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Ontologies for Agents : Theory and Experiences
On the other hand, ontologies have established themselves as a powerful tool to enable kno- edge sharing, and a growing number of applications have bene?ted from the use of ontologies as a means to achieve semantic interoperability among heterogeneous, distributed systems. In principle ontologies and agents are a match made in heaven, that has failed to happen. What makes a simple piece of software an agent is its ability to communicate in a ”social” environment, to make autonomous decisions, and to be proactive on behalf of its user. Communication ultimately depends on und- standing the goals, preferences, and constraints posed by the user. Autonomy is theabilitytoperformataskwithlittleornouserintervention,whileproactiveness involves acting autonomously with no need for user prompting. Communication, but also autonomy and proactiveness, depend on knowledge. The ability to c- municate depends on understanding the syntax (terms and structure) and the semantics of a language. Ontologies provide the terms used to describe a domain and the semantics associated with them. In addition, ontologies are often comp- mented by some logical rules that constrain the meaning assigned to the terms. These constraints are represented by inference rules that can be used by agents to perform the reasoning on which autonomy and proactiveness are based.
Nutrition and Health in Developing Countries
Nutrition and Health in Developing Countries, Second Edition was written with the underlying conviction that global health and nutrition problems can only be solved through a firm understanding of the different levels of causality and the interactions between the various determinants. This volume provides policy makers, nutritionists, students, scientists, and professionals with the most recent and up-to-date knowledge regarding major health and nutritional problems in developing countries.
Nutrition and dietary interventions in cancer
Presents the most up-to-date information on the effects of nutrition and food on cancer prevention and management. The book will provide clinicians and other healthcare practitioners with an educational source on how to educate cancer patients and their families on nutrition and dietary during cancer treatment. Recent nutritional epidemiology studies have occasionally produced controversial or unexpected results and highlight the need for additional research on diet and cancer risk. Chapters within the book focus among others on the role of natural antioxidants in cancer, the importance of micronutrients in cancer prevention and nutritional genomics and their role in cancer prevention.
Nutraceuticals and obesity strategies for weight management
his comprehensive volume explores the role that nutraceuticals can play in addressing obesity, shedding light on their potential as tools to promote sustainable weight management strategies as well as addressing associated health risks. Delving into the intricate interplay between nutrition, health, and obesity, the book provides a compelling account that illustrates how nutraceutical interventions can be incorporated into holistic obesity management strategies. It begins with an account of the mechanisms by which nutraceuticals function before featuring chapters on their efficacy and safety, how they can be integrated with other therapeutic interventions, and how they can be tailored for individuals with comorbidities. Offering a global perspective on the issue, there is also coverage of the various regulatory contexts in which nutraceuticals are sold and used.
Noncommunicable diseases
Focuses on cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer and chronic respiratory disease and their five shared main risk factors (tobacco use, harmful use of alcohol, unhealthy diet, physical inactivity and air pollution) as defined by the United Nations, this book provides a synopsis of one of the world’s biggest challenges of the 21st century. NCDs prematurely claim the lives of millions of people across the world every year, with untold suffering to hundreds of millions more, trapping many people in poverty and curtailing economic growth and sustainable development. While resources between and within countries largely differ, the key principles of surveillance, prevention and management apply to all countries, as does the need to focus resources on the most cost-effective and affordable interventions and the need for strong political will, sufficient resources, and sustained and broad partnerships. This compendium consists of 59 short and accessible chapters in six sections: (i) describing and measuring the burden and impact of NCDs / (ii) the burden, epidemiology and priority interventions for individual NCDs / (iii) social determinants and risk factors for NCDs and priority interventions / (iv) global policy / (v) cross-cutting issues / and (vi) stakeholder action.
Neurodevelopmental Disorders
The book comprises a number of topics related to psychosocial and motor development and is exemplary with regard to its comprehensiveness, as reviews of the topics presented are generally not available in a single publication. It starts with a timely and critical discussion of the genetics of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder by Dr. Buitelaar in which prospects and challenges of this approach are outlined. The next chapter by Drs. Nicolson and Fawcett deals with dyslexia and its relationship to cerebellar function providing a framework that can explain motor, speed, and phonological deficits in a unified approach. Diagnostic and treatment aspects of speech development disorders are the focus of Dr. Zorowka’s contribution in which, among other issues, the necessity of mul- professional cooperation is stressed. Dr. Sigmundsson then focuses on disorders of motor development. 6-10 % of children have motor competence well below the norm, which often persist.
