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Food Consumer Science
by Dominique Barjolle Jasna Milošević Đorđević Žaklina Stojanović Matthew GortonThis book explores the main methods, models, and approaches of food consumer science applied to six countries of the Western Balkans, illustrating each of these methods with concrete case studies. Research conducted between 2008 and 2011 in the course of the FOCUS-BALKANS project forms an excellent database for exploring recent changes and trends in food consumption.
Customer Behaviour in eCommerce: Case Studies from the Online Grocery Market (SpringerBriefs in Business)
by Šárka Zapletalová Halina StarzycznáOnline shopping is undergoing significant changes around the globe, evolving in the food and non-food segments alike. Representing a vital distribution channel that reaches countless customers, sales from online shopping have long-since exceeded USD 1000 billion per year and are growing steadily. This book is intended for general readers and professionals interested in companies’ strategic orientation in connection with their online format and building and strengthening customer loyalty. In this regard, their business strategies are not considered in their full scope and complexity; instead, the book focuses more narrowly on the relationship between business strategy, buying behavior and customer loyalty.
Routledge Handbook of Chinese and Eurasian International Relations
by Šárka Waisová Greg Simons Richard J. Cook Máté Szalai Mher Sahakyan Selçuk Çolakoğlu Matthieu Grandpierron Armine Arzumanyan Gohar Barseghyan Giorgio Caridi Yulong Dai Tamas Dudlak Eduard Z. Galimullin Davoud Gharayagh-Zandi Orazio Maria Gnerre Zhaoying Han Mehmood Hussain Ruslan Izimov Ahmed Bux Jamali Connor Judge Magdalena Łągiewska Hongsong Liu Tai-Ting Liu, Tony Kevin Lo Zamira Muratalieva Maximilian Ohle Gina Panagopoulou Anahit Parzyan Eric Pomès Elżbieta Proń Asantha Senevirathna Wong Yue Shun, Brian Lev M. Sokolshchik Nenad Stekić Srdjan Uljevic Yip Wai Cheong, Jason Jan ŽeleznýThe Routledge Handbook of Chinese and Eurasian International Relations explores China’s relations with the Eurasian continent’s regions and countries in a multipolar era, providing an equal and balanced platform for scholars and practitioners from East, West, North, and South. This diversity enriches the contribution, giving it a dynamic ability to examine sources in different languages and cover a vast geography.Divided into ten parts, this handbook analyses the major powers in a Multipolar World Order; China’s political and economic interests in post-Soviet Eurasia, Middle East, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and Arctic; and China's relations with the US, Russia, Eurasian Economic Union, NATO and other players. International technology and environmental experts consider the impact of the Belt and Road Initiative, along with other international economic and transport corridors, and examine China’s multilateral relations and Digital Silk Road and e-governance roles. The Routledge Handbook of Chinese and Eurasian International Relations also contains official documents detailing the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and several European and Asian states, making it an authoritative source on diplomatic affairs.This groundbreaking book will be of interest to policymakers, businessmen, scholars, and students of international relations, area studies, cybersecurity and digitalization, economics and the politics of international trade, security studies, foreign policy, global governance, international organizations, and environmental studies.
The Role of Taiwanese Civil Society Organizations in Cross-Strait Relations (Rethinking Asia and International Relations)
by Šárka WaisováDespite the instability of the political relationship between Taiwan and Mainland China, cross-strait activities such as trade, education, marriage and travel have prospered. While the main focus of current academic research has been on security and economic relationships between the two governments, relatively little attention has been paid to social interactions or the role of civil society actors. This book investigates the role of Taiwanese civil society organizations in shaping the relationship between Mainland China and Taiwan. It explores the role of civil society organizations (CSOs) in building confidence and peace and shows that Taiwanese CSOs hold a very complicated position which has in fact added to tensions. Waisová’s research looks closely at the roles civil society organizations play in conflict transformation, reconciliation and peacebuilding, the modalities of playing such roles, and the challenges facing them. It will be of interest to students and scholars researching cross-strait relations and also to conflict resolution think-tanks, policy makers and policy analysts.
