Tailor Made Concrete Structures: New Solutions for our Society

In recent years knowledge of concrete and concrete structures has increased, as has its applications. New types of concrete challenged scientists and engineers, and ecological constraints encouraged the implementation of life cycle design of concrete structures, moving the focus more and more to maintenance and uprating of structures. And since buildings are not only designed for safety and serviceability, but also for flexibility and adaptability, the design of performance based materials and structures has become more and more important.

Exploring Space (Discovery and Exploration)

Throughout history, people have tried to understand Earth's place in the universe and what else, if anything, is 'out there'. This common human curiosity has led to great discoveries, from astrologers in ancient Babylon and Egypt who sought to link the strange planetary paths through the night sky to human behavior, to the 17th century when Galileo turned his first telescope on the night sky, to the 21st century when robotic explorers landed on Mars. 

Nuclear Logics: Contrasting Paths in East Asia and the Middle East

Nuclear Logics examines why some states seek nuclear weapons while others renounce them. Looking closely at nine cases in East Asia and the Middle East, Etel Solingen finds two distinct regional patterns. In East Asia, the norm since the late 1960s has been to forswear nuclear weapons, and North Korea, which makes no secret of its nuclear ambitions, is the anomaly. In the Middle East the opposite is the case, with Iran, Iraq, Israel, and Libya suspected of pursuing nuclear-weapons capabilities, with Egypt as the anomaly in recent decades.

Ancient Astrology

Most people today know their 'star-sign', but few know much of the system of thought which relates human destiny to the stars. Fewer still have any idea of its origins. This book reveals the importance of astrology in ancient thought, morals, politics and daily life. Dr. Barton explains the principles of ancient astrology and brings the theory to life by interpreting the horoscope of Prince Charles according to the instructions of ancient treatises. Tamsyn Barton first traces the history of the subject chronologically.

Innovation in Cultural Systems: Contributions from Evolutionary Anthropology

In recent years an interest in applying the principles of evolution to the study of culture emerged in the social sciences. Archaeologists and anthropologists reconsidered the role of innovation in particular, and have moved toward characterizing innovation in cultural systems not only as a product but also as an evolutionary process.