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Large Language Models: Bridging Theory and Practice
by Uday Kamath Kevin Keenan Garrett Somers Sarah SorensonLarge Language Models (LLMs) have emerged as a cornerstone technology, transforming how we interact with information and redefining the boundaries of artificial intelligence. LLMs offer an unprecedented ability to understand, generate, and interact with human language in an intuitive and insightful manner, leading to transformative applications across domains like content creation, chatbots, search engines, and research tools. While fascinating, the complex workings of LLMs—their intricate architecture, underlying algorithms, and ethical considerations—require thorough exploration, creating a need for a comprehensive book on this subject. This book provides an authoritative exploration of the design, training, evolution, and application of LLMs. It begins with an overview of pre-trained language models and Transformer architectures, laying the groundwork for understanding prompt-based learning techniques. Next, it dives into methods for fine-tuning LLMs, integrating reinforcement learning for value alignment, and the convergence of LLMs with computer vision, robotics, and speech processing. The book strongly emphasizes practical applications, detailing real-world use cases such as conversational chatbots, retrieval-augmented generation (RAG), and code generation. These examples are carefully chosen to illustrate the diverse and impactful ways LLMs are being applied in various industries and scenarios. Readers will gain insights into operationalizing and deploying LLMs, from implementing modern tools and libraries to addressing challenges like bias and ethical implications. The book also introduces the cutting-edge realm of multimodal LLMs that can process audio, images, video, and robotic inputs. With hands-on tutorials for applying LLMs to natural language tasks, this thorough guide equips readers with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills for leveraging the full potential of large language models. This comprehensive resource is appropriate for a wide audience: students, researchers and academics in AI or NLP, practicing data scientists, and anyone looking to grasp the essence and intricacies of LLMs. Key Features: Over 100 techniques and state-of-the-art methods, including pre-training, prompt-based tuning, instruction tuning, parameter-efficient and compute-efficient fine-tuning, end-user prompt engineering, and building and optimizing Retrieval-Augmented Generation systems, along with strategies for aligning LLMs with human values using reinforcement learning Over 200 datasets compiled in one place, covering everything from pre- training to multimodal tuning, providing a robust foundation for diverse LLM applications Over 50 strategies to address key ethical issues such as hallucination, toxicity, bias, fairness, and privacy. Gain comprehensive methods for measuring, evaluating, and mitigating these challenges to ensure responsible LLM deployment Over 200 benchmarks covering LLM performance across various tasks, ethical considerations, multimodal applications, and more than 50 evaluation metrics for the LLM lifecycle Nine detailed tutorials that guide readers through pre-training, fine- tuning, alignment tuning, bias mitigation, multimodal training, and deploying large language models using tools and libraries compatible with Google Colab, ensuring practical application of theoretical concepts Over 100 practical tips for data scientists and practitioners, offering implementation details, tricks, and tools to successfully navigate the LLM life- cycle and accomplish tasks efficiently
Smart Electromechanical Systems: Mathematical and Software Engineering (Studies in Systems, Decision and Control #544)
by Irina Leonidovna Tarasova Boris Alexandrovich KulikIntelligent electromechanical systems (SEMS) are used in cyber-physical systems that have the ability to integrate computing, transmission and storage of information, monitoring and management of objects of the physical world. Modern intelligent robots are created based on CMS modules. A distinctive feature of SEMS is the presence of a central nervous system (CNS) similar to a human one. The Central Nervous System ensures that decisions about appropriate behavior are made in accordance with the goals of SEMS based on rational knowledge about the environment in which it operates, and in accordance with its own technical and mental state. For the Central nervous system, the extraction and processing of this external information by the central nervous system is an integral part of the process of forming their situational control systems. Moreover, in order for SEMS to act expediently in a changing and unfamiliar environment and without human participation, it is necessary to endow them with properties similar to the mental properties of animals, since emotions and temperament are among the main assessments of the behavior of highly organized organisms. Therefore, it is quite natural to take into account the influence of emotions on decision-making in conditions of incomplete information about the environment, especially when SEMS interacts with a person to perform complex technological operations.. Despite the existing technical difficulties, a significant number of mathematical and software tools have accumulated to date, providing the CNS SEMS with the ability to take into account the psyche when interacting with a person. Limitations of sensory capabilities and computing power should be attributed to the limited cognitive abilities of artificial intelligence. These features of the central nervous system of modern SEMS must be taken into account when creating mathematical and software tools for SEMS information and measurement systems, for the formation of databasesand knowledge, for recognition and classification, decision-making and the formation of control actions.
