This book fills the gap between fundamental and applied research in the use of nanomaterials in biomedical applications, covering the most relevant areas, such as the fundamental concepts of the preparation of nanostructures and regulatory requirements for their safe use in biomedical devices. It also critically discusses what has been achieved in the field, and what needs to be urgently addressed and reviews the state-of-the-art medical uses of nanomaterials for treating damaged organs and tissues. Combining the expertise of clinical researchers working in the field of tissue engineering and novel materials, the book explores the main topics regarding the characterization of materials, specific organ-oriented biomaterials and their applications, as well as regulations and safety. Further, it also examines recent advances, difficulties, and clinical requirements in terms of human bone, cornea, heart, skin and the nervous system, allowing readers to gain a clear and comprehensive understanding of current nanomaterial use in biomedical applications and devices, together with the challenges and future trends. This book is a valuable tool for multidisciplinary scientists and experts interested in fundamental concepts and synthetic routes for preparing nanomaterials. It is also of interest to students and researchers involved in cross-disciplinary research in nanomaterials for clinical applications and offers practical insights for clinicians as well as engineers and materials scientists working in nanoengineering.

Machine Learning (ML) is a sub field of artificial intelligence that uses soft computing and algorithms to enable computers to learn on their own and identify patterns in observed data, build models that explain the world, and predict things without having explicit pre-programmed rules and models. This book discusses various applications of ML in engineering fields and the use of ML algorithms in solving challenging engineering problems ranging from biomedical, transport, supply chain and logistics, to manufacturing and industrial. Through numerous case studies, it will assist researchers and practitioners in selecting the correct options and strategies for managing organizational tasks.

Most of the real-life signals are non-stationary in nature. The examples of such signals include biomedical signals, communication signals, speech, earthquake signals, vibration signals, etc. Time-frequency analysis plays an important role for extracting the meaningful information from these signals. The book presents time-frequency analysis methods together with their various applications. The basic concepts of signals and different ways of representing signals have been provided. The various time-frequency analysis techniques namely, short-time Fourier transform, wavelet transform, quadratic time-frequency transforms, advanced wavelet transforms, and adaptive time-frequency transforms have been explained. The fundamentals related to these methods are included. The various examples have been included in the book to explain the presented concepts effectively. The recently developed time-frequency analysis techniques such as, Fourier-Bessel series expansion-based methods, synchrosqueezed wavelet transform, tunable-Q wavelet transform, iterative eigenvalue decomposition of Hankel matrix, variational mode decomposition, Fourier decomposition method, etc. have been explained in the book. The numerous applications of time-frequency analysis techniques in various research areas have been demonstrated. This book covers basic concepts of signals, time-frequency analysis, and various conventional and advanced time-frequency analysis methods along with their applications. The set of problems included in the book will be helpful to gain an expertise in time-frequency analysis. The material presented in this book will be useful for students, academicians, and researchers to understand the fundamentals and applications related to time-frequency analysis.

This book reviews the development, characterization and applications of aptamers in different areas of biotechnology ranging from therapeutics to diagnostics and protein purification. Hailed as chemical antibodies, these single-stranded nucleic acid receptors were predicted to supersede antibodies in traditional assays, such as ELISA, within a short time. While this has yet to happen, readers will find in this book a deep insight into the progress of aptamer technology and a critical discussion about the limitations that need to be overcome in order to find wider acceptance and use outside of the still relatively small aptamer-community. This book covers all aspects of aptamer generation and application for the aptamer-experienced reader and curious novice alike, with the addition of an industry perspective on the future of aptamer-use in biotechnology.

Thanks to their unique properties, chitosan and chitosan-based materials have numerous applications in the field of biomedicine, especially in drug delivery. This book examines biomedical applications of functional chitosan, exploring the various functions and applications in the development of chitosan-based biomaterials. It also describes the chemical structure of chitosan and discusses the relationship between their structure and functions, providing a theoretical basis for the design of biomaterials. Lastly, it reviews chemically modified and composite materials of chitin and chitosan derivatives for biomedical applications, such as tissue engineering, nanomedicine, drug delivery, and gene delivery.

