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This book provides a unique approach to understand the Nuclear Physics, especially from the experimental end. The highlight of this book is that special care has been taken to provide more experimental information, considering real experimental data which has been published in several journals. Special experimental focus is given to methodologies involving: offline gamma counting and online particle detection. The book provides information about recent developments in accelerators, overview of the detectors and concise information of associated electronics, data acquisition systems and computers for data analysis.
This book highlights recent advances in the area of machine learning and robotics-based soft computing applications. The book covers various artificial intelligence, machine learning, and mechanics, a mix of mechanical computational engineering work. The current computing era has a huge market/potential for machine learning, robotics, and soft computing techniques and their applications. With this in view, the book shares latest research and cutting-edge applications useful for professionals and researchers in these areas.¿
This book sheds light on systems that learn extensively, with purpose and naturally interact with humans. Improving operations and increasing competitive differentiation among manufacturing organizations by harnessing the power of cognitive abilities, IoT can help build and influence the flow of information¿making the shop floor more cognitive through effective processing, analysis, and operational optimization. Now we are seeing the first-hand potential of cognitive computing¿its ability to transform businesses, governments, and society. The real potential of the cognitive age can be realized by combining data analysis and statistical reasoning of machines with uniquely human qualities, such as self-directed goals, common sense, and moral values, improving operations and increasing competitive differentiation among manufacturing organizations. By harnessing the power of cognitive abilities, IoT can help build and influence the flow of information¿making the shop floor more cognitive through effective processing, analysis, and operational optimization. Cognitive initiatives come in all shapes and sizes, from change to strategy and everything in between. What most successful projects have in common, no matter how ambitious, is they start with a clear view of what technology can do. Therefore, the first job of a cognitive scientists is to gain a firm understanding of cognitive abilities, as presented in this book.
The aim of this book is to explain this new technology and its advantages over previous imaging devices and to illustrate how it may be used in to define eye diseases, and in their treatment and facilitate treatment options. This atlas introduces the technical principles of SS-OCT imaging, OCTA stratification algorithm, and blood flow quantization. Through a collection of images and annotation of the microstructures of both the normal fundus and diseased eyes (for example, vitreous related disease, retinal diseased and choroidal disease) captured on SS-OCT to deepen the understanding of this new technology, as well as the interpretation of images. This atlas serves as a practical guide and is written for retinal specialist and clinicians with an interest in retinal diseases.
This self-contained textbook takes readers on a comprehensive journey through the intricate realm of physics in structurally disordered condensed materials. Tailored for advanced undergraduate and graduate students, this book unfolds the complexities step by step.In this updated 3rd edition, fundamental building blocks serve as the foundation for constructing structural models of disordered solids, delving into their geometry and symmetry. The scope of the book encompasses the phenomenology and various models of the glass transition, elucidating the characteristics of bulk metallic glasses. Structural analysis techniques for amorphous solids, the role of atomic clusters in structure evolution, quasicrystals, nanometer-sized disordered solids, cluster-assembled materials, and the synthesis and assembly of nanoparticles are explored. The text also navigates through the intricacies of transport and localization in heavily disordered materials, offering insights into controlled growth of thin films. Throughout, the narrative is enriched with references to recent and pertinent results, both experimental and theoretical, providing readers with a gateway to the latest and most dynamic research areas in the field.
The value of implementing nature-based solutions (NbS) for water treatment in urban environments is increasingly recognized due to the multiple ecosystem services and societal benefits they provide. The successful implementation of NbS for urban water treatment, however, depends on a range of diverse technical and societal factors that need to be taken into account. Those vary by the type of NbS implemented, the societal challenges the NbS are designed to address and the local ecological, socio-economic and political context, in which the solutions are implemented. This book provides a collection of guidelines for the implementation of three types of NbS for water treatment in urban environments across cities in South/Southeast Asia, namely constructed wetlands, green roofs and floating treatment wetlands. The guides were developed based on existing experiences with the establishment, operation, and maintenance of those three types of NbS in three different countriesin South/Southeast Asia and the lessons learnt from their implementation. They provide detailed outlines of suggested steps for ensuring successful implementation in the respective local contexts. Those include overall planning schemes, surveys for socio-economic evaluations, suggested methods for construction and associated costs, required maintenance as well as a range of operational monitoring parameters. It also includes examples of approaches for the scaling of the three types of NbS discussed in the book in their respective local contexts. This book is expected to benefit local government units and contractors, and other stakeholders involved in NbS implementation and up-scaling, as well as researchers and postgraduate students who plan to conduct pilot-scale studies on NbS.
