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Search Results (648)

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58 pages, 2966 KB  
Article
Super Time-Cognitive Neural Networks (Phase 3 of Sophimatics): Temporal-Philosophical Reasoning for Security-Critical AI Applications
by Gerardo Iovane and Giovanni Iovane
Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(22), 11876; https://doi.org/10.3390/app152211876 - 7 Nov 2025
Abstract
Current generative AI systems, despite extraordinary progress, face fundamental limitations in temporal reasoning, contextual understanding, and ethical decision-making. These systems process information statistically without authentic comprehension of experiential time or intentional context, limiting their applicability in security-critical domains where reasoning about past experiences, [...] Read more.
Current generative AI systems, despite extraordinary progress, face fundamental limitations in temporal reasoning, contextual understanding, and ethical decision-making. These systems process information statistically without authentic comprehension of experiential time or intentional context, limiting their applicability in security-critical domains where reasoning about past experiences, present situations, and future implications is essential. We present Phase 3 of the Sophimatics framework: Super Time-Cognitive Neural Networks (STCNNs), which address these limitations through complex-time representation T ∈ ℂ where chronological time (Re(T)) integrates with experiential dimensions of memory (Im(T) < 0), present awareness (Im(T) ≈ 0), and imagination (Im(T) > 0). The STCNN architecture implements philosophical constraints through geometric parameters α and β that bound memory accessibility and creative projection, enabling neural systems to perform temporal-philosophical reasoning while maintaining computational tractability. We demonstrate STCNN’s effectiveness across five security-critical applications: threat intelligence (AUC 0.94, 1.8 s anticipation), privacy-preserving AI (84% utility at ε = 1.0), intrusion detection (96.3% detection, 2.1% false positives), secure multi-party computation (ethical compliance 0.93), and blockchain anomaly detection (94% detection, 3.2% false positives). Empirical evaluation shows 23–45% improvement over baseline systems while maintaining temporal coherence > 0.9, demonstrating that integration of temporal-philosophical reasoning with neural architectures enables AI systems to reason about security threats through simultaneous processing of historical patterns, current contexts, and projected risks. Full article
32 pages, 11314 KB  
Article
Alohomora: Workflow-Aware Authentication and Authorization in Heterogeneous Systems
by Hussain M. J. Almohri
Network 2025, 5(4), 51; https://doi.org/10.3390/network5040051 - 5 Nov 2025
Viewed by 97
Abstract
Current federated identity management systems lack contextual awareness of workflows across independent systems, creating security gaps and workflow integrity challenges. This article details the design and implementation of Alohomora, a distributed workflow-aware authentication system that maintains cross-system workflow context through path-bound tokens. Alohomora [...] Read more.
Current federated identity management systems lack contextual awareness of workflows across independent systems, creating security gaps and workflow integrity challenges. This article details the design and implementation of Alohomora, a distributed workflow-aware authentication system that maintains cross-system workflow context through path-bound tokens. Alohomora complements existing identity providers such as OAuth and SAML by adding workflow orchestration capabilities while leveraging standard authentication protocols for initial user verification. The system introduces workflow graphs as a formal model for representing dependencies between functions across heterogeneous systems and employs a distributed caching architecture with collaboration groups for scalable session management. In a typical deployment scenario, an employee onboarding workflow across human resources services, account provisioning, and benefits systems forms a trust group where Alohomora enforces ordered step execution, validates prerequisite completion at each transition, and generates cryptographic completion assertions upon workflow finalization. Extensive performance evaluation under concurrent user requests demonstrates polynomial performance characteristics with superior scalability compared to centralized OAuth introspection. The results show that Alohomora maintains high throughput under heavy load while providing strong, secure access control through workflow path binding and distributed trust orchestration. The prototype implementation is available as open source. Full article
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19 pages, 471 KB  
Article
Company-Controlled vs. Seller-Controlled Resale Platforms: Consumer Trust, Risk, and Purchase Intention in Circular Fashion
by Kelcie Slaton
Sustainability 2025, 17(21), 9847; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17219847 - 4 Nov 2025
Viewed by 188
Abstract
The rapid rise of fashion resale platforms has created new pathways for sustainable consumption, yet little research has compared how different governance models, company-controlled versus seller-controlled, shape consumer trust and purchasing behavior. This study addresses that gap by applying the Stimulus–Organism–Response (SOR) framework [...] Read more.
