Books published by World Scientific Europe Ltd

Gold Nanoparticles in Physics, Chemistry and Biology offers an overview of recent research into gold nanoparticles, covering their discovery, usage and contemporary practical applications.This Second Edition begins with a history of over 2000 years of the use of gold nanoparticles, with a review of the specific properties which make gold unique. Updated chapters include gold nanoparticle preparation methods, their plasmon resonance and thermo-optical properties, their catalytic properties and their future technological applications. New chapters have been included, and reveal the growing impact of plasmonics in research, with an introduction to quantum plasmonics, plasmon assisted catalysis and electro-photon conversion. The growing field of nanoparticles for health is also addressed with a study of gold nanoparticles as radiosensibiliser for radiotherapy, and of gold nanoparticle functionalisation. This new edition also considers the relevance of bimetallic nanoparticles for specific applications.World-class scientists provide the most up-to-date findings for an introduction to gold nanoparticles within the related areas of chemistry, biology, material science, optics and physics. It is perfectly suited to advanced level students and researchers looking to enhance their knowledge in the study of gold-nanoparticles.

Microbial Biomass informs readers of the ongoing global revolution in understanding soil and ecosystem microbial processes. The first paper on the subject was written by David Jenkinson in 1966, and here new insights and expansions are given on the fascinating world of soil microbial processes. In terms of contemporary issues, it also serves to support urgent efforts to sustainably manage land to feed a growing world population without compromising the environment. It presents new methods of investigation which are leading to more sustainable management of ecosystems, and improved understanding of ecosystem changes in an increasingly warmer world.The book approaches the topic by looking at the emergence of our understanding of soil biological processes, and begins by tracing the conception and first measurement of soil microbial biomass. Following this, changes in ecosystems, and in natural ecosystem processes are discussed in relation to land management issues and global change. Microbial biomass and its diversity are recognized as key factors in finding solutions for more sustainable land and ecosystem management, aided by new molecular and other tools. The use of these tools is now being incorporated into emerging microbial-explicit predictive models, to help us study changes in earth system processes.Perfect for use in research and practice, this book is written for undergraduate and graduate students, researchers and professionals of agronomy, chemistry, geology, physical geography, ecology, biology, microbiology, silviculture and ecology.

In 1991 South Korea, along with North Korea, was made an official member of the UN. Using international relations theory, this book begins by looking at the struggle and eventual impact of the membership on the two countries post division in 1948. It investigates the predicted outcomes prior to joining, and whether these outcomes have come to fruition nationally and on a global scale. Following this, there is focus on South Korea''s ability to exert an influence on international decision making in world-politics, and how this affected inter-Korean relations. Importantly, analysis looks at how participation in the Security Council (1996-1997 and 2013-2014) further extended the country''s capabilities to adopt resolutions, including those affecting North Korea''s missile and nuclear programmes and human rights record. South Korea''s participation in peacekeeping operations, Koreans appointed to high positions within the UN system and payments of the UN budget are also investigated. The study concludes with discussion of the role of the UN as a forum for international contacts and for providing knowledge otherwise unavailable to non-members.South Korea in the United Nations is unique in its analysis of South Korea''s relations with the UN prior to and, above all, after 1991, thereby enhancing understanding of the significance of its UN membership as well as the importance of being a UN member. Suited to scholars in Korean studies, international relations and East Asian politics, it can also be used as a reference work by policy-makers in the region, and for students and professionals working within the UN system.

This book is a guide to advanced techniques used widely in applied mathematical sciences research. Chapter by chapter, readers will be led from a foundation level understanding to advanced level understanding. This is the perfect text for graduate or PhD mathematical-science students looking for support in techniques such as practical analytical methods, finite elements and symmetry methods for differential equations.Dynamical and Complex Systems is the fifth volume of the LTCC Advanced Mathematics Series. This series is the first to provide advanced introductions to mathematical science topics to advanced students of mathematics. Edited by the three joint heads of the London Taught Course Centre for PhD Students in the Mathematical Sciences (LTCC), each book supports readers in broadening their mathematical knowledge outside of their immediate research disciplines while also covering specialized key areas.

Aimed at master's and Ph. D. students with a limited background in chemistry.

Two-dimensional materials have had widespread applications in nanoelectronics, catalysis, gas capture, water purification, energy storage and conversion. Initially based around graphene, research has since moved on to looking at alternatives, including transitions metal dichalcogenides, layered topological insulators, metallic mono-chalcogenides, borocarbonitrides and phosphorene.This book provides a review of research in the field of these materials, including investigation into their defects, analysis on hybrid structures focusing on their properties and synthesis, and characterization and applications of 2D materials beyond graphene. It is designed to be a single-point reference for students, teachers and researchers of chemistry and its related subjects, particularly in the field of nanomaterials.

