bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
New Algorithm for Evaluation of Online Courses Based on Quality Matters Rubric Using Fuzzy Soft Expert Sets
Authors: AbuKaraki Anas , Alrawashdeh Tawfiq , Alkore Alshalabi Ibrahim , Al-Jaafreh Moha’med , Alksasbeh Malek Zakarya , Alenezi Abdulhameed , Al-Kaseasbeh Mohammed
Published: February 2024

The field of instructional technology has experienced significant growth in recent times. Due to the rapid shift towards online courses, the technology-based learning system is facing challenges in ensuring quality and assurance. The aim of this study was to develop online course evaluation tools by proposing a new algorithm to assess the success of the provided online courses and address quality assurance issues. The proposed algorithm is based on quality matters (QM) attributes and the use of fuzzy soft expert sets (FSESs). One key advantage of the proposed algorithm is that it incorporates experts’ opinions, which significantly contributes to achieving the study objective. The proposed algorithm was successfully implemented using the ASP.NET programming language. It resulted in the development of an EOC-FSES prototype system. The experimental evaluation of the prototype system confirms that it requires low effort and achieves high levels of performance, satisfaction, and behavioral intention to use. This paper includes several recommendations and suggestions.
Mobile Applications in Otology: A Scoping Review
Authors: Valdez Laurence Troy S. , Cafino Rentor Y. , Isla Jr. Armando T. , Ignacio Eigen John T. , Labra Patrick John , Velasco Lemuel Clark P.
Published: February 2024

This scoping review aims to comprehensively synthesize current research on the use of mobile applications in otology, identify research gaps, and assess the feasibility of mobilebased applications in this field. The aim is to support and direct future research studies on harnessing the potential of mobile technology in otology. Following the PRISMA-ScR guidelines, a literature profiling approach was adopted using the Google Scholar search engine from September 2022 to January 2023. Only articles published in English between 2012 and 2023 were included, resulting in a final sample size of 32 papers. The results revealed an increasing focus on the remote delivery of healthcare, with the majority of the articles originating from the United States and authored by medical doctors. Two main categories were identified within the 32 selected journals: audiology and smartphone otoscopy. A total of 124 mobile applications were identified in these journals, with 48 applications for hearing tests and 27 applications for smartphone otoscopes being the most commonly utilized. Mobile applications have the potential to serve as valuable tools in the field of otology, especially in the context of smartphone hearing tests and smartphone-enabled otoscopes. However, further research is needed to assess their effectiveness, accuracy, and appropriate usage.
Exploring Colonial Heritage (EXCOTAGE) Application as a Mobile Technology-Based History Learning Education
Authors: Fikril Hakim Alfan , Joko Sayono  , Aditya Nugroho Widiadi  , Aiman Mohd Rashid  , Didin Saripudin  , Zulkarnain
Published: February 2024

This research focused on the history learning concerns among 11th-grade Social Science students at MAN Kota Pasuruan, a senior high school. To support research activities, the instruments included a questionnaire to measure the effectiveness of the product. The questionnaire was distributed to validators and users, specifically the 11th-grade students of social science at MAN Kota Pasuruan. The participants in this study were selected using purposive sampling for validation and simple random sampling for testing. During the implementation, this research used the ADDIE research and development model. The product effectiveness analysis technique developed by Nunuk Suryani, Achmad Setiawan, and Aditin Putria was used for analysis of the collected data. Based on the comparison results, it is evident that the developed product is truly valuable, appealing, and aligned with the current advancements in learning technology. Meanwhile, in the effectiveness testing, it was concluded that the product has been highly effective based on expert or user assessments.
A Study on Influencing Factors of Willingness to Use E-CNY Based on Logistic Model
Authors: Li Yunfei , Wareewanich Thitinant , Chankoson Thitinan
Published: February 2024

The development of mobile technology has facilitated the widespread adoption of digital currency worldwide. An important application of mobile technology is digital currency, which has gained global popularity due to its blockchain and peer-to-peer mobile payment mechanisms. The emergence of private digital currencies, such as Bitcoin, poses a challenge to the monetary policy of governments. To address this threat, many central banks are developing their own central bank digital currencies (CBDCs) with legal support. China’s CBDC, e-CNY (electronic China Yuan), is one of the most advanced examples of this innovation. However, the adoption and usage of e-CNY by residents is still limited and requires improvement. This paper aims to identify and analyze the factors that influence residents’ willingness to use e-CNY, based on a literature review and a logistic regression model. The results indicate that residents’ awareness, convenience, cost, promotional activities, and the involvement of relevant parties (merchants, commercial banks, payment institutions, and the People’s Bank of China (PBC)) significantly influence their willingness to use e-CNY. This paper presents implications and suggestions for promoting and implementing e-CNY in China.
Engineering Students' Acceptance of Augmented Reality Technology Integrated with E-Worksheet in The Laboratory Learning
Authors: Yanto Doni Tri Putra , Ganefri  , Sukardi  , Yanto Jelpapo Putra , Kurani Rozalita , Muslim
Published: February 2024

