bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A Study of the Quality of Work Life Among Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in National Guard Health Affairs Hospitals in KSA
Authors: Almugren Ghadah , Zedan Haya 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Quality of Work Life (QWL) is a multi-dimensional discipline concerned with the quality of life at the workplace. Objectives: This work aimed to assess the level of QWL of Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists (MRITs) at National Guard Health Affairs Hospitals (NGHA) in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and identify the correlation between QWL dimensions and Job and Career Satisfaction (JCS). Methodology: This study used the 32-item WRQoL-2 tool, a questionnaire consisting of 6 subscales; Job and Career Satisfaction (JCS), Control at Work (CAW), Home-Work Interface (HWI), General Well-Being (GWB), Stress at Work (SAW) and Work Conditions (WCS). Results: The study respondents were 57 MRITs working in NGHA hospitals across KSA with a 100% response rate. We found a high level of QWL among MRITs (66.2%, 3.31/5). The level of JCS was high (71.6%, 3.59/5) with a significant correlation between JCS and WCS, CAW, HWI, and GWB. There was an inverse relationship between SAW and JCS. Conclusion: Further research in the field of QWL is needed to diagnose shortcomings affecting the quality of healthcare services in KSA.
Pentavalent vaccination in rural Kenya: coverage and geographical accessibility to health facilities using data from a community demographic and health surveillance system in Kilifi County.
Authors: Ogero Morris , Orwa James , Odhiambo Rachael , Agoi Felix , Lusambili Adelaide , Obure Jerim , Temmerman Marleen , Luchters Stanley , Ngugi Anthony 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background There is substantial evidence that immunization is one of the most significant and cost-effective pillars of preventive and promotive health interventions. Effective childhood immunization coverage is thus essential in stemming persistent childhood illnesses. The main indicator of performance of the immunisation programme is the third dose of diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis (DTP3) vaccine for children, because it mirrors the completeness of a child’s immunisation schedule. Spatial access to a health facility, especially in SSA countries, is a significant determinant of DTP3 vaccination coverage as the vaccine is mainly administered during routine immunisation schedules at health facilities. Rural areas and densely populated informal settlements are most affected by poor access to healthcare services. We therefore sought to determine vaccination coverage of DTP3, estimate the travel time to health facilities offering immunisation services, and explore of its effect on immunisation coverage in one of the predominantly rural counties in the coast of Kenya.Methods Coordinates of health facilities, information on land cover, digital elevation model, and road network were used to compute spatial accessibility to immunising health facilities for eligible children within Kaloleni-Rabai Community Health Demographic Surveillance System (HDSS). To explore the effect of the travel-time on DTP3 coverage, we fitted a hierarchical multivariable model adjusting for other apriori identified confounding factors. Results Spatial access to health facilities that offer immunization services significantly affected DTP3 coverage with travel times of more than one hour to a health facility significantly associated with reduced odds of receiving DTP3 vaccine (AOR= 0.84 (95% CI 0.74 – 0.94).Conclusion Increased travel time is a significant barrier to the uptake of facility-delivered immunizations in this rural community. To improve immunisation coverage, local health authorities and policy makers in remote settings can use high resolution maps to identify areas where distance and travel time may impede achievement of high immunizations coverage and identify appropriate interventions. These could include improving the road network, establishing new health centres and/or stepping up health outreach activities that include vaccinations in hard to reach areas within the county.
Collembolan Assemblages Response to Wild Boars (Sus Scrofa L.) Rooting in Pine Forest Soil
