Although many radiation protection scientists and engineers use dose coefficients, few know the origin of those dose coefficients. This is the first book in over 40 years to address the topic of radiation protection dosimetry in intimate detail. Advanced Radiation Protection Dosimetry covers all methods used in radiation protection dosimetry, including advanced external and internal radiation dosimetry concepts and regulatory applications. This book is an ideal reference for both scientists and practitioners in radiation protection and students in graduate health physics and medical physics courses. Features: A much-needed book filling a gap in the market in a rapidly expanding area Contains the history, evolution, and the most up-to-date computational dosimetry models Authored and edited by internationally recognized authorities and subject area specialists Interrogates both the origins and methodologies of dose coefficient calculation Incorporates the latest international guidance for radiation dosimetry and protection

This work represents an inventive attempt to apply recent advances in nanotechnology to identify and characterise novel polymer systems for drug delivery through the skin. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) measurements of the nanoscale mechanical properties of topical, drug-containing polymeric films enabled the author to identify optimal compositions, in terms of flexibility and substantivity, for application to the skin. To elucidate the enhanced drug release from polyacrylate films incorporating medium chain triglycerides, the author combined AFM studies with the complementary technique of Raman micro-spectroscopy. This experimental strategy revealed that the significant increase in the drug released from these films is the result of a nanoscale two-phase structure. Finally, in experiments examining the microporation of skin using femtosecond laser ablation, the author demonstrated that the threshold at which the skin's barrier function is undermined can be dramatically reduced by the pre-application of ink. The approach allows thermal damage at the pore edge to be minimised, suggesting a very real potential for substantially increasing drug delivery in a minimally invasive fashion.

Statistical Computing in Nuclear Imaging introduces aspects of Bayesian computing in nuclear imaging. The book provides an introduction to Bayesian statistics and concepts and is highly focused on the computational aspects of Bayesian data analysis of photon-limited data acquired in tomographic measurements. Basic statistical concepts, elements of decision theory, and counting statistics, including models of photon-limited data and Poisson approximations, are discussed in the first chapters. Monte Carlo methods and Markov chains in posterior analysis are discussed next along with an introduction to nuclear imaging and applications such as PET and SPECT. The final chapter includes illustrative examples of statistical computing, based on Poisson-multinomial statistics. Examples include calculation of Bayes factors and risks as well as Bayesian decision making and hypothesis testing. Appendices cover probability distributions, elements of set theory, multinomial distribution of single-voxel imaging, and derivations of sampling distribution ratios. C++ code used in the final chapter is also provided. The text can be used as a textbook that provides an introduction to Bayesian statistics and advanced computing in medical imaging for physicists, mathematicians, engineers, and computer scientists. It is also a valuable resource for a wide spectrum of practitioners of nuclear imaging data analysis, including seasoned scientists and researchers who have not been exposed to Bayesian paradigms.

The Physiological Measurement Handbook presents an extensive range of topics that encompass the subject of measurement in all departments of medicine. The handbook describes the use of instruments and techniques for practical measurements required in medicine. It covers sensors, techniques, hardware, and software as well as information on processing systems, automatic data acquisition, reduction and analysis, and their incorporation for diagnosis. Suitable for both instrumentation designers and users, the handbook enables biomedical engineers, scientists, researchers, students, health care personnel, and those in the medical device industry to explore the different methods available for measuring a particular physiological variable. It helps readers select the most suitable method by comparing alternative methods and their advantages and disadvantages. In addition, the book provides equations for readers focused on discovering applications and solving diagnostic problems arising in medical fields not necessarily in their specialty. It also includes specialized information needed by readers who want to learn advanced applications of the subject, evaluative opinions, and possible areas for future study.

Scintillation Dosimetry delivers a comprehensive introduction to plastic scintillation dosimetry, covering everything from basic radiation dosimetry concepts to plastic scintillating fiber optics. Comprised of chapters authored by leading experts in the medical physics community, the book: Discusses a broad range of technical implementations, from point source dosimetry scaling to 3D-volumetric and 4D-scintillation dosimetry Addresses a wide scope of clinical applications, from machine quality assurance to small-field and in vivo dosimetry Examines related optical techniques, such as optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) or Cerenkov luminescence Thus, Scintillation Dosimetry provides an authoritative reference for detailed, state-of-the-art information on plastic scintillation dosimetry and its use in the field of radiation dosimetry.

