ethicalabs/Research-Intent-Collab huggingface dataset:
The Rollout of Computer Science Education to Every Student in New York City: A Socio-Contextual Social Network Analysis

Background                     CS4All is an $81 million private-public investment aimed at creating the necessary infrastructure to provide computer science experiences to all New York City public-school students by 2025.                                                           Purpose                     In this paper, we examine the history of the CS4All initiative and document the network of actors and their relationships in the system such that we can understand how this reform is enacted, how it might be reactive to external contexts and pressures, and how the structure and pathways of this particular social network might inform similar efforts elsewhere.                                                           Research Design                     To structure our analysis of CS4All, we first examine the most recent historic example of a large-scale curricular reform—Man: A Course of Study (MACOS). By reflecting on the network structure of CS4All in light of the design, enactment, and eventual failure of MACOS, we can identify potential pain points and opportunities in CS4All's 10-year effort. We conducted interviews with core members of the CS4All initiative and examined available public records to construct and analyze a social network of key CS4All stakeholders, other actors, processes, and institutions.                                                           Conclusions                     In our analysis of the CS4All social network, we document how well-connected individuals simultaneously mobilized government resources and grassroots enthusiasm to create the conditions necessary for the initiation of this massive curricular reform effort, and describe the current pathways in place for decision making and resource distribution. Comparing the history and structure of the CS4All initiative to Man: A Course of Study —a failed nationwide curricular reform in the 1960s—we find that CS4All's centralized decision-making process and failure to create and distribute high quality formative assessment tools may lead to challenges to adoption. However, explicit efforts to solicit input from and communicate initiative values to the large diversity of stakeholders throughout NYC, as well as the innovation of a decentralized “buffet-style” curricular approach, may put CS4All on more sure footing.
Design parameter evaluation based on human operation for tip mechanism of forceps manipulator using surgical robot simulation

AbstractWe proposed a design method for pediatric surgical robots that evaluates the workspace and view information in computer simulator before the actual robot is developed. In this study, we investigated a suturing task in a virtual environment using forceps manipulators with different mechanical parameters. We reproduced the surgical workspace for congenital esophageal atresia and measured the working volume and invisible area to obtain suitable parameters for the suturing task. We also calculated the suitable mechanical parameters using Pareto optimal solution method and verified the mechanical parameters in Pareto optimal solution. We verified from the experimental results that there is a trade-off between the working volume and invisible area during the suturing task. Moreover, we determined from the calculation results that the mechanical design of the forceps manipulator is influenced by the invisible area during the suturing task. Finally, we confirmed that it is possible to obtain suitable para...
Forestry and Resilience to Climate Change: A Synthesis on Application of Forest-Based Adaptation Strategies to Reduce Vulnerability Among Communities in Sub-Saharan Africa

Forests and trees outside forests play an important role on mitigation of climate change through sequestering of carbon from the atmosphere. However, little has been documented on the role of forestry in adaptation to climate change. The objective of this paper was therefore to identify and analyse forest-based adaptation strategies employed in sub-Saharan Africa that have the potential of enhancing resilience of vulnerable communities to the impacts of climate change, with a view of recommending them for up-scale and adoption. The study employed both desk review approach and primary data collection through focused group discussion from 12 African countries. A review of selected studies commissioned by African forest Forum in sub-Saharan Africa was undertaken and synthesis carried out to delineate role of forestry in improving resilience to climate change to various forest ecosystems and people. It also builds from review of related reports and other publications on forestry as relates to climate change. The study revealed forest and tree-based systems in the context of sustainable forest management plays a significant role on disaster risk reduction and abatement to impacts of climate change. Specifically, tree planting and forest conservation aid protection of soil and land against detrimental impacts of flooding. Rehabilitation of degraded lands and forests through tree planting and good forest management practices enhances water quality and other vital environmental services. Such benefits associated with forests and tree-based systems improve capacity of communities in upstream and downstream to ameliorate impacts of climate change. Overall, the adaptation strategies such as: sustainable forest management (SFM); agroforestry systems; forestry and food production; commercial forestry; and other ecosystem based interventions enhance resilience among the vulnerable communities in the sub-Saharan Africa. The development of appropriate institutions, policy and legal frameworks that support national initiatives such as National Adaptation Programmes of Actions (NAPAs), forest based Intended Nationally Determined Contributions (INDC) as well as NDCs and other coping mechanisms that integrate both adaptation and mitigation remains vital in strengthening resilience of vulnerable social groups and biophysical systems to the impacts of climate change.
Examining the Effectiveness of Occupational Health and Safety Practices in Workplaces: A Case Study of Kansanshi Mine

