Dictionaries, Reference & Language Books

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book SynopsisBarry is trying to get used to life on the outside. All he wants it to make up with his sister and lead a normal life. But with no money, no job and the local drug dealer after him, will Barry be able to keep out of trouble? Bare Freedom, is the sequel to Forty-six Quid and a Bag of Dirty Washing also by Andy Croft. SERIES INFORMATION This page-turning story is part of the Diffusion books range, written especially for teenagers and adults who want to improve their reading skills. Easy-to-read, with short chapters, the books in the series enable learners to improve their reading confidence and tackle longer stories. They are also a brilliant choice for anyone learning English as an additional language. The books also include discussion and reflection questions that help readers to understand the story and to reflect on their own lives and relationships. Buying this book will support our project to help people in prison improve both their reading skills and their life chances. To find out more visit https://spckpublishing.co.uk/diffusion-books

Read more less

Book SynopsisWritten in an entertaining style, Living and Working in Britain is designed to provide newcomers with the practical information necessary for a relatively trouble-free life. It contents include finding a job, permits & visas, health, accommodation, finance, insurance, education, shopping, post office and telephone services, public transport, motoring, TV and radio, leisure, sports and much, much more. It is packed with essential information and insider tips to help minimize culture shock and reduce the newcomers rookie period to a minimum. Living and Working in Britain has been written to meet the needs of anyone wishing to know the essentials of British life - however long your intended stay, you'll find the information contained in this book invaluable. Living and Working in Britain is the only up to date book currently published for those planning to live or work in Britain (the United Kingdom). It contains up to twice as much information as similar books and is essential reading for newcomers.

Read more less

Book Synopsis“Very ready we are to say of a book, ‘How good it is – that’s exactly what I think!’ But the right feeling is, ‘What the hell did I just read?’”— John Ruskin Why a book of misquotations? Because what’s captured in such a book is the jittery, jumbled essence of truth: that wisdom and edict alike are constantly customised, iterated, adjusted. Nothing stays the same. Say It Again gathers the sage words of philosophers, statesmen, artists and authors alongside proverbs, sayings and scripture – all distorted with varying degrees of deliberation. Some are stitched into poems (or something like poems) while others speak to the present in bizarre new ways. Whether or not they retain their former authority, or the power to lower the reader into the deep well of human experience, these refigured fragments are evidence that everything we know may be shaken, like the grains in a kaleidoscope.

Read more less

Book Synopsis“If his cypher was discovered too soon, his life would be the forfeit. If never, his labour would be in vain."In this volume, we invite you to reflect on all the ways messages can be hidden – and uncovered – in other messages. More than that, we invite you to think about the relationship between the within and the without, and what it tells us about ourselves. Look Again is a compilation of curious poems, short texts and extracts from longer works that all have something to hide or reveal, taking their cues from riddles, cyphers and imaginary languages.Be aware: you may be left with a mind to see secret writing everywhere you look.

Read more less

Book SynopsisShowcases over a hundred treasures from the collections of the National Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh, from the departments of Scottish History and Archaeology/Art and Design/Science and Technology/Natural Sciences/World Cultures. Table of ContentsForeword Scottish History and Archaeology Art and Design Science and Technology Natural Sciences World Cultures

Read more less

Book SynopsisTom Stobart’s award-winning Herbs Spices and Flavourings has long been recognized as the authoritative work on the subject. It is a truly amazing source of information covering, alphabetically over 400 different herbs, spices and flavourings found throughout the world and based on the extensive notes he made on his travels in 70 countries.Trade Review'Clear, lucid, learned, compendious and invaluable.' Joanna Blythman, The Guardian Weekend; '...deserves a place in your library if you don't have it already.' Financial Times Weekend

Read more less

Book SynopsisThis edition of Little Women contains a retold novel, an introduction, notes on the author, notes on the period when the book is set, the book's themes, a simple glossary, and a free CD (running time 2 hours). The book on the CD is read slowly and clearly to aid comprehension. Little Women is an American novel, set in a small town in New England at the time of the American Civil War, and tells the story of the four March sisters: Meg, Jo, Beth and Amy, as they grow up. As their father is away fighting in the Civil War he is absent for most of the novel, and their mother is away visiting poorer families who need help, so the story's focus is on how the girls cope with growing up, financial shortages, family tragedies and romantic rivalries. The novel was published as two volumes in 1868 and 1869 and was very successful, with the reading public demanding a sequel. In the novel, Jo wants to be a writer and independent. The girls also come to terms with the boy next door, Laurie, whom they meet and make friends with. Laurie proposes to Jo at the end of the novel, and is a major character in the story. Little Women is a sentimental story but it also explores various themes from a female perspective, such as importance of work, and the struggle between family duty and individual ambition, and gender stereotyping.