The rapid rise of fashion resale platforms has created new pathways for sustainable consumption, yet little research has compared how different governance models, company-controlled versus seller-controlled, shape consumer trust and purchasing behavior. This study addresses that gap by applying the Stimulus–Organism–Response (SOR) framework to examine how information precision, authenticity, and risk aversion influence consumer trust and purchase intention within circular fashion markets. Drawing on an experimental design with 524 U.S. consumers randomly assigned to each platform type, multi-group structural equation modeling reveals that the three stimuli significantly enhance trust, which in turn drives purchase intention. Risk aversion exerted stronger effects in company-controlled contexts, whereas trust translated more directly into purchase intention on seller-controlled platforms. Theoretically, the research extends SOR applications to sustainability by identifying trust as the psychological bridge linking platform design to circular consumption. Practically, it offers actionable guidance for brands and peer-to-peer platforms on authentication, information transparency, and risk-reduction strategies that strengthen consumer confidence and promote environmentally responsible resale participation. The findings advance understanding of how governance structures can accelerate sustainable fashion retailing and contribute to the circular economy. Full article
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20 pages, 969 KB  
Article
Impact of Sustainability Reporting on Financial Performance: A Multigroup Analysis of Jordanian Firms in High-Pollution and Low-Pollution Industries
by Almothanna Abu-Allan
J. Risk Financial Manag. 2025, 18(11), 617; https://doi.org/10.3390/jrfm18110617 - 4 Nov 2025
Viewed by 269
Abstract
As global emphasis on environmental, social, and governance practices intensifies, sustainability reporting emerges as a critical tool for corporate transparency and accountability. The study aims to assess the impact of sustainability reporting on the financial performance of listed companies in Jordan. Using a [...] Read more.
As global emphasis on environmental, social, and governance practices intensifies, sustainability reporting emerges as a critical tool for corporate transparency and accountability. The study aims to assess the impact of sustainability reporting on the financial performance of listed companies in Jordan. Using a quantitative approach, a total of 588 individuals were surveyed from low-pollution and high-pollution industries using purposive sampling techniques. Partial Least Square Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) was used to conduct analysis of the data with the aid of SMART PLS4 software. The study finds that the impact of sustainability disclosures on firms’ financial performance in Jordan differs significantly by both the type of disclosure and the pollution intensity of the industry the firms belong to. Environmental impact reporting (EIR) and social impact reporting (SIR) both have positive and significant effects on financial performance, especially in low-pollution industries, probably because of a perceived proactive and authentic integration of sustainability practices. However, governance impact reporting (GIR) shows a negative relationship with financial performance, which implies that such disclosures may be perceived as compliance-driven or not authentic. These findings indicate that the context of the sustainability reporting strategy is an important element in determining its effect on financial performance. The multigroup analysis (MGA) results help us to gain a better understanding of how different sectors leverage financial value from disclosing their sustainability activities. The study confirms that sustainability disclosure is not just a compliance requirement, but an instrument that can help firms improve their financial performance. Finally, we recommend that future research should investigate deeper psychological and social mechanisms likely to influence stakeholder responses across different sectors and countries within the region. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Business and Entrepreneurship)
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17 pages, 1595 KB  
Article
Long-Term Preservation of Emotion Analyses with OAIS: A Software Prototype Design Approach for Information Package Conversion in KM-EP
by Verena Schreyer, Michael Pfalzgraf, Marco Xaver Bornschlegl and Matthias Hemmje
Information 2025, 16(11), 951; https://doi.org/10.3390/info16110951 - 3 Nov 2025
Viewed by 238
Abstract
Ensuring the long-term preservation of complex, multimodal research, data such as video-based Emotion Analyses, is a growing challenge in digital science. Although numerous standards like OAIS, METS, and PREMIS define principles for sustainable archiving, their concrete integration into operational research environments remains limited. [...] Read more.
