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A Love for Nothingness, A Love for Death: The Metaphysics of Desire
by Alberto CastelliThis book aims at explaining romantic love between straight adults through literary texts of the western canon from the nineteenth and twentieth century. Each chapter comes with a multidisciplinary approach in which protagonists are mutilated in their quest for loving as alternative to annihilation. The book emphasizes love as an obsession, thus as an exploration of the mind. From the passion-myth of Tristan and Isolde to the nihilist modernist representations, the western world has created a perverse concept of love. A love for nothingness, for death. Narcissistic and at times destructive, love is gained by overcoming obstacles. If without obstacles there is no love, then love becomes love for obstacles. Within this masochistic frame, love, falling in love, being loved always stand at the edge of pathology. At its core this book narrates a love story, more precisely a story of loves, the haunting evocation of a desire that by its very nature cannot be fulfilled. Inherent in the nature of love is a subtle dialectical activity between presence and absence, between creation and destruction, reality and void. Accordingly, the narrative raises questions that the past two centuries were incapable of answering. Does love only last the time of a kiss? Is its promise fatally destined to dissolve? What about violence? Physical, emotional, temporal. Is it an ineliminable part of love or its most extreme profanation? And what is the mystery that accompanies loves that know how to last without resigning themselves to the death of desire? It is to answer some of these questions that I wrote this text. Love is an unconscious process that dominates reason and destroys it when reason cannot be a mode of communication. Hence, the amorous romance is madness and this text is written as a loud reminder.
Biosensors: Developments, Challenges and Perspectives (Springer Tracts in Electrical and Electronics Engineering)
by J. Ajayan Ribu MathewThis book equips its readers with fundamental concepts and a comprehensive understanding of the principle and functionality of biosensors. This book focuses on various biosensor technologies like field effect transistor (FET), plasmonics, bioresorbable biosensors, electro-chemical biosensors, etc., and their applications. The book also covers the reliability aspects and challenges in biosensor development that are a major cause of erroneous calibration and even failure. The book also features the concept of bio receptors, immobilization techniques, target-receptor interactions, surface energy changes, sensitivity, selectivity, etc. This would be an ideal reference for researchers and scholars studying biosensors realized with various material sets and technologies including state-of-the-art modern materials and innovative techniques.
Soft Tissue Simulants (Biomedical Materials for Multi-functional Applications)
by Gurpreet Singh Arnab ChandaSoft tissue simulants, essential for automotive and ballistic testing, medical, and surgical training, have traditionally relied on cadavers and animal tissues. However, their biomechanical properties change with time due to dehydration after death and the biomechanics of the animal models cannot be translated and compared with the human tissues. This book compiles various synthetic tissues used in these applications, addressing their characterization and industry-wide applications. While older simulants lack biofidelity, recent advancements in biofidelic soft tissue simulants offer promising alternatives, yet technology transfer remains limited. This book fills the gap by exploring each simulant's characteristics and current trends, facilitating their adoption in clinical and academic settings. These synthetic tissues have the potential to replace live tissues in surgical training, streamlining biosafety approvals. They also benefit academic researchers by reducing costs and time in biomechanical testing. Anticipated to be the first of its kind, this comprehensive reference book will showcase recent advancements in soft tissue simulant development, serving as a cornerstone text in tissue engineering & biomedical engineering, medical simulation, biomechanics, and related fields.
Mental Fatigue Assessment in Demanding Marine Operations
by Houxiang Zhang Thiago Gabriel MonteiroThis book investigates how human mental fatigue (MF) can be objectively measured during demanding maritime operations. The maritime domain is characterized by demanding operations. These operations can be especially complex and dangerous when they require coordination between different maritime vessels and several maritime operators. The best approach to quantify MF is through the use of physiological sensors including electroencephalogram (EEG), electrocardiogram, electromyogram, temperature sensor, and eye tracker can be applied, individually or in conjunction, in order to collect relevant data that can be mapped to an MF scale. More than simpler sensor fusion, this book bridges the gap between relevant sensor data and a quantifiable MF level using both data-driven and model-based approaches. Data-driven part investigates the use of different NNs combined for the MF assessment (MFA) task. Among the different architectures tested, convolutional neural networks (CNN) showed the best performance when dealing with multiple physiological data channels. Optimization was used to improve the performance of CNN in the cross-subject MFA task. Testing different combinations of physiological sensors indicated a setup consisting of EEG sensor only was the best option, due to the trade-off between assessment precision and sensor framework complexity. These two factors are of great importance when considering an MFA system that could be implemented in real-life scenarios. The model-based discussion applies the current knowledge about the use of EEG data to characterize MF to develop an MF approach to quantify the progression of MF in maritime operators. In the research presented in this book, realistic vessel simulators were used as a platform for experimenting with different operational scenarios and sensor setups.