Read more less

Book SynopsisThis Reader will be published in mid-April. This edition of Pride and Prejudice contains a retold novel, an introduction, notes on the Jane Austen notes on the Regency period, the book's themes, a simple glossary, and a free CD (running time 2 hours). The book on the CD is read slowly andclearly to aid comprehension. Jane Austen's classic novel is an ironic comedy of manners that prevailed in the society of the late 18th century, and early 19th century. Pride and Prejudice tells the story of Elizabeth Bennet who has four sisters, and Mr Bennet, her long-suffering but loving father, and Mrs Bennet, her mother, anxious to marry her daughters to wealthy young gentlemen. At a local ball, Elizabeth meets one such wealthy young man, Mr Fitzwilliam Darcy. Mr Darcy is cold, rude and proud, and it is dislike at first sight. As Elizabeth's older sister Jane falls in love with Mr Bingley, Mr Darcy's best friend, and her youngest sister Lydia flirts with anyone in a military uniform, Lizzie finds herself fighting off the attentions of the oily Mr Collins but is quite taken by the charms of Mr Wickham - who also happens to be the godson of Mr. Darcy's father, and is now an enemy of Mr. Darcy through his bad behaviour although in this edition he is presented as a lovable rogue. As the young people succumb in many ways to pride and prejudice, Lizzie learns that not all is quite as it seems ...and that Mr Darcy might be more agreeable than she first thought. In Jane Austen's time, a social hierarchy in English society governed what one could say or do. Social rank determined one's social class and whom one could marry. Pride and Prejudice is an entertaining, skilfully written novel written with ironic observation of social behaviour and stands up today because of Austen's storytelling, wit and phrasing, and humour.

Read more less

Book SynopsisThis unofficial compilation reviews the 100 best TED talks about innovation from great minds worldwide. With quirky graphics and memorable quotes, Great TED Talks: Innovation will challenge your thinking, open your mind to new perspectives, and ignite your passion for innovation. Learn how to unlock that elusive idea from masters like Bill Gates or Amazon’s Jeff Bezos. Be open to new ways of thinking and discover how Sir Richard Branson has been wowing his customers with innovative experiences since before it became a trend. Find inspiration in unusual places, and explore new ways to collaborate with your team. Authenticity is key to your business; find out how Sheryl Sandberg stepped out of her comfort zone to find her voice, and how you can do the same. There are thousands of TED talks to navigate—this book curates the most inspiring and provides a commentary on the top 100 ways to boost your inventiveness, find new avenues to explore, and overcome your fears to unleash your full potential.

Read more less

Book Synopsis The Food Almanac is a monthly collection of food stories told by an eclectic mix of voices from the literary, performance and food worlds. From legendary food writers and lauded chefs to up-and-coming poets and debut novelists, each story looks at the gastronomic world through a cultural prism, using food as a way to explore deeper issues. SHORTLISTED FOR THE FORTNUM & MASON FOOD AND DRINK AWARDS 2021 The Food Almanac is a seasonal collection of recipes and stories celebrating the joy of food – a dazzling, diverse mix of memoir, history, short stories and poems alongside recipes, cooking tips, menus and reading lists. Join Miranda York, editor of At The Table, as she guides you through the year, with contributions from legendary food writers, lauded chefs, up-and-coming poets and award-winning novelists. With recipes and stories from Yotam Ottolenghi, Diana Henry, Felicity Cloake, Meera Sodha, Raymond Blanc, Deborah Levy, Anna Del Conte, Fuchsia Dunlop, Anna Jones, Olia Hercules, Rachel Roddy, Zoe Adjonyoh, Nik Sharma, Kit de Waal, Russell Norman, Tamar Adler, Nik Sharma, Claudia Roden, José Pizarro and many more. This is a book about good things to eat – a companion in the kitchen and a conversation with your favourite food writers. Join us at the table. "This is a book to keep both in the kitchen and on your bedside table. Reading it felt as soothing as podding broad beans. This collection of seasonal thoughts, ideas, book lists and recipes is packed full of delicious treats from wonderful food writers, from Claudia Roden to Diana Henry, from Itamar Srulovich to Meera Sodha. It's like having a lovely conversation about food with friends." – Bee Wilson "A joy for anyone who loves reading about food, The Food Almanac weaves poetry, recipes, essays and illustrations together to make a book that will carry you through the year. Rich, diverse and thoughtful." – Diana Henry "Not just a book for all seasons, but for all moods too – a timeless, eclectic, truly satisfying feast of great food writing." – Felicity Cloake "A brilliantly curated collection of work from the best, freshest and most thought provoking voices in food." – Tim Hayward "A delightful and diverse combination of ideas, recipes, poems and essays by a stellar collection of writers, The Food Almanac is a tonic for the palate and the mind. Louise Sheeran’s illustrations are wonderful too." – Fuchsia DunlopTrade ReviewPraise for The Food Almanac: ‘A joy for anyone who loves reading about food … weaves poetry, recipes, essays and illustrations together to make a book that will carry you through the year. Rich, diverse and thoughtful.’ – Diana Henry 'The perfect book to tuck into for a long read during the cold days and nights of winter and then dip back into throughout the year.' - The Independent, 'Food Books of 2020' 'Beautifully illustrated, winningly written.' – The Times ‘Not just a book for all seasons, but for all moods too – a timeless, eclectic, truly satisfying feast of great food writing.’ – Felicity Cloake 'A literary pick-and-mix by your favourite food writers…suitable to enjoy snuggling under the duvet, with Love Actually on a loop.' -The Oldie 'Beautifully illustrated and produced, it’s a book to curl up with as we head towards the darker months.' – Telegraph Weekend

Read more less

Book SynopsisThis Nicolson Digital Pocket Tourist Map is the latest addition to our range & ideal for your visit to Orkney. Tourist attractions & places are clearly marked. Detailed street maps included for main towns within the area shown. Topography is shown by layer tints & peak heights. Quality information for a budget-friendly price! Glorious colour photographs & tourist information Index to place names & major tourist attractions Indexed street plans of Kirkwall & Stromness Exceptionally clear road mapping

