- Table View
- List View
Legal Strategies
by Antoine Masson Mary J. ShariffFar from regarding the law as supreme, corporations approach law as an element of executive thought and action aimed at optimizing competitiveness. The objective of this book is to identify, explore and define corporate legal strategies that seek advantage in the opportunities revealed when the Law is perceived as a resource to be mobilized and aligned with the firm's business and economic agendas.
Signal Transduction: Pathways, Mechanisms and Diseases
by Ari SitaramayyaThe book was adapted from graduate courses on signal transduction taught by the editor, where the need for a good overview of recent developments became apparent. Given the wide range of research topics in signaling, a selection was made that not only reflects the current research interest, but also anticipates those areas that will continue to be of interest over the next several years. The health-relatedness of research was a major criterion for selection, as can be seen in the list of topics covered, such as G protein coupled receptors, growth factors, nuclear receptors, reactive oxygen and nitrogen species, the cell cycle and cancer. The emphasis is on areas of signaling research with direct clinical significance. Another field covered, one rarely highlighted in signal transduction books, is that of signaling platforms, which has been emerging as a significant research area relevant to cellular metabolism, cell proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis, neurodegenerative diseases, and cancer.
The Seven Principles of WOM and Buzz Marketing
by George J. Siomkos Panos MourdoukoutasWhy are word-of-mouth campaigns effective for some products, while failing for others? Which group of consumers should be the target of viral marketing efforts, and how can you turn word of mouth into buzz? Panos Mourdoukoutas and George J Siomkos provide the answers! The transformation of a desire for a product into an "epidemic" was, is and will always be the dream of each and every marketer. For some marketers this dream becomes reality. For others it remains simply a fantasy. "The Seven Principles of WOM and Buzz Marketing" offers the essential tools - seven simple steps - to launch an effective WOM and buzz campaign that helps products to cross the tipping point and to reach the mass market: Begin with the consumers Be innovative Target the right group Create the right message Find the right environment
Ultimate Explanations of the Universe
by Michael HellerWe humans are collectively driven by a powerful - yet not fully explained - instinct to understand. We would like to see everything established, proven, laid bare. The more important an issue, the more we desire to see it clarified, stripped of all secrets, all shades of gray. What could be more important than to understand the Universe and ourselves as a part of it? To find a window onto our origin and our destiny? This book examines how far our modern cosmological theories - with their sometimes audacious models, such as inflation, cyclic histories, quantum creation, parallel universes - can take us towards answering these questions. Can such theories lead us to ultimate truths, leaving nothing unexplained? Last, but not least, Heller addresses the thorny problem of why and whether we should expect to find theories with all-encompassing explicative power.
FIDIC - A Guide for Practitioners
by Axel-Volkmar Jaeger Götz-Sebastian HökThis book provides an introduction to the 1999 FIDIC forms of contract including the FIDIC Red Book, the FIDIC Yellow Book, the FIDIC Silver Book and the new 2008 FIDIC Gold Book. Consulting engineers, architects and employers will also find reliable information about the FIDIC White Book. The authors explain the meaning of terms and features which are used by FIDIC. In particular the authors attempt to explain the English legal wording in its original legal context for use in civil law countries. Common law practitioners will find useful advice on civil law features and concepts which affect the use of FIDIC contracts in civil law countries. The book covers pre-contractual and contractual issues and the management of FIDIC contracts and offers support in interpreting and understanding the contract terms and contract procedures as to variations, tests, payment certificates, taking-over cases, claims and dispute resolution features. It includes flow charts, glossaries, checklists and sample letters. Common law practitioners will also find helpful information on civil law jurisdictions and civil law concepts.
Brain-Computer Interfaces: Revolutionizing Human-Computer Interaction (The Frontiers Collection #6)
by Gert Pfurtscheller Bernhard Graimann Brendan Z. AllisonA brain-computer interface (BCI) establishes a direct output channel between the human brain and external devices. BCIs infer user intent via direct measures of brain activity and thus enable communication and control without movement. This book, authored by experts in the field, provides an accessible introduction to the neurophysiological and signal-processing background required for BCI, presents state-of-the-art non-invasive and invasive approaches, gives an overview of current hardware and software solutions, and reviews the most interesting as well as new, emerging BCI applications. The book is intended not only for students and young researchers, but also for newcomers and other readers from diverse backgrounds keen to learn about this vital scientific endeavour.
