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The Language and Iconography of Chinese Charms
by Alex Chengyu Fang François ThierryThis book offers an in-depth description and analysis of Chinese coin-like charms, which date back to the second century CE and which continued to be used until mid 20th century. This work is unique in that it provides an archaeological and analytical interpretation of the content of these metallic objects: inscriptive, pictorial or both. As the component chapters show, these coin-like objects represent a wealth of Chinese traditional folk beliefs, including but not limited to family values, social obligations and religious desires. The book presents a collection of contributed chapters, gathering a diverse range of perspectives and expertise from some of the world's leading scholars in the fields of archaeology, religious studies, art history, language and museology. The background of the cover image is a page from Guang jin shi yun fu 廣金石韻府, a rhyming dictionary first published in the ninth year of the Kangxi Reign (1652 CE). The metal charm dates back to the Song Dynasty (960-1279 CE), depicting two deities traditionally believed to possess the majic power of suppressing evil spirits. The stich-bound book in the foreground is a collection of seal impressions from the beginning of the 20th century. Its wooden press board is inscribed da ji xiang 大吉祥 by Fang Zhi-bin 方質彬 in the year of bing yin (1926 CE).
Cancer and Chronic Conditions: Addressing the Problem of Multimorbidity in Cancer Patients and Survivors
by Bogda KoczwaraThis book addresses the growing problem of multimorbidity in cancer patients and survivors with the focus on how to best integrate the effective cancer care with the care of multiple chronic conditions. As cancer is more prevalent in older individuals, many patients with cancer also suffer from other chronic conditions that impact on the uptake, tolerance and outcomes of cancer treatment and their long term mortality and morbidity. In addition, cancer and its treatment increase the risk of future chronic conditions. Readers will examine the prevalence and predictors of chronic conditions in cancer, impact of chronic conditions on screening and treatment, evidence for preventative strategies that address both cancer and chronic conditions, emerging management and care integration strategies and directions for management of multimorbidity in special cancer populations - the very young, the very old and those at the end of life. Authored by clinicians and researchers from diverse expertise including epidemiology, sociology, hematology, medical oncology, palliative care, pharmacy and representing Australia, New Zealand, US, Canada and the Netherlands, the book brings an international perspective to a problem that affects all cancer settings. The book is going to be of interest to diverse professionals interested in cancer control including epidemiologists, public health researchers, policy makers as well as clinicians dealing with cancer patients within specialist cancer and non-cancer and primary care settings.
Topics in Biomedical Gerontology
by Pramod C. Rath Ramesh Sharma S. PrasadThis book presents a collection of articles on various aspects of current research on aging. These include model systems, cellular, biochemical and molecular aspects of experimental aging research, as well as selected intervention studies on age-related diseases. Aging is a global challenge to human society. Children are always in a hurry to become adults, while adults produce offspring and add to the gene pool. However, after adulthood or the attainment of reproductive maturity, all physiological parameters of the living organism start to undergo the aging process. Old age sets in slowly but surely, and usually continues for a prolonged period. If vigor and vitality are the main advantages of adulthood, old age offers the rewards of experience and maturity. Biologists ask questions such as: Why do we age? How do we become old? Is it possible to slow down, postpone or even prevent aging? In turn, medical experts ask: What are the diseases associated with old age? Are there medicines that can help affected elderly patients? In fact both groups are asking themselves how can we add more health to old age. Healthy aging is the dream of every individual. But to achieve this, it is fundamental that we first understand the cellular, biochemical and molecular basis of the aging process in mammalian cells, tissues and intact living organisms, which can serve as experimental model systems in Biomedical Gerontology. Once the biology of aging is understood at the genetic and molecular levels, interventional approaches to aging and its associated diseases may be easier to plan and implement at the preclinical level.
Quantitative and Qualitative Factors that Leads to Slip and Fall Incidents
by Norazrin Azwani Ahmad Masine Md. Tap Ardiyansyah Syahrom Jafri Mohd RohaniThis book investigates the factors that lead to slip and fall incidents and establishes a relationship between the coefficient of friction (COF), floor slipperiness and floor roughness. It also examines human perception of slipperiness through measured coefficient of friction (COF). On the basis of questionnaire surveys among manufacturing workers, it identifies potential risk factors and assesses human perceptions of slipperiness. It also uses a tribology approach to relate the interaction between contaminants, floor and footwear materials.
