Annotated Bibliography

Gad-el-Hak, M. (Ed.). (2006). MEMS: Introduction and Fundamentals. Boca Raton, FL:

CRC Press.

This book explicitly describes the fundamentals of the functioning of a MEMS, or

Microelectromechanical systems. Being the first of three volumes, this one is specifically covers

theoretical and conceptual support of the field, with special emphasis on the physical laws

governing the microscale. It also explores the mechanical properties of MEMS materials,

modeling and simulation of MEMS, or Control Theory among others.

My assessment: While written with moderate technical scrutiny, this book will provide me with a

strong and solid general background about how electromechanical devices operate at scales

where an average stone is considered to be of colossal dimensions. Furthermore, this book

provides convincing technical arguments about the usefulness of these nano-devices, whose

production could proliferate when their purposes are considered to spur people into action and

when the social context is ideal to solve a certain problem.

Gad-el-Hak, M. (Ed.). (2006). MEMS: Applications. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press.

This book is the second of three volumes dealing with MEMS. Its main focus is the current

markets in which these technologies are being developed and applied. It includes an overview of

inertial sensors, micromachined pressure sensors, surface micromachined devices, microscale

vacuum pumps, among many others.

My assessment: This book makes a subtle approach to the vast possibilities and capabilities of

the MEMS technology. Since this research paper deals with an analysis about how this

technology occupies the frontier on Mechanical Engineering research, it provides insights on

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how these technologies have become so trendy in recent years. All the useful examples in this

book were written and revised by worldwide known scholars who are experts in the field.

MEMS industry group and NEXUS form partnership; groups recognize need for initiatives

bridging MEMS technology with business. (2002, Nov 21). PR Newswire. Retrieved from

http://search.proquest.com/docview/448907936?accountid=12043

This article makes explains how MEMS Industry Group (MIG), the premier trade association

representing the North American MEMS and microstructure industries, and NEXUS, the

Grenoble, France-based European Microsystems Network, announced they have started

partnership today to promote greater development and commercialization of MEMS and MEMS-

enabled devices in Europe and North America. This coalition does not only imply that there will

be a greater share of information, but also that such technologies will be more suitable to a

consumer demand of a larger market.

My assessment: This article is one that clearly shows how MEMS industries are coming to

realize that in order to effectively respond to the fast changes in the consumer needs, they have to

establish open policies and collaboration which will allow them to develop MEMS that will suit

a broader array of social contexts.

MEMS industry group expands membership opportunities. (2002, Jun 19). PR Newswire.

Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com/docview/447026557?accountid=12043

This articles makes reference to MEMS Industry Group (MIG) is a trade association representing

the U.S. MEMS and microstructures industries. This Association is in charge of making

exchanges of non-propriety information among members possible. It also displays reliable

industry data where the development of technology is objectively analyzed. The article mentions

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the importance of the interaction among legislators, policymakers and others for more efficient

commercial development and use of MEMS and MEMS-enabled devices.

My assessment: Not only are the technical advances important during the process of developing

a new product, but also the ability of a firm, government or country to make sure that those

advances will be possible from an economic and social standpoint. This article gives support to

the one of the main points of the essay, which is that unless a mutual collaboration exists

between MEMS companies, their individual profit-seeking spirit might make them ignore social

implications, or side effects, of developing such technologies.

MEMS executive congress 2011 attendance grows 25%, reflects upbeat market conditions

in consumer, mobile, automotive and biomedical MEMS. (2011, Nov 14). Business Wire.

Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com/docview/903665227?accountid=12043

This article reflects how MEMS industries are succeeding in achieving a bigger market share,

meeting the changing demand for MEMS products, even in times of economic recession. As a

matter of fact, the investment of these technologies is increasing as never seen before, which

gives hints about the importance of advances in technology to solve social problems such as

unequal income distribution or inefficient production processes.

My assessment: It is important not to overlook the importance of having a social scope about the

development of new technologies, such as MEMS. Not only does it contribute to have a more

comprehensive, global perspective on the importance of the implementation of these

technologies, but it also provides hints about what the particular needs of consumers are.

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Research and markets offers report: Analysis of the southeast asian MEMS sensors

market. (2009). Entertainment Close - Up, Retrieved from

http://search.proquest.com/docview/818700982?accountid=12043

Southeast Asia has, among its members, top tier countries in technical development, such as

Japan, South Korea or Singapore. This article provides with a comprehensive analysis about the

short-term and long-term effects in the demand for MEMS technology. According to the article,

although the demand for MEMS technology has diminished in recent years due to economic

recession in Southeast Asia, long term-growth of these technologies has been projected by

experts in the field.

My assessment: The average consumer seems to be focusing mainly on the short term effects of

the economic recession in their predictions about the MEMS industries. This articles provides

with a logically consistent argument for the positive future incentives that the development of

these technologies have, encouraging long-term economic growth and offering consumer better

standards of living.