On average, we spend nearly one third of our waking life alone. How do we overcome the stigma of solitude and find strength in going it alone? Whether we love it or try to avoid it, we can make better use of that time. The science of solitude shows that alone time can be a powerful space used to tap into countless benefits. Translating key research findings conducted by the Solitude Lab and others into actionable facts and advice, this book shows that alone time can boost wellbeing in ways. From relaxation and recharging to problem solving and emotional regulation, solitude can benefit personal growth, contentment, creativity, and our relationships with ourselves and others. By learning what makes us better at spending time alone, you can use these principles to move toward your best possible self.

A First Course in Fuzzy Logic, Fourth Edition is an expanded version of the successful third edition. It provides a comprehensive introduction to the theory and applications of fuzzy logic. This popular text offers a firm mathematical basis for the calculus of fuzzy concepts necessary for designing intelligent systems and a solid background for readers to pursue further studies and real-world applications. New in the Fourth Edition: Features new results on fuzzy sets of type-2 Provides more information on copulas for modeling dependence structures Includes quantum probability for uncertainty modeling in social sciences, especially in economics With its comprehensive updates, this new edition presents all the background necessary for students, instructors and professionals to begin using fuzzy logic in its many-applications in computer science, mathematics, statistics, and engineering. About the Authors: Hung T. Nguyen is a Professor Emeritus at the Department of Mathematical Sciences, New Mexico State University. He is also an Adjunct Professor of Economics at Chiang Mai University, Thailand. Carol L. Walker is also a Professor Emeritus at the Department of Mathematical Sciences, New Mexico State University. Elbert A. Walker is a Professor Emeritus, Department of Mathematical Sciences, New Mexico State University.

Although the use of fuzzy control methods has grown nearly to the level of classical control, the true understanding of fuzzy control lags seriously behind. Moreover, most engineers are well versed in either traditional control or in fuzzy control-rarely both. Each has applications for which it is better suited, but without a good understanding of both, engineers cannot make a sound determination of which technique to use for a given situation.

A First Course in Fuzzy and Neural Control is designed to build the foundation needed to make those decisions. It begins with an introduction to standard control theory, then makes a smooth transition to complex problems that require innovative fuzzy, neural, and fuzzy-neural techniques. For each method, the authors clearly answer the questions: What is this new control method? Why is it needed? How is it implemented? Real-world examples, exercises, and ideas for student projects reinforce the concepts presented.

Developed from lecture notes for a highly successful course titled The Fundamentals of Soft Computing, the text is written in the same reader-friendly style as the authors' popular A First Course in Fuzzy Logic text. A First Course in Fuzzy and Neural Control requires only a basic background in mathematics and engineering and does not overwhelm students with unnecessary material but serves to motivate them toward more advanced studies.

A concise and convenient pocket guide to interventional cardiology's latest procedures and technologies Interventional cardiology is growing more and more integral to the modern-day management of cardiovascular problems. Indeed, trainees are taught interventional methods as a matter of course. With a widening range of options open to them, however, the practicing cardiologist must be diligent and discerning when selecting the appropriate course of action for each patient, adapting their strategy as circumstance demands. Developing the skills and experience necessary to make these key judgments can be a challenging and lengthy process. Bringing together the knowledge of an international group of over 50 experts, this fifth edition of the Practical Handbook of Advanced Interventional Cardiology helps cardiologists of all levels to find interventional solutions to a wide range of problems. Its revised contents cover topics including new devices, valve procedures, and venous and atrial occlusion, and also feature new chapters on bioresorbable vascular scaffolds, protected percutaneous coronary intervention, coronary atherectomy, pulmonary embolism, and more. This essential companion: Offers clear, easy-to-follow guidance for cardiology practitioners of all levels of skill and experience Grades each strategic or tactical action by level of complexity Includes full-color clinical images and illustrations Covers all key interventional procedures and techniques Provides practical tips and tricks for handling difficult clinical scenarios and complications The Practical Handbook of Advanced Interventional Cardiology is an invaluable resource for both practitioners and trainees in interventional cardiology and all related areas of cardiovascular medicine.