Medical Billing & Coding For Dummies
by Karen SmileyThe essential guide for medical billing professionals, updated for ICD-11 standards Medical Billing & Coding For Dummies will set you up for success in getting started as a medical biller and coder. To ensure data accuracy and efficient data processing, medical offices need professionally trained coders to handle records. This book provides prospective allied health professionals with everything they need to know to get started in medical billing and coding as a career. In addition to an introduction to the basics of medical coding, you'll get information on how to find a training course, meet certification requirements, and deal with government agencies and insurance companies. Learn about the standard practices in the medical billing industry and get up to speed on the ethical and legal issues you're likely to face on the job. This accessible guide is a great entry point—and a great refresher—for anyone interested in the medical billing and coding profession. Get a primer on your career options in the field of medical billing Learn coding practices for telehealth, viral outbreaks, and other emerging issues Update your knowledge of the changes between ICD-10 and ICD-11 coding systems Find training programs and explore your options for certification This Dummies guide is an accessible entry point for prospective professionals looking get a jump on their new career, and current professionals intent on staying up-to-date in this flexible and growing field.
Digital Wellbeing: Empowering Connection with Wonder and Imagination in the Age of AI
by Caitlin Krause“Digital Wellbeing masterfully explores the intersection of technology and human potential. This book is a must-read for those who want to leverage the power of AI to unlock their creativity and imagination and ultimately invent new means of expression that will go way beyond human language, art, and science of today.” —Ray Kurzweil, inventor, futurist, and author of New York Times bestseller The Singularity Is Nearer Elevate your digital wellbeing by embracing wonder, creativity, and technology Digital Wellbeing is a transformative guide that offers leaders, business professionals, educators, and lifelong learners a path to thrive in the digital age. Krause provides innovative strategies to enhance mindfulness, creativity, and wellbeing in a world enriched by technology. This book empowers readers to leverage digital tools to create meaningful, positive connections and improve their overall quality of life. Discover how to integrate principles of wonder, awe, creativity, and imagination with cutting-edge technology to achieve a balanced and fulfilling digital experience. Learn about frameworks for digital wellbeing and how to apply them effectively. Gain insights on using technology to enhance connection and a sense of belonging. Explore the impact of spatial computing, immersive imagination, virtual reality, and AI on wellbeing. Understand social media's impact on societal expectations and personal interactions. Access actionable strategies for leaders, educators, and individuals to excel digitally. Learn how tech usage can be more intentional and less reactionary. Engage with reflection questions and exercises to deepen understanding and application. Combining the structure of a how-to guide with the depth of a reflective workbook, this book offers practical advice and engaging exercises, all delivered in Krause's distinctive voice. Explore the transformative potential of Digital Wellbeing and learn how to excel in a digitally connected world with wonder and imagination. Begin your journey towards a balanced, enriching digital life today.
Online Social Networks in Business Frameworks
by Romil Rawat Sudhir Kumar Rathi Bright Keswani Rakesh Kumar Saxena Sumit Kumar Kapoor Sangita GuptaThis book presents a vital method for companies to connect with potential clients andconsumers in the digital era of Online Social Networks (OSNs), utilizing the strengthof well-known social networks and AI to achieve success through fostering brandsupporters, generating leads, and enhancing customer interactions. There are currently 4.8 billion Online Social Network (OSN) users worldwide. Online Social Networks in Business Frameworks presents marketing through online social networks (OSNs), which is a potent method for companies of all sizes to connect with potential clients and consumers. If visitors are not on OSN sites like Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn, they are missing out on the fact that people discover, learn about, follow, and purchase from companies on OSNs. Excellent OSN advertising may help a company achieve amazing success by fostering committed brand supporters and even generating leads and revenue. A type of digital advertising known as social media marketing (SMM) makes use of the strength of well-known social networks to further advertise and establish branding objectives. Nevertheless, it goes beyond simply setting up company accounts and tweeting whenever visitors feel like it. Preserving and improving profiles means posting content that represents the company and draws in the right audience, such as images, videos, articles, and live videos, addressing comments, shares, and likes while keeping an eye on the reputation to create a brand network, and following and interacting with followers, clients, and influencers.
