bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sustainable Investment Strategies: An Analyzing the Interplay Between ESG Ratings, Dividend Policy, Financial Performance, and Investor Trust
Authors: Rudianto Pandef , Darmoni Darmoni , Tontowi Arif Jauhar
Published: December 2024

This study investigates the interplay between Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) ratings, dividend policy, financial performance, and investor trust. Using data from publicly listed firms, the research examines how ESG performance influences dividend policies and financial outcomes, and how these, in turn, affect investor trust. The results reveal a significant positive relationship between ESG ratings and all dependent variables, with dividend policy serving as a mediator in the ESG-investor trust linkage. Firms with higher ESG ratings demonstrate better financial performance, stable dividend payouts, and increased investor confidence. These findings underscore the strategic importance of ESG integration for enhancing financial stability and market perceptions. The study contributes to the literature by elucidating the mechanisms through which sustainability practices drive corporate success and provides actionable insights for corporate managers, investors, and policymakers.
Understanding Some Aspects of Semantic Evolution Research for the Marginal
Authors: Gabadadze Nana
Published: December 2024

In the modern era of qualitative improvement of business internationalization, the qualitatively perfect understanding of the verbal component of managerial communications is attached more and more importance and, accordingly, special attention is given to the implementation of verbal contacts with maximum efficiency - without time and financial losses and with maximum results. Communication is understood as the process of transmitting information, namely, the process of encoding verbal information into non-verbal and, conversely, where it is essential, the process of presenting some action of one interlocutor to another interlocutor. In a standard metacommunicative act, non-verbal reactions are also important and reactions of admiration, surprise, hatred, etc. to them are obvious, i.e. the expression of some communicative acts, which have the meaning of reduced verbal components and are expressed in words of emotional significance.
THE POST-QUANTUM AND PUBLIC-KEY BLOCK CIPHER ALGORITHMS BASED ON C.E.SHANNON’S THEORY OF PERFECT SECRECY
Authors:   Institute of Information and Communication Technology, Le Quy Don Technical University, Luu Hong Dung
Published: December 2024

The article proposes a post-quantum and public-key block cipher algorithms
constructed based on C.E. Shannon’s theory of perfect secrecy. The post-quantum block
cipher algorithm proposed here can resist various types of attacks assisted by quantum
computers. In addition to high security, this algorithm also has the ability to authenticate
the origin and integrity of the encrypted messages. The public key block cipher algorithms
here are developed from the proposed post-quantum block cipher algorithm combined with
the Diffie - Hellman protocol, so this algorithm can be used similarly to pre-quantum block
cipher algorithms (DES, AES,...) but the establishment of the shared secret key is
completely based on the public key infrastructure (PKI).
A COMBINATION OF DEEP LEARNING AND DENSIIY METHOD IN ANOMALOUS HUMAN TRAJECTORY DETECTION
Authors:   Faculty of Radio & Electronic Engineering, Le Quy Don Technical University, Doi Thi Lan
Published: December 2024

Abnormal human trajectories in working places are often associated with problems such as terrorism, violent attacks and fire. Therefore, detecting anomalous human trajectories can improve safety and security in working areas. In this work, a novel framework of abnormal trajectory detection is proposed based on combining deep learning and density method. In particular, a Long Short-Term Memory-Autoencoder (LSTM-AE) is first applied to learn informative representations of normal trajectories. Then, the density of trajectory representation in the latent space and reconstruction error of trajectory are used to detect anomalies. A novel metric is also proposed to determine the anomaly scores of trajectories. The proposed framework is evaluated using two real trajectory datasets: the MIT Badge and the sCREEN datasets. The experimental results show that our work effectively detects anomalies, achieving a f1-score of 81.08% on the MIT Badge dataset and 89.57% on the sCREEN dataset.
ANALYSIS OF OUTAGE PROBABILITY AND INTERCEPT PROBABILITY TRADE-OFF FOR SECURE TWO-WAY RELAYING SCHEMES BETWEEN TWO CLUSTERS OF NODES USING FOUNTAIN CODES
Authors:   Industrial University of Ho Chi Minh City, Nguyen Thi-Hau ,   Sai Gon University
Published: December 2024

This paper presents two secure two-way relaying schemes between two clusters of nodes: i) 3-phase two-way relaying using Digital Network Coding; ii) conventional 4-phase two-way relaying. In the proposed schemes, one node selected from each cluster will use Fountain codes to encode the original data, and then send encoded packets to nodes in the remaining cluster, with the help of a common relay node. Explicit mathematical expressions are derived to evaluate the outage probability (system outage probability) and intercept probability (system intercept probability) of the proposed schemes over Rayleigh fading channel. Our results show a reliability-security trade-off as well as the impact of system parameters on the network performances.
Pengaruh Edukasi Pencegahan Komplikasi Diabetik Terhadap Peningkatan Pengetahuan
Authors: Aisyah Sitti , Mikawati  , Malik Muh. Zukri , Makkasau  , Pratiwi Rizky
Published: December 2024

