Despite the undeniable importance of Japan in world affairs, both politically and economically, the office of the Japanese prime minister has recieved far less attention from scholars than have the top political offices in other advanced industrialized democracies. This book is the first major systemic analysis of the Japanese prime minister's role and influence in the policy process.Kenji Hayao argues that the Japanese prime minister can play a major if not critical role in bringing about a change in policy. In Japan the prime minister's style is different from what is considered usual for parliamentary leaders: rather than being strong and assertive, he tends to be reactive. How did the role develop in this way? If he is not a major initiator of policy change, how and under what conditions can the prime minister make his impact felt? Finally, what are the consequences of this rather weak leadership?In answering these questions, Professor Hayao presents two case studies (educational reform and reform of the tax system) involving Nakasone Yasuhiro to see how he be became involved in the policy issues and how he affected the process. Hayao then examines a number of broad forces that seem important in explaining the prime minister's role in the policy process: how a leader is chosen; his relationships with other important actors in the political system - the political parties and the subgovernments; and the structure of his "inner" staff and advisors.
The replacement of hydrogen with fluorine in organic molecules canprofoundly influence their chemical and physical properties,leading to a range of compounds with highly desirable properties.These molecules are of interest across the wide spectrum ofindustrial and academic organic chemistry, so that organofluorinechemistry is economically highly important. Organofluorine Chemistry will help chemists to develop a systematicknowledge of the chemistry of fluorine with a view towards itsapplication in the design of new reactions and syntheses, and thecreation of novel fluorinated molecules and materials. With initialchapters focusing on why fluorine creates such unique properties inorganic compounds, the book then covers general reactions offluorine. Coverage is chosen from the recent research literature,concentrating on the development of novel bioactive compounds andcatalytic ligands, and explaining, in the context of the initialchapters, how and why fluorine is so effective. With a finalchapter covering the general synthetic chemistry of organofluorinecompounds, the book is a cohesive summary of the fundamentalprincipals of organofluorine chemistry.
A comprehensive study of the life, philosophies, fighting strategies, and works of the legendary samurai warrior who wrote The Book of Five Rings Miyamoto Musashi, who lived in Japan in the fifteenth century, was a renowned samurai warrior. He has become a martial arts icon, known not just as an undefeated dueler, but also as a master of battlefield strategy. Kenji Tokitsu turns a critical eye on Musashi's life and writings, separating fact from fiction, and giving a clear picture of the man behind the myth. Musashi's best-known work, The Book of Five Rings, provides timeless insight into the nature of conflict. Tokitsu translates and provides extensive commentary on that popular work, as well as three other short texts on strategy that were written before it, and a longer, later work entitled "The Way to Be Followed Alone." Tokitsu is a thoughtful and informed guide, putting the historical and philosophical aspects of the text into context, and illuminating the etymological nuances of particular Japanese words and phrases. As a modern martial artist and a scholar, Tokitsu provides a view of Musashi's life and ideas that is accessible and relevant to today's readers and martial arts students.
After Uchino’s introduction of a new terminology, ‘Micromechatronics’ in 1979 for describing the application area of ‘piezoelectric actuators’, the rapid advances in semiconductor chip technology have led to a new terminology MEMS (micro-electro-mechanical-system) or even NEMS (nano-electro-mechanicalsystem) to describe mainly thin film sensor/actuator devices, a narrower area of micromechatronics coverage. New technologies, product developments and commercialization are providing the necessity of this major revision. In particular, the progresses in high power transducers, loss mechanisms in smart materials, energy harvesting and computer simulations are significant. New technologies, product developments and commercialization are providing the updating requirement for the book contents, in parallel to the deletion of old contents. Various educational/instructional example problems have been accumulated, which were integrated in the new edition in order to facilitate the self-learning for the students, and the quiz/problem creation for the instructors. Heavily revised topics from the previous edition include: high power transducers, loss mechanisms in smart materials, energy harvesting and computer simulations New technologies, product developments and commercialization helped shape the updated contents of this book where all chapters have been updated and revised. This textbook is intended for graduate students and industrial engineers studying or working in the fields of electronic materials, control system engineering, optical communications, precision machinery, and robotics. The text is designed primarily for a graduate course with the equivalent of thirty 75-minute lectures; however, it is also suitable for self-study by individuals wishing to extend their knowledge in the field.
