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Australia in AUKUS: Rise of a Leviathan State
by Erik PaulThis book focuses on the making and implication of AUKUS for Australians in their relations with their own state and governance, the Asia-Pacific region and the rest of the world. AUKUS is an incipient military state and a highly dangerous development, moving rapidly to integrate society, the state and the economy in the US imperial project of warfare and global domination. It constitutes the crucible of a Leviathan state, militarising climate change. The study in this book is framed in a geopolitical analytical paradigm of revolutionary and counterrevolutionary movement and power energising together the existential threat of climate change to humans and capitalism, questioning the viability of the nation-state system, highlighting the predicament confronting Australians as a nation. The book’s analysis is presented in four chapters, broadly indicated in the contents page. The book’s architecture is framed in the political philosophy and intellectual legacy of Eric Hobsbawm, Rosa Luxemburg and George Orwell and their contribution to the understanding of the contradictions of the nation-state and imperialism, capitalism and socialism, in the emancipation of humanity from war.
Cracking the Machine Learning Code: Technicality or Innovation? (Studies in Computational Intelligence #1155)
by KC Santosh Rodrigue Rizk Siddhi K. BajracharyaEmploying off-the-shelf machine learning models is not an innovation. The journey through technicalities and innovation in the machine learning field is ongoing, and we hope this book serves as a compass, guiding the readers through the evolving landscape of artificial intelligence. It typically includes model selection, parameter tuning and optimization, use of pre-trained models and transfer learning, right use of limited data, model interpretability and explainability, feature engineering and autoML robustness and security, and computational cost – efficiency and scalability. Innovation in building machine learning models involves a continuous cycle of exploration, experimentation, and improvement, with a focus on pushing the boundaries of what is achievable while considering ethical implications and real-world applicability. The book is aimed at providing a clear guidance that one should not be limited to building pre-trained models to solve problems using the off-the-self basic building blocks. With primarily three different data types: numerical, textual, and image data, we offer practical applications such as predictive analysis for finance and housing, text mining from media/news, and abnormality screening for medical imaging informatics. To facilitate comprehension and reproducibility, authors offer GitHub source code encompassing fundamental components and advanced machine learning tools.
The Road to Outsourcing 4.0: Next-Generation Supply Chain
by Mohammadreza AkbariThis book provides valuable insights and guidance for firms looking to improve their operations in the face of disruption and uncertainty. It contributes to the body of knowledge in logistics and supply chain disciplines which will be useful to both industry practitioners and academics. With this, the book first emphasizes the road to outsourcing 4.0 by providing updated information and perspectives on these trends, given that outsourcing has evolved significantly over the years and new technologies, such as artificial intelligence (AI), cloud computing, Internet of Things (IoT), and machine learning are changing the way outsourcing is done. In addition, the book also explores new models such as third-party logistics (3PL) providers and crowdsourcing which have changed the landscape of outsourcing. Lastly, the book includes updated best practices for outsourcing, including how to choose outsourcing partners, manage outsourcing relationships, and minimize risks in the post-COVID-19 recovery period. Each chapter in the book goes through concepts, development histories, benefits, risks and challenges, and includes recent case studies
Flood Risk Management: Assessment and Strategy (Springer Natural Hazards)
by Brototi Biswas Bhagwan Balasaheb GhuteThis book examines the nature of flood in different landscapes and the various factors that contribute to flooding in different areas. It identifies flood risk zones in different terrain types and provides valuable insights into the anthropogenic, geographical, hydro-geological, and geomorphological aspects of flood-prone areas to achieve sustainable risk management. The book also explores the impact of avalanches, global warming, and flash floods in different settings where such types of flooding have become more common. In addition, the volume provides case studies to evaluate the impact of flooding in both natural and man-made environments. To better understand and manage floods, the book combines advanced geospatial tools and techniques with indigenous knowledge. Using machine learning and multiple-criteria decision analysis, the book provides an amalgamation of technology and indigenous knowledge to assess flood susceptibility. The book also includes strategies to manage flood risks and case studies that demonstrate best practices in flood risk management. The volume is a valuable resource for researchers, students, and policy makers to understand the causes of floods and their socio-economic impact in different areas.
