Giants of Eclipse: The Aurigae Stars and Other Binary Systems

Giants of Eclipse: The Aurigae Stars and Other Binary Systems

The zeta Aurigae stars are the rare but illustrious sub-group of binary stars that undergo the dramatic phenomenon of ‘chromospheric eclipse’. This book provides detailed descriptions of the ten known systemsillustrates them richly with examples of new spectraand places them in the context of stellar structure and evolution.Comprised of a large cool giant plus a small hot dwarfthese key eclipsing binaries reveal fascinating changes in their spectra very close to total eclipsewhen the hot star shines through differing heights of the ‘chromosphere’or outer atmosphereof the giant star. The phenomenon provides astrophysics with the means of analyzing the outer atmosphere of a giant star and how that material is shed into space. The physics of these critical events can be explained qualitativelybut it is more challenging to extract hard facts from the observationsand tough to model the chromosphere in any detail.The book offers current thinking on mechanisms for heating a star’s chromosphere and on how a star loses massand relates this science synergistically to studies of other stars and binariesand to the increasing relevance of contributions from new techniques in interferometry and asteroseismology. It also includes a detailed discussion of the enigmatic star epsilon Aurigaewhich had recently undergone one of its very infrequent and very baffling eclipses. Though not a zeta Aurigae systemepsilon Aurigae is a true ‘Giant’ among eclipsing stars.The 7 chapters of this bookwritten by a group of expertshave been carefully edited to form a coherent volume that offers a thorough overview of the subject to both professional and student.

For many years Dr Griffin pursued research into stellar spectraprincipally of composite-spectrum binariesat Cambridge (UK)supporting it with observations acquired at major telescopes overseas. She now continues those interests in Canadaat the Dominion Astrophysical Observatory near Victoriaand makes her observations there. The prime research objectives are to determine the masses and other fundamental parameters of both component starsand to examine their evolutionary status. She also champions initiatives to recover the information in pre-digital (photographic) observations through programmes of appropriate digitization.Dr. Ake is a Program Director at Computer Sciences Corporation supporting the Hubble Space Telescopethe James Webb Space Telescopethe Milkulski Archive for Space Telescopesand the Kepler Data Management Center projects at Space Telescope Science Institute. His research interests center on evolved stars and binary systemsparticularly UV and FUV spectroscopic investigations from space of red giants and supergiants with hot secondary companions. He is currently studying the evolutionary status of cool stars with main sequence B- and A-type secondaries to refine the fundamental stellar parameters of the evolved components.,

Giants of Eclipse: The Aurigae Stars and Other Binary Systems

Decentralized Spatial Computing

Decentralized Spatial Computing

Computing increasingly happens somewhere, with that geographic location important to the computational process itself. Many new and evolving spatial technologies, such as geosensor networks and smartphones, embody this trend. Conventional approaches to spatial computing are centralized, and do not account for the inherently decentralized nature of ‘computing somewhere": the limited, local knowledge of individual system components, and the interaction between those components at different locations. On the other hand, despite being an established topic in distributed systems, decentralized computing is not concerned with geographical constraints to the generation and movement of information. In this context, of (centralized) spatial computing and decentralized (non-spatial) computing, the key question becomes: ‘What makes decentralized spatial computing special?’

Decentralized Spatial Computing

Why Society is a Complex Matter

Why Society is a Complex Matter

Society is complicated. But this book argues that this does not place it beyond the reach of a science that can help to explain and perhaps even to predict social behaviour. As a system made up of many interacting agents people, groups, institutions and governments, as well as physical and technological structures such as roads and computer networks society can be regarded as a complex system. In recent years, scientists have made great progress in understanding how such complex systems operate, ranging from animal populations to earthquakes and weather. These systems show behaviours that cannot be predicted or intuited by focusing on the individual components, but which emerge spontaneously as a consequence of their interactions: they are said to be self-organized. Attempts to direct or manage such emergent properties generally reveal that top-down approaches, which try to dictate a particular outcome, are ineffectual, and that what is needed instead is a bottom-up approach that aims to guide self-organization towards desirable states. This book shows how some of these ideas from the science of complexity can be applied to the study and management of social phenomena, including traffic flow, economic markets, opinion formation and the growth and structure of cities. Building on these successes, the book argues that the complex-systems view of the social sciences has now matured sufficiently for it to be possible, desirable and perhaps essential to attempt a grander objective: to integrate these efforts into a unified scheme for studying, understanding and ultimately predicting what happens in the world we have made. Such a scheme would require the mobilization and collaboration of many different research communities, and would allow society and its interactions with the physical environment to be explored through realistic models and large-scale data collection and analysis. It should enable us to find new and effective solutions to major global problems such as conflict, disease, financial instability, environmental despoliation and poverty, while avoiding unintended policy consequences. It could give us the foresight to anticipate and ameliorate crises, and to begin tackling some of the most intractable problems of the twenty-first century.

