bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pulsed Field Ablation for the Treatment of Atrial Fibrillation: PULSED AF Pivotal Trial
Authors: Verma Atul , Haines David E. , Boersma Lucas V. , Sood Nitesh , Natale Andrea , Marchlinski Francis E. , Calkins Hugh , Sanders Prashanthan , Packer Douglas L. , Kuck Karl-Heinz , Hindricks Gerhard , Onal Birce , Cerkvenik Jeffrey , Tada Hiroshi , DeLurgio David B. ,   on behalf of the PULSED AF Investigators
Published: March 2023

Background:

Pulsed field ablation uses electrical pulses to cause nonthermal irreversible electroporation and induce cardiac cell death. Pulsed field ablation may have effectiveness comparable to traditional catheter ablation while preventing thermally mediated complications.

Methods:

The PULSED AF pivotal study (Pulsed Field Ablation to Irreversibly Electroporate Tissue and Treat AF) was a prospective, global, multicenter, nonrandomized, paired single-arm study in which patients with paroxysmal (n=150) or persistent (n=150) symptomatic atrial fibrillation (AF) refractory to class I or III antiarrhythmic drugs were treated with pulsed field ablation. All patients were monitored for 1 year using weekly and symptomatic transtelephonic monitoring; 3-, 6-, and 12-month ECGs; and 6- and 12-month 24-hour Holter monitoring. The primary effectiveness end point was freedom from a composite of acute procedural failure, arrhythmia recurrence, or antiarrhythmic escalation through 12 months, excluding a 3-month blanking period to allow recovery from the procedure. The primary safety end point was freedom from a composite of serious procedure- and device-related adverse events. Kaplan-Meier methods were used to evaluate the primary end points.

Results:

Pulsed field ablation was shown to be effective at 1 year in 66.2% (95% CI, 57.9 to 73.2) of patients with paroxysmal AF and 55.1% (95% CI, 46.7 to 62.7) of patients with persistent AF. The primary safety end point occurred in 1 patient (0.7%; 95% CI, 0.1 to 4.6) in both the paroxysmal and persistent AF cohorts.

Conclusions:

PULSED AF demonstrated a low rate of primary safety adverse events (0.7%) and provided effectiveness consistent with established ablation technologies using a novel irreversible electroporation energy to treat patients with AF.

Registration:

URL:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov
; Unique identifier: NCT04198701.
Dentate Gyrus Integrity Is Necessary for Behavioral Pattern Separation But Not Statistical Learning
Authors: Wang Helena Shizhe , Rosenbaum R. Shayna , Baker Stevenson , Lauzon Claire , Batterink Laura J. , Köhler Stefan
Published: March 2023

Pattern separation, the creation of distinct representations of similar inputs, and statistical learning, the rapid extraction of regularities across multiple inputs, have both been linked to hippocampal processing. It has been proposed that there may be functional differentiation within the hippocampus, such that the trisynaptic pathway (entorhinal cortex > dentate gyrus > CA3 > CA1) supports pattern separation, whereas the monosynaptic pathway (entorhinal cortex > CA1) supports statistical learning. To test this hypothesis, we investigated the behavioral expression of these two processes in B. L., an individual with highly selective bilateral lesions in the dentate gyrus that presumably disrupt the trisynaptic pathway. We tested pattern separation with two novel auditory versions of the continuous mnemonic similarity task, requiring the discrimination of similar environmental sounds and trisyllabic words. For statistical learning, participants were exposed to a continuous speech stream made up of repeating trisyllabic words. They were then tested implicitly through a RT-based task and explicitly through a rating task and a forced-choice recognition task. B. L. showed significant deficits in pattern separation on the mnemonic similarity tasks and on the explicit rating measure of statistical learning. In contrast, B. L. showed intact statistical learning on the implicit measure and the familiarity-based forced-choice recognition measure. Together, these results suggest that dentate gyrus integrity is critical for high-precision discrimination of similar inputs, but not the implicit expression of statistical regularities in behavior. Our findings offer unique new support for the view that pattern separation and statistical learning rely on distinct neural mechanisms.
Asymetric Event-Related Potential Priming Effects Between English Letters and American Sign Language Fingerspelling Fonts
Authors: Sehyr Zed Sevcikova , Midgley Katherine J. , Emmorey Karen , Holcomb Phillip J.
Published: March 2023

Letter recognition plays an important role in reading and follows different phases of processing, from early visual feature detection to the access of abstract letter representations. Deaf ASL–English bilinguals experience orthography in two forms: English letters and fingerspelling. However, the neurobiological nature of fingerspelling representations, and the relationship between the two orthographies, remains unexplored. We examined the temporal dynamics of single English letter and ASL fingerspelling font processing in an unmasked priming paradigm with centrally presented targets for 200 ms preceded by 100 ms primes. Event-related brain potentials were recorded while participants performed a probe detection task. Experiment 1 examined English letter-to-letter priming in deaf signers and hearing non-signers. We found that English letter recognition is similar for deaf and hearing readers, extending previous findings with hearing readers to unmasked presentations. Experiment 2 examined priming effects between English letters and ASL fingerspelling fonts in deaf signers only. We found that fingerspelling fonts primed both fingerspelling fonts and English letters, but English letters did not prime fingerspelling fonts, indicating a priming asymmetry between letters and fingerspelling fonts. We also found an N400-like priming effect when the primes were fingerspelling fonts which might reflect strategic access to the lexical names of letters. The studies suggest that deaf ASL–English bilinguals process English letters and ASL fingerspelling differently and that the two systems may have distinct neural representations. However, the fact that fingerspelling fonts can prime English letters suggests that the two orthographies may share abstract representations to some extent.
Four new species and three taxonomic adjustments in Lachenalia (Asparagaceae: Scilloideae) from southern and western South Africa
Authors: DUNCAN GRAHAM D.
Published: March 2023

