bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Gene–Diet Interactions in High-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol-Related Polymorphisms and Cardiovascular Disease Risk: Insights from the Korean Genome and Epidemiology Study
Authors: Lee Jong-Hee , Hong Kyung-Won , Park Byoung-Jin , Choi Ja-Eun , Jung Dong-Hyuk
Published: February 2025

Background: Understanding gene–diet interactions is crucial for establishing dietary guidelines for cardiovascular diseases (CVD). This study analyzed the interaction between dietary intake and six genome-wide association study (GWAS)-identified single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) associated with high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels and their impact on CVD risk. Methods: A total of 68,806 participants in the Korean Genome and Epidemiology Study (KoGES) were analyzed. Six target SNPs (LPL: rs17482753; ABCA1: rs1883025; APOA5: rs651821; LIPC: rs1077835; CETP: rs17231506; and LIPG: rs9953437) were extracted from genome-wide SNP genotype data. Dietary intake was assessed using a food frequency questionnaire. SNP genotyping was conducted using the Korea Biobank Array (Korean Chip), a specialized genotyping platform designed for GWAS of blood biochemical traits in the Korean population. SNP–diet interactions on CVD risk were analyzed using generalized linear models (GLM). Results: Among the six SNPs, ABCA1: rs1883025 and APOA5: rs651821 showed significant gene–diet interactions. For rs1883025 (ABCA1), carriers of the T allele exhibited reduced HDL cholesterol levels. However, in the high-protein intake group, individuals with the T/T genotype had a significantly lower risk of ischemic stroke compared to those in the low-protein intake group (interaction p-value = 0.044). For rs651821 (APOA5), carriers of the T allele also had lower HDL cholesterol levels, but individuals with the C/C genotype (wild-type homozygotes) in the low-fat intake group showed a significantly reduced risk of coronary artery disease (interaction p-value = 0.0155). Conclusions: This study suggests potential interactions between polymorphisms associated with low HDL cholesterol and dietary patterns, particularly high-protein and low-fat diets, in relation to CVD risk. These findings highlight the importance of personalized dietary recommendations based on genetic profiles to reduce CVD risk. They provide a basis for future research aimed at developing precision nutrition guidelines and targeted interventions to manage hypo-HDL cholesterolemia and nutrition-related CVD risks.
The Effects of a Whole-Food Plant-Based Nutrition Education Program on Blood Pressure and Potassium in Chronic Kidney Disease: A Proof-of-Concept Study
Authors: Liebman Scott E. , Baran Andrea , Barnett Ted D. , Campbell Thomas M. , Chen Luojing , Friedman Susan M. , Hasan Shamsul , Le Thu H. , Monk Rebeca D. , Sabescumar Janany , Wixom Nellie , Zhang Anne , Campbell Erin K.
Published: February 2025

Background/Objectives: Whole-food plant-based diets (WFPBDs) are beneficial in managing hypertension in the general population but have not been well studied in chronic kidney disease (CKD), potentially due to concerns about hyperkalemia. We hypothesized that individuals with CKD 3 or 4 attending a 15-day WFPBD education program would achieve lower blood pressure compared to those who did not, without an increased risk of hyperkalemia. Methods: This was a pilot trial of 40 subjects with mild-to-moderate CKD and hypertension but without diabetes or proteinuria from a single academic center. The subjects were randomized to the 15-day education program or the control group. The changes in blood pressure, serum potassium, and other anthropometric and biochemical values were assessed. Results: Systolic blood pressure decreased from the baseline to day 15 in the intervention group by 8 mm Hg and increased in the control group by 2.7 mm Hg, although the difference in the blood pressure change did not reach statistical significance (p = 0.12). Diastolic blood pressure was not different between the two groups. Potassium changed by 0.01 mEq/L in the intervention group and −0.07 mEq/L in the control group (p = 0.52). The intervention subjects had significant decreases in body mass (−3.0 vs. −0.12 kg, p < 0.0001), total cholesterol (−39.4 vs. −5.0 mg/dL, p < 0.0001), low-density lipoprotein (−28.4 vs. −0.6 mg/dL, p < 0.0001), and high-density lipoprotein (−8.6 vs. −0.4 mg/dL, p = 0.006) compared to the controls. The changes in albumin and phosphorus were not different between the two groups. Conclusions: The subjects with mild-to-moderate CKD attending a 15-day WFPBD education program had a non-statistically significant reduction in systolic blood pressure without an increased risk of hyperkalemia compared to those who did not attend. The intervention subjects achieved significantly greater reductions in body mass and cholesterol without adverse effects on albumin or phosphorus. Larger and longer-duration trials using this approach in a diverse group of CKD patients are warranted.
Camel Milk Protein Ameliorates Ulcerative Colitis by Modulating Gut Microbiota and Amino Acid Metabolism
Authors: Kang Ning , Fan Zhexin , Yang Li , Shen Jie , Shen Yuechenfei , Fang Zhifeng , Li Baokun , Yang Bo , Wang Jiancheng
Published: February 2025

