Mobile Computer Usability

Mobile Computer Usability

This book explains how mobile computer usability is shaped by the increasing integration of personal circumstances in organization. It represents an attempt to conceptualize an alternative model of mobile computer usability. It is motivated by the authors conviction that we do not yet have an adequate understanding of this concept because we have not taken seriously the transformation of human personality by the co-evolution of organization and ICTs. The author argues that the transformation has resulted in a human personality whose personal and organizational activities are characterized by strong continuities between them. This characterization reflects a new kind of personality of the worker, and is a critical determinant of mobile computer usability. The word organizational is used to describe this kind of personality hence an alternative organizational personality perspective on mobile computer usability. This perspective suggests that a mobile computer is more usable to a person than another one because of its satisfaction of both his personal and organizational motives, which are in turn shaped by the co-evolution of organization, technology and personality.

Mobile Computer Usability

DNA Structure and Function

DNA Structure and Function

DNA Structure and Function, a timely and comprehensive resource, is intended for any student or scientist interested in DNA structure and its biological implications. The book provides a simple yet comprehensive introduction to nearly all aspects of DNA structure. It also explains current ideas on the biological significance of classic and alternative DNA conformations. Suitable for graduate courses on DNA structure and nucleic acids, the text is also excellent supplemental reading for courses in general biochemistry, molecular biology, and genetics.

DNA Structure and Function

Introduction to Thin Film Transistors

Introduction to Thin Film Transistors

Introduction to Thin Film Transistors reviews the operation, application and technology of the main classes of thin film transistor (TFT) of current interest for large area electronics. The TFT materials covered include hydrogenated amorphous silicon (a-Si:H), poly-crystalline silicon (poly-Si), transparent amorphous oxide semiconductors (AOS), and organic semiconductors. The large scale manufacturing of a-Si:H TFTs forms the basis of the active matrix flat panel display industry. Poly-Si TFTs facilitate the integration of electronic circuits into portable active matrix liquid crystal displays, and are increasingly used in active matrix organic light emitting diode (AMOLED) displays for smart phones. The recently developed AOS TFTs are seen as an alternative option to poly-Si and a-Si:H for AMOLED TV and large AMLCD TV applications, respectively. The organic TFTs are regarded as a cost effective route into flexible electronics. As well as treating the highly divergent preparation and properties of these materials, the physics of the devices fabricated from them is also covered, with emphasis on performance features such as carrier mobility limitations, leakage currents and instability mechanisms. The thin film transistors implemented with these materials are the conventional, insulated gate field effect transistors, and a further chapter describes a new thin film transistor structure: the source gated transistor, SGT.The driving force behind much of the development of TFTs has been their application to AMLCDs, and there is a chapter dealing with the operation of these displays, as well as of AMOLED and electrophoretic displays. A discussion of TFT and pixel layout issues is also included.For students and new-comers to the field, introductory chapters deal with basic semiconductor surface physics, and with classical MOSFET operation. These topics are handled analytically, so that the underlying device physics is clearly revealed. These treatments are then used as a reference point, from which the impact of additional band-gap states on TFT behaviour can be readily appreciated.This reference book, covering all the major TFT technologies, will be of interest to a wide range of scientists and engineers in the large area electronics industry. It will also be a broad introduction for research students and other scientists entering the field, as well as providing an accessible and comprehensive overview for undergraduate and postgraduate teaching programmes.

Introduction to Thin Film Transistors

Biology of Stem Cells and the Molecular Basis of the Stem State

Biology of Stem Cells and the Molecular Basis of the Stem State

Biology of Stem Cells and the Molecular Basis of the Stem State concentrates upon adult stem cells, particularly on mesenchymal cell populations, which is the authors area of expertise. The text offers the reader a detailed description of the emergence of stem cell research and the dogmas that were created during the first decades of analysis of stem cell properties, particularly those of hemopoietic stem cells. Biology of Stem Cells and the Molecular Basis of the Stem State also introduces the reader to the commonly accepted notions regarding stem cell biology, with an emphasis on an alternative view of stemness, i.e. the stem state. In keeping with the popularity of this topic, Biology of Stem Cells and the Molecular Basis of the Stem State addresses the major controversies and points of dispute, among researchers in the stem cell field. Overall, Biology of Stem Cells and the Molecular Basis of the Stem State presents a well-rounded dialogue about stem cells as it not only concentrates upon the biological elements of stem cell, but also addresses the controversy and hype currently enveloping this popular subject.