Berbagai masalah kesehatan yang muncul akibat komplikasi DM seperti infeksi kaki yang berisiko amputasi, upaya pencegahan dapat dilakukan melalui pemberian edukasi kesehatan berbasis health promotion yang dapat meningkatkan pengetahuan dalam manajemen DM. Tujuan : Untuk mengetahui pengaruh edukasi kesehatan berbasis health promotion tentang pencegahan komplikasi diabetik terhadap peningkatan pengetahuan dan sikap pasien diabetes melitus. Metode Penelitian : Penelitian kuantitatif ini menggunakan metode quasi experiment dengan pendekatan one group dengan pretest – posttest design. Sampel yang digunakan sebanyak 48 responden dengan menggunakan teknik purposive sampling. Analisa data menggunakan uji Wilcoxon. Hasil : Hasil penelitian menunjukkan peningkatan pengetahuan dan sikap penderita DM setelah dilakukan edukasi kesehatan dengan nilai pengetahuan baik 40 responden (83,3%) dan sikap positif sebanyak 43 responden (89,6%). Hasil uji-wilcoxon test untuk pengetahuan diperoleh nilai ρ=0,000, sedangkan sikap diperoleh nilai ρ=0,000. Kesimpulan dan saran : Terdapat pengaruh edukasi kesehatan berbasis health promotion tentang pencegahan komplikasi diabetik terhadap peningkatan pengetahuan dan sikap pasien diabetes melitus. Saran penderita diabetes melitus sebaiknya mencegah terjadinya komplikasi berlanjut dengan mengikuti secara aktif edukasi kesehatan yang telah disiapkan oleh instansi kesehatan maupun melalui media edukasi lainnya.
The Influence of Pocket Money on the Desire to Learn Mathematics Among Elementary School Students
Authors: Siswanto Deny Hadi , Hanama Akhmad
Published: December 2024

This study aims to investigate the relationship between the provision of pocket money and the level of desire for mathematics learning among 6th-grade students at SD. Muhammadiyah Pulokadang, Bantul, Indonesia (a private elementary school). This study employs a symmetric correlational methodology with 30 students participating as the sample. Information was collected through the questionnaires and the examination of relevant documentation. Data analysis was performed using descriptive statistical techniques and inferential statistical methods. The results of the descriptive analysis indicate that the average score for the pocket money questionnaire was 59.23, indicating a sufficient category, while the average score for the desire to learn mathematics questionnaire was 66.40, indicating a good category. The regression coefficient results, with a significance level set at 5%, yielded a significance value of 0.021, which is less than 0.05. Based on these findings, there is a significant and positive relationship between the provision of pocket money and the level of desire to learn mathematics among students. Additionally, this also suggests that the provision of pocket money can have a positive influence on the level of desire to learn mathematics among 6th-grade students.
From Design to Evaluation: Authentic HOTS Reading Literacy Instruments with Quizizz Paper Mode
Authors: Destiani  , Profithasari Nindy , Dwi Saputra Daniel , Wulandari Utamining Tias Ika , Azizah Alif Luthvi
Published: December 2024

This study aims to develop higher-order thinking skills (HOTS)--based authentic reading literacy instruments using paper mode in the Quizizz application at Metro Public Elementary School 9, Lampung. This study used the Research and Development (R&D) method with the ADDIE design including the stages of Analysis, Design, Development, Implementation, and Evaluation. The results showed that the instruments developed met the criteria of good validity and reliability. The content validity and the language of the instrument were evaluated by experts with the results showing conformity with HOTS indicators, while the instrument's reliability was measured using Cronbach's Alpha coefficient with a value of 0.77, indicating adequate consistency. The implementation of the instrument in the 5th grade of Metro Public Elementary School 9 showed that the majority of students were able to understand the text well, as well as increased students' interest and motivation to learn through the use of paper mode Quizizz. However, some students still had difficulty in understanding the implied meaning and providing critical interpretation of the text. Teachers gave positive support to the use of this instrument, which was considered effective and interactive in improving higher-order thinking skills in students. The findings suggest that the development of technology-based instruments such as Quizizz can be an innovative solution in reading literacy assessment, although further refinement is needed to increase the effectiveness in measuring all spectrums of students' HOTS abilities.
Enhancing Self-Regulated Learning Through Blended Learning: Insights from Educational Theories and Practices
Authors: Warnaningtyas Murtiatmi , Sulisworo Dwi , Toifur Moh
Published: December 2024

The COVID-19 pandemic has forced us to transform traditional learning methods into online or distance learning. This shift has affected not only students but also teachers and parents. Face-to-face learning was replaced by the use of platforms such as Google Classroom, WhatsApp groups, and others. Students, who previously interacted directly with teachers, had to adapt to learning through Google Classroom or WhatsApp groups. This transition required students to develop their own learning patterns and self-regulated learning (SRL). By combining simple online learning via WhatsApp groups or Google Classroom with more interactive learning methods, students' SRL can be enhanced. Observations from teachers and responses from students indicate that blended learning has a positive impact on SRL among vocational high school students.
Operations Management of Multipurpose Cooperatives in Rinconada Area, Philippines
Authors: Tarin Joecile G.
Published: December 2024

