bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Transnational corporate influence and local politics: how mining companies intervene in neighbouring communities
Authors: Bechtum Alexandra 
Published: July 2024

AbstractThis paper analyses how transnational mining companies influence decision-making processes and public policies in communities adjacent to industrial gold mines. Most social science research on mining focuses on the emergence and dynamics of social conflicts over mining and overlooks the political influence mining companies exert by implementing development programmes to gain social acceptance. This paper fills this gap and develops a refined understanding of the multiple layers of political influence of companies in mining areas. It finds that mining companies spatialise corporate interests, contribute to an informalisation of political decision-making, assume quasi-governmental functions and, in this way, intensify the privatisation of local politics. This paper draws on approaches from critical governance research, critical geography and participation theory. It analyses corporate influence by distinguishing between socio-spatial, political-institutional and political-developmental forms of influence that companies use to create social acceptance for their particular mining project. Empirically, this paper is based on a comparative case study of corporate influence in communities near industrial gold mines in the Argentine north-west and southern Patagonia. For conflict research, the article offers a novel framework for shedding light on the workings of corporate micropolitics in mining areas beyond manifest conflicts. This contribution illustrates that mining companies have the capacity to mould political institutions and public policies by implementing development programmes that are in fact designed to serve corporate purposes.
Soil Physicochemical Properties under Selected Avocado Cultivars in Ethiopian Smallholder Agroforestry
Authors: Seid Hadia , Kessy John , Asfaw Zebene , Dahlin A. Sigrun 
Published: July 2024

AbstractThis study investigated the impact of three avocado cultivars on selected soil physicochemical properties in Central Ethiopia, to enhance the knowledge on the influence of avocado cultivars on soil physicochemical properties, and assist smallholders in cultivar selection in agroforestry. Trees planted in farmers´ fields 8 years earlier were revisited. Soil samples were collected from 0–20 cm and 20–40 cm depth at three radial distances from trees (1 m and 2 m from tree trunk, and at 5 m from the canopy edge as a control). Soil texture, bulk density, moisture content, pH, electrical conductivity, soil organic carbon, total nitrogen and available phosphorus were determined. Soil moisture content and electrical conductivity were overall higher and bulk density was lower (p < 0.05) under the canopies of the avocado trees than in the control and soil organic carbon, total nitrogen and available phosphorus tended to increase in spite of nutrient inputs to the control whilst the trees were unfertilized. Differences between the studied cultivars were small, but Hass tended to have the largest impact on soil nutrient levels, whilst Ettinger and Nabal tended to have a somewhat larger effect on the soil organic carbon concentration. Integrating these avocado cultivars on farms can improve soil fertility in the study area. However, for optimal agricultural soil health and sustainable avocado production, cultivar and site-specific soil management practices must be applied.
Magnesium-doped biochars increase soil phosphorus availability by regulating phosphorus retention, microbial solubilization and mineralization
Authors: Ibrahim Muhammed Mustapha , Lin Huiying , Chang Zhaofeng , Li Zhimin , Riaz Asif , Hou Enqing 
Published: July 2024

