ethicalabs/Research-Intent-Collab huggingface dataset:
Decoding India’s Quest for United Nations Security Council Reform: Multilateral Institution in the Age of Globalisation

The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) has emerged as the predominant body within the UN, and the inclusion of veto power has further enhanced its appeal to member states. For a long time, there is a growing chorus of nations advocating for reforms within the UNSC, aiming to expand the number of permanent seats. Numerous countries, possessing significant global influence, remain unrepresented in the UNSC. In this context, India presents a compelling case for attaining permanent membership, alongside the other G4 countries. Even prior to gaining independence, India actively participated in the UN and made substantial contributions, surpassing many other nations. As the world’s largest democracy, India has played a proactive role in promoting global peace and security. During the era of the Cold War, while much of the world was engulfed in conflict, India pursued a policy of non-alignment with certain nations in order to avoid war. Notably, a considerable number of influential countries have expressed their support for India’s permanent seat. India was elected as a non-permanent member for the eighth time and India just completed its last term in December 2022. Over the past decade, India has undergone remarkable transformations across various aspects, positioning itself prominently on the global stage. Even India is hosting its G20 presidency for the year 2023. The G-20 presidency has positioned India favorably, particularly at a time when the international community seeks an alternative to the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) due to its inaction caused by the veto power.  Against this backdrop, this study majorly examines India’s argument for permanent membership as a strong contender from Asia with the other G4 nations, its likelihood of being admitted after objections from a few other powerful nations, and the benefits of India being admitted permanently to the Security Council. Further, it also highlights the implications for international security of extending the UN Security Council. Lastly, it also looks into the arguments if India can use G20 as the substitute for UNSC.
The Effect of Protoplanetary Disk Cooling Times on the Formation of Gas Giant Planets by Gravitational Instability

Abstract                Observational evidence exists for the formation of gas giant planets on wide orbits around young stars by disk gravitational instability, but the roles of disk instability and core accretion for forming gas giants on shorter period orbits are less clear. The controversy extends to population synthesis models of exoplanet demographics and to hydrodynamical models of the fragmentation process. The latter refers largely to the handling of radiative transfer in three-dimensional (3D) hydrodynamical models, which controls heating and cooling processes in gravitationally unstable disks, and hence dense clump formation. A suite of models using the β cooling approximation is presented here. The initial disks have masses of 0.091 M                   ⊙ and extend from 4 to 20 au around a 1 M                   ⊙ protostar. The initial minimum Toomre Q                                         i                    values range from 1.3 to 2.7, while β ranges from 1 to 100. We show that the choice of Q                                         i                    is equal in importance to the β value assumed: high Q                                         i                    disks can be stable for small β, when the initial disk temperature is taken as a lower bound, while low Q                                         i                    disks can fragment for high β. These results imply that the evolution of disks toward low Q                                         i                    must be taken into account in assessing disk fragmentation possibilities, at least in the inner disk, i.e., inside about 20 au. The models suggest that if low Q                                         i                    disks can form, there should be an as yet largely undetected population of gas giants orbiting G dwarfs between about 6 au and 16 au.
Chapter 22: The cooperation dilemma: can agricultural cooperatives sustainably survive in a globalised food system while contributing to food security?

Published
Leveraging Optimal Transport for Distributed Two-Sample Testing: An Integrated Transportation Distance-based Framework

This paper introduces a novel framework for distributed two-sample testing using the Integrated Transportation Distance (ITD), an extension of the Optimal Transport distance. The approach addresses the challenges of detecting distributional changes in decentralized learning or federated learning environments, where data privacy and heterogeneity are significant concerns. We provide theoretical foundations for the ITD, including convergence properties and asymptotic behavior. A permutation test procedure is proposed for practical implementation in distributed settings, allowing for efficient computation while preserving data privacy. The framework's performance is demonstrated through theoretical power analysis and extensive simulations, showing robust Type I error control and high power across various distributions and dimensions. The results indicate that ITD effectively aggregates information across distributed clients, detecting subtle distributional shifts that might be missed when examining individual clients. This work contributes to the growing field of distributed statistical inference, offering a powerful tool for two-sample testing in modern, decentralized data environments.
A Continuous Fixed Bed Adsorption Process for Fez City Urban Wastewater Using Almond Shell Powder: Experimental and Optimization Study

