The theory of biophilia posits that there is an innate connection between all the species that share Earth's biosphere and that this connection is inherently collaborative as organisms work together to ensure survival as opposed to competing for resources and territory. As threats to the environment increase in frequency and scale, applying a scientifically rigorous lens to the biophilia theory becomes crucial to ensuring survival. Examining Biophilia and Societal Indifference to Environmental Protection is a pivotal reference source that explores the relationship between nature, humanity, and mindfulness. The book is broken into three sections with the first section introducing the reader to biophilia and examining how this phenomenon results in human awe for nature. The second section investigates the value of biophilia and covers human exploitation of nature, including how this has changed the regard for children and elders. The final section outlines a practical approach to restoring nature and renewing faith in one another. While highlighting a broad range of topics including mental health, natural disasters, and taxonomy, this book is ideally designed for biologists, activists, engineers, policymakers, government officials, academicians, researchers, and students.

This volume provides an overview of the determinants of the release of and exposure to airborne nanoparticles. Whether intentionally manufactured or unintentionally generated during industrial processes, the release of nanoparticles can result in significant worker exposure, which must be dealt with adequately by means of dedicated risk assessments to ensure workplace health and safety. The book extensively discusses a number of measurement and modelling strategies available for this purpose. It also reviews the health hazardous potential of nano-sized particles and fibres, and follows the flow of engineered nanomaterials from production and use to disposal and the environment. It appeals to a wide readership, from specialists already working in the field to newcomers aiming to gain insights into this topic.

Hybrid Computational Intelligent Systems – Modeling, Simulation and Optimization unearths the latest advances in evolving hybrid intelligent modeling and simulation of human-centric data-intensive applications optimized for real-time use, thereby enabling researchers to come up with novel breakthroughs in this ever-growing field. Salient features include the fundamentals of modeling and simulation with recourse to knowledge-based simulation, interaction paradigms, and human factors, along with the enhancement of the existing state of art in a high-performance computing setup. In addition, this book presents optimization strategies to evolve robust and failsafe intelligent system modeling and simulation. The volume also highlights novel applications for different engineering problems including signal and data processing, speech, image, sensor data processing, innovative intelligent systems, and swarm intelligent manufacturing systems. Features: A self-contained approach to integrating the principles of hybrid computational ntelligence with system modeling and simulation Well-versed foundation of computational intelligence and its application to real life engineering problems Elucidates essential background, concepts, definitions, and theories thereby putting forward a complete treatment on the subject Effective modeling of hybrid intelligent systems forms the backbone of almost every operative system in real-life Proper simulation of real-time hybrid intelligent systems is a prerequisite for deriving any real-life system solution Optimized system modeling and simulation enable real-time and failsafe operations of the existing hybrid intelligent system solutions Information presented in an accessible way for researchers, engineers, developers, and practitioners from academia and industry working in all major areas and interdisciplinary areas of hybrid computational intelligence and communication systems to evolve human-centered modeling and simulations of real-time data-intensive intelligent systems.

In this unique book, Alain Guilloux uses four major elements of governance - namely norms, actors, processes, and outcomes - to examine Taiwan 's national governance as well as its participation in global governance in relation to humanitarian aid.

Including case studies on Taiwan 's application to become an observer to the WHO, and its foreign-aid policy and practice dealing with disease outbreaks and natural disasters, Guilloux explores the complexities and dilemmas of providing humanitarian aid to people in need and distress. Taking into account Taiwan's unclear status in the global arena, and how in its efforts Taiwan faces both international isolation and opposition from the People's Republic of China at multiple levels.

Taiwan, Humanitarianism and Global Governance will be of interest for scholars of Chinese studies, Taiwan Studies, East Asian politics and International Relations, and environmental politics and humanitarian studies.

1. Propose the latest discoveries in terms of machine intelligence techniques and methods for cybersecurity and privacy; 2. Propose many case studies and applications of machine intelligence in various cybersecurity fields (Smart City, IoT, Cyber Physical System, etc) 3. Combine theory and practice so that readers of the few books (beginners or experts) can find both a description of the concepts and context related to machine intelligence for cybersecurity.

Urban parks and gardens are where people go to reconnect with nature and destress. But do they all provide the same benefits or are some better than others? What specific attributes set some green spaces apart? Can we objectively measure their impact on mental health and well-being? If so, how do we use this evidence to guide the design of mentally healthy cities? The Contemplative Landscape Model unveils the path to answer these questions. Rooted in landscape architecture and neuroscience, this innovative concept is described for the first time in an extended format, offering a deep dive into contemplative design and the science behind it. In the face of the global mental health crisis, and increasing disconnection from nature, design strategies for creating healthier urban environments are what our cities so sorely need. The book delves into the neuroscience behind contemplative landscapes, their key spatial characteristics, and practical application of the Contemplative Landscape Model through case studies from around the world. Landscape architects, urban planners, students, land managers, and anyone interested in unlocking the healing power of landscapes will find inspiration here.

