This book presents a comprehensive review of the subject of gravitational effects in quantum field theory. Although the treatment is general, special emphasis is given to the Hawking black hole evaporation effect, and to particle creation processes in the early universe. The last decade has witnessed a phenomenal growth in this subject. This is the first attempt to collect and unify the vast literature that has contributed to this development. All the major technical results are presented, and the theory is developed carefully from first principles. Here is everything that students or researchers will need to embark upon calculations involving quantum effects of gravity at the so-called one-loop approximation level.
The designer of a software system, like the architect of a building, needs to be aware of the construction techniques available and to choose the ones that are the most appropriate. This book provides the implementer of software systems with a guide to 25 different techniques for the complete development processes, from system definition through design and into production. The techniques are described against a common background of the traditional development path, its activities and deliverable items. In addition the concepts of metrics and indicators are introduced as tools for both technical and managerial monitoring and control of progress and quality. The book is intended to widen the mental toolkit of system developers and their managers, and will also introduce students of computer science to the practical side of software development. With its wide-ranging treatment of the techniques available and the practical guidance it offers, it will prove an important and valuable work.
