bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
An analysis of accidental drowning fatalities in Manipal, South India
Authors: Kanchan T , Monteiro FNP 
Published: October 2012

BackgroundAccidental drowning constitutes a significant public health problem that is often neglected in developing countries.Aims/Objectives/PurposeThis study aims at describing the epidemiology and pattern of accidental drowning deaths in Manipal, a coastal city in South India.MethodsThis registry based descriptive research spanned over a period of 10 years (1998–2007). All autopsy case records were retrospectively reviewed and accidental drowning deaths were included in the study.Results/OutcomesDuring the study period 40 cases of drowning deaths were reported. Males accounted for 82.5% of cases. Majority of the victims were in 2nd and 3rd decades, together accounting for 55% of drowning deaths followed by children in the first decade (15%). Fresh water drowning was reported in 70% cases. River was the most common site of drowning (35%) followed by sea (27.5%). Wells, canals, lakes, pond, and water tank were the other sites of drowning. 87.5% victims of drowning were brought dead to hospital. 45% deaths were reported in the post monsoon period. 30% of the total drowning deaths occurred during the year 2006 and 2007.Significance/Contribution to the FieldMorbidity and mortality due to drowning can be prevented by understanding its epidemiology, common patterns and educating people about prevention especially when hindsight often shows that many deaths from drowning are preventable. Drowning is a lethal cause of death and hence, main emphasis must be on prevention. An understanding of the burden of unintentional drowning in the coastal region can help to develop preventive strategies so that precious human lives are saved.
Drowning prevention in culturally and linguistically diverse communities
Authors: Matthews B , Grace S 
Published: October 2012

BackgroundDrowning risk is reported to be increased in people from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities, due to a limited awareness of hazards and risks, as well as a lack of aquatic participation and skills. However, there is limited information detailing these potential contributing factors in diverse communities.AimsThis study aimed to determine: the level of aquatic participation, self-reported aquatic skills, and behaviours in people from different cultural backgrounds.MethodsA survey was developed to assess participation, skill levels and behaviours among diverse community groups in Victoria, Australia. Demographic data were also collected. The study consisted of: A general community survey conducted among 601 residents of Victoria. Respondents were selected by a random sample process with interviews conducted by telephone. Telephone surveys with an additional 506 members of the Italian, Sudanese, Vietnamese, Chinese and Indian communities collectively were conducted. Focus group sessions with these communities further explored issues or trends emerging from the telephone surveys. All respondents were aged 18 years and over.Results63% of CALD groups had not been swimming in the past year compared to 33% of the general community. Only 23% CALD had formal swimming lessons compared to 71% general community; 37% CALD said they could not swim compared to 5% general community. CALD groups were less likely to consume alcohol and participate in aquatic activities.SignificanceCALD groups had reduced participation and swimming ability but reported certain safer behaviours around water. This evidence will assist development of culturally appropriate programs and water safety messages for drowning prevention.
Out of sight but not out of mind: rural drowning in Queensland
Authors: Wallis B , Watt K , Franklin R , Kimble R 
Published: October 2012

BackgroundPaediatric drowning is a significant cause of preventable death in Queensland, Australia. While literature exists on fatal drowning events, incidence, mechanisms and consequences of nonfatal drowning remain unexplored in the Queensland population, especially in relation to rural/remote regions.AimsThe aim of this study was to determine morbidity and mortality of drowning in young people (0–19 years) in Queensland from 2002 to 2008, and to identify risk factors.MethodRetrospective data (2002–2008) on fatal and nonfatal drowning events among Queenslanders aged 0–19 years were collated from multiple sources (pre-hospital; emergency department; admitted patients; coroner's), and linked.ResultsThere were 1299 cases in total (Incidence Rate=20.81 per 100 000 per annum). Approximately two-thirds of fatal and 47% of non-fatal drowning events occurred outside a major city. Of events that occurred in remote/very remote areas of Queensland, 21% were fatal; this was significantly higher than in regional areas (10.5%), or in major cities 7% (p<0.05).70% of drowning events that occurred in remote/very remote Queensland were aged 0–4 years. The most common locations for drowning in areas outside of a major city were pool (58%), bath (14%); dam (8%), and river/creek (7%). Patterns of injury will be presented in further detail at the conference.Significance/Contribution to the FieldDrowning in rural and remote areas is a significant issue. This project used linked data to provide the most accurate estimate possible of the incidence of drowning mortality and morbidity, and to identify risk factors. Recommendations for injury prevention strategies relevant to rural and remote drowning will be provided.
Study on evaluation of life jacket utilisation in Vietnam
Authors: Khieu TQT , Luong MA , Tran TNL 
Published: October 2012

