The second edition of The Political Economy of Iraq is as comprehensive and accessible as the first with updated data and analysis. Frank R. Gunter discusses in detail how the convergence of the ISIS insurgency, collapse in oil prices, and massive youth unemployment produced a serious political crisis in 2020. This work ends with a discussion of key policy decisions that will determine Iraq's future. This volume will be a valuable resource for anyone with a professional, business, or academic interest in the post-2003 political economy of Iraq.

GMOS and Political Stance: Global GMO Regulation, Certification, Labeling, and Consumer Preferences provides a foundational-to-current challenges resource for those involved in developing and applying regulations to these important resources. Beginning with basics of GMOs, the book first familiarizes the reader with the history, economic status, associated risks, global politics, and socio-economics of GMOs. From exploring the necessity of GMO regulations with the existing GMO technology as well as new gene editing technologies to discussion by GMO regulations experts from different continents and countries, readers will find the information necessary to understand the laws, rules, regulations and policies at domestic and international scale. A last chapter delivers an update and future look on gene-edited food and feed and discusses the possibilities on the future risk assessment, legislation and regulation of gene-edited products. GMOS and Political Stance provides a unique and applicable synchronization of all regulatory information on GMOs to facilitate effective and efficient regulatory development and adherence.

Handbook of Biofuels Production: Processes and Technologies, Third Edition provides a comprehensive and systematic reference on a range of biomass conversion processes and technologies. In response to the global increase in the use of biofuels as substitute transportation fuels, advanced chemical, biochemical and thermochemical biofuels production routes are quickly being developed. Substantial additions for this new edition include increased coverage of emerging feedstocks, including microalgae, more emphasis on by-product valorization for biofuels' production, additional chapters on emerging biofuel production methods, and co-production of biofuels and bioproducts. The book's editorial team is strengthened by the addition of an extra member, and a number of new contributors have been invited to work with authors from the first and second edition to revise existing chapters, with each offering fresh perspectives. This book is an essential reference for professional engineers in the biofuel industry as well as researchers in academia, from post-graduate level and up.

This book celebrates the aviators, astronauts, airline executives, and other innovators who have made Texas an influential world leader in the aerospace industry over the past century. Tracing the hundred-year history of aviation in Texas, aviator and historian Barbara Ganson brings to life the colorful personalities that shaped the phenomenally successful development of this industry in the state. Weaving stories and profiles of aviators, designers, manufacturers, and those in related services, Texas Takes Wing covers the major trends that propelled Texas to the forefront of the field. Covering institutions from San Antonio's Randolph Air Force Base (the West Point of this branch of service) to Brownsville's airport with its Pan American Airlines instrument flight school (which served as an international gateway to Latin America as early as the 1920s) to Houston's Johnson Space Center, home of Mission Control for the U.S. space program, the book provides an exhilarating timeline and engaging history of dozens of unsung pioneers as well as their more widely celebrated peers. Drawn from personal interviews as well as major archives and the collections of several commercial airlines, including American, Southwest, Braniff, Pan American Airways, and Continental, this sweeping history captures the story of powered flight in Texas since 1910. With its generally favorable flying weather, flat terrain, and wide open spaces, Texas has more airports than any other state and is often considered one of America's most aviation-friendly places. Texas Takes Wing also explores the men and women who made the region pivotal in military training, aircraft manufacturing during wartime, general aviation, and air servicing of the agricultural industry. The result is a soaring history that will delight aviators and passengers alike.

Focusing on public administration activities in the field of national labour policy, this timely book provides detailed analyses of labour administration reforms, innovations and challenges in different countries, including detailed case studies from Brazil, Germany, India, Japan, South Africa, Sri Lanka and the US. Combining rigorous research and practical policy recommendations, the book contains contributions from top scholars in the fields of economics, employment relations, labour law and public administration, as well as officials from the International Labour Organization (ILO). Chapters offer wide-ranging investigations of topics such as labour inspection, social dialogue involving employer organizations and trade unions, and the role of performance management and new technologies in labour administration. The book further demonstrates the vital role of labour administration in upholding employment rights and promoting employment, emphasizing the ways in which it can contribute to good governance, sustainable development and decent work. This will be a critical read for employment relations, global labour studies and public administration scholars. Policy makers and practitioners working in and around employment policy and labour law will also find this book beneficial, particularly with its in-depth case studies.

'Tourist Behaviour: The Essential Companion edited by Philip L. Pearce is an indispensable resource for courses on consumer behaviour in tourism and for all serious scholars in the field. The structure of the book is unique in following the entire consumer journey from ''dreaming and longing'' to ''returning home''. Pearce, the preeminent scholar and author on tourist behaviour, has produced another brilliant work together with an impressive list of contributing authors.' - Alastair Morrison, Purdue University, US Comprehensive and accessible, this Companion offers a thorough investigation into both traditional and fresh topics in tourist behaviour and experience. Arranged chronologically, the chapters examine tourist experience from the very idea of a tourist visit to the aftermath of returning home. With contributions from leading experts and emerging scholars across the globe, this Companion establishes the importance of studying tourist behaviour. Innovative topics including packing and preparation, dreaming and longing for trips, and memory are explored in detail. The book incorporates a selection of illustrative key case studies to ensure that it is highly accessible and readable to a range of audiences, while ensuring academic rigour. It examines both positive and negative impacts of the tourist experience on tourists themselves and the communities and environments they visit. The concluding chapter includes a vision for how tourism and sustainable development goals can be integrated to maximise the benefits of tourist behaviour and experience. Students and researchers of tourism and sustainability will greatly benefit from the research directions and suggestions indicated in each chapter of the book. This timely Companion will also prove to be a valuable resource for stakeholders looking to improve and expand upon the tourist experience.