This study was conducted to determine the compliance of 13 multipurpose cooperatives in Rinconada with Memorandum Circular No. 2013-15 Series 2013 from the Cooperative Development Authority. It identified respondent profiles in terms of operational years, memberships, personnel, asset size, and services offered. The extent of compliance was assessed across organizational, social, economic, and financial aspects. Difficulties faced by cooperatives were determined, along with the relationship between profiles and compliance. Universal and convenience sampling methods were employed to select 119 respondents, including cooperative management, staff, and committee members. Data collection utilized questionnaires, interviews, and checklist observations. Results indicated that organizational factors minimally impacted operations, except for services offered. Social aspects showed associations but lacked statistical significance. Economically, asset size and services offered significantly influenced operations. Financially, factors like operational years, members, personnel, asset size, and services offered significantly shaped operational practices. The study suggests the development of a manual of operation to enhance cooperative effectiveness.
The Influence of E-WOM, Brand Awareness, and Brand Image on Z-Generation Purchasing Decisions on Compass Sneakers in Indonesia
Authors: Lestari Elisa Jayanti
Published: December 2024

This study aims to determine the direct effect of Electronic word of mouth (E-WOM) brand awareness and brand image on purchasing decisions. One company that utilizes the development of the internet in terms of E-WOM is Compass Shoes. Compass shoes are increasingly recognized and trusted by the archipelago as a must-have fashion shoe. With its current status, not a few and even more people from various circles are interested in having these shoes. The data in this study were obtained from an online survey of 100 respondents.  In practice, this study uses accidental sampling techniques that will be applied to respondents via Google form using the type of SEM analysis used in this study, which is Partial Least Square or PLS-SEM.  The result of this study states that E-WOM has a significant positive effect on brand image and consumer purchasing decisions regarding Compass shoe products. Brand awareness has a significant positive effect on brand image and consumer purchasing decisions regarding Compass shoe products. Brand image has a significant positive effect on consumer purchasing decisions regarding Compass shoe products. Companies are important in utilizing E-WOM and building brand awareness and a strong brand image.
Skills Acquired in Business Education Programme on Business Studies Teachers’ Performance in the Secondary Schools in Ogun State, Nigeria
Authors: Okuneye Oluwasina Samson
Published: December 2024

The Business Education programme is expected to provide students with the entrepreneurial skills needed to thrive in the teaching industry. The Business Studies teachers seem not to have acquired adequate skills to be gainfully employed. This study assesses the impacts of Business Education programme skills on the performances of business studies teachers in Ogun state. The evaluation model of Context, Input, Process and Product by Stufflebeam crystallized the study. Two research questions and one hypothesis were tested. A survey research design was employed for this study. The population of the study comprised all public secondary school business studies teachers in Ogun Central Senatorial district A sample of 30 schools and 50 teachers were randomly selected. Two research instruments Questionnaires and Appraisal Scale were used in data sourcing. Analysis of data involved Mean, Standard Deviation, and independent T-test. This study identified some skills teachers were taught like teaching skills, office skills and accounting skills among others. The findings of the study revealed that the business studies teachers’ performances in the schools remain unattainable due to inadequate skill acquisition. Some recommendations were made among which are that Colleges of Education should liaise with the employers of labour to receive feedback on teachers’ performances in the teaching industry and that more qualified business educators should be employed to meet up with minimum standards of the NCCE.
Innovative E-Learning Strategies of Islamic Religious Teachers
Authors: Safitri Chairun Nisa , Joko Susilo Mohamad
Published: December 2024

The success of a learning process depends on the strategies educators use, including skills in presenting face-to-face and virtual lesson material, such as e-learning. This research aims to determine teachers' strategies in the Islamic Religious Education learning process by implementing e-learning as a learning medium at a public faith-based high school in Jambi, Indonesia. This research uses a descriptive qualitative approach. Data collection techniques are carried out through observation, interviews, and documentation. The research subjects were Heads of schools, Islamic religious education teachers, and students. Data analysis techniques follow Miles and Huberman's phases. The research results show that the use of e-learning as a learning medium involves three stages of learning planning before implementation, followed by learning implementation, where the teacher delivers the material and uses PowerPoint. Finally, the teacher evaluates learning by giving assignments and daily tests.
The Relationship Between Social Support and Depression Level in Victims of Domestic Violence
Authors: Fatmawati Ariani , Annisa Rizki , Imansari Bhekti , Syabariyah Sitti
Published: December 2024

Domestic violence (DV) has significant mental health consequences, including depression. Social support plays a critical role in mitigating these effects. This study aims to explore the relationship between social support and depression levels among domestic violence victims. The research employed a correlational, cross-sectional design, collecting data via questionnaires. The instruments used included demographic data, the Social Support Questionnaire-6 (SSQ-6) to assess social support, and the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) to measure depression levels. The study population consisted of 40 women victims of domestic violence who had reported their cases to the UPTD PPA in West Java Province. Bivariate data analysis was conducted using the Spearman test. The majority of respondents were aged 25-44 (57.5%), had a high school education (40%), were unemployed (75%), and had experienced psychological violence (30%). A notable 62.5% of respondents reported insufficient social support, and 45% were found to have moderate depression. The analysis revealed a significant relationship between social support and depression levels (p-value= 0.005, <0.05). These findings confirm that there is a significant association between social support and depression levels in domestic violence victims.
Cupping Therapy as a Complementary Approach to Enhancing Kidney Health: A Review of Current Evidence
Authors: Imran Tesleem Omotayo
Published: December 2024

