bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Privacy and security challenges of the digital twin: systematic literature review
Authors: Kuštelega Marija , Mekovec Renata , Shareef Ahmed
Published: December 2024

As technology advances and becomes more extensively used, digital twins are likely to play an increasingly crucial role in defining the future of industry, trade, and society. Despite the stated advantages and potential of digital twin technology, certain research and implementation gaps exist, which have hindered the adoption and advancement of digital twins. This study investigates how current research on the digital twin implementations has been positioned in front of practical challenges focused on privacy and security issues. The research method adopted was a systematic literature review, employing the PRISMA approach. A total of 47 publications were identified and analyzed. The results indicate that the privacy and security challenges for digital twin implementation are complicated and may be divided into six primary groups: (1) data privacy, (2) data security, (3) data management, (4) data infrastructure and standardization, (5) ethical and moral issues, (6) legal and social issues.  
Insights into Low-Resource Language Modelling: Improving Model Performances for South African Languages
Authors: Visser Ruan , Grobler Trieko , Dunaiski Marcel
Published: December 2024

To address the gap in natural language processing for Southern African languages, our paper presents an in-depth analysis of language model development under resource-constrained conditions. We investigate the interplay between model size, pretraining objectives, and multilingual dataset composition in the context of low-resource languages such as Zulu and Xhosa. In our approach, we initially pretrain language models from scratch on specific low-resource languages using a variety of model configurations, and incrementally add related languages to explore the effect of additional languages on the performance of these models. We demonstrate that smaller data volumes can be effectively leveraged, and that the choice of pretraining objective and multilingual dataset composition significantly influences model performance. Our monolingual and multilingual models, exhibit competitive, and in some cases superior, performance compared to established multilingual models such as XLM-R-base and AfroXLM-R-base.
Assigning Xiuguozhangia (genus incertae sedis) to Pseudoberkleasmiaceae (Dothideomycetes, Pleosporomycetidae, Pleosporales) and introducing X. broussonetiae as a novel species
Authors: Gomdola Deecksha , Jeewon Rajesh , Gentekaki Eleni , S. Jayawardena Ruvishika , Hyde Kevin D. , Alotibi Fatimah , Wang Yong
Published: December 2024

Xiuguozhangia species are dematiaceous hyphomycetes that are characterised by acropleurogenous, dictyoseptate, campanulate or cheiroid, and brown to dark brown conidia that are composed of several layers of cells radiating from a protuberant basal cell, and mostly seen with appendages arising from the apical cells. The genus was introduced based on morphology to accommodate five of the six Piricaudiopsis species that exhibited holoblastic conidial ontogeny. Xiuguozhangia was referred to as Ascomycota genus incertae sedis as it was challenging to resolve its taxonomic placement based solely on the available morphological data (no DNA sequence data was previously available). In this study, we provide DNA sequence data for LSU, ITS, SSU, TEF1, and RPB2 for our isolates, collected from Broussonetia papyrifera (Moraceae) in northern Thailand. Based on morphology, we classify our isolates as Xiuguozhangia. Since they form a sister lineage to Pseudoberkleasmium, we place Xiuguozhangia in Pseudoberkleasmiaceae (Pleosporales). Within Xiuguozhangia, we establish these two isolates as a new taxon, Xiuguozhangia broussonetiae, in view of the presence of new conidiogenous cells developing from subtending cells. Xiuguozhangia broussonetiae differs from the extant species in the genus as it has longer conidiophores that are sometimes branched, comprising numerous septa, and its appendages are mostly untapered (sometimes tapering) towards the tips, a feature not observed in other Xiuguozhangia species. This is the first study to provide DNA sequence data and phylogenetic relationships for Xiuguozhangia. Furthermore, we analysed selected DNA sequence data and provided an updated phylogenetic tree incorporating all families (with representative genera) of Pleosporales.
Africa and Arabia encompass a much greater species diversity in the Achyranthes aspera aggregate (Amaranthaceae, achyranthoid clade): Evidence from morphological and chorological data
Authors: Sukhorukov Alexander P. , Kushunina Maria , Nilova Maya V. , Baider Cláudia , Sennikov Alexander N.
Published: December 2024

Achyranthes in its traditional sense (excluding Achyropsis that phylogenetically falls into Achyranthes) has been considered to contain a restricted (three to four) number of species in Africa and one or two species in the Arabian Peninsula. The morphology of the type species of the genus, A. aspera, has been treated as highly polymorphic, with several varieties recognised by various authors. Not surprisingly, a recent extended phylogeny revealed a non-monophyly of A. aspera. We present a deeper insight into morphological characters of the A. aspera aggregate together with taxonomic, nomenclatural, ecological, and chorological data based on field investigations and herbarium studies. Instead of one polymorphic species, we accept A. aspera s.str., A. abyssinica, A. acuminata, A. annua, A. mauritiana, A. porphyrostachya, A. sicula, and A. seychellensissp. nov., all being native to different parts of Africa. In most herbaria, the vast majority of African specimens labelled as A. aspera belong to other species, which are being reinstated here. In addition, two well-recognized species, A. fasciculata and A. talbotii from Tropical East and West Africa, respectively, are also discussed. Moreover, we found that the type of A. aspera var. pubescens as listed in the African and Arabian floras and checklists belongs in fact to an American species A. fruticosa, which is absent in the Old World. In place of the misapplied A. aspera var. pubescens, we accept A. porphyrostachya, a species described from Myanmar, as a correct name for the populations growing in Africa and Arabia. According to our results, at least 10 native species of Achyranthes occur in Africa (or 16 species if Achyropsis is merged with Achyranthes), which is a major diversity center of the genus. Four species are recorded from the Arabian Peninsula (A. abyssinica, A. annua, A. aspera s.str., A. porphyrostachya), and two of them (A. abyssinica and A. annua) reach their easternmost range limit in this region. As a result, the distribution as well as ecological conditions of each species is now clarified or circumscribed for the first time.
Determinants and definitions of re-injury anxiety, fear of re-injury and kinesiophobia: a systematic review
Authors: Vincent Yannick , Caumeil Benjamin , Décamps Greg
Published: December 2024

