Plant Growth Signaling
Plant growth is of great economical and intellectual interest. Plants are the basis of our living environment, the production of our food and a myriad of plant-based natural products. Plant bio-mass is also becoming an important renewable energy resource. The sequencing of model and agronomically important plant genomes allows complete insight into the molecular components involved in each process. Methods to quantify the molecular changes, image growth processes and reconstruct growth regulatory networks are rapidly developing. This knowledge should help to elucidate key regulators and to design methods to engineer plant architecture and growth parameters for future human needs. This volume gives a comprehensive overview of what is known about plant growth regulation and growth restraints due to environmental conditions and should allow readers at all levels an entry into this exiting field of research.
Plant electrophysiology : Theory and methods
The book starts with a historical introduction to plant electrophysiology, followed by two distinct parts. The first one deals with methods in plant electrophysiology, including, amongst others, measuring membrane potentials and ion fluxes, path-clamp technique, and electrochemical sensors. The second part covers experimental results and their theoretical interpretation.
Plant Ecology, Herbivory, and Human Impact in Nordic Mountain Birch Forests
The successful long-term sustainable management of forests is dependent on our knowledge of their history, present state, and responses to changing environmental conditions. In this light, the text evaluates the Nordic mountain birch ecosystem with examples from different sites in the Nordic countries and Scotland. The authors analyse vegetation and soils, and investigate the influence of climate change, insect pests, grazing pressure by sheep and reindeer, construction of roads and other consequences of increasing tourism. The possibilities for a sustainable use of the Nordic mountain birch forests are discussed in various models.
Planning Chinese Characters : Reaction, Evolution or Revolution?
The whole world has been watching the vast changes that are currently occurring in China, but few people are aware that at the same time, to ensure the writing system serves these changes well, Chinese characters have also undergone significant reform. While focusing on current problems, developments and possible solutions, this book also details the major implementation of language planning programs for the modernization of the Chinese writing system that have occurred over the last century. The volume provides a broad and in-depth analysis of the conflict between one of the world’s oldest surviving script systems and the latest developments in communication technology. Comprehensive in coverage, interdisciplinary in structure, with copious references to assist readers in locating a wide range of resources.
Planning Abu Dhabi : An Urban History
Alamira Reem, a native Abu Dhabian and urban planner and researcher who has studied the emirate’s development for more than a decade, is uniquely placed to write its urban history. Following the introduction and description of Abu Dhabi’s early modern history, she focuses on three distinct periods dating from the discovery of oil in 1960, and coinciding with periods in power of the three rulers since then: Sheikh Shakhbut bin Sultan Al Nahyan (1960–1966), Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan (1966–2004), and Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan (2004–). Based on archival research, key interviews and spatial mapping, she analyses the different approaches of each ruler to development; investigates the role of planning consultants, architects, developers, construction companies and government agencies; examines the emergence of comprehensive development plans and the policies underlying them; and assesses the effects of these many and varied influences on Abu Dhabi’s development.
Placing the Public in Public Health in Post-War Britain, 1948–2012
Explores the question of who or what ‘the public’ is within ‘public health’ in post-war Britain. Drawing on historical research on the place of the public in public health in Britain from the establishment of the National Health Service in 1948, the book presents a new perspective on the relationship between state and citizen. Focusing on health education, health surveys, heart disease and the development of vaccination policy and practice, the book establishes that ‘the public’ was not one thing but many. It considers how public health policy makers and practitioners imagined the public or publics. These publics were not mere constructions; they had agency and the ability to ‘speak back’ to public health. The nature of publicness changed during the latter half of the twentieth century, and this book argues that the relationship between the public and public health offers a powerful lens through which to examine such shifts.
Pitch : Neural Coding and Perception
Although pitch has been considered an important area of auditory research since the birth of modern acoustics in the 19th century, some of the most significant developments in our understanding of this phenomenon have occurred comparatively recently. In auditory physiology, researchers are now identifying cells in the brainstem and cortex that may be involved in the derivation of pitch. In auditory psychophysics, dramatic developments over the last several years have changed our understanding of temporal pitch mechanisms, and of the roles of resolved and unresolved harmonics. Computational modeling has provided new insights into the biological algorithms that may underlie pitch perception. Modern brain imaging techniques have suggested possible cortical locations for pitch mechanisms. This timely volume presents recent findings, while emphasizing their relation to the discoveries of the past. It brings together insights from several different methodological areas: physiology, psychophysics, comparative, imaging, etc., in addressing a single scientific problem. Pitch perception can be regarded as one of the main problems of hearing.
