Computer Science, Engineering & Electrical Engineering,
Chemistry, Materials Science, Physics/Astronomy
Cover Title Pub'd Price
(net) Savoie, Denis
Sundials
Design, Construction, and Use
Sundials, which decorate church walls, public plazas, and elegant gardens, are first and foremost astronomical instruments. Before understanding how sundials work, one must first understand the apparent motion of the Sun in the sky. In this book, Denis Savoie presents the basics of astronomy required to understand sundials and describes how to design and build your own classical sundial. Written for all levels of science readers, the author shows the calculations involved in the sundial’s construction and also gives a comprehensive history of time measurement.
The practical and observational aspects of sundials will enable readers to create custom-made sundial of their own, adding whatever special features they wish to include. Most of these designs have been tested by people with no previous knowledge of astronomy. To aid the reader, the book is full of clear and instructive illustrations and diagrams.
(Series: Popular Astronomy)
2009, XIV, 186 p. 80 illus., 70 in color., Softcover ISBN: 978-0-387-09801-2
Feb-09 € 29,95 £ 19,99
Castillo, Enrique; Fernández-Canteli, Alfonso
A Unified Statistical Methodology for Modeling Fatigue Damage
The book gives a unified probabilistic approach to evaluation of fatigue damage, including all steps to be followed, starting with fatigue testing planning, material characterization through lab experiments, model selection, parameter estimation and damage evaluation and life prediction associated with a given stress or strain history. It also treats computer programs to do all the above.
In addition, a critical evaluation of existing models based on the new proposed alternative model is one of the main aims of the book, trying to change the minds of engineers involved in design jobs.
2009, XIV, 234 p., Hardcover ISBN: 978-1-4020-9181-0
Feb-09 € 69,95 £ 64,99
Garbinato, Benoît; Miranda, Hugo; Rodrigues, Luís Middleware for Network Eccentric and Mobile Applications
Middleware is a critical foundation needed to leverage the development of a wide range of mobile and ubiquitous applications. Intrinsic challenges when building such
middleware require the combination of expertise from areas like distributed systems, networking, software engineering, and application development.
This textbook provides a comprehensive introduction to the main fundamental problems, technologies, paradigms, and solutions of concern to developers of middleware for mobile environments. The contributions are grouped into four parts, on networking and programming issues, communication models, middleware issues, and application issues. Each chapter is structured as a self-contained tutorial, presenting an overview of a specific topic and the state-of-the-art solutions for the related problems. In addition, the book also includes an authoritative reference list. The material has been successfully used in several thematic training schools organized by the ESF MiNEMA (Middleware for Network Eccentric and Mobile Applications) program, and the book's organization and presentation is ideal for an advanced course on middleware. 2009, XXI, 454 p. 95 illus., Hardcover
ISBN: 978-3-540-89706-4
Peiponen, Kai-Erik; Myllylä, Risto; Priezzhev, Alexander V. Optical Measurement Techniques
Innovations for Industry and the Life Sciences
Devoted to novel optical measurement techniques that are applied both in industry and life sciences, this book contributes a fresh perspective on the development of modern optical sensors. These sensors are often essential in detecting and controlling
parameters that are important for both industrial and biomedical applications. The book provides easy access for beginners wishing to gain familiarity with the innovations of modern optics.
(Series: Springer Series in Optical Sciences) 2009, VIII, 158 p. 79 illus., 5 in color., Hardcover ISBN: 978-3-540-71926-7
Feb-09 € 119,95 £ 109,50
Claeys, Cor; Simoen, Eddy Extended Defects in Germanium
Fundamental and Technological Aspects
The aim is to give an overview of the physics of extended defects in Germanium, i.e. dislocations (line defects), grain boundaries, stacking faults, twins and {311} defects (two-dimensional defects) and precipitates, bubbles, etc. The first part covers
fundamentals, describing the crystallographic structure and other physical and electrical properties, mainly of dislocations. Since dislocations are essential for the plastic deformation of Germanium, methods for analysis and imaging of dislocations and to evaluate their structure are described. Attention is given to the electrical and optical properties, which are important for devices made in dislocated Ge. The second part treats the creation of extended defects during wafer and device processing. Issues are addressed such as defect formation during ion implantation, necessary to create junctions, which are an essential part in every device type. Extended defects are also created during the deposition of thin or thick epitaxial layers on other substrates, which are important for optoelectronic and photovoltaic applications. In brief, the book is intended to provide a fundamental understanding of the extended-defect formation during Ge materials and device processing, providing ways to distinguish harmful from less detrimental defects and should point out ways for defect engineering and control. (Series: Springer Series in Materials Science)
2009, XX, 320 p. 231 illus., 8 in color., Hardcover ISBN: 978-3-540-85611-5
Feb-09 € 129,95 £ 118,50
Lau, Kam Y.
