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Five and the Forgotten Treasure: Book One in the thrilling new adventure series by Chris Smith, inspired by Enid Blyton (The New Famous Five)
by Chris Smith'A rip-roaring delight. Captures the spirit of Blyton with a fresh, fun new story.' Anna James, author of Pages and Co and Alice With a WhyCan the new Famous Five catch the thief and find the forgotten treasure before it's too late? Join the original Famous Five and a new group of children in this thrilling adventure series by bestselling author Chris Smith, inspired by Enid Blyton.When Fran, Tom, Maddy and Gilbert the dog stay with Professor George Kirrin for the holidays, they soon find themselves caught up in a robbery of a top-secret treasure map. Professor George will have to tell them about an old case of the Famous Five if they're ever going to catch the thief and rescue the forgotten treasure...The Famous Five by Enid Blyton was one of Chris Smith's favourite series as a child. Now, this bestselling author weaves the action, adventure and danger of this thrilling and exciting world into a brand-new story, perfect for every generation of readers, with artwork by James Lancett. Join the adventure!
We All Come Home Alive
by Anna BeecherWe All Come Home Alive is the story of a life told through the moments which remade it - from car crashes to first kisses, from the stumbling magic of drunkenness to the tearing open of birth - to offer consolation and companionship, deep wisdom and luminous beauty.'Intelligent, poised and emotionally exacting. Beecher's evocative essays on life's defining moments unpick how we might be made and remade by life' Cal Flyn, author of Islands of Abandonment
Hero: A fierce and captivating literary love story for 2025
by Katie BuckleyHero is a love story for our times: a novel that exposes the precious things women give up in order to be loved, and in order to be free.'Fierce and thrillingly subversive' Financial Times'The truest representation of the headiness and power of female longing I've ever read' Kirsty Capes, author of Girls and Careless'Thrilling and dynamic' Andrew McMillan, author of Pity and PlaytimeShe's a waitress. He's a chef. They used to be best friends, but now, they're in love and living together in a studio apartment. She's also a selkie, Odysseus, and a cowgirl called Quick Fingers. He's a really good man.When he asks her to marry him, Hero panics. She is lots of things but one thing she doesn't want to be is anybody's wife.Drawing on a rich history of myth and legend, Hero is a story about what it means for women to be supporting characters in a world written by men. How can you be yourself when you are a product of other people's imaginations? How can you love another person and be free?
Sustainable and Regenerative Materials for Architecture: A Sourcebook
by Pete Silver Will McLeanThere is a creative explosion of work taking place in architecture and design schools exploring materials such as mycelium, clay/earth, engineered timber, bio-based plastics and algae. This handbook of low- and no-carbon materials for architects and designers focuses on sustainable materials, their sourcing, technical properties and the processes required for their use in architecture. The book showcases new and rediscovered processes for material fabrication, responsible sourcing and creative material design. Material properties (structural, thermal, fire, health and life safety) are described and case studies from around the world illustrate the inventive ways in which these materials have been deployed in the built environment. The book is designed as an introduction to the exciting and rapidly changing world of construction materials.With a better understanding of the social, environmental and economic sustainability of any given material - alongside its technical properties - students of architecture can lead the change in responsible and creative material use.CONTENTS1 Materials overview2 Extractive materials: earth and clay concrete stone metals glass3 Grown materials: timber and cork paper hemp bamboo seaweed mycelium algae biopolymers wool
Genocide in the Modern Age: State-Society Relations in the Making of Mass Political Violence (Routledge Studies in Genocide and Crimes against Humanity)
by Zachary A. KarazsiaThis book explores why some episodes of mass political violence and genocide are so much deadlier than others and under what conditions perpetrators in government and society opt for brutality as a means of accomplishing their goals. Introducing the new concept of "mass political violence" to explain genocide and other mass killings in the modern world, the author investigates "how" perpetrators sustain the capacity to enact violence on a large-scale, irrespective of motives. Cases including the Holocaust, Soviet Union, Rwanda, Cambodia, the Lord’s Resistance Army, the Islamic State, the Ottoman Empire of the 1890s, Mao Zedong’s revolutionary violence, the Congo Crisis, and Darfur are used by the author to identify four types of mass political violence perpetrators – state actors, state-society coalitions, state-sponsored groups, and non-state actors to explain historical trends and identify which perpetrators are most likely to emerge in a given socio-political context and sustain violence over time. Comparative and grounded in case studies, this book will interest policymakers, diplomats, governmental advisers, practitioners, and industry researchers. It will also be invaluable to students and scholars of Political Science, International Affairs, Holocaust and Genocide Studies, Human Rights, Sociology, Anthropology, Geography, Political Psychology, Religious Studies, Gender Studies, Public Policy, Media Studies, and Criminology.
