bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Efficacy and safety of autologous adipose-derived stromal vascular fraction enriched with platelet-rich plasma in flap repair of transsphincteric cryptoglandular fistulas
Authors: Schouten W. R. , Arkenbosch J. H. C. , van der Woude C. J. , de Vries A. C. , Stevens H. P. , Fuhler G. M. , Dwarkasing R. S. , van Ruler O. , de Graaf E. J. R. 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Background
Transanal advancement flap repair of transsphincteric fistulas is a sphincter-preserving procedure, which frequently fails, probably due to ongoing inflammation in the remaining fistula tract. Adipose-derived stromal vascular fraction (SVF) has immunomodulatory properties promoting wound healing and suppressing inflammation. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) reinforces this biological effect. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of autologous adipose-derived SVF enriched with PRP in flap repair of transsphincteric cryptoglandular fistulas.

Methods
A prospective cohort study was conducted including consecutive patients with transsphincteric cryptoglandular fistula in a tertiary referral center. During flap repair, SVF was obtained by lipoharvesting and mechanical fractionation of adipose tissue and combined with PRP was injected around the internal opening and into the fistulous wall. Endpoints were fistula healing at clinical examination and fistula closure on postoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Adverse events were documented.

Results
Forty-five patients with transsphincteric cryptoglandular fistula were included (29 males, median age 44 years [range 36–53 years]). In the total study population, primary fistula healing was observed in 38 patients (84%). Among the 42 patients with intestinal continuity at time of surgery, primary fistula healing was observed in 35 patients (84%). In one patient, the fistula recurred, resulting in a long-term healing rate of 82%. MRI, performed in 37 patients, revealed complete closure of the fistula tract in 33 (89.2%). In the other patients, the tract was almost completely obliterated by scar tissue. During follow-up, none of these patients showed clinical signs of recurrence. The postoperative course was uneventful, except for three cases; venous thromboembolism in one patient and bleeding under the flap, necessitating intervention in two patients.

Conclusions
Addition of autologous SVF enriched with PRP during flap repair is feasible, safe and might improve outcomes in patients with a transsphincteric cryptoglandular fistula.

Trial registration
Dutch Trial Register, Trial Number: NL8416, https://www.trialregister.nl/
National and subnational outcomes of waste management policies for 1718 municipalities in Japan: development of a bottom-up waste flow model and its application to a declining population through 2030
Authors: Inaba Rokuta , Tasaki Tomohiro , Kawai Kosuke , Nakanishi Shotaro , Yokoo Yusuke , Takagi Shigesada 
Published: October 2021

AbstractJapan has been promoting 3R (reduce, reuse, and recycle) policies for several decades, but the recycling rate of the whole country has leveled off, and more effective policies are needed. At the same time, municipalities have been implementing measures for municipal waste management considering their specific regional conditions, but the relationship between the municipalities’ policy inputs and national policy output is unclear, which causes difficulties in setting national targets and identifying effective policies. We, therefore, developed the Municipal Input and National Output Waste (MINOWA) model, which represents the municipal waste flows of all 1718 municipalities in Japan. The model enables users to establish various 3R measures at the municipal level and estimate their effects at the national level. Using the model, we estimated the flows under business-as-usual (BaU) and additional-measure scenarios that extended the use of conventional policies to 2030. The results revealed differences in the policy effects between areas with different populations. In addition, the results showed that the extension of conventional measures will be insufficient to achieve national goals. The developed model links municipal policies, regional characteristics, and national policy and goal-setting in an integrated framework, and supports ways to find more effective policies.
Gender Equality and the COVID-19 Pandemic: Labour Market, Family Relationships and Public Policy
Authors: Profeta Paola 
Published: October 2021

