ethicalabs/Research-Intent-Collab huggingface dataset:
Mechanism for collective cell alignment in Myxococcus xanthus bacteria

Myxococcus xanthus cells self-organize into aligned groups, clusters, at various stages of their lifecycle. Formation of these clusters is crucial for the complex dynamic multi-cellular behavior of these bacteria. However, the mechanism underlying the cell alignment and clustering is not fully understood. Motivated by studies of clustering in self-propelled rods, we hypothesized that M. xanthus cells can align and form clusters through pure mechanical interactions among cells and between cells and substrate. We test this hypothesis using an agent-based simulation framework in which each agent is based on the biophysical model of an individual M. xanthus cell. We show that model agents, under realistic cell flexibility values, can align and form cell clusters but only when periodic reversals of cell directions are suppressed. However, by extending our model to introduce the observed ability of cells to deposit and follow slime trails, we show that effective trail-following leads to clusters in reversing cells. Furthermore, we conclude that mechanical cell alignment combined with slime-trail-following is sufficient to explain the distinct clustering behaviors observed for wild-type and non-reversing M. xanthus mutants in recent experiments. Our results are robust to variation in model parameters, match the experimentally observed trends and can be applied to understand surface motility patterns of other bacterial species.
The Impact of Social Media on Adolescent Mental Health Education

The physical and mental health issues of adolescents have become a hot topic of concern in recent years, attracting in-depth research and discussion from numerous scientists, educators, and mental health professionals. Although this issue has attracted widespread attention, there are still many shortcomings in the specific implementation measures and public awareness level, which urgently need further exploration and improvement. This article aims to analyze in detail the impact of social media on adolescent mental health education, with a particular focus on the psychological characteristics of adolescents and their performance in the social media environment. During the research process, this article delved into the positive and negative impacts of social media on the mental health of adolescents. Based on the above research findings, this article proposes a series of relevant suggestions to help educators and parents use social media more effectively to promote mental health education for adolescents. These suggestions include strengthening the dissemination of mental health knowledge, raising awareness among adolescents about the potential risks of social media, and encouraging positive online interaction methods.
Fabrication and Characterization of AgNPs Incorporated PVA/ODA-MMT and PVP/ODA-MMT Nanofiber Structures by Green Electrospinning Nanotechnology as Excellent Conducting and Bioengineering Nanomaterial

Fabrication and Characterization of AgNPs Incorporated PVA/ODA-MMT and PVP/ODA-MMT Nanofiber Structures by Green Electrospinning Nanotechnology as Excellent Conducting and Bioengineering Nanomaterial U. Bunyatovaa,∗, Z. Rzayev, I.C. Kocum, M. Simsek and M.B. Yuruksoy Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Baskent University, 06810 Ankara, Turkey Institute of Science and Engineering, Division of Nanotechnology and Nanomedicine, Hacettepe University, Beytepe, 06800 Ankara, Turkey
G23(P) Development of a root cause analysis tool to investigate catheter associated blood stream infections (CABSI) in a tertiary neonatal unit

Aims  the Oliver Fisher Neonatal Unit has joined the ‘Matching Michigan’ initiative during 2011. As part of this work we implemented evidence based clinical care bundle for central line insertion and continued to monitor CABSI rates/1000 catheter days monthly. There was a noticeable reduction in CABSI rates from 2012–2014; however this reduction was not sustainable. We developed an RCA tool for CABSI surveillance which enabled measurement of the scope of the problem, identification of special cause variations which since then has driven improvements through changes in clinical practice where necessary.  Methods  the RCA tool contained 35 data fields which addressed the following five elements; line type, infant’s demographics, operator characteristics and line maintenance issues. The type of organisms identified on positive blood cultures were examined in all cases and sensitivity patterns checked. Recommendations and shared learning was provided at the end of the review.  Results  We have undertaken RCA reviews on nine infants with confirmed CABSI from Jan–April 2016. Their gestation ranged from 23–40 weeks. All infants were either in-born or ex-utero transfers. Early onset CABSI’s were found in 3/9 cases and late onset in 6/9 cases. We found that in 5/9 infants’ percutaneous Premicath Vygon® central line was present and in 4/9 cases CABSI was associated with UAC/UVC lines. Of the inborn infants, only 4 had a complete line insertion checklist. We identified several line related events which increased the likelihood of infection like extravasation of mal-positioned lines, re-dressing and re-positioning without antimicrobial cover. We have also noticed the emergence of Staphylococcus species resistant to Teicoplanin which is our second line antibiotic of choice in all cases. In some cases Teicoplanin was continued despite microbial resistance identified.  Conclusion  A CABSI RCA tool has been valuable in identifying factual sources of deviation in a tertiary neonatal setting. This tool maximised opportunities for learning and has resulted in the unit actively pursuing avenues to improve clinical practice.
Latent Abstractions in Generative Diffusion Models