Ultra-high Frequency Linear Fiber Optic Systems
Designed for a one-semester course on fiber-optics systems and communication links, this book provides a concise but rigorous treatment of the theory and practice of analog (linear) fiber-optics links and systems that constitute the foundation of Hybrid Fiber Coax infrastructure in present-day CATV distribution and cable modem Internet access. Emerging applications in remote fiber-optic feed for free-space millimeter wave
enterprise campus networks are also described. Issues such as dispersion and interferometric noise are treated quantitatively, and means for mitigating them are explained. This broad but concise text will thus be invaluable not only to students of fiber-optics communication but also to practicing engineers.
Rahwan, Iyad; Moraitis, Pavlos Argumentation in Multi-Agent Systems
Fifth International Workshop, ArgMAS 2008, Estoril, Portugal, May 12, 2008, Revised Selected and Invited Papers
During the last decade Argumentation has been gaining importance within Artificial Intelligence especially in multi agent systems. Argumentation is a powerful mechanism for modelling the internal reasoning of an agent. It also provides tools for analysing, designing and implementing sophisticated forms of interaction among rational agents, thus making important contributions to the theory and practice of multiagent dialogues. Application domains include: nonmonotonic reasoning, legal disputes, business negotiation, labor disputes, team formation, scientific inquiry, deliberative democracy, ontology reconciliation, risk analysis, scheduling, and logistics.
This volume presents the latest developments in this area at the interface of
argumentation theory and multi agent systems. The 10 revised full papers presented together with 3 invited papers from the AAMAS 2008 conference were carefully reviewed and selected from numerous submissions. The papers are organized in topical sections on argument-based reasoning, argumentation and dialogue, as well as strategic and pragmatic issues.
(Series: Lecture Notes in Artificial Intelligence) 2009, X, 237 p., Softcover
ISBN: 978-3-642-00206-9
Feb-09 € 39,95 £ 36,99
Gavrilova, Marina; Tan, C. J. Kenneth Transactions on Computational Science III
The LNCS journal Transactions on Computational Science reflects recent
developments in the field of Computational Science, conceiving the field not as a mere ancillary science but rather as an innovative approach supporting many other scientific disciplines. The journal focuses on original high-quality research in the realm of computational science in parallel and distributed environments, encompassing the facilitating theoretical foundations and the applications of large-scale computations and massive data processing. It addresses researches and practitioners in areas ranging from aerospace to biochemistry, from electronics to geosciences, from mathematics to software architecture, presenting verifiable computational methods, findings and solutions and enabling industrial users to apply techniques of leading-edge, large-scale, high performance computational methods.
Transactions on Computational Science III is devoted to the topic of computer systems research and its application, and is divided in two parts. The five papers in Part 1 focus on computational visualization and optimization, and the four papers in Part 2 are concerned with computational methods for model design and analysis.
(Series: Transactions on Computational Science) 2009, XI, 185 p., Softcover
ISBN: 978-3-642-00211-3
Stapp, Henry P.
Mind, Matter and Quantum Mechanics
"Scientists other than quantum physicists often fail to comprehend the enormity of the conceptual change wrought by quantum theory in our basic conception of the nature of matter," writes Henry Stapp. Stapp is a leading quantum physicist who has given particularly careful thought to the implications of the theory that lies at the heart of modern physics. In this book, which contains several of his key papers as well as new material, he focuses on the problem of consciousness and explains how quantum mechanics allows causally effective conscious thought to be combined in a natural way with the physical brain made of neurons and atoms. The book is divided into four sections. The first consists of an extended introduction. Key foundational and
somewhat more technical papers are included in the second part, together with a clear exposition of the "orthodox" interpretation of quantum mechanics. The third part addresses, in a non-technical fashion, the implications of the theory for some of the most profound questions that mankind has contemplated: How does the world come to be just what it is and not something else? How should humans view themselves in a quantum universe? What will be the impact on society of the revised scientific image of the nature of man? The final part contains a mathematical appendix for the specialist and a glossary of important terms and ideas for the interested layman. This third edition has been significantly expanded with two new chapters covering the author's most recent work.
