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Understanding Sustainable Development
by John BlewittThis book demonstrates why sustainable development that celebrates complexity and diversity is such a necessity effectively with empirical case studies and thinking questions.
Understanding the Bigger Energy Picture: DESERTEC and Beyond (SpringerBriefs in Energy)
by Michael DürenThis book is open access under a CC BY 4.0 license.This book focuses on the global cycles of energy, water and carbon, which are not only the essentials of our main energy carriers, the fossil fuels, but are also the building blocks of life. The book offers an overview of the basic scientific facts and relationships that are needed to understand today’s energy generation and use, how they relate to global climate, the water cycle and other resources, and the complexities of energy policy. Building on the work of the Desertec project, it presents the main technological options that we will have in a world after the “Energiewende” and presents the possible future solutions for a sustainable world. The book is written in an engaging, descriptive style that can be understood by those without specific knowledge of science or economics and allows readers to form their own conclusions. Controversy rages over energy problems, climate change and their possible solutions. Expressions like “climate deniers”, “renaissance of nuclear energy”, “stop the war on coal”, and “Energiewende now” represent a diversity of opinions that divide our society and political leaders. This book shows the reader the whole energy picture and how it is part of the wider global problems of overpopulation and uncontrolled economies in a world of limited resources.
Understanding the Changing Planet: Strategic Directions for the Geographical Sciences
by National Research Council of the National AcademiesFrom the oceans to continental heartlands, human activities have altered the physical characteristics of Earth's surface. With Earth's population projected to peak at 8 to 12 billion people by 2050 and the additional stress of climate change, it is more important than ever to understand how and where these changes are happening. Innovation in the geographical sciences has the potential to advance knowledge of place-based environmental change, sustainability, and the impacts of a rapidly changing economy and society. Understanding the Changing Planet outlines eleven strategic directions to focus research and leverage new technologies to harness the potential that the geographical sciences offer.
Understanding the Earth System
by Sarah E. Cornell I. Colin Prentice Joanna I. House Catherine J. DownyExplaining the what, the how and the why of climate science, this multidisciplinary new book provides a review of research from the last decade, illustrated with cutting-edge data and observations. A key focus is the development of analysis tools that can be used to demonstrate options for mitigating and adapting to increasing climate risks. Emphasis is given to the importance of Earth system feedback mechanisms and the role of the biosphere. The book explains advances in modelling, process understanding and observations, and the development of consistent and coherent studies of past, present and 'possible' climates. This highly-illustrated, data-rich book is written by leading scientists involved in QUEST, a major UK-led research programme. It forms a concise and up-to-date reference for academic researchers or students in the fields of climatology, Earth system science and ecology, and also a vital resource for professionals and policymakers working on any aspect of global change.
Understanding the Energy Transition: Civil society, territory and inequality in Italy
by Natalia Magnani Giovanni CarrosioThe transformation of the dominant model of centralized energy production from fossil fuels to renewable energies is at the center of the public and scientific debate, as well as the subject of national and European policies, as it is connected to highly topical issues such as climate change, emissions reduction and natural disasters, security of supply and sustainability of the current economic development model.Up to now this topic has been mainly addressed by the economic and engineering sciences, with a research focus on the hardware rather than on the human and social software.However, energy systems, and the possibilities of change, are not only economic or technological but involve also patterns of social life, representations, organizational models and relational structures. In order to generate the social preconditions for the transition to a low-emission society, focused on a growing production of energy from renewable sources and on a greater sustainability of consumption, it is therefore urgent to reaffirm the centrality of a sociological approach to energy.This book focused on three core research areas which are crucial to understand what is at stake with the energy transition: conflicts over the construction and location of renewable energy production plants; collective action on renewable sources that promote a new model of energy system in which consumers are also producers; and the social-territorial impact of energy policies.
Understanding the Enrichment of Heavy Elements by the Chemodynamical Evolution Models of Dwarf Galaxies (Springer Theses)
by Yutaka HiraiThis book addresses the mechanism of enrichment of heavy elements in galaxies, a long standing problem in astronomy. It mainly focuses on explaining the origin of heavy elements by performing state-of-the-art, high-resolution hydrodynamic simulations of dwarf galaxies. In this book, the author successfully develops a model of galactic chemodynamical evolution by means of which the neutron star mergers can be used to explain the observed abundance pattern of the heavy elements synthesized by the rapid neutron capture process, such as europium, gold, and uranium in the Local Group dwarf galaxies. The book argues that heavy elements are significant indicators of the evolutionary history of the early galaxies, and presents theoretical findings that open new avenues to understanding the formation and evolution of galaxies based on the abundance of heavy elements in metal-poor stars.