Why Society is a Complex Matter

Integrated Nanophotonic Devices

Integrated Nanophotonic Devices

Nanophotonics is a field of science and technology based on the manipulation of light with equally miniscule structures, in the same way that computer chips are used to route and switch electrical signals. By enabling new high bandwidth, high speed optoelectronic components, nanophotonics has the potential to revolutionize the fields of telecommunications, computation and sensing.

Integrated Nanophotonic Devices

Non-fickian Solute Transport in Porous Media

Non-fickian Solute Transport in Porous Media

The advection-dispersion equation that is used to model the solute transport in a porous medium is based on the premise that the fluctuating components of the flow velocity, hence the fluxes, due to a porous matrix can be assumed to obey a relationship similar to Fick s law. This introduces phenomenological coefficients which are dependent on the scale of the experiments. This book presents an approach, based on sound theories of stochastic calculus and differential equations, which removes this basic premise. This leads to a multiscale theory with scale independent coefficients. This book illustrates this outcome with available data at different scales, from experimental laboratory scales to regional scales.

Non-fickian Solute Transport in Porous Media

Nanodust in the Solar System

Nanodust in the Solar System

Nanodust and nanometer-sized structures are important components of many objects in space. Nanodust is observed in evolved stars, young stellar objects, protoplanetary disks, and dust debris disks. Within the solar system, nanodust is observed with in-situ experiments from spacecraft. Nanometer-sized substructures are found in the collected cometary and interplanetary dust particles and in meteorites. Understanding the growth and destruction of dust, its internal evolution, as well as the optical properties and the detection of nanoparticles is of fundamental importance for astrophysical research.This book provides a focused description of the current state of research and experimental results concerning nanodust in the solar system. It addresses three major questions: What is nanodust? How was it discovered in the solar system? And how do we interpret the observations? The book serves as a self-contained reference work for space researchers and provides solid information on nanodust in cosmic environments for researchers working in astrophysics or in other fields of physics.

Nanodust in the Solar System

Equilibrium Between Phases of Matter

Equilibrium Between Phases of Matter

The first volume of this work is organized in three levels, so that the portion and importance of thermodynamics and mathematics increase from level to level. The ground level shows that basics of phase equilibria can be understood without thermodynamics provided the concept of chemical potential is introduced early. The intermediate level introduces thermodynamics, culminating in the Gibbs energy as the arbiter for equilibrium. At the third level the accent is on binary systems, where one or more phases are solutions of the components. Priority is given throughout to the thermodynamic assessment of experimental data. 200 exercises are included with solutions.

Equilibrium Between Phases of Matter

The Automotive Body, Volume I

The Automotive Body, Volume I

The Automotive Body consists of two volumes. The first volume produces the needful cultural background on the body; it describes the body and its components in use on most kinds of cars and industrial vehicles: the quantity of drawings that are presented allows the reader to familiarize with the design features and to understand functions, design motivations and fabrication feasibility, in view of the existing production processes. The second volume addresses the body system engineer and has the objective to lead him to the specification definition used to finalize detail design and production by the car manufacturer or the supply chain. The processing of these specifications, made by mathematical models of different complexity, starts always from the presentations of the needs of the customer using the vehicle and from the large number of rules imposed by laws and customs. The two volumes are completed by references, list of symbols adopted and subjects index.These two books about the vehicle body may be added to those about the chassis and are part of a series sponsored by ATA (the Italian automotive engineers association) on the subject of automotive engineering; they follow the first book, published in 2005 in Italian only, about automotive transmission.They cover automotive engineering from every aspect and are the result of a five-year collaboration between the Polytechnical University of Turin and the University of Naples on automotive engineering.

