bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Variações na (re)produção do espaço pelas comunidades tradicionais do Parque Nacional dos Lençóis Maranhenses, Brasil
Authors: Lima Santos Karlla Fabianna , Renato Vallejo Luiz
Published: February 2025

Este documento apresenta os resultados de pesquisas realizadas em comunidades situadas no interior do Parque Nacional dos Lençóis Maranhenses (PNLM), no Brasil, uma Unidade de Conservação de proteção integral. O objetivo foi compreender os modos de vida tradicionais dessas comunidades, analisando sua interação com o ambiente, as atividades geradoras de renda e as relações sociais de permanência no território. O cotidiano dessas comunidades evidenciou transformações devido às restrições em certas atividades e à entrada de novos mercados, como o turismo, e crescentes interesses imobiliários. Utilizando entrevistas semiestruturadas e observação participante, conduzidas em quatro comunidades próximas à faixa litorânea ao leste do município de Barreirinhas, nomeadamente Canto do Atins, Ponta do Mangue, Santo Inácio e Atins, constatou-se que compartilham uma abordagem semelhante na relação com a natureza, vinculada ao mercado turístico e à identidade cultural pesqueira, mas enfrentam desafios à sua permanência.
Neoliberalismo e necropolítica: a re-emergência da extrema-direita e a tragédia da modernidade no Brasil
Authors: Ribeiro Guilherme
Published: February 2025

O objetivo deste ensaio é o de promover uma crítica ao neoliberalismo, a qual, potencializada pelo conceito de necropolítica elaborado pelo pensador camaronês Achille Mbembe, ilumina dois aspectos cruciais: as sequelas sociais deixadas por aquela política econômica e a re-emergência da extrema-direita no Brasil.
O sentido moral presente no ensaio “Da Superstição e do Entusiasmo”, de David Hume
Authors: Ribeiro Laiz Fidelis , Cunha Mateus Aragão da
Published: February 2025

Para David Hume, a religião se tivesse algum papel a desempenhar seria o de corromper a natureza humana e perturbar a harmonia social em vez de contribuir para a própria moralidade. Na interpretação de Hume as crenças religiosas levam à degradação da conduta humana, reconhecendo que elas geram dois efeitos perniciosos: a Superstição e o Entusiasmo. A nossa problematização é: por que para Hume é uma consequência necessária da religião as suas corrupções, para moralidade, mesmo quando prega tantas virtudes? Para respondermos a presente problemática utilizaremos o ensaio Da Superstição e do Entusiasmo e a obra Tratado da natureza humana.
For David Hume, if religion had any role to play, it would be to corrupt human nature and disturb social harmony instead of contributing to morality itself. In Hume’s interpretation, religious beliefs lead to the degradation of human conduct, recognizing that they generate two pernicious effects: Superstition and Enthusiasm. Our problematization is: why, for Hume, is its corruptions a necessary consequence of religion, for morality, even when it preaches so many virtues? To answer this problem, we will use the essay On Superstition and Enthusiasm and the work Treatise of Human Nature.
A Strained Relationship with the Mother-in-law: Can it Affect a Woman’s Marital Satisfaction?
Authors: Marker Nawaz
Published: February 2025

Marital satisfaction is influenced by various interpersonal dynamics, including relationships with extended family members. This study examined the impact of non-rapport with the mother-in-law on marital satisfaction and explored negative emotional states as a potential mediator. A sample of 108 married women completed standardized measures, including the Conflict Scale to assess non-rapport with the mother-in-law, the Marital Satisfaction Inventory – Brief Form (MSI-B) to measure marital satisfaction, and the Emotion State Questionnaire (EST-Q) to measure negative emotional states. Pearson’s product-moment correlation analysis was conducted to examine the relationship between non-rapport with mother-in-law and marital satisfaction, and a series of regression analyses were conducted to examine the mediating influence of negative emotional state of the daughter-in-law. The findings revealed a significant negative association between non-rapport with the mother-in-law and marital satisfaction. However, the mediating role of negative emotional states was not supported. These findings highlight the complex influence of extended family relationships on marriage. Future research should further explore these dynamics and identify interventions to support marital satisfaction by working on the dyad’s individual relationships with other family members.
Exposure to Faecal Contaminated Tap Water in Early Pregnancy: Incidence of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus and Subsequent Type 2 Diabetes
Authors:   Department of Internal Medicine, Mikkeli Central Hospital, Porrassalmenkatu 35-37, 50100 Mikkeli, Finland., Kannisto Ritva
Published: February 2025

In Finland a water supply accident exposed over 9000 inhabitants to a wide spectrum of human faecal microbes through contaminated tap water for two days in 2007. We hypothesized that the exposure equated with faecal microbiota transplantation
Optimizing Payment Gateways in Fintech Using AI-Augmented OCR and Intelligent Workflow
Authors: Jitender Jain
Published: February 2025

