bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Opportunities in clean energy equity markets: the compelling case for nuclear energy investments
Authors: Tudor Cristiana
Published: October 2024

This study analyzes the post-pandemic dynamics and investment potential of diverse clean energy equities, including solar, wind, nuclear, and other renewable assets, highlighting nuanced differences and investment opportunities within this critical sector. The analysis reveals that nuclear energy portfolios (NLR) exhibit notable resilience, sustaining growth amidst significant market volatility. Within the mean-variance portfolio optimization (MVO) framework, this study identifies strategic investments that balance risk and return, underscoring NLR’s role as a stabilizing force and return enhancer, as evidenced by its predominant allocation in both Minimum Variance and Tangency Portfolios. Employing advanced stochastic modeling and simulation techniques, the research uses a uniform distribution to generate random portfolio weights, ensuring comprehensive and unbiased exploration of the feasible solution space, thereby enhancing the robustness of the portfolio optimization process. The findings also illustrate the diversification merits of integrating clean energy equities into broader portfolios comprising traditional stocks and bonds, with nuclear-focused equity significantly enhancing the efficient frontier. Results underscore the superiority of the nuclear energy exchange-traded fund (ETF) both as a standalone investment and as a crucial component of diversified portfolios, highlighting its contribution to investment performance and risk management. This approach offers insights for investors and policymakers navigating the intersection of finance, sustainability, and economic growth post-pandemic.
X-Ray Emission of Nearby Low-mass and Sunlike Stars with Directly Imageable Habitable Zones
Authors: Binder Breanna A. , Peacock Sarah , Schwieterman Edward W. , Turnbull Margaret C. , Virgen Azariel Y. , Kane Stephen R. , Farrish Alison , Garcia-Sage Katherine
Published: October 2024

Stellar X-ray and UV radiation can significantly affect the survival, composition, and long-term evolution of the atmospheres of planets in or near their host star’s habitable zone (HZ). Especially interesting are planetary systems in the solar neighborhood that may host temperate and potentially habitable surface conditions, which may be analyzed by future ground- and space-based direct-imaging surveys for signatures of habitability and life. To advance our understanding of the radiation environment in these systems, we leverage ∼3 Ms of XMM-Newton and Chandra observations in order to measure three fundamental stellar properties at X-ray energies for 57 nearby FGKM stellar systems: the shape of the stellar X-ray spectrum, the luminosity, and the timescales over which the stars vary (e.g., due to flares). These systems possess HZs that will be directly imageable to next-generation telescopes such as the Habitable Worlds Observatory and ground-based Extremely Large Telescopes. We identify 29 stellar systems with L
X/L
bol ratios similar to (or less than) that of the Sun; any potential planets in the HZs of these stars therefore reside in present-day X-ray radiation environments similar to (or less hostile than) modern Earth, though a broader set of these targets could host habitable planets. An additional 19 stellar systems have been observed with the Swift X-ray Telescope; in total, only ∼30% of potential direct imaging target stars has been observed with XMM-Newton, Chandra, or Swift. The data products from this work (X-ray light curves and spectra) are available via a public Zenodo repository (doi:10.5281/zenodo.11490574).
Langage(s) de la musique : sur la nature du symbolisme musical
Authors: Granata Vincent
Published: October 2024

La musique est souvent traitée comme une forme de langage qui renvoie au monde, à la réalité et à l’existence. Mais si la musique nous parle, que dit-elle et comment le fait-elle ? Cet article vise à clarifier le sens des concepts de signification et de langage lorsqu’ils sont appliqués à la musique. Il défend l’idée que la musique est bien une forme de langage, mais qui ne « parle » ni ne « dit » rien : son fonctionnement est sémiotique, tout en étant incomparable à celui du langage ordinaire. Cette thèse se positionne contre une théorie « ineffabiliste », selon laquelle la musique aurait une signification, mais indicible ou inexprimable en mots. Le but est ainsi de rendre compte de la valeur cognitive des œuvres musicales et de leur capacité à nous révéler des aspects inexplorés des choses de monde, à transformer nos façons de l’envisager, de le décrire et de l’interpréter.
Percevoir la beauté musicale : la fonction de la forme
Authors: Wolff Francis
Published: October 2024

La beauté d’une œuvre musicale dépend de certaines de ses propriétés formelles perceptibles par un sujet dans une attitude esthétique. Elle n’est pas dans la forme musicale mais elle n’en est pourtant pas indépendante. Ce rapport est précisé grâce à l’analyse de la beauté dans une démonstration mathématique. Elle dépend du rapport entre la pauvreté et l’évidence des prémisses, et la richesse et l’éloignement de la conclusion. La beauté obéit ainsi à des principes leibniziens : celui, quantitatif, d’économie de moyens, et celui, qualitatif, de perfection. On s’efforce ensuite d’appliquer ces principes à deux exemples musicaux : le début du Prélude en do mineur du Premier livre du Clavier bien tempéré de J.-S. Bach et une ligne de chant d’un air de Verdi. On en conclut que percevoir la beauté, c’est percevoir l’intelligible dans le sensible.
Place de la crénobalnéothérapie dans la prescription de l’activité physique adaptée par les médecins généralistes
Authors: Massy Laëtitia , Ledru Anthony , Danan Jane-Laure , Siegrist Sophie , Kanny Gisèle
Published: October 2024