A novel phylogenetic hypothesis for Lachenalia (Asparagaceae; Scilloideae; Hyacintheae) based on multilocus DNA sequence data has revealed the existence of four morphologically, ecologically and/or geographically distinct species, and supports the elevation of three existing subspecies to the species level. The new species and combinations are presented here. The new species are Lachenalia komsbergensis from the Komsberg in the southern Great Karoo (Northern Cape), Lachenalia inflata from the Hantam-Roggeveld escarpment in the western Great Karoo (Northern Cape), Lachenalia granitica from the Cape West Coast (Western Cape) and Lachenalia filamentosa from the Cape West Coast, Breede River Valley and Overberg (Western Cape). The taxa elevated from subspecies to species level are Lachenalia rogersii (previously L. mediana subsp. rogersii) from the Breede River Valley (Western Cape), Lachenalia glaucina (previously L. orchioides subsp. glaucina) from the southern Cape Peninsula (Western Cape) and Lachenalia parviflora (previously L. orchioides subsp. parviflora) from the northeastern Cape Peninsula (Western Cape).
Planothidium africanum sp. nov., a new freshwater diatom (Bacillariophyta) species from Tanzania
Authors: VAN DE VIJVER BART , GOGNE BRITT , HOOGSTEYNS GABRIELLE , VAN DE VELDE LEVENTE , VLAMINCK LUNA , KABOTA SIJA A. , TEUNEN LIES , WETZEL CARLOS E.
Published: March 2023

During an evaluation of the diatom diversity and water quality of a small brook near Morogoro (Tanzania), an unknown Planothidium species was observed that could not be identified using the currently available literature. The past 10 years, a large number of Planothidium species has been revised resulting in a better characterisation of some well-known taxa such as P. lanceolatum (Brébisson ex Kützing 1846: 247) Lange-Bertalot (1999: 287), P. frequentissimum (Lange-Bertalot 1993: 4) Lange-Bertalot (1999: 282) and P. delicatulum (Kützing 1844: 75) Round & Bukhtiyarova (1996: 353), but also in the description of a lot of new species (Compère & Van de Vijver 2009, Jahn et al. 2017, Kulaš et al. (2020), N’Guessan et al. 2014, Stancheva 2019, Stancheva et al. 2020, Van de Vijver et al. 2013, 2018, Wetzel et al. 2013, 2014, 2019). Several of these studies dealt with Planothidium species from the African Continent. Compère & Van de Vijver (2009) analysed and illustrated the type material of P. engelbrechtii (Cholnoky 1955: 16) Round & Bukhtiyarova (1996: 353), whereas N’Guessan et al. (2014) discussed the morphology and taxonomic history of two species formerly described by Carter & Denny in 1982: P. miotum (J.R.Carter & Denny 1982: 286) Lange-Bertalot (1999: 278) & P. piaficum (J.R.Carter & Denny 1982: 286) C.E.Wetzel & Ector (in N’Guessan et al. 2014: 460), completed with the description of P. comperei C.E.Wetzel et al. (in N’Guessan et al. 2014: 456), a new Planothidium species from Ivory Coast.
Eschweilera brevipetiolata and E. silverstonei: Two new species of Lecythidaceae from western Colombia
Authors: CORNEJO XAVIER
Published: March 2023

Eschweilera brevipetiolata and E. silverstonei, two new species of Lecythidaceae known from the pluvial Chocoan forests of western Colombia, are described. Eschweilera brevipetiolata and E. silverstonei both occur in the Bajo Calima area, between 50–100 m elevation, in the department of Valle del Cauca. The new species are illustrated and their relationships with related species are discussed.
Lepidium yelarbonense (Lepidieae; Brassicaceae), a new species from Australia
Authors: AL-SHEHBAZ IHSAN A.
Published: March 2023

Lepidium yelarbonense is a new Australian species described from a pair of collections made near Yelarbon (Queensland). It is confused with L. monoplocoides, from which it is easily distinguished by the perennial habit, lack of indumentum, subterete to hardly flattened fruiting pedicels, obtuse fruit valves not constricted subapically, and styles subequal to slightly exserted from the apical fruit notch.
Seasonal and Yearly Controls of CO2 Fluxes in a Tropical Coastal Ocean
Authors: Swesi Abdulghani , Yusup Yusri , Ahmad Mardiana Idayu , Almdhun Haitem M. , Jamshidi Ehsan Jolous , Sigid Muhammad Fikri , Ibrahim Anis , Kayode John Stephen
Published: March 2023