The Nebula Theory, at present the standard model of planet formation, proposes that a star and planets are derived from a single spinning nebula. Woolfson here introduces an alternative, the Capture Theory, in which planets are produced from a protostar tidally disrupted by a condensed star which 'captures' most of the formed planets into orbits.

Lithium-sulfur (Li-S) batteries give us an alternative to the more prevalent lithium-ion (Li-ion) versions, and are known for their observed high energy densities. Systems using Li-S batteries are in early stages of development and commercialization however could potentially provide higher, safer levels of energy at significantly lower cost.In this book the history, scientific background, challenges and future perspectives of the lithium-sulfur system are presented by experts in the field. Focus is on past and recent advances of each cell compartment responsible for the performance of the Li-S battery, and includes analysis of characterization tools, new designs and computational modeling. As a comprehensive review of current state-of-play, it is ideal for undergraduates, graduate students, researchers, physicists, chemists and materials scientists interested in energy storage, material science and electrochemistry.

This book documents Professor Jacques Simonet's contribution to building new electrode materials and their related catalytic reactions. Research includes synthesis of new alloys of palladium, discovery of new composite electrodes (including gold- and silver-graphene) and the creation of new materials through judicious cathodic or anodic doping. Additionally, studies demonstrate the malleability and reactivity of previously unused precious and semi-precious metals for the creation of 2D and 3D catalytic materials. Studies key to innovative research show how transition metals may reversibly cathodically insert small size electro-active molecules such as CO2 and O2, and be applied to methods of depollution brought by carbon and nitrogen oxides.Written for practical use, Simonet has provided both theory and tools needed for those aiming to recreate and develop his experiments in electrochemical catalysis and surface modifications. This full publication of research gives graduate and post-graduate students of chemistry, electrochemistry and catalysis an in-depth insight into key historical and modern developments in the field.

This book addresses computationally-efficient multi-objective optimization of antenna structures using variable-fidelity electromagnetic simulations, surrogate modeling techniques, and design space reduction methods. Based on contemporary research, it formulates multi-objective design tasks, highlights related challenges in the context of antenna design, and discusses solution approaches. Specific focus is on providing methodologies for handling computationally expensive simulation models of antenna structures in the sense of their multi-objective optimization. Also given is a summary of recent developments in antenna design optimization using variable-fidelity simulation models. Numerous examples of real-world antenna design problems are provided along with discussions and recommendations for the readers interested in applying the considered methods in their design work.Written with researchers and students in mind, topics covered can also be applied across a broad spectrum of aeronautical, mechanical, electrical, biomedical and civil engineering. It is of particular interest to those dealing with optimization, computationally expensive design tasks and simulation-driven design.

Understanding the Lord''s Resistance Army Insurgency (LRA) provides a concise overview of the LRA, which has, for almost 30 years, conducted untold atrocities across the central African nations of Uganda, Southern Sudan, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Central African Republic. The book examines the LRA''s emergence and evolution, the ideology, strategy and tactics behind it, motivational aspects of its recruitment, its engagement in peace processes, and a detailed description of leadership and group dynamics. This work is based on a wide range of written sources and extensive interviews with individuals intimately related to the group including top LRA commanders, government sources, victims, child soldiers, abductees and wives of Joseph Kony. Moving past stories of unimaginable brutality, forced recruitment, and the group''s mystical belief system, the book provides a well-grounded analysis of the different stages of the LRA''s development. It demonstrates how the group represents an obscure case study that challenges many of the common assumptions about the operational dynamics of terrorist organizations.Written to fill a gap in academia in relation to African- and Christian-based terrorism, this book is suited to students, researchers and practitioners in political sciences, war, conflict and terrorism studies, African politics and international relations and development.

The structural aspects of composite quantum systems in the foundation, interpretation and application of quantum theory is an increasingly prominent topic of physics research. As an emerging field, it seeks to understand the origins of the classical world of experience from the quantum level.Quantum Structural Studies presents conceptual fundamentals and mathematical methods for investigating the structuring of quantum systems into subsystems. Split into four sections, the topics covered include the historical and philosophical aspects of quantum structures, specific interpretive approaches and ontologies, and alternative methodological approaches to quantum mechanics. Questions addressed are: Specialists, graduate students and researchers seeking an introduction to the field of emergent structures and new directions for research and experimentation can use this book to find up-to-date representative texts and reviews.

