ethicalabs/Research-Intent-Collab huggingface dataset:
Secession, Territorial Integrity and (Non)-Sovereignty: Why do Some Separatist Movements in the Caribbean Succeed and Others Fail?

Secessionist movements are ubiquitous in the Caribbean, with virtually every multi-island state and territory experiencing centrifugal tendencies. The region thus offers a unique opportunity to examine why some succeed and others fail. By and large, the propensity for secession has not attracted the attention of scholars beyond the region, with small states and territories largely excluded from supposedly ‘global’ analysis on the subject. The article fills this gap by analysing secessionist movements in both sovereign and non-sovereign territories. We find that secession was most likely to occur in the run-up to independence. In the post-colonial period, successes have only occurred among non-sovereign territories—as demonstrated by the fragmentation of the Netherlands Antilles and the administrative separation of St Martin and St Barthélémy from Guadeloupe—which have split from each other while collectively remaining part of a metropolitan state. Non-sovereignty reduces the costs of heterogeneity via the shelter provided by the larger metropolitan power. By analysing hitherto understudied cases, this article thus adds to studies that show how secession is contingent on continued state protections which allow downsizing to occur in an orderly manner, which is in turn consistent with the desire of the international community for geopolitical stability.
Translating AI Behavior: A Framework for Reducing Anthropomorphic Distortion in Model Interpretation

This paper examines how commonly used anthropomorphic terms in artificial intelligence—such as “hallucination,” “sycophancy,” “deception,” and “agency”—introduce systematic distortions when used to interpret model behavior. While these terms provide accessible shorthand, they often over-attribute internal states, intentions, or social motivations that are not required to explain how large language models generate outputs.     The paper proposes a translation-based framework that treats anthropomorphic language as a source-level approximation requiring systematic mapping to mechanism-level descriptions. It introduces four constructs—Epistemic Drift and Confident Error Under Uncertainty (EDCEU), Preference-Aligned Output Distortion (PAOD), Apparent Goal-Directed Behavior (AGDB), and Output Distortion Under Constraint and Optimization (ODUCO)—that preserve observable behavior while removing unsupported assumptions about intent, cognition, or internal experience.     A structured empirical evaluation is included to test whether coherence-driven distortion (ODUCO-B), often labeled as “sycophantic” behavior, can be induced under conditions of explicit agreement pressure and conversational consistency demands. Across both single-turn and multi-turn paradigms, no distortion was observed when ground-truth information was explicitly available, suggesting that such behaviors are not reducible to surface-level agreement or instruction-following alone.     The framework reframes alignment challenges as not solely technical, but also linguistic and interpretive. By improving the mapping between descriptive language and underlying generative mechanisms, this work aims to reduce misattribution, improve analytical precision, and support more grounded discourse in AI safety, evaluation, and human–AI interaction.
The holistic effect of nature of science and science process skills on students’ conceptual and procedural knowledge and motivation within the context of modified guided discovery in physics laboratory

Literature emphasizes integrating nature of science (NOS), science process skills (SPS), and varied laboratory activities within guided discovery methods to enhance learning, yet empirical evidence on their synergistic effects remains scarce. This study involved a phase III tandem design with three treatment pair match groups, using a quasi-experimental approach and assessed the combined impact of &lt;i&gt;modified guided discovery methods&lt;/i&gt; using implicit NOS integration, explicit approach of SPS, and diverse labs on academic achievement (conceptual/procedural knowledge) and motivation among 88 Ethiopian college students. ANCOVA and multiple regression analyses showed non-significant individual effects for NOS (*p* = 0.702 on conceptual, 0.842 on procedural, 0.986 on motivation), pedagogy (*p* = 0.830, 0.635, 0.759), and SPS (*p* = 0.568, 0.880, 0.952) on conceptual, procedural, and motivation, respectively. Interaction effects (NOS, SPS, and&lt;i&gt; &lt;/i&gt;pedagogy) were also non-significant across outcomes (*p* &amp;gt; 0.05). However, substantial Partial eta-squared values indicated meaningful practical effects: individually, NOS (η² = 0.865 on conceptual, 0.815 on procedural, 0.658 on motivation) and SPS (η² = 0.894 on conceptual, 0.788 on procedural, 0.724 on motivation) strongly influenced outcomes; interactively, NOS*SPS had large effects on conceptual knowledge (η² = 0.711) and moderate effects on procedural knowledge (η² = 0.521) and motivation (η² = 0.524). This divergence between statistical non-significance and large effect sizes suggests the instructional model meaningfully impacts learning despite null hypothesis test results. We recommend: (1) curricular refinements to amplify effects, (2) application in diverse learning environments, and (3) supplementing traditional assessments with performance-based evaluations to better capture gains.
Assessment of Quality Improvement and Patient Safety Resources, including Event Reporting Systems, in Graduate Medical Education Training Programs - An Institutional National Survey

