bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Spatially explicit estimate of nitrogen effects on soil respiration across the globe
Authors: Liu Yang , Men Mingxin , Peng Zhengping , Chen Han Y. H. , Yang Yuanhe , Peng Yunfeng 
Published: April 2023

AbstractSoil respiration (Rs), as the second largest flux of carbon dioxide (CO2) between terrestrial ecosystems and the atmosphere, is vulnerable to global nitrogen (N) enrichment. However, the global distribution of the N effects on Rs remains uncertain. Here, we compiled a new database containing 1282 observations of Rs and its heterotrophic component (Rh) in field N manipulative experiments from 317 published papers. Using this up‐to‐date database, we first performed a formal meta‐analysis to explore the responses of Rs and Rh to N addition, and then presented a global spatially explicit quantification of the N effects using a Random Forest model. Our results showed that experimental N addition significantly increased Rs but had a minimal impact on Rh, not supporting the prevailing view that N enrichment inhibits soil microbial respiration. For the major biomes, the magnitude of N input was the main determinant of the spatial variation in Rs response, while the most important predictors for Rh response were biome specific. Based on the key predictors, global mapping visually demonstrated a positive N effect in the regions with higher anthropogenic N inputs (i.e., atmospheric N deposition and agricultural fertilization). Overall, our analysis not only provides novel insight into the N effects on soil CO2 fluxes, but also presents a spatially explicit assessment of the N effects at the global scale, which are pivotal for understanding ecosystem carbon dynamics in future scenarios with more frequent anthropogenic activities.
What drives customer engagement after a service failure? The moderating role of customer trust
Authors: Honora Andreawan , Chih Wen‐Hai , Ortiz Jaime 
Published: April 2023

AbstractThis study investigated the relationships between complaint handling, customer experience, and customer engagement, as well as the moderating effect of customer trust prior to a service failure. The results were obtained from 320 Indonesian consumers of courier, express, and parcel services. Favourable employee behaviour was found to be the most effective complaint handling effort that influenced customer experience, followed by organizational procedures and then compensation, indicating that positive customer experience led to customer engagement. Additionally, this study revealed that higher levels of customer trust prior to a service failure reduced the positive effects of complaint handling efforts on customer experience. This finding suggests that customers with higher levels of trust in a firm are less sensitive to that firm's complaint handling and recovery efforts. This article contributes to the literature on customer engagement in the service failure and recovery contexts, especially in developing countries. It examines the most influential complaint handling dimensions for predicting customer engagement following service failures. Furthermore, this study is one of the first to explore the moderating role of customer trust in service failure and recovery literature.
THE EFFICACY OF CALCIUM MUPIROCIN IN THE ERADICATION OF NASAL STAPHYLOCOCCUS AUREUS CARRIAGE
Authors: Redhead R J , Lamb Y J , Rowsell R B 
Published: April 2023

SUMMARY In an open, non‐comparative clinical study conducted at 102 hospitals in the UK and Ireland, 1,510 subjects were treated with 2% calcium mupirocin in a white soft paraffin/Softisan 649 base (Bactroban ‘Nasal‘) during hospital outbreaks of methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). In most subjects treatment was applied two or three times daily to both anterior nares for three to eight days. Of the 766 assessable subjects, nasal carriage of S aureus was cleared in 744 (97.1%). Initially, MRSA was present in 628 cases (79.4%), and the organism was eliminated in 609 of these (97.0%). Isolates of S aureus were tested for susceptibility to a variety of antibiotics by disc test: of 523 nasal isolates tested against mupirocin, 516 (98.7%) were sensitive.Treatment was very well tolerated. Adverse events were reported by 22 subjects (1.5%); these were mostly mild local effects and necessitated withdrawal of treatment only in three subjects. The results indicate that topical calcium mupirocin is a highly effective and well tolerated treatment for the eradication of nasal carriage of S aureus, including MRSA.
Degree of autonomy in making independent choices by frail older people with intellectual disabilities in a care home: A descriptive ethnographic study
Authors: Noorlandt Hanna W. , Korfage Ida J. , van der Sar Lisa J. , Felet Freek M. A. J. , Tuffrey‐Wijne Irene , van der Heide Agnes , Echteld Michael A. 
Published: April 2023

