Masonry walls constitute the interface between the building's interior and the outdoor environment. Masonry walls are traditionally composed of fired-clay bricks (solid or perforated) or blocks (concrete or earth-based), but in the past (and even in the present) they were often associated as needing an extra special thermal and acoustical insulation layer. However, over more recent years investigations on thermal and acoustical features has led to the development of new improved bricks and blocks that no longer need these insulation layers. Traditional masonry units (fired-clay bricks, concrete or earth-based blocks) that don't offer improved performance in terms of thermal and acoustical insulation are a symbol of a low-technology past, that are far removed from the demands of sustainable construction. This book provides an up-to-date state-of-the-art review on the eco-efficiency of masonry units, particular emphasis is placed on the design, properties, performance, durability and LCA of these materials. Since masonry units are also an excellent way to reuse bulk industrial waste the book will be important in the context of the Revised Waste Framework Directive 2008/98/EC which states that the minimum reuse and recycling targets for construction and demolition waste (CDW) should be at least 70% by 2020. On the 9th of March 2011 the European Union approved the Regulation (EU) 305/2011, known as the Construction Products Regulation (CPR) and it will be enforced after the 1st of July 2013. The future commercialization of construction materials in Europe makes their environmental assessment mandatory meaning that more information related to the environmental performance of building materials is much needed.

Born as a prince of the kingdom of Kapilavastu, Price Siddhartha was destined to greatness. It was predicted on his birth that he would either become a great ruler or a spiritual leader. And that came true, for his gentle teachings live till today, about 2500 years after his death, having changed the world through his message of peace and kindness. This takes us on a journey encompassing the life of this great and humble teacher, as a prince, as an ascetic and finally as a human being. This tale narrates his journey towards becoming "the Buddha".

This comprehensive handbook and essential reference provides instant access to all the data, calculations, and equations needed for modern HVAC design. It details up-to-the-minute design methods, operation and maintenance procedures, and energy conservation and efficiency tools; and provides a single volume solution to a myriad of HVAC design needs.

Diabetes is now one of the major causes of morbidity worldwide. In many cases, the onset of diabetes is progressive, developing via a condition of insulin resistance. This book considers the development of this condition, its consequences and clinical and therapeutic aspects.
The book reviews the normal biology of insulin action on glucose, lipids and proteins. It considers the pathological basis for insulin resistance in animal models and humans, and discusses the influence of heredity, dietary factors and exercise. Clinical consequences including dyslipidaemia, hypertension and polycystic ovary syndrome, and therapeutic strategies for treatment are also examined.
* Provides an expert review of the phenomenon of insulin resistance
* Brings together a host of recent research for the first time
* Written by leading experts in biological and clinical research

The book comprehensively charts a way for industry to employ adhesively bonded joints to make systems more efficient and cost-effective Adhesively bonded systems have found applications in a wide spectrum of industries (e.g., aerospace, electronics, construction, ship building, biomedical, etc.) for a variety of purposes. Emerging adhesive materials with improved mechanical properties have allowed adhesion strength approaching that of the bonded materials themselves. Due to advances in adhesive materials and the many potential merits that adhesive bonding offers, adhesive bonding has replaced other joining methods in many applications. Containing nine articles written by world-renowned experts, the book deals with the advances in theoretical and computational modeling as well as the design and experimental aspects of adhesively bonded structural systems. Stress analysis and strength prediction of adhesively bonded structural systems, considering a range of material models under a variety of loading conditions, are discussed. Finite element modeling using macro-elements is elaborated on. Recent developments in modeling and experimental aspects of bonded systems with graded adhesive layers and dual adhesives are described. Simulation of progressive damage in bonded joints is addressed. A novel vibration-based approach to detect disbonding and delamination in composite joints is also discussed. Readership The book is central to a range of engineers including mechanical, reliability, construction and surface engineers as well as materials scientists who are engaged in the mechanics of structural adhesive joints. Industries that will use this book include aerospace, electronics, biomedical, automotive, ship building, and construction.

