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Understanding perceived value in tourism: Insights from destinations facing crises
Tourism is a significant contributor to global economic growth, underscoring the importance of understanding visitors’ perceptions of attractions in destinations that face challenges and crises. This study investigates key factors influencing tourists’ perceived value of a destination, using the context of such challenging economic and political crises. It aims to determine how tourists evaluate their experiences in these destinations and how these perceptions affect their satisfaction and loyalty. By employing a quantitative method using a structured questionnaire distributed to 784 international tourists visiting Lebanon, the research measures perceived value and satisfaction, considering various destination attributes. The findings reveal that the inherent qualities of a destination significantly impact visitor evaluations, with value for money, competitive pricing, and high-quality experiences enhancing the likelihood of repeat visits and recommendations. Additionally, fun and family experiences play a crucial role in shaping perceived value. Contrary to expectations, knowledge and novelty do not significantly influence perceived value. This paper adds to the tourism literature by providing valuable insights into how tourists perceive value in crisis-prone destinations and addressing the resilience of the tourism sector in volatile regions which provides strategies for managers in such destinations. With its innovative approach, this study integrates quantitative analysis, highlighting the key factors that sustain tourists’ satisfaction and loyalty despite external obstacles.
Interfacial electroneutrality controls transport of asymmetric salts through charge-patterned mosaic membranes
Membranes that selectively enhance target solute permeation while rejecting competing species are essential for precision separations. This study introduces charge-patterned mosaic membranes (CMMs) that selectively transport divalent asymmetric salts by leveraging a net-neutral membrane–solution interface. This mechanism, dictated by the charge ratio of positive and negative domains on the membrane surface and the balance of cations and anions in the salt, is supported by analytical, numerical, and experimental results. Analytical solutions identified cationic domain coverages ( f + ) of 33%, 50%, and 66% as optimal for the selective transport of +2:−1 salts, +1:−1 salts, and +1:−2 salts, respectively, under conditions where the pattern size ( L ) is significantly larger than the Debye length. Numerical simulations and experiments using CMMs with alternating charged-stripes inkjet-printed onto nanostructure copolymer substrates confirmed these findings. By varying stripe widths to control f + , pressure-driven filtration experiments demonstrated selective enrichment of MgCl 2 and K 2 SO 4 at the predicted f + values, with deviations from these values leading to salt rejection. These results highlight the pivotal role of a net-neutral interface in enabling asymmetric salt enrichment. This study positions CMMs as a versatile platform for tuning ion selectivity, addressing challenges in resource recovery, water treatment, and precision separations.
Climate impacts and future trends of hailstorms in China based on millennial records
Normalization of serum alpha fetoprotein after direct acting antivirals in hepatitis C patients lowers hepatocellular carcinoma risk
Digital soil mapping in support of voluntary carbon market programs in agricultural land
Voluntary carbon market (VCM) programs in agriculture depend on accurate measurements of soil organic carbon (SOC) that can be deployed at scale efficiently, but barriers are preventing widespread adoption. To overcome these challenges, we developed a digital soil mapping (DSM) framework driven by machine-learning and numerous spatial covariates, including long-term climate proxies, short-term climate and weather-related variables, topographic and edaphic measurements, and remote sensing time-series summaries. We show that the model can predict SOC content in the top 30 cm of soil using 5,230 measurements of SOC in agricultural land within 47 states in the contiguous United States (CONUS). Model predictions closely matched independent measured values. The intercept and slope of the cross-validated relationship at the agricultural field level were −0.179 and 1.095. The coefficient of determination was R2 = 0.811, and the RMSE was 0.041. In contrast, comparison of independent field measurements to four publicly available SOC data products using 165 fields that contained 3,285 in-situ soil samples showed poor ability of existing public SOC maps to reproduce measured values, underscoring the importance of quantification technologies developed specifically for agricultural land and with recent soil measurements. Three prior SOC data products underestimated SOC content at small values and overestimated it at large ones, while one underestimated SOC content at all values examined. Analysis of feature importance showed that time series summaries from Sentinel-2 are the strongest predictors, followed by temperature variables and features related to surface hydrology. These findings underscore the value of geographically representative training and validation data for quantifying SOC content in agricultural land and demonstrate that feature engineering can increase the sensitivity of SOC quantification to optical remote sensing summaries. Data-driven algorithms can generate accurate estimates of field-level SOC content in agricultural land in CONUS that overcome barriers to scale in the VCM.
