Limits to the European Union’s Normative Power in a Post-conflict Society : EULEX and Peacebuilding in Kosovo
Investigates the EU’s peacebuilding activities in that country, in the light of the normative power theory in the post-conflict setting and peacebuilding theory. Ten years after the massive engagement of the EU in the country torn by war, the authors critically assess the effects of the EU projecting its normative power – the enforcement of its standards, ‘good’ or ‘bad’ – through the EULEX mission, taking into consideration also the local aspects, so far neglected in this field of research. Inspecting thoroughly the EULEX activities in the police, customs and judiciary sector.This open access book offers a comprehensive assessment of the EULEX mission, based on two Horizon2020 research projects: IECEU - Improving the Effectiveness of Capabilities in EU Conflict Prevention, and KOSNORTH – The European Union and its Normative Power in a Post-conflict Society: A Case Study of Northern Kosovo (Marie Sklodowska-Curie Individual Fellowship).
Light-Associated Reactions of Synthetic Polymers
This book presents a range of reactions and materials with some of the most exciting current and future applications. It includes a brief introduction to photochemistry; in-depth discussion of photosensitizers, photoinititiators, and the processes of light curing and crosslinking; listing of light responsive polymers and their uses; and a discussion of polymeric materials for use in non-linear optics.
Light Scattering from Polymer Solutions and Nanoparticle Dispersions
Light scattering is a very powerful method to characterize the structure of polymers and nanoparticles in solution. Recent technical developments have strongly enhanced the possible applications of this technique, overcoming previous limitations like sample turbidity or insufficient experimental time scales. However, despite their importance, these new developments have not yet been presented in a comprehensive form. In addition, and maybe even more important to the broad audience, there lacks a simple-to-read textbook for students and non-experts interested in the basic principles and fundamental techniques of light scattering. As part of the Springer Laboratory series, this book tries not only to provide such a simple-to-read and illustrative textbook about the seemingly very complicated topic of light scattering from polymers and nanoparticles in dilute solution, but also intends to cover some of the newest technical developments in experimental light scattering.
Life in the Universe : Expectations and Constraints
Energy, chemistry, solvents, and habitats -- the basic elements of living systems - define the opportunities and limitations for life on other worlds. This class-tested text examines each of these parameters in crucial depth and makes the argument that life forms we would recognize may be more common in our solar system than many assume. It also considers, however, exotic forms of life that would not have to rely on carbon as basic chemical element, solar energy as a main energy source, or water as primary solvent. Finally the question of detecting bio- and geosignature of such life forms is discussed, ranging from Earth environments to deep space. While speculative considerations in this emerging field of science cannot be avoided, the authors have tried to present their study with the breadth and seriousness that a scientific approach to this issue requires. They seek an operational definition of life and investigate the realm of possibilities that nature offers to realize this very special state of matter and avoid scientific jargon wherever possible to make this intrinsically interdisciplinary subject understandable to a broad range of readers.
Life - As a Matter of Fat : The Emerging Science of Lipidomics
Lipids are as important for life as proteins, sugars, and genes. The present book gives a multi-disciplinary perspective on the physics of life and the particular role played by lipids and the lipid-bilayer component of cell membranes. The book is aimed at undergraduate students and young research workers within physics, chemistry, biochemistry, molecular biology, nutrition, as well as pharmaceutical and biomedical sciences. The emphasis is on the physical properties of lipid membranes seen as soft and molecularly structured interfaces. By combining and synthesizing insights obtained from a variety of recent studies, an attempt is made to clarify what membrane structure is and how it can be quantitatively described. Furthermore, it is shown how biological function mediated by membranes is controlled by lipid membrane structure and organization on length scales ranging from the size of the individual molecule, across molecular assemblies of proteins and lipid domains in the range of nanometers, to the size of whole cells. Applications of lipids in nano-technology and biomedicine are also described.
Lie Theory Vol.229 : Unitary Representations and Compactifications of Symmetric Spaces
It focuses on two fundamental questions in the theory of semisimple Lie groups: the geometry of Riemannian symmetric spaces and their compactifications; and branching laws for unitary representations, i.e., restricting unitary representations to (typically, but not exclusively, symmetric) subgroups and decomposing the ensuing representations into irreducibles.Ji's introductory chapter motivates the subject of symmetric spaces and their compactifications with carefully selected examples. A discussion of Satake and Furstenberg boundaries and a survey of the geometry of Riemannian symmetric spaces in general provide a good background for the second chapter, namely, the Borel–Ji authoritative treatment of various types of compactifications useful for studying symmetric and locally symmetric spaces. Borel–Ji further examine constructions of Oshima, De Concini, Procesi, and Melrose, which demonstrate the wide applicability of compactification techniques. Kobayashi examines the important subject of branching laws. Important concepts from modern representation theory, such as Harish–Chandra modules, associated varieties, microlocal analysis, derived functor modules, and geometric quantization are introduced. Concrete examples and relevant exercises engage the reader.