Nature Across Cultures: Views of Nature and the Environment in Non-Western Cultures consists of about 25 essays dealing with the environmental knowledge and beliefs of cultures outside of the United States and Europe. In addition to articles surveying Islamic, Chinese, Native American, Aboriginal Australian, Indian, Thai, and Andean views of nature and the environment, among others, the book includes essays on Environmentalism and Images of the Other, Traditional Ecological Knowledge, Worldviews and Ecology, Rethinking the Western/non-Western Divide, and Landscape, Nature, and Culture. The essays address the connections between nature and culture and relate the environmental practices to the cultures which produced them. Each essay contains an extensive bibliography. Because the geographic range is global, the book fills a gap in both environmental history and in cultural studies. It should find a place on the bookshelves of advanced undergraduate students, graduate students, and scholars, as well as in libraries serving those groups.

This book provides an up-to-date synthesis of the understanding of the interaction between the emission of nitrogen, its deposition and impact on the most important components of natural and semi-natural ecosystems. The work consists of contributions from internationally renowned research scientists. Individual chapters deal with the factors and processes related to nitrogen deposition and soils, non-forest vegetation communities, forest ecosystems, and surface waters. The assessment of these impacts is discussed in terms of setting critical loads. The book is aimed at researchers, advanced course students and policy makers/advisors involved with aspects of the impact of air pollution.

If you are responsible for oak management, Managing Oak Forests in the Eastern United States is for you. It is the definitive practical guide for anyone interested in improving stewardship of eastern oak forests. Organized into three sections, the first section, "Background and Biology: Setting the Stage," helps you establish a solid understanding of the history and ecology of eastern oak ecosystems. It examines the question "Why do we manage oaks?" and looks at some of the challenges faced in oak management such as fire, wildlife management, and oak regeneration. It also provides a description and distribution of oak forests across the eastern United States and discusses the biology of oaks. The second section, "Silviculture: What Is in the Tool Box," gives you a practical understanding of how management can be implemented in eastern oak forests. It covers natural regeneration, artificial regeneration, and use of prescribed fires, competition control, and intermediate treatments. The third and final section, "Managing Oaks: How Do I Make It Work for Me?" helps you clarify your objectives and chart a course to bring about the desired outcomes for the forests you are managing. This section assists you in evaluating your progress in managing your oaks and what changes you will need to make. It provides details on management objectives for upland oaks, woodlands and savannahs, and bottomland oaks. It also gives you guidance on managing deer impacts on oak forests. The last chapter is specifically designed to help you get started.

At the intersection of environmental science and human biology this book deals with dry ecosystems - aridity, droughts, wind and its influence on soils and regulation - the societies affected by these ecosystems, and the inventiveness of those living under these conditions. These environments are the basis of nomad existence, of irrigated agriculture and of the first civilisations dependent on streams. Changes in the modern epoch, the ever-increasing technology and demographic development show that environmental degradation and the socio-economic situation cannot be explained by just one factor. This book tries to answer the question whether long-lasting development is possible in dry environments.

The Engineering Ethics in Southern African textbook has been written specifically for engineers in this geographical region. Not only does it provide an overview of moral philosophy and the various ethical approaches that can be applied in the engineering field, but it shares what it means to be a professional engineer in Southern Africa and provides insight into both professional and community expectations.

Local engineering case studies have been chosen to highlight ethical dilemmas and conflicts that can arise, and various ethical approaches have been applied to them to explain their cause and consequence(s).

Readers will find that this textbook not only provides them with invaluable knowledge for their careers as professional engineers, but that it will continue to encourage them to think ethically in their lives as professional engineers engaged in engineering projects and engineering activities.

This practical manual represents a comprehensive, up-to-date compilation of useful chemical ecology techniques and references. Written from the viewpoint of the practitioner, this book and its companion volume on chemical methods describe apparatus and methods, providing detailed discussions of the advantages and limitations of various techniques. Taken together, the volumes provide the information required to isolate and identify biologically active chemicals mediating inter- and intraspecific interactions between organisms from most of the major taxa. Methods in Chemical Ecology: Bioassay Methods covers bioassay techniques from a broad spectrum of species, ranging from microorganisms in aquatic environments to mammals in terrestrial habitats. This volume is designed to assist both ecologists and chemists with the sometimes daunting task of developing bioassay techniques to be used in the isolation and identification of natural products. The contributors, all highly respected active researchers, provide insights into the many pitfalls of bioassay design based on their years of experience. With minimal use of technical jargon, this volume is designed as an indispensable reference manual for graduate students as well as experienced researchers. This volume will also serve as a valuable reference book for researchers in many related disciplines, including animal behavior, natural-products chemistry, ecology, botany/plant sciences, zoology, entomology, marine biology and ecology, and pharmacology.

