Search Results (1,976)

The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in education offers novel opportunities to enhance critical thinking while also posing challenges to independent cognitive development. In particular, Human-Centered Artificial Intelligence (HCAI) in education aims to enhance human experience by providing a supportive and collaborative learning environment. Rather than replacing the educator, HCAI serves as a tool that empowers both students and teachers, fostering critical thinking and autonomy in learning. This study investigates the potential for AI to become a collaborative partner that assists learning and enriches academic engagement. The research was conducted during the 2024–2025 winter semester within the Pedagogical and Teaching Sufficiency Program offered by the Audio and Visual Arts Department, Ionian University, Corfu, Greece. The research employs a hybrid ethnographic methodology that blends digital interactions—where students use AI tools to create artistic representations—with physical classroom engagement. Data was collected through student projects, reflective journals, and questionnaires, revealing that structured dialog with AI not only facilitates deeper critical inquiry and analytical reasoning but also induces a state of flow, characterized by intense focus and heightened creativity. The findings highlight a dialectic between individual agency and collaborative co-agency, demonstrating that while automated AI responses may diminish active cognitive engagement, meaningful interactions can transform AI into an intellectual partner that enriches the learning experience. These insights suggest promising directions for future pedagogical strategies that balance digital innovation with traditional teaching methods, ultimately enhancing the overall quality of education. Furthermore, the study underscores the importance of integrating reflective practices and adaptive frameworks to support evolving student needs, ensuring a sustainable model. Full article

As organizations continue to embrace digital transformation, the need for robust cybersecurity strategies has never been more critical. This paper explores the Zero Trust Architecture (ZTA) as a contemporary cybersecurity framework that addresses the challenges posed by increasingly interconnected systems. Zero Trust (ZT) operates under the principle of “never trust, always verify,” ensuring that every access request is thoroughly authenticated, regardless of the requester’s location within or outside the network. However, implementing ZT is a challenging task, requiring an adequate roadmap to prioritize the different initiatives in agreement with company culture, exposure and cyber posture. We apply multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA) to evaluate the relative importance of various components within a ZT framework, using the Incomplete Analytic Hierarchy Process (IAHP). Expert opinions from professionals in cybersecurity and IT governance were gathered through structured questionnaires, leading to a prioritized ranking of the eight key ZT pillars, as defined by the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), Washington, DC, USA, along with a prioritization of the sub-elements within each pillar. The study provides actionable insights into the implementation of ZTA, helping organizations prioritize security efforts to mitigate risks effectively and build a resilient digital infrastructure. The evaluation results were used to create a prioritized framework, integrated into the ZEUS platform, developed with Teleconsys S.p.A., to enable detailed assessments of a firm’s cyber partner regarding ZT and identify improvement areas. The paper concludes by offering recommendations for future research and practical guidance for organizations transitioning to a ZT model. Full article

Background: Family caregivers are a vital yet often under-recognized part of the healthcare system. They provide essential emotional, physical, and logistical support to individuals with illness, disability, or frailty, and their contributions improve continuity of care and reduce system strain. However, many healthcare and social service providers are not equipped to meaningfully engage caregivers as partners. In Alberta, stakeholders validated the Caregiver-Centered Care Competency Framework and identified the need for a three-tiered education model—Foundational, Advanced, and Champion—to help providers recognize, include, and support family caregivers across care settings. This paper focuses on the development and early evaluation of the Advanced Caregiver-Centered Care Education modules, designed to enhance the knowledge and skills of providers with more experience working with family caregivers. The modules emphasize how partnering with caregivers benefits not only the person receiving care but also improves provider effectiveness and supports better system outcomes. Methods: The modules were co-designed with a 154-member interdisciplinary team and grounded in the competency framework. Evaluation used the first three levels of the Kirkpatrick–Barr health workforce education model. We analyzed pre- and post-surveys from the first 50 learners in each module using paired t-tests and examined qualitative feedback and SMART goals through inductive content analysis. Results: Learners reported a high level of satisfaction with the education delivery and the knowledge and skill acquisition. Statistically significant improvements were observed in 53 of 54 pre-post items. SMART goals reflected intended practice changes across all six competency domains, indicating learners saw value in engaging caregivers as partners. Conclusions: The Advanced Caregiver-Centered Care education improved providers’ confidence, knowledge, and skills to work in partnership with family caregivers. Future research will explore whether these improvements translate into real-world practice changes and better caregiver experiences in care planning, communication, and navigation. Full article

