Ordinary people, community leaders, and even organizations and corporations still do not fully comprehend the interconnected, "big picture" dynamics of sustainability theory and action. In exploring means to become more sustainable, individuals and groups need a reference in which to frame discussions so they will be relevant, educational, and successful when implemented. This book puts ideas on sustainable communities into a conceptual framework that will promote striking, transformational effects on decision-making. In this book practitioners and community leaders will find effective, comprehensive tools and resources at their finger-tips to facilitate sustainable community development (SCD). The book content examines a diverse range of SCD methods; assessing community needs and resources; creating community visions; promoting stakeholder interest and participation; analyzing community problems; designing and facilitating strategic planning; carrying out interventions to improve

Much theoretical and historical work engaged with the question of the "postcolonial" is built upon an imagined, unified premodern "Middle Ages" in Europe. One of the results of this has been that in recent years scholars in medieval and early modern studies have been critically assessing the uses of postcolonial and subaltern theoretical perspectives in their fields, and considering what their periods have to say to postcolonial theorists. This book offers a series of original essays that explore with specificity the methodological, textual, cultural, and historiographic moves required for postcolonial engagements with premodern times.

By combining the properties and strengths of various materials it is possible to produce a hybrid or composite material with properties ideally suited to a specific application, and this is particularly important for developing new materials for rapidly growing high-technology industries. This book provides a state-of-the-art review of ceramic-matrix composite systems, and examines the different types of reinforcement used, methods of production, and design requirements. It also discusses specific benefits, uses and potential applications. The book is written for materials scientists and engineers who require a thorough understanding of the design requirements and applications of new materials for high technology industries. Postgraduate students in materials science, mechanical engineering, and structural engineering will find the book a useful source of reference.