AbstractDespite fertilization efforts, phosphorus (P) availability in soils remains a major constraint to global plant productivity. Soil incorporation of biochar could promote soil P availability but its effects remain uncertain. To attain further improvements in soil P availability with biochar, we developed, characterized, and evaluated magnesium-oxide (MgO) and sepiolite (Mg4Si6O15(OH)2·6H2O)-functionalized biochars with optimized P retention/release capacity. Field-based application of these biochars for improving P availability and their mechanisms during three growth stages of maize was investigated. We further leveraged next-generation sequencing to unravel their impacts on the plant growth-stage shifts in soil functional genes regulating P availability. Results showed insignificant variation in P availability between single super phosphate fertilization (F) and its combination with raw biochar (BF). However, the occurrence of Mg-bound minerals on the optimized biochars’ surface adjusted its surface charges and properties and improved the retention and slow release of inorganic P. Compared to BF, available P (AP) was 26.5% and 19.1% higher during the 12-leaf stage and blister stage, respectively, under MgO-optimized biochar + F treatment (MgOBF), and 15.5% higher under sepiolite-biochar + F (SBF) during maize physiological maturity. Cumulatively, AP was 15.6% and 13.2% higher in MgOBF and SBF relative to BF. Hence, plant biomass, grain yield, and P uptake were highest in MgOBF and SBF, respectively at harvest. Optimized-biochar amendment stimulated microbial 16SrRNA gene diversity and suppressed the expression of P starvation response and P uptake and transport-related genes while stimulating P solubilization and mineralization genes. Thus, the optimized biochars promoted P availability via the combined processes of slow-release of retained phosphates, while inducing the microbial solubilization and mineralization of inorganic and organic P, respectively. Our study advances strategies for reducing cropland P limitation and reveals the potential of optimized biochars for improving P availability on the field scale.
Graphical Abstract
Optimizing fairness and accuracy: a Pareto optimal approach for decision-making
Authors: Nagpal Rashmi , Shahsavarifar Rasoul , Goyal Vaibhav , Gupta Amar 
Published: July 2024

AbstractIn the era of data-driven decision-making, ensuring fairness and equality in machine learning models has become increasingly crucial. Multiple fairness definitions have been brought forward to evaluate and mitigate unintended fairness-related harms in real-world applications, with little research on addressing their interactions with each other. This paper explores the application of a Minimax Pareto-optimized solution to optimize individual and group fairness at individual and group levels on the Adult Census Income dataset as well as on the German Credit dataset. The objective of training a classification model with a multi-objective loss function is to achieve fair outcomes without compromising utility objectives. We investigate the interplay of different fairness definitions, including definitions of performance consistency and traditional group and individual fairness measures, amongst each other coupled with performance. The results presented in this paper highlight the feasibility of incorporating several fairness considerations into machine learning models, which can be applied to use cases with multiple sensitive features and attributes that characterize real-world applications. This research is a valuable step toward building responsible and transparent machine learning systems that can be incorporated into critical decision-making processes.
Modified simple equation technique for first-extended fifth-order nonlinear equation, medium equal width equation and Caudrey–Dodd–Gibbon equation
Authors: Hossain A. K. M. Kazi Sazzad , Akbar M. Ali , Hossain Md. Ismail 
Published: July 2024

AbstractIn order to figure out the interior construction and intricacy of nonlinear physical events in the real world, exact solutions and traveling wave solutions of the nonlinear equations are very crucial. The modified simple equation technique is a powerful and proficient technique for investigating traveling wave solutions of nonlinear equations found in applied mathematics, science and engineering. Exact solutions and traveling wave solutions allow researchers to predict the activities of the system under different circumstances. The aforementioned technique is utilized to investigate exact and traveling wave solutions for three important equations: the first-extended fifth-order nonlinear equation, the nonlinear medium equal width equation, and the Caudrey–Dodd–Gibbon equation. Here we obtained kink shape solution, singular kink, periodic solutions, bell shape solution and compacton solutions. The above approach performs better than other approaches nowadays in use in terms of consistency, competence, and effectiveness.
Characteristics of mental health literacy measurement in youth: a scoping review of school-based surveys
Authors: Coughlan Emma C. , Heyland Lindsay K. , Sheaves Ashton , Parlee Madeline , Wiley Cassidy , Page Damian , Hill Taylor G. 
Published: July 2024

