This book aims to re-evaluate the relations between two major ideologies that have been increasingly contested in recent years, yet continue to be invoked or rejected as foundational systems for political thought or action. With socialism conceiving of itself as an alternative to economic liberalism, the two systems of thought emerged partially in opposition to each other. However, this book seeks to redefine their specificities and the way in which they have not only opposed each other but drew on common notions or paradigms to become both competing and complementary systems of thought and practices. With contributions from eminent political scientists and historians of political and economic thought, the book examines how the polarisation of debates and politicisation of concepts such as property, freedom, the individual, or the State, serve to construct the adversary and form a basis for political commitment. Offering an interdisciplinary assessment of the relation between liberalism and socialism, the authors help to make sense of current debate on individual freedom, political obligation and the changing role of the State. Providing an innovative perspective, this edited collection will be of interest to scholars and students researching political and economic thought, history or science, as well as anyone seeking to understand current developments affecting Western societies, and their past, present, and future ideologies.

This unique text/reference provides a comprehensive review of distributed simulation (DS) from the perspective of Model Driven Engineering (MDE), illustrating how MDE affects the overall lifecycle of the simulation development process. Numerous practical case studies are included to demonstrate the utility and applicability of the methodology, many of which are developed from tools available to download from the public domain. Topics and features: Provides a thorough introduction to the fundamental concepts, principles and processes of modeling and simulation, MDE and high-level architecture Describes a road map for building a DS system in accordance with the MDE perspective, and a technical framework for the development of conceptual models Presents a focus on federate (simulation environment) architectures, detailing a practical approach to the design of federations (i.e., simulation member design) Discusses the main activities related to scenario management in DS, and explores the process of MDE-based implementation, integration and testing Reviews approaches to simulation evolution and modernization, including architecture-driven modernization for simulation modernization Examines the potential synergies between the agent, DS, and MDE methodologies, suggesting avenues for future research at the intersection of these three fields Distributed Simulation - A Model Driven Engineering Approach is an important resource for all researchers and practitioners involved in modeling and simulation, and software engineering, who may be interested in adopting MDE principles when developing complex DS systems.

Currently there are many introductory textbooks on educational measurement and psychometrics as well as R. However, there is no single book that covers important topics in measurement and psychometrics as well as their applications in R. The Handbook of Educational Measurement and Psychometrics Using R covers a variety of topics, including classical test theory; generalizability theory; the factor analytic approach in measurement; unidimensional, multidimensional, and explanatory item response modeling; test equating; visualizing measurement models; measurement invariance; and differential item functioning. This handbook is intended for undergraduate and graduate students, researchers, and practitioners as a complementary book to a theory-based introductory or advanced textbook in measurement. Practitioners and researchers who are familiar with the measurement models but need to refresh their memory and learn how to apply the measurement models in R, would find this handbook quite fulfilling. Students taking a course on measurement and psychometrics will find this handbook helpful in applying the methods they are learning in class. In addition, instructors teaching educational measurement and psychometrics will find our handbook as a useful supplement for their course.

Born roughly between 1964 and 1980, Generation X has received much less critical attention than the two generations that precede and follow it: the Baby Boomers and Millennials. This essay collection examines representations of Generation X in contemporary popular culture, including in television, movies, music, and internet sources. Drawing on generational theory, cultural studies theory, race theory, and feminist theory, the essays in this volume consider the past identities of Generation X, relationships with members of younger generations, modern appropriation of Generation X aesthetics, interactions of Generation X members with family, and the existential values of Generation X.

Available Open Access under CC-BY-NC licence. Health literacy addresses a range of social dimensions of health, including knowledge, navigation and communication, as well as individual and organizational skills for accessing, understanding, evaluating and using information. Particularly over the past decade, health literacy has globally become a major public health concern as an asset for promoting health, wellbeing and sustainable development. This comprehensive handbook provides an invaluable overview of current international thinking about health literacy, highlighting cutting edge research, policy and practice in the field. With a diverse team of contributors, the book addresses health literacy across the life-span and offers insights from different populations and settings. Providing a wide range of major findings, the book outlines current discourse in the field and examines necessary future dialogues and new perspectives.

This unique text/reference provides a comprehensive review of distributed simulation (DS) from the perspective of Model Driven Engineering (MDE), illustrating how MDE affects the overall lifecycle of the simulation development process. Numerous practical case studies are included to demonstrate the utility and applicability of the methodology, many of which are developed from tools available to download from the public domain. Topics and features: Provides a thorough introduction to the fundamental concepts, principles and processes of modeling and simulation, MDE and high-level architecture Describes a road map for building a DS system in accordance with the MDE perspective, and a technical framework for the development of conceptual models Presents a focus on federate (simulation environment) architectures, detailing a practical approach to the design of federations (i.e., simulation member design) Discusses the main activities related to scenario management in DS, and explores the process of MDE-based implementation, integration and testing Reviews approaches to simulation evolution and modernization, including architecture-driven modernization for simulation modernization Examines the potential synergies between the agent, DS, and MDE methodologies, suggesting avenues for future research at the intersection of these three fields Distributed Simulation - A Model Driven Engineering Approach is an important resource for all researchers and practitioners involved in modeling and simulation, and software engineering, who may be interested in adopting MDE principles when developing complex DS systems.

