This empirical study provides an introduction to the dynamics of regulatory federalism and is the first book to focus on the major surface mining regulations. A broad spectrum of contributors, most with first-hand experience, describe the forces that have shaped the implementation of the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act since 1972. They offer varying perspectives for understanding interest group conflicts, technological and market considerations, intergovernmental procedures and problems. They describe the forces shaping the policy implementation process at the federal, state, and local level. This case study is intended for political scientists, public administrators, citizen activists and experts, historians, and students dealing with mining and regulatory policy.

The edited collection opens with an overview of policy formation and implementation in the United States, drawing upon theoretical studies of pluralism, federalism, interest group politics, and intergovernmental dynamics. The case study defines the legislative and administrative history of surface mining regulation; the impact of interest groups, courts, and the states on the implementation of the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act; the influence of the coal industry and of environmental interests, federal and state relations, and the intergovernmental process.

Multifractal Based Network Traffic Modeling provides an overview of existing broadband traffic modeling based on the Poisson process and its variants like the MM1 models. It also provides very good coverage of models based on self-similar processes. Throughout the book, the authors have focused on the problem of broadband traffic modeling keeping in mind long range dependencies in broadband traffic.

Graduate students, researchers, and individuals new to the areas of teletraffic modeling and communication network engineering will find this work especially helpful. The book could also be used as a textbook for a graduate level course on Teletraffic Modeling.

Bayesian Approach to Image Interpretation will interest anyone working in image interpretation. It is complete in itself and includes background material. This makes it useful for a novice as well as for an expert. It reviews some of the existing probabilistic methods for image interpretation and presents some new results. Additionally, there is extensive bibliography covering references in varied areas. For a researcher in this field, the material on synergistic integration of segmentation and interpretation modules and the Bayesian approach to image interpretation will be beneficial. For a practicing engineer, the procedure for generating knowledge base, selecting initial temperature for the simulated annealing algorithm, and some implementation issues will be valuable. New ideas introduced in the book include: New approach to image interpretation using synergism between the segmentation and the interpretation modules. A new segmentation algorithm based on multiresolution analysis. Novel use of the Bayesian networks (causal networks) for image interpretation. Emphasis on making the interpretation approach less dependent on the knowledge base and hence more reliable by modeling the knowledge base in a probabilistic framework. Useful in both the academic and industrial research worlds, Bayesian Approach to Image Interpretation may also be used as a textbook for a semester course in computer vision or pattern recognition.

This book provides a new direction in electronics research with the invention of a new material tuPOY, which changes our perception of developing electronics. Evolving on a relatively underplayed phenomenon of static electricity in scientific exploration and application, tuPOY upholds the potential to rival both silicon and metals as electronics of the future. Devices made of tuPOY present a new emblem to the technological world, where we could envision our electronic paraphernalia from a completely different perspective. A computer the size of a big wall, which could be neatly folded and kept in our pockets when not in use and laundered on a regular basis, can be imagined possible with this invention. The concept, manufacturing process, physics and uses of tuPOY as the next generation material of electronics is described in this book. The book covers the production process of tuPOY and goes on to conceptual advancement from manipulating the sensing, radiating and processing properties of tuPOY. Theoretical modelling of tuPOY is characterized by steady-state equations exploiting interchanges based on the lattice kinetics, which mathematizes an Interchange Phenomenon in tuPOY. The numerical manifestations calibrate mathematically, tuPOY's response to any external physical impetus such as charge, heat or energy flow. The book validates the sensing properties and theoretical model by designing a tuPOY sensor which can be used in a plethora of applications. A novel microstrip antenna is designed by amalgamation of tuPOY, raw silk and polynylon composites to experimentally verify the radiation properties of the new material. The conduction properties are verified by drawing fibres of tuPOY and using them as wires and connectors in electronics. A Power Generating Unit (PGU) is designed with tuPOY as its primary element. This is a first of its kind PGU that scavenges power from thermal energy presenting a new dimension in operational power dynamics. Overall this book should be of interest to a wide range of readers ranging from researchers, scientists, developers, manufacturers, engineers, graduate students and anyone who has satiety to think differently.

The subject of modelling and application of stochastic processes is too vast to be exhausted in a single volume. In this book, attention is focused on a small subset of this vast subject. The primary emphasis is on realization and approximation of stochastic systems. Recently there has been considerable interest in the stochastic realization problem, and hence, an attempt has been made here to collect in one place some of the more recent approaches and algorithms for solving the stochastic realiza tion problem. Various different approaches for realizing linear minimum-phase systems, linear nonminimum-phase systems, and bilinear systems are presented. These approaches range from time-domain methods to spectral-domain methods. An overview of the chapter contents briefly describes these approaches. Also, in most of these chapters special attention is given to the problem of developing numerically ef ficient algorithms for obtaining reduced-order (approximate) stochastic realizations. On the application side, chapters on use of Markov random fields for modelling and analyzing image signals, use of complementary models for the smoothing problem with missing data, and nonlinear estimation are included. Chapter 1 by Klein and Dickinson develops the nested orthogonal state space realization for ARMA processes. As suggested by the name, nested orthogonal realizations possess two key properties; (i) the state variables are orthogonal, and (ii) the system matrices for the (n + l)st order realization contain as their "upper" n-th order blocks the system matrices from the n-th order realization (nesting property)."

