Search results for ""Taylor Francis Inc""

Tomatoes have become a dietary staple for humans in many parts of the world. The characteristic deep red color of the ripe tomato fruit and related products is mainly due to lycopene. Lycopene is the predominant carotenoid in tomatoes, followed by a-carotene, b-carotene, g-carotene, and phytoene, as well as by several other minor carotenoids. Tomatoes and tomato-based foods have long been an important source of lycopene in the Western diet. There has been a growing interest in exploring the role of lycopene in the prevention of a variety of nutritional and health issues in humans, including some cancers and cardiovascular diseases. Recently, many case studies using cell cultures, animal models, and epidemiological investigations have shown a relationship between lycopene intake and a lowered risk of contracting some cancers and various chronic diseases. Increasingly, clinical evidence supports the role of lycopene as a nutrient with important health benefits, since it appears to provide protection against a broad range of epithelial cancers. The possibility that consumption of lycopene-rich foods may reduce the risk of such diseases has prompted numerous in-depth studies of the levels of lycopene in foods and of correlations between dietary lycopene and certain diseases. This monograph will serve as a reference for providing a better understanding of the role of lycopene in promoting health, and by encouraging a deeper understanding of approaches to a healthy diet and life.

Read more less

Though plant cells are separated by cell walls, cells maintain their identity as they are delimited by semi-permeable membranes that permit them to function as autonomous units. The flow of materials in and out of the cell is regulated by channels, transporters, pumps, and acquaporins in these membranes. The cytoplasm is sandwiched between two membranes: the plasma membrane, which forms the outer boundary of the cytoplasm, and the tonoplast or the vacuolar membrane which forms the inner boundary. Cell membranes serve several different functions: form boundaries and provide compartmentalization, site of chemical reactions catalyzed by membrane proteins, regulate the exchange of ions/compounds across the barrier, site of perception/transmission of signals (hormones), and act in cell-to-cell communication. The membrane functions are affected by different abiotic (biotic stress not discussed), nutritional, edaphic and mechanical stresses, which have been discussed in this volume in light of the recent literature

Read more less

It is necessary to integrate field data relevant to policy with a global overview with up-to-date information for synthesis into scenarios and a vision of how future research and development in agriculture can best help those who are most needy and have little access to productive resources. The overall task is a huge challenge for policy-makers and the agricultural research establishment. It is also of concern in teaching agricultural students to be able to respond to future challenges. This publication is an attempt to stimulate discussion on future options of research policy, suggesting changes of agricultural R&D for societal development in accordance with the Millennium Development Goals.

Read more less

To cope with the abiotic stress-induced osmotic problems, plants adapt by either increasing uptake of inorganic ions from the external solution, or by de novo synthesis of organic compatible solutes acting as osmolytes. Of the osmoregulants and protectants discussed in this volume, trehalose, fructans, ectoine and citrulline, which are generated in different species, in osmotically ineffective amounts, mitigate the stress effects on cells/plants and improve productivity. There are several pieces of encouraging research discussed in this volume showing significant improvement in stress tolerance and in turn productivity by involving genetic engineering techniques.

Read more less

Phenomenal progress has been made in our understanding of the several and diverse ways in which micronutrients alter or regulate the functioning of plants and produce a wide array of responses enabling quantitative and qualitative changes in plant yield. This book addresses biochemical and physiological roles of micronutrients in plants and the diverse ways in which they react to limitations in micronutrients supply, contributing to global constraints in crop production. The book is presented in two parts. Part I deals with roles of micronutrients and the changes induced in plants in response to their inadequate supply. Part II addresses the factors contributing to micronutrients deficiency, their diagnosis, evaluation and management through soil ? and plant ?based approaches.

Read more less

This book covers various aspects of information on bio-ecology, temporal and spatial distribution, key mortality factors, population dynamics and early warning system, host plant resistance, mechanism and inheritance of resistance, introgression of resistance genes from closely related wild relatives of crops, transgenics, molecular marker-assisted selection, bio-control agents including natural enemies and biopesticides, natural plant products, chemical control and insecticide resistance management, and integrated management of Heliothis/Helicoverpa. An attempt has been made to pinpoint the gaps in our knowledge of Heliothis/Helicoverpa management and identify the areas for future research thrusts. Considering the complexity of effectively managing Heliothis/Helicoverpa infestations, it is imperative that we follow an integrated approach. This integration will involve agronomic and cultural management, host plant resistance, transgenics, biological control and judicious use of chemical pesticides. Many poten

Read more less

This book is an essential knowledge base for both ecological restoration and management. Although tropical lakes are not identical, and therefore require individually developed and restoration and management practices; there are general principles in both restoration and management that can be derived from the case histories in this book and the limnological literature in general.

