Graphs and Networks A unique blend of graph theory and network science for mathematicians and data science professionals alike. Featuring topics such as minors, connectomes, trees, distance, spectral graph theory, similarity, centrality, small-world networks, scale-free networks, graph algorithms, Eulerian circuits, Hamiltonian cycles, coloring, higher connectivity, planar graphs, flows, matchings, and coverings, Graphs and Networks contains modern applications for graph theorists and a host of useful theorems for network scientists. The book begins with applications to biology and the social and political sciences and gradually takes a more theoretical direction toward graph structure theory and combinatorial optimization. A background in linear algebra, probability, and statistics provides the proper frame of reference. Graphs and Networks also features: Applications to neuroscience, climate science, and the social and political sciences A research outlook integrated directly into the narrative with ideas for students interested in pursuing research projects at all levels A large selection of primary and secondary sources for further reading Historical notes that hint at the passion and excitement behind the discoveries Practice problems that reinforce the concepts and encourage further investigation and independent work

The book breaks new ground in understanding the role of Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) in Africa. The book historicizes NGOs using the Rockefeller Foundation as a case study, looking at its tripartite paradoxical roles as an agent of colonialism, globalization and development/underdevelopment. It deploys interdisciplinary devices to show how the RF projects have engaged in marginalization, patronage and 'othering' of African values and customs and the ensuing controversies. Using globalization, postmodern and postcolonial theories the book deconstructs the long-held myths about NGO inviolability, and opens ground for understanding their strengths. It interrogates sites of contestation, apprehension and possibilities that the RF has produced. Using RF projects, it looks at structures of hegemony, race, power, class and gender that the RF has created. The book illustrates the extent to which the RF has been instrumental in spreading capitalism, imperialism in economic, political, cultural and social realms through globalization. It desists from the grand narrative approach that has dominated African history in the past but instead gives agency and voice to those that have previously been marginalized.

Learn to secure, build, implement, and test future blockchain applications Blockchain was originally introduced in the crypto-currency of Bitcoin in order to keep track of transactions over a peer-to-peer network to prevent the double-spending of bitcoin. This distributed ledger technology, however, has developed a reputation as a disruptive technology for the transfer of values and disintermediation. Despite this reputation, blockchain is, simply, at its core, a data structure--in this case, a cryptographic hash chain of blocks of transactions--continually replicated and maintained in a distributed manner by a peer-to-peer network of hosts. Together they decide through a specific consensus protocol, what transactions can be registered or added to the blockchain. Blockchain Application Security introduces the reader to the architecture and components of blockchain, as well as blockchain and bitcoin protocol, aimed at a basic level of understanding of the technical perspective. The book discusses the benefits, the vulnerabilities, and even the design flaws found in blockchain applications. It also teaches how to manage the risks of blockchain by deciding how digital assets, data confidentiality, and data availability should be protected from unauthorized access. Blockchain Application Security readers will also find: An exploration of source code and core APIs relevant to blockchain A glossary of common terminology used for blockchain Real cases of blockchain applications to illustrate points Blockchain Application Security is an ideal resource for application architects, software developers, security auditors, and vulnerability testers of enterprise-based blockchain applications.

Make your every wish Alexa's command with this in-depth guide to the wildly popular Amazon smart speaker You might be thinking, "All I have to do is plug in my Echo device and start using it!" And you'd be right. But if you really want to explore what that compact little device can do, then Alexa For Dummies is your go-to resource. This book shows you how to customize your device to respond to your requests and enhance your life. Alexa For Dummies takes you on a tour of all things Alexa: its capabilities, tools, settings, and skills. Go beyond the basics of playing music, calling friends, reading the news, and checking the weather. You'll learn how to make Alexa private and secure, connect it to your smart home devices, and even make it sound like Samuel L. Jackson, if you feel like it. You can also extend its capabilities by adding new skills. Customize your device to respond to your voice Troubleshoot when a light is signaling something's wrong Add skills to play music and audiobooks Create routines to turn on lights, adjust the thermostat, set your security alarm, and lock your doors Sync your smart devices throughout your home Use Alexa to connect to a Zoom meeting or phone call with your friends or family No matter which device you have--Echo, Echo Dot, Echo Show, Echo Studio, Echo Flex, Echo Loop, Echo Buds, or Echo Frames--Alexa For Dummies is the perfect companion. Ready to get started? Say "Hey, Alexa, order Alexa For Dummies!"

