Preface to the Princeton Landmarks in Biology Edition vii Preface xi Symbols Used xiii 1. The Importance of Islands 3 2. Area and Number of Speicies 8 3. Further Explanations of the Area-Diversity Pattern 19 4. The Strategy of Colonization 68 5. Invasibility and the Variable Niche 94 6. Stepping Stones and Biotic Exchange 123 7. Evolutionary Changes Following Colonization 145 8. Prospect 181 Glossary 185 References 193 Index 201

The Theory of Island Biogeography

Offering a unifying theoretical perspective not readily available in any other text, this innovative guide to econometrics uses simple geometrical arguments to develop students' intuitive understanding of basic and advanced topics, emphasizing throughout the practical applications of modern theory and nonlinear techniques of estimation. One theme of the text is the use of artificial regressions for estimation, reference, and specification testing of nonlinear models, including diagnostic tests for parameter constancy, serial correlation, heteroscedasticity, and other types of mis-specification. Explaining how estimates can be obtained and tests can be carried out, the authors go beyond a mere algebraic description to one that can be easily translated into the commands of a standard econometric software package. Covering an unprecedented range of problems with a consistent emphasis on those that arise in applied work, this accessible and coherent guide to the most vital topics in econometrics today is indispensable for advanced students of econometrics and students of statistics interested in regression and related topics. It will also suit practising econometricians who want to update their skills. Flexibly designed to accommodate a variety of course levels, it offers both complete coverage of the basic material and separate chapters on areas of specialized interest.

Estimation and Inference in Econometrics

Urbanization, resource exploitation, and lifestyle changes have diminished possibilities for human contact with nature in many societies. Concern about the loss has helped motivate research on the health benefits of contact with nature. Reviewing that research here, we focus on nature as represented by aspects of the physical environment relevant to planning, design, and policy measures that serve broad segments of urbanized societies. We discuss difficulties in defining “nature” and reasons for the current expansion of the research field, and we assess available reviews. We then consider research on pathways between nature and health involving air quality, physical activity, social cohesion, and stress reduction. Finally, we discuss methodological issues and priorities for future research. The extant research does describe an array of benefits of contact with nature, and evidence regarding some benefits is strong; however, some findings indicate caution is needed in applying beliefs about those benefits,...

Nature and Health

https://iris.polito.it/bitstream/11583/2522888/1/SmartCity_Trends_%20paper.pdf

Current trends in Smart City initiatives: some stylised facts

A rapidly growing body of research examines whether human conflict can be affected by climatic changes. Drawing from archeology, criminology, economics, geography, history, political science, and psychology, we assemble and analyze the 60 most rigorous quantitative studies and document, for the first time, a remarkable convergence of results. We find strong causal evidence linking climatic events to human conflict across a range of spatial and temporal scales and across all major regions of the world. The magnitude of climate's influence is substantial: for each 1 standard deviation (1σ) change in climate toward warmer temperatures or more extreme rainfall, median estimates indicate that the frequency of interpersonal violence rises 4% and the frequency of intergroup conflict rises 14%. Because locations throughout the inhabited world are expected to warm 2-4σ by 2050, amplified rates of human conflict could represent a large and critical impact of anthropogenic climate change.

/pdf/quantifying-the-influence-of-climate-on-human-conflict-4mo6ysanym.pdf

Quantifying the influence of climate on human conflict

Valuation of Nature: Economic Contribution of Peri-urban Protected Areas in Guangzhou Baiyun Mountain Scenic Area

Land use problems associated with farmland abandonment

Summary Trees in the gardens of a suburban residential neighbourhood has been studied in terms of species composition, habitat condition, amenity characteristics and tree performance. The detailed evaluation of 2345 trees in 842 sample households showed a diverse range of species of which only seven are indigenous, with a clear domination by a few popular ones and a wide scattering amongst the remainder. Whereas broadleaf trees are the most common group, a few conifer and palm species are heavily subscribed. Trees with attractive foliage and which provide an effective shade have been more generously adopted in preference to flowering species. A sizeable proportion with large final dimensions has been cultivated despite the generally confined growing space. Most trees are vigorous and well maintained. A number of management issues and long-term prospects have been discussed.

Composition and characteristics of trees in private residencies in hong kong

Reports on the status of protected areas establishment and management, principally in China, Japan, Korea and Hong Kong. These countries exhibit great biological and cultural diversity and all are characterised by great pressures on natural resources. Written by leading academics and practitioners, the book provides a broad perspective from regional to national and local viewpoints. It reviews the status, problems and prospects for protected areas and local communities. Papers cover a wide spectrum of lowland and alpine terrestrial, riverine and marine ecosystems, and the protection of habitat, biodiversity, geological, scenic and cultural heritages. This is the first book written in English integrating the diversified aspects of protect areas in the region, and is especially suitable for academics, students, managers and policy-makers concerned with this important conservation issue.

Protected areas and nature conservation in East Asia

The 2nd International Conference on Landscape and Urban Horticulture, Bologna, Italy, 9-13 June 2009

Chi Yung Jim

Papers

Valuation of Nature: Economic Contribution of Peri-urban Protected Areas in Guangzhou Baiyun Mountain Scenic Area

Land use problems associated with farmland abandonment

Composition and characteristics of trees in private residencies in hong kong

Protected areas and nature conservation in East Asia

Floristic diversity of managed green spaces in Guangzhou, China