bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Institutional design of ecolabels: Sponsorship signals rule strength
Authors: Darnall Nicole , Ji Hyunjung , Potoski Matthew 
Published: August 2017

AbstractEcolabels are designed to help consumers identify environmentally superior products and services; however, they are not all created equal. Some ecolabels have strong rules that promote environmental improvements, while others have weaker rules that permit free‐riding. Because information about ecolabel design and rule strength is typically not readily available at the point of purchase, consumers struggle to differentiate stronger ecolabels from weaker ones. We investigate whether ecolabel sponsorship is a signal that can help consumers distinguish between ecolabels according to the quality of their institutional design. Using data of 189 prominent ecolabels, we find that while most ecolabels have basic rules for environmental performance, monitoring, and conformance, the strength of these rules varies across labels according to sponsoring organization. Independent sponsors have the strongest ecolabel rules, followed by governments. Industry sponsored ecolabels have the weakest rule structures. Taken as a whole, these findings suggest that sponsorship may provide important information about whether an ecolabel is designed with rules that effectively condition firms to promote meaningful environmental improvements.
Domiciliary non‐invasive ventilation post lung transplantation
Authors: Kotecha Sakhee , Buchan Catherine , Parker Kerry , Toghill Jo , Paul Eldho , Miller Belinda , Naughton Matthew , Snell Gregory , Dabscheck Eli 
Published: August 2017

ABSTRACTBackground and objectiveThe benefits of domiciliary non‐invasive ventilation (NIV) post lung transplantation (LTx) have not previously been described. This was a single‐centre retrospective audit of patients requiring domiciliary NIV post‐LTx. Our aim was to describe indications for NIV and outcomes in chronic lung allograft dysfunction (CLAD) and diaphragmatic palsy.MethodsAll patients requiring domiciliary NIV post‐LTx between 2010 and June 2016 were assessed. NIV indications, respiratory function and patient outcomes were collected.ResultsOut of 488 LTx recipients, 20 patients were identified as requiring NIV over the 6.5‐year study period. The most common indications for NIV were CLAD and diaphragmatic palsy. Hypercapnia improved significantly with NIV. Patient outcomes were poor with nine (45%) patients dying, four (20%) undergoing redo‐LTx, four (20%) continuing domiciliary NIV and only three (15%) patients weaned off NIV.ConclusionThis is the first case series to describe the use of domiciliary NIV post‐LTx. Patients commenced on NIV post‐LTx had severely impaired lung function and severe hypercapnia. Patients with diaphragmatic palsy often recovered. The mortality rate was high in chronic allograft dysfunction.
Nondemarcated Spaces of Knowledge‐Informed Policy Making: How Useful Is the Concept of Boundary Organization in IR?
Authors: Compagnon Daniel , Bernstein Steven 
Published: August 2017

AbstractConcepts of “boundary organization” and “boundary work,” borrowed from science and technology studies (STS), are now commonly used in International Relations to analyze organizations providing a science–policy interface. This article critically examines these concepts, with close attention to specific insights from the STS literature, for their added value in understanding the interactions between knowledge production processes on the one hand and policy making at the global level on the other. It lays the basis for two critiques: (1) an institutionalist critique of the use of these metaphors highlighting the mismatch between the interplay of relevant actors—scientists, policy makers, and stakeholders—via the social spaces they occupy and international organizations; (2) on weak assumptions on coproduction. The authors argue that the true challenge for science–policy interfaces is to generate politically “usable knowledge” and conditions for social learning, thus recognizing that politicization of science is more likely than the scientification of politics.
Effect of superabsorbent polymer on root water uptake and quantification of water uptake from soil profile in dry land
Authors: Liao R. , Yang P. , Zhu Y. 
Published: August 2017

