Books published by Springer International Publishing AG

This book takes the case of the civil war disappeared in Lebanon to draw on fiction¿s potential to inform peacebuilding processes by allowing the exploration of invisible histories in postwar Beirut. In its close reading of three Lebanese novels by Rabee Jaber, the book follows a multidisciplinary approach that puts trauma theory in dialogue with the Lebanese context and Arabic language, producing new concepts, models, and questions related to trauma, loss, and history, while also reflecting on the role fiction, as a cultural production, can play.

This book exposes practitioners and decision-makers to the theory and application of river ice processes to gain a better understanding of these processes for modelling and ice flood hazard and risk assessment. It focuses on the following processes of the surface water ice: river freeze-up and flooding, mid-winter ice-cover breakup and flooding and end-of-winter ice-cover breakup and ice jamming. The reader will receive a fundamental understanding of the physical processes of each component and how they are applied in monitoring, modelling and flood hazard/risk assessment of river ice during the entire winter season, from freeze-up to potential mid-winter breakup and concluding with springtime ice-cover breakup and ice-jam flooding. Spreadsheet, geographical information system (GIS) and modelling exercises accompany each component to reinforce the theoretical principles learned. Step-by-step tutorial videos allow the reader to better engage with the book and learn the material faster.

This book was designed to help gastroenterologists take care of their patients with challenging problems. Every day in practice we face patients with issues that are not simple to master. Oftentimes we search out some guidance from ¿the experts,¿ and, if they are available, we will curbside them, either by phone or in person. This text is written from the standpoint of a community gastroenterologist curbsiding his academic cohorts with his challenging cases. We present a patient with a difficult GI problem and ask the academic expert how he, or she, would manage the case. We have provided over a hundred examples of problem cases and asked the experts at the Medical College of Wisconsin (MCW) for help in their management. These cases run the gamut, including general GI, motility disorders, inflammatory bowel disease, advanced therapeutics, hepatology and functional GI disorders. The main objective of this book is to compile the most clinically useful questions, present them to experts who frequently deal with these problems, and then wrap up their knowledge within one clinically useful text. If a community gastroenterologist had endless access to an academic panel of GI experts, these are the questions they might ask. There are hundreds of useful clinical pearls between the pages of this book which should help anyone taking care of patients with GI problems. While the text may be targeted particularly toward practicing community gastroenterologists, it certainly can be of benefit to GI fellows in training, academic gastroenterologists, and general internists and surgeons with a strong interest in gastroenterology as well as APPs.

This volume offers a wealth of results written by experts from interdisciplinary fields, contributing on a diversity of topics targeting marine and maritime environmental sustainability in coastal and ocean-related areas. The reader will benefit from the diversity and breadth of topical coverage as well as concepts conveyed from a variety researchers. The book serves as an open knowledge platform combining naval architecture and marine engineering, ecology, biomedical informatics, public health, architecture engineering and building physics, nanotechnology as well as advanced technologies, innovation and related fields. The broad range of topics cover ecology, shipping, and health related issues. Specifically, the book presents chapters on the following:· Shipping and ecology· Topics of ocean wildlife and mega-fauna protection· Big Data and sustainable applications for healthy and safe coastal cities· Smart sustainable humanitarian assistance methods using large vessels · Smart coastal city tourist activity, mobility management· Urban climate condition mitigation· Historical analysis of the case of disease outbreaks onboard ships· Monitoring, simulating and decision making while developing housing at sea, such as in cruise-ships· Conducting feasibility assessment for outbreak prevention following real-time, systematic disease detection on cruise ships· Technological approaches for cruise ship disease propagation monitoring· Scenario testing for sensors and actuators deployment to prevent and mitigate epidemics on cruise ships, as well as methods for improving biological safety on ships using nanotechnology The book is expected to engage researchers in multidisciplinary areas as well as students and interested readers.

