bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Experimental Investigation on the Vector Characteristics of Concentrated Solar Radiation Flux Map
Authors: Dai Guilong , Zhuang Ying , Wang Xiaoyu , Chen Xue , Sun Chuang , Du Shenghua
Published: December 2022

It is difficult to measure the concentrated solar radiation flux (CSRF) inside a cavity receiver directly due to the complex geometry of cavity receivers. At present, most reports measure the CSRF at the aperture plane (generally coinciding with the focal plane of solar concentrators) of the cavity receiver instead of at the absorber wall, which would result in serious aberration because of the obvious difference in configuration between the aperture plane and the absorber wall. To obtain the CSRF at the absorber wall with complex geometry, the vector characteristics (consisting of both directional distributions and spatial distributions) of the CSRF at the focal plane were measured using developed double water-cooled Lambertian targets together with a CCD (charge-coupled device) camera. Then the CSRF images at the absorber wall of a hemisphere cavity receiver were carried out by applying MCRTM (Monte Carlo ray-tracing method) in combination with the measured vector results of the CSRF at the aperture plane. Results show that the directional distributions of the CSRF at the aperture plane are rather nonhomogeneous along the zenith angle and the circumferential angle. The directional distribution performance of the CSRF at the focal plane plays an equally important role in the CSRF images of the cavity receivers. In addition, the relative error of the peak CSRF value of the cavity receiver between the uniform and the measured directional distribution cases is up to 16%. The conclusions provide an important reference for the development of the CSRF measurement.
The Impact of Fuel Injection Timing and Charge Dilution Rate on Low Temperature Combustion in a Compression Ignition Engine
Authors: Sarangi Asish K. , McTaggart-Cowan Gordon P. , Garner Colin P.
Published: December 2022

Using high charge dilution low temperature combustion (LTC) strategies in a diesel engine offers low emissions of nitrogen oxides (NOx). These strategies are limited to part-load conditions and involve high levels of charge dilution, typically achieved through the use of recirculated exhaust gases (EGR). The slow response of the gas handling system, compared to load demand and fuelling, can lead to conditions where dilution levels are higher or lower than expected, impacting emissions and combustion stability. This article reports on the sensitivity of high-dilution LTC to variations in EGR rate and fuel injection timing. Impacts on engine efficiency, combustion stability and emissions are assessed in a single-cylinder engine and compared to in-cylinder flame temperatures measured using a borescope-based two-colour pyrometer. The work focuses on low-load conditions (300 kPa gross indicated mean effective pressure) and includes an EGR sweep from conventional diesel mode to high-dilution LTC, and sensitivity studies investigating the effects of variations in charge dilution and fuel injection timing at the high-dilution LTC condition. Key findings from the study include that the peak flame temperature decreased from ~2580 K in conventional diesel combustion with no EGR to 1800 K in LTC with low-NOx, low-soot operation and an EGR rate of 57%. Increasing the EGR to 64% reduced flame temperatures to 1400 K but increased total hydrocarbon (THC) and carbon monoxide (CO) emissions by 30–50% and increased fuel consumption by 5–7%. Charge dilution was found to have a stronger effect on the combustion process than the diesel injection timing under these LTC conditions. Advancing fuel injection timings at increasing dilution kept combustion instability below 2.5%. Peak in-cylinder temperatures were maintained in the 2000–2100 K range, while THC and CO emissions were controlled by delaying the onset of bulk quenching. Very early injection (earlier than 24 °CA before top-dead-centre) resulted in spray impingement on the piston crown, resulting in degraded efficiency and higher emissions. The results of this study demonstrate the potential of fuel injection timing modification to accommodate variations in charge dilution rates while maintaining low NOx and PM emissions in a diesel engine using low-temperature combustion strategies at part loads.
Slow Pyrolysis of Quercus cerris Cork: Characterization of Biochars and Pyrolysis Volatiles
Authors: Sen Umut , Martins Marta , Santos Everton , Lemos Maria Amelia , Lemos Francisco , Pereira Helena
Published: December 2022

Waste cork granules of Quercus cerris bark were subjected to isothermal and non-isothermal slow pyrolysis. The heat of the reaction, as well as the yields and properties of biochar, bio-oil, and pyrolysis gas were investigated by thermogravimetric analysis, FT-IR, CHN elemental analysis, higher heating value (HHV) determinations, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and gas chromatography (GC). The slow pyrolysis was carried out in a semi-batch reactor using an isothermal or a non-isothermal dynamic approach. The results demonstrated that isothermal or non-isothermal slow pyrolysis of cork is a slightly exothermic reaction that produces biochars. The elemental analysis results indicated that non-isothermally produced chars have similar fuel properties compared to isothermally produced chars. The FT-IR results showed that cork suberin undergoes a higher degree of degradation in isothermal chars and aromatization begins in the char structure. Bio-oils are also produced and they consist of C5–C12 hydrocarbons with C8 carbon compounds making up the main fraction. Lighter components, mainly C1–C2 hydrocarbons are collected in the gas phase. The overall results indicate a possible reduced-cost route for the production of cork-based biochars by using non-isothermal slow pyrolysis.
The Effect of Surface Treatment on the Antibacterial Properties of Wood and the Possibility to Detect the Antibacteriality with Fluorescence Method
Authors: Vainio-Kaila Tiina , Harju Anni , Rohumaa Anti , Paajanen Olli , Venäläinen Martti , Seppä Julia , Veijalainen Anna-Maria , Pasanen Pertti
Published: December 2022

