Strengthening Forensic Science in the United States


Book Description

Scores of talented and dedicated people serve the forensic science community, performing vitally important work. However, they are often constrained by lack of adequate resources, sound policies, and national support. It is clear that change and advancements, both systematic and scientific, are needed in a number of forensic science disciplines to ensure the reliability of work, establish enforceable standards, and promote best practices with consistent application. Strengthening Forensic Science in the United States: A Path Forward provides a detailed plan for addressing these needs and suggests the creation of a new government entity, the National Institute of Forensic Science, to establish and enforce standards within the forensic science community. The benefits of improving and regulating the forensic science disciplines are clear: assisting law enforcement officials, enhancing homeland security, and reducing the risk of wrongful conviction and exoneration. Strengthening Forensic Science in the United States gives a full account of what is needed to advance the forensic science disciplines, including upgrading of systems and organizational structures, better training, widespread adoption of uniform and enforceable best practices, and mandatory certification and accreditation programs. While this book provides an essential call-to-action for congress and policy makers, it also serves as a vital tool for law enforcement agencies, criminal prosecutors and attorneys, and forensic science educators.




Turning the Tide


Book Description

Includes papers and abstracts dealing with eradication of invasive species in Alaska, Australia, Baker Island, California, Christmas Island, Enderby and Rose Islands, Galapagos Islands, Hawaii, Howland Island, Japan, Jarvis Island, Laysan Island, Lord Howe Island, Mauritius, Mexico, Nauru, New Zealand, Northern Ireland, Northern Mariana Islands, Saint-Paul Island, Seychelles, West Indies.




The Historical Archaeology of Virginia from Initial Settlement to the Present


Book Description

The book includes six chapters that cover Virginia history from initial settlement through the 20th century plus one that deals with the important role of underwater archaeology. Written by prominent archaeologists with research experience in their respective topic areas, the chapters consider important issues of Virginia history and consider how the discipline of historic archaeology has addressed them and needs to address them . Changes in research strategy over time are discussed , and recommendations are made concerning the need to recognize the diverse and often differing roles and impacts that characterized the different regions of Virginia over the course of its historic past. Significant issues in Virginia history needing greater study are identified.







Sustainable Management of Pinus Radiata Plantations


Book Description

"Pinus radiata (radiata pine) is a versatile, fast-growing, medium-density softwood, suitable for a wide range of end-uses. Its silviculture is highly developed, and is built on a rm foundation of over a century of research, observation and practice. Radiata pine is often considered a model for growers of other plantation species. This book explores current knowledge of, and experience with radiata pine forest plantation management and examines its long-term sustainability. Radiata pine management needs to integrate the biological aspects of tree-growing, with socio-economics, management objectives, practical considerations and other constraints and opportunities. Although stands of radiata pine may appear to be simple, they are actually quite complex ecosystems because they contain large, long-lived trees that change dramatically over time and interact in changing ways with the environment and with other organisms. The focus of this book is on the principles and practices of growing radiata pine sustainably. It also looks ahead to emerging challenges facing radiata pine plantation management, such as the effects of climate change, new diseases and other threats, and meeting changing product needs and societal demands."--Page 4 of cover.







Urban Stormwater Management in the United States


Book Description

The rapid conversion of land to urban and suburban areas has profoundly altered how water flows during and following storm events, putting higher volumes of water and more pollutants into the nation's rivers, lakes, and estuaries. These changes have degraded water quality and habitat in virtually every urban stream system. The Clean Water Act regulatory framework for addressing sewage and industrial wastes is not well suited to the more difficult problem of stormwater discharges. This book calls for an entirely new permitting structure that would put authority and accountability for stormwater discharges at the municipal level. A number of additional actions, such as conserving natural areas, reducing hard surface cover (e.g., roads and parking lots), and retrofitting urban areas with features that hold and treat stormwater, are recommended.