Bentham Science Publishers

Graphene-Based Nanomaterial Catalysis compiles knowledge about catalytic graphene-based nanomaterials in a single easy-to-read volume. The text serves to familiarize scholars and professionals with the methods of fabrication of both functionalized and non-functionalized graphene nanomaterials suitable for use in a variety of applications such as electrochemical sensors, oxygen and hydrogen production, fuel cells and organic transformations.

Key Features

- systematic chapters which present the topic in an accessible way that is targeted towards learners

- Accessible information about the fabrication of graphene-based catalysts

- updated knowledge about catalytic applications of graphene-based nanomaterials in electro- and organic catalysis.

- delivers information about recent trends in industry and research.

- covers sophisticated green technologies such as carbon dioxide conversion and solar powered water splitting

- references for further reading

Interested students in material science at undergraduate, graduate and postgraduate levels in the disciplines of chemical engineering and materials science will highly benefit from the information in this reference. The reference also gives researchers in both industry and academia an opportunity to update their knowledge of graphene-based nanomaterials useful for catalysis.

This book informs readers about recent advances in graphene carbocatalysis encapsulating the current developments in the syntheses, properties, characterizations, functionalization and catalytic applications of graphene, its derivatives and composites. It serves as a comprehensive primary reference book for chemistry and engineering students who are required to learn about graphene chemistry in detail. It also serves as an introductory reference for industry professionals and researchers who are interested in graphene research as well as its emerging applications in catalysis and beyond. Volume 1 provides an introduction to catalysis and the chemistry of graphene. This is followed by chapters that cover the chemistry of graphene compounds. Next, it covers the functionalization of graphene into catalytic materials and its role in the synthesis of nanocomposites. Finally, the book delves into the complex aspects of graphene carbocatalysis: recent advances in graphene supported palladium catalysts for coupling reactions, applications of graphene-based catalysts in multicomponent, domino reactions, oxidation and reduction reactions, and recent trends in biocatalytic properties of graphene-based composites are all discussed in detail.

This book aims to inform readers about the latest trends in environment-friendly extraction techniques in food analysis. Fourteen edited chapters cover relevant topics. These topics include a primer green food analysis and extraction, environment-friendly solvents, (such as deep eutectic solvents, ionic liquids, and supramolecular solvents), and different extraction techniques.

Key Features

- Includes topics for basic and advanced readers

- Covers a wide range of green solvents for food analysis

- Emphasizes modern extraction techniques (including supercritical fluid extraction, the gas expanded liquid extraction, pressurized liquid extraction, microwave-assisted extraction, pulse electric field extraction)

- Provides notes on selection of solvents

- Includes references for every chapter The blend of fundamental and applied information makes this an ideal reference for food chemistry students and research scholars. It also serves as a guide for professional experts working in food analysis and sustainability roles.

The convergence of nanotechnology with agriculture has transformed farming, while also impacting medicine, biotechnology and environmental science. Plant extracts isolated using new technologies have been used to successfully create new medicines for specific diseases. This book focuses on the eco-friendly synthesis of plant extracts. It provides information about multifunctional nanoparticles, and their versatile applications, including agriculture, food safety, and environmental remediation.

The book aims to bridge the gap between nanotechnology and public perception, addressing concerns related to health and environmental impact. Themes within the book span across green synthesis techniques for noble metal nanoparticles, the crucial role of analytical methods in characterizing these 'nanomaterials' and the comprehensive examination of how nanoparticles interact with the human body. Furthermore, the intricate relationships between proteins and nanoparticles is highlighted to explain the physicochemical effects and toxicity of nanomaterials. Readers will learn about sustainable and environmentally friendly approaches for synthesizing nanoparticles, while getting a glimpse of the promising future of nanotechnology in agriculture and beyond.

Halophytic plants are a fascinating group of plants that also serve as dietary feed for livestock. Their utilization is essential for sustainable agriculture and maintaining ecological balance. This book explains the nature of halophytic plants through an in-depth presentation of their botanical and nutritional characteristics. Chapters of the book highlight different aspects of halophytes on a botanical, histological, ecological and nutritional basis when utilized as animal feed components. The issues of the histo-chemical aspects of halophytes are addressed with regard to their impact on nutrient compositions and availability to animals, while the important nutrient contents of halophytes are considered in relation to their value to animals.

Key Features:

- 10 organized chapters on halophytic plants

- Explains the relationship between botanical and nutritional characteristics of halophytes when utilized as animal feed components

- Covers information about important nutrient contents and secondary metabolites in halophytes

- Includes information on nutritional and feeding values for animals

- Includes informative diagram and tables

- Includes references for further reading

This book fills a notable gap in available literature on the subject, and will stimulate researchers to pursue the many unanswered questions in the field of biosaline agriculture. This text serves as reading material for undergraduate and graduate level courses and specializations in agriculture, animal nutrition, animal physiology, botany and plant physiology. It also serves as supplementary reading for students of taxonomy, ecology, and environmental science courses. Professional and apprentice livestock farmers will also benefit from the information presented by the book.

Handbook for Dental Chair Side Assistants is a timely and comprehensive resource designed to educate the dental chair side assistant and dental nurses about dentistry. This unique practical handbook covers the basic sciences emergencies and clinical aspects of all dental specialties. The theoretical knowledge and background about dental anatomy, dental microbiology, oral pathology, dental materials, dental radiology, dental procedures, common drugs, problems and dental instruments in dental practice is explained in simple and clear terms.

The contents have been designed to give an optimum balance between clinical skills and theoretical foundation of the subject. The book is divided into 2 parts. Part 1 covers basic sciences and includes a guide to working in dental clinics. Part 2 includes a guide to medical emergencies, and information for different dental specialty settings.

