bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Overpressure Generation and Evolution in Deep Longmaxi Formation Shale Reservoir in Southern Sichuan Basin: Influences on Pore Development
Authors: Yin Jia , Wei Lin , Sun Shasha , Shi Zhensheng , Dong Dazhong , Gao Zhiye
Published: March 2023

Strong overpressure conditions are widely distributed in the deep Longmaxi Formation (Fm) shale reservoirs in the Southern Sichuan Basin, with pressure coefficients ranging from 1.75 to 2.45. Overpressure plays a positive role in the high yield of shale gas, but a detailed study of its generation mechanism, evolution history, and potential impact on pore development is still lacking. This study’s evidence from theoretical analysis and the logging response method indicates that hydrocarbon generation expansion is the main generation mechanism for strong overpressure. Through the combined analysis of basin modeling, inclusions analysis, and numerical simulation, pressure evolution at different stages is quantitatively characterized. The results show that, during the shale’s long-term subsidence process, the shale reservoir’s pressure coefficient increased to 1.40 because of oil generated by kerogen pyrolysis. Then it increased to 1.92 due to gas generated by residual oil cracking. During the late strong uplift process of the shale, temperature decrease, gas escape, and stratum denudation caused the pressure coefficient to first decrease to 1.84 and then increased to 2.04. Comparing pore characteristics under different pressure coefficients indicates that higher pressure coefficients within shale reservoirs contribute to the maintenance of total porosity and the development of organic macropores, but the influence on the morphology of organic pores is negligible. These results will provide the scientific basis for optimizing sweet spots and guiding shale gas exploration in the study area.
Capacity Optimization of Independent Microgrid with Electric Vehicles Based on Improved Pelican Optimization Algorithm
Authors: Li Jiyong , Chen Ran , Liu Chengye , Xu Xiaoshuai , Wang Yasai
Published: March 2023

In order to reduce the comprehensive power cost of the independent microgrid and to improve environmental protection and power supply reliability, a two-layer power capacity optimization model of a microgrid with electric vehicles (EVs) was established that considered uncertainty and demand response. Based on the load and energy storage characteristics of electric vehicles, the classification of electric vehicles was proposed, and their mathematical models were established. The idea of robust optimization was adopted to construct the uncertain scenario set. Considering the incentive demand response, a two-layer power capacity optimization model of a microgrid was constructed. The improved pelican optimization algorithm (IPOA) was proposed as the two-layer model. In view of the slow convergence rate of the pelican optimization algorithm (POA) and its tendency to fall into the local optimum, methods such as elite reverse learning were proposed to generate the initial population, set disturbance inhibitors, and introduce Lévy flight to improve the initial population of the algorithm and enhance its global search ability. Finally, an independent microgrid was used as an example to verify the effectiveness of the proposed model and the improved algorithm. Considering that the total power capacity optimization cost of the microgrid after addition of electric vehicles was reduced by CNY 139,600, the total power capacity optimization cost of the microgrid after IOPA optimization was reduced by CNY 49,600 compared with that after POA optimization.
Differences and Similarities in Climate Change Adaptation Policy Instrument Mixes in Selected European Countries
Authors: Bukowska Joanna , Godlewska Joanna , Sidorczuk-Pietraszko Edyta
Published: March 2023

The increasingly severe effects of climate change have resulted in a shift in countries’ approach to climate policy. From an initial focus on mitigation efforts, adaptation to climate change is now given equal importance. Adaptation policies in individual countries provide for different sets of instruments owing to different natural conditions and climate change impacts and their resulting problems as well as different approaches related to the sociopolitical characteristics of the country. In the paper, we identify and classify adaptation policy instruments and then look for the differences and similarities in the adaptation instrument mixes included in the national adaptation strategic documents of selected European countries. We focused on Western European (WE) and Central and Eastern European (CEE) countries, as the latter are underrepresented in studies on adaptation policies. Based on text-mining methods, i.e., categorisation of policy instruments using a set of criteria and clustering, we looked for similarities and differences between the adaptation instrument mixes in the chosen European countries. We found similarities between the two CEE countries studied—Poland and Lithuania. These countries are also different from WE countries in this regard. The results indicate that CEE countries have a sectoral rather than systemic approach to adaptation policy, and instruments from the management sphere are less prominent.
Assessing Ships’ Environmental Performance Using Machine Learning
Authors: Skarlatos Kyriakos , Fousteris Andreas , Georgakellos Dimitrios , Economou Polychronis , Bersimis Sotirios
Published: March 2023

Environmental performance of ships is a critical factor in the shipping industry due to evolving climate change and the respective regulations imposed by authorities all over the world. As shipping moves towards digitization, a large amount of ships’ environmental performance-related data, collected during ships’ voyages, provide opportunities to develop and enhance data-driven performance models by using different machine learning algorithms. This paper introduces new indices of ships’ environmental performance using machine learning techniques. The new indices are produced by combining clustering algorithms as well as principal component analysis. Based on the analysis of the data (14 variables with operational and design characteristics), the ships are divided into four clusters based on the new suggested indices. These clusters categorize the ships according to their physical dimensions, operating region, and operational environmental efficiency, offering insight into the distinctive traits of each cluster.
Hydrogen Application as a Fuel in Internal Combustion Engines
Authors: Falfari Stefania , Cazzoli Giulio , Mariani Valerio , Bianchi Gian
Published: March 2023