This study focusses on the transmission of carbon pricing mechanisms in shaping trade dynamics between the Eurozone and key partners: the USA and China. Using Bayesian variable selection methods and a Time-Varying Structural Vector Autoregressions (TV-SVAR) model, the research identifies the key variables impacting EU carbon emissions over time. The results reveal that manufactured products from the US have a diminishing positive impact on EU carbon emissions, suggesting potential exemption from future regulations. In contrast, manufactured goods from the US and petroleum products from China are expected to increase emissions, indicating a need for stricter trade policies. These findings provide strategic insights for policymakers aiming to balance trade and environmental objectives. Full article

When the economy grows, people become wealthier and more autonomous from their intimate partners. This autonomy potentially has a negative impact on relationship stability: As per capita income increases, so does the divorce rate. Nevertheless, there is evidence that, after a certain income level, the divorce rate starts to decline, suggesting that the relationship between the two factors is not linear. The purpose of the current research is to examine the relationship between per capita income and divorce rate by analyzing historical data from the UK (obtained from the UK Office of National Statistics) and USA (obtained from the CDC and the Federal Reserve), as well as contemporary data encompassing a sample of 107 societies (obtained from the World Population Review and the World Bank). Our analysis finds a concave relationship between the two variables: an increase in per capita income corresponds to a rise in the divorce rate. However, beyond a certain threshold, the increase in per capita income is associated with a decrease in the divorce rate. Full article

The article analyzes how tourism businesses can be activated for sustainability by destination management organizations and how a destination sustainability program can be used to promote sustainable development. Based on an applied research project in the canton of Lucerne in Switzerland, different approaches to mobilizing and activating tourism companies for sustainability are analyzed and successful strategies are identified. Experience shows that regular communication via various channels and the involvement of tourism partners are key. Direct contact between the representatives of the destinations or associations and the tourism companies is the most promising way of mobilizing them, although this also involves a great deal of effort. While intrinsically motivated businesses usually hardly need any external incentives, a considerable proportion of businesses only become active when either concrete financial incentives are promised, or they are forced to do so by regulatory requirements. The experience gained from the implementation of various mobilization strategies and their analysis enabled the authors to develop and put up for discussion a typology of motives and associated mobilization strategies. Full article

The transition to electric mobility has significantly increased the demand for lithium-ion batteries, raising concerns about their end-of-life management. Therefore, this study presents the design, development and first implementation steps of a stationary energy storage system utilizing second-life electric vehicle (EV) batteries. These batteries, no longer suitable for traction applications due to a reduced state of health (SoH) below 80%, retain sufficient capacity for less demanding stationary applications. The proposed system is designed to be flexible and scalable, serving both research and commercial purposes. Key challenges include heterogeneous battery characteristics, safety considerations due to increased internal resistance and battery aging, and the need for flexible power electronics. An optimized dual active bridge (DAB) converter topology is introduced to connect several batteries in parallel and to ensure efficient bidirectional power flow over a wide voltage range. A first prototype, rated at 50 $\mathrm{k}$$\mathrm{W}$, has been built and tested in the laboratory. This study contributes to sustainable energy storage solutions by extending battery life cycles, reducing waste, and promoting economic viability for industrial partners. Full article

