Book Reviews
“This book provides a brief overview of approximately 40 years of experimental search for a non-zero mass of neutrinos. It presents the results of experimental studies on beta-decay, double beta-decay, neutrino oscillations in vacuum and matter, the results of attempts to measure neutrino-free double beta-decay, and experiments planned for the future. While discussing the experimental problems, the necessary theoretical background is presented, with numerous references to the literature. It is worth noting that the authors refer to the achievements of outstanding physicists whose work contributed to the emergence of the discussed field. The photo gallery of these characters brings them closer to the reader. This book is aimed primarily at physicists, but also has great educational value for PhD students.” –Doctor Wilhelm Czaplinski, University of Science and Technology, Cracow, Poland
“Imagine you have a friend whom you have known for decades and whose friendship you highly appreciate, but who adamantly refuses to reveal his name. In physics, the neutrino appears to look much like that elusive friend. Though the physicists learned of neutrino’s existence almost a century ago and despite the fact that the neutrino is one of fundamental components of the matter around us, the neutrino mass spectrum is still unknown. This puzzle is the main theme of the book. The authors present a thorough discussion of reasons why the puzzle exists and of efforts to resolve it. A seasoned researcher and a curious layman will each benefit from the material of this interesting book.” – Professor Vitaly Efimov, University of Washington, Seattle, USA
“I’ve never been a big fan of neutrinos because of typically low statistics of experiments studying their properties and difficulties with reconstruction of the processes with neutrinos in the final state. The first feature is no longer true today and the second inspired physicists to invent various beautiful methods of analysis. This book discusses one more fascinating property of neutrinos – their masses. Nonzero masses of neutrinos obviously violate the Standard model but at the same time do not contradict its most stringent tests. The book clearly describes various consequences of this mystery and experiments to understand it.” – Professor Simon Eidelman, Budker Institute of Nuclear Physics, Novosibirsk, Russia
“Mysterious behavior neutrino keeps providing us hints to reveal the secret of nature. The book gives excellent description of neutrino physics from the very appearance of neutrino towards the recent topics of expanding fields.” – Professor Toru Sato, RCNP, Osaka University
“This book is a very good introduction to combinatorics as a first step to know about the subject which is a basic for such areas as theory probability and statistics, among others. For example, Basic Concepts of Set Theory (Chapter 2) and Inclusion-Exclusion Principle (Chapter 5) are good examples of analogue between operations with sets and events in probability. Also, Trees (Chapter 7) have applications in financial mathematics, as we recall, binomial trees, as one of many examples. The book contains a great deal of problems (e.g., 160 (!), and it’s only in Chapter 1) with answers, examples and exercises. I would recommend it to university instructors who teach combinatorics, to pedagogical universities and colleges students, and also to high school students and first year university students. Moreover, as a background, mathematical courses from regular school will suffice to read and study the book. It is a really the first step in combinatorics to proceed to many more steps further in students’ journey through the beauty of combinatorics. Finally, I am proud to say, that one of the authors, namely, Volodymyr Vyshenskyi, was one of my best instructors in algebra at Kyiv State University back to 70th , when I was there as a freshman student. His pedagogical and teaching skills were a legend among young university’s students. All in all, do not be afraid to make the first step in anything, including combinatorics: it will pay-off when you make more steps and affords later.” – Anatoliy Swishchuk, Professor, Applied Mathematics, Universiry of Calgary, Alberta, Canada
The book “Combinatorics: First Steps” written by two very experienced mathematicians, Mykola Perestyuk and Volodymyr Vyshenskyi, is a gem, which will satisfy the needs of all kinds of combinatorics lovers, from high school students to college professors. It has plenty of examples and solved problems that make the digesting of the material easy, though the phrase “First steps” in the title should not discourage know-it-alls from acquiring the book. It can also serve as a wonderful source of all kinds of combinatorial problems for extracurricular activities in mathematics.” – Vyacheslav Futorny, Professor, Departamento de Matematica, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
