Abstract
This research examined factors that help microfinance achieve sustained poverty reduction based on a systematic literature review (SLR). A search was conducted on the SCOPUS database up to December 2023. After analyzing hundreds of documents, a subset of 30 articles was subject to in-depth analysis, exploring factors and corresponding measurement indicators for sustainable poverty reduction in microfinance contexts. This article emphasizes that sustained poverty reduction is a gradual process requiring ongoing efforts from both Microfinance Institutions (MFIs) and governments. Two key success factors are empowering borrowers and ensuring the microfinance programs themselves are profitable. When implemented in an integrated and coordinated manner, these factors can empower individuals to escape poverty by fostering self-employment and income generation, ultimately reducing dependence on external support. Additionally, the study highlights the role of personality traits in influencing long-term entrepreneurial success. The findings provide valuable tools for MFIs and policymakers. MFIs gain a practical framework to guide their interventions towards sustained poverty reduction. Policymakers can leverage the identified factors and indicators when designing and implementing microfinance policies with a long-term focus on poverty alleviation. This study breaks new ground by presenting an operational framework that categorizes and integrates two critical factor groups: empowerment and beneficiary profitability. Furthermore, it links these factors to corresponding measurement indicators within a unified framework, enabling a more holistic assessment of poverty reduction efforts. © 2024 by the authors.

Abstract
Deep-learning techniques can improve the efficiency of medical diagnosis while challenging human experts’ accuracy. However, the rationale behind these classifier’s decisions is largely opaque, which is dangerous in sensitive applications such as healthcare. Case-based explanations explain the decision process behind these mechanisms by exemplifying similar cases using previous studies from other patients. Yet, these may contain personally identifiable information, which makes them impossible to share without violating patients’ privacy rights. Previous works have used GANs to generate anonymous case-based explanations, which had limited visual quality. We solve this issue by employing a latent diffusion model in a three-step procedure: generating a catalogue of synthetic images, removing the images that closely resemble existing patients, and using this anonymous catalogue during an explanation retrieval process. We evaluate the proposed method on the MIMIC-CXR-JPG dataset and achieve explanations that simultaneously have high visual quality, are anonymous, and retain their explanatory value.

Abstract
Reactive graphs are transition structures whereas edges become active and inactive during its evolution, that were introduced by Dov Gabbay from a mathematical's perspective. This paper presents Marge (https://fm- dcc.github.io/MARGe), a web-based tool to visualise and analyse reactive graphs enriched with labels. Marge animates the operational semantics of reactive graphs and offers different graphical views to provide insights over concrete systems. We motivate the applicability of reactive graphs for adaptive systems and for featured transition systems, using Marge to tighten the gap between the existing theoretical models and their usage to analyse concrete systems.

Abstract
The use of model checking tools allows for the formal verification of properties over models of systems, improving their robustness. However, these tools are challenging to use, and their results require much work of interpretation to communicate to stakeholders. To address this issue, the IVY Workbench offers a plethora of options to make the process of creating and understanding the models, properties and results of the verification process more accessible, with a particular focus on interactive computing systems. Despite this, there is still a significant requirement of expertise to use the tool. To solve this, an approach to provide structured natural language explanations for the results of model checking-based tools is being developed, to be later incorporated into the IVY Workbench. This paper presents the current state of the approach's development, stating its objective and what results can already be achieved.

Abstract
This chapter explores the internationalization path of ALPHA, a family-owned, medium-sized Portuguese company. The analysis reveals a two-stage process. Initially, ALPHA's gradual market entry aligns with the Uppsala model, prioritizing geographically close markets and leveraging accumulated experience. However, later stages demonstrate network-based theory influences. While lacking formal networks, ALPHA prioritizes strong B2B relationships with large international clients, mirroring network bridges for market access. The case highlights the importance of trust-based B2B relationships for success. ALPHA leverages these partnerships to gain market knowledge and access new opportunities. Exporting plays a vital role, keeping ALPHA updated on technological trends and fostering innovation through diverse client projects. The company prioritizes a pragmatic approach focused on strong client relationships and win-win partnerships, emphasizing trust as a key resource. While the RBV perspective highlights investment in internal resources, reliance on intermediaries introduces limitations.

Abstract
Synthetic data is gaining increasing relevance for training machine learning models. This is mainly motivated due to several factors such as the lack of real data and intra-class variability, time and errors produced in manual labeling, and in some cases privacy concerns, among others. This paper presents an overview of the 2(nd) edition of the Face Recognition Challenge in the Era of Synthetic Data (FRCSyn) organized at CVPR 2024. FRCSyn aims to investigate the use of synthetic data in face recognition to address current technological limitations, including data privacy concerns, demographic biases, generalization to novel scenarios, and performance constraints in challenging situations such as aging, pose variations, and occlusions. Unlike the 1(st) edition, in which synthetic data from DCFace and GANDiffFace methods was only allowed to train face recognition systems, in this 2(nd) edition we propose new subtasks that allow participants to explore novel face generative methods. The outcomes of the 2(nd) FRCSyn Challenge, along with the proposed experimental protocol and benchmarking contribute significantly to the application of synthetic data to face recognition.