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A Kim Jong-Il Production: The Extraordinary True Story of a Kidnapped Filmmaker, His Star Actress, and a Young Dictator's Rise to Power
by Paul FischerBefore becoming the world's most notorious dictator, Kim Jong-Il ran North Korea's Ministry for Propaganda and its film studios. Conceiving every movie made, he acted as producer and screenwriter. Despite this control, he was underwhelmed by the available talent and took drastic steps, ordering the kidnapping of Choi Eun-Hee (Madam Choi)—South Korea's most famous actress—and her ex-husband Shin Sang-Ok, the country's most famous filmmaker.Madam Choi vanished first. When Shin went to Hong Kong to investigate, he was attacked and woke up wrapped in plastic sheeting aboard a ship bound for North Korea. Madam Choi lived in isolated luxury, allowed only to attend the Dear Leader's dinner parties. Shin, meanwhile, tried to escape, was sent to prison camp, and "re-educated." After four years he cracked, pledging loyalty. Reunited with Choi at the first party he attends, it is announced that the couple will remarry and act as the Dear Leader's film advisors. Together they made seven films, in the process gaining Kim Jong-Il's trust. While pretending to research a film in Vienna, they flee to the U.S. embassy and are swept to safety.A nonfiction thriller packed with tension, passion, and politics, author Paul Fischer's A Kim Jong-Il Production offers a rare glimpse into a secretive world, illuminating a fascinating chapter of North Korea's history that helps explain how it became the hermetically sealed, intensely stage-managed country it remains today.
The Curse of the Boyfriend Sweater: Essays on Crafting
by Alanna OkunThe Curse of the Boyfriend Sweater is a memoir about life truths learned through crafting.People who craft know things. They know how to transform piles of yarn into sweaters and scarves. They know that some items, like woolen bikini tops, are better left unknit. They know that making a hat for a newborn baby isn’t just about crafting something small but appreciating the beginnings of life, which sometimes helps make peace with the endings. They know that if you knit your boyfriend a sweater, your relationship will most likely be over before the last stitch.Alanna Okun knows that crafting keeps her anxiety at bay. She knows that no one will ever be as good a knitting teacher as her beloved grandmother. And she knows that even when we can’t control anything else, we can at least control the sticks, string, and fabric right in front of us.Okun lays herself bare and takes readers into the parts of themselves they often keep hidden. Yet at the same time she finds humor in the daily indignities all crafters must face (like when you catch the dreaded Second Sock Syndrome and can’t possibly finish the second in a pair). Okun has written a book that will speak to anyone who has said to themselves, or to everyone within earshot, “I made that.”
Sin City
by Harold RobbinsFrom the New York Times bestselling author of The PredatorsFor more than five decades, bestselling author Harold Robbins has thrilled millions of readers with tales heavy in action, ruthless characters, international intrigue, and the sexiest people ever captured in print.Now in Sin City, he takes us to a town famous for all these, Las Vegas.Jack "Lucky" Riordan is anything but lucky. The illegitimate son of Howard Hughes, he and his mother are cast out of Las Vegas when Hughes learns of the pregnancy, only for Jack to return years later to make his fortune.Jack might not have luck. But he has an eye for a quick con. His skills soon allow him to climb the ladder as head of security for one of Glitter Gulch's most ruthless casinos, where cheating will get you jail, if you're not crippled by security first.Jack sees it all: the corruption of fast money, the ways his friends will stab in the back for a shot at a jackpot, and the allure of women who will do anything to hit the big time.But the big time in Vegas always comes at a cost . . . and Jack is about to learn the price of life in Sin City.At the Publisher's request, this title is being sold without Digital Rights Management Software (DRM) applied.
