bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Role of Chance in Individual Sports: an Agent-Based Approach for Fencing Tournaments
Authors: Zappalà Chiara , Pluchino Alessandro , Rapisarda Andrea , Biondo Alessio Emanuele , Sobkowicz Pawel 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
It is a widespread belief that success is mainly due to innate qualities, rather than to external forces. This is particularly true in sport competitions, where individual talent is considered the only ingredient in order to reach success. In this study, we propose to explore the relative weight of talent and luck in individual sports through agent-based models. In particular, we chose fencing as case study, that is a combat sport involving a weapon. Fencing competitions are structured as direct elimination tournaments, where randomness is explicitly present in some rules. Our dataset covers the last decade of international events and consists of both single competition results and annual rankings for male and female fencers under 20 years old (Junior category). We show that our agent-based approach, calibrated on the dataset and parametrized by just one free variable a describing the importance of talent in competitions (a = 1 indicates the ideal scenario where only talent matters, a = 0 the complete random one) is able to reproduce the main stylized facts observed in real data, both at the level of single fencing tournaments and of entire careers of a given community of fencers. We find that simulations approximate very well the real data when talent weights slightly more than luck, i.e. when a is around 0.55 for Junior Men, or even slightly less than luck, i.e. when a = 0.45 for Junior Women. We conclude that the role of chance in fencing is highly underestimated even if probably it represents an extreme case for individual sports. Our results shed light on the importance of external factors in both athletes’ results in single tournaments and in their entire career, making even more unfair the “winner-takes-all” disparities in remuneration.
Determinants of Modern Contraceptive Utilization Among Married Women in Sub-saharan Africa: Multilevel Analysis Using Recent Demographic and Health Survey
Authors: Tesema Zemenu Tadesse , Tesema Getayeneh Antehunegn , Boke Moges Muluneh , Akalu Temesgen Yihunie 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Background: Family planning is a low-cost, high-impact public health and development strategy to improve child and maternal health. However, there is a lack of evidence on modern contraceptive use and determinants in sub-Saharan Africa. Hence, this study was aimed at determining the pooled prevalence and determinants of modern contraceptive utilization in Sub-Saharan Africa. Methods: Thirty-six sub-Saharan African countries' demographic and health survey (DHS) data were used for pooled analysis. A total weighted sample of 322,525 married women were included. Cross tabulations and summary statistics were done using STATA version 14 software. The pooled prevalence of modern contraceptive utilization with a 95% Confidence Interval (CI) was reported. Four models were fitted to select the best-fitted model using Likelihood Ratio (LLR) and Deviance test. Finally, the model with the highest LLR and the smallest deviance was selected as a best fitted model. Results: The pooled estimate of modern contraception use in sub–Saharan African countries was 18.36% [95% CI: 18.24, 18.48], with highest in Lesotho (59.79%) and the lowest in Chad (5.04%). The odds of modern contraception utilization among women living in East Africa was (AOR=1.47 (1.40, 1.54)), urban (AOR=1.18 (1.14, 1.24)), women primary and secondary and above educational level (AOR=1.49 (1.44, 1.55)), and (AOR=1.66 (1.58, 1.74)), respectively. Moreover, husband primary (AOR=1.38 (1.33, 1.42)), middle (AOR=1.17, (1.14, 1.21)), rich wealth status (AOR=1.29 (1.25, 1.34)), media exposure (AOR=1.25 (1.22, 1.29)), and postnatal care (PNC) utilization (AOR=1.25 (1.22, 1.29)) had higher odds of modern contraceptive utilization compared with their counter parts. Furthermore, deliver at health facility (AOR=1.74 (1.69, 1.79)) and birth order 2-4 (AOR=1.36 (1.31, 1.41)) had higher odds of modern contraceptive utilization. On the otherhand, women living in Central (AOR=0.23 (0.22, 0.24)), Western regions (AOR=0.46 (0.40, 0.54)), women decided with husband (AOR=0.90 (0.87, 0.93)), and husband alone (AOR=0.73 (0.71, 0.75)) were decreased the odds of modern contraceptive utilization. Conclusion: The uptake of modern contraception in sub-Saharan Africa is low. Modern contraceptive utilization is affected by different factors. More attention need to be given to rural residents, illiterate women, and communities with low wealth status.
Optimization of parameters applied to degradation and mineralization of p-nitrophenol using advanced oxidative processes
Authors: Santolin Vanessa , Tochetto Gabriel André , Dervanoski Adriana , Pasquali Gean Delise Leal 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Advanced oxidative processes are widely used in the degradation of organic compounds. The degradation and mineralization of the PNF was evaluated by means of an experimental factorial design, using photolysis (UV) and photo-peroxidation (UV/H2O2). With the results optimized, degradation kinetics was performed and the experimental data adjusted to mathematical models. In the UV system, it was possible to degrade just over 65% and mineralize 15% over 7 h of reaction; however, with the addition of the oxidizing agent H2O2, it was possible to obtain 100% removal of the contaminant, suggesting that there was no formation of intermediate compounds. Kinetics results fitting the first order model and the velocity constants revealed that degradation is extremely faster in the UV/H2O2 system (k1,UV/H2O2 = 0.0580 min− 1 > k1,UV = 0.0018 min− 1).
Assessment of the morphological trends and sediment dynamics in the Indus River, Pakistan
Authors: Boota Muhammad Waseem , Yan Chaode , Idrees Muhammad Bilal , Li Ziwei , Soomro Shan-e-hyder , Dou Ming , Zohaib Muhammad , Yousaf Ayesha 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
The Lower Indus reaches – Guddu and Sukkur – are among the most complicated areas in terms of reach migration. Both climate change and human activities in recent periods along with pond system operation accelerated riverine channel morphology. A GIS-based approach using multi-temporal Landsat images (1986–2020) was employed to characterize the morphometric parameters. Results showed that width of the study reaches varied from 2.1 to 12 km. The braiding index (BI) value for Guddu reach varied from 3.47 to 7.18, and BI value for Sukkur reach varied from 2.11 to 4.92. It is observed that no erosive activity of banks occurred for peak runoff value of &lt;5,880 m3s−1. The sediment load during low flow (LF) period was estimated to be 0.715 million tons/day which comprised 77% fine sediment and 23% sand. The sediment load during high flood (HF) period was about 1.296 million tons/day. The median size (D50) of bed material during the HF period was 0.101–0.206 mm and during LF period was &lt;0.0625 mm. The rough set theory (RST) showed that velocity, shear stress, slope, runoff, and sediment load factors are major contributors to the river shape changes. This study is a standpoint of planning flood recovery, riverine regulations, and navigation safety.
Relationships between abiotic and biotic variables in a maturation pond and their influence on E. coli removal
Authors: Batista Ana M. M. , do Valle Daniella , Dias Daniel F. C. , Sinischachi Luciene A. B. , Lopes Bruna Coelho , von Sperling Marcos , Figueredo Cleber C. , Rossas Mota-Filho César 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
The effects of depth and climate seasonality on zooplankton, algal biomass, coliforms and Escherichia coli in a small full-scale shallow maturation pond receiving pre-treated domestic wastewater were evaluated during a tropical climatic seasonal cycle. The experiment revealed that the zooplankton community was dominated by rotifers and protozoans, and concentrations were influenced by seasonality. A negative correlation between zooplankton, and pH, dissolved oxygen, temperature and ultraviolet radiation, and chlorophyll-a and Escherichia coli were observed at all depths. The major driving forces influencing Escherichia coli were pH, dissolved oxygen, ultraviolet radiation and the zooplankton. A significant difference between Escherichia coli removal throughout the three different depths were observed. Both bacterial and zooplankton concentrations were greater closer to the bottom of the pond, therefore reinforcing the integral role of solar radiation on bacterial removal. These results give an insight on the dynamics of these groups in pond systems treating domestic wastewater, by correlating the variation of zooplankton with biotic and abiotic variables and seasonal changes in a tropical climate, where few studies have been performed on this topic.
PROFUT: uma análise da estrutura de capital de times brasileiros
Authors: Maia da Rocha Erika , Ícaro Silvério de Oliveira Francisco , Queiroz Souza Valdevino Rosângela 
Published: July 2021

