Abstract: The rise of social media platforms has profoundly transformed communication in South Asia, especially in Bangladesh. While enabling democratic participation, these platforms have simultaneously become tools for orchestrating mob violence and extrajudicial trials. This research critically explores how social media has facilitated digital vigilantism, often leading to brutal acts of mob justice. Using a mixed-methods approach, including case study analysis, media monitoring, and interviews, the study demonstrates the link between online misinformation and offline violence. The findings highlight the urgent need for regulatory mechanisms and digital literacy programs to prevent the misuse of these platforms. The paper concludes with policy-oriented recommendations to counteract the growing threat of online-fueled mob violence in the region.

Abstract: Augmented Reality (AR), which overlays digital information on the physical world, is frequently used in textile retail to improve shopping experiences by simulating product appearance and enabling virtual customisation. While these applications foster brand engagement and purchasing decisions, they largely promote consumption rather than encouraging circular behaviours. This study introduces the AR Biofibre Explorer, an innovative tool designed to reconnect consumers with materials and processes by demonstrating the wet spinning process for producing cellulose-based textiles. Through a mixed-methods evaluation, we reveal how the tool enhances understanding of material origins and their applications, promoting informed decisions and circular practices. Aligning with the [Theoretical Framework anonymised for review], the tool incorporates dimensions such as learning, attachment, competence, and playfulness. This research establishes AR as a means to foster sustainability and circularity in fashion by bridging material knowledge gaps, enhancing consumer engagement, and enabling sustainable consumption choices.

Abstract: This study investigates the effectiveness of custom-designed Augmented Reality (AR) animations in improving the acquisition of English idioms and slang among Iranian EFL learners. Non-native speakers, particularly Iranian learners, often face challenges with native speakers' idioms and slang, leading to communication difficulties. Despite the increasing interest in AR for language education, research on its impact on teaching idioms and slang to Iranian EFL learners is limited. This study aims to fill this gap by exploring how AR can enhance traditional educational methods. Custom-designed AR animations, accessible via smartphones, were developed to illustrate idioms and slang using tailored speech and visual elements. A mixed-methods research design was employed, incorporating pretest-posttest control and experimental groups. The study involved 40 students enrolled in English language teaching and translation courses at Imam Reza University. The experimental group used AR animations, while the control group relied on traditional Word documents displayed via a projector. Both groups completed a lesson unit on vocabulary over eight sessions, covering 13 American idioms and slang expressions. Quantitative data from multiple-choice tests were analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics 27 with independent samples t-tests and descriptive analysis. Additionally, interview data from the experimental group were processed using MAXQDA 2020. Results indicated that the use of AR animations significantly enhanced the learning of English idioms and slang. Qualitative findings revealed high student satisfaction with the AR animations. The study recommends incorporating AR animations into various topics and grade levels for English learning among EFL learners.

Abstract: This paper presents an investigation based on an agreement between the Polytechnic University of Bari and the Archaeological Park of Egnazia. The objectives of this collaboration are to define solutions for enhancing the accessibility of the archaeological park, including a protection and a covering system for the entrance to the ancient cryptoporticus and a removable, repositionable fencing system for excavation areas, integrated with lighting and information systems. The methodology involves framing the contemporary relationship between design and archaeology by analyzing existing theoretical literature and identifying recent case studies in Italy and broad. In a second phase, the paper will focus on the Archaeological Park of Egnazia, considering both as a part of a broader landscape system and as a specific site for experimentation. The findings contribute to the development of a methodological framework that categorizes interventions based on the key principles of temporariness, flexibility, adaptability, and sustainability. The ultimate goal is to define design strategies for archaeological parks that address the challenge of integrating visitor accessibility with the requirements of excavation, protection and conservation.

