bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of strategic business architecture implementation for augmenting performance of Small to Medium Enterprises in Manicaland Metropolitan Province, Zimbabwe
Authors: Tsvuura Oscar , Sifole Obert , Nikisi Denis , Kajongwe Collen
Published: February 2025

The main aim of the study was to assess the effect of strategic business architecture implementation on performance of Small to Medium Enterprises in Manicaland Metropolitan Province in Zimbabwe. The quantitative study used random sampling to selected 20 SMEs owners registered in the manufacturing and service delivery and been in operation for the past ten years. Structured questionnaires were used to solicit data which was analysed using descriptive statistics and correlations. Study findings were presented in numbers, tables and graphs. Ethical considerations were done during the data generation and analysis procedure. The study results indicated that SMEs adopt strategic processes to pave way for formulation and implementation of favorable business policies to harness business sustainability. Study results show that strategic architecture allow rapid economic and technical change for SMEs and allow them to provide quality services, total quality management as well as customer handling to retain customer base. In addition research findings lamented that that strategic architecture had been impinged by lack of technical strategic tools, lack of human resources expertise, prohibitive legal systems and infrastructural challenges. As a result, the findings of this study are pertinent because they make available new knowledge and add to the already existing knowledge in regards to strategic architecture and performance of SMEs. The results of the study further strengthen the existing body of literature in that strategic management is a critical aspect of the organization which affects the organization performance. SMEs are also urged to pay attention to their systems, processes, communication channels and policies since these have a serious bearing on the effectiveness of the organization. As such, it is recommended that future research be done in several other SMEs sector in Zimbabwe in order to make meaningful generalizations.
Measures and Meanings of Spatial Capital
Authors: Marcus Lars
Published: February 2025

How the built environment, understood as spatial capital, governs both everyday life in cities and urban systems more generally.

In an age of social and environmental crises, we need to critically rethink the role of the built environment and how best to put it to work. Measures and Meanings of Spatial Capital presents a new theory of spatial capital, arguing that spatial form is essential for building resilience into highly complex urban systems. Lars Marcus argues that the built environment constitutes a form of capital that enhances other forms of capital in cities (such as social, economic, and ecological capital), if designed with those goals in mind. This represents an important and necessary shift in how we approach urban space in the numerous studies of cities that are conducted in a range of disciplines today, such as urban sociology, urban economics, and urban ecology.

In contemporary urban studies, land has oddly lost its position alongside labor and capital as one of the three fundamental production factors in economic theory, but as Marcus shows, misconceptions of land are at the root of social and environmental crises worldwide. By defining the challenges and modeling our use of spatial form to enhance/improve land, and then synthesizing data into a unified theory of spatial capital, Marcus provides a crucial reframing of how we can best plan and design our cities for the global challenges we are facing.
Aeromonas hydrophila CobQ is a new type of NAD+- and Zn2+-independent protein lysine deacetylase
Authors: Wang Yuqian , Wang Guibin , Zhang Lishan , Cai Qilan , Lin Meizhen , Huang Dongping , Xie Yuyue , Lin Wenxiong , Lin Xiangmin
Published: February 2025

Protein NƐ-lysine acetylation (Kac) modifications play crucial roles in diverse physiological and pathological functions in cells. In prokaryotic cells, there are only two types of lysine deacetylases (KDACs) that are Zn2+- or NAD+-dependent. In this study, we reported a protein, AhCobQ, in Aeromonas hydrophila ATCC 7966 that presents NAD+- and Zn2+-independent KDAC activity. Furthermore, its KDAC activity is located in an unidentified domain (from 195 to 245 aa). Interestingly, AhCobQ has no homology with current known KDACs, and no homologous protein was found in eukaryotic cells. A protein substrate analysis showed that AhCobQ has specific protein substrates in common with other known KDACs, indicating that these KDACs can dynamically co-regulate the states of Kac proteins. Microbiological methods employed in this study affirmed AhCobQ’s positive regulation of isocitrate dehydrogenase (ICD) enzymatic activity at the K388 site, implicating AhCobQ in the modulation of bacterial enzymatic activities. In summary, our findings present compelling evidence that AhCobQ represents a distinctive type of KDAC with significant roles in bacterial biological functions.
Automated evaluation systems to enhance exam quality and reduce test anxiety
Authors: Elbourhamy Doaa Mohamed
Published: February 2025

University examination papers play a crucial role in the institution’s quality, impacting the institution’s accreditation status. In this context, ensuring the quality of examination papers is paramount. In practice, however, manual assessments are mostly laborious and time-consuming and generally lack consistency. The last decade has seen digital education acquire immense interest in academic discourse, especially when developing intelligent systems for educational assessment. The presented work proposes an automated system that allows text analysis and evaluation of university exam papers by formal and technical criteria. The research was conducted by analyzing 30 exam papers, which will be included in each of the exam papers, which consist of 60 questions each, in total it holds 1,800 questions. Moreover, it also includes research to understand the quality and relationship with students’ test anxiety. A total of 50 year one first-year students were taken to measure students’ academic stress by a scale. Planning on basic levels and adherence to technical standards were missing in the exam papers. The proposed automated system has improved exam paper quality to a great extent and reduced academic stress among students with an accuracy of 98% in identifying and matching specified criteria.
Research on path planning of mobile robots based on improved A* algorithm
Authors: Fu Xing , Huang Zucheng , Zhang Gongxue , Wang Weijun , Wang Jian
Published: February 2025