This book deals with the use of the hodograph equation in phase transformations in condensed matter, especially, for crystallization and solidification processes. The main focus of the book is the interpretation of the phase-field equations for isotropic and anisotropic interfaces based on the advanced Gibbs-Thomson and Herring conditions, respectively. Beginning with the basic ideas behind the extended irreversible thermodynamics, the kinetic phase-field model for slow and arbitrarily fast phase transformations is derived where the unified hodograph equation follows from: - the sharp interface limit of the diffuse interface or- the traveling wave solution of the propagating phase field.Under the example of solute trapping and disorder trapping effects, comparing theoretical results with molecular dynamics simulations, and with the analysis of experimental data, the concrete workability of the developed hodograph equation is demonstrated for widest range of driving force in phase transformations.
This book provides for the first time an integrative analysis of the major drivers of decline and threats of insects and related arthropods in the Neotropical region. Thus, it is an urgent first step towards filling an information gap in this region. It identifies the main causes of decline, provides and discusses examples from the better-studied insect faunas to develop and advance principles and practical conservation management for the rich Neotropical insect faunas. The book is aimed at students, naturalists, environmental managers, and others who have training in entomology/insect ecology and can apply the results of surveys of key insect faunas to assess their vulnerability to environmental change and establish guidelines for their conservation.
Rapid transformation processes occur in the Majority World, where most of the global population is living (estimated around 3/4 of the global population), often deprived of access to infrastructure, services, exposed to hazards and degrading environmental conditions. The continuous urbanization in many African, Asian and Latin American cities is coupled with rapid socio-economic and demographic changes in urban, peri-urban, and rural areas. These changes often increase socio-economic fragmentation and existing disparities. According to the United Nations, of the 36 fastest growing cities (with an average annual growth rate of more than 6%), seven are located in Africa, while 28 are found in Asia. On top of the socio-economic transformations, the increasing impact of climate change is expected to increase local vulnerabilities. However, data to understand these transformation processes and relationships are either unavailable, scarce or come with high degrees of uncertainty. Earth Observation information and methods have a great potential to fill data gaps, but they are not exploited to their full potential. Most urban remote sensing studies in the Majority World focus on the primary cities, while not much is known about secondary cities, urbanizing zones or peri-urban areas. Attempting to measure and map environmental and socio-economic phenomena through remote sensing is fundamentally different from extracting bio-physical parameters. In general, studies done by researchers of the Minority World do not sufficiently understand the information needs and capacity demands of the Majority World, especially related to user requirements and ethical perspectives. In this book, we aim to provide an outlook on how Remote Sensing can provide tailored solutions to information needs in urban and urbanizing areas of the Majority World, e.g., in terms socio-economic, environmental and demographic transformation processes. We will provide methodological and application pathways insupport of local and national information needs as well as in support of sustainable development, and specifically, supporting the monitoring of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The book combines an overview of innovations in applications, methodologies and data use, showing the capacity of Earth Observation to fill global knowledge gaps.
The 20th International Conference on Systems Engineering Research (CSER 2023) pushes the boundaries of systems engineering research and responds to new challenges for systems engineering. CSER 2023 invited researchers and practitioners to submit their work in alignment with the thematic focus on a smart and sustainable world. CSER was founded in 2003 by Stevens Institute of Technology and the University of Southern California, and in 2023 the conference returned to the Stevens campus in Hoboken, New Jersey.