Fiber-optic communication systems have advanced dramatically over the last four decades, since the era of copper cables, resulting in low-cost and high-bandwidth transmission. Fiber optics is now the backbone of the internet and long-distance telecommunication. Without it we would not enjoy the benefits of high-speed internet, or low-rate international telephone calls. This book introduces the basic concepts of fiber-optic communication in a pedagogical way. The important mathematical results are derived by first principles rather than citing research articles. In addition, physical interpretations and real-world analogies are provided to help students grasp the fundamental concepts. Key Features: * Lucid explanation of key topics such as fibers, lasers, and photodetectors. * Includes recent developments such as coherent communication and digital signal processing. * Comprehensive treatment of fiber nonlinear transmission. * Worked examples, exercises, and answers. * Accompanying website with PowerPoint slides and numerical experiments in MATLAB. Intended primarily for senior undergraduates and graduates studying fiber-optic communications, the book is also suitable as a professional resource for researchers working in the field of fiber-optic communications.

Algae Based Bioelectrochemical Systems for Carbon Sequestration, Carbon Storage, Bioremediation and Bioproduct Generation explores the integration of carbon capture, storage and sequestration technologies with bioelectrochemical fuels cells (BEFC), showing how conventional technologies can be renovated to aid in the reduction in GHG emissions and simultaneously optimize BEFC performance. The book focuses on the integration of algal biogas upgradation with electrochemical systems, providing a guide to the renovation of conventional technologies to combine energy production and carbon sequestration. Chapters discuss the latest advancements in carbon sequestration biocatalyst and microbial platforms and integrations for rapid carbon biotransformations. In addition, the book highlights the potential of algae and chemolithotrophs as candidates for carbon delivery, biocatalyst orientation and architecture for optimal BEFC performance.

This festschrift volume presents discussions on contemporary issues in international economics and finance. It is aimed to serve as a reference material for researchers. There are two broad sections of the book -- International Macroeconomics and International Finance. The chapters in the International Macroeconomics section discuss critical topics like aggregate level macro model for India with a new Keynesian perspective, balance of payments, service sector exports, foreign exchange constraints for import demands, foreign direct investment and knowledge spill over, the relationship between forex rate fluctuation and investment, Institutional quality-trade openness-economic growth nexus, currency crises and debt-deficit relationship in the BRICS countries in the backdrop of COVID-19. Apart from these, various analytical issues related to macroeconomic policies are also covered in this section. The topics discussed includes the nature of forex market interventions, the issue of disinvestment and privatization, changing nature of fiscal policy, the inflation-growth nexus, macroeconomic simulation modelling, measuring core inflation, central bank credibility, monetary policy, inflation targeting, Infrastructure, trade, unemployment and inequality nexus. In the International Finance section, topics such as COVID-19 induced financial crisis, commodity futures volatility, stock market connectivity, volatility persistence, determinants of sovereign bond yields, FII and stock market volatility, cryptocurrency price formation, financialization of Indian commodity market, and a Keynesian view of the financial crisis are discussed.  Overall, thirty two chapters in the volume discuss cutting edge research in the areas of the two sections.  A tour de force... a lucid guide to some of the diverse and complex issues in International Macroeconomics and Finance. This collection of scholarly works is a fitting tribute to respected Prof. Bandi Kamaiah and his enviable academic contributions. -          Prof. Y V Reddy, Former Governor, Reserve Bank of India  This volume comprising thoughtful essays by our leading scholars on some of important policy issues that India is facing is indeed a rich tribute to Professor Bandi Kamaiah . This book will greatly benefit the academic community as well as our policy makers. -          Prof. Vijay Kelkar, Chairman, 13th Finance Commission of India; Chairman, India Development Foundation, Mumbai, India  Noted economists from India and abroad gather to apply the rigorous searchlight that Professor Bandi Kamaiah used so effectively in his career. Major current topics in macroeconomics and international finance are effectively explored in the volume. -          Prof. Ashima Goyal, Emeritus Professor, Indira Gandhi Institute of Development Research, Mumbai, India;  and Member, Monetary Policy Committee of Reserve Bank of India  This volume of 32 papers in macroeconomics, international economics, and international finance is intended as a tribute to the eminent econometrician , Prof B Kamaiah. Post-graduate students and researchers will find much valuable literature in the volume, which is a fitting tribute to Prof Kamaiah. The editors and authors deserve rich compliments. -          Prof. K L Krishna, Former Director, Delhi School of Economics, New Delhi, India  I am so happy to hear that Dr. Kamaiah's colleagues and ex-students are bringing out a special volume of articles in his honor. Nothing can be more appropriate. Dr. Kamaiah, being a man of tremendous publications, deserves this tribute.  I wish all the luck and success to the new book. -          Prof. Kishore Kulkarni, Distinguished Professor of Economics, Metropolitan State University of Denver, USA