Advances in Risk and Reliability Modelling and Assessment: Proceedings of 5th International Conference on Reliability Safety and Hazard (ICRESH 2024) (Lecture Notes in Mechanical Engineering)
by Prabhakar V. Varde Gopika Vinod N. S. JoshiThis book presents the proceedings of the 5th International Conference on Reliability Safety & Hazard-2024, held in Mumbai during February 21–24, 2024. It covers the latest advances in artificial intelligence and machine learning in development of risk-conscious culture. Various topics covered in this volume are reliability prediction, precursor event analysis, fuzzy reliability, structural reliability, passive system reliability, digital system reliability, risk-informed approach to decision making, dynamic PSA, uncertainty and sensitivity modeling, among others. The book is a valuable resource for researchers and professionals working in both academia and industry in the areas of complex systems, safety-critical systems, and risk-based engineering.
Sustainable Materials: Proceedings of EGRWSE-23, Volume 2 (Lecture Notes in Civil Engineering #509)
by Krishna R. Reddy Arvind Kumar Agnihotri Ajay BansalThis book contains peer-reviewed and selected papers presented during the International Conference on Environmental Geotechnology, Recycled Waste Materials and Sustainable Engineering (EGRWSE) 2023, held at NIT Jalandhar. It discusses the recent innovations, trends, concerns, practical challenges encountered, and the solutions adopted in waste management and engineering, geotechnical and geoenvironmental engineering, infrastructure engineering and sustainable engineering. This book can serve as a useful resource for researchers, educators, policymakers, and professionals working in the field of civil engineering, chemical engineering, environmental sciences, and public policy.
Blockchain Technology and Application: 6th CCF China Blockchain Summit, CBCS 2023, Haikou, China, December 15–18, 2023, Revised Selected Papers (Communications in Computer and Information Science #2098)
by Jianming Zhu Xianhua Song Zeguang Lu Yong Ding Qianhong WuThis book constitutes the refereed proceedings of the 6th CCF China Blockchain Summit, CBCS 2023, held in Haikou, China, in December 2023. The 13 revised full papers presented were carefully reviewed and selected from 72 submissions. The papers deal with research results and development activities in all aspects of blockchain science and technology.
Re-visioning Cellphilming Methodology (Studies in Arts-Based Educational Research #10)
by Claudia Mitchell S. M. Hani Sadati Lisa J. Starr Shannon RoyThis book focuses on cellphilming as a participatory visual methodology in arts-based research and teaching. The book aims to advance critical perspectives—and re-visioning—in relation to the co-production of knowledge through cellphilming. Many of the chapters come out of an international virtual symposium hosted by McGill University in June 2022. It brings together authors working in a variety of interdisciplinary areas and settings including work with Indigenous groups in Canada, girls and women with disabilities in Vietnam, youth in conflict and refugee contexts in Mali, and Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights in Canada, Nigeria, South Africa, and India. Some of the re-visioning addressed in the collection takes up place as we work in new contexts and situations as we are seeing with the idea of ethnographies at a and in relation to COVID-19. The genres, the place of reflexivity, and even the timing of participatory engagement might vary as a result of using virtual platforms necessitated by distancing. Other re-visioning takes place as a result of work with new communities, or new age populations and aspects of intersectionality, looking across work with very young children and older adults. This book contributes to further decolonizing cellphilming methodology to support participatory work in new ways, and with underrepresented groups for whom finding new ways for engagement is key. A special feature of the book is its attention to work with International NGOs. Chapter ‘Cellphones beyond the workshop: Youth researchers owning gender transformative change through participatory visual research in rural India during COVID-19’ is available open access under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License via link.springer.com.