Drawing from many sources in the literature, Stochastic Dominance and Applications to Finance, Risk and Economics illustrates how stochastic dominance (SD) can be used as a method for risk assessment in decision making. It provides basic background on SD for various areas of applications. Useful Concepts and Techniques for Economics Applications The majority of the text presents a systematic exposition of SD, emphasizing rigor and generality. It covers utility theory, multivariate SD, quantile functions, risk modeling, Choquet integrals, other risk measures, statistical inference, nonparametric estimation, hypothesis testing, and econometrics. The remainder of the book explores new applications of SD in finance, risk, and economics. At the beginning of each economic concept, the authors clearly explain only the necessary mathematics so readers are not overburdened with learning nonessential, arduous mathematics. This accessible guide helps readers build a useful repertoire of mathematical tools in decision making under uncertainty, especially in investment science. It provides thorough coverage on the theory of SD, along with many applications to economics and other fields where risk is crucial.

The study of random sets is a large and rapidly growing area with connections to many areas of mathematics and applications in widely varying disciplines, from economics and decision theory to biostatistics and image analysis. The drawback to such diversity is that the research reports are scattered throughout the literature, with the result that in science and engineering, and even in the statistics community, the topic is not well known and much of the enormous potential of random sets remains untapped. An Introduction to Random Sets provides a friendly but solid initiation into the theory of random sets. It builds the foundation for studying random set data, which, viewed as imprecise or incomplete observations, are ubiquitous in today's technological society. The author, widely known for his best-selling A First Course in Fuzzy Logic text as well as his pioneering work in random sets, explores motivations, such as coarse data analysis and uncertainty analysis in intelligent systems, for studying random sets as stochastic models. Other topics include random closed sets, related uncertainty measures, the Choquet integral, the convergence of capacity functionals, and the statistical framework for set-valued observations. An abundance of examples and exercises reinforce the concepts discussed. Designed as a textbook for a course at the advanced undergraduate or beginning graduate level, this book will serve equally well for self-study and as a reference for researchers in fields such as statistics, mathematics, engineering, and computer science.

Global demand for wheat, rice, corn, and other essential grains is expected to steadily rise over the next twenty years. Meeting this demand by increasing production through increased land use is not very likely; and while better crop management may make a marginal difference, most agriculture experts agree that this anticipated deficit must be made up through increased crop yields.

The first resource of its kind, Physiology and Biotechnology Integration for Plant Breeding assembles current research in crop plant physiology, plant biotechnology, and plant breeding that is aimed toward improving crop plants genetically while supporting a productive agriculture ecosystem. Highly comprehensive, this reference provides access to the most innovative perspectives in crop physiology - with a special emphasis on molecular approaches - aimed at the formulation of those crop cultivars that offer the greatest potential to increase crop yields in stress environments.

Surveys the current state of the field, as well as modern options and avenues for plant breeders and biotechnologists interested in augmenting crop yield and stability

With the contributions of plant scientists from all corners of the globe who are actively involved in meeting this important challenge, Physiology and Biotechnology Integration for Plant Breeding provides readers with the background information needed to understand this cutting-edge work, as well as detailed information on present and potential applications. While the first half of the book establishes and fully explains the link between crop physiology and molecular biology, the second part explores the application of biotechnology in the effective delivery ofthe high yield and environmentally stable crop plants needed to avert the very real possibility of worldwide hunger.

