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World resources, 1992–1993
478
Book reviews
authors even differentiate between use on IBM and compatible microcomputers and Apple microcomputers. The programs supplied on the IBM disk, which I requested from the publisher, worked on my personal computer without any major difficulties. A special program was included to generate an example data file for the curve-fitting programs. The authors mention that they have a manual available upon request for instructors who want to use this book as a text book for teaching simulation techniques in biology. I would recommend this book to anyone who is interested in becoming more familiar with specific simulation models in biology. The book is very comprehensive and includes both deterministic and stochastic models, and simple models such as exponential growth equations, as well as complex models such as the modelling of the spatial spread of a disease. The authors have done an excellent job in presenting the models in a clear and organized way for both experienced modellers and others who are interested in knowing more about simulation. Most examples are based on ~reai' biological processes and many of the models presented also include a literature reference for obtaining additional information if needed. Even students will find the book affordable.
Gerrit Hoogenboom
World Resources, 1992-93. World Resources Institute, Washington, DC, 1992. 385 pp. Price: US$19.95 (paperback). ISBN 0 19 506230 2. This volume is the tilth such publication written by a multitude of respected authorities. It is compiled by the World Resources Institute (WRI) in collaboration with UNEP and UNDP, and published by Oxford University Press. The book is divided into four parts; the first deals with sustainable development in different categories of countries; the second with environmental problems in central Europe; the third with key global environmental problem areas; and the fourth consists of tables of data with short discussions of the salient conclusions drawn from the tables. The book is very well written and documented, and it provides insightful summaries of the major global environmental issues. The data have been collected from reliable sources. Like most recent environmental treatises, the problems can be overwhelming in magnitude and difficult to prioritize. The gloom and doom is partially off-set by descriptions of cases in which efforts to reduce environmental degradation have been successful. The chapter 'Policies
Book reviews
479
and Institutions' dealing principally with the impact of nongovernmental organizations is particularly good. My only criticism is that the important distinctions between the nature of the problems in developed countries and those in developing countries are not always explained clearly. This is an excellent book for anyone interested in environmental problems, natural resource degradation, and species endangerment. B. H. Byrnes
Book reviews
authors even differentiate between use on IBM and compatible microcomputers and Apple microcomputers. The programs supplied on the IBM disk, which I requested from the publisher, worked on my personal computer without any major difficulties. A special program was included to generate an example data file for the curve-fitting programs. The authors mention that they have a manual available upon request for instructors who want to use this book as a text book for teaching simulation techniques in biology. I would recommend this book to anyone who is interested in becoming more familiar with specific simulation models in biology. The book is very comprehensive and includes both deterministic and stochastic models, and simple models such as exponential growth equations, as well as complex models such as the modelling of the spatial spread of a disease. The authors have done an excellent job in presenting the models in a clear and organized way for both experienced modellers and others who are interested in knowing more about simulation. Most examples are based on ~reai' biological processes and many of the models presented also include a literature reference for obtaining additional information if needed. Even students will find the book affordable.
Gerrit Hoogenboom
World Resources, 1992-93. World Resources Institute, Washington, DC, 1992. 385 pp. Price: US$19.95 (paperback). ISBN 0 19 506230 2. This volume is the tilth such publication written by a multitude of respected authorities. It is compiled by the World Resources Institute (WRI) in collaboration with UNEP and UNDP, and published by Oxford University Press. The book is divided into four parts; the first deals with sustainable development in different categories of countries; the second with environmental problems in central Europe; the third with key global environmental problem areas; and the fourth consists of tables of data with short discussions of the salient conclusions drawn from the tables. The book is very well written and documented, and it provides insightful summaries of the major global environmental issues. The data have been collected from reliable sources. Like most recent environmental treatises, the problems can be overwhelming in magnitude and difficult to prioritize. The gloom and doom is partially off-set by descriptions of cases in which efforts to reduce environmental degradation have been successful. The chapter 'Policies
Book reviews
479
and Institutions' dealing principally with the impact of nongovernmental organizations is particularly good. My only criticism is that the important distinctions between the nature of the problems in developed countries and those in developing countries are not always explained clearly. This is an excellent book for anyone interested in environmental problems, natural resource degradation, and species endangerment. B. H. Byrnes