This book presents the study of limnogeomorphology, in which past proxy data such as lacustrine sediments with information on landform development can be linked to modern observed data acquired by instruments, including hydro-geomorphological and sedimentary data. Traditionally, in the field of earth sciences, it has been thought that geophysical studies dealing mainly with the present process were not smoothly linked to geological studies that originated from historical studies. Although such earth-surface process studies are closely related to those on historical landform development in the field of geomorphology, they have been studied separately. Those two geomorphology studies correspond to process geomorphology (dynamic geomorphology) and historical geomorphology. There have been some attempts to combine them; however, they lacked past quantitative records available for further analyses. In the study of limnogeomorphology, proxy data can be converted to quantitative information to be utilized in future environmental discussions. This book also covers information not only on large lake-catchment systems, but on small systems. Those include long-term and short-term and large-scale and small-scale environmental changes in east Eurasia such as Lake Baikal, Lake Khuvsgul, Lake Biwa, and small lakes in Japan, Mongolia, China, and Korea.
Based on data collected on 1995 by the Japanese Sociological Association, this book investigates four major classes - new, old middle, capitalist and working - and their characteristics and mobility patterns in terms of income, work, social network, leisure activity, gender relations and voting behaviour.
Global Crisis and Sustainability Technologies is a nontechnical introduction and overview of the current 'politico-engineering' — politically initiated engineering — intended for an international relationship. The book focuses specifically on technologies for crisis and societal sustainability in response to natural disasters, infectious diseases, enormous accidents, terrorist or criminal incidents, war or territorial invasions, elimination of toxic materials, and renewable energy, as well as risk management.The case studies cited draw from the author's experience in the United States, Japan, and China, and act as instructive studies that may be extended and applied to other countries.
This book offers a timely and multifaceted reanalysis of student radicalism in postwar Japan. It considers how students actively engaged the early postwar debates over subjectivity, and how the emergence of a new generation of students in the mid-1950s influenced the nation’s embrace of the idea that ‘the postwar’ had ended. Attentive to the shifting spatial and temporal boundaries of ‘postwar Japan,’ it elucidates previously neglected histories of student and zainichi Korean activism and their interactions with the Japanese Communist Party. This book is a key read for scholars in the field of Japanese history, social movements and postcolonial studies, as well as the history of student radicalism.
Elementary Processes in Excitations and Reactions on Solid Surfaces explores the fundamental nature of dynamics on solid surfaces. Attempts are made to reveal various aspects of elementary processes in excitations and reactions on solid surfaces by recent theoretical and experimental developments of the subjects such as molecular beams interacting with surfaces, ion beam scattering, laser-induced dynamical processes, electronically induced dynamical processes, and optical properties of solid surfaces. This volume is devided into three parts. Part I is concerned mainly with the rich reaction dynamics on potential-energy surfaces. Part II is devoted to the interplay of excitations and reactions with particular attention given to the charge transfer as well as the energy transfer between well-characterized surfaces and beams. In Part III, new and rapidly developing methods are introduced.
The embodiment of the ancient knowledge that underlies the dedication-to-perfection philosophy of Japan • How mastering these specific movement sequences known as katas provides a way to deepen one’s martial arts practice spiritually • Explores the psychological and social importance of the katas in martial arts and Japanese society, including their role in seppuku (ritual suicide) • Includes many examples from the lives of famous masters, from the legendary samurai Miyamoto Musashi to 20th-century poet Yukio Mishima An essential part of the martial arts of Japan, such as sumo and karate, the katas are specific sequences of movement that originated during Sakoku, Japan’s period of closure to the outside world from 1633 until 1853. The dedication-to-perfection philosophy of the katas, ubiquitous in Japanese society, is vital to understanding the spiritual aspects of their martial arts as well as other traditional Japanese arts, such as flower arranging, chadō (tea ceremonies), and kabuki theater. With examples from the lives of famous masters, from legendary samurai Miyamoto Musashi to 20th-century poet Yukio Mishima, this book explores the psychological and social importance of the katas, including their role in seppuku (ritual suicide), the student-master relationship, and gyo (the point at which the practitioner breaks the mold of the kata and begins to embody it). Looking at their origins in the warrior class and how this pursuit of perfection is ultimately a way to accept the power of death, the author explains how performing the katas transmits ancient knowledge much deeper than just technical movements, providing a way to deepen one’s martial arts practice spiritually.
