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Green Automation: Increasing Sustainability, From Industry to Our Home
by Francisco José Gomes da SilvaEnvironmental issues are a growing concern for our society, and should deserve increased attention, given the extremely negative climate changes which have been taking place. Emissions of greenhouse gases, excessive dependence on fossil fuels, growing consumption of power energy, and exacerbated consumption of materials are some of the problems that need to be addressed urgently. Some of these problems can be overcome through ingenious solutions based on automation. This book aims to make a contribution precisely in this sense, criticizing the current state of society in general and providing some solutions that can be used as a basis for the development of more environmentally friendly systems.
Microbial Genetics
by Mahendra Rai Beata Zimowska Sylwia OkońThis comprehensive book explores both the fundamental and practical aspects of microbial genetics, shedding light on viroids, viruses, phytoplasma, bacteria, fungi, and protozoa. Unveiling a fresh perspective, the book tackles traditional taxonomical debates by embracing DNA-based taxonomy, offering a novel approach to understanding phylogeny within this microbe realm. Furthermore, it delves into the exciting realm of metagenomics, revolutionizing the identification and classification of unculturable microorganisms. Written by leading experts, this essential reading material caters to students and researchers in Microbiology, Genetics, and Biotechnology.
Optimal Event-Triggered Control Using Adaptive Dynamic Programming (ISSN)
by Sarangapani Jagannathan Vignesh Narayanan Avimanyu SahooOptimal Event-triggered Control using Adaptive Dynamic Programming discusses event triggered controller design which includes optimal control and event sampling design for linear and nonlinear dynamic systems including networked control systems (NCS) when the system dynamics are both known and uncertain. The NCS are a first step to realize cyber-physical systems (CPS) or industry 4.0 vision. The authors apply several powerful modern control techniques to the design of event-triggered controllers and derive event-trigger condition and demonstrate closed-loop stability. Detailed derivations, rigorous stability proofs, computer simulation examples, and downloadable MATLAB® codes are included for each case.The book begins by providing background on linear and nonlinear systems, NCS, networked imperfections, distributed systems, adaptive dynamic programming and optimal control, stability theory, and optimal adaptive event-triggered controller design in continuous-time and discrete-time for linear, nonlinear and distributed systems. It lays the foundation for reinforcement learning-based optimal adaptive controller use for infinite horizons. The text then: Introduces event triggered control of linear and nonlinear systems, describing the design of adaptive controllers for them Presents neural network-based optimal adaptive control and game theoretic formulation of linear and nonlinear systems enclosed by a communication network Addresses the stochastic optimal control of linear and nonlinear NCS by using neuro dynamic programming Explores optimal adaptive design for nonlinear two-player zero-sum games under communication constraints to solve optimal policy and event trigger condition Treats an event-sampled distributed linear and nonlinear systems to minimize transmission of state and control signals within the feedback loop via the communication network Covers several examples along the way and provides applications of event triggered control of robot manipulators, UAV and distributed joint optimal network scheduling and control design for wireless NCS/CPS in order to realize industry 4.0 vision An ideal textbook for senior undergraduate students, graduate students, university researchers, and practicing engineers, Optimal Event Triggered Control Design using Adaptive Dynamic Programming instills a solid understanding of neural network-based optimal controllers under event-sampling and how to build them so as to attain CPS or Industry 4.0 vision.
Leading Hybrid Organisations: How to Build Trust, Collaboration and a High-Performance Culture
by Michael DraytonHybrid working on a large scale arrived suddenly with the COVID-19 pandemic. And it’s here to stay. Going beyond the quick-fix solutions that emerged during the transition, this book takes a deeper, systems approach to leading a hybrid organisation to help managers understand the real, ‘beneath the surface’ issues in hybrid working.Established ways of managing everyday problems, such as workflow, communication and performance management, now seem inadequate when some members of staff are in the office and others are working remotely. In addition to day-to-day management tasks, there are also more complex challenges such as developing a cohesive team and organisational culture and a strong attachment to the organisation. Drawing on contemporary management theory, behavioural science, psychoanalysis and social psychology, the book explains the impacts and how to address areas such as: team and organisational identity; recruitment and retention of talent; personality and hybrid working; team dynamics; performance management; security and insider risk; well-being, burnout and engagement; diversity equality and inclusion; ESG; and handling conflict.This engaging book empowers leaders and managers by enabling them to understand the dynamics of hybrid working, and giving them the tools to influence these processes to improve their effectiveness in the organisation.
