Ledgers and Prices: Early Mesopotamian Merchant Accounts (Near Eastern Researches Series)

Book Description

Bringing Peace Into the Room examines the personal qualities that make a mediator effective. The eminent authors of this volume go beyond traditional descriptions of academic training, theoretical orientation, and refinement of technique to confront issues related to personal temperament and the crucial psychological, intellectual and spiritual qualities of the mediation professional— qualities that are often the most potent elements of successful mediation. In this comprehensive resource, Daniel Bowling and David Hoffman bring together a stellar panel of practitioners, academics, teachers, and trainers in the field— Michele LeBaron, Kenneth Cloke, Robert Benjamin, Don Saposnek, Sara Cobb, Peter Adler, Jonathan Reitman, Lois Gold, Marvin Johnson, and others— ?who share their personal experiences as mediators. Each contributor demonstrates that at the very heart of conflict resolution is the subtle interaction between the parties and the mediator's personal and authentic style.

Average customer rating:
Transatlantic discord and NATO's crisis of cohesion (Foreign policy report)
Peter H Langer
Manufacturer: Pergamon-Brassey's International Defense Publishers
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding
ASIN: B0006DFBXM

Book Description

A tour of the arctic universe awaits readers of The Arctic Sky. Constellations, star lore, legends and mythology, the sun, moon, planets, "shooting stars," and atmospheric phenomena such as aurora borealis, are explored from a variety of perspectives. Combining interviews with the Inuit elders and the historical records of arctic explorers and other keen observers, The Arctic Sky is a memorable journey through the Arctic night.

Customer Reviews:

Super Traditional Astronomy.......2000-09-04

In this age of high-tech astronomy, we might forget the rich and extensive sky knowledge of the indigenous people, including the northern Inuit of Canada and Inupiat of Alaska. Living in Barrow, Alaska, the farthest north city in the U.S. has given me some great astronomical lessons from local elders, even as I venture outside at 30 below zero with my trusty Unitron 2.4 inch refractor, to scan the night sky.

Author John MacDonald is an astronomer and researcher in Iglolik in the new territory of Nunavut in Northern Canada. He surverys traditional astronomy through document research, but also through interviews and collaboration with Inuit elders in Igloolik.

The book also contains findings and traditions from Northern Alaska. Living in a place where the sun stays down over two months in winter, I was fascinated to learn about a number of customs and rituals related to the return of the sun, for example. MacDonald tells how young people were forbidden to play strings games as the sun first reappeared ---for fear that the sun might get caught in the strings and never fully rise again. Also how residents of some villages would get up on the roofs of their homes to celebrate the return of the sun.

There are many stories about familiar constellations, and words such as "Ullaktut", meaning "runners" which refer to the three belt stars of Orion. And much, much more.

Alas, MacDonald notes that traditional astronomy is now diminished in some areas, in part because people travel faster at night with snow machines, and do not spend as much time outdoors under the night sky. In the past, he says, people traveling more slowly, and quietly, by dog team, would have ample opportunity to survey the maginificant sky above, with celestial objects often framed by Northern Lights. But he also notes a great revival of interest in studying the astronomical traditons of the past. Hopefully, this will include more and more young people to go into astronomy or some related field, and add a 21st century perspective to the lessons of the past.

Book Description

This digital document is an article from The Canadian Review of Sociology and Anthropology, published by Canadian Sociology and Anthropology Assn. on November 1, 1999. The length of the article is 650 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Citation Details
Title: The Arctic Sky: Inuit Astronomy, Star Lore, and Legend.(Review) (book reviews)
Author: Robin Ridington
Publication: The Canadian Review of Sociology and Anthropology (Refereed)
Date: November 1, 1999
Publisher: Canadian Sociology and Anthropology Assn.
Volume: 36 Issue: 4 Page: 607

Article Type: Book Review

Distributed by Thomson Gale

Arctic sky: Inuit astronomy, star lore, and legend.: An article from: Arctic

Average customer rating:

Arctic sky: Inuit astronomy, star lore, and legend.: An article from: Arctic

Manufacturer: Arctic Institute of North America of the University of Calgary
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Digital

