Businesses in fact exist to cope with risk in their area of specialization. Financial risk management has focused on banking, accounting, and finance. We have discussed several aspects of risk, to include information systems, disaster management, and supply chain perspectives. The bulk of this book is devoted to presenting a number of operations research models that have been (or could be) applied to enterprise supply risk management, especially from the supply chain perspective.
Quantum Quenching, Annealing and Computation
by Bikas K. Chakrabarti Arnab Das Anjan Kumar ChandraThe process of realizing the ground state of some typical (frustrated) quantum many-body systems, starting from the 'disordered' or excited states, can formally be mapped onto the search of solutions for computationally hard problems. The dynamics through quantum critical points are especially crucial in the context of such computational optimization problems and have been investigated intensively in recent times. Several successful methods are now well-established, and this volume compiles a collection of introductory reviews on such developments and related aspects. Written by well known experts, these lectures concentrate on quantum phase transitions and their dynamics as the transition or critical points are crossed. Both the quenching and annealing dynamics are extensively covered. The style has been kept as tutorial as possible in order to make this volume a suitable reference for young researchers joining this exciting and burgeoning field of research.
Industrial Applications
by Martin HofrichterThis volume gives a survey of the state of the art in the traditional fields of industrial mycology as well as of selected novel applications of fungi. The first section deals with the use of fungi in the production and processing of bread, cheese, beer and wine, traditional Asian fermentation products and edible mushrooms. The second section is devoted to the production of fungal metabolites and enzymes representing value-added products. In addition to antibiotics, alkaloids organic acids, vitamins and industrial enzymes, which have successfully been in use for decades, it is also dedicated to fungal metabolites, such as insecticidal and nematicidal compounds, immunosurppressants and flavors with promising biotechnological potential. In the next section, the recent developments in fungal biotransformation of small molecules, the bioconversion of lignocelluloses as well as the use of fungi in metal recovery are presented. The final part introduces some innovative new trends in the field of applied mycology: the preparation of fungal bioherbicides, recent genomic approaches for the identification of biopolymer degrading enzymes, current developments in using oxidative enzymes from fungi as well as new attempts to transfer fungal remediation technologies into practice.
Strategic Alignment
by Marcus Heinzelmann Christoph Engels Iman BashiriVielen Unternehmen gelingt es nicht, ein anhaltendes Alignment in ihrer Organisation zu etablieren. Dabei kommt dem Strategic Alignment für die Schaffung von Wettbewerbsvorteilen und die Steigerung der Performance eine Schlüsselrolle zu. Beginnend mit einer Beschreibung des strategischen Alignments auf dem neuesten wissenschaftlichen Stand, entwickeln die Autoren ein ganzheitliches Vorgehensmodell, das auf erprobten Instrumenten und methodischen Ansätzen beruht. Der Band enthält drei Fallstudien zu Marriott International, Capital One und Volkswagen.
On the Limits of Constitutional Adjudication
by Juliano Zaiden BenvindoJuliano Z. Benvindo investigates the current movement of constitutional courts towards political activism, especially by focusing on the increasing use of the balancing method as a "rational" justification for this process. From the critical perception of the serious risks of this movement to democracy, the book takes as examples two constitutional realities, Germany and Brazil, in order to discuss the rationality, correctness, and legitimacy of constitutional decisions within this context. Through a dialogue between Jacques Derrida's deconstruction and Jürgen Habermas's proceduralism, the author confronts Robert Alexy's defense of the balancing method as well as those two constitutional realities. This confrontation leads to the introduction of the concept of limited rationality applied to constitutional democracy and constitutional adjudication, which affirms the double bind of history and justice as a condition for a practice of decision-making committed to the principle of separation of powers.
Actinide Nanoparticle Research
by Melissa A. Denecke Stepan N. KalmykovThis is the first book to cover actinide nano research. It is of interest both for fundamental research into the chemistry and physics of f-block elements as well as for applied researchers such as those studying the long-term safety of nuclear waste disposal and developing remediation strategies. The authors cover important issues of the formation of actinide nano-particles, their properties and structure, environmental behavior of colloids and nanoparticles related to the safe disposal of nuclear wastes, modeling and advanced methods of characterization at the nano-scale.