This volume presents geological, geographical, environmental, and agriculture related studies on rivers, focusing on basins of the three geomorphic divisions of India, i.e. peninsular India, Indo-Gangetic plain and extra-peninsular India. The book compiles data on both the small and large river systems of India, the large rivers include Jhelum, Ghaghara, Narmada, Son, Krishna and Godavari; and the small scale, rain-fed and groundwater-fed rivers such as Gomti have been studied. The chapters comprehensively provide assessments of geomorphological aspects, river sediment supply, clean water availability for human population, ground water recharge, flood management and irrigation. The information presented in this book will appeal to students, teachers, researchers and planners engaged in river development, management and conservation.
This open access book provides an overview of urban digital platforms such as Airbnb and Deliveroo, which, along with Amazon, Google, Facebook, and other IT companies, constitute by now the infrastructures for other businesses to operate on and for our social life to go on. These platforms serve as standards-based techno-economic systems that simultaneously capture cooperation through remote coordination and organize labor via algorithm management.Based on a three-years research project, this contributed book outlines a general theory of platform capitalism that conceives these platforms not only as technical devices, but as generative engines that operate at the interface of several aspects, such as digitalization of forms of social cooperation; algorithm-based management of labor and participation; and private and vertical appropriation of profits. These elements are somehow iconic of the capitalist evolution of the last decades, and they open up a reflection on new forms of "primitive accumulation" (in particular regarding data), on the mechanisms used to capture and extract social surplus value, and on the logistic-financial dimensions of capital. Finally, in light of the transformations associated with the COVID-19 pandemic, the authors examine how platforms can evolve into hegemonic organizational structures.Assuming we are all already living in the age of the platform, this book takes a multifaceted approach--combining sociology with urban studies, and political sciences with economics--to grasp the challenges our societies face in terms of ensuring fair economic growth, adequate social protections, and labor rights. It will appeal to anyone interested in digital platforms and how they are changing the organization of labor, urban spaces, and forms of governance.
This book provides the reader with topical applications of innovative tools for better solid and hazardous waste management. Separate sections have been compiled for both traditional and new solid waste categories with examples and case studies in all of them. Various physical, chemical and biological processes can be used for segregation and treatment of these wastes and some advanced methods are covered in this book. Advances in laboratory analytical methods, mathematical tools, remote sensing and GIS have been successfully applied to finding solutions to many problems in this field.
This atlas offers a comprehensive overview of osteotomies performed on the calvaria and midface for both syndromic and non-syndromic craniosynostosis.It presents a systematic approach, beginning with calvarial osteotomies. The author introduces a general type of osteotomy that can be applied for total vault remodeling in cases of total synostosis. These osteotomies can also be modified and used in single or combined synostoses. To shape the calvaria, the book describes the use of metal plates as a scaphold. These plates can be prebent on 3-D models and used to fix the segments after osteotomies. Following that, resorbable osteosynthesis is performed, and the metal plates are subsequently removed. This unique approach, combined with standardized osteotomies, ensures highly predictable results that are not currently described in textbooks. The book includes clinical examples for each type of synostosis and various combinations, including two-stage procedures and combinations with distraction techniques. These examples provide surgeons with a solid foundation for addressing different cases. In the chapter on midface osteotomies, the book explains the access and technique for performing the LeFort-III osteotomy using cadaver and clinical figures. It covers all types of LeFort-I to III osteotomies and their combinations through clinical cases. The book illustrates the osteotomies, osteosynthesis, distraction techniques, and combinations using clinical examples. Additionally, the book demonstrates the method of computer planning, the fabrication of osteotomy guides, and the use of preformed plates to define the position of the segments.The book's primary objective is to serve as a surgical guide that transcends the boundaries of medical specialties. Given that this type of surgery is often performed by different specialists across institutions and countries, the book aims to facilitate cooperation and provide a practical application tool for surgeons beyond offering a clinical overview.