“This book has a strong pattern of content. The mathematical aspect is prominent, adding quality to the general features of the book. The panel of authors is outstanding.” – Alberto Celani, ABC Department, Politecnico de Milano, Milano, Italy
“Croatia is a small country with a great cultural heritage and a turbulent past. For centuries, Croatians defended Europe from Ottoman aggression from the east while keeping an eye on the cunning Venetians to the west. Today Croatia is a first-class tourist destination. The coast is the most stunning part of Croatia, with over 1,000 islands, crystal-clear seas and beautiful beaches, and its unique medieval cities built of stone – Dubrovnik as the most famous among them. This book presents equally stunning history of Croatia, as well as the future prospects for the country as an independent state and a member of the European Union.” – Dr. Žarko Domljan, the first President of the democratically elected Croatian Parliament (1990)
“Those who know nothing or little about Croatia will learn the truth about it from this book while those who think that they know enough will be surprised to discover a wealth of important facts about the past and the future of this beautiful country.” – Vinko Sabljo, President, Croatian World Congress
“For those seeking an historically accurate and multifaceted view of Croatia, Croatia, Past Present and Future, edited by Matko Marusic, is a rewarding source. Articles by prominent scholars and historians correct past distortions of the history of Croatia. Includes an interesting perspective on the future of Croatia, and an illuminating article on the Croatian language . Highly readable, authoritative, objective.” – Marvin S. Zuckerman, Dean of Academic Affairs; Chair, Department of English, Los Angeles Valley College
“Recognizing the fact that there are very few comprehensive texts by Croatian authors about Croatia published in the English language, the authors of this newly-released book sought to present a text which would appeal to the population of English-speaking people who are interested in learning about Croatia’s historical evolution. This book is especially important to Americans and anyone who knows English, to finally pave the way for the truth about us and our Home.” READ MORE… – Professor, Dr.sc. Mihovil Biočić, CFU Lodge 2006, Split, Coratia, Zajednicar, Croatian Fraternal Union of America, April 2021, Volume 116/No. 9
“The book, Croatia: Past, Present and Future Perspectives, is a grateful starting point for studying Croatian history, reflecting on its present and vision of its future. This interesting, readable and useful work represents a step towards the approach and promotion of Croatian history, language, culture, heritage and identity in the world.” (For the complete review in Croatian, please click here) – Dr. Marija Benić Penava, Associate Professor, University of Dubrovnik, Department of Economics and Business, Dubrovnik, Croatia
“This book is excellent in describing and analysing the mining and post-mining economics and challenges of Rustenburg and the Platinum Belt of South Africa.” – Professor Lucius Botes, North West University, South Africa
“This book by Lochner Marais and his colleagues is important in several ways. Not only does it highlight, through the in-depth analysis of the platinum mining town Rustenburg, the dilemmas of large-scale mining and dependent communities. It also reveals the complexities of the South African post-apartheid transition, which in turn can serve as inspiration for many other places going through or aspiring to a democratic reinvention and economic redistribution. In addition, the book reveals the often nefarious effects of globalisation and neoliberal reform on mining communities. Marais and his colleagues took great pains to demonstrate how old injustices can endure under new conditions, how new injustices can be the unintended consequence of seemingly benevolent decisions by governments and companies alike, and how every new and appealing rhetoric can be deployed to serve other purposes. Some of the examples are revealing about South Africa, others are recognisable in resource towns across the world: dismantling of exploitative structures such as company towns, and increased local autonomy and democracy can hide neglect and disinvestment by companies and governments alike. Nevertheless, the authors find not one but many sparkles of hope in their Rustenburg study, hope which will be welcomed in other resource-dependent regions.” – Professor Kristoff van Ache, University of Alberta, Canada
“A much-needed new understanding that is relevant for South Africa and its regional neighbours. Some of the results and insight are universal and can potentially be applied much wider.” – Professor Ernst Drewes, North West University, South Africa
