Biomass Derived Heterogeneous and Homogeneous Catalysts, 2nd Edition
This Special Issue, titled "Biomass Derived Heterogeneous and Homogeneous Catalysts, 2nd Edition", includes topics such as converting biomass to energy and value-added products, green technology, the circular economy, sustainability, and the role of catalysts. Catalytic performance, reusability, and characteristics are covered extensively.
Water Environment Pollution and Control
The water environment serves as the foundation for numerous habitats and ecosystems. The discharge and accumulation of pollutants can disrupt the balance of aquatic ecosystems, leading to species extinction, ecological disruptions, and direct or indirect impacts on human health. Against the backdrop of the global carbon peak and carbon neutrality, controlling water pollution has become increasingly important. Within the broad framework of "water environment pollution and control," this Special Issue aims to provide essential knowledge and establish a solid scientific foundation for the control and management of water pollution by studying the environmental behavior and bioavailability of various pollutants. It can serve as a scientific basis for developing effective pollution prevention and control strategies, and can provide guidance for establishing a clean, healthy, and sustainable environment. We believe the reprint of "Water Environment Pollution and Control" will offer readers comprehensive and in depth knowledge, thereby promoting further research in the field of water environment pollution and control.
Models Of Nature
Models of Nature studies the early and turbulent years of the Soviet conservation movement from the October Revolution to the mid-1930s--Lenin\u2019s rule to the rise of Stalin. This new edition includes an afterword by the author that reflects upon the study's impact and discusses advances in the field since the book was first published.
The Way of Gaia
The Way of Gaia is a collection of paintings and prose that speaks to humanity's relationship to the planet through the lenses of ecology, evolution, and the environment. The book calls out for a narrative that realigns the reader's sense of self and species identity to that of being part of the biosphere, a vast network of life linked together by relationships of shared ancestry, beauty, and interdependence. The authors hope these offerings will contribute to replacing the destructive narratives of modern society with frames that encourage humanity to honor and restore life, as well as contribute to the flourishing of all life without end.
Can organic agriculture cope without copper for disease control?
Resulting from a collective scientific assessment, this book, first published in French in 2019, is a multidisciplinary and critical synthesis on the different techniques potentially effective against pathogens controlled by copper treatments. It insists upon the need to combine them in integrated crop protection systems.
Understanding Periglacial Slope Deposits
Trans-Hudson-Orogene in the north and north-east of our study area and other reworked Archean crust within Utah and Nevada give upper Orosirian ages (1.9 - 1.8 Ga), too. The Yavapai terranes dominate the south-east with ages between 1.76 - 1.72 Ga (Statherian), which is the same period as the Mazatzal terranes (1.69 - 1.65 Ga), outside our narrower study area. As well outside, only slightly touching it, is the Granite Rhyolite Province with ages from 1.55 - 1.35 Ga (Lower to Middle Mesoproterozoic, Calymmian to Ectasian). Then, the bedrock ages show a massive gap until the Cordilleran arc, which accreted from the west between 160 - 67 Ma (Upper Jurassic to Cretaceous). (Fig. 1.1) Physiogeographically, nearly all of Nevada belongs to the Basin and Range Province. The ranges still show the folding of the terranes accreted through the subduction of the Farallon plate below the continental margin (SIGLOCH AND MIHALYNUK 2013; DECOURTEN AND BIGGAR 2017). Thus, most mountain ranges follow a north south strike. These mountains ranges show a high variety of Proterozoic to Cenozoic ages on the ridges but are all overlaid by Paleogene and Neogene sediments within the basins. Hydrogeographically, the region belongs to the Great Basin (GB), an endorheic basin. (DECOURTEN AND BIGGAR 2017)
Educational Practices in Geography
Through the experiences of everyday school life, I present in this book some reflections and situations present in the classroom, where through educational practices, I emphasise and demonstrate playful classroom activities for the teaching-learning process, at different levels of education, mainly focused on the propagation and creation of differentiated classes, with the aim of escaping from traditional teaching methodologies and models. This book is recommended for all geography lovers, teachers and future teachers.
Treewilding
As we clear millions of hectares of forests globally, the challenge of restoring these precious ecosystems becomes ever more pressing. The stakes are high: a staggering 95% of Earth's land could succumb to degradation by 2050. While the task might appear straightforward - simply plant millions of trees - the reality is far more perplexing. Haphazard tree-planting in unsuitable locations can wreak havoc on ecosystems and jeopardise the livelihoods of local communities. The surge of interest in restoring forests has ushered in a wave of greenwashing, where deceptive environmental marketing and scientific mishaps undermine genuine efforts. Yet this new focus also brings forth a plethora of solutions and many rays of hope. Amidst such a landscape, cutting-edge science and Indigenous knowledge together can redefine our understanding in a way that not only helps regenerate nature but also allows human communities to thrive. This original, topical and engaging book navigates the complex realm of forest restoration. It reveals how a nuanced approach is required - one that integrates the latest scientific advancements (for instance in microbial ecology, acoustic technology and epigenetics), Indigenous leadership and a holistic understanding of the interconnectedness of life within these vital ecosystems. Treewilding asks us to reflect on our relationship with trees and how we must see the woods (intricate social and ecological systems) for the wood (timber) - a realisation that is perhaps the biggest 'secret' to restoring nature.
