This book offers a snapshot of cutting-edge applications of digital phenotyping and mobile sensing for studying human behavior and planning innovative e-healthcare interventions. The respective chapters, written by authoritative researchers, cover both theoretical perspectives and good scientific and professional practices related to the use and development of these technologies. They share novel insights into established applications of mobile sensing, such as predicting personality or mental and behavioral health on the basis of smartphone usage patterns, and highlight emerging trends, such as the use of machine learning, big data and deep learning approaches, and the combination of mobile sensing with AI and expert systems. Important issues relating to privacy and ethics are analyzed, together with selected case studies. This thoroughly revised and extended second edition provides researchers and professionals with extensive information on the latest developments in the field of digital phenotyping and mobile sensing. It gives a special emphasis to trends in diagnostics systems and AI applications, suggesting important future directions for research in public health and social sciences.

This open access book establishes a dialog among the medical and intelligent system domains for igniting transition toward a sustainable and cost-effective healthcare. The Person-Centered Care (PCC) positions a person in the center of a healthcare system, instead of defining a patient as a set of diagnoses and treatment episodes. The PCC-based conceptual background triggers enhanced application of Artificial Intelligence, as it dissolves the limits of processing traditional medical data records, clinical tests and surveys. Enhanced knowledge for diagnosing, treatment and rehabilitation is captured and utilized by inclusion of data sources characterizing personal lifestyle, and health literacy, and it involves insights derived from smart ambience and wearables data, community networks, and the caregivers' feedback. The book discusses intelligent systems and their applications for healthcare data analysis, decision making and process design tasks. The measurement systems and efficiency evaluation models analyze ability of intelligent healthcare system to monitor person health and improving quality of life.

Explores the latest advances in virus particle assembly Details the different mechanisms biological motors use to move on their diverse substrates Demonstrates how knowledge of fundamental processes have been used to advance bio-nanotechnology Discusses the latest advances in DNA and RNA nanoparticle assembly and use Introduces the use of DNA/RNA nanoparticles for drug delivery

This volume covers current research in the usage of magnetic nanoparticles for drug delivery. It discusses synthesis methods, stabilizers used for surface coating on MNPs, and potential target ligands which can be used to ferry payloads to the targeted disease region. It also highlights the factors affecting delivery efficiency and toxicity, as well as the different routes of administration. The content also focus on the use of these carriers for gene therapy and to target brain tumors. This volume will be of interest to researchers working on drug discovery and delivery platforms.

Despite major advances in healthcare over the past century, the successful treatment of cancer has remained a significant challenge, and cancers are the second leading cause of death worldwide behind cardiovascular disease. Early detection and survival are important issues to control cancer. The development of quantitative methods and computer technology has facilitated the formation of new models in medical and biological sciences. The application of mathematical modelling in solving many real-world problems in medicine and biology has yielded fruitful results. In spite of advancements in instrumentations technology and biomedical equipment, it is not always possible to perform experiments in medicine and biology for various reasons. Thus, mathematical modelling and simulation are viewed as viable alternatives in such situations, and are discussed in this book. The conventional diagnostic techniques of cancer are not always effective as they rely on the physical and morphological appearance of the tumour. Early stage prediction and diagnosis is very difficult with conventional techniques. It is well known that cancers are involved in genome level changes. As of now, the prognosis of various types of cancer depends upon findings related to the data generated through different experiments. Several machine learning techniques exist in analysing the data of expressed genes; however, the recent results related with deep learning algorithms are more accurate and accommodative, as they are effective in selecting and classifying informative genes. This book explores the probabilistic computational deep learning model for cancer classification and prediction.

Features • Discusses novel methods of cancer diagnostics and cancer treatment. • Details non and minimally-invasive photonics techniques. • Explores the applications of machine learning and artificial intelligence to these novel techniques.

Dental Implants: Materials, Coatings, Surface Modifications and Interfaces with Oral Tissues provides readers with information on past and contemporary advances in the design and modification of dental implants to enhance osseointegration and biocompatibility. The book begins with a look at the current status of dental implants, materials and fabrication methods. Chapters then cover surface modification techniques and a variety of inorganic, organic and biological coatings. Final sections cover tissue-implant interfaces. Written by a multidisciplinary team of materials scientists, dental clinicians and implantologists, this book is an essential reference for materials scientists, dental practitioners and researchers and students in academia.

