bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparison of Ultra-High Pressure Cold Brew Coffee with Conventional Cold Brew Coffee at Different Roasting Degrees: Physicochemical Characteristics, Non-Volatile Compositions and Volatile Compositions
Authors: Shi Qihan , Xiao Ying , Zhou Yiming , Tang Wenxiao , Jiang Feng , Zhou Xiaoli , Lu Hongxiu
Published: September 2024

Previous research has indicated that ultra-high pressure (UHP) technology is useful in speeding up the extraction process of cold brew (CB) coffee. However, the impact of different degrees of roasting on UHP CB coffee is still unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effects of three different degrees of roasting (light, medium, and dark) on the physicochemical and flavor characteristics of UHP CB coffee. The results of this study showed that most physicochemical characteristics of UHP coffee were similar to those of conventional CB coffee, regardless of the degree of roasting. However, the majority of physicochemical characteristics, non-volatile components, and sensory evaluation significantly increased with an increase in roasting degree. The HS-SPME-GC/MS analysis showed that most volatile components, such as pyrazines, furans (except furfural), esters, pyrrole, pyridine, and most aldehydes, increased from light to dark roasting, and this was significantly evident in CB coffee compared with UHP. The content of volatile components in UHP coffee was significantly (P<0.05) higher than that in CB coffee at the same degree of roasting, especially with dark roasting. The combination of orthogonal partial least squares-discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA) and principal component analysis (PCA) indicated that the distance between coffee samples at different degrees of roasting under CB coffee was greater than that under UHP coffee. However, the distance between these two extraction methods at medium roasting was evidently closer than that at light and dark roasting. Moreover, 15 representative differential compounds, such as were Hazelnut pyrazine, linalool, butane-2,3-dione, 3- methylbutanal found by the calculation of odor-active values (OAVs) indicating the main contributing compounds to odor. Overall, the effect of roasting degrees on UHP coffee was less than that on CB coffee, which was consistent with the results of physicochemical characteristics, volatile components, and sensory evaluation.
Dual Inhibition of Phosphodiesterase 3 and 4 Enzymes by Ensifentrine Protects against MRSA-Induced Lung Endothelial and Epithelial Dysfunction
Authors: Al Matni Mohammed Yaman , Meliton Lucille , Dudek Steven M. , Letsiou Eleftheria
Published: September 2024

Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) is a severe lung condition with a high mortality rate for which there are no effective therapeutics. The failure of the alveolar-capillary barrier, composed of lung endothelial (EC) and alveolar epithelial (AEC) cells, is a critical factor leading to excessive inflammation and edema characteristics of acute lung injury (ALI). Phosphodiesterases (PDE) are enzymes well-recognized for their roles in regulating endothelial permeability and inflammation. Although PDE inhibitors are used as therapeutics for inflammatory diseases like COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), their efficacy in treating ARDS has not yet been established. In this study, we investigate the effects of ensifentrine, an FDA-approved novel dual PDE 3/4 inhibitor, on lung endothelial and epithelial dysfunction caused by methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA), a pathogen involved in bacterial ARDS. Human primary lung endothelial cells and alveolar epithelial cell lines (A549 and immortalized AEC) were treated with heat-killed MRSA, and their responses were assessed in the presence or absence of ensifentrine. Ensifentrine given either pre- or post exposure attenuated MRSA-induced increased lung endothelial permeability. VE-cadherin junctions, which serve to stabilize the EC barrier, were disrupted by MRSA; however, ensifentrine effectively prevented this disruption. Pre-treatment with ensifentrine protected against MRSA-induced EC pro-inflammatory signaling by inhibiting the expression of VCAM-1, ICAM-1, and by reducing the IL-6 release. In AEC, MRSA caused upregulation of ICAM-1, activation of NF-kB and production of IL-8, all of which were inhibited by ensifentrine. These results indicate that dual inhibition of phosphodiesterases 3 and 4 by ensifentrine is barrier protective and attenuates MRSA-induced inflammation in both lung endothelial and epithelial cells. The PDE3/4 inhibitor ensifentrine may represent a promising novel strategy for the treatment of ALI.
Comparing the Performance of Automatic Milking Systems through Dynamic Testing Also Helps to Identify Potential Risk Factors for Mastitis
Authors: Milanesi Stefano , Donina Dario , Chierici Guido Viviana , Zaghen Francesca , Sora Valerio Massimo , Zecconi Alfonso
Published: September 2024

