by Laladhas Krishna Panicker  , Marcus J. Fila  , Achuthsankar S Nair  and Oommen V. Oommen

Received: 31 January 2023;  Published: 07 August 2023;  doi: 10.21926/aeer.2303042

Sasthamkotta Lake eco-region is a freshwater Ramsar site in Kerala, India. Eco-regions are ecologically and geographically defined larger land or water mass areas with a characteristic assemblage of the ecosystem and significant biodiversity. A decentralized and locally self-sustaining mechanism has been achieved in managing this eco-region by a participatory model through a joint Biodiversity Management Committee (jBMC) constitution. BMCs are custodians of the environment, and biodiversity, confined to a village/P [...]

by Joseph S. D'Arrigo

Received: 25 March 2023;  Published: 04 August 2023;  doi: 10.21926/obm.geriatr.2303244

Early changes in systemic vascular stiffness and endothelial function can contribute to altered cerebrovascular hemodynamics and impaired cognitive function; additionally, these vascular changes point to potential targets for prevention and treatment strategies in people with mild cognitive impairment. Although the pathogenic mechanisms underlying these vascular changes are heterogeneous and complex, one common feature is the development of cerebral blood flow (CBF) dysregulation, resulting in chronic cerebral hypo [...]

by A. Guillermo Bracamonte

Received: 26 May 2023;  Published: 04 August 2023;  doi: 10.21926/rpm.2303030

This brief letter presents this Special Issue nominated as “Hybrid Graphene-based Materials: Synthesis, Characterization, Properties, and Applications”. This intends to show and discuss the main properties of Graphene and its derivatives; and how it could be synthesized, modified and tuned for Optics, Electro-Optics, Electronics, and Quantum characteristics. In this context, the synthesis and chemical modifications were highlighted for the design of Hybrid composites, platforms. In this context, it was afforded to [...]

by Christin Deal  , Kara Coffey  and Hey Chong

Received: 02 June 2023;  Published: 04 August 2023;  doi: 10.21926/obm.genet.2303190

Newborn screening (NBS) for Severe Combined Immunodeficiency (SCID) has been successfully implemented in all 50 United States and Puerto Rico from 2008-2018. This life-saving screening tool has drastically improved overall survival of babies diagnosed with SCID from 74% to 96%. TREC is a stable, circular DNA molecule that is produced during the process of T-cell receptor (TCR) rearrangement and is the target of the quantitative PCR screen on Guthrie cards. Low TRECs are a marker of low naive T cell numbers. This ne [...]

by Ferdaouss Qassimi  , Saïd Boujraf  , Adam Khlifi  , Ghizlane Lamgari  , Zineb El Bourachedy  , Chadya Aarab  , Rachid Aalouane  and Amine Bout

Received: 17 January 2023;  Published: 04 August 2023;  doi: 10.21926/obm.neurobiol.2303176

Alexithymia and personality disorders are common in substance use (SUD) patients. This association remains understudied and is considered to hurt the course and management of substance use disorder patients. To determine the prevalence of personality disorders (PD) and alexithymia in addiction care patients. Besides, we targeted investigating a possible link between alexithymia, different personality disorders and clinical aspects of substance use disorder including severity. This cross-sectional study was conducte [...]

by Sonal Mishra  , Neha Kumari  , Varsha K. Singh  and Rajeshwar P Sinha

Received: 18 January 2023;  Published: 03 August 2023;  doi: 10.21926/aeer.2303041

Cyanobacteria have great potential as a platform for biofuel production because of their fast growth, ability to fix CO2 gas, and genetic tractability. They also preserve the sustainability of an ecosystem without harming the environment. High-performance biofuels made from cyanobacteria can be utilized as a base for the production of green energy. Although a lot of studies have been conducted where plants and crops are used as the source of energy, cyanobacteria have been reported to have a more efficient photosyn [...]