Despite comprehensive legal frameworks such as the Mines and Minerals Development Act No. 11 of 2015 and the Occupational Health and Safety Act No. 36 of 2010, workplace accidents and health risks remain a challenge in Zambia’s mining sector. Kansanshi Mine, one of the largest copper operations, continues to face occupational hazards that question the consistency and effectiveness of its safety practices. This study examined the implementation of occupational health and safety (OHS) practices at Kansanshi Mine and their contribution to worker safety and organizational performance. A mixed-methods case study design was adopted, combining structured questionnaires and in-depth interviews. Data were collected from 70 workers and supervisors and 30 safety officers, managers, and experienced employees. Quantitative data were analyzed using SPSS and qualitative responses through thematic analysis. Findings revealed that OHS practices are generally established but unevenly implemented. The results show that 20 (20%) of the respondents indicated the presence of a Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) policy, 10 (10%) identified an emergency response and evacuation policy, 50 (50%) reported the incident/accident reporting and investigation policy, and 20 (20%) mentioned the environmental and waste management policy. These findings reveal that the incident/accident reporting and investigation policy is the most widely recognized, accounting for half of the responses. The study concludes that Kansanshi Mine has developed a moderately strong OHS framework that positively contributes to employee safety, productivity, and overall organizational performance. Demographic analysis revealed a workforce largely composed of young and middle-aged employees, with male dominance in managerial and technical safety roles. Educational levels varied by role: general workers mainly held secondary education, supervisors possessed post-secondary qualifications, and safety officers and managers were the most educated, with 40–66.7% holding degrees. It Recommends proposed strengthening of OHS practices and their impact on performance at Kansanshi Mine. Ensure timely and consistent distribution of high-quality PPE to all employees, including periodic replacement of worn-out equipment. Automated inventory management systems should be introduced to monitor PPE stock and anticipate shortages.
Psychosocial predictors of four health‐promoting behaviors for cancer prevention using the stage of change of Transtheoretical Model

AbstractObjectivesThe present study aimed to examine whether demographic as well as psychosocial variables related to the five stages of change of the Transtheoretical Model can predict non‐clinical adults' cancer preventive and health‐promoting behaviors. This study specifically focused on cancer, one of the major chronic diseases, which is a serious threat of national health.MethodsA total of 1530 adults participated in the study and completed questionnaires. Collected data were analyzed by using multinominal logistic regression.ResultsThe significant predictors of later stages varied among the types of health‐promoting behaviors. Certain cancer preventive health‐promoting behaviors such as well‐balanced diet and exercise were significantly associated with psychosocial variables including cancer prevention‐related self‐efficacy, personality traits, psychosocial stress, and social support. On the other hand, smoking cessation and moderate or abstinence from drinking were more likely to be predicted by demographic variables including sex and age.ConclusionsThe present study found that in addition to self‐efficacy—a relatively well‐studied psychological variable—other personality traits and psychological factors including introversion, neuroticism, psychosocial stress, and social support also significantly predicted later stages of change with respect to cancer preventive health‐promoting behaviors. The implications of this study are also discussed. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley &amp; Sons, Ltd.
Land Rights for the Indigenous Pygmy Peoples and Preservation of the Kahuzi-Biega National Park in Eastern DR Congo: A Paradigm for Integral Conservation and the Survival of the Riparian Population

Located in the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), the Kahuzi-Biega National Park (KBNP) is now becoming an epicentre of tension between the conservation authorities and the local population, particularly the indigenous Pygmy peoples. This study examines the dialectic between the indigenous Pygmy people's right to land and the conservation requirements of the Kahuzi-Biega National Park (KBNP), as a protected heritage site. This research adopts an inductive approach based on documentation, focus groups and semi-structured interviews. The results indicate that the current protected area management model should evolve towards participatory governance, recognising the customary and traditional rights of local populations. The exclusion of local people from the decision-making process has led to a lack of interest in conservation, and even to social implosion. Conditions of access to basic social services remain inequitable, accentuating the marginalisation of these groups. This standard recognises their right to dignity, physical integrity and freedom, while prohibiting all forms of discrimination. In addition, the Forestry Code (article 44) guarantees the maintenance of the use rights of local populations in forest concessions, except for agriculture. In practice, however, these provisions are circumvented or not applied in the context of the KBNP. The principle of co-management, promoted by the ICCN since its 2012 strategy, remains theoretical, with no concrete memorandum of understanding with the indigenous people. The sacred nature of Batwa land, combined with the need for dignified survival, means that the Congolese state has an obligation to guarantee secure access to forest resources, while respecting legal and customary pluralism.
Influence of Company Characteristics on Corporate Social Responsibility Disclosures in the Annual Reports of the Manufacturing Companies