Automatic Milking Systems (AMS) are revolutionizing the dairy industry by boosting herd effi-ciency, primarily through increased milk yield per cow and reduced labor costs. The performance of milking machines, whether traditional or automated, can be evaluated using advanced vacuum meters through dynamic testing. This process involves scrutinizing the system and milking rou-tine to identify critical points, utilizing the VaDia™ logger (BioControl AS, Rakkestad, NO). Vacuum recordings were downloaded and analyzed using the VaDia Suite™ software under the guidance of a milking specialist. Access to data from AMS across various manufacturers and herds facilitated a retrospective study aimed at describing and comparing key milk emission parameters for different AMS brands while identifying potential mastitis risk factors. Using proper statistical procedures of SPSS 29.1 (IBM Corp, USA), researchers analyzed data from 4,878 individual quarter milkings from cows in 48 dairy herds. Results indicated significant variability in milking pa-rameters associated to quarter milk yield and AMS brand. Notably, despite AMS standardizing teat preparation and stimulation, the study revealed a surprisingly high frequency of two major mastitis risk factors—bimodality and irregular vacuum fluctuations—occurring more frequently than in conventional milking systems. This study, one of the few comparing different AMS brands and their performance, highlights the crucial role of dynamic testing in evaluating AMS perfor-mance under real-world conditions.
Prenatal Exposure to a Human Relevant Mixture of EDCs Affects Mandibular Development in Mice
Authors: Rinotas Vagelis , Stamatakis Antonios , Stergiopoulos Athanasios , Bornehag Carl-Gustaf , Rüegg Joëlle , Armaka Marietta , Kitraki Efthymia
Published: September 2024

Mandible is a bony structure of neuroectodermal origin with unique characteristics that support dentition and jaw movements. In the present study we investigated the effects of gestational exposure to a mixture of endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) on mandibular growth in mice. The mixture under study (Mixture N1) has been associated with neurodevelopmental effects in both a human cohort and animal studies. Pregnant mice were exposed throughout gestation to 0.5x (times of pregnant women exposure levels), 10x, 100x and 500x of Mixture N1, or the vehicle, and the mandibles of the male offspring were studied in adulthood. Micro-CT analysis showed non-monotonic effects of Mixture N1 in the distances between specific mandibular landmarks and in the crown width of M1 molar, as well as changes in the mandibular bone characteristics. The alveolar bone volume was reduced, and the trabecular separation was increased in the 500X exposed mice. Bone volume in the condyle head was increased in all treated groups. The Alcian blue stained area of pre-hypertrophic chondrocytes in condyle’s head was increased in 0.5x, 10x and 100x groups, while the Safranin-O-stained area of mature hypertrophic chondrocytes was respectively reduced. This is the first indication that prenatal exposure to an epidemiologically defined EDC mixture, associated with neurodevelopmental impacts, can also affect mandibular growth in mammals.
Case Report: Pulmonary Vein Stenosis 2 Years Following Catheter Ablation
Authors: Kulkarni Chandana , Burk John
Published: September 2024

This case report demonstrates the rare but potentially serious complication of pulmonary vein stenosis (PVS) diagnosed several years after radiofrequency ablation for atrial fibrillation. Pulmonary vein stenosis can remain asymptomatic until significant occlusion occurs, after which it can present with a variety of symptoms, mimicking numerous cardiovascular and pulmonary pathologies. Early diagnosis and treatment rely on consistent follow-up using appropriate diagnostic imaging modalities, which are paramount in preventing severe complications.
A Comparative Study of Sol-Gel Deposited Zinc Oxide, Tin Oxide, and Titanium Dioxide Thin Films and Their Photocatalytic Performance on MB Decoloration
Authors: Gómez Heberto , Gómez-Monsivais Angélica , Tangirala Krishna Karthik , Molina Hector Daniel , Olvera Maria De la Luz , Maldonado Arturo , González Jose Luiz
Published: September 2024

A comparative study of the photocatalytic decoloration of methylene blue (MB) dissolved in water was conducted, using three semiconductor oxides: zinc oxide (ZnO), tin oxide (SnO2) and titanium dioxide (TiO2) in the form of thin films and varying their thickness ~ 100, 200, and 300 nm for each film. All the films were deposited using the cost-effective dip-coating technique, at moderate temperature processing (400 °C) with sol-gel solutions on cheap glass substrates. The structural, morphological, and compositional properties of the films were analyzed by X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), and Raman spectroscopy, respectively. The degradation of MB was studied by varying both thickness and type of semiconductor oxides through measurements of optical absorbance of decolorated liquid by photocatalytic process. Structural analysis shows that ZnO and SnO2 films were polycrystalline with preferential growth of (002) and (110) planes respectively, whereas, an amorphous structure was observed for TiO2 films. In addition, morphological properties confirms that the surfaces of all the films are conformed with nano grains in round and irregular shapes. Based on all results reported in this work, that authors believe that the degradation efficiency of MB depends on the thickness of the film and the type of semiconductor material used as a catalyst. The highest degradation efficiencies were recorded with an exposure time of 120 min and with an initial concentration of 10 mg/L for ZnO, SnO2, and TiO2 films were: 100, 88 %, and 76 %, respectively.
Improving Geotechnical Properties of Expansive Subgrade Using Sugar Cane Molasses and Cement
Authors: Ahmad Sohail , Peng Tianbo , Ayaz Hassan , Wu Yicheng
Published: September 2024

