bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Tracheostomy tube changes in patients with tracheostomy: A quality improvement project
Authors: Liu Yu , Zhou Chunlan , Wu Yanni , Deng Shuijuan , Chen Ying , Zhou Jungui 
Published: December 2023

AbstractBackgroundTracheostomy tube changes are a considerable part of the management of patients with tracheostomy and are necessary for preventing aspiration pneumonia, especially in patients with long‐term tracheostomy. The process of tracheostomy tube changes in many patients may not be timely, safe or efficient.AimThe objectives were to implement a quality improvement intervention that reduces the incidence of aspiration pneumonia in patients with tracheostomy, improve staff knowledge about tracheostomy tube changes and improve staff adherence to documentation.MethodsA pre‐post intervention design was used in this quality improvement project. We created a change strategy bundle that included identification of the need for and observation determination of the timing of tube changes timing, change assessments, identification of the person and location, preparation, co‐operation and maintenance. A tracheostomy tube change workflow was also created. Then, the intervention was implemented in the clinic after staff training. The incidence of aspiration pneumonia, staff knowledge and staff adherence were compared before and after the intervention.ResultsTwo hundred and 20 patients were enrolled (105 in the preintervention group; 115 in the postintervention group) with 88 tracheostomy tube change episodes (23 in the preintervention group; 65 in the postintervention group). Thirty‐five staff members completed the training and surveys. The incidence of pneumonia decreased from 43.8% to 27.8% after the intervention (p = .013). The knowledge score of staff increased from 46.57 ± 11.10 to 88.14 ± 6.76, and the implementation rate of the audit increased to 67.32%–100%.ConclusionsThis quality improvement project regarding tracheostomy changes reduced the incidence of pneumonia, increased staff knowledge about tracheostomy tube changes and improved staff adherence.Relevance to Clinical PracticeA standardized tracheostomy tube change bundle, education, interprofessional collaboration and culture changes were important to ensure the best outcomes in this quality improvement project. These factors improved the timeliness, efficiency and safety of tracheostomy tube changes.
Second infant spinal anesthetic: Incidence, dose modification, and adverse events after initial failure
Authors: Frawley Geoff 
Published: December 2023

AbstractIntroductionInfant spinal anesthesia is an important technique in premature and ex‐premature infants undergoing lower abdominal surgery. Previous studies of infant spinal anesthesia report high failure rates, but fail to adequately identify contributing factors. The aim of this study is to retrospectively review spinal anesthetics from a quaternary anesthetic centre to determine overall spinal failure rate, incidence of second spinal attempts and adverse events associated with a second spinal anesthetic.MethodsA retrospective review of infant spinal anesthetics performed between May 2016 and June 2023.ResultsFive hundred and fifty‐one infants (mean postmenstrual age 42.9 weeks and weight 3873 g) were included. The overall success rate on first attempt was 86.5% with a further 5.1% requiring a successful second spinal anesthetic after initial failure. Spinal anesthetic failure requiring conversion to general anesthesia occurred in 9.4% of cases The causes of failed spinal anesthetic were inability to access the subdural space (dry tap 4.2%), inadequate motor blockade (2.9%), and repeated bloody taps (2.2%). Spinal anesthetic failure was significantly increased in cases where the anesthetist was routinely performing less than 5 spinal anesthetics per year [OR 2.21 (95% CI 1.28, 3.83, p = .004)] but only weakly associated with years of pediatric anesthetic experience. Failure rates were 21.4% with styletted spinal needles and 9.2% for non styletted [OR 2.68 (95% CI 1.23–5.86, p = .012)]. The incidence of perioperative apnoea was 6.7% with the highest rate in infants in which failed spinal anesthesia required conversion to general anesthesia (25%). There were 28 cases where initial spinal anesthetic failed to produce adequate anesthesia and a repeat spinal anesthetic was performed. Repeat spinal anesthesia was successful in 92.8% of cases with awake caudal anesthesia successful in 7.2% of cases. In three cases high spinal blockade occurred, one after a single spinal and two after a repeat spinal. Both repeat spinal high block cases required intubation and brief resuscitation.ConclusionInfant spinal anesthesia is associated with high success rates if experienced anesthetists are present or performing the block. Repeat spinal anesthesia may be associated with an increased incidence of high spinal block. Greater awareness of the slow onset of high block should promote techniques aimed at minimizing cephalad spread of local anesthetic including slight head up positioning during surgery.
Linear target change detection from a single image based on three‐dimensional real scene
Authors: Liu Yang , Ji Zheng , Chen Lingfeng , Liu Yuchen 
Published: December 2023

