Preface

The design of this book aims to enrich policymakers, researchers, students, and industrial practitioners’ knowledge and skills of advanced technologies ( e.g., virtual reality, artificial intelligence, and macro business simulation) and specialized logistics ( e.g., human remains logistics and vaccine logistics) in the healthcare industry. As such, we illustrated various real-life examples to demonstrate across different chapters. In general, this book is divided into nine main book chapters. Chapters 1 and 2 mainly address the state-of-the-art in healthcare research. As such, artificial intelligence, computer information systems, the Internet of Things, and 3D printing are further investigated in the healthcare research in Chapter 1. Digital health with smart Internet of Things technologies is further explored in Chapter 2. The specialized logistics are provided in Chapters 3 and 4. The human remains logistics are comprehensively discussed in Chapter 3 while the vaccine supply chain is thoroughly explained in Chapter 4. Both the aforementioned chapters have been covered in the context of COVID-19. Since the COVID-19 pandemic has created a new page in human history, we illustrate real cases and memorable photos to show how the local community implements various anti-epidemic measures in Chapter 5. Chapters 6, 7, and 8 are relevant to the trending issues of the elderly. Chapter 6 mainly focuses on homes for the aged during the COVID-19 pandemic. Chapter 7 mainly concentrates on the use of advanced mobile apps for the elderly in the 21 ^st century. Chapter 8 mainly provides a narrative review of mobile technology from the older adults’ perspectives. Chapter 9 addressed the adoption of macro business simulation on healthcare products via the use of hand sanitizers as illustrative examples.

The first author expressed the happiness of forming a new interdisciplinary research team across logistics, health, and engineering disciplines. This groundbreaking research provides a foundation work on future research work. Also, the first author would like to appreciate the unreserved support from his wife, colleagues, students, and friends.

The second author indicated that this book is successful and can enrich the teaching pedagogy and illustrate the real cases in learning materials. The updated knowledge definitely increases the academic and managerial implications.

The third author would like to express special thanks to my lovely wife Poon. She stayed at home with me all the time while I wrote in the evenings, even on Sundays and holidays. My lovely wife sacrificed too much for me.