Bücher veröffentlicht von World Scientific Europe Ltd

As an emerging discrete structural model, the Hencky bar-chain/net model (HBM) has shown its advantages over other numerical methods in some problems. Owing to the discrete properties of HBM, it is also a suitable model for nano-scale structures which are currently a very hot research topic in mechanics.This book introduces the concepts and previous research of the Hencky bar-chain/net model, before demonstrating how beams, columns, arches, rectangular plates and circular plates could be successfully modelled by HBM. HBM comprises rigid bars connected by frictionless hinges with elastic rotational springs (and a system of torsional springs in the cells for plates). In the treatment of the above-mentioned structures, HBM is found to be mathematically equivalent to the first order central finite difference method (FDM). So HBM may be regarded as the physical structural model behind the FDM.This book is a compilation of the authors' research on the development of the Hencky bar-chain/net model, and is organized according to the development and application of HBM for beams, columns, frames, arches and rings, and plates. Exercises are provided at the end of each chapter to aid comprehension and guide learning. It is a useful reference for students, researchers, academics and practitioners in the field of structural analysis.

Acrylamide, a chemical described as 'extremely hazardous' and 'probably carcinogenic to humans', was discovered in food in 2002. Its presence in a range of popular foods has become one of the most difficult issues facing not only the food industry but all stakeholders in the food supply chain and its oversight. Acrylamide is not present in raw food but forms from natural precursors during high-temperature (> 120°C) cooking and food processing. Fried, baked, roasted and toasted potato and cereal products, as well as coffee, are the major contributors to dietary exposure.This book comprehensively describes what is known about the toxicology of acrylamide, how it forms in food, the positions taken by food safety authorities and concurrent regulatory issues. It also covers the food industry's response, the mitigation measures adopted and how successful these have been in reducing our exposure to acrylamide. It then describes the genetic and agronomic approaches that have been taken to reduce the acrylamide-forming potential of major crops.Written by internationally-renowned experts in the field, Acrylamide in Food is detailed and informative, while being accessible to specialists and a general readership.

This book examines the issues across the breadth of elasticity theory. Firstly, the underpinning mathematics of vectors and matrices is covered. Thereafter, the equivalence between the inidicial, symbolic and matrix notations used for tensors is illustrated in the preparation for specific types of material behaviour to be expressed, usually as a response function from which a constitutive stress-strain relation follow.Mechanics of Elastic Solids shows that the elastic response of solid materials has many forms. Metals and their alloys confirm dutifully to Hooke's law. Non-metals do not when the law connecting stress to strain is expressed in polynomial, exponential and various empirical, material specific forms. Hyper- and hypo- elasticity theories differ in that the former is restricted to its thermodynamic basis while the latter pervades many an observed response with its release from thermal restriction, but only at the risk of contravening the laws of thermodynamics.This unique compendium is suitable for a degree or diploma course in engineering and applied mathematics, as well as postgraduate and professional researchers.

Developments in optical spectroscopy have taken new directions in recent decades, with the focus shifting from understanding small gas phase molecules towards applications in materials and biological systems. This is due to significant interest in these topics, which has been facilitated by significant technological developments.Absorption, luminescence and excited state energy transfer properties have become of crucial importance on a large scale in materials related to light-harvesting in organic and inorganic third generation solar cells, for solar water splitting, and in light emitting diodes, TV screens and many other applications. In addition, Förster resonance energy transfer can be used as a ruler for the characterisation of the structure and dynamics of DNA, proteins and other biomolecules via labelling with fluorescing markers.This advanced textbook covers a range of these applications as well as the basics of absorption, emission and energy transfer of molecular systems in the condensed phase, in addition to the corresponding behaviour of metal nanoparticles and semiconductor quantum dots. Technical experimental requirements, aspects to avoid interfering perturbations and methods of quantitative data analysis make this book accessible and ideal for students and researchers in physical chemistry, biophysics and nanomaterials.