AbstractDuring the recovery, investing in gender equality is essential: it will lead directly to higher GDP and indirectly to increase human capital and promote a sustainable society.Or Women as economic agents may themselves have an impact on policies: the changing role of women in families and societies and their greater representation in decision making positions contribute to focusing and redirecting the policy agenda toward items that ultimately reduce gender gaps.
Effect of pectin extraction method on properties of cellulose nanofibers isolated from sugar beet pulp
Authors: Hassan Mohammad L. , Berglund Linn , Abou Elseoud Wafaa S. , Hassan Enas A. , Oksman Kristiina 
Published: October 2021

AbstractIn this study, the effect of pectin extraction method on the properties of cellulose nanofibers (CNFs) isolated from sugar beet pulp (SBP) was studied. Pectin was extracted by the industrially practiced method by sulfuric acid hydrolysis or by enzymatic hydrolysis using a cellulase/xylanase enzymes mixture. The CNFs were then isolated by high-pressure homogenization and investigated in terms of their chemical composition, crystallinity, size, degree of polymerization, and re-dispersion in water after freeze-drying. The mechanical properties and surface characteristics of CNF films were also studied. The results showed that fibrillation of the de-pectinated SBP was more efficient for the acid hydrolyzed SBP. CNFs from the acid-hydrolyzed SBP had a slightly wider diameter, higher crystallinity, viscosity, and α-cellulose content but a lower degree of polymerization than CNFs from the enzyme-hydrolyzed SBP. Owing to the presence of more residual hemicelluloses in the CNFs from the enzyme-hydrolyzed SBP, the CNFs had higher re-dispersion ability in water. CNF films from enzyme-hydrolyzed SBP displayed slightly better mechanical properties and higher water contact angle than acid-hydrolyzed CNF films.
Graphic abstract
Effects of gamma irradiation on instream leaf litter decomposition
Authors: Boyero Luz , López-Rojo Naiara , Pérez Javier , Tonin Alan M. , Correa-Araneda Francisco , Davis Aaron , Pearson Richard G. 
Published: October 2021

AbstractLeaf litter decomposition is a key process in stream ecosystems, the rates of which can vary with changes in litter quality or its colonization by microorganisms. Decomposition in streams is increasingly used to compare ecosystem functioning globally, often requiring the distribution of litter across countries. It is important to understand whether litter sterilization, which is required by some countries, can alter the rates of decomposition and associated processes. We examined whether litter sterilization with gamma irradiation (25 kGy) influenced decomposition rates, litter stoichiometry, and colonization by invertebrates after weeks of instream incubation within coarse-mesh and fine-mesh litterbags. We used nine plant species from three families that varied widely in litter chemistry but found mostly consistent responses, with no differences in decomposition rates or numbers of invertebrates found at the end of the incubation period. However, litter stoichiometry differed between irradiated and control litter, with greater nutrient losses (mostly phosphorus) in the former. Therefore, the effects of irradiation on litter chemistry should be taken into account in studies focused on stoichiometry but not necessarily in those focused on decomposition rates, at least within the experimental timescale considered here.
Design of Classroom Discussions and the Role of the Expert in Fostering an Effective and Aware Use of Examples as a Means of Argumentation
Authors: Cusi Annalisa , Olsher Shai 
Published: October 2021

AbstractTasks that require students to construct examples that meet certain constraints are frequently used in mathematics education. Although examples do not serve as proofs for general statements, they have a supporting role in the preliminary stages of making sense of a certain mathematical phenomenon as well as in the development of argumentation. We hypothesize that examples of the limit-confirming type could also support the initiation of arguments for refuting an existential claim. Although students may be able to construct this type of example, they rarely use it effectively in their argumentation. In this qualitative study, we analyze how teachers could scaffold students’ awareness of the potential role of limit-confirming examples as tools for supporting argumentative processes and reflections on methods of construction of effective examples. We analyzed teacher’s actions to explain and generalize this process by identifying and categorizing key moments that could characterize an approach fostering students’ aware and effective use of examples to develop argumentations.
Pioneer teachers: How far can individual teachers achieve agency within curriculum development?
Authors: Kneen Judith , Breeze Thomas , Thayer Emma , John Vivienne , Davies-Barnes Sian 
Published: October 2021

