Table of Content

Open Access Short Communication

Home-Based Appetite-Guided Weaning of Enteral Nutrition of Infants with Congenital Heart Disease: A Preliminary Clinical Observation

Received: 13 January 2024;  Published: 19 April 2024;  doi: 10.21926/rpn.2402007

Abstract

Infants with a critical congenital heart defect are at high-risk for feeding difficulties, often necessitating feeding tube placement. Enteral nutrition (EN) support is initiated to meet nutritional requirements and promote growth pre- and post-operatively. Tube-fed infants with congenital heart disease (CHD) who achieve stable health status post-operatively are at risk of becoming feeding tube dependent (FTD). We report a clinical observation for infants with CHD based on survey results from Growing Independent Ea [...]

1776 9557

Open Access Case Report

Qualitative Evaluation of Interdisciplinary Service Learning Experience to Assess and Manage Fall Risk in Community-Dwelling Older Adults

Received: 15 August 2019;  Published: 29 October 2019;  doi: 10.21926/obm.geriatr.1904084

Abstract

Aim: The purpose of this study was to evaluate faculty and student perceptions of a fall risk assessment and prevention activity for older adults offered in multiple community settings by health professional faculty and students. Background: In the US, the percentage of adults 65 and older who fell was more than 29% in 2018. Among states, Arkansas ranks 48th with 35.2% of older adults reporting a fall (CDC Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, 2018). Methods: Four senior centers in Northwest Arkansas hosted a [...]

1774 10814

Open Access Original Research

A Large Eddy Simulation Study of Cyclones: The Effects of Interparticle Collisions on Erosion Prediction

Received: 31 January 2022;  Published: 06 May 2022;  doi: 10.21926/jept.2202017

Abstract

Cyclone separators are widely used in fluid catalytic cracking (FCC) units due to their lack of moving parts and relatively low-pressure drop. However, cyclone separators are prone to erosion-related issues, which is a major drawback. In this paper, a large eddy simulation (LES) of the particle-gas flow in a cyclone separator is investigated using a four-way Euler-Lagrange approach to model inter-particle collisions and the exchange of momentum between particles and fluid. The effects of inter-particle and particle [...]

1774 11380

Open Access Communication

Cognitive Reserve: Cognitive Abilities that Shield Against Dementia Symptomatology

Received: 19 June 2018;  Published: 31 October 2018;  doi: 10.21926/obm.geriatr.1804017

Abstract

Background: Cognitive reserve describes the capacity for cognitively normal functioning despite brain damage. Previous research on cognitive reserve outlined how characteristics of the brain promote good cognitive functioning, although it is not yet clear what cognitive processes help individuals to maintain good cognitive functioning in the face of brain damage. Methods: Narrative review of relevant articles identified in literature searches for cognitive and/or psychometric characteristics of cognitive reserve. R [...]

1772 10585

Open Access Review

Vanadium: Biological, Environmental, and Engineering Aspects

Received: 18 December 2019;  Published: 08 January 2020;  doi: 10.21926/acr.2001002

Abstract

Vanadium is an element that is widely distributed in Earth’s crust as well as in sea-water and ground-water reservoirs. Therefore, it exerts a great influence on the issues related to life and environment. Vanadium is utilized by several marine organisms. For example, there are vanadate-dependent haloperoxidases in algae and several bacteria, e.g., Azotobacter, use it for nitrogen fixation and bacterial reduction involves the conversion of vanadate to oxidovanadium (IV). The similarity between vanadate and phosphat [...]

1771 16123

Open Access Original Research

Application of the FISH Method for Analyzing Chromosome Segregation Patterns in Preimplantation Embryos from Robertsonian Translocation Carriers

Received: 28 March 2022;  Published: 22 June 2022;  doi: 10.21926/obm.genet.2202157

Abstract

Robertsonian translocations (RTs) are very common balanced structural chromosome rearrangements in humans. Due to alterations in the chromosome segregation pattern and the formation of unbalanced gametes and embryos, the carriers of RTs have a significant risk of reproductive failure. For over 30 years, fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) has been used for preimplantation genetic testing for chromosomal structural rearrangement (PGT-SR) in carriers of RTs. The data obtained by performing FISH for PGT-SR can be [...]

