Rethinking Risk and the Precautionary Principle

Book Description

This book challenges the claim that the precautionary principle is an appropriate guide to public policy decision-making in the face of uncertainty.

The precautionary principle is frequently invoked as a justification for regulating human activities. From bans on the use of growth hormones in cattle to restrictions on children's playground activities, precautionary thinking seems to be taking over our lives. As the contributors to this book show, such an approach is of dubious utility and may even be counterproductive.

This is a timely and important contribution to the debate on how to manage risk in the modern world.

The editor, Julian Morris, is Director of the Environment and Technology Programme at the Institute of Economic Affairs in London. He has written widely on issues relating to environmental protection and technological development.

Up to date discussion of current issues and scientific controversies.
Challenges the claim that the 'precautionary principle' is an appropriate guide to public policy decisions.

Book Description

An Inside Look at the Process of Innovation-and How to Make it Work for your Business While the need for innovation is widely recognized, the practices that nurture it elude many executives. Winning the Innovation Race examines the three dimensions of innovation-people, processes, and technology-and provides vivid examples of practices that encourage innovation. This comprehensive book describes the forms that innovation takes in industrial organizations and how superior companies manage to sustain innovation through effective management. The practices of PACE (Premier Automotive Suppliers' Contributions to Excellence) Award-winning companies are used to illustrate how truly innovative companies make the most of their employees, how they treat product development as a "perfectible process," and how they create reward systems that build cultures of innovation. Some of the vital lessons you'll learn in this unique resource:
* The virtue of "cheap failures"
* Why organizational discomfort is needed
* The role of executive leadership
* How to sustain a culture of innovation

Book Description

Cellular Biophysics is a quantitatively oriented basic physiology text for senior undergraduate and graduate students in bioengineering, biophysics, physiology, and neuroscience programs. It will also serve as a major reference work for biophysicists.

Developed from the author's notes for a course that he has taught at MIT for many years, these books provide a clear and logical explanation of the foundations of cell biophysics, teaching transport and the electrical properties of cells from a combined biological, physical, and engineering viewpoint.

Each volume contains introductory chapters that motivate the material and present it in a broad historical context. Important experimental results and methods are described. Theories are derived almost always from first principles so that students develop an understanding of not only the predictions of the theory but also its limitations. Theoretical results are compared carefully with experimental findings and new results appear throughout. There are many time-tested exercises and problems as well as extensive lists of references.

The volume on transport is unique in that no other text on this important topic develops it clearly and systematically at the student level. It explains all the principal mechanisms by which matter is transported across cellular membranes and describes the homeostatic mechanisms that allow cells to maintain their concentrations of solutes, their volume, and the potential across the membrane. Chapters are organized by individual transport mechanisms -- diffusion, osmosis, coupled solute and solvent transport, carrier-mediated transport, and ion transport (both passive and active). A final chapter discusses the interplay of all these mechanisms in cellular homeostasis.

Customer Reviews:

Wonderful.......2004-10-14

These texts are comprehensive and definitive. No question is left unanswered. New concepts are introduced in a clear, concise manner and all equations are derived from first principles. They are truly a pleasure to use as a student and as a teacher.

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Cellular Biophysics, Vol. 1: Transport
Thomas F. Weiss
Manufacturer: The MIT Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000OQ6Y2S

Book Description

For millennia the mighty giant tortoises lived in isolation on remote oceanic islands such as the Galapagos, Seychelles and Mauritius. Then in the sixteenth century sailors discovered that they were good to eat, and their strategic location led to a wholesale plunder of their population by passing ships. Later, many Victorian scientists became fascinated with these creatures, directly inspiring the first understanding of ecology and biogeography and Darwin's theory of natural selection. The giant tortoise was also the subject of the world's first conservation fight in the 1870s. Indeed many people's lives have been touched by these gentle giants. The French were happy to surrender the island of Mauritius in 1810, but baulked at handing over their mascot tortoise, and the British and American governments were forced to concede the tortoises in a major Cold War incident. The twentieth century saw the establishment of wildlife reserves in the Galapagos and elsewhere, but it has been too late for many species. However, modern genetics has been able to track down members of what were once believed to be extinct populations. A Sheltered Life is a fascinating look at one of the world's strangest and most wondrous animals--whose significance in modern science and culture cannot be underestimated.