Objectifs : Alors que l’anxiété de reblessure a été identifiée comme responsable d’une plus grande probabilité de blessure chez les athlètes qui reprennent le sport, la littérature met également en évidence deux autres concepts « analogues » : la peur de se reblesser et la kinésiophobie. Toutefois, les différences avec l’anxiété de reblessure ne sont pas clairement établies. L’objectif de cette étude est donc (1) d’effectuer une revue de la littérature afin d’identifier les déterminants de l’anxiété de reblessure, de la peur de la reblessure et de la kinésiophobie, et (2) de clarifier les similitudes et les différences en fonction de leur définition. Méthode : Une revue de littérature a été réalisée à l’aide des bases de données suivantes : « Medline », « PsycINFO », « PsycARTICLES », « Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection », « SPORTDiscus » et « SocIndex ». Les mots-clés appliqués ont permis d’identifier 3408 articles, dont 29 répondaient aux critères d’inclusion et ont donc été analysés. Résultats : L’ anxiété de reblessure est principalement associée à des facteurs psychologiques et à la nature spécifique de la blessure. La peur de se reblesser et la kinésiophobie sont principalement associées à des facteurs sociodémographiques et médicaux. Alors que les définitions de l’anxiété liée à la lésion et de la kinésiophobie sont consensuelles, plusieurs définitions différentes sont rapportées pour la peur de la lésion. Conclusion : Les différences entre l’anxiété de reblessure, la peur de la reblessure et la kinésiophobie sont discutées afin de clarifier leur définition : l’anxiété de reblessure est considérée comme la réaction cognitive et émotionnelle causée par l’anticipation des conséquences négatives de la blessure telles qu’elles sont perçues par l’athlète. La peur de la reblessure est considérée comme une réaction émotionnelle chez l’athlète causée par une menace effective directe d’une blessure physique, tandis que la kinésiophobie est la peur d’effectuer des mouvements occasionnant des douleurs qui peuvent potentiellement conduire à une blessure physique.
Frequency filtering prompt tuning for medical image semantic segmentation with missing modalities
Authors: Cheng Yaru , Zheng Yuanjie
Published: December 2024

Most multimodal brain tumor segmentation methods assume the availability of all modalities. However, models trained on complete modality data often experience a significant performance drop when certain modalities are missing, posing a major challenge for real-world applications. In this study, we address this issue by maximizing the use of information from the remaining modalities to reduce inter-modal dependency, allowing the encoder to extract robust features from the available data for accurate tumor segmentation. To this end, we propose a novel framework, the discriminative prompt optimization network (DPONet), that incorporates frequency filtering prompts and spatial perturbation prompts to enhance image representation space during feature extraction and fusion. To handle various missing modality scenarios, we also introduce a probability-based missing data simulation method. We evaluate DPONet on two public brain tumor segmentation datasets, BraTS2018 and BraTS2020. Experimental results demonstrate that DPONet outperforms state-of-the-art methods in terms of Dice score, HD95, and sensitivity, proving its effectiveness under both complete and incomplete modality conditions.
Innovative observer design for nonlinear systems using Caputo fractional derivative with respect to another function
Authors: Alanazi Kareem , Naifar Omar , Fakhfakh Raouf , Makhlouf Abdellatif Ben
Published: December 2024

This work introduces a novel control framework using the Caputo fractional derivative (CFD) with respect to another function—a derivative that has not been thoroughly treated in control theory. By extending the widely recognized Caputo-Hadamard (CH) fractional-order derivative, we address its utility in nonlinear systems. The core of our contribution is the practical stability for systems governed by this derivative, which ensures convergence toward a bounded region around the origin. Additionally, we extend the Lipschitz condition (LC) to the one-sided Lipschitz (OSL) condition for observer design and observer based-control design in fractional-order systems, ensuring its practical stability. Finally, three numerical examples validate the effectiveness of our proposed framework, providing practical insights for control theory advancements.
Aportaciones a la clarificación de la distribución, posición filogenética y taxonomía de Iberus marmoratus ssp. e Iberus serpentinae (Gastropoda, Stylommatophora, Helicidae) en el sur de la Península Ibérica
Authors: Liétor José , Tudela Antonio R. , Jódar Pedro A. , Pérez Ismael , Galán-Luque Inés , Jowers Michael J.
Published: December 2024