1768 11911

Open Access Review

Ellagic Acid - A Dietary Polyphenol with Anticancer Activity that Deserves More Consideration

Received: 21 March 2023;  Published: 13 July 2023;  doi: 10.21926/rpn.2303011

Abstract

Ellagic acid (EA) the principal polyphenol of pomegranate (Punicca granatum) is renowned for its beneficial therapeutic activity in several diseases including cancer. Studies have shown that EA exerts a carcinopreventive effect on many cancer cells, inducing cell cycle arrest and apoptosis, and limiting neovascularization and cell migration. In animal models, EA could reduce tumor development, number and size. Research detected that EA exerts its activity on cancer cells through several signaling pathways, without [...]

1768 14544

Open Access Original Research

Analysis of Surface Water Areal changes using Remote Sensing Data

Received: 23 October 2020;  Published: 29 July 2021;  doi: 10.21926/aeer.2103019

Abstract

Inland water bodies are crucial for supporting human life in various parts of the world. Therefore, it is essential to accurately monitor its spatiotemporal variations for better water management. The main objective of this study is to investigate the application of remote sensing data for quantifying the surface area changes and the impact of climatological variabilities over Lakes Mead and Chapala. Historical time series of monthly surface area dynamics were developed using Landsat 1-8 scenes and the climate vari [...]

1766 12251

Open Access Case Report

Implications of Clozapine Complications in Geriatric Patients with Type II Diabetes Mellitus

Received: 14 October 2019;  Published: 10 January 2020;  doi: 10.21926/obm.geriatr.2001099

Abstract

Second-generation antipsychotics, have known metabolic side effects; specifically, clozapine is implicated in worsening or causing hyperglycemia, hypercholesterolemia and weight gain. Recently, there has been an increased interest in the safe use of clozapine in patients with diabetes. In March 2018, a 65-year-old female with a diagnosis of schizophrenia was admitted for inpatient hospitalization to a psychiatric hospital in Buffalo, NY for further stabilization after receiving two months of treatment at a comprehe [...]

1766 11761

Open Access Communication

A New Chiral Cyclopalladated Ferrocenylimine Self-assembly Polymeric Film supported on Silicon for Heck and Suzuki-coupling Reactions

Received: 21 March 2022;  Published: 14 April 2022;  doi: 10.21926/cr.2202010

Abstract

A new chiral cyclopalladated ferrocenyl imine catalyst (called 4a2) was designed and synthesized, and its self-assembly catalytic polymeric brush supported on silicon (denoted as Si@PB4a2) was also fabricated by surface-initiated atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) and characterized. The catalytic properties of monomer 4a2 in homogeneous and Si@PB4a2 in heterogeneous in Heck and Suzuki cross-coupling were investigated, respectively. They exhibited higher catalytic activity in Heck, and Suzuki coupling react [...]

1765 9213

Open Access Original Research

The Evolution of DNA Typing in Agri-Food Chain

Received: 11 June 2019;  Published: 23 July 2019;  doi: 10.21926/obm.genet.1903086

Abstract

Background: DNA typing has revolutionized not only diagnostics and forensics but also how we can analyze food. A number of techniques have been successfully applied for DNA analysis of plant-derived food. However, unlike forensics, a universally employed method has not yet emerged. Methods: A keyword-based search was performed using the ISI-Web of Science database to look for research articles on DNA testing in agri-food chain. After screening and eligibility check, a Systematic Review was compiled focusing on the [...]

1765 10296

Open Access Research Article

Balance and Fall Rates are Associated with Chronic Pain, and Improve with Yoga

Received: 29 September 2019;  Published: 25 November 2019;  doi: 10.21926/obm.geriatr.1904087

Abstract

Background: Falls are relatively common in older adults and are associated with chronic pain. Chronic pain may even be a predictor of falls in older adults. However, this relationship has not been studied in adults

1765 10464

Open Access Opinion

Responsible Implementation of Expanded Screening Programs for Genetic Diseases at the Beginning of Life

Received: 13 July 2017;  Published: 11 February 2018;  doi: 10.21926/obm.genet.1801013

Abstract

Technology makes it possible to expand many of the current screening programs. Initiatives for preconception screening of carrier status of recessive diseases, prenatal screening of aneuploidies and neonatal screening were initially undertaken by targeting one or at most, a few, conditions. Tandem mass spectrometry and genomic technologies, such as sequencing and panel testing, make it possible to increase the scope of these programs to include more disorders or markers. While inclusion of a larger number of condit [...]

