bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Epilepsy Surgery Grading Scale: Validation in an independent population with drug‐resistant focal epilepsy
Authors: Conte Francesca , Van Paesschen Wim , Legros Benjamin , Depondt Chantal
Published: June 2019

The Epilepsy Surgery Grading Scale (ESGS) is a simple tool that predicts a patient's likelihood of progressing to resective surgery and becoming seizure‐free. The aim of our study was to validate the ESGS in an independent patient cohort. We retrospectively calculated the ESGS score for adult patients with drug‐resistant focal epilepsy undergoing presurgical evaluation at two reference centers for drug‐resistant epilepsy in Belgium. We classified patients into ESGS grade 1 (most favorable), grade 2 (intermediate), and grade 3 (least favorable). We assessed progression to surgery and postsurgical seizure freedom. A total of 238 patients underwent presurgical evaluation (presurgical cohort), of whom 140 progressed to surgery (surgical cohort). In the presurgical cohort, we observed significant differences in rates of surgery and in rates of seizure freedom between grades 1, 2, and 3. In the surgical cohort, we observed significant differences in rates of seizure freedom between grades 1 and 2 and between grades 1 and 3. We confirm the usefulness of the ESGS for the prognostic stratification of patients with drug‐resistant focal epilepsy undergoing presurgical evaluation. Our results support the use of the ESGS in the decision process of presurgical evaluation in clinical practice.
Effects of starvation on death‐feigning in adult Eucryptorrhynchus brandti (Coleoptera: Curculionidae)
Authors: Li Huijuan , Zhang Ganyu , Ji Yingchao , Wen Junbao
Published: June 2019

In insects, death‐feigning is an effective defence strategy. Eucryptorrhynchus brandti, a major borer pest in China, has a weak flight ability and exhibits obvious death‐feigning behaviour when disturbed. Despite a large number of studies of its biological and ecological properties as well as control methods, the death‐feigning behaviour has not been specifically described. In laboratory conditions, we recorded the survival rate under starvation and feeding conditions and evaluated the effect of starvation on the duration and occurrence of death‐feigning. In a continuous experiment, we examined variation in the death‐feigning duration every day over 7 day. Then, we evaluated the effects of starvation for 3, 6 and 9 day in a non‐continuous experiment and further observed variation in the death‐feigning intensity. We found that starvation significantly affected the survival rate. Survival time was significantly longer in the starvation group than in the feeding group, and females had longer survival times than males (female: 14 day, male: 8 day). In the continuous experiment, starved E. brandti had the longest duration of death‐feigning at 2 day, followed by a significant decrease. In the non‐continuous experiment, the duration and proportion of death‐feigning decreased significantly as the duration of starvation increased and were significantly lower than feeding. These observations suggest that starvation is a non‐negligible factor in the death‐feigning behaviour of E. brandti adults, facilitating the interpretation of future ecological and behavioural data of thanatosis.
Changing salmon: An analysis of body mass, abundance, survival, and productivity trends across 45 years in Puget Sound
Authors: Losee James P. , Kendall Neala W. , Dufault Aaron
Published: June 2019

Pacific salmon and trout (Oncorhynchus spp., Salmonidae) of the Puget Sound region of Washington State, USA, have experienced recent and longer‐term (multidecadal) variability in abundance while supporting robust fisheries. As part of the post‐season salmon management process, population‐specific estimates of total adult abundance to Puget Sound (Strait of Juan de Fuca) for pink (O. gorbuscha), chum (O. keta), coho (O. kisutch), sockeye (O. nerka), and Chinook (O. tshawytscha) salmon and steelhead trout (O. mykiss) are calculated annually. We compiled annual estimates of body mass, abundance and survival of hatchery‐ and naturally produced salmon from 1970 to 2015 to compare spatial and temporal patterns across species. Average weights of adult salmon and steelhead returning to Puget Sound, with the exception of coho salmon, have decreased since the 1970s. Temporal trends in abundance, survival and productivity varied by species and origin (hatchery vs. naturally produced). Generally, abundance and survival rates of natural‐origin species decreased whereas those of hatchery‐produced species did not, which is in contrast with other studies' general conclusions of decreasing survival among Puget Sound salmonids. Species diversity has decreased in recent years, with salmonids that rely on a short freshwater rearing phase in the natural environment (hatchery‐produced fish and naturally produced pink and chum) representing >90% of total returns in most years. This new information reveals patterns of body size, abundance, survival and productivity across species, life history and rearing type over the past 45 years and, in doing so, demonstrates the strength in multidecadal, multifactor time series to critically evaluate salmonid species.
Spouse's functional disability and mortality: The Ohsaki Cohort 2006 Study
Authors: Sone Toshimasa , Nakaya Naoki , Tomata Yasutake , Nakaya Kumi , Hoshi Masayuki , Tsuji Ichiro
Published: June 2019

Aim

Caregiver burden is known to negatively affect a partner's health. Given the important role of physical and mental stress in mortality, a higher caregiver burden might be associated with an increased incidence of fatal events. However, previous studies of the effects of the partner's caregiving on mortality have shown inconsistent results. Thus, the purpose of the present longitudinal study was to determine if there is an association between a spouse's functional disability and mortality in the older Japanese population.

