Books published by CRC Press

This text discusses smart grid technologies including home energy management systems, demand management systems, source-side management systems and communication technologies for power supply management, and supervisory control and data acquisition. It further covers applications of rooftop solar PV panels, rooftop solar heating systems, solar streetlights, solar traffic signal systems, and electrical demand management for smart cities. This book: - Includes design and implementation of intelligent and smart techniques using artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things, and machine learning for the development of smart cities. - Covers important topics including smart grid power supply, energy management, smart transport system, smart buildings, and traffic management. - Provides smart solutions for waste management, traffic, parking, energy, and health care system. - Highlights renewable energy applications including rooftop solar PV panels, rooftop solar heating systems, solar traffic signal systems, and electrical demand management.- Presents MATLAB-based simulations and results for smart cities solutions. It will serve as an ideal reference text for graduate students and academic researchers in the fields of electrical engineering, electronics and communication engineering, computer engineering, civil engineering, and environmental engineering.

Stored commodities are man-made ecosystems and interactions of biological agents with its surrounding physical environment could result in significant economic losses if physical environment is not manipulated to make it lethal or at least difficult for survival of biological agents. Control and Management of Pests in Stored Products is based on 18 invited presentations by world-renowned experts on topics of relevance to control and manage pests in stored products. Each chapter synthesizes the state-of-art knowledge on the selected topics dealing with fumigation, fumigants, and other methods of controlling insects such as low temperature, diatomaceous earth, integrated pest management and provides recommendations for future research. It also includes two chapters on practical aspects of fumigation dealing with engineering considerations and safety. The contents of the chapters were presented as the keynote addresses at the International Conference on Controlled Atmosphere and Fumigation in Stored Products.This book serves as a reference book for graduate students, researchers, and facility managers, and can also be useful as a textbook for courses dealing with aspects grain storage for students in agricultural engineering, agricultural entomology and food science.

Developed using different matrices such as dairy, cereals, legumes, fruits, and vegetables, synbiotic food products combine the benefits of both probiotics and prebiotics. This book is a clear and comprehensive guide to the core concepts of synbiotic foods, and associated technological advancements and applications across food groups. Using clear, scientific language, this book equips readers with in-depth knowledge of synbiotic products, processing methods, applications, and acceptance.This is a pioneering bookon synbiotic foods, being the first of its kind to include the following features: - Explores fundamental aspects across various matrices- Chapter summaries via 10 concise bullet points- Multiple-choice questions (MCQs) aiding national-level competitive exams- Short and long descriptive answer-type questions for comprehensive exam preparationDesigned as a one-stop resource, this book particularly appeals to undergraduate and postgraduate students of Food Science, Food Technology, Food Biotechnology and Food Microbiology.