Digital Wellbeing: Empowering Connection with Wonder and Imagination in the Age of AI
by Caitlin Krause“Digital Wellbeing masterfully explores the intersection of technology and human potential. This book is a must-read for those who want to leverage the power of AI to unlock their creativity and imagination and ultimately invent new means of expression that will go way beyond human language, art, and science of today.” —Ray Kurzweil, inventor, futurist, and author of New York Times bestseller The Singularity Is Nearer Elevate your digital wellbeing by embracing wonder, creativity, and technology Digital Wellbeing is a transformative guide that offers leaders, business professionals, educators, and lifelong learners a path to thrive in the digital age. Krause provides innovative strategies to enhance mindfulness, creativity, and wellbeing in a world enriched by technology. This book empowers readers to leverage digital tools to create meaningful, positive connections and improve their overall quality of life. Discover how to integrate principles of wonder, awe, creativity, and imagination with cutting-edge technology to achieve a balanced and fulfilling digital experience. Learn about frameworks for digital wellbeing and how to apply them effectively. Gain insights on using technology to enhance connection and a sense of belonging. Explore the impact of spatial computing, immersive imagination, virtual reality, and AI on wellbeing. Understand social media's impact on societal expectations and personal interactions. Access actionable strategies for leaders, educators, and individuals to excel digitally. Learn how tech usage can be more intentional and less reactionary. Engage with reflection questions and exercises to deepen understanding and application. Combining the structure of a how-to guide with the depth of a reflective workbook, this book offers practical advice and engaging exercises, all delivered in Krause's distinctive voice. Explore the transformative potential of Digital Wellbeing and learn how to excel in a digitally connected world with wonder and imagination. Begin your journey towards a balanced, enriching digital life today.
Synergy of Bio-Chemical Processes for Photocatalytic and Photoelectrochemical Wastewater Treatment
by Elvis Fosso-Kankeu Soumya Pandit Sadanand PandeyThe concept of photoelectrochemistry applied to microbial fuel cells could be the future of sustainable wastewater treatment and for hydrogen recovery as a valuable energy source. With the increase of recalcitrant organic pollutants in industrial wastewater, the need for a sustainable bio-electrochemical process has become pressing in order to ensure that treatment processes are coupled with some beneficiation advantages. Microbial fuel cells combine wastewater treatment and biological power generation. However, the resistance of these organic pollutants to biological degradation requires further adjustment of the system to improve sustainability through maximization of energy production. Solar energy conversion using photocatalysis has drawn huge attention for its potential to provide renewable and sustainable energy. Furthermore, it might be the solution to serious environmental and energy-related problems. It has been widely understood for several years that the top global issues today are concerned with securing a clean supply of water and ensuring a reasonable price for clean energy. Researchers are studying advanced materials and processes to produce clean, renewable hydrogen fuel through photocatalytic and photoelectrocatalytic water splitting, as well as to reduce carbon dioxide from the air into fuels through photocatalysis. Limited progress is occurring in these areas. The purpose of this book is to comprehensively cover the evolvement in the conceptualization and application of photocatalytic fuel cells, as well as make a critical assessment of the contribution in the field of sustainable wastewater treatment and renewable energy production. This book contains nine specialized chapters that provide comprehensive coverage of the design of photocatalytic fuel cells and their applications, including environmental remediation, chemical synthesis, green energy generation, model simulation for scaling up processes and implementation, and most importantly maximization of hydrogen evolution, recovery, and applications. Audience A wide audience of academics, industrial researchers, and graduate students working in heterogeneous photocatalysis, fuel cells, sustainable chemistry, nanotechnology, chemical engineering, environmental protection, and surfaces and interfaces, will find this book useful. The book is also important for professionals, namely environmental managers, water treatment plants managers and operators, water authorities, government regulatory bodies officers, and environmentalists.
EMDR For Dummies
by Megan SalarThe Breakthrough Therapy for Overcoming Anxiety, Stress, and Trauma EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is now recognized as one of the most effective treatment modalities for trauma, PTSD, anxiety, depression, addiction, and beyond. EMDR For Dummies is a user-friendly guide for patients who need an introduction to what this type of therapy can do for them—hint: it can help a lot. You’ll learn about the symptoms that EMDR can treat, and you’ll have a chance to assess yourself to determine whether it might be a good fit for you. Explore the different types of EMDR interventions, what to expect during and after treatment, and the phases of therapy. Most of all, find out why everyone’s talking about EMDR. Learn what EMDR is, why it’s effective, and what issues it can treat Gain a step-by-step understanding of the process and types of EMDR therapy Move your personal healing journey forward by overcoming past negative experiences Work through the most difficult challenges that patients and clinicians face during EMDR therapyThis easy-to-follow Dummies guide is a great resource for patients and loved ones looking for information on EMDR, as well as mental and behavioral health professionals seeking a guide to using EMDR.