This book examines contamination in groundwater. Groundwater is a lifeline for most countries of the world. 90% of the Indian population rely on groundwater-based drinking water as safe mode of water supply. The terminology contamination in groundwater along with adverse effect on habitats, suggests the impact of such contamination in not only for drinking water, but also for agricultural irrigation. In addition, polluted groundwater causes adverse health hazards including social aspects that affect wider communities. Impacts on plant life also are equally threatening. This book provides readers with an insight into groundwater contamination in India. The economic loss associated with this devastating phenomenon is also studied in detail, which has a direct bearing to the country's GDP.
This book presents an introduction to quantum mechanics that consistently uses the methods of operator theory, allowing readers to develop a physical understanding of quantum mechanical systems. The methods of operator theory are discussed throughout the book and presented with a mathematically rigorous approach. The author describes in detail how to use the methods of operator theory for analyzing quantum mechanical systems, starting with the definition of the involved physical operators (observables) up to the calculation of their spectra, spectral measures, and functional calculus. In addition, the book includes the construction of exponential functions of the involved Hamilton operators that solve the problem of time evolution.
This book is devoted to water treatment and it outlines the historical context and regulatory framework surrounding drinking water chlorination, addressing disinfection by-products (DBPs) formation, associated challenges and implications on water quality and human health. In this book, readers will find an overview of various disinfection processes and the latest strategies in DBPs detection and remediation. Divided into 14 chapters, the book begins by offering a background analysis of water disinfection and comparing different disinfection processes and management strategies to mitigate the formation of DBPs. Particular attention is given to both conventional and non-conventional methods used to treat potable water, comparing their effectiveness and potential risks. In subsequent chapters, expert contributors outline the route of exposure and mechanism of action of DBPs, and the toxicological impact of DBPs on human health, providing essential insights for effective risk management strategies. This book also showcases the latest advancements in chlorine applications for water quality control and explores innovative physicochemical and nanotechnology-based approaches to remove DBPs and minimize their formation. Readers will also find in this book a case study of the GIS-based trends analysis of THMs compounds in Indian drinking water supplies. Given its breadth, this book is a valuable resource for researchers, academics, professionals, and policymakers working in environmental sciences, public health and water management, and interested in safer and sustainable drinking water practices.
In this book Diogo, a renowned biologist and anthropologist, addresses a question that is critical for the understanding of science, beliefs, idolization, systemic racism and sexism, and our societies in general: why has Darwin been idolized in such a unique way, particularly by Western scholars? Diogo shows that many evolutionary 'facts' stated in Darwin's works, particularly about human evolution, are inaccurate constructions based on Victorian biases and stereotypes: non-Europeans are inferior, women have a lower intelligence than men, Victorian society was the pinnacle of evolution, and so on. Importantly, such inaccurate biased statements about our evolution are markedly in contrast with the mostly accurate, and often brilliant, ideas put forward by Darwin concerning non-human organisms. Importantly, it was precisely the combination of such brilliant ideas, the use of simplistic and sometimes exaggerated metaphors that were catchy and easily absorbed by the general public, and Darwin's intellectual conservatism and biased ideas about women and non-European peoples that led to Darwin's idolization, particularly by Western scientists, as well as to the darkest societal repercussions of his works. By portraying such biased ideas as "evolutionary facts", Darwin provided easy ammunition for populist political leaders, authoritarians, colonialists, and white supremacists to 'scientifically' defend social hierarchies, sexism, racism, discrimination, oppression, and segregation. A typical argument used to defend Darwin from portraying such erroneous sexist and racist ideas as "facts" is that 'back then' everybody was racist and sexist. Diogo deconstructs this argument by providing enthralling case studies and travel descriptions by authors such as Wallace and Humboldt, who often praised the indigenous peoples that repulsed - and criticized the social hierarchies and Western imperialism that marveled - Darwin. The aim of this book is therefore not to 'cancel' Darwin orargue that he was always wrong: not at all, in general he was an extraordinary biologist, but was a much less successful anthropologist due in great part to his Victorian biases. Instead, the book discusses Darwin's writings, ideas, and their repercussions in a broader way, without taboos, omissions, idolization or demonization in order to show Darwin, and science in general, in all their complexity. This is because, if we fail to acknowledge and emphasize the biases, prejudices, inaccuracies, and abuses of our past, and merely continue to blindly idealize it, our kids will be condemned to undertake or suffer similar societal abuses in the future.
