Your Search Results
-
Promoted Content
Humanities & Social SciencesNovember 2023Critical theory and human rights
From compassion to coercion
by David McGrogan
This book describes how human rights have given rise to a vision of benevolent governance that, if fully realised, would be antithetical to individual freedom. It describes human rights' evolution into a grand but nebulous project, rooted in compassion, with the overarching aim of improving universal welfare by defining the conditions of human well-being and imposing obligations on the state and other actors to realise them. This gives rise to a form of managerialism, preoccupied with measuring and improving the 'human rights performance' of the state, businesses and so on. The ultimate result is the 'governmentalisation' of a pastoral form of global human rights governance, in which power is exercised for the general good, moulded by a complex regulatory sphere which shapes the field of action for the individual at every turn. This, unsurprisingly, does not appeal to rights-holders themselves.
-
Promoted Content
October 2023Watching the Brain Think
Facets of neuroscience: short thought provoking texts for the curious
by Monika Niehaus/Martin Osterloh
— An exciting and entertaining explanation of neuroscience — In the diverting and humorous style for which the author is known – learning has never been this much fun What processes in the brain are responsible for intelligence, free will, empathy or reason? Can memories be falsified? And what does actually happen in the brain when we reach puberty? Monika Niehaus and Martin Osterloh answer these and many other neuroscientific questions in their book – a fundamental work on brain research, and easy to understand, exciting and entertaining.
-
Trusted Partner
Forestry & related industriesDecember 2003Forests at the Land–Atmosphere Interface
by Edited by Maurizio Mencuccini, John Grace, J Moncrieff, K McNaughton
Forest ecosystems exist at the interface between the land and the atmosphere. Understanding the properties of this planetary boundary layer is very important for a number of related disciplines. This book presents an overview of topics that are of significance at this interface, starting at the scale of intra-leaf organelles, ranging to higher levels of organisation such as communities and ecosystems. It covers topics such as stomatal functioning, large scale processes, radiation modelling, forest meteorology and carbon sequestration. Based on proceedings of a conference to mark the retirement of Professor Paul Jarvis from the University of Edinburgh, the book contains contributions from leading international scientists. It will be of significant interest to researchers in forestry, ecology, environmental sciences and natural resources.
-
Trusted Partner
2018The Woman Who Thought Her Husband Was a Doppelganger
When the brain goes haywire: 36 rare and unusual psychiatric syndromes
by Monika Niehaus
The human brain is a wondrous thing, highly complex and highly functional. However, the control centre of our feelings, thoughts and actions can sometimes go out of sync. Some reasons for this are known, such as genetic factors, hormonal effects or trauma. In other cases, we are still in the dark. In an extreme case scenario, the brain may create bizarre delusions – masterful narrations that the people affected fi nd completely conclusive and reasonable. Monika Niehaus has compiled 36 such disorders ranging from love madness and the gourmand syndrome – where gourmet food becomes the purpose of life – to people who desire nothing more than to have their limbs amputated. She tells gripping tales of famous and not so famous cases. With sensitivity and a considerable dose of humour she takes us into the history of art and literature, and presents scientifi c explanations. This fascinating book shows that our brain is a genius – and madness is quite often NOT inexplicable.
-
Trusted Partner
Is the Brain Rational?
The Findings of a Neuropsychologist
by L. Jäncke
This book takes the reader on a fascinating journey, demonstrating in an understandable and entertaining way how the brain affects our thoughts, actions, and feelings - and that this sometimes only peripherally involves reason. It shows, that the subconscious actually exists and how it affects us, how we arrive at both right and wrong decisions, how our memory works, how fragile it can be, and yet also how robust. Using insightful experiments and the latest research results, including many examples, this book presents the reader what an incredibly impressive thinking organ the brain actually is – even if it is not a purely “rational machine”. Target Group: For people interested in the results of research into the workings of the brain in the areas of decision-making, memory, and consciousness.
-
Trusted Partner
MedicineApril 2018Bovine Tuberculosis
by Mark Chambers, Stephen Gordon, Francisco Olea-Popelka, Paul Barrow
This book is contemporary, topical and global in its approach, and provides an essential, comprehensive treatise on bovine tuberculosis and the bacterium that causes it, Mycobacterium bovis. Bovine tuberculosis remains a major cause of economic loss in cattle industries worldwide, exacerbated in some countries by the presence of a substantial wildlife reservoir. It is a major zoonosis, causing human infection through consumption of unpasteurised milk or by close contact with infected animals. Following a systematic approach, expert international authors cover epidemiology and the global situation; microbial virulence and pathogenesis; host responses to the pathogen; and diagnosis and control of the disease. Aimed at researchers and practising veterinarians, this book is essential for those needing comprehensive information on the pathogen and disease, and offers a summary of key information learned from human tuberculosis research. It will be useful to those studying the infection and for those responsible for controlling the disease.
