Biodiversity of West African Forests

Biodiversity of West African Forests

This book focuses on the biodiversity and ecology of West African forests. The first part of the book includes 8 chapters which analyse the factors that give rise to biodiversity and structure tropical plant communities. It emphasizes the distribution and state of the forests and analyses vegetation gradients, determines hotspots of plant diversity, and treats distribution patterns of rare and endemic species in the Upper Guinean forests which extend from Senegal to Togo. The main part of the book is an atlas with ecological profiles of 280 rare and endemic plant species and 56 large timber species, each with a one-page entry including a coloured photograph and distribution map. This book will appeal to researchers working in forestry, biodiversity, plant ecology and conservation.

Biodiversity of West African Forests

Methods of Demographic Analysis

Methods of Demographic Analysis

This book provides an up-to-date overview of demographic analysis and methods, including recent developments in demography. Concepts and methods, from the nature of demographic information through data collection and the basics of statistical measures and on to demographic analysis itself are succinctly explained. Measures and analyses of fertility, mortality, life tables, migration and demographic events such as marriage, education and labour force are described while later chapters cover multiple decrement tables, population projections, the importance of testing and smoothing demographic data, the stable population model and demographic software.

Methods of Demographic Analysis

Practical Approach to Exergy and Thermoeconomic Analyses of Industrial Processes

Practical Approach to Exergy and Thermoeconomic Analyses of Industrial Processes

Although the exergy method has been featured as the subject of many publishing papers in scientific and engineering journals and at conferences, very few comprehensive books on this subject have been published so far. Practical Approach to Exergy and Thermoeconomic Analyses of Industrial Processes details the exergetic and thermoeconomic analyses of industrial processes using Aspen Plus and a novel Microsoft Excel Application developed by the authors which can be applied to industrial processes across the board. Employing a practical approach to an innovative and complex energy process, every chapter contains extensive explanations of a complex and real case and numerous examples whose solution demonstrates the application of theory to a wide range of real and practical problems. Illustrations, tables and graphs support and illustrate the new methodology to build a deep understanding of the real employment of the fuel used and the cost formation and increase inside the process. Practical Approach to Exergy and Thermoeconomic Analyses of Industrial Processes provides users, students and practitioners of process analysis, power plant design and fuel use optimization, with a broad introduction and approach to computer aided process optimization. It also serves as a comprehensive guide to the operational application of the MHBT to real cases analysis.

Practical Approach to Exergy and Thermoeconomic Analyses of Industrial Processes

Heuristic Strategies in the Speeches of Cicero

Heuristic Strategies in the Speeches of Cicero

This book introduces a new form of argumentative analysis: rhetorical heuremes. The method applies the concepts of heuristic thinking, probability, and contingency in order to develop a better understanding of complex arguments in classical oratory. A new theory is required because Greek and Roman rhetoric cannot provide detailed answers to problems of strategic argumentation in the analysis of speeches. Building on scholarship in Ciceronian oratory, this book moves beyond the extant terminology and employs a concept of heuristic reasoning derived from the psychology of decision making and mathematical problem solving. The author analyses selected passages from Ciceros forensic speeches where arguments of probability are deployed, and shows that the Sophistic concept of probability can link ancient rhetoric and modern theories of argumentation. Six groups of heuremes are identified, each of which represents a form of probabilistic reasoning by which the orator plays upon the perception of the jurors.

Heuristic Strategies in the Speeches of Cicero

Convergence in Shareholder Law

Convergence in Shareholder Law

On the one hand, it can be argued that the increasing economic and political interdependence of countries has led to the convergence of national legal systems. On the other hand, advocates of the counterhypothesis maintain that this development is both unrealistic and unnecessary. Mathias Siems examines the company law of the UK, the USA, Germany, France, Japan and China to see how this issue affects shareholder law. The author subsequently analyses economic and political factors which may or may not lead to convergence, and assesses the extent of this development. Convergence of Shareholder Law, which was originally published in 2007, not only provides a thorough comparative legal analysis but also shows how company law interconnects with political forces and economic development and helps in evaluating whether harmonisation and shareholder protection should be enhanced.