The protective effects of the milk fat globule membrane (MFGM) in alleviating inflammation have been reported. However, limited attention has been paid to the key fraction of milk fat globule membrane protein (MFGMP). This study investigated the protective effects of camel MFGMP against dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced ulcerative colitis (UC) in mice. The results revealed that administering 50 mg/kg MFGMP significantly alleviated colonic inflammation, as evidenced by a marked decrease in IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α levels, along with pathological damage in DSS-induced mice with UC. MFGMP supplementation partially regulated gut microbiota dysbiosis in mice with UC by increasing α-diversity and the relative abundance of beneficial gut bacteria, such as Lactobacillus, while decreasing the abundance of Akkermansia. Additionally, MFGMP treatment exhibited significant regulatory effects on metabolites, particularly amino acid metabolism, in the feces. Specifically, this treatment restored L-valine to normal physiological levels and increased the concentrations of L-leucine, L-lysine, and L-tyrosine to nearly twice their baseline levels, whereas the concentration of L-tryptophan increased threefold. These upregulated amino acids were negatively correlated with pro-inflammatory cytokines and positively correlated with the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10, as indicated by Spearman’s correlation analysis. Furthermore, the significant reduction in the mRNA expression levels of WNT-1, β-catenin, and Cyclin D1 suggests that MFGMP exerts a positive effect on UC via the Wnt/β-catenin pathway. These findings indicate that MFGMP exerts a protective effect against UC by modulating intestinal microbiota and amino acid metabolism in mice, with potential implications for treating intestinal inflammatory diseases.
Evidence-Based Nutritional Recommendations for Maintaining or Restoring Nutritional Status in Patients with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: A Systematic Review
Authors: de Carvalho Vilar Mariana Dantas , Coutinho Karla Monica Dantas , de Lima Vale Sancha Helena , Dourado Junior Mario Emilio Teixeira , de Medeiros Gidyenne Christine Bandeira Silva , Piuvezam Grasiela , Brandao-Neto Jose , Leite-Lais Lucia
Published: February 2025

Background/Objectives: This study is a systematic review of guidelines that aims to synthesize evidence-based recommendations to support appropriate nutritional management for patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Methods: PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, SciELO, Web of Science, LILACS, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar were searched for records published up to July 2024. Clinical practice guidelines addressing any aspect of nutritional intervention in ALS were included. No language or country of publication restrictions were applied. Data extraction was performed by two independent reviewers. The methodological quality of the reports was assessed using the AGREE II instrument. Discrepancies were resolved by consensus. Results: The findings and main recommendations were summarized narratively. A total of 837 records were identified, and 11 were included in this review. The overall AGREE II scores for the included studies ranged from 3 to 7. The summary of nutritional recommendations was organized into topics: (1) dysphagia, (2) nutritional assessment, (3) energy, (4) protein, (5) supplementation, and (6) percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG). This review summarizes relevant and updated nutritional recommendations to maintain or restore the nutritional status of patients with ALS, contributing to their quality of life and survival time. Conclusions: These nutritional recommendations will help health professionals and caregivers to implement and standardize nutritional care according to evidence-based practice in ALS. PROSPERO registration number CRD42021233088.
Prenatal Physical Activity, Pre-Pregnancy BMI, and Their Relationship with Gestational Diabetes: A Retrospective-Prospective Single-Center Study
Authors: Kiljan Martyna , Szablewska Anna Weronika
Published: February 2025

Background: In recent years, there has been an increase in the incidence of gestational diabetes (GDM) with serious risks for both mother and child. Pre-pregnancy BMI and physical activity significantly influence GDM development. Promoting a healthy lifestyle is essential to prevent GDM and improve health outcomes for mother and baby. Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between pre-pregnancy physical activity and pre-pregnancy BMI and the occurrence of gestational diabetes, as well as to assess their impact on the development of complications associated with gestational diabetes. Methods: A retrospective-prospective study was conducted from October 2024 to December 2024 at a tertiary referral hospital in Poland. The study included 205 pregnant women (42 with gestational diabetes, 163 without gestational diabetes) who met the inclusion criteria. Data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire and the Polish version of the Get Active Questionnaire for Pregnancy (GAQ-P). The impact of pre-pregnancy physical activity and pre-pregnancy BMI on the occurrence of gestational diabetes was assessed based on data collected from both surveys and medical records analysis. Statistical analyses included Pearson’s chi-square tests, logistic regression, and Cramér’s V coefficient to determine the relationship between pre-pregnancy physical activity and ppBMI and the occurrence of gestational diabetes. Results: The study revealed that pre-pregnancy BMI and gestational weight gain were significant predictors, with a higher BMI increasing the risk of gestational diabetes. In contrast, physical activity before pregnancy—including its frequency, intensity, and duration—was not a significant predictor. Additionally, no significant associations were found between physical activity and birth weight, mode of delivery, or preterm birth. These findings highlight the role of pre-pregnancy BMI in gestational diabetes risk while suggesting that physical activity before conception may have a limited impact. Conclusions: These results highlight the significant role of pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI) in the development of gestational diabetes, emphasizing the need for targeted interventions aimed at maintaining a healthy weight before conception. They suggest that weight management strategies should be an important component of gestational diabetes prevention. Future research should further investigate the complex interaction between lifestyle factors and metabolic health to refine preventive recommendations and improve health outcomes for mothers and newborns.
Impact of Consultation with Registered Dietitians on Reducing Inappropriate Weight Gain in Pregnant Patients with Food Insecurity
Authors: Moriarty Kristen Lee , Fleuriscar Jacqueline , Lindsay Sarah , Manfredi Kelsey , O’Sullivan David , Mullins Jessica
Published: February 2025