The use of augmented reality (AR) technology in the field of education has emerged as a rapidly growing trend. However, there is an urgent need for more comprehensive research to determine the reactions of engineering students and their acceptance of this technology in laboratory learning. This study investigates the acceptance of integrated augmented reality with e-worksheet (IARE-W) among engineering students in the laboratory learning (IARE-W) among engineering students the electrical machines course (EMC). This research empirically uncovers the factors that influence it based on the technology acceptance model (TAM), specifically perceived ease of use (PEU) and perceived usefulness (PU). Acceptance is indicated by students’ attitudes toward the use. A survey-based quantitative research study using questionnaires was conducted to collect data, involving 102 students in the field of industrial electrical engineering. The partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) analysis was used to analyze the research data. The results demonstrated that engineering students had a highly positive attitude toward the use of the IARE-W in the EMC. Additionally, both PEU and PU had a positive and significant direct effect on engineering students’ attitudes toward using IARE-W. Furthermore, PEU also had a significant and positive indirect effect through PU as a mediating variable. These findings have significant implications for the development of engineering education and the integration of AR technology in laboratory learning contexts. The results of this study underscore the importance of taking into account PEU and PU in the design, development, and implementation of the IARE-W.
Rôle de la nutrition dans la prévention des maladies chroniques. Un enjeu de santé publique
Authors: Touvier Mathilde
Published: February 2024

Au cours d’une vie, nous ingérons environ 30 tonnes d’aliments et 50 000 litres de boissons. Les études épidémiologiques, expérimentales et cliniques publiées ces cinquante dernières années ont permis de lever en partie le voile sur l’impact de ces aliments sur notre santé. La nutrition est aujourd’hui reconnue comme l’un des principaux facteurs modifiables intervenant dans le déterminisme des maladies les plus répandues dans le monde industrialisé (obésité, cancers, maladies cardiovasculaires, diabète). Cette leçon inaugurale présente l'état de l’art en matière de relations nutrition-santé, ainsi que les recommandations actuelles pour la prévention nutritionnelle des maladies chroniques.
Une réforme sans heurt ? Le chapitre cathédral Saint-Étienne de Limoges de 817 à l’an Mil
Authors: Massoni Anne
Published: February 2024

Le chapitre cathédral de Limoges présente un observatoire intéressant pour examiner l’impact local de la réglementation élaborée par Louis le Pieux lors du concile d’Aix de 816. Son histoire est documentée par 54 actes du cartulaire donnés entre 817 et 988. Après avoir examiné ce corpus d’actes, les relations entre les chanoines et l’évêque et les traits de la gestion du patrimoine, le propos vise à montrer que cette communauté est bien attestée au ixe siècle, avec l’ensemble de ses dignitaires. Il est difficile de savoir combien de chanoines composaient le chapitre, mais il est certain que le recrutement se faisait en grande partie dans l’aristocratie régionale. La vie commune y était présente au moins par le partage de repas mais on ne sait si les habitations étaient individuelles ou communes. Les contours de la vie canoniale sont donc précisés, au sein de ce groupe de clercs desservant l’église-mère, sans qu’il soit réellement possible de dire si celle-là procéda des réformes de 816 ou si elle était un prolongement de coutumes antérieures. En tout cas, la réforme ne semble pas avoir provoqué de changement majeur. Le thème de la vie commune n’est pas alors un sujet polémique et aucun délitement d’aucune sorte ne s’observe au cours du xe siècle.
L’insoutenable légèreté d’être moine : introspection et réforme individuelle dans l’Œuvre de Smaragde et le Chronicon de Saint-Mihiel (ixe-xie siècle)
Authors: Kramer Rutger
Published: February 2024

Cet essai se penche sur la construction de l’héritage de l’abbé Smaragde de Saint-Mihiel (c. 760-c. 840), et pose la question de savoir dans quelle mesure on peut et doit se souvenir de lui comme d'un « réformateur ». En me basant sur les activités intellectuelles et les pratiques monastiques de Smaragde de son vivant, et en réinterprétant sa biographie dans le Chronicon S. Michaelis monasterii (xie siècle), mon objectif est de montrer que les penseurs monastiques du monde carolingien et post-carolingien faisaient une distinction entre réformes institutionnelles et réformes individuelles – et que des enseignants comme Smaragde étaient reconnus pour leur rôle dans la promotion de ce dernier type de « réforme », qui visait explicitement la perfection morale des chrétiens plutôt que l'amélioration des institutions.
Las insistencias de lo real. Escenas de reescritura en narrativas de no ficción argentinas
Authors: García Victoria
Published: February 2024