Abstract: The integration of emotional design principles with virtual reality exposure therapy (VRET) represents a significant advancement in mental health treatment modalities. Meta-analyses demonstrate the effectiveness of this approach, with considerable effect sizes for both anxiety (g = 0.79) and depression (g = 0.73) treatments. This research investigates the systematic incorporation of emotional design elements within virtual reality exposure therapy applications, examining their impact on therapeutic outcomes and user engagement. Through a comprehensive analysis of implementation strategies, technical requirements, and clinical integration factors, this study develops a structured framework for embedding emotional design in therapeutic VR environments. The findings indicate that Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy substantially improved treatment efficacy compared to traditional Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). This research contributes to the evolving virtual reality exposure therapy field by providing evidence-based guidelines for emotional design integration and identifying promising directions for future development.

Abstract: Rapid digitalization has dramatically altered many ways in which educational resources are accessed, shared, and consumed. This paper reports on the design and implementation of a new Educational Resource Sharing Platform that aims at collaboration and equitable access to educational materials. By taking its cues from the Vite.js build tool that is optimized for efficiency, the platform is developed to provide a friendly and intuitive User- Interface. The architectural design capitalizes on the dynamic functionalities of JavaScript to facilitate modular scalability and the smooth incorporation of interactive elements. This platform empowers users to efficiently share, discover, and utilize a wide array of educational resources, thereby fostering a community-oriented approach to learning. Notable characteristics encompass a lightweight, rapid-loading interface, as well as the prospective integration of machine learning models that could provide personalized content recommendations aligned with user preferences and behaviors. Preliminary study results show that the platform possesses capacity for reducing redundancy in resources, opportunities for collaborative learning, and an inclusive environment for sharing knowledge. Thus, this study contributes to closing educational disparities by responding to growing demand for accessible educational resources. Follow-up studies are going to be able to integrate advanced analytics and machine learning techniques in order to better optimize what content is delivered and experienced by the user.

Abstract: Ecological ethics is gaining traction. Can this new attitude towards our ecosystems help to motivate a change in our relationship with land and nature? Can we move towards a legal system that supports the legal personality of land, devoid of human ownership? There are substantial amounts of international environmental law that have been hovering on the fringes of defining and then redefining our relationship with land, with more emphasis on respecting the land as itself, rather than as a vehicle with which humanity can gain wealth. This article briefly explores the conjunction of international environmental law history and ecological ethics in the hope that it will encourage a segue in our approach to conservation, ecology and being.

Abstract:

Background/Objectives: This article addresses an exploratory design study in the framework of the research REMIND, focused on the importance of cultural and biographical components for cognitive and sensory stimulation of persons with dementia. Through a case study held at a Day Centre from Alzheimer Portugal association, it envisages to demonstrate the relevance of including cultural elements in sensory stimulation artefacts for persons with dementia. It is hypothesised that the inclusion of cultural elements transversal to the biographical stories of these persons will have greater potential to stimulate their senses and reminiscences. This hypothesis in the context of this study was explored through textile artefacts. Methods: Methods included participant observation, sensory and visual ethnography, interviews, focus groups, and participatory design involving women with moderate and advanced Alzheimer’s disease and health professionals. Due to the severely compromised verbal communication abilities of part of the women, beyond-verbal communication strategies were adopted. Results: The results showed that textiles with a cultural presence tend to elicit greater reactions and reminiscences of events associated with women’s life stories. Crochet artefacts were of particular relevance: women's involvement in activities with crochet artefacts was substantially higher and, in certain cases of women with moderate dementia, these artefacts activated positive memories of the person suggesting the potential of crochet for sensory stimulation. Conclusions: The results support the hypothesis, however, further research is needed exploring other cultural elements and involving a broader demographic. Based on the results obtained, a sensory blanket was developed and is already in use at the Centre.

Abstract:

