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Engineering Mathematics with MATLAB® and Simulink®
by Farzin AsadiThis book summarizes the mathematics used by engineers, with an emphasis on developing practical skills and techniques for solving mathematical problems in forms typical of engineering. In addition to paper-and-pencil techniques, the book demonstrates how to solve engineering mathematics problems using state-of-the-art software packages. Specifically, it:• Offers a large collection of progressively more sophisticated mathematical problems.• Provides a brief review of definitions and formulas at the beginning of each topic.• Includes complete, tutorial-style solutions to all problems.• Presents step-by-step solutions using state-of-the-art MATLAB® and Simulink® tools.
The Art and Craft of Modern Textile Design: Woven Whimsy (Sustainable Textiles: Production, Processing, Manufacturing & Chemistry)
by Rajesh Kumar Sadhna S. GreeshmaThis contributed volume explores the craft and science of modern textile design. It offers a carefully curated collection of essays, insights, and case studies. The chapters presented here exist where craftsmanship converges with cutting-edge technology and traditional techniques, dance with avant-garde experimentation, and illustrate how fabric can unlock limitless possibilities of artistic expression. From the historical roots that anchor contemporary practices to the forefront of technological advancements shaping the industry, this book offers a panoramic view of the field. The chapters celebrate the artistry behind the loom and the visionary designers who push the boundaries of conventional thinking, transforming threads into transcendent works of art. As the title suggests, this volume is not just about technique; it explores the imaginative spirit that breathes life into fibers. The book invites readers to witness the synergy between tradition and innovation, uncover the narrative threads woven into every fabric, and appreciate the extraordinary craftsmanship that elevates textiles beyond mere utility. This edited volume is designed to appeal to a diverse audience – from students and scholars to industry professionals and anyone with an appreciation for the intersection of art and function. The book aims to provide readers with a thorough understanding of the various facets of contemporary textile design, from historical influences to emerging trends.
Culture and Predictability of Law: A Justification from a Modern Historical Perspective (SpringerBriefs in Law)
by Luiz Guilherme MarinoniThis book aims to identify the sociological reasons that resulted in the perceived lack of authority of precedents in civil law systems, starting from the premise that common law systems rely on precedents, while civil law systems do not. The reasoning is based on the sociology of law, mainly on Max Weber’s theory, legal theory, and constitutional law. English common law, seen by Weber as a law devoid of formal rationality mainly because it does not allow for generalization and comprehensiveness, became a predictable system through stare decisis. This serves to highlight not only that it is not to be confused with common law but especially to clarify that “binding precedents” are necessary as the law moves away from calculability. The transformation of civil law due to the impact of constitutionalism, the increasingly widespread use of general clauses, and the evolution of the theory of interpretation eliminated the pretensions of logical positivism and, consequently, the predictability upon which it would be achievable. However, if the law contemplated by Weber ceased to exist and the new law came to depend largely on the subjectivity of the judge, this does not mean that society could remain helpless and devoid of guarantees of predictability and equality, as the new profile of civil law could not be compatible with a coherent legal order and a rational distribution of justice. In the end, the book seeks to demonstrate the fundamentality of precedent for the unity and development of law, clarity and generality, promotion of equality, institutional strengthening, limitation of state power, predictability, economic rationality, respect for the law, and increased personal responsibility.
Diasporic Consciousness in the Material Culture of Brazilian Candomblé (Routledge Studies in Anthropology)
by Zainabu JalloThis book examines Candomblé's material culture and its relationship with the evolving cultural politics of Brazil. It employs artefacts as analytical tools to trace the emergence of a diasporic consciousness. By followiing the movements of artefacts historically, the study reveals how Candomblé has transitioned from a secluded sacred tradition marked by discrimination and persecution to its inclusion in the construction of a new cultural character in Brazil. While maintaining its esoteric traditions and contending with ongoing discrimination, the Candomblé sphere has evolved into a confluence of socio-religious and political expressions in sacred and spectacular contexts. This research highlights the crucial role of artefacts in the various stages of Candomblé's evolvement. It demonstrates how diasporic communities progressively exercise political and cultural significance within new societal contexts. The anticipated readership for this publication includes a diverse group of scholars, particularly those engaged in anthropology, material culture, art history, history, and religious studies.
