- Table View
- List View
Cloud Computing: 12th EAI International Conference, CloudComp 2024, Luton, UK, September 9–10, 2024, Proceedings (Lecture Notes of the Institute for Computer Sciences, Social Informatics and Telecommunications Engineering #617)
by Patrick Siarry Longzhi Yang Xiaohua Feng Liangxiu HanThis book LNICST 617 constitutes the refereed proceedings of the 12th EAI International Conference on Cloud Computing, CloudComp 2024, held in Luton, UK, during September 9–10, 2024. The 16 full papers were carefully reviewed and selected from 42 submissions. The proceedings focus on topics such as The Cloud-Edging Computing Wireless Networks; Network Security Emerging Applications /The Cloud-Edging Integration Applications
New Directions in Thai Studies
by Ying-Kit Chan Preedee HongsatonThis book considers recent developments in Thai history and historiography, examining why Thai studies had suffered under a combination of protectionism, uncritical learning, and unwillingness to engage with scholarship from abroad. The essays collected here explore, from Thai perspectives, innovations in theory and methodology in Thai studies, gathering critical insights from disciplines such as anthropology and cultural studies. The book may also serve as an entry to Thai studies, informing experts and non-specialist readers alike on topics such as access to Thai archives, the difficulties in conducting ethnographic research with Thai subjects, the (non-)development of scholarly disciplines in Thailand, and the challenges and opportunities presented by Thai studies as a whole for prospective scholars and graduate students.
Microplastics: Ecological and Food Security Implications
by Adnan Amin Adnan Abubakr Monisa M MalikMicroplastics are tiny plastic particles measuring less than 5 millimeters. Though microscopic in size, these pervasive pollutants have a massive impact on aquatic systems worldwide, with disastrous consequences for our environment, wildlife, and ultimately, human well-being. The study of MPs and their effects on aquatic ecology is of utmost importance in determining the far-reaching implications of these particles on the health of our planet and the safety of our food systems. By comprehending the ecological consequences, we can take informed actions to reduce plastic waste, improve waste management practices, and protect the health and integrity of our aquatic ecosystems for future generations. Microplastics: Ecological and Food Security Implications not only articulates the extent of the problem, but also develops practicable harm mitigation strategies. Expert researchers discuss the disruptions MPs cause in the food web, altering predator-prey dynamics and even the composition of aquatic environments, as accumulation of MPs in sediments impacts nutrient cycling. When MPs find their way into our food systems, they can cause physical effects such as effects such as internal blockages, damage to the digestive system, and impaired reproduction. Solutions-oriented, <span style="font-size: 12.0pt; fon
Metazoa – Morphology and Evolution of Animals: A Practical Guide to the Dissection and Comparative Study of Animals
by Günter Purschke Achim PaululatOver the course of evolution, multicellular animals - Metazoa - have successfully colonized every conceivable habitat on our planet, thanks to their ability to survive and adapt under adverse or changing conditions. But how is an animal's body structured to accomplish this? What organs do animals have, how do they perceive their environment, and what is the evolutionary relationship between these seemingly so different organisms? This volume, designed as a modern practical book, presents the most important body plans of selected animals. It is intended to help all Biology students to recognize and understand the basic body shapes and structures in the respective animal groups, including the main features that have contributed to their evolutionary success, the similarities and differences, and the many different solutions that evolution has come up with for given biological problems. The authors have consistently used focused, compact text and photographs that not only show the animals' most important external features but also explain the dissection process step by step. The authors hope that this new book will help all Biology students successfully complete their practical zoology course and gain new insights into the morphology and evolution of animals.
