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Underwater Wireless Power Transfer: Smart Ocean Energy Converters (SpringerBriefs in Energy)
by Taofeek Orekan Peng ZhangThis book discusses, for the first time, wireless power transfer in the ocean environment. Topics covered include power electronic techniques, advanced control strategies, as well as classic and emerging applications such as smart ocean energy systems and wireless power transfer and charging of underwater autonomous vehicles. Emerging research topics are presented, along with methodologies, approaches, and industrial development of intelligent and energy-efficient techniques. Apart from the basic principles with an emphasis on inductive power transfer and mathematical analysis, the book discusses the emerging implementation for underwater wireless power transfer such as energy encryption, power and data transfer through common links, and secured data- and cyber-security. Specifically, the book comprehensively introduces significant discussions on UWPT coil theoretical and experimental analysis in seawater, optimal design, and intelligent controls. For example, since fast communication is not viable in an underwater environment, the proposed book discusses Maximum Power Efficiency Tracking (MPET) control, which achieves a maximum power efficiency (>85%) without communication or feedback from the transmitting side of the UWPT system. A k-nearest-neighbors-based machine learning approach is used to estimate the coupling coefficiency between the coils. This machine learning-based intelligent control method can offer important guidance for graduate students, academic researchers, and industrial engineers who want to understand the working principles and realize the developing trends in underwater wireless power transfer. Finally, the book includes details on the modeling and design of a smart ocean energy system--a new type of power harvesting system designed to convert ocean energy into electricity, which has the capability of making underwater wireless power connections with distributed marine devices.
Underwater: Options When Your Mortgage Is Upside Down
by Chris LauerJust about every month, housing values in the U.S. fall. That, in turn, increases the number of people who owe more on their houses than they are worth—either trapping them in homes they may no longer want or putting them in danger of financial catastrophe if they lose a job or are otherwise unable to meet the mortgage. Underwater: Options When Your Mortgage Is Upside Down offers valuable advice to homeowners on ways they can unload a house they no longer want, save a home from foreclosure, or undergo foreclosure and start anew. The book offers smart advice from lawyers, bankers, real estate agents, personal finance experts, and homeowners who have seen the foreclosure process firsthand, as well as those who have been able to save their homes through loan modifications and other creative methods. Those faced with tough choices will find invaluable guidance to help them make well-informed decisions while managing the emotional fallout each brings. Many of the eleven million people in the U.S. now facing the “underwater” dilemma wonder: Is staying put the only option? What if I can’t pay the monthly mortgage bill? Can I save my home? Underwater: Options When Your Mortgage Is Upside Down outlines the options—when foreclosure is a good idea, how to best protect the equity you've built up, the financial repercussions of going into foreclosure, strategies for renegotiating a loan, taking advantage of government programs designed to keep you happily housed, and more. Veteran financial journalist Chris Lauer provides the facts, ideas, and advice that can help any underwater homeowner—especially those facing foreclosure—make smart decisions for a better future.
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.
Understanding Young Chinese Backpackers: The Pursuit of Freedom and Its Risks (China Perspectives)
by Jia XieAn activity that originated in Western societies, backpacking has gained increasing popularity among Chinese millennials. In a spirit of the ‘search for self’, young Chinese backpackers have sought to display their pursuit of freedom, independence and responsibility within an increasingly individualised society through backpacking. This volume investigates contemporary young Chinese persons’ views on backpacking culture and backpackers. A group of Chinese backpackers are studied using interview and participant observation, and focus groups are conducted to study young professionals’ and university students’ attitudes towards backpacking. The results indicate a profound cultural change along with a degree of division. On the one hand, the backpackers often begin their journey due to a desire to pursue freedom, and use the pursuit as a process of reflexive awareness; on the other hand, the risks of pursuing a freewheeling lifestyle within an individualised society drive the majority of them to return home. The author concludes that this phenomenon is a kind of ‘staged individualism’, describing how Chinese millennials strike a balance between individual interests and wider social obligations. Students and scholars of sociology tourism, and youth culture will be interested in this volume.
