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Reconstructing Human-Landscape Interactions - Volume 1
by Aileen C. Elliott Nalini Torres Brett T. MclaurinThe Holocene is unique when compared to earlier geological time in that humans begin to alter and manipulate the natural environment to their own needs. Domestication of crops and animals and the resultant intensification of agriculture lead to profound changes in the impact humans have on the environment. Conversely, as human populations began to increase geologic and climatic factors begin to have a greater impact on civilizations. To understand and reconstruct the complex interplay between humans and the environment over the past ten thousand years requires examination of multiple differing but interconnected aspects of the environment and involves geomorphology, paleoecology, geoarchaeology and paleoclimatology. These Springer Briefs volumes examine the dynamic interplay between humans and the natural environment as reconstructed by the many and varied sub-fields of the Earth Sciences.
Design and impact of water treaties
by Matthew ZentnerThis study presents a unique way to utilize the existing literature to explain the success of treaties in managing hydrologic stress. Literature-derived core concepts are summarized as seven treaty mechanisms categories (specificity, uncertainty management, enforcement, communications, flexibility, integrativeness, and scale) and are hypothesized as important for shaping the institutional resiliency of a treaty. Treaty design is shown to have a relevant and important role in shaping basin management so that nations may better achieve their goals in a changing climate.
An Invitation to Quantum Field Theory (Lecture Notes in Physics #839)
by Luis Alvarez-Gaumé Miguel A. Vázquez-MozoThis book provides an introduction to Quantum Field Theory (QFT) at an elementary level--with only special relativity, electromagnetism and quantum mechanics as prerequisites. For this fresh approach to teaching QFT, based on numerous lectures and courses given by the authors, a representative sample of topics has been selected containing some of the more innovative, challenging or subtle concepts. They are presented with a minimum of technical details, the discussion of the main ideas being more important than the presentation of the typically very technical mathematical details necessary to obtain the final results. Special attention is given to the realization of symmetries in particle physics: global and local symmetries, explicit, spontaneously broken, and anomalous continuous symmetries, as well as discrete symmetries. Beyond providing an overview of the standard model of the strong, weak and electromagnetic interactions and the current understanding of the origin of mass, the text enumerates the general features of renormalization theory as well as providing a cursory description of effective field theories and the problem of naturalness in physics. Among the more advanced topics the reader will find are an outline of the first principles derivation of the CPT theorem and the spin-statistics connection. As indicated by the title, the main aim of this text is to motivate the reader to study QFT by providing a self-contained and approachable introduction to the most exciting and challenging aspects of this successful theoretical framework.
Dynamic land use/cover change modelling
by Jamal Jokar ArsanjaniThe thesis is an original and novel contribution to land use/land cover change analysis using methods of geosimulation and agent-based modeling. The author implements several traditional methodologies of land use change by means of remote sensing and GIS techniques. An Agent-Based Model was developed in order to simulate land use change in the Tehran metropolitan area, comparing the outcomes of each particular methodology. All methods are compared, and advantages and disadvantages discussed.
Ethical Challenges in Genomics Research
by Paula BoddingtonNew developments in science and technology have resulted in shifting ethical challenges in many areas including in genomics research. This book enables those who are involved in genomics research, whether as researcher, participant or policy maker, to understand the ethical issues currently developing in this field and to participate actively in these important debates. A clear account is given of how science and technology are outstripping the capacity of previous ethical regulations to cope with current issues, together with practical illustrations of possible ways forward. Key ethical ideas are presented, drawing on the history of research regulation and on an account of the particular challenges arising in the field of genomics. The book uses a grounded, practical approach to explaining ethical concepts and issues which is geared to enhancing interdisciplinary dialogue. Its broad approach to ethical issues includes relevant considerations from social psychology and there is a particular emphasis on understanding the problems of ethical regulations and practice in the institutional and social context of research. A glossary and numerous text boxes explaining relevant terms and key ideas help to make the work an invaluable resource for both beginners and experts in the field.
