bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Assessing the Dynamics of Ecological Footprint in Relation to Economic and Energy Factors: A Comparative Analysis of Finland and Japan
Authors: Oprea Simona-Vasilica , Bâra Adela , Georgescu Irina Alexandra 
Published: September 2024

AbstractThe ecological footprint (EF) has a complex relationship with several key factors, including economic growth, nuclear energy, urban population, and renewables. The scope of this paper is to analyze the effect of renewables (REN), GDP per capita, urbanization (URB), and nuclear energy (NUK) on EF by means of the ARDL model for Finland and Japan. The ARDL long-run estimated coefficients are validated by supplementary tests, such as FMOLS, DOLS, and CCR. While Finland and Japan share similarities in education, technology, and quality of life, they differ significantly in geography, population density, cultural practices, economic structure, and historical backgrounds. The main results indicate that in the long term, REN and NUK exhibit a negative impact on EF, while GDP and URB exhibit a positive impact on EF for Finland. Additionally, REN, URB, and NUK exert a negative impact on EF, while GDP exerts a positive impact on EF for Japan. The ECT of − 1.96 for Finland indicates a very fast and strong correction towards equilibrium in the EF following any short-term disturbances. Furthermore, an ECT of − 1.01 in the ARDL model for Japan indicates a very fast adjustment of the EF to its long-term equilibrium following any short-term disturbances caused by changes in REN, GDP, URB, or NUK. Our research proposes some policy implications for both economies. Its main contributions enhance the understanding of the complex relationships between economic growth, energy sources, urbanization, and environmental impact, providing guidance for sustainable development policies.
Two institutes’ experience in laparoendoscopic “rendezvous” technique for patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy for stones in the gallbladder and bile duct: a prospective randomized comparative clinical trial
Authors: Farid Mohamed , Baz Azza , Ramadan Alaaedin , Elhorbity Mohamed , Amer Ashraf , Arafa Ahmed 
Published: September 2024

AbstractThere is still disagreement on the best treatment option for cholecystocholedocholithiasis. Although there are some benefits to the single-step procedure, the “laparoendoscopic rendezvous” (LERV) technique that include a lower risk of post-ERCP pancreatitis and a shorter hospital stay, the standard technique is still the two-step approach for clearing the common bile duct (CBD) using ERCP and then performing a laparoscopic cholecystectomy. The purpose of this study was to assess the effectiveness and safety of the LERV technique vs. the standard two-step approach. Four hundred thirty-six patients with symptomatized concomitant stones at both the gall bladder (GB) and the (CBD), at two gastroenterology centers in Zagazig city, Egypt, from January 2010 till April 2022, were analyzed. Patients were randomly divided into two equally groups. The overall length of hospital stay was the primary outcome, and the success of CBD clearance and morbidity, particularly post-ERCP pancreatitis, were the secondary endpoints. The LERV group experienced a significantly shorter hospital stay (median 2(2–8) days compared to 4.5 (4–11) days for the two-stage approach (p < 0.001)). The two groups did not differ in terms of CBD clearing success. Also, there was no significant difference in the number of patients with post-ERCP pancreatitis between the LERV group [14 patients (6.4%)] and the two-stage approach [26 patients (11.9%)] with p value = 0.703. For patients with cholecystocholedocholithiasis, the optimal treatment must be determined by the knowledge and resources that are accessible locally. Our data further supported the idea that treating patients with cholecystocholedocholithiasis in one stage is a safe and successful strategy.
Mathematics teachers’ intention to participate in an online community: an investigation using the Theory of Planned Behaviour
Authors: Peddell Lewes , Willis Royce , Lynch David , Markopoulos Christos , Samojlowicz Darius , Yeigh Tony , Forrester Declan 
Published: September 2024

