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This volume sheds light on urban resilience strategies in times of climate emergency and social and economic crisis by reflecting on related social vulnerabilities and inequalities within cities and showing the potential of participatory governance approaches for socio-environmental transformation. The book compiles critical research documenting the articulation of urban resilience strategies dealing with climatic changes, as well as the understanding of the unexpected implications of top-down resilience plans to address the impacts of climate change in cities, especially on the most vulnerable urban populations, and the transformative capacities of bottom-up and socially innovative resilience strategies. The book especially focuses on co-produced and grassroots transformative processes that are concerned with social equity in urban planning for climate change.  Although several publications cover the topic of urban resilience, this book provides a more nuanced exploration of urban climate governance and citizen engagement in urban climate resilience policies through the lenses of political ecology, environmental justice and co-production. In this regard, the volume moves beyond the approach of multilevel urban climate governance by critically addressing the unexpected impacts of top-down strategies of urban resilience with the goal of expanding the reflection on citizen engagement. The book also explores the emerging possibilities behind the co-production of urban resilience as well as the critical role of grassroots and citizens in promoting such alternative strategies. While the primary target audience is scholars from different disciplines (e.g. geography, urban studies, planning, political ecology, architecture, urban sociology, environmental studies) focusing on urban resilience, the editors also aim to reach urban resilience practitioners from local, national and international organisations as well as environmental grassroots and climate activists.

This highly accessible textbook teaches programming from first principles. In common with many programming courses, it uses Python as the introductory programming language before going on to use Java as the vehicle for more advanced programming concepts.The first part, which teaches Python, covers fundamental programming concepts, such as data types and control structures and functions. It introduces more complex data types such as lists and dictionaries and also deals with file handling. It introduces object-oriented concepts and ends with a case study bringing together all the topics of the first semester.  The second part uses Java to teach advanced concepts and centres around object-oriented programming, teaching key object-oriented concepts such as inheritance and polymorphism.  The semester again ends with an advanced case study bringing together all the topics of the second semester.Topics and features: Assumes no prior knowledge, and makes the transition from Python to Java a smooth process Features numerous exercises and also an illustrative case study for each language Examines procedural and object-oriented methodologies, as well as design principles Covers such advanced topics as interfaces and lambda expressions, exceptions and Collections Includes a chapter on graphics programming in Python using Tkinter  Introduces the latest Java technology for graphical interfaces, JavaFX Explains design concepts using UML notation Offering a gentle introduction to the field and assuming no prerequisite background, Programming in Two Semesters is the ideal companion to undergraduate modules in software development or programming.  In addition, it will serve as a strong primer for professionals looking to strengthen their knowledge of programming with these languages.

Crop plants growing under field conditions are constantly exposed to various abiotic and biotic stress factors leading to decreased yield and quality of produce. In order to achieve sustainable development in agriculture and to increase agricultural production for feeding an increasing global population, it is necessary to use ecologically compatible and environmentally friendly strategies to decrease the adverse effects of stresses on the plant. Selenium is one of the critical elements from the biological contexts because it is essential for human health; however, it becomes toxic at high concentrations. It has been widely reported that selenium can promote plant growth and alleviate various stresses as well as increase the quantity and quality of the yield of many plant species. Nonetheless, at high concentrations, selenium causes phytotoxicity. In the last decade, nanotechnology has emerged as a prominent tool for enhancing agricultural productivity. The production and applications of nanoparticles (NPs) have greatly increased in many industries, such as energy production, healthcare, agriculture, and environmental protection. The application of NPs has attracted interest for their potential to alleviate abiotic and biotic stresses in a more rapid, cost-effective, and more sustainable way than conventional treatment technologies. Recently, research related to selenium-NPs-mediated abiotic stresses and nutritional improvements in plants has received considerable interest by the scientific community. While significant progress was made in selenium biochemistry in relation to stress tolerance, an in-depth understanding of the molecular mechanisms associated with the selenium- and nano-selenium-mediated stress tolerance and bio-fortification in plants is still lacking. Gaining a better knowledge of the regulatory and molecular mechanisms that control selenium uptake, assimilation, and tolerance in plants is therefore vital and necessary to develop modern crop varieties that are more resilient to environmental stress. This book provides a comprehensive overview of the latest understanding of the physiological, biochemical, and molecular basis of selenium- and nano-selenium-mediated environmental stress tolerance and crop quality improvements in plants. It helps researchers to develop strategies to enhance crop productivity under stressful conditions and to better utilize natural resources to ensure future food security and to reduce environmental contamination. Finally, this book is a valuable resource for promoting future research into plant stress tolerance, and  a reference book for researchers working on developing plants tolerant to abiotic and biotic stressors as well as bio-fortification and phytoremediation.