Angewandter Straßenbau: Straßenfertiger im Einsatz
by Marc KappelDie vierte Auflage ergänzt das Buch um die neuesten Herausforderungen und Entwicklungen im Straßenbau. Mit einem besonderen Fokus auf Digitalisierung und Automatisierung werden tiefgehende Einblicke in die moderne Baupraxis des Straßenbaus gewährt. Von der historischen Entwicklung bis zu den neuesten Innovationen werden alle relevanten Themen systematisch aufbereitet: der Straßenaufbau, Arten der Asphaltmischungen, der Einsatz von Straßenfertigern und die fortschreitende Digitalisierung im Bauwesen. Besonderes Augenmerk wird auf die praxisnahe Erklärung anhand von beispielhaften Baustellen gelegt, an denen die verschiedenen Themen anschaulich erklärt werden. In einer Branche, in der die intuitive Maschinenbedienung sowie die Nachhaltigkeit an Bedeutung gewinnen, sind die Kapitel zur Automatisierung und Elektromobilität unverzichtbar. Sie beleuchten den Einfluss von Fachkräftemangel, Null-Emissions-Konzepten und temperaturabgesenktem Asphalt auf die Bauindustrie. Mit der Aufnahme eines neuen Kapitels zu den Grundlagen der Straßenplanung wird die Komplexität des Straßenbaus auch vor der Bauausführung beleuchtet. Themen wie Qualitätskontrolle, aktuelle Regelwerke und Arbeitsplatzgrenzwerte für Bitumendämpfe sind ebenso Teil dieser umfassenden Betrachtung wie die Vorstellung neuester Technologien. Das Buch betrachtet zudem die rechtlichen, ökologischen und technologischen Herausforderungen des Straßenbaus – und zeigt, wie eine gute Planung sowie automatisierte Systeme die Branche unterstützen können.
Lectures on Real-valued Functions
by Alexander KharazishviliThis book offers several topics of mathematical analysis which are closely connected with significant properties of real-valued functions of various types (such as semi-continuous functions, monotone functions, convex functions, measurable functions, additive and linear functionals, etc.). Alongside with fairly traditional themes of real analysis and classical measure theory, more profound questions are thoroughly discussed in the book – appropriate extensions and restrictions of functions, oscillation functions and their characterization, discontinuous functions on resolvable topological spaces, pointwise limits of finite sums of periodic functions, some general results on invariant and quasi-invariant measures, the structure of non-measurable sets and functions, the Baire property of functions on topological spaces and its connections with measurability properties of functions, logical and set-theoretical aspects of the behavior of real-valued functions.
Overcoming Discrimination in Schools Globally (Globalisation, Comparative Education and Policy Research #53)
by Joseph ZajdaThis book focuses on global research findings dealing with various forms of visible discrimination in the classroom. The synthesis of research evidence suggests that intelligence discrimination, race and ethnicity discrimination, social class discrimination, labeling students according to their academic achievement, and the self-fulfilling prophecy (SFP) have a powerful impact on students’ self-esteem, engagement, motivation and their academic achievement. Research findings also demonstrate a positive correlation between teachers’ perception of their students’ abilities and students’ actual performance in the classroom. The book analyses and critiques recent research findings dealing with major forms of discrimination in schools, discriminatory practices, their impact on students, and implications for the student’s social identity, self-esteem, and academic achievement. Finally, the book offers relevant and valid strategies for overcoming unacceptable levels of discrimination in schools. This book serves as a sourcebook of ideas for researchers, educators, practitioners and policy makers specializing in the areas of globalisation, performance culture, and discrimination in schools. It offers an overview of education policy reforms and strategies for eliminating discrimination in schools and enhancing authentic education reforms, designed to provide the equality, quality of education for all.
The Rivers of Money: Social and Economic History of Modern Oil Trading
by Adi Imsirovic Colin BryceModern oil trading, as we know it today, has its roots in the 1970s, especially after the collapse of the vertically integrated structure of the oil industry, controlled by oil majors. Oil trading flourished in the 1980s, following the energy liberalisation policies in the UK and US. In the process, the largest trading companies such as Vitol, Trafigura, Marcuria and others have taken on new roles in the industry, including financing of major new projects. The authors Adi Imsirovic and Colin Bryce have participated in oil trading during its pivotal years and through knowledge of the industry, experience and contacts hope to bring to life this period in rich details with key industry interviews. A serious academic study of the social history of modern trading but written in a way that makes it accessible to a wider audience, this book will be of interest to anyone involved in finance, economics, energy, policy, and trading.
