springer netherlands nov 2012 (793 risultati)

Taschenbuch. Condizione: Neu. Neuware - Scoring Performance Assessments Based on Judgements focuses on the applications of Generalizability Theory to Performance Assessment. The author developed an objective method to examine the dependability of the scoring of large-scale performance assessments by humans. This book presents principles in identifying common missing data patterns inherent in assessment designs. These principles can be used to guide the design of assessment procedures including those used in large-scale testing programs, observations, and structured interviews.

Taschenbuch. Condizione: Neu. This item is printed on demand - it takes 3-4 days longer - Neuware -Empirical Studies in Industrial Organization brings together leading scholars who present state-of-the-art research in the spirit of the structure-conduct-performance paradigm embodied in the work of Leonard W. Weiss. The individual chapters are generally empirically or public policy oriented. A number of them introduce new sources of data that, combined with the application of appropriate econometric techniques, enable new breakthroughs and insights on issues hotly debated in the industrial organization literature. For example, five of the chapters are devoted towards uncovering the link between market concentration and pricing behavior. While theoretical models have produced ambiguous predictions concerning the relationship between concentration and price these chapters, which span a number of different markets and situations, provide unequivocal evidence that a high level of market concentration tends to result in a higher level of prices. Three of the chapters explore the impact of market structure on production efficiency, and three other chapters focus on the role of industrial organization on public policy. Contributors include David B. Audretsch, Richard E. Caves, Mark J. Roberts, F.M. Scherer, John J. Siegfried and Hideki Yamawaki. 300 pp. Englisch.

Taschenbuch. Condizione: Neu. This item is printed on demand - it takes 3-4 days longer - Neuware -Quality is a topical issue in manufacturing. Competitive quality performance still eludes many manufacturers in the traditional industrialized countries. A lack of quality competitiveness is one of the root causes of the relative industrial decline and consequent trade imbalances which plague some Western economies. Many explanations are advanced for poor quality performance. Inadequate levels of investment in advanced technology, together with insufficient education and training of the workforce, are perhaps the most prominent. Some believe these problems are caused by a lack of awareness and commitment from top management, while others point to differences between industrial cultures. The established remedy is known as Total Quality Management (TQM). TQM requires a corporate culture change, driven from the top, and involving every employee in a process of never-ending quality improvement aimed at internal as well as external customers. The techniques deployed to achieve TQM include measures to improve motivation, training in problem-solving and statistical process control (SPC). Quality is, however, only one of the competitive pressures placed It is also upon the manufacturer by the modem global economy. imperative to remain economical and efficient, while increasing the flexibility and responsiveness of the design and manufacturing functions. Here the reduction or elimination of stock is of great importance, particularly as financial interest rates in the less successful manufacturing nations are frequently high. Product life cycles must become ever more compressed in response to the phenomenal design to-manufacture performance of some Pacific rim economies. 256 pp. Englisch.

Taschenbuch. Condizione: Neu. This item is printed on demand - it takes 3-4 days longer - Neuware -Technological innovations, as well as the social innovations needed to provide adequate support systems for them, are among the important foundations for economic and industrial growth in the world today. Consequently, the discussions in this important volume of the emerg ing 'sociotechnical' trends in various industries around the world are highly instructive and timely. We can learn much of value from oth ers around the world who are facing similar problems of economic and industrial development. Sociotechnical innovation requires a global set ting to be fully understood and appreciated because so much new eco nomic activity that serves the economy of the United States, as well as the economies of other countries, is found in other parts of the world including not only manufacturing innovations, but innovations in the service industries. For all of our economic self-interests, we need to view innovation globally. Sociotechnical innovation is linked with the successful development of cutting edge technologies, such as ultra large-scale integrated elec tronic systems, new larger computers, the 'myria-process' systems in computing architecture that use thousands of processors, new biochem ical solutions in high-cost feedstock, applications of genetic engineer ing to crop improvement, and biotechnological improvements in the pharmaceutical industries. There are also developments in the materi als field: new fiber-reinforced plastics, rapid solidification technologies, new polymers and ceramics. And there are advances in air transport technologies that may replace current technologies [1]. 244 pp. Englisch.

