bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
An Introduction to Applications of Wavelet Benchmarking with Seasonal Adjustment
Authors: Sayal Homesh , Aston John A. D. , Elliott Duncan , Ombao Hernando 
Published: November 2016

Summary
Before adjustment, low and high frequency data sets from national accounts are frequently inconsistent. Benchmarking is the procedure used by economic agencies to make such data sets consistent. It typically involves adjusting the high frequency time series (e.g. quarterly data) so that they become consistent with the lower frequency version (e.g. annual data). Various methods have been developed to approach this problem of inconsistency between data sets. The paper introduces a new statistical procedure, namely wavelet benchmarking. Wavelet properties allow high and low frequency processes to be jointly analysed and we show that benchmarking can be formulated and approached succinctly in the wavelet domain. Furthermore the time and frequency localization properties of wavelets are ideal for handling more complicated benchmarking problems. The versatility of the procedure is demonstrated by using simulation studies where we provide evidence showing that it substantially outperforms currently used methods. Finally, we apply this novel method of wavelet benchmarking to official data from the UK's Office for National Statistics.
From outwash to coastal systems in the Portneuf–Forestville deltaic complex (Québec North Shore): Anatomy of a forced regressive deglacial sequence
Authors: Dietrich Pierre , Ghienne Jean‐François , Schuster Mathieu , Lajeunesse Patrick , Nutz Alexis , Deschamps Rémy , Roquin Claude , Duringer Philippe 
Published: November 2016

AbstractDeglacial sequences typically include backstepping grounding zone wedges and prevailing glaciomarine depositional facies. However, in coastal domains, deglacial sequences are dominated by depositional systems ranging from turbiditic to fluvial facies. Such deglacial sequences are strongly impacted by glacio‐isostatic rebound, the rate and amplitude of which commonly outpaces those of post‐glacial eustatic sea‐level rise. This results in a sustained relative sea‐level fall covering the entire depositional time interval. This paper examines a Late Quaternary, forced regressive, deglacial sequence located on the North Shore of the St. Lawrence Estuary (Portneuf Peninsula, Québec, Canada) and aims to decipher the main controls that governed its stratigraphic architecture. The forced regressive deglacial sequence forms a thick (>100 m) and extensive (>100 km2) multiphased deltaic complex emplaced after the retreat of the Laurentide Ice Sheet margin from the study area ca 12 500 years ago. The sedimentary succession is composed of ice‐contact, glaciomarine, turbiditic, deltaic, fluvial and coastal depositional units. A four‐stage development is recognized: (i) an early ice‐contact stage (esker, glaciomarine mud and outwash fan); (ii) an in‐valley progradational stage (fjord head or moraine‐dammed lacustrine deltas) fed by glacigenics; (iii) an open‐coast deltaic progradation, when proglacial depositional systems expanded beyond the valley outlets and merged together; and (iv) a final stage of river entrenchment and shallow marine reworking that affected the previously emplaced deltaic complex. Most of the sedimentary volume (10 to 15 km3) was emplaced during the three‐first stages over a ca 2 kyr interval. In spite of sustained high rates of relative sea‐level fall (50 to 30 mm·year−1), delta plain accretion occurred up to the end of the proglacial open‐coast progradational stage. River entrenchment only occurred later, after a significant decrease in the relative sea‐level fall rates (<30 mm·year−1), and was concurrent with the formation and preservation of extensive coastal deposits (raised beaches, spit platform and barrier sands). The turnaround from delta plain accretion to river entrenchment and coastal erosion is interpreted to be a consequence of the retreat of the ice margin from the river drainage basins that led to the drastic drop of sediment supply and the abrupt decrease in progradation rates. The main internal stratigraphic discontinuity within the forced regressive deglacial sequence does not reflect changes in relative sea‐level variations.
When questions do not yield answers: Foreclosures of racial knowledge production
Authors: Henricks Kasey 
Published: November 2016

