This book highlights numerical models as powerful tools for the optimal design of Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS). Most MEMS experts have a background in electronics, where circuit models or behavioral models (i.e. lumped-parameter models) of devices are preferred to field models. This is certainly convenient in terms of preliminary design, e.g. in the prototyping stage. However, design optimization should also take into account fine-sizing effects on device behavior and therefore be based on distributed-parameter models, such as finite-element models. The book shows how the combination of automated optimal design and field-based models can produce powerful design toolboxes for MEMS. It especially focuses on illustrating theoretical concepts with practical examples, fostering comprehension through a problem-solving approach. By comparing the results obtained using different methods, readers will learn to identify their respective strengths and weaknesses. In addition, special emphasis is given to evolutionary computing and nature-inspired optimization strategies, the effectiveness of which has already been amply demonstrated. Given its scope, the book provides PhD students, researchers and professionals in the area of computer-aided analysis with a comprehensive, yet concise and practice-oriented guide to MEMS design and optimization. To benefit most from the book, readers should have a basic grasp of electromagnetism, vector analysis and numerical methods.

Turbulent changes in worldwide economies and decreases in overall quality of life have led to a re-evaluation of the current state of health services. Improvements in this sector will allow for more efficient healthcare delivery to the public, as well as increased patient satisfaction. Effective Methods for Modern Healthcare Service Quality and Evaluation is an authoritative reference source for the latest research on emerging tools and methodologies for the design of healthcare models, providing expert analyses on trouble-shooting specific problems in the industry and creating optimal hospital environments. Highlighting various perspectives across a range of relevant health services, this book is ideally designed for policy makers, researchers, upper-level students, and practitioners.

This thesis demonstrates a technology that enables pipetting-free high-throughput screening (HTS) on a miniaturized platform, eliminating the need for thousands of one-by-one pipetting and conventional liquid handling systems. This platform enhances accessibility to HTS and enables HTS to be used in small-to-medium scale laboratories. In addition, it allows large-scale combinatorial screening with a small number of valuable cells, such as patients' primary cancer cells. This technique will have a high impact for widespread use of HTS in the era of personalized medicine. In this thesis, the author firstly describes the need and concept of 'partipetting' for pipetting-free HTS platform. It is realized by the one-step pipetting and self-assembly of encoded drug-laden microparticles (DLPs) on the microwells. Next, the technical implementations required for the platform demonstration are described. It includes preparation of encoded DLPs, plastic chip fabrication, and realization of automated system. Lastly, screening of sequential drug combinations using this platform is demonstrated. This shows the potential of the proposed technology for various applications.

This book highlights emerging trends in terahertz engineering and system technologies, mainly, devices, advanced materials, and various applications in THz technology. It includes advanced topics such as terahertz biomedical imaging, pattern recognition and tomographic reconstruction for THz biomedical imaging by use of machine learning and artificial intelligence, THz imaging radars for autonomous vehicle applications, THZ imaging system for security and surveillance. It also discusses theoretical, experimental, established and validated empirical work on these topics and the intended audience is both academic and professional.

This book focuses on the design, development, and characterization of a compact magnetic laser scanner for microsurgical applications. In addition, it proposes a laser incision depth controller to be used in soft tissue microsurgeries. The use of laser scanners in soft tissue microsurgery results in high quality ablations with minimal thermal damage to surrounding tissue. However, current scanner technologies for microsurgery are limited to free-beam lasers, which require direct line-of-sight to the surgical site, from outside the patient. Developing compact laser micromanipulation systems is crucial to introducing laser-scanning capabilities in hard-to-reach surgical sites, e.g., vocal cords. In this book, the design and fabrication of a magnetically actuated endoscopic laser scanner have been shown, one that introduces high-speed laser scanning for high quality, non-contact tissue ablations in narrow workspaces. Static and dynamic characterization of the system, its teleoperation through a tablet device, and its control modelling for automated trajectory executions have been shown using a fabricated and assembled prototype. Following this, the book discusses how the laser position and velocity control capabilities of the scanner can be used to design a laser incision depth controller to assist surgeons during operations.

A new era of opportunity is emerging for advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) to increasingly address gaps in access to quality healthcare. APRNs must be prepared to practice to the full scope of their education and abilities. As more and more states pass legislation enhancing prescriptive authority and fully autonomous practice for APRNs, a comprehensive resource on prescribing practices is needed.

The increasing demands of today's fast-paced healthcare environment require a new level of prescriber expertise. Knowledge about medication characteristics and effectiveness must be accompanied by an understanding of the context and process of prescribing. "The Advanced Practice Registered Nurse as a Prescriber" provides practicing APRNs and students with the information necessary to make fully informed, rational and ethical decisions as prescribers.

This book opens with an overview of the role of the APRN prescriber and moves on to discussing practical issues such as managing difficult patient situations, special considerations when prescribing controlled substances, the influence of pharmaceutical marketing, state regulation, and legal aspects of prescribing. The book also examines barriers to prescribing, and the concluding chapter underscores key information to build cultural competence when prescribing.

