Search Results (30,781)

Conversion Rate Optimisation (CRO) has emerged as a central strategic priority in e-commerce management, yet its positioning within the broader interactive marketing paradigm remains theoretically underdeveloped. Interactive marketing, defined as a multi-directional value creation process through active customer connection, engagement, participation, and interaction, provides a critical lens through which the effectiveness and efficiency of digital marketing tactics can be understood, as each tactic mediates a distinct form of consumer brand interactivity. The academic literature, however, remains fragmented; no unified comparative framework exists that simultaneously assesses both effectiveness and efficiency of digital marketing tactics within an interactive marketing context. Drawing on the classical effectiveness and efficiency framework and interactive marketing theory, this study addresses this gap through a cross-sectional quantitative survey of 302 digital marketing professionals, evaluating a broad range of tactics across both dimensions using a validated psychometric instrument. The findings reveal that Email Marketing consistently dominates across effectiveness and efficiency assessments, reflecting its permission-based structure and its capacity to sustain ongoing consumer–brand dialogue. Search Engine Marketing exhibits the most pronounced divergence between effectiveness and efficiency, consistent with auction-driven cost dynamics that constrain interactive value creation. Attribution modelling difficulty emerges as the primary structural barrier to CRO implementation, revealing a systemic challenge to evidence-based resource allocation in multi-channel interactive environments. An exploratory factor analysis identifies a three-factor taxonomy of tactic effectiveness, distinguishing Paid Conversion tactics, data-driven optimisation tools, and organic or relationship-based channels, each representing a qualitatively distinct mode of consumer–brand interaction. This study advances interactive marketing theory by providing the first empirically validated effectiveness–efficiency framework for e-commerce CRO, and offers actionable guidance for cross-channel budget allocation decisions in interactive digital environments. Full article

Restoration of the osteochondral unit remains a major challenge in regenerative orthopaedics, largely due to the limited intrinsic healing capacity of articular cartilage and the complex, multilayered nature of the cartilage–bone interface. Osteochondral regeneration must accommodate differences in cellular composition, vascularization, metabolic demand, and mechanical properties between cartilage and bone, while simultaneously recreating a stable, functional interface. While exogenous mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) therapies have dominated the field, their clinical translation has been hindered by donor variability, phenotypic instability, logistical complexity, and inconsistent long-term outcomes. Resident stem cells from sources such as articular cartilage, bone marrow, periosteum, synovium, synovial fluid, and adipose tissue (infrapatellar fat pad) can act as potential targets for in situ osteochondral regenerative therapies. Joint-resident MSCs are adapted to the biomechanical and biochemical environment of the joint and may therefore represent a promising cell source for osteochondral regeneration; however, much of the supporting evidence remains preclinical. Effective osteochondral repair depends on the precise orchestration of stem cell recruitment, maintenance of chondrogenic phenotypes, induction of osteogenic differentiation in the subchondral compartment, and modulation of local immune responses. Patient-specific factors, including age, inflammatory status, and the severity of osteoarthritis, can significantly influence the regenerative potential of resident MSC populations and should therefore guide biomaterial design strategies. The proposed niche-by-design framework integrates stem cell biology with advanced biomaterial engineering, offering a rational roadmap for developing next-generation therapies that promote endogenous osteochondral regeneration through targeted activation of joint-resident progenitor cells. Full article

This mixed-methods study examined preschoolers’ digital home environment (DHE), parent–child digital and traditional literacy activities, children’s interest in literacy across modalities and parent and child perspectives on literacy practices. Participants included 121 Israeli parents of preschool-aged children and their children. Quantitative data were collected via parent questionnaires assessing joint digital literacy activities, general digital activities, parental involvement in selecting digital content, traditional literacy activities, and children’s interest in digital and traditional literacy. Qualitative data comprised parents’ open-ended responses about children’s digital media exposure and children’s perspectives on digital writing. Findings revealed positive associations between digital and traditional literacy practices in the home. Parent–child joint digital literacy activities emerged as the strongest predictor of children’s interest in digital literacy, beyond the effects of children’s age and traditional literacy practices. Conversely, parental involvement in selecting digital content was negatively associated with children’s interest in digital literacy activities. Qualitative findings indicated that parents perceived digital media use as offering educational opportunities while also raising developmental concerns, and placed strong emphasis on parental mediation and supervision. Children associated digital writing with learning, letters, and school-related literacy activities, while also linking computers with play and entertainment. Children’s preferences for handwriting versus keyboard writing were nearly equally divided, with explanations reflecting varied perceptions of convenience, enjoyment, and the meaning of writing in digital contexts. Together, these findings suggest that young children’s digital literacy experiences are shaped less by technology per se and more by the socially mediated interactions surrounding digital media use. Full article