Methods

A baseline survey was carried out with 7598 participants in 2006. Information on the date of functional disability, death or emigration was retrieved from the Ohsaki City government. Functional disability was defined as receiving a certification for long‐term care insurance in Japan. After a follow‐up period of a maximum of 87 months, 1316 of the participants died and Cox regression analysis with adjustment for confounding factors was used to assess mortality after the incidence of functional disability in a spouse.

Results

The multivariate adjusted hazard ratio for mortality was 1.78 (95% confidence interval 1.52–2.08, P < 0.01) in those whose spouses had functional disabilities compared with those with spouses who did not have functional disabilities. The mortality was consistently higher, irrespective of age group or sex.

Conclusions

These results imply that caregiver burden might increase stress responses and lead to increased mortality; therefore, enhancement of support systems, including long‐term care, housing and livelihood support services, for those with disability and their spouses might be important for preventing deaths. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2019; 19: 774–779.
Long‐term trends in HIV care entry: over 15 years of clinical experience from Poland
Authors: Siwak E , Horban A , Witak‐Jędra M , Cielniak I , Firląg‐Burkacka E , Leszczyszyn‐Pynka M , Witor A , Muller K , Bociąga‐Jasik M , Kalinowska‐Nowak A , Gąsiorowski J , Szetela B , Jabłonowska E , Wójcik‐Cichy K , Jankowska J , Lemańska M , Olczak A , Grąbczewska E , Grzeszczuk A , Rogalska‐Plonska M , Suchacz M , Mikuła T , Łojewski W , Bielec D , Kocbach P , Błudzin W , Parczewski M
Published: June 2019

Introduction

Delay in HIV diagnosis and consequently late care entry with low CD4 counts remain a major challenge for the control of the HIV/AIDS epidemic. The aim of this study was to analyse the evolution of characteristics of the HIV epidemic in Poland.

Methods

Cross‐sectional data were collected for 3972 HIV‐infected patients followed up in 14 of 17 Polish HIV treatment centres in the years 2000–2015. Clinical data were analysed and factors associated with late presentation (baseline CD4 count < 350 cells/μL or history of AIDS‐defining illness) and advanced HIV disease (baseline CD4 count < 200 cells/μL or history of AIDS) were identified.

Results

The majority (57.6%) of patients entered care late, while 35.6% presented with advanced HIV disease. The odds of being linked to care late or with advanced HIV disease increased consistently across age categories, increasing from 2.55 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.46–4.47] for late presentation and 3.13 (95% CI 1.49–6.58) for advanced disease for the 21–30‐year‐old category to 5.2 (95% CI 1.94–14.04) and 8.15 (95% CI 2.88–23.01), respectively, for individuals > 60 years of age. Increased risks of late entry and advanced HIV disease were also observed for injecting drug users [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 1.74 (95% CI 1.16–2.60) and 1.55 (95% CI 1.05–2.30), respectively], with lower aOR associated with the men who have sex with men transmission route [aOR 0.3 (95% CI 0.31–0.59) and 0.39 (95% CI 0.29–0.53), respectively]. The frequencies of cases in which patients were linked to care late and with advanced HIV disease decreased over time from 67.6% (2000) to 53.5% (2015) (P < 0.0001) and from 43.5% (2000) to 28.4% (2015) (P = 0.001), respectively.

Conclusions

Despite improvements over time, most patients diagnosed with HIV infection entered care late, with a third presenting with advanced HIV disease. Late care entry remains common among people who inject drugs and heterosexual groups.
Serum level of advanced oxidation protein products (AOPPs) in patients with Henoch–Schonlein purpura and its relationship with aberrant glycosylation of IgA1 and Cosmc mRNA expression
Authors: Liu Qiang , Yang Yun , Ge Shealinna , Huo JianLi , Wang DaHu , Ma YaoHui , Shi ShaoMin , Luo Ding , Deng JieHua , Ren CuiMin , Guo BingShen
Published: June 2019

Background

Henoch–Schonlein purpura (HSP) is a systemic small vessel vasculitis that is mainly caused by IgA1‐type immune complex deposition. Advanced oxidation protein products (AOPPs) are specific markers of protein oxidation.

Objective

To explore the role of AOPPs in the pathogenesis of HSP.

Methods

There are 51 HSP patients who were divided into four subgroups: (i) skin type – 20 cases; (ii) joint type – 8 cases; (iii) abdominal type – 12 cases; (iv) renal type – 11 cases; and 18 healthy volunteers were enrolled as controls. The serum levels of AOPPs and Gd‐IgA1 were quantified by an HAA‐lectin‐based ELISA. The Cosmc mRNA expression in peripheral B lymphocytes was measured by RT‐PCR.

