EMC FOR PRODUCT DESIGNERS - TIM WILLIAMS

ELECTROMAGNETIC INTERFERENCE AND COMPATIBILITY (EMI / EMC)
Reference Literature Survey - Part 3
Book Review : EMC for Product Designers by Tim Williams

I have been invited to deliver a lecture on Electro Magnetic Interference and Electro Magnetic Compatibility abbreviated as EMI / EMC. I have deciced to speak on the topic of Electromagnetic Pollution (or Electropollution).

This gives me a chance to brush up my rusty knowledge and let me begin by going through a few book reviews I had written earlier when I used to regularly teach this subject at the Post Graduate Level and conduct specialized training on EMI / EMC too during my faculty days at DIAT Deemed University located in the hills of Girinagar near Pune

So, Dear Reader, in case you are interested in this topic of Electromagnetic Pollution and its manifestations, do read on:

This is Part 3 in this series. 

The link to Parts 1 and 2 are given below:

Part 1

Biological Effects of Microwaves by S Baranski and P Czerski 

http://karvediat.blogspot.in/2013/01/book-review-emi-emc-reference.html

Part 2

BIOLOGICAL EFFECTS OF ELECTROMAGNETIC RADIATION BY JOHN M OSEPCHUK (Ed)

http://karvediat.blogspot.in/2013/01/electromagnetic-interference-and.html

EMC for Product Designers by Tim Williams

Book Review by VIKRAM KARVE

A Comprehensive Reference Book for Information Technology, Computer Science, Electronic, Communication and Electrical Engineering Professionals

THE BOOK

Title: EMC for Product Designers
Author: Tim Williams
Elsevier [Fourth Edition, 2007] 498 pages
ISBN – 13: 978-0-75-068170-4
ISBN – 10: 0-750-68170-5
Most of us consider a number of factors, exoteric and esoteric, while designing or selecting our homes and in the configuration of the numerous modern technological devices and domestic appliances, most of them electrical and electronic, especially in location of various rooms and in deciding where to place these appliances.

Recently I saw a programme on TV where a Vastu Shastra expert was advising viewers not only regarding the various aspects of designing and building living environments that are in harmony with the physical and metaphysical forces but also specifying optimal locations and layouts for various electrical and electronic appliances and devices in both residential homes and workplaces.

I listened with intriguing interest as he gave precise directions and specified exact locations for positioning of Televisions, Computers, Communication Devices, Microwave Ovens, Music systems and other appliances, and fascinated by the congruence between principles and aspects of Vastu and Electromagnetic Compatibility ( EMC ) and wondered whether the expert in reality was actually an EMC Design Engineer in addition to being a Vastu Shastra Specialist.

When you design or select or configure your house or office I am sure you consider various aesthetic, architectural, financial, utilitarian, geographical, interior and exterior design and other practical aspects, maybe even incorporate the principles of Vastu Shastra and Feng Shui, but do you give even a fleeting thought to EMC ... ?

In today’s world with the increasing use of electrical, communication, electronic and information technologies we are under continual exposure to Electromagnetic Field (EMF), both inside and outside our homes, in our workplaces and even in the open wherever we go, radiating from radiating from electricity power lines, household wiring, microwave ovens, computers, monitors, televisions, communication devices, cellular phones, electrical, electronic and IT appliances.

“Electro-pollution” is an increasingly serious form of Environment Pollution and merits serious consideration, as much as, if not more than, other well-known forms of pollution.

Electro-pollution seems to be omnipresent. 

Apart from hazards to our health, Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) is detrimental to the proper functioning of most electrical, electronic, IT, ITES, ICT, communication and technology-based systems and may cause malfunctions and even potentially disastrous and fatal accidents.

The book being reviewed – EMC for Product Designers by Tim Williams – is one of the most comprehensive reference books I have read on the subject of the Design Management aspects of Electromagnetic Interference and Electromagnetic Compatibility [EMI / EMC].

The book comprises sixteen chapters arranged in three parts:

1. Legislation and Standards
2. Testing
3. Design

The author lucidly covers most micro and macro aspects of EMC Management in meticulous detail.

The logical sequence of topics, clear diagrams, tables and illustrations facilitate easy understanding of this complicated subject.

The Design Checklist, interesting Case Studies and useful mathematical formulae in the appendices and the extensive bibliography add value to this reference book.

Whilst the earlier chapters provide an excellent understanding of the EMC Standards and the basic theoretical principles of EMI / EMC, the “meat” of the book lies in the chapters on Systems EMC and EMC Management which encapsulate all relevant facets of EMC in a holistic manner.

I wish the author had included a detailed chapter on Electromagnetic Health Hazards and mitigation techniques. Electromagnetic Pollution (Electropollution) the most vital topic concerning all human beings seems to have not been accorded the due importance it deserves and I hope the author presents a more holistic and systemic view of EMC and includes a comprehensive chapter on pertinent aspects of Bio-electromagnetics, Thermal and Athermal EMR Hazards and their mitigation in the next edition.

I commend this book – it is an excellent reference book for Electrical, Electronic, Telecommunication and IT Engineers and Managers, Designers, Students, practicing professionals in the field and a useful addition for all engineering and technical libraries.

Book Review by VIKRAM KARVE

VIKRAM KARVE

Copyright © Vikram Karve 2013

Vikram Karve has asserted his right under the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988 to be identified as the author of this work. 

© vikram karve., all rights reserved.