Minimally Invasive Thyroidectomy
by Dimitrios Linos Woong Youn ChungThis book describes in detail the various techniques of minimally invasive thyroidectomy that have emerged in recent years and presents the new supportive equipment, including intraoperative monitoring and energy devices. In addition, the basic preoperative techniques that are a prerequisite to successful thyroidectomy are covered, and individual chapters are devoted to complications, outcomes, and post-thyroidectomy quality of life. Important related topics are also discussed, including guidelines for managing papillary and medullary thyroid cancer and the surgical management of metastatic lymph nodes. Both the editors and the authors are internationally renowned experts, and they include the founders of several of the techniques described. The up-to-date text is supplemented by many color pictures and medical illustrations, making the book very user-friendly and ideal for the busy surgeon or endocrinologist who is interested in the management of thyroid diseases.
Mucosal Vaccines
by Pamela A. KozlowskiThis volume is focused on the development of vaccines which generate immune effectors capable of blocking mucosal entry or peripheral pathogen spread. A critical first step in the design of mucosal vaccines is the selection of administration route. Not all mucosal immunization routes are created equally when it comes to eliciting immune responses in multiple body compartments. This subject and situations when a mucosal route may not be required for vaccine delivery are reviewed here with an emphasis on the sublingual immunization route, which may offer a safer alternative to the nasal route for induction of broadly disseminated immune responses. External host defenses that inhibit entry of microorganisms at mucosal surfaces also pose obstacles to the efficient internalization of mucosally-applied vaccines. Transcutaneous immunization with appropriate adjuvants and permeation enhancers can induce mucosal immune responses and may be advantageous for bypassing these luminal barriers. Other chapters describe strategies for enhancing uptake of mucosal vaccines, for instance through targeted delivery to antigen-sampling M cells, construction of virus-like particles which mimic natural pathogens, addition of mucoadhesives or formulation as nanoparticles. Topics include edible vaccines as well as plant-based production of subunit or particulate vaccines that could be administered by any route. Dry powder vaccines that could be insufflated or directly applied to mucosal surfaces may be particularly ideal for mass vaccination in developing countries. The manufacture, stability and efficacy of powder formulations is comprehensively reviewed. We conclude with chapters on two of the greatest challenges facing mucosal vaccine development: human immunodeficiency virus and bioterrorist agents. This monograph highlights progress and information that should prove invaluable for the development of contemporary vaccines that prevent infection by these and other mucosal pathogens.
Intradermal Immunization
by Marcel B.M. TeunissenThis volume of Current Topics in Microbiology and Immunology covers diverse topics related to intradermal immunization. The chapters highlight the effectiveness of intradermal immunization in experimental animal models or in clinical practice, all supporting the view that intradermal immunization is at least as good as other immunization routes. Keeping in mind that current vaccines are not specially designed for intradermal immunization, but show comparable efficiency even at reduced dosages, this underlines the great potential for the skin as a vaccination site. Hopefully, the overview in this volume will encourage vaccine designers to focus on this promising immunization route, and in addition, to inspire them to develop vaccines that are especially optimized for intradermal immunization.
Green Tribology
by Michael Nosonovsky Bharat BhushanTribology is the study of friction, wear and lubrication. Recently, the concept of "green tribology" as "the science and technology of the tribological aspects of ecological balance and of environmental and biological impacts" was introduced. The field of green tribology includes tribological technology that mimics living nature (biomimetic surfaces) and thus is expected to be environmentally friendly, the control of friction and wear that is of importance for energy conservation and conversion, environmental aspects of lubrication and surface modification techniques, and tribological aspects of green applications such as wind-power turbines or solar panels. This book is the first comprehensive volume on green tribology. The chapters are prepared by leading experts in their fields and cover such topics as biomimetics, environmentally friendly lubrication, tribology of wind turbines and renewable sources of energy, and ecological impact of new technologies of surface treatment.
