Local Elites, Political Capital and Democratic Development : Governing Leaders in Seven European Countries
This book helps to understand in which ways local governing elites are important for the success or failure of national democratic development. Although we know a great deal about the general importance of civil society and social capital for the development of sustainable democracy, we still know little about what specific local governing qualities or political capital that interact with democratic development. The collected data covers time series of surveys from between 15 to 30 political and administrative leaders in over a hundred middle-sized European and Eurasian cities. The study takes us across the 1980s and 1990s, going from cities in Sweden and the Netherlands - through the Baltic cities - to the cities of Belarus and Russia.
Local and Semi-Local Bifurcations in Hamiltonian Dynamical Systems : Results and Examples
Once again KAM theory is committed in the context of nearly integrable Hamiltonian systems. While elliptic and hyperbolic tori determine the distribution of maximal invariant tori, they themselves form n-parameter families. Hence, without the need for untypical conditions or external parameters, torus bifurcations of high co-dimension may be found in a single given Hamiltonian system. The text moves gradually from the integrable case, in which symmetries allow for reduction to bifurcating equilibria, to non-integrability, where smooth parametrisations have to be replaced by Cantor sets. Planar singularities and their versal unfoldings are an important ingredient that helps to explain the underlying dynamics in a transparent way.
Load balancing using SDN
Software-Defined Network (SDN) is considered a breakthrough to the global network. It plays an important role in performance improvement and network optimization. SDN is a new mechanism for managing and designing networks rather than the current traditional network system which does not afford more services and higher data rates; therefore, we analyze the effect of applying load balancing techniques and its importance in different SDN environments. In this paper, we propose a dynamic server load balancing technique in SDN architecture. Hence, we implement a server Connection-based load balancing technique and evaluate its performance with a static Round-robin and Random-based in both mininet emulation environment and OpenFlow-enabled switch using Ryu OpenFlow controller.
LMI Approach to Analysis and Control of Takagi-Sugeno Fuzzy Systems with Time Delay
A fuzzy system is, in a very broad sense, any fuzzy logic-based system where fuzzy logic can be used either asthebasisfor the representation of different forms of system knowledge or the model for the interactions and relationships among the system variables. Fuzzy systems have proven to be an important tool for modeling complex systems for which, due to complexity or imprecision, classical tools are unsuccessful. There have been diverse fields of applications of fuzzy technology from medicine to management, from engineering to behavioral science, from vehicle control to computational linguistics, and so on. Fuzzy modeling is a conjunction to understand the s- tem’s behavior and build useful mathematical models. Different types of fuzzy models have been proposed in the literature, among which the Takagi-Sugeno (T-S) fuzzy model is a rule-based one suitable for the accurate approximation and identi?cation of a wide class of nonlinear systems.
Liver MRI : Correlation with other Imaging Modalities and Histopathology
In this seminal manuscript the - thor described a new imaging technique which moved the single dimension of NMR spectroscopy to the dual dimension of spatial orientation, thereby resulting in the foundation of modern magnetic re- nance (MR) imaging. Over the ensuing years, MR imaging has assumed an increasingly important role in clinical imaging. It distinguishes itself from other imaging modalities, such as ultrasound (US) or computed tomography (CT), by the unique ability to visualize specific tissue components in a non-- vasive manner. In the earlier days, diagnostic MR imaging was limited to cerebral and musculoskeletal diseases. - aging of other areas which are more prone to movement through breathing (abdominal) or pulsation motions (cardiac) became available more recently, with the introduction of faster sequences and the - velopment of more dedicated MR imaging coils.
Liver and Pancreatic Diseases Management
New therapeutical approaches, advances in oncology and in diagnostic imaging, which reduce the need for invasive techniques and reach an improvement in survival and quality of life in cancer, are considered in this book. Modern literature has been reviewed with special reference to articles of general interest. In the clinical management of patients with liver, bile duct and pancreas diseases, it is important to assess the degree of disturbance and to diagnose the causative insult, and therefore clinical and laboratory methods of assessing each of these pathologies are of high interest. This version is an up-to-date account of diseases of the liver, biliary tract and pancreas, including transplantation, which we trust will be of value for surgeons, physicians and pathologists and also a reference book for medical students.
Lippincott's Concise Illustrated Anatomy ; Vol.3
Presents human gross anatomy in an efficient, easy-to-use format by combining core, need-to-know content with detailed atlas-style illustrations. This volume focuses on anatomical structures and functions of the head and neck, and includes clinical considerations concerning these important regions. With artwork adopted from the Lippincott Williams & Wilkins Atlas of Anatomy as well as new illustrations, understanding the functional and clinical relevance of anatomy has never been more at hand!
Lipids in Health and Disease
Lipids are functionally versatile molecules. They have evolved from relatively simple hydrocarbons that serve as depot storages of metabolites and barriers to the permeation of solutes into complex compounds that perform a variety of signalling functions in higher organisms. This volume is devoted to the polar lipids and their constituents. We have omitted the neutral lipids like fats and oils because their function is generally to act as deposits of metabolizable substrates. The sterols are also outside the scope of the present volume and the reader is referred to volume 28 of this series which is the subject of cholesterol. The polar lipids are comprised of fatty acids attached to either glycerol or sphingosine. The fatty acids themselves constitute an important reservoir of substrates for conversion into families of signalling and modulating molecules including the eicosanoids amongst which are the prostaglandins, thromboxanes and leucotrienes. The way fatty acid metabolism is regulated in the liver and how fatty acids are desaturated are subjects considered in the first part of this volume. This section also deals with the modulation of protein function and inflammation by unsaturated fatty acids and their derivatives. New insights into the role of fatty acid synthesis and eicosenoid function in tumour progression and metastasis are presented.