The Korean Electronics Industry documents the technologies, manufacturing procedures, capabilities, and infrastructure that have made the Republic of Korea successful in the electronics industry. The book covers the major segments of Korea's electronics industry, including semiconductors, packaging, displays, printed circuit boards, and systems. In addition, this book examines the roles that government, associations, research organizations, educational institutions, and major companies have played in establishing an infrastructure where the industry can flourish.

Provides an introduction to the Finite Difference Time Domain method and shows how Python code can be used to implement various simulations This book allows engineering students and practicing engineers to learn the finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) method and properly apply it toward their electromagnetic simulation projects. Each chapter contains a concise explanation of an essential concept and instruction on its implementation into computer code. Included projects increase in complexity, ranging from simulations in free space to propagation in dispersive media. This third edition utilizes the Python programming language, which is becoming the preferred computer language for the engineering and scientific community. Electromagnetic Simulation Using the FDTD Method with Python, Third Edition is written with the goal of enabling readers to learn the FDTD method in a manageable amount of time. Some basic applications of signal processing theory are explained to enhance the effectiveness of FDTD simulation. Topics covered in include one-dimensional simulation with the FDTD method, two-dimensional simulation, and three-dimensional simulation. The book also covers advanced Python features and deep regional hyperthermia treatment planning. Electromagnetic Simulation Using the FDTD Method with Python Guides the reader from basic programs to complex, three-dimensional programs in a tutorial fashion Includes a rewritten fifth chapter that illustrates the most interesting applications in FDTD and the advanced graphics techniques of Python Covers peripheral topics pertinent to time-domain simulation, such as Z-transforms and the discrete Fourier transform Provides Python simulation programs on an accompanying website An ideal book for senior undergraduate engineering students studying FDTD, Electromagnetic Simulation Using the FDTD Method with Python will also benefit scientists and engineers interested in the subject.

The groundbreaking book that details the fundamentals of reliability modeling and evaluation and introduces new and future technologies Electric Power Grid Reliability Evaluation deals with the effective evaluation of the electric power grid and explores the role that this process plays in the planning and designing of the expansion of the power grid. The book is a guide to the theoretical approaches and processes that underpin the electric power grid and reviews the most current and emerging technologies designed to ensure reliability. The authors--noted experts in the field--also present the algorithms that have been developed for analyzing the soundness of the power grid. A comprehensive resource, the book covers probability theory, stochastic processes, and a frequency-based approach in order to provide a theoretical foundation for reliability analysis. Throughout the book, the concepts presented are explained with illustrative examples that connect with power systems. The authors cover generation adequacy methods, and multi-node analysis which includes both multi-area as well as composite power system reliable evaluation. This important book: - Provides a guide to the basic methods of reliability modeling and evaluation - Contains a helpful review of the background of power system reliability evaluation - Includes information on new technology sources that have the potential to create a more reliable power grid - Addresses renewable energy sources and shows how they affect power outages and blackouts that pose new challenges to the power grid system Written for engineering students and professionals, Electric Power Grid Reliability Evaluation is an essential book that explores the processes and algorithms for creating a sound and reliable power grid.

NEW! We've added two new practice exams to the online test bank to cover concepts in the new certification Exam SAA-C02. To help you prepare for taking the exam, the updated test bank now includes THREE practice exams PLUS all the domain-by-domain questions. Over 1000 questions to test your knowledge! 1,000 practice questions with answers and explanations! With five unique practice tests, covering the five AWS Certified Solutions Architect Associate Exam objective domains, PLUS one additional practice exam, AWS Certified Solutions Architect Practice Tests provides over 1,000 practice test questions to make sure you are prepared for exam day. Coverage of all exam objective domains includes: Design Resilient Architectures, Define Performant Architectures, Specify Secure Applications and Architectures, Design Cost-Optimized Architectures, Define Operationally Excellent Architectures. This book will help you: - Gain confidence as you prepare for the SAA-C01 exam - Ensure you are set up for success with 1,000 practice questions - When you are ready, test your knowledge with the Sybex online interactive learning environment - Get that highly desired AWS certification Prepare smarter, not harder, with Sybex's superior study tools.