The Honey Palace
by Alexia MiliatisVenture through the garden, past the whisper of the trees, to a place like no other; the home of the bees. Learn about their lives, the incredible jobs that they do, find answers to secrets, that you never knew. Unlock curiosity and knowledge about these amazing things. So much more than just their buzz, their wings or their stings. Magic and beauty is found here in the hive; The Honey Palace is waiting, for you to arrive.
My Two Ancestors
by Jacquelyn MosleyPauline stands at the crossroads of two remarkable lineages, tracing her heritage back to the rich soils of Africa and the vast landscapes of North America. Her story is a vibrant tapestry woven from the histories of Native and African Americans, celebrating their unique confluence and shared legacy in America. We are the sum total of our ancestors, their experiences shaping our interests, beliefs, and identities.With a deep appreciation for her cultural roots, both the joys and the struggles, Pauline embraces the full spectrum of her heritage. These dual lineages, with their distinct and interconnected histories, have taught her invaluable lessons about resilience, identity, and the complexity of the human spirit. In Pauline&’s journey of self-discovery, she mirrors the multicultural essence of America itself: diverse, complex, and enriched by the convergence of different worlds.
Those Beyond the Wall: The gripping new novel from the #1 Sunday Times bestselling author! (Ashtown series)
by Micaiah JohnsonFaced with a coming apocalypse, a woman must reckon with her past to solve a series of sudden and inexplicable deaths in a searing sci-fi thriller from the author of The Space Between Worlds.Revolution is a spark, and rage is the fire.In the harsh desert realm of Ashtown, the Emperor reigns with an iron fist, guarding against the relentless hostility of Wiley City. Scales, a skilled mechanic and fierce warrior, is the Emperor's trusted confidante. When a mysterious murder shatters the fragile peace, Scales, with an unlikely team, must uncover the killer plaguing both Ashtown and Wiley City. As she delves into the secrets hidden beneath the city's pristine exterior, Scales unravels startling truths, forcing her to confront a past she'd rather forget.To save the world, she must break her silence, even if it means sacrificing everything.'Those Beyond the Wall shows us the extent to which evil will avoid accountability.' READER REVIEW ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐'I'm glad that Micaiah Johnson is so angry - it makes her a fantastic writer!' READER REVIEW ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐'This is the book you write about revolution when your peaceful resistance was met with state-sanctioned violence.' READER REVIEW ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Unleashing Greatness – a strategy for school improvement
by David HopkinsThere is a paradox at the heart of contemporary school improvement and system change in education. Why is it that despite the phenomenal increase in our recent knowledge about what works in schooling, standards still lag behind expectations and school level performance is far too variable? Unleashing Greatness addresses this paradox and concludes that, unless we focus unrelentingly on the quality of teaching in both our small and large-scale reform efforts, current practice will never meet society's expectations.Unleashing Greatness is a compilation of David Hopkins' writing into one concise manual to provide an eight-step strategy for unleashing greatness. Introducing a rational and conceptual framework for pedagogic improvement that has the potential for generating an increasingly specific language for teaching and learning, this book significantly aids consistency and precision in the quest for both excellence and equity for all students.Written for 'school improvement activists', particularly those who work in laboratory schools or who wish to emulate that ethos and way of working, the author himself has located his professional practice for over forty years, as well as this book, in the middle of that triangle bounded by the vertices of practice, research and policy.
