bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
P08 The quality of life and cost benefits of domiciliary 24-hour piperacillin/tazobactam 13.5 g infusion in patients with necrotizing otitis externa
Authors: Sacranie Y. , Fleming N. , Smith W. 
Published: February 2022

Abstract

Background
The incidence of necrotizing otitis externa (NOE) is increasing with the rise in the population who are elderly or immunocompromised. Currently there is no consensus on an antibiotic regimen for NOE but in a recent survey of otolaryngologists, 90% recommended using IV antibiotics.1,2 An initial 6 week period of IV antibiotics such as piperacillin/tazobactam has been recommended, this necessitated a prolonged hospital stay in patients who could be managed at home. To enable domiciliary treatment, a patient pathway was set-up, a ‘mid-line’ inserted and once clinically well (after 0–10 days in hospital) home antibiotic treatment was commenced.

Objectives
To evaluate the patient satisfaction, safety and cost benefit of using 6 weeks of domiciliary piperacillin/tazobactam 13.5 g administered with infusion pump in patients with NOE.

Methods
Since September 2017 to present, 11 patients (9 males, 2 females aged 52–91 years) received domiciliary IV antibiotics for NOE, patients completed a patient satisfaction questionnaire [Glasgow Benefit Inventory (GBI), a validated questionnaire that is used to assess the impact of any clinical intervention]. The cost of this service was compared with the traditional 6 week stay in hospital for IV antibiotic therapy. Patients were only asked to complete the GBI to evaluate a recognized treatment.

Results
The GBI scale ranges from −100 (maximal negative benefit) to 0 (no benefit), to +100 (maximal benefit). Table 1 demonstrates that domiciliary IV antibiotics have a positive impact on total and general health but the low scores for social and physical health reflect worsening of quality of life in patients with NOE. All patients expressed they preferred being at home rather than being in hospital. 6 weeks inpatient care (at £250 per night) equates to £10 500 per patient. Piperacillin/tazobactam 4.5 g injection, costing £7.85 per ampoule, given thrice daily for 6 weeks costs £989. Domiciliary treatment using piperacillin/tazobactam 13.5 g infusion device is £98.16 daily, 6 weeks antibiotic costs £4122 per patient. A domiciliary nurse visit is £120 equates to nursing costs of £5040 for antibiotic given by infusion. Domiciliary potentially saves £2327 per patient.

Conclusions
Although studies have assessed community IV antibiotic service;3 this study albeit with limited patient numbers is the first evaluating patient satisfaction and cost benefit of domiciliary antibiotics in patients with NOE. All patients preferred to be treated at home with no safety issues raised. There is a potential saving of £2347 per patient with domiciliary rather than in-patient treatment as well as ‘freeing-up’ beds for other patients requiring admission.
P12 Important early prognostic laboratory indicators for COVID-19 mortality
Authors: Ramosaço Ergys , Kolovani Entela , Gjermeni Nevila , Çomo Najada 
Published: February 2022

Abstract

Background
COVID-19 has been marked as a highly pathogenic coronavirus of COVID-19 disease which has caused a pandemic into the human population, with a different course in different people, which contributed to the death of approximately over 5.02 million confirmed cases worldwide up till now. For this reason, it is quite important to have the earliest possible evaluation of laboratory-assisted indicators, especially for mortality risk prediction in developing countries, in addition to other clinical and imaging evaluations in order every physician to make the right medical decision.

Methods
In total, 277 patients of Infectious Diseases Hospital, UHC “Mother Teresa” were enrolled. All of them tested positive for COVID-19. We evaluated indicators such as d-dimer (N = 0–500 μg/L), lactate dehydrogenase LDH (N = 95–200 U/L) and the neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (control group = 1.7 ± 0.392) in two groups of patients, the first one of 144 patients who were discharged from the hospital and the second one of 133 patients who died.

Results
What we observed was that the results were different for every test we performed in each group. Neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio was 8.69 ± 4.9 for the first group versus 14.7 ± 12.3 for the second one, P&lt;0.05 (P = 0.013), LDH = 427 ± 241 versus 715 ± 347, P&lt;0.05 (P = 0.0002), d-dimer = 1387 ± 763 versus 2650 ± 1322, P&gt;0.05 (P = 0.28).

Conclusions
In addition to LDH as a prognostic factor, the neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio was considered as a low cost examination for severe prognosis and mortality risk (P&lt;0.05), which can also serve as an alert for primary services for patient hospitalization, especially in developing countries after his clinical and image evaluation.
P23 Assessment of knowledge, attitude and practice towards antimicrobial use and resistance among students in three secondary schools in Dodoma City
Authors: Venant Erick , Stanley Baritazar K. , Mosha Michael J. , Msovela Kelvin E. , Mushi DorineGrace J. , Masanja Pendo , Wiedenmayer Karin , Ombaka Eva 
Published: February 2022

Abstract

Introduction
Antimicrobial resistance is still not given enough attention and the public is insufficiently aware of its existence, leading to behaviour, which propagates the rise of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). One of the objectives of Tanzania's national action plan on antimicrobial resistance is to improve awareness and understanding of antimicrobial use and resistance through effective communication, education and training. This task will need involvement of many stakeholders and sectors.