This research delves into the optimization of payment gateway systems in the fintech industry using AI-augmented OCR and intelligent workflow automation, especially with a focus on Azure Functions. The paper explores how these tools can make payment processing more efficient, scalable, and cost-effective by combining serverless computing with AI-driven technologies. Cases from financial institutions adopting Azure services, which indicate KPIs for transaction speed, operational efficiency, and total cost of ownership. Surveys from IT experts and system architects give real-world insight into how AI and OCR apply in the payments system.The event-driven architecture of Azure Functions features AI-powered Optical Character Recognition (OCR) for the automatic processing of payment information and intelligent workflows optimizing decision making. It would improve processing time, eliminate human errors, and make transactions' data accuracy more efficient. In addition, features such as Azure Active Directory, encryption, and compliance with PCI DSS standards ensure the safe handling of sensitive payment data, thereby enhancing the security of these systems.The paper compares AI-augmented OCR and intelligent workflows with traditional server-based models with respect to metrics involving transaction speed, system scalability, and cost-effectiveness. Preliminary findings suggest that AI- and OCR-based integration with Azure Functions reduces costs, enhances scalability, and strengthens security in payment gateway systems. These technologies bring about a revolution in payment processing in fintech and improve the efficiency and save operational expenses.
Turkey’s Return To Hard Power: Concept Of The “Precious Loneliness
Authors: Darbinyan Hayk
Published: February 2025

The end of the Cold War and the collapse of the Soviet Union led to significant changes in the international system, bringing about several new realities. Among these were the reshaping of the geopolitical landscape, shifts in military-political power, the need for fresh relations with Russia, and the formation of three new states in Turkey’s immediate neighborhood—challenges that required a clear and thoughtful response from Turkey’s foreign policy. When the Justice and Development Party assumed power in Turkey in 2002, public diplomacy and soft power became essential elements of Turkey’s foreign policy. As a result of several geopolitical developments and changes in Turkey’s immediate neighborhood and the Middle East, hard power has reemerged as a key element in Turkey's foreign policy since the 2010s. This article explores the reintegration of hard power into Turkey's foreign policy, focusing specifically on Ahmet Davutoğlu and İbrahim Kalın, along with their respective approaches of "Zero Problems with Neighbors" and "Precious Loneliness." It aims to highlight that Turkey's foreign policy is a multifaceted and complex process, where various governmental institutions contribute and compete to influence the formulation and execution of foreign policy. In addition to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, other entities, such as the Ministry of National Defense and the National Intelligence Organization, are playing increasingly important roles in shaping the country’s foreign policy
About Ram Alexandrovich Simonov and his Skills as a Lecturer
Authors: Andreeva O.V.
Published: February 2025

The article is dedicated to Professor R.A. Simonov, a long-time colleague,
a successful teacher at the Moscow Polygraphic Institute, who participated in the
development of a new training course for future book historians – «Source stu-
dies and historiography of the history of the book», necessary for the training of
specialists in the antique book trade. As one of the examples of R.A. Simonovʼs
lecturing skills, his speech at the Book Section of the Central House of Scien-
tists dedicated to the publication of L.F. Magnitskyʼs work «Arithmetic» (1703)
is given.
About Our Conversations with R.A. Simonov
Authors: Zhuravell A.V.
Published: February 2025

The article describes the course of the authorʼs creative communication with
the Doctor of Historical Sciences, Professor R.A. Simonov in the 1990s–2000s.
At the same time, various issues of ancient Russian chronology and medieval
«secret knowledge» were discussed. R.A. Simonov significantly expanded the
problems of historical and chronological research. It is shown that the scientist
was distinguished by rare benevolence and willingness to help his colleagues,
especially those who dealt with a related topic. His openness to new ideas is
noted, even if they did not quite align with his usual approaches.
“Al salvaje todo le llama la atención” Loreto de Pedro Dávalos y Lissón (1894)
Authors: Cornejo Chaparro Manuel
Published: February 2025

Pedro Dávalos y Lissón relata una serie de crónicas que lleva el título de Loreto, publicada en el diario El Comercio en 6 entregas en los meses de enero, marzo, abril, junio y julio de 1894. En ellas refleja, a través de la imagen del viaje, el propósito de someter la intricada y fabulada región amazónica al proyecto civilizatorio, pero también justifica el papel del letrado que transita –armoniosa o conflictivamente- este puente discursivo entre las letras y el novedoso mundo de la industria gomera y consolida su aporte en la construcción de ese frustrado intento decimonónico de nación imaginada.
Change Management and Sustainable Growth Rate : Evidence of the Banking Sector in Angola between 2013 and 2023
Authors: Ndalamba Ken Kalala , Manuel Nelma Irene Cardoso
Published: February 2025

