bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genetically Determined Circulating Saturated and Unsaturated Fatty Acids and the Occurrence and Exacerbation of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease—A Two-Sample Mendelian Randomization Study
Authors: Liu Zhao-Min , Chen Yu-Ming , Chen Chao-Gang , Wang Cheng , Li Min-Min , Guo Yu-Biao
Published: August 2024

Research on dietary fatty acids (FAs) and lung health has reported skeptical findings. This study aims to examine the causal relationship between circulating FAs and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) onset and exacerbation, using a two-sample Mendelian Randomization (MR) analysis. Strong and independent genetic variants of FAs were obtained from the UK Biobank of European ancestry. The exposure traits included saturated FA (SFA), poly- and mono-unsaturated FA (PUFA and MUFA), omega-3 and omega-6 PUFA, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), and linoleic acid (LA), all expressed as total FA (TFA) percentages. Summary statistics for COPD outcomes were obtained from the FinnGen consortium including COPD, COPD hospitalization, COPD/asthma-related infections, COPD-related respiratory insufficiency, and COPD/asthma/interstitial lung disease (ILD)-related pneumonia. The inverse-variance weighted (IVW) was the primary MR approach. MR-Egger regression and MR-PRESSO were utilized to evaluate heterogeneity and pleiotropy. MR-PRESSO tests suggested no obvious horizontal pleiotropy. MR results by the IVW approach indicated that the genetically high SFA/TFA levels were associated with an increased risk of COPD/asthma/ILD-related pneumonia (OR: 1.275, 95%CI: 1.103–1.474, p for FDR = 0.002). No significant relationship was observed between other types of FAs and COPD outcomes. Our MR analysis suggests that there is weak evidence that the genetically predicted high SFA/TFA was associated with an increased risk of pneumonia.
Prevalence of Parent-Reported Food Allergies Among Children in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Alibrahim Ibrahim , AlSulami Maria , Alotaibi Turki , Alotaibi Ruba , Bahareth Elaf , Abulreish Inam , Alsuruji Sumayyah , Khojah Imad , Goronfolah Loie , Rayes Husni , Bukhari Ameera , Khojah Amer
Published: August 2024

(1) Background: Food allergy (FA) is an immune-mediated hypersensitivity to foods, significantly contributing to childhood morbidity and mortality. This study aimed to assess the prevalence, characteristics, and influencing factors of parent-reported FAs among children in Saudi Arabia. (2) Methods: This cross-sectional study utilized a validated parental questionnaire distributed across all regions of Saudi Arabia. Data from 2130 participants were collected and analyzed using SPSS v. 26 and Prism software v. 10.3.0. (3) Results: Parent-reported FA prevalence was 15.2%. Egg was the most common allergen (6.2%), followed by tree nuts (4.1%), peanuts (4.0%), milk (3.8%), and sesame (3.2%). Significant geographical variations were observed, with the western region having the highest burden (p < 0.001). Older children had higher rates of shellfish and fish allergies. Parental allergies and co-existing asthma/drug allergies were positively associated with childhood FAs. (4) Conclusions: This study highlights a substantial burden of parent-reported FAs in Saudi Arabia, with regional variations in food allergen distribution. Parental allergies and co-existing allergic conditions may influence FA risk.
A Dietary Supplement in the Management of Patients with Lumbar Osteochondrosis: A Randomized, Double-Blinded, Placebo-Controlled Study
Authors: Laky Brenda , Huemer Daniel , Eigenschink Martin , Sagl Benedikt , Thell Rainer , Wagner Karl-Heinz , Anderl Werner , Heuberer Philipp R.
Published: August 2024

Various nutritional supplements are available over the counter, yet few have been investigated in randomized controlled trials. The rationale for using the specific mix of nutritional substances including collagen type II, hyaluronic acid, n-acetyl-glucosamine, bamboo extract, L-lysine, and vitamin C is the assumption that combining naturally occurring ingredients of the intervertebral disc would maintain spine function. This double-blinded, placebo-controlled randomized trial aimed to evaluate the efficacy of a nutraceutical supplement mix in the management of lumbar osteochondrosis. Fifty patients were randomly assigned to either the supplement or placebo group in a 1:1 ratio. Patient-Reported Outcome Measures (PROMs) included the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), the visual analogue scale for pain (pVAS), short form-12 (SF-12) physical and mental component summary subscale scores (PCS and MCS, respectively), and global physical activity questionnaire (GPAQ). Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was used to evaluate degenerative changes of intervertebral discs (IVD) including Pfirrmann grades as well as three-dimensional (3D) volume measurements. Data were collected at baseline and after the 3-month intervention. None of the PROMs were significantly different between the supplement and placebo groups. Disc degeneration according to Pfirrmann classifications remained stable during the 3-month intervention in both groups. Despite no significance regarding the distribution of Pfirrmann grade changes (improvement, no change, worsening; p = 0.259), in the supplement group, one patient achieved a three-grade improvement, and worsening of Pfirrmann grades were only detected in the placebo group (9.1%). Furthermore, in-depth evaluations of MRIs showed significantly higher 3D-measured volume changes (increase) in the supplement (+740.3 ± 796.1 mm3) compared to lower 3D-measured volume changes (decrease) in the placebo group (−417.2 ± 875.0 mm3; p < 0.001). In conclusion, this multi-nutrient supplement might not only stabilize the progression of lumbar osteochondrosis, but it might also potentially even increase IVD volumes as detected on MRIs.
A Brief Online Intervention Based on Dialectical Behavior Therapy for a Reduction in Binge-Eating Symptoms and Eating Pathology
Authors: Cerolini Silvia , D’Amico Monica , Zagaria Andrea , Mocini Edoardo , Monda Generosa , Donini Lorenzo Maria , Lombardo Caterina
Published: August 2024