Nanocomposite and Nanocrystalline Materials and Coatings: Microstructure, Properties and Applications (Advanced Structured Materials #214)
by Alexander D. Pogrebnjak Yang Bing Martin SahulThis book is a collection of reports (reviewed) selected from several sections of the IEEE Nanomaterials: Application and Properties-2023 conference. The book is devoted to the study of films, coatings, and materials obtained by various methods of preparation and deposition, for example, magnetron sputtering of targets, vacuum arc deposition , electron-plasma processing, sintering of composites, plasma jet deposition, and other methods for obtaining nanomaterials. The chapters and reports describe superhard coatings, spark, and plasma alloying of materials (metals, semiconductors, polymers, ceramics).
Distributionally Robust Optimization and its Applications in Power System Energy Storage Sizing
by Wei Wei Rui XieThis book introduces the mathematical foundations of distributionally robust optimization (DRO) for decision-making problems with ambiguous uncertainties and applies them to tackle the critical challenge of energy storage sizing in renewable-integrated power systems, providing readers with an efficient and reliable approach to analyze and design real-world energy systems with uncertainties. Covering a diverse range of topics, this book starts by exploring the necessity for energy storage in evolving power systems and examining the benefits of employing distributionally robust optimization. Subsequently, the cutting-edge mathematical theory of distributionally robust optimization is presented, including both the general theory and moment-based, KL-divergence, and Wasserstein-metric distributionally robust optimization theories. The techniques are then applied to various practical energy storage sizing scenarios, such as stand-alone microgrids, large-scale renewable power plants, bulk power grids, and multi-carrier energy networks. This book offers clear explanations and accessible guidance to bridge the gap between advanced optimization methods and industrial applications. Its interdisciplinary scope makes the book appealing to researchers, graduate students, and industry professionals working in electrical engineering and operations research, catering to both beginners and experts.
Fish Structural Proteins and its Derivatives: Functionality and Applications
by Maya Raman Dhanya Pulikkottil Rajan Abhilash Sasidharan S. SabuThis book brings out a comprehensive collection of information on the structural proteins of fish in both marine and fresh water system. The main focus of this book is to address all relevant aspects of structural proteins of fish and its commercial significance. Fish is a rich and cheap source of protein, and the collagen and myofibrillar proteins, play a key role in food and pharmaceutical industries. Marine-based collagen due to its unique properties have fewer risks of transmitting diseases. These have low molecular weight, are biocompatible, lack religious constraints, and involves cost-effective extraction process. Therefore, it finds wide biomedical applications. The details of its extraction, isolation and characterization, supported with photographs and flow-charts are provided. This book also discusses the different peptides and derivatives of proteins that may have beneficial health significance and other commercial importance. Further, the application of bioinformatics and artificial intelligence in understanding the protein structure in-silico are also discussed in detail. This book is of interest and useful to students, academician, researchers and industrialists/ entrepreneurs, and is a valuable source of reference to the relevant researchers/ students.
Communicating Climate Change in China: A Dynamic Discourse Approach
by Sidan WangThis book explores how China's media narrate climate policy and climate change. With the rapid growth of economy and carbon emissions, China has been seen as having a key role in addressingclimate change and receives substantial attention from the media. In theChinese coverage, climate change issues can be interpreted as various concernsand ideas involving the dimensions of the economy, energy and emissions, publicinvolvement, science and ecology, and responsibility. In this sense, a discourseapproach can be used to understand how the newspapers construct the climatechange discourse and discourse networks in the coverage. This study selectsthree different newspapers in China, namely People’sDaily, China Daily and Southern Weekend. This book will interest scholars of Chinese politics, environmentalists, and media studies scholars.
