Book Reviews

Book Reviews

An Interdisciplinary Approach towards Academic Education on Sustainable Building Design

“The monograph is clearly structured and written in a way that can serve as a tool for various experts and professors in the field of sustainable building design education. The topics presented cover some of the key aspects of sustainability in contemporary building design. Through individual chapters, a strong integration of scientific research findings into the educational process is visible, as individual research topics emerge as guidelines for teaching and effective collaboration through interdisciplinarity.” READ MORE…Nataša Ćuković Ignjatović, PhD MSc.Arch BSc.Arch LEED AP BD+C, University of Belgrade, Faculty of Architecture, Department of Architectural Technologies, Belgrade, Serbia

“I recommend this manuscript for publication as a scientific monograph that can be used in university teaching and which could serve as an incentive for academics to think about starting new courses based on different forms of teaching while engaging experts from different scientific fields.” READ MORE…Dr. Lea Petrović Krajnik, Assistant Professor, University of Zagreb, Faculty of Architecture, Department of Urban Planning, Spatial Planning and Landscape Architecture, Zagreb, Croatia

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Understanding the Schrödinger Equation: Some [Non]Linear Perspectives

“The book contains various approaches to the Schrödinger equation (SE) as a fundamental equation of quantum mechanics. In Chapter 1, a new pedagogical paradigm is proposed which allows one to understand quantum mechanics as an extension of probability theory; its purpose is providing alternative methods to understand the Schrödinger equation. Chapter 2 is devoted to the derivation of SE from the classical Hamiltonian by some procedure of second quantization. In Chapters 3–5, the authors consider the nonlinear SE with many applications: from nonlinear waves in deep water to formation of a cosmogonical body, surface gravity waves, superconductivity and nonlinear optics. The goal of Chapter 6 is to establish the connection of Schrödinger, Madelung and Gross-Pitaevskii equations. Chapter 7, “Paradigm of infinite dimensional phase space,” describes the deep connection between SE and the infinite chain of equations for distribution functions of high-order kinematical values (Vlasov chain). The authors formulate the principles which allow one to combine and treat in unified form the physics of classical, statistical and quantum mechanical phenomena. And in final Chapter 8 it is shown that SE can be mathematically derived from Hamilton’s equation if one uses the metaplectic representation of canonical transformations. All that makes the book interesting for a wide community of physicists.” – E.E. Perepelkin, B.I. Sadovnikov (Lomonosov Moscow State University, Department of Quantum Statistics and Field Theory, Moscow, Russia), and N.G. Inozemtseva (Moscow Technical University of Communications and Informatics, Department of Physics, Moscow, Russia)

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The Word Confined: Bible Study in an American Prison

“This book is a gift to all those wanting to bring effective and significant biblical instruction to the incarcerated as it is a guide that bridges the gap between the Church and the Prison Community for effective biblical training, learning and spiritual enhancement.” – Reverend Dr. Thomas L. Brown, Pastor Emeritus, Ebenezer Missionary Baptist Church, Professor at Martin University, Radio Host for the Harambee Broadcast, Instructor in Yoga Meditation

“What is amazing about Charles Atkins’ book is that he succeeds in interpreting a very long and very committed experience in prison chaplaincy with a very deep and a very extensive knowledge of penitentiary studies, adult education and Christian theology.” – Reverend Dr. Olivier Bauer, Professeur Ordinaire, Faculty of Theology and Religious Studies, University of Lausanne, Switzerland

“Charles Atkins, Jr. places transformative religious education and transformative learning at the center of an approach to prison ministry that supports these pathways of development. This work centers on reflection and dialogue in an intentional environment where bible study meets the daily life concerns of late adolescents and young adults who seek to reconstruct their lives even as they dwell within the walls of incarceration. The Word Confined: Bible Study in American Prison provides a roadmap for a fresh constructivist approach to prison ministry.” – Dr. James P. Keen, Co-author of Common Fire: Leading Lives of Commitment in a Complex World,/I>; Former Vice President and Professor at Antioch College; Former Millicent Fenwick Distinguished Research Professor at Monmouth University; Founding Executive Director of the Governor’s School of New Jersey; Visiting faculty in Applied Theology at Harvard Divinity School

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Science Organizations and Careers: Essential Tensions