Background/Objectives: Screening for food insecurity, while common practice in pediatric populations, remains novel in pregnancy. Food insecurity during pregnancy is associated with medical comorbidities that in turn confer additional obstetric risks to the maternal–fetal dyad. Few studies have evaluated the impact of interventions for patients with food insecurity in the prenatal period. This study first demonstrates the ease of FI screening in pregnancy using the Hunger Vital Sign™ and next assesses if providing patients with a referral to a registered dietician decreases the incidence of inappropriate weight gain in pregnant patients with food insecurity. Methods: A retrospective chart review was conducted from November 2019 to March of 2021 at a United States Northeast inner-city hospital-based clinic to identify patients with food insecurity in the prenatal period. All pregnant patients who screened positive for food insecurity were given an educational pamphlet with resources and offered a referral to a registered dietician. We compared the incidence of appropriate weight gain among these patients depending on whether they attended an appointment with a registered dietician. We defined appropriate weight gain following the recommendations of the Institute of Medicine (IOM) based on pre-pregnancy body mass index. Inferential statistics were performed to compare differences using univariate statistics, and multivariate regression was conducted to control for confounders, with an alpha of 0.05. Results: In total, 139 patients screened positive for food insecurity (FI); 52 (37.4%) attended an appointment with a registered dietician. Overall, 88 (61.9%) patients had inappropriate weight gain during pregnancy. Fewer patients who attended a visit with a registered dietician had inappropriate weight gain than those who did not attend a visit (27 [30.7%] vs. 61 [69.3%], p = 0.031, respectively). Both study groups’ demographics, comorbidities, and postpartum outcomes were comparable. Conclusions: We found that for pregnant individuals with food insecurity, consultation with a registered dietician was associated with a decrease in the incidence of inappropriate weight gain during pregnancy.
Alpha-Lipoic Acid Reduces Neuroinflammation and Oxidative Stress Induced by Dapsone in an Animal Model
Authors: Gomes Bruno Alexandre Quadros , Santos Savio Monteiro dos , Gato Lucas da Silva , Espíndola Kaio Murilo Monteiro , Silva Rana Karen Mesquita da , Davis Kelly , Navegantes-Lima Kely Campos , Burbano Rommel Mario Rodriguez , Romao Pedro Roosevelt Torres , Coleman Michael D. , Monteiro Marta Chagas
Published: February 2025

Background/Objectives: Chronic treatment with dapsone (DDS) has been linked to adverse reactions involving all organ systems, such as dapsone hypersensitivity syndrome, methemoglobinemia and hemolytic anemia, besides neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration due to iron accumulation and oxidative stress. These effects probably occur due to the presence of its toxic metabolite DDS-NOH, which can generate reactive oxygen species (ROS) and iron overload. In this sense, antioxidant compounds with chelating properties, such as alpha-lipoic acid (ALA), may be an interesting adjuvant therapy strategy in treating or preventing these effects. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of ALA on oxidative and neuroinflammatory changes caused by DDS treatment in the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus of mice. Materials and Methods:Mus musculus male mice that were pre-treated with DDS (40 mg/kg) and post-treated with ALA (25 mg/kg) underwent analyses for oxidative stress, antioxidant capacity, cytokine expression and microglial/astrocytic activity. Results: DDS did not activate macrophages/microglia or astrocytes in the prefrontal cortex but induced their activation in the hippocampus. ALA stimulated a protective microglial profile and reduced astrocyte reactivity, especially in the hippocampus. DDS increased the pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-1β and reduced brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), effects reversed by ALA. DDS also reduced antioxidant capacity (TEAC, GSH, SOD, CAT) and increased oxidative damage (lipid peroxidation, iron accumulation), while ALA restored antioxidant levels and reduced oxidative stress. Conclusions: ALA was able to reduce the effects of DDS, such as reducing microglial and astrocytic activation, as well as to decrease the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines and increase BDNF, in addition to increasing antioxidant capacity and reducing oxidative damage caused by iron accumulation. Therefore, ALA is considered a useful and promising therapeutic alternative for the treatment of diseases related to oxidative stress and neuroinflammation.
Psychometric Evaluation of Eating Behaviors and Mental Health Among University Students in China and Pakistan: A Cross-Cultural Study
Authors: Shah Muhammad Waseem , Yan Qinyu , Pan Da , Sun Guiju
Published: February 2025