Convergence in Shareholder Law

Armed Attack and Article 51 of the UN Charter

Armed Attack and Article 51 of the UN Charter

This book examines to what extent the right of self-defence, as laid down in Article 51 of the Charter of the United Nations, permits States to launch military operations against other States. In particular, it focuses on the occurrence of an ‘armed attack’ – the crucial trigger for the activation of this right. In light of the developments since 9/11, the author analyses relevant physical and verbal customary practice, ranging from the 1974 Definition of Aggression to recent incidents such as the 2001 US intervention in Afghanistan and the 2006 Israeli intervention in Lebanon. The notion of ‘armed attack’ is examined from a threefold perspective. What acts can be regarded as an ‘armed attack’? When can an ‘armed attack’ be considered to take place? And from whom must an ‘armed attack’ emanate? By way of conclusion, the different findings are brought together in a draft ‘Definition of Armed Attack’.

Armed Attack and Article 51 of the UN Charter

Historical Discourse

Historical Discourse

Historical Discourse analyses the importance of the language of time, cause and evaluation in both texts which students at secondary school are required to read, and their own writing for assessment. In contrast to studies which have denied that history has a specialised language, Caroline Coffin demonstrates through a detailed study of historical texts, that writing about the past requires different genres, lexical and grammatical structures. In this analysis, language emerges as a powerful tool for making meaning in historical writing.

Historical Discourse

Conceptions of the Afterlife in Early Civilizations

Conceptions of the Afterlife in Early Civilizations

Gregory Shushan challenges post-modern scholarly attitudes concerning cross-cultural comparisons in the study of religions. In an original and innovative piece of comparative research, he analyses afterlife conceptions in five ancient civilisations (Old and Middle Kingdom Egypt, Sumerian and Old Babylonian Mesopotamia, Vedic India, pre-Buddhist China, and pre-Columbian Mesoamerica).

Conceptions of the Afterlife in Early Civilizations

Algorithms on Trees and Graphs

Algorithms on Trees and Graphs

Graph algorithms is a well-established subject in mathematics and computer science. Beyond classical application fields, like approximation, combinatorial optimization, graphics, and operations research, graph algorithms have recently attracted increased attention from computational molecular biology and computational chemistry. Centered around the fundamental issue of graph isomorphism, this text goes beyond classical graph problems of shortest paths, spanning trees, flows in networks, and matchings in bipartite graphs. Advanced algorithmic results and techniques of practical relevance are presented in a coherent and consolidated way. This book introduces graph algorithms on an intuitive basis followed by a detailed exposition in a literate programming style, with correctness proofs as well as worst-case analyses. Furthermore, full C++ implementations of all algorithms presented are given using the LEDA library of efficient data structures and algorithms. Numerous illustrations, examples, and exercises, and a comprehensive bibliography support students and professionals in using the book as a text and source of reference

Algorithms on Trees and Graphs

Unity and Diversity in Language Use

Unity and Diversity in Language Use

The papers in this collection, drawn from the 34th Annual Conference of the British Association for Applied Linguistics, reflect a number of different perspectives within the field of applied linguistics at the start of the twenty-first century. While addressing the theme of unity and diversity, each paper prompts critical reflection on tensions within the discipline between stability and change, consensus and controversy, similarity and variation. The interpretation of language use is broad and varied, taking both macro- and micro-perspectives. Topics addressed range from issues of global communication in a world of shifting demographies and technological advances to analyses of specific contexts of interaction, both professional and personal. Contexts of language use frequently coincide with settings of language acquisition, both within and beyond the language classroom, and this opens up discussion of the focus, scope and appropriateness of research stances in applied linguistics and practices in language pedagogy. Futhermore, variation is considered from a number of social-cultural, gender-related, linguistic and discourse perspectives, calling into question terminology, definitions and the nature of evidence at the heart of applied linguistic theory and practice.

Unity and Diversity in Language Use

Bilingual Youth

Bilingual Youth

The present volume represents a variety of portraits of what happens when families attempt to raise children in Spanish while living in English-speaking societies. Aided by the foregrounding chapter by Suzanne Romaine about language and identity and the afterword by Carol Klee that ties together many issues brought up throughout the collection, the reader gains a more complete understanding of the variables that contribute to Spanish bilingualism in English-speaking societies, and by extension a more complete understanding of the dynamic nature of bilingualism in general. This volume, the first of its kind, brings together an impressive array of sociolinguistic environments while keeping the two languages constant. We hope that it marks the beginning of comparative analyses of bilingualism, acquisition outcomes, and identity construction across environments that share the same languages, but where important disparities exist in the sociolinguistic landscapes.