Sulfadimethoxine (SDM) is a sulfonamide antibiotic widely used in the aquaculture of aquatic organisms. Its excessive residues in animal-derived food products can cause irreversible harm to human health and the environment. Current primary detection methods for SDM, such as instrumental methods and Immunoassay techniques, demonstrate high sensitivity and accuracy. However, their industrial application is impeded by laborious sample pretreatment, reliance on specific equipment, and dependence on specially trained personnel. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop a simple and rapid method for detecting SDM residues. In this study, we constructed a novel colorimetric sensing platform based on functional nucleic acids for SDM detection. This sensor incorporates a nucleic acid aptamer capable of specifically recognizing SDM, a G-quadruplex/Hemin complex with peroxidase-like catalytic activity, and a shielding sequence that suppresses catalytic activity while undergoing SDM-induced conformational changes. The colorimetric signal was generated using a 3,3′,5,5′-Tetramethylbenzidine (TMB) chromogenic substrate, and the sensor’s performance was evaluated via absorbance measurements with a microplate reader. After optimizing detection conditions, the sensor exhibited a linear response to SDM concentrations ranging from 0.155 to 3.10 ng/mL, with a detection limit of 0.0796 ng/mL. Furthermore, the sensor demonstrated excellent selectivity and achieved recoveries of 83.0% to 107% in spiked aquaculture water and fish samples, with coefficients of variation below 10.4%, confirming its superior practicality for real-world sample analysis. Full article

The construction of the Archaeological Site Prediction Model (ASPM) and quantitative research on the driving mechanisms of influencing factors are key to better understanding the multidimensional interactions between ancient humans and the environment. They also constitute an essential technical approach for guiding field archaeological survey and excavation. This study aims to develop a highly stable, accurate, and interpretable predictive model for archaeological sites in the Chongqing Three Gorges region (CQTGR). BP neural network prediction (BPNN) has been applied in various fields, but its random initial weights and thresholds often lead to suboptimal accuracy and weak interpretability. To address these issues, this study constructs BPNN optimized with a Bayesian algorithm to enhance its accuracy. Additionally, it integrates the SHAP model to quantitatively identify nonlinear interactions and threshold effects of influencing factors, thereby improving its interpretability. The results indicate that: (1) The BPNN-based prediction model outperforms other conventional models. After hyperparameter optimization using the Bayesian algorithm, the AUC (area under the ROC curve) on the test set increases by 0.0812, reaching a final value of 0.8815. This indicates that the optimization model is effective and that the model exhibits strong predictive capability. (2) Archaeological sites exhibit a tiered and linear corridor distribution pattern along the Yangtze River and its major tributaries. This pattern can be divided into five concentric tiers radiating outward from the core of the main river systems. High-probability zones are particularly clustered in the low-lying and flat river valleys. (3) The distribution of archaeological sites is comprehensively influenced by both the natural environment and human activities. Elevation and river systems are key driving factors, with NDVI and land use also exerting significant influence. The major factors demonstrate notable threshold and interaction effects. Areas where the interaction between factors exhibits positive enhancement are often the core areas of archaeological site distribution. This research not only provides a precise scientific basis for the preventive protection and monitoring of potential distribution areas of archaeological sites but also offers decision support for the spatial conservation planning of these sites. Full article

IoT cloud platforms support the monitoring and management of distributed renewable-energy systems, but sustaining them can be challenging in academic and community initiatives with limited resources. Recurring cloud-service fees, dependence on proprietary platforms, and limited local control may become major obstacles, particularly when long-term service operation must be combined with technical capacity-building within local institutions and surrounding communities. This paper presents an open-source, multi-tenant IoT cloud architecture developed within the GREATER Erasmus+ framework and deployed in renewable-energy Living Labs in Rwanda. The architecture is built using widely adopted open-source tools, including Docker, Node-RED, MySQL, Nginx, MQTT, and HTTPS APIs. The main novelty is an open-source middleware layer that transforms standard components into a shared, tenant-aware platform by coordinating authentication, role-based access, tenant-aware routing, controlled database access, separate Node-RED workspaces, and dashboard visibility for different Living Labs and user roles. The platform has been deployed in real settings, supporting photovoltaic monitoring, solar-powered irrigation, community energy services, domestic energy monitoring, and educational activities. The platform is evaluated in terms of cost, resource usage, communication delay, reliability mechanisms, and access-control behavior. The results show that heterogeneous IoT services can be hosted on modest local infrastructure while maintaining logical separation between Living Lab data and services. By combining open-source technologies, multi-tenant management, and field deployment, the proposed architecture offers a practical model for higher-education institutions and community-oriented renewable-energy initiatives in resource-constrained environments. Full article

