Best Selling Books by John RICHARDS

Remote Sensing Digital Image Analysis provides a comprehensive treatment of the methods used for the processing and interpretation of remotely sensed image data. Over the past decade there have been continuing and significant developments in the algorithms used for the analysis of remote sensing imagery, even though many of the fundamentals have substantially remained the same. As with its predecessors this new edition again presents material that has retained value but also includes newer techniques, covered from the perspective of operational remote sensing. The book is designed as a teaching text for the senior undergraduate and postgraduate student, and as a fundamental treatment for those engaged in research using digital image analysis in remote sensing. The presentation level is for the mathematical non-specialist. Since the very great number of operational users of remote sensing come from the earth sciences communities, the text is pitched at a level commensurate with their background. The chapters progress logically through means for the acquisition of remote sensing images, techniques by which they can be corrected, and methods for their interpretation. The prime focus is on applications of the methods, so that worked examples are included and a set of problems conclude each chapter.

The Digital Teaching Platform (DTP) brings the power of interactive technology to teaching and learning in classrooms. In this authoritative book, top researchers in the field of learning science and educational technology examine the current state of design and research on DTPs, the principles for evaluating them, and their likely evolution as a dominant medium for educational improvement. The authors examine DTPs in light of contemporary classroom requirements, as well as current initiatives such as the Common Core State Standards, Race to the Top, and the 2010 National Educational Technology Plan.

Who decides on priorities in health care? Is it politicians, health managers, doctors or the public? How should it best be done? The demand for health care resulting from the burden of disease and our increasing ability to prevent or treat disease creates financial pressures which are forcing health planners throughout the world to find answers to these questions. This book portrays the struggle to develop useful tools and communicate practical examples. It is drawn from the real experiences of decision making in a leading health body. Practitioners of health planning in every nation can use these to help them make decisions on a more rational basis.

Collection of short stories about Rustbowl Detroit with photo illustration by Ralph Norris.

With the exception of Sri Lanka, South Asian countries have not achieved quality basic education – an essential measure for escaping poverty, inequality, and social exclusion. In The Political Economy of Education in South Asia, John Richards, Manzoor Ahmed, and Shahidul Islam emphasize the importance of a dynamic system for education policy. The Political Economy of Education in South Asia documents the weak core competency (reading and math) outcomes in government primary schools in India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Nepal, and the consequent rapid growth of non-government schools over the last two decades. It compares the training, hiring, and management of teachers in South Asian schools to successful national systems ranging from Singapore to Finland. Discussing reform options, it makes the case public good and public priorities are better served when both public and non-government providers come under a strong public policy and accountability framework. The Political Economy of Education in South Asia draws on the authors'' broad engagement in education research and practice in South Asia, as well as analysis by prominent professors of education and NGO leaders, to place basic education in a broad context and make the case that universal literacy and numeracy are necessary foundations for economic growth.

Recombinant DNA: Science, Ethics, and Politics emerged from papers presented at a conference, Ethical and Methodological Dimensions of Scientific Research: Recombinant DNA, A Case Study, held at the University of Georgia, April 15-16, 1977. Starting with an introduction to the methods and uses of recombinant DNA technology, the remaining contributions made by researchers at the symposium are organized into four parts. The first part contains papers on the development and utilization of recombinant DNA technology; genetic engineering in agriculture; and the dangers of unrestricted research. The second part focuses on the ethical aspects of recombinant DNA research. It includes studies such as ethical prerequisites for examining biological research; the limitations of broad moral policies; and ethical theories underlying the recombinant DNA controversy. The third part examines the legal aspects of recombinant DNA research and examines the issue of whether such research should be regulated. The papers in the fourth part consider directors for future research.