Bücher veröffentlicht von IntechOpen

Robotic technology has increasingly been preferred by the medical professionals since they have been used for several clinical applications. Medical robots are preferred since they present better results compared to traditional methods such as smaller incision, higher accuracy, and lesser recovery time. Medical robots can be divided into three progressive generations. The first-generation robots were originally industrial robots that had been modified for performing medical applications in orthopedics, neurosurgery, radiology, and radiotherapy in the 1980s. The second-generation robots have been especially developed for executing surgical operations in the 1990s. After the 2000s, the third-generation medical robots have been designed for performing difficult surgical and medical operations. From the first approved surgical robot AESOP to the current da Vinci Surgical System, there have been several different kinds of surgical robots produced until now. Although the history of surgical robots is very short compared to the history of surgery, thousands of surgical robots have been installed in hospitals worldwide, and hundreds of thousands of people have been treated by these surgical robots. Nowadays, the achievements of the surgical robotics amaze both medical professionals and the patients. It is noteworthy to follow up on the evolution of surgical robotics in the future.

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are a family of proteolytic zinc-containing enzymes involved in physiological as well as in pathological processes in the human organism. MMPs play a key role in the remodeling of the extracellular matrix. Such a process may occur because of tissue homeostasis, morphogenesis, and tissue repair. However, remodeling could also be a part of many pathological states such as arthritis, cardiovascular diseases, neurodegenerative diseases, or impaired development in congenital anomalies. This book overviews the role of MMPs in different pathologies affecting the human body.

Chondrichthyes are a group of cartilaginous fish, where we have sharks, rays, and chimeras as members. This group plays an important role in aquatic ecology, as they act as predators throughout the food chain (e.g., sharks). However, many populations of Chondrichthyes are threatened by several factors (increased direct fishing, high mortality rate as accompanying fauna, marine pollution, habitat destruction, etc.). These declines are evident in many parts of the world and have come to the attention of scientists, conservation organizations, the media, and the general public. Fisheries legislation regulating international fisheries markets has been amended to provide greater protection for this group along with other species of fish. However, little is known about these species, which reinforces the importance of studies in order to have a better understanding of the elasmobranch stocks, as well as to identify the influences of the anthropic action of fishing. In response to knowledge on the low sustainability of cartilaginous fish fisheries on a global scale, FAO has developed an international plan of action for the management and conservation of these fish, with the aim of developing and implementing national plans of action to ensure management and conservation of these stocks, having as main recommendation the collection of information about the Chondrichthyes, especially the sharks. Even so, this group is little known in terms of biodiversity, ecology, behavior, and a host of other characteristics relevant to this taxon, which is very worrying. Chondrichthyes - Multidisciplinary Approach attempts to portray to the readers up-to-date information on Chondrichthyes to promote an overview of the current taxon, serving as an indispensable source of access to more accurate and detailed information on shark rays and chimeras.

This book presents recent studies of acoustic wave propagation through different media including the atmosphere, Earth's subsurface, complex dusty plasmas, porous materials, and flexible structures. Mathematical models of the underlying physical phenomena are introduced and studied in detail. With its seven chapters, the book brings together important contributions from renowned international researchers to provide an excellent survey of recent computational and experimental studies of acoustic waves. The first section consists of four chapters that focus on computational studies, while the next section is composed of three chapters that center on experimental studies.

Researchers from the entire world write to figure out their newest results and to contribute new ideas or ways in the field of system reliability and maintenance. Their articles are grouped into four sections: reliability, reliability of electronic devices, power system reliability and feasibility and maintenance. The book is a valuable tool for professors, students and professionals, with its presentation of issues that may be taken as examples applicable to practical situations. Some examples defining the contents can be highlighted: system reliability analysis based on goal-oriented methodology; reliability design of water-dispensing systems; reliability evaluation of drivetrains for off-highway machines; extending the useful life of asset; network reliability for faster feasibility decision; analysis of standard reliability parameters of technical systems' parts; cannibalisation for improving system reliability; mathematical study on the multiple temperature operational life testing procedure, for electronic industry; reliability prediction of smart maximum power point converter in photovoltaic applications; reliability of die interconnections used in plastic discrete power packages; the effects of mechanical and electrical straining on performances of conventional thick-film resistors; software and hardware development in the electric power system; electric interruptions and loss of supply in power systems; feasibility of autonomous hybrid AC/DC microgrid system; predictive modelling of emergency services in electric power distribution systems; web-based decision-support system in the electric power distribution system; preventive maintenance of a repairable equipment operating in severe environment; and others.

Pneumonia is an inflammatory disease of the air sacs and surrounding interstitium caused by infectious agents or by endogenous inflammatory tissue disorder termed interstitial pneumonia. The present book covers contemporary topics of community, hospital, and health care-related bacterial and viral pneumonia in the setting of drug resistance, environmental exposures, climate change, hormonal influences, and gender. The topic of interstitial pneumonia is brought under the lens of an immune-related connective tissue disease.