Bismuth hexacyanoferrate (BiHCF), a Prussian blue analogue containing redox-active Fe–CN–Bi coordination motifs, was investigated as a model electrode for cathodic processes in chloride-rich saline and hypersaline electrolytes. Rather than evaluating BiHCF solely as a hydrogen evolution catalyst, this work focuses on the coupled electrochemical and interfacial processes that govern its response in NaCl solutions and natural brines from seawater, reverse osmosis (RO) reject, and high-altitude brine environments. Structural characterization by SEM–EDS, XRD and FTIR confirmed the formation of crystalline BiHCF with rod-like micrometric morphology and preserved cyanide coordination. Linear sweep voltammetry under controlled hydrodynamic conditions revealed a progressive cathodic displacement of the mixed potential with increasing NaCl concentration, together with a marked suppression of oxygen reduction kinetics at high chloride activity. Mixed-potential analysis showed that HER kinetics remain comparatively less sensitive to salinity than ORR, whereas the anodic contribution associated with BiHCF oxidation becomes strongly affected by chloride-induced surface transformation. Post-electrochemical characterization indicates the formation of a BiOCl-rich surface layer when the BiHCF is in contact with a hypersaline electrolyte during the cathodic subprocess (close to 0 mV_SHE), which accounts for the transition from active mixed-control behaviour to a passivated interfacial regime. Density functional theory calculations suggest that elementary water activation and hydrogen-forming steps at Bi sites are intrinsically feasible, implying that the experimentally observed overpotentials originate primarily from transport, interfacial resistance and chloride-driven passivation rather than from an unfavourable molecular reaction pathway. These findings provide a mechanistic framework for understanding Bi-based Prussian blue analogue electrodes in non-purified saline electrochemical systems and highlight the dual role of chloride as both a charge-compensating electrolyte species and a passivating reactant. Full article

Background and Objectives: Exoskeletons may be useful in preventing musculoskeletal disorders. This study aimed to evaluate the biomechanical and subjective effects of a passive shoulder exoskeleton during overhead assembly work in a real-world automotive manufacturing environment. Materials and Methods: Sixteen workers performing overhead assembly tasks participated in this study. Muscle activity, joint angles, and joint reaction forces were compared between the No Exo and Exo conditions during overhead work. Muscle activity was measured using surface electromyography (EMG), upper-body kinematics were captured using inertial measurement units (IMUs), and shoulder joint torques and reaction forces were estimated using the AnyBody musculoskeletal modeling system. Additionally, user satisfaction was assessed through a questionnaire. Results: Comparison of biomechanical outcomes between the No Exo and Exo conditions showed that the Exo condition significantly reduced anterior and lateral deltoid activities by approximately 15.2% and 11.1%, respectively, and reduced glenohumeral joint reaction force by 115.24 N (all p < 0.05). Participants also reported lower physical workload (p < 0.001). Conclusions: The study results suggest that wearing an exoskeleton during overhead work may reduce shoulder muscle loading and improve biomechanical indicators associated with shoulder loading. Full article

Background/Objectives: Cancer vaccines represent the next frontier in immunotherapy, aiming to elicit long-lasting protective anti-tumor immune responses. Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) is a well-established therapeutic target in breast cancer. Active immunization with HER2-displaying M13 bacteriophages can induce a therapeutic immune response against HER2-positive breast cancer, offering a promising alternative to trastuzumab. However, the duration of anticancer immune protection triggered by anti-HER2 phage-based vaccines is limited by tumor-immune suppressive mechanisms. Methods: In this study, two vaccination cycles with ECTM phages displaying the extracellular (EC) and transmembrane (TM) domains of human HER2 were combined with palbociclib, a CDK4/6 inhibitor, to enhance antitumor immunity in the clinically relevant Δ16HER2 transgenic preclinical model of breast cancer. Results: The proposed combination treatment resulted in a better and long-lasting control of tumor growth rate and multiplicity than either palbociclib or phage vaccination alone, correlating with a significantly stronger anti-HER2 humoral response (IgG2a isotype). Analysis of the tumor immune infiltrate revealed an increased presence of CD8⁺ T cells concomitant with a reduction in FoxP3⁺ regulatory T cells (Tregs) in tumors explanted from mice receiving the combination therapy. Conclusions: These preclinical results provide a rationale for the clinical translation of CDK4/6 inhibitors combined with anti-HER2 active immunotherapies in breast cancer, as they may yield sustained antitumor responses by reverting the immunosuppressive tumor environment. Full article