The heavily revised second edition of this essential textbook describes how to utilize a range of surgical techniques applicable to pediatrics. Chapters contain flowcharts to facilitate rapid assessment and decision-making. In addition, learning objectives and review questions are contained within each chapter to reinforce the key points covered. Topics covered include routinely encountered adolescent problems and neoplasms in children.Pediatric Surgery: Diagnosis and Treatment concisely describes how to apply a range of diagnostic and treatment techniques that are applicable to the pediatric patient in a variety of surgical scenarios for a range of diseases. Furthermore, it is an ideal resource for trainees and active practitioners taking board examinations.

This comprehensive book addresses the acute emergencies in neuromuscular disease from a novel perspective, focusing on clinical management and treatment of these disorders rather than the more traditional neuropathology, neurogenetics, and neurophysiology approaches. The book fills the gap in guidelines by providing an evidence-based guidance for the clinical adult or pediatric neurologist confronted by an acutely ill patient in a potentially life-threatening situation. The book is structured according to pathophysiological principles, but each chapter is strictly organised around case vignettes that emphasize clinical relevance allowing the non-specialist to access complex scientific backgrounds. The electronic supplementary material and multimedia are provided as an integral tool to facilitate accessibility and understanding of a notoriously difficult field of neurology. Finally, the role of patients, who are increasingly involved in many management decisions, is highlighted in a chapter on ethical issues discussing withholding or withdrawing life-sustaining therapy, patient end-of-life values, wishes and preferences, and on advanced directives. The publication is aimed equally at the non-specialist neurologist in frontline clinical practice confronted by a rare disorder needing immediate management decisions, at the clinical specialist referring for guidance in specific management aspects, and at the specialist researcher keen to maintain clinic relevance.

Here we present a nearly complete treatment of the Grand Universe of linear and weakly nonlinear regression models within the first 8 chapters. Our point of view is both an algebraic view as well as a stochastic one. For example, there is an equivalent lemma between a best, linear uniformly unbiased estimation (BLUUE) in a Gauss-Markov model and a least squares solution (LESS) in a system of linear equations. While BLUUE is a stochastic regression model, LESS is an algebraic solution. In the first six chapters we concentrate on underdetermined and overdeterimined linear systems as well as systems with a datum defect. We review estimators/algebraic solutions of type MINOLESS, BLIMBE, BLUMBE, BLUUE, BIQUE, BLE, BIQUE and Total Least Squares. The highlight is the simultaneous determination of the first moment and the second central moment of a probability distribution in an inhomogeneous multilinear estimation by the so called E-D correspondence as well as its Bayes design. In addition, we discuss continuous networks versus discrete networks, use of Grassmann-Pluecker coordinates, criterion matrices of type Taylor-Karman as well as FUZZY sets. Chapter seven is a speciality in the treatment of an overdetermined system of nonlinear equations on curved manifolds. The von Mises-Fisher distribution is characteristic for circular or (hyper) spherical data. Our last chapter eight is devoted to probabilistic regression, the special Gauss-Markov model with random effects leading to estimators of type BLIP and VIP including Bayesian estimation. The fifth problem of algebraic regression, the system of conditional equations of homogeneous and inhomogeneous type, is formulated. An analogue is the inhomogeneous general linear Gauss-Markov model with fixed and random effects, also called mixed model. Collocation is an example. Another speciality is our sixth problem of probabilistic regression, the model "e;errors-in-variable"e;, also called Total Least Squares, namely SIMEX and SYMEX developed by Carroll-Cook-Stefanski-Polzehl-Zwanzig. Another speciality is the treatment of the three-dimensional datum transformation and its relation to the Procrustes Algorithm. The sixth problem of generalized algebraic regression is the system of conditional equations with unknowns, also called Gauss-Helmert model. A new method of an algebraic solution technique, the concept of Groebner Basis and Multipolynomial Resultant is finally presented, illustrating polynomial nonlinear equations. A great part of the work is presented in four Appendices. Appendix A is a treatment, of tensor algebra, namely linear algebra, matrix algebra and multilinear algebra. Appendix B is devoted to sampling distributions and their use in terms of confidence intervals and confidence regions. Appendix C reviews the elementary notions of statistics, namely random events and stochastic processes. Appendix D introduces the basics of Groebner basis algebra, its careful definition, the Buchberger Algorithm, especially the C. F. Gauss combinatorial algorithm Throughout we give numerous examples and present various test computations. Our reference list includes more than 3000 references, books and papers. This book is a source of knowledge and inspiration not only for geodesists and mathematicians, but also for engineers in general, as well as natural scientists and economists. Inference on effects which result in observations via linear and nonlinear functions is a general task in science. The authors provide a comprehensive in-depth treatise on the analysis and solution of such problems. I wish all readers of this brilliant encyclopaedic book this pleasure and much benefit. Prof. Dr. Harro WalkInstitute of Stochastics and Applications, Universitat Stuttgart, Germany.