Read more less

The book begins with a chapter on Molecular Evolution and Phylogeny of mycorrhizas. Lucid discussions on cellular physiology, molecular genetics, and molecular regulation of nutrient exchange phenomenon in mycorrhizas form the core of this book. A comparative analysis of the molecular aspects of symbiosis and pathogenesis has been presented in detail. It also includes certain agriculturally useful aspects of disease control via mycorrhizas. Discussions on recent developments in molecular ecology of mycorrhizas, including most recently enunciated concepts such as ?nurse functions?, ?mycoheterotrophy? are provided in the book. Transformation, transgenics and genetic engineering of mycorrhizas is a unique and futuristic chapter. Applications of genetic engineering of mycorrhizas, as well as recently developed techniques of genetic transformation production of viable transgenic mycorrhizal fungi have been delineated. It will be useful to researchers/students involved in Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Plant Bio

Read more less

In Volume I of Insect Phenotypic Plasticity, the plasticity inherent in insects is documented. Phenotypically plastic traits include morphological, behavioral, and physiological characteristics. These environmentally induced differences can serve as the raw products upon which natural selection acts. Phenotypic plasticity in short deserves increased attention by those involved in studies on biological diversity and is of practical concern for agricultural and medical Entomology.

Read more less

Potato is the most significant non-cereal crop. Much attention has been paid to this commercially important crop. The aim of this volume is to capture the recent advances made in improving potatoes using traditional breeding methods as well as genetic engineering technology. The book provides a critical appraisal of the state-of-the-art finding on this crop.

Read more less

Since the first groundbreaking edition of Developments in Pressure-Sensitive Products was introduced in 1998, heavy research has resulted in substantial progress in the field. Fully updated and expanded to reflect this activity, Developments in Pressure-Sensitive Products, Second Edition provides a detailed overview of the entire range of pressure-sensitive products, both with and without adhesives. It explores the principles behind their design and manufacture along with a variety of applications in medicine, electronics, packaging, and protection.The book establishes the link between underlying theory and practical applications, exploring the physical, molecular, and chemical bases of PSPs while describing the manufacturing processes, end uses, and economic issues involved. This edition includes three new chapters: the first of these explains the new theory of pressure sensitivity considered as a process, illustrating the principles of polymer science governing PSP technology; the second discusses the crosslinking of acrylics, the most important domain in specialized products; and the third presents the latest developments in products based on plastomers, such as hydrogels. Additional coverage includes biological applications of PSPs, engineering problems of coating equipment, web finishing for plastic films, and confectioning.Offering cutting-edge information from the frontiers of research and industry, Developments in Pressure-Sensitive Products, Second Edition is an ideal reference to all aspects of pressure-sensitive technologies and materials.

Read more less

The discovery of new and previously unknown organisms that cause foodborne illness makes it essential for scientists, regulators, and those in the food industry to reconsider their traditional approaches to food preservation. A single source reference that can provide the latest practical information on how to deal with the range of probiotic health issues that have recently arisen would be invaluable to have. Probiotics in Food Safety and Human Health is that resource. It presents an in-depth characterization and diagnosis of probiotic strains and their mechanisms of action in humans, explains the role food applications have in the development of new products that guard against gastrointestinal diseases, and addresses the current regulatory environment. The material in each chapter is written in an accessible format by internationally renowned experts and includes citations from scientific literature. Highlights include a thorough discussion of probiotic issues such as pre- and postharvest food safety applications of probiotics, genetic engineering, and probiotic identification. The book also presents information on new regulations and emerging trends in the two major probiotics markets in the world, Europe and Japan. Unique in its depth and breadth of scope, Probiotics in Food Safety and Human Health provides vital information to those who need to be knowledgeable of the functional properties of foods aimed at improving human health.

Read more less

Polyphenol phytoestrogens – bioactives found in specific foods and beverages – impart antioxidant, phytoestrogenic, antiproliferative, and enzyme modulating activities within the human metabolic system. It is believed that these compounds protect against several forms of cancer, cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases, osteoporosis, and menopausal symptoms. While there has been a rise in polyphenol research over the past few years resulting from this discovery, there has not been a thorough, single source guide that synthesizes and explains the attained information – until now. Phytoestrogens in Functional Foods comprehensively details the scientific, technical, and practical aspects involved in the production, consumption, and safety of phytoestrogens in foods.The book is divided into five parts for easy reference. Section I, Production, introduces the topic of phytoestrogens and addresses the biosynthesis of polyphenol phytoestrogens in plants, and the chemistry and mechanism of action of phytoestrogens. Section II, Consumption, explains pharmacokinetics, body composition, and cell signaling. Section III, Risk and Benefit Analysis, examines reproductive hormones in females, hormone replacement therapy, and the benefits and risks associated with phytoestrogens. Section IV, Optimization and Utilization, discusses soy isoflavones and health, while Section V, Applications, explains wine antioxidants and phytoestrogens. While extensive investigation of these topics has led to many conflicting reports about their risks and benefits, this text provides answers and insight on the major questions regarding the core areas of polyphenol research.

