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Superconductivity: Discoveries and Discoverers
by Kristian FossheimThis book is about the work of 10 great scientists; who they were and are, their personal background and how they achieved their outstanding results and took their prominent place in science history. We follow one of physics and science history's most enigmatic phenomena, superconductivity, through 100 years, from its discovery in 1911 to the present, not as a history book in the usual sense, but through close ups of the leading characters and their role in that story, the Nobel laureates, who were still among us in the years 2001-2004 when the main round of interviews was carried out. Since then two of them already passed away. For each one of the 10 laureates, the author tells their story by direct quotation from interviews in their own words. Each chapter treats one laureate. The author first gives a brief account of the laureates' scientific background and main contribution. Then each laureate tells his own story in his own words. This book is unique in its approach to science history.
Sedimentary Facies Reconstruction and Kinematic Restoration of Tight Gas Fields: Studies from the Upper Permian in Northwestern Germany
by Anna Alexandra VackinerThe thesis of Anna Alexandra Vackiner focuses on the geometric architecture and tectonic evolution of the Permian series, combining seismic interpretation (3D block), field studies in an analogue basin (Panamint Valley in California), as well as 2D restoration of representative cross sections through time in order to illustrate the complex interaction between multiphase extension, inversion and salt diapirism. It will be of major interest for exploration geologists involved in tectonically complex areas. - François Roure, August 2012 This thesis improves the understanding and localization of the Upper Rotliegend II tight gas reservoir rock facies. It provides insights into the detailed Upper Rotliegend II palaeo-topography and local tectonically induced sediment thickness changes prior to a multi-phase tectonic overprinting. The research presented in this study further focuses on the tectonically induced synsedimentary facies distribution in transtensional continental settings on the basis of a comparison with a modern field analogue, which enables a detailed analysis of the reservoir rock's distribution and its properties. The study is rounded off with an analysis of the influence of the multiphase tectonic overprinting on the mature Upper Rotliegend II reservoir rocks.
Human Resources and Payroll in China
by Chris Devonshire-Ellis Christian Fleming Eunice KuChinese law places significant obligations on employers to remain legally compliant in all labor matters. In this guide, we address the major issues in managing employment relationships in China. Including: Recruiting Professionals Hiring Staff Handling Payroll Managing the Employment Relationship Terminating the Employment Relationship Organizing Visas Within these topics, we address labor contracts, company rulebooks, salary packages, social insurance contributions, special circumstances for employees (extended sickness or pregnancy), termination and severance pay, and visas for foreign staff and Chinese staff being sent to work abroad.
Measuring Intra-Party Democracy
by Thomas Poguntke Benjamin von dem Berge Peter Obert Diana TipeiThis book presents an integrated approach to measuring the level of intra-party democracy through deductive and standardized content analysis of party statutes. Following the two main criteria of intra-party democracy - inclusiveness and decentralization - three main categories of intra-party democracy are theoretically derived: members' rights, organizational structure and decision-making. On the basis of theoretical considerations further sub-categories and individual items are deduced from these main categories and put together into a comprehensive coding scheme. Furthermore, precise coding instructions are presented. Since it is the ultimate aim of this book to present an approach to measuring the level of intra-party democracy for any party statute and to express this in numerical terms, the final step is the quantification of the coded data and the calculation of a numeric measure of intra-party democracy. A numeric value of intra-party democracy can be calculated for any statute of any political party. Furthermore, empirical examples from Hungary, Slovakia and Romania are presented.
Infrastrukturmaßnahmen für den alpenquerenden und inneralpinen Gütertransport: Eine europarechtliche Analyse vor dem Hintergrund der Alpenkonvention
by Jennifer HeuckDas steigende Güterverkehrsaufkommen in der Europäischen Union führt zu Umweltbeeinträchtigungen, von denen der Alpenraum in besonderem Maße betroffen ist. Das vorliegende Werk geht der Frage nach, wie dem unter Berücksichtigung der Grundfreiheiten der Europäischen Union - insbesondere des freien Warenverkehrs - durch gezielte rechtliche Maßnahmen begegnet werden kann. Zentrale Bedeutung kommt dabei den rechtlichen Bestimmungen zur Errichtung und Nutzung von Infrastrukturen für den alpenquerenden und inneralpinen Güterverkehr zu, insbesondere der Alpenkonvention - einem völkerrechtlichen Abkommen zum Schutz und Erhalt der Alpen - und ihrem Verkehrsprotokoll, deren Vertrags- bzw. Unterzeichnerparteien die Europäische Union sowie die acht Alpenstaaten sind. Die Alpenkonvention und das Verkehrsprotokoll werden in dem Werk erstmals umfassend dargestellt und analysiert. Schließlich zeigt die Untersuchung, welche rechtlichen Wirkungen das Verkehrsprotokoll, das die Europäische Union bisher lediglich unterzeichnet hat, im Falle seiner Ratifikation für die Europäische Union entfalten würde.
