bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Identifying transitions in corporate sustainability reporting: a content analysis of JSE/FTSE multinational sustainability reports from 2016 to 2021
Authors: Kassier Liesel 
Published: July 2024

AbstractThe dominant practice governing sustainability reporting in the private sector is that of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) or Environmental Social Governance (ESG) reporting. CSR has its roots in philanthropy and charitable initiatives, while ESG aims to integrate environmental, social, and governance factors into business practices and decision-making. This paper analyses the transition in sustainability worldviews revealed in corporate sustainability reporting from 2016 to 2021. It uses a longitudinal content analysis methodology applied to a sample of ten multinational companies listed on the South African JSE/FTSE top 40 index. The period for the longitudinal study is framed from when the companies started reporting on ESG. The JSE/FTSE was chosen as the companies listed in the top 40 represent 80% of the value on the JSE (JSE 2020). The qualitative content analysis makes use of the five stages of corporate sustainability model to position companies’ sustainability reports within these five stages (Landrum & Ohsowski, 2018a). The key finding of this paper is that multinational companies have been slow to transition their sustainability reporting practices. The current reports reflect a business-as-usual mindset that is driven by compliance with reporting regulations. There is an absence of reporting that reflects a view of embedding business operations within bounded science-based ecological and social environments.
Medical and nursing interventions influence a caregiver’s willingness to continue home hemodialysis: a multicenter cross-sectional survey
Authors: Kuroda Saori , Yabe Hiroki , Nagata Arisa , Imoto Chiaki , Oida Miwa , Kadoshima Yoko , Fudoji Miki , Miyashita Yoshiko , Nakai Shigeru , Masakane Ikuto 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Background
In Japan, home hemodialysis (HHD) has several benefits, including a favorable prognosis, enhanced quality of life (QOL) of patients, and cost-effectiveness. However, the caregiver’s burden in assisting patients on HHD is significant, which influences their decision to continue HHD. This study focused on the relationship between medical and nursing interventions, caregiver resolve to continue HHD, and caregiver quality of life, aiming to create support strategies for caregivers.

Methods
A multicenter cross-sectional survey was conducted on caregivers of patients on HHD from 150 HHD facilities in Japan. The caregiver’s intent to continue HHD was assessed using a four-tier response scale that evaluated aspects such as caregiver–healthcare provider meetings, caregiver breaks, treatment discussions, difficulty in HHD initiation, and post-initiation medical support. Caregiver QOL was evaluated using the Short-form Health Survey, eight domains (SF-8). Statistical analysis involved χ-squared tests, independent t-tests, and propensity score matching.

Results
The study achieved a caregiver participation rate of 55.6%. Results indicated that caregivers who were inclined to continue HHD were significantly more likely to receive respite outpatient dialysis and had a better understanding of HHD mechanics as explained by healthcare professionals; however, propensity score matching revealed limited generalizability. There was no significant difference in the SF-8 scores before and after propensity score matching among the groups.

Conclusions
This study highlights that there are a small number of caregivers who have little motivation to continue HHD and emphasizes the crucial role of support from healthcare professionals. Comprehensive support, including respite dialysis and detailed HHD information, may affect HHD sustainability.
Which learning techniques supported by cognitive research do students use at secondary school? Prevalence and associations with students’ beliefs and achievement
Authors: Ruiz-Martín Héctor , Blanco Fernando , Ferrero Marta 
Published: July 2024