On-treatment verification imaging has developed rapidly in recent years and is now at the heart of image-guided radiation therapy (IGRT) and all aspects of radiotherapy planning and treatment delivery. This is the first book dedicated to just this important topic, which is written in an accessible manner for undergraduate and graduate therapeutic radiography (radiation therapist) students and trainee medical physicists and clinicians. The later sections of the book will also help established medical physicists, therapeutic radiographers, and radiation therapists familiarise themselves with developing and cutting-edge techniques in IGRT. Features: Clinically focused and internationally applicable; covering a wide range of topics related to on-treatment verification imaging for the study of IGRT Accompanied by a library of electronic teaching and assessment resources for further learning and understanding Authored by experts in the field with over 18 years' experience of pioneering the original forms of on-treatment verification imaging in radiotherapy (electronic portal imaging) in clinical practice, as well as substantial experience of teaching the techniques to trainees

This book explores the physics of CT dosimetry and provides practical guidance on best practice for medical researchers and practitioners. A rigorous description of the basic physics of CT dosimetry is presented and illustrates flaws of the current methodology. It also contains helpful (and rigorous) shortcuts to reduce the measurement workload for medical physicists. The mathematical rigor is accompanied by easily-understood physical explanations and numerous illustrative figures. Features: Authored by a recognised expert in the field and award-winning teacher Includes derivations for tube current modulation and variable pitch as well as stationary table techniques Explores abnormalities present in dose-tracking software based on CTDI and presents methods to correct them

Offering the latest information in magnetic nanoparticle (MNP) research, Magnetic Nanoparticles: From Fabrication to Clinical Applications provides a comprehensive review, from synthesis, characterization, and biofunctionalization to clinical applications of MNPs, including the diagnosis and treatment of cancers. This book, written by some of the most qualified experts in the field, not only fills a hole in the literature, but also bridges the gaps between all the different areas in this field. Translational research on tailored magnetic nanoparticles for biomedical applications spans a variety of disciplines, and putting together the most significant advances into a practical format is a challenging task. Balancing clinical applications with the underlying theory and foundational science behind these new discoveries, Magnetic Nanoparticles: From Fabrication to Clinical Applications supplies a toolbox of solutions and ideas for scientists in the field and for young researchers interested in magnetic nanoparticles.

Spreading to every corner of the Earth, the COVID-19 virus has had an unparalleled impact on all aspects of our lives. This book explores in detail how the COVID-19 pandemic has affected clinical practice, education, and research in medical physics, and how colleagues on the frontline dealt with this unpredictable and unprecedented pandemic. It tackles key questions such as: How did medical physicists first respond to the situation? What innovative strategies were taken and how effective were they? How are medical physicists preparing for the future? There will be a focus on the different experiences of regional medical physicists and the responses and outlooks in clinical practice, education, and research in the affected continents, Asia-Pacific, the Middle East, Europe, Africa and North and Latin America. With over 91 contributors from 39 countries, this unique resource contains key perspectives from teams from each territory to ensure a global range of accounts. The collective opinion and wisdom from the major medical physics journal editors-in-chief are also explored, alongside how the pandemic has affected the quantity and quality of publications. Voices of early-career researchers and students of medical physics will be included, with narratives of their experiences coping with life during the pandemic. Lastly, communicating leadership in times of adversity is highlighted. This book will be a historic account of the impact of the COVID-19 virus on the field of medical physics. It will be an ideal reference for medical physicists, medical physics trainees and students, hospital administrators, regulators, and healthcare professionals allied with medical physics. Key features: The first book to cover the impact of COVID-19 on the field of medical physics Edited by two experts in the field, with chapter contributions from subject area specialists around the world Broad, global coverage, ranging from the impact on teaching, research, and publishing, with unique perspectives from journal editors and students and trainees

Healthcare Technology Management: A Systematic Approach offers a comprehensive description of a method for providing safe and cost effective healthcare technology management (HTM). The approach is directed to enhancing the value (benefit in relation to cost) of the medical equipment assets of healthcare organizations to best support patients, clinicians and other care providers, as well as financial stakeholders. The authors propose a management model based on interlinked strategic and operational quality cycles which, when fully realized, delivers a comprehensive and transparent methodology for implementing a HTM programme throughout a healthcare organization. The approach proposes that HTM extends beyond managing the technology in isolation to include advancing patient care through supporting the application of the technology. The book shows how to cost effectively manage medical equipment through its full life cycle, from acquisition through operational use to disposal, and to advance care, adding value to the medical equipment assets for the benefit of patients and stakeholders. This book will be of interest to practicing clinical engineers and to students and lecturers, and includes self-directed learning questions and case studies. Clinicians, Chief Executive Officers, Directors of Finance and other hospital managers with responsibility for the governance of medical equipment will also find this book of interest and value. For more information about the book, please visit the website.