Geotechnologies applied to Higher Education in Geography
This book is recommended for Geography BA and BSc students who are interested in the area of Geography Teaching and Geotechnologies. It deals with the geotechnological resources that can be used in higher education in Geography. How Geotechnologies are used in teaching practice in Geography and how teachers evaluate the use of Geotechnologies in the training of their students.
Geography and Education
This book brings together some of the work on geography and education developed during my teacher training at the Federal University of Uberl璽ndia, Pontal Campus. The articles were written jointly, with the participation of teachers and fellow students. The book aims to contribute to the process of academic dissemination, democratising scientific knowledge and expanding geographical thinking.
Analysing the proposal to build bus corridors
The need to solve urban mobility problems arising from uncontrolled and often unplanned population growth has led to the creation of numerous measures to increase the quality and performance of urban public transport services. One of these is the implementation of exclusive bus lanes, particularly the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system, which is becoming increasingly popular due to success stories in populous cities, where it has proved to be an attractive and effective option. The aim of this study was therefore to analyse the proposal for the construction of bus corridors made by the Joinville City Council and submitted to PAC 2 Mobilidade M矇dias Cidades, comparing it to the documents BRT Quality Standard 2016 and BRT Manual 2008.
The Molango Rift
The Molango rift is not only a geological wonder, it is also the past of our planet, a mute witness of the terrifying natural forces that acted on it; it provides us with surprises of natural treasures of the earth with regal minerals, including some of the rarest minerals in the world, as well as basic metals for industry, and it provides us with the elements of the earth's energy that go from nature to our service.Although time has obscured the traces of our planet's primitive times, today scientific progress in the areas of earth sciences has revealed part of its origins, its age, and how life on earth could have arisen.thus, the Molango rift is a monument of time, which holds a calendar of lost worlds. That is why, since the ancient centuries of hypotheses with errors in the formation of the solar system, the evolution of the knowledge of the earth and the cosmos has been exponential, but there are still frontiers and spaces of study to know their relationships.
Introduction to Oceanography
The Earth is a system composed of subsystems that interact in complex ways. These subsystems are the geosphere, the hydrosphere and the atmosphere, each of which are studied, respectively, by the science of geology, oceanography-limnology and meteorology. The ocean and the atmosphere are the subsystems that have the most elements to interact with each other and that shape the dynamics of the oceans, as well as the phenomena that directly affect it. In the present work we intend to understand the complexity of the ocean, approaching it in a simple way. We hope that it can be useful for those who want to enter the discipline of oceanography.
General Economic Geography
The book "Economic Geography" is a work that delves into the complex relationship between geographic space and human economic activities. Throughout its pages, different key topics are addressed that allow us to understand how geography influences the economy at a local, regional and global level. First of all, the classic theories of economic geography are explored, such as the theory of location Alfred Weber's industrial industry, which analyzes how factors such as transportation and natural resources impact the location of industries. Also discussed are the theories of agglomeration and business clusters, which explain how geographic proximity can foster innovation and competitiveness. The book also examines the importance of natural resources and the environment in the economy, highlighting how geography determines the availability and distribution of these resources, as well as the challenges associated with their sustainable management. Reference is made to the economic sectors, particularly the primary one at a global level and in Panama.
Down Alaska's Wild Rivers
FRANK KEIM is an educator, nature writer and environmental activist. He worked for two years as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Bolivia, an anthropologist in Ecuador for four years, and as a secondary school teacher of Yup'ik Eskimos in Alaska's Lower Yukon Delta for 21 years. He has contributed chapters to the books Arctic Wings and The Last Frontier, and published three poetry books, Voices on the Wind (2011), Today I Caught Your Spirit (2014), and Trails Taken...so many still to take... (2018). In 2012 he published White Water Blue, Paddling and Trekking Alaska's Wild Rivers. He lives north of Fairbanks, Alaska.
