bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The nth-Order Comprehensive Adjoint Sensitivity Analysis Methodology for Response-Coupled Forward/Adjoint Linear Systems (nth-CASAM-L): I. Mathematical Framework
Authors: Cacuci Dan Gabriel
Published: December 2021

This work presents the mathematical framework of the nth-Order Comprehensive Adjoint Sensitivity Analysis Methodology for Response-Coupled Forward/Adjoint Linear Systems (abbreviated as “nth-CASAM-L”), which is conceived for obtaining the exact expressions of arbitrarily-high-order (nth-order) sensitivities of a generic system response with respect to all of the parameters (including boundary and initial conditions) underlying the respective forward/adjoint systems. Since many of the most important responses for linear systems involve the solutions of both the forward and the adjoint linear models that correspond to the respective physical system, the sensitivity analysis of such responses makes it necessary to treat linear systems in their own right, rather than treating them as particular cases of nonlinear systems. This is in contradistinction to responses for nonlinear systems, which can depend only on the forward functions, since nonlinear operators do not admit bona-fide adjoint operators (only a linearized form of a nonlinear operator admits an adjoint operator). The nth-CASAM-L determines the exact expression of arbitrarily-high order sensitivities of responses to the parameters underlying both the forward and adjoint models of a nonlinear system, thus enable the most efficient and accurate computation of such sensitivities. The mathematical framework underlying the nth-CASAM is developed in linearly increasing higher-dimensional Hilbert spaces, as opposed to the exponentially increasing “parameter-dimensional” spaces in which response sensitivities are computed by other methods, thus providing the basis for overcoming the “curse of dimensionality” in sensitivity analysis and all other fields (uncertainty quantification, predictive modeling, etc.) which need such sensitivities. In particular, for a scalar-valued valued response associated with a nonlinear model comprising TP parameters, the 1st-−CASAM-L requires 1 additional large-scale adjoint computation (as opposed to TP large-scale computations, as required by other methods) for computing exactly all of the 1st-−order response sensitivities. All of the (mixed) 2nd-order sensitivities are computed exactly by the 2nd-CASAM-L in at most TP computations, as opposed to TP(TP + 1)/2 computations required by all other methods, and so on. For every lower-order sensitivity of interest, the nth-CASAM-L computes the “TP next-higher-order” sensitivities in one adjoint computation performed in a linearly increasing higher-dimensional Hilbert space. Very importantly, the nth-CASAM-L computes the higher-level adjoint functions using the same forward and adjoint solvers (i.e., computer codes) as used for solving the original forward and adjoint systems, thus requiring relatively minor additional software development for computing the various-order sensitivities.
Evidence from the Changing Carbon Isotopic of Kerogen, Oil, and Gas during Hydrous Pyrolysis from Pinghu Formation, the Xihu Sag, East China Sea Basin
Authors: Cao Qiang , Ye Jiaren , Lu Yongchao , Tian Yang , Liu Jinshui , Xu Chenjie , Yu Hanwen , Sun Lina
Published: December 2021

Semi-open hydrous pyrolysis experiments on coal-measure source rocks in the Xihu Sag were conducted to investigate the carbon isotope evolution of kerogen, bitumen, generated expelled oil, and gases with increasing thermal maturity. Seven corresponding experiments were conducted at 335 °C, 360 °C, 400 °C, 455 °C, 480 °C, 525 °C, and 575 °C, while other experimental factors, such as the heating time and rate, lithostatic and hydrodynamic pressures, and columnar original samples were kept the same. The results show that the simulated temperatures were positive for the measured vitrinite reflectance (Ro), with a correlation coefficient (R2) of 0.9861. With increasing temperatures, lower maturity, maturity, higher maturity, and post-maturity stages occurred at simulated temperatures (Ts) of 335–360 °C, 360–400 °C, 400–480 °C, and 480–575 °C, respectively. The increasing gas hydrocarbons with increasing temperature reflected the higher gas potential. Moreover, the carbon isotopes of kerogen, bitumen, expelled oil, and gases were associated with increased temperatures; among gases, methane was the most sensitive to maturity. Ignoring the intermediate reaction process, the thermal evolution process can be summarized as kerogen0(original) + bitumen0(original)→kerogenr (residual kerogen) + expelled oil (generated) + bitumenn+r (generated + residual) + C2+(generated + residual) + CH4(generated). Among these, bitumen, expelled oil, and C2-5 acted as reactants and products, whereas kerogen and methane were the reactants and products, respectively. Furthermore, the order of the carbon isotopes during the thermal evolution process was identified as: δ13C1 < 13C2-5 < δ13Cexpelled oil < δ13Cbitumen < δ13Ckerogen. Thus, the reaction and production mechanisms of carbon isotopes can be obtained based on their changing degree and yields in kerogen, bitumen, expelled oil, and gases. Furthermore, combining the analysis of the geochemical characteristics of the Pinghu Formation coal–oil-type gas in actual strata with these pyrolysis experiments, it was identified that this area also had substantial development potential. Therefore, this study provides theoretical support and guidance for the formation mechanism and exploration of oil and gas based on changing carbon isotopes.
Sensitivity and Resolution of Controlled-Source Electromagnetic Method for Gas Hydrate Stable Zone
Authors: Guo Zhenwei , Yuan Yunxi , Jiang Mengyuan , Liu Jianxin , Wang Xianying , Wang Bochen
Published: December 2021