The Holocaust in Czechoslovak and Czech Feature Films (Literatur Und Kultur Im Mittleren Und Östlichen Europa Ser. #19)
by Šárka SladovníkováŠárka Sladovníková analyzes the depiction of the Holocaust in Czechoslovak and Czech feature films and the relevant literary pretexts. While she charts the social and cultural framework in which the films were made and how this framework changed, she also focuses on the cinematic language, the composition of and narration in each film (e.g., the depiction of the war and the Shoah as a narratively closed versus a narratively open event), genre aspects of the films (e.g., the use of comedy and humor), and convention and innovation in presenting motifs and characters (the division of gender roles, the character of the “good German”). Particular attention is paid to the portrayal of stereotypes and countertypes in the films, where already well-known images, situations, and backdrops are repeated and which meet viewers’ expectations or, in contrast, which form countertypes and countersituations that go against the grain. Many of the films analyzed are adaptations of literary works. Therefore, this book is also a contribution to the rapidly developing field of adaptation studies.
Fluid-Structure Interaction and Biomedical Applications
by Giovanni P. Galdi Tomáš Bodnár Šárka NečasováThis book presents, in a methodical way, updated and comprehensive descriptions and analyses of some of the most relevant problems in the context of fluid-structure interaction (FSI). Generally speaking, FSI is among the most popular and intriguing problems in applied sciences and includes industrial as well as biological applications. Various fundamental aspects of FSI are addressed from different perspectives, with a focus on biomedical applications. More specifically, the book presents a mathematical analysis of basic questions like the well-posedness of the relevant initial and boundary value problems, as well as the modeling and the numerical simulation of a number of fundamental phenomena related to human biology. These latter research topics include blood flow in arteries and veins, blood coagulation and speech modeling. We believe that the variety of the topics discussed, along with the different approaches used to address and solve the corresponding problems, will help readers to develop a more holistic view of the latest findings on the subject, and of the relevant open questions. For the same reason we expect the book to become a trusted companion for researchers from diverse disciplines, such as mathematics, physics, mathematical biology, bioengineering and medicine.
Fluids Under Control (Advances in Mathematical Fluid Mechanics)
by Giovanni P. Galdi Tomáš Bodnár Šárka NečasováThis volume explores state-of-the-art developments in theoretical and applied fluid mechanics with a focus on stabilization and control. Chapters are based on lectures given at the summer school “Fluids under Control”, held in Prague from August 23-27, 2021. With its accessible and flexible presentation, readers will be motivated to deepen their understanding of how mathematics and physics are connected. Specific topics covered include:Stabilization of the 3D Navier-Stokes systemFlutter stabilization of flow-state systemsTurbulence controlDesign through analysis Fluids Under Control will appeal to graduate students and researchers in both mathematics and physics. Because of the applications presented, it will also be of interest to engineers working on environmental and industrial issues.
Fluids Under Pressure (Advances in Mathematical Fluid Mechanics)
by Giovanni P. Galdi Tomáš Bodnár Šárka NečasováThis contributed volume is based on talks given at the August 2016 summer school “Fluids Under Pressure,” held in Prague as part of the “Prague-Sum” series. Written by experts in their respective fields, chapters explore the complex role that pressure plays in physics, mathematical modeling, and fluid flow analysis. Specific topics covered include:Oceanic and atmospheric dynamicsIncompressible flowsViscous compressible flowsWell-posedness of the Navier-Stokes equationsWeak solutions to the Navier-Stokes equationsFluids Under Pressure will be a valuable resource for graduate students and researchers studying fluid flow dynamics.
Mathematical Theory of Compressible Fluids on Moving Domains (Advances in Mathematical Fluid Mechanics)
by Šárka Nečasová Aneta Wróblewska-Kamińska Ondřej Kreml Václav Mácha Tomasz PiaseckiThis monograph presents the existence and properties of both weak and strong solutions to the problems of the flow of a compressible fluid in a domain whose motion is prescribed. Chapters build upon the research of Lions and Feireisl with regards to weak solutions to the compressible version of the Navier-Stokes system, and extend it to problems on moving domains. The authors also show the existence of strong solutions to the compressible Navier-Stokes system for either a small time interval or small data. The opening chapters introduce the notation, tools, and problems covered in the rest of the book, emphasizing pedagogy and accessibility throughout. Mathematical Theory of Compressible Fluids on Moving Domains will be suitable for graduate students and researchers interested in mathematical fluid mechanics.
Particles in Flows
by Giovanni P. Galdi Tomáš Bodnár Šárka NečasováThis book aims to face particles in flows from many different, but essentially interconnected sides and points of view. Thus the selection of authors and topics represented in the chapters, ranges from deep mathematical analysis of the associated models, through the techniques of their numerical solution, towards real applications and physical implications. The scope and structure of the book as well as the selection of authors was motivated by the very successful summer course and workshop "Particles in Flows'' that was held in Prague in the August of 2014. This meeting revealed the need for a book dealing with this specific and challenging multidisciplinary subject, i. e. particles in industrial, environmental and biomedical flows and the combination of fluid mechanics, solid body mechanics with various aspects of specific applications.