This volume comprises a collection of four special lectures, six general reports and 112 papers presented at the Sixth International Symposium of Geotechnical Aspects of Underground Construction in Soft Ground (IS-Shanghai) held between 10 and 12 April 2008 in Shanghai, China. The Symposium was organised by Tongji University and the following themes were covered: 1. Analysis and numerical modelling of deep excavations 2. Construction method, ground treatment, and conditioning for tunnelling 3. Case histories 4. Safety issues, risk analysis, hazard management and control 5. Physical and numerical modelling 6. Calculation, design methods, and predictive tools This volume provides a valuable source of information on the the state-of-the-art in geotechnical engineering associated with the design, construction and monitoring of tunnels and excavations in soft ground, and will be of interest to academics and professionals involved in these areas.

The focal main objective of the book is to constitute a meaningful linkage among research problems, geoinformation methods and corresponding applications. The research goals, related both to theoretical and practical issues, derive from multidisciplinary fields such as archaeology, history, geography, landscape planning, environment, geoinformation science, geology and geomorphology. All the aforementioned scientific areas have the spatial dimension in common, i.e. the vast amount of spatially referenced data. Their research issues can be addressed and analysed with geoinformation technology; though, the researchers should get familiar to the range of available geoinformation methods. The book provides description of a variety of research problems issues and technological ?solutions?approaches that can be used to support processes of data capturing, mapping and analysis. These techniques and concepts are illustrated on numerous practical examples. along with specific examples, where these have been applied. The current structure of the book includes the following four chapters: introduction, data capturing and mapping, analysis and modelling, and study cases. In the following we provide a more detailed content of each chapter listing the main topics included within the selected articles.

Successfully classroom-tested at the graduate level, Linear Control Theory: Structure, Robustness, and Optimization covers three major areas of control engineering (PID control, robust control, and optimal control). It provides balanced coverage of elegant mathematical theory and useful engineering-oriented results.

The first part of the book develops results relating to the design of PID and first-order controllers for continuous and discrete-time linear systems with possible delays. The second section deals with the robust stability and performance of systems under parametric and unstructured uncertainty. This section describes several elegant and sharp results, such as Kharitonov's theorem and its extensions, the edge theorem, and the mapping theorem. Focusing on the optimal control of linear systems, the third part discusses the standard theories of the linear quadratic regulator, Hinfinity and l1 optimal control, and associated results.

Written by recognized leaders in the field, this book explains how control theory can be applied to the design of real-world systems. It shows that the techniques of three term controllers, along with the results on robust and optimal control, are invaluable to developing and solving research problems in many areas of engineering.

As the growth of the world's population requires the continued search for residential space, the urbanization of natural lands is an inevitable process, but that process does not have to be one that is accomplished without regard for environmental quality. This book presents the unique perspective of naturbanization, the urbanization of protected and highly valued natural spaces that are geographically removed from current urban centers. It discusses the search and selection of new residential spaces, economic planning and policy in such areas, environmentally sensitive construction, and public investment in infrastructure to make the areas more accessible and habitable.

Specifically, the book analyzes naturbanization as it is occurring in National Parks located along the European Union borders. Recent declarations have made the parks more accessible to development and consequently they are serving as models for ways to reach workable solutions and encourage the sort of economic development that will satisfy both developers and environmentalists

• Technical language made simple • Researched matter • Maximum illustrations • To the point matter • Authored by a qualified person who is teaching in this field for the last 25 years

The crucible of innovation in wildlife and habitat conservation is in southern Africa where it has co-evolved with decolonization, political transformation and the rise of development, ownership, management and livelihood debates. Charting this innovation, early chapters of this volume deal with the traditional 'fines and fences' conservation that occurred in the colonial and early post-independence period, with subsequent sections focussing on the experimentation and innovation that occurred on private and communal land as a result of the break from these traditional methods. The final section deals with more recent innovations in the sector, focussing on building and strengthening the relationships between parks and society. Importantly, the book provides a data-rich summary of experimentation with more inclusive models of conservation in terms of ecological, social, political and economic indicators. Published with the Southern African Sustainable Use Specialist Group (SASUSG) of IUCN.