1763 7575

Open Access Review

Facilitation of Social Support through Negative Allosteric Modulation of α5-Associated GABAA Receptors: A Novel Mechanism for the Treatment of Depression, Agitation, and Aggression in the Elderly

Received: 05 May 2019;  Published: 26 August 2019;  doi: 10.21926/obm.geriatr.1903073

Abstract

Major depressive disorder is a highly-prevalent and debilitating disorder in the aged population. Accumulating clinical evidence suggests a key role for social support in helping to mitigate depression. Preclinical data are reviewed that indicate that selective negative allosteric modulation of α5-containing GABAA receptors, as with RY-080, might rapidly impact depression in patients. Further, preclinical data in transgenic mice modeling neurodegenerative diseases has suggested that this mechanism might also [...]

1763 10895

Open Access Original Research

Impact of SARS-CoV-2 Outbreak on Physical and Mental Health, Psychological Distress, and Suicidal Ideation, and the Mediating Role of Stressors

Received: 23 December 2020;  Published: 17 March 2021;  doi: 10.21926/obm.icm.2101010

Abstract

This study investigated the physical and psychological impacts of elements related to coronavirus disease (COVID-19) and demographic data in Japan both directly and as mediated by stressors, immediately following the rescinding of the state of emergency declaration accompanying the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 outbreak. An online survey was administered to 1,500 Japanese registered with an online outsourcing service. Data were analyzed with structural equation modeling using Mplus. Relatively lar [...]

1763 9087

Open Access Research Article

Maintenance Optimization of Wind Turbines Using Weather-Dependent Equivalent Age Model

Received: 26 April 2021;  Published: 04 August 2021;  doi: 10.21926/jept.2103036

Abstract

Aging models are important input into wind farm maintenance and financial viability models. Aging of wind turbines depends on many factors, including both ambient and usage conditions. This paper presents a virtual age based maintenance model for wind turbines considering the effect of wind speed and ambient air temperature on turbine aging. Two maintenance thresholds (i.e., corrective threshold and preventive threshold) and three repair actions (i.e., unscheduled corrective, scheduled corrective and preventive act [...]

1763 12690

Open Access Original Research

Cryptic Resilience: Decoding Molecular Networks in Pearl Millet for Enhanced Heat Stress

Received: 20 February 2024;  Published: 20 May 2024;  doi: 10.21926/obm.genet.2402235

Abstract

Pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum), a vital cereal crop renowned for its drought tolerance, is a cornerstone for smallholder farmers in arid and semi-arid regions, ranking as the fifth most significant cereal globally. Despite its resilience, the molecular mechanisms underlying its tolerance to heat stress remained elusive. To address this knowledge gap, we subjected ten-day-old pearl millet seedlings to an unprecedented temperature of 50°C for 60 seconds. Subsequent next-generation RNA sequencing aimed to unrav [...]

1762 8256

Open Access Research Article

Self-Care Options for Resilient Educators (SCORE) Teaches Aspiring Teachers How to Manage Stress in Light of COVID-Related Disruptions

Received: 07 July 2021;  Published: 28 October 2021;  doi: 10.21926/obm.icm.2104039

Abstract

Self-Care Options for Resilient Educators (SCORE) is an 8-week, asynchronous virtual training program that teaches stress management skills relevant to educators’ job-related responsibilities and interpersonal interactions. From January-April 2020, 27 pre-service teachers participated in a quasi-experimental study of SCORE’s feasibility and preliminary efficacy. Volunteers chose to either complete SCORE concurrent with their teaching internship or to complete the same assessments for comparison purposes. Recruitmen [...]