How to Teach Literature - and Still Love Reading
by Heather Holmes Lisa AngusIf you're a book lover with a To Be Read list as long as your arm, and you also happen to be a teacher of English literature, How to Teach Literature - and Still Love Reading is the book for you.Written by two experienced teachers and English literature examiners, this book is packed full of inspirational and original reading suggestions from poetry through to drama and prose, together with practical strategies to integrate your reading into the classroom.Aimed at key stage 3 and KS4 teachers, this book will not only help you navigate the perils of external examinations but will also reignite your creativity in the classroom. It will revitalise your teaching and lead to engaging English literature lessons your students will enjoy.As for that TBR list - it's only going to get longer!
Unleashing Greatness – a strategy for school improvement
by David HopkinsThere is a paradox at the heart of contemporary school improvement and system change in education. Why is it that despite the phenomenal increase in our recent knowledge about what works in schooling, standards still lag behind expectations and school level performance is far too variable? Unleashing Greatness addresses this paradox and concludes that, unless we focus unrelentingly on the quality of teaching in both our small and large-scale reform efforts, current practice will never meet society's expectations.Unleashing Greatness is a compilation of David Hopkins' writing into one concise manual to provide an eight-step strategy for unleashing greatness. Introducing a rational and conceptual framework for pedagogic improvement that has the potential for generating an increasingly specific language for teaching and learning, this book significantly aids consistency and precision in the quest for both excellence and equity for all students.Written for 'school improvement activists', particularly those who work in laboratory schools or who wish to emulate that ethos and way of working, the author himself has located his professional practice for over forty years, as well as this book, in the middle of that triangle bounded by the vertices of practice, research and policy.
How to Teach Literature - and Still Love Reading
by Heather Holmes Lisa AngusIf you're a book lover with a To Be Read list as long as your arm, and you also happen to be a teacher of English literature, How to Teach Literature - and Still Love Reading is the book for you.Written by two experienced teachers and English literature examiners, this book is packed full of inspirational and original reading suggestions from poetry through to drama and prose, together with practical strategies to integrate your reading into the classroom.Aimed at key stage 3 and KS4 teachers, this book will not only help you navigate the perils of external examinations but will also reignite your creativity in the classroom. It will revitalise your teaching and lead to engaging English literature lessons your students will enjoy.As for that TBR list - it's only going to get longer!
Vision and Resilience: A Story of Remarkable Growth and Transformation at Penn State Erie, The Behrend College
by Joseph M. Beilein Jr.Vision and Resilience recounts the remarkable turnaround of a satellite campus that became one of the brightest spots in the Penn State University system: Penn State Erie, The Behrend College. Covering the period from 1980 to 2010, this story serves as a blueprint for administrators who aspire to grow their institutions in challenging times.Joseph M. Beilein Jr. writes about how, at a time when tensions were high between faculty and the administration, students and the administration, students and the police, and even among the students themselves, The Behrend College saw an unprecedented increase in enrollment, endowments, land acquisition, building, and curricular opportunities. He describes how administrators John Lilley and Jack Burke worked with local leaders, faculty, and other officials to transform The Behrend College into a research institution—and how they worked with faculty, coaches, and even students to convince young people that Behrend was, in fact, a destination campus. All of these efforts resulted in a college that bucked trends in higher education, demography, and economics to become the leading college in northwestern Pennsylvania.Fascinating and instructive, Vision and Resilience tells an encouraging story of college success against the odds. It will be of interest to university administrators, faculty, and anyone with a personal connection to the Penn State campus farthest from University Park.
Electrochemical Exfoliation of Graphene and Its Derivatives: Commercial Applications (Engineering Materials)
by Neeraj Kumar Raju Khan Arpana Parihar Mohd. Abubakar SadiqueThe book describes the technique of electrochemical exfoliation, which possesses remarkable ability to bring about transformation. Among various known synthesis methods, the electrochemical exfoliation approach eliminates the use of harsh chemicals and energy-intensive methods commonly linked to the synthesis of graphene. Electrochemical exfoliation utilizes electrical energy to gently remove layers of graphene from its original source, providing a more environmentally friendly method. This precise and careful synchronization heralds a new era in the field of materials science, where the principles of sustainability converge with unmatched performance. Moreover, the benefits extend beyond environmental excellence. This book also examines the complexities of electrochemical exfoliation, highlighting its clear advantage over traditional techniques. The approach demonstrates process in manipulating the structure and properties of graphene, allowing for the customization of specific capabilities to suit a wide range of applications.
