Bentham Science Publishers

Anthropogenic changes in the environment, caused by 250 years of economic growth and utilization of fuel and mineral resources, have considerably impacted the natural environment. The resulting physical and chemical alterations to the Earth's sphere and our adaptive responses in the biosphere are detailed in this reference book. Readers will learn about concepts relevant to Earth’s history, the evolution of life, economy, ecology, environmental history, biology, and medicine and how these concepts can be linked to environmental change. The scope of this interdisciplinary work entails to convey the true degree of responsibility for the universal consequences of ecosystem degradation resulting from industrial processing, human consumption and the transformation of natural sites due to industrialization and urbanization.

Topics covered in the book include:

-Ecosystem transformations by natural and anthropogenic forces

-The Anthropocene epoch

-A short history of industrialization

-Environmental sites and the impact of socio-economic influences

-The current environmental crisis,

This textbook is intended for graduate students in economics, civil engineering, architecture, agronomics, forestry, technical and mining sciences, political sciences, business studies and humanities. General readers who wish to understand the basic philosophy behind environmental studies and their relation to human activity can also benefit from this book.

2D Materials: Chemistry and Applications, Part 2 addresses the cutting-edge advancements in the synthesis, functionalization, and applications of two-dimensional materials, focusing on graphene and other emerging materials like boron nitride, germanene, silicene, and stanene. This volume explores the potential of these materials in energy storage, nanoelectronics, waste management, and more, while addressing challenges like toxicity and cost-effective production.

The book highlights innovative approaches to graphene-based supercapacitors, nanoparticle-functionalized graphene, and the application of 2D materials in diverse fields. It also provides insights into the toxicity and remediation strategies of graphene family materials and outlines the roadmap for sustainable graphene production.

This book is ideal for researchers, academics, and professionals in materials science, nanotechnology, chemistry, and environmental engineering.

Key Features:

Advanced applications of graphene-based supercapacitors.

Functionalization and applications of boron nitride, germanene, silicene, and stanene.

Insights into graphene toxicity and remediation approaches.

Roadmap for cost-effective graphene production and waste management.

Congenital heart defects (CHD) are the most frequent malformation in the human fetus and are the leading cause of mortality due to malformations in the first year of life. Despite its clinical importance screening performed by ultrasonographic examination during the second trimester of pregnancy has shown disappointingly low detection rates mainly due to the difficulties in obtaining an adequate examination of the fetal heart. Four-dimensional (4D) ultrasound of the fetal heart has been recently suggested as a tool to improve the detection rate of CHD by decreasing the dependency on operator skills required in two-dimensional ultrasound scans but up to now no practical manuals are available in describing its application in clinical practice for the study of fetal heart. The objective of this Ebook is to explain the role of 4D during second trimester examination and in fetuses with CHD. T

A Blueprint for the Hard Problem of Consciousness addresses the fundamental mechanism that allows physical events to transcend into subjective experiences, termed the Hard Problem of Consciousness. Consciousness is made available as the abstract product of self-referent realization of information by strange loops through the levels of processing of the brain.

Readers are introduced to the concept of the Hard Problem of Consciousness and related concepts followed by a critical discourse of different theories of consciousness. Next, the author identifies the fundamental flaw of the Integrated Information Theory (IIT) and proposes an alternative that avoids the cryptic intelligent design and panpsychism of the IIT. This author also demonstrates how something can be created out of nothing without resorting to quantum theory, while pointing out neurobiological alternatives to the bottom-up approach of quantum theories of consciousness.

The book then delves into the philosophy of qualia in different physiological knowledge networks (spatial, temporal and olfactory, cortical signals, for example) to explain an action-based model consistent with the generational principles of Predictive Coding, which maps prediction and predictive-error signals for perceptual representations supporting integrated goal-directed behaviors. Conscious experiences are considered the outcome of abstractions realized out of map overlays and provided by sustained oscillatory activity.