1762 14163

Open Access Review

Hot Topics on Nutrition in IBD

Received: 04 January 2024;  Published: 19 March 2024;  doi: 10.21926/rpn.2401003

Abstract

Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) affect primarily the bowel, but they are multisystemic diseases with a wide range of extraintestinal manifestations and complications. Nutritional imbalance occurs frequently in patients with IBD. The spectrum of malnutrition goes from undernutrition (low protein-caloric intake, disease-related malnutrition, micronutrient deficiencies) to overnutrition and obesity. The nutritional status of patients with IBD is increasingly recognized as a key aspect of the treatment and must be ad [...]

1762 13024

Open Access Concept Paper

Theory and Interpersonal Processes in Compassion Focused Therapy

Received: 20 August 2023;  Published: 29 November 2023;  doi: 10.21926/obm.icm.2304056

Abstract

This paper reviews key theories underlying the interpersonal process in Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT) and links these to purported mechanisms of action in CFT. The paper goes on to provide a concrete practice example of an exampled dialogue between a clinician and client and narrates the interpersonal processes and mechanisms of action in an attempt to elucidate how interpersonal processes can be leveraged to facilitate therapeutic change. In so doing, this paper seeks to advance scholarship on precise mechanism [...]

1760 12949

Open Access Original Research

TEA of a Unique Two-Pathways Process for Post-Combustion CO2 Capture

Received: 01 August 2022;  Published: 13 October 2022;  doi: 10.21926/jept.2204033

Abstract

A unique two-Pathways process using aqueous sodium glycinate for CO2 capture from a split flue gas stream emitted from 600 MWe post-combustion coal power plant was developed in Aspen Plus v.10. The split gas flow rate used was 44.75 ton/h and contained 0.0023 mol% SO2 and 13.33 mol% CO2. The process includes a washing unit, a CO2 absorption unit, a reverse osmosis unit, and a solvent regeneration unit or an ultrafiltration unit. The washing unit uses deionized water to completely remove SO2 and the CO2 absorption u [...]

1759 9288

Open Access Short Communication

Efficacy of a Plant-based Diet (Semi-lacto-ovo-vegetarian Diet) for Treating Constipation

Received: 23 December 2021;  Published: 02 April 2022;  doi: 10.21926/rpn.2202012

Abstract

A modern lifestyle, including dietary westernization, has increased the prevalence of constipation. The authors developed a plant-based diet for inflammatory bowel disease. This study investigated whether a diet containing a high amount of dietary fiber is also effective for constipation. Consecutive patients with constipation were recruited in this study from April 2003 to March 2004. Their constipation was unresponsive to a conventional laxative. The patients were provided a plant-based diet during hospitalizatio [...]

1759 116446

Open Access Review

Senescence and DNA Damage in Adipocytes and Fat Tissues and Its Potential Amelioration through Nutritional Interventions

Received: 13 April 2022;  Published: 05 July 2022;  doi: 10.21926/rpn.2203016

Abstract

Accumulating evidence demonstrates that senescence and the associated inflammatory phenotype (SASP) also occur in post-mitotic cells such as mature adipocytes. Visceral adipose tissue in humans is susceptible to inflammation due to nutritional imbalance and ageing. However, while adipose tissue has been well researched in the context of obesity, senescence of differentiated adipocytes has not been investigated thoroughly. Our group recently demonstrated that ageing and normal ad libitum (AL) nutrition in mice resul [...]

1759 13419

Open Access Research Article

Surface Water Changes and Water Depletion of Lake Hamrin, Eastern Iraq, Using Sentinel-2 Images and Geographic Information Systems

Received: 31 August 2022;  Published: 12 January 2023;  doi: 10.21926/aeer.2301006

Abstract

Iraq’s lakes and rivers are currently exposed to drought because of climatic and political conditions. This study uses satellite images and geographic information systems to display the water depletion and the change in the surface water area of Hamrin Lake. Sentinel-2 imagery of 2018 and 2022 was used to analyze the surface water area changes and water depletion. A comparison was made by studying the changes that happened between 2018 and 2022 respectively. Moreover, a supervised classification technique was [...]