This study deals with the valorization of a biomaterial, almond shell, for the treatment of urban effluents of the city of Fez by a fixed bed column adsorption process. A parametric analysis of the process is carried out with conditions such as particle size, pH and height of the adsorbent bed to evaluate the optimal removal percent and obtain an optimal removal capacity of the adsorbent load. Characterization of the adsorbent prior to continuous adsorption was carried out by X-ray diffraction, Fourier-transform infrared spectrometry and scanning electron microscopy. The adsorption treatment seems to be influenced by certain parameters, such as the particle size of the biomaterial used, the height of the adsorption bed and the pH. The results suggest that this biomaterial can be used as a less expensive, available, biodegradable and very effective adsorbent to eliminate the load of urban waters on a small scale and why not on a large scale to replace chemicals in the treatment and to recover waste such as almond shell. The parameters measured reached maximum values varying between 82% for COD, 79% for EC and 71% for nitrite under well-defined operating conditions, with a particle size of 0.063 mm, a height column height of 7 cm and a pH of 6.5.
Trace element, Nd-Hf-Pb isotope geochemistry, and zircon U-Pb geochronology of the Baskil Dikes (Elazığ, Eastern Türkiye): Tracing Late Cretaceous continental arc magmatism in the Southern Neotethys

During the Late Cretaceous, the dual subduction within the Southern Neotethyan domain resulted in the formation of an intra-oceanic arc complex (Yüksekova Complex) as well as an Andean-type continental arc characterized by the Baskil Igneous Complex. The plutonic part of this continental arc is cut by numerous dikes, which are the main focus of this study. The dikes range in composition from basalt to dacite, while the host rocks are dacitic (granodioritic). All samples show negative Nb anomalies on the normal mid-ocean ridge basalt (N-MORB)-normalized plots. The samples can be grouped into five chemical types based on the level of depletion and the magnitude of Nb anomaly. Types 1 and 2 show a major contribution from a depleted mantle component, also supported by high εNdi and εHfi values in Type 2. Conversely, the other chemical types reflect a greater contribution from one or more enriched components, as indicated by their lower Zr/Nb and higher Nb/Yb ratios. All chemical types, with their relative Nb depletion, indicate slab-derived additions, which is strengthened by the Pb isotopic values of Type 2 samples plotting within the EM-2 field. On the other hand, the elevated Th and high Th/Nb ratios in Type 5 may imply assimilation of continental crust. The bulk geochemical characteristics of the studied dikes and host rocks imply their generation in a continental arc. The U-Pb zircon dating of the dikes and their granodioritic host rocks constrains their emplacement to a narrow interval, between 81 and 79 Ma. When the available geological and geochronological age data are taken into account, the intra-oceanic subduction and continental arc magmatism in the Southern Neotethys seem to have occurred simultaneously; the former created the Yüksekova arc-basin system, whereas the latter generated the Baskil Arc.
Reliability analysis of gas turbine engine by means of bathtub‐shaped failure rate distribution

AbstractDuring reliability analysis, analysts often encounter multiple repairable units operating in different environments for various applications such as marine, power generation, and propulsion. Thus, a reliability approach that accounts for varying operating conditions is invaluable to ensure system availability. Therefore, fault probability described by some characteristic parameters and their accurate estimation has been a vital task for understanding system's behavior. The time between failures is utilized to estimate Weibull parameters that define the system. The application of gas turbine is presented as a case study. Five different cases are discussed based on distinct operating conditions and faults. The results obtained demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method for assessing operational reliability. The three‐parameter Weibull distribution was found to best fit the failure data with the root mean square error between 0.0369 and 0.0688 for maximum likelihood estimation and 0.04184 and 0.0733 for the least square method. Based on these results, it is deduced that the system under consideration is at the end of its operational life. Furthermore, it is observed that an increase in maintenance interval leads to a decline in meantime to failure, which is indicative of the need to select maintenance interval wisely. Findings from this study helps to improve the understanding of gas turbine behavior based on reliability and survival analysis.
A Review of Smartphone Applications Designed to Improve Occupational Health, Safety, and Well-being at Workplaces