Objetivo: A pesquisa procura verificar a relação existente entre o atendimento aos requisitos pertinentes à adesão e permanência no PROFUT e a situação econômico-financeira de clubes de futebol brasileiros listados no Ranking Nacional de Clubes (RNC).
Metodologia: O estudo foi operacionalizado pelo método dedutivo, tendo abordagem empírica, valendo-se da análise de indivíduos, fatos e consequências pesquisados. Quanto aos procedimentos adotados, a pesquisa é classificada como uma revisão bibliográfica e documental e de abordagem quantitativa. O assunto foi tratado por meio da aplicação de uma averiguação dos pontos da legislação, por meio de um checklist, e da apresentação de indicadores econômico-financeiros: endividamento, liquidez corrente, tangibilidade, tamanho e retorno sobre o patrimônio líquido.
Resultados: Dada a investigação realizada, percebeu-se que, mesmo com as atuais exigências da legislação e critérios de exigibilidade para participação no PROFUT, a adesão ao programa não garante uma melhor situação econômico-financeira, principalmente relacionado aos fatores inerentes a estrutura de capital.
Contribuições do Estudo: O trabalho contribui de forma teórica na produção de uma análise contextualizada sobre as principais pesquisas já existentes e mostra novas explicações do fato estudado com base em diferentes perspectivas. No que diz respeito à contribuição prática, partindo dos principais achados encontrados, e buscando relacionar o nível de comprometimento dos clubes analisados, que aderiram ao PROFUT, com a gestão de sua estrutura de capital, percebeu-se a não existência de uma relação direta entre a adesão a essa modalidade de financiamento e a administração das fontes de capital obtidas.
Formulation Development and In-vitro/Ex-vivo Evaluation for a Polysaccharide-based Colon Targeted Matrix Tablet
Authors: Shaikh Mohsina , Desai Neha , Momin Munira , Bhatt Lokesh Kumar 
Published: July 2021