1757 11279

Open Access Technical Note

Encoding, Regression, and Classification of Transcription Factors’ Specificity and Methylation Effects

Received: 01 February 2021;  Published: 16 August 2021;  doi: 10.21926/obm.genet.2103134

Abstract

The methylation effects on protein-DNA interactions, which can be perceived as a special kind of specificity of transcription factors, have been successfully quantified in the last years by various methods. In this work, I give a summary about the sequence encoding scheme, the underlying additive model about specificity and methylation sensitivity, and the regression strategy to analyze Methyl-Spec-seq data. Then I explain why given the current experimental setup, it is more appropriate to model the methylation eff [...]

1757 8503

Open Access Review

Osteoporosis in Postmenopausal Women with Breast Cancer

Received: 07 December 2020;  Published: 05 July 2021;  doi: 10.21926/obm.geriatr.2103173

Abstract

Breast cancer and osteoporosis are both diseases of aging. The "one in eight" lifetime risks of breast cancer occur primarily in the sixth, seventh, eighth, and ninth decades of life. One-third of postmenopausal women will experience an osteoporotic fracture. It is the coalescence of osteoporosis, breast cancer, and breast cancer treatments that, in some cases, increases the risks of osteoporotic fracture. That makes it imperative to assess risk factors, screen, and prevent or treat osteoporosis in postmenopausal w [...]

1757 10963

Open Access Review

Coping with Burnout in the Healthcare Field

Received: 27 July 2023;  Published: 13 October 2023;  doi: 10.21926/obm.icm.2304042

Abstract

The healthcare industry is the largest and fastest growing industry in the world; however, being a part of the healthcare system involves being at an increased risk of experiencing mental health problems, loneliness, stress, and increased susceptibility to experiencing compassion fatigue related to the emotional wear associated with providing patient-centered care. Healthcare workers include, but are not limited, to physicians, nurses, allied health professionals, and psychologists. Often, healthcare workers place [...]

1756 9330

Open Access Case Report

Impact of Osteophytectomy on Swallowing Function in a Patient with Chronic Dysphagia

Received: 01 November 2020;  Published: 07 July 2021;  doi: 10.21926/obm.geriatr.2103175

Abstract

Anterior cervical osteophytes are common in the geriatric population. Dysphagia can occur in individuals suffering from these spinal abnormalities. Surgical intervention is an uncommon course of treatment for these patients, but is often utilized as a last resort with the hope of swallow recovery. The purpose of this article is to highlight a unique case study documenting the required treatment course for dysphagia associated with osteophytes and subsequent osteophytectomy. We review current literature of both cons [...]

1755 14550

Open Access Case Report

The Surgical Approach for Obtaining Abdominal Wall Closure in Renal Transplant Recipients with Temporary or Permanent Loss of Fascial Integrity Following Emergency Reoperative Surgery

Received: 01 July 2019;  Published: 08 October 2019;  doi: 10.21926/obm.transplant.1904087

Abstract

A range of corrective surgical procedures may be required in adult renal transplant recipients who sustain loss of integrity of the abdominal wall in the first month postoperatively. Where this involves the fascia, such as in acute fascial dehiscence or in renal allograft compartment syndrome, more sophisticated reconstructive procedures may also be required, particularly in the setting of surgical site infection. There is limited data on the use of prosthetic or biologic mesh for this type of scenario, where urgen [...]

1755 10515

Open Access Review

Converting CO2 from a Harmful Gas to a Renewable Source of Matter and Energy: A Review

Received: 05 November 2021;  Published: 19 January 2022;  doi: 10.21926/jept.2201005

Abstract

The emission of greenhouse gases, specifically CO2, has reached non-acceptable levels causing global warming with adverse effects. Owing to rigorous ongoing research, these harmful substances might be converted to beneficial sources. The main objective of this study was to review the most effective processes that might utilize carbon dioxide to produce various substances, chemicals, and energy. For this, different existing and projected short-term and long-term strategies have been presented and discussed. Specific [...]

