Bøger udgivet af IGI Global

Organized crime, a hidden and pervasive threat, casts its dark shadow over societies globally, impacting countless lives through activities like human trafficking, illegal drug trade, and cybercrime. This intricate web of criminality leaves lasting scars on individuals, families, and entire communities, with its true cost remaining obscured. Amidst this dilemma, the question arises: how can the erosion of societal well-being be countered and a sense of security restored? Economic and Societal Impact of Organized Crime: Policy and Law Enforcement Interventions stands as a reservoir of knowledge offering profound insights into combatting organized criminal endeavors. Edited by renowned scholar Alicia Danielsson, an expert in Comparative and EU law, this interdisciplinary collection delves beneath the surface of organized crime. Drawing on contributions from diverse fields, the book unravels real-world stories, empirical evidence, and case studies, shedding light on the psychological, physical, and economic toll exacted by these activities. Moreover, it explores the wider societal consequences, including eroding trust in institutions and exacerbating inequality and poverty. This work serves as an intellectual haven for academics, providing a roadmap to comprehending and confronting this global threat. It navigates the intricate pathways of criminal networks, corrupt actors, and the responses of law enforcement and policymakers. By championing an evidence-based approach that prioritizes human well-being and community resilience, the book equips readers to grasp the intricacies of the challenge and contribute to a world where organized crime's grip is loosened, and the foundations of security and justice are reinforced.

In the ever-evolving landscape of the modern business world, a critical challenge has emerged at the crossroads of digital transformation and sustainable development. Businesses grapple with the need to adapt to digitalization while ensuring their practices align with the imperatives of sustainability. The complexities of this intersection demand innovative solutions and profound insights. Enter Digital Transformation and Sustainable Development in Cities and Organizations - a groundbreaking book that unravels the intricacies of this challenge and provides a comprehensive roadmap for organizations navigating the digital age with a commitment to sustainability. Traditional business models are rendered obsolete as the relentless march of digitalization transforms industries. Amidst this upheaval, the imperative to embrace sustainable practices often takes a backseat. Businesses face the daunting task of navigating this dual challenge - staying technologically relevant while safeguarding the environment and societal well-being. The consequences of overlooking this intersection are profound, leading to missed opportunities for growth and contributing to the escalating threats posed by climate change. The need for a cohesive guide that addresses these intertwined challenges has never been more urgent.

In today's rapidly changing financial landscape, a formidable challenge looms large-digital currencies. The surge in popularity of virtual currencies has sparked a global debate, captivating the attention of investors, regulators, and scholars alike. However, a pressing concern persists amidst this digital revolution: the potential for unregulated digital currencies to facilitate the laundering of illicit funds, ranging from organized crime profits to terrorism financing and government corruption. This growing threat not only jeopardizes the integrity of our financial systems but also disrupts the socioeconomic and political order as we know it. Digital Currency Assets and Their Impact on Financial System Stability is the key to unlocking a profound understanding of the challenges posed by digital currencies and, more importantly, discovering intelligent solutions to safeguard our financial ecosystem. With meticulous research and expert insights, this book embarks on a comprehensive exploration of digital currencies' structure, potential disruptions, and capacity to reshape the financial landscape. Is it the primary objective? To provide a platform for scholars, investors, regulators, and researchers to delve into the risks, dangers, and threats stemming from unregulated digital currencies and to propose innovative strategies for mitigating these challenges.

How do digital capitalism and the evolving landscape of new media intersect, and what does this mean for the future of media? It is necessary to begin the excavation process, to unearth the insights of experts in these fields to better understand the transformation of the globalized world. In Digital Capitalism in the New Media Era, the intricate relationship between media and society takes center stage, examined through the lens of contemporary technology's impact on this dynamic. Within the confines of this meticulously researched book lies a comprehensive analysis of how the established political economy of traditional media has adapted and responded to the surge of new technologies. The rise of new tools has inadvertently ushered in a new age of surveillance, marked by sophisticated techniques like digital trace tracking and micro-targeting strategies. This book covers comprehensive topics, including exploiting personal data for both commercial and political ends, the pervasive influence of algorithmic mechanisms and filter bubbles, and the dominion of tech giants in this digital landscape. By offering a panoramic view of the contemporary media landscape, this book not only equips researchers, sociologists, and media professionals with an understanding of the intricate interplay between technology and society but also facilitates a deeper comprehension of pressing concerns such as open science, gender equality, and the digital divide.