Objective:
The objective of this study was to develop and optimize a microflora-triggered
colon targeted sustained-release dosage form using Gum Ghatti (GG) and Hydroxypropyl
Methylcellulose (HPMC K100).

Methods:
GG and HPMC K100 were used to prepare microflora triggered colon targeted sustained-
release dosage form. For evaluation, two different tablets comprising metoprolol succinate
and mesalamine as an active ingredient were used with the objective of developing a platform technology
for various categories of drugs. The tablets were coated with Eudragit® L100 and Eudragit®
S100 to provide enteric coating and evaluated for hardness, thickness, friability, weight variation,
disintegration, and drug content. in vitro release studies for the prepared tablets were carried out
mimicking the physiological transit time. Further, the effects of microflora were evaluated using
rat cecal content.

Results:
The in vitro dissolution profile of coated matrix tablets showed that 86.03±0.43% of metoprolol
succinate and 80.26±0.67% of mesalamine were released at the end of 12 h. The ex vivo dissolution
profile of coated matrix tablets showed that 96.50±0.27% of metoprolol succinate and
92.58±0.39% of mesalamine were released at the end of 12 h in the presence of rat ceacal content.
The developed formulation was stable when subjected to the standard ICH stability study conditions.

Conclusion:
The result of this study showed that gum ghatti together with hydroxypropyl methylcellulose
could be successfully used for the preparation of microflora-triggered colon targeted matrix
tablets.
Bioinformatics Analysis Predicts hsa_circ_0026337/miR-197-3p as a Potential Oncogenic
ceRNA Network for Non-Small Cell Lung Cancers
Authors: Zhang Qian , Li Xiaoyue , Kang Lingkai , Li Zhirui , Wen Shimin , Fu Xi 
Published: July 2021

Background:
Circular RNAs (circRNAs) play an essential role in developing tumors, but their role in Non-
Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) is unclear. Thus, the present study explored the possible molecular mechanism of
circRNAs in NSCLC.

Methods:
Three circular RNA (circRNA) microarray datasets were downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus
(GEO) database. Differential expressions of circRNAs (DECs) were identified in NSCLC tissue and compared to adjacent
healthy tissue. The online cancer-specific circRNA database (CSCD) was used for the analysis of the DECs function.
Protein-Protein Interaction (PPI) network, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG), Gene Ontology
(GO), Cytoscape and UALCAN were used to predict the critical nodes and perform patient survival analysis, respectively.
The interaction between the DECs, the predicted miRNAs, and hub genes was also determined. Finally, the
circRNA-miRNA-mRNA network was established.