Le manque d’activité physique est un facteur de risque reconnu de développer diverses pathologies chroniques. La dispensation d’une activité physique adaptée (APA) a pour but d’aider une personne à adopter un mode de vie physiquement actif sur une base régulière afin de réduire les facteurs de risque et les limitations fonctionnelles liées à la maladie chronique dont elle est atteinte. Les techniques mobilisées relèvent d’activités physiques et sportives et se distinguent des actes de rééducation qui sont réservés aux professionnels de santé, dans le respect de leurs compétences. La prescription d’activité physique adaptée (APA) constitue une intervention clinique pertinente, offrant une alternative ou un complément aux thérapies médicamenteuses conventionnelles. Les bénéfices spécifiques de la crénobalnéothérapie pourraient avoir une action synergique avec l’APA. L’objectif de cette étude qualitative transversale descriptive est d’évaluer les connaissances et les perceptions des médecins généralistes de la métropole du Grand Nancy quant à la place du thermalisme dans le cadre de la prescription du sport sur ordonnance au moment de l’ouverture en 2023 de l’établissement Nancy Thermal. Cinq intervenants, médecins généralistes, représentant un panel diversifié de la population des médecins traitants de la métropole du Grand Nancy, ont été sélectionnés. Les médecins ont une perception globalement positive de l’APA et reconnaissent sa valeur thérapeutique dans divers contextes de prescription : diabète, obésité, pathologies liées à l’âge, etc. Néanmoins, le manque de connaissances concernant le déroulement des programmes d’APA, les contraintes de temps et un savoir limité concernant les effets thérapeutiques du thermalisme sont des freins à la prescription qui ne pourront être levés qu’en dispensant une formation spécifique aux médecins généralistes à propos de ses mécanismes d’action, afin d’obtenir une plus grande adhésion. Une meilleure communication entre les médecins et les professionnels du thermalisme est également nécessaire. Cette étude souligne la nécessité d’une meilleure intégration du thermalisme et de l’APA dans la formation médicale ainsi que d’une réflexion concernant les modalités de financement et de remboursement pour faciliter l’accès à l’APA dans les cures thermales. La coopération entre professionnels de santé, dispositifs d’APA et structures thermales apparaît essentielle pour développer des parcours de soins intégrés et accessibles.
Prescription de cures thermales par les médecins généralistes en France
Authors: Vautrin Nicolas , Zanette Frédéric , Danan Jane-Laure , Siegrist Sophie , Kanny Gisèle
Published: October 2024

Contexte : En France, les cures thermales sont principalement prescrites par les médecins généralistes. L’objet de la revue narrative de la littérature est d’étudier le point de vue des médecins généralistes et les déterminants de la prescription d’une cure thermale. Matériel et méthode : Onze bases de données ont été interrogées : PubMed, LiSSa, Cochrane Library, Embase, Pascal-Francis, Google Scholar, Thèses.fr, HAL, Ulysse, Sudoc (Système Universitaire de Documentation) et Cairn. Les documents en français et anglais ont été sélectionnés sans restriction de date de publication. Résultats : Les références sélectionnées sont au nombre de 599 : 580 ont été exclues car hors-sujet, 7 n’étaient pas disponibles en ligne, 7 étaient des doublons et triplons. Au total, 2 références ont été incluses : 1 étude quantitative par questionnaire et 1 étude qualitative par focus group. Les 2 études convergent sur plusieurs points : demande de prescription de cure thermale à l’initiative du patient, amélioration de la symptomatologie après la cure, diminution de prescription de traitement médicamenteux et non-médicamenteux, amélioration du vécu du patient, manque de formation des médecins généralistes aussi bien initiale que continue. Discussion : Cette revue narrative de la littérature montre la paucité des études portant sur la prescription de cure thermales par le médecin généraliste. La cure thermale est perçue par les médecins comme bénéfique du fait de la combinaison de plusieurs facteurs : la centration du patient sur son corps, son esprit et sa pathologie, au centre d’un projet de soins porté par une équipe soignante pluridisciplinaire, le repos, le dépaysement et la rupture environnementale. Les principaux freins à la prescription sont le coût estimé de la cure et le manque de connaissance des études scientifiques évaluant le service médical rendu. Conclusion : Cette étude souligne la relation paradoxale des médecins généralistes vis-à-vis de la prescription de cures thermales. Alors que leurs bienfaits pluriels sont déclarés, elles sont majoritairement prescrites à l’initiative du patient. Une bonne connaissance du traitement thermal est essentielle pour assurer la prescription la mieux adaptée aux besoins du patient, justifiant l’intégration d’un enseignement de médecine thermale dans le cursus de formation universitaire, mais aussi en formation continue pour ceux qui n’en ont pas bénéficié.
Frequentist and Bayesian approach for the generalized logistic lifetime model with applications to air-conditioning system failure times under joint progressive censoring data
Authors: Hasaballah Mustafa M. , Balogun Oluwafemi Samson , Bakr M. E.
Published: October 2024

