bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hilo y discurso escéptico en la creación contemporánea a través del bordado y la instalación artística: las obras de Ghada Amer y Chiharu Shiota.
Authors: Vadillo Rodríguez Marisa
Published: January 2024

Resumen Investigación parcial del proyecto El escepticismo pirrónico-empírico y el escepticismo académico en su desarrollo histórico […] (EPADMECO) donde se explora la obra de las autoras contemporáneas Ghada Amer y Chiharu Shiota quienes han resignificado el hilo como elemento gráfico del dibujo expandido (línea bordada y en el espacio) para crear un discurso escéptico: imágenes artísticas que inducen a la duda, al conocimiento, en contraposición a las dogmáticas que nos invaden desde la posverdad. Parte del estudio de campo resultado de estancias de investigación en el Centro Nacional de Arte Contemporáneo Reina Sofía y el Museo Nacional de Artes Decorativas.
Sujeciones difusas: sobre la estandarización actual de los individuos.
Authors: González Arribas Brais
Published: January 2024

En este artículo se plantea un análisis de las “sujeciones difusas”, sintagma que refleja una serie de operaciones de subjetivación, de configuración y monitoreo de la población que estandarizan a los individuos y orientan su comportamiento. Para ello, se asume el análisis clásico sobre las técnicas de disciplina y las estrategias securitarias de Foucault y se amplía a través del estudio de ciertas ideas del transhumanismo y de la gestión digital de las sociedades, que amenazan con producir estructuras antidemocráticas. Se concluye la necesidad de controlar ambos vectores para salvaguardar la autonomía de la ciudadanía y garantizar la democracia.
Steering the Intangible Wheel: Chief Executive Officer Effect on Corporate Cultural Change
Authors: Li Xina , Chen Guoli , Shen Rui
Published: January 2024

We provide large-scale empirical evidence of how much chief executive officers (CEOs) change corporate culture. To do this, we use employee reviews to measure corporate cultural change in S&P 1500 firms. In a variance decomposition analysis, we find a modest effect of CEOs on corporate cultural change. The effect of CEOs on cultural change is larger than industry effect but smaller than firm effect. Regression analysis in the context of CEO succession further shows consistent evidence of a modest effect of CEO succession on corporate cultural change. In addition, the relationship between CEOs and cultural change is not likely to be fully explained by time trend, reverse causality, sample selection bias, and omitted variable bias. An investigation into the contextual contingencies of the CEO-cultural change relationship suggests that succession characteristics, such as predecessor influence and turnaround situation, weaken postsuccession cultural change, but industry task environment has a weak moderation effect. Overall, our study contributes to the literature on strategic leadership and corporate culture.

Funding: X. Li acknowledges financial support from the Ian Potter (‘93D) PhD Award.

Supplemental Material: The online appendix is available at https://doi.org/10.1287/orsc.2022.17210 .
Percepções e experiências de idosos sobre a discriminação na velhice
Authors: Teixeira Selena Mesquita de Oliveira , Souza Luana Elayne Cunha de , Maia Luciana Maria , Silva Angélica Maria de Sousa
Published: January 2024

Este estudo investigou como os idosos percebem e experienciam a discriminação na velhice. Participaram da pesquisa 27 idosos, com idades variando entre 63 a 88 anos. Para tanto, utilizou-se uma ficha de identificação, o TALP utilizando como palavra indutora “velhice” e uma entrevista semiestruturada. A análise do TALP contou com a utilização do software IRaMuTeQ. Para as entrevistas, utilizou-se uma análise de conteúdo da qual emergiram três categorias:  características e Estereótipos acerca da velhice; experiências de discriminação na velhice; e novas possibilidades e avaliação positiva da velhice. Os resultados sugerem que os idosos percebem a velhice perpassada por estereótipos negativos e, frequentemente, interiorizam sentimentos negativos por fazerem parte de um grupo social desvalorizado socialmente. Além disso, observou-se uma naturalização do preconceito contra a velhice e uma dificuldade do próprio idoso em identificar conteúdos preconceituosos. Os idosos desta pesquisa reconhecem que existe preconceito, mas sentem a dificuldade de reconhecerem que são afetados diretamente pelo preconceito e discriminação.
Two new species of genus Agrilus Curtis, 1825 (Coleoptera: Buprestidae: Agrilinae) from the Peruvian Amazon Rainforest
Authors: JUÁREZ-NOÉ GINO , GONZÁLEZ-CORONADO UZBEKIA , CURLETTI GIANFRANCO
Published: January 2024

Two new species of genus Agrilus Curtis, 1825 are described from Peru: Agrilus (Agrilus) huggerti sp. nov. and Agrilus (Agrilus) satipo sp. nov., based on specimens collected from the Peruvian amazon rainforest, an important ecosystem of the tropical jungle in South America.
Forging a Common-Law Empire
Authors: Burset Christian R.
Published: January 2024