This invaluable volume set of Advances in Geosciences continues the excellent tradition of the Asia-Oceania scientific community in providing the most up-to-date research results on a wide range of geosciences and environmental science. The information is vital to the understanding of the effects of climate change, extreme weathers on the most populated regions and fastest moving economies in the world. Besides, these volumes also highlight original papers from many prestigious research institutions which are conducting cutting edge studies in atmospheric physics, hydrological science and water resource, ocean science and coastal study, planetary exploration and solar system science, seismology, tsunamis, upper atmospheric physics and space science.
This book uses actual construction projects as examples to elaborate the various technologies regarding groundwater control and air-tightness guarantees for the construction of large storage rock caverns in complicated geological conditions. It introduces the latest technologies to give hands-on experience of what to do in unexpected geological conditions, and provides insight into the design, construction and operation of underground facilities. The book is hence useful in feasibility studies, developments and other research into these underground facilities. Drawing on the experience gained from building Japan's largest LPG storage caves, Storage of LPG in Large Rock Caverns is a must-read for engineers, academics and students in the fields of rock mechanics, geotechnical engineering and related disciplines.
In Light Driven Micromachines, the fundamental principles and unique characteristics of light driven material structures, simple mechanisms and integrated machines are explored. Very small light driven systems provide a number of interesting features and unique design opportunities because streams of photons deliver energy into the system and provide the control signal used to regulate the response of the micron sized device. Through innovative material design and clever component fabrication, these optically powered tiny machines can be created to perform mechanical work when exposed to varying light intensity, wavelength, phase, and/or polarization. The book begins with the scientific background necessary to understand the nature of light and how light can initiate physical movement by inducing material deformation or altering the surrounding environment to impose micro-forces on the actuating mechanisms. The impact of physical size on the performance of light driven mechanisms and machines is discussed, and the nature of light–material interactions is reviewed. These interactions enable very small objects and mechanical components to be trapped and manipulated by a focused light beam, or produce local temperature gradients that force certain materials to undergo shape transformation. Advanced phase transition gels, polymers, carbon-based films and piezoelectric ceramics that exhibit direct light-to-mechanical energy conversion are examined from the perspective of designing optically driven actuators and mechanical systems. The ability of light to create photothermal effects that drive microfluidic processes and initiate the phase transformation of temperature sensitive shape memory materials are also explored in the book. This compendium seeks to inspire the next generation of scientists and engineers by presenting the fundamental principles of this emerging interdisciplinary technology and exploring how the properties of light can be exploited for microfluidic, microrobotic, biomedical and space applications.
Students preparing to work with mechatronics, particularly with highly precise and smart actuators, face the challenge of designing and analyzing devices without formal and practical guidance in computer techniques. Finally there is a textbook that is as practical as it is authoritative: Kenji Uchino's FEM and Micromechatronics with ATILA Software. Ideal for Today's Computer-Based Curricula Every aspect of this book reflects its focus on being easy to use, easy to teach from, and above all, easy to implement. The first half of the text outlines the theory needed to develop and design smart actuators and transducers, while the second half walks students step-by-step through the software implementation using seven extensive examples. Even the book's lay-flat binding makes it easy for students to follow the text while working simultaneously at a computer. The companion CD-ROM supplies a free educational version of ATILA-Light. Unified Coverage for Integrated Technologies Covering the myriad challenges posed by smart transducers, the author introduces the fundamentals of piezoelectric and magnetostrictive devices, practical materials, device designs, drive and control techniques, and typical applications. Numerous problems and examples give students ample opportunity to put the concepts into practice. Outlining a complete treatment in 30 convenient 75 minute lessons, FEM and Micromechatronics with ATILA Software is a unique classroom text that students will continue to use throughout their entire careers.
The origin of life has been investigated by many researchers from various research fields, such as Geology, Geochemistry, Physics, Chemistry, Molecular Biology, Astronomy and so on. Nevertheless, the origin of life remains unsolved. One of the reasons for this could be attributed to the different approaches that researchers have used to understand the events that happened on the primitive Earth. The origins of the main three members of the fundamental life system, as gene, genetic code and protein, could be only separately understood with these approaches. Therefore, it is necessary to understand the origins of gene, the genetic code, tRNA, metabolism, cell structure and protein not separately but comprehensively under a common concept in order to understand the origin of life, because the six members are intimately related to each other. In this monograph, the author offers a comprehensive hypothesis to explain the origin of life under a common concept. At the same time, the author offers the [GADV] hypothesis contrasting it with other current hypotheses and discusses the results of analyses of genes/proteins and the experimental data available in the exploration of the current knowledge in the field. This book is of interest for science students, researchers and the general public interested in the origin of life.
