Wie erleben Erfasserinnen den Umgang mit der Observed Emotional Rating Scale?

Da im deutschsprachigen Raum bisher kaum empirische Daten zur Anwendung der Observed Emotion Rating Scale (OERS) bei demenzerkrankten Personen vorliegen, sollte im Rahmen des Pilotprojekts «Agitation» untersucht werden, wie Erfasserinnen den Einsatz des Instruments OERS erleben. Zu diesem Zweck konnten 12 Probandinnen gewonnen werden, die in drei Pflegezentren im Kanton Zürich Beobachtungen mit dem Instrument OERS durchführten. Der überwiegende Teil der Probandinnen verfügte über pflegerische Qualifikationen bzw. Erfahrung im Umgang mit demenzerkrankten Personen. Die Datensammlung erfolgte anhand von drei Fokusgruppeninterviews, die mittels einer qualitativen Inhaltsanalyse ausgewertet worden waren. Die vorläufigen Ergebnisse aus den Fokusgruppeninterviews wurden von denselben Probandinnen anhand eines Fragebogens validiert. Die Kategorien «fehlende Eindeutigkeit», «fehlende Kodiermöglichkeit», «Demenzschwere», «Einschätzen von Emotionen», «Einflussfaktoren» und «Anwenderschulung» zeigten, dass das Wissen um die Demenzerkrankung genauso bedeutsam ist wie eine geübte Handhabung der OERS. As barely any empirical data on the application of the Observed Emotion Rating Scale (OERS) on sufferers of dementia is available for German-speaking Europe, the pilot project titled “Agitation” aimed to see how those persons entering the data get along with the OERS instrument. For this purpose, 12 test persons were persuaded to carry out observations with the OERS instrument in three care centres located in the Swiss Canton of Zurich. The test persons were predominantly holders of nursing qualifications and/or experienced in caring for patients suffering from dementia. Data collection was undertaken on the basis of three focus group interviews which were evaluated via qualitative content analysis. The preliminary results gained in the focus group interviews were validated by the same people using a questionnaire. The categories were titled “Missing Clearness”, “Missing Possibility to Encode”, “Level of Dementia”, “Estimation of Emotions”, “Influencing Factors” and “User Training”. These indicated that know­ledge of dementia is just as important as skilled use of OERS

Welche Informationen benötigen Erfasserinnen für den Einsatz der Observed Emotion Rating Scale?

As there have so far not been any empirical results in German-speaking Europe with regard to training people in the use of the Observed Emotion Rating Scale (OERS) instrument, the investigation needs to establish what information is required for those involved in OERS data entry. The explorative analysis was carried out with 12 probands using a methodological approach based on the Mayring (2003) qualitative content analysis procedure. Based on the results, it became clear that the use of OERS needs to be well prepared in advance, as the estimation¨of emotions with sufferers of dementia requires background knowledge of the illness, as well as the adjustment of those under observation to the surroundings being required. Furthermore, it became apparent that the use of OERS is suited to reflecting the surroundings of those suffering from dementia, as the rarity of emotions being expressed can itself be a sign of a maladjusted environment. Da im deutschsprachigen Raum bisher keine empirischen Ergebnisse im Bedarf einer Schulung mit dem Instrument Observed Emotion Rating Scale (OERS) vorliegen, sollte mit der Untersuchung herausgefunden werden, welche Informationen Erfasserinnen für den Einsatz der OERS benötigen. Die Untersuchung wurde explorativ mit dem methodischen Ansatz der qualitativen Inhaltsanalyse nach Mayring (2003) bei 12 Probandinnen durchgeführt.Anhand der Ergebnisse wurde ersichtlich, dass der Einsatz der OERS gut vorbereitet werden muss, weil die Einschätzung von Emotionen bei demenzerkrankten Menschen Hintergrundwissen zur Erkrankung benötigt und eine Anpassung der Beobachtenden an die Umgebung Voraussetzung ist. Ferner stellte sich heraus, dass sich der Einsatz der OERS dazu eignet, die Umgebung von Demenzerkrankten zu reflektieren, weil der Umstand, dass nur selten Emotionen geäußert werden, auch ein Zeichen für eine unangepasste Umgebung sein kann

Application of Optical Biosensors in Small-Molecule Screening Activities

The last two decades have seen remarkable progress and improvements in optical biosensor systems such that those are currently seen as an important and value-adding component of modern drug screening activities. In particular the introduction of microplate-based biosensor systems holds the promise to match the required throughput without compromising on data quality thus representing a sought-after complement to traditional fluidic systems. This article aims to highlight the application of the two most prominent optical biosensor technologies, namely surface plasmon resonance (SPR) and optical waveguide grating (OWG), in small-molecule screening and will present, review and discuss the advantages and disadvantages of different assay formats on these platforms. A particular focus will be on the specific advantages of the inhibition in solution assay (ISA) format in contrast to traditional direct binding assays (DBA). Furthermore we will discuss different application areas for both fluidic as well as plate-based biosensor systems by considering the individual strength of the platforms

