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Optical communication using optical fibres as the transmission medium is essential to handling the massive growth of both telecom and datacom traffic. To fully realize the potential bandwidth available on these optical fibres, other components of the optical network system have to be developed, ranging from detectors and multiplexers to buffers and switches. This book addresses the different technologies which can be applied to switching optical signals.An optical switch functions by selectively switching an optical signal delivered through an optical fibre or in an integrated optical circuit to another. Several methods are available and each relies on a different physical mechanism for its operation. The various physical mechanisms used are discussed in the main chapters in the book which cover electro-optical, thermo-optical, micro-electro-mechanical (MEMS)-based and semiconductor optical amplifier (SOA)-based optical switches. The book also covers switching based on optical nonlinear effects, liquid and photonic crystal optical switches as well as fibre, holographic, quantum optical and other types of optical switches. Each chapter discusses the choice of materials, fabrication techniques and key issues in switch design.With its distinguished editors and international team of contributors, Optical switches: materials and design is a standard reference for the telecommunications industry and those researching this important topic.Reviews this commercially significant area of research and addresses the different technologies which can be applied to switching optical signalsProvides a balanced look at the developments which can be defined as key trends in optical switchesMajor optical switches including electro-optical, thermo optical and magneto-optical switches are discussed and the respective theory and principles of each explored

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Written from the perspective of a librarian, this book offers a comprehensive overview of the impact of e-books on academic libraries. The author discusses advantages to both researchers and librarians and provides current examples of innovative uses of e-books in academic contexts. This book reviews the current situation in e-book publishing, and describes problems in managing e-books in libraries caused by the variety of purchase models and varying formats available, and the lack of standardisation. It discusses solutions for providing access and maintaining bibliographic control, looks at various initiatives to publicise and promote e-books, and compares e-book usage surveys to track changes in user preferences and behaviour over the last decade. E-books have already had a huge impact on academic libraries, and major advances in technology will bring further changes. There is a need for collaboration between libraries and publishers. The book concludes with reflections on the future of e-books in academic libraries.Describes how e-books have changed library services and how they have enabled academic libraries to align with the e-learning initiatives of their universitiesDiscusses problems with e-book collection development and management and lists examples of solutionsExamines trends in user behaviour and acceptance of e-books

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This book reviews the quality and evolution of academic library services. It revises service trends offered by academic libraries and the challenge of enhancing traditional ones such as: catalogues, repositories and digital collections, learning resources centres, virtual reference services, information literacy and 2.0 tools.Studies the role of the university library in the new educational environment of higher educationRethinks libraries in academic contextRedefines roles for academic libraries

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Soft computing refers to a collection of computational techniques which study, model and analyse complex phenomena. As many textile engineering problems are inherently complex in nature, soft computing techniques have often provided optimum solutions to these cases. Although soft computing has several facets, it mainly revolves around three techniques; artificial neural networks, fuzzy logic and genetic algorithms. The book is divided into five parts, covering the entire process of textile production, from fibre manufacture to garment engineering. These include soft computing techniques in yarn manufacture and modelling, fabric and garment manufacture, textile properties and applications and textile quality evaluation.Covers the entire process of textile production, from fibre manufacture to garment engineering including artificial neural networks, fuzzy logic and genetic algorithmsExamines soft computing techniques in yarn manufacture and modelling, fabric and garment manufactureSpecifically reviews soft computing in relation to textile properties and applications featuring garment modelling and sewing machines

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Minimization of Welding Distortion and Buckling

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Welding is a cost-effective and flexible method of fabricating large structures, but drawbacks such as residual stress, distortion and buckling must be overcome in order to optimize structural performance. Minimization of welding distortion and buckling provides a systematic overview of the methods of minimizing distortion and buckling in welded structures.