Hydrogen is the energy vector that will lead us toward a more sustainable future. It could be the fuel of both fuel cells and internal combustion engines. Internal combustion engines are today the only motors characterized by high reliability, duration and specific power, and low cost per power unit. The most immediate solution for the near future could be the application of hydrogen as a fuel in modern internal combustion engines. This solution has advantages and disadvantages: specific physical, chemical and operational properties of hydrogen require attention. Hydrogen is the only fuel that could potentially produce no carbon, carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide emissions. It also allows high engine efficiency and low nitrogen oxide emissions. Hydrogen has wide flammability limits and a high flame propagation rate, which provide a stable combustion process for lean and very lean mixtures. Near the stoichiometric air–fuel ratio, hydrogen-fueled engines exhibit abnormal combustions (backfire, pre-ignition, detonation), the suppression of which has proven to be quite challenging. Pre-ignition due to hot spots in or around the spark plug can be avoided by adopting a cooled or unconventional ignition system (such as corona discharge): the latter also ensures the ignition of highly diluted hydrogen–air mixtures. It is worth noting that to correctly reproduce the hydrogen ignition and combustion processes in an ICE with the risks related to abnormal combustion, 3D CFD simulations can be of great help. It is necessary to model the injection process correctly, and then the formation of the mixture, and therefore, the combustion process. It is very complex to model hydrogen gas injection due to the high velocity of the gas in such jets. Experimental tests on hydrogen gas injection are many but never conclusive. It is necessary to have a deep knowledge of the gas injection phenomenon to correctly design the right injector for a specific engine. Furthermore, correlations are needed in the CFD code to predict the laminar flame velocity of hydrogen–air mixtures and the autoignition time. In the literature, experimental data are scarce on air–hydrogen mixtures, particularly for engine-type conditions, because they are complicated by flame instability at pressures similar to those of an engine. The flame velocity exhibits a non-monotonous behavior with respect to the equivalence ratio, increases with a higher unburnt gas temperature and decreases at high pressures. This makes it difficult to develop the correlation required for robust and predictive CFD models. In this work, the authors briefly describe the research path and the main challenges listed above.
A Study on the Deformation Mechanism of the Rock Surrounding a Weakly Cemented Cross-Layer Roadway, under Tectonic Stress
Authors: Yu Haijun , Liu Honglin , Xia Yang , Zhang Mingcun , Hang Yinjian , Luo Wenjie
Published: March 2023

Maintaining the stability of the surrounding rock is an important prerequisite in ensuring the safe and efficient construction of underground mines—in particular, the surrounding rock of the cross-layer roadway, which is a combination of different media with different lithologies. Numerical models were established to investigate the effects of the different lateral pressure coefficients (λ), the angle (α) between the roadway and the maximum horizontal principal stress, and typical lithological combinations on the deformation of the surrounding rock of weakly cemented roadways. The main outcomes obtained from our research indicated the following: (1) under the action of tectonic stress, the focus should be on strengthening the roof of the roadway support of the slab, which is conducive to the stability of the surrounding rock; (2) roadway deformation and failure for the cases λ < 1.5 are approximately symmetrically distributed, whereas those for the cases λ > 1.5 are asymmetric; (3) roadway deformation and failure for the cases α < 45° are approximately symmetrically distributed, whereas those for the cases α > 45° are asymmetric; (4) tectonic stress has an important influence on stress redistribution, deformability, and damage in cross-layer roadways; and (5) when excavating cross-layer roadways under the action of tectonic stress, the concentrated stress around the end of the working face (especially the bottom corner) should be reduced. The research results provide insights for the roadway layout through coal seam and cross-layer excavation and deepen the understanding of the deformation mechanism of weakly cemented cross-layer roadway under tectonic stress.
Interaction Processes of Environment and Plant Ecophysiology with BVOC Emissions from Dominant Greening Trees
Authors: Duan Chensong , Wu Zhifeng , Liao Hu , Ren Yin
Published: March 2023

In global greening, biogenic volatile organic compound (BVOC) emissions and their influencing factors have been considered due to their significant roles in the biosphere and atmosphere. Many studies have reported relationships of BVOC emissions with environmental factors and plant ecophysiology. However, the direct and indirect effects of environmental factors on BVOC emissions remain unclear, and the causal relationships between plant ecophysiology and BVOC emissions are ambiguous. We measured the isoprene and monoterpene emissions from dominant greening plants using a dynamic enclosure system and quantified the interactions of environment–-plant and ecophysiology–BVOC emissions using a path analysis model. We found that isoprene emission was directly affected by photosynthetic rate, and indirectly affected by photosynthetically active radiation and air temperature (Tair). Monoterpene emissions were directly affected by atmospheric pressure, relative air humidity and specific leaf weight, and indirectly affected by Tair.
Analyses of Sulfur and Iron in Waterlogged Archaeological Wood: The Case of Polyethylene-Glycol-Treated Yenikapı 12 Shipwreck
Authors: Kılıç Aslı Gökçe , Kılıç Namık , Arnold Donna C.
Published: March 2023