From Buffer to Boon
This title uses strong metaphors to capture the value of floodplains. "Buffer" suggests their traditional role in flood control, while "Boon" emphasizes the wider benefits of reconnection. "Beyond" hints at the impact that extends beyond the river itself. The piece could delve deeper into the historical perception of floodplains. They were often seen primarily as buffers, prompting interventions like levees to control water flow. The focus would then shift to how reconnection transforms floodplains from "buffers" to "boons." Here are some key benefits: - Enhanced Flood Control: Reconnected floodplains absorb floodwaters naturally, reducing the strain on levees and protecting downstream communities. - Ecological Restoration: Floodplains provide vital habitats for fish, birds, and other wildlife. Reconnection allows these ecosystems to flourish. - Improved Water Quality: Floodplains act as natural filters, removing pollutants and sediments before they reach the main channel. "From Buffer to Boon" goes beyond just river health. It suggests benefits for: - Biodiversity: Reconnection supports a wider range of species in the floodplain ecosystem. - Water Security: Cleaner water benefits communities and ecosystems that rely on the river. The title paves the way for exploring the ripple effects of floodplain restoration. It highlights the interconnectedness of healthy rivers and the well-being of surrounding environments and communities.
The Endeavor
The Endeavor: Maiden Voyage is the first volume of The 365 Poetry Challenge Compendium, a collection of poems written by various international poets, in response to the first sixty-one days of prompts released in the online challenge.
Enriching Forests, Empowering Communities
This book explores the best practices of Participatory Forest Management (PFM) in Kerala, India. PFM empowers local communities, including tribal and indigenous groups, to actively participate in managing and protecting their forests. The book offers a clear explanation of PFM and its benefits, the role of the Forest Department then dives into impactful case studies showcasing specific projects that have improved the lives of the forest-dependent communities, especially indigenous tribal communities, increased forest cover, and fostered collaboration in Kerala. It delves into broader topics like ecotourism, Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFPs), and tribal empowerment while acknowledging the challenges and triumphs encountered along the way. Written in a clear and accessible style, this book is ideal for anyone interested in sustainable forestry, indigenous communities, community development, and real-world conservation solutions. It serves as a springboard for further exploration, offering a glimpse into how PFM empowers communities and ensures a brighter future for both forests and people.
The Heat Will Kill You First
INSTANT NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER SELECTED AS ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR BY NPR, THE LOS ANGELES TIMES, AND THE ECONOMIST FINALIST FOR THE L.A. TIMES BOOK PRIZE, THE NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY'S HELEN BERNSTEIN AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN JOURNALISM, AND THE PEN/E.O. WILSON AWARD FOR LITERARY SCIENCE WRITING. New York Times best-selling journalist Jeff Goodell presents a "masterful, bracing" (David Wallace-Wells) examination of the impact that temperature rise will have on our lives and on our planet, offering a vital new perspective on where we are headed, how we can prepare, and what is at stake if we fail to act.​ "When heat comes, it's invisible. It doesn't bend tree branches or blow hair across your face to let you know it's arrived.... The sun feels like the barrel of a gun pointed at you." The world is waking up to a new reality: wildfires are now seasonal in California, the Northeast is getting less and less snow each winter, and the ice sheets in the Arctic and Antarctica are melting fast. Heat is the first order threat that drives all other impacts of the climate crisis. And as the temperature rises, it is revealing fault lines in our governments, our politics, our economy, and our values. The basic science is not complicated: Stop burning fossil fuels tomorrow, and the global temperature will stop rising tomorrow. Stop burning fossil fuels in 50 years, and the temperature will keep rising for 50 years, making parts of our planet virtually uninhabitable. It's up to us. The hotter it gets, the deeper and wider our fault lines will open. The Heat Will Kill You First is about the extreme ways in which our planet is already changing. It is about why spring is coming a few weeks earlier and fall is coming a few weeks later and the impact that will have on everything from our food supply to disease outbreaks. It is about what will happen to our lives and our communities when typical summer days in Chicago or Boston go from 90簞 F to 110簞F. A heatwave, Goodell explains, is a predatory event-- one that culls out the most vulnerable people. But that is changing. As heatwaves become more intense and more common, they will become more democratic. As an award-winning journalist who has been at the forefront of environmental journalism for decades, Goodell's new book may be his most provocative yet, explaining how extreme heat will dramatically change the world as we know it. Masterfully reported, mixing the latest scientific insight with on-the-ground storytelling, Jeff Goodell tackles the big questions and uncovers how extreme heat is a force beyond anything we have reckoned with before.