Pottery is one of the most common and abundant types of human remains found in archaeological contexts. The analysis of archaeological pottery involves the reconstruction of pottery vessels from their sherds, which represents a laborious and repetitive task. In this work, we investigate a deep learning-based approach for making that process more efficient, accurate and faster. In that regard, given a sherd’s digital point cloud in a standard, so-called canonical position, the proposed method predicts the geometric transformation which moves the sherd to its expected position relative to the respective vessel’s coordinate system. Among the main components of the proposed method, a pair of deep 1D-convolutional neural networks trained to predict the 3D Euclidean transformation parameters stands out. Herein, rotation and translation components are treated as independent problems, so, while the first network is dedicated to predict translation moments, the other infers the rotation parameters. In practical applications, once a vessel’s shape is identified, the networks can be trained for predicting the target transformation parameter values. Given the 3D model of a vessel, it is broken virtually countless times for the production of training data, which consist of a large set of virtual sherds. The herein proposed 1D-convolutional neural network architecture, so-called PotNet, was inspired by the PointNet architecture. While PointNet was motivated by 3D point clouds classification and segmentation applications, PotNet was designed to perform non-linear regressions. Experiments using three distinct real vessels were carried out, and the reported results suggest that the proposed method can be successfully used for aiding pottery reconstruction.

Abstract:

The evolution of HR systems from digitisation to digital transformation is a fascinating journey. Initially, HR systems focused on digitising paper-based processes, such as employee records and payroll. This phase, known as digitisation, aimed to improve efficiency and reduce manual errors by converting analog information into digital formats.As technology advanced, HR systems evolved into digitalisation, where digital tools and technologies were integrated into HR processes. This phase saw the adoption of HR information systems (HRIS), electronic HRM (e-HRM), and other digital tools to streamline administrative tasks, enhance recruitment and training processes, and improve decision-making through HR analytics.The current phase, digital transformation, goes beyond merely digitising existing processes. It involves rethinking and redesigning HR practices to leverage cutting-edge technologies like artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and big data. Digital transformation aims to create a more agile, data-driven, and employee-centric HR function. It encompasses digital workplaces, digital employee services, and the implementation of advanced technologies to enhance HR processes and employee experiences. This transformation is driven by various factors, including internal customer digital needs, industry digital innovation, competitor challenges, and the need for digital innovation governance. While digital transformation brings numerous benefits, it also poses challenges, such as managing the transition from old to new systems and addressing potential negative impacts on the workforce.

Abstract: Environmental challenges are increasing, requiring global attention. In this regard, the role of PR and communication campaigns remains influential. This research also investigates the effect of Public Relations (PR) campaigns and environmental education, attitudes toward environmental sustainability, and behavioral intentions among university students in the United Arab Emirates and Egypt. Theoretically supported by the theory of planned behavior (TPB), structured questionnaires are used for data gathering. Data analyzed by using Partial Least Square- Structural equation modeling (SEM) revealed the positive effect of PR campaigns on providing environmental education and awareness among Emirati and Egypt students. Results also showed a positive effect of PR campaigns on the students’ attitudes towards environmental sustainability. Finally, the effects of PR campaigns on the behavioral intention of the Emirati and Egypt students also remained positive. Overall, the results imply that PR campaigns play a significant role in improving environmental education, shaping positive attitudes toward environmental sustainability, and affecting behavioral intentions among university students in the UAE and Egypt. These results emphasize the significance of PR initiatives in encouraging environmental awareness and promoting pro-environmental behaviors within educational settings. Also, the results highlight the effectiveness of PR campaigns in creating trust between organizations and the public while encouraging social responsibility. Finally, study implications and limitations are discussed.

Abstract:

This study is devoted as part of the English for Special Subjects (ESP) course for electrical and computer engineering students. The research conducted with 2nd-year students of Ajou University in Tashkent aims to develop professional communication skills, including mastering technical vocabulary and oral presentation. The case study approach fosters critical thinking and collaboration by analyzing real-life scenarios such as website usability comparisons and problem-solving activities. Survey results showed significant improvements in students' English proficiency and engagement levels, despite challenges such as limited technical vocabulary and presentation anxiety. The study bridges the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application, demonstrating the effectiveness of case studies in preparing students for real professional environments.

