- Table View
- List View
Introduction to Topological Defects and Solitons: In Liquid Crystals, Magnets, and Related Materials (Lecture Notes in Physics #1032)
by Jonathan V. SelingerThis textbook introduces topological defects and solitons at a level suitable for advanced undergraduates and beginning graduate students in physics and materials science. It avoids the formal mathematics of topology, and instead concentrates on the physical properties of these topological structures. The first half of the book concentrates on fundamental principles of defects and solitons, and illustrates these principles with a single example—the xy model for 2D magnetic order. It begins by defining the concept of a winding number, and uses this concept to describe the topology of defects (vortices or disclinations) and solitons (domain walls), carefully identifying the similarities and differences between these two types of topological structures. It then goes on to discuss physical properties of defects and solitons, including free energy, dynamics, statistical mechanics, and coupling with curvature. It shows how these concepts emerge from a theory with variable magnitude of order, and hence how topology can be viewed as an approximation to physics. The second half goes on to explore a wider range of topological defects and solitons. First, it considers more complex types of order—2D nematic liquid crystals, 3D magnetic or liquid-crystal order, 2D or 3D crystalline solids—and shows how each type of order leads to specific topological structures. Next, it discusses defects and solitons that are characterized by 2D or 3D measuring surfaces, not just 1D loops, including hedgehogs, skyrmions, and hopfions. These structures are more complex, but they can still be understood using the same fundamental principles. A final chapter describes the formation of phases with regular arrays of defects or solitons.
An Introduction to Tourism and Anthropology
by Peter BurnsThis introductory text explains how anthropology is integral to the study of tourism dynamics. Starting with an overview of the development of anthropology as a social science, the author uses a wealth of international examples, including the UK, USA and Australia, to bring practical relevance to complex theories. With its lucid writing style, summaries, sample questions and suggestions for further reading, this book will be an invaluable teaching resource in this area.
Introduction to Tunnel Construction
by David Chapman Nicole Metje Alfred StärkTunnelling provides a robust solution to a variety of engineering challenges. It is a complex process, which requires a firm understanding of the ground conditions as well as structural issues. This book covers the whole range of areas that you need to know in order to embark upon a career in tunnelling. It also includes a number of case studies of real tunnel projects, to demonstrate how the theory applies in practice. The coverage includes: Both hard-rock and soft-ground conditions Site investigation, parameter selection, and design considerations Methods of improving the stability of the ground and lining techniques Descriptions of the various tunnelling techniques Health and safety considerations Monitoring of tunnels during construction Clear, concise, and heavily illustrated, this is a vital text for final-year undergraduate and MSc students and an invaluable starting point for young professionals.
Introduction to Tunnel Construction (Applied Geotechnics Ser.)
by David N. Chapman Nicole Metje Alfred StarkTunnelling provides a robust solution to a variety of engineering challenges. It is a complex process, which requires a firm understanding of the ground conditions as well as the importance of ground-structure interaction. This book covers the full range of areas related to tunnel construction required to embark upon a career in tunnelling. It also includes a number of case studies related to real tunnel projects, to demonstrate how the theory applies in practice. New features of this second edition include: the introduction of a case study related to Crossrail’s project in London, focussing on the Whitechapel and Liverpool Street station tunnels and including considerations of building tunnels in a congested urban area; and further information on recent developments in tunnel boring machines, including further examples of all the different types of machine as well as multi-mode machines. The coverage includes: Both hard-rock and soft-ground conditions Site investigation, parameter selection, and design considerations Methods of improving the stability of the ground and lining techniques Descriptions of the various main tunnelling techniques Health and safety considerations Monitoring of tunnels during construction Description of the latest tunnel boring machines Case studies with real examples, including Crossrail’s project in London Clear, concise, and heavily illustrated, this is a vital text for final-year undergraduate and MSc students and an invaluable starting point for young professionals and novices in tunnelling.
An Introduction to Visual Research Methods in Tourism (Contemporary Geographies of Leisure, Tourism and Mobility)
by Donna Chambers Tijana RakićAn Introduction to Visual Research Methods in Tourism is the first book to present, discuss and promote the use of a range of visual methods in tourism studies. It introduces methods ranging from the collection of secondary visual materials for the purposes of analysis (such as postcards, tourism brochures, and websites) and the creation of visuals in the context of primary research (such as photography, video and drawings), to the production of data through photo-elicitation techniques. The book promotes thoroughly underpinned interdisciplinary visual tourism research and includes an exploration of many key philosophical, methodological and inter-disciplinary approaches. Comprised of five parts: introduction; paradigms, academic disciplines and theory; methods; analysis and representation; and conclusion. This volume informs and inspires its readers through a reliance on theory, examples from tourism studies conducted in various geographical locations and through key pedagogical features such as annotated further readings, practical tips boxes and concise chapter summaries. This book will be of interest to experienced visual tourism researchers, scholars wishing to incorporate visual methods in their studies of tourism for the very first time, as well as students on undergraduate, postgraduate or doctoral programmes who are contemplating the incorporation of visual methods in their studies of tourism.