AbstractMental health literacy (MHL) was introduced 25 years ago as knowledge and beliefs about mental disorders which aid in their recognition, management, or prevention. This scoping review mapped the peer-reviewed literature to assess characteristics of secondary school-based surveys in school-attending youth and explore components of school-based programs for fostering MHL in this population. The search was performed following the method for scoping reviews by the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI). Searches were conducted in four scientific databases with no time limit, although all sources had to be written in English. Primary studies (N = 44) provided insight into MHL surveys and programs for school-attending youth across 6 continents. Studies reported that most youth experience moderate or low MHL prior to program participation. School-based MHL programs are relatively unified in their definition and measures of MHL, using closed-ended scales, vignettes, or a combination of the two to measure youth MHL. However, before developing additional interventions, steps should be taken to address areas of weakness in current programming, such as the lack of a standardized tool for assessing MHL levels. Future research could assess the feasibility of developing and implementing a standard measurement protocol, with educator perspectives on integrating MHL efforts into the classroom. Identifying the base levels of MHL amongst school-attending youth promotes the development of targeted programs and reviewing the alignment with program components would allow researchers to build on what works, alter what does not, and come away with new ways to approach these complex challenges, ultimately advancing knowledge of MHL and improving levels of MHL.
Cost of Cholera for Households and Health Facilities, Somalia
Authors: Figuereo Salvador , Yoon Ian , Kaddu Ssentamu Simon , Lubogo Mutaawe , Baruch Joaquin , Hossain Asm Amjad , Mohamed Sahra Isse , Abubakar Ali H. A. , Mohamud Khalid Mohamed , Malik Sk Md Mamunur Rahman 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Introduction
Cholera remains a substantial public health challenge in Somalia. Ongoing droughts in the country have caused significant outbreaks which have negatively affected the lives of many individuals and overwhelmed health facilities. We aimed to estimate the costs associated with cholera cases for households and health facilities in Somalia.

Methods
This cost-of-illness study was conducted in five cholera treatment centres in Somalia and 400 patients treated in these facilities. Data collection took place during October and November 2023. Given that a significant portion of the patients were children, we interviewed their caregivers to gather cost data. We interviewed staff at the centres and the patients. The data obtained from the household questionnaire covered direct (medical and non-medical) and indirect (lost wages) costs, while direct costs were estimated for the health facility (personnel salaries, drugs and consumables used to treat a patient, and utility expenses). All costs were calculated in US dollars (USD), using 2023 as the base year for the estimation.

Results
The average total cost of a cholera episode for a household was US$ 33.94 (2023 USD), with 50.4% (US$ 17.12) being direct costs and 49.6% (US$ 16.82) indirect costs. The average total cost for a health facility to treat an episode of cholera was US$ 82.65. The overall average cost to households and health facilities was US$ 116.59. The average length of stay for a patient was 3.08 days. In the households, patients aged 41 years and older incurred the highest mean total cost (US$ 73.90) while patients younger than 5 years had the lowest cost (US$ 21.02). Additionally, 61.8% of households had to use family savings to cover the cost of the cholera episode, while 14.5% had to borrow money. Most patients (71.8%) were younger than 16 years– 45.3% were 5 years or younger– and 94.0% had never received a cholera vaccine.

Conclusion
Our study suggests that preventing one cholera episode in Somalia could avert substantial losses for both the households and cholera treatment centres. The findings shed light on the expenses associated with cholera that extend beyond healthcare, including substantial direct and indirect costs borne by households. Preventing cholera cases could lead to a decrease in this economic burden, consequently our study supports the need for preventive measures.
Medical students perception of learning environment evidence from Jimma University Medical Centre
Authors: Gedamu Shewatatek , Tadesse Tefera , Ferede Bekalu 
Published: July 2024

