Search results for ""Taylor Francis Inc""

A Complete Toolbox of Theories and TechniquesThe second edition of a bestseller, Handbook of Virtual Environments: Design, Implementation, and Applications presents systematic and extensive coverage of the primary areas of research and development within VE technology. It brings together a comprehensive set of contributed articles that address the principles required to define system requirements and design, build, evaluate, implement, and manage the effective use of VE applications. The contributors provide critical insights and principles associated with their given areas of expertise to provide extensive scope and detail on VE technology and its applications.What’s New in the Second Edition: Updated glossary of terms to promote common language throughout the community New chapters on olfactory perception, avatar control, motion sickness, and display design, as well as a whole host of new application areas Updated information to reflect the tremendous progress made over the last decade in applying VE technology to a growing number of domains This second edition includes nine new, as well as forty-one updated chapters that reflect the progress made in basic and applied research related to the creation, application, and evaluation of virtual environments. Contributions from leading researchers and practitioners from multidisciplinary domains provide a wealth of theoretical and practical information, resulting in a complete toolbox of theories and techniques that you can rely on to develop more captivating and effective virtual worlds. The handbook supplies a valuable resource for advancing VE applications as you take them from the laboratory to the real-world lives of people everywhere.

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The bestselling first edition of Encyclopedia of Wireless and Mobile Communications filled a need for a comprehensive yet concise resource that made important information easily accessible. Updated and expanded to keep pace with the ever-evolving field of telecommunications, this second is poised to do the same.From acoustic communications and data compression to optical fibers and wireless sensor networks, this new edition provides 59 new entries on essential topics in the wireless and mobile communications field. Collectively, approximately 230 entries encompass the foundations, technologies, applications, and emerging elements of this dynamic field.Containing the contributions of more than 400 leading experts from around the world, this reference covers the complete range of both fundamental and advanced issues in telecommunicationsincluding 3G and 4G systems, OFDM systems, and emerging applications.Also Available Onlin

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Understanding LED Illumination elucidates the science of lighting for light emitting diodes. It presents concepts, theory, simulations, and new design techniques that shine the spotlight on illumination, energy efficiency, and reducing electrical power consumption. The text provides an introduction to the fundamentals of LED lamp design, and highlights the principles of large-space and 3D object illumination for developing competitive LED lamps.The first part of the book discusses lamp output metrics and characterization methods, while the second part of the book explores certain retail and prototype lamp comparisons with theory, simulations and experiments It details the light propagation and distribution characteristics of LED light sources for general illumination applications, and presents design and simulation requirements for LED lamps suited for real-world applications. It also addresses light generation, efficiency, theoretical limits, efficiency limiting factors, and LED lamp design elements. Emphasizes the lighting aspects for LED lamps: quality and improvement Describes the basics of junction diode and the intricacies of compound semiconductor optoelectronic properties including the thermal, electrical, optical, and mechanical aspects Explains the challenges of LED lighting in scientific and mathematical terms Includes case studies from Osram Optosemiconductors, Sylvania, and Phillips, GE, and others The book characterizes several LED replacement lamps for household and commercial lighting and discusses a novel design for improving tubular LED replacements. It takes the mysteries out of solid-state lighting for lighting designers, and helps LED scientists and engineers effectively design their products to provide high-quality illumination.

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Theory of Drug Development presents a formal quantitative framework for understanding drug development that goes beyond simply describing the properties of the statistics in individual studies. It examines the drug development process from the perspectives of drug companies and regulatory agencies.By quantifying various ideas underlying drug development, the book shows how to systematically address problems, such as: Sizing a phase 2 trial and choosing the range of p-values that will trigger a follow-up phase 3 trial Deciding whether a drug should receive marketing approval based on its phase 2/3 development program and recent experience with other drugs in the same clinical area Determining the impact of adaptive designs on the quality of drugs that receive marketing approval Designing a phase 3 pivotal study that permits the data-driven adjustment of the treatment effect estimate Knowing when enough information has been gathered to show that a drug improves the survival time for the whole patient population Drawing on his extensive work as a statistician in the pharmaceutical industry, the author focuses on the efficient development of drugs and the quantification of evidence in drug development. He provides a rationale for underpowered phase 2 trials based on the notion of efficiency, which leads to the identification of an admissible family of phase 2 designs. He also develops a framework for evaluating the strength of evidence generated by clinical trials. This approach is based on the ratio of power to type 1 error and transcends typical Bayesian and frequentist statistical analyses.

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With a substantial amount of new material, the Handbook of Linear Algebra, Second Edition provides comprehensive coverage of linear algebra concepts, applications, and computational software packages in an easy-to-use format. It guides you from the very elementary aspects of the subject to the frontiers of current research. Along with revisions and updates throughout, the second edition of this bestseller includes 20 new chapters.New to the Second Edition Separate chapters on Schur complements, additional types of canonical forms, tensors, matrix polynomials, matrix equations, special types of matrices, generalized inverses, matrices over finite fields, invariant subspaces, representations of quivers, and spectral sets New chapters on combinatorial matrix theory topics, such as tournaments, the minimum rank problem, and spectral graph theory, as well as numerical linear algebra topics, including algorithms for structured matrix computations, stability of structured matrix computations, and nonlinear eigenvalue problems More chapters on applications of linear algebra, including epidemiology and quantum error correction New chapter on using the free and open source software system Sage for linear algebra Additional sections in the chapters on sign pattern matrices and applications to geometry Conjectures and open problems in most chapters on advanced topics Highly praised as a valuable resource for anyone who uses linear algebra, the first edition covered virtually all aspects of linear algebra and its applications. This edition continues to encompass the fundamentals of linear algebra, combinatorial and numerical linear algebra, and applications of linear algebra to various disciplines while also covering up-to-date software packages for linear algebra computations.

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Adaptive Designs for Sequential Treatment Allocation presents a rigorous theoretical treatment of the results and mathematical foundation of adaptive design theory. The book focuses on designing sequential randomized experiments to compare two or more treatments incorporating information accrued along the way. The authors first introduce the terminology and statistical models most commonly used in comparative experiments. They then illustrate biased coin and urn designs that only take into account past treatment allocations as well as designs that use past data, such as sequential maximum likelihood and various types of doubly adaptive designs. The book also covers multipurpose adaptive experiments involving utilitarian choices and ethical issues. It ends with adaptive methods that include covariates in the design. The appendices present basic tools of optimal design theory and address Bayesian adaptive designs.This book helps readers fully understand the theoretical properties behind various adaptive designs. Readers are then equipped to choose the best design for their experiment.

