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The Ashfire King (The Sandsea Trilogy)
by Chelsea AbdullahThe Ashfire King continues the tale of myth and magic that began with The Stardust Thief, Chelsea Abdullah's unmissable debut.'A masterpiece of a book! I couldn't stop reading . . . This book was literally perfection!!'Reader review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐NEITHER HERE NOR THERE, BUT LONG AGO . . . After fleeing a patricidal prince, legendary merchant Loulie al-Nazari and banished prince Mazen bin Malik find themselves in the realm of jinn. But instead of sanctuary, they find a world on the cusp of collapse.The jinn cities, long sheltered beneath the Sandsea by the magic of its kings, are sinking. Amid the turmoil, political alliances are forming, and rebellion is on the rise. When Loulie assists a dissenter she puts herself in the centre of a centuries-old war.Trapped in a world that isn't her own and wielding magic that belongs to a fallen king, Loulie must decide: Will she carry on someone else's legacy or carve out her own?'Triumphant . . . Fans old and new will be excited to pick up this incredible sequel'Kamilah Cole, bestselling author of So Let Them BurnPraise for The Stardust Thief:'The Stardust Thief will transport you, enchant you, and revive your belief in the magic of storytelling' Shelley Parker-Chan, author of She Who Became the Sun'A thrilling adventure about found families, ancient magic and stories that linger' S. A. Chakraborty, author of The City of Brass'A marvellous plunge into a beautifully crafted adventure' Kirkus'Abdullah is a gifted storyteller. . . [bringing] to life a rich world, rife with magic, where anything that can be dreamed up can happen' BooklistReaders are loving this incredible sequel:'This was one of my most anticipated reads of the year, and it did not disappoint!'⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐'Oh. My. God. Abdullah, I could truly just give you the most love-filled forehead kiss the world has ever seen . . . I don't think I'll ever get over how much I enjoyed reading this'⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐'I am trying to find the right words to tell you how amazing this sequel was . . . a truly satisfying, heart warming, heart pounding adventure'⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐'I'm absolutely obsessed! I already loved the first book in the series, but the second one It completely blew me away'⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐'Pure magic!'⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐'It reminded me of why I fell in love with reading as a kid. I'm dying for book 3 already'⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐'From the very first page, Abdullah weaves an intricate tapestry of magic, creating an environment so immersive that it feels like stepping into a dream'⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐'An absolute masterpiece of fantasy that immerses readers in a breathtaking world rich with depth and detail'⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐'Oh, we're SO back . . . I don't know what the third book is called or when it will be released, but I do know that I would die for it'⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Not My Child
by Kitty NealeLondon, 1923. Cyril Black is finally out of prison. Rather than going home to his wife and son, he visits his mistress only to find that she's given birth to his daughter - and wants nothing to do with her. His wife, Florrie, reluctantly agrees to take them in. But there's no love in her heart for another woman's child... 1939. At sixteen, Penny Black lives in constant fear of her mother's temper. Her only friend is her twelve-year-old neighbour, Katy Darwin. When they learn Katy will be evacuated to the countryside, the two come up with a plan to smuggle Penny along. Farm life in Kent is a far cry from Penny's Battersea upbringing... but there's only so long she can live a lie. Will Penny ever find the love and acceptance she's always longed for?The stunning new standalone wartime saga from Sunday Times bestselling author Kitty Neale. Pre-order now!
