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The boundary between public and private policing is messy and complex. Police executives deal with some aspect of it almost every day. Private investments in security continue to expand and public/private partnerships of myriad types proliferate, even as budgets for public policing stall or decline. This book provides police executives an opportunity to explore the critical issues that arise at this boundary. It also examines policing and wrongful convictions; social media and police leadership; challenges of policing in a democratic society; and costs and value in policing.

This compendium presents the papers presented in the conference'Infrastructure Development Theory, Practice, and Policy'held on 29th and 30th April, 2021. It brings together the select papers from the conference and other contributions from experts and researchers. The compendium puts together the research under various themes, and we hope that the theoretical findings will impact the practice and policy in the future, as well as pave the way for future research in the direction of achieving more efficient, and more humane infrastructure.

Dealing with issues related to the modelling, monitoring and management of air pollution, this book includes papers presented at the 26th International Conference on Modelling, Monitoring and Management of Air Pollution. The papers from this conference continue a wide ranging collection of high quality research works that develop the fundamental science of air pollution. Air pollution issues remain one of the most challenging problems facing society. The scientific knowledge derived from well-designed studies needs to be allied with further technical and economic studies in order to ensure cost effective and efficient mitigation. Increasingly, it is being recognised that the outcome of such research needs to be contextualised within well formulated communication strategies that help policy makers and citizens to understand and appreciate the risks and rewards arising from air pollution management. Details of the wide spread nature of the air pollution phenomena and in depth explorations of their impacts on human health and the environment are covered in this book.

Containing the papers from the 11th International Conference on Computer Simulation in Risk Analysis and Hazard Mitigation 2018, this book will be of interest to those concerned with all aspects of risk management and hazard mitigation, associated with both natural and anthropogenic hazards. Current events help to emphasise the importance of the analysis and management of risk to planners and researchers around the world. Natural hazards such as floods, earthquakes, landslides, fires and others have always affected human societies. The more recent emergence of the importance of man-made hazards is a consequence of the rapid technological advances made in the last few centuries. The interaction of natural and anthropogenic risks adds to the complexity of the problems. The included papers, presented at the Risk Analysis Conference, cover a variety of topics related to risk analysis and hazard mitigation.

This volume contains selected papers presented at both the 3rd International Conference on the Design, Construction, Maintenance, Monitoring and Control of Urban Water Systems and the 5th International Conference on Flood Risk Management and Response, organized by the Wessex Institute. These papers deal with three main subjects: water supply systems; urban drainage and flooding. Water distribution networks around the world often suffer substantial losses which indicate energy and treatment waste. Sewer systems are under relentless pressure due to urbanisation and climate change, and the environmental impact caused by urban drainage overflows is related to both water quantity and water quality. Most architects and town planners are aware of the importance of the interaction between urban water cycles and city planning and landscaping. Specialised computer tools are needed to manage all of these aspects and are required to respond to the increased complexity of urban water systems. Flooding is also a global occurrence and claims countless lives worldwide each year, as well as causing substantial damage to property. Apart from the physical damage to buildings, contents and loss of life, which are the most obvious impacts of floods upon households, indirect losses are often overlooked. These indirect and intangible impacts are generally associated with disruption to normal life as well as longer term health issues including stress related illness. In many parts of the developing world, flooding can represent a major barrier to the alleviation of poverty as vulnerable communities are often exposed to sudden and life threatening events. How we respond and adapt to the challenges of flooding is key to developing our long term resilience. Topics such as contamination and pollution discharges in urban water bodies, as well as the monitoring of water recycling systems are currently receiving a great deal of attention from researchers and professional engineers working in the water industry. Researchers, academics and practitioners actively involved in improving our understanding of flood events and our approaches to response, recovery and resilience will also find this book a valuable resource.

The collection of papers in this ebook clearly identify how cities have become hubs not only of opportunity, development and economic growth, but also of risk accumulation. In hazard-prone regions, risk has become a defining characteristic of the urban landscape. The first set of papers in this ebook tackles the complex processes of risk accumulation, of cascading and interdependent risks in a world of connected cities. The second set of papers presented, take us into the critical area of how to better understand risk and resilience and discuss limitations to and different approaches and tools available for this.

As human population has continued to concentrate in urban areas, the number of people and the value of property affected by disasters, both natural and human-generated, have grown as well. Earthquakes, floods, hurricanes, cyclones, tornadoes, and forest fires have all taken their toll so have such anthropogenic disasters as pipeline failures, industrial spills, and terrorist attacks. The contents of this volume consist of papers presented at the fourth in a series of conferences convened to assess the potential risk from various disasters and discuss ways to prevent or mitigate damage. The papers have been contributed by experts on public health, security, and disaster management from academia, industry, and government. Topics covered include Disaster Analysis; Disaster Monitoring and Mitigation; Emergency Preparedness; Risk Mitigation; Risk and Security; Safety and Resilience; Socio-economic Issues; Health Risk; Human Factors; Multi-hazard Risk Assessment; Case Studies.

This collection contains 52 peer-reviewed papers on the condition assessment of pipelines presented at Pipelines 2024, held in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, July 27–31, 2024.

Accounting for Construction follows on from Measuring Construction, edited by the same team. It extends the coverage of some of the material in the first volume and expands the range of related topics to include, inter alia, shadow economies, accounting for informal construction and the treatment of the built environment sector in national accounts. Taken together, the two volumes collate a range of topics that are only addressed, if addressed at all, in occasional academic papers and the publications of bodies such as national statistical offices and the World Bank. Accounting for Construction presents international examples from the UK, Australia and New Zealand and from both academic and professional contributors. This book is essential reading for all researchers and professionals interested in construction economics, construction management, and anyone interested in how the construction industry affects the global economy in ways previously under-represented in the literature.