Stability to the Incompressible Navier-Stokes Equations
by Guilong GuiThis thesis contains results of Dr. Guilong Gui during his PhD period with the aim to understand incompressible Navier-Stokes equations. It is devoted to the study of the stability to the incompressible Navier-Stokes equations. There is great potential for further theoretical and numerical research in this field. The techniques developed in carrying out this work are expected to be useful for other physical model equations. It is also hopeful that the thesis could serve as a valuable reference on current developments in research topics related to the incompressible Navier-Stokes equations. It was nominated by the Graduate University of Chinese Academy of Sciences as an outstanding PhD thesis.
Applications of Nanomaterials in Sensors and Diagnostics (Springer Series on Chemical Sensors and Biosensors #14)
by Adisorn TuantranontRecent progress in the synthesis of nanomaterials and our fundamental understanding of their properties has led to significant advances in nanomaterial-based gas, chemical and biological sensors. Leading experts around the world highlight the latest findings on a wide range of nanomaterials including nanoparticles, quantum dots, carbon nanotubes, molecularly imprinted nanostructures or plastibodies, nanometals, DNA-based structures, smart nanomaterials, nanoprobes, magnetic nanomaterials, organic molecules like phthalocyanines and porphyrins, and the most amazing novel nanomaterial, called graphene. Various sensing techniques such as nanoscaled electrochemical detection, functional nanomaterial-amplified optical assays, colorimetry, fluorescence and electrochemiluminescence, as well as biomedical diagnosis applications, e.g. for cancer and bone disease, are thoroughly reviewed and explained in detail. This volume will provide an invaluable source of information for scientists working in the field of nanomaterial-based technology as well as for advanced students in analytical chemistry, biochemistry, electrochemistry, material science, micro- and nanotechnology.
Dimensions of Teaching Business Ethics in Asia
by Parissa Haghirian Stephan RothlinA growing number of higher education institutions in Asia are now integrating ethics courses in their curricula. But the challenge remains to develop courses that can effectively reach their objectives, and to create and use teaching materials appropriate to the particular profile of the students and executives in different regions and cultures. In this context, enhancing awareness for ethical dilemmas, proposing frameworks and models to help managers handle difficult choices and demanding decisions - while not being moralistic and imposing values - , and presenting alternative approaches through recent and relevant cases are the main objectives of this book. It examines teaching methods, learning tools and pedagogical methods effective in the teaching of ethics within the particular context of the rich diversity of Asian cultures, and discusses ethics courses curricula, aiming at developing the capacity to deal with a number of issues such as corruption, intellectual property protection, whistle blowing and consumer rights. The relevance and limits of Asian philosophical and spiritual traditions and how their underlying values can be a meaningful aspect in the teaching of ethics to managers and business leaders are explored, as are the benefits and limits of corporate codes of conduct and ways to enhance their effectiveness. A similar approach is taken to the introduction of "oaths" and "ethics pledges" among business students, which has been promoted in some business schools.
Projektmanagement von Immobilienprojekten: Entscheidungsorientierte Methoden für Organisation, Termine, Kosten und Qualität
by Norbert PreußDieses Buch erläutert ausführlich die Rolle des Projektmanagers mit seinem Leistungsbild als Ausgangspunkt und stellt dann dessen Aufgaben mit Beispielen für viele Anwendungssituationen dar. Alle Phasen der Projektabwicklung werden mit detaillierten Terminplänen erläutert und Abhängigkeiten aufgezeigt. Strukturabläufe zur Steuerung von Nachhaltigkeitskriterien, Änderungsmanagement, Nutzungskostenmanagement, Nutzermanagement, Projektcontrolling, Konfliktmanagement und Projektmanagement bei Bestandsbauten runden das Werk ab. Ein wesentlicher Aspekt der Darstellung ist die Entscheidungsorientierung, die alle Kapitel prägt. Zur Ordnung und Auswertung der Entscheidungsprozesse wird eine Struktur entworfen, die im Hinblick auf verschiedene Parameter analysiert und auf praktische Anwendungssituationen beispielhaft übertragen wird.