Trailblazers, Heroes, and Crooks: Stories to Make You a Smarter Investor
by Stephen R. FoersterDevelop a sound investment philosophy based on lessons from history Trailblazers, Heroes, and Crooks: Stories to Make You a Smarter Investor is a highly entertaining and insightful look into key stories from history, teaching lessons about sound principles of investing, and controlling emotions and bias when managing your investment portfolio to help you become a stronger, more intelligent investor. Written by author and finance professor Stephen R. Foerster, this book spans from before the Middle Ages to the 2020s. Some of the stories in this book include: Cristiano Ronaldo taking two bottles of Coke off a table at a press conference, and ostensibly causing Coca-Cola's stock value to plunge $4 billion Harry Markopolos trying to develop a strategy similar to Bernie Madoff's, realizing his strategy was bogus, and spending a decade proving his case A hostage crisis in twelfth century Venice involving trumped-up charges, conflict, deceit, a plague, and an angry mob, leading to the birth of government bonds A salad oil swindle almost destroying American Express, prompting Warren Buffett to make one of the best stock investments ever For both experienced and novice investors, Trailblazers, Heroes, and Crooks: Stories to Make You a Smarter is a fun, accessible, and informative guide that through history shows, not tells, you how to develop an investment philosophy of guiding principles, and become a better investor.
Essentials of Behavioral and Social Science Statistics
by Laurence G. Grimm K. Paul Nesselroade Jr.Comprehensive resource on applying statistical analyses to behavioral and social science research situations, with new examples, methods, and support for computing in Excel and SPSS The Third Edition of Essentials of Behavioral and Social Science Statistics prompts the student to develop a deep understanding of the psychometric principles involved in the research process, as well as a mastery of the particular functionality of the most common statistical tools and an ability to properly select and use them in the real world; this goal is achieved thanks to the organization of the text, the philosophical content interspersed within it, the depth of the exercises and work problems, and the supporting materials provided for the instructor and student. The Third Edition has been thoroughly edited and streamlined to allow for students to move efficiently through the conceptual and mathematical fundamentals and on to the payoff formulas and descriptions of applications. New content includes philosophical issues associated with psychometrics and inferential statistical testing, interpretation, measurement, and the replication crisis in the social sciences. End-of-chapter exercises and work problems have been strengthened and reorganized to further improve comprehension and performance. Section reviews that draw on concepts from all preceding chapters are included to help students develop skills of statistical tool selection and application. Support for instructors includes chapter-based learning objectives, test banks, and PowerPoints. Essentials of Behavioral and Social Science Statistics includes information on: Basic concepts in research covering the scientific method, types of variables, controlling extraneous variables, validity issues, and causality and correlationDescriptive statistics including scales of measurement, measures of central tendency and variability, transformations, and standardized scoresThe fundamentals of inferential statistics, including probability theory, sampling distributions, the central limit theorem, and the terminology of hypothesis testingThe logic and application of basic inferential tests including single-sample tests, independent-and dependent-samples t tests, and the basics of power analysisThe logic and application of three common ANOVA analyses; one-way, two-way, and repeated-measuresThe logic and application of basic bivariate data analysis tools, linear correlation and linear regressionThe logic and application of chi-square analyses, both goodness-of-fit and tests-for-independence Written to facilitate concept mastery and enable practical application of concepts, Essentials of Behavioral and Social Science Statistics offers a survey of basic descriptive and inferential statistical tools and concepts and is highly suitable to support a rigorous undergraduate behavioral science or social science statistics course.
Handbook of Agricultural Biotechnology, Volume 5: Nanobiofertilizers (Handbook of Agricultural Bionanobiotechnology)
by Chukwuebuka Egbuna Charles Oluwaseun Adetunji Anton Ficai Oluwatosin Ademola IjabadeniyiThis book details recent advances in the applications of nanobiofertilizers as a substitute for synthetic fertilizers in boosting food production. With the steady rise of the world’s population, there is a need to increase the production of safe and nutritious food. The constant loss of arable land, as a result of various anthropogenic activities from human action, has become a threat to global biodiversity and ecosystems. Additionally, the issue of climate change has imposed many obstacles to increasing agricultural productivity, especially from biotic and abiotic stressors and temperature-limited environments, such as in high altitudes or seasonally hot regions. Because of these factors, there is a need to adopt sustainable and modern technologies that can boost and improve the rate of food production. One of the cheapest means of enhancing sustainable food production is to explore natural and unlimited beneficial microorganisms, particularly those that can increase the level of soil fertility, improve crop production and health, improve tolerance to stress, support nutrient uptake and availability, and boost natural biodiversity. The synergetic effect of nanotechnology and beneficial microorganisms for the effective bio-fabrication of nanobiofertilizers, is a sustainable solution for producing pesticide-free food. This book provides a deep insight into microbial diversity, recent techniques used for the isolation, screening, and characterization of beneficial microorganisms with eco-friendly attributes, used for bioengineering of nanobiofertilizers, as well as the application of proteomics, metabolomics, genomics, and bioinformatics. The book also covers commercialization, patents, and the business and socio-economic aspects of nanobiofertilizers, as well as the role of policymakers, stakeholders, and government agencies in the translation of nanobioferilizer research into policy. Audience The book is a useful resource for a diverse audience, including industrialists, food industry professionals, agriculturists, agricultural microbiologists, plant pathologists, botanists, microbiologists, biotechnologists, nanotechnologists, microbial biotechnologists, farmers, policymakers, and extension workers.