AbstractFew reports focus on the source of water used in crop uptake from the soil profile following superabsorbent polymer (SAP) application, particularly the quantification of crop water uptake from SAP‐treated soil and non‐SAP‐treated soil. Using column experiments, we investigated the effect of SAP on root water uptake of maize over two years and researched in depth the utilization of water from different soil layers under SAP application by employing stable isotope D/18O. The results suggest that SAP can increase root water uptake by 16.3–27.8% in SAP‐treated soil layers. The water used by the crop mainly originated in the 0‐ to 20‐cm soil layer at the jointing stage, 20‐ to 40‐cm at heading stage and 0‐ to 20‐ cm during grain filling.
Red blood cell alloimmunization in pregnancy during the years 1996‐2015 in Iceland: a nation‐wide population study
Authors: Bollason Gunnar , Hjartardottir Hulda , Jonsson Thorbjorn , Gudmundsson Sveinn , Kjartansson Sveinn , Halldorsdottir Anna Margret 
Published: August 2017

BACKGROUNDRed blood cell (RBC) alloimmunization during pregnancy is still a major problem. Historically, anti‐D antibodies are most likely to cause severe hemolysis, but other antibodies are also important. In Iceland, postnatal RhIg prophylaxis was implemented in 1969, universal RBC antibody screening was implemented in 1978, but antenatal RhIg prophylaxis is not yet routine.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODSThis nation‐wide population study gathered data on alloimmunized pregnancies in Iceland between 1996 and 2015. Blood bank alloimmunization data were linked to Icelandic Medical Birth Registry data. RBC antibodies were classified as either clinically significant or clinically nonsignificant.RESULTSIn total, 912 positive antibody screens from 87,437 births were identified (1.04% prevalence). The most frequent antibodies were anti‐M (19.4%), anti‐E (19.0%), and anti‐D (12.5%). Anti‐D prevalence among D‐negative mothers was 1.1%. Icelandic Medical Birth Registry data were available for 881 (96.6%) pregnancies. In the clinically significant group (n = 474), anti‐E (27%) and anti‐D (20%) were most common, whereas anti‐M was most frequent (53%) in the clinically nonsignificant group (n = 407). Mothers in the clinically significant group were older, more often multigravidae, had more abortions and stillbirths, and had shorter gestational length. Newborns in the clinically significant group were less healthy, had lower weight and Apgar scores, and required more treatment. Among specificities in the clinically significant group, anti‐D antibodies were most strongly associated with severe hemolysis.CONCLUSIONIn this study, the prevalence of alloimmunization was similar to that in previous reports. Of all clinically significant antibodies, anti‐D was most strongly associated with severe hemolysis, requiring phototherapy or exchange transfusions. Our data emphasize the importance of implementing an antenatal prophylactic RhIg program in Iceland in the near future.
Who donates? Cross‐country and periodical variation in blood donor demographics in Europe between 1994 and 2014
Authors: Wittock Nathan , Hustinx Lesley , Bracke Piet , Buffel Veerle 
Published: August 2017

BACKGROUNDAgeing European populations put pressure on national blood supplies, increasing the need for blood and donor base rejuvenation. Therefore, we investigate how European countries' blood donor populations differ and how they have evolved over the last 2 decades. Previous comparative research, based on 1994 Eurobarometer data, indicate that the typical donor is an educated, middle‐aged, white, married male. Other sociodemographic and socioeconomic correlates, such as employment status and type of community, are less clear.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODSMultilevel analyses are performed on repeated cross‐level data from the Eurobarometer (waves 1994, 2002, 2009, and 2014) to compare information on “ever having donated” across sociodemographic categories, countries, and periods.RESULTSThere are consistent but moderate country and period differences. The donor population rose to become largest in most countries by 2009, and stabilized thereafter. Over the studied period, donors were more likely to be higher educated, married men. Nevertheless, changes across time in donor profiles within countries did occur. Women were less likely to donate blood, especially in Southern and Eastern Europe, but this gender gap has declined. Furthermore, educational attainment seems more relevant for women, although, more recently, to a lesser extent.CONCLUSIONAlthough there is a promising trend in which women, young people, and students are increasingly likely to donate, more attention is needed to reach the unemployed and the low to medium educated. Because the unemployed may lack structural opportunities to donate, and the low to medium educated may lack relevant knowledge on blood donation necessity, we recommend providing practical opportunities and information on the necessity of blood donation.
High estimated prevalence of asymptomatic dengue viremia in blood donors during a dengue epidemic in southern Taiwan, 2015
Authors: Chien Yu‐Wen , Shu Yu‐Chen , Chuang Kun‐Ta , Yeh Chun‐Yin , Ko Wen‐Chien , Ko Nai‐Ying , Perng Guey‐Chuen 
Published: August 2017