This study aims to analyze the influence empirically about the characteristics of the company towards disclosure of CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility). All manufacturing companies listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange (IDX) during 2014 to 2016, namely 149 companies were the population used to determine whether or not there was influence between the characteristics of companies and disclosure of CSR. The sample in this study was taken using purposive sampling technique and selected a sample of 83 companies with 249 units of analysis and observation period for 3 years. Multiple regression analysis using IBM SPSS 24 is a data analysis technique used as a hypothesis testing tool. The results of this study prove that the first hypothesis, namely profitability can affect CSR disclosure, CSR disclosure is also influenced by how large the size of a company, and the leverage variable also has an influence on CSR disclosure but the direction is negative. While other variables, namely the size of the board of commissioners and public share ownership have no effect on CSR disclosure. The conclusion of this study is that the higher the level of profitability and size of the company can influence the increase in information about CSR disclosure, while the increase in the value of leverage makes the company will reduce information about the disclosure of CSR.
Noncovalent interaction or chemical bonding between alkaline earth cations and benzene? A quantum chemistry study using MP2 and density-functional theory methods

Abstract   Calculations on alkaline earth metal ion–benzene complexes were performed using the density-functional theory (DFT) B3LYP and ab initio MP2 methods. They showed that the interaction is very strong, of the order of magnitude of a normal chemical bond. Electrostatic interaction is not the dominant component, and both charge transfer and induction make a significant contribution. Analysis of molecular orbital interactions indicated that binding of the alkaline earth metal ions to benzene may be attributed to s–π and p–π interactions, which are significantly stronger than those between alkali cations and benzene.
Sr-Nd-Pb isotope and trace element geochemistry of calc-alkaline andesites from Volcán Colima, Mexico

Se reportan los datos de elementos traza y las composiciones isotópicas de Sr, Nd y Pb en andesitas calco-alcalinas del Volcán Colima y se comparará con otros centros volcánicos del Cinturón Volcánico Mexicano. Los patrones de elementos de Tierras Raras normalizadas con respecto a condritas demuestran un enriquecimiento en Tierras Raras ligeras y anomalías despreciables de Eu. Otros diagramas multi-elementos normalizados con respecto a MORB y manto "primitivo" demuestran anomalías negativas de Ta y Ti en las andesitas de Colima. Las relaciones isotópicas varían de 0.70355-0.70358 for 87Sr/86Sr, 0.51295- 0.51298 for 143Nd/144Nd, and 18.57-18.59, 15.56-15.58 and 38.27-38.31 for 206Pb/204Pb, 207Pb/204Pb and 208Pb/204Pb respectivamente. Las relaciones isotópicas de Sr y Pb son significativamente menores y 143Nd/144Nd mayor que para la mayoría de las andesitas del Cinturón Volcánico Mexicano.
DISCRETE EVENT SIMULATION MODELING WITH ARENA FOR COMBINATION OF MANUAL QUEUE AND FAST TRACK QUEUE IN HOSPITAL

In this study an analysis of the patient queuing system will be carried out by developing a queuing system, namely adding aspects of patient registration status and the registration process with a system or machine or through the hospital's web by downloading an application. This study aims to improve the efficiency of patient service management in clinics and develop a patient care management simulation model so that the number of patient rejections and patient waiting time in clinics. Discrete Event Simulation (DES) with ARENA and compare it with manual processes and with applications or machines in the registration process. The results show that patient rejection can be reduced to 1%, and the average patient time to be seen by a doctor is 0.7145 hours. If converted into minutes, each type of patient takes about 10 minutes in the doctor's office.
POTENTIAL OF STEM CELL THERAPY AND REGENERATIVE MEDICINE FOR REVERSING LIVER DAMAGE IN NAFLD