Shortly after the demonstration of the first laser, the most intensely studied theoretical topics dealt with laser-matter interactions. Many experiments were undertaken to clarify the major ablation mechanisms. At the same time, numerous theoretical studies, both analytical and numerical, were proposed to describe these interactions. These studies paved the ways toward the development of numerous laser applications, ranging from laser micro- and nanomachining to material analysis, nanoparticle and nanostructure formation, thin-film deposition, etc. Recently, more and more promising novel fields of laser applications have appeared, including biomedicine, catalysis, photovoltaic cells, etc. This book intends to provide the reader with a comprehensive overview of the current state of the art in laser ablation, from its fundamental mechanisms to novel applications.

Obstetrics is the field that deals with the well-being of the pregnant women as well as the labor and delivery of a healthy baby. Obstetricians work closely as neonatologists who deal with the care of the newborn baby to reduce chances of morbidity and mortality. The objective of obstetrics is to deal with diagnosis and treatment of pregnancy, antenatal care, and prevention of complication, collaborating with midwives to monitor pregnant women in labor, facilitating delivery and performing assisted procedures if needed as episiotomy, forceps delivery, vacuum extraction, and Cesarean section if indicated.

The major issue of energy saving and conservation of the environment in the world is being emphasized to us to concentrate on lightweight materials in which aluminium alloys are contributing more in applications in the twenty-first century. Aluminium and its related materials possess lighter weight, considerable strength, more corrosion resistance and ductility. Especially from the past one decade, the use of aluminium alloys is increasing in construction field, transportation industries, packaging purposes, automotive, defence, aircraft and electrical sectors. Around 85% is being used in the form of wrought products, which replace the use of cast iron. Further, the major features of aluminium alloy are recyclability and its abundant availability in the world. In general, aluminium and its related materials are being processed via casting, drawing, forging, rolling, extrusion, welding, powder metallurgy process, etc. To improve the physical and mechanical properties, scientists are doing more research and adding some second-phase particles in to it called composites in addition to heat treatment. Therefore, to explore more in this field, the present book has been aimed and focused to bridge all scientists who are working in this field. The main objective of the present book is to focus on aluminium, its alloys and its composites, which include, but are not limited to, the various processing routes and characterization techniques in both macro- and nano-levels.

This book collects the contribution of a selected number of clinical psychiatrists interested in the clinical evaluation of specific issues on psychopathy. The nine chapters of the book address some relevant issues related to nosography, early recognition and treatment, bio-psycho-social models (in particular cognitive-behavioral and ethological ones), and social and familial consequences of psychopathic personality.

A large number of two-dimensional atomic crystals have emerged in recent years. The interatomic potential is a fundamental ingredient for the simulation of these atomic crystals. This book provides the parameters of the Stillinger-Weber potential for 156 two-dimensional atomic crystals, which will help readers to efficiently start up their simulations.

Robots are used in industry, rescue missions, military operations, and subwater missions. Their use in hazardous environments is crucial in terms of occupational safety of workers and the health of rescue and military operations. This book presents several hazardous environment operations and safe operations of robots interacting with people in the context of occupational health and safety.

In this book, the editors have reviewed the scientific articles from diverse group of scientists from all over the world who are actively participating in the wildlife conservation. Some of the important divisions incorporated in the book are conservation and population genetics, biodiversity, ecology, conservation physiology and evolution of big cats. The different chapters written by eminent scientists with their experience will provide an overview of the current information on conservation strategies and survival of big cats in different geographical zones around the world. The articles will also provide valuable information, on both free range and captive felines, to understand the present and future of the majestic species. The book will be useful to biologists, veterinary students, wildlife managers, researchers and also wildlife conservationists.

The book Natural Killer Cells is the result of a collective work that addresses in a clear and comprehensive way for readers and through as many sensuous details as possible, the most and various fundamental aspects of natural killer cells, as well as their clinical applications in cancer immunotherapy. This book will serve as an invaluable resource and pedagogical support for clinicians, researchers, basic scientists, immunology and immunopathology lecturers, as well as for students in biology and medicine, especially the ones with an advanced understanding of immunology.

This book contains six chapters dealing with the investigation of seismic and sequence stratigraphy and integrated stratigraphy, including the stratigraphic unconformities, in different geological settings and using several techniques and methods, including the seismostratigraphic and the sequence stratigraphic analysis, the field geological survey, the well log stratigraphic interpretation, and the lithologic and paleobotanical data. Book chapters are separated into two main sections: (i) seismic and sequence stratigraphy and (ii) integrated stratigraphy. There are three chapters in the first section, including the application of sequence and seismic stratigraphy to the fine-grained shales, to the fluvial facies and depositional environments, and to the Late Miocene geological structures offshore of Taiwan. In the second section, there are three chapters dealing with the integrated stratigraphic investigation of Jurassic deposits of the southern Siberian platform, with the stratigraphic unconformities, reviewing the related geological concepts and studying examples from Middle-Upper Paleozoic successions; and, finally, with the integrated stratigraphy of the Cenozoic deposits of the Andean foreland basin (northwestern Argentina).