The rapid progression of the digital age has brought both benefits and drawbacks. While the convenience of constant connectivity and digital devices is undeniable, the increasing screen time poses health and well-being challenges. With a significant portion of the global population now regularly using the internet, concerns about issues like digital addiction, shorter attention spans, and lifestyle diseases have become urgent matters. Addressing these challenges and charting a sustainable path forward is imperative. Business Drivers in Promoting Digital Detoxification delves into contemporary initiatives across various industries that advocate for digital detox. This book showcases opportunities within this transformative trend, spanning from health and tourism to unexpected sectors. It not only highlights the necessity of digital detox for health but also reveals its potential as a gateway to innovative business ventures. Catering to academics, researchers, students, and professionals, this book serves as a guiding beacon in the complexities of the digital era. It not only clarifies the motivations behind the digital detox movement but also explores its implications. More than just insights, this book offers a roadmap to shape a healthier and sustainable future in our digitally connected world. Engage in this pivotal conversation, explore its pages, and gain the knowledge to drive meaningful change for yourself, your organization, and society as a whole.

In the dynamic field of modern business, where cloud computing has become the primary focus of operations, a pressing issue arises - the persistent concerns of security, privacy, and trust in cloud environments. Organizations find themselves at a crossroads, caught between the immense benefits of cloud adoption and the escalating challenges of safeguarding sensitive data and maintaining user trust. The need for a comprehensive and practical guide to navigate these intricate landscapes has never been more critical. Analyzing and Mitigating Security Risks in Cloud Computing is a groundbreaking guidebook tailored to address the very challenges that organizations face in securing their cloud infrastructures. With a focus on real-world examples, case studies, and industry best practices, the book equips its readers with actionable insights and tools to fortify their cloud security posture. From understanding the fundamentals of cloud computing to addressing emerging trends and implementing robust security strategies, the book serves as a holistic solution to bridge the knowledge gap and empower professionals at every level.

The rapid advancement of IoT and smart technologies poses significant challenges for academic scholars, including meeting new requirements such as reliability, quality of service, and energy efficiency. AIoT and Smart Sensing Technologies for Smart Devices, edited by Fadi ALTURJMAN, offers an invaluable solution by serving as a knowledge hub that brings together diverse research and professional contributions. This comprehensive book enables scholars to delve into topics like IoT-oriented applications, sustainable development, machine learning, and wireless networks, providing the necessary insights to navigate the complexities of IoT and smart technologies. Targeted at experts, researchers, and students, this book equips readers with the understanding needed to tackle the challenges in this dynamic field. Covering areas such as IoT paradigms, network security, machine learning approaches, and wireless network protocols, it serves as a guide for unlocking the potential of AIoT. With this resource, scholars can stay informed, explore innovative approaches, and actively contribute to the advancement of AIoT and smart technologies, making it a compelling solution for those grappling with the complexities of this transformative field.

In the ever-evolving landscape of digital innovation, businesses grapple with the challenge of deciphering dynamic consumer behavior. AI Impacts in Digital Consumer Behavior is a pioneering exploration tailored for academic scholars seeking insights into the profound influence of artificial intelligence on consumer dynamics. As businesses strive to harness the potential of data, this book serves as a beacon, offering a comprehensive understanding of the intricacies involved in tracking, analyzing, and predicting shifts in consumer preferences. This groundbreaking work not only identifies the complexities posed by the rapidly changing digital landscape but also presents a solution-oriented approach. It unveils a theoretical framework and the latest empirical research, providing scholars with a toolkit of concepts, theories, and analytical techniques. With a multidisciplinary focus on behavioral analysis, the book equips academic minds with the knowledge to navigate the challenges of the digital age. Furthermore, it addresses the ethical dimensions and ethic considerations associated with the accelerating pace of consumer behavior analysis, shedding light on the responsible use of AI technologies.

