The role of energy in the modern world goes beyond mere technology and economics to influence welfare, environment, life quality and, broadly, civilisation. Since the industrial revolution, energy conversion technology has been at the forefront of innovation required to satisfy the needs of mankind. This technology more than others has always been very dependent on the performance of the materials used; especially over the last two decades during which efficiency and environmental concerns have become challenging objectives. In this context the European Commission has developed significant collaborative programmes in Europe within the COST framework, to enhance the state of the art in this technology. The Li ge Conferences pursue the mission to report on the achievements of these programmes in the light of progress made elsewhere. The first four conferences in this series were held in 1978, 1982, 1986 and 1990, and provided the opportunity to present and review the work of the European Materials Collaborative Programmes COST-50 (gas turbines), COST-505 (steam turbines) and COST- 501 (energy conversion from fossil fuels). The proceedings of these conferences were published by Applied Science Publishers (1978) and by D. ReideIlKluwer Publishing Company (1982, 1986 and 1990). While the first two Conferences have dealt essentially with high temperature alloys for gas turbines (COST 50), the third and fourth Conferences held in 1986 and 1990 were concerned with a broader range of topics, including the work of the third round of COST-50 (1972-1983), that of COST-50l, which was initiated in 1981 and COST 505 (1983-1990).

Volume I provides an in-depth discussion of the most recent developments of crucical biosensor components. It concentrates on the interface between the analyte phase and the detector, namely, the implementation of novel recognition elements, including nucleic acids, and of leading-edge technology in the construction of responsive thin layers. Thus, the reader can obtain a foretaste of achievable future progress in the field.

"This book of essays is full of rampant idealism. Its authors--educators, think-tankers, corporate executives, consultants, book authors, nonprofit association executives, and a German politician--share a desire to better the world through their ideas and actions. Many qualify as do-gooders in the best sense of the phrase."
--Christian Science Monitor

This third volume from the acclaimed Drucker Foundation Future Series focuses on the basis of society itself--the community. Featuring the examples of successful communities from New York City to Hawaii, The Community of the Future presents insights from Peter F. Drucker, Stephen R. Covey, Arun Gandhi, Elie Wiesel, James L. Barksdale, and many others. Their powerful essays explore what our communities will look like tomorrow--how we will live, work, communicate, educate our children, and govern ourselves.

This collection shows readers:
* How to recognize and anticipate the trends that transform society
* The impact of new communications technology, including global and virtual communications
* How to create organizational communities and communities in the workplace
* How to envision and shape communities that will build values and embrace humanity

From businesses, to communities of faith, to schools, to cyberspace--the gamut of human communities is explored by the world's foremost thinkers.