Events – Professional Academic Corporate etc

EVENTS 

CONFERENCE CONVENTION SEMINAR WORKSHOP UNCONFERENCE etc
ACADEMIC EVENT MANAGEMENT

A Primer

By

VIKRAM KARVE

We may classify events can in a few broad categories based on their purpose and objective: 

1.  Leisure Events  [leisure, sport, music, recreation] 
2.  Cultural Events [ceremonial, religious, art, heritage, and folklore]
3.  Personal Events [weddings, birthdays, anniversaries]
4.  Organisational Events [commercial, political, charitable, sales, product launch, trade fairs, shows, road shows etc]
5.  Academic Events [conferences, workshops, seminars, symposium, unconference]

In this article – let me focus on Academic Events – since that is what I am most conversant with – having been an HR/Training Manager and Professor for many years in my long career – and having participated in and actively presenting papers (and also passively attended as delegate). 

As a part of my work – both in the Navy and in Academia – I have organised many Conferences, Seminars, Workshops, Symposia etc.

Of course – I have organized and participated in many other types of events as well – and may write about it subsequently.

The two main stakeholders in an academic event are the organisers – and the participants – or – delegates.

From the academic point of view – the Organisers view the event as one-way communication – a gathering where they impart information to the attendees. 

Of course – there may be other commercial motives and career ambitions as well.

The Delegates may look at the event from different points of view. 

There are a number of reasons why persons attend academic events like conferences – learning experience, enjoyment, professional networking, seeking peer group approval and prestige [by presenting their research papers] – or as a perk or reward for good performance etc.

Conference: A meeting of individuals or representatives of various bodies for the purpose of discussing and/or acting on topics of common interest or theme. 

A conference is a large event, lasting several days and attracting a large number of delegates. 

Typically a conference may attract more than a thousand delegates (1000+ delegates)

A session is an unbroken period within a conference.

The plenary session is a session at which all delegates are present. 

The “Graveyard Shift” is the session immediately after lunch – when most delegates are likely to feel drowsy, have a siesta and nap off. 

A poster session affords opportunity for authors of papers which are not actually presented in the conference to display posters, summaries and abstracts of their papers to delegates and stand by to discuss and answer questions. This is held during conference session breaks outside the main conference hall in the foyers and adjacent lobbies.

Convention: A convention, or congress, is a gathering of greater importance than a conference, much larger in size, with a few thousand participants, with a formal agenda and programme, with the aim of formulating policy.

Seminar: A seminar is a small to medium sized event with the number of delegates ranging from 20/30 to around 100/200. 

Seminars are compact one or two day events designed to educate and inform delegates of the subject(s) of interest and discuss issues of common concern.

Symposium: A symposium is a Seminar where only a single topic or subject is discussed in an informal way encouraging inter-delegate-speaker communication and debate.

Colloquium: In a colloquium one or more experts or eminent academicians deliver lectures on a subject followed by a question and answer session. 

A colloquium is purely academic in nature.

Workshop: A workshop is a small gathering of delegates to discuss and exchange ideas on specific topics or to solve particular problems. 

It is like a symposium but more formal in nature.

Meeting: A meeting is a much smaller event – maybe involving a few executives or invitees – discussing business or a precise agenda.

Information Flow: In a symposium and workshop the flow of information is between all the participants, delegates and speakers; whereas in a seminar and colloquium the flow of information is primarily one-way from the speakers to the audience. 

Of course – in a meeting – there is more of presentation, deliberation and discussion with the aim of collective consensus and decision-making.

Clinic: A clinic is a meeting of a select group of persons with common interests, confronting and discussing real-life situations and problems, organised for the purpose of diagnosing, analysing and seeking solutions to specific problems.

Unconference: An “unconference” is a facilitated, participant-driven face-to-face conference centred on a theme or purpose.

Even at traditional conferences – the most productive moments often occur during informal networking – tête-à-tête – and discussions between the formal sessions – in tea and lunch breaks – and in the evenings over cocktails/dinner/get-togethers etc

That is what an “unconference” aims to achieve.

The cardinal premise of an “unconference” is that there are no spectators – in an “unconference” – everyone is a participant.

This sets the stage for everyone to actively contribute and is another factor in making this event so unique.

The idea of “unconference” probably emanated from the Fundamental Law of Conventional Conferences: 

“The sum of the expertise of the people in the audience is greater than the sum of expertise of the people on stage...”

The aim of an unconference is to break the barrier between the audience and the speakers on the podium. 

