ethicalabs/Research-Intent-Collab huggingface dataset:
Users' perceived level of service at the African Union Court on Human and Peoples' Rights library in Arusha, Tanzania

PurposeThe study examined users' perceived level of service at the African Union Court on Human and Peoples' Rights (AUCHPR) library in Arusha, Tanzania.Design/methodology/approachThe study adopted a quantitative approach in line with the tenets of the LibQUAL and SERVQUAL protocols, which were used as theoretical lenses and informed the development of questionnaires which were used to collect data. The target population consisted of 94 library users.FindingsThe study found that the library's best services, in terms of their quality and as perceived by users, lie in its human resources (i.e. affect of service, assurance and responsiveness). On the other hand, the lowest perceived level of services was recorded in the aspects related to information collection and physical facilities (i.e. library as a place and tangibles).Research limitations/implicationsThis study was based on the African Court on Human and Peoples' Rights library in Arusha, Tanzania. The study covered both internal and external users of the library.Practical implicationsThe study identified strengths and weaknesses of the African Court library as far as the perceived level of service is concerned, and the findings can therefore be used to inform decisions on the improvement of quality of the library services. In so doing, the library will be in a stronger position to offer quality services and assist the court in attaining its objectives of promoting and protecting human rights in Africa. With improved library service quality, the non-judicial staff, external users and society in general will stand to benefit from the library.Originality/valueWhile drawing lessons from previous service quality studies, this study is the first quality assessment study to be done in the African Court library. It is also the first to use a combination of LibQUAL and SERVQUAL models in the context of the African Court library services.
["Dark patterns": manipulative design strategies in digital health applications].

Among other things, digital health applications offer users support in better understanding their physical and mental health through digital data, thereby promoting positive health behavior. In addition to state-approved digital health applications (DiGA) and digital care applications (DiPA), there is a wide array of other commercial health applications available to users. Particularly in non-approved applications, developers often deploy manipulative design strategies (dark patterns), intentionally or unintentionally, to deceive users into making specific decisions. This article provides an overview of current and widespread dark patterns and assesses the risks posed by them in digital health applications.In the future, "light" should be shed on dark patterns by creating more transparency for users, providing regulators with a more accurate understanding of dark patterns, and paying more attention to the implementation of guidelines. Thus, users may gain autonomy using healthcare applications and their data can be better protected.
On the possibility of radar echo detection of ultra-high energy cosmic ray- and neutrino-induced extensive air showers

We revisit and extend the analysis supporting a 60 year-old suggestion that cosmic rays air showers resulting from primary particles with energies above 10^{18} eV should be straightforward to detect with radar ranging techniques, where the radar echoes are produced by scattering from the column of ionized air produced by the shower. The idea has remained curiously untested since it was proposed, but if our analysis is correct, such techniques could provide a significant alternative approach to air shower detection in a standalone array with high duty cycle, and might provide highly complementary measurements of air showers detected in existing and planned ground arrays such as the Fly's Eye or the Auger Project. The method should be particularly sensitive to showers that are transverse to and relatively distant from the detector, and is thus effective in characterizing penetrating horizontal showers such as those that might be induced by ultra-high energy neutrino primaries.
Surface water/Groundwater hydrodynamic interactions in karst watersheds<br />- Descriptive approach, functional analysis and hydrologic modelling applied to the experimental watershed of the Coulazou River, Aumelas Causse, France -

Ce travail de thèse s'inscrit dans la problématique générale de la caractérisation de l'aléa inondation. Plus précisément, cette étude cherche à caractériser l'influence des eaux souterraines sur la genèse et la propagation des crues en surface dans les cas d'un bassin versant à forte composante karstique. Le site expérimental du bassin versant du Coulazou, rivière temporaire qui traverse le massif karstique du Causse d'Aumelas à l'Ouest de Montpellier a été retenu pour étudier de manière approfondie les interactions entre les écoulements de surface et les écoulements souterrains en situation de crue.L'étude hydrodynamique de ce système karst/rivière s'appuie sur un dispositif expérimental adapté à l'observation des phénomènes hydrologiques (pluie, ruissellement) et hydrogéologiques (piézométrie en forage et dans les drains karstiques, suivi hydrodynamique des exutoires du système) très rapides et très intenses. La dynamique de ces écoulements est liée au contexte climatique Méditerranéen mais aussi aux structures de drainage en surface et en souterrain qui permettent un transfert et un transit très rapide des eaux au sein du système karst/rivière.Une description hydrodynamique classique est complétée par une approche fonctionnelle des échanges karst/rivière dans le but de mieux comprendre le fonctionnement hydrodynamique d'un tel système et de mettre en avant des indicateurs utilisables dans une démarche de modélisation des échanges surface/souterrain. Un premier modèle est présenté dans la dernière partie de ce document.
CHARMM force field and molecular dynamics simulations of protonated polyethylenimine