The Heredity Hoax: Challenging Flawed Genetic Theories of Human Development
by Richard M. Lerner Gary GreenbergThis innovative and thought-provoking book integrates both new, authored material and reprints of existing literature that, together, provide a compelling narrative that reveals the fatally flawed science associated with genetic reductionist accounts of human behavior and development.Through an interdisciplinary lens, it illuminates the dynamic nature of human development, empowering readers to question established notions, and embrace the complexity of our potential. Across the book, the work of top-tier scientists, from developmental, comparative, educational, and biological science illuminates theory and research converging on the conclusion that the multiple egregiously flawed work of genetic reductionists should be expunged from research pertinent to human development. The book challenges the prevailing reductionist narratives and their application to social policies, programs, and uses in media. Theoretically based and empirically rigorous, this multidisciplinary approach to human development will shine a light on the inequities in individuals or groups that suggest that specific genes do not enable them to succeed in life.The Heredity Hoax invites graduate programs and advanced undergraduate courses on human development, human potential, epigenetics, and more to delve into the intricate interplay between genes, environment, and personal growth. This will also serve as an unimpeachable source of evidence for researchers, educators, and social policymakers.
Expanding Nanobiotechnology: Applications and Commercialization
by Ali Talha Khalil Arshad IslamThis book will cover recent and advanced concepts in nanobiotechnology, with deep focus on their applications and commercialization.Expanding Nanobiotechnology: Applications and Commercialization covers topics like green synthesis, microbial synthesis and their applications in medicine, imaging and nanotheranostics. It also includes success stories in food, energy and environment. The book explains the mechanistic insights in the biological synthesis of nanoparticles and includes discussion on the toxicity and interaction with the natural systems in detail. The chapters also examine synthesis and fabrication aspects in a concise manner. The book also highlights the possible therapeutic and imaging applications of biogenic nanomaterials in cancer therapies and explains the diverse mechanisms. The authors also present the hurdles, issues and concerns that hinder the large-scale commercial applications of the biogenic nanoparticles. Finally, apart from detailed discussion on the advanced futuristic applications of nanobiotechnology, specific contributions covering important topics like sustainability, ethics and dual use research concerns are included.This book is intended for researchers, biotechnologists, microbiologists and entrepreneurs spanning across diverse areas, including medicine, energy and the environment.
Artificial Intelligence in the Food Industry: Enhancing Quality and Safety
by Tariq Ahmad Ganaie Sajad Ahmad Wani Insha ZahoorIn this changing world of food processing and handling, efficiency and safety are paramount. Artificial Intelligence in the Food Industry: Enhancing Quality and Safety offers a groundbreaking exploration of how artificial intelligence (AI) technologies can address these critical needs. This book explores the transformative potential of AI, machine learning (ML), and deep learning (DL) algorithms in revolutionizing the food industry. By overcoming the limitations of human involvement, AI ensures a more reliable demand-supply chain and enhances food safety.As the global population grows and food consumption reaches unprecedented levels, the demand for innovative solutions is urgent. This book demonstrates how intelligent systems can accurately assess food quality, implement control mechanisms, categorize foods, and conduct predictive analyses. Such advancements are reshaping sectors, including dairy, bakery, beverages, and fruits and vegetables, making this an indispensable guide for food production and safety professionals.It explores several cutting-edge topics such as the role of ML and computer vision in the agri-food industry, the potential of 3D printing, and the integration of AI with sensory technologies like electronic noses, electronic tongues, and near-infrared spectroscopy. These insights highlight how AI can significantly enhance food quality and productivity, benefiting both consumers and industry players.Artificial Intelligence in the Food Industry not only showcases current advancements but also emphasizes the need for ongoing research and innovation. By inviting readers to explore AI’s transformative potential in food production and service, this book ensures a safer, more efficient, and sustainable future for the food industry.A vital resource for researchers, scientists, and professionals in the food industry, this book presents comprehensive information on ML techniques to improve food quality, AI applications in pesticide management, food inspection, grading using image processing, and the use of robots for food safety and warehouse management.
