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The article offers information on the American Library Association's (ALA) LibLearnX conference on January 24-27, 2025 in Phoenix, Arizona.

A recent study conducted at Federal University Bahia in Salvador, Brazil, introduced a new methodology called Taturrecognografia, which focuses on using tattoos as a form of documentation for human identification. The research utilized data-grounded theory to develop a taxonomy that categorizes and quantifies elements within tattoo images on the human body. The study concluded that tattoos can serve as valid documents for human identification and contribute to the overall knowledge and representation of tattoos for such purposes. For more information, readers can refer to the article "Tattoorrecognography, a Documentary Methodology Based On Tattooing" published in Transinformacao. [Extracted from the article]

Researchers from Zhejiang University have developed comprehensive mass spectral libraries of human thyroid tissues and cells to analyze thyroid disease-related proteomes. These libraries, generated from various mass spectrometers, contain a vast amount of data from tissue samples and cell lines, aiding in the exploration of disease-specific proteins. The research concludes that these spectral libraries are a valuable resource for deeper insights into thyroid disorders. For more information, readers can access the full article in Scientific Data. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted at Florida International University explores the synthesis of small-molecule libraries using vicinal chiral diamines generated from modified short peptides. These compounds, including diaza- and triazacyclic structures, are significant in pharmaceutical research due to their bioactive properties. The research highlights the potential of these compounds in drug discovery, showing promise in various therapeutic areas such as antimalarials, antimicrobials, analgesics, and antitumor agents. For more information, the full article can be accessed for free at the Pharmaceuticals journal website. [Extracted from the article]

The research conducted by Wageningen University explores the concept of foodscapes in relation to the traditional fermented milk, mabisi, in three regions of Zambia. The study examines how the production and consumption practices of mabisi are influenced by factors such as migration, acculturation, and urbanization, leading to changes in dietary choices and food production techniques. The findings suggest that understanding the foodscape of mabisi could promote the consumption of healthy traditional foods in these regions. [Extracted from the article]

A research study from Novosibirsk, Russia, explores the use of direct lateral interbody fusion with indirect decompression of spinal roots in patients with degenerative lumbar spinal stenosis. The study highlights the importance of surgical interventions in improving the quality of life for individuals with degenerative spine conditions. The research suggests that lateral lumbar interbody fusion (LLIF) can be an effective method for indirect decompression of spinal nerve roots, potentially offering benefits over other surgical approaches. The study emphasizes the need for further investigation into the effectiveness of LLIF as an independent decompressive and stabilizing surgical intervention for patients with degenerative spinal stenosis. [Extracted from the article]

A patent was issued for engineering antimicrobial peptides by inventor Philippe Gabant, assigned to Syngulon SA. The patent outlines a method for generating antimicrobial peptides with predetermined levels of activity by providing a library of candidate nucleic acids encoding peptides, detecting antimicrobial activity, introducing mutations, and iterating to achieve desired levels of activity. The invention aims to tune populations of microbial organisms, such as bacteria, for industrial processes and health maintenance. The patent emphasizes the importance of antimicrobial peptides, like bacteriocins, in inhibiting the growth of microbial organisms. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted at Hangzhou Dianzi University in China explored the impact of trust on user adoption of artificial intelligence-generated content (AIGC) in a competitive AI market. The research found that factors such as perceived intelligence, transparency, empathy, and knowledge hallucination influence cognitive and affective trust in the platform, which in turn affects trust in AIGC. The study suggests that generative AI platforms should focus on improving intelligence, transparency, and empathy while mitigating knowledge hallucination to build user trust and facilitate adoption. This research fills a gap in understanding user trust formation in the context of AIGC. [Extracted from the article]

Researchers at Yonsei University in South Korea conducted a study on enhancing user satisfaction with contactless services in academic libraries, focusing on factors affecting service satisfaction and the value of different service types. The study found that satisfaction with contactless services is influenced by factors such as convenience, responsiveness, security, reliability, and personalization. The research aims to provide practical directions to improve contactless services in South Korean academic libraries. The study was funded by the Ministry of Education and the National Research Foundation of Korea and has been peer-reviewed. [Extracted from the article]

A patent was issued for systems and methods developed by Recursion Pharmaceuticals Inc. to evaluate query perturbations in high throughput screening for drug discovery. The patent aims to improve screening methodologies by identifying candidate therapeutics with effects mediated through any molecular target, including previously unidentified targets, and facilitating the evaluation of on-target and off-target effects in a single assay. This innovative approach leverages automated biology and machine learning to speed up and reduce the cost of pharmaceutical drug discovery, particularly for rare diseases and conditions where the etiology is poorly understood. [Extracted from the article]

An introduction is presented in which the editor discusses articles in the issue on topics including the virtual conference Internet Librarian Connect, featuring papers on Artificial Intelligence (AI) presented by practitioners in the library field.

The article offers information on the Legal Landscape of Librarianship (L3) Forum online on February 18-20, 2025, a project of READCON: A Curriculum for Library Readiness, Advocacy, and Community Empowerment.

A recent study conducted by investigators at the State University of New York (SUNY) focused on improving library accessibility within the SUNY system. The study involved creating a Library Accessibility Cohort to develop best practices and expertise across multiple campuses. Despite challenges, including those posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the collaborative approach taken by the cohort proved beneficial. The research aims to assist other libraries in enhancing accessibility and serve as a foundation for future initiatives. [Extracted from the article]

A recent report from Pennsylvania State University (Penn State) discusses the findings of a study on decision-making by academic library leaders, focusing on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on staffing and budgets. The study highlights a shift towards strategic plan-based decision-making and new priorities such as open scholarship and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). The research suggests that a younger, more diverse leadership population in academic libraries is achieving success through advocacy and inclusive leadership practices. The study has been peer-reviewed and provides valuable insights for those interested in library science and academic leadership. [Extracted from the article]

Researchers from the University of Turku conducted a study on the citing of academic publications in policy documents to assess social impact. The study compared policy citations tracked by Overton.io and Altmetric.com for publications from Finnish research organizations. Results showed that 39% of publications in social science fields from Finland were cited by Overton and 9% by Altmetric.com, with 5% overlap between the sources. The research concluded that combining results from both sources provides the most coverage. [Extracted from the article]

A recent report from the University of Sao Paulo highlights the impact of wildfire smoke on public health, particularly on adults and children. The study emphasizes that exposure to wildfire smoke can lead to respiratory, cardiovascular, and neurological issues, with children being particularly vulnerable due to their smaller airways and developing lungs. The research underscores the need for preventive measures and adaptation strategies, such as improving early warning systems and promoting risk communication campaigns, especially in wildland-urban interface regions. [Extracted from the article]

Kristen Arnett, a successful author known for her comedic writing, shares her journey from church fanfic to bestseller lists. Despite facing challenges as a single mother, she pursued her passion for writing and found her comedic voice through Twitter and literary workshops. Her upcoming novel, "Stop Me If You've Heard This One," explores themes of grief, trauma, and humor through the lens of a down-and-out gay Floridian clown. Arnett's work reflects her personal experiences and her deep connection to Orlando, where she finds inspiration and a sense of community. [Extracted from the article]

The article reports on the celebration of the 75th anniversary in 2024 by the American Library Association's (ALA's) International Relations Round Table (IRRT).