People and the Earth: Basic Issues in the Sustainability of Resources and Environment

Book Description

People and the Earth examines the numerous ways in which this planet enhances and limits our lifestyles. Written with wit and remarkable insight, and illustrated with numerous case histories, it provides a balanced view of the complex environmental issues facing our civilization. The authors look at the geologic restrictions on our ability to withdraw resources--food, water, energy, and minerals--from the earth, the effect human activity has on the earth, and the lingering damage caused by natural disasters. People and the Earth examines the basic components of our interaction with this planet, provides a lucid, scientific discussion of each issue, and speculates on what the future may hold. It provides the fundamental concepts that will enable us to make wise and conscientious choices on how to live our day-to-day lives. People and the Earth is an ideal introductory textbook and will also appeal to anyone concerned with our evolving relationship to the earth.

Customer Reviews:

Some Good Discussions, Often Poorly Illustrated.......2002-02-06

The book contains some good discussions on overpopulation, food supplies, water pollution and other environmental issues. However, more detailed introductions are required on plate tectonics and soils so that novice readers may better understand earthquakes and food production, respectively. Each chapter contains a number of useful math problems and thought questions. There are also numerous tables of data, which are interesting, but may overwhelm some students. Some of these data may be more understandable if they were graphed. All of the photographs are in black and white, but are usually satisfactory. However, many of the illustrations are only rough sketches and do not adequately illustrate important concepts for beginning undergraduates (as examples: plate margins [Figure 3.3, p. 75] and active and passive coastlines [Figure 3.21, p. 109]).

Book Description

Workflow Handbook 2001

Published in association with the Workflow Management Coalition (WfMC)

Edited by Layna Fischer

The definitive and one-stop reference work on workflow, standards and business processes; published in collaboration with the Workflow Management Coalition, the industry's standards-setting body.

Contributions from industry experts, includes Wf-XML Binding Specification and WfMC workflow glossary.

This latest edition of the Workflow Handbook provides valuable insights into the revolution in business process management and the attendant benefits currently underway as eBusiness opportunities increase. The Workflow Handbook 2001 has been designed as a one-stop source for organizations seeking or already committed to implementing workflow systems as part of their IT and EC strategy.

Customer Reviews:

Excellent Overview on the Scope of Workflow.......2001-05-23

This book puts workflow in its proper context - much more: it convincingly shows how pervasive the subject has become, despite earlier reports on its death as yet another hype gone sour. On the contrary, the most glorious days for this technology still lie ahead as is eloquently presented in the chapter by Carl Frappolo "The many Generations of workflow", which I particularly enjoyed. It becomes clear that the biggest driver of this technology is and will be the internet, whether for e-business, e-government or enterprise portals, actually for most future web application. And this also means continuous adaptation and further development of the field. It is not surprising: after all behind many web application there is some process, and the automation of a process is called workflow by definition, even if it is not made explicit. I strongly recommend the book to anybody concerned with internet/intranet applications.

A Great Analysis of Workflow.......2001-05-23

I can only say congratulations on this most informative book. As a source of information about workflow it is excellent!!

Workflow Handbook 2001.......2001-05-19

The Workflow Handbook 2001 is exactly what the title indicates. It is a valuable handbook for anyone who is interested in learning about workflow management. Workflow, under whatever label you wish to give it, is a critical enabler in today's hot technologies, such as portals and e-business.

The first chapter - Workflow: An Introduction - describes the current understanding of workflow with the assumption that the reader has no prior knowledge of the topic. It is designed as a basic primer that will help with the appreciation of the more advanced topics described in later articles.

The 20-page paper on workflow interoperability standards for the Internet is clear and easy to understand. It includes details of which operations are defined in the current version of the Wf-XML interoperability specification and a reference list of business-to-business protocols that are being defined and standardized for capturing different business models and

processes. It also describes the efforts toward defining a standard for workflow interoperability that began in 1994 with the Workflow Reference Model from the Workflow Management Coalition (WfMC)...

Table of Contents.......2001-05-15

As Editor of the Workflow Handbook 2001, I feel that adding the TOC will help readers decide if this is the right book for them:

Divided into three main sections; "The World of Workflow," Workflow Standards" and "Directory and Appendices," Workflow Handbook 2001 includes the full new Wf-XML Binding Specification and the updated WfMC workflow glossary.

White papers cover topics such as the role of workflow in portal environments, managing time in workflow systems, and fundamental trends in application integration, development tools, and workflow engine cooperation.