Cybersecurity and Data Science Innovations for Sustainable Development of HEICC: Healthcare, Education, Industry, Cities, and Communities
by Thangavel Murugan W. Jai SinghCybersecurity and Data Science Innovations for Sustainable Development of HEICC: Healthcare, Education, Industry, Cities, and Communities brings together a collection of chapters that explore the intersection of cybersecurity, data science, and sustainable development across key sectors: healthcare, education, industry, cities, and communities. It delves into cybersecurity advancements and examines how innovations in cybersecurity are shaping the landscape of healthcare, education, industry, and urban environments. Data science advancements take center stage, showcasing the transformative power of data analytics in improving outcomes across HEICC sectors. Whether it’s optimizing resource allocation in healthcare, protecting patient privacy, personalizing learning experiences in education, enhancing efficiency in industry, or fostering sustainable development in cities and communities, data science offers unprecedented opportunities for innovation and progress.Key points: Healthcare system security and privacy, protecting patient data, and enabling development of novel healthcare solutions Securing educational data, improving online learning security, and harnessing data analytics for tailored education approaches Manufacturing, finance, and transportation. Diving into critical infrastructure security, detecting and mitigating cyber threats, and using data‑driven insights for better industrial operations Helping cities and communities develop sustainably, smart city security challenges, data privacy in urban environments, data analytics for urban planning, and community cybersecurity awareness This book serves as a comprehensive guide for researchers, practitioners, policymakers, and stakeholders navigating the complex landscape of cybersecurity and data science in the pursuit of sustainable development across HEICC domains.
Blockchain Technology for Cyber Defense, Cybersecurity, and Countermeasures: Techniques, Solutions, and Applications
by Mohiuddin Ahmed Naresh Kshetri Purnendu Shekhar PandeyThe rapid increase in IT infrastructure and presence in cyber space has given rise to enormous chances of security breach. Cybersecurity is one of the burning issues in today’s modern world and the lack of cybersecurity policy and cyber strategy might make the situation vulnerable. Today blockchain technology has almost covered every sector from business to data security. This book is written for all enthusiastic and cyber professionals in this new era of blockchain technology. Blockchain has already proved its versatile nature as adopted by several governments and tech giants from all over the world. Any anonymous user can trust another anonymous user in the cyber world with the authentication and validation via blockchain technology.Blockchain governance provides a more distributed diffusion of authority in which authentication sources are the individual themselves. This book offers approaches for cybersecurity and cyber defense via blockchain technology to counter cyber-attacks and ransomwares that are increasing every second. The book can be used in many ways by several cybersecurity professionals to secure online data, people, and networks as a part of cybersecurity, information security and cyber defense initiative with several countermeasures and defense strategies in the web. Each chapter of the book provide excellent tools and techniques for the burning and challenging issues in today’s modern cyber (and zero trust) world.