Soil stabilization using Portland cement is a widely adopted technique. Previous research has demonstrated that molasses, which contains sugars, enhances the reaction between cement and aggregates. This study investigates the impact of adding molasses to soil stabilized with Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) on geotechnical properties. Expansive clay soil samples from Taru Jabba, District Nowshera, Pakistan, were treated with various combinations of molasses and cement. The concentrations of each stabilizer were varied at 0%, 4%, 8%, and 12% by dry weight of the soil. Additionally, the soil was treated with constant molasses contents of 4%, 8%, and 12%, while varying the cement content at 4%, 8%, and 12% by dry weight. Geotechnical tests, including Proctor compaction, Atterberg limits, Unconfined Compressive Strength (UCS), California Bearing Ratio (CBR), and swelling potential, were conducted to assess the effects of the stabilizers. The results indicated that the addition of molasses improved soil strength, mitigated shrinkage cracks, and reduced brittleness. Specifically, the CBR value increased from 3.2% in the native soil to 12.3% with 12% molasses and 12% cement. The Plasticity Index (PI) decreased from 14.23% to 8.12%, and the CBR swell value reduced from 9.66% to 3.82%. Furthermore, the UCS of the stabilized soil increased by 64.7% compared to the untreated soil after a 7-day curing period.
Revisiting Avian Metapneumovirus Subtype B in Broiler Chickens and Turkeys in Morocco: First Molecular Characterization
Authors: Mernizi Amine , Ghram Abdeljelil , Fathi Hicham , Sebastiá Enrique Carceller , Criado Juan-Luis , Dardi Martina , Arbani Oumayma , Bouslikhane Mohammed , Mouahid Mohammed , Lupini Caterina , Catelli Elena , Fellahi Siham , Nassik Saadia
Published: September 2024

Avian Metapneumovirus (aMPV) is a significant poultry pathogen with a global presence, primarily causing respiratory issues in turkeys. It also affects chickens, although the severity of its impact is often lessened in this species. In Morocco, aMPV has been detected in broiler flocks, prompting the need to deeply analyze circulating strains to understand better the epidemiology and develop control measures accordingly. This research focuses on the sequencing and molecular characterization of aMPV in these flocks. Additionally, aMPV isolated from turkeys displaying Turkey Rhinotracheitis (TRT) signs, were included in the study to compare the findings. RNA extracted from positive swabs was subjected to nested PCR, targeting the attachment protein of the G gene, followed by gel electrophoresis. Amplicons were purified and sequenced using the Sanger method. Bioinformatics tools facilitated sequence analyses, including BLAST for similarity searches and Mega® for phylogenetic analysis using the maximum likelihood method with 1000 bootstrap replicates. The investigation unveiled the existence of three distinct clades of the same aMPV/B strain, two of which originated from used vaccines and one from field recombination, all circulating in broilers and turkeys and indicating potential virus transmission between both poultry species.
This article presents the first-ever molecular characterization of aMPV isolated from Moroccan broilers and turkeys, encompassing comprehensive investigations on its presence and subtype, and genetic characterization.
Effects of Nitrogen Loss in Water and Root Morphology of Nitrogen-Fertilized Tobacco Farmland
Authors: Ouyang Chengren , Kang Yang , Zhao Zhengxiong
Published: September 2024

Nitrogen loss in water from farmland has become a highly concerned environment issue due to the different nitrogen-fertilized input, which is the main cause of agricultural non-point source pollution in the Lake Basin. However, characteristics of nitrogen forms loss from farmland and how the root system responds is lacking. The effectiveness of 100–0% (T1), 75–25% (T2), 50–50% (T3), 25–75% (T4), and 0–100% (T5) nitrate-ammonium nitrogen fertilizer treatment was investigated to determine nitrogen loss in water and root morphological parameters of tobacco in Mile and Chengjiang Counties. Two sites result suggested that: Compared with the T1, T4, and T5 treatments, the TN loss of the T2 and T3 treatments in runoff was reduced by 4.67–27.32%, 11.85–23.20%, and 9.56–31.43%, respectively. Similar results in the nitrogen loss of infiltration were observed with that from runoff. Correlation analysis suggested that the root biomass was negatively correlated with the nitrogen loss. T2 and T3 treatments were larger than those of the T1, T4, and T5 treatments in terms of root biomass, root surface area, and root spatial distribution. This study suggested that 50–50% nitrate-ammonium nitrogen fertilizer can facilitate the root growth of tobacco and reduce nitrogen loss, which provides a reference for agricultural sustainable development.
AI-Driven Predictive Maintenance in Modern Maritime Transport. Enhancing Operational Efficiency and Reliability
Authors: Simion Dragos , Postolache Florin , Fleacă Bogdan , Fleacă Elena
Published: September 2024

Maritime transport has adapted to recent political and economic shifts by addressing stringent pollution reduction requirements, redrawing transport routes for safety, reducing onboard technical incidents, managing data security risks and transitioning to autonomous vessels. The integration of AI-based technologies for fault diagnosis and decision-making, coupled with proper personnel training, has become essential for optimal ship operation, with AI-assisted predictive maintenance emerging as the key strategy to ensure onboard systems function within desired parameters and enhance equipment availability. This study proposes a machine-learning algorithm for evaluating onboard systems performance by analyzing sensor data and mapping it to fault patterns to estimate functional states, validated through tests on a seawater cooling system from an oil tanker, demonstrating operational efficiency and reliability. The immediate advantage is reduced time for fault diagnosis by rapidly assessing the system using operational data, the algorithm enabling real-time monitoring and fault data management to minimize efforts as part of predictive maintenance assisted by machine learning tools.
Membangun Sistem Monitoring yang Efeketif untuk Menjembatani Dunia Pendidikan dan Dunia Kerja
Authors: Suparyati Atik , Widiastuti Indah , Saputro Ida Nugroho
Published: September 2024

