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Elsevier Science

Modelling in Ecotoxicology
1st Edition
Volume 16
S.E. Jorgensen
English
Ecotoxicology is the science of toxic substances in the environment and their impact on living organisms. Today we use many more chemicals in everyday life than we did 30-40 years ago. Our knowledge of the fate and effect of such chemicals in the environment has not yet followed the rate of chemical innovation in spite of our expanding knowledge of ecotoxicology. About 50,000 different chemicals are produced on an industrial scale, but we have only sufficient data to evaluate the environmental consequences of a few per cent of these. The need for ecotoxicological knowledge has never been more pronounced than it is today. Even more resources must be allocated in this field in the near future, if we are to be able to cope with the threat of more toxic chemical compounds in our environment.This book outlines the state of the art of modelling the fate and effects of toxic substances in the environment. Modelling in ecotoxicology differs from modelling in other fields by the great lack of data. The quality of the models is very dependent on the parameters used, and as we do not have a wide knowledge of parameters in ecotoxicological processes, good parameter estimation methods are crucial for ecotoxicolocal models. A comprehensive review of available parameter estimation methods is therefore included in this volume. Model examples and case studies have also been included to illustrate the difficulties and short comings in practical modelling.
Freshwater Ecosystems
Modelling and Simulation
1st Edition
A.H. Gnauck + 1 more
English
Ecosystem analysis and ecological modelling is a rapidly developing interdisciplinary branch of science used in theoretical developments in ecology and having practical applications in environmental protection. In this book, the authors introduce new holistic, particularly cybernetic, concepts into ecosystem theory and modelling, and provide a concise treatment of mathematical modelling of freshwater ecosystems which covers methods, subsystem models, applications and theoretical developments.Part I begins with a brief introduction to the principles of systems theory and their applications to ecosystems, and provides a summary of various methods of systems analysis. In Part II emphasis is laid on the pelagic processes in standing water, characterised by relatively uninvolved structures from which models can be readily developed. Part III describes applications of the technique of modelling to solutions of theoretical and practical problems, with different modelling methods and objectives being used in the various chapters. More recent developments in the methods and theory of ecosystem modelling are covered in Part IV which also includes a discussion of future trends. The book is addressed to practising ecologists and engineers in the fields of ecology, limnology, environmental protection, and water quality managements, as well as to graduate/post-gradua... university students in science and engineering. Students and researchers involved in environmental applications of mathematics and cybernetics will also find the book of interest.
Mineral Economics
Development and Management of Natural Resources
1st Edition
Volume 20
O. Rudawsky
English
Although profitable development and exploitation of natural resources has been, and still remains, the goal of many individuals and firms within the extractive industries, several new goals must also be considered, the foremost of which is the wise management of the already discovered stocks of renewable and nonrenewable natural resources. This aspect has become of vital importance for society as a whole.It is this dual objective - the economic feasibility on behalf of private interests, and the efficient development and utilization of natural resources as viewed from the societal point of view - that is covered in this book. The material presented is based on many published and unpublished sources, and serves to demonstrate the basic principles associated with the economics and management of mineral resources. Rather than attempting to carry on an in-depth analysis of the various topics, the author has provided a broad coverage of the basic concepts and their applications in real-life occurrences. For those interested in more intensive analysis, suggested additional selected readings and references are provided.The book is written as an introductory-level textbook in mineral economics. Advanced students in mineral engineering programs, economics, and business administration curricula, with a particular interest in economic analysis of mineral and energy activities may find this book an appropriate starting-point. Likewise, first-year graduate students in engineering programs, resource economics, mineral economics, natural resource management, environmental sciences, and law will find that the book provides a fundamental understanding of the basic concepts of mineral economics and how they relate to the general economic and management theories.
Numerical Petrology
Statistical Interpretation of Geochemical Data
1st Edition
Volume 8
R.W. Le Maitre
English
Developments in Petrology, Volume 8: Numerical Petrology: Statistical Interpretation of Geochemical Data presents the methods that are likely to be useful to the average petrologist. This book deals with the problems of closed data and singular matrices in multiple discriminant analysis and classification procedure. Organized into 12 chapters, this volume begins with an overview of the petrological data that can be quantified, including both discrete and continuous variables. This text then examines the methods of testing for differences between the means of two populations. Other chapters consider the three methods of evaluating linear trends within such bivatiate plots, namely, the use of the correlation coefficient, linear regression analysis, and either structural or functional relationships. This book discusses as well the propagation of errors in mineral and normative recalculations. The final chapter deals with the use of computers to manage the tremendous amount of information that is available. This book is a valuable resource for petrologists, geochemists, and geologists.
The Expanding Earth
1st Edition
Volume 10
S.W. Carey
English
Developments in Geotectonics, 10: The Expanding Earth focuses on the principles, methodologies, transformations, and approaches involved in the expanding earth concept. The book first elaborates on the development of the expanding earth concept, necessity for expansion, and the subduction myth. Discussions focus on higher velocity under Benioff zone, seismic attenuation, blue schists and paired metamorphic belts, dispersion of polygons, arctic paradox, and kinematic contrast. The manuscript then ponders on the scale of tectonic phenomena, non-uniformitarianis... tectonic profiles, and paleomagnetism. Concerns cover global paleomagnetism, general summary of the tectonic profile, implosions, fluid pressures, pure shear, crustal extension, simple shear with horizontal axis, geological examples of scale fields, and length-time fields of deformation. The publication explores the cause of expansion, modes of crustal extension, and rotation and asymmetry of the earth, including dynamic asymmetry, precessions, nutations, librations, and wobbles at fixed obliquity, variation of rate of rotation, and categories of submarine ridges. The text is a dependable source of data for researchers wanting to study the concept of expanding earth.