This book takes a people-centred approach to the ever-fluid and rapidly-transforming professional world of public relations (PR) in the age of digital platforms. As everyday PR work becomes increasingly shaped by the platform economy, this is transforming how the PR profession talks about itself, its issues and concerns. Drawing on different textual genres and discursive strategies, the author examines the shifting boundaries between PR and adjacent fields such as advertising, marketing and journalism - and illuminates varied lifeworlds of PR professionals from different backgrounds, races and genders. Written for academics, practitioners and those interested in the world of public relations, the book will also be enjoyed by young professionals working in this interesting and fast-changing occupation.

This book showcases how innovative state policy in Korea transformed Seoul from one of the world's most impoverished, polluted, and congested cities into a  global leader in green urban planning, smart city innovations, and social economy initiatives that have dramatically improved the local quality of life. Today, Seoul's urban planning innovations are increasingly touted as replicable best practices for export to cities across the globe.This book describes how innovative state policy has made Seoul a world leader in sustainable, smart, and solidary urban initiatives. Beginning in the 1960s, Seoul led the fastest urbanization and modernization project in world history, becoming a colossal 26-million-person metropolitan region and one of the largest footprints of humanity on earth, transforming the nation from one of the world's poorest to having the 10th largest GDP in 2020.Today, Seoul has become one of the most productive and innovative urban agglomerations on earth. Seoul's residents enjoy the world's highest penetration of high-speed internet, a model mass transit system, and advanced smart-city technologies. The vast city has become increasingly green and sustainable, while also recycling about 90% of all waste. Seoul has become a leader in social economy innovations like cooperative villages, mutual benefit societies, and social investment funds that advance equitable development goals amid a booming capitalist economy. To broaden our imagination of what good urbanism can achieve, this book reviews Seoul's recent innovations in smart, sustainable, and solidary urbanism, including: green urban planning, sustainable development through recycling and reuse, well-managed mass transit, smart city design, and solidarity economy initiatives.

Snow leopard (Panthera uncia) is an endangered species, and its population size is steadily declining. The main threats to the snow leopard include illegal trade, conflict with locals (human-snow leopard conflict), lack of conservation, awareness and policy, and climate change. To avoid its extinction, we badly need a good knowledge of its ecology, distribution and population dynamics, including interactions with its prey, which will take into account various scenarios of changes in climate and human impact on snow leopard. This book aims to put together a considerable amount of unpublished data collected by the co-author of most of the chapters, Bikram Shrestha, which might be useful for other researchers working on snow leopard. In addition, researchers might find it useful to have a key for determining the diet of snow leopard based on remnants of its food in its scats. Last, but not least, based on the difficulty we experienced trying to compare and combine different sets of results, we propose a general methodology for collecting data. Thus, this book is not an all-encompassing compendium, but an attempt to fill some gaps in the literature and to show, how to publish new data on snow leopard in a useful and workable way. The first part, describing the main features of snow leopard and its main prey ecology, is followed by a comprehensive review of data available on its abundance and threats to its survival. The third, most extensive part-the substance of the book-presents new data from 15 years of intensive camera trapping combined with scat sampling. These data are analyzed by means of advances GIS and genetic techniques, which yields a large amount of conservation implications.The purpose of this book is to provide a tool for both environmental managers and researchers to find quickly what is known about this species for conservation planning and for an effective protection of snow leopard. However, enthusiasts interested in wild cats may welcome the book, too.