AbstractResearch in cognitive science has highlighted the effectiveness of several learning techniques, and a number of studies have analyzed their prevalence among university students and their relationship with academic achievement. In this study, we surveyed a large, heterogeneous sample of secondary school students to reveal how often they use research-supported techniques in comparison with other frequent techniques, and we analyzed the association between their study strategies and school achievement. We also assessed the associations between study techniques and several students’ beliefs and attitudes toward learning (self-efficacy, goal orientation, control beliefs, growth mindset, and examination anxiety). Results showed that, except for distributed practice, only those techniques that are supported by previous research yielded an association with achievement, and they exhibited higher associations with self-efficacy, growth mindset, control beliefs, and learning goal orientation than non-supported techniques.
Morphologic and phylogenetic investigations revealed size-divergent clades in chelae morphotypes of freshwater prawn Macrobrachium vollenhovenii Herklots (Decapoda: Palaemonidae) in a lake and river system of Southwest Nigeria
Authors: Oyebola Oyediran Olusegun. , Coker Oluwakayode Michael , Oche Charity , Akanmu Olumuyiwa Ayodeji , Alamu Oluwatoyin , Azuh Victor Okechukwu , Idowu Christy Funmilayo 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Background
The freshwater prawn Macrobrachium vollenhovenii is one of the largest Macrobrachium species, a biological agent against human schistosomiasis, and a cheap protein source in riverine communities in West Africa. However, its aquaculture development for sustainable utilization is challenged by cryptic identity amidst the presence of morphotypes of unknown size and genetic relatedness. This study aimed to investigate the maximum sizes and evolutionary links of chelae morphotypes in M. vollenhovenii for precise identification and utilization in a 3 × 2 randomized block experimental design. Ninety biggest encountered samples of M. vollenhovenii chelae morphotypes—those possessing equal left and right side chelae, longer left chelae, and shorter left chelae—were obtained from fisherfolks’ catches at each of Asejire Lake and Ogun River during peak seasons (July–September) bimonthly field survey, representing EAAL, LLAL, SLAL—GAALs, and EAOR, LLOR, SLOR—GAORs. These were analyzed for differences (p < 0.05) in size-linked parameters—length (L (cm)), weight (W (g)), and condition factor (K). Specimens’ 16S rRNA nucleotide sequences were utilized to infer phylogenetic linkages, single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP), and amino acid translations alongside NCBI references (NCBIrefseq).

Results
Weight (W) and condition factor (K), among GAALs, for SLAL and LLAL were similar; EAAL was significantly lowest; among GAORs, SLOR and LLOR were similar; and EAOR was significantly lowest. In GAALs, EAAL, LLAL, and SLAL had higher L, W, and K than counterpart GAORs. Sequences formed two polyphyletic groups: EAOR branch from EAAL, in which 100.0%EA rooted 75.0% NCBIrefseqs, forming a clade; and GAOR-SLOR and LLOR branch form GAOR-LLAL rooted SLAL, in which 100.0%LL and SL rooted KJ463387.1 (Badagry), forming another clade. SNP Locus 91 separated 100.0%GAOR from 100.0%GAAL and 100.0%NCBIrefseqs translating to valine; SNP Locus 171 separated 100.0%EA and its co-rooted NCBIrefseqs from 100.0%LL, SL, and their co-rooted NCBIrefseq, translating to glycine/glutamic acid change.

Conclusion
The equal left and right side chelae and the unequal left and right side chelae specimens are, respectively, small- and robust-sized, irrespective of habitat. They are divergent size-linked clades having protein translate differences, delineable at 16S rRNA SNP Locus 171; their size variant habitat strains are delineable at SNP Locus 91. These SNP markers will be useful for precision identification and selection of the size variant chelae morph strains for sustainable utilization.
Functional characteristics and storage stability of hot air assisted radio frequency treated pearl millet
Authors: Yarrakula Srinivas , Mummaleti Gopinath , Toleti Kavya Sree , Saravanan Shanmugasundaram 
Published: July 2024