(Series: The Frontiers Collection)
3rd ed., 2009, XVIII, 302 p. 1 illus., Hardcover ISBN: 978-3-540-89653-1
Feb-09 € 59,95 £ 55,99
Steinbach, Bernd; Posthoff, Christian Logic Functions and Equations Examples and Exercises
The field of binary Logics has two main areas of application, the Digital Design of Circuits (related to Electrical Engineering) and Propositional Logics (related to
Mathematics, Artificial Intelligence, Complexity etc.). In both cases it is quite possible to teach the theoretical foundations and to do some exercises, but in both cases the examples that can be done in class and by hand are far away from examples that are relevant for practical problems. Therefore a software package called XBOOLE Monitor will be made available (downloadable, without additional fees), and the exercises given in Logic Functions and Equations can be solved by using this software package – in this way it is possible to solve a lot of relevant problems and to study the solutions based on this software.
2009, XXII, 234 p., Hardcover ISBN: 978-1-4020-9594-8
Feb-09 € 79,95 £ 73,50
Fusetani, Nobuhiro; Kem, William Marine Toxins as Research Tools
Marine organisms produce a wide array of toxins, many of which are not only structurally unusual, but also show potent and interesting modes of action. Since the discovery of tetrodotoxin, a pufferfish toxin, as a potent and selective blocker of Na+ channels in 1964, it has been widely used as a research tool in pharmacological and physiological research. This has led to the identification of a number of important biological functions for Na+ channels. In recent years, much biological research has been carried out at molecular and cellular levels, and therefore selective inhibitors of enzymes and selective antagonist/agonists of receptors and channels have become increasingly important research tools. Accordingly, interest in using such compounds as reagents has increased. Marine toxins are some of the most popular research tools and have already contributed much to our understanding of biological processes and disease mechanisms.
(Series: Marine Molecular Biotechnology)
Offenhäusser, Andreas; Rinaldi, Ross
Nanobioelectronics - for electronics, biology, and medicine
The range of themes addressed in this book emphasize key aspects and the future perspectives of nano-bioelectronics. The book discusses the electronic coupling of DNA and proteins with electronic devices to build new information systems and to apply the systems as biosensors. The exploitation of networks of neurons connected with electronic devices in future information processing systems and the use of nano-objects to assess cellular function is also discussed in detail.
The topics of these hybrid nano-bioelectronic systems are both interesting for fundamental research and to enhance industrial competitiveness through research, education, and transfer of technology.
(Series: Nanostructure Science and Technology) 2009, XIV, 338 p. 132 illus., Hardcover
ISBN: 978-0-387-09458-8
Feb-09 € 69,95 £ 64,99
De Lucia, Andrea; Ferrucci, Filomena Software Engineering
International Summer Schools, ISSSE 2006-2008, Salerno, Italy, Revised Tutorial Lectures
Software engineering is widely recognized as one of the most exciting, stimulating, and profitable research areas, with a significant practical impact on the software industry. Thus, training future generations of software engineering researchers and bridging the gap between academia and industry are vital to the field. The International Summer School on Software Engineering (ISSSE), which started in 2003, aims to contribute both to training future researchers and to facilitating the exchange of knowledge between academia and industry.
This volume constitutes a collection of articles originating from tutorial lectures given during the last three ISSSE summer schools, as well as a number of contributions on some of the latest findings in the field of software engineering. The book is organized in three parts on software requirements and design; software testing and reverse
engineering; and management.
(Series: Programming and Software Engineering) 2009, IX, 257 p., Softcover
ISBN: 978-3-540-95887-1
Feb-09 € 42,95 £ 33,99
Hargittai, István; Hargittai, Magdolna Symmetry through the Eyes of a Chemist 3rd ed., 2009, 370 p. 370 illus., Hardcover ISBN: 978-1-4020-5627-7
Czysz, Paul A.; Bruno, Claudio Future Spacecraft Propulsion Systems Enabling Technologies for Space Exploration
In this second edition of Future Spacecraft Propulsion Systems, the authors
demonstrate the need to break free from the old established concepts of expendable rockets, using chemical propulsion, and to develop new breeds of launch vehicle capable of both launching payloads into orbit at a dramatically reduced cost and for sustained operations in low-Earth orbit. The next steps to establishing a permanent ‘presence’ in the Solar System beyond Earth are the commercialisation of sustained operations on the Moon and the development of advanced nuclear or high-energy space propulsion systems for Solar System exploration out to the boundary of interstellar space.
In the future, energy particle research facilities may one day yield a very high-energy propulsion system that will take us to the nearby stars, or even beyond. Space is not quiet: it is a continuous series of nuclear explosions that provide the material for new star systems to form and provide the challenge to explore. This book provides an assessment of the industrial capability required to construct and operate the necessary spacecraft. Time and distance communication and control limitations impose robotic constraints. Space environments restrict human sustained presence and put high demands on electronic, control and materials systems.