This state-of-the-art Research Handbook provides a challenging and critical examination of the complex issues surrounding sports in contemporary societies. Featuring contributions from world-leading scholars, it focuses upon the impact of their research, together with significant social issues and controversies in sport. International and comprehensive, the Research Handbook is organised around the key themes of governance, economics, events, the athletes and the future. Chapters examine the various theoretical and methodological approaches undertaken by the contributors and outline the current state of knowledge, to demonstrate the social and economic impact of academic research, as well as the constraints on research influence. Written during the global coronavirus pandemic, chapters also reflect on the way in which the public health crisis has exposed social issues and fragilities. The Research Handbook on Sports and Society will be a beneficial read for students of all levels studying sports science, sociology and public policy. The insights offered by established researchers will aid students in further understanding key methodologies, and opportunities and challenges for research. They also include recommendations for future policy and practice grounded in substantial research evidence.

Offering a comprehensive understanding of the implications of the COVID-19 pandemic for the tourism and hospitality industry, this book discusses the topic from economic, sociological and psychological perspectives. Critical case studies are used to explore both micro impacts on individuals involved in the industry and governmental and international responses to issues posed by the pandemic more broadly. Chapters explore ways in which tourism and hospitality organizations will need to re-think their marketing strategies, including destination branding. The book also analyses the economic impacts of the pandemic, including insights on the impact of previous pandemics on the tourism sector, and how this may inform future practice. It highlights changes that may be necessary to tourism management, looking at how COVID-19 has affected the tourism workforce, tourism employees' psychology, supply chains, and revenues. This is a timely and critical read for tourism studies and business and management scholars. It will also be a helpful resource for management in the tourism and hospitality industry looking to better understand how to react to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Theoretical and Computational Photochemistry: Fundamentals, Methods, Applications and Synergy with Experimental Approaches provides a comprehensive overview of photoactive systems and photochemical processes. After an introduction to photochemistry, the book discusses the key computational chemistry methods applied to the study of light-induced processes over the past decade, and further outlines recent research topics to which these methods have been applied. By discussing the synergy between experimental and computational data, the book highlights how theoretical studies could facilitate understanding experimental findings. This helpful guide is for both theoretical chemists and experimental photochemistry researchers interested in utilizing computational photochemistry methods for their own work.

This comprehensive Handbook offers a broad assessment of tourism impacts research. With critical perspectives on social and environmental impacts of the sector it addresses the often-clashing value systems in tourism that underpin both scholarly and policy agendas. Chapters offer reflections on critical issues, including climate change, environmental degradation and COVID-19, analysing their effects on tourism impacts. Top scholars in the field flesh out unique perspectives on tourism, highlighting its impact on communities, workers and Indigenous peoples, as well as the ongoing global and local sustainability issues associated with the prevailing growth-oriented rationale of the industry. Providing a state-of-the-art, integrative approach to the field, the Handbook lays out a social impact assessment approach and draws attention to the relationships between tourism, human rights, development and the environment. Offering innovative insights on the future of the industry, the Handbook of Tourism Impacts is crucial reading for students and scholars of tourism, human geography and planning, as well as other social scientists working on tourism impacts. It also provides useful insights for practitioners and policymakers looking to address and limit the negative impacts of tourism.

Elgar Research Agendas outline the future of research in a given area. Leading scholars are given the space to explore their subject in provocative ways, and map out the potential directions of travel. They are relevant but also visionary. Transport significantly affects everyday life in our modern world. Highlighting key challenges and opportunities, this Research Agenda identifies current and future themes that are central to both research and practice in the transport sector. With chapters written by eminent scholars and practitioners, it provides readers with a state-of-the art analysis of the topic. This Research Agenda identifies areas of research required to inform transport policy development that will in turn support improved societal outcomes. Chapters examine transport policy from a range of different viewpoints, offering insights into socio-economic environments, the importance of technology, and the differing approaches to transport policy across five continents. Transport is on the cusp of major transformation, and such disruptive change demands the broad, integrated approach that this Research Agenda provides. Written in a non-technical style, this book will appeal to transport policy practitioners, looking to improve current infrastructure to better suit the needs of the future. Public policy and geography scholars focusing on the impact and importance of transport will also find this to be a valuable read.

Advances in Marine Biology, Volume 93, the latest release in this comprehensive serial, highlights new advances in the field, with this new volume presenting interesting chapters written by an international board of authors.