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About Vikram Karve

A creative person with a zest for life, Vikram Karve is a retired Naval Officer turned full time writer and blogger. Educated at IIT Delhi, IIT (BHU) Varanasi, The Lawrence School Lovedale and Bishops School Pune, Vikram has published two books: COCKTAIL a collection of fiction short stories about relationships (2011) and APPETITE FOR A STROLL a book of Foodie Adventures (2008) and is currently working on his novel and a book of vignettes and an anthology of short fiction. An avid blogger, he has written a number of fiction short stories and creative non-fiction articles on a variety of topics including food, travel, philosophy, academics, technology, management, health, pet parenting, teaching stories and self help in magazines and published a large number of professional  and academic research papers in journals and edited in-house journals and magazines for many years, before the advent of blogging. Vikram has taught at a University as a Professor for 15 years and now teaches as a visiting faculty and devotes most of his time to creative writing and blogging. Vikram Karve lives in Pune India with his family and muse - his pet dog Sherry with whom he takes long walks thinking creative thoughts.

Vikram Karve Academic and Creative Writing Journal: http://karvediat.blogspot.com
Professional Profile Vikram Karve: http://www.linkedin.com/in/karve
Vikram Karve Facebook Page:  https://www.facebook.com/vikramkarve
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Email: vikramwamankarve@gmail.com

      

© vikram karve., all rights reserved.

Why Things Always Go Wrong

THE PETER PRINCIPLE
Why Things Always Go Wrong
BOOK REVIEW

By  

VIKRAM KARVE

 

 

The Book: The Peter Principle

 

Authors: Dr. Laurence J. Peter & Raymond Hull

 

Published: 1969 William Morrow

 

 

I think there is a Chinese saying that it is a misfortune to read a good book too early in life.

I think I read ‘The Peter Principle’ too early in life.

And at that time, I being of an impressionable age, the book influenced me so much that I “rose” to my level of incompetence pretty fast, either unintentionally or by subconscious design.

 

I read ‘The Peter Principle’ in the early seventies, maybe sometime in 1972, when I was studying for my B. Tech. degree in Engineering, and I was so impressed by this book that, pooling my meagre resources, I even bought a personal copy of the book in 1974 (which I possess till this day) which, considering my financial status those days, was quite a remarkable feat.

 

The book, written by Laurence J. Peter in collaboration with Raymond Hull, a management classic and masterpiece in the study of hierarchiology, is so fascinating, riveting and hilarious that once you start reading, it’s unputdownable.

 

In the first chapter itself, giving illustrative examples, the author establishes the Peter Principle: In a hierarchy every employee tends to rise to his level of incompetence and its corollary: In time, every post tends to be occupied by an employee who is incompetent.

 

Dr. Peter writes in racy fictional style and as you read this book you experience a sense of verisimilitude and in your mind’s eye can see the Peter Principle operating in your very organization. 

That’s the way to savor the book and imbibe its spirit – read an illustrative “case study” in the book and relate it to a parallel example in your organization.

 

The book discusses cases which appear to be exceptions like percussive sublimation, lateral arabesque etc and demonstrates that the apparent exceptions are not exceptions. 

The Peter Principle applies in all hierarchies.

 

Discussing the comparative merits and demerits of applying ‘Pull’ versus ‘Push’ for getting promotion, Dr. Peter concludes: Never stand when you can sit; never walk when you can ride, never Push when you can Pull.

 

He then tells us how to recognize that one has reached one’s state of incompetence (final placement syndrome) and should one have already risen to one’s state of incompetence suggests ways of attaining health and happiness in this state at zero promotion quotient.

 

Towards the end of his book he illustrates how to avoid reaching the state of incompetence by practicing various techniques of Creative Incompetence. (I probably practiced Creative Incompetence quite competently and hopefully I am still at my level of competence!)

 

In conclusion Dr. Peter tries to briefly explore remedies to avoiding life-incompetence which he has elaborated in his follow up book ‘The Peter Prescription’ which is a must-read once you are hooked onto The Peter Principle.

 

The Peter Principle is a compelling book, written more than forty years ago, and with the flattening of hierarchy and advent of flexible organizational structures and HR practices, it would indeed be worthwhile for young and budding managers to read this book and see to what extent the Peter Principle applies to contemporary organizations and whether it is still relevant in today’s world.    

Dear Reader, read The Peter Principle, then look around you in your workplace.

Do you see the principle in operation...?

And next, you must read THE PETER PRESCRIPTION - Do read the book review right here in my blog.

Book Review of THE PETER PRINCIPLE

By

VIKRAM KARVE
 

Copyright © Vikram Karve 2010

Vikram Karve has asserted his right under the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988 to be identified as the author of this Book Review.

http://www.linkedin.com/in/karve 

vikramkarve@sify.com

http://vikramkarve.sulekha.com

INFORMATION CONTINUUM

MAKING SENSE OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

Book Review by Vikram Karve

Title: Information, Systems and Information Systems – making sense of the field
Authors: Peter Checkland and Sue Howell
John Wiley & Sons (1988)
ISBN 0-471-95820-4


Information Technology ( IT ) is the buzzword of today. 

IT is ubiquitous. 

Today you are connected with IT in some way or the other, in fact IT is an integral part of our lives, and everyone seems to be rushing to join the IT bandwagon.