AbstractThose who study racism in the U.S. enter into a conceptually ordered field. What we study is filtered in ways that are relevant to established questions of the field, effectively straining possibilities for alternative ways of knowing and what might otherwise be asked. A case can be made that despite disagreements over theory, studies on racism agree upon the importance of the following questions: What is the content, form, and style of racism, and how has it shifted in patterned and resilient ways over time? Answers to these questions vary, as do the perspectives and interests they advance, but in many ways, the substance remains the same. Too often subsequent answers are bent on the idea of racial transcendence, claiming ideology has shifted from a biological to cultural basis, or contending that racist structures today are substantively unique from the past. These themes represent a routinized convergence of intellectual thought: Change is prioritized. Rather than debate if this emphasis is correct, my suggestion is that there are other meaningful questions worth asking.
The pains of immigrant imprisonment
Authors: Longazel Jamie , Berman Jake , Fleury‐Steiner Benjamin 
Published: November 2016

AbstractThe immigrant detention system in the United States is civil, rather than criminal, and therefore nonpunitive. However, in practice, detained immigrants lacking many basic constitutional protections find themselves in facilities that are often indistinguishable from prisons and jails. In this paper, we explore the crisis of immigrant imprisonment at the affective level, focusing on the painful experiences of immigrant detainees, while also emphasizing its systemic and racialized nature. Specifically, we place a review of a growing body of research that draws connections between immigrant detention and mass imprisonment alongside the findings from numerous reports issued by human rights organizations on the conditions of confinement within immigrant detention facilities. Using a “pains of imprisonment” framework, we highlight four particularly prominent “pains”: containment, exploitation, coercion, and legal violence. We suggest the infliction of such pain, especially when contextualized within a broader history of Latina/o oppression, demonstrates that immigration prisons are in fact punitive, “lawless spaces” where penal oppression is exercised. We conclude with a call for sociologists to become more attentive to this crisis, and to appreciate the similarities between immigration detention and other forms of racialized social control—namely, mass incarceration.
Retirement as a Discrete Life‐Stage of Farming Men and Women's Biography?
Authors: Contzen Sandra , Zbinden Karin , Neuenschwander Cécile , Métrailler Michèle 
Published: November 2016

AbstractRetirement generally marks the end of working life and the start of a new life‐stage, providing the potential for new contents and opportunities, while requiring adaptation of existing roles. Retired Swiss farming men and women usually continue working and living on the farm, but their roles change. Drawing on conceptual approaches from gerontology research, we first aim to comprehend how farming men and women experience and understand retirement by describing major aspects of adaptation during their transition to retirement. Second, we appraise the relevance of the retirement concept for the farming population. Qualitative‐empirical evidence shows that retired farming men and women continue to devote time and energy to the farm for the sake of farm continuity and to maintain the farmers' work ethic, while transferring financial and managerial responsibility. Poor health and the inability to contribute physically to the family farm appear as major threats for ‘ageing’ farmers.
Public Satisfaction with the Health System and Popular Support for State Involvement in an East Asian Welfare Regime: Health Policy Legitimacy of Hong Kong
Authors: He Alex Jingwei 
Published: November 2016

AbstractThe legitimacy of social policies has gained increasing attention in the past decade, against the backdrop of fiscal austerity and retrenchment in many nations. Policy legitimacy encompasses public preferences for the underlying principles of policies and the actual outcomes as perceived by citizens. Scholarly knowledge concerning the legitimacy of health policy – a major element of modern social policy architecture – is, unfortunately, limited. This article seeks to extend the scholarly debates on health policy legitimacy from the West to Hong Kong, a member of the East Asian welfare state cluster. A bi‐dimensional definition of health policy legitimacy – encompassing both public satisfaction with the health system and the normative expectation as to the extent of state involvement in health care – is adopted. Based on analysis of data collected from a telephone survey of adult Hong Kong citizens between late 2014 and early 2015, the findings of this study demonstrate a fairly high level of satisfaction with the territory's health system, but popular support for government responsibility presents a clear residual characteristic. The study also tests the self‐interest thesis and the ideology thesis – major theoretical frameworks for explaining social policy legitimacy – in the Hong Kong context. Egalitarian ideology and trust in government are closely related to both public satisfaction with the system and popular support for governmental provision of care. However, the self‐interest thesis receives partial support. The findings are interpreted in the context of Hong Kong's health system arrangements, while implications for the territory's ongoing health policy reform are discussed.
Improving transfusion education for junior doctors; exploring UK experiences
Authors: Graham J.E. , Narayan S. , Pendry K. 
Published: November 2016

