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Act of War
by Brad ThorThe new Scot Harvath thriller and the follow-up to Hidden Order, from New York Timesbestselling author Brad Thor.After a CIA agent mysteriously dies overseas, his top asset surfaces with a startling and terrifying claim. There's just one problem - no one knows if she can be trusted. But when six exchange students go missing, two airplane passengers trade places, and one political-asylum seeker is arrested, a deadly chain of events is set in motion. With the United States facing an imminent and devastating attack, America's new president must turn to covert counterterrorism operative Scot Harvath to help carry out two of the most dangerous operations in the country's history. Code-named 'Gold Dust' and 'Blackbird', they are shrouded in absolute secrecy as either of them, if discovered, will constitute an act of war. Look out for the adrenaline-fuelled new Brad Thor novel, Code of Conduct, published in July 2015!Praise for Brad Thor: 'Brad Thor is as current as tomorrow's headlines' Dan Brown 'Blasts off like a guided missile and never slows down, weaving current events into a frightening scenario that just could happen. Brad Thor rocks!' Tess Gerritsen'Brad Thor writes thrillers as plausible as they are terrifying. A must-read for our times!' James Rollins,New York Timesbestselling author of Black Orderand The Judas StrainPraise for Hidden Order: 'One of Brad Thor's best books to date' Washington Post'[A] great, great thriller' Rush Limbaugh 'Thriller writer Brad Thor is awesome…You'll want to take HIDDEN ORDER to the beach' National Review
Prisoner of Lies: Jack Downey's Cold War
by Barry WerthA &“riveting&” (The Economist), &“gripping&” (Kirkus Reviews, starred review) true story of the longest-held prisoner of war in American history, John Downey, Jr., a CIA officer captured in China during the Korean War and imprisoned for twenty-one years.John (Jack) Downey, Jr., was a new Yale graduate in the post-World War II years who, like other Yale grads, was recruited by the CIA. He joined the Agency and was sent to Japan in 1952, during the Korean War. In a violation of protocol, he took part in an air drop that failed and was captured over China. His sources on the ground had been compromised, and his identity was known. Although he first tried to deny who he was, he eventually admitted the truth. But government policy forbade ever acknowledging the identity of spies, no matter the consequences. Washington invented a fictitious cover story and stood by it for four administrations. As a result, Downey was imprisoned during the decades that Red China, as it was called, was considered by the US to be a hostile nation, until 1972, when the US finally recognized the mainland Chinese government. He had spent twenty-one years in captivity. Downey would go on to become a lawyer and an esteemed judge in Connecticut, his home state. Prisoner of Lies is based in part on a prison memoir that Downey wrote several years after his release. Barry Werth fluently weaves excerpts from the memoir with the Cold War events that determined Downey&’s fate. Like a le Carré novel, this is a &“thrilling, richly informative&” (Stephen Kinzer, author of The Brothers) story of one man whose life is at the mercy of larger forces outside of his control; in Downey&’s case as a pawn of the Cold War, and more specifically the Oval Office and the State Department. His freedom came only when US foreign policy dramatically changed. Above all, Prisoner of Lies is an inspiring story of remarkable fortitude and resilience.
Social Thought From the Ruins: Quixote’s Dinner Party (A New Order of Social Things)
by David A. WestbrookThrough stories, conversations, and essays, this book pursues interwoven critical and philosophical inquiries into the nature of the contemporary in the North Atlantic, asking how are we to live as intellectuals, individually and in community?Social Thought From the Ruins: Quixote’s Dinner Party is the product of informal discussion and academic work done over the last two decades among an international group of social scientists. An extended critique of academic life today and the context of our own thinking, this book interrogates aspects of our modernity, with its pervasive sense of crisis and uncertainty, and the difficulty of thinking clearly about things like the state and power, data and violence. Reflecting that the United States, indeed the North Atlantic countries, seem to have entered autumn, David A. Westbrook asks what spring might be. Will the critical social sciences have anything to offer the exercise of power, or are we doomed to incessant and ineffectual critique? Can bureaucracy be made at least more accountable, if not democratic? Conversely, can we feel less alienated from the structures of power that rule us, or that fail to govern at all? Can we feel at home?The Open Access version of this book, available at www.taylorfrancis.com, has been made available under a Creative Commons Attribution (CC-BY) 4.0 license.