The postgraduate seminar series on advanced structured materials is designed to facilitate teaching and informal discussion in a supportive and friendly environment. The seminar provides a forum for postgraduate students to present their research results and train their presentation and discussion skills. Furthermore, it allows for extensive discussion of current research being conducted in the wider area of advanced structured materials. Doing so, it builds a wider postgraduate community and offers networking opportunities for early career researchers. In addition to focused lectures, the seminar provides specialized teaching/overview lectures from experienced senior academics. The 2023 Postgraduate Seminar entitled "Advanced Structured Materials: Development - Manufacturing - Characterization - Applications" was held from 20th till 24th February 2023 in Barcelona. The presented postgraduate lectures had a strong focus on polymer mechanics, composite materials, and additive manufacturing.
Unbeknownst to many, our modern language contains countless words that were inspired by human observations of the cosmos. We now use words like "zenith", "Monday", "disaster", "dog days", "starfish", "lunatic", flu, and so many others, without a second thought for their celestial roots. Famous French astrophysicist Daniel Kunth invites you on a linguistic and scientific journey through space and time to explore these forgotten origins. You will be astonished to rediscover cosmic language hidden in plain sight through this wonderful collection of historical and cultural stories, famous idioms and delightful puns, along with the real science behind each one. Elena Terlevich is a well known professional astronomer working at INAOE in Mexico, an honorary Professor at La Plata University in Argentina and a regular visitor at the Institute of Astronomy in Cambridge (UK). Requiring no prior knowledge in astronomy or linguistics, this book's universal contentsinvite the reader to ponder how our observations of the night sky have shaped our modern tongue and customs.
This book is a quick and focused review of musculoskeletal imaging essentials. The authors have spent many years teaching medical students, residents, and fellows, and have adapted a survival manual approach to optimize retention. They know that there are common and universal blind spots and gaps in recognition. With this book, the reader will learn where to look and what to look for. The authors highlight obvious and subtle findings that the reader will learn to recognize and understand, with a focus on the nuances that are essential to making accurate and pertinent interpretations.This book provides clear and concise instruction in identifying and communicating key and critical imaging findings. Chapters cover common conditions found in a busy emergency setting, as well as the more sedate settings of outpatient imaging, where potential pitfalls lurk. Abundant images reinforce the teaching points. Simple text cuts to the core of what is needed. Self-assessment modules and checklists reinforce learning and expose areas of weakness for further study.This is an ideal guide for radiology residents of all years and working radiologists who may need a refresher on one or more of the many facets of musculoskeletal imaging.
This book offers a comprehensive overview of the origins, occurrences, and remediation strategies for organic micropollutants in the environment. Divided into five parts, the book starts with a perspective on the sources and prevalence of organic micropollutants in our world, including aquatic ecosystems and urban soils, followed by an examination of the effects of these contaminants on health, agriculture, and the environment. In the third and fourth parts of the book, readers will learn more about the analysis and detection of organic micropollutants, and treatment and remediation strategies, respectively. The book closes with an overview of policies and regulatory measures, and critiques the fate of organic micropollutants in the aquatic environment. In this book, particular attention is given to topics such as: the intricate relationship between micropollutants, the environment, and human healthsustainable management, treatment methodsand remediation for micropollutants in wastewater, urban water systems, freshwaters, urban soils, and agricultureecotoxicity analysis and innovative bioremediation approachesReaders will also find a valuable discussion of the current contamination status of aquatic ecosystems by pharmaceutical and personal care micropollutants, the latest methodologies for analysing organic micropollutants, and a case study on the biodegradation pathways of hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH). Given its breadth, this book is a useful resource for scientists, researchers, policymakers, and anyone concerned about the ecological and human health impacts of organic micropollutants.