Background                     Quality improvement (QI) and patient safety (PS) education were requirements implemented in 2017 by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) for residents and fellows. Trainees must receive training and experience in QI processes, including an understanding of healthcare disparities, but how training and experience occur remains largely unknown. Our study aimed to determine how institutions have integrated these requirements into medical education.                                                           Methods                     A Google Forms survey was emailed to the Designated Institutional Officials (DIOs) of 650 United States’ institutions with ACGME accredited programs in September 2021. The survey consisted of 34 multiple choice questions related to QI and PS parameters and the event reporting system (ERS); a Likert scale was used.                                                           Results                     More than half (n=392) of the emails were undeliverable, leaving only 258 possible responders; 51 responses were received, and all but one met the inclusion criteria of having at least one training program, which translated to a response rate of 19% (=50/257). The survey found that while 90% of institutions had an institutional QI/PS Committee, only 30% of these institutions also had a Graduate Medical Education-specific QI/PS Committee as well. Most institutions provided QI (88%) or PS training (94%), but only 71% and 83%, respectively, had mandatory training. Most institutions utilized an ERS (96%). While one of the less common methods was education on the ERS, approximately two-thirds of responding DIOs believed that by providing education on the ERS, resident/fellow participation in event reporting would improve, as well as contribute to their total education.                                                           Conclusions                     Further ERS education is warranted to encourage resident/fellow participation to develop various protocols related to QI and PS parameters.
Early health technology assessment of digital diabetes screening in Switzerland: cost-effectiveness and budget impact analyses

Objectives                 Digital biomarkers offer scalable screening for type 2 diabetes, yet adoption is stalled by uncertainty regarding economic viability. This study evaluates the cost-effectiveness and budget impact of digital screening compared to opportunistic screening from a Swiss payer perspective.                                    Methods                   A probabilistic Markov cohort model was developed to simulate at-risk Swiss adults (age ≥45, BMI ≥25 kg/m²) over a 40-year horizon. The model incorporates a digital attrition parameter, inputs derived from Swiss-specific sources (e.g., the CoLaus study and FSO life tables), and statutory tariffs. Costs and outcomes were discounted at 3.0%.                                                     Results                   In the deterministic base-case, digital screening yielded an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of CHF 2,912 per quality-adjusted life-year gained. Probabilistic sensitivity analysis indicated a 93.2% probability of cost-effectiveness at the CHF 50,000 threshold. The budget impact analysis estimated a Year 1 gross investment budget of CHF 27 million to identify prevalent cases, followed by long-term savings from averted complications.                                                     Conclusions                   Digital screening can be highly cost-effective in Switzerland. While the required Year 1 gross investment poses a liquidity challenge, reimbursement via pathway-oriented models under the Swiss tariff could align incentives with long-term complication avoidance.
Update on the First 3D Printed IH-Type Linac Structure - Proof-of-Concept for Additive Manufacturing of Linac RF Cavities

Additive manufacturing ("AM" or "3D printing") has become a powerful tool for rapid prototyping and manufacturing of complex geometries. A 433 MHz IH-DTL cavity has been constructed to act as a proof of concept for additive manufacturing of linac components. In this case, the internal drift tube structure has been produced from 1.4404 stainless steel using AM. We present the concept of the cavity as well as first results of vacuum testing, materials testing and low level rf measurements. Vacuum levels sufficient for linac operation have been reached with the AM linac structure.
Princípios de Direito Penal Internacional no Estatuto do Tribunal Penal Internacional para Ruanda / PRINCIPLES OF INTERNATIONAL CRIMINAL LAW IN THE STATUTE OF THE INTERNATIONAL CRIMINAL TRIBUNAL FOR RWANDA

This article is intended to verify the principles of International Criminal Law adoptedby the ICTR (International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda), using primary sourcessuch as its Statute and rules of procedures and evidence. Our point of departure is thereflection of Luciana Boiteuxon these principles in the Rome Statute (of thepermanent International Criminal Court), mainly based on the principles of theBrazilian criminal law, but adding two principles that are unique to internationalcriminal law: complementarity and individual international responsibility. Themethodology employed was research on primary sources, in addition to literaturereview on the subject.
Comparing Distributions and Shapes using the Kernel Distance

