bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Soil aeration and redox potential as function of pore connectivity unravelled by X‐ray microtomography imaging
Authors: Dorau Kristof , Uteau Daniel , Hövels Maren Pia , Peth Stephan , Mansfeldt Tim 
Published: August 2021

AbstractPlatinum (Pt)‐tipped electrodes are frequently employed to measure the soil redox potential (EH). Thereby, the timely transition from reducing towards oxidising soil conditions is one of the most important biogeochemical changes that can occur in soil. This condition is mainly linked to the air‐filled pore volume (ε) and pore geometries. However, even when the Pt electrodes are located in close vicinity to each other, EH readings behave non‐uniformly, presumably due to the millimetre scaled heterogeneity of pore spaces controlling oxygen (O2) availability and transport. In this study, we examined the ε distribution and pore connectivity in the close vicinity of a Pt electrode during an artificial evaporation experiment using an undisturbed soil sample (Ah‐horizon, Calcaric Gleysol). We combined physio‐chemical methods with non‐destructive X‐ray computed microtomography (μCT) and 3D‐image analysis. μCT scans were conducted at three‐time points, that is, reducing conditions with EH < −100 mV (CT‐1), the transition from reducing towards oxidising conditions with an EH increase > 5 mV h−1 (CT‐2), and oxidising conditions with EH > 300 mV (CT‐3). We observed that the shift from reducing towards oxidising conditions took place at an air‐filled porosity (εCT) of ~0.03 cm3 cm−3, which matches very with gravimetrically calculated data obtained by tensiometry of ε ~0.05 cm3 cm−3. Besides the relation of EH and ε, image analysis revealed that a connected εCT (εCT_conn) of ~0.02 cm3 cm−3 is needed to enable enhanced O2 diffusion from the soil surface towards the Pt surface and facilitate a straightforward EH response. We conclude that εCT_conn is a critical parameter to assess aeration processes in temporarily water‐saturated soils to characterise a switch in redox conditions.Highlights
Usually, soil redox dynamics are related to the air‐filled porosity (εCT) but here its connected portion (εCT_conn) was found more relevant.
3D X‐ray computed microtomography imaging close to a redox electrode enabled us to understand the soil aeration process.
Connected εCT (εCT_conn) of ~0.02 cm3 cm−3 facilitated oxidising soil conditions.
εCT_conn is a critical parameter to assess the aeration process in temporarily water‐saturated soils.
Efficacy and safety of botulinum toxin for treating sialorrhea: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Yu Ya‐Chien , Chung Chen‐Chih , Tu Yu‐Kang , Hong Chien‐Tai , Chen Kee‐Hsin , Tam Ka‐Wai , Kuan Yi‐Chun 
Published: August 2021

AbstractBackground and purposeSialorrhea often happens in patients with neurologic disorders, and botulinum toxin (BoNT), which inhibits acetylcholine activation, may be an effective treatment for drooling. This systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized control trials aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of BoNT in adults and children with sialorrhea due to neurological disorders.MethodsThe PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane databases were searched for relevant studies published before August 2021. The pooled estimate of outcomes was calculated using a random effect model.ResultsThe review included 17 studies involving 981 patients. Compared with placebo, both BoNT type A (BoNT‐A) and BoNT type B (BoNT‐B) alleviated drooling frequency and severity (mean difference, 95% CI; BoNT‐A: −1.20, −1.89 to −0.51; BoNT‐B: −1.62, −2.07 to −1.17), reduced saliva weight (BoNT‐A: −1.70, −2.30 to −1.10; BoNT‐B: −1.12, −1.97 to −0.27), and improved global impression of change (BoNT‐A: −1.30, −1.73 to −0.86; BoNT‐B: −1.58, −1.95 to −1.21) in adults 4 weeks postinjection. BoNT‐B remained effective at 12 weeks. In children, BoNT‐A and BoNT‐B alleviated sialorrhea symptoms (BoNT‐A: −1.63, −2.42 to −0.85; BoNT‐B: −5.20, −6.03 to −4.37) and BoNT‐A reduced saliva weight (−0.77, −1.54 to 0.00) at 4 weeks postinjection. After 12 weeks, BoNT‐B remained efficacious. Most adverse effects (AEs) were mild to moderate and self‐limited.ConclusionsThere is moderate certainty of evidence (COE) that either BoNT‐A or BoNT‐B could relieve sialorrhea after 4 and 12 weeks of follow‐up without significantly more severe AEs in adults. However, the COE is very low to low in children.
Spatialities of entrepreneurial ecosystems
Authors: Schäfer Susann 
Published: August 2021