To address the issues of low search efficiency, excessive node expansion, and the presence of redundant nodes in the traditional A* algorithm, this article proposes an improved A* algorithm for mobile robot path planning. Firstly, a multi-neighborhood hybrid search method is introduced, optimizing the traditional eight-neighborhood and twenty-four-neighborhood into a new sixteen-neighborhood. The choice between eight-neighborhood search and sixteen-neighborhood search is determined based on the presence of obstacles in the eight-neighborhood around the current node, effectively enhancing the search efficiency of the algorithm and reducing the number of nodes expanded during the search process. Subsequently, unnecessary nodes are eliminated based on the positional relationship between the current node and the target node, according to neighborhood direction search rules, further decreasing the number of expanded nodes. Additionally, improvements to the bidirectional search mechanism along with the incorporation of dynamic weight coefficients further enhance the search efficiency of the algorithm. Furthermore, a strategy for extracting key nodes is employed to effectively remove useless turn points, thus resolving the issue of redundant nodes. Finally, simulation experiments demonstrate that the proposed improved A* algorithm outperforms the traditional A* algorithm in terms of search speed, number of expanded nodes, and path length, validating the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Collaborative filtering based on GNN with attribute fusion and broad attention
Authors: Liu MingXue , Wang Min , Li Baolei , Zhong Qi
Published: February 2025

Recommender systems based on collaborative filtering (CF) have been a prominent area of research. In recent years, graph neural networks (GNN) based CF models have effectively addressed the limitations of nonlinearity and higher-order feature interactions in traditional recommendation methods, such as matrix decomposition-based methods and factorization machine approaches, achieving excellent recommendation performance. However, existing GNN-based CF models still have two problems that affect performance improvement. First, although distinguishing between inner interaction and cross interaction, these models still aggregate all attributes indiscriminately. Second, the models do not exploit higher-order interaction information. To address the problems above, this article proposes a collaborative filtering method based on GNN with attribute fusion and broad attention, named GNN-A2, which incorporates an inner interaction module with self-attention, a cross interaction module with attribute fusion, and a broad attentive cross module. In summary, GNN-A2 model performs inner interactions and cross interactions in different ways, then extracts their higher-order interaction information for prediction. We conduct extensive experiments on three benchmark datasets, i.e., MovieLens 1M, Book-crossing, and Taobao. The experimental results demonstrate that our proposed GNN-A2 model achieves comparable performance on area under the curve (AUC) metric. Notably, GNN-A2 achieves the optimal performance on Normalized Discounted Cumulative Gain at rank 10 (NDCG@10) over three datasets, with values of 0.9506, 0.9137, and 0.1526, corresponding to respective improvements of 0.68%, 1.57%, and 2.14% compared to the state-of-the-art (SOTA) models. The source code and evaluation datasets are available at: https://github.com/LMXue7/GNN-A2.
The avifauna of Ramanathapuram, Tamil Nadu along the Southeast coast of India: waterbird assessments and conservation implications across key sanctuaries and Ramsar sites
Authors: Byju Hameed , Maitreyi Hegde , Natarajan Raveendran , Vijayan Reshmi , Venmathi Maran Balu Alagar
Published: February 2025

Background

Wetlands, globally, face significant threats from human activities, and waterbirds, as key indicators of wetland health, are essential to maintaining ecological balance. Any long-term conservation measures should prioritize coordinated habitat preservation, wetland restoration, and sustainable management practices involving local communities. Monitoring and analyzing waterbird population trends are critical for understanding restoration, conservation, and management practices.

Methods

The present study was carried out in five bird sanctuaries Chitrangudi, Kanjirankulam (Ramsar sites), Therthangal, Sakkarakottai, and Mel-Kel Selvanoor of Tamil Nadu, Southeast coast of India, over one year (April 2022 to March 2023). Monthly surveys using direct and block methods, with additional fortnightly visits during the breeding season, were conducted from vantage points to record species diversity, nesting activity, and conservation threats. Assessments of the residential status, national status (SOIB), and Convention for Migratory species (CMS) status were done along with the alpha and beta biodiversity profiles, principal component analysis, Pearson correlation and other statistical methods performed to assess breeding waterbirds community structure. Threats to the breeding waterbirds were categorised into high, medium, and low impacts based on degree of severity and irreversibility.