Understanding Young Chinese Backpackers: The Pursuit of Freedom and Its Risks (China Perspectives)
by Jia XieAn activity that originated in Western societies, backpacking has gained increasing popularity among Chinese millennials. In a spirit of the ‘search for self’, young Chinese backpackers have sought to display their pursuit of freedom, independence and responsibility within an increasingly individualised society through backpacking. This volume investigates contemporary young Chinese persons’ views on backpacking culture and backpackers. A group of Chinese backpackers are studied using interview and participant observation, and focus groups are conducted to study young professionals’ and university students’ attitudes towards backpacking. The results indicate a profound cultural change along with a degree of division. On the one hand, the backpackers often begin their journey due to a desire to pursue freedom, and use the pursuit as a process of reflexive awareness; on the other hand, the risks of pursuing a freewheeling lifestyle within an individualised society drive the majority of them to return home. The author concludes that this phenomenon is a kind of ‘staged individualism’, describing how Chinese millennials strike a balance between individual interests and wider social obligations. Students and scholars of sociology tourism, and youth culture will be interested in this volume.
Understanding Y
by Charlie CarusoThe ultimate expose of the Misunderstood Millennials Understanding Y is a fresh and incisive book that offers a better understanding, appreciation and awareness of the Millennial generation. In this groundbreaking work, author Charlie Caruso has amassed a diverse array of papers, articles and journals from prominent individuals, noted entrepreneurs and bestselling authors who collectively explore how Gen Y thinks, interacts and works. Understanding Y gives insight into the generation and examines their motivations and passions. Understanding Y: #andYyoushould provides a refreshingly comprehensive and candid account of the current disconnect between reality and perception surrounding the Millennial cohort. The impressive list of contributors and collaborators each bring their unique insight to explore the myths, facts and motivators behind this generation. Contributors include notables such as David Burstein, author of Fast Future: How the Millennial Generation is Shaping Our World, Ryan Heath, author of Please F* Off: It's Our Turn Now, Bernard Salt, author, demographer and social commentator; and many more. Discover how to motivate, lead, inform, educate, integrate and collaborate with Millenials Learn what experts have to share about the psychology that drives Millenials Uncover the motivators and passions that excite this up-and-coming generation This is a book that offers anyone who interacts with the Millennial generation a humorous, educational, statistical, theoretical and conversational journey for connecting with Gen Y.
Understanding Y
by Charlie CarusoThe ultimate expose of the Misunderstood Millennials Understanding Y is a fresh and incisive book that offers a better understanding, appreciation and awareness of the Millennial generation. In this groundbreaking work, author Charlie Caruso has amassed a diverse array of papers, articles and journals from prominent individuals, noted entrepreneurs and bestselling authors who collectively explore how Gen Y thinks, interacts and works. Understanding Y gives insight into the generation and examines their motivations and passions. Understanding Y: #andYyoushould provides a refreshingly comprehensive and candid account of the current disconnect between reality and perception surrounding the Millennial cohort. The impressive list of contributors and collaborators each bring their unique insight to explore the myths, facts and motivators behind this generation. Contributors include notables such as David Burstein, author of Fast Future: How the Millennial Generation is Shaping Our World, Ryan Heath, author of Please F* Off: It's Our Turn Now, Bernard Salt, author, demographer and social commentator; and many more. Discover how to motivate, lead, inform, educate, integrate and collaborate with Millenials Learn what experts have to share about the psychology that drives Millenials Uncover the motivators and passions that excite this up-and-coming generation This is a book that offers anyone who interacts with the Millennial generation a humorous, educational, statistical, theoretical and conversational journey for connecting with Gen Y.
Understanding World Order and Structural Change: Poverty, Conflict and the Global Arena (International Political Economy Series)
by H. AbrahamssonHans Abrahamsson assesses the current world order and structural change, within an historical framework. He analyzes the interaction of Pax American and the Bretton Woods system in the postwar period, and its impact, specifically on the development of Southern Africa. The author also proposed an analytical model and a methodological framework for the study of the international political economy and its global and local implications. Finally, he addresses the circumstances behind the current opportunity for global change, and the social forces and political action required in order to seize it.
