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The Paradigm Shift from a Linear Economy to a Smart Circular Economy: The Role of Artificial Intelligence-Enabled Systems, Solutions and Legislations (Studies in Systems, Decision and Control #586)
by Abdalmuttaleb M. A. Musleh Al-Sartawi Mansoor Alaali Arafat Salih AydinerThe concept of the circular economy has attracted the attention of scholars, researchers, professionals, and policymakers in recent years. The notion is characterised as an economy that intends to keep products, stocks, work in progress and materials at their highest utility and value continually, distinguishing between their technical and biological cycles. It is devised as a continuous positive development cycle that reserves and improves natural resources, optimizes outputs, and minimizes supply chain related risks by overseeing limited stocks and renewable flows of the stocks. Several legislations and policies are being developed to motivate and integrate SDGs and net zero-related approaches in companies, among which the circular economy (CE) is gaining momentum due to its documented impact on the elements of the SDGs and net zero.Efficient management of resources and utility via artificial intelligence is vital towards a smart circular economy by minimising waste/losses, pollution, and extraction of virgin resources. It is important to note that there is a difference between smart and traditional circular economies. This book focuses on the former and makes distinctions in terms of how technology systems and solutions can be effectively and efficiently implemented.This book &“The Paradigm Shift from a Linear Economy to a Smart Circular Economy: The Role of Artificial Intelligence-Enabled Systems, Solutions and Legislations&” discusses the transition from linear to smart circular economy by dissecting the role of artificial intelligence and other technologies such as big data, IoT and blockchain in such transformations. The book further aims to provide a platform for researchers, professionals, and students to closely investigate, discuss and examine the theories, philosophies, <span class="NormalT
Intelligent and Fuzzy Systems: Artificial Intelligence in Human-Centric, Resilient & Sustainable Industries, Proceedings of the INFUS 2025 Conference, Volume 1 (Lecture Notes in Networks and Systems #1528)
by Cengiz Kahraman Selcuk Cebi Sezi Cevik Onar Basar Oztaysi Irem Ucal Sari Cagrı Tolga Irem OtayArtificial Intelligence in Human-Centric, Resilient & Sustainable Industries This book focuses on benefiting artificial intelligent tools in our business and social life under emerging conditions. Human-centric, resilient, and sustainable industries are built on ideals like human-centricity, ecological advantages, or social benefits. The mission of human-centric artificial intelligence is to improve people&’s lives by offering solutions that boost productivity, accessibility to resources, security, well-being, and general quality of life. The latest intelligent methods and techniques on human-centric, resilient, and sustainable industries are introduced by theory and applications. This book covers the chapters of world-wide known experts on machine learning, medical image processing, process intelligence, process mining, and others. The intended readers are intelligent systems researchers, lecturers, M.Sc. and Ph.D. students trying to develop approaches giving human needs, values, and viewpoints top priority through artificial intelligent systems.
The German Federal Commissioner: An Institutionally Hybrid Office, its Holders, and their Recruitment (Interdisziplinäre Organisations- und Verwaltungsforschung)
by Daniel JochumScholars have described the delegation of power from politics to administration with the help of the principal-agent theory. This framework examines challenges in the constellation of a superior, i.e. principal, and their subordinate, i.e. agent. Recruitment is a major way in which political power can be delegated to the administration. However, it is unclear how constellations in which the agent is a hybrid between politics and administration are to be assessed. Germany is familiar with the hybrid institution of the German Federal Commissioner (GFC), uniting elements of both politics and administration. GFCs or &‘Bundesbeauftragte&’ are formally not part of ministerial hierarchy, nor of the cabinet. Also, their constitutional position is blurred because many of them hold simultaneous posts within in the legislative. For this hybrid institution, the delegation mechanisms are unclear, especially in recruitment. This contradicts the fact that GFCs are of high public interest; in its first official act, the new German Merz government abolished half of all GFCs. The present study attempts to get to the bottom GFC recruitment by applying them to the principal-agent framework.