Results

The avifaunal checklist revealed a diversity of waterbird species utilizing the sanctuaries for breeding. Notable findings include two Near-Threatened species like, Asian Woolly-necked Stork Ciconia episcopus, and Spot-billed Pelican Pelecanus philippensis, where Asian Woolly-necked Stork recorded only in Therthangal Bird Sanctuary. Avifauna of each sanctuary with breeding waterbirds in parenthesis is as follows: Chitragundi 122 (13); Mel-Kel Selvanoor 117 (19); Therthangal 96 (23); Sakkarakottai 116 (17) and Kanjirankulam 123 (14). The breeding activity (incubation in nests) was from November to February except for Glossy Ibis and Oriental Darter whose breeding started in December; Spot-billed Duck and Knob-billed Duck breed only during January and February. Among the 131 species recorded from all the sanctuaries, 78% were resident birds; 27% were breeding waterbirds, and 21% were Winter visitors. The SOIB and CMS statuses underscore the necessity of implementing effective conservation measures to protect breeding habitats amid anthropogenic pressures. Water unavailability and nest tree unavailability in the sanctuaries are found to be the high degree threats to breeding waterbirds than others. This research provides critical baseline data for the forest department’s future wetland management plans.
Computational modelling reveals the influence of object similarity and proximity on visually guided movements
Authors: Patil Mandar Manjunath , Heinke Dietmar , Zhang Fan
Published: February 2025

The paper aims to understand how humans reach for a single target object in multi-object scenes. In a previous empirical study, human subjects were asked to execute reaches to a single target among non-targets (choice reaching task). In the current work, we re-analysed the human data and implemented a neurobiologically-plausible cognitive robotics model (choice reaching with a LEGO arm robot, CoRLEGO) that mimics human reaches in the choice reaching task. The results from the experiment confirmed the commonly made assumption that proximity and similarity between objects (also termed perceptual grouping) affect the quality of the reaches. However, what was novel here was that modelling the reaches also allowed to temporally separate these factors, as the start of the movement was affected by both factors while the reach trajectory was affected only by proximity between target and distractor objects indicating that human information processing of visual stimuli applies these factors in a serial fashion. In particular, our model architecture and the optimised parameter settings suggest that object proximity directly influences the movement onset. In addition, our computational model confirmed this interpretation but also revealed that the relationship between the two factors may be affected by how the participants balanced speed (starting time of the movement) and accuracy of reaching (straightness of reaches). Future research will need to test whether this plausible prediction is correct.
The Challenges of Cultural Diversity Regarding the Use of Smart Technology to Promote Sustainable Land Governance, Administration and Management in Liberia
Authors: J. F Martin, , N. L GABSA,
Published: February 2025

This research discusses the significance of culture in the context of Land governance in Liberia and Africa. It highlights how culture influences administration, governance, and management practices related to land, specifically in Liberia.
The objective of this research is to identify the challenges of cultural diversity on the use of smart technology in promoting sustainable land governance, administration and management activities with respect to good governance principles. Research questions for this purpose were developed and used. This study will serve as guidelines for, judges and in general, the government by showing the pros and cons. The research was conducted in Liberia. The research used both primary and secondary sources of data. The research revealed that cultural diversity and the use of smart technology to promote sustainable land governance, administration and management activity in the country is being conducted by taking in to account principles of good governance. But still, there are gaps in the governance of the system. However, in the light of problem solving as well as inclusivity, transparency, responding to land issues as fast as possible, together with effectiveness, and the role the Liberia Land Authority, Media and civil society organizations are playing, challenges still exist which need urgent solution.
Finite Element Stress-based Stability Analysis of Diaphragm Walls for Coastal Protection at Onne, Rivers State in the Niger Delta
Authors: Nwohu Anthony I. , Nwaogazie Ify L. , Sule Samuel
Published: February 2025

The aim of this research is to model the stability of diaphragm walls subjected to seepage and sediment transport using finite element method for different soil conditions in the Niger Delta. Most coastal structures are supported by deep foundations and diaphragm walls for coastal protections or serving as quay walls. Diaphragm walls serve the dual purpose of coastal protection and berthing of vessels. Transient seepage/sediment transport (flow boundary conditions) and stress-deformations (stress boundary conditions) are the major controlling factors influencing the stability of diaphragm walls in coastal protection works. In this study, a two-dimensional uncoupled transient seepage and stress- deformation analyses were carried out to determine the stability of the diaphragm wall in different soil stratigraphy in Onne, Niger Delta region using the finite element stress-based method. The finite element solutions are based on the Galerkin’s weighted residual method and the use of Lagrange isoparametric triangular or quadrilateral elements representative soil stratigraphy along the coastline of Onne in the Niger Delta region were subjected to different stress and flow conditions modeled using a finite element method-based product Geostudio 2018R2V9.1. Uniform surcharge loads of 40, 60, 80, 100 and 120KPa were applied to the different case studies at varying dredge depths of 10, 16 and 19m under transient seepage conditions. Stability factors for critical slip surfaces and local stability factor of each slice for both shallow and deep-seated failure modes of the diaphragm wall were determined. The results obtained showed that diaphragm walls embedded in Stiff to firm clay offered better resistance than those in sand or sand with clay intercalations for both shallow (10m) and deep-seated slip surface (19m) failure modes due to transient seepage effects. The results also showed that the stability of diaphragm wall in coastal protection is strongly dependent on the depth of embedment as the stability factors in the case studies for all time steps decrease with increase in the dredging depth. The results further showed that stability factors reduce with increase in surcharge loads application for the case studies. The solutions obtained were in agreement with literature. Therefore, it is recommended to incorporate uncoupled/coupled transient seepage and stress-deformation analyses (finite element stress -based method) in the stability analysis and design of diaphragm walls for coastal protection works in the Niger Delta region.
Assessment of Current Sanitary Quality of Market Garden Products in the Yopougon Municipality
Authors: KOUAME Koffi Morofie Justin , KADJO Adobi Christian , KOUAME Kohi Alfred , HAMIAN Ettien Léon , DAGO Sylvestre , OUATTARA Missa Mambahy , AKAKI Koffi David
Published: February 2025

