Biomedical signal processing is a rapidly expanding field with a wide range of applications, from the construction of artificial limbs and aids for disabilities to the development of sophisticated medical imaging systems. Acquisition and processing of biomedical signals has become more important to the physician. The main reasons for this development are the growing complexity of the biomedical examinations, the increasing necessity of comprehensive documentation and the need for automation in order to reduce costs. Analysis of signals accomplished by humans has many limitations, therefore, computer analysis of these signals could provide objective strength to diagnoses; however, the development of an algorithm for biomedical signal analysis is a significant challenge. This ebook will cover biomedical signal processing as used in both therapeutic and diagnostic instrumentation. A number of current research projects are also outlined with emphasis on intelligent medical image diagnosis. This book should be a valuable reference for researchers, professionals and technical experts working in the fields of Biomedical Signal processing (BSP) including applications, filtering and registration techniques, reconstruction and normalization algorithms, technical experts requiring an understanding of processing and analyzing biomedical signals, as well as postgraduate students working on image processing and novel signal processing paradigms applied to BSP.

This book is an updated reference of research activities that bring together various theories, methods, and technologies of robotic systems and automation for manufacturing and related fields. The book includes articles on state-of-the-art robotic systems and automation for diverse avenues in automation such as advanced manufacturing, developments in design methodology, kinematics and dynamics analysis, performance analysis and evaluation, intelligent manufacturing, assembly, sensors, control theory and practice, human-machine interface, and so on. This book is an excellent research reference for engineers, researchers, and students that range from senior undergraduates to advanced doctoral students and professionals who are interested in robotics and automation.

Silicon Based Thin Film Solar Cells explains concepts related to technologies for silicon (Si) based photovoltaic applications. Topics in this book focus on ‘new concept’ solar cells. These kinds of cells can make photovoltaic power production an economically viable option in comparison to the bulk crystalline semiconductor technology industry. A transition from bulk crystalline Si solar cells toward thin-film technologies reduces usage of active material and introduces new concepts based on nanotechnologies. Despite its importance, the scientific development and understanding of new solar cells is not very advanced, and educational resources for specialized engineers and scientists are required. This textbook presents the fundamental scientific aspects of Si thin films growth technology, together with a clear understanding of the properties of the material and how this is employed in new generation photovoltaic solar cells. The textbook is a valuable resource for graduate students working on their theses, young researchers and all people approaching problems and fundamental aspects of advanced photovoltaic conversion.

This book deals with structural failure (induced by mechanical, aerodynamic, acoustic and aero-thermal, loads, etc.) of modern aerospace vehicles, in particular high-speed aircraft, solid propellant rocket systems and hypersonic flight vehicles, where structural integrity, failure prediction and service life assessment are particularly challenging, due to the increasingly more demanding mission requirements and the use of non-traditional materials, such as non-metallic composites, in their construction. Prediction of the complex loading environment seen in high-speed operation and constitutive / fracture models which can adequately describe the non-linear behaviour exhibited by advanced alloys and composite materials are critical in analyzing the non-linear structural response of modern aerospace vehicles and structures. The state-of-the-art of the different structural integrity assessment and prediction methodologies (including non-destructive structural health monitoring techniques) used for the structural design, service life assessment and failure analysis of the different types of aerospace vehicles are presented. The chapters are written by experts from aerospace / defence research organizations and academia in the fields of solid mechanics, and structural mechanics and dynamics of aircraft, rocket and hypersonic systems. The book will serve as a useful reference document containing specialist knowledge on appropriate prediction methodologies for a given circumstance and experimental data acquired from multi-national collaborative programs.

Frontiers in Biomaterials: The Design, Synthetic Strategies and Biocompatibility of Polymer Scaffolds for Biomedical Application, Volume 1 highlights the importance of biomaterials and their interaction with biological system. The need for the development of biomaterials as scaffold for tissue regeneration is driven by the increasing demands for materials that mimic functions of extracellular matrices of body tissues. This eBook covers the latest challenges on the biocompatibility of scaffold overtime after implantation and discusses the requirement of innovative technologies and strategies for the development of materials with long-lasting scaffold and biocompatibility functions. The contents of this eBook include chapters on cell-scaffold interactions in three dimensions, nanocrystalline diamond films for biomedical applications, bioceramics-design, synthesis and biological applications, polyester biomaterials for regenerative medicine, nanomaterials for skin regeneration and many more. This book is a valuable resource for MSc and PhD students , academic personnel and researchers seeking updated and critically important information on biomaterials and biomedical applications.