Ensuring the long-term preservation of complex, multimodal research, data such as video-based Emotion Analyses, is a growing challenge in digital science. Although numerous standards like OAIS, METS, and PREMIS define principles for sustainable archiving, their concrete integration into operational research environments remains limited. This paper presents a software design approach for OAIS-compliant preservation that enables automated transformation, packaging, and validation of Emotion-Data Packages within the Knowledge Management Ecosystem Portal (KM-EP). The proposed prototype converts analysis data into archival formats, generates structured METS/PREMIS metadata, and embeds integrity and authenticity checks through hash values and digital signatures. A user-centered, step-by-step configuration interface supports both export and reimport of Emotion-Data Packages. The work provides a specific use case of implementing OAIS-compliant long-term preservation in the KM-EP context. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Human-Centered Artificial Intelligence)
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16 pages, 399 KB  
Article
Cultivating Sense of Place Through Place-Based Education: An Innovative Approach to Education for Sustainability in a Thai Primary School
by Panitan Jaikrasen and Jeerawan Ketsing
Educ. Sci. 2025, 15(11), 1456; https://doi.org/10.3390/educsci15111456 - 2 Nov 2025
Viewed by 358
Abstract
This study addresses the limited integration of place-based education (PBE) into primary science learning, particularly regarding its potential to cultivate both cognitive understanding and emotional attachment to place—key dimensions of education for sustainability. Implemented in a rural Thai primary school, a ten-week (20-h) [...] Read more.
This study addresses the limited integration of place-based education (PBE) into primary science learning, particularly regarding its potential to cultivate both cognitive understanding and emotional attachment to place—key dimensions of education for sustainability. Implemented in a rural Thai primary school, a ten-week (20-h) PBE program engaged Grade 6 students in locally relevant, hands-on activities grounded in Experiential Learning Theory and Social Learning Theory. Mixed-method analysis combined rubric-based scoring of a Sense of Place Assessment with qualitative content analysis of student reflections and group work. Post-intervention results showed that 84.21% of students achieved a high level of sense of place, with the strongest gains in place knowledge, followed by place dependence and place identity. Qualitative findings revealed three developmental pathways: sustained attachment through long-term experiences, growth from surface awareness to active participation, and limited emotional connection despite involvement. These patterns illustrate diverse routes through which PBE can foster environmental stewardship by linking personal meaning-making with collaborative action. Embedding PBE in authentic school contexts can enhance students’ capacity to value, care for, and improve their immediate environments, offering a transferable model for integrating sustainability-oriented learning across curricula. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovation, Didactics, and Education for Sustainability)
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15 pages, 1064 KB  
Article
Start Right to End Right: Authentic Open Reading Frame Selection Matters for Nonsense-Mediated Decay Target Identification
by Mojtaba Bagherian, Georgina Harris, Pratosh Sathishkumar and James P. B. Lloyd
Genes 2025, 16(11), 1297; https://doi.org/10.3390/genes16111297 - 1 Nov 2025
Viewed by 276
Abstract
Backgrounds: Accurate annotation of open reading frames (ORFs) is fundamental for understanding gene function and post-transcriptional regulation. A critical but often overlooked aspect of transcriptome annotation is the selection of authentic translation start sites. Many genome annotation pipelines identify the longest possible ORF [...] Read more.
