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Authenticity in Nature: Making Choices about the Naturalness of Ecosystems
by Nigel DudleyThis book examines the concept of naturalness in ecosystems, discusses its values and considers choices about the level of naturalness in conservation efforts. The author argues that all ecosystems have been modified and the idea of places 'untouched by humans' is a myth. But there are large differences in the degree of modification and levels of naturalness which can be identified. Changes are not always irreversible; some apparent wilderness areas are sites of former civilizations. There is no longer any simple distinction possible between 'natural' and 'cultural' systems. In the future, society will, to some extent, choose the degree of naturalness in land and seascapes. The growth of protected areas is an early sign of this, as are changes in forest management, dam removal and control of invasive species. To make informed choices about these areas, the author shows that we must understand the characteristics and values of naturally regulating ecosystems – their practical benefits, social values and management needs. Authenticity in Nature uses a rigorous definition of authenticity to help in the understanding and measurement of naturalness. It discusses the choices facing us and some of the information we need to make decisions relating to land and water management. Practical issues of management and numerous terrestrial and aquatic examples from around the world are discussed. It is an optimistic and highly original book, aiming to make genuine advances in our understanding and management of natural systems.
AutoBATS and 3D MUSIC: New Approaches to Imaging Earthquake Rupture Behaviors (Springer Theses)
by Pei-Ru JianThis book presents the kinematic earthquake rupture studies from moment tenor to spatial-temporal rupture imaging. For real-time seismic hazard monitoring, the new stable automatic moment tensor (AutoBATS) algorithm is developed and implemented for the real-time MT reports by the Taiwan Earthquake Science Information System (TESIS). In order to understand the rupture behavior of the 2013 Mw 8.3 Okhotsk deep earthquake sequence, the 3D MUltiple SIgnal Classification Back Projection (MUSIC BP) with P and pP phases is applied. The combined P- and pP-wave BP imaging of the mainshock shows two stages of anti-parallel ruptures along two depths separating for about 10~15 km. Unusual super-shear ruptures are observed through the 3D BP images of two Mw 6.7 aftershocks. In last two chapters, the 3D BP imaging reveals similar rupture properties of two shallow catastrophic earthquakes (Mw=6.4) in southwestern Taiwan. Both the 2010 Jiashian and 2016 Meinong earthquakes ruptured westward with similar velocity of ~2.5 km/s along a NE-ward shallow dipping blind fault. The rupture similarities of the doublet suggest two parallel elongate asperities along the causative fault. After several decades of seismic quiescence, the 2010 Jiashian event initiated the rupture at the deeper asperity and triggered the shallower asperity which caused catastrophes six years later.
Autobiographical Memory in an Aboriginal Australian Community
by Anne Marie MonchampThis book shares and analyses the stories of Opal, a senior Alyawarra woman. Through her stories the reader glimpses the harsh colonial realities which many Aboriginal Australians have faced, highlighting the cultural embeddedness of autobiographical memory from a philosophical, psychological and anthropological perspective.
Autoethnographies on the Environment and Human Health
by Tara Rava ZolnikovThis book explores the link between individual lives and significant environmental issues affecting millions of people around the world. Zolnikov offers a novel perspective on the environment and human health through autoethnographic stories. Each chapter includes an overview of an environmental risk factor or issue, such as air quality, accompanied by a reflective personal story. Her experiences were gathered around the world and revolve around immersion into local cultures. Learning about environmental health through this qualitative approach will enable readers to understand how issues in the environment are currently affecting people on an individual basis.
Automatic trend estimation (SpringerBriefs in Physics)
by Maria Cr˘aciun C˘alin Vamos¸Our book introduces a method to evaluate the accuracy of trend estimation algorithms under conditions similar to those encountered in real time series processing. This method is based on Monte Carlo experiments with artificial time series numerically generated by an original algorithm. The second part of the book contains several automatic algorithms for trend estimation and time series partitioning. The source codes of the computer programs implementing these original automatic algorithms are given in the appendix and will be freely available on the web. The book contains clear statement of the conditions and the approximations under which the algorithms work, as well as the proper interpretation of their results. We illustrate the functioning of the analyzed algorithms by processing time series from astrophysics, finance, biophysics, and paleoclimatology. The numerical experiment method extensively used in our book is already in common use in computational and statistical physics.
