Over 160,000 copies sold! Perfect for kids 6-9, this jumbo maze book is packed with more than 175 colorful mazes of various types and levels of challenge. In addition to irresistible traditional mazes, young super solvers will enjoy untangling string mazes, tackling code-word mazes, quiz mazes, number-logic mazes, riddle mazes and more!Fun puzzle themes including animals, sports and space will keep kids engaged while they improve their visual perception, reasoning skills, fine motor control and concentration. The variety of mazes in this book doubles as engaging logic puzzles for kids, helping to strengthen problem-solving abilities and critical thinking while they play. Along with mazes, this 256-page puzzle book is filled with fun and humorous Highlights illustrations kids know and love, making it a standout among maze books for kids and interactive kids books.Kids love a challenge, and completing mazes gives them a feeling of accomplishment with every puzzle solved. The activities in the Jumbo Book of Amazing Mazes are designed to keep puzzlers busy for hours, providing a perfect on-the-go activity book for kids, whether in a waiting room or the car. Developed by the puzzle experts at Highlights, each puzzle is thoughtful, well-constructed and visually appealing to bring kids meaningful benefits and maximum fun. Read more

In How Can I Help, Doug Tallamy—a New York Times bestselling author and the cofounder of the nonprofit Homegrown National Park—gives his expert answers to questions commonly asked over the course of his career as an environmental advocate. This must-listen book provides listeners with the next step in their ecological journey.With the publication of Bringing Nature Home, Douglas Tallamy revealed the critical role native plants play in attracting beneficial insects—and ushered in what is widely considered one of the most consequential movements in gardening. With Nature’s Best Hope, Tallamy expanded his audience from gardeners to homeowners with a passionate advocacy that detailed how everyone with a yard can make a positive environmental impact.In How Can I Help, Tallamy tackles the questions commonly asked at his popular lectures and shares compelling and actionable answers that will help gardeners and homeowners take the next step in their ecological journey. Topics range from ecology, evolution, biodiversity and conservation to restoration, native plants, invasive species, pest control, and supporting wildlife at home. Tallamy keenly understands that most people want to take part in conservation efforts but often feel powerless to do so as individuals. But one person can make a difference and How Can I Help details exactly how. Whether by reducing your lawn, planting a handful of native species, or allowing leaves to sit untouched, you will be inspired and empowered to join millions of other like-minded people to become the future of backyard conservation. Read more

WALL STREET JOURNAL BESTSELLER IMPROVE YOUR PHYSIQUE, BUILD LEAN MUSCLE, AND INCREASE STRENGTH For more than twenty years, Bret “the Glute Guy” Contreras has been on a quest to improve human performance, focusing his research on the gluteus maximus, the largest muscle in the human body. What started as an effort to improve his own weak, flat backside quickly evolved when he discovered the wide range of functional movements to which the glutes contribute. Properly trained glutes not only help you lift heavier, jump higher, sprint faster, and swing harder but also help prevent knee, hip, and lower back pain and injuries. Bret went on to earn a doctorate in sports science and is now known as one of the world’s foremost experts on strength and physique training. After helping thousands of people reach their strength goals and achieve their ideal physique in his world-renowned training facilities, Bret brings you Glute Lab, which pulls his field-tested and scientifically proven methods and techniques together into an all-in-one glute training system that will help you develop leaner, rounder, stronger, higher-performing glutes. This all-encompassing guide explains why glute training is important for health and performance, how the glutes function, what critical role they play in the body, and how to design the optimal training program to accomplish your aesthetic and performance goals. This book offers thirty-six weeks of programming and several training templates for those who want to dive right in, breaking down each technique with step-by-step photos and descriptions. Bret also reveals the most common faults people make when performing these movements and offers hundreds of tips for getting the most out of every training session. You can implement his system in your local gym or even in the comfort of your own home. Glute Lab is more than just a book on glute training. These principles and methods can help you maximize muscle growth and strength, improve body composition, overcome training and physique plateaus, train around injuries and discomfort, determine ideal training frequency and exercise selection, design periodized programs, and so much more. In short, this book gives you the tools to make strength and physique gains and design balanced programs that cater to a wide range of goals and work for your entire body. Whether you’re a regular person looking to improve your appearance, an athlete looking to boost your performance, a physique competitor or bodybuilder looking for an edge over the competition, a powerlifter looking to increase your strength, a CrossFitter inspired to gain knowledge, a personal trainer interested in offering your clients cutting-edge training techniques, or a physical therapist looking to improve your clients’ health, Glute Lab will equip you with the information you need. In this book you will learn: • The fundamentals of optimal glute training • The anatomy and function of the glutes • How to select exercises based on your physique and training goals • How to perform the most effective exercises for sculpting rounder, stronger glutes • Variations of the hip thrust, deadlift, and squat exercises • Sample training templates and splits that cater to different training goals and preferences • How to implement advanced methods into your training routine • Diet strategies to reach weight loss and body composition goals • Sample glute burnouts and templates • Twelve-week beginner, intermediate, and advanced full-body training programs with a glute emphasis • How to design your own customized training programs • How to overcome plateaus in training, strength, and physique Read more

One of Barack Obama’s Favorite Books of 2023 The Financial Times Business Book of the Year, this epic account of the decades-long battle to control one of the world’s most critical resources—microchip technology—with the United States and China increasingly in fierce competition is “pulse quickening…a nonfiction thriller” (The New York Times).You may be surprised to learn that microchips are the new oil—the scarce resource on which the modern world depends. Today, military, economic, and geopolitical power are built on a foundation of computer chips. Virtually everything—from missiles to microwaves—runs on chips, including cars, smartphones, the stock market, even the electric grid. Until recently, America designed and built the fastest chips and maintained its lead as the #1 superpower, but America’s edge is in danger of slipping, undermined by players in Taiwan, Korea, and Europe taking over manufacturing. Now, as Chip War reveals, China, which spends more on chips than any other product, is pouring billions into a chip-building initiative to catch up to the US. At stake is America’s military superiority and economic prosperity. Economic historian Chris Miller explains how the semiconductor came to play a critical role in modern life and how the US became dominant in chip design and manufacturing and applied this technology to military systems. America’s victory in the Cold War and its global military dominance stems from its ability to harness computing power more effectively than any other power. Until recently, China had been catching up, aligning its chip-building ambitions with military modernization. Illuminating, timely, and fascinating, Chip War is “an essential and engrossing landmark study" (London Times). Read more