Objectives
To assess the knowledge, attitudes and practices toward antimicrobial use and resistance among students in three secondary schools in Dodoma city.

Methods
For this interventional pre-post comparative study, data were collected before and after training on antimicrobial use and resistance. Secondary school students from Mkonze, Merriwa and Kiwanja cha Ndege secondary school who are members of AMR school clubs participated. Training included classroom teaching and arts and crafts. We used quantitative and qualitative data collection methods by using self-administered paper-based structured coded questionnaires delivered to the students with the supervision of school guardians. Analysis was done through Excel and SPSS.

Results
Three aspects were investigated: awareness of ways to reduce AMR; knowledge that antibiotics cannot be used to treat flu and factors that contribute to AMR. Before the training knowledge of these was below 37%. Three months after the training knowledge had increased to above 90%.

Conclusions
Training of secondary school students significantly improved awareness, knowledge and attitude regarding antimicrobial use and antimicrobial resistance. AMR school clubs are an effective vehicle to raise awareness and mitigate the AMR crisis. Focus on students will lead to wider awareness in the community.
P30 Bacterial coinfection and prescribing trends in SARS-CoV-2 infection in two UK hospitals
Authors: Teoh P. J. , Maan I. , Uwagwu J. , Odedra A. 
Published: February 2022

Abstract

Objectives
To describe antibiotic prescribing and early bacterial and fungal coinfection in patients admitted to two London hospitals with COVID-19.

Methods
A retrospective review of adults with PCR-confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection admitted between 9 February and 10 May 2020. Demographics, critical care unit (CCU) admission, antibiotic prescribing and microbiology results within 10 days of COVID-19 diagnosis were analysed.

Results
In total, 1155 patients were identified; 32.9% (380) died during admission and 12.4% (143) had positive microbiology. After excluding likely contaminants, 6.9% (80) had evidence of coinfection. The most common organisms isolated from blood cultures were Escherichia coli 9.5% (7), Klebsiella pneumoniae 4.0% (3), and MSSA 2.7% (2). Organisms isolated from lower respiratory tract samples included Candida albicans 44.4% (12), Staphylococcus aureus 22.2% (6), Klebsiella species 11.0% (3), Pseudomonas aeruginosa 11.0% (3) and Citrobacter species 11% (3). Legionella and pneumococcal urinary antigen tests were positive in 0/117 and 2/71 episodes, respectively. Patients admitted to CCU during their inpatient stay were more likely to have positive microbiology compared with patients managed outside CCU (26.2% versus 11.0%, P&lt;0.001). Ninety-one percent (1051) of all patients received antibiotics. Clarithromycin (24.2% total antibiotic use) and amoxicillin (21%) were most frequently used, followed by piperacillin/tazobactam (12.6%), gentamicin (10.6%), co-amoxiclav (9.3%) and meropenem (3.2%). Patients given piperacillin/tazobactam or meropenem had a higher length of stay and mortality.

Conclusions
Bacterial coinfection in COVID-19 is uncommon, but more frequent in patients requiring CCU admission. Antibiotic use was widespread, despite lack of microbiological evidence of coinfection. When present, infection was more likely due to Gram-negative bacteria. Future local clinical and antimicrobial guidelines should reflect these findings.
Radiation hydrodynamics modelling of kilonovae withSNEC
Authors: Wu Zhenyu , Ricigliano Giacomo , Kashyap Rahul , Perego Albino , Radice David 
Published: February 2022

ABSTRACTWe develop a method to compute synthetic kilonova light curves that combine numerical relativity simulations of neutron star mergers and the SNEC radiation–hydrodynamics code. We describe our implementation of initial and boundary conditions, r-process heating, and opacities for kilonova simulations. We validate our approach by carefully checking that energy conservation is satisfied and by comparing the SNEC results with those of two semi-analytic light-curve models. We apply our code to the calculation of colour light curves for three binaries having different mass ratios (equal and unequal mass) and different merger outcome (short-lived and long-lived remnants). We study the sensitivity of our results to hydrodynamic effects, nuclear physics uncertainties in the heating rates, and duration of the merger simulations. We find that hydrodynamics effects are typically negligible and that homologous expansion is a good approximation in most cases. However, pressure forces can amplify the impact of uncertainties in the radioactive heating rates. We also study the impact of shocks possibly launched into the outflows by a relativistic jet. None of our models match AT2017gfo, the kilonova in GW170817. This points to possible deficiencies in our merger simulations and kilonova models that neglect non-LTE effects and possible additional energy injection from the merger remnant and to the need to go beyond the assumption of spherical symmetry adopted in this work.
Waves in weakly ionized solar plasmas
Authors: Alharbi A , Ballai I , Fedun V , Verth G 
Published: February 2022