Following an introductory chapter, part one focuses on understanding welding stress and distortion, with chapters on such topics as computational welding mechanics, modelling the effect of phase transformations on welding stress and distortion and using computationally efficient reduced-solution methods to understand welding distortion. Part two covers different methods of minimizing welding distortion. Chapters discuss methods such as differential heating for minimizing distortion in welded stiffeners, dynamic thermal tensioning, reverse-side heating and ways of minimizing buckling such as weld cooling and hybrid laser arc welding.

With its distinguished editor and international team of contributors, Minimization of welding distortion and buckling is an essential reference for all welders and engineers involved in fabrication of metal end-products, as well as those in industry and academia with a research interest in the area.Provides a systematic overview of the methods of minimizing distortion and buckling in welded structuresFocuses on understanding welding stress and distortion featuring computational welding mechanics and modelling the effect of phase transformationsExplores different methods of minimizing welding distortion discussing differential heating and dynamic thermal tensioning

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Tensile strength, fatigue strength and ductility are important properties of nanostructured metallic materials, which make them suitable for use in applications where strength or strength-to-weight ratios are important. Nanostructured metals and alloys reviews the latest technologies used for production of these materials, as well as recent advances in research into their structure and mechanical properties.

One of the most important issues facing nanostructured metals and alloys is how to produce them. Part one describes the different methods used to process bulk nanostructured metals and alloys, including chapters on severe plastic deformation, mechanical alloying and electrodeposition among others. Part two concentrates on the microstructure and properties of nanostructured metals, with chapters studying deformation structures such as twins, microstructure of ferrous alloys by equal channel angular processing, and characteristic structures of nanostructured metals prepared by plastic deformation. In part three, the mechanical properties of nanostructured metals and alloys are discussed, with chapters on such topics as strengthening mechanisms, nanostructured metals based on molecular dynamics computer simulations, and surface deformation. Part four focuses on existing and developing applications of nanostructured metals and alloys, covering topics such as nanostructured steel for automotives, steel sheet and nanostructured coatings by spraying.

With its distinguished editor and international team of contributors, Nanostructured metals and alloys is a standard reference for manufacturers of metal components, as well as those with an academic research interest in metals and materials with enhanced properties.

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Production, Properties and Applications in Electronics

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Nanostructured silicon-germanium (SiGe) opens up the prospects of novel and enhanced electronic device performance, especially for semiconductor devices. Silicon-germanium (SiGe) nanostructures reviews the materials science of nanostructures and their properties and applications in different electronic devices.

The introductory part one covers the structural properties of SiGe nanostructures, with a further chapter discussing electronic band structures of SiGe alloys. Part two concentrates on the formation of SiGe nanostructures, with chapters on different methods of crystal growth such as molecular beam epitaxy and chemical vapour deposition. This part also includes chapters covering strain engineering and modelling. Part three covers the material properties of SiGe nanostructures, including chapters on such topics as strain-induced defects, transport properties and microcavities and quantum cascade laser structures. In Part four, devices utilising SiGe alloys are discussed. Chapters cover ultra large scale integrated applications, MOSFETs and the use of SiGe in different types of transistors and optical devices.

With its distinguished editors and team of international contributors, Silicon-germanium (SiGe) nanostructures is a standard reference for researchers focusing on semiconductor devices and materials in industry and academia, particularly those interested in nanostructures.Reviews the materials science of nanostructures and their properties and applications in different electronic devicesAssesses the structural properties of SiGe nanostructures, discussing electronic band structures of SiGe alloysExplores the formation of SiGe nanostructuresfeaturing different methods of crystal growth such as molecular beam epitaxy and chemical vapour deposition

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Non-crimp fabric (NCF) composites are reinforced with mats of straight (non-crimped) fibres, giving them such advantages as strength, ease of handling and low manufacturing costs. Non-crimp fabric composites provides a comprehensive review of the use of NCF composites, their manufacture and applications in engineering.