This breakthrough book presents a disarmingly simple idea: The way we pay attention in daily life can play a critical role in our health and well-being. According to Dr. Les Fehmi, a clinical psychologist and researcher, many of us have become stuck in “narrow-focus attention”: a tense, constricted, survival mode of attention that holds us in a state of chronic stress - and which lies at the root of common ailments including anxiety, depression, ADD, stress-related migraines, and more. To improve these conditions, Dr. Fehmi explains that we must learn to return to a relaxed, diffuse, and creative form of attention, which he calls “Open Focus.”This highly listenable and empowering book offers straightforward explanations and simple exercises on how to shift into a more calm, open style of attention that reduces stress, improves health, and enhances performance. The Open-Focus Brain features eight essential attention exercises for improving health.Dr. Fehmi writes, “Everyone has the ability to heal their nervous systems, to dissolve their pain, to slow down and yet accomplish more, to experience the deeper side of life - in short, to change their lives for the better dramatically.” At last listeners can learn the techniques that Dr. Fehmi has offered to thousands of clients - the same drug-free, safe, and effective techniques that have led to remarkable and long-lasting results.The Open-Focus Brain offers listeners a revolutionary, drug-free way to:alleviate depression, anxiety, and ADDreduce stress-related chronic painoptimize mental and physical performance Read more

ASCD bestseller! Baruti Kafele turns his attention to assistant principals in a book designed to spark reflection and clarify the influence of this often misunderstood role.You're an Assistant Principal. Whatever your status—the sole AP in your school, one of two or more APs in your school, a career AP, an AP aspiring to the principalship—yours is one of the most misunderstood and underutilized positions in education. Positioned between teachers and the principal, you are an instructional leader. However, you are not the leader of the school. Therefore, you must carefully navigate your way to ensure that you thrive in your role without "stepping on the toes" of your principal.In The Assistant Principal 50, award-winning, four-time principal Baruti Kafele presents reflective questions that encompass the breadth and depth of the assistant principalship—from finding your leadership "lane" to thriving and being an asset to your principal. Kafele infuses the book (which also includes guidance and insights for principals and aspiring assistant principals) from beginning to end with personal anecdotes and accounts of both failures and successes from his years as an assistant principal. He arms you with tools and insights that will drive you to view the assistant principalship as critical to the climate and culture of your school as well as to student achievement.You, assistant principal, play a critical role in your school's success. The questions that Kafele asks you to consider will aid you as you hone your leadership skills toward becoming an effective leader in your school. Read more

“Another love letter from Wohlleben to the green world… makes the case for how we should allow forests throughout the world to regrow and in the process help heal not only the climate but us, as well.”—Lydia Millet, Oprah Daily An illuminating manifesto on ancient forests: how they adapt to climate change by passing their wisdom through generations, and why our future lies in protecting them. In his beloved book The Hidden Life of Trees, Peter Wohlleben revealed astonishing discoveries about the social networks of trees and how they communicate. Now, in The Power of Trees, he turns to their future, with a searing critique of forestry management, tree planting, and the exploitation of old growth forests. As human-caused climate change devastates the planet, forests play a critical role in keeping it habitable. While politicians and business leaders would have us believe that cutting down forests can be offset by mass tree planting, Wohlleben offers a warning: many tree planting campaigns lead to ecological disaster. Not only are these trees more susceptible to disease, flooding, fires, and landslides, we need to understand that forests are more than simply a collection of trees. Instead, they are ecosystems that consist of thousands of species, from animals to fungi and bacteria. The way to save trees, and ourselves? Step aside and let forests—which are naturally better equipped to face environmental challenges—heal themselves. With the warmth and wonder familiar to listeners from his previous books, Wohlleben also shares emerging scientific research about how forests shape climates both locally and across continents; that trees adapt to changing environmental conditions through passing knowledge down to their offspring; and how old growth may in fact have the most survival strategies for climate change. At the heart of The Power of Trees lies Wohlleben’s passionate plea: that our survival is dependent on trusting ancient forests, and allowing them to thrive. Published in Partnership with the David Suzuki Institute. Read more

This new edition is a comprehensive source of imaging informatics fundamentals and how those fundamentals are applied in everyday practice. Imaging Informatics Professionals (IIPs) play a critical role in healthcare, and the scope of the profession has grown far beyond the boundaries of the PACS. A successful IIP must understand the PACS itself and all the software systems networked together in the medical environment. Additionally, an IIP must know the workflows of all the imaging team members, have a base in several medical specialties and be fully capable in the realm of information technology.Practical Imaging Informatics has been reorganized to follow a logical progression from basic background information on IT and clinical image management, through daily operations and troubleshooting, to long-term planning. The book has been fully updated to include the latest technologies and procedures, including artificial intelligence and machine learning.Written by a team of renowned international authors from the Society for Imaging Informatics in Medicine and the European Society of Medical Imaging Informatics, this book is an indispensable reference for the practicing IIP. In addition, it is an ideal guide for those studying for a certification exam, biomedical informaticians, trainees with an interest in informatics, and any professional who needs quick access to the nuts and bolts of imaging informatics. Read more