Dysregulated eating behaviors, comprising subthreshold and clinical binge-eating disorder (BED) and bulimia nervosa (BN), are increasing among the general population, with a consequent negative impact on one’s health and well-being. Despite the severity of these outcomes, people with BED and BN often face a delay in receiving a diagnosis or treatment, often due to difficulties in accessing care. Hence, evidence-based and sustainable interventions for eating symptomatology are needed. The present study aims to assess the effectiveness of a web-based 10-session multidisciplinary group intervention based on Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) for BED and BN, aimed at reducing psychological distress and binge-eating-related symptomatology in a sample of patients with dysregulated eating behaviors and including one session of nutritional therapeutic education. A total of 65 participants (84.6% F; age M = 38.5 ± 13.2; experimental group, N = 43; treatment-as-usual group, TAU, N = 22) took part in the study. The results show, after the 9 weekly sessions, a significant reduction in binge-eating-related symptomatology and general psychopathology and an increased self-esteem and eating self-efficacy in social contexts in the experimental group compared to the treatment-as-usual group (T0 vs. T1). Improvements in the experimental group were significantly maintained after one month from the end of the intervention (T2) in terms of binge-eating symptoms, general psychopathology, and eating self-efficacy in social contexts. This study supports the effectiveness of a brief web-based multidisciplinary group intervention in reducing eating symptomatology and psychological distress and enhancing self-esteem and eating self-efficacy in a group of people with dysregulated eating behaviors. Brief web-based interventions could represent an accessible and sustainable resource to address binge-eating-related symptomatology in public clinical settings.
Impact of Dietary Isoflavones in Standard Chow on Reproductive Development in Juvenile and Adult Female Mice with Different Metabolic Phenotypes
Authors: Meyer Zianka , Soukup Sebastian T. , Lubs Anna , Ohde Daniela , Walz Christina , Schoen Jennifer , Willenberg Holger S. , Hoeflich Andreas , Brenmoehl Julia
Published: August 2024

Two factors influencing female reproduction have been repeatedly studied in different animal species and humans, namely, 1. secondary plant compounds, especially phytoestrogens (mainly isoflavones (IFs)), and 2. the physical constitution/metabolic phenotype (e.g., obesity). So far, these research results have only been considered separately. In this study, we investigated the influence on reproduction of both phytochemicals, mainly dietary IFs, and the metabolic phenotype represented by three mouse models considered as three distinct genetic groups (a control group, a mouse model with high metabolic activity, and a mouse line with obese body weight). The IF content in different investigated standard chows with similar macronutrient profiles varied significantly (p < 0.005), leading to high mean total plasma IF levels of up to 5.8 µmol/L in juvenile and 6.7 µmol/L in adult female mice. Reproductive performance was only slightly affected; only an IF dose-dependent effect on gestation length was observed in all genetic groups, as well as an effect on pregnancy rate in obese mice. Dietary IF exposure, however, caused earlier onset of vaginal opening by 4–10 days in juvenile mice (p < 0.05), dependent on the genetic group, resulting in a slight acceleration of sexual maturation in the already precocious obese model and to a strong earlier maturation in the otherwise late-maturing sporty model, bred for high treadmill performance. Therefore, our results may help to draw the missing line between the effect of dietary secondary plant constituents, such as IFs, and metabolic phenotype on sexual development.
Diet and Nutritional Status of Women of Reproductive Age (15–49 Years) in Indigenous Communities of Attappady, Kerala, India
Authors: Sunu P. V. , Jaleel Abdul , Neeraja G. , Jayalakshmi G. , Narasimhulu D. , Senthilkumar B. , Santhoshkumar T. , Sreeramakrishna K. , Arlappa N.
Published: August 2024

The dietary patterns and quality of diets of women of reproductive age (WRA) significantly affect their health and that of their children. The suboptimal diet among women can lead to issues such as intrauterine growth retardation, low birth weight, premature birth, and malnutrition. To examine the dietary patterns and nutrient intake of WRA in the indigenous communities of the Attappady tribal block in Kerala, we conducted a cross-sectional study in 20 randomly selected villages in 2022. The study involved 24 h dietary recall surveys, anthropometric measurements, and estimation of hemoglobin concentration to assess nutrient intake and nutritional status. A total of 446 women aged 15–49 from 423 households participated, with 92 households included in the diet survey. The findings indicated that the diet was primarily based on cereals and root-based starchy staples, with low consumption of dairy products, fruits, and vegetables. The estimated intakes of major nutrients, except for protein, were lower than the recommended dietary allowance (RDA). Nearly 50% of the WRA were malnourished. About 32% of non-pregnant and non-lactating (NPNL) women and 40% of lactating mothers suffered from chronic energy deficiency (BMI < 18.5 kg/m2). Conversely, 13.4% of NPNL women and 15% of lactating mothers were overweight or obese (BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2). A total of 12.5% of adolescent girls aged 15–19 were thin (BAZ < −2 SD), and 10.5% were overweight or obese (BAZ > +1 SD). Since the co-existence of micronutrient deficiencies and undernutrition is rooted in the socio-cultural aspects of indigenous tribes, a culturally sensitive nutrition intervention model would be appropriate for the better health and wellbeing of women in the community.
The Metabolite of γ-Tocopherol, 2,7,8-Trimethyl-2-(2′-Carboxyethyl)-6-Hydroxychroman, Exerts Intracellular Antioxidant Activity via Up-Regulation of Heme Oxygenase-1 in Hepatocytes
Authors: Aoyama Shosuke , Nishio Tomoka , Moriya Daiki , Munemasa Shintaro , Murata Yoshiyuki , Nakamura Yoshimasa , Nakamura Toshiyuki
Published: August 2024

