The Integration Monitor 2005. The social integration of migrants monitored over time: trend and cohort analyses

In 2004, work started on the development of an Integration Monitor. The Integration Monitor is a project that is being implemented by the Research and Documentation Centre (Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek- en Documentatiecentrum - WODC) of the Ministry of Justice in collaboration with Statistics Netherlands (Centraal Bureau voor de Statistiek - CBS). The object is to develop a tool that can be used to monitor the integration of first and second-generation individuals from ethnic minorities over time. Alongside information from other sources, a monitoring tool of this nature can contribute to a better understanding of the extent to which, and the rate at which, the various ethnic minority groups are able to gain a place for themselves in Dutch society. In comparison with the first Integration Monitor published in 2004, the Integration Monitor 2005 features not only more recent information, but also a number of new integration indicators. The latter are data in terms of crime and entry into higher education. Another new aspect of the Integration Monitor 2005 is the expansion of the analyses made to cover three cohorts of newcomers that came to the Netherlands in 1999, 2000 and 2001 respectively. Through the use of the Social Statistics Database (SSB) [Sociaal Statistisch Bestand] produced by Statistics Netherlands, with its data covering the entire population of the Netherlands, it has been possible, in many cases, to arrive at a detailed breakdown of groups according to their different countries of origin. In addition to a description of the traditional ‘big four’ (Turks, Moroccans, Surinamese and Antilleans/Arubans), we also indicate, where possible, how smaller immigrant populations, which have come to the Netherlands in recent years, are participating in society. Using longitudinal data, the Integration Monitor provides an insight into the progress of integration achieved by large and small origin groups over a longer period and in different domains of society. This is done by featuring trends over time and by monitoring cohorts of newcomers that settled in the Netherlands in a certain year, in order to see how they have fared. The Integration Monitor focuses on actual behaviour and on the actual social positions held by individuals, as opposed to attitudes, perceptions, subjective experience and opinions

Population and labour force projections for 27 European countries, 2002-052: impact of international migration on population ageing: Projections de population et de population active pour 27 pays européens 2002-052: impact de la migration internationale sur le vieillissement de la population

Population and labour force projections are made for 27 selected European countries for 2002-052, focussing on the impact of international migration on population and labour force dynamics. Starting from single scenarios for fertility, mortality and economic activity, three sets of assumptions are explored regarding migration flows, taking into account probable policy developments in Europe following the enlargement of the EU. In addition to age structures, various support ratio indicators are analysed. The results indicate that plausible immigration cannot offset the negative effects of population and labour force ageing

Local Application of BMP-2 Specific Plasmids in Fibrin Glue does not Promote Implant Fixation

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>BMP-2 is known to accelerate fracture healing and might also enhance osseointegration and implant fixation. Application of recombinant BMP-2 has a time-limited effect. Therefore, a gene transfer approach with a steady production of BMP-2 appears to be attractive. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of locally applied BMP-2 plasmids on the bone-implant integration in a non-weight bearing rabbit tibia model using a comparatively new non-viral copolymer-protected gene vector (COPROG).</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Sixty rabbits were divided into 4 groups. All of them received nailing of both tibiae. The verum group had the nails inserted with the COPROG vector and BMP-2 plasmids using fibrin glue as a carrier. Controls were a group with fibrin glue only and a blank group. After 28 and 56 days, these three groups were sacrificed and one tibia was randomly chosen for biomechanical testing, while the other tibia underwent histomorphometrical examination. In a fourth group, a reporter-gene was incorporated in the fibrin glue instead of the BMP-2 formula to prove that transfection was successful.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Implant fixation strength was significantly lower after 28 and 56 days in the verum group. Histomorphometry supported the findings after 28 days, showing less bone-implant contact.</p> <p>In the fourth group, successful transfection could be confirmed by detection of the reporter-gene in 20 of 22 tibiae. But, also systemic reporter-gene expression was found in heterotopic locations, showing an undesired spreading of the locally applied gene formula.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Our results underline the transfecting capability of this vector and support the idea that BMP-2 might diminish osseointegration. Further studies are necessary to specify the exact mechanisms and the systemic effects.</p