Oncoplastic surgery
by Xiao Zhou Yilin Cao Wei WangThis book introduces oncoplastic surgery as an interdisciplinary branch of oncological surgery that integrates theories and technologies in oncological surgery, plastic surgery and microsurgery with characteristics of planned radical resection of tumors and one-stage repair and reconstruction of surgical defects on the basis of multidisciplinary treatment (MDT) of tumors. Consisting of 23 chapters, the book covers a range of surgical topics related to oncoplastic surgery in clinical disciplines, with a focus on oncology surgery, plastic surgery, microsurgery, vascular surgery, otolaryngology-head and neck surgery, neurosurgery, oral and maxillofacial surgery, breast surgery, urinary surgery, gynecologic oncology, bone surgery, thoracic surgery and abdominal surgery. In most of the surgical cases oncology surgery is combined with plastic surgery. The book summarizes the basic theories and clinical experiences in oncoplastic surgery, focusing on repair and aesthetic reconstruction after tumor removal, which increases patients' survival rate and significantly improves their quality of life. It is a valuable reference resource for tumor surgeons, plastic surgeons, head and neck surgeons, breast surgeons as well as surgeons in other relevant fields.
Exercise for Cardiovascular Disease Prevention and Treatment
by Junjie XiaoThe book provides an intensive overview on exercise for cardiovascular disease prevention and treatment, from basic research to clinical practice. The volume first summarizes the acute and chronic response to exercise. Second, evidence for exercise as medicine for the heart based on clinical studies and basic research is summarized. Third, molecular mechanisms mediating the beneficial effects of exercise including IGF-1-PI3K-AKT signalling, NO signalling, C/EBPB-Cited4 signalling, Non-coding RNAs, epigenetic regulators, mitochondria adaption and exosomes are presented. Finally, exercise dosing, prescription and future prospects are provided. This book will provide valuable reference for researchers in cell biology, physiology, as well as physician, physical therapist in cardiology, sport medicine, etc.
Developmental Origins of Health and Disease: From Biological Basis to Clinical Significance (Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology #1012)
by Takeo Kubota Hideoki FukuokaThis book addresses the developmental origins of health and disease (DOHaD), a new medical concept that demonstrates that various adult diseases start in the fetal period. It discusses our current understanding of the molecular mechanisms of DOHaD, including gene body epigenetics and non-coding RNA, and comprehensively examines diseases such type 2 diabetes, a well known as standard DOHaD-associated disease, as well as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, hypertension and neurodevelopmental disorders. It argues that most adult diseases start at a very early stage, such as in the fetal and neonatal periods, and that earlier prevention and intervention would result in better outcomes for adult diseases such as type 2 diabetes and cardiac disorders, which are increasing in both developed and developing countries. The book appeals to obstetricians and pediatricians, as well as physicians who treat adult patients, wanting to understand the origins of diseases.
Self, Culture and Consciousness: Interdisciplinary Convergences On Knowing And Being
by Sangeetha Menon Nithin Nagaraj V. V. BinoyThis volume brings together the primary challenges for 21st century cognitive sciences and cultural neuroscience in responding to the nature of human identity, self, and evolution of life itself. Through chapters devoted to intricate but focused models, empirical findings, theories, and experiential data, the contributors reflect upon the most exciting possibilities, and debate upon the fundamental aspects of consciousness and self in the context of cultural, philosophical, and multidisciplinary divergences and convergences. Such an understanding and the ensuing insights lie in the cusp of philosophy, neurosciences, psychiatry, and medical humanities. In this volume, the editors and contributors explore the foundations of human thinking and being and discuss both evolutionary/cultural embeddedness, and the self-orientation, of consciousness, keeping in mind questions that bring in the interdisciplinary complexity of issues such as the emergence of consciousness, relation between healing and agency, models of altered self, how cognition impacts the social self, experiential primacy as the hallmark of consciousness, and alternate epistemologies to understand these interdisciplinary puzzles.