Maintaining good kidney health is of paramount importance for the overall well-being and longevity of an individual., The exploration of complementary and alternative therapeutic practices to support overall health including renal function is a subject of growing interest over the years. Cupping therapy is an example of such intervention which has gained attention for its potential benefits in various health issues, including pain management, recovery, gastrointestinal issues, and preventive therapy. This study summarizes the findings from various studies on the impact of cupping therapy on parameters related to kidney health. The review emphasizes the need for further research to establish the efficacy and safety of cupping therapy as a complementary approach in the maintenance of kidney health, prevention and management of renal disorders, as well as the need for standardized practice of its applications.
Midwives Knowledge and Attitude on Infection Prevention and Control (IPC)
Authors: Gbadamosi Faidat Temitope , Imran Tesleem Omotayo , Olamijulo Hellen
Published: December 2024

Infection prevention and control (IPC) is essential in reducing healthcare-associated infections, particularly in maternal and newborn care. Midwives play a critical role in ensuring adherence to IPC protocols in primary healthcare settings. This study aims to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of midwives toward IPC in selected primary health care centers in Osogbo Local Government, Osun State, Nigeria. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 52 midwives using a structured questionnaire to assess their knowledge and attitudes on IPC. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, with results presented as frequencies and percentages. The study found high IPC knowledge among midwives, with 96.2% classified as having good knowledge. Most participants demonstrated a strong understanding of key practices, such as hand hygiene, PPE use, and waste disposal. For example, 98.1% correctly identified the proper order for donning PPE, and all understood its primary purpose. However, 84.6% were aware of the recommended frequency for disinfecting high-touch surfaces, highlighting a gap in daily IPC practices. Midwives showed a positive attitude, with 88.5% agreeing that IPC guidelines reduce infection rates. Despite this, 9.6% felt resources were inadequate, and 84.6% called for more IPC training. The study shows strong IPC knowledge and positive attitudes among midwives, though gaps in resources and daily practices exist. Continuous training, better resource allocation, and fostering accountability are recommended to maintain high IPC standards. Targeted interventions should address these gaps and support midwives in effective IPC implementation.
Unraveling the Unique Fatty Acid Signatures of Blended Butters: A Gas Chromatography Study
Authors: Artuvan Erdem , Aksay Salih
Published: December 2024

Objective: This study aimed to analyze the changes in the fatty acid profile of butter obtained by mixing goat butter and cow butter at different ratios (25%, 50%, 75% w/w) using gas chromatography and to identify the key fatty acids that can be used to detect goat butter adulterated with cow butter.
Materials and methods: The purity of the fats used was determined by Real-Time PCR. Fatty acid composition analyses were performed using a Gas Chromatograph (GC) device.
Results and conclusion: The results showed that as the proportion of goat butter increased, the amount of capric acid increased significantly, and the total percentage of unsaturated fatty acids decreased. Capric acid was found to be dominant in goat cheese, while the highest saturated fatty acid content was determined in cow cheese. Additionally, it was found that the trans-fat ratio increased when cow butter was added to goat butter. As a result of the study, it was determined that caproic acid (6:0), caprylic acid (8:0), capric acid (10:0), lauric acid (12:0), myristoleic acid (14:1), linoleic acid (18:2), linolenic acid (18:3), and eicosenoic acid (20:1) content in goat and cow butter mixtures can be used as marker acids.
Kenyans’ Perceptions of the Risks of COVID-19 Vaccines: A Scoping Review
Authors: Ochieng’ Faith Anyango , O'Mathuna Dónal
Published: December 2024

Background: Vaccination programs are critical in controlling the spread of viral diseases worldwide. The COVID-19 pandemic underscored the critical role of vaccines. Achieving widespread immunization is significantly challenged by vaccine hesitancy, particularly concerns regarding potential risks. The perceptions of Kenyans regarding the risks of COVID-19 vaccines were explored in this scoping review.

Methods: The Arksey and O’Malley framework and the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology were used. A search strategy was developed to identify peer-reviewed publications and relevant grey literature from electronic databases and Google. Identified articles were screened using inclusion and exclusion criteria. Data was extracted from and analyzed to identify themes.

Results: Twenty-eight articles were included in the scoping review. The most common themes leading to vaccine hesitancy among Kenyans were vaccine safety, vaccine side effects, and lack of knowledge about COVID-19 vaccines. Four other themes were identified and discussed.

Conclusion: This review adds to our understanding of the factors influencing vaccine hesitancy during public health emergencies in Kenya. Public health messaging should prioritize addressing these concerns while also advocating for equitable access to the benefits of vaccination.
Systematic Status and Ecological Account of Poekilocerus (Pyrgomorphidae: Orthoptera) of Pakistan
Authors: Memon Seema Perveen , Pathan Riffat Sultana , Bughio Barkat Ali , Kumar Santosh
Published: December 2024