In the rapidly evolving realm of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and digital technologies, a pressing issue confronts academic scholars and social scientists-the profound consequences of AI adoption within the intricate structures of society. Despite its pervasive influence, this critical topic remains largely unexplored in academic circles, leaving a significant knowledge gap regarding how AI reshapes human interactions, institutions, and the fabric of our digital society. AI and Emotions in Digital Society, edited by Adrian Scribano and Maximiliano E Korstanje, emerges as the timely and compelling solution to bridge this divide. In this transformative book, readers embark on an intellectual journey exploring the intricate interplay between society, technology, and emotions. Drawing together high-quality chapters from diverse disciplines and cultural backgrounds, the book fosters critical discussions that delve into the philosophical quandaries underpinning AI's influence, especially within the context of our ever-changing world. By adopting a balanced perspective that acknowledges both risks and opportunities, the book equips postgraduate students, professionals, policymakers, AI analysts, and social scientists with the tools to comprehend the far-reaching effects of AI on human behavior, institutions, and democratic processes. As readers engage with this thought-provoking content, they gain profound insights into how AI impacts various sectors, including education, travel, literature, politics, and cyber-security. AI and Emotions in Digital Society serves as an indispensable resource for navigating the ongoing AI revolution, inspiring informed decision-making, and fostering critical dialogue. By empowering readers to grasp the complexities of AI's role in a new cosmopolitan capitalism, the book opens possibilities for a future where humanity and technology harmoniously coexist, shaping the course of our digitally interconnected society.

The interaction of various service models, including edge computing and cloud computing, are quickly changing to better support microservices. This intricate weave of technology and information sharing is necessary to build systems that run faster and more efficiently. The interplay between these computing methods and microservices is emerging as the field of Osmotic Computing. Experts can now embark on an intellectual journey into data-driven exploration and ingenuity with the guidance of the book, Advanced Applications in Osmotic Computing . As ethical considerations become rising concerns, the potential biases, privacy encumbrances, and equitable conundrums of osmotic computing are investigated. This book offers judicious strategies to navigate these quandaries conscientiously, adding a layer of responsibility to the discourse. Within these pages, the very fabric of understanding in IoT, Cloud, Edge, Fog, and Machine Learning is redefined, marking a pivotal shift in the paradigm of technological comprehension. This book is an epicenter for the latest evolutions in osmotic computing, unfurling unconventional methodologies that shape the trajectory of data-driven decision-making. Readers will plunge into the theoretical bedrock, simultaneously witnessing pragmatic applications that adeptly bridge the schism between the theoretical constructs and pragmatic realization. The intended audience is multifaceted, encompassing data scientists, machine learning engineers, researchers, academics, educators, students, industry practitioners, interdisciplinary experts, and technology and business leaders.

The formidable challenge of harmonizing economic imperatives with ecological responsibility in supply chain operations only increases with added complexity. In an era where global commerce is interwoven with environmental concerns, Sustainable Supply Chain Management for Environmental Responsibility is the pivotal resource that addresses the pervasive challenge of implementing Sustainable Supply Chain Management (SSCM). It navigates the intricate terrain of SSCM, offering an authoritative exploration of its key elements, drivers, and challenges. This book dissects the foundational principles of SSCM, revealing its relevance and significance in fostering environmental stewardship. Readers embark on a journey through the core elements of SSCM, from green procurement and sustainable production to optimizing logistics through technology-driven solutions. The narrative is grounded in academic rigor, enriched with case studies of companies that have triumphantly embraced SSCM, showcasing tangible benefits such as cost reduction, enhanced brand reputation, and heightened customer loyalty. This book is ideal for managers, academics, and students and unfolds environmental responsibility within the intricate fabric of supply chain operations.

