This open access book explores various issues concerning the net-zero emission achievement, ranging from carbon pricing, carbon trade schemes, energy transition, ecological conservation, and carbon sinks, as well as the economic and social impacts of introducing carbon neutral policies in the Asia-Pacific region. The extreme flooding and drought problems, crop yield problems, and habitat changes brought about by climate change have seriously threatened the ecosystem and human survival, forcing people to rethink environmental management policies and limits on economic development. In the post-COVID-10 era, it is indispensable to adopt a more proactive climate change adaptation policy and establish bilateral cooperation with international partners who value climate change. 2021 is a critical year, and the leaders of major industrial countries at the recently concluded G7 meeting jointly stated the common objective seeking the establishment of carbon-neutral international community by the mid of the century. Major carbon-emitting countries or entities such as the European Union, US, Japan, Korea, China, and India have proposed specific timetables for net-zero carbon emissions and carbon neutrality before or at the COP26. Policy-makers around the world would also work closely with scientists, experts, and enterprises seeking appropriate policy instruments such as the development of carbon tax, carbon pricing, carbon sinks, global or regional carbon emission trade schemes, energy transitions, and other carbon-neutral policies moving toward net-zero emission society by the mid of the century. At a time when carbon pricing policies are being formulated, climate change related laws and policies will reshape the global governance and industrial layout during the period of 2021–-2030, and it is critical to move toward energy and industrial transformation, ecological conservation, and sustainable agricultural development.

The main objectives of the book are to introduce the design method of boundary control strategies for the axially moving structures to reduce their vibration. This book provides the reader with a thorough grounding in the boundary controller design. Our goal is to provide advanced boundary controller design methods and their stability analysis methods and offer simulation examples and MATLAB programs for each boundary control algorithm. For each chapter, several engineering application examples are given and the contents of each chapter in this book are independent, so that readers can just read their own needs. In this book, all the control algorithms and their programs are described separately and classified by the chapter name, which can be run successfully in MATLAB. The book can benefit researchers, engineers, and graduate students in the fields of PDE modeling and boundary vibration control of flexible structures.

This book is a detailed introduction to selective maintenance and updates readers on recent advances in this field, emphasizing mathematical formulation and optimization techniques. The book is useful for reliability engineers and managers engaged in the practice of reliability engineering and maintenance management. It also provides references that will lead to further studies at the end of each chapter. This book is a reference for researchers in reliability and maintenance and can be used as an advanced text for students.

This title includes a number of Open Access chapters. This book serves as an introduction to genomics, proteomics, and transcriptomics, putting these fields in relation to human disease and ailments. The various chapters consider the role of translation and personalized medicine, as well as pathogen detection, evolution, and infection, in relation to genomics, proteomics, and transcriptomics. The topic of companion diagnostics is also covered. The book is broken into five sections. Part I examines the connection between omics and human disease. Part II looks at the applications for the fields of translational and personalized medicine. Part III focuses on molecular and genetic markers. Part IV describes the use of omics while studying pathogens, and Part V examines the applications for companion diagnostics. The book: * Introduces genomics, proteomics, and transcriptomics in relation to human disease and ailments * Considers the role of translation and personalized medicine in relation to genomics, proteomics, and transcriptomics * Covers molecular and genetic markers * Considers the role of genomics, proteomics, and transcriptomics in relation to pathogen detection, evolution, and infection * Covers companion diagnostics in relation to genomics, proteomics, and transcriptomics clinical applications and research

This title includes a number of Open Access chapters. The book introduces bioinformatic and statistical methodology and shows approaches to bias correction and error estimation. It also presents quantitative methods for genome and proteome analysis.