Background/Objectives: Eating disorders, including food neophobia and restrictive eating behaviors, are pervasive among university students. This study evaluated the psychometric properties of the Nine-Item Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder Scale (NIAS), Düsseldorf Orthorexia Scale (DOS), Night Eating Syndrome Questionnaire (NESQ), Zung’s Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS), and Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) among university students in China and Pakistan to assess reliability and validity and explore the relationships between eating behaviors and mental health. Methods: Initially, responses from 1056 university students from China and Pakistan were obtained, which were reduced to 1002 after screening. Sociodemographic data were collected. Descriptive statistics, reliability analysis, and Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) were performed using SPSS and Analysis of Moment Structures (AMOS). Results: The demographic data showed that 52% of the participants were female and 48% were male, with a mean age of 22.13 ± 3.86 years. Most were single (93.2%) and had a mean BMI of 22.06 ± 4.02 kg/m2. The NIAS showed high internal consistency (Cronbach’s Alpha: 0.731), and the CFA revealed strong factor loadings (0.57–0.79). The DOS showed good psychometric properties (factor loadings: 0.53–0.77). The NESQ indicated higher night eating behaviors in Chinese students, who also had higher stress (PSS: Mean Difference = 4.116, 95% CI: 3.36–4.87) and depression (SDS: Mean Difference = 0.229, 95% CI: 0.19–0.27) compared to Pakistani students, who showed more restrictive eating behaviors (NIAS: Mean Difference = −0.422, 95% CI: −0.51 to −0.33). Conclusions: The psychometric evaluation demonstrated strong reliability and validity in assessing eating behaviors and mental health among university students in China and Pakistan. These findings highlight cultural differences, with Chinese students showing higher levels of stress and depression and Pakistani students exhibiting more restrictive eating behaviors. These results suggest the need for culturally tailored interventions to address food-related mental health issues and improve students’ well-being.
Addressing Cognitive Bias in Adolescents with Neurodevelopmental Disorders Using 3-D Animated Serious Games
Authors: Stewart Suzanne , Houghton Stephen John , Macqueen Leslie
Published: February 2025

Objective: This study sought to evaluate the effectiveness of a serious game, that embeds cognitive bias modification for interpretation (CBM-I), in altering the negative interpretive bias of early aged adolescents diagnosed with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, Autism Spectrum Disorder, and Specific Learning Disorders. The difficulties that adolescents with neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) experience navigating the social nuances of everyday environments make them prone to the cognitive biases that lead to the development of negative thought patterns. Directly tackling the biased interpretive processes that give rise to negative thinking may be effective in reducing negative bias and mental health problems. Method: Minds Online, a 10-episode 3-D animated serious game that embeds CBM-I was introduced using a three-phase multiple baseline design in a school setting. Eight adolescents diagnosed with an NDD completed the 10 episodes. Results: Real-time data revealed that seven of the eight adolescents altered their negative interpretive bias to a benign bias. However, pre- and post-test standardized measures revealed non-significant changes in the desired direction for mental health. Visual analyses of 308 daily self-reported ratings about worry about schoolwork, worry about peer relationships, and feelings of loneliness did not demonstrate a replicated intervention effect. However, when these interrupted time series data were analyzed statistically, significant individual improvements were evident. Engagement with Minds Online was excellent, as was adherence to daily data collection. Conclusions: Minds Online seems to be highly effective in altering the negative interpretive biases of adolescents with NDDs, which is promising because such cognitive biases are involved in the onset and maintenance of psychopathology.
Evaluation of the Efflux Pump Inhibition Activity of Thiadiazine-Derived Compounds Against the Staphylococcus aureus 1199B Strain
Authors: Roque Paulo Cicera Laura , Alexandre Priscilla Ramos Freitas , Araujo Ana Carolina Ferreira , Almeida Ray Silva , Albuquerque Emílio Sousa , Oliveira-Tintino Cícera Datiane de Morais , Nascimento Igor J. S. , Araújo-Júnior João Xavier , Silva-Junior Edeildo Ferreira da , Aquino Thiago Mendonça de , Mendonça-Junior Francisco Jaime Bezerra , Araújo-Neto José Bezerra de , Silva Leandro Maria Karollyna do Nascimento , Menezes Irwin Rose Alencar de , Coutinho Henrique Douglas Melo , Rocha Janaina Esmeraldo
Published: February 2025

Background: Substances with antibacterial properties have become crucial in light of the continuous increase in infections caused by multidrug-resistant bacteria. In this context, thiadiazines have emerged as heterocyclic compounds already known for their pharmacological activities. However, their potential as antibacterial agents and inhibitors of the efflux system found in resistant bacteria remains poorly understood. From this perspective, the present study highlights the synthesis of thiadiazine-derived compounds and evaluates their antibacterial activity and efflux pump inhibition against the Staphylococcus aureus 1199B strain. Methods: To this end, Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) tests were conducted, along with the analysis of antibacterial activity through the inhibition of the NorA efflux system using 96-well microdilution assays. Additionally, to assess efflux system inhibition, ethidium bromide (EtBr) fluorescence emission tests were performed, alongside in silico molecular docking studies. Results: Based on the results obtained, it was observed that compound IJ28 exhibited direct activity against the tested SA 1199B strains, with an MIC of 512 µg/mL. It also demonstrated antibacterial activity through efflux pump inhibition, resulting in increased fluorescence rates emitted by EtBr. Compound IJ28 showed a more significant reduction in the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) of ethidium bromide, decreasing from 26.6 µg/mL to 0.5 µg/mL, compared to the other compounds. Conclusions: Therefore, it is essential to conduct further studies to investigate the mechanism of action and clarify the feasibility and effects of compound IJ28 as a potential antibacterial agent.
Simulated Microfluidic Device Constructed Using Terahertz Metamaterial for Sensing and Switching Applications
Authors: Zhu Mei , Fu Xiuxiu , Yang Hongfang , Song Qianqian , Wang Hai-Lung , Ma Shengqian
Published: February 2025