Customer Reviews:

An exciting natural history adventure book.......2006-05-05

Paul Chambers writes well. He is also an exceptional researcher and storyteller. I had heard Chambers speak on one of the BBC's NakedScientists podcasts and not only enjoyed his profound knowledge but also his sense of restrained drama.

Yet I picked up this book twice before making the purchase. How could a feminist and museologist find something of interested in a natural history history of the giant tortoise. Something told me to take the plunge and make the purchase. Within the first page I was captivated, Chambers draws us into the scenario of the young Mr Darwin arriving at the Galapagos and being asked by his host, "you will, of course, stay for lunch? [...] I can offer you goat, pig or tortoise?"

As a reader I enjoyed the way Chambers organised each of the chapters, balancing out the stories of the Indian Ocean and Galapagos tortoises, elaborating in careful detail the story of Charles Darwin, Albert Gunter one of the earliest ecology environmentalists, a taste of Victorian collectomania as demonstrated by the fervour of Walter Rothschild and the period of the great scientific expeditions (aka raiding parties) by leading universities of the time.

Interspersed throughout the chapters was a story of the early whalers, trade routes, colonisation, territorial protection and later, DNA modelling.

In essence, this book was a riveting read with a well hammered environmental message. And with numerous mentions of the word 'museum' I now wonder how I could have hesitated to read this book in the first place.

I'm off to read Chambers first book now, Bones of Contention.

Concise, comprehensive, yet thorough history of the worlds giant tortoises.......2006-02-09

I am ashamed. I knew little about giant tortoises except that Darwin had one named Harriet and that there are some that live in the hills of the Galapagos that go into warm volcanic soil to lay their eggs. Had I chanced upon this book before my visit to the Mascarene Islands, I would've given these ancient, magnificent, and awe-inspiring reptiles their deserved attention when I met them.

Paul Chambers has done a remarkable job in recognising the characters of his audience as he has delivered a wonderfully entertaining recount of the discovery, torment, exhaltation, recognition, then conservation of the giant tortoises of the Indian and Atlantic Oceans. Be convinced that Chambers' knack at story-telling, served by intricate and exhaustive research processes, is that which has made this book a success. No doubt, the history of the giant tortoises is itself a truly fascinating topic, however, it is a long history and Chambers knits it tightly into just over 300-pages.

Complimented with thought-provoking illustrations and guiding maps, Chambers also supplements readers with archived photographs where available and enchanting excerpts from the journals of renowned naturalists including Darwin and Wallace (whom, when you read this book, aren't as significan't characters to the story as you think!).

Chambers has inspired curiosity and instilled amazement in this group of animals that has come so close to being decemated by development. A well-paced read, that is acutely balanced and finely structured, be prepared to journey back into the ages of the sea-faring colonists, and discover as they did, the unique giant tortoises that have for millenia, led a sheltered life.

Nifty Journey with Very Large Turtles!!!.......2006-01-27

This is a flawless study of how huge tortoises were at first discovered, then eaten, then sold for their oil and shells, bred, and analyzed by a lot of top zoologists, including Darwin himself! Also, a nice look at the human and biological history of the Galopagos Islands, where the author claims that tortoises and their evolution were as important to Darwin's ideas as the more famous finches. One tortoise still living has been said to be a survivor of Darwin's menagerie, and the author studies the geneological background of this large,elderly lady! He is very skeptical that the animal has lived to be over 170, since the 1830's, but gives a strong case of birth in the 1870's, still very elderly in her 130's!! With some nice drawings , and general large turtle history in islands in the Indian ocean ,this book is a fairly easy, and very interesting page turner, especially for so heavy and old a subject!