The first text to focus solely on quality and safety in radiotherapy, this work encompasses not only traditional, more technically oriented, quality assurance activities, but also general approaches of quality and safety. It includes contributions from experts both inside and outside the field to present a global view. The task of assuring quality is no longer viewed solely as a technical, equipment-dependent endeavor. Instead, it is now recognized as depending on both the processes and the people delivering the service. Divided into seven broad categories, the text covers: Quality Management and Improvement includes discussions about lean thinking, process control, and access to services. Patient Safety and Managing Error looks at reactive and prospective error management techniques. Methods to Assure and Improve Quality deals broadly with techniques to monitor, assure, and improve quality. People and Quality focuses on human factors, changing roles, staffing, and training. Quality Assurance in Radiotherapy addresses the general issues of quality assurance with descriptions of the key systems used to plan and treat patients and includes specific recommendations on the types and frequencies of certain tests. Quality Control: Equipment and Quality Control: Patient-Specific provides explicit details of quality control relating to equipment and patient-specific issues. Recently, a transformation of quality and safety in radiotherapy has begun to take place. Among the key drivers of this transformation have been new industrial and systems engineering approaches that have come to the forefront in recent years following revelations of system failures. This book provides an approach to quality that is long needed, one that deals with both human and technical aspects that must be the part of any overall quality improvement program.

To improve efficiency and reduce administrative costs, healthcare providers, insurance companies, and governments are increasingly using integrated electronic health record (EHR) and picture archiving and communication systems (PACS) to manage patients' medical information. Reflecting the latest applications of PACS technology, PACS and Digital Medicine: Essential Principles and Modern Practice discusses the essential principles of PACS, EHR, and related technological advancements as well as practical issues concerning the implementation, operation, and maintenance of PACS and EHR systems. The book focuses on various components of PACS that use state-of-the-art technologies. The authors first present topics to consider prior to implementation, including design principles for PACS components and theory. They also cover post-installation quality control; security and privacy policies; maintenance, including upgrade/integration with other information systems; and governing standards. Each chapter includes an introduction to basic concepts and principles relevant to the topics, before exploring challenges that PACS users may encounter in daily work. Discussions are supplemented with more than 130 illustrations, along with case studies of implementation in two organizations. A useful guide and broad overview of the field, this book presents key principles and practical steps for PACS and EHR implementations and maintenance. Although the technology and standards of healthcare IT will evolve over time, the theory and practical advice found in this text will remain pertinent in the future.

This timely overview of dose, benefit, and risk in medical imaging explains to readers how to apply this information for informed decision-making that improves patient outcomes. The chapters cover patient and physician perspectives, referral guidelines, appropriateness criteria, and quantifying medical imaging benefits. The authors have included essential discussion about radiologic physics in medical imaging, fundamentals of dose and image quality, risk assessment, and techniques for optimization and dose reduction. The book highlights practical implementation aspects with useful case studies and checklists for treatment planning. Clinicians, students, residents, and professionals in medical physics, biomedical engineering, radiology, oncology, and allied disciplines will find this book an essential resource with the following key features: Discusses risk, benefit, dose optimization, safety, regulation, radiological protection, and shared & informed decision-making. Covers regulatory oversight by government agencies, manufacturers, and societies. Highlights best practices for improving patient safety and outcomes. Gives guidelines on doses associated with specific procedures.