Biology of Stem Cells and the Molecular Basis of the Stem State

Energy, Transport and the Environment

Energy, Transport and the Environment

Sustainable mobility is a highly complex problem as it is affected by the interactions between socio-economic, environmental, technological and political issues. Energy, Transport, & the Environment: Addressing the Sustainable Mobility Paradigm brings together leading figures from business, academia and governments to address the challenges and opportunities involved in working towards sustainable mobility. Key thinkers and decision makers approach topics and debates including: energy security and resource scarcity greenhouse gas and pollutant emissions urban planning, transport systems and their management governance and finance of transformationthe threats of terrorism and climate change to our transport systems. Introduced by a preface from U.S. Secretary of Energy, Steven Chu and an outline by the editors, Dr Oliver Inderwildi and Sir David King, Energy, Transport, & the Environment is divided into six sections. These sections address and explore the challenges and opportunities for energy supply, road transport, urban mobility, aviation, sea and rail, as well as finance and economics in transport. Possible solutions, ranging from alternative fuels to advanced urban planning and policy levers, will be examined in order to deepen the understanding of currently proposed solutions within the political realities of the dominating economic areas. The result of this detailed investigation is an integrated view of sustainable transport for both people and freight, making Energy, Transport, & the Environment key reading for researchers, decision makers and policy experts across the public and private sectors.

Energy, Transport and the Environment

Educational Algebra

Educational Algebra

Given its abstract nature and the highly syntactical competence required by the use of symbolic algebra, research on its teaching and learning must rely on approaches that include semiotic concepts and analyses that recall the history of algebraic ideas, among others. Educational Algebra: A Theoretical and Empirical Approach deals with a theoretical perspective on the study of school algebra, in which both components (semiotics and history) occur. This perspective runs opposite to general theoretical models, since it submits components for the design of local frameworks for theoretical analysis. The Methodological design allows for the interpretation of specific phenomena and the inclusion, within such interpretative frameworks, of evidence not included in more general treatments. Such is the case of phenomena observed in subjects who are initiating the study of symbolic algebra, involving the production of personal sign systems at the intermediate level or the level previous to the mathematical sign system which is to be learned. Disciplines such as Linguistics, Logic, Psycholinguistics, Semiotics, general Cognitive Psychology, Mathematics Psychology, Mathematics Epistemology, History of Mathematics, and others have carried out research on the same topics approached by Mathematics Education and have redefined their results within the framework of their respective fields. Specifically, theorists in Linguistics, Information Processing and Didactics of Mathematics have done important work on the notion of code. Today, this notion is a key element to interpreting the idea of representation in the new explanatory models of cognitive problems placed by alternative teaching approaches, including those involving a technological environment. Additionally, Psycholinguistics and Artificial Intelligence in procedural models of human abilities have intended to explain how and why users of mathematical language naturally and commonly make mistakes in syntactical procedures. Educational Algebra: A Theoretical and Empirical Approach adds to previous developments with priority given to a pragmatic perspective on ‘meaning in use’ over ‘formal meaning’. The bulk of these approaches and others of similar nature have lead to a focus on competence rather than on a users activity with mathematical language. Such a shift in perspective has fundamental implications on the way mathematical language is studied. Essentially, Grammarthe abstract formal systemand Pragmaticsthe principles of the use of languageare complementary domains in this volume. Both are related to different teaching models, whether new or traditional, used in helping students to become competent users of Algebra. Because of this, Educational Algebra: A Theoretical and Empirical Approach will be of interest to researchers and practitioners within the mathematics education field.