-
Trusted Partner
November 2023Tourism, heritage and commodification of non-human animals
a post-humanist reflection
by Álvaro López-López, Gino Jafet Quintero Venegas, Carol Kline, Tomas Arias, Jean Azcatl Pineda, Alicia Mariana Penélope Castro Pérez, Bobbie Chew Bigby, Émilie Crossley, Johan Edelheim, Georgina Flores, Carolin Funck, Leonardo Garavito-González, Yulei Guo, Jes Hooper, Brenda Martínez Velasco, Alejandro Morales, Gustavo Ortiz-Millán, Mateo Nicolás Rico Medina, Jorge Iván Ruiz Barrera, Javed Salim, Estephania Sepúlveda Perdomo, Rie Usui, David A. Varela-Trejo, Nusrat Yasmeen
Heritage is a social construction rooted in modern and contemporary societies. It is commonly a positive assessment of many elements of the physical and human environment (e.g. ecosystems and landscapes, monuments, customs, gender norms, religious practices, gastronomy, and livelihoods). Heritage and tourism are strongly related to each other in that heritage gives rise to tourist attractions and activities, and tourism enhances the designation of heritage sites. Non-human animals (hereafter 'animals') are present as implicit or explicit heritage elements through multiple tourist environments: animals may be themselves the heritage focus of tourist interest (visual arts, gastronomy, as charismatic and distinguished beings, as part of festivities or rituals), or it may be that animals are agents involved in heritage tourist environments such as working animals or in recreational activities. A post-humanist perspective the moral valuation of equality between humans and other animals demands that both are sentient beings and self-aware of their pain and pleasure. Thus, the involvement of animals as heritage elements by themselves or as an element of tourist consumption in heritage sites implies their commodification and lack of agency. As such, these practices are usually unethical, since they threaten the animals' primary interests: not to suffer, not to feel pain and to be able to live their freedom. This book contains chapters that reveal both the unethical interactions between humans and animals within heritage tourism, and those that show experiences in which efforts are made to minimize damage within the commercialization of animals involved as heritage themselves. It will be of interest to postgraduate students, academics, NGOs and tourism planners.
-
Trusted Partner
2019The Nobel Laureate Who Met a Polite Raccoon in the Woods
When the brain goes mad: 30 rare and unusual mental syndromes
by Monika Niehaus
The human brain is a highly complex and highly functional structure consisting of almost 90 billion nerve cells. But it can go out of sync, due to genetic factors, hormonal effects, trauma or other causes. In extreme cases, our control centre then creates bizarre delusions – brilliant narratives that are completely convincing to the person concerned. In her second book on such phenomena, Monika Niehaus has compiled 30 rare psychological disorders – from a conviction to have been abducted by aliens, to being sexually attracted to criminals, to the hyperthymestical syndrome where people can remember every detail of their past life. Narrated in an interesting, humorous and sensitive way, the author relates a variety of cases, some of them famous, others less so, while introducing us to the history of art and literature and presenting scientific explanations. This fascinating book shows the genius that resides in our brain – and how madness can often be explained.
-
Trusted Partner
Humanities & Social SciencesApril 2021Critical theory and human rights
by David McGrogan, Darrow Schecter
-
Trusted Partner
December 2020Festivals of Chinese Ethnic Groups·Xibo: The Face-blackening Festival
by Yan Xiangjun, Gui Runnian
Every year on January 16th of the lunar calendar, the Xibo people celebrate a unique festival -- the “Face-blackening Festival”. This peculiar festival that features with smearing each other's faces has a magical origin. This book uses the unique legends of the Xibo people to describe the origin of the “Face-blackening Festival”. Behind that legend is the Xibo people’s yearning for a bumper harvest, their resistance to natural disasters, and their praise of the virtues of diligence and thrift. They use a vivid and interesting story to express their best wishes and safeguard notes to future generations while planting the seeds of kindness and frugality in the details of life.
-
Trusted Partner
March 2019Smart Boy 1: The Human Brain Online
by Mu Ling
After being admitted to the police school, the middle school student Mada, during the internship, participated in the series of reconnaissance missions. In the process of crime investigation, he did not believe in the authority of artificial intelligence detectives, but was obsessed with traditional investigative methods. By chance, the motor got acquainted with a giant rat, Jiji, who escaped from a lab. Jiji's wisdom was artificially stimulated with distortion in the lab. With the help of the young partner Jiji, the detective of the young boy gradually surfaced. However, in the reconnaissance of another case, the new situation emerged has repeatedly overturned their reasoning. Who is manipulating this? Where is the real murderer? Robots, artificial intelligence, man-machine wars ... Is it a human-made robot or a "semi-robot" that wants to control humans?
