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

Multi-Component Acoustic Characterization of Porous Media

Multi-Component Acoustic Characterization of Porous Media

The feasibility to extract porous medium parameters from acoustic recordings is investigated. The thesis gives an excellent discussion of our basic understanding of different wave modes, using a full-waveform and multi-component approach. Focus lies on the dependency on porosity and permeability where especially the latter is difficult to estimate. In this thesis, this sensitivity is shown for interface-wave and reflected-wave modes. For each of the pseudo-Rayleigh and pseudo-Stoneley interface waves unique estimates for permeability and porosity can be obtained when impedance and attenuation are combined. The pseudo-Stoneley wave is most sensitive to permeability: both the impedance and the attenuation are controlled by the fluid flow. Also from reflected-wave modes unique estimates for permeability and porosity can be obtained when the reflection coefficients of different reflected modes are combined. In this case the sensitivity to permeability is caused by subsurface heterogeneities generating mesoscopic fluid flow at seismic frequencies. The results of this thesis suggest that estimation of in-situ permeability is feasible, provided detection is carried out with multi-component measurements. The results of this thesis argely affect geotechnical and reservoir engineering practices.

Multi-Component Acoustic Characterization of Porous Media

Nanoparticles

Nanoparticles

Many objects of physical, biological, and industrial interest include randomly distributed nanoscale nonuniformities, e.g., nanoparticles. Their characterization online in dynamic industrial processes and in situ in biological systems faces serious practical challenges when the rapid formation and distribution of nanoparticles takes place. This book discusses optical methods the best tools for nanoparticle monitoring, as they are fast, noninvasive, and provide a broad range of information in real time and their application in molecular biology and nanotechnology.

Nanoparticles

Development and Engineering of Dopamine Neurons

Development and Engineering of Dopamine Neurons

The neurotransmitter dopamine has just celebrated its 50th birthday. The discovery of dopamine as a neuronal entity in the late 1950s and the notion that it serves in neurotransmission has been a milestone in the field of neuroscience research. This milestone marked the beginning of an era that explored the brain as an integrated collection of neuronal systems that one could distinguish on basis of neurotransmitter identities, and importantly, in which one started to be able to pinpoint the seat of brain disease. The mesodiencephalic dopaminergic (mdDA) system, previously designated as midbrain dopaminergic system, has received much attention since its discovery. The initial identification of dopamine as a neurotransmitter in the central nervous system (CNS) and its relevance to psychiatric and neurological disorders have stimulated a plethora of neurochemical, pharmacological and genetic studies into the function of dopamine neurons and their projections. In the last decade, studies on gene expression and development have further increased the knowledge of this neuronal population and have unmasked a new level of complexity. The start of the molecular dissection of the mdDA system has been marked by the cloning and characterization of Nurr1 and Pitx3. These transcription factors were shown to have a critical function during mdDA development. These initial studies have been followed by the identification of many other proteins that have a crucial function in the creation of a dopamine neuron permissive region, induction of precursors, induction of terminal differentiation and finally maintenance of the mdDA neuronal pool. In addition, work showing that the historically distinguished regions of the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNc) and ventral tegmental area (VTA ) harbor molecularly distinct sets of neuronal groups with specific connectivity patterns has added a new layer ofcomplexity to how mdDA neurons are generated and function in the adult CNS. The current challenge in the field of dopamine research is to characterize the full extent of molecular processes that underlie mdDA neuron programming and to translate these findings into viable approaches for embryonic stem (ES)-cell engineering as an ultimate treatment of degenerative diseases as Parkinsons disease. The chapters presented in this book provide an overview of the different stages that are distinguished during mdDA neuronal development. Chapter 1 discusses the dopamine systems of the zebrafish, being a powerful model organism for genetic intervention on the developmental programming of neuronal systems. In Chapter 2 an overview is presented of dopamine systems that are present in the vertebrate CNS. Chapters 3-6 discuss the early specification of dopamine precursors and the programs that lead to terminal differentiation. In Chapters 7 and 8 the maintenance of dopamine neurons is discussed with a special emphasis on neurotrophic support. The specific connectivity of the dopamine system and the axon guidance rules that apply to developing dopamine neurons are described in Chapter 9. An overview of ES-cell engineering of dopamine neurons is presented in Chapters 10 and 11. The research directed towards unraveling the molecular programming of mdDA neurons continues to be highly exciting. One may expect that novel biological principles will continue to emerge from this population of neurons. In the near future the field as a whole will mature towards a more comprehensive understanding of mdDA neuronal development and network integration, and will continue to apply knowledge of dopamine neuron development and function to the treatment of human disease.

