This volume is the seventh in a series of proceedings on theoretical physics related to various aspects of the structure of condensed matter and to appropriate mathematical methods for adequate description. Three main topics are considered: conformal symmetry, central charge, condensation of flux; rigged string configurations, Yang-Baxter equations and their applications in solid state physics; and energy band structure in solids.

This volume is the seventh in a series of proceedings on theoretical physics related to various aspects of the structure of condensed matter and to appropriate mathematical methods for adequate description. Three main topics are considered: conformal symmetry, central charge, condensation of flux; rigged string configurations, YangOCoBaxter equations and their applications in solid state physics; and energy band structure in solids."

The years 2006 and 2007 mark a dramatic change of peoples view regarding c- mate change and energy consumption. The new IPCC report makes clear that - mankind plays a dominant role on climate change due to CO emissions from en- 2 ergy consumption, and that a significant reduction in CO emissions is necessary 2 within decades. At the same time, the supply of fossil energy sources like coal, oil, and natural gas becomes less reliable. In spring 2008, the oil price rose beyond 100 $/barrel for the first time in history. It is commonly accepted today that we have to reduce the use of fossil fuels to cut down the dependency on the supply countries and to reduce CO emissions. The use of renewable energy sources and 2 increased energy efficiency are the main strategies to achieve this goal. In both strategies, heat and cold storage will play an important role. People use energy in different forms, as heat, as mechanical energy, and as light. With the discovery of fire, humankind was the first time able to supply heat and light when needed. About 2000 years ago, the Romans started to use ceramic tiles to store heat in under floor heating systems. Even when the fire was out, the room stayed warm. Since ancient times, people also know how to cool food with ice as cold storage.

This book is specifically designed to provide information about various nanocarriers currently developed under the emerging field of nanotheranostics for a sustained, controlled, and targeted co-delivery of diagnostic and therapeutic agents. Diverse theranostic applications of nanotechnology and their limitations are also addressed. It integrates nanobiotechnology with theranostic applications. The combined term nanotheranostics has diverse application particularly in chemotherapy and other infectious diseases.Among other topics addressed are antimicrobial resistance, targeting intra-cellular pathogens, viruses and bacteria, chemotherapy, cancer therapeutics, and inflammatory disorders. This interdisciplinary volume is essential for a diverse group of readers including nanotechnologists, microbiologists, biotechnologists, bioengineering and bioprocess industry.

This book describes semiconductors from a materials science perspective rather than from condensed matter physics or electrical engineering viewpoints. It includes discussion of current approaches to organic materials for electronic devices. It further describes the fundamental aspects of thin film nucleation and growth, and the most common physical and chemical vapor deposition techniques. Examples of the application of the concepts in each chapter to specific problems or situations are included, along with recommended readings and homework problems.

This book focuses on sustainable energy systems. While several innovative and alternative concepts are presented, the topics of energy policy, life cycle assessment, thermal energy, and renewable energy also play a major role. Models on various temporal and geographical scales are developed to understand the conditions of technical as well as organizational change. New methods of modeling, which can fulfil technical and physical boundary conditions and nevertheless consider economic environmental and social aspects, are also developed.

This volume presents a collection of original research works by leading specialists focusing on novel and promising approaches in which the multi-agent system paradigm is used to support, enhance or replace traditional approaches to solving difficult optimization problems. The editors have invited several well-known specialists to present their solutions, tools, and models falling under the common denominator of the agent-based optimization. The book consists of eight chapters covering examples of application of the multi-agent paradigm and respective customized tools to solve difficult optimization problems arising in different areas such as machine learning, scheduling, transportation and, more generally, distributed and cooperative problem solving.