CRC Press

Abstract algebra.

Garrett (mathematics, University of Minnesota) takes an example-oriented, less heavily symbolic approach to abstract algebra. He emphasizes specifics such as basic number theory, polynomials, and finite fields, as well as linear and multilinear algebra. An unusual feature of the book is the systematic characterization of objects by universal mapping properties, rather than by constructions whose technical details are irrelevant. In addition to standard introductory material on the subject, such as Lagrange's and Sylow's theorems in group theory, the text provides specific illustrations of general theory, discussing in detail finite fields, cyclotomic polynomials, and cyclotomic fields. It also focuses on broader background, with brief but representative discussions of naïve set theory and equivalents of the Axiom of Choice, quadratic reciprocity, and basic complex analysis. Worked examples, solutions, and exercises are included. (Annotation ©2008 Book News Inc. Portland, OR)

Active filters; theory and design.

Pactitis offers a simplified approach to designing active filters in electronic circuits to meet a given set of specifications. He intends his guide to be useful for self-study by practicing engineers and technicians, as a supplemental graduate or undergraduate textbook on filter design, and as a reference by practicing filter designers. (Annotation ©2008 Book News Inc. Portland, OR)

Ad hoc mobile wireless networks; principles, protocols and applications.

When developers encounter applications in emergency response and disaster recovery, health care and certain industrial environments chances are good they will choose the simple infrastructures and low demands for central administration of ad hoc mobile wireless networks. Written with the professional in mind and including the latest wireless technologies, this gives readers a solid background in the requirements of such networks along with practical advice for specific applications. Along with a review of the fundamental technologies, the authors, all of them distinguished academics from India, cover the wireless Internet, challenges in research and technology, medium access control layer protocols for ad hoc wireless networks, routing protocols, multicast routing protocols, transport protocols, quality of service issues, energy management systems, mobility models, cross-layer design issues and the most recent applications and developments. This includes very useful illustrations and references for each chapter. Distributed by Taylor & Francis. (Annotation ©2008 Book News Inc. Portland, OR)

Algorithmic Lie theory for solving ordinary differential equations.

Thanks to advancements in computer algebra programs, the massive number of calculations necessary to work through nonlinear ordinary differential equations through the systematic method developed by Sophus Lie is no longer an impediment. Schwarz (mathematics, Fraunhofer Institute) gives students and researchers a solid survey of the mathematical foundations along with advice on using of software systems designed to aid in solving concrete algebraic problems as he works through linear differential equations, Lie transformation groups, equivalence and invariants of differential equations, symmetries of differential equations, transformation to canonical form, and solution algorithms. He provides several interesting appendices (including those covering Loewy decompositions of Kamke's collection and symmetries of Kamke's collection) and a range of useful formulas. Thanks to the large number of exercises (with answers for selected problems), this works as both a classroom text and a self-study guide. (Annotation ©2008 Book News Inc. Portland, OR)

Alternative energy systems; design and analysis with induction generators, 2d ed.

Simões (Colorado School of Mines) and Farret (energy processing, Federal U. of Santa Maria, Brazil) explain to fellow engineers and to scientists and researchers both the nature of induction generators and their use in systems, particularly alternative energy systems involving wind and water. Compared to the more common rotary motor, they say, induction generators have lower maintenance demands and simplified controls, are smaller per generated kilowatt, and are more efficient in most applications up to about 500 kVA. No date is mentioned for the first edition; this second has been corrected and slightly revised. (Annotation ©2008 Book News Inc. Portland, OR)

Analytical and approximate methods in transport phenomena.

Problems with differential equations and boundary conditions generally happen when engineers do not have time to search for a methods that may or may not work. This professional reference that doubles as an applications handbook is focused on practical solutions to real-life problems, including in its own structure: it provides a new classification system of the problem based on three numbers, so locating the appropriate solution method is simple. In addition, mathematical methods are presented with examples as well as common or possible solutions to support applications. It presents material by number of variable, order, and kind of boundary condition and also provides materials about fundamental equations of transport phenomena, fundamental aspects of ordinary differential equations, methods of power series and special functions, Laplace transforms, methods of weighted residuals, models of similarity, Fourier series and method of separation of variables, Fourier transforms, and generalized representation by series. (Annotation ©2008 Book News Inc. Portland, OR)

Applied attention theory.