General | Science | Subjects | Books

Science & Technology | Subjects | e-Docs | Formats | Books

Book Description

This digital document is an article from Arctic, published by Arctic Institute of North America of the University of Calgary on December 1, 1998. The length of the article is 1317 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Citation Details
Title: Arctic sky: Inuit astronomy, star lore, and legend.
Publication: Arctic (Refereed)
Date: December 1, 1998
Publisher: Arctic Institute of North America of the University of Calgary
Volume: 51 Issue: 4 Page: 394-5

Article Type: Book Review

Distributed by Thomson Gale

Book Description

Applied Mathematics: Body & Soul is a mathematics education reform project developed at Chalmers University of Technology and includes a series of volumes and software. The program is motivated by the computer revolution opening new possibilitites of computational mathematical modeling in mathematics, science and engineering. It consists of a synthesis of Mathematical Analysis (Soul), Numerical Computation (Body) and Application. Volumes I-III present a modern version of Calculus and Linear Algebra, including constructive/numerical techniques and applications intended for undergraduate programs in engineering and science. Further volumes present topics such as Dynamical Systems, Fluid Dynamics, Solid Mechanics and Electro-Magnetics on an advanced undergraduate/graduate level.

Volume I (Derivatives and Geometry in R3) presents basics of Calculus starting with the construction of the natural, rational, real and complex numbers, and proceeding to analytic geometry in two and three space dimensions, Lipschitz continuous functions and derivatives, together with a variety of applications.

Volume II (Integrals and Geomtery in Rn) develops the Riemann integral as the solution to the problem of determining a function given its derivative, and proceeds to generalizations in the form of initial value problems for general systems of ordinary differential equations, including a variety of applications. Linear algebra including numerics is also presented.

Volume III (Calculus in Several Dimensions) presents Calculus in several variables including partial derivatives, multi-dimensional integrals, partial differential equations and finite element methods, together with a variety of applications modeled as systems of partial differential equations.

The authors are leading researchers in Computational Mathematics who have written various successful books.

Further information on Applied Mathematics: Body and Soul can be found at http://www.phi.chalmers.se/bodysoul/.

Customer Reviews:

Calculus + Linear Algebra in One Series.......2005-01-05

I wish Amazon would put a text list of the "Table of Contents" for books.

Sorry about the length: Amazon does not allow postings for each volume in a series!

Volume 1: Derivatives and Geometry in R^3
1. What is Mathematics?
2. The Mathematics Library
3. Introduction to Modeling
4. A Very Short Calculus Course
5. Natural Numbers and Integers
6. Mathematical Induction
7. Rational Numbers
8. Pythagoras and Euclid
9. What is a Function?
10. Polynomial Functions
11. Combinations of Functions
12. Lipschitz Continuity
13. Sequences and Limits
14. The Square Root of Two
15. Real Numbers
16. The Bisection Algorithm for f(x) = 0
17. Do Mathematicians Quarrel?
18. The Function y = x^r
19. Fixed Points and Contraction Mappings
20. Analytic Geometry in R^2
21. Analytic Geometry in R^3
22. Complex Numbers
23. The Derivative
24. Differentiation Rules
25. Newton's Method
26. Galileo, Newton, Hooke, Malthus and Fourier

Volume 2: Integrals and Geometry in R^n
27: The Integral
28: Properties of the Integral
29. The Logarithm log(x)
30. Numerical Quadrature
31. The Exponential Function exp(x) = e^x
32. Trigonometric Functions
33. The Functions exp(z), log(z), sin(z) and cos(z) for z e C
34. Techniques of Integration
35. Solving Differential Equations Using the Exponential
36. Improper Integrals
37. Series
38. Scalar Autonomous Initial Value Problems
39. Separable Scalar Initial Value Problems
40. The General Initial Value Problem
41. Calculus Tool Bag I
42. Analytic Geometry in R^n
43. The Spectral Theorem
44. Solving Linear Algebraic Systems
45. Linear Algebra Tool Bag
46. The Matrix Exponential exp(xA)
47. Lagrange and the Principle of Least Action
48. N-Body Systems
49. The Crash Model
50. Electrical Circuits
51. String Theory
52. Piecewise Linear Approximation
53. FEM for Two-Point Boundary Value Problems