This book explores the status of paper-based diagnostic solutions, or Microfluidics 2.0. The contributors explore: how paper-based tests can be widely distributed and utilized by semi-skilled personnel; how close to commercial applications the technology has become, and what is still required to make paper-based diagnostics the game-changer it can be. The technology is examined through the lens of the World Health Organization's ASSURED criteria for low-resource countries (Affordable, Sensitive, Specific, User-friendly, Rapid and robust, Equipment-free, and Deliverable to end-users). Its applications have to include: health technology, environmental technology, food safety, and more. This book is appropriate for researchers in these areas, as well as those interested in microfluidics, and includes chapters dedicated to principles such as theory of flow and surface treatments; components such as biomarkers and detection; and current methods of manufacturing. Discusses how paper-based diagnostics can be used in developing countries by comparing current diagnostic tests with the World Health Organization's ASSURED criteria Examines how paper-based diagnostics could be integrated with other technologies, such as printed electronics, and the Internet of Things. Outlines how semi-skilled personnel across a variety of fields can implement paper-based diagnostics

Bioelectronics is emerging as a new area of research where electronics can selectively detect, record, and monitor physiological signals. This is a rapidly expanding area of medical research, that relies heavily on multidisciplinary technology development and cutting-edge research in chemical, biological, engineering, and physical science. This book provides extensive information on the (i) fundamental concepts of bioelectronics, (ii) materials for the developments of bioelectronics such as implantable electronics, self-powered devices, bioelectronic sensors, flexible bioelectronics, etc, and (iii) an overview of the trends and gathering of the latest bioelectronic progress. This book will broaden our knowledge about newer technologies and processes used in bioelectronics.

Assistive Technology Service Delivery: A Practical Guide for Disability and Employment Professionals provides professionals working in vocational rehabilitation with the guidelines and methodologies they need to carry out their daily work at a high standard. Crucially, the techniques and tools described in the book are based on evidence gathered in rigorous research. Chapters cover an introduction to the accommodations system, the role of assistive technology as an accommodation and evidence-based practice in vocational rehabilitation, the service delivery process, from referral, through technology procurement and implementation, to the monitoring of outcomes. Drawing on their extensive experience, the authors then present techniques, tools and tips for assistive technology service delivery, with illustrative case study examples. Written with practicing assistive technology professionals and students in mind, this book translates technical knowledge into content that professionals can understand and readily apply.

Machine Learning in Bio-Signal Analysis and Diagnostic Imaging presents original research on the advanced analysis and classification techniques of biomedical signals and images that cover both supervised and unsupervised machine learning models, standards, algorithms, and their applications, along with the difficulties and challenges faced by healthcare professionals in analyzing biomedical signals and diagnostic images. These intelligent recommender systems are designed based on machine learning, soft computing, computer vision, artificial intelligence and data mining techniques. Classification and clustering techniques, such as PCA, SVM, techniques, Naive Bayes, Neural Network, Decision trees, and Association Rule Mining are among the approaches presented. The design of high accuracy decision support systems assists and eases the job of healthcare practitioners and suits a variety of applications. Integrating Machine Learning (ML) technology with human visual psychometrics helps to meet the demands of radiologists in improving the efficiency and quality of diagnosis in dealing with unique and complex diseases in real time by reducing human errors and allowing fast and rigorous analysis. The book's target audience includes professors and students in biomedical engineering and medical schools, researchers and engineers.