This open access book sets out simple solutions to managing complex catastrophes. It focusses on four kinds of crises ¿ climate change, crime-war cascades, epidemics and financial crises. These catastrophes are conceived as complex and prone to cascade effects. This book is optimistic in explaining that there are identifiable simple institutions that international society can strengthen and some simple principles that can help humankind to control the expanding gamut of complex catastrophes that confront the planet including simple, stable institutions and regulatory bodies. It draws on a wide range of current and past crises and challenges, from the Cold War to COVID-19, and from Weapons of Mass Destruction to restorative diplomacy with States like China, to provide an urgent and timely path forward. It speaks to those interested in criminology, public policy and international relations, political science, sociology, public health and economics.

This book presents a comprehensive portrait of trust in medicine and oncology. Trust is vital to medical care. It is linked to treatment recommendation adherence, continuity of care, and even treatment efficacy under certain scenarios, and is distinct from other commonly measured patient-reported outcomes that are used to drive medical practice, such as patient satisfaction. Cancer care highlights many of the issues with trust that all clinicians confront and brings to light the interplay of technology, rapidly advancing treatments, and readily available information consumed by patients and families that may complicate clinician-patient communication.Each chapter highlights a different aspect of trust in the medical setting, many of which are specific to oncology. For example, trust is fundamental to the first encounter with an oncologist. The anatomy of that encounter is explored. The elements of trust are investigated, from the institutional or fiduciary perspective to the nuances of the personal and individual encounters with patients. Several key factors are relevant to trust within these encounters, such as the patient¿s background, attachment style, and perception of ethically responsible commitment. Further chapters cover topics like the proliferation of false information, health inequities, and patient-centered care.The Complex Role of Patient Trust in Oncology will be of great interest to oncologists, psychiatrists, internists, and any healthcare professional interested in the role of trust in patient care.

This timely and practical book presents the state-of-the-art of unicompartmental knee arthroplasty exploring half a century of reflection, reluctance and research around this increasingly common technique.In the opening part readers will discover UKA¿s history, controversies as well as standard and emerging indications. Moving forward they will understand the differences between several eligible implants as well as case-by-case guiding principles behind a correct implant choice. Insights into single stage and robotic surgery, rehabilitation, possible complications, return to play and the use of joint registries further complement the book.Written by an international panel of experts, who share best practices and high quality intra-operative pictures, the book will be an excellent resource for practicing knee surgeons, sports physicians, residents and fellows alike.

The obesity epidemic reflects a failure to understand how meals are chosen. Government initiatives have failed, and most people are unable to control their weight. In this book, an internationally recognized expert on diet and behaviour, discusses the common misunderstandings that have created the epidemic, and suggests how obesity could be reduced.After dieting the body needs fewer calories and you are likely to put on weight. Many people do not understand how to control their weight and rely on ideas that are simply wrong. Natural foods are seen as healthier when they are not. Ultra-processed foods are seen as a problem when the method of production is unimportant. There is little evidence that removing sugar from the diet, banning advertising to children, adding calories to menus, or providing nutritional information on packaging reduces obesity. In fact, removing fat from the diethas increased obesity.One conclusion is that current approaches have no chance of preventing obesity. Without new ways of dealing with obesity, it will inevitably increase, reducing life expectancy after decades of disease.So, what needs to change? One root cause of obesity is poverty. The way infants are fed in the first years of life determines the likelihood of obesity in adulthood. Without the development of low-calorie foods, little can be done. Since health policy depends on individuals changing their behaviour, they need to understand how to control their weight. Ambitious in scope, the author deals with the topic in an eye-catching and easy to understand manner, illustrated with colourful analogies and unusual and amusing facts. A refreshing novel perspective is offered that will be of interest to everyone wishing to control their body weight.

The book considers biology in parallel with philosophical structuralism in order to argue that notions of form in the organism are analogous to similar ideas in structuralist philosophy and literary theory. This analogy is then used to shed light on debates among biological scientists from the turn of the 19th century to the present day, including Cuvier, Geoffroy Saint-Hilaire, Dawkins, Crick, Goodwin, Rosen and West-Eberhard. The book critiques the endorsement of genetic manipulation and bioengineering as keys to solving agricultural and environmental problems, suggesting that alternative models have been marginalized in the promotion of this discourse. Drawing from the work of philosophers including Cassirer, Saussure, Jakobson and Foucault the book ultimately argues that methods based on agroecology, supported by molecular applications (such as marker-assisted selection, MAS), can both advance agricultural development and remain focused on the whole organism.