Waves in Flows (Advances in Mathematical Fluid Mechanics)
by Giovanni P. Galdi Tomáš Bodnár Šárka NečasováThis volume offers an overview of the area of waves in fluids and the role they play in the mathematical analysis and numerical simulation of fluid flows. Based on lectures given at the summer school “Waves in Flows”, held in Prague from August 27-31, 2018, chapters are written by renowned experts in their respective fields. Featuring an accessible and flexible presentation, readers will be motivated to broaden their perspectives on the interconnectedness of mathematics and physics. A wide range of topics are presented, working from mathematical modelling to environmental, biomedical, and industrial applications. Specific topics covered include:Equatorial wave–current interactionsWater–wave problemsGravity wave propagationFlow–acoustic interactions Waves in Flows will appeal to graduate students and researchers in both mathematics and physics. Because of the applications presented, it will also be of interest to engineers working on environmental and industrial issues.
Waves in Flows: The 2018 Prague-Sum Workshop Lectures (Advances in Mathematical Fluid Mechanics)
by Giovanni P. Galdi Tomáš Bodnár Šárka NečasováThis volume explores a range of recent advances in mathematical fluid mechanics, covering theoretical topics and numerical methods. Chapters are based on the lectures given at a workshop in the summer school Waves in Flows, held in Prague from August 27-31, 2018. A broad overview of cutting edge research is presented, with a focus on mathematical modeling and numerical simulations. Readers will find a thorough analysis of numerous state-of-the-art developments presented by leading experts in their respective fields. Specific topics covered include:ChemorepulsionCompressible Navier-Stokes systemsNewtonian fluidsFluid-structure interactions Waves in Flows: The 2018 Prague-Sum Workshop Lectures will appeal to post-doctoral students and scientists whose work involves fluid mechanics.
Transparent Lobbying and Democracy
by Šárka Laboutková Vít Šimral Petr Vymětal"The authors come up with some innovative tools, namely the “Catalogue of transparent lobbying”. They look at and evaluate the impact on both key stakeholders (lobbyists and targets of lobbying), monitoring of lobbying activities and sanctioning for breaches of rules. This tool holds out benchmarking capacity of sound framework for understanding of lobbying in the context of democracy, legitimacy of decision-making and accountability."David Ondráčka, member of global Board of Transparency International, head of Transparency International, Czech Republic"Transparent Lobbying and Democracy provides a comprehensive view into the phenomenon of lobbying... As a well-established scientist specializing in democracy, civil society and the public sphere, I see it as a useful and enriching contribution to the debate on lobbying, its necessary transparency and its role in the democratization process. This book has the potential to reach an international audience of experts and interested lay persons, and both complement and compete with publications on similar issues."Karel B. Müller, University of Economics in Prague, Czech RepublicThis book deals with the current, as yet unsolved, problem of transparency of lobbying. In the current theories and prevalent models that deal with lobbying activities, there is no reflection of the degree of transparency of lobbying, mainly due to the unclear distinction between corruption, lobbying in general, and transparent lobbying. This book provides a perspective on transparency in lobbying in a comprehensive and structured manner. It delivers an interdisciplinary approach to the topic and creates a methodology for assessing the transparency of lobbying, its role in the democratization process and a methodology for evaluating the main consequences of transparency. The new approach is applied to assess lobbying regulations in the countries of Central Eastern Europe and shows a method for how lobbying in other regions of the world may also be assessed.
Norm Diffusion Beyond the West: Agents and Sources of Leverage (Norm Research in International Relations)
by Ricardo Reboredo Šárka KolmašováThis book explores norm diffusion in non-Western contexts. It analyzes how norms transfer and what mechanisms or sources of leverage facilitate their diffusion. The individual chapters follow an interdisciplinary framework that analyzes social norms beyond the theoretical tradition of international relations, and focus on particular cases of diffusion—both successful and unsuccessful—across the non-Western world. In this way, the book challenges existing perspectives and advances critical norm research that diversifies the agency of norm entrepreneurs beyond processes of norm localization. It makes a twofold contribution—by deepening our theoretical understanding of norms and their dynamics and by broadening the geographical scope of norms research.