The Yenikapı (YK) 12 shipwreck is 1 of 37 shipwrecks found at Yenikapı, Istanbul. This merchantman has been dated to AD 672–876 by radiocarbon analyses. The conservation of YK 12, which was assembled with iron nails, was completed with the pre-impregnation of polyethylene glycol (PEG) and using vacuum freeze-drying processes. However, after conservation, dust formation was observed on some wooden parts of the shipwreck during storage. In this study, iron–sulfur-related problems detected in the woods of YK 12 were evaluated. We analysed samples taken from YK 12 to study the sulfur and iron content in woods from oak (Quercus), walnut (Juglans), and hornbeam (Carpinus), representing taxa with different wood properties. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analyses, X-ray diffraction (XRD), and pH measurements were conducted on five samples. The results of these studies showed that the dust consisted of wood particles, PEG, and hydrated iron sulfates, such as FeSO4·4H2O and FeSO4·7H2O. Additionally, one sample included SiO2, whilst another exhibited a low pH value. These findings highlight the importance of optimum ambient conditions for the storage and display of these shipwrecks in order to prevent the irreversible degradation of YK 12 and other recovered shipwrecks.
Influence of Different Angles in the Photobioreactor on Algal Biomass Growth with Optimized Poultry Excreta Leachate: A Batch-Scale Study
Authors: Singh Har Mohan , Tyagi V. V. , Kothari Richa , Sari Ahmet
Published: March 2023

In this study, the influence of solar inclination angles on biomass growth and the biomolecule profile of Chlorella pyrenoidosa (C. pyrenoidosa) were analyzed in the vertical flat–panel photobioreactor (FPPBR). The growth of C. pyrenoidosa was analyzed at three different solar inclination angles (32.9°, 47.9°, and 90°) in a natural open environment with BG-11 medium and poultry excreta leachate (PEL). The maximum yield of biomass was obtained at 2.40 g/L with PEL and 1.45 g/L with BG-11 medium at a solar inclination angle of 47.9°. The biomass yield with PEL and BG-11 was 5.09–10.26%, 3.94–5.72%, respectively, while biomass productivity with PEL and BG-11 was 5.27–10.63%, 4.06–5.90% higher at a solar inclination angle of 47.9° as compared to 32.9°. The average temperature and radiation of FPPBR were recorded ≈3.90 ± 0.40% and ≈17.28 ± 2.23% higher at a solar inclination angle of 47.9° as compared to a solar inclination angle of 32.9°. The inclined radiation was acquired the maximum area of FPPBR. Results indicated that solar inclination angles enhanced the productivity of algae in FPPBR.
Evaluating the Potential of Newly Developed Energy Cane Clones for First- and Second-Generation Ethanol Production
Authors: Thammasittirong Sutticha Na-Ranong , Chatwachirawong Prasert , Khemdee Kedwarin , Thammasittirong Anon
Published: March 2023

The rapid increases in fuel ethanol demand and food security concerns have driven the need for diverse feedstocks in the ethanol production process. Energy cane is an energy crop that is an ideal sustainable biofuel feedstock. The present study evaluated ethanol production of the juice and bagasse of two newly developed energy cane clones, TByEFC08-0035 and TByEFC10-0004. The results of the chemical composition analyses of the juice and bagasse samples revealed that the two energy cane clones contained high contents of both sucrose (15.36–17.95%) and fiber (13.44–24.16%). The maximum ethanol concentrations from the juice on a laboratory scale (87.10 g/L) and on an agronomic scale (1211.76 kg/ha) were recorded for TByEFC10-0004 fermented with a new isolate Kluyveromyces marxianus SJT83, whereas the maximum ethanol concentrations from bagasse on a laboratory scale (9.81 g/L) and on an agronomic scale (790.68 kg/ha) were reached with TByEFC08-0035 fermented with Scheffersomyces shehatae TTC79. The total ethanol yields from the juice and bagasse samples per cultivation area of both energy cane clones were in the range 1294.23–1469.14 kg/ha, being 1.70–1.93 and 1.08–1.23 times higher than the control energy cane Biotec2 variety and the commercial sugar cane Khon Kaen3 variety, respectively. This study revealed the potential of the energy cane clones TByEFC08-0035 and TByEFC10-0004 currently being developed as sugar and lignocellulose substrates for first- and second-generation ethanol industry applications.
Comparative Study of Atmosphere Effect on Wood Torrefaction
Authors: Quirino Rafael Lopes , Richa Larissa , Petrissans Anelie , Teixeira Priscila Rios , Durrell George , Hulette Allen , Colin Baptiste , Petrissans Mathieu
Published: March 2023