In this work, we study how diffusion-based generative models produce high-dimensional data, such as images, by relying on latent abstractions that guide the generative process. We introduce a novel theoretical framework extending Nonlinear Filtering (NLF), offering a new perspective on SDE-based generative models. Our theory is based on a new formulation of joint (state and measurement) dynamics and an information-theoretic measure of state influence on the measurement process. We show that diffusion models can be interpreted as a system of SDE, describing a non-linear filter where unobservable latent abstractions steer the dynamics of an observable measurement process. Additionally, we present an empirical study validating our theory and supporting previous findings on the emergence of latent abstractions at different generative stages.
Use of Gas Electron Multiplier (GEM) Detectors for an Advanced X-ray Monitor

We describe a concept for a NASA SMEX Mission in which Gas Electron Multiplier (GEM) detectors, developed at CERN, are adapted for use in X-ray astronomy. These detectors can be used to obtain moderately large detector area and two-dimensional photon positions with sub mm accuracy in the range of 1.5 to 15 keV. We describe an application of GEMs with xenon gas, coded mask cameras, and simple circuits for measuring event positions and for anticoincidence rejection of particle events. The cameras are arranged to cover most of the celestial sphere, providing high sensitivity and throughput for a wide variety of cosmic explosions. At longer timescales, persistent X-ray sources would be monitored with unprecedented levels of coverage. The sensitivity to faint X-ray sources on a one-day timescale would be improved by a factor of 6 over the capability of the RXTE All Sky Monitor.
From Science Popularization to Public Engagement: The History of Science Communication in Korea

Most Koreans agree that science and technology are critically necessary for national development and individual welfare, and that scientists are important people who work hard to develop science and technology as a foundation of the country’s economic growth. However, technological and scientific skills were not always respected in traditional Korean society. The modernization of science and technology was neglected due to successive historical incidents that occurred in Korea. However, science communication has played a role in changing sociocultural attitudes toward science and technology. Over the past few decades, institutions of science and government have adopted three different phases of science communication: popularization of science, public understanding of science and then public engagement in science. In the first phase, popularization of science was a government-led promotion of science to efficiently deploy scientific knowledge from top to bottom. In the second phase, public understanding of science was enhanced by inducing people to participate in scientific events and exhibitions hosted by non-government organizations. Finally, in the third phase, public engagement in science was increased by emphasizing social responsibility and citizen participation in the development of scientific and technological policies. Despite considerable success in diffusing scientific knowledge to the public, Korea is still experiencing problems resolving some science issues, as differences in judgment make it difficult to reach a consensus on science and technology policies. This implies that scientific knowledge alone cannot resolve the differences, and that the process of judgment needs to be highlighted. The process of judgment can be improved by using scientific methods of thinking and problem solving, rather than just accumulating scientific knowledge.
The Concept of ‘Essence’ and Its Uses in the Identification and Application of Customary International Law by International Criminal Courts and Tribunals

Abstract                                        This paper seeks to provide an analysis of the uses of the concept of ‘essence’ by international criminal courts and tribunals. In particular, it is based on a survey of decisions of the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (                     icty                     ), whose Trial and Appeals chambers have used the concept on multiple occasions and with consequences which have been overlooked in the literature. By providing an analysis of the concept’s uses in connection with the                     icty                     ’s identification and application of customary international law, the paper addresses some of the general international law and philosophical issues raised by the concept’s uses. The paper places the concept’s uses within their respective contexts, and discusses related international decisions and academic commentary. The paper concludes by suggesting potential avenues for elucidating the concept of ‘essence’ and its proper use, with a particular focus on the notions of ‘intension’, ‘extension’ and an intensional ‘extensional property’.
IRSF/SIRIUS JHKs near-infrared variable star survey in the Magellanic Clouds

We carried out a NIR variable star survey toward the Large and Small Magellanic Clouds using the InfraRed Survey Facility (IRSF) at Sutherland, South African Astronomical Observatory. This survey project was initiated in Dember 2000, and since then, we kept monitoring a total area of 3 square degrees along the LMC bar and also an area of 1 square degree around the center of the SMC, sufficiently large to do statistical analysis and to make complete catalog of variable red giants in the Magellanic Clouds. The detection limits (S/N=10) of the survey are 17.0, 16.5 and 15.5 at J, H and Ks, respectively. In this article, we present some results on infrared variables that are not detected by the previous optical surveys. We show that they do not fall on the standard period-Ks magnitude relation for Mira-type variables pulsating in the fundamental mode.
An Examination of Technical Efficiency, Quality, and Patient Safety in Acute Care Nursing Units