What is "topological" about topological quantum states? How many types of topological quantum phases are there? What is a zero-energy Majorana mode, how can it be realized in a solid-state system, and how can it be used as a platform for topological quantum computation? What is quantum computation and what makes it different from classical computation?Addressing these and other related questions, Introduction to Topological Quantum Matter & Quantum Computation provides an introduction to and a synthesis of a fascinating and rapidly expanding research field emerging at the crossroads of condensed matter physics, mathematics, and computer science. Providing the big picture and emphasizing two major new paradigms in condensed matter physics - quantum topology and quantum information - this book is ideal for graduate students and researchers entering this field, as it allows for the fruitful transfer of ideas amongst different areas, and includes many specific examples to help the reader understand abstract and sometimes challenging concepts. It explores the topological quantum world beyond the well-known topological insulators and superconductors and unveils the deep connections with quantum computation. It addresses key principles behind the classification of topological quantum phases and relevant mathematical concepts and discusses models of interacting and noninteracting topological systems, such as the toric code and the p-wave superconductor. The book also covers the basic properties of anyons, and aspects concerning the realization of topological states in solid state structures and cold atom systems.Topological quantum computation is also presented using a broad perspective, which includes elements of classical and quantum information theory, basic concepts in the theory of computation, such as computational models and computational complexity, examples of quantum algorithms, and key ideas underlying quantum computation with anyons. This new edition has been updated throughout, with exciting new discussions on crystalline topological phases, including higher-order topological insulators; gapless topological phases, including Weyl semimetals; periodically-driven topological insulators; and a discussion of axion electrodynamics in topological materials.Key Features: - Provides an accessible introduction to this exciting, cross-disciplinary area of research.- Fully updated throughout with new content on the latest result from the field.- Authored by an authority on the subject.Tudor Stanescu is a professor of Condensed Matter Theory at West Virginia University, USA. He received a B.S. in Physics from the University of Bucharest, Romania, in 1994 and a Ph.D. in Theoretical Physics from the University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign in 2002. He was a Postdoctoral Fellow at Rutgers University and at the University of Maryland from 2003 to 2009. He joined the Department of Physics and Astronomy at West Virginia University in Fall 2009. Prof. Stanescu's research interests encompass a variety of topics in theoretical condensed matter physics including topological insulators and superconductors, topological quantum computation, ultra-cold atom systems in optical lattices, and strongly correlated materials, such as, for example, cuprate high-temperature superconductors. His research uses a combination of analytical and numerical tools and focuses on understanding the emergence of exotic states of matter in solid state and cold atom structures, for example, topological superconducting phases that host Majorana zero modes, and on investigating the possibilities of exploiting these states as physical platforms for quantum computation.

Introduction to Python: with Applications in Optimization, Image and Video Processing, and Machine Learning is intended primarily for advanced undergraduate and graduate students in quantitative sciences such as mathematics, computer science, and engineering. In addition to this, the book is written in such a way that it can also serve as a self-contained handbook for professionals working in quantitative fields including finance, IT, and many other industries where programming is a useful or essential tool. The book is written to be accessible and useful to those with no prior experience of Python, but those who are somewhat more adept will also benefit from the more advanced material that comes later in the book.Features Covers introductory and advanced material. Advanced material includes lists, dictionaries, tuples, arrays, plotting using Matplotlib, object-oriented programming Suitable as a textbook for advanced undergraduates or postgraduates, or as a reference for researchers and professionals Solutions manual, code, and additional examples are available for download.

Adaptive Optics (AO) is a technique allowing the manipulation of the wavefront of the light benefitting multiple fields like Microscopy, Optical Coherence Tomography, Visual Testing, Optical Communications, and Astronomical Optics, just to mention some examples. Handbook of Adaptive Optics contains a complete picture of the technique from the foundations to the most promising applications of AO in a variety of fields.Within this book, the reader will find different sections, including: a complete and rigorous introduction to the foundation of the technique from a general perspective, providing the reader a solid basis in AO with particular emphasis on wavefront sensing methods and aberration correctors. It also discusses state-of-the-art applications and industrial usages with their particular constraints and methods to incorporate AO, like in some imaging techniques of importance for Biomedical Optics, in Astronomy and for Visual Optics. Furthermore, it explores discussions of the future of AO together with some of the most exciting emerging applications, including quantum technologies, scattering correction, space telescopes, and discrete AO, among others.This timely handbook will be an important companion to those starting in the field, but it will also serve as a comprehensive resource for researchers and experts who are already working with AO.

Compound Poisson approximation appears naturally in situations where one deals with a large number of rare events. It has important applications in insurance, extreme value theory, reliability theory, mathematical biology, etc. This book synthesizes the most important recent research in the field in a single volume. With an extensive list of references, it will become the standard reference book on the topic. Features: - Provides a comprehensive overview of this rapidly expanding field - Synthesizes the most important research results of recent years - Presents an array of special topics - Provides the reader with a set of tools needed for research and education The book is of interest to researchers and postgraduate students from probability, statistics, and mathematics.