Taschenbuch. Condizione: Neu. This item is printed on demand - it takes 3-4 days longer - Neuware -Many problems in celestial mechanics, physics and engineering involve the study of oscillating systems governed by nonlinear ordinary differential equations or partial differential equations. This volume represents an important contribution to the available methods of solution for such systems. The contents are divided into six chapters. Chapter 1 presents a study of periodic solutions for nonlinear systems of evolution equations including differential equations with lag, systems of neutral type, various classes of nonlinear systems of integro-differential equations, etc. A numerical-analytic method for the investigation of periodic solutions of these evolution equations is presented. In Chapters 2 and 3, problems concerning the existence of periodic and quasiperiodic solutions for systems with lag are examined. For a nonlinear system with quasiperiodic coefficients and lag, the conditions under which quasiperiodic solutions exist are established. Chapter 4 is devoted to the study of invariant toroidal manifolds for various classes of systems of differential equations with quasiperiodic coefficients. Chapter 5 examines the problem concerning the reducibility of a linear system of difference equations with quasiperiodic coefficients to a linear system of difference equations with constant coefficients. Chapter 6 contains an investigation of invariant toroidal sets for systems of difference equations with quasiperiodic coefficients. For mathematicians whose work involves the study of oscillating systems. 300 pp. Englisch.

Taschenbuch. Condizione: Neu. This item is printed on demand - it takes 3-4 days longer - Neuware -Insects are by far the largest group of animals on Earth, with over a million described species, and they occupy a wide range of ecological niches - they may be herbivores, predators, parasites or decomposers. Some are of particular economic importance as pests of agriculture and forestry, as vectors of animal and human disease, or as species of interest to wildlife conservation. Thus an understanding of the processes determining their numbers is of considerable practical value. Entomologists have played a leading role in developing a theoretical basis to Population Ecology, but we still do not have adequate experimental and observational proof for many of the theoretical ideas that have been proposed. As a result, the subject has been beset with arguments for more than 50 years. This volume attempts to reconcile some of these controversies, while also reviewing the current state of our knowledge. The editors have drawn together an international list of contributors whose views reflect a range of opinions on how natural populations are stabilised. They have succeeded in producing a book that both covers the main alternative views in population theory and contains some of the best recent field studies of insect populations. This Royal Entomological Society Symposium volume will be of great interest to all entomologists and ecologists, particularly those who wish to know more about Population Dynamics. 512 pp. Englisch.

Taschenbuch. Condizione: Neu. This item is printed on demand - it takes 3-4 days longer - Neuware -An almost complete collection of the papers given at the International Workshop on Imaging in High Energy Astronomy (Anacapri, Italy, 1994). These proceedings, which concentrate on imaging above 10 keV, represent the state of the art in the field, resulting from the success of many missions (I.C. Granat and CGRO) carrying detectors for high energy astronomy with imaging capabilities. The main topics of the book are Bragg concentrators, coded mask-modulation collimators, double Compton telescopes, the occultation method, tracking chambers, and new experimental techniques. The book also contains some papers dealing with image reconstruction and processing, with an emphasis on the above techniques. 396 pp. Englisch.

Taschenbuch. Condizione: Neu. This item is printed on demand - it takes 3-4 days longer - Neuware -(HNF) , autotrophiC nanoflagellates, clhated Protozoa and mlcroalgae) and autotrophic and heterotrophic Because of difficulties related to sampling methods, activIties III a moderately aCid and humiC lake III central fixatIOn and taxonomic IdentificatIOn (Gates, 1984), It France the Lake of Vasslvlere IS only III the last decade that the Importance of the microbial loop III the transfer of energy and matter III pelagic marIne (Azam et al , 1983) and freshwater Materials and methods ecosystems (Porter, 1988, Stockner & Porter, 1988, Bermnger et ai, 1991) has been clearly demonstrat The phYSico-chemical charactenstIcs of the lake of ed The microbial loop IS a part of a larger microbial Vasslvlere (Central maSSif of France) are summanzed food web Illcludlllg both autotrophiC and heterotroph III Table 1 It IS a brown-colored humiC lake moderately IC pro-and eukaryotIc umcellular orgamsms (Sherr & aCidiC (pH values ranged between 5 1 and 7 5) A total Sherr, 1988, Weisse, 1991), which can be of paramount of 28 samples were collected from the end of Apnl to Importance III the recychng of orgamc matter (Fenchel, the middle of October at several depths (1, 5, 10 and 1987) More precisely, recent studies have suggest 15 m) III the deepest area of the lake (20 m) Samples ed that Protozoa are Illvolved III the microbial loop were taken With a Van Dorn bottle and pre-filtered onto III predatIOn and control of bactenal and autotroph a 160 p,m pore size filter, except those which were used 460 pp. Englisch.

