الصفحة 1
الصفحة 1
Non-Native Language Teachers : Perceptions, Challenges and Contributions to the Profession
Now that non-natives are increasingly found teaching languages, and particularly English, both in ESL and EFL contexts, the identification of their specific contributions and their main strengths has become more relevant than ever.As a result, there has recently been a surge of interest in the role of non-native teachers but little empirical research has been published so far. This volume is particularly rich in providing different approaches to the study of non-native teachers: NNS teachers as seen by students, teachers, graduate supervisors, and by themselves. It also contributes little explored perspectives, like classroom discourse analysis, or a social-psychological framework to discuss conceptions of NNS teachers.
Nonlinear Dimensionality Reduction
This book describes existing and advanced methods to reduce the dimensionality of numerical databases. For each method, the description starts from intuitive ideas, develops the necessary mathematical details, and ends by outlining the algorithmic implementation. Methods are compared with each other with the help of different illustrative examples. The purpose of the book is to summarize clear facts and ideas about well-known methods as well as recent developments in the topic of nonlinear dimensionality reduction. With this goal in mind, methods are all described from a unifying point of view, in order to highlight their respective strengths and shortcomings.
New Frontiers for design of interior lighting products
Explores the single components that commonly constitute luminaires for interiors, describing their operating principles, families, strengths and weaknesses. It opens with the product classification and main standard requirements. The following chapters describe the different components: light sources, power supplies, thermal dissipation techniques, control technologies, optical systems. The description focuses on the most recent technologies to allow the reader to consider a product design capable of confronting future lighting scenarios. The book provides a simple path addressed to all those who want to try their hand at designing luminaires for interiors, even without a specific engineering background.
Neuromuscular Disease : Evidence and Analysis in Clinical Neurology
Through a series of questions and answers concerning specific neuromuscular disorders, each chapter critiques the best available evidence to illustrate strengths and weaknesses of the data and make the reader aware of the quality of clinical research studies in general. Introductory chapters facilitate this learning process by elucidating the epidemiological and biostatistical issues pertinent to diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis. A broad range of disorders of the anterior horn cell, nerve roots, peripheral nerves, neuromuscular junction, and muscle are critically appraised and discussed.
Nature, Value, Duty : Life on Earth with Holmes Rolston, III
"Nature Value and Duty: Life on Earth with Holmes Rolston, III" is a collection of contemporary writings on the work of Holmes Rolston, III. The authors contributing to this volume are a mixture of senior scholars in environmental ethics and new voices in philosophy and in literature. Together they provide an in depth evaluation of many of the topics discussed by Rolston. They probe the strengths and weaknesses of his work and suggest valuable correctives. Rolston himself, in a detailed reply to each of his critics at the end of the volume, reveals where some of these criticisms sting him the most and in the process provides one of the most detailed and articulate defenses of his position ever offered."
Natural Skincare Cosmetics
Aging skin is suffering of decrease pigment-containing cells and overproduction of melanin in the skin, also changes in the connective tissue reduce the skin's strength and elasticity. Over the last 20 years, clinical and laboratory studies have identified the benefits of an array of natural ingredients for skin care. A variety of skin care products exist in today’s marketplace. They fulfill a variety of functions by either acting directly on the skin (e.g., moisturizers) or being a cosmetically elegant vehicle for the delivery of specific active ingredients (e.g., sunscreens or antipruritic or antiacne medicaments). Certain ingredients used in cosmeceuticals may be claimed to be therapeutic for common skin diseases. These ingredients are regulated as over the counter (OTC) drug monographs for acne, dermatitis/psoriasis, skin protectant, topical analgesia and sunscreens, by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
NATO and terrorism catastrophic terrorism and first responders : Threats and mitigation
In this important new book a group of experts represents the current knowledge on the various terrorism threats to first responders resulting from the novel use of conventional weapons, as well radiological, nuclear, biological and chemical weapons. Also, the current situation in selected countries of different sizes and practical experience with terrorism countermeasures (Austria, Israel, Slovenia, Russia, U.S.) is reviewed, focusing on the national operational logistics and the individual needs for improving the present situation. Finally, this book offers innovative solutions to strengthen the level of protection of the first responders, culminating in fifty-one practically applicable recommendations
Nanotechnology for Smart Concrete