The War in Ukraine and International Law
by Dai Tamada Masahiko AsadaThe war in Ukraine is fast approaching its second anniversary since its commencement on 24 February 2022 as a blatant aggression by Russia. As we discuss in detail in this book, there are multiple international legal issues that arise and require addressing. What is more, the very international legal order is under threat, insofar as the fundamental international law obligations are not being complied with and the basic international rules are utterly ignored. This book discusses a number of international law issues arising from the war in Ukraine. It covers not only the traditional subjects of war, such as jus ad bellum, international criminal law, and the law of neutrality, but also the relatively new issues arising from the economic sanctions against Russia, including aspects of the WTO law and international investment law. This book provides the readers with opportunities to reconsider the various legal aspects of the war in Ukraine.
The Asian Family in Literature and Film: Changing Perceptions in a New Age-East Asia, Volume I (Asia-Pacific and Literature in English)
by Bernard Wilson Sharifah Aishah OsmanThis book offers a key analysis of the changing perceptions of family in East Asian societies and the dynamic metamorphosis of “traditional” family units through the twentieth century and into the new millennium. The book focuses on investigations of the Asian family as it is represented in literature, film, and other visual media emerging from within China, Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan, and on contestations of the power hegemonies and moral codes that underpin such representations, while also assessing Western and global influences on the Asian family. Individually and collectively, these essays examine traditions and transformations in the evolving conception of family itself and bring together a range of scholars from within and beyond the region to reflect upon the social and cultural mores represented in these texts, the issues that concern Asian families, and projections for future families in their own societies and in a globalized world. Through the written text and the lens of the camera, what directions has the understanding of family in an Asian context taken in the twenty-first century? How have the multiple platforms of media represented, encouraged, or resisted transitions during this time? Amid broader and mutating referential frameworks and cross-cultural influences, is the traditional concept of the “nuclear family” still relevant in the twenty-first century? This book lends further prominence to the diverse literary and cinematic production within East Asia and the eclectic range of media used to represent these ideas. It will be essential reading for scholars of literature, film studies, and Asian studies, and for those with an interest in the cultural and sociological implications of the changing definitions and parameters of the family unit.
Introduction to Analytical Mechanics
by Amitabha GhoshThis comprehensive, introductory textbook on Analytical Mechanics is designed for both seasoned researchers and budding students of Mechanics. This book meticulously outlines the whole route to analytical treatment of the 'science of motion'. Authored with years of teaching expertise, this book unravels new concepts beyond the traditional Newtonian framework, ensuring clarity for beginners. The book is tailored to focus primarily upon areas essential in a first-level course. Unveil innovative treatments helpful in taking the first-time reader through the labyrinthian path along which often analytical mechanics progresses. Ideal for a semester-long study at senior undergraduate and junior postgraduate levels, our text features ample solved examples to reinforce theoretical applications.
Innovation and Technologies for the Digital Transformation of Education: European and Latin American Perspectives (Lecture Notes in Educational Technology)
by Francisco José García-Peñalvo María Luisa Sein-Echaluce Ángel Fidalgo-BlancoThis book provides a critical overview of the current use of learning technologies for educational innovation and examines global trends in educational innovation. It also shares experiences in educational innovation with learning technologies in Europe and Latin America. Despite increasing concerns about the use of technology in education, this book discusses how these can be addressed by focusing on fundamental principles such as personalization, collaboration, engagement, accessibility, and professional development.
Metaverse for Industry 5.0 (SpringerBriefs in Applied Sciences and Technology)
by Nilanjan Dey Soumi MajumderThis book provides a detailed picture of the metaverse for industry 5.0. In the context of Industry 5.0, the concept of the metaverse aligns with the vision of Web 4.0, representing a digital ecosystem where individuals and organizations collaborate in a human-centric approach to create personalized value.This virtual universe connects multiple interconnected worlds, enabling real-time interactions between users and computer-generated environments. By integrating technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), mixed reality(MR) and the Internet of Things (IoT), the metaverse within Industry 5.0 aims to foster innovation and enhance productivity, efficiency, and overall well-being through tailored and value-driven solutions. This book explores the concept of the metaverse in the context of Industry 5.0, highlighting its definition, evolution, advantages, and disadvantages. It also discusses pillars of technological advancement, challenges, and opportunities, ethical issues including its integration into various sectors, i.e., healthcare, construction, manufacturing and others. The entry concludes with a proposal for a conceptual framework for integrating the human-centric metaverse.