Authors: Sławski Marek , Sławska Małgorzata 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: Collembola are an important component of soil communities in all terrestrial ecosystems. In temperate coniferous forests, they are one of the most numerous invertebrate groups and disturbances that change their density and structure may have negative effects on soil fertility and productivity. Our goal was to determine whether intensive rooting in the forest floor by wild boars affects edaphic Collembola. Soil samples from three paired rooted and non-rooted plots in Scots pine stands were taken twice a year to study the impact of such bioturbation on forest collembolan assemblages. Results: Substantial changes in the taxonomic and functional structure of the collembolan assemblages were identified in all disturbed plots. The abundance and number of species significantly decreased in the bioturbated forest floor. The shares of atmobiotic and hemiedaphic springtails increased at the expense of epedaphic forms. Most of the differences were evident shortly after grubbing but were not significant a few months later. The decline in moisture in disturbed soil could be an explanatory factor causing the differences in the structure and abundance of collembolan assemblages between the bioturbated and intact plots.Conclusions:Our study revealed that large mammals ubiquitous in forest ecosystems can be an important disturbing factor for soil microarthropods. Intensive wild boar rooting in the forest floor had a strong negative effect on the occurrence and abundance of Collembola. This kind of bioturbation caused also the modification to the functional structure of assemblages, which in turn may have important consequences for soil food web and above- and below-ground interactions.
A Prediction Model of Sufficient Filter Lifespan in Anticoagulation-free CRRT&nbsp;Patients
Authors: Zhang Wei , Bai Ming , Zhang Ling , Yu Yan , Li Yangping , Zhao Lijuan , Yue Yuan , Li Yajuan , Zhang Min , Fu Ping , Sun Shiren , Chen Xiangmei 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: Anticoagulation-free continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) was recommended by the current clinical guideline for patients with increased bleeding risk and contraindications of citrate and resulted in heterogeneous filter lifespan. There was no prediction model to identify the patients would have sufficient filter lifespan when they have to accept CRRT without the use of any anticoagulation. The purpose of our present study is to develop a clinical prediction model of sufficient filter lifespan in anticoagulation-free CRRT patients.Method: Patients who underwent anticoagulation-free CRRT in our center between June 2013 and June 2019 were retrospectively included. The primary outcome was sufficient filter lifespan (≥ 24 hours). The final model was established by using multivariable logistic regression analysis. And, the prediction model was validated in an external cohort. Results: A total of 170 patients were included in the development cohort. Sufficient filter lifespan were observed in 80 patients. The probability of sufficient filter lifespan could be calculated using the following regression formula: P (%) = exp (Z)/1 + exp (Z), where Z = 0.49896-(0.08552*BMI)+(0.44107*T)+(0.03373*MAP)-(0.03389*WBC)+(1.51579*[vasopressor=1])-(0.01132*PLT)+(0.00422*ALP)-(2.66910*pH)-(0.00214*UA)+(0.05992*BUN)+(0.00400*Db)–(0.00014*D-dimer)+(0.02818*APTT). The area under the curve (AUC) of the stepwise model and internal validation model was 0.82 (95%CI [0.76-0.88]) and 0.8 (95%CI [0.74-0.87]), respectively. At the optimal cut-off value of -0.1052, the positive predictive value and the negative predictive value of the stepwise model was 0.77 and 0.79, respectively. The AUC of the external model was 0.82 (95%CI [0.69-0.96]). Conclusion: The use of a prediction model instead of an assessment based only on coagulation parameters could facilitate the identification of the patients with filter lifespan of ≥ 24 hours when they accepted anticoagulation-free CRRT.
Interest of Treating Iron Deficiency, Diagnosed According to Hepcidin Quantification, on Outcomes After a Prolonged Icu Stay Compared to Standard Care: A Multicenter, Randomized, Single-blinded Trial