Se realiza una revisión taxonómica desde una perspectiva integrativa (geografía, morfología y filogenia) de Iberus serpentinae, I. marmoratus marmoratus e I. marmoratus loxanus, taxones próximos geográficamente y con rasgos morfológicos similares. La suma de evidencias sugiere que I. serpentinae no es una especie distinta a I. m. marmoratus y que I. m. loxanus es un taxón bien definido, separado filogenéticamente de I. m. marmoratus. Se propone renombrar el primero como I. marmoratus serpentinae y recuperar la denominación I. loxanus para el segundo.
Русская библиотекa в Лозанне: ее история и читатели
Authors: Boyarsky Natalia
Published: December 2024

Статья реконструирует историю Русской библиотеки в Лозанне, анализируя библиотечные штемпели и отметки читателей на страницах книг коллекции в свете новых архивных данных. Автор рассматривает журнал записи читателей Русской библиотеки в качестве инструмента для изучения русскоязычной колонии в Лозанне начала XX векa.
La bibliothèque d’une institution religieuse de l’émigration russe : les fonds russes et slavons de l’Institut Saint‑Serge à Paris
Authors: Nivière Antoine
Published: December 2024

Fondé en 1925 à Paris pour répondre aux besoins en formation théologique et pastorale de l’émigration russe, l’Institut de théologie orthodoxe Saint‑Serge, mit en place dès ses débuts une bibliothèque spécialisée, outil indispensable à la fois à la formation de ses étudiants ainsi qu’aux travaux de ses professeurs. L'article retrace l’historique de cette bibliothèque et donne un aperçu général des collections et de leurs provenances. Les archives de l’Institut ainsi que les registres d’inventaire de la bibliothèque et les cachets ou ex‑libris sur certains livres permettent de reconstituer l’histoire de la circulation des ouvrages de cette riche collection.
Un mausolée pour André Mazon : origines et vocations de la « bibliothèque-musée » Léon Tolstoï
Authors: Pousson Guilhem , Pueyo Barbara
Published: December 2024

Cet article examine la genèse de la bibliothèque-musée Tolstoï fondée par André Mazon (1881-1967) en 1952 à partir des fonds légués par Tat’âna Suhotina-Tolstaâ et Charles Salomon, traducteur français de Tolstoï. Le don de Tat’âna Suhotina-Tolstaâ, le legs de Charles Salomon sont le résultat des sociabilités d’André Mazon d’une part avec la famille Tolstoj, d’autre part avec les intellectuels proches de Desjardins et les philologues qui structurent la réception de son œuvre en France. La bibliothèque-musée, en ce sens, peut être comprise comme le réceptacle d’une mémoire partagée entre ces deux groupes, et fournit des éléments pour penser une histoire de réseaux d’intellectuels transnationaux liés à l’écrivain. Le « foyer d’études » établi par Mazon a vocation à devenir un espace de collégialité entre les chercheurs français et certains philologues exerçant en URSS, malgré la guerre froide alors à son paroxysme. À l’exception des individualités de Butčik et de Tat’âna Suhotina-Tolstaâ (liées à la bibliothèque à travers Mazon), la communauté émigrée russe semble jouer un rôle relativement marginal dans le développement de la collection. En tout état de cause, le destin de la bibliothèque rappelle le rôle crucial des liens personnels dans les échanges culturels entre l’Est et l’Ouest. Ces relations se substituent largement aux contacts institutionnels – qui déclinent, mais ne disparaissent pas –, permettant ainsi de répondre (très partiellement) à une situation de recherche empêchée.
The Société Russe de Bienfaisance de et à Leysin and Its Library
Authors: Maurer Eva
Published: December 2024

Founded in 1907/1910, the Société russe de bienfaisance de et à Leysin aimed to support citizens of the Russian Empire residing in the mountain resort of Leysin, Switzerland. It provided both material assistance to those struggling to afford their stay and information and entertainment through a lending library. Modelled after similar Russian mutual aid societies, particularly the one in Davos, it established a substantial library within its first few years. The First World War and the Russian Revolution dramatically altered the size and composition of the Russian community in Leysin, as affluent visitors departed, leaving behind those in ill health—many of whom were reluctant to return to Russia for political reasons. The Société russe continued to operate under this name after the war and into the 1960s. Unfortunately, the library was not revived; it was dispersed after the Second World War and is now partially preserved at the Swiss Eastern European Library in Bern and at the Library of the Russian Orthodox Church in Geneva.
Catalogue des manuscrits liturgiques du Mont Saint-Michel
Authors: Chevalier Louis , Lecouteux Stéphane
Published: December 2024

Haut lieu de la spiritualité médiévale, le Mont Saint-Michel est aujourd’hui l’un des sites touristiques les plus connus dans le monde entier, et l’un des plus visités de France. Si le cadre de vie des moines du Moyen Âge est perceptible grâce aux bâtiments conservés in situ, en revanche le patrimoine spirituel et musical de la communauté ne nous est accessible que par des livres aujourd’hui dispersés. L’objectif de ce catalogue est de décrire la documentation liturgique montoise, en proposant une notice pour chacun des vingt-deux manuscrits et fragments qui nous sont parvenus. Il s’attache aussi à présenter et illustrer l’évolution des décors et des notations musicales en usage dans l’abbaye, entre l’an mil et la fin du Moyen Âge. Une introduction, qui se veut didactique, permettra au lecteur de replacer cette documentation dans le contexte de l’histoire de l’abbaye et de sa communauté, en le resituant plus largement dans l’histoire de l’Occident chrétien. L’étude et la comparaison des sources et des usages liturgiques révèlent l’intérêt de ce type de documentation historique, souvent négligé.
“Thinking Upon Paper”: Lady Sarah Lyttelton’s Journey to the Baltic
Authors: Zonca Marta
Published: December 2024