Studies, repairs and maintenance of heritage architecture are becoming increasingly important in modern society. Comprising specially selected papers, this book address a series of topics related to the historical aspects and reuse of heritage architecture, as well as technical issues on the structural integrity of different types of buildings.

It is important to understand the nature of global disaster risks in order to develop strategies to effectively prepare and respond to both natural and human-made events. The selected papers contained in this book have been written by academics and professionals and represent some of the latest developments in the field.

This volume, based on papers presented at a conference on Environmental Security after Communism at Carleton University, explores the linkages between environmental quality and security in Eastern Europe and the Soviet successor states.

Water pollution problems are of continued importance around the world, with an impact on both populated areas and the environment. This volume consists of papers presented at the 14th International Conference in the series of Monitoring, Modelling and Management of Water Pollution. The environmental problems caused by the increase of pollutant loads discharged into natural water bodies requires the formation of a framework for regulation and control. This framework needs to be based on scientific results that relate pollutant discharge with changes in water quality. The results of these studies allow industry to apply more efficient methods of controlling and treating waste loads, and water authorities to enforce appropriate regulations regarding this matter. Environmental problems are essentially interdisciplinary. Engineers and scientists working in this field must be familiar with a wide range of issues including the physical processes of mixing and dilution, chemical and biological processes, mathematical modelling, data acquisition and measurement, to name but a few. In view of the scarcity of available data, it is important that experiences are shared on an international basis. Thus, a continuous exchange of information between scientists from different countries is essential. Topics covered include: Water contamination; Monitoring, modelling and forecasting; Water management; Wastewater management; Groundwater and aquifers; Flood damage; Freshwater quality; Coastal and offshore pollution; Health risk studies; Agricultural contamination; Industrial pollution; Water reuse; Emerging technologies; Socio-economic-political consequences; Population and climate change; Education and training.

American Self-Radicalizing Terrorists and the Allure of Jihadi Cool/Chic provides a critical legal analysis of how American self-radicalizing terrorists become what they are by analyzing, in detail, the stories of Colleen LaRose, America's first Most Wanted Female Terrorist, and the Tsarnaev brothers, Tamerlan and Jahar (Dzhokhar), the Boston Marathon Bombers. Drawing from the analytic tools of cutting-edge studies on terrorism by global experts, as well as the latest news reports, policy papers, Congressional Hearings, and legal documents, the book illustrates how the internet provides the means through which a self-activating terrorist may first self-radicalize through some imaginary or sympathetic connection with an organized terrorist network. Additionally, it shows how the romance of “jihadi cool/chic,” packaged by its mastery of Hollywood-style shots and editing, resulting in slick, high resolution productions micro-tailored to appeal to different audiences, is a pivotal factor in the evolution of self-radicalizing terrorists. While showing how there is no single deterministic pathway to radicalization, the book also demonstrates how the internet and imagined relations cemented by the rhetorics of “jihadi cool” or “jihadi chic” function as crucial catalysts, galvanizing “monster talk” into monstrous action. It includes an analysis of “America's Most Watched Trial,” United States v. Tsarnaev, as it moved through its “guilt” and “penalty” phases, and its culmination in Jahar's being sentenced to death by lethal injection as America's youngest self-radicalizing terrorist. The book closes with concise updates regarding America's self-radicalizing terrorists, such as, among others, Syed Rizwan Farook and Tashfeen Malik, the couple who sprayed a crowd of their colleagues with bullets at a San Bernardino holiday party on December 2, 2015; Omar Mateen, the security guard whose rampage at an Orlando nightclub on June 12, 2016 resulted in America's worst mass shooting thus far; and Ahmad Khan Rahami, the individual arrested in relation to the New York and New Jersey bombings and attempted bombings on September 17-18, 2016.

Australia is in the process of updating and strengthening its defence capabilities against a potential major aggressor. The latest government white paper has outlined a massive increase in military spending and confirmed the direction of Australia's defence policy and strategy. This book examines the operational priorities and capabilities of the Australian army, navy and airforce as well as exploring the nation's planned strategic direction. Topics also include Australia's defence history, current war operations and peacekeeping contributions around the globe, the inclusion of more women in the Australian Defence Force, and the plight of returned veterans. A key focus of the book is the nation's increased defence budget and upgrading of capabilities such as new submarines, frigates and fighter aircraft, at a time when Australia must adapt to a complex strategic and diplomatic environment which is dominated by long-term major ally the United States and the emerging military might of China in the Asia-Pacific region. When should Australians take up arms, and what are the costs and consequences of war? Are Australia's strategic defence policies, capabilities and alliances enough to protect us from attack? Also includes: worksheets and activities, fast facts, glossary, web links, index. Titles in the Issues in Society series are individual resource books which provide an overview on a specific subject comprised of facts and opinions. The information in this resource book is not from any single author, publication or organisation. The unique value of the Issues in Society series lies in its diversity of content and perspectives. The content comes from a wide variety of sources and includes: newspaper reports and opinion pieces, website fact sheets, magazine and journal articles, statistics and surveys, government reports, and literature from special interest groups.

The contents of this book consist of papers presented at the 5th International Conference on Disaster Management and Human Health: Reducing Risk, Improving Outcomes, part of a series of conferences convened to assess the potential risk from various disasters and discuss ways to prevent or alleviate damage.

There are, by now, several long term, time series data sets on important housing & macro variables, such as land prices, house prices, and the housing wealth-to-income ratio. However, an appropriate theory that can be employed to think about such data and associated research questions has been lacking. We present a new housing & macro model that is designed specifically to analyze the long term. As an illustrative application, we demonstrate that the calibrated model replicates, with remarkable accuracy, the historical evolution of housing wealth (relative to income) after World War II and suggests a further considerable increase in the future. The model also accounts for the close connection of house prices to land prices in the data. We also compare our framework to the canonical housing & macro model, typically employed to analyze business cycles, and highlight the main differences.