Part one covers the manufacture of non-crimp fabrics, including also topics such as structural stitching and automated defect analysis. Part two goes on to discuss the manufacture of non-crimp fabric composites, with chapters covering such topics as deformability and permeability of NCF. Part three focuses on the properties of NCF composites, with chapters on stiffness and strength, damage progression and fatigue. Finally, part four covers the applications of NCF composites, including chapters on the aerospace and automotive industries as well as wind turbines and helicopter applications. The book concludes with a discussion of cost analysis of NCF composites in engineering applications.

With its distinguished editor and international team of expert contributors, Non-crimp fabric composites is an essential reference for composite manufacturers and structural and mechanical engineers in industries using NCF composites, as well as academics with a research interest in the field.Provides a comprehensive review of the use of NCF composites, their manufacture and applications in engineeringReviews the manufacture of non-crimp fabrics, including also topics such as structural stitching and automated defect analysisExamines the properties of NCF composites considering stiffness and strength, damage progression and fatigue

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Interface Engineering of Natural Fibre Composites for Maximum Performance

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One of the major reasons for composite failure is a breakdown of the bond between the reinforcement fibres and the matrix. When this happens, the composite loses strength and fails. By engineering the interface between the natural fibres and the matrix, the properties of the composite can be manipulated to give maximum performance. Interface engineering of natural fibre composites for maximum performance looks at natural (sustainable) fibre composites and the growing trend towards their use as reinforcements in composites.Part one focuses on processing and surface treatments to engineer the interface in natural fibre composites and looks in detail at modifying cellulose fibre surfaces in the manufacture of natural fibre composites, interface tuning through matrix modification and preparation of cellulose nanocomposites. It also looks at the characterisation of fibre surface treatments by infrared and raman spectroscopy and the effects of processing and surface treatment on the interfacial adhesion and mechanical properties of natural fibre composites. Testing interfacial properties in natural fibre composites is the topic of part two which discusses the electrochemical characterisation of the interfacial properties of natural fibres, assesses the mechanical and thermochemical properties and moisture uptake behaviour of natural fibres and studies the fatigue and delamination of natural fibre composites before finishing with a look at Raman spectroscopy and x-ray scattering for assessing the interface in natural fibre compositesWith its distinguished editor and international team of contributors Interface engineering of natural fibre composites for maximum performance is an invaluable resource to composite manufacturers and developers, materials scientists and engineers and anyone involved in designing and formulating composites or in industries that use natural fibre composites.Examines characterisation of fibre surface treatments by infrared and raman spectroscopy and the effects of processing and surface treatmentReviews testing interfacial properties in natural fibre composites including the electrochemical characterisation of the interfacial properties of natural fibresAssesses the mechanical and thermochemical properties and moisture uptake behaviour of natural fibres and studies the fatigue and delamination of natural fibre composites

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Scientific computing is about developing mathematical models, numerical methods and computer implementations to study and solve real problems in science, engineering, business and even social sciences. Mathematical modelling requires deep understanding of classical numerical methods. This essential guide provides the reader with sufficient foundations in these areas to venture into more advanced texts.

The first section of the book presents numEclipse, an open source tool for numerical computing based on the notion of MATLAB. numEclipse is implemented as a plug-in for Eclipse, a leading integrated development environment for Java programming. The second section studies the classical methods of numerical analysis. Numerical algorithms and their implementations are presented using numEclipse.

Practical scientific computing is an invaluable reference for undergraduate engineering, science and mathematics students taking numerical methods courses. It will also be a useful handbook for postgraduate researchers and professionals whose work involves scientific computing.An invaluable reference for undergraduate engineering, science and mathematics students taking numerical methods coursesGuides the reader through developing a deep understanding of classical numerical methodsFeatures a comprehensive analysis of numEclipse including numerical algorithms and their implementations

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Understanding the properties of polymer carbon nanotube (CNT) composites is the key to these materials finding new applications in a wide range of industries, including but not limited to electronics, aerospace and biomedical/bioengineering. Polymer-carbon nanotube composites provides comprehensive and in-depth coverage of the preparation, characterisation, properties and applications of these technologically interesting new materials.

