Synopsis:
Editor Wurl (post-doctoral researcher, Institute of Ocean Sciences, British Columbia) has collected research from experts in the field to offer this guide to generating and analyzing reliable data on the chemical parameters of ocean water. Intended for students and fellow researchers, this volume describes the laboratory methods used to analyze seawater for such compounds as dissolved organic carbon, complex chromomorphic dissolved organic matter, iron species and other trace metals, man-made organic contaminants, climate-relevant DMS compounds and pharmaceutical compounds. The contributors also discuss proper sampling and storage techniques, analytical methodologies and guidelines for data quality assurance. [Publishers info]

Synopsis:
This book sets forth the physical, mathematical, and numerical foundations of computer models used to understand and predict the global ocean climate system. It also highlights certain areas of cutting-edge research. Stephen Griffies presents material that spans a broad spectrum of issues critical for modern ocean climate models. Early chapters focus on the basic equations arising from classical mechanics and thermodynamics used to rationalize ocean fluid dynamics. These equations are then cast into a form appropriate for numerical models of finite grid resolution. Basic discretization methods are described for commonly used classes of ocean climate models. The book proceeds to focus on the parameterization of phenomena occurring at scales unresolved by the ocean model, which represents a large part of modern oceanographic research. The final part provides a tutorial on the tensor methods that are used throughout the book, in a general and elegant fashion, to formulate the equations. [Publishers info]

Synopsis:
The explosive demand for mobile communications is driving the development of wireless technology at an unprecedented pace. Unfortunately, this exceptional growth is also giving rise to a myriad of security issues at all levels — from subscriber to network operator to service provider.

Providing technicians and designers with a critical and comprehensive resource, the book brings together the policies, practices, and guidelines needed to identify and address the security issues related to today’s wireless sensor networks, satellite services, mobile e-services, and inter-system roaming and interconnecting systems. It details the major mobile standards for securing mobile communications and examines the architectures able to provide data confidentiality, authentication, integrity, and privacy in various wireless environments.

 [As taken from Amazon]

Synopsis:
Read this book to learn the main concepts that are fundamental for optimum amplifier design. Practical design techniques are set out, stating the pros and cons for each method presented in this text. In addition to novel theoretical discussion and workable guidelines, you will find helpful running examples and case studies that demonstrate the key issues involved in power amplifier (PA) design flow.

Highlights include:

• Clarification of topics which are often misunderstood and misused, such as bias classes and PA nomenclatures.
• The consideration of both hybrid and monolithic microwave integrated circuits (MMICs).
• Discussions of switch-mode and current-mode PA design approaches and an explanation of the differences.
• Coverage of the linearity issue in PA design at circuit level, with advice on low distortion power stages.
• Analysis of the hot topic of Doherty amplifier design, plus a description of advanced techniques based on multi-way and multi-stage architecture solutions.

 [As taken from Amazon]

Synopsis:
Charles Ortloff provides a new perspective on archaeological studies of the urban and agricultural water supply and distribution systems of the major ancient civilizations of South America, the Middle East, and South-East Asia, by using modern computer analysis methods to extract the true hydraulic/hydrological knowledge base available to these peoples. His many new revelations about the capabilities and innovations of ancient water engineers force us to re-evaluate what was known and practised in the hydraulic sciences in ancient times. Given our current concerns about global warming and its effect on economic stability, it is fascinating to observe how some ancient civilizations successfully coped with major climate change events by devising defensive agricultural survival strategies, while others, which did not innovate, failed to survive. Features – Uses the latest computing methods to understand water resource problems and solutions developed in ancient civilizations – Study of the technical innovations devised by ancient peoples to overcome climate stress problems is relevant to the current issue of global warming – Covers civilizations in three continents, including little-known South American contributions to the hydraulic sciences. [Publishers info]

