by Pooam Khatri  , Kamalakanta Sahoo  , Richard Bergman  and Maureen Puettmann

Received: 18 June 2021;  Published: 15 December 2021;  doi: 10.21926/rpm.2104048

Raw materials for buildings and construction account for more than 35% of global primary energy use and nearly 40% of energy-related CO2 emissions. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) emphasized the drastic reduction in GHG emissions and thus, wood products with very low or negative carbon footprint materials can play an important role. In this study, a cradle-to-grave life cycle assessment (LCA) approach was followed to quantify the environmental impacts of laminated strand lumber (LSL). The inven [...]

by Ella L. Bracci  , Courtney R. Davis  and Karen J. Murphy

Received: 08 May 2024;  Published: 29 November 2024;  doi: 10.21926/rpn.2404019

Malnutrition and frailty are preventable and reversible. However, a significant proportion of aged care residents live with malnutrition and frailty which have associated complications such as increased falls, hospitalizations, infections, and decreased quality of life. Nutrition and dietary interventions can prevent these issues, however, there a few interventions conducted in this setting and no consensus on the most utilized interventions to improve health outcomes. In a crude literature search, we identified 65 [...]

by Ashley Schnackenberg  , Géraldine Bidar  , Valérie Bert  , Patrice Cannavo  , Sébastien Détriché  , Francis Douay  , René Guenon  , Liliane Jean-Soro  , Alice Kohli  , Thierry Lebeau  , Karen Perronnet  , Laure Vidal-Beaudet  , Christophe Waterlot  and Aurélie Pelfrêne

Received: 11 November 2021;  Published: 08 February 2022;  doi: 10.21926/aeer.2201004

Moderately contaminated garden soils can benefit from gentle remediation options such as soil amendments, which improve soil functions and agronomic potentialities while decreasing environmental and human risk. This study aimed to analyze the effects of doses of various common soil amendments generally applied by gardeners on the predicted bioavailability (i.e., extractability) of metal(loid)s (i.e., As, Cd, Pb, and Zn) in contaminated kitchen garden soils. Fourteen different amendment mixes (i.e., a green waste co [...]

by Maddaloni Valeria  , D'Arco Daniela  , Morano Francesca  , Pepe Nicola  and Atripaldi Luigi

Received: 30 May 2018;  Published: 12 November 2018;  doi: 10.21926/obm.genet.1804048

Infectious diseases are one of the most important causes of morbidity and mortality around the world and have a substantial impact on the health of communities. These diseases are caused by pathogenic microorganisms, such as bacteria, viruses, parasites and fungi. The antibiotics that are currently available are generally considered to be safe and well-tolerated. However antimicrobial resistance is an increasingly serious concern in the treatment of infectious diseases. An understanding of epigenetics now contribut [...]

by Mariana P. Koss  and Luiz E. M. Lima

Received: 14 February 2022;  Published: 24 May 2022;  doi: 10.21926/jept.2202019

In gas-liquid flows, droplets that detach from the liquid film lining the internal walls of a pipe and merge with the gas flowing through the pipe follow an annular flow pattern. This work analyzes correlations for estimating the entrainment fraction of such droplets contained in the literature by comparing their predictions with experimental data also from the literature. The results of this comparative study demonstrate that the analyzed correlations do not accurately reproduce experimental conditions. This is du [...]

by Misirkhan A. Talybov  , Lala A. Azizova  and Ilmutdin M. Abdulagatov

Received: 24 September 2019;  Published: 24 December 2019;  doi: 10.21926/jept.1904006

Background: In the present study, vapor-pressures of three geothermal fluids from Baden-Baden geothermal field (Kirchenstollen, Friedrichstollen, and Murquelle, southeastern region of Germany) were measured over the temperature range of 274-413 K. The combined expanded uncertainty of the temperature and vapor-pressure measurements at 95% confidence level with a coverage factor of k = 2 were estimated to be 0.01 K and 1-3 Pa at low and 10-30 Pa at high temperatures, respectively. The measured values of vapor-pressur [...]

by Mohammed Faruqi  , Zachary Scott Dean  , Francisco Aguiniga  and Breanna Bailey