This first major study in English on Japanese Buddhism by one of Japan’s most distinguished scholars in the field of Religious Studies is to be widely welcomed.The main focus of the work is on the tradition of the monk (o-bo-san) as the main agent of Buddhism, together with the historical processes by which monks have developed Japanese Buddhism as it appears in the present day.
Derived from the renowned multi-volume International Encyclopaedia of Laws, this practical analysis of the law of contracts in Japan covers every aspect of the subject – definition and classification of contracts, contractual liability, relation to the law of property, good faith, burden of proof, defects, penalty clauses, arbitration clauses, remedies in case of non-performance, damages, power of attorney, and much more. Lawyers who handle transnational contracts will appreciate the explanation of fundamental differences in terminology, application, and procedure from one legal system to another, as well as the international aspects of contract law. Throughout the book, the treatment emphasizes drafting considerations. An introduction in which contracts are defined and contrasted to torts, quasi-contracts, and property is followed by a discussion of the concepts of 'consideration' or 'cause' and other underlying principles of the formation of contract. Subsequent chapters cover the doctrines of 'relative effect', termination of contract, and remedies for non-performance. The second part of the book, recognizing the need to categorize an agreement as a specific contract in order to determine the rules which apply to it, describes the nature of agency, sale, lease, building contracts, and other types of contract. Facts are presented in such a way that readers who are unfamiliar with specific terms and concepts in varying contexts will fully grasp their meaning and significance. Its succinct yet scholarly nature, as well as the practical quality of the information it provides, make this book a valuable time-saving tool for business and legal professionals alike. Lawyers representing parties with interests in Japan will welcome this very useful guide, and academics and researchers will appreciate its value in the study of comparative contract law.
This book provides perspectives on depopulated areas and regional social capital from positivistic field surveys. Among the developed countries of the world, Japan has a very small amount of national land, with almost 70% of it being in mountainous locations. Concentration of populations and economic capital into large metropolitan areas along with many depopulated and population-aged regions in the mountainous parts can be seen in the country. A very clear regional disparity has arisen in Japan, especially since the era of its high economic growth. This book also offers critical suggestions for the shrinking societies of the developed world in the era of Society 5.0, the fifth stage of society where economic development is achieved and social issues are resolved by the fusion of cyber and physical space. To begin, the book refers to an outline of depopulation and depopulated areas in Japan. Then, it deals with issues of depopulation, out-migration from a mountainous village, revitalization of local industries, and maintenance of daily living functions in these areas. This book is suitable for students and scholars of the social sciences, regional planners, staffs of government offices, members of NPOs, general citizens, and the many other people who are interested in sustainability of a region and a community in a shrinking social environment.
This book discusses the ultrasonic synthesis, characterization and application of various nanoparticles, as well as the ultrasonic synthesis of metal and inorganic nanoparticles such as noble metals, transition metals, semiconductors, nanocomposites, alloys and catalysts. In addition, it describes the engineering of micro- and nanosystems using ultrasound-responsive biomolecules. In acoustic cavitation, unique phenomena based on bubbles dynamics, extreme high-temperature and pressure conditions, radical reactions, extreme heating and cooling rates, strong shockwaves, and microstreaming are generated, and under certain conditions, mist generation (atomization of a liquid) is effectively induced by ultrasonic irradiation. These unique phenomena can be used to produce various high-performance functional metal and inorganic nanoparticles. Nanoparticles and nanomaterials are key materials in advancing nanotechnology and as such ultrasound and sonochemical techniques for producing nanoparticles and nanomaterials have been actively studied for the last two decades. Although a few professional books related to “ultrasound” and “nanomaterials” have been published, these mainly target professional researchers. This book covers this topic in a way that appeals to graduate students, researchers and engineers.
As electric devices become smaller and smaller, transport simulations based on the quantum mechanics become more and more important. There are currently numerous textbooks on the basic concepts of quantum transport, but few present calculation methods in detail. This book provides various quantum transport simulation methods and shows applications
Recent research has given great insight into the physiological and pharmaceutical effects of histamine on the central nervous system and especially on the brain. This volume focuses on these many new findings, including the role of brain histamine in the arousal system, learning, and memory. Also featured are the mechanisms of histamine release in bone marrow and mast cells and the role of histamine in neutrophil differentiation. These are analyzed using the most up-to-date techniques of molecular pharmacology and refined immunoelectroscopy. In addition, the pharmacological profiles of newly developed H1 antagonists are described, making this book invaluable to those who want to understand the very latest advances in histamine research.