Development and Engineering of Dopamine Neurons

Quantum Dot Devices

Quantum Dot Devices

Quantum dots as nanomaterials have been extensively investigated in the past several decades from growth to characterization to applications. As the basis of future developments in the field, this book collects a series of state-of-the-art chapters on the current status of quantum dot devices and how these devices take advantage of quantum features. Written by 56 leading experts from 14 countries, the chapters cover numerous quantum dot applications, including lasers, LEDs, detectors, amplifiers, switches, transistors, and solar cells. Quantum Dot Devices is appropriate for researchers of all levels of experience with an interest in epitaxial and/or colloidal quantum dots. It provides the beginner with the necessary overview of this exciting field and those more experienced with a comprehensive reference source.

Quantum Dot Devices

Semigroups of Linear Operators and Applications to Partial Differential Equations

Semigroups of Linear Operators and Applications to Partial Differential Equations

Since the characterization of generators of C0 semigroups was established in the 1940s, semigroups of linear operators and its neighboring areas have developed into an abstract theory that has become a necessary discipline in functional analysis and differential equations. This book presents that theory and its basic applications, and the last two chapters give a connected account of the applications to partial differential equations.

Semigroups of Linear Operators and Applications to Partial Differential Equations

Energy Efficient Thermal Management of Data Centers

Energy Efficient Thermal Management of Data Centers

Energy Efficient Thermal Management of Data Centers examines energy flow in today’s data centers. Particular focus is given to the state-of-the-art thermal management and thermal design approaches now being implemented across the multiple length scales involved. The impact of future trends in information technology hardware, and emerging software paradigms such as cloud computing and virtualization, on thermal management are also addressed. The book explores computational and experimental characterization approaches for determining temperature and air flow patterns within data centers. Thermodynamic analyses using the second law to improve energy efficiency are introduced and used in proposing improvements in cooling methodologies. Reduced-order modeling and robust multi-objective design of next generation data centers are discussed. This book also:

Energy Efficient Thermal Management of Data Centers

Tetrahedral Frameworks of Zeolites, Clathrates and Related Materials

Tetrahedral Frameworks of Zeolites, Clathrates and Related Materials

Zeolites and zeolite-like became important because of their ion exchange capacities and their outstanding catalytic properties. Millions of tons of zeolites have been produced in the past years for the oil refining industry alone and, in even greater quantities, as ion-exchanging softening agents for detergents. Numerous other applications, e.g. in environmental protection, farming, gas separation, medicine, and pharmacy, are known, making zeolites almost a necessity of daily life. Consequently, there are many, research activities dealing with zeolites properties and characterization. However, a strictly systematic description of zeolite-type crystal structures was not available but is now presented in this series of volumes. It is designed as a reference work for zeolite chemists and materials scientists, but it also serves as a tool to interpret structural similarities and to derive new structures from known topologies.

Tetrahedral Frameworks of Zeolites, Clathrates and Related Materials

A Handbook of Applied Biopolymer Technology

A Handbook of Applied Biopolymer Technology

Scientists are conducting active research in different fields of engineering, science and technology by adopting the Green Chemistry Principles and methodologies to devise new processes, with a view to help protect and ultimately save the environment from further anthropogenic interruptions and damage. With this in mind, the book provides an up-to-date, coherently written and objectively presented set of chapters from eminent international researchers who are actively involved in academic and technological research in the synthesis, (bio)degradation, testing and applications of biodegradable polymers and biopolymers. This pool of the latest ideas, recent research and technological progress, together with a high level of thinking with a comprehensive perspective, makes the emerging field of biodegradable polymer science and engineering (or bio-based polymers) linked to environmental sustainability, the essence of this key publication. The handbook consists of chapters written and contributed by international experts from academia who are world leaders in research and technology in sustainability and biopolymer and biodegradable polymer synthesis, characterisation, testing and use. The book highlights the following areas: green polymers; biopolymers and bionanocomposites; biodegradable and injectable polymers; biodegradable polyesters; synthesis and physical properties; discovery and characterization of biopolymers; degradable bioelastomers, lactic acid based biodegradable polymers; enzymatic degradation of biodegradable polymers; biodegradation of polymers in the composting environment; recent development in biodegradable polymers; research and applications and biodegradable foams. The book is aimed at technical, research-orientated and marketing people in industry, universities and institutions. It will also be of value to the worldwide public interested in sustainability issues and biopolymer development as well as others interested in the practical means that are being used to reduce the environmental impacts of chemical processes and products, to further eco-efficiency, and to advance the utilization of renewable resources for a bio-based production and supplier chain. Readers will gain a comprehensive and consolidated overview of the immense potential and ongoing research in bio-based and biodegradable polymer science, engineering and technology to make the world greener.

