ethicalabs/Research-Intent-Collab huggingface dataset:
Mesenchymal stem cell‐based therapy: a new paradigm in regenerative medicine

Abstract  Introduction Mesenchymal stem cells and its characteristics Experimental/preclinical MSC‐based studies Clinical studies Challenges and future prospects  Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), adherent fibroblastoid cells, present in bone marrow and many other tissues can be easily isolated and expanded in vitro. They are capable of differentiating into different cell types such as osteoblasts, chondrocytes, adipocytes, cardiomyocytes, hepatocytes, endothelial cells and neuronal cells. Such immense plasticity coupled with their ability to modulate the activity of immune cells makes them attractive for stem cell‐based therapy aimed at treating previously incurable disorders. Preclinical studies have reported successful use of MSCs for delivering therapeutic proteins and repairing defects in a variety of disease models. These studies highlighted the in vivo potential of MSCs and their ability to home to injury sites and modify the microenvironment by secreting paracrine factors to augment tissue repair. Their therapeutic applicability has been widened by genetic modification to enhance differentiation and tissue targeting, and use in tissue engineering. Clinical trials for diseases such as osteogenesis imperfecta, graft‐versus‐host disease and myocardial infarction have shown some promise, demonstrating the safe use of both allogeneic and autologous cells. However, lack of knowledge of MSC behaviour and responses in vitro and in vivo force the need for basic and animal studies before heading to the clinic. Contrasting reports on immunomodulatory functions and tumorigenicity along with issues such as mode of cell delivery, lack of specific marker, low survival and engraftment require urgent attention to harness the potential of MSC‐based therapy in the near future.
Health risks for children exercising in an air-polluted environment can be reduced by monitoring air quality with low-cost particle sensors

AbstractA child’s body is highly sensitive to air quality, especially regarding the concentration of particulate matter (PM). Nevertheless, due to the high cost of precision instruments, measurements of PM concentrations are rarely carried out in school areas where children spend most of their daily time. This paper presents the results of PM measurements made by a validated, low-cost university air pollution measurement system operating in a rural area near schools. An assessment of children’s exposure to PM during school hours (8 a.m.–6 p.m.) at different times of the year was carried out. We show that PM10 concentrations in the air, particularly in winter, often exceeded the alert values of 50 µg m−3, posing a health risk to children, especially when children exercise outside the school building. We also calculated the rate and total PM10 deposition in the respiratory tract during various physical activities performed in clean and polluted air. Monitoring actual PM10 concentrations as presented in this paper, using a low cost sensors, offer school authorities and teachers an opportunity to reduce health risks for children. This can be achieved by adjusting the duration and exercise intensity of children’s outdoor physical activities according to the measured air quality.
The Effect of Problem-Based Learning Strategy on Bloom’s Levels (Understanding, Knowledge, and Discovery) of Behavioral Objectives for Cognitive Achievement in the Teaching Methods Course – Second Stage of the College of Physical Education and Sport Sciences

Choosing the problem-based learning strategy is considered an ideal approach to defining behavioral objectives and acquiring knowledge in the subject of teaching methods. This strategy achieves the desired outcomes and promotes positive learning by helping learners build new understanding based on their prior knowledge, which is the focus of this research. The study examined the effect of problem-based learning on comprehension, knowledge, and behavioral objectives in the teaching methods course for female students in the second stage of the College of Physical Education and Sport Sciences. The null hypothesis assumed no statistically significant differences between the experimental group, which studied using the problem-based strategy, and the control group, which followed traditional teaching methods. The research sample consisted of 26 female students from the second stage of the physical education college. The results showed statistically significant differences favoring the experimental group in post-tests. The researcher recommends increased familiarity with active learning strategies, particularly problem-based learning, to achieve positive outcomes across various disciplines.
Simulating quench dynamics on a digital quantum computer with data-driven error mitigation

Abstract                   Error mitigation is likely to be key in obtaining near term quantum advantage. In this work we present one of the first implementations of several Clifford data regression (CDR) based methods which are used to mitigate the effect of noise in real quantum data. We explore the dynamics of the 1D Ising model with transverse and longitudinal magnetic fields, highlighting signatures of confinement. We find in general CDR based techniques are advantageous in comparison with zero-noise extrapolation and obtain quantitative agreement with exact results for systems of nine qubits with circuit depths of up to 176, involving hundreds of CNOT gates. This is the largest systems investigated so far in a study of this type. We also investigate the two-point correlation function and find the effect of noise on this more complicated observable can be mitigated using Clifford quantum circuit data highlighting the utility of these methods.
An Experimental Study to Optimize the Stepped-Frequency Continuous-Wave Radar Parameters for Noncontact Multi-target Vital Sign Monitoring