The key feature of this blueprint is that it offers a perspective of the Hard Problem of Consciousness from the point of view of the subject; the experience of ‘being the subject’ is predicted to be the realization of inference inversely mapped out of hidden causes of global integrated actions. The author explains the consistencies of his blueprint with ideas of the Global Neuronal Workspace and the Adaptive Resonance Theory of consciousness as well as with the empirical evidence supporting the Integrated Information Theory.

A Blueprint for the Hard Problem of Consciousness offers a unique perspective to readers interested in the scientific philosophy and cognitive neuroscience theory in relation to models of the theory of consciousness.

This reference demonstrates the development of a context aware decision-making health informatics system with the objective to automate the analysis of human centric wellness and assist medical decision-making in healthcare.

The book introduces readers to the basics of a clinical decision support system. This is followed by chapters that explain how to analyze healthcare data for anomaly detection and clinical correlations. The next two sections cover machine learning techniques for object detection and a case study for hemorrhage detection. These sections aim to expand the understanding of simple and advanced neural networks in health informatics. The authors also explore how machine learning model choices based on context can assist medical professionals in different scenarios.

Key Features :

-Reader-friendly format with clear headings, introductions and summaries in each chapter

-Detailed references for readers who want to conduct further research

-Expert contributors providing authoritative knowledge on machine learning techniques and human-centric wellness

-Practical applications of data science in healthcare designed to solve problems and enhance patient wellbeing

-Deep learning use cases for different medical conditions including hemorrhages, gallbladder stones and diabetic retinopathy

Demonstrations of fast and efficient CNN models with varying parameters such as Single shot detector, R-CNN, Mask R-CNN, modified contrast enhancement and improved LSTM models.

This reference is intended as a primary resource for professionals, researchers, software developers and technicians working in healthcare informatics systems and medical diagnostics. It also serves as a supplementary resource for learners in bioinformatics, biomedical engineering and medical informatics programs and anyone who requires technical knowledge about algorithms in medical decision support systems.

A Crisis Like No Other: Understanding and Defeating Global Warming couples engaging and creative storytelling with accurate details to explain global warming.

It covers both the technical and human issues of global warming by addressing what's causing global warming, and why people don't believe it exists. The book tells readers how to convince others that global warming is not only real, but life-threatening, and offers a clearly laid out path to solve it. The book is accurate and carefully researched, drawing on the author's thirty years of studying the science of global warming, and the human psyche that surrounds it. The author breaks down the subject into four parts, which can be thought of as four mini-books in one. The first part covers the psychology of global warming denial, how to defend ourselves against its lies and fake news, and how to convince others of global warming's grave harm. The second part describes exactly what global warming is. The third answers the question what makes us so sure? Finally, the last part provides a road map showing us how to defeat global warming.

This book is comprehensive, fast-paced, and easily accessible to readers from all walks of life. It provides an overview of everything one needs to know about global warming and, as such, is an excellent survey of global warming topics. In addition to being an easy and enjoyable read for the general public, A Crisis Like No Other: Understanding and Defeating Global Warming serves as a handy primer on climate change for environmental science classes.

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a genetic and neurological condition that compromises the academic performance of children. From an educational context, knowledge about the cognitive-linguistic difficulties faced by these students can improve the academic and social quality life of affected children. This handbook presents an interdisciplinary perspective of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Educators and healthcare professionals can broaden their knowledge of the clinical and educational characteristics of students with ADHD. Topics covered in the handbook include the clinical features and genetics of ADHD, educational guidelines on reading, writing and learning processes and multidisciplinary interventions. Parents and teachers can apply the information in this handbook to assist children with ADHD in the classroom.

