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Purpose: The Internet of Things (IoT) is currently acting as a critical component of the digitalization process by connecting physical devices to the digital world. It is assumed that IoT serves as both a driver and enabler of digitalization. Accordingly, this study investigates the significance of digitalization in enhancing small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) firm performance using IoT as a mediator. Design/methodology/approach: Relying on a sample of 393 SMEs in Portugal, the study used a survey method and questionnaire to gather data, while utilizing the structured equations model to explore the relationship between the constructs of the research model. Findings: The findings show that digital infrastructure and value chains are central to digitalization. Technology, data analytics, digital skills and transformation strategies directly and jointly enhance firm performance. The study also highlights the mediating role of IoT in this relationship and stresses the need to consider industry dynamics, digital readiness and strategic goals when assessing IoT’s impact on SME performance. Originality/value: This study provides valuable insights into the core of digitalization, emphasizing the need for SMEs to effectively integrate digital infrastructure, digital value chains and IoT-driven technologies to drive performance and long-term success. © 2025, Fernando Almeida and Edet Okon.

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This chapter explores the critical role of derivatives in optimizing cost functions and driving the backpropagation algorithm in neural networks, emphasizing their applications in the education field. The study examines the use of derivatives in personalized learning systems, particularly within the Khan Academy platform, and evaluates their impact on scalability, bias, and efficiency. Five research questions guide the analysis, ranging from environmental impact to fairness in AI- driven education. Employing methods like Experimental Performance Evaluation and Comparative Analysis, the study offers both technical insights and ethical considerations. While derivatives enable precise optimization, the chapter highlights how they can unintentionally reinforce biases in training data, raising critical concerns about fairness and representation in educational technologies. © 2025 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved.

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This paper aims to characterise the relevance of sustainability practices in the context of software companies that adopt the Scrum methodology. In the first phase, a multidimensional framework for software sustainability was built, based on the individual, technical, environmental, and social dimensions. Subsequently, a quantitative study was carried out using a survey answered by 397 Scrum professionals working in software companies registered in Portugal. The results reveal significant asymmetries in the implementation of sustainable practices, in which micro companies experience the greatest difficulties in their implementation. The findings also indicate that the practices most adopted by organisations are in the technical and individual dimensions, where a proactive level of maturity is evident. On the other hand, environmental and social practices are still poorly implemented and appear mainly at a reactive level due to the needs of the projects or their teams. © 2025 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved.

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