Fertility Control
by Robert John Aitken Ursula-F. HabenichtThis book represents a unique collection of papers from internationally renowned experts to give us a state-of-the art summary of current concepts in reproductive biology. The narrative has been developed to highlight how new gains in our understanding of reproductive mechanisms have generated unique opportunities for contraceptive development.
Kanerva’s Occupational Dermatology
by Howard I. Maibach Peter Elsner Thomas Rustemeyer Swen Malte JohnOccupational skin diseases are a field of increasing interest in today's dermatology. Due to rapid developments in several areas of modern industry, new dermatological problems constantly occur amongst workers. The 1st edition of this Handbook of Occupational Dermatology was published in 2000 and has served as the main reference book of occupational skin diseases for general and occupational dermatologists and occupational physicians. The new edition is completely revised, updated and extended with respect to new developments. The layout allows for both quick access to practical information and in-depth reading. Included are concise tables, algorithms and figures on how to optimize the diagnostic procedure for daily patient management and expert opinion. The new edition will continue the success as major source of reference for clinical and experimental work in the field of occupational skin diseases, both for students and experts.
Introduction to Wind Energy Systems: Basics, Technology and Operation
by Hermann-Josef Wagner Jyotirmay MathurAuthors have tried to strike a balance between a short book chapter and a very detailed book for subject experts. There were three prime reasons behind doing so: first, the field is quite interdisciplinary and requires simplified presentation for a person from non-parent discipline. Second reason for this short-version of a full book is that both the authors have seen students and technically oriented people, searching for this type of book on wind energy. Third reason and motivation was considering engineers who are starting their career in wind industry. This book is targeted to present a good starting background to such professionals.
Ultraviolet Germicidal Irradiation Handbook
by Wladyslaw KowalskiThis book is a comprehensive source for technical information regarding ultraviolet germicidal irradiation (UVGI) and its application to air and surface disinfection for the control of pathogens and allergens. The primary focus is on airborne microbes and surface contamination applications for hospitals, commercial facilities, and residential homes. All aspects of UVGI systems, including design methods, sizing methods, modeling, safety, installation, testing, guidelines, and disinfection theory are addressed in detail. An extensive database of over six hundred UV rate constant studies is included as well as tabular performance data for UV lamps and products. Providing this information in one single source simplifies the design and installation of UVGI systems, helps guarantee effective performance of new systems, and facilitates their use on a wide scale for the purpose of improving human health. This book is organized to provide systematic coverage of all related issues and will serve equally well as both a textbook and a handbook for general reference.
Handbook on Business Process Management 2: Strategic Alignment, Governance, People and Culture
by Jan Vom Brocke Michael RosemannBusiness Process Management (BPM) has become one of the most widely used approaches for the design of modern organizational and information systems. The conscious treatment of business processes as significant corporate assets has facilitated substantial improvements in organizational performance but is also used to ensure the conformance of corporate activities. This Handbook presents in two volumes the contemporary body of knowledge as articulated by the world's leading BPM thought leaders. This second volume focuses on the managerial and organizational challenges of Business Process Management such as strategic and cultural alignment, governance and the education of BPM stakeholders. As such, this book provides concepts and methodologies for the integration of BPM. Each chapter has been contributed by leading international experts. Selected case studies complement their views and lead to a summary of BPM expertise that is unique in its coverage of the most critical success factors of BPM.
Microbial Strategies for Crop Improvement
by Javed Musarrat Almas Zaidi Mohammad Saghir KhanThis book presents the multidisciplinary nature and the many fascinating aspects of microbiological approaches for crop improvement in both conventional and stressed soils where quality and safety are the key concerns. The major goal is to provide a cross-section of the latest accomplishments and envisaged future directions in these areas. It gives a holistic view of the basic concepts and practical utility of microbes and thus presents an all-inclusive contemporary treatise on strategic aspects of the diverse microbial communities providing solutions to oodles of customary agronomic problems. This book benefits people working in the area of agronomy, biotechnology, environmental biology, microbiology, plant physiology, plant protection and soil science. The contributions by eminent academicians and professionals ensure a good equilibrium between theory and practice without compromising the basic conceptual framework of the concerned subject.
