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Geotechnical Risk in Rock Tunnels: Selected Papers from a Course on Geotechnical Risk in Rock Tunnels, Aveiro, Portugal, 16-17 April 2004
by A. Campos e Matos, L. Ribeiro e Sousa, J. Kleberger & P. Lopes PintoTunnels have a high degree of risk that needs to be assessed and managed. Underground works intersect and interact with natural materials, incorporating their characteristics as structural components of their own stability. For this reason geotechnical risk analyses are implemented at all phases of tunnel construction, from design through to post-c
Time and Idea: The Theory of History in Giambattista Vico
by A. CaponigriLong a shadowy figure in the history of philosophy, it was only in the twentieth century that Giambattista Vico (1668-1744) achieved renown as a major and original thinker. There has been a steadily widening interest in this figure who, had he been known in his own day, might have altered the course of European thought. Much has been written in an attempt to clarify his historical stature, but in Time and Idea A. Robert Caponigri approaches Vico's thought in terms of its relevance to problems of modern philosophy. Viewing the essential problem of twentieth-century philosophy as the elimination of human subjectivity from nature, Caponigri shows how Vico offers us a principle for the vindication of our own spirituality through history.In Caponigri's reading, Vico establishes an absolute dichotomy between nature and history. The latter is seen as the sum of the active, fully realized human spirit and thus the context for the true understanding of human nature. Although Vico's major work, The New Science, incorporates vast amounts of concrete historical research and contruction, Caponigri's focus is on Vico's theoretical apparatus. Following an introductory biographical chapter, the author turns to Vico's theory of history, emphasizing its importance as a genuine philosophical undertaking rather than mere methodology. Caponigri shows how the speculative problem of history first presented itself to Vico in matters of jurisprudence and natural law from which he derived the concepts of time and idea as the terms in which the historical process of culture becomes comprehensible. He then introduces the human subject as the principle of the synthesis of time and idea, and discusses the Vichian concept of the "modification of the human mind," and his idea of "providence" as the rectifying principle of human history.First published in 1953, Time and Idea remains an essential contribution to the ongoing dialog on Vico's work.
Comparative Constitutional Law and Policy: Participation, Deliberation, and Representation in the Crafting of New Constitutions (Comparative Constitutional Law and Policy)
by Eisenstadt Todd A. Levan A. Carl Tofigh MaboudiUnder what circumstances do new constitutions improve a nation's level of democracy? Between 1974 and 2014, democracy increased in 77 countries following the adoption of a new constitution, but it decreased or stayed the same in 47 others. This book demonstrates that increased participation in the forming of constitutions positively impacts levels of democracy. It is discovered that the degree of citizen participation at the 'convening stage' of constitution-making has a strong effect on levels of democracy. This finding defies the common theory that levels of democracy result from the content of constitutions, and instead lends support to 'deliberative' theories of democracy. Patterns of constitutions are then compared, differentiating imposed and popular constitution-making processes, using case studies from Chile, Nigeria, Gambia, and Venezuela to illustrate the dynamics specific to imposed constitution-making, and case studies from Colombia, Ecuador, Egypt, and Tunisia to illustrate the specific dynamics of popular constitution-making.
African State Governance: Subnational Politics And National Power
by A. Carl LeVan Joseph Olayinka Fashagba Edward R. McMahonAfrica is changing and it is easy to overlook how decentralization, democratization, and new forms of illiberalism have transformed federalism, political parties, and local politics. Chapters on Kenya, Nigeria, Ethiopia, and South Africa help fill an important gap in comparative institutional research about state and local politics in Africa.
Contemporary Nigerian Politics: Competition in a Time of Transition and Terror
by A. Carl LeVanIn 2015, Nigeria's voters cast out the ruling People's Democratic Party (PDP). Here, Carl LeVan traces the political vulnerability of Africa's largest party in the face of elite bargains that facilitated a democratic transition in 1999. These 'pacts' enabled electoral competition but ultimately undermined the party's coherence. LeVan also crucially examines the four critical barriers to Nigeria's democratic consolidation: the terrorism of Boko Haram in the northeast, threats of Igbo secession in the southeast, lingering ethnic resentments and rebellions in the Niger Delta, and farmer-pastoralist conflicts. While the PDP unsuccessfully stoked fears about the opposition's ability to stop Boko Haram's terrorism, the opposition built a winning electoral coalition on economic growth, anti-corruption, and electoral integrity. Drawing on extensive interviews with a number of politicians and generals and civilians and voters, he argues that electoral accountability is essential but insufficient for resolving the representational, distributional, and cultural components of these challenges.