Climate change, biomass utilization, and bioenergy recovery are among the biggest current global concerns. Wood is considered an environmentally benign material. Nevertheless, it must be processed for desired applications. Upon thermal treatment ranging from 180 °C to 280 °C, under low oxygen concentrations, wood becomes a material with improved dimensional stability, resistance to fungal attacks, grindability, hydrophobicity, and storage stability. Several strategies for wood treatment have been investigated over the course of the past decades, including the use of steam, nitrogen, smoke, vacuum, water, and hot oil. The goal of this work is to investigate the influence of pressure and atmosphere on the torrefaction of poplar. Through a systematic analysis of poplar wood samples treated under reduced pressures and different atmospheres, while keeping the same heating profile, it was possible to establish that changes observed for mass loss, color change, wood composition (via TGA/DTG analysis), functional groups (via FTIR), elemental analysis, and X-ray diffractograms relate directly to known reaction pathways occurring during torrefaction. Changes observed under reduced pressures have been associated with the relative concentration of oxygen in the reaction atmosphere and to the reduced diffusion times experienced by reactive by-products during the treatment. Conversely, extended diffusion times resulted in more significant changes for reactions carried out under N2, water vapor, and air.
Six-Core GeO2-Doped Silica Microstructured Optical Fiber with Induced Chirality
Authors: Bourdine Anton V. , Demidov Vladimir V. , Dukelskii Konstantin V. , Khokhlov Alexander V. , Ter-Nersesyants Egishe V. , Bureev Sergei V. , Matrosova Alexandra S. , Pchelkin Grigori A. , Kuznetsov Artem A. , Morozov Oleg G. , Nureev Ilnur I. , Sakhabutdinov Airat Zh. , Agliullin Timur A. , Dashkov Michael V. , Evtushenko Alexander S. , Zaitseva Elena S. , Vasilets Alexander A. , Gizatulin Azat R. , Meshkov Ivan K. , Ismail Yaseera , Petruccione Francesco , Singh Ghanshyam , Tiwari Manish , Yin Juan
Published: March 2023

This work presents a fabricated silica few-mode microstructured optical fiber (MOF) with a special six GeO2-doped core geometry, an outer diameter of 125 µm (that corresponds to conventional commercially available telecommunication optical fibers), and improved induced twisting up to 500 revolutions per 1 m (under a rotation speed of 1000 revolutions per meter with a drawing speed of ~2 m per minute). The article discusses some technological aspects and issues of manufacturing the above-described twisted MOFs with complicated structures and geometry as GeO2-doped silica supporting elements for them. We present results of some measurements performed for fabricated samples of chiral silica six-GeO2-doped-core few-mode MOFs with various orders of twisting and both step and graded refractive indexes of “cores”. These tests contain research on MOF geometrical parameters, attenuation, and measurements of the far-field laser beam profile.
Modeling the Growth of Six Listeria monocytogenes Strains in Smoked Salmon Pâté
Authors: Bolívar Araceli , Garrote Achou Chajira , Tarlak Fatih , Cantalejo María Jesús , Costa Jean Carlos Correia Peres , Pérez-Rodríguez Fernando
Published: March 2023

In this study, the growth of six L. monocytogenes strains isolated from different fish products was quantified and modeled in smoked salmon pâté at a temperature ranging from 2 to 20 °C. The experimental data obtained for each strain was fitted to the primary growth model of Baranyi and Roberts to estimate the following kinetic parameters: lag phase (λ), maximum specific growth rate (μmax), and maximum cell density (Nmax). Then, the effect of storage temperature on the obtained μmax values was modeled by the Ratkowsky secondary model. In general, the six L. monocytogenes strains showed rapid growth in salmon pâté at all storage temperatures, with a relatively short lag phase λ, even at 2 °C. The growth behavior among the tested strains was similar at the same storage temperature, although significant differences were found for the parameters λ and μmax. Besides, the growth variations among the strains did not follow a regular pattern. The estimated secondary model parameter Tmin ranged from −4.25 to −3.19 °C. This study provides accurate predictive models for the growth of L. monocytogenes in fish pâtés that can be used in shelf life and microbial risk assessment studies. In addition, the models generated in this work can be implemented in predictive modeling tools and repositories that can be reliably and easily used by the fish industry and end-users to establish measures aimed at controlling the growth of L. monocytogenes in fish-based pâtés.
Applications of Radio Frequency Heating in Food Processing
Authors: Wang Shaojin , Li Rui
Published: March 2023

Considering safety concerns regarding postharvest agricultural products or foods, environmental pollution caused by chemical fumigations, and increased international regulations to limit the use of fumigants, it is an extremely urgent task to develop novel and environmentally friendly physical alternatives to the postharvest control of insect pests and pathogens [...]
Influence of Cold Pre-Fermentation Maceration on the Volatilomic Pattern and Aroma of White Wines
Authors: Alti-Palacios Laura , Martínez Juana , Teixeira José A. C. , Câmara José S. , Perestrelo Rosa
Published: March 2023