Introduction to Water in California
by David CarleThis book is a natural history guide, but one that recognizes the overwhelming role of humanity in the story of California water. The focus here is on a contemporary understanding of the natural waterscape and watersheds of the state and of the extended watersheds that people created by redirecting water across the West. The goal is to help Californians better appreciate the water that emerges from their taps, what it takes to move it there, and what changes occur in environments along the way.
An Introduction to Water Quality Science: Significance and Measurement Protocols
by Sourav DasThis book discusses the significance of water quality parameters in aquatic ecosystems, offering a concise and practical measurement methodology for early career researchers and post-graduate students in the fields of environmental science, oceanography, and aquatic science . The keys topics covered include aquatic sampling, basics of physicochemical properties and carbonate chemistry of aquatic science , the importance of nutrients in natural water bodies, biological productivity in aquatic ecosystems, aquatic pollution, and statistical analyses of different types of water science data. Several parameters such as microplastics, dimethylsulfoniopropionate and polychlorinated biphenyls have also been incorporated in the book for comprehensive coverage of the topic. The book is meant as a practical guide for beginners and young researchers using a clear writing style and practical examples, highlighting the significance of water science parameters and their measurement protocols in aquatic environments.
Introduction to Water Resources and Environmental Issues
by Thomas V. Cech Karrie Lynn PenningtonHow much water does the world need to support growing human populations? What factors influence water quality, droughts, floods, and waterborne diseases? What are the potential effects of climate change on the world's water resources? These questions and more are discussed in this thorough introduction to the complex world of water resources. The strength of the book is its coverage of the fundamentals of the science of water, aquatic ecology, geomorphology and hydrology, supplemented by internet resources and examples from water resource issues in the news to engage the student. The book begins with a short history of human use and influence on water, followed by chapters on the geomorphology, hydrology, chemistry, and biology of lakes, rivers, and wetlands. Major disease issues, worldwide water quality and quantity problems, and potential solutions are addressed. Water laws, water allocation, and the conflicts involved are discussed using US and international examples. Students in departments of environmental studies, life science, Earth science, and engineering will benefit from this broad survey of these crucial issues.
Introduction to Web Mapping
by Michael DormanA web map is an interactive display of geographic information, in the form of a web page, that you can use to tell stories and answer questions. Web maps have numerous advantages over traditional mapping techniques, such as the ability to display up-to-date or even real-time information, easy distribution to end users, and highly customized interactive content. Introduction to Web Mapping teaches you how to develop online interactive web maps and web mapping applications, using standard web technologies: HTML, CSS and JavaScript. The core technologies are introduced in Chapters 1-5, focusing on the specific aspects which are most relevant to web mapping. Chapters 6-13 then implement the material and demonstrate key concepts for building and publishing interactive web maps. The book: Gives an introduction to fundamental web technologies: HTML, CSS and JavaScript Covers Leaflet, the popular open-source JavaScript library for building web maps Describes the GeoJSON vector layer format and the Ajax technique for loading data Shows how spatial database APIs, such as the CARTO platform, can be combined with a web map to query and display large amounts of data Introduces client-side geoprocessing with the Turf.js JavaScript library, for applying spatial operators in the browser Demonstrates a complex web mapping application for collecting crowdsourced data, combining Leaflet, CARTO and the Leaflet.draw plugin Goes over 69 complete code examples and includes 9 solved exercises for building web maps and web pages (downloadable code is provided in the online supplement) The book is intended for beginners with no background in web technologies or programming. Nevertheless, some prior experience with computers and programming is beneficial. The book can be used for self-study, or as a textbook in a standard undergraduate "Web mapping" course in a Geography department, intended for students specializing in Geographic Information Systems (GIS).
