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This book records the first success stories of a new form of financial intermediation, the hometown investment fund, that has become a national strategy in Japan, partly to meet the need to finance small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) after the devastating earthquake and tsunami in March 2011.The hometown investment fund has three main advantages. First, it contributes to financial market stability by lowering information asymmetry. Individual households and firms have direct access to information about the borrowing firms, mainly SMEs, that they lend to. Second, it is a stable source of risk capital. The fund is project driven. Firms and households decide to invest by getting to know the borrowers and their projects. In this way the fund distributes risk but not so that it renders risk intractable, which was the problem with the “originate and distribute” model. Third, it contributes to economic recovery by connecting firms and households with SMEs that are worthy of their support. It also creates employment opportunities, at the SMEs as well as for the pool of retirees from financial institutions who can help assess the projects.Introduction of the hometown investment fund has huge global implications. The world is seeking a method of financial intermediation that minimizes information asymmetry, distributes risk without making it opaque, and contributes to economic recovery. Funds similar to Japan's hometown investment fund can succeed in all three ways. After all, the majority of the world's businesses are SMEs. The first chapter explains the theory behind this method, and the following chapters relate success stories from Japan and other parts of Asia. This book should encourage policymakers, economists, lenders, and borrowers, especially in developing countries, to adopt this new form of financial intermediation, thus contributing to global economic stability.

Principles of Public Policy Practice was written with policy makers, concerned citizens, and students of public policy in mind. Striving to avoid technical language, the author introduces a new paradigm that starts from the commonality of human nature and the assumption that public policy should be impartial. Rather than playing the interests of one group versus those of another, he argues convincingly that public policy should aim at enhancing the ex ante welfare for everyone if everyone did not know the position or the identity one would assume. Using this conceptual device of the representative individual, the analysis readily leads to policy implications that are both reasonable and concrete in diverse areas ranging from health care, crime and punishment to macroeconomic and financial market stability. The book concludes with a chapter summarizing the various principles of public policy practice that will meet the challenges of the new millennium. These principles, certainly of interest to academics in social sciences who are studying public policy, political economy, international financial systems, and capital markets, should appeal equally to practitioners, including public policy makers, consultants, advisers, administrators, and public service trade unions.

In a world of unprecedented challenges and opportunities, Fintech stands as a pivotal force, at the crossroads of technology, finance, and sustainability. This book invites readers to the forefront of a revolutionary convergence, where economic growth and environmental stewardship align. Whether the reader is a decision-maker, innovator, entrepreneur, or investor within the Fintech industry, this is a guide to a future where finance and technology serve our planet. Authored by experts in GIS, AI, and remote sensing, who are also seasoned entrepreneurs, this unique work offers both theory and practical guidance, discovers sources often overlooked in ESG analytics, dives into specific, not general, KPIs for industry professionals, and navigates global regulations and frameworks with ease. Real-world case studies unveil the value of applied methods, supported by insights from leading practitioners, explore the latest developments in AI and machine learning, and uncover a step-by-step data science analysis framework.

This book provides the first comprehensive and systematic account of the multi-level governance system adopted by China in realizing the Dual-Carbon transition. This governance system encompasses the participation of the government, the market, industry and all sectors of society, and emphasizes coordination and cooperation between all levels of government between different sectors, and between domestic and international levels. The book finds that the government can play an important leadership and guidance role in the Dual-Carbon transition. By formulating and implementing relevant policies, regulations and planning, the government can promote the process of Dual-Carbon development. Second, the full utilization of market mechanisms also plays a key role. Through measures such as establishing a carbon market and promoting carbon pricing, the market mechanism promotes the innovation and application of low carbon technologies. In addition, the active participation of industry is an indispensable factor in realizing a Dual-Carbon transition. Industry and agriculture have contributed to Dual-Carbon development by promoting the efficient use of resources and the adoption of green production methods. Finally, raising public awareness and participation in environmental protection is also indispensable, and the process of Dual-Carbon transition is effectively promoted through publicity and education, social organizations and public participation. By addressing multiple themes, this book provides a comprehensive understanding and in-depth analysis of the Dual-Carbon transition, and offers scientific guidance and policy recommendations for China's sustainable development and the achievement of Dual-Carbon goals. At the same time, the significance of this book lies in the fact that it provides reference for other countries and regions, and makes a positive contribution to global climate governance. Parts of this book's translation from its Chinese original manuscript were completed with the assistance of artificial intelligence. The author subsequently revised the content.

