by Anita Padmanabhanunni  and Tyrone Pretorius

Received: 21 September 2024;  Published: 27 January 2025;  doi: 10.21926/obm.neurobiol.2501266

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is a prevalent mental health condition and the GAD-7 is widely used as a screening tool and measure of GAD severity. However, research has yielded conflicting findings regarding the factor structure of the instrument, with some studies supporting a unidimensional interpretation while others suggest a two-factor solution. These inconsistencies highlight the importance of validating the GAD-7 across diverse populations. This study aimed to assess the psychometric properties and fact [...]

by Hicham Bouchahta  , Zhour EL Amrani  , Siham Chafai Elalaoui  , Fatima Ouboukss  , Aziza Sbiti  , Laila Sbabou  , Thomas Liehr  , Abdelaziz Sefiani  and Abdelhafid Natiq

Received: 14 October 2024;  Published: 27 January 2025;  doi: 10.21926/obm.genet.2501282

Cat-eye syndrome (CES) is a rare genetic disease first reported in 1965. The estimated prevalence of CES is 1:50,000 to 1:150,000, and it is typically associated with an inverted duplicated small supernumerary marker chromosome (sSMC) derived from chromosome 22. The specific chromosomal band involved in CES causing partial tetrasomy is 22q11.21, where chromosomal rearrangements occur due to the presence of low-copy repeats (LCR22). The phenotype of CES is extremely diverse, ranging from normal to multiple abnormali [...]

by Yusuf Sani  , Raba’ah Syahidah Azis  , Ismayadi Ismail  , Yazid Yaakob  , Chen Soo Kien  , Mohd Mustafa Awang Kechik  and Lim Kean Pah

Received: 11 October 2024;  Published: 26 January 2025;  doi: 10.21926/rpm.2501003

The widespread usage of various wireless equipment in many facets of life has significantly contributed to the severe pollution caused by electromagnetic radiation. Thankfully, scientists have created materials that can absorb microwave radiation and convert dangerous electromagnetic waves into other forms of energy, including heat energy. Many recent investigations have been published regarding developing materials that absorb microwaves with different constituents, morphologies, and architectures. Microwave-absor [...]

by Cheryl Armstrong  , Katarina Friberg-Felsted  , Jennifer Macali  , Jennifer Clifton  and Sara E. Simonsen

Received: 02 July 2024;  Published: 26 January 2025;  doi: 10.21926/obm.icm.2501008

The COVID-19 pandemic presented major changes for individuals working in nursing academia. While university faculty and staff encountered many challenges, the pandemic also presented new opportunities. The purpose of this study was to determine how the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic impacted nursing faculty and staff perceptions about their wellness experiences. An on-line survey was developed and sent to all faculty and staff. Data were collected through a convenience sample using both open-ended and closed [...]

by Despina Vamvuka  , Stelios Sfakiotakis  and Elpida Patlaka

Received: 12 November 2024;  Published: 24 January 2025;  doi: 10.21926/jept.2501004

Independent parallel reactions (IPR) and distributed activation energy (DAEM) kinetic models were developed and compared for the combined pyrolysis-gasification of two agro-industrial waste materials. The aim was to recycle greenhouse gas carbon dioxide for mitigating emissions, to evaluate the thermal behavior, reactivity, conversion and product composition in terms of structural/chemical characteristics of the fuels, and to provide accurate kinetic parameters useful in the scaling-up of the process. The experimen [...]

by Urs Nydegger  and Paul Imbach

Received: 18 July 2024;  Published: 23 January 2025;  doi: 10.21926/obm.geriatr.2501297

In addition to their hemostatic functions, platelets play an essential role in immunologic interactions, which is confirmed by the observation of an increase in platelet counts in patients with immune-related thrombocytopenia and other autoimmune diseases after immunomodulatory treatment with intravenous human immunoglobulin concentrate. The mechanisms of action of this biological therapeutic option induce the development of therapeutic monoclonal antibodies, agonists, and antagonists that target the complex pathop [...]

by Marcus A. Henning  , David Lu  , Lillian Ng  , Frederick Sundram  and Yan Chen

Received: 16 August 2024;  Published: 23 January 2025;  doi: 10.21926/obm.icm.2501007

This scoping review aims to understand the available research and the quality of evidence about the cost-effectiveness of mindfulness-based interventions when applied to the medical student context. There is considerable literature pertaining to the application of mindfulness-based interventions in this context. However, the links between cost and effectiveness need to be established to ensure the relative integrity of these therapeutic systems. The participants included in the study were medical students (undergra [...]

by Omar Alelweet

Received: 08 October 2024;  Published: 23 January 2025;  doi: 10.21926/aeer.2501009

Given the present emphasis on climate change and CO2 emissions, it is crucial to have specific guidelines to determine and mitigate carbon footprints. The following paper seeks to estimate the carbon emissions in kg of carbon dioxide equivalent from activities at Uniza Technical College and the tree's ability to absorb carbon dioxide through photosynthesis. The primary objective of this study is to determine how the emissions from campus trees can contribute to reducing overall carbon emissions. The methodologies e [...]