Medicinal Plants and Fungi: Recent Advances in Research and Development
by Dinesh Chandra Agrawal Hsin-Sheng Tsay Lie-Fen Shyur Yang-Chang Wu Sheng-Yang WangThis book highlights the latest international research on different aspects of medicinal plants and fungi. Studies over the last decade have demonstrated that bioactive compounds isolated from medicinal fungi have promising antitumor, cardiovascular, immunomodulatory, anti-allergic, anti-diabetic, and hepatoprotective properties. In the light of these studies, the book includes chapters (mostly review articles) by eminent researchers from twelve countries across the globe working in different disciplines of medicinal plants and fungi. It discusses topics such as the prevention of major neurodegenerative and neurotoxic mechanisms by Centella asiatica; the medicinal properties and therapeutic applications of several mushrooms species found in different parts of the world; and fungal endophytes as a source of bioactive metabolites including anticancer and cardioprotective agents. There are also chapters on strategies for identifying bioactive secondary metabolites of fungal origin; the use of genomic information to explore the biotechnological potential of medicinal mushrooms; and solid state fermentation of agro-industrial and forestry residues for the production of medicinal mushrooms. It is a valuable resource for the researchers, professionals and students working in the area of medicinal plants and fungi.
Cell Biology of the Ovary: Stem Cells, Development, Cancer, And Clinical Aspects
by Takeshi Motohara Takashi Ohba Hidetaka KatabuchiThis unique compilation focuses on a very curious organ, the ovary. There are still many unknown facts about the origins of ovarian tissue and ovarian cancer, and each chapter describes in detail the latest insights into the ovary from basic to clinical aspects. Expert authors reveal the most recent findings on ovariogenesis and ovarian carcinogenesis by shedding light on stem cell biology for the ovarian surface epithelial cells or primordial germ cells. Readers will greatly increase their understanding of the relevance of the cells that constitute the ovary, which is of vast significance in comprehending the occurrence mechanism of ovarian tissue and ovarian cancer. In this way the book covers a wide range of fields concerned with the ovary. This work benefits not only gynecologists and obstetricians, but also basic researchers in the field of stem cell biology and all clinicians who are involved in the management of fertility preservation or ovarian cancer.
Perinatal Stem Cells: Biology, Manufacturing and Translational Medicine
by Zhong Chao Han Tsuneo A. Takahashi Zhibo Han Zongjin LiThis book provides a comprehensive introduction to various types of perinatal stem cells. Given their unique regenerative abilities, stem cells offer a promising avenue in the treatment of degenerative diseases or injury. Currently, the limitations of postnatal cell sources and expanding efficiency may limit autologous stem cell therapies. Although embryonic stem cells (ESCs) and induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) can be cultured indefinitely ex vivo, and can differentiate into three germ layers, ethical issues, the teratoma formation of ESCs and oncogenic risk of iPSCs are major obstacles to their clinical application. More recently, perinatal stem cells have been isolated from the umbilical cord, Wharton’s Jelly, placenta, amniotic membrane and amniotic fluid, which are normally discarded as medical waste. This book, after describing perinatal stem cells in detail, introduces readers to the various types of perinatal stem cells, addressing their characterization, banking, quality control and stability. Importantly, it also reviews the clinical applications of perinatal stem cells to therapy of diseases. Accordingly, it offers a valuable resource for clinicians, researchers and graduate students alike.
Mental Health and Wellbeing in the Anthropocene: A Posthuman Inquiry
by Jamie McphieThis book makes the unorthodox claim that there is no such thing as mental health. It also deglamourises nature-based psychotherapies, deconstructs therapeutic landscapes and redefines mental health and wellbeing as an ecological process distributed in the environment – rather than a psychological manifestation trapped within the mind of a human subject. Traditional and contemporary philosophies are merged with new science of the mind as each chapter progressively examples a posthuman account of mental health as physically dispersed amongst things – emoji, photos, tattoos, graffiti, cities, mountains – in this precarious time labelled the Anthropocene. Utilising experimental walks, play scripts and creative research techniques, this book disrupts traditional notions of the subjective self, resulting in an Extended Body Hypothesis – a pathway for alternative narratives of human-environment relations to flourish more ethically. This transdisciplinary inquiry will appeal to anyone interested in non-classificatory accounts of mental health, particularly concerning areas of social and environmental equity – post-nature.