Educational Algebra

A Course on Elation Quadrangles

A Course on Elation Quadrangles

The notion of elation generalized quadrangle is a natural generalization to the theory of generalized quadrangles of the important notion of translation planes in the theory of projective planes. Almost any known class of finite generalized quadrangles can be constructed from a suitable class of elation quadrangles. In this book the author considers several aspects of the theory of elation generalized quadrangles. Special attention is given to local Moufang conditions on the foundational level, exploring, for instance, Knarr’s question from the 1990s concerning the very notion of elation quadrangles. All the known results on Kantor’s prime power conjecture for finite elation quadrangles are gathered, some of them published here for the first time. The structural theory of elation quadrangles and their groups is heavily emphasized. Other related topics, such as $p$-modular cohomology, Heisenberg groups, and existence problems for certain translation nets, are briefly touched. This book starts from scratch and is essentially self-contained. Many alternative proofs are given for known theorems. This course contains dozens of exercises at various levels, from very easy to rather difficult, and will stimulate undergraduate and graduate students to enter the fascinating and rich world of elation quadrangles. More accomplished mathematicians will find the final chapters especially challenging. A publication of the European Mathematical Society (EMS). Distributed within the Americas by the American Mathematical Society.

A Course on Elation Quadrangles

Leading to Choices

Leading to Choices

Leading to Choices, developed by the Women’s Learning Partnership for Rights, Development, and Peace (WLP) in collaboration with its partner organizations in the Global South, is based on a conceptualization of leadership as horizontal, inclusive, and participatory. The alternative leadership model presented in this handbook responds to the need for leaders who aspire to create egalitarian, democratic, and pluralistic societies based on collaborative decision-making, coalition-building, and gender equality. The manual has been used in workshops around the world, where articipants have included women, young girls, and men; Muslims and Christians; and human rights activitists, university students, women NGO representatives, refugees, and domestic workers among others.

Leading to Choices

Resistance in the Age of Austerity

Resistance in the Age of Austerity

In November 1999 the first protests associated with the ‘anti-globalisation movement’ took place in Seattle, and came to be seen as the starting point for globalised resistance to neoliberal capitalism. However, the following years have seen little progress in formulating a coherent alternative to neoliberalism, a failure more poignant in the aftermath of the recent credit crisis.

Resistance in the Age of Austerity

The Science and Art of Porcelain Laminate Veneers

The Science and Art of Porcelain Laminate Veneers

This text details the expanding field of porcelain laminate veneers in aesthetic dentistry. It guides the aesthetic dentist in understanding the needs of the patient and formulating a treatment plan that includes not only aesthetic considerations, such as colour and smile design, but also occlusal, periodontal and functional requirements. In addition, it discusses the use of porcelain laminate veneers in diastema closure, the treatment of tetracycline discolouration and in conjunction wih orthodontic therapy. New techniques to ensure minimally invasive tooth preparation and maximum space creation for the dental technician are explored, and impression materials for porcelain laminate veneers are compared. The detailed guides to alternative porcelain materials and their step-by-step applications should make this book useful to general practitioners, dental technicians and the entire aesthetic team.

The Science and Art of Porcelain Laminate Veneers

Key Chiral Auxiliary Applications, Second Edition

Key Chiral Auxiliary Applications, Second Edition

Asymmeric synthesis is extremely important for many applications, especially in industrial chemistry. When a reaction forms a chiral molecule, the two possible enantiomeric products can have very different properties; one may be a beneficial drug and the other may be toxic. It is therefore very important to be able to make a pure enantiomer. For example the drug thalidimide was used in the 1950s by women to reduce the discomfort of pregnancy; unknown at the time, it was a mixture of enantiomers of the same molecule. One enantiomer was therapeutic, the other was later found to be toxic, but had already resulted in many cases of birth defects, particularly in Japan and Europe. Chiral molecules are also involved in dyes and pigments, fragrances, flavors and many other commercial applications. One alternative to using a chiral auxiliary to make a pure enantiomer is to make both enantiomers and then purify out the desired one but this method is wasteful in terms of chemicals used, expensive and time consuming.