Medicinal plants and traditional medical practices from Sierra Leone in West Africa have much to offer the rest of the world. Dr. Cyrus MacFoy, an experienced researcher and scientific consultant, highlights more than two hundred plants used to cure more than one hundred diseases and illnesses in this informational guide. He provides the plant location, their botanical and local names, English common names, and the ways they are used to treat and cure ailments and diseases. He also includes; findings regarding the conservation, sustainable use, and development of new drugs; ways to incorporate different techniques into the health care delivery system; and; chemical analyses and biological activity testing of plant species. Discover how Africa's traditional healers play a critical role in treating diseases such as HIV and AIDS. In developing countries with poor infrastructure, these healers are located in nearly every rural village setting as well as in the busy urban areas. While underappreciated, they may play a key role in solving the continent's diverse health problems. Read more

Highly Commended by the BMA Medical Book Awards for Surgery!The gliding nature and dynamic planes of the face present one of the great challenges in aesthetic surgery and volume replenishment is a key component of the treatment algorithm. Facial Volumization: An Anatomic Approach by Jerome Lamb and Christopher Surek masterfully bridges the gap between the anatomy lab and injection clinic. It synthesizes a large body of facial anatomy publications into a "one-stop shop" covering a wide array of facial procedures - from the chin and perioral - to the midface and temple.In addition to vascular injury, lymphatic disruption can play a critical role in suboptimal aesthetic facial volumization outcomes. Chapter 2, The Lymphatic Anatomy of the Lower Eyelid and the Malar Region of the Face discusses new state-of-the art facial lymphatic discoveries.Key FeaturesNumerous beautiful, full-page color illustrations systematically reveal each layer of the face - from deep to superficial - taking readers on a unique journey through the 3-D architecture of complex facial anatomy.The left side of each page features a written synopsis of the vascular, muscular, ligament, and adipose components of specific layers paired with cadaveric dissection photographs.More than 20 high-definition live patient injection videos posted in the Thieme online Media Center include detailed injector commentary.Augmentation and enhancement techniques, the latest facial fillers and lip injections, and illustrated guidance on preferred volumization approaches.Identification of danger zones and technical pearls for injecting safely, avoiding problems, and obtaining the best results.This invaluable resource will help residents and seasoned plastic surgeons, facial plastic surgeons, dermatologists, otolaryngologists, and aestheticians perform facial injections safely and achieve optimized results. Read more

From a brilliant Brookings Institution expert, an “important” (The Wall Street Journal) and “penetrating historical and political study” (Nature) of the critical role that oceans play in the daily struggle for global power, in the best-selling tradition of Robert Kaplan’s The Revenge of Geography.For centuries, oceans were the chessboard on which empires battled for supremacy. But in the nuclear age, air power and missile systems dominated our worries about security, and for the United States, the economy was largely driven by domestic production, with trucking and railways that crisscrossed the continent serving as the primary modes of commercial transit.All that has changed, as nine-tenths of global commerce and the bulk of energy trade is today linked to sea-based flows. A brightly painted 40-foot steel shipping container loaded in Asia with 20 tons of goods may arrive literally anywhere else in the world; how that really happens and who actually profits from it show that the struggle for power on the seas is a critical issue today.Now, in vivid, closely observed prose, Bruce Jones conducts us on a fascinating voyage through the great modern ports and naval bases - from the vast container ports of Hong Kong and Shanghai to the vital naval base of the American Seventh Fleet in Hawaii to the sophisticated security arrangements in the Port of New York. Along the way, the book illustrates how global commerce works, that we are amidst a global naval arms race, and why the oceans are so crucial to America’s standing going forward.As Jones reveals, the three great geopolitical struggles of our time - for military power, for economic dominance, and over our changing climate - are playing out atop, within, and below the world’s oceans. The essential question, he shows, is this: who will rule the waves and set the terms of the world to come? Read more

Fasteners play a critical role in engineered structures as a method of nonpermanent joining for the aerospace, infrastructure, civil, automotive, energy generation/distribution, and many other industries.

The objective of this tutorial is to provide substantial introduction into the technology and physics of various, common fasteners.

Content
I. Introduction to Fasteners Lecture #1
I-A. Introduction
I-B. Bolts
I-C. Screws
I-D. Nuts and Washers
I-E. Rivets
I-F. Application – Problems and Solutions
I-G. Stainless Steel Fasteners
I-H. Anchor Bolts
I-I. Bolt Plate Fasteners


II. Physics of Fasteners Lecture #2
II-A. Fastener Fatigue
II-B. Strength of threads
II-C. Corrosion of Fasteners
II-D. Fastener Materials and Standards
II-E. Modes of Failure of a Riveted Joint


Fastener failures can lead to disastrous consequences and substantial financial losses. One of the most common fastener failure modes is fatigue crack initiation and growth. Inadequate design considerations, material problems, insufficient preload, loosening, and excessive loads can all contribute to fastener fatigue. Similar to other metallic components, fastener failures include overload, corrosionrelated cracking, embrittlement, creep, and fatigue. Fastener overload can occur upon installation or in service due to an externally applied load. Fastener overload failure investigation should include assessment of the material properties to determine fastener strength, as well as the loads that contributed to the break. Stress corrosion cracking (SCC), or hydrogen embrittlement in some metals, represents an important failure mode in fasteners due to the static tensile nature of the loading in many applications.

