After the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks and subsequent anthrax mailings, the U.S. government prioritized a biosurveillance strategy aimed at detecting, monitoring, and characterizing national security health threats in human and animal populations, food, water, agriculture, and the environment. However, gaps and challenges in biosurveillance efforts and integration of biosurveillance activities remain. September 8-9, 2011, the IOM held a workshop to explore the information-sharing and collaboration processes needed for the nation's integrated biosurveillance strategy.
In India, like the other countries of the world, air-borne and space-borne remote sensing techniques is being used in the research, planning and development. This book deals with the basic principles of remote sensing such as definition and types of remote sensing, electromagnetic radiation and its interaction with matter, types of sensors and platforms, data products and visual and digital analysis and interpretation techniques. The applications of remote sensing in the appraisal and management of natural resources, temporal change detection in various terrain features and environmental problems.
The SBIR program allocates 2.5 percent of 11 federal agencies' extramural R&D budgets to fund R&D projects by small businesses, providing approximately $2 billion annually in competitive awards. At the request of Congress the National Academies conducted a comprehensive study of how the SBIR program has stimulated technological innovation and used small businesses to meet federal research and development needs. Drawing substantially on new data collection, this book examines the SBIR program at the National Institutes of Health and makes recommendations for improvements. Separate reports will assess the SBIR program at DOD, NSF, DOE, and NASA, respectively, along with a comprehensive report on the entire program.
The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (herein known as the Affordable Care Act [ACA]) was signed into law on March 23, 2010. Several provisions of the law went into effect in 2010 (including requirements to cover children up to age 26 and to prohibit insurance companies from denying coverage based on preexisting conditions for children). Other provisions will go into effect during 2014, including the requirement for all individuals to purchase health insurance. In 2014, insurance purchasers will be allowed, but not obliged, to buy their coverage through newly established health insurance exchanges (HIEs)-marketplaces designed to make it easier for customers to comparison shop among plans and for low and moderate income individuals to obtain public subsidies to purchase private health insurance. The exchanges will offer a choice of private health plans, and all plans must include a standard core set of covered benefits, called essential health benefits (EHBs). The Department of Health and Human Services requested that the Institute of Medicine (IOM) recommend criteria and methods for determining and updating the EHBs. In response, the IOM convened two workshops in 2011 where experts from federal and state government, as well as employers, insurers, providers, consumers, and health care researchers were asked to identify current methods for determining medical necessity, and share decision-making approaches to determining which benefits would be covered and other benefit design practices. Essential Health Benefits summarizes the presentations in this workshop. The committee's recommendations will be released in a subsequent report.
In 1992 the National Research Council issued DNA Technology in Forensic Science, a book that documented the state of the art in this emerging field. Recently, this volume was brought to worldwide attention in the murder trial of celebrity O. J. Simpson. The Evaluation of Forensic DNA Evidence reports on developments in population genetics and statistics since the original volume was published. The committee comments on statements in the original book that proved controversial or that have been misapplied in the courts. This volume offers recommendations for handling DNA samples, performing calculations, and other aspects of using DNA as a forensic tool--modifying some recommendations presented in the 1992 volume. The update addresses two major areas: Determination of DNA profiles. The committee considers how laboratory errors (particularly false matches) can arise, how errors might be reduced, and how to take into account the fact that the error rate can never be reduced to zero. Interpretation of a finding that the DNA profile of a suspect or victim matches the evidence DNA. The committee addresses controversies in population genetics, exploring the problems that arise from the mixture of groups and subgroups in the American population and how this substructure can be accounted for in calculating frequencies. This volume examines statistical issues in interpreting frequencies as probabilities, including adjustments when a suspect is found through a database search. The committee includes a detailed discussion of what its recommendations would mean in the courtroom, with numerous case citations. By resolving several remaining issues in the evaluation of this increasingly important area of forensic evidence, this technical update will be important to forensic scientists and population geneticists--and helpful to attorneys, judges, and others who need to understand DNA and the law. Anyone working in laboratories and in the courts or anyone studying this issue should own this book.