1754 10074

Open Access Original Research

Improving Diabetes Outcomes with a Multimodal Intervention for Less Advantaged Adults with Type 2 Diabetes

Received: 18 May 2021;  Published: 05 November 2021;  doi: 10.21926/obm.icm.2104043

Abstract

If proper self-management behaviors are not maintained, diabetes may lead to reduced quality of life (QoL), decreased engagement in everyday activities, disabling health complications, and even death. Less advantaged adults with limited income, lower education, and fewer resources find diabetes self-management (DSM) particularly challenging due to healthcare and social inequalities. DSM education is important to understanding diabetes-related behaviors and improving QoL. There are few evidence informed DSM educatio [...]

1753 10062

Open Access Original Research

A Pilot Study of a School-Based Yoga and Mindfulness Program for Girls

Received: 15 August 2024;  Published: 18 March 2025;  doi: 10.21926/obm.icm.2501015

Abstract

Schools have made commendable efforts to incorporate yoga and mindfulness programs to address the wellbeing of students; however, research on the efficacy of school-based yoga and mindfulness programs is still in its infancy, particularly with school-aged students at risk of developing externalizing disorders. Much of the research has also focused on evaluating interventions implemented by researchers, rather than evaluating those implemented by the school and its staff. The aim of this pilot study was to evaluate [...]

1753 10700

Open Access Editorial

Sex and Gender Issues in Heart Transplantation

Received: 01 February 2019;  Published: 13 February 2019;  doi: 10.21926/obm.transplant.1901049

Abstract

Sex and gender issues in heart transplantation

1753 10245

Open Access Original Research

Health Risks from Supposedly Remediated US Hazardous-Waste Sites: An Early-Warning Signal

Received: 02 June 2022;  Published: 24 August 2022;  doi: 10.21926/aeer.2203032

Abstract

Scientific data are almost nonexistent regarding the health-protectiveness of most hazardous-waste-site remediation. Given this data-gap, recently the World Health Organization (WHO) urged scientists to develop methods of "cost-efficient health surveillance" of toxics' cleanups, including any "illegal operations". Following WHO, this article's importance is to develop one such cost-efficient method. Given the assumption that remediators'-redevelopers' public misrepresentations of their cleanups' safety may warrant [...]

1752 10431

Open Access Research Article

Physical Characterization of Solar Thermal Energy Storage (TES) Materials for Solar Dryers: Case of Volcanic Stone (Pozzolan) in Chad

Received: 25 March 2024;  Published: 01 August 2024;  doi: 10.21926/jept.2403014

Abstract

Many sensible heat storage materials are regularly used as thermal energy storage (TES) systems to improve the efficiency of solar dryers. The present work focuses on the effects of the volume and particle sizes of a volcanic stone (pozzolan) for the same purpose. Samples soaked in matt black and without soaking were also considered. Heat charge and discharge tests were carried out by exposing the pozzolan contained in a solar collector of the direct solar dryer (DSD) and indirect solar dryer (ISD) to the sun. Char [...]

1752 8435

Open Access Review

Neuroscience and its Contribution to Neuroeducation for Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Received: 24 October 2019;  Published: 02 March 2020;  doi: 10.21926/obm.neurobiol.2001051

Abstract

With an increasing prevalence of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in schools, teachers are in need of different effective ways to educate these individuals who have distinctly different needs and modalities of experience. One area that has been explored is neuroeducation, or using findings from neuroscientific research to inform classroom practice. Neuroscientific findings appear to center on two main themes of neurological differences among children with ASD: sensory processing and emotional processing [...]

1752 13312

Open Access Case Report

Autoimmunity in Autologous Islet Transplantation

Received: 29 March 2018;  Published: 02 July 2018;  doi: 10.21926/obm.transplant.1803014

Abstract

Total pancreatectomy (TP) is increasingly being utilized for definitive treatment in patients with debilitating chronic pancreatitis (CP). In an effort to prevent surgical diabetes, the procedure can be performed in conjunction with transplantation of islets of Langerhans recovered from the patients’ own resected pancreas (autologous islet transplantation, AIT). Given that patients undergoing TP and AIT are traditionally assumed not to be at risk for the development of beta-cell autoimmunity, it is possible that th [...]