El artículo explora la cuestión de la reescritura tal como se presenta en la narrativa de no ficción, a partir de una serie de textos argentinos que incluye Operación masacre de Rodolfo Walsh (1957), La pasión según Trelew de Tomás Eloy Martínez (1973) y El petiso orejudo de María Moreno (1994). El recorrido por escenas de reescritura en torno de esos textos permite visualizar persistencias y transformaciones de la no ficción como género desde la segunda mitad del siglo XX, pero también de la reescritura misma como práctica que reconfigura los sentidos del escribir.
Escritores investigadores: ¿literatura de investigación?
Authors: Klein Paula
Published: February 2024

Este artículo propone un abordaje panorámico de la literatura de investigación producida en el Río de la Plata, en el marco del “giro documental” que experimenta el campo literario desde inicios del siglo XXI. Dentro del archipiélago de las escrituras factuales contemporáneas, esta corriente adquiere un auge creciente bajo la forma de narraciones documentales y de ficciones de archivo que aspiran a reconstituir el espacio del texto como foro democrático, postulando una co-creación de saberes que conectan la literatura con modelos, prácticas y saberes propios del periodismo de investigación y de las ciencias sociales. El presente artículo propone identificar una serie de parámetros textuales y paratextuales, de modos narrativos y de posturas literarias de escritores-investigadores que aparecen como denominadores comunes en la serie de obras tratadas en este volumen. Al margen de la pluralidad de temáticas y de sus estilos heterogéneos, se trata de textos que, por la vía del documento, reclaman una gran cercanía respecto de lo real y que sitúan la búsqueda de verdad –factual y literaria– como horizonte deseado. Por los nuevos cruces y la permeabilidad de fronteras entre ficción y no ficción que proponen, por el compromiso político-social que movilizan, por la fuerza relacional y los efectos pragmáticos que estos textos aspiran a producir en lo real, sus proyectos merecen ser analizados en términos estéticos, éticos y políticos.
El museo de la modernidad: archivo fotográfico, colección patrimonial y genocidio Selk’nam en Carlos Gamerro, Eduardo Belgrano y Galo Ghigliotto
Authors: López Ignacio Pastén , Caripan Ignacio Veraguas
Published: February 2024

En el siguiente artículo proponemos que la literatura de las últimas décadas en Argentina y Chile han retomado la posta de la Exposición Universal de París para cartografiar otras figuraciones y representaciones del intercambio transatlántico, bajo la óptica de la escritura de investigación y de las ficciones documentales. En particular, señalamos que las novelas Fuegia (1991) y La jaula de los onas (2021) de los argentinos Eduardo Belgrano Rawson y Carlos Gamerro, así como el artefacto narrativo El museo de la Bruma (2019) del chileno Galo Ghigliotto han disputado los ejes representacionales de los pabellones latinoamericanos en París.
Mechanical Alloying of Aluminium Alloys
Authors: Mahale Rayappa Shrinivas , Goggi Krishnamurthy P. , Vasanth Shamanth , Kanaginahal Gangadhar M. , Raibole Vaibhav S. , Sharath P. C. , Shashanka Rajendrachari , Kakkamari Prashant , Patil Adarsh
Published: February 2024

Mechanical alloying is a solid-state powder processing technique that has revolutionized the development of advanced materials, including aluminium alloys. This chapter provides a concise overview of the key aspects of mechanical alloying applied to aluminium alloys, exploring its principles, advantages, and potential applications. The process of mechanical alloying involves subjecting aluminium powder and alloying elements to intense mechanical deformation using a high-energy ball mill. This results in repeated welding, fracturing, and cold welding of particles, leading to the creation of a homogenous and fine-grained microstructure. The alloying mechanisms encompass solid-state diffusion and deformation-induced mixing, facilitating the uniform dispersion of alloying elements within the aluminium matrix. Mechanical alloying has several distinct advantages over conventional alloying methods.
Trends, Applications, and Factors of Wet Sieving as a Particle Size Analysis Technique
Authors: Mudzanani Khuthadzo Edna , Maiga Deogratius Titus , Phadi Terence Thabiso
Published: February 2024

In mineral processing, particle size is an important factor to consider since it affects plant design and performance, which later determines the plant's economic return. A certain particle size above and below the mine's optimal size range can adversely influence the recovery of valuable minerals. Particle size analysis is crucial in mechanical alloying controlling alloy composition and homogeneity of the mixture, affecting milling kinetics, reducing contamination, optimizing the milling process, and predicting properties. This chapter includes the understanding of particle size distribution, which helps researchers to tailor the alloying process for specific applications. The trend has been the wet-sieving analysis as a particle size analysis tool for the past 25 years. It provides an overview of different industries where the particle size analysis is used and associated end-users. The chapter also reports on the variables and principles governing factors that affect wet sieving analysis and the challenges that can give misleading and erroneous particle size distribution results.
Linguistic Justice in Teacher Education
Authors: Dotson Erica K.
Published: February 2024