The Exchange: After The Firm - The biggest Grisham in over a decade
by John GrishamJohn Grisham's epic follow-up to his phenomenal global bestseller The Firm... TEN DAYS TO SAVE A LIFE. ONE SECOND TO END IT.Mitch McDeere has cheated death and come out the other side.Fifteen years ago, he stole millions from the mob and disappeared. Now, with his enemies jailed or dead, he has fought his way to the top of the biggest law firm in the world.When a new case takes him to Libya, he finds himself in the middle of the biggest hostage negotiation in recent history. The terrorists want $100 million in 10 days. Lives are on the line: and for McDeere, it's personal.The clock is ticking. The stakes are high. And there's nowhere left for McDeere to hide...💥350+ million copies, 45 languages, 10 blockbuster films: JOHN GRISHAM IS THE MASTER OF THE LEGAL THRILLER 💥Praise for The Exchange:'John Grisham remains one of the modern legends of literary fiction' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'Amazing' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'Gripping' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'Riveting and full of suspense' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'A very good read' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Sparring Partners: The Number One Sunday Times bestseller - The new collection of gripping legal stories
by John GrishamTHREE STORIES. THREE CRIMES. WILL JUSTICE PREVAIL?Is the law always black and white? These stories show the shades of grey...Jake Brigance has a choice to make: help an old friend who stole money from his clients or turn him over to the police?Cody Wallace is three hours away from his execution. There will be no last-minute requests for mercy. But as the clock ticks down, will Wallace get his dying wish?Kirk and Rusty Malloy are feuding lawyers and partners. As their business disintegrates, they turn to hotshot lawyer Diantha Bradshaw to help save them: but how much can they trust each other - and her?💥350+ million copies, 45 languages, 10 blockbuster films: JOHN GRISHAM IS THE MASTER OF THE LEGAL THRILLER 💥Readers love Sparring Partners:'Gripping, full of twists and turns' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'All three tales are very compelling reads!' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'Great short stories' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'John Grisham never fails to deliver' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'A page turner' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Skellig: the 25th anniversary illustrated edition
by David AlmondThe bestselling story about love, loss and hope that launched David Almond as one of the best children's writers of today. Winner of the Carnegie Medal and the Whitbread Children's Book of the Year Award, this unforgettable book now has captivating illustrations by Tom de Freston to celebrate its twenty-fifth anniversary. When a move to a new house coincides with his baby sister's illness, Michael's world seems suddenly lonely and uncertain.One Sunday afternoon, he stumbles into the ramshackle garage of his new home and finds something magical. A strange creature - human? beast? bird? angel? - a being who needs Michael's help if he is to survive. With his new friend Mina, Michael nourishes Skellig back to health.But Skellig is far more than he at first appears, and as he helps Michael breathe life into his tiny sister, Michael's world changes for ever ...Skellig won the Carnegie Medal and the Whitbread Children's Book Award. David Almond is also winner of the Hans Christian Andersen award, the Nonino International Prize, and has received an OBE for services to literature. He is celebrated as - in the words of the Independent - 'a master storyteller'. 'This strange, hugely readable and life-affirming tale exercises every muscle of the imagination' Guardian
The Guardians: The Sunday Times Bestseller
by John GrishamFRAMED FOR MURDER. FIGHTING FOR JUSTICE.Twenty-two years ago, Quincy Miller was framed for murder - now he wants justice.Accused of killing his divorce lawyer, he's serving life without parole. There were no reliable witnesses and no solid evidence in the case. Enter Cullen Post: he's helped to exonerate eight men and he intends to make Miller the ninth.But powerful and ruthless people were behind this murder - and they're not about to let Miller walk free without a fight...💥350+ million copies, 45 languages, 10 blockbuster films: JOHN GRISHAM IS THE MASTER OF THE LEGAL THRILLER 💥Readers love The Guardians:'A masterful book' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'A constant page-turner' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'Kept me gripped' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'Fantastic read' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'Grisham strikes again - an absolute must-read' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Legendary: The second magical fantasy romance in the global bestselling Caraval series (Caraval #2)