This is an open access book. Sustainable development is so important that humanity must do its utmost to achieve these goals for the well-being of the present and future generations. WTO members have started to reform WTO rules since the WTO's Buenos Aires Ministerial Conference in 2017. The book describes a possible bright future for readers: WTO members can integrate the UN SDGs into WTO law (i.e., create sustainable trade rules) by establishing a sustainable development club and constitutionalising the WTO.

This open access book is a groundbreaking exploration of systemic risk in modern financial systems. Through its theoretical and empirical investigations, it reveals the multidimensionality of systemic risk, the transmission channels of crises, and the interlinkages between physical, transition, and financial risks. It introduces cutting-edge methodologies, including prediction and optimization models based on complex networks, multilayer networks and eXplainable Artificial Intelligence (XAI) approaches, to forecast and measure systemic risk and financial crisis. It provides insight for academics, practitioners, policy and supervisory authorities, and bankers and financial market operators on understanding the links that determine the propagation of financial crises and the emergence of systemic risks. This book is essential for those wishing to better understand systemic risk and its implications.

This textbook provides a solid introduction to the theoretical and empirical aspects of environmental economics and their links to environmental policy. In this second edition, all chapters have been updated and restructured, and new sections have been added to reflect a greater focus on climate policy. Starting from the need to balance the social costs of pollution against the financial costs of emission abatement, the book discusses the major issues that arise in the context of environmental policy – such as the potential and limitations of monetary valuation of the environment (and in particular the contingent valuation method) and the design of environmental policy. With regard to the choice of environmental policy instruments, the book focuses on the price-based instruments preferred by economists, i.e., environmental taxes and emissions trading, discussing in detail not only their many advantages but also their drawbacks. The second edition especially focuses on green industrial policy as a complementary measure to price-based instruments, the distributional effects of environmental policies, and the resulting challenges for political feasibility. Moreover, the book deals extensively with international environmental problems, in particular climate protection, which is a global public good that will be underprovided when certain countries refuse to cooperate and contribute. Approaches to overcoming this underprovision are described in far more detail than in the first edition, both theoretically and empirically – in particular by assessing the functions of the many international environmental agreements in this field. Finally, a new chapter considers adaptation strategies, especially in the water sector, as an additional pillar of climate policy.

The book highlights several aspects with'Chinese characteristics'that set the country's financial system apart. One key element is the significant influence of the Communist Party of China (CPC) on the financial markets. The Party plays a crucial role in shaping and driving policies within the financial sector, reflecting a distinct interplay between politics and finance. Additionally, the book emphasizes the involvement of various authorities within the government, the court system, and the intricate relationship between the courts and the governments in influencing the dynamics of the financial markets. These factors collectively contribute to a distinctive environment that cannot be fully understood through conventional theoretical frameworks. The major analytical points of the book revolve around the intricate triangular relationships among China's politics, financial market rules, and the financial markets themselves. The authors argue that relying solely on any existing school of thoughts is insufficient for comprehending the complexities of China's financial landscape. Instead, the book explores the multifaceted connections between politics, courts, and the financial markets. It delves into how political forces drive the formulation, development, and enforcement of financial market rules, including the roles played by various government bodies and the legal system. Unlike a focus on regulations and rules merely'on paper,'the book takes a grounded approach by investigating China's financial markets rules in practical terms. By doing so, it seeks to discover the underlying logic behind the unique features of China's financial system, providing a nuanced understanding of the interactions between political forces, legal frameworks, and the financial markets in the Chinese context.