AbstractEducation reform requires the commitment and investment of teachers if it is to succeed. Recognising the importance of teacher engagement, some countries have made teacher agency a feature of their curricula. Wales has embraced the notion of teacher agency within the building of its new curriculum by creating a body of Pioneer teachers to shape its new curriculum framework. This paper considers the nature of teacher agency experienced by a group of these Pioneers working on the expressive arts area of the curriculum. It does so through an exploration of the ecological nature of teacher agency, as theorised by Emirbayer and Mische (1998), and it considers agency through a framework of different levels: the micro-level focuses on the individuals and their personal contributions; the macro-level considers Pioneers’ work at national level, liaising with teachers from across the country and taking responsibilityfor creating the curriculum; the meso-level refers to where the two former levels come together, i.e. the Pioneers’ work within their own institution, trialling the new curriculum. The evidence indicates that teacher agency was easier to achieve at micro-level and macro-level, than at meso-level. This paper suggests, therefore, that achieving teacher agency at institutional level is more complex and challenging than is the case at the other levels. Greater understanding and attention are, therefore, needed about how to achieve teacher agency in teachers’ different spheres of work, particularly when working at institutional level.
Socio-Demographic Factors, Gambling Behaviour, and the Level of Gambling Expenditure: A Population-Based Study
Authors: Grönroos Tanja , Kouvonen Anne , Kontto Jukka , Salonen Anne H. 
Published: October 2021

AbstractThe aim of this study was to examine the relationship between socio-demographic factors, gambling behaviour, and the level of gambling expenditure. The data were drawn from the population-based Gambling Harms Survey 2016 and 2017 conducted in Finland. The data were linked to register-based variables. Past-year gamblers were included (Wave 1; n = 5 805, both Waves; n = 2 165). The study showed that of the 4.2 % of gamblers that produced 50.0 % of the total GE in 2016, 33.1 % of the GE was produced by those with a gambling problem and 43.3 % by those with at-risk gambling pattern. Compared to gamblers in the lowest GE group, those in the highest GE group were more likely to be men, aged 25 or older, with upper secondary education, have a high income, be on disability pension or sickness allowance, be frequent gamblers, gambling at least six game types, and showing at-risk and problem gambling patterns. Cumulative weekly GE by income tertiles remained fairly stable between the years. The results suggest that GE is highly concentrated. Among the small group of high-intensity consumers, the majority of the revenue comes from at-risk and problem gambling. Participants in the low GE group differ from those in the intermediate and high GE groups in terms of socio-demographics and gambling behaviour.
Drying of fibrous roots strengthens the negative power relation between biomechanical properties and diameter
Authors: Ekeoma E. C. , Boldrin D. , Loades K. W. , Bengough A. G. 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Aims
Test the effects of root drying on biomechanical properties of fibrous roots.

Methods
Tensile strength and Young’s modulus of Festuca arundinacea roots were tested after full hydration and during progressive drying. Root diameter, water loss, and water content were measured for all treatments.

Results
Hydrated roots showed weak relations between biomechanical properties and diameter. After only 30 min air-drying, both tensile strength and Young’s modulus increased significantly in thin roots (< 1 mm) and after 60 min drying, both strength and Young’s modulus showed a negative power relation with root diameter. The maximum strength and Young’s modulus values recorded after 60 min drying were respectively three- and four-times greater than in hydrated roots. Strength and Young’s modulus increased rapidly when water content dropped below 0.70 g g−1. These biomechanical changes were the result of root diameter shrinkage of up to 50% after 60 min drying, driven by water loss of up to 0.7 g g−1.