Aims: Inadequate agricultural practices and poor hygiene among vegetable growers increase the risk of food contamination, compromising public health and degrading natural resources. This study evaluates the impact of different cleaning treatments (sodium bicarbonate, sodium hypochlorite, and their combination) on microbial contamination and the presence of heavy metals in vegetables (lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers).
Methodolgy: Samples of vegetables from various production sites in Yopougon Municipality were treated with sodium bicarbonate, sodium hypochlorite, or a combination of both. Each vegetable was subjected to microbiological characterization. The levels of Aerobic Mesophilic Germs, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus, yeast and mold, Enterobacteria, Escherichia coli and Salmonella contamination and the presence of heavy metals (Lead (Pb), Cadmium (Cd), Mercury (Hg), Arsenic (As), Nickel (Ni), Copper (Cu) and Zinc (Zn)) were measured using standard procedures. 
Results: Microbiological analyzes revealed bacteriological contamination of all Raw-Consumed Vegetables tested. Microbial counts remain below normative thresholds for most samples.  Each treatment has a specific role to play in disinfecting raw vegetables: sodium bicarbonate in frozen water reduces the microbial load and eliminates pesticide residues, while giving vegetables a crisp, shiny appearance. Sodium hypochlorite in tap water effectively destroys any remaining pathogens. Their combination maximizes the reduction of microbial contaminants, optimizing disinfection, while revealing results that meet the AFNOR standard (1996) microbiological quality for vegetables consumed raw. Analysis of lettuce, tomato, cucumber and bell pepper samples revealed the presence of various heavy metals, some of which require special attention to ensure consumer safety. However, the risk quotient (RQ) shows that the heavy metal content of each vegetable  has an RQ of less than 1, indicating a low risk to the consumer. 
Conclusion: This study showed that the combination of both treatments proved most effective in reducing microbial contamination, highlighting the importance of improving hygiene practices to ensure the safety of fresh produce.
Enhancing Broiler Growth: Effects of Moringa oleifera Leaf Extract and Indigenous Cow Urine Supplementation
Authors: Debbarma Bhaskar , Tripathi S M , Arjun C P , Netty Shraddha , Jain Tripti , Koley K M , Dubey Meenu
Published: February 2025

The present study was conducted to assess the effects of Moringa oleifera methanolic leaf extract (MLE) and indigenous cow urine distillate (CUD) on growth performance, carcass and organ weight in broiler birds. 150 nos. day-old broiler chicks (Ross AP strain) were divided into 5 treatment groups, each with 3 replicates of 10 birds were reared for 42days. The treatment groups were as follows: Group C (Control) consisted of a basal diet, group S (Standard) consisted of a basal diet with Enradin as an antibiotic @ 0.025% in feed, group T1 consisted of M. oleifera @ 1g/L in drinking water (0.1%) + basal feed, group T2 consisted of Cow urine distillate @ 10ml/L in drinking water (1%) + basal feed, and group T3 consisted of a combination of M. oleifera @ 1g/L (0.1%) and cow urine distillate @ 10ml/L in drinking water (1%) + basal feed. Although, at 3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th week it was significantly (P˂0.05, ˂0.01 and ˂0.001) increased body weight in the birds of S, T1, T2 and T3 groups as compared to the C (Control) group. Also, the average weekly body weight gain at 1st and 2nd week, while it was significantly (P˂0.05, <0.01 and <0.001) increased in the birds of S, T1, T2 and T3 groups as compared to the C (control) during 3rd and 4th week of administration. It is concluded that incorporation of Moringa oleifera methanolic leaf extract and indigenous cow urine distillate alone and in combination through drinking water is beneficial in terms of growth performance.
Hidradenitis Suppurativa Surgery Complication Rates Among Patients With Obesity or Diabetes or Who Smoke
Authors: Shams Rayad B. , Sayed Christopher J.
Published: January 2025

Importance

Surgery is frequently required for hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) treatment, but the impact of common comorbidities such as obesity, diabetes, and smoking on outcomes has been sparsely studied.

Observations

A total of 12 studies met final inclusion criteria for investigating complication rates associated with at least 1 comorbidity. Complication rates were associated with obesity in 3 of 10 studies. Obesity was modestly associated with dehiscence and readmission for flap reconstruction, debridement, and skin-grafting techniques in one study, dehiscence in a second, and delayed wound healing in another. One of 5 studies that reported complication rates in patients with diabetes found increased hospital readmissions for debridement (deroofing or excision without flap/graft) and flap reconstruction. No studies evaluating smoking found increased associated risks.