Results

1. Advanced oxidation protein products in different subgroups of HSP patients are all higher than the controls, while the renal‐type subgroup is the highest and the skin‐type subgroup is the lowest. 2. Spearman correlation analysis shows that: (i) AOPPs and Gd‐IgA1 in HSP patients are positively correlated; both of them are positively correlated with the disease severity scores; (ii) AOPPs are negatively correlated with the relative expression value (RQ) of Cosmc mRNA.

Conclusion

Advanced oxidation protein products play an important role in the pathogenesis of HSP, especially in renal‐type patients.
Integration Needs and Support Offered: The Effects of Support on Young Spaniards in Germany
Authors: Aksakal Mustafa , Schmidt Kerstin
Published: June 2019

In this article we compare the perceived cultural integration challenges by young Spanish migrants in Germany with the support offered by one national government initiative and one local migrant organisation. Based on qualitative interviews, we identified four inequality‐related and interrelated challenges: personal relationships, housing, company culture and bureaucracy. Our findings show that MobiPro‐EU, as an example of a government initiative, emphasises labour market integration and thereby neglects the cultural dimension of integration. The German‐Spanish Association, which is a regional example for migrant self‐support, lacks the financial means, staff and geographic scope to provide large‐scale support. We conclude that both initiatives follow a different support strategy and demonstrate shortcomings in supporting migrants. As a consequence, particularly for migrants who cannot draw on social support, for instance provided by their personal networks, the absence of effective support measures can negatively affect cultural integration into society as well as career development.
Circulation and characterization of seasonal influenza viruses in Cambodia, 2012‐2015
Authors: Horwood Paul F. , Karlsson Erik A. , Horm Srey Viseth , Ly Sovann , Heng Seng , Chin Savuth , Darapheak Chau , Saunders David , Chanthap Lon , Rith Sareth , Y Phalla , Chea Kim Lay , Sar Borann , Parry Amy , Ieng Vanra , Tsuyouka Reiko , Deng Yi‐Mo , Hurt Aeron C. , Barr Ian G. , Komadina Naomi , Buchy Philippe , Dussart Philippe
Published: June 2019

Background

Influenza virus circulation is monitored through the Cambodian influenza‐like illness (ILI) sentinel surveillance system and isolates are characterized by the National Influenza Centre (NIC). Seasonal influenza circulation has previously been characterized by year‐round activity and a peak during the rainy season (June‐November).

Objectives

We documented the circulation of seasonal influenza in Cambodia for 2012‐2015 and investigated genetic, antigenic, and antiviral resistance characteristics of influenza isolates.

Patients/Methods

Respiratory samples were collected from patients presenting with influenza‐like illness (ILI) at 11 hospitals throughout Cambodia. First‐line screening was conducted by the National Institute of Public Health and the Armed Forces Research Institute of Medical Sciences. Confirmation of testing and genetic, antigenic and antiviral resistance characterization was conducted by Institute Pasteur in Cambodia, the NIC. Additional virus characterization was conducted by the WHO Collaborating Centre for Reference and Research on Influenza (Melbourne, Australia).

Results

Between 2012 and 2015, 1,238 influenza‐positive samples were submitted to the NIC. Influenza A(H3N2) (55.3%) was the dominant subtype, followed by influenza B (30.9%; predominantly B/Yamagata‐lineage) and A(H1N1)pdm09 (13.9%). Circulation of influenza viruses began earlier in 2014 and 2015 than previously described, coincident with the emergence of A(H3N2) clades 3C.2a and 3C.3a, respectively. There was high diversity in the antigenicity of A(H3N2) viruses, and to a smaller extent influenza B viruses, during this period, with some mismatches with the northern and southern hemisphere vaccine formulations. All isolates tested were susceptible to the influenza antiviral drugs oseltamivir and zanamivir.

Conclusions

Seasonal and year‐round co‐circulation of multiple influenza types/subtypes were detected in Cambodia during 2012‐2015.
Desert island papers—A life in variance parameter and quantitative genetic parameter estimation reviewed using 16 papers
Authors: Thompson Robin
Published: June 2019

I review my scientific career in terms of eight areas and 16 papers. The first two areas are associated with childhood. The other six are associated with residual maximum likelihood (REML), canonical transformation, inbreeding in selected populations, average information residual maximum likelihood (AIREML), the computer program ASReml and sampling‐based estimation.
Survival and growth of Listeria monocytogenes and Staphylococcus aureus on conventional and low‐sodium bacon—A short communication
Authors: Shin Yeseul , Kim Eungyung , Lee Huyong , Beuchat Larry R. , Ryu Jee‐Hoon , Kim Hoikyung
Published: June 2019