The tutorial also discusses the expected stresses on fasteners and the material and environment mitigating SCC or hydrogen embrittlement potential. Read more

Dive into the realms of total well-being as we embark on a transformative journey through the pages of this groundbreaking guide. In "Understanding Functional Medicine," you'll not only gain insights into the intricacies of integrated health but also discover practical strategies that will revolutionize the way you approach your wellness.INTRODUCTION: Unveiling a New ParadigmEmbark on a captivating exploration as we unravel the essence of functional medicine, a paradigm that goes beyond traditional healthcare, focusing on the root causes of ailments rather than mere symptoms. THE BASIS OF INTEGRATED HEALTH: Connecting the DotsLearn how integrated health forms the cornerstone of functional medicine, offering a holistic perspective that considers the interconnectedness of the body's systems for a more comprehensive approach to healing. MEDICINE BASED ON SYSTEMS AND ROOT CAUSES: A Deeper UnderstandingDelve into the core principles of functional medicine, where we decipher the intricate web of connections within the body and address health issues at their source, leading to lasting and meaningful results.NUTRITIONAL EVALUATION: Fueling Your Body for Optimal FunctionUnlock the power of nutrition as a key component of functional medicine, discovering how a personalized approach to diet can be a game-changer for your overall health and vitality. HORMONAL AND ENDOCRINE EVALUATION: Balancing the FoundationsExplore the critical role hormones play in health, and how functional medicine strategies can restore balance, providing a foundation for sustainable well-being. STRATEGIES FOR TREATMENT: Personalized Paths to WellnessEquip yourself with practical, personalized treatment strategies that address your unique health profile, paving the way for a healthier and happier you. HERBAL MEDICINE AND NUTRACEUTICALS: Nature's Healing ArsenalDiscover the potent combination of herbal medicine and nutraceuticals, harnessing the healing power of nature to complement and enhance your functional medicine journey. MEDICINES AND COMPLEMENTARY THERAPIES: Integrating the Best of Both WorldsNavigate the landscape of medicines and complementary therapies, learning how their integration can offer a comprehensive approach to health and healing. DETOXING AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH: Clearing the Path to WellnessUncover the importance of detoxing and environmental health in the functional medicine framework, empowering yourself to create a healthier living environment. USING FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE TO AGE WELL: Aging Gracefully, Living VibrantlyCap off your journey by understanding how functional medicine can be a guiding light in the aging process, helping you age well and live a life of vitality. Embark on Your Journey to Wellness Today!"Understanding Functional Medicine" is not just a book; it's your roadmap to a healthier, more vibrant life. Don't miss out on this opportunity to transform your well-being. Your path to optimal health begins here, take the first step now!GRAB YOUR COPY Read more

Wars between Israel and Hamas, Russia and Ukraine -Threats of Nuclear War - COVID-19The end of age signs Jesus prophesied are happening!The nations of the world were shocked in 2022 when Russia invaded Ukraine. Hundreds of thousands of soldiers and civilians have died and the war continues on. Russia has threatened to use nuclear weapons if they are threatened. President Trump is trying to negotiate an end to the war, but will Russia negotiate in good faith?People were horrified when Hamas invaded Israel and brutally murdered 1,200 people and took 240 hostages on October 7, 2023. Israel declared war on Hamas with goals to eradicate Hamas and get the hostages returned. Israel is now defending itself from attacks on seven fronts. Iran has launched two attacks against Israel, but the U.S. pressured Israel to exercise restraint in their response. The stage is set for a major war in the Middle East to erupt.Many Bible scholars believe the major End Times signs began COVID-19, which altered our lifestyles.Fear, anxiety, and depression inflict millions of people still.Feelings of hopelessness abound.Is God warning the Rapture is imminent?When Does the Rapture occur and the end of the age begins?This book presents a historical study of God's master plan and timeline for the redemption of humanity. The covenants of God provide insight to understand His plan. It identifies major covenants throughout history as paradigm shifts. By highlighting these shifts, you can easily understand God's plan, and why He periodically unveils new portions of it. The seven Levitical Feasts of Israel play a critical role in the coming of the Messiah. They are discussed in detail. The master plan, covenants, and the feasts reveal the timeline date for the next shift - The Rapture.We are near the end of God's timeline. Convergence of these timeline components reveal a highly probable date for the Rapture. Alternative dates will be discussed and explained.The Date of the Rapture differs from other books on the Rapture since it presents the history of God's plans for the redemption of humanity. An interpretation of Daniel's seventy weeks confirms the date timeline calculation. It is an exciting revelation.Please read the book and find out the probable dates! Read more

If you're a special educator or transition coordinator for high school students with disabilities, you play a critical role in empowering young people to achieve their goals and dreams. It's a complex and challenging job—and this introductory guide will help you every step of the way as you support students' successful transition to college, work, and community life.You'll get the how-to guidance you need to master all the basics of transition planning and services, from assessing each learner's strengths and writing IEPs to evaluating student progress. Research-based strategies help you develop effective plans with confidence, and the reproducible checklists and forms keep critical information organized as you prepare each student for life beyond the classroom. A must-read for all transition coordinators—and any secondary educator with a role on the transition team—this book is your essential guide to supporting successful, self-determined futures for all your students.PRACTICAL HELP IN EVERY CHAPTER:Getting started. For each major transition topic covered, you'll find a thorough introduction to the fundamentals, including definitions of key terms and concrete examples.Making it happen. Get in-depth guidance and practical strategies for creating and carrying out each step of an effective transition plan.What you can do right now. Put the ideas in each chapter into immediate action with quick tips, helpful forms, and a list of the best online resources.DISCOVER HOW TO: build a transition assessment toolkit • write transition IEPs with measurable goals • increase family and student involvement in transition planning • strengthen student self-determination • embed transition skills in core academic content • boost student engagement in school • create a quality career development program • prepare students for postsecondary education • teach independent living skills • enhance students’ social skills • support participation in community experiences • promote interagency collaboration • evaluate student progress • and more With practical checklists & forms:Skills and Knowledge Checklist for transition specialistsSelf-determination forms for students and familiesHelpful forms for your career development programEcological inventory and task analysis forms Read more

In Hydraulic City Nikhil Anand explores the politics of Mumbai's water infrastructure to demonstrate how citizenship emerges through the continuous efforts to control, maintain, and manage the city's water. Through extensive ethnographic fieldwork in Mumbai's settlements, Anand found that Mumbai's water flows, not through a static collection of pipes and valves, but through a dynamic infrastructure built on the relations between residents, plumbers, politicians, engineers, and the 3,000 miles of pipe that bind them. In addition to distributing water, the public water network often reinforces social identities and the exclusion of marginalized groups, as only those actively recognized by city agencies receive legitimate water services. This form of recognition—what Anand calls "hydraulic citizenship"—is incremental, intermittent, and reversible. It provides residents an important access point through which they can make demands on the state for other public services such as sanitation and education. Tying the ways Mumbai's poorer residents are seen by the state to their historic, political, and material relations with water pipes, the book highlights the critical role infrastructures play in consolidating civic and social belonging in the city. Read more