Introductory Fisheries Analyses with R (Chapman & Hall/CRC The R Series #32)
by Derek H. OgleA How-To Guide for Conducting Common Fisheries-Related Analyses in R Introductory Fisheries Analyses with R provides detailed instructions on performing basic fisheries stock assessment analyses in the R environment. Accessible to practicing fisheries scientists as well as advanced undergraduate and graduate students, the book demonstrates the flexibility and power of R, offers insight into the reproducibility of script-based analyses, and shows how the use of R leads to more efficient and productive work in fisheries science. The first three chapters present a minimal introduction to the R environment that builds a foundation for the fisheries-specific analyses in the remainder of the book. These chapters help you become familiar with R for basic fisheries analyses and graphics. Subsequent chapters focus on methods to analyze age comparisons, age-length keys, size structure, weight-length relationships, condition, abundance (from capture-recapture and depletion data), mortality rates, individual growth, and the stock-recruit relationship. The fundamental statistical methods of linear regression, analysis of variance (ANOVA), and nonlinear regression are demonstrated within the contexts of these common fisheries analyses. For each analysis, the author completely explains the R functions and provides sufficient background information so that you can confidently implement each method. Web Resource The author’s website at http://derekogle.com/IFAR/ includes the data files and R code for each chapter, enabling you to reproduce the results in the book as well as create your own scripts. The site also offers supplemental code for more advanced analyses and practice exercises for every chapter.
Introductory Geotechnical Engineering: An Environmental Perspective
by Hsai-Yang Fang John L. DanielsIntegrating and blending traditional theory with particle-energy-field theory, this book provides a framework for the analysis of soil behaviour under varied environmental conditions. This book explains the why and how of geotechnical engineering in an environmental context. Using both SI and Imperial units, the authors cover: rock mechanics soil mechanics and hydrogeology soil properties and classifications and issues relating to contaminated land. Students of civil, geotechnical and environmental engineering and practitioners unfamiliar with the particle-energy-field concept, will find that this book's novel approach helps to clarify the complex theory behind geotechnics.
An Introductory Guide to Computational Methods for the Solution of Physics Problems (Lecture Notes in Physics #955)
by George Rawitscher Victo dos Santos Filho Thiago Carvalho PeixotoThis monograph presents fundamental aspects of modern spectral and other computational methods, which are not generally taught in traditional courses. It emphasizes concepts as errors, convergence, stability, order and efficiency applied to the solution of physical problems. The spectral methods consist in expanding the function to be calculated into a set of appropriate basis functions (generally orthogonal polynomials) and the respective expansion coefficients are obtained via collocation equations. The main advantage of these methods is that they simultaneously take into account all available information, rather only the information available at a limited number of mesh points. They require more complicated matrix equations than those obtained in finite difference methods. However, the elegance, speed, and accuracy of the spectral methods more than compensates for any such drawbacks. During the course of the monograph, the authors examine the usually rapid convergence of the spectral expansions and the improved accuracy that results when nonequispaced support points are used, in contrast to the equispaced points used in finite difference methods. In particular, they demonstrate the enhanced accuracy obtained in the solution of integral equations.The monograph includes an informative introduction to old and new computational methods with numerous practical examples, while at the same time pointing out the errors that each of the available algorithms introduces into the specific solution. It is a valuable resource for undergraduate students as an introduction to the field and for graduate students wishing to compare the available computational methods. In addition, the work develops the criteria required for students to select the most suitable method to solve the particular scientific problem that they are confronting.
Introductory Lectures on Higher-Spin Theories (Lecture Notes in Physics #1028)
by Stefan FredenhagenThe book offers a pedagogical introduction to higher-spin gauge theories. These theories build upon fundamental gauge theories that are crucial for understanding core interactions. Electromagnetism and nuclear forces are associated with gauge fields of spin 1, while gravity can be conceptualized as a gauge theory of spin 2. This prompts the intriguing inquiry: do higher-spin gauge theories exist? Such theories would extend gravity, incorporating massless gauge fields of spins higher than two. They appear to bear connections to string theory and offer a captivating framework for exploring gravity and aspects of quantum gravity. The book initiates with a primer offering a comprehensive discussion on higher spins, delving into the challenges of establishing coherent interactions. It then explores methodologies to surmount these challenges within three-dimensional space-time. Furthermore, it investigates the emergence of asymptotic symmetry algebras, establishing links to a holographic dual conformal theory. The final chapter introduces Vasiliev’s approach to higher-spin gauge theory in four dimensions. Designed for advanced students and young researchers in theoretical physics and mathematical physics, the book aims to elucidate fundamental ideas, concepts, and tools underpinning higher-spin gauge theories. The inclusion of numerous exercises complements and illustrates the content, preparing readers for engagement with the subject's original literature and ongoing developments. To fully engage with the book's arguments, a prerequisite understanding of field theories and conventional gauge theories, including gravity, is assumed.