Members of the audience and participants write topics they are interested in on boards, consolidate the topics, and then break into discussion groups.

With the advent of the internet and increasing virtual interaction – meetings, conferencing, networking and modern forms of “formal” and “informal” web-based communication and learning technologies – the concept of “unconferencing” is more attractive than traditional conferences of the “old mould” type.

So how does one plan and organise such academic events...?

There are so many aspects and factors to be considered – topic, venue, dates, programme, speakers, papers, delegates, technology, communication, budget, accommodation, food, entertainment, PR, promotion, publication, sponsorship, commercial aspects, check-off lists… 

I will end now. 

But – more on this topic – and about other types of events – later on my blog. 

VIKRAM KARVE

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This blog post is a revised repost of my article written 25 years ago in the 1990s and posted online earlier at url: http://karvediat.blogspot.in/2010/09/event-management-conference-seminar.html  and  http://karvediat.blogspot.com/2017/05/event-management-academic-events.html  etc 

How to impart Training

HOW TO IMPART TRAINING 
Musings of a Veteran Trainer 
By
VIKRAM KARVE

Training Strategy is the sine qua non for the efficacy of a Training Programme.

In fact – Training Strategy is the basis for Training Design and Implementation. 

That is why – the first thing I used to do before designing a training programme – was to reflect, explore, consider, analyse and decide as to which Training Philosophy is relevant to the context in the particular Training Need and Environment. 

TRAINING PHILOSOPHY
There are 3 basic Training Philosophies:

1.Confucian Training Philosophy

2. Zen Training Philosophy

3. On-the-job Training Philosophy

You must formulate your Training Strategy as per your Training Philosophy. 

Thus – Training Philosophy is the foundation – the core – of the “Art of Training”.

CONFUCIAN TRAINING PHILOSOPHY 

The Objective of Confucian Training Philosophy is:

The Aim of Training is to Qualify the Trainee for a more Important Job.

In other words – Training is inextricably linked with Career Advancement.

Most Military Training Courses are based on the Confucian Training Philosophy.

Since Confucian Type Training is primarily for promotion – if the training is not followed by promotion or career advancement quickly enough – non-realization of expectations may create frustration and resentment in the trainee. 

ZEN TRAINING PHILOSOPHY 

The Objective of Zen Training Philosophy is:

The purpose of training is continuous improvement in performance.

The emphasis here is on “continuous improvement”.


The Aim of Training is to improve the Present Performance of the Trainee – by focusing on excellence in work and self-development. 

Zen Type training aims at strengthening the inner urge and enhancing requisite skills for work-excellence and job-satisfaction – without the trainee expecting any tangible material reward or career advancement due to the training.

“ON THE JOB” TRAINING

And – of course – if you want to avoid a formal training programme altogether – there is always my favourite good old time-tested “On-The-Job Training” philosophy which is breathtaking in its simplicity:

“Entrust a man with responsibility – and then tell him to get on with the job...!”

It is called “On the Job Training” and it always works – you can take my word for it...!!! 

The Navy believes in “On the Job Training” – and – during my Navy Days – I saw the efficacy of “On the Job Training” – especially on Ships. 

In my next blog post – I will tell you a hilarious story on “On-The-Job Training”.

TRAINING versus EDUCATION

Hey – Dear Reader – can you this please tell us the difference between Training and Education.

Is there a difference between “Training” and “Education”...? 

The difference between Training and Education is explained below. 

In my opinion – the difference between Training and Education is as follows:

1. The Aim of Training is to develop the required Skills in the Trainee

2. The Aim of Education is to enhance the Knowledge of the Student

In a nutshell:

“Training” pertains to “skill” development 

“Education” pertains to “knowledge” enhancement 

If so – what are various “Education Philosophies” akin to “Training Philosophies”...?

Hey – you Academics and Thinkers and Educationists out there.

Please throw some more light on this subject – so that we don’t confuse Training with Education – and vice versa. 


FOOD FOR THOUGHT

In a developing country like India – we need a skilled workforce.

Sadly – in India – we focus too much on Education. 

We have too many highly qualified individuals who are unemployable because they do not have the requisite skills.

Even Engineering and Technology Courses focus more on bookish knowledge than practical skill development.

Owing to this – most industrial organisations have to conduct induction training to develop the requisite skills – and make these degree engineers ready for work on the “shopfloor” – to put is metaphorically – and even I have had the opportunity to conduct Induction Training for newly recruited engineers and scientists.