This book explains how taxonomy can be used to describe and connect social actors in an integral way. Integral communication refers to a specific way of open information exchange which uses all qualities and preferences of subjects in conversation and allows anonymous feedback exchange, which enhances trust, learning and development. The role of integral communication is to promote perceptiveness, collaboration, personal development, and organizational learning among all the actors involved.In this book, the authors propose a new original way of digital communication that uses tags and their metadata to describe qualities and preferences of a particular node in the network. Although most social networks, sharing platforms and e-government frameworks are already applying taxonomies and social tagging to define user identity, none of them is focused on tags exclusively, while within an integral communication framework they represent the basic element of user definition and networking. In addition, other social platforms rarely allow anonymous feedback exchange, and they are usually not focused on the personal development of their end-users. Aside from helping actors present their attributes and preferences, integral communication promotes teamwork, sustainability, trust, organisational learning, and personalized communication with AI machines.After reading this book, readers will learn how to harness the power of integral networking and understand why anonymous feedback is a critical element for learning and development.

Net Zero is not enough. We have dithered so long about climate change that, by now, we would need to go to negative-emissions territory, well before 2050, to keep global warming under the iconic 1.5°C target. The national commitments made so far fall short of what is needed, and so do the investments envisioned. But even with the best of intentions, it is hard for policymakers and potential investors to discern where, in the profusion of initiatives and technologies, it would make sense to focus their attention and resources.This is where this book comes in. It offers a clear-eyed view of how far along the decarbonization path six key sectors of the economy are¿namely energy, utilities, transportation, industry, buildings, and agriculture¿and which areas and technologies within each sector are promising in terms of investments to advance the cause. Furthermore, a special chapter on Africa spotlights a continent that is simultaneously one of the worst affected by climate change, the most likely to see its greenhouse gas emissions increase¿and the one with the greatest potential for solving the West's, and the world¿s, energy transition and economic growth conundrum.As such, the book serves as a concise guide both to the state of the battle against global warming, and for investors, professionals, and policymakers to find their way through the maze of options.

By adopting a practical, market-oriented approach to capital allocation, this book sheds light on the complex issue of cash flow deployment and the creation of shareholder value. In order to run a company efficiently, it is not sufficient to simply be a competent businessperson. One must also possess the skills of a knowledgeable investor. The management must determine where to invest capital given the diverse range of investment options available, such as mergers and acquisitions (M&A), dividends, share repurchase programs, and organic growth opportunities.This book provides a useful analytical framework for corporate executives to consider when allocating capital, along with empirical findings from peer group studies and company case studies.The book helps answer the following questions:· What are the primary factors that drive your company's shareholder value? Are they aligned with the strategy the company is pursuing?· What are the key dynamics and trade-offs between return on investments (ROIC), growth, and earnings quality? · What are the current market expectations embedded in the stock price?· Given the capital allocation priorities, what does an ¿optimal¿ capital structure look like?· How do you set, and in turn communicate, the capital allocation and funding priorities? Written by an expert with more than 25 years of experience, this book helps business executives improve their skills as capital allocators by better understanding the financial markets.

This book describes all optical properties of wooden materials, including definitions and measurement methods of optical parameters such as absorbance, diffuse and specular reflectance, colour and gloss. Basic knowledge regarding the reflectance measurement in the ultraviolet, visible, near- and middle infrared radiation ranges is also discussed. It examines conducting correct optical measurements, as well as introduces the validity limits of the individual methods. Steaming as an environmental-friendly colour modification process is introduced by the description of the steaming properties of eight species. Steaming schedules for wood-working industry are suggested to create optimum colour modification. Natural and artificial aspects of photodegradation are monitored by studying the colour change and using infrared reflectance spectrum measurement. The effect of influencing parameters such as temperature, relative air humidity and leaching effect of rain is also discussed. Combined effects of heat and light on the optical properties of wood in all possible combinations are presented. The book helps wood researchers and Ph.D. students perform correct and repeatable optical measurements and evaluations in order to draw the right conclusions.