International Trade, Regulation and the Global Economy: The Impact of Anti-Competitive Market Distortions (Routledge Focus on Economics and Finance)
by Shanker SinghamThe barriers between the voluntary exchange of willing buyers and willing sellers have progressively been reduced through trade liberalisation, competition and better property rights protection. However, the world has done significantly less well in reducing barriers involving competition and property rights. This book analyses how the economic prosperity which was promised has been undermined by these "Anti-Competitive Market Distortions", which damage international trade as well as domestic conditions of competition and, ultimately, GDP per capita.This book first describes the nature of the Anti-Competitive Market Distortions problem and how it has impacted countries since the 1990s. It also highlights a gap in policymaking, detailing how Anti-Competitive Market Distortions have existed in an ungoverned space in both international trade and competition theory. The book also explores the various models of the impact of Anti-Competitive Market Distortions, including the original econometric model to measure the quantum of distortion – and three new variations on this – as well as an agency-based Model. Finally, drawing on techniques from probabilistic methods and quantum mechanics, the book examines the possibility of a probabilistic model to assess the real impact of Anti-Competitive Market Distortions on GDP per capita growth around the world in a far more dynamic and real-time sense than has been possible thus far.This book will be invaluable to academics and students of trade, competition and international relations in both the legal and economic disciplines.
Working With Crisis and Trauma From an Islāmic Perspective (Islamic Psychology and Psychotherapy)
by G. Hussein Rassool Zarina Hassem Shireen Ismail Nabeela Vad WallaWorking with Crisis and Trauma from an Islāmic Perspective provides a holistic framework and treatment methods for working with trauma and crises, framed within an Islāmic Psychology paradigm.This book begins by conceptualising trauma and existing models of understanding treatment, and then places trauma and crises within an Islāmic viewpoint. The authors focus on the Qur’â, the Sunnah, and Islāic Psychology to rationalise and explain the effects of trauma and how it presents while proposing treatment methods within this context. The final chapter uses case studies to illustrate practical applications and includes coping strategies directly from authentic Islāic sources, and the sixth chapter focuses on the legacy of trauma in terms of post‑raumatic growth.This book will be essential reading for professionals in the fields of psychology and mental health looking to understand how Islāic Psychology practices can be presented as a treatment intervention for patients experiencing trauma and gain insight into how to incorporate these protocols into their own practice.
Heritage at Risk: Improving Resilience and Awareness towards Preservation, Risk Mitigation and Governance Strategies
by Marcello BalzaniIt is assumed that the impact of natural and man-made hazards on society in terms of damage is constantly increasing. In order to reduce the levels of potential disaster and to assess which policies and measures can generate positive impacts, it is necessary to make a careful comparison of experiences at an international scale in risk mitigation and management.The international scenario of calamitous events that still characterise all areas of the globe is deepened together with the experiences of the earthquakes and floods that have affected the Pianura Padana area and the central regions of Italy in the last ten years, included in the training project Academy "After the Damages". Following the results published in the first volume Built Heritage in Post-Disaster Scenarios, Heritage at Risk aims to continue the debate on recent innovations and advances in risk management to contribute to the definition of strategies and the implementation of increasingly effective tools in terms of risk mitigation.The volume provides insights into the dynamics and negative effects of natural and man-made hazards (i.e., earthquakes, fires, floods, droughts, and volcanic eruptions), including more updated approaches to deal with post-disaster phases. The book also offers tools to deal with possible international crisis scenarios and mitigate the social impact of vulnerabilities through risk reduction.Heritage at Risk is aimed at public administration managers, government agency representatives, international organizations, researchers, and professionals in architecture, engineering, and earth science.