Wood is a widely used indoor material, and thus it is important to consider wood performance in microbial cross contamination via surfaces. In this study, both untreated and surface- treated wood materials were studied by simulating airborne bacterial contamination and evaluating the number of bacterial colonies on the material surfaces. The materials studied were untreated pine heartwood and sapwood, spruce, silver birch, and glass as a reference. The intensity of UV-excited fluorescence was measured to find the most antibacterial Scots pine heartwood. The coatings used were varnish and wax for Scots pine sapwood. The surface roughness of all material types was compared, and it was found to be uniform. All untreated wood surfaces had less viable bacterial colonies at all time points compared to the glass reference, and the surface treated samples did not differ from the glass reference indicating that the antibacterial properties of wood were blocked by both varnish and wax. The fluorescence method was practical to use, but wider testing will be needed to validate it more thoroughly. The results indicate also that silver birch has similar antibacterial properties as pine and spruce and hence should be studied further.
Crabtree Effect on Rhodosporidium toruloides Using Wood Hydrolysate as a Culture Media
Authors: Osorio-González Carlos S. , Saini Rahul , Hegde Krishnamoorthy , Brar Satinder Kaur , Lefebvre Alain , Avalos Ramírez Antonio
Published: December 2022

The interest in microorganisms to produce microbial lipids at large-scale processes has increased during the last decades. Rhodosporidium toruloides-1588 could be an efficient option for its ability to simultaneously utilize five- and six-carbon sugars. Nevertheless, one of the most important characteristics that any strain needs to be considered or used at an industrial scale is its capacity to grow in substrates with high sugar concentrations. In this study, the effect of high sugar concentrations and the effect of ammonium sulfate were tested on R. toruloides-1588 and its capacity to grow and accumulate lipids using undetoxified wood hydrolysates. Batch fermentations showed a catabolic repression effect on R. toruloides-1588 growth at sugar concentrations of 120 g/L. The maximum lipid accumulation was 8.2 g/L with palmitic, stearic, oleic, linoleic, and lignoceric acids as predominant fatty acids in the produced lipids. Furthermore, R. toruloides-1588 was able to utilize up to 80% of the total xylose content. Additionally, this study is the first to report the effect of using high xylose concentrations on the growth, sugar utilization, and lipid accumulation by R. toruloides-1588.
An Analysis of ML-Based Outlier Detection from Mobile Phone Trajectories
Authors: Pereira Francisco Melo , Sofia Rute C.
Published: December 2022

This paper provides an analysis of two machine learning algorithms, density-based spatial clustering of applications with noise (DBSCAN) and the local outlier factor (LOF), applied in the detection of outliers in the context of a continuous framework for the detection of points of interest (PoI). This framework has as input mobile trajectories of users that are continuously fed to the framework in close to real time. Such frameworks are today still in their infancy and highly required in large-scale sensing deployments, e.g., Smart City planning deployments, where individual anonymous trajectories of mobile users can be useful to better develop urban planning. The paper’s contributions are twofold. Firstly, the paper provides the functional design for the overall PoI detection framework. Secondly, the paper analyses the performance of DBSCAN and LOF for outlier detection considering two different datasets, a dense and large dataset with over 170 mobile phone-based trajectories and a smaller and sparser dataset, involving 3 users and 36 trajectories. Results achieved show that LOF exhibits the best performance across the different datasets, thus showing better suitability for outlier detection in the context of frameworks that perform PoI detection in close to real time.
Evaluation of Sustainable Utilization of African Marine Fishery Resources
Authors: Bi Mo , Zhang Zhenke , Guo Xinya , Wan Lei
Published: December 2022

Sustainable utilization evaluation is the basis for ensuring the sustainable exploitation of fisheries’ resources. This paper explores the changes in the mean trophic level of African marine fish catches during a 70-year period based on the statistical data on marine fisheries’ catches in Africa from 1950–2019, provided by the FAO in, order to determine the sustainable utilization of Africa’s fishery resources. The results indicate that although the marine fishery resources of African coastal countries have great variability, their exploitation has roughly gone through the stages of under-exploitation, rapid exploitation, and over-exploitation. Currently, marine fisheries in North and Central Africa are characterized by sustainable exploitation, while East, West, and Southern Africa are in a state of overfishing. The study implicates that African countries should establish a real-time monitoring system for marine fishery resources as soon as possible in order to dynamically grasp the actual changes in fish community structure due to fishing activities, ensure transparency in management and decision making, enact marine regulations to restrict massive fishing by overseas fleets, issue fisheries licenses cautiously, adopt conservative resource conservation policies, and enforce actions to achieve sustainable fisheries development.
Numerical Analysis Related to the ROCOM Pressurized Thermal Shock Benchmark
Authors: Höhne Thomas , Kliem Sören
Published: December 2022

