Search results for ""taylor francis inc""

Enormous progress in asthma research has been made in the past 50 years, including a greater understanding of its complex pathogenesis and new and more effective therapies. Consequently, the scientific literature has grown vast and can be difficult to integrate. With contributions from a distinguished panel of world-renowned authors, Clinical Asthma: Theory and Practice presents a comprehensive study of both the common and the more challenging problems faced by all health care personnel who treat patients with asthma. The book is divided into seven sections, starting with the basics of asthma and ending with a discussion on the approach to asthma worldwide and in the primary care setting. Reflecting a strong clinical emphasis, each chapter begins with a patient case study supported by essential background information on the basic science and clinical decision-making process. This is followed by a discussion of clinical evaluation and management. The multidisciplinary coverage explores a range of topics including genetics, inflammation, immunology, and the identification of different endotypes. Using a bench-to-bedside approach, the book links basic science to the clinical management of asthma and explores options for improvement. The carefully selected authorship from experts worldwide presents a truly global outlook.

Read more less

Maintaining a practical perspective, Bioequivalence and Statistics in Clinical Pharmacology, Second Edition explores statistics used in day-to-day clinical pharmacology work. The book is a starting point for those involved in such research and covers the methods needed to design, analyze, and interpret bioequivalence trials; explores when, how, and why these studies are performed as part of drug development; and demonstrates the methods using real world examples. Drawing on knowledge gained directly from working in the pharmaceutical industry, the authors set the stage by describing the general role of statistics. Once the foundation of clinical pharmacology drug development, regulatory applications, and the design and analysis of bioequivalence trials are established, including recent regulatory changes in design and analysis and in particular sample-size adaptation, they move on to related topics in clinical pharmacology involving the use of cross-over designs. These include, but are not limited to, safety studies in Phase I, dose-response trials, drug interaction trials, food-effect and combination trials, QTc and other pharmacodynamic equivalence trials, proof-of-concept trials, dose-proportionality trials, and vaccines trials. This second edition addresses several recent developments in the field, including new chapters on adaptive bioequivalence studies, scaled average bioequivalence testing, and vaccine trials.Purposefully designed to be instantly applicable, Bioequivalence and Statistics in Clinical Pharmacology, Second Edition provides examples of SAS and R code so that the analyses described can be immediately implemented. The authors have made extensive use of the proc mixed procedures available in SAS.

Read more less

Volumes in the Proven Synthetic Methods Series address the concerns many chemists have regarding irreproducibility of synthetic protocols, lack of characterization data for new compounds, and inflated yields reported in chemical communications—trends that have recently become a serious problem.Featuring contributions from world-renowned experts and overseen by a highly respected series editor, Carbohydrate Chemistry: Proven Synthetic Methods, Volume 3 compiles reliable protocols for the preparation of intermediates for carbohydrate synthesis or other uses in the glycosciences.Exploring carbohydrate chemistry from both the academic and industrial points of view, this unique resource brings together useful information into one convenient reference. To ensure reproducibility, an independent checker has verified the experimental parts involved by repeating the protocols or using the methods.The book includes new or more detailed versions of previously published protocols as well as those published in not readily available journals. The essential characteristics of the protocols presented are reliability and the expectation of wide utility in the carbohydrate field. The protocols presented will be of wide use to a wide range of readers in the carbohydrate field, including undergraduates taking carbohydrate workshops.

Read more less

Engineering Solutions to America’s Healthcare Challenges covers the technologies, systems, and processes that are emerging in hospitals, clinics, community centers, universities, and the White House to repair healthcare in the United States. Focusing on the importance of individuals being proactive about their own state of health, it presents a systems approach to changing the way healthcare professionals do business and take care of their patients. Written by a leading government and private sector consultant with more than a decade of experience as an industrial engineer, the book features interviews with leading industry experts, both domestic and international. Describing how industrial engineering practices are shaping healthcare, it explains why systems thinking must be the foundation for every aspect of healthcare.The book presents proven Lean and Six Sigma tools that can help any healthcare organization begin making operational improvements that result in a better quality of care for patients—all while reducing and even eliminating the waste of time, money, and human resources. These solutions include implementing Six Sigma in emergency rooms, 5S in accounting for medical inventory, using Theory of Constraints to form a plan for shortening the length of stay in hospitals, how informatics are used to aggregate and benchmark sensitive data, and design of experiments to recruit and retain the best healthcare talent. The book illustrates the most common factors involved with successful Six Sigma projects in healthcare organizations and considers the implications of a rapidly growing medical tourism industry. It addresses the role of insurance on healthcare improvement and also previews some of the most fascinating technological advances currently in development. It also offers examples and analysis of The Institute of Medicine's six aims for healthcare: safety, effectiveness, efficiency, timeliness, family-centered focus, and equity.

Read more less

A Proven, Hands-On Approach for Students without a Strong Statistical FoundationSince the best-selling first edition was published, there have been several prominent developments in the field of machine learning, including the increasing work on the statistical interpretations of machine learning algorithms. Unfortunately, computer science students without a strong statistical background often find it hard to get started in this area. Remedying this deficiency, Machine Learning: An Algorithmic Perspective, Second Edition helps students understand the algorithms of machine learning. It puts them on a path toward mastering the relevant mathematics and statistics as well as the necessary programming and experimentation.New to the Second Edition Two new chapters on deep belief networks and Gaussian processes Reorganization of the chapters to make a more natural flow of content Revision of the support vector machine material, including a simple implementation for experiments New material on random forests, the perceptron convergence theorem, accuracy methods, and conjugate gradient optimization for the multi-layer perceptron Additional discussions of the Kalman and particle filters Improved code, including better use of naming conventions in Python Suitable for both an introductory one-semester course and more advanced courses, the text strongly encourages students to practice with the code. Each chapter includes detailed examples along with further reading and problems. All of the code used to create the examples is available on the author’s website.

Read more less

Linear Systems: Non-Fragile Control and Filtering presents the latest research results and a systematic approach to designing non-fragile controllers and filters for linear systems. The authors combine the algebraic Riccati technique, the linear matrix inequality (LMI) technique, and the sensitivity analysis method to establish a set of new non-fragile (insensitive) control methods. This proposed method can optimize the closed-loop system performance and make the designed controllers or filters tolerant of coefficient variations in controller or filter gain matrices.A Systematic Approach to Designing Non-Fragile Controllers and Filters for Linear SystemsThe text begins with developments and main research methods in non-fragile control. It then systematically presents novel methods for non-fragile control and filtering of linear systems with respect to additive/multiplicative controller/filter gain uncertainties. The book introduces the algebraic Riccati equation technique to solve additive/multiplicative norm-bounded controller/filter gain uncertainty, and proposes a structured vertex separator to deal with the numerical problem resulting from interval-bounded coefficient variations. It also explains how to design insensitive controllers and filters in the framework of coefficient sensitivity theory. Throughout, the book includes numerical examples to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed design methods.More Effective Design Methods for Non-Fragile Controllers and FiltersThe design and analysis tools described will help readers to better understand and analyze parameter uncertainties and to design more effective non-fragile controllers and filters. Providing a coherent approach, this book is a valuable reference for researchers, graduate students, and anyone who wants to explore the area of non-fragile control and filtering.