Code-compliant building materials and equipment will typically have a lower initial cost, however, the lifetime energy savings of the high-efficiency equipment will often justify the upfront cost premium and result in a more cost-effective solution. Energy Savings Calculations for Commercial Building Energy Efficiency Upgrades assists energy professionals, contractors, building owners and managers in developing energy savings estimates that can facilitate a quick assessment of the potential energy savings that might be realized when replacing code-compliant building components with the highest efficiency equipment. It also provides algorithms to estimate greenhouse gas emission reductions that may be achieved by building energy efficiency upgrades and the impact these upgrades can have on building electrification-decarbonization projects.

Probiotics: A Comprehensive Guide to Enhance Health and Mitigate Disease is an indispensable resource for a deeper understanding of the intricate world of probiotics and their profound impact on human health. This book unravels the complex science behind probiotics, providing a comprehensive exploration of their roles in maintaining a healthy microbiome, fortifying the immune system, and mitigating various diseases. It presents insights into how probiotics influence not only digestive health, but also extend their benefits to systemic well-being.The book provides practical guidance, offering evidence-based recommendations for selecting and incorporating probiotics into daily life. From decoding probiotic strains and understanding their mechanisms of action to exploring the symbiotic relationship between gut health and overall wellness, this resource is for both beginners and seasoned enthusiasts in the field. With a focus on demystifying the often-confusing landscape of probiotics, the book empowers the reader to make informed choices to optimize their health.Probiotics: A Comprehensive Guide to Enhance Health and Mitigate Disease is an essential reference for healthcare professionals, researchers, and individuals keen on harnessing the potential of probiotics for their well-being. Whether you are a healthcare practitioner looking to enhance patient care or a health-conscious reader eager to navigate the world of probiotics, this guide is a valuable asset that bridges the gap between cutting-edge science and practical application.

Available in English for the first time, this classic and influential book by the late Kohei Ohtsu presents real examples of ships in motion under irregular ocean waves, how to understand the characteristics of fluctuations of stochastic phenomena through spectral analysis methods and statistical modeling. It also explains how to realize prediction and optimal control based on time series models.In recent years, the need to improve safety and reduce environmental impact in ship operations has been increasing, and the statistical methods presented in this book will be increasingly needed in the future. In addition, the recent development of innovative AI technology and highspeed communications will make it possible to adapt this method not only to ship monitoring and control, but also to any field that involves irregular fluctuations, and it is expected to contribute to solving issues that have been difficult to solve in the past.Part 1 describes classical spectral method for the analysis of stochastic phenomena. In Part 2, this book explains methods to construct time series models using the information criterion, to capture the characteristics of ship and engine motions using the model, to design a model-based monitoring system that informs navigators operating the ship and managers ashore. Furthermore, it explains statistical control method to design an autopilot system and the governor of a marine engine, while showing actual examples. Part 3 presents the basic knowledge necessary for understanding these topics of the book, namely, the basic theory of ship motion, probability and statistics, Kalman filter and statistical optimal control theory.

Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have emerged as one of the most promising new solar cells, with strong commercial potential. Several challenges remain before PSCs can be released in wide-scale commercial application. This book highlights the opportunities, advancements, and critical challenges involved in the commercial application of PSCs. It discusses large area fabrication, long-term stability, lead management, encapsulation techniques, as well as a commercial roadmap and current and future trends.- Details the importance of lead management strategies to minimize toxicity.- Shares progress on photon management.- Discusses advances and challenges in enlarging of perovskite and the key factors restraining upscaling.- Highlights issues around long-term stability of PSCs. - Summarizes commercial advances around the industrialization of PSCs.This book is aimed at researchers, advanced students, and industry professionals in materials, energy, and related areas of engineering who are interested in development and commercialization of photovoltaic technologies.

Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have received significant attention in academia and industry due to their low cost and high-power conversion efficiency (PCE). Single- and multijunction PSCs have obtained promising certified PCEs, which suggests that PSCs are a very promising next-generation photovoltaic technology. In addition to the perovskite absorber layer, other functional layers, including electron transport layer (ETL), hole transport layer (HTL), and electrode layer (EL), have also made huge contributions to enhancing device performance. This book focuses on the development, advancement, and application of these functional layers in various PSCs.- Introduces ETL, HTL, and EL in efficient and stable PSCs.- Covers material properties.- Discusses a wide variety of PSCs including single-crystal PSCs, flexible PSCs, perovskite tandem solar cells, lead-free PSCs, inorganic PSCs, fully printable mesoscopic PSCs, electron/hole-transport-layer-free PSCs, semitransparent PSCs for building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV), tandem solar cells, perovskite indoor photovoltaics, and inverted PSCs.- Details potential for commercial application.This book is aimed at researchers, advanced students, and industry professionals in materials, energy, and related areas of engineering who are interested in development and commercialization of photovoltaic technologies.