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a growing concern worldwide, with limited treatment options for its advanced stages, including non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and cirrhosis. Objective: This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of stem cell therapy in reversing liver damage in patients with NAFLD. Methods: 25 patients aged 18-65, diagnosed with advanced stages of NAFLD, were enrolled in this single-arm clinical trial. Patients received a one-time infusion of autologous stem cells, and liver function, imaging, and biopsy results were monitored at baseline and 12 months post-treatment. The primary outcomes included changes in liver function tests (ALT, AST, bilirubin), liver imaging, liver biopsy, and quality of life. Results: Significant improvements were observed in liver function tests, with ALT decreasing by 40%, AST by 41%, and total bilirubin by 39% (p &lt; 0.01 for ALT and AST, p &lt; 0.05 for bilirubin). Liver imaging showed a 37% reduction in fat fraction and a 28% reduction in liver stiffness (p &lt; 0.05). Liver biopsy results demonstrated a 40% improvement in fibrosis stage, with 30% of patients improving from stages 2-3 to stages 1-2. Hepatocyte regeneration showed a 400% improvement (p &lt; 0.01). Quality of life improved by 50%, from a score of 5.2 to 7.8 (p &lt; 0.05). Conclusions: Stem cell therapy demonstrated significant liver regeneration and functional improvement in patients with advanced NAFLD. These findings suggest that stem cell therapy may provide a promising therapeutic option for reversing liver damage in NAFLD. Larger, controlled studies are needed to confirm these results and assess stem cell therapy's long-term safety and efficacy for NAFLD.
Manual on the Human Rights to Safe Drinking Water and Sanitation for Practitioners

"The Manual highlights the human rights principles and criteria in relation to drinking water and sanitation. It explains the international legal obligations in terms of operational policies and practice that will support the progressive realisation of universal access. The Manual introduces a human rights perspective that will add value to informed decision making in the daily routine of operators, managers and regulators. It also encourages its readership to engage actively in national dialogues where the human rights to safe drinking water and sanitation are translated into national and local policies, laws and regulations. Creating such an enabling environment is, in fact, only the first step in the process towards progressive realisation. Allocation of roles and responsibilities is the next step, in an updated institutional and operational set up that helps apply a human rights lens to the process of reviewing and revising the essential functions of operators, service providers and regulators."
Data Augmentation for Multivariate Time Series Classification: An Experimental Study

Our study investigates the impact of data augmentation on the performance of multivariate time series models, focusing on datasets from the UCR archive. Despite the limited size of these datasets, we achieved classification accuracy improvements in 10 out of 13 datasets using the Rocket and InceptionTime models. This highlights the essential role of sufficient data in training effective models, paralleling the advancements seen in computer vision. Our work delves into adapting and applying existing methods in innovative ways to the domain of multivariate time series classification. Our comprehensive exploration of these techniques sets a new standard for addressing data scarcity in time series analysis, emphasizing that diverse augmentation strategies are crucial for unlocking the potential of both traditional and deep learning models. Moreover, by meticulously analyzing and applying a variety of augmentation techniques, we demonstrate that strategic data enrichment can enhance model accuracy. This not only establishes a benchmark for future research in time series analysis but also underscores the importance of adopting varied augmentation approaches to improve model performance in the face of limited data availability.
LLaMA-Reg: Using LLaMA 2 for Unsupervised Medical Image Registration

Medical image registration is an essential topic in medical image analysis. In this paper, we propose a method for medical image registration using a pretrained large language model. We find that using the pretrained large language model to encode deep features of the medical images in the registration model can effectively improve image registration accuracy, indicating the great potential of the large language model in medical image registration tasks. We use dual encoders to perform deep feature extraction on image pairs and then input the features into the pretrained large language model. To adapt the large language model to our registration task, the weights of the large language model are frozen in the registration model, and an adapter is utilized to fine-tune the large language model, which aims at (a) mapping the visual tokens to the language space before the large language model computing, (b) project the modeled language tokens output from the large language model to the visual space. Our method combines output features from the fine-tuned large language model with the features output from each encoder layer to gradually generate the deformation fields required for registration in the decoder. To demonstrate the effectiveness of the large prediction model in registration tasks, we conducted experiments on knee and brain MRI and achieved state-of-the-art results.