My Revision Notes: Edexcel GCSE (Hodder GCSE History for Edexcel)
by John WrightExam Board: Pearson EdexcelLevel: GCSESubject: HistoryFirst teaching: September 2016First exams: Summer 2018Endorsed for EdexcelTarget success in Edexcel GCSE (9-1) History with this proven formula for effective, structured revision.Key content coverage is combined with exam-style questions, revision tasks and practical tips to create a revision guide that students can rely on to review, strengthen and test their knowledge.With My Revision Notes every student can:> Plan and manage a successful revision programme using the topic-by-topic planner> Enjoy an interactive approach to revision, with clear topic summaries that consolidate knowledge and related activities that put the content into context> Build, practise and enhance exam skills by progressing through activities set at different levels> Improve exam technique through exam-style questions and model answers with commentary from expert authors and teachers> Get exam ready with extra quick quizzes and answers to the activities available online
Proceedings of the 8th International Conference on Space Science and Communication: IconSpace 2023, 3–4 October, Penang, Malaysia (Springer Proceedings in Physics #303)
by Mohammad Tariqul Islam Norbahiah Misran Mandeep Jit SinghThis book presents peer-reviewed articles from the 8th International Conference on Space Science and Communication (IConSpace 2023), held at Penang in Malaysia. It addresses complications of ground-breaking initiatives and solutions for space science and communications research, telecommunications, and meteorology. With the theme Advanced Space Technology: Accelerating Global Agenda will provide valid information to understand trends, evaluate needs, and create global development policies and programs in the best interest of all. It brings together researchers, engineers, geospatialist, meteorologists, astronomers, and practitioners in order to present the latest applications in space science, telecommunications, meteorology, remote sensing, and related fields.
Foundations of Software Science and Computation Structures: 27th International Conference, FoSSaCS 2024, Held as Part of the European Joint Conferences on Theory and Practice of Software, ETAPS 2024, Luxembourg City, Luxembourg, April 6–11, 2024, Proceedings, Part II (Lecture Notes in Computer Science #14575)
by Naoki Kobayashi James WorrellThe two open access volumes LNCS 14574 and 14575 constitute the proceedings of the 27th International Conference on Foundations of Software Science and Computation Structures, FOSSACS 2024, which took place in Luxembourg in April 2024.The 24 full papers included in this book were carefully reviewed and selected from 79 submissions. They were organized in topical sections as follows: Part I: Infinite games; categorical semantics; automata and synthesis; Part II: Types and programming languages; logic and proofs; infinite-state systems.
Biotechnological Processes for Green Energy, and High Value Bioproducts by Microalgae, and Cyanobacteria Cultures (Developments in Applied Phycology #13)
by Alfredo de Jesús Martínez-RoldánMicroalgae and cyanobacteria are a very diverse group of photosynthetic microorganisms with many applications. Some of them are related to the accumulation of molecules involved in specific metabolic pathways such as pigments, fatty acids, polyunsaturated fatty acids, carbohydrates, amino acids, etc. Also, there are uses of the biomass related to the exploitation of physiological necessities such as the absorption of essential nutrients (the removal of nitrogen and phosphorus from wastewater, the capture of CO2 from the fixation of nitrogen, etc.). Nevertheless, the evaluation in financial and life-cycle aspects is necessary to ensure the industrial application of the processes. The objective of the book is to analyze innovative applications of microalgae and cyanobacteria to develop environmental-friendly processes for removal of pollutants, wastewater treatment, production of high-value products or bioenergy, and finally evaluate the feasibility of the processes both ineconomic and sustainability aspects.
Advanced in Creative Technology- added Value Innovations in Engineering, Materials and Manufacturing: Proceedings of the 11th International Conference on Creative Technology ICCT 2023 (Lecture Notes in Networks and Systems #979)
by Pichai Janmanee Saichol Chujuarjeen Suthep Butdee Phatchani Srikhumsuk Andre D.L. Batako Anna Burduk M. Anthony XaviorThe 11th International Conference on Creative Technology (ICCT2023): To Added Value Innovations in Engineering, Materials and Manufacturing was held in Rajamangala University of Technology Krungthep, 2 Nanglinchi Road, Thungmahamek, Sathorn, Bangkok, Thailand, between July 20 and 22, 2023. The conference was organized by three universities from three countries, namely Rajamangala University of Technology Krungthep (RMUTK, Thailand), Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT, India), and Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU, England). The conference aimed to give an opportunity for students, government organizations, private sectors, and universities to exchange experiences in advances in materials and manufacturing, simulation, automation, optimization of production processes, production management, maintenance, simulation, Industry 4.0, AI, and robotics. This book presents a collection of 58 peer-reviewed papers. The organizers received 61 contributions from 12 countries around the world. After a thorough peer-review process, the committee accepted 33 papers for conference proceedings prepared by 142 authors from 11 countries (acceptance rate of around 54%).
