Seven uplifting tales of warm, wise and sarcastic cats set in modern Japan through the changing seasons.

Against changing seasons in Japan, seven cats weave their way through their owners' lives.

A needy kitten rescued from the recycling bin teaches a new father how to parent his own human baby. An elderly cat hatches a plan to pass into the next world as a spirit so that he and his owner may be together for ever. A colony of wild cats on a holiday island shows a young boy not to stand in nature's way. A family is perplexed by their cat's devotion to their charismatic but uncaring father. A woman curses how her cat constantly visits her at night.

Bursting with empathy and love, THE GOODBYE CAT explores the unstoppable cycle of life as we see how the steadiness and devotion of a well-loved cat never lets us down.

A huge bestseller in Japan, every page is a joyous celebration of cats and how we cannot resist sharing our lives with them.

Travel to Canal City and the world-famous Castle in the Sky for hours of maze-puzzling fun in this intriguing activity book! The waterways and streets of Canal City are bustling with people as crowds gather on the eve of the Maze Egg carnival. But a mysterious organisation announces its plans to steal the egg and it is up to Pierre the Maze Detective, his trusty sidekick Carmen and YOU to stop the egg from falling into the wrong hands! Make your way through 15 beautifully illustrated mazes, solve puzzles and find the hidden objects that Pierre and Carmen need to solve the mystery and save the day. Join the adventure as you weave through canals on a gondola, find your way through a crowded masquerade ball and take a sunset balloon trip across the sea. Hours of puzzle fun for all maze detectives aged 8+.

Pierre the Maze Detective has a new case. Mr X has stolen the Maze Stone, which has the power to turn the whole of Opera City into a maze. Can you help Pierre and his friend Carmen find their way through the mazes - and stop Mr X before it's too late? This beautifully illustrated book features 15 full-spread illustrations of intricate, magical mazes. Take a trip through a fantastic world of underground cities, hot-air balloons, tree-top towns and haunted houses. Trace your way through each maze, spot the clues and solve the extra mystery challenges along the way. Hours of puzzle fun, for all maze detectives aged 8+. A page of answers with the routes through the mazes and other solutions is included at the end of the book.

The book is a comprehensive edition which considers the interactions of atoms, ions and molecules with charged particles, photons and laser fields and reflects the present understanding of atomic processes such as electron capture, target and projectile ionisation, photoabsorption and others occurring in most of laboratory and astrophysical plasma sources including many-photon and many-electron processes. The material consists of selected papers written by leading scientists in various fields.

A thrilling new maze challenge adventure for Pierre the Maze Detective and all detectives aged 8+. Follow Pierre and Carmen to Canal City for hours of puzzle fun in this crazy and colorful activity book! The waterways and streets of Canal City are brimming with people as crowds gather on the eve of the Maze Egg carnival. But the legendary Maze Egg is gone, and Pierre and Carmen find themselves on the case. Can you help them return the Maze Egg to its rightful home before it's too late? Make your way through each beautifully illustrated maze, finding the hidden objects that Pierre and Carmen need to solve the mystery and save the day! A new adventure for Pierre and Carmen, taking them to the mysterious and visually stunning castle in the sky Join the adventure as you travel through masquerade balls, tree trunk villages and extravagant observatories Featuring new full-spread mazes and search-and-find challenges in IC4DESIGN's popular and instantly recognisable trademark style Suitable for all detectives aged 8+ Other Pierre The Maze Detective titles: Pierre The Maze Detective: The Search for the Stolen Maze Stone Pierre The Maze Detective and the Great Coloring Adventure Pierre The Maze Detective: Jigsaw Puzzle Pierre The Maze Detective: The Sticker Book Pierre The Maze Detective: The Mystery of the Empire Maze

THE PERFECT CURL-UP READ FOR CAT LOVERS 'Bewitching... as self-possessed and comforting as - well, a cat' SUNDAY TELEGRAPH 'A book about kindness and love, and how the smallest things can provide happiness' STYLIST ___ It's not the journey that counts, but who's at your side. Nana is on a road trip, but he is not sure where he is going. All that matters is that he can sit beside his beloved owner Satoru in the front seat of his silver van. Satoru is keen to visit three old friends from his youth, though Nana doesn't know why and Satoru won't say. Set against the backdrop of Japan's changing seasons and narrated with a rare gentleness and humour, Nana's story explores the wonder and thrill of life's unexpected detours. It is about the value of friendship and solitude, and knowing when to give and when to take. At the heart of this book is a powerful message about the importance of kindness. It shows, above all, how acts of love, both great and small, can transform our lives. ___ What readers are saying: 'Delightful, insightful, full of warmth with plenty of humour.' 'Uplifting and heart wrenching in equal measure.' 'It had me in floods of tears but filled me with hope too.'

