Viability and Resilience of Complex Systems
Viability and Resilience of Complex Systems

Author: Guillaume Deffuant

Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media

Published: 2011-08-03

Total Pages: 227

ISBN-13: 3642204228

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One common characteristics of a complex system is its ability to withstand major disturbances and the capacity to rebuild itself. Understanding how such systems demonstrate resilience by absorbing or recovering from major external perturbations requires both quantitative foundations and a multidisciplinary view on the topic. This book demonstrates how new methods can be used to identify the actions favouring the recovery from perturbations. Examples discussed include bacterial biofilms resisting detachment, grassland savannahs recovering from fire, the dynamics of language competition and Internet social networking sites overcoming vandalism. The reader is taken through an introduction to the idea of resilience and viability and shown the mathematical basis of the techniques used to analyse systems. The idea of individual or agent-based modelling of complex systems is introduced and related to analytically tractable approximations of such models. A set of case studies illustrates the use of the techniques in real applications, and the final section describes how one can use new and elaborate software tools for carrying out the necessary calculations. The book is intended for a general scientific audience of readers from the natural and social sciences, yet requires some mathematics to gain a full understanding of the more theoretical chapters. It is an essential point of reference for those interested in the practical application of the concepts of resilience and viability

Viability and Sustainability of Small-Scale Fisheries in Latin America and The Caribbean
Viability and Sustainability of Small-Scale Fisheries in Latin America and The Caribbean

Author: Silvia Salas

Publisher: Springer

Published: 2018-06-07

Total Pages: 570

ISBN-13: 3319760785

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One of the main goals in fisheries governance is to promote viability and sustainability in small-scale fishing communities. This is not an easy task given external and internal pressure, including environmental change and competition with other economic sectors searching for development in the coastal region. A comprehensive understanding of small-scale fisheries in their own context, and from a regional perspective, is an important step in supporting the implementation of the Voluntary Guidelines on Securing Sustainable Small-Scale Fisheries (SSF Guidelines). This book contributes to the global effort by offering knowledge, insights and lessons about small-scale fisheries in Latin America and the Caribbean. The 20 case studies included in the book make explicit the various dimensions that are intrinsic to small-scale fisheries in the region, and identify conditions and situations that affect the wellbeing of fishing communities. The book offers insights regarding the challenges faced by small-scale fisheries in the region, and, aligning with the objectives of the SSF Guidelines, provides lessons and experiences about how to make small-scale fishing communities viable while maintaining sustainable fisheries. This important book illustrates the complexity, diversity, and dynamics of small-scale fisheries in the Latin American and Caribbean region and presents experiences, tools, and approaches to lead towards sustainable and viable fisheries. The reader will gain a new understanding on the range of actions, approaches, and information needed for their successful management. John F. Caddy, International Fisheries Expert This book, prepared by the Too Big To Ignore partnership, constitutes a very valuable resource for policy makers, fisheries scientists, non-governmental organizations, civil society organizations, and fishing communities interested in putting in place sound management strategies, research, and actions to contribute to the sustainability of small-scale fisheries and food security in Latin America and the Caribbean region. Juan Carlos Seijo, Professor of Fisheries Bioeconomics at Marist University of Merida

Seed Dormancy and Germination
Seed Dormancy and Germination

Author: J. W. Bradbeer

Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media

Published: 2013-03-13

Total Pages: 155

ISBN-13: 1468477471

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The germination of seeds is a magical event, in which a pinch of dust-like material may give rise to all the power and the beauty of the growing plant. The mechanisms of seed dormancy, of the breaking of seed dormancy and of germination itself continue to remain shrouded in mystery, despite the best efforts of plant scientists. Perhaps we are getting there, but very slowly. This book considers germination and dormancy from the point of view of plant physiology. Plant physiologists attempt to understand the relation ship between plant form and function and to explain, in physical and chemical terms, plant growth and development. The place of germination and dormancy in plant ecophysiology is taken into account with attempts to understand the seed in its 'environment, whether the environment be natural, semi-natural or wholly artificial. In due course plant scientists hope to develop a precise understanding of germination and dormancy in cellular and molecular terms, and therefore there is some biochemistry in this book. Biochemists who wish to learn something about seeds should find this book useful.

Entrepreneurship Viability Index
Entrepreneurship Viability Index

Author: Nezameddin Faghih

Publisher: Springer Nature

Published: 2020-08-31

Total Pages: 192

ISBN-13: 3030546446

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This book presents the Entrepreneurship Viability Index (EVI) as a focal point to define other novel indices. It also introduces readers to new concepts and metrics of entrepreneurship to help measure the lifespan of entrepreneurial activities and quantify the capabilities of entrepreneurs as well as the share of efficient businesses at the country level. Using a variety of mathematical models and providing details for each category of business, EVI is measured as the ratio of the ‘rate of entrepreneurial activities’ to the ‘rate of exit from the business’, reflecting the sustainability, durability, business success, and status of entrepreneurial activities in a country. These metrics offer a unique opportunity for researchers and policymakers to assess the status of efficient entrepreneurial activities, which influence the economy, and to study economic resistance in the event of economic shocks or recessions. The book provides valuable information on various key concepts in entrepreneurship, such as the interaction of individual and environmental factors, motivation and entrepreneurial activities, which allow the prediction of entrepreneurship treatment across countries. This in turn plays a significant role in identifying the factors that secure or threaten a country’s business sector. The book helps readers, researchers, policymakers, lenders, "angel investors" and anyone with a financial interest in entrepreneurial businesses to understand how even more viable businesses could be created than is the case today, and to recognize new categories of budding entrepreneurs.