During a field trip with their middle school classmates, childhood friends Kaguya and Himawari are abducted by the secret society Millennium. The evil organization is notorious for the havoc it's wreaked, but is it possible they're...not the bad guys? After Kaguya gets a glimpse behind the curtain, everything starts to change, and she becomes privy to the truth underneath the world she lives in. Now that she's bestowed with the power to transform into a magical girl, what path will she choose?
With a ticket to the Oumi Women’s University school festival on the line, a fierce competition unfolds between the guys. Who will take the prize and win their right to pick up chicks/go to the voice actress concert?! Passionate friendship and way-too-passionate familial love go full throttle in this new edition of the nude diving comedy, minus the diving this time!
Born into the burakumin—Japan’s class of outcasts—Kenji Nakagami depicts the lives of his people in sensual language and stark detail. The Cape is a breakthrough novella about a burakumin community, their troubled memories, and complex family histories. Includes House on Fire and Red Hair. Kenji Nakagami (1946–92) was a prolific writer admired for his vigorous prose style.
THE WEDDING PARTY After Chisa accidentally gets hypnotized into falling for Iori, Iori finds himself fighting for his life against his salty “buddies.” He and the PAB crew then receive an invitation to Kaya Mizuki's wedding reception, a formal event, which means the boys now face a terrifying prospect: actually keeping their clothes on!
Remarkable developments have taken place in the field of mechatronics in recent years. As symbolized by the "Janglish (Japanese English)" word, mechatronics, the technology and the social adaptation for introducing electronics into mechanics has been readily accepted in Japan. Currently robots are producing many products under computer control in Japanese factories, and supermarkets are utilizing automation systems for sample displays and sales. Further, the fast paced change in semiconductor chip technology has given rise to the need for micro-displacement positioning techniques. Actuators utilizing piezoelectridelectrostrictive effects are expected to meet these needs in mechanical components in the next micro mechatronic age. This book, in English, builds on my earlier publications concerned with ceramic actuators. The first edition titled "Essentials for Development and Applications of Piezoelectric Actuators" was published in 1984 through the Japan Industrial Technology Center. The second edition "PiezoelectriclElectrostrictive Actuators" published in Japanese through Morikita Pub. Co. (Tokyo) became one of the best sellers in that company in 1986, and was then translated into Korean. The problem solving edition "Piezoelectric Actuators -Problem Solving" was also published through Morikita, which was sold in conjunction with a 60 minute video tape to provide easy understanding.
The subject of surface physics has now grown to become an exciting interdisciplinary field of research with important practical applications.The purpose of this book is to provide a guided tour of some recent advances, key research issues and approaches in electronic processes at solid surfaces.Apart from a few structural studies, selected topics have been chosen to illustrate the dynamical response of the solid surface to external probes, with the main emphasis on electron transfer phenomena.
Piezoelectric energy is a renewable alternative energy source that operates on a smaller scale than renewable energy generation plants which generate Mega-Giga Watts of power. Its potential to 'eliminate' contemporary batteries, which are classified as hazardous wastes, makes it an important technological advancement in a world increasingly concerned about eliminating waste, increasing sustainability and shifting to more 'green' consumption habits.Authored by a pioneer of piezoelectric actuators and piezoelectric energy harvesting, this unique compendium provides a solid theoretical background of piezoelectrics, practical material selection, device design optimization, and energy harvesting electric circuits. Included in each chapter are a list of chapter essentials, check points, example problems and solutions, and practice problems.Written for advanced undergraduate and graduate students, university researchers, and industry engineers studying or working in the field of piezoelectric energy harvesting systems, the useful reference text provides readers with the essential knowledge to conduct research and raises readers' awareness of known pitfalls and mis-directions in the field.