The second volume in the series presents ground-breaking advances of Viktor Frankl's logotherapy and existential analysis, with emphasis on the discovery of meaning as central to coping, resilience, and growth. Noted contributors from around the world present empirical and case study evidence for the importance of meaning in diverse populations and settings, as well as theoretical and philosophical perspectives on Frankl's body of thought. The book opens with a historical perspective of the development of logotherapy and personal experiences of those close to Frankl. A section on the amelioration of suffering provides insights into moral injury and finding meaning in blows of fate (unavoidable suffering, death, the injustice of poverty, and international conflict). Powerful case studies address Frankl's tragic triad (guilt, suffering, death): facing the end of life, PTSD, childhood sexual abuse/neglect, and suicide prevention. Empirical studies address the search for purpose in life, qualities of meaning among the gifted, and service motivation in college students. Meaning-centered approaches are applied to working with youth and adults in schools and the workplace. Philosophical applications of logotherapy connect Frankl's theory with Buddhist thought and a flaw in the nature vs. nurture theory; the dimensional ontology is expanded into four dimensions. Book reviews evaluate topics of interest to logotherapists. Topics include: Case studies using logotherapy in diverse settings Meaning-centered programs and interventions in the workplace Innovative approaches to finding meaning with at-risk children and young adults Applications of logotherapy in military and childhood PTSD Cross-disciplinary collaboration of logotherapy with rational-emotive therapy, cognitive behavior therapy, positive psychology and Theravāda Buddhism Philosophical applications and extensions of logotheory Empirical studies on processes and measures of logotherapy Volume II of Logotherapy and Existential Analysis is intended for caregivers, practitioners, researchers, and students in the fields of logotherapy, mental health, education, workplace management, industrial psychology, and laypeople interested in finding meaning.
This book is the first volume of the proceedings of the 15th International Green Energy Conference (IGEC) held in Glasgow, UK from 10-13 July 2023. This meeting is the latest in a multi-disciplinary international conference series on the use of energy with no or reduced environmental, social, and economic impacts. The conference provided a platform for sharing new technical information, disseminating high-quality research results, presenting the latest developments in energy and environment, and debating the shaping of future directions and priorities for sustainable development and energy security.This conference proceedings is of particular value and interest to researchers, scientists, engineers, and practitioners from relevant fields of energy and environment, from policy-making and technical development to management and marketing.
This book presents a comprehensive treatise on the extraction of semiconductor diode parameters using various methods. Its focus is on metal-semiconductor, metal-insulator-semiconductor, and p-n junction diodes, covering a wide range of metals and semiconductors, including elemental, compound, organic, and nanostructured materials. By bringing together these methods in one place, this book provides a much-needed standardized point of reference for the field.The methods used for device characterization have spread widely but not yet critically compared and contrasted. This book aims to bridge this gap by offering a comparative review of the methods and providing the most accurate information on current developments. The result is a valuable resource for researchers and practitioners who seek to optimize their use of semiconductor diodes in their work. With its thorough coverage and critical analysis, this book fills a large void in the field of semiconductor device characterization. It is an essential reference for anyone interested in the extraction of semiconductor diode parameters using a variety of methods.
This book presents further developments and applications in the area of completely regular semigroup theory, beginning with applications of Polák's theorem to obtain detailed descriptions of various kernel classes including the K-class covers of the kernel class of all bands. The important property of modularity of the lattice of varieties of completely regular semigroups is then employed to analyse various principal sublattices. This is followed by a study of certain important complete congruences on the lattice; the group, local and core relations. The next chapter is devoted to a further treatment of certain free objects and related word problems. There are many constructions in the theory of semigroups. Those that have played an important role in the theory of varieties of completely regular semigroups are presented as they apply in this context. The mapping that takes each variety to its intersection with the variety of bands is a complete retraction of the lattice of varieties of completely regular semigroups onto the lattice of band varieties and so induces a complete congruence for which every class has a greatest member. The sublattice generated by these greatest members is then investigated with the help of many applications of Polák's theorem. The book closes with a fascinating conjecture regarding the structure of this sublattice.
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