BackgroundAccording to the WHO, an appropriate use of life jacket is an effective method to contribute to the reduction of drowning mortality. Till now, Viet Nam has not ratified a specific regulation on life jacket wearing when participating in watery traffic.Objective and MethodTo assess the quality and utilisation of life jacket as well as to recommend some interventions contributed to increase the rate of life jacket wearing and to minimise drowning in Viet Nam.ResultsThe study showed that there were 08 kinds of life jacket with various form and origin in Viet Nam. Interviewing results of 375 high school students in Dong Thap indicated that 93.7% of them had positive awareness on life jacket usage. However, only 15.93% of them utilised life jacket which was subsidised. In this group, 46.15% of children did not wear life jacket regularly. The study also described that two kinds of life jacket with brand of X-26 and Hoa Sua were preferable for utilisation with 88.5%.SignificanceA number of interventions to contribute to drowning control were also recommended; namely enhancement of life jacket usage through free provision and price decrease; construction of bridge; replacement of bamboo bridges with cement ones; suitable management of ship and boat; rejection of utilisation of old ships; and assurance of an adequate quantity of life jackets on boat.
Kids can drown in inflatable pools too!
Authors: Simmonds E , Douglass C 
Published: October 2012

BackgroundInflatable and portable swimming pools are increasing in popularity due to their easy set up and affordability, especially among low socioeconomic communities who may not be able to afford a permanent swimming pool and the costs associated with installing a pool fence. Not having a fence around large inflatable or portable pools is a major risk of drowning for young children.Aims/Objectives/PurposeTo educate the community about the dangers of inflatable and portable pools and that by law, any pool capable of being filled with 300 mm of water or more requires a four-sided fence.MethodsIn 2012, Kids Health will further develop its existing inflatable pool campaign in English and six of the predominant languages spoken in NSW communities. The dissemination of these resources will be supported by paid radio and print media.Results/OutcomeKids Health received a lot of media exposure in 2011–2012 on Television, radio and in print and is expecting similar outcomes in 2012–2013.Focus groups will inform message development and message testing of the inflatable and portable pool safety resources among different community groups as well as determining the effectiveness of the messages in changing people's behaviour.Significance/Contribution to the FieldThere is a serious need to educate the public on inflatable and portable pool safety, providing them with the option of making an informed decision, on whether to purchase pool fencing around large inflatable pools or only purchase smaller inflatable pools that don't require fencing and can be easily emptied and stored away after use.
Unintentional drowning in urban South Africa: a retrospective investigation, 2001–2005
Authors: Donson Hilton , Niekerk Ashley Van 
Published: October 2012

BackgroundDrowning is a major public health concern in low- and middle-income countries. In South Africa there is sound information and an emerging knowledge base for drowning prevention. However, there remains a scarcity of analyses of drowning in the country.MethodsThe purpose of this analysis was to quantify the magnitude and describe occurrence of unintentional drowning deaths in five major South African cities, recorded between 2001 and 2005 by the National Injury Mortality Surveillance System.ResultsDrowning in South African cities occurred at rates of between 1.4 and 2.7/100 000 population. The majority of drowning occurred amongst males, while the highest rates were observed among 0–4-year-olds. Most drowning deaths occurred during recreational periods, over weekends and in the afternoon. 41.5% of adult drowning victims were alcohol positive at the time of death.ConclusionsThis study is based on one of only two known systematic sources of drowning mortality in Africa. It provides an indication of drowning rates in South African cities with young children and males at considerably more risk. The most likely locations for drowning varied from city to city. Amongst adult victims, especially men, alcohol is an important risk factor.
Battery ingestion hazard mitigation
Authors: Lee D , Midgett J 
Published: October 2012