Nanostructured materials with tailored properties are regarded as a fundamental element in the development of future science and technology. Research is still ongoing into the nanosized construction elements required to create functional solids. The recently developed technique, nanocasting, has great advantage over others in terms of the synthesis of special nanostructured materials by the careful choice of suitable elements and nanoengineering steps. This new book summarizes the recent developments in nanocasting, including the principles of nanocasting, syntheses of novel nanostructured materials, characterization methods, detailed synthetic recipes and further possible development in this area. The book focuses on the synthesis of porous solids from the viewpoint of methodology and introduces the science of nanocasting from fundamental principles to their use in synthesis of various materials. It starts by outlining the principles of nanocasting, requirements to the templates and precursors and the tools needed to probe matter at the nanoscale level. It describes how to synthesize nano structured porous solids with defined characteristics and finally discusses the functionalization and application of porous solids. Special attention is given to new developments in this field and future perspectives. A useful appendix covering the detailed synthetic recipes of various templates including porous silica, porous carbon and colloidal spheres is included which will be invaluable to researchers wanting to follow and reproduce nanocast materials. Topics covered in the book include: * inorganic chemistry * organic chemistry * solution chemistry * sol-gel and interface science * acid-base equilibria * electrochemistry * biochemistry * confined synthesis The book gives readers not only an overview of nanocasting technology, but also sufficient information and knowledge for those wanting to prepare various nanostructured materials without needing to search the available literature.
Space support in databases poses new challenges in every part of a database management system & the capability of spatial support in the physical layer is considered very important. This has led to the design of spatial access methods to enable the effective & efficient management of spatial objects. R-trees have a simplicity of structure & together with their resemblance to the B-tree, allow developers to incorporate them easily into existing database management systems for the support of spatial query processing. This book provides an extensive survey of the R-tree evolution, studying the applicability of the structure & its variations to efficient query processing, accurate proposed cost models, & implementation issues like concurrency control and parallelism. Written for database researchers, designers & programmers as well as graduate students, this comprehensive monograph will be a welcome addition to the field.
In 13th Century Damascus, the renowned Hadith Scholar, juristic expert, academic luminary and pious ascetic, Imam Muhyi ad-Din Abu Zakariyya Yahya ibn Sharaf an-Nawawi set himself the task of compiling a short collection of rigorously authenticated Hadith, which will comprise for its reader a way to the hereafter. The resulting Riyad as-Salihin is a collection of almost two thousand Hadiths on numerous subjects, selected from the Sahih collections and other canonical books of the Sunnah. This blessed book, containing the treasures of the noble Sunnah and Prophetic guidance, was greeted with immediate scholarly approval and has established its worth in terms of the far-reaching and long-term influence it has had on Muslim character, conduct, education and reform throughout the Ummah and across the centuries.
Advances in Ophthalmology and Optometry reviews the most current practices in both ophthalmology and optometry. A distinguished editorial board, headed by Dr. Myron Yanoff, identifies key areas of major progress and controversy and invites expert ophthalmologists and optometrists to contribute original articles devoted to these topics. Topics covered this volume include, but are not limited to, technology in the evolution of eye care, myopia, anti-VEGF medications in retinopathy of prematurity, current management of retinoblastoma, secondary angle-closure glaucoma, management of conjunctival bleb leaks, newer therapies for giant cell arteritis, nystagmus, corneal crosslinking, corneal inlays for treatment of presbyopia, orbital floor management, refinements in the conjunctivomullerectomy procedure, emerging intraocular infections of global significance, and recent advances in ocular imaging, among others.
