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Microalgae as a Feedstock for Biofuels
by Luisa GouveiaThis Brief provides a concise review of the potential use of microalgae for biofuel production. The following topics are highlighted: the advantages of microalgae over conventional biofuel-producing crops; technological processes for energy production using microalgae; microalgal biomass production systems, production rates and costs; algae cultivation strategies and main culture parameters; biomass harvesting technologies and cell disruption; CO2 sequestration; life cycle analysis; and algal biorefinery strategies. The conclusions section discusses the contribution of the technologies described to environmental sustainability and future prospects.
Electric Power System Planning
by Hossein Seifi Mohammad Sadegh SepasianThe present book addresses various power system planning issues for professionals as well as senior level and postgraduate students. Its emphasis is on long-term issues, although much of the ideas may be used for short and mid-term cases, with some modifications. Back-up materials are provided in twelve appendices of the book. The readers can use the numerous examples presented within the chapters and problems at the end of the chapters, to make sure that the materials are adequately followed up. Based on what Matlab provides as a powerful package for students and professional, some of the examples and the problems are solved in using M-files especially developed and attached for this purpose. This adds a unique feature to the book for in-depth understanding of the materials, sometimes, difficult to apprehend mathematically. Chapter 1 provides an introduction to Power System Planning (PSP) issues and basic principles. As most of PSP problems are modeled as optimization problems, optimization techniques are covered in some details in Chapter 2. Moreover, PSP decision makings are based on both technical and economic considerations, so economic principles are briefly reviewed in Chapter 3. As a basic requirement of PSP studies, the load has to be known. Therefore, load forecasting is presented in Chapter 4. Single bus Generation Expansion Planning (GEP) problem is described in Chapter 5. This study is performed using WASP-IV, developed by International Atomic Energy Agency. The study ignores the grid structure. A Multi-bus GEP problem is discussed in Chapter 6 in which the transmission effects are, somehow, accounted for. The results of single bus GEP is used as an input to this problem. SEP problem is fully presented in Chapter 7. Chapter 8 devotes to Network Expansion Planning (NEP) problem, in which the network is planned. The results of NEP, somehow, fixes the network structure. Some practical considerations and improvements such as multi-voltage cases are discussed in Chapter 9. As NEP study is typically based on some simplifying assumptions and Direct Current Load Flow (DCLF) analysis, detailed Reactive Power Planning (RPP) study is finally presented in Chapter 10, to guarantee acceptable ACLF performance during normal as well as contingency conditions. This, somehow, concludes the basic PSP problem. The changing environments due to power system restructuring dictate some uncertainties on PSP issues. It is shown in Chapter 11 that how these uncertainties can be accounted for. Although is intended to be a text book, PSP is a research oriented topic, too. That is why Chapter 12 is devoted to research trends in PSP. The chapters conclude with a comprehensive example in Chapter 13, showing the step-by-step solution of a practical case.
The Poly-Traumatized Patient with Fractures
by Hans-Christoph Pape Roy Sanders Joseph Borrelli Jr.This guide provides practical information for the care of patients with blunt injuries. It covers the care for truncal injuries (head, chest, abdomen) and fracture care of the extremities, the pelvis and the spine in a condensed fashion. Unlike previous, anatomically oriented outlines, this combines the anatomic location with frequent injury combinations. It is written for orthopedic and trauma surgeons, offering them a condensed outline of fracture treatment. In addition, all aspects of trauma care are covered, including associated injuries that may alter the decision making in patients with polytrauma.
Non-Timber Forest Products in the Global Context
by Charlie Shackleton Patricia Shanley Sheona ShackletonThis book provides a comprehensive, global synthesis of current knowledge on the potential and challenges associated with the multiple roles, use, management and marketing of non-timber forest products (NTFPs). There has been considerable research and policy effort surrounding NTFPs over the last two and half decades. The book explores the evolution of sentiments regarding the potential of NTFPs in promoting options for sustainable multi-purpose forest management, income generation and poverty alleviation. Based on a critical analysis of the debates and discourses it employs a systematic approach to present a balanced and realistic perspective on the benefits and challenges associated with NTFP use and management within local livelihoods and landscapes, supported with case examples from both the southern and northern hemispheres. This book covers the social, economic and ecological dimensions of NTFPs and closes with an examination of future prospects and research directions.
A Tiny Handbook of R (SpringerBriefs in Statistics)
by Mike AllerhandThis Brief provides a roadmap for the R language and programming environment with signposts to further resources and documentation.
