Book Reviews

Book Reviews

Hyperbolic Equations and General Relativity

“This is an excellent book that can be used to introduce the reader to the theory of hyperbolic equations and to the mathematical theory of gravitational waves and Einstein equations. Several basic concepts such as wavelike propagation, fundamental solution, Riemann kernel and its existence, world function and its role in the fundamental solution, characteristic conoid, are well presented. The reader is then offered the opportunity to learn in detail how Choquet-Bruhat proved existence and uniqueness of the solution of vacuum Einstein equations with non-analytic Cauchy data. Last, an introduction to some important aspects of high-speed black hole collisions, a masterpiece work of D’Eath and Payne, is presented. The appendices on Sobolev spaces and Kasner spacetime are also very useful, as well as the suggested literature at the end. The author should be congratulated for having written a book of high pedagogical value for future generations of research workers in general relativity.” – Giampiero Esposito, INFN Sezione di Napoli, Naples, Italy

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Understanding Banach Spaces

“Banach spaces as well as their specializations such as Hilbert or Euclidean spaces to mention a few are of great interest in Pure as well as Applied Mathematics. In particular Dr. González is connecting Banach spaces to applications using iterative methods. Researchers and practitioners consider Banach spaces general enough for studying operator equations, since problems from diverse disciplines can be reduced to locating a zero of a Banach space valued operator. These zeros are needed in closed form but this is achieved in rare situations. That is why he has presented a plethora of alternative iterate methods generating a sequence approximating a zero under certain initial conditions about a zero (local convergence) or about in an initial point (semilocal convergence). These methods converge with linear, quadratic or higher order of convergence and under weak conditions. Researchers and practitioners will find this book very useful as a source book, utilize its methods and also use it as a classroom text for a senior undergraduate or graduate course. It is certainly an excellent must read book.” – Ioannis K. Argyros, Cameron University, Department of Mathematics, Lawton, Oklahoma, USA

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Advances in Medicinal Chemistry Research

“This book covers hot current topics in medicinal chemistry, using a molecular-based approach, providing us with knowledge on new and valuable targets, on corresponding active synthetic and natural products, and deserves to be read by a broad audience, providing a rich food for thought.” – Dr. Marilia O. Fonseca Goulart, Professor, Federal University of Alagoas – Brazil

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Modernity, Modernization, and Globalization: Issues and Challenges of the 21st Century

“Dr. Shahidullah has assembled an impressive array of bi-cultural social scientists from different corners of the world to provide an insight into the issues and challenges facing a modern and global world order. Each chapter challenges the ideologies of nativism, localism, racism, sexism, nationalism, and bigotry which have been invigorated by the rise of right-wing politics globally. However, the book argues that the culture of modernity that builds on the notion of humanism, globalism, inclusivity, and universal human rights, is inevitable and here to stay even if it seems temporarily elusive. Citing examples of globalization of the world capitalist economy, strengthening of the Human Development Index, expansions of democracy in more countries of the world in an environment of unprecedented global connectivity through the Internet, this book argues that these forces far outweigh the rise of right-wing political parties for the global progress of modernity. Scholars in numerous disciplines such as sociology, political science, global studies, international relations, and development studies will find this text a vital addition to seminal collections in their respective disciplines. It will also serve as a valuable reference book for policy-makers in international development agencies and research organizations. It is highly recommended.” – Sheetal Ranjan, PhD., Professor of Sociology and Criminal Justice, William Paterson University, New Jersey

Modernity, Modernization, and Globalization: Issues and Challenges of the 21st Century provides a detailed and insightful analysis of social and cultural transformation. Dr. Shahidullah provides an excellent historical review of the concepts of Modernity, Modernization, and Globalization and moves the reader to contemporary 21st century issues within the context of the appropriate cultural and social contexts and contests as operationalized as social change, evolution, and cultural transformations. In these times of what appears to be social and cultural turmoil and despondency in the 21st Century, further understanding of the dialects of Modernity, Modernization, and Globalization are essential to reveal and understand social transformations in the modern world. This book will be of great interest and benefit to scholars, students, and social advocate practitioners who wish to understand and conceptualize the day-to-day ideological response and functions of the process of social change and evolution.” – James F. Hodgson, PhD., Professor of Sociology and Criminal Justice, Averett University, Virginia; President- Virginia Association of Criminal Justice Educators