BACKGROUNDSouthern Taiwan experienced a severe dengue epidemic in 2015. Adult asymptomatic cases would raise concerns on transfusion‐transmitted dengue virus (DENV) infection. The aim of this study was to evaluate the magnitude of such a risk in Tainan City during this epidemic.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODSThe daily prevalence of asymptomatic dengue viremia in blood donors in Tainan City and in selected high‐incidence districts during the 2015 dengue epidemic was estimated by an established mathematical model. Duration of viremia, duration of viremia before symptom onset, apparent‐to‐inapparent infection ratio, and reporting‐to‐underreporting ratio were four main parameters used in the model.RESULTSThe estimated maximal and mean daily prevalence of asymptomatic dengue viremia in blood donors in Tainan during this dengue epidemic was 74.4 (95% confidence interval [CI], 60.8‐88.0) and 15.0 (95% CI, 12.3‐17.7) per 10,000, respectively. In the district with the highest incidence, the maximal and mean daily prevalence of asymptomatic viremia was 328.8 (95% CI, 271.1‐386.2) and 55.3 (95% CI, 43.4‐63.3) per 10,000, respectively. Approximately 234 (95% CI, 191‐276) blood components containing DENV were produced during the epidemic.CONCLUSIONAlthough dengue is currently not endemic in Taiwan, physicians need to be aware of the risk of transfusion‐transmitted DENV infection. Our results suggest that screening measures to ensure blood safety should be evaluated and implemented during dengue epidemics even in nonendemic areas. Timely estimation of daily asymptomatic viremia prevalence by districts can help to select high‐risk areas for such measures and to evaluate cost‐effectiveness.
Red blood cell minor antigen mismatches during chronic transfusion therapy for sickle cell anemia
Authors: Yee Marianne E.M. , Josephson Cassandra D. , Winkler Anne M. , Webb Jennifer , Luban Naomi L.C. , Leong Traci , Stowell Sean R. , Fasano Ross M. 
Published: August 2017

BACKGROUNDRed blood cell (RBC) alloimmunization occurs at a high frequency in sickle cell anemia (SCA) despite serologic matching for Rh (C/c, E/e) and K antigens. RBC minor antigen genotyping allows for prediction of antigens and RH variants that may lead to alloimmunization.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODSRBC antigen genotyping was performed on chronically transfused pediatric SCA patients, using PreciseType human erythrocyte antigen (HEA), RHCE, and RHD BeadChip arrays. All patients received C/c, E/e, and K serologically matched units (Category 1); patients with prior RBC antibodies were also matched for Fya, Jkb, and any antibodies (Category 2). The RBC genotypes of all leukoreduced (LR) units transfused over a 12‐month period were determined by the prototype HEA‐LR BeadChip assay.RESULTSThere were 2320 RBC units transfused to 90 patients in 1135 transfusion episodes. Thirty‐five (38.9%) patients had homozygous or compound heterozygous RH variants. Seven new alloantibodies were detected, with alloantibody incidence of 0.706 in 100 units for Category 2 transfusions and 0.068 in 100 units for Category 1 (p = 0.02). Three patients on Category 2 transfusions formed new anti‐Jsa and had a higher rate of exposure to Jsa than those who did not form anti‐Jsa (20.4 vs. 8.33 exposures/100 units, p = 0.02). The most frequent mismatches were S (43.9%), Doa (43.9%), Fya (29.2%), M (28.4%), and Jkb (28.1%).CONCLUSIONSAlloimmunization incidence was higher in those with prior RBC antibodies, suggesting that past immunologic responders are at higher risk for future alloimmunization and therefore may benefit from more extensive antigen matching beyond C/c, E/e, K, Fya, and Jkb.
Hemovigilance monitoring of platelet septic reactions with effective bacterial protection systems
Authors: Benjamin Richard J. , Braschler Thomas , Weingand Tina , Corash Laurence M. 
Published: August 2017