Received: 15 November 2020;  Published: 15 January 2021;  doi: 10.21926/rpm.2101002

Prestressed concrete members have gained popularity as an efficient and effective way of designing a structural member with the best engineering and material properties. The method of prestressing a structural concrete member has the capability of controlling increased service loads with less depth over longer spans. However, deflections from over-loading or loading over time give a disadvantage to the common steel reinforced concrete members by the effect of corrosion as the structural concrete develop cracks. To [...]

by Yoshitaro Shindo  and Mazhar A. Kanak

Received: 29 March 2018;  Published: 22 June 2018;  doi: 10.21926/obm.transplant.1802013

Islet cell transplantation is a developing treatment for patients suffering from severe Type-1 diabetes. The long-term insulin independence after islet cell transplantation has been difficult to achieve, and this has been linked to several factors. One of the major cause of poor long-term outcome is inflammation surrounding the islets. Inflammation in islets is caused at several stages, donor induced, during organ preservation, islet isolation stress, peri-transplant inflammation or instant blood mediated inflammat [...]

by Chenggong Han  , Hancong Tang  , Shuyuan Lou  , Yuan Gao  , Min Ho Cho  and Shili Lin

Received: 23 May 2018;  Published: 14 October 2018;  doi: 10.21926/obm.genet.1804041

Whole genome profiling of differential DNA methylation between diseased and normal samples has significant implications in research to understand the role of epigenetic regulations of cells. In recent years, the development of bisulfite sequencing (BS-seq)-based molecular technology has enabled the measurement of DNA methylation at a nucleotide resolution throughout the genome. Given the availability of this new type of DNA methylation data, certain features challenge traditional analytical methods such as the Fish [...]

by Marcus A. Henning  , Xuan Joanna Feng  , Yan Chen  , Fiona Moir  , Christian U. Krägeloh  , Jennifer Hobson  and Craig S. Webster

Received: 17 May 2021;  Published: 09 October 2021;  doi: 10.21926/obm.icm.2104033

This review examines the quality of the research exploring mindfulness within tai chi chuan and the way this integrative practice benefits health and learning for higher education students. A narrative review based on a systematic search was conducted. Ten English and three Chinese databases were utilised to appraise the relevant literature. The initial search identified 874 potentially appropriate English articles and 265 Chinese articles. A final review of 52 Chinese and 8 English articles was conducted. We used [...]

by Brandon M Menachem  , Sandrine Hanna  , Deepika Kulkarni  and Hakim Azfar Ali

Received: 08 June 2023;  Published: 21 November 2023;  doi: 10.21926/obm.transplant.2304202

Treatment options for end stage lung diseases are limited to stabilizing lung failure, decreasing disease progression, and symptom management, but significant reversal of lost lung function is often not possible. For well selected patients, lung transplantation may be a viable option to improve both longevity and quality of life. Though outcomes for lung transplant recipients have improved over several decades, long term survival still lags behind that of other solid organ transplant recipients. Longevity after lun [...]

by Chaonan Zhang  , Robert Fuller  and Iyad Hijazi

Received: 10 November 2020;  Published: 25 January 2021;  doi: 10.21926/jept.2101006

The Pd-H system has attracted extensive attention. Pd can absorb considerable amount of H at room temperature, this ability is reversible, so it is suitable for multiple energy applications. Pd-Ag alloys possess higher H permeability, solubility and narrower miscibility gap with better mechanical properties than pure Pd, but sulfur poisoning remains an issue. Pd-Cu alloys have excellent resistance to sulfur and carbon monoxide poisoning and hydrogen embrittlement, good mechanical properties, and broader temperature [...]

by Horst J. Koch

Received: 06 August 2019;  Published: 04 December 2019;  doi: 10.21926/obm.geriatr.1904091

The prevalence of Late-life Depression (LLD) has been estimated between 10% and 15%. Therefore, it is a considerable worldwide problem. The psychopathology is not substantially different from that of depressive episodes in young adults but somatic complaints in combination with end-of-life perspective leave an imprint on emotional experience. The frequent suicidal tendency, especially in old unmated men, remains a particular challenge. It is important to combine psychiatric and somatic diagnostics using modern meth [...]

