MEMS devices are finding increasingly widespread use in a variety of settings, from chemical and biological analysis to sensors and actuators in automotive applications. Along with this massive growth, the field is still experiencing growing pains as fabrication processes are refined and new applications are attempted. Anyone serious about entering the field must have a realistic knowledge of just what is possible with MEMS technologies as well as the myriad issues involved in fabrication and device integration. Microengineering, MEMS, and Interfacing: A Practical Guide provides a straightforward, down-to-earth overview of the current state of MEMS technology. The first section systematically reviews the various bulk and surface micromachining methods, photolithography masks, and nonsilicon processes, examining their capabilities, limitations, and suggested uses. Next, the author details the characteristics of individual devices and systems, their advantages and shortcomings, and how they can be combined to achieve desired functionality. He includes condensed introductions to relevant chemistry and biochemistry and then demonstrates applications of MEMS in these areas. Beginning with a short introduction to electronics, the final section explores the issues involved in interfacing MEMS components with other systems. With judicious use of illustrations to clarify the discussion, Microengineering, MEMS, and Interfacing: A Practical Guide offers hands-on tools for solving specific problems along with the insight necessary to use them most effectively.

Chinese engagement and influence in the Latin American and Caribbean (LAC) region has increased rapidly over the past several years. As China's search for energy resources and raw material has expanded into the LAC region, the United States can not ignore the ramifications of Chinese involvement in the region. Regional experts disagree over the ramifications of Chinese involvement in the LAC region. Some experts believe China's influence in the LAC region is not an immediate threat to the United States and actually provides economic benefits to the United States in the near term. Others believe that China's influence may be malignant in the long term, especially when viewed from a Chinese strategic perspective. The consensus expressed by General Bantz J. Craddock, former Commander, United States Southern Command provides the truest realist view: "An increasing presence of the People's Republic of China (PRC) in the region is an emerging dynamic that must not be ignored."1 Ramifications of Chinese economic influence in the LAC region go beyond the near term effects of securing resources. It is part of the Chinese grand strategy for securing the Chinese homeland and returning China's global preeminence. This paper compares Chinese relations in Africa and Latin America to assess potential strategic implications to China's economic, political, and military involvements in the LAC region. The United States should increase engagements in the LAC region to deal with the growing Chinese influence.