AbstractThis study employs the Theory of Planned Behaviour to investigate mathematics teachers’ beliefs regarding their intention to collaborate regularly in an online community. The central premise is that initiating such a community necessitates an implementation strategy informed by a better understanding of underlying beliefs influencing teachers’ participation intention. Accordingly, this research examines the intention of Australian mathematics teachers (N = 430) to engage in an online community proposed by their peak state-based professional association. Central to this study, participants’ intentions to engage in regular collaboration predominantly ranged from ‘somewhat disagree’ to ‘agree’, with the average rating approaching ‘somewhat agree’, highlighting the need for targeted strategies to increase this intention. A prominent finding was that participants’ attitudes towards regular collaboration were the strongest predictor of their intention to participate. While participants felt somewhat in control of their collaboration behaviour, this perception did not directly influence their intention; instead, it mediated the influence of subjective approval from others and personal attitudes on their intention. Demographic factors and past online community experiences had far less impact on predicting intentions than the Theory of Planned Behaviour beliefs. Notably, the subjective norm related to perceived approval from others was rated the highest, whereas the norm related to others’ actual behaviour received the lowest ratings, reflecting a significant divergence in the perception of social approval versus actual behaviour. These findings culminate in implications for interventions and extend the application of the Theory of Planned Behaviour, enhancing knowledge about factors impacting teachers’ engagement in online communities.
Porphyrinoid macrocycles as potential photosensitizers for photodynamic inhibition of biofilm formation in household water storage systems
Authors: Malomane N. , Mlambo M. , Kuvarega A. T. , Moutloali R. M. , Managa M. 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
The issue of biofilm formation by microorganisms in household water storage systems is a problem that lowers the efficiency of disinfectants. Antimicrobial photodynamic inactivation (aPDI) is a potential alternative to the current water disinfection methods. It employs a photosensitizer agent that inactivates microbes by absorbing light of a specific wavelength in the presence of molecular oxygen. Although aPDI has been proven in literature to have a wide spectrum of action, effective against resistant microbes and biofilms, it has not been approved for real-life applications yet. Therefore, there is an ongoing search for ideal photosensitizers that can produce sufficient reactive oxygen species for efficient inactivation of microbes and disruption of biofilms in household water storage systems. This review summarises the developments that have been made so far with porphyrin-, expanded porphyrin-, corrole-, and boron dipyrromethene-based photosensitizers. First, the issues with the current water disinfection methods are described, and then aPDI is also described as a possible alternative to the current methods. Emphasis is put on the antimicrobial activities and the solid support materials that the porphyrinoid family members have been incorporated into for potential application in the disinfection of household water and limitation of biofilm formation in water storage systems.
Round robin study on the determination of weld geometry parameters - Part A: analysis of a reference specimen
Authors: Jung Matthias , Braun Moritz , Schubnell Jan , Remes Heikki 
Published: September 2024

AbstractThe weld toe is known to be a critical point of fatigue failure in many welded constructions. Especially for research purposes but also for improving fatigue life predictions, the weld toes geometry is often described by a set of parameters, including the weld toe radius and the flank angle. There is no universal agreement on the definition of the geometry parameters as well as on measuring routines. To get an overview over used techniques and comparability between research labs, a comprehensive round robin study was conducted over the past years. Two measuring tasks were given to the participants. Part A: A machined specimen with well known geometry inspired by a cruciform joint was analyzed and the results were compared with the actual dimensions of the specimen. Part B: Welded specimens with unknown geometry were measured by the participants and the results were bench-marked against each other. The present study summarizes the findings of Part A. The study gives an overview over used measuring techniques, the influence of measuring equipment and the comparability of the results in the scientific community. Most of the participants achieved good results with their respective measuring methods for radii larger than 1 mm. Smaller radii tend to be overestimated.
Simulation-based assessment of railhead repair welding process parameters
Authors: Andersson Björn , Steyn Erika , Ekh Magnus , Josefson Lennart 
Published: September 2024