Lie Groups : An Approach through Invariants and Representations
Lie groups has been an increasing area of focus and rich research since the middle of the 20th century. Procesi's masterful approach to Lie groups through invariants and representations gives the reader a comprehensive treatment of the classical groups along with an extensive introduction to a wide range of topics associated with Lie groups: symmetric functions, theory of algebraic forms, Lie algebras, tensor algebra and symmetry, semisimple Lie algebras, algebraic groups, group representations, invariants, Hilbert theory, and binary forms with fields ranging from pure algebra to functional analysis.
Leveraging Applications of Formal Methods ; 1st International Symposium, ISoLA 2004, Paphos, Cyprus, October 30 - November 2, 2004, Revised Selected Papers
This book constitutes the thoroughly refereed post-proceedings of the First International Symposium on Leveraging Applications of Formal Methods, ISoLA 2004, held in Paphos, Cyprus in October/November 2004. The 12 revised full papers presented were carefully selected from more than 70 submissions. The papers discuss issues related to the adoption and use of rigorous tools and methods for the specification, analysis, verification, certification, construction, test, and maintenance of systems. In particular, by discussing common problems, requirements, algorithms, methodologies, and practices, ISoLA aims at supporting researchers in their quest to improve the utility, reliability, flexibility, and efficiency of tools for building systems, and users in their search for adequate solutions to their problems.
Les thérapies ciblées = Targeted therapies
We are at the start of the development of new therapeutic classes, directed against new molecular targets (EGFR, VEGF, IGFR, Rank, etc.) Several diseases such as kidney, colon or breast cancer, GIST, have a natural history now modified thanks to these therapies. This practical book takes stock of the current use of these molecules.
Les prothèses tricompartimentaires du genou de première intention : Techniques opératoires. Problèmes et solutions = Primary tricompartmental knee replacement : Surgical techniques, problems, and solutions
It seems difficult and presumptuous to want to write a book on total knee replacement. There are many quality works dealing with this subject. The knee prosthesis has, from its origin, particularly in the United States, given rise to considerable studies in all directions: biomechanical, physiological, biological and industrial. Our goal is to offer the youngest a book of simple knowledge without pretension of completeness or prejudice as to long debated subjects (conservation or not of the posterior cruciate ligament, cement or without cement, resurfacing or not of the patella, fixed plate or mobile platform, etc.), and to give practical advice based on our experience. Why limit yourself to first-line tricompartmentals? Because it is the most common solution to the usual degenerative knee problems. In addition, unicompartment and revision prostheses will be the subject of further literature. Everyone knows that to put a knee prosthesis model, and therefore to a system. However, it is important to be able to keep your freedom of analysis in order to maintain your freedom of choice. You have to know how to put on a knee prosthesis without compromise or fanaticism. Convictions are more dangerous enemies of truth than lies. Nietzsche
Leibniz and the natural world : Activity, passivity and corporeal substances in Leibniz's Philosophy
In the present book, Pauline Phemister argues against traditional Anglo-American interpretations of Leibniz as an idealist who conceives ultimate reality as a plurality of mind-like immaterial beings and for whom physical bodies are ultimately unreal and our perceptions of them illusory. Re-reading the texts without the prior assumption of idealism allows the more material aspects of Leibniz's metaphysics to emerge. Leibniz is found to advance a synthesis of idealism and materialism. His ontology posits indivisible, living, animal-like corporeal substances as the real metaphysical constituents of the universe; his epistemology combines sense-experience and reason; and his ethics fuses confused perceptions and insensible appetites with distinct perceptions and rational choice. In the light of his sustained commitment to the reality of bodies, Phemister re-examines his dynamics, the doctrine of pre-established harmony and his views on freedom.