This textbook provides a comprehensive overview of the part of dentistry that links basic physiologic and pathophysiologic mechanisms to frequently encountered problems in dental practice. Themes that are covered include the structure and function of the cells of oral mucosa, the biology of bone, the functions of oral mucosa, some important aspects on oral microbial flora and biofilms and finally the current principles on mastication, swallowing and speech. The knowledge of basic sciences is essential in oral biology, helping to understand the nature and behavior of cells, tissues and organs in health and disease. It is an easy-to-read, relatively brief but a comprehensive Ebook appropriate for undergraduate and graduate dental students as well as for practicing clinicians.

This laboratory manual is designed to introduce beginner level researchers to the essential experimental techniques of molecular cloning. With a strong focus on hands-on protocols and a clear, cloning-centric framework, the book simplifies complex methods while building a strong foundation in molecular biology.

Across eight structured chapters, the manual initially covers topics such as laboratory safety and fundamental skills, then progresses through microbiological techniques, DNA isolation and purification, DNA analysis, recombinant DNA construction to clone identification. The final chapter includes detailed appendices outlining standard reagent compositions and preparation methods. Special emphasis is placed on the rationale behind each procedure, making the learning process both practical and conceptually grounded.

Key features:

Explains experimental protocols with step-by-step clarity

Gives rationale and mode of action behind each procedure

Emphasizes critical steps through italicized notes and tips

Provides special information panels for deeper contextual knowledge

Include comprehensive appendices for reagent preparation and reference

A Primer on Earth Pollution: Pollution Types and Disposal, is an encyclopedia of important research articles and short essays on pollution. Chapters in the initial half provide information about a wide variety of pollutants (dyes and microplastics) and contributing factors (thermal pollution and the impact of GM plants, for instance). Each chapter explains the nature of polluting agents and presents notes and references on preventive measures. Notes on the associated clinical complications due to exposure are also proved where applicable, such as the case of MDR bacteria in marine environments. The latter chapters of the book cover the biotechnology of medical waste disposal using microbes as well as nanotechnology used for limiting the spread of COVID-19.

The volume is a handy reference for students and trainees in the field of environmental science as it brings a balance of basic and applied information on the subject of pollution.

A Treatise on Ecological Science provides a fresh perspective on modern ecological thought by exploring topics often overlooked in traditional ecological texts. The book opens with a discussion of Network Ecology, unraveling the interconnectedness of ecosystems, and transitions to the intricate relationship between biodiversity and climate change. It further addresses Human Ecology, highlighting its central role in shaping ecological discourse, and explores the principles of Industrial Ecology, emphasizing sustainable practices in industrial systems. The final chapter critically examines the Sustainable Development Goals, offering a balanced view of their benefits and limitations.

Designed to bridge gaps between ecology, industry, and global sustainability, this book serves as an insightful resource for students, researchers, and policymakers interested in contemporary ecological science and its practical applications.

Key Features:

- Examines underexplored topics in ecological science.

- Connects biodiversity, climate change, and human ecology.

- Highlights the role of industrial ecology in sustainability.

- Provides a critical analysis of Sustainable Development Goals.

The book aims to provide a deeper understanding of the synergistic impact of Artificial intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT) for disease detection. It presents a collection of topics designed to explain methods to detect different diseases in humans and plants. Chapters are edited by experts in IT and machine learning, and are structured to make the volume accessible to a wide range of readers.

Key Features:

- 17 Chapters present information about the applications of AI and IoT in clinical medicine and plant biology

- Provides examples of algorithms for heart diseases, Alzheimer's disease, cancer, pneumonia and more

- Includes techniques to detect plant disease

- Includes information about the application of machine learning in specific imaging modalities

- Highlights the use of a variety of advanced Deep learning techniques like Mask R-CNN

- Each chapter provides an introduction and literature review and the relevant protocols to follow

The book is an informative guide for data and computer scientists working to improve disease detection techniques in medical and life sciences research. It also serves as a reference for engineers working in the healthcare delivery sector.

