The role of artificial intelligence is crucial in the domain of Earth Observation (EO) data analysis. Deep learning-based approaches have improved accuracy, but they have affected the reliability and transparency of EO data. It is critical to improve the explainability of EO data analysis algorithms and complex deep learning models to ensure the quality of spatial decisions. This book discusses the various advancements in Explainable AI and investigates their suitability for various EO dat...

This is the first volume in an ambitious new series-"Patterns of Potential Human Progress"-inspired by the UN Millennium Development Goals (MGDs) and other initiatives to improve the global condition. The first and most fundamental of these goals-reducing poverty worldwide-is the focus of this book. Using the large-scale computer program called International Futures (IFs) developed over three decades at the prestigious University of Denver Graduate School of International Studies, this boo...

As prime minister of Britain, Winston Churchill had ordered the preparation of an imperial strategy with the intention of Balkanizing India and tightening Britain's post-war hold over her. The strategy envisaged two Pakistans, one in the west and the other in the east, both large in size at India's expense; the west to include the non-Muslim east Punjab; the east, the whole of Bengal (despite Hindus comprising almost half the population), and the predominantly Hindu Assam. Within her borde...

This reference book provides advanced knowledge on sustainable biogenic waste management. It covers innovative waste processing technologies to produce biofuels, energy products, and biochemicals. To create a circular bioeconomy, it is imperative to develop processes where the waste generated through one process acts as a feedstock for the other. This book discusses the latest developments in biochemical and thermochemical methods of conversion and covers the potential of different kinds o...

Domestic tourism in developing countries is rapidly outstripping international tourism and could soon involve ten times the numbers. This is an examination of the numbers involved, their profile, behaviour, impacts and the relevant policy responses. The volume looks at the impacts of local mass tourism in various socio-economic and environmental contexts and on diverse social groups. It provides analysis and overviews of seven of the main countries involved in Asia, Africa and Latin Americ...

This book considers all aspects of performability engineering, providing a holistic view of the activities associated with a product throughout its entire life cycle of the product, as well as the cost of minimizing the environmental impact at each stage, while maximizing the performance. Building on the editor's previous Handbook of Performability Engineering, it explains how performability engineering provides us with a framework to consider both dependability and sustainability...

There is no clear-cut causal relationship between international trade, agricultural expansion and tropical deforestation. Academics, policy-makers and the public are all tempted by simplistic solutions to complex problems. In order to establish the true causal factors involved in this critical area of environmental decline, the authors of this study present case studies ranging over three continents. Utilizing statistics, it is shown that the focus of analysis of deforestation must be appl...

Protected areas and conservation policies ore usually established with only local nature and wildlife in mind. Yet they con have far reaching consequences for local populations, often undermining their access to resources and their livelihoods. This book is the first comprehensive discussion of the social consequences of protected area schemes and conservation policies. Drawing on case studies from North America, Europe, Asia, Central America and Africa, it critically reviews current trend...

This research and reference text surveys the role of specialised thermodynamic cycles in renewable energy technologies. The latest innovations in the technology of the Rankine, Stirling, Brayton, Kalina, Goswami and OTEC Rankine cycles are analysed. Concepts and applications are introduced through clear diagrams, and case studies, end-of-chapter summaries and practical examples are presented to equip the reader to engage practically with the subject. An invaluable reference for researchers...

In One Economics, Many Recipes, leading economist Dani Rodrik argues that neither globalizers nor antiglobalizers have got it right. While economic globalization can be a boon for countries that are trying to dig out of poverty, success usually requires following policies that are tailored to local economic and political realities rather than obeying the dictates of the international globalization establishment. A definitive statement of Rodrik's original and influential perspecti...

Five hundred years ago, Guru Nanak founded the Sikh faith in India. The Sikhs defied the caste system; rejected the authority of Hindu priests; forbade magic and idolatry; and promoted the equality of men and women -- beliefs that incurred the wrath of both Hindus and Muslims. In the centuries that followed, three of Nanak's nine successors met violent ends, and his people continued to battle hostile regimes. The conflict has raged into our own time: in 1984 the Golden Temple of Amritsar -...

An Integration of Phycoremediation Processes in Wastewater Treatment reviews the potential of microalgae to treat wastewater containing highly recalcitrant compounds whose degradation is not achieved by the conventional existing treatments. In addition, the book describes how the microalgae collected after wastewater treatment can be used for obtaining added-value products, hence closing the loop and contributing to a circular economy. Finally, the technoeconomical aspects of this green te...