The survey, conducted from 2021 to 2023, resulted in the collection of 368 specimens of Poekilocerus. This genus was identified as a significant pest affecting various crops, including wheat, cowpea, corn, grasses, and bushes. The primary host plant for Poekilocerus was found to be Calotropis procera (Akk plant), a species widely used in traditional medicine for treating various ailments. The populations of Poekilocerus were observed to sometimes reach plague proportions. A notable increase in individuals was recorded in the Cholistan Desert during the summer of 2020-2021, with a higher concentration found on Akk Caltrops procera. Additionally, Poekilocerus has been reported to damage approximately 40 crop species, including citrus, tobacco, Cassia spp., and pear trees. The present study discusses both a systematic account and the ecological aspects of this pest. It was also noted that a considerable number of leaves, as well as the flowers and fruits of the Akk plant, can be damaged or even stripped.
Exploring the Influence of Leadership Styles on Employee Engagement: The Mediating Role of Psychological Empowerment, Organizational Culture, and Job Satisfaction, and the Moderating Impact of Agile HR Practices
Authors: Nawaz Muhammad , Kanwal Zeenat , Khan Amjid , Ibrahimi Ikramullah
Published: December 2024

This research aims to explore the effect of transformational, transactional, and autocratic leadership behaviors on engagement with the focus put on the mediating roles of psychological empowerment, organizational culture and job satisfaction, and the moderating effect of agile HRM practices. This study adopted a quantitative research approach with survey data obtained from 200 employees from various organizations. The regression analysis showed that the transformational leadership had the most significant positive relationship with engagement, followed by transactional leadership while the laissez faire leadership had a negative significant relationship with engagement. The findings of the mediation analysis revealed that of the various variables tested; psychological empowerment, organizational culture and job satisfaction mediated the relationship between leadership styles and engagement with the largest proportion of meditational effect attributable to job satisfaction. It was also discovered that both transformational and transactional leadership styles coupled with HR flexibility enhanced organizational outcomes while reducing the negative effects of laissez-faire leadership style. The research findings offer theoretical contributions to leadership and engagement processes and practical applications of agile human resource management for organizational improvement.
Öğretmen Adaylarının Bilgisayar Destekli Eğitime İlişkin Öz Yeterlik Algılarının İncelenmesi / Investigation of Prospective Teachers' Self-Efficacy Perceptions Regarding Computer Assisted Instruction
Authors: Ölmez İlkim Zülal , Çelik Yaşar
Published: December 2024

Bu çalışma sınıf öğretmeni adaylarının bilgisayar destekli eğitime yönelik öz yeterlik algılarının incelenmesi amacıyla yapılmıştır. Çalışmada karma yöntem kullanılmıştır. Araştırmanın örneklem Karadeniz ve Doğu Anadolu Bölgesi’ndeki iki devlet üniversitesindeki sınıf öğretmeni adaylarından oluşturulmuştur. Araştırmada kişisel bilgi formu, Arslan (2006) tarafından geliştirilen “Bilgisayar Destekli Eğitime İlişkin Öz Yeterlik Algısı Ölçeği” ve araştırmacılar tarafından oluşturulan yarı yapılandırılmış görüşme formu kullanılmıştır. Nicel verilerin analizinde tek yönlü varyans analizi ve bağımsız örneklemler t testi kullanılırken, nitel verilerin analizi içerik analiziyle yapılmıştır. Araştırma sonucunda öğretmen adaylarının bilgisayar destekli eğitime ilişkin öz yeterlik algılarının iyi düzeyde olduğu, sınıf düzeyine ve öğrenim görülen üniversiteye göre ise öz yeterlik algı puan ortalamalarının anlamlı bir farklılık göstermediği görülmüştür. Görüşmeye katılan öğretmen adayları tarafından bilgisayar destekli eğitime ilişkin öz yeterlik algılarının olumlu yönde ve nitel verilerin nicel verileri destekler nitelikte olduğu tespit edilmiştir.
The Evolution of Privacy Laws in the Digital Age: Balancing Innovation and Personal Security
Authors: Al-Jabouri Mohammed
Published: December 2024

In response to the apparent chaos surrounding new regulations, some people may feel the need to re-establish a more controlled framework for the current advance of technologies. The business’s response to this proposed retrenchment will depend on the regulatory environment. In order to establish a sound framework, the forces dictating the basic emergence of today’s new technologies might need to be analyzed. Moreover, it needs to consider the forces behind the current assessment of these same technologies and their consequences. The essay analyzes acceleration as a major force of technology driven change. These same forces seem to drive an obsession with control over the emergent new technologies and the consequences of their adoption. In this process the emergence of unintended consequences seems to be ignored. It reflects on structures and processes that might be increasingly at risk to totally unrelate unintended consequences owing to today’s acceleration societal environment. It concludes reflecting on the major question: What is going on? A framework for privacy and data protection regulation is proposed. Privacy and the closely related right to protection of data are the cornerstone of democratic rights in the digital world. The understanding of both concepts has changed due to the influence of new technologies and by a current evaluation of democratic rights in the context of digital technologies. Consequently, privacy and data protection regimes must be rethought.
Reforming Criminal Justice: Evaluating the Impact of Restorative Justice Practices on Recidivism Rates
Authors: Ghali Aad
Published: December 2024

To enhance public safety and reduce recidivism by addressing the needs of crime victims and the community, the purpose of this study is to evaluate whether restorative justice practices reduce recidivism for individuals from juvenile and adult court systems. Specifically, the effect of the following restorative justice practices will be examined for their impact on reoffending rates: victim-offender mediation, family group conferencing, peacemaking circles, restorative circles, repair of harm circles, and indigenous circles. This study will also look at the impact of varying contexts and characteristics of restorative justice practices (e.g., timing, voluntary vs. involuntary participation, follow-up with law enforcement/abuse prevention plans) on recidivism rates. Though there have been numerous studies published within the past fifteen years, additional review and meta-analysis of studies evaluating the impact of restorative justice practices on recidivism rates is warranted.
Analyzing the Effectiveness of Recent Legislation in Addressing Climate Change
Authors: Jabr Ahmed
Published: December 2024