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Bringing together both new and old results, Theory of Factorial Design: Single- and Multi-Stratum Experiments provides a rigorous, systematic, and up-to-date treatment of the theoretical aspects of factorial design. To prepare readers for a general theory, the author first presents a unified treatment of several simple designs, including completely randomized designs, block designs, and row-column designs. As such, the book is accessible to readers with minimal exposure to experimental design. With exercises and numerous examples, it is suitable as a reference for researchers and as a textbook for advanced graduate students. In addition to traditional topics and a thorough discussion of the popular minimum aberration criterion, the book covers many topics and new results not found in existing books. These include results on the structures of two-level resolution IV designs, methods for constructing such designs beyond the familiar foldover method, the extension of minimum aberration to nonregular designs, the equivalence of generalized minimum aberration and minimum moment aberration, a Bayesian approach, and some results on nonregular designs. The book also presents a theory that provides a unifying framework for the design and analysis of factorial experiments with multiple strata (error terms) arising from complicated structures of the experimental units. This theory can be systematically applied to various structures of experimental units instead of treating each on a case-by-case basis.

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How can you apply Lean principles and practices throughout your enterprise to drive operational excellence, reduce costs while improving quality, enable efficient growth, and accelerate idea-to-value innovation? Shingo Prize-winning author Steve Bell and other thought leaders show you how guiding you to more effectively align people and purpose, promote enterprise agility, and leverage transformative IT capabilities to create market-differentiating value for your customers.

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Harness the Wonders of the Natural World As our in-depth knowledge of biological systems increases, the number of devices and applications built from these principles is rapidly growing. Bioinspired Photonics: Optical Structures and Systems Inspired by Nature provides an interdisciplinary introduction to the captivating and diverse photonic systems seen in nature and explores how we take inspiration from them to create new photonic materials and devices.See How Photonic Systems in Nature Work The book presents important examples of how combining biological inspiration with state-of-the-art nanoscience is resulting in the emergence of a field focused on developing real improvements in materials and devices. The author walks readers through examples taken from nature, delves into their characterization and performance, and describes the unique features of their performance. She interweaves this material with discussions on fabricating synthetic versions of the systems as well as specific aspects of the biological examples that researchers are leveraging in their own work.Replicate and Take Inspiration from These Systems for Fabrication and ApplicationSuitable for a multidisciplinary audience of scientists, technologists, students, and lay people, this book covers a wide range of topics encompassed by bioinspired photonics in an easy-to-follow way. Newcomers to the field will acquire the minimum background necessary to begin exploring this fascinating subject while experts will discover state-of-the-art approaches to biomimetic and bioinspired photonic systems.

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For almost every sensationalized media report of product failure, a closer look often determines these failures occurred due to inadequate reliability theory and methodology. Current theories and practices cannot solve these problems, mainly because test specifications, especially lifetime tests, express their results as either pass or fail; these results thus provide little useful quantitative information. In a clear, concise presentation, Improving Reliability and Quality for Product Success discusses how to eradicate failures in hardware products and, consequently, achieve greater success in the marketplace.Evolved from the author’s more than thirty years of experience, the book redefines quality and reliability terminology, explains failure mechanics, and analyzes why reliability accidents occur in the products of established corporations. The author presents a new prevention methodology in easily understood qualitative and scientific terms. Without excess discussions of the complex related mathematics, he creates principles that enable readers to identify problems before product release into the market. These novel concepts and methodology can reduce product troubles by establishing test specifications that produce quantified outcomes that constitute conclusive judgment data.Many books that cover reliability theory/engineering/practice are geared towards professionals with advanced mathematical skills and would not necessarily be of use to executives and CEOs, who may not be quality or reliability experts but need to understand these principles when making decisions. This book addresses this important but neglected audience, introducing novel ideas based on back-to basics quality/reliability concepts in an easily understood manner. In addition, it explains basic, fresh new methods for maximizing customer satisfaction and securing a competitive edge in performance.

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Good requirements do not come from a tool, or from a customer interview. They come from a repeatable set of processes that take a project from the early idea stage through to the creation of an agreed-upon project and product scope between the customer and the developer.From enterprise analysis and planning requirements gathering to documentation, Determining Project Requirements, Second Edition: Mastering the BABOK® and the CBAP® Exam covers the entire business analysis cycle as well as modeling techniques. Aligned with the International Institute of Business Analysis’ (IIBA) Business Analysis Body of Knowledge 2.0® (BABOK® Guide 2.0), the second edition of this popular reference provides readers with a complete and up-to-date resource for preparing to take the Certified Business Analysis Professional (CBAP®) examination. It also: Presents helpful techniques, tools, best practices, and templates to help readers improve the requirements gathering processes within their organization Contains exercises, sample solutions, and a case study that illustrate how to deal with the various situations that might be encountered in the requirements gathering process Supplies a broad overview of a multitude of business analysis issues Includes two sample business requirements documents—one is a comprehensive template, provided courtesy of ESI International, the second is a simpler template suitable for smaller projects The book covers all of the BABOK® knowledge areas and features new preparatory sections for the CBAP® exam that include 300 questions. It examines data modeling, requirements modeling techniques, process modeling, and hybrid techniques. With its many examples, use cases, and business requirements document templates, this book is the ideal self-study guide for pra

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Doped by isovalent or heterovalent foreign impurities (F), II–VI semiconductor compounds enable control of optical and electronic properties, making them ideal in detectors, solar cells, and other precise device applications. For the reproducible manufacturing of the doped materials with predicted and desired properties, manufacturing technologists need knowledge of appropriate ternary system phase diagrams.A guide for technologists and researchers at industrial and national laboratories, Ternary Alloys Based on II-VI Semiconductor Compounds collects all available data on ternary II–VI–F semiconductor materials. It presents ternary phase diagrams for the systems and includes data about phase equilibriums on the cross sections. The book is also suitable for phase diagram researchers, inorganic chemists, and solid state physicists as well as students in materials science, engineering, physical chemistry, and physics. The authors classify all materials according to the periodic groups of their constituent atoms (i.e., possible combinations of Zn, Cd, and Hg with chalcogens S, Se, and Te) and additional components in the order of their group number. Each ternary system database description contains the diagram type, possible phase transformation and physical–chemical interaction of the components, equilibrium investigation methods, thermodynamic characteristics, and the sample preparation method. In some cases, the book illustrates the solid and liquid-phase equilibriums with vapor because of their importance to crystal growth using the vapor–liquid–solid technique. It also presents data on the homogeneity range as well as baric and temperature dependences of solubility impurities in the semiconductor lattice and the liquid phase.

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CISO's Guide to Penetration Testing: A Framework to Plan, Manage, and Maximize Benefits details the methodologies, framework, and unwritten conventions penetration tests should cover to provide the most value to your organization and your customers. Discussing the process from both a consultative and technical perspective, it provides an overview of the common tools and exploits used by attackers along with the rationale for why they are used. From the first meeting to accepting the deliverables and knowing what to do with the results, James Tiller explains what to expect from all phases of the testing life cycle. He describes how to set test expectations and how to identify a good test from a bad one. He introduces the business characteristics of testing, the imposed and inherent limitations, and describes how to deal with those limitations. The book outlines a framework for protecting confidential information and security professionals during testing. It covers social engineering and explains how to tune the plethora of options to best use this investigative tool within your own environment. Ideal for senior security management and anyone else responsible for ensuring a sound security posture, this reference depicts a wide range of possible attack scenarios. It illustrates the complete cycle of attack from the hacker’s perspective and presents a comprehensive framework to help you meet the objectives of penetration testing—including deliverables and the final report.