by Harnish P Patel  , Faidra Laskou  and Elaine M Dennison

Received: 15 February 2024;  Published: 23 January 2025;  doi: 10.21926/obm.geriatr.2501296

Sarcopenia is characterised by progressive and generalised decline in muscle strength, function, and muscle mass. Now recognised as a muscle disease, it is highly prevalent in older adults, with estimates of up to 30% in some populations. Sarcopenia has a complex multifactorial aetiology, including cellular and molecular changes, chronic disease, lower physical activity as well as nutritional deficiency. Sarcopenia is associated with a range of adverse physical and metabolic outcomes leading to disability, morbidit [...]

by Marcus Taylor  , Zakariya Mouyer  , Eltigani Abdelaal  and Nnamdi Nwaejike

Received: 23 July 2024;  Published: 22 January 2025;  doi: 10.21926/obm.transplant.2501232

The axillary intra-aortic balloon pump (ax-IABP) has been proposed as an alternative to the femoral IABP, particularly for patients with comorbidities rendering them unsuitable for fem-IABP insertion. Patient mobilisation with the ax-IABP in situ is deemed an additional potential benefit. We reviewed our experience with the ax-IABP. A single-centre retrospective review of all adult patients undergoing cardiac surgery (including heart transplantation) in a UK quaternary cardiac surgery centre between 2017 and 2021 w [...]

by Ghazaleh Ramezani  , Theo G. M. van de Ven  and Ion Stiharu

Received: 20 September 2024;  Published: 21 January 2025;  doi: 10.21926/rpm.2501004

This study investigates the hypothesis that diverse synthesis techniques can yield cellulose-graphene hybrids with tailored properties for specific applications, enabling advancements in flexible electronics, energy storage, environmental remediation, and biomedical devices. We examined and compared multiple synthesis methods, including chemical reduction, in-situ synthesis, green synthesis using natural reducing agents, solvent-assisted approaches, hydrothermal and solvothermal techniques, mechanical and chemical [...]

by Jitu Mani Das  , Isha Behere  , Jnanendra Upadhyay  , Rajiv Borah  and Ganesh Ingavle

Received: 14 October 2022;  Published: 20 January 2025;  doi: 10.21926/obm.neurobiol.2501265

Regenerating injured nerves is difficult because they have little spontaneous regeneration potential. Advances in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine have emphasized the possibility of biomaterial-based methods for nerve healing. Natural protein-based biomaterials have benefits over synthetic ones, such as biocompatibility, non-immunogenicity, and biodegradability. Silk fibroin, generated from mulberry and non-mulberry silkworms, is especially promising because of its abundance, simplicity of processing in [...]

by Mamun Mahmud  and Md. Mujahid Hasan

Received: 06 September 2024;  Published: 20 January 2025;  doi: 10.21926/aeer.2501008

The concentration of heavy metals in road dust poses significant risks to human health and the environment. This study investigates the characteristics of road dust, focusing on the contamination level of heavy metals like lead (Pb), iron (Fe), and arsenic (As). Road dust samples were collected from various locations in Khulna city. They went through acid digestion to determine the Pb, Fe, and As levels using ICP-OES, and bioavailable iron was assessed by mixing the dust samples with water. This study found no dete [...]

by Olorunjuwon O. Bello  , Rosemary O. Akande  , Temitope K. Bello  , Muibat O. Fashola  , Mathew O. Oni  and Adeleke Osho

Received: 21 July 2024;  Published: 20 January 2025;  doi: 10.21926/obm.icm.2501006

The incidence of antifungal-resistant pathogenic fungi has steadily increased around the globe and calls for an aggressive response. The study aimed to produce and evaluate virgin coconut oil's phytochemical properties and antifungal potentials (VCO). The production of VCO was achieved by hot extraction and natural fermentation methods. Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) was used to evaluate the active phytochemicals in the VCO. The antifungal activities of VCO against Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus nige [...]

by Carlos Armenta-Déu

Received: 20 September 2024;  Published: 20 January 2025;  doi: 10.21926/rpse.2501001

This work focuses on designing a control unit for improving Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell (PEMFC) performance powering electric vehicles when operating in variable atmospheric pressure conditions, a current situation in mountainous countries with sudden changes in road altitude. The paper studies and analyzes the PEM fuel cell behavior working with hydrogen supply from a pressurized tank and oxygen input from atmospheric air supply in journeys with continuous variation of road level due to the orography. The w [...]

by Anna Scheyett  , Virginia Brown  and Christopher Weatherly

Received: 24 September 2024;  Published: 16 January 2025;  doi: 10.21926/obm.icm.2501005

In this conceptual paper we apply the construct of time poverty to a novel population, farmers struggling with stress and mental health challenges. Farmers have rates of suicide that can be over three times that of the general population, with depression and anxiety at double general population rates. These are linked to the multiple stressors farmers experience due to the unpredictable nature of their work, such as weather, input costs, commodity prices, and government regulations. In addition, there are multiple [...]

by Kunsang Yang Yang

Received: 15 June 2024;  Published: 15 January 2025;  doi: 10.21926/obm.icm.2501004

