by Herinjaka Haga Ratsimbazafy  , Aurélie Laborel-Préneron  , Camille Magniont  and Philippe Evon

Received: 26 March 2021;  Published: 20 June 2021;  doi: 10.21926/rpm.2102026

The use of plant aggregates obtained from agricultural co-products mixed with mineral binders to form eco-friendly insulating building materials has been initiated for a few years to bring environmentally friendly solutions to the construction sector. Several studies on different agro-resources have already been carried out, providing various information about the properties of plant aggregates and plant-based concrete. However, the characteristics of the agricultural co-product, which allow it to qualify as a plan [...]

by Parisa Gazerani

Received: 27 June 2020;  Published: 08 September 2020;  doi: 10.21926/obm.neurobiol.2003071

Sleep plays an important role in maintaining brain function, memory consolidation, hormonal balance, immune system function, growth, and repair. The physiological and psychological effects of disruptions in sleep highlight its importance in human health and wellness. Epigenetic roles are proposed in sleep, and circadian regulation, but only a limited number of studies have determined the mechanism that underlies the epigenetics of environmental factors interacting with the sleep, particularly the ones related to sl [...]

by Methee Phumthum  and Henrik Balslev

Received: 25 April 2018;  Published: 24 September 2018;  doi: 10.21926/obm.icm.1803020

Background: Diabetes is a metabolic disorder and a serious global health problem. Over 400 million people suffer from diabetes and it is estimated that the number will dramatically increase in the future. The cost of diabetes treatment for individual patients is very high. However, traditional knowledge could be used to support conventional diabetes treatments. Here, we identify medicinal plants that have been used as treatments for diabetes based on Thai ethnobotanical knowledge. Methods: We present a literature r [...]

by Martin Igbokwe  , Olalekan Olatise  , Thelma Olatise  , Abu Sadiq  , Abayomi Aremu  , Uzodinma Onwuasoanya  , Ahmad Lawal  , Ikechukwu Anosike  , Adegboyega Faponle  , Adam Ochigbo  , Chukwunonso Epundu  , Stephen Asaolu  , Sani Al Hassan  and Rashad Hazem

Received: 19 March 2023;  Published: 19 June 2023;  doi: 10.21926/obm.transplant.2302189

With the rise in the population of patients with End-stage Renal Disease (ESRD) in Nigeria, there is an increased demand for Renal Replacement Therapy (RRT) including kidney transplantation (KT). We present our initial surgical experience and early outcomes with KT at a Nigerian transplant center over 2 years. A 2-year retrospective review of patients who underwent KT was done. Data of both kidney donors and recipients were recorded in designed proformas. Extracted information included demographic characteristics, [...]

by Syed Ali Muslim

Received: 05 February 2021;  Published: 19 July 2021;  doi: 10.21926/jept.2103034

This article offers the summary of detailed literature review on the state of the art of simulation tools for building energy and power system research. The fundamental capabilities required for building energy and power system analysis tools are outlined. A comparative review of different energy simulation tools is presented, along with the summary of their strengths and weaknesses. A review of energy simulation tool rankings using evidence-based research is presented. A novel aspect of this article is the investi [...]

by Leslyn Keith  and Robert Erkstam

Received: 11 January 2023;  Published: 17 March 2023;  doi: 10.21926/obm.icm.2301016

Lymphedema, a chronic incurable condition characterized by edema, inflammation, reactive fibrosis, adipose proliferation, and compromised immune function, affects over 250 million people worldwide [1]. Further, a comorbidity of obesity increases the risk of developing lymphedema and can result in irreversible damage to lymphatic function. Access to appropriate and timely lymphedema treatment, performance of proper self-management strategies, and implementation of healthy lifestyle practices are critical for optimal [...]

by Robert L. Conder  , Christopher Friesen  and Alanna A. Conder

Received: 30 November 2018;  Published: 20 March 2019;  doi: 10.21926/obm.geriatr.1901039

Background: While the percent of persons 65 and older is expected to increase to 17% of the world’s population by 2050, this increase in longevity does not necessarily suggest a parallel increase in health status. While aging is an inevitable aspect of living, there are factors which can accelerate morbidity and mortality, as well as factors likely to promote a healthy transition into longevity. This paper addresses behavioural and complementary interventions for healthy neurocognitive aging. Specific evidence-base [...]

by Joanna E. Witkin  , Ekaterina Denkova  , Anthony P. Zanesco  , Alexandra B. Morrison  , Joshua Rooks  , Jane Carpenter  , Michael Baime  and Amishi P. Jha

Received: 24 August 2021;  Published: 06 April 2022;  doi: 10.21926/obm.icm.2202016

Mindfulness training (MT) has been shown to benefit sustained attention and mind wandering. Yet, few studies have examined whether benefits differ as a function of individual differences in mind wandering. The sustained attention to response task (SART) measured task accuracy (A'), response time variability (response time intraindividual coefficient of variation, ICV), and self-reported mind wandering in participants before (T1) and after (T2) a 1-month MT retreat (n = 56), as well as in a control group (n = 32) wh [...]