Post–World War II historical developments, including Japanese American resettlement, the U.S. occupation of Japan, the Cold War, and decolonization in an emerging “Third World,” created both a climate of uncertainty and possibility for the future of Japanese American Buddhism in the United States. As both a racial minority and as adherents of a non-Christian religious tradition with roots in Asia, Nikkei Buddhists faced distinct challenges in asserting their religion as part of their ethnic heritage. Adaptations associated with Nisei Buddhism sought to prioritize cultural assimilation as prescribed by U.S. government officials and other proponents of racial liberalism, while also seeking to maintain Shin Buddhist tradition, claiming it as integral to Nikkei heritage and part of a tradition of American religious freedom. Nisei also presented Buddhism as a world religion, which served as more than a rhetorical strategy, since many Nisei extended their vision of the sangha (community of Buddhists) to include connections with Buddhists in Japan and South and Southeast Asia. But Nisei Buddhism's emerging influence among American Shin Buddhist communities would be challenged by converts and a younger generation of more progressive Nikkei during the 1960s. Reorienting the Pure Land: Nisei Buddhism in the Transwar Years, 1943–1965, is the first historical study of Nisei Shin Buddhists in the United States during the tumultuous period between World War II and the early decades of the Cold War. This book examines Nisei-led adaptations to American Shin Buddhist institutions and organizations in an effort to reconstitute Nikkei Buddhist communities following the end of World War II and release from U.S. government sponsored concentration camps. Taking a transnational perspective, this text establishes the importance of Buddhism in shaping networks in the United States and across the globe, and is the first to highlight the centrality of ethnic Buddhism in building the terms of racial inclusion and the construction of Asian Americans as a model minority. In addressing themes of religious adaptation, cultural nationalism, and global connection, Reorienting the Pure Land makes new contributions to the fields of Japanese American history, the history of Buddhism in America, and the study of Cold War racial liberalism.
Many small molecules occur naturally as "messenger" chemicals which regulate the behaviour and functions of microbes, plants, insects and animals. Examples include hormones, pheromones, phytoalexins, and antifeedants. These biofunctional molecules are of great interest to researchers in helping develop our understanding of biological function and in the development of new drugs. However extracting them from nature can be prohibitively expensive, so there is great interest in devising methods of synthesising them from simple starting materials in the laboratory. Chemical Synthesis of Hormones, Pheromones and Other Bioregulators is an introduction to the techniques and strategies for the synthesis of biofunctional small molecules. Topics include: what are biofunctional molecules? why must biofunctional molecules be synthesized? how can we synthesize biofunctional molecules? the synthesis of phytohormones, phytoalexins and other biofunctional molecules of plant origin the synthesis of insect juvenile hormones and antifeedants the synthesis of pheromones and the significance of chirality in pheromone science the synthesis of microbial hormones and pheromones, antibiotics, and other biofunctional molecules of microbial origin the synthesis of marine antifeedants and medicinal candidates a synthetic examination of incorrectly proposed structures of biomolecules reflections on science as a human endeavor Drawing on a career of almost 50 years researching and teaching this subject, Kenji Mori's Chemical Synthesis of Hormones, Pheromones and Other Bioregulators is a must-have textbook for students and researchers of organic synthesis and natural products, and a stimulating and inspiring account of a distinguished chemical career.
Offers concise coverage of spices and herbs from basic science to the most recent developments in spice functions and applications. Introduces a new patterning theory of extensive spice use in various types of food preparations.
This book covers the fundamental aspects of the electrochemistry and redox enzymes that underlie enzymatic bioelectrocatalysis, in which a redox enzyme reaction is coupled with an electrode reaction. Described here are the basic concept and theoretical aspects of bioelectrocatalysis and the various experimental techniques and materials used to study and characterize related problems. Also included are the various applications of bioelectrocatalysis to bioelectrochemical devices including biosensors, biofuel cells, and bioreactors. This book is a unique source of information in the area of enzymatic bioelectrocatalysis, approaching the subject from a cross-disciplinary point of view.
Simple Solutions: For Planet Earth is a scientific book written in a popular style for the average reader. You have read about Peak Oil and Global Climate Warming, and complained about $4/gallon gasoline, but how really serious are these headlines and annoyances? The author has worked his entire career on: the science, technology, education, administration and politics of these subjects, and crystallizes this complex field into understandable elements, providing simple solutions for humanity. Does it make sense for the renewable energy budget of the Federal Government to be about $1 billion/year when: o Annual tax incentives and government programs for the oil industry are supposedly in the range between $38 billion and $115 billion, although Lester Brown says $210 billion in 2005. o Farm subsidies alone in 2004 cost taxpayers $16.2 billion. o Our country spends $12 billion a month, or $144 billion/year, on the Iraq and Afghanistan wars, ostensibly to protect oil, only to raise prices. The author’s long experience with the Greenhouse Effect has led him to believe that methane, not carbon dioxide, could well be the critical gas of concern, for there is potential for global warming to cascade into, what he terms, the Venus Syndrome. The closing chapter speculates on a hypothesis regarding mega-tsunamis (100 meter waves) from landslides. While simple solutions are suggested, the problem is the inability of our civilization to agree on a workable strategy, which is further weakened by the lack of will on part of the general populace. Thus, the reader is urged to help make that crucial difference. Instructions and examples are provided on how to attain Rainbow Vision to carry out this mission for a better Planet Earth. The simplest solution is for everyone to join in on the effort.
