An accessible guide to the linguistic semantics of adjectives, adverbs, gradability, vagueness, comparatives, and modification more generally.

Handbook of Surface Improvement and Modification, Second Edition covers additives and the modification processes that determine the surface properties of many materials. These additives can modify or improve scratch and mar resistance, improve gloss or flatten the surface, increase or decrease tack and inhibit staining. Mechanisms of damage, protection and property improvements are also discussed, making this an essential handbook for engineers, researchers and technicians interested in using additives to modify and improve the surface properties of materials. A companion book, Databook of Surface Modification and Additives, is also available with more information on the additives commercially available to improve materials. - Focuses on the improvement of surface properties, with detailed coverage of the additives used, including the process of selection and examples of application - Presents the mechanisms of damage, protection and property improvements based on research data - Aids the user in formulating products that fit specific requirements and applications

Modification of Polymer Properties provides, for the first time, in one title, the latest information on gradient IPNs and gradient copolymers. The book covers the broad range of polymer modification routes in a fresh, current view representing a timely addition to the technical literature of this important area. Historically, blends, copolymers, or filled polymers have been developed to meet specific properties, or to optimize the cost/properties relationship. Using the gradient structure approach with conventional radical polymerization, it has been shown that it is possible to optimize properties if appropriate gradients in the composition of copolymer chains are obtained. An overview of the gradient structure approach for designing polymers has not appeared in the recent literature and this title covers the different methods used to modify properties, offering the whole range of ways to modify polymers in just one volume and making this an attractive option for a wide audience of practitioners. The approach for each chapter is to explain the fundamental principles of preparation, cover properties modification, describe future research and applications as examples of materials that may be prepared for specific applications, or that are already in use, in present day applications. The book is for readers that have a basic background in polymer science, as well as those interested in the different ways to combine or modify polymer properties. - Provides an integrated view on how to modify polymer properties - Presents the entire panorama of polymer properties modification in one reference, covering the essential information in each topic - Includes the optimization of properties using gradients in polymers composition or structure

Participation in meaningful activities in the home and community contributes to health, wellness, and good quality of life. One way in which occupational therapy supports that participation is by advocating for increased accessibility through universal design and environmental modification. Occupational therapy professionals fill a unique role in environmental modification through evaluation, intervention, and outcomes measurement by facilitating the creation of safe, accessible homes that allow people to do what is important and relevant to them. Chapters, written by occupational therapy professionals as well as policymakers, researchers, designers, and builders, articulate the meaning of home to clients, define universal design, offer assessments and outcomes measurements, delineate collaborative roles, discuss funding options, and provide networking and marketing guidance.