This study was focused on determining survival and growth characteristics of Listeria monocytogenes and Staphylococcus aureus on conventional (16.7 mg of sodium/g) and low‐sodium (10.7 mg of sodium/g) bacon. The two types of bacon were inoculated with the either L. monocytogenes or S. aureus stored at 4, 12, or 25°C for up to 7 days. Populations of L. monocytogenes and S. aureus did not change significantly on bacon stored at 4 and 12°C, regardless of sodium content. L. monocytogenes remained at 1.0–1.5 log cfu/g of conventional bacon stored at 25°C for 7 days but increased to 3.5 log cfu/g on low‐sodium bacon stored for 4 days. Within 1 and 3 days at 25°C, S. aureus increased, respectively, to 4.5 log cfu/g and 7.3 log cfu/g of low‐sodium bacon. Within 7 days at 25°C, populations increased to 8.1 log cfu/g of low‐sodium bacon and 3.7 log cfu/g of conventional bacon. This study shows that L. monocytogenes can grow on low‐sodium bacon stored at 25°C. S. aureus can grow on bacon stored at 25°C, regardless of sodium content, but the presence of 16.7 mg of sodium/g, compared to 10.7 mg/g, retards the rate of growth.

Practical applications

At 25°C, L. monocytogenes and S. aureus grew more rapidly on low‐sodium bacon than on conventional bacon. Low‐sodium bacons increase concern for microbiological safety. Storage of conventional and low‐sodium bacon at 25°C enables growth of both pathogens. Appropriate temperature for storage is more critical to enhance the microbiological safety of bacons rather than amount of sodium added.
Are There Gender‐based Effects for an Educational Program for Parents of Adolescents With Risk Behaviors?
Authors: Fernández‐Montalvo Javier , Arteaga Alfonso , López‐Goñi José J. , Ituráin Sonia
Published: June 2019

The goals of this study were to evaluate the gender‐based effectiveness of the parental intervention of the Suspertu (“recovery” in English) prevention program for adolescents with risk behaviors in Spain. The sample included 229 parents (105 fathers and 124 mothers). One open‐label trial with repeated measures was used. Parents received a family therapy and a group education. The intervention improved parents’ authoritative parenting style, decreasing the degree of parental stress and reducing parent’s psychopathological symptoms and maladjustment. Improvement in both groups (fathers and mothers) was mainly observed from pre‐ to post‐intervention assessment. According to the results, prevention programs for adolescents with risk behaviors may be a suitable context both to teach parents to deal appropriately with their children’s risk behaviors, and to improve parent’s psychological state.
Trachyspermum reginei sp. nov. (Apiaceae) from southwest Iran
Authors: Ajani Yousef , Mozaffarian Valiollah
Published: June 2019

Trachyspermum reginei Ajani & Mozzaff. sp. nov., is described and illustrated as a new species from Chaharmahale Bakhtiari province, SW Iran. The new species differs from its closest relative T. confusum, endemic to Afghanistan, mainly by stem, leaf and fruit morphological characters. Its taxonomic relationships with T. podlechii and T. ammi are also discussed. The new species is threatened by different factors and its protection is recommended.
Diagnosis and Treatment of Arterial Occlusion after Knee Arthroplasty: The Sooner, the Better
Authors: Li Zeng , Xiang Shuai , Bian Yan‐yan , Feng Bin , Zeng Rong , Weng Xi‐sheng
Published: June 2019

Knee arthroplasty, including total knee arthroplasty (TKA) and unicondylar knee arthroplasty (UKA), is an effective procedure for patients with severe knee joint diseases. Arterial occlusion after knee arthroplasty is a rare but severe complication. However, there are few comprehensive reviews or analyses focusing on it. In this study, we presented a case of successful treatment of acute arterial occlusion of the popliteal artery after TKA by emergent balloon angioplasty, and conducted a review and analysis of published cases with this complication. After search and screening, 36 studies with 47 cases of arterial occlusion after knee arthroplasty in the past 35 years (1984–2018) were included. Among the 47 patients, there were 22 men and 25 women. The mean age was 68 years old. A total of 43 patients had primary TKA while 2 had revision surgery for TKA and 2 for UKA. For arterial occlusions, 66% presented symptoms in less than 1 day after knee surgery and 95% of the occlusion sites were around the popliteal artery. For treatment, 89% chose surgical treatment. Compared with conservative treatment, surgical treatment was more effective (P < 0.01). The patients who underwent surgical treatment less than 1 day after diagnosis had less sequelae (P < 0.05). For arterial occlusion after knee arthroplasty, we should pay attention to the perioperative risk factors and presentations, and diagnose and treat surgically at an early stage.
Multi‐season analyses of causative pathogens in children hospitalized with asthma exacerbation
Authors: Abe Nozomi , Yasudo Hiroki , Fukano Reiji , Nakamura Tamaki , Okada Seigo , Wakiguchi Hiroyuki , Okazaki Fumiko , Shirabe Komei , Toda Shoichi , Okamoto Reiko , Ouchi Kazunobu , Ohga Shouichi , Hasegawa Shunji
Published: June 2019

Background

Respiratory viral and mycoplasma infections are associated with childhood asthma exacerbations. Here, we explored epidemiologic profile of causative pathogens and possible factors for exacerbation in a single center over a three‐year period.