Openness and Coordination: National Economies of the U.S., Japan, and Germany in a Globalized World
by Hyeong-ki KwonThis book documents various patterns of re-constructing national economies in corporate globalization. As international competition toughens, major national corporations have been forced to reorganize themselves beyond their national boundaries in order to survive. The problem is that a serious tension arises between these national corporations’ self-interests and the overall interests of their national economies. Contrary to neoliberal optimism and nationalist pessimism, globalization does not lead to natural upgrade or denationalization. This book examines how three nations, including the free-market liberal U.S., the statist model of Japan, and the social coordination model of Germany, have reconstituted their national economies.
Educational Research and the Question(s) of Time
by David R. Cole Mehri Mirzaei Rafe Gui Ying Annie Yang-HeimThis book fully explores the question(s) of time in educational research and achieves the acceleration and merging of inquiry with action to understand change and implement these findings through practice. It deals with the philosophy of education, higher education, schooling (the curriculum), time displacement, technology, the environment and policy. This book focuses on time revolution(s). It explores new ways of thinking about time, that question a linear/arrow in time, and sets into motion an educational research agenda to extract revolutions of time. Furthermore, this book figures the dimension of time in teaching and learning by extending and deepening the engagement with time in education. For example, it analyzes the climate crisis in terms of education and how the realization that the climate is changing sits parallel and adjacent to pedagogy. The climate crisis and how to do anything about it through education is an example of how considering the dimension of time opens up education beyond quick or narrow fixes and introduces a profound synthesis for the future.
Digital Multimedia Communications: 20th International Forum on Digital TV and Wireless Multimedia Communications, IFTC 2023, Beijing, China, December 21–22, 2023, Revised Selected Papers, Part I (Communications in Computer and Information Science #2066)
by Jun Zhou Xiaokang Yang Guangtao Zhai Ping An Hua Yang Long YeThis book constitutes the refereed proceedings of the 20th International Forum on Digital Multimedia Communication, IFTC 2023, held in Beijing, China, December 21–22, 2023. The 57 full papers included in this book were carefully reviewed and selected from 150 submissions. They were organized in topical sections as follows: CCIS 2066: Image Processing, Media Computing, Metaverse and Virtual Reality, and Multimedia Communication. CCIS 2067: Quality Assessment, Source Coding, and Application of AI.
Digital Multimedia Communications: 20th International Forum on Digital TV and Wireless Multimedia Communications, IFTC 2023, Beijing, China, December 21–22, 2023, Revised Selected Papers, Part II (Communications in Computer and Information Science #2067)
by Jun Zhou Xiaokang Yang Guangtao Zhai Ping An Hua Yang Long YeThis book constitutes the refereed proceedings of the 20th International Forum on Digital Multimedia Communication, IFTC 2023, held in Beijing, China, December 21–22, 2023. The 57 full papers included in this book were carefully reviewed and selected from 150 submissions. They were organized in topical sections as follows: CCIS 2066: Image Processing, Media Computing, Metaverse and Virtual Reality, and Multimedia Communication. CCIS 2067: Quality Assessment, Source Coding, and Application of AI.
Democratizing China’s Political Imaginaries
by Rongxin LiThis book offers a meticulous empirical examination of Chinese democracy and its myriad discourses. Delving into the intricate workings of Chinese democracy, the author explores how the Chinese Communist Party employs democratic principles, how intellectuals grapple with the concept, and how the populace perceives and engages with democracy. In transcending mere methodological nationalism, this narrative extends to the global stage, offering insights into democratic evolution beyond Western paradigms by exploring resonates particularly with developing and post-colonial countries, offering a fresh perspective on the delicate balance between state capacity, social order, and the democratization process. While the trajectory of democracy in China remains uncertain, these empirically grounded analyses provide a pragmatic lens through which to contemplate the future of Chinese political dynamics.