by Stephanie GarberThe games continue in the Sunday Times and New York Times bestselling fantasy Legendary, the mesmerising sequel to Caraval by Stephanie Garber.A HEART TO PROTECT.A DEBT TO REPAY.A GAME TO WIN.After being swept up in the magical world of Caraval, Tella has finally escaped her father and saved her sister, Scarlett, from a disastrous arranged marriage. They should be celebrating, but Tella isn't free yet. She made a desperate deal with a mysterious criminal, and what she owes him no one has ever been able to deliver: Caraval Master Legend's true name.The only chance of uncovering Legend's identity is to win Caraval, so Tella once again throws herself into the heart of the competition. Caraval has always demanded bravery, cunning, and sacrifice, but now the game is asking for more.If she can't fulfil her end of the bargain and deliver Legend's name, she'll lose everything - maybe even her life. But if she wins, Legend and Caraval will be destroyed forever. *Pre-order Alchemy of Secrets, the spectacular new novel from global phenomenon Stephanie Garber. Publishing 7th October 2025*****Readers are enchanted by Legendary . . .'Do you know what is an absolute magical delicious delight?! THIS BOOK' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'There is nothing quite like the amazement and sensational wonder of these books' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'Stephanie Garber is a master storyteller. Just like in the first book, Legendary's magic immediately ensnares the reader' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
The Boys from Biloxi: Two families. One courtroom showdown - the new legal thriller from the global phenomenon
by John GrishamFRAMED FOR MURDER. FIGHTING FOR JUSTICE.Twenty-two years ago, Quincy Miller was framed for murder - now he wants justice.Accused of killing his divorce lawyer, he's serving life without parole. There were no reliable witnesses and no solid evidence in the case. Enter Cullen Post: he's helped to exonerate eight men and he intends to make Miller the ninth.But powerful and ruthless people were behind this murder - and they're not about to let Miller walk free without a fight...💥350+ million copies, 45 languages, 10 blockbuster films: JOHN GRISHAM IS THE MASTER OF THE LEGAL THRILLER 💥Readers love The Guardians:'A masterful book' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'A constant page-turner' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'Kept me gripped' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'Fantastic read' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'Grisham strikes again - an absolute must-read' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
The Filling Station: A Novel
by Vanessa MillerA USA TODAY bestseller!"The 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre is, shockingly, little more than a footnote in history . . . Miller's book, thankfully, reverses that egregious oversight . . . we viscerally learn how this vibrant Black community fought devastation with resilience, faith, and grit." --Jodi Picoult, #1 New York Times bestselling authorTwo sisters. One unassuming haven. Endless opportunities for grace.Sisters Margaret and Evelyn Justice have grown up in the prosperous Greenwood District of Tulsa, Oklahoma--also known as Black Wall Street. In Greenwood, the Justice sisters had it all--movie theaters and entertainment venues, beauty shops and clothing stores, high-profile businesses like law offices, medical clinics, and banks. While Evelyn aspires to head off to the East Coast to study fashion design, recent college grad Margaret plans to settle in Greenwood, teaching at the local high school and eventually raising a family.Then the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre upends everything they know and brings them unspeakable loss. Left with nothing but each other, the sisters flee along what would eventually become iconic Route 66 and stumble upon the Threatt Filling Station, a safe haven and the only place where they can find a shred of hope in oppressive Jim Crow America. At the filling station, they are able to process their pain, fill up their souls, and find strength as they wrestle with a faith in God that has left them feeling abandoned.But they eventually realize that they can't hide out at the filling station when Greenwood needs to be rebuilt. The search for their father and their former life may not give them easy answers, but it can propel them--and their community--to a place where their voices are stronger . . . strong enough to build a future that honors the legacy of those who were lost."The Tulsa Race Massacre is rarely covered in historical fiction, and this story is an absolutely worthy addition to the genre." --Booklist Starred Review"In a novel that should be required reading, Miller movingly explores the aftermath of racial trauma and how resilient people can open their hearts again." --Library Journal Starred Review