Understanding the Japanese Food and Agrimarket: A Multifaceted Opportunity
by Andrew D O'RourkeThe contributing authors of Understanding the Japanese Food and Agrimarket discuss broad forces that affect markets in Japan and specific situations faced in marketing grain, livestock, and seafood products; fruits; vegetables; and wood products. Many of the contributors speak and read Japanese and have lived in Japan for extensive periods; they are able to give deep insights into how and why the Japanese consumption and distribution system behaves as it does. They draw on their expertise to fully explore various Japanese food and fiber markets. As they demystify the Japanese market, they illustrate for readers several systematic approaches to mastering the Japanese food and fiber markets.Readers will discover that effective long-term marketing strategies in Japan must be based on sound analytical information. The contributors provide such needed material with chapters on items as diverse as wine, grain products, beef, and fruits and vegetables. Some of the specific topics covered include:changes in Japanese food consumptionJapanese food distribution systemdemand for beef products in Japandemand for vegetables and vegetable seedsJapanese wine marketdemand for bakery productsnew food products for the Japanese marketdeveloping trade relations in wood productsExecutives of commodity associations or firms exporting foods to Japan will find the general sections most interesting as well as chapters specific to their products. Teachers and students exploring exporting to the Japanese market will be intrigued by the various dimensions of the “multifaceted” nature and opportunities of the Japanese market.
Understanding the Long-Term Evolution of the Coupled Natural-Human Coastal System: The Future Of The U. S. Gulf Coast
by National Academies of Sciences Engineering MedicineThe U.S. Gulf Coast provides a valuable setting to study deeply connected natural and human interactions and feedbacks that have led to a complex, interconnected coastal system. The physical landscape in the region has changed significantly due to broad-scale, long-term processes such as coastal subsidence and river sediment deposition as well as short-term episodic events such as hurricanes. Modifications from human activities, including building levees and canals and constructing buildings and roads, have left their own imprint on the natural landscape. This coupled natural-human coastal system and the individual aspects within it (physical, ecological, and human) are under increased pressure from accelerating environmental stressors such as sea level rise, intensifying hurricanes, and continued population increase with its accompanying coastal development. Promoting the resilience and maintaining the habitability of the Gulf Coast into the future will need improved understanding of the coupled natural-human coastal system, as well as effective sharing of this understanding in support of decision-making and policies. Understanding the Long-term Evolution of the Coupled Natural-Human Coastal System presents a research agenda meant to enable a better understanding of the multiple and interconnected factors that influence long-term processes along the Gulf Coast. This report identifies scientific and technical gaps in understanding the interactions and feedbacks between human and natural processes, defines essential components of a research and development program in response to the identified gaps, and develops priorities for critical areas of research.
Understanding the Oceans: A Century of Ocean Exploration
by Margaret Deacon Tony Rice Colin SummerhayesUnderstanding the Oceans brings together an internationally distinguished group of authors to explore the enormous advances in marine science made since the voyage of HMS Challenger a century ago. The book draws inspiration from the seminal contributions stemming from that voyage, and individual chapters show how succeeding generations of scientists have been influenced by its findings. Covering the whole spectrum of the marine sciences, the book has been written and edited very much with the non-specialist reader in mind. Marine scientists, whether students or researchers, will welcome this authoritative comprehensive overview of their subject and its history; other scientists will find the book to be an accessible and informative introduction to marine science and its historical roots.