Backgrounds: Accurate annotation of open reading frames (ORFs) is fundamental for understanding gene function and post-transcriptional regulation. A critical but often overlooked aspect of transcriptome annotation is the selection of authentic translation start sites. Many genome annotation pipelines identify the longest possible ORF in alternatively spliced transcripts, using internal methionine codons as putative start sites. However, this computational approach ignores the biological reality that ribosomes select start codons based on sequence context, not ORF length. Methods: Here, we demonstrate that this practice leads to systematic misannotation of nonsense-mediated decay (NMD) targets in the Arabidopsis thaliana Araport11 reference transcriptome. Using TranSuite software to identify authentic start codons, we reanalyzed transcriptomic data from an NMD-deficient mutant. Results: We found that correct ORF annotation more than doubles the number of identifiable NMD targets with premature termination codons followed by downstream exon junctions, from 203 to 426 transcripts. Furthermore, we show that incorrect ORF annotations can lead to erroneous protein structure predictions, potentially introducing computational artefacts into protein databases. Conclusions: Our findings underscore the importance of biologically informed ORF annotation for accurate assessment of post-transcriptional regulation and proteome prediction, with implications for all eukaryotic genome annotation projects. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Bioinformatics)
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14 pages, 447 KB  
Systematic Review
Meat Adulteration in the MENA and GCC Regions: A Scoping Review of Risks, Detection Technologies, and Regulatory Challenges
by Zeina Daher, Mahmoud Mohamadin, Adem Rama, Amal Salem Saeed Albedwawi, Hind Mahmoud Mahaba and Sultan Ali Al Taher
Foods 2025, 14(21), 3743; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods14213743 - 31 Oct 2025
Viewed by 382
Abstract
Background: Meat adulteration poses serious public health, economic, and religious concerns, particularly in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) and Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) regions where halal authenticity is essential. While isolated studies have reported undeclared species in meat products, a comprehensive [...] Read more.
Background: Meat adulteration poses serious public health, economic, and religious concerns, particularly in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) and Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) regions where halal authenticity is essential. While isolated studies have reported undeclared species in meat products, a comprehensive regional synthesis of prevalence, detection technologies, and regulatory responses has been lacking. Methods: This scoping review followed PRISMA-ScR guidelines. A systematic search of PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science from database inception to 15 September 2025 was conducted using controlled vocabulary (MeSH) and free-text terms. Eligible studies included laboratory-based investigations of meat adulteration in MENA and GCC countries. Data were charted on study characteristics, adulteration types, detection methods, and regulatory context. Results: Out of 50 records screened, 35 studies were included, covering 27 MENA/GCC countries. Prevalence of adulteration varied widely, from 5% in UAE surveillance studies to 66.7% in Egyptian native sausages. Undeclared species most frequently detected were poultry, donkey, equine, pig, and dog. Molecular methods, particularly PCR and qPCR, were most widely applied, followed by ELISA and spectroscopy. Recent studies introduced biosensors, AI-assisted spectroscopy, and blockchain traceability, but adoption in regulatory practice remains limited. Conclusions: Meat adulteration in the MENA and GCC regions is localized and product-specific rather than uniformly widespread. Detection technologies are advancing, yet regulatory enforcement and halal-sensitive verification remain fragmented. Strengthening laboratory capacity, harmonizing regional standards, and investing in portable biosensors, AI-enhanced spectral tools, and blockchain-based traceability are critical for consumer trust, halal integrity, and food safety. Full article
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25 pages, 15060 KB  
Article
Sustainable Heritage Tourism in Transition: Policy, Space, and Authenticity in a UNESCO World Heritage Site
by Qiang Wang, Pengfei Ma and Yake Wang
Sustainability 2025, 17(21), 9619; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17219619 - 29 Oct 2025
Viewed by 537
Abstract
Heritage cities confront persistent tensions between safeguarding cultural authenticity and facilitating sustainable heritage tourism within rapidly modernizing urban contexts. This study examines these dynamics through Pingyao Ancient City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site exemplifying both conservation achievements and tourism challenges. Employing a mixed-methods [...] Read more.
Heritage cities confront persistent tensions between safeguarding cultural authenticity and facilitating sustainable heritage tourism within rapidly modernizing urban contexts. This study examines these dynamics through Pingyao Ancient City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site exemplifying both conservation achievements and tourism challenges. Employing a mixed-methods framework, the research synthesizes GIS-based spatial analysis, multi-scalar policy assessment, media discourse analysis, and stakeholder interviews with residents, tourists, and heritage managers. Findings reveal substantial land use transformations characterized by internal functional restructuring with 212% and 300% expansion of service and commercial land use, respectively. While regulatory frameworks demonstrate efficacy in preserving architectural integrity, they simultaneously constrain adaptive reuse and experiential engagement. Media narratives and interviews illuminate pervasive authenticity concerns (86% among stakeholders) despite acknowledged infrastructural improvements. The analysis validates that static preservation paradigms, while achieving technical objectives, potentially undermine destination competitiveness by privileging physical conservation over cultural vitality and holistic visitor experiences. This study posits that sustainable heritage tourism necessitates integrated policy frameworks reconciling conservation imperatives with adaptive spatial strategies, dynamic community engagement, and authentic cultural interpretation. These findings contribute to heritage management theory while offering practical implications for policy formulation in comparable contexts. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Heritage Tourism)
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21 pages, 1955 KB  
Systematic Review
The Benefits and Limitations of the Use of Generative Artificial Intelligence Tools in the Acquisition of Productive Skills in English as a Foreign Language—A Systematic Analysis
by Georgia Andreou and Pinelopi Christani
Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(21), 11476; https://doi.org/10.3390/app152111476 - 27 Oct 2025
Viewed by 1090
Abstract
The aim of this paper is to provide some concrete evidence, based on the literature review, about the reliability and validity of various Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) tools in the educational process aiming to cultivate speaking and writing skills of learners of English [...] Read more.