The study of random sets is a large and rapidly growing area with connections to many areas of mathematics and applications in widely varying disciplines, from economics and decision theory to biostatistics and image analysis. The drawback to such diversity is that the research reports are scattered throughout the literature, with the result that in science and engineering, and even in the statistics community, the topic is not well known and much of the enormous potential of random sets remains untapped. An Introduction to Random Sets provides a friendly but solid initiation into the theory of random sets. It builds the foundation for studying random set data, which, viewed as imprecise or incomplete observations, are ubiquitous in today's technological society. The author, widely known for his best-selling A First Course in Fuzzy Logic text as well as his pioneering work in random sets, explores motivations, such as coarse data analysis and uncertainty analysis in intelligent systems, for studying random sets as stochastic models. Other topics include random closed sets, related uncertainty measures, the Choquet integral, the convergence of capacity functionals, and the statistical framework for set-valued observations. An abundance of examples and exercises reinforce the concepts discussed. Designed as a textbook for a course at the advanced undergraduate or beginning graduate level, this book will serve equally well for self-study and as a reference for researchers in fields such as statistics, mathematics, engineering, and computer science.

The internet, social media platforms, and digital technology all seem to point to a world of greater interconnectivity and social connection. Yet even against this background of global social networks, loneliness remains a major issue for millions of individuals, and one with tangible consequences: studies have demonstrated that loneliness correlates with to an increased risk of mental illnesses, as well as a 45% increased risk of death. In Loneliness: Science and Practice, experts from the United States and Europe seek to construct a translational framework for recognizing and addressing loneliness in the clinical context. Based on the latest literature on the topic, the book tackles * The theoretical foundations of loneliness and other dimensions of social connection. Readers will benefit from validated rating scales to measure loneliness that account for the varied experiences of, and factors that contribute to, loneliness.* The incidence and presentation of loneliness throughout the life cycle* Loneliness among marginalized communities, including racial and ethnic minorities, LGBTQ+ individuals, immigrants, and individuals with mental illnesses* The neurobiological and systemic neuroendocrine and inflammatory mechanisms of loneliness* Interventions for loneliness, from research-based interventions for both younger and older age groups to community-based interventions Throughout this guide, clinical vignettes help ground the theoretical information in real-world applicability. Key points help readers reference each chapter's most salient points quickly, and lists of suggested readings open the door to further exploration. By examining the psychosocial and biological mechanisms of loneliness, as well as the unique social and cultural contexts in which it can occur, Loneliness: Science and Practice offers readers a holistic understanding of loneliness and a framework for addressing it in the distinct communities they serve.

Global demand for wheat, rice, corn, and other essential grains is expected to steadily rise over the next twenty years. Meeting this demand by increasing production through increased land use is not very likely; and while better crop management may make a marginal difference, most agriculture experts agree that this anticipated deficit must be made up through increased crop yields. The first resource of its kind, Physiology and Biotechnology Integration for Plant Breeding assembles current research in crop plant physiology, plant biotechnology, and plant breeding that is aimed toward improving crop plants genetically while supporting a productive agriculture ecosystem. Highly comprehensive, this reference provides access to the most innovative perspectives in crop physiology - with a special emphasis on molecular approaches - aimed at the formulation of those crop cultivars that offer the greatest potential to increase crop yields in stress environments. Surveys the current state of the field, as well as modern options and avenues for plant breeders and biotechnologists interested in augmenting crop yield and stability With the contributions of plant scientists from all corners of the globe who are actively involved in meeting this important challenge, Physiology and Biotechnology Integration for Plant Breeding provides readers with the background information needed to understand this cutting-edge work, as well as detailed information on present and potential applications. While the first half of the book establishes and fully explains the link between crop physiology and molecular biology, the second part explores the application of biotechnology in the effective delivery of the high yield and environmentally stable crop plants needed to avert the very real possibility of worldwide hunger.