Conclusions and Relevance

This review highlights a greater need for consistent analysis and reporting of the surgical outcomes among patients with HS and certain comorbidities. Further rigorous clinical trials are needed to validate these findings and improve access to surgery in this patient population.
Costs of Family Building for Physicians and Medical Students
Authors: Levy Morgan S. , Kelly Amelia G. , Brown Alyssa D. , Jeelani Roohi , Talib Hina , Liang Jane W. , Salles Arghavan
Published: January 2025

This survey study examines the financial costs incurred by physicians and medical students in building their families.
Screening for Patient Firearm Access Among Mental Health Care Clinicians
Authors: Rodriguez Taylor R. , Bond Allison E. , Bandel Shelby L. , Collins Christopher , Anestis Michael D. , Anestis Joye C.
Published: January 2025

This cross-sectional study investigates frequency of screening for firearm access among patients by mental health care clinicians.
Technique for Laparoscopic Fluorescence–Guided Retroperitoneal Lymph Node Dissection
Authors: Boni Luigi , Cassinotti Elisa , Baldari Ludovica
Published: January 2025

This Surgical Innovation describes a technique to identify the retroperitoneal lymph using ICG fluorescence, enabling a clear visualization of lymphatics, and nodes that need to be dissected from the surrounding structures.
Adversity as Privilege—Poverty Has Made Me a Better Surgeon
Authors: Wang Annie M. Q.
Published: January 2025

This Viewpoint explores how coming from a lower socioeconomic background has made the author a better surgeon.
Molecular and functional profiling unravels targetable vulnerabilities in colorectal cancer
Authors: Vlachavas Efstathios‐Iason , Voutetakis Konstantinos , Kosmidou Vivian , Tsikalakis Spyridon , Roditis Spyridon , Pateas Konstantinos , Kim Ryangguk , Pagel Kymberleigh , Wolf Stephan , Warsow Gregor , Dimitrakopoulou‐Strauss Antonia , Zografos Georgios N. , Pintzas Alexander , Betge Johannes , Papadodima Olga , Wiemann Stefan
Published: January 2025

Colorectal cancer (CRC) patients with microsatellite‐stable (MSS) tumors are mostly treated with chemotherapy. Clinical benefits of targeted therapies depend on mutational states and tumor location. Many tumors carry mutations in KRAS proto‐oncogene, GTPase (KRAS) or B‐Raf proto‐oncogene, serine/threonine kinase (BRAF), rendering them more resistant to therapies. We performed whole‐exome sequencing and RNA‐Sequencing of 28 tumors of the Athens Comprehensive Cancer Center CRC cohort, and molecularly characterized CRC patients based on their microsatellite instability (MSI) status, single‐nucleotide variations (SNVs)/copy number alterations (CNAs), and pathway/transcription factor activities at the individual patient level. Variants were classified using a computational score for integrative cancer variant annotation and prioritization. Complementing this with public multi‐omics datasets, we identified activation of transforming growth factor beta (TGFβ) signaling to be more strongly activated in MSS patients, whereas Janus kinase (JAK)–signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) and mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) molecular cascades were activated specifically in MSI tumors. We unraveled mechanisms consistently perturbed in the transcriptional and mutational circuits and identified Runt‐related transcription factors (RUNX transcription factors) as putative biomarkers in CRC, given their role in the regulation of pathways involved in tumor progression and immune evasion. Assessing the immunogenicity of CRC tumors in the context of RAS/RAF mutations and MSI/MSS status revealed a critical impact that KRAS mutations have on immunogenicity, particularly in the MSS patient subgroup, with implications for diagnosis and treatment.
Teacher Education for English Medium Instruction
Authors: Siegel Joseph
Published: January 2025

Teachers and students around the world are engaged in teaching and learning subject content using English, as a second or additional language (L2), or as an instructional language. As more and more higher education institutions adopt English medium instruction (EMI), the need for systematic teacher education grows in tandem. The entry highlights the need for specialized teacher education for EMI and argues against faulty assumptions that EMI is the same as teaching in a first language (L1). EMI teachers and those who provide pedagogic support and teacher training for them would benefit from acknowledging the crucial impact that L2 English proficiency has on classroom teaching and learning. The language proficiency variable relates to both teachers and students. In addition to individual characteristics and broader language policies, L2 English proficiency and confidence levels influence a number of aspects of EMI, including pace, materials selection, expectations of students, and learning outcomes. To account for these factors and support teacher education for EMI, this entry describes a number of competences relevant for EMI instructors that can be fostered through both individual and systematic professional development.
Technology for Reading and Writing Motivation Using Social‐Emotional Learning
Authors: Martínez‐Alba Gilda , Herrera Luis Javier Pentón , Guerrero Judith Cruzado
Published: January 2025