AbstractThis study uses a finite element method based simulation methodology for in-situ railhead repair welding to investigate how welding process parameters impact the repaired rail quality. The methodology includes material modeling with cyclic plasticity, phase transformations, transformation-induced plasticity, and multi-phase homogenization. The weld process modeling includes a 3D heat transfer analysis and a 2D Generalized Plane Strain (GPS) mechanical analysis. The Heat source model used in the thermal simulation is calibrated using measurements from a repair welding experiment. To assess the performance of the repaired rail, mechanical rolling contact simulations are performed to estimate the risk of fatigue crack initiation. The process parameter study is based on the Swedish stick-welding railhead repair procedure and focuses on factors affecting the repair quality, such as preheating and operation temperature conditions as well as variations in repair geometry. Significant findings highlight both the inherent robustness of the process and regions susceptible to parameter variations. Specifically, the powerful final zig-zag weld passes provide effective resilience against variations in additional heating, and the start and end stretches of the repair welding are the most susceptible to parameter variations. Chamfered and deeper cutout repair geometries are found to be effective in mitigating adverse effects. In agreement with field observations, the simulations identify the fusion zone of the base and weld filler material as the critical region of the repaired rail in operation. This is attributed to the integrated effects of unfavorable microstructures, longitudinal tensile residual stresses from repair welding, and tensile stresses during operational traffic loads.
The Effect of Exercise Training on Blood Lipids: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Smart Neil A. , Downes David , van der Touw Tom , Hada Swastika , Dieberg Gudrun , Pearson Melissa J. , Wolden Mitchell , King Nicola , Goodman Stephen P. J. 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Background
Dyslipidemia is a primary risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD). Exercise training (EXTr) improves some lipid markers but not others; the literature is dated and analyses may be underpowered.

Objectives
To clarify which lipid markers are altered with ExTr and establish if information size had yet reached futility.

Methods
We conducted a systematic review/meta-analysis, with meta-regression, to establish expected effect size in lipid profile with aerobic (AT), resistance (RT) and combined (CT = AT + RT) ExTr. We conducted trial sequence analysis (TSA) to control for type I and II error and establish if information size had reached futility.

Results
We included 148 relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of ExTr, with 227 intervention groups, total 8673 participants; exercise 5273, sedentary control 3400. Total cholesterol (TC) MD – 5.90 mg/dL (95% confidence interval (CI) – 8.14, – 3.65), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL) 2.11 (95% CI 1.43, 2.79), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL) – 7.22 (95% CI – 9.08, – 5.35), triglycerides – 8.01 (95% CI – 10.45, – 5.58) and very low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (VLDL) – 3.85 (95% CI – 5.49, – 2.22) all showed significant but modest 3.5–11.7%, improvements following ExTr. TSA indicated all analyses exceeded minimum information size to reach futility. CT was optimal for dyslipidemia management. Meta-regression showed every extra weekly aerobic session reduced TC – 7.68 mg/dL and for every extra week of training by – 0.5 mg/dL. Each minute of session time produced an additional 2.11 mg/dL HDL increase.

Conclusion
TSA analysis revealed sufficient data exist to confirm ExTr will improve all five lipid outcomes. CT is optimal for lipid management. The modest effect observed may moderate dyslipidemia medication for primary prevention. Prediction intervals suggest TC, HDL, LDL and TGD are only improved in one-quarter of studies.
Development of Quantitative Norms for Normal Lung Uptake Based on Three-Dimensional Gallium-67 Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography/Computed Tomography
Authors: Chuang Tzyy-Ling , Li Wei-Lin , Hs Yu-Ching , Chen Jyh-Cheng , Wang Yuh-Feng 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Purpose
Gallium-67 (Ga-67) lung scans assess alveolitis and interstitial lung disease, with Ga-67 accumulation correlating with inflammation intensity as seen in lung biopsy sections. Both semi-quantitative and quantitative methods have been used, with the latter providing an inflammatory activity index linked to lung lavage and histopathological scores. However, differing reference points result in varying outcomes. This study aimed to establish standard Ga-67 index parameters using semi-quantitative analysis and a linear regression model based on planar and SPECT/CT images.

Methods
Twenty subjects without lung disease received a 5–6 mCi Ga-67 injection via the ankle. Both planar and SPECT/CT images were analyzed, with semi-quantitative values assessed using GraphPad Prism 9.5.1.

Results
Compared to planar images, SPECT/CT acquisitions for the lung-to-arm uptake ratio proved the most reliable indicator for assessing lung inflammation. Increased lung Ga-67 uptake was defined as greater than 2 standard deviations from the average Ga-67 uptake for healthy subjects. The normal range was 0.065 ± 0.049 for the right side and 0.076 ± 0.070 for the left side.

