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Ecological and Human Health Impacts of Contaminated Food and Environments (Urbanization, Industrialization, and the Environment)
by Ming Hung WongThis book discusses linkages between the natural and disturbed chemical composition of the earth's surface and ecological and human health. It reviews the environmental geochemical cycles of natural elements and persistent toxic substances (PTS) in the environment, highlighting the degradation of soil and water resources due to human activities such as extraction and usage of minerals. There is an attempt to provide evidence concerning the health effects of consuming contaminated food, due to frequent consumption of mercury-laden fish. Lastly, sources, fates, and ecological effects of various PTS are presented, including microplastics and associated chemicals. Details linkages between the natural and disturbed chemical composition of the earth’s surface, and environmental and human health, focusing on food contamination Discusses emerging pollutants with potential widespread hazardous effects such as bisphenol A and phthalates Reviews safe food production and quality, as well as the management, regulation and policies concerning toxic chemicals Contains cutting edge knowledge on safe food production and remediating technologies Describes how geochemical cycling results in food contamination
Engineering Mathematics with MATLAB
by Chul Ki Song Jong-Ryeol KimThis textbook takes a streamlined, practical approach, designed to make engineering mathematics accessible and manageable for undergraduate students and instructors alike. Students will gain a fundamental understanding within the scope of a two-semester course.This textbook introduces students to the fundamental principles of engineering mathematics through concise explanations, systematically guiding them from the basics of first-order, second-order, and higher-order ordinary differential equations (ODEs), Laplace transforms, and series solutions of ODEs. It then transitions to more advanced topics, including linear algebra, linear system of ODEs, vector differential calculus and vector integral calculus, Fourier analysis, partial differential equations (PDEs), and concludes with complex numbers, complex functions, and complex integration. The book presents fundamental principles systematically with concise explanations. It features categorized key concepts, detailed solutions, and alternative methods to connect material to prior knowledge. Exercises are thoughtfully organized, balancing problem-solving practice with real-world applications in fields like mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, chemical engineering, and so on. Notably, this book incorporates MATLAB® to enhance understanding. MATLAB-based examples simplify complex calculations, offering visualizations that connect theory and practice. Chapters also include optional advanced topics, providing deeper insights for motivated learners.Designed with practicality in mind, this book offers a balanced approach to mastering engineering mathematics, with a manageable workload aligned to academic schedules. It is an invaluable resource for instructors seeking effective teaching tools and for students aiming to build strong mathematical foundations that they can apply to their own engineering discipline.
Design for Construction: Tectonic Imagination in Contemporary Architecture
by Eric HöwelerArguing that a gulf exists between design and construction, between conceptual thinking and the constructed building, this book explores projects and practices that span the gap by thinking through materials and processes with what Höweler calls a tectonic imagination.Design for Construction is organized into 10 chapters covering topics such as means and methods, part-to-whole relationships, material research, digital design workflows, risk mitigation, construction sequencing, digital fabrication, ethical material sourcing, and circular construction practices. Höweler provides a careful analysis of over 200 buildings projects by practices including Amateur Architecture Studio, Barkow Leibinger, Diller Scofidio + Renfro, Ensamble, GLUCK+, Herzog & de Meuron, Johnston Marklee, MASS Design, NADAAA, Neri&Hu, OMA, and SANAA.Re-engagement of design and building is a means of reclaiming agency for architects as the discipline grapples with difficult questions of climate change, material scarcity, social impact, and how designers can play a more meaningful role in shaping the built environment at this moment with an eye toward the future. This book will be crucial reading for both architects and students of architecture.
Optimization Methods for Finite Element Analysis and Design (Advances in Metaheuristics)
by Ravipudi Venkata Rao Ishaan R. Kale Sujin BureeratOptimization Methods for Finite Element Analysis and Design describes recent developments in Finite Element Methods (FEM). It gives a brief introduction of the applications of AI-based nature-inspired metaheuristic algorithms and machine learning (ML) at various stages of FEM. The book covers a range of state-of-the-art application areas including medical equipment, structural analysis and machinery products.It explores the applications of optimization and ML techniques in mesh smoothing, quality improvement and Laplacian and Taubin smoothing. The book also discusses the optimization of cable nets and steel frames using nature-inspired metaheuristic methods.