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After nearly a year of debate, in March 2010, Congress passed and the president signed the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act to reform the U.S. health care system. The most significant social legislation since the civil rights legislation and the creation of Medicare and Medicaid, the bill’s passage has been met with great controversy. Political pundits, politicians, health care economists, and policy analysts have filled the airwaves and the lay press with their opinions, but little has been heard from those who have the most invested in health care delivery reform—patients and their doctors.Understanding Health Care Reform: Bridging the Gap Between Myth and Reality provides readers with the information to make informed decisions and to help counter the bias of political pundits and the influence of the for-profit health care industry. The author introduces readers to a group of dedicated doctors, administrators, and patients whose experiences illustrate the strengths and weaknesses of the health care reform legislation. He also shares his own experiences as both a physician and a patient. The book puts the health care reform legislation in perspective by exploring ten critical areas: The private insurance industry Medicare and Medicaid The elimination of waste caused by overutilization, high administrative fees, and fraud Disease prevention and wellness programs Care for the underserved—the health care "safety net" Quality of care The impending workforce shortage Comparative-effectiveness research to compare treatments Changes in the way medicine is practiced Tort reform Describing the reform act as the foundation and framing of a house, it outlines what doctors, patients, and families must focus on as states, the federal government, and the courts craft this legislation over time. The author cuts through the political rhetoric to address the core question: how do we preserve our ability to provide the best possible care for patients and fulfill our societal mission of providing care for our citizens independent of their financial means? Focusing on strengths and weaknesses, rather than what is right or wrong, he encourages readers to think creatively about their role in establishing a better system of health care in America.

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Fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) decks have been increasingly used for new construction and rehabilitation projects worldwide. The benefits of using FRP bridge decks, such as durability, light weight, high strength, reduced maintenance costs, and rapid installation, outweigh their initial in-place material costs when implemented in highway bridge projects. FRP Deck and Steel Girder Bridge Systems: Analysis and Design compiles the necessary information to facilitate the development of the standards and guidelines needed to promote further adoption of composite sandwich panels in construction. It also, for the first time, proposes a complete set of design guidelines.Providing both experimental investigations and theoretical analyses, this book covers three complementary parts: FRP decks, shear connectors between the deck and steel girders, and the behavior of bridge systems. The text presents stiffness and strength evaluations for FRP deck panels and FRP deck-girder bridge systems. While the FRP deck studies focus on honeycomb FPR sandwich panels over steel girder bridge systems, they can be adapted to other sandwich configurations. Similarly, the shear connection and bridge system studies can be applied to other types of FRP decks. Chapters discuss skin effect, core configuration, facesheet laminates, out-of-plane compression and sheer, mechanical shear connectors, and FRP deck–steel girder bridge systems.Based on the findings described in the text, the authors propose design guidelines and present design examples to illustrate application of the guidelines. In the final chapter, they also provide a systematic analysis and design approach for single-span FRP deck-stringer bridges. This book presents new and improved theories and combines analytical models, numerical analyses, and experimental investigations to devise a practical analysis procedure, resulting in FRP deck design formulations.

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While most books on the subject focus on resource allocation in just one type of network, this book is the first to examine the common characteristics of multiple distributed video communication systems. Comprehensive and systematic, Optimal Resource Allocation for Distributed Video Communication presents a unified optimization framework for resource allocation across these systems. The book examines the techniques required for optimal resource allocation over Internet, wireless cellular networks, wireless ad hoc networks, and wireless sensor networks. It provides you with the required foundation in video communications, including Peer-to-Peer (P2P) networks, wireless networks, and visual sensor networks. Whether you’re in industry or academia, you’ll value how the book outlines current challenges facing the field and outlines a general solution framework for addressing these challenges. From problem formulations and theoretical analysis to practical algorithms, it facilitates the comprehensive understanding required to achieve optimized video and multimedia communications. Presents the resource allocation techniques for scalable video communications over Internet or wireless networks Examines two resource allocation problems—distributed throughput maximization for scalable P2P Video-on-Demand (VoD) systems and streaming capacity for P2P VoD systems Outlines an optimal prefetching framework for reducing seeking delays in P2P VoD applications Examines distributed optimization techniques for unicast and multicast video streaming over wireless ad hoc networks Considers the network lifetime maximization problem in wireless visual sensor networks Detailing methods that can immediately improve the performance of your video communication systems, this book presents multiple applications of optimal resource allocation. For each of the applications,

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While the macroscopic phenomenon of superconductivity is well known and in practical use worldwide, the current theoretical paradigm for superconductivity suffers from a number of limitations. For example, there is no currently accepted theoretical explanation for the pattern of superconductor critical temperatures in the periodic table. Historical developments in condensed matter were strongly focused on the similarities of all metals and the electron gas model, with little attention paid to their real differences. Accessible by a wide audience, Superconductivity Revisited explores the work of those who investigated the differences, and laid the foundation for all current and future work.Topics Include Pattern of Elemental Superconductors in the Periodic Table High-Temperature Superconductors Electron Spin in Superconductors Heat Capacity and Magnetic Susceptibility in Superconductors Quantum Foundations of Molecular Electricity and Magnetism Metals and Insulators Electron Transport in Metals Magnetoresistance Quantum Hall Effect Type I and Type II Superconductivity Superconductivity Revisited starts from the foundations and shows that the current theory of the subject cannot explain the pattern of superconductors in the periodic table, as the theory depends on a theory of resistivity not congruent with the Sommerfeld equation. Partial wave scattering is introduced as a route to deal with these issues. The book develops a theory of superconductivity that includes the periodic table. The new, coherent, understandable theory of superconductivity is directly based on thermodynamics, scattering theory, and molecular quantum mechanics.

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The rigorous treatment of combustion can be so complex that the kinetic variables, fluid turbulence factors, luminosity, and other factors cannot be defined well enough to find realistic solutions. Simplifying the processes, The Coen & Hamworthy Combustion Handbook provides practical guidance to help you make informed choices about fuels, burners, and associated combustion equipment—and to clearly understand the impacts of the many variables. Editors Stephen B. Londerville and Charles E. Baukal, Jr, top combustion experts from John Zink Hamworthy Combustion and the Coen Company, supply a thorough, state-of-the-art overview of boiler burners that covers Coen, Hamworthy, and Todd brand boiler burners.A Refresher in Fundamentals and State-of-the-Art Solutions for Combustion System ProblemsRoughly divided into two parts, the book first reviews combustion engineering fundamentals. It then uses a building-block approach to present specific computations and applications in industrial and utility combustion systems, including those for Transport and introduction of fuel and air to a system Safe monitoring of the combustion system Control of flows and operational parameters Design of a burner/combustion chamber to achieve performance levels for emissions and heat transfer Avoidance of excessive noise and vibration and the extension of equipment life under adverse conditions Coverage includes units, fluids, chemistry, and heat transfer, as well as atomization, computational fluid dynamics (CFD), noise, auxiliary support equipment, and the combustion of gaseous, liquid, and solid fuels. Significant attention is also given to the formation, reduction, and prediction of emissions from combustion systems. Each chapter builds from the simple to the more complex and contains a wealth of practical examples and full-color photographs and illustrations.Practical Computations and Applications for Industrial and Utility Combustion SystemsA ready reference and refresher, this unique handbook is designed for anyone involved in combustion equipment selection, sizing, and emissions control. It will help you make calculations and decisions on design features, fuel choices, emissions, controls, burner selection, and burner/furnace combinations with more confidence.