BACKGROUNDDelayed, large‐volume bacterial culture and amotosalen/ultraviolet‐A light pathogen reduction are effective at reducing the risk of bacterial proliferation in platelet concentrates (PCs). Hemovigilance programs continue to receive reports of suspected septic transfusion reactions, most with low imputability. Here, we compile national hemovigilance data to determine the relative efficacy of these interventions.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODSAnnual reports from the United Kingdom, France, Switzerland, and Belgium were reviewed between 2005 and 2016 to assess the risk of bacterial contamination and septic reactions.RESULTSApproximately 1.65 million delayed, large‐volume bacterial culture‐screened PCs in the United Kingdom and 2.3 million amotosalen/ultraviolet‐A–treated PCs worldwide were issued with no reported septic fatalities. One definite, one possible, and 12 undetermined/indeterminate septic reactions and eight contaminated “near misses” were reported with delayed, large‐volume bacterial cultures between 2011 and 2016, for a lower false‐negative culture rate than that in the previous 5 years (5.4 vs. 16.3 per million: odds ratio, 3.0; 95% confidence interval, 1.4‐6.5). Together, the Belgian, Swiss, and French hemovigilance programs documented zero probable or definite/certain septic reactions with 609,290 amotosalen/ultraviolet‐A–treated PCs (<1.6 per million). The rates were significantly lower than those reported with concurrently transfused, nonpathogen‐reduced PCs in Belgium (<4.4 vs. 35.6 per million: odds ratio, 8.1; 95% confidence interval,1.1‐353.3) and with historic septic reaction rates in Switzerland (<6.0 vs. 82.9 per million: odds ratio, 13.9; 95% confidence interval, 2.1‐589.2), and the rates tended to be lower than those from concurrently transfused, nonpathogen‐reduced PCs in France (<4.7 vs. 19.0 per million: odds ratio, 4.1; 95% confidence interval, 0.7‐164.3).CONCLUSIONPathogen reduction and bacterial culture both reduced the incidence of septic reactions, although under‐reporting and strict imputability criteria resulted in an underestimation of risk.
Functional capacity in a rat model of heart failure: impact of myocardial infarct size
Authors: Hentschke Vítor Scotta , Capalonga Lucas , Rossato Douglas Dalcin , Perini Júlia Luíza , Alves Jadson Pereira , Quagliotto Edson , Stefani Giuseppe Potrick , Karsten Marlus , Pontes Mauro , Dal Lago Pedro 
Published: August 2017

New Findings
What is the central question of this study?
To the best of our knowledge, no studies have evaluated oxygen uptake, carbon dioxide production and exercise tolerance in rats that have undergone myocardial infarction classified by myocardial infarct (MI) size.

What is the main finding and its importance?
Oxygen uptake and exercise intolerance are MI size dependent, and classification based on MI size can distinguish rats with functional capacity impairment. Rats with a large MI (>40% of the left ventricle) might provide a good model for the testing of new therapies that have the potential to modify the variables of functional capacity.

Oxygen uptake () and exercise tolerance in rats classified by myocardial infarct (MI) size are underexplored. The aim of this study was to evaluate , carbon dioxide production () and exercise tolerance in rats that had undergone myocardial infarction. Fourteen weeks after myocardial infarction or sham surgery, rats underwent an integrated approach to evaluation of left ventricular function and , exercise tolerance and skeletal muscle weight. Based on determination of MI size, rats were assigned to sham‐operated controls (Sham, n = 12), small myocardial infarction (SMI, n = 8) and large myocardial infarction (LMI, n = 5) groups. The LMI rats showed lower systolic (ejection fraction and fractional shortening) and diastolic (E/A ratio) left ventricular function compared with SMI. Maximal (∼24%, P < 0.05), reserve (∼30%, P < 0.05), time to exhaustion (∼36%, P < 0.05) and maximal velocity (∼30%, P < 0.05) were lower in LMI compared with sham‐operated control animals, with no difference between SMI rats and sham‐operated controls. Maximal and respiratory exchange ratio showed no significant difference between MI rats and sham‐operated control rats. The LMI rats demonstrated lower gastrocnemius weight (∼12%, P < 0.05) and soleus weight (∼19%, P = 0.07) compared with sham‐operated control rats. Significant correlations between MI size, left ventricular end‐diastolic pressure, right ventricle hypertrophy, pulmonary congestion, ejection fraction and fractional shortening with maximal and distance run were observed. Oxygen uptake and exercise intolerance are MI size dependent.
Small Scale Energy Storage for Peak Demand Shaving
Authors: L’Heureux Zara E. , Lackner Klaus S. 
Published: August 2017