Data Mining and Big Data: 9th International Conference, DMBD 2024, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, December 13–17, 2024, Proceedings, Part II (Communications in Computer and Information Science #2357)
by Ying Tan Yuhui ShiThis two-volume set, CCIS 2356 and CCIS 2357, constitutes the refereed proceedings of the 9th International Conference on Data Mining and Big Data, DMBD 2024, held in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, in December 2024. The 46 full papers presented in these volumes were carefully reviewed and selected from 93 submissions. They are organized under the following topical sections: Part I : Machine Learning Methods; Data Mining Methods; Detection Methods. Part II : Clustering Methods; Knowledge Graph; UAV Applications; Large Languange Models and Applications; Multi-Criterion Models and Applications.
IoT and Digital Transformation: ICBT 2024, Volume 4 (Lecture Notes in Networks and Systems #1575)
by Allam Hamdan Bahaaeddin AlareeniThis book examines how smart devices, sensors, and interconnected data ecosystems are redefining business operations, enhancing customer experiences, and shaping new competitive strategies. In today&’s hyperconnected world, the Internet of Things (IoT) is more than a technology trend, it is a transformative force driving digital innovation across industries. Offering a comprehensive exploration of IoT&’s role in business transformation, this book illustrates how traditional models are evolving into agile, data-driven systems. Through diverse research methodologies and real-world case studies, it addresses the key opportunities and challenges presented by connected environments. It serves as a practical guide for business leaders, innovators, and policymakers aiming to harness IoT&’s full potential for operational excellence and sustainable growth. What You&’ll Discover: · How IoT is enabling new forms of business model innovation · Strategies for integrating IoT into digital transformation initiatives · Policy and managerial insights for connected industries <span lang="DE" style="font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-bid
No Ordinary Love
by J.J. MurrayNurse Trina Woods never really expected to make the reality-show cut for Rich Man, Lucky Lady. She's used to losing in love, and past believing in fairy tales. So she's sure the handsome plain-talking man she encounters on her lunch break is just a shy eccentric…Until he turns out to be reclusive award-winning musician “Art E.” Soon his unique sensitivity and gentle ways are inspiring her to stand up for herself, take risks, and try one last time for her happy ending. Tony Santangelo's special way of seeing the world helps him make connections others don't—and turn them into mega-hit songs. But he never realized how lonely he was until he got a glimpse of Trina's honesty and caring nature—and went way out of his comfort zone to find her. Suddenly they’re the media's hottest new Cinderella story. And coping with his overprotective brother and overwhelming celebrity means he and Trina must face trouble head on, insist on their dreams, and write their own one-of-a-kind forever-after song…
She's Gone Bridal!: A 9-Step Program for Dealing with Your Bride from Hell
by Liz RazinDon't Lose Your Head on Her Big Day! Welcome to the Bridal Zone, an alternate universe where logic and reason cease to exist, and wedding madness rules. So what's a girl to do when her BFF turns into a BFH (Bride from Hell) and is determined to take everyone down with her?In this lifesaving book your very own PBT--Personal Bridal Therapist--will guide you through the nine stages of life with the bride-to-be. 1. Denial: Is she really marrying him?2. Diagnosis: Early detection of "bridezilla" behavior3. Masquerading: Playing the part of "good" friend 4. Anger: Managing meltdowns without having to say you're sorry5. Transference: Reap the benefits of the bride without all the fuss! 6. Fixation: Stop obsessing over her wedding! 7. Family Therapy: There really is someone worse than your relatives8. Catharsis: How to create wedding well-being on the big day9. Withdrawal: What to do when the invitations stop coming"A must-read for any BFF, friend or family member likely to be pulled into the bridal tornado." --Leslie Milk, author of It's Her Wedding But I'll Cry If I Want To"Wise and compassionate advice. . .will make you laugh through your tears. . ." --Anne Goldfield, Ph.D., Clinical Psychologist Liz Razin knows all too well the plight of the bridal attendant, having been a bridesmaid eight times and a maid of honor four. Inspired by the trauma of bridesmaiddom, she used the psychology skills she honed at Tufts University to write She's Gone Bridal! Liz's work has appeared in The Boston Phoenix, Stuff@Night magazine, and the Associated Press. Currently, she is a partner at a New York advertising agency and lives dangerously close to Bloomingdale's. . .where she gets many of her bridesmaid dresses.