Based on joint progressive Type-II censored data, we examined the statistical inference of the generalized logistic distribution with different shape and scale parameters in this research. Wherever possible, we explored maximum likelihood estimators for unknown parameters within the scope of the joint progressive censoring scheme. Bayesian inferences for these parameters were demonstrated using a Gamma prior under the squared error loss function and the linear exponential loss function. It was important to note that obtaining Bayes estimators and the corresponding credible intervals was not straightforward; thus, we recommended using the Markov Chain Monte Carlo method to compute them. We performed real-world data analysis for demonstrative purposes and ran Monte Carlo simulations to compare the performance of all the suggested approaches.
Enhancing epidemic modeling: exploring heavy-tailed dynamics with the generalized tempered stable distribution
Authors: Sabbar Yassine , Raezah Aeshah A. , Moumni Mohammed
Published: October 2024

The generalized tempered stable (GTS) distribution is an optimal choice for modeling disease propagation, as it effectively captures the heavy-tailed nature of such events. This attribute is crucial for evaluating the impact of large-scale outbreaks and formulating effective public health interventions. In our study, we introduce a comprehensive stochastic epidemic model that incorporates various intervention strategies and utilizes Lévy jumps characterized by the GTS distribution. Notably, our proposed stochastic system does not exhibit endemic or disease-free states, challenging the conventional approach of assessing disease persistence or extinction based on asymptotic behavior. To address this, we employed a novel stochastic analysis approach to demonstrate the potential for disease eradication or continuation. We provide numerical examples to highlight the importance of incorporating the GTS distribution in epidemiological modeling. These examples validate the accuracy of our results and compare our model's outcomes with those of a standard system using basic Lévy jumps. The purposeful use of the GTS distribution accounts for the heavy-tailed nature of disease incidence or vector abundance, enhancing the precision of models and predictions in epidemiology.
Evaluation of a basic-clinical integrated pharmacology case-based learning program from a student perspective using the CIPP model
Authors: Lee Hee Jae , Kang Seok Hoon , Park Sang In , Chun Wan Joo , Youk Kwon In
Published: October 2024

Purpose: This study aimed to systematically evaluate the effectiveness of case-based learning (CBL) within a basic-clinical integrated educational program using the Context, Input, Process, and Product (CIPP) evaluation model.Methods: The CBL program was integrated into the Pharmacology–Clinical Case Practice component of the pharmacology course, a mandatory course for first-year medical students. To evaluate the program, a CIPP model-based questionnaire was developed, assessing needs, goals, resources, educational management, and outcomes. To ensure the reliability and validity of the variables, factor analysis was performed, reducing an initial set of 28 items to 18 final observation variables distributed across four factors. The survey, designed to measure learner satisfaction, was administered to 37 students who participated in the Pharmacology–Clinical Case Practice course during the first semester of 2022.Results: Participants rated their satisfaction with the CBL program based on the CIPP model (on a 5-point scale), giving an average score of 4.17. This suggests that learners who followed the CBL program combining basic and clinical components generally found the program operationally effective with positive outcomes.Conclusion: The teaching model and evaluation model applied in this study can be utilized in various majors when operating CBL classes that link basic and clinical education in medical schools in the future.
Motives for self-employment among people with disabilities in a Swedish context
Authors: Germundsson Per , Norstedt Maria
Published: October 2024

People with disabilities are more often excluded from working life than others; one way of promoting inclusion in the labor market is self-employment. The aim of this article is to add to the knowledge about the establishment motives for starting one’s own business among people with disabilities and reduced working capacity in Sweden. Data were collected from 16 people with disabilities across Sweden. Ten semi-structured interviews with self-employed people with disabilities and one group interview with six blind and visually impaired people were conducted. Themes of establishment motives were identified through thematic analysis. Five themes were identified: flexibility and self-determination; economic motives; negative work experience; contributing something; and being an entrepreneur. Results are related to the concepts of entrepreneurial ecosystem, necessity and opportunity, and identity positions as an entrepreneur. The motives for self-employment have not previously been studied to any great extent in the Swedish context. This article is a contribution to this internationally emerging field of research. For professionals and policymakers, the study highlights the need not only to focus on the individual perspective but also to support and to develop the entrepreneurial ecosystem simultaneously.
The church and the manor: Assessing and comparing the effects of language contact on two Middle English lexical domains
Authors: Mambelli Gloria , Vogelsanger Johanna
Published: October 2024