The Appendix includes a listing of the more than 250 Workflow Management Coalition member organizations. The Workflow Management Coalition (WfMC), a non-profit international organization of workflow vendors, academics, users and consultants (www.wfmc.org). Their contributions to the Workflow Handbook are educational in nature, vendor-independent and have studiously avoided any element of a sales pitch.

Workflow: An Introduction; Rob Allen, Open Image Systems Inc., UK

Workflow for the Information Worker; Keith Swenson, MS2 Inc., USA

The Many Generations of Workflow; Carl Frappaolo, Delphi Consulting Group, USA

Workflow-based Process Controlling-Or: What You Can Measure You Can Control; Michael zur Muehlen, University of Muenster, Germany

The Role of Workflow in Portal Environments; Mike Marin, FileNET Corporation, USA

A Supply Chain Management Framework using the TINA-C Business Model and a jFlow Workflow Prototype; Benito T. Giordani and Manuel de J. Mendes, GMD FOKUS, Germany

Managing Time in Workflow Systems; Johann Eder, University of Klagenfurt, Austria; Euthimios Panagos, AT&T Labs - Research, USA

The Birth of m-Commerce; Robert Haxne, Staffware, UK

Interworkflow: A Challenge for Business-to-Business Electronic Commerce; Haruo Hayami and Masashi Katsumata, Kanagawa Institute of Technology, Ken-ichi Okada, Keio University, Japan

Applying Intelligent Workflow Management in the Chemicals Industries; Jussi Stader, Jonathan Moore, Paul Chung, Ian McBriar, Mohan Ravinranathan, Ann Macintosh, United Kingdom

Workflow in the Public Sector; Kathleen K. Billie, DoxSys, Inc., USA

Building Complex Workflow Applications: How to Overcome the Limitations of the Waterfall Model; Stefan Junginger, BOC GmbH, Germany; Harald Kuehn, BOC GmbH, Austria; Mark Heidenfeld, BOC Ltd, Ireland; Dimitris Karagiannis, University of Vienna, Austria

From Workflow to e-Process Automation; Dave Hollingsworth, ICL, United Kingdom

Three Fundamental Trends: Application Integration, Development Tools, and Workflow Engine Cooperation; Martin Ader, Workflow and Groupware Strategies, France

SECTION 2-Workflow Standards

The Value of Standards; Betsy Fanning, AIIM International

Workflow Interoperability Standards for the Internet; James G. Hayes, Computer Sciences Corporation, USA; Effat Peyrovian, ECC Consultants, USA; Sunil Sarin, TIBCO Software, USA; Marc-Thomas Schmidt, IBM UK Ltd., UK; Keith D. Swenson, MS2 Inc., USA; Rainer Weber, SAP AG, Germany

Workflow Standard-Interoperability Wf-XML Binding

SECTION 3-Directory and Appendices

Terminology and Glossary; WfMC Structure and Membership Details; WfMC Officers; Coalition Member Directory; Author Directory

For an organization to achieve effective electronic communication, its workflow systems need to successfully interoperate both internally at the department level and externally with the organizations with which they do business. This can apply to external parties such as vendors, other businesses, and customers.

To achieve wide scale interoperability between organizations, cooperation between workflow vendors is critical. The Workflow Management Coalition ... has worked strenuously for the adoption of standards throughout the industry. Standards allow organizations that have more than one workflow system to connect them easily. They provide a fertile environment for workflow component development to grow and flourish, giving a rich array of options for user organizations. Most importantly, standards provide an infrastructure for inter-organizational process automation and the basis for electronic commerce.

Workflow Handbook.......2000-12-08

I was disappointed when the Workflow Coalition failed to bring out a next publication after the 1997 Handbook. At last, we have the 2001 edition, which is truly great. Like the last edition, this is basically a collection of white papers by a bunch of techno-gurus over a broad spectrum that addresses the interests of any organization involved in information technology.

I liked David Hollingsworth's paper on how workflow supports e-business. He's the top workflow guru at ICL and really knows the deal. Another paper I liked that made good sense was Michael zur Muehlen's "Workflow-based Process Controlling-Or: What You Can Measure You Can Control." (He's a wizkid professor from a university in Germany...)

There are about another 20 chapters (I'm going from memory) that cover workflow/BPR/IT etc. The appendices includes the workflow glossary, and the full nteroperability Wf-XML binding.