Carbon dioxide (CO2) flux from Earth’s surface is a critical component of the global carbon budget, and the ocean surface is a significant CO2 source and sink. The tropical coast absorbs CO2 due to phytoplankton abundance and the all-year availability of photosynthetically active radiation. However, the role of the tropical coastal ocean in the global carbon budget is uncertain because of its underrepresentation in the literature. This study is the first to describe the variations of long-term CO2 flux in the tropical coast on monthly and annual scales using the eddy covariance method and remote sensing data. The 5-yr average of the CO2 flux is −0.089 ± 0.024 mmol m−2 day−1, which indicates that it is a moderate carbon sink. The results show that the CO2 flux varied seasonally: the fall transitional, southwest, spring transitional, and northeast monsoons partitioned the flux into three phases: increasing, stable, and decreasing. The rising and falling stages can be identified by the erratic behavior of the flux, whereas the stable phase’s fluxes were relatively constant. The environmental parameters that regulated CO2 flux were chlorophyll a, sea surface temperatures, wind, and atmospheric stability, which modulated the CO2 flux on the monthly time scale. Wavelet analysis corroborated the finding and revealed the role of photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) on CO2 flux through El Niño–Southern Oscillation. On the monthly time scale, sea surface temperature only slightly affected the fluxes, unlike chlorophyll a, but temperature’s control on the flux became more apparent on the yearly time scale. These findings help us to understand the monthly and yearly controls of CO2 flux and could contribute to developing models for predicting the flux on the tropical coast.
Forcing, Cloud Feedbacks, Cloud Masking, and Internal Variability in the Cloud Radiative Effect Satellite Record
Authors: Raghuraman Shiv Priyam , Paynter David , Menzel Raymond , Ramaswamy V.
Published: March 2023

Satellite observations show a near-zero trend in the top-of-atmosphere global-mean net cloud radiative effect (CRE), suggesting that clouds did not further cool nor heat the planet over the last two decades. The causes of this observed trend are unknown and can range from effective radiative forcing (ERF) to cloud feedbacks, cloud masking, and internal variability. We find that the near-zero NetCRE trend is a result of a significant negative trend in the longwave (LW) CRE and a significant positive trend in the shortwave (SW) CRE, cooling and heating the climate system, respectively. We find that it is exceptionally unlikely (<1% probability) that internal variability can explain the observed LW and SW CRE trends. Instead, the majority of the observed LWCRE trend arises from cloud masking wherein increases in greenhouse gases reduce OLR in all-sky conditions less than in clear-sky conditions. In SWCRE, rapid cloud adjustments to greenhouse gases, aerosols, and natural forcing agents (ERF) explain a majority of the observed trend. Over the northeast Pacific, we show that ERF, hitherto an ignored factor, contributes as much as cloud feedbacks to the observed SWCRE trend. Large contributions from ERF and cloud masking to the global-mean LW and SW CRE trends are supplemented by negative LW and positive SW cloud feedback trends, which are detectable at 80%–95% confidence depending on the observational uncertainty assumed. The large global-mean LW and SW cloud feedbacks cancel, leaving a small net cloud feedback that is unconstrained in sign, implying that clouds could amplify or dampen global warming.
Long-Term Changes, Synoptic Behaviors, and Future Projections of Large-Scale Anomalous Precipitation Events in China Detected by a Deep Learning Autoencoder
Authors: Huang Zeqin , Tan Xuezhi , Wu Xinxin , Tan Xuejin , Fu Jianyu , Liu Bingjun
Published: March 2023

The frequency of large-scale anomalous precipitation events over China has increased during 1961–2018. However, it remains challenging to understand the mechanisms associated with these anomalous events showing different spatial patterns. Here, we applied an autoencoder technique to identify large-scale anomalous precipitation events for both observations and model simulations, which were then classified into several patterns through a self-organizing map method. The synoptic behavior and atmospheric circulation background of different anomalous patterns were also analyzed using simultaneous composite analyses. Results show that occurrences of different anomalous precipitation patterns have increased significantly, except those centered in North China, Northeast China, and the Yangtze River basin. The anomalous precipitation patterns manifest various intraseasonal distributions, which are linked to zonal oscillations of the western North Pacific subtropical high (WNPSH) and meridional displacements of East Asia westerly jet (EAJ). Accompanied by the westward movement of WNPSH, anticyclonic systems transport warm moist air from the Indian Ocean and the South China Sea to converge with the cold air caused by anomalous cyclones over the northwest flank of the WNPSH, leading to large-scale anomalous precipitation in these regions. Besides WNPSH, the northward and southward displacements of EAJ also favor the occurrence of anomalous precipitation events in northern and southern China, respectively. Our study also illustrates that the occurrence frequency of anomalous precipitation events is projected to increase remarkably under the Shared Socioeconomic Pathway 5–8.5 (SSP585) scenario by rates of twofold to fourfold.
User Engagement Testing with a Pilot Decision Support Tool Aimed to Support Species Managers
Authors: Cashwell Haven J. , McNeal Karen S. , Dello Kathie , Boyles Ryan , Davis Corey
Published: March 2023