Modern medical imaging and radiation therapy technologies are so complex and computer driven that it is difficult for physicians and technologists to know exactly what is happening at the point-of-care. Medical physicists responsible for filling this gap in knowledge must stay abreast of the latest advances at the intersection of medical imaging and radiation therapy. This book provides medical physicists and radiation oncologists current and relevant information on Adaptive Radiation Therapy (ART), a state-of-the-art approach that uses a feedback process to account for patient-specific anatomic and/or biological changes, thus delivering highly individualized radiation therapy for cancer patients. The book should also benefit medical dosimetrists and radiation therapists. Adaptive Radiation Therapy describes technological and methodological advances in the field of ART, as well as initial clinical experiences using ART for selected anatomic sites. Divided into three sections (radiobiological basis, current technologies, and clinical applications), the book covers: Morphological and biological biomarkers for patient-specific planning Design and optimization of treatment plans Delivery of IMRT and IGRT intervention methodologies of ART Management of intrafraction variations, particularly with respiratory motion Quality assurance needed to ensure the safe delivery of ART ART applications in several common cancer types / anatomic sites The technology and methodology for ART have advanced significantly in the last few years and accumulated clinical data have demonstrated the need for ART in clinical settings, assisted by the wide application of intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) and image-guided radiation therapy (IGRT). This book shows the real potential for supplying every patient with individualized radiation therapy that is maximally accurate and precise.

Radiation Protection in Medical Imaging and Radiation Oncology focuses on the professional, operational, and regulatory aspects of radiation protection. Advances in radiation medicine have resulted in new modalities and procedures, some of which have significant potential to cause serious harm. Examples include radiologic procedures that require very long fluoroscopy times, radiolabeled monoclonal antibodies, and intravascular brachytherapy. This book summarizes evidence supporting changes in consensus recommendations, regulations, and health physics practices associated with these recent advances in radiology, nuclear medicine, and radiation oncology. It supports intelligent and practical methods for protection of personnel, the public, and patients. The book is based on current recommendations by the International Commission on Radiological Protection and is complemented by detailed practical sections and professional discussions by the world's leading medical and health physics professionals. It also includes substantial information on international aspects of radiation protection, with sections covering Africa, Asia and Oceania, the European Union, the Middle East, and North and Latin America.

Advanced Chromatic Monitoring provides a major source of information about the novel approach of chromaticity with examples of how chromaticity may be deployed for various monitoring applications. It shows with examples what can be achieved with chromatic methods in producing relevant information with a variety of test techniques and in facilitating the interpretation of complex data about complicated situations. It will be of interest to postgraduates and researchers in a wide breadth of physical disciplines (engineering, medicine, environmental sciences) and those involved with data acquisition and analysis. Key Features: Applicable to a wide range of disciplines (engineering, medical, environmental, etc) and those interested in science, technology, data acquisition and analysis Provides an extrapolation of new knowledge well beyond that covered in existing literature with regard to dealing with complicated forms and sets of data Addresses inspiring and innovative areas of research including environmental, power delivery and medical monitoring About the Editors: Emeritus Professor Gordon R. Jones - founder and former Director of the Centre for Intelligent Monitoring Systems (CIMS), former Head of the Department of Electrical Engineering and Electronics, and former Director of Electric Arcs Research Group at the University of Liverpool. He was awarded the IEEE Education, Science and Technology Achievement Medal (1999). Professor Joe W. Spencer - the present Director of CIMS at the University of Liverpool, having been Head of the Department of Electrical Engineering and Electronics at Liverpool. He is involved in operating a multi-million pound technology transfer unit (Sensor City, Liverpool) with whose establishment he played a major role and with which CIMS has major interactions.

The book covers the latest updates in the application of infrared to biomedical sciences, a non-invasive, contactless, safe and easy approach imaging of skin and tissue temperatures. Its diagnostic procedure allows practitioners to identify the locations of abnormal chemical and blood vessel activity such as angiogenesis in body tissue. Its non-invasive approach works by applying the technology of the infrared camera and state-of-the-art software, where high-resolution digital infrared imaging technology benefits highly from enhanced image production, standardized image interpretation protocols, computerized comparison and storage, and sophisticated image enhancement and analysis. The book contains contributions from global prominent scientists in the area of infrared applications in biomedical studies. The target audience includes academics, practitioners, clinicians and students working in the area of infrared imaging in biomedicine.