The volume contains the proceedings of the 7th Course on Physics and Technology of Free Electron Lasers of the International School of Quantum Electronics, which was held in Erice (Italy) from 17 to 29 August 1980, under the auspices of the "Ettore Majorana" Centre for Scientific Culture. The level of this Course was much closer to a workshop than to a school, and "Advances in Free Electron Lasers" might have been an appropriate title. Many of the world's leading scientists in the field (among them, the inventor of FEL, J. M. J. Madey) were brought together to review the accomplishments of FEL experiments, as well various trends in FEL theory. In editing this material we did not modify the original manu scripts except to assist in uniformity of style. The papers. are presented without reference to the chronology of the Course but in the following topical arrangement: A. "Fundamentals of free electron lasers," a group of tutorial papers; B. "Free electron lasers operating in the Compton regime," where theories and experiments of FELs based on Compton scattering are reviewed; C. "Free electron lasers operating in the Raman regime," a dis cussion of FELs based on Raman scattering; D. "Optical klystrons," where the possibility of this class of FEL is discussed from a theoretical viewpoint; E.
The strengths and abilities children develop from infancy through adolescence are crucial for their physical, emotional, and cognitive growth, which in turn help them to achieve success in school and to become responsible, economically self-sufficient, and healthy adults. Capable, responsible, and healthy adults are clearly the foundation of a well-functioning and prosperous society, yet America's future is not as secure as it could be because millions of American children live in families with incomes below the poverty line. A wealth of evidence suggests that a lack of adequate economic resources for families with children compromises these children's ability to grow and achieve adult success, hurting them and the broader society. A Roadmap to Reducing Child Poverty reviews the research on linkages between child poverty and child well-being, and analyzes the poverty-reducing effects of major assistance programs directed at children and families. This report also provides policy and program recommendations for reducing the number of children living in poverty in the United States by half within 10 years.
The Andaman And Nicobar Islands Are Undoubtedly One Of The Very Few Places In The World Today, Where Man Has So Far Survived In His Original Form And Manners. The Isolation And Remoteness Of The Islands Have Made The Tribal Situation A Subject Of Challenge And Interest To Social Workers, Social Scientists And Anthropologists.The Objective Of The Book Is To Give Momentum To Slow And Steady Growth Of Tribal Welfare And Development In The Andaman And Nicobar Islands. It Contains Six Papers From Various Anthropologists. The Papers Based On Applied In Nature And Contents Directly Or Indirectly Are Conducive To The Uplift Of Tribes Of Andaman And Nicobar Islands. In View Of Its Multi Disciplinary In Nature, The Book, Which Is First Of Its Kind, Would Be Of Immense Help And Use To General Readers, Academicians, Sociologist, Social Workers, Demographers And Anthropologists.
As the fields of cataract surgery and refractive surgery merge, the expectations of patients for perfect postoperative uncorrected vision are increasing. This book offers cataract and refractive surgeons a single comprehensive resource on diagnosing and managing corneal astigmatism. Not only is surgical management addressed in this updated edition, but diagnosis of astigmatism is presented with specific attention to new technology and innovative techniques. Also included are more than 200 color images and 35 tables throughout the pages of this book brings together the world's experts in cataract and refractive surgery, making it a must-have resource for every surgeon aspiring to successfully manage and treat patients with astigmatism.
By day, Zoe Zhang is a fourth-grade bunny who loves reading books and playing soccer. By night, she's Robin Hoodie, a hero bandit who steals from the greedy and gives to the poor. When a dishonest city official bullies her family, she and her band of Merry Mates fight back. Kids will be captivated by this fast-paced adventure story that will appeal to reluctant readers. This short, 32-page chapter book features colorful, lively illustrations to capture the attention of kids who enjoy stories about underdog superheroes.
In 2010, an estimated 50 million people were uninsured in the United States. A portion of the uninsured reflects unemployment rates; however, this rate is primarily a reflection of the fact that when most health plans meet an individual's needs, most times, those health plans are not affordable. Research shows that people without health insurance are more likely to experience financial burdens associated with the utilization of health care services. But even among the insured, underinsurance has emerged as a barrier to care. The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) has made the most comprehensive changes to the provision of health insurance since the development of Medicare and Medicaid by requiring all Americans to have health insurance by 2016. An estimated 30 million individuals who would otherwise be uninsured are expected to obtain insurance through the private health insurance market or state expansion of Medicaid programs. The success of the ACA depends on the design of the essential health benefits (EHB) package and its affordability. Essential Health Benefits recommends a process for defining, monitoring, and updating the EHB package. The book is of value to Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation (ASPE) and other U.S. Department of Health and Human Services agencies, state insurance agencies, Congress, state governors, health care providers, and consumer advocates.