Towards Digital and Sustainable Organisations: People, Platforms, and Ecosystems (Lecture Notes in Information Systems and Organisation #65)
by Stefano Za Alessandra Lazazzara Rocco ReinaThis book presents a collection of research papers that explore how ICT experts, managers, and policymakers can address sustainability issues in digital transformation (DT) by considering people practices, organizational processes, and platform design issues. Each chapter offers insights into how to create sustainable digital solutions that benefit both society and the environment. The diversity of views presented makes this book particularly relevant for scholars, companies, and public sector organizations. The content is based on revised versions of selected papers (original double-blind peer-reviewed contributions) presented at the annual conference of the Italian Chapter of AIS, which took place in Catanzaro, Italy, in October 2022.
The China Railway Express and the Belt and Road Initiative
by Yi Liu Jiechang Xia Hang Yuan Ziyan XuThis book presents an overview of the development of China-Europe express train in the broader context of BRI. It analyzes the benefits to the regions along the route from the safe, smooth and stable operation of the train in recent years, involving the strong impetus for building a new pattern of dual cycle development and driving the recovery of the economy in the post-pandemic era. Based on in-depth case studies of the operations in many regions, this book proposes measures in order to promote the high-quality development of China-Europe train: to improve infrastructure and enhance port capacity; to unify international standards and improve the efficiency of train customs clearance; to open up the European market and actively organize the return source of goods; to standardize government administrative intervention according to market orientation; to strengthen the construction of digital infrastructure with the focus on connectivity; to cultivate international logistics talentsand build a high-quality China-Europe express train talent team.
DSGE Models for Real Business Cycle and New Keynesian Macroeconomics: Theoretical Methods and Numerical Solutions with DYNARE (Springer Texts in Business and Economics)
by Giuseppe ChirichielloThis textbook introduces graduate and upper undergraduate students to Dynamic Stochastic General Equilibrium (DSGE) models. As DSGE models become integral in advanced coursework, this book serves as an invaluable guide, explaining the complexities with a methodological red thread across its five chapters. Starting with the stochastic dynamic models of the Real Business Cycle (RBC) and progressing through the field of New Keynesian Macroeconomics (NKE), it employs DSGE models to shed light on the dynamic nature of economic systems.The book presents the Blanchard-Kahn methodology for theoretical solutions, discussing its usefulness and limitations as models evolve in complexity. The book goes on to explain the shift from analytical to numerical solutions, showcasing the DYNARE software and providing coding insights. Unique to this volume is a chapter on difference equations, equipping students with essential mathematical tools, and a concluding exploration of a medium-sized NewKeynesian Economics model.This book will equip students to navigate the theoretical complexities of the topic and to independently replicate and comprehend the presented results. It bridges the gap between classical and Keynesian paradigms, reviving the debate in today's "RBC vs NKE" landscape. It will enable students to master the essence of macroeconomic theories and methodologies, paving the way for their scholarly pursuits.