Read more less

Lipids play an essential role in cell signaling and subcellular structure. Systematic analysis of the total lipid structure of a cell or organism, the lipodome, can reveal novel avenues of therapeutic intervention and diagnosis. This analysis is best modeled after the lessons learned from proteomics. With contributions from pioneering researchers from the US, Europe, Canada, Japan, and China, Functional Lipidomics introduces lipidomics, explores the current state of the field, and provides a comprehensive background for future groundbreaking work in this burgeoning field.The first book dedicated to the topic, Functional Lipidomics first defines and introduces the field before delving deeply into the methods, processes, analyses, and research aspects. The book uncovers the biosynthesis, metabolism, and function of fatty acids, acylglyerols, glycerophospholipids, sphingolipids, terpenes, and lipids that complex with proteins. Taking both academic and industrial perspectives, the contributors elaborate upon cutting-edge approaches to lipid analysis, diagnostic approaches using lipid and lipid-binding protein patterns, and the therapeutic significance of targeting proteins involved with the lipid signaling pathway. Functional Lipidomics elucidates state-of-the-art strategies and techniques that enable us to understand biochemical patterns related to disease states, develop new targets for drug design, and identify important markers of a developmental stage, pathological condition, or disease treatment.

Read more less

In the fiercely competitive pharmaceutical marketplace, your organization cannot afford to spend excess dollars developing drugs that will fail to get FDA approval or have profoundly poor characteristics. Biochips as Pathways to Drug Discovery takes a comprehensive look at how the industry faces these challenges, using new technologies such as biochips to reduce the cost of drug discovery and improve drug safety. The book explores the tools and skills required at each step of the discovery process when using biochips to determine biological outcomes.The authors provide an in-depth review of the clinical and pharmacogenomic relevance of biochips, ChIP-chip assays, and high-throughput approaches. They discuss how biochips are used to develop biomarkers in the drug discovery process, primarily for gene expression profiling and Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP) analysis. The book includes coverage of experimental theory, quality control, clinical laboratory sampling considerations, database concepts, industrial laboratory design, and the analysis of the resultant large data sets. It discusses the application of biochips to the study of malaria, toxicogenomics, and SNPs, as well as intellectual property and market overviews. The book concludes with a comprehensive overview of how these chips are employed from early target discovery through preclinical toxicology and on through to pharmacogenomic and proof of concept studies in humans. Written in an easily accessible style, the breadth of coverage introduces the subject to those new to the field, while the depth of coverage forms a foundation for future work. The book gives you the knowledge required to leverage the technology into bona fide discoveries. Daniel E. Levy, editor of the Drug Discovery Series, is the founder of DEL BioPharma, a consulting service for drug discovery programs. He also maintains a blog that explores organic chemistry.

Read more less

Existing ERP systems are being used to support an increasing amount of critical e-business initiatives, even though this is far from their original purpose. While ERP can form a foundation for successfully meeting e-business needs, future success will be derived not only from a firm, supportive foundation, but from a solid e-business superstructure that guides your company through a value chain that has grown longer and more complex.ERP Optimization provides a technology-centric approach to leading your company through an e-transformation. It shows you how to leverage current investments in information systems while minimizing disruptions to the core business of the enterprise. Written in a business vernacular, the book effectively bridges the gap between technology and business strategy. The author takes you through the process of defining e-business goals and accessing and maximizing current systems capabilities. She details the steps required to assume a leadership position within an integrated business community and demonstrates how to support secure information exchanges with customer, suppliers,and partners.ERP alone is not enough to secure and maintain a superior position in today's economy, but it can provide the backbone and infrastructure of enterprise applications that are the necessary, essential prerequisites to conducting e-business. Whether you are an executive today, or hope to be one in the future, ERP Optimization gives you the tools to lead your organization successfully into the e-business world.

Read more less

The final volume of this series presents a synopsis of the curriculum that a typical Six Sigma program should follow. It differs from the preceding six volumes in that it is an implementation volume, therefore the information is geared towards helping readers formalize their own training. The book establishes the minimum requirements for the Six Sigma methodology and provides the body of knowledge needed for a successful and rewarding implementation of the Six Sigma processes.

Read more less

The classic nursery story of "Jack and the Beanstalk" reads like a business dream come true: risky deal promises great returns, is scorned by skeptics, and ultimately results in phenomenal growth and profits. In the business world, Jack's fairy-tale experience is mirrored in the experiences of a select group of companies. The common thread: larger-than-life growth accompanied by risk, obstacles, and incredible profits. And with growth becoming increasingly essential to creating and maintaining shareholder value, such stellar examples have much to teach the rest of us.Competitive forces never stop. Just when a company finds itself near the top of the growth curve, new competitors, and new competitive issues arise. Without a successful growth strategy, its stay at the top will be a short visit. While it's true that there is no permanent roadmap for growth, there are critical signposts along the way and some of them can be found in the stories of courage and innovation captured in Sustaining Corporate Growth: Harnessing Your Strategic Strengths.This book identifies the success factors that characterize the truly dominant market leaders. It defines the requirements for true critical competency and shows how to identify and keep them sustainable. It lays out a six step plan to winning competitively with core competencies and developing those that generate the greatest customer benefit. You get the inside scoop about what works, time and again, at globally admired companies. Through the stories of eight world-renowned companies that have conquered obstacles to achieve sustainable, long-term growth you understand what it takes to beat the odds. These unique, diverse stories reveal common keys to growth that transcend industry and geographic boundaries. The primary key? Identifying, nurturing, and harnessing a company's strategic strengths and making them the centerpiece of growth. Sustaining Corporate Growth: Harnessing Your Strategic Strengths describes the secrets of sustainable success at some of the world's best-known companies.

