Micrometeorites and the Mysteries of Our Origins
This book relates an attempt to decrypt the still-obscure first billion years of history of the young Earth, during a cataclysmic period during which our planet was heavily bombarded by bodies ranging in size from that of Mars to 0.1 mm sized tiny micrometeorites. It was thus found that micrometeorites played an essential role in the formation of the post-lunar atmosphere. They also provided a surprisingly large diversity of reactions in the organic prebiotic chemistry required for the birth of life on our blue planet. The author presents a wide-ranging review of the type of knowledge required to decrypt this history, which provides extensive background information from astronomy, planetary dynamics, planetology, astrobiology and earth sciences. This book will appeal to both the scientist and the general reader. It will be a source of material for lectures, and possibly new investigations, in these fields.
Micromechanics of Contact and Interphase Layers
Micromechanics provides a link between the structure and the properties at different scales of observation. This book deals with micromechanical analysis of interfaces and interface layers and presents several modelling tools, ranging from the rigorous method of asymptotic expansions to practical finite element simulations, suitable for this class of problems. Two application areas are discussed. Boundary layers associated with contact of rough bodies are modelled by applying a scale transition approach in which a macroscopic interface of zero thickness is seen at the micro-scale as a layer with some finite thickness. Secondly, evolution of laminated microstructures accompanying stress-induced martensitic transformations in shape memory alloys (SMA) is analyzed as an illustration of the case when the local interfacial phenomena – here the propagation of phase transformation fronts – govern the macroscopic behaviour of a heterogeneous material.
Microflows and Nanoflows : Fundamentals and Simulation
This book provides a comprehensive summary of these changes describing fluid flow in micro and nano configurations. Where as in their previous book entitled Microflows: Fundamentals and Simulation. In this new book they discuss length scales from angstroms to microns (and beyond). While still maintaining the emphasis on fundamental concepts with a mix of semianalytical, experimental, and numerical results, this book outlines their relevance to modeling and analyzing functional devices.
Microdynamics Simulation
This volume deals with the simulation of metamorphic and tectonic microstrucutres in rocks with a special emphasis on the modelling package "Elle". The first part provides a review of the problems and opportunities in the modelling of microstructures, followed by an introduction to various numerical modelling techniques. In the second part examples of the modelling of different processes which alter rock microstructure are presented, beginning with individual processes and progressing to modelling multiple coupled processes.
Microcontrollers in Practice
Stressing common characteristics and real applications of the most used microcontrollers, this practical guide provides readers with hands-on knowledge of how to implement three families of microcontrollers (HC11, AVR, and 8051). Unlike the rest of the ocean of literature on individual chips, Microcontrollers in Practice supplieS side-by-side comparisons and an overview that treats the systems as resources available for implementation. Packed with hundred of practical examples and exercises to foster mastery of concepts and details, the guide also includes several extended projects. By treating the less expensive 8-bit and RISC microcontrollers, this information-dense manual equips students and home-experimenters with the know-how to put these devices into operation.
Microbiomes and emerging applications
Covers a range of important topics and recent advances in metagenomics, microbiomes and their emerging applications, including microbiota transplantation and its health implications. It also discusses microbiome composition and development in humans. The contributors of this volume provide detailed information on prebiotics and probiotics for enhanced human health. They also introduce microbiomes as the next frontiers in medicine, agriculture, industry and environment. A chapter is presented that discusses probiotic research studies in Nigeria and Canada that led to the discovery of Lactobacillus pentosus KCA1. The book contains timely knowledge and will be useful reference material for scientists and researchers working in the fields of food and agricultural biotechnology, biopharmaceuticals and medical biotechnology, fermentation technology, environmental biotechnology, microbiomes and microbial biotechnology and health care.