Authors: lasocki sigismond , ASFAR Pierre , JABER Samir , FERRANDIERE Martine , KERFORNE Thomas , ASEHNOUNE Karim , MONTRAVERS Philippe , SEGUIN Philippe , PEOC’H Katell , GERGAUD Soizic , NAGOT Nicolas , LEFEBVRE Thibaud , Lehmann Sylvain , group HEPCIDAN Study 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: Anemia is a significant problem in patients on ICU. Its commonest cause, iron deficiency (ID), is difficult to diagnosed in the context of inflammation. Hepcidin is a new marker of ID. We aimed to assess whether hepcidin levels would accurately guide treatment of ID in critically ill anemic patients after a prolonged ICU stay and affect the post-ICU outcomes. Methods: In a controlled, single-blinded, multicenter study, anemic (WHO definition) critically ill patients with an ICU stay ≥5 days were randomized when discharge was expected to either intervention by hepcidin treatment protocol or control. In the intervention arm patients were treated with intravenous iron (1g of ferric carboxymaltose) when hepcidin was <20 μg/l and with intravenous iron and erythropoietin for 20≤ hepcidin <41 μg/l. Control patients were treated according to standard care (hepcidin quantification remained blinded). Primary endpoint was the number of days spent in hospital 90 days after ICU discharge (post-ICU LOS). Secondary endpoints were day 15 anemia, day 30 fatigue and day 90 mortality. Results: Of 405 randomized patients, 399 were analyzed (201 in intervention and 198 in control arm). 220(55%) had ID at discharge (i.e. an hepcidin <41 μg/l). Primary endpoint was not different (medians(IQR) post-ICU LOS 33(13;90) vs 33(11;90) days for intervention and control respectively, median difference -1(-3;1) days, p=0.78). D90 mortality was significantly lower in the intervention arm (16(8%) vs 33(16.6%) deaths, absolute risk difference -8.7 (-15.1 to -2.3)%, p=0.008). Conclusion: Treatment of ID diagnosed according to hepcidin levels did not reduce the post-ICU LOS, but may reduce the long-term mortality in critically ill patients about to be discharged after a prolonged stay. Trial Registration: www.clinicaltrial.gov NCT02276690 (October 28, 2014; Retrospectively registered)
Burden and prevalence of risk factors for severe COVID-19 disease in the ageing European population – A SHARE-based analysis
Authors: Ahrenfeldt Linda Juel , Nielsen Camilla Riis , Möller Sören , Christensen Kaare , Lindahl-Jacobsen Rune 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Aim: International health authorities suggest that individuals aged 65 years and above and people with underlying comorbidities such as hypertension, chronic lung disease, cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes, and obesity are at increased risk of severe Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19); however, the prevalence of risk factors is unknown in many countries. Therefore, we aim to describe the distribution of these risk factors across Europe. Subject and Methods: Prevalence of risk factors for severe COVID-19 was identified based on interview for 73,274 Europeans aged 50+ participating in the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe (SHARE) in 2017. Burden of disease was estimated using population data from Eurostat. Results: A total of 75.3% of the study population (corresponding to app. 60 million European men and 71 million women) had at least one risk factor for severe COVID-19, 45.9% (app. 36 million men and 43 million women) had at least two factors and 21.2% (app. 17 million men and 20 million women) had at least three risk factors. The prevalences of underlying medical conditions ranged from 4.5% for cancer to 41.4% for hypertension, and the region-specific prevalence of having at least three risk factors ranged from 18.9% in Northern Europe to 24.6% in Eastern Europe. Conclusions: Information about the prevalences of risk factors might help authorities to identify the most vulnerable subpopulations with multiple risk factors of severe COVID-19 disease and thus to decide appropriate strategies to mitigate the pandemic.
Deep Neural Network Analysis of Clinical Variables Predicts Escalated Care in COVID-19 Patients
Authors: Lu Joyce , Musheyev Benjamin , Peng Qi , Duong Tim 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
This study sought to identify the most important clinical variables that can be used to determine which COVID-19 patients will need escalated care early on using deep-learning neural networks. Analysis was performed on hospitalized COVID-19 patients between February 7, 2020 and May 4, 2020 in Stony Brook Hospital. Demographics, comorbidities, laboratory tests, vital signs, and blood gases were collected. We compared data obtained at the time in emergency department and the time of intensive care unit (ICU) upgrade of: i) COVID-19 patients admitted to the general floor (N=1203) versus those directly admitted to ICU (N=104), and ii) patients not upgraded to ICU (N=979) versus those upgraded to the ICU (N=224) from the general floor. A deep neural network algorithm was used to