Climate Hope
Through extensive research and reporting, this boundary-crossing and highly readable survey of efforts to tackle climate change aims to replace our paralyzing fears with a restored sense of hope and determination. Climate change is a problem so enormous and complex--with threats so frightening in their implications--that many of us fend off confusion and hopelessness by simply turning away. There are jobs to do, children to raise, bills to pay. Meanwhile, with delayed action, missed targets and increasingly dire reports at the international level, a notion that the crisis is intractable continues to spread. And the proposed solutions can be just as daunting. They often involve jargon about gigatons of carbon and kilowatt-hours of electricity. In a deeply polarized political environment, any sense of the common purpose required to make these work seems to dissolve into denial or paralysis. With all this fear and conflict, the question must be asked: How do we find the tools and--equally important--the hope we need to tackle such a wickedly difficult issue? In Climate Hope, journalist David Geselbracht blends in-depth research, expert interviews and on-the-ground reporting in multiple countries, revealing remarkable efforts to identify the causes and impacts of climate change--and devise crucial ways to address them. Geselbracht brings the reader to the chaotic 2021 UN Climate Change Conference in Glasgow, as well as to giant heating ducts below the city of Copenhagen and to wildfire-scorched landscapes in Western Canada, to name just a few sites. The scale of the challenge is clear in the range of fields he covers, from glaciology and climate science to law and diplomacy. But in drawing these approaches together, he shares stories of hope, awe and wonder that encourage us to confront this long-term, world-warping phenomenon with a renewed sense of purpose and possibility.
Restoring the Natural Order
"Restoring the Natural Order" dives deep into the science behind floodplain reconnection, a strategy for improving river health. Floodplains are the low-lying areas next to rivers that naturally flood during high water events. Human intervention has often separated these areas from the main channel, disrupting the river's natural cycle. This book presents a scientific assessment of floodplain reconnection. It explores the ecological benefits, such as improved water quality and habitat restoration for fish and wildlife. The book also examines the potential drawbacks, like increased flood risk in some areas. By analyzing data and case studies, "Restoring the Natural Order" provides a balanced view of this approach to river management. It's a valuable resource for scientists, environmental policymakers, and anyone interested in the health of our rivers and the ecosystems they support
Beyond the Bulldozers
This title challenges traditional approaches to urban renewal in shrinking cities. "Bulldozers" symbolize the idea of demolition and starting anew, often seen as a solution to blight. The rest of the title, "Can Green Initiatives Save Shrinking Cities?" sparks curiosity. It suggests exploring alternative strategies focused on sustainability and environmental solutions. This piece could delve deeper into the limitations of traditional urban renewal methods. Demolishing abandoned buildings can be expensive and environmentally destructive. Additionally, it erases the city's history and character. The focus would then shift to the potential of green initiatives. We could explore how these initiatives can: - Revitalize vacant spaces: Transforming empty lots into green spaces like parks or community gardens creates a more livable environment for remaining residents. - Attract new residents: A focus on sustainability and green infrastructure can attract eco-conscious residents and businesses. - Boost economic development: Green initiatives like urban farms or renewable energy projects can create new job opportunities. "Beyond the Bulldozers" emphasizes the power of green solutions. It suggests that by embracing sustainability, shrinking cities can not only improve their environment but also unlock new avenues for economic and social development. The title ends with a question mark, inviting readers to consider the potential of green initiatives as a viable path for the revitalization of shrinking cities.
Essentials of Water
Water shapes the planet and all life upon it. Breaking down traditional disciplinary barriers, this accessible, holistic introduction to the role and importance of water in Earth's physical and biological environments assumes no prior knowledge. It provides the reader with a clear and coherent explanation of the unique properties of water and how these allow it to affect landscapes and underpin all life on Earth. Contemporary issues surrounding water quality - such as the rise of microplastics and climate change - are highlighted, ensuring readers understand current debates. Giving all of the necessary background and up-to-date references, and including numerous examples and illustrations to explain concepts, worked mathematical calculations, and extensive end-of-chapter questions, this is the ideal introductory textbook for students seeking to understand the inextricable links between water and the environment.
Framing Nature
The Grand Canyon of the Colorado River is an internationally known feature of the North American landscape, attracting more than five million visitors each year. A deep cultural, visual, and social history has shaped the Grand Canyon's environment into one of America's most significant representations of nature. Yet the canyon is more than a vacation destination, a movie backdrop, or a scenic viewpoint; it is a real place as well as an abstraction easily summoned in the minds of Americans. The Grand Canyon, or the idea of it, is woven into the fabric of American cultural identity and serves as a cultural reference point--an icon. In Framing Nature Yolonda Youngs traces the idea of the Grand Canyon as an icon and the ways people came to know it through popular imagery and visual media. She analyzes and interprets more than fourteen hundred visual artifacts, including postcards, maps, magazine illustrations, and photographs of the Grand Canyon, supplemented with the words and ideas of writers, artists, explorers, and other media makers from 1869 to 2022. Youngs considers the manipulation and commodification of visual representations and shifting ideas, values, and meanings of nature, exploring the interplay between humans and their environments and how visual representations shape popular ideas and meanings about national parks and the American West. Framing Nature provides a novel interpretation of how places, especially national parks, are transformed into national and environmental symbols.
