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Building is a system of energy and environment, which needs to accommodate diverse needs and demands at individual and societal levels. Nearly 40% of global energy use derives from construction. In fact, a house consumes a significant amount of energy before and after occupancy, and the associated CO2 emissions are contributing to climate change. Prefabrication is a means to mass-produce buildings or parts and components. Thus, in theory, production costs can be reduced through economies of scale. In the 1920s, the significance of mass-produced houses was widely propagated by Le Corbusier who saw standardization as fundamental to mass production. Nonetheless, today, in response to growing global warming issues and the constant increase in energy prices, the construction industry is becoming more responsive to the delivery of sustainable architecture than ever. Within this context, sustainability may embrace not only building economy but also the adequacy beyond the legitimacy in which the quality barely coincides with individuals'various dynamic needs, desires, and expectations today. In this respect, mass-produced prefabs alone fail to realize total sustainability. In 1987, a paradoxical concept of mass customization was introduced by Stanley Davis. Nonetheless, the idea applied to housing dates back to the 1950s. The essence of mass customizable architecture was speculated by Walter Gropius, as he emphasized the need for standardizing and mass-producing not only entire buildings but also their components. The combination of standard building components, which can be prefabricated, results in mass producing various types of constructions through economies of scope, where the quality can be defined by user choices of the components given in consideration of economic constraints and needs and demands. This book is an initial attempt to integrate the two notions of sustainability and mass customization by reviewing the potential capacities of prefabricated construction.

This book provides a comprehensive overview of contraception. It provides the most recent evidence to guide clinical practice and management. The chapter topics include general management of contraception, family planning and more specific issues such as hormonal and non-hormonal barrier methods and emergency contraception.

Gender Inequality - Issues, Challenges and New Perspectives brings together advancements and empirical studies on gender studies from different parts of the world. Focusing on issues, challenges, and new perspectives on gender (in)equalities in multiple spheres and multiple countries, the book is an interdisciplinary and international compilation of studies on gender that also offers insight into future directions for the field. The book will appeal to those interested in empirical and practical advancements in gender studies, particularly students, teachers, and researchers across disciplines, as well as professionals, employers, and practitioners who are working towards addressing gender inequalities across the world.

Biodiesel, the sustainable fuel of the future, holds the key to a cleaner, greener world. Advanced Biodiesel - Technological Advances, Challenges, and Sustainability Considerations takes you on a compelling journey through cutting-edge advancements in biodiesel technology, offering an unparalleled exploration of its production, refining, and transformative applications. This book unveils the collective wisdom and vision of pioneers in the field who are shaping the future of sustainable energy. Whether you are a seasoned researcher, an aspiring scientist, or simply an eco-conscious individual, this book is an invaluable resource to inspire and guide your efforts to reduce our reliance on fossil fuels and pave the way for a more sustainable, environmentally responsible world. Discover the future of energy; embrace Advanced Biodiesel - Technological Advances, Challenges, and Sustainability Considerations today and join the movement towards a brighter, cleaner tomorrow.

Modern critical infrastructures (CIs) (e.g., electricity, water, transportation, telecommunications, and others) form complex systems with a high degree of interdependencies from one CI to the others. Natural disasters (e.g., earthquakes, floods, droughts, landslides, and wildfires), humanmade disasters (e.g., sabotage and terrorism), and system faults (due to structural and equipment failures) will affect not only the directly impacted CI but all interdependent CIs. Risk assessment, therefore, has to be done over the entire system of CIs and should also include the social and personal impacts. According to a 2022 report, 80% of cities have been affected by significant climate change hazards represented by extreme heat (46%), heavy rainfall (36%), drought (35%), and floods (33%). The impacts of climate change, therefore, affect the complex system of the built environment and result in interrelated consequences at different scales ranging from single buildings to urban spaces and territorial infrastructures. Since it is not possible to reduce the severity of natural hazards, the main opportunity for lowering risk lies in reducing vulnerability and exposure. Vulnerability and exposure are related to urban development choices and practices that weaken the system's robustness. This volume reviews recent insights from risk identification and reduction to preparedness and financial protection strategies and proposes new approaches for better CIs and built environment protection.