As a gene delivery vector, polyethylenimine (PEI) shows one of the highest transfection efficiencies, while effectively protecting DNA from enzyme degradation. The distinctive charge pattern of protonated PEI is widely considered responsible for fundamental process such as DNA condensation into PEI/DNA polyplexes (which are able to enter cells via endocytosis), proton sponge effect (which triggers the release of polyplexes from endosome), and release of DNA from polyplexes (to be further processed inside the nucleus). Our investigations are largely motivated by the crucial need for a realistic molecular mechanics force field (FF) for PEI, and, accordingly, we focus on two major issues: (1) development of a new atomistic (CHARMM) FF for PEI in different protonation states, rigorously derived from high‐quality ab initio calculations performed on model polymers, and (2) molecular dynamics investigations of solvated PEI, providing a detailed picture of the dynamic structuring thereof in dependence on their size and protonation state. The modeled PEI chains are essentially described in terms of gyration radius, end‐to‐end distance, persistence length, radial distribution functions, coordination numbers, and diffusion coefficients. They turn out to be more rigid than in other computational studies and we find diffusion coefficients in fair agreement with experimental data. The developed atomistic FF proves adequate for the realistic modeling of the size and protonation behavior of linear PEI, either as individual chains or composing polyplexes. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Difference in the heliospheric modulation of cosmic-ray protons and electrons during the solar minimum period of 2006 to 2009

Context.  The PAMELA experiment observed galactic proton and electron spectra down to 70 MV and 400 MV, respectively, from mid-2006 to the end of 2009 during what is called an A   Drift theory for the solar modulation of cosmic rays predicts that the intensity of protons at the Earth is expected to show a different rate of recovery towards solar minimum when compared to electrons during A   The solutions of a comprehensive three-dimensional drift model are compared to PAMELA spectra to authenticate the modelling approach and then to make predictions of how electrons and protons are differently modulated down to 1 MeV, based on new very local interstellar spectra.Results.  The comparison of observations and modelling provides insight into how the rigidity dependence of the three major diffusion coefficients changes during such quiet modulation conditions. How drift effects dissipate above several GeV and below 100 MeV is illustrated for both protons and electrons. The modulation that occurred at the Earth during this quiet period is shown as a function of rigidity and time. The e− /p ratio is computed from 10 MV to 50 GV for this period and a prediction is made for what may be observed in terms of spectra during the next A  > 0 solar minimum.Conclusions.  The presence of drifts during this quiet period is established based on the presented modelling and PAMELA measurements. Drift effects for protons and electrons are quantified in terms of their rigidity and temporal development from 2006 to 2009.
Protection and realization of indigenous peoples' land rights at the national and international level

Goettingen Journal of International Law ; Vol. 5, no. 1, page 87-154
DIGITALIZATION OF AGRICULTURE AND FOOD SECURITY IN SOUTH SULAWESI: CHALLENGES, POLICY RESPONSES, AND PATHWAYS TOWARD SUSTAINABLE SELF-SUFFICIENCY

This study examines the digitalization of agriculture and its implications for food security in South Sulawesi, focusing on structural challenges, policy responses, and pathways toward sustainable self-sufficiency. Despite relatively stable rice production, food security in the province remains vulnerable to climate variability, irrigation constraints, fragmented distribution systems, and uneven digital integration. Using a mixed-method approach that combines quantitative survey data and qualitative policy analysis, this research evaluates the relationship between digital adoption and farmer performance. The findings indicate that farmers utilizing digital tools demonstrate higher production stability, stronger market price awareness, and better planting planning accuracy compared to non-digital farmers. However, digital literacy gaps and limited institutional coordination constrain broader system transformation. Policy responses remain largely reactive and sectorally fragmented. The study proposes a Digital-Sustainable Self-Sufficiency Framework that integrates digital infrastructure expansion, smart irrigation governance, supply chain monitoring, and inter-agency coordination. The findings suggest that digitalization should be positioned not merely as technological adoption but as a governance transformation mechanism to strengthen adaptive capacity, enhance coordination, and achieve resilient and sustainable food security.
Corporate social responsibility : business ethics or marketing tool?