Understanding Workplace Violence: A Guide for Managers and Employees
by Michele A. Paludi Rudy Nydegger Carmen A. Jr.By any measure, workplace violence is increasing in frequency and intensity. A recent report estimates its cost at over $120 billion. Meanwhile, experts agree that risk factors, including psychological, behavioral, and situational stressors, are increasing in the context of today's volatile business environment. This timely book integrates insights from the fields of management and social psychology to identify the sources of workplace violence and offer readers practical strategies for preventing it, protecting themselves and their employees from it, and reacting swiftly and effectively when it happens. Featuring case examples, interviews, practical recommendations, and resources for additional information, the authors debunk common myths and misconceptions about workplace violence, its perpetrators, and its victims, and consider the link between domestic and workplace violence—in particular, its implications for women and minorities. The result is an essential guide for anyone, including managers and employees, human resource professionals and counselors, psychologists and other advocates, affected by the impact of workplace violence and seeking solutions.The statistics are alarming. Homicide is the most frequent manner in which female employees are fatally injured at work; it is the number two cause for men. According to a recent study cited by the Society for Human Resource Management, incidents of workplace violence have increased steadily over the past sixteen years; 58 percent of participating companies reported that disgruntled employees have threatened senior managers in the past year, 17 percent said employees had intentionally and maliciously downloaded computer viruses, and 10 percent said they were victims of product tampering. Meanwhile, the costs linked to workplace violence have been estimated at over $120 billion. Experts agree that risk factors for workplace violence include psychological, behavioral, and situational stressors—and today's volatile business environment increases their intensity.This timely book integrates insights from the fields of management and social psychology to identify the sources of workplace violence and offer readers practical strategies for preventing it, protecting themselves and their employees from it, and reacting swiftly and effectively when it happens. Featuring case examples, interviews, practical recommendations, and resources for additional information, the authors debunk common myths and misconceptions about workplace violence, its perpetrators, and its victims, and consider the link between domestic and workplace violence—in particular, its implications for women and minorities. The result is an essential guide for anyone, including managers and employees, human resource professionals and counselors, psychologists and other advocates, who is affected by the impact of workplace violence and is seeking solutions.
Understanding Workplace Relationships: An Examination of the Antecedents and Outcomes
by Andrew Parker Alexandra Gerbasi Cécile EmeryWorkplace relationships are critical to how work gets done in organizations. While current research gives rigorous theoretical and empirical insights regarding workplace relationships, and what are often known as social networks, there are only limited details of the practical applications of workplace relations. This edited collection provides readers with cutting edge theoretical and practical insights from the latest research at the intersection of social networks and workplace relationships.This volume has a dual focus. First, it examines the outcomes of workplace relationships, such as individual performance and how social network relationships affect attitudes and behaviours. Second, it examines how workplace relationships are formed and their implications with regard to friendship, trust and collegiality.Drawing on innovative research on social networks, the authors examine the importance of workplace relationships across a broad selection of institutional settings. Featuring practical applied examples, this collection brings together insights from leading scholars in a practical and accessible format for academics and students.
Understanding Workplace Information Systems (Institute of Learning & Management Super Series)
by Institute of Leadership & ManagementSuper series are a set of workbooks to accompany the flexible learning programme specifically designed and developed by the Institute of Leadership & Management (ILM) to support their Level 3 Certificate in First Line Management. The learning content is also closely aligned to the Level 3 S/NVQ in Management. The series consists of 35 workbooks. Each book will map on to a course unit (35 books/units).
Understanding Workplace Information Systems (Institute of Learning & Management Super Series)
by Institute of Leadership & ManagementSuper series are a set of workbooks to accompany the flexible learning programme specifically designed and developed by the Institute of Leadership & Management (ILM) to support their Level 3 Certificate in First Line Management. The learning content is also closely aligned to the Level 3 S/NVQ in Management. The series consists of 35 workbooks. Each book will map on to a course unit (35 books/units).
Understanding Workplace Bullying: An Ethical and Legal Perspective
by Devi AkellaThis book examines the ethical and legal aspects of workplace bullying from a global perspective. Through an in-depth exploration of this psychologically destructive managerial technique, it identifies workplace bullying as a highly potent tool in the short term to increase employee performance. By deconstructing and exposing the dark side of workplace bullying, not as a psychological harmful component, not as a health-related stress issue, but instead as a management tool to exercise totalizing control over the employee, this book explores the ethical modalities which managers tend to cross on a daily basis to get things accomplished within an organization. This book offers researchers a thorough examination of management responsibilities and the power of enforcement strategies used by managers.
Understanding Work-Based Learning
by John MumfordThis important book is for anyone who wants to make the most of work-based learning: employees, employers, educationalists, policy makers and researchers. It sheds light on ways of giving full-time employees the chance to take up learning opportunities which are of the same level and rigour as those on offer to the full time student. It approaches the subject from the perspective of the learner, drawing on case studies to provide detailed insight. It suggests that universities already have in place much of the machinery needed to support learners who are in work: they just don't make enough use of it. Look closely and you will find a substantial legacy of this kind of activity by universities. This is a book about seizing opportunities. In one volume, Understanding Work-Based Learning makes a valuable contribution to current employer engagement and learner demand debates, and provides first hand learner experiences to guide existing and potential work based learners, employers, educationalists, policy makers, and researchers.