Smart Transportation and Green Mobility Safety: Green Mobility (Lecture Notes in Electrical Engineering #1181)
by Wuhong Wang Lisheng Jin Haiqiu TanThis book gathers selected papers from the 13th International Conference on Green Intelligent Transportation Systems and Safety, held in Qinghuadao, China, on September 16-18, 2022. It presents cutting-edge studies on Green Intelligent Mobility Systems, with the guiding motto being to achieve "green, intelligent, and safe transportation systems". The book presented here helps promote the development of green mobility and intelligent transportation technologies to improve interconnectivity, resource sharing, flexibility, and efficiency. Given its scope, the book benefits researchers and engineers in the fields of Transportation Technology and Traffic Engineering, Automotive and Mechanical Engineering, Industrial and System Engineering, and Electrical Engineering alike. Readers will be able to learn about the advances in green intelligent transportation systems and safety.
Wearable and Wireless Systems for Healthcare I: Gait and Reflex Response Quantification (Smart Sensors, Measurement and Instrumentation #47)
by Timothy Mastroianni Robert LeMoyneThis book is the second edition of the one originally published in 2017. The original publication features the discovery of numerous novel applications for the use of smartphones and portable media devices for the quantification of gait, reflex response, and an assortment of other concepts that constitute first-in-the-world applications for these devices. Since the first edition, numerous evolutions involving the domain of wearable and wireless systems for healthcare have transpired warranting the publication of the second edition. This volume covers wearable and wireless systems for healthcare that are far more oriented to the unique requirements of the biomedical domain. The paradigm-shifting new wearables have been successfully applied to gait analysis, homebound therapy, and quantifiable exercise. Additionally, the confluence of wearable and wireless systems for healthcare with deep learning and neuromorphic applications for classification is addressed. The authors expect that these significant developments make this book valuable for all readers.
Unconstrained Optimization and Quantum Calculus (Uncertainty and Operations Research)
by Shashi Kant Mishra Bhagwat Ram Kin Keung Lai Predrag RajkovićThis book provides a better clue to apply quantum derivative instead of classical derivative in the modified optimization methods, compared with the competing books which employ a number of standard derivative optimization techniques to address large-scale, unconstrained optimization issues. Essential proofs and applications of the various techniques are given in simple manner without sacrificing accuracy. New concepts are illustrated with the help of examples. This book presents the theory and application of given optimization techniques in generalized and comprehensive manner. Methods such as steepest descent, conjugate gradient and BFGS are generalized and comparative analyses will show the efficiency of the techniques.
Intelligent Computing in Carcinogenic Disease Detection (Computational Intelligence Methods and Applications)
by Madhubanti Maitra Kaushik Das Sharma Subhajit KarThis book draws on a range of intelligent computing methodologies to effectively detect and classify various carcinogenic diseases. These methodologies, which have been developed on a sound foundation of gene-level, cell-level and tissue-level carcinogenic datasets, are discussed in Chapters 1 and 2. Chapters 3, 4 and 5 elaborate on several intelligent gene selection methodologies such as filter methodologies and wrapper methodologies. In addition, various gene selection philosophies for identifying relevant carcinogenic genes are described in detail. In turn, Chapters 6 and 7 tackle the issues of using cell-level and tissue-level datasets to effectively detect carcinogenic diseases. The performance of different intelligent feature selection techniques is evaluated on cell-level and tissue-level datasets to validate their effectiveness in the context of carcinogenic disease detection. In closing, the book presents illustrative case studies that demonstrate the value of intelligent computing strategies.