Kant’s Early Followers in Political Philosophy (Routledge Studies in Eighteenth-Century Philosophy)
by Reidar Maliks Theresia Widmer, ElisabethImmanuel Kant influenced a large and productive group of political philosophers in the 1790s. This volume argues that they brought out more fully the egalitarian principles of Kantian republicanism.“The Kantian school” featured young philosophers including Saul Ascher, Johann Adam Bergk, Johann Benjamin Erhard, Johann Ludwig Ewald, the early Johann Gottlieb Fichte, Friedrich Schlegel, and Johann Heinrich Tieftrunk. The chapters in this volume analyze their work in relation to Kant and their wider philosophical and political context. They advance three main theses. First, the Kantians defended popular sovereignty and several of them supported the extension of the right to vote to workers and women. Second, several of them developed a political perfectionism, the view that equal political rights are justified for their effects on cultivating moral character. Third, they developed sophisticated theories of state legitimacy and collective action, defending a people’s right to change their constitution, either through reform or through revolution.Kant’s Early Followers in Political Philosophy offers a systematic view into a neglected group of thinkers at a foundational moment for modern political thought. It will be of interest to scholars and graduate students working on Kant, eighteenth- century philosophy, political philosophy, and the history of early modern German political thought.
The New Taxonomy: A Science Reimagined
by Quentin D. Wheeler David M. WilliamsToday molecular data is part of many biological studies, including taxonomic works. Such data is embraced by taxonomists for good reasons. When combined with comparative morphology, palaeontology, and embryology, it creates a rich, integrated overview of the history of life. This book is intended as a clear articulation of the mission, goals, and needs of fundamental taxonomists and a planetary-scale inventory of species by revisiting the idea of taxonomy as a fusion of the traditional questions asked by taxonomists and the latest technologies. It is a clear roadmap to a taxonomic renaissance and world species inventory.Key Features: Establishes the role and responsibilities of natural history museums to baseline taxonomic studies Emphasizes the potential of ‘descriptive’ taxonomy Proposes a cyberinfrastructure specifically designed to meet the needs of taxonomists to do taxonomy Provides a clear statement of taxonomy’s mission, goals, and prospects Reviews taxonomic philosophies and codes of nomenclature from an historical perspective
Women and Educational Reform in History: Japan in a Transnational World (Routledge Studies in Educational History and Development in Asia)
by Joyce Goodman Setsuko KagawaThis unique collection provides critical analyses of Japanese educational history by bringing together gender, transnational, and transcultural perspectives.It illustrates how Japanese, European, and American women educators transcended national borders in seeking to reform and re-shape Japanese education and society in the midst of social and political change from the Meiji era (1868-1912) to 1948 and beyond, including during the American Occupation of Japan. It demonstrates how educational practice from Europe and the United States not only flowed into Japan before and after the First and Second World Wars but also became entangled with Japanese perspectives, as well as with nationalism, colonialism, imperialism, and regionalism, as some Japanese educators sought to reform education for Asian women beyond Japan’s borders. In an increasingly connected world, where, at the same time, opportunities for women’s education in some countries are declining, the volume provides insights for readers into how women educators have co-operated historically across national borders in pursuit of reform in education and society in periods of immense social and political change, including at moments when nationalism and imperialism were in the ascendancy.This volume will be of interest to academics, researchers, and post graduate students in the fields of Japanese history, history of Japanese education, Japanese women’s history, gender perspectives, and transnational and transcultural research. It will also be of interest to readers curious about the history of Asia more broadly.