Recycling is an important part of helping the planet. In this narrative, readers will learn all about their local community recycling center. Each spread features text that is perfect for kindergarteners and perfect for reading to younger kids. Full-color photographs of familiar sights and events help readers make connections with the text. Children will love learning about how old paper and metal are turned into new things through the magic of recycling.

Encompassing papers presented at the 25th International Conference on Modelling, Monitoring and Management of Air Pollution, this book is the latest from a successful conference series. International academics and air pollution experts address various aspects of air pollution and provide an insight into the science and policy frameworks.

Water Pollution XIII is the proceedings of the 13th International Conference in the series of Modelling, Monitoring and Management of Water Pollution. The conference, which has always been very successful, provided a forum for discussion amongst scientists, managers and academics from different areas of water contamination. Their papers, included in this book, provide a wealth of information which will be of great benefit to all those involved with water pollution problems. The environmental problems caused by the increase of pollutant loads discharged into natural water bodies requires the formation of a framework for regulation and control. This framework needs to be based on scientific results that relate pollutant discharge with changes in water quality. The results of these studies allow industry to apply more efficient methods of controlling and treating waste loads, and water authorities to enforce appropriate regulations regarding this matter. Environmental problems are essentially interdisciplinary. Engineers and scientists working in this field must be familiar with a wide range of issues, including the physical processes of mixing and dilution, chemical and biological processes, mathematical modelling, data acquisition and measurement, to name but a few. In view of the scarcity of available data, it is important that experiences are shared on an international basis. Thus, a continuous exchange of information between scientists from different countries is essential. Topics covered include: Monitoring, modelling and forecasting; Freshwater quality; Marine water quality; Groundwater and aquifer issues; Water management; Remediation; Agricultural contamination; Wastewater treatment and management; Offshore pollution and oil spills; Mining and water quality; Soil erosion and water pollution; Emerging technologies; Health risk studies; Micropollution and nanoparticles; Microbiological aspects; Risk assessments; Socio-economic-political consequences; Education and training; Population and climate change; Future trends in water pollution; Emerging approaches for water waste management.

Artificial Intelligence and Cultural Heritage represent a combination that for several years has interested both scientific and cultural institutions regarding the potential of possible interactions and aggregations among the various players in these areas. This volume defines roles and provides connections where research and new technologies can suggest routes and competitive solutions that integrate tourism and culture with business and the market. The volume is multidisciplinary, presenting and discussing a variety of new ideas, resulting from the integration of different scientific approaches. The papers brought together here deal with topics including the representation of cultural history, semantic digital archives, the use of analytic tools to support visitor interpretation, augmented reality, and robotics. As such, this book represents the detailed investigation of methodological and applicative aspects that the continued proliferation of computer applications in the cultural heritage field demands.

After the drop in the price of oil, the issue of a carbon tax to complement the EU emission trading scheme is coming back to the fore of political debate. In this volume on carbon pricing, the reader can find an excellent mix of economic theory and policy analysis. To anyone interested in this field, this collection of papers represents a very important contribution to an in-depth understanding of the main tools that can be used to successfully fight climate change.'- Alberto Majocchi, University of Pavia, ItalyCarbon Pricing reflects upon and further develops the ongoing and worthwhile global debate into how to design carbon pricing, as well as how to utilize the financial proceeds in the best possible way for society.The world has recently witnessed a significant downward adjustment in fossil fuel prices, which has negative implications for the future of our environment. In light of these negative developments, it is important to understand the benefits of environmental sustainability through well-documented research. This discerning book considers the design of carbon taxes and examines the consequential outcomes of different taxation compositions as regulatory instruments. Expert contributors assess a variety of national experiences to provide an empirical insight into the use of carbon taxes, emissions trading, energy taxes and excise taxes. The overarching discussion concludes that successful policies used by some countries can be implemented in other jurisdictions with minimum new research and experimentation.This astute work will benefit scholars, practitioners and policymakers alike with an interest in the fields of environmental law, environmental economics, sustainable development and taxation law.Contributors: B. Bahn-Walkowiak, J. Bruha, H. Bruhova-Foltýnovà, B. Butcher, M. Calaf Forn, N. Chalifour, S. Cheng, E. Croci, S. Elgie, E. Guglyuvatyy, M. Jofra Sora, C. Kettner, K. Kratena, E. Meyer, I. Meyer, S. Onoda, J. Papy, T.F. Pedersen, V. Pisa, I. Puig Ventosa, A. Ravazzi Douvan, M. Sargl, K. Schlegelmilch, M.W. Sommer, N.P. Stoianoff, P. ten Brink, W.E. Weishaar, H. Wilts, S. Withana, Sirini, G. Wittmann, A. Wolfsteiner