Read more less

Worldwide development of agriculture and industry creates burgeoning demands on natural resources. Management of the rivers and the surrounding landscape is one of the important tasks for today and for the foreseeable future. Lessons learned from centuries of management (and mismanagement) have been distilled into principles and practices which form the subject matter for this book. It provides both a global perspective and an entrée to the special problems associated with management of transboundary rivers.

Read more less

In response to the ever-increasing global threat of terrorist attacks, the personal screening industry has been growing at a rapid rate. Many methods have been developed for detecting concealed weapons and explosives on the human body. In this important new book, the authors discuss their experiences over the last decade designing and testing microwave and millimetre wave detection and screening systems. It includes examples of actual devices that they have built and tested, along with test results that were obtained in realistic scenarios.The book focuses on the development of non-imaging detection systems, which are similar to radar. These systems do not form a conventional image of the scene and the person(s) being screened. Instead, the sensors detect and analyze the effect that the body, and any concealed objects, has on a transmitted waveform. These systems allow remote detection of both metallic and dielectric devices concealed on the human body in both indoor and outdoor environments.The book discusses a number of sensor types, including active millimetre wave sensors using the direct detection and the heterodyne approach, active microwave sensors for CNR-based object detection, passive millimetre wave sensors, and the role of shielding effects in operating non-imaging MM-wave sensors.The goal of this book is to systemize the test results obtained by the authors, helping specialists to develop improved screening systems in the future. Another goal is to show how the use of non-imaging systems can reduce the cost of the screening process.

Read more less

In Crime Prevention: Theory and Practice, Second Edition, Dr. Schneider has updated every chapter in this reliable text using the latest research, the most recently published articles and books, and feedback from professors and students using the first edition. Providing an introduction to dominant approaches, key concepts, theories, and research, the book supplies concrete advice on planning, implementing, and evaluating a crime prevention plan. This edition includes a new chapter applying crime prevention through social development principles to adolescents and young adults. This chapter is a recognition of the disproportionate rate of offending by adolescents and young adults as well as the distinctive risk factors faced by these groups. It also emphasizes the unique nature of applying social problem-solving solutions to adolescents and young adults who have been in formal contact with the criminal justice system. The focus is on recidivism prevention, an often-ignored, but critical aspect of crime prevention. Laying out a systematic blueprint for a successful crime prevention project, the book also updates the extant literature on crime prevention—in particular the addition of research that has been published since the first edition of this book. Updated case studies reflecting new data present real examples of crime prevention programs and organizations and illustrate the conceptual, theoretical, and empirical elements of the book. Learning objectives, discussion questions, and exercises facilitate learning and retention and a companion website provides ancillary material for students and professors.

Read more less

Up-to-Date Coverage of Stable and Accurate Frequency StandardsThe Quantum Physics of Atomic Frequency Standards: Recent Developments covers advances in atomic frequency standards (atomic clocks) from the last several decades. It explains the use of various techniques, such as laser optical pumping, coherent population trapping, laser cooling, and electromagnetic and optical trapping, in the implementation of classical microwave and optical atomic frequency standards.The book first discusses improvements to conventional atomic frequency standards, highlighting the main limitations of those frequency standards and the physical basis of the limitations. It then describes how advances in the theory and applications of atomic physics have opened new avenues in frequency standards. The authors go on to explore the research and development of new microwave and optical frequency standards before presenting the results in frequency stability and accuracy achieved with these new frequency standards. They also illustrate the application of atomic clocks in metrology, telecommunications, navigation, and other areas and give some insight into future work.Building on the success of the previous two volumes, this up-to-date, in-depth book examines the vast improvements to atomic clocks that have occurred in the last 25 years. The improved stability and accuracy enable the verification of physical concepts used in fundamental theories, such as relativity, as well as the stability of fundamental constants intrinsic to those theories.

Read more less

The product of 20 years of research, this book covers topics in soft tissue elasticity in vivo, from measurement techniques to clinical applications. It provides, for the first time, a single source that systematically introduces the various techniques for in vivo measurement of soft tissue elasticity in an effort to ease the difficulty between learning technical details and clinical applications of techniques.Measurement of Soft Tissue Elasticity in Vivo: Techniques and Applications presents an overview of the existing measurement methods, their physical principles, assumptions, advantages, and disadvantages. Clinical applications discussed include assessment of tissue fibrosis after radiotherapy, articular cartilage degeneration, muscle contraction, cancer staging, liver fibrosis progression, diabetic foot ulceration, cornea stiffening, and wound healing. Techniques covered include shear wave propagation methods, vibro-ultrasound methods, dynamic holography, ultrasound and other indentation methods, and OCT-based and other suction measurement methods.The book also proposes two critical directions for future research in the field. One is to standardize the terms, parameters, and test protocols used in different fields. The second proposal is to standardize one technique to dominate the field, while devices can be adapted to fit the measuring requirements of different tissues. In doing so, the results obtained for the same tissue by different clinicians can be comparable and a standardized protocol can be established.This book bridges the gap between the complexity of measuring techniques and simplicity and accuracy of their clinical use. Its comprehensiveness and clarity help new engineers in the field develop analytical methods and allow clinicians to use these techniques in their practice with greater confidence.

Read more less

The unprecedented potential of nanotechnology for early detection, diagnosis, and personalized treatment of diseases has found application in every biomedical imaging modality. However, with the increasing concern about the ethical and toxicity issues associated with some "nanoplatforms," biomedical researchers are in pursuit of safer, more precise, and effective ways to practice nanomedicine. Designed and written to be accessible to anyone, with or without previous knowledge of nanotechnology, Nanomedicine: A Soft Matter Perspective takes a balanced look at potential pitfalls and challenges faced by the field and how they can be translated into nonomedicine technologies.A multidisciplinary and fast-evolving research area, nanomedicine presents new clinically relevant promises grounded in the disciplines of molecular biology, genomics, chemistry, and nanotechnology. Nanoparticle-based theranostic approaches have emerged as an interdisciplinary area, which shows promise to understand the components, processes, dynamics, and therapies of a disease at a molecular level. This book discusses some of the unique opportunities presented by biomaterials at the nanoscale. The book provides a broad introduction to the areas of nanomedicinal application with an emphasis on imaging and therapeutics. It covers "soft" nanoscopic objects with prerequisite features for different imaging modalities with a potential for image-guided drug delivery. The book also offers a general introduction to the various drug delivery systems and their opportunities from chemistry, materials, biology, and nanomedical standpoints. The chapters provide a comprehensive introduction to the field and the subfield, with a deeper discussion on the individual modalities for molecular imaging and their present status of clinical translation.