γ-Tocopherol (γT) is the major form of vitamin E contained in plants and seed oils. Although it is readily metabolized in the liver, the function of the metabolites is not fully understood. This study investigated the antioxidant activities of the γT metabolite 2,7,8-trimethyl-2-(2′-carboxyethyl)-6-hydroxychroman (γCEHC) in comparison to its parent compound. The pretreatment of mouse hepatoma Hepa1c1c7 cells with γCEHC showed a cytoprotective effect on the hydrogen peroxide-induced cytotoxicity to a lesser extent than that of γT. A mechanistic investigation revealed that both γ-CEHC and γT significantly up-regulated the gene and protein expressions of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) via the promotion of the nuclear translocation of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2). Furthermore, the combination of γCEHC and γT significantly increased the gene and protein levels of HO-1 and the nuclear translocation of Nrf2, suggesting that it was an additive effect. Tin protoporphyrin IX (SnPP), a representative HO-1 inhibitor, significantly impaired the cytoprotection of γCEHC and γT against the hydrogen peroxide-induced cytotoxicity. These results suggested that not only γT but also its metabolite, γCEHC, are a promising cytoprotective factor against oxidative stress-induced cytotoxicity and that the cytoprotective effect is attributable to the cooperation of both compounds.
High Prevalence of Syphilis among Young Pregnant Women in the Brazilian Amazon: A Cross-Sectional Study Based on Clinical Records in a Public Health Reference Unit in the City of Belém
Authors: França Ana Paula Figueiredo de Montalvão , Sousa Camille Massena de , Lima Misma Suely Gonçalves Araújo de , Fonseca Ricardo Roberto de Souza , Laurentino Rogério Valois , Monteiro Jacqueline Cortinhas , Feitosa Rosimar Neris Mantins , Santos Leonardo Miranda dos , Oliveira-Filho Aldemir Branco , Machado Luiz Fernando Almeida
Published: August 2024

Background: Syphilis remains a significant global public health concern, and one of its consequences in pregnant women is the potential occurrence of congenital syphilis due to Treponema pallidum infection. This study determined the prevalence of syphilis among pregnant women undergoing prenatal care in a neighborhood on the outskirts of the city of Belém, Brazilian Amazon. Methods: This cross-sectional study used data from clinical records of 611 pregnant women who underwent prenatal care at a public health unit in 2019 and 2020. The reagent result for VDRL was used as an indicator of syphilis. Odds Ratio and chi-square tests were used to evaluate the association of information from pregnant women with syphilis. Results: The overall prevalence of syphilis was 5.2 % (32/611; 95 % CI: 3.5–7.0 %). Age under 23 years was identified as a risk factor for syphilis. Conclusions: The prevalence of syphilis among pregnant women in the outskirts of Belém is high, especially among younger women. There is an urgent need to intensify innovative sexual and reproductive health education initiatives and emphasize the importance of consistent practice of preventive measures against syphilis and other STIs in the Amazon region, especially in the young population.
Fish Oil Containing Pro-Resolving Mediators Enhances the Antioxidant System and Ameliorates LPS-Induced Inflammation in Human Bronchial Epithelial Cells
Authors: Distefano Alfio , Orlando Laura , Giallongo Sebastiano , Tropea Emanuela , Spampinato Mariarita , Santisi Annalisa , Longhitano Lucia , Parisi Giuseppe , Leonardi Salvatore , Russo Arcangelo , Caruso Massimo , Di Rosa Michelino , Tibullo Daniele , Salamone Maurizio , Li Volti Giovanni , Barbagallo Ignazio Alberto
Published: August 2024

Fish oil, renowned for its high content of omega-3 fatty acids, particularly eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), has gained considerable attention for its potential health benefits. EPA and DHA exhibit anti-inflammatory effects by promoting the production of specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPMs), such as resolvins and protectins. Fish oil has been studied for its potential to reduce bronchial inflammation, a key feature of respiratory conditions like asthma and COPD. This study investigates the cellular mechanisms of fish oil in an in vitro model of lung inflammation using lipopolysaccharide (LPS) on a healthy human bronchial epithelium cell line. LPS exposure for 24 h reduced cell viability, elevated reactive oxygen species (ROS), depleted glutathione (GSH), and induced mitochondrial depolarization, indicating oxidative stress and inflammation. Fish oil administration significantly mitigated ROS production, prevented GSH depletion, and reduced mitochondrial depolarization. This was associated with the upregulation of the endogenous antioxidant system, evidenced by restored GSH levels and the increased gene expression of glutathione peroxidase (GPX), catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1), and superoxide dismutase 2 (SOD2). Fish oil also suppressed IL-6 and IL-1β expression and increased anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 expression. Furthermore, fish oil upregulated the expression of pro-resolving mediator receptors, suggesting a role in inflammation resolution. These findings highlight the potential of fish oil supplementation as a preventive measure against pulmonary diseases characterized by unresolved inflammation such as lung inflammation.
Comparative Study of Quasi-Solid-State Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells Using Z907, N719, Photoactive Phenothiazine Dyes and PVDF-HFP Gel Polymer Electrolytes with Different Molecular Weights
Authors: Afre Rakesh A. , Ryu Ka Yeon , Shin Won Suk , Pugliese Diego
Published: August 2024