Don't Blame the Devil (Deacon Thurgood Pillar Ser. #2)
by Pat G'Orge-WalkerHang on to your seat as Pat G'Orge-Walker spins a side-splitting novel of sin and salvation, heartache and love. . .Appearances mean everything to Delilah Dupree Jewel. So after hearing of her daughter-in-law's sudden death, Delilah decides that coming to the rescue of her long-estranged son, Jessie, and her granddaughter, Tamara, would be a good look. . .though Lord knows she'll have to dig hard to find her maternal instincts. But Delilah quickly discovers Jessie wants nothing to do with her. And Tamara, who's following in Delilah's musical footsteps, isn't interested in her career advice, especially since Delilah got ahead using the singing couch. And Delilah's old flame, Deacon Pillar, an ex-convict who's traded in his gangster ways for a Bible, is stirring up a past that's sure to shock... "Hilarious faith-based romp. . .Walker shines a little light on a wacky family reunion with her usual inspirational, knee-slapping style." --Publishers Weekly "A comic novel about mistakes and second chances." --Library Journal
The Spinster Bride (Lords and Ladies Series #4)
by Jane GoodgerAn unlucky-at-love veteran gets more than he bargained for from his matchmaker in this Victorian romance by the author of When a Lord Needs a Lady.Mr. Charles Norris needs help finding a wife . . .For he has the unfortunate habit of falling for each Season&’s loveliest debutante, only to have his heart broken when she weds another. Surely Lady Marjorie Penwhistle can help him. She&’s sensible, clever, knows the ton, and must marry a peer, which he is not. Since she&’s decidedly out of his reach, Charles is free to enjoy her refreshing honesty—and her unexpectedly enticing kisses . . .Lady Marjorie Penwhistle doesn&’t want a husband . . .At least not the titled-but-unbearable suitors her mother is determined she wed. She&’d rather stay unmarried and look after her eccentric brother. Still, advising Mr. Norris is a most exciting secret diversion. After all, how hard will it be to match-make someone so forthright, honorable, and downright handsome? It's not as if she&’s in danger of finding Charles all-too-irresistible herself . . .Praise for The Spinster Bride&“Alternates between being funny thanks to spot on humorous dialog and heart wrenchingly realistic due to Jane Goodger's attention to detail and accuracy.&” —Fresh Fiction
The Real Thing
by J.J. MurrayFormer boxing champion Dante "Blood and Guts" Lattanza is being featured in Personality magazine's "Sexiest Men Alive" issue, and reporter Christiana Artis has the scoop. There's just one hitch: she'll have to fly to her elusive subject's home in Canada. But once she lays eyes on Dante's chiseled physique and sultry Italian looks, she decides it was worth every mile. Too bad his icy demeanor doesn't match his hot body. Since he lost his last fight ten years ago, Dante never gives interviews. But now he's ready to prove to the world--and his ex-wife--that he can still win a championship. He gives Christiana an ultimatum: if she can perform five tasks, she can ask him five questions. And then she can be on her way. Yet Dante's always had a weakness for beautiful black women, and seeing Christiana everyday is enough to melt his defenses. Soon she's an intimate part of the very story she came to write. But when the line between personal and professional gets blurred, it can be difficult to see when you've found the real thing. . .. "A sexy story of interracial love that's long on charm, romance and humor." --Booklist
A Phantom Enchantment (Unbound #3)
by Eve Marie MontIn this brilliant, multi-layered conclusion to the Unbound trilogy, Emma Townsend journeys to Paris and discovers her own choices echoed within the labyrinthine love story The Phantom of the Opera. . .Senior year in Paris means dazzling architecture, gorgeous cafés, and a hefty workload. But no matter how busy her days, Emma Townsend misses her Coast Guard boyfriend, Gray. That lonely ache might explain the unsettling whispers Emma hears in the school's empty corridors, and the flickering images in her room's antique mirror. Her foreboding only increases as she reads Gaston Leroux's The Phantom of the Opera and becomes lost in the gothic masterpiece. When Gray goes missing during a rescue at sea, Emma refuses to believe the worst. In her strange waking dreams, Gray is very much alive, drawing Emma into a mysterious otherworld beyond her mirror. Friends worry that she's losing her grip on reality. Emma half wonders if they're right. . .and if her own story will end in a way she never envisioned. . .Praise for Eve Marie Mont's Unbound series"Richly satisfying. . .a smart and rewarding ode to literature." --Kirkus on A Breath of Eyre (starred review) "Exceptional and unique. . . A breath of fresh air for hungry readers looking for that special touch that makes a book stand out from the rest of the pack." --The New York Journal of Books on A Breath of Eyre"A delightful story that makes classic literature appealing and relevant to today's teens. . .terrific." --VOYA on A Touch of Scarlet