Read more less

Book SynopsisErnst Marti devoted his life to researching the 'etheric realm' - a subtle area that exists between the physical and spiritual. Taking the numerous statements and references by Rudolf Steiner as his starting point, Marti develops our understanding of the etheric world in various fields - from the theory of knowledge to the natural world, through to music, the realm of colours, eurythmy and medicine. In doing so, he proposes exciting bridges from the ancient and medieval worldview to the present and future of natural and spiritual science.The Etheric explores the fourfold realm of the ethers. Giving an overview of their cosmic origins in the evolution of the earth, Dr Marti shows how the ethers work in phenomena of warmth, light, sound and organic life. He brings a contemporary understanding and insight to the classical elements - fire, air, water and earth - as the media through which ethericity manifests and works in the world. Four physical forces are also explored which, as opposites to the ethers, have a constant tendency to break down and annul what life-giving ether creates.Dr Marti then studies the shadow aspects of the ethers connected to what he terms the 'sub-natural' forces of electricity, magnetism and nuclear force. Given that the author was unable to complete this book in his lifetime, his pupil and colleague Irmgard Rossmann edited the final version in the spirit of her teacher. It is published here in two volumes, with this first focusing on 'The World of the Ethers' and the forthcoming volume on 'The World of Formative Forces'.Table of ContentsPublisher's Note - Foreword, by Irmgard Rossmann - Introduction - 1. On the Development of Natural Science - 2. On the Development of Human Consciousness - 3. On the Evolution of Earth and Cosmos - 4. On the Idea and Evolution of Space - 5. The Polarity of Peripheral and Central Forces in Nature - Light-ether, air-element, force of densification - Tone-ether, water-element, force of 'gravity' - Life-ether, earth-element, force of fragmentation - Warmth-ether, fire-element, physical heat - 6. Overview of the Phenomena Treated Thus Far - Constructive and destructive forces in nature - The collaboration of elements, ethers and physical forces - 7. The Forces of Sub-nature: Electricity, Magnetism, Nuclear Force - 8. The 'Universal Formula' or the Constitution of World and Man - 9. Comparison of the Universal Formula with Aristotelian Categories and the Tree of Sephirot, by Irmgard Rossmann - Appendix: Irmgard Rossmann, Biographical Sketch; Life and Work of Ernst Marti, An Outline - Notes

Read more less

Book SynopsisDesigned for those interested in the lore and tradition of a language, spoken until comparatively recently across much of Scotland, this is a compendium of Gaelic sayings and usage. The book includes notes, historical and social, and comparisons with sayings in different languages. Alexander Nicolson, one of the best scholars of his day, has gathered together a wide-ranging collection covering such diverse topics as women and marriage, wise men and fools, friendship and courage, and poverty and wealth. The proverbs appear in Gaelic along with the English translation, carefully preserving the pith of the original. These sayings, which as Nicolson remarks in his Preface, ’come from thatched cottages and not baronial and academic halls’, reflect keen intelligence and a distinct sense of humour. This is a comprehensive and important collection, with a foreword by Ian MacDonald of the Gaelic Books Council.

Read more less

Book SynopsisThe sequel to the award-winning Natural Storyteller: Wildlife tales for telling, this book encourages parents and teachers of young children to tell stories in their family or pre-schoolChildren love songs, action rhymes and stories. They love their parents, carers and teachers telling them stories. They love telling stories of their own.Written by two pioneering storytellers, Fairytales, Families and Forests is an invitation and guide to storytelling with and for young children. For each year of the child?s life, from birth to seven years, the book offers age-specific stories, verses and games. It is brimming with ideas for celebrating the seasons, for participation, for harnessing rhythm and rhyme, puppets and crafts.A book to enrich family and pre-school life and help instill a love of trees, nature and the outdoors in the next generation of storytellers.

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book SynopsisOne-time teacher and bestselling novelist Joanne Harris has been advising and corresponding with aspirational writers for over six years. This collection of pithy and funny lists of advice provides both hard-won wisdom and insider industry help. All aspects of the writing process and story development are covered - as is the thorny issue of how and where to find readers. From Workspaces and Habits to Plot and Dialogue, these are motivating, problem-solving lists from an experienced and widely respected writer. Uniquely, Ten Things About Writing also takes the reader beyond the stage of finished manuscripts and editorial changes - into the territories of rights, publicity and marketing. Whether you have the urge to write crime fiction or a fantasy novel, literary short stories or blockbuster thrillers Joanne's lists will speak to you.Trade Review'Joanne is not only master of her craft but has the rare gift of being able to explain that craft and offer peerless advice in the clearest, no-nonsense, practical and entertaining of ways.' Matt Haig '[Joanne Harris's] pithy, often very funny advice demystifies writing and the publishing industry for new and aspiring writers.' Cressida Cowell 'Joanne Harris's Ten Tweets have been tiny islands of sensibleness and wisdom. [...] I'm delighted they are going to be collected in one place.' Neil Gaiman 'Joanne Harris's Ten Tweets are a constant source of pleasure, equally welcome to writers and readers. [...] Frankly, they are marvels in miniature.' Ian Rankin

Read more less

Book SynopsisJennifer Webb collaborates with six expert writers to offer practical teaching strategies for the English classroom. With advice for primary to sixth form, it helps in the teaching of writing skills of distinct and specific forms, including: play-writing, novels, spoken poetry, written poetry, journalism and speech-writing.