In response to this question, this essay through the use of interviews examines the stakeholders’ views on particular follow-up reforms as well as provides some reflections regarding how the process of framing and enacting this legislation may be utilized to possibly progress further reforms. Energy is not like any other issue and is considered political in light of its dynamics, meanings and aspects in the United States of America. Though climate change tends to stir up strong and individual emotions in most Americans regardless of their stance on climate policies, energy politicization is entrenched in identity with even very polarized issues like abortion and gun control. Still, this activity has proceeded on massive and diverse climate and energy actions across multiple fronts (at the state level, in the courts, locally, in the executive branch, and in private efforts). In contrast, that kind of effort is frequently workmanlike and incremental and has built-in constraints in that it has avoided some of the most politically fraught topics (e.g., dependency on fossil fuels) and the cultivation of common political ground (e. g., resilience). One of the most contentious dynamics has to do with activities, which seek to employ the mechanisms of the courts to attempt at least to enjoin or to repeal measures that have been passed under the other forum or passed by states to prevent further action by the federal government as new national standards. Altogether these prepare a fundamentally different political landscape concerning the climate and energy quests, as well as the efforts formulated above have significant questions and uncertainties concerning their efficacy across context.
Artificial Intelligence and the Law: Legal Frameworks for Regulating AI and Ensuring Accountability
Authors: Al- Kemawee Jaafar
Published: December 2024

This essay explored the key opportunities, challenges, and ongoing responses to AI regulation, with a specific focus on the implications of AI for the law. AI relies on high volumes of data and large-scale computation to make decisions or predictions that would otherwise require human intelligence. The opportunities afforded by AI touch every sector, including law, where it can streamline tedious administrative tasks acting at scale to help prioritize cases, retrieve data, etc. in just seconds. In this context, the European Parliament is looking to prevent the emergence of a Wild West environment and is striving to ensure that AI use is ethical, protects fundamental rights, and respects the rule of law. However, existing laws have proven insufficient in effectively addressing the challenges posed by such technologies. The opportunities AI provides should be maximized whilst ensuring accountability and civil liability when AI systems cause damage. Thus, a two-pronged response is needed; legal frameworks for the regulation of AI systems in the interest of fairness, safety, privacy, anti-discrimination, etc.; and mechanisms to ensure that when AI systems cause damage, adequate civil liability systems are in place to redress victims. The discussion was underpinned by empirical evidence from the literature that outlines and explains the problems posed by AI for the legal sector and the implications of the proposals advanced by the European Parliament. The extent to which empirical evidence goes beyond the legal sector was also examined.
Uma Abordagem Gamificada para a Resolução de Problemas de Melhoria do Processo de Software
Authors: Soares Elziane Monteiro , Oliveira Sandro Ronaldo Bezerra
Published: December 2024

No contexto da Melhoria de Processo de Software (MPS), estudos relatam diversos problemas e dificuldades que as organizações enfrentam durante as implementações das melhorias. No entanto, poucos trabalhos ainda buscam identificar práticas no sentido de mitigar os efeitos negativos dos fatores críticos. Neste trabalho foram realizadas as etapas de: Identificação dos problemas de MPS; Identificação dos elementos de gamificação; Definição da dinâmica que integra todos os elementos gamificados, com o uso inter-relacionado dos elementos da gamificação aos problemas de MPS elencados. A partir disso, ocorreu a execução da dinâmica para resolução dos problemas, como Relato de Experiência, havendo ao término do experimento a Discussão e Análise dos dados obtidos. Os resultados deste trabalho podem ser considerados significativos, uma vez que os resultados esperados com a aplicação dos elementos aos problemas foram favoráveis para tratar ou minimizar os problemas vivenciados no contexto de MPS.
Large Language Models and Dynamic Difficulty Adjustment: An Integration Perspective
Authors: Souza Carlos H. R. , Oliveira Saulo S. , Berretta Luciana O. , Carvalho Sérgio T.
Published: December 2024

Dynamic Difficulty Adjustment (DDA) aims to enhance player retention by adjusting the difficulty level of a game according to the player's skills. However, rule-based DDA systems often struggle with scalability, adaptability, and the cognitive burden of defining exhaustive rules. In this paper, we propose the integration of Large Language Models (LLMs) into DDA mechanisms to overcome these limitations, based on prompt creation techniques. As a proof of concept, we apply this approach to the DDA-MAPEKit framework, replacing its static rule-based logic with LLM actions using ChatGPT, and an experiment was conducted in a space shooter game. The results showed promising outcomes, with pertinent adjustments to the game variables, no hallucinations, and values coupled to the current context. Overall, our findings suggest that LLM-based DDA mechanisms hold significant potential for improving adaptivity in digital games.
Automating Dungeon Level Design using Search-based Procedural Generation
Authors: So Arthur R. Pinheiro , Souza Alinne C. Corrêa , Costa Lincoln M. , Mantovani Rafael G. , Souz Francisco Carlos M.
Published: December 2024