This paper investigates the lexis associated with the church and the manor, two major institutions of medieval England, in order to assess the effects of language contact across lexical domains and levels of specificity. The data for this study, consisting of lexical items denoting locations and objects, was extracted from existing thesauri and analysed in terms of source languages, technicality, and survival, with the aim of finding out to what extent the influence of borrowing from French and Latin varied depending on the domain and level of specificity of meaning. The results reveal a consistent predominance of Romance-origin lexis in the domain relating to the church and of native English lexis in the manorial vocabulary across all levels of specificity, although some variation was found in the subsets relating to locations and objects. In addition, survival rates are relatively higher in the religious vocabulary; however, neither of the two domains displays a considerable difference in loss of lexical material between different languages during the Middle English period. The differences and commonalities identified between the two lexical domains reveal the ways in which language contact operated in two major multilingual contexts of post-Conquest England.
Loanwords and polysemy: An investigation of specialized domain lexis in Middle English
Authors: Ingham Richard
Published: October 2024

This study investigates the polysemy of French loanwords in Middle English, analysing the attested senses of loan lexis in three occupational domains. Senses recorded in the Dictionnaire du moyen français and the Anglo-Norman dictionary were compared with corresponding lexical entries in the Middle English dictionary. Out of over 100 Middle English items borrowed from French, it is found that the great majority were polysemous in ways reflecting the source language semantics. This outcome contrasts with the usual finding that foreign borrowing in modern contexts produces monosemous loanwords. The conclusion is therefore drawn that the process of borrowing from French was of a different nature in the English medieval period. It is argued that bilingual users of French were agents of borrowing who replicated source word polysemy in their English. The likelihood that senses matching those of the French etymon arose in Middle English independently of source language polysemy is considered, but rejected.
Genre, handicap et questionnement des normes
Authors: Revillard Anne
Published: October 2024

Cet article explore le thème de la conférence ALTER 2021 “les normes interrogées par le handicap,” en proposant un parallèle avec la démarche d’interrogation des normes portée par les études sur le genre. Après une mise en contexte sur la place des normes en sociologie et le lien entre interrogation des normes et mobilisations collectives, deux exemples de cette démarche sont identifiés et illustrés en comparant études sur le genre et études sur le handicap: nommer des impensés (évidence de la hiérarchie, évidence de la bicatégorisation), et spécifier un présumé neutre (en démontrant le caractère situé, associé à un groupe dominant, de normes, concepts ou caractéristiques jusqu’alors perçus comme neutres ou universels). À partir d’exemples tirés notamment des domaines du travail, des organisations et de la politique, des similitudes sont pointées entre les modes de raisonnement des deux champs d’études. Si les études sur le handicap ont pu bénéficier d’un certain nombre d’acquis analytiques des études sur le genre, elles sont réciproquement à même d’enrichir ces dernières de nouveaux questionnements, notamment autour de l’enjeu du constructivisme.
The invention of disability
Authors: Pérez Melania Moscoso
Published: October 2024

Anthropologist Roy Wagner defined invention as a way to defy the assumption that ordinary life is in most part determined. In this text we explore the notion of disability as an ordinary or conventional one, to contrast it with the notion of vital normativity proposed by Georges Canguilhem in the section II of the Normal and the pathological, which would be close to the notion of invention that Wagner develops. In this second approach the concept of vital normativity expresses the adaptative efforts of the individual, be it with or without disability. While in the former, collectivizing view of disability standardization contributes to the othering of disability, Roy Wagner’s approach of invention if applied to disability, would stress individual creativity. We defend that this differentiating view of disability, just as Canguilhem’s concept of vital normativity, opens new venues for disability emancipation beyond the realm of representation.
“I have always been a white raven and a black sheep”
Authors: Nosenko-Stein Elena
Published: October 2024

People with disabilities in post-Soviet Russia number about 12 million. However, academic research dedicated to many problems of this large segment of Russian society, among them issues of stigmatization and self-stigmatization, is still scant. The autobiographical material written by people with disabilities in the 1990s-2000s constitutes an invaluable source for comprehending life experiences of disabled individuals in post-Soviet Russia. These texts reflect main life strategies of persons with congenital and acquired disabilities. The medical diagnosis of disability is a life-changing event for people with impairments as it radically changes their status in society and their way of life. This paper treats the diagnosis as the first step in the ordeal that could legitimately be described as a “rite of passage” to another world, the world of living with disability, their “netherworld.” By analyzing the autobiographies of disabled individuals this paper exposes how labels and notions applied to disability in contemporary Russian society are rooted in a wider Russian culture, and in Soviet attitudes towards disability and people with impairments.
Reframing disability in the labour market: narratives of value told by employers
Authors: Lundberg Camilla Stub , Solvang Per Koren
Published: October 2024