Natural gas hydrate is one of the most important clean energies and part of carbon cycle, due to the least carbon content. Natural gas hydrates depend on high pressure and low temperatures, located under seabed or permafrost. Small changes in temperature and pressure may lead gas hydrates to separate into water and gas, commonly as methane. As a powerful greenhouse gas, methane is much stronger than carbon dioxide. Therefore, it is necessary to detect the gas hydrates stable zone (GHSZ) before the methane gas escapes from GHSZ. Marine controlled source electromagnetic method (CSEM) is a useful tool to detect gas hydrate in offshore. The results from 3D CSEM method are a resistivity cube to describe the distribution of gas hydrates. In order to study the detectability of CSEM method, we simulate the sensitivity and resolution of marine CSEM synthetic data. By using the sensitivity and resolution, a simple statement may be quickly judged on the existence and occurrence range of the natural gas hydrate. In this paper, we compare the resolution of marine CSEM method with various transverse resistance. This information may help researchers find out whether the GHSZ exists or not.
Assessment of Machine-Learned Turbulence Models Trained for Improved Wake-Mixing in Low-Pressure Turbine Flows
Authors: Pacciani Roberto , Marconcini Michele , Bertini Francesco , Rosa Taddei Simone , Spano Ennio , Zhao Yaomin , Akolekar Harshal D. , Sandberg Richard D. , Arnone Andrea
Published: December 2021

This paper presents an assessment of machine-learned turbulence closures, trained for improving wake-mixing prediction, in the context of LPT flows. To this end, a three-dimensional cascade of industrial relevance, representative of modern LPT bladings, was analyzed, using a state-of-the-art RANS approach, over a wide range of Reynolds numbers. To ensure that the wake originates from correctly reproduced blade boundary-layers, preliminary analyses were carried out to check for the impact of transition closures, and the best-performing numerical setup was identified. Two different machine-learned closures were considered. They were applied in a prescribed region downstream of the blade trailing edge, excluding the endwall boundary layers. A sensitivity analysis to the distance from the trailing edge at which they are activated is presented in order to assess their applicability to the whole wake affected portion of the computational domain and outside the training region. It is shown how the best-performing closure can provide results in very good agreement with the experimental data in terms of wake loss profiles, with substantial improvements relative to traditional turbulence models. The discussed analysis also provides guidelines for defining an automated zonal application of turbulence closures trained for wake-mixing predictions.
Analysis of Water-Cooled Intercooler Thermal Characteristics
Authors: Yu Chao , Zhang Wenbao , Xue Xiangyao , Lou Jiarun , Lao Guochao
Published: December 2021

With the incremental power of construction machinery diesel engines, the power performance of diesel engines and the pollutant emissions from the exhaust gas have imposed increasingly stringent requirements on the intake cooling system of diesel engines. This paper compared the j/f evaluation factors for fin unit bodies of water-cooled intercooler (including straight fins and rectangular misaligned fins) by means of CFD simulation, and found that the rectangular misaligned fins had an 8% advantage in comprehensive performance. With the rectangular staggered fin intercooler, it was found that under the same conditions, the cooling efficiency of the dual-pass water-cooled intercooler is higher than that of the single-pass water-cooled intercooler, and the uniformity factor of the temperature difference field of the dual-pass water-cooled intercooler is 1.5% higher than that of the latter. The accuracy of the overall simulation of the intercooler is verified by the field test. The dual-pass and single-pass water-cooled intercooler both can maintain heat balance under working conditions, and its average air inlet temperature is 10 °C lower than that of the original air-cooled intercooler, which provides support for further reducing the engine air inlet temperature. The results provide a theoretical basis for the performance improvement of water-cooled intercoolers.
Optical Genome Mapping in Routine Human Genetic Diagnostics—Its Advantages and Limitations
Authors: Dremsek Paul , Schwarz Thomas , Weil Beatrix , Malashka Alina , Laccone Franco , Neesen Jürgen
Published: December 2021