AI in the Social and Business World: A Comprehensive Approach offers an in-depth exploration of the transformative impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) across a wide range of sectors. This edited collection features 13 chapters, each penned by field experts, providing a comprehensive understanding of AI's theoretical foundations, practical applications, and societal implications. Each chapter offers strategic insights, case studies, and discussions on ethical considerations and future trends.

Beginning with an overview of AI's historical evolution, the book navigates through its diverse applications in healthcare, social welfare, business intelligence, and more. Chapters systematically explore AI's role in enhancing healthcare delivery, optimizing business operations, and fostering social inclusion through innovative technologies like AI-based sign recognition and IoT in agriculture.

With strategic insights, case studies, and discussions on ethical considerations and future trends, this book is a valuable resource for researchers, practitioners, and anyone interested in understanding AI's multifaceted influence. It is designed to foster informed discussions and strategic decisions in navigating the evolving landscape of AI in today's dynamic world.

This book is an essential resource for researchers, practitioners, and anyone interested in understanding AI’s multifaceted influence across the social and business landscapes.

AI-Driven Strategic Management: Navigating the Future of Business provides both conceptual clarity and practical guidance in AI-driven Strategic Management, equipping readers with the knowledge to harness AI in navigating uncertainty and sustaining long-term competitiveness.

Beginning with an overview of the AI revolution in strategic management, the book discusses organizational enablers of AI adoption, including culture, talent, and leadership. Subsequent chapters examine how AI transforms decision-making, market forecasting, competitive positioning, and resource allocation across time, talent, and capital. The volume also integrates global perspectives, highlighting opportunities and challenges in emerging markets such as Africa. Real-world case studies reinforce theoretical insights, ensuring readers grasp both the opportunities and risks of AI in business strategy.

Key Features:

Explains the evolving role of AI in shaping modern strategic management.

Demonstrates AI's impact on decision-making, market forecasting, and competitive positioning.

Addresses ethics, governance, and sustainability in AI-driven strategies.

Highlights global perspectives with a focus on emerging markets.

Provides practical insights through real-world case studies and applications.

Abdominal pain is one of the frequent reasons for admission to emergency departments in hospitals. Diagnosis in patients presenting abdominal pain is a challenge for physicians owing to several indications, and a lack of contraindications. Delay in diagnosis and misdiagnosis is a common problem even for the most experienced emergency physician or general surgeon. Disruptions that may be related to ancillary services such as radiology and biochemistry also increase the difficulty. Abdominal Pain: Essential Diagnosis and Management in Acute Medicine is a definitive diagnosis guide that serves as a quick reference that supplements medical examinations.

It gives physicians involved in a range of medical specialties (emergency medicine, family medicine, gastroenterology, general surgery) an understanding of how to apply procedures to expediently relieve pain where possible, after evaluating and recording the initial vital signs and findings on systemic examination.

Key Features:

- Covers abdominal pain diagnosis and patient management patient in a systematic and structured manner in 12 chapters

- Chapters are dedicated to specific topics

- Presents an individualized approach tailored for the patient to address common problems

- Gives general working knowledge for specific diseases in the list of possible diagnoses

- Provides a guide to situations involving trauma and surgery

This Ebook brings together the latest developments and studies of Mobile Ad Hoc Networks (MANETs) and Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs), which should provide a seedbed for new breakthroughs. It focuses on the most representative topics in MANETs and WSNs, such as energy-efficient routing, backbone construction, multicast/broadcast, resource allocation, data gathering/aggregation, sensor coverage, target tracking, and so on. This Ebook is suitable for scholars, researchers and developers to grasp the most updated work in MANETs and WSNs. Moreover, the Ebook is a valuable companion and comprehensive reference for graduate students who are taking a course in wireless networking. Compared with existing books in the field, this Ebook focuses on general architectures, algorithms and protocols for both MANETs and WSNs, and covers heterogeneous networks where sensors are co-existing with ad hoc nodes.