Abstract: Nowadays, there is an increasing amount of scholarly literature highlighting the significant demand placed upon higher education institutions to equip students for the workforce and enhance their employability skills citing that most institutions produce graduates who lack the competences required in the job market. This theoretical paper explores the crucial role of micro-credentials in higher education programs amidst the changing job landscape. It addresses the skills gap by providing insights on how learners can obtain and provide tangible evidence of skills acquired to their prospective employees through digital badges, tailored to meet industry needs. Micro-credentials offer solutions for bridging the gap between academic learning and industry requirements, focusing on key competencies which include but are not limited to analytical thinking and technological literacy. The paper examines potential benefits of Micro-credentials, including flexibility and affordability, along with challenges like, time constraints on the side of students, lack of faculty awareness, accreditation issues and challenges related to their alignment with traditional education. Further, strategies for overcoming obstacles are proposed, with emphasis on collaboration and technology integration. Additionally, it highlights organizations/ institutions offering micro-credential courses, showcasing the growing recognition of these credentials in meeting the needs of learners and the workforce. This paper makes a significant contribution to the ongoing discourse on employability of graduates by emphasizing the strategic integration of micro-credentials in academic programs as an innovative approach to addressing skills gaps, fostering industry alignment, and enhancing workforce readiness in higher education.

Abstract: Physical specimens have been always the primary resources for teaching and learning paleontology in formal educational environments. However, there is a growing interest in the use of paleontological data in higher education, supported by the increased use of digital tools and large paleontological databases for data-driven learning (DDL). In the context of the ongoing data revolution in modern paleontological research, the notion of the two fossil records has emerged to distinguish the physical record consisting of specimens, from the abstracted record consisting of the data derived from those specimens. Here we argue that the so-called abstracted record extends beyond the digital data (e.g., databases, digital models, and imagery) to include (i) network-based representations of high-dimensional fossil data (e.g., The Earth-Life System), and (ii) point process models describing spatially explicit events (e.g., community-scale spatial distributions; distribution of biotic traces on shelled invertebrates). We discuss these multiples fossil records from a didactical perspective, highlighting their promise for DDL in the paleontology classroom. Network science and spatial point processes modeling are transforming paleontological research by enhancing modeling capacities and helping researchers to reveal the complexity of the global biosphere over deep-time. Our perspective paper aims to bridge the gap between the state-of-the-art paleontological research and current teaching practices in higher education courses of paleontology, by calling on educators to leverage these breakthroughs into their classrooms.

Abstract: This work combines the Doctoral Thesis of Dr. Mg. Industrial Designer Ibar Federico Anderson (UNLP) called "The Argentine Belle Époque. Art, domestic architecture and furniture design applied to bourgeois interior decoration (1860-1936)", defended in 2014 at the National University of La Plata; with the Master's Thesis of the University of Palermo by the Architect Gastón Eduardo Girod (UBA) called "The construction of Argentine Creole furniture. Country chairs from San Antonio de Areco, Province of Buenos Aires, in the period 1990-2021", defended in 2023. It seeks to develop a new Theoretical Framework for what will be the Doctoral Thesis at the University of Palermo by Mg. Architect Gastón Girod; whose title is "The incorporation of traditional artisan techniques in the design of contemporary Argentine furniture, period 2000-2023".Two previous works have already been written in 2022 in co-authorship in the ArtyHum magazine. This work emphasizes the publication “The Argentine Creole chair. A study of the most relevant typologies of 'sitting' furniture (urban-rural) in the Argentine Republic” (ArtyHum No. 84).

Abstract: Objective: This review examined the influence of anthropometric characteristics, such as height and body mass, on the impact of punches in striking combat sports. Despite their perceived importance for combat strategy, the relationship between these characteristics and punch impact remains unclear.Methods: We included Experimental, Quasi-experimental and Cross-sectional studies. The search was conducted on August 30, 2024, in three databases. The review analyzed 23 studies involving 381 participants (304 men, 30 women, 47 unknown gender). Various instruments were used in the included studies, including 10 instruments to measure impact force and 2 instruments to measure impact power. Results: Impact force ranged from 989 ± 116.76 to 5008.6 ± 76.3 N, with rear hand straight punches and rear hand hooks producing the greatest force. The PowerKube revealed that the rear hand straight punch generated the highest power, ranging from 15183.27 ± 4368.90 to 22014 ± 1336 W. While heavier weight categories were associated with stronger punches, body mass alone was not the only predictor. Other factors, such as technique, gender, and sport type, also played roles. The relationship between height and punch impact showed mixed results.Conclusion: The data suggest that while higher weight categories are associated with greater punch impact, body mass is not the only determining factor. The relationship between height and impact also showed mixed results, with no clear association. The review highlights the lack of a gold standard instrument for evaluating punch impact.