Automating the Analysis of Spatial Grids: A Practical Guide to Data Mining Geospatial Images for Human & Environmental Applications (Geotechnologies and the Environment #6)
by Valliappa LakshmananThe ability to create automated algorithms to process gridded spatial data is increasingly important as remotely sensed datasets increase in volume and frequency. Whether in business, social science, ecology, meteorology or urban planning, the ability to create automated applications to analyze and detect patterns in geospatial data is increasingly important. This book provides students with a foundation in topics of digital image processing and data mining as applied to geospatial datasets. The aim is for readers to be able to devise and implement automated techniques to extract information from spatial grids such as radar, satellite or high-resolution survey imagery.
Automation in Tree Fruit Production: Principles and Practice
by Qin ZhangThe technology that allows automation in agriculture is rapidly developing and being applied to wide variety of key crops. This book focuses on automation in tree fruit crops worldwide. It covers topics such as automated tree fruit production systems, plant stress sensing and high-throughput phenotyping in precision horticulture, the economics of automation in tree fruit production, light interception sensing systems for canopy management, precision irrigation and water management, precision technologies for pest and disease management, opportunities for the application of robotics in tree fruit production, and the mechanical harvesting and handling of fruit crops.
Automotive Recycling, Plastics, and Sustainability
by David SchönmayrThis book provides transdisciplinary analyses of the automotive plastics production and recycling system, including prognoses, scenarios and solutions for corporate sustainability management.A book on plastics, not written by a plastics guy. But a sustainability guy. Plastics schizophrenia and the automotive abyss: The industry is facing a severe challenge. It is the inevitable and promising change towards a sustainable economy. However, the automotive industry is primarily concerned with the CO2 emissions from cars when driving, while the rise of lightweight plastics, electric drive and heavy batteries make the production and end-of-life phase ever more important. Therefore, the currently increasing use of non-sustainable virgin plastics in cars has to be tackled.The plastics and the automotive industry now have a chance, and this chance is the Recycling Renaissance.This book offers:• Holistic and transdisciplinary overview on sustainability and automotive plastics from all angles including economy, ecology, technology, and politics with a focus on Europe• Concise analyses, prognoses, tools and a roadmap with solutions for companies, developed together with international experts from industry and academia • Strong scientific basis and independent research including a Europe-wide survey, expert interviews, and workshops• More than 80 illustrations and 15 tables including a SCOT analysis • Executive summaries after each chapter for fast reading“The uniqueness of this book lies within the different point of view on this topic from a critical, outstanding scientist.” - Univ.-Prof. Dipl.-Ing. Dr.mont. Pomberger, Montanuni Leoben
Autumn Peltier, Water Warrior
by Carole LindstromFrom New York Times bestselling picture book author Carole Lindstrom and illustrator Bridget George comes Autumn Peltier, Water Warrior, an inspiring picture book biography about two Indigenous Rights Activists, Josephine Mandamin and Autumn Peltier.The seventh generation is creatingA sea of change.It was a soft voice, at first.Like a ripple.But with practice it grew louder.Indigenous women have long cared for the land and water, which in turn sustains all life on Earth—honoring their ancestors and providing for generations to come. Yet there was a time when their voices and teachings were nearly drowned out, leaving entire communities and environments in danger and without clean water.But then came Grandma Josephine and her great-niece, Autumn Peltier.Featuring a foreword from water advocate and Indigenous Rights Activist Autumn Peltier herself, this stunning picture book from New York Times-bestselling author Carole Lindstrom and illustrator Bridget George gives voice to the water and asks young readers to join the tidal wave of change.
Available Truth
by Bhikkhu NyanasobhanoWith his books Landscapes of Wonder and Longing for Certainty, the American monk Bhikkhu Nyanasobhano led readers down literary trails, providing enlightening glimpses of the natural world. In Available Truth, he guides us further along the path. His unqualified embrace of the Buddha's worldview - in intelligent and deeply thoughtful prose - distinguishes his work from many other Western Buddhist books. Along with reflections on mindfulness, impermanence, and the end of suffering, Bhikkhu Nyanasobhano is not afraid to delve into the topics of rebirth, karma, nonvirtue, and the roles of reasoned faith, ritual, and monasticism, revealing their continuing relevance for today's seeker. His patient awareness of the workings of the mind and the natural world will enable readers to deepen both their practice and their lives. Available Truth will surely stand the test of time as both sound teaching and elegant writing.
