Existing methods of estimating long-term corrosion loss are almost always based on time, with separate models for different atmospheric conditions (i.e., industrial, urban, rural, marine). Such models do not account for variation in environmental conditions, even though it is known that corrosion loss varies significantly with different environmental factors. This research involved the formulation, calibration, and validation of models that show the effects of the environment on corrosion for four materials (carbon steel, zinc, copper, and aluminum) and two types of specimens (flat and helix). The models were formulated with a structure that yields rational effects for four environmental variables: time-of-wetness, sulfur dioxide, salinity, and temperature. ISO CORRAG data obtained from 51 test sites in 13 countries was used to calibrate the coefficients of the eight models. The prediction accuracy of the models was assessed using goodness-of-fit statistics. The correlation coefficients ranged from 0.532 to 0.834 for the models. Using data independent of the calibration data, the models were validated. The results of validation indicate that the models are reliable for use in a broad range of conditions or locations. The temporal variation in corrosion loss for each of the four environmental factors is also discussed. Both calibration and validation suggest that the environmental components of the models can be used with other time-dependent corrosion models to assess the effects of variation in environmental conditions.

Evidence is accumulating about the difficulties that users have in managing their work using contemporary graphical user interfaces. Current designs offer a hierarchy of folders containing documents and taskbar operations to launch/exit applications. We propose a Personal Role Management strategy that emphasizes management of the multiple roles users have in their professional and personal lives. Each role involves coordination with groups of people and accomplishment of tasks within a schedule. We define Personal Role Management and summarize our earlier work that led to this strategy. This current project focused on understanding how Personal Role Management might improve email for college students. College students often assume distinct and predictable roles. Their student role is structured by the rhythm and interactions of classes, projects and exams. In both their family role and their work role for local companies, they deal with separate groups of people. We describe scenarios of use of a role-based email system, an interface mockup and user reactions. This research suggests that using those roles as a driving component for designing an email interface might address problems identified in our surveys and interviews of college students. To appear in: Kaptelinin, V., Czerwinski, M. (Eds) Integrated Digital Work Environments: Beyond the Desktop, MIT Press 1

In order to accommodate the increasing diversity of email users, applications have evolved in both functionality and user interface. In this study, we attempt to determine whether email user interfaces can be improved to serve a specific target population: college students. We present our results from college campus surveys that examine email usage patterns and subjective experiences among college students. From our survey feedback and related research, we conclude that email overload and feature intimidation are the greatest hindrances to email communication on campus. To address these problems, we propose employing role management to organize messages calendar and contacts in an email program for students, using school, work and family roles. We describe a prototype and user reactions. Our conclusion is that role management, integrated into email software, may help college students manage their email more effectively.

In order to accommodate the increasing diversity of email users, applications have evolved in both functionality and user interface. In this study, we attempt to determine whether email user interfaces can be improved to serve a specific target population: college students. We present our results from college campus surveys that examine email usage patterns and subjective experiences among college students. From our survey feedback and related research, we conclude that email overload and feature intimidation are the greatest hindrances to email communication on campus. To address these problems, we propose employing role management to organize messages calendar and contacts in an email program for students, using school, work and family roles. We describe a prototype and user reactions. Our conclusion is that role management, integrated into email software, may help college students manage their email more effectively.