by Mouhamad Rachini  , Mira Jaafar  , Fatima Al Ali  , Zahraa Slaiman  , Mohamad Kassem  , Eugene Bychkov  , T. Jean Daou  , Joumana Toufaily  and Tayssir Hamieh

Received: 29 January 2022;  Published: 21 April 2022;  doi: 10.21926/cr.2202011

The use of Pd-Cu bimetallic catalysts in the reduction of aqueous nitrate ions by hydrogen was studied. The catalysts were supported on multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs), activated carbon (AC), and Titania, and the influence of the support on the nitrate reduction activity in water was then investigated. The catalysts were characterized before and after use by FT-IR, XRD, SEM, EDX, and Laser Granulometry. It was found that the surface characteristics of the support have an influence on the catalyst activity, w [...]

by Ian Seels  and Rowena J. Field

Received: 16 May 2024;  Published: 27 September 2024;  doi: 10.21926/rpn.2403015

Musculoskeletal (MSK) pain is a multifaceted problem, with many contributors. The assessment of these contributions by clinicians has evolved to include not only the musculoskeletal and nervous systems, but also psychosocial contributions. Nutrition, however, has not been considered as a potential contributor in the same way, despite a significant body of evidence showing that amending one’s diet may significantly reduce pain and inflammation. Historically, when the biomedical model was considered the gold standard [...]

by Myia S. Williams  , Keyla Ordonez  , D’Arcy King  , Jeffrey Solomon  , Suzanne Ardito  , Jennifer Polo  , Sindee Weiss  and Negin Hajizadeh

Received: 21 April 2024;  Published: 18 October 2024;  doi: 10.21926/obm.icm.2404060

We explored the feasibility of a virtual-reality delivered mindfulness training intervention on burnout symptoms among corporate employees and clinicians in the Intensive Care Unit and Palliative Care Unit (PCU). To develop the VR mindfulness intervention we leveraged the Capability, Opportunity, Motivation, Behavior model (COM-B) as a guide for the design and implementation of the VR mindfulness training intervention. Using a pre-posttest within subjects design we assessed burnout syndrome, job stress and work-rel [...]

by Joseph V. Pergolizzi  , Robert Taylor  , Robert B. Raffa  and Jo Anne LeQuang

Received: 27 July 2018;  Published: 28 December 2018;  doi: 10.21926/obm.icm.1804038

Background: The leaves of Mitragyna speciosa (kratom), a tropical tree that is indigenous to Southeast Asia, have been used traditionally to increase stamina, as a digestive aid, and as an analgesic. Kratom use is now increasingly popular in the rest of the world because of easy availability through the Internet and real, or perceived, views of efficacy and safety. Methods: PubMed and MedLine searches were conducted of published articles available in English. Results: Mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine are the pr [...]

by Chris Fraser  , Paul Dargusch  and Genia Hill

Received: 10 January 2022;  Published: 16 June 2022;  doi: 10.21926/aeer.2202026

The first step in managing an entity's carbon emissions involves measurement as 'what gets measured gets managed' and measurement lies at the heart of carbon management. The study of carbon management is important to all stakeholders as it enables calculation of emissions that can help determine opportunities for emissions reductions to address climate change which can improve energy efficiency and brand reputation. Alphabet is an interesting company to study given its main commercial activities relate to the devel [...]

by Moira A. Law  , Pamela Pastirik  and Isdore Chola Shamputa

Received: 31 August 2022;  Published: 28 January 2023;  doi: 10.21926/obm.icm.2301009

The experience of loss due to death, illness, and social mitigation was inevitable during the COVID-19 pandemic. Mental health services are chronically difficult to access in Canada, and this barrier is further exacerbated when trying to access certified art therapists to deliver expressive arts therapy. This pilot project attempted to provide an alternative to this service through an interprofessional alliance with a professional artist and certified counselors. A small group (n = 6) of vulnerable youth who had su [...]

by Katarzyna Grubel  , Ji Su  , Jotheeswari Kothandaraman  , Kriston Brooks  , Gabor A. Somorjai  and Tom Autrey

Received: 01 September 2020;  Published: 23 November 2020;  doi: 10.21926/jept.2004016