This chapter provides an overview of Britain’s approach to legal pluralism before the Seven Years’ War (1754–63). It begins with a broad overview of the competing impulses toward uniformity and diversity within English legal and political thought, describing how the law varied in practice and the extent to which policymakers extended English law to new territories and populations. The chapter then zooms in to take a closer look at the 1740s, which marked the zenith of Britain’s commitment to legal uniformity. Focusing on Whig responses to the 1745 Jacobite uprising, this chapter shows that many politicians and legal theorists believed that the security and prosperity of Britain depended on more closely harmonizing English and Scottish law. Importantly, writers who reached that conclusion did so despite their engagement with Montesquieu’s analysis of legal diversity in The Spirit of the Laws (1748). Although that book is sometimes treated as a turning point in European approaches to colonial law, it initially did little to check Britain’s commitment to building a common-law empire.
Something New in American History
Authors: Wells Allen
Published: January 2024

Extended U.S. military interventions in the Dominican Republic, Haiti, and Nicaragua and boots on the ground for shorter stints in Cuba, Panama, Puerto Rico, Honduras, and Mexico during the first decades of the century galvanized opposition at home and abroad. Successive Democratic and Republican administrations gave military commanders like Somoza, Trujillo and Batista the wherewithal to eliminate rivals and consolidate their rule. By the late 1920s, so-called peace progressives in the U.S. Congress and their allies in the media, the labor movement, academia, and women’s organizations, emboldened by growing global opposition to the lingering Nicaraguan and Haitian interventions, raised their collective voices in protest. Although their disapproval was always more about the means than the ends, the peace progressives’ campaign dovetailed with growing domestic weariness and skepticism about the moral and material costs of intervention.
Tony Guiteras
Authors: Wells Allen
Published: January 2024

This chapter explores the surprisingly influential role Cuban student activists played in Ramón Grau San Martín’s one-hundred-day provisional government (1933–34). The transcendent figure of this period was Antonio “Tony” Guiteras, a former pharmaceutical student, who, at the age of twenty-seven, held down three posts in Grau’s cabinet. His saga was emblematic of an idealistic, if ultimately tragic, strain of Cuban student radicalism. In just over three months, Guiteras pushed through landmark legislation, which had as its objective a fundamental redesign of the island’s land and labor relations. His call for an autonomous, egalitarian revolution, free from external influence, whether from Washington or Moscow, won him the admiration of many of his peers. But Guiteras’s principled stance and a dogged unwillingness to compromise unnerved and threatened elements across the political spectrum. He was assassinated by a strongman (Batista) and became a martyr for the cause of Cuba libre. Not surprisingly, Guiteras would be an inspiration to Fidel Castro and his followers.
FIVE-YEAR MORTALITY FOLLOWING TRAUMATIC CENTRAL CORD SYNDROME IN WALES
Authors: Stanley A. L. , Jones T. J. , Dasic D. , Kakarla S. , Kolli S. , Shanbhag S. , McCarthy M. J. H.
Published: January 2024

Aims

Traumatic central cord syndrome (CCS) typically follows a hyperextension injury and results in a motor impairment affecting the upper limbs more than the lower limbs, with occasional sensory impairment and urinary retention seen. Current evidence on mortality and long-term outcomes is limited. The primary aim of this study is to assess the five-year mortality of CCS, and to determine any difference in mortality between management groups or age.

Patients and Methods

Patients ≥18 years with traumatic CCS between January 2012 and December 2017 in Wales were identified. Patient demographics and injury, management and outcome data was collected. Statistical analysis was performed to assess mortality and between group differences.

Results

65 patients were identified (66.2% male, mean age 63.9 years). At five-years follow-up, 32.3% (n=21) of CCS patients were dead. 6 (9.2%) patients had died within 31 days of their injury. 69.2% (n=45) of patients were managed conservatively and there was no significant difference (p=0.062) in age between conservatively and surgically managed patients. Kaplan-Meier analysis revealed no significant difference in mortality between patients managed conservatively compared to those managed surgically (log rank test, p=0.819). However, there was a significant difference (p=0.001) in mortality between the different age groups (<50 years vs 50–70 years vs >70 years). At five-years follow up, 55.6% of the patient group aged >70 years at time of injury were dead. Respiratory failure was the most common cause of death (n=9, 42.9%).

Conclusion

Almost one third of patients with traumatic CCS in Wales were dead at five years following their injury. Management type did not significantly affect mortality, however age at time of injury did. Further work assessing the long-term functional outcomes of surviving patients is needed, to allow more reliable prognostic information and functional recovery predictions to be given.
VIRTUAL JOINT SCHOOL PRIOR TO HIP AND KNEE ARTHROPLASTY: PATIENT FEEDBACK AND CARBON FOOTPRINT SAVINGS
Authors: Clarke M. , Pinto D. , Ganapathi M.
Published: January 2024

Patient education programmes prior to hip and knee arthroplasty reduce anxiety and create realistic expectations. While traditionally delivered in-person, the Covid-19 pandemic has necessitated change to remote delivery. We describe a ‘Virtual Joint School’ (VJS) model introduced at Ysbyty Gwynedd, and present patient feedback to it.

Eligible patients first viewed online educational videos created by our Multi-Disciplinary Team (MDT); and then attended an interactive virtual session where knowledge was reinforced. Each session was attended by 8–10 patients along with a relative/friend; and was hosted by the MDT consisting of nurses, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, and a former patient who provided personal insight. Feedback on the VJS was obtained prospectively using an electronic questionnaire.

