Combining normative analysis and theory-driven empirical research in a comparative framework, this volume clarifies and explains the connections between regional international governance, legitimacy and democracy. It focuses on the quality of democracy and the legitimacy of policy making in multilevel regional systems. The volume offers a much-needed clarification of confusing concepts such as legitimacy, democracy and 'civil society' in non-national political systems. It critically assess...

This book provides a comprehensive overview of the state-of-the-art in the development of semiconductor nanostructures and nanophotonic devices. It covers epitaxial growth processes for GaAs- and GaN-based quantum dots and quantum wells, describes the fundamental optical, electronic, and vibronic properties of nanomaterials, and addresses the design and realization of various nanophotonic devices. These include energy-efficient and high-speed vertical cavity surface emitting lasers (VCSELs...

This Open Access book addresses climate change in Europe and Latin America from a comparative regionalism studies (CRS) perspective. Written by an international team of scholars and experts, chapters critically analyze proposals for mitigating climate change while contributing to the mutual understanding about the issues at stake across regions. The book is divided into three main sections. In the first section, authors discuss EU and Latin American cooperation, negotiations, and perspecti...

This is a must-have compact travel guide to the Canal du Midi, a picturesque waterway in Southern France, popular for boating trips and holidays.The Canal du Midi is recognised as one of the most beautiful and popular waterways in Europe. It is an UNESCO world heritage site and attracts many visitors every year. It's widely regarded as the perfect boating region for wine tasting, sightseeing at medieval villages and cities, and visiting cafes and restaurants.This up-to-date...

Over the last few years, most books on photography have been focused on the new breed of cameras and how to master the digital imaging workflow. In The Art of Black and White Photography, author and photographer Torsten Andreas Hoffmann takes a different approach, focusing on image composition and image capture, with an emphasis on the creative aspects of black and white photography rather than on the digital workflow.After introducing the ground rules of ...

For many people, photography serves as a form of meditation; a way to separate themselves from their stressful lives. In this book, Torsten Andreas Hoffmann explores an approach to artistic photography based on Japanese Zen-Philosophy.Meditation and photography have much in common: both are based in the present moment, both require complete focus, and both are most successful when the mind is free from distracting thoughts. Hoffman shows how meditation can lead to ...

A heart-warming retelling of a mostly true story.Barossa Nanna meets the gorgeous ducks at Croftwood Grove. The ducks entertain everyone as they forage among the plants and dabble at the dam. They lay eggs which are made into delicious cakes.One day, a scary text message arrives.A digital version of the original collage composition created from the artist's own collection using colour photographs, old birthday cards and repurposed card.This charming collage ...

Named a “Best Book of the Year” by New York Post“Farida Khalaf’s story is harrowing but crucial—especially when it comes to understanding what ISIS actually is and does.” —Glamour“As gripping as it is appalling…a compelling testament to the suffering of ordinary people caught up in violence far beyond their control—and to the particularly terrible price it exacts from women.” —The Guardian...

This book provides a comparative analysis of the legal frameworks of six Latin American central banks to determine whether there is legal certainty regarding central bank autonomy. Based on this, it ascertains whether the way in which legal institutions are designed – specifically those that rule the autonomy of the central bank – provides reasons to believe that central banks can keep inflation at bay even if governments face fiscal problems or pursue contradictory objectives.The ...

Her crime: she is Uyghur. Mihrigul Tursun's story is a powerful testimony of bravery in the face of unimaginable crimes. Her three children were forcibly taken from her before she was taken to a so-called re-education camp. Months later, she could only take two of her children back into her care alive. During her detention, Mihrigul Tursun was physically and mentally tortured and forcibly sterilized. She witnessed inmates being raped and killed. She was about to face her own execution when...

This handbook provides a comprehensive overview of the processes of regional integration and cooperation in South America. It discusses the tradition of regional cooperation and various regional initiatives in South America from the 1960s onwards, despite cycles of progress and setbacks. It analyses country perspectives on regionalism by looking at some of the more active cooperation partners like Brazil, Argentina, Venezuela, Colombia, and also Mexico vis-à-vis South American regionalism....

This book comprehensively describes the physiological changes and consequences that occur in humans during spaceflight. It specifically presents the adaptations of the cardiovascular and the respiratory system. Specific changes occurring after 10, 20 or more days in space are depicted. Furthermore, the book explains various effective countermeasures that are required upon return of the astronauts to Earth.The book is a must-have for all biomedical and clinical researchers in the fi...