Lady Sarah Lyttelton, best‑known for her late roles as Lady of the Bedchamber to Queen Victoria (1837‑1842) and Governess of the Royal Children (1843‑1850), is notable for having travelled to Sweden and Russia on her honeymoon in 1813, a period still beset by the conflicts and tensions caused by the Napoleonic Wars. Although her presence in the historical context of the Baltic has been largely neglected, her personal correspondence and travel diary, both of which were partially published by her niece Maud Mary Lyttelton Wyndham in 1912 as Correspondence of Sarah Spencer, Lady Lyttelton, 1787‑1870, offer a unique and interesting perspective on Anglo‑Swedish and Anglo‑Russian relations during this tumultuous period. By examining Lady Lyttelton’s journey and unpublished correspondence, I aim to reconstruct her narrative within the Baltic region and to grant her mostly overlooked written account recognition in the field of travel writing. Indeed, Lady Lyttelton’s remarks provide an insight into the political and social situation of the time. The very route of her honeymoon is telling. She and her husband travelled directly to Gothenburg, bypassing Denmark, Napoleon’s ally, recently defeated by Britain at the Battle of Lyngør (1812). The couple then crossed the Baltic Sea to Finland, recently annexed to Russia, now a safe destination after the latter’s changes of allegiance. After a wintry sojourn in St Petersburg, they made their way back by land, through the recently besieged and burned Riga (1812) and the weakened Prussian provinces.
Une participation de proximité
Authors: Mithout Anne-Lise
Published: December 2024

Au Japon, les politiques visant à promouvoir l’inclusion accordent une grande importance à la participation à la communauté locale. Les ateliers protégés, dont le nombre a fortement augmenté en parallèle du développement de l’emploi en milieu ordinaire, évoluent en ce sens. Cet article vise à étudier les modalités de participation à la vie locale qu’offrent ces ateliers aux personnes qui y travaillent. On interroge les stratégies mises en place par les directions d’ateliers pour développer les opportunités d’interactions entre les usagers et la population extérieure, ainsi que leurs conséquences sur la visibilité du travail protégé aux yeux de celle-ci. On s’appuie sur une enquête de terrain réalisée dans douze ateliers à Tokyo, Kyoto et Akita. L’enquête montre que beaucoup d’ateliers protégés japonais permettent aux usagers qui le souhaitent d’entrer en contact avec la population locale, mais aussi qu’il existe une tension entre mise en avant du handicap et reconnaissance du statut de travailleur des personnes concernées.
Богословие между обществом и Церковью: российский случай и его переосмысление
Authors: Davydov Oleg
Published: December 2024

Статья посвящена анализу богословского ландшафта в современной социальной и церковной сферах. Эволюционирующая социальная динамика требует переоценки обоснования и дискурса, используемых для поддержки теологических взглядов, по сравнению с более ранними периодами. Уникальные характеристики современного российского культурного и исторического контекста вносят изменения в роль богословия и придают его природе более неопределенный и спорный характер, влияя на его статус и место в общественной сфере. В рамках данной работы я попытаюсь сформулировать перспективу, направленную на раскрытие богословской стратегии в форме аналогического и мирного видения.
Le dynamisme littoral de la Baie d’Akkar (Liban nord) : impacts des facteurs naturels et anthropiques
Authors: Charbel Laurence , El Hage Hassan Hussein
Published: December 2024

Au Liban, les défis environnementaux, économiques et démographiques se concentrent principalement le long du littoral. Ce constat est particulièrement pertinent pour la baie d’Akkar, une zone côtière de 13 km de long située dans le nord du pays, entre les rivières Al-Kabir (délimitant la frontière nord avec la Syrie) et Al-Bared. Ce littoral se compose de plages de sable et de galets, ainsi que de petites falaises rocheuses et sableuses. Il a subi divers changements dus à l’activité humaine et aux processus naturels.Pour appréhender la dynamique de ce littoral, il est crucial de retracer l’évolution historique de la ligne de rivage, marquant la frontière entre la terre et la mer. Dans cette optique, cette étude a été menée pour évaluer l’évolution du littoral d’Akkar entre 1962 et 2019. Cette analyse a impliqué la vectorisation des lignes de rivage par photo-interprétation des photos aériennes datant de 1962, et des images satellites de 1994, 2005, 2012 et 2019. L’étude a été réalisée en utilisant l’outil DSAS (Digital Shoreline Analysis System) intégré dans ArcGIS. L’utilisation de l’extension DSAS 5.1, disponible en accès libre, a permis de comparer les positions de la ligne de rivage à différentes périodes et de produire une description statistique de la dynamique côtière par période (érosion, accrétion, stabilité).Les résultats indiquent une tendance marquée à l’érosion du littoral entre 1962 et 2019, avec une vitesse moyenne de recul de 2 mètres par an. Cette érosion n’est cependant pas uniforme selon les secteurs ni les périodes, étant principalement influencée par des forces hydrodynamiques telles que les submersions et les inondations, ainsi que par des activités humaines comme l’extraction de sable. Les plages sableuses, situées principalement dans la partie nord du littoral d’Akkar, sont les plus vulnérables à cette érosion. En revanche, les zones relativement stables du littoral se trouvent dans la partie sud et sont protégées par des enrochements et des digues. La construction du port d’Al-Abdeh en 1985 a également favorisé le développement de zones d’accrétion.
Traduire la non-binarité et l’altérité de genre en science-fiction
Authors: Dumoulin Pierre Gabriel , Lescouet Emmanuelle
Published: December 2024