Value of Connected Things for Healthcare is based on feedback from members of the LLSA Forum, patients, healthcare professionals, Living Labs, industrialists, researchers and institutional actors confronted with the design, development, implementation and use of these types of tools that penetrate health and communicate data. The term connected object refers to devices that continuously collect data through these objects, providing the state of health of people wherever they are and whatever they do. These objects allow clinical researchers to study new phenomena that have hitherto escaped observations in institutions. However, the mobilization of these technologies in this context poses technical questions because the requirements of a remote, continuous operation are high. What is termed connected health emphasizes the human dimension of the subject, i.e., citizens, patients, health professionals, territorial communities, professional networks, institutions and associations. The questions of who benefits and ethical considerations are paramount to this discussion.

This book looks back at the starting point of engineering to show the importance of motivation in dealing with the passive-to-active consumer change, and explains how engineering can be holistic. It presents a variety of research on emotion, discussing topics such as neuroscience, philosophy and physiology. In addition to providing similar research being carried out from different perspectives in other fields, it demonstrates to readers how they can work with researchers in other fields to explore the new frontiers and their applications together. With engineering quickly moving from product development to experience development, and the role of emotion in engineering becoming increasingly important, Emotional Engineering, Vol. 6 is a valuable resource for engineers and researchers.

This book presents a collection of state-of-the-art approaches for deep-learning-based biomedical and health-related applications. The aim of healthcare informatics is to ensure high-quality, efficient health care, and better treatment and quality of life by efficiently analyzing abundant biomedical and healthcare data, including patient data and electronic health records (EHRs), as well as lifestyle problems. In the past, it was common to have a domain expert to develop a model for biomedical or health care applications; however, recent advances in the representation of learning algorithms (deep learning techniques) make it possible to automatically recognize the patterns and represent the given data for the development of such model. This book allows new researchers and practitioners working in the field to quickly understand the best-performing methods. It also enables them to compare different approaches and carry forward their research in an important area that has a direct impact on improving the human life and health. It is intended for researchers, academics, industry professionals, and those at technical institutes and R&D organizations, as well as students working in the fields of machine learning, deep learning, biomedical engineering, health informatics, and related fields.

This book presents different approaches on multi-modality imaging with a focus on biomedical applications. Medical imaging can be divided into two categories: functional (related to physiological body measurements) and anatomical (structural) imaging modalities. In particular, this book covers imaging combinations coming from the usual popular modalities (such as the anatomical modalities, e.g. X-ray, CT and MRI), and it also includes some promising and new imaging modalities that are still being developed and improved (such as infrared thermography (IRT) and photoplethysmography imaging (PPGI)), implying potential approaches for innovative biomedical applications. Moreover, this book includes a variety of tools on computer vision, imaging processing, and computer graphics, which led to the generation and visualization of 3D models, making the most recent advances in this area possible. This is an ideal book for students and biomedical engineering researchers covering the biomedical imaging field.

This book provides an overview of biomedical applications in sports, including reviews of the current state-of-the art methodologies and research areas. Basic principles with specific case studies from different types of sports as well as suggested student activities and homework problems are included. Equipment design and manufacturing, quantitative evaluation methods, and sports medicine are given special focus. Biomechanical Principles and Applications in Sports can be used as a textbook in a sports technology or sports engineering program, and is also ideal for graduate students and researchers in biomedical engineering, physics, and sports physiology. It can also serve as a useful reference for professional athletes and coaches interested in gaining a deeper understanding of biomechanics and exercise physiology to improve athletic performance.

This book reports on advanced topics in the areas of wearable robotics research and practice. It focuses on new technologies, including neural interfaces, soft wearable robots, sensors and actuators technologies, discussing industrially and medically-relevant issues, as well as legal and ethical aspects. It covers exemplary case studies highlighting challenges related to the implementation of wearable robots for different purposes, and describing advanced solutions. Based on the 5th International Symposium on Wearable Robotics, WeRob2020, and on WearRacon Europe 2020, which were both held online on October 13-16, 2020, the book addresses a large audience of academics and professionals working in for the government, in the industry, and in medical centers, as well as end-users alike. By merging together engineering, medical, ethical and industrial perspectives, it offers a multidisciplinary, timely snapshot of the field of wearable technologies.