A Sheltered Life : The Unexpected History of the Giant Tortoise

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A Sheltered Life : The Unexpected History of the Giant Tortoise
Paul Chambers
Manufacturer: Oxford University Press, USA
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000OKWUD6

Book Description

Sports/Travel

The complete resource on backcountry camping from a legendary wilderness expert.

In this classic guide, first published in the late 1950s, Rutstrum covers the key elements of a successful camping trip: the proper way to build a raft, chop down a tree, construct a campsite, cook over a campfire, find a way through the woods, and much more. Drawing upon his vast experience in all kinds of weather, Rutstrum provides essential knowledge for every camper, in a lightweight volume perfect for the backpack.

"A clear and comprehensive book by one who obviously is a master of do-it-yourself procedures. . . . This text is designed for both novices and experienced travelers in the true wilderness, although it touches on life in less rigorous reaches." Kirkus

"A rich mine of information on camping, traveling, and surviving in wilderness areas. Primarily a personal reference book, but also a volume that many persons who enjoy outdoor recreation, as well as 'armchair outdoorsmen,' can read from cover to cover. The sections on food, on living in frigid wilderness areas, and on direction finding contain materials not readily found elsewhere. Also included are valuable checklists of equipment and supplies to take on wilderness expeditions." Library Journal

For biographies of Calvin Rutstrum and Leslie Kouba, see left.

Fesler-Lampert Minnesota Heritage Book Series

Translation Inquiries: Simon & Schuster

Book Description

Who are the men committing the rising number of serial homicides in the U.S. -- and why do they kill? The increase in these violent crimes over the past decade has created an urgent need for more and better information about these men: their crime scene patterns, violent acts, and above all, their motivations for committing these shocking and repetitive murders.

This authoritative book represents the data, findings, and implications of a long-term F.B.I.-sponsored study of serial sex killers. Specially trained F.B.I. agents examined thirty-six convicted, incarcerated sexual murderers to build a valuable new bank of information which reveals the world of the serial sexual killer in both quantitative and qualitative detail. Data was obtained from official psychiatric and criminal records, court transcripts, and prison reports, as well as from extensive interviews with the offenders themselves.

Featured in this book is detailed information on the F.B.I.'s recently developed Violent Criminal Apprehension Program (VICAP) and a sample of an actual VICAP Crime Analysis Report Form.

Customer Reviews:

Well thought out........2007-07-11

Sexual Homicide: Paterns and Motives is an excellent source for any investigator or person in need of information on processes of the killers mind. The book looks at the psychology of the offenders as well as the physical aspects identifying different types of offenders.
If you use or like this book Crime Classification Manual: A Standard System for Investigating and Classifying Violent Crimes is a must have as well.

James A. Forrest - Eye of the Storm

Good Book.......2007-01-04

I have read many of Douglas' books in the past but this one is much closer to a textbook, which I knew when I bought it. Very informative and is based on their study of numerous sexual murderers so it does use actual case studies and does clarify points from quoting from those interviews. If you buy this knowing that it is basically a textbook and you are OK with that...you will love this book as it is jam packed full of info.

A Landmark Research Book.......2005-03-23

The pioneering research work of Robert Ressler, Ann Burgess and John Douglass is presented in startling statistical detail. Thirty-six sexual murderers were interviewed: the data about their motivations, drives, and fantasies was catalogued and indexed in insightful graphic detail. Perhaps the psychological, predatory horror that lurks in the minds of serial killers will never be fully understood, but Douglass, Burgess, and Ressler's work offers some stunning insights into the mind-set of some of today's most horrific sexual killers.

With nearly 16,000 homicides in the U.S. each year, the highest of any country in the industrialized world, there is no doubt we are in the midst of an alarming social epidemic. If any biological pathogen killed as many Americans each year, we would be under a state of national emergency.

The rise in the number of so-called "lust murders" is particularly disturbing. To understand and apprehend the criminal, we must first understand both the crime and the victim- something criminologists refer to as "victimology." Child abuse, anti-social behavioral indicators, psychological triggers, and paraphilia obsessions: this book delves into the dark impulses that drive so many of these horrific homicides. This book is an essential tool for the homicide investigator and criminal profiler.