Read more less

Virtual Project Management: Software Solutions for Today and the Future explores the technical management issues involved in the revolutionary new way of building complex software intensive systems faster and cheaper by employing the power of distributed operations. The book examines the implementation issues that cut deep inside present day collocated engineering organizations and recommends practical and affordable actions to aid organizations seeking increased productivity through distributed operations.The demand for integrated solutions constructed from a combination of existing and newly developed software increases daily. Many organizations find themselves with shortages of the critical skills necessary to compete in many of these newly created markets. Employing virtual collaborative development provides a dramatic increase in a company's opportunities to successfully compete. Virtual collaboration provides a broader skill and product knowledge base coupled with a deeper pool of personnel to potentially employ. It removes two of the major barriers - company affiliation and physical location. Virtual Project Management: Software Solutions for Today and the Future focuses on critical characteristics underlying how work actually gets done in traditional collocated engineering environments. It examines the changes taking place on virtual projects through a series of anecdotes based on real project experiences. The book provides an 8 step practical and affordable plan that can be used as a framework in either setting up and executing a new virtual project, or in instituting improvements to a project that has drifted off course. Others have lived through the pain of learning lessons the hard way. You don't need to follow their path. The insights and solutions offered by Paul McMahon answer the questions virtual project leaders will be asking well into the 21st century.

Read more less

Tremendously versatile, basket securities have the potential to change the way money is managed. This book provides the proper definition of the basket security, a brief exploration of their true history, and powerful ways to exploit their advantages. The authors explore simple yet effective ways basket securities can be used in asset management strategies including trading the market, building a diversified core, or creating a thousand stock portfolio. They cover the broad array of currently available basket securities and discuss others that are on the horizon, what and when to buy and sell, and how to protect investments from market declines.

Read more less

The Radiologic Technology Clinical Manual is designed to guide students through all aspects of clinical training in the area of radiological sciences. This practical workbook contains student self-evaluation forms, course outlines, instructional objectives, and all the procedures and work assignments necessary for training students in the clinical side of radiologic technology. It can be used as a supplement to any radiologic sciences program.When used as part of an occupational training course in radiologic technology, the Radiologic Technology Clinical Manual will help students qualify for examination by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT). The book contains valuable record keeping materials for clinical experience hours, background on the profession as a whole, and evaluation forms for quarterly periods of clinical training. Time sheets, attendance forms, and clinical log forms are also included.

Read more less

John Funge introduces a new approach to creating autonomous characters. Cognitive modeling provides computer-animated characters with logic, reasoning, and planning skills. Individual chapters in the book provide concrete examples of advanced character animation, automated cinematography, and a real-time computer game. Source code, animations, images, and other resources are available at the book's website, listed below.

Read more less

Trends in Food Engineering presents a wide vision of food engineering, with an emphasis on topics vital to the food industry today. The first section deals with physical and sensory properties of food. The emphasis in these chapters is on structure-function relationships, food rheology, and the correlations between physicochemical and sensory data. The second section, on advances in food processing, includes recent developments in minimal preservation and thermal and nonthermal processing of foods. The book concludes with current topics in food engineering, including applied biotechnology, food additives, and functional properties of proteins.

Read more less

According to the FDA Quality System Regulations, manufacturers must ensure that "device packaging and shipping containers are designed and constructed to protect the device from alteration or damage during the customary conditions of processing, storage, handling, and distribution." As specific as this statement is, the FDA does not provide instructions on how to achieve their standards. Validating Medical Packaging demystifies the validation procedure for medical device packaging by providing specific examples and templates for creating and maintaining a validation file.About the author: Ronald Pilchik has over 30 years of experience in the healthcare manufacturing industry. As principal of the Techmark Group, he provided consulting services to diverse multinational manufacturers on selecting, developing, and validating medical packaging compatible with their sterilization requirements. He has been chairman of the healthcare packaging section of TAPPI, the packaging committee of HIMA, and a member of AAMI's ISO198 working group on packaging. Mr. Pilchik is program chairman of the HealthPack Conference Series on medical device packaging.

Read more less

Yeast Sugar Metabolism looks at the biomechanics, genetics, biotechnology and applications of yeast sugar. The yeast Saccharomyces cereisiae has played a central role in the evolution of microbiology biochemistry and genetics, in addition to its use of a technical microbe for the production of alcoholic beverages and leavening of dough.