For four decades Saudi Arabia and Iran have vied for influence in the Muslim world. At the heart of this ongoing Cold War between Riyadh and Tehran lie the Sunni-Shia divide, and the two countries' intertwined histories. Saudis see this as a conflict between Sunni and Shia; Iran's ruling clerics view it as one between their own Islamic Republic and an illegitimate monarchy. This foundational schism has played out in a geopolitical competition for dominance in the region: Iran has expanded its influence in Syria, Iraq and Lebanon, while Saudi Arabia's hyperactive crown prince, Muhammad bin Salman, has intervened in Yemen, isolated Qatar and destabilised Lebanon. Dilip Hiro examines the toxic rivalry between the two countries, tracing its roots and asking whether this Islamic Cold War is likely to end any time soon.

First published in 1985, this is a comprehensive study of the Middle East's most strategic country, set against the background of the Islamic heritage of Iran and the rise and fall of the Pahlavi dynasty. Dilip Hiro describes the various phases through which the Islamic revolution has passed, gives an incisive account of the first Gulf War, and provides an historical survey of Iran's relations with the West, the Soviet bloc, and other countries of the region.

STUNNING HARDBACK GIFTING EDITION, INCLUDES A RIBBON and SIX LINE DRAWINGS RECOMMENDED BY THOUSANDS OF READERS - the uplifting story of a journey around Japan with a cat by your side. 'Bewitching... as self-possessed and comforting as - well, a cat' SUNDAY TELEGRAPH _____________ It's not the journey that counts, but who's at your side. Nana is on a road trip, but he is not sure where he is going. All that matters is that he can sit beside his beloved owner Satoru in the front seat of his silver van. Satoru is keen to visit three old friends from his youth, though Nana doesn't know why and Satoru won't say. Set against the backdrop of Japan's changing seasons and narrated with a rare gentleness and humour, Nana's story explores the wonder and thrill of life's unexpected detours. It is about the value of friendship and solitude, and knowing when to give and when to take. TRAVELLING CAT has already demonstrated its power to move thousands of readers with a message of kindness and truth. It shows, above all, how acts of love, both great and small, can transform our lives. 'Arikawa has a lightness of touch that elevates her story to a tale about loyalty and friendship ... while speaking to our basic human need for companionship' JOHN BOYNE, Irish Times 'Anyone who has ever unashamedly loved an animal will read this book with gratitude, for its understanding of an emotion that ennobles us as human beings, whether we value it or not' LYNNE TRUSS, Guardian 'It has the warmth, painterly touch, and tenderness of a Studio Ghibli film - and it is a delight to read' FINANCIAL TIMES WHAT READERS ARE SAYING: 'I devoured this in just four days. Read it and weep'***** 'What an astounding book'***** 'Totally enchanting and delightful' ***** 'Full of hope. Just as good for non-cat-owners as well'***** 'Absolutely amazing. I read it in a couple of days'***** 'One of the best little books I have ever read'*****

Atomic Multielectron Processes is the first comprehensive collection of the data (mostly cross sections and methods) devoted to the multielectron transitions in atoms and ions induced by single collisions with charged particles and photons. The book covers the fundamental ranges of atomic physics which helps understanding the nature of many particle transitions.

This highly controversial and topical book provides the first full, balanced account of how Iraq cheated the UN inspectors on disarmament, and how the US manipulated and infiltrated the UN inspection teams and other staff to gather intelligence on Iraq to overthrow Saddam Hussein. Aimed at the general reader, it follows and assesses the role of Saddam Hussein, who became president of Iraq in 1979 and shows no sign of relinquishing office.
Dilip Hiro, an experienced journalist who has written extensively on the region, provides a historical and accessible perspective to the relationship between Iraq and Iran, and examines the consequences of internationally significant events such as the death of Ayatollah Khomeini in Iran about a year after the end of the 1980-88 Iran-Iraq War, and the 1990 invasion of Kuwait by Saddam Hussein in Iraq. Providing a full account and analysis of events in Iraq since the 1991 Gulf War, he contrasts the continuing totalitarianism under Hussein with the evolution of the political-religious system in Iran and the development of its internal politics.