How many times do accidents happen because a driver wasn't paying attention? How do flight controllers manage to concentrate on each of the planes they are tracking? This study by Wickens (human factors division, University of Illinois, emeritus) and McCarley ( Institute of Aviation and psychology, University of Illinois) covers both these questions. They explain the different kinds of attention, various theories on how people pay attention and how we can improve. They then take information gained in laboratory studies and apply them. The book deals largely with aviation, an area in which both authors have worked. They make several points on how pilots and flight controllers could be trained to increase the acuity of their awareness. However, the techniques they suggest would be useful in other, less stressful, occupations. (Annotation ©2008 Book News Inc. Portland, OR)

Applied vector analysis, 2d ed.

Presenting the theory and application of vector calculus as it relates to physical problems, Rahman (applied mathematics, Dalhousie U., Canada) and Mulolani (Qatar University) begin with the historical background of vector calculus, proceeding to present information on the algebra of vectors, vector functions of one variable, the role of the delta operator, the theory of surface and volume integrals, and the use of integral theorems. The second edition adds a section on the divergence theorem. (Annotation ©2008 Book News Inc. Portland, OR)

Artificial intelligence with uncertainty.

One of the problems with artificial intelligence is that computations and algorithms produce stable results, a trait certainly not shared by the operating human brain. In fact, disorder, decisions made upon incomplete data, and multiple interpretations of tiny portions of language work together in the human brain, a situation not easily accomplished or even grasped by an entity in which order is normal. Li and Du (both: computer science, Tsinghua U.) focus on the importance of natural language as the carrier of knowledge and intelligence as a common factor in making computers cogitate more like humans. They present high-quality mathematical theories, models and experimental computations as they explain the history of AI and its links with cognitive science, methodologies of AI, uncertainties of knowledge, mathematical foundations for AI with built-in uncertainty, the cloud model, applications of physics, data mining, reasoning and control of qualitative knowledge, and new directions for AI. (Annotation ©2008 Book News Inc. Portland, OR)

Bacterial resistance to antimicrobials, 2d ed.

The growing problem of antibiotic-resistant bacteria is explored by researchers from industry, academia, and government agencies around the world. Recognizing that it is a social and economic problem as well as a scientific one, they combine purely scientific and practical approaches. Their topics include global response systems that confer resistance, target modification as a mechanism of anti-microbial resistance, the evolution and epidemiology of antibiotic-resistant pneumococci, and public health responses in outpatient and inpatient settings. (Annotation ©2008 Book News Inc. Portland, OR)

Biology and management of the world tarpon and bonefish fisheries.

This is a fisheries management reference on bonefish and tarpon, two significant sport fishes, that includes aspects of coastal marine environment, fishery sectors, population dynamics, stock assessment, and environmental policy. Ault (marine biology and fisheries, U. of Miami) first includes chapters reviewing and assessing the management and ecology of the nine significant world fisheries for tarpon and bonefish. He then includes six chapters on biology and life history dynamics, population dynamics, and resource ecology. Following a few contributions on lore and appeal of fishing for tarpon and bonefish, seven chapters address ecosystem-based management and sustainable fisheries. (Annotation ©2008 Book News Inc. Portland, OR)

Biomechanics in ergonomics, 2d ed.

Many of the chapters of this authoritative handbook have been updated in the second edition, including those on theories of the causes of injury, anthropometrics, assessing mechanical exposure in work design, determining muscle strength, biomechanics of gloves, studies of whiplash injuries, and whole body vibration. Specialists in ergonomics, orthopedics, surgery, industrial engineering, and kinesiology, among others, are the contributors, based at universities and university hospitals in the U.S., Canada, and Europe. Several are with the U. of Calgary, where Kumar formerly taught rehabilitation medicine; he is now at the Health Sciences Center of the U. of North Texas in Fort Worth. (Annotation ©2008 Book News Inc. Portland, OR)

Biomechanics; principles and applications.

