This book provides the conceptual foundation required for the design and development of complex distributed and real-time applications. It summarizes a large spectrum of concepts; but by concentrating on Java and presenting mainly the programmatic aspects and basic functioning of the concepts, the readability and ease of comprehension are greatly improved. Thus the idea behind the book is not to overwhelm the reader, but rather to provide sufficient information for the creation of prototypes, covering most aspects of an application. The reader will be guided to determine himself which is the best global architecture for the application: thin or thick client; direct database access or EJBs; listeners or multi-threading; etc. The book also presents a number of architectures, namely sets of components, threads and links, around which the functionalities of the application may be built and checked incrementally. One of the strengths of this book is the availability of simple examples, which have all been carefully checked and are available at the book’s website.

Foreword - Some Basics Java Features - Graphical User Interfaces - TCP / IP /, RMI - Security, Authentication - XML and Compilation (JavaCC) - Database - MySQL - Web Applications - Enterprise Java Beans - Multi-threading and Active Objects - Development Process.

Photovoltaic technology has now developed to the extent that it is close to fulfilling the vision of a “solar-energy world,” as devices based on this technology are becoming efficient, low-cost and durable. This book provides a comprehensive treatment of thin-film silicon, the most prevalent PV material, in terms of its semiconductor nature, starting out with the physical properties, but concentrating on device applications.

The use of neural implants for stimulation and recording show excellent promise in restoring certain functions to the central nervous system; and neuroprostheses remain one of the most important tools of neuroscientists for the elucidation of the brain’s function.

The dye-sensitized solar cell (DSC) is a photovoltaic converter that mimics natural photosynthesis. Like green plants and algae it uses a molecular absorber, the dye, to harvest sunlight and generate electric charges.

Cellulose is the world’s most common biopolymer, and as such will play a growing role as our society confronts the problems of climate change and declining stocks of fossil fuels.