The book has focussed on the different aspects of sensing technology, i.e. high reliability, adaptability, recalibration, information processing, data fusion, validation and integration of novel and high performance sensors specifically aims to use to inspect mechanical health of structure and similar applications. This book is dedicated to Sensing systems for Structural Health Monitoring offers to variety of users, namely, Master and PhD degree students, researchers, practitioners, especially Civil and Construction engineers. The book will provide an opportunity of a dedicated and a deep approach in order to improve their knowledge in this specific field.

Rapidly growing knowledge in systems neuroscience may contribute to expand the range of activities in persons with disabilities, but in its practical application, cooperation between experts in different research fields is necessary. In this conference, the guest speakers and audiences will be from wide range of research fields; e.g., systems-neuroscience, neurology, engineering, psychology, and the attendees will discuss the possibilities.

This book provides an essential overview of existing state-of-the-art quantitative imaging methodologies and protocols (intensity-based ratiometric and FLIM/ PLIM). A variety of applications are covered, including multi-parametric quantitative imaging in intestinal organoid culture, autofluorescence imaging in cancer and stem cell biology, Ca2+ imaging in neural ex vivo tissue models, as well as multi-parametric imaging of pH and viscosity in cancer biology. The current state-of-the-art of 3D tissue models and their compatibility with live cell imaging is also covered. This is an ideal book for specialists working in tissue engineering and designing novel biomaterial.

This book describes for researchers in the fields of compiler technology, design and test, and electronic design automation the new area of digital microfluidic biochips (DMBs), and thus offers a new application area for their methods. The authors present a routing-based model of operation execution, along with several associated compilation approaches, which progressively relax the assumption that operations execute inside fixed rectangular modules. Since operations can experience transient faults during the execution of a bioassay, the authors show how to use both offline (design time) and online (runtime) recovery strategies. The book also presents methods for the synthesis of fault-tolerant application-specific DMB architectures. * Presents the current models used for the research on compilation and synthesis techniques of DMBs in a tutorial fashion; * Includes a set of "benchmarks", which are presented in great detail and includes the source code of most of the techniques presented, including solutions to the basic compilation and synthesis problems; * Discusses several new research problems in detail, using numerous examples.

The growing number of elder men providing hands-on care to loved ones, particularly spouses, undeniably represents a hidden segment of the home care population. With that in consideration, caregiving in communities of color, in particular, is increasing while numbers of informal (unpaid) caregivers are projected to triple by 2030. Despite statistics, studies on African-American men who care for other elders (such as spouses and parents) - indeed, "the hidden among the hidden" - are negligible. This text follows a study conducted by Helen Black, a research scientist focusing on aging, alongside John Groce and Charles Harmon, founders of Mature Africans Learning from Each Other (M.A.L.E.), in which they interviewed elderly African-American men in caregiver roles. As a whole, The Hidden Among the Hidden is unique in its study of caregiving in the areas of subject matter, methodology, and presentation of findings. The men whose attitudes and behaviors toward caregiving are recorded in this book share a wealth of knowledge for other caregivers, gerontologists, healthcare professionals, students, and the community in general.

The comprehensive workbook enhances the learner's understanding and application of the principles of the structure and function of the respiratory systemwhich is essential for respiratory care. Exercises provide a variety of approaches to review key concepts and include labeling, fillintheblank, matching, term definition, and short answer problems.

This book provides excellent techniques for detecting and evaluating biofilms: sticky films on materials that are formed by bacterial activity and produce a range of industrial and medical problems such as corrosion, sanitary problems, and infections. Accordingly, it is essential to control biofilms and to establish appropriate countermeasures, from both industrial and medical viewpoints. This book offers valuable, detailed information on these countermeasures. It also discusses the fundamentals of biofilms, relates various substrates to biofilms, and presents a variety of biofilm reactors. However, the most important feature of this book (unlike others on the market) is its clear focus on addressing the practical aspects from an engineering viewpoint. Therefore, it offers an excellent practical guide for engineers and researchers in various fields, and can also be used as a great academic textbook.