Read more less

The use of forensic entomology has become established as a global science. Recent efforts in the field bridge multiple disciplines including, but not limited to, microbiology, chemistry, genetics, and systematics as well as ecology and evolution. The first book of its kind, Forensic Entomology: International Dimensions and Frontiers provides an inclusive summary of worldwide research on this body of knowledge that integrates aspects of a wide range of scientific realms.The book first reviews the history of forensic entomology, its accomplishments, and future challenges in nations around the world. It then provides perspectives of other scientific disciplines that are shaping the questions being addressed in the field. With an emphasis on medicolegal investigations, the book: Provides countrywide and regionally relevant syntheses on the current state and future of forensic entomology worldwide Presents insight from up-and-coming entomologists who offer new perspectives on the field while acknowledging their predecessors’ contributions and foundational work Highlights both established and newly emerging areas of forensic entomology research that provide the foundation and future of this exciting discipline Discusses the success of forensic entomology and identifies key challenges to current work and practice Supplies an internationally cohesive perspective to emerging multidisciplinary dimensions and frontiers of forensic entomology The book is designed to provide readers with a firm appreciation of the history of forensic entomology and the scientists who built its foundation in each of the countries presented. In doing so, it is destined to inspire new and exciting global collaboration among established researchers and newcomers to the field.

Read more less

See How to Use Statistics for New Testament InterpretationThe Synoptic Problem and Statistics lays the foundations for a new area of interdisciplinary research that uses statistical techniques to investigate the synoptic problem in New Testament studies, which concerns the relationships between the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke. There are potential applications of the techniques to study other sets of similar documents. Explore Hidden Markov Models for Textual Data The book provides an introductory account of the synoptic problem and relevant theories, literature, and research at a level suitable for academic and professional statisticians. For those with no special interest in biblical studies or textual analysis, the book presents core statistical material on the use of hidden Markov models to analyze binary time series. Biblical scholars interested in the synoptic problem or in the use of statistical methods for textual analysis can omit the more technical/mathematical aspects of the book. The binary time series data sets and R code used are available on the author’s website.

Read more less

Design and Implementation of 3D Graphics Systems covers the computational aspects of geometric modeling and rendering 3D scenes. Special emphasis is given to the architectural aspects of interactive graphics, geometric modeling, rendering techniques, the graphics pipeline, and the architecture of 3D graphics systems. The text describes basic 3D computer graphics algorithms and their implementation in the C language. The material is complemented by library routines for constructing graphics systems, which are available for download from the book’s website. This book, along with its companion Computer Graphics: Theory and Practice, gives readers a full understanding of the principles and practices of implementing 3D graphics systems.

Read more less

Mechanics of Materials: With Applications in Excel® covers the fundamentals of the mechanics of materials—or strength of materials—in a clear and easily understandable way. Each chapter explains the theory of the underlying principles and the applicable mathematical relations, offering examples that illustrate the application of the mathematical relations to physical situations. Then, homework problems—arranged from the simplest to the most demanding—are presented, along with a number of challenging review problems, to ensure comprehension of key concepts.What makes this book unique is that it also instills practical skills for developing Microsoft Excel applications to solve mechanics of materials problems using numerical techniques. Mechanics of Materials: With Applications in Excel® provides editable Excel spreadsheets representing all the examples featured in the text, PowerPoint lecture slides, multimedia simulations, graphics files, and a solutions manual with qualifying course adoption.

Read more less

HPLC is the principal separation technique for identification of the pesticides in environmental samples and for quantitative analysis of analytes. At each stage of the HPLC procedure, the chromatographer should possess both the practical and theoretical skills required to perform HPLC experiments correctly and to obtain reliable, repeatable, and reproducible results. Developed to serve as a detailed practical guide, High Performance Liquid Chromatography in Pesticide Residue Analysis is a comprehensive source of information and training on state-of-the-art pesticide residue methods performed with the aid of HPLC. The book presents the pros and cons of HPLC as a flexible and versatile separation and analysis tool with multiple purposes and advantages in investigations of pesticides for food and plant drugs standardization, promotion of health, protection of new herbal medicines, and more.

Read more less

The Synthetic Biology Handbook explains the major goals of the field of synthetic biology and presents the technical details of the latest advances made in achieving those goals. Offering a comprehensive overview of the current areas of focus in synthetic biology, this handbook: Explores the standardisation of classic molecular bioscience approaches Addresses the societal context and potential impacts of synthetic biology Discusses the use of legacy systems as tools for new product development Examines the design and construction of de novo cells and genetic codes Describes computational methods for designing genes and gene networks Thus, the Synthetic Biology Handbook provides an accurate sense of the scope of synthetic biology today. The handbook also affords readers with an opportunity to scrutinize the underlying science and decide for themselves what aspects of synthetic biology are most valuable to their research and practice.

Read more less

Integrating the clinical and engineering aspects of drug delivery, this book offers a much needed comprehensive overview and patient-oriented approach for enhanced drug delivery optimization and advancement. Starting with an introduction to the subject and pharmacokinetics, it explores advances for such topics as oral, gastroretentive, intravitreal, and intrathecal drug delivery, as well as insulin delivery, gene delivery, and biomaterials-based delivery systems. It also describes drug delivery in cancer, cardiac, infectious diseases, airway diseases, and obstetrics and gynecology applications. Examining special clinical states requiring innovative drug delivery modifications, such as hypercoagulability often seen in pregnancy, cancer, and autoimmune diseases, the book also discusses methods for improved drug delivery in clinical settings using clinical end points, clinical trials, simulations, and other venues. It also describes the latest drug delivery advances involving nanomaterials, NEMS and MEMS devices, hydrogels, microencapsulation, lipids, stem cells, patches, and ultrasound. The book is rounded out by a chapter on the FDA regulatory and bioethical challenges involved in advancing drug delivery.