Providing students with an engaging environment where they feel motivated to learn can be a (good) challenge. Taking into account students' ability levels, interests, language proficiencies, ages, cultures, and backgrounds, teachers can begin to work toward this goal. The Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles offer teachers a framework encompassing objectives, strategies, materials, and assessments tailored to diverse learners. Additionally, fostering choice while considering students' backgrounds and abilities and utilizing various technologies can be a productive approach to cultivating a supportive environment. As technology evolves, teachers can also build their knowledge to assist students in learning reading and writing skills with the most current advances using the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) Standards. Engaging in these activities can inspire students to develop their reading and writing skills, all the while imparting knowledge about tools that will benefit them in their upcoming academic endeavors and future professional paths through the lens of social‐emotional learning (SEL).
Capacitive Structure‐Based Acoustic Triboelectric Nanogenerator for Advanced Warning Sound Recognition
Authors: Son Giyoung , Seo Dongwon , Kim Dongjun , Kim Seokjin , Kong Jimin , Kim Kyounghwan , Chung Jihoon
Published: January 2025

Sound is a powerful communication tool that outperforms visual signals in emergencies. However, research on sound energy harvesting has been limited because of its relative weakness as an ambient energy source. The development of sensitive and efficient energy harvesting technologies is crucial for human safety applications. Triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) are energy‐harvesting devices that generate electrical signals through mechanical movement. However, previous studies have used conventional vertical contact separation mode structures, which rely solely on the membrane surface charge. A breakthrough is needed to increase their sensitivity and ensure long‐term usability. Herein, a capacitive‐structure‐based noncontact acoustic TENG (CS‐TENG) is developed. Electrical analysis demonstrates high sensitivity and improved voltage and current. CS‐TENG outperforms conventional A‐TENGs at 90 dB, achieving maximum peak voltages and currents of over 59.74 and 85.1%, respectively. CS‐TENG accurately detects human voices, frequency warning sounds, and reality warning sounds with 95, 99, and 100% accuracy, making it suitable for industries with limited visual information.
Design and Assembly of Continuous Macro‐Micro‐Porous Metal‐Organic Framework Film Assisted by Atomic Layer Deposition for Biosensing
Authors: Wang Jinlong , Jiang Yuanyuan , Zhu Fenyang , Mei Yu , Qiao Zhiyuan , Zhao Zhe , Zheng Zhi , Lu Zihan , Liu Xuanyong , Mei Yongfeng , Huang Gaoshan
Published: January 2025

Constructing highly oriented and ordered macro‐pores on metal‐organic framework (MOF) film can surpass the inherent limitations from micro‐pores, promote multiphase adsorption, and expedite electrochemical reaction, but the fabrication remains extremely challenging. Here, continuous macro‐micro‐porous MOF films are achieved by combining polystyrene microsphere template and induction effect of ZnO nanomembrane prepared by atomic layer deposition. In addition to the intrinsic micro‐pores, the fabricated MOF film exhibits oriented and ordered macro‐porous structures. Compared with the macro‐porous MOF particles and conventional MOF film, the mass diffusion and charge transportation in the macro‐micro‐porous MOF film are significantly improved, endowing the film with excellent electrochemical activity. The sensor device made from macro‐micro‐porous ZIF‐67 film toward glucose exhibits excellent performance, e.g., high sensitivity, low limit of detection, and fast response, due to rapid glucose molecule diffusion and enhanced exposure of active sites via interconnected macro‐porous channels. This work paves the way for the application of MOF film in high‐performance biosensor chip and therefore may have great potential in post‐Moore period.
Refining Multiscale Heterogeneity in Perovskite Solar Cells via Interfacial Chemistry Homogenization
Authors: Song Hochan , Won Jiyeon , Kim Hak‐Beom , Lee Eunseo , Lee Jaehwi , Lee Dongryeol , Shin Subeom , Chung Sein , Cho Kilwon , Lee Jaewon , Lee Bo Ram , Song Myoung Hoon , Kim Dong Suk , Kim Jin Young , Kang Dong‐Won , Yang Jonghee , Lee Sang‐Min , Choi Hyosung
Published: January 2025

Controlling multiscale structural heterogeneities in halide perovskites (HPs) is a key bottleneck to achieving the reproducible high‐performances and longevity of perovskite solar cells (PSCs). A correlative understanding of structural and chemical features at the HP/charge transport layer interface is vital to realizing homogeneous and monolithic crystal matrices. Yet, this is not fully resolved as it requires holistic investigations of the multilayer systems. Herein, the intricate correlations of the interfacial features are resolved by utilizing chemically modified colloidal SnO2 nanoparticles (NPs) with ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid‐grafted polymeric chitosan (C‐EDTA). This chemical approach drastically enhances colloidal stability of the NPs, thereby manifesting a chemically homogenized surface of the electron transport layer. This promotes a homogeneous crystallization, refining the HP matrix while suppressing the evolution of pinholes and grain boundary grooves at the buried interface. This chemically and structurally refined heterointerface system significantly minimizes the interfacial charge recombination, thereby realizing improved performances of the PSCs with the highest power conversion efficiency of 25.12%. This work provides key insights into the role of structural refinement at the interface benefiting the performances and durability of PSCs − a vital principle in realizing sustainable solar energy platforms.
Near‐Infrared Circularly Polarized Electroluminescence with Switchable Handedness in Organic LEDs
Authors: Zinna Francesco , Botta Chiara , Luzzati Silvia , Bari Lorenzo Di , Giovanella Umberto
Published: January 2025