Perspectives on Spatial Data Analysis
by Luc Anselin Sergio J. ReyThis book takes both a retrospective and prospective view of the field of spatial analysis by combining selected reprints of classic articles by Arthur Getis with current observations by leading experts in the field. Four main aspects are highlighted, dealing with spatial analysis, pattern analysis, local statistics as well as illustrative empirical applications. Researchers and students will gain an appreciation of Getis' methodological contributions to spatial analysis and the broad impact of the methods he has helped pioneer on an impressively broad array of disciplines including spatial epidemiology, demography, economics, and ecology. The volume is a compilation of high impact original contributions, as evidenced by citations, and the latest thinking on the field by leading scholars. This makes the book ideal for advanced seminars and courses in spatial analysis as well as a key resource for researchers seeking a comprehensive overview of recent advances and future directions in the field.
The Role of the Cyprus Attorney General's Office in Prosecutions: Rhetoric, Ideology and Practice
by Despina KyprianouThis book is a fascinating and entirely original work about the role of the Cyprus Attorney General's Office in prosecutions. It is based on data gathered using an impressive blend of methods, including observation, a documentary survey and semi-structured interviews within the Office. The book focuses mainly on the workload of the Law Office and its relationship with the Police, the role it acquires during investigations and its role in the formulation and application of prosecution policies. These themes are approached from three different angles: the legal framework and the rhetoric developed over time concerning these areas, combined with the manner in which successive Attorney Generals have approached their role; the ideology that characterises the Law Officers' position towards these particular functions, and the actual day-to-day activity (practices) observed within the Law Office. Although the central purpose of this work is to provide a profound understanding of the Cyprus system, wider conclusions can be drawn which exceed the boundaries of the particular jurisdiction and shed light on the most debatable aspects of the prosecution process in all jurisdictions.
M8.0 Wenchuan Earthquake
by Huilin Xing Xiwei XuThe M8.0 Wenchuan Earthquake occurred in China on May 12, 2008, killing over 69,000 people and displacing millions from their homes. This was one of the most catastrophic natural disasters on record. This book includes 5 chapters describing the tectonic setting and historical earthquakes around the Chuan-Dian region, the nucleation of the Wenchuan earthquake, occurrence and aftershocks. The field observations of earthquake induced surface fractures and building damage, form a major and special part of this book and include a large number of digital photos with accompanying explanantions.
Molecular Organometallic Materials for Optics
by Véronique Guerchais Hubert BozecS. Di Bella, C. Dragonetti, M. Pizzotti, D. Roberto, F. Tessore, R. Ugo: Coordination and Organometallic Complexes as Second-Order Nonlinear Optical Molecular Materials.- M. G. Humphrey, M.P. Cifuentes, M. Samoc: NLO Molecules and Materials Based on Organometallics: Cubic NLO Properties.- L. Murphy, J. A. G. Williams: Luminescent Platinum Compounds: From Molecules to OLEDs. - Z. Liu, Z. Bian, C. Huang: Luminescent Iridium Complexes and Their Applications.- N. C. Fletcher, M. C. Lagunas: Chromo- and Fluorogenic Organometallic Sensors.- V. Guerchais, H. Le Bozec: Metal Complexes Featuring Photochromic Ligands.