1752 9546

Open Access Review

FISHing for Unstable Cellular Genomes in the Human Brain

Received: 06 February 2019;  Published: 30 April 2019;  doi: 10.21926/obm.genet.1902076

Abstract

The human brain has been repeatedly shown to exhibit intercellular/somatic genomic variations at the chromosomal level, which are involved in the neuronal diversity in health and disease. Brain-specific chromosomal mosaicism (aneuploidy) and chromosome instability play a role in the normal and pathological neurodevelopment, neurodegeneration and aging of the central nervous system. Regardless of achievements in somatic cell (single-cell) genomics, there is still no consensus on the amounts of chromosomally abnormal [...]

1751 9160

Open Access Research Article

A Switched-Reluctance Motor Drive Powered by Switch-Mode Rectifier with Battery Energy Storage Buffer

Received: 23 December 2020;  Published: 07 April 2021;  doi: 10.21926/jept.2102016

Abstract

This paper presents a three-phase full-bridge boost switch-mode rectifier (SMR) fed switched-reluctance motor (SRM) drive with energy storage buffer. First, the power circuits and control schemes of the two power stages are properly designed. Except for having good line drawn power quality, the boostable DC-link voltage of the SRM drive can enhance the SRM driving performance in wide speed range. And the recovered regenerative braking energy can be sent back to the grid successfully. Then, a battery storage system [...]

1751 9508

Open Access Research Article

Enzymatic Hydrolysis of Meat Waste for a Circular Economy

Received: 30 December 2022;  Published: 16 February 2023;  doi: 10.21926/cr.2301008

Abstract

This work demonstrates the possibility of implementing a technology that allows profitable value to be drawn from the meat waste from retail stores. Protein hydrolysate, collagen and fatty acids were recovered from meat waste through enzymatic hydrolysis using a mixture of enzymes: a protease (Alcalase) and a lipase (Resinase). Enzymatic hydrolysis was studied by response surface methodology (RMS). Four independent variables were used to study the response variables. The analysis showed that all factors including p [...]

1750 11451

Open Access Research Article

Parkinson’s Disease Motor and Non-Motor Features Accompanying Insomnia and Excessive Daytime Sleepiness Symptoms, a Large Population-Based Study

Received: 30 June 2020;  Published: 26 August 2020;  doi: 10.21926/obm.geriatr.2003131

Abstract

Insomnia and excessive daytime sleepiness are the most common sleep disturbances in Parkinson’s disease. This study aims at better understanding how severity of PD motor and non-motor features and dopaminergic treatments contribute to these sleep symptoms in the first decade of PD. Data from a community-based cohort of PD patients was used to model cross-sectional PD-related risk factors for insomnia and EDS sleep scores using linear regression models adjusted for age, gender, and PD duration. Longitudinal changes [...]

1750 9830

Open Access Short Communication

Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopic Studies of PHEV2 form-factor Lithium-ion Cells for Automotive Applications

Received: 09 November 2021;  Published: 18 April 2022;  doi: 10.21926/jept.2202015

Abstract

Prismatic PHEV2 form-factor lithium-ion cells with a nominal capacity of 25 Ah (as used for automotive applications) have been studied with electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The data was evaluated using electrical equivalent circuits. Mathematical modeling, system identification, and the determination of model parameters of the lithium-ion cell were also carried out. While a study of the influence of temperature and state-of-charge (SOC) performed using pristine lithium-ion cells showed a nonlinear rela [...]

1748 10996

Open Access Review

Endemic Mycoses and Cryptococcus in Solid Organ Transplant Recipients

Received: 05 April 2019;  Published: 26 July 2019;  doi: 10.21926/obm.transplant.1903075

Abstract

The endemic mycoses are an important cause of morbidity and mortality in transplant recipients. These fungal infections are notable for their dimorphic life cycle, specific geographic distributions, and typical infection via environmental exposure. Their nonspecific presentation can make diagnosis challenging. Because of their geographic associations, assessment of both donor and recipient history is critical in making an accurate and timely diagnosis. Coccidioides spp. are endemic to the southwestern United S [...]