Δημοσιεύσεις μελών--ΣΔΟ--Τμήμα Εμπορίας και Διαφήμισης,2008
Application of a 1H brain MRS benchmark dataset to deep learning for out-of-voxel artifacts

Abstract                Neural networks are potentially valuable for many of the challenges associated with MRS data. The purpose of this manuscript is to describe the AGNOSTIC dataset, which contains 259,200 synthetic 1H MRS examples for training and testing neural networks. AGNOSTIC was created using 270 basis sets that were simulated across 18 field strengths and 15 echo times. The synthetic examples were produced to resemble in vivo brain data with combinations of metabolite, macromolecule, residual water signals, and noise. To demonstrate the utility, we apply AGNOSTIC to train two Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) to address out-of-voxel (OOV) echoes. A Detection Network was trained to identify the point-wise presence of OOV echoes, providing proof of concept for real-time detection. A Prediction Network was trained to reconstruct OOV echoes, allowing subtraction during post-processing. Complex OOV signals were mixed into 85% of synthetic examples to train two separate CNNs for the detection and prediction of OOV signals. AGNOSTIC is available through Dryad, and all Python 3 code is available through GitHub. The Detection network was shown to perform well, identifying 95% of OOV echoes. Traditional modeling of these detected OOV signals was evaluated and may prove to be an effective method during linear-combination modeling. The Prediction Network greatly reduces OOV echoes within FIDs and achieved a median log10 normed-MSE of—1.79, an improvement of almost two orders of magnitude.
Theoretical models for single-molecule DNA and RNA experiments: from elasticity to unzipping

We review statistical-mechanical theories of single-molecule micromanipulation experiments on nucleic acids. First, models for describing polymer elasticity are introduced. We then review how these models are used to interpret single-molecule force-extension experiments on single-stranded and double-stranded DNA. Depending on the force and the molecules used, both smooth elastic behaviors and abrupt structural transitions are observed. Third, we show how combining the elasticity of two single nucleic acid strands with a description of the base-pairing interactions between them explains much of the phenomenology and kinetics of RNA and DNA `unzipping' experiments.
Coastal management using oyster-seagrass interactions for sustainable aquaculture, fisheries and environment

Coastal environments of the world have been exposed to eutrophication for several decades. Recently, the quality of coastal waters has been gradually and successfully improved; however, this improvement has caused another issue in coastal ecosystem services: oligotrophication. While oligotrophication, with higher water transparency, has recovered benthic macrophyte vegetation, which have been depressed by phytoplankton derived from eutrophication, local stakeholders have suggested that oligotrophication reduces pelagic productivity and, therefore, fishery production in coastal ecosystems. In contrast, oligotrophication with high transparency has recovered benthic primary productivity, including seagrass vegetation. Seagrasses are quite important for climate change mitigation and adaptation, such as through carbon storage, acidification mitigation, and protection from sea-level rise and storm surges, affects which have been welcomed by other stakeholders. Therefore, harmonizing coastal fishery with environmental conservation goals is now essential for the sustainable use of ecosystem services. Here, we present the scope of our study based on an interdisciplinary approach, including ecological actions, socio-economical actions and psychological actions. We chose to focus on the interaction between oyster aquaculture and seagrass vegetation as a typical ecological action. Coastal organisms have adapted their traits to the environment over a long period of time, so restoration of mixed coastal habitats represents reconstruction of the original process of coastal production. Subtidal seagrass vegetation with intertidal oyster reefs is the original mixed habitats in Japan, which would be expected to enhance coastal production by improving the production efficiency without adding nutrients. A simple field experiment with carbon and nitrogen contents and stable isotope analyses revealed that oyster spats cultivated on a tidal flat adjacent to seagrass beds had higher nitrogen contents and higher δ13C ratios than spats cultivated in an offshore area using only pelagic production. This result suggests that utilization of the traditional mixed habitats, which enables oysters to use both pelagic and various benthic production, has potential to sustain food provisioning services for humans even in an oligotrophic environment.
IMPACT OF HUMAN RESOURCE INFORMATION SYSTEMS (HRIS) ON HR OPERATIONAL EFFICIENCY

The rapid digital transformation of organizations has made Human Resource Information Systems (HRIS) an essential tool for streamlining HR processes, enhancing decision-making and improving efficiency. This study examines the impact of HRIS on HR operational efficiency within Pakistan’s engineering and construction sector, focusing on the mediating roles of task processing time, cost saving, data accuracy and decision-making effectiveness. Despite widespread HRIS adoption, many organizations struggle to measure its true value beyond automation. Previous research confirms HRIS benefits such as reduced onboarding time, cost saving and enhanced decision quality, yet most studies fail to model these mediators collectively. Addressing this gap, the present research adopts a quantitative, survey-based design, targeting HR managers, officers and administrators from the sector of engineering and construction industry. Data will be collected using a structured Likert-scale questionnaire and analyzed through structural equation modeling (SEM) to test hypothesized relationship. Grounded in the Technology-Organization-Environment (TOR) Framework and Dynamic Capability Theory. The study explores how HRIS contributes to operational outcomes in industries facing complex workforce management challenges. Findings are expected to demonstrate that HRIS enhances efficiency not only directly but also indirectly through reduced task processing time, lower HR costs, improving accuracy and faster data-driven decision-making. The research contributes to academic knowledge by integrating mediating factors into single framework and offers practical insight for managers seeking to optimize HRIS investment in project-base industry. Ultimately, this study underscores HRIS as a driver of operational excellence and strategic value in human resource management.
Biological control chance and limitation within integrated pest management program in Afghanistan