BackgroundRecent research indicates an increase in button/coin battery ingestion, causing severe injuries or death, if not detected and removed within 2 h of lodging in the oesophagus. A multifaceted approach is needed to combat the hazard, including increasing consumer education and awareness of proper use and disposal of batteries; improving product standards for electronic enclosures, product packaging, and literature; and advancing technological improvements in battery design that could mitigate the hazard.ObjectiveTo discuss conceptual technological improvements in button/coin battery designs to mitigate battery ingestion hazards.MethodsThis paper considers various methods of reducing the hazard including: using nonconductive encapsulation or modifying the terminal surface area to reduce accessible electrode area; adding a protective device to limit current flow; or adding a collapsible mechanism to a battery's outer surface that will expand when the battery is removed from an enclosure so that it will be too big to be swallowed.ResultsPracticalities of these conceptual changes and results of some battery ingestion simulations are discussed. Simulations show that near-complete encapsulation of one of the poles is necessary to prevent necrosis.SignificanceMethods for battery ingestion prevention or disabling the current from an ingested battery could prevent or reduce severe injury and death.
Coin cell battery ingestion hazard mitigation strategies
Authors: Midgett J , Sung JN , Kwon JH , Onda M , Matsumoto R , Rushton M , Jamieson J 
Published: October 2012

Serious and fatal injuries to children caused by coin/button cell battery ingestion have dramatically increased in recent years. If a cell lodges in the oesophagus, the electrical current hydrolyses body fluid leading to fatal or debilitating hydroxide burns in as few as 2 h. Injuries include tracheo/aortal-oesophageal fistulas, necrosis, stricture, and vocal cord paralysis. Diagnosis and treatment can be difficult, long-term, and painful.For this 90-min workshop, the consumer safety regulatory agencies of the USA, Korea, Japan, Australia, and New Zealand will invite medical experts and engineers to describe innovative solutions to eliminate the hazards posed by the ingestion of coin/button cell batteries, aid detection, or enhance treatment options for victims.Such non-hazardous batteries may not be commercially available. Theoretical cell designs are encouraged with accompanying implementation, impact and feasibility estimates.Potential speaker topics include the detection and treatment of battery-related injuries and exposure mitigation strategies such as ingestion deterrents, guards on cells that prevent current flow, or cell deactivation designs that eliminate exposure to electrical current if cells are swallowed.
Design of a safer Lithium coin cell battery
Authors: Ok J , Zwaan A , Cooper P 
Published: October 2012

BackgroundIngestion of a lithium coin cell battery can result in serious injuries and the incidents are on the rise. Small size and coin-like appearance of the batteries make it very difficult to be aware of the ingestion promptly, which hinders a timely medical treatment.Aims/Objectives/PurposeTo cope with the growing health threat this research focuses on responsive polymer materials and reactive structure of coin cell batteries through an interdisciplinary approach of industrial design and chemical engineering.MethodsWe designed a safer lithium coin cell battery to discourage swallowing and, even if ingested, provide a visible alarm instantly to nearby caregivers. In addition, the battery may remain inactive in an alimentary canal to minimise the likelihood of injuries associated with the ingestion.Results/OutcomeIn simulation experiments, our prototypes emitted an easily noticeable warning immediately after ingestion and remained inert for more than 8 h, showing a stark contrast to untreated batteries that caused a pH spike. The result suggests that the safety features may help an ingested battery be evacuated safely without inflicting injury on the body.Significance/Contribution to the FieldOur design may contribute to decreasing the ingestion cases and their consequent injuries through industrial application.
Preventing Lithium coin battery ingestion: a five-pronged strategy
Authors: Babiak M 
Published: October 2012