Effective change management creates value for firms prepared to respond to market challenges robustly and forthrightly to gain competitive advantage. This study identifies the role of effective change management in promoting the capabilities of firms to remain sustainable and resilient amid economic crises. After engaging with the concept of crises and change management, this study analyses the banking sector in Angola with a particular focus on commercial banks. The financial statements of banks were scrutinised over the period between 2013 and 2023 with a view to determine the Sustainable Growth Rate (SGR), which is considered an indicator of sustainability and resilience. Only four banks managed to successfully navigate through the roller-coaster period of crisis with a positive SGR throughout the period of analysis. This case study attempts to bridge theories and praxis to inform both scholars and practitioners. The study concludes by identifying four important contributions and suggesting opportunities for further research and application.
Árvores nativas estratégicas para a conservação da fauna silvestre
Authors: Martinez Jaime , Rodrigues Gabriela , Pauletti Prestes Nêmora
Published: February 2025

A obra é um convite para explorar a biodiversidade das florestas e compreender a importância das árvores nativas na preservação da fauna. Unindo conhecimento científico e saber popular, o livro apresenta espécies emblemáticas, suas características, usos e interações com animais silvestres, destacando seu papel fundamental na polinização e dispersão de sementes. Com linguagem acessível e ilustrações detalhadas, esta obra não só informa, mas inspira o leitor a valorizar e proteger a natureza.
Rogue Scholar starts subject area communities
Authors: Fenner Martin
Published: February 2025

The Rogue Scholar science blog archive has started to automatically add all blog posts to the subject area community of the blog. Rogue Scholar uses the 48 OECD Fields of Science and Technology subject areas since September 2023 and blog authors pick a subject area when they join Rogue Scholar.
Redescrição de Zeunasa germari (Hemiptera: Fulgoridae)
Authors: Jacques Fagundes João Vítor , Teixeira Renato Auguto
Published: February 2025

Fulgorídeos são insetos fitófagos sugadores de seiva, conhecidos por suas formas e coloração. Em oposição ao conhecimento evolutivo obtido nos últimos anos, o conhecimento das descrições das espécies mantém-se limitado ao dos séculos XIX e XX, especialmente em grupos neotropicais. Tal limitação fica evidente em Zeunasa Distant, 1906, gênero que compreende 13 espécies neotropicais, quatro ocorrentes no Brasil: Z. confusa Nast, 1951 – Z. germari (Gerstaecker, 1860) – Z. gerstaeckeri (Jacobi, 1904) – Z. turca (Fabricius, 1775). Zeunasa germari é aqui redescrita com base em seis espécimes, seguindo estudos recentes da família. A redescrição foi organizada em medidas, cabeça, tórax, tégmina, asa posterior, pernas, abdome e genitália do macho – sendo algo inédito na espécie. Além disso, nós oferecemos uma comparação entre a nossa redescrção e a proposta por Gerstaecker.
New synonyms in Dryadella (Orchidaceae: Pleurothallidinae) from the Brazilian Atlantic Forest
Authors: Imig Daniela Cristina , Engels Mathias Erich , De Camargo Smidt Eric
Published: February 2025

In this note, we propose the synonymization of Dryadella camacaensis under D. vitorinoi and D. storchiana under D. aviceps. These two recently described Dryadella were published at the time of the revision of Dryadella for Brazil was published. The morphological metrics and ecological affinities used to support the synonymization are presented and discussed.
Challenges, Barriers, and Strategies for Leadership Among Indigenous, Afro-descendant, and Local Community Women
Authors:   Rights and Resources Initiative
Published: February 2025

After decades of struggle, some women from IP, ADP, and LC organizations in Latin America have achieved conditions of equality and equity, successfully overcoming instances of violence and/or gender discrimination within their organizations. However, for many others, barriers still exist.

Given women’s relevant role in advancing the land rights of IPs, ADPs, and LCs, it is crucial to recognize the strategies devised by women involved in the RRI coalition to promote equal rights and environments free from gender-based violence and discrimination, which is ultimately what enables them to assume their leadership roles. This recognition enables us to gather lessons learned and share these with partner organizations within the RRI network.

As part of RRI’s regional strategy in 2023, the coalition agreed to conduct an analysis of the enabling contexts and challenges related to fostering Indigenous, Afro-descendant, and local community women’s leadership skills based on the life experiences of three women in Latin America who have achieved leadership roles in their families, organizations, communities, and at the national and international levels.

Analyzing the three women leaders’ life and leadership trajectories made it possible to identify the enabling conditions and barriers that the women overcame in an effort to make their voices, thoughts, and leadership abilities known in the different types of organizations, and how their leadership has opened doors for other women in their town or community.
Should we give up on multiculturalism?
Authors:   Università degli Studi di Milano, Colombo Enzo
Published: February 2025

The popularity of multiculturalism in political and media discourse has been high but short-lived. The chapter analyses the main criticisms advanced to the multicultural perspective and the alternatives proposed for a more organic coexistence in difference. The chapter critically analyses the ideas of interculturalism, cosmopolitanism, superdiversity and everyday multiculturalism. Despite the limits of a multicultural vision excessively based on the defence of cultural differences, thought of as homogeneous and stable, the chapter underlines how the basic claims of the multicultural proposal - inclusion and participation of minorities in social and political life; recognition and respect of cultural difference; fight against discrimination and racism; revision of the rules of common life - are still a valid and essential starting point for thinking about a coexistence in difference.
Evaluating Stress Level and Its Effect on the Quality of Life among Pharmacists Working in Baghdad Teaching Hospitals
Authors: Yosif Tabark Hassan , Ali Ahmed Sadeq , Mikhael Ehab Mudher , Mohammed Samer Imad
Published: February 2025