In the 21st century, the imperative for sustainable development has assumed a paramount role, echoing the pressing global concerns surrounding environmental degradation, social inequalities, and economic challenges. Within this context, Sub-Saharan Africa emerges as a region of particular significance, where the pursuit of sustainability holds immense promise and relevance. Despite being endowed with abundant natural resources and a vibrant entrepreneurial spirit, Sub-Saharan Africa grapples with enduring issues of poverty, inequality, and environmental harm. This book explores the innovative paradigms of sustainable finance and business within Sub-Saharan Africa, exploring how novel approaches can effectively tackle the region's most pressing challenges while simultaneously catalyzing economic growth and societal progress. The chapters presented here comprise a diverse array of cutting-edge financial strategies, circular economy initiatives, technological advancements, and business models that are revolutionizing sustainable development across the continent. Sub-Saharan Africa, characterized by its youthful demographic and rapidly expanding economies, is poised for transformation. Yet, it confronts formidable obstacles in the form of poverty, inequality, and environmental degradation. The United Nations'Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) offer a comprehensive framework to address these issues. However, realizing these objectives requires innovative solutions that can surmount the unique constraints of the region. Fortunately, Sub-Saharan Africa is a crucible of innovation, with a growing community of entrepreneurs, financiers, and decision-makers committed to sustainable development. Initiatives promoting circular economies are reducing waste and enhancing resource efficiency, while financial instruments like impact investing and green bonds are attracting new streams of funding. Simultaneously, technological breakthroughs such as mobile payment systems and renewable energy solutions are expanding access to essential services and driving economic expansion. Despite these encouraging advancements, Sub-Saharan Africa stands at a pivotal juncture in its journey towards sustainability. This book, with a focus on practical and scalable solutions, endeavors to showcase the most promising and successful models that can propel sustainable development across the region.

This two-volume set CCIS 2309-2310 constitutes the refereed proceedings of the 11th International Conference on Future Data and Security Engineering. Big Data, Security and Privacy, Smart City and Industry 4.0 Applications, FDSE 2024, held in Binh Duong, Vietnam, during November 27–29, 2024. The 44 full papers, 12 short papers and 1 keynote paper were carefully reviewed and selected from 189 submissions. They were organized in topical sections as follows: advances in machine learning for big data analytics; security and privacy engineering; data analytics and healthcare systems; smart city and industry 4.0 applications; big data query processing and optimization; and short papers; security and data engineering.

Human civilization first emerged in ancient Mesopotamia, where the first writing and the first technologies originated. Writing about Mesopotamia the Cradle of Civilization (the land between the rivers, the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers, modern-day Iraq) is interesting for all interesting readers in the world. Iraq is one of the most beautiful, diverse, and impressive countries in the world. Iraq has a diverse range of environments, landscapes, inhabitants, activities, and cultural heritage, and human civilization has a lot to offer. An extensive collection of original materials gathered over the past few decades was used to elaborate on the geography of Iraq in a novel-length book. The geography of Iraq includes detailed information on its physical, human, economic, historical, and environments. Readers, students, and teachers from all over the world who seek out this information will be satisfied with the various figures, maps, and photographs due to the extra value added.

This book is a collection of outstanding research papers presented at the World Conference on Artificial Intelligence: Advances and Applications (WCAIAA 2024), organized by Sir Padampat Singhania University, India, and is technically sponsored by Soft Computing Research Society during February 22–23, 2024. The topics covered are agent-based systems, evolutionary algorithms, approximate reasoning, bioinformatics and computational biology, artificial intelligence in modeling and simulation, natural language processing, brain–machine interfaces, collective intelligence, computer vision and speech understanding, data mining, swarm intelligence, machine learning, human–computer interaction, intelligent sensor, devices and applications, and intelligent database systems.

This book presents volume 2 of selected research papers presented at the fourth International Conference on Digital Technologies and Applications (ICDTA'24). Highlighting the latest innovations in digital technologies as: artificial intelligence, Internet of Things, embedded systems, chatbot, network technology, digital transformation and their applications in several areas as Industry 4.0, sustainability, energy transition, and healthcare, the book encourages and inspires researchers, industry professionals, and policymakers to put these methods into practice.