Organic-inorganic hybrid metal halide perovskite materials have attracted extensive attention due to their advantages of low cost, tunable band gap, solution processing, high molar extinction coefficient, low exciton binding energy, and high carrier mobility. Perovskite absorber layers play a decisive role in the realization of high-power conversion efficiency in perovskite solar cells (PSCs). This book systematically and comprehensively discusses device structures, working principles, and optimization strategies of perovskite absorber layers for PSCs to help foster commercialization of these environmentally friendly power sources. It describes strategies to optimize the quality of perovskite films, including composition engineering, dimensional engineering, solvent engineering, strain engineering, additive engineering, and interface engineering.- Introduces crystal structures of perovskites, configurations of PSCs, and their working principles.- Discusses the modulation of perovskite compositions and dimensionality toward highly stable and efficient perovskite photovoltaics.- Details the advancements of low-dimensional PSCs including phase stability of perovskite films and strategies for modulating phases.- Summarizes progress in solvent engineering, additive engineering, and strain engineering in efficient and scalable perovskite photovoltaics.- Describes the complex crystallization dynamics of perovskites, interface engineering, and synergistic modulation of grain boundaries and interfaces in PSCs.- Highlights advances in ion migration and mitigation in halide perovskite solar cells and origins and elimination of hysteresis.This book is aimed at researchers, advanced students, and industry professionals in materials, energy, and related areas of engineering who are interested in development and commercialization of photovoltaic technologies.

First edition Highly Commended, BMA Medical Book Awards 2015Dizziness and Vertigo describes the basic knowledge and practical skills necessary for managing patients presenting with common symptoms of dizziness and vertigo. It provides practitioners with a comprehensive overview of these conditions, steps for diagnosing patients, and various treatment options.This revised and updated edition provides a framework for the accurate diagnosis and management of patients with dizziness and vertigo, covering clinical assessments and case studies. It also includes new methods for treating Meniere's Disease, Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) and in the field of Vestibular Rehabilitation.Dizziness and Vertigo is an essential reference for all those who manage patients in the outpatient setting, including general practice trainees, ENT specialists and physiotherapists.

Smart drug delivery at both the micro- and nanoscale is an evolving field with numerous potential applications. It has the potential to revolutionize drug therapy by making treatments more effective, reducing side effects, and improving patient outcomes.This book presents a comprehensive review of the most recent studies on smart micro- and nanomaterials with a focus on their "smart" activity for formation of targeted and responsive drug-delivery carriers. This volume: Introduces readers to the fundamentals of these the micro- and nanoscale materials as well as approaches to smart drug delivery and drug delivery systems. Covers polymers, metals, and composite materials as well as quantum dots and carbon nanotubes. Describes of all possible stimulated systems for drug delivery such as enzyme-responsive, small molecules-responsive, thermo-responsive, pH-responsive, electric field-responsive, magnetic field-responsive, light-responsive, ultrasound-responsive, and reductive environment responsive. Offers a critical perspective on the future scope of smart drug delivery systems. This reference work is written to support researchers in the fields of materials engineering and biotechnology with the goal of improving the diagnosis and treatment of disease and patient quality of life.

