Magnetoencephalography


Book Description

Magnetoencephalography (MEG) is an invaluable functional brain imaging technique that provides direct, real-time monitoring of neuronal activity necessary for gaining insight into dynamic cortical networks. Our intentions with this book are to cover the richness and transdisciplinary nature of the MEG field, make it more accessible to newcomers and experienced researchers and to stimulate growth in the MEG area. The book presents a comprehensive overview of MEG basics and the latest developments in methodological, empirical and clinical research, directed toward master and doctoral students, as well as researchers. There are three levels of contributions: 1) tutorials on instrumentation, measurements, modeling, and experimental design; 2) topical reviews providing extensive coverage of relevant research topics; and 3) short contributions on open, challenging issues, future developments and novel applications. The topics range from neuromagnetic measurements, signal processing and source localization techniques to dynamic functional networks underlying perception and cognition in both health and disease. Topical reviews cover, among others: development on SQUID-based and novel sensors, multi-modal integration (low field MRI and MEG; EEG and fMRI), Bayesian approaches to multi-modal integration, direct neuronal imaging, novel noise reduction methods, source-space functional analysis, decoding of brain states, dynamic brain connectivity, sensory-motor integration, MEG studies on perception and cognition, thalamocortical oscillations, fetal and neonatal MEG, pediatric MEG studies, cognitive development, clinical applications of MEG in epilepsy, pre-surgical mapping, stroke, schizophrenia, stuttering, traumatic brain injury, post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, autism, aging and neurodegeneration, MEG applications in cognitive neuropharmacology and an overview of the major open-source analysis tools.




Data Analytics and Applications of the Wearable Sensors in Healthcare


Book Description

This book provides a collection of comprehensive research articles on data analytics and applications of wearable devices in healthcare. This Special Issue presents 28 research studies from 137 authors representing 37 institutions from 19 countries. To facilitate the understanding of the research articles, we have organized the book to show various aspects covered in this field, such as eHealth, technology-integrated research, prediction models, rehabilitation studies, prototype systems, community health studies, ergonomics design systems, technology acceptance model evaluation studies, telemonitoring systems, warning systems, application of sensors in sports studies, clinical systems, feasibility studies, geographical location based systems, tracking systems, observational studies, risk assessment studies, human activity recognition systems, impact measurement systems, and a systematic review. We would like to take this opportunity to invite high quality research articles for our next Special Issue entitled “Digital Health and Smart Sensors for Better Management of Cancer and Chronic Diseases” as a part of Sensors journal.




Kalman Filter


Book Description

The aim of this book is to provide an overview of recent developments in Kalman filter theory and their applications in engineering and scientific fields. The book is divided into 24 chapters and organized in five blocks corresponding to recent advances in Kalman filtering theory, applications in medical and biological sciences, tracking and positioning systems, electrical engineering and, finally, industrial processes and communication networks.




Semiconducting Silicon Nanowires for Biomedical Applications


Book Description

In its second, extensively revised second edition, Semiconducting Silicon Nanowires for Biomedical Applications reviews the fabrication, properties, and biomedical applications of this key material. The book begins by reviewing the basics of growth, characterization, biocompatibility, and surface modification of semiconducting silicon nanowires. Attention then turns to use of these structures for tissue engineering and delivery applications, followed by detection and sensing. Reflecting the evolution of this multidisciplinary subject, several new key topics are highlighted, including our understanding of the cell-nanowire interface, latest advances in associated morphologies (including silicon nanoneedles and nanotubes for therapeutic delivery), and significantly, the status of silicon nanowire commercialization in biotechnology. Semiconducting Silicon Nanowires for Biomedical Applications is a comprehensive resource for biomaterials scientists who are focused on biosensors, drug delivery, and the next generation of nano-biotech platforms that require a detailed understanding of the cell-nanowire interface, along with researchers and developers in industry and academia who are concerned with nanoscale biomaterials, in particular electronically-responsive structures. - Reviews the growth, characterization, biocompatibility, and surface modification of semiconducting silicon nanowires - Describes silicon nanowires for tissue engineering and delivery applications, including cellular binding & internalization, tissue engineering scaffolds, mediated differentiation of stem cells, and silicon nanoneedles & nanotubes for delivery of small molecule / biologic-based therapeutics - Highlights the use of silicon nanowires for detection and sensing - Presents a detailed description of our current understanding of the cell-nanowire interface - Covers the current status of commercial development of silicon nanowire-based platforms




PHealth 2012


Book Description

Microsystems, smart textiles, telemedicine, smart implants and sensor-controlled medical devices have become important enablers for monitoring and treatment in both inpatient and outpatient care. Indeed, micro and nano technologies have tremendous potential for increasing access to care whilst managing healthcare costs. They are set to be at the heart of evolutionary and revolutionary changes in healthcare, and are crucial, not only for the future of medicine, but also for the improvement of healthcare and welfare processes today and tomorrow. This book presents the proceedings of the 2012 pHealth conference, held in Porto, Portugal, in June 2012. The pHealth conference has emerged as the leading international meeting on wearable micro and nano technologies for personalized medicine, attracting scientists from various disciplines, clinicians, as well as policy makers from the healthcare industry, hospital administration and allied professionals. The book includes keynotes, invited speeches and selected submitted contributions.The areas covered include: the pHealth approach, new approaches to diagnosis and therapy, monitoring special diseases, system architecture, design and implementation, wearable sensor systems, smartphone applications and ambient assisted living. Over the years, pHealth has given visibility to the tremendous potential of micro and nano technologies, not only for the future of medicine, but also for the improvement of healthcare processes today. This book will be of interest to all those involved with the provision of health and welfare services, and also to companies engaged in the development of micro and nano technologies.