This festschrift volume presents discussions on contemporary issues in international economics and finance. It is aimed to serve as a reference material for researchers. There are two broad sections of the book -- International Macroeconomics and International Finance. The chapters in the International Macroeconomics section discuss critical topics like aggregate level macro model for India with a new Keynesian perspective, balance of payments, service sector exports, foreign exchange constraints for import demands, foreign direct investment and knowledge spill over, the relationship between forex rate fluctuation and investment, Institutional quality-trade openness-economic growth nexus, currency crises and debt-deficit relationship in the BRICS countries in the backdrop of COVID-19. Apart from these, various analytical issues related to macroeconomic policies are also covered in this section. The topics discussed includes the nature of forex market interventions, the issue of disinvestment and privatization, changing nature of fiscal policy, the inflation-growth nexus, macroeconomic simulation modelling, measuring core inflation, central bank credibility, monetary policy, inflation targeting, Infrastructure, trade, unemployment and inequality nexus. In the International Finance section, topics such as COVID-19 induced financial crisis, commodity futures volatility, stock market connectivity, volatility persistence, determinants of sovereign bond yields, FII and stock market volatility, cryptocurrency price formation, financialization of Indian commodity market, and a Keynesian view of the financial crisis are discussed. Overall, thirty two chapters in the volume discuss cutting edge research in the areas of the two sections. A tour de force... a lucid guide to some of the diverse and complex issues in International Macroeconomics and Finance. This collection of scholarly works is a fitting tribute to respected Prof. Bandi Kamaiah and his enviable academic contributions. - Prof. Y V Reddy, Former Governor, Reserve Bank of India This volume comprising thoughtful essays by our leading scholars on some of important policy issues that India is facing is indeed a rich tribute to Professor Bandi Kamaiah . This book will greatly benefit the academic community as well as our policy makers. - Prof. Vijay Kelkar, Chairman, 13th Finance Commission of India; Chairman, India Development Foundation, Mumbai, India Noted economists from India and abroad gather to apply the rigorous searchlight that Professor Bandi Kamaiah used so effectively in his career. Major current topics in macroeconomics and international finance are effectively explored in the volume. - Prof. Ashima Goyal, Emeritus Professor, Indira Gandhi Institute of Development Research, Mumbai, India; and Member, Monetary Policy Committee of Reserve Bank of India This volume of 32 papers in macroeconomics, international economics, and international finance is intended as a tribute to the eminent econometrician , Prof B Kamaiah. Post-graduate students and researchers will find much valuable literature in the volume, which is a fitting tribute to Prof Kamaiah. The editors and authors deserve rich compliments. - Prof. K L Krishna, Former Director, Delhi School of Economics, New Delhi, India I am so happy to hear that Dr. Kamaiah's colleagues and ex-students are bringing out a special volume of articles in his honor. Nothing can be more appropriate. Dr. Kamaiah, being a man of tremendous publications, deserves this tribute. I wish all the luck and success to the new book. - Prof. Kishore Kulkarni, Distinguished Professor of Economics, Metropolitan State University of Denver, USA