Devastating epidemics of untreatable smallpox caused not only deaths but dire disfigurements of face and body as well as one third of all blindness. In the 20th century mortality was estimated at 300 million up to 1978, the year it was proclaimed to be eradicated. Historically, the fact has been overlooked, often forgotten, that the preventative practice of variolation for smallpox was widely adopted internationally during the 18th century and was the precursor to refinement as cowpox vaccination. Never previously traced was the extensive global adoption of the technique or the impetus for this transmission and how, in these countries of its adoption, variolation was the prime mover for a national concept of public health with the establishment of free institutions. The global adoption of the first invasive medical prophylaxis for any disease, the origin of immunity, deserves its place in history.

A compilation of wonderful tributes to the late Ahmed Zewail (1946-2016), considered the 'Father of Femtochemistry', a long-standing icon in the field of physical chemistry, and the father of ultrafast electron-based methods. The book contains testimonies by friends and relatives of Zewail and by outstanding scientists from around the world who worked or have been affiliated with the Nobel prizewinning professor. Each contribution describes the author's own unique experience and personal relationship with Zewail, and includes details of his scientific achievements and the stories around them. Personal and Scientific Reminiscences collects accounts from the most important individuals in the physical and chemical sciences to give us a unique insight into the world and work of one of the great scientists of our time.

A compilation of wonderful tributes to the late Ahmed Zewail (1946-2016), considered the 'Father of Femtochemistry', a long-standing icon in the field of physical chemistry, and the father of ultrafast electron-based methods. The book contains testimonies by friends and relatives of Zewail and by outstanding scientists from around the world who worked or have been affiliated with the Nobel prizewinning professor. Each contribution describes the author's own unique experience and personal relationship with Zewail, and includes details of his scientific achievements and the stories around them. Personal and Scientific Reminiscences collects accounts from the most important individuals in the physical and chemical sciences to give us a unique insight into the world and work of one of the great scientists of our time.

Breaches and Bridges — German Foreign Policy in Turbulent Times features an agenda-setting speech by the Federal President of Germany, Dr Frank-Walter Steinmeier, delivered as a GIGA Distinguished Speaker Lecture in June 2016, when he served as the Federal Minister for Foreign Affairs.This speech is accompanied by two essays. The first is an introduction by the First Mayor of Hamburg, Olaf Scholz, which reflects on the role of the Hanseatic City in world affairs. The second is a brief analysis by Professor Amrita Narlikar, President of the GIGA German Institute of Global and Area Studies. Narlikar identifies the necessity for a more profound understanding of historical trajectories, political traditions, and bargaining cultures of international negotiating partners, and invokes new forms of leadership and cooperation in global governance.In his speech, Dr Steinmeier announces the German candidacy for a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council and outlines German foreign policy with its cornerstones of peace, justice, innovation, and partnership. In a period of global transition and turmoil, the world needs creative and feasible solutions. This volume (with articles in both English and German) will be a valuable resource for students, academics, policymakers, and practitioners in the field of international relations and foreign affairs.

Sodium Dithionite, Rongalite and Thiurea Oxides provides an in depth overview of historical and newly developed fields of application for important sulfur-containing reductants.

In full generality, minimizing a polynomial function over a closed semi-algebraic set requires complex mathematical equations. This book explains recent developments from singularity theory and semi-algebraic geometry for studying polynomial optimization problems. Classes of generic problems are defined in a simple and elegant manner by using only the two basic (and relatively simple) notions of Newton polyhedron and non-degeneracy conditions associated with a given polynomial optimization problem. These conditions are well known in singularity theory, however, they are rarely considered within the optimization community.Explanations focus on critical points and tangencies of polynomial optimization, H├╢lderian error bounds for polynomial systems, Frank-Wolfe-type theorem for polynomial programs and well posedness in polynomial optimization. It then goes on to look at optimization for the different types of polynomials. Through this text graduate students, PhD students and researchers of mathematics will be provided with the knowledge necessary to use semi-algebraic geometry in optimization.