Using an innovative statistical approach—data envelopment analysis—the authors examined the technical efficiency of 226 medical, surgical, and medical—surgical nursing units in 118 randomly selected acute care hospitals. The authors used the inputs of registered nurse, licensed practical nurse, and unlicensed hours of care; operating expenses; and number of beds on the unit. Outputs included case mix adjusted discharges, patient satisfaction (as a quality measure), and the rates of medication errors and patient falls (as measures of patient safety). This study found that 60% of units were operating at less than full efficiency. Key areas for improvement included slight reductions in labor hours and large reductions in medication errors and falls. The study findings indicate the importance of improving patient safety as a mechanism to simultaneously improve nursing unit efficiency.
P161 Effect of occupational health &amp; safety training at school on the occurrence of workplace injuries in young people starting their professional career

The objective was to determine the effect of the occupational health and safety (OHS) training at school on the occurrence of workplace injury in young people who started their occupational life. Secondary objectives focused on the effect of the working conditions, the conditions upon arrival in the company, and the discrepancy between initial training and job.  A prospective cohort study has been carried out among apprentices or students, in the last year of levels V, IV or III diploma in specialties of production or service. At inclusion, information about training course and personal characteristics were collected. Information about occupational life and the history of personal data were recorded through half-yearly contacts. During the two-year follow-up, occurrence of work injuries was identified by the declaration of participants and by matching with the database of compulsory declarations of workplace injuries managed by the Regional Health Insurance Funds.  Among the 1800 participants, about 30% pursued further training, 20% didn‘t follow up after inclusion and 50% actually participated in the study. Among these, nearly 90% had at least one job during the follow-up period. The mean number of workplace injury was 0.16 ± 0.45 per participant. Participants who reported having received OHS training at school had 3 times less workplace injury than those declaring not having received OHS training. Previous workplace injury, previous accident in daily life and a poor health status were associated with a higher rate of work injury.  This longitudinal study highlighted a lower risk of work injury among young people who have received OHS training at school. The OHS training provided to apprentices and students is mostly wider than the specific risks of the future job, in a broad-spectrum approach. The lack of effect of the discrepancy between initial training and job may suggest the interest of strengthening this approach.
Transparency, automated decision-making processes and personal profiling

Automated decision-making and profiling techniques provide tremendous opportunities to companies and organizations; however, they can also be harmful to individuals, because current laws and their interpretations neither provide data subjects with sufficient control over assessments made by automated decision-making processes nor with sufficient control over how these profiles are used. Initially, we briefly discuss how recent technological innovations led to big data analytics, which through machine learning algorithms can extract behaviours, preferences and feelings of individuals. This automatically generated knowledge can both form the basis for effective business decisions and result in discriminatory and biased perceptions of individuals’ lives. We next observe how the consequences of this situation lead to lack of transparency in automated decision-making and profiling, and discuss the legal framework of this situation. The concept of personal data in this section is crucial, as there is a conflict between the 29 Working Party and the European Court of Justice at the time to define the artificial intelligence (AI)-generated profiles and assessments as personal data. Depending on whether they are or are not personal data, individuals have the right to be notified (Articles 13–14 GDPR) or right to access (Article 15 GDPR) to inferenced data. The reality is that the data protection law does not protect data subjects from the assessments that companies make through big data and machine learning algorithms, as users lose control over their personal data and do not have any mechanism to protect themselves from this profiling owing to trade secrets and intellectual property rights. Finally, we discuss four possible solutions to lack of transparency in automated inferences. We explore the impact of a variety of approaches ranging from use of open source algorithms to only collecting anonymous data, and we show how these approaches, to varying degrees, protect individuals as well as let them control their personal data. Based on that, we conclude by outlining the requirements for a desirable governance model of our critical digital infrastructures.
Toward a Thermodynamic Characterization of Chemical Reaction Networks