Looking Into the Earth


Book Description

Looking Into the Earth comprehensively describes the principles and applications of both 'global' and 'exploration' geophysics. Mathematical and physical principles are introduced at an elementary level, and then developed as necessary. Student questions and exercises are included at the end of each chapter. The book is aimed primarily at introductory and intermediate university (and college) students taking courses in geology, earth science, environmental science, and engineering. It will also form an excellent introductory textbook in geophysics departments, and will help practising geologists, archaeologists and engineers understand geophysical principles.




Wearable Robots


Book Description

A wearable robot is a mechatronic system that is designed around the shape and function of the human body, with segments and joints corresponding to those of the person it is externally coupled with. Teleoperation and power amplification were the first applications, but after recent technological advances the range of application fields has widened. Increasing recognition from the scientific community means that this technology is now employed in telemanipulation, man-amplification, neuromotor control research and rehabilitation, and to assist with impaired human motor control. Logical in structure and original in its global orientation, this volume gives a full overview of wearable robotics, providing the reader with a complete understanding of the key applications and technologies suitable for its development. The main topics are demonstrated through two detailed case studies; one on a lower limb active orthosis for a human leg, and one on a wearable robot that suppresses upper limb tremor. These examples highlight the difficulties and potentialities in this area of technology, illustrating how design decisions should be made based on these. As well as discussing the cognitive interaction between human and robot, this comprehensive text also covers: the mechanics of the wearable robot and it’s biomechanical interaction with the user, including state-of-the-art technologies that enable sensory and motor interaction between human (biological) and wearable artificial (mechatronic) systems; the basis for bioinspiration and biomimetism, general rules for the development of biologically-inspired designs, and how these could serve recursively as biological models to explain biological systems; the study on the development of networks for wearable robotics. Wearable Robotics: Biomechatronic Exoskeletons will appeal to lecturers, senior undergraduate students, postgraduates and other researchers of medical, electrical and bio engineering who are interested in the area of assistive robotics. Active system developers in this sector of the engineering industry will also find it an informative and welcome resource.




Body Sensor Networks


Book Description

The last decade has witnessed a rapid surge of interest in new sensing and monitoring devices for wellbeing and healthcare. One key development in this area is wireless, wearable and implantable in vivo monitoring and intervention. A myriad of platforms are now available from both academic institutions and commercial organisations. They permit the management of patients with both acute and chronic symptoms, including diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, treatment of epilepsy and other debilitating neurological disorders. Despite extensive developments in sensing technologies, there are significant research issues related to system integration, sensor miniaturisation, low-power sensor interface, wireless telemetry and signal processing. In the 2nd edition of this popular and authoritative reference on Body Sensor Networks (BSN), major topics related to the latest technological developments and potential clinical applications are discussed, with contents covering. Biosensor Design, Interfacing and Nanotechnology Wireless Communication and Network Topologies Communication Protocols and Standards Energy Harvesting and Power Delivery Ultra-low Power Bio-inspired Processing Multi-sensor Fusion and Context Aware Sensing Autonomic Sensing Wearable, Ingestible Sensor Integration and Exemplar Applications System Integration and Wireless Sensor Microsystems The book also provides a comprehensive review of the current wireless sensor development platforms and a step-by-step guide to developing your own BSN applications through the use of the BSN development kit.




Indoor Positioning Technologies


Book Description

In the age of automation the ability to navigate persons and devices in indoor environments has become increasingly important for a rising number of applications. However, we are still far away from achieving cheap provision of global indoor positioning with an accuracy of 1 meter or better. With the emergence of global satellite positioning systems, the performance of outdoor positioning has become excellent, but many mass market applications require seamless positioning capabilities in all environments. Therefore indoor positioning has become a focus of research and development during the past decade. This book categorizes all sighted indoor positioning approaches into 13 distinct technologies and describes the measuring principles of each. Individual approaches are characterized and key performance parameters are quantified.




Indoor Wayfinding and Navigation


Book Description

Due to the widespread use of navigation systems for wayfinding and navigation in the outdoors, researchers have devoted their efforts in recent years to designing navigation systems that can be used indoors. This book is a comprehensive guide to designing and building indoor wayfinding and navigation systems. It covers all types of feasible sensors (for example, Wi-Fi, A-GPS), discussing the level of accuracy, the types of map data needed, the data sources, and the techniques for providing routes and directions within structures.