Bailey & Love's Essential Operations in Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery provides step by step explanations of both the core operations and more complex procedures. Written by acknowledged experts and trainers from around the world, and with abundant diagrams and figures to explain the operative steps, this new resource will enable hepatobiliary and pancreatic surgeons to increase their skills in this demanding and technically challenging field.Over 70 easy to read chapters cover the entire range of HPB surgery. Essential management principles and technical points are included, preferred operative techniques are described and alternative options discussed. The practice of HPB surgery requires familiarity and expertise with a wide range of technologies, and these are described and integrated within the text. The text is enhanced by clear colour images, ensuring that best practice in HPB surgery is made clear and accessible for a global audience.As surgical trainees around the world continue to be faced with the reduction in training time, surgical skills need to be increasingly codified so that trainees can reach a high level of proficiency as quickly as possible. This manual ensures that surgeons will be able to access the core information that they need quickly and with ease, and in the process increase their clinical judgement, their experience, and their technical skills.

Sustainable Buildings and Structures: Building a Sustainable Tomorrow collects the contributions presented at the 2nd International Conference on Sustainable Buildings and Structures (Suzhou, China, 25-27 October 2019). The papers aim at sharing the state-of-the-art on sustainable approaches to engineering design and construction, and cover a wide range of topics: Sustainable Construction Materials Sustainable Design in Built EnvironmentGreen and Low Carbon BuildingsSmart Construction and Construction ManagementSustainable Buildings and Structures: Building a Sustainable Tomorrow will be of interest to academics, professionals, industry representatives and local government officials involved in civil engineering, architecture, urban planning, structural engineering, construction management and other relate fields.

This book includes concepts, methodologies, and techniques used in soil nutrients and irrigation water management with regional and global prospects. This book accommodates up-to-date approaches to agricultural technologies along with future directions and compiles a wide range of articles ranging from soil moisture flow, nutrient dynamics, crop water estimation techniques, approaches to improve crop water productivity and soil health, crop simulation modeling, and remote sensing/GIS applications. The book also includes chapters on climate-resilient agriculture, advances in big data and machine-learning techniques, IoT, plasma technology, seed priming, and precision farming techniques and their environmental/economic impacts.Features: - Discusses applications sustainable technologies for soil nutrients and irrigation water management at multi-scale. - Covers application of remote sensing/GIS, big data and machine learning, IoT, plasma technology, seed priming, and precision farming techniques for nutrients and water management.- Reviews concepts, methodologies, and techniques being used in soil nutrients and irrigation water management. - Provides up-to-date information as well as future directions in the field of nutrients and agricultural water management.This book is aimed at researchers and graduate students in agriculture, water resources, environment, and irrigation engineering.

This book highlights the use of explainable artificial intelligence (XAI) for healthcare problems, in order to improve trustworthiness, performance and sustainability levels in the context of applications.Explainable Artificial Intelligence (XAI) in Healthcare adopts the understanding that AI solutions should not only have high accuracy performance, but also be transparent, understandable and reliable from the end user's perspective. The book discusses the techniques, frameworks, and tools to effectively implement XAI methodologies in critical problems of healthcare field. The authors offer different types of solutions, evaluation methods and metrics for XAI and reveal how the concept of explainability finds a response in target problem coverage. The authors examine the use of XAI in disease diagnosis, medical imaging, health tourism, precision medicine and even drug discovery. They also point out the importance of user perspectives and value of the data used in target problems. Finally, the authors also ensure a well-defined future perspective for advancing XAI in terms of healthcare.This book will offer great benefits to students at the undergraduate and graduate levels and researchers. The book will also be useful for industry professionals and clinicians who perform critical decision-making tasks.