Essentials of Water
Water shapes the planet and all life upon it. Breaking down traditional disciplinary barriers, this accessible, holistic introduction to the role and importance of water in Earth's physical and biological environments assumes no prior knowledge. It provides the reader with a clear and coherent explanation of the unique properties of water and how these allow it to affect landscapes and underpin all life on Earth. Contemporary issues surrounding water quality - such as the rise of microplastics and climate change - are highlighted, ensuring readers understand current debates. Giving all of the necessary background and up-to-date references, and including numerous examples and illustrations to explain concepts, worked mathematical calculations, and extensive end-of-chapter questions, this is the ideal introductory textbook for students seeking to understand the inextricable links between water and the environment.
Ecologies of Care in Times of Climate Change
Available open access digitally under CC BY NC ND licence. This book investigates and analyses places in Europe, North America and Asia that are facing the immense challenges associated with climate change adaptation. Presenting real-world cases in the contexts of coastal change, drinking water and the cryosphere, Michael Buser shows how the concept of care can be applied to water security and climate adaptation. Exploring the everyday and often hidden ways in which water security is accomplished, the book demonstrates the pervasiveness and power of care to contribute to flourishing lives and communities in times of climate change.
Rewilding the Urban Frontier
More so than other ecosystems, urban rivers typify our evolving relationship with nature. Once a necessity for the development of civilization, by the twentieth century America's rivers became neglected and abused, channelized, dammed, and filled with sewage and toxic waste. While acknowledging the profound impact our species has had on the natural world, and on rivers in particular, Rewilding the Urban Frontier argues that the Anthropocene presents opportunities for rethinking our relationship to the natural world and potentially healing the age-old rift between humans and nature. Although the Clean Water Act of 1972 spurred a cleanup of the nation's waterways, explosive urban growth has since fragmented the wildlife corridors and ecosystems along our rivers. The contributors to this volume contend that if done right, rewilding urban rivers can help avoid further loss of biodiversity and simultaneously address environmental and social inequities.
Clean and Low Carbon Energy
In recent years, the rapid development of the national economy has become inseparable from the influence of traditional fossil energy, such as coal, oil and natural gas. However, fossil energy has a variety of negative impacts, including environmental pollution, global warming and damage to economic security. In this regard, it is important to break through the key bottlenecks of pollutants, carbon emissions and energy grade loss caused by the fossil energy utilization mode and build a clean and low-carbon energy utilization system, based on solar energy, wind energy, geothermal energy, etc., to achieve the goal of environmental protection and energy technology revolution. Clean and low-carbon energy research has achieved major successes in the past decade and is expected to drive the development of other renewable energy sources. However, although significant progress has been made in regard to clean and low-carbon energy in recent years, there are still major challenges in the implementation of new theories, new methods and new demands. From this perspective, this topic aims to contribute to the clean and low-carbon energy agenda by enhancing scientific and multidisciplinary work, aiming to improve knowledge and performance in harvesting clean and low-carbon energy.
From Mountains to Markets
Georgia, a nation nestled between the Black and Caspian Seas, boasts a landscape as diverse as its agricultural heritage. From the snow-capped peaks of the Greater Caucasus to the subtropical Black Sea coast, Georgia's ecology shapes a unique tapestry of flavors and traditions that have long found their way onto tables around the world. This essay explores the intricate link between Georgia's remarkable ecological diversity and the agricultural practices that have become synonymous with its national identity. A Land of Dramatic Contrasts Georgia's mountainous terrain creates a microcosm of climates. The Greater Caucasus, a formidable barrier separating Europe from Asia, acts as a giant air conditioner, fostering cooler temperatures and higher precipitation in the north. This translates to lush, verdant valleys perfect for growing tea, apples, and hazelnuts. Meanwhile, the southern lowlands bask in a subtropical climate, ideal for cultivating citrus fruits, grapes, and the country's signature crop - wine. This ecological diversity extends beyond climate. Georgia is a biodiversity hotspot, home to over 4,500 species of plants, many of which are endemic, meaning they exist nowhere else on Earth. These unique plants have co-evolved with traditional agricultural practices, influencing everything from soil health to pest control. For example, the Georgian blueberry (Vaccinium arctostaphylos) thrives in the understory of chestnut forests,
Geology of Connemara in Western Ireland
The Connemara region in Western Ireland is world-renowned for its outstanding geology and spectacular landscapes. This book and its many colorful illustrations, maps, diagrams, field, and landscape images, detail the origin and formation of Connemara's igneous rocks in deep time, geological observations, and current research results.
Power and Space
Power and Space sets out the inherently spatial nature of power today and seeks to change the conversation around how power exercises us in the contemporary moment.