In recent years, optical genome mapping (OGM) has developed into a highly promising method of detecting large-scale structural variants in human genomes. It is capable of detecting structural variants considered difficult to detect by other current methods. Hence, it promises to be feasible as a first-line diagnostic tool, permitting insight into a new realm of previously unknown variants. However, due to its novelty, little experience with OGM is available to infer best practices for its application or to clarify which features cannot be detected. In this study, we used the Saphyr system (Bionano Genomics, San Diego, CA, USA), to explore its capabilities in human genetic diagnostics. To this end, we tested 14 DNA samples to confirm a total of 14 different structural or numerical chromosomal variants originally detected by other means, namely, deletions, duplications, inversions, trisomies, and a translocation. Overall, 12 variants could be confirmed; one deletion and one inversion could not. The prerequisites for detection of similar variants were explored by reviewing the OGM data of 54 samples analyzed in our laboratory. Limitations, some owing to the novelty of the method and some inherent to it, were described. Finally, we tested the successful application of OGM in routine diagnostics and described some of the challenges that merit consideration when utilizing OGM as a diagnostic tool.
Homologous Recombination as a Fundamental Genome Surveillance Mechanism during DNA Replication
Authors: Spies Julian , Polasek-Sedlackova Hana , Lukas Jiri , Somyajit Kumar
Published: December 2021

Accurate and complete genome replication is a fundamental cellular process for the proper transfer of genetic material to cell progenies, normal cell growth, and genome stability. However, a plethora of extrinsic and intrinsic factors challenge individual DNA replication forks and cause replication stress (RS), a hallmark of cancer. When challenged by RS, cells deploy an extensive range of mechanisms to safeguard replicating genomes and limit the burden of DNA damage. Prominent among those is homologous recombination (HR). Although fundamental to cell division, evidence suggests that cancer cells exploit and manipulate these RS responses to fuel their evolution and gain resistance to therapeutic interventions. In this review, we focused on recent insights into HR-mediated protection of stress-induced DNA replication intermediates, particularly the repair and protection of daughter strand gaps (DSGs) that arise from discontinuous replication across a damaged DNA template. Besides mechanistic underpinnings of this process, which markedly differ depending on the extent and duration of RS, we highlight the pathophysiological scenarios where DSG repair is naturally silenced. Finally, we discuss how such pathophysiological events fuel rampant mutagenesis, promoting cancer evolution, but also manifest in adaptative responses that can be targeted for cancer therapy.
Combined Transcriptome and Metabolome Analysis of Alfalfa Response to Thrips Infection
Authors: Zhang Zhiqiang , Chen Qi , Tan Yao , Shuang Shuang , Dai Rui , Jiang Xiaohong , Temuer Buhe
Published: December 2021

Thrips (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) is a major insect pest for alfalfa which can result in decreased plant nutrients, low yields, and even plant death. To identify the differentially expressed genes and metabolites in response to thrips in alfalfa, a combination of metabolomics and transcriptomics was employed using alfalfa (Caoyuan No. 2) with and without thrips infestation. The results showed that the flavonoid biosynthesis and isoflavonoid biosynthesis pathways were the most significantly enriched pathways in response to thrips infection, as shown by the combined transcriptome and metabolome analysis. The transcriptome results showed that SA and JA signal transduction and PAPM-triggered immunity and the MAPK signaling pathway–plant pathways played a crucial role in thrips-induced plant resistance in alfalfa. In addition, we found that thrips infestation could also induce numerous changes in plant primary metabolism, such as carbohydrate and amino acid metabolism as compared to the control. Overall, our results described here should improve fundamental knowledge of molecular responses to herbivore-inducible plant defenses and contribute to the design of strategies against thrips in alfalfa.
The Current Understanding of and Treatment Paradigm for Newly-Diagnosed TP53-Mutated Acute Myeloid Leukemia
Authors: Shallis Rory M. , Stahl Maximilian , Bewersdorf Jan Philipp , Zeidan Amer M.
Published: December 2021

About 10% of newly diagnosed and 20–30% of therapy-related acute myeloid leukemia (AML) harbors a TP53 mutation (mTP53-AML). Unfortunately, this biological subset predicts one of the worst prognoses among patients with AML, specifically a median overall survival of about 7 months with fewer than 10% of patients eventually cured of disease. Although remission rates appear to be increased with venetoclax-based, less-intensive regimens when compared with contemporary, intensive chemotherapy (55–65% vs. 40%), survival appears to be no different between the two approaches. Attempts to discern whether or not the prognosis of mTP53-AML is universally poor have centered around the study of concurrent cytogenetic risk and predicted TP53 allelic state, measurable residual disease status and the impact of conditioning intensity for patients proceeding to allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. We discuss these considerations in this review and offer the current treatment approach to TP53-mutated AML.
History from Scratch: Introduction to the Special Issue
Authors: Mathieu Jon
Published: December 2021

This is the first Special Issue of the online journal “histories”, launched in 2020 [...]
Experiences and Challenges of an English as a Medium of Instruction Course in Taiwan during COVID-19
Authors: Lin Shih-Ling , Wen Tzu-Hsing , Ching Gregory S. , Huang Yu-Chen
Published: December 2021