Background: As smartphones become more widespread, software applications for occupational health, safety and well-being (OHS&amp;W) at work are increasing. There is sparse knowledge about the available apps and the research evidence of their effects. This study aims to identify available smartphone applications designed to improve OHS&amp;W at workplaces, and examine to what extent the apps are scientifically validated.Methods: We searched the Danish App Store and Google Play for free OHS&amp;W apps. Apps were included if they targeted OHS&amp;W and were designed for workplace use. After categorizing the apps, we searched bibliographic databases to identify scientific studies on the ‘intervention apps’.Results: Altogether, 57 apps were included in the study; 19 apps were categorized as digital sources of information, 37 apps contained an intervention designed for workplace changes, and one app had too sparse information to be classified. Based on the publicly available information about the 37 intervention apps, only 13 had references to research. The bibliographic database search returned 531 publications, resulting in four relevant studies referring to four apps aimed at ergonomic measures, noise exposure, and well-being, which showed either limited effect or methodological limitations.Conclusion: There is no conceptual clarity about what can be categorized as an OHS&amp;W app. Although some of the apps were developed based on scientific research, there is a need to evaluate the apps’ effects in promoting OHS&amp;W. The sparse documentation of evidence should be kept in mind when applying apps to improve OHS&amp;W.
P0782 Resetting the Clock: Does Redo IPAA Restore Quality of Life? Patient Reported Outcomes Before and After Redo Ileoanal Pouch Surgery

Abstract                                   Background                   Patient-reported outcomes (PROs) after ileoanal pouch (IPAA) salvage with redo pouch procedures are known to be worse compared to after primary (index) pouch surgery. Although pouch failure is associated with decreased pouch function and quality of life (QoL), PROs prior to redo IPAA have not been reported. We aimed to report on PRO before and after redo IPAA. We hypothesized that redo IPAA is associated with improved quality of life.                                                   Methods                   Our pouch registry was queried for adults who underwent redo IPAA between 1984 and 2024, who had at least one pouch survey before and after redo pouch surgery. Pouch surveys were mailed to all patients annually and also collected in clinic (paper survey), and several items were administered electronically from to 2015-2019 (electronic survey). Our primary outcome was the Cleveland Global QoL index (CGQLI), a composite of QoL, quality of health (QoH), and quality of energy (QoE), each of which was scored from 0 (lowest) to 10 (highest). These three scores were then summed and divided by 30 to obtain an overall score ranging from 0 (lowest) to 1 (highest). Before and after survey responses were compared using univariate analysis with t-tests and Wilcoxon rank-sum tests, and matched paired analysis, using JMP v18.1.                                                   Results                   A total of 659 redo pouch procedures, including pouch excision with neo-IPAA in 387 (58%) and pouch repair with neo-IPAA in 272 (41%), were included, of which 472 (72%) had survey data available and were analyzed. Results from the paper survey (Table 1) revealed bowel frequency, urgency, incontinence, seepage, pad usage, fiber, and anti-diarrheal usage were not significantly different after, compared with before, redo IPAA. After redo IPAA, 87% would undergo redo surgery again and 89% would recommend IPAA. Happiness with surgery was higher after redo IPAA (from 8 to 9, p=0.02 overall; p=0.08, pairwise). Matched pair analysis of the electronic survey responses (Table 1) revealed after redo IPAA, dietary restrictions increased (from 51% to 54%, p=0.03), social restrictions decreased (from 44% to 34%, p=0.05), whereas work and sexual restrictions remained unchanged. After redo IPAA, QoL (from 7 to 8, p=0.0004), QoH (from 7 to 8, p=0.0003) and CGQLI (from 0.57 to 0.67, p=0.003) and were significantly higher after, compared with before, redo IPAA.                                                   Conclusion                   Redo IPAA, on matched pair analysis, was restorative for the decreased quality of life and social restrictions observed prior to redo pouch surgery, without sacrificing functional outcomes for most patients. This novel view of PROs after redo IPAA compared with before redo IPAA sheds new light on what may be reasonably be expected after redo IPAA for patients with failing pouches contemplating redo IPAA surgery.
Improving the quality of randomized controlled trials in Chinese herbal medicine, Part Ⅰ: clinical trial design and methodology