Nanomaterials can markedly improve the mechanical properties of concrete, as well as reduce the porosity and enhance the durability of concrete. The application of nanotechnology in concrete is still in its infancy. However, an ever-growing demand for ultra-high-performance concrete and recurring environmental pollution caused by ordinary Portland cement has encouraged engineers to exploit nanotechnology in the construction industry. Nanotechnology for Smart Concrete discusses the advantages and applications of nanomaterials in the concrete industry, including high-strength performance, microstructural improvement, self-healing, energy storage, and coatings. The book: Analyses the linkage of concrete materials with nanomaterials and nanostructures / Discusses the applications of nanomaterials in the concrete industry, including energy storage in green buildings, anti-corrosive coatings, and inhibiting pathogens and viruses / Covers self-healing concrete / Explores safety considerations, sustainability, and environmental impact of nanoconcrete / Includes an appendix of solved questions
Nanostructured Materials by High-Pressure Severe Plastic Deformation
Recently, it was reported that nanostructured materials processed under high pressure by HPT and ECAP have an extraordinary combination of both high strength and high ductility, which are two desirable, but rarely co-existing properties. These findings indicate that high-pressure is a critical factor that can be employed to process nanostructured materials with superior mechanical, and possibly also physical, properties. It is the objective of this workshop to review our current knowledge, identify issues for future research, and discuss future directions on the processing and properties of nanostructured materials via SPD techniques, with a special emphasis on high-pressure effects.
Muscle hypertrophy and role of anabolic hormones in bodybuilding
The goal of our research first of all to give an overall view on the physiology of muscles and we will focus on natural elements such as diet and exercises to improve your aim without using chemical drugs, we will also include other factors affecting hypertrophy muscle such as genetic ones since the variation in between two sportive persons might be more than 50 percent determined by heredity which is a very important element and may lead a sportive man to elevate the doses to reach the same development of ideal muscles.
MRI in Clinical Practice
The book covers the basic Physics behind MRI, quality assurance, up-to-date safety guidelines and a useful gallery of image artefacts. Part of the book focuses on the specific areas of the body in which MRI is currently exploited, describing how MRI is performed in practice. In each of these sections, a common theme is followed with illustrations of MR images acquired with clinically relevant settings and typical imaging protocols are also explicitly stated. Additional information is provided which includes a subjective view of the strengths and weaknesses of MRI in comparison to other imaging modalities. As well as covering routine clinical techniques, the latest advanced methods (e.g. spectroscopy, fMRI, diffusion, high field MRI) are discussed and placed into the context of clinical application.
MR Imaging in White Matter Diseases of the Brain and Spinal Cord
Comprises a series of comprehensive and up-to-date reviews on the use of MR imaging in these major neurological conditions. The diverse available MR techniques, such as magnetization transfer MRI, diffusion-weighted MRI, MR spectroscopy, functional MRI, cell-specific MRI, perfusion MRI, and microscopic imaging with ultra-high field MRI, offer an extraordinarily powerful means of gaining fundamental in vivo insights into disease processes. The strengths and weaknesses of all these techniques in the study of multiple sclerosis and other relevant diseases are extensively considered. After an introductory section on neuroimaging technology, subsequent sections address disorders of myelination, demyelinating diseases, immune-mediated disorders, and white matter disorders related to aging and other conditions. This book provides a valuable summary of the state of the art in the field, and defines important areas for future research.
Model Based Inference in the Life Sciences : A Primer on Evidence
The abstract concept of "information" can be quantified and this has led to many important advances in the analysis of data in the empirical sciences. This text focuses on a science philosophy based on "multiple working hypotheses" and statistical models to represent them. The fundamental science question relates to the empirical evidence for hypotheses in this set—a formal strength of evidence. Kullback-Leibler information is the information lost when a model is used to approximate full reality. Hirotugu Akaike found a link between K-L information (a cornerstone of information theory) and the maximized log-likelihood (a cornerstone of mathematical statistics). This combination has become the basis for a new paradigm in model based inference. The text advocates formal inference from all the hypotheses/models in the a priori set—multimodel inference.
Mix-Design and Application of Hydraulic Grouts for Masonry Strengthening
Provides guidance for the rational design and application of hydraulic grouts, based on a series of specific data (type of masonry, voids' width, targeted strength and durability level, available materials, etc.). To this end, the basic characteristics of a grout, i.e. its injectability (penetrability, fluidity and stability), its strength and durability, are taken into account by means of rational models and quantified expressions of all grout-design parameters. Thus, a holistic, rational mix design methodology for optimization of grout composition is given, permitting the preliminary design of grouts, without having to resort to multiple tests in advance.