Understanding the Origin of Matter: Perspectives in Quantum Chromodynamics (Lecture Notes in Physics #999)
by David Blaschke Krzysztof Redlich Chihiro Sasaki Ludwik TurkoThis book aims at providing a solid basis for the education of the next generation of researchers in hot, dense QCD (Quantum ChromoDynamics) matter. This is a rapidly growing field at the interface of the smallest, i.e. subnuclear physics, and the largest scales, namely astrophysics and cosmology. The extensive lectures presented here are based on the material used at the training school of the European COST action THOR (Theory of hot matter in relativistic heavy-ion collisions).The book is divided in three parts covering ultrarelativistic heavy-ion collisions, several aspects related to QCD, and simulations of QCD and heavy-ion collisions. The scientific tools and methods discussed provide graduate students with the necessary skills to understand the structure of matter under extreme conditions of high densities, temperatures, and strong fields in the collapse of massive stars or a few microseconds after the big bang. In addition to the theory, the set of lectures presents hands-on material that includes an introduction to simulation programs for heavy-ion collisions, equations of state, and transport properties.
Understanding the Physics of Particle Accelerators: A Guide to Beam Dynamics Simulations Using ZGOUBI (Particle Acceleration and Detection)
by François MéotThis open access book introduces readers to the physics of particle accelerators, by means of beam dynamics simulations and exercises using the computer code ZGOUBI. The respective chapters are organized chronologically and trace the historical development of accelerators from electrostatic columns to storage rings, to the numerous variations on resonant acceleration and focusing techniques, while also addressing side aspects such as synchrotron radiation and spin dynamics. The book offers computer simulations in which readers can manipulate, guide, and accelerate charged particles and particle beams in most types of particle accelerator. By performing these simulation exercises, they will acquire a deeper understanding of charged particle beam optics, accelerator physics and technology, as well as the why and how of when to use one technology or the other. These exercises guide readers through a virtual world of accelerator and beam simulations, and involve e.g. manipulating beams for cancer therapy, producing synchrotron radiation for condensed matter research, accelerating polarized ion beams for nuclear physics research, etc. In addition to acquiring an enhanced grasp of physics, readers will discover the basic theoretical and practical aspects of particle accelerators’ main components: guiding and focusing magnets, radio-wave accelerating cavities, wigglers, etc.
Understanding the Social Dimension of Sustainability (Routledge Studies in Development and Society)
by Jesse Dillard Veronica Dujon Mary C. KingThe imperative of the twenty-first century is sustainability: to raise the living standards of the world's poor and to achieve and maintain high levels of social health among the affluent nations while simultaneously reducing and reversing the environmental damage wrought by human activity. Scholars and practitioners are making progress toward environmental and economic sustainability, but we have very little understanding of the social dimension of sustainability. This volume is an ambitious, multi-disciplinary effort to identify the key elements of social sustainability through an examination of what motivates its pursuit and the conditions that promote or detract from its achievement. Included are theoretical and empirical pieces; examination of international and local efforts; discussions highlighting experiences in both the developing and industrialized nations; and a substantial focus on business practices. Contributors are grounded in sociology, economics, business administration, public administration, public health, geography, education and natural resource management.
Understanding the Universe: The Physics of the Cosmos from Quasars to Quarks
by Andrew NortonUnderstanding the Universe: The Physics of the Cosmos from Quasars to Quarks explores how all areas of physics, from the very smallest scales to the very largest, come together to form our current understanding of the Universe. It takes readers on a fascinating journey, from the Big Bang and how the Universe has evolved, to how it appears now, and the possibilities for how it will continue to evolve in the future. It also explores the latest exciting developments in the area and how they impact our understanding of the Universe, such as quantum chromodynamics, black holes, dark energy, and gravitational waves. Equally importantly, it explains how we have come to know all of this about the Universe and details the limitations of our current understanding. This book is accessible to all introductory undergraduate students interested in the physical sciences. It prioritises a non-mathematical approach so it can be understood by all students, with only two algebraic equations in the book and any numerical calculations shown are limited to simple arithmetic. Key Features: Combines current understanding of quantum physics and cosmology, and includes the latest exciting developments from the field. Provides an accessible introduction to the topic, focusing on a non-mathematical presentation. Presents a comprehensive narrative on the subject and a coherent story.