Species status assessments (SSAs) are required for endangered species by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and focus on the resiliency, redundancy, and representation of endangered species. SSAs must include climate information, because climate is a factor that will impact species in the future. To aid in the inclusion of climate information, a decision support system (DSS) entitled Climate Analysis and Visualization for the Assessment of Species Status (CAnVAS) was developed by the State Climate Office of North Carolina using a coproduction approach. In this study, users viewed a mock-up version of the CAnVAS interface displaying a sample layout of future projections for three key climate variables (average precipitation, average maximum temperature, and occurrence of maximum temperature) at a location of interest. This assessment of the pilot version of the CAnVAS DSS was the first step in refining CAnVAS for species-manager use. This research analyzed the differences in usability between two pilot versions of the CAnVAS DSS through eye tracking and subsequent interviews with novice users. The two pilot versions of CAnVAS differed in the way data were displayed on graphs and the color ramps used on regional maps. We found that graphically displaying temporal climate information through box-and-whisker plots and spatially through a sequential color ramp from white to purple were more effective than alternative displays at communicating climate information on endangered species. The results of this research will be used to further develop the CAnVAS DSS tool for future implementation.

Significance Statement

A decision support system was developed for U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service biologists to incorporate more climate information in species status assessments for endangered species. This tool was tested through eye tracking and interviews with a novice undergraduate student sample to best refine the tool for stakeholder use. This work was able to discover that graphically displaying data in box-and-whisker format and spatially displaying data with a sequential color scheme of white to purple was best for usability purposes. The authors provide these recommendations for those who are producing usable products.
Calling and the Good Life: A Meta-Analysis and Theoretical Extension
Authors: Dobrow Shoshana R. , Weisman Hannah , Heller Daniel , Tosti-Kharas Jennifer
Published: March 2023

While a positive view of calling has been ubiquitous since its introduction into the literature over two decades ago, research remains unsettled about the extent to which it contributes to various aspects of the good life: an optimal way of living well via worthwhile endeavors. Further, scholars have identified two conceptual types of calling, marked by internal versus external foci; yet their differential impact on outcomes indicative of the good life, such as eudaimonic and hedonic well-being (characterized by the experience of purpose and meaning versus pleasure and happiness, respectively), is unknown. Through a meta-analysis of 201 studies, we provide the first systematic review focused on these two fundamental theoretical issues in the calling literature: how strongly related callings are to outcomes in the domains of work and life and which type of calling (internally or externally focused) more strongly predicts these outcomes, if either. We find that callings more strongly relate to outcomes indicative of the good life than recently argued. We further find that callings are more strongly linked to work than to life outcomes and to eudaimonic than to hedonic outcomes. The two types of calling converge in being associated with many similar outcomes, but they show some divergence: internally focused callings are more positively related to hedonic outcomes and less positively related to eudaimonic outcomes, relative to externally focused callings. This finding supports a view of callings as hierarchically structured, with a higher-order calling factor composed of two correlated yet distinct lower-order calling types. Integrating our meta-analytic findings with relevant literatures, we propose a theoretical model that addresses psychological and social need fulfillment through which different types of callings contribute to the good life.
Sclerosing Encapsulating Peritonitis: A Rare Cause of Bowel Obstruction
Authors: McCrory Mary A. , Heard Matthew A. , Wright Jessica G. , Roche Keelin F.
Published: March 2023

Sclerosing encapsulating peritonitis (SEP), also referred to as abdominal cocoon syndrome, is a rare cause of bowel obstruction characterized by a thickened fibrous peritoneum that encapsulates the intestines. The exact etiology is idiopathic but may be associated with long-term peritoneal dialysis (PD). In the absence of risk factors for adhesive disease, preoperative diagnosis can be difficult and may require operative intervention or advanced imaging to diagnose. Thus, the inclusion of SEP in the differential diagnosis for bowel obstruction is essential for early detection. Existing literature is focused on renal disease as an origin, but it can be multifactorial. Here, we discuss a case of sclerosing encapsulating peritonitis in a patient without known risk factors.
Management of Recurrent Sigmoid Volvulus in the Pediatric Population
Authors: Huerta Carlos Theodore , Quinn Kirby , Kodia Karishma , Perez Eduardo A. , Rico Clara , Díez Ricardo , Aguado Pablo , Carro Miguel A. , Fuentes Ennio J.
Published: March 2023

Sigmoid volvulus is a rare etiology of bowel obstruction in the pediatric population that can be easily misdiagnosed, leading to delayed treatment and potential complications. Given that sigmoid volvulus is a common cause of bowel obstruction in the adult population and the significant lack of literature on its management in children, treatment strategies for pediatric patients often follow standardized protocols for adults. We report the case of a 15-year-old boy who presented with recurrent episodes of sigmoid volvulus over a 1-month period. Computed tomography demonstrated a sigmoid volvulus without evidence of ischemia or bowel infarction. Colonoscopy demonstrated a descending megacolon, and bowel transit studies demonstrated normal transit time. Acute episodes were managed conservatively with colonoscopic decompression. After a complete study, laparoscopic sigmoidectomy was performed. This work demonstrates the importance of early recognition and treatment of sigmoid volvulus in the pediatric population to limit recurrent episodes.
Poor Outcomes of Patients From Delayed Care After Ground Level Falls
Authors: Heard Matthew A. , Suresh Shreyas , Leonard Matthew , Burns J. Bracken
Published: March 2023

Background

Ground level falls are a common cause of morbidity and mortality in trauma patients. Delayed presentation in many conditions has been proven to lead to worsened outcomes. Currently, there are limited data on outcomes of those who have a delayed presentation after a ground level fall.

