The present volume is dedicated to the Wei Jin and Southern and Northern Dynasties (220–589 AD), which is generally regarded as one of the most fascinating phases in Chinese history. The collection opens new theoretical and methodological pathways in sinological studies, bringing to the forefront a new idea of intercultural encounters based upon a culture of recognition. It highlights the significance of transition in the making of Chinese culture and history, revises prevailing historical approaches in the study and research of China and develops and enhances existing theories or methodologies in this specific area of research. The wide diversity of contributions to the present volume reflects the multifaceted potential for creativity and renewal of this period. The focus is upon the interaction of ideas, researches and perspectives concerning a broad scope of relevant and significant issues in contemporary sinology. In order to understand this diversity, a wide range of cultural, theoretical and historical aspects are considered. The book reveals a new image of the period, thereby undermining the absolute authority and putative objectivity of common historical sources and interpretations. It shows that this was a period rich with political, economic, cultural and theoretical achievements that would prove decisive for the future development of Chinese culture and society.

This collection of essays discuss the economic policy problems that confront postcommunist countries. Most chapters focus on liberalization of the exchange rate and trade system, macroeconomic stabilization, and institutional reform.

This book reviews recent developments in the field of superheavy elements and the related phenomena of fission, cluster radioactivity, and drip line physics. Both the experimental and theoretical aspects are dealt with in detail. For the production of new elements in the laboratory, the process of cold compound nucleus formation is found to be most favorable both theoretically and experimentally. However, experimentally, hot fusion of nuclei has also been used. Both the physical and chemical methods of synthesizing new elements are discussed. The theoretical approaches considered here are those of the quantum-mechanical fragmentation theory, the self-consistent Hartree-Fock theory, and the relativistic mean field theory. Fission, a process inverse to the fusion of two nuclei, is also observed to be most favourably a cold phenomenon. Other important results are bi-modal fission and high n-multiplicity fission, which leads to the hyperdeformed scission mode. Cluster radioactivity is discussed both as a heavy cluster emission process and as super-asymmetric fission. The theory as well as the present experimental status are reviewed. Physics at drip lines is interesting not only for their structural properties but also for their use in the fusion of two nuclei; both aspects are discussed.

The Predeal International Summer School, held at the Institute for Physics and Nuclear Engineering, Bucharest, Romania, is a prestigious scientific event. The school first took place in 1969 and since then it has been held every two years.This year the lectures were given by more than 30 outstanding professors, covering timely subjects in theoretical and experimental nuclear physics. In addition, there were special sessions of contributed papers presenting the most recent results in these domains. The aim of the school was thus two-fold: to give basic information on some hot subjects of research in nuclear physics and to present them with the most recent achievements in these fields. This volume contains the proceedings of the school.

Effective Python will help students harness the full power of Python to write exceptionally robust, efficient, maintainable, and well-performing code. Utilizing the concise, scenario-driven style pioneered in Scott Meyers's best-selling Effective C++, Brett Slatkin brings together 53 Python best practices, tips, shortcuts, and realistic code examples from expert programmers. Each section contains specific, actionable guidelines organized into items, each with carefully worded advice supported by detailed technical arguments and illuminating examples.

In this updated student edition, Paul Wilmott updates and extends his earlier classic, Derivatives: The Theory and Practice of Financial Engineering. Included on CD are numerous Bloomberg screen dumps to illustrate, in real terms, the points raised in the book, along with essential Visual basic code, spreadsheet explanations of the models, and the reproduction of term sheets and option classification tables. The author presents all the current financial theories in a manner designed to make them easy to understand and implement. Note: CD-ROM/DVD and other supplementary materials are not included as part of eBook file.