Avalanche Dog Heroes: Piper and Friends Learn to Search the Snow
by Elizabeth Rusch<P><P>Follow Piper the border collie and her canine classmates through a season of avalanche rescue training. As they learn the skills they need to become snow rescue dogs, you'll learn about the work these amazing canines do and about avalanche safety. <P><P>Avalanche Dog Heroes is a nonfiction picture book illustrated with stunning, adorable photography that draws parallels between kids' experiences in elementary school and the training days of the avalanche rescue dogs of Crystal Mountain, Washington State's largest ski resort, located in the Cascade Range. <P><P>Follow along with Piper, a friendly border collie who came to the mountain as a smart but timid shelter dog, terrified by everything, as she confidently heads off to school on a chairlift to meet her canine classmates. Over a season they romp together through the snow, learning and practicing the skills they need to be avalanche rescue dogs and earn their rescue certification. <P><P>You'll also learn the warning signs and conditions that cause an avalanche, the four types of avalanches, and the basics of avalanche safety. Lexile Measure: 0840
Avalanches
by Vanessa BlackIn Avalanches, early fluent readers learn about the conditions that turn a snowy slope into a dangerous slide. Vibrant, full-color photos and carefully leveled text will engage young readers as they learn about the deadliest avalanches and how to stay safe in avalanche conditions. An infographic illustrates how an avalanche forms, and an activity offers kids an opportunity to extend discovery. Children can learn more about avalanches using our safe search engine that provides relevant, age-appropriate websites. Avalanches also features reading tips for teachers and parents, a table of contents, a glossary, and an index. Avalanches is part of Jump's Disaster Zone series.
Avalanches in Functional Materials and Geophysics (Understanding Complex Systems)
by Avadh Saxena Antoni Planes Ekhard K. H. SaljeThis book provides the state-of-the art of the present understanding of avalanche phenomena in both functional materials and geophysics. The main emphasis of the book is analyzing these apparently different problems within the common perspective of out-of-equilibrium phenomena displaying spatial and temporal complexity that occur in a broad range of scales. Many systems, when subjected to an external force, respond intermittently in the form of avalanches that often span over a wide range of sizes, energies and durations. This is often related to a class of critical behavior characterized by the absence of characteristic scales. Typical examples are magnetization processes, plastic deformation and failure occuring in functional materials. These phenomena share many similarities with seismicity arising from the earth crust failure due to stresses that originate from plate tectonics.
Avian Ecology in Latin American Cityscapes
by Ian MacGregor-Fors Juan F. Escobar-IbáñezThis book gathers a representative sample of the relevant knowledge related to the ecology, behavior, and conservation of birds in urban Latin America. Latin America is one of the most biodiverse regions of the world, yet it is still understudied. Although it concentrates most of its population in rapidly growing cities under considerable economic, social, and environmental disparity, the study of the effects that urbanization has on biodiversity in Latin America is still insufficient. Among the best-studied wildlife groups, birds have been widely used as bioindicators in urban areas. Going from general to specific information regarding avian communities, populations, behavior, threats, and conservation issues, this book describes the state-of-the-art of avian urban ecology in the region. Such knowledge will hopefully promote the regional consolidation of the field and encourage future mechanistic studies that untangle the recorded patterns in order to have the required information to bridge the gap between evidence-based knowledge and practice in urban systems. Thus, the information included in this document will allow scientists, students, and even decision takers to relate with the current knowledge and gaps related to the topic, providing perspective for future studies and actions.
Aviation and Climate Change: In Search of a Global Market Based Measure (SpringerBriefs in Law)
by Ruwantissa AbeyratneThe book addresses the most critical issue faced by aviation and climate change: namely the development of a market based measure to control aircraft engine emissions. It discusses the current market economic trends as they impact to aviation and suggests steps and measures to be taken in the development of a workable MBM. ICAO has three years to come up with such an MBM on a global scale and this book will spur discussions on how to achieve this objective.
Aviation and Climate Change: Lessons for European Policy (Routledge Studies in Physical Geography and Environment #Vol. 8)
by Alice Bows Kevin Anderson Paul UphamIt is generally accepted – the US administration excepted - that the emissions reduction targets agreed in the Kyoto Protocol are only the beginning of what needs to be achieved in international climate negotiations. While studies suggest that major emission reductions by industrialized countries can be achieved at low economic cost, both these and early reductions by developing countries are inevitably a major political challenge. This book focuses on European policy toward climate change, specifically its ramifications for the aviation industry. With air travel predicted to grow enormously in the coming years, the issue of climate change is hugely topical for this important industry. Accessible to students, academics and practioners, this book is useful reading for all those with an interest in climate change, the aviation industry, or both.