From July 2022 to February 2023, 267 patients attended the VJS; of which 117 (44%) responded to the questionnaire. Among them, 87% found the pre-learning videos helpful and comprehensible, 92% felt their concerns were adequately addressed, 96% felt they had sufficient opportunity to ask questions and 96% were happy with the level of confidentiality involved. While 83% felt they received sufficient support from the health board to access the virtual session, 63% also took support from family/friends to attend it. Only 15% felt that they would have preferred a face-to-face format. Finally, by having ‘virtual’ sessions, each patient saved, on average, 38 miles and 62 minutes travel (10,070 miles and 274 hours saved for 267 patients).

Based on the overwhelmingly positive feedback, we recommend implementation of such ‘Virtual Joint Schools’ at other arthroplasty centres as well.
IS THERE A CLINICAL AND FUNCTIONAL DIFFERENCE BETWEEN USING A QUADRICEPS TENDON OR QUADRUPLED HAMSTRING GRAFT IN ACL RECONSTRUCTION?
Authors: Awad F. , Khan F. , McIntyre J. , Hathaway L. , Guro R. , Kotwal R. , Chandratreya A
Published: January 2024

Introduction

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries represent a significant burden of disease to the orthopaedic surgeon and often necessitate surgical reconstruction in the presence of instability. The hamstring graft has traditionally been used to reconstruct the ACL but the quadriceps tendon (QT) graft has gained popularity due to its relatively low donor site morbidity.

Methods

This is a single centre comparative retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data of patients who had an ACL reconstruction (either with single tendon quadrupled hamstring graft or soft tissue quadriceps tendon graft). All surgeries were performed by a single surgeon using the All-inside technique. For this study, there were 20 patients in each group. All patients received the same post-operative rehabilitation protocol and were added to the National Ligament Registry to monitor their patient related outcome scores (PROM).

Results

The average age of patients in the QT group was 29 years (16 males, 4 females) and in the hamstring group was 28 years (18 males, 2 females). The most common mechanism of injury in both groups was a contact twisting injury. There were no statistical differences between the two patient groups in regards to PROMS and need for further revision surgery as analysed on the National Ligament Registry.

Conclusions

The all soft tissue QT graft seems to be equivocal to quadrupled hamstring graft in terms of patient function and recovery graft characteristics. Further research may be needed to elucidate the long-term results of the all soft tissue QT graft given its recent increase in use.
UNNECESSARY PRETRANSFUSION BLOOD SAMPLING IN TRAUMA AND ORTHOPAEDICS IN WALES: A SUSTAINABILITY ISSUE AND FINANCIAL BURDEN
Authors: Richards O. J. , Johansen A. , John M.
Published: January 2024

BACKGROUND

Theatre-listed trauma patients routinely require two ‘group and save’ blood-bank samples, in case they need perioperative transfusion. The Welsh Blood Service (WBS) need patients to have one recorded sample from any time in the last 10 years. A second sample, to permit cross-matching and blood issuing, must be within 7 days of transfusion (or within 48 hours if the patient is pregnant, or has been transfused within the last 3 months). The approximate cost of processing a sample is £15.00.

AIM

To investigate whether routine pretransfusion blood sampling for trauma admissions exceeds requirements.

METHODS

Electronic records were used to collect pretransfusion sampling data for all adult non-elective trauma patients listed for theatre under a trauma and orthopaedics consultant between 1/1/2023-31/1/2023. Data were collected on unnecessary samples, rejected samples and total excess samples.

RESULTS

113 patients (mean age[±SD] 64.09[±19.96]) underwent 132 procedures. On average, unnecessary sampling occurred at a rate of 0.48 samples per operation, equating to a cost of £945.00/month. Samples were rejected by the laboratory at a rate of 0.25 samples per operation. Common reasons for rejection were ‘patient date of birth discrepancy’ (between sample and request form), ‘patient address discrepancy’ and ‘signature discrepancy’. Overall, total excessive sampling occurred at a rate of 0.60 samples per operation.

CONCLUSION

Nearly half of trauma patients undergo unnecessary blood testing in anticipation of potential perioperative transfusion. This has implications for sustainability, financial cost and patient welfare. This signals poor understanding of WBS requirements and is an area that requires improvement.
ANTERIOR CRUCIATE LIGAMENT INJURY PREVENTION PROGRAMMES IN WELSH NETBALL: SURVEY OF KNOWLEDGE, IMPLEMENTATION, AND BARRIERS AMONG PLAYERS AND COACHES
Authors: Abdul W. , Moore I. S. , Robertson A.
Published: January 2024

Introduction

Perception of ACL injury prevention programs amongst professional netball players and coaches has not been studied. We investigated (1) level of awareness and experience of ACL injury prevention programs; (2) use of ACL injury prevention programs; and (3) barriers to implementing ACL injury prevention program in netball.

Methodology

Female netball players representing Welsh senior and under-21 teams and elite and amateur coaches were invited electronically to this web-based study between 1st May–31st July 2021. Information on ACL injury susceptibility and seriousness, knowledge, experience, and implementation of ACL injury prevention programs were ascertained.

Results

Twenty-eight players (77.8%) and 29 coaches (13.2%) completed the questionnaire. Seventeen (60.7%) players and 15 (51.7%) coaches reported female athletes were at greater risk for sustaining ACL injuries. Over 90% of respondents identified netball as high-risk, whilst 89% of players and 76% of coaches reported these injuries to be preventable. Two (7.1%) players and 6 (20.7%) coaches utilised ACL injury prevention programs with lack of time and engagement from coaches and players identified. Majority of respondents indicated that their club has neither promoted, advocated nor demonstrated exercises for ACL injury prevention. Over 90% of respondents would utilise such programs if it minimised players risk with appropriate training and information.