Missing Data and Small-Area Estimation : Modern Analytical Equipment for the Survey Statistician
The general tone of the book is not "from theory to practice," but "from current practice to better practice." The third part of the book, a single chapter, presents a method for efficient estimation under model uncertainty. It is inspired by the solution for small-area estimation and is an example of "from good practice to better theory." A strength of the presentation is chapters of case studies, one for each problem. Whenever possible, turning to examples and illustrations is preferred to the theoretical argument.
Micromechanics and Nanosimulation of Metals and Composites : Advanced Methods and Theoretical Concepts
This book provides insight into advanced numerical and experimental investigations of the microstructural aspects of strength and damage of metals and metal-based composites. In particular, atomistic and dislocation models, micromechanical simulations and homogenization techniques, as well as experimental observations in combination with computer simulations, are described. These methods are successfully applied to analyze the mechanical behavior of metals and metal-matrix composites.
Microfinance, EU structural funds and capacity building for managing authorities : A comparative analysis of European convergence regions
Presents a study of capacity building and structural funds in public managing authorities for the microcredit sector. It presents two surveys to highlight the strengths and weaknesses of the managing authorities' capacity building. The first survey investigates the authorities' need for and interests in capacity building activities, assessing the areas in which capacity building support is needed, and explores the different types of support offered. The second survey analyses the results of the microcredit and microfinance programming activity, investigating its target groups and other operational features. It examines the key monitoring and reporting issues involved in this activity, before analysing the regulatory framework of the microcredit and microfinance sector.
Microfinance Investment Funds : leveraging private capital for economic growth and poverty reduction
The surge in new investment funds - nearly 60 funds at last count - is an exciting sign that microfinance is attracting mainstream financial markets. Foreign investors bridge a crucial gap for MFIs and greenfield banks not yet able to attract deposits, debt or equity from local sources. Recognizing the ultimate goal of building those local financial markets that serve the poor, some foreign investors and funds are facilitating local intermediation with incentives like guarantees for local banks to lend to MFIs in local currency. Such contributions to local market building, combined with strengthening governance, increasing transparency and rigor make the new funds potentially very positive forces in microfinance.
Metakaolin and Fly Ash as Mineral Admixtures for Concrete
Deals with modern theoretical concepts related to the impact of fly ash and metakaolin admixtures on structure formation processes of concrete. Results of the effect of fly ash, metakaolin and their composition on properties of self-compacting and self-leveling concrete are presented. Based on mathematical models, obtained using mathematical experiments planning methodology, the impact of the main factors and their combination on workability, strength and other properties that determine efficiency and durability of concrete are analyzed. Using calculated dependencies, a methodology for designing optimal compositions of concrete containing active mineral admixtures and superplasticizers is proposed. Features of industrial production of concrete for the proposed compositions are discussed. The book is intended for specialists working in the production of concrete and reinforced concrete products and elements. It can also be used by construction engineers to design compositions of cost-effective self-compacting and self-leveling concrete as well as to determine the rational direction of using technogenic raw materials like ash and metakaolin.
Messenger RNA therapeutics
Focuses on the fundamentals and applications of messenger RNA (mRNA)-based therapeutics and discusses the strengths and key challenges of this emerging class of drugs. In the past 30 years, extensive research and technological development in many areas have contributed to the emergence of in vitro transcribed mRNA as a therapeutic that has now reached clinical testing. Formulations that protect the mRNA from nucleases and accelerate its cellular uptake, combined with improvements to the mRNA molecules themselves, have been critical advancements for mRNAs to become viable therapeutics. Though once regarded as a serious impediment, the transient nature of mRNA technology is now considered a major advantage in making mRNA therapies safe and, ultimately, a potential game changer in the field of medicine. This new book in the RNA Technologies series provides a state-of-the-art overview on the emerging field of mRNA therapeutics covering essential strategies for formulation, delivery, and application. It also reviews the promising role in cancer immunotherapy, respiratory diseases, and chronic HBV infection and discusses RNA vaccines in light of the current COVID-19 pandemic. mRNA-based approaches have great potential to revolutionize molecular biology, cell biology, biomedical research, and medicine.