Part one covers the preparation and processing of composites of thermoplastics with CNTs, with chapters covering in-situ polymerization, melt processing and CNT surface treatment, as well as elastomer and thermoset CNT composites. Part two concentrates on properties and characterization, including chapters on the quantification of CNT dispersion using microscopy techniques, and on topics as diverse as thermal degradation of polymer/CNT composites, the use of rheology, Raman spectroscopy and multi-scale modelling to study polymer/CNT composites, and CNT toxicity. In part three, the applications of polymer/CNT composites are reviewed, with chapters on specific applications such as in fibres and cables, bioengineering applications and conductive polymer CNT composites for sensing.

With its distinguished editors and international team of contributors, Polymer-carbon nanotube composites is an essential reference for scientists, engineers and designers in high-tech industry and academia with an interest in polymer nanotechnology and nanocomposites.Provides comprehensive and in-depth coverage of the preparation, characterisation and properties of these technologically interesting new materialsReviews the preparation and processing of composites of thermoplastics with CNTs, covering in-situ polymerization, melt processing and CNT surface treatmentExplores applications of polymer/CNT composites such as in fibres and cables, bioengineering applications and conductive polymer CNT composites for sensing

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Advanced Separation Techniques for Nuclear Fuel Reprocessing and Radioactive Waste Treatment

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Advanced separations technology is key to closing the nuclear fuel cycle and relieving future generations from the burden of radioactive waste produced by the nuclear power industry. Nuclear fuel reprocessing techniques not only allow for recycling of useful fuel components for further power generation, but by also separating out the actinides, lanthanides and other fission products produced by the nuclear reaction, the residual radioactive waste can be minimised. Indeed, the future of the industry relies on the advancement of separation and transmutation technology to ensure environmental protection, criticality-safety and non-proliferation (i.e., security) of radioactive materials by reducing their long-term radiological hazard.

Advanced separation techniques for nuclear fuel reprocessing and radioactive waste treatment provides a comprehensive and timely reference on nuclear fuel reprocessing and radioactive waste treatment. Part one covers the fundamental chemistry, engineering and safety of radioactive materials separations processes in the nuclear fuel cycle, including coverage of advanced aqueous separations engineering, as well as on-line monitoring for process control and safeguards technology. Part two critically reviews the development and application of separation and extraction processes for nuclear fuel reprocessing and radioactive waste treatment. The section includes discussions of advanced PUREX processes, the UREX+ concept, fission product separations, and combined systems for simultaneous radionuclide extraction. Part three details emerging and innovative treatment techniques, initially reviewing pyrochemical processes and engineering, highly selective compounds for solvent extraction, and developments in partitioning and transmutation processes that aim to close the nuclear fuel cycle. The book concludes with other advanced techniques such as solid phase extraction, supercritical fluid and ionic liquid extraction, and biological treatment processes.

With its distinguished international team of contributors, Advanced separation techniques for nuclear fuel reprocessing and radioactive waste treatment is a standard reference for all nuclear waste management and nuclear safety professionals, radiochemists, academics and researchers in this field.A comprehensive and timely reference on nuclear fuel reprocessing and radioactive waste treatmentDetails emerging and innovative treatment techniques, reviewing pyrochemical processes and engineering, as well as highly selective compounds for solvent extractionDiscusses the development and application of separation and extraction processes for nuclear fuel reprocessing and radioactive waste treatment