Starting with a similarity function between objects, it is possible to define a distance metric on pairs of objects, and more generally on probability distributions over them. These distance metrics have a deep basis in functional analysis, measure theory and geometric measure theory, and have a rich structure that includes an isometric embedding into a (possibly infinite dimensional) Hilbert space. They have recently been applied to numerous problems in machine learning and shape analysis.   In this paper, we provide the first algorithmic analysis of these distance metrics. Our main contributions are as follows: (i) We present fast approximation algorithms for computing the kernel distance between two point sets P and Q that runs in near-linear time in the size of (P cup Q) (note that an explicit calculation would take quadratic time). (ii) We present polynomial-time algorithms for approximately minimizing the kernel distance under rigid transformation; they run in time O(n + poly(1/epsilon, log n)). (iii) We provide several general techniques for reducing complex objects to convenient sparse representations (specifically to point sets or sets of points sets) which approximately preserve the kernel distance. In particular, this allows us to reduce problems of computing the kernel distance between various types of objects such as curves, surfaces, and distributions to computing the kernel distance between point sets. These take advantage of the reproducing kernel Hilbert space and a new relation linking binary range spaces to continuous range spaces with bounded fat-shattering dimension.
TECHNOLOGY FOR IMPLEMENTING THE LEAN SIX SIGMA QUALITY MANAGEMENT MODEL IN HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS. PART 2: INCONSISTENCIES ANALYSIS, EDUCATIONAL PROCESS IMPROVEMENT AND CONTROL OF IMPROVEMENTS SUSTAINABILITY

The relevance of the application of the newest quality management technologies, namely the Lean Six Sigma (LSS) methodology in ensuring the educational process quality in higher education institutions (HEIs) in accordance with the guidelines of the international standards is substantiated. The current state of development the problem of the production-oriented quality management model LSS adaptation to the conditions of HEIs functioning is analyzed in the works of foreign and Ukrainian scientists. The purpose of the article is to analyze the conditions for the LSS model implementation in HEIs in order to increase the efficiency of educational and scientific business processes and the applied implementation of LSS technologies taking into account the peculiarities of the Ukrainian educational environment. The practical significance of the article is to improve the quality of educational services delivery in HEIs using the continuous improvement cycle DMAIC and LSS tools on the example of increasing the effectiveness of the key process "Development EMS for the educational process". Critical to quality characteristics (CTQC) of the educational product "Complex of Educational and Methodological Support (CEMS)" have been established. Current and target CTQC values ​​are defined. A critical analysis of the CTQC non-compliance causes with the target value was carried out using FMEA analysis and Value Stream Mapping (VSM). Practical measures to improve the process quality are proposed. Process quality indicators were calculated after the implementation of corrective measures in the educational process.
Promotion of sports, exercise and physical activity participation during postoperative interventions for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis: protocol for an international e-Delphi study

Introduction                   Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) is present in 2%–3% of those under 18 years old and has a significant impact on pain, function and quality of life. Up to 10% of adolescents with AIS progress to spinal fusion surgery, and of those individuals many experience reduced musculoskeletal function and do not return to sports postoperatively. Physiotherapists have a significant role in promoting participation and offering a graded return to sports, exercise and physical activity. However, there is a lack of evidence and variability between surgeons and physiotherapists worldwide regarding rehabilitation milestones and return to exercise, sports and physical activity. This study aims to reach a consensus on when it is safe and how an individual might begin a graded return to sports, exercise and physical activity.                                                   Methods and analysis                   This protocol was written in accordance with the Guidance on Conducting and REporting DElphi Studies (CREDES) guidelines. An international expert sample of surgeons and physiotherapists in AIS will be recruited. This electronic Delphi is anticipated to consist of three iterative rounds. Round 1 will be a series of open-ended questions examining rehabilitation milestones and return to sports, exercise and physical activity postoperatively. Round 2 will commence with a summary of the existing literature for participants to review. Rounds 2 and 3 will involve a collated summary of results from the previous round, including any dissonance. During rounds 2 and 3, participants will be asked to privately rate responses on a 5-point Likert scale. The study steering group and patient and public involvement representative have been involved from conceptualisation and will continue to be involved until final dissemination.                                                   Ethics and dissemination                   Full ethical approval has been provided by the University of Birmingham, reference number: ERN_1617-Nov2023. Dissemination will take place through conference presentation and peer-reviewed publications.
Impact of IT on Transparency, Accountability and Corruption Control in Nepal's Local Governments

Information Technology (IT) is essential for improving transparency, accountability, innovation, and national development. This study investigates the impact of IT in selected local bodies for transparency, accountability, and corruption control. The main goal of this study was to evaluate how well local bodies utilize digital infrastructures to enhance governance and service delivery to the public. A mixed-method approach was used, incorporating online surveys and telephone interviews with local government officials and individuals. The findings show that, many local bodies have difficulties when utilizing IT-based system into place, despite increasing awareness of digital governance. Insufficient infrastructure, geographical obstacles, lack of technical expertise and political influence all make it difficult to utilize IT and enhance accountability and transparency in local bodies. As a result, the potential of IT to reduce corruption and strengthen good governance has not yet been completely fulfilled. The study indicates that in order to achieve accountable, transparency, and corruption-free local bodies, it is essential to improve digital infrastructures, strengthen the capacity of local officials, and ensure strong political commitment.
Computer vision for traffic and object detection