Service-Oriented Computing – ICSOC 2024 Workshops: ASOCA, AI-PA, WESOACS, GAISS, LAIS, AI on Edge, RTSEMS, SQS, SOCAISA, SOC4AI and Satellite Events, Tunis, Tunisia, December 3–6, 2024, Revised Selected Papers, Part I (Lecture Notes in Computer Science #15833)
by Amel Bennaceur Ismael Bouassida Rodriguez Slim Kallel Noura Faci Mohamed Sellami Elisa Yumi Nakagawa Claudia Raibulet Saoussen Cheikhrouhou Leila Ben Ayed Riadh Ben HalimaThis two-volume set volume constitutes the papers of ten workshops which were held in conjunction with the 22nd International Conference on Service-Oriented Computing, ICSOC 2024. The conference took place in Tunis, Tunisia, during December 3–6, 2024. The 58 full papers and 3 short papers presented in this book were carefully reviewed and selected from 109 submissions. ICSOC 2024 presents the following ten workshops: – 9th International Workshop on Adaptive Service-oriented and Cloud Applications (ASOCA)– 5th International Workshop on AI-enabled Process Automation (AI-PA)– 20th International Workshop on Engineering Service-Oriented Applications and Cloud Services (WESOACS)– 1st International Workshop on Generative AI as a Software Service (GAISS)– 1st International Workshop on Lightweight AI-based Services (LAIS)– 1st International Workshop on Optimising AI Models Using Local Data on Resource-Constrained Edge Devices - Training \& Inference (AI on Edge)– 1st International Workshop on RealTime Service oriented and EMbedded Systems (RTSEMS)– 2nd International Workshop on Services and Quantum Software (SQS)– 1st International Workshop on Service-Oriented Computing, AI, and IoT for Smart Applications (SOCAISA)– 1st International Workshop on Service-Oriented Computing for AI Applications (SOC4AI).
Empowering IoT: A Comprehensive Guide to IoT-Based WSN Network Optimization
by Paolo Bellavista Weijie Yuan Muhammad Umar Qaisar Hina TabassumThis book provides a comprehensive exploration of both fundamental principles and practical engineering techniques. It places a strong emphasis on several key areas, including load balancing for IoT sensor devices through effective network management to ensure robust communication reliability among these sensor devices. It also delves into the intricacies of efficient charging scheduling for sensor devices, using probabilistic approaches and integrated sensing and communication technologies to enhance network optimization. Central to the book's goals is its comprehensive and systematic treatment of practical challenges in IoT network optimization. This focus makes it particularly suitable for readers seeking practical solutions in this area. The book's target audience includes researchers, engineers, graduate students, and IoT industry professionals interested in areas such as reliability improvement, load balancing, charging scheduling, and network management. By providing both theoretical foundations and practical insights, this book serves as a valuable resource for those seeking to navigate the complexities of IoT network optimization.
Nature-Based Solutions for Urban and Peri-Urban Areas: For Resilient and Sustainable Urbanization (Disaster Risk Reduction)
by Rajib Shaw Mohammed Firoz C Lalit Kumar DashoraThis book explores the concept of nature-based solutions (NbS) as a sustainable approach to tackle the environmental challenges in urban and peri-urban areas such as biodiversity loss and urbanization in the changing climate. The book highlights the myriad benefits of NbS, including enhancing resilience, mitigating urban heat island effect, promoting biodiversity, and improving air and water quality. Drawing on real-world case studies from different global contexts, the book provides practical examples of successful NbS implementation in various urban and peri-urban settings. Through an interdisciplinary lens, the book discusses the science, policy, and governance aspects of NbS, emphasizing the need for collaboration among stakeholders, policymakers, and communities to effectively implement the solutions. It will also explore the economic benefits of NbS and how they can contribute to the well-being and social equity of urban populations. The book serves as an essential guide for policymakers, researchers, and practitioners seeking sustainable and nature-centric approaches to address the environmental challenges that cities and peri-urban areas face in the twenty-first century.
