Biological invasions - the introduction of living organisms beyond their original range - are one of the main drivers of biodiversity loss. They are a major threat to human health and a source of pests and pathogens in the world's farms, forests and fisheries. The growth of international trade and travel means that more species are being introduced to more places than ever before. This book represents the first concerted effort to understand the economic causes and consequences of biological invasions. The volume discusses the theoretical and methodological issues raised by invasion, including control strategies, modelling options, and a study of the economic, institutional and policy conditions that predispose countries to biological invasions. Also included are case studies of fisheries, agricultural systems, tropical forests and protected areas affected by invasive species in locations such as the Black Sea, Australia and Africa, and an evaluation of control programmes. The Economics of Biological Invasions provides an important first step towards codification of the advice needed to develop decision rules, tools and protocols for the effective management of invasive biological species. This volume will be a fascinating read for researchers, academics and students in ecology, economics and environmental science with an interest in the biodiversity problem. The book will also prove to be essential reading for policymakers responsible for health, agriculture, forestry, fisheries and the environment in both developed and developing countries.

Spacecraft Technology: The early years charts the fascinating story of the early Space Age, encompassing the launch of the first satellites and the landing of men on the Moon. While concentrating on the most significant technology developments, it places them in the context of historical events, specific missions and the individuals that made it all happen. Following a chapter on the pre-history of space exploration and another on the development of rocketry, the book covers the early development of space science satellites, Earth observation satellites, communications satellites, lunar probes and manned space capsules. Three chapters are dedicated to the hardware designed for the Apollo programme and its role in transporting men to the Moon, landing them there and transporting them across the lunar surface. Spacecraft Technology: The early years is aimed at scientists and engineers with an interest in the history of space activity and the general reader who enjoys delving into the background of modern technology.

William Wilberforce is best remembered as the parliamentary leader for the British campaign to abolish the slave trade. He took on the financial system of his day and fought an incredible twenty-year battle in order to bring about justice and freedom for the marginalized and the vulnerable. But this rarest of politicians was motivated by a radical faith in Jesus that also led him to spearhead a number of other causes. Read the full story of Wilberforce and his friends in the Clapham Sect: how they not only abolished the transatlantic slave trade that was destroying Africa, but also began a missionary movement in India, sent Bibles across the world, were at the forefront of improving education for the poor of Britain, and finally succeeded in bringing emancipation for all slaves throughout the British Empire. "Inspiring, challenging, encouraging and hard to put down. William Wilberforce encapsulates the breadth of Wilberforce's life, his political wranglings and personal musings, and has fuelled my personal journey in the modern-day battle against human trafficking." Antoinette Daniel, Director of Merton Against Trafficking

Deliver greater value to your organisation through HR transformation. Transforming HR, Second edition offers robust, practical advice on changing the way human resource management is undertaken, walking you through the transformational process from initial planning to the evaluation of outcomes. Since the first edition of the book many organisations have restructured their HR functions and invested in better HR information systems but with new issues emerging all the time, the journey towards transformation must continue. To support this journey the authors draw on their own experience and insights in this new edition, which features:Practical tools and approaches to guide planning, implementation and evaluation of transformation strategies aimed at increasing the value of HR's contribution in organisationsNew chapters on HR's value proposition, Web 2.0 and benefits realisation to demonstrate their critical role in transformationCutting edge research on topics such as the use of social media technology by HR, with views and experience from senior practitioners across a broad range of organisationsFresh thinking on the people agenda to be addressed by progressive HR functions Intended as an inspiring, hands-on guide to planning, implementing and evaluating transformation strategies, Transforming HR, second edition is an essential companion as you work to increase the value of HR in your organisation.