Natural Geo-Disasters and Resiliency: Select Proceedings of CREST 2023 (Lecture Notes in Civil Engineering #445)
by Hemanta Hazarika Stuart Kenneth Haigh Babloo Chaudhary Masanori Murai Suman ManandharThis book presents select proceedings of the 2nd International Conference on Construction Resources for Environmentally Sustainable Technologies (CREST 2023), and focuses on sustainability, promotion of new ideas and innovations in design, construction and maintenance of geotechnical structures with the aim of contributing towards climate change adaptation and disaster resiliency to meet the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It presents latest research, information, technological advancement, practical challenges encountered, and solutions adopted in the field of geotechnical engineering for sustainable infrastructure towards climate change adaptation. This volume will be of interest to those in academia and industry alike.
Human-Centered Service Design for Healthcare Transformation: Development, Innovation, Change
by Mario A. PfannstielThis book explores the use of human-centered service design. Through a variety of case studies and best practices, it highlights ways to systematically improve the provision of healthcare services to different target and age groups in order to understand customer expectations and needs. The book also offers new insights into the dyadic relationship between service provider and customer, each of which has their own set of goals, purposes, and benefits and must cope with a scarcity of resources and opportunities to optimize and design. Written by recognized experts, scholars, and practitioners, this book demonstrates how, where, and when to successfully apply human-centered service design at multiple levels, including corporate, departmental, and product/service. Value-added services are not only assessed in terms of their effectiveness, efficiency, and productivity, but also bearing in mind human emotions, interactions, and communication techniques as an important part of service provision. Accordingly, the book will appeal to scholars and practitioners in the hospital and healthcare sector, and to anyone interested in organizational development, service business model innovation, customer involvement and perceptions, and the service experience.
Koordination des Produktionsanlaufs in globalen Produktionsnetzwerken: Kontextfaktoren, Probleme und Instrumente (mir-Edition)
by Simon DreherMit der netzwerkmäßigen Internationalisierung von Produktionsaktivitäten werden zwar Voraussetzungen für eine effektive und effiziente Produktion im globalen Wettbewerb geschaffen. Globale Produktionsnetzwerke erweisen sich allerdings bei kürzer werdenden Produktlebenszyklen und einer damit steigenden Bedeutung des Faktors Zeit als zunächst einmal kritisch hinsichtlich einer schnellen Markteinführung neuer Produkte. Denn gegenüber einer zentral angelegten Produktion sorgen sie je nach Konfiguration für einen gestiegenen und dabei zeitintensiveren Koordinationsbedarf. Das trifft insbesondere auf die Phase des Produktionsanlaufs neuer Produkte zu: In dieser zeitkritischen Phase ist nicht nur die typische Herausforderung einer Abstimmung zwischen dem Entwicklungs- und Produktionsbereich zu bewältigen; vielmehr gilt es eine zeitliche, qualitäts-, quantitäts- sowie kostenbezogene Abstimmung zwischen den international gestreuten und interdependenten Produktionsstandorten im Netzwerk herbeizuführen. Dieser zeitintensive Koordinationsbedarf steht jedoch in starkem Konflikt mit dem zunehmenden Zeitdruck aufgrund verkürzter Produktlebenszyklen. Eine zielgerichtete Koordination der am Anlauf beteiligten Unternehmensstandorte, -funktionen und -mitarbeiter mittels geeigneter Instrumente kann daher als Kernherausforderung des Managements globaler Produktionsnetzwerke bezeichnet werden; wird sie nicht bewältigt, ist nicht nur eine erfolgreiche Produkteinführung, sondern auch die vollständige Realisierung der Produktionsnetzwerken an sich innewohnenden Potenziale gefährdet. Bisherige Untersuchungen fokussieren überwiegend einzelne Koordinationsaspekte, wie technische Änderungen seitens der Entwicklung, oder Probleme der Lieferantenintegration aus interorganisationaler Perspektive. Dabei wird vernachlässigt, dass es sich bei Anläufen heutzutage nicht mehr um rein nationale Projekte handelt, sondern diese sich zu standortübergreifenden, internationalen Prozessen entwickelt haben. Ziel dieser Dissertation ist es daher, spezifisch das Einwirken der „internationalen Dimension“ globaler Produktionsnetzwerke auf die Koordination der Anlaufphase zu untersuchen. Hierzu wurde basierend auf dem Kontingenzansatz, einschlägiger Literatur und einer empirisch-basierten Vorstudie ein konzeptioneller Bezugsrahmen entwickelt, der im Wesentlichen aus drei Elementen besteht: (1) Kontextfaktoren des anlaufbezogenen Koordinationsbedarfs, (2) spezifische