This book is a guide to advanced techniques used widely in applied mathematical sciences research. Chapter by chapter, readers will be led from a foundation level understanding to advanced level understanding. This is the perfect text for graduate or PhD mathematical-science students looking for support in techniques such as practical analytical methods, finite elements and symmetry methods for differential equations.Analysis and Mathematical Physics is the sixth volume of the LTCC Advanced Mathematics Series. This series is the first to provide advanced introductions to mathematical science topics to advanced students of mathematics. Edited by the three joint heads of the London Taught Course Centre for PhD Students in the Mathematical Sciences (LTCC), each book supports readers in broadening their mathematical knowledge outside of their immediate research disciplines while also covering specialized key areas.

Set within the context of growing political pluralism and the increasing use of new communication technologies for social mobilisation, the Institute of Policy Studies organised a national conference on civil society in November 2013. This collection of the essays that were presented at or inspired by the conference provides nuanced analyses of the development of the sector in Singapore since the Institute's first such conference held in 1998. The first section of the book discusses the different philosophies and approaches that underpin how civic activists engage with the State; the second section examines some key forces of change that are re-shaping the sector; and, the third section sets out some emerging issues facing it. Combining insights from experts and civic activists themselves, this book proposes an agenda for the future development of the civil society in Singapore.

We live in a world that is increasingly dependent on international trade in a context of substantial regional/national political tensions. Adding to this is an emerging understanding and concern about the social impact of biosecurity and ecosystem services risks associated with such trade. As the key international trade 'arbiter', the World Trade Organization (WTO) has never before faced such complexity within its decision-making remit.With increasing numbers of bilateral and regional agreements, as well as new developments emerging such as the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) initiated by multi-national corporations in 2018, the WTO needs to implement ways of reinforcing its legitimacy and enhancing its relevance.This book provides an original analysis of these linked developments and delivers a timely contribution to resolving environment-related international trade disputes. It provides a clear roadmap for improving WTO trade dispute resolution procedures so both biosecurity and ecosystem services risks are considered in evaluating the social, economic and environmental impacts of international trade proposals. In so doing, the WTO should deliver enhanced multilateral social welfare.

This book helps develop a better understanding of how researchers from different scientific backgrounds view models and uncertainty. It provides key steps in fostering and encouraging interdisciplinary research, which is vital in addressing several big issues that society faces today, such as climate change, longevity, financial and actuarial risk management. To make progress in these areas, researchers must develop an understanding of differing perspectives and methods of those working in other disciplines.This title presents the views and understandings of eminent people in their respective fields through interviews on the topic of modelling and uncertainty. Each expert was asked the same set of questions to help readers understand the similarities and differences existing between various disciplines. It also helps to bridge some of the gaps encountered by those carrying out inter- and multi-disciplinary research and suggests new approaches to modelling and uncertainty quantification.

In the modern world, further development of society is impossible without environmentally friendly modes of transport and their effective interaction within the framework of Smart Energy and ECO-driving concepts. Written at a time of rapid development of information technologies in various fields, this book serves as a kind of bridge for the introduction of artificial intelligence into the electric transport power supply systems.The calculation models and methods proposed make it possible to choose the most efficient modern equipment for electric power supply of electric vehicles, which, as a result, saves investment costs and reduces time to make decisions for designing complex objects. Insight is also given into building and adjusting Smart Energy class equipment to achieve optimal and economical modes.

Historically, British chemistry has been perceived as a solely male endeavour. However, this perception is untrue: the allure of chemistry has attracted British women for centuries past. Since the 1880s, women chemists have studied academic chemistry and made interesting and significant contributions to their fields, yet they have been absent from the historical record. This book rectifies the gaps, providing a well-researched glimpse into the forgotten world of British women in chemistry from 1880-1949.This title showcases the determination of these women to survive and flourish in their chosen field. The authors show how women were fascinated by chemistry long before the modern era; unravelled the complex saga of chemistry at girls' secondary schools; found the other avenues by which women chemists pursued their love of the subject; and discovered a unifying passion for chemistry and poetry that extended from grade school to university and industrial employment.