Curbing Energy Poverty in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Multi-Objective Optimization Approach for Achieving Universal Access
by Pitshou Ntambu Bokoro Gulshan SharmaThis book emphasizes the critical need for a multi-dimensional approach to tackling energy poverty, advocating for an integrated strategy that addresses three interconnected dimensions: availability, accessibility, and affordability. It introduces a robust Multi-Criteria Decision-Making (MCDM) framework based on a dynamic model that links off-grid energy supply to rural households primarily engaged in crop farming as a key economic activity. The framework leverages the Non-Dominated Sorting Genetic Algorithm II (NDSGA-II), a powerful multi-objective optimization technique, to balance the trade-offs between costs and revenues, ensuring the sustainable delivery of energy services to rural communities. By underscoring the interplay between availability, accessibility, and affordability, the approach reveals that while costs are primarily associated with securing energy availability, revenues are essential for enhancing both accessibility and affordability. This comprehensive and holistic strategy offers an innovative solution to the multifaceted challenges of energy poverty in rural areas, ensuring long-term sustainability and economic viability.
Ethik der körperlichen Integrität von Kindern: Gerechtigkeit und Kindeswohl in Wohlstandsgesellschaften (Kindheit – Bildung – Erziehung. Philosophische Perspektiven)
by Gunter Graf Gottfried SchweigerDieses Buch befasst sich mit der Gefährdung des Körpers von Kindern in Wohlstandsgesellschaften. Die körperliche Unversehrtheit ist ein wichtiger Teil des körperlichen und seelischen Wohlbefindens eines Kindes, aber sie kann auch durch verschiedene Bedrohungen in der Kindheit verletzt werden; dies beeinträchtigt nicht nur die körperliche Gesundheit, sondern verursacht auch seelische Schäden und führt zu Verzerrungen in der Entwicklung des Selbst. Die Autoren gehen auf drei Bereiche ein, die unterschiedlich schwerwiegende Gefährdungen darstellen: (1) Körper und Essen, (2) Körper und Sexualität, und (3) Körper und Gewalt. Durch eine eingehende Auseinandersetzung mit dem vorhandenen theoretischen und empirischen Wissen sowie eine gründliche ethische Analyse werden die zentralen Ungerechtigkeiten in den genannten Bereichen identifiziert und die Akteure mit Verantwortung gegenüber Kindern aufgezeigt. Abschließend geben die Autoren einen wertvollen Einblick in die Notwendigkeit einer ethischen Grundlage für Maßnahmen zum Schutz von Kindern und ihren Körpern.
Proceedings of the International Conferences on Digital Technology Driven Engineering 2024: 2nd International Conference on Optimization Driven Architectural Design (OPTARCH) (Lecture Notes in Civil Engineering #650)
by Nikos D. Lagaros Giuseppe Carlo Marano Khairedin M. Abdalla Rajai Z. Alrousan Marios C. PhocasThis book gathers the latest advances, innovations, and applications in the field of optimization-driven architectural design, presented at the 2nd International Conference on Optimization Driven Architectural Design, held in Amman, Jordan, on October 1–4, 2024, jointly with conferences OPT-ii2024 and ADDOPTML2024. It covers topics such as optimization software, evolutionary algorithms & swarm optimization, robust design optimization & reliability based design optimization, optimization in micro- and nano-mechanics, multiscale & additive manufacturing, multidisciplinary and multiphysics design optimization, multiple criteria decision making and optimization, generative and parametric design, parallel and distributed computing in optimization. Written by leading researchers and engineers, and selected by means of a rigorous international peer-review process, the contributions highlight numerous exciting ideas that will spur novel research directions and foster multidisciplinary collaborations.
Let's Talk...: A Pocket Rhetoric
by Andrea A. LunsfordThe brief, affordable rhetoric that inspires students to be curious and open-minded writers, readers, and researchers. Already used at over 270 schools in its first edition, Let’s Talk is well liked by students and instructors because it is approachable, interesting, and easy to read, with just enough detail on writing, reading, and research. The second edition continues to bring a stronger focus on listening, curiosity, and open-mindedness than any other book of its kind, and now adds timely new coverage of the need for conversation, the role of argument in all kinds of writing, and the use of AI, all in a more interactive ebook with over 30 videos.
Let's Talk with Readings
by Andrea A. Lunsford Michal BrodyThe brief, affordable rhetoric that inspires students to be curious and open-minded writers, readers, and researchers. Already used at over 270 schools in its first edition, Let’s Talk is well liked by students and instructors because it is approachable, interesting, and easy to read, with just enough detail on writing, reading, and research. The second edition continues to bring a stronger focus on listening, curiosity, and open-mindedness than any other book of its kind, and now adds timely new coverage of the need for conversation, the role of argument in all kinds of writing, and the use of AI, all in a more interactive ebook with over 30 videos.