Critically acclaimed text for computer performance analysis--now in its second edition

The Second Edition of this now-classic text provides a current and thorough treatment of queueing systems, queueing networks, continuous and discrete-time Markov chains, and simulation. Thoroughly updated with new content, as well as new problems and worked examples, the text offers readers both the theory and practical guidance needed to conduct performance and reliability evaluations of computer, communication, and manufacturing systems.
Starting with basic probability theory, the text sets the foundation for the more complicated topics of queueing networks and Markov chains, using applications and examples to illustrate key points. Designed to engage the reader and build practical performance analysis skills, the text features a wealth of problems that mirror actual industry challenges.
New features of the Second Edition include:
* Chapter examining simulation methods and applications
* Performance analysis applications for wireless, Internet, J2EE, and Kanban systems
* Latest material on non-Markovian and fluid stochastic Petri nets, as well as solution techniques for Markov regenerative processes
* Updated discussions of new and popular performance analysis tools, including ns-2 and OPNET
* New and current real-world examples, including DiffServ routers in the Internet and cellular mobile networks
With the rapidly growing complexity of computer and communication systems, the need for this text, which expertly mixes theory and practice, is tremendous. Graduate and advanced undergraduate students in computer science will find the extensive use of examples and problems to be vital in mastering both the basics and the fine points of the field, while industry professionals will find the text essential for developing systems that comply with industry standards and regulations.

Additionally, a solution manual and an FTP site with links to author-provided data for the book are available for deeper study.

At a time when the applications of sensors are in high demand and environmental issues are international priorities, this book on biomedical and environmental sensing provides the technical basis for researchers and students to understand the requirements for biomedical computing and also environmental sensing and to develop solutions in their areas of interests. The book deals with key techniques that need to be understood and also examples of applications of the techniques. Biomedical and environmental sensing are helping to extend the life span of human beings and infrastructures as it has become more and more sensible to understand what is happening for example inside a person, an aircraft, a road network or a bridge and to provide quick response. Several chapters of the book have dealt with the state of the art in biomedical decision support systems in therapeutic medicine. A data driven decision support system and a prototype support system for anaesthetics are major enablers for doctors and nurses to provide efficient and timely response not only to diagnose ailments but also to decide on the preferred approach for solving the problems. The analyses in the chapters are coherently detailed and easy to comprehend. There is a chapter on hypothermia therapy and a hardware probe was also developed and described. Classification of chromosomes is a major aid in DNA analysis and recognition. Thisvaluable insight into a DNA analysis method is provided. Information on heart diseases, onset of heart attacks and failure can be detected through reconstructing electrophysiological information about the surface of the heart. A reconstruction method is described in this book and provides strong foundation for research and training in this life determining area. The remaining chapters on sensing of driver conditions including fatigue peeks into tools and methodologies for understanding both the onset of fatigue and its forms for prevention of accidents in vehicles. The rest of the book gives techniques for planning biomedical and environmental sensor networks and their security. The book will no doubt greatly serve the needs of health professionals, researchers in the health andenvironmental industry and policy makers. Content * Data Driven Therapy Decision Support System * A Prototype Decision Support System for Anesthetists * Development and Testing of a Low Cost, Minimally Invasive Radiofrequency Thermal Probe For Hyperthermia Therapy * Comparative Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging With Functional Brain Imaging Modalities * Design of a Neural Network Classifier for Separation of Images With Chromosomes * De-Noising of Body Surface Potential Signals * Single Channel Wireless EEG: Proposed Application in Train Drivers * Algorithm of remote monitoring ECG using mobile phone: Conception and implementation * Statistical validation of physiological indicators for non-invasive and hybrid driver drowsiness detection system * Security and Privacy of Wireless Sensor Networks for Biomedical * Key Establishment Scheme for Clustered Distributed Sensor Networks * Planning and Addressing of Wireless Sensor Networks * Sensor Scheduling and Redeployment Mechanisms in Wireless Sensor Networks * On the combination of logistic regression and local probability estimates * Stochastic Deterioration Processes for Bridge Lifetime Assessment

A text for senior undergraduate or beginning graduate students, as well as practicing engineers, that bridges the gap between specialist papers and the use of GTD in practical problems. It introduces the principal results and concepts, their various parameters, and applications to a wide variety of