Physical Implementation of Quantum Walks
by Kia Manouchehri Jingbo WangGiven the extensive application of random walks in virtually every science related discipline, we may be at the threshold of yet another problem solving paradigm with the advent of quantum walks. Over the past decade, quantum walks have been explored for their non-intuitive dynamics, which may hold the key to radically new quantum algorithms. This growing interest has been paralleled by a flurry of research into how one can implement quantum walks in laboratories. This book presents numerous proposals as well as actual experiments for such a physical realization, underpinned by a wide range of quantum, classical and hybrid technologies.
Information Technology in Environmental Engineering
by Jorge Marx Gómez Burkhardt Funk Peter NiemeyerInformation technologies have evolved to an enabling science for natural resource management and conservation, environmental engineering, scientific simulation and integrated assessment studies. Computing plays a significant role in the every day practices of environmental engineers, natural scientists, economists, and social scientists. The complexity of natural phenomena requires interdisciplinary approaches, where computing science offers the infrastructure for environmental data collection and management, scientific simulations, decision support, documentation and reporting. Ecology, environmental engineering and natural resource management comprise an excellent real-world testbed for IT system demonstration, while presenting new challenges for computer science Complexity, uncertainty and scaling issues of natural systems constitute a demanding application domain for modelling, simulation and scientific workflows, data management and reporting, decision support and intelligent systems, distributed computing environments, geographical information systems, heterogeneous systems integration, software engineering, accounting systems, control systems, as well as sustainable manufacturing and reverse logistics. This books offers a collection of papers presented at the 6th International Conference on Environmental Engineering, held in July 2013, in Lüneburg, Germany. Recent success stories in ecoinformatics, promising ideas and new challenges are discussed among computer scientists, environmental engineers, industrial engineers, economists and social scientists, demonstrating new paradigms for problem solving and decision making.
Multivariate Statistics
by Wolfgang Karl Härdle Zdeněk HlávkaThe authors present tools and concepts of multivariate data analysis by means of exercises and their solutions. The first part is devoted to graphical techniques. The second part deals with multivariate random variables and presents the derivation of estimators and tests for various practical situations. The last part introduces a wide variety of exercises in applied multivariate data analysis. The book demonstrates the application of simple calculus and basic multivariate methods in real life situations. It contains altogether more than 250 solved exercises which can assist a university teacher in setting up a modern multivariate analysis course. All computer-based exercises are available in the R language. All data sets are included in the library SMSdata that may be downloaded via the quantlet download center www. quantlet. org. Data sets are available also via the Springer webpage. For interactive display of low-dimensional projections of a multivariate data set, we recommend GGobi.
Evolution of Extracellular Matrix
by Robert Mecham Fred W. KeeleyThe evolution of single cells into multicellular organisms was mediated, in large part, by the extracellular matrix. The proteins and glycoconjugates that make up the extracellular matrix provide structural support to cellular complexes, facilitate cell adhesion and migration, and impart mechanical properties that are important for tissue function. Each class of ECM macromolecule has evolved to incorporate distinctive properties that are defined by conserved modules that are mixed together to achieve appropriate function. This volume provides a comprehensive analysis of how the major ECM components evolved over time in order to fill their specific roles found in modern organisms. The major focus is on the structural matrix proteins, matricellular proteins, and more complex ECM structures such as basement membranes. Adhesive proteins and their receptors are also discussed.
Ankle Arthroscopy: Techniques Developed by the Amsterdam Foot and Ankle School
by C. Niek DijkAnkle injuries are often sport related and pose a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge. Over the past 25 years, Niek van Dijk, founder of the Amsterdam Foot and Ankle School and author of this book, has developed a new philosophy of ankle arthroscopy. It entails a comprehensive approach which includes various diagnostic strategies and the application of a number of minimally invasive endoscopic techniques. Use of these techniques has spread throughout the world; they are now recognized as the state of the art and have been used to treat many leading professional athletes. This diagnostic and operating manual presents the Amsterdam Foot and Ankle School approach for a wide variety of ankle and hindfoot problems. Clear step-by-step instructions are provided with the help of numerous high-quality illustrations, most of which are in color. Access to a web-based educational site is also available to readers.
Strategy Scout
by Matthias KolbusaThere is a much better chance to politically establish a strategy in your company if strategy development is already tactically thought-out and all involved persons are included in an intelligent manner. This book demonstrates how to shape this process to ensure that a sustainable strategy is generated that ensures economic stability, uniquely positions the company and can readily be implemented. After all, strategy for its own sake is worthless - what counts is implementation and results. The centre stage of strategy process is taken by the intelligent use and combination of methodological tools. Numerous case studies from enterprises and medium-sized businesses illustrate strategy work in a vivid and clear manner.
