Nanocarriers for Cancer Diagnosis and Targeted Chemotherapy reviews the principles and applications of nanocarriers for targeted drug delivery. Drug targeting involves active and passive strategies that exploit both the use of ligands for interactions and the physical and chemical properties of nanocarriers and micro-environments at target sites. Multidrug resistance and adverse side effects associated with anticancer drugs have attracted greater scientific attention and led formulation scientists to specifically target these drugs to target sites. Nanocarriers like liposomes, niosomes, gold nanorods, carbon nanotubes, and micelles are discussed for the delivery of drugs to specific disease sites. This is an important reference source for researchers in the biomedical and biomaterials fields who want to gain an understanding on how nanotechnology is used for earlier diagnoses and more effective cancer treatment.

PROCESSING OF CERAMICS A firsthand account of the "transparent ceramics revolution" from one of the pioneers in the field Processing of Ceramics: Breakthroughs in Optical Materials is an in-depth survey of the breakthrough research and development of transparent ceramics, covering historical background, theory, manufacturing processes, and applications. Written by an internationally-recognized leader in the technology, this authoritative volume describes advances in optical grade ceramics over the past three decades--from the author's first demonstration of laser ceramics in Japan in 1991 to new applications of transparent ceramics such as ceramic jewels, wireless heating elements, and mobile device displays. The author provides numerous development examples of laser ceramics, crystal and ceramic scintillators, magneto-optic transparent ceramics, optical ceramic phosphors for solid state lighting, and more. Detailed chapters cover topics such as the technical problems of conventional translucent and transparent ceramics, the characteristics of scintillation materials, single crystal and ceramic scintillator fabrication and optimization, and solid-state crystal growth (SSCG) methods for single crystal ceramics. Processing of Ceramics: Outlines the author's 30 years of work in the area of transparent ceramics Provides a detailed history of the world's first ceramic laser development Demonstrates how laser oscillation using ceramic materials match or surpass high-quality single crystals Describes how innovative polycrystalline ceramics have transformed optical material development Includes extensive references, chapter introductions and summaries, and numerous graphs, tables, diagrams, and color images Processing of Ceramics is an invaluable resource for researchers, materials scientists, engineers, and other professionals across academic and industrial fields involved in the development and application of optical grade ceramics.

Multi-robot Exploration for Environmental Monitoring: The Resource Constrained Perspective provides readers with the necessary robotics and mathematical tools required to realize the correct architecture. The architecture discussed in the book is not confined to environment monitoring, but can also be extended to search-and-rescue, border patrolling, crowd management and related applications. Several law enforcement agencies have already started to deploy UAVs, but instead of using teleoperated UAVs this book proposes methods to fully automate surveillance missions. Similarly, several government agencies like the US-EPA can benefit from this book by automating the process. Several challenges when deploying such models in real missions are addressed and solved, thus laying stepping stones towards realizing the architecture proposed. This book will be a great resource for graduate students in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Robotics, Machine Learning and Mechatronics.

Polysaccharide Carriers for Drug Delivery presents the latest information on the selection of safe materials. Due to reported safety profiles on polysaccharides; they have been the natural choice for investigation. A wide variety of drug delivery and biomedical systems have been studied, however, the related information either concept-wise or application-oriented is scattered, therefore becoming difficult for readers and researchers to digest in a concise manner. This gathering of information will help readers easily comprehend the subject matter.

Creep and Fatigue in Polymer Matrix Composites, Second Edition, updates the latest research in modeling and predicting creep and fatigue in polymer matrix composites. The first part of the book reviews the modeling of viscoelastic and viscoplastic behavior as a way of predicting performance and service life. Final sections discuss techniques for modeling creep rupture and failure and how to test and predict long-term creep and fatigue in polymer matrix composites.