Highway engineering is an engineering discipline branching from civil engineering that involves the planning, design, construction, operation, and maintenance of roads, bridges, and tunnels to ensure safe and effective transportation of people and goods. The book Highway Engineering includes the main topics and the basic principles of highway engineering and provides the full scope of current information necessary for effective and cost-conscious contemporary highway. The book reflects new engineering and building developments, the most current design methods, as well as the latest industry standards and policies. This book provides a comprehensive overview of significant characteristics for highway engineering. It highlights recent advancements, requirements, and improvements and details the latest techniques in the global market. Highway Engineering contains a collection of the latest research developments on highway engineering. This book comprehensively covers the basic theory and practice in sufficient depth to provide a solid grounding to highway engineers. This book helps readers maximize effectiveness in all facets of highway engineering. This professional book as a credible source and a valuable reference can be very applicable and useful for all professors, researchers, engineers, practicing professionals, trainee practitioners, students, and others interested in highway projects.

In an era of transition from classic Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) to assisted device-CPR or hemodynamic driven CPR, this book, published by InTechOpen, highlights some interesting aspects of resuscitation. Divided in three sections, the research presented emphasizes the details of resuscitation in special circumstances to possible future applications in the field. The authors offer us not only a vigorous review of the current literature but also a research road map for further advancement.

Perceived importance of personal and organizational values congruence in the management of organizations have actualized this phenomenon in both theory and practice. Researchers continuously show positive impact of personal and organizational values congruence on employees? behavior, attitudes, organizational climate and organizational performance. Management of organizations are also seeking to apply the solutions to eliminate the gap between organizational and employees' values. However, arising scientific and practical problems requires to purify the factors that determine values congruence. This challenges for a search of complex and consistent understanding of this phenomenon: from theory to practice. This book aims to provide the reader with a comprehensive overview of the personal and organizational values congruence phenomenon, featuring the most important critical issues regarding the exposure, diagnosis and strengthening of congruence of personal and organizational values.

This book contains seven chapters divided into two sections. The first section is "Lepidoptera Systematics." It covers introduction classification and external and internal morphology. It also includes the importance and modern approaches of Lepidoptera collection curation and data management. It also describes molecular phylogeny and taxonomy of Lepidoptera for ecological and evolutionary studies. The second section, "Lepidoptera as a Model for Research," describes eyespot color pattern formation mechanism in the peacock pansy, Junonia almana (L.). The complete mitochondrial genome of the American potato tuberworm, Tecia solanivora (Povolny), is presented to study a mitogenome in insects. Lepidoptera are sensitive to physical and climatic changes. Therefore, their taxocenotic and biocenotic study was conducted in three environments, i.e., the grassland, forest, and ecotone of Rucamanque, a forest remnant.

This book presents an overview of some trends of research and development in the area of magnetic sensors, from materials to applications. A first focus is made on the topics of amorphous micro-wires and thin-film structures and their fabrication, characterization, and application for magnetic sensors based on the effects of giant magneto-impedance (GMI) and magneto-elasticity. A second section deals with the magneto-impedance (MR) sensors, from the development of new materials to sensor implementation and applications. Intended for readers wishing to acquire understanding of the current trends in these areas and comprehension of the issues and the potential of applications of these sensors, this book addresses exciting topics in this field.

Today's homes must prepare for a progressing ageing population and an increasing risk caused by climate change, as well as to reduce CO2 emissions. How homes can be designed to meet all of these requirements? How such design can be promoted in the housing market? Sustainable Home Design by Applying Control Science answers these questions, by using a novel approach. Kazutoshi Fujihira, an innovative environmental scientist and sustainable housing award winner, demonstrates the "control system for promoting sustainable home design" with the "sustainable design guidelines" and "sustainability checklist". Moreover, the chapter of case study illustrates an actually designed and constructed house, which shows excellent sustainability and energy-saving performance.

This book is about solders and their composition and focuses on material characterizations and the methods used to make alloys and determine their structures, physical properties and applications. Physical properties and the factors that control them and theoretical verification are the main contents of this book. Corrosion of solders is included in the coverage of the properties related to solder composition and mechanical properties.