This book examines religious, political, and economic conflicts in the Middle East. Written by experts and scholars from various fields, it provides a better understanding of the interwoven impact among religious, political, and economic conflicts in the Middle East. The contributions cover the most important and controversial issues in world affairs, including confrontations between Christianity and Islam and between Sunnis and Shiites; the disputes between Israel and Palestine, the Russian-Ukrainian War, ISIS, competition for oil resources, the Muslim Brotherhood, refugee entrepreneurs, human trafficking, and women's empowerment, etc. The book is an important reference work on the Middle East. It appeals to scholars and students of Middle East studies, international relations, peace and conflicts studies, and related fields, as well as practitioners and policymakers.

This book is dedicated to the 120th anniversary of economic education at Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University (SPbPU). It gathers the best and most recent research materials of scientists from SPbPU's Institute of Industrial Management, Economics and Trade and their colleagues from other universities.This book reflects many years of experience, unique results and interesting discoveries made by collaborative teams exploring the following issues: engineering economics, sustainable development and other topics related to the digitalization of enterprises, industries and systems; digital transformation of the service market in the face of global challenges; automation of enterprise control systems, digital and data management solutions for business; socio-economic development and territorial management in the era of Industry 4.0, etc. This book offers various views on challenges faced by today's economy and industry that are undoubtedly relevant to readers of almost all categories: from students to practitioners and scientists, but mostly for researchers.

This book contains papers presented at the 3rd International Conference on Cognitive- based Information Processing and Applications (CIPA) in Changzhou, China, from November 2–3, 2023. The papers represent the various technological advancements in theory, technology and application of artificial intelligence, including precision mining, intelligent computing, deep learning, and all other theories, models, and technologies related to artificial intelligence. It caters to postgraduate students, researchers, and practitioners specializing and working in the area of cognitive-inspired computing and intelligent computing. The book represents Volume 3 for this conference proceedings, which consists of a 3-volume book series.

This book constitutes the refereed Proceedings of the 24th International Workshop on Multi-Agent-Based Simulation XXIV, MABS 2023, held in London, UK, during May 29–June 2, 2023. The 11 regular papers presented were carefully reviewed and selected from 27 submissions. The papers are organized in subject areas as follows: MABS methodology and tools; MABS and social behavior; and MABS applications.

This book provides a precise portrayal of the current trends and future perspectives of e-Government. It outlines new approaches that optimize public services across diverse sectors. Going beyond traditional boundaries, it offers mathematical models for public services supported by convincing case studies. This book significantly enhances various government services, such as education, healthcare, safety, security, and culture. It also strongly emphasizes safeguarding citizens'personal data, ensuring privacy, and obtaining explicit consent. Tailored for students and academics, the book is an invaluable reference for teaching graduate courses in e-Government, Process Modelling, or Artificial Intelligence. Its impact extends beyond the classroom; civil servants from all domains can find practical insights to navigate the ongoing modernization of public services. Even citizens curious about the transformation in their public services can find this book enlightening. Researchers working in the area of e-Governance can use this book to discover the recent developments in e-Government.

​This book explores how climate change affects households that rely on shifting cultivation and how to assess their vulnerability. This study looks at micro and macro levels in Indian states with indigenous communities practicing shifting cultivation. The micro-level study has been conducted in 52 villages, with 1469 households covering 7067 population in seven states of India in the Northeastern region. The book covers different topics related to climate change, such as its patterns, impact on households and agriculture, forest management, and the role of indigenous knowledge in mitigation. This research is associated with different sectors like shifting agriculture, forestry sector, climate change and rural development etc. and integrated with large respondents and stakeholders through both direct and focus group discussions. Research scholars, climate activists, institutional and non-institutional organisations, people interested in environmental science, social science and policymakers will find this book very relevant.

This book contains best selected research papers presented at ICTCS 2023: Eighth International Conference on Information and Communication Technology for Competitive Strategies. The conference will be held in Jaipur, India during 8 – 9 December 2023. The book covers state-of-the-art as well as emerging topics pertaining to ICT and effective strategies for its implementation for engineering and managerial applications. This book contains papers mainly focused on ICT for computation, algorithms and data analytics and IT security. The work is presented in five volumes.