Algorithms as a Basis of Modern Applied Mathematics (Studies in Fuzziness and Soft Computing #404)
by Šárka Hošková-Mayerová Fabrizio Maturo Cristina FlautThis book offers a self-contained guide to advanced algorithms and their applications in various fields of science. Gathering contributions by authoritative researchers in the field of mathematics, statistics and computer science, it aims at offering a comprehensive and up-to-date view of algorithms, including the theory behind them, as well as practical considerations, current limitations and solutions. It covers applications in energy management, decision making, computer networks, materials science, mechanics and process optimization. It offers an integrated and timely guide to important algorithms, and represents a valuable reference resource for graduate students and researchers in various fields of applied mathematics, statistics and engineering.
Decision Making in Social Sciences: Between Traditions and Innovations (Studies in Systems, Decision and Control #247)
by Šárka Hošková-Mayerová Fabrizio Maturo Cristina Flaut Daniel Flaut Cristina IspasThis book explores several branches of the social sciences and their perspectives regarding their relations with decision-making processes: computer science, education, linguistics, sociology, and management. The decision-making process in social contexts is based on the analysis of sound alternatives using evaluative criteria. Therefore, this process is one that can be rational or irrational, and can be based on knowledge and/or beliefs. A decision-making process always produces a final decision, which may or may not imply prompt action, and increases the chances of choosing the best possible alternative. The book is divided into four main parts. The concepts covered in the first part, on computer science, explore how the rise of algorithms and the growth in computing power over the years can influence decision-making processes. In the second part, some traditional and innovative ideas and methods used in education are presented: compulsory schooling, inclusive schools, higher education, etc. In turn, the third part focuses on linguistics aspects, and examines how progress is manifested in language. The fourth part, on sociology, explores how society can be influenced by social norms, human interactions, culture, and religion. Management, regarded as a science of the decision-making process, is explored in the last part of this book. Selected organizations’ strategies, objectives and resources are presented, e.g., human resources, financial resources, and technological resources. The book gathers and presents, in a concise format, a broad range of aspects regarding the decision-making process in social contexts, making it a valuable and unique resource for the scientific community.
Decisions and Trends in Social Systems: Innovative and Integrated Approaches of Care Services (Lecture Notes in Networks and Systems #189)
by Šárka Hošková-Mayerová Fabrizio Maturo Daniela SoituThis book presents a systemic perspective on the broadly perceived problem of social care, meant in terms of a network engaging balanced resources and actors to assure the functionality, in an integrative approach. The approach involves individual, institutional and organizational structures, at the micro, mezzo- and macro-levels, in their interrelations, with proper contexts for understandings, interpretations and actions by stakeholders. The papers presented suggest ways of changes, involving even participant actors as changing agents, taking into account evolving behaviors and human relations, policies and inter-institutional frameworks, from many points of view. In the first part, various aspects, notably economic and emotional, of innovative and integrated approaches to long-term care are dealt with. Different aspects are considered exemplified by legal, educational, economic, environmental, cultural and those related to the perception of aging, labor market for the elderly, perceived quality of life, etc. The planning and management of social services are discussed in terms of a functional, and effective and efficient system, with the identification and analysis of actors and processes, and transformation policies. This is done at the local, regional and global levels.
Mathematical-Statistical Models and Qualitative Theories for Economic and Social Sciences
by Janusz Kacprzyk Šárka Hošková-Mayerová Fabrizio MaturoThis book presents a broad spectrum of problems related to statistics, mathematics, teaching, social science, and economics as well as a range of tools and techniques that can be used to solve these problems. It is the result of a scientific collaboration between experts in the field of economic and social systems from the University of Defence in Brno (Czech Republic), G. d'Annunzio University of Chieti-Pescara (Italy), Pablo de Olavid eUniversity of Sevilla (Spain), and Ovidius University in Constanţa, (Romania). The studies included were selected using a peer-review process and reflect heterogeneity and complexity of economic and social phenomena. They and present interesting empirical research from around the globe and from several research fields, such as statistics, decision making, mathematics, complexity, psychology, sociology and economics. The volume is divided into two parts. The first part, "Recent trends in mathematical and statistical models for economic and social sciences", collects papers on quantitative matters, which propose mathematical and statistical models for social sciences, economics, finance, and business administration. The second part, "Recent trends in qualitative theories for economic and social sciences", includes papers on qualitative matters, which discuss social, economic, and teaching issues. It is an ideal reference work for all those researchers interested in recent quantitative and qualitative tools. Covering a wide range of topics, it appeals in equal measure to mathematicians, statisticians, sociologists, philosophers, and specialists in the fields of communication, social and political sciences.