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Now more than ever, the design of systems and devices for effective and safe healthcare delivery has taken center stage. And the importance of human factors and ergonomics in achieving this goal can’t be ignored. Underlining the utility of research in achieving effective design, Advances in Human Aspects of Healthcare discusses how human factors and ergonomics principles can be applied to improve quality, safety, efficiency, and effectiveness in patient care. Topics include the design of work environments to improve satisfaction and well-being of patients, healthcare providers, and professionals. The book explores new approaches for improving healthcare devices such as portable ultrasound systems, better work design, and effective communications and systems support. It also examines healthcare informatics for the public and usability for patient users, building on results from usability studies for medical personnel. Several chapters explore quality and safety while others examine medical error for risk factors and information transfer in error reduction. The book provides an integrated review of physical, cognitive, and organizational aspects that facilitates a systems approach to implementation. These features and more allow practitioners to gain a deeper understanding of the issues in healthcare delivery and the role ergonomics and human factors can play in solving them.

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Offering the latest information in magnetic nanoparticle (MNP) research, Magnetic Nanoparticles: From Fabrication to Clinical Applications provides a comprehensive review, from synthesis, characterization, and biofunctionalization to clinical applications of MNPs, including the diagnosis and treatment of cancers.This book, written by some of the most qualified experts in the field, not only fills a hole in the literature, but also bridges the gaps between all the different areas in this field.Translational research on tailored magnetic nanoparticles for biomedical applications spans a variety of disciplines, and putting together the most significant advances into a practical format is a challenging task. Balancing clinical applications with the underlying theory and foundational science behind these new discoveries, Magnetic Nanoparticles: From Fabrication to Clinical Applications supplies a toolbox of solutions and ideas for scientists in the field and for young researchers interested in magnetic nanoparticles.

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Two-Volume Set:Neurovirology is an interdisciplinary field representing a melding of virology, clinical neuroscience, molecular pathogenesis, diagnostic virology, molecular biology, and immunology. Neuroviral Infections: General Principles and DNA Viruses covers recent developments in the area of neuroviral infections and discusses their role in related fields such as immunology, cell biology, and molecular biology. It offers a complete discussion of the major neuroviral infections caused by DNA viruses, including information on emerging basic principles, neuroviral infections, and future challenges in virology. Neuroviral Infections: RNA Viruses and Retroviruses presents an up-to-date overview of the general principles of infections and major neuroviral infections caused by RNA viruses and retroviruses. It is designed for virologists, specialists in infectious diseases, teachers of virology, and postgraduate students of medicine

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Building from the perspective of reproductive and developmental biology, Computational Methods for Reproductive and Developmental Toxicology provides a timely and comprehensive overview of approaches in reproductive and developmental toxicology.The book, which is part of the QSAR in Environmental and Health Sciences series, is divided into three broad sections. The first provides a review of methods and approaches to meet the need for safety assessments in product development and regulatory approaches for environmental chemicals. The next one reviews the biological processes and endpoints involved in reproduction and development. The final and largest section summarizes protocols for evaluating biological processes and endpoints within reproduction and development. It also discusses informatics resources and computational methods. The book takes a cross-disciplinary approach bringing together developmental, reproductive and systems biology, chemistry, toxicology, pharmacology, biostatistics, information sciences, bioinformatics, and computational approaches. This valuable resource provides those in the field with the necessary knowledge to evaluate both classic and recent approaches to characterize toxicity.

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Following in the footsteps of its bestselling predecessors, the Handbook of Parametric and Nonparametric Statistical Procedures, Fifth Edition provides researchers, teachers, and students with an all-inclusive reference on univariate, bivariate, and multivariate statistical procedures.New in the Fifth Edition: Substantial updates and new material throughout New chapters on path analysis, meta-analysis, and structural equation modeling Index numbers and time series analysis applications in business and economics Statistical quality control applications in industry Random- and fixed-effects models for the analysis of variance Broad in scope, the Handbook is intended for individuals involved in a wide spectrum of academic disciplines encompassing the fields of mathematics, the social, biological, and environmental sciences, business, and education. A reference for statistically sophisticated individuals, the Handbook is also accessible to those lacking the theoretical or mathematical background required for understanding subject matter typically documented in statistics reference books.

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A complete panorama of self-healing strategies, Self-Healing at the Nanoscale: Mechanisms and Key Concepts of Natural and Artificial Systems focuses on the development of new nanoscale self-healing systems, from general concepts to physical chemical mechanisms. With a special emphasis on key concepts, strategies, and mechanisms at the atomic, molecular, and nanometric scales, this book is made up of three parts: Natural Self-Healing Systems covers paradigmatic self-repair systems developed by nature in living organisms Artificial Self-Healing Systems describes various materials whose structures have been engineered at the micro- or nanoscale to obtain self-repair ability Frontiers of Self-Healing Systems includes contributions on systems studied in recent years that have shown potential for developing or inspiring new self-healing nanomaterials The development of self-healing systems, especially concerning materials and the nanoscale, is a nascent yet appealing topic for scientists in fields ranging from engineering to biology. Self-Healing at the Nanoscale provides a broad view of the concepts, mechanisms, and types of self-healing systems at the nanoscale, forming a guide to the field and inspiring the development of self-healing systems for the future.

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In recent years, much attention has been focused on biodegradable polymers from renewable resources. Due to its availability and low cost, starch is a promising candidate among biopolymers for use in biodegradable packaging materials and for other purposes. Starch-Based Polymeric Materials and Nanocomposites: Chemistry, Processing, and Applications presents the latest developments in starch chemistry, rheology, starch derivatives, starch-based nanocomposites, and their applications.Topics discussed include: The chemistry, microstructure, processing, and enzymatic degradation of starch The importance and role of starch as a gelling agent Plasticization and the role of plasticizers Various rheological techniques applied to starch-related products and the characteristics of starch dispersions Polymeric aspects of reactive extrusion (REX) and its use on starch and other biopolymers Cyclodextrins (CDs) and their industrial applications, and CD-based supramole and polymers The potential of starch in food packaging, edible packaging, feedstock for bioproducts, and industrial and consumer products The theoretical basis and derivation of the mathematical model for multicomponent systems and its solution algorithm The book also explores recent progress in biodegradable starch-based hybrids and nanomaterials and the incorporation of nanoparticles in starches to enhance their mechanical and thermal properties. The book concludes by discussing the use of biopolymeric nanoparticles (BNPs) in drug delivery and life cycle assessment (LCA) of starch-based polymeric materials for packaging and allied applications.With contributions from leading experts in academia and industry, this volume demonstrates the versatility of starch and its potential in a variety of applications.