Aroma compounds play a key role in wine quality due to their importance in wine aroma. The aim of the present study is to investigate the influence of cold pre-fermentative maceration (CPM) treatment on aromatic and sensory properties of white wines from four grape varieties (Tempranillo Blanco, Maturana Blanca, Viura and Garnacha Blanca) during two consecutive years (2019 and 2020). A total of 62 aroma compounds belonging to different chemical families were identified using headspace solid-phase microextraction combined with gas chromatography mass spectrometry (HS-SPME/GC-MS). CPM treatment enhanced the total relative concentration of alcohols, esters and acids compared to control wines. Regarding sensorial properties, esters made the greatest contribution to the studied white wines, mainly through the development of floral and fruity notes. On the other hand, CPM treatment did not significantly influence the total relative concentration of terpenoids, and different trends were observed according to grape variety and vintage. The obtained results showed differences in the wine’s aromatic complexity according to the grape variety, the vintage and the treatment applied and suggested that CPM treatment could represent a suitable approach to manipulate the aromatic profile and enhance the aromatic quality and complexity of wine.
Soy Protein Isolate Interacted with Acrylamide to Reduce the Release of Acrylamide in the In Vitro Digestion Model
Authors: Shen Yu , Lv Mengling , Tang Zhenyue , Liu Wei , Zhang Yusong , Teng Fei , Wang Xu , Shao Meili , Jiang Yujun
Published: March 2023

Acrylamide (AA), a common carcinogen, has been found in many dietary products.. This study aimed to explore the interaction of soybean protein isolate (SPI) with AA and further research the different effects of SPI on the AA release due to interactions in the in vitro digestion model. Analysis of variance was used to analyze the data. The results suggested that AA could bind with SPI in vitro, leading to the variation in SPI structure. The intrinsic fluorescence of SPI was quenched by AA via static quenching. The non-covalent (van der Waals forces and hydrogen bonding) and covalent bonds were the main interaction forces between SPI and AA. Furthermore, the release of AA significantly decreased due to its interaction with SPI under simulated gastrointestinal conditions. SPI had different effects on the AA release rate after different treatments. The thermal (80, 85, 90, and 95 °C for either 10 or 20 min) and ultrasound (200, 300, and 400 W for either 15, 30, or 60 min) treatments of SPI were useful in reducing the release of AA. However, the high pressure-homogenized (30, 60, 90, and 120 MPa once, twice, or thrice) treatments of SPI were unfavorable for reducing the release of AA.
Explaining the Hardening Structures of Helium Spectrum and Boron to Carbon Ratio through Different Propagation Models
Authors: Luo Qing , Feng Jie , Tam Pak-Hin Thomas
Published: March 2023

Recently, a series of high-precision measurements by various experiments show that cosmic ray nuclei spectra begin to harden at ∼200 GV and the boron-to-carbon (B/C) ratio has a similar trend around the same energy. These anomalous structures possibly result from the journey of cosmic rays (CRs) from their sources to our solar system, which has important implications for our understanding of the origin and propagation of Galactic cosmic rays (GCRs). In this work, we investigate several propagation models and attempt to explain these anomalous observations. We have verified that an extension of the traditional propagation model taking into account spatially dependent propagation and secondary particle acceleration provides a more accurate description of the latest B/C ratio and the Helium flux data measured by DAMPE, CALET, and AMS-02.
Characterizing the Regular Orbits of Binary Pulsars: An Initial Prospection Study
Authors: Taani Ali
Published: March 2023

The dynamical interaction between binary systems is crucial in understanding the nature of orbital motion under the influence of gravitational potential. In our study, we focused on investigating the effects of dynamical forces on the regularity of binary pulsar orbits, which represent a pure two-body system. To incorporate the necessary time dependence and have a regular 3-D axisymmetric potential, we utilized the Rebound package as a numerical integrator. This package integrates the motion of particles under the influence of gravity, allowing for changing orbital parameters at a given instant, and providing a variety of integrators to be used. By analyzing the regularity properties of binaries and their sensitivity to initial conditions, we gained insight into the importance of considering even small perturbations to the system, as they can lead to significant changes in its dynamics.
Genome Analysis Using Whole-Exome Sequencing of Non-Syndromic Cleft Lip and/or Palate from Malagasy Trios Identifies Variants Associated with Cilium-Related Pathways and Asian Genetic Ancestry
Authors: Manojlovic Zarko , Auslander Allyn , Jin Yuxin , Schmidt Ryan J. , Xu Yili , Chang Sharon , Song Ruocen , Ingles Sue A. , Nunes Alana , Vavra KC , Feigelson Devin , Rakotoarison Sylvia , DiBona Melissa , Magee Kathy , Smile Operation , Ramamonjisoa Anjaramamy , Magee III William
Published: March 2023

Background: Orofacial clefts (OFCs) are common congenital disabilities that can occur as isolated non-syndromic events or as part of Mendelian syndromes. OFC risk factors vary due to differences in regional environmental exposures, genetic variants, and ethnicities. In recent years, significant progress has been made in understanding OFCs, due to advances in sequencing and genotyping technologies. Despite these advances, very little is known about the genetic interplay in the Malagasy population. Methods: Here, we performed high-resolution whole-exome sequencing (WES) on non-syndromic cleft lip with or without palate (nCL/P) trios in the Malagasy population (78 individuals from 26 families (trios)). To integrate the impact of genetic ancestry admixture, we computed both global and local ancestries. Results: Participants demonstrated a high percentage of both African and Asian admixture. We identified damaging variants in primary cilium-mediated pathway genes WNT5B (one family), GPC4 (one family), co-occurrence in MSX1 (five families), WDR11 (one family), and tubulin stabilizer SEPTIN9 (one family). Furthermore, we identified an autosomal homozygous damaging variant in PHGDH (one family) gene that may impact metabiotic activity. Lastly, all variants were predicted to reside on local Asian genetic ancestry admixed alleles. Conclusion: Our results from examining the Malagasy genome provide limited support for the hypothesis that germline variants in primary cilia may be risk factors for nCL/P, and outline the importance of integrating local ancestry components better to understand the multi-ethnic impact on nCL/P.
A Case Report of a Feto-Placental Mosaicism Involving a Segmental Aneuploidy: A Challenge for Genome Wide Screening by Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing of Cell-Free DNA in Maternal Plasma
Authors: De Falco Luigia , Vitiello Giuseppina , Savarese Giovanni , Suero Teresa , Ruggiero Raffaella , Savarese Pasquale , Ianniello Monica , Petrillo Nadia , Bruno Mariasole , Legnante Antonietta , Passaretti Francesco Fioravanti , Ardisia Carmela , Di Spiezio Sardo Attilio , Fico Antonio
Published: March 2023

