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This book is designed to help transportation professionals and construction experts to develop and implement successful smart systems, leveraging the current trends, equipment, and advanced technologies to drive the green transportation system development. Artificial intelligence (AI) is a new direction that has opened a revolution in technology and smart applications, and it is also the basis for creating a green environment in the net-zero era. Therefore, machines, devices, self-driving car, and robots controlled by artificial intelligence-based systems are now the model of a smart transportation ecosystem for which all these technologies are referred to as'green'industries. In past years, the idea of making a green environment has been existing and moving on the society 5.0 being as a country strategy, and today, AI technology continues its development on this prototype. Nowadays, AI has begun actions to resemble a person in a real sense, and the idea of human-liked robotics put forward by scientists has started to be realized and will probably complete its development as living machines in the near future. AI has many subsystems and application in various industries, some of which have automation more accurately and are more integrated in modern industries. This book also targets a mixed audience of specialists, analysts, engineers, scholars, researchers, academics, professionals, and students from different communities to share and contribute new ideas, methodologies, technologies, approaches, models, frameworks, theories, and practices to resolve the challenging issues associated with the leveraging of AI and Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) in green transportation ecosystem.

'Renewable Energy Quest'presents a timely and comprehensive exploration of the global transition to sustainable energy sources, examining the intersection of technological innovation, economic factors, and environmental imperatives. The book methodically analyzes how renewable energy technologies are reshaping our approach to power generation, supported by real-world examples from pioneering countries like Denmark's wind power initiatives and Germany's Energiewende program. Through carefully structured chapters, readers gain insights into both the technical aspects and practical implications of renewable energy adoption. The narrative builds from fundamental concepts to complex implementations, offering detailed examinations of solar photovoltaics, wind power systems, and emerging technologies like green hydrogen. What sets this book apart is its balanced approach to presenting technical information, making it accessible to both specialists and general readers through practical examples and real-world applications. The integration of economic analysis and policy frameworks provides a holistic understanding of the renewable energy landscape, supported by current data from leading international energy agencies and research institutions. Throughout the book, readers encounter in-depth case studies and implementation strategies that demonstrate the feasibility of renewable energy adoption. The author's systematic examination of technological advancements, cost analyses, and policy mechanisms creates a compelling argument for the economic and environmental benefits of transitioning to renewable energy sources. This comprehensive approach, combined with practical insights for project planning and risk assessment, makes it an invaluable resource for policymakers, business leaders, and anyone interested in understanding the future of sustainable energy.

In recent years, factors such as sustainability, digitalization, climate change, energy transformation, social inclusion, gender parity, and Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) risk have been playing an increasingly important role in the process of financial transformation. The effect of the impact is increased regulation and guidance for financial markets, in relation to adapting current activities to meet the new challenges, for example: The process of greening finance and spreading the blue wave in finance Building sustainable value in the business models of financial institutions Creating an offer of sustainable financial products Ensuring parity between women and men in the decision-making bodies of financial institutions Sustainable ratings Climate stress tests This book focuses on the intersection between nature and finance and offers a comprehensive overview of the trends, transformations and challenges in finance and the financial markets related to the effects of sustainability concepts or ESG factors. The book has been designed to show these trends, through the evolving subdisciplines of finance, such as green and blue finance. It presents critical recommendations for the ecosystem and network of finance in the era of ESG and sustainability and paints a comprehensive picture of contemporary finance, identifying the factors determining its sustainable transformation.This is one of the first books to present the issues of sustainability and ESG risk in finance through the prism of individual types of finance. Not only will the book appeal to scholars and researchers in the field of banking, economics, finance and accounting, but it will also find an audience among policymakers and practitioners involved in the finance and sustainability discourse.