This book provides a multifaceted look into the world of stem cells and explains the similarities and differences between plant and human stem cells. It explores the intersection between animals and plants and explains their cooperative role in bioengineering studies. The book treats both theoretical and practical aspects of stem cell research. It covers the advantages and limitations of many common applications related to stem cells: their sources, categories, engineering of these cells, reprogramming of their functions, and their role as novel cellular therapeutic approach. Written by experts in the field, the book focuses on aspects of stem cells ranging from expansion-propagation to metabolic reprogramming. It introduces the emergence of cancer stem cells and different modalities in targeted cancer stem cell therapies. It is a valuable source of fresh information for academics and researchers, examining molecular mechanisms of animal and plant stem cell regulation and their usage for therapeutic applications. Students at all levels of medical or engineering backgrounds will enjoy the case studies that illustrate and explain mechanisms, interactions, targeted effects, and multimodal therapeutic approaches. Academics, researchers, and professionals who want to expand their knowledge in this field will find this book an exceptional resource.

Every year, around the world, between 250,000 and 500,000 people suffer a spinal cord injury (SCI). Those with an SCI are two to five times more likely to die prematurely than people without a spinal cord injury, with worse survival rates in low- and middle-income countries. Dynamic aerobic requires integrated physiologic responses across the musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, autonomic, pulmonary, thermoregulatory, and immunologic systems. Moreover, regular aerobic exercise beneficially impacts these same systems, reducing the risk for a range of diseases and maladies. This book will present comprehensive information on the unique physiologic effects of SCI and the potential role of exercise in treating and mitigating these effects. In addition, it will incorporate work from scientists across a number of disciplines and have contributors at multiple levels of investigation and across physiologic systems. Furthermore, SCI can be considered an accelerated form of aging due to the severely restricted physical inactivity imposed, usually at an early age. Therefore, the information presented may have a broader importance to the physiology of aging as it relates to inactivity. Lastly, the need for certain levels of regular aerobic exercise to engender adaptations beneficial to health is not altered by the burden of an SCI. Indeed, the amounts of exercise necessary may be even greater than the able-bodied due to 'passive' ambulation. This book will also address the potential health benefits for those with an SCI that can be realized if a sufficient exercise stimulus is provided.

This volume analyzes recent technological breakthroughs in aiding children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Chapters offer practical guidance in such areas as assessment, treatment planning, and collaborative intervention. The book also presents findings on hardware and software innovations and emphasizes their effectiveness in clinical practices that are targeted to specific cognitive, social, academic and motor skill areas. In addition, it describes promising new deficit-reducing and skill-enhancing technologies on the horizon. Featured topics include: Developing and supporting the writing skills of individuals with ASD through assistive technologies. The ways in which visual organizers may support executive function, abstract language comprehension and social learning. Do-as-I'm-doing situations involving video modeling and autism. The use of technology to facilitate personal, social and vocational skills in youth with ASD. Evidence-based instruction for students with ASD. The use of mobile technology to support community engagement and independence. Technology and Treatment of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder is an essential resource for clinicians and related professionals as well as researchers and graduate students across such disciplines as child and school psychology, rehabilitation medicine, educational technology, occupational therapy, speech pathology and social work.

This monograph will provide an in-depth mathematical treatment of modern multiple test procedures controlling the false discovery rate (FDR) and related error measures, particularly addressing applications to fields such as genetics, proteomics, neuroscience and general biology. The book will also include a detailed description how to implement these methods in practice. Moreover new developments focusing on non-standard assumptions are also included, especially multiple tests for discrete data. The book primarily addresses researchers and practitioners but will also be beneficial for graduate students.

"Advances in Calcium Phosphate Biomaterials" presents a comprehensive, state-of-the-art review of the latest advances in developing calcium phosphate biomaterials and their applications in medicine. It covers the fundamental structures, synthesis methods, characterization methods, and the physical and chemical properties of calcium phosphate biomaterials, as well as the synthesis and properties of calcium phosphate-based biomaterials in regenerative medicine and their clinical applications. The book brings together these new concepts, mechanisms and methods in contributions by both young and veteran academics, clinicians, and researchers to forward the knowledge and expertise on calcium phosphate and related materials. Accordingly, the book not only covers the fundamentals but also open new avenues for meeting future challenges in research and clinical applications.