To optimize measurement parameters for multi-target monitoring as far as possible on the basis of the existing equipments, an adjustable parameter stepped frequency continuous wave(SFCW) radar system was built for non-contact vital sign monitoring. Five experiment scenarios were designed and implemented to study the relation between measure accuracy of SFCW radar and various system parameters. The SFCW radar system with a high center frequency, a large bandwidth, a small frequency step, an enough antenna beam width and a suitable elevation angle is necessary to obtain a high precision for multi-target vital sign monitoring, when the transmitting power is kept in a safe and low range.
Land use and biodiversity congruences at local scale: applications to conservation strategies

We would like to thank the Service of Environment of the Local government of Carcaixent for funding and giving all the facilities to develop the field work. We are also very grateful to D. Beneyto, L. Garcia and R. Piculo for their help in the surveys. We sincerely thank Dr. George R. Hess for his comments and contributions to improve the manuscript.
Computing persistent Stiefel-Whitney classes of line bundles

We propose a definition of persistent Stiefel-Whitney classes of vector bundle filtrations. It relies on seeing vector bundles as subsets of some Euclidean spaces. The usual Čech filtration of such a subset can be endowed with a vector bundle structure, that we call a Čech bundle filtration. We show that this construction is stable and consistent. When the dataset is a finite sample of a line bundle, we implement an effective algorithm to compute its persistent Stiefel-Whitney classes. In order to use simplicial approximation techniques in practice, we develop a notion of weak simplicial approximation. As a theoretical example, we give an in-depth study of the normal bundle of the circle, which reduces to understanding the persistent cohomology of the torus knot (1,2). We illustrate our method on several datasets inspired by image analysis.
SYSTEMIC RISK ANALYSIS IN THE WOOD PROCESSING INDUSTRY: CLASSIFICATION, IDENTIFICATION AND ASSESSMENT METHODS, MANAGEMENT

Within the framework of methodological research on risk management strategies in the wood processing industry, many issues and problems remain unresolved and lack detailed specification. The article provides a systemic analysis of risks inherent to enterprises in the wood processing industry. The main theoretical approaches to the definition of “risk” in economic, psychological, legal, and sociological sciences are examined, drawing upon the works of both domestic and international authors. A risk classification has been developed, covering both general business risk groups and industry-specific risks. The study identifies current risks for wood processing enterprises and presents their classification by group, specifying their causes and consequences. Based on a comparison of qualitative and quantitative risk analysis and assessment methods, the article proposes identification and evaluation techniques for the “Krasny Oktyabr” LLC woodworking enterprise. Following a detailed analysis of the company’s financial standing–including assessments of liquidity, solvency, financial stability, business activity, profitability, and bankruptcy probability using four-factor models, along with expert judgment and brainstorming methods–risks were identified. A risk register was compiled, providing a description for each identified risk within its respective group, along with potential negative consequences, a qualitative assessment of risk probability, the risk owner (responsible party), and specific risk mitigation strategies.
Impact of antimicrobial stewardship program on clinical outcomes in multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacterial infections at a tertiary care hospital from South India

Background: Increasing bacterial resistance to antimicrobial agents is resulting in high morbidity and mortality. Antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) programs aim at rationale use of antimicrobial agents in clinical settings by development and implementation of antibiotic policy. As the patterns of antimicrobial resistance vary with organism and time, there is a need for periodic surveillance.   Aims and Objectives: The aim of the study was to study the impact of AMS program on appropriate use of antimicrobial agents and clinical outcomes in patients with multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacterial (MDR GNB) infections.   Materials and Methods: This is a prospective observational study that included patients diagnosed with multidrug-resistance Gram-negative bacterial infections during June to July 2019. Identification of multidrug-resistant organisms was performed as per clinical and laboratory standards institute guidelines 2016. Information on the use of empirical antibiotic and other antimicrobial agents after culture and sensitivity report were collected and assessed for appropriateness. All the patients were followed up till discharge.  Results: From 170 patients, there were 211 specimens sent for culture and sensitivity and 249 pathogens were isolated. The most frequent pathogen isolated was Escherichia coli (42.6%) followed by Klebsiella spp. (22.9%). Isolates were most resistant to cefazolin (86.7%) and ceftriaxone (83.9%), and most sensitive to polymyxin B (100%) and tigecycline (97.2%). All patients were administered antimicrobial agents as per antibiotic policy of the institute and 154 (90.6%) patients have recovered from illness with a mean length of hospital stay of 19.4 ± 6.6 days.   Conclusion: Adherence to antimicrobial policy helps in improved outcomes in patients with MDR GNB infections. Hence, the need to implement AMS program in all hospitals.
The United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325 (Unscr 1325) and The Challenges of Women Participation in Peace Building and Conflict Resolution in Nigeria: Critical Analysis