Conclusion

Study highlights limited knowledge of female athletes’ increased susceptibility of ACL injuries with lack of communication and education of ACL injury prevention programs between sporting associations, coaches and players. Results demonstrate willingness of players and coaches to implement ACL injury prevention programs in Welsh netball.
Clostridial Catastrophe in Orthopedics – A Case Report
Authors:   Department of Orthopaedics, Velammal Medical College Hospital and Research Institute, Madurai, Tamil Nadu, India., Ponniah Jesmick , Ganesan Ganesan Ram ,   Department of Orthopaedics, Velammal Medical College Hospital and Research Institute, Madurai, Tamil Nadu, India., Vijayendran Akshara ,   Department of Orthopaedics, Velammal Medical College Hospital and Research Institute, Madurai, Tamil Nadu, India.
Published: January 2024

Introduction: We present a case of a 51-year-old gentleman admitted to the emergency department with a 2-day history of severe left forearm symptoms following a Gustillo-Anderson type II left both bone fracture sustained during a bicycle accident. Initially managed conservatively at an outside facility with an above-elbow backslab, his condition rapidly deteriorated, necessitating transfer to our institution. Adding complexity to his clinical presentation was his history of poorly controlled type 2 diabetes mellitus. Case Report: On arrival, the patient exhibited fever and pronounced limb abnormalities, including extensive swelling, brownish skin with oozing blisters, and subcutaneous crepitus spanning from wrist to elbow. Radiological imaging unequivocally identified gas within the forearm compartments, signifying a severe infection. A provisional diagnosis of gas gangrene was made, later confirmed by culture report through intraoperative sampling. Conclusion: Gas gangrene was definitively diagnosed, prompting immediate emergency surgery. Extensive necrosis was discovered during the procedure, necessitating an above-elbow amputation for limb salvage. Unfortunately, postoperatively, the infection continued to advance, extending to the chest and neck regions. Expert consultations in cardiothoracic and general surgery led to further extensive surgical interventions, including complete glenohumeral disarticulation and fasciotomy over chest for surgical emphysema. Microbiological analysis identified Clostridium perfringens, Escherichia coli, and Enterococcus as causative organisms. Aggressive antibiotic therapy, repeated surgical debridement, and meticulous wound management ultimately resulted in a successful recovery. The patient was discharged 20 days after initial presentation, underscoring the critical importance of prompt recognition and multidisciplinary management in severe gas gangrene cases, particularly in patients with underlying medical comorbidities. Keywords: Oozing blisters, subcutaneous crepitus, extensive necrosis, compartment syndrome.
Management of a periaortic spinal pedicle screw in a patient with adult presentation thoracic scoliosis
Authors:   The Scottish National Spine Deformity Centre, Royal Hospital for Children and Young People, Edinburgh, UK., Tsirikos Athanasios I. , Ahuja Kaustubh ,   The Scottish National Spine Deformity Centre, Royal Hospital for Children and Young People, Edinburgh, UK.
Published: January 2024

Introduction: Vascular injury due to direct contact with malpositioned pedicle screws is perhaps the most devastating complication associated with screw instrumentation. While frank perforation of major vessels warrants urgent open or endovascular repair, the management of pedicle screws in close vicinity of large vessels is unclear. We present a systematic multi-disciplinary approach to manage a patient with a periaortic pedicle screw. Case Report: A 20-year-old female underwent posterior scoliosis correction and spinal fusion for an adult thoracic scoliosis with spinal instrumentation extending from T3-T12. In the immediate post-operative period, an episode of acute desaturation prompted a computed tomography pulmonary angiography (CTPA) to rule out pulmonary embolism. While CTPA demonstrated an enlarged right side of the heart (corresponding to a large atrial septal defect as evident on 2D-ECHO), an incidental lateral breech at the left T10 pedicle screw level was also identified with the screw tip in close proximity to the aorta. At this time, cardiac management was prioritized and a successful atrial septal defect repair procedure was performed. After recovery from the cardiac procedure, a plan was formulated with a multidisciplinary team to remove the pedicle screw. To determine the exact position of the screw tip in relation to the aorta, an angiogram and an intravascular ultrasound were done which showed no evidence of intra-luminal extension of the screw tip. In addition, a transesophageal ultrasound was performed and this ruled out any extra-luminal contact with the aorta. Subsequently, the spinal instrumentation was removed safely with the vascular surgeon and interventional radiologist being on standby. Conclusion:The authors suggest the removal of spinal pedicle screws in proximity to major vessels and describe an algorithm for this. Thorough pre-operative planning and detailed vascular imaging, as well as a multidisciplinary approach resulting in a clear surgical plan are critical to allow safe removal of such implants. Keywords: Periaortic pedicle screw, scoliosis, vascular injury.
Multiplicity as Resistance: Dancing Wedekind's Lulu
Authors: Tripp Meagan K.
Published: January 2024