¿This open access book explores how legal proceedings in and out-of-court can be matched to the complex problems underlying disputes concerning child custody, residence and contact between parents. It focusses in particular on Nordic experiences of in and out-of-court mechanisms as means of resolving custody disputes. The contributors are internationally renowned and experienced researchers from the legal, psychological, and sociological fields who provide empirical as well as legal perspectives. They examine central legal, ethical and knowledge-based dilemmas in custody dispute proceedings. The findings speak to an international audience and suggest ways how to best realize the interests of the child. It transcends disciplinary, institutional, and jurisdictional boundaries in search of new knowledge.

This book provides a unique tour of university mathematics with the help of Python. Written in the spirit of mathematical exploration and investigation, the book enables students to utilise Python to enrich their understanding of mathematics through: Calculation: performing complex calculations and numerical simulations instantly Visualisation: demonstrating key theorems with graphs, interactive plots and animations Extension: using numerical findings as inspiration for making deeper, more general conjectures. This book is for all learners of mathematics, with the primary audience being mathematics undergraduates who are curious to see how Python can enhance their understanding of core university material. The topics chosen represent a mathematical overview of what students typically study in the first and second years at university, namely analysis, calculus, vector calculus and geometry, differential equations and dynamical systems, linear algebra, abstract algebra and number theory, probability and statistics. As such, it can also serve as a preview of university mathematics for high-school students. The prerequisites for reading the book are a familiarity with standard A-Level mathematics (or equivalent senior high-school curricula) and a willingness to learn programming.For mathematics lecturers and teachers, this book is a useful resource on how Python can be seamlessly incorporated into the mathematics syllabus, assuming only basic knowledge of programming.

This book charts the history of how Irish-born nuns became involved in education in the Anglophone world. It presents a heretofore undocumented study of how these women left Ireland to establish convent schools and colleges for women around the globe. It challenges the dominant narrative that suggests that Irish teaching Sisters, also commonly called nuns, were part of the colonial project, and shows how they developed their own powerful transnational networks. Though they played a role in the education of the ¿daughters of the Empire¿, they retained strong bonds with Ireland, reproducing their own Irish education in many parts of the Anglophone world.

This book discusses the impact of the process of accession to the European Union (EU) ¿ i.e. Europeanisation ¿ on the formulation of the ethnic identity of Bosnian Serbs and the political identity of Republika Srpska (RS) in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH). The centrepiece of the book is an examination of how it is possible that the expected effect of Europeanisation on ethnic identities in a post-conflict environment ¿ a transformation of ethnic identities through desecuritisation ¿ does not materialise in the case of BiH and the RS. The book starts from the assumption that the political elite in the RS uses Europeanisation as a context for the securitization of two sources of threats ¿ the internal and external Other. This prevents the transformation of ethnic identities in BiH, and as a result also the desecuritisation of antagonisms among the ethnic groups of BiH. The results show that any attempt at a more active engagement by the EU and international community was interpreted by the RS political elite as Bosniak agenda aimed against the RS. In this respect, the book demonstrates that BiH¿s EU accession process or a clearer EU perspective alone in scrutinized critical junctures did not outweigh the potential costs for the RS political elite if reforms aimed at creating a more functional BiH were to succeed. In all three analysed critical junctures, the political elite in RS presented motions for a more functional BiH as attempts to centralise the country and framed them as the beginning of the end for the RS as a political entity.