1748 15467

Open Access Review

Depression in the Elderly–Epidemiology, Diagnosis, Special Aspects, and Treatment Options

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

Abstract

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 [...]

1747 12602

Open Access Concept Paper

The “PRIMING, TIMING, MIMING” Model of Individualized Behavioural Care Planning for Residents with Dementia

Received: 30 July 2019;  Published: 29 September 2019;  doi: 10.21926/obm.geriatr.1903076

Abstract

The current paper introduces the “Priming/Timing/Miming” Model of Behavioural Care Planning for persons with Dementia. This simple heuristic provides a quick, easy and systematic way to select from the vast number of behavioural strategies offered in the BPSD literature and to organize these in a way that can be incorporated into an individualized Behaviour Care Plan to deliver personal care to persons with dementia and also to develop a larger plan of care. An entire care plan is captured on one double-sided sheet [...]

1746 13375

Open Access Research Article

The Design, Development and Assessment of a Novel De-centralised IoT-Based Remote Monitoring of a Small-Scale Anaerobic Digester Network

Received: 21 September 2022;  Published: 28 November 2022;  doi: 10.21926/jept.2204039

Abstract

The implementation of community-level de-centralised anaerobic digestion (AD) systems offers a sustainable solution for organic waste management and energy provision, but there is currently a need for low-cost methods of system control and management at this scale. The problem becomes accentuated with increasing deployment, as greater complexities are created by the need to both monitor and control a wider network of smaller, community-scale plants. This paper describes research to design, deploy and test such a sy [...]

1746 13911

Open Access Review

Benefits of Combined Liver Transplant: Protection or Tolerance?

Received: 18 April 2019;  Published: 04 September 2019;  doi: 10.21926/obm.transplant.1903084

Abstract

The privileged liver, due to its immunological status, is referred to as a tolerogenic organ. However, this alone does not explain the introduction of tolerance after single or combined liver transplantation (kidney, heart, pancreas, and intestine); other factors, such as recipient’s age, donor’s hepatic volume, iron metabolism, biomarkers, or imprint of cytomegalovirus infection, appear to be involved in the identification of patients who are likely to be tolerant to their graft. All the afore-stated factors appea [...]

1746 10681

Open Access Review

Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma: Translation of Genomic Knowledge to Clinical Practice

Received: 29 November 2018;  Published: 12 March 2019;  doi: 10.21926/obm.neurobiol.1901022

Abstract

Pediatric brain tumors account for approximately 25% of all cancers in children and are currently the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the pediatric population with an estimated incidence of 5.14 cases per 100,000 person years [1]. Up to 10-15% of all pediatric brain tumors arise in the brainstem, with the majority of these classified as the diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG) subtype [2]. The outcome of children with DIPG remains dismal with a median survival of <1 year. Owing to the unique locatio [...]

1745 12775

Open Access Review

The Role of Surveillance Bronchoscopy Following a Lung Transplantation

Received: 01 July 2020;  Published: 21 December 2020;  doi: 10.21926/obm.transplant.2004129

Abstract

Pulmonary transplantation (LuTx) is established as a treatment option for patients with end-stage lung diseases, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, cystic fibrosis, interstitial lung disease, and pulmonary arterial hypertension. Acute rejection and infection are implicated as potential risk factors in developing complications such as bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome (BOS) and chronic rejection, leading to high morbidity and mortality rates after the LuTx. Thus, surveillance procedures after transplanta [...]

1745 15186

Open Access Research Article

Net Zero UK – Generation and Energy Storage Requirements for the UK to Become Carbon Neutral

Received: 25 September 2022;  Published: 13 December 2022;  doi: 10.21926/jept.2204041

Abstract

This paper sets out a quantified scenario for the UK to reach net zero carbon emissions. Wind and solar are the main energy sources and their intermittency is accommodated through hydrogen electrolysis, biogas from anaerobic digesters, and their combination into biomethane. Hydrogen and biomethane stocks are tracked. A daily energy balance model is presented, using the most recent recorded weather data-2017 to 2021. Long periods of low wind in 2021 indicated the necessary energy storage capacities, which were adjus [...]

1744 10219

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