In 31 October, 2000, the United Nations Security Council adopted and signed SC Resolution 1325 on Women Peace and Security. Resolution 1325 recognizes that civilian, particularly women and children are the worst affected by conflict. Resolution 1325 call for women participation in conflict prevention and resolution initiative, the integration of gender perspective in peace building, peace keeping mission and the protection of women in regions of conflict. The resolution reaffirms the important role of women in the prevention and resolution of conflicts, peace negotiations, peace-building, peace keeping, humanitarian response and in post-conflict reconstruction; stressing the importance of equal participation in peace and security. In Africa, women participation in policy making, peace building and conflict resolution is still faced with setbacks despite the passing of the SCR 1325 two decades ago. Findings from this study has shown that, women have been subjected to domination by men as a result of persisting cultural stereotypes, abuse of religious and traditional practices, patriarchal societal structures in which economic, political and social power are dominated by men while women played the role of followers of male decision-makers.&amp;nbsp; The study identifies such challenges for a change or reforms them.&amp;nbsp; The paper reviewed&amp;nbsp; many of the extant studies on the role and potentials of women in peace building and conflict resolution. Analyzing those challenges inhibiting the participation of women in peace process. The paper adopted the qualitative approach whereby data collected from secondary sources were reviewed, explained and analyzed within the purview of the study. The paper conclude, the views that bringing women into the peace process, as participation of women makes it sustainable and reduces possibility of inadequate outcome or failure of the entire process,&amp;nbsp; may be an illusion. Unless the women are economically and politically empowered, as one of the outstanding equality of peace-makers or negotiators is the amount of political and economic influence they possessed. Only elite centric gender blind composition of negotiation and peace process team cannot ensure sustainable peace process as there could be no peace with one side so disadvantaged. &amp;nbsp;
Influence of smart agriculture literacy empowerment programs on sustainable household food security in Baringo County, Kenya

Food insecurity remains a significant challenge, particularly for rural households that rely on agriculture as their primary source of livelihood. Despite various efforts to address this issue, many households continue to struggle with inadequate food production, poor resource management, and a lack of sustainable agricultural practices. This study investigated the influence of literacy empowerment programs on sustainable household food security in Baringo County. Using a cross-sectional research design, the study employed mixed methods to collect both qualitative and quantitative data. A total of 316 registered members from SMART Agriculture and 6 field officers were selected as the study sample. Data was gathered through interviews and questionnaires and analyzed using Pearson Correlation and linear regression. The findings revealed that literacy programs significantly improve agricultural knowledge, climate-smart practices, and resource management, leading to enhanced food security at the household level. A majority of respondents reported increased confidence in agricultural practices, better decision-making, and improved participation in food security discussions, all attributed to literacy programs. Furthermore, a Pearson correlation of 0.721 with a significance value of p = 0.000 indicates a strong, positive relationship between literacy empowerment programs and sustainable food security. The study concluded that literacy empowerment programs play a crucial role in equipping individuals, particularly women, with the skills and knowledge necessary to manage agricultural practices effectively, fostering long-term food security. These findings pointed out the importance of integrating literacy programs into agricultural development strategies to enhance food resilience and sustainability.
Biology and Physics

This article frames the relation between biology and physics by characterizing the former as a subdiscipline rather than a special case of the latter. To do this, we posit biological physics as the science of living matter in contrast to classic biophysics, the study of organismal properties by physical techniques. At the scale of the individual cell, living matter is nonunitary, i.e., not composed of aggregated subunits, and has features (e.g., intracellular organizational arrangements and biomolecular condensates) that are unlike any materials of the nonliving world. In transiently or constitutively multicellular forms (social microorganisms, animals, plants), living matter sustains physical processes that are generic (shared with nonliving matter, e.g., subunit communication by molecular diffusion in cellular slime molds), biogeneric (analogous to nonliving matter but realized through cellular activities, e.g., subunit demixing in animal embryos) or nongeneric (pertaining to sui generis materials, e.g., budding of active solids in plants). This "forms of matter" perspective is philosophically situated in the dialectical materialism of Engels and Hessen and the multilevel physicalism of Neurath and the logical empiricists. We counterpose this view to informationism and to genetic and other hierarchically reductionist physical theories of biological systems and highlight open questions regarding incompletely characterized and enigmatic forms of living matter.
Context-Aware Digital Phenotyping of Youth Mental Health Using Mobile Ecological Prospective Assessments of Smartphone Use

