Book Reviews

Book Reviews

Cultural Considerations in Intervention with Women and Children Exposed to Intimate Partner Violence

“This much-needed volume deftly interweaves historical context and state-of-the-art intervention science to provide guidance on providing domestic violence services in an array of cultural contexts. Individual chapters provide specific guidance on adapting the Kids’ Club and Moms’ Empowerment programs for diverse groups in the United States and internationally, helping readers learn how to apply evidence-based practices in communities worldwide.” – Sherry Hamby, Ph.D., Editor, Psychology of Violence, Director, Life Paths Appalachian Research Center (LPARC), Founder and Co-Chair, ResilienceCon, Research Professor of Psychology, University of the South, Monteagle, TN USA

“This volume, created and edited by Graham-Bermann, an international expert in research and intervention for children exposed to intimate partner violence, is a highly valuable contribution to the field. It is the first volume to compile evidence for the cross-cultural adaptation of intervention programs for families struggling with intimate partner violence, a tragically prevalent problem across the world. This important work is essential for researchers and practitioners in the field of intimate partner violence in order to best adapt their interventions in a culturally competent manner. It is particularly vital in today’s world, including within the U.S. that we expand our interventions to reach a broader and more diverse range of families struggling with these issues.” – Alytia A. Levendosky, Ph.D., Professor and Acting Co-Director of the MSU Psychological Clinic, Department of Psychology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA

“This edited volume chronicles the impressive array of differing cultural contexts where Dr. Graham-Bermann’s ground-breaking intervention programs for women and children affected by intimate partner violence have been successfully implemented. It goes a step further by also outlining issues and challenges for potential future implementation in a variety of cultural contexts around the globe, carefully including vulnerable women from traditionally disenfranchised communities. The significance of the impact of the Kids’ Club and Moms’ Empowerment programs in improving the lives of children and their mothers to date cannot be overstated. This volume is innovative and timely by addressing how cultural competence and sensitivity can be successfully cultivated in rigorous evidence-based programs firmly grounded in scholarly evidence and clinical wisdom.” – Caroline Piotrowski, PhD MPH, Director of Violence & Injury Prevention Research Group, Associate Professor of Community Health Sciences, Max Rady College of Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada

For more information about this book, please click here.

Vehicular Networks: Applications, Performance Analysis and Challenges

“This book provides an updated overview of a wide range of issues, trends and challenges of vehicular networks, written by internationally leading researchers in the fields.  It is definitely a valuable reference book for researchers and professionals who are interested in the technical areas.”
Professor Kin K. Leung, Tanaka Chair Professor, Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Imperial College London, UK

“A detailed and comprehensive introduction to the applications and challenges of vehicular networks. This book can serve as an instrumental reference for the general V2X and connected vehicle community.”
Professor Victor C.M. Leung, Distinguished Professor, College of Computer Science and Software Engineering, Shenzhen University

“The coverage of this book is all-encompassing, from protocol designs, vehicular positioning, computing platforms, to security. A must read for anyone who wants to be in the know about the latest and upcoming landscape of vehicular networking. A timely book for researchers, students, and practitioners alike!”
Professor Soung C. Liew, Professor, Department of Information Engineering, The Chinese University of Hong Kong

For more information about this book, please click here.

 

Inositols: Guide to Practical Applications in Obstetrics and Gynecology

“This book provides a comprehensive overview on the use of Inositols in gynecology and obstetrics. From their discovery in 1850 to the most recent findings, the chapters thoroughly describe historical and current knowledge on the impact of Inositols, mainly Myo-inositol and D-chiro-inositol, upon management of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, Metabolic syndrome, Preeclampsia, Fetal programming, Assisted Reproductive Technologies and Gynecologic oncology. Results from scientific investigations and clinical applications are presented in a rigorous although simple manner. Researchers and clinicians will certainly benefit from reading this book, and will find opportunities to expand current knowledge and applications of Inositols in this relevant field.” – Mónica H. Vazquez-Levin, MSc., PhD. Senior Investigator. Consejo de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas de Argentina (CONICET). Director Laboratory of Cell-Cell Interaction en Reproduction and Cancer. Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IBYME-CONICET), Argentina.