Background: The evolving role of pharmacists has shifted from mere medication dispensing to comprehensive patient care, increasing work demands and stress levels among pharmacy professionals. Meanwhile, stress can deteriorate pharmacists' quality of life (QOL) and affect the quality of services they provide. Objective: To assess the level and determinants of stress and its consequences among pharmacists in Baghdad's hospitals. Methods: A cross-sectional, questionnaire-based design was employed, targeting 150 pharmacists across nine teaching hospitals in Baghdad, Iraq. Participants' stress levels and QOL were assessed using already validated questionnaires, the Perceived Stress Scale and the WHOQOL-BREF, respectively. Results: Approximately 80% of participating pharmacists reported experiencing moderate levels of stress, with overtime work identified as a significant contributing factor. Despite the stress, over half of the participants expressed satisfaction with their overall health and QOL. Notably, stress levels showed an inverse correlation with QOL indicators, including physical health, psychological health, social relationships, and environmental factors. Conclusions: Iraqi pharmacists who work in Baghdad hospitals suffer from a moderate level of stress. Working for extra hours can exacerbate stress. Pharmacists' job stress can negatively reduce their QOL.
Peran Hukum Ekonomi dalam Menjamin Keberlanjutan Bisnis dan Stabilitas Pasar di Era Digital
Authors: Zakiyah Zakiyah , Emiliyah Siti , Yuhofifah Yuhofifah , Agung Prakoso Firza
Published: February 2025

Penelitian ini mengkaji peran hukum ekonomi dalam menjamin keberlanjutan bisnis dan stabilitas pasar di era digital. Regulasi seperti Undang-Undang Perlindungan Konsumen dan Undang-Undang ITE memberikan dasar hukum yang penting dalam melindungi hak konsumen, memastikan transparansi, dan mencegah pelanggaran. Namun, tantangan utama terletak pada implementasi regulasi yang terkadang kurang dipahami oleh pelaku usaha dan konsumen. Penelitian ini juga menyoroti potensi monopoli digital yang dapat merugikan UKM, serta perlunya kebijakan anti-monopoli yang lebih adaptif. Aspek perlindungan hak kekayaan intelektual dan perlindungan data pribadi juga menjadi perhatian utama. Untuk itu, kebijakan dan regulasi harus diperbarui agar sesuai dengan perkembangan teknologi. Penelitian ini menyarankan peningkatan koordinasi antar-lembaga, pembaruan regulasi, dan kampanye literasi hukum digital. Secara keseluruhan, hukum ekonomi memainkan peran kunci dalam menjaga stabilitas pasar dan mendukung pertumbuhan bisnis digital yang adil dan berkelanjutan.
A SIMPLE PROOF OF IVADY DOUBLE INEQUALITY
Authors:   Faculty of Education, Saitama University, Shimo-okubo 255, Sakura-ku, Saitama-city, Saitama, Japan, Kobayashi Naoki , Nishizawa Yusuke ,   Faculty of Education, Saitama University, Shimo-okubo 255, Sakura-ku, Saitama-city, Saitama, Japan, Okazaki Kenshiroh ,   Faculty of Education, Saitama University, Shimo-okubo 255, Sakura-ku, Saitama-city, Saitama, Japan
Published: February 2025

In this paper, we give a new proof of Iv´ady double inequality: for
x > 0, we have
vuut1 − exp
−
x2
(1 + x2)
1
2
!
< tanh x < 3
vuut1 − exp
−
x3
(1 + x3)
1
2
!
.
GENERALIZED INEQUALITIES OF THE MERCER TYPE FOR STRONGLY CONVEX FUNCTIONS
Authors:   Department of Mathematics, University of Peshawar, Peshawar, Pakistan, Alam Fayaz , Adil Khan Muhammad ,   Department of Mathematics, University of Peshawar, Peshawar, Pakistan, Iqbal Sajid ,   Department of Mathematics, Riphah International University, Faisalabad Campus, Satyana Road, Faisalabad, Pakistan, Nwaeze Eze ,   Department of Mathematics and Computer Science, Alabama State University, Montgomery, AL 36101, USA
Published: February 2025

A generalization of the Mercer type inequality, for strongly convex
functions with modulus c > 0, is hereby established. Let h : [δ, ζ] → R be a
strongly convex function on the interval [δ, ζ] ⊂ R. Let a = (a1, ...., as),
b = (b1, ...., bs) and p = (p1, ...., ps), where ak, bk ∈ [δ, ζ], pk > 0 for each
k = 1, s. If n ∈ Rs
, ha − b, ni = 0 and under some separability assumptions,
then we prove that
Xs
l=1
plh(bl) ≤
Xs
l=1
plh(al) − c
Xs
l=1
pl(al − bl)
2
.
Using the above result, we derive loads of inequalities for similarly separable
vectors. We further applied our results to different types of tuples. Our results
extend, complement and generalize known results in the literature.
ASYMPTOTIC EXPRESSIONS AND FORMULAS FOR FINITE SUMS OF POWERS OF BINOMIAL COEFFICIENTS INVOLVING SPECIAL NUMBERS AND POLYNOMIALS
Authors:   Department of Computer Technologies, Bor Vocational School, Nigde ˘ Omer Halisdemir ¨ University, Nigde-TR-51700, Turkey, KILAR NESLIHAN
Published: February 2025