Fundamentals of Power System Transformers: Modeling, Analysis, and Operation
by Mostafa Eidiani Kumars Rouzbehi“Electric machines" and "Transformers" are some of the most challenging electrical engineering courses offered to students. Their complexity arises from numerous prerequisites, a wide array of topics, and a combination of physics and mathematics, presenting students with significant challenges.Fundamentals of Power System Transformers: Modeling, Analytics, and Operation acts as a stepping stone towards a deeper comprehension of the subject matter, resembling the content covered in a graduate-level course. The contents are condensed into two full chapters and four short chapters to provide a self-taught and self-sufficient book for students to solve all problems without the need for a computer.Key features include: A variety of tests to prepare for entrance or employment exams Comprehensive coverage of transformers analysis, control, and protection Numerous problems and solutions with varying degrees of difficulty Problems that can be solved solely using a calculator, without dependence on any computer-based software Two-choice questions to reinforce readers’ understanding of transformers concepts Explores not yet covered subjects including multi-winding auto-transformers, three-phase zigzag transformers, asymmetric and unbalanced three-phase transformers, special transformers, transformer control, and … This book is aimed at graduate students taking classes in electrical engineering and serves as a valuable reference for researchers and industry professionals interested in emerging technologies and innovations in power system transformers.
Mining and Financial Imperialism: The Central African Copper Bonanza, c. 1890–1970 (Routledge Explorations in Economic History)
by Timo SärkkäMining finance houses were substantial public corporations with access to money markets in the City of London, the world’s leading capital market for mining. These institutions became dominant at the inception of colonial rule and, in varying forms, remained so throughout the twentieth century.Drawing on a rich corpus of primary sources, this book analyses the Western colonial origins of the mining industry and its post-colonial legacies in the Central African Copperbelt. It provides insights into the operations of the global business of mining: in particular, how these processes took place, why they were considered desirable by various interest groups, and the impact that these processes continue to have on physical and human environments in parts of the world where they took place. It also turns its gaze to the City of London looking at who the financiers were and the nature of the power which they wielded. A long-term perspective on mining finance reveals that thus far the colonial governments have been the main focus in the history of imperialism in Central Africa, with little focus in many instances on the mining finance houses which have outlived them.The book is a significant contribution to the economic, financial and business history of mining and extractive industries, Central Africa, the City of London and early forms of financial capitalism.
Power, Culture, and Family–School Relations: Towards Culturally Sustaining Practices (Routledge Research in Educational Equality and Diversity)
by Jen StacyPower, Culture, and Family–School Relations: Towards Culturally Sustaining Practices explores the extent to which common practices in school-based family outreach advance equity or sustain the status quo in power and cultural relations. Using a rich ethnographic account of a school-based family literacy program in Nebraska, the book unfolds the daily cultural practices of the program so that readers may visualize and contemplate how and if the program serves newcomer and refugee families within the unique context of the New Latine Diaspora. The author draws upon critical theory to showcase how neoliberal and deficit ideologies are at play throughout the different aspects of the program, the influence these ideologies have on the participants, and the tactics used by the caregivers to resist and change the programmatic structures and curriculum to meet their needs. As such, the book invites educators, administrators, and scholars into the nebulous and difficult conversation about how schools, paradoxical entities that often colonize but prospectively liberate, must not just rethink how they work with parents and caregivers but rather dismantle traditional cultural practices that seek to assimilate minoritized families. Showcasing the power of ethnography as a tool which can be used to support educators and scholars to understand cultural elements of family outreach programs on a semiotic level, and how transforming these semiotic building blocks can lead to equitable relationships, it will appeal to scholars and researchers with interests in adult education, social foundations of education, critical ethnography, multilingual Adult Basic Education, and family outreach.