A few years ago, till the 1980s, there were courses in Electrical, Electronics, Communications and Telecommunications Engineering and later in Computer Science and Engineering, but now there are dedicated courses specifically in Information Technology, and almost all Engineers, and even pure scientists and others, irrespective of their specializations, are rushing away from their "core" academic disciplines to take up jobs in IT and IT Enabled Services.

The Management guys have also joined the fray and added a “management” dimension to IT by offering MBA courses in “IT Management”.

What exactly is IT...? 

Maybe the phrase Information Technology or “IT” was coined to mark the convergence of two technologies that had been traditionally separate: “Computing” and “Communications” and the confluence of several streams of development including electronics, microelectronics, computer science, telecommunications, software engineering and systems analysis.

There are a large number of books and extensive literature on the content of Information Technology.

This book is a significant treatise on the context of Information Technology.

The principal author Peter Checkland is a pioneering researcher in the field of Systems Engineering and Management and has developed breakthrough concepts like Soft Systems Methodology [SSM] and written the seminal classic “Systems Thinking, Systems Practice”. The co-author Sue Holwell has a rich and varied professional experience in systems design and implementation, information strategy and communication networks.

This book has eight chapters arranged in four parts.

In the first part on “The Field of Information Systems and its Problems” the authors deliberate on the basic concepts pertaining to Information Systems [IS] and Information Technology [IT], distinguish between the “Hard” (objective positivistic scientific) and “Soft” (subjective interpretative) schools of thought in the context of Management Information Systems [MIS], and introduce the reader to the fundamentals of Soft System Methodologies [SSM].

The “meat” of the book is in Part Two whose two chapters elucidate on the application of the developed Information System Management concepts to organizations and describe the “information continuum” – the linkages between data, information and knowledge. 

Parts Three and Four of the book substantiate these hypotheses with experiential examples from as early as World War II and drives home the point that the evolution and development of the science of Information Systems [IS] owes nothing to computers which did not exist in 1940, makes it clear that IS is not the same as IT, reminds us that computers are a mere means of IS, and cautions us against falling into the trap of “technological determinism” resulting from the prevalent propensity to overly focus on computer-based IT and allow technology to take charge of our actions.

The book is aptly adorned with simple illustrations which facilitate ease of understanding. 

As the dust jacket says, the book is a work of conceptual cleansing and presents a well-argued account of IS and IT which is both holistic and coherent. 

I recommend this remarkable book to students of Information Technology, Engineering and Management, Practising Engineers, Managers and Teaching Faculty and IT Professionals – reading this unique book will certainly enhance your conceptual understanding of Information Systems and Technology.

Book Review by Vikram Karve

http://www.linkedin.com/in/karve

vikramkarve@sify.com

Book Review - Biological Effects of Microwaves by S Baranski and P Czerski

Title: Biological Effects of Microwaves


Authors: S Baranski and P Czerski

Published by: Dowden, Hutchinson and Ross, Inc., Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania, U.S.A. (1976)

Pages: 234

ISBN: 0-87933-145-3




Electromagnetic Radiations emanating from various communication systems and devices like Radio and TV broadcasting, satellite communication, cell phones, microwave ovens and electrical and electronic appliances have now become unavoidable area of our life. Microwaves constitute a significant part of electromagnetic radiations and contribute t “electro-pollution” as research indicates that microwaves affect living organisms. The book ‘Biological Effects of Microwaves’ by S. Baranski and P. Czerski presents the detailed research work done in this field and is one of the earliest books on the subject. It will prove helpful for the biologists, physicians, physicists as well as budding and practising electronic engineers.



The content of the book is organized in seven chapters.



Chapter number one is the ‘introduction’ with the subject. At the beginning of this chapter the authors make our concepts clear about the important terms like microwave radiation, ionizing radiation, non ionizing radiation and radioprotection. Before dealing with the microwaves we must know about the electromagnetic radiation spectrum. There are figures, illustrations and tables describing the electromagnetic radiation spectrum, the wavelengths (cm), energy (eV) of different waves like radiofrequencies, microwaves, visible light, UltraViolet Rays, X rays and Gamma rays and explaining some examples of typical uses of equipment generating radio-frequency and microwave radiation. It explains the uses of different ranges of frequencies, their respective applications, their occupational exposure and some examples of potential exposure i.e. general population hazards. This chapter also explains the microwave transmitter valves such as magnetron, klystron – Reflex klystron and multi cavity klystron and travelling wave tube briefly with their schematic representations.



Second chapter is about the ‘Physical Characteristics of Microwaves’. This chapter is designed in such a fashion that the reader who wants to enter in this field but have forgotten some of the basic concepts of physics related to the microwaves. This chapter is important and helpful to grasp the further concepts. It includes the basic phenomenon of formation of electromagnetic wave, set of parameters that characterize the electromagnetic waves such as frequency, velocity, wavelength, Electric and magnetic field vectors, relation between the two and the characteristic impedance. Coaxial transmission line, coaxial cable and wave guide are also explained to understand how the waves are propagated.



After getting introduced with the microwaves and going through their physical characteristics, in the third chapter we study the interaction of microwaves with the living systems. Biologists and physicians studied the interaction of microwaves with the living systems and they came to the result which had three phenomena like penetration of microwaves into a biological target and their propagation within it, secondly the primary interaction of microwaves with living matter and the secondary effects induced by the primary interaction. The three layered semi-infinite slab model of a biological target (which is made up of skin, fat and muscle) illuminated by simple wave front is explained and may be used for solving various problems relative to the medical use of shortwave and microwave diathermy. In the later subsections primary and secondary effects of microwave interaction are studied. There are illustrations of the primary and secondary effects of microwaves on different levels of organizations ranging from molecular level to highly organized living systems.