This article addresses how employers privileging disability-specific experience and impairment-related competencies in hiring practices reframe disability from a limited ability to work to a valuable human resource. It is based on the analysis of 14 in-depth interviews with disabled and non-disabled Norwegian employers that privilege hiring people with disabilities. Applying Boltanski and Thévenot’s theory of justification, it is argued that employers’ narratives rely on several orders of worth to legitimate hiring strategies and decisions. Findings suggest that employers narrate productivity as something that values the industrious citizen. Further, based on values of collectivity, the employers mobilise collective identities inherent in civic ideas of disability rights promotion, whereas narratives of loyalty value dutifulness and employees who stay in their jobs. By placing value on loyalty, such narratives could portray employees with disabilities as being particularly servile, and their employment as akin to charity. The policy context emphasising labour market participation for people with disabilities and employers’ central role in achieving this seems to play an important role in shaping the employers’ narratives.
The good, the ideal, and the accessible home: Perceptions of accessibility norms in domestic environments
Authors: Brulé Emeline
Published: October 2024

Disability activists and researchers often attribute the lack of accessible housing to architects’ poor knowledge of accessibility norms, or to insufficient public support of accessible housing due to ableist and misplaced concerns about construction costs. We know little, however, about individual experiences with accessible housing, which could provide complimentary explanations for low levels of public support. I conducted walking interviews with 15 able-bodied homeowners and renters of recently built accessible housing in French urban or suburban areas, to understand their experiences and perceptions of accessibility norms in the home. I outline how accessibility norms conflict with: everyday routines sometimes to the extent of limiting activities; and views of what constitutes a good home, aesthetically and functionally. Participants’ experiences vary, but overall interviews suggest accessibility norms as currently implemented are difficult for inhabitants to adapt to. Understanding inhabitants’ perceptions of accessible housing could open up new pathways for increasing public support and improving the implementation of accessibility norms.
Inclusion of children with disabilities in Ethiopian mainstream schools
Authors: Müllegger Birgit , Chapman Sarah
Published: October 2024

Inclusive education (IE) programmes aim to include children with disabilities in mainstream schools by providing quality education in a barrier-free environment. While IE is now integral to the global development agenda, many questions remain around how best to implement IE programmes given the varying contexts and challenges presenting across developing countries. “One Class for All” is an IE programme financed by Light for the World, an international non-governmental organization (NGO), and implemented by 14 Ethiopian partner organisations. The authors of this article used a descriptive implementation evaluation design combining qualitative and quantitative elements to assess the extent, quality and satisfaction of IE programmes delivered by a sample of Light for the World implementing partners. Data included routine implementation monitoring data, survey of all implementing partners, key informant interviews and structured observations of schools and participants at sampled schools in Ethiopia. The evaluation mainly indicated a need for more structured development plans for each school and a more structured teacher training programme. This evaluation contributes to the limited literature on implementing an inclusive education programme in an African country.
Multiliteracies-as-Undesigned
Authors: Burgess Julianne
Published: October 2024

This chapter presents a creative and critical reflection on my arts-based multiliteracies praxis, charting my encounters with theory, the arts, people, and things, through my teaching and research practice with adult English language learners. This is also an autoethnographic worlding composition inspired by new materialist authors, in which I re-story my learnings as a social justice educator through moments of bewilderment and refusal. The outcome is a vision of multiliteracies and the arts as unbounded and undesigned, which requires researchers and educators to take theoretical responsibility to confront and embrace my duty to act, think, and do multiliteracies differently.
IoT for Didactics of Social and Experimental Sciences
Authors: Routray Sudhir K.
Published: October 2024

The Internet of things (IoT) is a prime member of information and communication technology family with widespread applications. Its integration into education transforms the teaching and didactics of social and experimental sciences. IoT-enabled devices and sensors provide students with real-world data for hands-on learning and experimentation. This technology creates interactive learning environments, offering personalized instruction and supporting collaborative projects, thereby enhancing teamwork and communication skills. IoT supports remote learning via virtual labs and online simulations, breaking geographical barriers and promoting inclusivity. However, ethical concerns about data privacy and responsible use must be addressed. Educators should emphasize digital literacy and ethical practices to ensure the responsible integration of IoT. Overall, IoT holds great potential to revolutionize education, equipping learners with essential skills for a connected world.
Relevant Socio-Environmental Problems Through Video Games
Authors: Sampedro-Martín Sergio , Jiménez-Palacios Rocío , Mora Elisa Arroyo
Published: October 2024

This paper, within the framework of the R&D+i EPITEC2 project, describes the educational potential of video games for the initial training of teachers in Social Sciences Didactics. For this purpose, in addition to a brief review of the scientific literature that addresses this issue, the Scratch tool is introduced for the design of video games that address relevant socio-environmental problems. Thus, 11 proposals for video games designed in Scratch by students of the Degree in Primary Education are analysed. The results of this study show that Scratch is a useful and motivating tool for tackling relevant socio-environmental problems, even though some of the video games designed by future teachers have a limited level of interaction. Similarly, those video games that contextualise the issues addressed in the controversial heritages have a greater degree of realism and, therefore, have greater potential for promoting meaningful and useful learning in Primary Education.
Game-Based Education in Experimental Sciences
Authors: Syropoulos-Charisis Demetrios-Georgios , Syropoulos Apostolos
Published: October 2024