Mind, Meaning and World: A Transcendental Perspective
by Ramesh Chandra PradhanThe present book intends to approach the problem of mind, meaning and consciousness from a non-naturalist or transcendental point of view. The naturalization of consciousness has reached a dead-end. There can be no proper solution to the problem of mind within the naturalist framework. This work intends to reverse this trend and bring back the long neglected transcendental theory laid down by Kant and Husserl in the West and Vedanta and Buddhism in India. The novelty of this approach lies in how we can make an autonomous space for mind and meaning without denying its connection with the world. The transcendental theory does not disown the embodied nature of consciousness, but goes beyond the body in search of higher meanings and values. The scope of this work extends from mind and consciousness to the world and brings the world into the space of mind and meaning with a hope to enchant the world. The world needs to be retrieved from the stranglehold of scientism and naturalism. This book will dispel the illusion about naturalism which has gripped the minds of our generation. The researchers interested in the philosophy of mind and consciousness can benefit from this work.
An Applied Perspective on Indian Ethics
by P. K. MohapatraThis book presents a novel interpretation of major problems of Indian ethics from an applied ethical perspective. It approaches prominent theories like Dharma, Karma and Purusarthas from a critical point of view, so as to render them logically consistent and free from some standard limitations. Ethical theories are meant to provide guidance for life, but quite often many of our celebrated theories appear to be inapplicable or difficult to apply in practical life. Indian ethical theories are of special significance to this problem because they have in them rich potentials of applicability as much as many of them typify inapplicable abstract theories of morals. The book incorporates a wealth of research on ethical theories, keeping in view the spirit of ethics and the demands of the situations; for a reasoned balance between the two is the key to applied ethics. The book argues that ethical theories are objective but defeasible in overriding circumstances where competing values deserve preference. Such justified exceptions are warranted by the very spirit of ethics, which is to promote the good life. The argument from defeasibility and justified violation in the book helps bridging the gap between ethics and its application and makes Indian theories of value appear in fresh light- workable, practically applicable and effective as incentives for morality. With uncommon virtue of contemporized presentation of Indian ethics, this book should be of interest to scholars and researchers working on Indian ethics and moral philosophy, as well as to those interested in Indian culture and value tradition.
Preterm Labor and Delivery (Comprehensive Gynecology and Obstetrics)
by Hiroshi SameshimaThis splendid volume presents numerous aspects of preterm labor and delivery, from its fundamental mechanism to clinically focused approaches. The incidence of preterm delivery is 6-7% in Japan, while globally up to 10% of pregnancies with preterm labor result in premature delivery. The rates of overall survival and intact survival of the premature infants are also excellent in Japan. Thus Japan’s approach to preterm labor and delivery has long attracted attention. In each chapter, experts describe specific issues unique to conditions in Japan, including diagnosis, tocolytic agents, definition of clinical chorioamnionitis, treatment of bacterial vaginosis, role of amniocentesis, management of preterm premature membrane rupture and also placental pathology, presenting definitive evidence of the reduced incidence of preterm delivery in Japan. This book benefits not only obstetricians, pediatricians and gynecologist, but also midwives, nurse practitioners, and medical and associated staffs in the field of obstetrics, pediatrics, as well as neonatal and perinatal medicine who are involved in delivery.
Donald Davidson on Action, Mind and Value (Logic in Asia: Studia Logica Library)
by Syraya Chin-Mu Yang Robert H. MyersThis book brings together a wide range of innovative reflections on the pivotal role that Davidson’s concept of agency plays in his later philosophy and its impact on his epistemology, his philosophy of language and mind, and his philosophy of values. The authors critically assess central elements of Davidson’s program and offer reappraisals of his seminal contributions to, and his continuing influence on, the development of contemporary philosophy. By focusing on agency, the book reveals Davidson’s views to have been more dynamic and less reductive than previously acknowledged – pointing toward important new possibilities not only in the theory of knowledge, but also in the philosophy of mind.It is a valuable resource both for experts on Davidson’s philosophy and for those interested in central topics in the theory of action, the philosophy of mind and language, epistemology, moral philosophy, and the philosophy of values. It is also of interest to researchers in adjoining disciplines, such as cognitive science, linguistics, and psychology.