Neonates and infants exhibit fundamentally distinct immune responses compared to adults, resulting in increased susceptibility to infectious diseases and reduced vaccine efficacy. These age-specific responses are characterized by developmental constraints affecting both adaptive and innate immunity. T cell-independent (TI) responses to polysaccharide vaccines are severely impaired due to reduced transmembrane activator and calcium-modulating cyclophilin ligand interactor (TACI) expression on neonatal B cells, while T cell-dependent (TD) responses are compromised by Th2 bias in the CD4+ T cell compartment, and by restricted T follicular helper (Tfh) cell development. Emerging data suggest that cytokines such as IL-6 have completely opposite effects on Tfh cell development between adults and neonates. Germinal center (GC) B cell responses are further constrained by delayed follicular dendritic cell (FDC) maturation, impaired B cell receptor (BCR) signaling, and elevated frequencies of IL-10-producing regulatory B cells. The overall immunosuppressive phenotype associated with early age extends to the neonatal innate immune system as exhibited by altered dendritic cell (DC) subset distribution, decreased IL-12p70 production, lower expression of MHC class II and co-stimulatory molecules, and increased IL-10 secretion. To overcome these immune constraints, various adjuvants that are shown to enhance immune response to vaccines in adults are considered for early age vaccines. Although some of these adjuvants show promising results in animal experiments, mechanistic studies need to be conducted in detail since adult and neonatal in vivo environments may dictate different outcomes between the two age groups, especially because early-life adjuvant exposure may have long-lasting effects on immune system programming. Elucidation of age-specific immune responses to vaccines and adjuvants will help develop age-tailored strategies to develop safe and effective pediatric vaccines. Full article

Background/Objectives: Stenotrophomonas maltophilia is a critical opportunistic pathogen, yet its long-term epidemiology remains underrepresented in global surveillance frameworks like WHO GLASS. We aimed to analyze its six-year epidemiological trend in a large Polish tertiary hospital. Methods: A retrospective study (2020–2025) of 399 non-duplicate isolates was conducted. Identification was performed using MALDI-TOF MS, and susceptibility was analyzed according to EUCAST breakpoints. Antibiotic consumption (DDD/100 patient-days) was correlated with isolation trends. Results: Wound/skin (36.8%) and lower respiratory tract (35.8%) samples predominated. A significant rise in respiratory isolates was observed post-2020, coinciding with peak carbapenem consumption in ICU and surgical wards. Ward-level analysis demonstrated that intensive care unit status (β = 68.9, 95% CI 46.1–91.8, p < 0.001) and carbapenem consumption (β = 0.080, 95% CI 0.004–0.156, p = 0.041) were independently associated with S. maltophilia isolation burden after adjustment for ward type (adjusted R² = 0.80). While trimethoprim–sulfamethoxazole remained highly active, levofloxacin susceptibility showed high interannual variability. Conclusions: S. maltophilia is a stable and clinically significant threat in high-intensity hospital environments. Our findings support the inclusion of this pathogen in international AMR monitoring (GLASS) and emphasize strict carbapenem stewardship to curb its emergence. Full article

The durability of concrete in chemically aggressive environments remains a major concern for marine structures, wastewater systems, industrial facilities, pavements, and foundations exposed to sulfate-bearing soils. Geopolymer concrete has attracted increasing attention as a lower-carbon alternative to ordinary Portland cement concrete because its aluminosilicate-rich reaction products, reduced portlandite content, and adjustable precursor−activator chemistry may enhance resistance to various chemical attack mechanisms. However, its durability is strongly governed by mixture composition and exposure regime, and therefore cannot be generalized across all geopolymer systems. This review provides a systematic and critical synthesis of the chemical attack resistance of geopolymer concrete, focusing on acid, sulfate, chloride, marine, wastewater, and combined aggressive exposures. The effects of precursor chemistry, calcium content, activator composition, curing regime, additives, fibers, aggregate type, recycled materials, and environmental coupling are examined in relation to degradation mechanisms and durability indicators. A PRISMA-informed methodology was used to identify, screen, verify, and synthesize primary experimental and modeling studies. The reviewed evidence indicates that low-calcium and well-polymerized geopolymer systems often exhibit favorable sulfate resistance due to the reduced availability of calcium-bearing phases that form expansive products, whereas chloride resistance is primarily governed by pore refinement, chloride transport, binding capacity, pore−solution alkalinity, and reinforcement corrosion behavior. In contrast, acid resistance remains more variable, depending on acid type, pH, exposure duration, solution renewal, calcium content, and the stability of protective silica-rich layers. Additives and alternative aggregates can enhance durability by refining the pore structure, improving the interfacial transition zone, or controlling cracking, but excessive or incompatible dosages may have adverse effects. Overall, geopolymer concrete offers strong potential for chemically aggressive infrastructure when designed through performance-based criteria and validated under realistic multi-exposure conditions. Full article

