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In this book, basic statistical knowledge is conveyed in an understandable and application-oriented manner. The readers should be enabled to carry out their own empirical evaluations and to understand or critically reflect on existing analyses. The third edition is extended by a detailed chapter on the logic of significance tests. A replication syntax for the statistical program Stata is provided online as supplementary material.
This book argues for the central role played by absorption in the functioning of the human mind. The importance of absorption makes itself felt in different ways; the two studies combined in this book concentrate on two of them. The first study argues that, largely as a result of language acquisition, humans have two levels of cognition, which in normal circumstances are simultaneously active. Mental absorption is a (or the) means to circumvent some, perhaps all, of the associations that characterize one of these two levels, resulting in what is sometimes referred to as mystical experience, but which is not confined to mysticism and plays a role in various "religious" phenomena, and elsewhere. The second study takes as point of departure some puzzling statements in the early Buddhist canon that raises serious questions of a psychological nature. An essential element in the psychological theory proposed is the observation that mental absorption is a source of pleasure. Since the human mind is in large part guided by pleasure, which it seeks to repeat, states of absorption leave memory traces that subsequently direct the mind. However, these memory traces do not "recall" the states of absorption themselves, but rather the objects or circumstances that accompanied them. The resulting activity of the mind differs in this way from person to person, and can pursue wildly diverging goals."--Publisher description.
Since the 1980s, scientists have been researching adaptive structures for materials, for multifunctional elements or even for complete systems. Adaptronics (smart materials, smart structures, smart systems) is a field of distinct interdisciplinarity. The book therefore offers an interdisciplinary view of adaptronic systems, materials and functional elements and their applications. The subject matter integrates various engineering disciplines, from electrical engineering and information technology to manufacturing and control engineering, materials engineering and structural mechanics - to name but a few of the relevant subject areas. Starting from the basic principles and variants of adaptronic systems and functional materials, the textbook explains the different construction methods of functional elements. Building on this, readers learn how to apply this knowledge to active shape control, active vibration control and active vibroacoustics. For each of these topics the author presents current examples from research, discusses research results and future research questions. Each of the nine chapters closes with references to further literature. An index of the mathematical symbols used and a keyword index facilitate learning for readers.The book is aimed at Master's students in engineering courses such as mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, mechatronics, automotive engineering and related courses. The book provides a comprehensive overview for industrial practitioners who want to familiarize themselves with the field of adaptronics and also serves as a reliable reference book.
Europe’s pension systems –among the most celebrated features of its social welfare model— face tremendous challenges. With only 11 percent of the world’s population, Europe spends about 60 percent of global outlays on social protection, largely in pensions. In many countries, pension rules have encouraged people to retire sooner, while enjoying longer lives. Payroll taxes on a continuously expanding contributory base have financed these benefits. This model of pension provision is now being severely tested as pension systems reach maturity, while the population is aging and the labor force is starting to shrink. Measures to enable a continued tradition of providing old age security will include • raising retirement ages such that pensions are provided in the last 15 years of life, when work capacity traditionally diminishes • encouraging immigration to help fill the declining work force • rationalizing pension spending, putting priority on preventing old age poverty, and • encouraging savings to help provide the more comfortable retirement that individuals have come to expect. Some measures may be more appropriate in particular countries than others, yet undertaking all of them will likely require less drastic changes in any one of them. The specific choices will need to be discussed and agreed among each country’s own population, and be accompanied by enabling changes in pension policy, tax policy, financial markets policy, and labor policy. The fundamental issue is that, with these changes, the important achievements of European social policy can withstand the demographic onslaught and continue to provide old age security for generations to come.
Provides a comprehensive and in-depth examination of the ongoing process of development and societal transformation in a dynamic region of the Third World. Written by a team of specialists from the fields of development studies, sociology and political economy, the book looks at some of the fundamental problems facing South East Asia by addressing the following issues: the social constellations; class, culture and political legitimation; and industrialisation and labour regulation.
This entirely revised edition of the successful work presents the state of the art in clinics, research and practical management of atopic dermatitis - eczema. The wide variability in clinical morphology including differences between age groups and ethnicities is illustrated by color pictures including the typical minimal manifestations or stigmata suggestive of atopy. The dramatic rise in the prevalence of this disease over the last few decades is reflected by detailed analyses of epidemiological data from all over the world. In-depth descriptions of key pathophysiological mechanisms including epidermal barrier, molecular genetics and modern cellular immunology offer readers a deeper understanding of the complex events leading to the often excruciating symptoms. Treatment and management comprises all aspects from elicitor avoidance to basic emollient skin care, immuno-modulating treatments both topical and systemic, up to the latest advances in kinase inhibitors and biologics. In turn, the book discusses the role of the microbiome and antimicrobial treatments as well as phototherapy, provides dietary recommendations for individuals with food allergies, and explores psychosocial aspects of the disease. Environmental influences are considered with regard to irritants and allergens. All recommendations are based on current national and international guidelines. The complex management strategies for this disease have led to the emergence of educational programs (Eczema Schools), which the authors have developed and promoted at the national and international level. This new revised edition of Atopic Dermatitis - Eczema will be an invaluable asset for dermatologists, allergists, pediatricians and general practitioners, but also for all related health personnel and patient organizations interested in gaining a fuller understanding of this widespread skin disease.
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