Besim Ben-Nissan is a Professor of Chemistry and Forensic Science at the University of Technology, Sydney, Australia"

This book examines non-invasive, electrical-based methods for disease diagnosis and assessment of heart function. In particular, a formalized signal model is proposed since this offers several advantages over methods that rely on measured data alone. By using a formalized representation, the parameters of the signal model can be easily manipulated and/or modified, thus providing mechanisms that allow researchers to reproduce and control such signals. In addition, having such a formalized signal model makes it possible to develop computer tools that can be used for manipulating and understanding how signal changes result from various heart conditions, as well as for generating input signals for experimenting with and evaluating the performance of e.g. signal extraction methods. The work focuses on bioelectrical information, particularly electrical bio-impedance (EBI). Once the EBI has been measured, the corresponding signals have to be modelled for analysis. This requires a structured approach in order to move from real measured data to the model of the corresponding signals. This book proposes a generic framework for this procedure. It can be used as a guide for modelling impedance cardiography (ICG) and impedance respirography (IRG) signals, as well as for developing the corresponding bio-impedance signal simulator (BISS).

Sleep Loss and Obesity: Intersecting Epidemics represents a major contribution to the field of sleep medicine. It is a comprehensive review of the neurobiology of sleep, circadian timing and obesity, the deleterious effects of sleep loss and obesity on health, and the worrisome associated social and medical costs in a range of patient populations and overall to society. The number of individuals who are obese has reached alarming levels. As a result, the incidence of Type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disorders, heart disease, and kidney failure have also increased. The surgeon general estimates that the total annual cost of obesity in the US is about $117 billion. This cost is expected to escalate significantly because the number of overweight and obese children is increasing rapidly. Indeed, the new generation is expected to have a shorter life-span then their parents. In addition, sleep loss is emerging as an important contributing factor to obesity. People who sleep less or are sleep deprived tend to eat more, especially carbohydrates, and have a higher body mass index. Increased weight restricts the upper airway, causing obstructive sleep apnea and further sleep loss. In the end there is a vicious cycle of weight gain and sleep loss. In the past few years there has been a tremendous growth in our understanding of brain mechanisms controlling energy metabolism. Interestingly the neurons regulating waking also regulate feeding. There is also a mechanism that regulates the timing of feeding and sleep. In shift-workers this system is likely to be disturbed, and this has an adverse impact on both feeding and sleep. Sleep Loss and Obesity: Intersecting Epidemics is the first title to clearly examine how obesity and sleep loss are interacting epidemics. This fascinating title makes the link between energy metabolism, sleep and circadian timing; identifies poor sleep as a risk-factor for obesity in children and adults and offers treatment strategies for obstructive sleep apnea and obesity. This book will be a vital source of information for all physicians interested in sleep disorders and obesity. It will also be of value to neuroscientists, health system administrators, and policy makers.

The fifth edition of this award-winning text continues to be the only advanced practice nursing resource to focus exclusively on outcome assessment, an integral aspect of quantifying the effectiveness of care, both clinically and financially. Written by expert practitioners, educators, and researchers, this text analyzes the foundations of outcome assessment, provides guidelines for selecting assessment instruments and measuring results, and discusses design and implementation challenges. It also covers specialty areas of practice and specialty-specific considerations for outcome evaluation.This revision provides APRN students, educators, and administrators with the most up-to-date resources and information on measuring outcomes of practice. The fifth edition has a strong focus on practice-specific quality metrics and covers a recent national collaborative project that showcased outcomes of nurse-led initiatives as part of the Choosing Widely Campaign. Additionally, the fifth edition now includes an outcome assessment template to aid in the application of content. New to the Fifth Edition: Discusses a recent national collaborative project showcasing outcomes of nurse-led initiatives as part of the Choosing Widely Campaign A new outcome assessment template to aid in the practical application of content New exemplars demonstrating practical application in a variety of settings Includes examples of APRN roles and impact resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic Increased coverage of DNP competencies and scope of practice Covers updates on NP competencies and their impact on care Key Features: Covers specialty areas of practice and specialty-specific considerations for outcome evaluation Offers guidelines for selecting assessment instruments and measuring the results Describes potential pitfalls of design and implementation Includes an instructor's manual including algorithms and teaching tools

Well child care is designed to promote optimal health status for children, including school and life success. This preventive care includes anticipatory guidance; continuity of care; assessment of growth and development; screening procedures for vision, hearing, dental, and cognitive development; and immunizations. Anticipatory guidance provides parental health education, counseling, and reassurance. The vast majority of Medicaid-insured children receive fewer than the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommended number of well child visits in the preschool years, and a disproportionate number of children have poor health and lack school readiness. With little empirical data available indicating clinical effectiveness other than for immunizations, the AAP recommendations for well child care were originally based on consensus expert opinion, and more than three decades later, documentation of effectiveness remained unavailable. This information gap led policymakers to question the value of well child care and limited incentive to correct its underuse. Only in the last five years have experimental findings indicated an association between well child care and both more cost efficient health care and increased school readiness. Awareness of these findings by insurance company and Medicaid administrators is limited. The purpose for this book is to increase awareness by all stakeholders of the empirically determined clinical effectiveness of well child care. The short-term goal is to facilitate increased utilization of well child care, with a longer term goal of improved child health and life success.