Read more less

FROM THE PREFACEThe approach of this book is "how-to-do and hands-on." Its purpose is to provide clear, step-by-step instruction in many of the fundamental methods of hydrogeologic investigation. These methods include both 1) the traditional techniques of data analysis, such as mathematical computation by electronic calculator and construction of graphs by hand-plotting, and 2) microcomputer techniques employing electronic spreadsheets, graphing and gridding and contouring software. The microcomputer methods employ commercial software such as Lotus 1-2-3. Microsoft Excel, Quattro-Pro, Golden Software's Grapher and Surfer, and Geraghty and Miller's AQTESOLV. Although familiarity with any of the applications is helpful, the instructions in this manual assume no prior experience with them. Basic Hydrogeologic Methods is divided into three sections: Groundwater Occurrence and Movement, Groundwater Investigations, and Well and Aquifer Hydraulics. Each section begins with a brief summary of relevant terminology and principles. This introductory chapter is followed by a case study, which may be employed to provide a practical context for the hydrogeological methods that are described in subsequent chapters. Most of the methodological exercises culminate in an analytical product, such as data table, graph, contour map, etc., which readily serve as a focus for problem-solving activities, classroom discussions, and investigative reports. Many of the exercises present at least two investigative methods for accomplishing a particular hydrogeologic task. For example, time-drawdown graphs may be produced by a hand-plotting method or by a microcomputer method. For the professional scientist, the choice of a particular method might depend on such factors as the time available to carry out the task, the degree of accuracy required, or the availability of assessory equipment and materials. The introductory student can work through a more fundamental method (e.g., hand-plottin

Read more less

Economic literature is often too theoretical for engineers and policymakers to put into practical use, while scientific literature on the remediation of contaminated aquifers rarely considers costs and benefits. Written by a hydrogeologist and an economist, The Economics of Groundwater Remediation and Protection integrates economics and cost-benefit analysis tools with optimal protection and remediation strategies for groundwater resources.The book provides a thorough introduction of the concepts of groundwater flow and contaminant transport, and the basics of economic decision making techniques. It illustrates the types of risks and impacts caused by groundwater contamination, and the economic benefits of its remediation. The volume reviews a wide range of issues such as cost, implementation, and expectations of success for the latest remediation trends and techniques. The book shows how economic analysis can be used to determine how much we should pay for groundwater clean-up, and when spending too much - or too little - actually makes us all worse-off. The authors' step-by-step methodology for decision-making focuses on determining optimal remedial objectives, from containment to extensive cleanup, and the selection of least-cost alternatives. They use examples from their personal experience to illustrate the methodologies in action and put the issues into perspective.Combining the theoretical and practical aspects of science, policy, and economics, this book places the importance of groundwater remediation in the context of environmental economics, protection, and preservation. The Economics of Groundwater Remediation and Protection is also an excellent introduction to innovative solutions for funding remediation projects, education, and incentive programs, such as mitigation banking, land pollution credit schemes, and conservation credit alternatives.

Read more less

The end of the 20th century brought with it a revolution in molecular biology that culminated in advances such as the completion of the human genome. This has brought optimism to the fields of toxicology and environmental health, and the anticipation that molecular biomarkers might soon come of age and have a major impact on human and environmental health. Biomarker research is an area of current interest to scientists in a number of fields that are concerned with environmental exposure to pollutants and environmentally associated disease.Biomarkers of Environmentally Associated Disease: Technologies, Concepts, and Perspectives provides comprehensive coverage of the current status and future prospects of a field that will play a key role in emerging areas of public health and medicine. It focuses on the risk to human and environmental health of exposure to persistent organic pollutants, heavy metals, airborne toxics, environmental estrogens, and other environmental pollutants. This material will aid researchers in understanding, treating, and preventing environmentally induced disease.Validated molecular biomarkers have long been recognized as invaluable tools for identifying and preventing human disease. As biomarkers begin to be applied more widely, it is also important to assure that they are implemented ethically, with attention to the social and legal issues associated with their use. Biomarkers of Environmentally Associated Disease is an outstanding resource providing state-of-the-art information for the fields that encompass molecular biomarkers.

Read more less

Completely revised and updated, the Second Edition of Site Assessment and Remediation Handbook provides coverage of new procedures and technologies for an expanded range of site investigations. With over 700 figures, tables, and flow charts, the handbook is a comprehensive resource for engineers, geologists, and hydrologists conducting site investigation, and a one-stop, technical reference for environmental attorneys.

Read more less

Risk assessment is the cornerstone of contemporary environmental protection. You must find the answers to questions such as: what might be the impacts of the new synthetic chemicals, what problems might arise from the normal operations of industry, what are the chances of accidental releases and how will they impact the environment? Understanding and assessing these risks is essential to sound environmental policy and management.The first book to address the application of the current National Research Council (NRC) risk assessment paradigm to the coastal marine environment, Coastal and Estuarine Risk Assessment covers topics that range from pollutants of emerging concern to bioavailability and bioaccumulation at the suborganismal through landscape levels. It explores the necessary applications for modifying the NRC paradigm and presents a series of steps to actually accomplish an effective assessment using the modified paradigm. The book highlights the logical framework for assessing causation, and measurement of toxicant fate and effect. The chapter authors bring together experiences from academia, private consultants, and government agencies, resulting in a rich mixture of experience and insights. Exploring the science of exposure, effect, and risk in coastal and estuarine environments, Coastal and Estuarine Risk Assessment gives you a building block approach to the fundamental components of risk assessment.