Emergence of a carbapenem-resistant atypical uropathogenic Escherichia coli clone as an increasing cause of urinary tract infection
Abstract Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales pose a critical global health threat, exemplified by increasing resistance of uropathogenic E. coli (UPEC) that cause urinary tract infections (UTIs). Here, we investigate the publicly available EnteroBase dataset and identify a signal of increasing UTI caused by phylogroup A E. coli sequence type 167 (ST167). Phylogenetic analysis of ST167 based on whole genome sequence data reveal three major clades (A, B, C), with clade C further resolving into several subclades, notably subclade C2 that possessed high carriage rates of carbapenem and cephalosporin resistance genes. Hierarchical clustering of core genome multi-locus sequence typing reveals ~77% of subclade C2 strains contain <20 allelic differences in 2,513 core genes and harbour two distinct group 1 capsule types, KL124 and KL30, likely originating from Klebsiella. Subclade C2 was predominantly sequenced in North America, and we provide evidence for clonal expansion since 2016. Analysis of UPEC virulence factors reveals complete loss of the type 1 fimbriae genes in strains from clades B and C. Two subclade C2 isolates exhibit significantly reduced capacity to colonise the bladder compared to the reference UPEC strain CFT073 in a murine UTI model. Collectively, our data identifies ST167 as an atypical UPEC clone associated with UTI.
Effects of drying temperature, mercerizing, and coating on the properties of Colombian Coir fibers and their interfacial adhesion with polylactic acid
Abstract In the present study, the influence of drying temperature, mercerization, and epoxy coating on the physicochemical and mechanical properties of Colombian CFs and their interfacial adhesion with a PLA matrix were studied. CFs were extracted from the mesocarp of Cocos nucifera husks by retting. The fibers were oven-dried at two drying temperatures, 40 °C and 90 °C. These samples were then mercerized and coated with epoxy resin. Pullout tests were performed to assess the bonding between the fibers and the PLA matrix. The results revealed that drying at 90 °C significantly enhanced fiber stiffness, yielding a Young’s modulus of 1.99 ± 0.48 GPa. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) revealed that the mercerization treatment partially removed lignin from the surface of the fibers, increasing their roughness and facilitating mechanical interlocking. The subsequent epoxy resin coating introduced functional groups that can enhance the wettability of PLA. Compared with the untreated fibers, the combination of the mercerized and polymeric coatings resulted in a 62% increase in the Young’s modulus (3.57 ± 0.95 GPa) and a 43% increase in the tensile strength (108.43 ± 35.72 MPa). Additionally, single-fiber pull-out tests revealed that mercerized and coated fibers (CM-PLA) had double the interfacial shear strength (0.916 MPa) of untreated fibers, demonstrating improved fiber‒matrix adhesion.
Subjective socioeconomic status moderates depression’s impact on fairness perception in the ultimatum game: A moderated mediation model
Individuals with depression often exhibit cognitive distortions in socioeconomic decision-making, particularly in interpreting fairness. However, the role of subjective socioeconomic status in shaping these distortions remains underexplored. This study investigates how depression influences fairness perception and rejection behavior in the Ultimatum Game. Specifically, it is to examine whether the fairness perception of unfair offers mediates the association between depression and the rejection rate of unfair offers, and whether subjective socioeconomic status moderates this relationship. 274 participants completed the CES-D scale to assess depressive symptoms, the MacArthur Scale to measure subjective socioeconomic status, and participated in a modified UG to evaluate fairness perception and rejection rates. Mediation and moderated mediation analyses were conducted using PROCESS Model 7. The results showed that individuals with higher levels of depression tended to perceive unfair offers as more fair, which subsequently led to fewer rejections. Crucially, this mediation effect was significant only among individuals with high subjective socioeconomic status. For low subjective socioeconomic status individuals, depression did not significantly alter the fairness perception of unfair offers. These findings suggest that subjective socioeconomic status shapes the cognitive consequences of depression, highlighting the importance of accounting for socio-cognitive contextual factors in understanding how depression affects social decision-making processes.
Connectome-constrained ligand-receptor interaction analysis for understanding brain network communication
Adverse childhood experiences as predictors of alcohol and tobacco addiction risk among college students in Delhi-NCR, India
Burden of tuberculosis in Eastern Africa region from 1990–2021: A systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease 2021 Study
Background Tuberculosis (TB), despite being a preventable and curable disease, remains a leading infectious cause of death. In Eastern Africa, TB poses a significant public health challenge. This study examined TB incidence, prevalence, mortality, and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) from 1990 to 2021. This study aims to provide evidence for policy and healthcare stakeholders in Eastern Africa. Method This analysis is part of the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) Study 2021 to estimate TB incidence, prevalence, TB-specific mortality, and DALYs. The GBD study applies several analytical tools and uses data from national health surveys, vital registration systems, WHO reports, and hospital records. The results were presented by age group, sex, location, and year, accounting for 95% uncertainty intervals. Result A significant decline was observed in TB burden across East African countries between 1990 and 2021. The age standardized TB incidence rate dropped by 53% (95% UI: 50.7%, 55.1%), from 518.8 per 100,000 in 1990–244 in 2021, while TB prevalence dropped by 29.1% (95% UI: 26.3%, 31.7%), from 38,577.6–27,366.1 per 100,000. TB-related deaths fell by 64.6% (95% UI: 55.0%, 71.4%), and TB related DALYs declined by 68.2% (95% UI: 60.3%, 73.6%). Despite these improvements, men consistently experienced higher TB incidence, prevalence, mortality, and DALYs compared to women. Ethiopia showed the highest reductions in terms of TB-related mortality and DALYs compared to countries in the region, with annual reduction rates of 6.0% and 6.6%, respectively. Conversely, Somalia had the highest TB burden in 2021 in terms of incidence, mortality, and DALYs. Mauritius and Seychelles maintained the lowest TB burden, attributed to strong health systems and socio-economic conditions. Conclusion A significant decline was observed in TB burden across eastern African countries between 1990 and 2021. However, TB rates remain significantly higher than global and African averages. Therefore, continued investment in health systems and tailored interventions is essential to alleviate the disease burdens, specifically in high-prevalence areas.