This book examines the need for greater legal coherence within international trade negotiations between the European Union (EU) and external trade relations. An introspective analysis of EU trade law and policy is presented that highlights the complex issue of EU unity. A particular focus is given to the Doha Round and the General Agreement on Trade in Services, with empirical analysis placing the negotiations not just within the context of international trade law, but also within broader social and political contexts.This book aims to provide an interdisciplinary understanding of the EU's international trade negotiations. It will be relevant to researchers and policy-makers interested in international trade and EU law.

This book discusses plant invasions and environmental impacts on the Himalayas through a novel procedure, and helps to understand the influences of climate, physiography, soil, and disturbance on plant richness in mountain systems. Assessing invasion risks to mountain space under future climate change scenarios is highly significant for appropriate preparedness, and this book details analytical and modeling techniques to assess the conditions of mountain ecosystem and ecology to better inform our preparation for future environmental challenges. The book presents the state-of-the-art understanding of the species-environment relationships in a global biodiversity hotspot, relatively unexplored areas for the Himalayan life-form richness. The book provides not only the academic but also the professional community and policymakers a review and update on modeling applications for determining interactions of the plant species with the environment of a subtropical mountain ecosystem across a climatic gradient. Currently, there is no book in the market addressing the implementation and applications of modeling in the Himalayan plant and environment continuum, and most of the existing books cover the species richness pattern along the elevation gradient and basic ethnobotanical features of a mountain system. Since the book covers the applications of novel methods and modeling for ecological analysis of mountain ecosystems, it will also be significant for the professional market. Therefore, the book aims to fill the gap between scientists and professionals in the use of modeling strategies to monitor biodiversity in mountain systems for the formulation of conservation, adaptation, and mitigation principles.

This book explores how robotics and artificial intelligence (AI) can enhance human lives but also have unsettling "e;dark sides."e;  It examines expanding forms of negativity and anxiety about robots, AI, and autonomous vehicles as our human environments are reengineered for intelligent military and security systems and for optimal workplace and domestic operations. It focuses on the impacts of initiatives to make robot interactions more humanlike and less creepy (as with domestic and sex robots).  It analyzes the emerging resistances against these entities in the wake of omnipresent AI applications (such as "e;killer robots"e; and ubiquitous surveillance). It unpacks efforts by developers to have ethical and social influences on robotics and AI, and confronts the AI hype that is designed to shield the entities from criticism. The book draws from science fiction, dramaturgical, ethical, and legal literatures as well as current research agendas of corporations. Engineers, implementers, and researchers have often encountered users' fears and aggressive actions against intelligent entities, especially in the wake of deaths of humans by robots and autonomous vehicles. The book is an invaluable resource for developers and researchers in the field, as well as curious readers who want to play proactive roles in shaping future technologies.  

Groundwater is the world's largest source of fresh water, but its safe and sustainable exploitation remains a challenge. Egypt's Nile Valley aquifer is the most important renewable aquifer, accounting for approximately 85% of total groundwater use in Egypt. Egypt's long-term development and socioeconomic growth in the Nile Valley depends on this groundwater. Concerns about groundwater assessment, quality, management, and sustainability frame the current status of Nile Valley groundwater supplies. Proper knowledge of the current state of the groundwater quantity and quality in the Nile Valley is vital for the development and management of groundwater resources in Egypt. Due to Egypt's water scarcity, the projected decline in Nile River flow due to climate change, and the development of numerous Nile River basin projects, the situation is critical, and the consequences might be severe. Furthermore, Egypt's growing population puts significant strain on groundwater, which is the second most significant freshwater supply next to the surface water supply coming from the Nile River as Egypt's share. Several books on the various aspects of Egypt's water resources have been published, but there is insufficient recent information on groundwater in the Nile Valley aquifer, which is essential for Egyptian populations for domestic and irrigation purposes. As a result, this book on the groundwater in the Nile Valley aquifer emerges to complete the picture of Egypt's water resources as a good example of arid country located in MENA regions with many arid countries. Consequently, the lessons learned from this book could be beneficial to other countries in MENA regions, particularly those in North Africa.