Leibniz and the English-Speaking World
These essays comprise a first attempt to assess overall the attention awarded to Leibniz’s philosophy in the English-speaking world in his own time and up to the present day. In addition to an introductory overview there are fourteen original and previously unpublished essays considering Leibniz’s connections with his English-speaking contemporaries and near contemporaries as well as the later reception of his thought in Anglo-American philosophy.
Lehninger Principles of Biochemistry
Help students navigate the complex discipline of biochemistry with a clear and coherent presentation. Renowned authors David Nelson, Michael Cox, and new co-author Aaron Hoskins have focused this eighth edition around the fundamental principles to help students understand and navigate the most important aspects of biochemistry. Text features and digital resources in the new Achieve platform emphasize this focus on the principles, while coverage of recent discoveries and the most up-to-date research provide fascinating context for learning the dynamic discipline of biochemistry.
Lectures in astrobiology ; Vol I ; Part 2 : From prebiotic chemistry to the origin of life on earth
The first comprehensive textbook at the graduate level encompassing all aspects associated with the emerging field of astrobiology. Volume I gathers a fist set of extensive lectures that cover a broad range of topics, from the formation of solar system to the quest for the most primitive life forms that emerged on the early Earth.
Lecture Notes on General Medicine for Dental Practice : A System based Approach with Dental Management Considerations
Offers a system based approach covering a broad range of topics in general medicine for dental practice. The book includes chapters on history taking and patient interview, general physical examination, system specific examination, common health related complaints, systemic infections, and diseases of the gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, respiratory, neurological, immunological, renal, endocrinal, dermatological and musculoskeletal systems. Nutritional disorders, psychiatric disorders, the female patient with menstrual, menopause and pregnancy related disorders, dental management of patients taking medications for systemic conditions and medical emergencies in dental practice have also been discussed in some detail.
Lectins
In the intervening years well over 10,000 articles have appeared with lectins as the main subject, and more than twice as many in which they were touched upon, as well as around 20 books. In particular, great strides have been made in several areas of lectin research, about which little was known until the late 1980s. One prominent example is animal lectins, many of which have been discovered only during the last decade and the functions of several of which have been clarified, especially as to their key role in innate immunity.
Learning Theory ; Vol. 4005 ; 19th Annual Conference on Learning Theory, COLT 2006, Pittsburgh, PA, USA, June 22-25, 2006, Proceedings
Constitutes the refereed proceedings of the 19th Annual Conference on Learning Theory, COLT 2006, held in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA in June 2006. The 43 revised full papers presented together with 2 articles on open problems and 3 invited lectures were carefully reviewed and selected from a total of 102 submissions. The papers cover a wide range of topics including clustering, un- and semisupervised learning, statistical learning theory, regularized learning and kernel methods, query learning and teaching, inductive inference, learning algorithms and limitations on learning, online aggregation, online prediction and reinforcement learning.
Learning Theory ; Vol. 3559 : 18th Annual Conference on Learning Theory, COLT 2005, Bertinoro, Italy, June 27-30, 2005, Proceedings
The technical program contained 45 papers selected from 120 submissions, 3 open problems selected from among 5 contributed, and 2 invited lectures. The invited lectures were given by Sergiu Hart on “Uncoupled Dynamics and Nash Equilibrium”, and by Satinder Singh on “Rethinking State, Action, and Reward in Reinforcement Learning”. These papers were not included in this volume. The Mark Fulk Award is presented annually for the best paper co-authored by a student. The student selected this year was Hadi Salmasian for the paper titled “The Spectral Method for General Mixture Models” co-authored with Ravindran Kannan and Santosh Vempala. The number of papers submitted to COLT this year was exceptionally high. In addition to the classical COLT topics, we found an increase in the number of submissions related to novel classi?cation scenarios such as ranking. This - crease re?ects a healthy shift towards more structured classi?cation problems, which are becoming increasingly relevant to practitioners.
Learning theory ; 20th Annual Conference on Learning theory, COLT 2007, San Diego, CA, USA, June 13-15, 2007, Proceedings
It covers unsupervised, semisupervised and active learning, statistical learning theory, inductive inference, regularized learning, kernel methods, SVM, online and reinforcement learning, learning algorithms and limitations on learning, dimensionality reduction, as well as open problems.
Learning in Economic Systems with Expectations Feedback
Recently economists have more and more focussed on scenarios in which agents' views of the world may be erroneous. These notes introduce the concept of perfect forecasting rules which provide best least-squares predictions along the evolution of an economic system.



