We propose a microfluidic device that incorporates two layers of planar split-ring resonator (SRR)-based terahertz (THz) metamaterials and study its optical performance through simulation. The device features a concise design and leverages mature and straightforward fabrication processes. Our simulations reveal its remarkable sensing capabilities, with a sensitivity of up to 507.7 GHz/RIU for refractive index (RI) sensing and 16.03 GHz/μm for pressure sensing. Moreover, the device enables real-time monitoring, as it allows for a continuous flow of liquid between the layers. It can also function as an optical switch with a straightforward controlling method involving injecting and evacuating liquid. The maximum modulation depth (MD) achieved is 64.5%. The influence of fabrication errors during assembly of the two layers was studied in detail through simulation. The device demonstrates great robustness against fabrication imperfections, such as layer misalignment and spacer thickness variations, for most of the applications. Strict alignment is only necessary when targeting high-sensitivity RI sensing using the second resonance. The device’s unique combination of sensitivity, tunability, and compact design paves the way for potential applications in diverse fields, including biosensing, environmental monitoring, and optical communications.
Exploring the Role of pH and Solar Light-Driven Decontamination with Singlet Oxygen in Removing Emerging Pollutants from Agri-Food Effluents: The Case of Acetamiprid
Authors: Fabregat Víctor
Published: February 2025

Previously synthesized and tested water-dispersible photoactive polymeric microparticles have been employed as heterogenous photosensitizers to evaluate their performance in generating singlet oxygen through direct solar irradiation. This study utilizes these photocatalysts for the degradation of Acetamiprid in IWWTP wastewater effluents from the Agri-food industry, exploring, in addition to direct or simulated solar irradiation, the influence of pH on the photooxidation process. Over a thousand emerging pollutants, including pesticides like Acetamiprid, have been detected in aquatic environments in recent years, posing challenges due to the limitations of current wastewater treatment technologies. The developed method is particularly effective under basic or slightly basic conditions, aligning with the natural pH of wastewater and addressing a limitation of conventional Acetamiprid degradation methods, which typically require medium acidification to be effective. Polymers P3 and P4 exhibited high photocatalytic activity, achieving over 99% degradation of Acetamiprid through oxidation via singlet oxygen generated by Rose Bengal supported on the polymer matrix, while maintaining catalytic efficiency across multiple cycles. The results confirm that Acetamiprid removal from industrial wastewater via direct solar irradiation is feasible, though constrained by the availability of sufficient effective sunlight hours.
Poly(Vinylpyrrolidone) Graft in Poly(Vinyl Chloride) Catheters Using Gamma Radiation for Ciprofloxacin Loading and Release
Authors: Vargas-Machado Pedro J. , López-Saucedo Felipe , Bucio Emilio
Published: February 2025

This study addresses the modification of poly(vinyl chloride) catheters with N-vinylpyrrolidone and ciprofloxacin to achieve an antimicrobial surface. The copolymer was synthesized using the grafting-from method with gamma rays as a physical initiator and under different reaction conditions (absorbed dose, monomer concentration, and solvent). The modified catheters attained hydrophilic properties and were tested for ciprofloxacin loading and release efficiency. Antibiotic-loaded materials successfully inhibited the growth of S. aureus and P. aeruginosa strains. Therefore, surfaces with PVP chains exhibit suitable features for the loading and release of small molecules like ciprofloxacin (a fluoroquinolone). Results suggest that graft copolymers are suitable materials for the fabrication of biomedical devices with antibacterial features.
High-Pressure Fine Water Mist Nozzle Retrofit Experiment and Numerical Simulation Study
Authors: Yang Xin-Zhi , Du Chen-Yang , Liu Yuan-Jun , Tang Yan , Dong Xi-Lin , Huang An-Chi
Published: February 2025

Currently, the existing high-pressure water mist fire protection systems in cold storage facilities face challenges in achieving efficient atomization and uniform water mist distribution, which may limit their effectiveness in rapid cooling and flame suppression. The objective of this investigation is to improve the performance of high-pressure fine water mist nozzles by integrating a Venturi microbubble generator to improve mist atomization and distribution, particularly in the context of flames involving combustible polyurethane foam insulation materials. The gas–liquid two-phase flow characteristics within Venturi tubes were investigated through numerical simulations using ANSYS-Fluent 2022 R1 software. This study focused on critical parameters, including the water inlet pressure (1–9 MPa), pharynx diameter (8–12 mm), contraction angle (15–45°), and expansion angle (15–45°). The average water mist droplet diameters at 1, 3, and 9 MPa were 169.890, 150.002, and 115.606 μm, respectively, in the absence of the Venturi tube, according to the experimental results. A reduction of up to 16.7% was achieved by reducing the particulate sizes to 141.462, 139.142, and 109.525 μm using the Venturi tube. The fire-extinguishing time and water consumption were substantially reduced at higher pressures, such as 9 MPa. Under high-pressure conditions, the results indicated that the Venturi microbubble technology was significantly more effective in suppressing fires. The novelty of this study lies in the application of Venturi microbubble technology to improve fine water mist systems for fire protection in cold storage facilities. This enhanced system achieves better atomization, uniform water mist distribution, faster cooling, and more efficient flame suppression, making it a viable solution for improving fire protection in such environments.
Study on Performance of Integrated Thermal Management Strategy for Hybrid Electric Vehicles Under Low-Temperature Conditions
Authors: Xue Bofeng , Zhou Yingchao , Chen Peizhen , Meng Xinrui , Zhang Junxian
Published: February 2025