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A Librarians Guide on How to Publish discusses the publishing strategies needed for the development of skills that are essential for successful job requirements and the production of quality print and electronic publications. The book serves as a useful guide indicating the main principles of professional library publishing activities in both print and virtual environments. A number of library activities are, in fact, publishing, and requires librarians to have the knowledge and skills in order to manage it. With the wide use of web sites, these competencies are becoming indispensable. Whether it is publishing catalogues of their collections, selected bibliographies, exhibition catalogues, or journals. The Internet has transformed libraries web pages into real publishing projects.Enables librarians to undertake successful publishing projectsHelps librarians to avoid professional mistakes which can be a challenge for library image and cause financial losesEquips managers with the skills for supervising the main publishing process outcomes

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Mid-Career Library and Information Professionals

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As librarians move into the middle of their careers, they are more ready than ever to take on new leadership opportunities. Literature on leadership is expanding in the field of library and information sciences, and more and more seminars and workshops are being offered for new and seasoned leaders. This book asks the questions: What about us? and, Where is the leadership advice and training for those who are no longer new librarians, but are also not yet seasoned leaders? The title illustrates how to work the middle, from being in the sophomore slump progressing to the next leaders in the field, to look for perspectives from others who are in the middle of their career, and how they have developed into leaders, ways to develop ones own style of leadership and grow ones career and future as a librarian and information professional.Perspectives on leadership from mid-career information professionalsTips and tools on how to become a leader from the middle of your careerA how-to guide on making changes from the middle

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Optimising Design and Construction for Safe and Reliable Operation

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Large-scale wind power generation is one of the fastest developing sources of renewable energy and already makes a substantial contribution to power grids in many countries worldwide. With technology maturing, the challenge is now to increase penetration, and optimise the design, construction and performance of wind energy systems. Fundamental issues of safety and reliability are paramount in this drive to increase capacity and efficiency.Wind energy systems: Optimising design and construction for safe and reliable operation provides a comprehensive review of the latest developments in the design, construction and operation of large-scale wind energy systems, including in offshore and other problematic environments.Part one provides detailed coverage of wind resource assessment and siting methods relevant to wind turbine and wind farm planning, as well as aeroelastics, aerodynamics, and fatigue loading that affect the safety and reliability of wind energy systems. This coverage is extended in part two, where the design and development of individual components is considered in depth, from wind turbine rotors to drive train and control systems, and on to tower design and construction. Part three explores operation and maintenance issues, such as reliability and maintainability strategies and condition monitoring systems, before discussing performance assessment and optimisation routes for wind energy systems in low wind speed environments and cold climates. Part four reviews offshore wind energy systems development, from the impact of environmental loads such as wind, waves and ice, to site specific construction and integrated wind farm planning, and of course the critical issues and strategies for offshore operation and maintenance.With its distinguished editors and international teams of contributors, Wind energy systems is a standard reference for wind power engineers, technicians and manufacturers, as well as researchers and academics involved in this expanding field.Reviews the latest developments in the design, construction and operation of large-scale wind energy systemsOffers detailed coverage of wind resource assessment and siting methods relevant to wind turbine and wind farm planningExplores operation and maintenance issues, such as reliability and maintainability strategies and condition monitoring systems

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John Dalsgaard Sørensen, Jens N Sørensen

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This wide-ranging review of human resources management (HRM) in Asia draws attention to issues which are substantially different from those which a Western-trained manager or student would expect. Intra-regional issues are examined and, in an unusual approach, topics are organised thematically, rather than by the more typical country-by-country approach.Considers the influences on HRM, including the political, economic and social contexts and expectationsDiscusses organisational behaviour impacts on HRMReview of HRM in Asia with topics and practices organised thematically and integrated, rather than by country

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The Information and Knowledge Professional's Career Handbook

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The definitive guide to developing and managing a successful career in the information profession: Information Professionals and Knowledge Managers deal with significant challenges in building successful careers for a number of reasons associated with common misperceptions of their expertise and roles. In environments where they must often justify their work and value over and over again, those already in the profession need a boost and those just entering need to be prepared for a reality that may differ quite a bit from their expectations. The book is intended to give readers a set of tools and techniques with which to secure a strong career, build an effective brand, and succeed as professionals.Click Here to view the official page for this title on Facebook.Written by opinion leaders and highly respected authorities in the fieldDraws upon 50-plus years of experience in a variety of settings and rolesOffers realistic and honest pointers - no sugar-coating