An Inquiry into Women Representation in Management: A Case Study of Indian Industries (India Studies in Business and Economics)
by Samapti Guha Sanskruti Rajesh KadamThis book explores the status of women representation in management in Indian industries. Recognizing that women managers are facing barriers in achieving top level of management positions in industries, it adopts unique methodology of involving men and women managers as respondents to understand the key issues of gender diversity, glass ceiling, glass walls, glass cliffs, and gender inequality in the Indian corporate scenario. The book, via its six chapters, explores these key issues through the lens of feminist theories under four dimensions – personal, work, organisational and social – and contains an extensive literature review to understand the root causes of these issues. Secondly, it discusses a pilot study conducted to understand the perspectives about career growth of women managers. Outcome of this pilot study works towards conceptualising factors under four dimensions, mentioned above, influencing women participation in management, and to develop survey tools for further quantitative study. Thirdly, for the empirical analysis, the book employs exploratory factor analysis (EFA) to identify factors under each of these four dimensions; and structure of the relationship between factors and women representation in management is confirmed by the confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). This book is beneficial for several stakeholders as it is a multidimensional study. It is useful for the undergraduate and post graduate students and research scholars of management, social sciences (such as economics, gender studies, psychology, political sciences, sociology etc), law, medicine, and engineering. Apart from this, it is also useful for corporate executives, decision makers of corporate governance, women elected representatives, administrators, development practitioners, teachers, legal experts, international agencies like UN who are working on women empowerment, and all those agencies working towards meeting SDG5 goal.
Shock-Induced Chemistry (Shock Wave and High Pressure Phenomena)
by Toshimori SekineThis book begins with the history and background of the subject and then describes key experimental methods. Subsequent chapters are devoted to individual topics of chemistry and materials, namely, synthesis of hard materials, ceramics at high pressure, shock-induced chemical operations, biomolecules, meteorites, and metals and molecules under extreme conditions. Lastly, it offers applications to earth and planetary science and ends with future perspectives. Shock waves dynamically produce high pressure and temperature conditions and offer interesting areas for studies on unique chemical reactions. This book introduces readers to modern shock-induced chemistry and its applications and provides an update of topics in that discipline. Readers can gain a comprehensive understanding of current shock-induced chemistry and its versatile applications.
Conference Proceedings of the 2023 3rd International Joint Conference on Energy, Electrical and Power Engineering (Lecture Notes in Electrical Engineering #1208)
by Cungang Hu Wenping CaoEnergy, Electrical and Power Engineering are dynamic fields that are undergoing rapid change and innovation. This volume encompasses the cutting-edge research and advances in the field of electrical and power engineering, covering a diverse range of topics such as power electronics technology, renewable energy generation, intelligent control systems, and more. With contributions from renowned experts and scholars, it provides valuable insights and innovative solutions to address the challenges and opportunities in the ever-evolving energy landscape. Designed for researchers, practitioners, and academics in the field of electrical and power engineering, the CoEEPE 2023 conference proceedings will serve as a comprehensive resource for staying abreast of the latest trends and as a catalyst for advancing of this dynamic field. Following the success of the CoEEPE 2021 and CoEEPE 2022 conferences, this volume will provide resources for readers consisting of professionals, scientists, practitioners, researchers and graduate students.
Proceedings of the 7th International Conference on Materials Engineering and Nanotechnology 2023: Innovative Approach and Recent Developments in Materials Engineering & Nanotechnology (Springer Proceedings in Physics #1068)
by Cong Wang Ching Yern CheeThis book includes selected peer reviewed articles presented at the 7th International Conference on Materials Engineering and Nanotechnology 2023 (ICMEN 2023) held on 04-05Nov at Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia. It highlights recent innovative approach and developments in materials engineering and nanotechnology fields. A broad range of topics and issues in modern materials science and nanotechnology are discussed, including advanced materials synthesis and characterization, nanoscale science and engineering, functional composite and nanomaterials, sustainable materials and green technologies. The importance and relevance of these proceedings lie in their contribution to the scientific community's collective knowledge and understanding of materials science/engineering and nanotechnology. By disseminating cutting-edge research findings and innovations, these proceedings foster collaboration, inspire new ideas, and push the boundaries of scientific discovery. Given its scope, this book will be of interest to a wide readership, including materials and nanotechnology engineers, scholars and researchers in science, technology and engineering disciplines.