The aim of this paper is to provide some concrete evidence, based on the literature review, about the reliability and validity of various Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) tools in the educational process aiming to cultivate speaking and writing skills of learners of English as a second/foreign language (EFL). For this purpose, the PRISMA methodology was employed to secure an academically accepted and valid overview of the literature on the relevant topic. After the exclusion process, 54 studies, within the years 2024–2025, were carefully analyzed. Our discussion centers around the most well-cited benefits and limitations of GenAI-induced tools in the EFL context. The most important findings highlight the significance of employing GenAI tools alongside human teachers in the learning process, as these tools provide learners with opportunities to practice the foreign language in a stress-free, authentic, and stimulating environment. The results were further discussed by reviewing the main benefits, limitations, and pedagogical implications of the proposed use of GenAI in the educational process. Several limitations were acknowledged so as to provide guidelines for future research in this area. This systematic review has been registered through PROSPERO (ID: 1126543). Full article
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21 pages, 415 KB  
Review
Authentic Leadership of Nurses in the Hospital: A Scoping Review
by Ana Rita Santos, Patrícia Costa, Ana Rita Figueiredo, Elisabete Nunes, Paulo Cruchinho, Marta Santos and Pedro Lucas
Healthcare 2025, 13(21), 2713; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare13212713 - 27 Oct 2025
Viewed by 420
Abstract
Background: The new challenges facing the healthcare sector require nursing leaders who are prepared to respond to patients’ healthcare needs and keep professionals motivated and satisfied while meeting the organisation’s objectives. To overcome these challenges, interest has grown in positive leadership styles, which [...] Read more.
Background: The new challenges facing the healthcare sector require nursing leaders who are prepared to respond to patients’ healthcare needs and keep professionals motivated and satisfied while meeting the organisation’s objectives. To overcome these challenges, interest has grown in positive leadership styles, which in turn has sparked interest in authentic leadership. This line of thought on leadership has been predictive of various positive outcomes in the hospital context. Objective: Examine the characteristics of authentic leadership among nurses in the hospital context based on scientific evidence. Methods: Scoping review according to the Joanna Briggs Institute, consisting of three stages of research. First, a search was conducted in MEDLINE Ultimate, CINHAL Ultimate and MedicLatina through the EBSCOHost platform, LILACS and RCAAP for grey literature. Then, using the same keywords, we conducted a search in Scopus and ScienceDirect. Both searches covered the period between 2019 and 2024. Studies were included if they focused on authentic leadership in nurses working in hospital contexts; non-empirical studies, reviews, and those outside the nursing field were excluded. Results: Sixteen articles were included, 13 of which were cross-sectional, descriptive and/or correlational, 2 were quasi-experimental and 1 employed an exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis approach. The Authentic Leadership Questionnaire was used in a total of 11 articles. The studies showed that authentic leadership by nurses in a hospital context is significantly associated with relevant organisational and individual variables, such as team performance, organisational commitment, job satisfaction, reduced burnout, and the promotion of healthy work environments. The data also revealed discrepancies between the perceptions of leaders and their subordinates. Conclusion: Authentic leaders have a positive impact on the quality of nursing care, patient health outcomes, professional satisfaction and motivation to lead and the achievement of healthcare institution goals. Consequently, authentic leadership is a fundamental pillar for strengthening nursing teams, promoting trust, well-being and improvements in the quality of care. Nevertheless, the strength of the evidence is limited, given the predominance of cross-sectional studies and potential contextual biases, which should be considered when interpreting the findings. Full article
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19 pages, 1202 KB  
Article
Sustainable Leadership and Green HRM: Fostering Environmentally Responsible Organizational Cultures
by Megren Abdullah Altassan
Sustainability 2025, 17(20), 9331; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17209331 - 21 Oct 2025
Viewed by 641
Abstract
This study explores how sustainability leadership and Green Human Resource Management (Green HRM) practices interplay to cultivate an environmentally responsible culture in organizations based in Jeddah. Through thematic analysis of participant interviews, the research identifies key leadership behaviors, such as visionary communication, role [...] Read more.