An evidence-based resource for all APRNs and APRN students, "The Advanced Practice Registered Nurse as a Prescriber "provides a comprehensive and practical resource essential for APRNs in all advanced practice roles.

*Interested in purchasing The Art and Science of Mental Health Nursing as a SmartBook? Visit https://connect2.mheducation.com/join/?c=normanryrie4e to register for access today* This well-established textbook is a must-buy for all mental health nursing students and nurses in registered practice. Comprehensive and broad, it explores how mental health nursing has a positive impact on the lives of people with mental health difficulties. Several features help you get the most out of each chapter and apply theory to practice, including: * Personal Stories: Provide insight into the experience of mental health difficulties from the perspective of service users and their carers * Thinking Spaces: Help you reflect on your practice and assess your learning individually and in groups, with further guidance available online * Recommended Resources: Provide additional materials and support to help extend your learning New to this edition: With four brand new chapters plus nine chapters re-written by original authors, key developments in this edition include: * Physical health care of people with mental health problems * Care of people who experience trauma * Promoting mental health and well-being * Support needed by nurses to provide therapeutic care and to derive satisfaction from their work * Innovations in mental health practice 'The newly revised and updated edition has continued to offer an intelligent and readable text that offers a great deal to both students and those undertaking continuous professional development ... This edition continues to offer "thinking spaces" that encourage the reader to reflect upon and consider what they have learned in a most practical way. I wholeheartedly recommend this book and continue to be impressed with its high standards of presentation and scholarship'. Emeritus Professor Tony Butterworth CBE, Chair, Foundation of Nursing Studies, Vice Chair RCN Foundation, UK 'It is a pleasure to open this book and to see the comprehensive range of information and evidence based guidance in relation to effective practice in nursing. Even If you only buy one professional book this year make it this one!' Baroness Watkins of Tavistock; Crossbench Peer, PhD and RN (Adult and Mental Health), UK 'The importance of the teaching within this book cannot be underestimated ... The book is written by credible and respected practitioners and will support mental health nurses to practice from the best evidence available today working from and with the human condition'. Beverley Murphy, Director of Nursing, South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust

This book describes the development of portable, wearable, and highly customizable hand exoskeletons to aid patients suffering from hand disabilities. It presents an original approach for the design of human hand motion assistance devices that relies on (i) an optimization-based kinematic scaling procedure, which guarantees a significant adaptability to the user's hands motion, and (ii) a topology optimization-based design methodology, which allowed the design of a lightweight, comfortable device with a high level of performance. The book covers the whole process of hand exoskeleton development, from establishing a new design strategy, to the construction and testing of hand exoskeleton prototypes, using additive manufacturing techniques. As such, it offers timely information to both researchers and engineers developing human motion assistance systems, especially wearable ones.

Now in its second edition, this comprehensive handbook provides a state-of-the-art overview of recent advances in drug and non-drug therapies for obesity and diabetes. It also addresses major comorbidities, covering topics such as, cardiovascular diseases, renal and neuropsychiatric disorders, appetite control and micro RNAs. Special attention is also devoted to pediatric care, including the latest recommendations for therapy and prevention. Obesity and type 2 diabetes are among the top global health-care budget concerns worldwide and impact professional practice at all levels: in hospitals, clinics and physicians' offices alike. They prominently feature in headlines, and virtually no family, community or country is exempt from their protean, deleterious consequences. Furthermore, given the multiple intersections in their pathways, they often go hand in hand. The good news is that scientific advances in all fields, including genomics, metabolomics, lipidomics and microbiomics, are increasing our understanding of these two disease areas. At the same time, artificial intelligence, machine learning, mobile health and advanced implantable and external devices are rendering prevention and management more available, safe and cost-effective. In addition, bariatric and metabolic surgery has evolved from a niche specialty to an officially endorsed option for several modalities of obesity and diabetes. This book presents the latest lifestyle, pharmacological, surgical and non-surgical treatment options, including endoscopic intervention and cell therapy. Objectively reviewing natural and artificial sweeteners and critically examining issues such as public health initiatives, government mandated taxes for unhealthy foods and environmental planning, no stone is left unturned in gathering the latest practical information. As such, the book will appeal to seasoned specialists, as well as students and healthcare professionals in training.

UPDATED AND EXPANDED FOR 2022 and beyond. This clinical pocket reference provides key information that a nurse will require on placement and in practice, selected by experienced teachers/practitioners, clearly written and presented, drawn from a wide range of different sources, packaged in an easily accessible portable format suitable for pocket or mobile devices. Nursing students, assessors, practice educators and preceptees will find that this resource enables the move into real life practice, supporting safe, confident, patient centred nursing. The fourth edition has now been thoroughly updated and extended. New material includes new Mental Capacity Act overview and guidelines, updated infection control (including donning and doffing PPE) and End of Life care sections, and latest Resuscitation Guidelines. This edition is built around the new pre-registration nursing education standards released by the NMC (Nursing & Midwifery Council) in early 2019, allowing it to support all nursing practitioners throughout their years of practice. The authors, all experienced teacher/practitioners have looked at latest teaching trends and national objectives, including the new NMC standards, to provide coverage of the widening range of competencies a nurse needs to display in today's healthcare environment. This resource provides rapid access to key information that a nurse will need to provide effective holistic care of the adult patient. For the student on clinical placement it provides a valuable aide memoire for recently learnt key information. For the newly qualified nurse it assists review, reflection, and revalidation.