Abstract: The dance performance of Hans Henning Paar's Lulu—Eine Monstretragödie (Lulu—A monster tragedy) in Münster in 2014 joined a long legacy of adaptations of Frank Wedekind's Lulu plays (1895/1904). Paar's casting and staging choices, which include having multiple dancers in the role of Lulu as well as incorporating the technologies of projection and the mirror, stage an embodied intervention into the long-held interpretation of Lulu as a projection of male fantasy. They open the possibility of instead apprehending Lulu, the person and the literary work, as a multiplicity. I bring Paar's choreography into conversation with other dance adaptations, the legacy of casting the role of Lulu, and prior Lulu scholarship and argue for conceiving of Paar's Lulu as a Braidottian nomadic subject that is nonunitary, dynamic, and in-process. This performance and its particular conception of Lulu complicate traditional readings, inviting audiences to critically reflect on dynamics of gender, sexuality, class, and power raised in the plays and their adaptations.
How Would I Have Taught It? The Urgency of Teaching Current Social Movements Now: Practitioner Commentary
Authors: Abendroth Mark
Published: January 2024

Abstract: This essay addresses challenges and possibilities for interdisciplinary teaching in secondary schools of current social movements as they are unfolding. The effective teaching of current social movements presents challenges due to the rigid departmentalization of academic disciplines, the unpredictability of how a movement will develop, and the controversial nature of current issues. The urgent need, though, to teach the movements far outweighs the difficulties and risks. In focus are six current movements: gun rights/control, anti-racism, gender equality and feminism, LGBTQ+ rights, labor, and climate justice. For each of these the author raises questions, explains the urgent need to teach it directly and intentionally, highlights examples of current or recent teachings/resources, and poses possibilities for further interdisciplinary collaborations. The conclusion revisits the urgency of teaching these and additional current movements as they are developing.
Extreme Gardening
Authors: Dixon Mimi
Published: January 2024

Abstract: The Winter 2023-24 Issue. Ploughshares is an award-winning journal of new writing. Since 1971, Ploughshares has discovered and cultivated the freshest voices in contemporary American literature, and now provides readers with thoughtful and entertaining literature in a variety of formats. Find out why the New York Times named Ploughshares "the Triton among minnows." The Winter 2023-24 Issue, edited by Ladette Randolph, features poetry and prose by Richard Bausch, Jesse Lee Kercheval, Ian Stansel, Ariana Benson, Rebecca Morgan Frank, Marie Howe, and more.
Difference of Opinion
Authors: Friedman Nicholas
Published: January 2024

Abstract: The Winter 2023-24 Issue. Ploughshares is an award-winning journal of new writing. Since 1971, Ploughshares has discovered and cultivated the freshest voices in contemporary American literature, and now provides readers with thoughtful and entertaining literature in a variety of formats. Find out why the New York Times named Ploughshares "the Triton among minnows." The Winter 2023-24 Issue, edited by Ladette Randolph, features poetry and prose by Richard Bausch, Jesse Lee Kercheval, Ian Stansel, Ariana Benson, Rebecca Morgan Frank, Marie Howe, and more.
Silver Hands
Authors: Jamir Nahal Suzanne
Published: January 2024

Abstract: The Winter 2023-24 Issue. Ploughshares is an award-winning journal of new writing. Since 1971, Ploughshares has discovered and cultivated the freshest voices in contemporary American literature, and now provides readers with thoughtful and entertaining literature in a variety of formats. Find out why the New York Times named Ploughshares "the Triton among minnows." The Winter 2023-24 Issue, edited by Ladette Randolph, features poetry and prose by Richard Bausch, Jesse Lee Kercheval, Ian Stansel, Ariana Benson, Rebecca Morgan Frank, Marie Howe, and more.
Woman as Glass
Authors: Kemple Katie
Published: January 2024

Abstract: The Winter 2023-24 Issue. Ploughshares is an award-winning journal of new writing. Since 1971, Ploughshares has discovered and cultivated the freshest voices in contemporary American literature, and now provides readers with thoughtful and entertaining literature in a variety of formats. Find out why the New York Times named Ploughshares "the Triton among minnows." The Winter 2023-24 Issue, edited by Ladette Randolph, features poetry and prose by Richard Bausch, Jesse Lee Kercheval, Ian Stansel, Ariana Benson, Rebecca Morgan Frank, Marie Howe, and more.
There Is Nowhere for the Wind
Authors: Kondrich Christopher
Published: January 2024

Abstract: The Winter 2023-24 Issue. Ploughshares is an award-winning journal of new writing. Since 1971, Ploughshares has discovered and cultivated the freshest voices in contemporary American literature, and now provides readers with thoughtful and entertaining literature in a variety of formats. Find out why the New York Times named Ploughshares "the Triton among minnows." The Winter 2023-24 Issue, edited by Ladette Randolph, features poetry and prose by Richard Bausch, Jesse Lee Kercheval, Ian Stansel, Ariana Benson, Rebecca Morgan Frank, Marie Howe, and more.
Reprieve
Authors: Kwasny Melissa
Published: January 2024

Abstract: The Winter 2023-24 Issue. Ploughshares is an award-winning journal of new writing. Since 1971, Ploughshares has discovered and cultivated the freshest voices in contemporary American literature, and now provides readers with thoughtful and entertaining literature in a variety of formats. Find out why the New York Times named Ploughshares "the Triton among minnows." The Winter 2023-24 Issue, edited by Ladette Randolph, features poetry and prose by Richard Bausch, Jesse Lee Kercheval, Ian Stansel, Ariana Benson, Rebecca Morgan Frank, Marie Howe, and more.
1918
Authors: Stockwell Samn
Published: January 2024

