Surface-Launched Acoustic Wave Sensors: Chemical Sensing and Thin-Film Characterization

Book Description

With respect to chemical applications, surface-launched acoustic wave sensors were originally developed as sensing devices for specific chemical and biological species, but more recently have been applied to the study of thin film and interfacial properties. These devices exploit the phenomenon of piezoelectricity, the instigation of mechanical motion in solids by oscillating electrical fields. This book presents the principles of design and operation of these sensors and explores their traditional and emerging applications with a focus on devices that employ acoustic waves launched and received on the same surface.

Surface-Launched Acoustic Wave Sensors begins with a review of piezoelectricity and the genesis of acoustic wave devices, and the advent of chemical sensor technology. Subsequent chapters explore acoustic waves in solids and device structure, theory of acoustic wave response, and the various categories of acoustic wave device. The book describes the design of these devices and how they are applied in chemistry for the detection of species present in the gas and liquid phase, as well as the study of thin films placed on the sensor surface. Other topics covered include polymeric glass transitions, polymer properties, biosensor technology, and the development of sensor arrays. Each of the various types of device is examined with a view toward its application in chemistry in general and analytical chemistry in particular.

Presenting the most up-to-date information available on this rapidly evolving technology, and supplemented with scores of helpful illustrations and tables, Surface-Launched Acoustic Wave Sensors draws information from such diverse areas of scientific investigation as acoustic wave physics, applied mathematics, chemistry, electronics, fluid mechanics, materials science, piezoelectricity, and polymer science. The material presented on these topics is both self-consistent and readable for the nonexpertallowing industrial chemists, graduate students, and undergraduates to gain a deeper understanding of these devices, their designs, and applications.

This book concerns the design, operation, and application of devices capable of generating acoustic waves in the ultrasonic frequency range. The clear emphasis of the text is the study of chemical and/or biochemical systems imposed on the surface of such devices, whether operated in the gas or liquid phase, i.e., on acoustic wave chemical and biological sensors. Presenting the most up-to-date information available on this rapidly evolving technology, and supplemented with scores of helpful illustrations and tables, Surface-Launched Acoustic Wave Sensors:

Reviews piezoelectricity and the genesis of acoustic wave devices as well as the advent of chemical sensor technology
Explores acoustic waves in solids and device structure, theory of acoustic wave response, and the various categories of acoustic wave device
Describes device design and how these devices are applied in chemistry to detect species present in the gas and liquid phase, as well as to study thin films placed on the sensor surface
Covers polymeric glass transitions, polymer properties, biosensor technology, and the development of sensor arrays

Book Description

Using evolutionary biology and cognitive psychology as well as anthropolgy, primatology and archaeology, characters such as Dawkins, Gould and Dennett are beginning to piece together the first truly scientific account of human nature.

Customer Reviews:

Introducing the "Introducing" series........2007-06-15

If you've not read any of the "Introducing Such-and-such" series (or the similar "For Beginners" series from a different publisher) then I'll have to describe the overall series to you as well as this particular book.

Both of these series have the simple goal of serving as a brief introduction to the topic for an intelligent layman. The series makes use of copious illustrations throughout, so that they almost look like a comic book.

I sheepishly have to admit I picked this book up because I knew the Wachowski brothers, creators of The Matrix, had all their principal actors read it.

That said, this book fulfills the goal of giving a simple overview of the basic concepts of evolutionary psychology. I do a fair bit of self-directed reading about various psychology topics, so I found the subject interesting. The authors describe the origins of evolutionary psychology and how it's distinguished from the larger field of general psychology. Various topics covered include the evolution of human social behavior (and why reputation is so important to us), dietary habits (why fatty, sugar-laden foods are so hard to ignore) and mating patterns.

I have only two major criticisms concerning this book. The first is more of a minor annoyance than a significant flaw: Important figures are usually pictured as well as named. Later in the book these people are shown describing through speech bubbles important points of their theories. The problem is that their names are only given the first time. I found it very annoying to have to go back every time a certain picture was presented to remember the name and associate the theory with the correct person.

The second and more important problem is this: Although the authors present several objections to the theories of evolutionary psychology, their responses to these objections feel a bit too pat. They simply don't seem to be taking these arguments seriously. Of course, this is a short book intended only as an introduction to the field, so the authors had a limited scope, but I still found their approach to their critics a bit too dismissive.

Overall, if you're a curious, omnivorous reader like myself, you'll probably find this a good read. As other reviewers have noted, the book includes suggestions for further reading at the end, so if you really enjoyed the subject you already have directions for further research.

Short & Sweet.......2007-02-13

This book provides a brief introduction to the field of Evolutionary Psychology, defined as a combination of cognitive psychology and evolutionary biology. I finished it just as quickly as "The Zen of Farting" by Carl Japikse, but needless to say, this book was far more enlightening. The pages are almost in comic book format with pictures taking up the lion's share of space. The pictures weren't necessary to get the points across, but alas, to sell a brief and rudimentary book such as this, volume is necessary.

The author, a Ph.D. student in cognitive psychology at the time the book was written offers a great introduction to the field of evolutionary psychology and provides a laundry list of further readings on the subject.