Introductory Oceanography
by Harold V. Thurman Alan P. TrujilloThis book is intended to help students in their quest to find out more about oceans. Because of its comprehensive scope and excellent resource materials, it can also serve as an excellent reference work for those involved in oceanography.
An Introductory Path to Quantum Theory: Using Mathematics to Understand the Ideas of Physics
by Stephen Bruce SontzSince the 17th century, physical theories have been expressed in the language of mathematical equations. This introduction to quantum theory uses that language to enable the reader to comprehend the notoriously non-intuitive ideas of quantum physics. The mathematical knowledge needed for using this book comes from standard undergraduate mathematics courses and is described in detail in the section Prerequisites. This text is especially aimed at advanced undergraduate and graduate students of mathematics, computer science, engineering and chemistry among other disciplines, provided they have the math background even though lacking preparation in physics. In fact, no previous formal study of physics is assumed.
Introductory Physical Geology: Laboratory Manual
by Greg P. Gardiner Susan WillcoxThe laboratory kit and manual are part of an intensive laboratory course that explores the basic concepts and principles of physical geology. The kit is designed to be used in all delivery modalities. <p><p> The 14 lessons follow a sequence that progresses through the basics of plate tectonics, seismology, minerals and rocks, and geologic time and concludes with overarching topics such as Earth's major geologic features and economic geology resources. <p> Students will be able to effectively apply concepts, principles, and theories of physical geology to make accurate observations and identify samples, structures, and landscapes. They will also analyze data, formulate and test hypotheses, solve problems, and come to supportable conclusions given various scenarios and research topics.
Introductory Physics: Summaries, Examples, and Practice Problems
by Michael AntoshPhysics describes how motion works in everyday life. Clothes washers and rolling pins are undergoing rotational motion. A flying bird uses forces. Tossing a set of keys involves equations that describe motion (kinematics). Two people bumping into each other while cooking in a kitchen involves linear momentum. This textbook covers topics related to units, kinematics, forces, energy, momentum, circular and rotational motion, Newton’s general equation for gravity, and simple harmonic motion (things that go back and forth). A math review is also included, with a focus on algebra and trigonometry. The goal of this textbook is to present a clear introduction to these topics, in small pieces, with examples that readers can relate to. Each topic comes with a short summary, a fully solved example, and practice problems. Full solutions are included for over 400 problems. This book is a very useful study guide for students in introductory physics courses, including high school and college students in an algebra-based introductory physics course and even students in an introductory calculus-level course. It can also be used as a standalone textbook in courses where derivations are not emphasized.
Introductory Physics for the Life Sciences (Undergraduate Texts in Physics)
by Simon Mochrie Claudia De GrandiThis classroom-tested textbook is an innovative, comprehensive, and forward-looking introductory undergraduate physics course. While it clearly explains physical principles and equips the student with a full range of quantitative tools and methods, the material is firmly grounded in biological relevance and is brought to life with plenty of biological examples throughout.It is designed to be a self-contained text for a two-semester sequence of introductory physics for biology and premedical students, covering kinematics and Newton’s laws, energy, probability, diffusion, rates of change, statistical mechanics, fluids, vibrations, waves, electromagnetism, and optics. Each chapter begins with learning goals, and concludes with a summary of core competencies, allowing for seamless incorporation into the classroom. In addition, each chapter is replete with a wide selection of creative and often surprising examples, activities, computational tasks, and exercises, many of which are inspired by current research topics, making cutting-edge biological physics accessible to the student.
Introductory Remote Sensing Principles and Concepts
by Paul Gibson With contributions from Clare PowerIntroduction to Remote Sensing: Digital Image Processing and Applications presents a unique textbook/downloadable resources package. It explains how digital images can be processed and offers practical hands-on experience of image processing. This package, which is ideal for student self-study, institutional or library purchase, shows how digital images can be processed to maximize information output and discusses a range of environmental monitoring techniques. A range of case studies are explored, drawn from a variety of disciplines and from across the world. The book also includes a practical manual of image processing instruction and detailed practical exercises to support the unique downloadable resources which accompanies the book.The downloadable resources contain fully functioning image processing software - a limited edition of DRAGON software developed specifically for readers of Introductory Remote Sensing - and over 70 satellite digital datasets for 9 scenes across America, Ireland, China, Sudan, Peru, Western Europe and the UK.