Taschenbuch. Condizione: Neu. This item is printed on demand - it takes 3-4 days longer - Neuware -The explosion of new information on Helicobacter pylori-related disease, both in the basic sciences and in clinical medicine, has continued to progress at an unprecedented pace. In many instances H. pylori infection, both in man and in the laboratory animal, has become a model to investigate fundamental biological issues such as micro-organism-host interactions, intracellular signalling, development of mucosal atrophy, mechanism of microbial resistance, disease modifying factors etc. In view of this bewildering flood of new information, the time was considered right to organize yet another update on H. pylori in the successful series 'Basic mechanisms to clinical cure' to define the 'state-of-affairs' in H. pylori research at this time. Our main objective was to integrate this new information in a series of top-quality presentations and discussions between investigators and clinicians, addressing all aspects of H. pylori research, and to review the current position and future research direc tions. The format included state-of-the-art presentations by world experts heavily involved in H. pylori research, followed by in-depth discussion on intriguing or controversial issues. The topics discussed were grouped according to the leading theme: characteristics of the organism, mode of transmission, mechanisms of H. pylori-induced inflammation, causation of disturbances of gastric secretory and motor function, aspects of clinical presentation and management, problems related to H. pylori-associated gastric adenocarcinoma and MALT-lymphoma, novel aspects of antimicrobial therapy, and vaccination. The meeting concluded with a synoptic agenda of suggested future studies for the microbiologist, the histopathologist and the clinician. 528 pp. Englisch.

Taschenbuch. Condizione: Neu. This item is printed on demand - it takes 3-4 days longer - Neuware -At a time when it is becoming usual for medicines to be developed for a global market and pharmaceutical companies are endeavouring to expedite the drug development process, Regulatory Authorities are concentrating on improving their efficiency and effectiveness. Therefore, it is not surprising that questions are being asked as to how performance might be measured and compared between different authorities who are now often in receipt of dossiers that have been submitted to several agencies at the same time. Issues such as 'what target should be set for the review of new medicines ' and `how can quality be assured ' are now considered to be of critical importance. The twelfth CMR International Workshop, held in January 1997, provided the opportunity for Regulatory Authority and industry personnel from Europe, North America, Australia and Japan to openly discuss experiences and exchange views on how to improve the review process. The proceedings of this meeting provide a comprehensive overview of the current review process in different countries and the need for performance measures and targets. This volume summarises the many suggestions that were debated at the Workshop, and includes chapters on measuring performance, and on the integration of quality into the review process. 188 pp. Englisch.

Taschenbuch. Condizione: Neu. This item is printed on demand - it takes 3-4 days longer - Neuware -Precambrian stromatolites have received in depth, consideration from geologists and paleontologists; they were indeed searching for biosedimentary structures that were sufficiently characteristic and widely distributed to be considered as useful tools for stratigraphic correlation. Silicified stromatolites are also of interest as they contain preserved traces of ancient life. Calcareous Phanerozoic stromatolites have not received very much attention from geologists. Logan's too schematic morphological classification of 1964, was not so helpful to the knowledge of Phanerozoic stromatolites because neither their morphology nor their microstructure were studied in the same detail in which Proterozoic stromatolites have now been described. We therefore know little about the Phanerozoic stromatolites which, do, however, show an interesting range of diversification. A major questions stiII remaining to be answered include the history of stromatolite development and wether their morphology has 'evolved' in addition to detailed information concerning Cenozoic nonmarine stromatolites which precipitate carbonate and the Recent giant stromatolites which trap particles. For these reasons Claude Monty, in 1981, launched the first volume of what was going to be a series on 'Phanerozoic stromatolites' in order to describe their morphology, microstructure and paleoecology and to present them in their stratigraphic context. 484 pp. Englisch.