Proceedings of Innovative Computing 2024 Vol. 1: Proceedings of The 7th International Conference on Innovative Computing Vol. 1 (IC 2024) (Lecture Notes in Electrical Engineering #1214)
by Hwa-Young Jeong Yu-Wei Chan Yan Pei Hao Shang MaThis book comprises select proceedings of the 7th International Conference on Innovative Computing which was held in Taichung City, Taiwan, Jan 23-26, 2024 (IC 2024) focusing on cutting-edge research carried out in the areas of information technology, science, and engineering. Some of the themes covered in this book are cloud communications and networking, high performance computing, architecture for secure and interactive IoT, satellite communication, wearable network and system, infrastructure management, etc. The essays are written by leading international experts, making it a valuable resource for researchers and practicing engineers alike.
The 37th Annual Conference on Power System and Automation in Chinese Universities (Lecture Notes in Electrical Engineering #1030)
by Xiao-Ping Zhang Yi Ding Pingliang Zeng Vladimir Terzija Yunxia LuoThis book includes original, peer-reviewed research papers from the 37th Annual Conference of Power System and Automation in Chinese Universities (CUS-EPSA), held in Hangzhou, China on October 23-25, 2022. These papers cover topics as Evolution and development path of the power system, Resilience assessment, analysis and planning of power system, Power system planning and reliability, Modelling and simulation of novel power system, Power electronic for power system stability analysis, Power system relay protection and automation and so on. The papers included in this proceedings share the latest research results and practical application examples on the methodologies and algorithms in these areas, which makes the book a valuable reference for researchers, engineers, and university students.
Environmental, Social and Governance and Sustainable Development in Healthcare (Sustainable Development Goals Series)
by Ben Yuk Fong Tiffany Cheng Leung Wang-Kin Chiu Cindy Shi-Xiang YouThis book applies environmental, social and governance (ESG) to issues of sustainable development in healthcare. ESG reporting has been widely used for some time in the business industry to show the economic, social and environmental responsibilities of companies that aim to achieve superior ESG performance for lower risk, more accountability and transparency. Moreover, public-listed companies in healthcare have been growing in significant numbers in recent years. The application or practice of ESG in healthcare has become a growing trend for these large organisations looking to demonstrate their strengths in areas of financing, operations, sustainability and social responsibilities. Such an approach is essential not only for the long-term development of the companies but also for services delivered by healthcare practitioners. Equally, the implications to Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3 is relevant to healthcare worldwide with a growing ageing population, which has led to a great burden of care in many countries, particularly in the public sector. The potential development and expansion in private healthcare services, accelerated by technology advancement, has demanded a new paradigm in the healthcare industry, particularly in business, service delivery and policy. The book examines this paradigm through health in all policies, ESG and SDG 3 objectives, research, training and practice. It is relevant to graduate students and scholars working in areas relating to health, business and the SDGs and is also useful to policymakers and practitioners in healthcare.
Fractional Calculus: High-Precision Algorithms and Numerical Implementations
by Dingyü Xue Lu BaiFractional calculus and its applications are fascinating research areas in many engineering disciplines. This book is a comprehensive collection of research from the author's group, which is one of the most active in the fractional calculus community worldwide and is the birthplace of one of the four MATLAB toolboxes in fractional calculus, the FOTF Toolbox. The book presents high-precision solution algorithms for a variety of fractional-order differential equations, including nonlinear, delay, and boundary value equations. Currently, there are no other universal solvers available for the latter two types of equations. Through this book, readers can systematically study the mathematics and solution methods in the field of fractional calculus and apply these concepts to different engineering fields, particularly control systems engineering.This book is a translation of an original German edition. The translation was done with the help of artificial intelligence (machine translation by the service DeepL.com). A subsequent human revision was done primarily in terms of content, so that the book will read stylistically differently from a conventional translation.