Damage and Fracture of Composite Materials and Structures (Advanced Structured Materials #17)
by Mohd Nasir TaminThis monograph presents recent research findings on fracture properties and behavior of the composites, and their damage and cracking process under both quasi-static and impact loading conditions. Theoretical treatment, experimental investigation and numerical simulation aspects of the mechanics of composites, including sandwich structures are included.
Supercavitation
by Igor NesterukThis collection is dedicated to the 70th jubilee of Yu. N. Savchenko, and presents experimental, theoretical, and numerical investigations written by an international group of well-known authors. The contributions solve very important problems of the high-speed hydrodynamics,such as supersonic motion in water, drag diminishing, dynamics and stability of supercavitating vehicles, water entry and hydrodynamic performances of hydrofoils, ventilated cavities after a disc and under the ship bottom. The book is written for researches, scientists, engineers, and students interested in problems of hydromechanics.
Distance Expanding Random Mappings, Thermodynamical Formalism, Gibbs Measures and Fractal Geometry
by Bartlomiej Skorulski Mariusz Urbanski Volker MayerThe theory of random dynamical systems originated from stochastic differential equations. It is intended to provide a framework and techniques to describe and analyze the evolution of dynamical systems when the input and output data are known only approximately, according to some probability distribution. The development of this field, in both the theory and applications, has gone in many directions. In this manuscript we introduce measurable expanding random dynamical systems, develop the thermodynamical formalism and establish, in particular, the exponential decay of correlations and analyticity of the expected pressure although the spectral gap property does not hold. This theory is then used to investigate fractal properties of conformal random systems. We prove a Bowen's formula and develop the multifractal formalism of the Gibbs states. Depending on the behavior of the Birkhoff sums of the pressure function we arrive at a natural classification of the systems into two classes: quasi-deterministic systems, which share many properties of deterministic ones; and essentially random systems, which are rather generic and never bi-Lipschitz equivalent to deterministic systems. We show that in the essentially random case the Hausdorff measure vanishes, which refutes a conjecture by Bogenschutz and Ochs. Lastly, we present applications of our results to various specific conformal random systems and positively answer a question posed by Bruck and Buger concerning the Hausdorff dimension of quadratic random Julia sets.
Child Soldier Victims of Genocidal Forcible Transfer: Exonerating Child Soldiers Charged With Grave Conflict-related International Crimes
by Sonja C. GroverThis book provides an original legal analysis of child soldiers recruited into armed groups or forces committing mass atrocities and/or genocide as the victims of the genocidal forcible transfer of children. Legal argument is made regarding the lack of criminal culpability of such child soldier 'recruits' for conflict-related international crimes and the inapplicability of currently recommended judicial and non-judicial accountability mechanisms in such cases. The book challenges various anthropological accounts of child soldiers' alleged 'tactical agency' to resist committing atrocity as members of armed groups or forces committing mass atrocity and/or genocide. Also provided are original interpretations of relevant international law including an interpretation of the Rome Statute age-based exclusion from prosecution of persons who were under 18 at the time of perpetrating the crime as substantive law setting an international standard for the humane treatment of child soldiers.
Understanding German Real Estate Markets
by Wolfgang Maennig Tobias JustReal estate is the biggest real asset class in an economy, and Germany is the biggest economy in Europe. This implies opportunities as well as specific risks for investors and policy makers. As the German real estate markets have by and large been spared severe disruptions in the course of the economic crisis, many questions arise for investors and academics alike. What are the key institutional characteristics of the German real estate markets that make it different? What are the short and long-term drivers of demand and supply? Which regional and functional market segments are most likely to outperform in the next few years? What are the most important pitfalls for investors in Germany? This book gives answers to these and many more questions. The editors have invited a broad range of extensively knowledgeable practitioners and academics from across the relevant real estate spectrum, i.e. economic, legal, tax, planning and financing issues, to express their views. There is no better English publication that gives such a profound and simultaneously entertaining overview of Germany's real estate markets.