This book provides a comprehensive coverage on nanobioceramics and their potential applications in healthcare. Ground-breaking new discoveries in bioceramics and their properties have meant an increasing interest in the development of how this can be related to nanobiomaterials, and in treating various conditions from osteoporosis to surgical dentistry. Research has also been driven by ageing global populations, where better restorative and reparative treatments are needed. As a consequence of this change in demographics, the research of nanobioceramics for application in healthcare is a field that is advancing at a considerable pace.Individual chapters give the reader an in-depth coverage on the synthesis and characterization of various nanobioceramics including silica, calcium phosphates, bioglass, and glass-ceramics. Through reviewing and analysing current literature, this book provides a rich source of valuable information on nanobioceramics for any professionals and students in materials science and engineering. It is also aimed at medical professionals searching for state-of-the-art techniques and treatments available and made possible through this particular field of innovation.

"The book has been written at the level of chemistry and chemical engineering graduate students. It provides a very accessable and useful guide to those who are interested in current state of the art and applications of catalytic science."Professor Rutger A van SantenEindhoven University of Technology The UK Catalysis Hub is a consortium of universities working together on fundamental and applied research to find out how catalysts work and to improve their effectiveness. The contribution of catalysis to manufacturing contributes to almost 40% of global GDP, making development and innovation within the field integral to industry.Modern Developments in Catalysis provides a review of current research and practise on catalysis, focussing on five main themes: catalysis design, environmental catalysis, catalysis and energy, chemical transformation and biocatalysis and biotransformations. Topics range from complex reactions to the intricacies of catalyst preparation for supported nanoparticles, while chapters illustrate the challenges facing catalytic science and the directions in which the field is developing. Edited by leaders of the UK Hub, this book provides insight into one of the most important areas of modern chemistry - it represents a unique learning opportunity for students and professionals studying and working towards speeding-up, improving and increasing the rate of catalytic reactions in science and industry.

For centuries, educational policymakers have believed that studying mathematics is important, in part because it develops general thinking skills that are useful throughout life. This ''Theory of Formal Discipline'' (TFD) has been used as justification of mathematics education globally. Despite this, few empirical studies have directly investigated the issue, and those which have showed mixed results.Does Mathematical Study Develop Logical Thinking? describes a rigorous investigation of the TFD. It reviews the theory''s history and prior research on the topic, followed by reports on a series of recent empirical studies. It argues that, contrary to the position held by sceptics, advanced mathematical study does develop certain general thinking skills, however these are much more restricted than those typically claimed by TFD proponents.Perfect for students, researchers and policymakers in education, further education and mathematics, this book provides much needed insight into the theory and practice of the foundations of modern educational policy.

 This book investigates recent progress in synthesis of soft, hard and hybrid Janus structures and looks at processing strategy, such as emulsion polymerization, microfluidics, co-jetting and seeded growth. Also reviewed are both the experimental and theoretical studies on the unique self-assembly behaviour of Janus particles.Janus particles are special types of nanoparticles whose surfaces have two or more distinct physical properties. These two hemistructures are of different composition and functionality, offering promising potential for application through the multiple combinations possible — areas in which Janus structures can be applied include drug delivery, magnetic biomarkers, bactericides, tailored plasmon resonance, photocatalysis and nanoengines. Encapsulating a wealth of research on Janus structures, this review of the literature is specifically designed to benefit graduate students and researchers in the fields of chemistry, materials science, engineering, biotechnology and applied physics, as well as practitioners in these industries.

Current mathematical models are notoriously unreliable in describing the time evolution of unexpected social phenomena, from financial crashes to revolution. Can such events be forecast? Can we compute probabilities about them? Can we model them? This book investigates and attempts to answer these questions through Gödel's two incompleteness theorems, and in doing so demonstrates how influential Gödel is in modern logical and mathematical thinking. Many mathematical models are applied to economics and social theory, while Gödel's theorems are able to predict their limitations for more accurate analysis and understanding of national and international events.This unique discussion is written for graduate level mathematicians applying their research to the social sciences, including economics, social studies and philosophy, and also for formal logicians and philosophers of science.

Focussing on practical applications, this book moves away from standard discourse on theory and provides students of physics, nanotechnology and materials science with the opportunity to fully understand the electronic properties of nanostructures.

"Originally written in Italian"-- ECIP galley.