AbstractThe concept of entrepreneurial ecosystems has gained tremendous attention in academia across different scientific disciplines. This start‐of‐the‐art contribution addresses the most recent lineages of the entrepreneurial ecosystem debate from a spatial perspective: measurement of entrepreneurial ecosystems, entrepreneurial evolution, novel actors, institutions and events, governance as well as gender in entrepreneurial ecosystems. The theoretical advancements will be critically reviewed by examining the implicit and explicit spatial references. The paper also highlights the potential of using spatial analysis for entrepreneurial ecosystems, drawing on four different understandings of space.
(Un)folding places with care: Migrant caregivers ‘dwelling‐in‐folds’
Authors: Ivanova Dara 
Published: August 2021

AbstractThis paper is based on longitudinal ethnographic work among Bulgarian migrant women who work as live‐in caregivers and domestic workers in Italian households and explores the analytical potential of place and place making for transmigration literature by conceptualizing the co‐production of place with subjectivities. Such approach sensitizes to mundane practices of care and belonging, which actively create migratory lives of meaning. Drawing on Deleuze's concept of the fold as subjectivity and Clifford's notion of dwelling‐in‐travelling, I propose the term ‘dwelling‐in‐folds’ – and its mechanism ‘folding place’ – in order to make sense of temporary migrants’ experience of place(s) that foregrounds their ability to connect and reconcile fractures and discontinuities, particularly when doing transnational motherhood. In doing so, the paper folds place empirically – showing how ‘dwelling‐in‐folds’ is achieved and unfolds place analytically – demonstrating the potential of this concept for sociology and transmigration studies.
Fiber Optic Pressure Measurements Open Up New Experimental Possibilities in Hydrogeology
Authors: Leven Carsten , Barrash Warren 
Published: August 2021

AbstractFiber‐optic (FO) technology is being used increasingly for measurement methods in a variety of environmental applications. However, FO pressure transducers are rarely used in hydrogeological applications. We review the current state of Fabry‐Pérot interferometry‐based FO pressure transducers, including their advantages and limitations, as another option for high‐resolution pressure‐ or head‐change measurements in conventional or advanced aquifer testing. Resolution and precision specifications of FO transducers meet or exceed commonly used non‐FO pressure transducers. Due to their design, FO transducers can be used in small‐diameter (inner diameter ≥1/4 inch) and continuous multichannel tubing (CMT), sampling points, multilevel packer systems, and Direct Push‐based in situ installations and testing. The small diameter of FO transducers provides logistical advantages—especially for tests with monitoring at many zones in a number of wells and/or CMTs (e.g., no reels, placement just below water level in access tubes vs. within isolated zones, reduced weight and volume, small footprint at single point of data acquisition). Principal limitations are small measurement drift that may become evident for tests longer than a few hours, and higher‐than‐average cost. We present field examples of FO transducer performance in short‐term tests with high consistency of acquired data and higher resolution (i.e., capturing significant hydrologic information) compared with commonly used non‐FO transducers. Given the above, including advantageous logistical features, FO transducers can open new experimental possibilities in areas of high‐resolution three‐dimensional (3D) heterogeneity (flow and transport, remediation, critical zones); 3D fracture networks and fundamental hydromechanical behavior; complex 3D flow and leak detection (mines, dams, repositories, geothermal systems).
Sociocultural influences on asthma self‐management in a multicultural society: A qualitative study amongst Malaysian adults
Authors: Koh Wen Ming , Abu Bakar Ahmad Ihsan , Hussein Norita , Pinnock Hilary , Liew Su May , Hanafi Nik Sherina , Pang Yong Kek , Ho Bee Kiau , Mohamed Isa Salbiah , Sheikh Aziz , Khoo Ee Ming 
Published: August 2021