Sexuality and intimacy are essential aspects of the human experience for all people, contributing significantly to physical and emotional connections, well-being, and quality of life. Despite their importance, these topics are frequently overlooked in stroke rehabilitation, especially for those with cognitive and perceptual impairments. Existing research on post-stroke sexual rehabilitation tends to focus on sexual dysfunction and the secondary physical and psychological stroke symptoms, with little attention to cognitive and perceptual impairments. Cognitive deficits, such as decreased memory, generalized attention, and executive function not only can hinder sexual participation but also raise the complex issue of capacity to consent. This paper argues that it is imperative for researchers and healthcare practitioners to address cognitive and perceptual challenges, understand consent laws in their respective regions, and consider the influence of culture and social norms in order to support the sexual rights and well-being of all stroke survivors. Furthermore, this article provides some practical recommendations, from an occupational therapy perspective, that healthcare practitioners can provide to clients and their partners. Full article

Despite extensive prevention strategies in Spain since the 1980s, gender-based violence, including among adolescents, remains prevalent, as observed in the Romance SUCC-ED Project (R&D&I Operating Programme ERDF Andalusia 2014–2020). This research study investigates the dimensions, meanings, relationships, and practices shaping the culture of romance in digital Andalusian adolescence (12–16 years) and its potential impact on school trajectories in Compulsory Secondary Education. Based on the premise that equality-focused relationship education is key to preventing gender violence, the study employs an ethnographic methodology with 12 Andalusian school case studies (4 out of them are located in rural areas) and 220 in-depth interviews (126 girls, 57.3%; 94 boys, 42.7%). This article aims to empirically explain gender violence in early adolescence by analysing the culture of romance as an explanatory factor. Findings reveal an interconnected model where dimensions (love, couple, sexuality, pornography, social networks, and cultural references), meanings (constructed by adolescents within each of them), relationships (partner), and practices (control and jealousy) reinforce romanticised femininity and dominant masculinity, thus explaining the high incidence of gender-based violence among students in the study. Full article

Bring them home, keep them home is research based in New South Wales (NSW) Australia, that aims to understand successful and sustainable reunification for Aboriginal families who have children in out-of-home care (OOHC). This research is led by Aboriginal researchers, and partners with Aboriginal organisations. It is informed by the experiences of 20 Aboriginal parents and family members, and more than 200 practitioners and professionals working in child protection and reunification. This paper traces the evolution of Bring them home, keep them home which is now at the forefront of influence for NSW child protection reforms. Using specific examples, it highlights the role of research advocacy and resistance in challenging and disrupting systems in ways that amplify the voices of Aboriginal families and communities and embeds these voices as the foundation for radical innovation for child reunification approaches. The paper shares lessons being learned and insights for Aboriginal-led research with communities in the pursuit of restorative justice, system change, and self-determination. Providing a framework for liberating Aboriginal families from child abduction systems, this paper seeks to offer a truth-telling and practical contribution to the international efforts of Indigenous resistance to child abduction systems. Full article

The livestock sector is a significant contributor to the economy and rural livelihoods, but it is exposed to high risk across the supply chain, which is detrimental and needs to be addressed for sustainable development. Therefore, this study aimed to identify the major risk mitigation strategies (RMSs) and associated factors that affect their adoption. This study conducted a comprehensive literature review to identify the eight major RMSs and prioritized them through an analytical hierarchical process (AHP). Thereafter, a multivariate probit (MVP) model was developed to identify the factors affecting the adoption of major RMSs. The primary RMSs are livestock insurance, vaccination of livestock, and advisory/extension services. Further, the multivariate probit regression analysis shows that ‘age’, ‘social category’, ‘economic status’, ‘educational level’, ‘income level’, ‘the total number of animals’, and ‘perceived risk of foot and mouth disease’ are significant factors that influence the adoption of RMSs. This study’s findings will be useful for livestock supply chain partners to mitigate the risks along the livestock supply chain. This research will also help policymakers to develop policies/plans for incorporating these RMSs by considering the influencing associated factors. Full article

