Th. Emil Homerin (ed. and trans.): Ā͑ ʾishah al-Bā ū͑ niyyah, The Principles of Sufism [Book review]

Book review. Reviewed book: ‘Ā’ishah al-Bā‘ūniyyah, The Principles of Sufism / Edited and translated by Th. Emil Homerin. Library of Arabic Literature. London ; New York, NY : New York University Press, 2014. IBSN 978-0-8147-4528-1(hb) ; ISBN 978-0-8147-4516-8 (e-book).Peer reviewe

Numerical Modeling of Flexible Structures in Open Ocean Environment

The dissertation presents advancements in numerical modeling of offshore aquaculture and harbor protection structures in the open ocean environment. The advancements were implemented in the finite element software Hydro-FE that expands the Morison equation approach previously incorporated in Aqua-FE software developed at the University of New Hampshire. The concept of equivalent dropper was introduced and validated on the example of a typical mussel longline design. Parametric studies for mussel dropper drag coefficients and bending stiffness contributions were performed for different environmental conditions. To model kelp aggregates in macroalgae aquaculture, a corresponding numerical technique was developed. The technique proposes a modified Morison-type approach calibrated in full-scale physical tow tank experiments conducted at Hydromechanics Laboratory of the United States Naval Academy. In addition to the numerical modeling techniques, an advanced methodology for multidimensional approximation of the current velocity fields around offshore installations was proposed. The methodology was applied to model a response of a kelp farm by utilizing tidal-driven acoustic Doppler current profiler measurements. Finally, a numerical model of a floating protective barrier was built in the Hydro-FE software to evaluate its seaworthiness. The model was validated by comparison to measurements obtained in scaled physical wave tank tests and field deployments

Islamic mysticism : a short history

The book provides a general survey of the history of Islamic mysticism (Sufism) since its inception up to the modern time. It combines chronological and personality-based approaches to the subject with a thematic discussion of principal Sufi notions and institutions. Sufism is examined from a variety of different perspectives: as a vibrant social institution, a specific form of artistic expression (mainly poetic), an ascetic and contemplative practice, and a distinctive intellectual tradition that derived its vitality from a dialogue with other strands of Islamic thought. The book emphasizes the wide variety of Sufism's interactions with the society and its institutions from an ascetic withdrawal from the world to an active involvement in its affairs by individual Sufi masters and organizations