The development, verification, and validation of Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) codes in reference to nuclear power plant (NPP) safety has been a focus of many research organizations over the last few decades. Therefore, a collection of Rossendorf Coolant Mixing Test Facility (ROCOM) CFD-grade experiments was made obtainable to line up a global International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) benchmark regarding Pressurized Thermal Shock (PTS) situations. The benchmark experiment describes the complicated flow structures in mixed convection zones of the RPV during PTS events. The experiments were utilized to validate CFD codes. Additionally, an experiment with no buoyancy forces was elite to point out the influence of density variations. Compared to earlier studies, the turbulence models of the CFD code improved a lot. The turbulence modeling approach shows a respectable agreement with the experimental data.
Editorial on the Special Issue “Advanced Hydrogels for the Repair of Cartilage Defects”
Authors: Wei Wei
Published: December 2022

This Special Issue focuses on the recent advances in orthopedic hydrogels and regenerative medicine for the repair of cartilage defects [...]
Criminalising Black Trauma: Grime and Drill Lyrics as a Form of Ethnographic Data to Understand “Gangs” and Serious Youth Violence
Authors: Hall Beth , Khan Roxanne , Eslea Mike
Published: December 2022

Background: The criminalisation of drill music, a rap-based genre, is a recent chapter in a long history of policing “Black” music. The association of drill and other rap music with “gang” violence has a direct impact on the treatment of Black boys and men in the criminal justice system. However, critics argue that, rather than causing violence, violent lyrics reflect the lived experiences of marginalised communities. Method: Using a qualitative approach, this study analysed the lyrical content of 90 drill, grime, and other rap-based songs by UK artists, using thematic analysis. Findings: The following themes were found: social issues in the local area and community, involvement in crime, social status, coping with adversity, social support network, police, and escaping. Collectively, the themes highlight a narrative of Black boys and men who have experienced a range of adversities such as poverty, racism, child criminal exploitation, and community violence. Conclusions: Artists who make reference to drugs and violence in their lyrics also discuss adverse experiences and the impact of these, supporting the view that violent lyrics are a reflection of lived experience. Thus, focusing on criminalising rap music may be deflecting attention from risk factors for serious youth violence that are evidence-based.
Digital Heritage, the Possibilities of Information Visualisation through Extended Reality Tools
Authors: Mudička Štefan , Kapica Roman
Published: December 2022

Many researchers in the field of cultural heritage point to the justification of the use of extended reality to present digital heritage. Research studies, but mainly user reactions, have responded to experiences with extended reality with a positive response. Technological research in the field of extended reality is advancing rapidly. In this review, we will cover the current possibilities and trends of extended reality. Specifically, we will focus on the application in creating interactive multimedia exhibitions in museums and galleries and presenting 3D digital heritage. We believe the practical examples shown will be an inspiration for application developers, content creators, and exhibition curators. Awareness of the possibilities and limits of the current state of technological progress is an essential requirement for utilisation of the full potential of extended reality.
The Industrial Heritage of the City of Malaga: Analysis of Its Current Situation and Support for Its Activation as a Resource for Urban Development
Authors: Alba Dorado María Isabel
Published: December 2022

This article forms part of the debate regarding the relevance of using industrial heritage as an engine for territorial and urban development. It begins by studying the concept of industrial heritage and recognition of the same as cultural heritage and, subsequently, using the city of Malaga as a case study, analyses the industrialisation process that the city experienced from the 19th to the end of the 20th century and the current state of conservation of its built industrial heritage. It also undertakes a study of the specific instruments, for the most part strategic planning, that have been implemented as a means to incorporate cultural heritage as an asset for a new urban model for the city in an effort to understand how these instruments envisage the revitalisation and recovery of industrial heritage. The study concludes that this heritage, despite constituting one of the city’s principal hallmarks, has received only partial and biased attention in terms of the numerous urban reclassification projects that have been undertaken, and has yet to find its role in the new urban model. This raises the need to revitalise these heritage resources in an effort to encourage fairer, more equitable urban and economic development processes that contemplate the reasonable use of the industrial heritage that constitutes the bedrock of the city’s identity.
Changes in Alternative Splicing Revealed Special Metabolic Pathways Related to Heterosis of Heading Chinese Cabbage
Authors: Li Ru , Tian Min , Nie Shanshan , Zhang Lugang
Published: December 2022