AbstractChange detection is a critical component in the field of remote sensing, with significant implications for resource management and land monitoring. Currently, most conventional methods for remote sensing change detection often rely on qualitative monitoring, which usually requires data collection from the entire scene over multiple time periods. In this paper, we propose a method that can be computationally intensive and lacks reusability, especially when dealing with large datasets. We use a novel methodology that leverages the texture features and geometric structure information derived from three‐dimensional (3D) real scenes. By establishing a two‐dimensional (2D)–3D geometric relationship between a single observational image and the corresponding 3D scene, we can obtain more accurate positional information for the image. This relationship allows us to transfer the depth information from the 3D model to the observational image, thereby facilitating precise geometric change measurements for specific planar targets. Experimental results indicate that our approach enables millimetre‐level change detection of minuscule targets based on a single image. Compared with conventional methods, our technique offers enhanced efficiency and reusability, making it a valuable tool for the fine‐grained change detection of small targets based on 3D real scene.
Maternal body mass index and cerebral palsy in children: A systematic review and dose–response meta‐analysis
Authors: Hu Guomin , Zhao Yang , Fu Xueru , Hu Dongsheng , Liang Xin 
Published: December 2023

AbstractBackgroundAccumulating studies indicate that maternal obesity is associated with the risk of cerebral palsy (CP); however, their conclusions have been inconsistent.ObjectivesTo quantitatively estimate the association between maternal body mass index (BMI) and CP in offspring.Data SourcesPubMed, Embase and Web of Science.Study Selection and Data ExtractionArticles published up to 18 September 2022 were searched that reported the correlation between maternal BMI and CP in children. Two reviewers independently extracted data and critically assessed articles.SynthesisPooled relative risks (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were estimated by the random‐effects model. Subgroup analysis and meta‐regression were performed to explore sources of heterogeneity.ResultsIn total, 11 articles (8,407,668 participants) were identified for inclusion in our meta‐analysis. For maternal underweight, no significant association was found with CP risk (RR 1.11, 95% CI 0.90, 1.38). The risk of CP was increased by 25% (RR 1.25, 95% CI 1.06, 1.47), 38% (RR 1.38, 95% CI 1.18, 1.61) and 127% (RR 2.27, 95% CI 1.82, 2.83) for maternal overweight, obesity and obesity grade 3, respectively. In addition, we observed a positive linear dose‐response relationship, with the pooled risk of cerebral palsy in offspring increasing by 3% with each unit increase in maternal BMI.ConclusionThis meta‐analysis indicates that the risk of CP in offspring grew with maternal overweight or obesity grades increasing, and was positively correlated with maternal BMI.
New insight into decoupling carbon emissions from economic growth: Do financialization, human capital, and energy security risk matter?
Authors: Iorember Paul Terhemba , Gbaka Solomon , Işık Abdurrahman , Nwani Chinazaekpere , Abbas Jaffar 
Published: December 2023

AbstractAgainst the backdrop of persistent climate change and deteriorating environmental pressure, this study integrates financialization, human capital, and energy security risks to provide new insight into decoupling carbon emissions from economic growth. The study employs annual panel data on the BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa) countries for the period of 1990–2019. The research employs the C‐S ARDL approach and the Tapio decoupling index to assess the decoupling status of the BRICS countries. In addition, this study applies the recently developed Juodis, Karavias, and Sarafidis Granger noncausality test for robustness. The findings offer compelling evidence of an inverted U‐shaped curve, aligning with the environmental Kuznets curve hypothesis. Consequently, the results confirm the decoupling of carbon emissions in the BRICS nations. Furthermore, the Tapio decoupling elasticity index confirms different carbon decoupling statuses among the BRICS. The results show expansive negative decoupling for Brazil, weak decoupling for India and China, and strong decoupling for Russia and South Africa. In terms of policy, achieving strong decoupling status in the BRICS requires that financial institutions' lending and investing strategies align with environmental objectives. In addition, human capital development policies such as increased spending on education should be vigorously pursued to empower people to lead sustainable development projects.
Characterization of valid auxiliary functions for representations of extreme value distributions and their max‐domains of attraction
Authors: Seifert Miriam Isabel 
Published: December 2023