Futures in Mechanics of Structures and Materials is a collection of peer-reviewed papers presented at the 20th Australasian Conference on the Mechanics of Structures and Materials (ACMSM20, University of Southern Queensland, Toowoomba, Queensland, Australia, 2 ? 5 December 2008) by academics, researchers and practicing engineers mainly from Australasia and the Asia-Pacific region. The topics under discussion include:

- Composite structures and materials

- Computational mechanics

- Earthquake and wind engineering

- Fire engineering

- Geomechanics and foundation engineering

- Mechanics of materials

- Rehabilitation of structures

- Reinforced and prestressed concrete structures

- Reliability and sustainability of structures

- Shock and impact loading

- Steel structures

- Structural dynamics

- Structural health monitoring

- Structural mechanics

- Timber engineering

Futures in Mechanics of Structures and Materials will be a valuable reference for academics, researchers and practicing engineers working in structural and material engineering and mechanics.

This is an edited collection of peer-reviewed papers presented at the Ninth International Conference of the Society for the Advancement of Kinanthropometry. Defined as the relationship between human body structure and function, kinanthropometry is an area of growing interest, and these proceedings will be of use to students, academics and professionals in the areas of ergonomics, sports science, nutrition, health, and other allied fields. The assembled works represent the latest research findings across kinanthropometry, moving the discipline forward and promoting good practice and the exchange of expertise.

The book contains invited lectures and selected contributions presented at the Enzo Levi and XVII Annual Meeting of the Fluid Dynamic Division of the Mexican Physical Society in 2011. It is aimed to fourth year undergraduate and graduate students, and scientists in the field of physics, engineering and chemistry that have interest in Fluid Dynamics from the experimental and theoretical point of view. The invited lectures are introductory and avoid the use of complicate mathematics. The other selected contributions are also adequate to fourth year undergraduate and graduate students. The Fluid Dynamics applications include multiphase flow, convection, diffusion, heat transfer, rheology, granular material, viscous flow, porous media flow, geophysics and astrophysics. The material contained in the book includes recent advances in experimental and theoretical fluid dynamics and is adequate for both teaching and research.

Underground infrastructure (traffic and railway tunnels, water and sewage ducts, garages, and subways) is essential for urbanized areas, as they fulfill an important role in the transportation of people, energy, communication and water. Underground Infrastructure of Urban Areas is a collection of papers on the design, application, and maintenance of underground and subterranean systems, with a focus on geotechnical aspects and town planning issues. The topics covered include: - Gas and potable water pipes; - Underground storage reservoirs; - Urban technical infrastructure and city management; - Drainage system infrastructures; - Micro tunnelling pipelines; - Underground garages; - Material structures; - Road tunnels. Underground Infrastructure of Urban Areas is of interest to academics, designers and builders of underground structures, manufacturers and suppliers of building materials and equipment, and to policy makers involved in managing and maintaining these structures.

Increasing population and industrialization are the key pollutant contributors in water bodies. The wastes generated by industries are highly hazardous for humans and the ecosystem and require a comprehensive and effective treatment before being discharged into water bodies. Over the years, many up gradations have been introduced in traditional water treatment methods which were expensive and ineffective especially for removal of toxic pollutants. Phycoremediation has been gaining attention due to its mutual benefit in wastewater treatment and for valuable algae biomass production. Wastewater, especially sewage and industrial effluents, is rich in pathogenic organisms, organic and inorganic compounds and heavy metals that adversely affect human and aquatic life. Microalgae use these inorganic compounds and heavy metals for their growth. In addition, they also reduce pathogenic organisms and release oxygen to be used by bacteria for decomposition of organic compounds in a secondary treatment. In this book, the potential of microalgae in wastewater treatment, their benefits, strategies, and challenges are discussed. The increasing need of finding innovative, low-cost, low-energy, sustainable and eco-friendly solutions for wastewater treatment makes the publication of a book on phycoremediation timely and appropriate. Features: (1) Deals with the most emerging aspects of algal research with special reference to phycoremediation. (2) Studies in depth diversity, mutations, genomics and metagenomics study (3) An eco-physiology, culturing, microalgae for food and feed, biofuel production, harvesting of microalgae, separation and purification of biochemicals.

This book presents the scientific principles and real-world best practices of behavioral safety, one of the most mature and impactful applications of behavioral science to reduce injuries in industrial workplaces. The authors review the core principles of behavioral science and their application to modern safety processes. Process components are discussed in detail, including risk analysis and pinpointing, direct observation, performance feedback, reinforcing engagement, trending and functional analysis, behavior change interventions, and program evaluation. Discussions are complemented by industry best-practice case studies from world-class behavioral safety programs accredited by the Cambridge Center for Behavioral Studies (CCBS), which provide compelling evidence of the effectiveness of these behavioral science principles in reducing injury. The Science and Best Practices of Behavioral Safety is essential reading for safety professionals, process safety engineers, and leaders in companies who have implemented, or are considering implementing, behavioral safety; or as an aid to learning more about the scientific background behind effective and practical safety practices. Researchers, expert consultants, and students who are already familiar with the practice will also find the book a valuable source to further develop their expertise.