Local Sensitivity Analysis of Kinetic Models for Cellulose Pyrolysis

Abstract: The first and nth order kinetic models are usually used to describe cellulose pyrolysis. In this work, the local sensitivities of the conversion and derivative conversion with respect to the frequency factor, the logarithm of the frequency factor, the activation energy and the reaction order for the first and nth order kinetic models are calculated by using the finite difference method. The results show that the sensitivities of the first and nth order kinetic models with respect to the activation energy and the logarithm of the frequency factor are significant, while the frequency factor and the reaction order affect the nth order kinetic model slightly. Compared with the frequency factor, the natural logarithm of the frequency factor is a better choice in the parameter estimation of the first and nth order kinetic models. Graphical Abstract: [Figure not available: see fulltext.

A közösségi megelőzés lehetőségei a serdülőkori dohányzás csökkentésében

Community-based strategies to promote smoking prevention and cessation are needed to reinforce national tobacco control policies. We conducted a study to assess the smoking behavior and attitudes of 13–14 years old students from three Transylvanian counties before and after a community-based intervention to reduce smoking. Pre-intervention results showed significantly higher odds of smoking among students attending lower quality schools, or having poorer school achievement, while students having more knowledge about the consequences of smoking were less likely smokers. Smoking patterns of adolescents were influenced by the behavior of friends, classmates, living environment, and their community activities (e.g. higher community activity increased the odds of smoking). The results suggest the importance of cultural models and characteristics of the community during the interventional preventive programs. Participation in community activities can lead to positive outcomes if positive values and health-conscious behaviors are offered to adolescents in the community

Research on Roma health and access to healthcare: state of the art and future challenges

Health inequalities experienced by Roma people living in Europe presents a persisting challenge for health care programs. Research studies on Roma health conditions reveal that: (1) Roma people suffer from poorer health and unhealthier living conditions compared to majority populations, (2) better data are needed to explain the Roma health gap and design better interventions to reduce this gap, and (3) the poor health of Roma is closely linked to the social determinants of health.This editorial published in the International Journal of Public Health discusses lessons learned from recent research findings and outlines a number of challenges in exploring and addressing the various mechanisms that contribute to the health gap between Roma and majority populations.The editorial was authored by Alina Covaci of the Open Society Foundations' Roma Health Project and Maria Eva Foldes of the Tilburg Law and Economics Center in the Netherlands