Read more less

For all the interest that wireless sensor networks have created over the past decade, there are few examples to show that they are truly delivering on this promise and anticipation. What is missing? Deviating from the usual focus on routing and energy efficiency, Building Sensor Networks: From Design to Applications attempts to stitch together the path from conceptual development of applications, on one end, to actual complete applications at the other. With this change in perspective, the book examines important facets of wireless sensor networks (WSNs) that are not often discussed in the literature.From Design Practices to the Networking Protocols that Glue Applications TogetherOrganized into three sections, the book presents insights from international experts representing both industry and academia. The first section, on design practices, explores alternative ways to approach the tasks of developing a suitable WSN solution to an application and assisting that development in a manner that is not necessarily tied to a particular application. The second section, on networking protocols, illustrates the impact of the intermediaries—the "glue" of putting applications together. Chapters look at ways to address traffic, delays in network clustering, and the coexistence of a WSN with other systems on a frequency band. The final section of the book delves into experiences with applications in chemical sensing, defense, global trade and security, and ecosystem monitoring. Although these applications may fail the purist definition of an ideal WSN, they offer valuable lessons for the future development and deployment of WSNs.Challenge Your Thinking about Designing WSN ApplicationsEmphasizing the need to build applications, the contributors present examples of what applications of WSNs could look like and identify the constraints. Throughout, the book challenges and illuminates your thinking about how to tame the complexity of designing a WSN application. It is essential reading for anyone interested in future wireless technologies.

Read more less

Developed from the authors’ classroom-tested material, Semiconductor Laser Theory takes a semiclassical approach to teaching the principles, structure, and applications of semiconductor lasers. Designed for graduate students in physics, electrical engineering, and materials science, the text covers many recent developments, including diode lasers using quantum wells, quantum dots, quantum cascade lasers, nitride lasers, group IV lasers, and transistor lasers.The first half of the book presents basic concepts, such as the semiconductor physics needed to understand the operation of lasers, p-n junction theory, alloys, heterostructures, quantum nanostructures, k.p theory, waveguides, resonators, filters, and optical processes. The remainder of the book describes various lasers, including double heterostructure, quantum wire, quantum dot, quantum cascade, vertical-cavity surface-emitting, single-mode and tunable, nitride, group IV, and transistor lasers.This textbook equips students to understand the latest progress in the research and development of semiconductor lasers, from research into the benefits of quantum wire and quantum dot lasers to the application of semiconductor lasers in fiber-optic communications. Each chapter incorporates reading lists and references for further study, numerous examples to illustrate the theory, and problems for hands-on exploration.

Read more less

Addresses a Growing Need for the Development of Cellular and Porous Materials in IndustryBuilding blocks used by nature are motivating researchers to create bio-inspired cellular structures that can be used in the development of products for the plastic, food, and biomedical industry. Representing a unified effort by international experts, Biofoams: Science and Applications of Bio-Based Cellular and Porous Materials highlights the latest research and development of biofoams and porous systems, and specifically examines the aspects related to the formation of gas bubbles in drink and food. The book offers a detailed analysis of bio-polymers and foaming technologies, biodegradable and sustainable foams, biomedical foams, food foams, and bio-inspired foams.Explores the Generation of New Materials with Wide-Ranging Technological ApplicabilityThis book introduces the science, technologies, and applications related to the use of biopolymers and biomaterials in the development of porous structures. It presents topics that include bio-based polymers for the development of biodegradable and sustainable polymeric foams, foams in food, foams in biomedical applications, biohybrids, and bio-inspired cellular and porous systems. It also includes recent studies on the design of polymer-based composites and hybrid scaffolds, weighs in on the challenges related to the production of porous polymers, and presents relevant examples of cellular architecture present in nature. In addition, this book: Focuses on materials compatible with natural tissues Discusses the engineering of bio-inspired scaffolds with the ability to mimic living tissue Reveals how to use renewable resources to develop more sustainable lightweight materials Illustrates the state of the art of porous scaffold and process techniques A book dedicated to material science, Biofoams: Science and Applications of Bio-Based Cellular and Porous Materials focuses on food technology, polymers and composites, biomedical, and chemical engineering, and examines how the principles used in the creation of cellular structures can be applied in modern industry.

Read more less

In computational science, reproducibility requires that researchers make code and data available to others so that the data can be analyzed in a similar manner as in the original publication. Code must be available to be distributed, data must be accessible in a readable format, and a platform must be available for widely distributing the data and code. In addition, both data and code need to be licensed permissively enough so that others can reproduce the work without a substantial legal burden.Implementing Reproducible Research covers many of the elements necessary for conducting and distributing reproducible research. It explains how to accurately reproduce a scientific result. Divided into three parts, the book discusses the tools, practices, and dissemination platforms for ensuring reproducibility in computational science. It describes: Computational tools, such as Sweave, knitr, VisTrails, Sumatra, CDE, and the Declaratron system Open source practices, good programming practices, trends in open science, and the role of cloud computing in reproducible research Software and methodological platforms, including open source software packages, RunMyCode platform, and open access journals Each part presents contributions from leaders who have developed software and other products that have advanced the field. Supplementary material is available at www.ImplementingRR.org.

Read more less

Nanoscale electrochemistry has revolutionized electrochemical research and technologies and has made broad impacts in other fields, including nanotechnology and nanoscience, biology, and materials chemistry. Nanoelectrochemistry examines well-established concepts and principles and provides an updated overview of the field and its applications.This book covers three integral aspects of nanoelectrochemistry. The first two chapters contain theoretical background, which is essential for everyone working in the field—specifically, theories of electron transfer, transport, and double-layer processes at nanoscale electrochemical interfaces. The next chapters are dedicated to the electrochemical studies of nanomaterials and nanosystems, as well as the development and applications of nanoelectrochemical techniques. Each chapter is self-contained and can be read independently to provide readers with a compact, up-to-date critical review of the subfield of interest. At the same time, the presented collection of chapters serves as a serious introduction to nanoelectrochemistry for graduate students or scientists who wish to enter this emerging field. The applications discussed range from studies of biological systems to nanoparticles and from electrocatalysis to molecular electronics, nanopores, and membranes. The book demonstrates how electrochemistry has contributed to the advancement of nanotechnology and nanoscience. It also explores how electrochemistry has transformed itself by leading to the discovery of new phenomena, enabling unprecedented electrochemical measurements and creating novel electrochemical systems.

Read more less

A part of the Food Microbiology Series, Molecular Biology of Food and Water Borne Mycotoxigenic and Mycotic Fungi reveals similarities between fungi present in/on food and water and those that cause human fungal diseases. The book covers food borne mycotoxigenic fungi in depth and examines food borne fungi from the standpoint of mycoses (i.e. fungal growth on humans) as well as mycotoxin diseases and includes contributions from a wide range of international experts in food borne fungal pathogens research.Designed to be a single source on food borne human fungal pathogens including mycotoxigenic fungi, the book presents: Basic concepts of developments in nomenclature and bar coding Authoritative description of key molecular techniques applicable to food borne fungal pathogens research State-of-art review of molecular biology, genome structure, epidemiology, pathogenesis, diagnosis, control, and prevention of major food borne fungal pathogens Thorough discussion of alternative methods to those involving nucleic acids The book provides higher-level knowledge of which foods and water can contain potentially dangerous fungi. It includes background information on basic mycology, covers identification methods, and discusses molecular biological and other biochemical methods, and supplies information on vaccines against fungi. It is a reliable roadmap to future developments in improved, innovative molecular methods.