The main objective in this paper is to study on special numbers
and polynomials that contain finite sums of powers of binomial coefficients.
By using generating function methods, some formulas and relations related to
these numbers and the Apostol-Bernoulli and Apostol-Euler numbers of negative higher order, the Bernoulli and Euler numbers, the Stirling type numbers,
the combinatorial numbers, the Bell polynomials, the Fubini type polynomials,
and the Legendre polynomials are presented. Moreover, asymptotic expressions of the finite sums of powers of binomial coefficients for these numbers are
given. Some numeric values of these asymptotic expressions are illustrated by
the tables. Finally, some inequalities for these numbers are given.
Creencias sobre alimentación y obesidad infantil en cuidadores de escolares mapuches y no mapuches
Authors: Altamirano Nicol , Hetz Erwin
Published: February 2025

La influencia de variables culturales y familiares es relevante para el desarrollo de preferencias y hábitos alimentarios, principalmente durante la etapa escolar. En Chile la prevalencia de obesidad y sobrepeso infantil alcanza el 44,5%. Objetivo: comparar creencias sobre la obesidad y alimentación infantil de los cuidadores de niños mapuches y no mapuches. Materiales y método: estudio con enfoque cualitativo fenomenográfico, en el que se utilizó la entrevista semiestructurada como instrumento de recolección de información y participaron 26 cuidadores principales de escolares de primero a cuarto básico, de dos comunas del centro sur de Chile. Resultados: se evidenciaron similitudes en torno a los conocimientos y creencias nucleares sobre obesidad y alimentación entre grupos mapuches y no mapuches, sin embargo, existen particularidades en la experiencia de elementos secundarios tales como: las creencias en el grupo mapuche de que los niños necesitan mayor cantidad de alimentos que la entregada en las escuelas o la sensación de tener mayor acceso a alimentos procesadas debido a mayor disponibilidad económica y mayor globalización.
Entre la incertidumbre y la esperanza
Authors: Bengoa José María
Published: February 2025

Cuando los países transitan por períodos de prosperidad, el margen de error, por lo general, es relativamente amplio. Se pueden cometer errores y a pesar de ello el país progresa. En la medida en que se acentúa una crisis económica, el margen de error se va reduciendo, y entonces un error de estrategia puede ser catastrófico. Muchos países han vivido durante años en la creencia de que tenían un gran margen de error. En poco tiempo se han dado cuenta de que ese aparente amplio margen de error era un espejismo, y que realmente la capacidad de equivocarse tenía un límite relativamente estrecho. De aquí la necesidad de afinar nuestros diagnósticos y estrategias, en un esfuerzo por reducir al mínimo el margen de error. En un trabajo reciente, que nos solicitó la Ministra Mercedes Pulido de Briceño, sobre el desarrollo humano en Venezuela, durante los últimos 50 años, nos hacíamos la siguiente pregunta: ¿los avances logrados en los últimos 50 años son superiores o inferiores a las metas imaginadas -que no previstas- por los hombres venezolanos de las décadas 30 y 40? Nadie sería capaz de dar respuesta a esta pregunta, pero lo que sí se puede afirmar es que los cambios ocurridos en los últimos 50 años en Venezuela han sido más rápidos, más vertiginosos y profundos, que los cambios habidos en toda la historia de la colonia y post independencia conjuntamente. Venezuela no es homogénea en el desarrollo físico de sus habitantes. Es muy difícil por eso hablar de una población bien o mal nutrida. La primera generación nació en los primeros años del siglo XX. Es pues una generación que hoy es adulta o anciana. Su historia fue dramática. Las enfermedades infecciosas y parasitarias eran a principios de siglo--sin la práctica hasta 1940--tan frecuentes que apenas una minoría lograba sobreponerse. La niñez de entonces podía pasar la mitad de su vida enferma. La alimentación durante los primeros años era muy deficiente y los cuadros de desnutrición grave eran frecuentes en dispensarios y hospitales. Los pediatras de entonces estudiaron el problema como nunca después se ha hecho. La mortalidad general era tres veces mayor que hoy; la mortalidad infantil cuatro o cinco veces mayor; la morbilidad por tuberculosis 12 veces más alta; la de gastroenteritis, cinco veces mayor, y el paludismo, en algunos estados de la República, era la causa de un 30 y 50% del total de muertes.
Challenging Dublin transfers. Revisiting judicial developments in light of the new Asylum and Migration Management Regulation: CZA and X v Staatssecretaris
Authors: Zaruchas Hannah
Published: February 2025