Key Features

- Lucid yet simple explanations for learners

- Covers basic and practical tips for dental assistants and nurses

- Provides information for all dental specialties

- Includes notes on advanced technology in dentistry

- Illustrative and easy to retain information with colorful clinical pictures flowcharts and tabular data

- A comprehensive summary for every chapter The book is useful reading material for undergraduate dental students and trainees.

Handbook of Laparoscopy Instruments covers the essential components of laparoscopic instruments and technology. It presents accessible information covering key topics on the subject: Ø Basic and specialized laparoscopic instruments Ø Image production Ø Pneumoperitoneum maintenance Ø Ergonomics Ø Sterilization procedures Ø Optical devices Ø Operation theatre layout and setup Ø Operative hand instruments Ø Robotic Surgery This book is an indispensable resource recommended for students and surgical residents who need an understanding of instruments and procedures in laparoscopic surgery. It is also intended to help medical professionals who want to start laparoscopy units in their clinics.

In a global environment of rapid increases in health expenditures, health policies in Australia and in many other countries are currently undergoing major reforms. To contain future cost increases, accurate tools able to identify and rank ‘best value for money’ health investments are essential.

In Australia non-communicable chronic diseases – e.g. diabetes, heart disease, cancer, arthritis and mental disorders – affect the majority of the elderly, account for 70% of health expenditures, and cause poor health, deteriorating quality of life and premature death. This book focuses on how to identify ‘best value for money’ health investments within the context of on-going and future health reforms, and on quantifying the major benefits that would flow from such investments in terms of longer and better lives. This book will be of interest to general readers, social and economic researchers, and students interested in health care in ageing populations.

Some time ago, Schiano raised the question "To B or not to B", which means "To Biopsy or not to Biopsy" the liver for the evaluation of chronic hepatopathies. For a long period, liver biopsy (LB) was considered the "gold standard" for the evaluation of liver morphology. A major disadvantage of LB is its invasiveness: the risk of post-biopsy discomfort for patients and sometimes, for serious complications; also the lack of sensitivity to detect fibrosis, due to its heterogeneity; and the inability to obtain good quality fragments, adequate for pathological examination. In these conditions, the question is whether LB can be regarded as the "gold standard" for staging and grading chronic hepatitis in daily activity.

But what alternative can we propose for the evaluation of liver fibrosis at this moment? The answer is: non-invasive methods and the ultrasound elastographic ones presented in this volume.

Transient Elastography (FibroScan, Echosens) is a recognized method in many countries. Published papers and meta-analyses showed the value of this method for the diagnosis of liver cirrhosis (AUROC - 94%); for staging chronic HCV hepatitis (a cut-off value of 7.5 kPa differentiates F0–1 from F2–4 with 67% sensitivity, 87% specificity, 86% positive predictive value (PPV) and 68% negative predictive value (NPV), with a diagnostic accuracy of 76%; but also in HBV chronic infection, NASH, PBC, PBS).

Acoustic Radiation Force Impulse (ARFI) Elastography (Siemens S2000) is another elastographic methods with promising results (a meta-analysis showed that the mean diagnostic accuracy of ARFI expressed as AUROC was 0.88 for the diagnosis of significant fibrosis (F≥2), 0.91 for the diagnosis of severe fibrosis (F≥3), and 0.93 for the diagnosis of liver cirrhosis. In the subgroup of patients who underwent both ARFI and TE, the diagnostic accuracy of ARFI was comparable to TE for the diagnosis of significant and severe fibrosis, with a trend to be inferior for the diagnosis of cirrhosis. The future of liver fibrosis evaluation points towards non-invasive methods, decreasing dramatically the number of liver biopsies.

Studies have been published regarding the value of Real Time Elastography, performed for the first time with Hitachi systems (EUB-8500 and EUB-900), which uses an extended combined autocorrelation method to produce a real-time elasticity image by using a freehand approach to compress the tissues with the ultrasound transducer. The relative tissues’ elasticity is calculated and displayed as a color overlay on the conventional B-mode image. HiRT-E could be a promising method for the evaluation of liver fibrosis in chronic hepatopathies, but new methods of color code interpretation are needed to improve the accuracy, as well as a reference acquisition methodology.

ShearWave™ Elastography, the new "kid on the block", produces an image where true local tissue elasticity is displayed in a color map in "real time". Elasticity is displayed using a color coded image superimposed on a B-mode image. Stiffer tissues are coded in red and softer tissues in blue, with an image resolution of approximately 1mm. The true elasticity is assessed based on Shear wave propagation speed into the tissue. It is a very new method and only small studies were presented at international meetings.

Thus, having the alternative of noninvasive elastographic methods for the evaluation of liver fibrosis (maybe together with serum tests such as FibroMax) and knowing the low real life yield of liver biopsy (and the risk of complications), we can safely conclude that, for daily medical activity, liver biopsy can be avoided in the vast majority of cases.

This ebook presents an interesting set of chapters on the subject and is of good value to hepatologists interested in non invasive diagnostic methods for liver diseases.

This handbook provides an introduction to COVID-19 and herbal medications that boost the human immune system against SARS-CoV-2. The topics are covered in 7 chapters starting with an introduction to the disease, followed by notes on nutraceuticals and common herbal medicines that have therapeutic potential by enhancing the patient’s immune response. Special topics such as COVID-19 risk factors and Indian traditional medicines are also included to supplement the contents. The editors have taken advantage of the vast body of knowledge accumulated since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2019.

Chapters are written in simple language with structured headings to facilitate a quick understanding of the subject. References are provided for scholars interested in further readings. The book is a quick guide on immune boosting medicines for a broad audience that includes general medical practitioners, nurses, caregivers, and public healthcare workers involved in clinics working in local communities.