A substantial amount of research on Boundary Elements has taken place since publication of the first Volume of this series. Most of the new work has concentrated on the solution of non-linear and time dependent problems and the development of numerical techniques to increase the efficiency of the method. Chapter 1 of this Volume deals with the solution of non-linear potential problems, for which the diffusivity coefficient is a function of the potential and the boundary conditions are also non-linear. The recent research reported here opens the way for the solution of a: large range of non-homogeneous problems by using a simple transformation which linearizes the governing equations and consequently does not require the use of internal cells. Chapter 2 summarizes the main integral equations for the solution of two-and three dimensional scalar wave propagation problems. This is a type of problem that is well suited to boundary elements but generally gives poor results when solved using finite elements. The problem of fracture mechanics is studied in Chapter 3, where the ad vantages of using boundary integral equations are demonstrated. One of the most interesting features of BEM i~ the possibility of describing the problem only as a function of the boundary unknowns, even in the presence of body, centrifugal and temperature induced forces. Chapter 4 explains how this can be done for two-and three-dimensional elastostatic problems.

Consciousness is one of the most significant scientific problems today. Renewed interest in the nature of consciousness - a phenomenon long considered not to be scientifically explorable, as well as increasingly widespread availability of multimodal functional brain imaging techniques (EEG, ERP, MEG, fMRI and PET), now offer the possibility of detailed, integrated exploration of the neural, behavioral, and computational correlates of consciousness. The present volume aims to confront the latest theoretical insights in the scientific study of human consciousness with the most recent behavioral, neuroimaging, electrophysiological, pharmacological and neuropathological data on brain function in altered states of consciousness such as: brain death, coma, vegetative state, minimally conscious state, locked-in syndrome, dementia, epilepsy, schizophrenia, hysteria, general anesthesia, sleep, hypnosis, and hallucinations. The interest of this is threefold. First, patients with altered states of consciousness continue to represent a major clinical problem in terms of clinical assessment of consciousness and daily management. Second, the exploration of brain function in altered states of consciousness represents a unique lesional approach to the scientific study of consciousness and adds to the worldwide effort to identify the "neural correlate of consciousness". Third, new scientific insights in this field have major ethical and social implications regarding our care for these patients.

Vols. for 1853-56, 1877/78, 1882-84 include atlases.

A new series, embracing annual "scientific results" and certain administrative statistics.

Assessing Progress toward Sustainability: Frameworks, Tools, and Case Studies provides practical frameworks for measuring progress toward sustainability in various areas of production, consumption, services and urban development as they relate to environmental impact. A variety of policies/strategies or frameworks are available at national and international levels. This book presents an integrated approach to sustainability progress measurement by considering both the frameworks and methodological developments of various tools, as well as their implementation in assessing the sustainability of processes, products and services through a global perspective. Combining methods and their application, the book covers a variety of topics, including lifecycle assessment, risk assessment, nexus thinking, and connection to SDGs. Organized clearly into three main sections --Frameworks, Tools, and Case Studies--this book can serve as a practical resource for researchers and practitioners alike in environmental science, sustainability, environmental management and environmental engineering. - Offers an integrated approach to sustainability assessment using the most up-to-date frameworks and tools - Includes extensive, diverse case studies to illustrate the methods and process for using the frameworks and tools outlined - Provides practical insights related to challenges and opportunities to reduce environmental impacts and increase resources and energy efficiency