AbstractIn this paper we study two important representations for extreme value distributions and their max‐domains of attraction (MDA), namely von Mises representation (vMR) and variation representation (VR), which are convenient ways to gain limit results. Both VR and vMR are defined via so‐called auxiliary functions . Up to now, however, the set of valid auxiliary functions for vMR has neither been characterized completely nor separated from those for VR. We contribute to the current literature by introducing “universal” auxiliary functions which are valid for both VR and vMR representations for the entire MDA distribution families. Then we identify exactly the sets of valid auxiliary functions for both VR and vMR. Moreover, we propose a method for finding appropriate auxiliary functions with analytically simple structure and provide them for several important distributions.
Team‐based learning in the biblical studies classroom: Utilizing the 4S application task to promote deep learning
Authors: Flanders Denise C. 
Published: December 2023

AbstractThis article provides a brief overview of the instructional strategy known as team‐based learning (TBL). It then focuses specifically on the use of one of its integral components in a biblical studies classroom—namely, the “4S application task.” The 4S application task, which is one of the fundamental pieces of the learning experience in TBL, consists of the problems that small group teams of students need to solve or the decisions the teams need to reach in each class session. The title 4S refers to the fact that the problems must be characterized by the following: significant problem, same problem, specific choice, and simultaneous report. The main aim of this article is to share this engaging and generative pedagogical activity, but to do so effectively by providing some context as to how it is situated within the overarching flow and goals of a TBL approach.
Innovation as erasure: Palestine and the new regional alliances of technology
Authors: Tarvainen Antti , Challand Benoît 
Published: December 2023

AbstractThis article explores the growing connections between the Persian Gulf states and the heavily militarised Israeli innovation ecosystem. The Gulf actors now play an increasing role in support of Israel as a globally expanding ‘Start‐up Nation’, and are involved in transforming Palestinian land into a regional frontier of technology in the West Bank and East Jerusalem. Israeli‐Gulf cooperation and its impact on Palestinians, however, has not been thoroughly researched. Drawing from fieldwork among Palestinian and Israeli innovation elites, we map these growing connections between Gulf state actors and Israel and analyse how the occupied Palestinian territories are further enmeshed in complex networks of financial capitalist and settler colonial security interests. Theoretically, the paper advances the critique of the contemporary settler colonial frontier, venturing beyond its usual Eurocentric and binary geographies. We conclude that ‘innovation’ is both (a) the terrain of expanding structures of Israeli colonisation and (b) the site of productive ambivalences and novel forms of resistance in an evolving regional and global reality.
On Ramanujan's lost notebook and new tenth‐order like identities for second‐, sixth‐, and eighth‐order mock theta functions
Authors: Mortenson Eric T. 
Published: December 2023

AbstractRamanujan's lost notebook contains many mock theta functions and mock theta function identities not mentioned in his last letter to Hardy. For example, we find the four tenth‐order mock theta functions and their six identities. The six identities themselves are of a spectacular nature and were first proved by Choi. We also find eight sixth‐order mock theta functions in the lost notebook, but among their many identities there is only a single relationship like those of the tenth‐orders. Using Appell function properties of Hickerson and Mortenson, we discover and prove three new identities for the sixth‐order mock theta functions that are in the spirit of the six tenth‐order identities. We also include an additional nineteen tenth‐order like identities for various combinations of second‐, sixth‐, and eighth‐order mock theta functions.
Generation of Radiation on Forbidden Transitions in the Laboratory Acoustic Plasma
Authors: Abrahamyan A. S. , Mkrtchyan A. H. , Chilingaryan R. Yu. 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Experimentally, under laboratory conditions in the nitrogen acoustic plasma in the region of the forbidden lines at 654.81 and 658.36 nm, a spectral emission line of high intensity was obtained (up to 17 stronger than the neighboring lines of the first positive system of nitrogen). The results were obtained both in pure low-pressure nitrogen acoustic plasma (several hundreds of Pa) and various mixtures containing nitrogen, including the CO2 : N2 : He = 1 : 1 : 8 mixture. The results obtained are explained by the acoustic plasma state of the discharge and an analog of Rahman scattering, which remove some of the quantum mechanical prohibitions. The possible influence of the Coriolis force is also considered.
Successful implementation of a quality improvement bundle to reduce opioid overprescribing following total hip and knee arthroplasty
Authors: Law Vivian , Cohen Daniel , Chan Bokman , Singh Shawna , Jones Caroline , Papachristos Angelo , Logan Elizabeth , Yoon Samuel , Rubio-Reyes Priscilla , Terpstra Kristen , Ward Sarah 
Published: December 2023