The Automotive Body, Volume I

Fast Reactions in Energetic Materials

Fast Reactions in Energetic Materials

Under the title Energetic Materials, the author considers nearly all important homogeneous and heterogeneous systems such as solid and liquid explosives, pyrotechnic substances, mixtures used in combustion synthesis and all components of present rocket fuels. Since the combustion and explosion of these materials are greatly influenced by the kinetics of their chemical reactions, a quantitative study of those kinetics is of great interest for both theoretical and practical applications. Kinetic studies of the thermal decomposition of energetic materials have been very successful so far for both high and low temperatures, but only for gaseous systems. For condensed materials these studies were limited to low temperatures, mainly because of the lack of specialized techniques and instrumentation. In this book the author describes several new experimental techniques and also shows the results of his extensive research, which he carried out on the kinetics of fast high-temperature decomposition and thermal explosion of both research and commercial energetic materials.

Fast Reactions in Energetic Materials

Nanoscale Phenomena

Nanoscale Phenomena

The main intention of the editors of the book is the demonstration of the intrinsic correlation and mutual influence of three important components of nanoscience: new phenomena nanomaterials nanodevices. This is the organizing concept of the book. To discover new phenomena it is necessary to develop novel nanotechnological processes for fabrication of nanomaterials. Nanostructures and new phenomena serve as the base for the development of novel nanoelectronic devices and systems. The articles selected for the book illustrate this interrelation.

Nanoscale Phenomena

Fibre Optic Communication

Fibre Optic Communication

The book gives an in-depth description of the key devices of current and next generation fibre optic communication networks. In particular, the book covers devices such as semiconductor lasers, optical amplifiers, modulators, wavelength filters, and detectors but the relevant properties of optical fibres as well. The presentations include the physical principles underlying the various devices, the technologies used for the realization of the different devices, typical performance characteristics and limitations, and development trends towards more advanced components are also illustrated. Thus the scope of the book spans relevant principles, state-of-the-art implementations, the status of current research and expected future components.

Fibre Optic Communication

College Algebra

College Algebra

Three components contribute to a theme sustained throughout the Coburn Series: that of laying a firm foundation, building a solid framework, and providing strong connections. Not only does Coburn present a sound problem-solving process to teach students

College Algebra

More Than Moore

More Than Moore

In the past decades, the main stream of microelectronics progress has been mainly powered by Moore’s law which focuses on IC miniaturization down to nanoscale. While the microelectronics community around the world continues to invent new solutions to keep Moore’s law alive, there is a fast increasing need for non-digital and mixed-signal ‘More than Moore’ (MtM) type technologies that are still based upon or derived from silicon technologies, but do not simply scale with Moore’s law. Typical examples are devices incorporating RF, power/high voltage, passive components, sensors and actuators, MEMS, Bio-chip/bio-systems, microfluidics, solid-state lighting, etc.. The increasing momentum of MtM is triggered by the increasing needs for high level heterogeneous system integration including non-digital functions, the necessity to speed up innovative product creation and to broaden the product portfolio of IC fabs, and the limiting cost and time factors of advanced system-on-chip (SoC) development. It is believed that MtM will add value to society on top of and beyond advanced semiconductors technologies, with fast increasing marketing potentials, and that it will drive paradigm shift for technologies, applications and business models.

More Than Moore

Encyclopedia of Traditional Chinese Medicines - Volume5

Encyclopedia of Traditional Chinese Medicines - Volume5

This set of six volumes provides a systematic and standardized description of 23,033 chemical components isolated from 6,926 medicinal plants, collected from 5,535 books/articles published in Chinese and international journals. A chemical structure with stereo-chemistry bonds is provided for each chemical component, in addition to conventional information, such as Chinese and English names, physical and chemical properties. It includes a name list of medicinal plants from which the chemical component was isolated. Furthermore, abundant pharmacological data for nearly 8,000 chemical components are presented, including experimental method, experimental animal, cell type, quantitative data, as well as control compound data. The seven indexes allow for complete cross-indexing. Regardless whether one searches for the molecular formula of a compound, the pharmacological activity of a compound, or the English name of a plant, the information in the book can be retrieved in multiple ways.