The adoption of procedural content generation in electronic games is increasing, allowing for the quick and cost-effective creation of game artifacts like music, scenarios, and art, which aids or replaces manual content creation. Metaheuristics, such as Genetic Algorithms are effective in solving complex problems by exploring the solution space. This study implemented and analyzed this algorithm for generating procedural content in dungeon games, focusing on scenarios and enemies. Experimental evaluations demonstrated efficient optimization of room layouts and enemy distributions, with smaller room sizes producing better fitness results.
Financiamento Coletivo: um panorama do financiamento de jogos através do Catarse no Brasil
Authors: Britto Ana Clara Silva , Bax João Pedro Costa
Published: December 2024

O financiamento coletivo existe no Brasil há pouco mais de uma década. Esta pesquisa, ainda em estágio inicial, pretende fazer o levantamento de dados dos projetos de jogos digitais postados nos últimos treze anos na plataforma Catarse, visando traçar um panorama do cenário de produção de jogos via crowdfunding no Brasil. Pretende-se, ainda, analisar elementos que configuram boas práticas na criação de projetos e discutir a viabilidade do financiamento coletivo como alternativa para a produção de jogos nacionais.
Boolace: Jogo Educacional para Auxiliar o Ensino e a Aprendizagem de Lógica Proposicional
Authors: Souza Márcio Flávio Barbosa de , Oliveira Márcia Gonçalves de , Souza Maria Alice Veiga Ferreira de
Published: December 2024

Este artigo apresenta o jogo educacional “Boolace - a Lógica do Reino de Lovelace”, do Programa Corte de Lovelace do CEFOR – IFES, como um meio de facilitar e potencializar o ensino e a aprendizagem de lógica proposicional, com desafios e recompensas em um jogo de mundo aberto, multiplayer e com recurso multidisciplinar, aliando o entretenimento à educação. São relatados os métodos e ferramentas utilizados no seu desenvolvimento e avaliação. Como resultado, o jogo foi avaliado positivamente por 90,5% das participantes quanto à experiência do jogador (sentimentos e interações com o jogo, com o ambiente e com outros jogadores), e por 96,6% quanto à percepção de aprendizagem de lógica proposicional.
A Raspberry Pi-based Hardware Implementation of Various Neuron Models
Authors: Yucedag Vedat Burak , Dalkiran Ilker
Published: December 2024

The implementation of biological neuron models plays an important role in understanding the functionality of the brain. Generally, analog and digital methods are preferred during implementation processes. The Raspberry Pi (RPi) microcontroller has the potential to be a new platform that can easily solve complex mathematical operations and does not have memory limitations, which will take advantage while realizing biological neuron models. In this paper, Hodgkin-Huxley (HH), FitzHugh-Nagumo (FHN), Morris-Lecar (ML), Hindmarsh-Rose (HR), and Izhikevich (IZ) neuron models have been implemented on a standard-equipped RPi. For the numerical solution of each neuron model, the one-step method (4th order Runge-Kutta (RK4), the new version of Runge-Kutta (RKN)), the multi-step method (Adams-Bashforth (AB), Adams-Moulton (AM)), and predictor-corrector method (Adams-Bashforth-Moulton (ABM)) are preferred to compare results. The implementation of HH, ML, FHN, HR, and IZ neuron models on RPi and the comparison of numerical models RK4, RKN, AB, AM, and ABM in the implementation of neuron models were made for the first time in this study. Firstly, MATLAB simulations of the various behaviors belonging to the HH, ML, FHN, HR, and IZ neuron models were completed. Then those models were realized on RPi and the outputs of the models are experimentally produced. The errors are also presented in the tables. The results show that RPi can be considered as a new alternative tool for making complex neuron models.
A Classifier for Automatic Categorisation of Chronic Venous Insufficiency Images
Authors: Karadeniz Talha , Tokdemir Gul , Maras H. Hakan
Published: December 2024

Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) is a serious disease characterised by the inability of the veins to effectively return blood from the legs back to the heart. This condition represents a significant public health issue due to its prevalence and impact on quality of life. In this work, we propose a tool to help doctors effectively diagnose CVI. Our research is based on extracting Visual Geometry Group network 16 (VGG-16) features and integrating a new classifier, which exploits mean absolute deviation (MAD) statistics to classify samples. Although simple in its core, it outperforms state-of-the-art method which is known as the CVI-classifier in the literature, and additionally it performs better than the methods such as multi-layer perceptron (MLP), Naive Bayes (NB), and gradient boosting machines (GBM) in the context of VGG-based classification of CVI. We had 0.931 accuracy, 0.888 Kappa score, and 0.916 F1-score on a publicly available CVI dataset which outperforms the state-of-the-art CVI-classifier having 0.909, 0.873, and 0.900 for accuracy, Kappa score, and F1-score, respectively. Additionally, we have shown that our classifier has a generalisation capacity comparable to support vector machines (SVM), by conducting experiments on eight different datasets. In these experiments, it was observed that our classifier took the lead on metrics such as F1-score, Kappa score, and receiver operating characteristic area under the curve (ROC AUC).
Cognition of the World Soul in Plato’s Timaeus (Tim. 37a2-c5)
Authors: Stránský Jiří
Published: December 2024