A review of the aerodynamics, design and analysis, and optimization of wind turbines, combined with the author's unique software Aerodynamics of Wind Turbines is a comprehensive introduction to the aerodynamics, scaled design and analysis, and optimization of horizontal-axis wind turbines. The author -a noted expert on the topic - reviews the fundamentals and basic physics of wind turbines operating in the atmospheric boundary layer. He then explores more complex models that help in the aerodynamic analysis and design of turbine models. The text contains unique chapters on blade element momentum theory, airfoil aerodynamics, rotational augmentation, vortex-wake methods, actuator-line modeling, and designing aerodynamically scaled turbines for model-scale experiments. The author clearly demonstrates how effective analysis and design principles can be used in a wide variety of applications and operating conditions. The book integrates the easy-to-use, hands-on XTurb design and analysis software that is available on a companion website for facilitating individual analyses and future studies. This component enhances the learning experience and helps with a deeper and more complete understanding of the subject matter. This important book: Covers aerodynamics, design and analysis and optimization of wind turbines Offers the author's XTurb design and analysis software that is available on a companion website for individual analyses and future studies Includes unique chapters on blade element momentum theory, airfoil aerodynamics, rotational augmentation, vortex-wake methods, actuator-line modeling, and designing aerodynamically scaled turbines for model-scale experiments Demonstrates how design principles can be applied to a variety of applications and operating conditions Written for senior undergraduate and graduate students in wind energy as well as practicing engineers and scientists, Aerodynamics of Wind Turbines is an authoritative text that offers a guide to the fundamental principles, design and analysis of wind turbines.

Wireless Coexistence Explore a comprehensive review of the motivation for wireless coexistence and the standards and technology used to achieve it Wireless Coexistence: Standards, Challenges, and Intelligent Solutions delivers a thorough exploration of wireless ecosystems sharing the spectrum, including the multiple standards and key requirements driving the current state of wireless technology. The book surveys several standards, including IEEE 802.22, 802.15.2, and 802.19.1 and expands upon recent advances in machine learning and artificial intelligence to demonstrate how these technologies might be used to meet or exceed the challenges of wireless coexistence. The text discusses cognitive radio in the context of spectrum coexistence and provides a comparison and assessment of using artificial intelligence in place of, or in addition to, current techniques. It also considers applications to communication theory, learning algorithms for passive wireless coexistence strategies, spectrum situational awareness, and active wireless coexistence strategies. With the necessity of spectrum sharing and the scarcity of unused spectrum on the rise, the standardization of wireless coexistence becomes more important with each passing day. Readers will learn about the challenges posed by shrinking wireless real estate and from the inclusion of topics like: A thorough introduction to the concept of, and motivation for, wireless coexistence, including congestion and interference, policies, and regulations An exploration of different wireless coexistence standards, including the need for standardization and various protocols, including 802.22, 802.15.2, 802.19.1, P1900, and 3GPP Release 13/14 LAA A discussion of the applications of communication theory, including primary user strategies, primary multi-user protocols, and successive interference cancellation A treatment of concepts in learning algorithms Perfect for scientists, researchers, engineers, developers, educators, and administrators working in the area of wireless networks, Wireless Coexistence: Standards, Challenges, and Intelligent Solutions will also earn a place in the libraries of graduate students studying wireless networks and seeking a one-stop reference for subjects related to wireless coexistence standards.

Offering radar-related software for the analysis and design of radar waveform and signal processing, Radar Signal Analysis and Processing Using MATLAB(R) provides a comprehensive source of theoretical and practical information on radar signals, signal analysis, and radar signal processing with companion MATLAB(R) code.

After an overview of radar systems operation and design, the book reviews elements of signal theory relevant to radar detection and radar signal processing, along with random variables and processes. The author then presents the unique characteristic of the matched filter and develops a general formula for the output of the matched filter that is valid for any waveform. He analyzes several analog waveforms, including the linear frequency modulation pulse and stepped frequency waveforms, as well as unmodulated pulse-train, binary, polyphase, and frequency codes. The book explores radar target detection and pulse integration, emphasizing the constant false alarm rate. It also covers the stretch processor, the moving target indicator, radar Doppler processing, beamforming, and adaptive array processing.

Using configurable MATLAB code, this book demonstrates how to apply signal processing to radar applications. It includes many examples and problems to illustrate the practical application of the theory.

Both deregulation in the electrical supply industry and the creation of new electricity markets present electric utility companies with the challenge of becoming more efficient without compromising quality of service.

Providing new solutions for this newly deregulated paradigm, Power Quality: "VAR Compensation in Power Systems" presents comprehensive coverage of power quality, harmonics, and static var compensators in one single volume. The book explains how to ensure that power quality is not affected by the harmonics generated by power electronic equipment and explains how to reduce labor costs and increase reliability of supply by employing a single pole autoreclosing scheme. It also addresses how to analyze frequency response of current transformers and voltage transformers while measuring harmonics.

Based on the authors' extensive experience in the electric supply industry, Power Quality enables engineers to meet the demands of increased loads, strengthen their transmission systems, and ensure reliable electric supply.