La fluidité de genre et la non-binarité sont répandues dans les univers de science-fiction. Les auteur·ice·s profitent de la diversité offerte par le genre pour expérimenter avec les graphies, les accords et les pronoms. Cette diversité est adressée de plusieurs façons : la neutralité des protagonistes non-binaires, les êtres sentients robotiques, ou encore les êtres extraterrestres dont les corps et les cultures n’ont aucune conception de la binarité des corps humains. La créativité des auteur·rice·s exige des traducteur·rice·s et des éditeur·rice·s de se positionner sur comment rendre l’étrangéité du texte de départ (des néologismes aux structures socioculturelles et politiques) dans le texte d’arrivée, en ce qu’elle mène à des propositions non standardisée. Dans cet article, nous explorerons la diversité des propositions pour représenter la non-binarité et la neutralité de genre en science-fiction. Pour cela, nous nous concentrerons sur l’analyse comparative des séries Murderbot Diaries de Martha Wells et Monk and Robot de Becky Chambers, accompagnées de leurs traductions en français. Nous contextualiserons cette analyse en explorant les façons dont les auteur·rice·s anglophones et francophones abordent le genre et la non-binarité dans les œuvres.
Du Buzz Blades au « Discozigzag » : traduire en français les armes loufoques de Ratchet & Clank
Authors: Ray Alice
Published: December 2024

La science-fiction n’est pas un genre qui manque d’humour, et le jeu vidéo s’empare également de cette science-fiction débridée et interférentielle qui aime jouer avec ses propres codes science-fictionnels. En 2002, le premier opus de la série Ratchet & Clank sort sur PS2 (Insomniac Games) et offre un monde science-fictionnel cartoonesque et loufoque qui sera repris dans un remake du même nom en 2016 sur PS4 et qui contient tout autant (sinon plus) de termes science-fictionnels. Le défi est triple pour le traducteur : conserver l’aspect science-fictionnel des termes ainsi que leurs caractéristiques humoristiques, tout en proposant des termes qui soient cohérents avec les effets des objets sur le monde vidéoludique. Cet article propose d’effectuer une analyse contrastive des noms des armes en anglais et en français des deux versions de Ratchet & Clank en reprenant le concept de generic fluency (Korpi, 2017) ainsi que des recherches précédentes sur les créations lexicales en anglais et en français (Angenot, 1979 ; Gindre, 1999, Poix, 2020), afin d’examiner la manière dont les trois aspects (science-fiction, humour et jouabilité) ont été transférés dans la version française de ces deux jeux et éclairer le choix des traducteurs. L’existence d’un remake permettra également de constater s’il y a eu une évolution entre 2002 et 2016, que ce soit au niveau des créations lexicales en version originale ou de leur traduction.
Tax Framework for Pigeon Racing in Portugal
Authors: Martins Carlos Quelhas , Silva Flávio Gonçalves
Published: December 2024

The District Pigeon Associations (ACD), non-profit entities, play a crucial role in the organization of pigeon sports in Portugal. This article investigates the tax implications for ACDs, with a special focus on Value Added Tax and Corporate Income Tax. Through legislation, analysis of existing tax documents, and interviews, using questionnaires, the article aims to provide insights into how tax policy should be applied to pigeon racing, seeking to help overcome the lack of studies on the fiscal aspects of pigeon racing and assist Pigeon Racing Entities. Non-profit sector responsible for organizing pigeon racing in Portugal.
A Comprehensive Analysis of the Impact of Augmented Reality on E-Commerce Cosmetics
Authors: Hemavathi M. , Rushit Gnanaroy E. , Malar G. Sonia Gnana
Published: December 2024

This chapter delves into the transformative impact of Augmented Reality (AR) on the e-commerce cosmetics industry in India. AR technology revolutionizes consumer engagement by offering immersive virtual try-on experiences, enabling real-time product visualization, and empowering informed purchasing decisions. It strengthens brand connections through advanced algorithms that provide personalized beauty recommendations and skincare analyses, enhancing consumer satisfaction and optimizing beauty routines via virtual consultations. Furthermore, AR reshapes cosmetic retailing by delivering interactive tutorials and educational content, fostering deeper consumer-brand interactions, and building a sense of community among users. This technology bridges the gap between the physical and digital realms, allowing brands to innovate and redefine product discovery and experience. The chapter explores AR's effectiveness in boosting consumer engagement, trust, and loyalty and examines the role of personalized recommendations and interactive features in shaping purchasing behavior in India.
Social Media Strategies for Start-Ups to Attract Middle-Aged Customers
Authors: Raaj V. K. Kavi , Senthil Kumar B. , Tumma Sandhya
Published: December 2024