Microbial Phosphate Solubilization
Last decade has seen a significantly increased knowledge about phosphate solubilizing microorganisms. Sixty specialists from thirteen countries met in Salamanca to discuss the problems of the high P-unavailability as a soil nutrient for crops, and the hazards of an increasing phosphate input to aquatic habitats from industrial and mining activities, sewage disposal, detergents, and other sources. Updated solutions to enhance P-uptake by plants, bioremediation potential in the rehabilitation of ecosystems, taxonomic characterization interactions with mycorrizae, the physiological and molecular basis of PSM, and possibilities of genetic modifications of rhizospheric microorganisms were among the contributions presented. Challenges in commercializing a phosphate solubilizing microorganism were also outlined by a relevant biotech company.
Microbial Linear Plasmids
Microbial Linear Plasmids constitutes the first attempt to comprehensively assemble current knowledge of different types of such elements, highlight recent developments in the field, and challenge the distinction between viruses and linear plasmids.
Microarrays in Inflammation
The book is of interest to academic and industrial researchers but also clinicians who are working on inflammation related topics and would like to extend their knowledge about microarrays and the application thereof. After reading the book a researcher or clinician should be in the position to plan, perform and analyse or to critically review microarray experiments related to inflammation research.
Microarray technology and Its applications
The genomics revolution would not have been possible without the 'parallelisation' offered by microarray technology. This technological - and commercial - success has been since emulated by other applications areas, with a tremendous amplification of innovation. This book describes the fundamentals and latest developments in microarray technology, as well as its future directions. It presents detailed overviews of the different techniques of fabricating microarrays, of the chemistries and preparative steps involved, of the different types of microarrays, and of the instrumentation and optical issues involved.
Microalgae Building Enclosures : Design and Engineering Principles
Aims to provide design, engineering, and biotechnical guidelines for microalgae building enclosures that need to be considered for symbiotic relations among the built environment, humans, and ecosystems. Introduces the theoretical background of microalgae as a bioremediator and future energy system and their potential roles toward sustainable and healthy built environments. Part II exemplifies interventions and multiple benefits of microalgae systems in product, architecture, urban, and infrastructure applications across the globe including Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe, South America, and North America. Part III explains the design and engineering criteria, biotechnical design requirements, and various performance metrics for microalgae architecture. Finally, Part IV investigates potential building applications in low-rise buildings, high-rise buildings, and energy-efficient retrofitting. The book also includes international case studies of microalgae building systems within various building types and climates.
Micro-, Meso- and Macro-Dynamics of the Brain
This book brings together leading investigators who represent various aspects of brain dynamics with the goal of presenting state-of-the-art current progress and address future developments. The topics cover the most fascinating facets of neuroscience from elementary computation of neurons, mesoscopic network oscillations, internally generated assembly sequences in the service of cognition, large-scale neuronal interactions within and across systems, the impact of sleep on cognition, memory and mental illness, brain controlled robots, motor-sensory integration, spatial navigation, large-scale computation and consciousness. Overall, this volume offers an integrated view of the challenges and opportunities in deciphering brain circuits in health and disease.
Micro- and opto-electronic materials and Structures : Physics, mechanics, design, reliability, packaging ; Vol. I : Materials physics - materials mechanics ; Vol. II : Physical design - reliability and packaging
Micro- and Opto-Electronic Materials and Structures: Physics, Mechanics, Design, Reliability, Packaging is the first comprehensive reference to collect and present the most, up-to-date, in-depth, practical and easy-to-use information on the physics, mechanics, reliability and packaging of micro- and opto-electronic materials, assemblies, structures and systems. The chapters in these two volumes contain summaries of the state-of-the-art and present new information on recently developed important methods or devices. Furthermore, practical recommendations are offered on how to successfully apply current knowledge and recently developed technology to design, manufacture and operate viable, reliable and cost-effective electronic components or photonic devices. The emphasis is on the science and engineering of electronic and photonic packaging, on physical design problems, challenges and solutions.