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normal;mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none"
Parental Liability in EU Competition Law: A Legitimacy-Focused Approach by Peter Whelan (Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2023)
Authors: Kalintiri Andriani
Published: February 2025

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normal;mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none"
EU Diplomatic Law by Sanderijn Duquet (Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2022)
Authors: Keukeleire Stephan
Published: February 2025

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normal;mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none"
Editorial: The ‘Decluttering’ of EU Direct Tax Law
Authors: Kofler Georg
Published: February 2025

p class="MsoNormal"Unleashing the
economic power of the EU’s Single Market and boosting Europe’s competitiveness
and innovation capacity requires a fresh look at the immense administrative and
regulatory burdens that have been created over the past decades. This also has
a tax dimension, and – as Wopke Hoekstra, the Commissioner responsible for
taxation – has recently put it: ‘Decluttering is of the essence’. Indeed, in a
post-Pillar Two tax environment, many existing tax measures may have lost their
relevance or even be duplicative. Moreover, perhaps the time has come to
consider broad common rules for European companies: While this would not be
‘decluttering’ of EU tax law itself, the creation of common regimes that
replace the Member States’ rules would ideally be a ‘one in, twenty-seven out’
approach.o:p/o:p
Leveraging digital infrastructure and data management systems for water infrastructure emergency response planning
Authors: Kulkarni Tanay
Published: February 2025

Water infrastructure resilience is critical for ensuring the safety, reliability, and sustainability of water supply systems, particularly in the face of natural disasters, climate change, and human-induced disruptions. Traditional resilience strategies have relied on structural reinforcements and reactive interventions, often lacking the adaptability required for modern risk management. This paper explores smart resilience strategies, incorporating digital infrastructure, real-time monitoring, predictive analytics, and automation to enhance emergency preparedness. IoT-enabled sensors, AI-driven decision-making, cloud-based Decision Support Systems (DSS), and blockchain technology play key roles in detecting vulnerabilities and optimizing response efficiency. The paper also examines the challenges of digital resilience adoption, including high costs, cybersecurity risks, and regulatory gaps, particularly in developing regions. Future trends, such as AI-driven automation, 5G-powered connectivity, and sustainable infrastructure solutions, are discussed alongside policy recommendations to support public-private partnerships and standardized resilience frameworks. By integrating smart technologies, water utilities and policymakers can enhance disaster response, mitigate risks, and ensure water security for future generations.
Agile and waterfall: Two different ways of approaching software projects
Authors: Kawsar Syeda Hajira
Published: February 2025

This paper focuses on the two major software project management processes, Agile and Waterfall, and explains the fundamental concepts, advantages, and disadvantages of each process. Agile is famous for its incremental and adaptive style that helps teams adapt to changing conditions that are existent in project contexts. On the other hand, there is a Waterfall approach, which is a more rigid framework applicable for projects that are expected to undergo little change in requirements. This paper compares the various methodologies in terms of systems used, functioning, uses and the aspects that determine their use. Drawings and illustrations, such as flowcharts and diagrams, are provided to support the concepts explained and presented. The authors also describe the conditions suitable for applying each of the methodologies under discussion.
Research on the Practical Significance and Practical Path of Forging the Sense of Community for the Chinese Nation among University Students
Authors: Ma Xiaogai
Published: February 2025

Forging the sense of community for the Chinese nation is an important task for the development of the Party and the country in the new era, and it has far-reaching significance for enhancing the sense of national identity and national unity of university students. This paper analyses in depth the role of the sense of Community for the Chinese Nation in deepening university students' historical knowledge, enhancing their sense of mission and responsibility, integrating into the overall situation of national development and consolidating socialist ethnic relations, and reveals its important value. It then systematically elaborates the practical paths for forging the sense of community for the Chinese nation among university students from five aspects: improving the education system, integrating it into the ideological and political curriculum, carrying out practical activities, strengthening publicity and education, and constructing a platform for discourse. The aim is to promote university students' deep understanding and high degree of identification with the consciousness of community for the Chinese nation through diversified educational means and practical platforms, so as to contribute to the construction of the community for the Chinese nation.
Research on the Problems and Optimization Countermeasures of One Stop University Student Community Construction--Taking Anhui University of Finance and Economics as an Example
Authors: Zhang Rui , Yang Shuting , Han Xinyi , Tian Liyijia
Published: February 2025

Nowadays, with the expansion of enrollment in universities and the expansion of education scale, the quality of higher education has declined, and the efficiency of student community management needs to be improved. It is imperative to improve the quality of student community education. In order to achieve the construction goals of the forefront of student community party building, the practice field of "three pronged education", and the model highland of a safe campus, and to bridge the "last mile" of teaching and education, this article takes the one-stop student community of Anhui University of Finance and Economics as the research object. Firstly, it reviews the research and development status of one-stop university student community construction at home and abroad. Secondly, through field investigations and other research methods, it analyzes the problems existing in student community construction. Finally, based on the above content and the characteristics of Anhui University of Finance and Economics, it explores the optimization strategies for one-stop university student community construction, in order to provide reference and guidance for the construction of one-stop university student communities, and strive to truly achieve the vision of steadily improving the quality of higher education and talent cultivation.
The Application of Reading-to-Write Strategy under Core Literacy in Junior High School English Writing Class
Authors: Xu Chao
Published: February 2025