Volume 3: Calculus in Several Dimensions
54. Vector-Valued Functions of Several Real Variables
55. Level Curves/Surfaces and the Gradient
56. Linearization and Stability of Initial Value Problems
57. Adaptive Solvers for IVPs
58. Lorenz and the Essence of Chaos
59. The Solar System
60. Optimization
61. The Divergence, Rotation and Laplacian
62. Meteorology and Coriolis Forces
63. Curve Integrals
64. Double Integrals
65. Surface Integrals
66. Multiple Integrals
67. Gauss' Theorem and Green's Formula in R^2
68. Gauss' Theorem and Green's Formula in R^3
69. Stoke's Theorem
70. Potential Fields
71. Center of Mass and Archimedes' Principle
72. Newton's Nightmare
73. Laplacian Models
74. Chemical Reactions
75. Calculus Tool Bag II
76. Piecewise Linear Polynomials in R^2 and R^3
77. FEM for Boundary Value Problems in R^2 and R^3
78. Inverse Problems
79. Optimal Control
80. Differential Equations Tool Bag
81. Applications Tool Bag
82. Analytic Functions
83. Fourier Series
84. Fourier Transforms
85. Analytic Functions Tool Bag
86. Fourier Analysis Tool Bag
87. Incompressible Navier-Stokes: Quick and Easy

This book/series has some problems; however, the attempt to wed Mathematical Analysis, Numerical Computation, and Application AND to also talk about Calculus and Linear Algebra at the same time -- makes these three books worth a look.

Book Description

When Bill Weber and Amy Vedder arrived in Rwanda to study mountain gorillas with Dian Fossey, the gorilla population was teetering toward extinction. Poaching was rampant, but it was loss of habitat that most endangered the gorillas. Weber and Vedder realized that the gorillas were doomed unless something was done to save their forest home. Over Fossey's objections, they helped found the Mountain Gorilla Project, which would inform Rwandans about the gorillas and the importance of conservation, while at the same time establishing an ecotourism project -- one of the first anywhere in a rainforest -- to bring desperately needed revenue to Rwanda.

In the Kingdom of Gorillas introduces readers to entire families of gorillas, from powerful silverback patriarchs to helpless newborn infants. Weber and Vedder take us with them as they slog through the rain-soaked mountain forests, observing the gorillas at rest and at play. Today the population of mountain gorillas is the highest it has been since the 1960s, and there is new hope for the species' fragile future even as the people of Rwanda strive to overcome ethnic and political differences.

Customer Reviews:

Required Reading for anyone looking for conservation methods that work.......2007-08-17

This is a great book. Not only does it tell an incredible story. But it also illustrates one of the realities of saving wildlife and habitat. People don't kill wildlife or destroy forests out of spite. They are driven to it for economic reasons; namely, they have no other way to feed their familes. So, in order to change their behaviours, they have to be offered alternatives. The work of Bill Weber and Amy Vetter offered alternatives to Rwandans. Their living standards rose (excluding the effects of genocide and civil war, of course) and poaching and habitat destruction were reduced. A great case study.

But, much more than that, it is also an enjoyable, well written account of the lives and dreams of a great pair of people.

If You're Going To The Gorillas, Read This First.......2007-03-10

Let me start by saying that the only criticism I have of this book is that it doesn't talk about the gorillas themselves, their lives and behavior, all that much. If you want a natural history of gorillas, look elsewhere.

Having said that--this is an excellent book and I highly recommend it, especially if you're going to Rwanda. The book follows the development of the Mountain Gorilla Project from the last years of Dian Fossey's life through the Rwandan genocide and beyond. It is written by the couple who took over the Project after Fossey's murder, and tells their story in fascinating detail. It is a record of the ongoing struggle to maintain a national park in a poor country, of the commitment and hard work of a few people--Europeans, Americans, Rwandans--in difficult and even deadly circumstances, and, most importantly, of the interactions of poverty, politics, personality, corruption, ignorance, education, inspiration, fear, courage, joy and tragedy in the real world of conservation biology.

While this is about one country, one park (mostly) and one species, it will give the reader a much clearer understanding of the diffculties faced by field biologists, park rangers, conservationists and governments the world over who are trying to preserve wild places.

The book is written in a lively, conversational style and makes every effort to be even-handed with some difficult personalities (Fossey's not least of these). Even though the book devotes only a chapter to the horror of the genocide, it presents the events in both a larger context and very personal, affecting detail. In fact, one of the great strengths of the book is its graceful incorporation of the big picture and the snapshot to tell a whole story.