To discuss the quality of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) with respect to design and methodology, and provide suggestions for further improvement in future clinical trials.A search of the Cochrane Library was conducted to identify RCTs of CHM on line in July 2005. Quality of the RCTs was assessed using a 11-item checklist modified from the revised CONSORT statement, with 2 items specific to CHM (i.e. herb preparation form and quality control of herbs).The search yielded 167 RCTs that were selected for assessment. All trials included statements about the interventions, objectives, primary outcome design, statistical methods, and herb preparation form. Although 163 (97.6%) trials reported inclusion criteria, exclusion criteria were only reported in 26 (15.6%) trials. Fewer than 10% of trials clearly stated the random allocation sequence generation methods, and only 2.4% mentioned allocation concealment. The vast majority (86.8%) of trials were open-label, while only 13.2% used blinding. Almost half (45.5%) administered the CHM intervention as a tea or decoction. Only one trial (0.6%) reported a sample size calculation, and a single trial (0.6%) discussed quality control of the CHM intervention.The overall methodologic quality of RCTs in CHM was poor. It is essential to improve the design of future RCTs in this clinical area.(1) Investigator conducting RCTs should have formal training about clinical trial design; (2) A flow chart is recommended to ensure that all essential steps of clinical trial design are included. (3) Conducting pilot studies prior to RCTs may help improve their design; (4) Registration of clinical trials and publishing their protocols prior to enrollment may reduce publication bias and solicit peer reviews of the proposed design; (5) Collaboration between CHM investigators and traditional medicine academic research centers interested in integrative medicine may lead to quality improvement of RCTs of CHM.
Big Data Technology in Today’s Education Systems: Learning Analytics

Öğrenme analitiği kavramı, öğrenmenin kalitesini artırmak için eğitim alanında büyük veri teknolojisinin bir yansıması olarak ortaya çıkmaktadır. Öğrenciler, özellikle e-öğrenme etkinlikleri sırasında dijital izlerden büyük miktarda veri bırakırlar. Bu veriler, e-öğrenme süreçlerini kolaylaştırmak veya diğer eğitimsel ve idari amaçlar için kullanmak için işlenebilir. Tahmine dayalı modelleme, sosyal ağ analizi (SNA), kullanıcı, kullanım takibi, içerik analizi, anlam analizi, öneri sistemleri gibi teknikler öğrenme analitiği teknikleri arasında yer alırken, mevcut öğrenme süreci performansını belirlemek ve iyileştirmek için öğrenme analitiği kullanılır. Günümüz öğrenme ortamlarının dijitalleşmesi nedeniyle öğrenciler daha yalnızdır, e-öğrenme etkinlikleri sırasında motivasyonları daha düşüktür, bu nedenle öğrenme sürecini yönetmek daha zordur. Bu nedenle öğrenme analitiği uygulamaları tıpkı sanal mentorlar gibi günümüz eğitim sistemlerinde ön plana çıkmaktadır. Sanal mentorlarla daha bireyselleşen e-öğrenme sürecini geleneksel eğitime göre iyileştirmek ve yönetmek daha kolay olacak. Bu çalışmada, öğrenme analitiğinin eğitim kurumlarına nasıl uyarlanabileceği açısından daha önce yapılan bir uygulama çalışması tartışılacak ve öğrenme analitiği uygulama tasarımı (Learning Analytics Application Design, LAID) ilkelerinin uyarlanması araştırma soruları ile tartışılacaktır. LAID, kavramsal ve lojistik koordinasyonun yanı sıra koordinasyon, karşılaştırma ve özelleştirme ilkesinden oluşur. Uygulama verileri, Sakarya Üniversitesi Elektronik Teknolojisi uzaktan öğretim öğrencilerinin 2010-2011 eğitim öğretim yılı güz döneminde ön lisans düzeyinde Matematik dersinde uyguladıkları öğrenme testlerine verdikleri cevaplardan oluşmaktadır. Geliştirilen öğrenme testleri önce benzer özelliklere sahip Bilgisayar Programlama öğrencilerine uygulanmış ve madde analizi tamamlandıktan sonra Elektronik Teknolojisi öğrencilerine en iyi sorulardan oluşan güncelleştirilmiş testler uygulanmıştır. Testlere katılım zorunlu olmadığı için yayınlanan testlere kendi öğrenme performansları hakkında bilgi edinmek isteyen öğrenciler katılmıştır ve katılımcı sayısı 88 ile 107 arasında değişmektedir. Sırasıyla 107 öğrenci kümeler testine, 93 öğrenci sayılar testine, 101 öğrenci cebir testine, 89 öğrenci eşitsizlikler ve denklemler testine, 105 öğrenci fonksiyonlar testine ve 88 öğrenci logaritma ve trigonometri testine katılmıştır. Elde edilen bulgular, uygulamanın öğrenme analitiği perspektifi açısından değerlendirilmesi, geliştirme önerilerine sonuçlar bölümünde yer verilmiştir.
Introduction to Climate Change Vulnerability, Adaptation, and Resiliency