Methods

Hospitalized asthmatic children with attack aged 6 months‐17 years were recruited between 2012 and 2015 (n = 216). Nasopharyngeal mucosa cell samples were collected from the participants and examined by reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction to detect rhinovirus (RV), respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), enterovirus (EV), parainfluenza virus (PIV), Mycoplasma pneumoniae, and others. Clinical features, laboratory data, asthma exacerbation intensity, and asthma severity were compared among participants. Epidemiologic profile of causative pathogens and possible factors for exacerbation were explored.

Results

Viruses and/or Mycoplasma pneumoniae were detected in 75% of the participants. Rhinovirus (48%) was the most commonly detected virus in the participants with single infection, followed by RSV (6%). The median age at admission in the RV group was significantly higher than that in the RSV group. Insufficient asthma control and allergen sensitization were significantly related to RV‐associated asthma exacerbation. There was no seasonality of pathogen types associated with asthma exacerbation although a sporadic prevalence of EV‐D68 was observehinovirud. Rhinovirus were repeatedly detected in multiple admission cases.

Conclusion

Our three‐year analysis revealed that patients with RV infection were significantly prone to repeated RV infection in the subsequent exacerbation and good asthma control could prevent RV‐associated asthma development and exacerbation. Multiple‐year monitoring allowed us to comprehend the profile of virus‐ and/or mycoplasma‐induced asthma exacerbation.
Perinatal maternal mental health is associated with both infections and wheezing in early childhood
Authors: Rusconi Franca , Gagliardi Luigi , Gori Elisa , Porta Daniela , Popovic Maja , Asta Federica , Brescianini Sonia , Richiardi Lorenzo , Ronfani Luca , Stazi Maria Antonietta
Published: June 2019

Background

Wheezing and infections are common during infancy, and the role of early‐life exposures in their development is still under investigation. We examined associations between maternal mental health in pregnancy and after delivery and subsequent offspring wheezing and infections.

Methods

We studied 2314 mother‐child pairs recruited in the Piccolipiù birth cohort (Italy) from 2011 to 2015. Maternal mental health was assessed in pregnancy and 12 months after delivery via the General Health Questionnaire‐12 (GHQ‐12). GHQ‐12 Likert scores were collapsed into low (below the upper tercile) and high (above). Risk ratios (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) between each combination of scores—during pregnancy and 1 year after delivery—and outcomes were computed by log‐binomial regression models.

Results

High scores both in pregnancy and after delivery, compared with low scores in both periods, were associated with wheezing (RR: 1.35; 95% CI: 1.08, 1.69), recurrent (≥2 episodes) wheezing (1.35; 0.99, 1.83), any and recurrent (≥4 episodes) upper respiratory infections (1.20; 1.04, 1.41, and 1.45; 1.07, 1.97, respectively), lower respiratory infections (1.31; 1.08, 1.61), and diarrhea (1.49; 1.23, 1.80). High scores either during pregnancy or 1 year after delivery only were less consistently associated with outcomes.

Conclusions

Maternal mental health problems extending from pregnancy to the first year after delivery are associated with development of both wheezing and infections. As wheezing is mostly triggered by infections, increased infection susceptibility could represent a possible common biologic mechanism. This study confirms the importance of early‐life exposures on childhood health.
Bad governance: How privatization increases corruption in the developing world
Authors: Reinsberg Bernhard , Stubbs Thomas , Kentikelenis Alexander , King Lawrence
Published: June 2019

International organizations have become key actors in the fight against corruption. Among these organizations, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) maintains a powerful position over borrowing countries in its ability to mandate far‐ranging policy reforms – so‐called “conditionalities” – in exchange for access to financial assistance. While IMF pressure can force the implementation of anti‐corruption policies, potentially reducing corruption, other IMF policy measures, such as the privatization of state‐owned enterprises, can create rent‐extraction opportunities and limit the capacity of state institutions to limit corrupt behavior. To test these mechanisms, we conduct instrumental‐variable regression analysis using an original dataset on IMF conditionality for up to 141 developing countries from 1982 to 2014. We find that conditions to privatize state‐owned enterprises exert significant detrimental effects on corruption control. Conversely, other areas of IMF intervention are not consistently related to corruption abatement. These findings offer policy lessons regarding the design of conditionality, which should avoid large‐scale privatization, especially under conditions of weak accountability.
Ethical dilemmas related to the use of safety technology in service house environments
Authors: Sallinen Merja , Hentonen Outi , Teeri Sari
Published: June 2019

Background

The use of technology in care of older adults has increased rapidly in recent years and is anticipated to increase further in the future. Technological devices and appliances have been developed to promote the safety and independence of older adults living in different settings. However, technology may also be perceived as a threat, and using technology could involve characteristics that may restrict especially patients’ autonomy.

Aims and methods

The aim of this study was to explore ethical dilemmas as experienced and expressed by older adults living in service house environment and their family members. The study was carried out in two service house units in Southwest Finland by conducting thematic interviews of service home residents aged 80–92 years (n = 12) and their relatives (n = 5). The interview data were analysed using inductive content analysis to identify similarities and differences across the data. The findings were categorised under three categories: supervision vs. privacy, fear of losing human contact, autonomy and freedom.