The Outcast Mage: an unmissable epic fantasy debut packed with adventure, magic and dragonfire (Book One of the Shattered Lands)
by Annabel Campbell'Truly enchanting' Trudi CanavanThe Outcast Mage is an unmissable epic fantasy debut, packed with adventure, mystery and dragonfire, where a young mage's struggle to master her magical powers could spell disaster for an entire continentIn the glass city of Amoria, magic is everything. And Naila, student at the city's academy, is running out of time to prove she can control hers. If she fails, she'll be forced into exile . . . or consumed by her own power.When a tragic incident threatens her place at the Academy, Naila is saved by Haelius Akana, the most powerful living mage. Haelius risks his reputation to help her to harness her abilities, but he has many enemies who desire him - and Naila - to fail. Trapped in the deadly schemes of Amoria's elite, Naila must discover the truth of her powers, or watch Amoria descend into civil war.For there is danger brewing on the wind, and greater forces at work across the wider world. Forces who could use her powers for good . . . or destroy everything she's ever known.'The Outcast Mage is a spectacular debut, full of heart and magic, with complex, courageous characters and a blossoming underdog you cannot help but cheer on. Campbell is a shining new talent in fantasy' Cameron Johnston'Disaster wizards galore, rich political intrigue, and a hint of dragonfire, The Outcast Mage reminds me why I love epic fantasy so much. If you like Trudi Canavan and Garth Nix, you're going to adore this' Georgia Summers 'With stakes as high as the glittering glass towers of Amoria, The Outcast Mage is a strong, pathos-filled start to an epic new fantasy series. Fans of political maneuvering, powerful magic and found family will find much to love' Julie Leong'Annabel Campbell has created a rich fantasy, textured with complex politics and mysteries upon mysteries' Joma WestThe Outcast Mage is a shining joy of a book. In a deft twist on epic fantasy, Campbell spins a captivating world out of glass and sand, and populates it with people who are brave and flawed and truly human' Lorraine Wilson
The Time of the Fire: The new genre-bending, mind-twisting mystery that will keep you guessing to the very end
by Emma Kavanagh'An absolute scorcher of a mystery' C.M. EWANNorthern California, end of summer. Fire Hazard Severity Zone: Very High.A mysterious death.On the anniversary of her mother's death, CEO-in-waiting Robyn Sandoval goes for a morning run. She knows her father - a local fire fighting hero - is desperate to speak to her, to tell her something he wants her to know before she starts her new job leading the corporation that owns most of their Northern Californian town of Destino. But when Robyn arrives, she finds him dead.A devastating fire.Meanwhile, after months of drought, a freak forest fire ignites on the mountain ridge looming over the town. Destino has never burned; its unique position protected by the seemingly insurmountable barrier of the ridge, a favourable wind direction, and a belief long held by the community that they are categorically safe.A life split in two.Robyn is shaken to the core by her father's death, and her life is shattered in two, the fabric of her reality shorn by the sheer force of her grief.The next time she wakes, everything is different: her father is alive, and there's no sign of the fire on the ridge. To understand what is happening, she has to confront not only the secrets of her past but both versions of her present. Because back in her world, the fire is spreading and the time to find answers is running out...
A Game of Sorrows: Alexander Seaton 2 (Alexander Seaton #2)
by S.G. MacLeanSecond historical thriller in the Alexander Seaton series sweeps the hero back to his roots in Ulster, and a family living under a curse and riven with long-held secretsIt is 1628, Charles 1 is on the throne, and the British Crown is finally taking control of Ulster.Returning to his rooms one night, Alexander Seaton is shocked to find a stranger standing there - a man who could be his double. His name is Sean O'Neill, and he carries a plea for help from Maeve O'Neill, forbidding matriarch of Alexander's mother's family in Ireland. All those who bear their blood have been placed under a poet's curse: one by one they are going to die. Only Alexander is immune, his O'Neill heritage a secret from all but his closest family. Alexander travels to Ulster, to find himself at the heart of a family divided by secrets and bitter resentments. As he seeks out the author of the curse, he becomes increasingly embroiled in the conflict until - confronted with murder within his own family - his liberty and, finally, his life, are at stake.
Five and the Forgotten Treasure: Book One in the thrilling new adventure series by Chris Smith, inspired by Enid Blyton (The New Famous Five)
by Chris SmithCan the new Famous Five catch the thief and find the forgotten treasure before it's too late? Join the original Famous Five and a new group of children in this exciting new adventure by bestselling author Chris Smith, inspired by Enid Blyton.When Fran, Tom, Maddy and Gilbert the dog stay with Professor George Kirrin for the holidays, they soon find themselves caught up in a robbery of a top-secret treasure map. Professor George will have to tell them about an old case of the Famous Five if they're ever going to catch the thief and rescue the forgotten treasure...The Famous Five by Enid Blyton was one of Chris Smith's favourite series as a child. Now, this bestselling author weaves the action, adventure and danger of this thrilling and exciting world into a brand-new story, perfect for every generation of readers. Join the adventure!