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A valuable reference for those involved in the field of ambulatory patient care, Improving Quality in Outpatient Services offers time-tested instruction on how to create a world-class outpatient program. It supplies a high-level overview of current opportunities, national quality programs, and challenges—outlining the policies, procedures, and plans required for success.Stimulating readers with a wealth of practical applications, stories, and examples, the book details the governance, medical staff, and quality structures required to create, implement, and maintain a safe and efficient outpatient program. It introduces powerful techniques for infection control, medication management, risk prevention, and the elimination of medication errors. It also: Lists mandatory policies and procedures Contains practice drills to prepare you for real-world scenarios Explains how to create a report card to measure quality at all levels Includes a sample curriculum that outlines the courseware required by OSHA and other licensing and regulatory agencies The authors address documentation and human resources factors and supply an abundance of information and resources in the appendices, including how and where to apply for certification, medical record review tools, policy and procedure checklists, and a state-by-state listing of resources available for outpatient and ambulatory programs. Explaining how to involve patients in the decision making process, the text details a proven system for evaluating quality at all levels of your organization.

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In order to achieve long-term profitability and assure survival for their companies, managers must be informed, imaginative, and capable of adapting to shifting circumstances. Practical decisions rather than theories hold the upper ground. Business, Marketing, and Management Principles for IT and Engineering supplies the understanding required to effectively manage an organization in an increasingly competitive global market. Using case studies, the book illustrates the principles, policies, and management practices used by some of the most successful companies around the world. The real-world case studies supply valuable insight into the range of issues that confront decision makers in business. By explaining how to develop effective strategies and business plans, the text supplies both the concepts and the tools to stay on track with those plans. It also: Explains how to evaluate the pros and cons of your organizational policies and how to effect policies for maximum synergy Covers product development, sales, marketing, pricing, and financial analysis Illustrates the right and wrong ways to implement the principles discussed, with case studies of hi-tech companies such as Apple, Google, Cisco, IBM, Microsoft, Toyota, ITT, and Bloomberg Dimitris N. Chorafas provides valuable insight garnered over half a century of advising financial institutions and multinational industrial corporations. Dr. Chorafas explains how to develop competitive products and use pricing strategies to achieve an edge over your competition. He also includes case studies that examine the price wars in the computer industry. This book supplies a realistic look into the positive and negative aspects of various policies and whether or not current practices related to forecasting, planning, organizing, staffing, directing, and controlling have produced th

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This book addresses how to make Kaizen a formidable competitive weapon. It serves as reinforcement for the key role the Lean coordinator holds in training and leading change that serves to make and keep a manufacturing firm world competitive.

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Part of the Lean Tools for Healthcare series, this user-friendly book will help to improve your understanding of kaizen. It describes exactly what a kaizen event is and details all the phases necessary for implementing continuous improvement practices in your healthcare organization. Kaizen Workshops for Lean Healthcare walks you through the steps of conducting an effective kaizen workshop—one that is well planned, well implemented, and well monitored. The information is presented in an easy-to-assimilate format. Numerous illustrations reinforce the text and margin assists call your attention to key terms, healthcare examples, and how-to steps.Throughout the book, you will be asked to reflect on questions that will help you apply the concepts and techniques in your own workplace. Defining the key concepts and elements of the "production" of healthcare services, the text delineates the differences between healthcare processes and the individual cycles of work that those processes link together. It also: Provides foundational information on kaizen and kaizen workshops—defining the key roles for success Explains exactly how to plan and prepare Presents examples of how to present workshop results and how to follow up Includes a concise summary of kaizen workshop steps Supplies a list of additional resources for learning more about the different kinds of improvement methodologies you might want to implement in your kaizen workshops If your healthcare organization fully applies the steps detailed in this book, it will gain much more than the knowledge of how to conduct a workshop. Through kaizen, you will empower your employees to make positive change a reality. And incrementally, kaizen workshops will become more than isolated events—they will become the way all work is done in your organization.

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Among the first books to focus on physician engagement during a Lean effort, Sustaining Lean in Healthcare: Developing and Engaging Physician Leadership explains how to ensure ongoing physician participation long after the consultant leaves. Dr. Michael Nelson, an early adopter of Lean in healthcare, explains how to use these synergic tools to achieve consistently high levels of quality and clinical care outcomes.The book begins with a Lean primer that provides a firm foundation in essential Lean concepts—including value stream maps, 6S, Kanban, Heijunka, and Gemba Walks. Next, it examines how to create a physician engagement plan and covers the specific responsibilities of physician leadership through the Lean transformation. Explaining what to look for when judging success, it provides numerous examples that demonstrate how to sustain success over the long term.Complete with tips for spotting the danger signs that might indicate your plan is off course, this book details time-tested techniques and strategies for reducing waste in healthcare. It supplies a methodology for establishing shared expectations of success with your medical team early on in the process, as well as a proven framework for simultaneous Lean deployment across multiple locations. Praise for the book:In this book , Dr. Nelson draws on his forty years of medical practice and his experience as an early adopter of Lean for healthcare, to identify a crucial piece to aligning healthcare organizations for success; Physician Engagement. … Healthcare executives and clinicians will appreciate and learn from Dr. Nelson’s insight.—Robert Iversen, Director, Accenture Management Consulting …Instead of writing another how-to book, Mike has taken the opportunity to provide insights that are sure to help any healthcare organization sustain the impact of its Lean engagement.—Rick Malik, Worldwide Director, ValuMetrix® Services, Ortho Clinical Diagnostics … provides realistic estimates of timelines for projects, expected satisfaction, quality, and financial paybacks, as well as the time commitments required for Lean healthcare initiatives to become durable successes.—David Mann, PhD, Principal, David Mann Lean Consulting… simplifies and organizes the steps needed to effectively and successfully take advantage of the significant contributions Lean management can make … .—Edward D. Martin, MD, Co-Founder and Chairman Emeritus, Martin Blanck & Associates, Inc.Lean has become a critical predictor of successful systems going forward. Sustaining Lean in Healthcare is the book to get this done.—Stephen C. Beeson MD, Author of Engaging Physicians, A Manual to Physician Partnership

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A practical handbook rather than merely a chemistry reference, Szycher's Handbook of Polyurethanes, Second Edition offers an easy-to-follow compilation of crucial new information on polyurethane technology, which is irreplaceable in a wide range of applications. This new edition of a bestseller is an invaluable reference for technologists, marketers, suppliers, and academicians who require cutting-edge, commercially valuable data on the most advanced uses for polyurethane, one of the most important and complex specialty polymers.internationally recognized expert Dr. Michael Szycher updates his bestselling industry "bible" With seven entirely new chapters and five that are revised and updated, this book summarizes vital contents from U.S. patent literature—one of the most comprehensive sources of up-to-date technical information. These patents illustrate the most useful technology discovered by corporations, universities, and independent inventors. Because of the wealth of information they contain, this handbook features many full-text patents, which are carefully selected to best illustrate the complex principles involved in polyurethane chemistry and technology.Features of this landmark reference include: Hundreds of practical formulations Discussion of the polyurethane history, key terms, and commercial importance An in-depth survey of patent literature Useful stoichiometric calculations The latest "green" chemistry applications A complete assessment of medical-grade polyurethane technology Not biased toward any one supplier’s expertise, this special reference uses a simplified language and layout and provides extensive study questions after each chapter. It presents rich technical and historical descriptions of all major polyurethanes and updated sections on medical and biological applications. These features help readers better understand developmental, chemical, application, and commercial aspects of the subject.