Praktik Kerja Lapangan (PKL) adalah bagian kurikulum pendidikan kejuruan di SMK, Namun, pelaksanaannya sering menghadapi kendala, seperti komunikasi tidak efisien, pelaporan yang terlambat, dan kesulitan memantau perkembangan siswa. Untuk mengatasi masalah ini, dikembangkan sistem monitoring PKL bertujuan mengoptimalkan proses pembelajaran. Penelitian ini memiliki tujuan untuk mengembangkan sistem monitoring PKL yang layak digunakan bagi siswa SMK untuk menunjang aktivitas mereka. Metode penelitian riset ini adalah penelitian dan pengembangan model Alessi & Trollip. Subjek penelitian mencakup ahli perangkat lunak/media, ahli materi, dan guru dan siswa. Pengumpulan data dilakukan menggunakan metode non-tes melalui observasi, wawancara, dan kuesioner. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa pada tahap uji alpha produk sistem monitoring PKL mendapat penilaian dengan kualifikasi "Sangat Baik" dari para ahli dan guru yang menjadi validator, rata-rata skor keseluruhan mencapai 94%. Merujuk hasil tersebut, disimpulkan bahwa sistem monitoring PKL berhak memperoleh kategori ‘sangat layak’ digunakan sebagai aplikasi untuk menunjang serangkaian aktivitas PKL, baik untuk guru dan siswa.
The Challenges of Environmental Protection in Outer Space Following Russia’s Anti-Satellite (ASAT) Weapon Test Activities
Authors: Claudya Ribqha , Handayani Irawati
Published: September 2024

One of the effects of space activities is the creation of space debris that can endanger either the space environment or the Earth’s environment. In response to concerns regarding a swift escalation in space debris, Russia tested its Anti-Satellite (ASAT) Weapon by deploying the PL-19 Nudol missile against its satellite, Cosmos 1408, generating space debris. This situation certainly raises the question of how to protect the environment in space and whether international environmental law that provides a legal framework for protection in the world can also be applied in outer space. This article offers a new perspective on implementing international law to protect the space environment. This study adopts  normative  juridical  research  methods  by  utilizing  a statute and case approach to analyze the research.  The analysis showed that space debris generated from ASAT Weapon testing activities by Russia is regarded as harmful contamination under Article IX of OST under the interpretation of the term through the method of interpretation regulated in the 1969 VCLT because these activities produce long-lived space debris. Further, Russia violated the principles of environmental protection in space by failing to fulfill the obligations contained in these principles, such as taking precautionary measures and international consultations before carrying out such test activities.
The Burden of Injuries Associated With E-Bikes, Powered Scooters, Hoverboards, and Bicycles in the United States: 2019‒2022
Authors: Burford Kathryn G. , Itzkowitz Nicole G. , Rundle Andrew G. , DiMaggio Charles , Mooney Stephen J.
Published: September 2024

Objectives. To describe the national burden of injuries associated with e-bikes, bicycles, hoverboards, and powered scooters (micromobility devices) in the United States.

Methods. We compared patterns and trends for 1 933 296 estimated injuries associated with micromobility devices from 2019 to 2022 using National Electronic Injury Surveillance System data.

Results. The population-based rates of e-bike and powered scooter injuries increased by 293.0% and 88.0%, respectively. When reported, powered scooter injuries had the highest proportion for alcohol use (9.0%) compared with other modes, whereas e-bike injuries had the highest proportion for motor vehicle involvement (35.4%). Internal injuries were more likely among e-bike diagnoses than hoverboard and bicycle ( P < .05), but fractures and concussions were more likely among hoverboard diagnoses compared with all other devices ( P < .05). When helmet use was identified in clinical notes (20.3%), helmet usage was higher among e-bike injuries (43.8%) compared with powered scooter (34.8%) and hoverboard (30.3%) injuries but lower compared with bicycle injuries (48.7%).