Read more less

Book SynopsisSyrian poet Nouri al-Jarrah brings to life a story that can never again be lost in time after a single line in Aramaic on a tombstone fired his imagination. This inspiring epic poem awakens two extraordinary lovers, Barates, a Syrian from Palmyra, and Regina, the Celtic slave he freed and married, from where they have lain at rest beside Hadrian’s Wall for eighteen centuries, and tells their unique story. Barates’ elegy to his beloved wife, who died young at 30, is, however, not about mythologising history. With the poet himself an exile in Britain for 40 years from his birthplace of Damascus, the poem forges new connections with today, linking al-Jarrah’s personal journey with that of his ancient forebear Barates, who resisted slavery with love. Barates’ Eastern song also questions whether the young Celtic fighters, the Tattooed Ones, were really barbarians, as they emerged from forest mists to defend their hills and rivers and their way of life from the Romans, and died or lay wounded at the twisting stone serpent that was Hadrian’s Wall.

Read more less

Book SynopsisWhat motivates poets in the 21st century? How do they find their voice? What themes and subject matters inspire them? How do they cope with set-backs and deal with success? What keeps them writing? Why I Write Poetry, edited by Ian Humphreys, combines lively and thought-provoking essays, along with individual writing prompts to help you create your own new poetry. In this book, twenty-five contemporary poets reflect with insight, wit and wisdom on the writing life. Each offers their distinctive take on what inspires and spurs them on to write poetry. The essays shine a light on everything from performance, dialect, the body and paying attention, to bearing witness, finding your wings and joining the journey of poetry, and encompass the practical, personal, and political. Within these pages, you’ll discover how a poet’s background and values can fundamentally shape and inform their work. New voices sit alongside poets with many collections under their belts and you’ll find encouragement, creative provocations, advice and, above all, reasons to write. Read on, learn and enjoy.With essays by: Romalyn Ante, Khairani Barokka, Hafsah Aneela Bashir, Leo Boix, Vahni Capildeo, Mary Jean Chan, Jo Clement, Sarah Corbett, Jane Commane, Rishi Dastidar, Jonathan Edwards, Rosie Garland, W. N. Herbert, Ian Humphreys, Keith Jarrett, Zaffar Kunial, Rachel Mann, Andrew McMillan, Kim Moore, Pascale Petit, Jacqueline Saphra, Clare Shaw, Daniel Sluman, Jean Sprackland, and Jennifer Wong.

Read more less

Book SynopsisAll therapeutic work described in this book happens online. The pandemic forced therapists to move to remote work but Anastasia Piatakhina Giré had already been working with her clients in this way for a decade. Her stories show how a curious and skilled online therapist can make the most of the unexpected gifts that screen' therapy offers be it the intrusion of a pet, a parent breaking into the session, or a client taking her therapist for a trip outside. Rather than being somehow less', taking therapeutic conversations out of a physical therapy room breathes a new energy and new possibilities into the therapeutic process. These conversations happening through the screen have a surprising close-up quality and foster a different kind of intimacy and intensity. Giré's years of experience reveal the positives of digital practice, including how it enables multilingual, cross-cultural therapy, and will inspire others who work in this way or are considering a move to online therapy. Her accessible storytelling has a broad appeal to those working in psychotherapy and to the general reader curious about human psychology, diversity, and contemporary psychotherapy.

Read more less

Book SynopsisThe IB offers four high quality and challenging educational programmes for a worldwide community of schools, aiming to develop internationally minded people who, recognising their common humanity and shared guardianship of the planet, help to create a better, more peaceful world. Schools that have achieved the high standards required for authorisation to offer one or more of the IB programmes are known as IB World Schools. There are more than 5400 of these schools and this number is growing annually. This Yearbook is divided into four sections: 1. General information about the IB and IB programmes 2. Comprehensive information about each individual region and the schools within them 3. Appendices containing information and lists relevant to the IB, including IB associations, university acknowledgement of the Diploma Programme, country representation and a list of IB Diploma Programme subjects offered 4. Index of all schools listed geographically and alphabetically by name.

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book SynopsisImagine if you could always get what you want - just by speaking well. For decades academics have been slowly cracking the secret codes of spoken language used by successful speakers to achieve their aims. Now in this practical and eye-opening guide, Jonathan Clifton, a linguistics expert who has been decoding language for decades, identifies these below-the-radar tactics, explaining how and why they work. And he sets out 100 ways to successfully apply these secret codes of spoken language yourself, and achieve your goals in life, love and work. Debate, small talk, negotiation, advertising, apologies, presentations, and news interviews, all are revealed in Dr Clifton''s prescription for conversational joy. Dr Clifton, an associate professor at the Université Polytechnique Hauts-de-France, France, has been teaching communication to students at universities in Europe and India for the past 25 years. However, he has come to realise tha

Read more less

Book SynopsisThe IB offers four high quality and challenging educational programmes for a worldwide community of schools, aiming to develop internationally minded people who, recognising their common humanity and shared guardianship of the planet, help to create a better, more peaceful world. Schools that have achieved the high standards required for authorisation to offer one or more of the IB programmes are known as IB World Schools. There are more than 5,600 of these schools and this number is growing annually. This Yearbook is divided into four sections: 1. General information about the IB and IB programmes. 2. Information on IB World Schools within each region, including profiles and a directory of all schools.3. Appendices containing information and lists relevant to the IB, including IB associations, university acknowledgement of the Diploma Programme, country representation and a list of IB Diploma Programme subjects offered. 4. Index of all schools listed geographically and alphabetically by name.