In this study, the development of the first fully‐organic circularly polarized near‐infrared organic light–emitting diode (CP‐NIR‐OLED) is presented. The devices are made by using a co‐assembled active layer consisting of a commercially available NIR‐emitting indacenodithienothiophene‐based molecule (ITIC) and a chiral inducer. Here, ITIC, which is traditionally utilized as non‐fullerene acceptor in organic photovoltaics for its superior characteristics, is demonstrated to act as an effective NIR emitter for solution‐processed OLEDs. By incorporating the chiral additive into the active layer, the emission is successfully polarized, achieving CP‐NIR‐OLEDs with dissymmetry values up to 0.074 and a maximum radiance of 1.65 Wsr−1m−2. Additionally, this study shows that by manipulating the position of the radiative exciton recombination zone within the active layer, the circular polarization sign can be switched, while maintaining and even enhancing device performance. This CP‐NIR‐OLEDs also exhibit remarkable operational stability, indicating their potential for short‐term applications. This work provides a significant step forward in the development of CP‐OLEDs and opens new avenues for their use in advanced near‐infrared optoelectronic devices.
Programmable Stapling Peptide Based on Sulfonium as Universal Vaccine Adjuvants for Multiple Types of Vaccines
Authors: Zhang Yaping , Lian Chenshan , Lai Wenlong , Jiang Leying , Xing Yun , Liang Huiting , Li Jin , Zhang Xinming , Gan Jianhui , Li Zigang , Yin Feng
Published: January 2025

Adjuvants are non‐specific immune enhancers commonly used to improve the responsiveness and persistence of the immune system toward antigens. However, due to the undefined chemical structure, toxicity, non‐biodegradability, and lack of design technology in many existing adjuvants, it remains difficult to achieve substantive breakthroughs in the adjuvant research field. Here, a novel adjuvant development strategy based on stapling peptides is reported to overcome this challenge. The nano‐vaccine incorporating peptide adjuvant and recombinant HBsAg protein not only induced strong antibody titers that are equivalent to aluminum adjuvanted vaccines but also simultaneously activated T‐cell immune response. Similar results are also observed in herpes zoster vaccine and more complex influenza vaccine. The mechanism analysis demonstrates that antigen is efficiently carried into antigen‐presenting cells (APCs) by peptide, further promoting the secretion of cytokines and activation of APCs. In addition, by redesigning the adjuvant, it is found that the sulfonium centers, rather than the sequence of peptide played an important role in immune activation. This discovery may provide a new paradigm for the rational design of peptide‐based adjuvants. In brief, this study demonstrates that stapling peptides with sulfonium centers can provide a well‐defined, programmable, biocompatible, and effective adjuvant for multiple types of vaccines.
Growth of Omnichannel Grocery Retailing and Food Prices
Authors: Kong Xiangwen , Çakır Metin , Li Qingxiao
Published: January 2025

This paper examines the effects of the growth of omnichannel grocery retailing on food prices. We first develop a conceptual model of consumer choice and retailer pricing that allows us to evaluate changes in equilibrium prices, quantities, and profits with online channel growth and alternative pricing strategies. Subsequently, we empirically analyze the relationship between the increasing prevalence of online grocery shopping and in‐store prices. We find that increasing online grocery sales is positively associated with in‐store food prices, indicating that the drastic shift in consumer preferences toward online grocery shopping in the last few years could be another factor contributing to high food prices.
Synergistic plasmon resonance hybridization of iron‐dispersed MoO3−x/MXene for enhanced nitrogen photothermal reduction
Authors: Tang Ying , Xie Dongsheng , Guo Xiaomin , Fang Lining , Zeng Hui , Rui Zebao
Published: January 2025

Plasmonic photochemical N2 fixation has received widespread attention owing to the attractive plasmonic enhancement effects in improving solar‐to‐NH3 conversion efficiency. However, the weak N2 adsorption affinity in metallic plasmonic photocatalysts and insurmountable interfacial barriers in metal–semiconductor plasmonic photocatalysts lead to rapid charge carrier recombination instead of participating in N2‐to‐NH3 conversion. Herein, a photothermal catalyst Fe‐dispersed MoO3−x/MXene with synergistic plasmon resonance hybridization structure is fabricated for photothermal N2 fixation. The hybrid plasmon resonance effects derived from MXene and MoO3−x induce a strong optical response across the ultraviolet–visible‐near‐infrared range and generation of energetic charge carriers, and the induced photothermal effect further accelerates electron extraction, transport, and surface reaction kinetics. Moreover, the abundant oxygen vacancies and Fe sites can intensify the N2 adsorption and donate the energetic electrons into the anti‐bonding system for the stimulative NH coupling process. A high NH3 formation rate of 87.1 μmol g−1 h−1 is achieved under solar‐level illumination.
Flame‐Retardant Rigid Polyurethane Foam Composites Based on Piperazine Pyrophosphate/Steel Slag: A New Strategy for Utilizing Metallurgical Solid Waste
Authors: Liu Xiuyu , Fu Cunlong , Wang Feilong , Fang Yuan , Tang Gang , Deng Dan , Dai Kang
Published: January 2025