By and large, I'd say this book is worth the money (it's not cheap) - but I learned a lot (more than I thought I would). Go to the wfmc.org website for more info on the organization. The Workflow Management Coalition (WfMC) creates workflow standards like Wf-XML, and was the first to establish stuff like workflow interfaces for e-commerce, b2b etc.

Our company uses their standards, because everybody else does.

Average customer rating:

Excellent Overview on the Scope of Workflow

A collection of first class reference materials on workflow

Workflow Handbook 2001 Companion CD ROM
Layna Fischer
Manufacturer: Future Strategies
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: CD-ROM
ASIN: 0970350910

Book Description

Published in collaboration with The Workflow Management Coalition (WfMC), a non-profit international organization of workflow vendors, academics, users and consultants, Workflow Handbook 2001 Companion CD ROM includes:

· Video introduction to the WfMC by Jon Pyke, WfMC Chair
· An electronic copy of the entire Workflow Handbook 2001 in PDF format
· Introduction to Workflow 45-minute video tutorial
· Selected slide presentations from WfMC technical committee meetings
· Comprehensive high-level workflow product comparative analysis
· Workflow product demonstrations, specifications and literature from selected vendors
· The WfMC membership list

Edited by Layna Fischer, WfMC General Manager, the Workflow Handbook 2001 Companion CD ROM has been designed as a one-stop source for organizations seeking or already committed to implementing workflow systems as part of their IT and electronic commerce strategy. It is an indispensable companion the WfMC Handbook 2001.

Chapters cover topics such as the role of workflow in portal environments, managing time in workflow systems, and fundamental trends in application integration, development tools, and workflow engine cooperation. The section on workflow product positioning by Martin Ader, Workflow and Groupware Strategies, offers a comprehensive and high-level comparative analysis of many workflow products, and includes a detailed definition of workflow comparison criteria.

The video tutorial in MPEG format on Introduction to Workflow, developed by Charlie Plesums of CSC, is presented in two parts totaling 45 minutes. Taped in front of a live audience, the video covers:

· What is (automated) workflow?
· What does Work Management accomplish?
· Benefits; Technology and Standards;
· Success stories;
· How to get started

The technical presentations, originally made to the WfMC Technical Committee, include Interface 1:XML for Workflow Process Definition Interchange, Wf-XML Implementation and Wf-XML SOAP Bindings.

Several leading workflow vendors have provided detailed products specifications; screen shots, case studies and products demonstrations to enable viewers to better understand their products and functionality.

Customer Reviews:

Excellent Overview on the Scope of Workflow.......2001-05-30

This is a valuable addition to the book - which is also fully included on the CD. The internet is and will be the biggest driver of this technology whether for e-business, e-government or enterprise portals, actually for most future web applications, as becomes apparent by scanning the material. Already, some newer products go strongly in this direction (see vendors). There are many interesting contacts listed from the WfMC.

A collection of first class reference materials on workflow.......2001-05-23

The content is first class with quality articles on various aspects of workflow. It contains all informations on WfMC specifications and their relevance. Of great use the list of members with contacts, and the list of WfMC contacts by country. The CD is a highly valuable collection of additional materials on products.

Book Description

This manual provides the reader with an accurate and convenient method for estimatig direct labor for general contrsuction work for any given system, plant, or location. Though this book, the reader has a reliable process of obtaining and streamlining an efficent model of operation.

Customer Reviews:

Estimator's General Construction Manhour Manual.......2004-01-28

This manual is indispensable for estimators of general construction. The spiral bound format is ideal for desk use. Its breakdown into the Construction Standard Numbered Sections make it very easy to locate new or unusual items for the neophyte estimator. It is also a fount of information for those in other construction disciplines. Subcontractors will also find it indispensable for quickly and easily establishing rates for trade work other than their own speciality, included in their bids. The manhour rates for thousands of tasks are quite accurate and timeless. Using the formulae developed in the introduction to this volume, the rates can be adjusted for economic, labor, productivity, prevailing weather conditions to be found in any location, throughout North America. I have used the rates in the book as bases for the development and or adjustment of data bases of several national estimating software programs, and used them to bid successfully for many, many multi-million Public Works and Private projects, during my forty years in constuction management in North America. This is a must-have reference bible for the library of any Construction Estimator.