A comprehensive overview of current developments and applications in biofuels production Process Systems Engineering for Biofuels Development brings together the latest and most cutting-edge research on the production of biofuels. As the first book specifically devoted to process systems engineering for the production of biofuels, Process Systems Engineering for Biofuels Development covers theoretical, computational and experimental issues in biofuels process engineering. Written for researchers and postgraduate students working on biomass conversion and sustainable process design, as well as industrial practitioners and engineers involved in process design, modeling and optimization, this book is an indispensable guide to the newest developments in areas including: Enzyme-catalyzed biodiesel production Process analysis of biodiesel production (including kinetic modeling, simulation and optimization) The use of ultrasonification in biodiesel production Thermochemical processes for biomass transformation to biofuels Production of alternative biofuels In addition to the comprehensive overview of the subject of biofuels found in the Introduction of the book, the authors of various chapters have provided extensive discussions of the production and separation of biofuels via novel applications and techniques.

Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tagging is now used by the department of defense and many of the world's largest retailers including Wal-Mart. As RFID continues to infiltrate industries worldwide, organizations must harness a clear understanding of this technology in order to maximize its potential and protect against the potential risks it poses. The RFID Handbook provides an overview of RFID technology, its associated security and privacy risks, and recommended practices that will enable organizations to realize productivity improvements while also protecting sensitive information and the privacy of individuals. Expert contributors present a host of applications including RFID enabled automated receiving, triage with RFID for massive incidents, RFID and NFC in relation to mobile phones, and RFID technologies for communication robots and a privacy preserving video surveillance system. The unprecedented coverage also includes detailed descriptions of adaptive splitting protocols as well as tree-based and probabilistic anti-collision protocols. Drawing on its distinguished editors and world-renowned contributors, this one-of-a-kind handbook serves as the ultimate reference on RFID, from basic research concepts to future applications.

Principles and Applications of Electrical Engineering provides an overview of the electrical engineering discipline specifically geared toward non-electrical engineering students. The hallmark feature of the text is its use of practical applications to illustrate important principles. The applications come from every field of engineering and feature exciting technologies. The principal objective of the book is to present the principles of electrical, electronic, and electromechanical engineering to an audience of engineering majors enrolled in introductory and more advanced or specialized electrical engineering courses. A second objective is to present these principles with a focus on important results and common yet effective analytical and computational tools to solve practical problems. Finally, a third objective of the book is to illustrate, by way of concrete, fully worked examples, a number of relevant applications of electrical engineering. These examples are drawn from the authors' industrial research experience and from ideas contributed by practicing engineers and industrial partners.

The field of electrical measurement continues to grow, with new techniques developed each year. From the basic thermocouple to cutting-edge virtual instrumentation, it is also becoming an increasingly "digital" endeavor. Books that attempt to capture the state-of-the-art in electrical measurement are quickly outdated. Recognizing the need for a text devoted to the major areas underlying modern electrical measurement, Slawomir Tumanski developed Principles of Electrical Measurement. This text builds a solid foundation in the necessary background concepts and fundamentals needed to develop and use modern electrical instruments. The author first introduces the fundamentals-including main terms and definitions, methods of estimating accuracy and uncertainty, and standards of electrical quantities-and the classical methods of measurement. He then delves into data acquisition, signal conditioning, and signal processing for both analog and digital signals. The final chapter examines computer measuring systems and virtual measurement techniques. By focusing on the aspects that are common to all types of electrical measurement, the book ensures a solid understanding that can be easily applied in practice. Whether used as an introduction to the field or as a reference to the essential concepts, Principles of Electrical Measurement provides the knowledge necessary to develop measurement solutions for any application.

From the fan motor in your PC to precision control of aircraft, electrical machines of all sizes, varieties, and levels of complexity permeate our world. Some are very simple, while others require exacting and application-specific design. Electrical Machine Analysis Using Finite Elements provides the tools necessary for the analysis and design of any type of electrical machine by integrating mathematical/numerical techniques with analytical and design methodologies. Building successively from simple to complex analyses, this book leads you step-by-step through the procedures and illustrates their implementation with examples of both traditional and innovative machines. Although the examples are of specific devices, they demonstrate how the procedures apply to any type of electrical machine, introducing a preliminary theory followed by various considerations for the unique circumstance. The author presents the mathematical background underlying the analysis, but emphasizes application of the techniques, common strategies, and obtained results. He also supplies codes for simple algorithms and reveals analytical methodologies that universally apply to any software program. With step-by-step coverage of the fundamentals and common procedures, Electrical Machine Analysis Using Finite Elements offers a superior analytical framework that allows you to adapt to any electrical machine, to any software platform, and to any specific requirements that you may encounter.