This chapter describes the courageous pedagogical choices made by the author to design and implement a teaching module entitled, “African American English Ain't Broken: The Linguistic Dexterity of Black Folks” for pre-teacher education students enrolled in an multicultural education class in her university's School of Education. The author describes her intention to focus on Black English as a unique variety of English as an act of resistance to white, hegemonic linguistic norms in teacher education. Grounded in Critical Theory and designed using the principles of Culturally Responsive Teaching, this teaching module enables pre-education students to apply their new knowledge of the nature of Black English to develop an understanding of the systems of power and oppression at work in schools and society that marginalize speakers of African American English, including K-12 students. The chapter concludes with suggestions for ways teacher educators, and K-12 classroom teachers can check their linguistic biases and honor students' home languages in meaningful ways.
Using Hypothetical Vignettes to Engage Algebra Teachers in Discussions on Equity in Tracking
Authors: Liu Pam
Published: February 2024

This chapter highlights critical conversations and ideas gathered from a case study on the tracking recommendation perspectives of a team of general Algebra I teachers. Tracking has resulted in the systemic oppression of Black and Brown students and has been a topic of conversation in the scholarly community for many decades. Yet, tracking inequities are rarely discussed amongst current practitioners! The author discusses the use of a conversation protocol and argues that utilizing a Critical Race Theory-inspired hypothetical vignette tool makes an engaging platform for essential discussions on mathematics teachers' tracking recommendation criteria and their conceptualizations of equity. Sharing her experience with using hypothetical vignettes as courageous conversation openers, the author offers a role for mathematics teachers to consider - as facilitators who encourage current and prospective teachers to take a critical lens in the realm of tracking recommendations and center a student's race in decision-making for increased equity in mathematics education.
Unveiling the Significance of Transformative Social and Emotional Learning
Authors: Herman Nichola
Published: February 2024

Transformative social and emotional learning represents an evolution in the conventional approach to social-emotional learning. It extends beyond the cultivation of emotional intelligence and interpersonal skills to emphasize the development of critical consciousness, empathy, and agency among learners. This transformative process equips individuals with the tools and mindset needed to confront social injustices and actively engage in positive societal change. Promoting transformative social and emotional learning (SEL) in the classroom can improve children's well-being. Achieving the goals of transformative SEL is a collaborative effort. This chapter seeks to delve deeper into the profound significance of transformative SEL, shedding light on how it has the power to empower individuals to become effective agents of social transformation and contribute to a more equitable and just society. This chapter aims to explore the significance of transformative SEL and its potential to empower individuals to become agents of social transformation.
Cross-Lingual Transfer Learning for Bambara Leveraging Resources From Other Languages
Authors: Daou Ousmane , Dash Satya Ranjan , Parida Shantipriya
Published: February 2024

Bambara, a language spoken primarily in West Africa, faces resource limitations that hinder the development of natural language processing (NLP) applications. This chapter presents a comprehensive cross-lingual transfer learning (CTL) approach to harness knowledge from other languages and substantially improve the performance of Bambara NLP tasks. The authors meticulously outline the methodology, including the creation of a Bambara corpus, training a CTL classifier, evaluating its performance across different languages, conducting a rigorous comparative analysis against baseline methods, and providing insights into future research directions. The results indicate that CTL is a promising and feasible approach to elevate the effectiveness of NLP tasks in Bambara.
Green Computing and the Quest for Sustainable Solutions
Authors: Lokesh Gudivada , Devi B. Rupa , Badrinath N. , Prakash K. L. N. C. , Anjaiah Pole , Kumar T. Ravi
Published: February 2024

The internet of things (IoT) connects devices of all sizes to the internet, providing seamless communication and ease. However, this technical improvement has prompted environmental concerns. Sustainable development has grown as we work to offset the effects of technology on our planet, economy, and consumerism. Innovative companies are exploring technology-based sustainability solutions. Green IT, a developing idea, uses sustainable design to reduce or eliminate IoT operations' environmental implications. This chapter evaluates IoT problems, defines Green IT, explores Green IT design methodologies, and describes how to implement these green designs as sustainable environmental solutions. It also thoroughly analyses numerous author proposals to find the best sustainable IoT architectures. Green IT solutions are essential to a sustainable and ecologically responsible future in a world where information technology is central to our lives, businesses, and marketing tactics.
Navigating Green Computing Challenges and Strategies for Sustainable Solutions
Authors: Jeyaranjani J. , Rangaswamy K. , Ashwitha A. , Gandi Ramakrishna , Roopa R. , Anjaiah P.
Published: February 2024

The adoption of green computing is crucial due to cost reduction and environmental responsibility. However, challenges hinder progress. This research explores solutions for balancing industrial growth with sustainability and addresses green computing obstacles. Recognizing industry's importance while mitigating its environmental impact is vital. Strategies to reduce waste and energy use, like cloud computing and virtualization, can help. Implementing a circular economy approach makes products regenerative and less wasteful. This research provides real-world case studies and insights, aiding businesses in adopting greener, more sustainable computing practices for a cost-effective, environmentally responsible tech landscape.
Green Computing-Based Digital Waste Management and Resource Allocation for Distributed Fog Data Centers
Authors: Manikandan N. , Vinod D. , Anto Arockia Rosaline R. , Nancy P. , Premalatha G.
Published: February 2024