The present study investigates the influence of photosensitizer selection and the polymer electrolyte composition on the performance of quasi-solid-state dye-sensitized solar cells (QsDSSCs). Two benchmark ruthenium dyes, N719 and Z907, alongside a novel photoactive phenothiazine dye were used. Each dye was incorporated into a QsDSSC architecture employing poly(vinylidene fluoride-co-hexafluoropropylene) (PVDF-HFP) as the gel electrolyte matrix, with varying molecular weights, to investigate their impacts on the overall device performance and long-term stability. Our results demonstrated that the N719 dye exhibited the highest power conversion efficiency (PCE), attributed to its strong absorption in the visible spectrum and efficient electron injection into the TiO2 photoanode. Z907, on the other hand, showed moderate PCE due to its broader absorption profile but slower electron injection kinetics. The phenothiazine dye revealed promising PCE, with tunable absorption properties and efficient charge transfer. Furthermore, the impact of PVDF-HFP polymer gel electrolytes with varying molecular weights on cell stability was explored. The QsDSSC incorporating the PVH80 polymer with the phenothiazine dye exhibited reduced dye desorption, due to the effective dye molecules’ immobilization by the gel matrix, and consequently enhanced long-term stability over 600 h. This comparative study sheds light on the interplay between dye selection, the polymer gel’s properties, and QsDSSCs’ performance. These insights are crucial in designing robust and efficient QsDSSCs for practical applications.
Silica–Polymer Heterogeneous Hybrid Integrated Mach–Zehnder Interferometer Optical Waveguide Temperature Sensor
Authors: Gao Zhanyu , Du Yuhang , Zhang Qizheng , Qin Yinxiang , Fang Jiongwen , Yi Yunji
Published: August 2024

In this paper, a temperature sensor based on a polymer–silica heterogeneous integrated Mach–Zehnder interferometer (MZI) structure is proposed. The MZI structure consists of a polymer waveguide arm and a doped silica waveguide arm. Due to the opposite thermal optical coefficients of polymers and silica, the hybrid integrated MZI structure enhances the temperature sensing characteristics. The direct coupling method and side coupling method are introduced to reduce the coupling loss of the device. The simulation results show that the side coupling structure has lower coupling loss and greater manufacturing tolerance compared to the direct coupling structure. The side coupling loss for PMMA material-based devices, NOA material-based devices, and SU-8 material-based devices is 0.104 dB, 0.294 dB, and 0.618 dB, respectively. The sensitivity (S) values of the three hybrid devices are −6.85 nm/K, −6.48 nm/K, and −2.30 nm/K, which are an order of magnitude higher than those of an all-polymer waveguide temperature sensor. We calculated the temperature responsivity (RT) (FSR→∞) of the three devices as 13.16 × 10−5 K, 32.20 × 10−5 K, and 20.20 × 10−5 K, suggesting that high thermo-optic coefficient polymer materials and the hybrid integration method have a promising application in the field of on-chip temperature sensing.
Exploring the Feasibility of Polysaccharide-Based Mulch Films with Controlled Ammonium and Phosphate Ions Release for Sustainable Agriculture
Authors: Ciaramitaro Veronica , Piacenza Elena , Paliaga Sara , Cavallaro Giuseppe , Badalucco Luigi , Laudicina Vito Armando , Chillura Martino Delia Francesca
Published: August 2024

Bio-based polymers are a promising material with which to tackle the use of disposable and non-degradable plastics in agriculture, such as mulching films. However, their poor mechanical properties and the high cost of biomaterials have hindered their widespread application. Hence, in this study, we improved polysaccharide-based films and enriched them with plant nutrients to make them suitable for mulching and fertilizing. Films were produced combining sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), chitosan (CS), and sodium alginate (SA) at different weight ratios with glycerol and CaCl2 as a plasticizer and crosslinker, respectively, and enriched with ammonium phosphate monobasic (NH4H2PO4). A polysaccharide weight ratio of 1:1 generated a film with a more crosslinked structure and a lower expanded network than that featuring the 17:3 ratio, whereas CaCl2 increased the films’ water resistance, thermal stability, and strength characteristics, slowing the release rates of NH4+ and PO43−. Thus, composition and crosslinking proved crucial to obtaining promising films for soil mulching.
Dependence of Pressure Characteristics of Pressurized Pulse Water Jet Chamber on Nozzle Diameter
Authors: Miao Sizhong , Zhang Yangkai
Published: August 2024