BackgroundUnlike other battery chemistries, the ingestion of lithium coin cell batteries can cause serious oesophageal burns if lodged for even a short period of time. The USA battery industry is deeply concerned about the hazards presented by the ingestion of lithium coin cell batteries and has undertaken many initiatives designed to educate consumers, the medical community, and others on these dangers and to examine potential preventative measures.Aims/Objectives/PurposeCommunication of a five-pronged strategy for addressing this important health and safety issue.Methods(1) Education/outreach, (2) battery compartment design, (3) warning copy, (4) packaging, and (5) battery design.Results/OutcomesIndustry efforts have focused on educating consumers on the hazards associated with lithium coin cell batteries and educating the medical community on battery design features that allow for distinction between lithium batteries and actual currency in radiographic images, thereby leading to more timely and accurate diagnosis of potential ingestions. Working with device designers, appliance manufacturers, and standards development organisations, the industry supports changes to battery compartment design to reduce ease of accessibility. The industry supports efforts to evaluate potential design modifications that may reduce ingestions. While the variety of devices that rely on lithium coin cell batteries in the marketplace makes battery redesign more challenging than other areas, such modifications are also being evaluated. Changes have been advanced to strengthen warning copy and evaluate packaging options to limit the accessibility of lithium coin cell batteries.Significance/Contribution to the FieldComprehensive approach based on learnings and actions.
Energiser's approach to Lithium coin cell battery ingestion
Authors: Babiak M , Cooper P 
Published: October 2012

BackgroundUpon seeing a shift in severity of injuries associated with lithium coin cell battery ingestions, Energiser sought to understand the mechanism of injury with the ingestion of these battery types through experimentation. Upon understanding the mechanism of injury and why the response for lithium coin cell batteries is different than that for other battery chemistries, Energiser communicated this understanding to the overall battery industry and US medical community and started work in five areas.Aims/Objectives/PurposeCommunicate the technical explanation of the mechanism behind the injury to a global audience and present work-to-date on the five areas.MethodsEnergiser's work to-date focuses on five areas: (1) warning copy, (2) battery compartment design, (3) packaging, (4) battery design and (5) communication and outreach.Results/OutcomesInjury occurs due to hydrolysis and generation of high pH and solutions that may minimise or eliminate the risk of injury following ingestion.Significance/Contribution to the FieldProvides root-cause analysis to facilitate hazard reduction.
Batteries not included: identifying disc battery injury in a health setting
Authors: Barker R 
Published: October 2012

BackgroundThe risk of severe injury and death associated with ingestion or insertion of disc batteries is being recognised by product safety regulators, injury prevention practitioners and specialised clinical health groups worldwide. As prevention efforts step up with public awareness campaigns, there is still a problem in identifying children who have ingested or inserted a disc battery and accessing rapid treatment.Aims/Objectives/PurposeTo describe the challenges in recognising children who have been exposed to a disc battery from the point of view of a parent and a clinician using a clinical example. To describe challenges in identifying cases of disc battery exposure in health data.MethodsThe author works as an emergency paediatrician and directs the Queensland Injury Surveillance Unit. The presentation will describe her personal experience of a case of misdiagnosis of an oesophageal disc battery set within the context of injury surveillance data describing the extent of this issue in Queensland.Results/OutcomeThe presentation will clarify reasons for underreporting and inform broader discussion about prevention of disc battery related injury.Significance/Contribution to the FieldThis paper is a call for primary prevention as diagnosis is challenging, delays common and the results are potentially fatal.
Resident advocacy to mitigate hazards of button battery ingestions
Authors: Maule Karen L , Harisiades James P 
Published: October 2012