Innovative Synergies: Business, Agriculture, Technology and Resource Management for Sustainable Development
by Rabi Narayan Subudhi Prajna Pani Anita PatraThe conference on “Innovative Synergies: Business, Agriculture, Technology and Resource Management for Sustainable Development (CVBSG2024)” is designed to drive sustainable development across various sectors. It aims to ensure inclusive economic growth that benefits all sections of society, emphasizing technological advancements to foster sector-wise development and innovation. The conference will deliberate on promoting entrepreneurship and developing world-class infrastructure to support sustainable growth, development and improve living standards. It targets business leaders and entrepreneurs, agricultural scientists and farmers, NGOs, technology developers and researchers, faculty and students, industry experts, policymakers and government officials who are interested in sustainable development and innovation.The various conferences on Viksit Bharat have focused on initiatives and implementation of Viksit Bharat@2047, role of media and communication, future roadmap of the financial services sectors for a Viksit Bharat, understanding various aspects of Bharat as a global leader, pioneering and transformation, dialogue and collaboration among the nation’s intellectuals. CVBSG2024 differentiates itself by uniquely integrating diverse sectors for sustainable development such as management, agriculture, agri-tech, engineering, livestock and allied sciences. It also aligns with the broader vision of “Viksit Bharat,” driving India towards self-reliance and progress by 2047.
The Art of Jungian Couples Therapy: An Introduction
by Elizabeth Éowyn Nelson Anthony DelmedicoWithin this accessible volume, Nelson and Delmedico apply a Jungian approach to provide fresh ways of thinking about couples therapy, and the profound unconscious forces at play when couples create a life together.The Art of Jungian Couples Therapy offers new perspectives into thinking about what is happening in the consulting room, which the authors re-imagine as a sacred space or “temenos” guiding partners toward psychological wholeness, or what Jung termed the Self. The book offers welcome insights into how therapists can work with the complex and often intense energies that arise when two people cross the threshold of the clinical space. As “art” in the title suggests, it draws the therapist’s attention to the souls of the partners and the soul of the relationship itself.Firmly grounded in Jungian thought yet intimate, approachable, and up to date, the book will be an indispensable guide for professional marriage and family therapists, psychoanalysts from both Jungian and Freudian schools, counseling psychologists, and licensed social workers who already practice couples therapy or have considered working with couples.
It Happened on the Lake: The new twisty and unputdownable crime thriller for 2025 from the bestselling author
by Lisa Jackson'The queen of atmospheric suspense' Reader review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'A top tier thriller' Reader review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'Impossible to put down' Reader review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐Twenty years ago, Harper's grandmother died suspiciously in her huge Victorian house on Lake Twilight while in her care. That same night, Harper's boyfriend disappeared. His body was never found and no charges were filed.Now, Harper's inherited the old house. Her marriage is over, her daughter is estranged, and Harper just wants to sell the property and make a fresh start. Except returning to the lake has stirred everything up again. Whispers. Memories. And the persistent feeling that she's being watched.The whole town thinks Harper has something to hide: and they're right. But uncovering the truth is just the beginning...Don't miss the next utterly gripping and spine-tingling read from #1 New York Times Bestselling Author Lisa Jackson!Readers LOVE Lisa Jackson:'A HUGE hit for me. I read in one sitting as I could not put this down... So many twists and turns!... This will have your heart pounding from cover to cover' Reader review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐'Wow!! If you are looking for a good thriller with non-stop action, this is the book for you!... It is a wild ride!' Reader review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐'Soooo much drama! I was soooo invested. Head was spinning about different theories and thoughts on who Brooke should trust... Sit back, get cosy and enjoy!' Reader review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐'This book was riveting, start to finish! Affairs, stalking, murder. What more could a girl want? This one was hard to put down' Reader review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐'A perfect psychological thriller. There was constant build up that kept my heart pounding with every page... I loved it' Reader review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐'Heart pounding from beginning to end I was held truly captive by this new thriller' Reader review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐'Fast-paced thriller that will keep you second guessing what you know with the turn of every page... Sucked me in immediately with its secrets, lies, betrayal and family drama! An absolute page turner I could not get enough of' Reader review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
The Last Mixtape: Physical Media and Nostalgic Cycles
by Seth LongA reflection on the evolution of physical media into metaphor, through the history of music curation. Obsolescence makes the heart grow fonder, at least in the case of the mixtape. Not all technologies are so lucky. Some (say, wax cylinders) fade almost completely from cultural memory. A lucky few pass into metaphor: we still “hang up” our smartphones, “cut” film, and “patch” computer code. As digital streaming completes the obsolescence of physical media, what will become of the humble cassette? In The Last Mixtape, Seth Long offers a microhistory of music curation, anchored by the cassette, from which he explores the meanings of obsolescence, ownership, nostalgia, and the speed of cultural change. A moving meditation on our relationship with music, memory, and curation in the digital century, Long ultimately calls for a return to the media ecology represented by the mixtape: a world in which media is cheap and abundant but tactile and meaningfully engaged.