Taschenbuch. Condizione: Neu. This item is printed on demand - it takes 3-4 days longer - Neuware -Hydroxybenzophenones are most useful synthetic intermediates in the chemical industry, for example in pharmaceuticals, dyes, fragrances, agrochemicals, explosives and plastics. In this handbook, the diverse methods of obtaining over 1900 hydroxybenzophenones are described, and their physico-chemical properties and spectroscopic data references are indicated. Hence, ketones are classified methodically. They are thus easily accessible from three tables; the molecular formula index, the chemical abstracts registry numbers, and the usual names index. This work will prove to be a valuable tool for laboratory work and research and development departments. It is set to become the reference on hydroxybenzophenones. This handbook is particularly intended for engineers in chemical synthesis and academic as well as industrial researchers from various branches of chemistry. 668 pp. Englisch.

Taschenbuch. Condizione: Neu. This item is printed on demand - it takes 3-4 days longer - Neuware -It is now well recognised that many environments considered by man to be extreme are colonised by micro-organisms which are specifically adapted to these ecological niches. These organisms not only survive but actively grow under such conditions. A diverse range of bacteria, cyanobacteria, algae and yeasts has now been isolated from these habitats which are extreme in terms oftemperature, pH, salinity and pressure as well as species which are resistant to radiation and toxic chemicals. Whilst originally considered to be mere 'scientific curiosities', it is now generally accepted that many have con siderable biotechnological and commercial significance. Recently the term 'extremophile' has been used to describe these organisms. Over the past twenty years extensive studies of the ecology, physiology, taxonomy and molecular biology of these micro-organisms have been undertaken. These have resulted in a complete reassessment of our concept ofmicrobial evolution. The identification ofthe Archaeobacteria as the third kingdom ofliving organisms has given considerable impetus to extremophile research and is presenting many new challenges. 344 pp. Englisch.

Taschenbuch. Condizione: Neu. This item is printed on demand - it takes 3-4 days longer - Neuware -Despite the significant progress, which has been made in developing of ceramic materials desired for engineering applications, their mass production is still not on expected level. Among the key factors hindering higher exploitation of these materials the problems in processing were identified. The processing comprises powder production, mixing techniques, forming, and sintering. All of them are equally important and all of them can introduce defects into the material. Besides improvement in processing, the properties of ceramic materials can be considerably improved by the creation of composites. Composites formed at micro or macro level are able to form more flaw-tolerant material. Considerable research activities, working on above mentioned phenomena are in progress at industrial laboratories as well as other research centres. This volume presents the contributions to the Advanced Research Workshop 'Engineering Ceramics '96' with 65 participants from 21 countries held on 12th - 15th May 1996 at Smolenice Castle, Slovakia, the conference site of Slovak Academy of Sciences. The book covers research activities on engineering ceramic materials and gives an overview with respect to recent developments. 444 pp. Englisch.

Taschenbuch. Condizione: Neu. This item is printed on demand - it takes 3-4 days longer - Neuware -Interest in the occurrence and behaviour of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) is increasing due to their adverse effects on the environment and human health. It is essential that information is made available on the various aspects of research on VOCs to enable better understanding and control of the various environmental and human health threats. The information in this book will be used to improve communication and understanding of the various approaches. In particular the potential and limitations of the described analytical methods will be essential in defining environmental studies and interpreting the results. 308 pp. Englisch.

Taschenbuch. Condizione: Neu. This item is printed on demand - it takes 3-4 days longer - Neuware -Acknowledgements Conference Summary R. D. EVANS, A. PROVINI, J. S. MATIICE, B. T. HART and J. WISNIEWSKI/Interactions Between Sediments and Water: Summary of the 7th International Symposium 1-7 Sediment I Water Dynamics D. E. WALLING and W. HE /Investigating Spatial Patterns of Overbank Sedimentation on River Floodplains 9-20 R. JEPSEN, J. ROBERTS and W. LICK / Effects of Bulk Density on Sediment Erosion Rates 21-31 T. G. MILLIGAN and D. H. LORING / The Effect of Flocculation on the Size Distributions of Bottom Sediment in Coastal Inlets: Implications for Contaminant Transport 33-42 loG. DROPPO, G. G. LEPPARD, D. T. FLANNIGAN and S. N. LlSS / The Freshwater Floc: A Functional Relationship of Water and Organic and Inorganic Floc Constituents Affecting Suspended Sediment Properties 43-53 C. H. TSAI and J. Q. HU / Flocculation of Particles by Fluid Shear in Buffered Suspensions 55-62 P. M. STONE and D. E. WALLING / Particle Size Selectivity Considerations in Suspended Sediment Budget Investigations 63-70 Q. HE and D. E. WALLING / Spatial Variability of the Particle Size Composition of Overbank Floodplain Deposits 71-80 C. YEN and Y. LIN KEY / Variations of Bed Surface Sediment Size in a Channel Bend 81-88 M. STONE and B. G. KRISHNAPPAN / Transport Characteristics of Tile-Drain Sediments From an Agricultural Watershed 89-103 U. KERN and B. WESTRICH / Sediment Budget Analysis for River Reservoirs 105-112 A. I. PACKMAN, N. H. BROOKS and J. J. 756 pp. Englisch.