Geometry of Minkowski Space-Time
by Dino Boccaletti Paolo Zampetti Vincenzo Catoni Roberto Cannata Francesco CatoniThis book provides an original introduction to the geometry of Minkowski space-time. A hundred years after the space-time formulation of special relativity by Hermann Minkowski, it is shown that the kinematical consequences of special relativity are merely a manifestation of space-time geometry. The book is written with the intention of providing students (and teachers) of the first years of University courses with a tool which is easy to be applied and allows the solution of any problem of relativistic kinematics at the same time. The book treats in a rigorous way, but using a non-sophisticated mathematics, the Kinematics of Special Relativity. As an example, the famous "Twin Paradox" is completely solved for all kinds of motions. The novelty of the presentation in this book consists in the extensive use of hyperbolic numbers, the simplest extension of complex numbers, for a complete formalization of the kinematics in the Minkowski space-time. Moreover, from this formalization the understanding of gravity comes as a manifestation of curvature of space-time, suggesting new research fields.
A Trajectory Description of Quantum Processes. II. Applications: A Bohmian Perspective (Lecture Notes in Physics #831)
by Ángel S. Sanz Salvador Miret-ArtésTrajectory-based formalisms are an intuitively appealing way of describing quantum processes because they allow the use of "classical" concepts. Beginning as an introductory level suitable for students, this two-volume monograph presents (1) the fundamentals and (2) the applications of the trajectory description of basic quantum processes. This second volume is focussed on simple and basic applications of quantum processes such as interference and diffraction of wave packets, tunneling, diffusion and bound-state and scattering problems. The corresponding analysis is carried out within the Bohmian framework. By stressing its interpretational aspects, the book leads the reader to an alternative and complementary way to better understand the underlying quantum dynamics.
Phosphodiesterases as Drug Targets
by Marco Conti Miles D. Houslay Sharron H. FrancisCyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterases (PDEs) are promising targets for pharmacological intervention. Multiple PDE genes, isoform diversity, selective expression and compartmentation of the isoforms, and an array of conformations of PDE proteins are properties that challenge development of drugs that selectively target this class of enzymes. Novel characteristics of PDEs are viewed as unique opportunities to increase specificity and selectivity when designing novel compounds for certain therapeutic indications. This chapter provides a summary of the major concepts related to the design and use of PDE inhibitors.
Nanocoatings
by Mahmood AliofkhazraeiSize effect in structures has been taken into consideration over the last years. In comparison with coatings with micrometer-ranged thickness, nanostructured coatings usually enjoy better and appropriate properties, such as strength and resistance. These coatings enjoy unique magnetic properties and are used with the aim of producing surfaces resistant against erosion, lubricant system, cutting tools, manufacturing hardened sporadic alloys, being resistant against oxidation and corrosion. This book reviews researches on fabrication and classification of nanostructured coatings with focus on size effect in nanometric scale. Size effect on electrochemical, mechanical and physical properties of nanocoatings are presented.
Experimental and Theoretical Advances in Fluid Dynamics
by Jaime Klapp Anne Cros Catalina Stern Mario Alberto Rodriguez Meza Oscar Velasco FuentesThe book is comprised of lectures and selected contributions presented at the Enzo Levi and XVI Annual Meeting of the Fluid Dynamic Division of the Mexican Physical Society in 2010. It is aimed at fourth year undergraduate and graduate students, as well as scientists in the fields of physics, engineering and chemistry with an interest in fluid dynamics from the experimental and theoretical point of view. The lectures are introductory and avoid the use of complicated mathematics. The other selected contributions are also geared to fourth year undergraduate and graduate students. The fluid dynamics applications include multiphase flow, convection, diffusion, heat transfer, rheology, granular material, viscous flow, porous media flow, geophysics and astrophysics. The material contained in the book includes recent advances in experimental and theoretical fluid dynamics and will be of great use to those involved in either teaching and/or research.
Drivers of Innovation, Entrepreneurship and Regional Dynamics
by Roger R. Stough Peter Nijkamp Karima KourtitThe need for informed and effective insights into key concepts and models of regional development and growth, from an endogenous growth perspective, has risen over the past decade. These recent advances address in particular local and regional assets and characteristics comprising inter alia creativity, knowledge, innovation forces and entrepreneurship. Access to and exploitation of these modern forms of human and social capital are of paramount importance for the dynamic regional economic environment in a city or region. This volume offers an overview and critical treatment of the spatial-economic roots, opportunities and impacts of new growth strategies, mainly from an evidence-based perspective. In the various contributions to this volume, relevant findings and strategic options are interpreted and discussed from both an analytical and a policy perspective to help cultivate creativity, human capital development and innovation as well as entrepreneurial activity, with a view to exploit the drivers of economic development, in order to strengthen the competitive edge of cities and regions.