“Without a doubt, Dr. Shahidullah understands the significant and timely value for the continued need for inspection, education and the remembrance of history surrounding arguably three of the world’s most important concepts-modernity, modernization and globalization. Found among the pages of this book, Modernity, Modernization, and Globalization: Issues and Challenges of the 21st Century, a broad scope of these three concepts are revisited, explored and contextualized to provide a clearer perspective on what they have meant and may mean to today’s world and all of its societies. This text also encourages the reader to examine larger themes and patterns while prompting consideration of our ever advancing technological times and the direct link it has to the idea, that, although stagnation may plague modernity from time to time, it is in fact an irreversible feature of the world’s history and future. This is a must read for scholars and believers of freedom of humanity alike. This comprehensive volume is a valuable and welcome addition to the present body of literature on issues and challenges of global modernity.” – Robert C. Watson, Assistant Professor of History, Hampton University, Virginia

“Shahid Shahidullah provides not only a historical lens, but a future window, shining light and providing context on the ideologies, concepts and facts of Modernity, Modernization, and Globalization. In just one book, the reader is superbly navigated through a wealth of knowledge from scholars of multi-cultural heritages enhancing the understanding of these themes from the past, present and encourages thought for the future world, where Modernity, Modernization and Globalization, although it may experience changes, pause or progress, will undoubtedly continue to be a fact as old as time.” – C. Nana Derby, PhD., Professor of Sociology and Criminal Justice, Virginia State University, Virginia

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Photovoltaic Systems: Design, Performance and Applications

“Addressing health inequalities occurring between and within developed and developing nations is a globally endorsed promise to “reach the furthest first”. Fulfilling this promise necessarily, involves collaborative partnerships, as well as understanding the interplay of local and international contexts, sensitivity to diverse needs expressed through multiple and deeply layered communications, and importantly, use of methods capable of engaging professional and community stakeholders in unified, civil action. This book focuses on Photovoice, a CBPR method that uses participant-employed photography, other visual medium, and dialogue to advance health equity and progressive social change with/for culturally-rich, yet resource-constrained communities. Drs. Moya and Chavez-Baray bring together scholar-practitioners from around the globe who describe ‘how’ Photovoice may be used in responding sensitively to cultural issues, building capacity as change agents, and fostering community awareness and action. Book chapters are substantiated by solid research and include descriptions of Photovoice applications that may be replicated by community researchers or used as a text for courses on community practice and research. Accessibility and portability of knowledge are instrumental aims of this groundbreaking and timely book. Moya and Chavez-Baray fully achieve these aims. Ultimately, if we are to have a clearer sense of how to advance health equality for/with those who are most affected-we need this book!” – Lana Sue Ka‘opua, PhD, MSW, Social Work & Health Inequalities Network Convener, Indigenous Health Researcher, Author, Community Based Participatory Research Practitioner

“This timely publication is recommended as required reading for all students and practitioners of qualitative research. The editors have assured its utility as well for the consumers of research, including funding agencies and institutions, journalists, biomedical and public health professionals and policy makers. Each chapter provides another perspective on the use of Photovoice, from detailed implementation guidance to examples of use in the field. This excellent resource guides us in an innovative, multi-disciplinary data collection approach that is both participatory and empowering of the communities involved.” – Michele G. Shedlin, PhD, Professor, Rory Meyers College of Nursing New York University

“The Photovoice method is a powerful tool for engaging and empowering communities to explore local challenges from a social justice perspective. This book, edited by accomplished masters of the Photovoice method, assembles for readers the toolkit of the method’s application and the theoretical basis for how the use of reflection through Photovoice can mobilize and empower communities toward positive social change. This volume is an essential text on the bookshelf of scholars and community activists who partner to shed light on community problems and their resolution.” – Mark Lusk, Professor of Social Work, University of Texas at El Paso