This easy-to-read title provides a comprehensive discussion of the major changes in daily life that have led to states of increased bodily inflammation.  Indeed, today there is an epidemic of allergic and autoimmune disease in the first and developing world. While outdoor climate change is now considered common knowledge, the impact of longer work hours, artificial lighting, increased food shelf life, and changes to the microbiome all have made a large impact in increasing allergies worldwide.  An allergy, best defined as a ¿damaging response from the Immune system due to a substance in the environment,¿ starts with warning signals, or generalized "symptoms," that are caused by something in the environment.  Itching, aches, pains, swelling, coughing, and fatigue are all immune responses.  Written in an engaging -- and often humorous -- style by an allergist/immunologist, the first three chapters outline how the human body is in an unquestionably harmful environment, and that, in general, the immune system is just doing its job.  In subsequent chapters, the specific topics contributing to allergies are covered in detail, starting with microorganisms and a focus on indoor living. Dust mites, for example, are addressed in one full chapter -- and for good reason.  The past few decades have seen an explosion of climate controlled, humidified indoor airspace that is ideally suited for more mass production of mites.In the end, emphasizes the author, all roads of inflammation from the environment lead to the ¿mast cell compartment.¿ The stress responses of the body summarily drive up this compartment and have led to a world-wide prevalence of between 14% to 17% of ¿mast cell activation syndrome.¿  While genetics and comorbid conditions are important in any symptom or disease process, the mast cell compartment feeds and grows off all the major environmental changes of the past 50 or so years. This is why the human body in the 21st century is in a low level state of ¿rejection,¿ of the world, says the author. Most of these changes are irreversible, but the situation is not hopeless. Understanding how the body changes itself in response to its environment will allow controlled desensitization to the environment.  Allergic to Life: How the Human Body Rejects the Modern World serves as a concise and lively text for clinicians and general readers interested in a deep, expert dive into the world of allergy and immunology.

This book develops a theoretical approach to social stratification and applies it to the development of the official system of state honours in Britain. It examines both class and status, and sets out an innovative framework for understanding social status ¿ an important but often ignored and misunderstood dimension of social stratification. It is shown that a system of peerages, knighthoods, and other state-based royal honours emerged from feudal patterns of political rule and became an unplanned framework of social integration in the UK that has, since the nineteenth century, decayed and been challenged by alternative criteria of status. The book explores the class basis of the rise and decay of royal honours and includes a review of contemporary attempts to reconstruct and renew a system of social honour that reflects contemporary relations of power and class in Britain. It will be of interest to scholars and students of class, social inequality and British social structure.

This book focuses on modes of cultural belonging in Québec. It looks at recent literary memoir, autobiographical fiction, and documentary testimony. Through four in-depth case studies of cultural creators, one Indigenous and three non-Indigenous, Dervila Cooke discusses multicultural and ethnically diverse society in Québec, examining current tensions, challenges, and opportunities. Works studied range from Abla Farhoud¿s first novel in 1998 to Anita Aloisiös 2022 documentary film Calliari, QC. Topics include the desire for freedom to self-ascribe and enact cultural identity, self-reinvention through fiction, expressions of Indigeneity in Naomi Fontaine, the term ¿Québécois¿, especially after Bill 21, and the thorny question of integration of immigrants, discussed in relation to Akos Verboczy¿s Rhapsodie québécoise. As with the companion volume on France, societal factors are discussed, here relating to the cultural renaissance of Indigenous writing, Farhoud¿s Libano-Québécois context, and language laws in Québec, including the foundational Bill 101 and the more recent Bill 96.

This book speaks to those interested in where and why Shakespeare¿s work is used to capture the transformative intentions of different areas of Applied Theatre practice (Prison, Disability, Therapy), representing a foundational study which considers subsequent histories and potential challenges when engaging with Shakespeare¿s work. This is grounded in a case study analysis of three salient British Theatre Companies: The Education Shakespeare Company (prison), the Blue Apple Theatre Company (Disability), and the Combat Veteran Players (therapy).