Conclusions. The incidence of severe e-bike and powered scooter injuries increased over the 4-year period. Public health stakeholders should focus on improved surveillance and prevention of injuries associated with electric micromobility devices. ( Am J Public Health. 2024;114(12):1365–1374. https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2024.307820 )
Análisis comparativo de casos de buenas prácticas en la gestión de destinos turísticos en México y República Dominicana
Authors: HERNÁNDEZ FLORES YOAN , LLANES TASET ANNE , HERNÁNDEZ CÁDIZ DANIEL
Published: September 2024

Actualmente los estudios sobre competitividad desarrollados a nivel internacional indagan sobre la necesidad de una correcta gestión de los destinos turísticos y de los factores que la integran. La presente investigación se desarrolló con el propósito de evaluar la gestión de los destinos en México y República Dominicana para, en consecuencia, identificar las mejores prácticas de referencia que podrían utilizarse para mejorar la gestión de la actividad turística en el destino Cuba. La utilización de diferentes herramientas de obtención de la información como la revisión bibliográfica, el criterio de expertos, las entrevistas estructuradas a los especialistas y un grupo focal online permitieron llegar a importantes resultados en las cuatro etapas definidas para la investigación. Con la triangulación de la información se logró identificar el comportamiento de las dimensiones de la gestión de los destinos en los países objeto de estudio, así como identificar un total de 26 buenas prácticas en México y 16 en República Dominicana. El estudio realizado permitió sentar las bases para futuras estrategias turísticas en destinos de Cuba a partir de las acciones de la competencia.
Palabras clave: Competitividad; gestión; destinos turísticos; México; República Dominicana.
Exploring the fear of travel. Study revealing into tourist’ minds
Authors: KORSTANJE MAXIMILIANO EMANUEL , SKOLL GEOFFREY
Published: September 2024

Risk perception has received a lot of attention in the recent decades by tourism scholarship. The classical studies subject to quantitative-related methodologies points out that risk perception correlates to variables such as gender, income, class, nationality and education. Beyond this paradigm, we have launched to discuss the potential contribution given by the attachment theory to unravel the fascinating connection between fear, risk to travel and mourning. Since the goals of qualitative research are not the necessarily representative sampling but understanding the relevant issues, we believe that these three cases are enough to identify the relevant issues. Our hypothesis is that travel reluctance comes from a self caused by a previous rapid loss of a love-object.
Key Words: Risk, Travels, Fear, Tourism, Death, Attachment.
Applying the Approach of Greening the Blue Economy to the Marine Surfaces in Egypt
Authors: ATTALLAH NASHWA , ATTIA ABEER
Published: September 2024

This paper sheds light on the approach of greening the blue economy that has gained worldwide attention recently. As a subfield of the green economy, the term “blue economy” was introduced in 2012 during the Rio + 20 UN Conference on Sustainable Development focusing on marine activities and oceans environments. It implies a new mechanism by promoting the sustainable use as well as the preservation of the marine environment while generating new cash flow, creating jobs and building social capital. According to UNEP, a switch to a blue economy will reduce degradation, alleviate poverty and unlock the potential of the marine-based economy. Egypt enjoys abundant riches inherent inside its marine surfaces which are being degraded by unsustainable use, eventually putting their ecosystems, food security and climate regulations at severe risk. Only 2.2% of Egypt's GDP is made up by the blue economy. This is despite its strategic geographic location with coastlines extending over 3,000 km along the Red, Mediterranean, and Gulf of Aqaba seas, as well as 50 marine ports with 197 terminals spanning 37.5 km.This paper will be a big step on the right path. It investigates the extent to which the application of greening the blue economy with emphasis on tourism, could contribute to the sustainable development of Egypt’s marine resources and society. Through a SWOT analysis that highlights the strengths, weaknessess, opportunities and  threats, the authors provide suggestions and implications to the various stakeholders .
 
Keywords: greening the blue economy, Egypt’s marine surfaces, sustainable development, tourism.
Towards a deeper understanding of senior tourists: challenges and opportunities of an emerging market segment
Authors: BALDERAS CEJUDO MARÍA ADELA
Published: September 2024

The world’s population is ageing with virtually every country in the world experiencing growth in the number and proportion of older people in the population (United Nations, 2015). The number of over 60s has risen by a third over the last decade, making this the fastest growing consumer segment (Euromonitor, 2017). This fast growth of the ageing population is set to become a major lead market for many and various sectors and makes this group a segment not to be overlooked. The market for senior tourists already represents a key economic segment. It has drawn increasing attention from researchers in the past decade (Patterson, 2006), with a growing recognition that they place travel and tourism high on the list of their priorities when they retire (Statts and Pierfelice, 2003; Balderas-Cejudo et al., 2016). Nevertheless, the travel industry has been criticized for failing to recognize the diversity of travel preferences required to attract, connect and market to seniors. This article provides an analysis of the literature on the socio- demographics of seniors, discusses different trends and shifts in their leisure behaviour, and draws implications for the tourism and hospitality industry. The literature presented in this review was identified through multiple sources including the use of a range of tourism databases and tracking citations from the research literature. This paper aims to review these issues within the tourism and population ageing literature to ascertain (1) shifting trends in silver travelers and (2) how tourism providers need to respond to seniors changing needs and wants.
Keywords: Seniors, tourism, hospitality, ageing, market segment.
Event tourism, public policy and socio-cultural development in Dublin (Ireland)
Authors: QUINN BERNADETTE , VIEIRA FERNANDES ANA MARÍA , RYAN THERESA
Published: September 2024