Astrobiology, History, and Society: Life Beyond Earth and the Impact of Discovery (Advances in Astrobiology and Biogeophysics)
by Douglas A. VakochThis book addresses important current and historical topics in astrobiology and the search for life beyond Earth, including the search for extraterrestrial intelligence (SETI). The first section covers the plurality of worlds debate from antiquity through the nineteenth century, while section two covers the extraterrestrial life debate from the twentieth century to the present. The final section examines the societal impact of discovering life beyond Earth, including both cultural and religious dimensions. Throughout the book, authors draw links between their own chapters and those of other contributors, emphasizing the interconnections between the various strands of the history and societal impact of the search for extraterrestrial life. The chapters are all written by internationally recognized experts and are carefully edited by Douglas Vakoch, professor of clinical psychology at the California Institute of Integral Studies and Director of Interstellar Message Composition at the SETI Institute. This interdisciplinary book will benefit everybody trying to understand the meaning of astrobiology and SETI for our human society.
Bürgerliches Recht: Eine Einführung in das Zivilrecht und die Grundzüge des Zivilprozessrechts (Springer-Lehrbuch)
by Thomas ZerresDas kompakte Lehrbuch eignet sich für Studierende an Universitäten, Fachhochschulen und anderen Bildungseinrichtungen sowohl als Einstieg in das Bürgerliche Recht als auch im weiteren Verlauf des Studiums zur Wiederholung. Eine Vielzahl von Beispielen aus der Praxis und einprägsame Illustrationen machen in eingängiger Erläuterung vertraut mit den ersten drei Büchern des Bürgerlichen Gesetzbuches sowie den Grundzügen der Zivilprozessordnung. Geschult werden das Verständnis für die Strukturen und Zusammenhänge im Bürgerlichen Recht und das Verständnis für die Verbindungen mit dem Zivilprozessrecht.
Disabling Obesity
by Joel Faintuch Paolo Capodaglio Antonio LiuzziObesity is currently regarded as one of the major health challenges of the developed world. Excess body weight is an important risk factor for morbidity and mortality from cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, cancer, musculoskeletal disorders and even psychiatric problems and is estimated to cause nearly 3 million deaths per year worldwide. Obesity is not necessarily associated with comorbidities: there are indeed metabolically healthy obese individuals. Thus, we need to consider individuals presenting simple with obesity separately from those at risk of developing or who have already developed complex clinical states potentially leading to disability. Comorbidities can tip the balance of independence in patients who already have functional limitations mainly due to the excess of mass itself or who develop conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular conditions, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, where an abnormal metabolism of adipose tissue prevails. Morbid obesity with comorbidities leading to disability represents a real social and economic burden for National Health Systems worldwide. The presence of multiple and associated comorbidities often represents an obstacle to being admitted to hospitals for the treatment of metabolic diseases. On the other hand, clinical units with optimal standards for the treatment of pathological conditions in normal-weight patients are often structurally and technologically inadequate for the care of patients with extreme obesity. The aim of this book is to focus on the pathophysiological and rehabilitative aspects of disabling obesity, highlighting multidisciplinary rehabilitation interventions as key to counteracting the disabling aspects of complicated obesity.
Interaction of Ultrashort Electromagnetic Pulses with Matter
by Valeriy AstapenkoThe book is devoted to the theory describing the interaction of ultra-short electromagnetic pulses (USP) with matter, including both classical and quantum cases. This theme is a hot topic in modern physics because of the great achievements in generating USP. Special attention is given to the peculiarities of UPS-matter interaction. One of the important items of this book is the derivation and applications of a new formula which describes the total photo-process probability under the action of USP in the framework of perturbation theory. Strong field-matter interaction is also considered with the use of the Bloch formalism in a two-level approximation for UPS with variable characteristics.
Essential Astrophysics
by Kenneth R. LangEssential Astrophysics is a book to learn or teach from, as well as a fundamental reference volume for anyone interested in astronomy and astrophysics. It presents astrophysics from basic principles without requiring any previous study of astronomy or astrophysics. It serves as a comprehensive introductory text, which takes the student through the field of astrophysics in lecture-sized chapters of basic physical principles applied to the cosmos. This one-semester overview will be enjoyed by undergraduate students with an interest in the physical sciences, such as astronomy, chemistry, engineering or physics, as well as by any curious student interested in learning about our celestial science. The mathematics required for understanding the text is on the level of simple algebra, for that is all that is needed to describe the fundamental principles. The text is of sufficient breadth and depth to prepare the interested student for more advanced specialized courses in the future. Astronomical examples are provided throughout the text, to reinforce the basic concepts and physics, and to demonstrate the use of the relevant formulae. In this way, the student learns to apply the fundamental equations and principles to cosmic objects and situations. All of the examples are solved with the rough accuracy needed to portray the basic result. Astronomical and physical constants and units as well as the most fundamental equations can be found in the appendix. Essential Astrophysics goes beyond the typical textbook by including references to the seminal papers in the field, with further reference to recent applications, results, or specialized literature. There are fifty set-aside focus elements that enhance and augment the discussion with fascinating details. They include the intriguing historical development of particular topics and provide further astrophysics equations or equations for other topics. Kenneth Lang is a world-renowned author on astrophysics. His books for professional astrophysicists as well as for students and the interested layman are highly acclaimed.