Invaluable Invertebrates and Species with Spines: Inquiry-Based Science Lessons for Advanced and Gifted Students in Grades 2-3
by Jason S. McIntoshRecipient of the 2022 NAGC Curriculum AwardInspire the next generation of zoologists with this 30-lesson interdisciplinary science unit geared toward second and third grade high-ability students.Using problem-based learning scenarios, this book helps students develop the vocabulary, skills, and practices of zoologists as they conduct research and solve real world problems. Students will gain an in-depth understanding of how the animal kingdom is structured, create an innovative zoo exhibit containing an entire ecosystem for a vertebrate animal of their choosing, design invertebrate animal trading cards, and much, much more. Featuring detailed teacher instructions and reproducible handouts, this unit makes it easy for teachers to adjust the rigor of learning tasks based on students’ interests and needs.Aligned with Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts and Mathematics plus the Next Generation Science Standards, gifted and non-gifted teachers alike will find this expedition into the animal kingdom engaging, effective, and highly adaptable.
Invariant Integrals in Physics
by Genady P. CherepanovIn this book, all physical laws are derived from a small number of invariant integrals which express the conservation of energy, mass, or momentum. This new approach allows us to unify the laws of theoretical physics, to simplify their derivation, and to discover some novel or more universal laws. Newton's Law of gravity is generalized to take into account cosmic forces of repulsion, Archimedes' principle of buoyancy is modified for account of the surface tension, and Coulomb's Laws for rolling friction and for the interaction of electric charges are substantially repaired and generalized. For postgraduate students, lecturers and researchers.
Invasion Biology and Ecological Theory
by Herbert H. T. Prins Iain J. Gordon Herbert H. T. Prins Iain J. GordonMany conservationists argue that invasive species form one of the most important threats to ecosystems the world over, often spreading quickly through their new environments and jeopardising the conservation of native species. As such, it is important that reliable predictions can be made regarding the effects of new species on particular habitats. This book provides a critical appraisal of ecosystem theory using case studies of biological invasions in Australasia. Each chapter is built around a set of 11 central hypotheses from community ecology, which were mainly developed in North American or European contexts. The authors examine the hypotheses in the light of evidence from their particular species, testing their power in explaining the success or failure of invasion and accepting or rejecting each hypothesis as appropriate. The conclusions have far-reaching consequences for the utility of community ecology, suggesting a rejection of its predictive powers and a positive reappraisal of natural history.
Invasive Alien Species: A New Synthesis (SCOPE Series #63)
by Harold A. Mooney Laurie E. Neville Jeffrey A. Mcneely Richard Mack Jeffrey K. Waage Peter Johan ScheiInvasive alien species are among today's most daunting environmental threats, costing billions of dollars in economic damages and wreaking havoc on ecosystems around the world. In 1997, a consortium of scientific organizations including SCOPE, IUCN, and CABI developed the Global Invasive Species Programme (GISP) with the explicit objective of providing new tools for understanding and coping with invasive alien species.Invasive Alien Species is the final report of GISP's first phase of operation, 1997-2000, in which authorities from more than thirty countries worked to examine invasions as a worldwide environmental hazard. The book brings together the world's leading scientists and researchers involved with invasive alien species to offer a comprehensive summary and synthesis of the current state of knowledge on the subject. Invasive alien species represent a critical threat to natural ecosystems and native biodiversity, as well as to human economic vitality and health. The knowledge gained to date in understanding and combating invasive alien species can form a useful basis on which to build strategies for controlling or minimizing the effects in the future. Invasive Alien Species is an essential reference for the international community of investigators concerned with biological invasions.
Invasive Animals and Plants in Massachusetts Lakes and Rivers: Lessons for International Aquatic Management
by Wai Hing WongThere is a growing demand for appropriate management of aquatic invasive species in lakes and rivers worldwide. This book covers biology, invasion ecology, sightings, and control techniques of 4 invasive animals and 15 invasive plants in Massachusetts lakes and rivers. It provides valuable information on their biological characteristics and potential expansion pathways, as well as monitoring and management, including alternative management tools using updated biological, chemical, and mechanical methods. The book also includes the regulation of invasive species management to allow resource managers, biologists, practitioners, volunteers, and students a better understanding of compliance and enforcement with environmental law. An example of successful management is highlighted for each invasive species. Invasive Animals and Plants in Massachusetts Lakes and Rivers is the first book to provide comprehensive and systematic coverage and illustrations for both freshwater invasive animals and plants. Although focussing on Massachusetts, it will provide readers with the bigger picture on multiple invasive species, from prevention, early detection, control, ecological restoration, to public education. Natural resource managers in Massachusetts and surrounding states will glean the detailed and valuable information they need to learn and use to prevent and manage freshwater invasive species in the field.