This report was undertaken on local, regional, state and federal levels in the United States to analyse the impact residuals have on environmental quality and to emphasise the need for Residuals- Environmental quality management (REQM). Originally published in 1982, this study brings together information on approaches for analysing natural systems and which factors to consider when choosing an approach. This title will be of interest to students of environmental studies as well as professionals and policy makers.

Systems and their mathematical description play an important role in all branches of science. This book offers an introduction to mathematical modeling techniques. It is intended for undergrad students in applied natural science, in particular earth and environmental science, environmental engineering, as well as ecology, environmental chemistry, chemical engineering, agronomy, and forestry. The focus is on developing the basic methods of modeling. Students will learn how to build mathematical models of their own, but also how to analyze the properties of existing models. The book neither derives mathematical formulae, nor does it describe modeling software, instead focusing on the fundamental concepts behind mathematical models. A formulary in the appendix summarizes the necessary mathematical knowledge. To support independent learners, numerous examples and problems from various scientific disciplines are provided throughout the book. Thanks in no small part to the cartoons by Nikolas Stürchler, this introduction to the colorful world of modeling is both entertaining and rich in content

Systems Analysis in Ecology surveys the problems and techniques of systems analysis in ecology. The opening and closing chapters were written by the editor, the first to explain why systems analysis is needed in ecology and what is meant by the term, and the last to point out the implications of this new approach for the future development of ecology. The book opens with a discussion of the nature of systems analysis. This is followed by separate chapters on the complexity of ecological systems and problems in their study and management; the organization and analytical procedures required by a large ecological systems study; telemetry and automatic data acquisition systems; and surveillance of the activities of small mammals. Subsequent chapters deal with the analysis of bird navigation experiments; the analysis of determination in population systems; building models of complex ecological systems; mathematical tools for the design of better salmon fishery management systems; and the evolution of ecological research programs.

Genetic algorithms are playing an increasingly important role in studies of complex adaptive systems, ranging from adaptive agents in economic theory to the use of machine learning techniques in the design of complex devices such as aircraft turbines and integrated circuits. Adaptation in Natural and Artificial Systems is the book that initiated this field of study, presenting the theoretical foundations and exploring applications. In its most familiar form, adaptation is a biological process, whereby organisms evolve by rearranging genetic material to survive in environments confronting them. In this now classic work, Holland presents a mathematical model that allows for the nonlinearity of such complex interactions. He demonstrates the model's universality by applying it to economics, physiological psychology, game theory, and artificial intelligence and then outlines the way in which this approach modifies the traditional views of mathematical genetics. Initially applying his concepts to simply defined artificial systems with limited numbers of parameters, Holland goes on to explore their use in the study of a wide range of complex, naturally occuring processes, concentrating on systems having multiple factors that interact in nonlinear ways. Along the way he accounts for major effects of coadaptation and coevolution: the emergence of building blocks, or schemata, that are recombined and passed on to succeeding generations to provide, innovations and improvements.

This is a Big History book presenting perspectives that have helped thousands of Christians deepen their understanding of nature. Accessible and enlightening, the book explores nature in a way that accommodates both scientific and religious viewpoints. Topics include answers to these questions: ● How do we identify truth, and are scientific discoveries true? ● What produced the order we see in nature? ● How do atoms, stars, and planets form, and how did the Universe develop? ● How was Earth organized, and how did it become habitable? ● What made organisms the way they are, and how do bodies and species form? This is a great book for Christians striving to understand scientific discoveries. (This title is also available in paperback through Amazon.)

Science, engineering, and technology permeate nearly every facet of modern life and hold the key to solving many of humanity's most pressing current and future challenges. The United States' position in the global economy is declining, in part because U.S. workers lack fundamental knowledge in these fields. To address the critical issues of U.S. competitiveness and to better prepare the workforce, A Framework for K-12 Science Education proposes a new approach to K-12 science education that will capture students' interest and provide them with the necessary foundational knowledge in the field. A Framework for K-12 Science Education outlines a broad set of expectations for students in science and engineering in grades K-12. These expectations will inform the development of new standards for K-12 science education and, subsequently, revisions to curriculum, instruction, assessment, and professional development for educators. This book identifies three dimensions that convey the core ideas and practices around which science and engineering education in these grades should be built. These three dimensions are: crosscutting concepts that unify the study of science through their common application across science and engineering; scientific and engineering practices; and disciplinary core ideas in the physical sciences, life sciences, and earth and space sciences and for engineering, technology, and the applications of science. The overarching goal is for all high school graduates to have sufficient knowledge of science and engineering to engage in public discussions on science-related issues, be careful consumers of scientific and technical information, and enter the careers of their choice. A Framework for K-12 Science Education is the first step in a process that can inform state-level decisions and achieve a research-grounded basis for improving science instruction and learning across the country. The book will guide standards developers, teachers, curriculum designers, assessment developers, state and district science administrators, and educators who teach science in informal environments.