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Aim of the research is the development of biodegradable polymeric materials based on hydrolyzed proteins, derived from waste products of the leather industry. Particular attention has been devoted to evaluate the application of such biobased materials in the agricultural practice of mulching. Biobased mulching films were generated in situ by low-pressure spraying of polymeric water dispersion on the soil; the mulches were tested in an ornamental cultivation carried out inside a greenhouse. The innovative spray films based on biodegradable components lasted in the field up to 12 months, keeping their mulching effect, thus guarantying weed suppression and preserving soil aggregates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A hammer toe deformity is defined as dorsiflexion at the MTPJ, plantarflexion at the PIPJ and either normal position or dorsiflexion at the DIPJ. A hammer toe, in addition to a sagittal plane deformity, may also have a medial or lateral deviation of the distal phalanx. Hammer toes may cause pain and callus formation. Multiple factors contribute to the development of this deformity, and the prevalence is higher in women and with advanced age. The terms 'hammer toe' and 'clawtoe' have often been interchangeable in the literature. Before surgical treatment, we have to discriminate between flexible/semirigid and rigid hammer toe. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]