Narratives of Arab Secularism: Politics, Feminism and Religion (Routledge Studies in Middle Eastern Democratization and Government)
by Youssef M. ChoueiriThis book offers a new interpretation of the rich narratives of Arab secularism, contending that secularism as a set of ideas and a social movement is destined to loom large on the political and legal horizon of most Arab states.Youssef M. Choueiri provides a study of three moments in the development of secularism in the Arab World, the Machiavellian, the Alfierian and the Gramscian. It is within such a scope that secularism in its interaction with state-building projects, women’s emancipation and religion is treated as an intellectual current and a discursive entity embedded in the political process of its diverse societies. Through the chapters, Choueiri demonstrates how secularism occupies a pivotal presence in the religious and political life of the Arab world, exploring such interrelated configurations as indigenous contributions, diverse reforms and the impact of Western states. He concludes that secularism has become a moral prerequisite and a required vehicle in creating the necessary conditions for the success of democracy in the Middle East.Narratives of Arab Secularism tackles the complexity and contemporary ramifications of the subject in a way that no previous single study has been able to. It will be relevant to both students and academics dealing with topics related to the Middle East including religion, politics, anthropology and history.Chapter 6 of this book is freely available as a downloadable Open Access PDF at http://www.taylorfrancis.com under a Creative Commons Attribution-Non Commercial-No Derivatives (CC-BY-NC-ND) 4.0 license.
Italian Renaissance Art
by Laurie Schneider Adams"The chronology of the Italian Renaissance, its character, and context have long been a topic of discussion among scholars. Some date its beginnings to the fourteenthcentury work of Giotto, others to the generation of Masaccio, Brunelleschi, and Donatello that fl ourished from around 1400. The close of the Renaissance has also proved elusive. Mannerism, for example, is variously considered to be an independent (but subsidiary) late aspect of Renaissance style or a distinct style in its own right."
Scottish Gaelic: A Comprehensive Grammar (ISSN)
by William LambScottish Gaelic: A Comprehensive Grammar is a definitive description of contemporary Gaelic.The volume presents an authoritative account of modern Gaelic grammar, attending to both idealised usages – as typically taught in formal education – and more colloquial forms. Core chapters include useful observations about dialectal and register differences, such as variations in inflection, pronunciation and word forms. The book also demystifies nuances of the language that many users find opaque, according to recent research. In each chapter, the most important, basic information is presented first (e.g. standard verb conjugations), followed by increasingly detailed information for more advanced users. This way, the book addresses the diverse needs of its intended audience. Brimming with authentic examples, the volume accommodates readers of all levels, from complete beginners to professional linguists. It is both an ideal textbook for structured coursework and an indispensable companion for independent study.
Interpersonal Positioning in English as a Lingua Franca Interactions (Routledge Research in Language and Communication)
by Svitlana Klötzl Birgit SwobodaThis book offers a critical reflection on interpersonal positioning across both large- and small-scale contexts and highlights the multi-faceted nature of intercultural communication in today’s global world. The volume establishes positioning primarily as the negotiation of interpersonal relationships, and draws on concepts from across disciplines by way of reappraisal before applying them to two specific domains: MMORPGs (Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Games) and private ELF couple interaction. While acknowledging and showcasing the unique features of positioning in these two contexts, Klötzl and Swoboda point to their commonalities by looking at how language and specifically English is used as a communicative resource in lingua franca situations. The book also identifies new directions for future methodological innovations in that it demonstrates how the same interaction can be looked at in methodologically-different ways and how the authors’ own positions projected on to such interaction create an integrated tri-partite perspective on the two domains. Shedding light on interpersonal positioning in different contexts and in turn on global communication more generally, this book will be of particular interest to students and researchers in discourse analysis, pragmatics, computer-mediated communication, sociolinguistics, and applied linguistics.