This is a conceptual paper comparing how narrative therapy and Buddhist mantra-based meditation promote mental healing. Narrative therapy promotes mental healing by shifting families’ attention to their subjugated stories of strengths and personal agencies. Whilst Buddhist meditation has been integrated into psychotherapy developed in the West, the application is primarily the focus on breath as a way to help sufferers attain mindfulness. Mantra-based meditation uses the recitation of mantra as the focus inst [...]

by Mohsen Pourfallah  and Ethan Languri

Received: 19 October 2024;  Published: 15 January 2025;  doi: 10.21926/jept.2501003

Parabolic trough collectors (PTCs) are essential for solar thermal energy systems, and their thermal efficiency can be significantly enhanced using turbulators and nanofluids. This numerical study introduces three novel fin-spiral turbulator configurations (4, 7, and 10 blades) to enhance heat transfer within the absorber tube. Additionally, three nanofluid types including water-based single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNT), cupric oxide (CuO), and a hybrid SWCNT-CuO, at concentrations of 1%, 3%, and 5% were evaluat [...]

by Shih-Ang Hsu

Received: 17 October 2024;  Published: 15 January 2025;  doi: 10.21926/aeer.2501007

In the realm of marine meteorology, physical oceanography, and coastal and ocean engineering, the wind-stress across the air-sea interface plays a dominant role. However, under tropical cyclone conditions, there is no consensus for the formulation of the drag coefficient, Cd, in the literature. Based on the wind-gust method and the measurements from data buoy 42001 during Hurricane Lili, it is demonstrated that, U* = 0.073U10 - 0.44, which is valid up to wind speed 47 m s-1 and wind gust to 66 m s-1, here U* is the [...]

by Sandra Kiessling

Received: 06 September 2024;  Published: 15 January 2025;  doi: 10.21926/aeer.2501006

The World climate is changing, with a great impact on global food production systems. Extreme weather events, floods, wildfires and draughts are phenomena of disrupted previously stable natural weather patterns, which are vital for crop production and animal husbandry alike. Most of the World’s food is produced in temperate climatic zones rich in arable land and those are affected by the increasing unpredictability of previously naturally occurring seasons and weather conditions. This work aims to provide a possibl [...]

by Ziyad Alharbi

Received: 27 March 2024;  Published: 13 January 2025;  doi: 10.21926/obm.transplant.2501231

The supraclavicular artery flap presents a promising solution for facial reconstruction challenges since 1997, surpassing limitations of traditional methods like the deltopectoral flap. Its extended pedicle and thin, pliable epidermis offer reliable outcomes with minimal donor site morbidity, making it a preferred choice for head and neck reconstruction. This systematic review evaluates the efficacy of pre-expanded supraclavicular artery flaps based on a comprehensive analysis. In accordance with the Preferred Repo [...]

by Hatef Pourrashidi Alibigloo

Received: 22 October 2024;  Published: 13 January 2025;  doi: 10.21926/obm.neurobiol.2501264

The implementation of modern technologies has transformed connectivity, information-sharing, and education, significantly influencing students' academic journeys. New technologies offer advantages and disadvantages, particularly impacting young students and leading to changes in habits and behaviors. While technology can improve learning efficiency through personalized approaches, excessive screen time can negatively affect communication and academic performance. Studies recommend limited screen time for children t [...]

by Diana Viafara  , Ana L. Jaramillo-Sierra  and Laura Sofía Vega-Plazas

Received: 15 June 2024;  Published: 12 January 2025;  doi: 10.21926/obm.geriatr.2501295

This research article aims to address the critical gap in understanding intimate partner violence (IPV) among older women, particularly those over 60 years of age, in Colombian society. The study explores how IPV manifests during the later stages of life, providing insights specific to this age group. The research used qualitative methodology with 14 urban women who had experienced intimate partner violence in their later life. The study revealed that psychological violence was the most common type of abuse among o [...]

by Jianquan Xu  , Jinwen Liu  , Wen Lei  , Zhong Lu  and Long Ying

Received: 01 September 2024;  Published: 10 January 2025;  doi: 10.21926/aeer.2501005

To study the environmental impact of automobile components, life cycle assessment (LCA) is adopted to study the environmental impact of instrument cross beams made of steel and magnesium alloy crossbeams. Comparative environmental impact analyses of both instrument crossbeams are conducted through parametric analysis, scenario analysis, sensitivity analysis, and future forecasting in GaBi10. The results show that global warming potential (GWP), acidification potential (AP), eutrophication potential (EP), ozone depl [...]

by Melisa S. Romano  , Valeria Corne  , Ricardo R. Azario  , Emiliano Centurión  and María del Carmen García

Received: 24 October 2024;  Published: 10 January 2025;  doi: 10.21926/rpm.2501002

Lead is a non-biodegradable toxic heavy metal. Biosorption is a simple, cost-effective and eco-friendly method for remediating lead-contaminated environments. Additionally, rice husk is a highly available residual biomass that can be used as a biosorbent. This study aimed to analyze the biosorption of Pb2+ using both natural and chemically treated rice husk and to evaluate the incorporation of the resulting biomass-contaminant residue into ceramic matrices to immobilize the removed Pb2+. Natural and alkaline-activa [...]