The Network Survival Method for Estimating Adult Mortality: Evidence From a Survey Experiment in Rwanda.

Adult death rates are a critical indicator of population health and well-being. Wealthy countries have high-quality vital registration systems, but poor countries lack this infrastructure and must rely on estimates that are often problematic. In this article, we introduce the network survival method, a new approach for estimating adult death rates. We derive the precise conditions under which it produces consistent and unbiased estimates. Further, we develop an analytical framework for sensitivity analysis. To assess the performance of the network survival method in a realistic setting, we conducted a nationally representative survey experiment in Rwanda (n = 4,669). Network survival estimates were similar to estimates from other methods, even though the network survival estimates were made with substantially smaller samples and are based entirely on data from Rwanda, with no need for model life tables or pooling of data from other countries. Our analytic results demonstrate that the network survival method has attractive properties, and our empirical results show that this method can be used in countries where reliable estimates of adult death rates are sorely needed

Phase resolved X-ray spectroscopy of HDE228766: Probing the wind of an extreme Of+/WNLha star

HDE228766 is a very massive binary system hosting a secondary component, which is probably in an intermediate evolutionary stage between an Of supergiant and an WN star. The wind of this star collides with the wind of its O8 II companion, leading to relatively strong X-ray emission. Measuring the orbital variations of the line-of-sight absorption toward the X-ray emission from the wind-wind interaction zone yields information on the wind densities of both stars. X-ray spectra have been collected at three key orbital phases to probe the winds of both stars. Optical photometry has been gathered to set constraints on the orbital inclination of the system. The X-ray spectra reveal prominent variations of the intervening column density toward the X-ray emission zone, which are in line with the expectations for a wind-wind collision. We use a toy model to set constraints on the stellar wind parameters by attempting to reproduce the observed variations of the relative fluxes and wind optical depths at 1 keV. The lack of strong optical eclipses sets an upper limit of about 68 degrees on the orbital inclination. The analysis of the variations of the X-ray spectra suggests an inclination in the range 54 - 61 degrees and indicates that the secondary wind momentum ratio exceeds that of the primary by at least a factor 5. Our models further suggest that the bulk of the X-ray emission arises from the innermost region of the wind interaction zone, which is from a region whose outer radius, as measured from the secondary star, lies between 0.5 and 1.5 times the orbital separation

Observational signatures of past mass-exchange episodes in massive binaries: The case of LSS 3074

The role of mass and momentum exchanges in close massive binaries is very important in the subsequent evolution of the components. Such exchanges produce several observational signatures such as asynchronous rotation and altered chemical compositions, that remain after the stars detach again. We investigated these effects for the close O-star binary LSS 3074 (O4 f + O6-7 :(f):), which is a good candidate for a past Roche lobe overflow (RLOF) episode because of its very short orbital period, P = 2.185 days, and the luminosity classes of both components. We determined a new orbital solution for the system. We studied the photometric light curves to determine the inclination of the orbit and Roche lobe filling factors of both stars. Using phase-resolved spectroscopy, we performed the disentangling of the optical spectra of the two stars. We then analysed the reconstructed primary and secondary spectra with the CMFGEN model atmosphere code to determine stellar parameters, such as the effective temperatures and surface gravities, and to constrain the chemical composition of the components. We confirm the apparent low stellar masses and radii reported in previous studies. We also find a strong overabundance in nitrogen and a strong carbon and oxygen depletion in both primary and secondary atmospheres, together with a strong enrichment in helium of the primary star. We propose several possible evolutionary pathways through a RLOF process to explain the current parameters of the system. We confirm that the system is apparently in overcontact configuration and has lost a significant portion of its mass to its surroundings. We suggest that some of the discrepancies between the spectroscopic and photometric properties of LSS 3074 could stem from the impact of a strong radiation pressure of the primary

Consumer protection in Turkey: law, informality and the role of the media. Monash University, Workplace and Corporate Law Research Group, Working Paper No. 21

This report is part of a University of Oxford John Fell funded collaborative project: Informality and the Media in Consumer Protection in Emerging Economies. This pilot project seeks to shed light upon consumer complaint behaviour through social media in emerging economies

A quantitative study of the O stars in NGC 2244

peer reviewedAbstract. NGC2244 located in the Rosette Nebula is a young open cluster composed of seven O-type stars. A first paper focused on the multiplicity of these stars, revealed only one binary system out of the seven studied stars. The minimum binary fraction of this cluster (~ 14%) diff ers to the average fraction measured on the nearby clusters (~ 44%). In order to better constrain this discrepancy, an analysis based on the determination of the stellar and wind parameters of these stars with the CMFGEN atmosphere code was performed. The main results con rfim that all the stars have an age between 0 and 5 Myr, and that the N surface abundance appears to be consistent with the evolutionary models for a population of stars of the same age. Moreover, this investigation exhibits the existence of dynamical interactions inside this young open cluster sufficiently strong to eject the hottest component from its centre