The fourth and the most praiseworthy chapter of this book is titled ‘Biological effects of Microwaves (Experimental Data)’. It presents the collection data found in literature on experimental facts and observations on biological effects of microwaves. Various results of experiments done on different animals like mice, dog, rats, guinea pigs and cat are illustrated. Effects of microwaves on nervous system, cardiovascular effects, effects on endocrine and metabolic effects, effects on genital system, foetal development, chromosomal effects, possible genetic effects and cellular effects, effects on internal organs like abdominal cavity, chest and digestive track, effects on blood and the blood forming system, cataractogenesis are presented with experimental details. In the last section of the chapter some comments on experimental studies on the interaction of microwaves with living systems are done which are very useful while doing such experiments.



Chapter Five is about the ‘health status of personnel occupationally exposed to microwaves and the symptoms of microwave overexposure’. In this chapter the outcome experiments and conclusions of literature survey of various authors are given. At the end of the chapter the main points which are the outcome of all the survey of the literature are collected.



Microwaves are the boon for the mankind and improve our quality of life in so many ways and it is prudent to be aware of and adopt safety standards to protect ourselves as well as the environment form the adverse effects of microwaves. Chapter Six is about the ‘Safe exposure limits and prevention of health hazards’ with analysis on the safe exposure limits of microwaves. The basic principles which may be used while determining the safe exposure limits are elucidated. At the end of the chapter prevention health hazards are given which are very much important while dealing with the microwaves.



The last chapter of the book summarises the work presented in the previous chapters and the important developments in the field till the writing of this book. The authors suggest integrated co-ordinated interdisciplinary efforts of biologists, physicians, physicists and electronic engineers. The authors have done extensive literature survey for this book and cite more than 600 references which may prove helpful for the reader for further studies in this subject. Though not recent, this book is an important reference work in its area and will prove useful for those who are doing research in this field.

The Peter Principle - Book Review

THE PETER PRINCIPLE - Why Things Always Go Wrong

BOOK REVIEW

 

(Reviewed by VIKRAM KARVE)

 

 

 

The Book: The Peter Principle

 

Authors: Dr. Laurence J. Peter & Raymond Hull

 

Published: 1969 William Morrow 

 

 

 

I think there is a Chinese saying that it is a misfortune to read a good book too early in life.

I think I read ‘The Peter Principle’ too early in life.

And at that time, I being of an impressionable age, the book influenced me so much that I “rose” to my level of incompetence pretty fast, either unintentionally or by subconscious design.

 

I read ‘The Peter Principle’ in the early seventies, maybe sometime in 1972, when I was studying for my B. Tech. degree in Engineering, and even bought a personal copy of the book in 1974 (which I possess till this day) which, considering my financial status those days, was quite remarkable.

 

The book, written by Laurence J. Peter in collaboration with Raymond Hull, a management classic and masterpiece in the study of hierarchiology, is so fascinating, riveting and hilarious that once you start reading, it’s unputdownable.

 

In the first chapter itself, giving illustrative examples, the author establishes the Peter Principle: In a hierarchy every employee tends to rise to his level of incompetence and its corollary: In time, every post tends to be occupied by an employee who is incompetent.

 

Dr. Peter writes in racy fictional style and as you read you experience a sense of verisimilitude and in your mind’s eye can see the Peter Principle operating in your very organization. That’s the way to savor the book, and imbibe its spirit – read an illustrative “case study” in the book and relate it to a parallel example in your organization.

 

He discusses cases which appear to be exceptions like percussive sublimation, lateral arabesque etc and demonstrates that the apparent exceptions are not exceptions. The Peter Principle applies in all hierarchies.

 

Discussing the comparative merits and demerits of applying ‘Pull’ versus ‘Push’ for getting promotion, Dr. Peter concludes: Never stand when you can sit; never walk when you can ride, never Push when you can Pull.

 

He then tells us how to recognize that one has reached one’s state of incompetence (final placement syndrome) and should one have already risen to one’s state of incompetence suggests ways of attaining health and happiness in this state at zero promotion quotient.

 

Towards the end of his book he illustrates how to avoid reaching the state of incompetence by practicing various techniques of Creative Incompetence. (I probably practiced Creative Incompetence quite competently and hopefully I am still at my level of competence!)

 

In conclusion Dr. Peter tries to briefly explore remedies to avoiding life-incompetence which he has elaborated in his follow up book ‘The Peter Prescription’ which is a must-read once you are hooked onto The Peter Principle.

 

The Peter Principle is a compelling book, written almost forty years ago, and with the flattening of hierarchy and advent of flexible organizational structures and HR practices, it would indeed be worthwhile for young and budding managers to read this book and see to what extent the Peter Principle applies and is relevant in today’s world.    

 

Dear Reader, read The Peter Principle, then look around you in your workplace - Do you see the principle in operation?

And next, you must read THE PETER PRESCRIPTION - do read the book review right here in my blog.