ABSTRACT
Here, we study the nature and characteristics of waves propagating in partially ionized plasmas in the weakly ionized limit, typical for the lower part of the solar atmosphere. The framework in which the properties of waves are discussed depends on the relative magnitude of collisions between particles, but also on the relative magnitude of the collisional frequencies compared to the gyro-frequency of charged particles. Our investigation shows that the weakly ionized solar atmospheric plasma can be divided into two regions, and this division occurs, roughly, at the base of the chromosphere. In the solar photosphere, the plasma is non-magnetized and the dynamics can described within the three-fluid framework, where acoustic waves associated to each species can propagate. Due to the very high concentration of neutrals, the neutral sound waves propagates with no damping, while for the other two modes the damping rate is determined by collisions with neutrals. The ion- and electron-related acoustic modes propagate with a cut-off determined by the collisional frequency of these species with neutrals. In the weakly ionized chromosphere, only electrons are magnetized, however, the strong coupling of charged particles reduces the working framework to a two-fluid model. The disassociation of charged particles creates electric currents that can influence the characteristic of waves. The propagation properties of waves with respect to the angle of propagation are studied with the help of polar diagrams.
The role of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells-derived exosomal microRNA-431-5p in survival and prognosis of colorectal cancer patients
Authors: Qu Muwen , Li Junyi , Hong Zifu , Jia Fei , He Yinghua , Yuan Lingling 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
We aim to discuss the role of miR-431-5p in colorectal cancer (CRC) progression via regulating peroxiredoxin 1 (PRDX1). miR-431-5p and PRDX1 expression were detected in CRC tissues and cells, and the relationship between miR-431-5p expression and prognosis of CRC patients was analyzed. Exosomes were extracted from human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (hUCMSCs) and co-cultured with LoVo cells. MTT assay, flow cytometry and Transwell assay were implemented to test cell viability, apoptosis and invasion and migration ability, respectively. The tumor growth was determined as well, and the binding relation between miR-431-5p and PRDX1 was confirmed. miR-431-5p was downregulated and PRDX1 was upregulated in CRC, and miR-431-5p downregulation was associated with poor prognosis. hUCMSC-Exos suppressed the malignant behaviors of LoVo cells, and overexpression of miR-431-5p further aggravated the inhibitory effect of hUCMSC-Exos on LoVo cells. hUCMSC-Exos inhibited PRDX1 expression via miR-431-5p. PRDX1 was targeted by miR-431-5p. miR-431-5p serves as a prognostic biomarker in CRC, and hUCMSC-Exos transfer of miR-431-5p decelerates CRC cell growth by inhibiting PRDX1.
Left to Our Own Devices
Authors: Ticona Julia 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Over the past three decades, digital technologies like smartphones and laptops have transformed the way we work in the United States. Over the same period of time, workers at the top and the bottom of the income ladder have experienced rising levels of job insecurity and anxiety about their economic futures. Despite this connection, we rarely link our everyday technology problems to our economic climate. Left to Our Own Devices explores the ways that workers use their digital technologies to navigate insecure and flexible labor markets. Through one hundred interviews with high- and low-wage precarious workers across the United States, the book explores the surprisingly similar “digital hustles” they use to find work and maintain a sense of dignity and identity. However, although they shared similar practices, the digital hustle ultimately reproduces inequalities between workers at either end of polarized labor markets. The terms on which workers are included into the digital economy are marked by stark differences in power and privilege. Instead of a cognitive or individualistic approach to our “addictions” to technology, this book explains that our technologies must be understood as essential tools to cope with insecurity and manage the new risks that have emerged in the wake of the Great Recession and the crumbling social contract between employers and employees. In an economic climate characterized by unraveling social safety nets, workers use their devices to weave their own.
Will Automation, AI, and Robots Lead to Widespread Unemployment?
Authors: Shneiderman Ben 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Automation eliminates certain jobs, as it has for hundreds of years. These disruptions are painful to many, but there are benefits of expanded production, increased quality, and lower costs to consumers, which often increases employment opportunities for many people. Controversies rage about Amazon's rapid growth, facilitated by automation in fulfillment centers, but at the same time their employee numbers have grown ten times in the past decade. While agricultural employment has dropped dramatically in the past hundred years, it has also led to more jobs in food distribution, supermarkets, and restaurants. At the same time, healthcare jobs have grown substantially for nursing, home care, personal training, and medical managers. New industries include software engineering, financial management, and renewable energy systems installation. The challenges are to ensure safety for workers and share the benefits of automation widely.
Introduction: Rising above the Levels of Automation
Authors: Shneiderman Ben 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Automated systems can be wonderful, but strategies for ensuring activation when needed and preventing inadvertent activations contribute to reliable, safe, and trustworthy operation that increases user acceptance. Good design also includes ways for maintenance staff to gather performance data to know whether the operation is correct and adjust controls to make sure the device functions correctly. The long-standing levels of automation which went from full human control to full computer control has limited imagination of what is possible. Breaking free from the assumption of a zero-sum situation in which more automation means less human control requires fresh thinking.