Find Long-Term Gout Relief with Healing Recipes and a 60-Day Meal PlanLiving with gout can be painful and frustrating, but managing it doesn’t have to be. The foods you eat play a significant role in either triggering or soothing gout flare-ups. The Ultimate Gout Diet Cookbook provides you with 90 easy-to-follow, delicious recipes that are designed to lower inflammation and reduce uric acid levels naturally. Along with a comprehensive 60-day meal plan, this cookbook helps take the guesswork out of what to eat, so you can start feeling better right away.What You’ll Find in This Book:90 Gout-Friendly Recipes: Enjoy meals that are low in purines and packed with anti-inflammatory ingredients that support gout management.60-Day Meal Plan: A step-by-step guide to help you plan your meals, stay on track, and avoid gout-triggering foods. Includes shopping lists and preparation tips.Understanding Gout: Learn about the symptoms, stages, and causes of gout, and how diet can play a critical role in managing this condition.Prevent and Treat Gout Naturally: Discover how the right diet can help lower uric acid levels, reduce inflammation, and prevent painful flare-ups.Holistic Management Tips: Explore how physical activity and stress management can complement your diet in controlling gout and improving overall well-being.Why This Cookbook Works:Simplified Eating: No more guessing about what to eat. With a clear plan and easy recipes, you can start enjoying your meals again—while keeping your gout under control.Natural Relief: These recipes not only help manage gout but also promote heart, kidney, and overall health, helping you feel your best.Reduce Pain Through Food: Take charge of your health with proven dietary changes that can lower uric acid and reduce the frequency of painful attacks.If you’re ready to take control of your gout and reduce painful flare-ups, The Ultimate Gout Diet Cookbook is your guide to long-term relief through healthy, satisfying meals. Read more

Begin your journey toward efficient data manipulation with this robust technical guide and enhance your aggregation skills while building efficient pipelines for a variety of tasksKey FeaturesBuild effective aggregation pipelines for increased productivity and performanceSolve common data manipulation and analysis problems with the help of practical examplesLearn essential strategies to aggregate time series data in financial datasets and IoTPurchase of the print or Kindle book includes a free PDF eBookBook DescriptionOfficially endorsed by MongoDB, Inc., Practical MongoDB Aggregations helps you unlock the full potential of the MongoDB aggregation framework, including the latest features of MongoDB 7.0. This book provides practical, easy-to-digest principles and approaches for increasing your effectiveness in developing aggregation pipelines, supported by examples for building pipelines to solve complex data manipulation and analytical tasks.This book is customized for developers, architects, data analysts, data engineers, and data scientists with some familiarity with the aggregation framework. It begins by explaining the framework's architecture and then shows you how to build pipelines optimized for productivity and scale.Given the critical role arrays play in MongoDB's document model, the book delves into best practices for optimally manipulating arrays. The latter part of the book equips you with examples to solve common data processing challenges so you can apply the lessons you've learned to practical situations. By the end of this MongoDB book, you’ll have learned how to utilize the MongoDB aggregation framework to streamline your data analysis and manipulation processes effectively.What you will learnDevelop dynamic aggregation pipelines tailored to changing business requirementsMaster essential techniques to optimize aggregation pipelines for rapid data processingAchieve optimal efficiency for applying aggregations to vast datasets with effective sharding strategiesEliminate the performance penalties of processing data externally by filtering, grouping, and calculating aggregated values directly within the databaseUse pipelines to help you secure your data access and distributionWho this book is forThis book is for intermediate-level developers, architects, analysts, engineers, and data scientists who are interested in learning about aggregation capabilities in MongoDB. Working knowledge of MongoDB is needed to get the most out of this book.Table of Contents MongoDB Aggregations ExplainedOptimizing Pipelines for ProductivityOptimizing Pipelines for Performance Harnessing the Power of Expressions Optimizing Pipelines for Sharded ClustersFoundational Examples: Filtering, Grouping, and UnwindingJoining Data ExamplesFixing and Generating Data ExamplesTrend Analysis ExamplesSecuring Data ExamplesTime-Series ExamplesArray Manipulation ExamplesFull-Text Search Examples Read more

“Research demonstrates that all children have the capacity for . . . success . . . Informative and effective methods to help children overcome issues and thrive.” —Kirkus ReviewsA NOW READ THIS PBS NewsHour and New York Times Book Review selectionIn the New York Times–bestselling How Children Succeed, Paul Tough introduced us to research showing that personal qualities like perseverance, self-control, and conscientiousness play a critical role in children’s success.Now, in Helping Children Succeed, Tough takes on a new set of pressing questions: What does growing up with economic and other stresses do to children’s mental and physical development? How does adversity at home affect their success in the classroom, from preschool to high school? And what practical steps can the adults who are responsible for them take to improve their chances for a positive future?Tough once again encourages us to think in a new way about the challenges of childhood. Mining the latest research in psychology and neuroscience, he provides us with insights and strategies for a new approach to childhood adversity, one designed to help many more children succeed.“Attention is finally turning to the psychic and emotional qualities our children bring to the classroom. No one is better than chronicling this shift than Paul Tough.” —David Brooks, New York Times “Tough convincingly argues that classroom climate is what needs changed in order to shape students’ experiences. . . . For readers concerned with finding practical ways to engage with and improve education for those children with the most to lose.” —Library Journal Read more