Recently, Taiwan’s higher education has been impacted by COVID-19 and the necessity of English as a Medium of Instruction (EMI). In 2018, the Taiwanese government approved a roadmap for the development of a bilingual nation by 2030. This resulted in a renewed focus on EMI. However, the fluctuating surges of COVID-19 have caused university classes to shift from face-to-face to online. To assess its effectiveness, the current paper describes the quantitative and qualitative experiences and challenges associated with a blended EMI course within a private Taiwanese university. The data was collected from the students in the spring semester of 2020 (40 students) and 2021 (23 students). Overall satisfaction rate is calculated at 4.13; indicating that the transition from face-to-face to online has not affected the students’ overall satisfaction with the course. In addition, interviews and focus groups respondents pointed out the importance of a student-centered course approach and the opportunity to practice English in order to improve their competitiveness. While the flexibility offered by the blended learning approach during COVID-19 has given students more freedom to learn at their own pace. Lastly, in times of uncertainty, a careful pedagogical design will help to make the learning process fruitful and sustainable.
Stress and Adjustment during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Qualitative Study on the Lived Experience of Canadian Older Adults
Authors: Fiocco Alexandra J. , Gryspeerdt Charlie , Franco Giselle
Published: December 2021

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, social distancing measures were put into place to flatten the pandemic curve. It was projected that older adults were at increased risk for poor psychological and health outcomes resulting from increased social isolation and loneliness. However, little research has supported this projection among community-dwelling older adults. While a growing body of research has examined the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on older adults, there is a paucity of qualitative research that captures the lived experience of community-dwelling older adults in Canada. The current study aimed to better understand the lived experience of community-dwelling older adults during the first six months of the pandemic in Ontario, Canada. Semi-structured one-on-one interviews were conducted with independent-living older adults aged 65 years and older. A total of 22 interviews were analyzed using inductive thematic analysis. Following a recursive process, two overarching themes were identified: perceived threat and challenges of the pandemic, and coping with the pandemic. Specifically, participants reflected on the threat of contracting the virus and challenges associated with living arrangements, social isolation, and financial insecurity. Participants shared their coping strategies to maintain health and wellbeing, including behavioral strategies, emotion-focused strategies, and social support. Overall, this research highlights resilience among older adults during the first six months of the pandemic.
Personality Dimensions of Serbian Lifeguards
Authors: Dimitrić Goran , Maksimović Nebojša , Tabakova Elena , Jakšić Milorad , Orlić Dejan , Sadiković Selka , Karaba-Jakovljević Dea , Zenić Nataša , Drid Patrik
Published: December 2021

According to the World Health Organization’s (WHO) global drowning report (2017), drowning is the third leading cause of unintentional injury death worldwide. Drowning can occur anywhere there is water: oceans, seas, lakes, pools, bathtubs, rivers or water collection on the side of the road, etc. In many countries, there are drowning prevention programs for children and adults. The two most commonly used strategiesagainst drowning are the presence of lifeguards in public places and the use of protected areas that could prevent most of the drownings. The main aim of the present study is to examine the individual differences in a Big Five plus Two (BF+2) personality traits in lifeguards and non-lifeguards (including students). The subsample of lifeguards represented 122 male respondents who were, at the time of the survey, licensed as lifeguards (60.9%) or were in training for lifeguards—candidates (39.1%). The subsample of students represented 138 male respondents who were studying at the University of Novi Sad. The results indicate that lifeguards in comparison to students are more extraverted, open to experience, and conscientious, less neurotic, and aggressive. Both positive and negative valence are higher in student subsample. All of the above traits are desirable traits for people working as lifeguards.
New Insights on the Mediating Role of Emotional Intelligence and Social Support on University Students’ Mental Health during COVID-19 Pandemic: Gender Matters
Authors: Barros Carla , Sacau-Fontenla Ana
Published: December 2021

Due to the demanding changes caused in the population by the COVID-19 pandemic, including a persisting experience of fear and social isolation, multiple studies have focused on the protective role of several psychological characteristics on mental health. Emotional intelligence and social support are commonly linked to mental health and well-being. The present study aims to analyze the mediator role of emotional intelligence and social support on university students’ mental health, taking into consideration the role of gender differences. An online questionnaire was administered to a sample of 923 university students during the COVID-19 lockdown in Portugal. Significant gender differences were found on mental health symptoms, emotional intelligence, and social support. A double mediation model was computed to verify if gender influences on mental health were mediated by emotional intelligence and social support. The results show indirect effects of gender on mental health. However, as both mediators mediate in the opposite direction, the total indirect effects become null. Thus, a strong direct effect of gender on mental health remains. The results of the present study have theoretical implications on protective factors of mental health by gender and practical implications for psychological intervention in university counselling services.
Drug–Drug Interactions in Vestibular Diseases, Clinical Problems, and Medico-Legal Implications
Authors: Di Mizio Giulio , Marcianò Gianmarco , Palleria Caterina , Muraca Lucia , Rania Vincenzo , Roberti Roberta , Spaziano Giuseppe , Piscopo Amalia , Ciconte Valeria , Di Nunno Nunzio , Esposito Massimiliano , Viola Pasquale , Pisani Davide , De Sarro Giovambattista , Raffi Milena , Piras Alessandro , Chiarella Giuseppe , Gallelli Luca
Published: December 2021