Neuroacanthocytosis Syndromes II
Awareness of neuroacanthocytosis disorders has increased significantly in recent years. There have been a number of important developments in the field since the publication of the first volume, Neuroacanthocytosis Syndromes. This book contains the latest research in this area. Recent advances have identified the range of mutations in the causative genes, shedding light on potential phenotypegenotype correlations. Studies of the proteins affected in these disorders have resulted in increased understanding of their functions and distribution. In vitro studies have identified potential protein interactions, which have important implications for pathophysiology. Work on erythrocyte membranes suggests mechanisms for the generation of acanthocytes. Animal models are being generated which will greatly facilitate understanding the role of gene mutations in humans, and provide the foundation for possible therapeutic interventions. In addition, advances in other neurodegenerative disorders, such as Huntington’s and Parkinson’s diseases, have implications for neuroacanthocytosis.
Musculoskeletal Diseases : Diagnostic Imaging and Interventional Techniques
Written by internationally renowned experts, this volume is a collection of chapters dealing with imaging diagnosis and interventional therapies in musculoskeletal diseases. The different topics are disease-oriented and encompass all the relevant imaging modalities including X-ray technology, nuclear medicine, ultrasound and magnetic resonance, as well as image-guided interventional techniques. This book represents a condensed version of twenty topics relevant in musculoskeletal disease, and is aimed both at residents in radiology and at experienced radiologists wishing to be updated on the current state-of-the art.
Multidetector-Row Computed Tomography : Scanning and Contrast Protocols
Multidetector-row computed tomography (MDCT) has advanced the approach to diagnostic assessment of many pathologies and now plays an integral role in imaging of both abdominal and cardiovascular diseases. The possibility to acquire diagnostic images with shorter scan duration, longer scan ranges, and/or thinner sections, MDCT has facilitated the opening of new horizons, such as interventional MDCT and functional imaging in stroke and oncology. In addition, advanced postprocessing techniques now permit high quality volumetric imaging in combination with maximum intensity projections, volume rendering, curved planar reformations and multiplanar reconstructions. This volume gathers contributions by internationally renowned specialists in the field who, through presenting their clinical experience, provide a thorough overview not only of MDCT and its practical applications, but also of workflow management in everyday clinical practice. Focussing on scanning and contrast protocols, the current advantages and disadvantages of non-enhanced vs. enhanced MDCT are discussed, along with insights into likely future developments. The volume represents an up-to-date source of technical and practically-oriented clinical information which should prove of great benefit to all who wish to improve or consolidate their knowledge and expertise in MDCT.
Molecular autoimmunity
The autoimmune disease paroxysmal cold hemoglobinuria, a rare hemolytic disorder. After a century of research, the list of autoimmune diseases has become impressive. With a prevalence of approximately 5% of the world-wide population, these chronic, debilitating conditions affect almost every major organ of the body and, for reasons that remain unclear, are much more prevalent in woman than in men. Despite our rapidly expanding knowledge of the cellular and molecular pathways that govern a normal immune response, deciphering the precise etiology of autoimmune diseases remains an important challenge. Over the last few years, our understanding of the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases has improved rapidly, leading to the emergence of elegant immunointervention strategies. Molecular Autoimmunity illustrates how cutting-edge research is continuing to advance our understanding of autoimmune disease mechanisms and identifies novel therapeutic targets that provide a hope for effective future treatments. This volume contains a selected number of exciting advances in unraveling autoimmune reactions, and the resulting new armory of experimental immunotherapies that may lead to new ways of controlling autoimmune reactions.
Mobile Professional Voluntarism and International Development : Killing Me Softly?
This book explores the impact that professional volunteers have on the low resource countries they choose to spend time in. Whilst individual volunteering may be of immediate benefit to individual patients, this intervention may have detrimental effects on local health systems; distorting labour markets, accentuating dependencies and creating opportunities for corruption. Improved volunteer deployment may avoid these risks and present opportunities for sustainable systems change. The empirical research presented in this book stems from a specific volunteering intervention funded by the Tropical Health Education Trust and focused on improving maternal and newborn health in Uganda.
Mnemonic Solidarity : Global Interventions
This book provides a concise introduction to a critical development in memory studies. A global memory formation has emerged since the 1990s, in which memories of traumatic histories in different parts of the world, often articulated in the terms established by Holocaust memory, have become entangled, reconciled, contested, conflicted and negotiated across borders
Mitochondria : The Dynamic Organelle
This volume discusses the death pathways that are initiated by the mitochondria. Novel therapeutic interventions are proposed which interfere with the death cascades, thereby rescuing the cell from mitochondria-linked apoptosis and necrotic oncosis.
