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Coastal and estuarine environments at the interface of terrestrial and marine areas are among the most productive in the world. However, since the beginning of the industrial era, these ecosystems have been subjected to strong anthropogenic pressures intensified from the second half of the 20th century, when there was a marked acceleration in the warming (climate change) of the continents, particularly at high latitudes. Coastal ecosystems are highly vulnerable to alteration of their physical, chemical and biological characteristics (marine intrusion, acidification of marine environments, changes in ecosystems, evolution and artificialization of the coastline, etc.).In contact with heavily populated areas, these environments are often the receptacle of a lot of chemical and biological pollution sources that significantly diminish their resilience. In this context of accelerated evolution and degradation of these areas important for food security of many populations around the world, it is necessary to better identify the factors of pressure and understand, at different scales of observation, their effects and impacts on the biodiversity and on the socio-eco-systems, in order to determine the degree of vulnerability of these coastal ecosystems and the risks they face. A transdisciplinary and integrated approach is required to prevent risks. Within this framework, operational coastal oceanography occupies an important place but also the implementation of a true socio-eco-system approach in order to set up an environmentally friendly development.

¿This book presents the refereed proceedings of the 13th International Conference on Monte Carlo and Quasi-Monte Carlo Methods in Scientific Computing that was held at the University of Rennes, France, and organized by Inria, in July 2018. These biennial conferences are major events for Monte Carlo and quasi-Monte Carlo researchers. The proceedings include articles based on invited lectures as well as carefully selected contributed papers on all theoretical aspects and applications of Monte Carlo and quasi-Monte Carlo methods. Offering information on the latest developments in these very active areas, this book is an excellent reference resource for theoreticians and practitioners interested in solving high-dimensional computational problems, arising, in particular, in finance, statistics and computer graphics.

This book provides a comprehensive overview of various self-assemblies in liquid crystalline polymers and their electrical, optical, mechanical, and flame retardant properties. Liquid crystalline polymers are unique self-assembled, functional soft materials with electrical, magnetic, and thermal responses which find potential applications in numerous areas. As well as providing an overview of their synthesis, self-assembly and dynamics the various applications are also discussed. Such applications as liquid crystalline elastomers, light responsive actuators, optical reflectors, gas barrier films, and even flame retardant polymers will be presented. The book is a useful resource for undergraduates, postgraduates and experienced researchers.

The purpose of MetFoam conference series is to provide a state-of-the-art review on lightweight porous metals and metallic foams and a forum for discussions and networking opportunities for scientists working in this field. Topics included in this volume include the following:¿ Fabrication by conventional and novel methods including additive manufacturing ¿ Characterization ¿ Properties of compressed and uncompressed foam ¿ Design of porous metals, metallic foams, and lattice structures¿ Fluid, heat, and mass transfer ¿ Porous biomaterials¿ Nanoporous metals¿ Industrial applications of porous metals and metallic foams

The book discusses sustainability and law in a multifaceted way. Together, sustainability and law are an emerging challenge for research and science. This volume contributes through an interdisciplinary concept to its further exploration. The contributions explore this exciting domain with innovative ideas and replicable approaches. It combines a variety of authors, from both the public and the private sectors, and thereby guarantees a broad view that enshrines the more theoretical arguments from the academic side as well as stronger practical applicable perspectives. The book provides space for thoughtful expansions of established theories as well as the hopeful emergence of innovative ideas. Moreover, the combination of three to five contributions into the eleven parts respectively aims toward a compression of like minded thoughts. This should lead to an intensification of exchange of viewpoints from different angles on a similar theme. Readers therefore also have the opportunityto concentrate on single chapters, but receive comprised knowledge and a variety of thoughts for new ideas on a particular theme.

This book provides a broad examination of redox-based resistive switching memories (ReRAM), a promising technology for novel types of nanoelectronic devices, according to the International Technology Roadmap for Semiconductors, and the materials and physical processes used in these ionic transport-based switching devices. It covers defect kinetic models for switching, ReRAM deposition/fabrication methods, tuning thin film microstructures, and material/device characterization and modeling. A slate of world-renowned authors address the influence of type of ionic carriers, their mobility, the role of the local and chemical composition and environment, and facilitate readers¿ understanding of the effects of composition and structure at different length scales (e.g., crystalline vs amorphous phases, impact of extended defects such as dislocations and grain boundaries). ReRAMs show outstanding potential for scaling down to the atomic level, fast operation in the nanosecond range, low power consumption, and non-volatile storage. The book is ideal for materials scientists and engineers concerned with novel types of nanoelectronic devices such as memories, memristors, and switches for logic and neuromorphic computing circuits beyond the von Neumann concept.

This book covers subjects that have major impacts on society, such as the mechanism of maternal-fetal transfer of vitamin A, and the effects of alcohol on retinoic acid signaling and mammalian embryonic development. There has been an awareness of the importance of consuming vitamins throughout human history, but empirical studies of their physiological role and mode of action only began about 150 years ago. Since then, the biochemical nature of vitamin A and its active derivative, retinoic acid, have been identified and researchers around the globe have investigated retinoic acid¿s physiological function in growth processes and in maintaining life Written by leading experts, this book discusses the latest findings and advances in retinoic acid research. It addresses topics such as the role of retinoic acid signaling in a multitude of processes, including limb, heart and respiratory system development, as well as its role in maintaining postnatal organ systems. This book is a valuable resource for scientists involved in vitamin A/retinoic acid research and readers interested in developmental biology.

This second volume, written in four parts, offers the reader a thorough review on molecular, structural and applied aspects of antifreeze proteins. The first part treats the structure-function relationship and the physicochemical properties of antifreeze proteins; the second part provides insight into molecular mechanisms affected by antifreeze proteins; the third part presents some of the potential applications in various professional sectors and in the last part the book content is summarized and future research directions and ideas are discussed. Together with the first volume on the environment, systematic and evolution of antifreeze proteins, this book represents a unique, comprehensive work and a must-have for students and scientists in biochemistry, molecular biology, biotechnology and physical chemistry.

This first volume provides a comprehensive overview on evolutionary, environmental and systematic aspects of antifreeze proteins. It shortly explains the physical properties of ice and further intelligibly describes the biology of the antifreeze proteins in different organisms, and offers a detailed insight into their history of evolution. In addition the book discusses the status of the current knowledge and ongoing research and highlights also those parts, where further investigation needs to be done. Together with the second volume on the biochemistry and molecular biology of antifreeze proteins, this book represents a unique, comprehensive work and a must-have for students and scientists in biochemistry, evolution, physiology and physical chemistry.