The Microbiome Master Key: Harness Your Microbes to Unlock Whole-Body Health and Lifelong Vitality
by B. Brett Finlay Jessica M. FinlayLearn the secret to whole-body, lifelong health: the teeming world of microbes inside and all around you. Hand sanitizer. Social distancing. Antibiotics. Fending off germs has long been considered one of the cornerstones of good health. But what if better health and more graceful aging actually went hand-in-hand with embracing microbes? Your body is teeming with microbes—not just in the gut, but also on your skin, in your lungs, and beyond. And they impact everything from your sleep, cognition, mood, heart health, and energy to your likelihood of developing many diseases. As groundbreaking new studies are showing, taking care of your microbiome—inside and out—can help you improve your day-to-day health and even help prevent or reverse some of the most common age-related diseases. This eye-opening book breaks down what the latest research says about how the microbiome affects all aspects of physical and mental health—and what you can do about it. • Potentially change the trajectory of 9 out of 10 leading causes of death, including heart disease, cancer, lung disease, stroke, Alzheimer’s disease, and diabetes • Increase your resistance to pathogens like the flu and COVID-19 • Keep your skin soft, healthy, supple, and less wrinkled • Stabilize your weight and control blood sugar • Improve your physical fitness and strength • Fight "inflammaging"—low-grade inflammation that hastens the aging process • Get a more restful and rejuvenating night’s sleep • Reduce stress and improve mental health—and your long-term quality of life The Microbiome Master Key is an updated and expanded new edition of The Whole-Body Microbiome.
Engineering and Manufacturing T Level: Core
by Paul Anderson Andrew Buckenham David Hills-Taylor Andrew Topliss C.J. Polly BookerTackle the core component of your Engineering and Manufacturing T Level with this comprehensive resource published in association with City & Guilds and EAL.With topics ranging from essential maths and science to mechanical, electrical and electronic principles and engineering project management, this clear and accessible textbook will guide you through the qualification's core unit and will equip you with a solid understanding of the key principles, concepts, theories and skills you need to shape your career in engineering and manufacturing. - Track and strengthen your knowledge using learning outcomes at the beginning of every chapter and 'Test Yourself' questions throughout.- Improve your understanding of important terminology with a 'Key Terms' feature, as well as a detailed glossary. - Contextualise your learning with real-world case studies that explore some of the dilemmas you can expect to face in the workplace and reflection tasks to ensure you are set up for success. - Understand how to avoid hazards and minimise risk with regular health and safety reminders.- Prepare for your exams and the Employer Set Project using tips, assessment practice and model answers. - Build the functional skills you need to thrive in the industry with English and maths exercises.- Develop your professional skills with helpful tips from expert authors Paul Anderson and David Hills-Taylor, who draw on their extensive teaching and industry experience.
Submarines, Secrets and a Daring Rescue (American Revolutionary War Adventures #2)
by Robert J. SkeadTwins John and Ambrose Clark find themselves aiding the patriots once again as they help work on a top-secret submarine that could end the war … and also look for a way to rescue their captured older brother. Based on the real Bushnell's Turtle, book two of the American Revolutionary War Adventures historical fiction series is a fun way for children to experience American history.After working as spies to aid the Colonies and delivering a message to General George Washington himself, twins Ambrose and John Clark find themselves volunteering for another mission to help the newly forming United States. This time, the boys step up to help transport much-needed gunpowder to the patriots, and end up in an even more dangerous situation—trying to man one of the first submarines. But the biggest challenge may be finding a way to free their imprisoned older brother.In addition to bringing to life America's war for independence, including information on the first submarine built in America, Submarines, Secrets, and a Daring Rescue:Teaches children about the Revolutionary War from a kid's perspectiveIs packed with historical information that is entertaining and educationalContains discussion questions, backgrounds on the real-life historical persons featured in the book, historical letters, and a glossary of key termsCan be used alongside school curriculum and as a homeschool resourceAmerican Revolutionary War Adventures:Are great for young readers ages 8-12 who like historyAre a fictionalized stories from history inspired by real events and peopleAre perfect for back to school or summer reading challengesMake a great gift for Christmas, holidays, birthdays, or other gift-giving occasions
Patriots, Redcoats and Spies (American Revolutionary War Adventures)