AbstractBackgroundWe aimed to gain more insight into autonomy of older people with intellectual disabilities in a residential care facility in making choices.MethodsWe performed a descriptive ethnographic study in a residential facility in the Netherlands for 22 persons, aged 54–89 years, with mild to moderate intellectual disabilities (IQ <70) and low social–emotional development levels. We combined participant observations and qualitative interviews.ResultsBased on the observations, the main themes for the interviews were established. Residents indicated to be free to make independent choices, and experienced less autonomy with regard to health issues and finances. Support staff stated that residents' level of autonomy depends on residents' characteristics, needs, preferences, the attitude of support staff and the rules of the care institution.ConclusionResidents had a clear view on their autonomy in making independent choices. Support staff is mindful of preserving residents' autonomy, which in practice is limited.
Clinical efficacy of soft‐tissue augmentation on tissue preservation at immediate implant sites: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Lee Chun‐Teh , Tran Duong , Tsukiboshi Yosuke , Min Seiko , Kim Sung K. , Ayilavarapu Srinivas , Weltman Robin 
Published: April 2023

AbstractAimThis randomized controlled trial aimed to investigate the efficacy of soft‐tissue augmentation (STA) with a subepithelial connective tissue graft (SCTG) or an acellular dermal matrix (ADM) on reducing tissue alterations at an immediate implant site.Materials and MethodsThis trial had three groups: (i) immediate implant with SCTG (ICT group); (ii) immediate implant with ADM (IAD group); (iii) immediate implant without STA (control group). Forty‐six patients were randomly assigned to each group. Implants were placed at the maxillary anterior or premolar areas and restored after the 6‐month visit. Clinical outcomes, including buccal soft‐tissue contour, peri‐implant mucosal level, soft‐tissue thickness and keratinized tissue width, were measured at baseline and at 3‐, 6‐ and 12‐month follow‐up visits. Radiographic bone levels were measured at baseline and at 6‐ and 12‐month follow‐up visits. Patient‐reported outcomes were also collected.ResultsSTA procedures increased peri‐implant mucosal thickness and maintained buccal soft‐tissue contours. Compared to the control group, STA groups did not prevent peri‐implant mucosal recession or interproximal bone resorption. Generally, no significant differences in clinical outcomes were detected between the ICT and IAD groups. Most patients were highly satisfied with the immediate implant procedure and outcomes without significant differences between groups.ConclusionsSTA at immediate implant sites enhanced soft‐tissue thickness and maintained soft‐tissue contours but did not prevent peri‐implant mucosal recession or interproximal bone resorption. Long‐term follow‐up should be performed since these results were reported for only up to 1 year.
Photodynamic inactivation of different pathogenic bacteria on human skin using a novel photosensitizer hydrogel
Authors: Eckl Daniel Bernhard , Hoffmann Anja Karen , Landgraf Nicole , Kalb Larissa , Bäßler Pauline , Wallner Susanne , Eichner Anja , Huber Harald , Hackbarth Steffen , Bäumler Wolfgang 
Published: April 2023