This Open Access book addresses climate change in Europe and Latin America from a comparative regionalism studies (CRS) perspective. Written by an international team of scholars and experts, chapters critically analyze proposals for mitigating climate change while contributing to the mutual understanding about the issues at stake across regions. The book is divided into three main sections. In the first section, authors discuss EU and Latin American cooperation, negotiations, and perspectives on climate change, exploring their agendas, the interests and key challenges at the global, regional and interregional levels. The second section focuses on the challenges to finance development and a greener economy. The third section explores new green solutions to climate change in the agriculture sector and initiatives such as nature-based solutions to climate change and best practices. Providing policy oriented solutions for combatting regional climate change at a critical juncture, this volume will be of interest to researchers and students of international relations, international law, and environmental politics, as well as public officials and climate change activists.

This book, written by leading international researchers of evolutionary approaches to machine learning, explores various ways evolution can address machine learning problems and improve current methods of machine learning. Topics in this book are organized into five parts. The first part introduces some fundamental concepts and overviews of evolutionary approaches to the three different classes of learning employed in machine learning. The second addresses the use of evolutionary computation as a machine learning technique describing methodologic improvements for evolutionary clustering, classification, regression, and ensemble learning. The third part explores the connection between evolution and neural networks, in particular the connection to deep learning, generative and adversarial models as well as the exciting potential of evolution with large language models. The fourth part focuses on the use of evolutionary computation for supporting machine learning methods. This includes methodological developments for evolutionary data preparation, model parametrization, design, and validation. The final part covers several chapters on applications in medicine, robotics, science, finance, and other disciplines. Readers find reviews of application areas and can discover large-scale, real-world applications of evolutionary machine learning to a variety of problem domains. This book will serve as an essential reference for researchers, postgraduate students, practitioners in industry and all those interested in evolutionary approaches to machine learning.

This book explores the relationship between interest rate liberalization and the reform of China's financial system. It covers many important topics about China's financial system including the role of deposit and lending rates, yields to investment, the relationship between investment and real interest rates, the impact of interest rate liberalization on resident saving, mechanism for RMB exchange rate determination, and policies necessary for interest liberalization. The book also discusses key impediments, path choice, and policy recommendations for China's interest rate liberalization.

This book covers a wide range of topics related to the integration of Artificial Intelligence, Big Data, IoT, and Blockchain: From Concepts to Applications. It begins by establishing a solid foundation and introducing the concepts and principles of each technology. The subsequent chapters delve into the various applications and use cases, providing readers with real-world examples of how AI, IoT, and Blockchain can be leveraged to address key challenges in Smart Environments. Data is becoming an increasingly decisive resource in modern societies, economies, and governmental organizations. Data science, Artificial Intelligence, and Smart Environments inspire novel techniques and theories drawn from mathematics, statistics, information theory, computer science, and social science. This book reviews the state of the art of big data analysis, Artificial Intelligence, and Smart Environments. It includes issues that pertain to signal processing, probability models, machine learning, data mining, databases, data engineering, pattern recognition, visualization, predictive analytics, data warehousing, data compression, computer programming, smart city, etc. The papers in this book were the outcome of research conducted in this field of study. The latter makes use of applications and techniques related to data analysis in general and big data and smart cities in particular. The authors hope that this book serves as a valuable resource and guide for readers, empowering them to navigate the intricate landscape of Artificial Intelligence, IoT, and Blockchain in Smart Environments. Let the authors embark on this transformative journey together, as the authors explore the concepts and applications that hold the potential to shape the future of Smart Environments. The book appeals to advanced undergraduate and graduate students, post-doctoral researchers, lecturers, and industrial researchers, as well as anyone interested in big data analysis and Artificial Intelligence.