SOX2 drives esophageal squamous carcinoma by reprogramming lipid metabolism and histone acetylation landscape
Enhanced secure storage and data privacy management system for big data based on multilayer model
Expression of Concern: The impact of digital economy on high-quality economic development: Research based on the consumption expansion
Coordinated actions of NLR-assembled and glutamate receptor–like calcium channels in plant effector-triggered immunity
The plant immune system utilizes nucleotide-binding/leucine-rich repeat (NLR) proteins to detect pathogen virulence factors (effectors) inside host cells and transduce recognition to rapid defense. In dicotyledenous plants, pathogen activated Toll-like/interleukin-1 receptor-containing NLRs (TNLs) establish a signaling network of enhanced susceptibility 1 (EDS1)-family dimers with RPW8-type coiled-coil (CC R ) domain NLRs (RNLs) to stimulate transcriptional reprogramming leading to host cell death and pathogen restriction. Evidence suggests that TNL- and EDS1-activated RNLs function as oligomeric Ca 2+ permeable ion channels at the plasma membrane. However, the downstream processes for immunity execution are poorly understood. Here, we studied pathogen effector-triggered immunity conferred by Nicotiana benthamiana TNL (Roq1) which signals almost exclusively through the EDS1-senescence associated gene101 (SAG101)-N required gene 1 (NRG1) RNL module. We identify a pair of glutamate receptor–like Ca 2+ ion channels (GLR2.9a and GLR2.9b) which, unlike most other pathogen-induced GLRs, are highly up-regulated by the EDS1-SAG101-NRG1 module in the TNL immune response. We show that oligomeric NRG1 Ca 2+ channel activity is necessary for GLR2.9a and GLR2.9b induced expression. Consequently, GLR2.9a and GLR2.9b proteins contribute to NRG1 -dependent Ca 2+ accumulation in host cells, and to pathogen resistance and host cell death. We establish that GLR2.9a localizes mainly to the plasma membrane/cytoplasm whereas GLR2.9b accumulates preferentially at the nuclear envelope. The data show that transcriptionally up-regulated canonical Ca 2+ ion channels GLR2.9a and GLR2.9b are a functional output of the EDS1-SAG101-NRG1 module for TNL-triggered immunity.
Anthropogenic climate change may reduce global diazotroph diversity
A Nostalgia Brain-Music Interface for enhancing nostalgia, well-being, and memory vividness in younger and older individuals
Behavioural analysis of multi-year satellite telemetry data provides insight into narwhal (Monodon monoceros) winter prey selection in Baffin Bay
Narwhals (Monodon monoceros) are deep-diving Arctic cetaceans that migrate seasonally between summering and wintering grounds. The Baffin Bay population overwinters in southern Baffin Bay and Davis Strait, where they are known to forage on high-energy benthic prey. Studying narwhal winter behaviour and prey preference has been challenged by their remote distribution and limited lifespan of satellite tags deployed in summer, restricting data on their habitat use and foraging strategies. Since prey consumption is thought to peak in the winter, understanding narwhal diet plasticity in a rapidly changing environment like Baffin Bay is critical. This study developed unique methods to examine four years of irregular satellite telemetry data from 22 narwhals tagged in their summering grounds. Locations and recorded diving data from the overwintering area were isolated, and a hidden Markov model was used to define three behaviours (“surface”, “pelagic”, and “deep-water” diving). We further examined the effects of five covariates on these behaviours to provide insight into the spatial patterns of narwhal winter prey preference. Narwhal behaviours were dominated by diving, with 37% of their time spent in pelagic waters and 40% in deep-water, while only 22% of their time was spent in surface related behaviours. Deep-water behaviours increased later in the day and into the winter season and occurred frequently in the center trough of Baffin Bay before (66°- 69°) and across Davis Strait (65° - 67°). In contrast, pelagic behaviours declined as the winter season progressed and occurred earlier in the day. Narwhals occupying the northern overwintering area exhibited more pelagic behaviours, despite it being deeper, suggesting different foraging strategies across their winter range. Our study identified behaviours suggestive of a variable winter diet and provided insight on the spatial nature of these behaviours across the winter season. The methods developed in this study present new opportunities for analysing lower resolution satellite tracking data. With advancements in bio-logging technology and remote field methods, the ability to successfully document changes in winter space use and fine-scale foraging behaviours may be possible for narwhal in the future.