by Ken Shimomukai  , Haruka Maeda  , Zahirah binti Muhammad Azman  , Sandro Sitompul  and Goro Fujita

Received: 09 March 2023;  Published: 03 August 2023;  doi: 10.21926/jept.2303026

One way to increase solar photovoltaic penetration in the grid is the management of voltage fluctuations. This is because a photovoltaic plant cannot be interconnected to the grid if it causes voltage violations. Voltage violation is where voltage exceeds the acceptable range. Often, grid operators request photovoltaic plant owners to regulate voltage sufficiently with expensive and space-consuming static Var compensators. Unfortunately, this sometimes makes the project less feasible. This paper argues that there a [...]

by Francis B. Elehinafe  and Oyetunji B. Okedere

Received: 20 October 2022;  Published: 28 July 2023;  doi: 10.21926/aeer.2303040

This review covered recent research products on fuel-briquette with emphasis on its production technologies and physical characteristics involving shapes, volumes, resiliencies, and mechanical compressive strengths; combustion properties such as high heating values, volatile matters, moisture contents, ash contents and fixed carbon; chemical analyses for the content of components such as nitrogen, hydrogen, sulfur, oxygen and carbon; emission characterization such as and economic potentials. This review provides op [...]

by Carlos Armenta-Déu

Received: 18 May 2023;  Published: 27 July 2023;  doi: 10.21926/jept.2303025

The paper analyses the performance of a spherical solar collector compared to the efficiency of a flat-plate solar collector, which is the type of solar collector that does not use a tracking system in collecting solar radiation for energy conversion. Spherical solar collector benefits from a constant value of the angle of incidence, which optimizes the solar radiation that strikes the absorber of the solar device and maximizes the energy collection. Besides, the spherical geometry has a larger area for equal dimen [...]

by Fathi M. Layas  , Vail Karakale  and Ramadan E. Suleiman

Received: 28 April 2023;  Published: 27 July 2023;  doi: 10.21926/rpm.2303029

In recent years, regional wars and terror activities have caused blast-loading effects on reinforced concrete buildings, resulting in catastrophic human and material damage. When a building is exposed to a blast load, a very high air pressure affects the building within a very short duration. To decide on the reconstruction or retrofit of a building exposed to blast loading, the behavior of the building under blast loading should be investigated. In this paper a case study of a RC building exposed to blast loading [...]

by Michael Lincoln  , Stephen Aichele  , Emma L.M. Clark  , Maggie Dungan  , Ashley Harvey  , Lillian Hoyer  , Yuqin Jiao  , Steffany Josslin  , Frances Russell  and Zeynep Biringen

Received: 12 May 2023;  Published: 27 July 2023;  doi: 10.21926/obm.icm.2303032

Fathers are a historically underrepresented population in developmental research and must be considered for their modern presentation in parenting processes. Emotional Availability (EA) is a construct that captures the parent-child relationship quality and predicts positive outcomes for children. A recently developed intervention, the EA Brief, is a program conceptualized for easy administration that may be utilized to improve father-child dyadic functioning across a range of child ages. The final sample of interes [...]

by Alireza Modir  , Arnaud Casterman  and Ibrahim Tansel

Received: 10 January 2023;  Published: 26 July 2023;  doi: 10.21926/rpm.2303028

The process of metal additive manufacturing (AM) involves creating strong, complex components by using fine metal powders. Extensive use of AM methods is expected in near future for the production of small and medium-sized batches of end-use products and tools. The ability to detect loads and defects would enable AM components to be used in critical applications and improve their value. In this study, the Surface Response to Excitation (SuRE) method was used to investigate wave propagation characteristics and load [...]

by Michel Ravelonandro  and Pascal Briard

Received: 16 January 2023;  Published: 25 July 2023;  doi: 10.21926/obm.genet.2303189

