الصفحة 1
الصفحة 1
Open and distance education in Asia, Africa and the Middle East : National perspectives in a digital age
This book describes the history, structure and institutions of open and distance education in six countries: China, India, Russia, Turkey, South Africa and South Korea. It describes how open and distance education is evolving in a digital age to reflect the needs and circumstances of the national higher education systems in these countries. It also explores the similarities and differences between how their open and distance higher education systems are managed and structured. The book compare and draw conclusions about the nature of open and distance education in the context of various national higher education systems. In a digital era characterized by the growing use of online, open and distance education, this book will prove particularly valuable for policy-makers and senior administrators who want to learn about establishing or expanding open and distance education services. In addition, it offers a valuable reference guide for researchers, academics and students interested in understanding the different approaches to open and distance education.
Observing the Volcano World : Volcano Crisis Communication
This book provides a comprehensive overview of volcanic crisis research, the goal being to establish ways of successfully applying volcanology in practice and to identify areas that need to be addressed for future progress. It shows how volcano crises are managed in practice, and helps to establish best practices. Consequently the book brings together authors from all over the globe who work with volcanoes, ranging from observatory volcanologists, disaster practitioners and government officials to NGO-based and government practitioners to address three key aspects of volcanic crises.
Numerical Treatment of Partial Differential Equations
In 1988 we started work on the frst German edition of our book, which appeared in 1992. Our aim was to give students a textbook that contained the basic concepts and ideas behind most numerical methods for partial di?er- tial equations. The success of this frst edition and the second edition in 1994 encouraged us, ten years later, to write an almost completely new version, taking into account comments from colleagues and students and drawing on the enormous progress made in the numerical analysis of partial di?erential equations in recent times. The present English version slightly improves the third German edition of 2005: we have corrected some minor errors and added additional material and references.
Norwegian Shipping in the 20th Century : Norway's Successful Navigation of the World's Most Global Industry
This open access book discusses how Norwegian shipping companies played a crucial role in global shipping markets in the 20th century, at times transporting more than ten per cent of world seaborne trade. Chapters explore how Norway managed to remain competitive, despite being a high labour-cost country in an industry with global competition. Among the features that are emphasised are market developments, business strategies and political decisions The Norwegian experience was shaped by the main breaking points in 20th century world history, such as the two world wars, and by long-term trends, such as globalization and liberalization. The shipping companies introduced technological and organizational innovations to build or maintain a competitive advantage in a rapidly changing world. The growing importance of offshore petroleum exploration in the North Sea from the 1970s was both a threat and an opportunity to the shipping companies. By adapting both business strategies and the political regime to the new circumstances, the Norwegian shipping sector managed to maintain a leading position internationally.
Nonlinear dynamics in complex systems via fractals and fractional calculus
Current advances in the knowledge of nonlinear dynamical networks, systems and processes, as well as their unified repercussions, allow us to include some typical complex natural phenomena, from the nanoscale to an extra-galactic scale, in an unitarian comprehensive manner. In other words, the physical, biological and financial data, as well as technological ones (mechanical or electronic devices), of complex systems available today can be managed by the same unique conceptual approach, both analytically and through a computer simulation, using effective nonlinear dynamics procedures. This volume collected some important advances in the fields of fractal curves, fractal analysis and fractional calculus, as well as new solutions of fractal differential equations.
New Frontiers in Regenerative Medicine
Rapid advances in stem cell biology have raised exciting possibilities of replacing damaged or lost tissues and cells by activation of in vitro-expanded stem cells or their progeny. This book examines many of the unresolved problems as well as future applications of regenerative medicine. Areas of focus include the nervous system and hippocampal neurogenesis, along with the functional significance of pro-inflammatory cytokines, and the production of free radicals after brain ischemia; the digestive and integumentary systems, dealing with hepatocyte transplantation, pancreatic regeneration, and skin and hair regeneration; and the cardiovascular system, with repair and remodeling of the lung and heart, and arterial remodeling with bone marrow-derived progenitor cells. In addition to animal experiments, results of research on human tissues and organs are included.
New and emerging plant viruses : the threat to food security
Despite intensive efforts to manage and prevent plant viruses and their potential vectors in crop production processes, many crops are damaged each year. This new book reviews the progress made to date and the challenges ahead in the field of plant viruses and agricultural production. It sheds light on previously undiscovered plant viruses, bringing together information on the detection and tracking, host interaction, evolution, and management. The first section covers the various hidden sources of plant viruses such as from wild plants, weeds, and tobacco as well as other undetermined plant virus sources. The second section covers the implications of mixed infection on disease pathogenicity and epidemiology, provides an understanding of the virus and host relationship, and presents an overview of plant viruses from old to new.
