Novel Statistical Tools for Conserving and Managing Populations By gathering information on key demographic parameters, scientists can often predict how populations will develop in the future and relate these parameters to external influences, such as global warming. Because of their ability to easily incorporate random effects, fit state-space models, evaluate posterior model probabilities, and deal with missing data, modern Bayesian methods have become important in this area of statistical inference and forecasting. Emphasising model choice and model averaging, Bayesian Analysis for Population Ecology presents up-to-date methods for analysing complex ecological data. Leaders in the statistical ecology field, the authors apply the theory to a wide range of actual case studies and illustrate the methods using WinBUGS and R. The computer programs and full details of the data sets are available on the book's website. The first part of the book focuses on models and their corresponding likelihood functions. The authors examine classical methods of inference for estimating model parameters, including maximum-likelihood estimates of parameters using numerical optimisation algorithms. After building this foundation, the authors develop the Bayesian approach for fitting models to data. They also compare Bayesian and traditional approaches to model fitting and inference. Exploring challenging problems in population ecology, this book shows how to use the latest Bayesian methods to analyse data. It enables readers to apply the methods to their own problems with confidence.

Novel Statistical Tools for Conserving and Managing Populations

By gathering information on key demographic parameters, scientists can often predict how populations will develop in the future and relate these parameters to external influences, such as global warming. Because of their ability to easily incorporate random effects, fit state-space models, evaluate posterior model probabilities, and deal with missing data, modern Bayesian methods have become important in this area of statistical inference and forecasting.

Emphasising model choice and model averaging, Bayesian Analysis for Population Ecology presents up-to-date methods for analysing complex ecological data. Leaders in the statistical ecology field, the authors apply the theory to a wide range of actual case studies and illustrate the methods using WinBUGS and R. The computer programs and full details of the data sets are available on the book's website.

The first part of the book focuses on models and their corresponding likelihood functions. The authors examine classical methods of inference for estimating model parameters, including maximum-likelihood estimates of parameters using numerical optimisation algorithms. After building this foundation, the authors develop the Bayesian approach for fitting models to data. They also compare Bayesian and traditional approaches to model fitting and inference.

Exploring challenging problems in population ecology, this book shows how to use the latest Bayesian methods to analyse data. It enables readers to apply the methods to their own problems with confidence.

A great must-have book packed full of brilliant tips and ideas from award-winning BBC radio gardening presenter and journalist, Steve Brookes. The book is a result of Steve's 30+ years as a professional horticulturalist and nearly 20 years as a gardening broadcaster and presenter. It is packed full of ideas for banishing slugs, snails, aphids, ants, cats, squirrels and countless other garden pests, plus many fun, money-saving and innovative tips for growing healthier plants in your garden. Steve has included many useful plant lists for different garden aspects and some brilliant recycling ideas that will really get you smiling. The book also forms the basis of Steve's 'The Greatest Gardening Tips in the World' live show, which he performs around the UK and on cruise ships across the world. Novice and experienced gardeners alike will find this a rewarding and enjoyable read, which they will refer to again and again!

Since their popularization in the 1990s, Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) methods have revolutionized statistical computing and have had an especially profound impact on the practice of Bayesian statistics. Furthermore, MCMC methods have enabled the development and use of intricate models in an astonishing array of disciplines as diverse as fisheries science and economics. The wide-ranging practical importance of MCMC has sparked an expansive and deep investigation into fundamental Markov chain theory. The Handbook of Markov Chain Monte Carlo provides a reference for the broad audience of developers and users of MCMC methodology interested in keeping up with cutting-edge theory and applications. The first half of the book covers MCMC foundations, methodology, and algorithms. The second half considers the use of MCMC in a variety of practical applications including in educational research, astrophysics, brain imaging, ecology, and sociology. The in-depth introductory section of the book allows graduate students and practicing scientists new to MCMC to become thoroughly acquainted with the basic theory, algorithms, and applications. The book supplies detailed examples and case studies of realistic scientific problems presenting the diversity of methods used by the wide-ranging MCMC community. Those familiar with MCMC methods will find this book a useful refresher of current theory and recent developments.

This book looks back at the teams, players, managers and rivalries between all the Midlands clubs since 1980. Over the last 30 years of great games there are many true icons who will never be forgotten and Midlands football fans have voted for the top 5 players from each of their clubs. Featuring every result of every Midlands derby ever played and in-depth profiles of 100 Midland club legends - this is a celebration of one of the world's football hotbeds. This title features: Aston Villa, Birmingham City, Burton Albion, Cheltenham Town, Coventry City, Derby County, Kettering Town, Kidderminster Harriers, Leicester City, Northampton Town, Notts County, Nottingham Forest, Port Vale, Shrewsbury Town, Stoke City, Tamworth, Telford United, Walsall, West Bromwich Albion and Wolverhampton Wanderers.

This book looks back at the last 17 seasons of Premiership football. Featuring in-depth profiles of the club's chairmen and manager and 23 of the best players to don the red shirt, this is an essential guide to England's pre-eminent club. There are also in-depth statistical analyses of every Premiership season, all cup results since 1992 and every result in the Manchester Derby since 1894.

Looking back over 18 seasons in the Premier League, Aston Villa fanatic Steve Brookes chooses his favourites players and most memorable moments. From Paul 'God' McGrath to James Milner, Steve's favourites in Claret and Blue are assessed and rated for their commitment to the cause. Villa began the Premier League era as a team in contention at the top of the table but have yo-yoed up and down the table as finances, managers and star names have come and gone. Now, under Martin O'Neill, they are among a number of clubs poised to breakthrough into the upper echelons at the dawn of a new decade. This book contains Steve's subjective assessment of his favourites, along with profiles of the owners and managers who have presided over affairs at Villa Park. But with a steady partnership of manager and owner at the helm, it seems those troubled times are over.