If you're going to Rwanda (or if you've been there)--BUY THIS BOOK!

An honest look at Gorilla history and research.......2007-01-09

Mountain Gorilla conservation and protection is a tenuous, difficult and sad story of the plight of these wonderful, intelligent beings. The truth of Dian Fossey's last years is also painful to digest. This book is forthright and eye-opening.

Great Read!.......2006-02-14

I enjoyed reading about the authors' work with the mountain gorillas in Rwanda, especially their emphasis on the human aspect of conservation. I think that most scientists are often unwilling to accept the importance of integrating conservation efforts with development goals, for their dedication to the science of it. I know that that was how I felt for the longest time. I no longer feel that way, and reading about the authors' perspective greatly enlarged mine. One critique that I do have with this book is the unnecessary recollection of all the things that were wrong with Dian Fossey following their discussion of her death. Not only was it superfluous, but it also detracted from their credibility as professionals--perhaps they felt that they needed to one-up Fossey for some of the admittedly horrible things that she did to them? I am interested in their opinions about the mountain gorillas, life in Rwanda, the Hutus and Tutsis, but no, not about their personal biases. Otherwise, this was an intriguing read.

Inspiring.......2005-11-23

I read this book while on a trip to Rwanda & Uganda to see the mountain gorilla's. It is a magnificent book not just because of the couples work with the Gorilla's in difficult terrain but also because of their initiative to start eco tourism (essential to saving the Gorillas) in the face of much opposition (including Dian Fossey). It is enchanting to read about the high quality of the relationship between the couple and their work with the local people (including the lead up to the chilling Genocide).

I am planning on rereading it.

In the Kingdom of Gorillas: Fragile Species in a Dangerous Land

Average customer rating:

In the Kingdom of Gorillas: Fragile Species in a Dangerous Land
Bill; Vedder, Amy Weber
Manufacturer: Simon & Schuster Inc.,U.S.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000VKLI14

Book Description

Humorous events from the early nineteen fifties to today are described: growing up; fifties teenagers; raising children; single parents; sex in and out of marriage; naivete of youth; cinema; love second time around; animals; travel; work; music; television; dancing; funerals; fireworks; weddings; wigs; bullying; policemen; Superman; hobbies; widowhood. Three tales feature guns, two concern breasts! Cat antics, ants, spiders, a neurotic mother of sons, and parents of neurotic mothers! Joys of raising children later bestowed upon grandchildren. The narrative shows the humor and sadness of ordinary people in ordinary situations, sometimes behaving in quite extraordinary ways. Embarrassing moments are shared as are more intimate accounts. These true stories span fifty-three years in the life of a widowed mother of sons and grandmother of girls and take a gigantic leap from fifties England to modern-day life. The joy of life threads throughout with special memories, fun, a little naughtiness, and complete lack of sophistication!

Book Description

"Africa is a magnificent and diverse continent full of majesty and mystery. Unfortunately, recent waves of genocide have also spread misery to millions of Africans. In these pages Lucian Niemeyer has bravely and sensitively documented the horror and cruelty of the genocides of Rwanda and Sudan."--from AfricaÂ's Foreword by Bill Richardson

In 1994, internationally known author and photographer Lucian Niemeyer began a series of journeys to Africa to document and expose atrocities being committed there. Niemeyer traveled to the Rwandan refugee camps in Zaire a few months after the terrible Hutu-on-Tutsi genocide. Subsequent trips to the Sudan were made to document slavery, the oil field genocide, and the Nuba Mountain epoch.

Four main types of holocausts are presented in these stories: tribe-on-tribe genocide ("Rwandan Refugees"), slavery ("The Sudan Slave Story"), religious Jihad genocide ("Sudan Oil Field Genocide"), and ethnic cleansing ("Nuba Mountains, Sudan"). Over 180 color photographs document these atrocities.

"In these pages Lucian Niemeyer has bravely and sensitively documented the horror and cruelty of the genocides of Rwanda and Sudan."--from AfricaÂ's Foreword by Bill Richardson, former U. S. Ambassador to the U. N.

Book Description

A revised molecular approach to a classic on viscoelastic behavior

Because viscoelasticity affects the properties, appearance, processing, and performance of polymers such as rubber, plastic, and adhesives, a proper utilization of such polymers requires a clear understanding of viscoelastic behavior.