AbstractThis study aims to assess medical students’ perception of the quality of the learning environment at Jimma University Medical Centre (JUMC), Ethiopia using the Dundee Ready Education Environment Measure (DREEM). A cross-sectional survey design was applied to assess students’ perceptions during their clinical attachment wards in JUMC. The DREEM inventory consisted of five sub-domains such as student perception of learning (SPL), student perception of teacher (SPT), student academic self-perception (SAP), student perception of the atmosphere (SPA), and student social self-perception (SSSP) that administered to 323 undergraduate medical students. Descriptive statistics, t-test and ANOVA were computed using SPSS 20 to analyse the data. The overall DREEM mean score was found to be 111.35 and SD of 13.67 from the maximum score of 200. In this study, the overall DREEM mean score of female was significantly higher than the mean of their male counterparts. Despite the ANOVA result across years, first year clinical year I students had higher perception of learning environment as compared to senior batches. In general, the overall means score of students on the DREEM scale revealed that they perceive the learning environment more positively. However, some areas need to be revised across all five domains of the learning environment to make improvements.
Effects of Oral Versus Intravenous Linezolid Administration on Treatment Effect and Incidence of Thrombocytopenia in Patients with Severe Infection
Authors: Liu Yanxin , Liu Tingting , Xiao Kun , Wang Jiang , Yan Peng , Fang Xiangqun , Xie Lixin 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Background
Patients with severe infection often require careful fluid management. Intravenous linezolid can increase the fluid volume, whereas oral linezolid can effectively limit the fluid volume. However, the differences in the treatment effect and incidence of thrombocytopenia between oral and intravenous linezolid in patients with severe infection remain unclear.

Methods
Patients who received linezolid in the intensive care unit of PLA General Hospital from December 2010 to December 2020 were divided into an oral group and intravenous group according to the route of administration, and we further established the PO group and PO-match group by propensity score matching. The anti-infection effect of linezolid and incidence of thrombocytopenia were compared between the two groups.

Results
In total, 177 patients were enrolled in the study (59 in PO group and 118 in PO-match group). The microbial clearance rate and clinical cure rate were similar between the two groups (70.0% vs. 79.3%, P = 0.293; 72.9% vs. 83.9%, P = 0.213). The 30-day mortality rate was slightly higher in the PO group than in the PO-match group, but the difference was not statistically significant (13.6% vs. 6.8%, P = 0.138). There was no difference in the incidence of thrombocytopenia between the two groups (62.7% vs. 65.3%, P = 0.739).

Conclusions
There were no significant differences in the treatment effect or incidence of thrombocytopenia between oral and intravenous administration of linezolid in patients with severe infection.
Strategic reuse of rapid antigen tests for coagulation status assessment: an integrated machine learning approach
Authors: Sun Allan , Nasser Arian , Chen Chaohao , Zhao Yunduo Charles , Zhao Haimei , Wang Zihao , Cheng Wenlong , Qian Pierre , Ju Lining Arnold 
Published: July 2024

AbstractAddressing the pressing demand for rapid and inexpensive coagulation testing in cardiovascular care, this study introduces a novel application of repurposed COVID-19 rapid antigen tests (RATs) as paper-based lateral flow assays (LFAs) combined with machine learning for coagulation status evaluation. By further developing a mobile app prototype, we present a platform that enables clinicians to perform immediate and accurate anticoagulant dosing adjustments using existing post-pandemic resources. Our proof-of-concept employs a random forest machine learning classifier to interpret image feature variations on RAT NC membrane, correlating red blood cell (RBC) wicked diffusion distance in recalcified citrated whole blood with changes in coagulative viscosity, easily interpreted. Enhanced by confocal imaging studies of paper microfluidics, our approach provides insights into the mechanisms dissecting coagulation components, achieving high classification precision, recall, and F1-scores. The inverse relationship between RBC wicked diffusion distance and enoxaparin concentration paves the way for machine learning to inform real-time dose prescription adjustments, aligning with individual patient profiles to optimize therapeutic outcomes. This study not only demonstrates the potential of leveraging surplus RATs for coagulation management but also exemplifies a cost-effective, rapid, and smart strategy to enhance clinical decision-making in the post-pandemic era.
Graphical Abstract
Biopesticide effect on crops for the bioactive components extracted from Tagetes erecta and Tagetes patula
Authors: Kannan Keerthana , Raju Pavithra , Keerthy B. N. , Rajagopal Ananya , Sabat Sasmita 
Published: July 2024