Materials for Biomedical Engineering: Absorbable Polymers provides a detailed and comprehensive review of recent progress in absorbable biopolymers and their impact on biomedical engineering. The book's main focus lies in their classification, processing, properties and performance, biocompatibility, and their applications in tissue engineering, drug delivery, bone repair and regenerative medicine. The most up-to-date methods used to obtain such polymers and how to improve their properties is discussed in detail. This book provides readers with a comprehensive and updated review of the latest research in the field of absorbable polymers for biomedical applications.

Polylactic Acid: A Practical Guide for the Processing, Manufacturing, and Applications of PLA, Second Edition, provides a practical guide for engineers and scientists working in PLA and on the development of emerging new products. The current market situation for PLA and biodegradable polymers is described, along with applications across a range of market sectors. In addition, the mechanical, chemical, thermal, rheology and degradation properties are included. Updates include new chapters covering various processing methods, as well as recycling methods, and additives and processing aids. New applications cover a range of products (including 3D Printing), and an environmental assessment, including regulatory aspects. The book is not only a useful introduction to this topic, but also a practical, readily applicable reference book that will support decision-making in the plastics industry.

Advances in Nonvolatile Memory and Storage Technology, Second Edition, addresses recent developments in the non-volatile memory spectrum, from fundamental understanding, to technological aspects. The book provides up-to-date information on the current memory technologies as related by leading experts in both academia and industry. To reflect the rapidly changing field, many new chapters have been included to feature the latest in RRAM technology, STT-RAM, memristors and more. The new edition describes the emerging technologies including oxide-based ferroelectric memories, MRAM technologies, and 3D memory. Finally, to further widen the discussion on the applications space, neuromorphic computing aspects have been included. This book is a key resource for postgraduate students and academic researchers in physics, materials science and electrical engineering. In addition, it will be a valuable tool for research and development managers concerned with electronics, semiconductors, nanotechnology, solid-state memories, magnetic materials, organic materials and portable electronic devices.

Bioelectronics and Medical Devices: From Materials to Devices-Fabrication, Applications and Reliability reviews the latest research on electronic devices used in the healthcare sector, from materials, to applications, including biosensors, rehabilitation devices, drug delivery devices, and devices based on wireless technology. This information is presented from the unique interdisciplinary perspective of the editors and contributors, all with materials science, biomedical engineering, physics, and chemistry backgrounds. Each applicable chapter includes a discussion of these devices, from materials and fabrication, to reliability and technology applications. Case studies, future research directions and recommendations for additional readings are also included. The book addresses hot topics, such as the latest, state-of the-art biosensing devices that have the ability for early detection of life-threatening diseases, such as tuberculosis, HIV and cancer. It covers rehabilitation devices and advancements, such as the devices that could be utilized by advanced-stage ALS patients to improve their interactions with the environment. In addition, electronic controlled delivery systems are reviewed, including those that are based on artificial intelligences.

Numerical Modeling of Masonry and Historical Structures: From Theory to Application provides detailed information on the theoretical background and practical guidelines for numerical modeling of unreinforced and reinforced (strengthened) masonry and historical structures. The book consists of four main sections, covering seismic vulnerability analysis of masonry and historical structures, numerical modeling of unreinforced masonry, numerical modeling of FRP-strengthened masonry, and numerical modeling of TRM-strengthened masonry. Each section reflects the theoretical background and current state-of-the art, providing practical guidelines for simulations and the use of input parameters.

Nanomaterials from Clay Minerals: A New Approach to Green Functional Materials details the structure, properties and modification of natural nanoscale clay minerals and their application as the green constituent of functional materials. Natural nanomaterials from clay minerals have diverse morphologies, from 1D to 3D, including nanorods, nanofibers, nanotubes, nanosheets and nanopores. These structures show excellent adsorption, reinforcing, supporter, electronic, catalytic and biocompatible properties and are great as sustainable alternatives for toxic or expensive artificial materials. This book provides systematic coverage of clay nanomaterials as eco-friendly resources, emphasizing the importance of such materials in a range of industries, including biomedicine, energy and electronics. This book will provide an important reference for materials scientists and engineers who have an interest in sustainable material development.