This study focuses on explaining the problem of cognition of the world soul through a detailed analysis of passage 37a2–c5 from Plato’s Timaeus. It is divided into three sections, each dedicated to interpreting a different part of the passage. First, the necessary conditions for the soul to be able to cognize correctly are discussed. Second, it is demonstrated that the world soul’s cognition is essentially discursive. It is further argued that the soul makes two different types of declarations that form a single complex inner speech, allowing the soul to cognize both the corporeal and the intelligible. Finally, it is explained how specific cognitive acts arise from the soul’s inner speech.
Social Freedom and The Politics of Emancipation
Authors: Turčan Ciprian
Published: December 2024

The study focuses on the theoretical-methodological analysis of the concept of social freedom as a special concept of individual autonomy in relation to the social conditions of its applicability. The aim of the analysis is to reveal and clarify the main political implications and normative claims that result from it for political theory. The thesis is formulated and argued in the article that the philosophical concept of social freedom in its applicability programmatically leads to a model of the politics of emancipation as a process of social transformation and political overcoming of recognized forms of unfreedom, historical forms of social oppression and domination. Social understanding of individual freedom becomes the normative basis of politics as a form of collective activity through which associated individuals govern the social conditions of their lives. By comparing the two basic forms of emancipatory politics – class politics and identity politics – the main problems of such an understanding of politics are discussed.
Yenidenyazımda Kipsel Dönüşüm Bağlamında Göstergelerarası Bir İnceleme: Yazından Sinemaya “Âşıklar Bayramı”
Authors: KUNDURACI Gizem
Published: December 2024

Kemal Varol'un 2019'da yazdığı "Âşıklar Bayramı" romanı, Anadolu'nun köklü âşıklık geleneği içinde yetişmiş bir baba ile oğlunun hikâyesini anlatmaktadır. Âşık edebiyatı, halk şairlerinin saz eşliğinde, gündelik konuşma diline yakın bir üslupla ve hece vezniyle oluşturdukları sözlü edebiyat ürünlerini kapsar. Bu gelenekte şairler sadece kendi eserlerini değil, başka âşıkların eserlerini de sazları eşliğinde icra eder ve halk hikâyeleri anlatırlar.
Özcan Alper, 2022'de bu romanı sinemaya uyarlamış ve aynı adla beyazperdeye taşımıştır. Bu uyarlama, göstergelerarası bir aktarım örneğidir. Her iki eserde de âşıklık geleneği ve âşık edebiyatı, anlatının merkezinde yer alan temel motiflerdir. Roman sinemaya uyarlanırken, yazılı metnin durağan yapısından görsel-işitsel bir anlatıma geçiş yapılmış, yani kipsel bir dönüşüm gerçekleşmiştir. Bu süreçte romanın anlatım olanakları, sinemanın kendine özgü gösterim ve temsil olanaklarıyla zenginleştirilmiştir. Alt metin olan roman bazı değişikliklere uğramış, konu ve izlekler sinema sanatının gerektirdiği biçimde yeniden yorumlanmıştır.
Yenidenyazım kavramı, bir ana metnin farklı bir düzlemde (sinema, resim, bilgisayar oyunu vb.) yeniden oluşturulmasını ifade eder. Bu süreçte metinler arasında bir söyleşim ilişkisi kurulur. Çalışma, geleneksel âşık edebiyatının çağdaş edebiyat ve sinemadaki yansımalarını incelemeyi, iki eser arasındaki metinlerarası ilişkileri değerlendirmeyi ve anlatıların konu ve izlek bakımından nasıl işlendiğini ortaya koymayı amaçlamaktadır. Bu çerçevede, yüzyıllardır süregelen âşıklık geleneğinin modern sanatlarda nasıl temsil edildiği ve dönüştüğü incelenmekte, roman ve film geleneksel ile moderni buluşturan bir köprü görevi görmektedir.
THE IMPORTANCE OF IDENTIFYING AMINO ACID SUBSTITUTIONS FOR THE DETECTION OF PASTEURELLA MULTOCIDA BELONGING TO SEROGROUP A
Authors: Auganov A. N. , Tynysbekov B. K. , Akhmetollaev I. A.
Published: December 2024

Pasteurella multocida is a gram-negative bacterium that is the causative agent of a wide range of infectious diseases such as avian cholera, atrophic rhinitis and pasteurellosis in various animal species, including cattle, pigs and birds. One of the key factors of its virulence is a capsule consisting of hyaluronic acid, which helps the bacterium to avoid phagocytosis and the immune response of the host. In this work, a comprehensive analysis of the nucleotide and amino acid sequences of the hyaD gene encoding hyaluronate synthase (PmHAS) in P. multocida of the serogroup A strains was carried out. Special attention is paid to single-nucleotide substitutions, which, despite their presence, do not change the catalytic domains of the enzyme, which ensures its stable enzymatic activity. The conservatism of the key regions of the hyaD gene creates difficulties for accurate diagnosis of serogroup A using standard genotyping methods. Within the framework of the study, a strategy for the development of specific TaqMan probes for the detection of gray group A based on variable gene regions is proposed. These molecular tests can significantly improve diagnostic accuracy and facilitate timely monitoring of infections caused by Pasteurella multocida. The obtained data emphasize the importance of further studies of single-nucleotide substitutions and their effect on bacterial virulence.