Literacies in the Platform Society: Histories, Pedagogies, and Possibilities (Expanding Literacies in Education)
by Antero Garcia T. Philip NicholsAs digital platforms become increasingly common and even the norm for literacy learning environments, established frameworks, pedagogies, and theories do not always translate neatly to these new contexts. This edited volume explores the complex relationship between digital platforms and literacies, understanding that they have become an unavoidable part of the literacy and education ecosystem. The chapters address a range of contexts and considerations around the social, technical, and economic complexities of platform technologies and how they have remade literacy teaching and learning. Insightful and innovative, this is key reading for literacy scholars, researchers, and graduate students.
The Psychology of Blindness and Visual Culture: Towards a New Ecological Model of Visual Impairment
by Simon HayhoeThe Psychology of Blindness and Visual Culture: Towards a New Ecological Model of Visual Impairment advances the debate regarding the inclusion and wellbeing of people with visual impairment (PVI) through looking at the psychological nature of visual culture and its effects on the lived experience. It explores whether it is possible to increase access to visual culture for PVI through language, alternative sensory data or contemporary communication media, and in so doing, questions whether or not communication and culture are intrinsically visual.Occupying a unique field of study by focusing on the understanding of visual culture and visual communication by PVI in real-world settings, this empirical book examines the difference between the understanding of visual culture and visual communication by PVI who acquire their visual impairments late in life and PVI who acquire their visual impairments early in life. Understanding these concepts not only helps us to understand how PVI feel socially included in visual culture, but also how culture and artifacts are conceptualized verbally, culturally and through the senses.It is compelling reading for advanced students of psychology and philosophy, and those studying learning in cultural settings, and in museum studies, computer science, disability studies, education and fine art management.
The Social and Political Psychology of Protest Across and Within Cultures (Global Perspectives in Political Psychology)
by Martijn Van ZomerenThis topical book explores the phenomenon of when and why people protest. Based on social and political psychology, the book takes a comparative approach across and within cultures and examines how human motivation and political and cultural contexts affect protests.Showcasing state-of-the-art chapters from a new generation of social protest researchers, the book offers an overview of research into contemporary social change over the last decade. It draws on interdisciplinary research from social and political psychology across and within cultures to increase the scope of the phenomenon of social protest. The chapters feature different international examples and discuss diverse manifestations of social protest. Each chapter explicitly connects key insights to the practice and real-life relevance of social protest.The book offers a unique perspective of the when and why of social protest, and will be essential reading for students and academics in the fields of social psychology, political psychology, politics, and sociology, as well as anyone in behavioural and social sciences interested in social movements, social protest, and social change.
Retaining and Transitioning Businesses in Communities: Strategies in a New Era (Community Development Research and Practice Series)
by Norman Walzer Christopher D. MerrettThis edited collection presents successful business succession planning in smaller rural communities where profit margins are low, markets are shrinking, and there are few potential buyers. Finding innovative ways to successfully transition these businesses to new owners is at the heart of community and economic development efforts if many of these communities are to thrive in the future. Chapters outline options for successfully transitioning businesses that have worked in Canada, England, and the U.S. The book explores a variety of alternative approaches to transitioning small businesses to new owners using a different ownership model. A common theme running through these approaches is that employees and/or members of the community are engaged in working with or possibly owning the business in some cases. The book's discussions are not prescriptive, recommending specific models or strategies. Instead, they provide valuable insights into viable alternatives and suggest additional resource materials. This book is essential for academics, policymakers, and practitioners working on community and economic development issues, especially in areas with aging populations.