In cold environments, traditional independent thermal management systems heavily rely on inefficient Positive Temperature Coefficient (PTC) heaters, which exacerbate range anxiety in vehicles. In this study, an energy management-based control strategy for an integrated thermal management system (ITMS) designed for hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) is proposed. By coupling the four thermal flow circuits of the entire vehicle and integrating driving modes with heating demands, this strategy achieves full vehicle-level integrated control. Through optimizing the distribution and utilization of heat within the vehicle, this enhances the heating performance of the air source heat pump. The simulation results demonstrate that the proposed strategy significantly reduces the power consumption of the heat pump and improves heating efficiency for both the battery and the cabin. By utilizing waste heat from the motor and the engine, the ITMS increases the heating capacity of the heat pump, particularly in low-temperature environments. Compared to traditional thermal management systems, the ITMS control strategy achieves substantial improvements in both heating time and energy efficiency. Specifically, the system reduces battery heating time by 55.94% and enhances the overall heating performance of the vehicle. Furthermore, the strategy reduces fuel consumption by 5.18%, demonstrating its potential to improve the energy efficiency of HEVs in cold climates.
Simulation of the Effects of Hydrogen on the Combustion of Synthesis Gas Composed of Carbon Monoxide, Hydrogen, and Nitrogen in a Round Jet Burner
Authors: Turkan Burak , Gursoy Ramadan
Published: February 2025

Synthesis gas used in the production of synthetic natural gas is a gaseous mixture consisting of carbon monoxide, hydrogen, and nitrogen gas. A combustion flame is produced by mixing synthesis gas with a high-velocity air jet. In this study, the flame of synthesis gas and air combustion in a round jet burner was investigated numerically. The temperature, velocity, and pressure changes in the flame in the burner and the CO2, H2O, O2 mass fraction changes for six different mixture ratios were investigated numerically. The accuracy of the numerical method used in the study was supported by data from the literature. Depending on the production area, evaluations can be made in terms of emission rate, temperature, pressure change, and energy consumption values, and the most suitable working conditions for product quality can be determined. It has been established that a 40% increase in the hydrogen content of the mixture results in a flame temperature of approximately 1910 °C, with a corresponding temperature rise of 11%. This enhancement in hydrogen concentration contributes to an accelerated combustion rate and a higher peak temperature. The proportion of hydrogen in syngas is a significant factor affecting the combustion rate.
Different Sources of Social Support and Their Associations with Academic Engagement and Life Satisfaction Among Nursing and Physiotherapy Students
Authors: Kućar Maja , Brajša-Žganec Andreja , Neuberg Marijana
Published: February 2025

Background: The role of social support in fostering academic engagement (AE) and life satisfaction (LS) is well established, as both are essential for student well-being and success. Theoretical frameworks suggest that distinct sources of social support contribute uniquely to these outcomes. However, limited research has explored these relationships in specific populations, such as nursing and physiotherapy students. Methods: This study aimed to examine the differential relationships between three sources of social support (family, significant other, and friends), AE and LS in a sample of 363 university students (84% female, Mage = 26.52, SD = 8.13) in Croatia (nursing and physiotherapy program). A cross-sectional design was employed using self-reported data. Results: The results of a hierarchical regression analysis revealed that family support was the only significant positive predictor of both AE and LS. Among the demographic variables, an older age was associated with higher AE and LS, while employed students reported lower LS. The findings were consistent across younger (18–24 years) and older (25–48 years) subgroups, with the exception of older students’ AE, where none of the social support sources emerged as significant predictors. Regarding bivariate correlations, all three social support subscales correlated positively with AE and LS, but the correlations were higher for LS. Conclusions: These results highlight the central role of family support in academic and life outcomes for nursing and physiotherapy students, offering insights for targeted interventions to enhance student well-being.
Domus Sapientiae: A Mariological and Christological Metaphor According to the Patristic, Theological, and Liturgical Tradition
Authors: Salvador-González José María
Published: February 2025