Read more less

A follow-up to Tim Hutzel's previous book, Keeping Your Business in the USA: Profit Globally While Operating Locally, this book tells the stories of companies that have sent their jobs outside of the USA and the negative effects this had on the quality of their products and services, employees, supply chain providers, and consumers.Bringing Jobs Back to the USA: Rebuilding America's Manufacturing Through Reshoring reveals the motivation these companies had to offshore their jobs as well as the errors of omission they made by not understanding the true cost of offshoring. Exposing the true cost of offshoring to US organizations and citizens, it supplies concrete suggestions to help government officials and activists prevent offshoring and incentivize reshoring.The book provides food for thought for businesses currently thinking about sending US jobs to foreign countries. Outlining a roadmap for reshoring using a step-by-step methodology, it provides business leaders with the understanding to make the right decisions regarding reshoring their products back to America.Watch the authors discuss how manufacturing and jobs can be shifted back to the USA.https://youtu.be/EwQf50rdlFA

Read more less

The use of small animal models in basic and preclinical sciences constitutes an integral part of testing new pharmaceutical agents prior to their application in clinical practice. New imaging and therapeutic approaches need to be tested and validated first in animals before application to humans. Handbook of Small Animal Imaging: Preclinical Imaging, Therapy, and Applications collects the latest information about various imaging and therapeutic technologies used in preclinical research into a single source. Useful to established researchers as well as newcomers to the field, this handbook shows readers how to exploit and integrate these imaging and treatment modalities and techniques into their own research.The book first presents introductory material on small animal imaging, therapy, and research ethics. It next covers ionizing radiation and nonionizing radiation methods in small animal imaging, hybrid imaging, and imaging agents. The book then addresses therapeutic research platforms and image quantification, explaining how to ensure accurate measurements of high-quality data. It concludes with an overview of many small animal imaging and therapy applications that demonstrate the strength of the techniques in biomedical fields.

Read more less

Security sensitive microbes (viruses, bacteria, fungi, and parasites) and toxins, which are often referred to as the select agents and toxins, have the capacity to cause serious illness and death in humans, animals, and plants. Throughout history, these microbes and toxins have been exploited in one form or another as biowarfare and bioterror agents that create fear and panic well beyond any actual physical damages they might cause.Manual of Security Sensitive Microbes and Toxins provides comprehensive, state-of-the-art coverage of microbes and toxins of biosecurity concern. The ultimate goal is to increase our awareness of these agents and enhance our preparedness against any future bio-emergencies.The book begins with an introduction containing a brief overview of the historical aspects of security sensitive microbes and toxins. This is followed by a concise summary of the current status in relation to the regulation of security sensitive microbes and toxins and a discussion of future development trends.The book is divided into seven parts: Microbes and Toxins Affecting Humans and Animals: Viruses Microbes and Toxins Affecting Human and Animals: Bacteria Microbes and Toxins Affecting Human and Animals: Fungus and Parasite Microbes and Toxins Affecting Human and Animals: Toxins Microbes Affecting Animals: Viruses Microbes Affecting Animals: Bacteria Microbes Affecting Plants Written by experts in the relevant areas of research, the chapters are authoritative reviews, each one covering a single microbe or toxin with respect to its classification, biology, epidemiology, pathogenesis, identification, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention. The chapters also discuss the limitations of our current knowledge and challenges relating to improved detection and control of the microbe or toxin.

Read more less

With principles that are shaping today’s most advanced technologies, from nanomedicine to electronic nanorobots, colloid and interface science has become a truly interdisciplinary field, integrating chemistry, physics, and biology. Colloid and Surface Chemistry: Exploration of the Nano World- Laboratory Guide explains the basic principles of colloid and interface science through experiments that emphasize the fundamentals. It bridges the gap between the underlying theory and practical applications of colloid and surface chemistry.Separated into five chapters, the book begins by addressing research methodology, how to design successful experiments, and ethics in science. It also provides practical information on data collection and analysis, keeping a laboratory notebook, and writing laboratory reports. With each section written by a distinguished researcher, chapter 2 reviews common techniques for the characterization and analysis of colloidal structures, including surface tension measurements, viscosity and rheological measurements, electrokinetic methods, scattering and diffraction techniques, and microscopy.Chapters 3–5 provide 19 experiments, each including the purpose of the experiment, background information, pre-laboratory questions, step-by-step procedures, and post-laboratory questions. Chapter 3 contains experiments about colloids and surfaces, such as sedimentation, exploration of wetting phenomena, foam stability, and preparation of miniemulsions. Chapter 4 covers various techniques for the preparation of nanoparticles, including silver, magnetic, and silica nanoparticles. Chapter 5 demonstrates daily-life applications of colloid science, describing the preparation of food colloids, body wash, and body cream.

Read more less

Bioceramics play an important role in repairing and regenerating defective or damaged bone. Annually, more than 500,000 bone graft procedures are performed in the United States and approximately 2.2 million are conducted worldwide. Advanced Bioactive Inorganic Materials for Bone Regeneration and Drug Delivery reviews the latest advances in the field of bioceramics. The book summarizes innovative concepts, bioceramic design, and methods for material synthesis and drug delivery. Offering guidance for biomedical engineering researchers and material scientists, the book explores: Novel mesoporous bioactive glasses and silicate-based ceramics for bone regeneration and drug delivery Bioactive silicate ceramics, including their mechanical properties, interaction with bone-forming cells, and in vivo osteogenesis and angiogenesis Silica nanospheres with a core-shell structure and their specific properties for controllable drug delivery The 3D-printing technique to prepare advanced bioceramic scaffolds for bone tissue engineering applications—including the preparation, mechanical strength, and biological properties of 3D-printed porous scaffolds of calcium phosphate cement and silicate bioceramics Biomimetic preparation and controllable crystal growth and biomineralization of bioceramics Inorganic and organic composite materials and their unique biological, electrical, and mechanical properties that enable the design of excellent bone regeneration and gene delivery systems A comprehensive survey of the research progress of bioceramics and their applications in bone repair and regeneration, this volume is designed to enhance study and career development for those in this field and to facilitate further research and opportunities for new solutions.