Vanishing Act
by Barbara BlockRobin Light's client was in his prime: mid-twenties and all-American. But Bryan Hayes was no happy-go-lucky guy. For four months he had been looking for his sister, Melissa, a college sophomore who waved goodbye outside her dorm and disappeared without a trace. Everyone from the university's head of security to the dean and the police have their theories about what happened to her. And so does Bryan. He's blaming it on frat boy charmer, Tommy West, Melissa's ex-boyfriend.But Robin is developing a theory of her own. If Melissa met with foul play, why did she take her clothes, her purse, and her cash? If it was such a well-planned vanishing act why is Tommy so reluctant to talk? And why does Jill Evans, Melissa's best friend and fatal victim of a bizarre accident, keep figuring into the picture? It's all as baffling as Melissa's disappearance. Combing the campus for clues, Robin has suddenly found herself moving to the head of the class, and closer to the most challenging mystery of her career. Where it will lead she is afraid to guess, but the secret pasts of a surprising array of suspects are about to come to light, placing Robin in deadly jeopardy. . .and forcing her into a desperate gamble for the truth.
A Vampire Bundle: The Real Werewives of Vampire County, When Darkness Comes, Real Vamps Don't Drink O-Neg, & Hunted by the Others
by Alexandra IvyThe Real Werewives of Vampire County"Where Darkness Lives" by Alexandra Ivy No one's more surprised than Sophia when she's struck by an unfamiliar maternal urge to move near her daughters. But instead of being greeted by a welcome committee, she's targeted by kidnappers...and saddled with a gorgeous bodyguard on a mission to protect--and seduce..."Murder on Mysteria Lane" by Angie Fox When a werewolf trophy wife is found dead in Vampire County, Heather McPhee goes undercover to investigate. Heather's never been a mascara-and-manicures sort of girl, but she's willing to learn. Especially with sexy vampire detective Lucien Mead posing as her husband..."What's Yours is Mine" by Jess Haines Still Waters is like many other exclusive gated communities--except that it's home to one of the largest werewolf packs in the state. But Tiffany Winters isn't frightened of her big, bad new neighbors. In fact, she intends to take her place among the pack... "Werewolves in Chic Clothing" by Tami Dane Ever since Christine Price moved in with her fiancé, Jonathan, and his twelve year-old son, she's worked hard to fit in with a cadre of local women whose lives seem picture-perfect. Except no one in Jon's upscale neighborhood is quite who they appear to be. Least of all Jon... When Darkness Comes It's been a hell of a day for Abby Barlow. In just a few hours, she's survived an explosion, watched her employer die, had a startling dream, and now she finds herself in a seedy Chicago hotel with the sexy, unearthly Dante, a man she both desires and fears. For 341 years, Dante has stood as guardian to The Chalice, a mortal woman chosen to hold back the darkness. A terrible twist of fate has now made Abby that woman. Three hours ago, Dante would have used all his charms to seduce her. Now she is his to protect. And he will do so until his very death. Real Vamps Don't Drink O-Neg Although Sophie Hahn works as a paranormal researcher, she doesn't believe anything to do with the supernatural world. But when it appears that her best friend Dao is slowly being killed by a female vampire, her beliefs are put to the test. Dao's new wife doesn't look capable of hurting a fly, let alone sucking the life out of someone. But watching Dao whither away to nothing isn't an option. So if Sophie has to go vampire hunting, she'll do it...That's when Sophie meets sexy college professor and vampire Ric Vogel, who needs her help in tracking down two ancient relics that have the power to end his people's suffering forever--and save Dao. Great! But then how could she be falling so hard for something that doesn't exist--a vampire? All she knows is that Ric's blond, seductive looks are very real and his love bites feel too good to resist...Is Sophie prepared to make the ultimate sacrifice for the vamp of her dreams? Hunted by the Others Shiarra Waynest's ailing finances have forced her to accept a lucrative case that could save her detective firm--if it doesn't kill her first. Shiarra has signed on to recover an ancient artifact owned by one of New York's most powerful vampires.As soon as Shiarra meets sexy, mesmerizing vamp Alec Royce, she knows her assignment is even more complicated than she thought. With a clandestine anti-Other group trying to recruit her, and magi being eliminated, Shiarra needs back-up, and she enlists her ex-boyfriend--a werewolf whose non-furry form is disarmingly appealing--and a nerdy mage with surprising talents. But it may not be enough.