Non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) using cell-free DNA can detect fetal chromosomal anomalies with high clinical sensitivity and specificity. In approximately 0.1% of clinical cases, the NIPT result and a subsequent diagnostic karyotype are discordant. Here we report a case of a 32-year-old pregnant patient with a 44.1 Mb duplication on the short arm of chromosome 4 detected by NIPT at 12 weeks’ gestation. Amniocentesis was carried out at 18 weeks’ gestation, followed by conventional and molecular cytogenetic analysis on cells from the amniotic fluid. SNP array analysis found a de novo deletion of 1.2 Mb at chromosome 4, and this deletion was found to be near the critical region of the Wolf-Hirschhorn syndrome. A normal 46,XY karyotype was identified by G-banding analysis. The patient underwent an elective termination and molecular investigations on tissues from the fetus, and the placenta confirmed the presence of type VI true fetal mosaicism. It is important that a patient receives counselling following a high-risk call on NIPT, with appropriate diagnostic analysis advised before any decisions regarding the pregnancy are taken. This case highlights the importance of genetic counselling following a high-risk call on NIPT, especially in light of the increasing capabilities of NIPT detection of sub-chromosomal deletions and duplications.
How Genetic Variants in Children with Familial Hypercholesterolemia Not Only Guide Detection, but Also Treatment
Authors: van den Bosch Sibbeliene E. , Corpeleijn Willemijn E. , Hutten Barbara A. , Wiegman Albert
Published: March 2023

Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is a hereditary disorder that causes severely elevated low-density lipoprotein (LDL-C) levels, which leads to an increased risk for premature cardiovascular disease. A variety of genetic variants can cause FH, namely variants in the genes for the LDL receptor (LDLR), apolipoprotein B (APOB), proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9), and/or LDL-receptor adaptor protein 1 (LDLRAP1). Variants can exist in a heterozygous form (HeFH) or the more severe homozygous form (HoFH). If affected individuals are diagnosed early (through screening), they benefit tremendously from early initiation of lipid-lowering therapy, such as statins, and cardiovascular imaging to detect possible atherosclerosis. Over the last years, due to intensive research on the genetic basis of LDL-C metabolism, novel, promising therapies have been developed to reduce LDL-C levels and subsequently reduce cardiovascular risk. Results from studies on therapies focused on inhibiting PCSK9, a protein responsible for degradation of the LDLR, are impressive. As the effect of PCSK9 inhibitors (PCSK9-i) is dependent of residual LDLR activity, this medication is less potent in patients without functional LDLR (e.g., null/null variant). Novel therapies that are expected to become available in the near future focused on inhibition of another major regulatory protein in lipid metabolism (angiopoietin-like 3 (ANGPTL3)) might dramatically reduce the frequency of apheresis in children with HoFH, independently of their residual LDLR. At present, another independent risk factor for premature cardiovascular disease, elevated levels of lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a)), cannot be effectively treated with medication. Further understanding of the genetic basis of Lp(a) metabolism, however, offers a possibility for the development of novel therapies.
Transforming a Negotiation Framework to Resolve Conflicts among Older Adults and Family Caregivers
Authors: Murawski Alaine , Ramirez-Zohfeld Vanessa , Schierer Allison , Olvera Charles , Mell Johnathan , Gratch Jonathan , Brett Jeanne , Lindquist Lee A.
Published: March 2023

Background: Family caregivers of older people with Alzheimer’s dementia (PWD) often need to advocate and resolve health-related conflicts (e.g., determining treatment necessity, billing errors, and home health extensions). As they deal with these health system conflicts, family caregivers experience unnecessary frustration, anxiety, and stress. The goal of this research was to apply a negotiation framework to resolve real-world family caregiver–older adult conflicts. Methods: We convened an interdisciplinary team of national community-based family caregivers, social workers, geriatricians, and negotiation experts (n = 9; Illinois, Florida, New York, and California) to examine the applicability of negotiation and conflict management frameworks to three older adult–caregiver conflicts (i.e., caregiver–older adult, caregiver–provider, and caregiver–caregiver). The panel of caregivers provided scenarios and dialogue describing conflicts they experienced in these three settings. A qualitative analysis was then performed grouping the responses into a framework matrix. Results: Upon presenting the three conflicts to the caregivers, 96 responses (caregiver–senior), 75 responses (caregiver–caregiver), and 80 responses (caregiver–provider) were generated. A thematic analysis showed that the statements and responses fit the interest–rights–power (IRP) negotiation framework. Discussion: The interests–rights–power (IRP) framework, used in business negotiations, provided insight into how caregivers experienced conflict with older adults, providers, and other caregivers. Future research is needed to examine applying the IRP framework in the training of caregivers of older people with Alzheimer’s dementia.
Representation of Whom? Ancient Moments of Seeking Refuge and Protection
Authors: Isayev Elena
Published: March 2023