Findings

The participants appreciated the homely environment they had and preferred increasing the amount of staff over increasing technological surveillance. However, the residents were willing to accept also technological systems and solutions if they strengthened one’s feeling of security. Fear of losing human contacts and one’s privacy due to implementation technological systems was expressed by the older adults. Both the residents and their relatives emphasised the autonomy of the older adult in decision‐making concerning the use of technological services.

Conclusions

In conclusion, thorough discussion about autonomy, freedom and privacy is needed before applying new technologies to service house environments. Possibilities for drafting a ‘technological will’ where the resident could define under what circumstances technology can be used in his/her case and who can decide about it should be explored in the future.
Professionals’ experiences with palliative care and collaboration in relation to a randomised clinical trial: a qualitative interview study
Authors: Raunkiær Mette , Buch Martin Sandberg , Holm‐Petersen Christina , Timm Helle
Published: June 2019

Background

International evidence on the outcome of generalist versus specialist palliative care provision in palliative care trajectories is limited and varied. In general, intervention studies can influence the organisation of palliative care practice and professional collaborations. However, randomised clinical trials in palliative care rarely consider the organisational significance of the studies, as experienced by the professionals involved. DOMUS is the abbreviation for a Danish intervention study designed as a randomised clinical trial, investigating an accelerated transition from oncological to specialist palliative care at home for patients with incurable cancer. Alongside conducting the palliative care intervention study, we wanted to discover the perspectives of the healthcare professionals involved.

Aim

To explore the organisational significance of the DOMUS intervention study as experienced by the professionals involved.

Design

A qualitative interview study, using thematic content analysis and inspired by organisational theory.

Setting/participants

Thirty‐eight professionals from four units involved in the DOMUS intervention study took part in 10 groups and six individual interviews.

Results

The DOMUS randomised clinical trial intervention influenced and sometimes disrupted both the ways of organising, collaborating and practising palliative care, and patients’ and relatives’ understanding of their own situation. It did this by (1) referring a broader palliative care target group to specialist palliative care, leading to (2) different palliative care needs, professional tasks, and perceived impact on (3) the organisation of palliative care and (4) professional collaboration.

Conclusion

Professionals involved in the DOMUS palliative care intervention found that the study had organisational significance, with an influence on professionals, patients and relatives. Specialist palliative care in Denmark is devoted organisationally and professionally to patients with severe or complex palliative care needs. Hence, new ways of organising palliative care for people in the earlier stages of their disease are needed.
Indeterminacy and Failure of Grounding
Authors: Assadian Bahram , Nassim Jonathan
Published: June 2019

Cases of grounding failure present a puzzle for fundamental metaphysics. Typically, solutions are thought to lie either in adding ontology such as haecceities or in re‐describing the cases by means of the ideology of metaphysical indeterminacy. The controversial status of haecceities has led some to favour metaphysical indeterminacy as the way to solve the puzzle. We consider two further treatments of grounding failure each of which, we argue, is a more plausible alternative. As such, the initial dichotomy is a false one, and these alternative options deserve consideration before resorting to the heavyweight machinery of metaphysical indeterminacy.
Developing a Framework for Assessing Risks Associated with Human Responses in Emergency Escape on Offshore Installations
Authors: Norazahar Norafneeza , Ahmad Arshad
Published: June 2019

This paper presents a framework for assessing and managing risks of personnel responding to emergencies requiring escape on offshore installations. Personnel’s action or response can be affected by human factors during the emergency escape. The framework has four categories: analyzing human factors in safety barriers for emergency escape, quantifying the failure probability of personnel’s response, assessing risks associated with personnel’s response, and managing the risk associated with personnel’s response. The first category requires defining and arranging safety barriers for emergency escape based on the Swiss cheese model. Both second and third categories calculate the probability of personnel failing to respond to emergency escape using Bayesian analysis. A safety hierarchy for managing risks associated with personnel’s response is introduced in the fourth category.
Factors Contributing to HAZMAT-Related Accidents in Marine Transportation
Authors: N. Yacob Mohd. , H.Hassim Mimi
Published: June 2019

The transportation of hazardous materials (HAZMAT) especially via sea has continuously become an international concern with the continual increase in the number of accidents reported by the industries in recent years. The accidents have resulted in various effects ranging from insignificant damages to very severe losses particularly on the environment and property. In order to avoid such accidents or reduce the risks of having one, it is vital to primarily understand the factors that could lead to marine transportation accidents involving HAZMAT. Surveys were conducted among 24 representatives from various shipping industries in Malaysia. The purpose was for the representatives to assign the appropriate ranking point for each factor based on their experiences and opinions on the significance of the factors in causing accidents. This information is valuable in serving as an initial screening for safety assessment in HAZMAT marine transport operation so that the potential hazards can be avoided or reduced. Based on the assessment results using the factors selected from the surveys, a more comprehensive assessment that is particularly relevant to enhance the existing safety assessment in HAZMAT operation can then be performed towards achieving an inherently safer HAZMAT marine transportation.
Platinum and Molybdenum Oxide Supported on Mesostructured Silica Nanoparticles for n-Pentane and Cyclohexane Isomerization
Authors: N.A.A. Fatah, , A.A. Jalil, , S. Triwahyono,
Published: June 2019