Sensitivity Analysis for Business, Technology, and Policymaking: Made Easy with Simulation Decomposition (SimDec) (Routledge Open Business and Economics)
by Mariia Kozlova Julian Scott YeomansSimDec is a revolution in decision-making support. SimDec “teases out” inherent cause-and-effect relationships and reveals the intricacy of relationships between sets of input and output variables. At its core, SimDec is an amalgamation of uncertainty and global sensitivity analysis with an innovative visualization technique. While straightforward and elegant, this novel approach significantly enhances the analytical capabilities of users by readily exposing seemingly, a priori, counterintuitive behaviours so that they can be readily understood by both technical specialists and non-technical users alike.This book is the first to articulate the ubiquitous applicability of SimDec and has been written by the leading proponents of the technique. The book provides the necessary background to fully understand the underlying approach and then demonstrates its applicability to a wide spectrum of fields, such as finance, entrepreneurship, energy, 3D manufacturing, geology, the environment, engineering, public policy, and even superconducting magnets. To facilitate as widespread adoption and penetration of SimDec as possible, all supporting computer codes are available, open-source, in Python, Julia, R, and Matlab.The innovative material will be of primary benefit to practitioners and researchers analyzing data from the social sciences, business, science, engineering, mathematics, and computing.The Open Access version of this book, available at http://www.taylorfrancis.com, has been made available under a Creative Commons [Attribution-Non Commercial-No Derivatives (CC-BY-NC-ND)] 4.0 license.
Something to be Proud Of
by Anna Zoe QuirkeImogen Quinn is a chaotic bisexual with dreams of becoming a stand-up comedian, crushing stereotypes about autistic people. When she decides to put on a pride festival that's accessible for everyone, she enlists the help of the openly gay captain of the football team, Ollie Armstrong. Dealing with the fallout from his parents' divorce, Ollie is initially hesitant. But it doesn't take long for him to be swept up by Imogen's passion, and he's not the only one. Joined by the (infuriatingly perfect) head girl, musicians, an artist and a star baker – a dream team soon assembles to help plan pride and tackle injustices in their school and beyond. You'd better listen out – they're getting ready to make some noise. Packed full of fun, forever friendships and fighting back, this YA debut is perfect for fans of I Kissed Shara Wheeler, Gwen and Art are Not in Love, Feel Good, Heartstopper and Not My Problem.
The Little Cornish Kitchen (The Little Cornish Kitchen #1)
by null Jane LinfootSt Aidan: a cosy Cornish village where friendships are made for life and it’s always cocktail hour somewhere… ‘Beautifully crafted and wrapped in romance’ Heidi Swain It's time to come home to Cornwall With an exiting new life in Paris, Clemmie Hamilton isn't looking forward to heading home to the picturesque but sleepy village of St Aidan, Cornwall. However, when she discovers that the cosy apartment by the sea, which her grandmother left to her, is under threat from neighbour and property developer, Charlie Hobson, Clemmie realises she can't abandon her home in its time of need. With her childhood friends encouraging her, Clemmie decides to turn the apartment into 'The Little Cornish Kitchen' – a boutique pop up pudding club raising money for the repairs to the building in an effort to stop Charlie once and for all. But when Charlie and his easy charm won't seem to go away, everything soon becomes even messier than the state of Clemmie's Cornish kitchen… Why readers love The Little Cornish Kitchen: ‘Have you ever liked a book so much that you wanted to give it a hug…chicklit GOLD’ Pretty Little Book Reviews ‘Jane Linfoot combines fabulous friendship with gorgeous true love…a fantastic captivating story with a sweet romantic ending’ With Love for Books ‘A character that you genuinely like’ Mrs Wheddon Reviews ‘The perfect holiday read…you feel as if you are part of the group friends’ Coffee and Kindle Book Reviews ‘Where should I begin with this wonderful, delicious novel...a stunning, fabulous read’ Kat, Goodreads ‘An uplifting, warm and romantic story that was a real pleasure to read’ Rae Reads
Strategy: Theory, Practice, Implementation
by David Mackay Mikko Arevuo Maureen MeadowsWhat does strategy mean to the founder and CEO of a coaching and consulting company whose mission is to create inclusive and values-driven cultures where people can achieve their full potential while positively impacting society? How is sustainable strategic decision-making viewed by a former Member of the European Parliament? Developed in consultation with lecturers, students, and professionals, the research-driven process-practice model of strategy in Strategy: Theory, Practice, Implementation places implementation at its core, enabling students to develop a crystal-clear understanding of how strategy operates in a culture of dynamism, adaptability, and change. The authors' wealth of teaching, research, and practitioner experience shines through in their writing as they strike the perfect balance between clarity and rigour. They expertly cover all the core areas of strategy, using carefully paced, step-by-step guidance to apply theories and models of strategy to a diverse range of examples, making the text the most practical of its kind. Moving beyond the limits of traditional texts, Strategy offers unique Practitioner Insights (and accompanying video interviews) gathered from professionals engaged in a range of strategic roles, across multiple industries and sectors worldwide, to help students grasp the complex reality of strategic management in practice. Strategy ultimately provides students with an empowering, critical, and highly practical approach to thinking, talking, and acting like a strategist. Online resources accompanying the textbook include: For registered adopters: - A test bank - PowerPoint slides - Answers to, or guidance on, the case study questions in the book - A series of 'Boardroom Challenges' for use in group role play exercises / action learning simulations - Teaching notes on using the 'Boardroom Challenges' in class For students: - Practitioner insight video interviews, and further videos providing advice on how students can enhance their employability - Research Insights to broaden students' perspectives of academic research and its impact on strategic thinking - Links to articles, cases, chapters, or multimedia resources to support students' further reading - Additional case studies with exercises or discussion questions - MCQs - Guidance on how to analyse a case study - Flashcard glossary - Two additional chapters: Chapter 15 Designing effective strategy activities; Chapter 16 Strategy in practice: learning, reflecting, thinking