“Inositol is a promising possible safe alternative treatment for amenorrhea and PCOS. This compendium outstandingly focus on new research and understanding of this alternative innovative therapy, both in metabolic and reproductive profile. I strongly recommend the reading of this book that is really unique and useful.” –Professor Francesco Orio, MD, PhD, Professor of Endocrinology “Parthenope” University of Naples, Italy

“Accumulating evidence suggests that Inositols play a pivotal role in several biological processes, which are fundamental for endocrine and metabolic regulation as well as human reproduction. In this scenario, Inositols have paramount importance as potent and cost-effective compounds to counteract the underlying causes of different pathological conditions, such as metabolic syndrome, polycystic ovary syndrome, gestational diabetes and infertility. Although these insulin-sensitizer molecules have pleiotropic actions in different body microenvironments, the book provides a complete and updated summary for an evidence-based therapeutic approach with Inositols in the whole field of obstetrics and gynecology.” – Antonio Simone Laganà, M.D., Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, “Filippo Del Ponte” Hospital, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy.

“This exhaustive and very updated book guides us through the different therapeutic approaches to the obstetrics and gynecological disorders, from PCOS and GDM to infertility. A book of great scientific value written by the main worldwide experts on Inositol. It provides an overview of the critical role played by this natural molecule, from the early discovery up to nowadays researches. I recommend this publication to health professionals and researchers who want to explore in detail this area and bring the information displayed here to their everyday practice.” – Giusy Porcaro, M.D., Department of Obstetrics and Gynecological, Hospital Santa Maria della Stella Orvieto USL Umbria 2, Orvieto, Umbria

For more information about this book, please click here.

A Blood Border: Trieste between Mussolini and Tito

“Massacres deserve to be commemorated, even if they were carried out as a measure of revenge. Yet when commemorating the civilians brutally murdered in the context of larger wars, accusations have often been made that such commemorations serve the exculpation of similar acts by one’s own side. Of course two wrongs don’t make a right, and yet both during and after the Second World War in particular, the argument et tu has often been used as though it did. Historians thus walk a tightrope when they seek to commemorate the dead, as they need to avoid the impression that theirs is a unilateral account. Luisa Morettin does a magnificent job here: her research not only brings back into our conscience the many (mostly civilian) victims of the foibe killings in Yugoslav-occupied frontier areas of Italy at the end of World War II, but also contextualises them honestly in a much larger picture. This is not only one of preceding Italian atrocities committed in Yugoslavia during the war itself, but also a story of the brutalisation throughout the “Bloodlands” of Europe (Timothy Snyder). As this very detailed study demonstrates, these Bloodlands were not just confined to the East, but also spread to the Mediterranean, all the way to Venezia Giulia, Istria and Dalmatia.” – Professor Beatrice Heuser, Chair of International Relations, University of Glasgow, UK, and author of Western Containment Policies in the Cold War. The Yugoslav Case, 1948-1953.

For more information about this book, please click here.

Marketing Research for Small Business: An Efficient and Effective Functional Approach

“Smart business leaders are always looking for a way to gain even a 1% advantage over the competition in the marketplace understanding the long-term gains it can have. Marketing Research for Small Business breaks down the confusing and often misunderstood aspects of market research and makes it understandable and more important instantly actionable for entrepreneurs and biz leaders of all abilities for any size company. By helping leaders see the world differently and put things in the proper order by understanding that the business cycle starts with market research before product development, branding, advertising, and sales, this book empowers all entrepreneurs to see the competitive landscape differently thus seeing hidden opportunities previously ignored and allowing them to instantly improve results and have greater success! This book completely changed my paradigm and I can’t imagine trying to win without this insight. The easy to execute actionable plan provided within will be a game changer for any business leader.” – Robert L. Dickie III, CEO, Bonvera

“As a 20 year veteran in the banking industry, specializing in wealth management for the ultra affluent, I find MRSB to be an exciting, accessible introduction to one of the most useful innovations in modern day marketing. Filed with lively examples from various industries, the book reveals a strong intellectual foundation.” –
Zakir N. (Zak) Odhwani, Senior Vice President, Private Client Advisor, Bank of America, Private Wealth Management, Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith, Inc.

For more information about this book, please click here.