SUMMARYObjectivesTo provide evidence‐based guidance on how transfusion education should be delivered to junior doctors by employing established qualitative research methodology.BackgroundThere is a global call for increased transfusion education for doctors to support the delivery of evidence‐based practice. Education is reported as an effective measure to improve transfusion practice, although there is a paucity of research evaluating how this should be effectively delivered.MethodsSerial focus groups with junior doctors and relevant healthcare professionals explored experiences of, and reactions to, education and competency assessments in transfusion, which were audio‐recorded and transcribed. Temporal and final analysis, performed by two independent assessors, informed subsequent recruitment, analysis and challenging of emerging theories – until saturation was reached.ResultsEight focus groups were held involving 53 personnel, 77% of whom were junior doctors. Current transfusion education for doctors in the UK is reliant on e‐learning and ‘cascade training’ (on‐the‐job from senior clinicians/nursing staff). E‐learning is viewed as a ‘tick box exercise’. There is a call for relevant and practical continuing education delivered face to face by good educators in an environment away from clinical practice. Preferred methods include small group and simulation learning based on real‐life cases. In contrast to practical competency, the assessment of clinical competency is deemed unfeasible.ConclusionCurrent methods of transfusion education employed in the UK are unsatisfactory to ensure safe transfusion practice. Ongoing education is deemed necessary throughout career progression, and suggested improvements include increased emphasis on face‐to‐face teaching and simulation training. Employed educational methods and decision support tools require appropriate evaluation.
Negative experiences and pre‐donation blood pressure: the role of attitude and anxiety
Authors: Hoogerwerf M. D. , van Dongen A. , Middelburg R. A. , Merz E.‐M. , de Kort W. L. A. M. , Frings‐Dresen M. H. W. , Sluiter J. K. , Veldhuizen I. J. T. 
Published: November 2016

SUMMARYBackground/objectivesNegative experiences (NEs) have been shown to result in an increased stress response, as indicated by blood pressure, at the subsequent donation. This response might be influenced by how the donor rates the donation in terms of importance and pleasantness [affective attitude (AA)/cognitive attitude (CA)] or by anxiety about donating blood. We investigated the effect of AA/CA/anxiety on the impact of NEs on pre‐donation blood pressure (pd‐BP) in the subsequent donation.Materials/methodspd‐BP at visit 3 was compared between donors with and without a history of NEs during or after their first two visits (visit 1: medical check, visit 2: first donation). The effect of AA/CA/anxiety (measured 1 month prior to visit 1 on a 7‐point scale) on visit 3 pd‐BP was explored using linear regression and interaction analyses. Analyses were stratified for gender, age and pd‐BP at visit 1, which were taken into account as confounders.ResultsIn 1106 first‐time blood donors (70% female), 632 donors (57% of total) indicated an NE at their first donation. Mean scores for AA/CA/anxiety were 5·2/6·5/2·2 (men without NE), 4·8/6·3/3·0 (men with NE), 5·2/6·6/2·6 (women without NE) and 4·8/6·6/3·2 (women with NE). No significant associations were found for NE and pd‐BP at visit 3 after adjusting for confounding. Of 48 interaction effects, four were significant, but effects were small and inconsistent.ConclusionIn donors who had had negative experiences during their first donation, anxiety and attitude to donation did not influence their pre‐donation blood pressure at their subsequent visit.
Trends and risk factors of stillbirths and neonatal deaths in Eastern Uganda (1982–2011): a cross‐sectional, population‐based study
Authors: Kujala Sanni , Waiswa Peter , Kadobera Daniel , Akuze Joseph , Pariyo George , Hanson Claudia 
Published: November 2016