Read more less

Book SynopsisAn adaptable guide for anyone who wants to communicate with compassion in a rapidly changing environment. Most of us want to choose inclusive, respectful, and empowering language when communicating with or about others. But language and how we use it continually evolves, along with cultural norms. When contradictory opinions muddle our purpose, how do we align our word choices with our beliefs? Who has the final say when people disagree? And why is it so hard to let go of certain words? Afraid of getting something wrong or offending, we too often treat specific words as right or wrong, regardless of context and nuance. Thankfully, The Conscious Style Guide provides a roadmap for communicating with sensitivity and awareness no matter how the world around us progresses. Readers will learn:How to identify biased languageHow to implement the overarching principles that guide us toward conscious languageHow to adopt conscious language as a tool for self-awareness and empowermentHow t

Read more less

Book SynopsisA deeply reported work of journalism that explores the promises and perils of global microfinance, told through the eyes of those who work in small-scale lending and of women borrowers in Sierra Leone, West Africa. In the mid-1970s, Muhammad Yunus, an American-trained Bangladeshi economist, met a poor female stoolmaker who needed money to expand her business. In an act known as the beginning of microfinance, Yunus lent $27 to 42 women, hoping small credit would help them to pull themselves out of poverty. Soon, Yunus's Grameen Bank was born and, very small but often high-interest loans for poor people took off. In 2006, Yunus and the Grameen Bank won the Nobel Peace Prize for their work on anti-poverty lending. But there's a problem with this story. There are mounting concerns that these small loans are as likely to bury poor people in debt as they are to pull them from poverty, with borrowers facing consequences such as jail time and forced land sales. Hundreds have even reportedl

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book SynopsisExplore the beauty and intrigue of the English language through this collection of the most fascinating words in the dictionary.Close your eyes for a moment and think of the word “solitude”. What do you see? A deer drinking from a still pond in the middle of a quiet forest on a sunny day? A small cabin nestled in a group of trees with a warm fire burning in the hearth inside? Sounds nice, doesn’t it? Try doing the same with the word “felicity”, or “ephemeral”. There are so many words in the English language that evoke vivid imagery simply in their pondering. Beautiful Words takes the most beautiful of these words and phrases and actualizes this vivid imagery that they conjure. In addition to illustrations that perfectly capture the essence of these interesting words, this book will contain examples of beautiful and interesting ways in which they can be used, whether in short poems or brief stories.In addition to “solitude”, “felicity”, “ephemeral”, “epiphany”, and “serendipity”, other featured words include: Iridescent Miraculous Mellifluous Demure Languor Sanguine And many more! A lovely, winding exploration of the things we say, Beautiful Words will make the perfect gift for anyone in your life who loves language.

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book SynopsisA chronological history of art that assembles chef d’oeuvres from all artistic disciplines around the globe and throughout the ages. The Louvre Abu Dhabi, which has aroused great curiosity since plans were first announced for the groundbreaking museum in 2007, will unveil a selected part of its nascent collection in April 2013. While the building that will house the museum collection, designed by architect Jean Nouvel, is already well- known, this book —the first to be dedicated to the museum’s collection — allows the reader to discover the universal spirit that permeates and incarnates the birth of this new museum. The growing collection, presented here for the first time, best captures and expresses the essence and spirit of the museum itself. These 300 works, reproduced in exceptionally high-quality photographs commissioned for the publication, open a dialogue between the diverse world cultures and their artistic expressions, from the most antiquated to the ultra contemporary, ranging from archaeological treasures to groundbreaking works of contemporary art. All artistic traditions are present, from Ancient Egypt and Greco-Roman art to Islamic art and grand Asian statuary, from works by Bellini and Murillo to Manet or Mondrian, and masterpieces from the European Renaissance or an Art Deco ensemble, to Indian miniatures or paintings by Yan Pei-Ming. The works are analyzed in their cultural context, highlighting their particularities, while simultaneously placing them at the crossroads of the great cultures that comprise the museum’s collections.

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book SynopsisThis book exemplifies how smart buildings have a crucial role to play for the future of energy. The book investigates what already exists in regards to technologies, approaches and solutions both with a scientific and technological point of view. The authors cover solutions for mirroring and tracing human activities, optimal strategies to configure home settings, and generating explanations and persuasive dashboards to get occupants better committed in their home energy managements. Solutions are adapted from the fields of Internet of Things, physical modeling, optimization, machine learning and applied artificial intelligence. Practical applications are given throughout.Table of ContentsIntroduction.- Smart grids, districts and energy smart homes.- Urban modeling and analytics in a smart context.- What kind of technologies for Smart-Homes.- Services for energy smart home.- Modeling and calibration for energy management in smart-places.- Machine Learning: a fundamental tool for smart-places.- Estimate building system state.- Disaggregate loads to analyze human behavior predicting energy demand.- Determine the best actions.- Generate explanation.- Human machine interface (HMI).- Diagnose appliance and sensor faults but also misbehavior.- Tools for Energy Management system.- Conclusion.