Understand hydrogen as an energy resource and its potential as a dynamic solution for a carbon-neutral economy Hydrogen is an energy carrier that can be used to store, move, and deliver energy produced from other sources. It has the potential for high energy efficiency, significant environmental and social benefits, and economic competitiveness. Traditional energy resources will not be able to meet the growing energy demand, despite the advances in energy management and energy conservation—understanding how hydrogen energy can solve this problem is crucial. Hydrogen Energy: Principles and Applications provides the information needed by energy resource planners, scientists, engineers, and government officials to make informed energy-related decisions. Divided into three parts, the book opens with an introduction to various energy issues, sources, and regulations, including the basics of thermodynamics and fuel cells. The second part addresses the practical aspects of hydrogen energy, such as availability, distribution, extraction, processing, purification, transportation, transmission, and storage. The final section details the economics, energy-environmental interactions, and ethical and political considerations of the development and use of hydrogen energy, including discussion of investment and business contacts, energy option analysis and optimization, and future prospects. Covering the fundamentals of hydrogen energy with a thorough and accessible approach, the book: Equips readers with a well-rounded working knowledge of hydrogen energy Covers the latest technological advances, economic considerations, and the role hydrogen plays in a renewable energy economy Offers a pragmatic, real-world perspective rather than focusing on theoretical issues Contains nearly 50 illustrative examples ranging from elementary thermodynamic calculations to optimization applications using linear programming Hydrogen Energy: Principles and Applications is a must-read for those working in the energy industry, particularly environmental engineering and science professionals, as well as government officials, policymakers, instructors, and trainers involved in energy-related fields.

The contribution of renewable energy offshore to the total energy production is increasing, as is the interest in this topic. Innovations in Renewable Energies Offshore includes the papers presented at the 6th International Conference on Renewable Energies Offshore (RENEW 2024, 19-21 November, 2024, Lisbon, Portugal), and aims to contribute to the knowledge about the developments and experience obtained in concept development, design and operation of such devices. The contributions cover a wide range of topics, including: Resource assessment Wind Energy Wave Energy Tidal Energy Photovoltaic Energy Hydrogen Offshore Multiuse Platforms PTO design Economic assessment Materials and structural design Maintenance Vessels Innovations in Renewable Energies Offshore will be of interest to academics and professionals involved or interested in applications of renewable energy resources offshore.

'This book presents the myriad issues of sustainable urbanism in a clear and concise system, and supports holistic thinking about sustainable development in urban environments. It explores four broad measures of urban sustainability that differ radically from other, less long-lived patterns: these are Lifecycle, Aesthetics, Scale, and Technology (LAST). This book is a unique perspective on architecture, urban planning, environmental and urban design, exploring ways for raising quality of life and the standard of living in a new modern era by creating better and more viable places to live. This book will find wide readership particularly among students and young practitioners in architecture and planners.'

Sustainability Beyond 2030: Trajectories and Priorities for Our Sustainable Future is an indispensable guide to understanding our planet's sustainability past, present, and future. It is a tool for enlightenment, engagement, and empowerment towards shaping a sustainable world as we approach the milestone year of 2030.Written by renowned sustainability experts, Marco Tavanti and Alfredo Sfeir-Younis, who was a pioneer in the field and participated in the first 1972 United Nations Conference on the Human Environment, this book offers an in-depth analysis of critical environmental issues, human development challenges, and the economic complexities of fostering equitable and sustainable growth. In addition to evaluating various pivotal policies and events, by extracting patterns and trajectories that have shaped our present commitments to the 2030 SDGs and the 2050 climate goals, Sustainability Beyond 2030 boldly projects into the future, identifying core priorities likely to guide the global agenda beyond our current commitments. This foresight is coupled with well-informed recommendations, essential for building resilience and fostering future opportunities.This book is a call to action for current and future generations of sustainability leaders. It encourages readers, whether policymakers, academics, or engaged citizens, to participate in the collective responsibility of crafting a sustainable world for future generations.