Methodological Aspects of Grey Systems Theory in Management Research (Series on Grey System)
by Rafaɫ MierzwiakThis book illustrates the application of grey systems theory to management science research, by developing selection procedures for grey analytical methods suitable for forecasting, decision-making, and analysing variable relationships. Highlights the similarity between grey system theory and other uncertainty modelling methods, introducing demarcation criteria between grey system theory, fuzzy logic, and statistical approaches. The book leverages the concept of a "grey space" to move beyond the intuitive understanding of grey, presenting a logical and mathematical model of the concept. Connects grey information with traditional management research paradigms and strategies, serving as a methodological guide to grey methods tailored for social sciences, especially management research. The aim is to facilitate management science readers' understanding of how grey systems theory can be applied in research, providing specific guidance on the use of grey methods in management studies and discussing their possibilities and limitations. This work provides methodological guidelines for conducting research in management science. The primary audience includes management science researchers and doctoral students dealing with empirical research where incomplete and sparse data are a critical factor, and scholars in the grey systems theory community. The book introduces new concepts from the axiomatisation of greyness, appealing to specialists interested in this area.
The Uncertain Future of Afghanistan: Terrorism, Reconstruction, and Great-Power Rivalry (Indo-Pacific Focus)
by Khalid Rahman Nian PengThis edited book aims to analyze the domestic politics and foreign relations of the country after the Taliban regained power in August 2021. It touched upon the key issues affecting the Taliban regime, such as peace talks, terrorism threats, BRI cooperation, and the policies of the great powers and neighboring countries toward the new regime in Afghanistan. It makes a significant contribution by incorporating various viewpoints from government officials, university scholars, and think tank experts from China, Japan, and South Asian states. The broad approach and extensive coverage of all relevant countries make this book a valuable resource for more than just a specific academic community. It appeals to a diverse readership, including academics, policymakers, journalists, and general readers. The main content of the book is divided into ten chapters, in which the first chapter briefly introduces the aims and scope of this book. The following 3 chapters look into the domestic politics in Afghanistan. These mainly include the Afghan peace negotiations, the challenge of the Taliban regime, and the security threats and regional response under the Taliban rule in Afghanistan. The next 6 chapters examine US's Afghan policy, China-Afghanistan relations, and Russia, India, Pakistan, Japan’s engagement with Afghanistan.
Evolving European Perceptions Amidst Asian Neighbours: New Zealand's Merging with the Orient (Palgrave Series in Asia and Pacific Studies)
by David HallThis book identifies the formation, development and changes in New Zealand perceptions of its Asian neighbours, the work of which is based mainly on New Zealand sources—newspaper reports, Government and Parliamentary papers and documents from New Zealand individuals and organisations. The target audience is those with interest in how European perceptions of Asia were formed in the 19th century and Asia's response to those perceptions and how a country with a strong European culture copes with the need to better integrate with Asian neighbours.
Web and Big Data: 7th International Joint Conference, APWeb-WAIM 2023, Wuhan, China, October 6–8, 2023, Proceedings, Part II (Lecture Notes in Computer Science #14332)
by Jianxin Li Geyong Min Xiangyu Song Ruyi Feng Yunliang ChenThe 4-volume set LNCS 14331, 14332, 14333, and 14334 constitutes the refereed proceedings of the 7th International Joint Conference, APWeb-WAIM 2023, which took place in Wuhan, China, in October 2023. The total of 138 papers included in the proceedings were carefully reviewed and selected from 434 submissions. They focus on innovative ideas, original research findings, case study results, and experienced insights in the areas of the World Wide Web and big data, covering Web technologies, database systems, information management, software engineering, knowledge graph, recommend system and big data.