As an important genetic improvement technique in current production practice, heterosis is widely used to enhance the productive traits of hybrid progeny from their parents. Alternative splicing (AS) analysis can be used as a method for exploring the molecular manifestations of heterosis. In our research, 16 hybrids and their parents were utilized to analyze the heterosis performance and AS events. Statistics of plant gross weight (PGW) showed that these hybrids had prominent heterosis, with the mid-parent heterosis values (MPV) ranging from 15.69% to 233.98%. Through pairwise comparison among the female parent, male parent, and hybrid, there were 2980–3205 AS events in each combination, with intron retention being the most common type followed by alternate 3’ splice site, alternative 5’ splice site, skipped exon, and mutually exclusive exon.There were 263–409 differential AS genes (DASGs) between the female parent and the hybrid, and 234–425 DASGs between the male parent and the hybrid in cross combinations. The DASGs were significantly enriched in 33 metabolic pathways in 16 cross combinations, and DASGs of different cross combinations were enriched in different metabolic pathways. Moreover, 76 DASGs in the strong heterosis combinations were identified and significantly enriched in the metabolic pathways related to amino acid metabolism. Further analysis revealed that most of these DASGs in amino acid metabolism were expressed differently in strong heterosis combinations. In addition, the expression levels of BraA06g014310.3C and BraA03g041700.3C in amino acid metabolism significantly correlated with PGW. These results could provide an index for future studies of the genetic and molecular mechanism of heterosis in hybrids.
Physiological and Yield Performance Is Partially Linked to Water Use Efficiency of Eggplant Genotypes in a High-Tech Glasshouse
Authors: Rasouli Fatemeh , Babla Mohammad , Li Lihua , Liang Weiguang , Yong Miing-Tiem , Ahmed Talaat , Tissue David , Huda Samsul , Chen Zhong-Hua
Published: December 2022

Eggplant (Solanum melongena L.) has become an increasingly common vegetable grown in glasshouses. This study emphasized on the physiological traits and productivity of three eggplant cultivars (Longa, Lydia, and Tracey) in a high-tech glasshouse to determine the genotypic differences of agronomical, morphological, and physiological responses. The physiological parameters as well as the productivity of these eggplant cultivars were evaluated. The results showed that Tracey had significantly higher leaf growth than Longa and Lydia. Longa exhibited significantly higher values of net CO2 assimilation (A), stomatal conductance (gs), and transpiration rate (Tr) than Tracey, whereas Tracey showed significantly larger gs, Tr, and intracellular CO2 concentration (Ci) than Lydia. Tracey showed a significantly higher number of flowers per node compared to the two other varieties, but the number of fruits did not statistically differ among cultivars. Tracy produced the highest yield (fruit weight and fruit yield per m2) due to the significantly higher leaf length and leaf expansion rate despite the lowest level of A among the three cultivars. Interestingly, the higher yield of Tracey translated into better water use efficiency (WUE) in the agronomic term, but its intrinsic WUE (A/gs) was the lowest among the three cultivars. However, significant correlations between photosynthetic parameters and WUE were only found in certain stages of eggplant growth. Therefore, further research work with an emphasis on the source and sink partitioning of a large number of eggplant genotypes is required to investigate the varietal performance of greenhouse eggplants. Then, the information can be translated into protected cropping to set up the growth benchmark for large-scale sustainable production of eggplants with better yield and less water consumption for the horticultural industry.
Evaluation of Reference Genes Suitable for Gene Expression during Root Enlargement in Cherry Radish Based on Transcriptomic Data
Authors: Yao Yao , Wang Xiaoqian , Chen Bingxing , Zheng Shurui , Wang-Pruski Gefu , Chen Xiaodong , Guo Rongfang
Published: December 2022

Reliable reference genes (RGs) are of great significance for the normalization of quantitative data. RGs are often used as a reference to ensure the accuracy of experimental results to detect gene expression levels by reverse transcription–quantitative real-time PCR (RT-qPCR). To evaluate the normalized RGs that are suitable for studying the expression of genes during the process of radish stele enlargement, based on the functional annotations and fragment per kilobase of transcript per million mapped reads (FPKM) values in the transcriptome data, three traditional RGs (GAPDH, 18SrRNA, and ACTIN7) and seven commonly used RGs (UBQ11, TUA6, TUB6, EF-1b1, EF-1a2, PP2A11, and SAND) were obtained. In the study, the results of geNorm, NormFinder, and BestKeeper from RefFinder comprehensively analyzed the stability ranking of candidate RGs. The results showed that compared with the traditional RGs, the common RGs show higher and more stable expression. Among the seven commonly used RGs, PP2A11 is recommended as the optimal RG for studying cherry radish stele enlargement. This research provides a useful and reliable RG resource for the accurate study of gene expression during root enlargement in cherry radishes and facilitates the functional genomics research on root enlargement.
Class Barriers to Merit in the American Professoriate: An Archaeology Example and Proposals for Reform
Authors: Shott Michael J.
Published: December 2022

Consumers and academics alike perceive a status hierarchy among American universities. By this perception, professors are placed in the status hierarchy befitting their scholarly merit. However, a recent study of the archaeology professoriate found no consistent correlation between faculty placement and merit. This essay identifies reasons for the lack of meritocracy, some unique to archaeology and others common to many fields. Archaeology, similar to the American academy at large, ignores class as a bias that handicaps some while favoring others. Notwithstanding challenges of definition and measurement, class should be treated equally with race, gender, and other biases in an academy’s pursuit of true meritocracy.
Work-Related Self-Efficacy and Illness Identity in Adults with Autism
Authors: Lamash Liron , Meyer Sonya
Published: December 2022

