Bentham Science Publishers

The internet provides a major source of exchanging health information through online portals and new media. Internet users can access health sites and online forums to obtain health information. In turn, these information sources act as a catalyst for wellbeing and improving personal health care behaviors and routines. Competent health institutions encourage the development of these individual behaviors that enable individuals to increase health empowerment and to take responsibility for their own health needs, diagnosis and treatment.

Online Health Forums and Services: Benefits, Risks and Perspectives is an investigation of the use of online health forums and services. The author first introduces the reader to the theories that define online social behaviors in terms of health care services. The chapters following this introduction attempt to account for the variations in online health care portal use and to what extent does social networking induce variations in health behaviors grounded in theory. A summary of media used for affecting health behavior change is also provided along with a discussion of the socioeconomic attributes of the individuals most likely to be affected in terms of their health behaviors.

The book provides a comprehensive perspective that links the aspects of the micro-level use of the Internet for health purposes (accessing health related websites, participation in health forums and networking sites) to the macro level practices of telemedicine. Readers will be able to understand the social and health characteristics of the different groups of patients and estimate the extent to which individuals in need of health and medical information are taking advantage of the availability of information and communication platforms to improve their health, or if they are being left behind. This is a timely reference for healthcare professionals, researchers and consultants involved in digital health care initiatives and public health administration who are seeking information about how access to online health information can influence lifestyles in a way that impacts human behavior in a positive, meaningful way.

A Quantum system can be viewed as a larger closed system comprising of two components: an open quantum system and its surrounding environment. These two components interact with each other, and in the realm of theoretical physics, this interaction cannot be neglected. This eBook explains mathematical and statistical concepts essential for describing a realistic quantum system by presenting recent contributions in this field. The book commences by explaining of the basics of quantum mechanics, statistical physics, and physics of open quantum systems. Detailed methods of deriving theoretical equations with explicit analytical coefficients with respect to open quantum systems are also explained. The book concludes with the study of a quantum heat converter in the framework of an all-microscopic theory involving fermions, photons, and phonons.

Readers of this book will gain a better understanding on the following topics:

• Quantum mechanics including the Boson and Fermion states, Fermi-Dirac and Bose-Einstein statistics, spin-statistics relation, many-body systems of Bosons and Fermions, the Fermi-Dirac integrals of the Fermion state densities, and transport phenomena in semiconductors

• Dissipative dynamics and quantum systems such as friction, diffusion, friction-diffusion relation, mobility, occupation probability dynamics, damping, spectral width, correlation and autocorrelation, memory, stability, bifurcation, self-organization, and chaos

'Lindblad's theory of open quantum systems through the work of Alicki and Lendi

• Quantum tunneling as an interaction with a system.

• Optical bistability, including the fundamental contributions of Carmichael, McCall, and Bonifacio.

• Master equations based on the microscopic theory of Ford, Lewis, and O'Connell.

• Field propagation in a semiconductor structure

• Coherent light propagation in the framework of a microscopic model including the refractive index and the Raman frequency shift.

• Heat conversion in the framework of an all-microscopic model of open queantum systems

• Entropy dynamics in a matter field system.

This volume presents a clear understanding of the quantum mechanics of particles with reference to the current understanding of theory of relativity, gravitation, and electromagnetism, including essential phenomena as spin, the graviton spin, black holes, and the quantum particle states in the extreme conditions of a black hole formation, and of the Schwarzschild boundary. The reader is introduced to the recent theory of the quantum particle dynamics as a distribution of matter propagating with the velocity of the waves. The text describes this distribution by a Fourier space-time series expansion, which we call the wave function. The subsequent chapters delve into the mechanics of quantum particles in a gravitational field, charged particles in a gravitational field and finally, the least action and matter-field dynamics in a gravitational field. The book also explains important rules in quantum mechanics such as the mass quantization rule, Dirac's formulation of the general theory of relativity, electromagnetic field theory, quantum particle interactions and more. The volume serves as a concise introduction to the complex topic of quantum particle mechanics for scholars involved in advanced physics courses.

Brazil has emerged as a significant financial and industrial power in recent times. Brazil is poised to become a significant player in the field of biotechnology, internationally, by taking advantage of circumstances not available in other countries, particularly its native biodiversity. This will, in turn, have an effect on commercial and entrepreneurial opportunities in the region.

Topics covered in this text include adjustments that must be made in the regulatory framework to assure the success of business investment. This investment is crucial for training R&D scientists and developing new technologies. The book also covers a debate on transgenic plants which had political ramifications in the region and slowed the adoption rate of genetically modified organisms by almost a decade. The opportunities for commercialization of recombinant DNA technologies in the country are also presented.

Opportunities and Limitations For Biotechnology Innovation In Brazil presents a concise overview of the biotechnology industry in Brazil and will be of great interest to a wide range of readers including researchers, biotechnology graduates, as well as both local and international investors.