Second-Class Saints: Black Mormons and the Struggle for Racial Equality
by Matthew L. HarrisAn in-depth account--grounded in new archival discoveries--of the most consequential development in Mormon history since the end of polygamy On June 9, 1978, the phones at the headquarters of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS) were ringing nonstop. Word began to spread that a momentous change in church policy had been announced and everyone wanted to know: was it true? The answer would have profound implications for the church and American society more broadly. On that historic day, LDS church president Spencer W. Kimball announced a revelation lifting the church's 126-year-old ban barring Black people from the priesthood and Mormon temples. It was the most significant change in LDS doctrine since the end of polygamy almost 100 years earlier. Drawing on never-before-seen private papers of LDS apostles and church presidents, including Spencer W. Kimball, Matthew L. Harris probes the plot twists and turns, the near-misses and paths not taken, of this incredible story. While the notion that Kimball received a revelation might imply a sudden command from God, Harris shows that a variety of factors motivated Kimball and other church leaders to reconsider the ban, including the civil rights movement, which placed LDS racial policies and practices under a glaring spotlight, perceptions of racism that dogged the church and its leaders, and Kimball's own growing sense that the ban was morally wrong. Harris also shows that the lifting of the ban was hardly a panacea. The church's failure to confront and condemn its racial theology in the decades after the 1978 revelation stifled their efforts to reach Black communities and made Black members the target of racism in LDS meetinghouses. Vigilant members pestered church leaders to repudiate their anti-Black theology, forcing them to live up to the creed in Mormon scripture that "all are alike unto God." Deeply informed, engagingly written, and grounded in deep archival research, Harris provides a compelling and detailed account of how Mormon leaders lifted the priesthood and temple ban, then came to reckon with the church's controversial racial heritage.
Everything You Have Told Me Is True: The Many Faces of Al Shabaab
by Mary HarperThe East African group Al Shabaab is one of the century's most successful violent jihadist movements. Now over a decade old, its staying power has defied local and international efforts to destroy it, including US drone attacks and an African Union force. It also has governing power, ruling over millions of Somalis and vast swathes of territory, and physical power, committing spectacular acts of violence. But what lies behind the headlines and the bloodshed? Who are Al Shabaab and why do people join? How does this organization govern, educate and indoctrinate? How does it operate such successful financial, communications and intelligence networks? BBC Africa Editor Mary Harper has reported on Somalia for twenty-five years. She has gained extraordinary access to members of Al Shabaab-and they in turn have intruded unsettlingly into her life. Travelling throughout the region, she speaks to ordinary people with daily experience of Al Shabaab. Some have suffered tremendous loss or made unbearable compromises; others have benefited, often in unexpected ways. Harper's account is a must-read for anyone looking to get under the skin of violent jihadists, those who report on them, and those who must live in their shadow.
Oncology and Palliative Social Work: Psychosocial Care for People Coping With Cancer
by Susan Hedlund, Bryan Miller, Grace Christ, and Carolyn MessnerOncology and Palliative Social Work: Psychosocial Care for People Coping with Cancer illustrates the need for integrating early palliative care for patients with cancer and the important role social workers have in providing psychosocial support services across the cancer trajectory. There is a convergence of oncology and palliative social work specialties in the delivery of comprehensive, culturally-congruent, whole person cancer care. OPSW reflects the collective knowledge, skills, clinical experience and perspectives of a diverse group of interprofessional contributors, including best practices, emerging trends, and priorities in psychosocial oncology, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on this evolving landscape. The volume is divided into four sections, each with five to eight thematically connected chapters. Topics include: diagnosing and treating cancer; equity, racism, cultural competence, and cultural humility; social determinants of health; cancer care amid pandemics, disasters and other traumatic events; survivorship, integrative programs, lifestyle and rehabilitation; innovative models in palliative care in oncology; the future direction of psychosocial oncology and palliative care, including research; psychosocial aspects of cancer; pain, symptom, and side effect management; a novel collaborative care model for people living with serious mental illness; interprofessional spiritual care; informal cancer caregivers; palliative and hospice care at the end of life; loss, grief, and bereavement; underrepresented, underserved, and vulnerable populations; ethical and legal issues; professional development and sustainability; credentialing, certification, and continuing education; technology; social work leadership skills; interprofessional practice; international oncology and palliative social work; and, strategies for guiding best practices for the future.