Em média, na União Europeia, ocorreram 44 mortes na estrada por milhão de habitante em 2021, representando um aumento de 5% face a 2020, mas uma diminuição de 13% face a 2019, antes da pandemia. Em Portugal esta tendência representa a ocorrência de 52 mortes rodoviárias por milhão de habitante em 2021. Este trabalho tem como objetivo melhorar a segurança em passadeiras e prever possíveis colisões nas cidades. O trabalho proposto pretende ter um impacto significativo em termos de segurança rodoviária e proteção de utilizadores, por melhorar a segurança nas passadeiras, prevenir colisões, reduzir acidentes e lesões, aumentando a segurança num ambiente publico, com a versatilidade de poder ser implementado em outras cidades. Esta tese visa também como objetivo demonstrar os benefícios de visão por computador para o desenvolvimento, controlo, otimização e segurança uma cidade. São propostos mecanismos que permitem retirar informação de câmaras de vídeo que permitem analisar a mobilidade e situações de perigo. Desta forma, são estudadas relações de perigo em passadeiras, de maneira a perceber como varia o perigo neste tipo de zonas, considerando carros e peões. O objetivo será também fazer este estudo para zonas diferentes e verificar conjuntos de dados que nos possam levar a tirar conclusões sobre uma dada ocorrência, e assim ativar os meios necessários para os resolver. O objetivo da tese foi o desenvolvimento de algoritmos de deteção e previsão de acidentes, que permitam tornar a cidade mais interligada e mais inteligente do ponto de vista tecnológico.
Regulation of secondary metabolism by chromatin structure and epigenetic codes

Chromatin, composed of DNA wrapped around an octamer of histones, is the relevant substrate for all genetic processes in eukaryotic nuclei. Changes in chromatin structure are associated with the activation and silencing of gene transcription and reversible post-translational modifications of histones are now known to direct chromatin structure transitions. Recent studies in several fungal species have identified a chromatin-based regulation of secondary metabolism (SM) gene clusters representing an upper-hierarchical level for the coordinated control of large chromosomal elements. Regulation by chromatin transition processes provides a mechanistic model to explain how different SM clusters located at dispersed genomic regions can be simultaneously silenced during primary metabolism. Activation of SM clusters has been shown to be associated with increased acetylation of histones H3 and H4 and, consequently, inhibition of histone de-acetylase activities also leads to increased production of secondary metabolites. New findings suggest that SM clusters are silenced by heterochromatic histone marks and that the closed heterochromatic structures are reversed during SM activation. This process is mediated by the conserved activator of SM, LaeA. Despite the increase in knowledge about these processes, much remains to be learned from chromatin-level regulation of SM. For example, which proteins position the chromatin restructuring signal onto SM clusters or how exactly LaeA works to mediate the low level of heterochromatic marks inside different clusters remain open questions. Answers to these and other chromatin-related questions would certainly complete our understanding of SM gene regulation and signaling and, because for many predicted SM clusters corresponding products have not been identified so far, anti-silencing strategies would open new ways for the identification of novel bioactive substances.
Raising the Prestige of Public Engagement within the Planetary Science Community in Europe

We describe the outreach programme of the Europlanet Research Infrastructure (RI), a four-year project funded by the European Union under Framework 7 and designed to maximise planetary science output in Europe. Outreach is a key activity within Europlanet RI and we have put in place a programme to build channels of communication between the planetary science community, the public and the media. One of the major challenges that we have identified is the low value that some parts of the research community place on outreach activities. We describe how we hope to change attitudes and raise the prestige of public engagement in planetary science by establishing an annual prize and a funding scheme. Both schemes are now in their second year, with the third round due to be announced at the EPSC–DPS Joint Meeting in October 2011.
Investigation to Synthesis and Electrochemistry of the Ternary Si-CuO-NiO System as Anode Materials in Lithium-ion Batteries via an Affordable Manufacturing High-Energy Ball-Milling Method

NiO was introduced into Si-CuO alloys as anode materials in LIBs by an affordable manufacturing high-energy ball-milling method the first time. The study found the ball-milled Si-CuO-NiO composites could effectively suppress the formation of the Li3.75Si phase during the lithiation process. With increasing the proportion of NiO, there was obvious improvement on cycle stability and coulombic efficiency. As a comparison, the ball-milled material of Si-CuO (23.5%) with the same mass fraction of the metal oxide as Si-CuO-NiO (15%) was also synthesized but showed much worse electrochemical performance. In addition, the ball-milled Si-CuO-NiO (15%) also had a certain degree of thermal stability and when coating carbon layer at 800 ℃, the capacity retention could be ~ 92% after 100 cycles at 0.2C.
Benchmarking Quantum Computers: The Five-Qubit Error Correcting Code

Physical Review Letters