Similar dynamics of terminal functional decline in nursing home residents with and without dementia

Objective: This study investigates the functional health trajectories at the end-of-life in nursing home residents with no dementia, mild-to-moderate dementia, and severe dementia. Methods: 45803 deceased residents (mean age 87.49ys ± 7.14ys, 67.6% female, no dementia (N=18993), mild-to-moderate dementia (N=14687), and severe dementia (N=12123)) from 357 nursing homes across Switzerland were included in this retrospective cohort study. Activities of daily living (ADL) scores of the Resident Assessment Instrument - Minimum Dataset (RAI-MDS) were used to assess functional health. Multi-phase growth models spanning 24 months prior to death were calculated as a function of dementia status and severity. Results: The functional health trajectories follow a nonlinear pattern with a long period of mild decline with mean ADL score change of -0.118 points per months (95% CI -0.122 to -0.114) for the no dementia group, followed by a significant terminal drop (mean ADL change of -1.528, 95% CI -1.594 to -1.462) two to three months before death (transition point at -2.221, 95% CI -2.306 to -2.136). Residents with dementia had a steeper pre-terminal decline (-0.026, 95% CI -0.32 to -0.20 for mild-to-moderate dementia, - 0.056, 95% CI -0.062 to -0.051 for severe dementia) and less terminal decline (0.274, CI 0.211 to 0.337 for mild dementia, -0.230 to 0.336 for severe dementia). However, the transition point and the pattern of decline were similar across the dementia groups, though proceeding at different levels. Conclusions: The dynamics of terminal functional health decline in nursing home residents with and without dementia are similar

The German version of the Mini Suffering State Examination (MSSE) for people with advanced dementia living in nursing homes

BACKGROUND: The Mini Suffering State Examination (MSSE) has been explicitly recommended to assess suffering in dementia patients. This study aimed to develop a German version of the MSSE and assess its psychometric properties involving people with advanced dementia (PAD) in a nursing home setting. METHODS:The MSSE was translated into German, and 95 primary nurses administered it cross-sectionally to 124 PAD in Zurich, Switzerland. The psychometric properties of the German MSSE version were calculated for this population. RESULTS: The mean age of the PAD was 83.3 years (SD = 9.1, range = 55-102 years), and 98 of them (79.0%) were women. The Kuder-Richardson Formula 20 coefficient for the entire scale (0.58), the eight items relating to objective health conditions (0.39), and the professional and family estimation of the patient's suffering (0.64) indicated low internal consistency. A confirmatory factor analysis indicated an unsatisfactory fit to a one-factor structure, with a comparative fit index and root mean square error of approximation of 0.71 and 0.08, respectively, and a Tucker-Lewis index of 0.64. The MSSE total score was significantly but moderately correlated with the total scores of the Symptom Management-End-of-Life with Dementia (SM-EOLD) scale (Pearson's correlation coefficient (r) = -0.44; p < 0.05), the physical suffering scores (r = 0.41; p < 0.05), and the psychological suffering scores (r = 0.55; p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The German version of the MSSE questionnaire did not perform well in the nursing home setting involving PAD. The instrument had low internal consistency, doubtful validity, and could not discriminate between suffering and other distressing symptoms. We do not recommend its use in this population

Analysis of the interaction of Spray G and in-cylinder flow in two optical engines for late gasoline direct injection