The four fundamental skills for learning English are speaking, listening, reading, and writing. These four skills are interrelated, mutually reinforcing and indispensable. However, in today’ s junior high school English classes in China, these four skills are often taught to students in an independent form. With the deepening and development of quality education, English teaching more clearly points to the curriculum goal of cultivating and developing students’ core literacy. Therefore, it is urgent to study the teaching method of reading and writing under the background of English key competence. The research on the teaching method of reading and writing in foreign countries is earlier than that in China. However, research on this approach in China didn’t begin until much later and generally concentrated on the senior high school English teaching phase. Therefore, in light of the current state of writing teaching, the author explores and discusses how to help students use reading skills, master writing methods and improve their language ability, cultural awareness, thinking quality and learning ability through Reading-to-write strategy based on Krashen’ s input hypothesis and Swain’ s output hypothesis.
Research on the Motivation of Social Organizations Integrating into Community Governance Community Construction: Configuration Analysis Based on QCA
Authors: Wei Wenting
Published: February 2025

The Ministry of Civil Affairs has launched the construction project of the National Community Governance and Service Innovation Experimental Zone. Each experimental zone focuses on the difficulties of community construction reform, strives to eliminate misconceptions and institutional barriers, and provides a number of practical and theoretical innovation achievements. The study selected 42 experimental areas as research subjects and applied Clear Set Qualitative Comparative Analysis (csQCA) to explore the impact of six major factors on the effectiveness of social organizations' integration into community governance communities. Research has found that the construction of community governance communities is the result of a combination of multiple factors, and presents a diversified pattern. The necessary conditions for the integration of social organizations are professional competence and diverse cooperation, while the sufficient conditions are community support and financial subsidies. Through the data sorting and sorting of QCA software, the three combinations with the highest coverage rates were identified, namely social-driven type, multi-driven type, and official-driven type, which facilitate the integration of social organizations into the construction of community governance communities. Based on this, five effective paths for the integration of social organizations into the construction of community governance communities were summarized.
A Quality Analysis of a College English Placement Test
Authors: Yang Xiuzi
Published: February 2025

This study systematically investigated the quality of a college English placement exam paper from the test theory perspective: reliability, validity, difficulty, and discrimination. The results emphasized the need to conduct scientific analyses of the scores of English tests to improve the quality and effectiveness of future teaching. These analyses are essential for enhancing the overall quality and effectiveness of future teaching practices in the field of college English. By identifying areas for improvement in the exam paper, educators can take targeted measures to refine their assessment tools, ultimately leading to more accurate evaluations and better-informed instructional strategies.
Using compact Retrieval-Augmented Generation for knowledge preservation in SMBs
Authors: Schönwälder Erik , Hahmann Martin , Ott Gritt
Published: February 2025

Knowledge preservation is a critical challenge for small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs). Employee fluctuation and evolving work tasks create a permanent risk of knowledge and experience loss. Therefore, SMBs need effective and efficient strategies for knowledge retention. As most knowledge in companies is primarily encoded as language or text, large language models (LLMs) offer a promising solution for the preservation and utilization of knowledge. However, despite their strengths, their adoption and deployment are challenging. To address this issue, we propose a system based on the Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) concept that combines small, locally run language models with traditional retrieval algorithms to significantly enhance the process of knowledge preservation and utilization by reducing search efforts.
GoodMaps Indoor Navigation: Leveraging Computer Vision to Foster Indoor Navigation
Authors: Palilonis Jennifer , Meredith Charlie
Published: February 2025

People around the world have come to rely on digital maps–accessible with the tap of a smartphone screen–to guide them places, to locate areas with which they are unfamiliar, and to get directions to desired destinations. In a world that is overflowing with technological advancements, we expect to be shown, in real time, how to get from point A to point B. However, navigating indoors using assistive technology can prove more challenging than navigating outdoors, as indoor spaces have not traditionally been mapped the way outdoor spaces have by companies like Google and Apple. Additionally, most indoor mapping and navigation services are not very accurate or accessible to meet the needs of a variety of users, including individuals with disabilities. Founded by American Printing House for the Blind (APH) in 2019, the GoodMaps Indoor Navigation smartphone app is addressing these challenges by leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) and crowd-sourced data to scale its app and map coverage efficiently. GoodMaps uses AI–primarily through computer vision algorithms–to create highly accurate indoor maps and to enable precise navigation for users. The app allows them to navigate complex indoor spaces like airports, university campuses, and more by providing detailed turn-by-turn directions. GoodMaps’ computer vision technology interprets real-time data from a device's camera and sensors, effectively guiding users through the environment even without visual sightlines. This is particularly valuable for people with visual impairments or mobility challenges who need assistance navigating intricate indoor spaces. Currently, AI-driven translation capabilities enable the app to support four languages, with six more planned by early 2025, automating 90% of destination translations for non-English users. Looking ahead, GoodMaps aims to further harness AI to dynamically adapt to changes in indoor environments. AI-powered image recognition will enable automated detection of environmental updates via user device cameras, while crowd-sourced contributions from users will provide real-time feedback similar to Waze. This combination of AI and community-driven updates will streamline map maintenance, improve accessibility, and set a new standard for scalable indoor navigation solutions. GoodMaps is also partnering with Intel to deliver a high-quality indoor wayfinding solution for people who are blind or visually impaired. Safely and effectively navigating indoor spaces results in greater independence and confidence when traveling. Intel continues to investigate volumetric mapping algorithms and advances in artificial intelligence to improve the precision and accuracy of GoodMaps’ commercial indoor wayfinding service. This paper will explain GoodMaps’ user-centered design process, chronicling how user experience research has informed the development of AI-driven computer vision models to address user requirements.
Human Interactions with Holocaust Survivor AIs: Current and Future Applications of Visitors’ Interactions with Holocaust Survivor “Holograms”
Authors: Gamber Cayo
Published: February 2025