by Robert J. SkeadWhen their father is injured, twins John and Ambrose must deliver a crucial secret message to General George Washington, facing danger from both the war raging around them and a British soldier who is hot on their trail. Based on the real Culper Spy Ring, book one of the American Revolutionary War Adventures historical fiction series is a fun way for children to experience American history.When their patriot father is shot by British soldiers while on a mission for the Continental Army, it falls to 14-year-old twins John and Ambrose to deliver the secret message their dad was carrying to General George Washington. As the boys set off from Connecticut to New Jersey to find General Washington, they discover the road to the commander-in-chief of the Continental Army is full of obstacles—including the redcoat who shot their father and who is determined to stop the message no matter what.In addition to bringing to life America's war for independence, including information on the Culper Spy Ring that helped turn the war for the Colonies, Patriots, Redcoats, and Spies:Teaches children about the Revolutionary War from a kid's perspectiveIs packed with historical information that is entertaining and educationalContains discussion questions, backgrounds on the real-life historical persons featured in the book, and a glossary of key termsCan be used alongside school curriculum and as a homeschool resourceAmerican Revolutionary War Adventures:Are great for young readers ages 8-12 who like historyAre a fictionalized stories from history inspired by real events and peopleAre perfect for back to school or summer reading challengesMake a great gift for Christmas, holidays, birthdays, or other gift-giving occasions
If I Run (If I Run Series #1)
by Terri BlackstockNow a Lifetime Original Movie! | USA TODAY Bestseller | ECPA Bestseller | Over 500,000 copies of the If I Run Series sold!From New York Times bestselling author Terri Blackstock comes the first gripping novel in her If I Run series featuring a strong female protagonist wrongly framed for murder and the troubled investigator who's trying to find her.Casey Cox knows the truth. But it won't set her free. Her DNA is all over the crime scene. There's no use talking to police; they've failed her abysmally before. She has to flee before she's arrested . . . or worse. The truth doesn't matter anymore.But what is the truth? That's the question haunting Dylan Roberts, the war-weary veteran hired to find Casey. PTSD has marked him damaged goods, but bringing Casey back can redeem him. Though the crime scene seems to tell the whole story, details of the murder aren't adding up.Casey Cox doesn't fit the profile of a killer. But are Dylan's skewed perceptions keeping him from being objective? If she isn't guilty, why did she run?Unraveling her past and the evidence that condemns her will take more time than he has, but as Dylan's damaged soul intersects with hers, he is faced with two choices: the girl who occupies his every thought is a psychopathic killer . . . or a selfless hero. And the truth could be the deadliest weapon yet.In the If I Run series, Terri Blackstock delivers edge-of-your-seat tension to keep the pages turning, relatable characters, dual perspectives, an intriguing plot with unexpected twists, and themes of faith and redemption. Run--don't walk--to start reading this captivating story today."A fast-paced, thoroughly mesmerizing thriller, If I Run offers distinct Christian undertones. Though not preachy, this layering adds to the complexity of this suspenseful novel. An enthralling read with an entirely unexpected conclusion . . ." --New York Journal of Books | "Blackstock . . . is masterly in navigating the suspenseful fugitive plot . . . Crisp dialogue and unexpected twists make this compulsive reading." --Publishers WeeklyThe If I Run Series: Book #1 If I Run, Book #2 If I'm Found, Book #3 If I Live.
Boundaries Updated and Expanded Edition: When to Say Yes, How to Say No To Take Control of Your Life (Mini Bks.)
by Henry Cloud John TownsendJoin the millions who have learned how to take control of their lives by setting healthy boundaries with their spouses, children, friends, parents, co-workers, and even themselves—in order to live life to the fullest.Do you feel like your life has spiraled out of control?Have you focused so much on being loving and unselfish that you've forgotten your own limits?Do you find yourself taking responsibility for other people's feelings and problems? In Boundaries, Drs. Henry Cloud and John Townsend share the lessons they've learned in their years of practicing psychology and studying the patterns and practices that support clear biblical boundaries. You'll learn the ins and outs of setting the boundaries that will transform your daily life.This updated and expanded edition of Boundaries, answers the most common questions on the science behind establishing boundaries:Can I set limits and still be a loving person?What are legitimate boundaries?How do I effectively manage my digital life so that it doesn't control me?What if someone is upset or hurt by my boundaries?How do I answer someone who wants my time, love, energy, or money?Why do I feel guilty or afraid when I consider setting boundaries? Discover the countless ways that Boundaries can change your life for the better today!