This book provides a comprehensive examination of the pharmaceutical and medical device industry, including analysis of its current trade and innovation strategies.Opening with a survey of the global pharmaceutical and medical device industry, Bhardwaj outlines the growing trade and trade interdependence among countries in the global supply chain. He adopts a trade competitiveness approach to analyze patterns of product specialization and examines the drug discovery process and its challenges in translating bioscientific knowledge into lifesaving products. Bhardwaj argues that further economic integration, collaborative R&D, and digital technologies may help accelerate productivity and address global challenges of escalating drug costs, neglected tropical diseases (NTDs), and pandemic risks. The book also considers how the industry may further green its supply chain, and thus contribute to SDG Goals 3 (Good Health and Wellbeing) and 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), before closing on a review of China and India, major players who have the potential to become drivers of low-cost medical products and innovations.With its evidence-based analysis, this book will be of great interest to researchers in pharmaceutical studies, supply chain management, global health, and health economics, as well as policymakers and professionals interested in the global issues facing the industry.

Islamic finance has witnessed a meteoric ascent in recent decades, cementing its status as a prominent player within the global financial sphere. Diverging from traditional financial systems, Islamic finance operates on the tenets of Shari'ah law, which emphasizes principles such as social equity, risk-sharing, and ethical investing. Although Islamic finance's appeal is evident within the Muslim community, its ethical and socially responsible investment options have begun to entice non-Muslims as well. Edited by Edib Smolo and Mohamed Mahees Raheem, this exhaustive collection presents an all-encompassing account of the current status of Islamic finance, accentuating its ethical, technological, and sustainable facets. The work is divided into four distinct parts which encompass the origin and evolution of Islamic finance, the underlying principles of Islamic finance and the primary disparities between Islamic finance and conventional financial systems, as well as the future of Islamic finance. Moreover, the collection explores the assimilation of Islamic finance principles into modern financial systems and the influence of Muslim scholars on present-day economic theories. The work emphasizes the significant contribution of Islamic finance in promoting sustainable development and social prosperity and underscores the incorporation of Islamic finance into the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The work delves into the prospects and obstacles associated with the amalgamation of fintech and digital currencies into the Islamic finance sector and highlights the potential of green and sustainable finance in the digital era. This edited collection is designed for a wide range of professionals encompassing practitioners, policymakers, researchers, and students who are intrigued by the mounting significance of Islamic finance and its potential for the global financial sphere.

International trade and finance are becoming increasingly complicated, which poses many challenges for policymakers, business professionals, and academics. Understanding the intricacies of this global economic landscape is vital to navigating modern business and policy-making complexities. However, the overwhelming amount of information makes comprehending the underlying theories and practices that drive these fields challenging. Global Economic Interconnectedness: International Trade and Finance provides a comprehensive analysis of the mechanisms of international trade and finance. By unraveling the complexities of these relationships, the book helps readers understand how economic policies are formulated, how global markets are influenced, and how individuals and nations are affected. The book provides a solid foundation for engaging with these critical issues, focusing on these fields'historical evolution and current state. The book is a valuable resource for a diverse audience, including academic researchers, policymakers, business executives, and students, bridging the gap between theory and practice. It offers insights that can be applied in real-world scenarios by addressing key topics such as the impact of digital technologies, the role of international organizations, and the implications of geopolitical tensions. By equipping readers with the knowledge and understanding needed to navigate the complexities of the global economy, Global Economic Interconnectedness: International Trade and Finance provides a path for successful engagement with these critical issues.

Emerging low-emission energy systems will depend on a range of energy vectors or fuels, for electricity, heating, storage and transport. Each has advantages and shortcomings, qualifying it for certain roles and applications. Liquid ammonia offers a higher energy density than liquid hydrogen.