Read more less

Handbook of Ecotoxicology, Second Edition focuses on toxic substances and how they affect ecosystems worldwide. It presents methods for quantifying and measuring ecotoxicological effects in the field and in the lab, as well as methods for estimating, predicting, and modeling in ecotoxicology studies. Completely revised and updated with 18 new chapters, this second edition includes contributions from over 75 international experts. Also, a Technical Review Board reviewed all manuscripts for accuracy and currency. This authoritative work is the definitive reference for students, researchers, consultants, and other professionals in the environmental sciences, toxicology, chemistry, biology, and ecology - in academia, industry, and government.

Read more less

Accident: an undesired event that results in loss. Most people give little thought to accidents or their prevention. Health and safety professionals face this challenge, and its associated costs and losses, both human and financial, every day. Cause, Effect, and Control of Accidental Loss with Accident Investigation Kit provides the tools you need for accident prevention in the workplace and during off-site company activities.

Read more less

The development of robust accuracy assessment methods for the validation of spatial data represents a difficult challenge for the geospatial science community. Obstacles to robust assessments include continuous data characteristics and positional errors, demanding ongoing development by GIS and remote sensing experts.Based upon a special symposium sponsored by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Remote Sensing and GIS Accuracy Assessment evaluates the important scientific elements related to the performance of accuracy assessments for remotely sensed data, GIS data analysis, and integration products. Scientists from federal, state, and local governments, academia, and nongovernmental organizations present twenty technical chapters that examine sampling issues, reference data collection, edge and boundary effects, error matrix and fuzzy assessments, error budget analysis, and change detection accuracy assessment.The book includes the keynote presentation by Russell G. Congalton that provides a historical accuracy assessment overview, articulatescurrent technical shortcomings, and identified numerous issues that were debated throughout the symposium. All chapters underwent a peer review and were determined to be valuable to the remote sensing and GIS community. The editors arranged the chapters as a series of complementary scientific topics to provide you with a detailed treatise on spatial data accuracy assessment issues.

Read more less

These three works cover the entire field of formation evaluation, from basic concepts and theories, through standard methods used by the petroleum industry, on to new and exciting applications in environmental science and engineering, hydrogeology, and other fields. Designed to be used individually or as a set, these volumes represent the first comprehensive assessment of all exploration methodologies. No other books offer the breadth of information and range of applications available in this set.

Read more less

Reports the results of a survey to locate campus evaluation policies and practices that encourage constructive change in departments and a stronger culture of collective responsibility for the unit's success. Specific recommendations are offered–ideas that could aid in creating a more "self-regarding" institution, stronger and more widely accepted methods for evaluating departments and collectives, and eventually greater flexibility for departmental faculty. The authors review materials from 130 institutions, following visits to eight campuses, and identify the key components: (1) the degree to which the organizational and cultural setting promotes a conducive atmosphere for evaluation; (2) the credibility and fairness of evaluation policies and practices; and (3) the validity and reliability of evaluation standards, criteria, and measures.Supported by the Pew Charitable Trusts.

Read more less

Eighth in AAHE’s Service-Learning in the Disciplines Series, this volume shows how service-learning is not only a strategy for preparing community-responsive and competent health physicians, but also for fostering citizenship and changing the relationship between communities and medical schools. This very useful book provides readers with a valuable source of information and inspiration to develop and expand service-learning across the continuum of medical education.

Read more less

Tenth in the Service-Learning in the Disciplines Series, this book shows how both peace studies and service-learning have been developing new ideas of how social learning takes place as a community process in conflict situations and what the dynamics of peace building are. The process has created a new niche in academia for preparing students to become social change agents. The enthusiasm of the contributors in this book gives the reader a new vision of what is possible on college campuses in community-based peace and service-learning at a time when there is a critical need for peace-building skills.

Read more less

The fifth volume in a AAHE and Campus Compact’s series on service-learning in the disciplines, this volume focuses on curriculum reform in accounting programs based on goals identified by accounting educators and describes specific implementations across the accounting curriculum. A practical guide with real solutions for both accounting educators and students.