Now in its third edition, Introduction to Polymer Viscoelasticity remains a classic in the literature of molecular viscoelasticity, bridging the gap between primers on polymer science and advanced research-level monographs. Assuming a molecular, rather than a mechanical approach, the text provides a strong grounding in the fundamental concepts, detailed derivations, and particular attention to assumptions, simplifications, and limitations.

This Third Edition has been entirely revised and updated to reflect recent developments in the field. New chapters include:
* Phenomenological Treatment of Viscoelasticity
* Viscoelastic Models
* Time-Temperature Correspondence
* Transitions and Relaxation in Polymers
* Elasticity of Rubbery Networks
* Dielectric and NMR Methods

With detailed explanations, corresponding equations, and experimental methods, supported by real-life applications (as well as the inclusion of a CD-ROM with data to support the exercises), this Third Edition provides today's students and professionals with the tools they need to create polymers with more desirable qualities than ever.

Download Description

A revised molecular approach to a classic on viscoelastic behavior Because viscoelasticity affects the properties, appearance, processing, and performance of polymers such as rubber, plastic, and adhesives, a proper utilization of such polymers requires a clear understanding of viscoelastic behavior. Now in its third edition, Introduction to Polymer Viscoelasticity remains a classic in the literature of molecular viscoelasticity, bridging the gap between primers on polymer science and advanced research-level monographs. Assuming a molecular, rather than a mechanical approach, the text provides a strong grounding in the fundamental concepts, detailed derivations, and particular attention to assumptions, simplifications, and limitations. This Third Edition has been entirely revised and updated to reflect recent developments in the field. New chapters include: Phenomenological Treatment of Viscoelasticity Viscoelastic Models Time-Temperature Correspondence Transitions and Relaxation in Polymers Elasticity of Rubbery Networks Dielectric and NMR Methods

Polymer Engineering Science and Viscoelasticity: An Introduction

Average customer rating:

Polymer Engineering Science and Viscoelasticity: An Introduction
Hal F. Brinson , and L. Catherine Brinson
Manufacturer: Springer
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Science | Subjects | Books

Mechanics | Physics | Science | Subjects | Books

General | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0387738606

Book Description

Po lymer Engineering Science and Viscoelasticity: An Introduction provides a unified mechanics and materials perspective on polymers: both the mathematics of viscoelasticity theory, as well as the physical mechanisms behind polymer deformation processes. Written for advanced seniors seeking graduate level courses, first and second year graduate students and practicing engineers, this volume describes the relationship between mechanical properties and the basic molecular structure and mechanisms associated with the performance of structures made from polymer based materials. Clearly written in an organized manner, readers need only basic knowledge of solid mechanics and materials science in order to use this reference successfully. Introductory material on fundamental mechanics is included to provide a continuous baseline for readers from all disciplines. Introductory material on the chemical and molecular basis of polymers is also included, which is essential to the understanding of the thermomechanical response. This self-contained text covers the viscoelastic characterization of polymers including constitutive modeling, experimental methods, thermal response and stress and failure analysis. Example problems are provided within the text as well as at the close of each chapter.

Polymer Engineering Science and Viscoelasticity: An Introduction provides an excellent overview suited to cross-disciplinary engineers and scientists who need to understand the basic background of polymeric behavior to rigorous mechanics approaches to the design of structures made with polymer based materials.

Average customer rating:

INTRODUCTION TO POLYMER VISCOELASTICITY
MONTGOMERY T. MACKNIGHT, WILLIAM J. SHAW
Manufacturer: JOHN WILEY AND SONS LTD
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000N5GYIE

Average customer rating:

Introduction to Polymer Viscoelasticity
John J. Aklonis
Manufacturer: Wiley, John & Sons, Incorporated
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000MUUQCU

Book Description

As the first book on the conservation biology of invertebrate animals - the predominant components of most global communities - this volume synthesizes much important information in this emerging science. Global in scope, the book deals with animals in terrestrial, marine, and freshwater
communities. Also included are chapters on biodiversity, rationale and priorities for invertebrate conservation and practical conservation, and suggestions on agendas for the future. Many examples are discussed, and comprehensive references given. A broad audience from conservationists and
environmental scientists to specialists in invertebrate biology will want to add this to their list of sources.

Books:

Books Index

Books Home

Recommended Books