In a highly globalised, competitive world, urban strategies often highlight festivals and events as activities which can attract tourists and investors, extend the tourism season and boost the economy. Event tourism as a term is now well established in the tourism lexicon, however, it is usually employed in quite a limited way that offers only partial insights into a complex phenomenon. To redress this deficit, this paper examines the case of Dublin, where for the last twenty-five years, policy makers have been using festivals and events to boost the city’s international standing. The aim is to investigate whether policy makers can strategically use events to further tourism goals while simultaneously fostering socio-cultural development more broadly. Methodologically, the study reported undertakes a detailed, critical analysis of public policy documents that relate festivals and events to tourism. It finds a range of policy perspectives at play but overall, there is a clear tendency for festivals and events to be framed through an urban entrepreneurial lens that under-appreciates social and cultural issues. In contrast, a second set of findings reported from primary research undertaken at one of the main tourism-oriented festivals in the city show how festival experiences can generate enjoyment, sociability, pride, inclusion and belonging for both tourists and other city users alike, while simultaneously producing economic returns. Together, the findings of the policy analysis and the empirical case point to the need to re-think how events and tourism intersect to achieve optimal outcomes, especially in these post pandemic times when cities the world over are searching for more sustainable tourism futures. The study recommends that event tourism policy making adopt broader, more holistic terms of reference and suggests that lessons from practice could be employed to inform better policies.
Keywords: festivals and events; tourism; public policy; socio-cultural development; inclusion; Dublin.
Establishing a selection of dust event case studies for regions in the Global South
Authors: Vollmer David , LaGrand Sandra , Letcher Theodore
Published: September 2024

Airborne dust is an essential component of climatological and biogeochemical processes. Blowing dust can adversely affect agriculture, transportation, air quality, sensor performance, and human health. Therefore, the accurate characterization and forecasting of dust events is a priority for air quality researchers and operational weather centers. While dust detection and prediction capabilities have evolved over the preceding decades, the weather modeling community must continue to improve the location and timing of individual dust event fore-casts, especially for extreme dust outbreaks. Accordingly, Researchers at the US Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC) are establishing a series of reference case study events to enhance dust transport model development and evaluation. These case studies support ongoing research to increase the accuracy of simulated dust emissions, dust aerosol transport, and dust-induced hazardous air quality conditions. This report documents five new contributions to the reference inventory, including detailed assessments of dust storms from three regions with differing meteorological forcing regimes. Here, we examine two extreme dust episodes that affected India, a multiday berg wind event in southern Africa, a strong but short-lived dust plume from the Atacama Desert of Chile, and a narrow, isolated dust plume emanating from a dry lake bed in Patagonia.
Defective X Chromosome Inactivation and Cancer Risk in Women
Authors: caceres alejandro , Perez-Jurado Luis , Alegret-Garcia Albert , Dwaraka Varun , Smith Ryan , Conzalez Juan
Published: September 2024

X-chromosome inactivation (XCI) is a fundamental mechanism in placental mammals that compensates for gene dosage differences between sexes. Using methylation levels of genes under XCI, we establish defective levels of XCI as a new source of interindividual variation among cancer types in females, characterized by strong XISTdownregulation and upregulation and enrichment of genes under XCI. We show that defective XCI is an additive factor to the cancer risk of XCI escape deregulation in women. Defective XCI of more than 10% has an attributable risk of 40% among 12 different cancers from The Cancer Genome Atlas. Validations between independent studies of breast cancer samples show that defective XCI increases triple-negative subtype frequency, decreases survival rates, and is reduced by chemotherapy treatment. Mechanistically, it is associated with somatic mutations at TP53 and top MCY gains. In independent studies, defective XCI is detectable in blood and increases with aging, menopause, and cancer diagnosis.
Parental participation in newborn care in the view of health care providers in Uganda: a qualitative study
Authors: Wanduru Phillip , Hanson Claudia , Kwesiga Doris , Kakooza-Mwesige Angelina , Alvesson Helle Mölsted , Waiswa Peter
Published: September 2024

Background
Evidence suggests that family-centered care for sick newborns, where parents are co-caregivers in newborn care units, can result in increased breastfeeding frequency, higher weight gain, earlier discharge, and reduced parental anxiety. This study explored healthcare providers' perceptions and experiences of parental participation in care for sick newborns in the newborn care units in two high-volume maternity units in Uganda, with the aim of informing interventions that promote family-centered care for newborns.
Methods
An exploratory qualitative study was conducted between August and December 2023. Sixteen in-depth interviews were held at a regional and general hospital in the rural eastern region of Uganda. The interviews were audio-recorded and then transcribed, followed by a reflexive thematic analysis approach to generate themes.
Findings:
We identified four key themes: (1) creating order to ensure the safety of newborns in the newborn care unit; (2) parental participation as a tool for overcoming workload in the Newborn care unit; (3) redirecting parental involvement to focus on medically endorsed newborn care practices; and (4) stress management targeting mothers to ensure newborn survival.
Conclusion
Healthcare providers encourage parents to participate in caring for their newborns in the newborn care units, mainly to reduce their workload. However, our study highlights the imbalanced nature of parental involvement, where HCPs control the tasks parents can or cannot perform, essentially deploying them as "assistants" rather than equal partners, contrary to the ideals of family-centered care. Transforming the current "healthcare provider-centered" model of caring for sick newborns to one that is family-centered will require training providers on the benefits of family-centered care and developing guidelines for its structured implementation within a resource-limited setting.
Testing Application-Based Tasking and Hotspots Policing: A Two-in-One Randomised Trial
Authors: Olphin Tori P. A. , Miller Owen , Portnell Nick , Prescott-Mayling Lewis , Young Chris , Hewitt Jade
Published: September 2024