If you have little to no exposure to this field, this is an excellent book to get you started. I highly recommend it.

This review not based on content but presentation.......2006-03-15

There's no way I can review this book based on content because I'm not very familiar with the fields, but I did appreciate how well the authors presented the theories on such a controversial theory. They did manage to shed some light on method of explaining human behavior that I never thought of and took for granted (my folly considering I'm an aspiring Sociologist).What's best is at the end of the book there are suggestions for further reading.

excellent.......2005-05-19

Highly recommended. A superb, easy-to-understand introduction to Evolutionary Psychology. A lot of drawings clearly explain the concepts.

By the way, I'm not at all surprised that a great book like this was published in Europe (the UK in this case). The squeamish Americans would have a lot of issues with the "graphic" illustrations and non-politically-correct content.

Wonderful & entertaining!

Great macro introduction to Evolutionary Psychology.......2004-04-02

This book changed my life. This book discusses information using real life scenerios which can be demonstrated in everyday life. It really spooked the "voodoo" (that which I could not explain) right out of me. And I'm a more temperate, more understanding person than I ever was before.

Again, this book covers details from a "macro perspective", that is it goes over the general details and explains the interconnectivity (global) information, rather than speaking in specific(unrelational) terms or ideas. It guides you logically through the process and displays the information in pictorials and patterns which make it very easy to understand its concepts.

Every institution providing education should use this books communication models in their programs. A lot of people going through institutional schooling get fustrated because schools fail to explain the interconnectivity first, and get lost in meaningless (unrelational) details.

Book Description

Scientists have developed a featherless chicken designed to make industrial chicken production more efficient, while specially trained Pacific bottlenose dolphins are being deployed in the Persian Gulf to disarm mines and protect our Navy. Everyone knows Darwin's theory of natural selection, but what about his idea of artificial selection--how humans, not nature, rework natural organisms to meet our needs? Industrializing Organisms brings us to the threshold of the new field of evolutionary history--from the mobilization of war horses in the 19th century to today's engineered plants and manipulated animals.

Introducing Evolution, New Edition (Introducing (Icon))

Average customer rating:

Kind of reminded me of HS biology class
One of the Best book on Evolution
Excellent Primer for pre teens
Tries to prove evolution and disprove God but fails at both.

Introducing Evolution, New Edition (Introducing (Icon))
Dylan Evans
Manufacturer: Totem Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Evolution | Science | Subjects | Books

Organic | Evolution | Science | Subjects | Books

General | Science | Subjects | Books

ASIN: 1840466340

Book Description

Introducing Evolution takes a fresh look at the often misunderstoof concepts of natural selection and the selfish gene. Drawing on the latest findings from genetics, ecology and animal behavior a string of examples reveals how the evidence in favor of evolutionary theory is stronger than ever.

Customer Reviews:

Kind of reminded me of HS biology class.......2007-06-14

Not a lot to say about this one. Some good information and an easy read, but really didn't tell me a whole lot about Evolution I didn't already know from HS biology.

One of the Best book on Evolution.......2006-02-24

This is one of the best books I have read on evolution. I bought the book day before yesterday, and believe me - I finished it in one sitting; I literally glued. If I could I would have given the book 6 star.

What I liked most of this book was the author covered philosophical aspects of theory of evolution and cutting edge theories concerning evolutionary psychology, evolution of culture, altruism and moral sentiments or even evolutionary robotics in addition to provide a basic idea on biological evolution. He quite convincingly established why Darwin's idea (evolution through natural selection) can be compared as "Universal Acid" (proposed by Daniel Dennett) and how Drwin's "dangerous idea" literally pushes Willium Paley's God literally out of window. I know many will be uncomfortable with the bold approach of the author, (just as one of the previous reviewer who gave one star) but hey - accept the reality! We can indeed explain our existence and complexities in living things by the theory of natural selection! Laplace truly uttered, we do not need that (God) hypothesis (anymore)!!!!

I basically agree with Steven Weinberg (American elementary particle physicist; Nobel Laureate of 1979) who said, Biological Evolution refutes the idea of an interested God much more decisively than physics does. And this is only because of Darwin and his Universal Acid - theory of evolution thru natural selection.

Novice readers, who have not started reading evolution yet, can try this. This book will be real fun to read. Bonus is Howard Selina's excellent artworks.

Excellent Primer for pre teens.......2005-05-24

(...)
This book is a primer for the youngster of about 10 to 16. It is written with illustrations on every page making it a lot like a comic book. It is very well done and detailed and this reviewer suspects it would be appealing to a young crowd who has an interest is science. It appears that it may also inspire and interest in science. The explanation of how evolution works and how integral to science this theory is, becomes the strong point of the book.

The fact that the authors proclaim that once evolution and natural selection is understood, the reader would have to abandon all religious thoughts. While that seems obvious to me it may imperil this book from a wider audience. Given that there are many people who understand and support the theory of evolution and maintain religious idealogy simultaneously I think the book may limit its audience to the "choir".

A better book would explain the theory, the obvious conclusions that sensible people see as a result of that theory and let the reader (student) decide for themselves whether this requires or negates a supreme being.