VIKRAM KARVE
Book Review

Copyright © Vikram Karve 2010

Vikram Karve has asserted his right under the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988 to be identified as the author of this work.

http://www.linkedin.com/in/karve

 

http://www.ryze.com/go/karve

 

vikramkarve@sify.com

 

http://vikramkarve.sulekha.com

INFORMATION SYSTEMS

Book Review

Title: Information, Systems and Information Systems – making sense of the field

Authors: Peter Checkland and Sue Howell

John Wiley & Sons (1988)

ISBN 0-471-95820-4

  

[Reviewed by Vikram Waman Karve]

   

Information Technology ( IT ) is the buzzword of today. 

IT is ubiquitous; almost everyone is connected with IT in some way or the other. 

A few years ago, till the nineteen eighties, there were courses in Electrical, Electronics, Communications and Telecommunications Engineering and later in Computer Science and Engineering, but now there are dedicated courses in Information Technology, and almost all Engineers, and even others, irrespective of their specializations, are rushing to take up jobs in IT and IT Enabled Services. 

The Management guys have also joined the fray and added a “management” dimension to IT by offering MBA courses in “IT Management”.

What exactly is IT? 

Maybe the phrase “IT” was coined to mark the convergence of two technologies that had been traditionally separate: “Computing” and “Communications” and the confluence of several streams of development including electronics, microelectronics, computer science, telecommunications, software engineering and systems analysis.

There are a large number of books and extensive literature on the content of IT. 

This book is a significant treatise on the context of IT. 

The principal author Peter Checkland is a pioneering researcher in the field of Systems Engineering and Management and has developed breakthrough concepts like Soft Systems Methodology [SSM] and written the seminal classic “Systems Thinking, Systems Practice”. The co-author Sue Holwell has a rich and varied professional experience in systems design and implementation, information strategy and communication networks.

This book has eight chapters arranged in four parts. 

In the first part on “The Field of Information Systems and its Problems” the authors deliberate on the basic concepts pertaining to Information Systems [IS] and Information Technology [IT], distinguish between the “Hard” (objective positivistic scientific) and “Soft” (subjective interpretative) schools of thought in the context of Management Information Systems [MIS], and introduce the reader to the fundamentals of Soft System Methodologies [SSM].

The “meat” of the book is in Part Two whose two chapters elucidate on the application of the developed Information System Management concepts to organizations and describe the “information continuum” – the linkages between data, information and knowledge. Parts Three and Four substantiate these hypotheses with experiential examples from as early as World War II and drives home the point that the evolution and development of the science of Information Systems [IS] owes nothing to computers which did not exist in 1940, makes it clear that IS is not the same as IT, reminds us that computers are a mere means of IS, and cautions us against falling into the trap of “technological determinism” resulting from the prevalent propensity to overly focus on computer-based IT and allow technology to take charge of our actions.

The book is aptly adorned with simple illustrations which facilitate ease of understanding. As the dust jacket says, the book is a work of conceptual cleansing and presents a well-argued account of IS and IT which is both holistic and coherent. I recommend this remarkable book to IT, Engineering and Management students and professionals – reading it will certainly enhance their conceptual understanding of Information Systems and Technology.

   

( Book Review by Vikram Waman Karve )

http://www.linkedin.com/in/karve

http://vikramkarve.sulekha.com

vikramkarve@hotmail.com

vikramkarve@sify.com

 

The Secret of Achieving More with Less

Book Review


The 80/20 Principle: The Secret of Achieving More with Less by Richard Koch


(Reviewed by Vikram Karve)


The Pareto Principle (also known as the 80-20 rule) states that for many phenomena, 80% of the consequences stem from 20% of the causes.

Richard Koch takes a fresh look at the 80/20 principle and finds that the basic imbalance observed by Pareto way back in 1906 can be found in almost every aspect of modern life even today. He creatively and ingeniously extrapolates the Pareto Principle and discovers that it applies throughout our lives in every thread of it. It occurs in managing time, work, people, emotions, friendships, love, marriage, personal health and relationships.

Take relationships. Is it not true that 20 per cent of the people we deal with give us 80 per cent of our happiness?

What can you do to spend more quality time with these 20 per cent happiness givers?

Count on these people. They are your key friends, the 20 percent who contribute 80 percent of happiness and add value to the quality of your life.

The book is in four parts. Part One (Overture) introduces the principle, is a bit analytical but interesting and tells us how to think the 80/20 way.

Part Two (Corporate Success need not be a mystery) discusses the application of the principle to the business management and corporate domains.

The meat of the book is in Part Three (Work Less, Earn and Enjoy More) where Richard Koch explores application of the 80/20 theory in a number of ways to diverse aspects of life.

Chapter 10 titled Time Revolution is superb, and I can vouch for the fact that concepts like being unconventional and eccentric in the use of your time and high-value and low-value uses of time are really effective as I have incorporated them into my life with great success. Of the things you do during your day, only 20 percent really matter. Those 20 percent high-value uses of time produce 80 percent of your results and happiness.

Identify and focus on those things and make sure you make optimal high value use of time to achieve a harmonious balance between your work, home, social, self and other aspects of life.

Chapter 13 titled Intelligent and Lazy delves on the application of Von Manstein Matrix.

General von Manstein identified four types of officers in the German Officer Corps of the army.

First, there are the lazy, stupid ones. He suggests that they be left alone as they do no harm.

Second, are the hard-working, intelligent ones. These are excellent staff officers who ensure every detail is accurate.

Third are the hard-working, stupid ones. These, according to him, are a menace and must be fired at once because they only create irrelevant work for everybody.

And finally there are the lazy, intelligent ones. [The 80/20 types?]. They are the select few suited for the highest office.