Explores text mining and IoT applications for monitoring and controlling smart industrial systems Describes the key principles and techniques for Big-data analytics, security, and optimization for industrial applications. Provides context-aware insights, human-centric industry, smart computing for next-generation industry

This book explores the pivotal role played by technology over the past decade in advancing global public health and health care. At present, the global community faces unprecedented healthcare challenges fueled by an aging population, rising rates of chronic disease, and persistent health disparities. New technologies and advancements have the potential to extend the reach of health professionals while improving quality and efficiency of service delivery and reducing costs within the public and the private health systems. The chapters highlight the barriers faced by the global healthcare workforce in using technology to promote health and human rights of communities: Role of Digital Health, mHealth, and Low-Cost Technologies in Advancing Universal Health Coverage in Emerging Economies Telehealth and Homecare Agencies Technology and the Practice of Health Education in Conflict Zones The Worldwide Digital Divide and Access to Healthcare Technology Technology for Creating Better Professional Teams to Strengthen Healthcare Systems Global Public Health Disaster Management and Technology As a resource on the evolution of technology as a valuable and integral component in the promotion and practice of public health and health care, with a focus on SDG 3 targets, Technology and Global Public Health should engage students, instructors, practitioners, and other professionals interested in public health, universal health care, health technology, digital health, and health equity. Dr. Murthy has been a respected leader and mentor on scientific health-related matters within the UN system for many years. Her book develops a theoretical system connecting concepts that have coined global public health with the rapid development of technology, all with the focus to achieve Sustainable Development Goal number three, within the time frame set by World Leaders. - Henry L. Mac-Donald, Former Permanent Representative of Suriname to the United Nations

This book presents an approach to postmortem human identification using dental image processing based on dental features and characteristics, and provides information on various identification systems based on dental features using image processing operations. The book also provides information on a novel human identification approach that uses Infinite Symmetric Exponential Filter (ISEF) based edge detection and contouring algorithms. Provides complete details on dental imaging; Discusses the important features of a human identification approach and presents a brief review on DICOM standard for dental imaging; Presents human identification approach based on dental features.

Current Trends and Future Developments on (Bio-) Membranes: Carbon Dioxide Separation/Capture by Using Membranes explores the unique property of membranes to separate gases with different physical and chemical properties. The book covers both polymeric and inorganic materials for CO2 separation and explains their mechanism of action, allowing for the development and most appropriate and efficient processes. It also lists the advantages of using membranes instead of other separation techniques, i.e., their low operating costs and low energy consumption. This book offers a unique opportunity for scientists working in the field of membrane technology for CO2 separation and capture.

This book describes how assistive technology can help handicapped, elderly and acutely sick people to manage their daily lives better and stay safe in the home. It discusses how safety is understood from an ethical, technical and social perspective, and offers examples of the problems that users, their helpers and professional carers have with assistive technology in everyday situations. The book provides insights from user-centred research and uses photographs to illustrate the main topic: how users and technology can work together to ensure safety. User-focused and combining experience with research, the book will interest users of these kinds of technology, health professionals who might introduce and/or prescribe them, engineers who develop and sell assistive technological gadgets, and architects who build safe homes - as well as researchers and students who work in these fields. It provides an overview of the existing technology, examines ways to test its effectiveness from the point of view of users, health professionals and researchers from different fields (architecture, education, engineering, facility management, medicine, nursing, occupational therapy, rehabilitative medicine, physiotherapy, social science and speech therapy), and lists useful addresses, websites and literature

This book presents the state-of-the-art techniques for the modeling, simulation, testing, compilation and physical synthesis of mVLSI biochips. The authors describe a top-down modeling and synthesis methodology for the mVLSI biochips, inspired by microelectronics VLSI methodologies. They introduce a modeling framework for the components and the biochip architecture, and a high-level microfluidic protocol language. Coverage includes a topology graph-based model for the biochip architecture, and a sequencing graph to model for biochemical application, showing how the application model can be obtained from the protocol language. The techniques described facilitate programmability and automation, enabling developers in the emerging, large biochip market.

