Bentham Science Publishers

Thermodynamics and kinetics (i.e., chemical interactions) are extremely important concepts for pharmaceutical scientists to understand since the "drug selection process", that is, the process used by pharmaceutical companies to discover and develop marketable drugs, is totally dependent upon these theories. While both theories are important, kinetic models describing complex chemical and biological processes provide a unifying theory for all phases of the discovery and development of drugs. Unfortunately, in most textbooks the mathematical descriptions necessary to develop a deeper understanding of kinetic models are omitted. This is primarily done such that the underlying chemistry and biochemistry principles are not obscured by the "mathematical maze" that is generated from these models. As a result many chemists and biologists veer rapidly away from thermodynamics and kinetics. For some scientists, this can lead to confusion on how to apply these models to real-life situations. For example, many enzyme kinetic models are formulated as rate equations. Since experimentally measurements typically determine concentrations and rarely determines rates directly, confusion arises on how to apply kinetic models. In this case, either the model is integrated to give a description of the concentration course of the enzyme reaction or the data is differentiated (i.e., the process of determining rates) by measuring tangents to the reaction curves at zero time.

The level of mathematical skills required to solve kinetic models is minimal for anyone who has studied college level algebra and calculus. Thus, the objective of this book is to present a brief review of thermodynamics and kinetics followed by a detailed step-by-step approach in developing and solving kinetic models for complex chemical and biological processes. The book focuses on building a solid mathematical foundation of enzyme kinetic models by systematically evolving simple uni- and bi-molecular models to enzyme models. Applications for some of these kinetic models are generated from pharmaceutical examples and a selection of problems is presented at the end of each chapter. This elementary approach has been intentionally selected to keep the book at a self-explanatory level. It is anticipated that the reader will be able to follow the mathematical operations and in the process develop a deeper understanding of kinetic models and an improved ability to interpret kinetic parameters.

The book is restricted to solution chemical kinetics and does not deal with the theories of chemical reactions, gas-phase reactions, experimental kinetic methods and so on. There are many excellent chemical kinetic textbooks available for those interested in these topics. The solution chemical kinetics materials for the book were obtained from literature papers and several books on physical chemistry and enzyme kinetics. The ideas from these sources have been hopefully reinterpreted in a style that is well matched to those pharmaceutical scientists that do not have a comprehensive knowledge of kinetic models and the mathematical skills to solve them.

Chapter 1 presents a general overview to thermodynamic and kinetic principals and theory. In Section i, an overview to the scope of the book is presented. A brief review of mathematical fundamentals used in the book (Section ii) and kinetic and thermodynamic principals are present (Section iii and iv). A glossary of symbols and abbreviation used throughout the book is presented in Section v. Chapter 2 describes the basic theory of first-order kinetic models. These types of mathematical models are used for irreversible (Section I) and reversible (Section II) rearrangement reactions and some examples are presented to illustrate their applications to drug discovery. Chapter 3 describes second-order irreversible (Section III) and reversible (Section IV) dimerization reactions while Chapter 4 describes second-order irreversible (Section V) and reversible (Section VI) binding reactions. Chapter 5 describes partially and fully coupled reversible completive binding reactions (Section VII). Chapter 6 describes second-order kinetic models that are used to analyze consecutive irreversible (Section VIII) and reversible (Section IX) substrate suicide enzyme reactions. Chapter 7 describes kinetic models that are used to analyze consecutive irreversible (Section X) and reversible (Sections XI and XII) enzyme reactions. Chapter 8 describes kinetic models that are used to analyze consecutive reversible inhibition enzyme reactions (Section XIII - XVI). Chapter 9 describes kinetic models that are used to analyze substrate (Section XVII) and product inhibition (Section XVIII) enzyme reactions. The Appendix contains the answers to the problems.

This book explores the different ways sleep medicine is practiced in the world by presenting information from multiple countries from all continents. The editors, all sleep medicine experts, dive into both clinical practice, and research keeping an eye on healthcare needs and disparities, before proposing solutions. The contributions also take into account the social, geographical and political situation of each country, along with demographic considerations such as income levels, adding a dimension of context to the contents. The book is meant to be a reference for sleep medicine practitioners who encounter diverse patients in their daily practice. It also serves as a good resource for anyone interested in the state of global health studies.

This volume is a review of recent developments, opportunities, and challenges in the conversion of biomass from different sources to biodiesel or related fuel additives. Key features of the book include fully referenced chapters edited by experts, a blend of basic and current information on biodiesel and a summary of sustainable use of biodiesel byproducts like glycerol.

The volume presents a comprehensive range of 13 topics related to biodiesel production and fuel additives. It begins with a historical overview of biodiesel and related additives, followed by detailed chapters on biodiesel production from various sources such as soybean oil, palm oil, and Jatropha curcas oil. Recent advancements in catalytic thermochemical conversions of biomass into biofuels are explored, alongside discussions on algal biocrude as a feedstock. The role of homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysis in biodiesel production is examined, along with innovative techniques such as microwave and ultrasound-assisted synthesis. The book also presents information about the utilization of waste cooking oil and waste-derived catalysts, concluding with insights into solketal synthesis and catalytic biodiesel production via simultaneous esterification and transesterification.

The book imparts the technical know-how on biodiesel and relevant fuel additives for engineering and sustainability students, professionals and apprentices. It also informs policymakers in the energy sector on the benefits of biodiesel as a renewable energy resource.

This e-book presents an analysis on the correlative relations and interactions between democracy and education at macro and micro levels. This analysis demonstrates that democracy and educational institutes are influenced by the natural, demographic, institutional and cultural dimensions of their society and that the relation between them should be dealt with under the authentic conditions of the society and with an integral perspective.