Read more less

Book SynopsisThis textbook provides a succinct, contemporary introduction to intercultural communication with a focus on actual language use. With English as a lingua franca and Communicative Accommodation Theory as the underpinning concepts, it explores communication, language use, and culture in action. Each chapter includes discourse extracts so that students can apply what they have learned to real text examples, and supplementary instructor materials including suggestions for discussion points and activities are hosted on springer.com. The book will be key reading for students taking modules on Intercultural Communication or Language, Culture and Communication as part of a degree in Linguistics and Applied Linguistics, or English Language both at undergraduate and postgraduate level. Table of Contents​Chapter 1: Shared Language, Different Cultures, and Common Communicative GoalsChapter 2: Adjustments as Strategies for Successful CommunicationChapter 3: Barriers in Intercultural CommunicationChapter 4: Communities of Practice and Writing CulturesChapter 5: Speaking and Embodying CulturesChapter 6: Learning and Goals in EducationChapter 7: Communication in Workplaces: Equal Services and Professional Discourses

Read more less

Book SynopsisThis book guides human resource managers and professionals on how to manage organizations and its employees through bankruptcy and organizational change. While many books on bankruptcy are written from the perspective of bankruptcy attorneys and bankers, this book focuses on the employee communication and organizational aspects of bankruptcy from an HR and C-Suite perspective. It provides a deep understanding of the impact of bankruptcy on organizations and how to manage communication and employee engagement during this transition. The book also provides valuable and practical checklists and templates for employee communiqués, frequently asked questions, and preparing court-ordered information.Table of ContentsChapter 1. Types of Corporate Bankruptcies.- Chapter 2. Understanding How the Company Got Here and the Importance of Employee Engagement.- Chapter 3. Creating an Effective Employee Retention Plan.- Chapter 4. A Bankruptcy’s Effect on Benefits and the Barrage of Information Requests.- Chapter 5. Embarking on Change.- Chapter 6. Bold Communication.- Chapter 7. Bold Leadership.- Chapter 8. Be Mindful of You.- Chapter 9. Lessons Learned.- Chapter 10. Some Final Thoughts.

Read more less

Book SynopsisThis study guide is designed for students taking courses in feedback control systems analysis and design. The textbook includes examples, questions, and exercises that will help electrical engineering students to review and sharpen their knowledge of the subject and enhance their performance in the classroom. Offering detailed solutions, multiple methods for solving problems, and clear explanations of concepts, this hands-on guide will improve student’s problem-solving skills and basic and advanced understanding of the topics covered in these courses.Trade Review“The book is very nicely written and may be suggested for lecturers to help them in lecturing, students for better understanding of the topic and also researchers, as the book is a concise collection of control methods to be used. I strongly support using this book extensively.” (Krzysztof Gałkowski, zbMATH 1490.93001, 2022)Table of Contents1: Problems: Different representations of linear time-invariant (LTI) systems2: Solutions of Problems: Different representations of linear time-invariant (LTI) systems3: Problems: Stability analysis of linear time-invariant (LTI) systems4: Solutions of Problems: Stability analysis of linear time-invariant (LTI) systems5: Problems: Analysis of transient response6: Solutions of Problems: Analysis of transient response7: Problems: Analysis of steady state response8: Solutions of Problems: Analysis of steady state response9: Problems: Graphical analysis and design in time domain10: Solutions of Problems: Graphical analysis and design in time domain11: Problems: Controller design in time domain12: Solutions of Problems: Controller design in time domain

Read more less

Book SynopsisThis book provides a critical account of the development of questions, approaches, methods, and understandings of literacy within and across disciplines and interdisciplines. It provides a critique of literacy studies, including the New Literacy Studies. This book completes a series that the author began in the 1970s. It criticizes and revises the New Literacy Studies and how we think about literacy generally. It is a revisionist study which argues that literacy and literacy studies are historical developments and must be understood in those terms to comprehend their profound impact on our traditions of thinking about and understanding literacy, and how we study it. Graff argues that literacy studies in its academic, institutional, and policy forums, but also in popular parlance, has lost its critical foundations, and this hinders efforts to promote literacy. He examines literacy over time and across linguistics; anthropology; psychology; reading and writing across modes of communication and comprehension; “new” literacies across digital, visual, performance, numerical, and scientific domains; and history. He underscores the value of new directions of negotiation and translation. This book will interest scholars and students in the many fields that constitute literacy studies across the humanities, social sciences, education, and beyond. Table of ContentsPart 1. Searching for Literacy Studies.1. Back to Basics.2. Linguistics: Between Orality and Writing.3. Anthropology: Reading and Writing from Pictographs to Ethnography.4. Psychology: Between Mind and Culture.5. Literature and Composition: Reading and Writing Revised.6. Many Literacies, Other Visions: Digital, Visual, Science, Numbers, Performance.7. Historicizing Literacy and Literacy Studies: Axioms and Lessons.8. Epilogue: Many Pasts, Many Futures.Part 2. 2021: Looking Forward and Backward.9. The New Literacy Studies and the Resurgent Literacy Myth.10. Literacy, Politics, Culture, and Society: The New Illiteracy and the Banning of Books, Past and Present.11. The Economic Debasement of Literacy: The Misrepresentation and Marketing of “Financial Literacy”.