THE END OF WOKE: How the Culture War Went Too Far and What to Expect from the Counter-Revolution
by Andrew Doyle'Thought provoking and entertaining. Andrew Doyle's intellect dazzles' Jimmy Carr'A magisterial read . . . divinely inspired writing and commentary from one of the most thoughtful intellectuals of our time' Michael Shermer'The best work yet by the creator of genius parody Titania McGrath' The CriticA revelatory investigation into the rise and fall of the 'woke' movement and how we can prevent it from happening again. It is no secret that we are in the midst of a cultural revolution. Activists in the 'woke' movement have claimed to be on the right side of history, and yet their approach has been intolerant, intemperate and, above all, illiberal. Having dominated the western world for the past fifteen years, there are clear signs the woke are now losing their power. The re-election of Donald Trump, the scaling back of DEI initiatives, and a growing awareness of the threats to women's sex-based rights has stirred a counter-revolution. But is this truly the end of woke? Or have the culture wars merely evolved?In The End of Woke, Doyle skilfully examines the mechanisms underlying the zealous extremes on both the left and the right. He shows that, in a desperate power struggle to re-assert liberal values, some leaders of the anti-woke movement have found themselves adopting a different kind of authoritarian approach - one which also promotes censorship and erodes our freedoms.Doyle argues that although authoritarianism is common to all political tribes, we must resist its pernicious influence wherever it emerges. After all, replacing one form of tyranny with another will not end the culture wars. But liberalism - true liberalism - might just see the end of woke for good.
Emerging Applications of Ions and Plasmas (Springer Series on Atomic, Optical, and Plasma Physics #127)
by Samar K. Guharay Motoi WadaThis book discusses recent advances in the science and technology of charged particles and emerging frontiers in applications of ions and plasmas. In particular, this includes: ion/plasma interactions with soft matters, especially, interrogating local bio cells, bio systems, liquids and gels; interactions with ambient environments; processes associated with fine-scale characterization of materials, materials modification, new material discovery, and above all, plasma chemistry. The book takes a broad view of the underlying problems with a distinct aim to engage young researchers and even advanced undergraduate and beginning graduate students. The first few chapters discuss relevant broad science issues covering ions and plasmas as well as methodologies for their manipulations; in addition, mathematical and computational tools for analysis are highlighted through simple examples. This background knowledge, in turn, develops a solid foundation for the chapters on numerous emerging application areas. A balance between science and engineering, along with relevant computational modeling, simulation, and exploitation of data, is maintained throughout. Prospective outlooks for the future are discussed. Overall, this book offers a lens for the reader to get acquainted with active and fruitful emerging application domains for future explorations.
Advances in Mechanical Engineering Volume 2: Select Proceedings of ICRAME 2023 (Lecture Notes in Mechanical Engineering)
by Suman Chakraborty R. D. Misra P. K. Patowari Prasun ChakrabortiThis book presents select proceedings of the 4th International Conference on Recent Advancements in Mechanical Engineering (ICRAME 2023). Various topics covered in this book volume are intelligent manufacturing systems, tribology, nanomechanics, MEMS, solar thermal energy, design engineering, materials, conventional and non-conventional machining, etc. The book is useful for researchers and professionals working in the different areas if mechanical engineering.