Indian needs SKILL DEVELOPMENT – and – to achieve this – we have to focus more on TRAINING – rather than Degree Oriented Bookish EDUCATION.

We keep opening IITs (Indian Institutes of Technology). 

But - in actual fact: 

We need more ITIs (Industrial Training Institutes).

In any case – most IIT students migrate abroad, mainly to USA, for lucrative careers and to realize their “American Dream”. 

So – India does not gain much from IITs.

On the other hand – ITI trainees work in Indian Industries.

We need more ITIs – maybe an ITI in each district.

So – we should proliferating IITs – and start opening ITIs instead.

Yes – in order to achieve “skill development” – India needs more ITIs than IITs.

VIKRAM KARVE

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Disclaimer:

All stories in this blog are a work of fiction. Events, Places, Settings and Incidents narrated in the story are a figment of my imagination. The characters do not exist and are purely imaginary. Any resemblance to persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental.

Copyright Notice:

No part of this Blog may be reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical including photocopying or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the Blog Author Vikram Karve who holds the copyright.

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© vikram karve., all rights reserved.

 

“Electro-Pollution” – Electromagnetic Interference, Compatibility and Hazards (EMI/ EMC/RADHAZ) – Reference Literature Survey

EMI / EMC (ELECTROMAGNETIC INTERFERENCE AND COMPATIBILITY)

RADHAZ BIOELECTROMAGNETICS and EMC 

Reference Literature Survey 
Three Book Reviews
By
VIKRAM KARVE

Hazards of Electromagnetic Radiation (EMR) to Human Beings and Living Organisms 

I have been invited to deliver a lecture on Electro-Magnetic Interference and Electro-Magnetic Compatibility abbreviated as EMI / EMC. 

I have decided to speak on the topic of Electromagnetic Pollution (or Electropollution) with specific focus on RADHAZ and Bioelectromagnetics.

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 during my faculty days at IAT (later called DIAT Deemed University and MILIT) 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: 

Books Reviewed: 

1. Biological Effects of Microwaves by S Baranski and P Czerski 

2. Biological Effects of Electromagnetic Radiation by John M Osepchuk (Ed) 

3. EMC for Product Designers by Tim Williams

BOOK REVIEW No. 1 

Biological Effects of Microwaves by S Baranski and P Czerski

(A seminal reference book on Bioelectromagnetics and Electropollution Effects on Human Beings and Living Organisms)

Book Details 

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

Book Review by Vikram Karve

               

Electromagnetic Radiations emanating from various communication systems and devices like Radio and TV broadcasting antennas, satellite communication, cell phone and mobile phone transmitters and transmission towers, microwave ovens and electrical and electronic appliances have now become an unavoidable area of our life. 

Today, especially in modern urban life, we are surrounded by electromagnetic radiation.

Microwaves constitute a significant part of electromagnetic radiations and contribute to “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 practicing electronic and electrical 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 radio-protection. 

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 radio-frequencies  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.

This chapter 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 theory and working of various microwave transmitter valves such as magnetron, klystron – Reflex Klystron and multi-cavity Klystron and Travelling Wave Tube  (TWT) briefly with their schematic representations.

The 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 the hazards 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 suggestions for prevention of health hazards are given which are very much important while dealing with the microwaves.

The seventh and last chapter of the book summarizes the work presented in the previous chapters and the important developments in the field till the writing of this book. 

The authors suggest integrated coordinated 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. 

This book was published 43 years ago in 1976. 

Though not a recent publication, this book is a seminal work and an important book of reference literature in the area of Bioelectromagnetics and will prove useful for those who are doing research in this field.

BOOK REVIEW No. 2 

Biological Effects of Electromagnetic Radiation by John M Osepchuk (Ed)

Details of the Reference Book/Journal

TITLE: BIOLOGICAL EFFECTS OF ELECTROMAGNETIC RADIATION 

AUTHOR:  JOHN M OSEPCHUK (Ed)

PUBLISHER: IEEE PRESS, NEW YORK 1983 

Book Review 

This book is a collection of scientific and technical research papers of the IEEE, collected by efforts of Committee of Man and Radiation (COMAR) and is very useful for the study of Biological Effects of Electromagnetic Radiation. 

The book helps to understand the bottom-line results and also some of the reports which have greatly influenced this field of research and its practical relevance. 

(The Editor of this volume, John M Osepchuk was a consulting scientist at Raytheon Company Lexington, Massachusetts from 1950.  He received B.A. and M.A. degrees in Engineering Science and Applied Physics and a Ph.D. in Applied Physics, all from Harvard University)

The papers are presented in seven separate parts with associated references. 