AbstractBotanicals from Marigold, Chrysanthemum, Basil, Rosemary and other medicinal plants have been analysed as potential replacements of chemical pesticides as they are effective and non-hazardous to the environment. The bioactive components thiophene is present in large amount in Tagetes sp. which have a wide range of biocidal properties. In this study the crude extracts of different parts of Tagetes erecta and Tagetes patula were obtained by Soxhlet extraction method. The leaf extracts were subjected to GC–MS to identify their components and to confirm the presence of thiophenes. Two major disastrous crop pests namely, Spodoptera litura and Corcyra cephalonica belongs to Order Lepidoptera, Family Noctuidae and Pyralidae were used for the experimental study. The effect of bioactive extract was tested by direct and indirect methods for their larvicidal effect. The S. litura larvae was allowed to feed on castor leaves coated with spraying different concentrations of methanolic sample extracts as indirect method. In the direct spraying method, the S. litura and C. cephalonica larvae were sprayed with low and high concentrations of crude sample extracts of both T. patula and T. erecta. Significant decrease in larval activity and survival rate within 24 h to 48 h were recorded for both the methods. The trials were performed using variousvolumes from 10 to 1000 µl to check larvicidal activity. The roots and stem extracts of T. erecta for 25 µl kill 100% larvae within 24 h whereas 50 µl of T. patula flowers, roots and stem extract effectively kill only 50% of the larvae in 48 h. A mini nursery evaluation were conducted by direct spraying method on larvae growing on jowar saplings, which displayed 100% mortality of larvae within 24 h for 25 µl of T. erecta leaf and flower extracts and T. patula flower extract. From these trials, it can be inferred that the extracts of T. patula and T. erecta provided effective outcomes as larvicides of S. litura and C. cephalonica.
Revitalizing the American Republic by reinvigorating voluntary association
Authors: Wright Robert E. 
Published: July 2024

AbstractIn Democracy in America, Alexis de Tocqueville famously described the depth and breadth of voluntary association in the antebellum United States. Recent empirical research shows that de Tocqueville did not exaggerate. Between the founding of the republic in 1788 and the start of their Civil War in 1861, Americans voluntarily chartered over 23,000 business and over 15,000 nonprofit corporations across a wide swathe of activity. Contrary to the “state capacity” view, which holds that the weak state of early American governments rather ironically forced Americans to voluntarily associate to address social ills, the reverse is closer to the truth. In other words, Americans voluntarily associated to keep regulations relatively few and taxes relatively low. Americans today could revitalize their deeply divided republic by reinvigorating voluntarism, the non-mandated unilateral transfer of resources, making it once again the main mechanism for mitigating socioeconomic problems.
PRIME‐SH: A Data‐Driven Probabilistic Model of Earth's Magnetosheath
Authors: O’Brien C. , Walsh B. M. , Zou Y. , Qudsi R. , Tasnim S. , Zhang H. , Sibeck D. G. 
Published: July 2024

AbstractA data‐driven model of Earth's magnetosheath is developed by training a recurrent neural network (RNN) with probabilistic outputs to reproduce Magnetospheric MultiScale (MMS) measurements of the magnetosheath plasma and magnetic field using measurements from the Wind spacecraft upstream of Earth at the first Earth‐Sun Lagrange point (L1). This model, called Probabilistic Regressor for Input to the Magnetosphere Estimation‐magnetosheath (PRIME‐SH) in reference to its progenitor algorithm PRIME, is shown to predict spacecraft observations of magnetosheath conditions accurately in a statistical sense with a continuous rank probability score of 0.227σ (dimensionless standard deviation units). PRIME‐SH is shown to be more accurate than many current analytical models of the magnetosheath. Furthermore, PRIME‐SH is shown to reproduce physics not explicitly enforced during training, such as field line draping, the dayside plasma depletion layer, the magnetosheath flow stagnation point, and the Rankine‐Hugoniot MHD shock jump conditions. PRIME‐SH has the additional benefits of being computationally inexpensive relative to global MHD simulations, being capable of reproducing difficult‐to‐model physics such as temperature anisotropy, and being capable of reliably estimating its own uncertainty to within 3.5%.