The nozzle is the key element of the water jet generator for energy conversion. In order to explore the influence of the nozzle diameter on the pressure characteristics of the supercharged pulsed water jet plenum chamber, a supercharged pulsed water jet pressure acquisition system was established, and the equations of motion and theoretical pressurization ratio equations of the supercharged pulsed water jet generator were established. The pressurization chamber pressure acquisition experiments under different nozzle diameters were carried out. The research results show that the pressurized pulsed water jet generator has a critical nozzle diameter of 0.6 mm. When the nozzle diameter is less than the critical diameter, the pressure in the boost chamber is equal to the product of the driving pressure and the boost ratio. As the nozzle changes, there is no significant change in the peak pressure and frequency of the boost chamber. When the nozzle diameter is greater than the critical diameter, there is a non-linear relationship between the boost chamber pressure and the driving pressure. As the nozzle diameter gradually increases, the actual boost ratio gradually decreases, and the peak pressure of the boost chamber further decreases. The nozzle diameter can no longer provide a load for the establishment of fluid pressure in the boost chamber. The results of this research provide a research basis for further controlling the pressure characteristics of the boost pulse water jet.
Challenges and Solutions for Secure Key Management and Monitoring: Review of the Cerberis3 Quantum Key Distribution System
Authors: Meijers Ints
Published: August 2024

Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) offers a revolutionary approach to secure communication, leveraging the principles of quantum mechanics to generate and distribute cryptographic keys that are immune to eavesdropping. As QKD systems become more widely adopted, the need for robust monitoring and management solutions has become increasingly crucial. The Cerberis3 QKD system from ID Quantique addresses this challenge by providing a comprehensive monitoring and visualization platform. The system’s advanced features, including central configuration, SNMP integration, and the graphical visualization of key performance metrics, enable network administrators to ensure their QKD infrastructure’s reliable and secure operation. Monitoring critical parameters such as Quantum Bit Error Rate (QBER), secret key rate, and link visibility is essential for maintaining the integrity of the quantum channel and optimizing the system’s performance. The Cerberis3 system’s ability to interface with encryption vendors and support complex network topologies further enhances its versatility and integration capabilities. By addressing the unique challenges of quantum monitoring, the Cerberis3 system empowers organizations to leverage the power of QKD technology, ensuring the security of their data in the face of emerging quantum computing threats. This article explores the Cerberus3 system’s features and its role in overcoming the monitoring challenges inherent to QKD deployments.
Gender Discourse in the Gurucaritra: A Close-Reading of Three Women’s Narratives
Authors: Yeolekar Mugdha
Published: August 2024

In this article, the author provides a fresh reading of three women-centered narratives from the Gurucaritra, a sixteenth-century Marathi devotional text. Based on the analysis of three distinct narratives from the Gurucaritra, the author examines the narratives through two key lenses: women’s subjectivity and the “hermeneutics of intersubjectivity”. I argue that although women’s voices are absent or marginalized in religious narratives, we can retrieve and amplify their contributions by reinterpreting traditional narratives to emphasize the roles of female characters. In the process, we can situate these narratives within their social contexts, thereby shedding light on women’s nuanced and multifaceted positions within the social and spiritual fabric of their societies.
Su Shi: A Paragon of Interreligious Harmony in Song Dynasty China
Authors: Liu Pinghua
Published: August 2024

This paper explores the life and works of Su Shi, a prominent intellectual and statesman during China’s Song Dynasty, as a champion of interreligious harmony. We examine how Su Shi’s vast philosophical and literary output demonstrates his deep engagement with Confucian ethics, Buddhist compassion, and Daoist tranquility. By analyzing his poems, essays, and other writings, we explore how Su Shi navigated these diverse traditions, finding common ground and promoting mutual understanding. This analysis highlights Su Shi’s ability to bridge religious and philosophical divides, offering a valuable perspective for contemporary discussions on interfaith dialogue and peaceful coexistence.
Empathy and Umbanda
Authors: Carlucci Fernando , De Luca-Noronha Daniel
Published: August 2024

This article explores the intricate interplay between empathy and religious experience within the Brazilian Umbanda religion. Umbanda is a syncretic faith that integrates elements from African spiritual practices, Catholicism, and Kardecist spiritism, reflecting the diverse cultural and social dynamics of Brazilian society. The religion emphasizes communication with spirits, particularly the pretos velhos—spirits of old slaves—who are revered for their wisdom and connection to the divine. These spirits engage with practitioners through mediums in rituals held in terreiros, offering guidance and comfort. Central to our discussion is the concept of embodied empathy, which is vital for understanding the deep emotional connections between the practitioners and the spirits. We seek to understand why Umbanda rituals are not just spiritual sessions, but profound empathic exchanges that facilitate communal healing and personal transformation. Through the lens of the predictive processing theory and the concept of embodied cognition, we argue that these empathic interactions are not just psychological but are deeply rooted in the physical and social embodiments of the participants. This perspective helps in understanding how Umbanda serves both as a spiritual practice and a socio-cultural mechanism that aids individuals in navigating their personal and collective life challenges. The empathy experienced within Umbanda rituals exemplifies how religion can serve as a powerful conduit for social cohesion and personal introspection.
The Use of Military Imagery as an Exhortation for Ecclesial Unity in 1 Clement 37 and 2 Timothy 2:3–4
Authors: Kim Kangil
Published: August 2024