Understanding Work-Based Learning
by John MumfordThis important book is for anyone who wants to make the most of work-based learning: employees, employers, educationalists, policy makers and researchers. It sheds light on ways of giving full-time employees the chance to take up learning opportunities which are of the same level and rigour as those on offer to the full time student. It approaches the subject from the perspective of the learner, drawing on case studies to provide detailed insight. It suggests that universities already have in place much of the machinery needed to support learners who are in work: they just don't make enough use of it. Look closely and you will find a substantial legacy of this kind of activity by universities. This is a book about seizing opportunities. In one volume, Understanding Work-Based Learning makes a valuable contribution to current employer engagement and learner demand debates, and provides first hand learner experiences to guide existing and potential work based learners, employers, educationalists, policy makers, and researchers.
Understanding White-Collar Crime: An Opportunity Perspective
by Michael L. Benson Sally S. SimpsonUnlike other books of its kind, Understanding White-Collar Crime: An Opportunity Perspective uses a coherent theoretical perspective in its coverage of white-collar crime. Using opportunity perspective, or the assumption that all crimes depend on offenders having some sort of opportunity to commit an offense, allows the authors to uncover the processes leading up to white-collar crimes and offer potential solutions to this rampant issue, without being reductive in their treatment of the topic. With this second edition, Benson and Simpson have greatly expanded their coverage to include new case studies, substantive materials, and an annotated appendix of online resources to make this a core book for courses on white-collar crime.
Understanding White-Collar Crime: An Opportunity Perspective
by Michael L. Benson Sally S. SimpsonUnlike other books of its kind, Understanding White-Collar Crime: An Opportunity Perspective uses a coherent theoretical perspective in its coverage of white-collar crime. Using opportunity perspective, or the assumption that all crimes depend on offenders having some sort of opportunity to commit an offense, allows the authors to uncover the processes leading up to white-collar crimes and offer potential solutions to this rampant issue, without being reductive in their treatment of the topic. With this second edition, Benson and Simpson have greatly expanded their coverage to include new case studies, substantive materials, and an annotated appendix of online resources to make this a core book for courses on white-collar crime.
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 Violent Criminals: Insights from the Front Lines of Law Enforcement (Forensic Psychology)
by David J. ThomasWhat causes people to commit violent crimes? The case studies in this book enable readers to evaluate the motivations behind crimes ranging from arson to rape to gang violence.Violent crime remains a major problem in America: in 2011, there were more than 1.2 million violent crimes committed in the United States. To better grasp the complex reasons behind this disturbing statistic, author David J. Thomas—a police officer and forensic psychologist—conducted an in-depth examination of violent crime to pinpoint why some individuals intentionally inflict pain and suffering upon others. In this book, readers are given access to excerpts from police interviews for each spotlighted crime in the case studies, offering a unique inside look at the true motivations of the criminal. The case studies include examples of arson, crimes against children, gang violence, human trafficking, murder, rape, and robbery. The work also explores the psychology associated with each crime, addresses evidence of corresponding personality types, and delves into victimology.
Understanding Violent Criminals: Insights from the Front Lines of Law Enforcement (Forensic Psychology)
by David J. ThomasWhat causes people to commit violent crimes? The case studies in this book enable readers to evaluate the motivations behind crimes ranging from arson to rape to gang violence.Violent crime remains a major problem in America: in 2011, there were more than 1.2 million violent crimes committed in the United States. To better grasp the complex reasons behind this disturbing statistic, author David J. Thomas—a police officer and forensic psychologist—conducted an in-depth examination of violent crime to pinpoint why some individuals intentionally inflict pain and suffering upon others. In this book, readers are given access to excerpts from police interviews for each spotlighted crime in the case studies, offering a unique inside look at the true motivations of the criminal. The case studies include examples of arson, crimes against children, gang violence, human trafficking, murder, rape, and robbery. The work also explores the psychology associated with each crime, addresses evidence of corresponding personality types, and delves into victimology.
Understanding Values Work: Institutional Perspectives in Organizations and Leadership
by Harald Askeland Gry Espedal Beate Jelstad Løvaas Stephen SirrisAt the core of institutional theories, ‘values’ is a central term and figures in most definitions; however it remains understudied and under-explored. The editors of this open access book identify a resurgence of interest in the values-construct which underpins discussions of identity, ‘ethos’ and the purpose/nature of public and civic welfare provision. Considering the importance of values and values work to social, material and symbolic work in organizations, individual chapters explore values work as performed in organizations and by leaders.Focusing on practices of values work, the book applies and combines different theoretical lenses exemplified by the integration of institutional perspectives with micro-level perspectives and approaches.