Within the ancient corpus we find depictions of people seeking refuge and protection: in works of fiction, drama and poetry; on wall paintings and vases, they cluster at protective altars and cling to statues of gods who seemingly look on. Yet the ancient evidence does not lend itself easily to exploring attitudes to refugees or asylum seekers. Hence, the question that begins this investigation is, representation of whom? Through a focus on the Greco-Roman material of the Mediterranean region, drawing on select representations, such as the tragedies Medea and Suppliant Women, the historical failed plea of the Plataeans and pictorial imagery of supplication, the goal of the exploration below is not to shape into existence an ancient refugee or asylum seeker experience. Rather, it is to highlight the multiplicity of experiences within narratives of victimhood and the confines of such labels as refugee and asylum seeker. The absence of ancient representations of a generic figure or group of the ‘displaced’, broadly defined, precludes any exceptionalising or homogenising of people in such contexts. Remaining depictions are of named, recognisable protagonists, whose stories are known. There is no ‘mass’ of refuge seekers, to whom a single set of rules could apply across time and space. Given these diverse stories of negotiation for refuge, another aim is to illustrate the ways such experience does not come to define the entirety of who a person is or encompass the complete life and its many layers. This paper addresses the challenges of representation that are exposed by, among others, thinkers such as Hannah Arendt, Liisa Malkki and Gerawork Gizaw.
Intra-Rater and Inter-Rater Reliability Analysis of Muscle-Tone Evaluation Using a Myotonometer for Children with Developmental Disabilities
Authors: Seo Heeae , Kim Jeongseon , Yu Changseon , Lim Hyoungwon
Published: March 2023

Assessing muscle tone is an essential component of the diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment planning of developmental disabilities (DD) in children and is of great help in developing clinical diagnosis patterns. The purpose of this study was to investigate intra-rater and inter-rater reliability using the myotonometer, which is an assessment tool to measure muscle tone in children with DD. This study included 26 children diagnosed with DD. Two physical therapists measured the children’s muscle tone using a myotonometer. For all the muscles measured, reliability was determined using the intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC), the standard measurement error (SEM), and the minimal detectable change (MDC). The intra-rater reliability for all muscles was excellent (ICC = 0.75~0.78), except for the biceps brachii (ICC = 0.68). The inter-rater reliability was also excellent for all muscles (ICC = 0.75~0.95), and the SEM and MDC showed small measurement errors. Therefore, the intra-rater and inter-rater reliability of measurements by the myotonometer was found to be good or excellent. This suggests that the myotonometer is a tool that can objectively assess muscle tone, and it can be utilized in clinical practice to quickly and conveniently measure muscle tone in children with DD.
Full-Digital Workflow for TMDs Management: A Case Series
Authors: Tecco Simona , Nota Alessandro , Pittari Laura , Clerici Chiara , Mangano Francesco , Gherlone Enrico Felice
Published: March 2023

Temporomandibular joint disorders (TMDs) have always been the subject of studies due to the difficult management of symptoms and the complex stabilization of the so-called therapeutic position. In this effort, digital technologies open new opportunities for such planning, allowing the clinician to digitally assess the situation and verify the stability of the new position from a functional point of view. The present case series shows examples of preliminary full-digital planning of treatment in TMDs patients made with the preliminary evaluation of the kinematic activity of the mandible through a digital device (Tech in motion™, ModJaw, Villeurbanne, France). Three TMD clinical cases are analyzed with full-digital techniques and workflow. A personalized treatment for each case was digitally planned on the base of proper kinematic tracings recorded for each patient, and intraoral appliances were digitally customized through a full-digital or semi-digital workflow. The digitalization of mandibular kinematic gave us the possibility of making a more “aware” diagnosis, especially in a dynamic key, and then it allowed a faster realization and execution of the intraoral appliance through a digital workflow, memorizing the therapeutic position and early checking the device, before its realization, on the real kinematics of the patient.
A Novel Approach of Periodontal Osseous Wall Piezosplitting and Sequential Bone Expansion in Management of Localized Intra-Bony Defects with Wide Angulation—A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: El-Destawy Mahmoud Taha , Khedr Mohamed Fekry , Hosny Mostafa Mohamed , Bilal Ahmed Mohamed , Elshamy Ahmed Mohamed , El sayed Ibrahim Sabry , Borhamy Abd el-latif galal , Aboamo Abd al-aziz kamal , Gamal Ahmed Yousef
Published: March 2023