Since the early 20th century, medical imaging has been dominated by monochrome imaging modalities such as x-ray, computed tomography, ultrasound, and magnetic resonance imaging. As a result, color information has been overlooked in medical image analysis applications. Recently, various medical imaging modalities that involve color information have been introduced. These include cervicography, dermoscopy, fundus photography, gastrointestinal endoscopy, microscopy, and wound photography. However, in comparison to monochrome images, the analysis of color images is a relatively unexplored area. The multivariate nature of color image data presents new challenges for researchers and practitioners as the numerous methods developed for monochrome images are often not directly applicable to multichannel images. The goal of this volume is to summarize the state-of-the-art in the utilization of color information in medical image analysis.

John Gibbons looks at one of the most neglected areas of the body: the gluteal muscles. The Vital Glutes takes you on a fascinating journey of enlightenment, teaching the reader to recognize pain and dysfunctional patterns that arise from the gluteal muscles. Questions answered in the book include: Why are the glutes potentially causing pain and dysfunction to distant sites of the body? How does the gait pattern contribute to pain and dysfunction? And, how can the application of gluteal specific Muscle Energy Techniques aid full body wellbeing? This book also offers the reader step-by-step tasks to identify and correct a number of dysfunctional patterns, and functional gluteal exercises in order to aid recovery.

This book examines the most novel and state-of-the-art applications of biomaterials, with chapters that exemplify approaches with targeted drug delivery, diabetes, neurodegenerative diseases and cranioplasty implants. Expert contributors analyze biomaterials such as calcium phosphate, sol-gel and quenched glasses, metallic and polymer implants, bioactive glass, and polymer composites while also covering important areas such as the soft tissue replacement, apatites, bone regeneration and cell encapsulation. This book is appropriate for biomedical engineers, materials scientists, and clinicians who are seeking to implement the most advanced approaches and technologies with their patients.

Play therapy training clinics are an important aspect of the clinical mental health field. An approved play therapy training center should offer direct play therapy services to children and families and provide quality education, training, research, and supervision. While each setting may have a set of contractual standards for supervision, few offer advice for setting up such approved centers and training clinics. Developing and Sustaining Play Therapy Clinics is a collection of innovative research on policies and procedures for university-based play therapy clinical settings to help guide practitioners in multiple areas including emergency and crisis situations, paperwork requirements, and mandated reporting requirements. While highlighting topics including adventure therapy, clinic branding, and playroom design, this book is ideally designed for clinic directors, psychologists, psychiatrists, play therapy practitioners, academics, administrative supervisors, and researchers.

This book describes the rational design, development and application of nucleic acid amplification strategies for biosensing, bioimaging and biomedicine. It consists of fifteen chapters demonstrating the use of these strategies in various areas, including fluorescence techniques, Chemiluminescence biosensors, electrochemiluminescence biosensors, colorimetric assays, surface plasmon resonance technologies, electrochemical DNA sensors, photoelectrochemical biosensor, nanopore sensors, quartz crystal microbalance, fluorescence imaging, surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy, in vitro and in vivo metal ions detection, theranostics and microdroplet chips. Offering a collection of reviews illustrating the latest advances in biochemical analysis and therapeutics, the book shares valuable insights into current challenges and future prospects, making it a valuable resource for a wide readership in the various fields of biosensing, bioimaging and biomedicine.

The rapid development of new technologies has created a lasting impact in the healthcare sector during the past decades. Due to this influence, potential clinical problems have decreased while the quality of healthcare delivery and overall user friendliness has increased and contributed to cost-effective healthcare systems. Biomedical and Clinical Engineering for Healthcare Advancement is an essential reference source that discusses growth in healthcare applications driven by the adoption of new technologies, as well as the expansion of machine learning algorithms for clinical decision making. It focuses on combining vision, motion, data acquisition, and automated control to accelerate the development of affordable and portable medical devices. Featuring research on topics such as artificial intelligence, drug delivery, and retinal imaging, this book is ideally designed for healthcare professionals, biomedical engineers, biomedical professionals, clinicians, hospital directors, physicians, medical students, and clinical researchers.