Bilingual Youth

Methods for Multilevel Analysis and Visualisation of Geographical Networks

Methods for Multilevel Analysis and Visualisation of Geographical Networks

This leading-edge study focuses on the latest techniques in analysing and representing the complex, multi-layered data now available to geographers studying urban zones and their populations. The volume tracks the successful results of the SPANGEO Project, which was set up in 2005 to standardize, and share, the syncretic, multinational mapping techniques already developed by geographers and computer scientists. SPANGEO sought new and responsive ways of visualising urban geographical and social data that reflected the fine-grained detail of the inputs. It allowed for visual representation of the large and complex networks and flows which are such an integral feature of the dynamism of urban geography. SPANGEO developed through the ‘visual analytics loop’ in which geographers collaborated with computer scientists by feeding data into the design of visualisations that in turn spawned the urge to incorporate more varied data into the visualisation. This volume covers all the relevant aspects, from conceptual principles to the tools of network analysis and the actual results flowing from their deployment. Detailed case studies set out in this volume include spatial multi-level analyses of flows in airports and sea ports, as well as the fascinating scientific networks in European cities. The volume shows how the primary concern of geographythe interaction of society with physical spacehas been revivified by the complexities of new cartographical and statistical methodologies, which allow for highly detailed mapping and far more powerful computer analysis of spatial relationships.

Methods for Multilevel Analysis and Visualisation of Geographical Networks

Educational Algebra

Educational Algebra

Given its abstract nature and the highly syntactical competence required by the use of symbolic algebra, research on its teaching and learning must rely on approaches that include semiotic concepts and analyses that recall the history of algebraic ideas, among others. Educational Algebra: A Theoretical and Empirical Approach deals with a theoretical perspective on the study of school algebra, in which both components (semiotics and history) occur. This perspective runs opposite to general theoretical models, since it submits components for the design of local frameworks for theoretical analysis. The Methodological design allows for the interpretation of specific phenomena and the inclusion, within such interpretative frameworks, of evidence not included in more general treatments. Such is the case of phenomena observed in subjects who are initiating the study of symbolic algebra, involving the production of personal sign systems at the intermediate level or the level previous to the mathematical sign system which is to be learned. Disciplines such as Linguistics, Logic, Psycholinguistics, Semiotics, general Cognitive Psychology, Mathematics Psychology, Mathematics Epistemology, History of Mathematics, and others have carried out research on the same topics approached by Mathematics Education and have redefined their results within the framework of their respective fields. Specifically, theorists in Linguistics, Information Processing and Didactics of Mathematics have done important work on the notion of code. Today, this notion is a key element to interpreting the idea of representation in the new explanatory models of cognitive problems placed by alternative teaching approaches, including those involving a technological environment. Additionally, Psycholinguistics and Artificial Intelligence in procedural models of human abilities have intended to explain how and why users of mathematical language naturally and commonly make mistakes in syntactical procedures. Educational Algebra: A Theoretical and Empirical Approach adds to previous developments with priority given to a pragmatic perspective on ‘meaning in use’ over ‘formal meaning’. The bulk of these approaches and others of similar nature have lead to a focus on competence rather than on a users activity with mathematical language. Such a shift in perspective has fundamental implications on the way mathematical language is studied. Essentially, Grammarthe abstract formal systemand Pragmaticsthe principles of the use of languageare complementary domains in this volume. Both are related to different teaching models, whether new or traditional, used in helping students to become competent users of Algebra. Because of this, Educational Algebra: A Theoretical and Empirical Approach will be of interest to researchers and practitioners within the mathematics education field.

Educational Algebra

Tax Progression in OECD Countries

Tax Progression in OECD Countries

This is the first book that performs international and intertemporal comparisons of uniform tax progression with empirical data. While conventional measures of tax progression suffer from serious disadvantages for empirical analyses, this book extends uniform measures to progression comparisons of countries with different income distributions. Tax progression is analyzed in terms of Lorenz curve and Suits curve equivalents of net incomes and taxes. The authors derive six distinct definitions of the relation ‘is more progressive than’, which are then utilized for an empirical analysis of 13 countries included in the Luxembourg Income Study (LIS). In two thirds of all international comparisons of tax progression, the authors report a clear ranking of the respective countries in terms of progression dominance. Tax based definitions of greater progressivity perform best. These observations are yet reinforced by statistical tests. The book also provides an account of the institutional background of the involved countries in order to facilitate the interpretation of the data. Moreover, the authors conduct intertemporal comparisons of tax progression for selected countries and perform a sensitivity analysis with respect to the parameterization of the equivalence scale.