Read more less

How does performance improve? A simple yet often unexplored question. To quantify it, it must be measured. To measure it, it must be understood. The good news is that once we actually examine how to test performance, a number of basic principles and natural laws emerge. Principles and laws with universal applications across diverse subjects, and when correctly applied, not only unravel the mystery of how performance improves, but how you can improve performance in your organization.The Performance Paradox explores the misunderstood subject of performance. While examining the varying measures of performance, the author discusses how to find what is true – that is, what is known and what is not known about performance, what needs to be known, what is useful, and what is not. The book exposes hype and fad and helps you embrace fact and reality. Sprinkled throughout you will find sage and practical advice which can be translated into concrete action irrespective of your intended area of application.Based on extensive research by the author, this book provides a deeper understanding what measures of performance can actually tell us about performance or, more specifically what they can tell us about how performance does and does not improve and the practical implications of such derived insights. By examining real-world examples of how abstract ideas can be concretely applied, Jerry Harbour can help transform any business or organization into a high-performance one where results are obtained, rather than imagined.

Read more less

Become a corporate change agentLearn to implement and cultivate a culture of improvement with the assistance of one of the world’s most respected experts Managing a business so that it achieves a supreme pace of improvement requires that all members of an organization can and do make their best contributions to the success of the enterprise. Management must provide employees with a shared set of values and beliefs so that they can decide for themselves how to behave in accordance with the expectations of a nurturing and empowering culture. A Culture of Rapid Improvement is intended for those leaders seeking to encourage dramatic improvement within their organizations. It shows these change agents how they can— · Develop the shared values and beliefs that serve as the foundation for a dynamic culture · Engage all employees to join the new culture and provide opportunities for these stakeholders to initiate and participate in improvement · Measure, evaluate, and manage the performance of the new culture Filled with lessons garnered from practical examples, this text is based on Raymond C. Floyd's 40 years of industrial management experience, including his more than 20 years at Exxon Mobil. He is the winner of a Shingo Prize and also holds the unique distinction of having led businesses from two different industries that were both recognized by IndustryWeek magazine as being among the Best Plants in America. If you approach the task of improvement with proper action and full participation, improvement is not just possible, but inevitable. At six months, you will notice a difference in your organizational culture; at the end of two years, you will be operating with near–world-class performance.

Read more less

While the vast majority of providers never intend to commit fraud or file false claims, complex procedures, changing regulations, and evolving technology make it nearly impossible to avoid billing errors. For example, if you play by HIPAA’s rules, a physician is a provider; however, Medicare requires that the same physician must be referred to as a supplier. Even more troubling is the need to alter claims to meet specific requirements that may conflict with national standards. Far from being a benign issue, differing guidelines can lead to false claims with financial and even criminal implications. Compliance for Coding, Billing & Reimbursement, Second Edition: A Systematic Approach to Developing a Comprehensive Program provides an organized way to deal with the complex coding, billing, and reimbursement (CBR) processes that seem to force providers to choose between being paid and being compliant. Fully revised to account for recent changes and evolving terminology, this unique and accessible resource covers statutorily based programs and contract-based relationships, as well as ways to efficiently handle those situations that do not involve formal relationships. Based on 25 years of direct client consultation and drawing on teaching techniques developed in highly successful workshops, Duane Abbey offers a logical approach to CBR compliance. Designed to facilitate efficient reimbursements that don’t run afoul of laws and regulations, this resource – Addresses the seven key elements promulgated by the OIG for any compliance program Discusses numerous types of compliance issues for all type of healthcare providers Offers access to online resources that provide continually updated information Cuts through the morass of terminology and acronyms with a comprehensive glossary Includes downloadable resources packed with regulations and information In addition to offering salient information illustrated by case studies, Dr, Abbey provides healthcare providers and administrators, as well as consultants and attorneys, with the mindset and attitude required to meet this very real challenge with savvy, humor, and perseverance.

Read more less

Which is the right approach for effective continuous improvement? While much has been written on merging Lean and Six Sigma initiatives, this is the first book to detail a logical alternative - a no-nonsense strategy for maintaining the best of both initiatives without diluting either. In Using Lean for Faster Six Sigma Results, Mark Nash, Sheila Poling, and Sophronia Ward lay out the differences between Lean and Six Sigma, define the distinct power and focus of each, and detail why and how to use them together in a synchronized and complementary way. While Lean focuses on the elimination of waste, Six Sigma addresses variability and reliability. Organizations that initiate Lean early in their continuous improvement efforts create culture change, immediate results, and streamlined processes, paving the way for faster and more effective Six Sigma results. This practical, easy read shows how to choose the right projects, approach, people, and toolset to achieve bottom-line results faster. Readers will benefit from the authors' years of experience implementing Lean with Six Sigma, through detailed case studies from both manufacturing and service companies. If you are struggling with the dilemma of how to integrate Lean and Six Sigma, or deciding which approach to use, read this practical, down-to-earth book to inspire and guide your strategy.

Read more less

Exploring one of the most dynamic and contested regions of the world, this series includes works on political, economic, cultural, and social changes in modern and contemporary Asia and the Pacific.The leading specialist on China's twentieth century peasant resistance reexamines, in bold and original ways, the question: Was the Chinese peasantry a revolutionary force? Where most scholarly attention has focused on Communist-led peasant movements, Bianco's story is one of peasant thought and action largely unmediated by modern political parties. This volume pays particular attention to the first half of the twentieth century when peasant-based conflict, ranging from tax and food protests to secret society conflicts, opium struggles, inter-communal conflicts, and tenant protests over rent, was central to nationwide revolutionary processes.