Daniel Press brings his considerable experience to light in this excellent book, and it should be a required read for every scholar and student of environmental studies and science. He convincingly leverages an evidence based approach by digging into the data on toxic release, acid rain, non-point source water pollution, and industrial recycling to challenge the conventional wisdom that environmental regulation in the United States has been settled and is successful. Issuing a clarion call to those who care about environmental values, he urges us to redirect our action and discourse and to rethink how we can be more effective, with his specific recommendations for policy and regulatory reform.'- Toddi A. Steelman, University of Saskatchewan, Canada'Those of us who work on environmental policy should never let the grind of our day-to-day challenges turn us away from the ultimate question of whether we are leaving a better environment to the next generation. Daniel Press looks at the current state of environmental regulation and probes just this question. It s worth a read for anyone who cares about the decisions we must make - and the processes we now use to get to those decisions - that will shape the world for years to come.'- John Laird, California Secretary for Natural Resources'In American Environmental Policy Daniel Press guides the reader through not only the motivations and concepts that have been employed to set land, water, and air pollution policies, but also a dive into the details of both the environmental science and the legal and regulatory science that determines the success or failure of these actions. This book is instrumental for all those interested in both the why and the how - and the how much - of the legacy of Rachel Carson and the past five decades of environmental management.'- Daniel Kammen, University of California, Berkeley, US'Daniel Press's new book is an excellent one. By focusing on implementation - what happens after policy has been adopted - Press demonstrates the weaknesses of pollution control policy in the United States. Case studies of acid rain, nonpoint source water pollution, and paper recycling illuminate'regulatory failure,'the structural problems of American regulatory approaches. He concludes with recommendations to move us ahead, a path forward that focuses on performance, information, incentives, and source reduction. Strongly recommended.'- Christopher McGrory Klyza, Middlebury College, USMore than 40 years after the United States launched bold efforts to curb pollution and waste, American environmental management has stalled. Drawing extensively on recent environmental science, engineering, regulatory agency data and trade information, American Environmental Policy explores how environmental management in the US has fallen short of its early promise and reputation.Arguing that policies need to be redesigned for the 21st century, this book offers examples and principles of effective environmental policy reforms. It concludes with suggestions for how new policies should be designed, as well as examples of successful regulatory innovations already in practice around the world.Environmental policy scholars, students and science and environment journalists interested in evaluating environmental policy over time will find this to book of value. The approaches discussed in this book will also be useful for environmental and natural resource agency officials.

The 21st century presents many challenges to the hazard manager; dynamic climatic conditions combined with population growth, rapid urbanization, and changing socio-economic relationships are reshaping disaster impacts, community responses, and social safety mechanisms. Indeed, human vulnerability is constantly restructured by the ongoing interplay of physical, social, economic, and political forces. At the same time, reducing vulnerability and enhancing community resilience require policies aimed at mitigating the consequences of disasters as they affect different locations and different groups, requiring sound scientifically-based research to further an understanding of the forces at play, and to devise appropriate means to counter them. It is within this context that this book examines evolving approaches to natural hazards.Research into natural hazards has a long tradition beginning with a focus on physical processes and evolving into an interdisciplinary agenda that incorporates interactions between the physical and human environments, embracing initiatives ranging from the physical to the socio-economic and political. It utilises various methodological approaches and technological advances, employing both quantitative and qualitative procedures. The papers included in this book offer insights into the development of applied hazards research, as they build on previous work, evolving technologies, improved understandings of the factors involved, and increased awareness of the needs of those who manage hazards. This volume shows an appreciation for the foundation that has been set, and will inspire future researchers as they look to address these very pressing social issues.

Although violent extremism is not a new phenomenon, it is increasingly recognized as a major challenge of our times. The recruitment of foreign fighters by extremist organizations, and its potential impact on public safety in the countries from which they come, is also emerging as a complex issue at the forefront of international preoccupations. This book presents the proceedings of the three day NATO Advanced Research Workshop,'Countering Violent Extremism Among Youth to Prevent Terrorism', held in Milan, Italy, in June 2014. The best way to respond to violent extremism in general, and the radicalization of disaffected youth in particular, is far from clear, but the stakes are so high and the potential threat to countries worldwide so great that inaction is not an option. The goal of the workshop was to enhance the capacity of policymakers and practitioners to design strategies that will achieve verifiable human-rights based outcomes to counter violent extremism. Subjects covered in the 19 papers which go to make up this book include: the causes or drivers of violent extremism; the factors which facilitate the recruitment of youth by violent extremist groups; the risk of growing Islamophobia in some Western and Central European countries; and proactive measures to counter the radicalization of youth. The book will be of interest to all those involved in policy development, prevention programs, de-radicalization programs or research aimed at countering violent extremism and the radicalization of young people.

This collection of articles on population growth spans 20 years of the author's thinking and research on a wide range of issues. The book opens with a presentation of the early history of demography before Thomas Malthus wrote his essay on the principles of population (1798) that marked the beginnings of modern demography as a science. The author follows up with a chapter on the estimates made at various times in the past hundred years about the maximum number of people who could live on earth. Four papers deal with the debates about global models of population growth and the limits to growth. Sharp swings in population policy in China from the Communist Revolution under Mao in 1949 to the one child-per-family rule in 1979 are also considered. Another chapter compares population policy in Japan, China and India. A chapter is devoted to the role of oil and the soaring price of this basic input into agriculture as a constraint on food production and, as a result, on population growth. A closing chapter considers the great migrations of the 19th and 20th centuries, including the transatlantic and transpacific movements, the mass migrations after World Wars I and II, and those of recent decades. This book will interest scholars and students in economics and other social sciences dealing with the issues of demography, population growth, and economic development.

Cryptocurrencies are a form of digital money that uses cryptography to ensure secure transactions and to control the creation of new units. They are not issued by governments or central banks, but rather by decentralized computer networks. Cryptocurrencies emerged in the early 2000s, with the launch of Bitcoin, the world's first cryptocurrency. Since then, the cryptocurrency market has grown exponentially, with the creation of thousands of new coins. Cryptocurrencies have the potential to revolutionize the way we think about money. They can offer a safer, more efficient and affordable alternative to traditional currencies. Learn Much More...

Ethereum is a decentralized blockchain platform that enables the development of smart contracts, decentralized applications ( dApps), and other cryptographic tokens. It is the second largest cryptocurrency in the world, behind only Bitcoin. In this ebook, you will learn everything you need to know about Ethereum, including: What is Ethereum How Ethereum works How to buy Ethereum How to sell Ethereum How to build a profitable Ethereum wallet What is Ethereum? Learn Much More...