Abstract: The Winter 2023-24 Issue. Ploughshares is an award-winning journal of new writing. Since 1971, Ploughshares has discovered and cultivated the freshest voices in contemporary American literature, and now provides readers with thoughtful and entertaining literature in a variety of formats. Find out why the New York Times named Ploughshares "the Triton among minnows." The Winter 2023-24 Issue, edited by Ladette Randolph, features poetry and prose by Richard Bausch, Jesse Lee Kercheval, Ian Stansel, Ariana Benson, Rebecca Morgan Frank, Marie Howe, and more.
Emerging Writer's Contest Winner: Nonfiction
Authors: Lazar J
Published: January 2024

Abstract: The Winter 2023-24 Issue. Ploughshares is an award-winning journal of new writing. Since 1971, Ploughshares has discovered and cultivated the freshest voices in contemporary American literature, and now provides readers with thoughtful and entertaining literature in a variety of formats. Find out why the New York Times named Ploughshares "the Triton among minnows." The Winter 2023-24 Issue, edited by Ladette Randolph, features poetry and prose by Richard Bausch, Jesse Lee Kercheval, Ian Stansel, Ariana Benson, Rebecca Morgan Frank, Marie Howe, and more.
LiFi-enabled UAV swarm networks
Authors: Ozyurt Ahmet Burak , Tinnirello Ilenia , Popoola Wasiu O.
Published: January 2024

Unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) swarm communication is a powerful component of aerial relays; however, conventional radio frequency (RF)-based UAV swarm networks struggle to ensure timely and reliable communication. To this end, a light spectrum-based wireless system, LiFi, is presented to supplement in this work thanks to its distinctive benefits. We present the analytical derivation of the average block error probability (ABEP) as Chebyshev approximation, lower and upper bounds. Then, the key performance metrics of reliability, throughput, and latency expressions are provided as a function of the ABEP. The results show that the severe requirements of ultra-reliable (99.99%) and low-latency (sub-millisecond) communication (URLLC) are satisfied at even low signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) values. Additionally, in the numerical results, the impact of the blocklength, packet size, different distances among UAVs, SNR value, and light-emitting diode (LED) semi-angle are explored.
I-OMP: an improved OMP algorithm for channel state identification in an underwater wireless optical communication scenario
Authors: Gao Shuyi , Xie Sheng , Feng Renhai , Chen Rui , Zhang Qijia , She Meiqi
Published: January 2024

Underwater wireless optical communication (UWOC) has attracted considerable interest owing to its capability of high data rates and low latency. As a crucial component of UWOC, the transmission characteristics of an underwater channel directly impact the system’s performance metrics. However, the existing channel models cannot exactly capture the underwater channel states, thus degrading the observability of channel states. This paper proposes a hybrid-field channel model containing both far-field and near-field path components, in which the signal-dependent shot noise (SDSN) is incorporated as well to accurately describe the underwater channel behavior. Then an improved orthogonal matching pursuit (I-OMP) algorithm that estimates the far-field and near-field path components independently with different transform matrices is developed to obtain the underwater channel state. The performance analyses show that I-OMP can improve the estimation accuracy of underwater channels by iteratively minimizing the mean square error (MSE) and utilizing two different transform matrices, demonstrating the advantage of the proposed I-OMP over the existing methods.
Speckle noise suppression method in a holographic display based on pixel processing
Authors: Liu Su-Juan , Kang Shuai-Ze , Feng Long-Fei , Yang Kun , Zhang Bo , Liu Qin , Wang Di
Published: January 2024

In this paper, we propose a method to suppress the speckle noise in a holographic display based on pixel processing. Through the separation of object pixels in space, the recorded object is divided into multiple object point groups. The complex amplitude of the light field for each object point group is recorded as a sub-computer-generated hologram (sub-CGH). The phase of each pixel on a sub-CGH is optimized to generate the final sub-CGH. Therefore, the pixels of the recorded object and sub-CGH are processed. In the reconstruction process, the final sub-CGHs are loaded on the spatial light modulator sequentially. The speckle noise of the reconstructed image is suppressed by reducing the algorithm error and the overlapping area of adjacent image points. The experimental results prove the feasibility of the proposed method.
UV communication cooperative formation UAV alliance capture algorithm
Authors: Zhao Taifei , Li Mina , Zhao Yi , Song Peng
Published: January 2024

The capture of target unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) by a UAV formation is one of the important and typical tasks in multi-UAV battlefield operations. In this paper, an ultraviolet (UV) light communication-assisted formation UAV alliance capture algorithm is proposed, which combines UV light communication technology with a capture algorithm. With the help of wireless UV light to assist UAV formation inter-UAV data confidentiality transmission and non-line-of-sight communication, the algorithm integrates the alliance generation algorithm with the region minimization strategy, solves the optimal alliance structure by using the dynamic programming method, and implements the aerial capture of the target UAVs by using the region minimization strategy, so as to complete the task of efficiently capturing multi-targets by the UAV formation in complex scenarios. Simulation comparisons were conducted between the region minimization strategy and the proposed UV communication-assisted formation UAV alliance capture algorithm. The results show that the proposed algorithm reduces energy consumption by 12.73% on average and decreases the average number of algorithm iterations by 27.49% during the UAV formation capture of multiple targets, which verifies its low energy consumption and high capture efficiency.
Non-metallic magnetostatically tunable metasurface absorber for terahertz waves
Authors: Clemente-Arenas Mark , Rubio-Noriega Ruth E. , Urbina Julio V. , Lakhtakia Akhlesh
Published: January 2024