AbstractNutricereals, pearl millet flour consumption is hardly limited to a few specific regions of the world owing to the development of early rancidity on storage. Hot air assisted radio frequency technology (HARF) was used to improve the storage stability of pearl millet flour. Pearl millets at different moisture levels of 10.5±0.5, 12 & 15% were subjected to HARF for 5-, 10- & 15-min exposure period under fixed electrode position. The results revealed that significant reduction in peroxide value and free fatty acid values of flours from treated pearl millet was found compared to decorticated raw flour; thereby, the storage stability enhancement of pearl millet flour up to 180 days was achieved. No significant difference was found for emulsifying, foaming and cooking properties between treated pearl millet at 15% moisture, 15 min exposure and decorticated raw one. In contrast, the bulk density of flour from treated pearl millet was found higher. Significant increase in hardness of cooked grains after the treatment was observed while the springiness, cohesiveness and gumminess values did not vary. In FTIR analysis, no difference was observed between the peaks of whole and decorticated pearl millet flours in both untreated and treated samples.
Graphical Abstract
Impact of SARS-CoV-2 on male reproductive system and fertility
Authors: Sajjad Solmaz Gul , Sajjad Aarush Mohammad , Fakih Michael , Akhtar Muhammad Ahsan , Sajjad Yasmin 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Objective
Evaluate the impact of SARS-CoV-2 on male fertility.

Design
Comprehensive analysis of studies exploring virus presence, inflammation, and altered semen parameters.

Result(s)
While some studies report absence of SARS-CoV-2 in semen, others highlight testicular injury, inflammation, and potential viral orchitis. Scrotal discomfort and altered sperm parameters indicate reproductive implications.

Conclusion
SARS-CoV-2 may pose significant challenges to male fertility, necessitating further research for a comprehensive understanding of its long-term effects. Limitations include varied testing methods and sample sizes, emphasizing the need for confirmation and detailed post-COVID examinations.
From dyspnea to diagnosis, unmasking undifferentiated cardiac sarcoma: a case report
Authors: Guerra-Raygada Mauricio , Saavedra-Sanchez Alee Jonhson , Hidalgo-Avendaño Diego , Bermudez-Pelaez Milagros F. , Guevara-Lazo David , Nombera-Aznaran Natalia 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Background
Sarcomas are the most common type of cardiac malignancy, but they are extremely rare. Within this group, angiosarcomas have the highest frequency, followed by undifferentiated sarcomas. This type of tumor has a poor prognosis and a high recurrence rate. Information about these tumors is limited, relying mainly on case reports and autopsy series. The purpose of this case report is to detail the multifaceted approach to diagnosing and managing an undifferentiated cardiac sarcoma and contribute to the literature.

Case presentation
A 28-year-old man presented with dyspnea and chest pain, which had developed progressively over several weeks. Physical examination revealed low blood pressure, elevated heart rate, and diminished heart sounds. Imaging, including a CT scan, identified a hypodense mass in the right ventricle. Further evaluation through echocardiograms and contrast angiotomography confirmed a mass causing right ventricular obstruction. Part of the tumor was surgically removed and diagnosed as cardiac sarcoma. Histopathological analysis of the mass showed an undifferentiated cardiac sarcoma.

Conclusion
This case underscores the significance of including cardiac tumors as a potential cause when diagnosing cardiac masses. It also demonstrates the poor prognosis and tendency for recurrence, while revealing the absence of established management guidelines.
Evaluating the effect of different diaphragm wall cracking scenarios on seepage and slope stability in Earth dams using experimental and numerical modeling approaches
Authors: Fawzy Momen Atef , Hassan Nagy Ali Ali , Saad Neveen Yousif , El-Molla Doaa Anas 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Background
Seepage control measures are essential in earth dams to enhance their safety against seepage and slope failures. A diaphragm is a thin impervious wall that is used in the core area of the dam to prevent the seepage of water. Any crack in the diaphragm can reduce its efficiency and threaten the safety and stability of the dam. Extensive evaluation of the influence of diaphragm fracturing on dam safety is required to establish a safe design and offer the appropriate measures. This study investigates the effect of diaphragm cracking on the safety of the dam for seepage and slope stability. A permeability tank is first used to validate the numerical model; then, different scenarios for cracked diaphragm walls are studied numerically. The crack’s height, width, direction, and number are all investigated. The effect of having a downstream horizontal blanket drain with cracked internal diaphragms is also evaluated.