Materials and Methods

This study was a retrospective analysis of the Trauma Registry at our center. Any adult patient who presented after a ground level fall was grouped based on their time to presentation post-injury: less than or greater than 24 h. Age, gender, hospital length of stay (LOS), intensive care unit (ICU) LOS, mechanical ventilation days, Injury Severity Score, and mortality were patient characteristics gathered. A Student’s t-test and Chi-squared testing were utilized to determine the presence of significant differences between the groups. Significance was set at P < .05.

Results

Two hundred of 4018 patients had delayed presentation. Those with delayed presentation were more likely to be male ( P = .028), younger in age (71 vs 74 years old, P < .01), had greater hospital LOS (6 vs. 5, P < .01), ICU LOS (5 vs. 3, P < .01), and mechanical ventilation days (13 vs. 5 days, P < .01). They also had higher ISS (8 vs. 7, P < .01), and mortality was significantly higher in those who presented after 24 h ( P = .034).

Conclusion

Patients with delayed presentation after a ground level fall have worsened Injury Severity Scores and outcomes to include hospital and ICU LOS, ventilator days, and overall mortality.
Adult Traumatic Brain Injury and Likelihood of Routine Discharge: Do Comorbidities Matter?
Authors: Rhodes Heather , Anderson Stephanie , Pecheny Yelena , Pepe Antonio , Courtney Donald
Published: March 2023

The current literature demonstrates an association between both size and presence of traumatic brain injury (TBI) and its effects on mortality, however it does not readily address the morbidity and associated functional outcomes of those who survive. We hypothesize that the likelihood of discharge to home decreases with advancement of age in the presence of TBI. This is a single-center study of Trauma Registry data, inclusive years July 1, 2016 to October 31, 2021. The inclusion criteria was based upon age (≥40 years), and ICD10 diagnosis of a TBI. Disposition to home without services was the dependent variable. 2031 patients were included in the analysis. We hypothesized correctly that the likelihood of discharge to home decreases (by 6%) with advancement of age (per year) in the presence of intracranial hemorrhage.
A Case of Anastomosing Hemangioma of the Breast During Pregnancy
Authors: Slutsky Hanna L. , Prieto-Granada Carlos N. , McCaffrey Rachel L.
Published: March 2023

Anastomosing hemangiomas (AH) are rare benign masses. We report an occurrence of AH in the breast during pregnancy, its pathological analysis, and clinical management. Key in the evaluation of these rare vascular lesions is differentiating AH from angiosarcoma. A low proliferative Ki-67 index and small size on imaging and final pathology will confirm AH from angiosarcoma. Clinical management of AH requires surgical resection and standard interval mammography and clinical breast examination.
Ambulance Response in Eight Minutes or Less: Are Comorbidities a Factor
Authors: Rhodes Heather , Rourke Blaine , Pepe Antonio
Published: March 2023

A recommended emergency medical services ambulance response time to a medical emergency is within eight minutes for at least 90% of calls. This study aimed to evaluate scene times for rural education and outreach to improve the quality of trauma care. This is a single-center study of Trauma Registry data from July 1, 2016 to February 28, 2022. The inclusion criteria were based upon age (≥18 years). A logistic regression was performed to identify predictor variables on the likelihood that an adult trauma patient will experience scene times greater than eight minutes. 19 321 patients were included in the analysis; 7233 (37%) experienced an elapsed scene time within eight minutes. This research identified an opportunity to improve rural trauma team response time, which is only reaching 37% of the patient population within eight minutes. Prehospital cardiac arrest and unique pre-existing comorbidities may play a role in extended response times by EMS.
Factors influencing political corruption. An empirical research study of regional governments
Authors: Raya-Quero Daniel , Navarro-Galera Andrés , Sáez-Lozano José Luis
Published: March 2023

International organisations assert that political corruption is a major global problem. However, it is still unclear how to combat corruption. Previous research has studied corruption in central or local governments, rarely in regional ones. In this paper, we aim to identify factors influencing political corruption in regional governments. Using panel data, we analyse the statistical association between 29 economic, financial, political and socioeconomic variables and the corruption perceived by citizens, from January 2006 to September 2019. The results reveal that perceived political corruption is affected by government spending and ideological distance, among other factors. We propose several measures to reduce political corruption.