The book also focuses about measures like Specific Absorption Rates (SAR), exposure on people, susceptibility standards for electronic devices to be implanted into people and beneficial medical applications of Electromagnetic Radiations. 

Some research papers also show the tests and experiments done on different animals (mammals) to demonstrate the hazards effects, and uses of electromagnetic radiations.

The book comprises of seven parts. 

Every part is compiled by various editors to cover the broad aspects of the topic by collecting different technical papers. 

A brief review on various topics is covered on subsequent paragraphs.

The first part deals with relationship between the properties of the exposure fields and the absorbed energy (rate of energy absorption) or fields in the exposed tissues. HP Schwan and GM Piersol brought out with their review to evaluate the biophysical mechanisms by which electromagnetic radiation is absorbed in tissue, and its medical applications. 

The next paper reveals the effects of temperature distribution over tissues when exposed to different kinds of radiation sources. EL Hunt, RD Phillips, DM Fleming, RD Castro have demonstrated a dosimetry system which measures the heat generated by “carcass” (dead and burnt body of an animal) thereby measuring electromagnetic wave exposure. 

The next paper states the heating patterns of cranial (skull) structure in microwave pattern. There are several problems associated with the electromagnetic wave propagation effects in living organisms. The low frequencies also now known for harmful effects due to long time exposure such as behavioral changes, burns, cataracts, etc in animal tissues. 

Further going ahead, the next paper by Habib Massoudi, Carl H Durney, and Curtis C Johnson shows the calculations of the power absorbed by an ellipsoidal model of man are given for six different orientations of the ellipsoid with respect to the incident plane wave field vectors. The results show that the induced fields and the absorbed power in the ellipsoid are strong functions of frequency, size, and orientation with respect to the incident field vectors. However, the syndicates of this paper have determined a formula that is an approximate numerical method of curve fitting to find the average specific absorption rate (SAR) over a broad frequency range. Now that we know that mammals are largely affected by microwaves, there was a requirement of measurement of these exposures, the paper by Ronald R Bowman suggests a thermistor probe and a very high resistance plastic leads to measure the RF frequency exposure. 

The last paper of this part by Om P Gandhi states electromagnetic dose for different parts of man and animals at various incident frequencies with the change in orientations of body. A typical sketch of human body is shown to illustrate the distribution of power deposition for an average specific absorption rate.

The second part brings about the various approaches on the biophysical interactions of the RF fields. 

The first paper by W Ross Adey illustrates that the nervous exhibits a rhythmic electrical activities, a set of electrical signals when we do different daily activity, even in different moods. The Electroencephalogram (EEG) measures such kind of electrical signals. Thus, brain cells also sense field potentials, which bring changes in the behavior. 

The next paper by SA Moskalenko, MF Miglei, PI Khaoshi, EP Pokatilov and ES Kiselyova states that a biological system is considered as a macroscopic model consisting of separate units which oscillate with different frequencies due to the interaction among themselves and form a set of electric dipole oscillators. There is an individual finite group of modes among these units they are called active phonons. Now if the energy is supplied to these phonons, change in frequency is observed, this is probably responsible for growth control of tissues or enzyme activities and even leads cancer. 

In next paper, Robert H Cole has presented a progressing report paper on mathematical interpretation of dielectric theory for the changes in DNA solution. The DNA structure is also represented by Watson Crick Helix. 

The subsequent paper show that change in energy of the biomolecules leads to the change in the enzyme activities and the analogy of the biophysical and biochemical processes in neuroscience with the electrochemical reactions.

The third part focuses on the thorough study of effects of the Radio Fields on the central nervous system and behavior. In the first paper by Chung Kwang Chou and Arthur William Guy, they have tried to find out the part of skull which determines the RF frequency, whether it is affected by the polarization of electric field, and the change in auditory response by using guinea pigs and cats and thus finding the analogy in the human body. The next paper brings about the threshold of the sensitization to microwaves in rats. The paper by James C Lin, Arthur W Guy and Lynn R Caldwell shows the operant responses of the rat carcasses (Skull) at various radiation strengths. The subsequent papers bring out the changes in behavior, dosimetry and stimuli in auditory responses on exposure to microwave.

The fourth part deals with the study on effects of microwave exposure which leads to temperature rise and causing pathology changes in animal body. 

The first paper shows the experiments on rats, rabbits and dogs on exposure to microwave thermal effects followed by cooling and the effects on eyes and testis thus, concluding the effects of the same on human body. 