The book aims to describe how a certain type of organisation may come into existence and may even become prevalent in society - what we call a negative organisation. This type of organization is one where the status quo prevails over what is best for the company, in strategic terms. Namely, certain employees who are actually very good may be forced to leave so as to not disturb the status quo and existing loyalties and ties which are actually prejudicial to the company, in the medium to long run. Change is very necessary and strategies need to change to accompany technological breakthroughs and other market developments. Wanting to maintain the same course so as not to “disrupt the waters” is often a bad strategy and the firm will suffer. Innovation must prevail over the maintenance of the status quo or, in other words, must prevail over the maintenance of the existing state of things and hierarchy. Our book discusses the topic as well as providing solutions for the situation of a firm becoming negative. Various levels of leadership in the organisation may contribute to a negative organisation and this too is discussed. We hope to have contributed in whatever small way to a more joyous, satisfactory and, above all, more productive and innovative workplace.

This book presents select proceedings of the 67th Congress of the Indian Society of Theoretical and Applied Mechanics (ISTAM-2022). The content includes chapters on topics such as fluid mechanics, aerospace dynamics, atmospheric sciences and oceanography, geophysical environmental fluid dynamics, biomechanics, computational fluid dynamics, experimental methods in fluid dynamics, mathematical modelling, statistical mechanics, computational solid mechanics, experimental method in solid mechanics, mechanics of composites, and robotics and control. The book will be a valuable reference for researchers and professionals interested in applied and computational mechanics and allied fields.

This book advocates for a transformative shift in economics, emphasising the need to manage finite resources equitably while safeguarding universal well-being. It introduces the Equitable Optimality economic theory, departing from materialistic views and championing a theory deeply rooted in moral economy, values, and ethics. By integrating spirituality, social justice, and ethics into economic analysis, this model contends that economics can serve the welfare of all, offering a unique lens for economic theory and policy. It challenges prevailing materialistic economic paradigms by proposing an interest-balanced/free financial economy.This economic theory prioritises profit-sharing, societal objectives, and equitable resource allocation, aiming to create a more inclusive society. However, practical implementation and comprehensive research are crucial for understanding its impact and overcoming transitional challenges. The Equitable Optimality economic theory provides a valuable perspective within economics, focusing on ethical foundations, acknowledging non-monetary values, and humanising economic agents. It does not aim to replace conventional economic theories but offers an alternative framework to inspire innovative approaches to economic models and policymaking. Its broader policy perspective aims to foster a more prosperous and harmonious society by integrating ethical considerations, equity and justice into economic decision-making and emphasising societal welfare.

This book contains the revised and extended versions of selected papers from the 15th International Conference on Agents and Artificial Intelligence, ICAART 2023, held in Lisbon, Portugal, during February 22–24, 2023. The 23 full papers included in this book were carefully reviewed and selected from 306 submissions. The conference was organized in 2 tracks as follows: One track focuses on Agents, Multi-Agent Systems and Software Platforms, Distributed Problem Solving and Distributed AI in general. The other track focuses mainly on Artificial Intelligence, Knowledge Representation, Planning, Learning, Scheduling, Perception Reactive AI Systems, and Evolutionary Computing and other topics related to Intelligent Systems and Computational Intelligence.

This volume examines the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the labor market and the business environment in the European Union (EU), with a specific focus on Romania, the least developed country in the EU. The book emphasizes the need to rethink recovery models and suggests a new normal based on the pillars of economic, climatic, and social resilience. Is proposed the redefinition the policies'mix that will allow fundamental changes in development, focused also on social and societal profit, the redefinition of productivity and environmental performance of businesses, and the rebalancing of work and leisure life. The COVID-19 crisis not only accelerated the digital transformation of society but also reconfigured the coordinates of economic development by prioritizing sustainable development for all, based on green jobs as a starting point for business innovation and decent jobs for active social protection. Following this approach, the contributions discuss selected issues with importance to the development of society in the post-pandemic world. The book is of interest to students, scholars and researchers in economics, business, management and political science, as well as to policy makers and practitioners, for a better understanding of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the labor market and the business environment in European Union.