The Devil's Recruit: Alexander Seaton 4 (Alexander Seaton #3)
by S.G. MacLean1635, Aberdeen. A girl lies dead in a frozen garden. A young man goes missing after a drunken brawl and a sinister cloaked figure watches from the shadows . . .The missing student, son of a Highland chief, is one of Alexander Seaton's pupils. When the young man's companion turns up bruised and bloodied, suspicion mounts that he has murdered his friend. But Alexander is convinced that there's another explanation. Drawn ever deeper into the mystery, Alexander realises that the man in the shadows is known to him and that the strange events in the town are linked to his own past.A gripping historical thriller from the bestselling author of The Bookseller of Inverness. Perfect for fans of Rory Clements and S. J. Parris.***********************What readers are saying about The Devils Recruit'An absorbing and thrilling narrative' 5* READER REVIEW 'Excellent . . . I would thoroughly recommend this series to everybody' 5* READER REVIEW'Loving these books!' 5* READER REVIEW'The storytelling keeps you at the edge of your seat' 5* READER REVIEW'Great plotting, characters and a real sense of the period' 5* READER REVIEW
Crucible of Secrets: Alexander Seaton 3, from the author of the prizewinning Seeker series (Alexander Seaton #4)
by S.G. MacLeanKnowledge is power, and when it gets in the wrong hands it can be lethal. Alchemy and murder combine in a gripping race against time from the CWA award-winning author of The Seeker.'One of the best writers of historical crime' The TimesAberdeen, 1631. University librarian Robert Sim takes receipt of a gift of books recently arrived from overseas, mysterious works on alchemy and hermetics - the pursuit of ancient knowledge. By nightfall he has been brutally murdered. His colleague and good friend Alexander Seaton is left with the task of hunting for clues as to his killer's motive, as well as locating the missing books. What did Sim discover in the package, and what makes these books so dangerous?
Don't Look Back, You'll Trip Over: My Guide to Life
by Michael CaineThe Hollywood screen legend brings his wit, insight, entertaining stories and wisdom to answer questions about every aspect of his long life - inspiring us all to Be More Michael Caine. I'm always asked questions - by fans, by other actors and friends, by my grandchildren. They want to know how I've lasted so long, how I handle fame, why I chose to do some of my films, which films and actors I like best and so forth.They also want to know what makes me tick, what makes me get up in the morning in my 90s, and whether I'll ever retire. (The answer to that one is "No!")Over a long life, I've learnt a lot and had the opportunity to reflect. I've seen a new generation grow up, among them my own grandchildren, facing the world with all its challenges and problems. I hope they'll find Don't Look Back, You'll Trip Over: My Guide to Life helps them to be optimistic - and shows that anyone can blow the bloody doors off.An iconic book, from one of our best-loved actors: this is Michael Caine at his very best.
Motherland: A Journey through 500,000 Years of African Culture and Identity
by Luke Pepera'A wonderful debut by a talented and exciting young historian' Peter Frankopan'Simultaneously capacious and personal...a masterful achievement' Tom Holland'Elegant and powerful, Pepera's magnificent book elevates our understanding of Africa's overlooked histories' Olivette Otele, author of African EuropeansMotherland is a ground-breaking exploration of African culture and identity, told via Luke Pepera's journey through 500,000 years of history to connect with his extraordinary heritage. Pepera tackles the questions many people of African descent ask - Who are we? Where do we come from? What defines us? And how might knowledge of deep history affect our understanding of our identity?With illuminating examples, Pepera explores aspects of African identity from nomadic culture to matriarchal society. We meet an array of intriguing characters including Mansa Musa, the wealthiest man who ever lived, and the Kandake Queen Amanirenas, who defeated the Romans in Nubia. We learn how the response to the actor Chadwick Boseman's death demonstrated Yoruba beliefs about ancestral veneration, and how the rap battle evolved from earlier forms of African oral literature.Interwoven with Luke's own experiences of exploring his Ghanaian family history, this is a comprehensive, relevant and beautifully told account of the stories that have shaped Africa.