Mitochondrial Genetics and Cancer
by Gabriel D. DakuboThe pivotal role of mitochondrial functions in carcinogenesis is quite well established. However, the critical role of mitochondrial genome alterations to cancer development is muted in traditional textbooks. Recent scientific efforts have provided unequivocal evidence for mitochondrial genome mutations and content changes in cancer development, progression, and therapy. This pioneering book is a unique compilation of mitochondrial genome alterations in cancer. While primarily focused on the emerging role of mitochondrial genome changes, bioenergetics and signaling pathways, attention is also given to the metabolic transformations of the cancer cell, as well as the established altered cell death processes that underlie cancer evolution and treatment resistance.
Nasal Polyposis
by T. Metin Önerci Berrylin J. FergusonNasal polyposis is seen in many disease states, including allergic and non-allergic rhinitis. Since the quality of life for patients afflicted with this condition decreases, such patients frequently seek medical help. Further, the relationship between the upper and lower respiratory tract makes the treatment of nasal polyposis of critical importance. New research findings, as well as new technical developments, have changed the conventional medical and surgical approaches to treating nasal polyposis, the result of which has been significant advances in the management of the disease. This book, written by authors internationally recognized for their laboratory research and clinical practice, is lavishly illustrated and reader-friendly. It includes the latest information on nasal polyposis, and aims to help the reader improve the daily management of patients affected by this condition.
Theory of Elasticity
by Aldo MaceriThe Theory of Elasticity moves freely within a unified mathematical framework that provides the analytical tools for calculating stresses and deformations in a strained elastic body. All the elastic problems can be exactly analyzed employing the classical Mathematical analysis, with only the exception of the unilateral problems for which it is mandatory to use the Functional analysis. This book focuses on the practical application of the theoretical results. It gives to engineers, in a simple form, a clear indication of the necessary fundamental knowledge of the Theory of elasticity. The author develops the subjects in a classical way, but in light of the modern Mathematical theory of the elasticity and with more accented relief to the connections with the Thermodynamics. To give a clear justification of the fundamental equations of thermoelasticity, he applies a technique of analysis proper of the Fluid dynamics. However in the discussion of the unilateral problems, where the Functional analysis is compulsory, he has related in detail the mathematical aspects of the theoretical analysis.
Praxishandbuch Web Dynpro ABAP
by Ulrich Gellert Ana Daniela CristeaWeb Dynpro ABAP ermöglicht die Web-Programmierung von Anwendungen, die durch SAP-Systeme verbunden sind. Der Band bietet eine Schritt-für-Schritt-Einführung in Web Dynpro ABAP. Leser sollen durch das Erarbeiten der praxisbasierten Beispiele in die Lage versetzt werden, die verschiedenen Komponenten dieser Web-Programmierung zu verstehen und anzuwenden. Die Autoren vermitteln auch den Zusammenhang zwischen Web Dynpro ABAP und anderen SAP NetWeaver-Elementen wie z. B. ABAP Dictionary, Autorisierung und Portal Interaction.
Wastewater Hydraulics
by Willi H. HagerThe second, enlarged edition of this established reference integrates many new insights into wastewater hydraulics. This work serves as a reference for researchers but also is a basis for practicing engineers. It can be used as a text book for graduate students, although it has the characteristics of a reference book. It addresses mainly the sewer hydraulician but also general hydraulic engineers who have to tackle many a problem in daily life, and who will not always find an appropriate solution. Each chapter is introduced with a summary to outline the contents. To illustrate application of the theory, examples are presented to explain the computational procedures. Further, to relate present knowledge to the history of hydraulics, some key dates on noteworthy hydraulicians are quoted. A historical note on the development of wastewater hydraulics is also added. References are given at the end of each chapter, and they are often helpful starting points for further reading. Each notation is defined when introduced, and listed alphabetically at the end of each chapter. This new edition includes in particular sideweirs with throttling pipes, drop shafts with an account on the two-phase flow features, as well as conduit choking due to direct or undular hydraulic jumps.