Synopsis:
Submerged vanes are an unobtrusive and cost-effective way for water engineers to address many problems associated with sedimentation and river training. A relatively new technology, submerged vanes are a low-impact method for reducing erosion and downstream sediment buildup. Unlike weirs and dikes, submerged vanes bolster current efforts to “re-meander”—or make more natural—rivers that have been modified by humans. This book is a complete guide to help engineers determine when submerged vanes would be an effective design solution and how they should be planned and installed. It describes the solutions that submerged vanes offer to problems plaguing modern river systems  which include preventing bank erosion, increasing the flood-bearing capacity of a river by reducing sediment deposits, and keeping water intakes and diversions clear and functioning. Design calculations are illustrated for different river situations and lab results are published to explain the theory behind submerged vanes. In addition, the installation of submerged vanes is detailed in several case studies. This practical manual encourages the transfer of this eco-friendly technology from research into common practice. [Publishers info]

Synopsis:
Contents : http://www.worldscibooks.com/engineering/7410.html

Synopsis:
Provide sustainable solutions to solid waste issues with help from this hands-on guide. This title offers up-to-date technical details on current and potential solid waste minimization practices. This authoritative resource presents a framework for the proper application of solid waste analysis tools, and demonstrates the benefits in terms of environmental impact, process efficiencies, and financial enhancement. Twenty-one real-world case studies covering all industries, from manufacturing to service facilities, are included. [Publishers info]

Contents : http://www.mcgraw-hill.co.uk/html/007160524X.html

Summary:
A graduate-level book combining computer models with observational data in oceanography and meteorology. Contents: Preamble – 1. Variational assimilation – 2. Interpretation – 3. Implementation – 4. The varieties of linear and nonlinear estimation – 5. The ocean and the atmosphere – 6. Ill-posed forecasting problems – References – Appendix A. Computing exercises – Appendix B. Euler-Lagrange equations for a numerical weather prediction model – Index. [Publishers info]

Synopsis:

Ground Based Wireless Positioning provides an in-depth treatment of non-GPS based wireless positioning techniques, with a balance between theory and engineering practice. The book presents the architecture, design and testing of a variety of wireless positioning systems based on the time-of-arrival, signal strength, and angle-of-arrival measurements. These techniques are essential for developing accurate wireless positioning systems which can operate reliably in both indoor and outdoor environments where the Global Positioning System (GPS) proves to be inadequate. The book covers a wide range of issues including radio propagation, parameter identification, statistical signal processing, optimization, and localization in large and multi-hop networks. A comprehensive study on the state-of-the-art techniques and methodologies in wireless positioning and tracking is provided, including anchor-based and anchor-free localisation in wireless sensor networks (WSN). The authors address real world issues such as multipath, non-line-of-sight (NLOS) propagation, accuracy limitations and measurement errors.

Presenting the latest advances in the field, Ground Based Wireless Positioning is one of the first books to cover non-GPS based technologies for wireless positioning. It serves as an indispensable reference for researchers and engineers specialising in the fields of localization and tracking, and wireless sensor networks.

• Provides a comprehensive treatment of methodologies and algorithms for positioning and tracking
• Includes practical issues and case studies in designing real wireless positioning systems
• Explains non-line-of-sight (NLOS) radio propagation and NLOS mitigation techniques
• Balances solid theory with engineering practice of non-GPS wireless systems

[As taken from Amazon.com]

Synopsis:

Sound Capture and Processing: Practical Approaches covers the digital signal processing algorithms and devices for capturing sounds, mostly human speech. It explores the devices and technologies used to capture, enhance and process sound for the needs of communication and speech recognition in modern computers and communication devices. This book gives a comprehensive introduction to basic acoustics and microphones, with coverage of algorithms for noise reduction, acoustic echo cancellation, dereverberation and microphone arrays; charting the progress of such technologies from their evolution to present day standard.