This handbook in two volumes offers a heretofore unavailable compilation of detailed information on foraminifera of the Caspian-Black Sea-Mediterranean Corridors ("e;CORRIDORS"e;), including their taxonomy, ecology, and applications in the study of Quaternary stratigraphy, paleogeographic reconstruction, and environmental stress. This subject is significant in light of the ongoing debates regarding the Flood Hypotheses because foraminifera can provide more information about many of the disputed questions. Foraminifera are highly reliable paleoenvironmental indicators, ubiquitous in marine environments, and taxonomically diverse, which gives them the potential for a wide range of biological responses to varied environmental factors. Their tests are readily preserved and can record evidence of environmental change through time, thus providing historical baseline data even in the absence of background studies. This book presents taxonomic descriptions for about 500 species and subspecies from the Black Sea, Sea of Azov, Caspian Sea, Aral Sea, Sea of Marmara, and the Eastern Mediterranean. This catalogue is supplemented by ecological remarks, stratigraphic distributions, paleogeography, and environmental/paleoenvironmental applications, including responses to environmental stress, e.g., river discharge, pollution by different contaminants, etc. The book will be useful to specialists in Quaternary history of the "e;CORRIDORS"e; as well as those in environmental monitoring and risk assessment. This handbook offers detailed taxonomic descriptions of foraminifera from the Black Sea, Caspian Sea, Sea of Azov, Aral Sea (in Volume 1) and Eastern Mediterranean and Sea of Marmara (in Volume 2). 

The book covers alternative lending using the emergence of Debt Funds in the EU as a case study. The book explores the risks that they can pose to financial stability, and the regulatory and supervisory tools available to mitigate these risks. Through this analysis, the book uncovers the risks and potential risk mitigation tools that can be applied to the alternative lenders-including debt funds and other potential alternative lenders. After identifying the reasons behind the growth of alternative lenders (using as example the assets of Alternative Investment Funds (AIFs) and in particular debt funds) and the simultaneous decrease of the banks' assets, the book analyses the systemic importance of the alternative lenders and the risk channels through which the systemic risk can spread to the banking sector and the financial system. Then, the book deals with the financial innovation-market failure theory and demonstrates that financial innovations (e.g. debt funds, securitisations) can cause market failures, resulting in regulatory interventions. Of interest to banking and financial regulation academics, researchers, and practitioners this book analyses the regulatory provisions in place for both credit institutions and debt funds, including the Basel Accords, the Capital Requirements Directives and Regulations, and the Alternative Investment Fund Managers Directive (AIFMD) and its implementation in various EU jurisdictions, before offering a proposal for a new three-defensive framework applicable to debt funds and to other potential alternative lenders.

This book covers synthesis, characterization, and applications of diverse types of nanomaterials. Specifically, it describes carbon, graphene, and graphene oxide-based nanomaterials and their use for environmental remediation; rare-earth ions-activated nanophosphors and their application; lanthanide-based oxides as advanced nanostructured materials for organic decontamination; and advanced functional nanomaterials for pollutant sensing and water remediation. The chapters explore the use of nanomaterials in solid-phase extraction technique, design of colorimetric sensor based on gold nanoparticles, optical sources and waveguides based on flexible 1D nanomaterials, synthesis and property characterization of 2D materials with applications, and the scale effects on the value of the surface energy of a solid. The developments of some nanomaterials such as zinc and nickel sulfides as photocatalysts and electrocatalysts, effects of reducing size and incorporation of nanoadditives, advanced carbon nanomaterials such as carbon nanotubes, carbon nanofibers, and graphene and its derivations as adsorbents, and carbon spheres and carbon soot for tribological applications are also presented in this book. In addition, nanomaterials for concrete coating applications and advances in the processing of high-entropy alloys by means of mechanical alloying are also covered. Subsequently, the use of nanomaterials in endodontics and the use of nanotechnology strategies to enhance restorative resin-based dental nanomaterials are reported.

The book discusses the study and implementation of controlling in the modern enterprise from the perspective of Industry 4.0, which helps ensure the efficient and effective use of organizational resources in order to achieve planned goals. The aim of this book is to provide the most comprehensive and effective exchange of information on current developments in Enterprise Controlling. The authors describe lean/agile approaches that enterprises can use to reach the highest level of competitiveness in a global environment and help establish channels of communication and disseminate knowledge among professionals working in manufacturing and related institutions. The authors aim to help facilitate corporate coordination and help with its planning without deviating from standards. The publication is dedicated to all who want to learn in the field of controlling from researchers and academics to students.