The problem of schism is one of the major issues in 1 Clement. To resolve this problem, the author of 1 Clement exhorts the Corinthian believers to submit to their leaders by using military imagery. While the use of military imagery is often understood in reference to the author’s emphasis on peace and concord, what remains to be explored is the way in which the militaristic imagery in 1 Clement 37 can be read alongside 2 Timothy 2:3–4. Although there is no clear evidence of whether Clement draws on 2 Timothy or vice versa, I suggest that the militaristic imagery in 2 Timothy 2:3–4 offers a helpful analog for understanding the meaning of the use of military imagery in 1 Clement 37.
Dual-Domain Cooperative Recovery of Atmospheric Turbulence Degradation Images
Authors: Qiu Jianxiao , Jiang Runbo , Meng Wenwen , Shi Dongfeng , Hu Bingzhang , Wang Yingjian
Published: August 2024

Atmospheric turbulence is a key factor contributing to data distortion in mid-to-long-range target observation tasks. Neural networks have become a powerful tool for dealing with such problems due to their strong ability to fit nonlinearities in the spatial domain. However, the degradation in data is not confined solely to the spatial domain but is also present in the frequency domain. In recent years, the academic community has come to recognize the significance of frequency domain information within neural networks. There remains a gap in research on how to combine dual-domain information to reconstruct high-quality images in the field of blind turbulence image restoration. Drawing upon the close association between spatial and frequency domain degradation information, we introduce a novel neural network architecture, termed Dual-Domain Removal Turbulence Network (DDRTNet), designed to improve the quality of reconstructed images. DDRTNet incorporates multiscale spatial and frequency domain attention mechanisms, combined with a dual-domain collaborative learning strategy, effectively integrating global and local information to achieve efficient restoration of atmospheric turbulence-degraded images. Experimental findings demonstrate significant advantages in performance for DDRTNet compared to existing methods, validating its effectiveness in the task of blind turbulence image restoration.
Historical Hazard Assessment of Climate and Land Use–Land Cover Effects on Soil Erosion Using Remote Sensing: Case Study of Oman
Authors: Shojaeezadeh Shahab Aldin , Al-Wardy Malik , Nikoo Mohammad Reza , Mooselu Mehrdad Ghorbani , Talebbeydokhti Nasser , Alamdari Nasrin , Gandomi Amir H.
Published: August 2024

Human activities, climate change, and land-use alterations accelerated soil erosion in recent decades and imposed significant threats to soil fertility and stability worldwide. Understanding and quantifying the spatiotemporal variation of soil erosion risks is crucial for adopting the best management practices for surface soils conservation. Here, we present a novel high-resolution (30 m) soil erosion framework based on the G2 erosion model by integrating satellite and reanalysis datasets and Machine Learning (ML) models to assess soil erosion risks and hazards spatiotemporally. The proposed method reflects the impacts of climate change in 1 h time resolutions and land use in 30 m scales on soil erosion risks for almost 4 decades (between 1985 and 2017). The soil erosion hazardous maps were generated/evaluated using Extreme Value Analysis (EVA), utilizing long-term annual soil erosion estimations/projections to aid policymakers in developing management strategies to protect lands against extreme erosion. The proposed framework is evaluated in the Sultanate of Oman, which lacks soil erosion estimation/assessment studies due to data scarcity. Results indicate that soil erosion has increasing perilous trends in high altitudes of the Sultanate of Oman that may cause substantial risks to soil health and stability.
Successful Tests on Detecting Pre-Earthquake Magnetic Field Signals from Space
Authors: Alimoradi Homayoon , Rahimi Habib , De Santis Angelo
Published: August 2024

Earthquake prediction is the holy grail of seismology and one of humanity’s greatest dreams. The Earth’s magnetic field appears to be one of the best possible precursors of earthquakes, although the topic is controversial. Recent advancements have made it possible to observe magnetic fields from satellites with great accuracy. We utilize magnetic measurements from Swarm satellites to explore the potential identification of anomalous magnetic signals preceding earthquakes. Focusing on 1077 major earthquakes that occurred in 2014–2023 in the Alpine–Himalayan belt, we apply an automatic algorithm to data recorded 10 days before each earthquake. This analysis reveals clear pre-earthquake anomalies in the magnetic field components. Notably, a robust correlation is established between the duration of these anomalies and the earthquake magnitude, indicating that as the earthquake magnitude increases, so does the duration of the anomaly. Here we show that this method has a great ability to make predictions (high accuracy 79%, precision 88%, F1-score and hit rate 84%), thus becoming the basis for an Operational Earthquake Prediction System (OEPS).
River Surface Velocity Measurement for Rapid Levee Breach Emergency Response Based on DFP-P-LK Algorithm
Authors: Xu Zhao-Dong , Zhang Zhi-Wei , Guo Ying-Qing , Zhang Yan , Zhan Yang
Published: August 2024

In recent years, the increasing frequency of climate change and extreme weather events has significantly elevated the risk of levee breaches, potentially triggering large-scale floods that threaten surrounding environments and public safety. Rapid and accurate measurement of river surface velocities is crucial for developing effective emergency response plans. Video image velocimetry has emerged as a powerful new approach due to its non-invasive nature, ease of operation, and low cost. This paper introduces the Dynamic Feature Point Pyramid Lucas–Kanade (DFP-P-LK) optical flow algorithm, which employs a feature point dynamic update fusion strategy. The algorithm ensures accurate feature point extraction and reliable tracking through feature point fusion detection and dynamic update mechanisms, enhancing the robustness of optical flow estimation. Based on the DFP-P-LK, we propose a river surface velocity measurement model for rapid levee breach emergency response. This model converts acquired optical flow motion to actual flow velocities using an optical flow-velocity conversion model, providing critical data support for levee breach emergency response. Experimental results show that the method achieves an average measurement error below 15% within the velocity range of 0.43 m/s to 2.06 m/s, demonstrating high practical value and reliability.
Human Activity Recognition, Monitoring, and Analysis Facilitated by Novel and Widespread Applications of Sensors
Authors: Liu Hui , Gamboa Hugo , Schultz Tanja
Published: August 2024