Taschenbuch. Condizione: Neu. This item is printed on demand - it takes 3-4 days longer - Neuware -These proceedings are based on the invited talks and selected research reports presented at the NATO Advanced Study Institute (ASI) on 'POLAR CAP BOUNDARY PHENOMENA' held at Longyearbyen, Svalbard, June 4 - 13, 1997. The role of the polar cap and its boundary is very substantial in solar-terrestrial physics. At this NATO AS! a major change in thinking on the 'cusp' precipitation region in the high-latitude days ide upper atmosphere was reflected, at least for intervals when the interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) is directed southward. It is likely that this has implications for northward IMF as well. The change comes from the now almost complete acceptance of the concept of magnetosheath particle entry along open magnetic field lines and the evolution of the precipitation into the upper atmosphere with time elapsed since magnetic reconnection which opened the field line. A key prediction of this view is that the low-latitude boundary layer (LLBL) is on open field lines. 456 pp. Englisch.

Taschenbuch. Condizione: Neu. This item is printed on demand - it takes 3-4 days longer - Neuware -It is well known that the density of molecular hydrogen can be increased by compression and/or cooling, the ultimate limit in density being that of liquid hydrogen. It is less well known that hydrogen densities of twice that of liquid hydrogen can be obtained by intercalating hydrogen gas into metals. The explanation of this unusual paradox is that the absorption of molecular hydrogen, which in TiFe and LaNis is reversible and occurs at ambient temperature and pressure, involves the formation of hydrogen atoms at the surface of a metal. The adsorbed hydrogen atom then donates its electron to the metal conduction band and migrates into the metal as the much smaller proton. These protons are easily accomodated in interstitial sites in the metal lattice, and the resulting metal hydrides can be thought of as compounds formed by the reaction of hydrogen with metals, alloys, and intermetallic compounds. The practical applications of metal hydrides span a wide range of technologies, a range which may be subdivided on the basis of the hydride property on which the application is based. The capacity of the metal hydrides for hydrogen absorption is the basis for batteries as well as for hydrogen storage, gettering, and purification. The temperature-pressure characteristics of metal hydrides are the basis for hydrogen compressors, sensors, and actuators. The latent heat of the hydride formation is the basis for heat storage, heat pumps, and refrigerators. 740 pp. Englisch.

Taschenbuch. Condizione: Neu. This item is printed on demand - it takes 3-4 days longer - Neuware -Significant vulnerability of water systems to drought is a common issue of water resources management in Mediterranean regions. This is due both to the increasing occurrence and severity of drought events and to the growing demand for municipal, tourist, and agricultural uses. The INCO-DC project entitled 'A Decision Support System for Mitigation of Drought Impacts in the Mediterranean Regions' (DSS DROUGHT) addresses this issue, contributing to an improved management of water supply systems for irrigation, which represents the most consumptive sector of water resources uses in the Mediterranean region. In order to develop a comprehensive approach toward improved operation of irrigation systems under drought conditions, the project was developed around the following five main, strictly interconnected tasks: Identification of drought characteristics at a site and over a region Modelling irrigation management under conditions of water scarcity Modelling operation of water supply systems under drought conditions Integration of the developed methodologies within a Decision Support System software package Definition of requisites for Drought Watch Systems The research resulted in an advancement of knowledge through in-depth analysis of innovative methodologies, the development of tools to help decision-makers in coping with droughts through the implementation of the developed procedures in software packages, and the application of these tools to the case-studies identified by partners in their countries. 372 pp. Englisch.