“Daryl Chubin gives the reader insights that only being fully self-consciously on the margin of science education and science policy could provide. These are not mere reminiscences. Rather, he focuses an analytical lens on the nation’s decades-long efforts to integrate women and historically underrepresented minorities into science.” – Sheila Tobias, author of Overcoming Math Anxiety and They’re Not Dumb, They’re Different

“Daryl Chubin provides compelling insights from his transformative and varied career paths that swerved in several significant directions. This is revealed in his statement, “When I went to Washington in 1986, I was a researcher. I became something else.” This gives a concise glimpse of his four decades in roles from an academic to senior governmental employee to substantive roles in non-governmental organizations as an individual committed to advancing equity. Chubin’s experiences and reflections are well worth reading.” – Henry Frierson, Associate Vice President and Dean of the Graduate School, University of Florida

Essential Tensions is both an outsider memoir and an insider view of an era and a cause. Both heartfelt and analytical, it captures the restless trajectory of a champion of social justice.” – Allan Fisher, co-author of Unlocking the Clubhouse: Women in Computing

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What a Life: From Nazi Germany via Neo-Marxism to American Academia

Salomon Rettig remembers almost more than he can bear: his mother’s songs in Russian; his escape into books which had to be sold before the Nazis discovered them; the beatings and humiliation he suffered as a Jewish child on the streets of Berlin; sitting in class under a portrait of Hitler; the Jewish orphanage and journey aboard the Galilee to Palestine; the record player, the lover, and the tractors on a kibbutz; and then the U.S., the English language, the path to chairing a university psychology department, and life as a husband and father in New York. But the empirical details are not enough for Rettig. With his wide-ranging thinking in the social sciences and a commitment to seeing things for himself, he struggles to make sense of the programmatic, murderous violence of the Third Reich; the failed idealism of the kibbutz movement in pre-1948 Palestine; “the spirit of America” in the 50’s, 60’s, and 70’s; and his own feelings of alienation from systems, countries, and people. Sadness and frustration are on every page. But so is Rettig’s indefatigable curiosity about what it means to be a human being, whether in extraordinary or everyday circumstances, and his faith that with communication comes connection: “If I could even conceive of belonging,” Rettig writes, “then there was some tiny glint of hope … [that] I might someday find refuge.”
Mark Dow, Adjunct Assistant Professor of English, Hunter College, NY USA; Author of Plain Talk Rising (poems) and American Gulag: Inside U.S. Immigration Prisons

Salomon Rettig’s memoir documents his childhood as a Jew in Nazi Germany, his exodus to Israel whereby he escaped the holocaust, his coming of age on a Kibbutz, and his immigration to the United States after the war where he became a social psychologist. His story is emotionally gripping and haunting, and provides a timely account of the processes and consequences of authoritarianism on a personal and collective level. Rettig inspires the reader with his resilience. READ MORE…Gregory Bovasso, Ph.D., Community College of Philadelphia, USA

“Overall, I believe the book is intensely rich. As a historical reference, it provides a vivid, first-hand view of life during the absolutely insane, brutality of Nazi Germany. As an auto-biography I was particularly intrigued to learn more about the depth of the author’s incredible experiences and the direct ties to the multifaceted view of who he is as a person in all his complexity. It was also extremely interesting to follow the philosophical perspectives within a complex existential web. The connections between realities, thought and behavior were also very compelling psychology revealing deep understanding of human behavior. The linguistic descriptions were also extremely colorful, descriptive and captivating.” – Stephen D. Steinhaus, PhD, HRA Consultant

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Palestine: Past and Present

“The ostracisation of Palestine by the international community to facilitate its exploitation by colonial Israel is portrayed excellently in Palestine Past and Present. This collection of academic essays, presents a concise yet thorough assessment of specific issues related to Palestine, illustrating the importance of historical reference and contiguity to contextualise the current political trajectories that have consistently disadvantaged the Palestinian struggle for rights, independence and statehood.” To read the full review that was published in the Middle East Monitor (MEMO), click hereRamona Wadi, independent researcher, freelance journalist, book reviewer and blogger

On the whole, a fascinating volume, insightful, analytical and is a must for students of the Arab Israeli conflict, Palestinian politics, and Middle East politics. I would use the book myself for my senior classes on politics of the Middle East. The editors and authors must be congratulated. While the theme of the book is not new, it breaks new ground in giving a kind of “devil’s advocate”-type approach, that tries to refigure the debate by factoring into the equation injustices exacted on the Palestinians. However, in doing so it maintains a balanced analysis, framed within known methods of analysis. The book oozes with added value. – Larbi Sadiki, Professor, Qatar University, Qatar