Food Marketing and Labelling: A Practical Guide
by Debasish Biswas Debarun Chakraborty Atanu MannaThis book provides in-depth coverage of the interconnection among food marketing, labelling, and technology to enhance consumers’, practitioners’, and scholars’ understanding of the modern food market. In 14 chapters, it explores the marketing, labelling, and technological aspects of the food industry. It briefly discusses crucial aspects of food marketing, from consumer preferences and branding strategies to regulation in food labelling, technological advancement, and sustainable practices. It allows readers to understand the holistic view of food marketing, labelling, and technology and their interrelationship. Throughout, it includes several case studies and practical examples.Key Features Analyses consumer psychology behind food choice and marketing strategy Covers food labelling regulations and compliance and nutritional requirements extensively Includes sustainable and ethical dimensions of food marketing, labelling, and technology for guiding readers on responsible practices
Isokinetics: Muscle Testing, Interpretation and Clinical Applications
by Zeevi DvirIn this fully revised third edition of Isokinetics: Muscle Testing, Interpretation and Clinical Applications, a group of international experts cover the main developments that have taken place in the field of isokinetics in the last 20 years. Isokinetic dynamometry is well recognized as the standard in assessing muscular strength status and particularly its variation following intervention. Key features of this Third Edition; New chapter on multiple joint isokinetic testing New chapter on isokinetic reconditioning in the clinical setting New chapter on isokinetics in neurological disorders New chapter on isokinetics in neuromuscular diseases New chapter on isokinetic testing and training in the elderly New chapter on isokinetic testing in children Isokinetics Third Edition provides a wealth of essential information for those especially concerned with the assessment of muscle function due to disease or injury and its rehabilitation. This fully revised book is essential reading for orthopedic and sports physicians, neurologists, physical therapists, exercise physiologists and related professionals who will find the 3rd edition an important clinical reference for their effective practice.
Composing Worlds: Humanities, Health and Wellbeing in the XXI Century Towards a More Sustainable World (World Sustainability Series)
by Walter Leal Filho Hélder S. Lopes Marina Prieto Lencastre Rui Estrada Diogo VidalThis book provides an interdisciplinary exploration of how the humanities, social sciences, and health sciences can contribute to addressing the pressing challenges of the Anthropocene. From climate change and biodiversity loss to environmental degradation and public health threats, the book examines the interconnected crises of our time and offers innovative frameworks for fostering sustainability, resilience, and equity. It highlights the cultural, ethical, and philosophical dimensions of these issues to underscore the importance of collaboration across disciplines to shape a just and sustainable future. Key topics include the role of art, literature, and philosophy in raising environmental awareness, the impact of urban green spaces on social participation and health, and the integration of mental health into sustainability discussions. The book also explores eco-anxiety, digital technologies, and citizen science as pivotal aspects of contemporary socio-environmental challenges. Through case studies and theoretical insights, it demonstrates the value of combining scientific expertise with cultural and ethical understanding to create effective solutions for global and local problems. This book is a valuable resource for researchers, students, policymakers, and practitioners in the humanities, social sciences, health, and environmental studies. It invites readers to rethink their relationship with nature and society while inspiring transformative actions that prioritize sustainability and equity. Whether addressing global crises or local community initiatives, this work offers practical insights and fresh perspectives for anyone committed to building a healthier, more sustainable future.
Recent Advances on Waterborne Epoxy Coatings: Synthesis, Properties and Applications (Materials Horizons: From Nature to Nanomaterials)
by Smita Mohanty Sukanya Pradhan Srikanta MoharanaThis book explains the fundamentals of waterborne coatings and current market trends that have an impact on the industry. The recent advancements in the field of waterborne epoxy coatings are thoroughly reviewed in the book. With special focus on the critical elements required to improve the properties of the system by the incorporation of various additives and their applications introduces the reader to the field's advancements while also explaining the applications, procedures, and synthesis and characterization techniques that are illustrated throughout. Insights into current research, trends, and issues are also hinted at. The book can be a valuable reference for researchers and professionals interested in waterborne epoxy coatings and allied fields.