Pupil Management and Emerging Democratic Voices: Governing by Knowledge in Schools (Routledge International Studies in the Philosophy of Education)
by Andrew ThomasThis book addresses the distance between contemporary philosophical critiques of education and the classroom context by applying new insights from social philosophy, neurology and historical analysis to common school practices.Critiquing contemporary academic and political debates concerning the use, and misuse, of assessment tools, psychometric testing and classroom management on pupils, this book looks in detail at the consequences of such practices for pupil management and the nurturing of their emerging democratic voices and sense of independence. This book explores these practices in the context of broader social phenomena such as the state of exception, management for legibility, self‑regulation, governmentality and epidemiology. Chapters link critical and philosophical considerations about politics, administration and the brain to real‑world classroom realities and everyday educational activities, forming an important contribution to the wider discourse on learning and inclusion in contemporary school systems.Bringing philosophical and historical insights to bear on the concrete practices of educational life, this book will be of interest to scholars, researchers and postgraduate students in the field of philosophy of education as well as schooling, classroom practice, and pedagogy and didactics more broadly.
Excavating Pedregal: Archaeological Explorations of Conquest and Daily Life in Ancient Perú
by Robyn E. CutrightExcavating Pedregal offers a new synthesis of household-level experiences of imperial conquest on the north coast of Perú, using excavations at the Late Intermediate Period farming community of Pedregal as an engaging case study of archaeological research in action. Alongside this central case study, short essays by other archaeological stakeholders highlight diverse experiences and perspectives within archaeology.This book draws on the author’s 15 years of experience teaching undergraduates and over 20 years as an archaeologist in Perú to offer an accessible account of how archaeological research happens. Chapters introduce key concepts from anthropological archaeology and link research questions to methods, data analysis, and findings. The book balances a discussion of the scientific processes and anthropological theories that ground archaeological research with a tangible account of the lived experiences and practical considerations of doing archaeology. Excavating Pedregal’s multivocal approach complements the central case study with vignettes by North American and Latin American archaeologists, students, and community members. These short essays enrich the main themes of the book and introduce readers to different perspectives and voices within the field, highlighting the way collaboration and conversation with multiple stakeholders enhance the study of the past.Excavating Pedregal is an approachable introduction to how archaeology works for undergraduate students and general readers. It supplements a traditional introductory text by contextualizing research questions, methods, and data in a concrete, contemporary case study while also offering a sense of the diversity of questions, experiences, and methods that exist in archaeology today and satisfying the curiosity of those who wonder what it’s like to dig up the past.
Advances in Plant Disease Management Volume II: Strategic and Applied Research
by Pranjib K. Chakrabarty Kalyan K. Mondal Mahender S. Saharan Charudatta Digambarrao Mayee Jagdish KumarAdvances in Plant Disease Management: Volume II: Strategic and Applied Research is an invaluable compilation for researchers/students/stakeholders/policymakers in agriculture. This book aims to offer the latest understanding of how fundamental and basic research can be translated toward the engineering of biotic stress-resilient crops through applied and strategic management of plant diseases. Volume I clearly explained the updated knowledge on basic and applied phenomena of pathogen’s interplay with the host, the host immune system, crosstalks among downstream regulating molecules as unraveled through genomics, proteomics, metabolomics, bioinformatics, and molecular studies. This volume of the book equips readers with the knowledge and understanding to confidently employ this basic information in the formulation of management strategies for major crop plant diseases.This book offers comprehensive coverage of the research advances in plant disease management, including: Newer insight into pest risk analysis (PRA) and its significance in international trade. Developments in eco-friendly green technologies that are safe for both humans and the environment to manage diseases. Use of AI tools for diagnosis, development of models for advanced prediction of the outbreak of epidemics, and need-based application of agrochemicals and their appropriate formulations for use through drones. The information regulation and use of biostimulants for biotic and abiotic resilience. Plant protection policies that support the agricultural production system from a global perspective.
Proceedings of the 4th International Symposium in Environmental Science and Industrial Ecology
by Yuanqing ZhuThis proceedings book showcases peer-reviewed papers presented at the 4th International Symposium in Environmental Science and Industrial Ecology (ISESIE) on 23–24 August 2024, in Bangkok, Thailand. Within its pages, readers will find insightful contributions penned by researchers, practitioners, policymakers, and entrepreneurs, exploring the latest advancements in Environmental Science and Industrial Ecology. Encompassing diverse subjects, the book delves into the far-reaching implications of environmental chemical engineering, environment and biological engineering, environmental catalysis, and cutting-edge materials and technologies designed for environmental protection and green building. The content of the book caters to a broad audience, ranging from novices to seasoned professionals; this compilation serves as a valuable resource for anyone involved in the field of Environmental Science and Industrial Ecology.