The fourth edition of Dr. James Rippe's classic Lifestyle Medicine textbook continues to lead and inform the rapidly growing field of lifestyle medicine. This is the discipline which focuses on the impact of daily habits and actions on both short and long-term health and quality of life.The first edition of this comprehensive work named the field of lifestyle medicine in the academic medical literature. The fourth edition continues to span and expand the field and offers extensive evidence-based literature in virtually every aspect of lifestyle medicine. This Handbook, edited by cardiologist, Dr. James Rippe, who is a leading lifestyle medicine researcher, represents the combined wisdom and recommendations of over 325 experts in virtually every aspect of lifestyle medicine. Chapter authors have been chosen because of their background as leaders in various aspects of lifestyle medicine.Lifestyle Medicine, Fourth Edition, contains extensive sections on the treatment and prevention of coronary heart disease, stroke, cancer, diabetes, obesity, substance abuse, dementia, and many other clinical conditions. Key lifestyle modalities such as physical activity, nutrition, weight management, sleep, stress reduction and positive connections with other humans are supported by detailed discussion and state of the art evidence. The expanded section on behavioral medicine provides an important framework for these discussions. Every chapter has been completely revised and many new topics added such as lifestyle medicine for nursing, psychiatry, and preventive neurology.The fourth edition of this classic text continues to serve as the leading, comprehensive Handbook in lifestyle medicine. The original has been called the "indispensable bible" of lifestyle medicine and the fourth edition of this Work continues to justify this designation.There is no longer any serious doubt that daily habits and actions significantly impact on multiple aspects of health. The fourth edition of Lifestyle Medicine provides the scientific evidence to support this assertion and will serve as an invaluable reference and guide, not only to lifestyle medicine practitioners but to all primary care physicians, subspecialty physicians, nurses, and other healthcare practitioners.

Information technology is arguably the most important scientific topic needed for understanding and participating in our increasingly complex technological world. Using simple physical arguments and extensive examples, Information and Measurement, Second Edition shows how this theory can be put into practice. Twice awarded the UK National Metrology Prize by the National Physical Laboratory for his outstanding contributions to measurement science and technology, the author includes the basic mathematical, physical, and engineering concepts required, illustrating their interrelationship in a clear, concise manner. The broad coverage includes topics taught in a variety of courses. This book will be an invaluable study aid for senior undergraduate and graduate students in physics, electrical engineering, and computer science, specifically studying instrumentation, measurement science, and information science. It will also be a useful reference for practicing scientists and engineers.

Topics in the Theory of Solid Materials provides a clear and rigorous introduction to a wide selection of topics in solid materials, overlapping traditional courses in both condensed matter physics and materials science and engineering. It introduces both the continuum properties of matter, traditionally the realm of materials science courses, and the quantum mechanical properties that are usually more emphasized in solid state physics courses, and integrates them in a manner that will be of use to students of either subject. The book spans a range of basic and more advanced topics, including stress and strain, wave propagation, thermal properties, surface waves, polarons, phonons, point defects, magnetism, and charge density waves. Topics in the Theory of Solid Materials is eminently suitable for graduates and final-year undergraduates in physics, materials science, and engineering, as well as more advanced researchers in academia and industry studying solid materials.

Developed for the International Association for Trauma Surgery and Intensive Care (IATSIC), the Manual of Definitive Surgical Trauma Care 6e is ideal for training all surgeons and anaesthetists who manage trauma on an infrequent basis.The Manual is updated every four years and reflects the most recent developments in patient management based on new evidence-based information. Its focus is on the importance of the multi-disciplinary care of the trauma surgical patient. This sixth edition has evolved, and the all-important section on the Non-Technical Skills which are required has been expanded. A significant number of the original guidelines in trauma have been archived as they are no longer pertinent or have been superseded. The increasing (and occasionally harmful) role of non-operative management (NOM) has been recognised. The Military Module, and Trauma under Austere Conditions Sections, have been substantially revised to reflect current multinational combat experience, and broadened to reflect modern asymmetrical conflicts and the increased need for humanitarian intervention including military peacekeeping in which only one side wears a uniform. Military weapons are used in major cities against the civilian population. More recently, urban, non-military populations have been the targets and victims of heavy military combat including use of ultra-sophisticated weaponry. Each situation carries its own spectrum of injury and responsibility of care.Including website access to a selection of videos which provide an anatomic overview of surgical approaches, this resource provides a gold standard educational and training resource to help prepare the relatively fully trained surgeon to manage the difficult injuries that might present to a major trauma centre.

The year 2022 marks the 100th birth anniversary of Kathleen Hylda Valerie Booth, who wrote the first assembly languageand designed the assembler and auto code for the first computer systems at Birkbeck College, University of London.She helped design three different machines including the ARC (Automatic Relay Calculator), SEC (Simple ElectronicComputer), and APE(X). School of Computer Science and Engineering, under the aegis of Lovely Professional University, pays homage to this great programmer of all times by hosting "BOOTH100"--6th International Conference on ComputingSciences.

