Kirjahaku

Bayesian inference provides a simple and unified approach to data analysis, allowing experimenters to assign probabilities to competing hypotheses of interest, on the basis of the current state of knowledge. By incorporating relevant prior information, it can sometimes improve model parameter estimates by many orders of magnitude. This book provides a clear exposition of the underlying concepts with many worked examples and problem sets. It also discusses implementation, including an introduction to Markov chain Monte-Carlo integration and linear and nonlinear model fitting. Particularly extensive coverage of spectral analysis (detecting and measuring periodic signals) includes a self-contained introduction to Fourier and discrete Fourier methods. There is a chapter devoted to Bayesian inference with Poisson sampling, and three chapters on frequentist methods help to bridge the gap between the frequentist and Bayesian approaches. Supporting Mathematica® notebooks with solutions to selected problems, additional worked examples, and a Mathematica tutorial are available at www.cambridge.org/9780521150125.

Increasingly, researchers in many branches of science are coming into contact with Bayesian statistics or Bayesian probability theory. By encompassing both inductive and deductive logic, Bayesian analysis can improve model parameter estimates by many orders of magnitude. It provides a simple and unified approach to all data analysis problems, allowing the experimenter to assign probabilities to competing hypotheses of interest, on the basis of the current state of knowledge. This book provides a clear exposition of the underlying concepts with large numbers of worked examples and problem sets. The book also discusses numerical techniques for implementing the Bayesian calculations, including an introduction to Markov Chain Monte-Carlo integration and linear and nonlinear least-squares analysis seen from a Bayesian perspective. In addition, background material is provided in appendices and supporting Mathematica notebooks are available, providing an easy learning route for upper-undergraduates, graduate students, or any serious researcher in physical sciences or engineering.

Renowned for their dazzling plumages and elaborate courtship displays, birds of paradise and bowerbirds exhibit some of the most astonishing behaviors in the natural world. Birds of Paradise and Bowerbirds is the ultimate identification guide to these marvelous birds. This beautiful book features stunning color plates that depict all 108 recognized taxa in these two groups along with more than 200 color photos that showcase a broad range of racial and age-related plumage varieties. The comprehensive text covers identification, taxonomy, and ecology, and is accompanied by detailed distribution maps. Birds of Paradise and Bowerbirds is the product of more than two decades of research and field observations, and is a must-have guide for birders, ornithologists, and anyone interested in these sensational birds.The ultimate identification guide to these marvelous birds of New Guinea and AustraliaFeatures stunningly illustrated color plates that depict all 108 recognized taxaCovers identification, taxonomy, and ecologyIncludes hundreds of color photos and detailed distribution mapsBased on more than two decades of research and original field observations

This authoritative handbook, part of the Helm Identification Guide series, looks in detail at the remarkable and diverse birds of paradise – perhaps the ultimate birders' birds.Renowned for their elaborate and dazzling plumages, the birds of paradise (Paradisaeidae) and bowerbirds (Ptilonohynchidae) exhibit some of the most astonishing behaviours in the avian kingdom. The former is the most iconic group of birds found in New Guinea, while the bowerbirds extend into Australia, and are perhaps best known for the males’ construction of avenue bowers, used to tempt females on the forest floor. This comprehensive monograph is dedicated to these two families, combining the product of more than two decades of research and scholarship with original observations by the author and many other knowledgeable contributors. Birds of Paradise and Bowerbirds is the ultimate reference to these two groups. It provides a thorough guide to their identification, taxonomy and ecology, with detailed distribution maps accompanying the text. A series of beautifully illustrated plates by Richard Allen cover all of the 108 recognised taxa in these groups, with these supplemented by more than 200 photographs covering a range of racial and age-related plumage variety. This book is an indispensable addition to the libraries of all birders and ornithologists interested in these sensational birds.

REVIEWS-- (1) "If you are vaguely aware that something is wrong with the food system but don't know what it is or what to do about it, you should start by reading Phil Gregory's "Pathway to Regeneration." Gregory reveals an agri-food system that has been driven to the verge of collapse by the blind pursuit of production and profits-but a system that can be restored and sustained by working with nature for the good of humanity. He accomplishes this feat logically, clearly, and concisely in less than 100 pages." -- John Ikerd, Professor Emeritus of Agricultural Economics, University of Missouri -- (2) "This book is an insightful collection of everything affecting our food system and a blueprint for survival. It is a must read for anyone contemplating our agricultural future." -- Harold Steves, a founder of the British Columbia Agricultural Land Reserve, Richmond City Councillor since 1977, fifth generation organic cattle farmer -- - ABOUT THIS BOOK AND THE AUTHOR - "Only 60 Years of Farming Left If Soil Degradation Continues." This announcement by the UN Food and Agriculture Organization was a tipping point for Phil Gregory, Professor Emeritus of Physics and Astronomy at the University of British Columbia. In 2015, he transitioned from searching for new planets to exploring how to sustain human life on our own planet Earth. - On this journey, Gregory kept running into the interconnections between agricultural practices, soil health, climate change, and human health. He encountered many surprises including an amazing revolution in our understanding of soil biology and nature's complexity that offers so much potential to tackle the imminent collapse of farming, climate change, and the many chronic disease epidemics. - It is really a good news story but not one that is widely appreciated. Gregory provides a clear pathway to regenerate our relationship with the rest of the biosphere. The book is aimed at a wide audience of inquiring individuals from all walks of life.