Retribution (A Will Parker Thriller #2)
by Anderson HarpThe author of Northern Thunder delivers &“a stunner: a blow to the gut and shot of adrenaline . . . It reminds me of Tom Clancy at his finest&” (James Rollins, #1 New York Times-bestselling author). A shattering debut thriller in which an unstoppable force of destruction is about to strike at the heart of America . . . The remote and impenetrable Pakistani mountains have offered refuge to the worst enemies of civilization since the time of Alexander. Now, the world faces a new challenge. Reared from birth to harbor a seething hatred, a lone man is about to unleash a firestorm that will rage for centuries. And the window of opportunity to stop him is shutting much faster than Washington D.C. can hope to deal with. A top lethal operative, Will Parker is embedded within the terrorists&’ ranks to stop this catastrophic disaster. But with a nuclear core on its way to America, Parker will go to any lengths to stop a biological terror more lethal than anything the USA—and the world—has ever faced. Retribution—a dire warning of what our future may hold . . . and our end. &“An outstanding thriller with vivid characters, breakneck pacing, and suspense enough for even the most demanding reader. On top of that, Harp writes with complete authenticity and a tremendous depth of military knowledge and expertise. A fantastic read—don&’t miss it!&” —Douglas Preston, #1 New York Times-bestselling author &“A fast-paced, suspenseful thriller loaded with vivid characters and backed by a depth of military knowledge. Top gun!&” —Kathy Reichs, #1 New York Times-bestselling author &“Tense and authentic—reading this book is like living a real-life mission.&” —Lee Child, #1 New Yor
Instructional Illusions
by Carl Hendrick Paul A. Kirschner Jim HealSo much of what happens in the process of learning and instruction is obscured from view. Much like the effects of a convincing illusion, what we think we see when we observe instruction is often far from the reality. Join three leading experts in the science of learning as they explore ten instructional illusions through the lens of educational psychology, cognitive science, and instructional design. Together, they will consider how such illusions operate, unmask their true nature in light of the evidence, and present powerful alternatives for authentic teaching and learning. Look beyond the illusion and reveal the true nature of instruction.
Brain Maker: The Power of Gut Microbes to Heal and Protect Your Brain - for Life
by David PerlmutterDebilitating brain disorders are on the rise - from children diagnosed with autism and ADHD to adults developing dementia at younger ages than ever before. But a medical revolution is underway that can solve this problem. Astonishing new research sheds light on the influence of the human microbiome in every aspect of health, including your nervous system. In BRAIN MAKER, Dr Perlmutter explains the connection between intestinal microbes and the brain, describing how the microbiome develops from birth and evolves based on the environment, how it can become 'sick', and how nurturing gut health through a few easy strategies can alter your brain's destiny for the better.With simple dietary recommendations and a highly practical program of six steps to improving gut ecology, BRAIN MAKER opens the door to unprecedented brain health potential.