Rethinking Advertising: Ethics and Effectiveness
by Mariah Tinger Kathleen M. VandenbergWith more mediums than ever across which to advertise, businesses are facing increasing marketing costs even as customers continue to turn toward services offering ad-free entertainment. These changes mean the advertising ecosystem is undergoing dramatic alterations, with massive online companies like Facebook and Google capturing a majority of advertising dollars and smaller advertising agencies failing. Against this rapidly-shifting backdrop, this edited volume showcases current academic perspectives and research cases on advertising from scholars representing a wide range of disciplines. The contributions in this book create a comprehensive overview of the current state of advertising—across many media—while highlighting conversations concerning the ethics of advertising and the most effective ways to advertise. Interdisciplinary by nature, this book includes perspectives from academics in marketing, communications, law, rhetoric, and business. It will be of great interest to scholars and students seeking a thought provoking debate
Exploring the Evolution of our Ancestors: On the Human Track
by Dominique AdriaensThis is a captivating evolutionary narrative of the human body, exploring the pivotal traits that make humans unique as a species. It provides a better understanding of why we look the way we do, through an evolutionary morphological lens, by delving into the functional explanations for the unique characteristics of us and our ancestors and the evolutionary pathways that shaped them. It integrates changes in anatomy with functional shifts, but also with underlying genetic and environmental transformations that drove our evolution. The main body of the book focuses around four fundamental themes that have evolutionarily sculpted us into who we are today, ever since the shared origin with the chimpanzee: diet, brain, locomotion and skin. This book not only promises to enrich our understanding of human evolution but also challenges us to reconsider what it means to be human in light of our ancient lineage and ongoing evolutionary journey. It also: Provides a complete overview of the major events of human evolution; Helps readers understand why our body has been shaped the way it is; Integrates genes, anatomy, function, behavior and ecology, creating a more complete picture, written in an accessible text while incorporating many facts and figures building upon both historic and recent literature; Offers an up-to-date view of how anthropologists currently see our evolution; Focuses on four fundamental changes in the brain, diet, skin and locomotion; Explains some aspects of what humans are experiencing today (e.g., why some people are lactose intolerant).
Alice’s Adventures in Lacan-Land: Demystifying Lacanian Psychoanalysis
by Ali YansoriAlice’s Adventures in Lacan-Land is an accessible exploration of Lacanian psychoanalysis through the prism of Lewis Carroll’s Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland and its sequel, Through the Looking-Glass.Bringing concepts of “reality”, “truth”, and “knowledge” under scrutiny, and assuming no prior knowledge of the original Alice books on the reader’s part, Ali Yansori looks at the treacherous nature of language. He addresses questions about identity formation, touching on concepts including the “Imaginary”, “alienation”, and the “ego”. Finally, the author considers the implications of Lacanian psychoanalysis for both the individual and society and critiques contemporary approaches to therapy, higher education, and other spheres of life.Alice’s Adventures in Lacan-Land will be an essential book for anyone encountering Lacan for the first time. It will also be of interest to more experienced readers seeking to engage with lesser-explored yet vital aspects of Lacanian theory.
The Routledge Handbook of the Global 1980s
by Jonathan DavisThe 1980s was a decade of enormous global change. Upheaval from the top of governments to the bottom of societies saw a new world order begin to emerge. A new form of capitalism redefined global economics on both the right and left as market forces were unleashed. The ideological conflict of the previous four decades petered out as superpower relations improved. A more interconnected world introduced new consumer products and forms of popular culture to societies across the globe. And protest movements saw new battles fought and new alliances forged in an increasingly interdependent world.The Routledge Handbook of the Global 1980s brings together specialists from across the world to examine how the decade was shaped by these changes to politics, economics, culture, societies, and protest movements. The Handbook is divided into five parts focusing on the global environment, globalisation and neoliberalism, politics and society, culture and society, and the closing stages of the global Cold War.By taking an international approach to the history of the 1980s, this book offers a wide-ranging and important new perspective of this hugely transformative decade. It will appeal to students and scholars alike as well as all those interested in the political, social, economic, and cultural shifts of the 1980s.