Koordinationsprobleme bei globalen Anläufen und (3) unterschiedliche Koordinationsinstrumente, von denen ein Beitrag zur Bewältigung der Probleme zu erwarten ist. Auf dieser Grundlage wurde in einem zweiten Schritt eine empirische Untersuchung durchgeführt. Mittels einer Mehrfachfallstudie konnten detaillierte Einblicke in die Zusammenhänge zwischen den Elementen des Bezugsrahmen gewonnen werden. Genauer wurde den Fragen nachgegangen, inwieweit sich in verschiedenen Netzwerkkonfigurationen Unterschiede in der Bedeutung einzelner Koordinationsprobleme und dem Einsatz von Koordinationsinstrumenten identifizieren lassen. Ausgehend davon wurden praktische Gestaltungsempfehlungen hinsichtlich der instrumentellen Handhabung von Koordinationsproblemen abgeleitet.
The Search for Maggie Ward: A Novel
by Andrew GreeleyThe Search for Maggie Ward is a poignant tale of love, loss, and faith set in the aftermath of World War I, from acclaimed New York Times bestsellling author and theologian Andrew M. Greeley.Young Navy flier Jerry Keenan is supposed to be on his way home to Chicago, law school, and a postwar life that is socially acceptable to a well-off Irish Catholic family. Instead he is in Arizona delaying that homecoming while he wrestles with his memories of combat and the men he saw die.That may be one reason an encounter with a girl at a Tucson lunch counter seems so appealing. Another reason is that she is mysterious, hauntingly beautiful, and very sexy—the perfect antidote for a troubled heart.But just when Jerry realizes how much he needs Maggie Ward, she dramatically vanishes, or is taken, from him. And Jerry Keenan, in search of his destiny and his soul, must be willing to move heaven and earth to find the woman he loves.At the Publisher's request, this title is being sold without Digital Rights Management Software (DRM) applied.
Spider from Mars: My Life with Bowie
by Woody WoodmanseyIn January 2016, the unexpected death of David Bowie rocked the globe. For millions of people, he was an icon celebrated for his music, his film and theatrical roles, and his trendsetting influence on fashion and gender norms. But no one from her inner circle has told the story of how David Jones—a young folksinger, dancer, and aspiring mime—became one of the most influential artists of our time.Drummer Woody Woodmansey is the last surviving member of Bowie’s band The Spiders from Mars which helped launch his Ziggy Stardust persona and made David Bowie a sensation.In this first memoir to follow Bowie’s passing, Spider from Mars reveals what it was like to be at the white-hot center of a star’s self-creation. With never-before-told stories and never-before-seen photographs, Woodmansey offers details of the album sessions for The Man Who Sold the World, Hunky Dory, The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars, and Aladdin Sane: the four albums that made Bowie a cult figure. And, as fame beckoned by eventually consumed Bowie, Woodmansey recalls the wild tours, eccentric characters, and rock ‘n’ roll excess that eventually drove the band apart.A vivid and unique evocation of a transformative musical era and the enigmatic, visionary musician at the center of it, with a foreword by legendary music producer Tony Visconti and an afterword from Def Leppard's Joe Elliot, Spider from Mars is for everyone who values David Bowie, by one of the people who knew him best." … those interested in rock history won’t want to miss this slice of music history." - Publishers Weekly
Dear Fahrenheit 451: Love and Heartbreak in the Stacks
by Annie SpenceA librarian's laugh-out-loud funny, deeply moving collection of love letters and breakup notes to the books in her life.If you love to read, and presumably you do since you’ve picked up this book (!), you know that some books affect you so profoundly they forever change the way you think about the world. Some books, on the other hand, disappoint you so much you want to throw them against the wall. Either way, it’s clear that a book can be your new soul mate or the bad relationship you need to end. In Dear Fahrenheit 451, librarian Annie Spence has crafted love letters and breakup notes to the iconic and eclectic books she has encountered over the years. From breaking up with The Giving Tree (a dysfunctional relationship book if ever there was one), to her love letter to The Time Traveler’s Wife (a novel less about time travel and more about the life of a marriage, with all of its ups and downs), Spence will make you think of old favorites in a new way. Filled with suggested reading lists, Spence’s take on classic and contemporary books is very much like the best of literature—sometimes laugh-out-loud funny, sometimes surprisingly poignant, and filled with universal truths. A celebration of reading, Dear Fahrenheit 451 is for anyone who loves nothing more than curling up with a good book…and another, and another, and another!
