We summarize and discuss our recent works on the structure and evolution of low-mass W UMa-type contact binary stars. Three conclusions are given as followings: (1) The energy transfer is taken place in the radiative region of common envelope of W UMa systems; (2) The magnetic activity level of W UMa systems is weaker than that of non-contact binaries or rapid-rotating single stars; (3) The evolutionary outcome of W UMa systems might be the rapid-rotating single stars, and an average lifetime is derived to be about 7 Gyr for W UMa systems.

We present an analysis of eight barium stars, providing their atmospheric parameters (Teff, log g, [Fe/H], ξt) and chemical abundances, based on the high signal-to-noise ratio and high resolution Echelle spectra. The s-process elements Y, Zr, Ba, La, Eu show obvious overabundance relative to the Sun. And Na, Mg, Al, Si, Ca, Sc, Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Ni show comparable abundances to the Solar ones. The results of theoretical model of wind accretion for binary systems can explain the observed abundance patterns of the neutron capture process elements in these Ba stars, which means that their overabundant heavy-elements could be caused by accreting the ejecta of AGB stars, the progenitors of the present white dwarf companions in the binary systems.

An alternative to TRO model of a W UMa-type star is presented in which the binary is past mass exchange with mass ratio reversal. The secondary is hydrogen depleted and both components are in thermal equilibrium. Evolution in contact is driven by orbital angular momentum loss and mass transfer from the secondary to primary component, similarly as it is observed in Algols. Temperature equalization of both components results from an assumed energy transfer by a large scale flow encircling the whole system in the common envelope.

The results of a long-term time-series photometry of the short-period eclipsing binary IU Per are reported. The observation confirms the intrinsic δ Scuti-like pulsation of the star as discovered by previous authors. A photometric solution for the binary system was carried out with the new data. Based on which, the pure oscillation light variations from the mass-accreting primary component were extracted. A Fourier analysis reveals four pulsation modes. Combining with the photometric solution, a preliminary mode identification was given.

We report the systematic analysis of the durations for Swift gamma-ray bursts (GRBs) and compare the results with those of pre-Swift data. We show that the durations of Swift bursts also have two log-normal distributions that are clearly divided at T90 = 2 s. Their intrinsic durations also show a bimodal distribution but shift systematically toward the smaller value compared with the observed one. This study confirms the spectra of short GRBs are in general harder than the long GRBs and shows that this trend becomes weak in the source frame.

The properties of W UMa binary stars are studied based on the well-determined physical parameters of 132 W UMa systems. It is found that the energy transfer rate has a maximum value at q ~ 0.58. The relation between the energy transfer rate and the temperature deviation is also investigated, and the temperature of the secondary component is related to the energy transfer rate.

We present the integrated J, H, K, L, M and N magnitudes and the colours involving infrared bands, for an extensive set of instantaneous-burst binary stellar populations (BSPs) by using evolutionary population synthesis (EPS). By comparing the results for BSPs WITH and WITHOUT binary interactions we show that the inclusion of binary interactions makes the magnitudes of populations larger (fainter) and the integrated colours smaller (bluer) for τ ≥ 1 Gyr. Also, we compare our model magnitudes and colours with those of Bruzual & Charlot (2003, hereafter BC03) and Maraston (2005, hereafter M05). At last, we compare these model broad colours with Magellanic Clouds globular clusters (GCs) and Milky Way GCs. In (V − R)−[Fe/H] and (V − I)−[Fe/H] diagrams it seems that our models match the observations better than those of BC03 and M05.

The long-term orbital period changes of detached chromospheric active binaries were surveyed. 17 of such systems are found to be undergoing secular period decreasing with the rates (dP/dt) of −3.05 × 10−9 to −3.77 × 10−5 days per year. The longer the orbital period, the more rapidly the period decreases. Following Stepien (1995), the period decreasing rate due to the angular momentum loss (AML) caused by magnetic wind is computed for each system. A comparison shows that the observed dP/dt's are obviously higher than that of the theoretical predictions by 1-3 orders of magnitude. It suggests that the magnetic wind is not likely the determinant mechanism driving the AML in close binaries.

The hydrodynamic processes operating within stellar interiors are far richer than represented by the best stellar evolution model available. Although it is now widely understood, through astrophysical simulation and relevant terrestrial experiment, that many of the basic assumptions which underlie our treatments of stellar evolution are flawed, we lack a suitable, comprehensive replacement. This is due to a deficiency in our fundamental understanding of the transport and mixing properties of a turbulent, reactive, magnetized plasma; a deficiency in knowledge which stems from the richness and variety of solutions which characterize the inherently non-linear set of governing equations. The exponential increase in availability of computing resources, however, is ushering in a new era of understanding complex hydrodynamic flows; and although this field is still in its formative stages, the sophistication already achieved is leading to a dramatic paradigm shift in how we model astrophysical fluid dynamics. We highlight here some recent results from a series of multi-dimensional stellar interior calculations which are part of a program designed to improve our one-dimensional treatment of massive star evolution and stellar evolution in general.

Numerical simulations of convection near the solar surface are now advanced enough to reproduce both a large set of observational data and provide tests for convection models. We discuss the role of coherent structures in models of solar p-mode excitation, for which the analysis of numerical simulations has provided key inputs in the modelling. The robustness of these simulations is shown by a comparison illustrating the influence of boundary conditions on ensemble averaged quantities. In a concluding example advanced high resolution simulations are shown to resolve the onset of shear driven turbulence generated by up- and downflow structures.

We discuss how 3D numerical simulations can be used to analyse the different contributions within dynamical equations of non-local Reynolds stress models of convection.

Several areas of stellar observations depend critically on nearly continuous observations of individual objects over very extended periods. Important examples are investigations of stellar oscillations to carry out asteroseismology, and the search for extra-solar planets. To meet this requirement we are establishing the SONG network, consisting of 8 sites with a 1-meter-class telescope with a suitable geographical distribution. These will be optimized for asteroseismology based on Doppler-velocity observations and the characterization of extra-solar planets with photometry, using gravitational microlensing. Funding has been obtained towards the construction of the prototype SONG telescope which will be set up on Tenerife, with first light expected in 2011. The full network will be established in parallel with the tests of the prototype and is planned to be operational in 2014.

To summarize 54 mostly excellent and innovative talks, plus 57 interesting posters, is an impossible task, which I will not even try. This the more as the focus of this meeting was extraordinarily broad. We discussed many different processes in stars, from mixing to pulsations and mass transfer. And we discussed the whole spectrum of stellar types, up an down the main sequence, including the Sun, and into many branches of evolved states of single and binary stars. As we are all working on more or less particular niches in the field of stellar physics, this meant an extraordinary learning experience for most of us. Indeed, this conference offered a stellar physics course at the highest level, which can not be obtained in any other way.

It is regretted that the originally published paper (Mocák, Müller, Weiss & Kifonidis, 2008) was not the authors' final amended version. We apologise for this oversight and reproduce the entire corrected paper here on-line only, with revised figure captions.