Cryptocurrencies are a class of digital assets that use cryptography to protect your transactions and ensure the security of your data. They are decentralized, which means they are not controlled by any government or financial institution. In recent years, cryptocurrencies have gained popularity as a form of investment. They have the potential to generate great returns, but they also present significant risks. This guide is intended for investors who want to learn more about cryptocurrencies and how to invest in them. It will provide information on how to analyze cryptocurrencies, choose an investment portfolio, manage risks and avoid scams. What are cryptocurrencies? Cryptocurrencies are a type of digital currency that uses cryptography to protect your transactions and ensure the security of your data. They are decentralized, which means they are not controlled by any government or financial institution. Bitcoin is the best-known cryptocurrency. It was launched in 2009 and is the first decentralized cryptocurrency. Other popular cryptocurrencies include Ethereum, Litecoin, Solana and Cardano. How do cryptocurrencies work? Cryptocurrencies work using a technology called blockchain. Blockchain is a distributed ledger that records all cryptocurrency transactions. It is secure and transparent, and ensures that all transactions are validated and recorded reliably. To buy or sell cryptocurrencies, you need a cryptocurrency wallet. A cryptocurrency wallet is software that stores your private keys, which are needed to access your cryptocurrencies. Learn Much More...

Global trade is a complex, interconnected system that involves a variety of actors, from businesses and governments to individuals. Over the years, commerce has evolved to become more efficient and secure, but there are still challenges to be overcome. One of these challenges is the lack of transparency and trust in the trading system. Currently, information about business transactions is often fragmented and difficult to access. This can lead to fraud, corruption and other forms of misconduct. Another challenge is the complexity and bureaucracy of trade. Business processes are often slow and inefficient, which can increase costs and harm companies'competitiveness. Blockchain technology has the potential to solve these challenges and transform global trade. Blockchain is a decentralized ledger technology that uses cryptography to ensure data security and integrity. How blockchain works Blockchain is a network of computers that share a database of information. This information is stored in blocks, which are connected to each other using encryption. When a new transaction occurs, it is recorded in a new block. That block is then added to the chain, which is a sequence of blocks that extends backwards in time. Cryptography ensures that information on the blockchain cannot be altered or falsified. This is because each block contains a hash of the previous block. A hash is a unique code that is generated from the block data. If a block is changed, the hash of the previous block will also be changed. This would cause the entire blockchain to be inconsistent, which would be detected by network participants. Learn Much More...

Cryptocurrencies are a type of digital currency that uses cryptography to ensure the security of transactions. They are decentralized, which means they are not controlled by any government or financial institution. Bitcoin is the best-known and most popular cryptocurrency. It was launched in 2009 and since then its value has grown exponentially. In Brazil, cryptocurrencies are still a relatively new subject. However, the Brazilian government is increasingly paying attention to this market. Learn Much More...

What are NFTs? NFTs, or non-fungible tokens, are unique digital assets that cannot be replaced. They are stored on a blockchain, which is a distributed ledger technology that guarantees the authenticity and ownership of assets. How can NFTs be used to monetize content? NFTs can be used to monetize content in a variety of ways, including: Selling digital artworks: Artists can sell their digital artworks as NFTs. This gives them the opportunity to earn royalties whenever their works are resold. Selling collectibles: Collectors can purchase collectibles, such as Pokémon cards or football trading cards, as NFTs. This gives them exclusive ownership of a unique item. Selling access to events or experiences: Content creators can sell access to events or experiences, such as concert tickets or game passes, as NFTs. This allows them to generate revenue and build a community of fans. Learn Much More...

BinanceCoin (BNB) is a native cryptocurrency of exchangeBinance, one of the largest cryptocurrency exchanges in the world. Launched in 2017, BNB quickly became one of the most popular cryptocurrencies on the market, with a market cap of over $200 billion. In this ebook, we'll explore everything you need to know about BinanceCoin, including: What is BinanceCoin? How does BinanceCoin work? How to buy BinanceCoin? How to sell BinanceCoin? How to build a profitable BinanceCoin portfolio? What is BinanceCoin? Learn Much More...

Cryptocurrencies are a type of decentralized digital currency, which is not issued by any government or financial institution. They are based on blockchain technology, which is a distributed ledger system that guarantees the security and transparency of transactions. Cryptocurrencies emerged in the 2000s, with the launch of Bitcoin, the first cryptocurrency to be created. Since then, hundreds of other cryptocurrencies have emerged, each with its own characteristics and functionalities. Cryptocurrencies have the potential to revolutionize the financial system by offering an alternative to traditional currency systems, which are controlled by governments and financial institutions. They can also be used for innovative applications such as crowdfunding and creating peer-to-peer marketplaces. Learn Much More...

Bitcoin is a cryptocurrency, that is, a decentralized digital currency. This means that it is not issued by a central bank or government, but rather by a network of computers distributed around the world. Bitcoin was created in 2009 by an individual or group of individuals under the pseudonym SatoshiNakamoto. Since then, its popularity has grown exponentially, and today it is the most valuable cryptocurrency in the world. This ebook will provide a complete overview of Bitcoin, including: What is Bitcoin How Bitcoin works How to buy Bitcoin How to sell Bitcoin How to build a profitable portfolio What is Bitcoin? Learn Much More...

Blockchain, cryptocurrencies and NFTs are emerging technologies that are revolutionizing the digital world. These technologies have the potential to change the way we do business, interact with each other and even how we live our lives. This textbook is a practical introduction to these technologies. It is designed to help students learn about blockchain, cryptocurrencies, and NFTs in a way that is fun and engaging. The book includes exercises, projects, and activities that allow students to learn by doing. These exercises will help students develop a deep understanding of these technologies and apply them to their own projects. Learn Much More...