Encyclopedia of Traditional Chinese Medicines - Volume5

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

Sustainable Food Production Includes Human and Environmental Health

Sustainable Food Production Includes Human and Environmental Health

Agroecology not only encompasses aspects of ecology, but the ecology of sustainable food production systems, and related societal and cultural values. To provide effective communication regarding status and advances in this field, connections must be established with many disciplines such as sociology, anthropology, environmental sciences, ethics, agriculture, economics, ecology, rural development, sustainability, policy and education, or integrations of these general themes so as to provide integrated points of view that will help lead to a sustainable construction of values. Such designs are inherently complex and dynamic, and go beyond the individual farm to include landscapes, communities, and biogeographic regions by emphasizing their unique agricultural and ecological values, and their biological, societal, and cultural components and processes.

Sustainable Food Production Includes Human and Environmental Health

Introduction to Aircraft Structural Analysis

Introduction to Aircraft Structural Analysis

Based on the author’s best-selling text, Aircraft Structures for Engineering Students, this brief book covers the basics of structural analysis as applied to aircraft structures Coverage of elasticity, energy methods and virtual work set the stage for discussions of airworthiness/airframe loads and stress analysis of aircraft components Numerous worked examples, illustrations, and sample problems show how to apply the concepts to realistic situations. Self-contained, this value-priced book is an excellent resource for anyone learning the subject.

Introduction to Aircraft Structural Analysis

Progress in Temperate Fruit Breeding

Progress in Temperate Fruit Breeding

This book contains the papers and posters presented at the Eucarpia Fruit Breeding Section Meeting held at Wadenswil/Einsiedeln, Switzerland from August 30 to September 3, 1993. It gives an overview of the latest trends in temperate fruit breeding in Europe and overseas. Three subjects were considered in special workshops: durability of scab resistance in apple, biotechnology and molecular markers. One important aim of modern fruit breeding is stable resistance against pests and diseases. Molecular markers might help to identify the genetic basis of important characteristics related to disease and pest resistance and components of yield and quality. Gene transfer has been successfully applied in several fruit species. However, public opinion in many countries does not favour this new technology and its products. Despite these new approaches, traditional breeding methods still predominate; many aspects of traditional breeding are considered in this book. Genetic resources and their exploitation are discussed in a special chapter. Aspects of breeding minor crops such as walnut, almond, hippophae, cornel are also considered. Progress in Temperate Fruit Breeding should interest fruit breeders, pomologists, lecturers, students and growers.

Progress in Temperate Fruit Breeding

Essential ASP.NET Fast

Essential ASP.NET Fast

How to create dynamic web environments using the ASP .NET framework! The ASP .NET framework enables the development of dynamic web pages, which can interface to various database systems. Using the Visual Basic .NET language you will be able to begin to create your own web systems with ease. This quick and practical introduction explains: how to setup an ASP.NET development environment, and where to find the various software components.- the syntax and features of the language.- web-based user interaction using ASP .NET forms.- pre-defined ASP .NET objects.- how ASP .NET can interface with databases. Clearly written, this book provides you with all the essential information you need to create your own dynamic web environments using ASP .NET. Additional material is available from the Essential series web site: http://www.essential-series.com

Essential ASP.NET Fast

Psychological Components of Sustainable Peace

Psychological Components of Sustainable Peace

Scholarship on the psychology of peace has been accumulating for decades. The approach employed has been predominantly centered on addressing and preventing conflict and violence and less on the conditions associated with promoting peace. Concerns around nuclear annihilation, enemy images, discrimination, denial of basic human needs, terrorism and torture have been the focal points of most research. The Psychological Components of a Sustainable Peace moves beyond a prevention-orientation to the study of the conditions for increasing the probabilities for sustainable, cooperative peace. Such a view combines preventative scholarship with a promotive-orientation to the study of peaceful situations and societies. The contributors to this volume examine the components of various psychological theories that contribute to the promotion of a harmonious, sustainable peace. Underlying this orientation is the belief that promoting the ideas and actions which can lead to a sustainable, harmonious peace will not only contribute to the prevention of war, but will also lead to more positive, constructive relations among people and nations and to a more sustainable planet. The Psychological Components of a Sustainable Peace is valuable and stimulating reading for researchers in peace psychology, political psychology, and conflict resolution as well as others who are interested in developing a sustainable, harmonious world.

Psychological Components of Sustainable Peace