An Introduction to Forensic Geoscience

An Introduction to Forensic Genetics is a comprehensive introduction to this fast moving area from the collection of evidence at the scene of a crime to the presentation of that evidence in a legal context. The last few years have seen significant advances in the subject and the development and application of genetics has revolutionised forensic science. This book begins with the key concepts needed to fully appreciate the subject and moves on to examine the latest developments in the field, illustrated throughout with references to relevant casework. In addition to the technology involved in generating a DNA profile, the underlying population biology and statistical interpretation are also covered. The evaluation and presentation of DNA evidence in court is discussed as well with guidance on the evaluation process and how court reports and statements should be presented. An accessible introduction to Forensic Genetics from the collection of evidence to the presentation of that evidence in a legal context Includes case studies to enhance student understanding Includes the latest developments in the field focusing on the technology used today and that which is likely to be used in the future Accessible treatment of population biology and statistics associated with forensic evidence This book offers undergraduate students of Forensic Science an accessible approach to the subject that will have direct relevance to their courses. An Introduction to Forensic Genetics is also an invaluable resource for postgraduates and practising forensic scientists looking for a good introduction to the field.

Introduction to Statistics for Forensic Scientists is an essential introduction to the subject, gently guiding the reader through the key statistical techniques used to evaluate various types of forensic evidence. Assuming only a modest mathematical background, the book uses real-life examples from the forensic science literature and forensic case-work to illustrate relevant statistical concepts and methods. Opening with a brief overview of the history and use of statistics within forensic science, the text then goes on to introduce statistical techniques commonly used to examine data obtained during laboratory experiments. There is a strong emphasis on the evaluation of scientific observation as evidence and modern Bayesian approaches to interpreting forensic data for the courts. The analysis of key forms of evidence are discussed throughout with a particular focus on DNA, fibres and glass. An invaluable introduction to the statistical interpretation of forensic evidence; this book will be invaluable for all undergraduates taking courses in forensic science. Introduction to the key statistical techniques used in the evaluation of forensic evidence Includes end of chapter exercises to enhance student understanding Numerous examples taken from forensic science to put the subject into context

Introduction to Veterinary and Comparative Forensic Medicine is a ground-breaking book in an emerging new speciality. It reflects the increasing demand for expert opinion by veterinarians and others in courts of law and elsewhere on such matters as: · wildlife conservation, · welfare of, and alleged cruelty to, animals, · insurance, certification and malpractice · the identification of live and dead species or their derivatives. It also discusses and analyses current concern over possible links between domestic violence and abuse of animals. Throughout the book the emphasis is on the need for a systematic and thorough approach to forensic work. A particular feature is practical advice, with protocols on dealing with common problems, together with case studies, various appendices and an extensive bibliography. A vital reference for members of the veterinary profession, lawyers, enforcement bodies and welfare and conservation organisations. The comparative aspects provide an important source of information for those working in human forensic medicine and the biological sciences.

A modern, up-to-date introduction to optimization theory and methods This authoritative book serves as an introductory text to optimization at the senior undergraduate and beginning graduate levels. With consistently accessible and elementary treatment of all topics, An Introduction to Optimization, Second Edition helps students build a solid working knowledge of the field, including unconstrained optimization, linear programming, and constrained optimization. Supplemented with more than one hundred tables and illustrations, an extensive bibliography, and numerous worked examples to illustrate both theory and algorithms, this book also provides: * A review of the required mathematical background material * A mathematical discussion at a level accessible to MBA and business students * A treatment of both linear and nonlinear programming * An introduction to recent developments, including neural networks, genetic algorithms, and interior-point methods * A chapter on the use of descent algorithms for the training of feedforward neural networks * Exercise problems after every chapter, many new to this edition * MATLAB(r) exercises and examples * Accompanying Instructor's Solutions Manual available on request An Introduction to Optimization, Second Edition helps students prepare for the advanced topics and technological developments that lie ahead. It is also a useful book for researchers and professionals in mathematics, electrical engineering, economics, statistics, and business. An Instructor's Manual presenting detailed solutions to all the problems in the book is available from the Wiley editorial department.

Praise from the Second Edition «…an excellent introduction to optimization theory…» (Journal of Mathematical Psychology, 2002) «A textbook for a one-semester course on optimization theory and methods at the senior undergraduate or beginning graduate level.» (SciTech Book News, Vol. 26, No. 2, June 2002) Explore the latest applications of optimization theory and methods Optimization is central to any problem involving decision making in many disciplines, such as engineering, mathematics, statistics, economics, and computer science. Now, more than ever, it is increasingly vital to have a firm grasp of the topic due to the rapid progress in computer technology, including the development and availability of user-friendly software, high-speed and parallel processors, and networks. Fully updated to reflect modern developments in the field, An Introduction to Optimization, Third Edition fills the need for an accessible, yet rigorous, introduction to optimization theory and methods. The book begins with a review of basic definitions and notations and also provides the related fundamental background of linear algebra, geometry, and calculus. With this foundation, the authors explore the essential topics of unconstrained optimization problems, linear programming problems, and nonlinear constrained optimization. An optimization perspective on global search methods is featured and includes discussions on genetic algorithms, particle swarm optimization, and the simulated annealing algorithm. In addition, the book includes an elementary introduction to artificial neural networks, convex optimization, and multi-objective optimization, all of which are of tremendous interest to students, researchers, and practitioners. Additional features of the Third Edition include: New discussions of semidefinite programming and Lagrangian algorithms A new chapter on global search methods A new chapter on multipleobjective optimization New and modified examples and exercises in each chapter as well as an updated bibliography containing new references An updated Instructor's Manual with fully worked-out solutions to the exercises Numerous diagrams and figures found throughout the text complement the written presentation of key concepts, and each chapter is followed by MATLAB exercises and drill problems that reinforce the discussed theory and algorithms. With innovative coverage and a straightforward approach, An Introduction to Optimization, Third Edition is an excellent book for courses in optimization theory and methods at the upper-undergraduate and graduate levels. It also serves as a useful, self-contained reference for researchers and professionals in a wide array of fields.