Alkane isomerization into its equivalent branched isomers has gained numerous attention as a reaction to obtain high quality fuel. In this study, platinum and molybdenum oxide supported on mesostructured silica nanoparticles (Pt/MoO3/MSN) was prepared via impregnation method and tested for n-pentane and cyclohexane isomerization. The catalyst was characterized by using X-ray diffraction (XRD), nitrogen (N2) physisorption, and pyridine Fourier-transform infrared (pyridine-FTIR) spectroscopy. The IR result revealed that the addition of Pt and MoO3 into MSN formed different strength of Lewis and Brönsted acid sites. It was observed that the catalyst possessed strong acid sites and several numbers of relatively weak Lewis and Brönsted acid sites. Pt/MoO3/MSN was catalytically active towards n-pentane and cyclohexane isomerization with conversion of 63 and 87%, respectively, at 300 °C. It was proposed that the addition of Pt might assist the generation of active protonic acid sites from molecular hydrogen via the mechanism of hydrogen spillover and hence improve isomerization reaction.
Premilinary Results: Heterogeneous Reaction of Epoxidation Palm Kernal Oil
Authors: Jalil Mohd Jumain , Azmi Intan Suhada , Ahmad Zulkifli Arif Aminuddin , Mohd Asbi Mohamad Helmi
Published: June 2019

The epoxidized vegetables oils can be used a raw material for a broad range of products, from pharmaceutical and plastics to paint and adhesives. Epoxidation of oleic acid was carried out by using hydrogen peroxide as an oxygen donor and formic acid as an oxygen carrier in the presence of sulphuric acid act as catalyst. The crude oleic acid contained 75% oleic acid, 12.2% linoleic acid, 6.5% palmitic acid and 7.5% stearic acid, and had an iodine value of 98.99 g/100 g. The epoxidation of oleic acid with almost complete conversion of unsaturated carbon and negligible oxirane cleavage can be obtained by the in situ techniques. An analytical approach for the prediction of the partition coefficient for formic acid between oleic acid and water, dependent on temperature and composition, has been proposed.
Hydrogen Gas Production from Gasification of Oil Palm Empty Fruit Bunch (EFB) in a Fluidized Bed Reactor
Authors: Shahlan Siti Suhaili , Kidam Kamarizan , Tuan Abdullah Tuan Amran , Ali Mohamad Wijayanuddin , Pejic Ljiljana Medic , Kamarden Hamidah
Published: June 2019

Malaysia is one of the largest producers of palm oil and this industry plays an important role in Malaysia economic growth. As this industry grows larger, a significant amount of oil palm waste is generated, creating the problem of overloading biomass waste. Since the oil palm waste has many significant uses such as empty fruit bunches (EFB), the interest in production of hydrogen gas as the renewable energy from EFB also increases. The most common and favorable thermochemical processes to produce the hydrogen gas is gasification process in fluidized bed reactor. Regardless of tremendous experimental studies done on effectiveness of using EFB for production of hydrogen, the process implementation in industry is still discouraging. This is due to lack of proven technology and high capital cost of investment.  In this study, a computational modeling was developed for EFB gasification in fluidized bed gasifier using the ASPEN PLUS simulator (v. 8.8) to optimize the gasification temperature, pressure and to study the different of chemical behavior. The results indicated that increase in temperature will increases the production of hydrogen and enhances carbon conversion efficiency. The optimum temperature and pressure was 850 °C and 1.035 bar respectively. The result shows that the char was removed significantly after several gas cleaning process. The final product for purified hydrogen gas is 14.5 kg/hr which is around 21% of hydrogen yield. Based on the result, it indicates that EFB has a potential to be used as a source of energy in a future.
Model Pengukuran Kecekapan Pengurusan Koperasi: Satu Sorotan Literatur (The Measurement Model of Cooperative Management Efficiency: A Literature Review)
Authors: Abd Rahman Nurdina , Zakaria Zamzuri
Published: June 2019

Management efficiency is important in determining the sustainability of a cooperative. Measurement of management efficiency can promote healthy growth and development as well as improve the overall planning of the cooperative. Therefore, the selection of the efficiency measurement model is important so that the measurement of cooperative efficiency is comprehensive and reflects the actual performance of the cooperative. The objective of this study is to identify the cooperative management efficiency model through previous studies. Then, this study will set a model of measurement efficiency that corresponds to the co-operative. This qualitative study will analyze each model based on its co-operative concept. The findings of the study show that six models are used and proposed in the measurement of management competencies ie Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA), Stochastic Frontier Analysis (SFA), ‘Three Dimensional Efficiency’ model, Six Rules model, Sivirina model and Two-Dimensional model. Each model evaluates competencies in different aspects, including economic, social, socio-economic aspects, relationships between members, organizations and management functions. However, all models have the same purpose of measuring and improving the organization's efficiency. Most models use quantitative measurements and there are recommendations for using qualitative measurements so that cooperative performance can be assessed more fully. When it comes to co-operative management, the two-dimensional model is more suitable to used with the modification based on co-operative management features because the two-dimensional model fulfilling two important aspect of the co-operative namely the social and economic.
Analysing the Effects of an 8-Week Exercise Program Applied to Sedentary Individuals on Body Composition, Self-Confidence and Social-Physical Anxiety Levels
Authors: Baikoğlu Selin , Dal Suzan , Güvendi Burcu , Yurtseven Cemile Nihal , Gençtürk Uğur
Published: June 2019