Dictators and Democracy in African Development
by A. Carl LevanWhat are the conditions for good governance in Africa, and why do many democracies still struggle with persistent poverty? Drawing on a historical study of Nigeria since independence, this book argues that the structure of the policy-making process explains variations in government performance better than other commonly cited factors, such as oil, colonialism, ethnic diversity, foreign debt, and dictatorships. The author links the political structure of the policy process to patterns of government performance over half a century to show that the key factor is not simply the status of the regime as a dictatorship or a democracy, but rather it is the structure of the policy-making process by which different policy demands are included or excluded. By identifying political actors with the leverage to prevent policy change and extract concessions, empirical tests demonstrate how these "veto players" systematically affect the performance of two broad categories of public policy. This Madisonian dilemma has important implications for African countries struggling with the institutional trade-offs presented by different regimes.
Fundamentals of Combustion Processes
by Jyh-Yuan Chen A. Carlos Fernandez-Pello Sara McallisterFundamentals of Combustion Processes is designed as a textbook for an upper-division undergraduate and graduate level combustion course in mechanical engineering. The authors focus on the fundamental theory of combustion and provide a simplified discussion of basic combustion parameters and processes such as thermodynamics, chemical kinetics, ignition, diffusion and pre-mixed flames. The text includes exploration of applications, example exercises, suggested homework problems and videos of laboratory demonstrations
Endophytes of Forest Trees
by Anna Maria Pirttilä A. Carolin FrankFound in every plant species, the diversity of endophytic micro-organisms can be extremely high within different plant organs and tissue types. In trees, their ecological roles with respect to host tree can vary from latent pathogens or saprophytes to neutral commensalists and mutualists. Given their high diversity, and their bio-active nature, endophytes are currently being associated with a role in tree health against insect herbivores and fungal pathogens, as well as improving tree properties in phytoremediation. Meanwhile there is increasing interest in the potential of some tree endophytes as new sources of drug compounds. The first book on tree endophytes in several years, and containing contributions from leading authors in the field, this book provides an important reference text for professional researchers and advanced students.
Endophytes of Forest Trees: Biology and Applications (Forestry Sciences #86)
by Anna Maria Pirttilä A. Carolin FrankEndophytes are commonly known as microorganisms, mainly bacteria and fungi, which live inside plant tissues without inducing symptoms. Considering the long-lived trees, endophytes have a fundamental role in preparing their hosts to face extreme weather conditions, drought, heat, cold, and pathogen and herbivore attacks. The current knowledge clearly demonstrates the importance of endophytes in shaping the plant diversity in a forest. Endophytes have an important capacity for biocontrol of forest diseases. Considering endophyte diversity and the range of various compounds and enzymes they can produce, endophytes can be used for various biotechnological applications.
Desde Auden a Yeats: Análisis Crítico de 30 Poemas Seleccionados
by Geetanjali Mukherjee A. Carolina Álvarez y Karina G. MarchiniDesde Auden a Yeats: Análisis crítico de 30 poemas seleccionados por Geetanjali Mukherjee Este libro es una referencia rápida para los estudiantes de literatura inglesa que busquen ayuda al navegar la poesía de algunos de los grandes poetas del siglo XIX y XX. Este libro es una referencia rápida para los estudiantes de literatura inglesa que busquen ayuda para navegar la poesía de alguno de los grandes poetas del siglo XIX y XX. El libro contiene un an{alisis crítico y profundo de 30 poemas seleccionados de las obras de W. H. Auden, Ted Hughes, John Keats, Philip Larkin and W.B. Yeats. Con una colección de 30 ensayos, el libro tiene como fin ayudar a los alumnos de literatura a obtener un mirada de la vida y trabajo de cada poeta aquí presentado, como también una comprensión de los poemas tratados con la suficiente profundidad. EL LIBRO POSEE: * Una sección sobre la vida y trasfondo de cada poeta para comprender mejor las influencias detrás de sus poemas y obtener un mejor conocimiento del contexto de los poemas seleccionados. * Una explicación sencilla de cada poema. * Una explicación de los temas, motivos y símbolos utilizados en los poemas. * Un ensayo específico para cada poema en particular, analizado para el beneficio del estudiante de literatura. * Preguntas breves para que el estudiante reflexione sobre los temas subyacentes de los poemas. Es una guía invaluable para los estudiantes de literatura en colegios secundarios y universidades o cualquiera que desee obtener una profunda comprensión de algunos de los poemas más reconocidos del último siglo. Este libro es muy útil como guía de estudio y no debe substituir la lectura de los poemas (LOS POEMAS NO ESTÁN INCLUIDOS). Algunos de los poemas tratados son: * W.H. Auden – Blues del refugiado * Ted Hughes – Cuervo tiranosaurio * John Keats – Al otoño * Philip Larki