As usage of the NEC family of contracts continues to grow worldwide, so does the importance of understanding its clauses and nuances to everyone working in the built environment. This second edition of Understanding the NEC4 ECC Contract uses plain English to lead the reader through the NEC4 Engineering and Construction Contract's key features. Chapters cover: Contractor's main responsibilities The use of early warnings Contractor's design Quality management Payment Liabilities and insurance Termination Avoiding and resolving disputes Tendering Common problems experienced when using the Engineering and Construction Contract (ECC) are signalled to the reader throughout, and the correct way of reading each clause explained. The way the contract effects procurement processes, dispute resolution, project management and risk management are all addressed in order to direct the user to best practice. This second edition takes into account the updates to the contract released in 2019, 2020 and 2023, and brings the book up to date with the most current practice.Written for construction professionals, by a practising international construction contract consultant, this handbook is the most straightforward, balanced and practical guide to the NEC4 ECC available. An ideal companion for employers, contractors, project managers, supervisors, engineers, architects, quantity surveyors, subcontractors and anyone else interested in working successfully with the NEC4 ECC.

This timely Handbook showcases cutting-edge empirical and theoretical social science research to shed light on the role, aims and functioning of social infrastructure (SI). Leading scholars present unique insights on topics such as healthcare, childcare, education, employment, and SI for marginalised groups alongside cultural and recreational infrastructures.Ongoing global and regional crises have underscored the significance of SI services and facilities in enhancing individual well-being, social cohesion and equality. With this central tenet in mind, contributing authors challenge traditional views on public welfare systems throughout the Handbook to take into account the climate, care and housing crises. They provide an in-depth examination of the concept of SI and how it relates to different strands of research such as welfare state analysis and urbanism, connecting the field with other emerging strands of conceptualising socio-economic processes such as the foundational economy approach.Paving the way for further research, the Handbook of Social Infrastructure is a vital resource for students and scholars of sociology, regional and urban economics, cities, urban planning and geography, and public sector economics and finance. Policymakers will find it equally beneficial to inform their understanding of spatial planning, economic and social policies.

Climate change is unfolding amid the greatest information and communication revolution in human history. From e-commerce and social media to smart manufacturing and precision farming, digital technologies have become prevalent in all aspects of economic and social life. Digital technologies also have the potential to shape climate change action. Green digital transformation can help countries adapt e¬ffectively to the impacts of climate change and create greener growth pathways. Doing this means combining a focus on digital transformation and inclusion with a strategic and sustainable use of digital technologies to address climate change. Green Digital Transformation: How to Sustainably Close the Digital Divide and Harness Digital Tools for Climate Action illuminates the channels through which digital technologies intersect with climate change, and it proposes a path to low-emissions applications of digital technologies to help countries mitigate and adapt to climate change.

The cryptocurrency market is a constantly growing and expanding market. More and more people are becoming interested in this market and looking for ways to invest in cryptocurrencies. If you are thinking about investing in cryptocurrencies, it is important to understand how the purchase process works. In this book, you will learn everything you need to know to buy cryptocurrencies in practice. What are cryptocurrencies? Cryptocurrencies are decentralized digital currencies. This means they are not issued by any government or central bank. Cryptocurrencies are based on blockchain technology, which is a secure and transparent transaction recording system. The most popular cryptocurrencies are Bitcoin, Ethereum and Tether. Bitcoin is the first and best-known cryptocurrency. Ethereum is a smart contract platform that allows the creation of decentralized applications. Tether is a stablecoin, that is, a cryptocurrency that is pegged to a fiat currency, such as the US dollar. Why invest in cryptocurrencies? There are several reasons why you might want to invest in cryptocurrencies. One reason is that cryptocurrencies have the potential to appreciate significantly. Bitcoin, for example, has appreciated more than 100,000% in the last ten years. Another reason to invest in cryptocurrencies is that they can offer a way to diversify your investment portfolio. Cryptocurrencies are a different asset from stocks, bonds and real estate. This can help reduce your overall investment risk. Finally, some people invest in cryptocurrencies because they believe in the potential of this technology. Cryptocurrencies have the potential to revolutionize the traditional financial system. Risks of investing in cryptocurrencies Before investing in cryptocurrencies, it is important to be aware of the risks involved. Cryptocurrencies are a volatile asset, which means their price can fluctuate significantly. This means you could lose money if you invest in cryptocurrencies. Furthermore, cryptocurrencies are a relatively new and regulated market. This means there is a risk of fraud or that regulators will take action that harms the cryptocurrency market. How to choose a cryptocurrency broker To buy cryptocurrencies, you will need to open an account with a cryptocurrency exchange. A broker is a company that facilitates the buying and selling of cryptocurrencies. There are several cryptocurrency brokers available on the market. When choosing a broker, it is important to consider the following factors: Broker's reputation: Research the broker's reputation before opening an account. Fees: Compare the fees charged by different brokers. Variety of cryptocurrencies: Check which cryptocurrencies are offered by the broker. Security: Make sure the broker offers adequate security for your funds. How to open an account with a cryptocurrency broker To open an account with a cryptocurrency brokerage, you will need to provide some personal information such as your name, address and phone number. You will also need to create a secure password. After opening an account, you will need to make a deposit to start purchasing cryptocurrencies. You can deposit money into your account using a bank transfer, credit card or debit card. How to buy cryptocurrencies To purchase cryptocurrencies, you will need to select the cryptocurrency you wish to purchase and enter the quantity you wish to purchase. You will also need to specify the payment method you want to use. After completing your purchase, the cryptocurrencies will be deposited into your cryptocurrency wallet. How to sell cryptocurrencies To sell cryptocurrencies, you will need to select the cryptocurrency you want to sell and enter the quantity you want to sell. You will also need to specify the payment method you wish to receive. After completing your sale, the money will be deposited into your bank account or other payment account. Learn Much More...