Sustainability in Food Packaging: Systems, Actors and Innovation
by Henri Hakala Nina Tynkkynen Ilkka Leinonen Vilja Varho Maria Åkerman Ali HarlinThe sustainability of food packaging is a key priority in the food industry, as plastic waste and littering have become global concerns. Packaging waste accounts for over half of total global waste, predominantly from single-use plastic food packaging. Production of packaging consumes significant natural resources and contributes to climate change and pollution. However, packaging is also crucial for reducing food waste, protecting food safety, and providing vital information about contents, making it an essential sustainability solution, not just a problem. Sustainability Transition in Food Packaging: Systems, Actors, and Innovation explores sustainable food packaging from an interdisciplinary perspective, integrating economics, environmental science, technology, social sciences and cultural studies. This broad approach expands beyond the traditional focus on packaging as a product, considering its content and the services it provides. While sustainable packaging is often defined by four principles—effectiveness, efficiency, circularity, and safety—current applications primarily focus on the packaging itself, overlooking broader impacts such as marine and soil littering. Life cycle assessments (LCA) of packaging frequently ignore social, cultural, and economic sustainability aspects and often fail to account for the diverse interpretations of LCA standards. While the Product Environmental Footprint (PEF) offers a uniform solution, challenges remain due to undefined packaging category rules. Food packaging is rapidly evolving, driven by innovation, political action, and consumer demand. Given the global and varied nature of the food supply chain, one-size-fits-all solutions are insufficient. This book offers a holistic, interdisciplinary approach to sustainability, fostering dialogue and research across different research fields. It examines different conceptualizations of sustainable food packaging including methods for analyzing sustainability. The volume introduces novel methodologies, such as LCA with a focus on littering, and provides insights on overcoming the challenges of transitioning to a more sustainable food packaging system.
Applied Photonics: An Introduction for Physicists and Engineers (Graduate Texts in Physics)
by Mustafa A. AbushagurThis textbook provides upper-undergraduate and graduate students in engineering and physics with a well-rounded foundation in optics and photonics, equipping them to tackle a wide range of research challenges. The first part of the book introduces readers to the classical wave theory of light, exploring the fundamental question: What is the nature of light? Meanwhile, the second part approaches light as a stream of photons. In the first part, readers learn the principles of geometrical optics, essential for analyzing and designing imaging optical systems and laser resonators. Physical optics is covered in detail, addressing key phenomena such as interference, diffraction, and interferometry, along with a comprehensive chapter on Fourier optics. The discussion extends to the application of wave theory to optical waveguides, which are fundamental for both discrete and integrated laser resonators, forming the foundation of photonic integrated circuits. The second part of the book begins with an introduction to quantum mechanical principles necessary for designing semiconductor light sources, including laser diodes, light-emitting diodes, photodetectors, and light modulators. It concludes with a discussion on modern photonics applications, particularly optical communication systems, which have played a pivotal role in enabling the internet age. With a wealth of worked problems and solutions, this textbook allows students to explore and engage deeply with various optical phenomena. By addressing both the wave and particle nature of light, presenting quantum mechanics in an accessible manner, and covering a broad spectrum of crucial topics, this book serves as an essential resource for courses in optics, photonics, and optoelectronics.
Holistic Innovation: The Next Generation of Innovation Management? (Management for Professionals)
by Zita K. Lucius Svenja Damberg Barbara BlenskiCompanies and institutions face complex challenges due to ongoing societal changes that are unpredictable and dynamic, making the urgency for sustainable development impossible to ignore. The focus has shifted toward long-term transformation, driving organizations toward lasting renewal both operationally and strategically. Corporate evolution is not a quick fix—it disrupts established frameworks, reconfigures processes, and breaks with long-standing traditions to create future-oriented paradigms. This book shows that change in the business world spans various dimensions, including business models, supply chains, organizational methods, innovation initiatives, and internal dynamics, all requiring a comprehensive approach in the digital age. With exponential technological advancement, innovation transcends traditional management, becoming the key force behind an organization’s future. This book explores innovation’s role in fostering organizational resilience and longevity, offering expert insights and a framework for holistic innovation that guides readers through the complex ecosystem of transformative change toward lasting prosperity.