This comprehensive and authoritative book puts spacecraft propulsion systems in perspective, from earth orbit launchers to astronomical/space exploration vehicles. It includes new material on fusion propulsion, new figures and updates and expands the information given in the first edition.
(Series: Astronautical Engineering) 2nd ed., 2009, XXIV, 560 p., Hardcover ISBN: 978-3-540-88813-0
Feb-09 € 149,95 £ 136,50
Irwin, Patrick G.J.
Giant Planets of Our Solar System
Atmospheres, Composition, and Structure
This book reviews the current state of knowledge of the atmospheres of the giant gaseous planets: Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune. The current theories of their formation are reviewed and their recently observed temperature, composition and cloud structures are contrasted and compared with simple thermodynamic, radiative transfer and dynamical models. The instruments and techniques that have been used to remotely measure their atmospheric properties are also reviewed, and the likely development of outer planet observations over the next two decades is outlined. This second edition has been extensively updated following the Cassini mission results for Jupiter/Saturn and the newest ground-based measurements for Uranus/Neptune as well as on the latest development in the theories on planet formation.
(Series: Astronomy and Planetary Sciences) 2nd ed., 2009, XXVIII, 436 p., Hardcover ISBN: 978-3-540-85157-8
Tolio, Tullio
Design of Flexible Production Systems Methodologies and Tools
Manufacturing Flexibility is usually seen as the answer to demands in present markets. It can be characterized by short lead times, tight product tolerances, pressure on costs, frequent changes demand and continuous evolution of the technological requirements of the products. However, the competitiveness of a firm can be strongly affected by the burden of capital intensive investments into system flexibility.
Designing optimized manufacturing systems represents a very complex problem. Manufacturing strategy, risk appraisal and management techniques, scenario analysis and system performance evaluation must be jointly taken into account over the system's lifecycle. Moreover, traditional system architectures usually do not represent the most efficient solutions to properly face new production contexts. Dedicated systems are not able to adapt to changes of the product characteristics while flexible systems often offer more flexibility than what is really needed, thus increasing investment and operating costs. It is shown that the design of flexibility will lead to hybrid systems, automated integrated systems where the products can be processed both by general purpose machines and by dedicated machines. This key issue of the book results from matching flexibility and productivity, respectively characterizing Flexible Manufacturing Systems (FMSs) and Dedicated Manufacturing Systems (DMSs).
The authors give a profound view on optimized system flexibility, considering
both advantages and disadvantages related to the acquisition of flexibility. In particular they show that the highest level of flexibility is not required in many production contexts. Manufacturing system flexibility can be rationalized by finding the best trade-off between productivity and flexibility. Those optimized manufacturing systems are named Focused Flexibility Manufacturing Systems - FFMSs.
2009, XIV, 300 p. 185 illus., Hardcover ISBN: 978-3-540-85413-5
Feb-09 € 79,95 £ 73,50
Wang, Jie
Computer Network Security Theory and Practice
Computer Network Security: Theory and Practice introduces to the reader a complete and concise view of network security. It provides in-depth theoretical coverage of recent advancements and practical solutions to network security threats. This book can be used for a one-semester network security course for graduate and upper-level undergraduate students, as well as a reference for IT professionals.
Dr. Wang has been Professor of Computer Science at the University of Massachusetts Lowell since 2001, Director of its Center for Network and Information Security since 2004,and Chairman of its Department of Computer Science since 2007.
2009, 400 p. 81 illus., Hardcover ISBN: 978-3-540-79697-8
Priya, Shashank; Inman, Daniel J. Energy Harvesting Technologies
Energy Harvesting Technologies provides a cohesive overview of the fundamentals and current developments in the field of energy harvesting. In a well-organized structure, this volume discusses basic principles for the design and fabrication of bulk and MEMS based vibration energy systems, theory and design rules required for fabrication of efficient electronics, in addition to recent findings in thermoelectric energy harvesting systems.
Combining leading research from both academia and industry onto a single platform,
Energy Harvesting Technologies serves as an important reference for researchers and engineers involved with power sources, sensor networks and smart materials.
2009, XX, 524 p. 220 illus., Hardcover ISBN: 978-0-387-76463-4
Feb-09 € 149,00 £ 137,00
Carroll, David J. Microinjection
Methods and Applications
As the number of sequenced genomes continues to increase, understanding the functions of newly discovered molecules will require greater efficiency and further study within the context of live cells. In Microinjection: Methods and Applications, expert researchers contribute methods utilizing microinjection techniques ranging from expression of RNA to the integration of DNA into the genome with the ultimate goal of learning about gene expression, signal transduction, and protein function within these living cells. This versatile volume updates established techniques such as cRNA expression in Xenopus oocytes, and examines new, cutting-edge technologies,
including antisense morpholino oligonucleotides, RNAi for knockdown experiments, and the use of integrase to produce transgenic animals, all through microinjection
techniques that can be easily adopted by any lab. Written in the highly successful
Methods in Molecular Biology™ series format, chapters include brief introductions to the topics, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step, readily reproducible laboratory protocols, and Notes sections, highlighting tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls.