Gravity and Low-Frequency Geodynamics
1st Edition
Roman Teisseyre
English
This fourth volume in the series Physics and Evolution of the Earth's Interior, provides a comprehensive review of the geophysical and geodetical aspects related to gravity and low-frequency geodynamics. Such aspects include the Earth's gravity field, geoid shape theory, and low-frequency phenomena like rotation, oscillations and tides.Global-scale phenomena are treated as a response to source excitation in spherical Earth models consisting of several shells: lithosphere, mantle, core and sometimes also the inner solid core. The effect of gravitation and rotation on the Earth's shape is analysed. The satellite approach to studies of the gravity field and the geoid shape is discussed in some detail. Discussions of recent findings and developments are accompanied by a brief historical background.
Determination of Beta-Blockers in Biological Material
Evaluation of Analytical Methods in Biological Systems
1st Edition
Volume 4
V. Marko
English
This is the third volume of a sub-series entitled Evaluation of Analytical Methods in Biological Systems. (The first two were Analysis of Biogenic Amines edited by G.B. Baker and R.T. Coutts, and Hazardous Metals in Human Toxicology edited by A. Vercruysse).This latest volume addresses beta-blockers - an area of research for which a Nobel Prize in Medicine was awarded in 1988. It provides an up-to-date and comprehensive coverage of the theory and practice of the determination of beta-blockers in biological material. Two main fields of research are dealt with in this book: analytical chemistry and pharmacology, and, as it deals with drugs used in clinical practice, it is also related to a third area: therapy. Thus, it offers relevant information to workers in all three fields.Some 50 beta-blockers are discussed, and nine methods of analysis. The methods are divided into three groups: optical, chromatographic, and saturation methods. In addition to the analytical methods themselves, sample handling problems are also discussed in detail, as is the information content of the analytical results obtained. Special chapters are directed towards those working in pharmacology and pharmacokinetics. Finally, as recent evidence points to the increased importance of distinguishing optical isomers of drugs, a chapter on the determination of optical isomers of beta-blockers in biological material is also included. An extensive subject index and two supplements giving retention indices and structures of beta-blockers complete the book.This is the first book to treat beta-blockers from the point of view of their determination and to discuss in detail the use of analytical methods for beta-blockers. It will thus appeal to a wide-ranging readership.
Organometallic Syntheses
1st Edition
Volume 4
R. Bruce King
English
Over 160 detailed and tested procedures for the preparation of specific organometallic compounds are given in Volume 4. Part I contains procedures for the synthesis of 76 types of transition metal organometallic compounds, and Part II procedures for the synthesis of 85 nontransition metal organometallic compounds. In both parts, the editors have sought to include procedures that give the safe, reliable synthesis of organometallic compounds that can lay some claim to significance in current chemical research. This significance may be based on various factors such as: (a) the synthesis describes the formation of an unusual or less common structural type; (b) the compound prepared is a useful intermediate in other syntheses; (c) the compound is a model reagent for investigating the mechanisms of various fundamental or industrial processes, such as the Fischer-Tropsch reaction; (d) the compound is a useful reagent in organic synthesis; and (e) the techniques employed in the synthesis of the compound are unusual and worthy of further application, such as metal-atom and electrochemical procedures.Each specific or generalized procedure is organized into the following sections: an Introduction which discusses the available procedures and the reasons guiding the choice of the one selected; a Procedure section which strives to describe the modus operandi, the safety concerns and pitfalls in the preparation; a Properties section that offers further physical and chemical data on the product and, where appropriate, indications of how the compounds can be employed in research; and a Reference section which gives both leading literature citations and supplemental comments on the procedure.Research laboratories in organometallic chemistry, organic chemistry, inorganic chemistry and molecular catalysis have in this book a rich source of information on the preparation of organometallic compounds.
Geomorphology and Natural Hazards
Proceedings of the 25th Binghamton Symposium in Geomorphology, Held September 24-25, 1994 at SUNY, Binghamton, USA
1st Edition
M. Morisawa
English
The theme of this proceedings volume is the latest research on geomorphic characteristics and processes associated with natural hazards. Presentations cover a gamut of types of disasters throughout the world, describing research and applications of studies in the U.S. and other countries. The book begins with a collection of papers giving a basic background and philosophy of approaching an understanding of natural disasters. These are followed by papers on natural hazards in coastal areas, mountainous regions, landslides, flooding and the detrimental effects of permafrost.The book should prove valuable in gaining an insight of natural hazards and their geomorphic relations, which is imperative for prudent environmental planning in coping with disasters.
Drainage Geochemistry
1st Edition
Volume 6
M. Hale + 1 more
English
The considerable exploration success achieved by geochemistry over the last several decades - and still continuing - has provided both the basis and rationale for the Handbook of Exploration Geochemistry series, including Volume 6, Drainage Geochemistry in Mineral Exploration. With contributions from 25 experts of truly global professional experience in drainage geochemistry, this book is a thorough appraisal of the state of the art in the use of surface and sub-surface waters, stream and lake sediments, heavy minerals for mineral exploration in tropical rain forests, temperate glaciated terrains, mountain chains, arid deserts and regions of agricultural and industrial pollution. Additional attention is given to gold and uranium exploration, and to the growing role of drainage geochemistry as a multi-purpose environmental mapping technique with applications in human health studies, ore deposit modelling and pollution monitoring. It comprises 16 chapters, more than 250 figures and a bibliography of some 1600 references.This book is the most extensive and detailed single work on the principles and applications of drainage geochemistry in mineral exploration blending both theoretical considerations and practical implementations.

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