Points for practitioners

The study has found that political corruption needs to be combatted through different measures for each administrative level. Our results support the idea that the following variables influence the perceived level of corruption within the regional governments: the volume of government borrowing, the ideological distance between the voter and the government, the percentage electoral participation and the volume of dependent and immigrant population of the region. Likewise, we also confirm that regional governments with higher values on the Quality of Government Index are perceived as less corrupt.
A Humble Giant: Reframing the Management Consulting Challenge
Authors: Buono Anthony F.
Published: March 2023

A reflection on Ed Schein’s contribution to management consulting.
What explains the increase in trade union density and female share of union members in the United Kingdom in 2017–2020?
Authors: Harris Richard , Moffat John
Published: March 2023

Trade union density increased for three consecutive years in the United Kingdom between 2017 and 2020. This contrasts with a general decline in union membership since 1979. Since union density continued to fall amongst male employees in 2017–2020, the overall increase was entirely attributable to females. This paper explores the factors which explain why there was an increase in overall union density after a period of decline (for males and females) and why union density evolved so differently for males and females. Using decomposition methodologies, we find that the increase in union density in 2017–2020 was not due to a higher propensity to unionise within particular groups or across all employees. Instead, the principal driver of the overall rise in 2017–2020 was an increase in the proportion of employment in certain public sector organisations. The largest contributor to the difference across males and females was increases in the share of employment in more unionised occupations amongst female employees and decreases amongst male employees.
English as a Foreign Language Learners’ Guide to Argument–Counterargument Skills: ProCon.org
Authors: Zhang Yan
Published: March 2023

A well-written argumentative essay requires a thorough analysis of the topic with sufficient supporting evidence. However, obtaining information on the topic, summarizing the reading materials, and then presenting them in the form of an argumentative essay can be a challenging task, especially for English as a foreign language (EFL) learners. ProCon.org offers pro and con arguments on over 100 controversial topics. The webpage features a balanced pro/con format that is easy to read and emphasizes the importance of considering both sides of a topic in argumentative writing. Although the website is not intended specifically for writing courses, it is a valuable resource for EFL learners who wish to enhance their argumentative skills and for teachers who wish to incorporate critical thinking into their writing courses. This technology review covers the content of the website and tips for self-study, as well as pedagogical applications.
Pope Francis on the Practice of Synodality and the Fifth Australian Plenary Council
Authors: McEvoy James Gerard
Published: March 2023

This article argues that Pope Francis adopts a practice-focused approach to synodality, and it examines key elements of that approach, including the practice of ecclesial discernment, and the requirement that the church read the signs of the times in the light of the Gospel. In this light, the article reflects on the Fifth Plenary Council of Australia, showing both how it has learned from Francis’s teaching on synodality and how it can contribute to the developing practice of synodality in the Roman Catholic Church.
Synodality and the New Media
Authors: Brazal Agnes M.
Published: March 2023

During his pontificate, Pope Francis has both broadened and enhanced the concept of synodality and the synodal process to involve “especially those on the periphery who are often excluded and forgotten” ( Vademecum) and even those who have left the church. This thrust toward maximum participation and inclusion will necessarily give rise to divergences and conflicts regarding theological issues. This article explores how the use of new media, following the vTaiwan model, can be a means to go beyond an impasse and discern the consensus fidelium. vTaiwan is an online-offline discussion platform established by the government and activists in Taiwan to promote participatory governance.
Upper airway obstruction following oropharyngeal bee sting: A case report
Authors: Seyoum Kenbon , Mesfin Telila , Dadi Sisay , Atlie Gela , Haji Nuri
Published: March 2023

There have been several reports globally of insect stings, which typically occur in the limbs, head, and neck. However, stings in the oropharynx and lower throat are rare but may be life-threatening. Clinical response to a sting range from minor local inflammation with or without envenomation to anaphylaxis. We describe a bee-sting occurring in Ethiopia and how this unpleasant and unusual incident was handled.
Acquired Combined Vision and Hearing Loss: Awareness and Perceptions of Australian Aged Care Workers
Authors: Wittorff Matthew G. , Lewin Gill , Burton Elissa
Published: March 2023

Introduction: Understanding the attitudes, competency, and awareness of those supporting older people who have an acquired combined vision and hearing loss is an important endeavor for this population. It can help guide aged care policy makers, leaders, and managers in the allocation of resources and training. This Australian study investigated the awareness and perceptions of aged care workers on supporting older adults with acquired combined vision and hearing loss. Methods: Twenty-four participants who were employed in aged care services participated in semistructured interviews that were thematically analyzed. The interviews explored the participants’ awareness of this disability, identification within their service, adaptation strategies, and their access to relevant information. Results: Several themes emerged, including lack of identification and recording of acquired combined vision and hearing loss in this population, lack of awareness of this disability, and lack of available information or training to support aged care workers within their care setting. Discussion: Aged care workers have little understanding of the prevalence of acquired combined vision and hearing loss in an older population. Care plans are key documents for individuals, which outline their needs and any sensory losses; however, this information is not well recorded. Aged care workers have little awareness of how to effectively support this population. When encountering an individual with an acquired combined vision and hearing loss, however, an aged care worker will develop strategies to support the individual. Individuals with this acquired dual-sensory loss, as well as dementia, pose a significant challenge to aged care workers, and dementia is often the primary focus of intervention. Implications for Practitioners: It appears that older individuals living in aged care settings who have acquired combined vision and hearing loss are not adequately identified, nor are aged care workers adequately trained to support individuals with this unique disability.
The Association Between Nasal Skin Thickness and Body Mass Index in Preoperative Rhinoplasty Patients: A Prospective Study
Authors: Assiri Hassan , Abdelkader Waleed , Alfallaj Rayan , Alarimah Yasser , AlMajed Hadeel , Alarfaj Ahmed
Published: March 2023

Objectives

Skin quality plays a major role in aesthetics, particularly in determining the success of rhinoplasty. Efficient preoperative estimation of nasal skin thickness can improve postoperative results and patient satisfaction. This study aimed to report on the relationship between nasal skin thickness and body mass index (BMI) as a possible tool to measure skin thickness preoperatively among rhinoplasty patients.