Rewind Your Biology and Live Like a 20-Year-Old! Edit Your Genes to Live Disease-Free! Find a Parking Space with Your Internet-Connected Brain! Advances in longevity, genetics, nanotech, and robotics will make all this possible! This is not science fiction. This is your future. Right now, pioneering scientists and technologists are transforming what it means to be human by overcoming biological limits that have existed since our ancestors swung out of the trees...and into the suburbs. With incredible inspiration and perseverance, these visionaries are solving deep problems of human health and longevity-and their progress is accelerating. Super You takes you inside their labs, companies, and minds...to show how you can reap the benefits of a stronger, longer, better, life. You'll learn how to start hacking your life today, to become more super, every day. Discover what's possible when yesterday's human limits are gone! Learn how evolution became obsolete-and why it's time to start hacking yourself Save your life with whirring "jet engine" hearts, printed organs, and other medical miracles Rewire and turbo-boost your ape brain Become a mega-mind by connecting your brain directly to the Internet to use Google's synthetic neocortex Become superhuman with cyborg technology Design and mold your looks Genetically engineer your baby to be a tennis star (and other true stories) Prepare for the political and religious backlash against the future Discover how scientists will make death obsolete by treating it like a curable disease-and how to live until they do

As the global population ages the impact of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease are significant forces in shaping human health and quality of life in the 21st century. Insights into understanding these diseases, and knowing how to treat them are major frontiers of scientific research. Neurodegenerative Diseases: Unifying Principles is the result of a conceptual revolution over the last decade in our understanding of neurodegenerative diseases as sharing unifying features. There is an increasing appreciation of the common biological and pathological features across seemingly varied neurodegenerative diseases that entail protein misfolding dysfunction and its consequences over time. Providing an overview of this conceptual change is the main theme for the book. Conventional approach emphasize the differences among neurodegenerative disorders, here Drs. Cummings and Pillai compile the increasingly compelling evidence that these disorders share many features and that insights in one may be rapidly translated into advances in another. The goal is to accelerate understanding by showing linkages among biological, pathological, can clinical aspects of this class of diseases. This collection of 19, inter-related chapters, articulates and broadens our view of the unifying features that initiate and drive disease progression across a variety of neurodegenerative diseases over time. This book will serve as an outstanding sourcebook of insights from experts that have played key roles in this story.

This book compiles the fundamentals, applications and viable product strategies of biomimetic lipid membranes into a single, comprehensive source. It broadens its perspective to interdisciplinary realms incorporating medicine, biology, physics, chemistry, materials science, as well as engineering and pharmacy at large. The book guides readers from membrane structure and models to biophysical chemistry and functionalization of membrane surfaces. It then takes the reader through a myriad of surface-sensitive techniques before delving into cutting-edge applications that could help inspire new research directions. With more than half the world's drugs and various toxins targeting these crucial structures, the book addresses a topic of major importance in the field of medicine, particularly biosensor design, diagnostic tool development, vaccine formulation, micro/nano-array systems, and drug screening/development. Provides fundamental knowledge on biomimetic lipid membranes; Addresses some of biomimetic membrane types, preparation methods, properties and characterization techniques; Explains state-of-art technological developments that incorporate microfluidic systems, array technologies, lab-on-a-chip-tools, biosensing, and bioprinting techniques; Describes the integration of biomimetic membranes with current top-notch tools and platforms; Examines applications in medicine, pharmaceutical industry, and environmental monitoring.

This book introduces "network pharmacology" as an emerging frontier subject of systematic drug research in the era of artificial intelligence and big data. Network Pharmacology is an original subject of fusion system biology, bioinformatics, network science and other related disciplines. It emphasizes on starting from the overall perspective of the system level and biological networks, the analysis of the laws of molecular association between drugs and their treatment objects, reveals the systematic pharmacological mechanisms of drugs, and guides the research and development of new drugs and clinical diagnosis and treatment. After it was proposed, network pharmacology has been paid attention by researchers, and it has been rapidly developed and widely used. In order to systematically reveal the biological basis of diagnosis and treatment in traditional Chinese medicine and modern medicine, we proposed a new concept of "network target" for the first time, which has become the core theory of "network pharmacology". The core principle of a network target is to construct a biological network that can be used to decipher complex diseases. The network is then used as the therapeutic target, to which multicomponent remedies are applied. This book mainly includes four parts: 1) The concept and theory of network pharmacology; 2) Common analysis methods, databases and software in network pharmacological research; 3) Typical cases of traditional Chinese medicine modernization and modern drug research based on network pharmacology; 4) Network pharmacology practice process based on drugs and diseases.