The Special Issue Sensors for Human Activity Recognition has received a total of 30 submissions so far, and from these, this new edition will publish 10 academic articles [...]
Er3+/Yb3+ Co-Doped Fluorotellurite Glass Fiber with Broadband Luminescence
Authors: Zhu Hepan , Xu Weisheng , Fan Zhichao , Bai Shengchuang , Zhang Peiqing , Dai Shixun , Nie Qiuhua , Shen Xiang , Wang Rongping , Wang Xunsi
Published: August 2024

In order to address the ‘capacity crisis’ caused by the narrow bandwidth of the current C band and the demand for wide-spectrum sensing sources and tunable fiber lasers, a broadband luminescence covering the C + L bands using Er3+/Yb3+ co-doped fluorotellurite glass fiber is investigated in this paper. The optimal doping concentrations in the glass host were determined based on the intensity, lifetime, and full width at half maximum (FWHM) of the fluorescence centered at 1.5 µm, which were found to be 1.5 mol% Er2O3 and 3 mol% Yb2O3. We also systematically investigated this in terms of optical absorption spectra, absorption and emission cross-sections, gain coefficients, Judd–Ofelt parameters, and up-conversion fluorescence. The energy transfer (ET) mechanism between the high concentrations of Er3+ and Yb3+ was summarized. In addition, a step-indexed fiber was prepared based on these fluorotellurite glasses, and a wide bandwidth of ~112.5 nm (covering the C + L bands from 1505.1 to 1617.6 nm) at 3 dB for the amplified spontaneous emission (ASE) spectra has been observed at a fiber length of 0.57 m, which is the widest bandwidth among all the reports based on tellurite glass. Therefore, this kind of Er3+/Yb3+ co-doped fluorotellurite glass fiber has great potential for developing broadband C + L band amplifiers, ultra-wide fiber sources for sensing, and tunable fiber lasers.
An Optical Device Based on a Chemical Chip and Surface Plasmon Platform for 2-Furaldehyde Detection in Insulating Oil
Authors: De Maria Letizia , Arcadio Francesco , Gabetta Giuseppe , Merli Daniele , Alberti Giancarla , Zeni Luigi , Cennamo Nunzio , Pesavento Maria
Published: August 2024

2-Furaldehyde (2-FAL) is one of the main by-products of the degradation of hemicellulose, which is the solid material of the oil–paper insulating system of oil-filled transformers. For this reason, it has been suggested as a marker of the degradation of the insulating system; sensing devices for 2-FAL analysis in a wide concentration range are of high interest in these systems. An optical sensor system is proposed; this consists of a chemical chip, able to capture 2-FAL from the insulating oil, coupled with a surface plasmon resonance (SPR) probe, both realized on multimode plastic optical fibers (POFs). The SPR platform exploits gold nanofilm or, alternatively, a double layer of gold and silicon oxide to modulate the sensor sensitivity. The capturing chip is always based on the same molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) as a receptor specific for 2-FAL. The system with the SPR probe based on a gold nanolayer had a higher sensitivity and a lower detection limit of fractions of μg L−1. Instead, the SPR probe, based on a double layer (gold and silicon oxide), has a lower sensitivity with a worse detection limit, and it is suitable for the detection of 2-FAL at concentrations of 0.01–1 mg L−1.
Corun: Concurrent Inference and Continuous Training at the Edge for Cost-Efficient AI-Based Mobile Image Sensing
Authors: Liu Yu , Andhare Anurag , Kang Kyoung-Don
Published: August 2024

Intelligent mobile image sensing powered by deep learning analyzes images captured by cameras from mobile devices, such as smartphones or smartwatches. It supports numerous mobile applications, such as image classification, face recognition, and camera scene detection. Unfortunately, mobile devices often lack the resources necessary for deep learning, leading to increased inference latency and rapid battery consumption. Moreover, the inference accuracy may decline over time due to potential data drift. To address these issues, we introduce a new cost-efficient framework, called Corun, designed to simultaneously handle multiple inference queries and continual model retraining/fine-tuning of a pre-trained model on a single commodity GPU in an edge server to significantly improve the inference throughput, upholding the inference accuracy. The scheduling method of Corun undertakes offline profiling to find the maximum number of concurrent inferences that can be executed along with a retraining job on a single GPU without incurring an out-of-memory error or significantly increasing the latency. Our evaluation verifies the cost-effectiveness of Corun. The inference throughput provided by Corun scales with the number of concurrent inference queries. However, the latency of inference queries and the length of a retraining epoch increase at substantially lower rates. By concurrently processing multiple inference and retraining tasks on one GPU instead of using a separate GPU for each task, Corun could reduce the number of GPUs and cost required to deploy mobile image sensing applications based on deep learning at the edge.
Tea Shops in Myanmar: Micro-Institutional Functions for Rural Migrants and Women
Authors: Lin Zaw , Molnar Joseph J.
Published: August 2024