Conclusion
Lung-to-arm ratios in SPECT/CT images are more accurate than those in planar images. This method should be adopted as a standard clinical practice, providing more reliable diagnostic information and improving patient management. Future studies should compare patients without lung disease to those with lung disease to determine the diagnostic benefit of these norms.
Angst im Klimakterium: Ein Vergleich von Hormonersatz- und Psychotherapie
Authors: Kränzlin Salome 
Published: September 2024

ZusammenfassungFrauen verbringen etwa ein Drittel ihres Lebens in der Peri- und Postmenopause, einer Phase, in der sie anfälliger für kognitive, körperliche und psychiatrische Erkrankungen, einschliesslich Angst, sind. Diese Arbeit konzentriert sich auf die Angstsymptome, die ein bedeutendes Symptom des klimakterischen Syndroms darstellen und die Lebensqualität erheblich beeinträchtigen. Obwohl Angst in der Perimenopause oft nicht die formalen Kriterien einer Angststörung erfüllt, kann sie dennoch belastend und einschränkend sein. Die Pathophysiologie von Angstsymptomen während der Menopause ist komplex und umfasst hormonelle Veränderungen, die neuroanatomische und genetische Faktoren beeinflussen. Die Hormonersatztherapie (HRT) ist die erste Wahl bei der Behandlung des klimakterischen Syndroms, zeigt jedoch gemischte Ergebnisse in Bezug auf die Linderung von Angstsymptomen. Alternativ wird die kognitive Verhaltenstherapie (KVT) als psychotherapeutische Intervention mit hoher Evidenz empfohlen. Trotz umfassender Recherche wurden keine Studien gefunden, welche die HRT direkt mit der KVT bei Angstsymptomen in der Menopause vergleichen, dies zeigt eine Forschungslücke auf. Zukünftige Studien sollten sich auf den direkten Vergleich dieser Behandlungsansätze konzentrieren, um evidenzbasierte Strategien zur Verbesserung der Lebensqualität betroffener Frauen zu entwickeln.
Prevalence of rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases (RMDs) in nursing home residents: a systematic literature review
Authors: Austen Shennah , Kamps Iris , Boonen Annelies E. R. C. H. , Schols Jos M. G. A. , van Onna Marloes G. B. 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Purpose
The objective of this systematic literature review was to: (1) estimate the prevalence of (symptoms of) rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases (RMDs) and (2) explore how (symptoms of) RMDs are identified and documented in studies among nursing home residents.

Methods
Prevalence data of (symptoms of) RMDs in permanently admitted nursing home residents ≥ 60 years were included. Data extraction, data synthesis and risk of bias assessment were performed by two reviewers independently. Included studies were categorized based on case ascertainment and case definition comprising: (location of) musculoskeletal pain, general terms for RMDs or a specific type of RMD. Results were summarized descriptively.

Results
Out of 6900 records, 53 studies were included. Case ascertainment comprised databases (n = 5), physical examination (n = 1), self-report questionnaires (n = 14), review of medical charts (n = 23) and self-report questionnaires combined with review of medical charts (n = 10). Prevalence ranged between 0.9 and 77.0% for (localized) musculoskeletal pain (n = 19) and between 0.6 and 67.5% for RMDs in general (n = 39). Prevalence rates of specific type of RMDs ranged between 0.7 and 47.5% for gout, between 3.3 and 11.0% for rheumatoid arthritis and between 2.8 and 75.4% for osteo-arthritis (n = 14). Heterogeneity with regard to documentation of (symptoms of) RMDs in medical data of nursing home residents was high.