Molecular Mechanisms of Bacterial Infection via the Gut
by Chihiro SasakawaOur gut is colonized by numerous bacteria throughout our life, and the gut epithelium is constantly exposed to foreign microbes and dietary antigens. Thus, the gut epithelium acts as a barrier against microbial invaders and is equipped with various innate defense systems. Resident commensal and foreign invading bacteria interact intimately with the gut epithelium and can impact host cellular and innate immune responses. From the perspective of many pathogenic bacteria, the gut epithelium serves as an infectious foothold and port of entry for disseminate into deeper tissues. In some instances when the intestinal defense activity and host immune system become compromised, even commensal and opportunistic pathogenic bacteria can cross the barrier and initiate local and systematic infectious diseases. Conversely, some highly pathogenic bacteria, such as those highlighted in this book, are able to colonize or invade the intestinal epithelium despite the gut barrier function is intact. Therefore, the relationship between the defensive activity of the intestinal epithelium against microbes and the pathogenesis of infective microbes becomes the basis for maintaining a healthy life. The authors offer an overview of the current topics related to major gastric and enteric pathogens, while highlighting their highly evolved host (human)-adapted infectious processes. Clearly, an in-depth study of bacterial infectious strategies, as well as the host cellular and immune responses, presented in each chapter of this book will provide further insight into the critical roles of the host innate and adaptive immune systems and their importance in determining the severity or completely preventing infectious diseases. Furthermore, under the continuous threat of emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases, the topic of gut-bacteria molecular interactions will provide various clues and ideas for the development of new therapeutic strategies.
HPC@Green IT
by Ralf Gruber Vincent Keller Erich StrohmaierThe authors present methods to reduce computer energy consumption by means of a better usage of a specific set of resources and maximizing the efficiency of the running applications. The processor frequency is adjusted to the needs of the running job, leading to a power drop by a factor of 2 and doubling battery life time of laptops. It is shown how computer resources can be optimally adapted to application needs, reducing job run time. Examples on how to optimize algorithms on single node and parallel RISC architectures are discussed. The job-related data are stored and reused to help computer managers to replace machines.
Corporate Restructuring: From Cause Analysis to Execution
by David VanceCorporate Restructuring is a practical approach to rescuing troubled companies and driving underperforming companies to top performance. It combines proven restructuring strategies with rigorous theoretical analysis. This book explains how to set and achieve asset, staffing, sales and profit goals. Topics include diagnostic tools to identify the root cause of problems, the human dynamics that cause a company to thrive or wither, customer service and relationship marketing, customer intelligence systems, new product development, process mapping, continuous process improvement and re-engineering as well as integrating IT into corporate strategy. It is also discussed how to find the resources needed to keep a company alive during restructuring and how to use bankruptcy offensively and defensively. Corporate Restructuring emphasizes execution. All the restructuring theories in the world weigh less than a simple plan, well executed.
Earth Observation of Wildland Fires in Mediterranean Ecosystems
by Emilio ChuviecoWildland fires are becoming one of the most critical environmental factors affecting a wide range of ecosystems worldwide. In Mediterranean ecosystems (including also South-Africa, California, parts of Chile and Australia), wildland fires are recurrent phenomena every summer, following the seasonal drought. As a result of changes in traditional land use practices, and the impact of recent climate warming, fires have more negative impacts in the last years, threatening lives, socio-economic and ecological values. The book describes the ecological context of fires in the Mediterranean ecosystems, and provides methods to observe fire danger conditions and fire impacts using Earth Observation and Geographic Information System technologies.
Orbitals in Chemistry
by Satoshi InagakiAimed at chemists in both academia and industry, and written by world-renowned experts in their fields, this text, made up of concise yet authoritative reports, is part of a series that presents critical reviews of current ideas and future trends in research.
Dual Energy CT in Clinical Practice
by Stefan O. Schönberg Thorsten Johnson Maximilian F Reiser Christian FinkDual-energy CT is a novel, rapidly emerging imaging technique which offers important new functional and specific information. In this book, physicists and specialists from different CT manufacturers provide an insight into the technological basis of, and the different approaches to, dual-energy CT. Renowned medical scientists in the field explain the pathophysiological and molecular background of the technique, discuss its applications, provide detailed advice on how to obtain optimal results, and offer hints regarding clinical interpretation. The main focus is on the use of dual-energy CT in daily clinical practice, and individual sections are devoted to imaging of the vascular system, the thorax, the abdomen, and the extremities. Evaluations and recommendations are based on personal experience and peer-reviewed literature. Plenty of carefully chosen high-quality images are included to illustrate the clinical benefits of the technique.