“From literally cover-to-cover, this book delivers what its title promises- “Photovoice: Participation and Empowerment in Research”. Whether read collectively or individually, the nine essay chapters here-in, thoughtfully interweave scholarly practice with professional research. The result is the affirmation of the endless value and timeless vitality of “Photovoice” as a catalytic tool for system-wide change. Whether new to this methodology of inquiry or seasoned in its use, readers will be witness to its art and science as it both captures and amplifies the images and voices of all involved.  This book is a ‘must read’ for everyone who appreciates the interconnections between and among individuals, their families and communities, and the policies that are intended to serve them. Photovoice: Participation and Empowerment in Research” is a ‘must have’ for those of us committed to ensuring that our collaborations with communities are not just community- placed, they are genuinely community-based!” – Darlyne Bailey, Ph.D., LISW, Professor and Dean Emeritus, Director, Social Justice Initiative and Special Assistant to the President for Community Partnerships, Bryn Mawr College, USA, Co-Chair of the Special Commission to Advance Macro Practice in Social Work, Co- author of The Alignment of Leadership Development and Participatory Action Research

“This new work edited by Drs. Moya and Chávez-Baray gives step-by-step instructions for implementing Photovoice, an asset-based approach that has the potential to empower and give voice to those who are too often unheard in society.  The diverse applications captured by the experienced authors of the book’s chapters illustrate the flexibility of the method across different disciplines, contexts, and populations, and provide ideas for future work.  The book is an essential toolbox for the qualitative community-based participatory researcher who is interested in both gaining insight into the lives of community members and working alongside them to effect meaningful change.  However, it is also accessible to those who have never conducted research and who seek a documentary medium that has simultaneous potential for active intervention.” – John Wiebe, PhD, Professor of Psychology, Interim Provost, Vice President for Academic Affairs, The University of Texas at El Paso

“This book is an innovative contribution about how academic perspectives, mainly from social sciences, can enrich the impact of educational practices and public justice in our societies. It is a great tool for students and scholars seeking to engender social change.” – Xochitl Castañeda, PhD, Director, Health Initiative of the Americas, UC Berkeley School of Public Health

For more information about this book, please click here.

Introduction to Micromechanics (Second Edition)

“Professor Le’s new version of this book is an ambitious attempt to combine some of the classic mathematical approaches to the micromechanics of solids with recent attempts to develop a thermodynamic basis for understanding these phenomena. Le has made fundamental contributions to both aspects of this field of investigation. I am very pleased to see that he is making his work broadly accessible in this publication.” – James S. Langer, University of California Santa Barbara, USA

“This is a competent text on the mechanics of large deformation written by an expert who has been teaching the subject for years. He knows the students´ demands and satisfies them by a clear exposition of the basics, and he helps the students to gain expertise in the field through intelligent exercises. I recommend the book for advanced students; they can acquire a solid knowledge particularly about the mathematically demanding subject of dislocation analysis.“ – Ingo Müller, Technical University Berlin, Germany

“In this most interesting and timely book several strongly nonlinear phenomena in continuum elastic solids, including phase transitions, dislocational plasticity and brittle fracture, are finally treated from the same general perspective. The presentation is both original and personal. The book offers wealth of information which is otherwise dispersed in research papers and is difficult to access. The inclusion of challenging problems that are solved in full detail makes this book particularly useful for students interested in mastering this fast growing field of research at the crossroads of applied mathematics, mechanics, materials science and condensed matter physics.” – Lev Truskinovsky, ESPCI Paris, France

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New Trends in Fractional Programming

“The author in his six chapters of this book presents a very well thought of study of, in particular smooth and unified generalized programming problems. See for example Problem (P). Numerous study cases are presented involving convexity and non-convexity, specializations of which reduce to earlier results by the author or others. The material is very elegantly presented. It is highly recommended to researchers and practitioners who will find it very readable and useful for their research. Parts of this book can also be used in seminars for graduate students as well as senior undergraduate students with interests in this area of research. The bibliography is very informed and updated which makes the book also a great reference source.” – Professor Dr. Ioannis K. Argyros, Cameron University, Department of, Mathematical Sciences, Lawton, OK, USA

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The Project Administrator: Perspectives to Project Support Services

“A well-researched, authoritative and comprehensive explanation of the Project Administrator’s role within the project environment.” – Rory Burke, International Project Management expert and author (www.burkepublishing.com)