Read more less

The Energy Problem Energy Resources: Availability, Management, and Environmental Impacts identifies historical increases in demand and a continuing lack of viable management policies for regional and global energy problems. Considering the state and consumption of energy resources on a worldwide level, the authors outline and address three primary issues that they view as growing concerns: the exploitation of current forms of energy, the environmental consequences, and the social and economic ramifications involved.The initial chapters offer an overview of energy management, providing an introduction to energy, energy-related engineering principles, regulations, energy conservation, and sustainability. The book discusses all energy resource forms from fossil fuels to renewable resources. The authors introduce an energy matrix providing an analytical structure that quantitatively can be used to evaluate resource options and their impacts. The concluding chapters provide insight into the driving forces that have shaped energy policy to date and the uncertainties that face future policymakers. The book analyzes various aspects of energy management. It poses concerns and offers solutions, including a proposed approach for developing, organizing, and implementing a national energy plan for the U.S.A Template for Developing an Energy Policy Examines the issues involved with energy management Explores the best options for achieving energy independence Provides quantitative approaches to energy policy development Discusses specific structural and analytical approaches to solving energy management problems The book considers conservation and the development of new, less expensive energy forms, and the impact these can make in slowing growth in demand while fueling efficiency. It analyzes the availability of traditional energy resources and a method of quantifying their energy, economic, and environmental impacts to provide adequate, inexpensive, long-term energy supplies. It also examines the feasibility of solar power, wind, tidal, geothermal, nuclear, and other less traditional sources of energy.

Read more less

Fourth Generation (4G) wireless communication systems support current and emergent multimedia services such as mobile TV, social networks and gaming, high-definition TV, video teleconferencing, and messaging services. These systems feature the All-over-IP concept and boast improved quality of service. Several important R&D activities are currently under way in the field of wireless communications for 4G systems, but the coverage is widespread in the literature. Transmission Techniques for 4G Systems presents a compilation of the latest developments in the field of wireless communications for 4G systems, including evolved Multimedia Broadcast and Multicast Service (eMBMS).Topics include: Transmission schemes suitable for future broadband wireless systems Advances in transmission techniques and receiver design to support emergent wireless needs for 4G requirements Multiple-Input Multiple-Output (MIMO), base station cooperation, macro-diversity, and inter-cell interference cancellation Multihop relay techniques, hierarchical constellations, and multi-resolution techniques Advances using block transmission techniques for different propagation and multi-user environments System-level evaluation of 4G using different transmission techniques Exploring the key requirements of emergent services, this volume provides fundamentals and theory along with transmission and detection techniques and schemes transversal to many digital communication systems—including wireless, cellular, and satellite. If you’re interested in or involved with 4G multimedia systems, this is the book you need on the latest R&D wireless activities so you can plan, design, and develop prototypes and future systems.

Read more less

Concepts and Methods in Modern Theoretical Chemistry, Two-Volume Set focuses on the structure and dynamics of systems and phenomena. A new addition to the series Atoms, Molecules, and Clusters, the two books offer chapters written by experts in their fields. They enable readers to learn how concepts from ab initio quantum chemistry, density functional theory (DFT), and molecular simulation can be used to describe, understand, and predict electronic structure, chemical reactivity, and dynamics.The first book focuses on the electronic structure and reactivity of many-electron systems, and the second book deals with the statistical mechanical treatment of collections of such systems. Concepts and Methods in Modern Theoretical Chemistry: Electronic Structure and Reactivity includes articles on DFT, particularly the functional and conceptual aspects, excited states, molecular electrostatic potentials, intermolecular interactions,

Read more less

Any general management book can give you the basics of quality assurance, strategic planning, logistics, and more. But how do you apply that knowledge to a company that requires not only sound business practices but also sound science to succeed? And how do you deal with the impact of globalized competition, a fluctuating world economy, and growing pressure from environmental groups and government regulators? Revised and updated throughout, Strategic Management for the Plastics Industry: Dealing with Globalization and Sustainability, Second Edition continues to combine coverage of management best practices with coverage of issues specific to the plastics industry.The author outlines the fundamentals of polymer manufacturing, compounding, distribution, processing, and auxiliary products that make this industry unique, and shows how these factors affect management decisions. Using case studies and examples, he demonstrates the thinking behind successful managerial choices and illustrates what errors to avoid. The book also explains the interrelationships between technologies, markets, business sectors, and strategies in the plastics industry. Topics include company culture, staffing, how to manage internal growth, the "dos and don’ts" of acquisitions, and much more. The material is based on the author’s more than 55 years of experience, extensive research, and interviews with managers throughout the industry.What’s New in This Edition A new chapter on globalization and sustainability All chapters revised and updated Updated case studies, and one new case study The book is written for a broad audience, including aspiring professionals who wish to become managers, managers who want to round out their skills, consultants to the industry, and university students and faculty in plastics engineering and polymer chemistry departments. The combination of experience-based in

Read more less

This is the sixteenth issue in the FAO series of worldwide annotated and illustrated catalogues of major groups of organisms that enter marine fisheries. It contains the 159 species in 15 genera known from the serranid subfamily Epinephelinae, including one species new to science. There is an introductory section with general remarks on habitat and fisheries of the family, a glossary of technical terms, an illustrated key to each genus and all species, and a detailed account for all species. Species accounts include an illustration of each species, scientific and vernacular names, and information on habitat, biology, fisheries, size, relevant literature, and distribution. Following the species accounts are a list of nominal species in the subfamily, a table of species by major marine fishing areas, and colour plates. A list of all nominal species and their present allocations is given. The work is fully indexed and there is a comprehensive list of references to pertinent literature.

Read more less

Clinicians undergoing competency testing, certification, and periodic recertification are frequently faced with computer-based exams designed to evaluate clinical acumen and judgment. Test questions often include an image or radiograph followed by a vignette of the clinical encounter and a series of questions. Designed to better prepare practitioners for image-intense, computer-based examinations in their respective fields, Atlas of Human Poisoning and Envenoming is a visual and written reminder of the ubiquitous sources of toxins and toxoids in the environment and the outcomes of accidental or intentional toxic exposures in humans. The Second Edition has been restructured with bulleted text, tables, and figures resembling the vignettes that accompany national examinations. Combining the four specialties of toxicology—analytical, medical, environmental, and industrial—into one comprehensive atlas, the book presents photographs and diagrams of toxic plants and animals, their mechanisms of poisoning or envenoming, and the human responses caused by toxic exposure. Highlights of the new edition include: Prescription and illicit drug abuse epidemics Environmental and occupational nephrotoxicology and neurotoxicology Tick paralysis Petrochemical toxicants Biological, chemical, and radiological warfare agents Workplace substance abuse screening and monitoring Epidemiological design and statistical analysis of toxicological investigations The book is conveniently divided into four sections covering general medical toxicology, environmental toxicology, industrial and occupational toxicology, and epidemiology and statistics for toxicology. Supplemented with a 16-page color insert, the second edition includes new images and tables. The atlas will be a useful study guide for a range of practitioners preparing for a lifetime of image-intense national examinations.