Aviation Noise Impact Management: Technologies, Regulations, and Societal Well-being in Europe
by Laurent Leylekian Alexandra Covrig Alena MaximovaThis open access book provides a view into the state-of-the-art research on aviation noise and related annoyance. The book will primarily focus on the achievements of the ANIMA project (Aviation Noise Impact Management through Novel Approaches), but not exclusively.The content has a broader theme in order to encompass. regulation issues, the ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization) balanced approach, progresses made on technologies and reduction of noise at source, impact of possible future civil supersonic aircraft, land-use planning issues, as well as the core topics of the ANIMA project, i.e. impact on human beings, annoyance, quality of life, health and findings of the project in this respect.This book differs from traditional research programmes on aviation noise as the authors endeavour, not to lower noise at source, but to reduce the annoyance. This book examines these non-acoustic factors in an effort to help those most affected by aviation noise – communities living close to airports, and also help airport managers, policy-makers, local authorities and researchers to deal with this issue holistically. The book concludes with some recommendations for EU, national and local policy-makers, airport and aviation authorities, and more broadly a scientifically literate audience. These recommendations may help to identify gaps for progress in terms of research but also genuine implementation actions for political and regulatory authorities.
Aviation Resource Management: Proceedings of the Fourth Australian Aviation Psychology Symposium Volume 1 (Routledge Revivals)
by BRENT J. HAYWARD AND ANDREW R. LOWEThis title was first published in 2000. This is volume one of a two-volume set which presents the reader with strategies for the contributions of psychology and human factors to the safe and effective functioning of aviation organizations and systems.Together, the volumes comprise the edited contributions to the Fourth Australian Aviation Psychology Symposium. The chapters within are orientated towards presenting and developing practical solutions for the present and future challenges facing the aviation industry. Each volume covers areas of vital and enduring importance in the complex aviation system. Volume one includes aviation safety, crew resource management, the aircraft cabin, cockpit automation, safety investigation, fatigue and stress, and applied human factors in training.
Aviation Weather Services: Advisory Circular (FAA Handbooks)
by Federal Aviation AdministrationPublished the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), with the participation of the National Weather Service, this FAA Advisory Circular (AC) 00-45H explains the U.S. aviation weather products and services available to pilots. it details the interpretation and application of advisories, coded weather reports, forecasts, observed and prognostic weather charts, and radar and satellite imagery. <P><P>Readers will find full coverage of weather-related tools to assist every pilot’s flight planning and in‑flight decisions. Weather product examples and explanations are supported with hundreds of weather website references for further resources, definitions, and additional related FAA publications. <P><P>This book is the weather services resource to use when studying for pilot certification exams. This book is key for all pilots seeking an understanding of the weather resources available for preflight and inflight decision-making.
Aviation Weather Services
by Federal Aviation Federal Aviation Administration<p>Published the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), with the participation of the National Weather Service, this FAA Advisory Circular (AC) 00-45H explains the U.S. aviation weather products and services available to pilots. With full-color illustrations throughout, it details the interpretation and application of advisories, coded weather reports, forecasts, observed and prognostic weather charts, and radar and satellite imagery. <p>Readers will find full coverage of weather-related tools to assist every pilot’s flight planning and in‑flight decisions. Weather product examples and explanations are supported with hundreds of weather website references for further resources, definitions, and additional related FAA publications. Applicable to both VFR and IFR pilots, low and high-altitude operations, this new edition now includes weather resources for soaring, space, and helicopter emergency medical services (HEMS). <p>This book is the weather services resource to use when studying for pilot certification exams and should remain a part of every aviator’s library. Subjects covered include METARs, Pilot Reports (PIREPs), the new Graphical Forecast for Aviation (GFA), SIGMETs, AIRMETs, Terminal Aerodrome Forecasts (TAF), Significant Weather Charts and much more. With additional weather station location tables, symbols and conversion charts, internet links and more, this book is key for all pilots seeking an understanding of the weather resources available for preflight and inflight decision-making.</p>
Aviation Weather Services: A Call for Federal Leadership and Action
by National Aviation Weather Services CommitteeEach time we see grim pictures of aircraft wreckage on a rain-drenched crash site, or scenes of tired holiday travelers stranded in snow-covered airports, we are reminded of the harsh impact that weather can have on the flying public. This book examines issues that affect the provision of national aviation weather services and related research and technology development efforts. It also discusses fragmentation of responsibilities and resources, which leads to a less-than-optimal use of available weather information and examines alternatives for responding to this situation. In particular, it develops an approach whereby the federal government could provide stronger leadership to improve cooperation and coordination among aviation weather providers and users.