In order to sustain productivity, growers are implementing fruit trees to provide plum pox virus (PPV) resistant varieties. Unfortunately, classical breeding approaches have failed to develop resistant varieties. RNA interference (RNAi) silencing, as an alternate strategy, has been shown to be an efficient approach to combat PPV disease (sharka). PPV resistance based on RNAi has been demonstrated in natural conditions for over 10 years. Experiments using graft inoculation in high-containment greenhouses show that s [...]

by Krish Chetty

Received: 02 March 2023;  Published: 25 July 2023;  doi: 10.21926/obm.geriatr.2303243

This study delves into the potential benefits of Artificial Intelligence (AI) literacy training for late-career-stage workers approaching retirement. These workers often possess extensive experience but may lack the necessary digital and AI skills. AI literacy training can empower them to leverage their experience and become proficient contributors to the digital economy. Furthermore, the article describes how these workers might benefit from AI training, particularly when employing practical applications of AI in [...]

by Sandra D.K. Kingma  , An I. Jonckheere  , Laurence Roosens  and François Eyskens

Received: 31 March 2023;  Published: 24 July 2023;  doi: 10.21926/obm.genet.2303188

Mucopolysaccharidosis type I (MPS I) is a lysosomal storage disorder caused by a deficiency of the lysosomal hydrolase α-L-iduronidase. MPS I is characterized by a broad range of disease manifestations. This includes devastating neurocognitive and bone manifestations and a short life expectancy in severely affected MPS I patients. Neurocognitive manifestations are typically limited in more attenuated MPS I, but patients may still suffer from severe somatic and bone manifestations. Severe MPS I patients are primaril [...]

by Van Hoang Thi Hai  , Trang Nguyen Thi Huyen  , Ngoan Duong Thi  and Giang Le Minh

Received: 31 May 2023;  Published: 21 July 2023;  doi: 10.21926/obm.neurobiol.2303175

During the COVID-19 pandemic, global populations have experienced quarantine and lockdown restrictions, adversely affecting individuals' psychological well-being. This comprehensive review aims to estimate the prevalence of Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) within the general population amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. Employing the PRISMA guideline, the databases PubMed/Medline, Science Direct, Web of Science, Cochrane and Google Scholar were used in the data extraction process, and publications from December [...]

by Gerhard Litscher

Received: 19 July 2023;  Published: 21 July 2023;  doi: 10.21926/obm.icm.2303031

The editorial lists 10 important topics that need to be considered more closely in the future in acupuncture research.

by Tammy Lennox  and Angela Kennedy

Received: 08 February 2022;  Published: 20 July 2023;  doi: 10.21926/obm.icm.2303030

The current article describes the application of the Compassion Focussed (CF) formulation to the interaction between individuals and their social context. The standard CF formulation [1] would see the person’s fears as inadvertently reinforced by their attempts to cope with the underlying issue. However, sometimes such attempts to cope can also reinforce the fears of another person or party. Interpersonal CF formulations could provide a compassionate, non-blaming way of enlightening people in their interactions to [...]

by Vasiliy A. Chokheli  , Semyon D. Bakulin  , Olga Yu. Ermolaeva  , Vishnu D. Rajput  , Anatoly S. Azarov  , Arpna Kumari  , Victoriya V. Stepanenko  , Anastasia A. Bushkova  , Pavel A. Dmitriev  , Marcos Edel Martinez-Montero  and Tatiana V. Varduni

Received: 11 November 2022;  Published: 20 July 2023;  doi: 10.21926/obm.genet.2303187

Hedysarum cretaceum Fisch is a critically endangered herbaceous species with high ornamental and phytomeliorative properties; thus, it needs urgent conservation and protection methods to conserve. In the present study, an efficient method for microtonal propagation of H. cretaceum is developed. The seed sterilization was optimized as treatment with 96% alcohol (2 min) and burned (1 sec) through a burner flame. Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium with the addition of 0.5 mg/L 6-Benzylaminopurine (BAP) (shoots per explan [...]