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The Role of Social Workers in a Broken World: A Christian Faith Perspective

“This is a must-read book for anyone experiencing (or seeking to help those who are experiencing) physical, emotional, psychological, or social trauma. Referring to these experiences as forms of “brokenness,” in his book, The Role of Social Workers in a Broken World: A Christian Faith Perspective, Dr. Samson Chama has skillfully interwoven the theory and practice of social work with Christian/Biblical principles. Both the Christian faith and the discipline of social work share in the belief that all human beings regardless of background are of inestimable value, deserving of freedom from all forms of life inhibiting experiences. Dr. Chama combines his own training as a social worker, his unflinching faith in a loving God, and draws on his own personal experiences, especially the loss of his own son, to produce a handbook that is not only indispensable for social workers, but for all Christians of all denominations who are seeking guidance through experiences of “brokenness.” I highly recommend this book.” – Gilbert O. Ojwang, Ph.D., Professor/Chair, Department of Religion and Theology, Oakwood University, Huntsville, AL, USA

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A Text Book on Water Chemistry: Sampling, Data Analysis and Interpretation

“The book on water chemistry is indeed a much needed one, especially from person like Dr Reddy who is an astute professional in the domain. During my teaching years I could sense the acute demand for a book on water chemistry as the subject is gaining immense importance over the years due to enormous water quality deterioration and rapid water contamination issues. The water chemistry monitoring and assessment has become an ardent environmental topic, and statutory obligation for bulk exploiters of water. Dr Reddy has immense experience and expertise on water chemistry being associated with hydrogeochemistry for the past three decades. I am sure he has shared all his treasure of knowledge and skill on analysis and interpretation of water chemistry data in the Book. Dr Reddy, being a member of the Editorial Board of our journal, he was regularly providing reviews and inputs to research Papers related to water chemistry. The Book will be very much helpful and cater to wide spectrum of people including students, researchers, professional concerned about water.” – Prof. D V Reddy

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A Closer Look at Criminal Justice

“The editors have gathered a rich collection of chapters, each providing valuable insight into important topics and each providing an instructional tool for the effective teaching of subjects in which student interest will be high.” READ MORE…Nicholas P. Lovrich, Regent Professor Emeritus, Claudius O. and Mary W. Johnson Distinguished Professor, Washington State University, Pullman, WA

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A Student’s Guide to Right, Left and Truth

“The current polarization of politics had created a pressing need for centrist dialogues and a recognition of enduring facts about humanity. Alan Singer condenses these debates and issues to their core. I highly recommend this book.” – Jari Elarontaj, University of Helsinki, Finland

“Alan Singer bridges the political divide using humor and history to enlighten readers. This is again a fun read, at times reminiscent of Malcolm Gladwell’s best work.” – James Westerman, Appalachian State University, USA

“The world is inundated with a terrifying avalanche of fantasy news, fishy news, fabricated news, and fake news that may well destroy our democracy. This is coming from the Left and the Right. Read the book, get wiser, and use objective facts when fighting for our democracy.” – Adam Lindgreen, Copenhagen Business School, Denmark

“The chapter on truth seems very timely in the age of fake-news and spin. The book has a very readable style, taking its readers easily into philosophers’ territory.” – Peter Earl, University of Queensland, Australia

“Alan Singer’s inspiring book is an invaluable guide to those who are attempting the hard balancing act between power and truth.” – Harold Paredes-Frigolett, University Diego Portales, Chile

“Dr. Singer has an outstanding ability to step back from polarized political discourse and present a harmonizing vision. The book navigates stormy waters but ultimately comes across as calming and optimistic.” – Paul Knott, University of Canterbury, New Zealand

“Alan Singer offers an unbiased insight into the contemporary political divide and convincingly makes the case for the golden-mean in economics and politics. The need to revitalize centrist policies at all levels is increasingly apparent, so now is the time to read this book.” – Achinto Roy, Deakin University, Australia

“The chapter on hopes in particular is very nice, beautifully written. If the whole book is anything like this, it should be a great read!” – Milan Zeleny, Fordham University, NY, USA

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