Abstract: : The architectural artefacts, materials, and techniques for building shelters may have some common properties from the architectural culture that evolved during the human species. This article studied the material features and settlement organisations used by the first human species’ nest-building activities and shelter forms belonging to indigenous people living in sub-Saharan Africa. The article questioned that early modern human species’ unsubstantiated notions of architectural heritage may have been carried out across the nest construction, typological differentiation, material use, and transfer to new generations and habitats. The focus was on the home-based spatial organisation and structure building. We were aware we needed to point out some fundamental misunderstandings regarding the nature of cultural and archaeological taxonomies and the misuse of analogical reasoning when comparing recent hunter-gatherer populations with some hominin groups. The paper aimed to discuss whether that early Homo ‘architecture’ in Africa may have some resemblance features to that of recent or current Africans. The discussion may imply that architectural products used in the settlement remains of early Homo species may have similar characteristics to the huts of the San people living as hunter-gatherers in Sub-Saharan Africa. We thought discussing different human species’ architectural activities was productive as early human species’ architectural understanding and principles may be adapted to current placemaking scenarios, urban design attitudes, and housing models. We think that with further evidence, the basis of the idea may be developed.

Abstract: The main objective of this study was to analyze the sustainability orientation of research models in four public higher education institutions (HEIs) located in the border area between Ecuador and Colombia. Using a previously validated instrument based on the Delphi methodology, data were collected from the heads of the research units of these HEIs. Statistical analysis revealed no significant differences between the research models of the four institutions and the principles of sustainability in general. However, one institution showed significantly superior performance in the environmental and economic dimensions, suggesting a better integration of sustainability criteria into its research model. The main methodological contribution of this study lies in the comprehensive characterization of HEI research models by assessing multiple indicators in four key dimensions: environmental, social, economic and institutional. This pioneering analysis contributes to the understanding of the integration of sustainability in public HEI research models in a frontier context, a topic scarcely addressed in the specialized literature. The findings have practical implications, providing HEIs with empirical evidence to critically evaluate and improve their research models, aligning their priorities with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Abstract: This article forges an unprecedented synthesis between the realms of spirituality, sustainability, and systems thinking, unveiling a transformative framework for an "integral ecology of innovation." By bridging insights from world wisdom traditions, ecological sciences, and complexity theory, the author presents a radically integrative understanding of the interconnected, sacred nature of human and natural systems. Transcending the fragmented, mechanistic worldviews that have long dominated innovation paradigms, this groundbreaking work illuminates innovative design principles, technological solutions, and collaborative processes that embody reverence for the sacredness of life and the regenerative patterns of the biosphere. The visionary ideas explored here represent a watershed moment in redefining the purpose and practice of innovation to align with humanity's highest spiritual and ecological aspirations.

Abstract: This study investigated the integration of indigenous knowledge with modern Customer Relationship Management (CRM) practices in the Indian banking sector. Through a comprehensive analysis of secondary data from industry surveys, government reports, and academic studies (2018-2023), we explored how this integration impacts customer satisfaction, loyalty, and financial inclusion. Our findings reveal that banks that incorporate indigenous practices experience a 25% increase in customer satisfaction scores, 30% lower churn rates, and 20% higher cross-selling success. Financial inclusion metrics have improved significantly, with rural account ownership increasing from 70% to 85% (2018-2023). We identify five key areas of indigenous knowledge integration: personalized relationship management, community-centric banking, vernacular communication, cultural event-based products, and traditional value-aligned services. Despite the challenges in technology integration and staff training, the successful implementation demonstrates the potential of this approach. This study concludes that integrating indigenous knowledge with CRM practices leads to more culturally relevant and effective banking services, contributing to India's financial inclusion and economic development goals. This study provides a framework for banks to create inclusive strategies that are potentially applicable to other sectors in culturally diverse markets.