Frame Analysis, Critical Theory, and English Language Teaching
by Robert J. LoweIn this book, Robert J. Lowe introduces frame analysis, a qualitative research approach grounded in the critical theory of the early Frankfurt School and framing in the social sciences. Lowe sets out the principles of the frame analysis approach and provides a guide to conducting this kind of research in practice.Focused on identifying and challenging ideology through immanent critique, Lowe presents a methodological guide and research report. He begins by explaining early critical theory and the frame analysis approach, followed by a detailed example of its application. This example illustrates the key stages: identifying participants' ideological presuppositions through their “master framing,” questioning the internal logic of this framing, and presenting contradictions to participants. Finally, the researcher observes reactions and documents emerging counter-framing, marking the first signs of resistance to dominant ideology.By applying this approach to issues in English language teaching, the book questions some of the ways in which the rhetoric of pluralism and diversity around English as an international language may stand at odds with the realities of a world in which some varieties of the language have more prestige than others. Through the frame analysis approach, the author suggests that researchers can play a role in empowering language learners and users to advocate for a world in which they can take true ownership of the language. Key reading for all qualitative researchers and advanced students in applied linguistics, sociolinguistics, ELT/TESOL and linguistic anthropology.
Introducción al análisis lingüístico del discurso en español
by Iker Zulaica HernándezIntroducción al análisis lingüístico del discurso en español introduces the field of Spanish discourse analysis from the perspective of formal linguistics and through the grammar-discourse interface, providing grammatical tools with which to analyse Spanish discourse in different contexts.Taking the utterance as the smallest unit of analysis, the book offers a solid introduction to the main concepts, processes and mechanisms that make discourse a cohesive and coherent whole. Written in a clear and accessible style, Introducción al análisis lingüístico del discurso en español includes chapters devoted to presenting some of the main theories on the linguistic interpretation of discourse and to the interaction between discourse and computation. Key concepts are explained in detail with a pedagogical focus, with each chapter containing examples illustrating key concepts and a set of carefully crafted activities designed to consolidate learning. The focus on the linguistic analysis of discourse provides the foundation needed to undertake further advanced work on discourse analysis from any perspective or methodology.The book can be used as an introductory course on the grammar-discourse interface and will be of particular interest to advanced and graduate students of Hispanic linguistics and discourse analysis.______________________________________________________________________________________________Introducción al análisis lingüístico del discurso en español introduce el campo del análisis del discurso en español desde la perspectiva de la lingüística formal y a través de la interfaz gramática-discurso, proporcionando herramientas gramaticales con las que analizar el discurso en español en diferentes contextos. Tomando el enunciado como unidad mínima de análisis, el libro ofrece una sólida introducción a los principales conceptos, procesos y mecanismos que hacen del discurso un todo cohesionado y coherente. Escrito en un estilo claro y accesible, Introducción al análisis lingüístico del discurso en español incluye capítulos dedicados a presentar algunas de las principales teorías sobre la interpretación lingüística del discurso y a la interacción entre discurso y computación. Los conceptos clave se explican en detalle, con un enfoque pedagógico, y cada capítulo contiene ejemplos que ilustran los conceptos clave y un conjunto de actividades cuidadosamente elaboradas para consolidar el aprendizaje. El enfoque en el análisis textual del discurso proporciona los conocimientos lingüísticos necesarios para emprender estudios más avanzados sobre el análisis del discurso desde cualquier perspectiva o metodología. El libro se puede utilizar como curso introductorio sobre la interfaz gramática-discurso y será de especial interés para estudiantes avanzados y de posgrado de lingüística hispánica y análisis del discurso.
We’re Number One!?: America’s Uncertain Standing in the World
by Dennis W. JohnsonWe’re Number One!?: America’s Uncertain Standing in the World compares the domestic policies of the United States to other countries across a wide variety of social, political, and economic metrics.This book demonstrates conclusively that despite America’s wealth, its strong economy, its military might, and its soft power dominance, we have far to go in comparison with other democratic, industrialized nations. We may think we’re Number One, but in too many key areas—health care, education, combating poverty, protecting the family, and so forth—we fall embarrassingly short. The shock to most readers won’t be on one or more specific policy shortcomings, but on the cumulative rankings, chapter after chapter, showing where the United States has come up short. This book presents the facts and leaves to policymakers the challenge: how do we fix our broken health care system, how do we mitigate climate disasters, or how do we rein in gun violence. One answer is to look at the successful policies created in other countries.A refreshingly frank and thorough analysis of the United States’ relative position in the world, this book will appeal to students, scholars, and practitioners of comparative politics, comparative sociology, public policy, social justice, and American government.