Die Politik des Fußballs in China: Institutioneller Wandel und politische Steuerung unter Xi Jinping
by Ilker GündoğanIn den letzten Jahren ist der Fußball in China zu einem wichtigen Bereich für institutionellen Wandel und politische Steuerung geworden. Unter der Führung von Xi Jinping hat die Kommunistische Partei Chinas den Fußball ins Zentrum ihrer Agenda für die nationale Erneuerung gestellt und strebt an, das Land zu einer mächtigen Sportnation zu transformieren. Dieser ehrgeizige Plan hat jedoch eine Reihe von umstrittenen Interaktionen zwischen den Akteuren des Parteistaats, internationalen und lokalen sozioökonomischen Akteuren ausgelöst, die oft ein sensibles Gleichgewicht zwischen politischen Erwartungen, Marktdynamiken und Menschenrechten finden müssen. Die Politik des Fußballs in der Volksrepublik China taucht tief in die komplexe Welt der chinesischen Fußballpolitik ein und bietet eine umfassende Analyse darüber, wie der Sport zu einem Mittelpunkt für die Verwirklichung breiterer sozialer, wirtschaftlicher und politischer Ziele geworden ist. Das Buch untersucht die Auswirkungen der Bemühungen des chinesischen Parteistaats um institutionellen Wandel hin zu einem „Top-Level Design“ in diesem Politikfeld, das darauf abzielt, die Entscheidungsgewalt zu zentralisieren und zu hierarchisieren. Es verwendet detaillierte Fallstudien, um die Versuche des chinesischen Parteistaats zur politischen Steuerung zu untersuchen, einschließlich internationaler sportdiplomatischer Interaktionen sowie Interaktionen mit chinesischen sozialen und wirtschaftlichen Akteuren. Von dem spektakulären Aufstieg und Fall der Beliebtheit von Mesut Özil in China bis hin zu den umstrittenen Fußballinitiativen an Schulen, um zukünftige Generationen zu fördern, untersucht dieses Buch, wie die Regierungspraktiken des chinesischen Parteistaats mit der globalen Fußballindustrie in Wechselwirkung treten. Es bewertet kritisch die Erfolge und Misserfolge der Fußballreformen, die Herausforderungen, denen ausländische Akteure bei der Interaktion mit dem chinesischen Fußball gegenüberstehen, und die sich wandelnde Natur des Sports als Arena für geopolitische Konflikte. Egal, ob Sie sich für chinesische Politik, Fußball und Sport oder die Beziehung zwischen Sport und Politik interessieren, dieses Buch bietet wertvolle Einblicke in die facettenreiche Welt des chinesischen Fußballs in der Ära Xi Jinpings.
Complex Networks XVI: Proceedings of the 16th Conference on Complex Networks, CompleNet 2025 (Springer Proceedings in Complexity)
by Ronaldo Menezes Mariana Macedo Alessio Cardillo Wellington Franco Angelo BraynerThis book compiles the proceedings of the 16th International Conference on Complex Networks (CompleNet 2025), a distinguished gathering that has united researchers and practitioners from diverse fields since 2009. CompleNet's interdisciplinary approach highlights the pervasive applications of complex networks across various domains, including biological, technical, informational, economic, and social systems. Known for its plenary sessions and balanced participation, CompleNet 2025 offered a platform for engaging with the latest advancements in Network Science. The chapters in this volume cover a wide array of topics, such as Computational Social Science, Dynamics on and of Networks, Ecological Networks, Epidemic Modelling, Network Algorithms, and Networked Medicine. These contributions reflect the extensive range of discussions at the conference, advancing our understanding of Network Science and its applications. A notable highlight was the panel discussion on Network Science and Responsible Artificial Intelligence, emphasizing the importance of ethical considerations in technological development. CompleNet 2025 also introduced a dedicated session for students from Ceará, fostering inclusivity and providing young researchers with invaluable exposure to international scientific discourse. This initiative aligns with CompleNet's mission to democratize access to scientific knowledge and nurture the next generation of network scientists. This proceedings is an invaluable resource for researchers, scholars, and practitioners in Network Science, Data Science, and Complex Systems. It offers a comprehensive overview of current research trends and innovations, making it essential reading for anyone interested in understanding the complexities of interconnected systems. Whether you are a seasoned researcher or a newcomer to the field, CompleNet 2025 provides insights and inspiration for exploring the dynamic world of complex networks.
