Search Results (3)

Background/Objectives: Voluntary stopping of eating and drinking (VSED) is a way to hasten death or end life prematurely. VSED is controversial, and research is essential to inform this debate. The aim was to systematically synthesize empirical data on the attitudes, motives, and experiences related to VSED from the perspective of caregivers. Methods: This systematic mixed-methods review (PROSPERO CRD42022283743) included qualitative and quantitative research. The MEDLINE, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Google Scholar, and BELIT databases were searched for English and German articles published between 1 January 2013 and 12 November 2021. Studies examining experiences, attitudes, and knowledge regarding VSED were eligible. We analyzed the data inductively after quantitative data transformation. Quality and confidence were assessed using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT) and GRADE-CERQual approach, respectively. Results: We identified 22 articles, including 16 studies. The participants were healthcare professionals and relatives, but not those who chose VSED. The motives for VSED are based on high symptom burdens and are closely related to self-determination. Most perceive VSED as a natural death and accept the patient’s decision. However, this acceptance also depends on other factors, such as patient characteristics. Most healthcare professionals would accompany patients during VSED, sometimes leading to advocacy. Relatives often play an active role in VSED and may experience distressing grief if they struggle with their support or the dying situation. The confidence in the review findings ranged from moderate to very low. Our findings on the challenging and positive experiences related to VSED and the resulting needs have been published elsewhere. Conclusions: VSED is a complex phenomenon affecting patients, nursing staff, physicians, and relatives. We provide an empirical basis for VSED to support research, debate, and practice. Full article

The installation of food waste disposers has been prohibited in South Korea, due to conflicts with governmental policies that are focused on resource recovery from food waste and concerns about potential damage to the city’s sewer system. However, there is a growing demand for such systems in the country. This study proposes a system for the collective recovery of solid resources from food waste tailored for apartment complexes in South Korea, using an innovative solid–liquid separation technology. In the pilot experiment, 49.60% of the solids fed into the system were recovered as solid matter, confirming its practical applicability. Ultimately, a solid resource collective recovery system suitable for the high-rise apartment residence style of South Korea was developed and applied to an actual apartment complex. The final-stage solids were discharged from the system and processed through bio-drying, subsequently exhibiting a combustible material content of 67.06%, higher heating value (HHV) of 4843 kcal/kg, and lower heating value (LHV) of 3759 kcal/kg; moreover, they have the potential to be repurposed as biomass–solid refuse fuel (bio-SFR), compost, feed, and substrate for biogas production. The proposed food waste disposal system not only aligns with governmental policies, but also facilitates the recovery of high-quality resources from food waste, while providing a sustainable waste management solution. Full article

Autisms Spectrum Disorders (ASD) are characterized by core symptoms (social communication and restricted and repetitive behaviors) and related comorbidities, including sensory anomalies, feeding issues, and challenging behaviors. Children with ASD experience significantly more feeding problems than their peers. In fact, parents and clinicians have to manage daily the burden of various dysfunctional behaviors of children at mealtimes (food refusal, limited variety of food, single food intake, or liquid diet). These dysfunctional behaviors at mealtime depend on different factors that are either medical/sensorial or behavioral. Consequently, a correct assessment is necessary in order to program an effective clinical intervention. The aim of this study is to provide clinicians with a guideline regarding food selectivity concerning possible explanations of the phenomenon, along with a direct/indirect assessment gathering detailed and useful information about target feeding behaviors. Finally, a description of evidence-based sensorial and behavioral strategies useful also for parent-mediated intervention is reported addressing food selectivity in children with ASD. Full article