by Olga Zichnali  , Despina Moraitou  , Christos Pezirkianidis  and Anastasios Stalikas

Received: 30 October 2018;  Published: 03 April 2019;  doi: 10.21926/obm.geriatr.1902044

Background: Interventions that facilitate positive actions and attitudes seem to play an important role in enhancing psychological health. This study examines the effectiveness of two self-guided interventions with the aim to enhance adults’ well-being through the cultivation of forgiveness skills. Methods: A total of 11 men and 31 women aged 34-80 years were involved (M = 56.57, S.D. = 13.44). All participants were Orthodox Christians, as the average Greeks are, without belonging to a closed religious community. T [...]

by Sergey B. Yurchenko

Received: 25 May 2021;  Published: 14 July 2021;  doi: 10.21926/obm.neurobiol.2103103

This article reviews the modern approaches to the quantum brain hypothesis. The aim is to consider the hypothesis and its classical brain-machine alternative from a broad perspective, including physics, biology, computer science, cosmology, and metaphysics. My starting point is that asking whether consciousness can or cannot have free will is fundamentally incorrect. This aspect is challenged by both physics and neuroscience. The paper argues that the search for conscious free will, as it is typically tested in Lib [...]

by Will P Gates  , Alastair JN MacLeod  , Andras Fehervari  , Abdelmalek Bouazza  , Daniel Gibbs  , Ryan Hackney  , Damien L Callahan  and Mathew Watts

Received: 16 September 2020;  Published: 31 December 2020;  doi: 10.21926/aeer.2004007

This review synthesises the available published research on interactions of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) with landfill liners, with the view to inform on the expected behaviour of these persistent environmental pollutants in landfills. The review addresses the nature and significant types of PFAS compounds that are destined for landfills, as well as their by-product. It discusses the known and anticipated interactions with separate landfill liner components, namely geomembranes, geosynthetic clay line [...]

by Thierry Provencher  , Jonathan Charest  and Celyne H. Bastien

Received: 09 October 2019;  Published: 02 January 2020;  doi: 10.21926/obm.icm.2001001

Neuroimaging evidences point to the role of hyperarousal in the pathophysiology of insomnia. While actual treatments fail to directly target brain hyperarousal, emergent complementary therapies known as neuromodulation techniques aim to improve sleep in people with insomnia by targeting irregularities in their brain activity. In this paper, we narratively review the most relevant studies reporting the application of neuromodulation techniques to improve sleep in individuals with insomnia. Using a non-systematic app [...]

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 Clare Northover  , Jack Deacon  , John King  and Chris Irons

Received: 21 September 2021;  Published: 21 December 2021;  doi: 10.21926/obm.icm.2104056

The aim of the study was to assess the efficacy and feasibility of a newly designed online self-compassion training programme for the general public. Two hundred and forty-nine participants were randomly assigned to have either immediate or delayed access to a four-week online self-compassion training programme. This programme was based on Compassionate Mind Training and was made up of psychoeducational sessions and in-between session practices and readings. Out of the 179 participants who completed the pre-interve [...]

by Paola Stabile  , Francesco Radica  , Luigi Ranza  , Michael R. Carroll  , Carlo Santulli  and Eleonora Paris

Received: 12 December 2020;  Published: 02 March 2021;  doi: 10.21926/rpm.2101006

In this work, two types of wastes were introduced, namely, glass from municipal waste and Construction and Demolition Waste (CDW). The latter, which was obtained from rubble generated by the seismic events occurred in Central Italy in 2016, was introduced in two configurations, the single-layer and the double-layer of the cement-based Terrazzo tiles. A maximum of 77% of waste introduction was proven to be possible, therefore creating the possibility of obtaining construction products including high quantities of se [...]

by Diana Veneri  and Mary Gannotti

Received: 07 October 2021;  Published: 16 May 2022;  doi: 10.21926/obm.geriatr.2202197

Chair yoga is a specific form of yoga practiced while seated on a chair, or standing using a chair for support; this adaptation allows those with impaired standing ability to practice safely. The purpose of this scoping review was to analyze the published literature regarding the use of chair/adapted yoga with older adults. Two researchers performed the review. Data sources: PubMed Central, CINAHL, Medline Full Text, Nursing and Allied Health, SPORT discus and TRIP were accessed. Study selection: Inclusion criteria [...]

by Fabiano A.N. Fernandes

Received: 23 August 2022;  Published: 17 October 2022;  doi: 10.21926/cr.2204034

Biodiesel is derived from renewable vegetable or animal sources and is either used as a standalone fuel or blended with oil-based diesel. The kinetic mechanism of the esterification of oleic acid was investigated in a conventional batch reactor and a batch reactor coupled to a water adsorption system. The esterification was performed with oleic acid and methanol at different temperatures (70 to 110 °C) and alcohol-to-oleic acid molar ratios (3:1 to 9:1), using sulfuric acid as a catalyst. A kinetic model was constr [...]