Einfach nur Buchführung: Ein schneller Einstieg in das externe Rechnungswesen (essentials)
by Stefan Georg Lara Joy GeorgDas Konzept der Verbuchung unternehmerischer Geschäftsvorfälle mittels der doppelten Buchführung bildet die Grundlage des Jahresabschlusses aus Bilanz sowie Gewinn- und Verlustrechnung. Lernen Sie in diesem Essential die wichtigen Basiskonzepte der Buchführung kennen.
Sustainable Social Housing Development in BRICS+ Countries: Challenges and Opportunities (Sustainable Development Goals Series)
by Soraya Beukes Marzieh Asaadi Pfano Mashau Marina G. Shilina Nazreen Shaik-PeremanovThis book serves as a comprehensive examination of the challenges and best practices encompassing access to adequate housing in BRICS+ nations. It provides insights into the initiatives that can empower BRICS+ countries to build resilient, inclusive, sustainable cities and communities for the future, relevant to the UN SDG 11. The book is written in a non-technical style in order to be accessible to various actors including non-specialists. In addition, it takes into account perspectives from various stakeholders, including governments, NGOs, academic institutions, financial institutions and citizens. It consults international frameworks and standards for housing, including treaties, declarations, and conventions on the right to housing. With this, it also provides solutions to creating sustainable cities to realise SDG11 and thereby dignify communities with adequate housing.
Technologische Innovation und die Dynamik des strategischen Wettbewerbs: China und die USA im Spannungsfeld von KI, Quanteninformatik und Biotechnologie (Globale Gesellschaft und internationale Beziehungen)
by Patrick Benedict KesslerTechnologische Innovation ist ein fundamentaler Treiber gesellschaftlicher Entwicklung. Im strategischen Wettbewerb von Staaten ist technologische Innovation ebenfalls entscheidend, da der Staat, der sich einen Vorsprung bei neuen Schlüsseltechnologien sichern kann, die internationale Machtbalance zu seinen Gunsten verschieben und in der Zukunft prägen wird. Hier setzt die Analyse von Patrick Benedict Kessler an und fragt nach den Auswirkungen technologischer Innovation in den Bereichen Künstliche Intelligenz, Quanteninformatik und Biotechnologie auf den strategischen Wettbewerb zwischen der Volksrepublik China (VRC) und den Vereinigten Staaten von Amerika (USA). Im Rahmen eines X-zentriertes Forschungsdesigns werden die Nationalen Sicherheitsinnovationsbasen der beiden Staaten miteinander verglichen und im Anschluss wird eine theorietestende Prozessanalyse der Handlungen von VRC und USA in Verbindung mit KI, Quanteninformatik und Biotechnologie im Zeitraum von 2008 bis 2021 durchgeführt.
Higher Education Learning Methodologies and Technologies Online: 6th International Conference, HELMeTO 2024, Rome, Italy, September 25–27, 2024, Revised Selected Papers, Part I (Communications in Computer and Information Science #2467)
by Riccardo Pecori Paolo Raviolo Pierpaolo Limone Davide Taibi Raffaele Di Fuccio Giovanni Fulantelli Pasquale Ardimento Marco Rondonotti Daniele Schicchi Gianluca ZazaThe two-volume set CCIS 2467 and 2468 constitutes the refereed post-conference proceedings of the 6th International Conference on Higher Education Learning Methodologies and Technologies Online, HELMeTO 2024, held in Rome, Italy, during September 25–27, 2024. The 46 revised full papers presented in these proceedings were carefully reviewed and selected from 101 submissions. The papers are organized in the following topical sections: Part I: Artificial Intelligence in Education – Emerging Technologies and Digital Transformation in Education.Part II: Inclusion, Well-being, and Student Support – Educational Policy, Ethics, and Teacher Professional Development.