Peripheral vestibular disease can be treated with several approaches (e.g., maneuvers, surgery, or medical approach). Comorbidity is common in elderly patients, so polytherapy is used, but it can generate the development of drug–drug interactions (DDIs) that play a role in both adverse drug reactions and reduced adherence. For this reason, they need a complex kind of approach, considering all their individual characteristics. Physicians must be able to prescribe and deprescribe drugs based on a solid knowledge of pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and clinical indications. Moreover, full information is required to reach a real therapeutic alliance, to improve the safety of care and reduce possible malpractice claims related to drug–drug interactions. In this review, using PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane library, we searched articles published until 30 August 2021, and described both pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic DDIs in patients with vestibular disorders, focusing the interest on their clinical implications and on risk management strategies.
Avoidant Coping of the Decision-Making Process on the Location of Care in Old Age: A Possible Conspiracy of Silence?
Authors: Serrano-Gemes Gema , Gil Isabel , Coelho Adriana , Serrano-del-Rosal Rafael
Published: December 2021

The conspiracy of silence is extremely important due to both its high incidence and its consequences. This process usually occurs in situations of palliative care, or death; however, this concept is also mentioned in the literature linked to other contexts. Therefore, our objective was to study whether the conspiracy of silence may be extrapolated to the context of decision-making on the location of care in old age. To this end, we first analyzed the in-depth semi structured qualitative interviews conducted with older people, caregivers, and professionals, about decision-making on the location of care in old age. Subsequently, a comparative analysis was performed between the basic elements of the conspiracy of silence and this decision-making. Our findings revealed an avoidance process developed by all three groups. Furthermore, this decision-making presents similarities with the conspiracy of silence in the process of avoidance coping and denial that is developed. However, there are significant differences, as information is not withheld from the older person, who has an active attitude in the process of avoidance. Decision-making on the location of care in old age does not exactly match the conspiracy of silence process, but it does seem to correspond to a pact of silence.
Dynamics of Mask Use as a Prevention Strategy against SARS-CoV-2 in Panama
Authors: Fernández-Marín Hermógenes , Bruner-Montero Gaspar , Portugal-Loayza Ana , Miranda Virginia , Villarreal Dominguez Alcibiades Elias , Ortega-Barría Eduardo , Núñez-Samudio Virginia , Landires Iván , Mejía Luis C. , López-Vergès Sandra , Wcislo William T. , Kosagisharaf Jagannatha Rao
Published: December 2021

Early in the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, many national public health authorities implemented non-pharmaceutical interventions to mitigate disease outbreaks. Panamá established mandatory mask use two months after its first documented case. Initial compliance was high, but diverse masks were used in public areas. We studied behavioral dynamics of mask use through the first two COVID-19 waves in Panama, to improve the implementation of effective, low-cost public health containment measures when populations are exposed to novel air-borne pathogens. Mask use behavior was recorded from pedestrians in four Panamanian populations (August to December 2020). We recorded facial coverings and if used, the type of mask, and gender and estimated age of the wearer. Our results showed that people were highly compliant (>95%) with mask mandates and demonstrated important population-level behaviors: (1) decreasing use of cloth masks over time, and increasing use of surgical masks; (2) mask use was 3-fold lower in suburban neighborhoods than other public areas and (3) young people were least likely to wear masks. Results help focus on highly effective, low-cost, public health interventions for managing and controlling a pandemic. Considerations of behavioral preferences for different masks, relative to pricing and availability, are essential for optimizing public health policies. Policies to increase the availability of effective masks, and behavioral nudges to increase acceptance, and to facilitate mask usage, during the ongoing SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, and for future pandemics of respiratory pathogens, are key tools, especially for nations lagging in access to expensive vaccines and pharmacological approaches.
Family Migration and Social Integration of Migrants: Evidence from Wuhan Metropolitan Area, China
Authors: Li Yanan , Xiong Chan , Zhu Zhe , Lin Qiaowen
Published: December 2021