Outbreaks of animal disease can have catastrophic repercussions for animal agriculture, the food supply, and public health. Rapid detection, diagnosis and response, as well as development of new vaccines, are central to mitigating the impact of disease outbreaks. The proposed National Bio- and Agro-Defense Facility (NBAF) is a next-generation laboratory for animal disease diagnostics, training, and research that would provide core critical components for defense against foreign animal and zoonotic disease threats. But it will be a major investment with estimated construction costs of $1.14 billion, as currently designed. Meeting Critical Laboratory Needs for Animal Agriculture: Examination of Three Optionsdiscusses the laboratory infrastructure needed to effectively address the threat posed by animal and zoonotic diseases and analyzes three options for creating this infrastructure: building NBAF as currently designed, building a scaled-back version of the NBAF, or maintaining current research capabilities at Plum Island Animal Disease Center while leveraging biosafety level-4 large animal capabilities at foreign laboratories.
Helping you invest your money most profitably It's not easy to make the right investment decisions. First of all, there are so many investment avenues, each promising different returns and carrying different risks. To add further complexity, there is the fact that different investments are treated differently by the taxman; some attracting higher taxes, others enjoying tax concessions — and the tax laws keep changing all the time. Moreover, each person has his or her own unique financial needs and risk profile. What is tonic for one may prove to be poison for another. Equally, new avenues and instruments of investment keep arising and old ones setting on the horizons of the wonderland of investment. Some of the existing bright stars may suddenly become black holes. The interest rates have a habit of bobbing up and down. This will surely need a change in your portfolio mix. The bestselling book is packed with a wealth of investment information and guidance about the various investment avenues, their risks and profitability, and their tax implications. Not just that. Based on their 40-plus years of investment advisory expertise, the authors offer those rare insights that will truly help you invest your money most profitably. Part I: HOW TO AXE, NOT EVADE, TAX: Income Tax, Gift Tax Gone? Not Really! Salary & Perquisites. Retirement Benefits. Capital Gains. House Property, STT, CTT & DDT. Part II: HOW TO SELECT AND COLLECT THE MOST PROFITABLE INVESTMENTS: Public Provident Fund (PPF); National Pension System (NPS); National Savings Certificates; Post Office Small Savings Schemes; Insurance on Life; Mutual Funds; ULIP of Insurance Companies; Stocks and Shares; Futures and Options; RBI Savings Bonds; Bank Deposits; Company Fixed Deposits, and more.
New motion-preserving devices are revolutionizing spine surgery...but the learning curve for these operations is steep, and great attention must be given to patient and device selection and the perfect execution of each procedure. Only one reference spells out exactly how to perform these new techniques...and its peerless author team, comprised of key investigators involved in the devices' actual clinical trials, is uniquely qualified to help you get the best results! These global leaders in this area discuss the advantages and disadvantages of the full range of non-fusion technologies...and present the step-by-step, richly illustrated operative guidance you need to achieve optimal outcomes! Select the best device and approach for each patient! * cervical total disc arthroplasty * lumbar total disc arthroplasty * lumbar partial disc replacement: nucleus replacement * lumbar posterior dynamic stabilization: pedicle screw based * lumbar posterior dynamic stabilization: interspinous based * lumbar facet replacement Produce optimal outcomes with detailed advice on... * advantages and disadvantages of each option * indications and contraindications * patient selection * interpretation of imaging studies * surgical anatomy and biomechanics * surgical techniques * tips and pearls See how to perform each technique, thanks to step-by-step, full-color illustrations
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