The book gives an overview of the current state-of-the-art concerning the activation and dissolution of cellulose in a broad variety of solvents. Research on this topic can lead to new pathways for the utilization of the most abundant terrestrial biomolecule and may therefore be the basis for new green strategies towards advanced materials. Leading scientists in the field show different conceptions for the solubilization of cellulose. The long history and groundbreaking developments in the field of polymer chemistry, which are related to this subject, have lead to timely alternatives to already established methods. In addition to discussing attempts for the optimization of known dissolving procedures, this book also details new solvent systems. New solvents include inorganic and organic salt melts (ionic liquids), new aqueous media, multi-component organic solvents and the dissolution under partial derivatization of the polysaccharide. The opportunities and the limitations of the solvents are demonstrated, with a particular emphasis on the stability of the solutions and a possible recycling of the solvent components.
This book illustrates that the new procedures for cellulose dissolution can lead to a huge number of unconventional superstructures of regenerated cellulose material, such as fibers and polymer layers with a thickness in the nanometer range or aerogels, i.e. regenerates with a highly porous character and a large surface. Moreover, cellulose blends can be generated via solutions. The book also contains chapters that show the amazing potential of solvents for defined modification reactions on the cellulose backbone. On one hand, it is possible to synthesize known cellulose derivatives with new substitution patterns both on the basis of the repeating unit and along the polymer chain. On the other hand, completely new derivatives are presented which are hardly accessible via heterogeneous reactions. Consequently, the book is intended to give a comprehensive overview of procedures for dissolution of cellulose. It is of interest for scientists new in the field but is also a timely summary of trends for experts who are looking for new approaches for problems related to cellulose shaping or chemical modification.

The attacks and blockade on Yemen by the Saudi-led multinational coalition have killed thousands and triggered humanitarian disaster. The longstanding conflict in the country between the Huthi rebels and (until December 2017) Salih militias on the one side and those loyal to the internationally recognized government and many other groups fighting for their interests on the other are said to have evolved into a proxy war between Saudi Arabia and Iran. In 2011, however, thousands of Yemenis had taken to the streets to protest for a better future for their country. When President Ali Abdullah Salih signed over power in the aftermath of these protests, there were hopes that this would signal the beginning of a new period of transition. Yemen and the Search for Stability focuses on the aspirations that inspired revolutionary action, and analyzes what went wrong in the years that followed. It examines the different groups involved in the protests - Salih supporters, Muslim Brothers, Salafis, Huthis, secessionists, women, youth, artists and intellectuals- in terms of their competing visions for the country's future as well as their internal struggles. This book traces the impact of the 2011 upheavals on these groups' ideas for a `new Yemen' and on their strategies for self-empowerment. In so doing, Yemen and the Search for Stability examines the mistakes committed in the country's post-2011 transition process but also points towards prospects for stability and positive change.

Imagine being alongside one of the greatest bands in the history of rock, touring the world and being there as they perform at some of the best and biggest music venues in the world. Peter Hince didn't have to imagine: for more than a decade, he lived a life that other people can only dream of as he worked with Queen as head of their road crew. In 1973, Queen was the support act for Mott the Hoople, for whom Peter was a roadie. Back then, Queen had to content themselves with being second on the bill and the world had not yet woken up to the flamboyant talent of Freddie Mercury. Peter started working full time for Queen just as they were making A Night at the Opera, the album which catapulted them to international stardom. In this intimate and affectionate book, Peter recalls the highlights of his years with the band. He was with Freddie when he composed 'Crazy Little Thing Called Love'; he was responsible for making sure that Freddie's stage performances went without a hitch - and was often there to witness his famed tantrums! He was also party to the sex, drugs and rock 'n' roll which are invariably part of life on the road with a rock band.

Optimization problems subject to constraints governed by partial differential equations (PDEs) are among the most challenging problems in the context of industrial, economical and medical applications. Almost the entire range of problems in this field of research was studied and further explored as part of the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) priority program 1253 on "Optimization with Partial Differential Equations" from 2006 to 2013. The investigations were motivated by the fascinating potential applications and challenging mathematical problems that arise in the field of PDE constrained optimization. New analytic and algorithmic paradigms have been developed, implemented and validated in the context of real-world applications. In this special volume, contributions from more than fifteen German universities combine the results of this interdisciplinary program with a focus on applied mathematics. The book is divided into five sections on "Constrained Optimization, Identification and Control", "Shape and Topology Optimization", "Adaptivity and Model Reduction", "Discretization: Concepts and Analysis" and "Applications". Peer-reviewed research articles present the most recent results in the field of PDE constrained optimization and control problems. Informative survey articles give an overview of topics that set sustainable trends for future research. This makes this special volume interesting not only for mathematicians, but also for engineers and for natural and medical scientists working on processes that can be modeled by PDEs.