This three-volume set explores Problems and Solutions in Medical Physics. These invaluable study guides should be used in conjunction with other key textbooks in the field to provide additional learning opportunities. Volume one explores Diagnostic Imaging Physics and contains problems and solutions on key imaging modalities, exploring X-ray, mammography, and fluoroscopy, in addition to computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and ultrasonography. Volume two explores Nuclear Medicine and contains problems and solutions on radioactivity and nuclear transformation, radionuclide production and radiopharmaceuticals, non-imaging detectors and counters, instrumentation for gamma imaging, SPECT and PET/CT, imaging techniques, radionuclide therapy, internal radiation dosimetry, and quality control and radiation protection in nuclear medicine. Volume three explores Radiotherapy and contains problems and solutions on external beam therapy equipment, photon beam physics, radiation dosimetry, treatment planning for external beam radiotherapy, and external beam commissioning and quality assurance. Each chapter provides examples, notes, and references for further reading to enhance understanding. Features: Consolidates concepts and assists in the understanding and applications of theoretical concepts in medical physics Assists lecturers and instructors in setting assignments and tests Suitable as a revision tool for postgraduate students sitting medical physics, oncology, and radiology sciences examinations

This three-volume set explores Problems and Solutions in Medical Physics. These invaluable study guides should be used in conjunction with other key textbooks in the field to provide additional learning opportunities. Volume one explores Diagnostic Imaging Physics and contains problems and solutions on key imaging modalities, exploring X-ray, mammography, and fluoroscopy, in addition to computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and ultrasonography. Volume two explores Nuclear Medicine and contains problems and solutions on radioactivity and nuclear transformation, radionuclide production and radiopharmaceuticals, non-imaging detectors and counters, instrumentation for gamma imaging, SPECT and PET/CT, imaging techniques, radionuclide therapy, internal radiation dosimetry, and quality control and radiation protection in nuclear medicine. Volume three explores Radiotherapy and contains problems and solutions on external beam therapy equipment, photon beam physics, radiation dosimetry, treatment planning for external beam radiotherapy, and external beam commissioning and quality assurance. Each chapter provides examples, notes, and references for further reading to enhance understanding. Features: Consolidates concepts and assists in the understanding and applications of theoretical concepts in medical physics Assists lecturers and instructors in setting assignments and tests Suitable as a revision tool for postgraduate students sitting medical physics, oncology, and radiology sciences examinations

Written by one of the world's leading experts in the field of nuclear medicine dosimetry, this text describes in detail the use of internal dose calculations in the practice of nuclear medicine. While radiation therapy with external sources of radiation always employs calculations of dose to optimize therapy for each patient, this is not routinely conducted in nuclear medicine therapy. As the trend towards an increasing role of dosimetry in therapy planning increases, this book reviews the available methods and technologies available to make this a more common practice. The book begins by covering the mathematical fundamentals of internal dose calculations, and uses sample calculations to demonstrate key principles. The book then moves forward to describe anthropomorphic models, dosimetric models, and types and uses of diagnostic and therapeutic radiopharmaceuticals. The depth of coverage makes it useful reference and guide for researchers performing dose calculations and for physicians considering incorporating dose calculations into the treatment of their cancer patients.

The first book of its kind to highlight the unique capabilities of laser-driven acceleration and its diverse potential, Applications of Laser-Driven Particle Acceleration presents the basic understanding of acceleration concepts and envisioned prospects for selected applications. As the main focus, this new book explores exciting and diverse application possibilities, with emphasis on those uniquely enabled by the laser driver that can also be meaningful and realistic for potential users. It also emphasises distinction, in the accelerator context, between laser-driven accelerated particle sources and the integrated laser-driven particle accelerator system (all-optical and hybrid versions). A key aim of the book is to inform multiple, interdisciplinary research communities of the new possibilities available and to inspire them to engage with laser-driven acceleration, further motivating and advancing this developing field. Material is presented in a thorough yet accessible manner, making it a valuable reference text for general scientific and engineering researchers who are not necessarily subject matter experts. Applications of Laser-Driven Particle Acceleration is edited by Professors Paul R. Bolton, Katia Parodi, and Joerg Schreiber from the Department of Medical Physics at the Ludwig-Maximilians-Universitat Munchen in Munchen, Germany. Features: Reviews the current understanding and state-of-the-art capabilities of laser-driven particle acceleration and associated energetic photon and neutron generation Presents the intrinsically unique features of laser-driven acceleration and particle bunch yields Edited by internationally renowned researchers, with chapter contributions from global experts

This book explores environmental physical agents and their potential effect on public and occupational health. It considers the theory, current research, and applications of physical agents including noise, ionizing radiation protection and non ionizing radiation protection, and explores the monitoring, measurement, modeling and mitigation of each of these. Features: Covers all three physical agents in one comprehensive book Presents the latest results from research, as well as theory Contributed to by a panel of international experts