This is the author's version of a work that was accepted for publication in International Journal of Engine Research. Changes resulting from the publishing process, such as peer review, editing, corrections, structural formatting, and other quality control mechanisms may not be reflected in this document. Changes may have been made to this work since it was submitted for publication. A definitive version was subsequently published as https://doi.org/10.1177/1468087419881535.[EN] An investigation of the interaction between the in-cylinder flow and the spray topology in two spray-guided direct injection optical engines is reported. The bulk flow field in the combustion chamber is characterized using particle image velocimetry. Geometrical parameters such as the axial penetration and the spray angle of the liquid spray are measured using Mie scatter imaging and/or diffuse back-illumination. The measured parameters are compared with data from a constant volume chamber available in the literature. For a late injection strategy, the so-called ECN Spray G standard condition, the mean values of the spray penetration do not seem to be significantly perturbed by the in-cylinder flow motion until the plumes approach the piston surface. However, spray probability maps reveal that cycle-to-cycle fluctuations of the spatial distribution of the liquid spray are affected by the magnitude of the in-cylinder flow. Particle image velocimetry during injection shows that the flow field in the vicinity of the spray plumes is heavily influenced by air entrainment, and that an upward flow in-between spray plumes develops. Consistent with previous research that demonstrated the importance of the latter flow structure for the prevention of spray collapse, it is found that increased in-cylinder flow magnitudes due to increased intake valve lifts or engine speeds enhance the spray-shape stability. Compared with cases without injection, the influence of the spray on the in-cylinder flow field is still noticeable approximately 2.5 ms after the start of injection.The author(s) disclosed receipt of the following financial support for the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article: The work at UDE was funded by the Research Association for Combustion Engines eV (FVV, Frankfurt/Main, project 1203). TUD kindly acknowledges generous support by Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft through SFB/Transregio 150 (project number 237267381-TRR150).Geschwindner, C.; Kranz, P.; Welch, C.; Schmidt, M.; Bohm, B.; Kaiser, SA.; De La Morena, J. (2020). Analysis of the interaction of Spray G and in-cylinder flow in two optical engines for late gasoline direct injection. International Journal of Engine Research. 21(1):169-184. https://doi.org/10.1177/1468087419881535S169184211Alkidas, A. C. (2007). Combustion advancements in gasoline engines. Energy Conversion and Management, 48(11), 2751-2761. doi:10.1016/j.enconman.2007.07.027Costa, M., Marchitto, L., Merola, S. S., & Sorge, U. (2014). Study of mixture formation and early flame development in a research GDI (gasoline direct injection) engine through numerical simulation and UV-digital imaging. Energy, 77, 88-96. doi:10.1016/j.energy.2014.04.114Zhao, F., Lai, M.-C., & Harrington, D. . (1999). Automotive spark-ignited direct-injection gasoline engines. Progress in Energy and Combustion Science, 25(5), 437-562. doi:10.1016/s0360-1285(99)00004-0Moreira, A. L. N., Moita, A. S., & Panão, M. R. (2010). Advances and challenges in explaining fuel spray impingement: How much of single droplet impact research is useful? Progress in Energy and Combustion Science, 36(5), 554-580. doi:10.1016/j.pecs.2010.01.002Oh, H., & Bae, C. (2013). Effects of the injection timing on spray and combustion characteristics in a spray-guided DISI engine under lean-stratified operation. Fuel, 107, 225-235. doi:10.1016/j.fuel.2013.01.019Park, C., Kim, S., Kim, H., & Moriyoshi, Y. (2012). Stratified lean combustion characteristics of a spray-guided combustion system in a gasoline direct injection engine. Energy, 41(1), 401-407. doi:10.1016/j.energy.2012.02.060Stiehl, R., Schorr, J., Krüger, C., Dreizler, A., & Böhm, B. (2013). In-Cylinder Flow and Fuel Spray Interactions in a Stratified Spray-Guided Gasoline Engine Investigated by High-Speed Laser Imaging Techniques. Flow, Turbulence and Combustion, 91(3), 431-450. doi:10.1007/s10494-013-9500-xPiock, W. F., Befrui, B., Berndorfer, A., & Hoffmann, G. (2015). Fuel Pressure and Charge Motion Effects on GDi Engine Particulate Emissions. SAE International Journal of Engines, 8(2), 464-473. doi:10.4271/2015-01-0746Fansler, T. D., Reuss, D. L., Sick, V., & Dahms, R. N. (2015). Invited Review: Combustion instability in spray-guided stratified-charge engines: A review. International Journal of Engine Research, 16(3), 260-305. doi:10.1177/1468087414565675Drake, M. C., & Haworth, D. C. (2007). Advanced gasoline engine development using optical diagnostics and numerical modeling. Proceedings of the Combustion Institute, 31(1), 99-124. doi:10.1016/j.proci.2006.08.120Fansler, T. D., Stojkovic, B., Drake, M. C., & Rosalik, M. E. (2002). Local fuel concentration measurements in internal combustion engines using spark-emission spectroscopy. Applied Physics B: Lasers and Optics, 75(4-5), 577-590. doi:10.1007/s00340-002-0954-0Peterson, B., Reuss, D. L., & Sick, V. (2014). On the ignition and flame development in a spray-guided direct-injection spark-ignition engine. Combustion and Flame, 161(1), 240-255. doi:10.1016/j.combustflame.2013.08.019Schiffmann, P., Reuss, D. L., & Sick, V. (2017). Empirical investigation of spark-ignited flame-initiation cycle-to-cycle variability in a homogeneous charge reciprocating engine. International Journal of Engine Research, 19(5), 491-508. doi:10.1177/1468087417720558Sementa, P., Maria Vaglieco, B., & Catapano, F. (2012). Thermodynamic and optical characterizations of a high performance GDI engine operating in homogeneous and stratified charge mixture conditions fueled with gasoline and bio-ethanol. Fuel, 96, 204-219. doi:10.1016/j.fuel.2011.12.068Song, J., & Park, S. (2015). EFFECT OF INJECTION STRATEGY ON THE SPRAY DEVELOPMENT PROCESS IN A SINGLE-CYLINDER OPTICAL GDI ENGINE. Atomization and Sprays, 25(9), 819-836. doi:10.1615/atomizspr.2015012018Parrish, S. E., Zhang, G., & Zink, R. J. (2012). Liquid and Vapor Envelopes of Sprays from a Multi-Hole Fuel Injector Operating under Closely-Spaced Double-Injection Conditions. SAE International Journal of Engines, 5(2), 400-414. doi:10.4271/2012-01-0462Rachakonda, S. K., Paydarfar, A., & Schmidt, D. P. (2018). Prediction of spray collapse in multi-hole gasoline direct-injection fuel injectors. International Journal of Engine Research, 20(1), 18-33. doi:10.1177/1468087418819527Blessinger, M., Manin, J., Skeen, S. A., Meijer, M., Parrish, S., & Pickett, L. M. (2014). Quantitative mixing measurements and stochastic variability of a vaporizing gasoline direct-injection spray. International Journal of Engine Research, 16(2), 238-252. doi:10.1177/1468087414531971Sphicas, P., Pickett, L. M., Skeen, S. A., & Frank, J. H. (2017). Inter-plume aerodynamics for gasoline spray collapse. International Journal of Engine Research, 19(10), 1048-1067. doi:10.1177/1468087417740306Lacey, J., Poursadegh, F., Brear, M. 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Numerical Simulations and Experiments of Ignition of Solid Particles in a Laminar Burner:Effects of Slip Velocity and Particle Swelling