The Tutor: An utterly gripping psychological thriller with a heart stopping twist for 2025
by Courtney Psak"Will keep you turning the pages until the final, killer twist" Lisa Unger"Wow wow wow! The twist at the end blew my mind!" Reader review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "One hell of a ride!" Reader review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Letting her into your home was your first mistake... Rose is a dedicated wife and mother to her husband Grant and her son James. Having recently moved to a grand mansion in Florida, Rose is keen for James to fit in with his new life and hires a tutor.Isabel is young, smart and beautiful, and not only gets along with James, but she gets results.But when Isabel starts to get too close for comfort, Rose can't help but think that Isabel is looking for more than just tutoring.Can Rose uncover who exactly she has let into her house, or will this lesson be deadly?Don't miss this utterly gripping psychological thriller with a heart-stopping twist, perfect for fans of Valerie Keogh and Daniel Hurst. Readers are obsessed with The Tutor:"Twisting, propulsive, and unsettling" Carter Wilson"Hits you with one shocking twist after another" Karin Nordin"Hooked from the start" Reader review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐"I loved everything about this book. I could not put it down! Twists, turns and everything I would want in a thriller" Reader review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "Was up all night reading it. I loved the characters & the storyline" Reader review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐"Twists and turns galore" Reader review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
The Backyard Bird Chronicles
by Amy Tan'What an enchanting and illuminating book! How lucky for us that Amy Tan has turned her genius, her deep empathy and insight, her keen eye for what is telling, to birds. Every page of these chronicles radiates warm curiosity, wonder, and delight' Jennifer Ackerman, The Genius of BirdsTracking the natural beauty that surrounds us, The Backyard Bird Chronicles maps the passage of time through daily entries, thoughtful questions, and beautiful original sketches. With boundless charm and wit, author Amy Tan charts her foray into birding and the natural wonders of the world.In 2016, Amy Tan grew overwhelmed by the state of the world: Hatred and misinformation became a daily presence on social media, and the country felt more divisive than ever. In search of peace, Tan turned toward the natural world just beyond her window and, specifically, the birds visiting her yard. But what began as an attempt to find solace turned into something far greater--an opportunity to savor quiet moments during a volatile time, connect to nature in a meaningful way, and imagine the intricate lives of the birds she admired. "Much of great writing comes from great interest, and in The Backyard Bird Chronicles, Amy Tan shows us how the world fascinates her, especially the birds. The result is both unexpected and spectacular."Ann Patchett, author of These Precious Days
ZomRomCom: Discover the hilarious paranormal romance packed with zombies, banter and one very sexy vampire
by Olivia Dade'Heart pounding action, delightfully madcap humor, and a swoony romance to lose your head over . . I couldn't turn the pages fast enough!' JENNA LEVINE, author of My Roommate is a Vampire'I could read Olivia Dade books for all eternity' ALICIA THOMPSON, author of Love in the Time of Serial Killers Surviving the zombie apocalypse is one thing, but falling for the vampire next door? That's the real nightmare . . . When Edie Brandstrup attempts to save her sweet, seemingly harmless human neighbor from the first major zombie breach in two decades, she's stunned to be saved by him-and his ridiculously large sword-instead. As it turns out, he's actually a super-old, super-surly vampire. But for all her neighbour's newly revealed cynicism and lethality, Gaston 'Max' Boucher (yes, Gaston) is unexpectedly protective. He wants her to stay in his safety bunker until the breach is resolved. Edie can't risk more innocent people getting killed, though-and Max won't let her save them alone.As they unravel a sinister conspiracy to set zombies loose on the world (again), the duo meet a host of lovable allies and discover they're not the only ones willing to fight for the future of humanity. Despite the awful timing, Edie finds herself falling for the vampire who's helping her save the world . . . but all their dangerous plans could end their future before it even begins. As she and Max battle side by side, Edie must decide whether having a love worth living for also means having a love you'd die for-and, in a world that grows deadlier by the minute, whether that's a risk she's willing to take.💕Why fans LOVE Olivia Dade!💕'Sexy, smart, and funny . . . I can't wait to read whatever [Dade] writes next' KIMBERLY LEMMING'Charming, witty, and heartfelt' KYLIE SCOTT'Olivia Dade never fails to make me laugh, blush, and feel like I'm being wrapped in a warm blanket. Cannot recommend enough!' KATEE ROBERT