Taschenbuch. Condizione: Neu. This item is printed on demand - it takes 3-4 days longer - Neuware -Along with the general development of numerical methods in pure and applied to apply integral equations to geophysical modelling has sciences, the ability improved considerably within the last thirty years or so. This is due to the successful derivation of integral equations that are applicable to the modelling of complex structures, and efficient numerical algorithms for their solution. A significant stimulus for this development has been the advent of fast digital computers. The purpose of this book is to give an idea of the principles by which boundary-value problems describing geophysical models can be converted into integral equations. The end results are the integral formulas and integral equations that form the theoretical framework for practical applications. The details of mathematical analysis have been kept to a minimum. Numerical algorithms are discussed only in connection with some illustrative examples involving well-documented numerical modelling results. The reader is assu med to have a background in the fundamental field theories that form the basis for various geophysical methods, such as potential theory, electromagnetic theory, and elastic strain theory. A fairly extensive knowledge of mathematics, especially in vector and tensor calculus, is also assumed. 208 pp. Englisch.

Taschenbuch. Condizione: Neu. This item is printed on demand - it takes 3-4 days longer - Neuware -Fission track dating is based on the microscopic observation and counting of etchable tracks left by the spontaneous fission of uranium in minerals. Since its development in 1963 the method attracted a steadily growing interest from geologists and geochronologists throughout the world. Apart from its relative experimental ease the success must be mainly ascribed to the specific ability of the method of unravelling the thermal and tectonic history of rocks, a potential which only became fully exploited during the last decade with the systematic introduction of track size analysis. The present work is the first one to deal entirely with fission track dating covering all of its aspects from the origin of the fission tracks, the basis of track etching and fading, the various dating techniques as well as practical procedures and the geologic interpretation to the most recent applications in geology and archaeology. 304 pp. Englisch.

Taschenbuch. Condizione: Neu. This item is printed on demand - it takes 3-4 days longer - Neuware -This book is the product of an ICARDA project to define supplemental irrigation in the Near East and North Africa. In cooperation with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (F AO) a meeting was held in Rabat, Morocco, on 7-9 December 1987, entitled 'Regional Consultation on Supplemental Irrigation'; specialists from 11 different countries were brought together to discuss priorities for supplemental irrigation within their specific regions. The participants were asked to focus on developing an information base using both primary data, results of surveys administered to district level agricultural personnel, and secondary data sources with a particular interest in the application of state-of-the-art knowledge and technology to the problems of supplemental irrigation. The authors have willingly and thankfully responded to the suggestions and criticisms of Ms Kate Ward, Institute of Irrigation Studies, Department of Civil of Southampton, U. K. , who accepted the soporific Engineering, University position of Review Editor and performed miracles. Chapter 2 and parts of chapters 15 and 16 are a partial rendering of a forthcoming book on systems analysis by Janice R. Perrier. The authors recognize the inclusion of this material which outlines the basic philosophical perspective of supplemental irrigation as utilized in the book. The assistance of Mr. Maurice Saade, Agricultural Economist is greatly appreciated for the understanding of Chapter 14. The section on the phenology of cereals near the end of chapter 4 was written by Mr. 636 pp. Englisch.

Taschenbuch. Condizione: Neu. This item is printed on demand - it takes 3-4 days longer - Neuware -Arterial and venous diseases are major causes of morbidity and mortality in most of the world, especially in the western hemisphere. Not only of interest to angiologists, these illnesses are also of concern to most physicians in various fields ranging from cardiology, general medicine and cardiovascular surgery to physiology, pathology and clinical pharmacology. Specialists in diabetes, hypertension and epidemiology find these illnesses as challenging in their own fields of interest due to the gross interrelation of these diseases with their specialities. This book of 35 chapters contains an up-to-date discussion of various arterial and venous illnesses presenting major clinical applications ranging from basic pathology, haemodynamics and haemorheology to clinical features and management. Special attention has also been paid to epidemiology and prevention, discussing all the issues concerned. A special section on vascular emergency has also been included, thereby extending its usefulness to physicians and surgeons working in accident and emergency units. 548 pp. Englisch.