Ignition and combustion of pulverized solid fuel is investigated in a laminar burner. The two-dimensional OH radical field is measured in the experiments, providing information on the first onset of ignition and a detailed characterization of the flame structure for the single particle. In addition, particle velocity and diameter are tracked in time in the experiments. Simulations are carried out with a Lagrangian point-particle approach fully coupled with an Eulerian solver for the gas-phase, which includes detailed chemistry and transport. The numerical simulation results are compared with the experimental measurements in order to investigate the ignition characteristics. The effect of the slip velocity, i.e. the initial velocity difference between the gas-phase and the particle, is investigated numerically. For increasing slip velocity, the ignition delay time decreases. For large slip velocities, the decrease in ignition delay time is found to saturate to a value which is about 40% smaller than the ignition delay time at zero slip velocity. Performing a simulation neglecting the dependency of the Nusselt number on the slip velocity, it is found that this dependency does not play a role. On the contrary, it is found that the decrease of ignition delay time induced by the slip velocity is due to modifications of the temperature field around the particle. In particular, the low-temperature fluid related to the energy sink due to particle heating is transported away from the particle position when the slip velocity is non-zero; therefore, the particle is exposed to larger temperatures. Finally, the effect of particle swell is investigated using a model for the particle swelling based on the CPD framework. With this model, we observed negligible differences in ignition delay time compared to the case in which swelling is not included. This is related to the negligible swelling predicted by this model before ignition. However, this is inconsistent with the experimental measurements of particle diameter, showing a significant increase of diameter even before ignition. In further simulations, the measured swelling was directly prescribed, using an analytical fit at the given conditions. With this approach, it is found that the inclusion of swelling reduces the ignition delay time by about 20% for small particles while it is negligible for large particles

On-Site Quantification and Infection Risk Assessment of Airborne SARS-CoV-2 Virus Via a Nanoplasmonic Bioaerosol Sensing System in Healthcare Settings

On-site quantification and early-stage infection risk assessment of airborne severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) with high spatiotemporal resolution is a promising approach for mitigating the spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and informing life-saving decisions. Here, a condensation (hygroscopic growth)-assisted bioaerosol collection and plasmonic photothermal sensing (CAPS) system for on-site quantitative risk analysis of SARS-CoV-2 virus-laden aerosols is presented. The CAPS system provided rapid thermoplasmonic biosensing results after an aerosol-to-hydrosol sampling process in COVID-19-related environments including a hospital and a nursing home. The detection limit reached 0.25 copies/µL in the complex aerosol background without further purification. More importantly, the CAPS system enabled direct measurement of the SARS-CoV-2 virus exposures with high spatiotemporal resolution. Measurement and feedback of the results to healthcare workers and patients via a QR-code are completed within two hours. Based on a dose-responseµ model, it is used the plasmonic biosensing signal to calculate probabilities of SARS-CoV-2 infection risk and estimate maximum exposure durations to an acceptable risk threshold in different environmental settings