Read more less

Book SynopsisWriting manuscripts is central to the advance of scientific knowledge. For an early career aspiring scientist, writing first author manuscripts is an opportunity to develop critical skills and to credential their expertise. Writing manuscripts, however, is difficult, doubly so for scientists who use English as a second language. Many science students intentionally avoid a writing-intensive curriculum. Careful, thorough reviews of draft manuscripts are difficult to secure, and experienced scientific supervisors face more demands on their time than they have time available. Weak draft manuscripts discourage supervising scientists investing the time to coach revisions. It is easier for experienced scientists to ignore the request, or to simply rewrite the article. Early career scientists are motivated to address these barriers but specific advice is difficult to find, and much of this advice is behind a pay wall. This essential, open access text presents writing lessons organized as common errors, providing students and early-career researchers with an efficient way to learn, and mentors with a quick-reference guide to reviewing. Error descriptions include specific examples drawn from real-world experiences of other early-career writers, and suggestions for how to successfully address and avoid these in the future. Versions of this book have been used by Stanford University, UC Davis, Johns Hopkins, and numerous international institutions and organizations for over a decade. Table of Contents1. Introduction1.1 The pathway to publishing1.2 Think before you write approach1.2.1 Develop a framing document1.2.2 Focus on the high level outline (HLO)1.2.3 Use the ‘most common errors’1.2.4 Understand authorship and mentoring responsibilities1.2.5 Structure the writing and feedback process1.3 The scientific writing style1.4 Converting preliminary work into manuscripts1.4.1 Converting reports into manuscripts1.4.2 Converting posters and verbal presentations into manuscripts1.5 The process of peer review2. Most common errorsA. General research and writing practicesA1. Insufficient knowledge of the literatureA2. Not referencing statementsA3. Weak citations A3a. Citing a secondary sourceA3b. Presenting conclusions rather than data from referencesA3c. Arguing from authorityA4. Endnotes not in standard styleA4a. Varying endnote notationA5. Not using standard draft manuscript formA6. Repeating informationA7. Labelling a scientific document as ‘final’A8. Characterizing an observation as ‘the first’A9. Errors in reasoningA9a. Casual assertion of causalityA9b. Assuming association is causalityA9c. Assuming reported behavior reflects actual behaviorA9d. Confusing imperfect recall with recall biasA9e. Confusing absence of recognition with absenceA9f. Asserting seasonality with a single year of dataA9g. Drawing conclusions using confirmation biasA10. Constructing a multivariate model using only statistical criteriaA11. PlagiarismB. Content of quantitative papersB1. Improper focus or format of title and abstractB2. Confusing the role of Introduction, Methods, Results, and DiscussionB3. Not writing the Methods section in chronological orderB4. Not emphasizing steps taken to protect human subjectsB5. Listing interpretations, but not defending one in the DiscussionB6. Not fully explaining limitationsB7. Writing generic recommendationsB8. Presenting new data in the DiscussionB9. Reporting the number of enrolled subjects in the MethodsB10. Specifying the contents of a questionnaireB11. Naïve theories of changeB11a. Recommending a massive increase in fundingB11b. Ignoring incentives and barriersB11c. Assuming weak states can implementB12. An insufficiently focused IntroductionB13. Failure to clarify key sample size assumptionsB14. A high level outline that is not high levelB15. Specifying software used for routine data analysisB16. Presenting rationale in the last sentence of the IntroductionC. Mechanics of writingC1. Using non-standard abbreviationsC2. Using non-standard spacesC3. Improper spellingC4. Capitalization problems C4a. USING ALL CAPITAL LETTERSC4b. Capitalizing non-proper nounsC5. Failure to spell out an isolated numeral < 10C6. Starting a sentence with a numeralC7. Not indenting paragraphsC8. Not aligning text to the leftC9. Problems with parenthesesC10. Not recognizing when an abbreviation has become a nameC11. Misplaced commas in large numbersC12. Varying fonts within the narrativeC13. Using bulleted lists rather than sentencesC14. Uninformative document namesD. Grammatical structures and stylistic strategiesD1. Using present rather than past tenseD2. Failure to use definite and indefinite articlesD3. Excessive use of passive voiceD4. Improper use of “we”D5. Writing from a psychological perspectiveD6. Using excessive sub-headings in the discussion sectionD7. Misplaced modifiersD8. Using nouns with awkward syntax in place of verbsD9. Using different terms for the same object or the same ideaE. Achieving clarity and concisenessE1. Labelling rather than explainingE2. Using weak opening phrases for sentencesE3. Using adjectives and qualifiersE4. Overusing studies or authors as sentence subjectsE5. Using non-descriptive numeric or alphabetical labelsE6. Using respectivelyE7. Using the word etceteraE8. Using foreign wordsE9. Using local words, expressions or monetary figuresE10. Using the term ‘developing country’E11. Using the term ‘socio-economic status’ as a synonym for wealthE12. Using a technical term in its non-technical senseE12a. Using the term ‘random’ in its non-technical senseE12b. Using the term ‘reliable’ in its non-technical senseE12c. Using the term ‘significant’ in its non-technical senseE12d. Using the term ‘valid’ in its non-technical senseE12e. Using the term ‘incidence’ incorrectlyE12f. Using the term ‘correlated’ incorrectly E13. Using the verb ‘documented’E14. Framing an argument in terms of needE15. Using the term ‘illiterate’ as a synonym for ‘no formal education’E16. Using the word ‘challenging’ as a synonym for ‘difficult’E17. Describing a laboratory test result as positiveE18. Using increase or decrease in the absence of a time trendE19. Describing a test as a gold standardF. Recording scientific dataF1. Using statistics in place of the study question to frame resultsF1a. Framing narrative results around p-valuesF2. Not presenting the core dataF3. Using too many decimal placesF4. Using too few decimal placesF5. Using incomplete headings for tables and figuresF6. Imbalance between table and narrative presentation of the resultsF7. Pointing too explicitly to tables and figuresF8. Using inappropriate figuresF9. Using the wrong symbol to designate degreeF10. Using non-standard footnote symbols in tablesF11. Comparing to a varying baselineF12. Generic data tables that lack a clear messageF13. Table layout that impairs comparisons*F14. Maps with irrelevant detailsF15. Numbering figures or tables out of sequenceF16. Listing results in a paragraph that are more clear in a tableF17. Using less informative denominators in a tableF18. p-value in a baseline table of a randomized controlled trialF19. Emailing draft manuscripts with figures that are not compressedG. Approaching publicationG1. Failure to respond to reviewers’ commentsG2. Incomplete response to reviewsG3. Invalid authorship line G4. Missing acknowledgement sectionG5. Choosing an inappropriate journalG6. Not following a specific journal’s details of styleG7. Not using a checklist to review your paper before submissionG8. Exceeding the journal word limitG9. Asking your senior author to recommend reviewersG10. Responding to journal reviewers using the first person singularG11. Retaining comments in subsequent draftsG12. Not finding a description of the error codeG13. Requesting an unprofessionally short turnaround timeG14. Sending blank forms for co-authors to completeG15. Not providing co-authors a copy of the submitted manuscriptG16. Not keeping co-authors informed of journal discussionsG17. Re-using an email thread when circulating a revised manuscriptG18. Not proofreading references prior to submissionG19. Not including text of the manuscript changes in response to reviewersG20. Not including readability statisticsH. Slide and poster presentationsH1. Bullets on the wallH2. Chart junkH3. Copying a manuscript figure instead of developing a custom figureH4. Photos with an unnatural aspect ratioH5. Too many photographs on a single slideH6. Field workers as the dominant subject of photographsH7. Using bullets without hanging indentsH8. Using a pie chartH9. Using vertical bars when horizontal bars would communicate betterH10. Including a final “Thank you” slideH11. Using sentences for bullet pointsH12. Too much space between bulletsH13. Failure to separate ideas in a multi-lined titleH14. Using 3 dimensional chart features as decorationsAppendix 1: Flowchart for reviewing scientific documents Appendix 2: Concept note outlineAppendix 3: Critical questions for protocol developmentAppendix 4: Framing documentAppendix 5: Conference/scientific meeting abstractsAppendix 6: Quantitative manuscript high level outline (HLO)Appendix 7: Example of quantitative manuscript HLOAppendix 8:Authorship Scorecard Appendix 9:JANE (Journal/Author Name Estimator)Appendix 10: STROBE StatementAppendix 11: CONSORT StatementAppendix 12: List of common errors Appendix 13: Concept note exampleReferences