Within the contexts of the global warming crisis facing the world, climate change mitigation strategies must be developed with a deep understanding of the science behind the impact of climate change and adaptations that must be made. This book discusses the mitigation strategy of climate change from the perspective of Japan and adopts a comprehensive view on climate change science, taking into consideration the recent international discussions on the subject, including those of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. Furthermore, this book discusses energy and environment strategies in Japan, particularly after the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power accident, underpinning Japan's historical lack of natural resource and the resulting difficulties it faces in keeping up with the demand for energy. Finally, this book provides the quantitative model to assess scenarios for climate mitigation and their associated costs and economic impacts for the formulation of a national strategy for an effective and sustainable set of climate change mitigation measures.
This invaluable volume set of Advances in Geosciences continues the excellent tradition of the Asia-Oceania scientific community in providing the most up-to-date research results on a wide range of geosciences and environmental science. The information is vital to the understanding of the effects of climate change, extreme weathers on the most populated regions and fastest moving economies in the world. Besides, these volumes also highlight original papers from many prestigious research institutions which are doing cutting edge study in atmospheric physics, hydrological science and water resource, ocean science and coastal study, planetary exploration and solar system science, seismology, tsunamis, upper atmospheric physics and space science.
Updating its bestselling predecessor, Ferroelectric Devices, Second Edition assesses the last decade of developments—and setbacks—in the commercialization of ferroelectricity. Field pioneer and esteemed author Uchino provides insight into why this relatively nascent and interdisciplinary process has failed so far without a systematic accumulation of fundamental knowledge regarding materials and device development. Filling the informational void, this collection of information reviews state-of-the-art research and development trends reflecting nano and optical technologies, environmental regulation, and alternative energy sources. Like the first edition, which became a standard in the field, this volume provides a general introduction to ferroelectrics with theoretical background. It then addresses practical design and device manufacturing, including recently developed processes and applications. Updating old data with a forecast of future developments, the text analyzes improvements to original ferroelectric devices to aid the design process of new ones. The second edition includes new sections on: Pb-free piezoelectrics Size effect on ferroelectricity Electrocaloric devices Micro mass sensor Piezoelectric energy harvesting Light valves and scanners Multi-ferroic devices, including magneto-electric sensors Uchino provides a general introduction to the theoretical background of ferroelectric devices, practical materials, device designs, drive/control techniques, and typical applications. He presents frequently asked questions from students, lab demonstrations for practical understanding, and "check point" quizzes and model solutions to monitor understanding. After a thorough exploration of ferroelectric devices and their past, this book looks to the industry’s future, assessing market size and remaining reliability/lifetime issues. The author also unveils his strategy for developing "best-selling" ferroelectric devices.
This book presents new computational tools for the H? control of distributed parameter systems in which transfer functions are considered as input-output descriptions for the plants to be controlled. The emphasis is on the computation of the controller parameters and reliable implementation. The authors present recent studies showing that the simplified skew-Toeplitz method is applicable to a wide class of systems, supply detailed examples from systems with time delays and various engineering applications, and discuss reliable implementation of the controller, complemented by a software based on MATLAB. Frequency Domain Techniques for H? Control of Distributed Parameter Systems is intended for advanced undergraduate and early graduate students interested in robust control of distributed parameter systems?time delay systems?as well as researchers and engineers working in related fields. It can be used in the following courses: Introduction to Robust Control with Applications to Distributed Parameter Systems and Introduction to Robust Control with Applications to Time Delay Systems.
This will help us customize your experience to showcase the most relevant content to your age group
Please select from below
Login
Not registered?
Sign up
Already registered?
Success – Your message will goes here
We'd love to hear from you!
Thank you for visiting our website. Would you like to provide feedback on how we could improve your experience?
This site does not use any third party cookies with one exception — it uses cookies from Google to deliver its services and to analyze traffic.Learn More.