This book provides an overview of the most recent advances and innovations in the subject of hydrogen separation, its applications, and the role of membranes in this process. It starts with the fundamental principles underlying hydrogen separation and the various types of membranes that are used for hydrogen separation. Furthermore, it explains different fabrication methods, including characterization techniques used to evaluate performance and properties. Finally, it covers diverse applications of hydrogen separation membranes backed by case studies and examples.Features: Covers several forms of hydrogen membranes, such as polymeric, metallic, and ceramic membranes and provides a thorough understanding of their manufacturing, construction, and applications Explores recent advancements in materials used for the fabrication of hydrogen membranes Focuses on theoretical concepts and practical applications of hydrogen separation membranes Explains the role of hydrogen membranes in the transition toward a sustainable energy future Discusses real-world case studies, industrial applications, and potential future uses Emphasizes real-world applications of hydrogen membranes in fields such as fuel cells, hydrogen generation, and carbon capture This book is aimed at academics, energy professionals, engineers, researchers, and scientists working on sustainable energy solutions. Readers will obtain a detailed grasp of hydrogen membrane technology, from basic principles to sophisticated applications, giving them the capacity to innovate further.

The conference was organized with the aim of providing a platform for experts, specialists, practitioners and researchers working in the field of technological and managerial innovation to share their views. It was instrumental in meeting the challenges and opportunities of technology and its application in today's technological world. It provided an excellent international forum to exchange knowledge resulting into the application of technological innovations and managerial practice. Eminent scientists and researchers across the country presented their work and discussed the prospects of innovative ideas in the field of science, engineering and management.

Hydrogen Production, Storage, and Utilization: Technologies and Applications presents a comprehensive and in-depth exploration of the scientific and engineering principles of hydrogen technology. Written in a technical and scientific manner, using rigorous scientific language and mathematical models to explain principles and applications, the book covers various aspects of hydrogen technology, ranging from fundamental principles of thermodynamics and kinetics to practical applications of hydrogen production, storage, and utilization. Includes chapters on the latest advances in hydrogen production, including methods such as steam methane reforming, electrolysis, and biomass gasification Expresses the scientific principles of hydrogen storage, including metal hydrides, carbon-based materials, and liquid carriers Discusses the latest research on fuel cell technologies, including proton-exchange membrane fuel cells, solid oxide fuel cells, and microbial fuel cells Covers hydrogen safety aspects, including risk assessment, safety protocols, and safety standards Explores the challenges and opportunities associated with the deployment of hydrogen technology, including economic viability, environmental impact, and social acceptance The book is intended for scientists, engineers, researchers, and graduate students in the fields of chemical engineering, materials science, renewable energy, and sustainability, as well as policymakers and stakeholders interested in the potential of hydrogen as a clean and renewable energy carrier.

Hydrogen Technology: Fundamentals and Applications relates theoretical concepts to practical case studies in the field of hydrogen technology with an emphasis on materials and their applications. To implement hydrogen conversion production processes, it is crucial to understand the structural, microstructural, textural, thermal, catalytic, and electrochemical properties of materials. Covering nanomaterials, heterogeneous catalysis, greenhouse gas conversion, reforming reactions for hydrogen production, valorization of hydrogen energy, biomass valorization, the hydrogen economy, and its technical feasibility, this book addresses how bio/hydrogen technology can be used to solve environmental problems, including how to produce, convert, and store energy through electro/catalytic reactions and chemical valorization. Providing an understanding of the different factors involved, such as the availability of raw material, location, viable process and production scale, and economic criteria, this book will especially be of interest to engineers, scientists, and students in the field of hydrogen technology. - Explains the phenomena that govern electrocatalytic/catalytic reactions - Covers the study of new materials design and industrial processes - Includes process improvements for obtaining hydrogen via chemical and biological processes

This book discusses the role of science and technology in forging a sustainable and harmonious world. It delves into new horizons in healthcare, food security, climate change, energy, sustainable transportation, role of computational and data sciences in sustainability, and mental health and aims to cultivate innovative solutions that benefit both the planet and its inhabitants. The second volume is inspired by a unified objective: preserving our planet, fostering universal well-being, and envisioning a world where collective efforts drive positive change through an exploration of conventional and emerging technologies. The book chapters enrich the global discourse on sustainability, steering us toward a resilient and healthier future.With every chapter authored by dedicated experts, this book stands as a testament to the commitment to a better world and serves as a great resource for researchers, environmentalists, and students.