Adulteration refers to the practice of altering food or pharmaceutical content to reduce production costs. Factors affecting this practice include market forces such as easy availability of food adulterants, bargaining power of consumers and large demand and supply gaps which incentivize such practices. Technological advancements in chemical analysis now help us to identify adulterated food and drugs more easily.

Adulteration Analysis of Some Foods and Drugs is a sourcebook describing analytical methodologies for the determination of adulterants in different food items (milk, honey, juice) and drugs (dietary supplements, sildenafil and specific plant extracts). Additional chapters give guidelines for analyzing a food or drug sample. This book is suitable for researchers working in the field of analytical chemistry for the determination of adulterants. The concise and organized presentation of the contents also serves to enhance the level of knowledge of students undertaking food and drug safety / quality control training courses.

Vector calculus is an essential mathematical tool for performing mathematical analysis of physical and natural phenomena. It is employed in advanced applications in the field of engineering and computer simulations.

This textbook covers the fundamental requirements of vector calculus in curricula for college students in mathematics and engineering programs. Chapters start from the basics of vector algebra, real valued functions, different forms of integrals, geometric algebra and the various theorems relevant to vector calculus and differential forms.

Readers will find a concise and clear study of vector calculus, along with several examples, exercises, and a case study in each chapter. The solutions to the exercises are also included at the end of the book.

This is an ideal book for students with a basic background in mathematics who wish to learn about advanced calculus as part of their college curriculum and equip themselves with the knowledge to apply theoretical concepts in practical situations.

This book focuses on crucial characterization methods adopted for materials, design, and performance of secondary batteries. The book is divided into eight chapters aiming to provide comprehensive and essential guidance on battery characterizations. Each chapter focuses on a specific technique: electron microscopy, focused ion beam methods, atomic force microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectra, neutron diffraction, synchrotron-radiation X-ray tomography, and ultrasonic nondestructive testing.

Key Features

· Comprehensive coverage of characterization techniques for secondary battery technology

· Explains the working principle, essential functions and data analysis for each technique

· In-depth review of recent applications of secondary batteries from both material and device perspectives

· Detailed reference list for advanced readers

This monograph is intended as a resource for the broad research community involved in materials and device testing for batteries at academic and industrial levels. It also serves as a reference for engineering students required to learn advanced characterization techniques for developing rechargeable battery technology.

This book focuses on the advanced controller designs of flight vehicle maneuver and operation. Chapters explain advanced control mechanisms and algorithms for different controllers required in a flight vehicle system. The book topics such as air-disturbance fixed time controllers, algorithms for orbit and attitude computation, adaptive control modes, altitude stabilization, nonlinear vibration control, partial space elevator configuration, controls for formation flying and satellite cluster, respectively.

Key features:

1) Includes an investigation of high-precision and high-stability control problems of flight vehicles

2) Multiple complex disturbances are considered to improve robust performance and control accuracy

3)Covers a variety of single spacecraft and distributed space systems (including hypersonic vehicles, flexible aircraft, rigid aircraft, and satellites)

This book will be helpful to aerospace scientists and engineers who are interested in working on the development of flight vehicle maneuver and operation. Researchers studying control science and engineering, and advanced undergraduate and graduate students and professionals involved in the flight vehicle control field will also benefit from the information given in this book.

Advanced Machine Learning for Complex Medical Data Analysis is a definitive guide to leveraging machine learning to solve critical challenges in medical data analysis. This book discusses cutting-edge methodologies, from predictive modeling to neural networks, tailored to address the unique complexities of medical and healthcare data. It combines theoretical frameworks with practical applications, ensuring readers gain a comprehensive understanding of both concepts and real-world implementations.

The book covers diverse topics, including medical image denoising, the transformative role of GANs, IoT applications in healthcare, early disease detection using speech data, and COVID detection using autoencoders. It also explores the impact of big data, statistical approaches to medical analytics, and public health improvements through technology.

Key Features:

- Practical insights into deploying advanced machine learning models for healthcare.