Read more less

While there are many excellent texts focused on clinical medical imaging, there are few books that approach in vivo imaging technologies from the perspective of a scientist or physician–scientist using, or interested in using, these techniques in research. It is for these individuals that Essentials of In Vivo Biomedical Imaging is written.Featuring contributions from leading experts in the field, this authoritative reference text helps answer the following often-asked questions: Can imaging address my question? Which technique should I use? How does it work? What information does it provide? What are its strengths and limitations? What applications is it best suited for? How can I analyze the data? By explaining what each imaging technology can measure, describing major methods and approaches, and giving examples demonstrating the rich repertoire of modern biomedical imaging to address a wide range of morphological, functional, metabolic, and molecular parameters in a safe and noninvasive manner, Essentials of In Vivo Biomedical Imaging helps scientists and physician–scientists choose and utilize the appropriate in vivo imaging technologies and methods for their research.

Read more less

Energy Harvesting Autonomous Sensor Systems: Design, Analysis, and Practical Implementation provides a wide range of coverage of various energy harvesting techniques to enable the development of a truly self-autonomous and sustainable energy harvesting wireless sensor network (EH-WSN). It supplies a practical overview of the entire EH-WSN system from energy source all the way to energy usage by wireless sensor nodes/network. After an in-depth review of existing energy harvesting research thus far, the book focuses on: Outlines two wind energy harvesting (WEH) approaches, one using a wind turbine generator and one a piezoelectric wind energy harvester Covers thermal energy harvesting (TEH) from ambient heat sources with low temperature differences Presents two types of piezoelectric-based vibration energy harvesting systems to harvest impact or impulse forces from a human pressing a button or switch action Examines hybrid energy harvesting approaches that augment the reliability of the wireless sensor node’s operation Discusses a hybrid wind and solar energy harvesting scheme to simultaneously use both energy sources and therefore extend the lifetime of the wireless sensor node Explores a hybrid of indoor ambient light and TEH scheme that uses only one power management circuit to condition the combined output power harvested from both energy sources Although the author focuses on small-scale energy harvesting, the systems discussed can be upsized to large-scale renewable energy harvesting systems. The book goes beyond theory to explore practical applications that not only solve real-life energy issues but pave the way for future work in this area.

Read more less

As corporations and governments become more litigious and risk averse, international risk management becomes more complex. Corporate Security in the Asia-Pacific Region: Crisis, Crime, Fraud, and Misconduct examines real cases of corporate crisis, crime, fraud, and other misconduct that corporate security professionals need to be aware of to effectively protect people, operations, and assets within the region.Current security threats and risks are addressed to help readers conduct an informed risk assessment and analysis of operational risk. Providing detailed guidance on how to address the unique threats and risks in this dynamic and growing business environment, the book: Presents an overview of the region, with relevant historical background Offers recent case examples of crime and common issues facing a given region or country Highlights the range and frequency of corporate security-related breaches and crimes specific to countries in the region Provides detailed write-ups of every country in the region including the major players—Japan, China, India, Indonesia, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, and the Philippines Outlines security best practices for navigating the political and law enforcement challenges involved with operating in the region This book provides readers with the regional snapshot and geo-political background needed to understand the cultural differences, challenges, and the state of affairs for any country in the region. Filled with detailed cases of crime, theft of trade secrets, risk factors, and best practices, this book provides the real-world understanding you’ll need to conduct better-informed security management that will lead to improved decisions on how to protect your people and assets in the Asia-Pacific region.

Read more less

Ever-increasing interest in oceanography and marine biology and their relevance to global environmental issues creates a demand for authoritative reviews summarising the results of recent research. Oceanography and Marine Biology: An Annual Review has catered to this demand since its founding by the late Harold Barnes fifty years ago. Its objectives are to consider, annually, the basic areas of marine research, returning to them when appropriate in future volumes; to deal with subjects of special and topical importance; and to add new subjects as they arise.The favourable reception accorded to all the volumes shows that the series is fulfilling a very real need: reviews and sales have been gratifying. A milestone in the history of the series, the fiftieth volume follows closely the objectives and style of the earlier volumes, continuing to regard the marine sciences—with all their various aspects—as a unity. Physical, chemical, and biological aspects of marine science are dealt with by experts actively engaged in these fields. The series is an essential reference text for researchers and students in all fields of marine science and related subjects, and it finds a place in libraries of not only marine stations and institutes, but also universities. It is consistently among the highest ranking impact factors for the marine biology category of the citation indices compiled by the Institute for Scientific Information.

Read more less

Providing the most comprehensive, up-to-date coverage of this exciting biomedical field, Handbook of Photomedicine gathers together a large team of international experts to give you a complete account of the application of light in healthcare and medical science. The book progresses logically from the history and fundamentals of photomedicine to diverse therapeutic applications of light, known collectively as phototherapies. It facilitates your understanding of human diseases caused by light, the rationale for photoprotection, and major applications of phototherapy in clinical practice.The handbook begins with a series of historical vignettes of pioneers from the last two centuries. It also presents the fundamentals of physics and biology as applied to photomedicine. It next examines conditions and diseases caused by light, including skin cancer, dermatoses, and immunosuppression. The remainder of the book focuses on the most important clinical therapeutic applications of different kinds of light that vary in both wavelength and intensity. The book discusses ultraviolet phototherapy for skin diseases and infections and presents the basic science of photodynamic therapy and its use in cancer therapy and other medical specialties. It then covers mechanistic studies and clinical applications of low-level laser (light) therapy as well as the use of high power or surgical laser therapy in specialties, such as dentistry and dermatology. The book concludes with a collection of miscellaneous types of phototherapy.

Read more less

While the interdisciplinary field of materials science and engineering is relatively new, remarkable developments in materials have emerged for biological and medical applications, from biocompatible polymers in medical devices to the use of carbon nanotubes as drug delivery vehicles. Exploring these materials and applications, Materials in Biology and Medicine presents the background and real-world examples of advanced materials in biomedical engineering, biology, and medicine.With peer-reviewed chapters written by a select group of academic and industry experts, the book focuses on biomaterials and bioinspired materials, functional and responsive materials, controlling biology with materials, and the development of devices and enabling technologies. It fully describes the relevant scientific background and thoroughly discusses the logical sequences of new development and applications.Presenting a consistent scientific treatment of all topics, this comprehensive yet accessible book covers the most advanced materials used in biology and medicine. It will help readers tackle challenges of novel materials, carry out new process and product development projects, and create new methodologies for applications that enhance the quality of life.

