In this thesis, a new lidar (light detection and ranging) ceilometer capable of monitoring cloud base and sensitive to boundary layer aerosols is introduced. The key to this novelty lies in its divided-lens design that addresses a classical lidar problem of balancing transmitter-receiver overlap and signal-to-noise ratio, along with a method for characterizing overlap in the laboratory. Enhance…
This book presents emerging research on the effectiveness of mindfulness methods in reducing behavior problems associated with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) in children. The volume synthesizes current research and theories on the therapeutic uses of mindfulness, specifically for people living with developmental disabilities. In addition, it examines a promising new study in which mothers of c…
This book is intended as a tribute to Gianluca Spina, the influential and inspiring Professor of Business Management & Organization and Supply Chain Management at the School of Management of Politecnico di Milano, who very sadly passed away early in 2015. It brings together seven of his most important papers, published in renowned international journals, and supplements these papers with insigh…
The human footprint on the global environment now touches every corner of the world. This book explores the myriad ways that environmental archives can be used to study the distribution and long-term trajectories of chemical contaminants. The volume first focuses on reviews that examine the integrity of the historic record, including factors related to hydrology, post-depositional diffusion, an…
The book presents the latest advances in research into health effects of air pollution, with heavy motor vehicle traffic or cigarette smoke as the exemplar of pollution. The airways are the first-line defense system against pollution. The book focuses on respiratory ailments underlain by inflammation, increased susceptibility to infection, particularly acquired during harsh environmental condit…
This book discusses in detail the analysis and monitoring of the most important analytes in the environmental field. It also reviews the implementation, realization and application of sensor designs mentioned in the first volume of this set, dividing the coverage into global parameters, sensors of organics and sensors of inorganics.
This volume offers a comprehensive overview of advanced research in the field of environmental green chemistry for air, soil and water pollutants, and presents emerging technologies on the chemical treatment of polluted sites and wastes. The 15 chapters, prepared by internationally respected experts, address the following topics: (1) monitoring of indoor and outdoor air pollutants; (2) atmosphe…
This short book sets out to explore the concept of nature in the context of a changing reality, in which the extent of our transformation of the environment has become evident: What is nature and to what extent has humanity transformed it? How do nature and society relate to one another? What does the idea of a sustainable society entail and how can nature be understood as a political subject? …
The aim of this book is to analyze the relationships among entrepreneurship, regional development and culture in the current economy. Using an institutional approach, it examines the main theoretical issues and practices and their effect on different dimensions of society and the economy. Business creation is considered a key element of economic growth, innovation and employment. In recent year…
This book makes original contributions to the literature on clusters, human capital, and regional development by focusing on the link between entrepreneurship and economic growth, aiming for a better understanding of the dynamics of growth determined by the entrepreneur’s action in the regional space. The focus is therefore on critical reflection and rethinking the articulation between three …