Asian shipping entrepreneurship relies on strong ties between private entities and public institutions (i.e. governments). This book examines the growth and sustainability of the Asian maritime world through the lens of the Asian cultural code, its social and institutional economics as well as its unique way of public governance. The book addresses the economics of maritime industry in a broader stroke to include ship owning, shipbuilding, port operation and its links and collaborations to other industries from a refreshing perspective. The book also examines major maritime nations of Asia in three dimensions: history, strategy (also policy) and the current state of the maritime industry. The relationship between Asian shipping giants and public institutions is also explored, along with the recent developments and challenges of the regional maritime industry in the era of a marine tech boom, upsizing tonnage and environmental debates. Its comprehensive overview of and unique approach to the subject makes the book a valuable reference to anyone interested in the topic.

Currently there are many introductory textbooks on educational measurement and psychometrics as well as R. However, there is no single book that covers important topics in measurement and psychometrics as well as their applications in R. The Handbook of Educational Measurement and Psychometrics Using R covers a variety of topics, including classical test theory; generalizability theory; the factor analytic approach in measurement; unidimensional, multidimensional, and explanatory item response modeling; test equating; visualizing measurement models; measurement invariance; and differential item functioning. This handbook is intended for undergraduate and graduate students, researchers, and practitioners as a complementary book to a theory-based introductory or advanced textbook in measurement. Practitioners and researchers who are familiar with the measurement models but need to refresh their memory and learn how to apply the measurement models in R, would find this handbook quite fulfilling. Students taking a course on measurement and psychometrics will find this handbook helpful in applying the methods they are learning in class. In addition, instructors teaching educational measurement and psychometrics will find our handbook as a useful supplement for their course.

The shipping business is a lesser-known industry, but it is an extremely influential element in the global economy. This book provides a snapshot of the shipping business with micro-foundations from the perspectives of institutional and behavioural economics while uncovering hidden facts about the industry. Rather than spending a great deal of time reading many books or consulting costly advisors about fundamental issues, readers can quickly and easily find core concepts examined from multiple perspectives. They will certainly enjoy the engaging, narrative-driven content and learn many surprising truths about this fascinating business.

The shipping business is a lesser-known industry, but it is an extremely influential element in the global economy. This book provides a snapshot of the shipping business with micro-foundations from the perspectives of institutional and behavioural economics while uncovering hidden facts about the industry. Rather than spending a great deal of time reading many books or consulting costly advisors about fundamental issues, readers can quickly and easily find core concepts examined from multiple perspectives. They will certainly enjoy the engaging, narrative-driven content and learn many surprising truths about this fascinating business.

Asian shipping entrepreneurship relies on strong ties between private entities and public institutions (i.e. governments). This book examines the growth and sustainability of the Asian maritime world through the lens of the Asian cultural code, its social and institutional economics as well as its unique way of public governance. The book addresses the economics of maritime industry in a broader stroke to include ship owning, shipbuilding, port operation and its links and collaborations to other industries from a refreshing perspective. The book also examines major maritime nations of Asia in three dimensions: history, strategy (also policy) and the current state of the maritime industry. The relationship between Asian shipping giants and public institutions is also explored, along with the recent developments and challenges of the regional maritime industry in the era of a marine tech boom, upsizing tonnage and environmental debates. Its comprehensive overview of and unique approach to the subject makes the book a valuable reference to anyone interested in the topic.

Our society is highly effected by the digital revolution. This book describes with examples and new concepts the discrimination created by the Digital World at different layers of the society. The author analyzes the new technological ecosystem with components like the Digital Ghetto and describes the measures which need to be taken in the future. He evaluates this new digital world focusing on several aspects of social relations and lifestyles. The book also analyzes the mistakes made while entering the Information Age. Furthermore, the author answers the question if human society is ready for the amenities of services like Social Media, e-learning, energy and self-driving cars or if they actually make our lives more difficult and complicated.

In this anthology of health literacy, drawing on New Social Literacy studies and contemporary debates on equity, we discuss health literacy within German regional and cultural contexts as well as in selected non-European regions, such as in Asia and South America. Topics include unique reviews on health literacy, new empirical results on different population groups, in-depth ethnographic insights into social contexts, interventions intended to improve health literacy, and innovative theoretical dialogs. The discussions within this book provide new ideas and intriguing new results, also shedding light on the explanatory power of the health literacy concept as well as its boundaries.