Multifaceted Bio-sensing Technology introduces the different types of biosensors, their construction materials, configurations, production methods, and their uses in bioelectrochemical fuel cells (BEFC). It focuses on recent progress in the production of biosensing platforms/interfaces, their integration, design and fabrication, and their multifaceted applications in bioelectrochemical systems. The chapters explore the integration of genetic elements such as DNA, enzymes, and whole cells within these systems, and address environmental applications including wastewater contaminant detection, toxicity, and bioremediation. Throughout, the book shows how rapid, minuscule, and affordable biocomponents can be produced for a variety of energy and environmental applications. This book provides a practical introduction to the production of biocomponents for bioelectrochemical devices and environmental monitoring, and will be a useful reference for graduates and researchers involved in the application of bioelectrochemical systems, as well as those working more broadly in bioenergy, electrochemistry, biology, environmental engineering, and multidisciplinary research across those areas.

The new Pegasus, the latest global poetry anthology by Cyberwit, allows the poetry lovers to relish the spectacular poems from across the world. The concept of the global village has expanded the sensitibility of several poets that have been influenced by T.S. Eliot, Sylvia Plath, Robert Lowell, French symbolist such as Laforgue, Corbiere, Mallarme and Valery.

Biopolymer-Based Food Packaging Explore the latest developments and advancements in biopolymer-based food packaging In Biopolymer-Based Food Packaging: Innovations and Technology Applications, a team of accomplished researchers delivers a complete, systematic, and sequential account of the contemporary developments in the application of biopolymers for sustainable food packaging. This book introduces the fabrication, characterization as well as benefits arising from the enhanced functionalities of biopolymer-based food packaging materials. The authors introduce various polysaccharide, protein, and microbial polymer-based food packaging films and coatings, as well as biopolymer-based blends and nanocomposites. Importance of these materials as active and intelligent food packaging systems is also introduced. Finally, the book explores biopolymer-based edible food packaging, and its efficacy in extending the shelf-life of perishable food items using sustainable materials and processes suitable for the future of circular economies around the world. Readers will also find: A thorough introduction to the incorporation of nanomaterials as fillers to improve the physico-chemical, mechanical, thermal, barrier, optical, and antimicrobial properties of food packaging nanocomposites Comprehensive discussions of the use of plant-based bioactive compounds, including essential oils, in biopolymer-based food packaging Practical examinations of silver and zinc oxide nanoparticles in food packaging In-depth treatments of polylactic acid-based composites for food packaging applications Biopolymer-Based Food Packaging: Innovations and Technology Applications is an invaluable resource for academic researchers and professionals in food packaging and related industries, as well as research scholars, graduate students, and entrepreneurs working and studying in the field of food preservation, environmental safety, and human health with a focus on the sustainable future.

This book is a step towards showing the practicability of Public Key Cryptography (PKC) and in particular Elliptic Curve Cryptography (ECC) on low-end constrained devices like sensor nodes and RF-ID chips. The book presents the flexibility that ECC provides in the choice of parameters and algorithms at different hierarchies for efficient implementations on constrained platforms like 8-bit micro-processors. Architectural enhancements with software/hardware co-design including instruction set extensions were investigated for low-level finite field arithmetic used in ECC. Finally, a highly area optimized ASIC implementation of an ECC co-processor using standard 0.35um CMOS libraries is presented using an innovative arithmetic and architectural design. The book is intended for students and researchers involved in realizing practical public-key cryptographic implementations on constrained devices used in ambient intelligent (AmI) environments, sensor networks and RF-ID applications.

All the 15 poets seem to affirm the human values which the machine age threatens to destroy

Paasion, an anthology of the world's greatest stories is full of invention, imagination, and originality The stories communicatean idea which will engage the reader's attention fromt he first to the last