Finding and retaining employment significantly challenges individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The employment rates of individuals with ASD are described as extremely low, barred by various environmental, occupational, and personal factors. Illness identity is how a person’s health condition integrates with their identity and daily life and relates to self-esteem, employment, and quality of life. Adults with ASD may experience challenges developing positive identities within social and work environments, but illness identity has not been studied among this population. This study examines the autism identity of adults with ASD and the relationships to their self-reported work-related self-efficacy and quality of life. Seventeen participants aged 19–47 years diagnosed with ASD completed the Illness Identity Questionnaire, Work-Related Self-Efficacy Scale and World Health Organization Quality of Life Assessment. Participants reported significantly higher autism acceptance feelings. Negative feelings about living with autism were significantly correlated to lower work-related self-efficacy. Higher levels of enrichment feelings were significantly associated with a higher quality of life. These findings highlight the effect of illness identity on the work-related self-efficacy and quality of life among individuals with ASD. Allied health professionals and educators can assist these individuals in raising their awareness of how they perceive their autism, and in promoting its positive perception.
Interventions to Promote the Utilization of Physical Health Care for People with Severe Mental Illness: A Scoping Review
Authors: Strunz Michael , Jiménez Naomi Pua’nani , Gregorius Lisa , Hewer Walter , Pollmanns Johannes , Viehmann Kerstin , Jacobi Frank
Published: December 2022

Background: The main contributor to excess mortality in severe mental illness (SMI) is poor physical health. Causes include unfavorable health behaviors among people with SMI, stigmatization phenomena, as well as limited access to and utilization of physical health care. Patient centered interventions to promote the utilization of and access to existing physical health care facilities may be a pragmatic and cost-effective approach to improve health equity in this vulnerable and often neglected patient population. Objective/Methods: In this study, we systematically reviewed the international literature on such studies (sources: literature databases, trial-registries, grey literature). Empirical studies (quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods) of interventions to improve the utilization of and access to medical health care for people with a SMI, were included. Results: We identified 38 studies, described in 51 study publications, and summarized them in terms of type, theoretical rationale, outcome measures, and study author’s interpretation of the intervention success. Conclusions: Useful interventions to promote the utilization of physical health care for people with a SMI exist, but still appear to be rare, or at least not supplemented by evaluation studies. The present review provides a map of the evidence and may serve as a starting point for further quantitative effectiveness evaluations of this promising type of behavioral intervention.
Impacted Canine Management Using Aligners Supported by Orthodontic Temporary Anchorage Devices
Authors: Greco Mario , Machoy Monika
Published: December 2022

Introduction: Temporary anchorage devices (TADs) represent an essential instrument under difficult anchorage conditions, especially when the procedure is approached with an aligner technique. The objective of this paper is to describe a possible sequence of orthodontic treatment of impacted canines with aligners supported by orthodontic mini-screws. Materials and Methods: The resolution of impacted canines requires a specific clinical sequence constituted by different steps: the space creation, the surgical exposure, and the orthodontic traction (on the horizontal, vertical, and buccal direction). Following this sequence, two different clinical scenarios can be identified following the space available and the initial malocclusion. The first scenario is constituted by recreating the space for the impacted canine along with the correction of the malocclusion by means of an aligner system and then approaching the de-impaction with TADs. The second clinical scenario is related to the canine-first approach, an immediate de-impaction stage based solely on the use of TADs and sectional wires, and then a finishing phase with aligners. Results: Both approaches to the treatment of impacted canines can be considered reliable, but of course selecting one or the other depends on the space available in the upper arch and on the initial malocclusion. Conclusions: The use of aligners in the treatment of impacted canines in combination with TADs and sectional wires represents a viable alternative option to the conventional systems for canine disinclusion. When the treatment is managed with the presented approaches, no further cooperation with the patient is required in order to support the forced eruption, and an ideal biomechanical approach can be easily applied with one or two mini-screws.
Health Technology Assessment for the Prevention of Peri-Operative Hypothermia: Evaluation of the Correct Use of Forced-Air Warming Systems in an Italian Hospital
Authors: Zucconi Giulia , Marchello Anna Maria , Demarco Camilla , Fortina Elisabetta , Milano Ljdia
Published: December 2022

