ENGINEERING LIBRARY BLOG

We used the mobile phones for calls, surf Internet, e-commerce, etc. It can also be used to collect data and information on a personal and daily basis. However, ther are more than four billion such devices used by people like us, how can we stay secure if we are releasing vital information on the mobile phones for data collection?

This article first looked at the problems in having personal data exposed to all mobile users. Then examines three applications used to collect these data called “Participatory sensing” technologies: Personal Environmental Impact Report (PEIR), Biketastic and AndWellness. Lastly, discuss how developers of the mobile phone applications can avoid or control private data from leaking to other users.

[Source: Four Billion Little Brothers? Privacy, mobile phones, and ubiquitous data collection by Katie Shilton. Communications of the acm, november 2009, vol. 52, no. 11, pp 48-53]

	Title:	Advanced wireless networks : Cognitive, cooperative and opportunistic 4G technology
	Author:	Glisic, Savo G.
	Call number:	TK5103.2.G561AW
	Availability:	Click here

Synopsis:
Focusing on cognitive, cooperative and opportunistic paradigms to provide further increase in network efficiency, the book explores and addresses issues in wireless internet, mobile cellular and WLAN, as well as sensor, ad hoc, bio-inspired, active and cognitive networks. It examines the problem of cross-layer optimisation and network information theory as well as adaptability and reconfigurability in wireless networks. This book is an integral description of future wireless networks and the interconnection between their elements. [As taken from Amazon]

	Title:	Developing hybrid applications for the iPhone : using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript to build dynamic apps for the iPhone
	Author:	Barney, Lee
	Call number:	TK6570.M6B261
	Availability:	Click here

Synopsis:
Lee S. Barney walks you through the entire hybrid iPhone development process, from creating great user interfaces to compiling, deploying, and executing applications. Along the way, he introduces techniques and sample code designed to streamline development, eliminate complexity, optimize performance, and leverage all iPhone’s native capabilities—from its accelerometer and GPS to its built-in database. Coverage includes

• Using Dashcode and Xcode together to create unique, exciting hybrid iPhone applications
• Using the QuickConnect JavaScript API to perform tasks ranging from vibrating the phone to accessing the accelerometer and GPS location data
• Accessing native iPhone functionality using the PhoneGap JavaScript API
• Storing, retrieving, and managing data on the iPhone, even without network access
• Using XMLHttpRequest to access or synchronize remote data and use web services
• Creating Google-based maps for your own app that work like those you see in the iPhone’s Maps application

[As taken from Amazon]

	Title:	Fundamentals of modern VLSI devices
	Author:	Yuan Taur
	Call number:	TK7871.99.M44T227 2009
	Availability:	Click here

Synopsis:
Learn the basic properties and designs of modern VLSI devices, as well as the factors affecting performance, with this thoroughly updated second edition. The first edition has been widely adopted as a standard textbook in microelectronics in many major US universities and worldwide. The internationally-renowned authors highlight the intricate interdependencies and subtle tradeoffs between various practically important device parameters, and also provide an in-depth discussion of device scaling and scaling limits of CMOS and bipolar devices. Equations and parameters provided are checked continuously against the reality of silicon data, making the book equally useful in practical transistor design and in the classroom. Every chapter has been updated to include the latest developments, such as MOSFET scale length theory, high-field transport model, and SiGe-base bipolar devices.[As taken from amazon.com]

	Title:	Advanced structural analysis
	Author:	Menon, Devdas.
	Call number:	TA645.M547A
	Availability:	Click here

Synopsis:
Advanced Structural Analysis is a textbook that essentially covers matrix analysis of structures, presented in a fresh and insightful way. This book is an extension of the author’s basic book on Structural Analysis. The initial three chapters review the basic concepts in structural analysis and matrix algebra, and show how the latter provides an excellent mathematical framework for the former. The next three chapters discuss in detail and demonstrate through many examples how matrix methods can be applied to linear static analysis of skeletal structures (plane and space trusses; beams and grids; plane and space frames) by the stiffness method. Also, it is shown how simple structures can be conveniently solved using a reduced stiffness formulation, involving far less computational effort. The flexibility method is also discussed. Finally, in the seventh chapter, analysis of elastic instability and second-order response is discussed in detail. The main objective is to enable the student to have a good grasp of all the fundamental issues in these advanced topics in Structural Analysis, besides enjoying the learning process, and developing analytical and intuitive skills. With these strong fundamentals, the student will be well prepared to explore and understand further topics like Finite Elements Analysis. [As taken from book cover]

	Title:	HVDC transmission : power conversion applications in power systems
	Author:	Chan-Ki Kim
	Call number:	TK3111.H989
	Availability:	Click here

Synopsis:
HVDC is a critical solution to several major problems encountered when trying to maintain systemic links and quality in large-scale renewable energy environments. HDVC can resolve a number of issues, including voltage stability of AC power networks, reducing fault current, and optimal management of electric power, ensuring the technology will play an increasingly important role in the electric power industry.
To address the pressing need for an up-to-date and comprehensive treatment of the subject, Kim, Sood, Jang, Lim, and Lee have collaborated to produce this key text and reference. Combining classroom-tested materials from North America and Asia,HVDC Transmission compactly summarizes the latest research results, and includes the insights of experts from power systems, power electronics, and simulation backgrounds. The authors walk readers through basic theory and practical applications, while also providing the broader historical context and future development of HVDC technology.
Presents case studies covering basic and advanced HVDC deployments headed by world-renowned experts
Demonstrates how to design, analyze, and maintain HVDC systems in the field
Provides updates on new HVDC technologies, such as active power filters, PWM, VSC, and 800 KV systems
Rounds out readers’ understanding with chapters dedicated to the key areas of simulation and main circuit design
Introduces wind power system interconnection with HVDC
Arms readers with an understanding of future HVDC trends
[As taken from back cover]

	Title:	Port competition : the case of North Europe
	Author:	Ng, Koi-Yu Adolf, 1978-
	Call number:	HE551.N576
	Availability:	Click here

Synopsis:
Through investigating the container transhipment industry along the Hamburg-Le Havre range in North Europe, this book discusses the theory and practice of port competition. Apart from providing a theoretical framework to future port research, this book identifies the major factors affecting port attractiveness, assesses port choice behaviour, investigates current port competitiveness and forecasts their future prospects within the market. This book argues that the key for ports to sustain competitiveness does not only depend on port’s administrative system, but also how it executes the system and makes things work. It is believed that this book offers significant insight on the relations between port service suppliers and users, as well as a valuable reference to efficient port strategic management. Distributed by Syndetic Solutions, Inc.

	Title:	Practical intrusion analysis : prevention and detection for the twenty-first century
	Author:	Trost, Ryan.
	Call number:	TK5105.59.T857
	Availability:	Click here

Synopsis:
Recently, powerful innovations in intrusion detection and prevention have evolved in response to emerging threats and changing business environments. However, security practitioners have found little reliable, usable information about these new IDS/IPS technologies. In Practical Intrusion Analysis, one of the field’s leading experts brings together these innovations for the first time and demonstrates how they can be used to analyze attacks, mitigate damage, and track attackers.

 Ryan Trost reviews the fundamental techniques and business drivers of intrusion detection and prevention by analyzing today’s new vulnerabilities and attack vectors. Next, he presents complete explanations of powerful new IDS/IPS methodologies based on Network Behavioral Analysis (NBA), data visualization, geospatial analysis, and more. [As taken from Amazon]