Going to Hell in a Hen Basket: An Illustrated Dictionary of Modern Malapropisms
by Robert Alden RubinMalapropism - A word or phrase that has been mistaken for another, usually because of its sound rather than its meaning.Everyone has made the mistake of using a word or phrase that they think sounds correct, but in fact is not. Malapropisms make some sense. They have a semantic logic to them, even if that logic makes perfect nonsense. In Going to Hell in a Hen Basket, author Robert Alden Rubin delights in the creative misuse of words and celebrates the verbal and textual flubs that ignore the conventions of proper English.Culled from blogs, the deepest corners of the internet, as well as some of the most esteemed publications, here is a collection of classic malapropisms paired with hilarious illustrations. Some examples include:· adieu, without further - Conflation of bidding adieu (saying goodbye) with ado (complicated doings, ceremony) to mean "without saying anything more."· feeble position - An unborn child in a fetal position seems weak and helpless, which explains the confusion here. The two words also share some sexist cultural and literary associations. Feeble (weak) originates from a Latin word for something to be wept over; fetal (relating to a fetus) originates from the same preliterate Indo-European word that gives us female. · hone in on - Confuses expressions such as finely honed with home in on or zero in on (focus on, locate) and sometimes with horn in on (intrude upon). Homing, as pigeons perform it, often involves flying in narrowing circles until the target is reached. Hone means to sharpen; the malapropism conveys the sense of a carefully sharpened instrument and sometimes cutting in. Perfect for bookworms and wordsmiths, the point here isn't to shame the malapropagandists, but to delight in the twists and turns writers put our language through and to amuse and inform those of us who care about words.
Fire Dance: The Harp and Ring Sequence #2 (The\harp And Ring Sequence Ser. #2)
by Ilana C. MyerPalace intrigue, dark magic, and terrifying secrets drive the beautifully written standalone novel Fire Dance, set in the world of Last Song Before Night.Espionage, diplomacy, conspiracy, passion, and power are the sensuously choreographed steps of the soaring new high fantasy novel by Ilana C. Myer, one woman's epic mission to stop a magical conflagration.Lin, newly initiated in the art of otherwordly enchantments, is sent to aid her homeland's allies against savage attacks from the Fire Dancers: mysterious practitioners of strange and deadly magic. Forced to step into a dangerous waltz of tradition, treachery, and palace secrets, Lin must also race the ticking clock of her own rapidly dwindling life to learn the truth of the Fire Dancers' war, and how she might prevent death on a scale too terrifying to contemplate.Myer's novel is a symphony of secret towers, desert winds, burning sands, blood and dust. Her prose soars, and fluid movements of the politically charged plot carry the reader toward a shocking crescendo.At the Publisher's request, this title is being sold without Digital Rights Management Software (DRM) applied.