Networking and Mobile Computing ; 3rd International Conference, ICCNMC 2005, Zhangjiajie, China, August 2-4, 2005, Proceedings
The objective of this conference was to address and capture highly innovative and stateof-the-art research and work in the networks and mobile computing industries. ICCNMC 2005 allowed sharing of the underlying theories and applications, and the establishment of new and long-term collaborative channels aimed at developing innovative concepts and solutions geared to future markets. The highly positive response to ICCNMC 2001 and ICCNMC 2003, held in Beijing and Shanghai, respectively, encouraged us to continue this international event. In its third year, ICCNMC 2005 continued to provide a forum for researchers, professionals, and industrial practitioners from around the world to report on new advances in computer network and mobile computing, as well as to identify issues and directions for research and development in the new era of evolving technologies.
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
Nanotechnology and Occupational Health
Nanotechnology is rapidly invading many aspects of modern society - from science, research and engineering to industrial and commercial applications and, inevitably, to man and his environment. One of the biggest challenges, therefore, is managing environmental, health and safety risks of nanomaterials. Yet, the information necessary to assess their longterm effects is scarce. Systematic research into what potentially makes engineered nanomaterials hazardous, how this translates into risk, and how these can be managed will be vital and involves interdisciplinary collaboration.
Multiple pregnancy
Multiple pregnancy affects 0.9-3.1% of births worldwide. Prevalence rates vary significantly due to differences in dizygotic twinning rates and use of assisted reproduction. Both maternal and fetal/neonatal complications are more common in multiple compared to singleton pregnancies, and there are specific problems for the fetuses related to monochorionicity. Multiple pregnancies require specialised and individualised care. Complicated multiple pregnancies should be managed in a tertiary care centre where there is additional expertise, such as the laser ablation needed to treat monochorionic monozygotic pregnancies with conjoined circulations. Cornerstones of management in pregnancy are the need for accurate fetal measurement to optimise dating of gestational age, and documentation of chorionicity. High-level ultrasound expertise is needed. The mothers need frequent assessment to detect hypertension and anemia, and early identification and management of preterm labour.
Multiphase Reacting Flows : Modelling and Simulation
This book entitled ''Multiphase reacting flows: modelling and simulation'' contains the lecture notes of the CISM (International Centre for Mechanical Sciences) course held in Udine, Italy, on July 3-7, 2006, and it describes various modelling approaches for dealing with polydisperse multiphase reacting flows. A multiphase reacting system is characterized by the presence of multiple phases and in this book we focus on disperse multiphase systems, where one phase can be considered as a continuum, whereas the additional phases are dispersed in the continuous one. In other words, in this book we deal with multiphase systems constituted by particles, droplets or bubbles (i.e., solid particles suspended in a continuous liquid phase, liquid droplets in a gaseous phase, or gas bubbles in liquid.) The other important characteristic elements of the systems discussed in this book are the presence of one or more chemical reactions and the turbulent nature of the flow. The chemical reactions usually involve all the phases present in the system and might be responsible for the formation or disappearance of the disperse and/or continuous phases.
Multinational Enterprises, Foreign Direct Investment and Growth in Africa : South African Perspectives
How can Africa, the world’s most lagging region, benefit from globalisation and achieve sustained economic growth? Africa needs greater investment by Multinational Enterprises (MNEs) to improve competitiveness and generate more growth through positive spill-over effects. Despite the fact that Africa’s returns on investment averaged 29% since 1990, Africa has gained merely 1% of global Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) flows. The challenge for African countries is how to be a more desirable destination for FDI. The study integrates three currents of economic research, namely from the literature on (endogenous) economic growth, convergence and regional integration, the explanations for Africa’s poor growth and the growing understanding of the role of MNEs in a global economy. The empirical side of the book is based on an econometric study of the determinants of FDI in Africa as well as a detailed firm-level survey conducted in 2000.
Molecular Machines
The chapters in this volume describe bottom-up strategies and chronicle cutting-edge advances from several of the world’s leading laboratories engaged in the development of molecular machines.The Nobel Prize in Chemistry 2016 was awarded jointly to Jean-Pierre Sauvage, Sir J. Fraser Stoddart and Bernard L. Feringa "for the design and synthesis of molecular machines". Both Jean-Pierre Sauvage and Sir J. Fraser Stoddart have also contributed to this book.
Modified Fibers with Medical and Specialty Applications
This book will be an invaluable resource for researchers and others interested in future developments in fiber technology. Several innovative applications for natural and synthetic fibers are described in considerable detail with emphasis on the experimental data that supports these new applications. From bandages to magnetic materials and from antibacterial clothing to implants, creative modifications to fibers are described that could one day become commonplace. Never before has this much new information about fiber modification been packaged into one book volume. In this book the world’s leading experts describe their most recent research in their areas of expertise.