Understanding Urban Cycling: Exploring the Relationship Between Mobility, Sustainability and Capital (Routledge Equity, Justice and the Sustainable City series)
by Justin SpinneyAcademic interest in cycling has burgeoned in recent years with significant literature relating to the health and environmental benefits of cycling, the necessity for cycle-specific infrastructure, and the embodied experiences of cycling. Based upon primary research in a variety of contexts such as London, Shanghai and Taipei, this book demonstrates that recent developments in urban cycling policy and practice are closely linked to broader processes of capital accumulation. It argues that cycling is increasingly caught up in discourses around Smart cities that emphasise technological solutions to environmental problems and neoliberal ideas on individual responsibility and biopolitical conduct, which only results in solutions that prioritise those who are already mobile. The central argument of the book is not that the popularisation of cycling is inherently bad, but that the manner in which cycling is being popularised gives cause for social and environmental concern. Ultimately the book argues that cycling has now become a vehicle for sustaining pro-growth agendas rather than subverting them or shifting to sustainable no-growth/de-growth and less technologically driven visions of modernity. This book makes an innovative contribution to the fields of Cycling Studies, Mobilities and Transport and will be of interest to students and academics working in Human Geography, Transport Studies, Urban Studies, Urban Planning, Public Policy, Sociology and Sustainability.
Understanding Water Reuse
by National Research Council Division on Earth and Life Studies Water Science and Technology Board Committee on the Assessment of Water Reuse as an Approach to Meeting Future Water Supply NeedsIn communities all around the world, water supplies are coming under increasing pressure as population growth, climate change, pollution, and changes in land use affect water quantity and quality. To address existing and anticipated water shortages, many communities are working to increase water conservation and are seeking alternative sources of water. Water reuse- the sue of treated wastewater, or "reclaimed" water, for beneficial purposes such as drinking, irrigation, or industrial uses- is one option that has helped some communities significantly expand their water supplies. Understanding Water Reuse summarizes the main findings of the National Research Council report Water Reuse: Expanding the Nation's Water Supply Through Reuse of Municipal Wastewater. The report provides an overview of the options and outlook for water reuse in the United States, discusses water treatment technologies and potential uses of reclaimed water, and presents a new analysis that compares the risks of drinking reclaimed water to those of drinking water from traditional sources.
Understanding Water Security at Local Government Level in South Africa
by Richard Meissner Nikki Funke Karen Nortje Maronel SteynThis book provides unique insights into the complex issue of water security in South Africa. Based on qualitative research conducted through face-to-face structured interviews and focus group discussions with individuals, traditional leaders, municipal officials, researchers, businesspeople and farmers in the two local governments – the Sekhukhune District and eThekwini Metropolitan Municipalities – it focuses on the peoples’ understanding of the concept of water security and whether they believe that the municipalities have achieved water security for all. The research is supported by water security-related statistics, particularly those pertaining to water quality and quantity, and an extensive literature review for the concept of water security. In addition to assessing the state of water security in both municipalities, the book presents a new water security definition and typology, and offers valuable recommendations for future research.
Understanding Weather
by Karel Karel Hughes Julian MayesWeather provides a wide variety of stimuli for our senses. The sound of thunder and gales, the smell of damp soil at the start of a summer thunderstorm are but temporary phenomena while the visual panorama of the changing sky that provides a more revealing insight into the workings of the dynamic atmosphere. Understanding Weather shows how it is possible to understand weather and climate by combining our ability to observe weather systems from the earth's surface with visualisation from above - notably by means of satellite imagery. This fusion of human observation with the contrasting capabilities of remote sensing gives us a new perspective for exploring the three dimensional atmosphere. Remote sensing imagery and real-time weather information are now widely available through the internet, allowing the reader to relate the case studies to today's weather situation.As with all sciences, understanding starts with careful observation. This books aims to show that it is possible to analyse global weather systems through a visual approach rather than the traditional use of mathematics and physics. After examining the interaction of atmospheric heat, moisture and motion in a non-technical style, the contrasting but complementary techniques of weather observation from 'below' and 'above' are compared. The world's climates are then surveyed with key weather features illustrated by satellite imagery, highlighting the way in which weather events may develop into atmospheric hazards.
Understanding Weather (Discover Meteorology)
by Megan Cooley PetersonWeather includes all the conditions in the air around us. Snow, rain, sleet, and hail are all forms of weather. So is the temperature of the air and the amount of moisture in it. Learn all about weather, including how and why it changes from place to place and time to time.
Understanding Weather Patterns (Discover Meteorology)
by Nancy DickmannWeather is always changing. It can be unpredictable. But even with all the changes, some patterns can be found. Learn how meteorologists use tools and systems to measure and predict these patterns. Find out how these patterns influence weather around the world.