Purpose
Test the impact of mobile application-targeted patrols of Joint Operations Unit officers at hotspots of violent crime on levels of patrol conducted, and levels of violence in those locations.
Methods
Crossover-randomized experiment, with hotspots (n = 45) randomly allocated using a mobile phone-based tasking application, with half allocated each day. Impact on levels of patrol and of violent crime were examined using t and chi-squared tests.
Results
Tasking via app led to dramatically increased officer time in hotspots. An 8.74% decrease in violent crime was seen but was non-significant, and with lower effect sizes than have been found elsewhere.
Conclusion
Using a tasking application provided a cost-effective mechanism for achieving hotspots patrols using business-as-usual resources. Traditionally designed hotspots didn’t appear optimal for policing violent crime in Thames Valley, and these need to be redesigned to work for the geography and crime density in Thames Valley. Further research should test redesigned hotspots.
Does education attainment affect the knowledge, attitude and practices of antibiotics and antibiotic resistance among Chinese public?
Authors: Huang Zhongyue , Lin Likai , Zhuo Chuyue , Zhuo Chao , Zou Guanyang
Published: September 2024

Background: Antibiotic resistance has become a serious global public health threat this century. This study aimed to assess knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) towards antibiotics and antibiotic resistance among the public at different education attainment.
Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in China from November 2020 to April 2021. Knowledge, attitude and practices of antibiotics and antibiotic resistance were assessed using a self-administered questionnaire. The questionnaire included sociodemographic characteristics, KAP for antibiotics and antibiotic resistance. Linear regression analysis and XGBoost models were employed to identify factors associated with KAP of antibiotics and antibiotic resistance.
Results: A total of 3,135 respondents completed the questionnaire, of which there were slightly more respondents with a college degree and above (1697, 54.1%) than those with a below college degree (1438, 45.9%). Respondents’ knowledge, attitude, and practices concerning antibiotics and antibiotic resistance remained at a moderate level. Both linear regression analysis and XGBoost models revealed that education attainment was significantly associated with KAP of respondents. Respondents with higher education attainment exhibited better knowledge, a more positive attitude, and more rational practices regarding antibiotics and antibiotic resistance.
Conclusion: The insufficient KAP of the public towards antibiotics and antibiotic resistance may lead to an increase in irrational antibiotic use. It is necessary to enhance public education on antibiotics and antibiotic resistance by diversifying the forms of education.
Double Trouble: A Comprehensive Study Into Unrelated Genetic Comorbidities in Adult Patients with Facioscapuluhumeral Muscular Dystrophy Type I
Authors: Sacconi Sabrina , Puma Angela , Tammam Giulia , Ezaru Andra , Slioui Abderhmane , Monforte Mauro , Tasca Giorgio , villa luisa , Cavalli Michele , Salviati Leonardo , Vliet Patrick van der , Lemmers Richard , Pini Jonathan , Maarel Silvère van der
Published: September 2024

Facioscapulohumeral dystrophy type 1 (FSHD1) displays prominent intra- and interfamilial variability, which complicates the phenotype-genotype correlation. In this retrospective study, we investigated FSHD1 patients classified as category D according to the Comprehensive Clinical Evaluation Form (CCEF), a category defined by FSHD patients showing uncommon clinical features, to identify genetic causes explaining these uncommon phenotypes. Demographics, clinical data and clinical scales of FSHD1 patients were retrospectively evaluated. Patients were divided into four CCEF categories, and comparisons between groups were performed. In category D, when uncommon features suggested the presence of an unrelated genetic disease, a more extensive collection of data was performed. 157 FSHD1 patients were included in the study (82 males, 75 females) with mean age of 52.1 ± 13.5 years at the time of the study. D4Z4 repeat sizes ranged between 2 and 10 RU. According to the CCEF, 114 patients were classified into category A, 8 into category B and C each, and 27 into category D. In category D, 9 patients presented uncommon features related to commonly acquired comorbidities, whereas in the remaining 18 patients, all but two with upper-sized FSHD1 D4Z4 repeats (7–10 RU), we suspected an unrelated genetic neurological disease based on clinical phenotype. In 14/18 patients, we identified FSHD-unrelated genetic causes, most often unrelated repeat expansion disorders. This emphasizes the need of careful clinical and genetic work-up to avoid confusion between FSHD-intrinsic clinical variability and clinical features unrelated to the disease.
The Clinical Phenotypes and Therapeutic Strategies for Stiff Skin Syndrome: A Case Series with Literature Review
Authors: Zhang Caihui , Gao Sihao , Sun Zhixing , Wang Tao , Song Hongmei
Published: September 2024