Background/Objectives: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) has evolved from a fatal disease to a manageable chronic condition. However, stigma persists, affecting the lives and sexuality of HIV-positive people, particularly in the gay population. Research on their sexuality is limited, highlighting the need for studies that address their experiences and needs. The aim of the study is to explore the individuals’ experiences of sexuality in serodiscordant gay couples. Methods: A descriptive study was conducted using thematic content analysis. Data collection was carried out through in-depth interviews. Six gay men who have been and/or are in a serodiscordant relationship for at least one year participated in the research. Results: Five sub-themes were identified grouped into two main themes as follows: sexuality: a complex concept accentuated by HIV and the impact of serodiscordance on partners. Conclusions: It is essential to promote accurate information and health services tailored to the needs of people living with HIV while fostering gender equity and combating stigma related to HIV and the gay community. Experiencing sexuality in this context is not only possible but can be full and satisfying when adequate resources are available. Full article

This study examines how U.S. immigration policies enact legal violence and multigenerational punishment through the spousal reunification process, particularly in mixed-status, transnational families. Building on the concept of “deportability,” we introduce “importability” to describe a beneficiary’s potential to secure permanent residency, which varies according to social markers such as race, gender, and region of origin. Drawing from a content analysis of threads on the Immigration Pathways (IP) web forum, we analyze discussions among U.S. citizen petitioners navigating marriage-based green card applications, with a focus on experiences involving administrative processing (AP) (i.e., marriage fraud investigations). Our findings show that couples who do not align with the state’s conception of “proper” family—particularly U.S. citizen women petitioning for Black African partners—face intensified scrutiny, long delays, and burdensome requirements, including DNA tests and surveillance. These bureaucratic obstacles produce prolonged family separation, financial strain, and diminished sense of belonging, especially for children in single-parent households. Through the lens of “importability,” we reveal how legal violence and multigenerational punishment of immigration policies on mixed-status families beyond deportation threats, functioning as a gatekeeping mechanism that disproportionately affects marginalized families. This research highlights the understudied consequences of immigration policies on citizen petitioners and contributes to a broader understanding of inequality in U.S. immigration enforcement. Full article

A vast majority of survivors of intimate partner violence (IPV) experience economic abuse, including but not limited to, employment sabotage. The purpose of this study is to further understand IPV by testing a technology-inclusive abuser-initiated workplace disruption measurement in an exploratory factor analysis (EFA) so that future researchers can better examine and address economic abuse. Using a sample of survivors (N = 312) employed in the nursing profession in the United States, who may be uniquely impacted by technology, we used complete data to examine experiences of abuser-initiated workplace disruptions, including those that utilized cellphones (e.g., excessive texting, harassment of coworkers, preventing educational advancement). The results revealed a two-factor structure: one containing a variety of direct and indirect workplace disruptions relevant to the nursing profession (73% of variance) and a second containing only cell-phone related harassment (9% of variance). Implications for healthcare employers seeking to protect employees from IPV, as well as policymakers, are included. Full article

In the Internet of Things (IoT) era, the demand for cost-effective, flexible, wearable antennas and circuits has been growing. Accordingly, screen-printing techniques are becoming more popular due to their lower costs and high-volume manufacturing. This paper presents and investigates a full-screen-printed 1 × 4 Quasi-Yagi-Uda antenna array on a high-transparency flexible Zeonor thin-film substrate for emerging 26 GHz band (24.25–27.55 GHz) 5G applications. As part of this study, screen-printing implementation rules are developed by properly managing ink layer thickness on a transparent flexible Zeonor thin-film dielectric to achieve a decent antenna array performance. In addition, a screen-printing repeatability study has been carried out through a performance comparison of 24 antenna array samples manufactured by our research partner from CEA-Liten Grenoble. Despite the challenging antenna array screen printing at higher frequencies, the measured results show a good antenna performance as anticipated from the traditional subtractive printed circuit board (PCB) manufacturing process using standard substrates. It shows a wide-band matched input impedance from 22–28 GHz (i.e., 23% of relative band-width) and a maximum realized gain of 12.8 dB at 27 GHz. Full article