Key Chiral Auxiliary Applications, Second Edition

Alternative Energies

Alternative Energies

This book presents nine chapters based on fundamental and applied research of alternative energies. At the present time, the challenge is that technology has to come up with solutions that can provide environmentally friendly energy supply options that are able to cover the current world energy demand. Experts around the world are working on these issues for providing new solutions that will break the existing technological barriers. This book aims to address key pillars in the alternative energy field, such as: biomass energy, hydrogen energy, solar energy, wind energy, hydroelectric power, geothermal energy and their environmental implications, with the most updated progress for each pillar. It also includes the life cycle assessment (LCA) and thermoeconomic analysis (TA) as tools for evaluating and optimising environmental and cost subjects. Chapters are organized into fundamental research, applied research and future trends; and written for engineers, academic researches and scientists.

Alternative Energies

Advanced Gate Stacks for High-Mobility Semiconductors

Advanced Gate Stacks for High-Mobility Semiconductors

Will nanoelectronic devices continue to scale according to Moores law? At this moment, there is no easy answer since gate scaling is rapidly emerging as a serious roadblock for the evolution of CMOS technology. Channel engineering based on high-mobility semiconductor materials (e.g. strained Si, alternative orientation substrates, Ge or III-V compounds) could help overcome the obstacles since they offer performance enhancement. There are several concerns though. Do we know how to make complex engineered substrates (e.g. Germanium-on-Insulator)? Which are the best interface passivation methodologies and (high-k) gate dielectrics on Ge and III-V compounds? Can we process these materials in short channel transistors using flows, toolsets and know how similar to that in Si technology? How do these materials and devices behave at the nanoscale? The reader will get a clear view of what has been done so far, what is the state-of-the-art and which are the main challenges ahead before we come any close to a viable Ge and III-V MOS technology.

Advanced Gate Stacks for High-Mobility Semiconductors

Fundamentals of Power Electronics With Matlab

Fundamentals of Power Electronics With Matlab

Most power electronics textbooks use PSpice for the simulation of circuits, even though MATLAB is a much easier and user-friendly tool. Fundamentals of Power Electronics Using MATLAB teaches students and engineers how to use MATLAB as a simulation and computational tool for power electronics. Designed as a hands-on reference, the scope of the material in the text is not as broad as other reference-style texts, thus making the material less intimidating and more attainable to the reader. Each portion of the text starts with an example based on the section material, followed by a detailed solution. A conclusion is then drawn to emphasize the ?point? of the problem and finally an exercise similar to the example is presented to challenge engineer. This format provides an immediate illustration of how to use the material and an opportunity for students to apply the material on their own. The text also introduces sliding mode control (SMC) of converter circuits where the converter is treated as a variable structure system, in addition to traditional pulse-width-modulation (PWM) control. SMC is a relatively new method of control and is a robust and attractive alternative to PWM. Engineers and students do not need to be proficient in MATLAB to work along with the text because a toolbox is provided on the companion CD-ROM that allows them to use MATLAB and obtain results immediately. The toolbox provides functions to perform power computations, waveform analysis, and power converter circuit design and simulations.

Fundamentals of Power Electronics With Matlab

The Teachings of Don Juan

The Teachings of Don Juan

Thirty years ago the University of California Press published an unusual manuscript by an anthropology student named Carlos Castaneda. The Teachings of Don Juan initiated a generation of seekers dissatisfied with the limitations of the Western worldview. Castaneda’s now classic book remains controversial for the alternative way of seeing that it presents and the revolution in cognition it demands.

The Teachings of Don Juan

Crises of Global Economy and the Future of Capitalism

Crises of Global Economy and the Future of Capitalism

Recent events in the global financial markets and macro economies have served as a strong reminder for a need of a coherent theory of capitalist crisis and analysis. This book helps to fill the gap with well-grounded alternative articulations of the forces which move today’s economic dynamics, how they interact and how ideas of foundational figures in economic theory can be used to make sense of the current predicament. The book presents a comprehensive collection of reflections on the origins, dynamics and implications of the interlinked crises of the U.S. and global economies.