Taschenbuch. Condizione: Neu. This item is printed on demand - it takes 3-4 days longer - Neuware -This book comprises the proceedings of a NATO sponsored Advanced Research Workshop held from 1st November to 6th November 1992 in the delightful Chateau de Florans, Bedoin, Vaucluse, France and entitled 'Elementary Reaction Steps in Heterogeneous Catalysis. ' The organisers are grateful to the Science Committee of NATO for their support of this meeting. This is believed to be the first wide ranging NATO ARW in the field of heterogeneous catalysis for 20 years, following a previous venture organised in Sardinia by Basolo and Burwell, of Northwestern University, Illinois, USA [1]. This volume collects the lecture presentations and reports on the lively Panel discussions. The idea for the meeting evolved from a series of International Symposia on Quantum Chemistry and Mechanism in Heterogeneous Catalysis. The first of these was held in Lyon, France in 1986, the second in Krakow, Poland in 1988 and the third in Berkeley, California in 1990. The organising committee of the present meeting was Bernard Bigot, France, Tony Farragher, Netherlands, Richard Joyner, UK, Mme. Danielle Olivier, France, and Rutger van Santen, Netherlands, (Chairman). We wish to thank all members of the committee but in particular Bernard Bigot, who undertook the very extensive work involved in the local organisation with consummate skill and made our stay in Provence a great pleasure. Bernard Bigot's secretary, Mme. Marie-Noelle Coscat and Richard Joyner's secretary, Mrs. Pat Gibbs, also deserve our considerable thanks. There were fifty-four participants from eleven countries. 508 pp. Englisch.

Taschenbuch. Condizione: Neu. This item is printed on demand - it takes 3-4 days longer - Neuware -This volume summarizes in 16 chapters the petroleum geology of the Békés basin with respect to its geological setting in the Pannonian Basin. The work was accomplished by a joint effort of the Hungarian Oil and Gas Co. and U.S. Geological Survey. In contrast with other books that discuss the geology of Hungary, this volume identifies, in detail, potential source rocks and reservoir rocks, and evaluates the maturation, generation, migration, and entrapment of hydrocarbons. The outstanding points are: (1) its summary of the petroleum geology of the Békés basin with respect to its structural and sedimentological setting in the Pannonian Basin; (2) the identification of geographic areas, structural trends and stratigraphic zones that remain relatively unexplored; and (3) a summary of `petroleum plays' with an assessment of their recoverable, undiscovered resources of oil and gas. This book is primarily for petroleum geologists interested in oil and gas exploration in Hungary, and earth scientists interested in the geology of the Pannonian Basin. 348 pp. Englisch.

Taschenbuch. Condizione: Neu. This item is printed on demand - it takes 3-4 days longer - Neuware -This volume, based on the International Congress Creatine: From Basic Science to Clinical Application, held in Milan on June 4, 1999, outlines the physiological role of creatine in the human body as well as its possible role in different pathological conditions. Creatine is already used as a dietary supplement to augment muscle performance in healthy individuals and inpatients with immobilizing diseases, such as complex fractures. There is also an increasing interest in its administration in a growing number of clinical conditions. A specific deficit of endogenous synthesis of creatine which responds to high dosage exogenous supplementation has been described. In cardiac failure and in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, creatine improves the contractility of the muscular system. Promising effects of this substance have also been described in animal models of neurodegenerative disorders, such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and in some mitochondrial cytopathies. This volume is of obvious interest to basic scientists working on the physiology of creatine and to clinicians interested in its medical indications. 136 pp. Englisch.

Taschenbuch. Condizione: Neu. This item is printed on demand - it takes 3-4 days longer - Neuware -To engineer and manufacture is human. Manufactured goods are subjected to severe international competitive forces. Consumers' perceptions towards total quality, reliable performance, health and safety, environmental issues, energy conservation and cost of ownership are changing day by day. Manufacturers have no alternative but to satisfy the consumer's increasing demands with maximum efficiency and profitability with minimum delay. Failure to meet such a challenge is clearly undesirable and will, no doubt, result in the closure of manufacturing activities, which is still regarded by many as the backbone of our national economy. Manufacturing for profitability should be the number one concern of all serious minded and responsible people. To help the industries to meet these challenges and to manage efficiently well into 1990s and beyond, the Technical Advisory Committee in their wisdom decided the appropriate theme, Profitable Condition Monitoring, for this year's International Conference, to coincide with the great European market to be opened in 1993. The benefits from condition monitoring are well documented. Condition monitoring is now an affordable technology which is waiting to be fully exploited by all sectors of industry, both big and small. Many companies have realised the following benefits from condition monitoring: - optimisation of profits - maximisation of production - cost-effective maintenance - minimisation of product liability - maximisation of total quality. As the contents of this proceedings reveal, there have been a number of significant advances in condition monitoring of which companies ought to be taking full advantage. 372 pp. Englisch.