Emerging market economies have long been a significant driver of global growth, and since the beginning of the new millennium they have gained greater importance than ever. Economists state that the economies of emerging countries are rapidly catching up with those of developed countries and are even predicted to overtake some of them by 2020. A deep understanding of emerging markets is crucial, then, to build tailored products and marketing programs that will capitalize on such rapid growth. In Marketing Management in Turkey, Selcen Ozturkcan and Elif Yolbulan Okan present the reader with marketing opportunities, market potential, and standardization and customization opportunities available within a fast-growing emerging economy-namely, the Turkish economy. Along the way, the book also offers important insights into issues affecting similar emerging markets by detailing the common perceptions and misconceptions around the unique opportunities they appear to offer. This book will be of keen interest to practitioners interested in investing in emerging markets, and it will also have much to offer to researchers and students interested in the future of the global economy.

Agriculture is one of the most climate-sensitive of all economic sectors. Azerbaijan is one of the many countries where the majority of the rural population depends on agriculture directly or indirectly for their livelihood. Further, changes in climate and their impacts on agricultural systems and rural economies are already evident throughout Europe and Central Asia. The risks associated with climate change therefore pose an immediate and fundamental problem in the country. Adaptation measures now in use in Azerbaijan, largely piecemeal efforts, will be insufficient to prevent impacts on agricultural production over the coming decades. As a result, there is growing interest at country and development partner levels to have a better understanding of the exposure, sensitivities, and impacts of climate change at the farm level, and to develop and prioritize adaptation measures to mitigate the adverse consequences. Beginning in 2009, the World Bank embarked on a program for selected Eastern Europe and Central Asian (ECA) client countries to enhance their ability to mainstream climate change adaptation into agricultural policies, programs, and investments. This multi-stage effort has included activities to raise awareness of the threat, analyze potential impacts and adaptation responses, and build capacity among client country stakeholders and ECA Bank staff with respect to climate change and the agricultural sector. This study, Reducing the Vulnerability of Azerbaijan s Agricultural Systems to Climate Change, is the culmination of efforts by the Azerbaijani institutions and researchers, the World Bank, and a team of international experts to jointly undertake an analytical study to address potential impacts climate change may have on Azerbaijan s agricultural sector, but, more importantly, to develop a list of prioritized measures to adapt to those impacts. Specifically, this study provides a menu of options for climate change adaptation in the agricultural and water resources sectors, along with specific recommended actions that are tailored to distinct agricultural regions within Azerbaijan. These recommendations reflect the results of three inter-related activities, conducted jointly by the expert team and local partners: 1) quantitative economic modeling of baseline conditions and the effects of certain adaptation options; 2) qualitative analysis conducted by the expert team of agronomists, crop modelers, and water resource experts; and 3) input from a series of participatory workshops for farmers in each of the agricultural regions. Reducing the Vulnerability of Azerbaijan s Agricultural Systems to Climate Change is part of the World Bank Studies series. These papers are published to communicate the results of the Bank s ongoing research and to stimulate public discussion. The study is one of three produced under the World Bank program Reducing Vulnerability to Climate Change in European and Central Asian Agricultural Systems. The other countries included in this series are Armenia and Georgia. World Bank Studies are available individually or on standing order. This World Bank Studies series is also available online through the World Bank e-library (www.worldbank.org/elibrary)."

This book takes a holistic perspective on innovation and explores the fundamentals behind visible matter in the Universe and on Earth. The diversity of matter is explained via three main factors, referred to as Big Bang, Life Bang and Technology Bang which chronologically occurred in the same order. Each Bang builds on the previous one and enhances and enriches the innovation potential. Each Bang is analyzed separately and its contribution to innovation is discussed. The products of each of the three Bangs, namely celestial objects, organisms and technology tools, are explained and similarities as well as differences among them are highlighted. The book argues that we are at the brink of a major revolution for synthesizing novel biological organisms on Earth, commonly referred to as synthetic biology. Synthetic biology allows designing organisms to achieve certain purposes which resembles technology tools. Hence, the distinction between organisms and technology tools is gradually becoming blurry. This further amplifies the potential for innovation by enriching our toolbox and by augmenting existing desired purposes with new ones. The book assumes a long term perspective for innovation by taking into account the fundamental constituents of visible matter and how they gradually formed over time in the universe. It is also Interesting that innovations at the celestial, organism and technology levels posses common aspects and characteristics. Innovations can be described as combinations of constituent parts and components in a hierarchical manner subject to the laws of nature.