The past years have seen numerous crises from the 2007-2008 financial crisis to the migration crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic. These crises have significantly impacted EU policy in numerous areas including the Economic and Monetary Union, financial regulation and supervision, health policy, state aid control, energy policy, migration policy, and foreign and defence policy. As a result of these crises, EU rule-making has developed in various ways. Some developments have had an institutional dimension in that they concerned the actors involved in rule-making, as exemplified in the introduction of instruction rights of EU bodies vis-à-vis national authorities or the introduction of reverse (qualified) majority voting in the Council. But they also concerned the shape or nature of rules, where we have seen the increasing use of Regulations (as opposed to Directives) and of soft law instead of legally binding rules. The substance of existing rules was also reconsidered, resulting, for instance, in the deviation in practice from the Dublin system as regards the distribution of refugees, in the EU indebting itself on a considerable scale in the wake of the pandemic, and in the boosting of foreign and defence policies as a result of the war in Ukraine. EU Regulatory Responses to Crises examines and compares these developments from a legal and a political science perspective. It analyses the measures taken, successful or not, to save banks, to ensure a fair distribution of migrants across EU Member States, or to support the acquisition of vaccines, for example. This book draws a comprehensive picture of the EU's regulatory toolkit in times of crisis, and its enrichment and refinement in reaction to new challenges.

Industry 4.0 and 5.0 applications will revolutionize production, enabling smart manufacturing machines to interact with their environments. These machines will become self-aware, self-learning, and capable of real-time data interpretation for self-diagnosis and prevention of production issues. They will also self-calibrate and prioritize tasks to enhance production quality and efficiency.Computational Intelligence in Industry 4.0 and 5.0 Applications examines applications that merge three key disciplines: computational intelligence (CI), Industry 4.0, and Industry 5.0. It presents solutions using Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) technologies, augmented by CI-based techniques, modeling, controls, estimations, applications, systems, and future scopes. These applications use data from smart sensors, processed through enhanced CI methods, to make smart automation more effective.Industry 4.0 integrates data and intelligent automation into manufacturing, using technologies like CI, the IoT, the IIoT, and cloud computing. It transforms data into actionable insights for decision-making and process optimization, essential for modern competitive businesses managing high-speed data integration in production processes. Currently, Industries 4.0 and 5.0 are undergoing significant transformations due to advances in applying artificial intelligence (AI), big data analytics, telecommunication technologies, and control theory. These applications are increasingly multidisciplinary, integrating mechanical, control, and information technologies. However, they face such technical challenges as parametric uncertainties, external disturbances, sensor noise, and mechanical failures. To address these, this book examines such CI technologies as fuzzy logic, neural networks, and reinforcement learning and their application to modeling, control, and estimation. It also covers recent advancements in IIoT sensors, microcontrollers, and big data analytics that further enhance CI-based solutions in Industry 4.0 and 5.0 systems.

The proceedings publication of the International Conference on Innovation and Technological Advances for Sustainability (ITAS 2023) captures the essence of a dynamic international forum dedicated to advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN-SDGs).This publication serves as a comprehensive repository of cutting-edge research, innovative strategies, and transformative tools discussed by a diverse community of participants, including researchers, academics, students, policymakers, industry leaders, and government officials. Encompassing local, regional, and international perspectives, the proceedings delve into critical global issues such as food security, environmental preservation, energy sustainability, economic resilience, and the role of digital technologies in fostering sustainable development.The publication distills the key messages of ITAS 2023, emphasizing the showcasing of national and international accomplishments, fostering global collaborations, exploring future challenges and opportunities, introducing state-of-the-art technologies, and providing policy recommendations for building a sustainable society. It acts as a bridge between research and practice, promoting the dissemination of knowledge that will contribute to the achievement of UN-SDGs.