Re-Membering Hospitality in the Mediterranean (Mediterranean Perspectives)
by Edwige Tamalet Talbayev Yasser Elhariry Isabelle Keller-PrivatRe-Membering Hospitality in the Mediterranean examines the embodied praxis of hospitality—whether through the ritual modes of religious history, the pages of literature, the visual arts, dystopian narratives of the future, or the realpolitik of shelter and asylum. It moves beyond dominant transit tropes of aporetic exchange (in the lineage of Jacques Derrida). The volume offers a fractal view of Mediterranean studies as inflected by the lived, aesthetic, and philosophical histories of hospitality. This book brings together leading voices ranging from early-career to established scholars across the social sciences and the humanities to argue for a distinct focus on the Mediterranean pre/conditions and pre/histories of hospitality. To date, there has been no interdisciplinary intervention that takes up hospitality as a starting point to critical thinking about Mediterranean studies as an expansive, dynamic, and ever-evolving discipline. Against the inescapable backdrop of necropolitics and catastrophe, Re-Membering Hospitality in the Mediterranean offers a rich, agentive alternative for Mediterranean worldmaking.
Strukturorientierte Evaluierung: Ein Evaluierungsansatz für komplexe Prozesse und Systeme
by Uranchimeg TudevdagvaDieses Buch stellt einen neuen Zweig der Bewertungstheorie vor, bei dem die Bewertung und die Berechnung von Punkten in die allgemeine Maßtheorie eingebettet ist. Dies ist insbesondere in der Geometrie, der Wahrscheinlichkeitstheorie und der Zuverlässigkeitstheorie typisch. Die Autorin beschreibt ein neues Evaluationsmodell für komplexe Prozesse, bei dem die beteiligten Gruppen als Multiakteure betrachtet werden. Der Leser erfährt, wie die logische Struktur des Prozesses/Systems in eine Bewertung einbezogen werden kann. Der Autor wendet diese Techniken zur Visualisierung von Evaluationszielen an, wobei die logische Struktur als Grundlage für die Berechnung von Evaluationsergebnissen dient. Anhand verschiedener Beispiele wird die Umsetzung der Methoden demonstriert.
Gefäßerkrankungen bei Kindern und Jugendlichen
by Siamak Pourhassan Alexander Oberhuber Philip DüppersDieses Buch beschreibt einerseits praxisorientiert grundlegende Aspekte bei der Behandlung vaskulärer Erkrankungen im Kindes- und Jugendalter und beinhaltet andererseits detaillierte Kapitel zur Klinik, Diagnostik und Therapie häufiger und seltener pädiatrischer Gefäßerkrankungen, verfasst von führenden Spezialistinnen und Spezialisten aus verschiedenen Fachbereichen aus dem deutschsprachigen Raum. Erkrankungen der Arterien, Venen und Lymphgefäße sind bei Kindern und Jugendlichen deutlich seltener und unbekannter als bei Erwachsenen und stellen gerade deshalb für die behandelnde Ärzteschaft eine besondere Herausforderung dar. Das Buch ist Nachschlagewerk und Wegweiser für die spezialisierte oder gemeinsame Behandlung dieser Patientinnen und Patienten und wendet sich an alle Ärztinnen und Ärzte, die Kinder und Jugendliche mit Gefäßerkrankungen betreuen.
Educating the Next Generation: Reflections on Crises, Migration, and Education (Contemporary Philosophies and Theories in Education #21)
by Tomasz Szkudlarek Wills KalishaThis book offers perspectives on how "education as we know it" is being challenged by the complexity of "nextness" that no longer allows for taking deeply grounded assumptions on the meaning of education as granted. This book interrogates ontological, ethical, and political challenges that immigrant children face. With the global situation in which more and more children are displaced, direct intergenerational transmission is broken, suspended, or complicated and made incoherent, and “things of concern” may be radically different for policymakers, for teachers, students, or their parents. Even the concept of the child as one who needs to be educated before they start participating in adult life cannot be taken for granted in this context. What needs and what can be passed on — and what is worth passing in this context? How do we conceptualize education to encounter newcomers in their realities of being both native and strange, inmate and neighbour or alien, temporal and spatial — and how do we address them all as worth of address? These questions will shine through the authors' reflections on crisis, education, and migration in the complex context of war, climatic catastrophe, displacement, hospitality and institutionalised hostility. This book suggests significant ideas for educational theory and practice responsive to the multi-dimensional crisis of which massive migrations is the most pressing feature in school nowadays.