The disturbing nature of some of the numerous homicide cases, indexed in this book, should be a wake-up call to all of us. Something dark, sinister and cancerous is eating away at the fabric of our society- disturbing the equilibrium of its life-force.

This book quantifies sexual homicide with scholarly clarity. "Sexual Homicide: Patterns and Motives" is a landmark investigative tool in the field of criminology.

The textbook on Criminal Profiling.......2005-03-22

Indepensible. The textbook for criminal profilers and forensic investigators. A scholarly colossal work of invaluable and useful information. Ressler builds a very convincing case for the statisical analysis and identification of serial killers types.

Informative.......2003-11-23

This book was kind of boring in places but then again it's not supposed to necessarily be entertaining.

I ordered it after seeing the authors on tv several times where they were interviewing serial killers and talking about profiling. I believe one of them actually invented the entire idea of profiling and he used his profiling techniques to catch that 'Gacy the clown' guy who buried 30 kids in his basement.

This book is very informative and gives insights into the minds of the homicidal psychopaths.

It's interesting to see how looking at a crime scene tells so much about the offender. It's like the killers are expressing their horrible natures in symbolic, ritualistic ways.

If I understand the authors' conclusions correctly sexual psychopaths gets completely consumed by their horrible fantasies to the point where they become more or less disfunctional. (That's assuming they ever were functional.) In their fantasy world the killer has complete control and domination over everyone else which is what they crave. At some point they start to project these dark fantasies into the real world.

There's also an interesting section about the affects of a murder on the families. Not surprisingly these affects are all negative and can be severe:

"I can't have sex with my husband anymore because every time he touches me, I think about what the rapist did to her."

"I hate Halloween. My sons body was found in a desert area badly decomposed, a week after he was murdered. Each year when I see the skeletons at Halloween, they remind me of my son and what he must have looked like."

In another case the father lost his job (without pension) because he couldn't concentrate anymore and the mother was also out on sick leave from her job.

There's also a section on how a female should possibly react if confonted by a potentially violent psychopath.

Sexual assault is horrible in its own unique way I guess.

I may read some more books about this subject. I would like to find more case studies of what the psychopath did and how the profilers figured out who the killer was based on the evidence.

I think subjects related to forensic science are getting very popular nowadays. There's a lot of tv shows coming out which are based on some of the non fiction shows like 'Cold Case Files' and 'Forensic Files'.

Jeff Marzano

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SEXUAL HOMICIDE: PATTERNS AND MOTIVES
DOUGLAS JOHN E
Manufacturer: SIMON SCHUSTER
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000S5XFGS

Average customer rating:
Sexual Homicide: Patterns and Motives
Robert K.; Burgess, Ann W.; Douglas, John E.; Burgess, Ann Wolbert Ressler
Manufacturer: Free Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000O8TA8Q

Average customer rating:
Sexual Homicide: Patterns and Motives
Robert K.; Burgess, Ann W.; Douglas, John E.; Burgess, Ann Wolbert Ressler
Manufacturer: Free press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000LZN6X2

Book Description

Disney magic. Those four simple syllables have been used from the earliest days of Disney animation to describe not only the films themselves, but also the very real experience they provide to moviegoers. Beginning in 1928 with Steamboat Willie, the first animated short with synchronized sound, to the eye-popping Disney animated features of today such as Treasure Planet, Disney has delivered, and fans have responded in kind. This unique relationship has produced unparalleled results. fifteen of the 125 highest grossing films of all time are Disney animated features. Of the top ten animated features, eight are Disney titles, with The Lion King reigning as the top-grossing animated film of all time with a box office of $772 million. In September 2002, the Monsters, Inc. video and DVD sold a record of five million copies the first day of its release. Once again, this calendar honors the tradition of Disney magic by showcasing every animated Disney feature - including 2003's Finding Nemo - and many memorable film shorts. Each full-color page presents a classic scene and an interesting fact or quote inspired by the film. In addition, the popular flip animation feature returns for added enjoyment throughout the year.

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