AbstractBackgroundSupported self‐management improves asthma outcomes, but implementation requires adaptation to the local context. Barriers reported in Western cultures may not resonate in other cultural contexts. We explored the views, experiences and beliefs that influenced self‐management among adults with asthma in multicultural Malaysia.MethodsAdults with asthma were purposively recruited from an urban primary healthcare clinic for in‐depth interviews. Audio‐recordings were transcribed verbatim and analysed thematically.ResultsWe interviewed 24 adults. Four themes emerged: (1) Participants believed in the ‘hot and cold’ concept of illness either as an inherent hot/cold body constitution or the ambient temperature. Hence, participants tried to ‘neutralize’ body constitution or to ‘warm up’ the cold temperature that was believed to trigger acute attacks. (2) Participants managed asthma based on past experiences and personal health beliefs as they lacked formal information about asthma and its treatment. (3) Poor communication and variable advice from healthcare practitioners on how to manage their asthma contributed to poor self‐management skills. (4) Embarrassment about using inhalers in public and advice from family and friends resulted in a focus on nonpharmacological approaches to asthma self‐management practice.ConclusionsAsthma self‐management practices were learnt experientially and were strongly influenced by sociocultural beliefs and advice from family and friends. Effective self‐management needs to be tailored to cultural norms, personalized to the individuals' preferences and clinical needs, adapted to their level of health literacy and underpinned by patient–practitioner partnerships.Patient and Public ContributionsPatients contributed to data. Members of the public were involved in the discussion of the results.
The potential prebiotic effect of 2‐Butyloctanol on the human axillary microbiome
Authors: Li Min , Truong Katie , Pillai Shyamala , Boyd Thomas , Fan Aixing 
Published: August 2021

AbstractObjectiveThe human axilla is colonized by a wide array of microorganisms that contribute to the generation of body odour. Traditional antiperspirant/deodorant products are used to reduce perspiration in the axillary region and to treat or prevent the growth of bacteria in this region, thereby reducing or eliminating body odour. However, they may also compromise the axillary microbiome balance. The personal care industry has been seeking new ingredients, such as prebiotics or probiotics, to maintain a healthy balance of the skin microbiome by inhibiting odour‐causing bacteria, whilst maintaining and promoting the growth of good bacteria. The aim of this study was to investigate the prebiotic effect of a skin‐care ingredient, 2‐butyloctanol, on the human axillary microbiome.MethodsAn in vitro growth inhibition/promotion assay was performed to test whether 2‐butyloctanol inhibited or promoted skin bacterial growth. The impact of 2‐butyloctanol on the axillary microbiome was also investigated in a human clinical study using 16S rRNA gene sequencing.ResultsIn‐vitro testing showed that 2‐butyloctanol significantly inhibited the growth of corynebacteria at concentrations of 0.64%, 2.56% and 5.12%, whilst the growth of Staphylococcus epidermidis was maintained at the same concentrations. The impact of 2‐butyloctanol on the axillary microbiome was also validated in a human clinical study. A deodorant roll‐on product containing 3% of 2‐butyloctanol significantly reduced the relative abundance of corynebacteria, whilst increasing the relative abundance of Staphylococcus and the ratio of Staphylococcus to corynebacteria after four weeks of application, whilst the placebo showed no significant change.ConclusionFor the first time, it was demonstrated that 2‐butyloctanol had a potential prebiotic effect on the human underarm microbiome in inhibiting odour‐causing Corynebacterium, whilst maintaining and promoting skin‐friendly Staphylococcus in both in‐vitro and in‐vivo studies. Therefore, 2‐butyloctanol could be used as a potential prebiotic ingredient in personal care products for underarm microbiome protection.
Combination of a triple wavelength (650 nm, 810 nm, and 915 nm) class IV laser system and local mechanical abrasion in the treatment of chronic toenail onychomycosis: an uncontrolled prospective pilot study
Authors: Aukstikalnyte Aurelija E. , Cibien Eva , De Demo Pamela , Eisendle Klaus 
Published: August 2021