Results
The results showed that the internal diaphragm enhances the safety of earth dams as it reduced the seepage discharge by 98% and increased the downstream slope safety by 34%. Considering the development of a crack in the internal diaphragm, the most critical location was at the base of the dam, wider cracks were more destructive, and the most critical direction was the horizontal crack. The fracturing of the diaphragm at multiple locations proved to be detrimental to the safety of the dam. Having three cracks caused the seepage discharge to reach 74% of its value for no diaphragm, the pore water pressure to raise drastically, and the downstream critical factor of safety to be higher than the case of no diaphragm by 8% only.

Conclusions
According to the findings, it is advised to continuously monitor the components of diaphragm-type earth dams and perform the necessary maintenance works whenever any sign of damage or water seepage appears. Furthermore, using a well-graded horizontal drain of sufficient length and high permeability with the internal diaphragm is highly recommended as a mitigation measure if diaphragm fracturing occurs. This helps to quickly release the seeping water and keep the phreatic line away from the downstream slope.

Graphical abstract
The gendered nature of household decision making and expenditure choices in the context of smallholder agricultural commercialization in Malawi
Authors: Msofi Mgalamadzi Loveness , Matita Mirriam , Chimombo Masautso 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background
The push towards commercialization is driven by the modernization paradigm which argues that traditional subsistence farming is backward and primitive. Despite commercialization having the potential to enhance people’s livelihoods, it can also bring unfathomable social differentiation and widen inequalities in communities. This paper investigates the gendered decision-making and expenditure choices of smallholder households in the context of agricultural commercialization in Central Malawi.

Methods
The analysis is performed by employing sequential mixed methods of quantitative and qualitative data collection, consisting of 28 focus group discussions, 100 life histories, and 519 surveys. Qualitative data were analysed using thematic content analysis while quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive and various regression estimations.

Results
The results show that many men heads make decisions on cultivated plots and control realized income. The results further show that there are no differences between households headed by women and those headed by men in pursuit of markets. Women’s participation in markets is limited by lack of means of production. Men are getting more involved in crops that were dominated by women such as groundnuts. Women plot managers engaged more with markets, but their control of realized income was less associated with reinvesting in crop commercialization which is also reflected in their expenditure choices. When they control income, women spend relatively less than men on both productive and households assets. In households headed by men, the men dominate selling of produce, decisions on the control over resources, income, and expenditure choices, which results in deepening gender inequalities.

Conclusions
Differences exist in expenditure choices between women and men which points to differing priorities and disparities in access to productive resources. Men dominate decision-making which is preferred by some women to maintain intrahousehold harmony. There is need to create targeted programs for diverse groups of women through participatory approaches to address strategic needs. Women unable to farm due to lack of means of production need social protection programs. Women without decision-making power require empowerment initiatives and gender dialogue sessions to foster joint household activities. Commercial based interventions should go beyond mere targeting of women and men but embed equality interventions to avoid deepening social inequalities.
Solar energy EV charging system using integrated Zeta-Luo converter
Authors: Kancherla Ananda Babu , Prasad N. Bhanu , Kishore D. Ravi 
Published: July 2024