AbstractObjectivesTo identify mortality trends and risk factors associated with stillbirths and neonatal deaths 1982–2011.MethodsPopulation‐based cross‐sectional study based on reported pregnancy history in Iganga‐Mayuge Health and Demographic Surveillance Site (HDSS) in Uganda. A pregnancy history survey was conducted among women aged 15–49 years living in the HDSS during May–July 2011 (n = 10 540). Time trends were analysed with cubic splines and linear regression. Potential risk factors were examined with multilevel logistic regression with adjusted odds ratios (AOR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI).Results34 073 births from 1982 to 2011 were analysed. The annual rate of decrease was 0.9% for stillbirths and 1.8% for neonatal mortality. Stillbirths were associated with several risk factors: multiple births (AOR 2.57, CI 1.66–3.99), previous adverse outcome (AOR 6.16, CI 4.26–8.88) and grand multiparity among 35‐ to 49‐year‐olds (AOR 1.97, CI 1.32–2.89). Neonatal deaths were associated with multiple births (AOR 6.16, CI 4.80–7.92) and advanced maternal age linked with parity of 1–4 (AOR 2.34, CI 1.28–4.25) and grand multiparity (AOR 1.44, CI 1.09–1.90). Education, marital status and household wealth were not associated with the outcomes.ConclusionsThe slow decline in mortality rates and easily identifiable risk factors calls for improving quality of care at birth and a rethinking of how to address obstetric risks, potentially a revival of the risk approach in antenatal care.
Costs of diarrhoea and acute respiratory infection attributable to not handwashing: the cases of India and China
Authors: Townsend Joy , Greenland Katie , Curtis Val 
Published: November 2016

AbstractObjectiveTo estimate the national costs relating to diarrhoea and acute respiratory infections from not handwashing with soap after contact with excreta and the costs and benefits of handwashing behaviour change programmes in India and China.MethodsData on the reduction in risk of diarrhoea and acute respiratory infection attributable to handwashing with soap were used, together with World Health Organization (WHO) estimates of disability‐adjusted life years (DALYs) due to diarrhoea and acute respiratory infection, to estimate DALYs due to not handwashing in India and China. Costs and benefits of behaviour change handwashing programmes and the potential returns to investment are estimated valuing DALYs at per capita GDP for each country.ResultsAnnual net costs to India from not handwashing are estimated at US$ 23 billion (16–35) and to China at US$ 12 billion (7–23). Expected net returns to national behaviour change handwashing programmes would be US$ 5.6 billion (3.4–8.6) for India at US$ 23 (16–35) per DALY avoided, which represents a 92‐fold return to investment, and US$ 2.64 billion (2.08–5.57) for China at US$ 22 (14–31) per DALY avoided – a 35‐fold return on investment.ConclusionOur results suggest large economic gains relating to decreases in diarrhoea and acute respiratory infection for both India and China from behaviour change programmes to increase handwashing with soap in households.
Monocyte‐mediated activation of endothelial cells occurs only after binding to extracellular vesicles from red blood cell products, a process mediated by β‐integrin
Authors: Straat Marleen , van Hezel Maike E. , Böing Anita , Tuip‐De Boer Anita , Weber Nina , Nieuwland Rienk , van Bruggen Robin , Juffermans Nicole P. 
Published: November 2016

BACKGROUNDRed blood cell (RBC) transfusion is associated with organ failure. The mechanism remains unknown, but may include adherence of blood cells to the microvasculature. We hypothesized that RBC‐derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) interact with monocytes to activate endothelial cells.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODSHuman umbilical vein endothelial cells were incubated with supernatant from fresh and stored RBC units either containing EVs or depleted from EVs, with or without the addition of immune cells. We measured expression of adhesion markers by flow cytometry and markers of coagulation and inflammation in the culture medium. We studied phagocytosis of EVs by monocytes by using confocal microscopy and flow cytometry.RESULTSIncubation of endothelial cells with monocytes alone did not induce up regulation of adhesion markers. The addition of both monocytes and supernatant from RBCs containing EVs resulted in up regulation of endothelial expression of intercellular adhesion molecule 1 and E‐selectin when compared to baseline. Up regulation was absent when stimulated with RBC supernatant depleted from EVs. EVs are phagocytosed by monocytes, which was partly abrogated after coincubation with two different complement receptor 3 (CR3)‐blocking antibodies. Addition of RBC‐derived EVs also increased levels of von Willebrand factor (VWF). There were no differences between groups related to storage time.CONCLUSIONEVs from RBC transfusion bags activate monocytes with subsequent up regulation of endothelial cell adhesion markers. EVs are phagocytosed by monocytes through CR3. Furthermore, these EVs proved to be a source of VWF. These effects are unrelated to storage time. Thereby, EVs from RBC transfusion bags induce a proinflammatory and procoagulant endothelial cell response.
Contaminated particle characteristics influence on membrane fouling
Authors: Abdelrasoul Amira , Doan Huu , Lohi Ali , Cheng Chil‐Hung 
Published: November 2016