Shoulder Fractures in Context: Controversies in Orthopaedic Surgery
by Stig BrorsonThis open access book offers comprehensive coverage of all relevant aspects of shoulder fractures, also known as fractures of the proximal humerus, with a special focus on existing controversies in their treatment. Throughout the volume the author outlines the development of the modern scientific understanding in the field and the increasing operative approach to these injuries throughout the 20th century.The volume is subdivided into five sections, the first of which introduces shoulder fractures, their morphology and epidemiology. The second one presents their history, from the earliest known medical text in ancient Egypt to the mid-twentieth century. In the third part, the author discusses the challenges implied in understanding and translating fracture patterns into hierarchies and classification systems. Based on current clinical trials, part four casts new light on the existing tension between an increasing interest in surgical procedures and implants, and the failure of emerging empirical evidence to demonstrate benefits for the vast majority of patients.In the book&’s conclusions, elaborating on this evidence, the author shares his reflections on the changing approaches to shoulder fractures and interprets them within a broader context of intellectual history.This book appeals to a broad readership, including orthopaedic residents, shoulder surgeons, traumatologists, and other clinical decision-makers, and those with an interest in evidence-based practice and the history and philosophy of medicine.
Governing Digital Mental Health: Introducing the 5P Model and the Digital Behavioral Health Expert (SpringerBriefs in Public Health)
by Juan José Martí-NogueraThis book presents a bold governance blueprint for an era in which mental health systems face a historic transition: as care delivery becomes increasingly shaped by code, platforms, and predictive algorithms, new governance frameworks are needed to protect equity, ethics, and human-centered leadership. At the core of this blueprint is the 5P Model – Predictive, Preventive, Personalized, Participatory, and Precision-based – a transformative framework for building equitable, effective behavioral health systems in the age of AI. The book introduces the Digital Behavioral Health Expert (DBHE), a new professional role designed to bridge clinical care, policy systems, and digital infrastructure. Unlike traditional mental health models that focus on professional interaction alone, the DBHE enables coordination across platforms, stakeholders, and jurisdictions – turning governance into a strategic, ethical, and human-centered function. Designed for stakeholders across the ecosystem – policymakers shaping regulation, managers implementing care systems, clinicians navigating hybrid models, developers building ethical tools, and investors backing scalable solutions – this book equips each with strategic insight for a digitally governed future of mental health. "A timely vision for ethical, inclusive governance in digital mental health."— Professor Anil Thapliyal, Executive Director, eMental Health International Collaborative (eMHIC)
Star Wars: Mace Windu: The Glass Abyss (Star Wars)
by Steven BarnesJedi Master Mace Windu travels to a dangerous, remote planet on a mission that challenges even his deadly prowess—all to fulfill Qui-Gon&’s last request.The Jedi are reeling from Qui-Gon Jinn&’s sudden death at the hands of a Sith. Jedi Master Mace Windu&’s feelings about Qui-Gon have always been complicated—and have not been made any simpler by death. While they often disagreed, Mace valued Qui-Gon&’s unique perspective, and their shared dedication to the Force made them allies. Without Qui-Gon and his unorthodox views, Mace feels out of balance. While considering his fallen friend&’s legacy, Mace is surprised to receive a final message from Qui-Gon, marked to be delivered to Mace in the event of Qui-Gon&’s death. The message contains a last request: a plea to help the Outer Rim planet Metagos. Many years ago, a violent solar flare transformed the surface of the desert planet into a landscape of irradiated glass—as beautiful as it is dangerous. Now most of the surviving inhabitants live underground, where rival clans fight to control the planet&’s limited resources. As a young Jedi, Qui-Gon protected the Sa&’ad farming clan from the planet&’s less-scrupulous factions. The Sa&’ad practice the art of dream-weaving, retaining their waking minds upon sleep in order to communicate and coexist with the wild creatures around them. Qui-Gon vowed to return if they ever required his aid, but now it falls to Mace to fulfill that promise. The Sa&’ad&’s leader, KinShan Nightbird, has begged for the Jedi&’s help in freeing Metagos from the crime lords who threaten to eradicate her people&’s way of life. Intent on carrying out Qui-Gon&’s final wishes, Mace travels to Metagos and infiltrates the enemies of the Sa&’ad. But as the Jedi Master investigates the intricate web of adversaries and allies, Mace finds himself pushed to the boundaries of the Jedi code, with his beliefs and his relationship to the Force itself challenged.
