Transformation and Efficiency Enhancement of Public Utilities Systems: Multidimensional Aspects and Perspectives


Book Description

Much remains to be known about public utilities system organization, efficiency, management, legislation, practices, and solutions worldwide, as well as the implications for sustainable development in different countries. Thus, a better understanding of the different management practices in public utilities across different contexts is needed to assess their impact on efficiency and sustainability, especially in the changed climate conditions. Transformation and Efficiency Enhancement of Public Utilities Systems: Multidimensional Aspects and Perspectives considers the necessity to transform public utilities systems towards sustainability and efficiency. This publication investigates the performance management process of public utility systems and evaluates the efficiency of public utilities to propose potential improvements. The book encourages amenable authorities to create more efficient and effective management systems and improve their performance. Additionally, it provides the government with a systemic approach to public utilities system transformation and development. Covering key topics such as public hygiene, sustainability, and environmental protection, this premier reference source is ideal for government officials, policymakers, industry professionals, researchers, academicians, scholars, practitioners, instructors, and students.




Ecological and Evolutionary Perspectives on Infections and Morbidity


Book Description

The management of infectious diseases demands a deeper understanding of the ecological and socio-economic drivers and needs a holistic and systematic system-thinking approach. Issues such as the ecological and social features of the source of the disease-causing organisms, the landscape, and how such organisms invade larger distribution ranges need to be sufficiently understood. The remedial measures must be handled from the perspectives of ecology, evolution, epidemiology, socioeconomics, forestry practices, and agriculture from the viewpoint of systems thinking and complex interactions. It is a paradigm shift from the current reductionist disease management. Ecological and Evolutionary Perspectives on Infections and Morbidity addresses human diseases from a holistic perspective by looking at morbidity from an ecological viewpoint and highlights the need for a wider perspective in healthcare that focuses on more than managing diseases and relieving the individual patients from suffering. Covering a range of topics such as antiviral research and human health, this reference work is ideal for healthcare professionals, academicians, policymakers, practitioners, scholars, researchers, instructors, and students.




Examining Corruption and the Sustainable Development Goals


Book Description

In global development, corruption entangles many societies, most observably in the vulnerable fabric of developing nations. Examining Corruption and the Sustainable Development Goals unravels the layers of this persistent challenge, meticulously examining its pervasive influence on pursuing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This book ventures into the heart of corruption's impacts, spanning economic, social, political, and environmental dimensions. Corruption, manifesting in insidious forms such as bribery, embezzlement, and nepotism, casts a daunting shadow over the integrity of public institutions, eroding public trust crucial for sustainable development initiatives. This book explores case studies, robust theoretical frameworks, and insightful policy perspectives. It is tailored for an audience within the academic research community, scholars, researchers, policymakers, and development practitioners thirsty for an understanding of the complex interplay between corruption and sustainable development in the developing world.




Harmonizing Global Efforts in Meeting Sustainable Development Goals


Book Description

Navigating the complexities of sustainable development can be daunting amidst the urgent need for global action on climate change and social development. Policies, actions, and philosophies must harmonize to meet the ambitious targets the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set. However, the fragmented nature of research and the lack of comprehensive resources hinder progress towards these objectives. Harmonizing Global Efforts in Meeting Sustainable Development Goals offers a timely solution. By dissecting the intricacies of the global movement towards sustainable development, this edited volume serves as an authoritative resource for academics, researchers, and practitioners alike. It critically examines methodologies, strategies, and challenges, shedding light on progress made and proposing innovative solutions to bridge divides.




Challenges, Strategies, and Resiliency in Disaster and Risk Management


Book Description

The urgency of effective disaster and risk management has reached unprecedented heights. The looming threat of resource constraints, coupled with the intricate challenges of coordinating responses in the wake of crises, underscores the critical need for comprehensive solutions. The book, Challenges, Strategies, and Resiliency in Disaster and Risk Management, ventures into the heart of this urgent matter. This groundbreaking work examines the multifaceted issues that confront disaster and risk management professionals, from the complex intricacies of climate change to the demanding task of coordinating responses amid resource limitations. With a meticulous analysis of major hurdles, such as resource constraints, population growth, and technological vulnerabilities, Challenges, Strategies, and Resiliency in Disaster and Risk Management equips its readers with practical solutions. Covering key phases of disaster management, including mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery, it acts as a comprehensive resource for informed decision-making. Designed for a diverse audience, this book caters to emergency managers, first responders, and disaster response organizations seeking to elevate their understanding of the challenges in disaster management. Scholars, researchers, and students specializing in disaster management, risk assessment, and related fields will find invaluable insights and case studies within these pages. Additionally, government agencies responsible for shaping disaster and emergency management policies, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) focused on disaster relief, and professionals engaged in risk assessment and management will benefit from the practical knowledge shared in this comprehensive guide.