Read more less

Book SynopsisThis book provides an essential compilation of relevant and cutting edge academic and industry work on key cybersecurity applications topics. Further, it introduces cybersecurity applications to the public at large to develop their cybersecurity applications knowledge and awareness. The book concentrates on a wide range of advances related to Cybersecurity Applications which include, among others, applications in the areas of Data Science, Internet of Things, Artificial Intelligence, Robotics, Web, High-Tech Systems, Cyber-Physical Systems, Mobile Devices, Digital Media, and Cloud Computing. It introduces the concepts, techniques, methods, approaches and trends needed by cybersecurity application specialists and educators for keeping current their cybersecurity applications knowledge. Further, it provides a glimpse of future directions where cybersecurity applications are headed. The book can be a valuable resource to applied cybersecurity experts towards their professional development efforts and to students as a supplement to their cybersecurity courses.Table of Contents1. Introduction2. Cybersecurity Applications in Data Science3. Cybersecurity Applications in Internet of Things4. Cybersecurity Applications in Artificial Intelligence5. Cybersecurity Applications in Robotics6. Cybersecurity Applications in Web7. Cybersecurity Applications in High-Tech Systems8. Cybersecurity Applications in Cyber-Physical Systems9. Cybersecurity Applications in Mobile Devices10. Cybersecurity Applications in Digital Media11. Cybersecurity Applications in Cloud Computing12. Cybersecurity Applications in Distributed Systems13. Cybersecurity Applications in Vehicles14. Cybersecurity Applications in Supply Chain15. Cybersecurity Applications in Trustworthy Computing16. Cybersecurity Applications in Databases17. Cybersecurity Applications in Operating Systems18. Cybersecurity Applications in Software19. Cybersecurity Applications in Virtualization20. Cybersecurity Applications in Biometrics21. Cybersecurity Applications in Education22. Cybersecurity Applications in Blockchains23. Conclusion.

Read more less