Understanding German Real Estate Markets (Management for Professionals)
by Tobias Just and Wolfgang MaennigReal estate is the biggest real asset class in an economy, and Germany is the biggest economy in Europe. This implies opportunities as well as specific risks for investors and policy makers. As the German real estate markets have by and large been spared severe disruptions in the course of the economic crisis, many questions arise for investors and academics alike. What are the key institutional characteristics of the German real estate markets that make it different? What are the short and long-term drivers of demand and supply? Which regional and functional market segments are most likely to outperform in the next few years? What are the most important pitfalls for investors in Germany? This book gives answers to these and many more questions. The editors have invited a broad range of extensively knowledgeable practitioners and academics from across the relevant real estate spectrum, i.e. economic, legal, tax, planning and financing issues, to express their views. There is no better English publication that gives such a profound and simultaneously entertaining overview of Germany’s real estate markets.
Advances in Numerical Modeling of Adhesive Joints (SpringerBriefs in Applied Sciences and Technology)
by Lucas Filipe da Silva Raul D. CampilhoThis book deals with the most recent numerical modeling of adhesive joints. Advances in damage mechanics and extended finite element method are described in the context of the Finite Element method with examples of application. The book also introduces the classical continuum mechanics and fracture mechanics approach and discusses the boundary element method and the finite difference method with indication of the cases they are most adapted to. At the moment there a no numerical technique that can solve any problem and the analyst needs to be aware of the limitations involved in each case.
Algebraic Modeling Systems: Modeling and Solving Real World Optimization Problems (Applied Optimization #104)
by Josef KallrathThis book Algebraic Modeling Systems - Modeling and Solving Real World Optimization Problems - deals with the aspects of modeling and solving real-world optimization problems in a unique combination. It treats systematically the major algebraic modeling languages (AMLs) and modeling systems (AMLs) used to solve mathematical optimization problems. AMLs helped significantly to increase the usage of mathematical optimization in industry. Therefore it is logical consequence that the GOR (Gesellschaft für Operations Research) Working Group Mathematical Optimization in Real Life had a second meeting devoted to AMLs, which, after 7 years, followed the original 71st Meeting of the GOR (Gesellschaft für Operations Research) Working Group Mathematical Optimization in Real Life which was held under the title Modeling Languages in Mathematical Optimization during April 23-25, 2003 in the German Physics Society Conference Building in Bad Honnef, Germany. While the first meeting resulted in the book Modeling Languages in Mathematical Optimization, this book is an offspring of the 86th Meeting of the GOR working group which was again held in Bad Honnef under the title Modeling Languages in Mathematical Optimization.
Finite and Boundary Element Tearing and Interconnecting Solvers for Multiscale Problems
by Clemens PechsteinTearing and interconnecting methods, such as FETI, FETI-DP, BETI, etc., are among the most successful domain decomposition solvers for partial differential equations. The purpose of this book is to give a detailed and self-contained presentation of these methods, including the corresponding algorithms as well as a rigorous convergence theory. In particular, two issues are addressed that have not been covered in any monograph yet: the coupling of finite and boundary elements within the tearing and interconnecting framework including exterior problems, and the case of highly varying (multiscale) coefficients not resolved by the subdomain partitioning. In this context, the book offers a detailed view to an active and up-to-date area of research.
Impacts of Large Dams: A Global Assessment
by Asit K. Biswas Cecilia Tortajada Dogan AltinbilekOne of the most controversial issues of the water sector in recent years has been the impacts of large dams. Proponents have claimed that such structures are essential to meet the increasing water demands of the world and that their overall societal benefits far outweight the costs. In contrast, the opponents claim that social and environmental costs of large dams far exceed their benefits, and that the era of construction of large dams is over. A major reason as to why there is no consensus on the overall benefits of large dams is because objective, authoritative and comprehensive evaluations of their impacts, especially ten or more years after their construction, are conspicuous by their absence. This book debates impartially, comprehensively and objectively, the positive and negative impacts of large dams based on facts, figures and authoritative analyses. These in-depth case studies are expected to promote a healthy and balanced debate on the needs, impacts and relevance of large dams, with case studies from Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe and Latin America.