Climate change affects people not only through environmental exposure and health outcomes but in how they live their lives. Consequences will affect various sectors, ranging from tourism to water to energy development. Because of these forced changes, people must adapt. This chapter is an introduction to climate change vulnerability in the world, and the adaption and resiliency measures that must take place. The chapter sets the tone to understand the differences in communities that may help or hinder progress in the new world set forth by climate change.
Statistical Mechanics of Biomembrane Phase Transition. I. Excluded Volume Effects of Lipid Chains in Their Conformation Change

The main phase transition of a membrane is attributed to conformation changes of the hydrocarbon chains constituting the lipid bilayers. The excluded volume effect, which is. crucial for cooperative nature of the conformation changes, is taken into consideration by a modified dimer model. Statistical mechanics of the model is investigated rigorously by means of the transfer matrix formalism without introducing any extra simplification such as the continuum approximation. The model is found to exhibit a new type of second order phase transition which does not contain critical fluctuation: Specific heat is zero for T < T c and is bounded by a finite value for T ≧ T c . A variational evaluation of the maximum eigen-value of the transfer matrix is given for the purpose of quantitative (though approximate) analysis of the phase transition.
One health analysis of antimicrobial resistance in                     <i>Escherichia coli</i>                     from humans, animals, and the environment

Abstract                                        Summary                     Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses a critical public health threat, with evidence suggesting the transfer of resistance genes between humans, animals, and the environment. This study investigates the distribution of AMR genes, plasmid types, and the population structure of Escherichia coli isolates from humans, livestock, fish, and the environment in Tanzania, with a subset of data from Kenya, using a One Health approach. A total of 174 Whole-genome sequencing (WGS) data were analyzed to identify AMR genes and evaluate their population structure. The findings reveal widespread dissemination of AMR genes across all sources. Aminoglycoside resistance genes and β-lactam resistance genes were prevalent across all environments. Quinolone resistance mutations were detected in isolates from humans, livestock, fish, and the environment. Tetracycline resistance genes were found in humans, livestock, and fish. Plasmid types IncFIA, IncI1, and IncFII exhibited extensive cross-source sharing, with strong connectivity between human and livestock. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) revealed that E. coli isolates from Kenya formed a tight, distinct cluster, while other isolates were more dispersed. These findings emphasize the interconnected nature of AMR across human, animal, and environmental sectors and underscore the need for integrated surveillance under a One Health framework to monitor and control the spread of clinically significant AMR genes.                                                           Availability and Implementation                     The genomic datasets analyzed in this study are available from public repositories. Bioinformatics analyses were conducted using established pipelines and standard tools for AMR gene detection, plasmid typing, and population structure analysis.