Tax Progression in OECD Countries

Black Marxism

Black Marxism

In this ambitious work, first published in 1983, Cedric Robinson demonstrates that efforts to understand black people’s history of resistance solely through the prism of Marxist theory are incomplete and inaccurate. Marxist analyses tend to presuppose European models of history and experience that downplay the significance of black people and black communities as agents of change and resistance. Black radicalism must be linked to the traditions of Africa and the unique experiences of blacks on western continents, Robinson argues, and any analyses of African American history need to acknowledge this.

Black Marxism

Capital Flows and Crises

Capital Flows and Crises

The implications of capital mobility for growth and stability are some of the most contentious and least understood contemporary issues in economics. In this book, Barry Eichengreen discusses historical, theoretical, empirical, and policy aspects of the effects, both positive and negative, of capital flows. He focuses on the connections between capital flows and crises as well as on those between capital flows and growth.Eichengreen argues that international financial liberalization, like other forms of economic liberalization, can positively affect the efficiency of resource allocation and the rate of economic growth. But analyses of both recent and historical experience also show an undeniable association between capital mobility and crises, especially when domestic institutions are weak and the harmonization of capital account liberalization and other policy reforms is inadequate. In his conclusion, Eichengreen makes suggestions for policy design to maximize the benefits of international financial liberalization while minimizing the risks of financial instability.

Capital Flows and Crises

Advanced Methods of Fatigue Assessments

Advanced Methods of Fatigue Assessments

In five chapters, this volume presents recent developments in fatigue assessment. In the first chapter, a generalized Neuber concept of fictitious notch rounding is presented where the microstructural support factors depend on the notch opening angle besides the loading mode. The second chapter specifies the notch stress factor including the strain energy density and J-integral concept while the SED approach is applied to common fillet welded joints and to thin-sheet lap welded joints in the third chapter. The forth chapter analyses elastic-plastic deformations in the near crack tip zone and discusses driving force parameters. The last chapter discusses thermomechanical fatigue, stress, and strain ranges.

Advanced Methods of Fatigue Assessments

Statics of Rods

Statics of Rods

The volume is devoted to the mechanics of rods, which is a branch of the mechanics of deformable bodies. The main goal of the book is to present systematically theoretical fundamentals of the mechanics of rods as well as numerical methods used for practical purposes. The monograph is concerned with the most general statements of the problems in the mechanics of rods. Various types of external loads that a rod may be subject to are discussed. Advanced techniques that includes vector analyses, linear algebra, and distributions is used in the derivation of linear and nonlinear equilibrium equations. The use of these techniques helps us to make transformations and rearrangements of equations more transparent and compact. Theoretical basics of rods interacting with external and internal flows of fluid and the derivation of the formulas for the hydrodynamic and aerodynamic forces are presented.

Statics of Rods

Chromosome nanoscience and technology

Chromosome nanoscience and technology

Reviewing new trends and techniques for future chromosome research, this volume draws upon scientists from many disciplines to introduce various nano devices and applications that have been developed for handling the smallest biological materials, especially chromosomes. It details the visualization of chromosomes at nano and micro levels, including the most advanced applications ever employed for Scanning Probe Microscopy; discusses the development of a sustainable chromosome imaging database; examines isolation, comparative proteome analyses, and structural/functional analyses including a new 3-dimensional model; and describes a new antibody production method for chromosomal proteins.

Chromosome nanoscience and technology

The Ethical Hacking Guide to Corporate Security

The Ethical Hacking Guide to Corporate Security

The Internet with its widening global dimensions has exposed the corporate world to the grave threat of espionage and cyber crimes; however, the organizations are invariably oblivious to these threats. The Ethical Hacking Guide to Corporate Security dismisses this incompetent approach. The book has addressed some of the horrific cyber crime cases to hit the corporate world, across 17 different countries in 5 continents. Direct correlation has been drawn between computer security and business profitability through an appropriate mix of technical explanation and business implication. This is a thoroughly researched book that provides easy-to-understand analyses of some of the most dangerous security threats and measures to safeguard networks.

The Ethical Hacking Guide to Corporate Security