Penile Cancer: Challenges and Controversies

“In the Western world, squamous cell carcinoma of the penis is diagnosed in about 1/100.000-1.000.000 men annually. It accounts for 0.4-0.6% of all malignancies in the USA and Europe. The rarity of this complex disease makes it a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge for treating physicians, especially since many only manage a limited number of cases annually. Current management of the disease is predominantly based on retrospective data from a limited number of studies, indicating a lack of high level evidence due to the rarity of the disease and the difficulties in organizing prospective trials in this cohort of patients. The rare incidence of penile cancer in daily clinical practice combined with limited evidence based recommendations, and limited knowledge of physicians of the current guidelines frequently results in nonuniform and suboptimal management. Prof. Martins and Porf. Djordjevic have therefore assembled a panel of internationally renowned experts who have contributed chapters on various aspects of the disease, helping the physician manage penile cancer patients better and offering them the best of care. We highly recommend this comprehensive and contemporary book to all doctors interested in penile cancer, from junior doctors to those who have further advanced in their careers interested in further deepening their knowledge on the subject.” – Maarten Albersen MD, PhD and Hein Van Poppel MD, PhD, Department of Urology, University Hospitals Leuven, Belgium

“Penile cancer is a devastating malignancy. The disease and its management can lead to serious impairment in psychological and functional status. This led to great challenges and controversies in its management. This is also due to the fact that it is a rare cancer which has led to paucity of clinical trials with inability to recruit large number of patients. The purpose of this book is to comprehensively account for these challenges and controversies and provide the best possible evidence-based answers to these issues. By gathering thought leaders in the field of penile cancer management, the editors of this book, Drs Martins and Djordjevic have successfully presented all these issues and provided the best available answers to such important questions. In this book, the editors did not leave a stone, unturned in the management of penile cancer. Adding to the strength of this book , the chapters are well organized, easy-to-read, and with valuable summaries and take-home messages. The recommendations provided by the authors, all internationally renowned experts in penile cancer, will greatly help managing penile cancer patients. This book is a great asset to urologists, radiation oncologists,  medical oncologists and all health care providers involved in the care of penile cancer.” – Nabil K. Bissada, M.D., F.A.C.S., Professor of Urology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA

“Drs. Martins and Djordjevic have put together a very comprehensive reference book on the challenges and controversies in the management of penile cancer. There is no question the care of penile cancer patients has significantly suffered from being the recipients of often heterogeneous and non-evidence-based treatment in large part resulting from the paucity of cases seen at many centers and failure of adoption of treatment standards or guidelines. Thought leaders on the subject matter who have contributed to this book demystify what are suitable and best practice standards versus questionable therapeutic approaches that jeopardize optimal treatment outcomes in terms of oncological and quality of life endpoints. In addition, contributing authors share clinical and surgical concepts and clinical pearls they have refined in their practices through critical assessment of their own results and techniques. It is without question that readers will benefit in reading this book and incorporating some of its concepts in their day to day practices as it relates to the care of penile cancer patients. After all, we owe it to our patients to continually strive to improve ourselves in terms of the knowledge and approaches we tailor and personalize to their care.” – Philippe E. Spiess, M.D., MS, FRCS(C), FACS, Senior Member, Department of GU Oncology and Tumor Biology, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, Florida

Environmental Disasters and Land Grabs as Crimes against Humanity

“Laura Westra’s relentless pursuit of scholarship manifests in her 40th book. It emerges from her determination to protect the environment through the principle of ecological integrity. Supported by the application of health measurement tools, Dr. Westra uses legal arguments to point to injustices imposed on the most vulnerable by the most powerful in our current economic world order. She identifies a genocidal trend against indigenous knowledge exposed using epidemiology to reveal the criminal dimensions that result in environmental disasters. While epidemiology can demonstrate impacts only after the fact, its utility lies in preventing ongoing harms and injustices through the causal mechanisms exposed from evidence and knowledge. Dr. Westra makes the connections with outrage. Her purpose is to inform humanity of legal mechanisms to re-direct its collective path towards a sustainable future.” – Colin Soskolne, PhD, Doctor of Philosophy in Epidemiology, Professor emeritus, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada

For more information about this book, please click here.