Models and Theories in Social Systems (Studies in Systems, Decision and Control #179)
by Šárka Hošková-Mayerová Cristina Flaut Daniel FlautThis book concisely presents a broad range of models and theories on social systems. Because of the huge spectrum of topics involving social systems, various issues related to Mathematics, Statistics, Teaching, Social Science, and Economics are discussed. In an effort to introduce the subject to a wider audience, this volume, part of the series “Studies in Systems, Decision and Control”, equally addresses the needs of mathematicians, statisticians, sociologists and philosophers. The studies examined here are divided into four parts. The first part, “Perusing the Minds Behind Scientific Discoveries”, traces the winding path of Syamal K. Sen and Ravi P. Agarwal’s scholarship throughout history, and most importantly, the thought processes that allowed each of them to master their subject. The second part covers “Theories in Social Systems” and the third discusses “Models in Social Systems”, while the fourth and final part is dedicated to “Mathematical Methods in the Social Sciences”. Given its breadth of coverage, the book will offer inquisitive readers a valuable point of departure for exploring these rich, vast, and ever-expanding fields of knowledge.
Qualitative and Quantitative Models in Socio-Economic Systems and Social Work (Studies in Systems, Decision and Control #208)
by Šárka Hošková-Mayerová Fabrizio Maturo José Luis Sarasola Sánchez-SerranoThe main purpose of this book is not only to present recent studies and advances in the field of social science research, but also to stimulate discussion on related practical issues concerning statistics, mathematics, and economics. Accordingly, a broad range of tools and techniques that can be used to solve problems on these topics are presented in detail in this book, which offers an ideal reference work for all researchers interested in effective quantitative and qualitative tools. The content is divided into three major sections. The first, which is titled “Social work”, collects papers on problems related to the social sciences, e.g. social cohesion, health, and digital technologies. Papers in the second part, “Education and teaching issues,” address qualitative aspects, education, learning, violence, diversity, disability, and ageing, while the book’s final part, “Recent trends in qualitative and quantitative models for socio-economic systems and social work”, features contributions on both qualitative and quantitative issues. The book is based on a scientific collaboration, in the social sciences, mathematics, statistics, and economics, among experts from the “Pablo de Olavide” University of Seville (Spain), the “University of Defence” of Brno (Czech Republic), the “G. D’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara (Italy) and “Alexandru Ioan Cuza University” of Iaşi (Romania). The contributions, which have been selected using a peer-review process, examine a wide variety of topics related to the social sciences in general, while also highlighting new and intriguing empirical research conducted in various countries. Given its scope, the book will appeal, in equal measure, to sociologists, mathematicians, statisticians and philosophers, and more generally to scholars and specialists in related fields.
Quality of Spatial Data in Command and Control System (Studies in Systems, Decision and Control #168)
by Šárka Hošková-Mayerová Václav Talhofer Alois HofmannThis monograph aims to familiarize readers with the problem of evaluating the quality and reliability of digital geographic information in terms of their use. It identifies the key requirements for the functionality of this information and describes the system of evaluating its quality and reliability. The whole text is supplemented by examples that document the impact of different quality of the information on the entire decision-making process in command and control systems at the rescue and military levels.The monograph is primarily intended for professionals who are responsible for the implementation of digital geographic information in command and control systems, or for those who use them in their work. For this reason, particular attention is paid especially to the user aspects of the digital geographic information used.Václav Talhofer is Full Professor of Cartography and Geoinformatics at the University of Defense in Brno, Czech Republic.Šárka Hošková-Mayerová is Associate Professor of Mathematics at the University of Defense in Brno, Czech Republic.Alois Hofmann is a teacher and scientist of Cartography and Geoinformatics at the University of Defense in Brno, Czech Republic.All authors contributing to this book have been extensively studying the methods and procedures for the use of digital geographic information, especially in the environment of the Czech Armed Forces.