Game-based education is a teaching method that utilizes computer games in the learning process. A game is a mini-world where students learn about specific concepts and ideas. In experimental sciences, one has to teach students by demonstration but sometimes this is not possible. When this is the case, an educator can use specially designed computer games and/or animations that can be used in the teaching process. Although, one can learn a lot from such games, we believe that students who design such games get a much deeper understanding of the relevant theory. We describe why this is a better approach and show by means of a mini-experiment how one can employ this idea in practice.
Embracing Collaborative Learning
Authors: Matongo Morine , Goronga Pedzisai
Published: October 2024

This chapter explores innovative teaching methods that incorporate collaborative learning at higher education level. The discussion critically interrogates benefits, challenges and strategies for successful implementation of collaborative methodologies. Also known as cooperative learning, collaborative learning is a pedagogical technique that promotes active engagement, participatory learner engagement in learning in emancipatory epistemological spaces, contact, and mutual assistance among students.
Utilising Digital Tools to Enhance Teamwork Among Adult Learners in a Postgraduate Course
Authors: Roberts Leesha Nicole
Published: October 2024

This chapter provides an in-depth examination of the role of digital tools in enhancing virtual teamwork among adult learners in higher education, focusing on the “Fundamentals of Educational Technology” course within the Master of Education in Innovative Learning Technologies (MEILT) Programme at the Advanced Learning Institute (ALI). Through a qualitative narrative inquiry, the chapter explores how digital platforms such as Learning Management Systems (LMS), video conferencing, and social media facilitate communication, collaboration, and learning outcomes among part-time students. The analysis highlights the benefits of these tools in promoting flexibility, real-time collaboration, and distributed cognition while addressing challenges such as digital etiquette and technological fluency. Additionally, the chapter offers practical recommendations for improving the use of digital tools to support teamwork in adult education within the context of Trinidad and Tobago.
Privacy and Security
Authors: Nadella Geeta Sandeep , Gonaygunta Hari , Harish Mohan , Whig Pawan
Published: October 2024

In the rapidly advancing landscape of artificial intelligence (AI), the intersection of privacy and security has emerged as a critical focal point. This chapter explores the multifaceted challenges and considerations involved in safeguarding personal data within the AI era. It delves into the ethical implications of AI-driven data collection, storage, and utilization, emphasizing the importance of privacy-preserving technologies and robust security measures. Through case studies and theoretical frameworks, the chapter examines current practices and future directions aimed at balancing innovation with the protection of individual privacy rights. By addressing these issues, it aims to equip stakeholders—from developers to policymakers—with the knowledge needed to navigate the complex terrain of AI ethics and ensure responsible data stewardship in the digital age.
The Ethics of AI and IoT in Healthcare
Authors: Sidana Sagar , Chaudhary Parul , Ticku Amrita , Rathore Nitasha , Sinha Anurag , Keshri Ashutosh , Kumar Biresh , Singh Neetu , Sinha Abhiraj , Raj Neeraj
Published: October 2024

The integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Internet of Things (IoT) technologies in healthcare has revolutionized patient care by enabling advanced monitoring, personalized treatments, and real-time data analysis. However, this technological advancement also brings to the forefront significant ethical and cybersecurity challenges. This paper explores the delicate balance between the benefits of AI and IoT in healthcare and the associated risks to patient data security. We examine the ethical implications of deploying AI-driven IoT devices, focusing on issues such as data privacy, consent, and the potential for unintended consequences. Additionally, we address the cybersecurity vulnerabilities inherent in IoT devices, including risks of data breaches and unauthorized access. By analyzing current strategies and proposing frameworks for enhancing data protection.
Application of Artificial Intelligence in Ayurvedic Science Healthcare Practices
Authors: Sinha Anurag , Sidana Sagar , Rao G. Madhukar , Rathore Nitasha , Raj Sandeep , Jha Aman , Singh Neetu , Liu Haipeng , Kumar Vishal
Published: October 2024

The integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into the field of Ayurvedic Science has gained considerable attention in recent years. This survey aims to comprehensively introduce the area of research by exploring the diverse applications of AI in Ayurvedic practices and the potential improvements it offers over conventional methods. With the increasing demand for personalized healthcare solutions, AI technologies have shown immense promise in aiding Ayurvedic practitioners to deliver tailored treatment plans based on individual constitutions and imbalances. Through the analysis of vast datasets, AI-powered systems can identify patterns and correlations that traditional methods may overlook, leading to more accurate diagnoses and better therapeutic outcomes. In this survey, we investigated various AI approaches used in Ayurvedic drug discovery, treatment recommendation systems, disease diagnosis, and prognosis prediction. Our findings revealed that AI-driven drug discovery methods significantly expedited the identification of potential herbal compounds, with a remarkable 30% increase in the success rate of lead compounds compared to traditional screening techniques. Furthermore, AI-powered treatment recommendation systems demonstrated a remarkable 25% improvement in treatment efficacy, as they consider not only symptoms but also individual patient factors, constitutions, and lifestyle, leading to more targeted and effective therapeutic interventions. Additionally, AI-based disease diagnosis models exhibited a notable 20% increase in accuracy compared to conventional diagnostic methods. By leveraging machine learning algorithms to analyze patient data, these models provided quicker and more precise diagnoses, facilitating early interventions and better disease management. Moreover, the application of AI in deciphering ancient Ayurvedic texts and research papers witnessed a significant 40% reduction in knowledge extraction time compared to manual efforts. NLP algorithms efficiently processed and organized vast amounts of information, enabling a better understanding of Ayurvedic principles and fostering the integration of ancient knowledge with modern research. In conclusion, this comprehensive survey highlights the transformative impact of AI on Ayurvedic Science, showcasing substantial numerical results that demonstrate its superiority over conventional methods. By leveraging AI's capabilities to process vast amounts of data, analyze patterns, and enhance the practice of Ayurveda, we anticipate a promising future where AI complements and elevates the traditional healing system, ultimately leading to improved patient outcomes and overall well-being..
Is the Economic Crisis Prompting Consumers to Behave More Responsibly?
Authors: Naja Maya , Ibrahim Ghada Mohamad , Najjar Georges
Published: October 2024

Since 2019, Lebanon has been beset by a multitude of problems. The scale of the country's depression has led to the collapse of even the most basic public services. Beyond a drop in consumption, consumers in times of crisis adjust their purchasing behavior by adopting the following behaviors: reduced consumption and waste; more scrupulous purchasing decisions; increased search for information. Looking at the Lebanese landscape, we can see that the crisis has encouraged the adoption of more responsible behavior. The decline in resources in the face of the economic crisis have enabled collaborative consumption to flourish. For example, the authors note the rise of varied practices such as donating, selling, renting, buying second-hand products, car-sharing, recycling, DIY behavior, and so on. Through this research, and by means of a survey of Lebanese consumers, they explore several points in greater depth: What are the trends among Lebanese consumers in the context of the crisis? What are the motivations behind collaborative consumption? What are the marketing implications?
Adaptability to Change for Sustainability
Authors: Jamal Amani Fathi
Published: October 2024

Organizations must educate and prepare employees to adapt to changing contexts due to the complexity and unpredictability of technological and global environments. Researchers and experts underscore the significance of individuals' attributes in supporting organizational change and maintaining a competitive edge. These attributes, which stem from a clear strategic vision, aid organizations in adjusting to unpredictable and changing conditions. Different terminologies have been used in literature to discuss these aspects. This chapter examines six concepts—adaptive performance, readiness, resilience, job flexibility, learning agility, and workforce agility—that are linked to employees' capacity to adjust to shifting conditions within organizations. It explains these ideas and orientations using a three-category analytical framework (sensing, seizing, and transformation), and then it discusses and analyzes their implications.
Integrating Sustainability in Aviation
Authors: Al Chami Riad
Published: October 2024

Emirates Airlines' sustainable initiatives in their worldwide marketing strategy, market dynamics of entry, and customer environmental concerns are examined in this study. This study will use a qualitative exploratory research design to combine Emirates Group employee views with a detailed analysis of corporate data. The statistics demonstrate Emirates Airlines' sustainability strategy, which has made them market leaders. Customers also notice this commitment to sustainability and choose that airline for it. Emirates Airlines can dominate the international aviation business by focusing on sustainability, which is less harmful to nature. Strong green marketing strategies change brand loyalty, according to data. The prior sentence emphasizes air transport environmental protection. Synthesizing eco-friendly aircraft fuels and choosing foreign technological advantages are also covered in the dissertation. The study found that sustainable airplane environmental performance improves economic performance and public participation.
A Comprehensive Review of Economic and Managerial Factors
Authors: Khneyzer Chadi , Rebeiz Karim S. , Touma Jacques
Published: October 2024

AI-powered chatbots are innovative solutions for enhancing customer service and automating routine operations, ultimately improving the overall customer experience. These tools offer numerous economic benefits, including cost savings by replacing humans for repetitive tasks. Furthermore, the vast amount of data generated and analyzed through chatbot interactions offers valuable insights for companies, enabling them to make intelligent data-driven decisions in their customer relationship management (CRM) strategies. In this chapter, the authors examine how AI algorithms might improve chatbot interactions by understanding user needs, making personalized recommendations, and delivering valuable and distinctive support to customers and other stakeholders. However, there are ethical considerations that need to be addressed. This research, employing a qualitative methodology and case studies, aims to guide firms in leveraging AI chatbot technology to strengthen customer relationships and ultimately provide a sustainable source of competitive advantage.
The Pivotal Functions of Innovative Technologies and Sustainable Practices in Enhancing Customer Relationship Management
Authors: Massoud Mazen Fawaz , Edelby Mahmoud Mohamad Badr , Maaliky Bassel , Fawal Abir , Mawllawi Allam
Published: October 2024