Conclusion
The overall prevalence of (symptoms of) RMDs varied to a great extent. This was mainly due to large heterogeneity in documentation of (symptoms of) RMDs. Establishing agreement on a useful and practical classification may ultimately increase identification of RMDs in the nursing home setting.
Perspective in the Mechanisms for Repairing Sperm DNA Damage
Authors: Li Nihong , Wang Hong , zou Siying , Yu Xujun , Li Junjun 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
DNA damage in spermatozoa is a major cause of male infertility. It is also associated with adverse reproductive outcomes (including reduced fertilization rates, embryo quality and pregnancy rates, and higher rates of spontaneous miscarriage). The damage to sperm DNA occurs during the production and maturation of spermatozoa, as well as during their transit through the male reproductive tract. DNA damage repair typically occurs during spermatogenesis, oocytes after fertilization, and early embryonic development stages. The known mechanisms of sperm DNA repair mainly include nucleotide excision repair (NER), base excision repair (BER), mismatch repair (MMR), and double-strand break repair (DSBR). The most severe type of sperm DNA damage is double-strand break, and it will be repaired by DSBR, including homologous recombination (HR), classical non-homologous end joining (cNHEJ), alternative end joining (aEJ), and single-strand annealing (SSA). However, the precise mechanisms of DNA repair in spermatozoa remain incompletely understood. DNA repair-associated proteins are of great value in the repair of sperm DNA. Several repair-related proteins have been identified as playing critical roles in condensing chromatin, regulating transcription, repairing DNA damage, and regulating the cell cycle. It is noteworthy that XRCC4-like factor (XLF) and paralog of XRCC4 and XLF (PAXX) -mediated dimerization promote the processing of populated ends for cNHEJ repair, which suggests that XLF and PAXX have potential value in the mechanism of sperm DNA repair. This review summarizes the classic and potential repair mechanisms of sperm DNA damage, aiming to provide a perspective for further research on DNA damage repair mechanisms.
Why don’t former female athletes have kids? Exploring career and post-career paths in elite sport in Switzerland
Authors: Longchamp Philippe , Braizaz Marion , Tawfik Amal , Toffel Kevin 
Published: September 2024

AbstractFemale elite athletes are less likely than male elite athletes to have children during their careers, in part because of the difficulty of balancing motherhood and elite sports. Does this childlessness gap disappear or persist in the post-career period? What factors determine the childlessness of former athletes? The article presents the results of a quantitative cross-sectional study of 1255 former elite athletes who participated in at least one national competition in their discipline and reside in Switzerland. The results indicate that women are more likely than men to remain childless in the post-career years, and that they are also more likely than women in the general population to remain childless. The analyses point to the importance of the gendered orientation of sport socialization (for instance, essentialist representations, valorization of masculinity) in understanding ex-athletes’ relationship to parenthood and in explaining their childlessness. Examining the phenomenon of childlessness reveals that socialization of athletes in gendered sport leaves traces on their representations and practices that are visible even after their careers have ended. In particular, women who have experienced the most inverted gender socialization by playing a male sport have the highest rate of childlessness.
Circular Makerspaces as Alternative Employment Platforms for Circular Jobs
Authors: Coskun Aykut , Hofgärtner Rosa , Metta Julie , Schmidt Alessandra , Tsolakis Apostolos C. 
Published: September 2024

AbstractTransitioning towards a circular economy requires holistic consideration encompassing environmental, economic, and social dimensions. This perspective paper explores circular makerspaces as innovative platforms for fostering social integration and creating employment opportunities within the circular economy, as makerspaces can offer a more inclusive alternative to traditional employment platforms. They have the potential to unveil unrecognised talents, bridge access to under-utilised human capital, and act as pivotal conduits to a decent and inclusive circular labour force. Drawing insights from the European Horizon 2020 project: Pop-Machina, this perspective paper emphasizes the importance of collaborative efforts among policymakers, practitioners, and researchers to unlock the full transformative potential of circular makerspaces. By prioritizing the social aspect of sustainability and leveraging the network of circular makerspaces, circular makerspaces can unlock unexplored human capital, provide employment opportunities and cultivate inclusive, sustainable communities, while highlighting their potential for societal empowerment and innovation. Finally, this perspective paper underscores the need for ongoing research and collaboration to comprehensively understand and evaluate the role of circular makerspaces in the inclusive circular labour market, ensuring that the social dimension remains central to sustainable development endeavours and informing effective policy making.