PubMed Health⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

R de Koning

Publications and source records attributed to R de Koning.

7 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2001

A concept for a decision support system based on practical experiences from a national disease emergency. The Dutch experience.

In 1997-1998, the Netherlands experienced a large epidemic of classical swine fever (CSF). The magnitude of this epidemic stressed the role information systems could play in supporting the management during an eradication campaign. The enforcement of an eradication strategy can become very complicated, especially with large epidemics, due to time pressure and many different procedures that have to be executed at the same time. The application of comprehensive information systems may result in more control over the process and in a relief of the operational management. After a brief description of the Dutch epidemic the authors provide an overview and the general application of four different types of information systems, classified as decision support systems. The application of these information systems in animal disease control is illustrated by providing concepts for a system architecture for transaction processing, management and executive information support and decision support. The application of a data warehouse as part of this systems architecture is explained. The eradication of CSF from the Netherlands was complicated by several factors. It is important to notice that information systems cannot prevent these factors. However, information systems can support disease control authorities in controlling these factors.

Animals↗
PubMed1995

Estimating sample sizes for a two-stage sampling survey of seroprevalence of pseudorabies virus (PRV)-infected swine at a regional level in The Netherlands.

In the European Union, vaccination campaigns against Pseudorabies virus (PRV) in swine have been started to eradicate PRV. Specific sampling designs are needed to monitor PRV seroprevalence at a regional level. This paper demonstrates how sampling theory can be applied to design a disease seroprevalence survey, using PRV as an example. In the spring of 1994, the four regions in the Netherlands covered by the regional Animal Health Services were monitored with respect to PRV seroprevalence. Per region, blood samples from approximately 1400 herds, with two animals per herd, were collected. The sampling design accounted for stratification by fattening pig and sow population within each region. The regional PRV seroprevalence of swine in the Southern region was the highest (24.9%), closely followed by the PRV seroprevalence of swine in the Eastern region (20.5%). These regions have the highest density of swine in the Netherlands. The PRV seroprevalence in the Western and Central region (11.7%) was about half of the seroprevalence in the Southern and Eastern regions; the lowest regional PRV seroprevalence was observed in the Northern region (3.5%). The Northern part also has the lowest pig density. The PRV seroprevalence was approximately two times higher in sows than in fattening pigs.

Animals↗
PubMed1989

Estimation of maximum expiratory flow-volume variables in children.

Different protocols for pulmonary function testing were evaluated in 611 children, 6-9 years old. Attention was paid to the necessary minimum number of acceptable maneuvers, the necessary maximum number of attempts, and the best of seven different methods for summarizing variables from maximum expiratory flow-volume (MEFV) curves. The results of the study indicate that it is not useful to continue pulmonary function testing after eight attempts. The differences between the results from three or five acceptable maneuvers are not substantial for any method; in children, obtaining three acceptable curves seems sufficient. When flow variables are selected from one acceptable curve, as in the American Thoracic Society (ATS) guidelines, the reproducibility is somewhat less good than in methods in which results of various curves are averaged or selection is made from different curves. The method that has been recommended by the European Community for Coal and Steel for the selection of MEFV variables in teenagers and adults in Europe, was also demonstrated to be suitable for younger children.

Child↗
PubMed1984

In vitro and in vivo cytotoxic activity of native and ricin conjugated monoclonal antibodies to HBs antigen for Alexander primary liver cell carcinoma cells and tumours.

In in vitro and in vivo systems, native or ricin conjugated monoclonal anti-HBs, are capable of inhibiting or slowing the growth of Alexander primary hepatocellular carcinoma cells. Failure of the immune response to this component of the hepatitis B virus may be one permissive factor in the development of some primary liver cell carcinoma in chronic HBV carriers.

Animals↗
PubMed1984

Injuries in confined sows. Incidence and relation with behaviour.

A survey has been carried out to determine if welfare relevant differences could be found between the various systems of individual housing (stalls and tethering by neck collar, neck harness and shoulder girth) for dry sows. The pattern of lesions on the integument has been used as an indicator for well-being. The set up of this way of assessing well-being, called the Ekesbo Method, has been described briefly. Except for neck collar tethering, the sows did not show major differences in lesion level. Neck collar tethering is therefore strongly discouraged. The other systems are, to a large extent, comparable. Yet a number of system dependent differences do occur. Initial adaptation to tethering can be a problem. Also, when the size of the system is not in good harmony with the body size, the number of lesions increased. Shoulder girth, especially in combination with fixing to the partition, slightly hampered the sows when getting up. Also floor design had an influence on the lesion pattern. Poor quality slats induced an increase in the number of lesions. Between full concrete floors and good quality slats no difference could be demonstrated. The Ekesbo Method seems to be a useful way to assess well-being in different environments.

Animals↗
PubMed1984

An environmental model for sows: materializing physical and behavioural needs.

Animals experience welfare when their behavioural and physical needs are fulfilled. To enable an animal to show all kinds of behavioural patterns, the environment has to meet certain requirements. Satisfying physical needs generally results in good health. This also implies certain environmental characteristics. Behavioural and physical needs can therefore be translated into environmental characteristics, which constitute an environmental model. When it can be decided to what extent certain needs are essential for the animals, the necessity that certain environmental provisions are available within the animals environment can be derived. Essential needs correspond with provisions. These provisions should, from an animal welfare point of view, be available and together constitute a minimum environmental model. In this paper an attempt is made to draw up an environmental model for sows. Provisions are such that the occurrence of aberrations in behaviour and health should, to a large extent, be prevented. Therefore a lying area, space to walk, a feeding place, food, a dunging area, and stimuli for exploration are included in the model. Climatic conditions are favourable, and social behaviour, comfort behaviour and exploratory behaviour can be carried out. By comparing existing housing systems with this model, it is easy to find out whether minimal welfare requirements are met, and if improvements are thought to be necessary and in what direction these should be sought.

Animal Feed↗