Apsidal motion in the massive binary HD152218

Massive binary systems are important laboratories in which to probe the properties of massive stars and stellar physics in general. In this context, we analysed optical spectroscopy and photometry of the eccentric short-period early-type binary HD 152218 in the young open cluster NGC 6231. We reconstructed the spectra of the individual stars using a separating code. The individual spectra were then compared with synthetic spectra obtained with the CMFGEN model atmosphere code. We furthermore analysed the light curve of the binary and used it to constrain the orbital inclination and to derive absolute masses of 19.8 +/- 1.5 and 15.0 +/- 1.1 solar masses. Combining radial velocity measurements from over 60 years, we show that the system displays apsidal motion at a rate of (2.04^{+.23}_{-.24}) degree/year. Solving the Clairaut-Radau equation, we used stellar evolution models, obtained with the CLES code, to compute the internal structure constants and to evaluate the theoretically predicted rate of apsidal motion as a function of stellar age and primary mass. In this way, we determine an age of 5.8 +/- 0.6 Myr for HD 152218, which is towards the higher end of, but compatible with, the range of ages of the massive star population of NGC 6231 as determined from isochrone fitting.Comment: Accepted for publication in Astronomy & Astrophysic

Neuroprotection: A New Therapeutic Approach of Relapsing Remitting Multiple Sclerosis

Neurodegenerative changes occurring early from primary acute immune-mediated inflammation support the hypothesis that multiple sclerosis (MS) is a complex disease. Axonal loss progresses with the disease course and represents the principal driver of disability. In this context, the pursuit of neuroprotective therapies in multiple sclerosis provides new valid alternatives that could significantly impact on disease progression and neurodegenerative changes, including the promotion of restoration of myelin sheaths through the remyelination process. This chapter reviews promising drugs with proposed neuroprotective or neuroregenerative effects that are currently approved or in clinical trials for the treatment of multiple sclerosis. Although the chapter highlights the diazoxide action on neuroinflammation and the results of a clinical trial with this drug, the review also includes other molecules with oral or parenteral administration

Health psychology: A portfolio of work and practice including: addiction; stigma and quality of life; and, visual impairment

Introduction: It has been demonstrated that people with a visual impairment report a lower quality of life (QoL) than those who are normally sighted. Researchers have shown that in conditions such as cancer, HIV, and mental illness, experienced and anticipated stigma and discrimination can relate to lower QoL scores (e.g. Brown Johnson, Brodsky, & Cataldo, 2014; Liu, Xu, Lin. Shi. & Chen, 2013; Tang & Wu, 2012; Yen, Chen, Lee. Tang, Ko, et al., 2009). There is a paucity of literature, however, exploring this phenomenon within the field of visual impairment. The aim of this study was to explore whether a relationship exists between stigma and discrimination, and the QoL of visually impaired people. Methods: This mixed-methods study was split into two sections. Both sections included the use of the DISC-VI, QUAD-VI, and WHOQOL-BREF scales to measure stigma and discrimination, and QoL, respectively. Fifty-three participants were recruited for the first part of this study, responding to the above scales plus two qualitative questions. A total of one hundred and seventy two participants were included in part two, where only the above scales were included. Qualitative data was analysed using inductive thematic analysis. Scales were assessed using psychometric analyses. Quantitative data was analysed using Pearson’s correlations and multiple regressions. Results: The hypothesis that there would be a significant negative relationship between stigma, discrimination and QoL was confirmed. The strongest relationships being between anticipated stigma and all domains of QoL. The scales were found to be psychometrically valid for this sample, although the DISC-VI’s subscales were not used due to insufficient confidence about their validity in this sample. Qualitative findings show that the visually impaired face many challenges in life: avoidance, abuse, and challenges when accessing health care providers. Conclusion: The impact of stigma and discrimination on the visually impaired person’s QoL are an area that deserves further attention as it has been ignored for too long. Limitations of this study should be considered in interpreting the finding

Calcium homeostasis in the central nervous system: adaptation to neurodegeneration

En aquest article, després d'una revisió dels nostres coneixements bàsics sobre moviments del alci neuronal, s'ha resentat el treball fet pel nostre grup durant els últims anys sobre neurodegeneració, juntament amb les dades obtingudes en models animals i humans en l'estudi de la precipitació cerebral del calci. Per tal d'explicar la precipitació del calci s'ha presentat i discutit un model que integra els diversos mecanismes implicats en neurodegeneració des del punt de vista de la rellevància funcional.Here we review the results of our recent studies on neurodegeneration together with data on cerebral calcium precipitation in animal models and humans. A model that integrates the diversity of mechanisms involved in neurodegeneration is presented and discussed based on the functional relevance of calcium precipitation