Modern Formal Methods and Applications
Formal methods are a robust approach for problem solving. It is based on logic and algebraic methods where problems can be formulated in a way that can help to find an appropriate solution. This book shows the basic concepts of formal methods and highlights modern modifications and enhancements to provide a more robust and efficient problem solving tool.Applications are presented from different disciplines such as engineering where the operation of chemical plants is synthesized using formal methods. Computational biology becomes easier and systematic using formal methods. Also, hardware compilation and systems can be managed using formal methods.
Model Driven Architecture ; European MDA Workshops : Foundations and Applications, MDAFA 2003 and MDAFA 2004, Twente, The Netherlands, June 26-27, 2003, and Linköping, Sweden, June 10-11, 2004, Revised Selected Papers
Model-Driven Architecture (MDA) is an initiative proposedby the Object M- agement Group (OMG) for platform-generic software development. MDA s- arates the specification of system functionality from the implementation on a specific platform. It is aimed at making software assets more resilient to changes caused by emerging technologies. While stressing the importance of modeling, the MDA initiative covers a wide spectrum of research areas. Further efforts are required to bring them into a coherent approach based on open standards and supported by matured tools and techniques. This volume contains the selected papers of two workshops on “Model-Driven Architecture – Foundations and Applications” (MDAFA): MDAFA 2003 held at the University of Twente, Twente, The Netherlands, June 26–27, 2003, and MDAFA 2004 held at Linko ¨ping University, Link¨ oping, Sweden, June 10–11, 2004. The goal of the workshops was to understand the foundations of MDA, to share experience in applying MDA techniques and tools, and to outline future research directions. The workshops organizers encouraged authors of accepted papers to re-submit their papers to a post-workshop reviewing process; 15 of these papers were accepted to appear in this volume on MDA.
Mobility Aware Technologies and Applications ; 2nd International Workshop, MATA 2005, Montreal, Canada, October 17 -- 19, 2005, Proceedings
The beginning of the twenty-first century is characterized by global markets, and the mobility of people is becoming an important fact of life. Consequently, the mobile user is demanding appropriate technical solutions to make use of customized information and communication services. In this context the notion of next-generation networks (NGNs), which are driven by the convergence of the entertainment sector, the mobile Internet, and fixed/mobile telecommunications, is emerging. Such NGNs are aggregating a variety of different access networks and supporting the seamless connection of an open set of end-user devices, and due to the adoption of an all-IP network paradigm they enable a much better integration of voice and data services. Coincidently the buzzword ‘fixed mobile convergence’ (FMC) describes the current trend towards providing common services across fixed and mobile networks resulting in the medium term in the full integration of fixed and mobile telecommunication networks. The adoption of appropriate middleware technologies and the provision of - called service delivery platforms driven by the ongoing innovation in the field of information technologies provides today the technical foundation for supporting terminal, personal and service mobility and thus the implementation of real seamless information and communication services. Furthermore, users are nowadays looking, in light of an omnipresent service environment, for a much higher degree of customization and context awareness in the services they use. The papers in this volume look at these enabling mobility-aware technologies and their use for implementing mobility-aware and context-aware applications.
Methods for measuring greenhouse Gas balances and evaluating mitigation options in smallholder agriculture
This book provides standards and guidelines for quantifying greenhouse gas emissions and removals in smallholder agricultural systems and comparing options for climate change mitigation based on emission reductions and livelihood trade-offs. Globally, agriculture is directly responsible for about 11% of annual greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and induces an additional 17% through land use change, mostly in developing countries. Farms in the developing countries of sub-Saharan Africa and Asia are predominately managed by smallholders, with 80% of land holdings smaller than ten hectares. However, little to no information exists on greenhouse gas emissions and mitigation potentials in smallholder agriculture.
Metals in Society and in the Environment : A Critical Review of Current Knowledge on Fluxes, Speciation, Bioavailability and Risk for Adverse Effects of Copper, Chromium, Nickel and Zinc
In 2002, the Swedish Metal Information Task Force (MITF) engaged the Environmental Research Group (MFG) to update previous monographs on copper, zinc and major alloying metals (such as chromium, nickel and molybdenum) in society and in the environment. This book presents new results on metal fluxes from society to the environment, on metal speciation in water, soil and sediment, and its interpretation in terms of mobility, biological uptake and toxicity. The scientific fundamentals of new approaches, like the Acid Volatile Sulphide (AVS) concept to predict metal bioavailability in sediments, and the Biotic Ligand Model (BLM) to calculate the toxicity of metals to aquatic organisms, are critically evaluated, with a focus on copper, nickel, zinc, and, in part, chromium.