This study investigates the implications of using a system for the maintenance of normothermia in the treatment of patients undergoing surgery, determining whether the FAW (Forced-Air Warming) systems are more effective and efficient than the non-application of appropriate protocols (No Technology). We conducted Health Technology Assessment (HTA) analysis, using both real-world data and the data derived from literature, assuming the point of view of a medium-large hospital. The literature demonstrated that Inadvertent Perioperative Hypothermia (IPH) determines adverse events, such as surgical site infection (FAW: 3% vs. No Technology: 12%), cardiac events (FAW: 3.5% vs. No Technology: 7.6%) or the need for blood transfusions (FAW: 6.2% vs. No Technology: 7.4%). The correct use of FAW allows a medium saving of 16% per patient to be achieved, compared to the non-use of devices. The Cost Effectiveness Value (CEV) is lower in the hypothesis of FAW: it enables a higher efficacy level with a contextual optimization of patients’ path costs. The social cost is reduced by around 30% and the overall hospital days are reduced by between 15% and 26%. The qualitative analyses confirmed the results. In conclusion, the evidence-based information underlines the advantages of the proper use of FAW systems in the prevention of accidental peri-operative hypothermia for patients undergoing surgery.
A Qualitative Study to Explain the Factors Influencing Mental Health after a Flooding
Authors: Hieronimi Annika , Elbel Johanna , Schneider Michael , Wermuth Inga , Schulte-Körne Gerd , Nowak Dennis , Bose-O’Reilly Stephan
Published: December 2022

Background: Children and adolescents are considered to be particularly vulnerable to the psychological effects of climate change, such as extreme weather events. What are the protective factors and stressors for the mental health of the young population after extreme weather events in Germany? Methods: Nine semi-structured interviews with representatives of occupational groups providing care to children, adolescents, and political stakeholders were conducted in Simbach am Inn, a German town affected by flooding in 2016. The interviews were analyzed using qualitative content analysis according to Mayring. Results: The interviews show that the parents’ dealing with what they had experienced and the concern for their relatives were the most influential stressors for children and adolescents. As protective factors, they felt that conversations with familiar people and restoring a certain “normality” were particularly important. The interviewees described both, the time of the flooding, and the time after the initial state of shock had subsided, as particularly stressful. Consequently, the experts reported on children and adolescents acutely complaining of fear, helplessness, and extreme tension. Nevertheless, the demand for psychological care increased only slightly after the flooding in Simbach am Inn. Conclusion: The social environment of children and adolescents is essential for their psychological well-being after an extreme weather event. Research, especially on children and adolescents who have already been affected, must increase in order to be able to describe influencing factors even more precisely, to protect individuals from adverse mental health effects, and to identify healthcare requirements.
Performance of Bleach Method Sputum Smear Microscopy for the Diagnosis of Tuberculosis in a Highly Endemic District in Lima, Peru
Authors: Rosales-Rimache Jaime , Nunayalle-Vargas Magda , Rueda-Torres Lenin , Inolopú-Cucche Jorge
Published: December 2022

Background: Sputum smear microscopy (SSM) is a screening test used to diagnose tuberculosis (TB); however, its performance and sensitivity are relatively low, which can lead to false negatives. We designed a cross-sectional study to estimate the performance of SSM that includes a pretreatment based on sputum digestion with bleach (sodium hypochlorite) for the diagnosis of TB. Methods: We evaluated 73 sputum samples from patients with a diagnosis of TB confirmed by the Xpert MTB/RIF test and 114 samples from patients without TB. We performed sputum digestion using a 5% sodium hypochlorite solution, centrifuged at 2000 rpm for 15 min. We prepared smears for direct and bleach-treated SSM and used Ziehl–Neelsen staining. Results: The bleach-treated SSM obtained absolute identification of the cases of TB confirmed by the Xpert test, compared to 95.9% identified by the direct smear method (without bleach treatment). We also found a significant increase (p < 0.001) in the recovery of acid-fast bacilli (AFB) obtained by the bleach-treated SSM (293.8 ± 215.1 AFB) compared to the direct SSM method (222.9 ± 195.5 AFB). The AUC of the bleach-treated SSM and direct SSM was 100% and 96.6%, respectively. Conclusion: The bleach-treated SSM performs better than the direct SSM in identifying AFB and increasing the bacillary count in the sputum samples.
Spatial and Temporal Volatility of PM2.5, PM10 and PM10-Bound B[a]P Concentrations and Assessment of the Exposure of the Population of Silesia in 2018–2021
Authors: Kaleta Dorota , Kozielska Barbara
Published: December 2022

Air pollution both indoors and outdoors is a major cause of various diseases and premature deaths. Negative health effects are more frequently observed in a number of European countries characterized by significant pollution. In Poland, especially in Upper Silesia, the most serious problem is the high concentration of particulate matter (PM) and PM10-bound benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P). The main source of these two pollutants is so-called “low emissions” associated with the burning of solid fuels mainly in domestic boilers and liquid fuels in road traffic. This study examined the variability in the PM and PM10-bound B[a]P concentrations and their relationships with meteorological parameters, i.e., atmospheric pressure, air temperature and wind speed, in 2018–2021 at 11 monitoring stations. In many Silesian cities, the average annual concentrations of PM10, PM2.5 and B[a]P were much higher than those recorded in other European countries. At each station, the average daily PM10 concentrations were exceeded on 12 to 126 days a year. Taking into account the WHO recommendation for PM2.5, the highest recorded average daily concentration exceeded the permissible level by almost 40 times. The same relationships were observed in all measurement years: PM10 concentrations were negatively correlated with air temperature (R = −0.386) and wind speed (R = −0.614). The highest concentrations were observed in the temperature range from −15 °C to −5 °C, when the wind speed did not exceed 0.5 m·s−1. The calculated lifetime cancer risk (LCR) associated with the exposure to B[a]P in the Silesian Voivodeship suggested 30–429 cases per 1 million people in the heating season depending on the scenario used for the calculations (IRIS, EPA or WHO).
Did the COVID-19 Lockdown Reduce Smoking Rate in Adolescents?
Authors: Lee Seunghyup , Choi Mingee , Kim Dahyun , Shin Jaeyong , Kim Junghyun
Published: December 2022