Methods of Cross-Cultural Social Research: An Introduction
by Susanne Rippl Christian SeipelCross-cultural comparison is gaining increasing importance in the context of globalization and the internationalization of many areas of lifeThe aim of this volume is to provide a concise and practical introduction to the methods of cross-cultural research. In particular, the possibilities and limitations of cross-cultural survey research are addressed. The book offers a solid foundation for a critical approach to cross-cultural studies, but it also imparts basic knowledge for conducting one’s own cross-cultural research.
Understanding AI in Cybersecurity and Secure AI: Challenges, Strategies and Trends (Progress in IS)
by Arash Habibi Lashkari Dilli Prasad Sharma Mahdi Daghmehchi Firoozjaei Samaneh Mahdavifar Pulei XiongThis book presents an overview of the emerging topics in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and cybersecurity and addresses the latest AI models that could be potentially applied to a range of cybersecurity areas. Furthermore, it provides different techniques of how to make the AI algorithms secure from adversarial attacks. The book presents the cyber threat landscape and explains the various spectrums of AI and the applications and limitations of AI in cybersecurity. Moreover, it explores the applications and limitations of secure AI. The authors discuss the three categories of machine learning (ML) models and reviews cutting-edge recent Deep Learning (DL) models. Furthermore, the book provides a general AI framework in security as well as different modules of the framework; similarly, chapter four proposes a general framework for secure AI. It explains different aspects of network security including malware and attacks. The book also includes a comprehensive study of various scopes of application security; categorised into three groups of smartphone, web application, and desktop application and delves into the concepts of cloud security. The authors discuss state-of-the-art Internet of Things (IoT) security and describe various challenges of AI for cybersecurity, such as data diversity, model customising, explainability, and time complexity and includes some future work. They provide a comprehensive understanding of adversarial machine learning including the up-to-date adversarial attacks and defences. The book finishes off with a discussion of the challenges and future work in secure AI. Overall, this book covers applications of AI models to various fields of cybersecurity and appeals not only to an scholarly audience but also to professionals wanting to learn more about the new developments in these areas.
Interdisciplinary Approach to the Violin: From the Forest Ecosystem, Manufacturing Technology, Quality Control, to The Design of New Instruments
by Voichita Bucur Mariana Domnica StanciuThis book can be viewed in many ways as it explores the interdisciplinarity of research in violin engineering and art, being a valuable reference for readers interested in the acoustics of violins and in the science of materials used for making them. In this book, the wood science, the chemistry of varnish, the art and technology of violin making by luthiers and organologic context of violins, are put together giving a holistic view of the subject and complementing the large literature which exists on this instrument. The book is addressed to teachers, researchers, makers of musical instruments and artists alike, this being a good premise for understanding the complexity of the interdisciplinary phenomena that musical instruments involve. This book is based on the material most of which was accumulated during the period 2019-2024, within the ACADIA (61PCE/2022) and MINOVIS (568PED/2020) projects, financial supported by The Executive Unit for the Financing of Higher Education, Research, Development and Innovation from Romania (UEFISCDI).
Sehen und darüber hinaus
by Peter Walter Frank Müller Marcel Schweiker Anke Huckauf Werner van HarenSehwahrnehmung ist eine zentrale Fähigkeit des Menschen und nahezu aller Tiere. Der Sehsinn hat sich schon früh in der Entstehungsgeschichte der Lebewesen entwickelt und ständig weiter perfektioniert. Für die Informationsvermittlung, Kommunikation und Interaktion ist der Sehsinn von großer Bedeutung und der Verlust des Sehvermögens wird als besonders starke Einschränkung des Lebens begriffen, erlebt und befürchtet. Und trotzdem sind unsere Sinne für uns selbstverständlich und werden erst dann bewusst wahrgenommen, wenn es zu einer Störung durch eine Erkrankung kommt. Dieses Buch soll dazu beitragen, Sehen als solches zu verstehen und den Einfluss unserer Sehwahrnehmung auf verschiedene Bereiche des Lebens, wie Gesundheit, Wohlbefinden, Wohnen, Kommunikation und Verstehen, zu erkennen. Zu diesem Zweck haben sich die fünf Autoren aus verschiedenen Wissenschaftsgebieten ausgetauscht. Sie beschreiben den Sehsinn aus Sicht ihres jeweiligen Fachgebietes und diskutieren über Aspekte des Sehens besonders an den Schnittstellen ihrer Fächer.