Micro and Nanomanufacturing
Engineers seeking more knowledge of how nano and micro devices are designed and fabricated will learn: Manufacturing and fabrication at the micro and nanoscales Using bulk and surface micromachining techniques, LiGA and deep x-ray lithography to manufacture semiconductors Producing master molds with micromachining The deposition of thin films, pulsed water drop machining, and nanomachining Mark J. Jackson is an Associate Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering Technology at Purdue University. His current research focuses on understanding the properties of materials in the field of micro scale metal cutting, micro and nano abrasive machining, and laser micro machining.
Micro- and Macro-Properties of Solids : Thermal, Mechanical and Dielectric Properties
Each of the eight chapters treats an important aspect of solid state physics, comprising a complete review of the particular field. Typically, a chapter starts with basic information about a property of a solid and the related experimental techniques. This is followed by a global overview which brings together all important contributions by different research workers in the field. This overview is comprehensive and covers essential literature over the past 60 years. Each chapter concludes with a detailed discussion of the contributions made by the chapter authors and their associates, in some cases spanning the last 45 years. In addition, Micro- and Macro-Properties of Solids provides data on new materials such as rare-earth metals, semiconductors, ferroelectrics, mixed-valence compounds, superionic conductors, optical and optoelectronic materials and biomaterials.
MICAI 2008 : Advances in Artificial Intelligence ;7th Mexican International Conference on Artificial Intelligence, Atizapán de Zaragoza, Mexico, October 27-31, 2008 Proceedings
The 96 revised full papers presented together with 2 invited lectures were carefully reviewed and selected from 363 submissions. The papers are organized in topical sections on logic and reasoning, knowledge-based systems, knowledge representation and acquisition, ontologies, natural language processing, machine learning, pattern recognition, data mining, neural networks, genetic algorithms, hybrid intelligent systems, computer vision and image processing, robotics, planning and scheduling, uncertainty and probabilistic reasoning, fuzzy logic, intelligent tutoring systems, multi-agent systems and distributed ai, intelligent organizations, bioinformatics and medical applications, as well as applications.
MICAI 2007 : Advances in artificial intelligence ; 6th Mexican International Conference on Artificial Intelligence, Aguascalientes, Mexico, November 4-10, 2007, Proceedings
The Mexican International Conference on Artificial Intelligence (MICAI), a yearly international conference series organized by the Mexican Society for Artificial Intelligence (SMIA), is a major international AI forum and the main event in the academic life of the country’s growing AI community.
MICAI 2006 : Advances in Artificial Intelligence ; 5th Mexican International Conference on Artificial Intelligence, Apizaco, Mexico, November 13-17, 2006, Proceedings
This volume contains the papers presented during the oral session of the 5 Mexican International Conference on Artificial Intelligence, held on November 13–17, 2006, at the Technologic Institute of Apizaco, Mexico. The conference received for evaluation 448 submissions by 1207 authors from 42 different countries
MICAI 2005 : Advances in Artificial Intelligence ; 4th Mexican International Conference on Artificial Intelligence, Monterrey, Mexico, November 14-18, 2005, Proceedings
Constitutes the refereed proceedings of the 4th Mexican International Conference on Artificial Intelligence, MICAI 2005, held Mexico, in November 2005. This book is organized in topical sections on knowledge representation and management, logic and constraint programming, uncertainty reasoning, multiagent systems and distributed AI, and others.
mHealth Innovation in Asia : Grassroots Challenges and Practical Interventions
Offers a detailed account of a range of mHealth initiatives across South, Southeast and East Asia. It provides readers with deep insights into the challenges such initiatives face on the ground, and a view of the diverse cultural contexts shaping strategies for overcoming these challenges. The book brings together various discussions on the broader mHealth literature, and demonstrates how a research focus on diverse Asian contexts influences the success and/or failure of current mHealth initiatives. It also highlights the important roles social scientists can play in advancing theoretical approaches, as well as planning, implementing and evaluating mHealth initiatives. The book is a valuable resource for project planners, policy developers in NGOs and government institutions, as well as academics, researchers and students in the fields of public health, communications and development studies.



