Seven Men: And the Secret of Their Greatness
by Eric MetaxasIn Seven Men, New York Times bestselling author Eric Metaxas presents seven exquisitely crafted portraits of widely known--but not well understood--Christian men, each of whom uniquely showcases a commitment to live by certain virtues in the truth of the gospel.Each of the seven men profiled--George Washington, William Wilberforce, Eric Liddell, Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Jackie Robinson, John Paul II, and Charles Colson--call us to a more elevated way of living, one that embodies the gospel in the world around us.All seven biographies represent the life of a man who experienced the struggles and challenges to be strong in the face of forces and circumstances that would have destroyed the resolve of lesser men.Seven Men asks and answers pressing questions, including:What does it take to be a true exemplar as a father, brother, husband, leader, coach, counselor, change agent, and wise man?What does it mean to stand for honesty, courage, and charity?Written in a beautiful and engaging style, Seven Men addresses what it means to be a man today, at a time when media and popular culture present images of masculinity that are not the picture presented in Scripture and historic civil life--encouraging us to think critically, act honorably, and lead by example.Praise for Seven Men:"This is a book to read, to read aloud to others, and then read again. In a day when children are growing up stunted because of our diet of empty-headed celebrities and contemptible villains, true heroism and manliness needs special nourishment. Eric Metaxas has done it again, and again we are in his debt."--Os Guinness, author of A Free People's Suicide"What is true manhood? And what makes a man in our 21st century? These are vital questions that my friend Eric Metaxas helps us wrestle with in this great new book. In looking back to seven outstanding men of history, Eric helps us understand the essential elements of manhood in any age. This is a superb work--and I highly recommend it."--The Hon. Gregory W. Slayton, author of national bestseller Be a Better Dad Today
Disrupting D.C.: The Rise of Uber and the Fall of the City
by Katie J. Wells Kafui Attoh Declan CullenA panoramic account of the urban politics and deep social divisions that gave rise to UberThe first city to fight back against Uber, Washington, D.C., was also the first city where such resistance was defeated. It was here that the company created a playbook for how to deal with intransigent regulators and to win in the realm of local politics. The city already serves as the nation&’s capital. Now, D.C. is also the blueprint for how Uber conquered cities around the world—and explains why so many embraced the company with open arms.Drawing on interviews with gig workers, policymakers, Uber lobbyists, and community organizers, Disrupting D.C. demonstrates that many share the blame for lowering the nation&’s hopes and dreams for what its cities could be. In a sea of broken transit, underemployment, and racial polarization, Uber offered a lifeline. But at what cost?This is not the story of one company and one city. Instead, Disrupting D.C. offers a 360-degree view of an urban America in crisis. Uber arrived promising a new future for workers, residents, policymakers, and others. Ultimately, Uber&’s success and growth was never a sign of urban strength or innovation but a sign of urban weakness and low expectations about what city politics can achieve. Understanding why Uber rose reveals just how far the rest of us have fallen.
Theory of Cryptography: 21st International Conference, TCC 2023, Taipei, Taiwan, November 29–December 2, 2023, Proceedings, Part III (Lecture Notes in Computer Science #14371)
by Guy Rothblum Hoeteck WeeThe four-volume set LNCS 14369 until 14372 constitutes the refereed proceedings of the 21st International Conference on Theory of Cryptography, TCC 2023, held in Taipei, Taiwan, in November/December 2023. The total of 68 full papers presented in the proceedings was carefully reviewed and selected from 168 submissions. They focus on topics such as proofs and outsourcing; theoretical foundations; multi-party computation; encryption; secret sharing, PIR and memory checking; anonymity, surveillance and tampering; lower bounds; IOPs and succinctness; lattices; quantum cryptography; Byzantine agreement, consensus and composability.