Peterson (medicine, engineering, University of Connecticut) and Bronzino (applied science, Trinity College; president, Biomedical Engineering Alliance and Consortium) present current work on principles and applications of biomechanics. The book deals with topics in musculoskeletal mechanics, including hard and soft tissue mechanics and joint mechanics, as well as topics related to biofluid mechanics, including blood vessel, blood cell, and lymphatic mechanics and transport. Demonstrating how mechanical function is closely associated with certain cellular and molecular processes, the book explores the integration of system and sub-system models and seeks to enhance the overall understanding of human function and performance. Material is drawn from the third edition of the Biomedical Engineering Handbook. The book can serve as a reference for professionals and as an introduction for students of biomechanics. (Annotation ©2008 Book News Inc. Portland, OR)

Building software; a practitioner's guide.

With the idea in mind that building software is a relatively safe and simple process, and that there is a solution for every problem, this takes new developers and those who wish to upgrade their skills for better results through a framework known as Solution Engineering Execution (SEE). With this methodology, the authors claim, practitioners can find a good solution for the problem at hand, focus on engineering the solution well and address all aspects of delivery associated with the solution while aligning software development with business strategy. They provide cross-domain and legacy solutions, covering failures, systems, strategies, requirements, architecture and design, data and information, life cycles, the semantics of process-off-the-shelf software, customization, migration, quality and testing, communication, documentation, and security, The glossary is particularly good and fills in beginners' gaps in knowledge without talking down to them. Distributed by Taylor & Francis. (Annotation ©2008 Book News Inc. Portland, OR)

Capillary flows with forming interfaces.

Shikhmurzaev (applied mathematics, University of Birmingham) addresses the modeling issues at the core of the problems where standard fluid mechanics fails to satisfactorily describe capillary flows. The advanced textbook presents the moving contact-line problem, a theory incorporating the process of interface formation into the boundary conditions for the Navier-Stokes equations, singular convergent flows for studying interfacial properties, and applications to the disintegration of liquid flows. (Annotation ©2008 Book News Inc. Portland, OR)

Chemistry for environmental and Earth sciences.

Duke and Williams (both chemistry, U. of Wolverhampton, England) offer a chemistry text devoted to the concepts and procedures needed by environmental and earth scientists. They begin with atoms and molecules, then move on to the three spheres — geosphere, hydrosphere, and atmosphere — and finally to the biosphere. The math required is at the high school level up to exponents and logarithms, for which reminders are provided. (Annotation ©2008 Book News Inc. Portland, OR)

Chromosome nanoscience and technology.

Reporting results from a six-year Japanese national research project, scientists and engineers illustrate how concepts and techniques from the nano-sciences can further the study of chromosomes, especially aspects of them besides DNA, which has been quite the prima donna for the past few decades. They discuss devices for handling chromosomes, imaging technologies, chromosomes as nano-materials, and informatics. (Annotation ©2008 Book News Inc. Portland, OR)

Classics from IJGIS; twenty years of the International journal of geographical information science and systems.

This relatively new discipline has matured from what can best be termed its gawky adolescence into a full-fledged field of study in the past 20 years. Here, partially by way of tracking that development but mainly to serve as a continuing professional resource for practitioners, are 19 of the most significant articles of the International Journal of Geographic Information Science, including contexts provided by at least one of the authors of each paper. Topics include an early machine for the automated analysis of point data sets, automatic map generation, errors in spatial modeling errors in geographic information systems (GISs), calculation gradient and aspect from a gridded digital elevation model, algorithms and their implications, development of a geomorphological model using object-oriented design, investigation of spatial non-stationarity, assessing and transmitting positional uncertainty in maps, cellular automation models, interactive maps and updating the visual. (Annotation ©2008 Book News Inc. Portland, OR)

Clathrate hydrates of natural gases, 3d ed.