An Operator Semigroup in Mathematical Genetics: Lyapunov Equation Model Of Drift And Mutation: Population Dependence And Asymptotic Behavior (SpringerBriefs in Applied Sciences and Technology)
by Marek Kimmel Adam BobrowskiThis authored monograph presents a mathematical description of the time evolution of neutral genomic regions in terms of the differential Lyapunov equation. The qualitative behavior of its solutions, with respect to different mutation models and demographic patterns, can be characterized using operator semi group theory. Mutation and drift are two of the main genetic forces, which act on genes of individuals in populations. Their effects are influenced by population dynamics. This book covers the application to two mutation models: single step mutation for microsatellite loci and single-base substitutions. The effects of demographic change to the asymptotic of the distribution are also covered. The target audience primarily covers researchers and experts in the field but the book may also be beneficial for graduate students.
Zoo Animal Welfare
by Terry Maple Bonnie M PerdueZoo Animal Welfare thoroughly reviews the scientific literature on the welfare of zoo and aquarium animals. Maple and Perdue draw from the senior author's 24 years of experience as a zoo executive and international leader in the field of zoo biology. The authors' academic training in the interdisciplinary field of psychobiology provides a unique perspective for evaluating the ethics, practices, and standards of modern zoos and aquariums. The book offers a blueprint for the implementation of welfare measures and an objective rationale for their widespread use. Recognizing the great potential of zoos, the authors have written an inspirational book to guide the strategic vision of superior, welfare-oriented institutions. The authors speak directly to caretakers working on the front lines of zoo management, and to the decision-makers responsible for elevating the priority of animal welfare in their respective zoo. In great detail, Maple and Perdue demonstrate how zoos and aquariums can be designed to achieve optimal standards of welfare and wellness.
Extracellular Matrix in Development
by Robert Mecham Douglas W. DesimoneCells in the developing embryo depend on signals from the extracellular environment to help guide their differentiation. An important mediator in this process is the extracellular matrix - secreted macromolecules that interact to form large protein networks outside the cell. During development, the extracellular matrix serves to separate adjacent cell groups, participates in establishing morphogenic gradients, and, through its ability to interact directly will cell-surface receptors, provides developmental clocks and positional information. This volume discusses how the extracellular matrix influences fundamental developmental processes and how model systems can be used to elucidate ECM function. The topics addressed range from how ECM influences early development as well as repair processes in the adult that recapitulate developmental pathways.
Power, Voting, and Voting Power: 30 Years After
by Hannu Nurmi Manfred J HollerThe developments over a thirty-year time span in the study of power, especially voting power, are traced in this book, which provides an up-to-date overview of applications of n-person game theory to the study of power in multimember bodies. Other theories that shed light on power distribution (e.g. aggregation theory) are treated as well. The book revisits the themes discussed in the well-known 1982 publication "Power, Voting and Voting Power" (edited by Manfred J. Holler). Thirty years later this essential topic has been taken up again and many of the authors from its predecessor participate here again in discussing the state-of-the-art, demonstrating the achievements of three decades of intensive research, and pointing the way to key issues for future work.
Neuroeconomics
by Martin Reuter Christian MontagThis book represents one of the cornerstones of the series Studies in Neuroscience, Psychology and Behavioral Economics. It is divided into eight sections, starting with an introduction to neuroeconomics followed by an overview of frequently applied experimental paradigms (games) in neuroeconomics research. Furthermore, it addresses the molecular basis of human decision making, environmental/situational factors and social contexts influencing human decision making, as well as translational and developmental/clinical approaches to neuroeconomics. In closing, a paper on neuro-marketing demonstrates how knowledge from neuroeconomics research can be applied in "real life. " Culminating in an extensive methods section, in which eight different neuroscience techniques are introduced, the book offers an essential resource for researchers and practitioners, and may also be beneficial for graduate students.