As an HR practitioner, you are under ever-increasing pressure to transform and deliver greater value to your organisation. The HR transformation agenda involves the effective use of technology, outsourcing and development of HR capability to provide high quality internal support, but reliable guidance on how to make this transformational change happen can be hard to come by. This second edition of "Transforming HR" provides the framework and revisits the scenarios, issues and challenges posed at the end of the first edition to review what has changed and what remains to be done.
Many HR functions are now claiming to have transformed--the aim of this second edition is to explore and challenge the basis for some of these claims, noting progess and identifying additional changes that are needed. As leading practitioners in HR transformation, the authors have supported end-to-end HR transformation in a wide range of organisations and provide the knowledge and experience you need to guide you through the process. Example case studies demonstrate the theory in practice, and interviews with senior HR professionals provide 'practitioner perspectives' on the HR transformation journey.
* Focused on the tools, techniques and framework needed for successful HR transformation, with full coverage of the emerging issues within this fast moving area
* Highly experienced authors provide knowledge and insight from the leading edge of HR transformation
* Incorporates practical case study examples to illustrate best practice in a real-world setting

Bioinvasions and Globalization synthesises our current knowledge of the ecology and economics of biological invasions, providing an in-depth evaluation of the science and its implications for managing the causes and consequences of one of the most pressing environmental issues facing humanity today.
Emergent zoonotic diseases such as HIV and SARS have already imposed major costs in terms of human health, whilst plant and animal pathogens have had similar effects on agriculture, forestry, fisheries. The introduction of pests, predators and competitors into many ecosystems has disrupted the benefits they provide to people, in many cases leading to the extirpation or even extinction of native species. This timely book analyzes the main drivers of bioinvasions - the growth of world trade, global transport and travel, habitat conversion and land use intensification, and climate change - and their consequences for ecosystem functioning. It shows how bioinvasions impose disproportionately high costs on countries where a large proportion of people depend heavily on the exploitation of natural resources. It considers the options for improving assessment and management of invasive species risks, and especially for achieving the international cooperation needed to address bioinvasions as a negative externality of international trade.

Bioinvasions and Globalization synthesises our current knowledge of the ecology and economics of biological invasions, providing an in-depth evaluation of the science and its implications for managing the causes and consequences of one of the most pressing environmental issues facing humanity today.
Emergent zoonotic diseases such as HIV and SARS have already imposed major costs in terms of human health, whilst plant and animal pathogens have had similar effects on agriculture, forestry, fisheries. The introduction of pests, predators and competitors into many ecosystems has disrupted the benefits they provide to people, in many cases leading to the extirpation or even extinction of native species. This timely book analyzes the main drivers of bioinvasions - the growth of world trade, global transport and travel, habitat conversion and land use intensification, and climate change - and their consequences for ecosystem functioning. It shows how bioinvasions impose disproportionately high costs on countries where a large proportion of people depend heavily on the exploitation of natural resources. It considers the options for improving assessment and management of invasive species risks, and especially for achieving the international cooperation needed to address bioinvasions as a negative externality of international trade.

The Cambridge Dictionary of Space Technology provides a comprehensive source of reference to the most important aspects of this fast-developing field, from basic concepts to advanced applications. With some 2300 entries, it lists the fundamental terms of the area and includes a selection of historical and highly specific entries adding context and depth. The unprecedented breadth of coverage ensures that there are entries on all major subject areas. While the emphasis is on defining the meaning of a word or phrase, entries have been written with the intention of enhancing the understanding of the subject, both for the practising specialist and the interested layman. To assist the reader in research on a given topic, related entries are highlighted in the text and other important entries are cross-referenced. The Cambridge Dictionary of Space Technology will be indispensable to anyone with an interest in space activity.

The Cambridge Dictionary of Space Technology is a comprehensive source of reference on the most important aspects of this fast-developing field, from basic concepts to advanced applications. With some 2,300 entries--700 more than the first edition, it lists fundamental terms that will remain in common usage for the foreseeable future and includes a selection of historical and highly specific entries to add context and depth. The Dictionary features entries on all the major areas relating to space technology, making this a reference of wide-ranging scope. While the emphasis is on defining the meaning of a word or phrase as it is used in the professional space community, each entry also contributes to a deeper understanding of the overall subject, both for the practicing specialist and interested layman. To assist the reader in research on a given topic, related entries are highlighted in the text and other important entries are cross-referenced. An additional key feature is a classified list of entries grouped under 13 subject headings. The Cambridge Dictionary of Space Technology will be indispensable to anyone with an interest in space activity. Mark Williamson is an independent space technology consultant working in the space industry and space insurance communities. A seasoned physicist and engineer, he has over 20 years of experience in satellite communications engineering, technical management, and space consultancy. Williamson has written about 250 published magazine and journal articles. He is also author of The Communications Satellite and editorial director of Earth Space Review magazine.