Two-Dimensional HCAI Framework
Authors: Shneiderman Ben 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
The mistaken message has been that more automation necessarily meant less user control. Over the years, this idea began to trouble me so I eventually shifted to the belief that it was possible to ensure human control, even while increasing computer automation. The decoupling of these concepts leads to a two-dimensional HCAI framework, which suggests that achieving high levels of human control and high levels of computer automation is possible. The two axes go from low to high human control and from low to high computer automation. Awareness of the dangers of excessive automation and excessive control will enable designers to introduce safer designs with override mechanisms to allow humans to take over from machine errors and interlocks to prevent human errors. This simple expansion to two dimensions is already helping designers imagine fresh possibilities.
Teammates and Tele-bots
Authors: Shneiderman Ben 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Do designers benefit from thinking of computers as being teammates, partners, and collaborators? When is it helpful and when is there a danger in assuming human–human interaction is a good model for human–robot interaction? Innovation goal researchers and developers want to build tele-bots that extend human capabilities, while providing superhuman perceptual and motor support, thereby boosting human performance, while allowing human–human teamwork to succeed. The combined strategy could be to use science goal algorithms to implement automatic internal services that support the innovation goal of human control. This approach is implemented in the many car-driving technologies such as lane following, parking assist, and collision avoidance. The idea is to give users the control they desire by putting “AI inside,” which provides valuable services to users based on machine and deep learning algorithms. In this way users have the benefit of AI optimizations, an understanding of what is happening, a clear model of what will happen next, and the chance to take control if needed.
Assured Autonomy and Control Centers
Authors: Shneiderman Ben 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
This chapter discusses the science goal for products and services that are autonomous with no human intervention. Rather than assured autonomous systems acting alone, innovation goal researchers want to support supervised autonomy by way of control panels and control centers (sometimes described as human-in-the-loop or humans-on-the-loop), in which humans operate highly automated devices and systems. The combined strategy could be to have science goal algorithms provide highly automated features, with user interface designs that support human control and oversight. This combined strategy is in use in many NASA, industrial, utility, military, and air traffic control centers, where rich forms of AI are used to optimize performance, but the operators have a clear mental model of what will happen next. Predictable behavior from machines is highly valued by human operators.
The case for technological imperfections
Authors: Townsend Peter 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Historically, it was only the presence of imperfections in flint that enabled them to be shaped into our first Stone Age tools, as fracture of perfect flints would have been impossible. The use of fire for cooking equally revealed the presence of metals and silicates in ores and experience slowly introduced the complex fields of metallurgy and simple glasses. Historically, all later advances followed this initial pattern by revealing that we needed traces of imperfections and impurities. In essence, there are very close parallels with cookery and the needs for traces of salt and spices. The influence of tiny minorities is no different in society where individuals, and their political dominance, can control and influence millions of other people (as for impurities in modern technologies).
Small anomalies and long-range consequences
Authors: Townsend Peter 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Even with children’s building blocks one can make an intuitive first guess at the structure of localized imperfections. However, experimentally designing, identifying, characterizing and controlling them is far more difficult. One reason is that many defect sites have extremely long-range consequences and, in these cases, intuition is hard. Nevertheless, the need to do this and predicting the potential benefits are significant. Long-range effects uses are not just for semiconductors, but apply equally to radiation dosimetry, archaeological dating, information storage, plus chemical and biological reactivity. One can gain intuition by considering human interactions and how our lives are defined, not just by immediate contacts, but by political, social, legislative and factors that control the flow of goods and information across the globe.
Hints for a successful scientific career
Authors: Townsend Peter 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
A bonus of writing a book at the end of a career is that hindsight offers thoughts on how it could have progressed more efficiently, or better exploited results and opportunities. The chapter considers many key factors that lead to success in science, with topics ranging from fields of interest, to training, promotion of image, attendance at conferences etc. Many ideas apply beyond science but are rarely widely discussed, nevertheless they’re valuable even with changing patterns of work and communications. A further factor is that it is possible to realise that knowledge should not be confined to a narrow topic area, one should recognize and welcome discoveries and thoughts even if generated by serendipity, and understand how to optimize a scientific image. Finally, scientific opinion is not always correct, even if ideas have been promoted for a very long time.