Social media platforms are essential for organisations to reach their audiences and succeed online. This study describes and critiques social media methods for attracting middle-aged clients for start-ups. New entrepreneurs face social media obstacles when building brand awareness in a saturated market. This study analyses survey data and an online focus group to understand middle-aged customers' expectations, interests, and behaviour across SNS. The current study surveys and interviews middle-aged consumers to determine how they react to marketing messages and methods. It also analyses successful start-ups. The goals include assessing the relevance of certain social media, establishing how content affects customer response, and determining customer community involvement to develop trust and loyalty among middle-aged customers. This research offers practical advice for start-ups using social media marketing to improve customer interactions with middle-aged customers and grow their business.
Design Thinking as a Tool for Promoting Equity in Educational Leadership Preparation Programs
Authors: Cieminski Amie B.
Published: December 2024

Design thinking is an iterative, problem-solving tool used across various fields to develop user-based solutions to challenges. Design thinking has also been used in K-12 and higher education classrooms as a teaching strategy. Educational leadership preparation programs are concerned with teaching aspiring leaders about equity and leading for social justice. Design thinking may be a tool that enables educational leadership students to move beyond theory and be prepared to make equity and social justice leadership part of their vision, behaviors, and aspirations. This chapter includes a description of a learning experience for leadership students that used Liberatory Design Thinking to explore equity issues and the results of an empirical study that explored how this learning experience might be a transformative learning experience for leadership students. The chapter concludes with implications for practice and directions for future research.
Reimagining Principal Preparation
Authors: Davis Maurice , Creed Benjamin
Published: December 2024

Educator turnover is problematic for schools. Building principals are exiting school buildings causing systemic inconsistencies that lead to negative perceptions of school culture as well as decreases in student achievement. Universities are working to analyze, understand, and redevelop principal preparation programs (PPPs) to support school leaders, and the skills needed to increase their self-efficacy to lead diverse populations of students today. Some universities are restructuring PPPs to better address the skill deficits of principal candidates; this reimagining of candidate preparation has led to residency-based programs that combine traditional course seat time with experiential learning within schools. This chapter highlights the value of principals in schools today and the challenges presented when they leave their positions due to decreased self-efficacy. The chapter then presents the core components of a principal residency program (PRP). Finally, the chapter concludes by sharing recommendations for universities as they consider reimagining their current practices.
Translational Research
Authors: Aggarwal Pallavi
Published: December 2024

This book chapter explores the collaboration of the post-doctoral fellow with a midwestern urban K-5 charter school to improve their students' learning behavior by utilizing the cycle of inquiry process. Sections of the chapter explain the meaning of translational research and its importance in transforming perspectives through collaboration with various educational institutions. It further discusses the cycle of inquiry framework the fellow uses to develop a plan that addresses the problem of practice generated by the school site. Further, the chapter provides the local context of K-5 school and its problem of practice, which the fellow assisted in solving by developing various data collection tools tailored to the needs of the school-site following the cycle of inquiry framework. The last sections of the chapter provide insights into the data analysis and various interventions implemented, building the foundation for the next steps of data collection and possible interventions to increase student outcomes.
Enhancing Consumer Trust Through Transparent Data Practices and Ethical Data Management in Business
Authors: Hassan El-Annan Saher , Hassoun Rawan
Published: December 2024

This chapter evaluates the relationship between TDP and PT on consumer trust in digital business models mediated by ethical data management (EDM). The study applies an exploratory research design with two structured surveys addressing consumers and professionals to gather quantitative insights regarding these connections. The research shows that transparent data practices increase consumer trust, and perceiving transparency strengthens this influence. The management of data with integrity significantly strengthens trust. The research outcomes match Trust Transference and Social Contract Theory theories and show that upholding transparency and ethics significantly enhances consumer trust. The relevance of straightforward communication to improve perceived transparency among businesses is emphasized in the analysis. This research presents important suggestions for companies and regulators to improve data management and consumer trust in the digital market.
A Benchtop X-Ray Diffractometer as a Tool for Thin Film Characterization
Authors: Rzheutski Mikalai , Cherkesov Vasilii , Kabanau Dzmitry , Lutsenko Evgenii , Bui Liliya
Published: December 2024

An application of compact benchtop X-ray diffractometer for investigation of thin film semiconductor structures was demonstrated. A depth-dependent qualitative phase analysis of multilayer polycrystalline CuInGaSe2-based solar cell structure was performed. The independent goniometer allowed determination of residual stress values in the molybdenum layer of the solar cell. Grazing-incidence X-ray diffractometry was used to estimate polycrystallinity degree of AlN layers grown by molecular beam epitaxy and correlate it with the growth temperature. X-ray reflectometry measurement were also performed for nucleation AlN layer.
Research of the Behavior of Composite Panels under Impact Loads and the Creation of Reliable Protection of Armored Vehicles
Authors: Gots Volodymyr , Makarenko Valeriy , Berdnyk Oksana , Otrosh Yurii , Feshchuk Yurii
Published: December 2024