Lahpet-Ye-Hsain, commonly referred to as “tea shops” or teahouses, are versatile establishments that serve as both dining places and social gathering spots. These micro-institutions are fundamental to Myanmar society at the local level, playing a significant role in daily social interactions, economic activities, and political discourse. Operated as private businesses and informal meeting spots, tea shops are primarily staffed by women who serve tea and food to a predominantly male clientele at various times of the day. The size of tea shops can vary, from small snack shops to larger establishments offering a wide range of menu options. In a typical small village tea shop, customers sit on footstools around small square tables, creating a space for sharing tea and food, and exchanging ideas, opinions, problems, hopes, and aspirations. Tea shops attract a diverse range of individuals, as they are known for their inclusive nature that welcomes people from all backgrounds and walks of life, although women are often on the periphery. Historically dominated by men, we suggest that empowering women’s involvement in tea shops could positively impact their agency in other aspects of life, especially during political change. These micro-institutions serve as the initial connection point for residents in the village or neighborhood, traditionally catering to men but now increasingly broadened to women, newcomers, and young individuals exploring new opportunities.
Impact of Crop Residue, Nutrients, and Soil Moisture on Methane Emissions from Soil under Long-Term Conservation Tillage
Authors: Choudhary Rajesh , Lenka Sangeeta , Yadav Dinesh Kumar , Lenka Narendra Kumar , Kanwar Rameshwar S. , Sarkar Abhijit , Saha Madhumonti , Singh Dharmendra , Adhikari Tapan
Published: August 2024

Greenhouse gas emissions from agricultural production systems are a major area of concern in mitigating climate change. Therefore, a study was conducted to investigate the effects of crop residue, nutrient management, and soil moisture on methane (CH4) emissions from maize, rice, soybean, and wheat production systems. In this study, incubation experiments were conducted with four residue types (maize, rice, soybean, wheat), seven nutrient management treatments {N0P0K0 (no nutrients), N0PK, N100PK, N150PK, N100PK + manure@ 5 Mg ha−1, N100PK + biochar@ 5 Mg ha−1, N150PK+ biochar@ 5 Mg ha−1}, and two soil moisture levels (80% FC, and 60% FC). The results of this study indicated that interactive effects of residue type, nutrient management, and soil moisture significantly affected methane (CH4) fluxes. After 87 days of incubation, the treatment receiving rice residue with N100PK at 60% FC had the highest cumulative CH4 mitigation of −19.4 µg C kg−1 soil, and the highest emission of CH4 was observed in wheat residue application with N0PK at 80% FC (+12.93 µg C kg−1 soil). Nutrient management had mixed effects on CH4 emissions across residue and soil moisture levels in the following order: N150PK > N0PK > N150PK + biochar > N0P0K0 > N100PK + manure > N100PK + biochar > N100PK. Decreasing soil moisture from 80% FC to 60% FC reduced methane emissions across all residue types and nutrient treatments. Wheat and maize residues exhibited the highest carbon mineralization rates, followed by rice and soybean residues. Nutrient inputs generally decreased residue carbon mineralization. The regression analysis indicated that soil moisture and residue C mineralization were the two dominant predictor variables that estimated 31% of soil methane fluxes in Vertisols. The results of this study show the complexity of methane dynamics and emphasize the importance of integrated crop, nutrient, and soil moisture (irrigation) management strategies that need to be developed to minimize methane emissions from agricultural production systems to mitigate climate change.
Optimal Probe Design for Fluorescence Resonance Energy Transfer–PCR: Simultaneous Detection and Differentiation of Similar Targets
Authors: Huang Ke , Lin Jingxin , Wang Chengming , Yang Chunhua , Yang Yi
Published: August 2024

Fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET)-PCR is widely recognized for its high sensitivity and specificity in pathogen detection. However, there are some gaps in probe design when it is applied for simultaneous detection and differentiation of similar targets. This study aims to investigate the effects of the numbers and position of nucleotide mismatches (NM) in probe on PCR efficiency and melting temperature (Tm). The results indicated that NM at the center reduces amplification efficiency and Tm more significantly than NM at the 5′-terminal or 3′-terminal of the probe.
The Role of Gut Microbiota in Different Types of Physical Activity and Their Intensity: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Ghaffar Tehreema , Ubaldi Francesca , Volpini Veronica , Valeriani Federica , Romano Spica Vincenzo
Published: August 2024

Background. Intense exercise during training requires dietary modulation to support health and performance and differs in different types of activities. Diet, supplementation with prebiotics and probiotics, and, more recently, even physical activity can potentially improve health outcomes by modifying and protecting the gut microbiota. A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted to investigate the modulation of gut microbiota in different types and intensities of physical activity and different lifestyles of athletes. Methods. The systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted according to the PRISMA guidelines, and the protocol was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42024500826). Results. Out of 1318 studies, only 10 met the criteria for inclusion in the meta-analysis. The pilot study’s meta-regression analysis highlights the role of type and intensity of exercise in changing the B/B (Bacillota/Bacteroidota) ratio (p = 0.001). Conclusions. As gut training becomes more popular among athletes, it is necessary to map interactions between microbiota and different types of physical activity, personalized diets, physical activities, and ergogenic supplements to enhance performance and athletic wellness.