Piezoelectric surgical instruments with various mini-sized tips and cutting technology offer a precise and thin cutting line that could allow the wider use of periodontal osseous wall swaging. This randomized controlled trial was designed to investigate the use of a minimally invasive piezo knife to harvest vascularized interseptal bone pedicles in treating intra-bony defects. Sixteen non-smoking patients (mean age 39.6 ± 3.9) with severe chronic periodontitis were randomly assigned into one of two groups (N = 8). The Group 1 (control) patients were treated by bone substitute grafting of the intra-bony defect, whereas the Group 2 patients were treated by intra-bony defect osseous wall swaging (OWS) combined with xenograft filling of the space created by bone tilting. In both groups, the root surfaces were treated with a neutral 24% EDTA gel followed by saline irrigation. Clinical and radiographic measurements were obtained at baseline and 6 months after surgery. The sites treated with osseous wall swaging showed a statistically significant probing-depth reduction and increase in clinical attachment compared with those of the Group 1 patients. The defect base level was significantly reduced for the OWS group compared to that of the Group 1 control. By contrast, the crestal bone level was significantly higher in the OWS group compared to Group 1. The crestal interseptal bone width was significantly higher in Group 2 at 6 months compared to the baseline value and to that of Group 1 (<0.001). The osseous wall swaging effectively improved the clinical hard- and soft-tissue parameters. The use of mini inserts piezo-cutting, sequential bone expanders for osseous wall redirection, and root surface EDTA etching appears to be a reliable approach that could allow the use of OWS at any interproximal dimension.
Educational Stress among Greek Adolescents: Associations between Individual, Study and School-Related Factors
Authors: Moustaka Evangelia , Bacopoulou Flora , Manousou Kyriaki , Kanaka-Gantenbein Christina , Chrousos George P. , Darviri Christina
Published: March 2023

Greek adolescent students experience high levels of educational stress during the school period. In this cross-sectional study, we examined various factors associated with educational stress in Greece. The study was conducted using a self-report questionnaire survey in Athens, Greece, between November 2021 and April 2022. We studied a sample of 399 students (61.9% females; 38.1% males, with a mean age of 16.3 years). We found that several factors, such as age, sex, study hours, and health status of the adolescents, were associated with the subscales of the Educational Stress Scale for Adolescents (ESSA), Adolescent Stress Questionnaire (ASQ), Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES), and State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI). Older age, female sex, family status, parental profession, and the number of study hours were positively associated with the amount of stress, anxiety and dysphoria-related symptoms reported by the students, including pressure from studying, worry about grades, and despondency. Future research studies are needed to aid specialized interventions for adolescent students to effectively deal with their academic challenges.
“Climate Change and Health?”: Knowledge and Perceptions among Key Stakeholders in Puducherry, India
Authors: Shrikhande Shreya S. , Merten Sonja , Cambaco Olga , Lee Tristan , Lakshmanasamy Ravivarman , Röösli Martin , Dalvie Mohammad Aqiel , Utzinger Jürg , Cissé Guéladio
Published: March 2023

Climate change has far-reaching impacts on human health, with low- and middle-income countries, including India, being particularly vulnerable. While there have been several advances in the policy space with the development of adaptation plans, little remains known about how stakeholders who are central to the strengthening and implementation of these plans perceive this topic. We conducted a qualitative study employing key interviews with 16 medical doctors, researchers, environmentalists and government officials working on the climate change agenda from Puducherry, India. The findings were analysed using the framework method, with data-driven thematic analysis. We elucidated that despite elaborating the direct and indirect impacts of climate change on health, there remains a perceived gap in education and knowledge about the topic among participants. Knowledge of the public health burden and vulnerabilities influenced the perceived health risks from climate change, with some level of scepticism on the impacts on non-communicable diseases, such as cardiovascular diseases. There was also a felt need for multi-level awareness and intervention programmes targeting all societal levels along with stakeholder recommendations to fill these gaps. The findings of this study should be taken into consideration for strengthening the region’s climate change and health adaptation policy. In light of limited research on this topic, our study provides an improved understanding of how key stakeholders perceive the impacts of climate change on health in India.
Can Internet Construction Promote Urban Green Development? A Quasi-Natural Experiment from the “Broadband China”
Authors: Lv Kangjuan , Li Jiaqi , Zhao Ye
Published: March 2023

Broadband, as a key element of Internet infrastructure, plays an important role in breaking down barriers to the flow of production factors and promoting green economic transformation. Using the “Broadband China” strategy as a quasi-natural experiment, this study examines the impact and mechanisms of Internet infrastructure on urban green development by constructing a multi-period Difference-in-Differences (DID) model based on panel data from 277 Chinese prefecture-level cities from 2009 to 2019. The results show that the “Broadband China” pilot policy significantly promotes urban green development, with green technological innovation and talent aggregation playing important moderating roles. However, there is a certain lag in the impact of the “Broadband China” pilot policy on urban green development. Furthermore, our heterogeneity analysis suggests that the promotion of the “Broadband China” pilot policy for urban green development mainly exists in central cities, large-scale cities, and resource-based cities, as opposed to surrounding cities, small-scale cities, and non-resource-based cities. The above findings clarify the impact of Internet construction on urban green development and provide a theoretical and practical exploration for achieving a win-win situation of high-quality urban development and environmental protection.