This book intends to change the perception of modern day telecommunications. Communication systems, usually perceived as "dumb pipes", carrying information / data from one point to another, are evolved into intelligently communicating smart systems. The book introduces a new field of cloud communications. The concept, theory, and architecture of this new field of cloud communications are discussed. The book lays down nine design postulates that form the basis of the development of a first of its kind cloud communication paradigm entitled Green Symbiotic Cloud Communications or GSCC. The proposed design postulates are formulated in a generic way to form the backbone for development of systems and technologies of the future. The book can be used to develop courses that serve as an essential part of graduate curriculum in computer science and electrical engineering. Such courses can be independent or part of high-level research courses. The book will also be of interest to a wide range of readers including both scientific and non-scientific domains as it discusses innovations from a simplistic explanatory viewpoint.

Over the last decade the environmental setup has changed for synthetic organ ic chemists to a considerable degree. So far synthetic organic chemistry had focussed on methodology development which mainly deals with the develop ment of new reactions as well as new reagents and catalysts. These ought to be able to perform preferentially highly selective (chemo-, regio-and stereose lective) synthetic transformations, often applied in the context of complex and highly functionalized molecules. Except for the synthesis of peptides and oligonucleic acids, little attention has been spent on the question of how synthesis can be carried out in an envi ronment of sophisticated technologies which includes improved hardware. While peptides and oligonucleotides are conveniently prepared by Merrifield's solid phase technique, solution phase synthesis of most other synthetic targets have not been substantially replaced by this solid phase approach. Without discussing this aspect in detail it is obvious that today a renaissance of sophis ticated solution phase synthesis can be noted. Immobilization of reagents and particularly catalysts, an old concept indeed, recently returned back onto the stage and this is addressed in this volume of Topics in Current Chemistry in a broader sense."

This book specifically addresses video shot boundary detection, which provides base for all video abstraction and high-level video segmentation approaches. Moreover, the other research areas which can benefit considerably from successful automation of shot boundary detection processes are distance learning, telemedicine, interactive television, digital libraries, multimedia news, video restoration and geographical information system. Despite all the research activity in shot boundary detection, there are some issues which have not been adequately addressed and need to be resolved. We discuss these major challenges in shot boundary detection and propose algorithms that can be adopted to find shot boundaries effectively. The monograph is intended to target a wide audience, both in academia and industrial research. It can also be used as research material for advanced courses in senior undergraduate and graduate programs. In this monograph we explore various major issues related to shot boundary detection which will be of tremendous importance in developing future search engines, multimedia and communication technologies. Besides covering effective algorithms, the monograph also provides a detail literature survey and describes major metrics used for shot boundary detection, thereby making it self contained. Technical topics discussed in the monograph include: 1) Effective algorithm for detecting various wipe patterns 2) Shot boundary detection in the presence of flashlight 3) Shot boundary detection in the presence of fire flicker and explosion 4) Shot boundary detection in the presence of illumination variation and motion

Revised and expanded throughout, this latest edition of the bestselling Seeds Handbook: Biology, Production, Processing, and Storage includes valuable information on all areas of seed biology, production, and processing. The author, one of the most respected and prolific scientists in the field, identifies current developments in seed testing and certification, storage, transportation, and distribution. Tracking the evolution and advancement of seed industries and technologies, he fully covers the development and supply of high-quality seeds for every key agronomic and horticulture crop. Contains methods to enhance the genetic and physiological characteristics of more than 80 major and minor crops With an abundance of current research and additional figures and illustrations, this edition of the Seeds Handbook offers chapters on modern biotechnological issues such as the production of synthetic seeds, loss-reduction biotechnologies, and new strategies in the seed production industry. It provides in-depth information on burgeoning areas of seed science including tissue culture and cellular totipotency, induction and regeneration protocols, development and maturation, hormone requirements, drying and storage of somatic embryos, protective encapsulation, and crop applications. With an eye to the future, it looks at challenges in the provision and enhancement of seeds for crop plants, practical methods of seed production and micropropagation, genetically modified seeds, and world food security.