AbstractBackgroundToenail onychomycosis is a frequent fungal infection that is difficult to treat, especially in elderly patients. Diverse local and systemic antifungal treatments are available with variable results. Recently, different laser systems have been proposed for the treatment of onychomycosis, among them a class IV laser system adopting three different wavelengths, that is, 650, 810, and 915 nm (K‐Laser Cube 3TM).ObjectivesThis prospective pilot study aims to clarify the clinical, histopathologic, and cultural mycological efficacy of the combination of a triple wavelength laser system and local mechanical abrasion in the treatment of toenail onychomycosis.MethodsEight treatment sessions were performed involving a mechanical drill of the friable nail material followed by the laser treatment with four 2‐minute cycles per nail with a median power of 3 W providing 240 J each. Clinical exam, mycological culture, and histopathology with PAS staining of nail clips were performed at the beginning and the end of the treatment period.ResultsNine patients with 16 clinically involved nails were included in this study (median age: 55.6). Clinical improvement was noted in eight patients (89%) at the end of the treatment cycles. Initial positive cultures could be reduced from six (67%) to two (22%), P = 0.07, while histopathologic examination by PAS staining remained invariable positive in all patients (100%).ConclusionDespite clinical improvement, the combination of this laser treatment and mechanical abrasion could not reduce the fungal infection rate in affected toenails. Additional local or systemic antimycotic agents should be combined in order to avoid expected clinical recurrences.
Hotel employees' views on fairness, well‐being and collective representation in times of the coronavirus crisis: Evidence from Poland
Authors: Zientara Piotr , Adamska‐Mieruszewska Joanna , Bąk Monika 
Published: August 2021

AbstractThe coronavirus crisis reignited the debate over the ethical dimension of employment practices in the hotel sector. This study, which draws on the findings from semistructured interviews conducted with 51 Polish hotel workers during the pandemic, aims to ascertain their views on fairness in the workplace, their well‐being, the attractiveness of hotel employment and collective representation. Our findings were, in many respects, at variance with earlier research and our a priori assumptions. Specifically, most interviewees had regular contracts, were satisfied with their jobs, rated the attractiveness of hotel employment highly and did not complain of emotional labour. Some highlighted managerial disrespectful treatment, especially after the outbreak of the pandemic. Most were indifferent to unions or viewed them unfavourably, doubted the efficacy of collective action and were uninterested in unionisation, with the crisis having little impact on their attitudes. The paper concludes by discussing theoretical and practical implications of the findings.
Severe burn injury from the common Asian practice of heat application in patients with diabetic neuropathy
Authors: Chang Wen‐Yuan , Liu Hung‐Hui , Huang Dun‐Wei , Chou Yu‐yu , Ou Kuang‐Ling , Wang Chih‐Hsin , Dai Niann‐Tzyy , Tzeng Yuan‐Sheng 
Published: August 2021

AbstractThis was the first study to analyse patients who sustained severe self‐induced burns from this common Asian practice. There is a need to raise public awareness and physician attention about the consequences of preventable burn injuries and the importance of first aid in patients with diabetic neuropathy. Retrospective data on 16 consecutive patients who had diabetes and neuropathy admitted to the plastic surgery ward at the Tri‐Service General Hospital from January 1, 2015, to February 2, 2021 with burn injuries because of heat applications were collected and analysed for this study. Age, gender, season, first aid adequacy, comorbidity, interventions, total body surface area (TBSA), degree of burn, aetiology, length of stay (LOS), and status at discharge were reviewed. The mean age of the 16 patients was 65.13 years. The most common burn aetiology was contact (50%), followed by scald (37.5%) and radiation burns (12.5%). TBSA burn averaged ± standard deviation 1.54 ± 1.22. Seven patients (44%) had wound infections, and three patients underwent amputations. The average LOS was 28.2 days. Asian practice of heat application is the common aetiology of severe and preventable burn injuries. Education about neuropathy and the consequences of a burn injury should be provided to patients with diabetes.
Rapid synthesis of Li4Ti5O12 as lithium‐ion battery anode by reactive flash sintering
Authors: Liu Fangming , Bai Bin , Cheng Liang , Xu Chen 
Published: August 2021

AbstractIn this work spinel Li4Ti5O12 (LTO) was successfully synthesized via flash sintering technique at a furnace temperature of 580°C within only 5 min for the first time. Phase evolution, microstructures, and electrochemical properties were investigated and compared with conventionally synthesized LTO. The flash sintered LTO shows good crystallinity, high purity, and small particle size. More importantly, it suggests that the flash sintering process could help inhibit lithium volatilization and control the particle size, which is vital to the improvement of the lithium‐ion diffusion process and battery performance. Compared with the conventionally synthesized samples, the flash sintered LTO exhibits higher specific capacities, better cycling stabilities, and rate capabilities. Therefore, flash sintering shows potentials in improving the electrochemical performance of anode materials, and thus suggests an efficient strategy for rapid synthesis of high‐performance anode materials for lithium‐ion batteries.
Comparative studies on micromechanical properties and biological performances in hydroxyapatite ceramics with micro/nanocrystalline
Authors: Wu Yonghao , Cao Quanle , Niu Mingyou , Feng Cong , Li Xiangfeng , Zhu Xiangdong , Zhang Xingdong 
Published: August 2021