Recent Trends in Social Systems: Quantitative Theories and Quantitative Models
by Janusz Kacprzyk Antonio Maturo Šárka Hošková-Mayerová Daniela-Tatiana SoituThe papers collected in this volume focus on new perspectives on individuals, society, and science, specifically in the field of socio-economic systems. The book is the result of a scientific collaboration among experts from "Alexandru Ioan Cuza" University of Iaşi (Romania), "G. d'Annunzio" University of Chieti-Pescara (Italy), "University of Defence" of Brno (Czech Republic), and "Pablo de Olavide" University of Sevilla (Spain). The heterogeneity of the contributions presented in this volume reflects the variety and complexity of social phenomena. The book is divided in four Sections as follows. The first Section deals with recent trends in social decisions. Specifically, it aims to understand which are the driving forces of social decisions. The second Section focuses on the social and public sphere. Indeed, it is oriented on recent developments in social systems and control. Trends in quantitative theories and models are described in Section 3, where many new formal, mathematical-statistical tools for modelling complex social phenomena are presented. Finally, Section 4 shows integrative theories and models; particularly, it deals with the ethical, cultural and political approaches to social science, the pedagogical methods, and the relationship between literature, politics, religion and society. The book is addressed to sociologists, philosophers, mathematicians, statisticians, people interested in ethics, and specialists in the fields of communication, social, and political sciences.
Trends and Future Directions in Security and Emergency Management (Lecture Notes in Networks and Systems #257)
by Šárka Hošková-Mayerová Irena TušerThis book aims to inform about the current empirical results of the work of experts in the field security and emergency management and risk management in connecting science, theory and practice in various fields related to security management and emergency management. The chapters present research work and case studies from international, state as well as regional levels. The book is divided into five sections, which deal with Safety and Security Science, Security and Emergency managment, Threats and Risks, Cyber Risks and Extraordinary Event, Preparation and Solutions. The book is intended primarily for scientific communities established in security sciences, theorists and experts working in various positions and levels of security organizations, universities with specializations in security studies, but also for the expert public interested in security issues or entities directly responsible for security and emergency management.
Places and Spaces of Crime in Popular Imagination (Topographies of (Post)Modernity: Studies in 20th and 21st Century Literature in English)
by Olga Roebuck Šárka BubíkováThe publication Places and Spaces of Crime in Popular Imagination is part of the Topographies of (Post)Modernity: Studies in 20th and 21st Century Literature in English Series. The text reflects growing interest in popular literary genres not only among the readers, but mainly in literary research. This still rather under-researched area is now representing fertile grounds for various theoretical approaches. As the publication mainly declares its interest in crime-related genres, its focus on place is justifiable: it reflects the postmodern “spatial turn”, manifested in an increased emphasis on the location of crime, not necessarily in the sense of the crime scene itself, but as a socio-geographical place and space. The setting of crime has a specific and well-defined role in the traditional crime genres, but this role has been redefined in the modern versions of crime-related fiction. ranging from educating the reader in certain areas, bringing up current problems, deepening the psychological aspect of individual characters etc. The published volume brings forth various aspects of this new role of place in popular genres centering on crime and gives space to its deeper analysis. It is not the researchers´ objective to provide overviews of the history of the theoretical discussion of place and space in literature in general. Instead, although the essays do employ a variety of critical approaches, the collection strives to show practically how place and space is employed in the specific material of the selected works.The seven chapters are written by scholars from the Czech Republic, Poland and Slovakia. Two essays represent London as a topos and a chronotope in the works by contemporary British writers of crime fiction. The selection is to show how varied the literary London can be, albeit in the often rather formulaic popular genre. The essays also document a shift from the country setting typical for the British Golden Age of detective fiction to the more recent urban focus. One contribution focuses on the genre of spy novel to show how rendering of place and space can contribute to the genre’s typical atmosphere of suspense, secrets and disquiet. Four more essays analyze a variety of places and spaces in American crime fiction, crime comics and crime film. All of the places are in some way specific to American milieu – the suburbia, the university campus, the wilderness, a holiday resort with a state park. These essays are designed to show the contemporary variety of places where crime literature (or film) is set and to document a shift from the traditional urban setting of American hard-boiled fiction to a far greater recent diversity.The volume brings together most recent central European research on the topic of place and community in popular imagination. Thus, it represents a unique insight into this growing phenomenon, which can no longer be overlooked by the academic community.
India Since 1980
by Rahul Mukherji Šumit GangulyThis book considers the remarkable transformations that have taken place in India since 1980, a period that began with the assassination of the formidable Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. Her death, and that of her son Rajiv seven years later, marked the end of the Nehru-Gandhi era. Although the country remains one of the few democracies in the developing world, many of the policies instigated by these earlier regimes have been swept away to make room for dramatic alterations in the political, economic and social landscape. Sumit Ganguly and Rahul Mukherji, two leading political scientists of South Asia, chart these developments with particular reference to social and political mobilization, the rise of the BJP and its challenge to Nehruvian secularism and the changes to foreign policy that, in combination with its meteoric economic development, have ensured India a significant place on the world stage.