Historically, communication was described as a secondary, or 'soft skill' for surgeons. Now, astute communication, both with patients and with colleagues, forms a fundamental element of holistic surgical practice and comprises a core component of the 'Non-Technical Skills for Surgeons' that are increasingly recognised in modern surgical practice.Good communication is required during each patient interaction: history taking, explanation, consent, breaking bad news, and managing difficult encounters such as the demanding or angry patient. Good communication with patients improves patient trust, compliance and overall satisfaction, reduces complaints and malpractice claims.High quality communication is also fundamental when interacting with colleagues: in theatre, on the ward, whilst making referrals and organising special tests. In the busy schedules of medical professionals, such communication must be succinct and relevant. Team structures must empower all members to speak up, so as to prevent harm being done. Suboptimal communication is a root cause for the majority of serious adverse events. Furthermore, good communication reduces job stress and enhances satisfaction for the surgeon.Good communication is not an inborn behaviour; it is a learned skill that is based on key principles. Studies have clearly demonstrated that education in communication improves patient outcomes and satisfaction. Several frameworks have been described, to facilitate good communication in certain scenarios: SPIKES for breaking bad news, SBAR for handover, surgical briefs and de-briefs, to name a few. This textbook will be aimed towards medical students, surgical trainees and surgical consultants internationally. It is relevant to every-day practice, examinations and OSCEs, such as medical finals, MRCS, FRCS and international equivalents, and interviews where role play is often featured.

Complex variable theory is attractive for engineers as it offers elegant approaches for certain types of differential equations in engineering including heat transfer, solid mechanics, and fluid mechanics. However, a gap exists between books written by mathematicians and books written by engineers in their specific fields. Naturally, mathematicians tend to emphasize rigorousness and consistency while less emphasizing applications. On the other hand, books written by engineers often jump directly to the specific topics assuming that the readers already have sufficient background of complex variables and the pathway from theory to the application is not clearly elucidated. This book closes the gap in the literature. providing a smooth transition from basic theory to the application is accomplished. Although it is not possible to cover all the topics in engineering exhaustively, the readers can at least find the logic of how and why complex variables are effective for some of the engineering problems. Another motivation for writing this book is to demonstrate that the readers can take advantage of a computer algebra system, Mathematica, to facilitate tedious algebra and visualize complex functions so that they can focus on principles instead of spending endless hours on algebra by hand. Unlike numerical tools such as MATLAB and FORTRAN, Mathematica can expand, differentiate, and integrate complex-valued functions symbolically. Mathematica can be used as a stand-alone symbolic calculator or a programming tool using the Wolfram Language. If Mathematica is not available locally, Wolfram Cloud Basic can be used online as a free service to execute Mathematica statements.

When a customer, employee, or investor is faced with a choice of companies amidst a sea of competitors, they increasingly consider how responsible that organization is. Customers want to buy ethical and sustainable; employees want to feel a sense of purpose at work, and investors need reassurance that their investments are good for the long term. To be competitive and valuable to society, firms need to develop an organizational conscience that drives key strategic decisions and spurs sustainable and responsible innovation. In this book, the authors argue that organizations need to think critically about their role and to use their conscience to guide actions. With plenty of concrete suggestions based on substantive research, it shows how firms can reconcile the competing interests of stakeholders, create an organization that is fair, open and transparent and do the right thing while building a profitable business.With integrated videos and international case studies featuring multinational companies as well as small firms, this book explains how firms can make the transition to becoming conscientious.

This book provides a detailed, self-contained description of automatic indexing of crystal diffraction patterns, considering both ab initio indexing and indexing of patterns originating from known structures. Introductory chapters equip the reader with the necessary basic knowledge of geometric crystallography, as well as kinematic and dynamic theories of crystal diffraction. Subsequent chapters delve and describe ab initio indexing of single crystal diffraction patterns and indexing of patterns for orientation determination. The book also reviews methods of indexing powder diffraction and electron spot-type patterns, as well the subject of multigrain indexing. Later chapters are devoted to diffraction by helical structures and quasicrystals, as well as some aspects of lattice parameter refinement and strain determination.The book is intended equally for materials scientists curious about 'nuts and bolts' of diffraction pattern indexing and orientation mapping systems, as well as interdisciplinary researchers from physics, chemistry, and biology involved in crystallographic computing. It provides a rigorous, yet accessible, treatment of the subject matter for graduate students interested in understanding the functioning of diffraction pattern indexing engines.