This study examined the temporal trend of smoking use and the prevalent differences in the use of different types of cigarettes for Korean adolescents before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. In Korea, all use of e-cigarettes, including regular cigarettes, is considered smoking. Since adolescents are susceptible to peer influences in risky behaviors including smoking, social distancing could affect the smoking behaviors of youth under these unusual circumstances during the pandemic. In this study, we analyzed the Korea Youth Risk Behavior Web-based Survey (KYRBW) data collected from 2018 to 2021 to examine the association between smoking status and other covariates during the COVID-19 pandemic. As a result, it was confirmed that the influence of second-hand smoke on the smoking rate decreased before and after COVID-19, which is interpreted as a result of the social distancing policy caused by the pandemic.
Towards an Evidence-Based Model of Workplace Postvention
Authors: Clements Alison , Nicholas Angela , Martin Karen E , Young Susan
Published: December 2022

This instrumental case study explored what suicide postvention might offer workplaces using the example of a large metropolitan funeral company. A mixed methods approach was utilized to examine staff experiences with suicide bereavement funerals and responses to a bespoke postvention training package. Staff found funerals due to suicide difficult in terms of communication, engagement and emotionality. These challenges were commonly characterized by increased tension and concern. In the absence of a postvention informed approach, staff had developed individual ways to negotiate the identified challenges of this work. The introduction of a staff-informed postvention training package delivered improvements in staff confidence with communication, understanding and management of the impact of suicide bereavement, and increased willingness to share information about postvention services with families and mourners. The findings indicated that benefits of the training could be extended through organizational governance and integration of supports. The findings are used to inform a model of workplace postvention together with a methodology incorporating staff experience and organizational context.
Associations of COVID-19 Related Work Stressors with Psychological Distress: Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Californian Workers
Authors: Matthews Timothy A. , Guardiano Megan , Omidakhsh Negar , Cushing Lara , Robbins Wendie , Hong OiSaeng , Li Jian
Published: December 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic continues to exert immense societal impacts, with recent data showing inequitable distribution of consequences among racial and ethnic groups. The objective of this study was to assess associations between COVID-related work stressors and psychological distress, with special emphasis on differences by race and ethnicity. Data were from the population-based California Health Interview Survey (CHIS) 2020. Associations of individual and cumulative work stressors, including job loss, reduced work hours, and working from home, with psychological distress in 12,113 workers were examined via multivariable linear regression, and stratified analyses were conducted for racial and ethnic subgroups. After adjustment for covariates, compared to workers with no work stressors, those who experienced either one or two/more work stressors had higher psychological distress (βs and 95% CIs were 0.80 [0.51, 1.09] and 1.98 [1.41, 2.56], respectively). Notably, experiencing cumulative (two/more) work stressors had much stronger effects on psychological distress among participants who were Black (β and 95% CI were 3.51 [1.09, 5.93]) or racial minorities (β and 95% CI were 3.57 [1.10, 6.05]). Occupational consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic were associated with increased psychological distress in Californian workers and inequitably distributed, with racial and ethnic minorities suffering the greatest burden.
Profiling Physical Fitness of Physical Education Majors Using Unsupervised Machine Learning
Authors: Bonilla Diego A. , Sánchez-Rojas Isabel A. , Mendoza-Romero Darío , Moreno Yurany , Kočí Jana , Gómez-Miranda Luis M. , Rojas-Valverde Daniel , Petro Jorge L. , Kreider Richard B.
Published: December 2022