Song of Ireland
by Juilene Osborne-McKnightThe Sons of Mil long held the dream of the Island of Destiny close to their hearts. A dream perhaps, but to these restless, adventuring people it was a shining emerald prize to be won by those who were brave or foolhardy enough to sail to the very ends of the known world. For the Bard Amergin and his people that dream comes true. When they land safely on the shores of this enchanted isle, they know that they have won the favor of their gods. In joy, they begin to build their settlement. Soon it is clear that they are not alone in this green and pleasant land; their fellow inhabitants are the secretive Danu, a people who resonate power and mystery in abundance. As Amergin negotiates with the Danu so that both peoples may peacefully share the island's wealth, he sees their beauty, their wisdom, and their love for the land. And one more thing. Amergin's second sight shows him that the Danu are not human.At the Publisher's request, this title is being sold without Digital Rights Management Software (DRM) applied.
The Scandalous Flirt (Cinderella Sisterhood Series #6)
by Olivia DrakeScandal begins with just one kiss...Aurora Paxton was once the belle of the ball, the most sought-after debutante of the season—until a scandalous mistake ruined her. Shunned by her family, Rory was banished to the country to live in disgrace. Now she’s been summoned back to London by her stepmother, who is being blackmailed by the least likely person Rory can imagine: Lucas Vale, Marquess of Dashell. Lucas is someone Rory’s known for years—a man as devastatingly handsome as he is coldly disapproving of her. What in the world could he want from her or her family? Rory intends to find out as soon as she comes face to face with her old foe. What she never expects, however, is that the icy aristocrat has a soft spot for her—and a secret plan to redeem her status. Could it be that Lucas has been in love with Rory all along. . .and has finally found a way to win her heart?The Scandalous Flirt by Olivia Drake is a sweeping Regency romance you won't be able to put down! The Cinderella Sisterhood series is:"Beautiful." - RT Book Reviews"Breathtaking." - Night Owl Reviews"Magical." - Once Upon a Romance
Giap: The General Who Defeated America in Vietnam
by James A. WarrenAn in-depth look at the strategy and tactics of the visionary commander who beat the United States in the Vietnam War.General Vo Nguyen Giap was the commander in chief of the communist armed forces during two of his country's most difficult conflicts—the first against Vietnam's colonial masters, the French, and the second against the most powerful nation on earth, the United States. After long and bloody conflicts, he defeated both Western powers and their Vietnamese allies, forever changing modern warfare. In Giap, military historian James A. Warren dives deep into the conflict to bring to life a revolutionary general and reveal the groundbreaking strategies that defeated world powers against incredible odds. Synthesizing ideas and tactics from an extraordinary range of sources, Giap was one of the first to realize that war is more than a series of battles between two armies and that victory can be won through the strength of a society's social fabric. As America's wars in the Middle East rage on, this is an important and timely look at a man who was a master at defeating his enemies even as they thought they were winning.
The Reign of the Kingfisher: A Novel
by T. J. Martinson"Hits a grand slam for its intended audience. It might even convince skeptics that superhero stories can make good literature." —Pittsburgh Post-Gazette"An extraordinary novel." —Emily St. John Mandel, bestselling author of Station Eleven30 years ago a superhero tried to save Chicago. Now the city is again under siege, in this gritty, suspenseful, and beautifully written novel from award-winning debut author T.J. MartinsonSomewhere in Chicago, a roomful of people have been taken hostage. The hostages will be killed one by one, the masked gunman says on-screen, unless the police will admit that they faked the death of the legendary superhero called the Kingfisher and helped him to give up his defense of the city thirty years ago.Retired reporter Marcus Waters made his name as a journalist covering the enigmatic superhero’s five years of cleaning up Chicago’s streets. Then the Kingfisher died, Chicago resumed its violent turmoil, and Marcus slid back into obscurity. But did the Kingfisher really die? And who would take hostages connected to the Kingfisher's past attempts to clean up the streets? With the help of disgraced police officer Lucinda Tillman and a young hacktivist named Wren, Marcus will explore the city's violence, corruption, and chaos to figure out if the vigilante hero died tragically, or gave up hope and abandoned the city—and for the hostages, the clock is ticking.
Virga: Sun Of Suns And Queen Of Candesce (Virga)
by Karl SchroederIt is the distant future. The world known as Virga is a fullerene balloon three thousand kilometers in diameter, filled with air, water, and floating chunks of rock. The humans who live in this vast environment must build their own fusion suns and "towns" —enormous wood and rope wheels that are spun for centripetal gravity.This complex and fascinating world is the setting for the novels of Virga, Karl Schroeder's interstellar far-future space habitat sealed off from contamination by the rest of the inhabited universe. These books have set a high standard for hard SF adventure in the last decade, and now the first two novels, Sun of Suns and Queen of Candesce, are brought out for the first time in one trade paper omnibus.At the Publisher's request, this title is being sold without Digital Rights Management Software (DRM) applied.