by Esther Mbuci Kinyua  , George William Atwoki Nyakairu  , Emmanuel Tebandeke  and Oghenekaro Nelson Odume

Received: 19 February 2023;  Published: 20 July 2023;  doi: 10.21926/aeer.2303039

Recently, microplastics have emerged as a major environmental pollutant and have been documented globally. Several studies have shown that microplastics can accumulate heavy metals and persistent organic pollutants as they pass through the environment due to their functional groups interacting with and complex these substances. While conventional wastewater treatment methods can reduce a significant amount of microplastics, many still make their way into rivers and oceans worldwide from their effluents. One of the [...]

by Deborah A. Sharpe  and Lisa D. Hinz

Received: 30 May 2023;  Published: 19 July 2023;  doi: 10.21926/obm.icm.2303029

This study explored how the global COVID-19 pandemic changed the ways in which art therapists use art in their therapeutic practice. Art has repeatedly been linked to healing in a variety of settings, but generally art therapists have been accustomed to conducting therapy sessions in person. Prior to the pandemic most art therapists preferred in-person sessions for a variety of therapeutic reasons. Although there are clearly downsides to meeting remotely, there have been unforeseen advantages, as well. The present [...]

by Rayara Silva dos Santos  , Pedro Henrique Poubel Mendonça da Silveira  , Beatriz Cruz Bastos  , Marceli do Nascimento da Conceição  , Roberto Carlos da Conceição Ribeiro  and Daniele Cruz Bastos

Received: 22 May 2023;  Published: 18 July 2023;  doi: 10.21926/rpm.2303027

This article presents the development and characterization of environmentally friendly composites comprising polypropylene (PP) reinforced with Bahia Beige (BB) marble waste. The composites were prepared using different PP/BB weight ratios and analyzed for their chemical, physical, mechanical, microstructural, and thermal properties. X-ray fluorescence (XRF) analysis revealed the composition of BB, which exhibited a significant concentration of CaO, indicating the presence of calcite and other oxides. X-ray diffrac [...]

by Agnes C. Nkele  , Imosobomeh L. Ikhioya  , Chinedu P. Chime  and Fabian I. Ezema

Received: 29 May 2023;  Published: 18 July 2023;  doi: 10.21926/jept.2303024

In recent times, renewable energy resources have been greatly researched because of the increasing concern to minimize global warming and meet energy demands. Energy storage systems have become useful tools for sustainability and meeting energy needs. Solar energy has proven in recent times to be the primary and most prevalent option due to its environmental friendliness, availability, and minimal pollution. Effective utilization of available energy resources has led to developing new alternative energy devices lik [...]

by Indrani Das  , Robyn Murphy  and Aaron Goldman

Received: 21 July 2022;  Published: 17 July 2023;  doi: 10.21926/rpn.2303012

Celiac disease is a prevalent autoimmune disorder with a rising incidence of 7.5% annually during the second half of the 20th century and the 21st century. Not all genetically susceptible individuals that carry the risk alleles HLA DQ2 and DQ8 go on to develop celiac disease, suggesting that there may be other environmental triggers that contribute to the development of celiac disease in genetically susceptible individuals. Gastroenteritis during infancy has been shown to be associated with increased risk of celiac [...]

by Domingo J. Franco-Palacios  , Lisa Allenspach  , Lisa Stagner  , Kelly Bryce  , Jane Simanovski  and Hassan Nemeh

Received: 01 May 2023;  Published: 17 July 2023;  doi: 10.21926/obm.transplant.2303193

In the United States of America, COVID-19 acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and post-COVID pulmonary fibrosis (PCPF) are raising indications for lung transplant (LT). Another indication for LT is underlying fibrosis with SARS-CoV-2 induced interstitial lung disease exacerbation or rapid progressing fibrosis. Only a few centers have reported on their long-term outcomes after LT for COVID-19. Single center retrospective chart review of patients transplanted for COVID-19 related lung disease. The Henry Ford H [...]