This book highlights recent advances in soft and stretchable biointegrated electronics. A renowned group of authors address key ideas in the materials, processes, mechanics, and devices of soft and stretchable electronics; the wearable electronics systems; and bioinspired and implantable biomedical electronics. Among the topics discussed are liquid metals, stretchable and flexible energy sources, skin-like devices, in vitro neural recording, and more. Special focus is given to recent advances in extremely soft and stretchable bio-inspired electronics with real-world clinical studies that validate the technology. Foundational theoretical and experimental aspects are also covered in relation to the design and application of these biointegrated electronics systems. This is an ideal book for researchers, engineers, and industry professionals involved in developing healthcare devices, medical tools and related instruments relevant to various clinical practices.

This book documents the state of the art in the field of ambient assisted living (AAL), highlighting the impressive potential of novel methodologies and technologies to enhance well-being and promote active ageing. It covers a broad range of topics, with sections on technological sensors and platforms, social robotics for assistance, assistance and care applications, health and medical support methodologies and technologies, as well as the analysis, modelling and design of AAL services. The book comprises a selection of the best papers presented at the 8th Italian Forum on Ambient Assisted Living (ForitAAL 2017), which was held in Genoa, Italy, in June 2017 and brought together researchers, technology teams and professional associations, as well as representatives of the Italian regions and advisors to the Italian Ministry of Education, University and Research, with the goal of developing a consensus on how to improve provisions for the elderly and impaired. The respective contributions offer valuable insights into how the latest advances can help address the needs of the elderly and those with chronic health conditions. They also underscore the need for AAL to continue moving toward multidisciplinary integration, so as to embrace the various disciplines that place the user of services at the centre of the design process.

This textbook introduces readers to the recent advances in the emerging field of genetic design automation (GDA). Starting with an introduction and the basic concepts of molecular biology, the authors provide an overview of various genetic design automation tools. The authors then present the DVASim tool (Dynamic Virtual Analyzer and Simulator) which is used for the analysis and verification of genetic logic circuits. This includes methods and algorithms for the timing and threshold value analyses of genetic logic circuits. Next, the book presents the GeneTech tool (A technology mapping tool for genetic circuits) and the methods developed for optimization, synthesis, and technology mapping of genetic circuits. Chapters are followed by exercises which give readers hands-on practice with the tools presented. The concepts and algorithms are thoroughly described, enabling readers to improve the tools or use them as a starting point to develop new tools. Both DVASim and GeneTech are available from the developer's website, free of charge. This book is intended for a multidisciplinary audience of computer scientists, engineers and biologists. It provides enough background knowledge for computer scientists and engineers, who usually do not have any background in biology but are interested to get involved in this domain. This book not only presents an accessible basic introduction to molecular biology, it also includes software tools which allow users to perform laboratory experiments in a virtual in-silico environment. This helps newbies to get a quick start in understanding and developing genetic design automation tools. The third part of this book is particular useful for biologists who usually find it difficult to grasp programming and are reluctant to developing computer software. They are introduced to the graphical programming language, LabVIEW, from which they can start developing computer programs rapidly. Readers are further provided with small projects which will help them to start developing GDA tools.

The Computational Biomechanics for Medicine titles provide an opportunity for specialists in computational biomechanics to present their latest methodologiesand advancements. Thisvolumecomprises twelve of the newest approaches and applications of computational biomechanics, from researchers in Australia, New Zealand, USA, France, Spain and Switzerland. Some of the interesting topics discussed are:real-time simulations; growth and remodelling of soft tissues; inverse and meshless solutions; medical image analysis; and patient-specific solid mechanics simulations. One of the greatest challenges facing the computational engineering community is to extend the success of computational mechanics to fields outside traditional engineering, in particular to biology, the biomedical sciences, and medicine. We hope the research presented within this book series will contribute to overcoming this grand challenge.