Sensory Integration: Development, Disorders and Treatment

“This book is intended for teachers, parents and sensory integration therapists. In an accessible, professional way, the author explains what the disturbances of sensory integration involve, what they relate to and how they manifest themselves. In the book, we find a description of not only sensory integration methods, a description of sensory integration dysfunctions in selected disease entities, but also selected methods supporting the child’s development, because their knowledge is essential not only for good cooperation between therapists, but also for programming therapy and optimizing support activities child development. It also presents research conducted among parents of children with learning difficulties and behavior, in whom sensory integration disorders occur.” – Professor Beata Pituła, Silesian University of Technology, Gliwice, Poland

“This monograph is a compendium of theoretical, empirical and methodological knowledge in the field of supporting the development of a child with impaired sensory integration. The work has been divided into four perfectly complementary parts, in which the author clearly, legibly and transparently discusses the basic issues that fit into the issue of special educational needs of a child with SI disorders. The first part contains an analysis and reflections on the child’s development up to the age of ten. The author refers here… to the social-emotional, physical-motor and cognitive functioning of the child. It also analyzes the educational environment, which has an unprecedented impact on the child’s development. Part Two of the monograph is devoted to a detailed analysis of sensory integration. The author discusses the causes of disorders, their characteristics and classification, as well as SI diagnosis and therapy… The entire work is closed with a chapter containing the author’s own conclusions and self-reflection.

This monograph by Ms. Izabela Bieńkowska is excellent material in the field of supporting the development of a child with special educational needs, which will not only fill the gap in the publishing market, but will help teachers working with children with sensory integration disorders. The book could also be used by students of pedagogical studies, serving them as a methodical guide in future professional work.” – Professor Małgorzata Przybysz-Zaremba, Cardinal Stefan Wyszyński University in Warsaw

For more information about this book, please click here.

Proteases: Functions, Mechanisms and Uses

“Not just another book on enzymes, “Proteases: Functions, Mechanisms and Uses” is a useful guide for scientists, integrating theory and practical examples in a thrilling way.” – Professor Dr. José Manuel Domínguez González, Industrial Biotechnology and Environmental Engineering Group “BiotecnIA,” Chemical Engineering Department, Science Faculty, Vigo University, Spain

“Proteases: Functions, Mechanisms and Uses” focuses on proteases from different regional sources, with applications in a wide variety of industrial processes, namely cheese production, meat tenderization, production of protein hydrolysates, among others. The book appears as an appropriate tool to disseminate the latest knowledge about functions, mechanisms and applications of proteases in relevant industrial applications. It will provide useful information for both academics (PhD, postdocs and researchers, as well as undergraduate students) and industrials, thus covering a large audience.” – Andrea Gomez-Zavaglia PhD, Center for Research and Development in Food Cryotechnology (CIDCA, CCT CONICET, La Plata, Argentina)

“Proteases are extremely important both from the metabolic/biological and industrial points of view, with a wide range of applications. This book is a comprehensive, practical and focused overview of the main and more recent features related with the available sources, functions and uses of proteases. It is an excellent resource to students, teachers, researchers and industry professionals that need to deal with this class of enzymes.” – Cristina Rocha, PhD, Researcher at Centre of Biological Engineering, University of Minho, Portugal

“Enzymes are strategic tools for the green industry and, among them, proteases are of main interest because of their wide applications. This book about proteases brings together basic knowledge about sources, classification and mechanisms of reaction of these enzymes, and particular and new concepts regarding proteases of marine, protozoa or vegetal origin, proteases implications in agriculture, and powerful tools related to directed evolution, metagenomics and bioinformatics applied to the screening, development and study of new proteases with enhanced properties. For all that, this book is a very useful and comprehensive source of knowledge and information for students, academics and biotechnologists who are interested in the study, research and application of these enzymes.” – Ana Torrado Agrasar, PhD, Professor/Researcher, Faculty of Sciences, University of Vigo, Ourense, Spain

For more information about this book, please click here.

Activism, Campaigning and Political Discourse on Twitter

“This timely, truly international volume looks beyond the potential for social action afforded by Twitter for political activism, to critically interrogate how – and how effectively – its affordances are actually being exploited across a range of frontline contexts, from ‘digital Trump’ to LGBT activism in India and political trolling in Turkey. Essential reading for anyone interested in the role of discourse in contemporary political activism.” – Dr. Caroline Tagg, The Open University, Milton Keynes.

“A truly global collection of essays on Twitter activism in many parts of the world, featuring scholars from USA, Austria, China, Ireland, France, Nigeria, Turkey, South Africa, and more! Highly recommended for students and researchers interested in digital activism and global communication.” – Professor Guobin Yang, University of Pennsylvania.

For more information about this book, please click here.