Currently in use at over a dozen museums worldwide, pre-recorded interviews with individual Holocaust survivors incorporate specialized display technology and natural language processing to generate interactive conversations between survivors and visitors. These non-generative AI recordings, created by the USC Shoah Foundation Dimensions in Testimony (DiT) project, are prepared to answer well over 1000 possible questions visitors might ask of them. These current-day interactions with DiT recordings of Holocaust survivors are indebted to a cadre of historians who recognized it was vital to gather the testimony of those who were persecuted. As this paper will demonstrate, for the past eight decades historians, archivists, and technology specialists have worked persistently and creatively to collect, to preserve, and to provide access to the eyewitness testimonies of those who survived the Shoah.
Construal Level Theory (CLT) for designing explanation interfaces in operational contexts
Authors: Venditti Roberto , Minaskan Narek , Biliri Evmorfia , Villegas Miguel , Kirwan Barry , Westin Carl , Basjuka Jekaterina , Pozzi Simone
Published: February 2025

Explainability is essential to fostering trust, transparency, and effective Human-AI Teaming (HAT) in high-stakes operational contexts where humans interact with complex AI systems. This paper presents the application of Construal Level Theory (CLT), a psychological framework, to design explainability interfaces in safety-critical contexts where the quantity of information and the time required to process it are critical factors. The CLT was originally developed to explain how individuals mentally construe objects and events at different levels of abstraction based on psychological distance (temporal, spatial, or social). The CLT has since been applied in the design of user interfaces, where it serves as the theoretical framework to structure information retrieval systems so that users can progressively query data at different levels of abstraction. Building on this foundational work, our contribution extends the CLT’s application to design explanation interfaces tailored to operators of AI systems used in six aviation use cases, including cockpit, air traffic control tower and airport operations. Our use of the CLT framework addresses key explainability questions in such systems: What information should be presented? When should it be shown? For how long? and At what level of detail? This paper outlines the design methodology and demonstrates its application in one Use Case where an Intelligent Sequence Assistant (ISA) is being developed to support and enhance decision-making for Air Traffic Controllers. ISA optimises runway utilisation in single-runway airports, providing real-time sequence suggestions for arriving and departing aircraft. These operational suggestions are accompanied by text-based explanations for all the sequence changes, structured according to the CLT in various levels of detail. Controllers can progressively query these explanations (e.g. by interacting with dedicated sections of the interface) to access the desired level of detail, build situational awareness, and understand the assistant’s reasoning. While the CLT provides a framework for structuring the information and the interaction with the system, it does not prescribe how the information should be visually presented on the Human-Machine Interface (HMI), leaving this decision to the designer.
Generating Realistic Traffic Scenarios: A Deep Learning Approach Using Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs)
Authors: Shadab Alam Md , Martens Marieke , Bazilinskyy Pavlo
Published: February 2025

Traffic simulations are crucial for testing systems and human behaviour in transportation research. This study investigates the potential efficacy of Unsupervised Recycle Generative Adversarial Networks (Recycle–GANs) in generating realistic traffic videos by transforming daytime scenes into nighttime environments and vice-versa. By leveraging Unsupervised Recycle-GANs, we bridge the gap between data availability during day and night traffic scenarios, enhancing the robustness and applicability of deep learning algorithms for real-world applications. GPT-4V was provided with two sets of six different frames from each day and night time from the generated videos and queried whether the scenes were artificially created based on lightning, shadow behaviour, perspective, scale, texture, detail and presence of edge artefacts. The analysis of GPT-4V output did not reveal evidence of artificial manipulation, which supports the credibility and authenticity of the generated scenes. Furthermore, the generated transition videos were evaluated by 15 participants who rated their realism on a scale of 1 to 10, achieving a mean score of 7.21. Two persons identified the videos as deep-fake generated without pointing out what was fake in the video; they did mention that the traffic was generated.