The term “green computing” describes the efficient use of resources in computing and IT/IS infrastructure. This study suggests a unique method for dispersed fog data centres' work scheduling and resource allocation based on digital waste management. Here, the bandwidth differential preemption evolution moving average method (BDPEMA) is used to control the network's digital waste while allocating resources. Reinforcement adversarial hierarchical group multi-objective cuckoo optimisation (RAHMCO) is used to schedule network tasks. In terms of resource sharing rate, energy efficiency, reaction time, quality of service, and makespan, experimental study is conducted. The proposed approaches have been evaluated in a simulated cloud environment. The proposed method outperformed the current rules when QoS features were considered. The proposed technique attained QoS of 66%, energy efficiency of 96%, resource sharing of 88%, response time of 45%, and makespan of 61%.
Efficient Resource Management in Green Computing Based on ISHOA Task Scheduling With Secure ChaCha20-Poly1305 Authenticated Encryption-Based Data Transmission
Authors: Santosh Kumar B. , Jayasheel Kumar K. A. , Kavin Balasubramanian Prabhu , Seng Gan Hong
Published: February 2024

One of the hottest new technologies that allows users to handle a broad range of resources and massive amounts of data in the cloud is green computing resource management. One of the biggest obstacles is task scheduling, and poor management leads to a decrease in productivity. The task must be efficiently scheduled to ensure optimal resource utilisation and minimal execution time. Given this, this study suggests a fresh method for efficient task scheduling in a green computing environment that also offers improved security. There is a development of an enhanced spotted hyena optimizer (ISHO). Finding the ideal or almost ideal subset with a straightforward structure to minimise the specified fitness function is a strong point of the SHO. It enhances a switch strategy in the spotted hyena's position updating mechanism and generates random positions in place of the violated spotted hyenas in order to support the proposed ISHO's exploration characteristics. Second, the data is encrypted using the ChaCha20–Poly1305 authenticated encryption algorithm, ensuring secure data transmission.
Overcoming Bias in a Hiring Algorithm
Authors: Konstant Andrea
Published: February 2024

This chapter delves into a significant real-world predicament encountered by a prominent healthcare organization, which grappled with the aftermath of a class-action lawsuit stemming from discriminatory practices embedded within an artificial intelligence (AI) hiring algorithm. The AI algorithm, highlighted for its bias against minority applicants, particularly those with names of ethnic or international origin, prompted profound repercussions. The core aim of this analysis is to prompt students to harness their advanced expertise in organizational management, change management theories, enterprise risk management (ERM), and problem-solving frameworks. Through this, students are encouraged to craft multifaceted and forward-thinking solutions aimed at rectifying the issue at hand while instituting preventative measures to forestall its recurrence. The case study serves as a dynamic platform for the application of theoretical knowledge to real-world complexities, fostering critical thinking and innovative problem-solving skills among future organizational leaders.
Case Study Analysis
Authors: Klatt Mishell Katherine
Published: February 2024

Cyber-attacks from internal and external bad actors have become increasingly pervasive in healthcare. It is estimated that the healthcare field made up about 24% of all the cyber-attacks in 2019. The total financial loss is estimated to be 6 billion dollars, about 7.13 million per attack, compared to $3.86 million in all other fields. Moreover, cyber-terrorist groups, such as SamSam, Conti, and WannaCry, do not just target one organization at a time. When they unleash their ransomware, it is on multiple organizations simultaneously and crosses state lines and country borders. Metropolitan Health Systems (MHS), a hospital system in Ohio, is one such hospital that has been a target for both external and internal cyber-attacks five times within the last eight years (2015 – 2023). The hospital and its third-party vendors have experienced data theft, leaving the hospital system vulnerable to future cyber-attacks. This case analysis defines the current problem, develops a risk management plan, and creates solutions for how MHS can plan for and mitigate any cyber-attacks in the future.
PharmaWell Purchase Card Risk Management Case
Authors: Guyden Thomas
Published: February 2024

PharmaWell, a prominent pharmaceutical company known for its commitment to ethics and compliance, recently discovered that several mid-level managers within the organization have been misusing their corporate credit cards for unauthorized personal expenditures for more than five years. This ethical breach has raised questions about the company's ethical culture and oversight mechanisms related to financial risk management practices. This consultant-based solution for PharmaWell involves a comprehensive and integrated approach to address the ethical and physical breach of mid-level managers misusing corporate credit cards. Leveraging the Six Sigma DMAIC problem-solving model, Kotter's 8-Step Change Model, and the COSO Enterprise Risk Management Framework, the ethical solution begins by clearly defining the problem and establishing a sense of urgency for change. Concurrently, the ethical solution addresses transparency, accountability, and continuous improvement in hiring practices by implementing standardized processes, diverse hiring panels, and metrics for diversity.
An In-Depth Qualitative Interview
Authors: Burton Sharon L. , Burrell Darrell N. , Nobles Calvin , White Yoshino W. , Dawson Maurice E. , Brown-Jackson Kim L. , Muller S Rachid , Bessette Dustin I.
Published: February 2024