Tensegrity structures have lightweight, compliant, impact-resistant, and large-deformation characteristics, providing a deformable structural solution for mobile robots in complex environments. Inspired by earthworm peristaltic locomotion, this study proposes BAM-STR, a soft tensegrity robot driven by McKibben pneumatic artificial muscles. The robot adopts a three-layer, three-strut tensegrity structure, and the McKibben pneumatic artificial muscles are arranged at the diagonal and additional tendon positions to generate axial–radial coupled deformation under low-pressure actuation. A bio-inspired segmented peristaltic waveform control strategy is further designed. By sequentially activating and releasing the artificial muscles in the three tensegrity units, the robot generates an axially propagating deformation wave and achieves continuous forward crawling. Experimental results show that BAM-STR can achieve approximately $31\%$ axial contraction and $21\%$ radial expansion at an input pressure of $100\mathrm{kPa}$. When the control time interval is $\Delta T=1.0–1.25\mathrm{s}$, the robot reaches its maximum average crawling speed of approximately $6.5\mathrm{mm}/\mathrm{s}$. Multi-scenario experiments further show that BAM-STR can adapt to channel widths ranging from 190 to $235\mathrm{mm}$, complete continuous crawling while carrying an additional payload of $200\mathrm{g}$, and maintain forward locomotion on a rough artificial grass surface. These results indicate that BAM-STR has path-width adaptability, load-carrying crawling capability, and rough-ground adaptability. Full article

Food safety culture (FSC) is a structured, measurable and enforceable element of the food industry, which is essential for building consumer trust and safeguarding consumer wellness. Regardless of the size of the organisation, FSC plays a pivotal role in safety and quality assurance and should be embedded in the company’s values and beliefs, ultimately manifesting in employee behaviours. FSC’s principal denominators encompass the fundamental principles of leadership, knowledge, engagement, environment, performance, and outcome. These principles collectively form a holistic framework that is pivotal for enhancing the efficacy and efficiency of safety initiatives in the food supply chain. FSC should be integrated into existing food safety standards, aligning with management systems and enjoying support and ownership at all levels and portfolios. Attaining a strong FSC requires commitment and active participation, not only from departments and sections directly involved with food handling, but also from administrative departments and branches. A non-conducive or weak culture, on the other hand, creates barriers to the achievement of safety goals and creates environments that may lead to product safety failures and non-conformances, with potential detrimental impacts on both consumer and business well-being. The absence of a specific culture constitutes a culture in itself, and, therefore, regular, valid, and reliable assessment is crucial for understanding the current state of FSC, without drawing generalised, superficial, or biased conclusions. In this study, the history and context of FSC are discussed, as well as narratives on assessment protocols and improvement initiatives. A trustworthy and ethical assessment is the first step in a three-phase process, involving assessment, alignment, and intervention to improve FSC, constituting various subcategories. The ultimate intent of this study is to provide turn-key solutions through presenting ideas, debating concepts and proposing interventions to guide and inform FSC improvement, culminating in safe and wholesome products. Full article

This paper presents the design, implementation, and validation of a mobile Real-Time Location System (RTLS) based on Ultra-Wideband (UWB) technology for acquiring and transforming production and logistics data in an industrial environment. The aim is to obtain accurate real-time information on the movement of workers and material flows to support data-driven optimization within the Industry 4.0 framework. The proposed solution introduces a mobile RTLS architecture enabling flexible deployment without permanent infrastructure changes. The system was experimentally validated in a manufacturing enterprise, where UWB anchors and wearable tags were used to monitor six operators and handling equipment during a 12 h production shift. The collected data were analyzed using trajectory mapping, heatmaps, and worker activity analysis to identify inefficiencies in the existing production layout. The identified bottlenecks and unnecessary worker movements were subsequently used to redesign the production layout in Tecnomatix Process Simulate. Simulation results demonstrated a 51.9% reduction in worker travel distance, while transportation and waiting activities, which accounted for approximately 24% of the original production lead time, were significantly reduced in the proposed layout. The results confirm that UWB-based RTLS provides reliable input data for simulation-driven manufacturing layout redesign and supports objective decision-making in digital manufacturing environments. Full article