The Raven Scholar: the masterfully woven and breathtaking epic adult fantasy of cutthroat competition and imperial deceit (The Eternal Path)
by Antonia HodgsonThe Sunday Times bestseller from an electrifying new voice in epic fantasy - a masterfully woven tale of imperial intrigue, cutthroat competition, and one scholar's quest to uncover the truth.'IT'S THRILLING, ROMANTIC, OFTEN TRAGIC, AND ALWAYS FUNNY' ALIX E. HARROW'SIMPLY GLORIOUS!' GEORGIA SUMMERS'FIENDISHLY CHARMING AND CLEVER' TASHA SURIShe might win the throne. She might destroy an empire. Either way, it begins with murder. After twenty-four years on the throne, it is time for Bersun the Brusque, emperor of Orrun, to bring his reign to an end. In the dizzying heat of mid-summer, seven contenders will compete to replace him. Trained at rival monasteries, each contender is inspired by a sacred animal - Fox, Raven, Tiger, Ox, Bear, Monkey, and Hound. An eighth - the Dragon proxy - will be revealed only once the trials have begun. Eight exceptional warriors, thinkers, strategists - the best of the best. Then one of them is murdered. It falls to the brilliant but idiosyncratic Neema Kraa to investigate. But as she hunts for a killer, darker forces are gathering. If Neema succeeds, she could win the throne - whether she wants it or not. But if she fails, she will sentence herself to death - and set in motion a sequence of events that could doom the empire . . .PRAISE FOR THE RAVEN SCHOLAR'The Raven Scholar is an intricately plotted historical mystery steeped in gothic charm and intellectual intrigue' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐'It [The Raven Scholar] is truly one of the best epic fantasy books I've read in a long time' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐'I have NEVER rooted a romance more' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐'This book is simply "Magnificent"' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐'Mature and sensible, but still idealistic, emotional, passion-driven [characters]' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Wolf Moon: A Woman's Journey into the Night
by Arifa Akbar'This imaginative and empathetic book will probably not guide you to better sleep, but it will be a fine companion for the wakeful hours'GUARDIAN'A rich kaleidoscope of a book in which a series of visions emerge from the shadows'FINANCIAL TIMES'A celebration of the exuberance of night-time and a moving portrait of the dangers of the dark'THE TIMES'A beautifully written combination of personal reflection and broader thought . . . at once atmospheric and touching' Louise Doughty, author of Apple Tree YardThe night is a time of darkness and nightmares, fear and vulnerability, especially for women. And, yet, it is another world, full of beauty and possibility, too.After the sun goes down, insomnia and sleep paralysis do threaten. But some have always walked the nocturnal landscapes, with more or less confidence. Others have worked, night shifts and hidden night work: nurses, security guards, sex workers. And some have found solace in the darkness, from queer rave culture to religious pre-dawn traditions.From dusk through to day, Arifa Akbar elegantly explores how the night shapes our bodies, minds and cultures. A personal and artistic journey from fear and into hope, Wolf Moon embraces the dark before bringing us, once more, into the light.'Had me entranced from start to finish . . . an absolute joy'Lucy Atkins, author of Windmill Hill'A deft, rich and intimate exploration of darkness in all its varied guises'Annabel Abbs, author of Sleepless'Truthful, lyrical and unforgettable'Yasmin Alibhai-BrownPraise for Consumed:⭐ 'Beguiling . . . this one stands out for its eccentricity and elegiac splendour' Diana Evans, Guardian⭐ 'Moving, engrossing, elegantly written' Sunday Times⭐ 'I have rarely read a memoir with such a combination of powerful, tender feelings and cool-headed analysis' Mail on Sunday
Instructional Illusions
by Carl Hendrick Paul A. Kirschner Jim HealSo much of what happens in the process of learning and instruction is obscured from view. Much like the effects of a convincing illusion, what we think we see when we observe instruction is often far from the reality. Join three leading experts in the science of learning as they explore ten instructional illusions through the lens of educational psychology, cognitive science, and instructional design. Together, they will consider how such illusions operate, unmask their true nature in light of the evidence, and present powerful alternatives for authentic teaching and learning. Look beyond the illusion and reveal the true nature of instruction.