This study explores how sustainability leadership and Green Human Resource Management (Green HRM) practices interplay to cultivate an environmentally responsible culture in organizations based in Jeddah. Through thematic analysis of participant interviews, the research identifies key leadership behaviors, such as visionary communication, role modeling, and operational integration, that align culturally grounded ethical values to drive sustainability. Green HRM practices, including green recruitment, targeted training, eco-friendly performance appraisals, and recognition systems, further reinforce these leadership efforts. The study highlights the importance of authentic alignment between leadership values and HRM policies to avoid perceptions of greenwashing and to institutionalize sustainable practices effectively. Findings emphasize that embedding sustainability within organizational culture requires a synergistic approach integrating leadership vision, HRM systems, and cultural context, fostering employee motivation and long-term environmental commitment. The implications provide valuable insights for organizations seeking to implement meaningful sustainability strategies aligned with both global goals and local values. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Sustainable Management)
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29 pages, 10960 KB  
Article
Generative AI for Biophilic Design in Historic Urban Alleys: Balancing Place Identity and Biophilic Strategies in Urban Regeneration
by Eun-Ji Lee and Sung-Jun Park
Land 2025, 14(10), 2085; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14102085 - 18 Oct 2025
Viewed by 582
Abstract
Historic urban alleys encapsulate cultural identity and collective memory but are increasingly threatened by commercialization and context-insensitive redevelopment. Preserving their authenticity while enhancing environmental resilience requires design strategies that integrate both heritage and ecological values. This study explores the potential of generative artificial [...] Read more.
Historic urban alleys encapsulate cultural identity and collective memory but are increasingly threatened by commercialization and context-insensitive redevelopment. Preserving their authenticity while enhancing environmental resilience requires design strategies that integrate both heritage and ecological values. This study explores the potential of generative artificial intelligence (AI) to support biophilic design in historic alleys, focusing on Daegu, South Korea. Four alley typologies—path, stairs, edge, and node—were identified through fieldwork and analyzed across cognitive, emotional, and physical dimensions of place identity. A Flux-based diffusion model was fine-tuned using low-rank adaptation (LoRA) with site-specific images, while a structured biophilic design prompt (BDP) framework was developed to embed ecological attributes into generative simulations. The outputs were evaluated through perceptual and statistical similarity indices and expert reviews (n = 8). Results showed that LoRA training significantly improved alignment with ground-truth images compared to prompt-only generation, capturing both material realism and symbolic cues. Expert evaluations confirmed the contextual authenticity and biophilic effectiveness of AI-generated designs, revealing typology-specific strengths: the path enhanced spatial legibility and continuity; the stairs supported immersive sequential experiences; the edge transformed rigid boundaries into ecological transitions; and the node reinforced communal symbolism. Emotional identity was more difficult to reproduce, highlighting the need for multimodal and interactive approaches. This study demonstrates that generative AI can serve not only as a visualization tool but also as a methodological platform for participatory design and heritage-sensitive urban regeneration. Future research will expand the dataset and adopt multimodal and dynamic simulation approaches to further generalize and validate the framework across diverse urban contexts. Full article
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27 pages, 2111 KB  
Article
When Technology Signals Trust: Blockchain vs. Traditional Cues in Cross-Border Cosmetic E-Commerce
by Xiaoling Liu and Ahmad Yahya Dawod
Information 2025, 16(10), 913; https://doi.org/10.3390/info16100913 - 18 Oct 2025
Viewed by 418
Abstract
Using platform self-operation, customer reviews, and compensation commitments as traditional benchmarks, this study foregrounds blockchain traceability as a technology-enabled authenticity signal in cross-border cosmetic e-commerce (CBEC). Using an 8-scenario orthogonal experiment, we test a model in which perceived risk mediates the effects of [...] Read more.