Fracture Mechanics Test Methods For Concrete
by S. P. Shah A. CarpinteriCompares currently used methods in determining concrete toughness and presents recommended test procedures with theories and models for describing cracking and fracturing phenomena. Effects of loading rate, temperature and humidity are also examined. Well referenced and illustrated, this book is filled with practical technical information for mater
Topics in Nonlinear Dynamics, Volume 3
by G. Kerschen A. Carrella D. AdamsTopics in Nonlinear Dynamics, Volume 3, Proceedings of the 30th IMAC, A Conference and Exposition on Structural Dynamics, 2012, the third volume of six from the Conference, brings together 26 contributions to this important area of research and engineering. The collection presents early findings and case studies on fundamental and applied aspects of Structural Dynamics, including papers on: Application of Nonlinearities: Aerospace Structures Nonlinear Dynamics Effects Under Shock Loading Application of Nonlinearities: Vibration Reduction Nonlinear Dynamics: Testing Nonlinear Dynamics: Simulation Nonlinear Dynamics: Identification Nonlinear Dynamics: Localization
France in an Era of Global War, 1914-1945: Occupation, Politics, Empire and Entanglements
by A. Carrol L. BrochIn France in an Era of Global War, scholars re-examine experiences of French politics, occupation, empire and entanglements with the Anglophone world between 1914 and 1945. In doing so, they question the long-standing myths and assumptions which continue to surround this period, and offer new avenues of enquiry.
Surface and Interfacial Aspects of Cell Adhesion
by K. L. Mittal A. CarréCell adhesion comes into play in almost all domains of life. The range of situations in which it occurs, involving organisms, living tissues, microorganisms or single cells, is endless. Cell adhesion is involved in the binding of a cell to a surface, extracellular matrix, or another cell using cell adhesion molecules. It is crucial in the formation
Causality, Meaningful Complexity and Embodied Cognition (Theory and Decision Library A: #46)
by A. CarsettiWith respect to the possible outlining of new models of the process of knowledge construction, we are really faced, at the moment, with the appearance of a new frontier: a frontier that appears strictly linked to the emergence of a conceptual revolution at the level of the analysis of that peculiar entanglement of complexity, information, causality, meaning, emergence, teleology and intentionality that characterizes the unfolding of the "natural forms" of human cognition. To recognize some of the peculiar knots of this particular conceptual revolution precisely constitutes the first target of the volume. Cognitive activity is rooted in Reality, but at the same time represents the necessary means whereby Reality can embody itself in an objective way: i.e., in accordance with an in-depth nesting process and a surface unfolding of operational meaning. In this sense, the objectivity of Reality is also proportionate to the autonomy reached by cognitive processes. Within this conceptual framework, reference procedures thus appear as related to the modalities providing the successful constitution of the channel, of the actual link, in particular, established at the neural level between operations of vision and thought. Such procedures ensure not a simple "regimentation" or an adequate replica, but, on the contrary, the real constitution of a cognitive autonomy in accordance with the truth. A method thus emerges which is simultaneously project, telos and regulating activity: a code that becomes process, positing itself as the foundation of a constantly renewed synthesis between function and meaning. In this sense, at the level of cultural evolution, reference procedures act as guide, mirror and canalisation with respect to primary information flows and involved selective forces. They also constitute a precise support for the operations which "imprison" meaning and "inscribe" the "file" considered as an autonomous categorial (and generating) system. In this way, they offer themselves as the actual instruments for the constant renewal of the code, for the invention and the actual articulation of an ever-new incompressibility.
