Virtual Reality (VR) is the use of computer technology to construct an environment that is simulated. VR places the user inside and in the center of the experience, unlike conventional user interfaces. Users are immersed and able to connect with 3D environments instead of seeing a screen in front of them. The computer has to role to provide the experiences of the user in this artificial environment by simulating as many senses as possible, such as sight, hearing, touch and smell. In Augmented Reality (AR) we have an enhanced version of the real physical world that is achieved through the use of digital visual elements, sound, or other sensory stimuli delivered via technology. It can be seen as VR imposed into real life. In both VR and AR the experience is composed of a virtual or extended world, an immersion technology, sensory feedback and interactivity. These elements use a multitude of technologies that must work together and presented to the user seamlessly integrated and synchronized. This book is dedicated to applications, new technologies and emerging trends in the fields of virtual reality and augmented reality in healthcare. It is intended to cover technical areas as well as areas of applied intervention. It is expected to cover hardware and software technologies while encompassing all components of the virtual experience. The main goal of this book is to show how to put Virtual Reality in action by linking academic and informatics researchers with professionals who use and need VR in their day-a-day work, with a special focus on healthcare professionals and related areas. The idea is to disseminate and exchange the knowledge, information and technology provided by the international communities in the area of VR, AR and XR throughout the 21st century. Another important goal is to synthesize all the trends, best practices, methodologies, languages and tools which are used to implement VR. In order to shape the future of VR, new paradigms and technologies should be discussed, not forgetting aspects related to regulation and certification of VR technologies, especially in the healthcare area. These last topics are crucial for the standardization of VR. This book will present important achievements and will show how to use VR technologies in a full range of settings able to provide decision support anywhere and anytime using this new approach.

There is by now no question among informed people that the Earth is undergoing severe climate change - soon to become catastrophic, if humans don't take drastic measures to stop it. Heroically into the fray steps the biofuel industry, announcing to millions of anxious consumers that this eco-crisis can be averted if only they turn away from fossil fuels, to the saving power of synthetic bioproducts. But, although eliminating fossil fuels is essential, the manufacture of biofuels has far more to do with sating profit-hungry corporations than with saving the Earth. Combining meticulous scientific narrative with devastating economic analysis, The Biofuels Deception argues that the seemingly innovative, hopeful campaign for "green energy" is actually driven by bio-technology industries and global grain-trading corporations. These corporate players are motivated by a late-capitalist need to cope with a crisis of accumulation; they have no real interest in mitigating climate-change, alleviating poverty, or even creating "clean" energy. In fact, the manufacture of biochemical, bioplastics, and biomaterials, writes Okbazghi Yohannes, portends horrific contradictions and disastrous consequences for nature and society. Actually confronting climate change and the rampant inequality it engenders, Yohannes says, requires two steps. The first is to understand the driving socioeconomic forces behind the biofuels industry. The second is to unravel the tapestry of deceit itself. This book is a necessity for any scholar or environmental activist interested in seeing beyond corporate chimeras to actual environmental solutions.

The definitive story of COVID-19 and how global politics shape our health - from a world-leading expert and the pandemic's go-to science communicator

Professor Devi Sridhar has risen to prominence for her vital roles in communicating science to the public and speaking truth to power. In Preventable she highlights lessons learned from outbreaks past and present in a narrative that traces the COVID-19 pandemic - including her personal experience as a scientist - and sets out a vision for how we can better protect ourselves from the inevitable health crises to come.

In gripping and heartfelt prose, Sridhar exposes the varied realities of those affected and puts you in the room with key decision makers at crucial moments. She vibrantly conveys the twists and turns of a plot that saw: deadlier varients emerge (contrary to the predictions of social media pundits who argued it would mutate to a milder form); countries with weak health systems like Senegal and Vietnam fare better than countries like the US and UK (which were consistently ranked as the most prepared); and the quickest development of game-changing vaccines in history (and their unfair distribution)

Combining science, politics, ethics and economics, this definitive book dissects the global structures that determine our fate, and reveals the deep-seated economic and social inequalities at their heart - it will challenge, outrage and inspire.

As telehealth and occupational therapy service delivery in early intervention become more common, occupational therapy practitioners have the opportunity to apply their flexibility, adaptability, and unique skill set to serve young children, regardless of physical location. This text, the second in a series on telehealth by AOTA, acknowledges that telehealth is a critical part of delivering occupational therapy in early intervention. It equips practitioners to effectively bridge the digital divide, ensure equitable access to services, determine whether telehealth is an appropriate fit, and coach caregivers for the best possible outcomes. Case examples illustrate how to apply content in realistic scenarios. Practical and evidence based, practitioners can immediately integrate information into their occupational therapy practice to support families.

Sudden Cardiac Death (SCD) is a sudden, unexpected death caused by loss of heart function (sudden cardiac arrest) and Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) occurs when the electrical system to the heart malfunctions and suddenly becomes very irregular. Death can often be a result if not handled quick enough or effectively. New technologies seek to help with this issue. Data processing is a crucial step to developing prognostic models. Some of the challenges in data processing are non-linear prediction models, a large number of patients and numerous predictors with complicated correlations. In traditional hypothesis-driven statistical analysis it is difficult to overcome these challenges. Current approaches to predict cardiovascular risk fail to identify many people who would benefit from preventive treatment, while others receive unnecessary intervention. So, there is an emergent need of an adaptation of AI technologies such as Machine Learning and Deep Learning Techniques to overcome the challenges. The Machine Learning (ML) approaches have great potential in increasing the accuracy of cardiovascular risk prediction and to avoid unnecessary treatment. The application of ML techniques may have the potential to improve Heart Failure outcomes and management, including cost savings by improving existing diagnostic and treatment support systems. Moreover, ML algorithms can also be applied to predict SCD. Also, Machine Learning offers an opportunity to improve accuracy by exploiting complex interactions between risk factors. The book addresses the impact and power of technology driven approaches for prevention and detection of SCA and SCD. It will provide insights on causes and symptoms of SCA and SCD and evaluate whether AI Technologies can improve the accuracy of cardiovascular risk prediction. It will explore the current issues and future technology driven solutions for SCA and SCD prevention and detection.