This chapter aims to examine CRM implications for entrepreneurship. It explores the contribution of effectively implemented CRM strategies for entrepreneurs and SMEs. Its objectives include introducing fundamental CRM concepts and differentiating between CRM and E-CRM. It explains the significance of integrating artificial intelligence applications by proposing concrete strategies to integrate sustainability into CRM processes. CRM and E-CRM are crucial components of sustained growth and entrepreneurial success. SMEs are adopting a customer-centric approach. For SMEs, the needs of their customers should come first. Incorporating artificial intelligence (AI) technical solutions into their E-CRM strategy is a growing trend among marketers. SMEs possess efficient communication and analysis technologies to anticipate prospects' expectations, personalize offerings, and foster customer loyalty. Chatbots and responsive call centers are valuable resources for increasing online customer retention.
Mapping for Good
Authors: Ahmad Munir
Published: October 2024

OpenStreetMap (OSM) represents a pivotal tool for organizations committed to impactful CSR initiatives. Addressing the deficiencies of traditional mapping methods, OSM not only enhances transparency but also fosters robust community engagement. By providing up-to-date information crucial for disaster response and development planning, OSM can enable organizations to allocate resources efficiently and deliver essential services effectively. Moreover, its granular detail can empower NGOs and development organizations to tailor interventions to local needs, whether in healthcare access, infrastructure development, or economic empowerment. Embodying core CSR principles of community engagement, transparency, and sustainability, OSM ensures that corporate contributions translate into lasting social and environmental benefits. Through financial support, employee volunteerism, and technology donations, organizations can forge partnerships that empower communities, enhance data quality, and drive meaningful change worldwide.
Transforming Public Service Administration Citizen-Led Action Research in a Lebanese Neighborhood
Authors: Maraachli Siba Hussein
Published: October 2024

In this chapter, the authors highlight the phenomenon of community mobilization and its importance in strengthening participation and commitment as well as the appropriation of a common vision of citizen-inhabitants in relation to the development of their neighborhood, by setting up a community social action initiative carried out under the supervision of the municipality, while analyzing it from the perspective of empowerment and improvement of existing municipal administrative and organizational structures. The research is based on the theoretical notions that underlie collaborative action and that relate to the levels of participation formulated according to Arnstein, the concept of empowerment as defined by Ninacs, the typical structuring of collaborative action research established by Rullac as well as other theoretical references.
Resource Allocation in Multi-Cluster Quantum Cognitive Radio Network (QCRN) With GAN-Based Spectrum Prediction
Authors: Ponnrajakumari M. , Subramanian G. , Porselvan S. , Shabareesh T.
Published: October 2024

Cognitive radio technology has emerged as a revolutionary way to meet the ever-increasing demand for wireless spectrum. Quantum cognitive radio networks (QCRN) is an advanced form of cognitive radio network that uses the principles of quantum communication and quantum computing. In cognitive cluster networks, multiple cognitive radios cooperate to optimize spectrum utilization and improve network performance. The proposed GAN-based spectrum prediction framework leverages the power of deep learning to learn and predict spectrum availability in a dynamic and data-driven manner. The clustering method increases the prediction accuracy and reduces the computational complexity, making it ideally suited for real-time spectrum planning in dynamic and heterogeneous wireless environments. It did so in various ways. The findings show that the GAN-based method outperforms the traditional methods, providing improved estimation
Non-alcohlic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD): Is it a Dormant Volcano or Tip of an Iceberg?
Authors: Gupta Prashasti
Published: October 2024

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), a major cause of chronic liver disease, is known to affect a quarter of the global adults. Natural history of NAFLD shows interindividual variation, traditionally it progresses from simple steatosis to steatohepatitis to fibrosis/cirrhosis and finally yet rarely to hepatocellular carcinoma. It is largely a lifestyle-related disease and is often labeled as the hepatic manifestation of metabolic syndrome. Both prevention and control of NAFLD include controlling risk factors (obesity, diabetes mellitus, hypertension and dyslipidemia), through lifestyle modification and medications. Drug therapy for NAFLD per se is still evolving and till date, no drugs are approved. It is clinically silent, especially in the early stages, and is a diagnosis of exclusion. Certain easily calculated indices can stratify cases into high or low risk for advanced fibrosis, thereby dictating appropriate monitoring and treatment measures. In addition to complications specific to liver disease in those who do progress to advanced fibrosis or cirrhosis, an increased risk of nonliver disease-related morbidity and mortality is also present. Challenges are manifold and include rising burden due to ever-growing epidemic of diabetes and obesity, low public awareness, fragmented healthcare, no approved drugs, and dearth of data on magnitude and epidemiology of the disease. The recent integration of NAFLD into the National Program for Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases (NPCDCS) by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare of India is a welcome step in this direction as the contributory factors are mostly the same for all diseases and controlling any one or all of them will have a desired impact on the prevalence of all the diseases under this program.