Results:
The expression of hsa_circ_0049271, hsa_circ_0026337, hsa_circ_0043256, and hsa_circ_0008234 was decreased
in NSCLC tissues. The Encyclopedia of RNA Interactomes (ENCORI) and CSCD database results showed that
hsa_circ_0026337 was found to sponge with miR-1193, miR-197-3p, miR-3605-5p, miR-433-3p and miR-652-3p, and
hsa_circ_0043256 to sponge with miR-1252-5p, miR-494-3p and miR-558, respectively. Subsequently, 100 mRNAs
were predicted to bind with these seven miRNA response elements (MREs). The GO analysis and KEGG pathway
revealed that these 100 MREs might be involved in “histone deacetylase binding” and “cellular senescence.” PPI network
and Cytoscape identified the top ten hub genes. Survival analysis data showed that the low expression of
hsa_circ_0026337 was significantly associated with shortened survival time in NSCLC (P = 0.037), which increased
the expression level of hsa-miR-197-3p, thereby inhibiting the translation of specific proteins.

Conclusion:
This study examined the circRNA-miRNA-mRNA regulatory network associated with NSCLC and explored
the potential functions of DECs in the network to elucidate the mechanisms underlying disease progression in
NSCLC.
Влияние парциального давления кислорода на стехиометрический состав пленок оксида титана в процессе магнетронного нанесения
Authors: Булярский С.В. , Гусаров Г.Г. , Коива Д.А. , Рудаков Г.А. 
Published: July 2021

Представлены результаты экспериментов по синтезу нестехиометрических пленок оксидов титана при различных парциальных давлениях кислорода и мощностях разряда в реакторе при магнетронном распылении, а также результаты их термодинамического анализа. Увеличение парциального давления кислорода и снижение парциального давления титана при синтезе пленок приводит к фазовому переходу монооксида в диоксид титана, структурным изменениям пленки от мелкокристаллической к аморфной, а также изменению соотношения дефектов в материале пленки. Сопротивление пленок при этом растет на порядки своей величины. Теоретически и экспериментально показано, что это связано с изменением стехиометрического со пленок. Ключевые слова: диоксид титана, монооксид титана, парциальное давление кислорода и титана, стехиометрия, фазовый и структурный переход, прыжковая проводимость.
Treatment of overactive bladder symptoms in women with Diunorm®: preliminary results report
Authors: Shkodkin S. V. , Pokrovsky M. V. , Krasnyak S. S. , Polichuk A. V. , Chirkov S. V. , Churikova O. V. , Kpavtsova N. A. 
Published: July 2021

Introduction. Overactive bladder (OAB) with or without urgent incontinence tends to progress with age and occurs in both men and women. However, the frequency of occurrence in the female population averages about 25%.Purpose of the study. To assess the effectiveness and safety of the drug Diunorm® (in caps.) in the prevention and treatment of OAB in women.Materials and methods. The statistical analysis includes the results of a survey of 28 women with symptoms of OAB, whose average age was 35.3 years. The drug Diunorm® was used for treatment in dosage 400 mg QD for 90 days. Patients completed the Overactive Bladder Awareness Tool and a urination diary. Additionally, urinalysis, bacteriological examination of urine, uroflowmetry, bladder ultrasound and cystoscopy were performed.Results. All women throughout the study had negative urine cultures and no pyuria in urinalysis, which excluded an infectious etiology of urinary dysfunction. During therapy, a statistically significant decrease in irritative symptoms was recorded according to the Overactive Bladder Awareness Tool questionnaire. The sum of points after 1 and 3 mo decreased by 3.0 and 4.3 points, respectively (p < 0.05). Positive dynamics in terms of the points' sum was noted in 75%, in relation to nocturia in 82% of patients (p < 0.01). The average urination rate increased from 13.3 ± 0.7 ml/s to 15.1 ± 0.7 ml/s and 15.4 ± 0.5 ml/s after 1.5 and 3 months, respectively (p < 0,0001). A similar trend was observed for maximum urine flow and residual urine volume. The maximum urine flow when taking Diunorm® increased from 15.9 ± 0.6 ml/s to 17.4 ± 0.5 ml/s and 18.1 ± 0.4 ml/s (p < 0.001). Residual urine volume decreased throughout the study. When included in the study, after 1,5 and 3 mo, this indicator was 19.9 ± 1.4; 12.2 ± 1.6 and 6.4 ± 1.1 ml, respectively (p < 0.001).Conclusion. Diunorm® can become a worthy alternative to traditional first-line OAB therapy. Comparative studies are required to obtain a high-level evidence base.
The effectiveness of extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy for lower calyx stones in children
Authors: Klyuka I. V. , Sizonov V. V. , Shaldenko O. A. , Lukash Yu. V. , Chibichyan M. B. , Kogan M. I. 
Published: July 2021