AI is impacting consent and transparency adversely. Although AI can potentially augment transparency in decision-making via advanced technology, it is creating new concerns. This chapter focuses on the impact of AI systems on individuals' ability to provide informed consent for using their data, and the relationship between transparency in AI decision-making processes and issues related to accountability and trust. Discussed are GDPR (European Union General Data Protection Regulation), and CCPA (California Consumer Privacy Act) due to their consent and transparency within their broader privacy protection frameworks. Applied is a qualitative methodology and in-depth interview design using a communication and collaboration platform to explain the connection between AI consent and transformation. Research results offer avenues to understanding the challenges of informed consent and legal and ethical considerations regarding consent and transparency. Beneficiaries of this research are practitioners, academics, and learners in AI, cybersecurity, and criminology/criminal justice.
The Role of Hybrid Nanomaterials to Revamp Energy Harvesting and Its Impact on the Environment and Sustainability
Authors: Bhattacharya Sumanta , Sachdev Bhavneet Kaur
Published: February 2024

Hybrid nanomaterials could revolutionise energy storage and harvesting. Nanoparticles, nanotubes, and nanowires improve novel energy storage and conversion. Hybrid nanomaterials retain energy better. Organic polymers and inorganic nanoparticles capture more electromagnetic spectrum, increasing hybrid solar cell energy conversion. Future developments may improve hybrid solar cell dependability and scalability. Batteries and supercapacitors use hybrid nanomaterials. Battery energy and charge-discharge speeds increase with graphene hybrids. Researchers may develop cheaper, longer-lasting energy storage devices for battery life and resource restrictions. Demand exists for flexible, wearable energy harvesting and storage. Effective, lightweight, flexible hybrid nanomaterials may help. These power medical and wearable devices under the skin or in clothes. Many energy storage methods fail at high temperatures. New heat-resistant hybrid nanomaterials may help cars, airlines, and industries.
A Review of OTT Platforms in India
Authors: Ojha Nitish Kumar , Vaish Abhishek
Published: February 2024

Watching movies and serials has been the best form of entertainment in India, and its policies, delivery of the content, production, and related features were regulated by the government however with the growth of technology, it sub-branched into many segments later on. In the last decade, the availability of internet technology with mobile phones and satellite televisions allowed a new form of stream-based content delivery model, termed OTT (over the top). This content delivery has enabled ‘leisure watching' in Indian society opposite to traditional binge-watching so it raised many issues at many levels, notably content delivery, content quality, accessibility, and most significantly controlling the freedom of expression under the boundary of creativity. This chapter reviews previously passed regulations, their current status matching the current situation, and the need for a new mechanism if any. This chapter also discusses the pros and cons of censorship hinges, its challenges, and the future scope for new legislation matching the ethics in the shadow of globalization.
Digitalization and Informal Organizational Communication
Authors: Cicek Isik
Published: February 2024

Digitalization is the process of taking information, which is an input, from the external environment, processing it in internal processes, and ultimately, creating added value. The fact that technological communication is much easier and more effective than before will also change the type and content of informal communication. Changing organizational cultures, especially as a result of the digitalization of organizations, can change the content of informal communication. In the process of digital innovation and transformation, organizations have realized that they need to use digital channels to interact with their key stakeholders. Organizational communication will also change shape in new environmental conditions. Regarding digital transformation, it is necessary to constitute an informal communication platform supported by digitalization when developing sustainability-related culture. In this study, the mediator role of informal communication is emphasized between the digitalization process and sustainability-oriented organizational culture.
Factors Affecting Worker Skills Required in Digital Transformations of SMEs
Authors: Koca Didem , van Deursen Alexander
Published: February 2024

This study explores the complexities of workforce skill dynamics in SME digitalization, focusing on the Netherlands and Türkiye. The research uses international data to analyze the labor force's skill requirements in the digital transformation journey of SMEs. The findings reveal divergent digitalization trends and differences in demographic and economic structures between the two countries. Türkiye faces challenges due to a shortage of skilled labor for high-skilled positions and underdeveloped digital skills across various age groups. The Netherlands' aging population poses potential reductions in labor resources, while the need for specialized skills increases. Recognizing the importance of digitalization in both countries has led to significant strides, but the qualifications and demographics of the workforce significantly influence digitalization strategies and practices. Disregarding these factors may negatively impact the success of the digitalization process.
Evaluating the Progress of Digital Transformation in Greek SMEs
Authors: Kargas Antonios , Gialeris Emmanouil , Filios Spyridon , Komisopoulos Faidon , Lymperiou Anastasios , Salmon Ioannis
Published: February 2024