This book provides a new direction in electronics research with the invention of a new material tuPOY, which changes our perception of developing electronics. Evolving on a relatively underplayed phenomenon of static electricity in scientific exploration and application, tuPOY upholds the potential to rival both silicon and metals as electronics of the future. Devices made of tuPOY present a new emblem to the technological world, where we could envision our electronic paraphernalia from a completely different perspective. A computer the size of a big wall, which could be neatly folded and kept in our pockets when not in use and laundered on a regular basis, can be imagined possible with this invention. The concept, manufacturing process, physics and uses of tuPOY as the next generation material of electronics is described in this book. The book covers the production process of tuPOY and goes on to conceptual advancement from manipulating the sensing, radiating and processing properties of tuPOY. Theoretical modelling of tuPOY is characterized by steady-state equations exploiting interchanges based on the lattice kinetics, which mathematizes an Interchange Phenomenon in tuPOY. The numerical manifestations calibrate mathematically, tuPOY's response to any external physical impetus such as charge, heat or energy flow. The book validates the sensing properties and theoretical model by designing a tuPOY sensor which can be used in a plethora of applications. A novel microstrip antenna is designed by amalgamation of tuPOY, raw silk and polynylon composites to experimentally verify the radiation properties of the new material. The conduction properties are verified by drawing fibres of tuPOY and using them as wires and connectors in electronics. A Power Generating Unit (PGU) is designed with tuPOY as its primary element. This is a first of its kind PGU that scavenges power from thermal energy presenting a new dimension in operational power dynamics. Overall this book should be of interest to a wide range of readers ranging from researchers, scientists, developers, manufacturers, engineers, graduate students and anyone who has satiety to think differently.

This book intends to change the perception of modern day telecommunications. Communication systems, usually perceived as "dumb pipes", carrying information / data from one point to another, are evolved into intelligently communicating smart systems. The book introduces a new field of cloud communications. The concept, theory, and architecture of this new field of cloud communications are discussed. The book lays down nine design postulates that form the basis of the development of a first of its kind cloud communication paradigm entitled Green Symbiotic Cloud Communications or GSCC. The proposed design postulates are formulated in a generic way to form the backbone for development of systems and technologies of the future. The book can be used to develop courses that serve as an essential part of graduate curriculum in computer science and electrical engineering. Such courses can be independent or part of high-level research courses. The book will also be of interest to a wide range of readers including both scientific and non-scientific domains as it discusses innovations from a simplistic explanatory viewpoint.

Bayesian Approach to Image Interpretation will interest anyone working in image interpretation. It is complete in itself and includes background material. This makes it useful for a novice as well as for an expert. It reviews some of the existing probabilistic methods for image interpretation and presents some new results. Additionally, there is extensive bibliography covering references in varied areas. For a researcher in this field, the material on synergistic integration of segmentation and interpretation modules and the Bayesian approach to image interpretation will be beneficial. For a practicing engineer, the procedure for generating knowledge base, selecting initial temperature for the simulated annealing algorithm, and some implementation issues will be valuable. New ideas introduced in the book include: New approach to image interpretation using synergism between the segmentation and the interpretation modules. A new segmentation algorithm based on multiresolution analysis. Novel use of the Bayesian networks (causal networks) for image interpretation. Emphasis on making the interpretation approach less dependent on the knowledge base and hence more reliable by modeling the knowledge base in a probabilistic framework. Useful in both the academic and industrial research worlds, Bayesian Approach to Image Interpretation may also be used as a textbook for a semester course in computer vision or pattern recognition.

This helpful book provides an overview of existing broadband traffic modelling based on the Poisson process and its variants. It also offers very good coverage of models based on self-similar processes. The authors have focused throughout on the problem of broadband traffic modelling.

The floricultural industry has been undergoing an unprecedented revolu tion in terms of the type of commodity produced and the production and marketing technology in both developed and developing countries. As a result of this revolution, as we know today, there is a flower for every purpose and for every person in the world, as is evident from the slogan of the Society for American Florists: "say it with flowers." In re cent years, the Latin American and European countries have become sizeable competitors for the North American fresh flower markets and the trend continues growing. Like any other crop production, floricultural production can be divided into three basic factors: (1) production costs (2) quality (3) transportation costs. All these must be optimum for this area or industry to be safe from competition. With increasing consumer awareness and the current recession, the pressure from the artificial floral products in dustry and also of neighbouring countries on the American fresh flower industry, and continued competition even amongst the growers, whole salers and retailers, quality in floricultural industry is becoming increas ingly important to all those concerned with handling these products. The visual quality aspects of the product are the sole determiner of consumer acceptability in this industry and, unlike fruits and vegetables, flowers cannot be marketed by just discarding the damaged portion."