To improve efficiency and reduce administrative costs, healthcare providers, insurance companies, and governments are increasingly using integrated electronic health record (EHR) and picture archiving and communication systems (PACS) to manage patients' medical information. Reflecting the latest applications of PACS technology, PACS and Digital Medicine: Essential Principles and Modern Practice discusses the essential principles of PACS, EHR, and related technological advancements as well as practical issues concerning the implementation, operation, and maintenance of PACS and EHR systems. The book focuses on various components of PACS that use state-of-the-art technologies. The authors first present topics to consider prior to implementation, including design principles for PACS components and theory. They also cover post-installation quality control; security and privacy policies; maintenance, including upgrade/integration with other information systems; and governing standards. Each chapter includes an introduction to basic concepts and principles relevant to the topics, before exploring challenges that PACS users may encounter in daily work. Discussions are supplemented with more than 130 illustrations, along with case studies of implementation in two organizations. A useful guide and broad overview of the field, this book presents key principles and practical steps for PACS and EHR implementations and maintenance. Although the technology and standards of healthcare IT will evolve over time, the theory and practical advice found in this text will remain pertinent in the future.

A newcomer to the scene, aerobic granulation is on its way to becoming the hot new technology for high-efficiency wastewater treatment. Thus far, intensive research has been conducted with regard to the understanding of the mechanism of aerobic granulation in sequencing batch reactors (SBR) and its application in treating a wide variety of municipal and industrial wastewater. This basic research has promoted the technology from laboratory-study all the way to the present pilot- and full-scale application. The time is right for a reference that discusses the technology and its application in wastewater purification. Wastewater Purification: Aerobic Granulation in Sequencing Batch Reactors discusses state-of-the-art research and application of this environmental biotechnology tailored to enhanced wastewater purification. The seventeen chapters provide a systematic and comprehensive understanding of aerobic granulation in SBR by incorporating fundamental principles of aerobic granulation with the basis of process operation under various conditions. The book clearly explains what aerobic granules are and how they form. It elucidates key factors that influence aerobic granulation and addresses common problems encountered and their solutions. This is the first book-length exploration of aerobic granulation. Other books that cover it are smaller, less comprehensive, less in depth, and less up to date. This book provides first-hand information derived from the authors' research and presents a newly-developed theory for aerobic granulation that offers a deep understanding into the essence of current aerobic granulation technology. Using this book as a platform, the technology can be developed further and quickly applied in the wastewater treatment industry.

This title includes a number of Open Access chapters. This book serves as an introduction to genomics, proteomics, and transcriptomics, putting these fields in relation to human disease and ailments. The various chapters consider the role of translation and personalized medicine, as well as pathogen detection, evolution, and infection, in relation to genomics, proteomics, and transcriptomics. The topic of companion diagnostics is also covered. The book is broken into five sections. Part I examines the connection between omics and human disease. Part II looks at the applications for the fields of translational and personalized medicine. Part III focuses on molecular and genetic markers. Part IV describes the use of omics while studying pathogens, and Part V examines the applications for companion diagnostics. The book: * Introduces genomics, proteomics, and transcriptomics in relation to human disease and ailments * Considers the role of translation and personalized medicine in relation to genomics, proteomics, and transcriptomics * Covers molecular and genetic markers * Considers the role of genomics, proteomics, and transcriptomics in relation to pathogen detection, evolution, and infection * Covers companion diagnostics in relation to genomics, proteomics, and transcriptomics clinical applications and research

Microbial granules have practical importance in anaerobic and aerobic biological wastewater treatment. Advantages of granules are retention of biomass in reactor, diversity of microorganisms, complex structure, and resistance to unfavorable conditions. Microbial granules can be used to treat municipal and industrial wastewater for removal of organic matter, xenobiotics, nutrients, and heavy metals.
The book covers almost all aspects of formation and use of microbial granules in wastewater treatment. The data on aerobic microbial granulation are related mostly to laboratory systems due to few pilot systems in the world using aerobic microbial granules. However, by the analogy with anaerobic granulation, which is now used worldwide, it is possible to predict wide applications of aerobic granulation. This book will help researchers and engineers develop these new biotechnologies of wastewater treatment based on aerobic granulation.