Abstract                                    Background                   Youth mental disorders affect 12-14% of adolescents globally and remain underdiagnosed and undertreated. Digital phenotyping offers a scalable approach to real-time behavioural monitoring via smartphones, yet most studies rely solely on passive measures such as screen time, overlooking contextual factors.                                                     Methods                   This cross-sectional study was part of the Smart Platform, a digital citizen science initiative that engaged youth aged 13-21 years. Participants completed a baseline survey on sociodemographic characteristics and mental health (depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation). Over the next seven days, context-aware digital phenotyping was conducted, defined as the collection of ecologically valid, time-stamped behavioural data from personal devices. This was implemented through mobile ecological prospective assessments (mEPAs) to capture self-reported smartphone use context, including activity type, location, and social setting. Multivariable logistic regression assessed associations between smartphone use context and mental health, adjusting for sociodemographic covariates.                                                     Results                   Eighty-four youth completed the baseline survey and at least one mEPA. A higher proportion of smartphone use at home was associated with lower odds of depression (OR=0.105, 95% CI: 0.028-0.276) and anxiety (OR=0.150, 0.053-0.345). A greater proportion of smartphone use while alone was associated with higher odds of depression (OR=3.802, 1.622-11.241), as was a greater proportion of time spent internet surfing (OR=2.663, 1.238-6.843). Longer duration of smartphone use outside the home was associated with higher odds of depression (OR=4.289, 1.443-16.579).                                                     Conclusion                   Context-aware smartphone metrics may offer more informative digital phenotyping indicators of youth mental health than duration alone, supporting integration of multi-context measures into early detection and precision prevention frameworks.
Critical Infrastructure Protection: Towards a Design Theory for Resilient Software-Intensive Systems

Modern societies are highly dependent on different critical software-intensive information systems that support society. Designing security for these information systems has been particularly challenging since the technologies that make up these systems. Revolutionary advances in hardware, networking, information and human interface technologies require new ways of thinking about how these resilient software-intensive systems (SIS) are conceptualized, built and evaluated. Our research in this area is to develop a design theory (DT) for resilient SISs so that communities developing and operating different information technologies can share knowledge and best practices using a common frame of reference.
International Journal of High Performance Computing Applications / Finite-Element Method completely implemented for graphic processor units using parallel algorithm libraries

A finite element code is developed in which all computational expensive steps are performed on a graphics processing unit (GPU) via the THRUST and the PARALUTION library. The code is focused on simulation of transient problems where the repeated computations per time step create the computational cost. It is applied to solve partial and ordinary differential equations as they arise in thermal-runaway simulations of automotive batteries. The speedup obtained by utilizing the GPU for every critical step is compared against the single core and the multi-threading solution which is also supported by the chosen libraries. This way a high total speedup on the GPU is achieved without the need for programming a single classical Compute Unifieed Device Architecture (CUDA) kernel.
Quantum error mitigation and error correction for practical quantum computation

We are rapidly entering the era of potentially useful quantum computation. To keep on designing larger and more capable quantum computers, some form of algorithmic noise management will be necessary. In this thesis, I propose multiple practical advances in quantum error mitigation and error correction. First, I present a novel and intuitive way to mitigate errors using a strategy that assumes no or very minimal knowledge about the nature of errors. This strategy can deal with most complex noise profiles, including those that describe severe correlated errors. Second, I present proof that quantum computation is scalable on a defective planar array of qubits. This result is based on a two-dimensional surface code architecture for which I showed that a finite rate of fabrication defects is not a fundamental obstacle to maintaining a non-zero error-rate threshold. The same conclusions are supported by extensive numerical studies. Finally, I give a new perspective on how to view and construct quantum error-correcting codes tailored for modular architectures. Following a given recipe, one can design codes that are compatible with the qubit connectivity demanded by the architecture. In addition, I present several product code constructions, some of which correspond to the latest developments in quantum LDPC code design. These and other practical advancements in quantum error mitigation and error correction will be crucial in guiding the design of emerging quantum computers.