It is believed that while sports turns individuals into physiologically healthier individuals, it also has psychologically positive effects on individuals. This study is conducted to analyse the effects of an 8-week exercise program applied to sedentary individuals on self-confidence and their social-physical anxiety level by analysing the impacts on body composition. The experiment group of this study is limited to a total of 40 individuals, 20 female and 20 male, who are members of a private fitness club and who did not do sports regularly. After all the details of the study are explained to the experiment group and consent is taken, a self-confidence scale and social physical anxiety scale are applied before and after an 8-week training program. The exercise program was applied for 8 weeks and 3 days per week at the same hour.The8-week exercise program applied to the 40 fitness club members resulted in positive increases in kilogram, fat percentage and fat mass values of the participants. It is found that positively developed physical changes decreased the social-physical anxiety level of participants and increased self-confidence levels. Additionally, a negative and medium level relationship is determined between the social-physical anxiety level and the self-confidence level (p<0.05).The physical activities during 8 weeks resulted in positive changes in participants’ appearances. Additionally, it is found that regular physical activity decreases the social physical anxiety levels of individuals and increases self-confidence with changes in physical appearance.
Antimicrobial resistance in water in Latin America and the Caribbean: a scoping review protocol
Authors: Moreno-Switt Andrea I. , Rivera Dacil , Caipo Marisa L. , Nowell David C. , Adell Aiko D.
Published: June 2019

Objective:

The objective of this scoping review is to identify and map existing evidence of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in water in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC), while also identifying the gaps in AMR information in the region in eight themes of interest.

Introduction:

Antimicrobial resistance is a public health concern that has gained increasing global awareness. Concerns have been raised toward the importance of the environment's role in the dissemination of clinically relevant AMR. Although studies on AMR have been conducted, the reality of the role of the environment in the LAC region has not been studied.

Inclusion criteria:

Articles that examine AMR in water in the LAC region will be considered for inclusion. Antimicrobial resistance will be defined as a natural process that arises when the microorganisms that cause infection (e.g. bacteria) survive exposure to a drug that would normally kill them or stop their growth. The search will focus on eight themes of interest, as defined in the protocol, relating to the presence of resistant microorganisms in water sources and reported negative health effects. Qualitative and quantitative studies will be considered for inclusion. Reviews and gray literature will be excluded.

Methods:

The proposed scoping review will be conducted in accordance with the JBI methodology for scoping reviews. A search for published literature will be performed in PubMed, Web of Science and Scopus. Independent screening of articles will be performed by examining the abstracts and then the full texts, utilizing pre-defined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Data for specific variables will be extracted, and descriptive examination will be performed.
Risk factors for hypertensive crisis in adult patients: a systematic review protocol
Authors: Benenson Irina , Waldron Frederick A. , Jadotte Yuri T. , Holly Cheryl
Published: June 2019

Objective:

The objective of this review is to conduct comprehensive appraisal and synthesis of evidence on risk factors for hypertensive crisis and, specifically, hypertensive emergencies among adult patients with hypertension.

Introduction:

Hypertensive crisis is the most extreme form of poorly controlled hypertension that may lead to acute target organ damage (hypertensive emergency). Hypertensive crisis is associated with increased mortality, high utilization of health care and escalated healthcare costs.

Inclusion criteria:

This review will include epidemiological studies with participants over 18 years old with diagnosis of hypertension. The review will exclude pediatric, pregnant and postpartum patients. The review will consider studies that explore risk factors for hypertensive crisis, defined as an acute elevation of blood pressure equal or above 180/110 mmHg.

Methods:

The search strategy aims to find both published and unpublished studies. The databases to be searched will include MEDLINE (Ovid), Embase, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews and Web of Science. Following the search, all identified studies will be screened against the inclusion criteria. Selected studies will be critically appraised for methodological quality. Data on exposures and outcomes will be extracted from papers included in the review. Quantitative data, where possible, will be pooled in meta-analysis. Effect sizes expressed as odds ratio and their 95% confidence intervals will be calculated. Heterogeneity of studies will be assessed statistically. Subgroup analysis to determine the association of risk factors with hypertensive emergencies will be conducted, if possible. Where statistical pooling is not possible, the findings will be presented in a narrative form.

Systematic review registration number:

PROSPERO CRD42019140093