Book Description

Farmed poultry is an important source of protein throughout the world, and all students of agriculture are likely to be required to study poultry science to at least an introductory level. However, hitherto, there has been no suitable textbook serving the needs of students taking a general introductory course in poultry science. This book aims to fill this gap, explaining the science underlying the productive processes of growth, reproduction, and incubation. The applications of nutrition and breeding techniques are described. The overall purpose is to provide the student with an understanding of the characteristics and physiological responses of domesticated poultry, emphasizing modelling responses rather than biochemical and hormonal processes. Basic concepts and models are stressed rather than practical production systems, so that the book has worldwide applicability. The book represents a key text for degree and advance diploma courses in agriculture.

Principles of nutrition for chickens and turkeys (Circular / Division of Agricultural Sciences, University of California)

Average customer rating:

Principles of nutrition for chickens and turkeys (Circular / Division of Agricultural Sciences, University of California)
Charles Richard Grau
Manufacturer: Division of Agricultural Sciences, University of California
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding

Book Description

What makes a man sell all he owns and ride a motorcycle 22,000 miles from his hometown in upstate New York to the southernmost tip of South America? Some call it craziness; Latinos call it “cojones.” This funny, fast-paced narrative follows a young man in his search for meaning, adventure, and the best rum in Latin America. Battling rough roads, careening buses, and bribe-taking cops in 14 countries, he discovers breathtaking beauty as well as what it feels like to hit a truck head-on. He and his companions for much of the trip—two bikers he met over the Internet—form an unlikely and amusing trio. In the tradition of Road Fever and Motorcycle Diaries, Odyssey to Ushuaia is a riot for every reader, and absolutely essential for those planning a similar trip. Loaded with insider information such as how to bribe cops and not lose one’s savings, how to cross a border without going crazy, how to handle an accident, and much more, it also features an appendix with the detailed trip lists from all three riders.

Customer Reviews:

Some fun but the guy's a letch!.......2006-11-29

He tells some pretty good stories here and there. Some good advice is given about border crossings. However, it was annoying how he letcherously pursued the women along the way. Ick.

An entertaining read, but not a travel guide.......2006-02-25

The author describes his journey through the eastern and southeastern portion of the U.S. and on to Mexico, Central and South America with two riding companions he met over the internet. Although the story doesn't really begin until he and his riding partners reach Mexico. His humor stands out throughout the book and his shenannigans with the local woman are quite entertaining. He does dicuss the route and the difficulty at many border crossing along with the problems that arise while travelling south of the border. The sometimes difficult relationships he has riding with two people he doesn't know well and the difference in riding abilities. As I said it's not a travel guide, if you are planning a trip down south, it may give some insight on various questions one may have. A worth while read for any adventure tourers.

A adventure from start to finish........2005-01-30

I have never read a "Travel" book before, let alone a "Motorcycle Travel" book so I may not be qualified to say that this is more of a tale of adventure than a guide of any sort. That said, this book has been a page-turner that has me looking for something similar to replace it now that it is over. Andre's makes you feel like you have been on the road (and off the road) and conveys, often at his own expense, a sense of the ups and downs of his relationship with his two riding partners.
This is not a Moto-Travel reference. It is not a guide to where to stay or what to eat. It is a true-life tale of a dream come to life. I hope to follow in Andres, Peters and Robert's footsteps some day.

not informative.......2004-06-12

The reader should not expect to learn much about any of the Latin American countries that the author visited. This is a book about what goes on inside a Yankee motorcyclist's head, not about Latin America. The author seems ill-informed about the places he travels, so can say very little about them.

One star because it is very well written, very readable.

Riding Companion from Hell.......2004-03-13

I bought this book excited to read about a fellow KLR rider undertaking a trip that I've been comtenplating myself. But instead of any insightful look at the people or places along the way, what we're left with is a juevenille cursory glance, while most of the book consists of the author looking to score with the ladies.

I felt entirely sympathetic with his two riding companions, as countlessly the author performs bone-headed manuevers, over-sleeps, doens't prepare in the least for a trip of this kind, and the guy wonders at the end why he isn't invited to one of their weddings.

This was a huge dissapointment, and if you're looking for insightful looks at motorcycle and travel, read The Perfect Vehicle, or Ghost Rider, or Zen and the art of Motorcycle Maintenence. All great books.

Avoid this stinker.

Average customer rating:
Odyssey To Ushuaia - Motorcycling Adventure From New York To Tierra Del Fuego
Andres Carlstein
Manufacturer: Chicago Review Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000OPA2B8

Books:

Books Index

Books Home

Recommended Books