Epistemic Complexity and Knowledge Construction
by A. CarsettiThe volume as its first target aims at clarifying that peculiar entanglement of complexity, causality, meaning, emergence and intentionality that characterises the unfolding of the "natural forms" of human cognition As is well known, cognition is not only a self-organising process. It is also a co-operative and coupled process. If we consider the external environment as a complex, multiple and stratified Source which interacts with the nervous system, we can easily realise that the cognitive activities devoted to the "intelligent" search for the depth information living in the Source, may determine the very change of the complexity conditions according to which the Source progressively expresses its "wild" action. In this sense, simulation models are not neutral or purely speculative: the true cognition actually appears to be necessarily connected with successful forms of reading, those forms, in particular, that permit a specific coherent unfolding of the deep information content of the Source. Therefore, the simulation models, if valid, materialise as "creative" channels, i.e., as autonomous functional systems, as the very roots of a new possible development of the entire system represented by mind and its Reality. From a general point of view, the objectivity of Reality is also proportionate to the autonomy reached by cognitive processes. In this sense, at the level of cultural evolution, reference procedures act as guide, mirror and canalisation with respect to primary information flows and involved selective forces: they offer themselves as the actual instruments for the constant renewal of the code, for the invention and the actual articulation of an ever-new incompressibility. From an effective point of view, they appear as indissolubly linked to the successive definition of specific (and innovative) measures of the epistemic complexity. These measures cannot concern only statistical rarity (Shannon) or computational incompressibility (Kolmogorov-Chaitin), on the contrary they should also be able to take into account the coupled connection between the Source and the cognitive agent, the evolution of this connection as well as the successive constitution of meaning as symbolic form. Hence the possible (and necessary) definition of new axiomatic systems, new measure spaces, the real displaying of processes of continuous reorganisation at the semantic level. Indeed, it is only through a complete, first-order "reduction" and a correlated non-standard second-order analysis that new incompressibility will actually manifest itself. Therefore, the reference procedures appear to be related to a process of multiplication of minds, as well as to a process of "clarification" of meanings which finally emerges as vision via principles.
Algebraic Approaches to Nuclear Structure
by A. CastenholzThis book is devoted to algebraic models and their applications. It presents a simple, but thorough, pedagogic approach, starting from the most elementary ideas and building up to the most recent results of advanced theories. The book is designed for a graduate level treatment.
Marine Macro- and Microalgae: An Overview
by F. Xavier Malcata Isabel Sousa Pinto A. Catarina GuedesThe marine environment accounts for most of the biodiversity on our planet, while offering a huge potential for the benefit and wellbeing of mankind. Its extensive resources already constitute the basis of many economic activities – but many more are expected in coming years. This book covers current knowledge on uses of marine algae to obtain bulk and fine chemicals, coupled with optimization of the underlying production and purification processes. Major gaps and potential opportunities in this field are discussed in a critical manner. The currrent trends pertaining to marine macro- and microalgae are explained in a simple and understandable writing style. This book covers a wide variety of topics, and as such it will be appropriate as both student text and reference for advances researchers in the field.
Plants and People in the African Past: Progress In African Archaeobotany
by Anna Maria Mercuri A. Catherine D'Andrea Rita Fornaciari Alexa HöhnThere is an essential connection between humans and plants, cultures and environments, and this is especially evident looking at the long history of the African continent. This book, comprising current research in archaeobotany on Africa, elucidates human adaptation and innovation with respect to the exploitation of plant resources. In the long-term perspective climatic changes of the environment as well as human impact have posed constant challenges to the interaction between peoples and the plants growing in different countries and latitudes. This book provides an insight into/overview of the manifold routes people have taken in various parts Africa in order to make a decent living from the provisions of their environment by bringing together the analyses of macroscopic and microscopic plant remains with ethnographic, botanical, geographical and linguistic research. The numerous chapters cover almost all the continent countries, and were prepared by most of the scholars who study African archaeobotany, i.e. the complex and composite history of plant uses and environmental transformations during the Holocene.
Arya
by M. L. Rosado A. CelyAs hot as Miami's dating scene can be, Arya finds herself out of luck when it comes to men. She is an accomplished therapist, has amazing friends, and a positive outlook on life. After the wedding of her dreams, she thought she had it all, but destiny had its own plan. It all started with her ex-husband. He abandoned her after only being married for a short period of time. Arya gave him the most precious thing she had other than her heart: her virginity. Now dealing with divorce and all the sadness and struggles that came with it, she finds herself living alone for the first time in her life. She is ready to conquer as many men as she can in the endless quest to find the right guy. Arya's life has gone from sweet and innocent to reckless and naughty. Eric is a struggling single father working two jobs to make ends meet. Max, his son, is the greatest thing in his life. Eric has been alone for a few years and is realizing that his tiny family of two is lacking something. Eric’s hot Australian body, accent, and tattoos catch Arya's attention as soon as she lays eyes on him. The two unexpectedly find each other, causing them to become inseparable despite the many things that want to tear them apart. Will they be able to make their relationship work? Can love be enough to overcome all odds?