BackgroundIn collaboration with selected faculty, the Office of Child Advocacy supports resident education in advocacy and mobilised an evidence-based response to mitigate hazards of button battery ingestions.ObjectivesWe aimed to improve industry standards on battery and product manufacturing and labelling and to raise awareness of the dangers of button battery ingestions.MethodsOver 18 months, the resident leadership catalysed state and national advocacy. We created a national coalition of clinical, consumer, legislative, and industry advocates and collectively developed interventions to increase regulatory, commercial, public and physician awareness for improved industry standards.ResultsWe presented relevant information to the Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC) following expert testimony to the Senate Commerce Committee that identified button batteries as an emerging safety hazard. With the support of the CPSC, Underwriters Laboratory and the American Society for Testing Materials are collaborating to create an all-encompassing industry standard to improve battery and electronic product safety. Engineers are developing battery and product redesign. We mobilised support for a Senate appropriations bill requiring the CPSC to promulgate a mandatory safety standard for button batteries. The Illinois State Attorney General released the 2011 Safe Shopper's Guide highlighting button battery hazards to children. Traditional and social media outlets were utilised to improve awareness, including the Battery Controlled campaign launched by Safe Kids Worldwide and Energiser.SignificanceResident mentorship can cultivate leadership in advocacy across the trajectory of training and lifelong learning.
Homicide fall in São Paulo municipality, Brazil: the role of public security indicators
Authors: Peres MFT , Almeida JF , Ruotti C , Nery MB 
Published: October 2012

Throughout the first decade of the 21st century, homicide mortality rate (HMR) significantly decreased in the state of São Paulo. In the city of São Paulo (MSP), this rate dropped by 74% between 2001 and 2008, from 56.4 to 14.9 per 100 000 inhabitants. The role of public safety measures in the reduction in HMR has been widely discussed in studies conducted in the USA. The international literature also emphasises the importance of demographic and socioeconomic changes in the drug use pattern to reduce violence and crime levels.ObjectiveTo analyse the association between homicides and public security indicators in MSP between 1996 and 2008.MethodologyTime-series ecological study. Dependent variable: number of homicide deaths per year; Independent variables: arrest-incarceration rate (TAE), access to firearms (AAF), police activity (ATP), Unemployment rate and youth in population. Data analysis was conducted in Stata.IC 10.0. Simple and Multiple negative binomial regression models were run.ResultsHomicide and TAE, and Homicide and ATP were significantly associated in simple regression analysis (p>0,05). After controlling for covariates the associations with both the public security indicators were not significant.ConclusionsIn MSP the role of public security indicators loss their importance after adjustment for unemployment rate and youth in population. The results reinforce the importance of socioeconomic and demographic factors for the change in the public security scenario.
The relationship between payday and violence in Guatemala
Authors: Ramirez D , Branas CC , Wu E 
Published: October 2012

BackgroundIn 1996, Guatemala emerged from a decades-long civil war, yet currently faces the highest rates of violence since then. From 1999 to 2006, homicides increased 120% in a country now considered one of the most violent places on earth, outside of active war zones. Reports suggest violence rises during the middle and last days of every month, when wages are paid, but no study supports this payday-violence connection.AimTo determine if fatal violence is associated with payday, adjusting for gender, age and time.MethodsSecondary data analysis of autopsies registered to the Guatemalan National Institute of Forensic Sciences in 2008, estimated mean numbers of deaths during paydays versus non-paydays. Regression analyses were undertaken to account for the effects of gender, age, and time.ResultsA total of 11 896 autopsies of people≥10-years-old were analysed. Of these, 84.5% were male, with a mean age of 35.7 years. 39.6% of deaths were caused by gunfire, 2.9% by stabbing, and 57.5% by other mechanisms. Regression modelling showed the risk of homicides during paydays was lower compared to non-paydays, though this was not significant (p=0.145). The mean number of deaths did significantly differ by day-of-week (p<0.0001) and month (p<0.001), with highest means from Saturday-Monday and October-December.SignificanceThese results help to understand the role of payday and other covariates as potentially modifiable risk factors for violence. Future research and interventions might consider specific time markers, such as days and months, for the prevention of violence in Guatemala and similarly situated countries.