Background
Stiff skin syndrome (SSS) is a rare, non-inflammatory skin disease with a pronounced limitation on joint motion. We reported 16 Chinese pediatric patients with SSS in our center and summarized the clinical features of the disease through literature review.
Results
A retrospective study was conducted on 16 pediatric patients diagnosed with SSS at Peking Union Medical College Hospital between January 2014 and January 2024, based on clinical manifestations, laboratory tests, and skin biopsy findings. Among these cases, two were classified as segmental SSS, and 14 as widespread SSS. Additionally, a review of relevant literature published between January 2000 and January 2024 involving 138 cases of pediatric SSS was also conducted. The clinical characteristics, treatment, and prognosis of these 154 patients were summarized. The age of onset in patients was 2.0(0.5, 4.8) years, with an average age at diagnosis of 9.0(5.0, 13.0) years. Thigh skin sclerosis (81, 52.6%) was the most common manifestation observed in these patients. Joint restriction was present in 55(35.7%) patients. Patients with joint contractures had longer diagnostic delays compared to those without joint contractures. The treatment primarily involved physical therapy, while some patients received medications such as mycophenolate mofetil (MMF), losartan, and secukinumab. However, the prognosis varied among patients.
Conclusion
The diagnosis of SSS should involve a thorough investigation of family history, detailed physical examination, comprehensive pathological assessment, potential genetic testing, and careful exclusion of other scleroderma-like diseases. Currently, there are various available treatment options targeting the TGF-β or IL-17 pathways, such as MMF, losartan, and secukinumab, which shows promise in slowing disease progression. Nevertheless, these treatments are incapable of reversing established skin lesions, and further trials are imperative to assess their therapeutic efficacy in SSS.
Gastrocnemius Myocutaneous Flap for Coverage of Knee Defects in the injuries of popliteal artery: A clinical case report
Authors: Zarch Mohammadali Babaei , mahmoudi samira
Published: September 2024

Introduction
Reconstruction of defects caused by trauma and open fractures in knee is one of the important issues of reconstructive surgeries. The use of the gastrocnemius muscle flap has become an excellent choice for coverage of Knee Defects. But the surgical management Gastrocnemius Myocutaneous Flap in the injuries of popliteal artery remains a challenging therapeutic problem. The purpose of this article was to present a case of successful knee gastrocnemius flap in a patient with popliteal artery injuries.
Case report
In 2024, a 46-year-old woman with tibia fracture and popliteal artery injury went to the emergency room of Namazi Hospital. In the first stage, the external fixator of the tibia bone was performed to fix the fracture. Then popliteal artery anastomosis was performed. After two weeks, all internal implants were removed due to abscess. Four weeks later, the patient's skin developed necrosis and was repaired using Medial hemi Gastrocnemius Myocutaneous flaps (MHGMF).
Conclusion:
We present a case of the successful use of MHGMF for Coverage of Knee Defects in the injuries of popliteal artery.
Practice and application of learning curve theory in improving prescription review skills in standardized training for pharmacists in medical institutions
Authors: Xu Jingjing , He Qin , Xu Min , Fu Kun , Luo Jiao , Ma Ying , Liu Xu , Xi Hen
Published: September 2024

Objective
To explore the practice and application of learning curve theory in improving prescription review skills in standardized training for pharmacists in medical institutions, and to provide reference for enhancing the effectiveness of standardized training for pharmacists in medical institutions.
Method
A retrospective analysis was conducted on the relevant data of 20 students who participated in our hospital's standardized pharmacist training in 2022 and 2023 during their prescription review practice learning process. The prescription review practice learning process is divided into 10 stages, with 100 prescriptions in each stage. Three indicators, namely the time spent on the review operation (A1), the accuracy of the review result judgment (A2), and the proficiency of the review system operation (A3), are quantified. The cumulative sum control chart method of binary variables (CUSUM) is used to establish the benchmark target value of the evaluation indicators and the success rate standard of the evaluation indicators. The cumulative sum of the evaluation indicators of the research object is calculated (∑=A1 + A2 + A3), and a learning curve is drawn. The polynomial curve is fitted, and the fitting function y is differentiated and the derivative is obtained. The derivative value of each stage corresponds to the slope k of each point on the fitting curve. When the value of k changes from positive to negative, it successfully crosses the learning curve.
Results
Through accumulation and analysis, the scatter plot was fitted with a curve to obtain the best fitting model. The fitted curve reached a peak crossing in the sixth stage of prescription review, and the curve changed from rising to falling from this point. The k value of the curve was negative, and the prescription review ability crossed the learning curve. Prescription review learning transitioned from the improvement stage to the proficiency stage.
Conclusion
With the accumulation of prescription review sheets, the prescription review ability and proficiency of the trainees gradually improve. After the sixth stage, they reach proficiency, and the time spent is significantly shortened compared to the learning stage. The accuracy of the review results is significantly improved, and the system operation proficiency meets the standard. By studying the learning curve, regulatory training institutions can provide teachers with a more scientific reference, which can serve as an evaluation standard for the effectiveness of standardized training in pharmacist prescription review.