Reduced Ice Age Prediction Models
In this study, we explore the effectiveness of particle-filter algorithms in discerning between various differential equation (DE) models aimed at explaining the dynamics of ice age transitions. These models, which capture glacier formation and retreat mechanisms, incorporate parameters governing global CO2 levels, glacial ice volume, and ocean temperature, along with deterministic forcings from long-term variations in solar energy input. Employing a particle-filter method, we integrate historical CO2 data to estimate model parameters and states, considering both fixed and unknown parameters, including stochastic forcing terms. Our investigation involves validating the numerical model and benchmarking the particle filter's performance against synthetic CO2 data, followed by its application to actual CO2 data for model comparison. While all models demonstrated similar predictive capabilities concerning CO2 data, incorporating insolation forcing significantly improved predictions of ice volume proxy data across models. However, despite these enhancements, the particle filter method's sensitivity proved insufficient to differentiate effectively between the proposed ice age DE models, echoing previous findings
Beyond Drainage Channels
Periglacial slope deposits also known as cover beds (CB) are an accepted phenomenon in Europe. KLEBER AND TERHORST (2013b) defined: "CBs are deposits that formed by unconcentrated dislocation processes chiefly from upslope materials, but that may contain admixed eolian matter. They cover undifferentiated slopes to a large extent or even completely rather than being restricted to drainage ways, linear discharges, or local failures. CBs typically consist of several layers separated by disconformities." In Europe, CB consist of an upper layer ("Hauptlage", LH), an intermediate layer ("Mittellage", LM) and a basal layer ("Basislage", LB). According to KLEBER AND TERHORST (2013a) neither do all these types occur outside of Europe, nor are the CBs tied to the previous glaciation alone. In New Zealand the same term does not comply with the European definition but has a more generic meaning (RAESIDE; 1964) . Nonetheless, CBs are being studied in Europe, Asia and Australia, whereas in the USA the definition has not yet been established (H?LLE ET AL. 2009; KLEBER 1997; WAROSZEWSKI ET AL. 2020).
Beyond GPS
GPS reigns supreme outdoors, but "Beyond GPS: Exploring Solutions for Seamless Indoor and Outdoor Navigation" delves into the challenges and opportunities that lie within buildings and beyond the reach of satellites. Imagine navigating a labyrinthine shopping mall or a bustling airport terminal - places where GPS falters. Solutions exist to bridge the gap: Indoor Mapping Technology: Detailed indoor maps coupled with Bluetooth beacons or Wi-Fi fingerprinting can pinpoint your location within buildings, guiding you effortlessly. Augmented Reality Navigation: AR overlays on your smartphone camera can project directions onto your real-world view, offering a more intuitive and immersive navigation experience. Sensor Fusion: Combining GPS with inertial sensors and other environmental data can provide continuous location tracking, ensuring seamless transitions between indoor and outdoor environments. These advancements unlock a multitude of benefits: Enhanced Accessibility: Detailed indoor maps can empower people with disabilities to navigate unfamiliar spaces with greater confidence. Improved Public Safety: Real-time indoor positioning can aid emergency responders in locating individuals within buildings during critical situations. Location-Based Services: Indoor navigation can be integrated with location-based services, offering targeted information and promotions within malls, airports, and other venues. There are hurdles to overcome: Privacy Concerns: Indoor navigation systems may raise privacy concerns regarding data collection and user tracking. Addressing these concerns is crucial for user trust. Infrastructure Investment: Deploying and maintaining indoor mapping technology requires investment from building owners and infrastructure providers. Technical Challenges: Integrating various navigation technologies and ensuring smooth transitions between indoor and outdoor environments requires ongoing technical development. Despite the challenges, the future of navigation
The Balancing Act
"The Balancing Act: How the Ocean Buries Carbon and Shapes Our Planet" explores the ocean's delicate dance with carbon. It dives deep into the ocean's role as a massive carbon sink, absorbing vast amounts of carbon dioxide and regulating Earth's climate. The book unveils the fascinating biological and physical processes behind this carbon capture. You'll discover how tiny marine life plays a crucial role, transforming carbon into organic matter that eventually sinks to the deep seafloor, locking away carbon for millennia. "The Balancing Act" doesn't shy away from the challenges. It explores how human activities disrupt this delicate equilibrium, potentially accelerating climate change. The book sheds light on the intricate connection between a healthy ocean and a stable climate. However, it's not all doom and gloom. The book explores ongoing research and solutions to maintain the ocean's vital role in carbon sequestration. By understanding this "balancing act," we can ensure the ocean's health and a more sustainable future for our planet.