Survival on Meagre Resources
Survival on Meagre Resources

Author: Leif O. Manger

Publisher: Nordic Africa Institute

Published: 1996

Total Pages: 248

ISBN-13: 9789171063861

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Summarizes research carried out under the Red Sea Area Programme, started in 1987. Describes the physical environment of the area and discusses ways in which the Hadendowa people exploit their mountain environment. Focuses on the establishment and working of adaptive units within the population. Discusses the effects of drought in the 1980s and examines strategies for survival and for pastoral rehabilitation.

Changing Contexts in Spatial Planning
Changing Contexts in Spatial Planning

Author: Janice Morphet

Publisher: Routledge

Published: 2018-12-07

Total Pages: 189

ISBN-13: 1351203096

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This book considers the major forces that have emerged to reshape planning following 2010, including national infrastructure project delivery, the Localism Act (2011) and neighbourhood planning. This period also saw the introduction of the replacement of regional plans by new strategic sub-regional approaches in combined local authorities for functional economic areas. All of this is set within the UN’s New Urban Agenda, Brexit, the changing programme for the EU post 2021 and the likely effects that these will have on UK planning practice. There is also a discussion on the evolving planning policies in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland and the ways in which the UK nations are beginning to work together more closely and with Ireland, Jersey, Guernsey and the Isle of Man through the spatial planning group in the British–Irish Council. Although primarily focused on the UK, the text sets some of the policy discussions in a wider international context including agreements on the environment and the emerging alignment of governance and economies in newly recognised sub-regional spaces. It follows Effective Practice in Spatial Planning (2011), which addressed the developments in planning in the UK between 2004 and 2010, and discusses the major changes in all aspects of planning policy in the following period.

Keynesian, Sraffian, Computable and Dynamic Economics
Keynesian, Sraffian, Computable and Dynamic Economics

Author: Kumaraswamy Velupillai

Publisher: Springer Nature

Published: 2021-03-08

Total Pages: 447

ISBN-13: 3030581314

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This book explores an alternative approach to the conventional, market-based, view of economic theory and economic policy, at theoretical, numerical and applicable levels. The chapters provide a theoretical, empirical, and algorithmic approach to marcodynamics, Sraffian economics, and current policy issues. Post-Keynesian macroeconomics, business cycle theory, the trade cycle, microfoundations, and the Philips Machine are also covered. This book aims to challenge orthodox ideas and provide a lens through which to honour the work of Stefano Zambelli. It will be of relevant to students and academics interested in economics.

Global Handbook of Health Promotion Research, Vol. 1
Global Handbook of Health Promotion Research, Vol. 1

Author: Louise Potvin

Publisher: Springer Nature

Published: 2022-05-13

Total Pages: 869

ISBN-13: 3030972127

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While research teams are producing relevant and valid knowledge for health promotion, there is not yet a structured manual and distinct field of health promotion research. This timely "state-of-the-art" handbook contributes to the structuring of such a field of research. This collection of original contributions explores the major epistemological, methodological, and ethical challenges facing health promotion research. It brings together experts from different "research traditions" that coexist in the field. The handbook covers the existing knowledge production and sharing practices to delineate the "discipline" and its agenda for future research. Ultimately, it contributes to the creation of a global community of health promotion researchers. The handbook is organized by four types of practices (what people actually do) studied in health promotion; the practices of: Individuals and populations in relation to their health and its determinants Professionals who intervene to improve population health Policy-makers and institutions involved in the advocacy, design, and implementation of policies and programs Researchers and innovators (academic scholars and global agencies) through which investment in research and production of evidence-based guidelines are made. Global Handbook of Health Promotion Research, Vol. 1: Mapping Health Promotion Research is a highly relevant reference tool for researchers and graduate students in health promotion, public health, education and socio-health sciences; practitioners in health, medical, and social sectors; policy-makers; and health research administrators.

Context and Culture in Language Teaching and Learning
Context and Culture in Language Teaching and Learning

Author: Michael Byram

Publisher: Multilingual Matters

Published: 2003

Total Pages: 116

ISBN-13: 9781853596575

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The chapters in this book all address the significance of the relationship between the aims and methods of language teaching and the contexts in which it takes place. Some consider the implications for the ways in which we research language teaching; others present the results of research and development work.