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With the ten-year anniversary of 9/11 now behind us, one critical question persists. Have policies enacted to protect us from terrorist attacks actually made us safer, or have they merely mollified the concerned public with a false sense of security? Homeland Security: What Is It and Where We Are Going combines professional experiences, personal reflections, and academic scholarship to provide a realistic assessment of current policy effectiveness.Amos Guiora’s background makes him uniquely qualified to address this issue. He was the Judge Advocate for the Israel Defense Forces Home Front Command and the legal advisor to a congressionally mandated task force charged with creating America’s homeland security strategy under the auspices of the Committee on Homeland Security. This volume: Provides perspectives from a broad array of individuals involved in homeland security Suggests ways to prioritize limited resources Demonstrates the lack of universal consensus regarding the definitions of homeland security and offers insight into what should be the predominant considerations Suggests solutions to a wide variety of dilemmas, including terror financing, cost-benefit analysis of homeland security, international cooperation/intelligence sharing, business continuity, and immigration/narco terrorism Written in an engaging manner suitable for policy makers, academics, and the general public alike, the book presents examples from the United States and Israel, offering concrete recommendations for the articulation, development, and implementation of effective homeland security strategy.

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This book provides a comprehensive treatment of the field of modern fiber optics, beginning with the basics of the field summarized in an introductory chapter. Expert contributors then topics such as polarization effects in optical fibers; photonic crystal fibers; highly-doped optical fibers; non-linear effects; amplification and lasing in optical fibers; supercontinuum generation, Rayleigh and inelastic scattering with applications to sensing; optical fiber point sensors, and polymer optical-fiber-based sensors.

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Designed to foster a stronger awareness and exploration of the subject by practicing clinicians, medical researchers and scientists, The Clinical Nanomedicine Handbook discusses the integration of nanotechnology, biology, and medicine from a clinical point of view. The book highlights relevant research and applications by specialty; it examines nanotechnology in depth, and the potential to solve medical problems. It also increases literacy in nanotechnology, and allows for more effective communication and collaboration between disciplines. Details worldwide developments in nanomedicine Provides a comprehensive roadmap of the state of nanomedicine in numerous medical specialties Bridges the gap between basic science research, engineering, nanotechnology, and medicine This text discusses what nanomedicine is, how it is currently used, and considers its potential for future applications.It serves as a reference for clinicians, including physicians, nurses, health-care providers, dentists, scientists, and researchers involved in clinical applications of nanotechnology.

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Since the publication of the pioneering first edition of Chemical Genomics and Proteomics more than seven years ago, the area of chemical genomics has rapidly expanded and diversified to numerous novel methods and subdisciplines, such as chemical glycomics and lipidomics. This second edition has been updated to uniquely reflect this interdisciplinary feature as well as the remarkable developments that have occurred. The new edition also covers innovative applications from cell biology to drug discovery to, more recently, clinical diagnostics and medical practice, which utilize the concepts of chemical genomics.The text provides an overview of the strategies and methodologies of chemical genomics, focusing on emerging technologies and recent applications in the areas of combination chemical genetics, toxicogenomics, drug chemical genomics and proteomics, and orthogonal chemical genetics. It describes the development and application of novel analytical methods used in lipodomics, such as steroidomics. The book also discusses biomarker discovery applications of microarray technologies using DNA, RNA, and protein and glycan arrays. Chapters cover further applications of biomolecular biomarkers for disease diagnosis, in small molecule drug R&D, and during therapeutic use of medicines. These include prognostic, disease specific, response (surrogate), and toxicity biomarkers.In addition, the text explores the principles of contemporary systems biology and genomics in experimental medicine—a new paradigm that demonstrates a network-oriented view and advanced statistical and informatics data management, opening the way toward personalized medicine. Finally, various in silico chemogenomics approaches are addressed for predicting binding of drug candidates to undesirable targets, which would help in designing better clinical candidates with fewer side effects. This new edition benefits a broad range of readers from industrial and academic researchers in drug discovery, medicinal chemistry, and molecular and cell biology to physicians in clinical diagnostics and students in related fields of study.

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Based on discussions at the 2007 SETAC Europe PERAS Workshop in Coimbra, Semi-Field Methods for the Environmental Risk Assessment of Pesticides in Soil presents a timely summary of state-of-the-art higher-tier terrestrial risk assessment of plant protection products (PPPs). Influential regulators, academics, and industry scientists provide a comprehensive, science-based view to guide regulatory authorities and manufacturers in assessing the higher-tier terrestrial risks of PPPs in the environment. The book includes a clear description of how to perform a higher-tier terrestrial risk assessment and provides a single reference on the subject. It examines various types of semi-field methods for soil assessment, including the use of terrestrial model ecosystems for pesticide risk assessment. In addition, the text also explores legislative and regulatory issues and offers technical recommendations. The book provides guidance on how to assess the soil risks of pesticides in the environment and explains how to use semi-field methods to access how pesticides may lead to spatial and temporal changes in soil biological communities and the larger agricultural landscape.

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Histochemistry and cytochemistry are important fields for studying the inner workings of cells and tissues of the body. While visualization techniques have been in use for many years, new methods of detection developed recently help researchers and practitioners better understand cell activity. Histochemical and Cytochemical Methods of Visualization describes the essential techniques that can be used for histochemical investigations in both light and transmission electron microscopy. The book begins by discussing techniques in light microscopy. It reviews classical methods of visualization, histochemical and histoenzymatic methods, and methods used to visualize cell proliferation and apoptosis. Next, the book examines the cytochemical methods used in electron microscopy with traditional techniques, as well as more specialized methods. The final section provides an overview of image analysis and describes how image processing methods can be used to extract vital information. A 16-page insert supplies color illustrations to enhance the text.Techniques will continue to adapt to the latest technological innovations, allowing more and more precise quantification of images. These developments are essential to the biological as well as the medical sciences. This manual is a critical resource for novice and experienced researchers, technicians, and students who need to visualize what happens in the cell, the molecules expressed, the main enzymatic activities, and the repercussions of the molecular activities upon the structure of the cells in the body.