Multicriteria Analysis: Applications to Water and Environment Management
by Ferenc Szidarovszky Mahdi ZarghamiMulticriteria analysis is one of the most important fields of decision science. This book gives an outline of the formulation of an appropriate model and presents a comprehensive summary of the most popular methods for solving multicriteria decision problems. In addition to the classical approach the book introduces fuzzy and stochastic methodology, models with uncertainty, social choice and conflict resolution. All methods are illustrated with easy to follow simple examples. At the end of each chapter detailed case studies are given in water and environment management including inter-basin water transfer, urban water management, water allocation, groundwater quality management, forest treatment, ranking water resources projects, reservoir planning, water distribution network design and long-term watershed management. The new methodology and the wide variety of case studies are not easily accessible elsewhere.
Fractal Analysis in Machining
by J. Paulo Davim Tapan Barman Prasanta SahooThe concept of fractals is often considered to describe surface roughness. Fractals retain all the structural information and are characterized by a single descriptor, the fractal dimension, D. Fractal dimension is an intrinsic property of the surface and independent of the filter processing of measuring instrument as well as the sampling length scale. This book cover fractal analysis of surface roughness in different machining processes such as Computer Numeric Control (CNC) end milling, CNC turning, electrical discharge machining and cylindrical grinding. The content here presented adds a significant contribution to the existing literature, with interest to both industrial and academic public.
Sick Building Syndrome
by Sabah A. Abdul-WahabThis volume throws light on the Sick Building Syndrome in Libraries and other public buildings, and the extent to which it is influenced by the internal environment of libraries. One of the signs of this disease is that the person suffers from a set of symptoms closely related to his/her presence in the building, without the identification of any clear causes, and his/her relief of these symptoms when he/she are out of the building. Hence, the book sheds on the extent to which the interior environment impacts upon the health of the people, and the extent to which this is reflected in their performance. The book can be used for teaching, research, and professional reference. It concludes with the recommendation that is essential to observe environmental dimensions when designing library and public buildings, taking into consideration the expected impact of SBS in library and public buildings on people. The significance of the book derives from the fact that it is the first of its kind to examine the issue of the interior environment and SBS of library and public building worldwide.
Drug Design: Methodology, Concepts, and Mode-of-Action
by Gerhard KlebeUnique work on structure-based drug design, covering multiple aspects of drug discovery and development. Fully colored, many images, computer animations of 3D structures (these only in electronic form). Makes the spatial aspects of interacting molecules clear to the reader, covers multiple applications and methods in drug design. Structures by mode of action, no therapeutic areas. Of high relevance for academia and industrial research. Focus on gene technology in drug design, omics-technologies computational methods experimental techniques of structure determination multiple examples on mode of action of current drugs, ADME-tox properties in drug development, QSAR methods, combinatorial chemistry, biologicals, ribosome, targeting protein-protein interfaces.
Schoolchildren as Propaganda Tools in the War on Terror
by Sonja C. GroverThis book explores in what ways both sides involved in the so-called war on terror are using schoolchildren as propaganda tools while putting the children's security at grave risk. The book explores how terrorists use attacks on education to attempt to destabilize the government while the government and the international aid community use increases in school attendance as an ostensible index of largely illusory progress in the overall security situation and in development. The book challenges the notion that unoccupied civilian schools are not entitled under the law of armed conflict to a high standard of protection which prohibits their use for military purposes. Also examined are the potential violations of international law that can occur when government and education aid workers encourage and facilitate school attendance, as they do, in areas within conflict-affected states such as Afghanistan where security for education is inadequate and the risk of terror attacks on education high.
Temporal Bone Imaging
by Marc Lemmerling Bert FoerThis book provides a complete overview of imaging of normal and diseased temporal bone. After description of indications for imaging and the cross-sectional imaging anatomy of the area, subsequent chapters address the various diseases and conditions that affect the temporal bone and are likely to be encountered regularly in clinical practice. The classic imaging methods are described and discussed in detail, and individual chapters are included on newer techniques such as functional imaging and diffusion-weighted imaging. There is also a strong focus on postoperative imaging. Throughout, imaging findings are documented with the aid of numerous informative, high-quality illustrations. Temporal Bone Imaging, with its straightforward structure based essentially on topography, will prove of immense value in daily practice.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging of the Knee
by Ali Guermazi Daichi Hayashi Mamoru NiitsuThis abundantly illustrated atlas of MR imaging of the knee documents normal anatomy and a wide range of pathologies. In addition to the high-quality images, essential clinical information is presented in bullet point lists and diagnostic tips are included to assist in differential diagnosis. Concise explanations and guidance are also provided on the MR pulse sequences suitable for imaging of the knee, with identification of potential artifacts. This book will be an invaluable asset for busy radiologists, from residents to consultants. It will be ideal for carrying at all times for use in daily reading sessions and is not intended as a reference to be read in the library or in non-clinical settings.