Using platform self-operation, customer reviews, and compensation commitments as traditional benchmarks, this study foregrounds blockchain traceability as a technology-enabled authenticity signal in cross-border cosmetic e-commerce (CBEC). Using an 8-scenario orthogonal experiment, we test a model in which perceived risk mediates the effects of authenticity signals on purchase intention. We probe blockchain boundary conditions by examining their interactions with traditional signals. Our results show that blockchain is the only signal with a significant direct effect on purchase intention and that it also exerts an indirect effect by reducing perceived risk. While customer reviews show no consistent effect, self-operation and compensation influence purchase intention indirectly via risk reduction. Moderation tests indicate that blockchain is most effective in low-trust settings—i.e., when self-operation, reviews, or compensation safeguards are absent or weak—while this marginal impact declines when such safeguards are strong. These findings refine signaling theory by distinguishing a technology-backed signal from institutional and social signals and by positioning perceived risk as the central mechanism in CBEC cosmetics. Managerially speaking, blockchain should serve as the anchor signal in high-risk contexts and as a reinforcing signal where traditional assurances already exist. Future work should extend to field/transactional data and additional signals (e.g., brand reputation, third-party certifications). Full article
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20 pages, 752 KB  
Article
Healing Bodies, Healing Communities: A Community-Based Qualitative Study of Adult Survivors of Childhood Sexual Trauma in South Africa
by Leona Morgan, Sarojini Nadar and Ines Keygnaert
Healthcare 2025, 13(20), 2601; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare13202601 - 15 Oct 2025
Viewed by 623
Abstract
Background: While sexual trauma is inherently an embodied experience, research on psychological interventions that is cognisant of geographic and socio-political community contexts within which embodied, therapeutic interventions occur remains limited. Decolonial, African and feminist community psychologies have noted this epistemic–ethical gap. Objectives: This [...] Read more.
Background: While sexual trauma is inherently an embodied experience, research on psychological interventions that is cognisant of geographic and socio-political community contexts within which embodied, therapeutic interventions occur remains limited. Decolonial, African and feminist community psychologies have noted this epistemic–ethical gap. Objectives: This paper explores the co-development of trauma-informed care pathways for adult survivors of childhood sexual trauma (CST) in under-resourced communities in Cape Town, South Africa. The study aimed to integrate intergenerational community knowledge, embodied therapeutic practices and collaborative approaches into locally relevant models of care. Methods: Drawing on feminist mental health frameworks, this qualitative study engaged 13 adult female survivors who identify as “coloured”. Embodiment was central in guiding the deconstructive therapeutic praxis, informing both the co-development of care pathways and the conceptualization of integrative trauma-informed care (ITIC) beyond pathologizing, deficit-based narratives. The cultivation of trust and the situated lived realities of survivors were foregrounded to illustrate the relational dimensions of trauma recovery. Results: Establishing relational safety emerged as the foundation for therapeutic engagement, supported by non-directive therapeutic probing. Grounding practices, affective regulation and embodied awareness enabled participants to process trauma at their own pace. Somatic engagement allowed the integration of dissociative experiences while strengthening relational resilience. Recovery was a continuous process, with participants reporting increased peace, authenticity and capacity for social connection despite structural barriers to community support. Conclusions: The development of care pathways was embedded within the research process itself, offering an approach that is culturally sensitive and responsive to survivors’ lived experiences. ITIC accounted for temporal, intergenerational and embodied trauma and should be adaptable across age and community-specific needs. The ITIC approach offers a transferable framework for co-developing de-pathologizing, culturally responsive interventions that can be adapted across diverse global contexts to support sustainable trauma integration. Full article
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