The social integration in host cities of China’s migrant population and its determinants has received much attention from researchers. However, few have directly addressed the family migration in differentiating migrants’ social integration. This study employs descriptive statistics and multivariate regression to explore the social integration across different family migration types, based on the data of China Migrants Dynamic Survey 2013 and 2017 in Wuhan metropolitan area. The findings show that the family migration in Wuhan metropolitan area is prevalent, and the central city Wuhan has advantages both in the proportion of whole-family migration and the scores of migrants’ social integration. In addition, the migrants’ family migration is significantly positively associated with their social integration, but the effect is variance in the regression models of social integration’s four dimensions. The findings reveal the Wuhan City’s leading position in promoting migrants’ social integration within the Wuhan metropolitan area. Furthermore, migration with more family members has higher levels of integration in economy and public service. This implies that the convenience provided by inflow cities’ government for family migration is crucial. To provide high-quality public services is of great significance to attract and retain migrants and then promote their overall social integration.
Age of Initiation of Dual Tobacco Use and Binge Drinking among Youth (12–17 Years Old): Findings from the Population Assessment of Tobacco and Health (PATH) Study
Authors: Pérez Adriana , Kuk Arnold E. , Bluestein Meagan A. , Sia Hui Min Shirlyn , Chen Baojiang
Published: December 2021

Earlier exposure to binge drinking and tobacco use is associated with higher odds of substance use disorders. Using national youth data from the PATH study, we prospectively estimate the age of initiating past 30-day use of (1) cigarettes, e-cigarettes, and binge drinking, and (2) cigarettes, cigarillos, and binge drinking. Cox proportional hazard models were used to estimate differences in the age of initiation by sex, race/ethnicity, and previous use of other tobacco products. By age 21, 4.4% (95% CI: 3.7–5.2) and 2.0% (95% CI: 1.2–2.8) of youth reported initiation of past 30-day use outcomes (1) and (2), respectively. After controlling for sex and previous use of other tobacco products, statistically significant differences in the age of initiation by race/ethnicity were found for each outcome: Hispanic and non-Hispanic Black youth were less likely than non-Hispanic White youth to initiate past 30-day use of both outcomes (1) and (2) at earlier ages. Although the initiation of both outcomes remained relatively low by age 21, these incidences represent 1.56 million and 700,000 youth, respectively. This study provides the public with evidence to identify the particular ages at which education campaigns may be most effective to prevent youth from initiating these three substances. Further research is needed to estimate the age of initiation of other dual tobacco use patterns with binge drinking.
Psychometric Properties of the Work Ability Index in Health Centre Workers in Spain
Authors: Mateo Rodríguez Inmaculada , Knox Emily Caitlin Lily , Oliver Hernández Coral , Daponte Codina Antonio ,   the esTAR Group
Published: December 2021

The aim of the present study is to analyse the psychometric properties of the work ability index (WAI) within a sample of Spanish health centre workers. The WAI was translated into Spanish using transcultural and forward–backward translation processes and administered to 1184 Spanish health centre workers. Internal consistency, predictive validity, and discriminative ability were examined. Exploratory factor analysis, via principal components analysis and confirmatory factor analysis, determined the most appropriate questionnaire structure. All indices in relation to predictive validity and reliability were acceptable. Exploratory factor analysis supported validity of the one-factor structure, however, confirmatory factor analysis suggested better properties in relation to a two-factor structure (χ2 = 59.52; CFI = 0.98; TLI = 0.96; RMSEA = 0.06). Items 3, 4, and 5 loaded onto factor one, and items 1, 2, 6, and 7 loaded onto factor two. The two factors could be broadly described as “subjectively estimated work ability” and “ill-health-related ability”. The WAI is valid and reliable when administered to health centre workers in Spain. In contrast to that suggested by studies conducted in other countries, future research and practical application with similar respondents and settings should proceed using the two-factor structure.
Occupational Disease as the Bane of Workers’ Lives: A Study of Its Incidence in Slovakia. Part 2
Authors: Andrejiova Miriam , Pinosova Miriama , Badida Miroslav
Published: December 2021

The main objective of this article is to monitor the development of the number of occupational diseases related to selected physical factors in the working environment (noise, vibration and dust). Each region of Slovakia has its own specific social and economic conditions. Due to the existence of a strong correlation between the several regional variables observed, principal component analysis (PCA) was used to determine the new variables. Cluster analysis was used to group regions with similar characteristics. A dendrogram was created using the average linkage method, which illustrated the similarity of the regions studied. The value of the cophenetic correlation coefficient (CC = 0.90) confirms the validity of the average linkage method. The result of the cluster analysis is the grouping of the eight regions into five homogenic groups (clusters). An analysis of the data shows that Slovakia’s regional differences significantly influence the incidence of occupational diseases in individual regions. It is shown that, in Slovakia, the development of the number of occupational diseases has seen a favourable trend in the long term.
Gamifying App-Based Low-Intensity Psychological Interventions to Prevent Sports Injuries in Young Athletes: A Review and Some Guidelines
Authors: Rubio Víctor J. , Olmedilla Aurelio
Published: December 2021