Praise for the Third Edition «. . . guides and leads the reader through the learning path . . . [e]xamples are stated very clearly and the results are presented with attention to detail.» —MAA Reviews Fully updated to reflect new developments in the field, the Fourth Edition of Introduction to Optimization fills the need for accessible treatment of optimization theory and methods with an emphasis on engineering design. Basic definitions and notations are provided in addition to the related fundamental background for linear algebra, geometry, and calculus. This new edition explores the essential topics of unconstrained optimization problems, linear programming problems, and nonlinear constrained optimization. The authors also present an optimization perspective on global search methods and include discussions on genetic algorithms, particle swarm optimization, and the simulated annealing algorithm. Featuring an elementary introduction to artificial neural networks, convex optimization, and multi-objective optimization, the Fourth Edition also offers: A new chapter on integer programming Expanded coverage of one-dimensional methods Updated and expanded sections on linear matrix inequalities Numerous new exercises at the end of each chapter MATLAB exercises and drill problems to reinforce the discussed theory and algorithms Numerous diagrams and figures that complement the written presentation of key concepts MATLAB M-files for implementation of the discussed theory and algorithms (available via the book's website) Introduction to Optimization, Fourth Edition is an ideal textbook for courses on optimization theory and methods. In addition, the book is a useful reference for professionals in mathematics, operations research, electrical engineering, economics, statistics, and business.

This authoritative guide provides a basis for understanding the emerging technology of ground source heating and cooling. It equips engineers, geologists, architects, planners and regulators with the fundamental skills needed to manipulate the ground's huge capacity to store, supply and receive heat, and to implement technologies (such as heat pumps) to exploit that capacity for space heating and cooling. The author has geared the book towards understanding ground source heating and cooling from the ground side (the geological aspects), rather than solely the building aspects. He explains the science behind thermogeology and offers practical guidance on different design options. An Introduction to Thermogeology: ground source heating and cooling is aimed primarily at professionals whose skill areas impinge on the emerging technology of ground source heating and cooling. They will be aware of the importance of the technology and wish to rapidly acquire fundamental theoretical understanding and design skills. This second edition has been thoroughly updated and expanded to cover new technical developments and now includes end-of-chapter study questions to test the reader's understanding.

An Introduction to Language Policy: Theories and Method is a collection of newly-written chapters that cover the major theories and methods currently employed by scholars active in the field. provides an accessible introduction to the study of language policy research and language’s role in social life consists of newly commissioned essays written by internationally recognized scholars helps define and describe a growing field of inquiry and is an authoritative source for students, scholars and researchers in linguistics, applied linguistics, education, policy studies and related areas includes section overviews, annotated chapter bibliographies, and discussion questions

Offering the first general introductory text to this subject, the timely Introduction to Evolutionary Ethics reflects the most up-to-date research and current issues being debated in both psychology and philosophy. The book presents students to the areas of cognitive psychology, normative ethics, and metaethics. The first general introduction to evolutionary ethics Provides a comprehensive survey of work in three distinct areas of research: cognitive psychology, normative ethics, and metaethics Presents the most up-to-date research available in both psychology and philosophy Written in an engaging and accessible style for undergraduates and the interested general reader Discusses the evolution of morality, broadening its relevance to those studying psychology

Molecular anthropology uses molecular genetic methods to address questions and issues of anthropological interest. More specifically, molecular anthropology is concerned with genetic evidence concerning human origins, migrations, and population relationships, including related topics such as the role of recent natural selection in human population differentiation, or the impact of particular social systems on patterns of human genetic variation. Organized into three major sections, An Introduction to Molecular Anthropology first covers the basics of genetics – what genes are, what they do, and how they do it – as well as how genes behave in populations and how evolution influences them. The following section provides an overview of the different kinds of genetic variation in humans, and how this variation is analyzed and used to make evolutionary inferences. The third section concludes with a presentation of the current state of genetic evidence for human origins, the spread of humans around the world, the role of selection and adaptation in human evolution, and the impact of culture on human genetic variation. A final, concluding chapter discusses various aspects of molecular anthropology in the genomics era, including personal ancestry testing and personal genomics. An Introduction to Molecular Anthropology is an invaluable resource for students studying human evolution, biological anthropology, or molecular anthropology, as well as a reference for anthropologists and anyone else interested in the genetic history of humans.