by Kamal A. R. Ismail  , Fatima A. M. Lino  , Pedro A. A. Baracat  , Odenir de Almeida  , Mohamed Teggar  and Abdelghani Laouer

Received: 14 August 2024;  Published: 26 February 2025;  doi: 10.21926/aeer.2501013

The recent tendencies of drastic variations of environmental conditions, inundations, severe winds, and gusts besides heavy and unexpected long-duration rains showed the world an image of what could happen if emissions and global warming are not adequately controlled. Implementing new energy solutions as fast as possible is essential to cope with climate change, one of the biggest threats to our survival. These alarming signs intensified research and development efforts to replace fossil-based activities with renew [...]

by Sana Sandhu  , Anindita Arpa  , Xi Chen  , Rahul Kumar  and Justyn Jaworski

Received: 15 September 2019;  Published: 25 November 2019;  doi: 10.21926/rpm.1904006

Increasing interest in bacterial cellulose due to the huge potential which exists for the development of this new biomaterial for medical applications has been met with recent growth in research in engineering this unique microbial manufactured material. The mechanical properties, porosity, and biocompatibility of bacterial cellulose derived biomaterials are particularly attractive for use in wound healing, tissue engineering, and drug delivery applications. Advances in synthetic biology and soft materials engineer [...]

by Xinying Hong  and Miao He

Received: 04 May 2022;  Published: 02 August 2022;  doi: 10.21926/obm.genet.2203161

Galactosemia is a group of hereditary disorders of galactose metabolism. Newborn screening for galactosemia type I is mandatory in all states in the US since timely intervention can prevent life-threatening sequela. The biochemical basis, clinical presentation, and potential treatment options for different types of galactosemia are described. This review has a focus on the screening methodologies, including the principle of the assay, the transition from the initial bacteria inhibition test to the modern fluorometr [...]

by Colin Armstrong

Received: 20 December 2020;  Published: 31 August 2021;  doi: 10.21926/obm.icm.2103026

Progress in technologies, notably in vivo and in situ methods, has equipped scientists with the necessary skills to explore the living human body in increasingly minute detail. This has led to a better understanding of the dynamic interplay between the various elements that make up the living human body. To further understand the interplay, this research focuses on the insights and observations of the founders of osteopathy, who placed great importance on the role of fascia in the body. Modern anatomical investigat [...]

by Naireeta Deb  and Rajendra Singh

Received: 15 November 2022;  Published: 08 February 2023;  doi: 10.21926/jept.2301007

Widespread adoption of electric vehicles has presented the challenges of short range and prolonged charging time. Going forward, extremely fast charging is the only solution to these problems. However, the typical Silicon power electronics supported 400 V electric vehicle powertrain cannot live up to this challenge. Limitations include the huge cable size, heating of equipment due to high current and user safety, to name a few. In this paper, we have analyzed an 800 V EV powertrain using power electronics based on [...]

by Helena M. Minyé

Received: 06 February 2020;  Published: 18 May 2020;  doi: 10.21926/obm.neurobiol.2002057

Temporomandibular disorders (TMD) are a group of musculoskeletal and neuromuscular conditions that involve the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), the masticatory muscles, and branches of the trigeminal nerve. TMD is the most common chronic oral facial pain disorder. Pain associated with TMD can be clinically expressed as myogenous or arthrogenous in etiology. The myogenous variant of TMD is characterized by pain in the muscles of mastication. The arthrogenous form of TMD is caused by pain in the joint leading to synovi [...]

by Zhenya Tang  , Jun Gu  , Guilin Tang  and L. Jeffrey Medeiros

Received: 22 July 2018;  Published: 03 October 2018;  doi: 10.21926/obm.genet.1804038

Because of its’ simplicity, reliability and cost-effectiveness, fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) is a major technology that is widely applied in clinical diagnosis, especially for hematologic malignancies, even in the era of next-generation sequencing (NGS). In the Clinical Cytogenetics Laboratory at MD Anderson Cancer Center, over 15,000 FISH tests are performed each year, including approximately 1,000 BCR-ABL1 and 500 MYC FISH tests, respectively. In this chapter, we introduce the quality assurance/quali [...]

by Paul D. Loprinzi

Received: 30 March 2019;  Published: 10 May 2019;  doi: 10.21926/obm.neurobiol.1902026

Objective: The objective of this paper was to evaluate the extent to which exercise may influence long-term potentiation (LTP), a key cellular correlate of episodic memory function. Methods: Studies were identified using electronic databases, including PubMed, PsychInfo, Sports Discus and Google Scholar. Results: The computerized searches revealed 20 articles meeting the study criteria. Among these 20 evaluated articles, 17 were conducted in an animal model and 3 among humans. All 17 of these studies, with the exce [...]