Sports injuries have become a real health concern. Particularly noticeable is the increasing number of severe sports injuries among young people. Sports injury (SI) is a multifactorial event where many internal and external, proximal and remote factors play a role in a recursive way, including physical and psychological variables. Accordingly, many voices expressing the need of tackling that and several prevention programs have arisen. Nevertheless, different barriers and limitations prevent a wide extension of well-controlled programs, closely monitored by highly specialized professionals in ordinary sports grass-root organizations. These have helped flourishing different low intensity (LI)-interventions and e-Health apps focusing on both physical warmup, training and fitness, and mental skills aimed at reducing athlete’s vulnerability to SIs. This kind of intervention usually uses self-administered techniques and/or non-specialized staff that can effectively monitoring the program. In fact, LI-interventions have shown to be effective coping with different health and psychological issues. However, these interventions face an important challenge: the lack of engagement people usually show. The current paper proposes how gamification can contribute to the engagement to such interventions. Based on the mechanics–dynamics–aesthetics framework to analyze game design, the paper suggests a set of guidelines app- and web-LI interventions aimed at preventing SIs should include to foster motivation and reduce attrition.
First Systematic Review on Health Communication Using the CiteSpace Software in China: Exploring Its Research Hotspots and Frontiers
Authors: Dang Qiong , Luo Zhongming , Ouyang Chuhao , Wang Lin
Published: December 2021

Since the 1970s, health communication (HC) has attracted widespread attention from practitioners and researchers in various fields in China, leading to the production of a vast array of literature. In order to reveal the current state, popular themes, and research frontiers of HC research, this study employed the CiteSpace software to conduct a comprehensive review based on 1505 HC publications from 1992 to 2021 retrieved from the China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) database. The results demonstrated that (1) the number of HC publications has experienced an annual increase over the past 20 years, albeit with certain inverted S-shaped fluctuations and (2) the most prolific authors mainly included Wang L.Y., Zhang Z.L., and Wang Y.L., while well-known universities played a leading role in HC research in China. A significant finding was that a stable core group of authors or institutional has been not formed in the HC field. Furthermore, (3) research hotspots included health education, new media, health literacy, health information, animal husbandry and veterinary medicine (AHVM), the doctor–patient relationship, and public health emergencies. Additionally, the development of the field could be divided into four stages, indicating a significant shift in HC research from focusing on medicine and public health issues towards communication issues. Finally, (4) new research frontiers have mainly included the WeChat official account and Health China.
Review of the Existing Evidence for Sex-Specific Relationships between Prenatal Phthalate Exposure and Children’s Neurodevelopment
Authors: Jankowska Agnieszka , Nazareth Linda , Kaleta Dorota , Polanska Kinga
Published: December 2021

Phthalates are well-known, ubiquitous environmental contaminants influencing children’s health and their neurodevelopment. However, results of the previously conducted studies are not entirely conclusive. The aim of this review is to present the current state of knowledge with respect to the association between the prenatal phthalate exposure and sex-specific child neurodevelopmental outcomes. A systematic search of the literature was carried out to identify the studies that analyse the sex-specific association between prenatal exposure to phthalates and cognitive, psychomotor outcomes and behavioural and emotional problems. The search was conducted in May 2021, and it was limited to the papers published in English between January 2015 and April 2021. The following databases were used: PubMed, Scopus and Elsevier. The selection process was carried out by two independent authors according to the inclusion criteria. Of a total of 7542 records, 17 epidemiological studies met the inclusion criteria with regards to phthalate exposure and sex-specific differences in child neurobehavioural development. The review shows no clear pattern of association between maternal exposure to phthalates during pregnancy and offspring neurodevelopment. No clearly pronounced sex specific effects, except for BBzP exposure and decreased motor ablates among girls, have been indicated. Inconsistences in the results, as well as unsolved issues related to the interpretation of the results in the context of the exposure level, outcomes, confounders, and biological plausibility highlight the necessity for further research in the field.
Recovery Capital among Migrants and Ethnic Minorities in Recovery from Problem Substance Use: An Analysis of Lived Experiences
Authors: Pouille Aline , Bellaert Lore , Vander Laenen Freya , Vanderplasschen Wouter
Published: December 2021

Migrants and ethnic minorities (MEM) are known to be disadvantaged concerning risk factors for problem substance use and resources to initiate and sustain recovery (i.e., recovery capital). Yet, the voices of MEM are largely overlooked in recovery literature. This study explores recovery capital through 34 semi-structured interviews with a diverse sample of MEM in recovery in two ethnically diverse cities in Belgium. A Qualitative Content Analysis using recovery capital theory allowed us to identify various recovery resources on a personal, social, and community level. While physical and human recovery resources play a central role in participants’ narratives, personal recovery capital is closely intertwined with meaningful social networks (i.e., social recovery capital) and recovery-supportive environments that maximize opportunities for building culturally sensitive recovery capital (i.e., community recovery capital). Though MEM-specific elements such as culture, migration background, stigma, and structural inequalities play a significant role in the recovery resources of MEM, the largely “universal” nature of recovery capital became clear. The narratives disclose a distinction between “essential” and “acquired” recovery capital, as well as the duality of some recovery resources. The need for developing recovery-oriented systems of care that are culturally responsive, diminish structural inequalities, and facilitate building recovery capital that is sensitive to the needs of MEM is emphasized.
Taking Care of Friends: The Implementation Evaluation of a Peer-Focused School Program Using First Aid to Reduce Adolescent Risk-Taking and Injury
Authors: Buckley Lisa , Sheehan Mary , Dingli Kelly , Reveruzzi Bianca , Horgan Veronica
Published: December 2021