predict ICU admission, with 80% training and 20% testing. Prediction performance used area under the curve (AUC) of the receiver operating characteristic analysis (ROC). We found that C-reactive protein, lactate dehydrogenase, creatinine, white-blood cell count, D-dimer, and lymphocyte count showed temporal divergence between patients were upgraded to ICU compared to those were not. The deep learning predictive model ranked essentially the same set of laboratory variables to be important predictors of needing ICU care. The AUC for predicting ICU admission was 0.782±0.013 for the test dataset. Adding vital sign and blood-gas data improved AUC (0.861±0.018). This study identified a few laboratory tests that were predictive of escalated care. This work could help frontline physicians to anticipate downstream ICU needs to more effectively allocate healthcare resources.
Effectiveness and safety of non-invasive positive pressure ventilation in the treatment of COVID-19-associated acute hypoxemic respiratory failure: a single center, non-ICU setting experience.
Authors: Faraone Antonio , Beltrame Chiara , Crociani Andrea , Carrai Paolo , Lovicu Elena , Filetti Simona , Sbaragli Serena , Alessi Chiara , Smith Michela Cameron , Angotti Chiara , Fortini Alberto 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
BackgroundThe role of non-invasive positive pressure ventilation (NIPPV) in COVID-19 patients with acute hypoxemic respiratory failure (AHRF) is uncertain. This study was aimed to assess the effectiveness and safety of NIPPV in patients with COVID-19-associated AHRF admitted to non-ICU wards.MethodsWe retrospectively evaluated all COVID-19 patients consecutively admitted to the COVID-19 general wards of a medium-size Italian hospital, from March 6 to May 7, 2020. Healthcare workers (HCWs) caring for COVID-19 patients were monitored, undergoing naso-pharyngeal swab for SARS-CoV-2 in case of onset of COVID-19 symptoms, and periodic SARS-CoV-2 screening serology.ResultsOverall, 50 of 143 patients (mean age 74.6 years) were treated with NIPPV, and 22 (44%) were successfully weaned. Due to limited life expectancy, 25 (50%) of 50 NIPPV-treated patients received a “do not intubate” order. Among these, only 6 (24%) were weaned from NIPPV. Of the remaining 25 NIPPV-treated patients, 16 (64%) were successfully weaned, 9 (36%) underwent delayed endotracheal intubation and, among these, 3 (33.3%) died. NIPPV success was predicted by the use of corticosteroids (OR 15.4, p 0.013), the PaO2/FiO2 ratio measured 24-48 hours after NIPPV initiation (OR 1.02, p 0.015), and the presence of a “do not intubate” order (OR 0.03, p 0.020). During the study period, 2 of 124 (1.6%) HCWs caring for COVID-19 patients were diagnosed with mild SARS-CoV-2 infection.ConclusionsApart from patients with limited life expectancy, NIPPV was effective in a substantially high percentage of patients with COVID-19-associated AHRF. The risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection among HCWs was low.
Forecasting youth unemployment in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic: the Italian case
Authors: Fenga Livio , Son-Turan Semen 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Purpose: This study aims at forecasting NEET unemployment in Italy using a counterfactual scenario, based on an original empirical model, whereby the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the NEET rate are factored in and left out.Methodology: An artificial neural network (ANN) model of the type feed-forward, with a Google Trends-generated variable that represents potentially relevant search queries, is employed to backcast, nowcast and forecast Italian NEET unemployment for 2019, 2020, 2021, respectively.Findings: Findings suggest that the Italian NEET unemployment rate will slightly increase in a less than proportional way, absorbing the COVID-19 pandemic’s effects in a relatively short time period.Research Implications/ Limitation: Several limitations with respect to the limited sample size and the few number of explanatory variables are remedied through the use of an adequate methodology.Originality: The use of an ANN in youth unemployment studies during a pandemic of the present scale is, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, unprecedented.
The added value of transition programs in Dutch diabetes care: A controlled evaluation study
Authors: Peeters Mariëlle A.C. , Sattoe Jane N.T. , Bronner Madelon B. , Bal Roland A. , Staa AnneLoes van 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background