Thermodynamic properties in steady states, particularly the entropy production and the efficiency of converting initial reactants in the final products are related to the topology of chemical reaction network. Both regular and complex structures are discussed. If the network consists of linear reactions only, the network dynamics is formulated in terms of the connectivity matrix. The effect of nonlinear feedback dynamics on chemical network is considered in two limiting cases: far and close to the equilibrium. The robustness of the response to external disturbances is discussed.
Dietary plasticity of a understudied primate (Sapajus cay) in a biodiversity hotspot: applying ecological traits to habitat conservation in the Upper Paraná Atlantic Forest

Abstract                                        One of the main threats to wild primates is habitat alteration, fragmentation and destruction. Therefore it is crucial to understand the ability of those species to adapt to human-induced habitat changes to prevent extirpation. Key to this is a species diet plasticity. In Paraguay over 91% of the Upper Paraná Atlantic Forest has been destroyed to expand agricultural land. We determined the diet composition of three                     Sapajus cay                     groups in degraded and near-pristine Atlantic Forest in eastern Paraguay to assess whether the diet composition of this species changes with habitat degradation. We accounted for diet variability associated with demographic traits and forest characteristics using multinomial linear models. Once the effect of age, sex, and season were accounted for, we found that the diet of capuchins was plastic and shifted to adapt to studied degraded forest conditions. The results showed that (as expected) the capuchins have a generalist and flexible diet, including opportunistically taking advantage of crop plants, particularly Slash Pine plantations, when the risks were lower. The capuchins ability to adjust their diet in different habitat fragments demonstrates that small islands of Paraguayan Atlantic Forest are valuable for their persistence. This insight can be used to create applied conservation strategies, such as using the existing Payment for Ecosystem Services (PES) legislation to provide an opportunity to begin reconnecting fragments using native trees bordered by Slash Pine plantations. Using the capuchins as an umbrella species would increase public support of the program, while compensation through the PES scheme and profiting from the timber would encourage landowner participation.
O-304 THE RIGHT TO DISCONNECT: THE NEED TO ACHIEVE A BETTER WORK-LIFE BALANCE IN TELEWORK

Abstract                                   Introduction                   On the emerging telework policy agenda, among the reformulations and new policies, is the right to disconnect.                                                   Materials and Methods                   We aim to examine, supported by a Brazilian case report, the challenges of achieving a work-life balance in teleworking. A qualitative study entailing document analysis was conducted to survey, using electronic documents, the countries that have regulated the right to disconnect. A case study was also carried out in a Section of the Brazilian Federal Courts System. In-depth interviews of 20 workers in the Brazilian Federal Judiciary during the COVID-19 pandemic were conducted. All interviews were transcribed and thematic analysis was performed with the software MAXQDA Plus 2022. This study focused on the experiences of workers in the thematic category home-work balance.                                                   Results                   The results show that many individuals reported difficulty disconnecting due to task overload, understaffed teams and tight deadlines. Being at home, available with a computer and cell phone connected, yet not meeting the needs of other colleagues working at different times, appeared contradictory. Making oneself always available became the rule in teleworking, particularly for managers within the federal courts system. In this context, there was a need to guarantee the ability of people to disconnect from work and not to engage in work-related electronic communications during non-work hours, a right to disconnect policy.                                                   Discussion/ conclusion                   In Brazil, unlike other countries, the legislation governing telework fails to address the right to disconnect with the depth required. Nonetheless, other countries have made strides in teleworking regulations: Argentina, Belgium, Chile, Colombia, France, Ireland, Italy, Mexico, Peru, Philippines, Portugal and Spain.
Assessment of Sensor Data from an Air Quality Monitoring Network—The Need for Machine Learning-Based Recalibration and Its Relevance in Health Impact Analysis of Local Pollution Events

Accurate, high-resolution air quality data are crucial for understanding environmental health risks; however, the cost and complexity of maintaining dense, reference-grade monitoring networks remain a significant barrier. This study presents the first city-wide evaluation of next-generation air quality sensors in Zagreb, Croatia, involving 35 sensor locations, one local reference-grade station, and three national reference stations that measure PM10 and NO2. Sensor performance was evaluated against reference data under various meteorological and temporal conditions. To better understand sensor drift and measurement bias, we developed machine learning (ML) calibration models (XGBoost) using spatiotemporal features, ERA5 meteorological variables, and traffic proxy indicators. The models significantly improved accuracy, reducing the root mean squared error (RMSE) by up to 82%, with the greatest improvements observed during pollution peaks. A rolling Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) approach was introduced to track model degradation over time, revealing that recalibration was typically needed within 1–6 months. Our findings demonstrate that, with proper calibration and maintenance, sensor networks can serve as reliable and scalable tools for urban air quality monitoring, capable of supporting both public health assessments and informed decision-making.