Understanding World Regional Geography
by Erin H. Fouberg William G. MoseleyUnderstanding World Regional Geography (UWRG) is designed to teach students to think geographically so they can continue to think and apply geographic concepts long after the course is over. UWRG draws from best practices in geography education and research in student learning to help students deepen their understanding of the world. Features found in every chapter help students learn to read cultural and physical landscapes, ask geographic questions, apply geographic concepts, and make connections. UWRG is the first introductory textbook to integrate Esri ArcGIS Online thematic maps, enabling students to engage with course material, see patterns, and answer geographic questions. UWRG integrates 25 threshold concepts, teaches students how geographers apply the concepts, and then asks students to apply these key geographic concepts themselves. Understanding World Regional Geography helps students begin to grasp the complexities of the world and gives them the content and thinking skills necessary to grow in their understanding of the world during the course and over their lifetimes.
Understandings of Social Investment in the Oil and Gas Sector (Approaches to Global Sustainability, Markets, and Governance)
by Rafaela Costa Camões RabelloThis book explores research that contributes to the current literature on the Oil and Gas Sector by analysing the multiple discourses that experts use to examine social investment. This book explains how these discourses influence social investment practices and host communities in the O&G sector. This book serves as a starting point from which companies, social investment experts, communities, host country governments, and international banks can build more participatory and community-centred social investment programmes to promote positive futures. The book suggests an alternative approach to O&G social investment, where social investment represents one of the main tools of social engagement, rather than its substitute; and where care instead of profit, becomes the driver of O&G social investment.
Underwater Acoustic Networking Techniques
by Michael Goetz Paul Van Walree Roald Otnes Ivor Nissen Knut Rimstad Thor Husøy Alfred Asterjadhi Michele Zorzi Paolo CasariThis literature study presents an overview of underwater acoustic networking. It provides a background and describes the state of the art of all networking facets that are relevant for underwater applications. This report serves both as an introduction to the subject and as a summary of existing protocols, providing support and inspiration for the development of network architectures.
The Underwater Alphabet Book (Jerry Pallotta's Alphabet Books)
by Jerry PallottaLearn your ABCs in this aquatic exploration of the coral reef. Best-selling author Jerry Pallotta delivers a fun first concepts book that covers sea creatures from A to Z. From the well-known Angelfish to lesser known Humu humu nuku nuku apua'a all the way to Zebra Pipefish, readers will be introduced to over twenty-six tropical species that live in and around the coral reef. Edward Stewart's detailed and vibrant illustrations bring the reader into the colorful underwater world. Covering habitats to inhabitants, this alphabetical journey is told both with wit and scientific accuracy that makes for a fun and funny read aloud that kids and parents will be eager to dive into.
Underwater Communications and Networks (Textbooks in Telecommunication Engineering)
by Yi Lou Niaz AhmedThis textbook covers all related communication technologies of underwater wireless communication, such as acoustic communication, optical communication, and magneto-inductive communication. After describing each technology, the authors relay their pros and cons, as it is essential to learn the underlying mechanism, advancements, and limitations of these techniques. Therefore, this book provides basics fundamentals of the three technologies, their advantages and disadvantages, and their applications. The authors also introduce research trends, pointing readers in the direction of research in the field of underwater wireless communication. The book is an essential textbook for undergraduate and graduate students in the field of underwater communications. The book is also useful as a reference to undergraduate engineering students, science students, and practicing engineers. The book includes end-of-chapter questions and numerical problems.
Underwater Counting: Even Numbers (Jerry Pallotta's Counting Books)
by Jerry PallottaThere's something fishy about this book . . .Facts and figures to fill an ocean! Learn to count from zero to fifty, counting even numbers by two. Sound complicated? Not so, with page after page of unique and fascinating sea creatures to discover. Four odd-looking Clown Triggerfish help make counting fun and, although they have been extinct for millions of years, you can count thirty-two fierce-looking Elasmosaurs.Jerry Pallotta's signature kid-friendly text, packed with fun facts, makes learning a kid's favorite pastime. With fun and informative books such as UNDERWATER COUNTING, kids--like fish--are sure to stay in school.Breathtaking and distinctive illustrations bring the vivid hues of the deep sea and the gentle green-blues of the sun-lit ocean's surface to life. UNDERWATER COUNTING will spark the interest of budding oceanographers and mathematicians.