From High Peaks to Black Sea Shores
Nestled between Eastern Europe and Western Asia, Georgia boasts a remarkable diversity of landscapes that belie its relatively small size. Within its borders, snow-capped peaks pierce the sky, verdant valleys cradle ancient villages, and the Black Sea laps at a coastline dotted with charming resorts. This breathtaking tapestry of nature makes Georgia a haven for adventure seekers, nature enthusiasts, and anyone who appreciates a good dose of scenic variety. The Realm of the Greater Caucasus Georgia's crown jewel is undoubtedly the Greater Caucasus mountain range, a formidable wall that separates Europe and Asia. Here, snow-capped giants like Mount Kazbek (5,047 meters) and Mount Shkhara (5,068 meters) dominate the skyline, their slopes home to glaciers, cascading waterfalls, and meadows bursting with wildflowers in summer. This is a realm for trekkers and climbers, with trails offering challenging ascents and breathtaking panoramas. Explore the Kazbegi region, where the majestic Kazbek forms a dramatic backdrop to the Gergeti Trinity Church, a 14th-century architectural gem perched on a mountaintop. Cradle of Civilization: Valleys and Lowlands Descending from the lofty heights, Georgia unfolds into a tapestry of verdant valleys, fertile plains, and dramatic gorges. The Alazani Valley, nestled between the Greater Caucasus and the Lesser Caucasus mountains, is a patchwork of vineyards, orchards, and quaint villages. Here, the ancient art of winemaking flourishes, producing some of Georgia's most renowned varietals like Saperavi. Explore the charming town of Sighnaghi, a "City of Love" known for its romantic atmosphere and stunning views of the Alazani Valley.
Thriving Cities
"Thriving Cities: A Guide to Sustainable Urban Development for Flourishing Communities" charts a course towards vibrant, healthy urban centers. This book goes beyond just minimizing environmental impact. It's a roadmap for creating sustainable cities that foster economic prosperity, social equity, and a high quality of life for all residents. We'll explore key principles of sustainable development, from promoting green infrastructure and clean energy to fostering walkable neighborhoods and robust public transportation systems. The book delves into the importance of social equity, ensuring all residents have access to opportunities and resources, and creating inclusive communities that celebrate diversity. "Thriving Cities" equips readers with practical strategies and inspiring case studies from cities worldwide that are leading the way in sustainable development. Whether you're a city planner, policymaker, or concerned citizen, this guide empowers you to create a thriving urban future for generations to come.
The Dance of Life
"The Dance of Life: Unveiling Mechanisms Behind Population Dynamics" waltzes you through the intricate tango of life on Earth. Forget random chance; populations rise and fall in a mesmerizing choreography governed by fascinating mechanisms. The book delves into these mechanisms, exploring how birth rates, death rates, competition, predation, and environmental factors all influence the population size of different species. We'll explore the concept of carrying capacity, the upper limit an environment can support for a particular species. You'll learn about population cycles, where predator and prey populations boom and bust in a predictable dance. The book delves into population regulation, the forces that keep populations in check, and how human activities can disrupt this delicate balance. "The Dance of Life" unveils the hidden patterns that govern the abundance of life on Earth, offering a deeper appreciation for the dynamic web of life.
Geological Hazards and Risk Management
The escalating threat of geohazards is propelled by both human activity and global climate change. "Recent Advances in Geohazards and Risk Management" is a reprint that addresses this escalating threat, consolidating international advancements and practical experiences to offer readers a comprehensive guide.The author team, composed of experts in geohazards, disaster risk researchers and policy makers from various countries, utilizes an interdisciplinary approach. They adeptly integrate the latest scientific discoveries with practical case studies, detailing the types, identification, causes, impacts and strategies for the prevention and response to geohazards.Designed for both professional and scholarly growth, this reprint is an indispensable tool. It may be used as a demanding textbook for graduate students or as a comprehensive reference for professionals such as geological and geotechnical engineers, engineering geologists, etc. With this reprint in hand, readers will have the knowledge and direction necessary to handle geohazard threats globally.
Advances in Intelligent Sensors and IoT Solutions
Technological progress has led to the prominence of sensors and the Internet of things (IoT) as crucial components in numerous monitoring environments. Sensors are devices capable of detecting and measuring a variety of phenomena, whether physical, structural, environmental, chemical, or biological. These sensors are supported by the IoT, a network that enables the gathering and sharing of data across connected devices. The integration of sensors with the IoT has driven significant transformations in industries such as healthcare, agriculture, transportation, construction, and urban management by facilitating real-time data collection and analysis. This enhances decision making, increases automation, and boosts efficiency. This Special Issue focuses on sensors and the IoT, publishing a collection of academic articles that explore cutting-edge advancements in areas such as the mechanical characterization of concrete structures, digital twin technologies in Industry 5.0, cloud-based machine learning, the Internet of remote things, and microgrid technologies.