AbstractBackgroundThe colonization of skin with pathogenic, partially antibiotic‐resistant bacteria is frequently a severe problem in dermatological therapies. For instance, skin colonization with Staphylococcus aureus is even a disease‐promoting factor in atopic dermatitis. The photodynamic inactivation (PDI) of bacteria could be a new antibacterial procedure. Upon irradiation with visible light, a special photosensitizer exclusively generates singlet oxygen. This reactive oxygen species kills bacteria via oxidation independent of species or strain and their antibiotic resistance profile causing no bacterial resistance on its part.ObjectiveTo investigate the antibacterial potential of a photosensitizer, formulated in a new hydrogel, on human skin ex vivo.MethodsThe photochemical stability of the photosensitizer and its ability to generate singlet oxygen in the hydrogel was studied. Antimicrobial efficacy of this hydrogel was tested step by step, firstly on inanimate surfaces and then on human skin ex vivo against S. aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa using standard colony counting. NBTC staining and TUNEL assays were performed on skin biopsies to investigate potential necrosis and apoptosis effects in skin cells possibly caused by PDI.ResultsNone of the hydrogel components affected the photochemical stability and the life time of singlet oxygen. On inanimate surfaces as well as on the human skin, the number of viable bacteria was reduced by up to 4.8 log10 being more effective than most other antibacterial topical agents. Histology and assays showed that PDI against bacteria on the skin surface caused no harmful effects on the underlying skin cells.ConclusionPhotodynamic inactivation hydrogel proved to be effective for decolonization of human skin including the potential to act against superficial skin infections. Being a water‐based formulation, the hydrogel should be also suitable for the mucosa. The results of the present ex vivo study form a good basis for conducting clinical studies in vivo.
Vegetative cell fusion and a new stage in the life cycle of the Aphelida (Opisthosporidia)
Authors: Tcvetkova Victoria S. , Pozdnyakov Igor R. , Seliuk Alexei O. , Zorina Natalia A. , Karpov Sergey A. 
Published: April 2023

AbstractThe aphelids, intracellular parasitoids of algae, represent a large cluster of species sister to Fungi in molecular phylogenetic trees. Sharing a common ancestor with Fungi, they are very important in terms of evolution of these groups of Holomycota. Aphelid life cycle being superficially similar to that of Chytridiomycetes is understudied. We have found in the aphelids a new stage—big multiflagellar and amoeboid cells, formed from a plasmodium that has two sorts of nuclei after trophic stage fusion. The families of protein‐coding genes involved in the vegetative cell fusion in Opisthokonta were also discussed.
On Decolonizing Curriculums: The Unethicality and Implications of Western Knowledge on Arab Subjectivity
Authors: Alatrash Ghada 
Published: April 2023

AbstractIn this essay (originally delivered as a lecture at Alberta University of the Arts), my thoughts are centered around the question of the ethics of knowledge as an Arab racialized pedagogue and researcher in Western academia. Today, as I grapple with the notion of decolonization, I wish to think about the ways in which knowledge, or what is deemed as knowledge, is read and inscribed, interpreted, distorted, and even silenced in our epistemologies, and of its implications on my subjectivity as an Arab. I wish to think about how this knowledge also constitutes the ethics on which we knowingly, or unknowingly, participate in the everydayness of our lived realities; I suggest that we engage in “epistemic resistance” and “epistemic activism” as “practices of interrogation and resistance that unmask, disrupt, uproot biases and insensitivity.”
Effects of 2 modes of positive pressure ventilation on respiratory mechanics and gas exchange in foals
Authors: Raidal Sharanne L. , Catanchin Mel , Sacks Muriel , Carstens Ann , Quinn Chris , Mosing Martina 
Published: April 2023

AbstractBackgroundContinuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) and pressure support ventilation (PSV) can improve respiratory mechanics and gas exchange, but different airway pressures have not been compared in foals.Hypothesis/ObjectivesAssess the effect of different airway pressures during CPAP and PSV have on respiratory function in healthy foals with pharmacologically induced respiratory insufficiency. We hypothesized that increased airway pressures would improve respiratory mechanics and increased positive end‐expiratory pressure (PEEP) would be associated with hypercapnia.AnimalsSix healthy foals from a university teaching herd.MethodsA prospective, 2‐phase, 2‐treatment, randomized cross‐over study design was used to evaluate sequential interventions in sedated foals using 2 protocols (CPAP and PSV). Outcome measures included arterial blood gases, spirometry, volumetric capnography, lung volume and aeration assessed using computed tomography (CT).ResultsSedation and dorsal recumbency were associated with significant reductions in arterial oxygen pressure (PaO2), respiratory rate, and tidal volume. Continuous positive airway pressure was associated with improved PaO2, without concurrent hypercapnia. Volumetric capnography identified improved ventilation:perfusion (V/Q) matching and increased carbon dioxide elimination during ventilation, and spirometry identified decreased respiratory rate and increased tidal volume. Peak inspiratory pressure was moderately associated with PaO2 and lung volume. Improved pulmonary aeration was evident in CT images, and lung volume was increased, particularly during CPAP.Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceBoth CPAP and PSV improved lung mechanics and gas exchange in healthy foals with induced respiratory insufficiency.
Divergence of alternative sugar preferences through modulation of the expression and activity of the Gal3 sensor in yeast
Authors: Fita‐Torró Josep , Swamy Krishna B. S. , Pascual‐Ahuir Amparo , Proft Markus 
Published: April 2023