This book on Renewable Energy Engineering consolidates the most recent research on current technologies, concepts and commercial developments in the field. It provides an overview of renewable energy engineering practices and technologies and details important concepts like designing of solar photovoltaic system, solar thermal systems, solar water pumping system, solar greenhouse, fuel cell technology, hydro power, wind energy technology, bioenergy, geothermal energy, etc.The subject matter is designed keeping in view the course curricula prescribed by central and state universities in India and abroad, and this book is aimed at students, researchers, academicians, scientists, teachers, policy makers, entrepreneurs, extension workers professionals and experts.Print edition not for sale in South Asia (India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bangladesh, Pakistan or Bhutan)

Switzerland is known for its ski resorts, banking industry, and chocolates, but there is much more to this European nation than just those things! Readers find themselves immersed in Swiss culture as they explore the detailed text and stunning photographs in this comprehensive resource. Sidebars provide examples of global citizenship in action in Switzerland, and fact boxes prepare future world travelers for a trip. Readers can also find recipes for authentic Swiss foods and maps that feature additional insight into the geography, economy, and culture of Switzerland.

This book compiles state-of-the-art studies and real-world applications in ecosystems and smart environments. It covers important subjects like creating a sustainable economy, green and renewable energy, and IoT-powered industrial and agricultural systems. Along with providing insights into theory, modelling, and the deployment of smart cities and infrastructure, the book also examines the use of AI in the earth and environmental sciences and economy. The book is intended to be a priceless tool for scholars, professionals, and recent graduates. It acts as a manual and source of inspiration for promoting environmentally friendly technologies and sustainable solutions. It opens the door for creating intelligent systems that maximise resource use, reduce carbon footprints, and enhance general quality of life by incorporating the most recent technological developments.

Amidst the escalating Triple Planetary Crisis—climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution—traditional leadership approaches are no longer sufficient. Environmental Leadership in a VUCA Era presents a transformative vision for addressing these complex, interconnected global challenges. The book is structured to support both academic inquiry and practical application, featuring contributions from diverse disciplines, including environmental philosophy, environmental science, environmental management, environmental psychology, leadership, management, organizational psychology, public administration, and education. Drawing on rich philosophical traditions, it examines humanity's relationship with the natural world and our moral responsibilities to protect ecosystems for future generations. Additionally, it highlights influential figures and organizations that have become beacons of hope and catalysts for change, demonstrating the power of collective action and sustained commitment. This comprehensive handbook provides insights into effective environmental leadership, governance strategies, and educational approaches, equipping readers with the knowledge and skills necessary to lead impactful environmental initiatives across public, private, and non-profit sectors. Designed for students, educators, researchers, policymakers, and practitioners, this book is an essential resource for fostering sustainability and developing the next generation of environmental leaders worldwide.

Discover the nutritional and physiological age-related changes and needs of athletes aged 35 and above Athletic activity is becoming increasingly central to the lives of many adults as they age. More and more adults over 35 participate actively in athletics. Additionally, older adults are increasingly encouraged to pursue athletics for reasons of health and wellness. There is a growing need, therefore, for sports nutrition and physiology texts that focus on this population in detail, and not simply as a subset of a field that has been primarily oriented towards younger athletes. Sports Nutrition for Masters Athletes meets this need with an intensive, evidence-based approach to the nutritional needs of athletes over the age of 35. Alert to the importance of diet in performance and the requirements of older athletes, the book offers a robust toolkit for maintaining athletic performance with age while adjusting for physiologic changes. The result is an essential contribution to a growing field of research and clinical practice. Sports Nutrition for Masters Athletes readers will also find: An overview of physiological changes associated with the aging process and their impact on performance. Detailed insights into the relationship between nutrition and the mitigation of the inflammatory process. Coverage of subjects including the determination of caloric and nutrient needs, dietary strategies, and many more Sports Nutrition for Masters Athletes is ideal for those pursuing education in nutrition, exercise science, exercise physiology, health and wellness, and physical education. It will also be of interest to those studying physical aging or work with older adults as clients and patients.