Titanium for Consumer Applications is the first book to tie together the metallurgical advantages of titanium in consumer applications. The book begins with a discussion of the metallurgy and properties of titanium that is followed by six distinct sections that look at the use of titanium in consumer products, the sports industry, buildings and architecture design, arts field, aerospace, automotive, and medical applications. This book is useful for individuals involved in the manufacturing of titanium components, as well as those looking to define new applications for this versatile metal.

Developments in Surface Contamination and Cleaning: Methods for Assessment and Verification of Cleanliness of Surfaces and Characterization of Surface Contaminants, Volume Twelve, the latest release in the Developments in Surface Contamination and Cleaning series, provides best practices on determining surface cleanliness. Chapters include an introduction to the nature and size of particles, a discussion of cleanliness levels, detailed coverage of measurement methods, characterization methods and analytical methods for evaluating surfaces, and an overview of analysis methods for various contaminants. As a whole, the series creates a unique and comprehensive knowledge base for those in research and development in a variety of industries. Manufacturing, quality control and procurement specification professionals in the aerospace, automotive, biomedical, defense, energy, manufacturing, microelectronics, optics and xerography industries will find this book to be very helpful. In addition, researchers in an academic setting will also find these volumes excellent source books.

Grid-Scale Energy Storage Systems and Applications provides a timely introduction to state-of-the-art technologies and important demonstration projects in this rapidly developing field. Written with a view to real-world applications, the authors describe storage technologies and then cover operation and control, system integration and battery management, and other topics important in the design of these storage systems. The rapidly-developing area of electrochemical energy storage technology and its implementation in the power grid is covered in particular detail. Examples of Chinese pilot projects in new energy grids and micro grips are also included. Drawing on significant Chinese results in this area, but also including data from abroad, this will be a valuable reference on the development of grid-scale energy storage for engineers and scientists in power and energy transmission and researchers in academia.

Methods of Fundamental Solutions in Solid Mechanics presents the fundamentals of continuum mechanics, the foundational concepts of the MFS, and methodologies and applications to various engineering problems. Eight chapters give an overview of meshless methods, the mechanics of solids and structures, the basics of fundamental solutions and radical basis functions, meshless analysis for thin beam bending, thin plate bending, two-dimensional elastic, plane piezoelectric problems, and heat transfer in heterogeneous media. The book presents a working knowledge of the MFS that is aimed at solving real-world engineering problems through an understanding of the physical and mathematical characteristics of the MFS and its applications.

Biomaterials for Skin Repair and Regeneration examines a range of materials and technologies used for regenerating or repairing skin. With a strong focus on biomaterials and scaffolds, the book also examines the testing and evaluation pathway for human clinical trials. Beginning by introducing the fundamentals on skin tissue, the book goes on to describe contemporary technology used in skin repair as well as currently available biomaterials suitable for skin tissue repair and regeneration. Skin tissue engineering and the ideal requirements to take into account when developing skin biomaterials are discussed, followed by information on the individual materials used for skin repair and regeneration. As evaluation of biomaterials in animal models is mandatory before proceeding into human clinical trials, the book also examines the different animal models available. With a strong focus on materials, engineering, and application, this book is a valuable resource for materials scientists, skin biologists, and bioengineers with an interest in tissue engineering, regeneration, and repair of skin.

The Mechanics of Inhaled Pharmaceutical Aerosols: An Introduction, Second Edition provides a concise, but thorough exposition of fundamental concepts in the field of pharmaceutical aerosols. This revised edition will allow researchers in the field to gain a thorough understanding of the field from first principles, allowing them to understand, design, develop and improve inhaled pharmaceutical aerosol devices and therapies. Chapters consider mechanics and deposition, specifically in the respiratory tract, while others discuss the mechanics associated with the three existing types of pharmaceutical inhalation devices. This text will be very useful for academics and for courses taught at both undergraduate and graduate levels. Because of the interdisciplinary nature of this book, it will also serve a wide audience that includes engineers and scientists involved with inhaled aerosol therapies.