Artificial Protein and Peptide Nanofibers: Design, Fabrication, Characterization, and Applications provides comprehensive knowledge of the preparation, modification and applications of protein and peptide nanofibers. The book reviews the synthesis and strategies necessary to create protein and peptide nanofibers, such as self-assembly (including supramolecular assembly), electrospinning, template synthesis, and enzymatic synthesis. Then, the key chemical modification and molecular design methods are highlighted that can be utilized to improve the bio-functions of these synthetic fibers. Finally, fabrication methods for key applications, such as sensing, drug delivery, imaging, tissue engineering and electronic devices are reviewed. This book will be an ideal resource for those working in materials science, polymer science, chemical engineering, nanotechnology and biomedicine.

This book is the first of two volumes that offer a comprehensive, up-to-date account of current knowledge regarding high-density lipoprotein (HDL), the changes that occur in HDL under different conditions, the clinical applications of HDL, and means of enhancing HDL functionality. HDL comprises a diverse group of lipoproteins and its composition and metabolism are dynamic. In this volume, the focus is on the changes observed in HDL under different health statuses, with particular attention to the functional and structural correlations of HDL and apolipoprotein A-1. The impacts of a wide variety of factors on HDL are examined in depth, covering, for example, diet, exercise, smoking, age, diverse diseases, and different forms of environmental pollution. It has long been known that HDL has anti-atherosclerotic and antidiabetic properties, and more recently its anti-aging activities have been recognized. These benefits of HDL are highly dependent on its lipids, proteins, apolipoproteins, and enzymes, and specifically their composition and ratios. In documenting the latest knowledge in this field, this volume will be of interest to both researchers and clinicians.

Molecular Biomarkers in Cancer Detection and Monitoring of Therapeutics, Volume One, Discovery and Technologies discusses how molecular biomarkers are used to determine predisposition, facilitate detection, improve treatment and offer prevention guidelines for different cancer types. This first volume in the series focuses on techniques and approaches recently developed to assist in the decision of which biomarker to use for specific conditions. Topics covered include circulating tumor cells and circulating tumor DNA, exomes, tumor microenvironment, gene editing, artificial intelligence and robotics. In addition, the book discusses the development and applications of organoids and precision medicine. This book will be a valuable resource for cancer researchers, oncologists, graduate students and members of the biomedical field who are interested in the potential of biomarkers in cancer research.

This book examines the basic cellular and molecular mechanisms associated with aging. It comprehensively describes the genetic, epigenetic, biochemical and metabolic regulation of aging, as well as some important age-related diseases. Divided into two major sections, it takes readers through the various aspects of aging in a story-like manner and suggests various interventions for healthy aging, such as dietary restriction, regular exercise, nutrition and maintaining a balanced and a non-stressful lifestyle. It describes the implications of aging on the nervous system, metabolism, immunity and stem cells as well as care for the elderly. The book is an ideal companion for both new and established researchers in the field and is also useful for educators, clinicians and policy makers.

This book reviews the latest technological developments of bioengineering approaches in cell and tissue research. It is meant to have life and spirit, and to become a pioneer in technology and sciences, especially the life science. The chapters are written by excellent scientists on advanced, frontier technology and address scientific questions that need considerable thinking in terms of engineering. The aims are to provide the readers, including students, faculty, and all scientists working in academia and industry, new information on bioengineering in cell and tissue research to enhance their understanding and innovation.

This book describes the range of technologies that have been developed for diagnosing and assessing Parkinson's disease patients. Also presenting the latest studies providing insights into the changes to the neural system in Parkinson's disease, it is a valuable resource for neurologists, general practitioners and nurses. Further, the book highlights areas that require more research, and as such will appeal to researchers, biomedical engineers and clinicians.