-
Trusted Partner
2022aporello: Human Parasites
by Christine Bender-Leitzig, Dr. Reiner Pospischil
Infestation with parasites usually causes revulsion in those affected and many infections are kept secret through shame. In recent times there has also been a rise in non-native parasites, which often remain undetected. This book gives an overview of the most significant human parasites as well as their - prevalence - symptoms - treatment possibilities. The text is accompanied by illustrations that help when giving everyday advice. Practical icons show at a glance when, for example, the authorities must be notified and what special things need to be considered. Highly concentrated knowledge in an instant? That’s aporello!
-
Trusted Partner
Children's & YAThe Story of A Basket of Cats
by Gui Wenya
This is an essay collection about cats. In the author’s eyes, cats are humorous, sensitive and mysterious by nature and every cat has its unique characteristics. A group of cats walk into the author’s life somehow and become the communication object of the author. Therefore, cats and human have their own pass phrase and interesting destiny. What the author wants to tell us through his observation and narration is that it is cats’ friendship, innocent kindness and selfless love that switch into the beautiful words in the book.
-
Trusted Partner
December 2023Animal Assisted Interventions
Recognizing and mitigating potential welfare challenges
by Lori Kogan
This is a practical book exploring how to conduct animal assisted intervention (AAI) in ways that protect and prioritize animal and human welfare. This resource is for social scientists (e.g., psychology, social work, human development and family studies, etc.), as well as ethologists and animal behaviour and welfare students and practitioners. The book is a series of short chapters that depict a wide array of AAIs and their potential welfare concerns. The chapters include descriptions of the AAI offered, the welfare challenges, and ways to successfully mitigate these challenges. This book also covers critical topics including therapy animals' aging, retirement, and death as well as ethical issues including animal consent. Species include not only dogs, but horses, rabbits, and other small animals (e.g., guinea pigs, mice, etc.). Types of AAI involve individual interventions as well as crisis dogs (those who help after natural and man-made disasters), and residential animals. The book is designed to be a practical, engaging book with links to video and examples of real-life situations. It is evidence-based, yet user-friendly and directly applicable to students and practitioners. This highly practical and engaging book with examples of real life situations, videos and case studies, explores how to conduct animal assisted interventions in ways that protect and prioritize animal and human welfare. The book: · Explores how to conduct animal assisted intervention (AAI) in ways that protect and prioritize animal and human welfare. · Discusses potential welfare challenges including how to advocate for the animal, animal consent, and the animal's aging, retirement, or death. · Evidence based approach to mitigating welfare concerns for a wide range of therapy animals including dogs, horses, rabbits, rodents, and exotic animals - and their recipients. An invaluable resource for ethologists and animal behaviour and welfare students and practitioners, as well as social scientists (e.g., psychology, social work, human development and family studies).
-
Trusted Partner
The White Witch's Garden
by Dai Yun, Gui Tuzi
The story of The White Witch's Garden is about a white witch living in the sky wants to create into a garden, and she experimented three thousand years but has not been succeeded. Cannot see the sunlight and no air circulation, no warmth and love, only infinite expectations and a variety of radical experiments, so of course there not open a beautiful flower. The good is that the white witch finally figured it out. She opened the window, let the sun shine in, let the air flow, swept away the tension and anxiety, arrogance and greed in her heart, and the spring would come for the flowers. This picture book is full of children's philosophies and gives children good inspiration for their thoughts. The pictures are beautiful and enhance their aesthetic skills. It is lovely to be persistent, but sometimes it is possible to take a step back, let go of tension and anxiety, and open yourself up to more possibilities.
