Linear Systems Control : Deterministic and Stochastic Methods
Modern control theory and in particular state space or state variable methods can be adapted to the description of many different systems because it depends strongly on physical modeling and physical intuition. The laws of physics are in the form of differential equations and for this reason, this book concentrates on system descriptions in this form. This means coupled systems of linear or nonlinear differential equations. The physical approach is emphasized in this book because it is most natural for complex systems. It also makes what would ordinarily be a difficult mathematical subject into one which can straightforwardly be understood intuitively and which deals with concepts which engineering and science students are already familiar.
Linear Systems
Linear systems theory plays a broad and fundamental role in electrical, mechanical, chemical and aerospace engineering, communications, and signal processing. A thorough introduction to systems theory with emphasis on control is presented in this self-contained textbook. The book examines the fundamental properties that govern the behavior of systems by developing their mathematical descriptions. Linear time-invariant, time-varying, continuous-time, and discrete-time systems are covered. Rigorous development of classic and contemporary topics in linear systems, as well as extensive coverage of stability and polynomial matrix/fractional representation, provide the necessary foundation for further study of systems and control.
Linear Partial Differential Equations for Scientists and Engineers
This significantly expanded fourth edition is designed as an introduction to the theory and applications of linear PDEs. The authors provide fundamental concepts, underlying principles, a wide range of applications, and various methods of solutions to PDEs. In addition to essential standard material on the subject, the book contains new material that is not usually covered in similar texts and reference books, including conservation laws, the spherical wave equation, the cylindrical wave equation, higher-dimensional boundary-value problems, the finite element method, fractional partial differential equations, and nonlinear partial differential equations with applications.
Linear Models for Optimal Test Design
Begins with a reflection on the history of test design--the core activity of all educational and psychological testing. It then presents a standard language for modeling test design problems as instances of multi-objective constrained optimization. The main portion of the book discusses test design models for a large variety of problems from the daily practice of testing, and illustrates their use with the help of numerous empirical examples. The presentation includes models for the assembly of tests to an absolute or relative target for their information functions, classical test assembly, test equating problems, item matching, test splitting, simultaneous assembly of multiple tests, tests with item sets, multidimensional tests, and adaptive test assembly. Two separate chapters are devoted to the questions of how to design item banks for optimal support of programs with fixed and adaptive tests. Linear Models for Optimal Test Design, which does not require any specific mathematical background, has been written to be a helpful resource on the desk of any test specialist.
Linear Estimation and Detection in Krylov Subspaces
Focuses on the foundations of linear estimation theory which is essential for effective signal processing. In its first part, it gives a comprehensive overview of several key methods like reduced-rank signal processing and Krylov subspace methods of numerical mathematics. Based on the derivation of the multistage Wiener filter in its most general form, the relationship between statistical signal processing and numerical mathematics is presented. In the second part, the theory is applied to iterative multiuser detection receivers (Turbo equalization) which are typically desired in wireless communication systems.
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 Scattering Reviews
Light Scattering Reviews is the first book in a series devoted to bringing together the state-of-the-art and milestones in our knowledge of light scattering media optics (LSMO). Contributions from leading researchers focus on both the theoretical and experimental results in the area. The book provides a valuable picture of recent developments in light scattering. It facilitates studies in LSMO and will be of great importance for researchers in a variety of disciplines. Divided into three parts, this volume first discusses single light scattering, followed by multiple light scattering and finally looks at the possible applications in combustion and marine research.
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.
Light and Light Sources : High-Intensity Discharge Lamps
Light and Light Sources gives an introduction to the working principles of high-intensity discharge (HID) lamps and points out challenges and problems associated with the development and operation of HID lamps. The state-of-the-art in electrode and plasma diagnostics as well as numerical methods used for the understanding of HID lamps are described. This volume addresses students as well as scientists and researchers at universities and in industry.
Light Absorption in Sea Water
Takes a fresh, holistic approach to the problems of light absorption and absorbers in seawaters, discussing the fundamentals of light absorption at various depths in seawaters of different trophicity by absorbers of diverse origin. The authors have drawn their information from a substantial body of contemporary research results published in the subject literature (over 700 references) as well as their own work during the last 30 years. No other book presently available examines the issues of light absorption and absorbers in seawaters in such a manner. The physical and chemical properties, as well as the optical constants, of organic and inorganic suspended particulate matter (SPM), are discussed in the context of their relationship to the light absorption properties of SPM. Special emphasis is placed on the role of the phytoplankton and the pigments it contains which are particularly strong and important absorbers of visible light in the sea.