Misinterpretations about Covid-19 vaccines
Immunization has become a vital part of public health and disease prevention, yet remain Vaccination is the most effective medical intervention ever a controversial topic. introduced, it has eliminated a large part of the infectious diseases that once killed millions of people. Recently, a number of effective vaccines have been manufactured and proved to be effective against the virus, but a rising incidents was observed of refusing people to take COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2) vaccine because of the wrong myths they hear about the vaccine or its existing and non-existing side effects. The purpose of this research is to clarify information and remove vagueness about the vaccines and definitively convert fake concepts into facts by answering questions in a scientific method.
Mild Stress and Healthy Aging : Applying hormesis in aging research and interventions
Stress is a double edged sword. Whereas chronic stress has well known harmful effects, recent research shows that intermittent exposure of cells and organisms to mild stress can improve various biological parameters, including severe stress tolerance, health span and longevity. Mild stress-induced hormesis is potentially a powerful tool in gerontological research and interventions. This book brings together some of the world leaders in this area of research who present a critical analysis of the ongoing research with respect to the effects and mechanisms of action of various types of mild stress, such as irradiation, heat, physical exercise, hypergravity, pro-oxidants and nutritional components, on a variety of biological systems ranging from fruitflies to human cells and bodies. Their separate chapters and a final collective chapter open up a whole new world of possibilities for future research in aging, successful aging, and health span extension.
Migration and Social Protection in Europe and Beyond ; Vol.3 : A Focus on Non-EU Sending States
This third and last volume in the series takes the perspective of non-EU countries on immigrant social protection. By focusing on 12 of the largest sending countries to the EU, the book tackles the issue of the multiple areas of sending state intervention towards migrant populations.
Microcirculation in Cardiovascular Diseases
This book offers an extensive review of the most recent data on the pathophysiological role of structural and functional alterations in the microcirculation, particularly focusing on hypertension and diabetes. It covers several relevant and innovative aspects, including the possible mechanisms involved in the development of microvascular remodeling and rarefaction, the technical approaches available for the detection of microvascular alterations, including non-invasive evaluations, the prognostic role of changes in small resistance artery structure, the possibility of preventing or regressing such alterations with appropriate treatment, and the potential clinical advantages of such intervention.
Microalgae Building Enclosures : Design and Engineering Principles
Aims to provide design, engineering, and biotechnical guidelines for microalgae building enclosures that need to be considered for symbiotic relations among the built environment, humans, and ecosystems. Introduces the theoretical background of microalgae as a bioremediator and future energy system and their potential roles toward sustainable and healthy built environments. Part II exemplifies interventions and multiple benefits of microalgae systems in product, architecture, urban, and infrastructure applications across the globe including Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe, South America, and North America. Part III explains the design and engineering criteria, biotechnical design requirements, and various performance metrics for microalgae architecture. Finally, Part IV investigates potential building applications in low-rise buildings, high-rise buildings, and energy-efficient retrofitting. The book also includes international case studies of microalgae building systems within various building types and climates.
mHealth Innovation in Asia : Grassroots Challenges and Practical Interventions
Offers a detailed account of a range of mHealth initiatives across South, Southeast and East Asia. It provides readers with deep insights into the challenges such initiatives face on the ground, and a view of the diverse cultural contexts shaping strategies for overcoming these challenges. The book brings together various discussions on the broader mHealth literature, and demonstrates how a research focus on diverse Asian contexts influences the success and/or failure of current mHealth initiatives. It also highlights the important roles social scientists can play in advancing theoretical approaches, as well as planning, implementing and evaluating mHealth initiatives. The book is a valuable resource for project planners, policy developers in NGOs and government institutions, as well as academics, researchers and students in the fields of public health, communications and development studies.
Metalearning : Applications to Automated Machine Learning and Data Mining
This book as one of the fastest-growing areas of research in machine learning, metalearning studies principled methods to obtain efficient models and solutions by adapting machine learning and data mining processes. This adaptation usually exploits information from past experience on other tasks and the adaptive processes can involve machine learning approaches. As a related area to metalearning and a hot topic currently, automated machine learning (AutoML) is concerned with automating the machine learning processes. Metalearning and AutoML can help AI learn to control the application of different learning methods and acquire new solutions faster without unnecessary interventions from the user.