Linear Programming and its Applications
This book presents a unified treatment of linear programming. Without sacrificing mathematical rigor, the main emphasis of the book is on models and applications. The most important classes of problems are surveyed and presented by means of mathematical formulations, followed by solution methods and a discussion of a variety of "what-if" scenarios. Non-simplex based solution methods and newer developments such as interior point methods are covered along with a variety of approaches that incorporate multiple objectives in the model.
Linear Functional Analysis
This introduction to the ideas and methods of linear functional analysis shows how familiar and useful concepts from finite-dimensional linear algebra can be extended or generalized to infinite-dimensional spaces. Aimed at advanced undergraduates in mathematics and physics, the book assumes a standard background of linear algebra, real analysis (including the theory of metric spaces), and Lebesgue integration, although an introductory chapter summarizes the requisite material. The initial chapters develop the theory of infinite-dimensional normed spaces, in particular Hilbert spaces, after which the emphasis shifts to studying operators between such spaces. Functional analysis has applications to a vast range of areas of mathematics; the final chapters discuss the particularly important areas of integral and differential equations.
Linear Algebraic Monoids
The theory of linear algebraic monoids culminates in a coherent blend of algebraic groups, convex geometry, and semigroup theory. The book discusses all the key topics in detail, including classification, orbit structure, representations, universal constructions, and abstract analogues. An explicit cell decomposition is constructed for the wonderful compactification, as is a universal deformation for any semisimple group. A final chapter summarizes important connections with other areas of algebra and geometry. The book will serve as a solid basis for further research. Open problems are discussed as they arise and many useful exercises are included.
Limnology and Aquatic Birds ; Proceedings of the Fourth Conference Working Group on Aquatic Birds of Societas Internationalis Limnologiae (SIL), Sackville, New Brunswick, Canada, August 3-7, 2003
The importance of habitat conservation for the protection of birds has become widely acknowledged and accepted by natural resource managers and the general public. Papers presented in this volume further our understanding of the important role that limnology has in determining habitat suitability for waterbirds. Long-term population monitoring of waterbirds is an important tool in our quest to understand the role waterbirds play in their environment. Continued population declines of many species of aquatic birds indicate the need for additional understanding of how human activities negatively impact water quality and bird populations and what mitigative actions can be taken. The main objective of the Working Group on Aquatic Birds of the International Limnological Society (SIL) is to integrate waterbirds into hydrobiology and treat waterbird studies in a limnological context. To achieve this goal, the Working Group organizes conferences to facilitate communications among limnologists interested in aquatic birds and ornithologists interested in the aquatic habitat. The efforts of the SIL Working Group on aquatic birds has resulted in a new emphasis on the links between aquatic birds and their environment
Light, Nature, Architecture : A Guide to Holistic Lighting Design
Proves how important, but also how easy it is to integrate natural light into planning and thus into the design of healthy and beneficial living and working environments. The richly illustrated manual is structured according to the phenomena of natural light and combines the author`s wealth of experience, theoretical principles and design methods to create a reference work and a diverse source of inspiration.
Light Shadow Space : Architectural Rendering with Cinema 4D®
The visualization of light in space, its effect on model cubature and scenery, is one of the great challenges in architectural rendering. This is a decisive reason for the use of 3D tools – both for architecture offices and students. This volume features a number of exercises that enable the reader to learn how to light architecture models correctly. Complete virtual 3D scenarios are included that allow for the step-by-step construction of a lighting set up with the help of Cinema 4D® software that creates a realistic spatial impression. The tutorials are complemented by a chapter on the use of Cinema 4D®, importing CAD models and light sources as well as shadow types, which have been revised and expanded in the 9.5 and 10 version.
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 Scattering by Optically Soft Particles: Theory and Applications
Deals with a particular class of approximation methods in the context of light scattering by small particles. This class of approximations has been termed as eikonal or soft particle approximations. The eikonal approximation was studied extensively in the potential scattering and then adopted in optical scattering problems. In this context, the eikonal and other soft particle approximations pertain to scatterers whose relative refractive index compared to surrounding medium is close to unity. The study of these approximations is very important because soft particles occur abundantly in nature. For example, the particles that occur in ocean optics, biomedical optics, atmospheric optics and in many industrial applications can be classified as soft particles. This book was written in recognition of the long-standing and current interest in the field of scattering approximations for soft particles. It should prove to be a useful addition for researchers in the field of light scattering.
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.
Lifestyle medicine
Contains extensive sections on the treatment and prevention of coronary heart disease,stroke, cancer, diabetes, obesity, substance abuse, dementia, and many other clinical conditions. Key lifestyle modalities such as physical activity, nutrition, weight management, sleep, stress reduction, and positive connections with other humans are supported by detailed discussion and state-of-the-art evidence. The expanded section on behavioral medicine provides an important framework for these discussions. Every chapter has been completely revised and many new topics added, such as lifestyle medicine for nursing, psychiatry, and preventive neurology.
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.



