This book provides a principled data-driven framework that progressively constructs, enriches, and applies taxonomies without leveraging massive human annotated data. Traditionally, people construct domain-specific taxonomies by extensive manual curations, which is time-consuming and costly. In today's information era, people are inundated with the vast amounts of text data. Despite their usefulness, people haven't yet exploited the full power of taxonomies due to the heavy curation needed for creating and maintaining them. To bridge this gap, the authors discuss automated taxonomy discovery and exploration, with an emphasis on label-efficient machine learning methods and their real-world usages. Taxonomy organizes entities and concepts in a hierarchy way. It is ubiquitous in our daily life, ranging from product taxonomies used by online retailers, topic taxonomies deployed by news outlets and social media, as well as scientific taxonomies deployed by digital libraries across various domains. When properly analyzed, these taxonomies can play a vital role for science, engineering, business intelligence, policy design, e-commerce, and more. Intuitive examples are used throughout enabling readers to grasp concepts more easily.

The Freshwaters of Patagonia adopts a socioecological approach, in which experts from across Patagonia review recent, scientifically rigorous literature and data of their own, thus synthesizing the current knowledge directly relevant to understand the present state and future trends of icefields, freshwater and wetland ecosystems in this region.The book's organization into three parts provides a studied and comprehensive view on the patterns and processes of the various ecosystems in Patagonia, and describes the sociological aspects of freshwater ecosystems, as well as characterizes the conservation of the freshwater and wetland ecosystems, in Patagonia. The chapters offer a broad, state-of-the-art overview of the current status of glaciers, freshwater and wetland ecosystems of this region, as well as studies of both local and large scale biodiversity patterns, and study cases of extreme and naturally polluted environments.The volume concludes with the current status of Patagonian freshwaters, and discusses the scientific, legal and administrative tools aimed at their sustainable management within the framework of the UNEP Sustainable Development Goals 2030 Agenda. A broad audience of students, scientists, engineers, environmental managers, and policy makers will be interested in this volume.

Swarm Intelligence (SI) has grown significantly, both from the perspective of algorithmic development and applications covering almost all disciplines science and technology. This book emphasizes the studies of existing SI techniques, their variants and applications. The book also contains reviews of new developments in SI techniques and hybridizations. Algorithm specific studies covering basic introduction and analysis of key components of these algorithms, such as convergence, balance of solution accuracy, computational costs, tuning and control of parameters. Application specific studies incorporating the ways of designing objective functions, solution representation and constraint handling. The book also includes studies on application domain specific adaptations in the SI techniques. The book will be beneficial for academicians and researchers from various disciplines of engineering and science working in applications of SI and other optimization problems. 

This book is an attempt to address this wide topic with a multi-disciplinary approach. Nowadays, robotics is developing at a much faster pace than ever in the past, both inside and outside industrial environments. While other publications focus on describing the theoretical basis of robot motion, this book pays special attention to explain the fundamentals through real applications. Thus, it represents a perfect combination for studying this topic along with other theoretical books. Each chapter has been authored by experts in specific areas spanning from the mechanics of machinery to control theory, informatics, mechatronics. Chapters have been divided into two sections. The first one is aiming to give a theoretical background. The second section is focused on applications. This book project can be foreseen as a reference for young professionals/researchers to overview the most significant aspects in robotics.

This volume is intended to provide a comprehensive understanding of recent innovations related to the study of agricultural and environmental management for sustainable development. The book clearly identifies why the fight to achieve sustainable development in agricultural production must be fought along a broad multidisciplinary front to overcome issues such as soil erosion, poor water quality, pesticide contamination, and food insecurity. Readers are given a broad exposition of the trends and current practices of basic principles on sustainable agriculture, along with a detailed understanding of the use of sustainable agriculture to develop environmentally sustainable food production systems. The chapters describe the ecological sustainability of agricultural systems, current innovations to improve efficiency in the use of resources for sustainable agriculture, and the proposal for technological options and new areas of research in this very significant field of agriculture. The authors aim to provide readers with a good subject understanding which will assist in the identification of agricultural development, environmental risk, sustainable resource management and design of appropriate responses. This book will be very helpful for students, researchers and practitioners interested in the fields of agriculture, environment and sustainable development.