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Building on the success, and maintaining the format, of the best-selling Human and Nonhuman Bone Identification: A Color Atlas (ISBN: 978-1-4200-6286-1), Comparative Bone Identification: Human Subadult to Nonhuman presents new images of human bones representing many states of maturation from neonate to 20 years old. It also extends the scope of the former work by focusing on the smaller bones of fetuses and young humans and comparing them to bones of birds, reptiles, marine mammals, fish, and a frog that may be confused with those of a subadult human.The book begins with a section on general osteology and explains the major anatomical differences between humans and other animals. The second section compares human and nonhuman bones, categorized by type of bone, and includes most of the major bones in humans and nonhumans. The third section presents skeletons within species. Containing nearly 3,500 color photographs, the book provides examples of similar bones in nonhuman species that may be confused with the human bone in question. The bone images are also taken from different angles to enhance detailed understanding.A practical comparative guide to the differences among species for nearly all bones in the body, this book is a valuable resource for the laboratory or in the field. It uses a visual approach with annotations pointing out salient features of the most commonly discovered bones, giving clear examples for use by law enforcement, medicolegal death investigators, forensic anthropologists, students, and readers who wish to distinguish between human bones and those of the a variety of animal species.

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An authoritative collection of research papers and surveys, Emerging Wireless Networks: Concepts, Techniques, and Applications explores recent developments in next-generation wireless networks (NGWNs) and mobile broadband networks technologies, including 4G (LTE, WiMAX), 3G (UMTS, HSPA), WiFi, mobile ad hoc networks, mesh networks, and wireless sensor networks. Focusing on improving the performance of wireless networks and provisioning better quality of service and quality of experience for users, it reports on the standards of different emerging wireless networks, applications, and service frameworks.The book begins by appraising the management challenges in emerging wireless networks. It examines the state-of-the-art in mobility management for IP-based mobile networks, at both the network and link layers. Proposing an integrated network architecture design for NGWNs—including wireless local, metropolitan, and wide area networks—it analyzes WLAN/3G network convergence and advanced mobility features based on the IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) architecture. It highlights the challenges and issues related to mobile virtual private networks, and also: Examines the emerging mobile broadband wireless standards such as IEEE 802.16 and LTE Introduces a mechanism that provides service continuity to end-users in self-organizing IP Multimedia Subsystem environments Considers the challenges, solutions, and services of vehicular communication networks Unveils a new transmission paradigm (network coding) to improve the performance of the transmission control protocol. The book presents a novel distributed scheme based on the stochastic optimization formulation of the network selection problem for heterogeneous wireless networks by using cognitive radio networks concepts. Describing the issues and schemes for network selection and congestion avoidance in multi-access networks, it supplies you with a clear perspective of where the technology is headed and where future opportunities might be found for mobile broadband technologies.

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In May 12, 2008, the Wenchuan County earthquake caused devastating loss of human life and property. Applying all the remote sensing technology available, the Chinese Academy of Sciences immediately launched into action, making full use of its state-of-the-art facilities, remote sensing planes, and satellites to amass invaluable optical and radar data. This unprecedented use of comprehensive remote sensing techniques provided accurate, up to the minute information for disaster management and has left us with a visually stunning and beautiful record that is as much a scientific achievement as it is an artistic one.Based on the accumulated data and images collected by the Project Team of Remote Sensing Monitoring and Assessment of the Wenchuan Earthquake, Atlas of Remote Sensing of the Wenchuan Earthquake documents the events as they happened in real time. The book covers the disaster from six aspects: geological, barrier lakes, collapsed buildings, damaged roads, destroyed farmland and forests, and demolished infrastructure. It also demonstrates that the Dujiangyan Irrigation Project, which has been standing for 2000 years, remains fully functioning, and keeps the Chengdu Plain operating optimally even after the earthquake. Translated into English for the first time, the Atlas presents a pictorial summation of this unique project. It chronicles the event with over 280 before and after color images from a range of perspectives. This volume dramatically demonstrates the value of remote sensing for understanding how an earthquake unfolds and the potential of remote sensing in helping coordinate emergency relief. A pictorial record of events as they unfolded, this book provides a systematic documentation of earthquake damage that can be used to prepare for future seismic events.

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The Microfluidics and Nanofluidics Handbook: Two-Volume Set comprehensively captures the cross-disciplinary breadth of the fields of micro- and nanofluidics, which encompass the biological sciences, chemistry, physics and engineering applications. To fill the knowledge gap between engineering and the basic sciences, the editors pulled together key individuals, well known in their respective areas, to author chapters that help graduate students, scientists, and practicing engineers understand the overall area of microfluidics and nanofluidics. Topics covered include Finite Volume Method for Numerical Simulation Lattice Boltzmann Method and Its Applications in Microfluidics Microparticle and Nanoparticle Manipulation Methane Solubility Enhancement in Water Confined to Nanoscale Pores Volume Two: Fabrication, Implementation, and Applications focuses on topics related to experimental and numerical methods. It also covers fabrication and applications in a variety of areas, from aerospace to biological systems. Reflecting the inherent nature of microfluidics and nanofluidics, the book includes as much interdisciplinary knowledge as possible. It provides the fundamental science background for newcomers and advanced techniques and concepts for experienced researchers and professionals.

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Describing efficient transmission schemes for broadband wireless systems, Transmission Techniques for Emergent Multicast and Broadcast Systems examines advances in transmission techniques and receiver designs capable of supporting the emergent wireless needs for multimedia broadcast and multicast service (MBMS) requirements. It summarizes the research and development taking place in wireless communications for multimedia MBMS and addresses the means to improved spectral efficiency to allow for increased user bit rate, as well as increased capacity of the digital cellular radio network.The text highlights essential requirements for new services, providing a clear understanding of the corresponding fundamentals and theory needed to fulfill such requirements. Although the schemes and transmission and detection techniques presented are applicable to a wide range of digital communication systems, including wireless, cellular, and satellite, the text maintains a focus on multimedia services using multicast and broadcast techniques. It also: Reports on important enhancements, including transmission techniques, receiver designs, and multi-resolution schemes for modern broadband wireless systems Covers key aspects in the development of emergent services to support the requirements of new services Discusses the transition from Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA) to block transmission techniques Considers advanced receivers such as iterative (turbo) equalization schemes for these techniques This complete resource includes coverage of Multiple Input–Multiple Output (MIMO), hierarchical constellations, multi-resolution transmission, macro-diversity principles, and different frequency reuse schemes. It also proposes advances for different propagation and multi-user environments, using both WCDMA and Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access (OFDMA). The text concludes by explaining how to effectively combine these techniques and enhancements for the purpose of implementing the evolved MBMS (E-MBMS).