Metaphysics of Consciousness: The Indian Vedantic Perspective
by Ramesh Chandra PradhanThis book explores the transition from the mind to the Supermind within the scope of an evolutionary metaphysics. The idea of Supermind has not been discussed so far in the mainstream philosophy of mind and consciousness. This book will give a new approach to the study of consciousness from the Indian vedantic perspective which has introduced the idea of Supermind, especially in the works of Sri Aurobindo. The book also undertakes a sustained critique of the contemporary theories of mind which have promoted mostly a mechanistic and naturalistic theory of mind and consciousness. The book is meant for the researchers who are engaged in the study of consciousness and for those who are interested in the philosophy of mind in general. This book will serve the purpose of the much-needed counter perspective to the contemporary theories of mind working broadly within the materialist traditions.
Representational Content and the Objects of Thought
by Nicholas RimellThis book defends a novel view of mental representation—of how, as thinkers, we represent the world as being. The book serves as a response to two problems in the philosophy of mind. One is the problem of first-personal, or egocentric, belief: how can we have truly first personal beliefs—beliefs in which we think about ourselves as ourselves—given that beliefs are supposed to be attitudes towards propositions and that propositions are supposed to have their truth values independent of a perspective? The other problem is how we can think about nonexistents (e.g., Santa Claus) given the widespread view that thought essentially involves a relation between a thinker and whatever is being thought about. The standard responses to this puzzle are either to deny that thought is essentially relational or to insist that it is possible to stand in relations to nonexistents. This book offers an error theory to the problem. The responses from this book arise from the same commitment: a commitment to treating talk of propositions—as the things towards which our beliefs are attitudes—as talk of entities that actually exist and that play a constitutive and explanatory role in the activity of thought.
Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights in India: Self-care for Universal Health Coverage (SpringerBriefs in Public Health)
by Saroj Pachauri Ash Pachauri Komal MittalThis open access book addresses self-care on sexual and reproductive health and rights and HIV prevention and treatment in the most marginalized and vulnerable communities. Case studies and personal narratives are used to share their perspectives and experiences, sources of information for self-care products, motivations for self-care, and challenges and outcomes. Self-care provides the way to reach the last mile in achieving universal health coverage and the Sustainable Development Goals. Issues related to stigma, discrimination and violence among these communities are highlighted. Changes in policies and programs to improve their sexual and reproductive health, education and employment are discussed. The last chapter in the book examines how the agenda on self-care can be advanced in the years ahead. The audience for this publication includes health professionals, researchers, those managing health institutions and service providers.
Gamete Immunology
by Hiroaki Shibahara Akiko HasegawaThis book describes the biology, diagnosis, treatment and the latest research on anti-sperm antibody (ASA) and anti-zona pellucida antibody (AZPA) produced in some infertile patients. It summarizes ASA in both men and women, and presents new research to serve as a guideline for medical treatment, which currently varies considerably. It also discusses the recently identified target antigens of these antibodies, and the latest immunocontraceptive development projects. The book features chapters on AZPA explaining the biological structure and function of the zona pellucida, and describing the abnormality and the antibody. It also provides insights into their evolution, presenting the differences in taxonomy, mammalian physiological functions and the morphologically and immunologically unique human zona pellucida. Gamete Immunology is a valuable resource for researchers, and postdocs who are curious about new research on ASA and AZPA. It offers clinicians and embryologists who are interested in gamete immunology diverse perspectives as well as the basis for new ideas to treat the antibodies and develop contraceptive vaccinogens.
Performing Against Annihilation: Identity and Consciousness in J.R.R. Tolkien, Richard Wagner and George R.R. Martin
by Lukas ScheppThis book outlines how the protagonists in The Nibelung's Ring, The Lord of the Rings, and Game of Thrones attempt to construct identities and expand their consciousness manifestations. As the characters in the three works face the ends of their respective worlds, they must find answers to their mortality, and to the threat it implies: the loss of identity and consciousness. Moreover, it details how this process is depicted performatively. In a hands-on and interdisciplinary approach, this book seeks to unveil the underlying philosophical concepts of identity and consciousness in the three works as they are represented audio-visually on stage and screen. Through the use of many practical examples, this book offers both academic scholars and any interested readers a completely new perspective on three enduringly popular and interrelated works.