-
Trusted Partner
Business, Economics & LawMay 2005The UN, human rights and post-conflict situations
by Nigel White, Dirk Klaasen
The United Nations is one of the largest providers of assistance in post-conflict situations in the world. This book considers the human rights standards applicable to the United Nations and applied by the United Nations in post-conflict situations, including East Timor, Kosovo and Afghanistan. It looks at legal principles, peace agreements, support of democracy, human rights protection, development and other forms of reconstruction with which the UN has become involved, including the grandly-named task of "state-building". It deals both with the obligation upon the UN to respect human rights in post-conflict situations, and the obligation upon the UN to ensure that human rights are respected by those in positions of power in post-conflict situations. Written by an internationally renowned list of contributors, this book will be of vital use to anyone studying conflict analysis, international relations, international law and the role of the United Nations on the world stage. ;
-
Trusted Partner
May 2024Human-Animal Interactions in Zoos
Integrating Science and Practice
by Eduardo J Fernandez, Sally L Sherwen, Samantha J. Chiew, Courtney Collins, Jon Coe, Neil D’Cruze, Angela J Dean, Polly Doodson, Lucy Dumbell, Ashley N. Edes, Kelly S Fielding, Georgina Groves, Lauren M. Hemsworth, Paul H. Hemsworth, Geoff Hosey, Julia Hoy, Violet Hunton, Mark J. Learmonth, Terry L. Maple, Emily M McLeod, Vicky Melfi, Georgia Oaten, Chris Pawson, Bonnie M. Perdue, David M. Powell, Samantha Ward, Amanda D. Webber, Sarah Webber, Ellen Williams
Human-Animal Interactions (HAI) are a primary welfare interest to both animal scientists and practitioners. In zoos and aquariums, the study of Animal-Visitor Interactions (AVI), including both the impact of visitors on animals (the visitor effect) and the impact of animals on visitors (the visitor experience), have become a focus for understanding HAIs in zoos. The study of HAIs in zoos has grown to consider a number of factors, including animal-staff interactions and bonds, modern exhibit design and technology, direct and indirect interactions, as well as positive and negative impacts on both animals and visitor alike. This thought-provoking book summarizes the latest research concerning the impacts of HAIs in zoos, including considerations for conducting research and managing HAIs. The book: Explores the interactions of animals with keepers, veterinary professionals, and other staff, and the effects of those interactions on the welfare of animals. Considers the impact of visitors on the well-being of animals. Covers the effects of interactions on education and the visitor experience. Outlines the use of technology to enhance experience, and improve animal welfare. Details theoretical, ethical, and practical considerations relevant to HAIs in zoos. An invaluable resource for animal behaviour and welfare scientists, students and practitioners, as well as anyone working with zoo animals.
-
Trusted Partner
Business, Economics & LawDecember 2018World Heritage Sites
Tourism, Local Communities and Conservation Activities
by Takamitsu Jimura
Heritage is a growing area of both tourism and study, with World Heritage Site designations increasing year-on-year. This book reviews the important interrelations between the industry, local communities and conservation work, bringing together the various opportunities and challenges for different destinations. World Heritage status is a strong marketing brand, and proper heritage management and effective conservation are vital, but this tourism must also be developed and managed appropriately if it is to benefit a site. As many sites are located in residential areas, their interaction with the local community must also be carefully considered. This book: - Reviews new areas of development such as Historic Urban Landscapes, Intangible Cultural Heritage, Memory of the World and Global Geoparks. - Includes global case studies to relate theory to practice. - Covers a worldwide industry of over 1,000 cultural and natural heritage sites. An important read for academics, researchers and students of heritage studies, cultural studies and tourism, this book is also a useful resource for professionals working in conservation, cultural and natural heritage management.
-
Trusted Partner
Humanities & Social SciencesMarch 2010Negotiating sovereignty and human rights
International society and the International Criminal Court
by Sibylle Scheipers
Negotiating sovereignty and human rights takes the transatlantic conflict over the International Criminal Court as a lens for an enquiry into the normative foundations of international society. The author shows how the way in which actors refer to core norms of the international society such as sovereignty and human rights affect the process and outcome of international negotiations. The book offers an innovative take on the long-standing debate over sovereignty and human rights in international relations. It goes beyond the simple and sometimes ideological duality of sovereignty versus human rights by showing that sovereignty and human rights are not competing principles in international relations, as is often argued, but complement each other. The way in which the two norms and their relationship are understood lies at the core of actors' broader visions of world order. The author shows how competing interpretations of sovereignty and human rights and the different visions of world order that they imply fed into the transatlantic debate over the ICC and transformed this debate into a conflict over the normative foundations of international society. ;
-
Trusted Partner
Genocide & ethnic cleansingMay 2017Destruction and human remains
Disposal and concealment in genocide and mass violence
by Series edited by Jean-Marc Dreyfus, Élisabeth Anstett. Edited by Élisabeth Anstett, Jean-Marc Dreyfus
Destruction and human remains investigates a crucial question frequently neglected in academic debate in the fields of mass violence and genocide studies: what is done to the bodies of the victims after they are killed? In the context of mass violence, death does not constitute the end of the executors' work. Their victims' remains are often treated and manipulated in very specific ways, amounting in some cases to true social engineering, often with remarkable ingenuity. To address these seldom-documented phenomena, this volume includes chapters based on extensive primary and archival research to explore why, how and by whom these acts have been committed through recent history. Interdisciplinary in scope, Destruction and human remains will appeal to readers interested in the history and implications of genocide and mass violence, including researchers in anthropology, sociology, history, politics and modern warfare.