Travel and Wonder in the Early Modern World: Representations, Descriptions and Uses of the Unfamiliar
by Jaska KainulainenThis collection of chapters explores wonder in the context of early modern travel and travel writing, offering multifaceted and novel interpretations of the problematic relationship between a traveller and their unfamiliar environment through various geographical, chronological and thematic lenses.Exploring representations, descriptions and uses of the unfamiliar, the contributors discuss and elucidate rhetorical, epistemological, religious, colonial, materialistic and emotional aspects of wonder in the early modern world. They study European travellers and their texts, as well as descriptions of wonder within the Muslim world and reactions to the unfamiliar reported by Muslim travellers in Europe. The collection ranges from travellers’ descriptions of wonder to an analysis of wonders that have travelled. With its focus on “wonder” in the context of early modern travel, this volume fills a significant gap in research, shedding new light on the history of intercultural encounters and on the processes of learning about the world and our place in it.The book is aimed at both academic and non-academic readers, for experts who study early modern history and travel writing, and for lay readers who are curious about the history of travel and about past conceptions of the world and foreign cultures.
M.M. Thomas’s Secular Commentaries on Scripture: Exegeting the World (Ashgate New Critical Thinking in Religious Studies See Series ID 2069)
by Thomas PhilipThis book investigates M.M. Thomas’s biblical commentaries and their unique position at the intersection of religion and society. It explores how Thomas, inspired in part by Bonhoeffer’s “religionless Christianity,” adapted Western theological ideas and transformed them to reflect the social, political, and religious complexities of his own pluralistic context.By examining these commentaries, the book offers a fresh perspective on how Thomas engaged with the dynamic relationship between faith and society. It also contributes a new dimension to the study of Indian Christianity, marking the first in-depth study of Thomas’s secular biblical commentaries. This book provides a pioneering contribution to the field of the study of Indian Christianity and the study of non-Western contextual theologies. It enriches the growing literature on biblical hermeneutics by offering new insights into how scripture can be interpreted in diverse cultural and political contexts. By focusing on Thomas’s unique theological approach, this work not only enhances our understanding of Indian Christian thought but also broadens the scope of contemporary theological studies, particularly within the global South. It invites readers to consider how the intersection of theology and society shapes religious thought in pluralistic settings.This book is intended for scholars, graduate students, and those involved in church studies, as well as anyone interested in contextual theology and hermeneutics. It is especially relevant for readers keen on understanding Indian Christianity and exploring how theology interacts with the social and political issues present in non-Western contexts. The book will appeal to those looking to deepen their understanding of how faith adapts to and engages with the complexities of modern society.
The Interventional Cardiology Handbook
by Salvatore Brugaletta Manel SabatéThis handbook is a practical guide for interventional cardiology procedures, providing a fast-access reference tool to be consulted in daily practice in the cath lab. Interventional cardiology has become a complex speciality, and this book’s ‘procedure-oriented’ structure will help readers to deploy diagnostic and management strategies and familiarize themselves with procedures and tools. Written by experts in their fields with passion for their daily work, this must-have handbook is an invaluable resource for practicing clinicians, fellows and professionals in every cath lab to understand and perform these complex procedures for safety and efficacy.
Foundations of Assessment: From Theory to Practice
by Natasha A. Jankowski Joseph D. LevyThis book unpacks the philosophies and theories behind assessment and builds upon that foundation with practical, how-to guidance for effective practice. Renowned assessment experts Levy and Jankowski thoughtfully explore assessment across both academic and student affairs, highlighting equitable strategies throughout to demonstrate the transformative potential of assessment to enhance student learning outcomes, support institutional decision-making, and ensure continuous quality improvement in higher education. With insights drawn from extensive research and work with over 300 institutions, this text prepares graduate students and practitioners to make informed choices around assessment.