Computing and Combinatorics: 30th International Conference, COCOON 2024, Shanghai, China, August 23–25, 2024, Proceedings, Part I (Lecture Notes in Computer Science #15161)
by Yong Chen Xiaofeng Gao Xiaoming Sun An ZhangThis three-volume set LNCS 15161, 15162 and 15163 constitutes the refereed proceedings of the 30th International Conference, COCOON 2024, held in Shanghai, China, during August 23–25, 2024. The 90 full papers and 6 short papers were carefully reviewed and selected from 277 submissions. COCOON 2024 provided an excellent venue for researchers working in the area of algorithms, theory of computation, computational complexity, and combinatorics related to computing.
Internal Environmental Displacement in Latin America and the Caribbean: Legal and Policy Approaches (Environmental Politics and Theory)
by Andrea Pacheco Pacifico Patrícia Nabuco Martuscelli Thalita Franciely de Melo SilvaThis book offers a comprehensive exploration of the pressing issue of environmentally displaced persons (EDPs) in Latin America and the Caribbean, filling a gap in the existing literature. The concept of EDPs only gained prominence on the international stage in the late 20th century, but despite significant attention in recent years, there has been a conspicuous absence of a consolidated resource on the topic, particularly within this region. This book's editors, distinguished Brazilian scholars with extensive experience in academia and as consultants, have crafted a meticulously researched and thought-provoking volume. It addresses the historical evolution of EDP visibility among different stakeholders and delves into the legal and policy dimensions crucial for the protection of these vulnerable individuals. Drawing from an array of case studies, including Mexico, Haiti, Colombia, and Brazil, the book elucidates the multifaceted challenges faced by EDPs. It examines specific populations (women and girls, children, and indigenous communities) disproportionately affected by environmental displacement. This comprehensive work not only serves an academic purpose but also provides valuable insights and guidance to governments, NGOs, international agencies, and other actors grappling with the dilemma of protecting EDPs in the region. It stands as a unique and indispensable resource, offering a consolidated repository of information, data, and references that is unparalleled in the field. Readers will benefit from the wealth of knowledge and expertise encapsulated within this book, making it an essential addition to discuss the issue.
Flight Safety Management: Quantitative and AI Approaches (Studies in Systems, Decision and Control #228)
by Chi-Bin Cheng Huan-Jyh ShyurThis book offers a comprehensive overview of using artificial intelligence and quantitative approaches in many phases of flight safety management, from proactive assessment of potential risks of flights before taking-off to automatic analysis of occurred flight events, for commercial airlines. Flight safety is commonly the core values of airlines. Serious flight disasters always bring tremendous impacts and losses to the industry and the society; thus, airlines and the authorities always treat the issues of flight safety management as the first priority. It presents the information systems that assist the safety staff and managers to adopt preventive operations or to analyze the critical factors or operations that cause a flight event. Such information systems were developed based on artificial intelligence and quantitative approaches, including fuzzy logic, expert systems, deep learning, decision-making methods, reliability theory, and data mining. After introducing the flight safety management practice and common programs, as well as basic artificial intelligence and quantitative approaches, the book describes in detail the information systems we have developed and provides instructions for flight safety practitioners to implement such information systems in their organizations. Case studies collected from the cooperated airline are also presented.
Computer Vision – ECCV 2024 Workshops: Milan, Italy, September 29–October 4, 2024, Proceedings, Part XV (Lecture Notes in Computer Science #15637)
by Tatiana Tommasi Alessio Del Bue Cristian Canton Jordi Pont-TusetThe multi-volume set LNCS 15623 until LNCS 15646 constitutes the proceedings of the workshops that were held in conjunction with the 18th European Conference on Computer Vision, ECCV 2024, which took place in Milan, Italy, during September 29–October 4, 2024. These LNCS volumes contain 574 accepted papers from 53 of the 73 workshops. The list of workshops and distribution of the workshop papers in the LNCS volumes can be found in the preface that is freely accessible online.