The fourth and last part of the book (Crescendo) explains the success and failure of various approaches in social, government and economic issues with the 80/20 principle as an ever present thread.

The book is readable, educational and interesting. The secret of a happy and fulfilled life is not difficult. The book shows you how to apply the 80/20 principle to focus on your best 20 percent in each aspect of your life and thereby enhance your quality of life and elevate your plane of living.

I suggest you keep the book on your table and refer to it from time to time.

The 80/20 Principle should serve as a daily reminder to focus 80 percent of your time and energy on that 20 percent that is really important.

Experiment, have fun, apply the Pareto Principle in various aspects and facets of your life wherever feasible, and use it wisely.

See for yourself how the quality of your life improves, you achieve a harmonious balance between your work life, home life and social life and you feel happy, tranquil and fulfilled.

It is indeed a captivating book. Read it. You will certainly benefit from it.


VIKRAM KARVE

vikramkarve@sify.com

http://vikramkarve.sulekha.com/

Oriental Wisdom & Cognitive Science

HUMOR WISDOM COGNITION THERAPY

A fascinating book on my bookshelves – ORIENTAL STORIES AS TOOLS IN PSYCHOTHERAPY : A Book Review

By

VIKRAM KARVE




An Eastern merchant owned a parrot. One day the bird knocked over an oil flask.

The merchant became very angry and hit the parrot on the back of the head.

From that time on, the parrot, who had previously appeared to be very intelligent, could not talk any more.

He lost the feathers on his head and soon became bald.

One day, as the parrot was sitting on the bookshelf in his master’s place of business, a baldheaded customer entered the shop.

The sight of the man made the parrot very excited.

Flapping his wings, he jumped around, squawked, and, to everyone’s surprise, suddenly regained his speech and asked the baldheaded man, “Did you, too, knock down an oil flask and get hit on the back of the head so that you don’t have any hair any more?”

This is a story called The Merchant and the Parrot from a delightfully interesting book in my bookcase called “Oriental Stories as Tools in Psychotherapy” by Nossrat Peseschkian. I bought this book on 12 October 1998 from the International Book Service at Deccan Gymkhana in Pune and love to delve into it from time to time.

The book features a fascinating compilation meaningful oriental Teaching Stories– the psychotherapeutic function of stories is the theme of this book. The author, a physician and psychotherapist, emphasizes the fact that long before the development of modern psychotherapy, stories served as instruments of folk psychotherapy and highlights how stories are effective transmitters of messages. He avers that stories have a lot in common with medication and, like medicines, used at the right time in the right form stories can lead to changes in attitude and behavior, but, given in the wrong dosage, told in an insincere and moralizing way, the application can be dangerous.

You can study, scrutinize and critically analyze this book if you are a serious reader and want to go deep into the subject; or like me, you can enjoy and be illuminated by the lovely teaching stories in the book.

I have read somewhere that Teaching Stories have a special quality – if read in a certain kind of way they enlighten you.

Remember, Dear Reader, that there are three ways to read teaching stories:-

• Read the story once. Then move on to another. This manner of reading will give you entertainment – maybe produce a laugh; like jokes.

• Read the story twice. Reflect on it. Apply it to your life. You will feel enriched.

• Read the story again, after you have reflected on it. Carry the story around in your mind all day and allow its fragrance, its melody to haunt you. Create a silence within you and let the story reveal to you its inner depth and meaning. Let it speak to your heart, not to your brain. This will give you a feel for the mystical and you will develop the art of tasting and feeling the inner meaning of such stories to the point that they transform you.

Let me tell you that a good teaching story has several levels of meaning and interpretation and offers us opportunities to think in new ways.

At first you may just have a good laugh, but as you think and reflect, the significance becomes more and more profound.

Each story veils its knowledge and as you ruminate, the walls of its outer meanings crumble away and the beauty of the previously invisible inner wisdom is revealed, and you begin to identify yourself in the story, and to acknowledge that you too could be as foolish or as lacking in discernment as the characters in these classic tales.

If you read the teaching stories narrated in this book in this way you will most certainly feel the therapeutic effect.

Here is a story called “Fifty Years of Politeness”:

An elderly couple celebrated their golden anniversary…while eating breakfast together, the woman thought, “for fifty years I’ve always been considerate of my husband and have always given him the crusty top of the bread roll. Today I want to finally enjoy this delicacy for myself.”

She spread the top part with butter and gave the other part to her husband.

Contrary to her expectations, he was very pleased, kissed her hand, and said, “My darling, you’ve just given me the greatest joy of the day. For over fifty years I haven’t eaten the bottom part of the bread roll, which is the part I like best. I always thought you should have it because you like it so much.”

I love and cherish this book which has enhanced me in all aspects of my life and browse through the stories quite often; and as I reflect and interpret I feel refreshed, enlightened and wiser.

Whether it is your work, you marriage, you relationships, children, or any situation or facet of your life, there is sure to be an apt story in this book for you which will put you on the path of self-discovery.

I’ll conclude with a quote from this exquisite and unique book:

Occasionally we can’t avoid science, math and erudite discussions which aid development of human consciousness. But occasionally we also need poetry, chess, and stories, so our spirit can find joy and refreshment.

I truly liked this delightfully illuminating book - I am sure you will like it too!


VIKRAM KARVE

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Neural Networks and Artificial Intelligence for Biomedical Engineering

Name of the Book: Neural Networks and Artificial Intelligence for Biomedical Engineering.