Digital Empires: The Global Battle to Regulate Technology
by Anu BradfordFinancial Times Best Books of 2023 in Economics The global battle among the three dominant digital powers—the United States, China, and the European Union—is intensifying. All three regimes are racing to regulate tech companies, with each advancing a competing vision for the digital economy while attempting to expand its sphere of influence in the digital world. In Digital Empires, her provocative follow-up to The Brussels Effect, Anu Bradford explores a rivalry that will shape the world in the decades to come. Across the globe, people dependent on digital technologies have become increasingly alarmed that their rapid adoption and transformation have ushered in an exceedingly concentrated economy where a few powerful companies control vast economic wealth and political power, undermine data privacy, and widen the gap between economic winners and losers. In response, world leaders are variously embracing the idea of reining in the most dominant tech companies. Bradford examines three competing regulatory approaches—the American market-driven model, the Chinese state-driven model, and the European rights-driven regulatory model—and discusses how governments and tech companies navigate the inevitable conflicts that arise when these regulatory approaches collide in the international domain. Which digital empire will prevail in the contest for global influence remains an open question, yet their contrasting strategies are increasingly clear. Digital societies are at an inflection point. In the midst of these unfolding regulatory battles, governments, tech companies, and digital citizens are making important choices that will shape the future ethos of the digital society. Digital Empires lays bare the choices we face as societies and individuals, explains the forces that shape those choices, and illuminates the immense stakes involved for everyone who uses digital technologies.
Counselling for Grief and Bereavement (Therapy in Practice)
by Geraldine M Humphrey David Zimpfer`The authors have done their homework in reading and consulting with the prominent literature, especially regarding children. All this effort gives the book a solid background foundation and makes it readable, and well-usable, for both lay counsellors and professional providers, and for all of us who are engaged in the delicate and rewarding endeavor of Grief Therapy′ - Naji Abi-Hashem, Clinical & Cultural Psychologist, Berkeley, California Praise for the First Edition: `The book provides an absorbing and challenging journey through the possible process involved in bereavement work, and encourages one to think broadly about how one can approach a bereaved person... this was a book I enjoyed reading very much, and which I found both theoretically sound and practically helpful′ - Bereavement Care (Cruse) Counselling for Grief and Bereavement, Second Edition is a bestselling, introductory guide for professionals who work with people experiencing bereavement through death and other forms of loss. Focusing on practical assessment and intervention strategies, Geraldine Humphrey and David Zimpfer guide readers through the essential theory and skills needed to work with clients in a way which sensitively facilitates the process of grief, initiates healing and promotes a sense of growth. Setting out the broad principles for practice, the authors go on to show how these can be applied in working with individuals, families and groups and in relation to specific issues including chronic and life-threatening illnesses, palliative care and complicated grief. Carefully chosen case examples illustrate the counselling process, while specific attention is paid throughout to ethical considerations and the possible need for referral. This fully revised and updated Second Edition features a new chapter on working with children and adolescents: both from the perspective of young people who are grieving losses and those who are receiving palliative care as patients. While focusing on the practical, the book provides a firm theoretical base by explaining key concepts such as attachment, grief and resilience. Geraldine M. Humphrey is Counsellor in the Department of Psychology at the North Canton Medical Foundation, specializing in death, illnesses, and non-death and grief. David G. Zimpfer is former Director of the Cancer Center of Ohio.
Feature Writing: A Practical Introduction
by Susan Featherstone Susan PapeThis book provides a practical and richly informative introduction to feature writing and the broader context in which features journalists operate. As well as covering the key elements and distinctive features that constitute good feature writing, the book also offers a rich resource of real life examples, case studies and exercises. The authors have drawn on their considerable shared experience to provide a solid and engaging grounding in the principles and practice of feature writing. The textbook will explore the possibilities of feature writing, including essential basics, such as: Why journalists become feature writers The difference between news stories and features What features need to contain How to write features The different types of features The text is intended for both those who are studying the media at degree level and those who are wishing to embark on a career in the print industry. It will be invaluable for trainee feature writers.