Landscape pattern is generated by a variety of processes, including disturbances. In turn, the heterogeneity of the landscape may enhance or retard the spread of disturbance. The complex relationship between landscape pattern and disturbance is the subject of this book. It is designed to present an illustrative analysis of the topic, presenting the perspectives of several different disciplines. The book includes conceptual considerations, empirical studies, and management examples. Important features include: hypotheses about the spread of disturbance and the effects of scale changes in landscape studies; the multidisciplinary approach; and the explicit focus on the landscape level. The intended audience comprises graduate students, academics, and professionals interested in landscape ecology. The reader will receive a state-of-the-art treatment of a current topic in landscape ecology.

In this simple guide, you'll find both practical step-by-step advice and compassionate, heartfelt guidance to dramatically improve the last days of life. Written by a mother-daughter team of hospice professionals with experience in nursing, law and psychology, The End-of-Life Advisor will show you the remarkable benefits of hospice care. If you're a healthcare or legal professional, you'll discover the important ways you can advise your patients and clients. If you're caring for a loved one, you'll learn how you can help make their last days much more comfortable. If you're planning for yourself, you'll understand the decisions you need to make now -- so you can find greater peace down the road. You'll get basic practical information on the ways a person can make their wishes known and maintain control over their end-of-life experience. This includes living wills, power of attorney for healthcare, Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) orders, choosing hospice care, managing pain, increasing comfort, and making after-death plans. You'll also discover caring and compassionate guidance to find or lend emotional support in this difficult time. You'll recognize the importance of the conversation -- the process through which each person's end-of-life wishes are communicated to family members and friends -- and you'll see how you can help facilitate this process in your role as a doctor, nurse, lawyer, friend, or family member. Along the way, you'll find inspirational, emotional, and often humorous stories of positive end-of-life experiences -- where pain and fear were replaced with comfort and peace.

This book describes one man's life experiences as he struggled with anxiety and depression. The book describes the mental, physical but most importantly the power of the Holy Spirit that eventually enabled John to develop resilience, and thus led him into the sunlight of a full and meaningful life. Anxiety and depression have always been taboo in society. Frequently, the subjects cannot be touched with a "ten-foot pole," let alone be a subject for family discussion. Depression is seen as neither worthy of compassion nor understanding. For the author of this book, a familiar record plays. "Young man, depressed? Nonsense; you have everything you need; just buck up and face the world the way we all have to." The message in this book is one of hope and of love, but most of all it demonstrates what is possible when you place your life, unconditionally, in the hands of Jesus Christ.