The problem of protecting people and increasing the safety of technical equipment in situations of combat, emergency and other unforeseen extreme situations caused by a mechanical blow has always been, is and will be relevant. In the material-related aspect, the problem of developing shock-resistant materials is now transformed into the requirements of the present to create multifunctional composite panels and protective structures on their basis. Due to the fact that the experimental achievement of the required durability and reliability of products is a complex technical task (the solution of which requires large energy and financial resources), an important role is obtained by simulating the processes occurring during their operation, which gives recommendations on the correct choice of materials developed composites. In this work, the behavior of composite materials that are in a closed space under the influence of high-speed dynamic load is studied. The purpose of the work is to develop composite materials for light shockproof protective structures and to determine the nature of the packaging, the features of the structure and the level of their physical and mechanical properties. Conducted calculations of economic effect on the results of research.
Enhancing Mechanical Properties of Natural Rubber Latex Composites through Alkali-Treated Areca Husk Fibers: Eco-Friendly Reinforcements
Authors: Artchomphoo Jutatip , Saijun Diew , Sungsee Pasuta , Rattanapan Suwat
Published: December 2024

This study explores the utilization of areca husk fiber (AHF), a naturally derived agricultural waste product, in enhancing the mechanical properties of natural rubber latex (NRL) composites. Areca husk fibers, treated with sodium hydroxide (NaOH) to improve their surface characteristics, were incorporated into NRL matrices. The objective was to investigate the effect of alkali treatment on the interfacial bonding and overall performance of the resulting composites. Mechanical testing revealed significant improvements in tensile strength, flexibility, and water resistance in the treated AHF composites compared to untreated ones. The findings suggest that alkali-treated AHF can significantly enhance the structural integrity and durability of NRL composites, offering a promising approach for developing sustainable, biodegradable materials from agricultural residues.
Development of Eco-Friendly Biomaterials: Recycled Thermoplastics Reinforced with Short Natural Cane and Palm Fibers
Authors: Paltan César A. , Fajardo Jorge I. , Carrasquero Rodríguez Edwuin J. , Alvarez Kevin A.
Published: December 2024

In this study, the behavior of biocomposites reinforced with natural fibers from African palm and sugar cane in a recycled polyethylene matrix is investigated. The aim is to analyze the rheological and mechanical properties of these materials to optimize their processability by injection. Natural fibers treated through a steam explosion process and subsequent drying and grinding were used to obtain a size suitable for extrusion. Biocomposites with different percentages of fiber (30% and 40%) were prepared and evaluated by melt flow index (MFI) and capillary rheometry tests. The results indicated a significant reduction in material fluidity with increasing fiber content, which was mitigated by the addition of a lubricant additive, stearic acid. Simulation of the injection process made it possible to determine crucial parameters such as injection pressure and filling time. Subsequently, injection tests were carried out varying the temperature and fiber concentration, followed by tensile tests to evaluate the mechanical resistance of the injected specimens. The results showed that the addition of the additive significantly improved the fluidity of the material, facilitating its injection without damaging the machinery and maintaining good mechanical properties. This study provides a solid foundation for the development of biocomposites eco-friendly with potential applications in the plastics industry.
Anti-HMGCR antibody-associated myositis without prior exposure to statins – A case report
Authors: Senarathna H. , Pohl U. , Stathopoulou E.
Published: December 2024

Immune-mediated necrotising myositis (IMNM) is a specific subtype of idiopathic inflammatory myositis. The formation of anti-3-Hydroxy-3-Methylglutaryl-Co-A Reductase (HMGCR) antibodies in people exposed to statins is a rare cause of IMNM. It is much rarer for a patient who has never taken statins to have anti-HMGCR antibodies.This case report presents a woman in her mid-30s with symmetrical proximal muscle weakness in her lower limbs and who was diagnosed with statin naïve HMGCR-associated IMNM. She had never taken statins before, but had been on aripiprazole and olanzapine sequentially for schizophrenia. She was treated with three courses of intravenous immuno-globulin, along with methotrexate, azathioprine, and prednisolone, with clinical improvement.This case report emphasises the importance of suspecting anti-HMGCR antibody myositis in patients without exposure to statins.
Whistleblowing: a neglected role of the physician
Authors: Ariyananda P. L. , De Silva S. G.
Published: December 2024

Whistleblowing is the act of an employee raising concerns about wrong doings or potential wrongdoings within an organization. It is crucial that when doctors suspect malpractice, they document factual information and convey their suspicions to someone with authority. Ideally, they should seek advice from a senior colleague or legal representative before doing so. Concerns can range from doubts about registration status and medical licensing to standards of medical professionalism and fitness to practice. Whistleblowing differs from personal grievances as it has a community interest aspect, usually because the activity reported threatens patient safety.Ethically, whistleblowing can be challenging for healthcare professionals, balancing between advocating for patients' safety and maintaining employment. It is seen as an act of virtue ethics, fulfilling obligations of professional conscience. Unwarranted disclosure of a patient's medical treatment is a breach of the patient's personal rights, but at the same time there may be an obligation to compromise confidentiality to prevent harm to a third-party.The low prevalence of whistleblowing among medical practitioners the world over is often due to the fear of personal reprisal and a 'blame culture'. Whistleblowers need legal protection from retaliation by employers, and in developed countries, they are protected by whistleblower protection acts.The downside of whistleblowing includes alleged professional jealousy and the potential for the whistleblower to suffer personally and professionally. Despite this, it is a crucial activity for maintaining standards and preventing harm to patients in healthcare settings.
Epilepsy in pregnancy
Authors: Gooneratne I. K.
Published: December 2024