A non-metallic metasurface absorber containing VO2, InSb, and Teflon has been designed, simulated, and investigated for normally incident plane waves in the terahertz spectral regime. When the temperature exceeds 72°C, a backing layer of VO2 in its rutile phase instead of a conventional metal virtually eliminates transmission. Peak absorptance as high as 0.998, quality factor on the order of 200, and magnetostatic tunability of about 16GHz\, T−1 are achievable. Such metasurfaces can be made using standard microfabrication techniques.
Mind-body internet and mobile-based interventions for depression and anxiety in adults with chronic physical conditions: A systematic review of RCTs
Authors: Johnson Emily , Corrick Shaina , Isley Serena , Vandermeer Ben , Dolgoy Naomi , Bates Jack , Godfrey Elana , Soltys Cassidy , Muir Conall , Vohra Sunita , Tandon Puneeta
Published: January 2024

This review summarizes the effectiveness of scalable mind-body internet and mobile-based interventions (IMIs) on depression and anxiety symptoms in adults living with chronic physical conditions. Six databases (MEDLINE, PsycINFO, SCOPUS, EMBASE, CINAHL, and CENTRAL) were searched for randomized controlled trials published from database inception to March 2023. Mind-body IMIs included cognitive behavioral therapy, breathwork, meditation, mindfulness, yoga or Tai-chi. To focus on interventions with a greater potential for scale, the intervention delivery needed to be online with no or limited facilitation by study personnel. The primary outcome was mean change scores for anxiety and depression (Hedges’ g). In subgroup analyses, random-effects models were used to calculate pooled effect size estimates based on personnel support level, intervention techniques, chronic physical condition, and survey type. Meta-regression was conducted on age and intervention length. Fifty-six studies met inclusion criteria (sample size 7691, mean age of participants 43 years, 58% female): 30% (n = 17) neurological conditions, 12% (n = 7) cardiovascular conditions, 11% cancer (n = 6), 43% other chronic physical conditions (n = 24), and 4% (n = 2) multiple chronic conditions. Mind-body IMIs demonstrated statistically significant pooled reductions in depression (SMD = -0.33 [-0.40, -0.26], p<0.001) and anxiety (SMD = -0.26 [-0.36, -0.17], p<0.001). Heterogeneity was moderate. Scalable mind-body IMIs hold promise as interventions for managing anxiety and depression symptoms in adults with chronic physical conditions without differences seen with age or intervention length. While modest, the effect sizes are comparable to those seen with pharmacological therapy. The field would benefit from detailed reporting of participant demographics including those related to technological proficiency, as well as further evaluation of non-CBT interventions.

Registration: The study is registered with PROSPERO ID #CRD42022375606.
Private practitioners’ practices for tuberculosis management in a city largely served by the private health sector in Uganda
Authors: Ssemasaazi Judith Amutuhaire , Bongomin Felix , Akunzirwe Rebecca , Bayowa Joan Rokani , Ssendikwanawa Emmanuel , Adolphus Cherop , Kivumbi Ronald Muganga , Kalyango Joan N. , Mupere Ezekiel , Ekyaruhanga Phiona , Katamba Achilles
Published: January 2024

Background

Globally, tuberculosis (TB) remains a significant cause of morbidity and mortality having caused 1.6 million deaths in 2021. Uganda is a high TB burden country with a large private sector that serves close to 60% of the urban population. However, private for-profit health facilities’ involvement with the National TB and Leprosy Program (NTLP) activities remains poor. This study evaluated the practices of diagnosis and treatment of pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) and associated factors among practitioners in private for-profit (PFP) healthcare facilities in Kampala, Uganda.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional study among randomly selected private practitioners in Uganda’s largest city, Kampala. A structured questionnaire was used for data collection. Descriptive statistics and generalized linear models with log Poisson link were used to analyze data. Practices were graded as standard or substandard.

Results

Of the 630 private practitioners studied, 46.2% (95% confidence interval (CI): 26.6 to 67.1) had overall standard practices. Being a laboratory technician (prevalence ratio (PR) = 2.7, p< 0.001) or doctor (PR = 1.2, p< 0.001), a bachelor’s degree level of qualification (PR = 1.1, p = 0.021), quarterly supervision by the national TB program (PR = 1.3, p = 0.023), and acceptable knowledge of the practitioner about TB (PR = 1.8, p<0.001) were significantly associated with standard practices.