Injury is a leading cause of adolescent deaths, with risk-taking associated with a sizeable proportion of injuries and many of those risks undertaken in the presence of peers or with peers’ knowledge. Novel ways to promote safety are required and using the peer-relationship may be an important mechanism for prevention. This study reports on the implementation evaluation of the Skills for Preventing Injury in Youth (SPIY) program. SPIY is a high-school program designed to reduce injury by encouraging peers to look out for one another and prevent risk-taking, complemented by developing peer helping and first aid skills as well as school connectedness. 152 students and 12 teachers who delivered SPIY participated in separate 30 min focus groups and reported on students’ understanding of peer protective behaviour and the program implementation (adherence, dose, quality of program delivery, and participant responsiveness). Students reported on many approaches to protecting friends and both students and teachers reported they found the program interesting, interactive, and able to be delivered. Peer protection messages were relevant and acceptable to teachers and students in a risk-taking harm reduction program to reduce adolescent injury.
Spatio–Temporal Heterogeneity of Urban Expansion and Population Growth in China
Authors: Liu Shuangshuang , Liao Qipeng , Liang Yuan , Li Zhifei , Huang Chunbo
Published: December 2021

Urbanization has become one of the hot issues of global sustainable development, and is mainly characterized by urban population growth and construction land expansion. However, the inharmonious development of urban expansion and population migration has brought serious challenges to urban planning and management. China is the largest developing country in the world, and the urbanization process has accelerated over the past decades. In this paper, decoupling analysis was used to demonstrate the spatio–temporal relationship between urban expansion and population growth in 321 prefecture–level cities in China, providing a reference basis for sustainable development. The results showed that China’s population, total GDP, and construction land area increased from 1990 to 2018. The rate of construction land expansion was larger in the eastern coastal and western regions than in the northeastern and central regions, but the population growth rate was not significantly different among these regions. According to the decoupling analysis, the relationships of population–GDP, construction land–GDP, and population–construction land were mainly weak decoupling, indicating that both the population growth and the construction land expansion lagged behind the economic development, and the population growth lagged behind construction land expansion. In addition, the results were analyzed based on China’s four economic regions. Population and construction land area changes in the northeastern provinces experienced a shift from weak decoupling to expansive negative decoupling, then presented a strong decoupling. The decoupling state of population–construction land in the west region was relatively stable. The relationship between population and construction land in the central regions was mainly weak decoupling, and some cities developed into strong decoupling. The relationship between population and construction land in the east region experienced a shift from strong decoupling to weak decoupling, then demonstrated expansive negative decoupling, mainly manifested in the Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei, Yangtze River Delta, and Pearl River Delta urban agglomerations. Therefore, the northeast region should take measures to promote regional population growth while reasonably controlling the expansion of construction land, the west region should focus on ecological protection and moderately attract population, the central region should control their population development and reasonably allocate land, and the east region should pay attention to and solve the citizenship problem of migrant workers in second–tier and third–tier cities when promoting new urbanization.
Green Diesel Production by Catalytic Hydrodeoxygenation of Vegetables Oils
Authors: Di Vito Nolfi Giuseppe , Gallucci Katia , Rossi Leucio
Published: December 2021

Non-renewable fossil fuels and the air pollution associated with their combustion have made it necessary to develop fuels that are environmentally friendly and produced from renewable sources. In addition, global warming and climate change have brought to the attention of many countries the need to develop programs and reforms, such as the 2030 Agenda of the United Nations and the European Green Deal, that finance and promote the conversion of all socio-economic activities in favor of sustainable and environmentally friendly development. These major projects include the development of non-polluting biofuels derived from renewable sources. Vegetable oils are a renewable source widely used to produce biofuels due to their high energy density and similar chemical composition to petroleum derivatives, making them the perfect feedstock for biofuel production. Green diesel and other hydrocarbon biofuels, obtained by the catalytic deoxygenation of vegetable oils, represent a sustainable alternative to mineral diesel, as they have physico-chemical properties similar to derived oil fuels. The catalyst, temperature, hydrogen pressure, and the type of vegetable oil can influence the type of biofuel obtained and its properties. The main aspects discussed in this review include the influence of the catalyst and reaction conditions on the catalytic deoxygenation reaction.