This e-book provides a sound base for discussions on democracy at all levels. Thus it contributes to functional discussions about the philosophy behind education and democracy, by helping education institutions, teachers, administrators and all responsible citizens to consider their own roles within a comprehensible and simple frame in society through the process of democratization.

This book explores the dynamic intersection of three cutting-edge technologies—Artificial Intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT), and Cloud Computing—and their profound impact on diverse domains. Beginning with an introduction to AI and its challenges, it delves into IoT applications in fields like transportation, industry 4.0, healthcare, and agriculture. The subsequent chapter explores AI in the cloud, covering areas such as banking, e-commerce, smart cities, healthcare, and robotics. Another section investigates the integration of AI and IoT-Cloud, discussing applications like smart meters, smart cities, smart agriculture, smart healthcare, and smart industry. Challenges like data privacy and security are examined, and the future direction of these technologies, including fog computing and quantum computing, is explored. The book concludes with use cases that highlight the real-world applications of these transformative technologies across various sectors. Each chapter is also supplemented with a list of scholarly references for advanced readers.

The book is intended primarily as a resource for students in information technology and technology courses. And as a secondary resource for industry professionals who want to learn about these technologies in the context of digital transformation.

Chromene is a naturally abundant heterocyclic compound found in alkaloids, tocopherols, terpenes and other compounds. Its derivatives can be used as a scaffold that exhibits pharmacological activity in the human body.

Chromene drugs and related bioactive molecules are the prime focus of this reference. It presents 13 thoroughly researched chapters that comprehensively cover all aspects about the molecule. Starting with a detailed introduction to its role and importance in drug discovery, the book goes into the details of chromene structure, synthesis and pharmacology. Readers can gain knowledge of different commercial medicines based on chromene and its pharmacological activity against different diseases. The elaborate topics in the book will help researchers working on chromene based drugs.

Key highlights of the book include:

- Complete coverage of chromene's role in nature and drug development with references to historical background and current developments

- References to commercial and preclinical drugs and patents of interest

- Explanation of chromene bioacivity in different diseases (antioxidant, antidiabetic, antinflammatory, antibacterial and antifungal activities, antitumour, immunomodulatory activity)

- Explanation of chromene activity against SARS-Cov2

The Role of Network Security and 5G Communication in Smart Cities and Industrial Transformation explores the transformative power of 5G communication and network security in creating smarter, safer, and more sustainable urban and industrial ecosystems. This book highlights how 5G technology drives real-time connectivity for applications such as intelligent transportation, healthcare, energy management, and industrial automation while emphasizing the critical need for robust cybersecurity measures.

The book integrates diverse topics, from 5G-enabled edge computing and blockchain-based healthcare systems to big data analytics and AI-powered security solutions. It offers insights into mitigating vulnerabilities, protecting data privacy, and building resilient infrastructures to support Industry 4.0 and sustainable smart cities. Designed for researchers, professionals, and policymakers, this resource provides practical strategies and forward-thinking perspectives on shaping a hyperconnected future.

Key Features:

- Explores 5G’s role in smart city and industrial applications.

- Highlights cybersecurity challenges and solutions.

- Examines healthcare innovations using 5G and blockchain.

- Discusses big data and AI in secure mobile services.

- Provides actionable insights for sustainable transformation.

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is a complex metabolic disorder characterized by impaired glucose metabolism and pancreatic β-cell dysfunction. No effective treatments are available for T2D, although there have been many developments in the therapeutic arena. Nitric oxide (NO) is an endocrine agent with multiple and important biological roles in most mammalian tissues. NO has emerged as a central regulator of energy metabolism and body composition. NO bioavailability is decreased in T2D. Several of the pharmaceuticals used in T2D affect the NO system and perhaps even more so by the drugs we use to treat diabetic cardiovascular complications. Experimental works in animal models of T2D show promising results with interventions aimed to increase NO signaling. However, translation into human studies has so far been less successful, but more large-scale prolonged studies are clearly needed to understand its role.

This book is a collection of reviews that deal with the role of nitric oxide in type 2 diabetes, providing a unique overview of NO signaling, and pointing out key areas for more detailed research. The book includes contributions about the pathophysiology of T2D, a brief history of discovery and timeline of NO research, a comprehensive overview of impaired NO metabolism in T2D, precursors of NO (i.e., L-arginine, L-citrulline, nitrate, nitrites, and NO donors), NO and T2D from genetic points of view, NO and diabetic wound healing, NO and osteoporosis, NO and hyperuricemia, NO and Alzheimer's Disease, therapeutic applications of NO and NO donors in T2D. The compilation is of great value to anyone interested in the biochemistry of NO and its relationship to diabetes.

In an era of globalization, where the progressive deterioration of local values is a dominating characteristic, identity is seen as a fundamental need that encompasses all aspects of human life. One of these identities relates to place and the physical environment. Place identity is concerned with a set of ideas about place and identity from the perspective of a wide range of disciplines. Mainly, it refers to the meaning and importance of places for their inhabitants and users.

Readers of this e-book will gain an insight on the role of identity as a basis for the perception, experience, and appreciation of the form of built structures. This e-book explains knowledge in relation to place identity, focusing on people's identity, and those factors that play a significant role in this process. Most of all, the book gives further insight about place identity with regard to global and local contexts, and across multifaceted and multicultural societies. The theme is approached from a number of disciplines that include environmental psychology, philosophy, urban sociology, geography, urban planning, urban design, architecture and landscape architecture.