Applications of Machine Learning in UAV Networks presents a pioneering exploration into the symbiotic relationship between machine learning techniques and UAVs. In an age where UAVs are revolutionizing sectors as diverse as agriculture, environmental preservation, security, and disaster response, this meticulously crafted volume offers an analysis of the manifold ways machine learning drives advancements in UAV network efficiency and efficacy. This book navigates through an expansive array of domains, each demarcating a pivotal application of machine learning in UAV networks. From the precision realm of agriculture and its dynamic role in yield prediction to the ecological sensitivity of biodiversity monitoring and habitat restoration, the contours of each domain are vividly etched. These explorations are not limited to the terrestrial sphere; rather, they extend to the pivotal aerial missions of wildlife conservation, forest fire monitoring, and security enhancement, where UAVs adorned with machine learning algorithms wield an instrumental role. Scholars and practitioners from fields as diverse as machine learning, UAV technology, robotics, and IoT networks will find themselves immersed in a confluence of interdisciplinary expertise. The book's pages cater equally to professionals entrenched in agriculture, environmental studies, disaster management, and beyond.

In today's educational landscape, a pressing issue looms: deeply entrenched within the system are the prevailing cultural norms that have historically perpetuated the dominance of white, middle-class values. This has, in turn, marginalized and stigmatized traditionally underrepresented student cultures as inherently deficient. As the United States educational system grapples with a dramatic increase in low-income, non-white, and linguistically diverse students, now is the time to confront these inequalities that undermine student achievement. This challenge has thrust teachers into the forefront, compelling them to embrace social justice practices in their classrooms as counternarratives. Supporting Activist Practices in Education emerges as a timely and essential solution to address this educational conundrum. Within the pages of this book, a compelling narrative unfolds-one that delves deep into the experiences of educators who actively employ teaching as a form of activism, transcending traditional norms. Teaching through activism, as defined in this volume, represents the courageous actions of educators who champion participatory citizenship for social justice within their classrooms, nurturing environments that foster critical thinking about the world. This book emphasizes the imperative of challenging and dismantling systemic injustices, and it underscores the pivotal role of social justice as a framework for effective pedagogical practices.

The seismic shifts in B2B selling brought about by the recent global pandemic have left scholars grappling with the fundamental question of permanence. As the traditional face-to-face dynamics of B2B sales stand challenged, academic minds seek answers: Are these changes enduring, or will we revert to the familiar norms of in-person interactions? A Critical Examination of the Recent Evolution of B2B Sales is a groundbreaking exploration designed for academic scholars seeking clarity in these uncertain times. In the pursuit for understanding, scholars encounter a myriad of questions. What truly transpired in sales activities during the pandemic? Does the surge in virtual selling signify a lasting transformation, or is it merely a temporary adaptation? Critical thinking becomes paramount, necessitating a deep dive into published ideas to discern the strength of conclusions drawn. The academic community grapples with the challenge of scrutinizing the landscape to determine if the changes are indeed permanent and if so, how B2B sales forces can effectively adapt.

In the rapidly evolving landscape of higher education, where the acquisition of knowledge is a lifelong pursuit, educators and institutions are redefining the paradigms of learning through innovative approaches. Global Perspectives on Micro-Learning and Micro-Credentials in Higher Education delves into the intricate tapestry of contemporary education, where the convergence of advanced pedagogies and cutting-edge technologies is reshaping traditional boundaries. As the realms of chatbots, gamification, and hybrid learning intersect, a new era of holistic education emerges, seamlessly blending theoretical prowess with experiential wisdom. The book unfurls with meticulous exploration of pivotal themes, embracing the nuanced realms of instructional design, learning analytics, and library services tailored for the modern educational era. From the granular landscapes of microlearning to the macroscopic view of global teacher retention strategies, the book leaves no stone unturned. This book is a symphony of intellectual rigor, orchestrated to resonate with educators, administrators, researchers, and all stakeholders vested in the future of learning.