Authors: Donna L. Hudson, Maurice E. Cohen

Publication: IEEE Press, New York, 2000

ISBN: 0-7803-3404-3

Pages: 306

‘Neural Networks and Artificial Intelligence for Biomedical Engineering’
[Reviewed by Prachi A Deshmukh]


The advent of technology in the twentieth century has changed the total scenario around us. The fiction stories which we were reading in books have now become the truth, the reality. Robotics and artificial intelligence are some of the examples.

Neural networks and artificial intelligence have created new horizons in the field of medicine and biomedical engineering.

The book ‘Neural Networks and Artificial Intelligence for Biomedical Engineering’ by Donna Hudson and Maurice Cohen is a good guide for those who are working in this field or for the students who are studying neural networks, artificial intelligence or biomedical engineering as a part of their course work.

The book is divided into three parts: The first part covers Basics Neural networks, the second discusses Artificial Intelligence and the third one comprises of Alternative approaches.

Before starting with the neural networks, the authors have introduced us with the basics of biological systems as well as medical and biological data. This makes easy for us to enter in the field.

In part one, there are eight chapters.

All these are related with the neural networks. Chapter one is the foundation of neural networks. This one introduces us with the basic things regarding the neural networks. Starting from the structure of a biological cell and neuron, central nervous system we move towards the early neural models and current models. Second chapter classifies the neural networks. In this chapter we also learn the techniques which are used in biomedical problems. In chapter 3, 4 ad 5 we learn the network structure, feature selection and types of learning. Chapter 4 and 5 are dedicated to supervised learning and unsupervised learning respectively.
Chapter 6 is regarding the design issues. In this we learn the input data types, structure of networks implementation of network structures and the choice of learning algorithms. In chapter 7, we do the comparative analysis. In this chapter we again deal with the supervised and unsupervised learning. In this chapter we also learn the network structures.
The last chapter of part one is chapter no 8: Validation and evaluation. Here we become familiar with some important concepts such as data checking, validation and learning algorithms and evaluation performance.

After going through the first part of the book, we have with ourselves a strong base on neural networks.

In second part we move towards the Artificial Intelligence. Artificial Intelligence is an important field in the history of science and technology.

The second part is divided into 5 chapters.

First chapter of this part is chapter no. 9: ‘Foundations of computer assisted decision making’. Here the authors introduce us with the databases and medical records, mathematical modeling and simulation, pattern recognition, decision theory, symbolic reasoning techniques. Chapter no. 10 and chapter no. 11 are knowledge representation and knowledge acquisition respectively. These two introduce us with the production rules, frames, databases, nets (predicate calculus and semantic nets),learned knowledge, meta knowledge and knowledge base maintenance.
Chapter 12 deals with the reasoning methodologies. Here we learn the problem representations, blind searching, trees-graphs and higher level reasoning methodologies. In chapter 13 we learn the validation and evaluation. Here we learn the algorithmic evaluation, knowledge base evaluation and system evaluation. The part two terminates with the end of chapter no. 13.

In third part there are 6 chapters which are arranged under the name ‘Alternate approaches’.

In chapter 14 we learn about the genetic algorithms. In this chapter we learn about the representation schemes, evaluation functions, genetic operators, evaluation strategies and some biomedical examples.

Chapter 15 and 16 are probabilistic systems and fuzzy systems respectively. In chapter 15: probabilistic systems, we learn about the Bayesian approaches in which we become familiar with the Baye’s rule and Baye’s decision theory, parameter estimation, discriminant analysis, statistical analysis, regression analysis. At the end of the chapter brief information about the medical applications is given.

Chapter no. 16 is related with the Fuzzy systems. Here we get the information of fuzzy logic and fuzzy set theory, representation of fuzzy variables, membership functions, fuzzy neural networks, fuzzy approaches of supervised learning networks, fuzzy generalizations of unsupervised learning methods, reasoning with uncertain information, pre-processing and post processing using fuzzy techniques etc.

At the end we find some applications in biomedical engineering.

In chapter 17 we become familiar with the hybrid systems. Here we learn about the hybrid system approaches, components of the hybrid systems, use of complex data structures, design methodologies etc.

Chapter 18 deals with the ‘HyperMerge’ which is a hybrid expert system. Here we learn about the knowledge based component, neural network component, analysis of time series data, combined system and lastly an application: Diagnosis of Heart Disease.

Chapter 19 is the concluding chapter of this part as well as the book. It is ‘Future Perspectives’. In this chapter different aspects are considered such as the effects of hardware advances, effects of increase in knowledge and the future of software. In this chapter different important parameters are discussed. Computing speed, memory, parallel machines, miniaturization etc. The different effects of increase in knowledge such as information explosion, human genome project, proliferation of databases, communication of information etc are studied. The end of the chapter the authors discuss about the future of the software. Here we discuss about the hybrid systems, parallel systems, non textual data, Neural network models and the artificial intelligence approaches.

This book provides useful guidance for the graduate and undergraduate students who are studying this subject and I strongly commend the book to those interested in this fascinating field.