Web and Big Data: 7th International Joint Conference, APWeb-WAIM 2023, Wuhan, China, October 6–8, 2023, Proceedings, Part III (Lecture Notes in Computer Science #14333)
by Jianxin Li Geyong Min Xiangyu Song Ruyi Feng Yunliang ChenThe 4-volume set LNCS 14331, 14332, 14333, and 14334 constitutes the refereed proceedings of the 7th International Joint Conference, APWeb-WAIM 2023, which took place in Wuhan, China, in October 2023. The total of 138 papers included in the proceedings were carefully reviewed and selected from 434 submissions. They focus on innovative ideas, original research findings, case study results, and experienced insights in the areas of the World Wide Web and big data, covering Web technologies, database systems, information management, software engineering, knowledge graph, recommend system and big data.
The Sustainable Development of Port Group: Evaluation and Management
by Bo LuThis book primarily focuses on the coordinated development of port groups and the environment. It extensively reviews relevant literature and draw on existing theoretical research achievements to analyze the mechanisms and influencing factors behind the formation of green, ecological, or energy-saving ports. It employs attribution decomposition analysis and LMDI decomposition methods to identify driving forces and factors for low-carbon ports. Furthermore, with the goal of minimizing the comprehensive cost of low-carbon port investment and considering constraints such as the upper limit of low-carbon investment in ports, the book utilizes tools such as stochastic processes and optimization decision theory to establish an optimization model for carbon emission reduction investment in low-carbon ports, aiming to find the best investment solution. Throughout the process, the book employs a combination of quantitative and qualitative analysis methods and provides corresponding recommendations and suggestions from an industry and port perspective through comparative analysis and case studies.
In Defence of Our Humanity: Real Life as a United Nations Ambassador in a Troubled World (Springer Biographies)
by Stephen HillThis book is based on Stephen Hill’s direct experience working in the United Nations for many years as consultant and over a decade as full time Member of Staff—based in Indonesia and part-time in Paris, serving as United Nations Regional Director for Science for Asia and the Pacific as well as Principal Director and Ambassador of the United Nations Agency UNESCO (the UN Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization) across South East Asia. It was not always a quiet life. Stephen had to handle the negotiations and aftermath of two of his own UN staff taken hostage in 1996 for five months by freedom fighters into the jungles of West Papua; the May 1998 Revolution in Indonesia where he had to escape his house at 2.00am through mobs and fires while his own security staff had changed into civilian clothes and run off down the street to escape, then evacuate everyone else, but stay to report to the UN Security Council and liaise with the incoming Transition Government. In the early 2000s, Stephen needed to escape Indonesia, under UN Security instruction, from the terrorist organisation, Abu Sayyaf from Mindanao, the Southern Philippines, when they sent a Hit Squad down through Manado and across Sulawesi towards Jakarta to assassinate him in Jakarta because of his collaborative work throughout Mindanao’s previous fundamentalist Islamic conflict zones, amongst other things, bringing literacy to 7,000 villagers, mainly women, building nine radio stations with community support across religious lines, and introducing basic education into Islamic Schools previously teaching only the Koran and Arabic. This book captures all of this rather exciting life but delivers a message from experience—the Power of Community and Cultural Empowerment in successful United Nations Action to bring positive change into the world.
Longitudinal Methods in Youth Research: Understanding Young Lives Across Time and Space (Perspectives on Children and Young People #15)
by Johanna Wyn Julia Cook Quentin MaireThis book addresses how longitudinal research approaches are used to understand young people’s lives. It elucidates how youth researchers use longitudinal approaches, and how longitudinal research can help us to both understand and shape the field of youth sociology. Chapters discuss the creation of knowledge about youth and how longitudinal research shapes the field of youth sociology and shed light on key tensions and emerging debates in longitudinal youth research ranging from research design to data collection, analysis, and use. It considers longitudinal studies using a broad range of methods, including qualitative, quantitative, mixed methods, retrospective methods, and creative and participatory methods. This collection offers insights from longitudinal youth scholars conducting research in Argentina, Lithuania, Australia, Estonia, Canada, the United States (US), the United Kingdom (UK), Finland and India. These researchers reflect on the future of longitudinal youth research, addressing emerging and prospective issues. This book provides a concise survey of key established and emerging areas of concern in longitudinal research and of the relationship between these areas and the field of youth studies more specifically.