A First Course in Fuzzy Logic, Fourth Edition is an expanded version of the successful third edition. It provides a comprehensive introduction to the theory and applications of fuzzy logic. This popular text offers a firm mathematical basis for the calculus of fuzzy concepts necessary for designing intelligent systems and a solid background for readers to pursue further studies and real-world applications. New in the Fourth Edition: Features new results on fuzzy sets of type-2 Provides more information on copulas for modeling dependence structures Includes quantum probability for uncertainty modeling in social sciences, especially in economics With its comprehensive updates, this new edition presents all the background necessary for students, instructors and professionals to begin using fuzzy logic in its many-applications in computer science, mathematics, statistics, and engineering. About the Authors: Hung T. Nguyen is a Professor Emeritus at the Department of Mathematical Sciences, New Mexico State University. He is also an Adjunct Professor of Economics at Chiang Mai University, Thailand. Carol L. Walker is also a Professor Emeritus at the Department of Mathematical Sciences, New Mexico State University. Elbert A. Walker is a Professor Emeritus, Department of Mathematical Sciences, New Mexico State University.

Gac fruit, Momordica cochinchinensis Spreng, is rich in nutrients such as carotenoids (particularly ß-carotene and lycopene), fatty acids, vitamin E, polyphenol compounds and flavonoids. This book provides the latest research on this fruit, from cultivation through to novel processing technologies for health products. It addresses several techniques for propagation and cultivation in order to increase the production and quality of Gac fruit, including traditionally used parts of the fruit (aril) and those whose value has not yet been maximized (peel, pulp and seed). This plant has the potential to be a high value crop, particularly as parts of the fruit can be processed into nutrient supplements and natural colorants. Currently only the aril is commercially harvested, and this presents opportunities for upcycling the rest of the fruit. As such, this book contains special emphasis on: · Improving yield and fruit quality. · Extraction methods of Gac oil rich in ß-carotene and lycopene from the aril and peel. · Encapsulation of Gac oil and applications in various food products. · Nutritional values and bioactive compounds of Gac pulp and peel. · Processing and utilization of Gac seeds. · The market for Gac target products. Practical applied technologies such as microwave drying, heat pump drying, freeze drying, ultrasound assisted extraction, supercritical CO2 extraction, encapsulation techniques are all presented. This is an essential reference text for academics, researchers and graduate students in Gac fruit cultivation, food processing, science and nutrition. Product developers in health food and health supplements will also find it valuable.

Topics include: Current day incidence of Meniere's disease -IMS data; Endolymphatic hydrops: pathophysiology and experimental models; Physiologic effects on the cochlea in Meniere's disease; Physiologic effects on the vestibular system in Meniere's disease; Audiovestibular testing in Meniere's patients; Clinical hints and Precipitating Factors in patients suffering from Meniere's disease; Hypothetical mechanism for vertigo in Meniere's disease; Meniere's disease and the menstrual cycle; Meniere's disease in the elderly; Allergy and Meniere's disease; Imaging of inner ear in patients with Meniere's disease; Medical and non-invasive therapy for Meniere's disease; In situ therapy for Meniere's disease; Endolymphatic sac shunt, labyrinthectomy, vestibular nerve section in Meniere's disease; Early vestibular rehab in patients with Meniere's disease; The Role of Regenerative Medicine in Meniere's Disease; Genetics (molecular biology) and Meniere's disease.

This book provides an overview of the innovations in crop phenotyping using emerging technologies, i.e., high-throughput crop phenotyping technology, including its concept, importance, breakthrough and applications in different crops and environments. Emerging technologies in sensing, machine vision and high-performance computing are changing the world beyond our imagination. They are also becoming the most powerful driver of the innovation in agriculture technology, including crop breeding, genetics and management. It includes the state of the art of technologies in high-throughput phenotyping, including advanced sensors, automation systems, ground-based or aerial robotic systems. It also discusses the emerging technologies of big data processing and analytics, such as advanced machine learning and deep learning technologies based on high-performance computing infrastructure. The applications cover different organ levels (root, shoot and seed) of different crops (grains, soybean, maize, potato) at different growth environments (open field and controlled environments). With the contribution of more than 20 world-leading researchers in high-throughput crop phenotyping, the authors hope this book provides readers the needed information to understand the concept, gain the insides and create the innovation of high-throughput phenotyping technology.