BackgroundOpioid overprescribing is commonplace after total hip (THA) and total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Preliminary data demonstrated that approximately 32% of the opioids prescribed at discharge from our hospital following THA and TKA remain unused. This is a concern given that unused prescribed opioids are available for diversion and may result in misuse and abuse.MethodsPre-intervention data were collected between 1 November 2018 and 10 December 2018. An intervention bundle was then introduced, including education of patients and providers, a standardised pain management algorithm and an autopopulated discharge prescription. The aim of this quality improvement initiative was to reduce the amount of opioid (average oral morphine equivalents (OME)) dispensed (based on the discharge prescription provided) following THA and TKA at our institution by 15% by 1 April 2019.DesignUsing an interrupted time series design, the outcome measure was the amount of opioid (OME) dispensed from the discharge prescription provided. Process measures included the percentage of autopopulated discharge prescriptions, the percentage of patients receiving education at discharge and the percentage of nurses and residents receiving standardised education. Balancing measures included patient satisfaction with postoperative pain management, and the percentage of patients filling the second half of the part-fill or requiring a subsequent opioid prescription.ResultsWith 600 patients identified, mean OME dispensed at discharge was reduced by 26.3% (from 522.2 to 384.9 mg) after our interventions started. Utilisation of autopopulated part-fill prescriptions was 95.8%. There was no change in patient satisfaction nor in the proportion of patients requiring an additional opioid prescription post-intervention. Only 39% of patients filled the second half of the part-fill prescription post-intervention.ConclusionsMean OME dispensed at discharge per patient was reduced with no change in patient satisfaction after introduction of the intervention bundle.
Effectiveness of pharmacogenomics on the response and remission of treatment-resistant depression: a meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials
Authors: Cheng Yu , Liu Hongmei , Yuan Ruixue , Yuan Kai , Yu Shunying 
Published: December 2023

BackgroundPharmacogenomics (PGx) is a promising tool to realise tailored drug therapy for depression.AimsTo investigate the treatment efficacy of PGx for treatment-resistant depression (TRD) compared with treatment as usual.MethodsA systematic search was conducted in PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library, Web of Science and PsycINFO to identify relevant studies published from inception to 15 April 2023. Two-arm randomised controlled trials (RCTs) exploring the efficacy of PGx-guided versus unguided treatment for TRD were included. The risk of bias in the included studies was evaluated using the Cochrane risk of bias assessment tool. The overall quality of evidence was assessed using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach.ResultsSeven RCTs (n=3003) comparing PGx-guided (n=1492) and unguided (n=1511) groups were identified and analysed. PGx-guided treatment was superior to treatment as usual in response (relative risk (RR)=1.31; 95% confidence interval (95% CI): 1.15 to 1.49; p<0.001) and remission (RR=1.40; 95% CI: 1.09 to 1.80; p=0.009) improvements. Effect sizes for acceptability (RR=0.90; 95% CI: 0.80 to 1.02; p=0.100) and side effect burden (RR=0.58; 95% CI: 0.29 to 1.15; p=0.120) between the two groups were not statistically different. The overall quality of evidence was rated from ‘very low’ (25%) to ‘low’ (75%) based on the GRADE criteria.ConclusionsPGx-guided treatment has shown a small overall effect in improving the response and remission rates for patients with TRD. However, these results should be interpreted cautiously because of the few included studies and the low quality of evidence. Further high-quality clinical trials are warranted to confirm the findings.PROSPERO registration numberCRD42022340182.
Sociodemographic and socioeconomic disparities in COVID-19 vaccine uptake in Belgium: a nationwide record linkage study
Authors: Cavillot Lisa , van Loenhout Joris A F , Devleesschauwer Brecht , Wyndham-Thomas Chloé , Van Oyen Herman , Ghattas Jinane , Blot Koen , Van den Borre Laura , Billuart Matthieu , Speybroeck Niko , De Pauw Robby , Stouten Veerle , Catteau Lucy , Hubin Pierre 
Published: December 2023