A selection of the most accessible survey papers from the Millennial Conference on Number Theory. Presented and compiled by a group of international experts, these papers provide a current view of the state of the art and an outlook into the future of number theory research.

Photovoltaic Laboratory: Safety, Code-Compliance, and Commercial Off-the-Shelf Equipment is the only textbook that offers students the opportunity to design, build, test, and troubleshoot practical PV systems based on commercially available equipment. Complete with electrical schematics, layouts, and step-by-step installation instructions, this hands-on laboratory manual: Promotes "safety first" by covering working in extreme weather conditions, personal protective equipment, working at heights, electrical safety, and power tool safety Includes chapters on trade math, DC/AC electrical circuits, and assessing a property for a photovoltaic system (e.g., surveying the available space, shading, and solar harvest) Discusses aspects of mechanical and electric integration specific to different roof types, and characterizing a PV module under different levels of irradiation and ambient temperature Addresses the design, installation, and testing of off-grid PV systems with DC-only loads and with DC and AC loads, as well as 2.4 kw DC grid-tied PV systems with microinverters and string inverters Trains students on exactly the sort of equipment that they will encounter in the field, so they gain valuable experience and skills that translate directly to real-world applications Photovoltaic Laboratory: Safety, Code-Compliance, and Commercial Off-the-Shelf provides in-depth, project-driven instruction on everything from attaching brackets and flashing to modeling PV cells, modules, and arrays. This textbook is ideal preparation for those seeking a career in the PV industry from system installers and designers to quality assurance and sales/marketing personnel.

Neville Price presents a major breakthrough in our understanding of the subject of plate tectonics in this new book. In this ambitious look at the importance of impacts of objects from space on the earth, he challenges the fundamentals of the theory on which geoscience has rested for the past 25 years. In the latter half of the 20th century, earth-scientists gradually became aware of the scale and effect of bombardment by meteoric material on Earth. Prior to 1950 only a handful of small craters were generally accepted as resulting from impact events. Now "certain" impacts number around 150, with four such features measuring over 100km in diameter. Neville Price evaluates the mechanisms that give rise to plate movements. Generally, such plates move slowly at about the rate-of-growth of human nails and their tracks are usually smooth, gentle curves . Major Impacts and Plate Tectonics presents evidence to show that impacts can cause significant and dramatic changes in track, which cannot be explained by current theories of plate tectonics. The book also demonstrates that such major impact events often coincide with the development of continental flood basalts and oceanic plateau basalts and frequently coincide with major stratigraphic stage boundaries and toxicity, which in turn can be associated with periods of extinction. It concludes that geological history comprises periods of relatively orderly, evolutionary change in Earth and life-forms punctuated by catastrophic changes induced by major impacts that reset the evolutionary clock.

This text explores the spatial variation and seasonality in growth and reproduction of "Enhalus acoroides" (L.f.) Royle populations in the coastal waters off Cape Bolinao, NW Phillipines.

The focus group is widely used to as a tool for increasing the understanding of users and their requirements, and identifying potential solutions for these requirements. Its main value lies in the conveyance of less tangible information that cannot be obtained using more traditional methods. Eliciting user needs beyond the functional is crucial for

This volume on Clusters brings together contributions from a large number of specialists. A central element for all contributions is the use of advanced computational methodologies and their application to various aspects of structure, reactivity and properties of clusters. The size of clusters varies from a few atoms to nanoparticles. Special emphasis is given to bringing forth new insights on the structure and properties of these systems with an eye towards potential applications in Materials Science. Overal, the volume presents to the readers an amazing wealth of new results. Particular subjects include water clusters, Silicon, Iron, Nickel and Gold clusters, carbon-titanium microclusters and nanoparticles, fullerenes, carbon nanotubes, chiral carbon nanotubes, boron nanoclusters and more.