AbstractThe goal of the current research study was to critically examine the role of the shape of contaminated particles for an accurate prediction of membrane fouling phenomenon. Polycarbonate flat membranes with uniform pore sizes of 0.05 µm and 0.1 µm, in addition to Polysulfone membranes with molecular weight cut of 60,000, were used under a constant feed flow rate and a cross‐flow mode in ultrafiltration of a latex paint solution featuring a wide range of particle size distribution. The current mathematical model was developed to illustrate the effect of irregularity and polydispersity of latex particles on the mass of fouling and irreversible fouling on membranes. The results obtained indicate that the sphericity of contaminated particles had a significant influence on fouling potential at different aggregation levels.
Reuse of waste activated sludge for textile dyeing wastewater treatment by biosorption: performance optimization and comparison
Authors: Djafer A. , Djafer L. , Maimoun B. , Iddou A. , Kouadri Mostefai S. , Ayral A. 
Published: November 2016

AbstractThe aim of this study is to assess the ability of local low‐cost biomaterials to remove reactive dyes from aqueous solutions. Granules prepared from dried activated sludge (DAS) were used as a sorbent for the removal of red bimacid dye (E5R) chosen as model dye. The study involves batch type experiments to investigate the effects of initial dye concentration, adsorbent dose, contact time, temperature and pH of solution on biosorption process. Optimal experimental conditions were ascertained. The pseudo‐second‐order kinetic model fits very well with the experimental results. The thermodynamic parameters for the biosorption process have also been calculated and found the sorption process as exothermic. The sorption performance of this DAS is finally compared with that of different reference sorbents and of other low‐cost materials.
The effect of hypoxia on free and encapsulated adult porcine islets—an in vitro study
Authors: Muthyala Sudhakar , Safley Susan , Gordan Kereen , Barber Graham , Weber Collin , Sambanis Athanassios 
Published: November 2016

AbstractBackgroundAdult porcine islets (APIs) constitute a promising alternative to human islets in treating type 1 diabetes. The intrahepatic site has been used in preclinical primate studies of API xenografts; however, an estimated two‐thirds of donor islets are destroyed after intraportal infusion due to a number of factors, including the instant blood‐mediated inflammatory reaction (IBMIR), immunosuppressant toxicity, and poor reestablishment of extracellular matrix connections. Intraperitoneal (ip) transplantation of non‐vascularized encapsulated islets offers several advantages over intrahepatic transplantation of free islets, including avoidance of IBMIR, immunoprotection, accommodation of a larger graft volume, and reduced risk of hemorrhage. However, there exists evidence that the peritoneal site is hypoxic, which likely impedes islet function.MethodsWe tested the effect of hypoxia (2%‐5% oxygen or pO2: 15.2‐38.0 mm Hg) on free and encapsulated APIs over a period of 6 days in culture. Free and encapsulated APIs under normoxia served as controls. Islet viability was evaluated with a viability/cytotoxicity assay using calcein AM and ethidium bromide on days 1, 3, and 6 of culture. Alamar blue assay was used to measure the metabolic activity on days 1 and 6. Insulin in spent medium was assayed by ELISA on days 1 and 6.ResultsViability staining indicated that free islet clusters lost their integrity and underwent severe necrosis under hypoxia; encapsulated islets remained intact, even when they began to undergo necrosis. Under hypoxia, the metabolic activity and insulin secretion (normalized to metabolic activity) of both free and encapsulated islets decreased relative to islets cultured under normoxic conditions.ConclusionsHypoxia (2%‐5% oxygen or pO2: 15.2‐38.0 mm Hg) affects the viability, metabolic activity, and insulin secretion of both free and encapsulated APIs over a six‐day culture period. Encapsulation augments islet integrity under hypoxia, but it does not prevent loss of viability, metabolic activity, or insulin secretion.