Following the destruction of the World Trade Center and the surrounding area of Lower Manhattan from the terrorist attack of 9/11/2001 there were many heroic and extensive efforts to rebuild this iconic urban area in New York City. Political accomplishments, economic recovery, and community rehabilitation were urgent and important concerns and were continually monitored and debated. Supporting this progress and restoration of the critical infrastructure and built environment, however, was a vast and varied gathering of legislative bodies, public institutions, interest groups, and private individuals and entities. This is their story.This book commences with a damage assessment of the immediate aftermath of the attack, describing the extent of destruction to the physical environment—buildings, public places, subway and train stations, roads and sidewalks—and the adverse consequences for the metropolitan economy, local businesses, communities, and families. Then, the story of the long route to recovery is presented, from early visionary intentions through brilliant leadership that confronted daunting bureaucratic procedures, to community voices achieving significant outcomes and eventually to an effective and exemplary partnership of public and private interests, that has produced the current vibrant urban center of downtown New York 23 years later.Of particular interest to researchers, students, and practitioners of urban development and planning, 20+ Years of Urban Recovery contributes to current research on the urban development crisis by focusing on the unique features in rebuilding urban centers following an unforeseen event of major devastation.

This book calls for those interested in robust construction research to embrace ethnography – in all its forms, including rapid ethnographies, ethnographic-action research, autoethnography, as well as longer-term ethnographies.The diversification of ethnographic approaches, as well as ethnographers, will lead to rich insights that can advance the industry theoretically and practically. We share experiences, key considerations and recommendations from leading construction ethnographic researchers from around the world to provide discussion, reflection and understanding into doing ethnography in the construction industry.This book is aimed at academics, students, consultants, editors, reviewers, policymakers, funders and others interested in robust research in the construction industry and built environment but will also be useful for those undertaking research within organisations in other industries.

We have gone through one of the most disruptive societal changes, on a global scale, over the last three years due to COVID-19. Regardless of the personal and professional impact the pandemic had on us, we've all had to adapt to a different reality that continues today. The pandemic has also forced organizations large and small to adjust and rethink their normal business activities – sometimes in abrupt ways – in order to survive a global shutdown. Organizations that did adjust well applied five major principles that they'll be wise to continue with for the long-term, both when facing extreme events or merely the new normal. First and foremost, successful organizations accelerated digital and the use of digital tools and business models as much as possible. For example, retail operations with modest digital presence suddenly had to sell through digital channels, rather than physical stores. Entertainment content creators had to push everything into streaming services instead of theaters. And healthcare providers moved patient encounters from in-person to telehealth as much as was feasible and safe. This accelerated the digital transformation movement and is the focus of this book. This thought-provoking book offers fundamental principles and a narrative about the entire journey to doing and ultimately being digital, with the view to help the reader build their own mental model on how to approach digital in their situations and organizations. The book also draws a story in which concepts and practices are introduced as needed and is based on the author's own experiences at American Express and Disney. Presented in five parts, the author introduces the topics of digital, digitization, and digital transformation; discusses the fundamental concepts and building blocks of digital; describes who makes up the ideal digital team; the principles and processes of execution; and puts it all together in the context of the overall business. The author concludes his narrative with a case study from the healthcare industry – an industry that is still 10-15 years behind in their digital transformation. The book concludes with the author's observations of what AI and ChatGPT means for digital transformations.

Blockchain is a revolutionary technology that has the potential to reshape the way we live, work and interact. Since its creation in 2008, blockchain has been adopted across a variety of industries, including finance, healthcare, government and retail. The future of blockchain is bright, but it is still uncertain. However, there are some trends that suggest that blockchain will have a significant impact on the economy, society and culture. Learn Much More...

Die Literatur erhebt ihre Stimme innerhalb einer männlich geprägten Ökonomiegeschichte nicht erst seit dem 18. Jahrhundert. Hier, so die Prämisse des Bandes, wird jedoch der Grundstein der modernen Geschlechterordnung gelegt, die die westlich-kapitalistische Produktionsweise bis heute prägt.Die im Band versammelten literaturwissenschaftlichen Beiträge untersuchen das komplexe Wechselspiel von Geschlecht und Ökonomie in der neueren und neuesten deutschsprachigen Literatur. Sie fragen, wie sich Literatur als Kunstform in die Wissensordnung des Ökonomischen und in die Geschlechterordnung einschreibt, wie sie beider Denkfiguren reproduziert oder als kritische Gegenstimme die Wirksamkeit dieser Denkfiguren offenlegt.

This book outlines a cutting-edge form of program delivery which the authors term SIP-Form or Strategic Integrated Program delivery. Using the Melbourne Level Crossing Removal Program (LXRP), consisting of the removal of 85 dangerous level crossings throughout metropolitan Melbourne, including rail station upgrades, signalling and track work, and other associated capital works, as an exemplar, the book sets out four features that the authors argue define the SIP-form concept as follows: The organisation delivers a program of projects, many using an IPD contract variant form such as a Project Alliance Agreement (PAA) in Australia and numerous other countries, or the Integrated Form of Agreement (IFoA) in North America The contract form adopted is used and has been strategically designed to accommodate the project's risk and uncertainty profile, as is the case with the LXRP Projects within the program are integrated with some being concurrently delivered with coordination across the projects in a coherent and highly purposeful manner. Projects are not included that do not strategically fit the overall program delivery strategy There is a strategy for learning and innovation diffusion across projects, concurrently and sequentially. Lessons to be learned are learned through designed-in governance mechanisms The LXRP is a potentially unique program of projects, and the book takes the reader on a journey through this complex program and after giving the background and relevant context covers topics such as strategy, governance, procurement, collaboration, program alliance, HRM, leadership, digital innovation, continuous improvement, community engagement, and performance measurement. This detailed analysis of such a complex program of projects makes this book essential reading for project managers, engineers, and advanced students of project delivery and management.