Life Begins: The brand-new relationship drama from the Richard and Judy pick Kate Eberlen
by Kate Eberlen'A tangle of friends and family, secrets and longing set in the glorious Italian countryside. Escapism at its finest' - Veronica Henry'A gripping, intriguing tale of family and love, set against an escapist backdrop - the perfect holiday read' - Libby Page'A complex and satisfying emotional drama that might just inspire you to start planning for a second act of your own' - C J Wray'I loved this immersive read. Fabulous' - Cesca MajorWhat if the life you're living isn't the one you want? Jessica and Robin have been best friends since university. For his fortieth birthday, she plans an elaborate surprise trip to Italy with his closest friends and family. Sometimes it feels like everyone knows how much she loves Robin... everyone except Robin himself.Laura has two beautiful children, a stylish London home and a thriving career as a deputy headteacher. But she also has a secret. One she's been keeping for many years. And now it's time for the truth to come out.Actor Robin is looking forward to being the centre of attention once more, as those he loves most come together for a week-long getaway. But as long-simmering desires rise to the surface and tensions reach breaking point, he begins to wonder...Could life really begin again at forty?From the Richard & Judy Book Club author Kate Eberlen, Life Begins is an emotional relationship drama set in the Italian countryside.
Economic Knowledge in Crisis: Economists and the State in the Late Soviet Union (Socio-Historical Studies of the Social and Human Sciences)
by Olessia KirtchikThis book aims to shed new light on the puzzle of the late Soviet conversion to the “market” and capitalism by revisiting the history of Soviet reform economics. Using a variety of sources, including interviews with economists, archival files, and published materials, it examines the social contexts in which economists employed in economic administration and research institutions could have played a crucial public and political role, the forms of their participation, and the social and political logic behind the selection of economic experts and their rise to power during perestroika and the “transition” period. It also compares the professional trajectories of these reformist economists and assesses the scope of this group’s influence in the post-Soviet period in order to conclude on the new state of economic expertise in Russia.
Sustainable Development as a Continuous Information and Communication Engagement: Towards a Theory of Societal Negentropy
by Alexander Gonzalez FlorThe purpose of this volume is to revisit the core principle that growth is a function of communication, encapsulated in the term, negentropy, in the light of noteworthy initiatives that applied this construct in the pursuit of development goals. The book explores evolutions in the theory of information and communication for development, and offers concrete examples of theory in practice, drawing heavily from the author’s own experience. Presented as an autoethnography, it incorporates the voices of a variety of actors who were at one time or another involved in the theory and practice of sustainable development – researchers and scholars, practitioners and field workers, alike – representing a cross-section of the community that built this body of knowledge and its emergent culture in the past half century. This book is a valuable reference to development communication, sustainability communication, C4D, ICT4D and KM4D students, academics and professionals in both developed and developing countries with its field practice documentation, theoretical insights as well as back stories involving key actors in this global undertaking.
Towards Autonomous Robotic Systems: 25th Annual Conference, TAROS 2024, London, UK, August 21–23, 2024, Proceedings, Part I (Lecture Notes in Computer Science #15051)
by Mingfeng Wang M. Nazmul Huda Tatiana KalganovaThis two-volume set, LNAI 15051-15052, constitutes the refereed proceedings from the 25th Annual Conference Towards Autonomous Robotic Systems, TAROS 2024, held in London, UK, during August 21-23, 2024. The 54 full papers and 11 short papers presented in these volumes were carefully reviewed and selected from 69 submissions. The papers presented in these two volumes are organized in the following topical sections: - Part I: Robotic Learning, Mapping and Planning; Robotic Modeling, Sensing and Control; Machine Vision. Part II: Human-Robot Interaction/Collaboration; Locomotion and Manipulation; Mechanism Design; Soft Robotics; Swarms and Multi-Agent Systems.