This open access book gives an overview of cutting-edge work on a new paradigm called the "sublinear computation paradigm," which was proposed in the large multiyear academic research project "Foundations of Innovative Algorithms for Big Data." That project ran from October 2014 to March 2020, in Japan. To handle the unprecedented explosion of big data sets in research, industry, and other areas of society, there is an urgent need to develop novel methods and approaches for big data analysis. To meet this need, innovative changes in algorithm theory for big data are being pursued. For example, polynomial-time algorithms have thus far been regarded as "fast," but if a quadratic-time algorithm is applied to a petabyte-scale or larger big data set, problems are encountered in terms of computational resources or running time. To deal with this critical computational and algorithmic bottleneck, linear, sublinear, and constant time algorithms are required.The sublinear computation paradigm is proposed here in order to support innovation in the big data era. A foundation of innovative algorithms has been created by developing computational procedures, data structures, and modelling techniques for big data. The project is organized into three teams that focus on sublinear algorithms, sublinear data structures, and sublinear modelling. The work has provided high-level academic research results of strong computational and algorithmic interest, which are presented in this book. The book consists of five parts: Part I, which consists of a single chapter on the concept of the sublinear computation paradigm; Parts II, III, and IV review results on sublinear algorithms, sublinear data structures, and sublinear modelling, respectively; Part V presents application results. The information presented here will inspire the researchers who work in the field of modern algorithms.

Given the increasing presence of non-Western nations in global affairs, Hiro Katsumata and Hiroki Kusano explore their responses to the backlash taking place in the West against the global spread of liberalism – against the global spread of free trade, multilateral institutions, and liberal-democratic politics. Katsumata and Kusano concentrate on the cases of Egypt, Brazil, Japan, ASEAN members, Russia, and China. Mounted by these non-Western nations are three kinds of responses: illiberal bandwagoning, counter-backlash, and thirdway charting. Each of these responses inevitably has significant consequences for the fate of the existing liberal international order established and sustained by the Western countries in the post-war era, either accelerating the collapse of this order by causing additional damage to it, or putting the brakes on its collapse by giving support to it. An invaluable resource for scholars in International Relations and Comparative Politics.

Take a trip to New Maze City to help Maze Detective Pierre and friend Carmen stop Mr X the Phantom Thief and his latest evil plan! Mr X the Phantom Thief is back, and he plans to steal the shining light from the top of the Empire Maze Tower, New Maze City's greatest treasure. Join some of the world's best Maze Detectives, along with our heroes Pierre, Carmen and Mazey the dog, to help solve puzzles, find the hidden objects and ultimately stop Mr X from succeeding. This beautifully illustrated book contains 15 intricate, magical mazes, exploring an ocean liner, a library, a grand ballroom and more. Hours of puzzle fun, for all maze detectives aged 8+.

The intention behind this book is to illustrate the deep relation among human behavior, data-centric science, and social design. In fact, these three issues have been independently developing in different fields, although they are, of course, deeply interrelated to one another. Specifically, fundamental understanding of human behavior should be employed for investigating our human society and designing social systems. Insights and both quantitative and qualitative understandings of collective human behavior are quite useful when social systems are designed. Fundamental principles of human behavior, theoretical models of human behavior, and information cascades are addressed as aspects of human behavior. Data-driven investigation of human nature, social behavior, and societal systems are developed as aspects of data-centric science. As design aspects, how to design social systems from heterogeneous memberships is explained. There is also discussion of these three aspects-human behavior, data-centric science, and social design-independently and with regard to the relationships among them.

Applied data-centric social sciences aim to develop both methodology and practical applications of various fields of sciences and businesses with rich data. Specifically, in the social sciences, a vast amount of data on human activities may be useful for understanding collective human nature. In this book, the author introduces several mathematical techniques for handling a huge volume of data and analyzing collective human behavior. The book is constructed from data-oriented investigation, with mathematical methods and expressions used for dealing with data for several specific problems. The fundamental philosophy underlying the book is that both mathematical and physical concepts are determined by the purposes of data analysis. This philosophy is shown throughout exemplar studies of several fields in socio-economic systems. From a data-centric point of view, the author proposes a concept that may change people s minds and cause them to start thinking from the basis of data. Several goals underlie the chapters of the book. The first is to describe mathematical and statistical methods for data analysis, and toward that end the author delineates methods with actual data in each chapter. The second is to find a cyber-physical link between data and data-generating mechanisms, as data are always provided by some kind of data-generating process in the real world. The third goal is to provide an impetus for the concepts and methodology set forth in this book to be applied to socio-economic systems."