This book highlights the recent advances of thermodynamics and biophysics in drug delivery nanosystems and in biomedical nanodevices. The up-to-date book provides an in-depth knowledge of bio-inspired nanotechnological systems for pharmaceutical applications. Biophysics and thermodynamics, supported by mathematics, are the locomotive by which the drug transportation and the targeting processes will be achieved under the light of the modern pharmacotherapy. They are considered as scientific tools that promote the understanding of physicochemical and thermotropic functionality and behavior of artificial cell membranes and structures like nanoparticulate systems. Therefore, this book focusses on new aspects of biophysics and thermodynamics as important elements for evaluating biomedical nanosystems, and it correlates their physicochemical, biophysical and thermodynamical behaviour with those of a living organism. In 2018, Prof. Demetzos was honored with an award by the Order of Sciences of the Academy of Athens for his scientific contribution in Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology.

Clearly presents the state of the art and future trends in the research of the biodegradable polymers in the context of circular economy Covers entire value chain and life cycle of biopolymers, considering different types of polymers Clarifies the life safety of (bio)degradable polymeric materials Presents novel opportunities and ideas for developing or improving technologies Determines the course of degradation during prediction study

This book presents a compilation of state-of-the-art work on biomedical and cyber-physical systems in connection with the Internet of Things, and successfully blends theory and practice. The book covers the studies belonging to Biomedical and Cyber-physical System, so it is a unique effort by the research experts, who are divulging in the domain deeply. The book is very easy for the audience, who are doing study in the Biomedical and Cyber-physical System; it helps to read some real-time scenarios from where the reader in general gets many sparking ideas to convert it into the research problems in their studies. This book is of use to solve down the problems of graduate, postgraduate, doctoral industry executives, who are involving in the cutting-edge work of Internet of Things with Biomedical or Cyber-physical System, with the help of real-time solutions, given in the formation of chapters by subject's experts.The key uses of this book are in the area of Internet of Things in connection with Cyber-physical System as well as Biomedical domain.

Inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) is a new analytical technique which is rapidly gaining acceptance in many fields. This book covers not only the theory of operation, fundamentals and history of the technique but includes information which allows the reader to choose the equipment configurations which are best suited to their particular operation. This is a book for analysts in chemistry and geochemistry working primarily in the geosciences, and will be invaluable to those applying and developing the technique in medical research, industrial analytical chemistry and food technology.

This book offers a historical account of the development of the On-X carbon mechanical heart valve, discussing the steps involved in developing the materials, and describes how the design of the valve has evolved over the years. It explores both the scientific and corporate problems researchers have encountered over the years in the journey of making a mechanical heart valve. The chapters provide a detailed description of the design of the mechanical leaflet-based prosthetic valve, with a particular focus on blood flow characteristics. This book includes an overview of the state-of-the-art in the chemistry and physics of carbon, and compiles the advances in carbon-based technology and its applications in cardiac and thoracic surgery. This is an ideal book for bioengineers working on the chemistry and physics of carbon, and other professionals involved with cardiac and thoracic surgery.

The microneedle field has been expanding exponentially with innovative designs and various applications, thus capturing the interest of academic industry and regulatory sectors. Microneedles: The Future of Drug Delivery equips readers with a comprehensive understanding of microneedles; from percutaneous absorption to microneedles production, characterization, applications in drug delivery and diagnosis, to practical perspectives on the development, manufacturing, regulatory issues, and commercialization of microneedles. This book is written by a single author and thus provides complex information in a simple, elegant and cohesive style. The book is intended for graduate students, researchers, scientists and engineers working in the pharmaceutical, medical, cosmeceutical, and biotechnology industry.

Personalized Computational Hemodynamics: Models, Methods, and Applications for Vascular Surgery and Antitumor Therapy offers practices and advances surrounding the multiscale modeling of hemodynamics and their personalization with conventional clinical data. Focusing on three physiological disciplines, readers will learn how to derive a suitable mathematical model and personalize its parameters to account for pathologies and diseases. Written by leading experts, this book mirrors the top trends in mathematical modeling with clinical applications. In addition, the book features the major results of the "Research group in simulation of blood flow and vascular pathologies" at the Institute of Numerical Mathematics of the Russian Academy of Sciences. Two important features distinguish this book from other monographs on numerical methods for biomedical applications. First, the variety of medical disciplines targeted by the mathematical modeling and computer simulations, including cardiology, vascular neurology and oncology. Second, for all mathematical models, the authors consider extensions and parameter tuning that account for vascular pathologies.