In this work, piperazine pyrophosphate (PAPP) and metallurgical solid steel slag (SS) are used to fabricate flame‐retardant rigid polyurethane foam (RPUF) composites through a one‐step all‐water foaming technology. The thermal stability, combustion properties, and flame retardancy of the PAPP/SS composite were investigated by thermogravimetric (TG) analysis, cone calorimetry, limiting oxygen index testing (LOI), and UL‐94 vertical burn testing. RPUF‐3 showed a char residue of 28.6 wt% at 750°C compared with 24.9 wt% of the pure sample, indicating better thermal stability of the FRPRUF composites. RPUF‐3 possessed an LOI of 21.5 vol% and achieved a V‐0 level in the UL‐94 test. Cone calorimetry displayed the peak heat release rate and fire growth rate index of RPUF‐3 were decreased by 12.66% and 41.6%, respectively, compared with those of pure RPUF. PAPP/SS incorporation led to the formation of compact char layer structures during combustion. Pyrophosphoric acid, generated from the decomposition of PAPP, promotes the formation of esters, ethers, and alcohols, whereas metal oxides in SS enhance the compactness of the char layer. This enhanced structural integrity obstructs mass and heat transmission in the combustion zone, effectively improving condensed‐phase flame retardancy. This approach offers a novel strategy for the fabrication of high‐performance RPUF composites and the high‐value utilization of SS.
Improved Flame Retardancy and Tensile Property of Aramid Fiber‐Reinforced Aluminum Hydroxide/Zinc Borate/Low‐Density Polyethylene Composites
Authors: Yu Xuxu , Feng Chuang , Cao Kuang , Hang Ziyan , Zhang Jinzhu
Published: January 2025

Low‐density polyethylene (LDPE) is a preferred material for engineering applications due to its flexibility and erosion resistance. However, LDPE demonstrates inherent flammability with limiting oxygen index (LOI) being around 17.5%. This work aims to enhance flame retardancy and tensile property of LDPE by incorporating aluminum hydroxide (ATH), zinc borate (ZB), and aramid fibers (AF). The reinforced LDPE containing 1.5 wt% AFs exhibits optimal flame retardancy among the samples as tested. Compared to the composites without AFs, the melt flow index of the composites is reduced by 95.5%, the LOI increased by 4.48% and a UL‐94 V‐0 rating is achieved. The thermogravimetric analysis test shows that the final residual mass reaches 44.2%. The cone calorimeter tests reveal the heat release rate is 110.0 kW/m2 and the smoke production rate is 0.016 m2/s, which are declined by 3.7% and 14.3%, respectively. Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy prove that the tensile action of AFs plays an active role in the formation of stable char which is beneficial for flame‐retardant performances. Apart from enhanced flame retardancy, the tensile strength of the reinforced composites reaches an increase of over 50% while meeting flame‐retardant requirements.
Promoting Effect of Synergetic Nucleating Agent on Crystallization Behavior of Polylactic Acid
Authors: Hu Yongxiang , Shen Hongwang , Ni Huali , Liu Yuanbiao , Zhang Lina , Ju Guannan
Published: January 2025

Modulating the crystallization behavior of polylactic acid (PLA) is significant for expanding its application range. In this article, a synergetic nucleating agent of talc and D‐sorbitol combination is incorporated into PLA via melt blending to enhance the crystallization of PLA. Then, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) is employed to study the nonisothermal and isothermal crystallization behaviors, and the analysis of isothermal crystallization kinetics is carried out according to the Avrami equation, which has confirmed that the synergetic nucleating agent can promote the increase of the crystallinity from 3.5% to 43.8% and enhance the crystallization rate. Meanwhile, the analysis of Lauritzen–Hoffman's secondary nucleation theory reveals an obvious decline in the nucleation constant and fold surface free energy of PLA chains, which means a superior nucleating efficiency. Furthermore, the results of polarized optical microscopy (POM) demonstrated that the addition of the synergetic nucleating agent resulted in a greater number of spherical crystals with smaller sizes simultaneously visible in the field of view, indicating the synergetic nucleating agent promotion effect on PLA crystallization.
Spiritual and religious information experiences: An Annual Review of Information Science and Technology (ARIST) paper
Authors: Caidi Nadia , Nangia Pranay , Samson Hugh , Ekmekcioglu Cansu , Olsson Michael
Published: January 2025

This chapter examines the contours of the religious and spiritual information experiences subfield through a review and content analysis of selected contributions from the past two decades in both information science and related fields. The research question that guides this review is: How have spirituality and religion been conceptualized in information science? Our focus has been on the LIS literature along with the fields of information behavior/practice/literacy, as well as related fields such as human–computer interaction (HCI), media and digital studies, religious studies (including sociology and anthropology of religion or religious tourism). Our aim was to highlight the ways in which the information science literature has contributed to advancing these conversations (using a collections/service/user experience or practice lens), but also how the discussions around the sacred, lived religion, contemplation, conversion or techno‐spiritual practices (to name a few) have provided insights into information phenomena and processes. We also discuss the evolution of, and practices associated with, social media and digital practices as well as a discussion of representation (or the lack thereof) of less mainstream religious and spiritual traditions in the literature reviewed. We end with suggestions for future research directions.