Surface photovoltage (SPV) techniques provide information about photoactive materials with respect to charge separation in space. This book aims to share experience in measuring and analyzing SPV signals and addresses researchers and developers interested in learning more about and in applying SPV methods. For this purpose, basics about processes in photoactive materials and principles of SPV measurements are combined with examples from research and development over the last two decades.SPV measurements with Kelvin probes, fixed capacitors, electron beams and photoelectrons are explained. Details are given for continuous, modulated and transient SPV spectroscopy. Simulation principles of SPV signals by random walks are introduced and applied for small systems. Application examples are selected for the characterization of silicon surfaces, gallium arsenide layers, electronic states in colloidal quantum dots, transport phenomena in metal oxides and local charge separation across photocatalytic active crystallites.

The book is about bridging the huge gaps between what engineers know, what they do and why things go wrong. It puts engineering into a wider perspective so readers can see how it relates to other disciplines - especially science and technology. Many intellectuals have dismissed engineering as 'applied science', but this book shows how wrong it is to do so - engineers apply science, but their purpose is quite different.It takes the reader on a learning journey of reflections on the gaps between theory and practice in professional life - not just in engineering but across all disciplines. The learning is summarized through 20 learning points or lessons, each one placed in context. Some of the important lessons are about learning from failure, joining-up theory and practice, understanding process, classifying uncertainty, managing risks, finding resilience, thinking systems to improve performance and nurturing practical wisdom.

Currently the field of nanocatalysis is undergoing many exciting developments and the design of silica-based organic-inorganic hybrid nanocatalysts is a key focus of the researchers working in this field.This book aims to present a succinct overview of the recent research progress directed towards the fabrication of silica-based organic-inorganic hybrid catalytic systems encompassing the key advantages of silica nanoparticles and silica-coated magnetic nanoparticles in an integrated manner. Featuring comprehensive descriptions of almost all approaches utilized for the synthesis of nanomaterials including some latest techniques such as flow and microwave-assisted synthesis that enable large-scale synthesis, it proves useful not only to academics but also industrialists. It also includes a systematic discussion on the vital characterization techniques employed for authenticating the structure of these.The title also offers an enormous amount of knowledge about the fusion of nanotechnology with green chemistry that strives to meet the scientific challenges of protecting human health and the environment.

This book brings together the state of our knowledge on the interactions between climate change and marine biota. It focusses broadly on the environmental stressors during the Anthropocene period; when human activities started to have a significant global impact on earth's geological imprint and ecosystems. This period of rapid change is accompanied by rising carbon dioxide levels, increasing global temperatures, loss of oxygen in aquatic systems, and the fast release of pollutants into the environment among many other environmental stressors originating from large scale human activities, such as widespread overfishing.The Future of Marine Life in a Changing Ocean starts by providing the reader with a brief background on fundamental concepts in ocean science and climate. It then moves on to a brief description of recent changes in marine chemistry such as ocean acidification, a decline in oxygen levels in the oceans, ocean warming, and marine pollution, with some examples of shifts in ecosystem diversity. The chapters discuss these topics in the context of how a changing ocean impacts ecosystem health, the biological carbon pump, the sequestration of carbon dioxide from the surface ocean into the deep sea, and the perceived notion of the ocean's unlimited resilience to maintain its role as a 'carbon reservoir'. Topics include threats to marine diversity, ecosystem function, latitudinal shifts in productivity and diversity, and changes in global cycling of elements such as carbon. It concludes with an analysis of the impact of climate change on food security.Written for undergraduate and graduate students, and researchers in the natural and social sciences, this book provides a science background to study environmental change in marine ecosystems as well as a science framework to study policy, marine law and the economics of climate change. This book is an essential read for anyone hoping to understand key challenges facing our oceans.

This book focuses on the new frontiers of organofluorine chemistry in synthetic, organometallic, bioorganic, medicinal, agricultural, and materials chemistry as well as chemical physics and their applications to biomedical and material sciences. The extraordinary potential of fluorine-containing molecules in biology, pharmaceuticals, agrochemical, materials and their wide range of applications has been recognized by researchers who are not in the traditional fluorine chemistry field, and thus the new wave of organofluorine chemistry is rapidly expanding its frontiers.Featuring major leading researchers from all over the world and their cutting-edge research projects, this title reviews the recent advances and envision the new exciting developments in the future. Frontiers of Organofluorine Chemistry is an excellent reference book for professional researchers, and graduate students, in both industry and academia to get inspirations and new ideas for their projects.