* Covers all aspects of formation, organization, and use of microbial granules in wastewater treatment
* Integrates engineering, microbiology, and biotechnology of microbial granules
* Comprises of deep fundamental data as well as practical information for applications of microbial granules in wastewater treatment

This title includes a number of Open Access chapters. The book introduces bioinformatic and statistical methodology and shows approaches to bias correction and error estimation. It also presents quantitative methods for genome and proteome analysis.

While language instructors recognize the value of debate as a means of facilitating Advanced- and Superior-level skills, no single advanced Chinese textbook exists that provides level-specific scaffolded language exercises, rhetorical strategies, and topic-specific texts within the context of debate. Mastering Chinese through Global Debate, designed to meet the ACTFL proficiency guidelines and featuring content written by a professional Chinese journalist, offers learners the means to develop sophisticated language skills with the goal of achieving Superior-level proficiency. The textbook provides sets of readings and exercises that culminate in debates on key cultural topics with fellow students at home and/or with native speakers abroad via teleconference technology. Each of the six chapters includes detailed explanations, idea maps, word banks, writing and speaking samples, varied drills, and a rhetorical methods section -- all of which foster language and critical thinking skills and prepare students to analyze and debate on complex topics. The textbook's audio companion is available at press.georgetown.edu and includes MP3 files of the feature article and a mock debate in each chapter, as well as transcripts of the audio, encouraging students to both listen and read. Instructors can also access a free answer key on the Georgetown University Press website.

This book focuses on the performance and application of fluidic nozzle throats for solid rocket motors, discussing their flow details and characterization performance, as well as the influence of the particle phase on their performance. It comprehensively covers a range of fluidic nozzle throats in solid rocket motors and is richly illustrated with impressive figures and full-color photographs. It is a valuable resource for students and researchers in the fields of aeronautics, astronautics and related industries wishing to understand the fundamentals and theories of fluidic nozzle throats and engage in fluidic nozzle throat analysis and design.

This open access book explores various issues concerning the net-zero emission achievement, ranging from carbon pricing, carbon trade schemes, energy transition, ecological conservation, and carbon sinks, as well as the economic and social impacts of introducing carbon neutral policies in the Asia-Pacific region. The extreme flooding and drought problems, crop yield problems, and habitat changes brought about by climate change have seriously threatened the ecosystem and human survival, forcing people to rethink environmental management policies and limits on economic development. In the post-COVID-10 era, it is indispensable to adopt a more proactive climate change adaptation policy and establish bilateral cooperation with international partners who value climate change. 2021 is a critical year, and the leaders of major industrial countries at the recently concluded G7 meeting jointly stated the common objective seeking the establishment of carbon-neutral international community by the mid of the century. Major carbon-emitting countries or entities such as the European Union, US, Japan, Korea, China, and India have proposed specific timetables for net-zero carbon emissions and carbon neutrality before or at the COP26. Policy-makers around the world would also work closely with scientists, experts, and enterprises seeking appropriate policy instruments such as the development of carbon tax, carbon pricing, carbon sinks, global or regional carbon emission trade schemes, energy transitions, and other carbon-neutral policies moving toward net-zero emission society by the mid of the century. At a time when carbon pricing policies are being formulated, climate change related laws and policies will reshape the global governance and industrial layout during the period of 2021–-2030, and it is critical to move toward energy and industrial transformation, ecological conservation, and sustainable agricultural development.

Nanostructures refer to materials that have relevant dimensions on the nanometer length scales and reside in the mesoscopic regime between isolated atoms and molecules in bulk matter. These materials have unique physical properties that are distinctly different from bulk materials. Self-Assembled Nanostructures provides systematic coverage of basic nanomaterials science including materials assembly and synthesis, characterization, and application. Suitable for both beginners and experts, it balances the chemistry aspects of nanomaterials with physical principles. It also highlights nanomaterial-based architectures including assembled or self-assembled systems. Filled with in-depth discussion of important applications of nano-architectures as well as potential applications ranging from physical to chemical and biological systems, Self-Assembled Nanostructures is the essential reference or text for scientists involved with nanostructures.