This review explores the complex relationship between epilepsy and pregnancy, focusing on the effects of epilepsy on pregnancy outcomes, the influence of pregnancy on epilepsy, the teratogenic effects of anti-seizure medications, the role of vitamin K supplementation, and the management of epilepsy during pregnancy. By synthesizing recent research and clinical guidelines, the review provides a comprehensive overview of the challenges faced by women with epilepsy during pregnancy and the strategies employed to manage these challenges effectively.
Picture quiz – Answers
Authors: Co-Editors
Published: December 2024

No abstract available
Wife Battering: Victims Reported Following Physical Violence at Teaching Hospital Jaffna, Sri Lanka
Authors: Mayorathan U. , Sriluxayini M.
Published: December 2024

Wife battering has been extensively researched in specific regions of Sri Lanka and other countries. The goal of this study is to examine the pattern of injuries as well as the impact of demographic and socioeconomic factors. A hospital-based descriptive cross-sectional study of 155 victims was conducted in 2021 and 2022. Results showed that 83% (n=129) of victims and 68% (n=106) of perpetrators were under the age of 25; 78% (n=121) of victims and 87% (n=135) of perpetrators had studied up to grade 11; and while 72% (n=111) victims were housewives, 79% (n=122) perpetrators were blue-collar workers. One hundred twenty-seven (82%) households were nuclear families, and 91 (59%) families earned less than Rs.30,000 (USD 100) per month. 79% (n=123) of the perpetrators were alcoholics, whereas 19% (n=29) consumed illegal narcotics. As the method of battering in 120 (77%) victims, bare hands were used, while more than half (57%, n=88) were assaulted with weapons. The most involved anatomical sites were the head (74%, n=114) and upper limbs (39%, n=60), and the most common injuries sustained were contusions (66%, n=102), followed by abrasions (31%, n=48) and lacerations (17%, n=27). Most victims (90%) sustained injuries that were not life-threatening. The sociodemographic and socioeconomic factors that influenced this crime, as well as the nature, distribution, and weapon used in the injuries, have remained unchanged since the previous study conducted in the same region four decades ago.
Response of Australia’s Forensic Mortuaries to the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Parsons Sarah , Iles Linda , Wills Stephen , Brouwer Isabel , Reid Andrew S. , Forde Nadine , Kueppers Victoria , Tiemensma Marianne
Published: December 2024

The COVID-19 pandemic had an impact on health services, including forensic pathology services, throughout the world. Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, forensic mortuaries in various Australian jurisdictions developed and implemented local guidelines and procedures to ensure the safe continuation of providing their essential services. The jurisdictional responses are outlined in this article.
Geographical accessibility to healthcare by point-of–interest data from online maps: a comparative study
Authors: Huang-fu Heng-Qian , Zhang Nan , Wang Li , Liang Hui-Juan , Xian Ben-Song , Gan Xiao-Fang , Lai Yingsi
Published: December 2024

Geographical accessibility is important for promoting health equity, and calculating it requires the locations of all existing healthcare facilities in a region. Authoritative location data collected by governments is accurate but mostly not publicly available, while point-of-interest (POI) data from online sources, such as Baidu Maps and AutoNavi Maps are easily accessible. However, the accuracy of the latter has not been thoroughly analyzed. Taking Baotou, a medium-sized city in China, as aneample, we assessed the suitability of using POI data for measuring geographic accessibility to healthcare facilities.We computedthe difference of geographic accessibility calculated based on POI data and that on authoritative data.Logistic regression and a multiple linear regression model was applied to identify factors related to the consistency between the two data sources. Compared to authoritative data, POI data exhibited discrepancies, with completeness of 54.9% and accuracy of 63.7%. Geographic accessibility calculated based on both data showed similar patterns, with good consistency for hospitals and in urban areas. However, large differences (>30 minutes) were shown in rural areas for primary healthcare facilities. The differences were small regarding to population- weighted average accessibility (with slight underestimation of 3.07 minutes) and population coverage across various levels of accessibility (with differences less than 1% of the population) for the entire area. In conclusion, POI data can be considered foruse in both urban areas and at the level of entire city; however, awareness should be raised in rural areas.
Molecular characterization of Cryphonectria parasitica isolates from Basilicata region (Southern Italy) and mycovirus identification
Authors: Mang Stefania Mirela , Marcone Carmine , Marcone Maria , Malvasi Giuseppe , Chira Danut , Chira Florentina , Maxim Aurel , Camele Ippolito
Published: December 2024

Chestnut is a valuable species that grows widely throughout the Italian peninsula. It is susceptible to different diseases and among them chestnut blight caused by Cryphonectria parasitica is the most devastating one. This study aimed to molecularly characterize and distinguish virulent and hypovirulent C. parasitica isolates from the Basilicata region. Pure fungal cultures were obtained from symptomatic plant material, their genomic DNA was extracted and amplified using rDNA Internal Transcribed Spacer (ITS), M13 minisatellite and (GACA)4 microsatellite primers. ITS sequencing allowed the identification of the fungal species while minisatellite and microsatellite Polymerase Chain Reactions (PCRs) differentiate between virulent and hypovirulent isolates placing them in distinct clusters. Additionally, sequence analysis of hypovirus partial genome showed that all identified hypoviruses, belonged to Cryphonectria hypovirus 1 (CHV-1) subtype, sharing a 99% sequence identity with the Italian isolate Marche of CHV-1. To our knowledge, this is the first study to differentiate virulent and hypovirulent isolates of C. parasitica at molecular level and identify the hypovirus subtype associated with the hypovirulent isolates in the Basilicata region.