Conclusions

The practices of TB management for practitioners from the PFP facilities in Kampala are suboptimal and this poses a challenge for the fight against TB given that these practitioners are a major source of primary health care in the city.
Race and liberal humanism: ‘Bogus’ migrants and privileged refugees
Authors: Ben Labidi Imed
Published: January 2024

This article examines the discrepancy in western media portrayals of Brown and Black migrants and Ukrainian refugees by using critical discourse analysis and representation (visual analysis). For many decades, western media coverage of the ongoing irregular migration to Europe, the United States and Australia has been characterized by racial bias against coloured migrants and refugees, regularly framing them either as criminals, swarms of insects, or a danger to western values and ‘way of life’. This hostile and dehumanizing discourse was not applied to Ukrainians forced to flee from Russia’s invasion of their country. On the contrary, Ukrainians have been embraced with open arms in Europe because, as many officials indicated, they are white and civilized Europeans. Within this racialized context, the article juxtaposes the media’s dehumanization of coloured migrants with portrayals of victimized Ukrainians and critically examines the framing of coloured migrants as imposters and unfit parents. The findings confirm that western attitude and policies towards immigration and responses to refugees’ plights are strictly based on race and religion. Used as registers of difference, they are often deployed to criminalize, punish and frame Brown migrants as shifting threats to western citizens, their stability, racial fabric or civilization.
On staying: Non-migration among Puerto Rican physicians
Authors: Madera Sheilla R. , Padilla Mark , Varas-Díaz Nelson , Ramos-Pibernus Alíxida , González-Font Yoymar , Santiago-Santiago Adrián , Vertovec John , Matiz-Reyes Armando , Rivera-Bustelo Kariela , Mercado-Ríos Claudia , Rivera-Custodio Joshua , Grove Kevin
Published: January 2024

Since 2000, an exodus of Puerto Ricans leaving the island has reduced the local population by almost 20 per cent. One of the migratory waves of greatest concern is that of physicians due to its potential impact on Puerto Rico’s (PR) public health. Strategies to curtail their migration have overlooked the island’s unique cultural and geographic strengths that could encourage physicians to stay. This article, influenced by place attachment theory, explores the perspectives of physicians who have chosen to stay in PR. The presented data stems from qualitative interviews with 24 physicians. The findings underscore how place attachment, including an appreciation for PR’s geography and culture, influences their decision to stay. We discuss how it is crucial to integrate place attachment into any comprehensive strategy to retain physicians on the island, as it becomes an intrinsic part of their identities and lifestyles. Thus, emphasis should be placed on the environmental and social benefits of remaining in PR, not solely economic factors.
The role of biometric identification on the quality of life of older adults
Authors: Fenuku Samson Dodzi , Akpaku Ernest , Brown-Acquaye William Leslie , Ofoeda Joshua , Kutiame Solomon
Published: January 2024

The use of biometric identification technology has become increasingly prevalent in modern society, with potential benefits for various populations. However, despite the widespread adoption of biometric identification, there is still a significant gap in research on the benefits that older adults may derive from this technology and how it may improve their quality of life. This study draws on a mixed methodology and the flow theory to understand how biometric identification improves the quality of life of older adults. The findings show that older adults obtain socio-economic impacts, social inclusion, improved access to healthcare and access to information that serves their health, psychological, emotional and mental needs through the use of biometric identification. Drawing on artificial neural network, we ranked the derived benefits and used partial least square-structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) to investigate how these benefits translate to the quality of life of older adults. The results showed that the most significant biometric factor that promotes the quality of life of older adults is improved healthcare access, followed by information access and socio-economic development. The PLS-SEM results show that social inclusion is essential but does not improve the quality of life of older adults. The findings of this study offer valuable information for policy-makers, technology developers and practitioners working to improve the lives of older adults.
The green path to space sustainability: Twenty years of research
Authors: Pulsiri Nonthapat , Paulino Victor Dos Santos
Published: January 2024

The outer space environment is in a critical circumstance. This can cause severe impact on humanity. The main issue is an increasing space debris population in Earth’s orbit. To ensure the long-term sustainability of outer space activities, the relevant stakeholders need to collaborate with each other to solve challenging issues and find meaningful solutions. This article aims to conduct a bibliometric analysis to provide information and insights to guide the alignment of all stakeholders towards space sustainability in the context of near-Earth outer space. The software VOSviewer is chosen to analyse the selected 205 journal articles from Scopus database during 2003–22. The results show the publication trends, the leading sources of publications and the country collaboration network. The discussion based on the selected articles can inform emerging theories that can underpin the development of the space sustainability concept. In conclusion, this analysis reveals the current scientific research and proposes meaningful theories for further research and recommendations.
Ascenso social y crisis política en Castilla c. 1300: En torno a Juan Rodríguez de Rojas y su grupo familiar
Authors: Álvarez Borge Ignacio
Published: January 2024

Este libro se propone reflexionar sobre los procesos de ascenso social y su relación con los periodos de crisis política. El campo de estudio se sitúa en la Castilla medieval y en la profunda crisis política que se desarrolló en las últimas décadas del siglo XIII y las primeras del XIV. Para ello, se toma como caso de estudio el de un oficial regio que, procedente de una familia de la nobleza media (lo que se viene llamando nobleza regional castellana), ascendió hasta los niveles más altos de la nobleza; es decir, alcanzó la ricahombría. Se trata de Juan Rodríguez de Rojas, merino y adelantado mayor de Castilla entre 1293 y 1301. Se estudia su actividad política y su carrera al servicio del rey, también sus redes sociales, así como sus dominios. Además, se sitúa al personaje estudiado en su contexto familiar dentro del grupo familiar de los Rojas y se traza con cierto detalle la trayectoria de su familia, tanto sus ascendientes, como sus descendientes más próximos, puesto que sus vínculos de parentesco contribuyen a explicar también su ascenso social.