Explore the invisible world of viruses with Virology Step by Step: The Science Behind Viruses – Concepts, Mechanisms & Applications. Whether you're a student, aspiring researcher, or simply curious about viruses, this clear and accessible guide offers a clear and accessible pathway to understanding the fundamentals of virology.In today’s world, where viral outbreaks can rapidly become global events, having a solid understanding of how viruses function, spread, and evolve has never been more important. Virology Step by Step is designed to take you through the fascinating science of virology, from the basics of viral structure to advanced applications in medicine and biotechnology.Virology Step by StepThis book breaks down complex virology concepts into digestible, easy-to-understand chapters, each building on the last. Whether you're going into the detailed mechanisms of viral replication or exploring how viruses interact with the immune system, every concept is explained clearly, with real-world examples to make even the most challenging topics engaging.Key Features:Foundational Knowledge: Start with the fundamentals of what a virus is, how it’s structured, and how it differs from other microorganisms like bacteria.Deep Dive Into Viral Mechanisms: Explore the intricate details of how viruses replicate, evolve, and interact with host cells. Learn about the lytic and lysogenic cycles, RNA vs. DNA viruses, and how viruses mutate over time.Up-to-Date Research: Discover the latest developments in antiviral therapies, vaccines, and diagnostic technologies, including how mRNA vaccines revolutionized viral treatment strategies.Global and Ecological Perspectives: Beyond human health, understand the critical role viruses play in ecosystems and their vast influence on biodiversity and evolution.What You’ll LearnViral Structure and Morphology: Delve into the architecture of viruses—capsids, envelopes, and surface proteins—and their significance in the viral life cycle.Host-Virus Interactions: Understand how viruses invade host cells, evade immune responses, and persist within the body, sometimes for decades.Immune Responses and Viral Evasion: Learn how your body fights viral infections, from antibodies to T-cells, and how viruses like HIV and influenza constantly evolve to escape detection.Antiviral Drugs and Vaccines: Explore how scientists develop antiviral drugs to stop viruses in their tracks, and how vaccines work to prevent future infections.Emerging and Re-Emerging Viruses: From Ebola to Zika and the recent COVID-19 pandemic, get an inside look at how new viruses emerge and how virologists work to predict and prevent viral outbreaks.Who Is This Book For?Students and Learners: If you’re studying virology, microbiology, or related life sciences, this book is an invaluable resource for mastering the subject.Healthcare Professionals: Gain a deeper understanding of how viruses work, their role in infectious diseases, and how modern medicine fights back.Curious Minds: Even if you’re not a scientist, this book is for anyone who wants to understand the science behind headlines about viral outbreaks and vaccines.Why Viruses MatterWith up-to-date research, clear explanations, and thought-provoking discussions on the future of virology, Virology Step by Step equips you with the knowledge to understand viruses, how they work, and how science is pushing the boundaries of what we can do to combat viral infections and harness viral mechanisms for positive outcomes.This is your go-to guide for understanding the science behind one of the most fascinating, and sometimes terrifying, fields in biology. Read more

Cardiovascular perfusionists play a critical role in cardiac surgery, managing the heart-lung machine and ensuring the patient’s circulatory and respiratory needs are met during procedures. Certification by the Clinical Board of Cardiovascular Perfusion (ABCP) is a significant milestone in a perfusionist’s career, as it validates their expertise and commitment to the field.This Examination Guide for the Clinical Board of Cardiovascular Perfusion is designed to provide aspiring perfusionists with a comprehensive review of the essential topics that are key to succeeding in the ABCP certification exams. From foundational subjects like Anatomy, Physiology, and Pharmacology to more advanced topics such as Cardiac Surgery, Anesthesia, Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO), and Pediatric Perfusion, this guide offers a structured approach to mastering the knowledge required for certification.From the fundamental principles of perfusion physiology to the intricacies of extracorporeal circulation, we will explore the essential knowledge, techniques, and protocols that underpin the practice of cardiac perfusion. Additionally, we will delve into the critical areas of patient safety, quality improvement, and the ethical considerations that are inherent in our professIn a field where precision is paramount and patient outcomes are at the forefront, we recognize the profound responsibility that rests upon the shoulders of perfusionists. This book is dedicated to empowering you, the perfusionist, with the knowledge and tools necessary to excel in your craft and, most importantly, to provide the best possible care to those entrusted to your expertise.As we embark on this journey together, let us remain steadfast in our commitment to advancing the art and science of cardiac perfusion. The patients who rely on our skills, the healthcare community that depends on our expertise, and the future of perfusion itself all depend on our dedication to excellence.Each section has been curated with both the novice and experienced perfusionist in mind, ensuring clarity and depth for different levels of understanding. The chapters include up-to-date information, relevant case studies, and exam-focused questions to reinforce learning and help readers apply theoretical concepts to real-world scenarios.This guide aims not only to prepare candidates for the certification exam but also to serve as a practical resource throughout their career. Whether you are beginning your journey in cardiovascular perfusion or are in the final stages of exam preparation, this book will be an invaluable tool to help you achieve certification and continue excelling in this dynamic field.Best of luck in your studies and future career as a certified cardiovascular perfusionist. Read more

Ever wondered what it’s really like to be an airline pilot?⭐ “Simply a must-read for anyone interested in commercial aviation” ⭐Written by an experienced airline captain and Amazon bestselling author of ‘How To Become An Airline Pilot: The Definitive Guide’, this book invites you into the flightdeck to ride along during two real-life days in the life of an airline pilot: one day where everything goes smoothly, and another where things don’t go to plan, showing you the full realities of the job.What’s life really like for airline pilots who work in era where the job is rapidly evolving and worlds away from what it used to be? How do pilots manage the complexities of flying commercial airliners and ensure the safety of over 5 billion passengers every year?"Airline Pilot: A Day in the Air" offers an authentic, behind-the-scenes look into life behind the locked cockpit door.This book offers unparalleled insights into a working environment that only a few ever get to see.Inside, you'll discover:✈ What a typical day really looks like for a commercial airline pilot.✈ The pressures of flying at 38,000 feet and managing the lives of hundreds of passengers.✈ How pilots deal with unpredictable weather, technical issues, and unexpected in-flight events.✈ Real-life examples from two contrasting days: showing the broad spectrum of challenges airline pilots can face✈ Insights into the modern aviation environment, including the latest technology, safety protocols, and the evolving role of the pilot.Whether you're an aspiring pilot, aviation enthusiast, or simply curious about the world of commercial aviation, this book offers you an all-access pass to the cockpit. Learn what it's truly like to be a pilot, and gain a deeper understanding of the critical role they play in getting passengers safely to their destination in an increasingly more complexed working environment.📍 Ready for take-off? Grab your copy today and step into the cockpit!Why Choose This Book?Real-Life Insights: Discover the truth about being an airline pilot, beyond the glamour of flying.Dual-Day Experience: Follow two real days in the life of a pilot, one full of success and another full of challenges.Engaging and Informative: Perfect for aviation lovers, future pilots, and anyone fascinated by air travel.Up-To Date: Written by a captain who's currently operational at one of the worlds largest airlines Read more