Adaptive and Scalable Blockchain Systems (Wireless Networks)
by Xiaohua Jia Jie XuThis book systematically studies blockchain adaptability and scalability, combining theoretical analysis with practical implementation. The book provides a comprehensive exploration of blockchain adaptability and scalability solutions through six chapters. Chapter 1 introduces blockchain overviews and current scalability challenges, emphasizing the need for adaptive and scalable blockchains. Chapter 2 systematically reviews consensus protocols, from classical BFT to modern PoW, PoS, and sharding approaches, setting the theoretical foundation for subsequent chapters. Chapter 3 presents AdaptPoW, which enhances PoW blockchain adaptability and scalability through dynamic structure adjustment and efficient transaction processing. Chapter 4 presents AdaptPoS, a PoS-based system with role decoupling and filter mechanism, enabling dynamic throughput adjustment while maintaining security. Chapter 5 describes AdaptShard for sharding-based blockchains, including its transaction allocation and optimistic processing strategy for cross-shard transactions. Chapter 6 concludes with insights and future research directions.
Smart Materials for Energy Storage and Biomedical Applications (Engineering Materials)
by Amodini Mishra Vinay PathakThis book brings together a curated selection of research in the broad field of smart materials, emphasizing their properties, functionality, and transformative potential. Covering diverse applications, from energy systems to biomedical advancements, it offers a snapshot of current innovations across multiple disciplines. The chapters begin with an introduction to smart material properties and their applications, progressing to in-depth discussions on topics like magnetocaloric effects in pyrochlore oxides, topological insulators, and magnetoelectric perovskites. Key studies examine magnetic nanoparticles for cancer biology, soft materials for sustainable technologies, and Pb-free perovskite ceramics with giant dielectric constants. Advanced research on nano-structured materials, material oxides in thin-film technologies, and photonic crystals further enrich this collection. A special focus is given to topological spin textures, such as skyrmions, and their applications in spintronic devices. From theoretical models to experimental insights, this book encompasses a wide range of topics that appeal to both established scientists and emerging researchers.
Intelligent Systems with Applications in Communications, Computing and IoT: First EAI International Conference, ICISCCI 2024, Hyderabad, India, August 23–24, 2024, Proceedings (Lecture Notes of the Institute for Computer Sciences, Social Informatics and Telecommunications Engineering #621)
by Keshav Dahal Ravindra J. V. R. Satish Kumar G. A. E.This book LNICST 621 constitutes the proceedings of the First EAI International Conference on Intelligent Systems with Applications in Communications, Computing and IoT, ICISCCI 2024, held in Hyderabad, India, during August 23–24, 2024. The 39 full papers were carefully reviewed and selected from 97 submissions. The proceedings focuses on the topics such as 1) Intelligent systems and Machine Learning Applications 2) Intelligent Systems with Applications in Communication Networks 3) Intelligent Systems in IoT
Semifiktionen: Hybrides Erzählen im digitalen Zeitalter (Literatur und Öffentlichkeit / Literature and the Public Sphere)
by Sabine FriedrichSeit einiger Zeit erleben semifiktionale Erzählungen in Weblogs, der Twitteratur und weiteren Erzählformaten in den sozialen Medien sowie in historisch-fiktionalen Texten und Filmen eine starke Konjunktur. Der Reiz, die Potentiale, aber zugleich auch die Risiken der Hybridformate bestehen darin, dass die Grenzen zwischen dem Bereich des Fiktionalen und des Faktualen häufig unscharf bzw. überhaupt nicht markiert sind. Anhand eines breiten Spektrums semifiktionaler Erzählungen untersucht die Studie die Strukturen der Hybridformate und fragt nach ihrer Verankerung in unserer gegenwärtigen Kultur – vor allem in Zeiten digitaler Kommunikation. Welche kulturellen Funktionen übernehmen die Semifiktionen angesichts der Vielstimmigkeit der zirkulierenden Wirklichkeitsnarrative? Zugleich stellt sich die grundsätzliche Frage, welche Konzeptionen von Fiktionalität sich hieraus für die heutige Zeit ergeben.