Introduction. According to current clinical guidelines, the use of extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) for lower calyx stones is indicated when their size is less than 1 cm. This is due to the low efficiency and high frequency of repeated procedures for larger stones.Purpose of the study. To examine the results of ESWL usage in the treatment of children with lower calyx stones of various sizes.Materials and methods. ESWL was performed on 33 children with lower calyx stones during 2013 - 2018 yrs. Patients were divided into 2 groups: Group I - 24 (72.7%) patients with primary stones, Group II - 9 (27.3%) patients after ESWL of kidney pelvis stones that migrated to the lower calyx. Both groups are divided into subgroups: a - children with stones less than 1 cm and b - with stones more than 1 cm. ESWL was performed under general anesthesia and ultrasound guidance. In all patients after ESWL we used the inversion technique. The result was considered positive in case of the complete elimination of stones was achieved.Results. After the first ESWL session, stone-free status was achieved in 21/33 (63.6%) patients of all groups, after the second ESWL session in 26/33 (78.8%), after 3 sessions - 30/33 (90.9%). In subgroups Ia and IIa, there were 14/22 (63.6%) children after the first ESWL with complete elimination of calculi, and after subsequent sessions, the success rate was 90.9% (20/22 calculi). After the first ESWL session in subgroups Ib and IIb, complete elimination of stones was achieved in 7/11 (63.6%) children, after repeated sessions in 10/11 (90.9%) children.Conclusions. ESWL demonstrates a high efficiency in the treatment of lower calyx stones less and more than 1 cm, both after the first and third sessions, and in the treatment of primary and residual (migrated) stones.
Temporary urethral stent with perineal fixation for posterior urethral stenosis (preliminary results)
Authors: Kyzlasov P. S. , Mustafaev A. T. , Ostrovsky D. V. , Martov A. G. 
Published: July 2021

Introduction. Urethroplasty is the “gold standard” treatment of urethral stenosis. However, often in connection with old and senile age, as well as due to the presence of concomitant diseases, it is not possible to carry out urethroplasty due to its certain invasiveness. In such cases, one of the methods of treatment is the installation of a urethral stent. But this method has not found practical application due to the frequent migration of stent and the high frequency of its incrustation. The approach developed by us avoids stent migration.Purpose of the study. To evaluate the immediate results of the placement of a urethral stent with fixation through the perineum.Materials and methods. A total of 18 patients with urethral stenosis aged 68 to 84 years have been operated on since February 2019. Ten patients had stenosis of the urethrocystoneoanastomosis after radical prostatectomy, 6 patients had iatrogenic stenosis of the prostatic urethra, 1 patient had post-radiation stenosis of the bulbo-membranous urethra. All patients in the preoperative and postoperative periods underwent: IPSS-QoL questioning, uroflowmetry, bladder ultrasound with residual urine volume evaluation, urethroscopy, ascending and micturition urethrocystography. The first stage was an internal optical urethrotomy according to the standard technique. Then, a urethral stent was installed in the area of dissected stenosis. The second stage was an incision in the perineum, the urethra was isolated, and under optical control, through the perineum, the stent was fixed to the urethra with non-absorbable suture material. The stent was removed endoscopically after 6 months.Results. The median surgery duration averaged 45 minutes. Patients were discharged 2 to 3 days after surgery. The maximum observation period was 20 months. During the observation period, not a single case of stent migration was recorded. All patients showed a persistent increase in Qmax and no residual urine. Six patients had a stress component of urinary incontinence, 4 patients had total urinary incontinence. According to control urethrocystoscopy 6 months after stent removal, clinically insignificant urethral stenosis was noted in all patients. In all cases, moderate signs of stent encrustation were identified. Dysuric phenomena disturbed 5 patients, who were stopped by rectal suppositories with NSAIDs, as well as taking herbal uroseptics. The data from the IPPS-QoL questionnaires confirm the positive effect of the treatment.Conclusions. Temporary placement of a urethral stent for urethral stenosis is an effective minimally invasive treatment. The technique of fixation through the perineum allows preventing migration in all cases. This approach to treatment significantly improves the quality of life of patients who were contraindicated for urethroplasty for one reason or another. However, the technique requires longer observation and analysis.