• Brings together the state-of-the-art algorithms for sound capture, processing and enhancement in one easily accessible volume
• Provides invaluable implementation techniques required to process algorithms for real life applications and devices
• Covers a number of advanced sound processing techniques, such as multichannel acoustic echo cancellation, dereverberation and source separation
• Generously illustrated with figures and charts to demonstrate how sound capture and audio processing systems work
• An accompanying website containing Matlab code to illustrate the algorithms

This invaluable guide will provide audio, R&D and software engineers in the industry of building systems or computer peripherals for speech enhancement with a comprehensive overview of the technologies, devices and algorithms required for modern computers and communication devices. Graduate students studying electrical engineering and computer science, and researchers in multimedia, cell-phones, interactive systems and acousticians will also benefit from this book. [As taken from Amazon.com]

Synopsis:
Despite its prevalence in under-developed parts of the United States and most tropical and sub-tropical countries, residual soil is often characterized as a mere extension of conventional soil mechanics in many textbooks. Now, with the rapid growth of construction in these regions, it is essential to gain a fuller understanding of residual soils and their properties-one that’s based on an integrated approach to the study of residual and sedimentary soils. One text puts this understanding well within reach: Fundamentals of Soil Mechanics for Sedimentary and Residual Soils. Distributed by Syndetic Solutions, Inc.

Synopsis:
The Elastic Beam Calculations Handbook presents a mathematically rigorous treatment of beams based on elastic theory written at a technical level that is as simple as can be achieved without losing clarity. Practitioners can quickly learn the essentials and apply elastic beam calculations in their work. This much-needed comprehensive reference covers elastic beams with varying material and section properties, support conditions, span lengths, and other important geometric features. It provides simple and logical presentations of elastic beam problems by addressing each as corollaries of a more general theorem, consequently resulting in numerical work that can be planned and executed with ease, clarity, and optimal results. Structural engineers concerned directly with structural analysis of elastic beam problems will find many examples of useful and neat solutions and the rationale for their validity. [As taken from book cover]

Synopsis:
Earthquake Resistant Design and Risk Reduction, 2^nd edition is based upon global research and development work over the last 50 years or more, and follows the author’s series of three books Earthquake Resistant Design, 1st and 2^nd editions (1977 and 1987), and Earthquake Risk Reduction (2003). Many advances have been made since the 2003 edition of Earthquake Risk Reduction, and there is every sign that this rate of progress will continue apace in the years to come. Compiled from the author’s wide design and research experience in earthquake engineering and engineering seismology, this key text provides an excellent treatment of the complex multidisciplinary process of earthquake resistant design and risk reduction. New topics include the creation of low-damage structures and the spatial distribution of ground shaking near large fault ruptures. Sections on guidance for developing countries, response of buildings to differential settlement in liquefaction, performance-based and displacement-based design and the architectural aspects of earthquake resistant design are heavily revised. [As taken from book cover]

Synopsis:
This volume includes the invited lectures presented at: The First International Conference on Soft Computing Technology in Civil, Structural and Environmental Engineering held in Funchal, Madeira, Portugal, September 2009. With contributions from: T. Arciszewski, M. Beer, Z. Bittnar, D.C. Charmpis, M. Fragiadakis, H. Furuta, S. Gholizadeh, E. Grabska, P. Hajela, C. Harrison, J.E. Hurtado, C.G. Koh, N.D. Lagaros, M. Leps, G.C. Marano, G. Monti, K. Nakatsu, Y. Nomura, G. Quaranta, V. Sakalkar, E. Salajegheh, M. Sanchez-Silva, V. Smilauer, T.N. Thanh, M.M.B.R. Vellasco and P.C.G. da S. Vellasco. [As taken from book cover]