“This book provides a much needed perspective and voice for those for whom victimization within the sphere of academia and the glocal workplace is commonplace. This topic would be of interest to those at both a national and international level given that while each case study presented is situated in a specific geopolitical context, the message conveyed has universal undertones illustrating the power and devastation caused by systemic and pervasive bullying and oppression.” READ MORE >>> – Dr. Karen Roland, Experiential Learning Specialist, University of Windsor (retired)
“Power Imbalance, Bullying and Harassment in Academia and the Glocal (Local and Global) Workplace by Fay Patel provides a much needed perspective and voice for those targeted victims of bullying and harassment in academia and the global and local workplace through literature review and real-life case studies situated in a specific geopolitical and cultural context. Power imbalance, systemic and structural racism nurture the unethical organisational context and shape the experience and life of those working in the organization. It is important to break the ‘code of silence’ to tackle this universal reality, protect vulnerable employees from harms, and call out perpetrators who demonstrate incivility in their leadership roles.” To see the full review published in the Journal of Communication Inquiry, click here – Mingsheng Li, PhD, School of Communication, Journalism, and Marketing Massey University, Mt Cook, Wellington, New Zealand
“The monograph is a very well-argued case for giving even more attention to the school leadership, especially instructional leadership since it is identified as a key function in assuring quality in children’s education. Using a constructivist approach the author seeks to show how instructional leadership is a key tool in the creation of learning experiences that will enhance students to achieve knowledge, skills, and competencies to contribute to the development of society.” READ MORE >>> – Dr. Lazar Stošić, Research Associate, Institute of management and knowledge, Regional coordinator for Republic of Serbia, Senior Researcher, Skopje, Macedonia
“I rate the book very highly. It is a valuable publication, based on a review of the literature and the author’s own research. Nazmi Xhomara has demonstrated a high level of scientific integrity. The monograph may be particularly useful for researchers of educational policy, as well as in the training of educational managers. The publication may also become an item of obligatory literature in academic courses related to the training of teaching staff. I congratulate the author on a valuable book and at the same time recommend the manuscript for publication.” READ MORE >>> – PhDr inż. Łukasz Tomczyk PhD, Institute of Educational Studies, Pedagogical University of Cracow, Poland
“This elegant treatise examines the nature of kindness through the fascinating lenses and contexts of ancient, medieval and contemporary philosophy, natural history, theories of mind, of natural selection, eco-psychology and sociobiology. It challenges the reader to consider the myriad potential consequences of human behavior, examining various iconographic moments from the history of art and science as a precursor to the concept and vital potentials for ecological conversion.” READ MORE>>> – Michael Pastore, Editorial Director, BookLovers Review, August 2021
“Ecological Reciprocity is a profound reminder of the fragile life support systems we receive from every ecosystem in this anthropogenic epoch of the planet. In their lifetime epic journey of ecological protection of nature, the Authors wonderfully portray their unparalleled creative conscience and emotional intelligence.” – Ugyen Tshewang, PhD, Bhutan’s Ministry of Agriculture, former Governor of Trashiyangtse and Secretary of the National Environment Commission
“Michael Charles Tobias and Jane Gray Morrison are well known around the world as outstanding scientists, researchers and educators in the field of ecology and environmental protection. They are not only theorists and authors of many books, articles and films on ecology, but also the founders of the Dancing Star International Ecological Foundation, whose main goal is to preserve biological diversity and develop ecological education around the world. The next new book by M. Tobias and J. Morrison, Ecological Reciprocity: A Treatise on Kindness, is precisely aimed at solving just such problems. It is a logical continuation of the enormous research and educational activity to which the authors of the book have devoted their entire life. It is quite obvious that most people live, as a rule, “for today” and think, as a rule, “for short distances.” And only a small percentage of the world’s population is able to think in global categories. But even fewer are those who correlate their interests with the general tasks of social development. It is not surprising, therefore, that practically all over the world people have a poor idea of the real state of affairs with their environment, and, as a result, do not pay