The Avocado Debate (Changing Planet)
by Honor May EldridgeWhether smashed on toast or hailed as a superfood, the avocado has taken the world by storm, but what are the environmental and social impacts of this trendy fruit? This book does not seek to demonise the avocado and its many enthusiasts. Instead, it will illuminate consumers on the often unseen impacts of foods. A staple of cafes, restaurants, homes, and social media channels, demand for the avocado has grown exponentially over the past thirty years. From an everyday crop in South and Central America to a global phenomenon, this drastic change in demand has many consequences for people and the planet. As demand grows, so does the need for more land, with land clearances threatening habitats and biodiversity. As production grows, so does global distribution and the impacts that air and sea travel have on the environment. The shift from a local to a global product disturbs the local food system, raising serious questions around food sovereignty and food justice and the importance of establishing an agricultural system that is both environmentally and socially just. While focusing here on the avocado, this book allows readers to gain a better understanding of the food system as a whole. In doing so, it empowers us all to think carefully and critically about the environmental and ethical implications of our food choices more broadly. We shouldn’t feel guilty about eating avocados, we should simply understand the impact of doing so. This book is essential reading for all who are interested in learning more about the food system, sustainable diets, and the relationship between farming and the environment.
Avoidable Deaths
by Nibedita S. Ray-BennettThis book addresses one of the most fundamental questions of the 21st century: why deaths continue to occur in natural disasters despite the tremendous advancements in disaster management science and weather forecasting systems, increased sophistication of human-built environments and ongoing economic and policy development worldwide. By presenting an interdisciplinary tool for analysing ‘systems failure’, the book provides concrete suggestions on how deaths may be reduced in resource-poor contexts. It goes beyond traditional risk and vulnerability perspectives and demonstrates that deaths in disasters are complex problems that can be solved by adopting a socio-technical perspective to improve current disaster management systems in the developing world. The book is a timely contribution, as it directly addresses Global Target One of the UN’s ‘Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction’, which has urged 185 UN Member States to reduce disaster mortality by 2030. Further, it offers a valuable resource for students, researchers, policy-makers and practitioners interested in disaster risk reduction, human rights, gender, sociology of risk, crisis and disasters, environmental science, organisation and management studies.
The Awakening Earth: Our Next Evolutionary Leap (Routledge Library Editions: Evolution #11)
by Peter RussellOriginally published in 1982 The Awakening Earth explores the idea of the Earth as a collective, self-regulatory living organism, and considers in this context, the function of the human race. The book provides an exploration of humanity’s potential and explores the possibility of mankind’s evolutionary future. Drawing on the work of physicists, psychologists, philosophers and mystics, the book argues that humanity is on the verge of another evolutionary leap and explores evolution in the context of spiritual growth, arguing that widespread inner awakenings could lead to a more analogous society, functioning as a single social super-organism, much in the way cells in a body function as a biological organism.
Award-winning Case Studies 2015: A Special Issue of Building Sustainable Legacies
Breaking with academic tradition, this journal offers a unique selection of articles that are written by looking at the future challenges first and then translating these into present times. The right-aligned layout is a material way of reminding us of the fact that “no problem can be solved from the same level of consciousness that created it” (A. Einstein). The journal provides hands-on, pragmatic and user-friendly research, suggestions and case studies as a resource for organisations that are committed to implementing sustainability. It is high time to build bridges between business and academia, with the clear purpose of helping business become truly sustainable. There are four dimensions to the journal: 1. Understand sustainability challenges 2. Specific dimensions of business sustainability 3. Exciting new solutions to implement 4. Case studies of leading business examples. In addition, produced is a special issue annually dedicated to an important theme. This is a special Issue of Building Sustainable Legacies.