The subject of modelling and application of stochastic processes is too vast to be exhausted in a single volume. In this book, attention is focused on a small subset of this vast subject. The primary emphasis is on realization and approximation of stochastic systems. Recently there has been considerable interest in the stochastic realization problem, and hence, an attempt has been made here to collect in one place some of the more recent approaches and algorithms for solving the stochastic realiza tion problem. Various different approaches for realizing linear minimum-phase systems, linear nonminimum-phase systems, and bilinear systems are presented. These approaches range from time-domain methods to spectral-domain methods. An overview of the chapter contents briefly describes these approaches. Also, in most of these chapters special attention is given to the problem of developing numerically ef ficient algorithms for obtaining reduced-order (approximate) stochastic realizations. On the application side, chapters on use of Markov random fields for modelling and analyzing image signals, use of complementary models for the smoothing problem with missing data, and nonlinear estimation are included. Chapter 1 by Klein and Dickinson develops the nested orthogonal state space realization for ARMA processes. As suggested by the name, nested orthogonal realizations possess two key properties; (i) the state variables are orthogonal, and (ii) the system matrices for the (n + l)st order realization contain as their "upper" n-th order blocks the system matrices from the n-th order realization (nesting property)."

Over the last decade the environmental setup has changed for synthetic organ ic chemists to a considerable degree. So far synthetic organic chemistry had focussed on methodology development which mainly deals with the develop ment of new reactions as well as new reagents and catalysts. These ought to be able to perform preferentially highly selective (chemo-, regio-and stereose lective) synthetic transformations, often applied in the context of complex and highly functionalized molecules. Except for the synthesis of peptides and oligonucleic acids, little attention has been spent on the question of how synthesis can be carried out in an envi ronment of sophisticated technologies which includes improved hardware. While peptides and oligonucleotides are conveniently prepared by Merrifield's solid phase technique, solution phase synthesis of most other synthetic targets have not been substantially replaced by this solid phase approach. Without discussing this aspect in detail it is obvious that today a renaissance of sophis ticated solution phase synthesis can be noted. Immobilization of reagents and particularly catalysts, an old concept indeed, recently returned back onto the stage and this is addressed in this volume of Topics in Current Chemistry in a broader sense."

Unfortunately, over fifty million Americans are at risk of experiencing betrayal in their personal and romantic lives. This book is easy to read. Its compassionate teachings and emboldened advice make this a truly invaluable guide for anyone who's been through the desolation of betrayal. The book is meant for people who live busy lives; the book is perfect for readers without the time, energy, or effort involved with carrying the heavy burden of sadness, anger, hurt, and pain resulting from betrayal. This book shows you.... How would like to turn this event around and emerge as a VICTOR instead of victim. Helps you identify the road blocks that keep one stuck in the healing process. How to get past recurring or obsessive thoughts. How to let go and RELEASE uncontrollable anger, resentment, bitterness or jealousy. How to quickly accept the reality of the situation and start dealing with the change. How to let go any intrusive memories or images of the affair partner. Rehashing the details and recurring questions such as "Why or How did this happen? How to STOP blaming yourself and the betrayer. How to handle thoughts of revenge or punishment in the aftermath. What to do when anger, resentment, and bitterness is running your life post betrayal. How to turn self-blame, self-loathing, and guilt into accepting and restoring love for yourself. Most importantly "How-To" restore your TRUST and helps you to move on to love again. Yes Finding love again... After an earth-shattering betrayal, the road to recovery can be a delicate and tumultuous journey. With its inspirational message and caring tone, this wonderful book provides hope to all who are lost in a difficult situation. Book is an invaluable guide it provides step-by-step tips and techniques to accelerate your healing. This book includes compilation of suggestions and processes that are meant to guide you through the most challenging of times following the devastating discovery of betrayal. It walks you through the acceptance, grief, hurt, anger, forgiveness, letting go, and trust rebuilding processes, this priceless book provides hope, encouragement, and inspiration to readers in search of ways to pick up the pieces and bounce back quickly. Get Over Betrayal in 14 Days: Guide to Getting Past Your Hurt, Anger, Forgiveness, and Go On to Rebuild Trust helps readers get through the progression of healing after the discovery of betrayal. By holding the readers' hands and guiding them through the journey, this touching guide comforts readers while providing them with ways to better their lives. The true value of this book lies within its ability to heal while remaining a compassionate companion and able teacher. No matter your situation in life, this remarkable book can lead you out of the depths of despair and empower you to walk down the path of recovery. Its compassionate teachings and emboldened advice make this a truly invaluable guide for anyone who's been through the desolation of betrayal. Easy to read and non-judgmental in its approach, this is a perfect tool for anyone who's experienced betrayal, whether it be in the workplace, in a friendship, or with a loved one.

This book deals with all the basics of ayurveda like measurements, types of quaths, ointments, liniments, decoctions, ingredients of some well known ayurvedic formulations available in the market.