BackgroundRecent studies have identified important social inequalities in SARS-CoV-2 infections and related COVID-19 outcomes in the Belgian population. The aim of our study was to investigate the sociodemographic and socioeconomic characteristics associated with the uptake of COVID-19 vaccine in Belgium.MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional analysis of the uptake of a first COVID-19 vaccine dose among 5 342 110 adults (≥18 years) in Belgium on 31 August 2021. We integrated data from four national data sources: the Belgian vaccine register (vaccination status), COVID-19 Healthdata (laboratory test results), DEMOBEL (sociodemographic/socioeconomic data) and the Common Base Register for HealthCare Actors (individuals licensed to practice a healthcare profession in Belgium). We used multivariable logistic regression analysis for identifying characteristics associated with not having obtained a first COVID-19 vaccine dose in Belgium and for each of its three regions (Flanders, Brussels and Wallonia).ResultsDuring the study period, 10% (536 716/5 342 110) of the Belgian adult population included in our study sample was not vaccinated with a first COVID-19 vaccine dose. A lower COVID-19 vaccine uptake was found among young individuals, men, migrants, single parents, one-person households and disadvantaged socioeconomic groups (with lower levels of income and education, unemployed). Overall, the sociodemographic and socioeconomic disparities were comparable for all regions.ConclusionsThe identification of sociodemographic and socioeconomic disparities in COVID-19 vaccination uptake is critical to develop strategies guaranteeing a more equitable vaccination coverage of the Belgian adult population.
“I think we can do without [tobacco]”: support for policies to end the tobacco epidemic among California adolescents
Authors: Chaffee Benjamin W , Donaldson Candice D , Couch Elizabeth T , Andersen-Rodgers Elizabeth , Guerra Claudia , Cheng Nancy F , Ameli Niloufar , Stupplebeen David , Farooq Omara , Wilkinson Monica , Gansky Stuart , Zhang Xueying , Hoeft Kristin 
Published: December 2023

IntroductionThe tobacco endgame, policies aiming to end the commercial tobacco epidemic, requires sustained public support, including among youth. We assessed endgame support among California (USA) adolescents, including their reasons and associated participant and policy-specific factors.MethodsTeens, Nicotine and Tobacco Project online surveys (n=4827) and focus groups were conducted in 2021 and 2022 among California residents aged 12–17 years. Cross-sectional survey participants were asked their agreement level with eight policy statements related to tobacco and/or cannabis sales restrictions, use in public places and use in multiunit housing. Ordered logistic regression modelled level of agreement according to respondent characteristics, behaviours and statement content. Qualitative data were collected through focus groups (n=51 participants), which were analysed to provide insight into support for different policies.ResultsMost survey participants agreed or strongly agreed with tobacco product sales restrictions (72%–75%, depending on the policy), bans on use in public spaces (76%–82%) and smoke-free (79%) and vape-free (74%) apartment buildings. Support was stronger among younger, female, Asian and tobacco non-using participants and for policies directed at ‘tobacco’ (vs ‘vapes’ or cannabis), at flavoured tobacco (compared with all tobacco), and when statements featured ‘should end’ (vs ‘not allowed’). Focus group participants who were supportive viewed policies as protecting children from harmful products, while those less supportive cited concerns about limiting adults’ freedoms and unintended consequences.ConclusionsMost participants supported strong tobacco control policies. Public communication that promotes broader endgame benefits besides protecting youth and accelerates industry denormalisation may counter youth concerns and further bolster their support.