edited by Miroslav M Novak (Kingston University, UK)

Fractal geometry, together with the broader fields of nonlinear dynamics and complexity, represented a large segment of modern science at the end of the 20th century. Penetration of the resulting new paradigms into practically all academic disciplines has confirmed the fundamental assertion of universal formalism common to a wide range of human endeavors.

This book contains an extended article by B B Mandelbrot, reviewing his contribution to fractal geometry and outlining some unsolved problems, with illustrations especially of finance and physics. It covers a range of multidisciplinary topics — from the biology of aging, through the self-similar shape of plants, image decompression and solar magnetic fields, to sound reflection in the street. The book is a treasure trove for innovative researchers working in fields related to fractal geometry.

The proceedings have been selected for coverage in:

• Index to Scientific & Technical Proceedings® (ISTP® / ISI Proceedings)

• Index to Scientific & Technical Proceedings (ISTP CDROM version / ISI Proceedings)

• CC Proceedings — Engineering & Physical Sciences

• Selected Topics in Mathematics, Physics, and Finance Originating in Fractal Geometry (B B Mandelbrot)
• Nonlinear Dynamics and Prediction of the Caspian Sea Level (N G Makarenko et al.)
• Self-Similarity in Plants: Integrating Mathematical and Biological Perspectives (P Prusinkiewicz)
• The Complexity of Biological Ageing (D Stauffer)
• Fractal Geometry in the Arts: An Overview Across the Different Cultures (N Sala)
• Binomial Multiplicative Model of Critical Fragmentation (H Katsuragi et al.)
• Epidermal Ridges: Positional Information Coded in an Orientational Field (M B Nguyen et al.)
• Fractality and Fractal Dimension in Mesoamerican Pyramid Analysis (G Burkle-Elizondo et al.)
• Fractals and Plant Water Use Efficiency (A Bari et al.)
• Need and Feasibility of Applying L-System Models in Agricultural Crop Modeling (L Pachepsky et al.)
• and other papers