This volume emphasises studies related to
classical Stefan problems. The term "Stefan problem" is
generally used for heat transfer problems with
phase-changes such
as from the liquid to the solid. Stefan problems have some
characteristics that are typical of them, but certain problems
arising in fields such as mathematical physics and engineering
also exhibit characteristics similar to them. The term
classical" distinguishes the formulation of these problems from
their weak formulation, in which the solution need not possess
classical derivatives. Under suitable assumptions, a weak solution
could be as good as a classical solution. In hyperbolic Stefan
problems, the characteristic features of Stefan problems are
present but unlike in Stefan problems, discontinuous solutions are
allowed because of the hyperbolic nature of the heat equation. The
numerical solutions of inverse Stefan problems, and the analysis of
direct Stefan problems are so integrated that it is difficult to
discuss one without referring to the other. So no strict line of
demarcation can be identified between a classical Stefan problem
and other similar problems. On the other hand, including every
related problem in the domain of classical Stefan problem would
require several volumes for their description. A suitable
compromise has to be made.
The basic concepts, modelling, and analysis of the classical
Stefan problems have been extensively investigated and there seems
to be a need to report the results at one place. This book
attempts to answer that need. Within the framework of the
classical Stefan problem with the emphasis on the basic concepts,
modelling and analysis, it tries to include some weak
solutions and analytical and numerical solutions also. The main
considerations behind this are the continuity and the clarity of
exposition. For example, the description of some phase-field
models in Chapter 4 arose out of this need for a smooth transition
between topics. In the mathematical formulation of Stefan
problems, the curvature effects and the kinetic condition are
incorporated with the help of the modified Gibbs-Thomson relation.
On the basis of some thermodynamical and metallurgical
considerations, the modified Gibbs-Thomson relation can be
derived, as has been done in the text, but the rigorous
mathematical justification comes from the fact that this relation
can be obtained by taking appropriate limits of phase-field
models. Because of the unacceptability of some phase-field models
due their so-called thermodynamical inconsistency, some consistent
models have also been described. This completes the discussion of
phase-field models in the present context.
Making this volume self-contained would require reporting and
deriving several results from tensor analysis, differential
geometry, non-equilibrium thermodynamics, physics and functional
analysis. The text is enriched with appropriate
references so as not to enlarge the scope of the book. The proofs
of propositions and theorems are often lengthy and different from
one another. Presenting them in a condensed way may not be of much
help to the reader. Therefore only the main features of proofs
and a few results have been presented to suggest the essential
flavour of the theme of investigation. However at each place,
appropriate references have been cited so that inquisitive
readers can follow them on their own.
Each chapter begins with basic concepts, objectives and the
directions in which the subject matter has grown. This is followed
by reviews - in some cases quite detailed - of published works. In a
work of this type, the author has to make a suitable compromise
between length restrictions and understandability.

Agricultural soils are subjected to many applied mechanical stresses that influence their behavior. Stresses arise from tillage machines, seeders and chemicals applicators, tractors, and equipment for harvest and transport. Applied stresses may compact or loosen the bulk soil. Micro sections of soil (aggregates or clods) may be compacted during tillage while the bulk soil is loosened. Because most granular soils are combined into structural units of varying sizes with different strengths and properties, prediction of the effect of stresses on the behavior of bulk soils is difficult. The basic strength properties of soil are determined by many fac tors: the size distribution of particles, chemical and mineralogical properties of inorganic clay fraction, the organic matter content and composition, the water content and the stress history. These factors combine and interact to produce many possible behavior patterns. Changes in structure of the soil from applied stresses and biologi cal reactions may profoundly influence storage and transmission of water, heat, and air, and the mechanical resistance to penetration by plant roots. They may also affect the traction of vehicles. Manipulation of structural properties of soils by tillage implements is a major cost under most crop production systems. Reduced energy use is also a significant conservation objective. Improved management systems are very dependent upon a better understanding of soils' response to applied stresses. The content of this book resulted from a NATO Advanced Research Workshop held in St. Paul, Minnesota, U.S.A. September 13-16, 1988."

The Classical Stefan Problem: Basic Concepts, Modelling and Analysis with Quasi-Analytical Solutions and Methods, New Edition, provides fundamental theory, concepts, modelling and analysis of the physical, mathematical, thermodynamical and metallurgical properties of classical Stefan and Stefan-like problems as applied to heat transfer problems involving phase-changes, such as from liquid to solid. This self-contained work reports and derives the results from tensor analysis, differential geometry, non-equilibrium thermodynamics, physics and functional analysis, and is thoroughly enriched with many appropriate references for an in-depth background reading on theorems. This new edition includes more than 400 pages of new material on quasi-analytical solutions and methods of classical Stefan and Stefan-like problems. The book aims to bridge the gap between the theoretical and solution aspects of the afore-mentioned problems.

The world needs for food and fiber continue to increase. Population growth in the developing countries peaked at 2. 4 percent a year in 1965 and has fallen to about 2. I percent. However, in many developing countries almost half the people are under 15 years of age, poised to enter their productive and reproductive years. The challenges to produce enough food for this growing population will remain great. Even more challenging is growing the food in the areas of greatest need. Presently the world has great surpluses of food and fiber in some areas while there are devastating deficiencies in other areas. Economic conditions and the lack of suitable infrastructure for distribution all too often limit the alleviation of hunger even when there are adequate supplies, sometimes even within the country itself. World hunger can only be solved in the long run by increasing crop production in the areas where the population is growing most rapidly. This will require increased efforts of both the developed and developing countries. Much of the technology that is so successful for crop production in the developed countries cannot be utilized directly in the developing countries. Many of the principles, however, can and must be adapted to the conditions, both physical and economic, of the developing countries. This series, Advances in Soil Science.

Agricultural soils are subjected to many applied mechanical stresses that influence their behavior. Stresses arise from tillage machines, seeders and chemicals applicators, tractors, and equipment for harvest and transport. Applied stresses may compact or loosen the bulk soil. Micro sections of soil (aggregates or clods) may be compacted during tillage while the bulk soil is loosened. Because most granular soils are combined into structural units of varying sizes with different strengths and properties, prediction of the effect of stresses on the behavior of bulk soils is difficult. The basic strength properties of soil are determined by many fac tors: the size distribution of particles, chemical and mineralogical properties of inorganic clay fraction, the organic matter content and composition, the water content and the stress history. These factors combine and interact to produce many possible behavior patterns. Changes in structure of the soil from applied stresses and biologi cal reactions may profoundly influence storage and transmission of water, heat, and air, and the mechanical resistance to penetration by plant roots. They may also affect the traction of vehicles. Manipulation of structural properties of soils by tillage implements is a major cost under most crop production systems. Reduced energy use is also a significant conservation objective. Improved management systems are very dependent upon a better understanding of soils' response to applied stresses. The content of this book resulted from a NATO Advanced Research Workshop held in St. Paul, Minnesota, U.S.A. September 13-16, 1988."

The book explains how to develop a competitor intelligence programme without a large investment in business or staff, why the "low-tech" route is often the most effective, and how to communicate intelligence information to the decision-makers. This book explains how to develop business strategies to outcome and overwhelm your business competitors from the market.

It presents cases and industry examples with models, explained in a lucid manner, the integrated HR processes and how they compliment corporate strategy. The contextual factors and strategic HRM perspectives like flexibility, investment, quality, balanced scorecard, HR audit, labour markets, e-HRM, IHRM and diversity at workplace are explained. The focus is to provide knowledge from industry and its best practices that are backed by research in the area of SHRM and factors that influence the design of vital HR Processes like Resourcing, Compensation etc.