Sloan and Koh, both affiliated with the Colorado School of Mines, describe all major aspects of natural gas clathrate hydrates in this book/CD-ROM package for engineers and researchers. This third edition contains information on clathrate hydrate compounds discovered in the past 10 years, and offers new material on structure, kinetics, and prediction methods, new phase equilibrium data and kinetic models, and new computer programs used in the field. There are new case studies summarizing Hydrate Ridge and Mallik 2002 test drillings, and new case studies on low-dosage hydrate inhibitor prevention. Other new material discusses the paradigm transition from hydrate reservoir assessment to reservoir production, and summarizes the in situ conditions for hydrates in the permafrost and oceans. The CD-ROM contains the software CSMGem, which supplies thermodynamics predictions, and CSMPlug, which calculates the time required for hydrate plug removal from a pipeline. (Annotation ©2008 Book News Inc. Portland, OR)

Comparative genomics; basic and applied research.

During his career in pharmaceutical research and development, Brown (GlaxoSmithKline, Collegeville, PA) has witnessed the expansion of the viewing of comparative genomics as a venture confined to understanding pathogens and the "holy trinity species" of medical research (mouse, rat, and human) to the genomes of reptiles, birds and other mammalian species as models for human disease. Eighteen chapters, divided between basic and applied research, show cross-fertilization in the field. Initial chapters review challenges and methodological advances in DNA sequencing technology accelerating the generation of new genomic data, and the somewhat controversial "deep" evolution study of species. Applied chapters address the utility of comparative genomics in drug discovery research, treatment of infectious agents and diseases such as cancer, and improvement of crops. (Annotation ©2008 Book News Inc. Portland, OR)

Comprehensive glossary of telecom abbreviations and acronyms.

This reference contains about 16,000 entries covering the fields of telecommunications, satellite communications, marine communications, radar and military communications, avionics, electronics, computers, the Internet, radio and television broadcasting, fiber optics communications, information technology, remote sensing, cellular networks, specialized mobile radio, and ham radio. There is particular attention paid to abbreviations and acronyms used in ITU, Intelsat, IMO, IMSO, and APSCC documents. The glossary also contains abbreviations and acronyms commonly found in telecom magazines, contracts, and financial documents. The entries reflect common terminology used by major telecom companies and operators, as well as those used by specialized institutions and standard organizations. The reference will be useful to engineers, technical writers, technicians, and students. Author information is not given. The book is distributed in the US by Taylor & Francis. (Annotation ©2008 Book News Inc. Portland, OR)

Computational methods of feature selection.

Glassy-eyed people wander the aisles of the video rental store convinced that there must a perfect full-length movie — maybe two or three — to take home for the weekend. They only need some mechanism for making the selection, but they will find no comfort here. Here contributors from universities and technology companies explain how computer systems can be designed to select just enough, and just the right, data and larger structures from the ever-increasing stream for the user to make sense of. They are concerned with theoretical and methodological aspects, not specific applications. (Annotation ©2008 Book News Inc. Portland, OR)

Computational statistics handbook with MATLAB, 2d ed.

The second edition of this text has been updated to reflect changes implemented for MATLAB R2007a and the Statistics Toolbox, Version 6.0. Among the new topics are new functions for multivariate normal and multivariate t distributions; MATLAB's new functionality for univariate and bivariate histograms, glyphs, and parallel coordinate plots; a new chapter on parametric models; and the expansion of the chapter on nonparametric regression to include information on more smoothers and additive models. Throughout the text, theory is kept at a minimum, with the focus on practical applications. (Annotation ©2008 Book News Inc. Portland, OR)

Complex variables; a physical approach with applications and MATLAB.

This text presents complex analysis as a natural continuation of calculus, integrating MATLAB exercises and applications and examples from physics and engineering. The first five chapters form the core material of the text, covering fundamental concepts, holomorphic and harmonic functions, Cauchy theory and its applications, and isolated singularities. Subsequent chapters discuss the argument principle, geometric theory, and conformal mapping, followed by a more advanced discussion of harmonic functions. There is also material on how complex variables are used in the real world, with chapters on Fourier and Laplace transforms, partial differential equations, and boundary value problems. A final chapter explores computer tools, including Mathematica, Maple, and MATLAB. Drill, theory, and exploration exercises are presented for each chapter, with solutions given for half of them. Readers should have a background in the calculus of one and several variables. Author information is not given. (Annotation ©2008 Book News Inc. Portland, OR)