If you're a business leader looking to stay ahead of the curve, this book is an essential guide. It offers a comprehensive overview of the major trends shaping the future of business, drawing on reviews of 70 recent management books and interviews with 21 senior leaders.What sets this book apart is that it's grounded in the real-world experiences of active business leaders. From political affairs to family businesses and everything in between, each of the eight parts offers expert insights on the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. Whether you're seeking to adapt your strategy to the external environment, lead your organization towards fulfilling its mission, or simply stay ahead of the competition, this book has got you covered.

Binoculars are life enhancing instruments, uniquely capable of bringing the intricacies of nature into sharp focus. Whether it be birds, majestic lakes and seas, alpine vistas, wild animals or exploring the glories of the night sky, anyone interested in buying binoculars today will be faced with a bewildering number of different models to choose from! This book walks the reader through the fascinating world of binoculars, past and present, while exploring all of the main binocular types, their desirable features, how to test out and narrow down the choices a prospective customer should make, as well as looking at some of the best and most-sought-after binoculars money can buy. Uniquely experienced writer and binocular enthusiast, Dr Neil English, takes the pain out of narrowing down the search for your ideal binocular, whether your budget is $50 or $5,000. Dr English explores many of the timeless beauties of the binocular world, crafted by top European and Japanese manufacturers, such as Swarovski, Zeiss, Nikon, Leica and others. Sumptuously illustrated throughout with full color images, Choosing & Using Binoculars decodes all the technical jargon without sacrificing accuracy and presents the world¿s best compendium of binocular literature for the birder, hunter, inveterate traveler, nature enthusiast and star gazer. Don¿t leave home without it!

Disability Identity in Simulation Narratives considers the relationship between disability identity and simulation activities (ranging from traditional gameplay to more revolutionary technology) in contemporary science fiction. Anelise Haukaas applies posthumanist theory to an examination of disability identity in a variety of science fiction texts: adult novels, young adult literature and comics, as well as ethnographic research with gamers. Haukaas argues that instead of being a means of escapism, simulated experiences are a valuable tool for cultivating self-acceptance and promoting empathy. Through increasingly accessible technology and innovative gameplay, traditional hierarchies are dismantled, and different ways of being are both explored and validated. Ultimately, the book aims to expand our understandings of disability, performance, and self-creation in significant ways by exploring the boundless selves that the simulated environments in these texts allow.

This book delves into the significant and timely intersection of cultural heritage, neurodiversity, and smart museums, exploring how various immersive techniques can create more inclusive and engaging heritage experiences for neurodiverse audiences. By focusing on these three aspects, the book aims to contribute significantly to the fields of cultural heritage, neuro-inclusivity, and smart museums, offering practical solutions and examples for heritage professionals and researchers. The book highlights the importance of preserving and enhancing cultural heritage by incorporating immersive technologies and inclusive practices that cater to the needs of neurodiverse audiences. It emphasizes the need for museums and heritage sites to be more inclusive and accessible for neurodivergent individuals, showcasing best practices and innovative techniques to engage this audience effectively.

This book analyses Member States¿ and EU neighbours¿ national visions for the enlargement of the European Union (EU), highlighting 41 national histories, policies, and corresponding public perceptions of European integration. In a geopolitical context in which Russiäs war of aggression in Ukraine has renewed the impetus for EU enlargement, national views vary considerably on the timing, conditions, and reforms necessary to welcome Eastern neighbours and the Western Balkans countries into the European family. Moreover, EU enlargement policy is not only an investment in peace and stability; it has also become a political tool in response to the exploitation of interdependencies and illiberal pressures. This book presents concrete policy recommendations to national governments and the EU on how to move forward productively.

This book developed from the experience of the ISAMMS team (Institut Sud Aquitain de la Main et du Membre Supérieur), that has been treating hand and wrist pathologies for over 20 years.Hand and wrist require specific care from a multidisciplinary staff. The patient has to be treated efficiently from injury in order to be able to return to work and sports activities.This second volume covers the functional anatomy of the wrist, as well as the most up to date knowledge regarding the surgical and orthopaedic protocols for treating wrist pathologies.This publication is intended for physiotherapists and occupational therapists, surgeons and practitioners specialised in physical rehabilitation, as well as for the students in those fields.