Determinants of Home Delivery
In Senegal, according to data from the Enqu礙te D矇mographique et de Sant矇 version 2019 (EDS - 2019) published by the Agence Nationale de la Statistique et de la D矇mographie (ANSD), the proportion of women who used a health institution during childbirth rose from 62% in 2005 to 80% in 2019. In the Niakhar observatory, healthcare use during pregnancy and childbirth has evolved fairly slowly over time. In the Niakhar SSDS, the rate of healthcare use during childbirth was 11% between 1988 and 1992, 16% between 1998 and 2002, 34% between 2008 and 2012, and 57% in 2017, despite an acceptable supply of care, but with a very marked disparity between geographical units. In fact, the rate of home births in the Niakhar observatory is lower than at national level. This study is cross-sectional, descriptive and explanatory, with the aim of identifying the factors that explain non-use of medical assistance in childbirth in the Niakhar observatory area.
Brazil's borders
The length of the Brazilian border is one of the longest in the world at 16,886 km and borders ten countries. It is therefore very peculiar and diverse in terms of its economy, geography, culture and social aspects, despite belonging to the same territory. The factors that contribute to this diversity range from the population gradients of the border municipalities, specific economic factors, historical, political and international relations contexts that have a particular influence on each section of the border. This book deals with the paradigm shift from the border strip as an area of defense and security to an area of defense and development that was encouraged by the context of economic integration from 1990 onwards, in which Brazil assumed a position of regional leader due to its strategic geographical location and proximity to most of the Southern Cone countries. This book is aimed at anyone who wants to know more about Brazil's borders and the changes that have taken place over the last two centuries.
New Tools or Trends for Large-Scale Mapping and 3D Modelling
Topographic surveys are used to capture the shape of the world and represent it as a topographic map or three-dimensional (3D) model. Large-scale topographic maps are essential for (a) the design and construction of infrastructure in an urban environment, (b) 3D/city modeling, and (c) general-purpose mapping. Topographic surveys are normally carried out with traditional surveying, photogrammetry, LiDAR/laser scanning, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), and satellite remote sensing. Remote sensing tools have shown their efficacy in exploring natural, human, and social systems at unprecedented resolutions. These tools have been used for acquiring the spatial data needed for mapping since the early 1970s, because they are rapid, cost-effective, and reliable. Now, the demand for geospatial data has increased exponentially, coupled with the need for high-quality large-scale maps and 3D models. The recent developments in remote sensing cameras have opened the door for the high-quality and large-scale mapping of our environment, 3D/city modeling, and many useful applications, such as infrastructure monitoring, crack measurement, etc. These include depth (stereo) cameras, fine-resolution satellite sensors, and state-of-the-art cameras for terrestrial photogrammetric applications.
Choosing Earth
In this revised edition of Choosing Earth (February 2022), Duane Elgin describes how the world has transitioned into an epoch of profound change. Choosing Earth illuminates this pivotal period in our human collective journey from adolescence into early adulthood and beyond. Elgin explains how we are moving through a challenging and purposeful initiation, as he takes us through the horrors and heartbreaks of the decades ahead and describes this as a time of both initiation and opportunity. We are invited to accept and integrate the grief and losses as part of the important process of maturation. Seven major uplifts point to the ways in which we can meet this crisis and grow. Elgin suggests that as more of us wake up, billions of ordinary citizens of the Earth will call with one collective voice for unprecedented cooperation and creative action. Each one of us alive today has an essential part to play in guiding our planetary trajectory along a wiser path of healing and maturing. Choosing Earth provides a powerful catalyst for collective conversation.
Industrial Chain, Supply Chain and Value Chain in the Energy Industry
Amidst geopolitical conflicts and energy trade wars challenging the global energy market, this Special Issue addresses critical aspects of the energy sector's transformation. It focuses on expanding and optimizing the industry, supply, and value chains through digital and innovative strategies to improve market-oriented energy distribution. Data-driven economic growth and digital technology advancements are reshaping energy governance, pushing for a shift towards renewable sources and digital solutions to overcome traditional system limitations and the "impossible triangle" of energy security, economic growth, and efficiency. This collection of 10 papers explores the opportunities and challenges in digital governance and sustainable development within the energy sector. By examining the rapid evolution of the digital economy and the urgent need for low-carbon solutions, this Special Issue contributes valuable insights into achieving a sustainable global energy transition, highlighting the importance of innovative approaches in navigating the complexities of modern energy systems.
Gem Characterisation
The purpose of this Special Issue is to present the advances in gem characterisation using principally non-destructive means. The proper identification of gems is an ever-increasing challenge, especially with harder-to-detect treatments and the new demands on geographical origin determination. In order to grow, gemmology requires valuable inputs from other fields of science, as well as more fundamental studies concerning gems. Hopefully, this series of articles will contribute to a better understanding of the characteristics of some gems.