In this perspective on hydrogen carriers, we focus on the needs for the development of robust active catalysts for the release of H2 from aqueous formate solutions, which are non-flammable, non-toxic, thermally stable, and readily available at large scales at reasonable cost. Formate salts can be stockpiled in the solid state or dissolved in water for long term storage and transport using existing infrastructure. Furthermore, formate salts are readily regenerated at moderate pressures using the same catalyst as for [...]

by Kristin Shrader-Frechette

Received: 09 February 2022;  Published: 17 August 2022;  doi: 10.21926/aeer.2203031

Many multinational retail companies are exposed to financial risk related to climate change. Carbon management is important in keeping global temperature increases below 1.5°C to prevent the exacerbated impacts of climate change. Auchan Retail in Auchan Holding provides a good example of carbon management in the retail sector. Auchan Retail's major emissions are the indirect emissions throughout their value chain (scope 3 emissions). The total estimated emission of scopes 1, 2 and 3 are 37,822,573.9 t CO2e. [...]

by Linda Li-Dan Zhong  , Yi-Ping Wong  , Bo Peng  , Zhi-Xiu Lin  , Vivian Chi-Woon Wong Taam  , Yi Luo  , Hai-Yong Chen  , Chao-Dong Chao  , Chor-Fung Wong  , Freddie Shung-Chi Tam  , Kui Chan  , Kwan-Yiu Lee  , Lai-Fun Ho  , Alan Yat-Lun Wong  , Chi-Fung Choy  , Bacon Fung-Leung Ng  , Rowena How-Wan Wong  , Yi-Bin Feng  , Ching Liong  , Zhao-Xiang Bian  and COVID-19 CM Research Working Group

Received: 24 May 2021;  Published: 13 July 2021;  doi: 10.21926/obm.icm.2103022

The COVID-19 pandemic has lasted for more than 16 months, and there have been over 169 million confirmed cases worldwide. Besides, after treatment with Western medicine or undergoing home quarantine, COVID-19 patients are still severely or mildly functionally impaired. Though COVID-19 patients were discharged from the hospital, most of them still exhibit certain clinical symptoms such as fatigue, poor appetite, shortness of breath, and poor sleep. The syndromes, linked with the Chinese Medicine (CM) body constituti [...]

by Syuma Ichida  , Daisuke Mori  , Sou Taminato  , Tao Zhang  , Yasuo Takeda  , Osamu Yamamoto  and Nobuyuki Imanishi

Received: 17 February 2022;  Published: 15 March 2022;  doi: 10.21926/jept.2201009

Acidic aqueous lithium-air batteries are attractive candidates for use as energy sources in electric vehicles because of their high energy and power densities and ability to operate under ambient conditions. An aqueous lithium-air battery with an acetic acid catholyte has a high theoretical energy density of 1,478 Wh kg-1, and the reaction product is soluble in the catholyte. In this study, we have studied the cell performance of a Li/interlayer electrolyte/NASICON-type solid lithium-ion conductor/acetic acid catho [...]

by Katia Belvedere  , Elio Rossi  , Mariella Di Stefano  and Sonia Baccetti

Received: 22 February 2019;  Published: 10 April 2019;  doi: 10.21926/obm.icm.1902022

Complementary Medicine (CM) is being increasingly used by European citizens in order to increase their overall state of health and well-being, as well as to treat various illnesses and diseases. The interest for these therapies has progressively risen also in Italy and in Tuscany as well. In response to the increasing demand in the past few years by the Tuscan citizens, the region of Tuscany has started their integration in the healthcare service. Since 1996, the Tuscan Regional Healthcare Plans (RHPs) have been co [...]

by Salem Dehom  , Synnove Knutsen  , David Shavlik  , Khaled Bahjri  , Hatem Ali  , Lance Pompe  and Rhonda Spencer-Hwang

Received: 11 August 2019;  Published: 17 December 2019;  doi: 10.21926/obm.transplant.1904095

Background: Substantial evidence has established links between air pollution and increased risks of overall morbidity and mortality, especially for respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. However, little research has explored these relationships among highly sensitive populations, such as renal transplant recipients. Despite the improvement in quality of life after renal transplantation, cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are major causes of graft loss and mortality. The present study was designed to assess the associa [...]