The subsequent papers show the study of effects on endocrine, thyroid, pituitary changes due to exposure of microwaves of different energy and different exposure duration. The occurrence of vasodilation responses at various temperatures on exposure to microwaves is of significant emphasis in skin areas. The thermoregulatory responses on exposure to microwave post infrared exposure produce no changes in behavior. The immunity towards microwave exposure of 2450 MHz radiation for various duration are achieved by the body by lymphoid cells. Effects of microwave exposure on rabbits eye at frequencies of 2.45 to 10 GHz leads to opacity (cataract). 

A very significant study paper by Charles I Barron and Albert A Baraff shows how microwave exposures of radar effects heart, kidneys, liver, gastrointestinal and hemoarrhagic changes in respiratory system in animals and human body. 

Another paper by Charlotte Silverman reviews a study on Tri-services personnel occupationally exposed to radars causing nervous and behavioral effects, congenital anomalies, cancer etc. 

The last paper of this part by SM Michaelson shows the study of hazards associated with the development, association, operation and maintenance of radars and other radio-frequency emitting equipment on various body organs, tissues, and enzyme system on various power levels.

The fifth part reflects exposure, emission, susceptibility and medicine in diathermy, hyperthermia and diagnostic techniques on microwaves. 

The first paper illustrates the effect of deep tissue heating, and its applications. 

The next paper by JG Short and PF Turner states application of hyperthermic treatments as a choice of treatments or combination of other treatments on tumors based on their locations. 

The subsequent papers emphasize more on application of microwave radiations as a method of imaging techniques of kidneys, thermography as a means of detecting breast cancer by change in temperature of body tissues emitting thermal radiations, microwave applications in measuring neurochemical parameters, use of microwaves in thawing (upbringing to unfrozen state).

The sixth part is published with the articles covering on safety standards, the history and present state of potential hazards and microwave safety standards. The subsequent papers also put an emphasis on Biological effects and Dosimetric data for development of radio frequency safety. The data based on various RF emissions through equipment and places is also covered in the article.

The seventh part of the book covers the hazards of cardiac pacemakers due to electromagnetic interference and emission of radio frequency radiation. Other articles cover electromagnetic interference of pacemakers in dental environment by using pulse generator of various manufacturing companies.

This volume clearly brings out with various case studies, experiments, applications and illustrations on the Biological effects of Electromagnetic Radiations. 

The facts and figures help the reader to understand the functions of various systems designed and published in the articles in a simple way. 

However, the reader needs to have the requisite proficiency in electrical engineering and electromagnetic theory, mathematics, science and instrumentation and be conversant with relevant terminologies in order to better understand the effects of microwave and EM radiations on human beings and animals. 

Though published 36 years ago, this volume is a useful milestone reference book for those who want to delve into this fascination area of study. 

BOOK REVIEW No. 3 

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

BOOK REVIEW 

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.

Sometime ago 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 etc.

But do you give even a fleeting consideration to Electromagnetic Compatibility (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 recommend this book – it is an excellent reference book for Electrical, Electronic, Telecommunication and IT Engineers and Managers, Designers, Students and practicing professionals in the field of EMI/EMC and a useful addition for all engineering and technical libraries. 

Three Book Reviews (EMI/EMC/RADHAZ) by VIKRAM KARVE 

VIKRAM KARVE

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The first two Book Reviews by Vikram Karve were written more than 25 years ago in the 1990’s and the third in the year 2009 and posted online earlier a number of times by Vikram Karve in various journals/blogs including in my Academic and Creative Writing Journal Vikram Karve at urls: http://karvediat.blogspot.in/2015/01/emi-emc-radhaz-hazards-of.html  and  http://karvediat.blogspot.in/2015/01/emi-emc-radhaz-biological-effects-of_19.html  and http://karvediat.blogspot.in/2011/10/microwave-hazards-biological-effects.html and http://karvediat.blogspot.in/2015/01/emi-emc-radhaz-biological-effects-of.html and http://karvediat.blogspot.in/2012/12/electromagnetic-radiation-emi-emc_28.html and http://karvediat.blogspot.in/2012/12/electromagnetic-radiation-emi-emc.html and https://karve.wordpress.com/2009/09/01/electro-vaastu/ and http://karvediat.blogspot.com/2009/09/electro-vastu-shastra.html  and http://karvediat.blogspot.com/2013/01/electromagnetic-interference-and_15.html  and http://karvediat.blogspot.com/2015/01/emi-emc-for-product-designers-book.html etc