AbstractOptimized nutrient utilization is crucial for the progression of microorganisms in competing communities. Here we investigate how different budding yeast species and ecological isolates have established divergent preferences for two alternative sugar substrates: Glucose, which is fermented preferentially by yeast, and galactose, which is alternatively used upon induction of the relevant GAL metabolic genes. We quantified the dose‐dependent induction of the GAL1 gene encoding the central galactokinase enzyme and found that a very large diversification exists between different yeast ecotypes and species. The sensitivity of GAL1 induction correlates with the growth performance of the respective yeasts with the alternative sugar. We further define some of the mechanisms, which have established different glucose/galactose consumption strategies in representative yeast strains by modulating the activity of the Gal3 inducer. (1) Optimal galactose consumers, such as Saccharomyces uvarum, contain a hyperactive GAL3 promoter, sustaining highly sensitive GAL1 expression, which is not further improved upon repetitive galactose encounters. (2) Desensitized galactose consumers, such as S. cerevisiae Y12, contain a less sensitive Gal3 sensor, causing a shift of the galactose response towards higher sugar concentrations even in galactose experienced cells. (3) Galactose insensitive sugar consumers, such as S. cerevisiae DBVPG6044, contain an interrupted GAL3 gene, causing extremely reluctant galactose consumption, which is, however, improved upon repeated galactose availability. In summary, different yeast strains and natural isolates have evolved galactose utilization strategies, which cover the whole range of possible sensitivities by modulating the expression and/or activity of the inducible galactose sensor Gal3.
Pixel‐level thin crack detection on road surface using convolutional neural network for severely imbalanced data
Authors: Siriborvornratanakul Thitirat 
Published: April 2023

AbstractBecause roads are the major backbone of the transportation network, research about crack detection on road surfaces has been popular in computer and infrastructure engineering. When training a convolutional neural network (CNN) for pixel‐level road crack detection, three common challenges include (1) the data are severely imbalanced, (2) crack pixels can be easily confused with normal road texture and other visual noises, and (3) there are many unexplainable characteristics regarding the CNN itself. When it comes to very fine and thin cracks, these challenges are exaggerated and a new challenge is introduced, as there can be a discrepancy between the actual width and the annotated width of a crack. To tackle all these challenges of thin crack detection, this paper proposes a new variant of CNN named ThinCrack U‐Net, designed to provide thin results upon pixel‐level crack detection on road surfaces. The main contribution is to demystify how pixel‐level thin crack detection results are affected by different loss functions as well as various combinations of the U‐Net components. The experimental results show that ThinCrack U‐Net yields a significant performance boost in CrackTree260, from 65.71% to 94.48% F‐measure, compared to the existing variant of U‐Net previously proposed in the context of pixel‐level thin crack detection. Finally, this paper locates the source of undesirable result thickness and solves it with the balanced usage of downsampling/upsampling layers and atrous convolution. Unlike suggested by previous works, different loss functions show no significant impact on ThinCrack U‐Net, whereas normalization layers are proved crucial in pixel‐level thin crack detection.
Zinc methionine or zinc sulphate supplementation modulate the development of the hypopharyngeal gland and expression of major royal jelly protein genes in Apis mellifera L. bees
Authors: do Prado Ribeiro Giovanna , Kadri Samir Moura , Justulin Luis Antônio , Ribolla Paulo Eduardo Martins , Orsi Ricardo de Oliveira 
Published: April 2023