Global Corporate Governance: Proceedings of the 8th International Conference on CSR, Sustainability, Ethics and Governance, Baton Rouge, USA, June 2022 (CSR, Sustainability, Ethics & Governance)
by Samuel O. Idowu René Schmidpeter Nadia E. Nedzel Irene Guia Arraiano Belén Diaz DiazThis book gathers selected contributions from the 8th Annual Global Corporate Governance Institute, a hybrid conference held in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, on June 8–10, 2022. The chapters present the work of internationally respected scholars and experts, focusing on corporate social responsibility, sustainability, ethics, corporate governance, finance, and responsible investing. In this context, it highlights the latest research findings on responsible action and their practical implications for business, society, science, and politics. The results of the empirically and theoretically based contributions offer a unique and multi-faceted perspective on current global trends and expected developments in this area. Accordingly, the book offers a valuable resource for academics, policymakers, and practitioners who want to drive effective change to tap their organizations&’ full potential.
Statistics for Innovation I: SIS 2025, Short Papers, Plenary, Specialized, and Solicited Sessions (Italian Statistical Society Series on Advances in Statistics)
by Enrico Di Bella Vincenzo Gioia Corrado Lagazio Susanna ZaccarinThis book presents peer-reviewed short papers on methodological and applied statistical research presented at the Italian Statistical Society&’s international conference on &“Statistics for Innovation&”, SIS 2025, held in Genoa, Italy, June 16-18, 2025. It is the first of four volumes, featuring invited contributions presented in the Plenary, Specialized and Solicited Sessions. Providing a comprehensive overview of innovations in modern statistical methods and applications, the volumes address a large number of topics of current interest, contributing to a rapid dissemination of quantitative methods for data analysis across the various fields of scientific research and social life. The volumes underpin the role of statistics and data science in fostering innovation in numerous fields, including business, industry, finance, technology, environment, health and medicine, official statistics, public policy, welfare, social issues and sustainable development. One of the aims of the Italian Statistical Society (SIS) is to promote scientific activities for the development of statistical sciences. Together with the biennial international Scientific Meeting, the intermediate international statistical conferences on a particular topic of interest represent the Society&’s most important events which bring together national and international researchers and professionals to exchange ideas and discuss recent advances and developments in theoretical and applied statistics.
Investigating Reverse Migration during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Experiences from India
by Aditya Keshari MishraThis book investigates the critical phenomenon of reverse migration during the COVID-19 pandemic in India, revealing the lived experiences of reverse migrant workers amid unprecedented social and economic upheaval. Through a comprehensive study rooted in the context of India&’s nationwide lockdown, it traces the culture of reverse migration, explores crisis-induced vulnerabilities, and envisions inclusive, empathetic, and transformative policy pathways. Spanning through compelling and insightfully articulated chapters, the volume journeys from conceptual explorations of reverse migration to grounded fieldwork shaped by returnees&’ anguish, adaptation, and resilience. It uncovers the challenges faced by returning migrants—unemployment, food insecurity, and social marginalisation—and critically evaluates government responses and support systems. The final chapter presents a forward-looking policy framework for sustainable migrant reintegration and economic empowerment. Blending scholarly insight with poignant human narratives, this book is an indispensable resource for researchers, policymakers, and readers seeking to understand reverse migration, crisis resilience, and post-pandemic recovery in India.
Soundscapes of Education: Nurturing Creativity through Music and the Arts
by Wai-Chung Ho Siu-Hang KongThis book focuses on nurturing students&’ creativity through the integration of music and other creative art forms. It presents the soundscape as an immersive auditory environment that surrounds us, capable of evoking emotions, stimulating imagination, and inspiring creative thought. By actively engaging with the soundscape while listening to music or the sound environment, individuals can enhance their creative experiences and discover new avenues for exploration and expression in teaching. Additionally, the book explores creativity within the soundscapes of diverse cultures, broadening students&’ perspectives, while promoting cultural awareness, empathy, and interconnectedness. The book pays particular attention to the Chinese community while considering its relevance in both Western and non-Western contexts. It emphasizes the influential role of teachers and the social environment in motivating creativity and creative behaviour, risk-taking, and innovative problem-solving skills. The book also showcases a comprehensive programme with resources for facilitating creative music-making, providing detailed insights into how creativity can be effectively sustained, stimulated, and promoted within the education system.