Human Trafficking: A Treatment Guide for Mental Health Professionals is the first book on human trafficking and mental health. The editors have marshalled their considerable experience developing resources and interventional programs for this patient population, as well as expertise in research and scholarly writing, to create a unique-and uniquely useful-guide for clinicians likely to encounter trafficked patients. Foundational to the effort is recognizing that their numbers are legion, and growing, and that their safety and well-being depends on the ability of clinicians to screen, assess, and identify them in a system that often constructs barriers to care. Epidemiological data is provided to help clinicians understand the factors that contribute to being trafficked, the associated consequences, and the role of health professionals in combatting it. Screening processes are discussed, and potential barriers, both organizational and provider-based, to the identification of trafficked persons are explored. The next section addresses sensitive, trauma-informed, and integrated patient management in different settings, including emergency departments, primary care, and substance abuse facilities, since both medical and substance abuse comorbidities are common in trafficked patients. The trauma-informed concepts of asking, respecting, and responding are vital components to the survivor-centered care emphasized by the authors, and psychotherapeutic considerations and cultural aspects in the assessment and treatment of these patients-topics that have been neglected heretofore-are discussed in-depth. Finally, advocacy, confidentiality, and reporting requirements for adult and child patients are addressed, providing a much-needed legal and ethical framework. The chapters have clearly outlined objectives that are achieved through a number of useful features: * Each chapter includes clinical cases that encapsulate the trauma and horror of the real-life fallout from human trafficking. These vignettes deftly illustrate and contextualize the chapter's topic, such as managing co-occurring substance use disorders or identifying the trafficked person who presents in the emergency department.* Chapters are equipped with "pearls and pointers" that summarize key points and highlight the most important take-aways.* Contributors make ample use of visual aids, such as tables and figures, that enhance understanding and consolidate information into readily accessible formats.* Ten vivid, real-life case scenarios are offered in the final chapter, providing the clinicians with insights into trafficked persons' health care interactions, questions to increase sensitivity and help identify these patients, and counsel on managing their care with empathy and patience. Often shocking, frequently poignant, and always useful, Human Trafficking: A Treatment Guide for Mental Health Professionals teaches clinicians to look at their patients with fresh, informed, and compassionate eyes.

This book discusses heuristic methods - methods lacking a solid theoretical justification - which are ubiquitous in numerous application areas, and explains techniques that can make heuristic methods more reliable. Focusing on algebraic techniques, i.e., those that use only a few specific features of a situation, it describes various state-of-the-art applications, ranging from fuzzy methods for dealing with imprecision to general optimization methods and quantum-based methods for analyzing economic phenomena. The book also includes recent results from leading researchers, which could (and hopefully will) provide the basis for future applications. As such, it is a valuable resource for mathematicians interested in potential applications of their algebraic results and ideas, as well as for application specialists wanting to discover how algebraic techniques can help in their domains.

This book provides an overview of the innovations in crop phenotyping using emerging technologies, i.e., high-throughput crop phenotyping technology, including its concept, importance, breakthrough and applications in different crops and environments. Emerging technologies in sensing, machine vision and high-performance computing are changing the world beyond our imagination. They are also becoming the most powerful driver of the innovation in agriculture technology, including crop breeding, genetics and management. It includes the state of the art of technologies in high-throughput phenotyping, including advanced sensors, automation systems, ground-based or aerial robotic systems. It also discusses the emerging technologies of big data processing and analytics, such as advanced machine learning and deep learning technologies based on high-performance computing infrastructure. The applications cover different organ levels (root, shoot and seed) of different crops (grains, soybean, maize, potato) at different growth environments (open field and controlled environments). With the contribution of more than 20 world-leading researchers in high-throughput crop phenotyping, the authors hope this book provides readers the needed information to understand the concept, gain the insides and create the innovation of high-throughput phenotyping technology.