For fifty years, the medical establishment has preached the same rules for losing weight: restrict calories, eat less, and exercise more. Yet in that time, obesity in the United States has skyrocketed. So why has this prescription so clearly failed? Based on twenty years of investigative reporting and interviews with more than a hundred practicing physicians who embrace ketogenic (low-carbohydrate, high-fat) eating as the best formula for health, here bestselling author Gary Taubes puts the keto movement in the necessary historical and scientific perspective. He makes clear the vital misconceptions about obesity and diet (no, people do not become fat simply by eating too much or being sedentary; hormones play the critical role) and uses collected clinical experience from the medical community to provide much-needed practical advice on healthy eating.   A groundbreaking manifesto for the fight against obesity and diabetes, in The Case for Keto, Taubes reveals why the established rules about eating healthfully might be the wrong approach to weight loss for most people, and how ketogenic diets can help many of us achieve and maintain a healthy weight for life. Read more

42 Rules to Manage an AI Center of Excellence for Your Contact Center by Geoffrey Best is an essential guide for organizations seeking to leverage AI in their contact centers. This book targets contact center managers, AI practitioners, and business leaders aiming to establish an effective AI Center of Excellence (AI-CoE) within their operations. Its primary purpose is to provide a structured framework for integrating AI into contact centers, aligning AI initiatives with business objectives, enhancing customer experience, and driving operational efficiency.The book highlights the AI-CoE's role as a centralized hub for AI strategy, governance, and innovation. It emphasizes that an AI-CoE is not merely a technological initiative but a strategic component requiring meticulous planning, a clear vision, and alignment with organizational goals. The book outlines how an AI-CoE should coordinate AI activities, set standards, and oversee AI projects to guarantee consistency and maximize AI benefits.Innovation and continuous improvement are central themes. The AI-CoE must foster a culture of experimentation with new AI technologies and methodologies, including pilot projects and proof-of-concept initiatives. These efforts are crucial for maintaining technological relevance and meeting evolving customer expectations."Another focal point is the ethical and responsible use of AI." The AI-CoE sets standards for model development, decision-making, and performance metrics. It establishes governance structures that promote transparency, fairness, and accountability, ensure regulatory compliance, and mitigate AI deployment risks.Data and analytics play a critical role in the AI-CoE. Effective data management strategies are essential, involving data repository management, quality assurance, and advocacy for data integrity. The book describes the process of an AI-CoE for developing advanced analytical models and algorithms to transform data into actionable intelligence, thus supporting informed decision-making and innovation.The book also underscores the importance of human capital. It discusses how AI-CoE is not just about technology but also about people. The book focuses on attracting, training, and retaining AI talent through training programs, workshops, and collaboration sessions and how these efforts enhance AI literacy across the organization, equipping employees with the necessary skills for an AI-augmented environment and addressing concerns about job displacement.Security and privacy are paramount. The book describes the responsibility of AI-CoE to establish robust cybersecurity protocols, monitor systems for potential breaches, and develop contingency plans for security incidents. Ensuring ethical AI use and protecting customer data is essential for maintaining trust and compliance.In conclusion, 42 Rules to Manage an AI Center of Excellence for Your Contact Center offers a comprehensive approach to establishing and operating an AI-CoE. By addressing strategic alignment, technology and innovation, governance, data and analytics, talent and expertise, and security and privacy, the book provides a roadmap for leaders to navigate AI integration complexities, driving business transformation and enhancing customer service operations. Read more

Safety and Wearable Technology tackles the profound issue of workplace safety, as each day unacceptable numbers of workers lose their lives in accidents, with even more succumbing to work-related illnesses across the globe. Many safety professionals strive to reduce these risks, but they’re often hindered by limited resources, time, and information to catch hazards before tragedy strikes. With wearable technology now readily available, a new frontier has opened for workplace safety, offering powerful tools that can change how we protect workers.In this book, three experts in wearable technology explore the critical role wearables play in enhancing workplace safety. They walk the reader through the traditional challenges of safety management, making a strong case for the adoption of wearable technology. The book covers every essential aspect of implementing wearables in the workplace; from selecting the right technology and understanding technical approaches to effective deployment and long-term safety management. It also addresses the leadership necessary to harness these advancements fully. Readers will gain insights into the innovations driving wearable technology, including sensors, machine learning, deep analytics, and artificial intelligence. As data-driven approaches redefine safety management, this book empowers safety professionals to gather actionable data, predict hazards, and intervene before incidents occur. This data-driven shift not only enhances safety but also redefines what the factory of the future can look like – a workplace where technology proactively protects workers.Intended for professionals across the safety, operations, and engineering fields, Safety and Wearable Technology will appeal to Health and Safety Engineers, Manufacturing Engineers, Plant Managers, Industrial Hygienists, Risk Managers, and many others looking to understand and implement wearable technology in their safety protocols. This guide is an indispensable resource for those ready to envision and create safer, smarter, and more connected workplaces. Read more