Read more less

In recent years, there has been a surge in school shootings, workplace homicides, hate violence, and deadly terrorist attacks in the United States. This has resulted in a greater focus on homicidal behavior, its antecedents, ways to recognize warning signs of at-risk victims and offenders, and preventive measures. It has also led to increased efforts by lawmakers to create and pass tough crime legislation as well as improved federal, state, and local law enforcement response to murder and other violent crimes. The Dynamics of Murder: Kill or Be Killed is a multifaceted probe of murder offenses, offenders, victims, and characteristics of homicide in American society. This book breaks new ground in homicide studies by examining issues generally ignored or neglected among researchers. Topics include murders occurring in the workplace and in schools, those perpetrated by gangs and terrorists, those incited by bias, and intimate and intrafamilial murders. The book discusses sexual killers, serial and mass murderers, and suicide. It also examines psychological and sociological theories on murder and violence, as well as the increasing role the Internet plays in these crimes.Case studies of actual murderers are included, including serial killers Gerald and Charlene Gallego, mass murderer Byran Koji Uyesugi, the murder/suicide case of Sahel Kazemi, and the intrafamilial murders committed by Charles Stuart and Sarah Marie Johnson. A comprehensive exploration of the crime of murder in American society, this fascinating study is an essential resource for researchers, criminologists, and other professionals in a wide range of disciplines.

Read more less

A new and refreshingly different approach to presenting the foundations of statistical algorithms, Foundations of Statistical Algorithms: With References to R Packages reviews the historical development of basic algorithms to illuminate the evolution of today’s more powerful statistical algorithms. It emphasizes recurring themes in all statistical algorithms, including computation, assessment and verification, iteration, intuition, randomness, repetition and parallelization, and scalability. Unique in scope, the book reviews the upcoming challenge of scaling many of the established techniques to very large data sets and delves into systematic verification by demonstrating how to derive general classes of worst case inputs and emphasizing the importance of testing over a large number of different inputs. Broadly accessible, the book offers examples, exercises, and selected solutions in each chapter as well as access to a supplementary website. After working through the material covered in the book, readers should not only understand current algorithms but also gain a deeper understanding of how algorithms are constructed, how to evaluate new algorithms, which recurring principles are used to tackle some of the tough problems statistical programmers face, and how to take an idea for a new method and turn it into something practically useful.

Read more less

Cluster Ion-Solid Interactions: Theory, Simulation, and Experiment provides an overview of various concepts in cluster physics and related topics in physics, including the fundamentals and tools underlying novel cluster ion beam technology. The material is based on the author’s highly regarded courses at Kyoto University, Purdue University, the Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, and the Moscow Engineering Physics Institute as well as his research results on cluster ion beam applications at Kyoto University.The author introduces the basic principles of statistical physics and thermodynamics before covering applications, experimental justifications, and practical implementations. He describes classical nucleation theory and explains the drawbacks of this theory, showing how accurate modeling and simulations are necessary to justify theoretical approaches and simplifications.

Read more less

A systematic presentation of theory, procedures, illustrative examples, and applications, Mechanics of Materials provides the basis for understanding structural mechanics in engineering systems such as buildings, bridges, vehicles, and machines. The book incorporates the fundamentals of the subject into analytical methods, modeling approaches, numerical methods, experimental procedures, numerical evaluation procedures, and design techniques. It introduces the fundamentals, and then moves on to more advanced concepts and applications. It discusses analytical methods using simple mathematics, examples and experimental techniques, and it includes a large number of worked examples and case studies that illustrate practical and real-world usage. In the beginning of each chapter, states and summarizes the objectives and approaches, and lists the main topics covered in the chapter Presents the key issues and formulas in a "Summary Sheet" at the end of each chapter Provides as appendices at the end of the book, useful reference data and advanced material that cannot be conveniently integrated into the main chapters Mechanics of Materials is a result of the author's experience in teaching an undergraduate course in mechanics of materials consisting of mechanical, manufacturing, materials, mining and mineral engineering students and in teaching other courses in statics, dynamics, modeling, vibration, instrumentation, testing, design, and control. This book is suitable for anyone with a basic engineering background. The practical considerations, design issues, and engineering techniques, and the snapshot-style presentation of advanced theory and concepts, makes this a useful reference for practicing professionals as well.

Read more less

With an estimated 3.3 billion ionizing radiation imaging examinations performed worldwide each year, the growing use of x-ray-based diagnostic procedures raises concerns about long-term health risks, especially cancer. In addition, rapid growth in the number of nuclear power plants around the world increases the risk of a nuclear accident similar to that of Fukushima, Japan. Add to this, exposure to non-ionizing radiation from prolonged cell phone use, proton radiation from solar flares, and potential nuclear conflict or a dirty bomb attack, and the need to expand our repertoire of radiation prevention and mitigation strategies becomes increasingly urgent. Radiation Injury Prevention and Mitigation in Humans identifies and examines physical protection strategies as well as non-toxic, cost-effective biological protection strategies. This includes agents that—when administered orally before and/or after irradiation exposures—could be effective in preventing and mitigating acute radiation damage. The book discusses implementing physical and biological protection strategies particularly for first responders, radiation workers, astronauts, and civilians who might be exposed to higher doses of radiation in the course of their activities. The book describes: Physics of ionizing radiation and radiological weapons, principles of nuclear reactors, the types of radiological weapons, and consequences of their explosions Acute and late health effects of high and low doses of radiation The efficacy of FDA-approved and unapproved radioprotective and radiation mitigating agents The efficacy of radioprotective and radiation mitigating agents not requiring FDA approval (antioxidants and herbs) Scientific data and rationale in support of using micronutrient preparations containing dietary and endogenous antioxidants for preventing acute radiation sickness and for mitigating the late adverse health effects among survivors of high and low doses of radiation Examining cutting-edge advances in the research of the effects of non-ionizing radiation on cellular and genetic levels, the book proposes an implementation plan of both physical and biological protection strategies. It covers the full range of potential sources of radiation and includes an up-to-date list of helpful resources and references for the latest research and readings on the topic.

Read more less

The fourth book in the Healthcare Payment System series, Cost-Based, Charge-Based, and Contractual Payment Systems compares cost-based systems, charge-based payment approaches, and contractually-based payment processes with fee-schedule payment systems and prospective payment systems. Supplying readers with a clear understanding of important background material on the different types of healthcare providers, it covers the basics of cost-based, charge-based, and contractual payment systems. The book illustrates essential concepts with a series of simple case studies—making it ideal for anyone interested in learning more about the specific systems and processes used for payment in healthcare services. It discusses Medicare cost-based payment systems, Medicare payment approaches, and includes an appendix that outlines the various Medicare payment systems. Demystifying contractual language, it outlines managed care contracts and also: Delves into the intricacies involved with adjudication of claims Considers capitated payment systems Addresses healthcare costs and cost-based reimbursement systems Examines charge-based and contractual payment systems Describes where healthcare payment systems are headed in the future Since compliance is inherent throughout the process of providing services, filling claims, and receiving payment, the book examines the range of compliance concerns, including statutory, contractual, and overpayment issues. Using numerous examples to illustrate the processes used for capitated contract arrangements, the book includes coverage of claim adjustment, managed care contracts, and the various combinations of payment systems used by third-party administrators.

Read more less