AbstractIntegrated pest management (IPM) has recognized as a sustainable method for pest prevention, monitoring, and control. The purpose of this review article focused on biological control potential and challenges in Afghanistan. Biological control is beginning to increase in Afghanistan, in large part due to the establishment of graduate studies in entomology in 2008. Afghan farmers have restricted knowledge about agrochemicals and mostly use a few conventional chemical pesticides and fertilizers. The development and registration of biological agents as an alternative is a more recent movement. Only a single parasitoid agent and three microbial products were registered or pending registration for commercial use on various crops. Products based on Trichogramma brassicae (Bezdenko 1968) for lepidopteran pests, Trichoderma viride against soil-borne pathogens including Rhizoctonia solani, Macrophomina phaseolina, and Fusarium species are most widely spread. Also, T. viride, Cydia pomonella granulovirus, and Helicoverpa zea nucleopolyhedrovirus registered in 2015. Pesticide registration is the responsibility of the Afghan Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation and Livestock, with the assistance of the Pesticides Division of Plant Protection and Quarantine Department in coordination with the Ministry of Public Health. The pesticide management board of the National Environmental Protection Agency has not yet signed the membership of the World Trade Organization (WTO) or the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC). Currently, only one foreign company, the National Horticulture and Livestock Project (NHLP), produces microbial pesticides. However, it promised that two more other companies, the Center for Agricultural Bioscience International and the Afghanistan Agriculture Inputs Projects, will start production shortly. This is a review of the brief history of biological control of pests, with a view on current challenges of pest control practices as well the status of the market and the registration procedures for biocontrol agents, along with challenges and opportunities for the development of biocontrol in Afghanistan.
Gap analysis in the effectiveness of the current Marine Protected Area network design framework with respect to biodiversity conservation in coastal Norway

De siste årene har marine verneområder har blitt hjørnesteiner for bevaring av biologisk mangfold. De er karakterisert ved regulering av menneskelig aktivitet, med formål om å redusere negativ påvirkning på marine habitater og organismer. Denne undersøkelsen vil gjennomgå gjeldende habitatdata, artsforekomstdata og verneområdedata for territoriale (12 nautiske mil fra kysten) kystområder i Norge etter fylke, for å finne svakheter i det norske MPA-nettverkets designrammeverk. Undersøkelsen viser at det ikke er noe eksisterende nettverk, ettersom MPAer utpekt av OSPAR er få og med lav tilkobling. De 24 nåværende MPAene er vidt frakoblet og ikke på langt nær så økologisk sammenhengende som de kunne vært, på grunn av hull i artsforekomstregistreringer og lite habitatdata sammenlignet med størrelsen på det marine området som er gjennomgått. Det er mange verneområder utpekt av den norske stat, men regelverket i de gjeldende områdene er svakt og/eller ikke håndhevet. Mudring og fiske er fortsatt tillatt i MPAer langs sørkysten av Norge, og i andre verneområder. Det gis anbefalinger for hvordan Norge kan gå videre fra dagens tilstand i MPA-nettverket. Prinsipper for MPA-nettverksdesignrammeverket, som bruk av romlig prioritering, helhet, surrogater og representativitet, foreslås som verktøy for mer effektiv bevaring av biologisk mangfold i fremtiden. Norge er et land med et stort kystområde og varierende habitater, slik som Røstrevet; verdens største og dypeste kaldtvannskorallrev. Etableringen av et sterkt, godt administrert og økologisk sammenhengende MPA-nettverk vil styrke motstandskraften til marine økosystemer og organismer i andre områder.
Primordial magnetic fields from pseudo-Goldstone bosons

The existence of large-scale magnetic fields in galaxies is well established, but there is no accepted mechanism for generating a primordial field which could grow into what is observed today. We discuss a model which attempts to account for the necessary primordial field by invoking a pseudo-Goldstone boson coupled to electromagnetism. The evolution of this boson during inflation generates a magnetic field; however, it seems difficult on rather general grounds to obtain fields of sufficient strength on astrophysically interesting scales.
Report: Status of Legal Recognition of Indigenous Peoples’, Local Communities’ and Afro-descendant Peoples’ Rights to Carbon Stored in Tropical Lands and Forests

This study reviews the status of the legal recognition of the rights of Indigenous Peoples, local communities, and Afro-descendant Peoples to the carbon in their lands and territories across 31 countries in Africa, Asia, and Latin America. Together, these countries hold almost 70 percent of the world’s tropical forests and represent at least 62 percent of the total feasible natural climate solution potential, and thus the bulk of nature-based emissions reductions and carbon offset opportunities in tropical and subtropical forest countries.