The "European Yearbook" has expanded over the years in keeping with the role played by European institutions compared with national ones. It is an indispensable work of reference for anyone dealing with these institutions, which have become so numerous and varied that no-one can possibly memorise all their acronyms or functions. The "European Yearbook" provides aids for finding one's way through the labyrinth of these organisations which coordinate a variety of activities in over 20 countries. One of the aids is an 'organisation chart' at the beginning of the documentary section, giving a clear picture of the general situation. A perusal of the many contributions in the volume organisation by organisation, shows the full diversity of the activities which Europe is gradually taking over from national governments, with their consent and financial support. Written in both of the Council of Europe's official languages, English and French, the "European Yearbook" also contains a general index by subject and name which constitutes a very valuable list of articles and provides direct access to the work's subject matter, regardless of the particular organisation concerned, offering a kind of cross-section of the activities of European organisations.

Complete & Comprehensive overview of field development and well production, providing a wealth of practical information. A reference guide for petroleum engineers + oilfield oerators. Provides readily-available solutions to practical problems. Formulas, charts, 155 figures, 201 tables. Glossary & index.

The financial difficulties experienced by Greece since 2009 serve as a reminder that countries (i.e., sovereigns) may default on their debt. Many observers considered the financial turmoil was behind us because major advanced countries had adopted stimulus packages to prevent banks from going bankrupt. However, there are rising doubts about the creditworthiness of several advanced countries that participated in the bailouts. In this uncertain context, it is particularly crucial to be knowledgeable about sovereign ratings. This book provides the necessary broad overview, which will be of interest to both economists and investors alike. Chapter 1 presents the main issues that are addressed in this book. Chapters 2, 3, and 4 provide the key notions to understand sovereign ratings. Chapter 2 presents an overview of sovereign rating activity since the first such ratings were assigned in 1918. Chapter 3 analyzes the meaning of sovereign ratings and the significance of rating scales; it also describes the refinement of credit rating policies and tools. Chapter 4 focuses on the sovereign rating process. Chapters 5 and 6 open the black box of sovereign ratings. Chapter 5 compares sovereign rating methodologies in the interwar years with those in the modern era. After examining how rating agencies have amended their methodologies since the 1990s, Chapter 6 scrutinizes rating disagreements between credit rating agencies (CRAs). Chapters 7 and 8 measure the performances of sovereign ratings by computing default rates and accuracy ratios: Chapter 7 looks at the interwar years and Chapter 8 at the modern era. The two chapters assess which CRA assigns the most accurate ratings during the respective periods. Chapters 9 and 10 compare the perception of sovereign risk by the CRAs and market participants. Chapter 9 focuses on the relation between JP Morgan Emerging Markets Bond Index Global spreads and emerging countries’ sovereign ratings for the period 1993–2007. Chapter 10 compares the eurozone members’ sovereign ratings with Credit Default Swap-Implied Ratings (CDS-IRs) during the Greek debt crisis of November 2009–May 2010.

Sustainable development and environmental improvement are often regarded as intrinsically valuable a priori. As a result, the policies by which these goals are to be attained is often inadequately scrutinised. In this book, ecological economics addresses the institutional and policymaking aspects of environmental problems, thus covering a broad socioeconomic research agenda, in contradistinction to mainstream economic approaches. The approach advocated here is open to differing viewpoints on the same issue, sees conflict resolution as a social process, and accepts the need for research into political-economic issues, according a prominent position to the aims of society itself. An in-depth analysis of the policy process is followed in order to understand the pitfalls and barriers that will confront society on the road to sustainable development. Readership: The broad approach advocated will appeal to all involved in environmental problems - decision makers, NGO members, and academic scholars.

Women with unmet need for family planning are those who are fecund but are not using any method of contraception, not wanting any more children, or wanting to delay the next pregnancy. This notion points to the gap between women?s reproductive intentions and their contraceptive behavior. The need for contraception remains too high. This circumstance is made worse by both a growing population and a shortage of family planning services. It is important that family planning is widely available and easily accessible. This book is intended as an aid to substance that all health workers interested in becoming more effective practitioners will consult on many occasions during their clinical practice. It provides views that the readers can test their experiences against. It presents sound and clear advice on some of the most practical guidance applicable to family planning.