Lean Healthcare Management: L’esperienza e i progetti del Master LHCM dell’Università di Siena, 2014-2024 (SxI - Springer for Innovation / SxI - Springer per l'Innovazione #17)
by Alessandro Agnetis Ilaria Salvadori Matteo TheoduleQuesto libro offre un&’approfondita esplorazione del Lean Healthcare Management, presentando una testimonianza convincente di come le metodologie Lean possano trasformare le organizzazioni sanitarie migliorandone l&’efficienza, riducendo gli sprechi e promuovendo un miglioramento sostenibile. Basato sull&’esperienza decennale e sui progetti del Master di II livello in Lean Healthcare Management dell&’Università di Siena (2014–2024), il volume combina intuizioni pratiche e rigore accademico, colmando il divario tra i modelli teorici e le applicazioni reali. Il libro è strutturato per evidenziare il ruolo cruciale della formazione e dell&’apprendimento esperienziale nell&’implementazione dei principi Lean all&’interno del settore sanitario. La sezione introduttiva pone le basi attraverso testimonianze di professionisti di rilievo del sistema sanitario italiano e presenta una panoramica sulle aziende sanitarie che hanno scelto di integrare il Lean nella propria strategia. Il primo capitolo traccia il percorso dall&’aula alla pratica, mettendo in luce la metodologia interdisciplinare e applicativa del Master in Lean Healthcare Management. Questa metodologia integra competenze mediche, ingegneristiche e economico-organizzative, enfatizzando il lavoro progettuale collaborativo con le organizzazioni sanitarie e l&’interdisciplinarietà. Attraverso l&’analisi di dati quantitativi e qualitativi raccolti in dieci edizioni del percorso formativo, il libro dimostra l&’impatto trasformativo su competenze, avanzamento professionale e risultati organizzativi tangibili ottenuti in azienda. Il cuore del libro presenta una serie di casi di studio dettagliati che illustrano i benefici concreti dei progetti Lean avviati da allievi del master nel corso delle diverse edizioni. Questi esempi dimostrano la scalabilità e l&’adattabilità dei principi Lean e coprono diversi contesti sanitari: gestione dei flussi di pazienti, governo delle liste di attesa, logistica del farmaco, organizzazione dei trasporti, digitalizzazione dei processi amministrativi, ottimizzazione del percorso chirurgico. Ogni caso evidenzia come il lavoro progettuale possa favorire il coinvolgimento del personale, innescare cambiamenti organizzativi più ampi e apportare miglioramenti misurabili in vari ambiti operativi. Nel capitolo conclusivo, si sottolineano l&’evoluzione delle metodologie Lean applicate all&’interno della sanità italiana nel corso degli ultimi anni, offrendo prospettive sulle pratiche attuali e sulle direzioni future. Questo libro è una risorsa indispensabile per dirigenti sanitari, manager, decisori politici e accademici in cerca di strategie innovative per ottimizzare l&’erogazione dei servizi sanitari. Il volume si rivolge sia a professionisti esperti sia a coloro che si avvicinano per la prima volta al Lean Thinking in ambito sanitario, illustrando la forza dei concetti teorici che ne stanno alla base e il potenziale della loro concreta applicazione.
Proceedings of International Conference on Recent Trends in Computing: ICRTC 2024, Volume 1 (Lecture Notes in Networks and Systems #886)
by Rajendra Prasad Mahapatra Sudip Roy Pritee ParwekarThis book is a collection of high-quality peer-reviewed research papers presented at International Conference on Recent Trends in Computing (ICRTC 2024) organized by SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Ghaziabad, Delhi, India, during July 5–6, 2024. The book is divided into two volumes and discusses a wide variety of industrial, engineering, and scientific applications of the emerging techniques. The book presents original works from researchers from academic and industry in the field of networking, security, big data, and the Internet of Things.