Understanding University Committees: How to Manage and Participate Constructively in Institutional Governance
by David A. FarrisCommittees are indispensable to the governance of higher education, yet there is seldom guidance to faculty and administrators on how committees should be conducted or how to maximize committee obligations. This is the first handbook on how both to manage committees and how to engage effectively as members to achieve departmental or broad institutional goals, and how participation valuably contributes to individual learning and advancement.Based on empirical research, organizational theory, and interviews with faculty and administrators, Dr. David Farris provides an informative and vivid examination of the dynamics of committee work, addresses the planning, conduct, roles, composition, and dispositions of members as well as the institutional context and structures in which they operate that are vital to organizational success.Committees are not just laboratories for implementing the vision of university leadership, developing solutions to institutional challenges, and refining organizational procedures; they are the proving ground for future leaders in higher education. How members perform in committees reflects our professionalism, aptitude, integrity, and character – all-important considerations given that we serve as ambassadors for our department, college, office, and colleagues.In offering guidance on good committee practices, a recurring theme of this book is that readers should critically evaluate individual performance and how it impacts others or the committee at large. Too often the locus of control is presumed to be reserved for the chairperson even though significant influence can be exercised through informal leadership, member dispositions, and leveraging social networks.In addition to reviewing the mechanism of committees, David Farris provides practical information regarding the functional application of committees (tactical, operational, or strategic), committee leadership and management, group dynamics that influence committee performance, and the importance of diversity and inclusive committee cultures to institutional performance. Throughout the book he identifies opportunities for faculty and administrators to reflect on their committee experiences, challenges readers to consider how to capitalize on committee experiences, and consider the various ways that committees shape institutional culture and performance.This book provides guidance on how to create committees that are conducive to fair, equitable, and engaging participative decision-making experiences to yield the best results and to promote enthusiasm for participation in committees, whether as chairs or committee members.
Understanding University Committees: How to Manage and Participate Constructively in Institutional Governance
by David A. FarrisCommittees are indispensable to the governance of higher education, yet there is seldom guidance to faculty and administrators on how committees should be conducted or how to maximize committee obligations. This is the first handbook on how both to manage committees and how to engage effectively as members to achieve departmental or broad institutional goals, and how participation valuably contributes to individual learning and advancement.Based on empirical research, organizational theory, and interviews with faculty and administrators, Dr. David Farris provides an informative and vivid examination of the dynamics of committee work, addresses the planning, conduct, roles, composition, and dispositions of members as well as the institutional context and structures in which they operate that are vital to organizational success.Committees are not just laboratories for implementing the vision of university leadership, developing solutions to institutional challenges, and refining organizational procedures; they are the proving ground for future leaders in higher education. How members perform in committees reflects our professionalism, aptitude, integrity, and character – all-important considerations given that we serve as ambassadors for our department, college, office, and colleagues.In offering guidance on good committee practices, a recurring theme of this book is that readers should critically evaluate individual performance and how it impacts others or the committee at large. Too often the locus of control is presumed to be reserved for the chairperson even though significant influence can be exercised through informal leadership, member dispositions, and leveraging social networks.In addition to reviewing the mechanism of committees, David Farris provides practical information regarding the functional application of committees (tactical, operational, or strategic), committee leadership and management, group dynamics that influence committee performance, and the importance of diversity and inclusive committee cultures to institutional performance. Throughout the book he identifies opportunities for faculty and administrators to reflect on their committee experiences, challenges readers to consider how to capitalize on committee experiences, and consider the various ways that committees shape institutional culture and performance.This book provides guidance on how to create committees that are conducive to fair, equitable, and engaging participative decision-making experiences to yield the best results and to promote enthusiasm for participation in committees, whether as chairs or committee members.
Understanding Unemployment: New Perspectives on Active Labour Market Policies
by Eithne MclaughlinThis book argues that unemployment is symptomatic of an inherently inefficient labour market founded on structured inequalities of locality, sex, race and age. It provides a multidisciplinary explanation of why unemployment has been a continuing crisis, suitable for students in many disciplines.
Understanding Unemployment: New Perspectives on Active Labour Market Policies
by Eithne McLaughlinThis book argues that unemployment is symptomatic of an inherently inefficient labour market founded on structured inequalities of locality, sex, race and age. It provides a multidisciplinary explanation of why unemployment has been a continuing crisis, suitable for students in many disciplines.