“This timely book creates context and direction for the sometimes undervalued role of project administrator. It identifies a career path for those predisposed to the specialized functions of project support services, guiding practitioners to be complimentary-even essential-to the project management role, rather than aspiring to it.” – Taryn van Olden, Chief Executive Officer: Project Management South Africa (PMSA)

“This book is designed to equip the reader with the competencies needed to undertake a range of project support functions. It is therefore an essential guide to the establishment of carefully designed project management support services and the appointment of competent project administrators to assist project managers and their teams.” – Karolien Nell, Independent Project Management Consultant

“Written by a seasoned academic, this book provides a brief but complete overview of the role, functions and responsibilities of the project administrator. It is set against internationally-accepted Project Management standards for a simple exposition of the project support function. The simple, to-the-point discussion of the role of the project administrator throughout the project life cycle simplifies a potentially complex concept, and provides the reader with guidelines on how to master this function. It is written with the intent to simplify and provide advice. The author offers practical examples and templates you can apply today; and the learning outcomes, quick review questions and additional reading in every chapter make this book an essential one on your bookshelf.” – André Knipe, Business Consultant and Training Facilitator

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A Critical Introduction to Psychology

“I would have loved to have this book available when I first started teaching psychology. Its clear description and critical analysis of major themes running through the typical Introduction to Psychology course should prove invaluable to anyone teaching that course today or planning to do so in the future, as well as to anyone curious about mainstream psychology’s culturally determined biases. The book is a useful, thought-provoking corrective to unexamined assumptions, an excellent choice for seminars on the interplay between mainstream psychology and other institutions that reinforce a status quo that leaves little room for diverse non-Western perspectives. Even non-critical psychologists will find much to ponder here, along with a steady stream of observations to spark student interest.” – Dennis Fox, PhD, Emeritus Associate Professor of Legal Studies & Psychology, University of Illinois at Springfield, Co-founder, Radical Psychology Network

“This is an ‘introduction’ to psychology that is not merely ‘critical’ as a first step, but it traces a fully critical journey around the discipline, enabling the reader to develop their own theory and practice in such a way as to question the parameters of academically-enclosed images of the individual.” – Ian Parker, PhD, Psychoanalyst in Manchester, UK, Honorary Professorial Research Fellow at the University of Manchester, Secretary of Manchester Psychoanalytic Matrix, President of the College of Psychoanalysts, UK

“A Critical Introduction to Psychology provides the reader with a timely, original and thought-provoking analysis of modern psychology, which offers a valuable perspective on the existing status-quo of psychology as an academic discipline. This book is a ‘must-read’ and an invitation to all scholars, teachers and students of psychology to critically reflect upon the reductionist conceptualizations and ideologies inherent in the discourses of introductory textbooks of psychology. As such the authors of Beshara’s edited volume introduce a compelling account on how a transdisciplinary and pluralistic approach to psychology provides a more inclusive, holistic and diverse view of human identity, behavior and cognition consistent with developments in history, philosophy, society, culture and the sciences.” – Laura Cariola, PhD, Honorary Fellow and Tutor in Clinical Psychology, The University of Edinburgh, Co-founder of Language and Psychoanalysis, Social Science Protocols, and Language and Mind Research Network, Leader editor of the book series “Language, Discourse and Mental Health”

“Robert Beshara’s edited book, A Critical Introduction to Psychology, is timely and historic. The volume brings together a collection of radical and cutting edge essays on critical psychology that provide an accessible counter narrative to the standard story of EuroAmerican psychology. What I found extraordinarily compelling about this book is the new humane and inclusive vision that Beshara lays out for the future of psychology. Questions about decolonization and decoloniality are the core of this vision and the book narrates a story of psychology that beautifully integrates psychoanalysis, humanistic and discursive psychology, feminism, anti-psychiatry, post-structuralism, liberation psychology, as well as theories from postcolonial studies. This book is bound to become a classic that will be read by undergraduate and graduate students across several disciplines and across generations. ” – Sunil Bhatia, PhD, Professor of Human Development, Chair of the Human Development Department, Connecticut College

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Variational Calculus on Time Scales

This book was reviewed by the online bibliographic database created by the American Mathematical Society. To read the review, click here…

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