Experience the magical adventures of Natsu, Lucy, Erza, Gray, and all the wizards of the Fairy Tail world in a new, large-sized, three-in-1 omnibus format! The best way to collect the manga that inspired the long-running anime, including the new sequel series Fairy Tail: 100 Years Quest. This omnibus contains Vol. 1-3 of Fairy Tail. The Fiery Call to a Blazing Adventure! The spunky and magical Lucy wants to join Fairy Tail, a guild that gathers the world’s most powerful wizards. But instead, her ambitions land her in the clutches of a gang of unsavory pirates led by a devious trickster. Her only hope is Natsu, a strange boy she happens to meet on her travels. Natsu’s not your typical hero—he gets motion sickness, eats like a pig, and his best friend is a talking cat. With friends like this, is Lucy better off with her enemies? Includes Vol. 1-3 of the manga that inspired the ongoing anime.

As if being class president of a predominantly male high school wasn't hard enough, Misaki Ayuzawa has a major secret - she works at a maid cafe after school! How is she supposed to keep her image of being ultra-smart, strong and overachieving intact once school heartthrob Takumi Usui discovers her double life?! Can Misaki trust Usui to keep her secret from the rest of the kids at school? And why the heck is he always showing up at the maid cafe? Maybe she should start taking him seriously when he says he likes her - especially when he throws in an unexpected kiss!

As if being student council president of a predominantly male high school isn't hard enough, Misaki Ayuzawa has a major secret-she works at a maid cafe after school! How is she supposed to keep her image of being ultra smart, strong and overachieving intact once school heartthrob Takumi Usui discovers her double life?! Misaki continues to realize just how different her and Usui's family backgrounds are after witnessing a huge party thrown for Usui's birthday... And later, a mysterious newcomer appears at Maid Latte-someone who stirs up a lot of mixed emotions in Misaki!

To some, Islamic Fundamentalism means the restoration of a true religion. To others, it is a politics that stands apart from capitalism and socialism. To many Westerners, particularly in the past decade, it has come to constitute a threat to established order and international security. There can be no disputing the phenomenal importance of Islamic Fundamentalism today. Holy Wars, first published in 1989, comprises a non-partisan narrative that takes account of both the socio-cultural values expressed in Fundamentalism, and its political consequences. Dilip Hiro's starting point is that fundamentalist forces have been active Islam since the death of the Prophet Muhammad. He presents the two major sects, Sunnis and Shias, in this light. Clearly and concisely, Hiro provides the background for an understanding of what was taking place in Middle Eastern countries such as Afghanistan, Libya Egypt and Syria at the end of the 1980s. This is a comprehensive and readable work, of great relevance and value to those with an interest in Middle Eastern politics and history, and the growth of Islamic Fundamentalism.

Events in the Indian sub-continent during the 1970s, where, in the summer of 1975, the ruling party engineered a 'constitutional' coup by declaring a national emergency, re-emphasised the need for a fuller understanding of India's social system and people. First published the following year, in 1976, Inside India Today attempted to fulfil that need. Drawing on personal interviews, conducted during his two years' travels throughout the country collecting a mass of first hand evidence, and on various surveys and studies published in the press, the author sketches a broad portrait of Indian life in the villages and cities. Hiro relates this research to the existing socio-political structure of the time: the constitutional framework, the electoral system, the performance of the Indian National Congress and the Communist system. Written in an accessible, engaging style and containing a wealth of information and insight, Inside India Today is a major contribution towards the scholarship surrounding this complex and fascinating country.

First published in 1982, Inside the Middle East is a definitive study of the region. It provides a clear, concise description of the complex social, political and economic life of the Middle East. Beginning with an outline of the birth and growth of Islam in the Arabian Peninsula and the history of Israel and the Jews since 1020 B.C., the book is split in to five geographical and thematic parts. This thorough analysis in particular examines the forces at work within the Arab world, the domestic politics and economy of Israel and the state's relationship with the West and the Soviet Bloc, and the relationship between the Arabs and the West since the Ottoman Empire. Dilip Hiro concludes with an overall analysis of the past in social, economic and political terms and considers the various possibilities for the future of the Middle East. Containing an unprecedented wealth of information and insight, this fascinating work presents a comprehensive understanding of the world's richest and most volatile region. It remains of great relevance to scholars and students of Middle Eastern politics and history.