This article sheds light on the repercussions of the Proverbs sentence “Wisdom has built her house” on Christian doctrine and on the Marian iconography of the Annunciation. To achieve his objectives, the author uses a double comparative analysis as a methodology. To begin with, he analyzes a vast corpus of texts in which numerous Fathers, theologians, and liturgical hymnographers of Eastern and Western Churches interpret this biblical locution according to Mariological and Christological projections. Secondly, he analyzes eight pictorial Annunciations from the Italian Renaissance in which Mary’s house in Nazareth is depicted as a luxurious palace. As a result of these two sets of analyses, the author concludes that the interpretations of the Fathers, theologians, and hymnographers about the house built by Wisdom and the form of the house/palace in images of the Annunciation allude to the dogma of God the Son’s supernatural human conception/incarnation in Mary’s virginal womb.
Doppler Shift Estimation Method for Frequency Diverse Array Radar Based on Graph Signal Processing
Authors: Xie Ningbo , Wang Haijun , Liao Kefei , Ouyang Shan , Chen Hanbo , Li Qinlin
Published: February 2025

In this paper, a novel Doppler shift estimation method for frequency diverse array (FDA) radar based on graph signal processing (GSP) theory is proposed and investigated. First, a well-designed graph signal model for a monostatic linear FDA is formulated. Subsequently, spectral decomposition is conducted on the constructed signal model utilizing graph Fourier transform (GFT) techniques, enabling the extraction of the target’s Doppler shift parameter through spectral peak search. A comprehensive series of simulation experiments demonstrates that the proposed method can achieve the accurate estimation of target parameters even under low signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) conditions. Furthermore, the proposed method exhibits superior performance compared to the MUSIC algorithm, offering enhanced resolution and estimation accuracy. Additionally, the method is highly amenable to parallel processing, significantly reducing the computational burden associated with traditional procedures.
The Importance of Humidity in the Afternoon Local-Scale Precipitation Intensity over Eastern China and Its Impacts on the Aerosol Effects
Authors: Tang Xinlei , Chen Qian , Guo Jianping , Yang Jing , Zou Zeyong , Chen Jinghua , Sun Yue
Published: February 2025

Thermally driven local-scale precipitation (LSP) is an important type of summer precipitation over China, but the prestorm environmental conditions remain unclear. In order to investigate the major factors controlling the LSP intensity, the meteorological parameters preceding the occurrence of light and heavy afternoon LSP over Eastern China during 2018–2022 are examined using rain gauge, radiosonde sounding, and satellite observations. The temperature differences between heavy and light LSP events are relatively small, but heavy LSP events exhibit larger water vapor mixing ratios (Qv) below a 5 km altitude than light LSP. With an almost identical vertical temperature distribution, an increment in Qv increases the relative humidity (RH) in the lower troposphere. Furthermore, large eddy simulations with spectral bin microphysics are performed to investigate the impacts of humidity and aerosols on the LSP intensity. Increased low-level RH leads to larger mass concentrations of rain and graupel at the expense of cloud droplets due to enhanced drop collisions and the riming of ice particles, respectively, thereby reinforcing the LSP. However, an increased aerosol concentration leads to more cloud water but reduced rain water content, resulting mainly from suppressed drop collisions. The graupel mixing ratio exhibits a non-monotonic trend with aerosols, mostly contributed by riming. As a result, the LSP intensity first increases and then decreases with an increment in the aerosol concentration in both dry and humid air. Moreover, more aerosols lead to the humidification of the surrounding air due to the enhanced evaporation of cloud droplets, particularly under lower-RH conditions. These findings provide an enhanced understanding of the effects of covariations in humidity and aerosol concentrations on the afternoon LSP intensity over Eastern China.
GD-Det: Low-Data Object Detection in Foggy Scenarios for Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Imagery Using Re-Parameterization and Cross-Scale Gather-and-Distribute Mechanisms
Authors: Shi Rui , Zhang Lili , Wang Gaoxu , Jia Shutong , Zhang Ning , Wang Chensu
Published: February 2025

Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) play an extremely important role in real-time object detection for maritime emergency rescue missions. However, marine accidents often occur in low-visibility weather conditions, resulting in poor image quality and a lack of object detection samples, which significantly reduces detection accuracy. To tackle these issues, we propose GD-Det, a low-data object detection model with high accuracy, specifically designed to handle limited sample sizes and low-quality images. The model is primarily composed of three components: (i) A lightweight re-parameterization feature extraction module which integrates RepVGG blocks into multi-concat blocks to enhance the model’s spatial perception and feature diversity during training. Meanwhile, it reduces computational cost in the inference phase through the re-parameterization mechanism. (ii) A cross-scale gather-and-distribute pyramid module, which helps to augment the relationship representation of four-scale features via flexible skip fusion and distribution strategies. (iii) A decoupled prediction module with three branches is to implement classification and regression, enhancing detection accuracy by combining the prediction values from tri-level features. (iv) We also use a domain-adaptive training strategy with knowledge transfer to handle low-data issues. We conducted low-data training and comparison experiments using our constructed dataset AFO-fog. Our model achieved an overall detection accuracy of 84.8%, which is superior to other models.
An Improved Adaptive Multi-Scale Peak Detection Retracker for River Level Estimation Based on Sentinel-6 Fully Focused SAR Data
Authors: Ma Shanmu , Liao Jingjuan , Chen Jiaming , Guo Yujuan
Published: February 2025

