Fleas are one of the most interesting and fascinating taxa of ectoparasites. All species in this relatively small order are obligatory haematophagous (blood-feeding) parasites of higher vertebrates. This book examines how functional, ecological and evolutionary patterns and processes of host-parasite relationships are realized in this particular system. As such it provides an in-depth case study of a host-parasite system, demonstrating how fleas can be used as a model taxon for testing ecological and evolutionary hypotheses. The book moves from basic descriptive aspects, to functional issues and finally to evolutionary explanations. It extracts several general principles that apply equally well to other host-parasite systems, so it appeals not only to flea biologists but also to 'mainstream' parasitologists and ecologists.

In previous years, advanced polymer composite technology has been driven primarily by the needs of the military and aerospace industries. However, certain properties of composite materials (e.g., strength, light weight and energy-efficiency) have enabled their emergence in consumer and commercial sectors. As the cost of developing and producing composites has decreased, their role in novel, potentially lucrative applications has increased.

This respected text deals with large-scale, easily known thermal phenomena and then proceeds to small-scale, less accessible phenomena. The wide range of mathematics used in Dittman and Zemansky's text simultaneously challenges students who have completed a course in impartial differential calculus without alienating those students who have only taken a calculus-based general physics course. Examples of calculations are presented shortly after important formulas are derived. Students see the solutions of problems related to the formulas. Actual thermodynamic experiments are explained in detail. The student sees the applicability of abstract thermodynamic concepts and formulas to real situations.

The fluorine atom, by virtue of its electronegativity, size and bond strength with carbon, can be used to create compounds with remarkable properties. Small molecules containing fluorine have many positive impacts on everyday life of which blood substitutes, pharmaceuticals and surface modifiers are only a few examples.

It is increasingly recognized that the greatest risks of error in environmental analysis lie in the sample preparation rather than the analysis stage. This book describes the precautions that must be taken from the sampling to the sample pretreatment via the storage stage to assure good quality. Typical pitfalls - and recommendations for avoiding them - are discussed. Special emphasis is given to the monitoring of trace contaminants in environmental matrices (e. g., water, sediment, plants, air).

Research on GaN together with the related semiconductors AlN, InN and ternary semiconductors (e.g. AlGaN) has been growing at an exponential rate following recent breakthroughs in the realisation of blue light emission. This book presents the very latest insight into and numeric data on the properties together with information on processing and exploitation in LEDs, lasers and transistors. Its wide international authorship (some 100 invited contributors from USA, Europe, Japan and elsewhere), rapid compilation time and rigorous refereeing make this a unique, authoritative and up-to-date reference source.