AbstractWe analysed whether the source of zinc (inorganic and organic) influences the morphology of the hypopharyngeal gland (HPG) and the relative expression of major royal jelly protein (MRJP) genes in nursing bees at 6 days of age. For this, 15 colonies of Apis mellifera bees were subjected to the following treatments: Zn0 (control), zinc methionine (50 ppm) and zinc sulphate monohydrate (50 ppm) during the off‐season (characterized by food reduction). MRJP1 and MRJP5 gene expression was analysed using real‐time PCR and HPG sections under a microscope. Bee mortality and population development were also evaluated for 30 days. It was observed that the honeybees consumed all sugar syrup containing zinc both in its organic and inorganic forms, which did not promote mortality or affect population development. Regarding HPG morphometry, it was observed that zinc, regardless of the source, promoted the acini area significantly greater than that of the control. Zn methionine promoted a significant increase in HPG area compared with that of an inorganic source. The relative expression of MRJP1 and MRJP5 was not significantly affected compared with the control. We conclude that the mineral Zn promotes an increase in the HPG area and does not alter the pattern of expression of the MRJP1 and MRJP5 genes, and that the organic source of the mineral presents the best results.
Oxidative response of sheep to transcervical applications
Authors: Önder Nail Tekin , Batı Yusuf Umut , Gökdemir Taygun , Kılıç Muhammet Can , Şahin Oğuzhan , Öğün Metin , Akyüz Enes , Kuru Mushap , Kırmızıgül Ali Haydar , Yıldız Savaş , Öztürkler Yavuz 
Published: April 2023

AbstractThis study aimed to investigate the stress‐related changes that may occur in sheep following non‐surgical cervical line passage. A total of 20 sheep underwent transcervical transition, and their heart rate, respiratory rate, body temperature, and blood samples were collected at specific time points: 1 h prior to the procedure, immediately after the procedure, and at 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 h post‐procedure. The study found that there was a statistically significant decrease in body temperature immediately after the procedure (p < .05); however, there were no significant differences in body temperature at other time points (p > .05). Respiratory rate remained similar throughout the study, and no significant differences were observed (p > .05). On the other hand, there was a significant increase in heart rate at the 1‐h mark after the procedure (p < .05), which subsequently decreased to a similar level as the control group at the 4‐h mark after the procedure (p > .05). The cortisol levels increased significantly after the application (p < .05) but decreased to a level similar to the control after 1 h (p > .05). The level of nitric oxide increased significantly in the first hour (p < .05) and decreased by the 5th hour (p < .05). There was a significant increase in malondialdehyde (MDA) and total oxidant capacity (TOC) levels 2 h after the application (p < .05), but this increase ceased at the 4th and 5th hours for MDA (p > .05) and at the 3rd, 4th and 5th hours for TOC (p > .05). The total antioxidant capacity decreased after the 2nd hour of application (p < .05) but remained similar at the fourth and 5th hours (p > .05). In conclusion, based on the cortisol data, transcervical manipulations create short‐term stress. Therefore, it may be necessary to use various antioxidants before such procedures to reduce the effects of oxidative stress.
Equity perspectives of school stakeholders regarding the representation and access of black male students in an academy of engineering
Authors: Fletcher Edward C. , Hines Erik M. , Moore James L. , Ford Donna Y. 
Published: April 2023

AbstractIn this study, we utilized a case study approach to examine the perspectives of 20 school stakeholders regarding equitable ways they promote and broaden the participation of Black male students in a high school academy of engineering (AOE). Madison River Academy (pseudonym) is a comprehensive high school with an AOE embedded in it. The ethnic and racial backgrounds of students at Madison River Academy are 68.8% Black, 14.4% Latinx, 8.7% White, 4.3% Asian, and 3.4% Multiracial. Three themes emerged from our data analyses of the school stakeholder interviews, including the following: (a) a cultural mismatch: denoting the cultural disconnect between teachers and Black male students; (b) math as a gatekeeper: symbolizing mathematics as a barrier Black male participation in the AOE; and (c) promoting equitable access: representing strategies the school stakeholders discussed that could address the equity issues within the AOE. More specifically, within the promoting equitable access theme, two subthemes emerged: building vertical pathways from middle to high school and applying science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) pathways. We provide recommendations for addressing the equity issues within our case study and promoting higher levels of participation of Black male students in the AOE.