Pioneers in Entrepreneurship and Small Business Research
Encapsulates the knowledge that can be gained from the most significant research contributions to date. Such knowledge is often built upon empirically-oriented methods that provide policy-relevant results for small business owners and entrepreneurs.The aim of Pioneers in Entrepreneurship and Small Business Research is first to provide a historical-doctrinal review of the development of entrepreneurship and small business research and, second, to present the key concepts and discuss the impact of the pioneers who have shaped the field during the past four decades. The book focuses on the first recipients of the FSF-NUTEK International Award for Small Business Research (renamed in 2008 as The Global Award for Entrepreneurship Research), including Zoltan Acs and David Audretsch, Howard Aldrich, Giacomo Becattini, David Birch, Arnold Cooper, Ian MacMillan, and David Storey. Pioneers in Entrepreneurship and Small Business Research establishes a context for the current state of the field, showcases influential ideas and insights, and serves as an essential resource for researchers and students alike.
Piling European practice and worldwide trends : Proceedings of a conference organized by the Institution of Civil Engineers, and held in London on 7–9 April 1992
Authors from throughout Europe have contributed to this book, which covers the design advances in piling practice, performance testing and innovations in piling systems, piling systems employed in different European countries, trends and technologies and research and developments, taking into account geographical and soil conditions as they determine the state of the art.
Piezoelectricity : Evolution and Future of a Technology
Discovered in 1880, piezoelectric materials play a key role in an innovative market of several billions of dollars. Recent advances in applications derive from new materials and their development, as well as to new market requirements. With the exception of quartz, ferroelectric materials are used for they offer both high efficiency and sufficient versatility to meet adequately the multidimensional requirements for application. Consequently, strong emphasis is placed on tailoring materials and technology, whether one deals with single crystals, ceramics or plastic materials. Tailoring requires a basic understanding of both physical principles and technical possibilities and limitations. This report elucidates these developments by a broad spectrum of examples, comprising ultrasound in medicine and defence industry, frequency control, signal processing by SAW-devices, sensors, actuators, including novel valves for modern motor management.
Piezoelectric Transducers and Applications
Includes these new developments together with a deep revision and enlargement of the topics already included in the first edition. It provides a guide for graduate students and researchers to the current state of the art of this complex and multidisciplinary area. The book fills an urgent need for a unified source of information on piezoelectric devices and their astounding variety of existing and emerging applications. Some of the chapters focus more on the basic concepts of the different disciplines involved and are presented in a didactic manner. Others go deeper into the complex aspects of specific fields of research, thus reaching the technical level of a scientific paper. Among other topics resonant sensors, especially bulk acoustic wave thickness shear mode resonators, chemical and bio-sensors, as well as broadband ultrasonic systems are treated in-depth.
Piezoelectric Multilayer Beam Bending Actuators : Static and Dynamic Behavior and Aspects of Sensor Integration
An important aim of the presented book is the explanation of the application of piezoelectric materials such as piezoceramics within the wide field of electromechanical actuators and sensor technology. The reader should be presented the physical and mechanical properties of piezoceramics in a distinct way. In a next step, the reader is introduced into the mechanical description of the static behavior of piezoelectric multilayer beam bending actuators. The description of the dynamic behavior of piezoelectric multilayered bending actuators is effected on the basis of Lagrange‘s formalism and Hamilton‘s principle. The achieved insights are used for the systematic development of the electromechanical circuit representation within the scope of the network theory for any design of piezoelectric bending actuators.
PID Control: New Identification and Design Methods
PID Control presents a set of coordinated contributions illustrating methods, old and new, that cover the range of process model assumptions systematically. introduce a novel subspace identification method before closing with an interesting set of parametric model techniques including a chapter on predictive PID controllers.