Powered Prostheses: Design, Control, and Clinical Applications presents the state-of-the-art in design, control and application of assistive technologies used in rehabilitation, including powered prostheses used in lower and upper extremity amputees and orthosis used in the rehabilitation of various joint disorders. The progress made in this field over the last decade is so vast that any new researcher in this field will have to spend years digesting the main achievements and challenges that remain. This book provides a comprehensive vision of advances, along with the challenges that remain on the path to the development of true bionic technology.

This book is the second of two volumes that offer a comprehensive, up-to-date account of current knowledge regarding high-density lipoprotein (HDL), the changes that occur in HDL under different conditions, the clinical applications of HDL, and means of enhancing HDL functionality. In this volume, the focus is on the improvement of HDL, enhancement of its functionality, and the use of HDL for therapeutic purposes. In the first section, up-to-date information is provided on such topics as the tumor regression-promoting and antidiabetic activities of reconstituted HDL containing V156K apolipoprotein A-I, the enhancement of HDL effects by high doses of vitamin C, the benefits derived from incorporation of growth hormones 1 and 2 into rHDL, and the biological functions of omega-3 linolenic acid in rHDL. The enhancement of HDL functionality by policosanol and the resultant benefits are thoroughly examined in a separate section. Readers will also find the latest information on clinical applications of HDL. Here, specific topics include the enhancement of adenoviral gene delivery and the delivery of rapamycin. In documenting the latest knowledge in this field, this volume will be of interest to both researchers and clinicians.

This book provides tabular and text data relating to normal and diseased tissue materials and materials used in medical devices. Comprehensive and practical for students, researchers, engineers, and practicing physicians who use implants, this book considers the materials aspects of both implantable materials and natural tissues and fluids. Examples of materials and topics covered include titanium, elastomers, degradable biomaterials, composites, scaffold materials for tissue engineering, dental implants, sterilization effects on material properties, metallic alloys, and much more. Each chapter author considers the intrinsic and interactive properties of biomaterials, as well as their appropriate applications and historical contexts. Now in an updated second edition, this book also contains two new chapters on the cornea and on vocal folds, as well as updated insights, data, and citations for several chapters.

This book presents an overview of up-converting phosphor (UCP), including UCP preparation, development of the rapid detection strips and UCP industrialization. It also discusses the wide clinical applications of this technology, such as in food poisoning, infectious diseases, drug-abuse and disaster rescue, where rapid point-of-care testing is often critical. Conventional testing methods are mainly based on gold immunochromatography, which relies heavily on results being read with the naked eye. However, up-converting phosphor technology (UPT) employs UCP particles as labels for rapid target detection. Unlike other conventional fluorescence techniques, UCP is excited by infrared light and emitted visible light. This anti-stokes phenomenon provides this special label with significant advantages, including zero background detection, high resistance to environmental influences (e.g. pH, salts, sample contamination), high sensitivity and quantitative detection. Systematically summarizing UCP technology and its wide applications, this book is a valuable resource for researchers and technicians in the field.

Going back at least to the writings of John Stuart Mill and Jean-Jacques Rousseau, people have argued for and against maintaining a state of nature. Is there an inherent virtue in leaving alone a naturally occurring condition, or does the human species thrive when we find ways to improve our circumstances? This volume probes whether "nature" and "the natural" are capable of guiding moral deliberations in policy making.

Drawing on philosophy, religion, and political science, this book examines three questions central to debates over the idea of "nature" in human action. Conceptually, it asks what the term means, how it should be considered, and if it is, even in part, a social construct. From a moral perspective, the contributors question if being "natural" is itself of value or if its worth is only as a means to advance other morally acceptable ends. Politically, essays discuss whether appeals to nature can and should affect public policy and, if so, whether they are moral trump cards or should instead be fitted alongside or weighed against other concerns.

Achieving consensus on these questions has proven elusive and seems unattainable. This should not, however, be an obstacle to moving the debate forward. By bringing together disparate approaches to addressing these concepts, "The Ideal of Nature" suggests the possibility of intermediate positions that move beyond the usual full-throated defense and blanket dismissal found in much of the debate. Scholars of bioethics, environmental philosophy, religious studies, sociology, public policy, and political theory will find much merit in this book's lively discussion.