Globally, manufacturing facilities have taken a new turn with a mix of advanced robotics to fully unify production systems. Today's era of manufacturing has embraced smart manufacturing techniques by delving into intelligent manufacturing system of advances in robotics, controllers, sensors, and machine learning giving room for every aspect of the plant to be constantly accessible, monitored, controlled, redesigned, and adapted for required adjustments. Skill development within the manufacturing sector presents the advantage of high-quality products and can as well address long-term employment concerns through job creation. The development of skills for sustainable manufacturing is crucial to ensuring an efficient transition to a competitive economy by matching supply and demand for key skills. A number of factors ranging from green innovation, climate change, advances in technology, and global economic downturn are driving the need for a competitive and sustainable manufacturing value chain. The complexity of today's factories calls for new and existing workers to up-skill in order to influence design changes and production efficiency toward sustainable manufacturing.

This edited volume Event-Related Potentials and Evoked Potentials is a collection of reviewed and relevant research chapters, offering a comprehensive overview of recent developments in the field of medicine and health sciences. The book comprises single chapters authored by various researchers and edited by an expert active in the field of event-related potential (ERP). An event-related potential (ERP) is the measured brain response that is the direct result of a specific sensory, cognitive, or motor event. Each chapter is complete in itself but united under a common research study topic. This publication aims at providing a thorough overview of the latest research efforts by international authors in noninvasive means of evaluating brain functioning and opens new possible research paths for further novel developments.

Human life relies on two basic supplies, oxygen and food. Oxygen can be utilized directly, but food has to go through a long process of digestion to become usable nutrients. The esophagus is the beginning part of this long journey. Because of its critical location, any abnormalities in this part of the body can be devastating and life-threatening and difficult to treat. This book covers many aspects of esophageal disorders, from congenital diseases to cancer. It includes 11 chapters written by highly experienced scholars from all over the world. It is our intention to provide readers an update in esophageal study and to raise the awareness how important this organ to our entire body system.

Resonance is a common phenomenon, which is observed both in nature and in numerous devices and structures. It occurs in literally all types of vibrations. To mention just a few examples, acoustic, mechanical, or electromagnetic resonance can be distinguished. In the present book, 12 chapters dealing with different aspects of resonance phenomena have been presented.

The book presents developments and applications of these methods, such as NMR, mass, and others, including their applications in pharmaceutical and biomedical analyses. The book is divided into two sections. The first section covers spectroscopic methods, their applications, and their significance as characterization tools; the second section is dedicated to the applications of spectrophotometric methods in pharmaceutical and biomedical analyses. This book would be useful for students, scholars, and scientists engaged in synthesis, analyses, and applications of materials/polymers.

Knowledge management (KM) has become an important business strategy in an era of accelerated globalization, digitalization, and servitization of products and services. Maximizing the use of organizational resources becomes fundamental for continuous growth and prosperity. Organizations of various kinds such as resource-based organizations, product-based organizations, as well as knowledge-intensive service-oriented organizations require specific policies and support services to improve the knowledge management in their respective organizations. Knowledge Management Strategies and Applications focuses on the way organizations can create knowledge, share existing or new knowledge, and disseminate them among the stakeholders, most importantly among the employees, managers, customers, and suppliers. The selected topics are drawn from several fields of studies and give a multidisciplinary outlook. The book will be interesting not only for the researchers and students but also for the managers who want to improve knowledge sharing and innovation capabilities in their organizations.

Protein phosphorylation reactions are carried out in a cell by protein kinases, which predominantly use ATP as a phosphate donor that is transferred and covalently bound to an amino acid on a substrate protein. Protein phosphorylation was discovered in 1954 by Edmond Fischer who shared the Nobel Prize in Medicine or Physiology in 1992 with Edwin Krebs. There are so many kinases that one was called "Just Another Kinase" for JAK kinase. Their counterpart is protein phosphatases that remove phosphates from phosphorylated proteins. Kinases and phosphatases act as switches in the cell that activates or inactivates protein functions. These reactions are reversible; the cell can quickly react to a situation but can then go back to its initial state.

The progress in modern tiny multifunctional wireless devices has dramatically increased the demand for microstrip antennas in recent years. Furthermore, in the last few years, such microstrip antennas found numerous applications in both the military and the commercial sectors. Therefore, microstrip patch antenna has become a major focus to the researchers in the field of antenna engineering. In this book, some recent advances in microstrip antennas are presented. This book contains mainly three sections. In the first section, some new approaches to modern analytical techniques rather than the conventional cavity model, transmission line model, or spectral domain analysis have been discussed. In the second section of the book, a light has been showered on some new techniques for bandwidth enhancement of microstrip radiators. In the last section of the book, the recent trends in microstrip antenna research have been showcased. Some newfangled application-oriented approach to this field is vividly discussed. The books main objective is to facilitate the microstrip antenna researchers for exploring the subject in more vibrant manner and also to revolutionize wireless communications. A suf¿cient number of topics have been covered, some for the ¿rst time in a research handbook. I hope that the book will surely be beneficial for scientists, practicing engineers, and researchers working in the field of microstrip antennas.