The need for the development of biomaterials as scaffold for tissue regeneration is driven by the increasing demands for materials that mimic functions of extracellular matrices of body tissues. Unfolding the Biopolymer Landscape provides a unique account of “biopolymeric interventions” inherent to biotechnological applications, soft tissue engineering, ophthalmic drug delivery, biotextiles, environmentally responsive systems, neurotherapeutics, and emulsions-based formulations for food and pharmaceutical applications. Chapters in this volume also cover biomedical applications and implications of cationic polymers, collagen-based substrates, multifunctional polymers, shape memory biopolymers, hybrid semisynthetic biomaterials, microbial exopolysaccharides, biomaterials mimicking the extracellular microenvironment, derivatized polysaccharides, and metallic biomaterials. Each chapter is distinctly written by experts in the respective fields and emphasis is given on the mechanistic profile of the performance of biopolymers and biomedical applications. This book provides both basic and advanced biopolymer information for scientific experts and early career researchers in the field of drug delivery, tissue engineering, nanomedicine, food technology, peptide science, biomaterial design, and nutrition. This volume provides a unique account of “biopolymeric interventions” inherent to biotechnological applications, soft tissue engineering, ophthalmic drug delivery, biotextiles, environmentally responsive systems, neurotherapeutics, and emulsions-based formulations for food and pharmaceutical applications.

This volume presents 10 reviews contributed by eminent researchers around the world on chitosan based materials. The introductory chapters present information on general characteristics of chitosan and various types of materials which are based on it such as nanofibers, nanoparticles, nanocapsules and other chemically modified chitosans. This is followed by an explanation of chitosan characterization and extraction techniques. Concluding chapters describe the applications of chitosan products in water treatment, drug delivery, edible films and pervaporation membranes. Readers will therefore gain an understanding about chitosan and materials derived from this polymer and their practical applications. The volume serves as a simple reference for chemical engineering students and professionals interested in the basic and applied chemistry of chitosan and chitosan-derived products.

Tissue engineering is an interdisciplinary field which involves the fabrication of tissues by using a porous protein scaffold, cells and bioactive molecules. The aim of tissue engineering is to enhance medical applications and procedures. This volume introduces the reader to the basics of employing pluripotent stem cells in tissue engineering. Successive chapters present knowledge about relevant tissue engineering techniques in different medical and physiological specialties including dentistry, cardiovascular physiology, hepatology, nephrology, dermatology and orthopedics. The text offers a wealth of information that will be of use to all students, bioengineers, materials scientists, chemists, physicians and surgeons concerned with the properties, performance, and the application of tissue engineering scaffolds in clinical settings.

This volume reviews the published knowledge about bioactive composites, protein scaffolds and hydrogels. Chapters also detail the production parameters and clarify the evaluation protocol for analysis or testing and scaffolding biomaterials. The volume concludes with a summary of applications of porous scaffold in medicine. Each chapter links basic scientific and engineering concepts to practical applications for the benefit of the reader. The text offers a wealth of information that will be of use to all students, bioengineers, materials scientists, chemists, physicians and surgeons concerned with the properties, performance, and the application of tissue engineering scaffolds in clinical settings.

Nature has provided opportunities for scientists to observe patterns in biomaterials which can be imitated when designing construction materials. Materials designed with natural elements can be robust and environment friendly at the same time. Advances in our understanding of biology and materials science coupled with the extensive observation of nature have stimulated the search for better accommodation/compression of materials and the higher organization/reduction of mechanical stress in man-made structures. </p> <p> Bio-Inspired Materials is a collection of topics that explore frontiers in 3 sections of bio-inspired design: (i) bionics design, (ii) bio-inspired construction, and (iii) bio-materials. Chapters in each section address the most recent advances in our knowledge about the desired and expected relationship between humans and nature and its use in bio-inspired buildings. Readers will also be introduced to new concepts relevant to bionics, biomimicry, and biomimetics. </p> <p> Section (i) presents research concepts based on information gained from the direct observation of nature and its applications for human living. </p> <p> Section (ii) is devoted to ‘artificial construction’ of the Earth. This section addresses issues on geopolymers, materials that resemble the structure of soils and natural rocks; procedures that reduce damage caused by earthquakes in natural construction, the development of products from vegetable resins and construction principles using bamboo. </p> <p> The last section takes a look into the future towards the improvement of human living conditions. </p> <p> Bio-Inspired Materials offers readers - having a background in architecture, civil engineering and systems biology - a new perspective about sustainable building which is a key part of addressing the environmental concerns of current times. </p>