Nanostructures refer to materials that have relevant dimensions on the nanometer length scales and reside in the mesoscopic regime between isolated atoms and molecules in bulk matter. These materials have unique physical properties that are distinctly different from bulk materials. Self-Assembled Nanostructures provides systematic coverage of basic nanomaterials science including materials assembly and synthesis, characterization, and application. Suitable for both beginners and experts, it balances the chemistry aspects of nanomaterials with physical principles. It also highlights nanomaterial-based architectures including assembled or self-assembled systems. Filled with in-depth discussion of important applications of nano-architectures as well as potential applications ranging from physical to chemical and biological systems, Self-Assembled Nanostructures is the essential reference or text for scientists involved with nanostructures.

To improve efficiency and reduce administrative costs, healthcare providers, insurance companies, and governments are increasingly using integrated electronic health record (EHR) and picture archiving and communication systems (PACS) to manage patients' medical information. Reflecting the latest applications of PACS technology, PACS and Digital Medicine: Essential Principles and Modern Practice discusses the essential principles of PACS, EHR, and related technological advancements as well as practical issues concerning the implementation, operation, and maintenance of PACS and EHR systems. The book focuses on various components of PACS that use state-of-the-art technologies. The authors first present topics to consider prior to implementation, including design principles for PACS components and theory. They also cover post-installation quality control; security and privacy policies; maintenance, including upgrade/integration with other information systems; and governing standards. Each chapter includes an introduction to basic concepts and principles relevant to the topics, before exploring challenges that PACS users may encounter in daily work. Discussions are supplemented with more than 130 illustrations, along with case studies of implementation in two organizations. A useful guide and broad overview of the field, this book presents key principles and practical steps for PACS and EHR implementations and maintenance. Although the technology and standards of healthcare IT will evolve over time, the theory and practical advice found in this text will remain pertinent in the future.

The fascinating story of Matteo Ricci (1552-1610) changing himself while trying to change the religious faith of the Chinese has been told many times. As a Jesuit, Ricci pushed Christian evangelism by claiming a theistic affinity with Confucianism and by presenting himself as a defender of Confucian orthodoxy from Buddhism. Already in his day, Ricci's unusual cultural adaptation was controversial; not surprisingly, scholarly studies have hitherto focused almost exclusively on variations of this controversy. Reacting mostly to Ricci's account of events, this line of research has provided insight, but much more can be learned about the early-modern cross-cultural encounter of Europe and China if the perspective is broadened to include his intricate and intriguing relationships with his Chinese friends. With his distinctively different religiosity, personal charisma, and knowledge of European science and mathematics, Ricci impressed the social and cultural elite of late Ming China, many of whom befriended him and some of whom became Christian converts. However, between him and his Chinese friends there were always disagreements, resulting sometimes from a lack of understanding or misunderstanding, and sometimes even when they apparently understood each other perfectly. Followed closely as the investigative thread of this book, the many kinds of disagreement cast an unusual light on an otherwise long familiar subject and are instructive for the at times tense and even hostile, but in reality always mutually energizing relationship of both competition and complement between China and the West in the early twenty-first century.

This book constitutes the refereed proceedings of the Third International Conference, SpatialDI 2022, Wuhan, China, August 5-7, 2022, Revised Selected Papers. The 19 full papers and 1 short paper included in this book were carefully reviewed and selected from 77 submissions. They were organized in topical sections as follows: Traffic Management, Data science, City Analysis.

This book focuses on the performance and application of fluidic nozzle throats for solid rocket motors, discussing their flow details and characterization performance, as well as the influence of the particle phase on their performance. It comprehensively covers a range of fluidic nozzle throats in solid rocket motors and is richly illustrated with impressive figures and full-color photographs. It is a valuable resource for students and researchers in the fields of aeronautics, astronautics and related industries wishing to understand the fundamentals and theories of fluidic nozzle throats and engage in fluidic nozzle throat analysis and design.