Comprehensive and easily accessible, Microinjection: Methods and Applications is an ideal source for new ideas and techniques certain to aid in the advance of biological research.
(Series: Methods in Molecular Biology) 2009, XVI, 224 p. 50 illus., Hardcover ISBN: 978-1-58829-884-3
An, Myoung; Brodzik, Andrzej K.; Tolimieri, Richard Ideal Sequence Design in Time-Frequency Space
Applications to Radar, Sonar, and Communication Systems
This book develops theory and algorithms leading to systematic waveform design in time-frequency space. The key tool employed in the work is the Zak transform, which provides a two-dimensional image for sequences, the Fourier transform, convolution, and correlation, and allows for the design of sequences directly in Zak space. Topics and features include a rigorous mathematical development of the theory, illustrated by many examples; numerous tables, which compare signal sets satisfying good correlation properties attainable by standard communication theory methods versus Zak space methods; applications in pulse radars and sonars, multibeam radar and sonar imaging systems, remote dielectric material identification, and code division multiple-access communication systems; and a variety of mathematical and
application-oriented open problems.
Ideal Sequence Design in Time-Frequency Space is an excellent reference text for graduate students, researchers, and engineers in radar, sonar, and communication systems. The work may also be used as a supplementary textbook for a graduate course or seminar on sequence design in time-frequency space.
(Series: Applied and Numerical Harmonic Analysis) 2009, XII, 220 p. 81 illus., Hardcover
ISBN: 978-0-8176-4737-7
Feb-09 € 54,90 £ 43,99
Divakaran, Ajay
Multimedia Content Analysis Theory and Applications
Multimedia Content Analysis: Theory and Applications covers the latest in multimedia content analysis and applications based on such analysis. As research has progressed, it has become clear that this field has to appeal to other disciplines such as psycho-physics, media production, etc. This book consists of invited chapters that cover the entire range of the field. Some of the topics covered include low-level audio-visual analysis based retrieval and indexing techniques, the TRECVID effort, video browsing interfaces, content creation and content analysis, and multimedia analysis-based applications, among others. The chapters are written by leading researchers in the multimedia field.
(Series: Signals and Communication Technology) 2009, XV, 375 p. 30 illus., Hardcover
ISBN: 978-0-387-76567-9
Pecharsky, Vitalij; Zavalij, Peter
Fundamentals of Powder Diffraction and Structural Characterization of Materials, Second Edition
This new edition provides an in-depth introduction to the theories and applications of the powder diffraction method for structure determination. The emphasis is placed on powder diffraction data collected using conventional x-ray sources, which remain primary tools for thousands of researchers and students in their daily experimental work. The book is divided into two parts: chapters one though fifteen give essential theoretical background, while chapters sixteen through twenty-five guide the reader through practical aspects of extracting structural information from powder data. Fundamentals of Powder Diffraction and Structural Characterization of Materials, Second Edition is suited for undergraduate and graduate students and practitioners from materials science, solid-state chemistry, physics, geology, and literally any other science or engineering background, who demand structural information at the atomic resolution using the powder diffraction method.
Key features of the second edition:
• The book requires no prior knowledge of the subject, but is comprehensive and detailed making it useful for both the novice and experienced user of the powder diffraction method.
• While developed as a text to teach students, the book is also a reference for academic and industrial researchers using the powder diffraction method in their daily work.
• Major revisions include
o expanded treatment of non-crystallographic symmetry
o brief introductions to the total scattering analysis and non-ambient powder diffractometry
o basics of quantitative analysis using the Rietveld method, including determination of amorphous content
o addition of a difficult pseudo-symmetric indexing case
o expanded coverage of direct space structure solution techniques o an introduction to the mechanism of constraints, restraints and rigid
bodies and a new example of structure solution of a pharmaceutical compound
o additional problems to help in assessment of students’ progress.
The book is supplemented by online content, including color figures, powder diffraction data, examples, and web links.
2nd ed., 2009, XXIV, 744 p., Softcover ISBN: 978-0-387-09578-3
Feb-09 € 99,00 £ 78,50
All € and and £ prices are net prices subject to local VAT, e.g. in Germany 7%. All prices exclusive of carriage charges. Prices and other details are subject to change without notice. All errors and omissions excepted.