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The Marcell Experimental Forest (MEF) in Minnesota serves as a living laboratory and provides scientists with a fundamental understanding of peatland hydrology, acid rain impacts, nutrient and carbon cycling, trace gas emissions, and controls on mercury transport in boreal watersheds. Its important role in scientific research continues to grow as the data gathered offers invaluable insight into environmental changes over the last century and goes far in answering many of today’s pressing questions at landscape and global scales. Synthesizing five decades of research, Peatland Biogeochemistry and Watershed Hydrology at the Marcell Experimental Forest includes hundreds of research publications, dozens of graduate theses, and even some previously unpublished studies. Research at the MEF has been at the forefront of many scientific disciplines and these 15 chapters offer the depth and breadth of long-term studies on hydrology, biogeochemistry, ecology, and forest management on peatland watersheds at the MEF.Focusing on peatlands, lakes, and upland landscapes, the book begins with the pioneering research on hydrology done during the 1960s. It presents the innovative 1970’s studies of atmospheric deposition; the 1980’s research into nutrient cycles including carbon, nitrogen, and methane emissions; and the 1990’s investigations into mercury deposition. The book concludes with a look at the latest and on-going studies such as this century’s research into controls on methylmercury production and landscape-level carbon storage and cycling.Covering 50 years of research and written by a veritable who’s who in peatland and forestry science, this important milestone in the collection of ecological data highlights bright prospects for future research, including the continuation of existing long-term measurements, the initiation of new monitoring programs, and plans for unprecedented studies on climate change.

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With healthcare making the transition from volume-based reimbursement programs to value-based approaches, understanding performance measurement is vital to optimize payment and quality outcomes. Performance-Based Medicine: Creating the High Performance Network to Optimize Managed Care Relationships guides readers through the maze of definitions and discussions related to value-based purchasing, healthcare delivery, and pricing. It tackles the question of how hospitals, HMOs, physician groups, and employers can arrive at an optimized reimbursement cost and coverage access decision that is attractive to consumers yet fulfills the need for a working margin.The book begins by looking at HMOs and the three key factors—reimbursement, coordination, and performance—that have led toward performance-based contracting. Laying the foundation for clearer communication between physician hospitals and purchasers, the author defines important concepts in the discussion, from efficiency and cost effectiveness to quality. He focuses on key issues of organizational structure, management, and measuring the outcomes of quality.Discussing pay-for-performance, the book examines programs in the US and offers case studies of countries succeeding in the development of care management. It explores options for reengineering the healthcare delivery system, among them transitional case management programs and specialist data sharing. It also covers the use of information technology in healthcare delivery.This timely book will be of interest to managers, vendors, employers, and insurers who have tried everything to lower cost but are discovering that all care is not equal and that matching the right doctor with the right service for the right patient can be done. Helping readers build a path between where they are and where they want to be, it offers an outline of tasks to move from a disorganized collection of care components to a seamless arrangement of high-performance care-givers.The book is directed at the senior management level for those who are learning metrics and are trying to define performance to become more sophisticated in monitoring and leveraging this vital data in a complex marketplace of contradictory terms and ill-defined outcomes.

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Originating from models of biological neural systems, artificial neural networks (ANN) are the cornerstones of artificial intelligence research. Catalyzed by the upsurge in computational power and availability, and made widely accessible with the co-evolution of software, algorithms, and methodologies, artificial neural networks have had a profound impact in the elucidation of complex biological, chemical, and environmental processes. Artificial Neural Networks in Biological and Environmental Analysis provides an in-depth and timely perspective on the fundamental, technological, and applied aspects of computational neural networks. Presenting the basic principles of neural networks together with applications in the field, the book stimulates communication and partnership among scientists in fields as diverse as biology, chemistry, mathematics, medicine, and environmental science. This interdisciplinary discourse is essential not only for the success of independent and collaborative research and teaching programs, but also for the continued interest in the use of neural network tools in scientific inquiry.The book covers: A brief history of computational neural network models in relation to brain function Neural network operations, including neuron connectivity and layer arrangement Basic building blocks of model design, selection, and application from a statistical perspective Neurofuzzy systems, neuro-genetic systems, and neuro-fuzzy-genetic systems Function of neural networks in the study of complex natural processes Scientists deal with very complicated systems, much of the inner workings of which are frequently unknown to researchers. Using only simple, linear mathematical methods, information that is needed to truly understand natural systems may be lost. The development of new algorithms to model such processes is needed, and ANNs can play a major role. Balancing basic principles and diverse applications, this text introduces newcomers to the field and reviews recent developments of interest to active neural network practitioners.

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Written by two leading researchers from the world-renowned Japan Atomic Energy Agency, the Nuclear Hydrogen Production Handbook is an unrivalled overview of current and future prospects for the effective production of hydrogen via nuclear energy. Combining information from scholarly analyses, industrial data, references, and other resources, this handbook illustrates hydrogen’s versatility and potential both as a sustainable energy carrier (e.g., fuel for vehicles and power generators) and as a feedstock material for industry (agriculture, oil, chemical, and steel, etc.). Packed with details about the science, engineering, and production involved in nuclear hydrogen generation, this handbook presents case studies that delve into: Research results of hydrogen development programs sponsored by Japan, Argentina, China, Korea, the US and the EU, among others Operational developments at major nuclear reactors Cutting-edge hydrogen production systems and methods, including high-temperature electrolysis of steam and biomass gasification Applications such as heat- and corrosion-resistant construction materials, chemical reactors, and heat exchangers, as well as thermochemical iodine-sulfur processes Integrated process designs (including thermochemical and hybrid methods) Nuclear hydrogen plant operation management and safety Far exceeding the limited introductory detail offered in other books on the topic, this reference offers an all-encompassing international perspective on nuclear hydrogen production. Addressing a wide range of pertinent technologies, scientific trends, and technical details, this resource will be a useful tool for readers at all levels of understanding.

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With the invention of scanning probe techniques in the early 1980s, scientists can now play with single atoms, single molecules, and even single bonds. Force, dynamics, and function can now be probed at the single-molecule level. Molecular Manipulation with Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) presents a series of topics that discuss concepts and methodologies used to manipulate and study single (bio)molecules with AFM. The first part is dedicated to the pulling of single molecules with force spectroscopy to investigate molecular interactions, mechanics, and mechanochemical processes, and the second part to the manipulation, repositioning, and targeted delivery of single molecules on substrates.Single molecule manipulation is an exciting area of research which made important breakthroughs in nanoscience and which could find potential applications in a diverse range of disciplines, including chemistry, biology, physics, material and polymer science, and engineering. New and experienced AFM researchers looking for applications beyond imaging will find a wealth of information in this informative volume.

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Considered a standard industry resource, the Embedded Systems Handbook provided researchers and technicians with the authoritative information needed to launch a wealth of diverse applications, including those in automotive electronics, industrial automated systems, and building automation and control. Now a new resource is required to report on current developments and provide a technical reference for those looking to move the field forward yet again. Divided into two volumes to accommodate this growth, the Embedded Systems Handbook, Second Edition presents a comprehensive view on this area of computer engineering with a currently appropriate emphasis on developments in networking and applications. Those experts directly involved in the creation and evolution of the ideas and technologies presented offer tutorials, research surveys, and technology overviews that explore cutting-edge developments and deployments and identify potential trends. This first self-contained volume of the handbook, Embedded Systems Design and Verification, is divided into three sections. It begins with a brief introduction to embedded systems design and verification. It then provides a comprehensive overview of embedded processors and various aspects of system-on-chip and FPGA, as well as solutions to design challenges. The final section explores power-aware embedded computing, design issues specific to secure embedded systems, and web services for embedded devices. Those interested in taking their work with embedded systems to the network level should complete their study with the second volume: Network Embedded Systems.

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