Perovskite Metal Oxides: Synthesis, Properties and Applications provides an overview on the topic, including the synthesis of various types of perovskites, their properties, characterization and application. The book reviews the applications of this category of materials for photovoltaics, electronics, biomedical, fuel cell, photocatalyst, sensor, energy storage and catalysis, along with processing techniques of perovskite metal oxides with a focus on low-cost and high-efficiency methods, including various properties and probable applications in academia and industry. Other sections discuss strategies to improve the functionality of perovskite metal oxide materials, including chemical methods and controlling the size, shape and structure of the materials. Finally, applications of perovskite metal oxides in energy conversion and storage, sensing and electronics are covered.

Advances in Heat Transfer, Volume 55, the newest release in this series, highlights advances in the field with this new volume presenting interesting chapters written by an international board of authors. Topics discussed in this release include Mesoscopic Scale Simulations of Heat Transport in Porous Structures, Advancements in Single-Phase Enhanced Heat Transfer in Microchannels, and more.

Model-Based Reinforcement Learning Explore a comprehensive and practical approach to reinforcement learning Reinforcement learning is an essential paradigm of machine learning, wherein an intelligent agent performs actions that ensure optimal behavior from devices. While this paradigm of machine learning has gained tremendous success and popularity in recent years, previous scholarship has focused either on theory--optimal control and dynamic programming - or on algorithms--most of which are simulation-based. Model-Based Reinforcement Learning provides a model-based framework to bridge these two aspects, thereby creating a holistic treatment of the topic of model-based online learning control. In doing so, the authors seek to develop a model-based framework for data-driven control that bridges the topics of systems identification from data, model-based reinforcement learning, and optimal control, as well as the applications of each. This new technique for assessing classical results will allow for a more efficient reinforcement learning system. At its heart, this book is focused on providing an end-to-end framework--from design to application--of a more tractable model-based reinforcement learning technique. Model-Based Reinforcement Learning readers will also find: A useful textbook to use in graduate courses on data-driven and learning-based control that emphasizes modeling and control of dynamical systems from data Detailed comparisons of the impact of different techniques, such as basic linear quadratic controller, learning-based model predictive control, model-free reinforcement learning, and structured online learning Applications and case studies on ground vehicles with nonholonomic dynamics and another on quadrator helicopters An online, Python-based toolbox that accompanies the contents covered in the book, as well as the necessary code and data Model-Based Reinforcement Learning is a useful reference for senior undergraduate students, graduate students, research assistants, professors, process control engineers, and roboticists.

Troubleshooting Centrifugal Pumps and Their Systems, Second Edition, begins by discussing pump characteristics that can be reconfigured to suit changing conditions. Next, it provides guidance on when to withdraw a pump from service for repair and how it should be subsequently treated. It is an ideal resource for those who feel ill-equipped to analyze unsatisfactory pump system behavior, and is also a great reference for pump engineers, pump hydraulic designers, and graduate students who need systemic knowledge on centrifugal pumps and their systems.

Hydrogels Based on Natural Polymers presents the latest research on natural polymer-based hydrogels, covering fundamentals, preparation methods, synthetic pathways, advanced properties, major application areas, and novel characterization techniques. The advantages and disadvantages of each natural polymer-based hydrogel are also discussed, enabling preparation tactics for specific properties and applications. Sections cover fundamentals, development, characteristics, structures and properties. Additional chapters cover presentation methods and properties based on natural polymers, including physical and chemical properties, stimuli-responsive properties, self-healing properties, and biological properties. The final section presents major applications areas, including the biomedical field, agriculture, water treatments, and the food industry. This is a highly valuable resource for academic researchers, scientists and advanced students working with hydrogels and natural polymers, as well as across the fields of polymer science, polymer chemistry, plastics engineering, biopolymers and biomaterials. The detailed information will also be of great interest to scientists and R&D professionals, product designers, technicians and engineers across industries.