Conclusions
Strength and Young’s modulus largely increased with root drying. We suggest controlling root moisture and testing fully hydrated roots as standard protocol, given that slope instability is generally caused by heavy rainfall events and loss of matric suction.
Entwicklung und Evaluation der Anstrengungsskala Sport
Authors: Büsch Dirk , Utesch Till , Marschall Franz 
Published: October 2021

ZusammenfassungAufgrund ihrer Einfachheit und Nutzerfreundlichkeit wird für die Erfassung der subjektiven Beanspruchungswahrnehmung in Training und Wettkampf bevorzugt die Category Ratio Scale (CR10-Skala) oder eine daran angelehnte Ein-Item-Skala eingesetzt. Die CR10-Skala stellt eine nicht-lineare, leicht positiv beschleunigte Funktion bezogen auf die Beanspruchung dar, die in der autorisierten deutschen Fassung mit „Anstrengungsempfinden“ übersetzt wird. Allerdings ist festzuhalten, dass die existierenden Skalen keine vollständigen Stufenbezeichnungen beinhalten und/oder die Stufenbezeichnungen Überschneidungen mit verwandten Konstrukten, z. B. Ermüdung zulassen. Die Anstrengungsskala Sport (ASS) zeichnet sich demgegenüber durch vollständige Stufenbezeichnungen und begriffliche Klarheit mit der komparativen Deklination des Adjektivs anstrengend aus. Auf der Grundlage einer rationalen Konstruktionsstrategie sowie einer systematischen Item-Analyse kann gezeigt werden, dass die Voraussetzungen für die Verwendung der ASS als Verhältnisskala gegeben sind, die eine zuverlässige und inhaltlich eindeutige Messung der Anstrengung gestattet.
Perforation location optimization through 1-D mechanical earth model for high-pressure deep formations
Authors: Al-Ameri Nagham Jasim 
Published: October 2021

AbstractOptimum perforation location selection is an important study to improve well production and hence in the reservoir development process, especially for unconventional high-pressure formations such as the formations under study. Reservoir geomechanics is one of the key factors to find optimal perforation location. This study aims to detect optimum perforation location by investigating the changes in geomechanical properties and wellbore stress for high-pressure formations and studying the difference in different stress type behaviors between normal and abnormal formations. The calculations are achieved by building one-dimensional mechanical earth model using the data of four deep abnormal wells located in Southern Iraqi oil fields. The magnitude of different stress types and geomechanical properties was estimated from well-log data using the Techlog software. The directions of the horizontal stresses are determined in the current wells utilizing image-log formation micro-imager (FMI) and caliper logs. The results in terms of rock mechanical properties showed a reduction in Poisson’s ratio, Young modulus, and bulk modulus near the high-pressure zones as compared to normal pressure zones because of the presence of anhydrite, salt cycles, and shales. Low maximum and minimum horizontal stress values are also observed in high-pressure zones as compared to normal pressure zones indicating the effects of geomechanical properties on horizontal stress estimation. Around the wellbore of the studied wells, formation breakouts are the most expected situation according to the results of the wellbore stress state (effective vertical stress (σzz) > effective tangential stress (σθθ) > effective radial stress (σrr)).
On the power of P systems with active membranes using weak non-elementary membrane division
Authors: Gazdag Zsolt , Hajagos Károly , Iván Szabolcs 
Published: October 2021

AbstractIt is known that polarizationless P systems with active membranes can solve $$\mathrm {PSPACE}$$
PSPACE
-complete problems in polynomial time without using in-communication rules but using the classical (also called strong) non-elementary membrane division rules. In this paper, we show that this holds also when in-communication rules are allowed but strong non-elementary division rules are replaced with weak non-elementary division rules, a type of rule which is an extension of elementary membrane divisions to non-elementary membranes. Since it is known that without in-communication rules, these P systems can solve in polynomial time only problems in $$\mathrm {P}^{\text {NP}}$$

P

NP

, our result proves that these rules serve as a borderline between $$\mathrm {P}^{\text {NP}}$$

P

NP

and $$\mathrm {PSPACE}$$
PSPACE
concerning the computational power of these P systems.
Kongenitaler Hyperinsulinismus
Authors: Rami‑Merhar Birgit 
Published: October 2021