Tools and Algorithms for the Construction and Analysis of Systems: 30th International Conference, TACAS 2024, Held as Part of the European Joint Conferences on Theory and Practice of Software, ETAPS 2024, Luxembourg City, Luxembourg, April 6–11, 2024, Proceedings, Part II (Lecture Notes in Computer Science #14571)
by Bernd Finkbeiner Laura KovácsThe open access book 3-volume set LNCS 14570-14573 constitutes the proceedings of the 30th International Conference on Tools and Algorithms for the Construction and Analysis of Systems, TACAS 2024, which was held as part of the European Joint Conferences on Theory and Practice of Software, ETAPS 2024, during April 6-11, 2024, in Luxembourg.The 53 full papers and 16 short SVComp contributions included in these proceedings were carefully reviewed and selected from 159 submissions. They were organized in topical sections as follows:Part I: STA and SMT solving; synthesis; logic and decidability; program analysis and proofs; proof checking; Part II: Model Checking; automata and learning; software verification; probabilistic systems; simulations; Part III: Neural networks; testing and verification; games; concurrency; SV-Comp 2024.
Proceedings of the 11th International Conference on Production Research – Americas: ICPR Americas 2022
by Fernando Deschamps Edson Pinheiro de Lima Sérgio E. Gouvêa da Costa Marcelo G. TrentinThis book presents the proceedings of the conference and provides valuable insights into the issues facing Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), particularly in the areas of sustainable operations and digitalization. It comprises a series of papers presented at the conference, covering topics such as: challenges faced by SMEs in a post-pandemic era; digitalization and its impact on SMEs; sustainable operations in SMEs; international market performance improvement in SMEs; SMEs infrastructure and integration with research, development, and innovation institutions; and SMEs participation in business networks. The papers offer a unique perspective on the challenges and opportunities facing SMEs and provides practical solutions for those looking to help their organizations thrive in a rapidly changing business environment.
Natural Resources Deterioration in MENA Region: Land Degradation, Soil Erosion, and Desertification (Earth and Environmental Sciences Library)
by Ayad M. Fadhil Al-Quraishi Yaseen T. MustafaLand deterioration, drought, desertification, and water resources shrinkage threaten natural resources, negatively impacting environmental, economic, and political stability. The increasing occurrence of climate change (extremes) impacts land degradation processes, soil erosion by water and wind, and salinization. The researchers have invested several years of scientific research in natural resources deterioration, including soil degradation and erosion, land degradation, desertification, and climate changes, which are interesting enough. However, the link between science and policymaking appears to be less active as serious actions do not take fast. The eighteen chapters of this book focus more on topics related to natural resources deterioration, such as land degradation, desertification, drought, climate change, and analysis of numerous case studies. This book presents experts' overviews, study results, experiences, and knowledge of natural resources deterioration in MENA countries. It attracts researchers, experts, scholars, scientists, academics, students, practitioners, graduates, or anybody interested in land degradation, desertification, climate change, and natural hazards that fall within natural resources deterioration. Therefore, researchers keep continuing to do their investigations and produce results that convince stakeholders and policymaking to act immediately towards protecting natural resources and their sustainability.
Soil Science in Italy: 1861 to 2024
by Carmelo Dazzi Anna Benedetti Giuseppe Corti Edoardo A.C. CostantiniHistory is generally defined as “the study of past events, particularly in human affairs” and is mostly understood when presented chronologically. That’s why someone also defined it as the ‘chronological record of the past’. Knowing the past is extremely important for any society and human being. Past gives us insights into our evolving behavior in many matters of life. The book is seen as a unique opportunity to preserve the memory of the Italian history of soil science. It represents a milestone and a cultural heritage. Moreover, the book is a sort of ideal bridge between the pioneers of soil science in Italy and the young generation of researchers, contributing to spreading awareness of the importance of soil as a fundamental resource.