Infrastructures are ageing and have become a subject of profound concern, awakening our collective consciousness to the imperatives of civil and structural integrity. This concern, compounded by the unrelenting impact of climate change and the burgeoning demand on transport networks and infrastructures, underscores the critical necessity of preserving infrastructural functionality, safety, and alignment with their original design objectives. In doing so, we strive to mitigate health, financial, societal, and environmental risks that these infrastructures may pose. Presently, the imperative is to maintain a vigilant and continuous watch over these critical assets, employing factual, real-time data to support efficient maintenance strategies. This book embarks on a comprehensive exploration of the contemporary industrial challenges surrounding critical infrastructure inspection and maintenance. It offers a detailed examination of current inspection methodologies, manual intervention practices, and the intricate challenges involved in the sustained, systematic evaluation of structural integrity. Subsequently, it delivers an exhaustive analysis and technical elucidation of recent research breakthroughs across various infrastructures and industrial domains. These innovations, deeply rooted in robotics, automation, and digital technologies, augment, support, streamline, and often redefine established paradigms in the realms of inspection and maintenance. Among these innovations are the outcomes of research endeavours co-funded by the European Commission, addressing a spectrum of research priorities and thematic areas. The solutions delineated in this book encompass an array of cutting-edge technologies, from robotic ground vehicles to unmanned aerial systems, digital platforms, advanced sensing solutions, and state-of-the-art visualization and 3D imaging technologies. These technologies foster enhanced data acquisition, precise reporting, and ultimately, more efficient inspection and maintenance approaches. As we navigate through the years ahead, the inevitability of ageing infrastructures looms large, while the tangible value of modern technologies is already manifesting in numerous industrial applications. Though the journey may be arduous, the assimilation of digital technologies into existing infrastructure inspection and maintenance frameworks is gaining traction and acceptance, aligning with the overarching vision articulated within this book.

Infrastructure Robotics Illuminating resource presenting commonly used robotic methodologies and technologies, with recent developments and clear application examples across different project types Infrastructure Robotics presents state-of-the-art research in infrastructure robotics and key methodologies that enable the development of intelligent robots for operation in civil infrastructure environments, describing sensing, perception, localization, map building, environmental and operation awareness, motion and task planning, design methodologies, robot assistance paradigms, and physical human-robot collaboration. The text also presents many case studies of robotic systems developed for real-world applications in maintaining various civil infrastructures, including steel bridges, tunnels, underground water mains, underwater structures, and sewer pipes. In addition, later chapters discuss lessons learned in deployment of intelligent robots in practical applications overall. Infrastructure Robotics provides a timely and thorough treatment of the subject pertaining to recent developments, such as computer vision and machine learning techniques that have been used in inspection and condition assessment of critical civil infrastructures, including bridges, tunnels, and more. Written by highly qualified contributors with significant experience in both academia and industry, Infrastructure Robotics covers topics such as: Design methods for application of robots in civil infrastructure inspired by biological systems including ants, inchworms, and humans Fundamental aspects of research on intelligent robotic co-workers for human-robot collaborative operations The ROBO-SPECT European project and a robotized alternative to manual tunnel structural inspection and assessment Wider context for the use of additive manufacturing techniques on construction sites Infrastructure Robotics is an essential resource for researchers, engineers, and graduate students in related fields. Professionals in civil engineering, asset management, and project management who wish to be on the cutting edge of the future of their industries will also benefit from the text.

A Practical Guide to Cost Engineering aims to show you how to work as a cost engineer out in the real world.Written by an experienced cost engineer and training program developer, this book introduces the practical side of cost management (cost estimation, cost reduction, and cost control) through real cases and realistic examples from a diverse range of engineering-based projects. With examples from nuclear, oil and gas, and renewable energy sectors, the book introduces and demonstrates the activities of the cost engineer throughout a project life cycle. The content is divided into logical sections covering basic concepts, cost estimation, cost control, economic feasibility, sustainability, and more, and the chapters are packed full of features such as definitions, formulas, exercises, and examples. The focus is on providing a practical approach where the reader can first understand a concept and then apply it using an Excel tool developed by the author which allows the reader to simulate different scenarios and results.The simple approach focusing on essential information backed up by practical scenarios presented in this book allows cost engineers and related professionals to execute and understand their activities, develop their professional skills, and even develop in-house training programs. A Practical Guide to Cost Engineering is accompanied by online resources, accessible via the Routledge Resource Centre wesbite.

Digital Humanities and Laboratories explores laboratories dedicated to the study of digital humanities (DH) in a global context and contributes to the expanding body of knowledge about situated DH knowledge production.Including a foreword by David Berry and contributions from a diverse, international range of scholars and practitioners, this volume examines the ways laboratories of all kinds contribute to digital research and pedagogy. Acknowledging that they are emerging amid varied cultural and scientific traditions, the volume considers how they lead to the specification of digital humanities and how a locally situated knowledge production is embedded in the global infrastructure system. As a whole, the book consolidates the discussion on the role of the laboratory in DH and brings digital humanists into the interdisciplinary debate concerning the notion of a laboratory as a critical site in the generation of experimental knowledge. Positioning the discussion in relation to ongoing debates in DH, the volume argues that laboratory studies are in an excellent position to capitalize on the theories and knowledge developed in the DH field and open up new research inquiries.Digital Humanities and Laboratories clearly demonstrates that the laboratory is a key site for theoretical and critical analyses of digital humanities and will thus be of interest to scholars, students and practitioners engaged in the study of DH, culture, media, heritage and infrastructure.