This book highlights the efforts made to realize the concept of ‘Circular Bioeconomy'. It has twelve (12) chapters, focussed on five (5) sections, namely Biomaterials, Environment, Energy, Pharmaceutical and Enzyme Technology. It portrays research, linking ‘Circular Bioeconomy'to the United Nation's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The concept of ‘Circular Economy', including ‘Circular Bioeconomy', aims to shift the current, essentially linear economic system to a more sustainable one. Accordingly, the key goal of a ‘Circular Economy'is to slow, narrow and close material resource loops, built on the foundation of renewable energy and non-toxic materials. Further, a sustainable ‘Bioeconomy'goes beyond simply switching fossil resources with renewable, biological resources. It requires low-carbon energy inputs, sustainable supply chains and promising disruptive conversion technologies for the sustainable transformation of renewable bioresources to high-value bio-based products, materials and fuels. Thus, a sustainable ‘Circular Bioeconomy'transition will necessitate a set of consistent metrics that fit all products and industries.

The advent of artificial intelligence (AI) is associated with relevant changes in how we live today. AI has the potential to significantly enhance daily decision-making by providing tailored, data-dependent insights and aiding in intricate analysis. AI-based systems will be around us, helping and advising us in our everyday tasks. However, how well do these systems perform in their quest to'replace'the human brain? A'meter,'a procedure for comparing the outcomes obtained by artificial intelligence systems with those obtained by human systems, is necessary to address this issue. This'meter'is Mind Genomics, a new emerging science that delves into the science of how we, as humans, organize and respond to information. To evaluate whether there are differences in the results obtained by AI-based systems and human-based experiments based on'Outer Psychophysics'were designed and implemented. Thus, four experiments in crucial areas of our lives are selected and cover education, family stress, and environmental and governmental policies. For each area, a Mind Genomic experiment is designed, defining four topics (silos). Then, the elements contained in each of the silos were generated twice, once by humans and then by an AI-based system. Evaluating both systems'performance requires comparing the results obtained by both experiments. The analysis of the study cases is disciplined, rich in scientific tools, and presented with methods. Through a blend of theoretical exploration, case studies, and practical applications, this book aims to inspire readers with the potential of the fusion of Mind Genomics and AI to empower innovation, enhance user experiences, and bring forth a more nuanced understanding of human thought. Whether the reader is a student, a researcher in the field of social and political sciences, or simply curious about the evolving landscape of science and technology, we hope this book will serve as an invitation to explore how we can harmonize human and machine intelligence to better navigate the complex world around us.

This book explores interdisciplinary technological advancements in smart cities. The book begins with a comprehensive study of smart cities, followed by their benefits and shortcomings. The authors show how, with the help of digital technology, cities are becoming more sustainable and efficient, leading to a better quality of life. The book includes a comprehensive review of literature, research works, and case studies, which are presented to demonstrate how various technologies can be integrated into smart cities. The book includes scenarios in smart agriculture, smart transportation, smart healthcare and more. This book also offers researchers, students, academicians, and professionals working in this field an extensive range of smart city applications.

True mangrove flora and their associates in the lower Gangetic region are noted for their wide spectrum of ecosystem services in which carbon storage and sequestration by the forest is one of the most important components. Many researchers are updating the carbon repository of the lower Gangetic delta mangroves with the aim to ascertain their role to reduce the carbon dioxide level of the near surface atmosphere. However, due to difficulty in assessment, marketing, and lack of clarity over ownership of natural resources, the mangrove-based carbon trading system has not yet crystallized.There is an estimated 13.76 Mha of mangrove forests world-wide, approximately 20% (2.6 Mha) of which is potentially investible for carbon finance projects, based on the probability of imminent threat. The magnitude and the variability of threats to which the mangroves of the lower Gangetic delta are exposed to have made the trading process more complicated. In addition, gaps also exist between the national government policy and the trading of the blue carbon projects, which has kept the future of such projects remain on hold. The authors put forward the views that the creation of more financial facilities for restoration and expansion of blue carbon (preferably mangroves) with the involvement of the local communities can provide the initial capital involved in developing mangrove-based carbon projects. This includes the costs of conducting feasibility studies, implementing capacity-building programs, monitoring the health of the mangrove plantation/restoration on regular basis, and creating mangrove-based alternative livelihood programs that will support island dwellers of the region in order to accelerate the magnitude of mangrove-based carbon projects leading to growth of the mangrove trading market.