The Role of Health Literacy in Major Healthcare Crises


Book Description

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.




Analyzing Global Responses to Contemporary Regional Conflicts


Book Description

In a world characterized by persistent local and regional conflicts, policymakers and professionals in current affairs and security studies are increasingly challenged. From the ongoing war in Yemen to the complex civil war in Syria and the recent third Nagorno Karabakh Conflict, the global landscape is shaped by violent disruptions that demand a nuanced understanding. Geopolitical tensions, humanitarian crises, and the intricate interplay of international actors necessitate a comprehensive guide for those seeking to navigate this complex web of challenges. Analyzing Global Responses to Contemporary Regional Conflicts emerges as a beacon of insight and a tangible solution to this urgent problem. This edition is a crucial tool for academic scholars and professionals, providing readers with the knowledge necessary to comprehend the complexities of global conflicts. By drawing on geoeconomics, geopolitics, security studies, and humanitarian perspectives, the book explores the roots of competition and cooperation among states but also critically examines conflict prevention, peacebuilding, and the role of key international entities. It goes beyond mere analysis, offering a roadmap for a more peaceful and stable future.




Dealing With Regional Conflicts of Global Importance


Book Description

Dealing With Regional Conflicts of Global Importance offers a comprehensive examination of the post-Cold War global landscape, focusing on the outbreak and escalation of local and regional conflicts that have far-reaching implications. From the Taliban takeover in Afghanistan to the civil war in Ethiopia's Tigray Region and the Russia-brokered peace agreement in the Caucasus, these conflicts have shaped the international stage and pose significant challenges to global stability. Policymakers and profes sionals in the fields of current affairs and security studies can find essential tools in this book for understanding and addressing the violent conflicts occurring since 1991. Drawing on geoeconomics, geopolitics, security studies, and humanitarian perspectives, Dr. Pio tr Pietrzak, an expert in International Relations Theory, Conflict Resolution Strategies, and International Law, delves into the roots of competition and cooperation among states. He explores influential concepts and debates, including Francis Fukuyama's "The End of History," Samuel Huntington's "Clash of Civilizations," and Joseph Nye's notion of Soft Power, to provide a theoretical and analytical framework for comprehending the complexities of global power dynamics. Covering an array of topics, from the regionalization of conflict and intervention to the role of international institutions, this book examines interactions between The United Nations, World Bank, Regional Organizations Like Cbss, VYSEHRAD Group, and Asean, and Geopolitical Actors Such as the Europan Union, Russia, CH Ina, and the united states. It Also Delves Into Critical Issues Such as Human Rights, Genocide, WARTIME, WARTIME sexual violence, and the concept of humanitarian intervention.




Enhancing the Resilience of the Nation's Electricity System


Book Description

Americans' safety, productivity, comfort, and convenience depend on the reliable supply of electric power. The electric power system is a complex "cyber-physical" system composed of a network of millions of components spread out across the continent. These components are owned, operated, and regulated by thousands of different entities. Power system operators work hard to assure safe and reliable service, but large outages occasionally happen. Given the nature of the system, there is simply no way that outages can be completely avoided, no matter how much time and money is devoted to such an effort. The system's reliability and resilience can be improved but never made perfect. Thus, system owners, operators, and regulators must prioritize their investments based on potential benefits. Enhancing the Resilience of the Nation's Electricity System focuses on identifying, developing, and implementing strategies to increase the power system's resilience in the face of events that can cause large-area, long-duration outages: blackouts that extend over multiple service areas and last several days or longer. Resilience is not just about lessening the likelihood that these outages will occur. It is also about limiting the scope and impact of outages when they do occur, restoring power rapidly afterwards, and learning from these experiences to better deal with events in the future.




Smart Water Utilities


Book Description

Today there is increasing pressure on the water infrastructure and although unsustainable water extraction and wastewater handling can continue for a while, at some point water needs to be managed in a way that is sustainable in the long-term. We need to handle water utilities “smarter”. New and effective tools and technologies are becoming available at an affordable cost and these technologies are steadily changing water infrastructure options. The quality and robustness of sensors are increasing rapidly and their reliability makes the automatic handling of critical processes viable. Online and real-time control means safer and more effective operation. The combination of better sensors and new water treatment technologies is a strong enabler for decentralised and diversified water treatment. Plants can be run with a minimum of personnel attendance. In the future, thousands of sensors in the water utility cycle will handle all the complexity in an effective way. Smart Water Utilities: Complexity Made Simple provides a framework for Smart Water Utilities based on an M-A-D (Measurement-Analysis-Decision). This enables the organisation and implementation of “Smart” in a water utility by providing an overview of supporting technologies and methods. The book presents an introduction to methods and tools, providing a perspective of what can and could be achieved. It provides a toolbox for all water challenges and is essential reading for the Water Utility Manager, Engineer and Director and for Consultants, Designers and Researchers.