Noninvasive Mechanical Ventilation
by Antonio EsquinasNoninvasive mechanical ventilation is an effective technique for the management of patients with acute or chronic respiratory failure. This comprehensive and up-to-date book explores all aspects of the subject. The opening sections are devoted to theory and equipment, with detailed attention to the use of full-face masks or helmets, the range of available ventilators, and patient-ventilator interactions. Clinical applications are then considered in depth in a series of chapters that address the use of noninvasive mechanical ventilation in chronic settings and in critical care, both within and outside of intensive care units. Due attention is also paid to weaning from conventional mechanical ventilation, potential complications, intraoperative applications, and staff training. The closing chapters examine uses of noninvasive mechanical ventilation in neonatal and pediatric care. This book, written by internationally recognized experts, will be an invaluable guide for both clinicians and researchers.
Flexible Ridesharing
by Volker Handke Helga JonuschatIndividual mobility is one of the most important needs of modern society and an important link between private, public and economic life. In contrast, transport also entails severe environmental and social burdens, foiling current efforts for sustainable development. As the main source of CO2 emissions, transport is a prominent driver for climate change, and individual car traffic is responsible for nearly a third of the total energy consumption. However, we have to consider that many commuters feel indeed very dependent on their car. Here, ridesharing promises to contribute to environmental protection, while still offering individual mobility. Although ridesharing options have been discussed since many years, internet and smartphones provide completeley new opportunities to find ridesharing partners today. Thus, this book deals with current efforts on implementing flexible internet- and phone-based ridesharing services. With a main focus on the users' perspective, their demands and acceptance limits, we aim to explore success factors for non-profit, but also commercial ridesharing concepts.
Augenheilkunde (Springer-Lehrbuch)
by Franz GrehnPrüfung in Sicht? In der Augenheilkunde lernen Sie am besten mit vielen Bildern und Beispielen. Und genau das bietet der Grehn! Mehr als 700 Abbildungen, zahlreiche Fallbeispiele und ein Fallquiz zum Üben machen die Augenheilkunde im wahrsten Sinne des Wortes anschaulich. Die einheitliche Struktur der Krankheitsbilder, Lerntabellen und ein extra Kapitel Leitsymptome bringen Ordnung in die Fakten. Alle prüfungsrelevanten Inhalte werden abgehandelt, tiefer gehende Inhalte sind im Layout zurückgenommen. Für eine optimale Quervernetzung in andere Bereiche gibt es eine umfangreiche Übersicht. in der klar wird, wie die Augen bei Allgemeinerkrankungen beteiligt sind. Und nicht zuletzt durch den gut lesbaren Schreibstil können Sie gleich verstehen, was gemeint ist. Alles klar in der Augenheilkunde
Novel Biomaterials
by Shalini Srivastava Pritee GoyalCurrent research revolves around trends to bring technology into harmony with the natural environment and in order to protect the ecosystem. Bioremediation involves processes which reduce the overall treatment costs by using agricultural residues. Regeneration of the biosorbent further increases the cost effectiveness of the process, thus warranting its future success in solving water quality problems. Special emphasis is paid to chemical modifications resulting in tailored novel biomaterials which improve its sorption efficiency and environmental stability. In this way it can be used commercially as a simple, fast, economical, ecofriendly green technology, for the removal of toxic metals from waste water particularly in rural and remote areas of the country.
Radiation Physics for Nuclear Medicine
by Christoph Hoeschen Marie Claire CantoneThe field of nuclear medicine is expanding rapidly, with the development of exciting new diagnostic methods and treatments. This growth is closely associated with significant advances in radiation physics. In this book, acknowledged experts explain the basic principles of radiation physics in relation to nuclear medicine and examine important novel approaches in the field. The first section is devoted to what might be termed the "building blocks" of nuclear medicine, including the mechanisms of interaction between radiation and matter and Monte Carlo codes. In subsequent sections, radiation sources for medical applications, radiopharmaceutical development and production, and radiation detectors are discussed in detail. New frontiers are then explored, including improved algorithms for image reconstruction, biokinetic models, and voxel phantoms for internal dosimetry. Both trainees and experienced practitioners and researchers will find this book to be an invaluable source of up-to-date information.