Despite remarkable advances in the understanding and management of impaired left ventricular function (LVF) and related coronary disease, the prevalence of heart failure in the U.S. and the resulting death rates have almost tripled in the past 3 decades. New understanding of the relationships between the myocardium and LVF demonstrate a direct correlation between myocardial viability and improved patient survival. Because of this, myocardial viability is now a major investigative area in contemporary cardiology, one that holds significant clinical and prognostic relevance. Authored by physicians of international renown, the book brings together various disciplines affecting myocardial viability, with five main sections providing an introduction and comprehensive review of: basic concepts and mechanisms; vascular biology and cellular physiology; advances in functional imaging; and perfusion, metabolism and cell membrane integrity. New concepts, such as stunning and hibernation, are clarified, and subsequent novel diagnostic and therapeutic strategies are described. New and sophisticated examination techniques are also presented, as well as advances in instrumentation and imaging techniques, which may result in improved use of resources and enhanced efficiency of health care delivery. This monograph will serve as a reference source for those interested in the field of myocardial viability, and hopefully improve understanding between investigators from various disciplines. Clinical cardiologists, physicians, and nurses in the field, as well as radiologists, vascular surgeons, reperfusionists, cellular biologists and physiologists, and students will all find material of interest in this book.

This report is part of a multi-volume technical report series entitled, Running a Food Hub, with this guide serving as a companion piece to other United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) reports by providing in-depth guidance on starting and running a food hub enterprise. In order to compile the most current information on best management and operations practices, the authors used published information on food hubs, surveyed numerous operating food hubs, and pulled from their existing experience and knowledge of working directly with food hubs across the country as an agricultural business consulting firm. The report’s main focus is on the operational issues faced by food hubs, including choosing an organizational structure, choosing a location, deciding on infrastructure and equipment, logistics and transportation, human resources, and risks. As such, the guide explores the different decision points associated with the organizational steps for starting and implementing a food hub. For some sections, sidebars provide “decision points,” which food hub managers will need to address to make key operational decisions. This illustrated guide may assist the operational staff at small businesses or third-party organizations that may provide aggregation, marketing, and distribution services from local and regional producers to assist with wholesale, retail, and institution demand at government institutions, colleges/universities, restaurants, grocery store chains, etc. Undergraduate students pursuing coursework for a bachelor of science degree in food science, or agricultural economics may be interested in this guide. Additionally, this reference work will be helpful to small businesses within the food trade discipline.

Americans are expressing deep concern about US dependence on petroleum, rising energy prices and the threat of climate change. Unlike the energy crisis of the 1970s, however, there is a lurking fear that, now, the times are different and the crisis may not easily be resolved. The Long Descent examines the basis of such fear through three core themes: Industrial society is following the same well-worn path that has led other civilizations into decline, a path involving a much slower and more complex transformation than the sudden catastrophes imagined by so many social critics today. The roots of the crisis lie in the cultural stories that shape the way we understand the world. Since problems cannot be solved with the same thinking that created thyem, these ways of thinking need to be replaced with others better suited to the needs of our time. It is too late for massive programs for top-down change; the change must come from individuals. Hope exists in actions that range from taking up a handicraft or adopting an "obsolete" technology, through planting an organic vegetable garden, taking charge of your own health care or spirituality, and building community. Focusing eloquently on constructive adaptation to massive change, this book will have wide appeal.

Crises of Empire offers a comprehensive and uniquely comparative analysis of the history of decolonization in the British, French and Dutch empires. By comparing the processes of decolonization across three of the major modern empires, from the aftermath of the First World War to the late 20th century, the authors are able to analyse decolonization as a long-term process. They explore significant changes to the international system, shifting popular attitudes to colonialism and the economics of empire. This new edition incorporates the latest developments in the historiography, as well as: - Increased coverage of the Belgian and Portuguese empires - New introductions to each of the three main parts, offering some background and context to British, French and Dutch decolonization - More coverage of cultural aspects of decolonization, exploring empire 'from below' This new edition of Crises of Empire is essential reading for all students of imperial history and decolonization. In particular, it will be welcomed by those who are interested in taking a comparative approach, putting the history of decolonization into a pan-European framework.

Developed by industry guru and mega best-selling author Eli Goldratt, Viable Vision is a proven strategic plan and approach that lays out the steps to transform an organization's current total sales into net profits within 4 years. This book explains the Viable Vision concept and provides readers the proven frame of reference and roadmap for achieving exponential growth in profits, without relying on minor miracles such as some new major product breakthrough. Concisely packed with the proven principles of 25 years of scientific research and real life application, readers will learn about the holistic implementation of constraints management in strategic planning, operations, supply chain/logistics, sales and marketing, project management, technology, metrics and finance.

Much has been written about the Arab–Israeli conflict, the prospects for peace or war and the eventual establishment of a Palestinian state, side by side with the state of Israel. The emphasis, however, has been on the political processes of such eventualities. The objectives of this book complement these previous efforts, the central concern being with the economic aspects of these various solutions. In particular, it is concerned with the economic feasibility of a state of Palestine. What minimum conditions must be met for it to survive and prosper? What size population can it support, what boundaries should it have and what period of time must elapse before the full potential and viability of such a state can be realized? The book is set in the context of the general theory of the economic feasibility of small nation states and the economic analysis is illustrated by comparison and contrast between countries from various regions and periods. The authors look in turn at appropriate boundaries for a Palestinian state, the people and land that will constitute it, the potential of the economy in terms of income, employment and investment, and also the Palestinian state within the regional context and the implications of making the Palestinian economy a part of the larger region of the Middle East. A final chapter summarizes the findings and notes the areas which require deeper study to appreciate the economic viability of the Palestinian state.