University of Alicante

Smart destinations are innovative destinations characterised by an intensive use of information technology (IT) to improve their decision-making processes. These destinations use IT (such as sensors, conversational agents, applications, etc.) to collect and analyse multidimensional data. Due to this use of technology, smart destinations are also data-producing centres whose open publication allows for more innovative destinations that enhance the development of value-added products and services for destination stakeholders. However, the relevant tourism destinations and administrations are still lacking clear results in this regard. This study analyses the current situation of open data in the context of smart destinations, as well as the barriers and opportunities for the open publication of the data they produce. To do so, qualitative and quantitative techniques are applied to the case study of the Network of Smart Tourist Destinations of the Valencian Community (Spain). • It offers an insight into the potential of open data in smart destinations. • Explores the state of open data publishing in smart tourism destinations. • It analyses the barriers and opportunities arising from the publication of open data in tourism. • Suggests recommendations to make it easier for tourist destinations to open up data.

The worldwide acceleration of digital transformation in healthcare underscores the need for professionals to continuously adapt and sustain robust digital health competence, shaped not only by individual characteristics and institutional environments but also by broader social, cultural, and geopolitical factors. This study aimed to identify distinct clusters of digital health competence among healthcare professionals across 19 diverse countries and regions, and to examine the factors influencing the development and distribution of these competence clusters. A cross-sectional international survey study was conducted between 2023 and 2024, using a validated survey instrument measuring digital health competence and its influencing factors. Data were collected from healthcare professionals in 19 countries and regions (n=6440; n=5945 used for this study), following a harmonised protocol with shared demographic templates and instruments. K-means cluster analysis was employed to derive digital competence profiles, with comparative analyses conducted to investigate associations between the identified clusters and individual characteristics (e.g., age, education, professional experience). Five distinct clusters of digital health competence were identified: (1) Beginners, (2) Developing Professionals, (3) Emerging Users, (4) Proficient Practitioners, and (5) Pioneers. Higher competence clusters (4 and 5) were associated with younger age, higher education, hospital-based work, and stronger perceived support from management, organisational structures, and colleagues. In contrast, lower-performing clusters reported limited digital engagement and minimal support. Perceived leadership influence, particularly managerial commitment to digital change, was a key differentiator across clusters. The findings demonstrate substantial variation in digital health competence across healthcare professionals internationally. Cluster-specific strategies, such as targeted upskilling, peer mentoring, and leadership engagement, are needed to address competence gaps. The results provide a foundation for policy development and workforce training frameworks aimed at strengthening digital readiness in global healthcare systems. Future research should explore longitudinal competence development and evaluate targeted interventions.

Reflecting on the urgent need for planetary sustainability and the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals for 2030, this study investigates the critical role of physical education in the educational system toward achieving these objectives. It specifically examines how the Sustainable Development Goals can be integrated with the Personal and Social Responsibility Model to enhance sustainability in education. By presenting a didactic approach and practical examples, like active commuting, and plogging, tailored to suit various levels of Personal and Social Responsibility Model, the study aims to engage students in sustainability efforts. The findings reveal that such activities not only encourage health and well-being but also foster a sense of social and environmental responsibility, promote gender equality, and aim to reduce inequalities among students. Ultimately, incorporating this model into physical education shows considerable promise in instilling important values and responsibilities in students, equipping them to apply these principles in real-world scenarios and positively contributing toward achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.

SummarySecreted mucins are the major component of the mucus layer that protects intestinal epithelial surfaces by blocking excessive interactions with the microbiota. Mucins are complex glycoproteins decorated with over 100 differentO-glycans. Some bacteria can utilize mucins and excessive degradation has been associated with disruption of the mucus barrier and inflammation. Despite the importance of mucins, a detailed enzymatic pathway by which gut bacteria degrade colonic mucinO-glycans and the impact of this process on gut colonization are unknown. Here, we identified >100 genes that are expressed by the symbiontBacteroides thetaiotaomicronduring growth on differentO-glycan substrates, revealing effects of glycan structure on gene expression. The characterization of 33 glycoside hydrolase enzymes revealed the pathway for colonicO-glycan degradation by this bacterium.In vivocompetition experiments show that multiple exo-acting enzymes targeting mucin capping structures are central to gut colonization and may provide targets to inhibit bacterial mucin degradation.

Wood is a versatile material; however, it is susceptible to changes when exposed to extreme temperatures. This study investigated the physical, chemical, and mechanical properties of raulí (Nothofagus alpina) under different thermal stress conditions. The results showed that the moisture content at temperatures below 5 °C exhibited a significant reduction from 9.7% to 7.5% within the first 20 days. Conversely, under extreme cold (-20 °C), significant changes only occurred after 60 days, with an increase from 9.7% to 11%. At higher temperatures (50 °C, 95 °C, and 120 °C), moisture content dropped sharply after 40 days, nearing 0%. Additionally, analysis showed minor color changes in samples at low temperatures: RW2 (20 d; 5 °C, ΔE* = 3.46) and RW7 (40 d; 5 °C, ΔE* = 0.61); however, color changes were observed at higher temperatures (95-120 °C). RW15 (60 d; 120 °C, ΔE* = 37.16), indicating the degradation of cell wall polymers. Mechanical testing using three-point bending demonstrated that controlled heat treatments can improve the modulus of elasticity (MOE), modulus of rupture (MOR), and fracture energy. The most significant improvements were obtained at 120 °C for 60 days, with increases in MOE, MOR, and fracture energy of 22%, 60%, and 118%, respectively, compared to untreated wood.

Sea urchin gonads ("roe") are a valuable seafood product and a chemically complex matrix whose composition varies with physiology and environment. We present a biphasic extraction and 1H NMR workflow to build a reusable reference inventory of polar metabolites and apolar lipid features in Paracentrotus lividus. Gonads from 37 adults (23 males, 14 females) collected at two sites (Alicante and Jávea-Dénia, Spain; October 2024) were lyophilized, extracted with methanol/chloroform/water, and analyzed by 400 MHz 1H NMR in buffered aqueous solution (polar) and CDCl3 (apolar). Polar metabolite identification combined 1D patterns with database matching and 1H-13C HSQC confirmation on representative samples, yielding 71 annotated resonances corresponding to 37 metabolites spanning amino acids, osmolytes/quaternary amines, carbohydrates/aminosugars, and nucleoside/purine-related compounds. Polar fingerprints enabled supervised modelling: PLS-LDA separated sexes with low cross-validated error, and SPA/COSS ranking highlighted glycine, alanine, creatine and osmolyte-associated signals as key discriminants; pathway mapping supported the enrichment of amino-acid and one-carbon/purine networks. Apolar spectra were annotated at the motif level and used for lipid-index estimation, indicating substantial unsaturation but low docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and modest sex effects. The curated peak lists and reporting framework facilitate reproducible NMR annotation and future comparative studies of P. lividus gonads.