Integrated Food and Bioprocessing
by Abdul Sattar JatoiIn a rapidly evolving world, the integration of food processing and bioprocessing technologies has become essential to meet the demands of sustainable food production, resource optimization, and environmental conservation. This groundbreaking book, Integrated Food and Bioprocessing, provides a comprehensive overview of the principles, practices, and innovations shaping the future of these interconnected fields. Key Features Include: Foundations of Integration: A detailed introduction to food engineering and bioprocessing principles. Biotechnology in Action: Insights into fermentation, enzymatic processing, and microbial applications in food systems. Innovative Solutions: Cutting-edge advancements in food preservation, waste valorization, and energy-efficient technologies. Sustainability Focus: Strategies for implementing circular bioeconomy practices and reducing environmental impact. Real-World Applications: Case studies and practical examples from diverse industries. Designed for food scientists, biotechnologists, engineers, and students, this book bridges theory and practice, offering valuable tools for addressing global challenges in food security, resource management, and climate resilience. <span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; mso-fareast-font-family: Batang; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-lang
Handbook of Microplastic Pollution in the Environment: Microplastic Pollution in the Soil
by Abdelkader Anouzla Tonni Agustiono KurniawanIn this timely handbook, one of a series of three, leading contributors from around the world offer practical insight into the challenges and opportunities for using various technologies to tackle microplastic pollution and improve microplastic management in agricultural soil.Through this book, readers will gain a deep understanding of microplastic pollution in soils and its effects and knowledge of strategies and technologies to identify, monitor, and combat this. Early chapters describe microplastics in the rural environment, their accumulation, and their effects on soil biological processes and biodiversity, before moving on to address identification, analysis, and monitoring. Finally, they address innovative solutions for soil remediation, such as microbial strain engineering and other techniques. An introduction is provided at the beginning of each chapter for those interested in a brief synopsis, and copious references are provided for those wishing to study each chapter topic in greater detail. This book furnishes readers with the knowledge to identify and monitor microplastic levels in soil and reduce these to mitigate their harmful effects on soil biodiversity and ecosystems in agricultural soil, improving environmental and human health and minimizing economic losses. For a wider perspective, readers are encouraged to refer to the other two titles in this series, subtitled Microplastic Pollution in Aquatic Environments and Monitoring and Treatment of Microplastics and Policy Perspectives.In its exploration of the relationships among the characteristics of microplastics, their mobility, transport pathways, and treatment, this handbook represents a vital practical guide for academics, industry-based researchers, and policymakers worldwide to address soil biodiversity and ecological health.
The Sociology of African American Patriotism: Contradictions, Religiosity and Constructive Attitudes (Routledge Research in Race and Ethnicity)
by Yoshito IshioThis book offers a sociological examination of the reasons why African Americans feel love toward their country in spite of continuing to perceive or experience racial prejudice and discrimination against themselves and other African Americans. Dr. Ishio conducted face-to-face, in-depth interviews with college-educated African Americans in Texas between 2014 and 2015. The main conclusion of this study is that contradictory trends marked by persistent racism and racial progress, combined with the effects of Christian faith/practice fostered in the Black Church and the effects of foundational principles of the United States, have molded a distinctive form of patriotism among African Americans for whom this country is their homeland. This book presents an insightful analysis by a Japanese sociologist.Every important finding in this book is supported by interviewees’ statements, making it easy for readers to follow the points being made and to understand African Americans’ perspectives. Numerous interviewees’ statements are judiciously inserted so that readers can virtually “hear” interviewees’ voices describing their experiences and views.A unique study of African Americans and their feelings of patriotism, it will appeal to scholars and researchers with interests in the sociology of race and ethnicity, Black studies, and the sociology of religion.