Taschenbuch. Condizione: Neu. This item is printed on demand - it takes 3-4 days longer - Neuware -When I became President of International Astronomical Union Commission 44 for the triennial period 1985-1988, several members of the Organizing Committee and I agreed that it would be a good idea for our Commission to host a conference on observatories in space in view of their increasingly important role in astronomi cal research. IAU Colloquium Number 123 'Observatories in Earth Orbit and Beyond' is the first colloquium sponsored by IAU Com mission 44 on Astronomy from Space, although Commission 44 has co-sponsored numerous colloquia and symposia in the past. The past two decades have seen a flourishing of astronomical observatories in space. Over a dozen orbiting observatories have opened up a new window on the universe, providing hitherto una vailable data in the electromagnetic spectral range from gamma-ray, X-ray, ultraviolet to infrared and radio. This has clearly demon strated the crucial nature of astronomical observations from space. The invited talks of present colloquium consist primarily of reviews of currently operating observatories in space, future observatories that have been approved by sponsoring government or space agencies, the launch systems of U.S.A., E.S.A., U.S.S.R. and Japan, discussions of various orbits and sites (such as the Moon), and alternate approaches in designing space observatories. Several panel discus sions addressed those issues as well as the major unsolved problems of astronomy. Contributed poster papers included descriptions of space observatories that are in planning stage. 588 pp. Englisch.

Taschenbuch. Condizione: Neu. This item is printed on demand - it takes 3-4 days longer - Neuware -The International Conference 'Primordial Nucleosynthesis and Evolution of Early Universe' was held in the presence of Prof. William Fowler on 4 - 8 September 1990 at the Sanjo Conference Hall, the University of Tokyo. This conference was co-sponsored by IUPAP, the International Union of Pure and Applied Physics, and by the University of Tokyo. The number of participants was 156, 58 from 15 foreign countries and 98 from Japan. About 120 contributions were submitted orally or as posters. Originally this conference was planned as a small gathering on Primordial Nucleosynthesis as indicated in the title, since primordial nucleosynthesis is the most important probe of the early stage of the universe. As is well known, light element abundances strongly depend on the time evolution of temperature and density. In this sense we can say that primordial nucleosynthesis is both the thermometer and speedometer of the early universe. Moreover, recently it has been claimed that primordial nucleosynthesis is an indicator of inhomogeneity of the early universe too. Now research of the primordial nucleosynthesis is in a boom. We, however, decided to include observational cosmology, of observations. taking into account the recent remarkable results Nowadays, to reveal the large scale structure of the universe and discover its origin is a main subject in cosmology. We invited distinguished scientists from all over the world, and very fortunately almost all these people accepted to attend this conference. 656 pp. Englisch.

Taschenbuch. Condizione: Neu. This item is printed on demand - it takes 3-4 days longer - Neuware -We present here the lectures and a selection of the seminars given at the Ninth International Workshop on Instabilities and Nonequilibrium Structures which took place in Vifiadel Mar, Chile, in December 2001. The Workshop was organized by Facultad de Ciencias Fisicas y Matematicas, Universidad de Chile, Instituto de Fisica of Universidad Cat6lica de Valparaiso, Centro de Fisica No Lineal y Sistemas Complejos de Santiago and Facultad de Ingenieria, Universidad de los Andes, which starting from this year joins the other institutions in the coorganization ofthe Workshop. The organizers would like to express their gratitude to the following sponsors: Facultad de Ciencias Fisicas y Matematicas de la Universidad de Chile, Instituto de Fisica de la Universidad Cat6lica de Valparaiso, Facultad de Ingenieria de la Universidad de los Andes, Centro de Fisica No Lineal y Sistemas Complejos de Santiago, Academia Chilena de Ciencias, Ministere Francais des Affaires Etrangeres, CONICYT (Comisi6n Nacional de Investigaci6n Cientifica y Tecno16gicade Chile) and Departamento Tecnico de Investigaci6n y de Relaciones Internacionales de la Universidad de Chile. Enrique Tirapegui PREFACE This book consists of two parts, the first one has three lectures written by Professors H. R. Brand, M. Moreau and L. S. Tuckerman. H. R. Brand gives an overview about reorientation and undulation instabilities in liquid crystals, M. Moreau presents recent results on biased tracer diffusion in lattice gases, finally, L. S. Tuckerman summarizes some numerical methods used in bifurcation problems. 424 pp. Englisch.