Delft University of Technology

About: Delft University of Technology is a education organization based out in Delft, Zuid-Holland, Netherlands. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Computer science & Catalysis. The organization has 37681 authors who have published 94404 publications receiving 2741710 citations. The organization is also known as: TU-Delft & Technische Hogeschool Delft.

Challenges in microbial ecology: building predictive understanding of community function and dynamics

Abstract: The importance of microbial communities (MCs) cannot be overstated. MCs underpin the biogeochemical cycles of the earth’s soil, oceans and the atmosphere, and perform ecosystem functions that impact plants, animals and humans. Yet our ability to predict and manage the function of these highly complex, dynamically changing communities is limited. Building predictive models that link MC composition to function is a key emerging challenge in microbial ecology. Here, we argue that addressing this challenge requires close coordination of experimental data collection and method development with mathematical model building. We discuss specific examples where model–experiment integration has already resulted in important insights into MC function and structure. We also highlight key research questions that still demand better integration of experiments and models. We argue that such integration is needed to achieve significant progress in our understanding of MC dynamics and function, and we make specific practical suggestions as to how this could be achieved.

Port-Hamiltonian Systems Theory: An Introductory Overview

Abstract: An up-to-date survey of the theory of port-Hamiltonian systems is given, emphasizing novel developments and relationships with other formalisms. Port-Hamiltonian systems theory yields a systematic framework for network modeling of multi-physics systems. Examples from different areas show the range of applicability. While the emphasis is on modeling and analysis, the last part provides a brief introduction to control of port-Hamiltonian systems.

“Panta Rhei—Everything Flows”: Change in hydrology and society—The IAHS Scientific Decade 2013–2022

Abstract: The new Scientific Decade 2013-2022 of IAHS, entitled Panta RheiEverything Flows, is dedicated to research activities on change in hydrology and society. The purpose of Panta Rhei is to reach an improved interpretation of the processes governing the water cycle by focusing on their changing dynamics in connection with rapidly changing human systems. The practical aim is to improve our capability to make predictions of water resources dynamics to support sustainable societal development in a changing environment. The concept implies a focus on hydrological systems as a changing interface between environment and society, whose dynamics are essential to determine water security, human safety and development, and to set priorities for environmental management. The Scientific Decade 2013-2022 will devise innovative theoretical blueprints for the representation of processes including change and will focus on advanced monitoring and data analysis techniques. Interdisciplinarity will be sought by increased efforts to connect with the socio-economic sciences and geosciences in general. This paper presents a summary of the Science Plan of Panta Rhei, its targets, research questions and expected outcomes.

Organic single-crystal field-effect transistors

Abstract: Organic electronics constitute an innovative field, with interesting applications complementary to the silicon semiconductor technology. From a scientific perspective, there is large interest in the fundamental understanding of electrical transport in organic semiconductors. However, a well-developed microscopic description is still lacking, due to the complicated character of the many-body polaronic-type of charge carriers in molecular compounds. In this Thesis, we have experimentally studied the intrinsic charge transport properties of organic semiconductors by using organic single-crystal field-effect transistors. The electric field-effect has been frequently used to investigate thin films of organic compounds. Unfortunately, thin-film transistors are not suitable for the study of intrinsic electronic properties of organic conductors, because their characteristics are often strongly affected by imperfections of the film structure and by insufficient purity of organic materials. Thus, for a higher degree of molecular ordering and an improved quality of the FET, we fabricate devices on the surface of a free-standing single crystal of organic molecules. In short, in this work we have achieved successful fabrication of high-quality single-crystal FETs, exhibiting high mobilities and signs of intrinsic transport. Herewith, we have identified new aspects that influence charge transport in organic semiconductor FETs, and we have performed exploratory measurements in the charge density regime approaching one carrier per molecule.