Handbook of Generation IV Nuclear Reactors, Second Edition is a fully revised and updated comprehensive resource on the latest research and advances in generation IV nuclear reactor concepts. Editor Igor Pioro and his team of expert contributors have updated every chapter to reflect advances in the field since the first edition published in 2016. The book teaches the reader about available technologies, future prospects and the feasibility of each concept presented, equipping them users with a strong skillset which they can apply to their own work and research.

The Coal Handbook: Towards Cleaner Coal Utilization, Volume Two, Second Edition provides authoritative insights on a variety of case studies to help the reader identify the most appropriate technologies to take coal, and its associated by-products, into a cleaner environment, one with integrated energy systems. Editor Dave Osborne and his team of expert contributors combine their expertise to highlight the future direction of coal utilization towards more efficient and clean use of coal. Key emerging topics such as the cleanest ways to deal with coal waste and emission reduction are covered alongside a selection of case studies from various countries. This edition includes two brand new chapters on technology variants and systems, including hybrid systems and advanced CO2 abatement strategies. With its distinguished editor and international team of expert contributors, this book is a comprehensive and invaluable resource for professionals in the coal mining, preparation and utilization industry.

The hidden costs of artificial intelligence—from natural resources and labor to privacy, equality, and freedom.

What happens when artificial intelligence saturates political life and depletes the planet? How is AI shaping our understanding of ourselves and our societies? Drawing on more than a decade of research, award‑winning scholar Kate Crawford reveals how AI is a technology of extraction: from the minerals drawn from the earth to the labor pulled from low-wage information workers to the data taken from every action and expression.

Crawford reveals how this planetary network is fueling a shift toward undemocratic governance and increased inequity. Rather than taking a narrow focus on code and algorithms, Crawford offers us a material and political perspective on what it takes to make AI and how it centralizes power. This is an urgent account of what is at stake as technology companies use artificial intelligence to reshape the world.

Advances in Epidemiological Modeling and Control of Viruses covers recent and advanced research works in the field of epidemiological modeling, with special emphasis on new strategies to control the occurrence and reoccurrence of viruses. The models included in this book can be used to study the dynamics of different viruses, searching for control measures, and epidemic models under various effects and environments. This book covers different models and methods of modeling, including data-driven approaches. The authors and editors are experienced researchers, and each chapter has been designed to provide readers with leading-edge information on topics discussed.

A unique and comprehensive source of information, this book is the only international publication providing economists, planners, policymakers and business people with worldwide statistics on current performance and trends in the manufacturing sector. The Yearbook is designed to facilitate international comparisons relating to manufacturing activity and industrial development and performance. It provides data which can be used to analyse patterns of growth and related long term trends, structural change and industrial performance in individual industries. Statistics on employment patterns, wages, consumption and gross output and other key indicators are also presented.

Bridging theory and practice, this book offers insights into how Europe has experienced the evolution of modern electricity markets from the end of the 1990s to the present day. It explores defining moments in the process, including the four waves of European legislative packages, landmark court cases, and the impact of climate strikes and marches. Leonardo Meeus explains the sequence of electricity markets in Europe from wholesale to balancing markets, forward transmission markets, capacity mechanisms, redispatching and flexibility markets. Chapters explore current issues including the new paradigm that places the citizen at the centre of the energy transition. Concluding that most of the market integration process in Europe so far has required horizontal coordination between transmission system operators in different countries, the book looks ahead to the importance of vertical coordination between the transmission and distribution. An invaluable book for energy policymakers and practitioners working in Europe, the solutions offered for contemporary issues will also be helpful for those working in international or multi-region electricity markets more widely. Academics involved in the world of electricity regulation will also find this an invigorating read.

The solar photovoltaic sector is moving forward very fast, both in terms of its own technological advancement and its standing among global renewable energy technologies. Rapid increases in solar cell efficiencies, fast technical change in solar batteries and solar glass, and economies of scale in production fuel its rapid adoption and it is becoming clear that existing forecasts about its adoption need to be updated extensively. This timely and distinctive examination of the economic side of the field takes into account solar PV's recent and growing lead among renewable energies competing to replace fossil fuels. The Revolution in Energy Technology examines the birth of this technology in the United States, where the main innovators are still located, the emergence of China as a main production hub, and new and growing contributions to the innovation cascades from other countries including Germany, Japan, South Korea and Taiwan. The participation of universities as investors and the role of venture capital are discussed, and particular emphasis is given to the domination of the sector by large firms. The book is interesting for both academics and graduate students as well as policy makers, technicians, engineers and companies involved in the field.

Time-Dependent Reliability Theory and Its Applications introduces the theory of time-dependent reliability and presents methods to determine the reliability of structures over the lifespan of their services. The book contains state-of-the-art solutions to first passage probability derived from the theory of stochastic processes with different types of probability distribution functions, including Gaussian and non-Gaussian distributions and stationary and non-stationary processes. In addition, it provides various methods to determine the probability of failure over time, considering different failure modes and a methodology to predict the service life of structures. Sections also cover the applications of time-dependent reliability to prediction of service life and development of risk cost-optimized maintenance strategy for existing structures. This new book is for those who wants to know how to predict the service life of a structure (buildings, bridges, aircraft structures, etc.) and how to develop a risk-cost, optimized maintenance strategy for these structures.