Contents:
Toxicity and pollution factor: a proposal to evaluate the gaseous refinery emissions / Gisela Montero — Is biodiesel an eco-compatible fuel? Toxicity estimation to organisms of different trophic levels / Iracema Andrade Nascimento … [et al.] — Impact of various concentrations of crude-oil on the physicochemical properties of a soil in Nigeria / O. Obire, E. C. Anyanwu, R. N. Okigbo — Risk assessment of airborne particles and volatile organic compounds from industrial areas / Andrea Mueller … [et al.] — Adverse health effects of heavy industrial and agricultural pollution in eastern Slovakia / Pavel Langer … [et al.] — Energy recovery systems from industrial plant waste: planning of an industrial park located in the south of Italy / Silvana Kühtz … [et al.] — Carbon footprint assessment: a tool for promoting long-term pollution emission reduction and sustainable development? / Silvana Kühtz — Industrial pollution and congenital malformations / Jean D. Brender … [et al.] — AOP as an effective tool for the minimization of hazardous organic pollutants in colored wastewater; chemical and photochemical processes / Natalija Koprivanac, Hrvoje Kusic — Effects of oil pollution on nickel and vanadium concentrations in soil and in the tissues of the desert lizard Acanthodactylus scutellatus at Kuwait’s Greater Al-Burgan oil field / M. A. Al-Hashem, P. F. Brain. [Publishers info]

Contents:
Molecular mechanisms of chromium-induced carcinogenesis — Industrial wastes as low-cost adsorbents for textile dyes: a review — Cost effective adsorbed materials for industrial wastewater treatment – Valorization of agro-industrial wastes by biological treatment — Industrial pollution management: a sustainability perspective — Pollutant detection and environmental monitoring using conductometric microbiosensors – Using learning machines more intelligently and rigorously for the ground-level ozone prediction  — Profiling the implementing of product stewardship: a case study of some chemical industries in Germany  — Bioactive substances derived from fish processing wastes and their biotechnological applications  — Industrial wastewater treatment using advanced chemical oxidation with Fenton reagent  — Coagulation-flocculation processes applied in water or wastewater treatment – Recycling of industrial and agricultural wastes for water and soil remediation – Use of municipal and industrial sludge in agricultural soil: responses of soil microbials and soil enzymes – Interferences of Pb(II) and Cr(III) on Cu(II) biosorption by algae Gelidium, algal waste and composite material  — Novel approaches in phosphate-fertilizer production based on wastes derived from rock phosphate mining and the food processing industry. [Publishers info]

Synopsis:
This project examined cyanobacterial toxin production and degradation by microorganisms in sand filters and the water column. The production and biodegradation of cyanobacterial toxins was incorporated into an ecological model to facilitate knowledge transfer from this project to any water supply reservoir or lake. The principal aim of this project was to investigate cyanobacterial toxin degradation in reservoirs and to develop reservoir management approaches for the control of toxin production. [Publishers info]

Supporting Faculty Knowledge Production
Challenges and opportunities for information professionals in a digitally connected work
Mary Lee Kennedy, Executive Director,
Knowledge and Library Services, Harvard Business School

Wed 25 Nov 09 :: 10.30am :: LT5 :: NTU :: MAP

This talk looks at some of the primary shifts in digital scholarship and the related changes in the nature of the information profession. It highlights the challenges of being in a time of transition as well as the opportunities to create new services and products that bring significant value to our constituents. Mary Lee Kennedy will refer to the work at Harvard Business School, as well as related activities with colleagues in other institutions, including the new opportunity for a Global Knowledge Exchange via GKEN.

Mary Lee Kennedy is the Executive Director of Knowledge and Library Services at Harvard Business School. She is responsible for the School’s knowledge and information management strategy and its implementation. Prior to Harvard, Mary Lee held knowledge management positions with global responsibility for Microsoft Corporation and Digital Equipment Corporation.

Please register @ https://wis.ntu.edu.sg/pls/webexe/REGISTER_NTU.REGISTER?EVENT_ID=OA09111015555229.

Synopsis:
The book is dedicated to the analysis and design of voltage reference circuits, the intended audience being high-level students and specialists in the area of analog and mixed-signal CMOS VLSI design. The aim of the book is to evaluate the possibilities of improving the thermal behavior of voltage references by implementing superior-order curvature-correction techniques.
The topics covered include Current references, Zero-Order Curvature- Correction techniques for voltage References, First-Order Curvature- Correction techniques for voltage References, Superior-Order Curvature-Correction Voltage References and Error Sources in Typical Voltage References [As taken from amazon.com]