Methods

This prospective cross-sectional study targeted patients who visited a rhinoplasty clinic at King Abdul-Aziz University Hospital, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, between January 2021 and November 2021, and agreed to participate in the study. Data on age, sex, height, weight, and Fitzpatrick skin types were collected. The participant visited the radiology department and underwent ultrasound nasal skin thickness measurement for the five different nasal points.

Results

The study included 43 participants (16 males and 27 females). The average skin thickness of the supratip area and the tip was significantly higher in males than in females ( P < 0.05). The average BMI of the participants was 25.8 ± 5.26 Kg/m2. Participants with a normal BMI or less represented 50% of the study sample, whereas overweight and obese represented one-quarter (27.9%) and one-fifth (21%), respectively.

Conclusion

BMI was not associated with nasal skin thickness. Differences in nasal skin thickness were found between the sexes.
Strengthening the Theoretical Perspective on Action in Routines Research With the Analytical Philosophy of Agency
Authors: Makowski Piotr Tomasz
Published: March 2023

This conceptual paper presents the analytical theory of agency (ATA), an overlooked philosophical approach to the concept of action, to develop its theoretical basis in routines research in which the constructs of action and agency play crucial roles. It expounds, in the framework of ATA, the ideas of the spectrum of intentionality, kinds of action, and collective agency, which help advance the rigor of action-theoretical concepts in routines research as well as reveal the rationale of the microfoundational approach to routine actions. To uncover the developmental potential of ATA, the article discusses the most crucial conceptual challenges for routines research; it also briefly examines the limitations and future work related to using ATA in the management field.
Traumatic rupture of congenital cystic adenomatoid malformation mimicking traumatic pulmonary pseudocyst: a case report
Authors: Hoang Van Trung , Hoang The Huan , Van Hoang Anh Thi , Nguyen Thanh Tam Thi , Chansomphou Vichit
Published: March 2023

Thoracic trauma is commonly encountered in daily clinical practice; however, blunt thoracic trauma in patients with congenital cystic adenomatoid malformation (CCAM) is rare. CCAM rupture denotes a broad spectrum of manifestations on imaging and may be misdiagnosed as many other conditions. Consequently, this leads to inaccurate treatment and poor patient outcomes. We report the case of a girl with the initial diagnosis of a cavitary lung lesion that was likely a traumatic pulmonary pseudocyst or CCAM. The patient received medical therapy for 20 days; however, her condition did not improve. Subsequently, she underwent right lower lobectomy. Ruptured CCAM was confirmed during surgery and with histopathology. No complications occurred postoperatively, and the patient made a good recovery.
Mitigation of the Damage of Amish Buggies to Local Roads
Authors: Nazzal Munir D. , Saqer Hamzeh , Lopez Mandi J.
Published: March 2023

This paper summarizes the results of a study that was conducted to identify all possible changes that could be made to horseshoes used by the Amish community to mitigate their damage to local roads. Several alternative horseshoes were identified, including: horseshoes with a new calk design, horseshoes coated with select tungsten carbide coating design, and a composite horseshoe. Laboratory tests were performed to quantify the reduction in damage to local roads from using the alternative horseshoes. Experiments were also conducted to evaluate the effects of the new horseshoes on horses’ hooves and legs. Finally, comprehensive cost analyses were conducted to estimate the costs to users as well as the life-cycle costs of Amish buggy routes when the different horseshoes considered in this paper are used. The results of laboratory tests indicated that the use of alternative horseshoes can significantly reduce the road damage. The experiments performed to evaluate the effect of alternative horseshoes on horses indicated that the alternative horseshoes reduced stress on the horse hoof by at least 45%, while maintaining traction. The results of life-cycle cost analyses indicated that using the alternative horseshoes with new calk design can result in reducing the annual repair costs of Amish buggy routes by at least 40%. The results also suggested that using the alternative horseshoes could reduce the annual cost of horse keeping, considering the effects of the shoes on the service life of a horse.
An Integrative Review of Sistah Circles in Empirical Research
Authors: Jones Martinque K. , Davis Shardé M. , Gaskin-Cole Gabriella
Published: March 2023

Sistah circles are spaces shared by Black women who share similar goals, exchange resources (e.g., support), and invest in developing strong relational bonds over time. Considering the significance of sistah circles for Black women's wellness and survival, in this study we examined how this phenomenon has been researched in the social sciences literature and, in turn, offered a more refined conceptual definition and framework that will direct future research on this topic. Specifically, we completed an integrative review of empirical studies on sistah circles using social science databases and search engines to identify relevant literature. Articles included for review met the following criteria: (a) published between 2000 and 2020, (b) analyzed empirical data, (c) were composed of Black women participants, and (d) mentioned Black women groups or friendships. Qualifying sources ( N = 45) were organized into a taxonomy of three types of sistah circles: health-focused, social, and professional. We also analyzed sample characteristics, research methods, and publication trends across all of the articles included in the review. Based upon our taxonomy and results of our review, we highlight the strengths and limitations of the current scholarship focused on Black women's sistah circles and offer suggestions regarding future research and practice. Additional online materials for this article are available on PWQ's website at http://journals.sagepub.com/doi/suppl/10.1177/03616843231154564
Return to Sport After Nonoperative Management of Elbow Ulnar Collateral Ligament Injuries: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Gopinatth Varun , Batra Anjay K. , Khan Zeeshan A. , Jackson Garrett R. , Jawanda Harkirat S. , Mameri Enzo S. , McCormick Johnathon R. , Knapik Derrick M. , Chahla Jorge , Verma Nikhil N.
Published: March 2023