Read more less

This collection of documents covers the rise to power of the Chinese communist movement. They show how the Chinese Communist Party interpreted the revolution, how it devised policies to meet changing circumstances and how these policies were communicated to party members and public.

Read more less

The first part of a comprehensive overview of fundamental optical properties of III-nitride semiconductors. All optoelectronic applications based on III-nitrides are due to their unique optical properties and characterizations of III-nitrides. Much information, which is critical to the design and improvement of optoelectronic devices based on III-nitrides has been obtained in the last several years. This is the first of a two part Volume in the series Optoelectronic Properties of Semiconductors and Superlattices.

Read more less

The traditional boundary lines within the professional practice of psychology are changing, and major practice issues, such as prescription and hospital admitting privileges for psychologists, need to be expediently and adequately addressed. As many psychologists have come to realize, appropriate pharmacotherapy can be a useful adjunct to psychotherapy. Even professionals who do not use psychotropics in their own practice require at least a minimum degree of knowledge about the effects of these drugs on their patients. For example, a school counselor with an understanding of anticonvulsant drugs or methylphenidate, may be better able to plan an optimal program for learning disabled child who uses these drugs. The Pharmacologic Basis of Psychotherapeutics starts with a brief history (written by guest author Patrick DeLeon) of the movement to obtain prescription privileges for psychologists, including the arguments on both sides of the issue. It then describes the various purported mechanisms by which psychotropic drugs elicit their effects in the human body. The various drugs are introduced, and the processes of absorption, distribution and elimination, as well as the influence of age and disease on these processes are also discussed. Attention is given to the methods of administration, adverse reactions, and drug interactions. Based on the authors' experience in teaching pharmacopsychology, this text reflects their concern that psychologists be provided with a reference source that is both pharmacologically correct and specifically relevant to the expanded professional practice of psychology. Because it assumes no prior knowledge of pharmacotherapy, this book is appropriate for the graduate psychology student or post-graduate psychologist in clinical practice. An Editorial Advisory Committee, comprised of distinguished academics, researchers, and clinical psychologists was established to help ensure that the focus and leveling of the book was appropriately directed to the needs and abilities of both graduate psychology students and psychologists.

Read more less

HIV/AIDS and HIV/AIDS-Related Terminology: A Means of Organizing the Body of Knowledge offers an adaptable and extensive framework for organizing the ever-expanding number of resources on the HIV/AIDS epidemic. It lays down the groundwork upon which future blocks of information can be placed. As new information becomes available, it can be integrated into this system without rearranging the information already stored. This saves the time and money associated with revising a less flexible existing system. The book’s instructions for use and taxonomic classification system make it easy to use. HIV/AIDS and HIV/AIDS-Related Terminology is designed for use in any setting where HIV/AIDS healthcare or information services are provided. It acts as a guide to available resources and illustrates how to acquire the most up-to-date information. At the same time, it moves beyond the more general focus on the clinical, legal, and medical ramifications of HIV/AIDS to the development of an interdisciplinary cataloging system that includes all issues and topics associated with the disease. This invaluable reference tool leaves no rock unturned. It addresses every conceivable facet of the epidemic, from the psychological to the religious and from the economic to the social. Any organizations or institutions concerned with the collection, creation, management, and dissemination of HIV/AIDS-related materials will find this book an essential for their libraries. Practical and comprehensive, HIV/AIDS and HIV/AIDS-Related Terminology addresses a full range of topics, including: prevention and education epidemiology and transmission treatment funding opportunities health policy HIV/AIDS and the fine artsHIV/AIDS and HIV/AIDS-Related Terminology is the first book to provide a method for grappling with the vast scope of information on the HIV/AIDS epidemic. Its organic structure is designed to accommodate new knowledge as it becomes available, while it maximizes access to existing information in a variety of formats.

Read more less

As religious fervor grows, Dr. Fishwick, a recipient of the Ray and Pat Browne Award for Lifetime Achievement from The American Culture Association, takes a sweeping look at religion in the United States--the country with the highest church attendance in the Western world. Popular religion can take many shapes and forms. It can wax and wane, but it cannot be eliminated or ignored. That is what prompted him to write Great Awakenings: Popular Religion and Popular Culture.He ponders how religion affects American life and popular culture, and why religion has become a major force in contemporary politics. How has the Electronic Revolution furthered the religious right? What does popular religion tell us about popular culture? And about our faith?He identifies and explores five great religious revivals or “Great Awakenings:” the Atlantic Seaboard Awakening the Urban Awakening the Modernist Awakening the Celebrity Preacher Awakening the Electronic AwakeningFishwick explores the current events preceding and during each awakening, its leaders, followers, and critics. Great Awakenings gives a new understanding of the American religious past and leaves us with an anticipation for the next great awakening.

Read more less