Phytoremediation of Metal-Contaminated Soils
Phytoremediation, the use of plants to remediate environmental media, is being pursued as a new approach for the cleanup of contaminated soils and waters, including groundwater. Phytoremediation technologies are in the early stages of development, with laboratory research and limited field trials being conducted to determine processes and refine methods. Additional research, including genetic engineering, is being conducted to improve the natural capabilities of plants to perform remediation functions and to investigate other plants with potential phytoremediation applications. Large areas in Western and Eastern countries are polluted with heavy metals and radionuclides in natural, rural, urban or industrial areas.
Physics of Surfaces and Interfaces
This graduate-level textbook covers the major developments in surface sciences of recent decades, from experimental tricks and basic techniques to the latest experimental methods and theoretical understanding. It is unique in its attempt to treat the physics of surfaces, thin films and interfaces, surface chemistry, thermodynamics, statistical physics and the physics of the solid/electrolyte interface in an integral manner, rather than in separate compartments. The Physics of Surfaces and Interfaces is designed as a handbook for the researcher as well as a study-text for graduate students in physics or chemistry with special interest in the surface sciences, material science, or the nanosciences. The experienced researcher, professional or academic teacher will appreciate the opportunity to share many insights and ideas that have grown out of the author's long experience. Readers will likewise appreciate the wide range of topics treated, each supported by extensive references. Graduate students will benefit from the elementary introductions to experimental techniques and the clear presentations of the theory behind the techniques and the phenomena. Wherever possible, physical concepts are emphasized and the mathematical notation kept to a minimum; the verbal explanations are supported by 350 graphs and illustrations.
Physics of negative refraction and negative index materials : Optical and electronic aspects and diversified approaches
This book deals with the subject of optical and electronic negative refraction (NR) and negative index materials NIM). Diverse approaches for achieving NR and NIM are covered, such as using photonic crystals, phononic crystals, split-ring resonators (SRRs) and continuous media, focusing of waves, guided-wave behavior, and nonlinear effects.
Physicists on Wall Street and Other Essays on Science and Society
Over the years, Jeremy Bernstein has been in contact with many of the world’s most renowned physicists and other scientists, many of whom were involved in politics, literature, and language. In this diverse collection of essays, he reflects on their work, their personal relationships, their motives, and their contributions. Even for those people he writes about that he did not know personally, he provides important insights into their lives and work, and questions their character, their decisions, and the lives they led.
Physical Therapy of Cerebral Palsy
The book is conveniently divided into two sections. The first focuses on fundamental aspects of cerebral palsy management, from understanding motor impairment to evaluating equipment use. The second section presents specific rehabilitation techniques, including neurodevelopment therapy, hippotherapy, and assistive devices. A wealth of tables, algorithms and detailed illustrations helps the reader with the decision-making process for determining what treatment would be most beneficial.
Physical Oceanography : Developments Since 1950
Over the last five decades physical oceanography developed rapidly from a branch of fluid dynamics, with only a few observations, to a mature science with global field programs, large computer resources, and a complex theoretical framework. Today understanding of ice ages, global warming, or predictions of El Niño are to a large extent due to progress in understanding ocean physics. Therefore, it is important that the history of physical oceanography is made known so that citizens can understand the current state of climate sciences and policy makers can make informed decisions about future research. This volume contains a historical introduction by Bruce Warren and twelve historical perspectives from world-renowned physical oceanographers.
Physical Limitations of Semiconductor Devices
Provides an in depth understanding of the phenomena and regularities that play a critical role in the limitation of semiconductor device capabilities. It discusses how thermo-electrical breakdown, conductivity modulation, and electrical and spatial current instability phenomena affect the limitations of the devices. The authors give examples of the phenomena ranging from elementary semiconductor diode structures to discrete power and integrated components. They also show circuits both for silicon and compound semiconductor devices. The emphasis of the book is on the physical approach to reliability assurance, safe operating area, and ESD problems.Physical Limitations of Semiconductor Devices provides an important link between the theoretical aspects of the physics of semiconductor devices, non-linear physics, and the practical applications of microelectronics.



