Lifelong Learning, Participation and Equity
In many countries, schools, universities and other traditional learning institutions are not providing for the educational needs of all members of the community. In many communities, particularly in regional, rural and disadvantaged areas, there are only limited options for people to undertake learning. Limited participation in learning has the danger of reinforcing people’s alienation from mainstream education and from participation and inclusion in social institutions and economic and community life more generally. This book addresses the challenge of identifying effective ways of accommodating the learning needs of all people and in so doing achieving the goals of lifelong learning for all.
Lifelong Learning : Interpretations of an Education Policy in Europe
In Europe, the idea of Lifelong Learning has developed from an education policy to the most important pedagogic paradigm. The concept was created as an answer to the international education crisis, diagnozed by Philip H. Coombs in 1967. Since the European Year of Lifelong Learning in 1996, it has been regarded as an alternative to deal with the rapid social, political and economic changes of the modern world. Andrea Óhidy shows the genesis of the concept and its development towards a pedagogic paradigm. She investigates the relations between the concept of Lifelong Learning and school education and points out the most important links between Lifelong Learning and adult education.
Lifelong Learning - Signs, Discourses, Practices
This text explores the different ways in which the various social practices in which people participate becomes signed as learning, how and why that occurs and with what consequences. It takes seriously the linguistic turn in social theory to draw upon semiotics and poststructuralism through which to explore the significance of lifelong learning as an emerging discourse in education. The text explores the different ways in which learning conveys meaning and is given meaning. Given this, lifelong learning therefore is a way, and a significant way, in which learning is fashioned. The text then explores the notion that, if learning is lifelong and lifewide, what precisely is learning as distinct from other social practices and how those practices are given meaning as learning.
Life Skills Education for Youth : Critical Perspectives
This book critically reviews a diverse body of scholarship and practice that informs the conceptualization, curriculum, teaching and measurement of life skills in education settings around the world. It discusses life skills as they are implemented in schools and non-formal education, providing both qualitative and quantitative evidence of when, with whom, and how life skills do or do not impact young women’s and men’s lives in various contexts. Specifically, it examines the nature and importance of life skills, and how they are taught.
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 theory ; Vol.230 : Harmonic analysis on symmetric spaces, general Plancherel theorems
Van den Ban’s introductory chapter explains the basic setup of a reductive symmetric space along with a careful study of the structure theory, particularly for the ring of invariant differential operators for the relevant class of parabolic subgroups. Advanced topics for the formulation and understanding of the proof are covered, including Eisenstein integrals, regularity theorems, Maass–Selberg relations, and residue calculus for root systems. Schlichtkrull provides a cogent account of the basic ingredients in the harmonic analysis on a symmetric space through the explanation and definition of the Paley–Wiener theorem. Approaching the Plancherel theorem through an alternative viewpoint, the Schwartz space, Delorme bases his discussion and proof on asymptotic expansions of eigenfunctions and the theory of intertwining integrals.
Lie Algebras and Applications
This book, designed for advanced graduate students and post-graduate researchers, provides an introduction to Lie algebras and some of their applications to the spectroscopy of molecules, atoms, nuclei and hadrons. In the first part, a concise exposition is given of the basic concepts of Lie algebras, their representations and their invariants. The second part contains a description of how Lie algebras are used in practice in the treatment of bosonic and fermionic systems. Physical applications considered include rotations and vibrations of molecules (vibron model), collective modes in nuclei (interacting boson model), the atomic shell model, the nuclear shell model, and the quark model of hadrons. One of the key concepts in the application of Lie algebraic methods in physics, that of spectrum generating algebras and their associated dynamic symmetries, is also discussed. The book contains many examples that help to elucidate the abstract algebraic definitions. It provides a summary of many formulas of practical interest, such as the eigenvalues of Casimir operators and the dimensions of the representations of all classical Lie algebras.
Lidar : Range-Resolved Optical Remote Sensing of the Atmosphere
Written by leading experts in optical radar, or lidar, this book brings all the recent practices up-to-date and covers a multitude of applications, from atmospheric sciences to environmental protection. Its broad cross-disciplinary scope should appeal to both the experienced scientist and the novice in the field. The Foreword is by one of the early pioneers in the area, Herbert Walther.



