Utilities in regulated energy markets manage power generation, transmission, and delivery to consumers. Matching peak demand with peak generation is costly, and the increasing penetration of renewable energy into the grid adds complexity due to fluctuations in supply. A few options exist for addressing the task of balancing supply and demand, including demand response, energy storage, and time-varying pricing (tariffs).
Arizona Public Service (APS), the largest electric utility company in Arizona, employs tariffs that charge more for electricity at certain times (on-peak periods) and a demand charge for the highest power demand throughout the billing period. Such tariffs incentivize end users to lower peak demand. Arizona State University (ASU), a public university with its largest campus in Tempe, AZ, participates in a time-of-use tariff structure with APS. Analysis in this paper shows that ASU’s 16MWdc of onsite solar capacity alone can lower its monthly electricity bills by over 10% by decreasing on-peak power demand.
A novel contribution of the paper is the analysis of the value of small scale, on-campus energy storage in lowering the demand charge. Most analyses consider savings from transferring off-peak electric power to peak-electric power, but this paper considers using stored electricity solely to reduce peak demand and thus lower the demand charge. Small amounts of electricity could greatly reduce overall cost. An algorithm was developed and executed in Python to decide when on-campus storage should be charged and discharged. The critical part of the algorithm is to decide when to discharge. Deploying too early, or too late, will not change peak demand.
The paper’s storage dispatch model is implemented alongside a financial model that calculates the savings in electricity bills and determines the net present value (NPV) of different storage technologies as a function of storage lifetime and installed capacity (kWh). The results show that, for all storage technologies considered, a positive NPV is realized. NPVs are very sensitive to actual power demand and thus vary from year to year. This is to be expected because the storage dispatch strategy operates on extreme values, which tend to include very rare events.
This analysis uses actual data from ASU, which allows us to extend the results to other universities and commercial customers. The favorable results suggest that a smarter dispatch algorithm based on machine learning would enable further cost savings by determining what can be thought of as a shadow price of electricity.
Intelligent Approaches for Modeling and Optimizing HVAC Systems’ Energy Use
Authors: Tesiero Raymond C. , Nassif Nabil , Gokaraju Balakrishna , Doss Daniel Adrian 
Published: August 2017

Advanced energy management control systems (EMCS), or building automation systems (BAS), offer an excellent means of reducing energy consumption in heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems while maintaining and improving indoor environmental conditions. This can be achieved through the use of computational intelligence and optimization. This paper evaluates model-based optimization processes (OP) for HVAC systems utilizing any computer algebra system (CAS), genetic algorithms and self-learning or self-tuning models (STM), which minimizes the error between measured and predicted performance data. The OP can be integrated into the EMCS to perform several intelligent functions achieving optimal system performance. The development of several self-learning HVAC models and optimizing the process (minimizing energy use) is tested using data collected from an actual HVAC system.
Using this optimization process (OP), the optimal variable set points (OVSP), such as supply air temperature (Ts), supply duct static pressure (Ps), chilled water supply temperature (Tw), minimum outdoor ventilation, and chilled water differential pressure set-point (Dpw) are optimized with respect to energy use of the HVAC’s cooling side including the chiller, pump, and fan. The optimized set point variables minimize energy use and maintain thermal comfort incorporating ASHRAE’s new ventilation standard 62.1-2013.
This research focuses primarily with: on-line, self-tuning, optimization process (OLSTOP); HVAC design principles; and control strategies within a building automation system (BAS) controller. The HVAC controller will achieve the lowest energy consumption of the cooling side while maintaining occupant comfort by performing and prioritizing the appropriate actions. The program’s algorithms analyze multiple variables (humidity, pressure, temperature, CO2, etc.) simultaneously at key locations throughout the HVAC system (pumps, cooling coil, chiller, fan, etc.) to reach the function’s objective, which is the lowest energy consumption while maintaining occupancy comfort.