As with any profound technological breakthrough, the advent of sound recording ushered in a period of explosive and imaginative experimentation, growth and competition. Between the commercial debut of Edison's ""talking machine"" in 1889 and the first commercial radio broadcast three decades later, the recording industry was uncharted territory both in terms of technology and content. Wire, cylinder and disks competed to become the dominant recording technology, and for early industry pioneers, the primary concern wasn't what they recorded, but that they had a recording to sell. The industry headed in myriad directions - led by luminaries like Edison and Marconi, plus a host of long-forgotten others - until affordable phonographs and commerical radio gave it direction, creating public demand for certain recordings. By the time the dust settled, companies, practices and genres that even now profoundly affect the recording industry were firmly entrenched. This history of the earliest years of sound recording - the time between the phonograph's appearance and the licensing of commercial radio - examines a newly created technology and industry in search of itself. It follows the story from the earliest efforts to capture sound, to the fight among wire, cylinder and disk recordings for primacy in the market, to the growth and development of musical genres, record companies and business practices that remain current even today. The work chronicles the people, events and developments that turned a novel, expensive idea into a highly marketable commodity. Two appendices provide extensive lists of popular genre and ethnic recordings made between 1889 and 1919, and a bibliography and index accompany the text.

Exploring methods and techniques to optimize processing energy efficiency in process plants, Energy and Process Optimization for the Process Industries provides a holistic approach that considers optimizing process conditions, changing process flowschemes, modifying equipment internals, and upgrading process technology that has already been used in a process plant with success. Field tested by numerous operating plants, the book describes technical solutions to reduce energy consumption leading to significant returns on capital and includes an 8-point Guidelines for Success. The book provides managers, chemical and mechanical engineers, and plant operators with methods and tools for continuous energy and process improvements.

Open up a world of electronic possibilities with the easiest "how-to" guide available today If you're looking for a new hobby that's tons of fun--and practical to boot--electronics might be right up your alley. And getting started has never been easier! In Electronics All-in-One For Dummies, you'll find a plethora of helpful information, from tinkering with basic electronic components to more advanced subjects like working with digital electronics and Arduino microprocessors. Whether you're just getting started and trying to learn the difference between a circuit board and a breadboard, or you've got a handle on the fundamentals and are looking to get to the next level of electronics mastery, this book has the tools, techniques, and step-by-step guides you need to achieve your goals--and have a blast doing it! You'll learn: Critical safety tips and strategies to keep yourself and your environment protected while you work Useful schematics for everyday devices you can put to work immediately, like animated holiday lights and animatronic prop controllers How to work with alternating current, direct current, analog, digital, and car electronics, as well as Raspberry Pi technologies Perfect for anyone who's ever looked at a circuit board and thought to themselves, "I wonder how that works?", Electronics All-in-One For Dummies is your go-to guide to getting a grip on some of the coolest electronic technologies on the market.

"Electronic Media and Industrialized Nations" considers the approaches that industrialized nations have taken to introduce, develop, control, and use electronic media. Browne compares and contrasts through detailed case studies, the experiences of several nations--France, Germany (both East and West), the Soviet Union and Russia, and the Netherlands--by presenting them in light of the political, economic, cultural, geographical, and demographic factors that both shape and reflect society. He then compares the pros and cons of those experiences, adds specific examples from still other industrialized nations, and proposes an "ideal" system as a way of focusing attention on what the media could and should do to play supportive roles in society.

Browne readily acknowledges his own biases. He makes it abundantly clear that he believes those who regulate, administer, produce, and receive have an obligation to understand how the electronic media function and how the media should and can follow standards that will better ensure their responsibility for the development of healthy societies.

While the present work is based on Browne's award-winning "Comparing Broadcast Systems," it goes much further in terms of its coverage of such subjects as government-media relationships, minorities and the media, uses of the Internet, and the possible influence of "media barons," the European Union, and transnational corporations. Where the two Germanys and the Soviet Union/Russia are concerned, he provides an account of the role of the media before, during, and after both German unification and the collapse of the Soviet Union. He also places greater emphasis on how media portrayal of religion, class, language, ethnicity, and political affiliation provide us with images of the relative health of civil society.