Environmental Issues in Supply Chain Management: New Trends and Applications
by Paulina Golinska Carlos Andres RomanoThe aim of the book is to present the emerging environmental issues in organization and management of complex supply chains. The book includes set of solutions which show different stakeholders' viewpoints on sustainability. The scope of book takes into consideration how the emerging environmental regulation might be transformed into business practices. Therefore, the authors present the innovative approach to eco-friendly organization and coordination of logistics processes and supply chain configuration. A broad scope of practical solutions from different countries and industries is provided
EcoProduction and Logistics: Emerging Trends and Business Practices
by Paulina GolinskaEnvironmental awareness is driven mainly by the scarcity of natural resources and by more strict legal regulations. The modern enterprise policy should look at the relations between economic actions and ecological consequences. Ecoproduction is a new business approach which focuses on the most efficient and productive use of raw materials and natural resources in order to minimize footprints on the natural environment. This book aims to provide the state- of- the- art as well as new ideas of the environmental conscious operations management. The contributors present in the individual chapters problems related to: eco-friendly production technologies; recycling and waste reduction. Scope of topics discussed in this book covers also pollution prevention, energy efficiency. The authors describe problems of information management in complex systems
Sustainable Transport: New Trends and Business Practices
by Paulina Golinska Marcin HajdulThe aim of the book is to present the emerging environmental issues in organization and management of transport logistics. The scope of the book includes set of solutions which show different stakeholders' viewpoints on sustainability. It points out how the transport operations organized and conducted in companies and regions might be consistent with the concept of sustainable development. The scope of the book takes into consideration trade-off relations between actors directly and indirectly involved in transport networks. Therefore, the authors present, in individual chapters, innovative approach to eco-friendly organization and coordination of transport processes, as well as management of transport networks.
Psycholinguistic and Sociolinguistic Perspectives on Second Language Learning and Teaching
by Mirosław Pawlak Krystyna Drozdzial-SzelestThe volume provides a state-of-the-art overview of key issues in second language learning and teaching, adopting as a point of reference both psycholinguistic and sociolinguistic perspectives. The papers included in the collection, which have been contributed by leading specialists in the field from Poland and abroad, touch upon important theoretical issues, report latest research findings and offer guidelines for classroom practice. The range of topics covered and the inclusion of concrete pedagogic proposals ensures that the book will be of interest to a wide audience, not only SLA specialists, but also methodologists, material designers, undergraduate and graduate students, and practitioners
Learning Genitourinary and Pelvic Imaging
by Joan C. Vilanova Antonio Luna Pablo R. RosThis introduction to genitourinary and pelvic radiology is a further volume in the Learning Imaging series. Written in a case-based format, the book is subdivided into ten chapters: kidney; adrenal gland; urinary bladder, collecting system and urethra; prostate and seminal vesicles; scrotum; obstetrics; uterus; cervix and vagina; adnexa and retroperitoneum. Genitourinary radiology has undergone a tremendous change owing to advances in ultrasound, CT and MRI that have redefined our understanding of genitourinary and pelvic pathology. Each chapter includes an introduction and ten case studies with illustrations and comments from anatomical, physiopathological and radiological standpoints and with bibliographic recommendations.
Real Estate Investment: A Value Based Approach
by G Jason Goddard Bill MarcumThis book fills a gap in the existing resources available to students and professionals requiring an academically rigorous, but practically orientated source of knowledge about real estate finance. Written by a bank vice-president who for many years has practiced as a commercial lender and who teaches real estate investment at university level, and an academic whose area of study is finance and particularly valuation, this book will lead readers to truly understand the fundamentals of making a sound real estate investment decision. The focus is primarily on the valuation of leased properties such as apartment buildings, office buildings, retail centers, and warehouse space, rather than on owner occupied residential property.