Digital transformation has been an important issue for all kinds of companies, especially after COVID-19, since risks increased and the procedure of transforming traditional forms of doing business was accelerated. This chapter evaluates the digital transformation of Greek small and medium enterprises (SMEs). A series of different aspects are evaluated by using a quantitative approach, including operational elements such as digital maturity, digital transformation strategy, and implementation of specific technologies driving this process. Results indicate a positive relationship between digital maturity and digital transformation strategy, alongside employees' training and investments in new technologies. COVID-19 delayed Greek SMEs transformation procedure, with main technologies related with sales and collecting customers' data. The research contributes to the evaluation of the digital transformation progress in Greek SMEs by providing insight on most significant technologies used and the overall strategic planning implemented.
Symbiotic Relationship of Fintech and Sustainability
Authors: Vimal Megha , Kumar Rajiv
Published: February 2024

This research explores the intersection of financial technology (fintech) and sustainability, revealing a symbiotic relationship with a focus on future trends. Fintech innovations, from blockchain to digital finance, are shown to drive economic growth, financial inclusion, and environmental responsibility. This study highlights the requirement for versatile regulatory structures, incentivizing sustainable practices and fostering global collaboration. The importance of integrating sustainability, investment in research and exploring ethical implications, is underlined by recommendations to policymakers, businesses, and researchers. Case studies highlight successful implementation by organizations integrating fintech for sustainable practices, showing the tangible results. This exploration lines up with worldwide sustainability objectives as well as assists stakeholders to effectively shape a future where financial prosperity fits with social inclusivity and environmental consciousness.
Security of Digital Transformation in the Healthcare Sector
Authors: Tekin (Delice) Elif , Kartal Nagihan
Published: February 2024

This study addresses the swift digital transformation in healthcare by focusing on the heightened importance of safeguarding sensitive medical data. The main objectives are a detailed exploration of the security aspects of digital transformation and proposing effective solutions against emerging cyber threats, particularly emphasizing the protection of medical data. Conducting a systematic literature review, the study examines various academic resources from reputable databases, highlighting themes like digital transformation and security, medical data security, and cyber threats and defense. It underscores the multifaceted nature of digital transformation, urging the adoption of advanced encryption technologies and cybersecurity training to fortify resilience against cyber threats. The research highlights the originality of its focus on smart applications and advocates for risk analysis and management processes, prioritizing patient data security and emphasizing the identification of potential threats and vulnerabilities.
Management of gestational trophoblastic diseases
Authors: Hapuachchige H. D. K. C. , Wijesinghe R. D. , Sounthararajan V. , Marleen S.
Published: February 2024

No abstract available
Diabetes Promotes Myocardial Fibrosis via AMPK/EZH2/PPAR-γ Signaling Pathway
Authors: Li Shan-Shan , Pan Lu , Zhang Zhen-Ye , Zhou Meng-Dan , Chen Xu-Fei , Qian Ling-Ling , Dai Min , Lu Juan , Yu Zhi-Ming , Dang Shipeng , Wang Ru-Xing
Published: February 2024

Background: Diabetes-induced cardiac fibrosis is one of the main mechanisms of diabetic cardiomyopathy. As a common histone methyltransferase, enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) has been implicated in fibrosis progression in multiple organs. However, the mechanism of EZH2 in diabetic myocardial fibrosis has not been clarified.Methods: In the current study, rat and mouse diabetic model were established, the left ventricular function of rat and mouse were evaluated by echocardiography and the fibrosis of rat ventricle was evaluated by Masson staining. Primary rat ventricular fibroblasts were cultured and stimulated with high glucose (HG) in vitro. The expression of histone H3 lysine 27 (H3K27) trimethylation, EZH2, and myocardial fibrosis proteins were assayed.Results: In STZ-induced diabetic ventricular tissues and HG-induced primary ventricular fibroblasts in vitro, H3K27 trimethylation was increased and the phosphorylation of EZH2 was reduced. Inhibition of EZH2 with GSK126 suppressed the activation, differentiation, and migration of cardiac fibroblasts as well as the overexpression of the fibrotic proteins induced by HG. Mechanical study demonstrated that HG reduced phosphorylation of EZH2 on Thr311 by inactivating AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), which transcriptionally inhibited peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPAR-γ) expression to promote the fibroblasts activation and differentiation.Conclusion: Our data revealed an AMPK/EZH2/PPAR-γ signal pathway is involved in HG-induced cardiac fibrosis.
Recasting the past: History writing and political work in modern Africa
Authors: Kanduza Ackson M.
Published: February 2024

No abstract available.
Micro credit and the transforming of uncertainty since 1976: International lessons for South Africa
Authors: Mashigo Polly , Schoeman Christie
Published: February 2024

The formal banking system plays a pivotal role in the delivery of financial services, particularly credit. However, the delivery of credit to poor households in South Africa by the formal banking system is hampered by the existence of irreducible uncertainty. The article analyses a sample of successful practices in different countries to determine the genotype structure in these cases that support specific social technology and the minimalist solidarity group lending method, to transform financial uncertainty that cannot be solved by the market mechanism and even brokerage institutions like banks. Based on the findings, this article recommends that existing social technology can be developed in an environment created and conditioned by a proposed system of constituents or principles, to give the poor access to low-cost credit in South Africa.
Die Suid-Afrikaanse Weermag en die “stryd” om Cuito Cuanavale: Fases 2, 3 en 4 van Operasie Moduler, Oktober - Desember 1987 [Deel 2]
Authors: Oosthuizen Gerhard J.J.
Published: February 2024