Concepts in Pharmaceutical Biotechnology and Drug Development (Interdisciplinary Biotechnological Advances)
by Amritesh Chandra Shukla Sankhadip Bose Mirza R. Baig Sabyasachi BanerjeeThis book provides comprehensive coverage of the development of new pharmaceuticals and the enhancement of existing ones. It offers a comprehensive understanding of pharmaceutical biotechnology, including its underlying principles and practical applications from an industrial standpoint. While introducing the roles and applications of biotechnology in drug design and development, the book describes how developments in other fields, like genomics, proteomics, and high-throughput screening, have facilitated the discovery of novel therapeutic targets and drug development methods. It included concepts that are essential to biotechnology and apply to protein therapies. The book provides a thorough overview of the ways in which biotechnology influences drug development, production, and regulation, and is a valuable resource for those seeking to enhance their understanding in this area. This book is designed to support educators in their teaching efforts and offers a reader-friendly exploration of the various stages involved in developing new pharmaceuticals through biotechnology. This book is a valuable resource for individuals in various academic and professional careers, including undergraduates, graduates, pharmaceutical scientists, clinicians, and academic researchers. It provides convenient access to current practices in pharmaceutical biotechnology, making it particularly useful for those working in the interdisciplinary field of biochemistry, pharmacology, biopharmaceutics, and biotechnology. This book's concise and impartial content structure may also benefit corporate researchers.
Shrinking Japan and Regional Variations: Along the Sannyodo (SpringerBriefs in Population Studies)
by Fumie KumagaiTaking the Goki-Shichido (Five Home Provinces and Seven Circuits of Ancient Japan) as a theoretical framework, this book examines shrinking Japan from a regional variation perspective by municipality along the ancient Sannyodo, which comprises eight provinces and four prefectures today. The book identifies the principal explanatory factors based on the small area data of e-Stat through GPS statistical software tools such as G-census and EvaCva, within a historical perspective. This historical knowledge helps in understanding the significance of the regional cultural heritage that remains in each municipality today. The book pays special attention to municipal variations within the same prefecture, presenting a completely unique approach from what other researchers have pursued.This book studies two present-day prefectures along the ancient Sannyodo for detailed analyses of the impacts of regional variations of population decline in Japan. They are Hiroshima Prefecture, made up of the former Bingo and Aki provinces, and Yamaguchi Prefecture, formed by the ancient provinces of Suo and Nagato. The reasons for selecting these two prefectures of ancient Sannyodo are twofold. First, they are made up of a multiple number of the ancient provinces. Second, other prefectures that fall under the Sannyodo have been studied in the previous works of the present author by adopting the same methods of analyses. Thus, by presenting unique analyses of regional variations on small municipal levels in Hiroshima and Yamaguchi prefectures along the Sannyodo, this book offers suggestions for effective regional policy to revitalize shrinking Japan to a sustainable one.
Taxation and Management of Natural Resources in Africa (Advances in African Economic, Social and Political Development)
by Joshua Yindenaba Abor Mohammed Amidu Abdallah Ali-NakyeaThis book offers a comprehensive examination of the fundamental concepts and principles crucial to the taxation and management of natural resources, specifically tailored to the unique challenges faced by developing African countries. It delves into the key instruments that comprise a resource tax policy, providing invaluable insights into the tax reforms necessary to maximize economic rent for African nations. Written by experts in the field, this book explores the potential application of effective revenue management principles by African governments to achieve desired developmental outcomes. It covers a wide range of topics, including socio-political risks, ethical dilemmas, accountability and transparency, resource rent and capital gains taxes, tax administration and reforms, taxation of oil and gas revenue, environmental taxation, globalization's impact, and the promotion of inclusive development. Designed for scholars, tax professionals, and individuals interested in natural resources management and revenue mobilization strategy in Africa, this book bridges the gap between theory and practice, providing valuable insights and recommendations for sustainable and responsible management of Africa's rich natural resources.
Aesthetic Procedures: Nurse Practitioner's Guide to Cosmetic Dermatology
by Beth HaneyThis second edition is a resource that offers guidance to advanced practice providers who are experienced or novice aesthetic practitioners and would like to improve their aesthetic practice and enhance patient safety and satisfaction. This new book reviews skin structure and anatomy, what happens as facial structures age, the effects of aging coupled with environmental exposures, pharmacology of medications used in aesthetics, light-based device properties, patient selection, danger zones, complications, new treatments, and benefits of treatments. In addition, it includes suggestions on how to communicate with patients to achieve successful outcomes. Aesthetic Procedures: Nurse Practitioner's Guide to Cosmetic Dermatology provides practitioners a one-source resource to attain more in-depth learning about cosmetic dermatology. Although there are several texts on individual aspects of aesthetic medicine, there is no all-inclusive book for advanced practice providers. This book also affords the primary care practitioner the opportunity to add minimally invasive cosmetic dermatology procedures to their practice and perform the treatments safely, efficiently and effectively while avoiding common mistakes and minimizing complication risks. Education and hands-on practice and training are paramount in creating a safe patient environment and as more clinicians turn to aesthetics to augment their practice, this book will be a valuable resource for practitioners all over the world.