Paleogeography and Gas Exploration of Marine Multiple Formations in Central Sichuan Basin
by Tongshan Wang Qiufen LiThis book studies the marine multiple formations of petroleum geology in Central Sichuan Basin. It provides thorough, systematic, and empirical guideline on the topic. It makes full use of geological, drilling, logging, and seismic data, according to the principle of point-line-surface combination, to reconstruct the fine lithofacies paleogeography of Sinian-Triassic, reveals genesis and distribution characteristics of reservoir, evaluates the key exploration fields and favorable zones, and provides detailed basic geological data for oil and gas exploration. This book is used as reference for both professionals and students engaged in geology research.
Lithium-Sulfur Batteries: Key Parameters, Recent Advances, Challenges and Applications (Springer Tracts in Electrical and Electronics Engineering)
by Abdullah Mohamed Asiri Muhammad Sagir Muhammad Bilal Tahir Muhammad Suleman TahirThis book provides an excellent review and analysis of the latest information on rechargeable Li-S battery research. With a clear and concise writing style and in-depth technical material, this book will appeal to undergraduates and graduates, researchers, chemists, material scientists, and physicists working in the field of energy storage, especially those with an interest in Li-S battery technology. IEEE Electrical Insulation Magazine shows lithium-sulfur (Li-S) batteries give us an alternative to the more prevalent lithium-ion (Li-ion) versions and are known for their observed high-energy densities. Systems using Li-S batteries are in the early stages of development, and commercialization however could potentially provide higher, safer levels of energy at significantly lower cost. In this book, the history, scientific background, challenges, and future perspectives of the lithium-sulfur system are presented by experts in the field. Focus is on past and recent advances of each cell compartment responsible for the performance of the Li-S battery and includes analysis of characterization tools, new designs, and computational modeling. As a comprehensive review of the current state of play, it is ideal for undergraduates, graduate students, researchers, physicists, chemists, and materials scientists interested in energy storage, material science, and electrochemistry.
Eigenvalue Problem and Nonlinear Programming Problem: For Economic Studies (New Frontiers in Regional Science: Asian Perspectives #70)
by Keiko NakayamaThis book focuses on the Frobenius theorem regarding a nonlinear simultaneous system. The Frobenius theorem is well known as a condition for a linear simultaneous system’s having a nonnegative solution. Generally, however, the condition of a simultaneous system, including a non-linear system’s having a nonnegative solution, is hardly discussed at all. This book, therefore, extends the conventional Frobenius theorem for nonlinear simultaneous systems for economic analysis. Almost all static optimization problems in economics involve nonlinear programing. Theoretical models in economics are described in the form of a simultaneous system resulting from the rational optimization behavior of households and enterprises. On the other hand, rational optimization behavior of households and enterprises is, mathematically speaking, expressed as nonlinear programing. For this reason it is important to understand the meaning of nonlinear programing. Because this book includes explanations of the relations among various restrictions in a nonlinear programing systematically and clearly, this book is suitable for students in graduate school programs in economics.
Beamed-mobility Engineering: Wireless-power Beaming to Aircrafts, Spacecrafts and Rockets (Springer Tracts in Electrical and Electronics Engineering)
by Koichi Mori Yasuhisa Oda Takahashi Masayuki Kohei ShimamuraThis book describes the technologies of wireless power beaming to the aerospace crafts, such as the drone, flying car, aircraft, spacecraft, and rocket. Using a highly directional electromagnetic wave beam, energy is remotely supplied to mobility that moves at high speed without waste, and it is efficiently converted into the driving force of mobility. This technology will be indispensable for the full electrification of mobility in the future. This book specializes in aerospace mobility, where weight and other constraints are strict, and was written by researchers in different disciplines such as rocket engineering, plasma engineering, laser engineering, and communications and control engineering. Beamed-mobility forms a new area of integrated engineering. The new combination of optics and mechanical engineering creates a world where mobility is free to supply the energy needed for propulsion, wherever and wherever it goes. It is expected to become the core technology of mobility, energy, infrastructure, and services of the future society that extends to outer space. This book will serve as a good reference for graduate students, researchers, and professional engineers in the field of aerospace, electrical, and mechanical engineering.