Crises of Global Economy and the Future of Capitalism

Faulty Assumptions

Faulty Assumptions

Why do some students thumb their nose at a good education, disrupt everyones day at every turn, and pretty much subject themselves to a lifetime of compromise and want? This unique book is based on a decade of hands on experience and research dealing with thousands of students in regular education, K-12, and in an alternative school setting. It exposes the accepted and timeworn theories on classroom management, which are based on Faulty Assumptions, that rarely work and oftentimes make the situation worse. Millers common sense principles for classroom leadership were described by one college professor as The Heart of Teaching. This entertaining but thought provoking book provides the practical answers struggling teachers have been searching for to bring order to their classrooms so meaningful learning can take place. The precepts advocated for a smooth running classroom, which translate to a smooth running school, are applicable for all teachers, novice and veteran, with any student, regardless of age. Quite simply, its designed to educate the educated. This is the How To book taken from the real world of the classroom.

Faulty Assumptions

The Fuzzy Systems Handbook

The Fuzzy Systems Handbook

‘The Fuzzy Systems Handbook’ provides an introduction to fuzzy logic, the fast-growing alternative to binary logic that has wide applications from computer science to process control. This handbook leads the reader through the complete process of designing, constructing, implementing, verifying and maintaining a platform-independent fuzzy-system model. It is written in a tutorial style that assumes no background in fuzzy logic on the reader’s part. This pack: includes an IBM DOS diskette, with all the book’s examples implemented in C++ code; provides mathematically straightforward exposition, with emphasis on practical applications; presents case studies on fraud detection, entropy, managed health care and metallurgical analysis. It features a foreword by Lotfi Zadeh, who developed fuzzy logic in the 1960s.

The Fuzzy Systems Handbook

Secrets of Non-Standard Sit N Gos

Secrets of Non-Standard Sit N Gos

If you think you know sit’n’gos…think again!The sit’n’go (single table tournament) format is one of the most popular and exciting ways to play poker. The classic sit’n’go consists of ten players sitting at one table and playing for three prizes – but this is not the only possible format. There are many other ways that these events can be run and they can provide a lucrative opportunity for the skilled player. In ‘Secrets of non-standard Sit’n’gos,’ Phil Shaw navigates you through these exciting variants and explains how you can make them profitable.The alternative formats discussed include: – Heads-up sit’n’gos (two players)- Sit’n’gos played across two tables- 45-player and 180-player sit’n’gos- Non-NL games, including Pot-Limit Omaha, Stud, Razz, Triple Draw and Hi-lo games- Step systems (where players can win entries to tournaments like the EPT and WSOP)…and many moreAs well as a deep examination of the correct strategies for all these events, ‘Secrets of non-standard Sit’n’gos’ also analyses the most effective way to capitalise on rakeback and reward programs.

Secrets of Non-Standard Sit N Gos

Natural Polymers, Volume 2

Natural Polymers, Volume 2

In the search for sustainable materials, natural polymers present an attractive alternative for many applications compared to their synthetic counterparts derived from petrochemicals. The two volume set, Natural Polymers, covers the synthesis, characterisation and applications of key natural polymeric systems including their morphology, structure, dynamics and properties. Volume one focuses on natural polymer composites, including both natural and protein fibres, and volume two on natural polymer nanocomposites. The first volume examines the characterization, life cycle assessment and new sources of natural fibres and their potential as a replacement for synthetic fibres in industrial applications. It then explores the important advancements in the field of wool, silk, spidersilk and mussel byssus fibres. The second volume looks at the properties and characterization of cellulose, chitosan, furanic, starch, wool and silk nanocomposites and the potential industrial applications of natural polymer nanocomposites. With contributions from leading researchers in natural polymers from around the globe, Natural Polymers provides a valuable reference for material scientists, polymer chemists and polymer engineers.

Natural Polymers, Volume 2