HR Reinvented: 20 Zukunftsperspektiven auf Personal, Organisation und Kultur
by René Sadowski Lea Bolz Sebastian HarrerIn unserer Zeit, in der Unternehmen mit disruptiven Technologien, demografischen Umwälzungen und tiefgreifenden gesellschaftlichen Veränderungen konfrontiert sind, stellt sich die Frage, wie Human Resources (HR) als strategische Funktion neu gedacht werden kann und muss. Die Digitalisierung, die zunehmende Bedeutung von Nachhaltigkeit und Diversität sowie die sich wandelnden Erwartungen von Mitarbeitenden und Stakeholdern fordern uns heraus, unsere Perspektiven zu erweitern und neue Wege zu beschreiten. Mit diesem Buch bieten die Autor:innen nicht nur praktische Werkzeuge, sondern auch wertvolle Denkanstöße, wie die strategische Ausrichtung von HR in Zukunft gestaltet werden kann. Im ersten Teil des Buches werden die historische Entwicklung des HR-Management, die Erfolgsmessung der HR-Arbeit sowie die aktuellen Herausforderungen erläutert. Im zweiten Teil schildern herausragende Entscheider:innen und HR-Führungskräfte ihre Erfahrungen und Visionen in sehr persönlichen Interviews. Diese Gespräche bieten Einblicke in die Praxis und zeigen auf, wie unterschiedliche Organisationen deren spezifische Herausforderungen der modernen Arbeitswelt in konkreten Handlungsfeldern meistern. Zugleich bieten die Gesprächspartner:innen biografische Einblicke in die individuelle Entwicklung bis zur heutigen Verantwortung und geben Empfehlungen an die nächste Generation der Personalmanager:innen, die in diesem Bereich perspektivisch größere Verantwortung übernehmen möchten. Im dritten Teil geben die Autor:innen Impulse für die Weiterentwicklung von HR und stellen das neue Reinventing-HR-Modell vor. Dieser strategische Handlungsrahmen nimmt Bezug auf die Anforderungen sowie Chancen der Praxis und kann unmittelbar in Organisationen in spezifischer Granularität angewendet werden.
Smart Innovations in Energy and Mechanical Systems: Proceedings of SIEMS-2025 (Lecture Notes in Networks and Systems #1480)
by Dmytro Pavlenko Pavlo Tryshyn Natalia Honchar Olena KozlovaThis book appeals to researchers and professionals working in the field of artificial neural networks. It offers insights into the application of neural networks in engineering contexts, providing valuable case studies and methodologies for those looking to bridge the gap between AI theory and practical engineering solutions. Engineers and technicians involved in additive manufacturing will find relevant content in this book. It covers advanced techniques and applications of 3D printing in aerospace and mechanical engineering, offering a unique perspective on how these technologies are shaping the future of manufacturing. The book caters to professionals and students focusing on machine learning and artificial intelligence, particularly in industrial applications. It demonstrates how these technologies are being integrated into energy systems and mechanical engineering, providing real-world examples and potential future directions. Robotics enthusiasts and engineers will benefit from the book's coverage of cutting-edge developments in industrial and aerospace robotics. It offers insights into autonomous systems, control algorithms, and the integration of robotics in smart manufacturing environments. Graduate and undergraduate students in STEM fields beyond traditional engineering, such as computer science or data science, will find value in the book's interdisciplinary approach. It showcases how advanced computational methods are applied to solve complex engineering problems. This book is of interest to enterprises that are involved in the implementation of green energy technologies, resource-saving technologies, and support the concept of decarbonization of the energy system.