Essential Analytic Heat Transfer (Synthesis Lectures on Mechanical Engineering)
by C.Y. WangThis book discusses heat transfer, which is an important topic in all physical phenomena that involve thermal energy transport. The focus is on the three major means of heat transfer: conduction, convection, and radiation. New materials, methods, and insights are presented that reflect the author’s contributions in this area. After many years of experience in teaching and research, Dr. Wang has refined many useful analytic methods to treat thermo-fluid problems. Certain physical truths can only be revealed by analysis, and this book focuses on analytic means to solve heat transfer problems, rather than numerical and experimental methods. Although computer numerical solutions are becoming quite efficient, analytical solutions are still needed for numerical accuracy. This book is written in concise and understandable terms and is useful to practicing scientists and engineers and also serves as an ideal textbook for graduate students. For best results, readers should have completedundergraduate courses in differential equations, introductory heat transfer, and elementary fluid mechanics and should know how to use simple computer library functions such as integration and matrix inversion.
Die Wissenschaft vom Leben nach dem Tod
by Alexander Moreira-Almeida Marianna de Costa Humberto Schubert CoelhoDieses Buch untersucht die besten verfügbaren empirischen Beweise für eine der schwierigsten und allgegenwärtigsten Fragen in allen Zeitaltern, Kulturen und Religionen: das Überleben des menschlichen Bewusstseins nach dem Tod. Es beginnt mit einem kontextuellen Überblick über den Glauben an ein persönliches Überleben und widerlegt fehlgeleitete historische und erkenntnistheoretische Argumente gegen die Vorstellung eines Überlebens nach dem Tod (z. B. irrational, rein religiös, wissenschaftlich unmöglich, von der Neurowissenschaft als falsch erwiesen). Das Buch gibt einen Überblick über die wissenschaftlichen Beweise für das Fortleben des menschlichen Bewusstseins nach dem Tod und konzentriert sich dabei auf Studien über Medialität, Nahtoderfahrungen, außerkörperliche Erfahrungen und Reinkarnation.Zu den behandelten Themen gehören:Der Glaube an ein Leben nach dem Tod in der heutigen Welt sowie in der Geschichte der Religionen und der Philosophie.Die wichtigsten fehlgeleiteten Argumente und Vorurteile gegen die wissenschaftliche Erforschung des Überlebens nach dem Tod.Was sind empirische Beweise für ein Überleben nach dem Tod?Die wichtigsten alternativen Erklärungshypothesen für das Überleben nach dem Tod.Die wichtigsten kulturellen Hindernisse für eine faire Untersuchung der verfügbaren Beweise für das Weiterleben des Bewusstseins nach dem Tod.Science of Life After Death ist ein unverzichtbares Hilfsmittel für Forscher, Professoren und Doktoranden sowie für Kliniker, Therapeuten und andere Fachleute in den Bereichen Entwicklungs- und klinische Psychologie, Spiritualität, Religions- und Bewusstseinsforschung, Psychiatrie, Neurowissenschaft/Neurologie, Phänomenologie/Philosophie, Komplementär- und Alternativmedizin und allen damit verbundenen Disziplinen.