Health Disparities in the US and China: Spatial, Social, and Environmental Dimensions (Geographies of Health Series)
by Yingru LiThis book provides a comprehensive insight into health disparities in both the United States and China. It offers valuable perspectives on public health and policy through an examination of the spatial, social, and environmental dimensions of health disparities.Through comparative analysis of two distinct healthcare systems, economic conditions, and cultural contexts, the book offers a thorough assessment of how policies and social structures influence public health outcomes. It examines factors such as socioeconomic status, social capital, community, social and physical environments, healthcare systems, and health policies. The book adopts an interdisciplinary approach, drawing on key theoretical frameworks such as socio-ecological model, social determinants of health (SDOH), and social capital theory. It integrates geospatial, statistical, and survey analyses and includes a series of case studies to explore health disparities.This book will be of interest to students and researchers in medical geography, medical sociology, and public health, as well as professionals and policy makers who address spatial, social, and environmental disparities.
Change Point Analysis: Theory and Application
by Jialiang Li Baisuo JinChange point analysis is a crucial statistical technique for detecting structural breaks within datasets, applicable in diverse fields such as finance and weather forecasting. The authors of this book aim to consolidate recent advancements and broaden the scope beyond traditional time series applications to include biostatistics, longitudinal data analysis, high-dimensional data, and network analysis.The book introduces foundational concepts with practical data examples from literature, alongside discussions of related machine learning topics. Subsequent chapters focus on mathematical tools for single- and multiple-change point detection along with statistical inference issues, which provide rigorous proofs to enhance understanding but assume readers have foundational knowledge in graduate-level probability and statistics. The book also expands the discussion into threshold regression frameworks linked to subgroup identification in modern statistical learning and apply change point analysis to functional data and dynamic networks—areas not comprehensively covered elsewhere.Key Features: Comprehensive Coverage of Diverse Applications: This book expands the scope of change point analysis to include biostatistics, longitudinal data, high-dimensional data, and network analysis. This broad applicability makes it a valuable resource for researchers and students across various disciplines Integration of Theory and Practice: The book balances rigorous mathematical theory with practical applications by providing extensive computational examples using R. Each chapter features real-world data illustrations and discussions of relevant machine learning topics, ensuring that readers can see the relevance of theoretical concepts in applied settings Accessibility for Students: The content is designed with graduate-level students in mind, providing clear explanations and structured guidance through complex mathematical tools. Rigorous proofs are included to facilitate understanding without overwhelming readers with overly advanced theories early on The book incorporates computational results using R, showcasing various packages tailored for specific methods or problem domains while providing references for further exploration. By offering a selection of widely adopted methodologies relevant in scientific research as well as business contexts, this text aims to equip junior researchers with essential tools needed for their work in change point analysis.
Mathematics of Networks: Modulus Theory and Convex Optimization
by Nathan Albin Pietro Poggi-CorradiniMathematics of Networks: Modulus Theory and Convex Optimization explores the question: “What can be learned by adapting the theory of p-modulus (and related continuum analysis concepts) to discrete graphs?” This book navigates the rich landscape of p-modulus on graphs, demonstrating how this theory elegantly connects concepts from graph theory, probability, and convex optimization.This book is ideal for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of the theoretical foundations of network analysis and applied graph theory. It serves as an excellent primary text or reference for graduate and advanced undergraduate courses across multiple disciplines, including mathematics, data science, and engineering, particularly those focusing on network analysis, applied graph theory, optimization, and related areas.Features: Accessible to students with a solid foundation in multivariable calculus and linear algebra. Broad interdisciplinary appeal, relevant to mathematics, data science, and engineering curricula. Numerous engaging exercises.