Microbial Allies: Understanding Plant-Microbe Interactions in Sustainable Agriculture
by Olubukola Oluranti Babalola Ayansina Segun AyangbenroThe world struggles with the dual problem of feeding a growing global population and ensuring environmental protection. Yet, current agricultural techniques cannot guarantee food security and environmental safety. Hence, there is a need to explore the transformational potential of sustainable agriculture as a preferred alternative. This book analyses the roles of beneficial microbes, which are often considered the unsung heroes of agriculture, in revolutionizing food production and reducing the adverse impact of agriculture on the environment. Readers are guided through the complex web of interactions between plants and microbes while also being introduced to a wide range of microorganisms essential to these interactions. Furthermore, the book unravels the intricate methods by which these microbial allies promote nutrient absorption, strengthen plant defenses against pathogens, prevent nutrient runoff and improve stress tolerance while lowering the dependency on synthetic chemical use. It also makes a compelling case for continued research and innovation in this field as we strive to harness the full potential of microbial allies to shape the future of agriculture.
Smart Grid and Internet of Things: 8th EAI International Conference, SGIoT 2024, Taichung, Taiwan, November 23–24, 2024, Proceedings (Lecture Notes of the Institute for Computer Sciences, Social Informatics and Telecommunications Engineering #633)
by Der-Jiunn Deng Jyh-Cheng ChenThis book constitutes the refereed proceedings of the 8th EAI International Conference on Smart Grid and Internet of Things, SGIoT 2024, held in Taichung, Taiwan, during November 23–24, 2024. The 19 full papers included in this book were carefully reviewed and selected from 45 submissions. They were organized in topical sections as follows: IoT, Artificial Intelligence, Edge Computing; Wireless Sensor Network, Mobile Robot, Smart Manufacturing; and Protocol, Algorithm, Services and Applications.
Distributed Computing and Artificial Intelligence, Volume 2: Special Sessions 18th International Conference (Lecture Notes in Networks and Systems #332)
by Alfonso González-Briones Roussanka Loukanova Roberto Casado-Vara Sara Rodríguez González George Katranas José Manuel Machado Jaroslaw WikarekThis book highlights the latest research on distributed computing and artificial intelligence. DCAI 2021 is a forum to present applications of innovative techniques for studying and solving complex problems in artificial intelligence and computing areas. The present edition brings together past experience, current work and promising future trends associated with distributed computing, artificial intelligence and their application in order to provide efficient solutions to real problems. This year’s technical program will present both high quality and diversity, with contributions in well-established and evolving areas of research. Specifically, 55 papers were submitted to main track and special sessions, by authors from 24 different countries representing a truly “wide area network” of research activity. Moreover, DCAI 2021 Special Sessions have been a very useful tool in order to complement the regular program with new or emerging topics of particular interest to the participating community. The technical program of the Special Sessions of DCAI 2021 has selected 23 papers. We would like to thank all the contributing authors, the members of the Program Committees, the sponsors (IBM, Armundia Group, EurAI, AEPIA, APPIA, CINI, OIT, UGR, HU, SCU, USAL, AIR Institute and UNIVAQ) and the Organizing Committee of the University of Salamanca for their hard and highly valuable work.
A Critical Phenomenology of Music: Disclosing/Transposing the Habitual Body Schema
by Rachel ElliottDrawing a link between music and what Maurice Merleau-Ponty calls the habit body – a quasi-transcendental structure at the heart of our perceptual, social, and agential being – this book helps articulate why music has the power to express as well as shape our existence at a fundamental level. Using phenomenology, research in the cognitive sciences, and first-person descriptions of musical experiences, this book addresses topics such as the relationship of music to identity, the capacity of music to be personally and socially transformative, the role of music in our perception of others, the connection between music and trauma, and the possibility of engendering we-experiences through shared musical time.