Edification in the Chinese Philosophy of Confucianism (Key Concepts in Chinese Thought and Culture)
by Jinglin LiThis pivot focuses on “the concept of edification” in a bid to systematically expound its connotative structure and logical evolution. It is divided into ten chapters, embracing various issues, such as human nature as the foundation of edification, the development of edification and cultivation, the evolution of edification and the resultant life based on ritual and music, the political orientation and ultimate care of edification, and the nurturing of social edification, in an effort to offer a panoramic view of the intellectual features of Confucianism, and consequently a profound reflection on the cultural consciousness of contemporary China. The book is expected to satisfy the needs for a better understanding of edification as a Confucian concept, and the conceptual features of Chinese philosophy, or rather, Confucianism.
Cognitive Tutor: Custom-Tailored Pedagogical Approach (Advanced Technologies and Societal Change)
by Ninni Singh Vinit Kumar Gunjan Jacek M. ZuradaThis book illustrates the design, development, and evaluation of personalized intelligent tutoring systems that emulate human cognitive intelligence by incorporating artificial intelligence. Artificial intelligence is an advanced field of research. It is particularly used in the field of education to increase the effectiveness of teaching and learning techniques. With the advancement of internet technology, there is a rapid growth in web based distance learning modality. This mode of learning is better known as the e-learning system. These systems present low intelligence because they offer a pre-identified learning frame to their learners. The advantage of these systems is to offer to learn anytime and anyplace without putting emphasis on a learner's needs, competency level, and previous knowledge. Every learner has different grasping levels, previous knowledge, and preferred mode of learning, and hence, the learning process of one individual may significantly vary from other individuals. This book provides a complete reference for students, researchers, and industry practitioners interested in keeping abreast of recent advancements in this field. It encompasses cognitive intelligence and artificial intelligence which are very important for deriving a roadmap for future research on intelligent systems.
Studies in No-Self Physicalism
by Feng YeThis book demonstrates how a radical version of physicalism (‘No-Self Physicalism’) can offer an internally coherent and comprehensive philosophical worldview. It first argues that a coherent physicalist should explicitly treat a cognitive subject merely as a physical thing and should not vaguely assume an amorphous or even soul-like subject or self. This approach forces the physicalist to re-examine traditional core philosophical notions such as truth, analyticity, modality, apriority because our traditional understandings of them appear to be predicated on a cognitive subject that is not literally just a physical thing.In turn, working on the assumption that a cognitive subject is itself completely physical, namely a neural network-based robot programmed by evolution (hence the term ‘No-Self’), the book proposes physicalistic theories on conceptual representation, truth, analyticity, modality, the nature of mathematics, epistemic justification, knowledge, apriority and intuition, as well as a physicalistic ontology. These are meant to show that this No-Self Physicalism, perhaps the most minimalistic and radical version of physicalism proposed to date, can accommodate many aspects that have traditionally interested philosophers. Given its refreshingly radical approach and painstakingly developed content, the book is of interest to anyone who is seeking a coherent philosophical worldview in this age of science.
Beyond the Brain: How the Mind and the Body Shape Each Other
by Duoyi FeiDifferent from traditional research on the mind-body problem often discussed from an epistemological viewpoint, which assumes that mental processes are internal to the person, this book demonstrates the crucial role of contextual relevance in the workings of the mind and illustrates how mind emerges from the individual's interactions with her physical, social, and cultural environments. It also develops the interpersonal and social aspects of embodied mind. The body that creates meaning is not only an emotional, kinesthetic, and aesthetically experiencing body; the body that creates meaning is a social body. It suggests that mind-body relations are not only achieved through the interaction between our own mind and body, but by other minds in our intersubjective interactions. It is related to epistemology, metaphysics, ethics, value theory, action theory, and the philosophies of mind, science, logic, and technology. The readership may include graduate and undergraduate students studying philosophy, law, political science, sociology, psychology, etc., educators, researchers, scholars, and anyone who shows an interest in philosophy.