due attention to it. As a result, it is difficult to convey the humanistic ideas of ecological and nature protection content to the wide public consciousness. However, this must be done by all available means. At the same time, among the many publications on ecology, there are not so many books that can capture the attention of a wide audience regardless of countries and continents. The book, Ecological Reciprocity: A Treatise on Kindness, which is written in an interesting and exciting way, is just such a generous gift to all of us, which makes a valuable contribution to the cause of universal environmental education and enlightenment.” – Alexander N. Chumakov, Doctor of Philosophy, Professor of the Faculty of Global Processes of the Lomonosov Moscow State University, First Vice-President of the Russian Philosophical Society, Full member of the Russian Ecological Academy, Editor-in-Chief of the journal Age of Globalization
“Of the books I’ve read by Michael Tobias and Jane Morrison, all of which are as rich in detail as they are broad in scope, Ecological Reciprocity: A Treatise on Kindness may be the most touching and rewarding. I say that because A Treatise on Kindness is like a Boléro of empathy — one contiguous crescendo of cognitive, emotional and compassionate empathy — from beginning to end, swirling the reader through time and space, emotion and reason — to join the authors in their forgone conclusion, that “the whole biological world functions in one symphonic unison,” and “that we, like every other organism, have a noble calling that is, generally speaking, in tune with all others.” Who could argue with that? Who wouldn’t feel touched? I certainly was.” – David J. Wagner, Ph.D., Author, Curator
“With their everpresent protean energy and optimism, even in the face of our dire planetary situation, Tobias and Morrison convincingly show that kindness has always been possible for humanity. Today we need this idea more than ever, and they teach us its beautiful history.” – David Rothenberg, Distinguished Professor of Philosophy and Music, New Jersey Institute of Technology, Author of Nightingales in Berlin and Survival of the Beautiful
“This is a very important book and should be read by everyone. Humans have gotten out of balance with the Natural World, and we see this lack of balance reflected everywhere in our efforts to destroy Nature. But as Tobias and Morrison elegantly point out, Nature works best through harmony, kindness, and reciprocity. We need to learn this lesson before it becomes too late for us to avoid our own destruction.” – Con Slobodchikoff, PhD, Author of Chasing Doctor Dolittle: Learning the Language of Animals
“Like all of the books authored by Tobias and Morrison, Ecological Reciprocity is thoroughly and impeccably researched. It shows that kindness and compassion are a part of human nature, long suppressed, but now increasingly emerging in an era that recognizes that humility must triumph over self-absorption and hubris if life on Earth is to survive and thrive….” READ FULL REVIEW>>> – Geoffrey B. Holland, Emmy-award winning producer, writer and director. Coordinator, Stanford University MAHB Dialogues
“This book, inspired by the creation of the Foundation for International Blockchain and Real Estate Expertise (FIBREE), offers a fenomenal overview of the state of affairs of publicly available information examining the potential of blockchain recording the real estate transactions. Although real estate information is becoming increasingly digitized, it is fragmented and available on disparate systems, lacking transparency and creating a greater potential for fraud. Dr. Veuger recognizes blockchain as the technology with significant potential to drive transparency, efficiency, and cost savings in real estate markets. The blockchain-based smart contracts are the key enablers with potential to revolutionize real estate transactions related to sale, renting, and management. The book identifies the complexity of the real estate transactional ecosystem and the need to provide business incentives for each stakeholder in such a system as dominant obstacles to overcome before the wider use of blockchain in real estate applications.” – Dragan Boscovic, Research Professor, School of Computing, Informatics, and Decision Systems Engineering (CIDSE); Co – Director Center for Assured and Scalable Data Engineering (CASCADE); Director, Blockchain Research Lab (BRL)
“In the book, The Riemann Hypothesis and the Distribution of Prime Numbers, Dr. Arwashan provides a clear and concise account of all the undergraduate-level mathematical topics relevant to an understanding of the Riemann Hypothesis, with careful attention to issues that commonly cause confusion — the multiple values of a logarithm in the complex plane, for example. This is a valuable addition to the literature on the Hypothesis.” – John Derbyshire, writer, critic, commentator, columnist, and magazine journalist