A Handbook of Applied Biopolymer Technology

Renewable Resources for Functional Polymers and Biomaterials

Renewable Resources for Functional Polymers and Biomaterials

This book details polysaccharides and other important biomacromolecules covering their source, production, structures, properties, and current and potential application in the fields of biotechnology and medicine. It includes a systematic discussion on the general strategies of isolation, separation and characterization of polysaccharides and proteins. Subsequent chapters are devoted to polysaccharides obtained from various sources, including botanical, algal, animal and microbial.

Renewable Resources for Functional Polymers and Biomaterials

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

Liquid Crystalline Polymers

Liquid Crystalline Polymers

The International Workshop on Liquid Crystalline Polymers (LCPs) held in June 1993 in Italy attracted many of the leading researchers in this area of polymer science. The meeting provided a forum for the exchange of research and ideas on current developments and future research and applications of liquid crystalline polymers. This volume consists of a selection of the best papers presented at the meeting covering synthesis and characterization, liquid crystalline thermosets, rheology, blends and composites containing LCPs and transport properties.

Liquid Crystalline Polymers

Liquid-crystalline Polymers

Liquid-crystalline Polymers

This volume explores the creation, study, and processing of new liquid-crystalline polymers. It covers not only the chemistry of liquid-crystalline polymers, but also the physics and engineering aspects of these materials. A wide range of topics is covered, including syntheses of main-chain and side-chain LCPs, structural characterization of LP, rheology and processing, and applications such a electro-optics and ‘self-reinforcing’ blends. This book presents a broad view of the direction of LCP research in both industry and academe.

Liquid-crystalline Polymers

Gas Adsorption Equilibria

Gas Adsorption Equilibria

This book is intended to present for the first time experimental methods to measure equilibria states of pure and mixed gases being adsorbed on the surface of solid materials. It has been written for engineers and scientists from industry and academia who are interested in adsorption-based gas separation processes and/or in using gas adsorption for characterization of the porosity of solid materials.

Gas Adsorption Equilibria

Advances in Machine Learning Applications in Software Engineering

Advances in Machine Learning Applications in Software Engineering

Machine learning is the study of building computer programs that improve their performance through experience. To meet the challenge of developing and maintaining larger and complex software systems in a dynamic and changing environment, machine learning methods have been playing an increasingly important role in many software development and maintenance tasks. Advances in Machine Learning Applications in Software Engineering provides analysis, characterization and refinement of software engineering data in terms of machine learning methods. This book depicts applications of several machine learning approaches in software systems development and deployment, and the use of machine learning methods to establish predictive models for software quality. Advances in Machine Learning Applications in Software Engineering offers readers suggestions by proposing future work and areas in this emerging research field.

Advances in Machine Learning Applications in Software Engineering

Carbon Black

Carbon Black

The second edition of this reference provides comprehensive examinations of developments in the processing and applications of carbon black, including the use of new analytical tools such as scanning tunnelling microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and inverse gas chromatography.;Completely rewritten and updated by numerous experts in the field to reflect the enormous growth of the field since the publication of the previous edition, Carbon Black: discusses the mechanism of carbon black formation based on recent advances such as the discovery of fullerenes; elucidates micro- and macrostructure morphology and other physical characteristics; outlines the fractal geometry of carbon black as a new approach to characterization; reviews the effect of carbon black on the electrical and thermal conductivity of filled polymers; delineates the applications of carbon black in elastomers, plastics, and zerographic toners; and surveys possible health consequences of exposure to carbon black.;With over 1200 literature citations, tables, and figures, this resource is intended for physical, polymer, surface and colloid chemists; chemical and plastics engineers; spectroscopists; materials scientists; occupational safety and health physicians; and upper-level undergraduate and graduate students in these disciplines.

Carbon Black

Optical Techniques for Solid-State Materials Characterization

Optical Techniques for Solid-State Materials Characterization

Over the last century, numerous optical techniques have been developed to characterize materials, giving insight into their optical, electronic, magnetic, and structural properties and elucidating such diverse phenomena as high-temperature superconductivity and protein folding. Optical Techniques for Solid-State Materials Characterization provides detailed descriptions of basic and advanced optical techniques commonly used to study materials, from the simple to the complex. The book explains how to use these techniques to acquire, analyze, and interpret data for gaining insight into material properties.

Optical Techniques for Solid-State Materials Characterization