Dedicated to the memory of Wolfgang Classical Intersection Theory (see for example Wei! [Wei]) treats the case of proper intersections, where geometrical objects (usually subvarieties of a non singular variety) intersect with the expected dimension. In 1984, two books appeared which surveyed and developed work by the individual authors, co workers and others on a refined version of Intersection Theory, treating the case of possibly improper intersections, where the intersection could have ex cess dimension. The first, by W. Fulton [Full] (recently revised in updated form), used a geometrical theory of deformation to the normal cone, more specifically, deformation to the normal bundle followed by moving the zero section to make the intersection proper; this theory was due to the author together with R. MacPherson and worked generally for intersections on algeb raic manifolds. It represents nowadays the standard approach to Intersection Theory. The second, by W. Vogel [Vogl], employed an algebraic approach to inter sections; although restricted to intersections in projective space it produced an intersection cycle by a simple and natural algorithm, thus leading to a Bezout theorem for improper intersections. It was developed together with J. Stiickrad and involved a refined version of the classical technique ofreduc tion to the diagonal: here one starts with the join variety and intersects with successive hyperplanes in general position, laying aside components which fall into the diagonal and intersecting the residual scheme with the next hyperplane; since all the hyperplanes intersect in the diagonal, the process terminates.

Dedicated to the memory of Wolfgang Classical Intersection Theory (see for example Wei! [Wei]) treats the case of proper intersections, where geometrical objects (usually subvarieties of a non singular variety) intersect with the expected dimension. In 1984, two books appeared which surveyed and developed work by the individual authors, co workers and others on a refined version of Intersection Theory, treating the case of possibly improper intersections, where the intersection could have ex cess dimension. The first, by W. Fulton [Full] (recently revised in updated form), used a geometrical theory of deformation to the normal cone, more specifically, deformation to the normal bundle followed by moving the zero section to make the intersection proper; this theory was due to the author together with R. MacPherson and worked generally for intersections on algeb raic manifolds. It represents nowadays the standard approach to Intersection Theory. The second, by W. Vogel [Vogl], employed an algebraic approach to inter sections; although restricted to intersections in projective space it produced an intersection cycle by a simple and natural algorithm, thus leading to a Bezout theorem for improper intersections. It was developed together with J. Stiickrad and involved a refined version of the classical technique ofreduc tion to the diagonal: here one starts with the join variety and intersects with successive hyperplanes in general position, laying aside components which fall into the diagonal and intersecting the residual scheme with the next hyperplane; since all the hyperplanes intersect in the diagonal, the process terminates.

The range of components technology is both wide and diverse, but some common understanding is emerging through the ideas of model-based development. These include the notions of interfaces, contracts, services, connectors and architectures. Key issues in the application of the technology are becoming clearer, including the consistent integration of different views of a component, component composition, component coordination and transformation for platforms. However, we still know little about theories that support analysis and synthesis of component-based systems. The distinct feature of this volume is its focus on mathematical models that identify the “core” concepts as first class modeling elements, and its providing of techniques for integrating and relating them. The volume contains eleven chapters by well-established researchers writing from different perspectives. Each chapter gives explicit definitions of components in terms of a set of key aspects and addresses some of the problems of integration and analysis of various views: component specification, component composition, component coordination, refinement and substitution, and techniques for solving problems. The concepts and techniques are motivated and explained with the help of examples and case studies.

MySQL remains one of the hottest open source database technologies. As the database has evolved into a product competitive with proprietary counterparts like Oracle and IBM DB2, MySQL has found favor with large scale corporate users who require high-powered features and performance. Expert MySQL is the first book to delve deep into the MySQL architecture, showing users how to make the most of the database through creation of custom storage handlers, optimization of MySQL's query execution, and use of the embedded server product. This book will interest users deploying MySQL in high-traffic environments and in situations requiring minimal resource allocation.

Abdominal Wall Hernias is the most up-to-date, comprehensive reference available on all aspects of hernia repair. It includes state-of-the-art approaches to conventional open repairs using tissue-to-tissue techniques, the use of prosthetic mesh, minimally invasive approaches, the repair of recurrent and massive hernias, pertinent anatomy, basic science, and emerging biomaterials. The authors present a full spectrum of procedures to enable readers to gain a broad knowledge of the multifaceted repair of hernias. Richly illustrated, this book is a vital resource for all general surgeons and surgeons-in-training.