Several international events contributed to the fact that the struggle for South West Africa was not confined only to SWAPO and the South African forces. Because of a coup d’etat and the economic and moral burden which colonies entailed, Portugal withdrew from Angola and Mozambique in a rush in 1974. SWAPO, assisted by the Movimento Popular de Libertação de Angola (MPLA), established military bases in the south of Angola to invade South West Africa more effectively. It was therefore only a matter of time before the South African forces encountered not only SWAPO, but also the MPLA and Cuban forces. South Africa, however, did not take an attitude of wait-and-see, but wanted to retain the initiative mainly by means of so-called pre-emptive operations, such as Operation Savannah (1975-1976), which was the first of many cross-border operations. The general aim of these operations was to effectively curtail the infiltration of SWAPO from the south of Angola into South West Africa. During the first and only successful phase of Operation Modular (August-October 1987), the combined South African forces came to the aid of a beleaguered UNITA due to a Forças Armadas Populares de Libertação de Angola (FAPLA) offensive on the UNITA strongholds of Mavinga and Jamba. The Battle of the Lomba River on 3 October 1987 ended in the crushing of FAPLA’s 47 Brigade and ushered in the successful completion of phase one of Operation Modular. The objective of this article is to analyse the strategic position of Cuito Cuanavale during phases two, three and four of Operation Modular (October-December 1987). In particular, this article focuses on the objectives of the SADF regarding Cuito Cuanavale. The conclusion is that, although fiercely denied in certain circles, the SADF most definitely wanted to conquer Cuito Cuanavale.
Albert Luthuli: Bound by Faith
Authors: Southey Nicholas
Published: February 2024

No abstract available.
Dynasty building, family networks and social capital: Alcohol pachters and the development of a colonial elite at the Cape of Good Hope, c. 1760-1790
Authors: Groenewald Gerald
Published: February 2024

A hallmark of colonisation was extensive social reconfiguration, leading to the development of local elites which differed from the metropolitan and indigenous patterns. Historians of the Cape of Good Hope during the VOC era have identified the development of a local elite during the eighteenth century. The Cape gentry, consisting of grain and wine farmers in the hinterland of Cape Town, consolidated their power and influence over several generations through capital accumulation in the form of land and slaves, and through contracting endogamous marriages. This article contributes to this scholarship by adding a missing dimension: urban entrepreneurs in the form of the alcohol pachters (lease-holders). It traces how kinship, entrepreneurship and social capital were used by these people to gain economic advancement, and how the use of these factors changed over time. The article argues that the 1770s present a change-over from an earlier era when alcohol entrepreneurs were largely immigrant-based and used their cultural identities to their advantage, to a system where the urban and rural elites increasingly contracted business and social alliances. As such this study argues that the foundations of the Cape gentry lay in more than the accumulation of land and slaves. The entrepreneurial activities of alcohol pachters in Cape Town and their increasing alliances with the rural elite played an important role in creating an intricate network of wealthy and influential elite families at the Cape of Good Hope by the end of the eighteenth century.
“Multinational sport participation replaces apartheid sport in South Africa – 1967-1978”: The role of BJ Vorster and PGJ Koornhof
Authors: Klee Juan
Published: February 2024

The sport declarations of TE Dönges as Minister of Internal Affairs in June 1956 and those of HF Verwoerd as Prime Minister in 1965 were aimed at strengthening apartheid sport participation in South Africa. These declarations were in reaction to increased international and local pressure on the National Party (NP) to allow integrated sport participation. However, they contributed to increased political and economic isolation as well as isolation on the sports grounds. In reaction to this increasing isolation BJ Vorster and P Koornhof formulated an evolutionary sport policy since 1967 in an effort to counteract increased international isolation. These efforts by Vorster and Koornhof have been interpreted by many critics and researchers as being the product of continuous international and local pressures on the NP and its policy of Apartheid. This article, however, argues that although the evolutionary sport policy could be interpreted as cosmetic, tactical and strategic moves, it also demonstrated important small changes in the normal thinking patterns of the NP elite. The policy changes as reflected in the evolutionary sport policy were the result of nuanced changes in the thinking of the NP regarding the policy of apartheid. These changes in thinking were not so much the result of external and local pressures but were merely encouraged by it. These changes in thinking led the way for increased social integration and complemented increased apartheid policy reforms since 1978.
Information history in the modern world: Histories of the information age
Authors: Dick Archie L.
Published: February 2024

No abstract available.
Our new husbands are here: Households, gender and politics in a West African state from the slave trade to colonial rule
Authors: Dlamini Shokahle R.
Published: February 2024

No abstract available.