Tries to prove evolution and disprove God but fails at both........2005-03-12

`Introducing Evolution' is an embarrassment to pro-evolution literature. The book gives a rough guide to what the theory of evolution states but does not back any of its statements up with evidence. The author's (who is not a scientist) line of thinking is that the theory of evolution is believed by most scientists therefore it is correct. Lay people do not need to see the `evidence' but should just accept it because Richard Dawkins and others say that it is correct. If you are looking for a book that gives evidence for evolution then this is not for you.

Of course, the book is full of anti-Creationist comments. A few pages are devoted to attacking Creation Science where it informs us that it is religious dogma dressed up as science. The book informs the reader that the only tactic Creationists use is pick holes in the fossil record (not true of course). The book informs the reader that there are plenty of transitional fossils without even mentioning one. The book then gets onto the subject of teaching evolution in Kansas and that is when the authors truly shows his `research' skills. The author claims that the theory of evolution was banned from being taught in schools in the state of Kansas. This is completely false. The state board of education in Kansas decided that they were not going to test children at a state level on evolution. The theory of evolution was still to be taught but school board could decide if they wanted to test children. What the author stated was wrong. At best it can be seen as sloppy research and at worst it can be seen as deliberately lying to support his views. The author ends that particularly chapter by saying `the battle between science and superstition continues' showing his dislike for religion in general.
What is even more disturbing is the obvious atheistic bias throughout the book. The author claims that Natural Selection proves that God does not exist. A few quotes from the militant atheist Richard Dawkins are used to back this up. As this is supposed to be a book to `introduce evolution' to the average person who knows little about the subject, it is disturbing that the author tries to persuade people that evolution is a fact that disproves the idea of God.

Overall, this book is atrocious. Both evolutionist and the undecided should avoid wasting their money on this book.

Average customer rating:

Introducing Darwin (Introducing...)
Jonathan Miller
Manufacturer: Icon Books Ltd
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Evolution | Science | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

Introducing Evolution (Introducing (Icon))

ASIN: 1840467150

Evolucion Para Todos/ Introducing Evolution

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Evolucion Para Todos/ Introducing Evolution
Dylan Evans
Manufacturer: Ediciones Paidos Iberica
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Evolution | Science | Subjects | Books

Spanish | Foreign Language Nonfiction | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books

Introducing Darwin and Evolution (Introducing...)

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Introducing Darwin and Evolution (Introducing...)
Jonathan Miller
Manufacturer: Icon Books Ltd
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books

General | Evolution | Science | Subjects | Books

General | Science | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 1840461535

Introducing Genetics: From Mendel to Molecule

Average customer rating:

Don't be fooled...

Introducing Genetics: From Mendel to Molecule
Alison Thomas
Manufacturer: Garland Science
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Genetics | Evolution | Science | Subjects | Books

General | Evolution | Science | Subjects | Books

General | Science | Subjects | Books

Book Description

The book provides an accessible introduction to the three key areas of genetics: Menelian, Molecular and Population. It describes the basic concepts of genetics from the first principles to most recent developments, and will be easily understood by those following a wide variety of different courses both within and without life sciences.

Customer Reviews:

Don't be fooled..........2005-01-17

Do not be fooled into buying this book just because it's a recommended text for your university course. If you're actually studying genetics you'll need something far more comprehensive than this. If on the other hand you are studying biology, zoology or similar subjects and are taking a 'basic gentics' module, you won't find much in this book that can't be found in more general Biology books such as Life (Purves et al). Also, many of the answers to the questions at the end of each chapter are either confusing, or just wrong.

Introducing Prehistory (The Lerner Archaeology Series)

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Introducing Prehistory (The Lerner Archaeology Series)
Richard L. Currier , and Avraham Ronen
Manufacturer: Olympic Marketing Corp
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Ancient | History & Historical Fiction | Children's Books | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0822508338

Religion in Schools (Introducing Issues With Opposing Viewpoints)

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Religion in Schools (Introducing Issues With Opposing Viewpoints)
Noel Merino
Manufacturer: Greenhaven Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Library Binding

Science & Religion | Religious Studies | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books

Sociology | Religious Studies | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books

Introducing molecular life science students to model building using computer simulations. : An article from: Journal of Computers in Mathematics and Science Teaching

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Introducing molecular life science students to model building using computer simulations. : An article from: Journal of Computers in Mathematics and Science Teaching
Tinri Aegerter-Wilmsen , Dik Kettenis , Olivier Sessink , Rob Hartog , Ton Bisseling , and Fred Janssen
Manufacturer: Thomson Gale
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Digital

General | Evolution | Science | Subjects | Books

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Book Description

This digital document is an article from Journal of Computers in Mathematics and Science Teaching, published by Thomson Gale on June 22, 2006. The length of the article is 7236 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Citation Details
Title: Introducing molecular life science students to model building using computer simulations.
Author: Tinri Aegerter-Wilmsen
Publication: Journal of Computers in Mathematics and Science Teaching (Magazine/Journal)
Date: June 22, 2006
Publisher: Thomson Gale
Volume: 25 Issue: 2 Page: 101(22)

Distributed by Thomson Gale

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