Guidelines for Molecular Analysis in Archive Tissues
by Giorgio StantaA huge amount of fixed and paraffin-embedded tissue is stored in every hospital. This is very precious material that can be used for translational research and for diagnostics. The molecular methods employed for analysis of these tissues are similar to the usual molecular biology and proteomics methods, but reliable results can be obtained only if specific steps are followed with great care. This book provides detailed and precise guidelines for molecular analysis of archive tissues and will serve as an invaluable aid for researchers and pathologists involved in translational research and diagnostics. Clear notes and explanations are included to simplify use of the protocols for the less experienced. The authors are a group of acknowledged experts who have developed the described methods and validated them within the European project "Archive Tissues: Improving Molecular Medicine Research and Clinical Practice - IMPACTS", which has involved 21 leading institutions in 11 countries.
Dysphagia
by Olle EkbergThis book provides a comprehensive and up-to-date description of the diagnosis and management of dysphagia, with particular reference to oral and pharyngeal dysfunction. All aspects of dysphagia are covered, from anatomy and physiology to patient care. Alongside descriptions of a variety of disease entities, signs and symptoms, and treatment approaches, many other relevant topics are addressed, including endoscopic and manometric aspects, malnutrition and dehydration, the psychiatric burden, and features specific to pediatric and geriatric patients. The authors are without exception renowned experts in their field. This book will be of value to all specialists involved in the evaluation and treatment of dysphagia, including ENT surgeons, thoracic surgeons, speech and language pathologists, phoniatricians, gastroenterologists, neurologists, and radiologists.
Computational Fluid Dynamics 2010: Proceedings of the Sixth International Conference on Computational Fluid Dynamics, ICCFD6, St Petersburg, Russia, on July 12-16, 2010
by Alexander KuzminThe International Conference on Computational Fluid Dynamics is held every two years and brings together physicists, mathematicians and engineers to review and share recent advances in mathematical and computational techniques for modeling fluid flow. The proceedings of the 2010 conference (ICCFD6) held in St Petersburg, Russia, contain a selection of refereed contributions and are meant to serve as a source of reference for all those interested in the state of the art in computational fluid dynamics.
Imaging of Acute Appendicitis in Adults and Children
by Caroline Keyzer Pierre Alain GevenoisThis book is a comprehensive account of imaging of acute appendicitis and other appendiceal diseases. Background information is first provided on clinical presentation, perforation and negative appendectomy rates, and treatment options. The role of each imaging modality - radiography, ultrasound, CT, and MRI - is then considered separately in adults and children with suspected acute appendicitis. Many high-quality illustrations are included, and detailed information is provided on appropriate protocols and radiation saving. Further chapters addresses the spontaneously resolving and chronic appendicitis as well as other appendiceal lesions and review the findings of evidence-based medicine and cost-effectiveness analyses. Emergency physicians, pediatricians, surgeons, and radiologists will all find this book to be an excellent source of information and guidance.
Head and Neck Cancer Imaging
by Robert HermansImaging is crucial in the multidisciplinary approach to head and neck cancer management. The rapid technological development of recent years makes it necessary for all members of the multidisciplinary team to understand the potential applications, limitations, and advantages of existing and evolving imaging technologies. It is equally important that the radiologist has sufficient clinical background knowledge to understand the clinical significance of imaging findings. This book provides an overview of the findings obtained using different imaging techniques during the evaluation of head and neck neoplasms, both before and after therapy. All anatomic areas in the head and neck are covered, and the impact of imaging on patient management is discussed in detail. The authors are recognized experts in the field, and numerous high-quality images are included. This second edition provides information on the latest imaging developments in this area, including the application of PET-CT and diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging.
Supplementary Cementing Materials
by Mohammad Iqbal Khan Rafat SiddiqueThis book is an attempt to consolidate the published research related to the use of Supplementary Cementing Materials in cement and concrete. It comprises of five chapters. Each chapter is devoted to a particular supplementing cementing material. It is based on the literature/research findings published in journals/conference proceeding, etc. Topics covered in the book are; coal fly ash, silica fume (SF), granulated blast furnace slag (GGBS), metakaolin (MK), and rice husk ash (RHA). Each chapter contains introduction, properties of the waste material/by-product, its potential usage, and its effect on the properties of fresh and hardened concrete and other cement based materials.
Multislice-CT of the Abdomen
by Richard Baron Maximilian F. Reiser Carlo Bartolozzi Christoph Johannes ZechThis book provides a lucid summary of modern multislice CT imaging of the abdomen, with a focus on the essential imaging findings. After a concise technical introduction, the most important abdominal diseases are described and illustrated with high-quality images. Sections are devoted to the liver and biliary system, the pancreas and spleen, the kidneys and urogenital system, and the bowel and peritoneal cavity. Throughout, key differential diagnostic features are highlighted. The editorial team is composed of internationally renowned radiologists from Europe and the United States, and all chapters have been written by recognized experts in the topic under consideration. Multislice CT of the Abdomen will serve as an excellent reference for radiologists participating in further professional training and will prove an ideal source of information for all who wish to deepen their personal knowledge of the subject.