AbstractFurther enhancing the comprehensive properties of hydroxyapatite (HA) bioceramics is still a hot topic in biomedical field. The present study was mainly aimed at investigating the special effect of nanoscale feature on the micromechanical properties and biological performances of HA bioceramics. Three kinds of HA bioceramics with micro‐ to nanocrystalline were fabricated by adopting different sintering technologies, that is, conventional sintering (CS), two‐step sintering (TSS), and microwave assisted sintering (MAS). The average grain sizes of HA‐CS, HA‐TSS, and HA‐MAS were 412.49, 264.24, and 122.49 nm, respectively. Among them, HA‐MAS nanoceramics had the lowest water contact angle (28.35°) and the highest surface roughness (92.30 nm). Interestingly, the enhanced crack deflection in HA‐MAS transferred from transgranular cracking to intergranular cracking, resulting into its fracture toughness (1.64 MPa m1/2) increased by 84% compared to HA‐CS. Besides, HA‐MAS underwent the elastic‐plastic deformation without pop‐in cracking, and exhibited no indentation size effect (ISE) phenomenon during the nanoindentation tests. The in vitro biological performances showed that HA‐MAS could promote the bone‐like apatite formation and the osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs. In summary, the construction of nanocrystalline is indeed an effective way to simultaneously improve the micromechanical properties and biological performances of HA bioceramics.
Mediating role of career self‐efficacy between clinical learning environment and professional identity in nursing students
Authors: Gao Zihan , Wei Xiao , Yang Li , Cui Dan , Kong Lingna , Qi Li , Zhang Ping 
Published: August 2021

AbstractAimsTo explore whether the clinical learning environment (CLE) has an indirect effect on professional identity through the mediation of career self‐efficacy (CSE) in nursing students.BackgroundThe shortage of nurses has become a universal problem worldwide. Improving nurses' professional identity is considered an effective way to reduce the turnover rate of nurses. However, little is known about the relationship between the CLE, CSE and professional identity.DesignAn observational, questionnaire‐based, cross‐sectional study.MethodsA web‐based survey was completed by 212 undergraduate nursing students from June to August 2018. Measures included Chinese translations of the CLE, the Career Self‐Efficacy Scale, and the Professional Identity Scale.ResultsBoth the CLE (r = 0.552, p < 0.01) and CSE (r = 0.868, p < 0.01) correlated positively with professional identity. The indirect effect of the CLE on professional identity through CSE was positive (β = 0.342, p < 0.05) and the effect was 77.2%.ConclusionsA better CLE and higher scores in CSE were associated with professional identity in nursing students, and a better CLE had an indirect effect on the professional identity of students through CSE.
Discrepancy between language learners and teachers concerns about emergency remote teaching
Authors: Al Shlowiy Ahmed , Al‐Hoorie Ali H. , Alharbi Mohammed 
Published: August 2021

AbstractEmergency remote teaching refers to the unanticipated, involuntary shift to a virtual learning environment due to, for example, a natural disaster or political instability. The sudden nature of this transition creates additional challenges to effective learning. In this article, we investigate one such challenge, namely the potential for teacher–student miscommunication. We report on a study involving 674 language learners and 61 language teachers. The participants were asked to rate a number of education‐related ١problems that could potentially arise in the context of emergency remote teaching. Learners rated these concerns in terms of the extent to which they had actually experienced them, while teachers were asked to rate the extent to which they perceived these to be concerns for their students. The results showed that teachers believed that students required additional training on using learning management systems, that students did not take online teaching seriously, and that emergency remote teaching would encourage students to cheat. Students disagreed with these statements (ds = 0.53–0.65). We discuss the implications of these teacher–learner discrepancies in light of the need for explicit guidelines and clearer expectations of students during online learning and assessment.