The academic curriculum has shown to promote sedentary behavior in college students. This study aimed to profile the physical fitness of physical education majors using unsupervised machine learning and to identify the differences between sexes, academic years, socioeconomic strata, and the generated profiles. A total of 542 healthy and physically active students (445 males, 97 females; 19.8 [2.2] years; 66.0 [10.3] kg; 169.5 [7.8] cm) participated in this cross-sectional study. Their indirect VO2max (Cooper and Shuttle-Run 20 m tests), lower-limb power (horizontal jump), sprint (30 m), agility (shuttle run), and flexibility (sit-and-reach) were assessed. The participants were profiled using clustering algorithms after setting the optimal number of clusters through an internal validation using R packages. Non-parametric tests were used to identify the differences (p < 0.05). The higher percentage of the population were freshmen (51.4%) and middle-income (64.0%) students. Seniors and juniors showed a better physical fitness than first-year students. No significant differences were found between their socioeconomic strata (p > 0.05). Two profiles were identified using hierarchical clustering (Cluster 1 = 318 vs. Cluster 2 = 224). The matching analysis revealed that physical fitness explained the variation in the data, with Cluster 2 as a sex-independent and more physically fit group. All variables differed significantly between the sexes (except the body mass index [p = 0.218]) and the generated profiles (except stature [p = 0.559] and flexibility [p = 0.115]). A multidimensional analysis showed that the body mass, cardiorespiratory fitness, and agility contributed the most to the data variation so that they can be used as profiling variables. This profiling method accurately identified the relevant variables to reinforce exercise recommendations in a low physical performance and overweight majors.
The Role of Economic Stress, Health Concerns, and Institutional Trust in Supporting Public Protests against COVID-19 Lockdown Measures in Denmark
Authors: Sørensen Jens Fyhn Lykke , Christiansen Maiken
Published: December 2022

During the current COVID-19 pandemic, most governments around the world have adopted strict COVID-19 lockdown measures. In Denmark, mainly from January to March 2021, an anonymous protest group called Men in Black organized demonstrations against the Danish COVID-19 lockdown measures in the three major cities in Denmark. Based on an online survey that we carried out in March 2021 in the Danish population aged 16 years and above (n = 2692), we analyze the individual-level factors behind supporting these demonstrations. Based on ordered logit regressions, the results show that being Muslim and being self-employed (business owner) was positively related to supporting the demonstrations, and that age and living in a city municipality was negatively related to supporting the demonstrations. Based on structural equation modeling (SEM), the results showed that the municipal COVID-19 incidence rate mediates the effect of living in a city municipality, that institutional trust mediates the effect of being Muslim, and that COVID-19 health concerns and institutional trust mediate the effect of age. Overall, economic stress among business owners, health concerns, and institutional trust were found to be the main predictors of supporting the demonstrations against the COVID-19 lockdown measures in Denmark.
Long-Term Consequences of COVID-19 Disease Specific to Women: Exploratory Research
Authors: Juszko Karolina , Szary Patryk , Mazurek Justyna , Rutkowski Sebastian , Cieślik Błażej , Szczepańska-Gieracha Joanna , Gajda Robert
Published: December 2022

This study was designed to explore COVID-19 in a biopsychosocial model, taking into account the different mental and social consequences of the disease in women and men. A sociodemographic questionnaire containing anthropometric data, socioeconomic data, lifestyle data, health status before COVID-19, course of COVID-19, symptoms, and complications after COVID-19 was administered to 83 women and 64 men to investigate their mental health (MH) and quality of life (QoL). The Hospital Anxiety (HADS-A) and Depression (HADS-D) Scale, the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10) and the World Health Organization Quality of Life Scale Brief Version (WHOQOL-BREF) were adopted. Abnormal results in HADS-D and HADS-A were obtained in 33 (39.8%) women and 10 (15.6%) men and in 26 (31.3%) women and 14 (21.9%) men, respectively. Women experienced a lower level of QoL than men. The prolonged duration of COVID-19 symptoms was associated with increased anxiety in women during recovery. Good self-reported health before COVID-19 in women was associated with reduced QoL. Women had more symptoms of COVID-19 than men, and they experienced neurological complications more often. The presence of neurological complications in women appears to be associated with increased perceived anxiety and reduced QoL. This is an exploratory study whose results can influence future research with larger and more diverse samples.
Analysis of the Impact Resistance of Toecaps by the Finite Element Method: Preliminary Studies
Authors: Kropidłowska Paulina , Irzmańska Emilia , Gołębiowski Łukasz , Jurczyk-Kowalska Magdalena , Boczkowska Anna
Published: December 2022

A key property in the manufacture of toecaps for protective footwear is resistance to impacts, deformations, and cracking, as the resulting defects may lead to serious workplace accidents involving the lower extremities. The present paper proposes a new approach to qualitative verification of toecap design based on numerical simulations of impact tests. Computational experiments were conducted for toecaps made from different materials (AISI 10450, S235, S355 and A36 steels, as well as Lexan polycarbonate) and characterized by different geometries, which were recreated by 3D scanning. The impact resistance of the toecaps was analyzed using a numerical model simulating an experimental impact test. The results were used to determine the location of critical stresses and to plot equivalent stress maps for the studied toecaps. The finite element analysis of the impact tests was carried out with an explicit elastoplastic finite element code: ANSYS (Ansys, Inc., Canonsburg, PA, USA) with the Explicit Dynamics module of the Workbench solver. The presented analysis of the impact resistance of toecaps by the finite element method for impact simulation may be used to optimize the spatial geometry of toecaps and to verify the construction of toecaps and the material deformations that may occur. In addition, it could eliminate unsuitable materials that are likely to undergo dangerous deformations, and draw attention to the deformation caused by the impact of the toecaps used in footwear in the working environment.