Advancements in Powder Metallurgy: Processing, Applications, and Properties addresses a critical issue in academic scholarship by providing a comprehensive resource that has been lacking in the field. Existing books often fall short by merely covering the basics of powder preparation, sintering methods, and general applications, leaving scholars with a limited understanding of the subject. This knowledge gap has hindered innovative research and slowed the progress of metallurgy and mechanical engineering. However, with this groundbreaking book, the tide is turning. The book brings together twenty-one chapters authored by renowned pioneers in the field, delving deep into the realm of mechanical alloying. It covers the evolution of this technique, various alloy preparation methods, their advantages and limitations, and the synthesis of nanostructured materials. Unlike other resources, this volume goes beyond the basics and comprehensively covers the fabrication of a wide range of alloys, including biomaterials, hybrid nanomaterials, smart materials, super alloys, and ceramic materials, all achieved through the transformative process of mechanical alloying. By consolidating essential information in one resource, Advancements in Powder Metallurgy: Processing, Applications, and Properties fills a significant gap in the existing literature. It equips academic scholars and engineering students with the necessary knowledge to unlock the full potential of mechanical alloying and make meaningful contributions to the field. With its emphasis on simplicity and accessibility, this book promises to inspire a new wave of research, reignite interest in metallurgy and mechanical engineering, and empower scholars to explore novel applications and contribute to the advancements in this field.

In the tumultuous landscape of contemporary American politics, the intricate dance between traditionalism, populism, and the influential alliance of Donald Trump and Steve Bannon poses a pressing challenge. As these ideologies shape the very fabric of society, scholars and academics grapple with the need for a comprehensive understanding of their historical roots, philosophical foundations, and consequential impact on issues such as immigration, globalization, and nationalism. The rise of the Trump-Bannon duo further intensifies the complexity, giving rise to controversies, challenges, and myriad unanswered questions about their lasting influence on American democracy. The Convergence of Traditionalism and Populism in American Politics: From Bannon to Trump address the gaps in understanding the relationship between traditionalism, populism, and the Trump-Bannon era. Offering a nuanced exploration, the author defines these ideologies and traces their roots, delves into their historical evolution, and examines their impact on American politics. The reader is guided through the ideological underpinnings of Trump and Bannon, gaining a profound insight into their political strategy and the challenges that defined their era.

In the world of data management, one of the most formidable challenges faced by academic scholars is the effective handling of spatiotemporal data within the semantic web. As our world continues to change dynamically with time, nearly every aspect of our lives, from environmental monitoring to urban planning and beyond, is intrinsically linked to time and space. This synergy has given rise to an avalanche of spatiotemporal data, and the pressing question is how to manage, model, and query this voluminous information effectively. The existing approaches often fall short in addressing the intricacies and uncertainties that come with spatiotemporal data, leaving scholars struggling to unlock its full potential. Uncertain Spatiotemporal Data Management for the Semantic Web is the definitive solution to the challenges faced by academic scholars in the realm of spatiotemporal data. This book offers a visionary approach to an all-encompassing guide in modeling and querying spatiotemporal data using innovative technologies like XML and RDF. Through a meticulously crafted set of chapters, this book sheds light on the nuances of spatiotemporal data and also provides practical solutions that empower scholars to navigate the complexities of this domain effectively.