Background:

Elbow ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) injuries can result in significant functional impairment in throwing and overhead athletes. UCL reconstruction and repair are proven treatments to restore stability, but the efficacy of nonoperative management is unclear.

Purpose:

To determine the rate of return to sports (RTS) and return to previous level of play (RTLP) in athletes sustaining medial elbow ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) injuries treated nonoperatively.

Study Design:

Systematic review; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods:

A literature search was performed using Scopus, PubMed, Medline, the Cochrane Database for Systematic Review, and the Cochrane Central Register for Controlled Trials according to the 2020 PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) statement. Inclusion criteria were limited to level 1 to 4 human studies reporting on RTS outcomes after nonoperative management of UCL injuries.

Results:

A total of 15 studies, consisting of 365 patients with a mean age of 20.45 ± 3.26 years, were identified. Treatment primarily consisted of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections with physical therapy (n = 189 patients; n = 7 studies) versus physical therapy alone (n = 176 patients; n = 8 studies). The overall RTS rate was 79.7% and the overall RTLP rate was 77.9%. Increasing UCL injury severity grade was associated with lower RTS rates. The RTS rate for proximal tears (89.7%; n = 61/68) was significantly greater than that for distal tears (41.2%; n = 14/34) ( P < .0001). No significant difference in RTS rate was seen in patients treated with PRP versus those who did not receive PRP ( P = .757).

Conclusion:

For athletes undergoing nonoperative management of UCL injuries, the overall RTS and RTLP rates were 79.7% and 77.9%, respectively, with excellent outcomes in grade 1 and grade 2 UCL injuries, specifically. The RTS rate for proximal tears was significantly higher than that for distal tears. Athletes were most commonly treated with PRP injection and physical therapy.
Manufacture and characterisation of polylactic acid biocomposites with high-purity cellulose isolated from olive pruning waste
Authors: Rodríguez-Liébana José A. , Navas-Martos Francisco J. , Jurado-Contreras Sofía , Morillas-Gutiérrez Francisca , Mateo Soledad , Moya Alberto J. , La Rubia M.Dolores
Published: March 2023

A two-step chemical process was carried out on olive pruning residues according to an optimised sequence that led to the isolation of natural fibre with a high cellulose content. Reaction time, temperature and HNO3 concentration in the acid hydrolysis stage were optimised by means of the Response Surface Methodology to achieve the highest removal of hemicellulose and lignin and the highest crystallinity index, minimising cellulose hydrolysis. Subsequent hydrolysis with NaOH allowed to obtain a pulp enriched in cellulose (83.28 wt.%). Analysis revealed that the cellulose isolated had a high crystallinity index (70.06%) and thermal stability ( T max = 357°C). The cellulose obtained was finally used for the manufacture of polymer biocomposites and to evaluate its viability as a filler for polymeric materials. The selected polymer matrix used was polylactic acid (PLA) and the amount of filler was 5 and 15% by weight, respectively. In general, the fibres did not improve the mechanical properties of PLA, and maintained unchanged its melting temperature. Microscopic analysis revealed that PLA/fibre adhesion was stronger for treated fibres. Contradictorily, the composites with untreated fibres presented slightly higher thermal stability. Water uptake increased with the concentration of fibres, being higher in those materials with untreated fibre.
Structural transformation and performance analysis of PPS-based bag filters in coal-fired power plants
Authors: Cai Weilong , Wang Wei , Zheng Zhihong , Zhang Jingyun , Cao Hong , Huang Jianying , Zhang Bing , Lai Yuekun
Published: March 2023

Owing to the complicated environments, the service life of bag-filter or electrostatic-bag composite precipitators with polyphenylene sulfide (PPS) is greatly deviated from the ideal time. In this paper, the structural transformation of PPS-based bag filter materials collected from the coal-fired power plants with different loading units were investigated systematically. As the SO2 content increases, the surface evolution of PPS fibers from smoothness to crack occurs. An opposite trend is observed for melting point and cross breaking strength. The major reason for the failure of PPS-based bag filters is that working temperature (T) often passes through acid dew gas point (Ta), and the SO3 would be produced during the condensing of H2SO4 when T is lower than Ta. The SO3 with strong oxidation would attack the weak C-S bonds of PPS, resulting in the oxidation or even sulfonation of PPS-based bag filters. This work discloses the actual structural evolution of PPS and some corresponding rules under the complicated corrosive gases with high temperatures, which provides a guidance for prolonging the service life of PPS-based bag filters during the usage of coal-fired power plants.