ZusammenfassungDer kongenitale Hyperinsulinismus (KHI) ist die häufigste Ursache persistierender Hypoglykämien im Säuglings- und Kindesalter; darunter präsentiert sich eine heterogene Gruppe von klinisch, genetisch und histologisch unterschiedlichen Erkrankungen. Charakterisiert ist der KHI durch eine überschießende Ausschüttung von Insulin und das Auftreten von Hypoglykämien, die unbehandelt zu schweren irreversiblen neurokognitiven Defiziten führen, daher ist eine rasche Diagnose und Behandlung essenziell. In den letzten Jahren gab es viele neue Erkenntnisse im Bereich der Genetik, Diagnostik und Therapie.
Variable-Drift Diffusion Models of Pedestrian Road-Crossing Decisions
Authors: Pekkanen Jami , Giles Oscar Terence , Lee Yee Mun , Madigan Ruth , Daimon Tatsuru , Merat Natasha , Markkula Gustav 
Published: October 2021

AbstractHuman behavior and interaction in road traffic is highly complex, with many open scientific questions of high applied importance, not least in relation to recent development efforts toward automated vehicles. In parallel, recent decades have seen major advances in cognitive neuroscience models of human decision-making, but these models have mainly been applied to simplified laboratory tasks. Here, we demonstrate how variable-drift extensions of drift diffusion (or evidence accumulation) models of decision-making can be adapted to the mundane yet non-trivial scenario of a pedestrian deciding if and when to cross a road with oncoming vehicle traffic. Our variable-drift diffusion models provide a mechanistic account of pedestrian road-crossing decisions, and how these are impacted by a variety of sensory cues: time and distance gaps in oncoming vehicle traffic, vehicle deceleration implicitly signaling intent to yield, as well as explicit communication of such yielding intentions. We conclude that variable-drift diffusion models not only hold great promise as mechanistic models of complex real-world decisions, but that they can also serve as applied tools for improving road traffic safety and efficiency.
Zirconia-Intercalated Kaolinite: Synthesis, Characterization, and Evaluation of Metal-Ion Removal Activity
Authors: Abou-El-Sherbini Khaled S. , Wahba Mohammed A. , Drweesh Elsayed A. , Akarish Adel I. M. , Shaban Seham A. , Elzahany Eman A. M. 
Published: October 2021

AbstractThe intercalation of kaolinite through the insertion of ions or molecules amongst the structural aluminosilicate layers is a vital process in numerous clay-based applications and products. Layer neutrality and hydrogen bonding limits direct intercalation into kaolinite, other than for small molecules. Synthesizing zirconia-intercalated kaolinite is not a straightforward matter. To overcome this barrier, raw Egyptian kaolin (UnK) or its acid-activated product (HK) was sonicated and impregnated in aqueous ZrOCl2·8H2O solution followed by thermal treatment at various temperatures (100, 200, 300, and 500°C). The intercalation process was confirmed using various spectroscopic and analytical techniques. The direct intercalation of ZrO2 into the kaolinite layers was observed even through a mild thermal treatment (100, 200, and 300°C). The mechanism of intercalation was suggested to occur by binding ZrO2 to the Si/AlO groups with a preference for the acid-activated HK, causing variable enlargements of the basal spacing and producing very perturbed layers. Interestingly, the surface area increased by 250% as a result of zirconia intercalation. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images showed a remarkable improvement in the stacking order of the kaolinite particles. The impact of ZrO2 intercalation into kaolinite also enhanced its adsorption efficiency for Pb2+, Cu2+, and Cd2+ ions. Preliminary investigations showed that the zirconia-intercalated HK demonstrated a removal efficiency, which is three times greater than that of pristine HK. The adsorption tendency toward Pb2+ ions was greater than those of Cu2+ and Cd2+ and followed the order: Pb2+ >> Cu2+ > Cd2+. The study suggests that the chemical modification of kaolin by zirconia via a direct intercalation technique, which greatly improves its functionality as demonstrated by the selective sorption of heavy metal ions, is worthy of further study.