The desirability of evaluating transition programs is widely acknowledged. This study aimed to explore the added value of transitional care investments for young adults with type 1 diabetes mellitus.

Methods

On the basis of qualitative data, two groups of diabetes teams were created through cluster analysis: paying more (HI-ATT) versus less attention (LO-ATT) to transitional care. Retrospective controlled evaluation included chart reviews on healthcare use and clinical outcomes; and a survey on young adults’ experiences, satisfaction with care, and self-management skills.

Results

Data from 320 patients in fifteen diabetes teams were collected; 142 young adults (38.4%) completed a questionnaire. Self-reported outcomes showed that young adults treated by a HI-ATT team felt better prepared for transfer (p <.05). Self-management outcomes did not differ between groups. HI-ATT teams had more scheduled consultations in the year after transfer (p <.05); only 10.6% of all participants had reached targeted HbA1c scores.

Conclusions

The attention being paid to transition in Dutch diabetes care does not lead to notable improvements in experiences and outcomes, except for preparation for transfer. The period after transfer, however, is just as important. Attention is required for parent involvement. Considering actual implementation and adaptation of interventions is recommended for future evaluation studies.
Electrical conductivity of diaspore, δ-AlOOH and ε-FeOOH
Authors: Wang Ran , Yoshino Takashi 
Published: September 2020

AbstractElectrical conductivities of diaspore (α-AlOOH), δ-AlOOH, and ε-FeOOH were measured by impedance spectroscopy with a frequency range from 10–1 to 106 Hz at pressures from 8 to 20 GPa and temperatures from 500 to 1200 K, well below the dehydration temperatures of these phases at the relevant pressures. For diaspore, the relationship between electrical conductivity and reciprocal temperature can be well fitted by the Arrhenius formula:σ = σ 0 exp ⁡ [ − ( Δ E + P Δ V ) k T ] ,where σ0 is the pre-exponential factor, ∆E is the activation energy, and ∆V is activation volume of 56.0 ± 1.2 S/m, 0.55 ± 0.02 eV, and 1.68 ± 0.12 cm3/mol, respectively. The electrical conductivity of diaspore decreases with increasing pressure ranging from 8 to 12 GPa by a half order of magnitude, whereas the conductivity becomes almost constant in a pressure range above 12 GPa. δ-AlOOH and ε-FeOOH show one and two orders of magnitude higher electrical conductivity than diaspore. Electrical conductivities of δ-AlOOH and ε-FeOOH, which have isostructural CaCl2-type hydroxide structure, show the nearly identical activation enthalpies (0.38 ± 0.01, 0.33 ± 0.05 eV), which are relatively lower than that of diaspore. The dominant conduction mechanism of AlOOH phases can be regarded as proton conduction. The conductivity difference between diaspore and δ-AlOOH attributes to result in the different O1H bond lengths of each phase. The reduction of O1H bond length with increasing pressure could enhance the proton migration by reducing the potential barrier, thereby raising the electrical conductivity. Small polaron conduction may contribute to the conductivity of ε-FeOOH to generate higher conductivity than δ-AlOOH. Furthermore, hydrogen bond symmetrization will also play an important role in the conductivity discrepancy of these hydrous minerals with CaCl2-type hydroxide structure. For subducted sedimentary rocks, polymorphs of AlOOH and FeOOH are representative hydrous phases. Al-rich sediments show conductivity reduction with increasing depth until phase transformation occurs because diaspore represents negative pressure dependence of conductivity. After transformation to δ-AlOOH, the conductivity will jump up around 18 GPa. If ε-FeOOH is stable above 5 GPa in an iron-rich lithology, such as banded iron formation (BIF), a high conductivity zone with positive pressure dependence could be observed to the deep lower mantle.
Early Archean alteration minerals in mafic-ultramafic rocks of the Barberton greenstone belt as petrological analogs for clay mineralogy on Mars
Authors: Grosch Eugene G. , Bishop Janice L. , Mielke Christian , Maturilli Alessandro , Helbert Jörn 
Published: September 2020

AbstractCharacterization of terrestrial analog sites is critical for detection and determination of clay miner-alogy in remote sensing studies of Mars aimed at geological, hydrological, and potentially biological investigations. In this study, we investigate a suite of hydrothermally altered early Archean rocks from the Barberton greenstone belt (BGB) of South Africa as potential petrological, mineralogical, and spectral analogs to hydrothermally altered metabasalts and mafic-ultramafic intrusions in the martian subsurface and impact craters. We present the first spectral imaging measurements on exceptionally well-preserved early Archean mafic-ultramafic rocks from the BGB, with the aim of studying their clay mineralogy and spectral signatures. Multiple spectral analyses were conducted on different sample textures (rock powders, crushed rocks, and rock slabs) appropriate for Mars rover and remote sensing exploration. Visible/near-infrared (VNIR) and mid-IR reflectance spectra were acquired on particulate samples, while VNIR spectral imaging data were collected on rock slabs. Mid-IR emission spectra were measured for the rock slabs and grains. Spectral features are compared from these different spectral techniques to identify the minerals present in the samples and compare macroscale vs. microscale detections. The measured spectra reveal absorption bands that correspond to clay mineral-ogy of the serpentine and chlorite mineral groups, consistent with petrographic observations, as well as magnetite, olivine, quartz, feldspar, and Al-phyllosilicate. The spectral data acquired in this study expand the reference spectra data set for remote sensing studies. The implications of this study are that rocks from early Archean greenstone belts, such as those of the BGB, serve as potential clay-bearing petrological analogs for hydrothermal environments on Mars.