This volume covers the following fields: path integrals, quantum field theory, variational perturbation theory, phase transitions and critical phenomena, topological defects, strings and membranes, gravitation and cosmology.

An up-to-date account on the advancement in science and technology and the most recent developments on materials used for solar energy devices is presented with detailed description in the following areas: selective coating for heating and cooling; photovoltaic conversion and comparison among single crystalline silicon, concentrating cells and amorphous silicon and advance tendum coating for selective spectrum which can be used for greenhouse, homes and in energy conservation.

The Materials Science and Technology 2009 Conference and Exhibition (MS&T’09) was held October 25-29, 2009, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. A major theme of the conference was Environmental and Energy Issues. Papers from three of the symposia held under that theme are included in this volume. These symposia include Materials Solutions for the Nuclear Renaissance; Green Engineering and Environmental Stewardship; and Nanotechnology for Energy. These symposia included a variety of presentations with sessions focused on sustainable energy, photovoltaics, nanowires and composites, energy harvesting, catalysts, thin films, corrosion, nuclear fuels, materials in aggressive environments, glass and ceramics for waste disposition, modeling and thermal properties, and education. Also included was a series of invited presentations and an international panel discussion on cement waste forms. The Green Engineering and Environmental Stewardship symposium was sponsored by the Nuclear and Environmental Technology Division (NETD) of The American Ceramic Society while the Materials Solutions for the Nuclear Renaissance symposium was sponsored by NETD and ASM International.

A listing of forthcoming meetings, conventions, etc.

The book contains fundamentals of solar radiation, its ecological impacts, applications, especially in agriculture, architecture, thermal and electric energy. Chapters are written by numerous experienced scientists in the field from various parts of the world. Apart from chapter one which is the introductory chapter of the book, that gives a general topic insight of the book, there are 24 more chapters that cover various fields of solar radiation. These fields include: Measurements and Analysis of Solar Radiation, Agricultural Application / Bio-effect, Architectural Application, Electricity Generation Application and Thermal Energy Application. This book aims to provide a clear scientific insight on Solar Radiation to scientist and students.

Energy use in buildings in the EU represents about 40% of the total annual energy consumption. With greater awareness of the need to reduce energy consumption comes a growth of interest in passive cooling, particularly as an alternative to air-conditioning. This book describes the fundamentals of passive cooling together with the principles and formulae necessary for its successful implementation. The material is comprised largely of information and results compiled under the SAVE European Research Programme.

The Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf (GCC) has been at the epicenter of global energy markets because of its substantial endowment of hydrocarbons. Yet countries in the region have also stated their intent to be global leaders in renewable energy. This collection explores the drivers for the widespread adoption of renewable energy around the GCC, the need for renewable energy and the policy-economic factors that can create success. All six countries within the GCC have plans to include renewable energy power generation in their energy mix for various reasons including: a growing demand for electricity because of increasing populations, an increasing government fiscal deficit due to inefficient subsidies, the need to diversify the economy and global pressure to meet climate change requirements. However, the decision of when and by how much to introduce renewable energy is fraught with complications. In this book, a stellar cast of regional policy and academic experts explore the reasons behind these renewable energy plans and the potential impediments to success, whether it be the declining cost of producing energy from hydrocarbons, an infrastructure which needs to be updated, social acceptance, lack of financing and even harsh weather. Weighing up all these factors, the book considers the route forward for renewable energy in the Gulf region. The Economics of Renewable Energy in the Gulf offers an excellent examination of the adoption of renewable energy in the area. It will be of great interest to academic researchers and policy makers alike, particularly those working in the areas of energy economics, public policy and international relations.