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Electrospinning is a simple and highly versatile method for generating ultrathin fibres with diameters ranging from a few micrometres to tens of nanometres. Although most commonly associated with textile manufacturing, recent research has proved that the electrospinning technology can be used to create organ components and repair damaged tissues. Electrospinning for tissue regeneration provides a comprehensive overview of this innovative approach to tissue repair and regeneration and examines how it is being employed within the biomaterials sector.The book opens with an introduction to the fundamentals of electrospinning. Chapters go on to discuss polymer chemistry, the electrospinning process, conditions, control and regulatory issues. Part two focuses specifically on electrospinning for tissue regeneration and investigates its uses in bone, cartilage, muscle, tendon, nerve, heart valve, bladder, tracheal, dental and skin tissue regeneration before concluding with a chapter on wound dressings. Part three explores electrospinning for in vitro applications. Chapters discuss cell culture systems for kidney, pancreatic and stem cell research.With its distinguished editors and international team of expert contributors, Electrospinning for tissue regeneration is a valuable reference tool for those in academia and industry concerned with research and development in the field of tissue repair and regeneration.Provides a comprehensive overview of this innovative approach to tissue repair and regeneration covering issues from polymer chemistry to the regulatory processExamines employment within the biomaterials sector, reviewing extensive applications in areas such as uses in bone, muscle tendon, heart valve and tissue regenerationExplores electrospinning for in vitro applications and discusses cell culture systems for kidney, pancreatic and stem cell research

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Novel injectable materials for non-invasive surgical procedures are becoming increasingly popular. An advantage of these materials include easy deliverability into the body, however the suitability of their mechanical properties must also be carefully considered. Injectable biomaterials covers the materials, properties and biomedical applications of injectable materials, as well as novel developments in the technology.Part one focuses on materials and properties, with chapters covering the design of injectable biomaterials as well as their rheological properties and the mechanical properties of injectable polymers and composites. Part two covers the clinical applications of injectable biomaterials, including chapters on drug delivery, tissue engineering and orthopaedic applications as well as injectable materials for gene delivery systems. In part three, existing and developing technologies are discussed. Chapters in this part cover such topics as environmentally responsive biomaterials, injectable nanotechnology, injectable biodegradable materials and biocompatibility. There are also chapters focusing on troubleshooting and potential future applications of injectable biomaterials.With its distinguished editor and international team of contributors, Injectable biomaterials is a standard reference for materials scientists and researchers working in the biomaterials industry, as well as those with an academic interest in the subject. It will also be beneficial to clinicians.Comprehensively examines the materials, properties and biomedical applications of injectable materials, as well as novel developments in the technologyReviews the design of injectable biomaterials as well as their rheological properties and the mechanical properties of injectable polymers and compositesExplores clinical applications of injectable biomaterials, including drug delivery, tissue engineering, orthopaedic applications and injectable materials for gene delivery systems

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Strategies for Efficient Mobile Design and Delivery

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iPhone application development is explained here in an accessible treatment for the generalist Library and Information Science (LIS) practitioner. Future information-seeking practices by users will take place across a diverse array of ubiquitous computing devices. iPhone applications represent one of the most compelling new platforms for which to remediate and re-engineer library service. Strategies of efficient mobile design and delivery include adapting computing best practices of data independence and adhering to web standards as articulated by the W3C. These best practices apply across the diverse range of handheld devices and accompanying software development tools. This book is essentially a how-to guide for application development, laying out foundational principles and then moving toward practical implementations.Overview and step-by-step development guide with Web Based Applications (the Dash code application)Overview and step-by-step development guide using the Native Application Developer (the Xcode application)Explaining principles of portability and transferability of systems