- Real-world case studies on diverse diseases and datasets.

- Cutting-edge topics like explainable AI, federated learning, and ethical considerations.

- Methods for improving data accuracy, efficiency, and privacy.

The discovery of new materials and the manipulation of their exotic properties for device fabrication is crucial for advancing technology. Nanoscience and the creation of nanomaterials have taken materials science and electronics to new heights for the benefit of mankind. Advanced Materials and Nanosystems: Theory and Experiment cover several topics of nanoscience research. The compiled chapters aim to update students, teachers, and scientists by highlighting modern developments in materials science theory and experiments. The significant role of new materials in future technology is also demonstrated. The book serves as a reference for curriculum development in technical institutions and research programs in the field of physics, chemistry, and applied areas of science like materials science, chemical engineering, and electronics. This part covers 12 topics in these areas: - Carbon and boron nitride nanostructures for hydrogen storage applications - Nanomaterials for retinal implants - Materials for rechargeable battery electrodes - Cost-effective catalysts for ammonia production - The role of nanocomposites in environmental remediation - Optical analysis of organic and inorganic components - Metal-oxide nanoparticles - Mechanical analysis of orthopedic implants - Advanced materials and nanosystems for catalysis, sensing, and wastewater treatment - Topological Nanostructures - Hollow nanostructures

Advanced Materials for Emerging Applications is a monograph on emerging materials'; materials that have observable differences in physical properties and manufacturing requirements when compared to existing materials and industrial processes. The volume aims to showcase novel materials that can be used in advanced technology and innovative products.

The editors have compiled 17 chapters grouped into 3 sections: 1) Metals and Alloys, 2) Composite materials, and 3) Other materials. Chapters 1-5 discuss recent advances in friction stir welding, suitability of nickel-base shape memory alloys, thermal cycling studies of nickel-based shape memory alloys, nitrogen additions to stainless steel, and the evolution of zirconium alloy. Chapters 6-11 cover topics such as additive manufacturing of metal matrix composites, composite materials for biomedical applications, aluminum and magnesium metal matrix composites, aluminum nanocomposites for automobile applications, enhancing the strength of aluminum-boron carbide composites, and sisal fibers reinforced composites. Lastly, chapters 13-17 explore smart hydrogels, engineered iron-oxide nanomaterials for magnetic hyperthermia, emerging sustainable material technology for fire safety, recent advances in unconventional machining of smart alloys, and critical parameters influencing high-strain rate deformation of materials.

This monograph provides information for a broad readership including material and manufacturing engineers, researchers, students (at undergraduate levels or above) and entrepreneurs interested in manufacturing new products.

Advanced Mathematical Applications in Data Science comprehensively explores the crucial role mathematics plays in the field of data science. Each chapter is contributed by scientists, researchers, and academicians. The 13 chapters cover a range of mathematical concepts utilized in data science, enabling readers to understand the intricate connection between mathematics and data analysis. The book covers diverse topics, including, machine learning models, the Kalman filter, data modeling, artificial neural networks, clustering techniques, and more, showcasing the application of advanced mathematical tools for effective data processing and analysis. With a strong emphasis on real-world applications, the book offers a deeper understanding of the foundational principles behind data analysis and its numerous interdisciplinary applications. This reference is an invaluable resource for graduate students, researchers, academicians, and learners pursuing a research career in mathematical computing or completing advanced data science courses.

Key Features:

- Comprehensive coverage of advanced mathematical concepts and techniques in data science

- Contributions from established scientists, researchers, and academicians

- Real-world case studies and practical applications of mathematical methods

- Focus on diverse areas, such as image classification, carbon emission assessment, customer churn prediction, and healthcare data analysis

- In-depth exploration of data science's connection with mathematics, computer science, and artificial intelligence

- Scholarly references for each chapter - Suitable for readers with high school-level mathematical knowledge, making it accessible to a broad audience in academia and industry.