“For melittologists . . . as well as anyone interested in the conservation, ecology, biology, natural history, or simple appreciation of bumble bees.” —Michael S. Engel, Entomologist’s MonthlyMore than ever before, there is widespread interest in studying bumble bees and the critical role they play in our ecosystems. Bumble Bees of North America is the first comprehensive guide to North American bumble bees to be published in more than a century. Richly illustrated with color photographs, diagrams, range maps, and graphs of seasonal activity patterns, this guide allows amateur and professional naturalists to identify all forty-six bumble bee species found north of Mexico and to understand their ecology and changing geographic distributions.The book draws on the latest molecular research, shows the enormous color variation within species, and guides readers through the many confusing convergences between species. It draws on a large repository of data from museum collections and presents state-of-the-art results on evolutionary relationships, distributions, and ecological roles. Illustrated keys allow identification of color morphs and social castes.A landmark publication, Bumble Bees of North America sets the standard for guides and the study of these important insects.*The best guide yet to the forty-six recognized bumble bee species in North America north of Mexico*Up-to-date taxonomy includes previously unpublished results*Detailed distribution maps*Extensive keys identify the many color patterns of speciesWinner of a 2015 Outstanding Reference Sources Award, Reference and User Services Association, American Library Association“Excellent photographs and color plates will be valuable to professionals as well as anyone interested in identifying or learning more about bumblebees.” —Choice“An attractive, worthwhile purchase.” —Library Journal Read more

Get Your Body Ready for the Marathon of Labor! If you're newly pregnant, you're probably watching your diet carefully, getting plenty of rest, and preparing for the arrival of your new baby. You're also thinking about the big day itself and what the experience of labor will be like. Even if you're following a regular fitness program, you'll want to do everything you can to strengthen and prepare your body for the rigors of labor. Maternal Fitness features clearly illustrated exercises that focus specifically on the muscle groups you'll use throughout labor, especially the transverse abdominals -- the stomach muscles that play a critical role during delivery. A powerful set of transverse abs can speed labor and delivery and make for a quick recovery. By learning how to strengthen your abdominals and relax your pelvic floor muscles, you'll be able to push more effectively. While the Maternal Fitness program is designed specifically for the big moment, it also has other benefits, from minimizing backache and fatigue to giving you a welcome head start on getting back into shape after childbirth. Developed by a professional trainer who is also a registered nurse and childbirth educator, the Maternal Fitness program is safe for you and your baby and easy to do. Once learned, it can be incorporated into any workout. Read more

Mastering Denial Management: A Physician Advisor's PlaybookBy Stuart M. Hoffman, MD, FACS, CHCQMIn today’s complex healthcare landscape, physician advisors play a critical role in safeguarding hospital revenue, ensuring compliance, and advocating for patient care. Mastering Denial Management: A Physician Advisor's Playbook is the definitive resource for navigating the intricacies of peer-to-peer (P2P) conferences and denial management.Drawing from years of frontline experience, Dr. Stuart Hoffman offers a comprehensive guide to mastering the art of overturning insurance claim denials, empowering physician advisors to drive better patient outcomes and protect organizational revenue. This book delivers actionable strategies, real-world case studies, and expert insights into the evolving physician advisor role—bridging the gap between clinical expertise and administrative oversight.Inside you’ll discover:Proven frameworks for preparing and executing successful P2P conferences.Practical tools to interpret payer policies and align clinical documentation with insurance criteria.Strategies for crafting persuasive appeals grounded in clinical evidence and regulatory guidelines.Techniques to foster collaboration with insurance medical directors and mitigate denials proactively.Case studies that illuminate best practices and lessons learned from complex denial scenarios.Whether you're a seasoned physician advisor or stepping into the role for the first time, this handbook provides the essential knowledge to excel in denial management, streamline workflows, and advocate confidently for patients and hospitals alike.Embrace the opportunity to transform your hospital’s financial health while reinforcing its commitment to exceptional patient care. Read more

Sequence - Evolution - Function is an introduction to the computational approaches that play a critical role in the emerging new branch of biology known as functional genomics. The book provides the reader with an understanding of the principles and approaches of functional genomics and of the potential and limitations of computational and experimental approaches to genome analysis. Sequence - Evolution - Function should help bridge the "digital divide" between biologists and computer scientists, allowing biologists to better grasp the peculiarities of the emerging field of Genome Biology and to learn how to benefit from the enormous amount of sequence data available in the public databases. The book is non-technical with respect to the computer methods for genome analysis and discusses these methods from the user's viewpoint, without addressing mathematical and algorithmic details. Prior practical familiarity with the basic methods for sequence analysis is a major advantage, but a reader without such experience will be able to use the book as an introduction to these methods. This book is perfect for introductory level courses in computational methods for comparative and functional genomics. Read more

Pharmaceuticals constitute a relatively small share of the total healthcare expenditure in most developed economies, and yet they play a critical role in the ongoing debate over how best to advance, improve, and afford healthcare. Despite this, and perhaps because of this, the industry has had, for many years, an outsized claim to fame and controversy, praise and criticisms, support and condemnation. Unfortunately, many participants in the debate do not fully understand the complexities of the industry and its role in the overall healthcare system. The analytical tools of economics provide a strong foundation for a better understanding of the dynamics of the pharmaceutical industry, its contribution to health and healthcare, its dual and often conflicting priorities of affordability and innovation, as well as the various private and public policy initiatives directed at the sector. This third edition of a uniquely comprehensive and balanced examination of the industry includes several new chapters on important topics such as the full-fledged generics sector, the arrival of biosimilars or generic biological drugs, the global consolidation of manufacturers, the evolving reimbursement landscape, and the emergence of the world's most populous nations, such as China, India, and Brazil, as both suppliers and consumers of pharmaceutical products. Other chapters have been fully rewritten or extensively updated, covering such important topics as the cost efficiency of research and development, pace of new innovations, economic evaluation and value-based pricing of drugs, and public and private interventions in the industry. Read more