This handbook covers Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography (OCT-A) with a specific focus on choroidal and vitreoretinal disorders. It serves as an invaluable resource for teaching and aiding daily clinical decision-making in the field. Book chapters dissect the fundamentals of angiography through OCT, offering guidance on OCT-A and insights into macular perfusional findings across various vitreoretinal and choroidal pathologies. From diabetic retinopathy to autoimmune diseases and neovascularization, the book addresses prevalent vascular entities encountered in routine practice. Furthermore, it explores innovative approaches, including antivascular endothelial growth factor molecules and extended-release delivery devices, contributing significantly to the diagnostic and decision-making processes in clinical and surgical retina care. Each chapter is contributed by experts in the relevant subspecialty.

Key Features:

Practical, patient-centered guide emphasizing a clinical approach.

Demonstrative clinical cases for enhanced understanding.

Evaluation of perfusional indices using noninvasive and noncontact imaging techniques.

High histopathological correlation of structural tissue characterization with microvascular evaluation.

Exploration of new perfusion concepts and their role in disease pathogenesis.

Part 1 of the book focuses on OCT-A principles and applications in ophthalmology. It covers the basics of OCT-A, its contributions to eye disease study and treatment, and a comparative analysis with OCT for choroidal and vitreoretinal diseases. Additional information on nomenclature, normative datasets, and data analysis, presenting indices in different eye conditions is also presented. The emphasis is on macular perfusion in surgically resolved myopic foveoretinal detachment, postoperative evaluation in retinal detachment, and long-term analysis in diabetic retinopathy.

Vector optimization is continuously needed in several science fields, particularly in economy, business, engineering, physics and mathematics. The evolution of these fields depends, in part, on the improvements in vector optimization in mathematical programming. The aim of this Ebook is to present the latest developments in vector optimization. The contributions have been written by some of the most eminent researchers in this field of mathematical programming. The Ebook is considered essential for researchers and students in this field.

Optimized Healthcare: Leveraging Technology for Efficiency and Accessibility (Part 2) expands the exploration of transformative healthcare innovations by focusing on mobile health (mHealth), hospital management systems, health information exchange, robotics, telehealth, financial technologies, and workforce training. This volume emphasizes how these advancements work together to improve healthcare accessibility, streamline operations, and ensure sustainability in diverse healthcare settings.

Beginning with the rise of mobile health technologies, the book details their role in overcoming geographic barriers, empowering patients, and delivering precision-driven, personalized care. It then examines the optimization of hospital management systems through AI, IoT, cloud computing, and blockchain, highlighting tools for efficiency in patient care, supply chains, financial management, and interoperability. Additional chapters detail health information exchange (HIE) for seamless data sharing, robotics and automation in surgical and caregiving contexts, and the expanding role of telehealth in rural and underserved communities.

Key Features:

In-depth coverage of mHealth, telehealth, robotics, and financial technologies in healthcare.

Practical insights into optimizing hospital management and seamless data exchange.

Real-world case studies on technology adoption in diverse global healthcare systems.

Focuses on accessibility, patient-centered care, and financial sustainability.

Guides on workforce training for effective digital health integration.

Ordinary Differential Equations and Applications I: with Maple Examples blends the theory and practical applications of Ordinary Differential Equations (ODEs) with real-world examples, using Maple and MapleSim software. It covers fundamental ODE concepts, from first-order equations to more advanced topics like the Laplace and Mellin transforms, Fourier series, and power series solutions. The book includes detailed Maple examples demonstrating symbolic solutions, 2D and 3D plotting, and animated solution paths.

Designed for undergraduate and postgraduate students in mathematics, physics, engineering, and other fields, it is also a valuable resource for professionals. The book addresses various applications in biology, economics, chemistry, and medicine.

Key Features:

- In-depth coverage of ODEs with real-world applications.

- Maple examples for symbolic solutions, plotting, and animations.

- Exploration of Laplace, Mellin, and Fourier series methods.

Organ-specific Parasites in Cattle explores parasitic diseases affecting various organs in cattle, offering a deep dive into their diagnosis, treatment, and prevention. The book provides valuable insights into the etiology, symptoms, and pathophysiology of parasitic infections across critical organ systems, including the gastrointestinal tract, urogenital system, circulatory system, and more. With an emphasis on the latest research, it highlights advanced diagnostics, histopathological techniques, and the development of antiparasitic drugs and vaccines.

Readers will gain a thorough understanding of host-parasite interactions, resistance mechanisms, and effective control strategies, all presented with detailed explanations and visual aids. Designed to serve as a key reference, this book is essential for students, researchers, veterinary practitioners, and academicians aiming to deepen their knowledge in parasitology and animal health.

Key Features:

- Comprehensive coverage of organ-specific parasitic diseases in cattle

- Detailed focus on diagnosis, treatment, and preventive strategies

- Latest advancements in anti-parasitic drugs and vaccines

This eBook presents two case studies of two organizations operating in Lebanon. The author has examined the organizational management practices of these two companies and then proposed solutions for each identified problem. The case studies represent an electromechanical company working in the construction field and a retail company that sells different product lines. This handbook is suitable for readers who are familiar with concepts in organizational management and development. Engineers working in the construction field may also find this book helpful in improving their managerial expertise and for understanding the way different departments within a company work together.