The Importance of Understanding

UNDERSTANDING LIFE - The Art of Living

By

VIKRAM KARVE


[ Book Review of THE IMPORTANCE OF UNDERSTANDING by LIN YUTANG ]



Whenever I want to unwind and relax, I pick out one of my favorite books from my bookcase, settle down in my easy-chair, put my feet up, and open the book to any random page, or thumb through the pages, and dip into whatever arrests my attention, and as I begin reading I experience a soothing feeling and a calm tranquil sensation of absolute and perfect relaxation. From time to time, I let myself drift off into sweet slumber, and when I come around I begin my relaxed reading again. So the cycle continues till my mind recaptures the harmony it has lost during the hustle and bustle of daily life and my inner self feels soothingly nourished.

The book is called THE IMPORTANCE OF UNDERSTANDING and is compiled by Lin Yutang, who is more famous for his magnum opus THE IMPORTANCE OF LIVING, the classic seminal philosophical masterpiece on The Art of Living. I have written about this classic book in my blog and request you to please read my book review in the preceding blog post. Now about The Importance of Understanding.

I’ve got a hardcover copy of the book, published by Heinemann London in 1961, which I obtained, by a stroke of luck, from a raddiwala a few years ago. The book comprises translations from the Chinese. There are essays, reflections, poems, ancient wit and wisdom, literature, writings on The Art of Living, Enjoyment of Life and Zen, parables, epigrams and proverbs. The writings focus on the simple joys of living and distinction between the practical and the poetic vision of life.

There is wit and subtle humor throughout the book. As a sample of the fantastic wit and wisdom encapsulated in this book, here is a story titled “Prohibition” from the chapter on Ancient Wit and Wisdom.

In the time of the ruler of Shu, Shienchu (third century AD) there was prohibition on wine on account of a drought…There were people who were arrested for having vats and distillery apparatus in their houses, punishable in the same terms as those actually caught making illegal liquor. Chien Yung was driving in the country with the ruler when they saw a young man strolling leisurely.
“Have that man arrested,’ cried Chien Yung.
“What has he done?” asked the ruler in puzzlement.
“He is going to commit adultery.”
“How do you know?”
“He has the organs of adultery, just as those people have their vats.”
The ruler broke out into a loud laugh and ordered that the people arrested for mere possession of vats released.

The meat of the book is the section on “Home and Daily Living” which encompasses a wide range of facets of the art of living and enjoyment of daily life.

I’ll end with an epigram of Yuan Chunglang: Beware of the man who has no hobbies. If he is not sincere in loving what he loves, he is also probably not sincere in hating what he professes to hate.

Dear Reader, first read The Importance of Living and then read The Importance of Understanding. And I’m sure you will see your life from a different perspective.


If you liked this philosophy of life do read my book:

Appetite for a Stroll

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VIKRAM KARVE

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An Inspiring Book on Leadership Styles

INSPIRING LEADERSHIP

19 STARS: A STUDY IN MILITARY LEADERSHIP

By

EDGAR F. PURYEAR Jr.

[Book Review by Vikram Karve]


It was indeed a pleasant surprise to chance upon this engrossing treatise buried in the books that adorn the shelves of my bookcase, last evening.

I had first read this book long long back, maybe fifteen years ago. I read it again. I enjoyed the book thoroughly and found it inspiring, educative, enjoyable and stimulating, and decided to tell you, dear reader, about it.

“19 Stars” is a comparative study of the contrasting styles of leadership by four of the most outstanding American generals of World War II.

The book attempts to capture those elusive qualities that have made great leaders of Generals Marshall, MacArthur, Eisenhower and Patton. The title of the book symbolizes the total number of ‘stars’ these four Generals wore on their collars.

The book starts with a lucid description of their early years as Cadets and traces their diverse backgrounds.

It is revealed that whereas MacArthur and Patton belonged to families with rich military heritage, Eisenhower grew up with no knowledge of, or any inclination towards, a military career. He could not afford to go to college, qualified for entrance to Naval Academy, Annapolis, but was overage, so opted for West Point, which had a higher entering age.

Marshall just decided to follow his elder brother into the Army.

MacArthur’s career as a cadet was brilliant.

Patton distinguished himself in the qualities of a soldier and athletic skills but faced difficulty in academics.

Eisenhower has been depicted as indifferent, carefree and careless.
An absorbing narrative encompassing World Wars I and II and the interregnum is the highlight of the book. It is a thoroughly researched analysis interspersed with a large number of anecdotes and reminiscences.

The author avoids platitudes and presents his analysis with remarkable candour.
Whether it be the ‘flamboyant’ Patton, ‘imperious’ MacArthur, ‘genial’ Eisenhower or ‘austere’ Marshall, a pattern of common leadership qualities emerges despite their contrasting temperaments.

It is revealing that these intrepid men were groomed under the tutelage of various patrons who not only furthered their careers but also bailed them out of professional crises on a number of occasions.

The numerous first person reminiscences of eminent personalities, lucidly illustrate the universal respect and honest relationships, totally devoid of sycophancy that they developed and loyally sustained.

Hallmarks of leadership like Decisiveness, sometimes based on a “Sixth Sense”, Outspokenness, and an uncanny knack of spotting the right man for the right job are highlighted in various episodes, as also their inner strength and courageous attitude towards reversals and adversities, over which they invariably triumphed.

The author has succeeded in organizing and presenting his analysis in an extremely streamlined and readable manner.

This is a very inspiring, educative and enjoyable book which is do delightfully written that once you start reading it, it’s unputdownable.


VIKRAM KARVE

Copyright © Vikram Karve 2009
Vikram Karve has asserted his right under the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988 to be identified as the author of this review.

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