Stunt (Stunt #1)
by M. L. Rosado A. CelyEnter the world of Stunt – aerial acrobats who are so talented, they almost seem like they can truly fly. It’s almost…paranormal. Ginny seems to have a perfect job at a popular morning talk show. But she needs an escape, and joining an acrobat’s traveling spectacle seems like a perfect plan. Stunt is her way out. Or is it? As she enters the world of traveling performers, she notices there is more to Stunt than meets her eye. Is she imagining things, or are the acrobats actually flying around the stage? Her way out seems more complicated than the past that keeps chasing her. And there is a strong, wild man who has her head spinning in more ways than one. Remo is on top of the world. He is the main act on a popular show, has women falling all over him, and is in good graces with the agency that makes sure his associates with “special” abilities are not discovered by humans. Until she shows up. Stunt is forced to hire a producer who will be very close to the inner circle to protect the group’s activities and hide the secrets they all share. But there’s something different about her, something he has never seen before. Their attraction is too tempting to ignore. As their worlds collide, they find challenges beyond their wildest dreams. Will Ginny and Remo be able to soar above everything that surrounds them?
The Carver
by A. Cely Ml RosadoThe mysterious man in the elevator intrigues Vanessa Clark. His hot body, tanned skin, and tailored suit has her hormones raging. Vanessa, a thriving entrepreneur, owns a car wash full of eye candy employees with her childhood best friend, Ricky. Ricky and Vanessa grew up in a foster home together, making them family. Rick’s master plan to lure Mr. Elevator is the extra push Vanessa needs to finally meet him. It is not until she has an unexpected life-threatening encounter with the Carver that her mystery man’s true feelings are revealed. Now she needs to work with the FBI to give information and find this serial killer before he eliminates his next victim. Fernando Escudero, the mysterious man on the elevator, comes from a big, loud, and proud Cuban family. A family that is in everyone’s business, but from them, he learns to be loving and caring. After Vanessa becomes a victim of the Carver, they come together and begin a steamy romance. Vanessa quickly falls in love with him and his family. After being raised in foster homes all her life, she finally finds a family to call her own. The Carver changes her life forever, and now Vanessa finds herself involved in a web of mystery and fear. Will she be his victim again? Will the people around her suffer the same fate as the other victims?
Professional Learning and Identities in Teaching: International Narratives of Successful Teachers (Routledge Research in Teacher Education)
by Silvia Edling A. Cendel KaramanThis book explores the reflective potentialities offered by analyses of teachers’ professional learning narratives. The book has a specific focus on narratives on professional learning and professional identities emerging from different contexts and gives a deeper understanding of successful teachers’ narratives globally. Diverging from universally standardized constructions of idealized teacher identity and professional learning, the book provides analyses of a diversified set of cases with detailed descriptions of each teacher’s idiographic and professional context to gain a deeper understanding of situated professional identities. With contributions from a range of international backgrounds, it shows teachers of various age groups, subject areas and curricula contribute their narratives to help readers reflect on different trajectories toward becoming a teacher. These narratives provide insight into and a deeper understanding of the conditions and complex processes that being a "successful" teacher involves within these case studies, providing a useful contribution to the field of teacher education. Professional Learning and Identities in Teaching: International Narratives of Successful Teachers will be of great interest to researchers, academics, and post-graduate students of teacher education and international and comparative education.
Divine Impassibility: Four Views of God's Emotions and Suffering (Spectrum Multiview Books)
by Robert J. Matz A. Chadwick ThornhillDoes God suffer? Does God experience emotions? Does God change?Views and Contributors:Strong Impassibility (James E. Dolezal, assistant professor in the School of Divinity at Cairn University)Qualified Impassibility (Daniel Castelo, professor of dogmatic and constructive theology at Seattle Pacific University)Qualified Passibility (John C. Peckham, professor of theology and Christian philosophy at Andrews University)Strong Passibility (Thomas Jay Oord, professor of theology and philosophy at Northwest Nazarene University
The Chosen People: Election, Paul and Second Temple Judaism
by A. Chadwick ThornhillOne of the central touchstones of Second Temple Judaism is election. The Jews considered themselves a people set apart for God?s special purpose. So it is not surprising that this concept plays such an important role in Pauline theology. In this careful and provocative study, Chad Thornhill considers how Second Temple understandings of election influenced key Pauline texts. Thornhill seeks to establish the thought patterns of the ancient texts regarding election, with sensitivity to social, historical and literary factors. He carefully considers questions of "extent" (ethnic/national or remnant), the relationship to the individual (corporate or individual in focus), and the relationship to salvation (divine/human agency and the presence of "conditions"). Thornhill looks at the markers or conditions that defined various groups, and considers whether election was viewed by ancient authors as merited, given graciously or both. Thorough and measured, the author contends that individual election is not usually associated with a "soteriological" status but rather with the quality of the individual (or sometimes group) in view—the collective entity is in view in the Jewish notion of election. While Paul is certainly able to move beyond these categories, Thornhill shows how he too follows these patterns.