There are essential questions surrounding Africa's digitalization journey, including whether or not the continent can truly serve as the last frontier for socio-economic transformation through digital innovation. An examination of countries such as Ghana, Kenya, Senegal, and Rwanda, which are actively pursuing digitalization, may provide some answers. To evaluate the potential implications, both real and potential, that arise from this focused pursuit, a critical analysis is necessary. Scrutiny of digital infrastructure by companies like Huawei, the emergence of artificial intelligence, and the advent of quantum computing will open new pathways to understanding and establishing promising approaches to the advancement of this region. Examining the Rapid Advance of Digital Technology in Africa offers a comprehensive exploration of the transformative power of digitalization in Africa and its implications for the continent's socio-economic development. It engages with the field of science and technology studies, linking it with socio-economic impacts and transformation, to track, analyze, understand, and critique Africa's contributions to digitalization. The chapters cover a wide range of themes, including ICTs and the business environment, education, healthcare, creative industries, media, culture, tourism, agriculture, ecology, artificial intelligence, blockchain and cryptocurrency revolution, algorithmic governance, the quantum age, and urbanization. This book is a must-read for researchers, scholars, investors, and policymakers who are interested in Africa's digital transformation, as it offers valuable insights into the latest empirical and theoretical aspects shaping the continent's ongoing digitalization.

The COVID-19 pandemic clearly shows the vital role of accurate and reliable information in public health. Health literacy addresses not only patient needs but also the needs of the general population, who must not only comply with advice and instructions but also understand the severity of health crises and respond accordingly. A variety of crises imposed on healthcare systems constantly arise ranging from pandemics to natural catastrophes, terrorist attacks, and outbreaks of illnesses. In addition, there are crises within the healthcare systems, such as a lack of resources and an appropriate workforce. Crises in healthcare systems that are not efficiently dealt with may result in inefficiencies and inequalities in health provision. The Role of Health Literacy in Major Healthcare Crises examines the role of health literacy not only in informing the public but also in building a culture of cooperation between the healthcare systems and their users. The book also investigates the role of communication strategies and educational activities of multiple agencies at local, national, and global levels and explores ethical issues associated with healthcare crises and how they are negotiated in health campaigns. Covering key topics such as digital media, health information, and e-health, this premier reference source is ideal for healthcare professionals, nurses, policymakers, researchers, scholars, academicians, practitioners, instructors, and students.

Adjunct Faculty in Online Higher Education: Best Practices for Teaching Adult Learners is an essential handbook that delves into the pivotal role of adjunct faculty instructors in the booming realm of online higher education, with a specific focus on adult learners. As the demand for online education continues to soar, administrators, program directors, and adjunct faculty instructors alike are presented with unique challenges and opportunities. This comprehensive guidebook provides a wealth of knowledge and best practices for adjunct faculty instructors seeking to excel in online teaching roles. With a keen understanding of the competitive nature of the field, this book equips instructors with valuable insights that will set them apart in the ever-expanding landscape of higher education. University administrators and program directors will also find immense value in the book's content, which explores strategies for providing professional development to adjunct faculty and designing effective evaluations to support continuous improvement. Recognizing the paramount importance of the student experience, the book emphasizes the crucial role played by adjunct faculty in representing their respective institutions. Covering a wide range of topics, from the historical context of adult learners to the challenges associated with being an adjunct instructor, this handbook serves as a comprehensive guide for both aspiring and experienced adjunct faculty members. It offers practical advice on curriculum design, personnel development, and evaluation methods, empowering administrators and directors alike to make informed decisions in hiring and supporting adjunct faculty instructors.

In a world driven by technology and data, classical computing faces limitations in tackling complex challenges like climate modeling and financial risk assessment. These barriers impede our aspirations to revolutionize industries and solve intricate real-world problems. To bridge this gap, we must embrace quantum computing. Edited by Alex Khang PH, Principles and Applications of Quantum Computing is a transformative solution to this challenge. It delves into the interdisciplinary realms of computer science, physics, and mathematics, unveiling the incredible potential of quantum computing, which outperforms supercomputers by 158 million times. This technology, rooted in quantum mechanics, offers solutions to global problems and opens new frontiers in AI, cybersecurity, finance, drug development, and more. By engaging with this book, you become a pioneer in the quantum revolution, contributing to reshaping the limits of what's achievable in our digital age.