Satellite altimetry technology has been widely used for the observation of oceans and inland water bodies. At present, fully focused synthetic aperture radar (FF-SAR) data, which significantly enhances along-track resolution, has good prospects for river level estimation. However, FF-SAR data with large data volumes have more complex waveforms, which brings more challenges to waveform retracking. This study developed an improved adaptive multi-scale peak detection (ImpAMPD) retracker based on Sentinel-6 FF-SAR data. Initially, sub-waveforms are identified and extracted from each waveform. Subsequently, the data are segmented according to the number of gates and the minimum gate length. Finally, retracking calculations are performed on the segmented sub-waveforms to determine river levels. In this study, the in situ data from six river sections with different features in the middle and upper reaches of the Yangtze River were used to validate the accuracy of the ImpAMPD retracker and to perform a comparison of this developed retracker with three existing retrackers (OCOG, PTR, SAMOSA+). The results indicate that the ImpAMPD retracker can fully utilize the advantage of the high posting rate of FF-SAR data to process the complex multi-peak waveforms on the river surface, accurately extract the correct water surface signals, and achieve highly precise river level estimation. The best accuracy results were obtained in four river sections, namely, Zhicheng, Shashi, Hankou, and Huantan, with STDDs of 0.18 m, 0.26 m, 0.47 m, and 0.36 m, respectively. The ImpAMPD retracker is highly automated and adaptable to rivers of varying widths, providing robust support for river level monitoring and flood management.
HiSTENet: History-Integrated Spatial–Temporal Information Extraction Network for Time Series Remote Sensing Image Change Detection
Authors: Zhao Lu , Wan Ling , Ma Lei , Zhang Yiming
Published: February 2025

Time series remote sensing images (TSIs) offer essential data for time series remote sensing image change detection with remote sensing technology advances. However, most existing methods focus on bi-temporal images, lacking the exploration of temporal information between images. This presents a significant challenge in effectively utilizing the rich spatio-temporal and object information inherent to TSIs. In this work, we propose a History-Integrated Spatial–Temporal Information Extraction Network (HiSTENet), which comprehensively utilize the spatio-temporal information of TSIs to achieve change detection of continuous image pairs. A Spatial-Temporal Relationship Extraction Module is utilized to model the spatio-temporal relationship. Simultaneously, a Historical Integration Module is introduced to fuse the objects’ characteristics across historical temporal images, while leveraging the features of historical images. Furthermore, the Feature Alignment Fusion Module mitigates pseudo changes by computing feature offsets and aligning images in the feature space. Experiments on SpaceNet7 and DynamicEarthNet demonstrate that HiSTENet outperforms other representative methods, achieving a better balance between precision and recall.
Light-Weight Synthetic Aperture Radar Image Saliency Enhancement Method Based on Sea–Land Segmentation Preference
Authors: Yu Hang , Yan Ke , Li Chenyang , Wang Lei , Li Teng
Published: February 2025

With the advantages of wide range, constant observation ability, and an active imaging mechanism, synthetic aperture radar (SAR) has been a preferrable choice for ship detection in complicated scenarios. However, existing algorithms, especially for the convolutional neural network (CNN), cannot achieve satisfactory accuracy and generalization ability. Moreover, the complex architectures limit their real-time performances on the embedding or edge computing platforms. To handle these issues, this article proposes a light-weight image saliency enhancement method (ISEM) based on sea–land segmentation preference for ship detection. First, the interfering land regions are recognized adaptively based on the binary histogram of the denoised image. To distinguish ships from redundant backgrounds, a spectral residual method is next introduced to generate the saliency map in the frequency domain. Both the saliency map and the previous denoised image are fused to improve the final result further. Finally, by integrating parallel computing and hardware acceleration, the proposed method can be deployed on edge computing platforms with limited resources. Experimental results reveal that the proposed method with less parameters reaches higher detection accuracy and runs three times faster compared with CNNs.
Integrating Otsu Thresholding and Random Forest for Land Use/Land Cover (LULC) Classification and Seasonal Analysis of Water and Snow/Ice
Authors: Sun Xuexia , Li Xiaoyao , Tan Bingxiang , Gao Jian , Wang Lei , Xiong Shimei
Published: February 2025

Accurate land use/land cover (LULC) classification and the detection of seasonal dynamics are crucial for effective environmental monitoring and resource management. To improve the precision and temporal resolution of regional LULC classification products, this study combined the Otsu threshold method and Random Forest algorithm to generate a 10 m-resolution land cover classification map for Wensu County based on Sentinel-2 imagery, with a particular focus on orchard categories, and investigated the seasonal dynamics of LULC between winter and summer. The results show that the overall accuracy (OA) of the water and snow/ice models was 85.50%, with a Kappa coefficient of 0.8088; for the vegetation model, the OA was 93.77%, with a Kappa coefficient of 0.8755. Feature importance analysis indicated that terrain features were key factors in improving classification performance. Seasonal dynamics analysis showed that the snow/ice coverage area in winter increased by 6379.18 square kilometers compared to that in summer, with 5252.85 km2 of bare land and 910.66 km2 of grassland being covered by snow/ice. Meteorological data analysis revealed that land cover changes caused by winter snowfall were primarily concentrated in areas where temperatures exceeded −8 °C, while land cover changes were smaller in areas with either low or high precipitation. These findings provide valuable data support for regional resource management and agricultural development.