AbstractThis paper focuses on a grid-incorporated solar electric vehicle (EV) charging station that maximizes the acceptance of EVs in agricultural areas and reduces the over-reliance on the grid of urban cities. Since photovoltaic (PV) systems are widely available and easy to install, they are an excellent choice for EV charging applications. Hence, the aim of this work is to combine PV and EV, in order to achieve the objectives of both decarbonized energy generation and transportation. A Modified Zeta Integrated Luo Converter (MZILC), which provides a large conversion range combined with lower voltage stress, is proposed intending to increase the voltage level of the PV system. Furthermore, the converter generates a stable output devoid of fluctuations with the usage of the Grey Wolf–Grasshopper Optimized Proportional Integral (GW-GOPI) controller. Electricity for BLDC motors is generated by PV power during the day and supplied by a single-phase grid at night. The efficiency of the suggested grid-connected PV-based EV charging station is examined in MATLAB environment.
Hybrid air conditioning and seawater desalination system assisted by solar energy: thermoeconomic investigation and optimization
Authors: Yosry Nashwa , Elgendy Essam , Mostafa Ahmed , Fatouh Mohamed 
Published: July 2024

AbstractThe demand for freshwater has become progressively critical due to population growth and water scarcity. The current work investigates the energetic performance of a hybrid absorption refrigeration and desalination system. A parametric study for the system operating conditions has been performed to get the optimal conditions. Also, economic analysis and a multi-objective optimization method are used with the aim of maximizing the energy utilization factor of the system and minimizing total costs. The specific cost of desalinated water from the multi-objective optimization is calculated as (1.728 Cent/L) with the greatest energy utilization factor of (2.214). It turns out that, the system performs optimum at condensation and generation temperatures of 30 and 65 °C respectively, with resultant COP and GOR of 0.84 and 1.37. Using the optimum conditions, TRNSYS has been used to investigate the transient performance of the system for Marsa–Matrouh City in Egypt. The cooling and freshwater demands are 10 kW and 24 L/h. It was concluded that the input energy required to run the hybrid system decreased by about 65% less than that required for separate systems. With the assistance of solar energy, it became clear that the energy required was 60% less than the hybrid system as well.
Perfusion deficits may underlie lung and kidney injury in severe COVID-19 disease: insights from a multicenter international cohort study
Authors: Nova Alice , McNicholas Bairbre , Magliocca Aurora , Laffey Matthew , Zambelli Vanessa , Mariani Ilaria , Atif Minahel , Giacomini Matteo , Vitale Giovanni , Rona Roberto , Foti Giuseppe , Laffey John , Rezoagli Emanuele , O’Connor Aine , Giani Marco , Pozzi Matteo , Coppadoro Andrea , Sordi Silvia , Crippa Ilaria Alice ,   The LUNG-KIDNEY Interaction Multicenter Study Group
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Background
Lung perfusion defects, mainly due to endothelial and coagulation activation, are a key contributor to COVID-19 respiratory failure. COVID-19 patients may also develop acute kidney injury (AKI) because of renal perfusion deficit. We aimed to explore AKI-associated factors and the independent prediction of standardized minute ventilation (MV)—a proxy of alveolar dead space—on AKI onset and persistence in COVID-19 mechanically ventilated patients.

Methods
This is a multicenter observational cohort study. We enrolled 157 COVID-19 patients requiring mechanical ventilation and intensive care unit (ICU) admission. We collected clinical information, ventilation, and laboratory data. AKI was defined by the 2012 KDIGO guidelines and classified as transient or persistent according to serum creatinine criteria persistence within 48 h. Ordered univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were employed to identify variables associated with AKI onset and persistence.

Results
Among 157 COVID-19 patients on mechanical ventilation, 47% developed AKI: 10% had transient AKI, and 37% had persistent AKI. The degree of hypoxia was not associated with differences in AKI severity. Across increasing severity of AKI groups, despite similar levels of paCO2, we observed an increased MV and standardized MV, a robust proxy of alveolar dead space. After adjusting for other clinical and laboratory covariates, standardized MV remained an independent predictor of AKI development and persistence. d-dimer levels were higher in patients with persistent AKI.

Conclusions
In critically ill COVID-19 patients with respiratory failure, increased wasted ventilation is independently associated with a greater risk of persistent AKI. These hypothesis-generating findings may suggest that perfusion derangements may link the pathophysiology of both wasted ventilation and acute kidney injury in our population.