Practical Lubrication for Industrial Facilities (River Publishers Series in Energy Engineering and Systems)
by Kenneth BannisterPractical Lubrication for Industrial Facilities – Fourth Edition, is a blueprint manual for any person, department, or corporation wanting to acquire practical working knowledge in the field of industrial lubrication study and application. For this all-new fourth edition, the book has been extensively rewritten and updated for improved clarity and understanding. The addition of color tables, diagrams, and photographs serves to provide an improved text that is comprehensive, meaningful, practical, and easier to read.With the advent of the ISO 55001 asset management standard, the ICML 55® world lubrication standard, and the rapidly rising interest and professional industrial lubrication certification of engineers and maintenance/lubrication practitioners working in the field of mechanized equipment assets, this book provides a one-stop reference manual for individuals, departments and corporations who wish to study/understand practical lubrication theory and its real-world application within the industry.Furthermore, the book is designed to deliver the basic building blocks required to implement a practical and meaningful lubrication management program that meets and exceeds the requirements set out in the aforementioned ISO 55001 and ICML 55 standards, designed to truly define "World Class."
Studies of Life Positioning: A New Sociocultural Approach to Psychobiography (ISSN)
by Jack MartinThis book illustrates how Life Positioning Analysis can be used as a theoretical and methodological approach to sociocultural psychobiography.Life positioning psychobiography studies lives as they unfold within a world of interactivity. It recognizes and portrays us as social beings embedded and developing within our life relationships and circumstances and striving to make something of our lives. Here, Jack Martin presents both single-subject and dual-subject studies of social psychologist Stanley Milgram, former Canadian Prime Minister Pierre Elliott Trudeau, existential humanist Ernest Becker, American heiress and child advocate Dorothy Burlingham and her life partner, renowned psychoanalyst Anna Freud, and indigenous athlete Jim Thorpe and his college coach Glenn “Pop” Warner. These case studies provide vividly memorable demonstrations of how we are positioned by circumstances and others, and come to position ourselves as socioculturally constituted, psychological persons. In so doing, they offer a systematic framework for studying the lives of people that shows sociocultural and social psychological development without resorting to mentalistic theories, concepts, and interpretations.The book will be of interest to students and scholars in areas related to sociocultural and developmental psychology, the psychology and sociology of personhood, theoretical psychology, qualitative methodology, and social science and life writing more generally.
Forensic Firearms in Criminal Trials: Legal, Investigative, and Scientific Aspects
by J. K. SinhaOver the last two‑plus decades, the scientific validity of the principles that underpin identifying a firearm from recovered fired ammunition has been a core issue for the admissibility of expert evidence in criminal trials in the United States. The issues that dominated the determinative points, as they related to the scientific and technological analysis, centered around the following: the validity of uniqueness of firearms, subjective methodology, the potential rate of error, unknown statistical certainty and unsatisfactory proficiency tests. These issues have essentially become the legal requirement for admissibility of experts’ opinion on the linkage of firearms with fired ammunition, an important forensic opinion that connects the crime with the perpetrator through the weapon of offence.In Forensic Firearms in Criminal Trials: Legal, Investigative, and Scientific Aspects, internationally renowned forensic firearm expert Dr J. K. Sinha provides demonstrative explanations and helpful clarifications using simple illustrative examples from scientific casework and everyday life. The goals are to: Prove the scientific validity of the uniqueness of identifying features of firearms Identify the statistical threshold to qualify and determine a corresponding match Debunk the misconception of subjective methodology and the potential rate of error thereof in experts’ decision making and opinions Clarify the prevailing perception of similar, dissimilar and insufficient marks and consequential interpretation With certain non‑technical readers in mind as well, the book provides a basic understanding of the general make‑up of firearms and ammunition, the evidentiary values of commonly used firearms, fired empties, fired bullets and pellets, and scientific investigative leads that result from visual and physical evidence. Chapters cover related topics such as proficiency tests, identifying competent experts, admitted firing, and reliable and testable methodology. The book also reviews the admissibility of expert evidence in India and explains the proviso of admissibility of ballistic expert report in criminal trials. Throughout, the author emphasizes the need for requisite forensic knowledge by the investigator and aided by a competent expert for effective scientific investigation of gunfire crimes such as would aid in the proper presentation of scientific evidence at criminal trial for a successful outcome.